2009 Detroit Auto show reveals Green 2009 Audi A7 Sportback Concept

The name, Sportback, isn't one with much meaning for Americans, but at Audi it will soon assume greater significance than Avant. Already, the company refers to the A3 four-door hatchback as a Sportback and at the Paris auto show last fall it unveiled the subcompact A1 Sportback concept. Here, Audi wants to show that the Sportback idea isn't just for small cars.
Indeed, this Sportback concept is a preview of the upcoming Audi A7, essentially a premium, four-door coupe variant of the A6, much in the same way the Mercedes-Benz CLS is positioned above the E-class on which it's based.
So this Sportback (nee A7) is not a small car. It's just a shade longer (0.6 inch) than the A6 Avant, but more than three inches narrower and lower than the A6. The design of the large hatchback, however, is supposed to mimic the A5 notchback coupe. The front end gets a more squat version of Audi's large, vertical grille, and the exterior is dressed up with LED lights front and rear, and 21-inch wheels. As befits a show car, the interior is over-the-top plush, with leather everywhere (and a Bentley-esque, diamond sew pattern on the seats), a huge glass roof panel, oak "blockboard" wood trim, and filigreed aluminum.
Mechanically, this concept showcases all the latest Audi goodies. That means a turbocharged, direct-injection diesel, specifically the 3.0-liter V-6 that will be offered in the Q7 SUV starting this April. Here it makes 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and it's mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic. The powertrain uses Audi's revised layout, seen already in the A4- and A5-series cars, that reduces the front overhang. Audi claims that this engine can hustle the 3968-pound concept from 0 to 62 mph in less than 7 seconds, and can also achieve nearly 37 mpg in the European test cycle. The Sportback also features a multilink suspension, active dampers (similar to those in the Q7), and ceramic disc brakes.

Chevrolet Cruz continues GM Brands Winning Looks - 2009 GM Cruze Review

The Cruze is said to be the replacement for the Cobalt in Chevrolet's product lineup.Exterior styling aims to provide owners with a sporty, sophisticated look while at the same time retaining key family styling cues, such as Holden’s trapezoidal grill.
In profile the Cruze features both convex and concave curves to offer a unique yet modern design language while at the same time reducing the number of seams and gaps for an all round better finish (all gaps less than 3mm).
At the rear, dual circular lamps sit within a red tinted lens assembly outboard of a chrome garnish that defines the bootlid’s waist line. The bootlid also serves purpose as being specially designed to act as an aerodynamically efficient trailing edge for the car further reducing drag and saving fuel.
With a wide stance, and short overhangs the stylish exterior appearance really only tells half of the story when it comes to the design, and overall fit and finish of this car with just as much thought behind the scenes as is presented outwardly.
Cruze is available in eight different paint finishes (two solid and six metallic) and features 16-inch steel wheels on the base-spec CD and 17-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec CDX.
Paint colours are as follows:
Arctic White Chilli Red Mercury Silver (M) Pewter Grey (M) Light Gold (M) Carbon Flash Black (M) Iced Blue (M) Moroccan Blue (M) Once inside the Cruze aims to create a sporty, comfortable and spacious “dual-cockpit” layout which has drawn influence from all GM markets during its conception.
Retaining similar styling themes as found externally on the vehicle - such as trapezoidal shaping (note centre air-conditioning/infotainment stack) and tight tolerances - the Cruze offers many features as standard that some rivals consider “extras” or simply do not offer at all.
A tilt/slide adjustable three-spoke steering wheel offers a thick grip, leather clad on CDX, along with both audio and cruise controls, which are incidentally standard on both model grades.
The use of all available space is evident through Cruze’s many storage compartments as is the obvious maximising of available cabin space, perhaps most noticeably in the offering of 917mm of rear leg room.
The driving position is comfortable, the pedal box well positioned and reduction in wind and road noise pleasing on all but the most coarse of rural roads.
Instrumentation is logical and concise while still offering a full-trip computer to compliment the four-gauge layout.
Featuring intuitive, simple and logically placed controls and switch gear the Cruze is afforded a pleasant, clean and modern decor using a mixture of colours and textures through all inter-relating materials to assist in a feeling of fluidity and refinement not usually found in cars of this price range.
The base model Cruze CD offers a two-tone sports mesh (cloth) trim with silver and matt black highlights while the CDX gains heated leather upholstery, gloss highlights with chrome and silver accents.
Both Cruze models feature an MP3 compatible single CD tuner with iPod connectivity, express up/down power windows with anti-pinch function, two flip keys, delayed theatre style cabin lighting, full trip computer, cruise control and 60:40 split fold rear seats with a built-in articulating arm rest.
CDX gains front fog lamps, the afore mentioned heated leather trim, rear park assist, and dusk sensing headlamps.
Notably, Cruze misses out on Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a six-CD stacker and satellite navigation - even as optional equipment.
Cargo capacity on all Cruze (sedan) variants is 400 litres with the seats up.
Interior Dimensions are as follows:
Leg: 1074mm(F)/917 (R) Shoulder: 1391(F)/1370 (R) Head: 999 (F)/963 (R) Under the bonnet Cruze features the choice of petrol or diesel four-cylinder engines mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select - though we should point out that at this stage, the diesel is only available in CD spec.
The engines are set in a four-mount cradle and are mounted on a slight angle, specifically tuned to the engine’s inherent torque axis, so as to minimise the transfer of vibration and noise.The 1.8-litre Family I, Generation III petrol unit manages 104kW at 6200rpm with thanks to dual continuously variable valve timing, twin continuously adjustable camshafts and a two-step intake manifold with a rotary sleeve (instead of flaps) to minimise any flow losses.
Developing 176Nm of torque, 90 per cent of which is available from between 2200rpm and 6200rpm, the engine isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but manages to achieve decent performance if kept in the upper reaches of the tach.
The petrol engine is capable of running on 91 - 98 RON fuel and is E10 compatible.
However, for my money the pick of the pair is easily the 2.0-litre, intercooled, turbo-diesel unit that utilises common-rail injection and a variable geometry turbo to develop 110kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm, which again offers 90 per cent of its power across a wide band - this time between 1750rpm and 3500rpm.

2009 Mazda CX-7 Review & Road Test

In 2004 it released the MX Crossport concept, which received great praise during the 2005 Detroit Motor Show and when it saw reality as the CX- the production version was almost identical to the concept, aside from the realistic interior, a product of its final price tag.This type of approach has paid dividends to Mazda in a big way. Having a swish looking car won’t help unless it drives well, so I stepped behind the wheel for the week to have a steer of Mazda’s classy SUV.
Our CX-7 test vehicle was finished in a neat white, ensuring it stood out from the crowd. Evident from first glance were the flowing lines that start at the bonnet and continue through to the car’s rear. Even though this car has been on the market for about three years now, it still has a striking presence.
Bulging side guards hint at the car’s sporty intentions, as do the chunky wheels and exposed exhausts.Inside the cabin, it’s a similar story. Although the funky LCD screen and interior layout isn’t carried over from the concept (we could expect a $100,000+ price tag if they were!) the general connotations are the same.Our test vehicle was fitted with a reversing camera, so it also featured an LCD screen, which controls the radio fascia and switches to a rearward facing camera when reverse is selected. Curiously, satellite navigation isn’t fitted as standard equipment and can’t be optioned, quite strange when you consider the screen is there, which is half the job done.
Rear leg and headroom isn’t too flash. With the driver’s seat in my regular position, quite far back more often than not, it’s hard for an adult to remain comfortable when seated behind. The design of the car somewhat inhibits the function. It’s not overly oppressive, but on the same token it’s also no LandCruiser.
This isn’t too much of an issue though when you consider the CX-7’s target demographic. CX-7 buyers have young families and are lifestyle oriented, so in that regard it does a fine job of hauling kids.
The standard Bose sound system offers plenty of punch. Fitted with nine speakers and pumping out 240W of power, there is ample bass and exceptional treble quality. A six-disc CD-changer tops things off with regards to the audio system.
The cabin has a roomy feel to it. The windscreen has a 66-degree rake, making the front of the dashboard feel like it’s very distant.
Boot room is average, and again, the design impinges on the function although 400-litres of capacity is on offer. Boot opening room is impressive though, allowing the loading and unloading of cargo with great ease.
Driving the CX-7 is a mixed bag. Turn the engine over and a humble silence engulfs the cabin. The 2.3-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine produces 175kW and 350Nm, which sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

Specifications:Engine: 2261cc four-cylinder

Power: 175kW @ 5000rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 2500rpm

Induction: Turbocharged

Transmission: Six-speed automatic Differential/Driven

Wheels: All-wheel-drive

Brakes: 296mm front/302mm rear

Top Speed: N/A 0-100km/h: 8.5-seconds 0-400m: N/A

CO2 Emissions: 273g/km

Fuel Consumption: 11.5-litres/100km (claimed)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 69-litres

Fuel Type: 98RON petrol ANCAP

Rating: Five-stars

Airbags: Six-airbags

Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. DSC.

Spare Wheel: Spacesaver spare

Tow Capacity: 1600kg braked/750kg unbraked

Turning Circle: 11.4m

Warranty: Three-years/unlimited-km

Weight: 1771kg

Wheels: 18-inch alloys with 235/60R18 tyres

New Opel/Vauxhall Released Sixth Generation Astra

Opel, the beleaguered European subsidiary of General motors, has jumped its own gun by releases pictures of the sixth–generation Astra, months before its official release at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.The car, which currently is been marketed in Australia as the Holden Astra, seems less likely to wear that badge, especially as Holden has suspended imports of the current Astra from Opel/Vauxhall pending an internal inquiry into its ongoing role in the Australian car market.
The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra shows strong links to its sibling the Insignia and Opel has been quoted as saying that the only thing left from the previous Astra is the name.
The five-door hatchback traditionally is one of Europe’s best-selling models and originally was expected to play an important role in the Saturn line-up in the United States.

Toyota Rava 4 CV6 Review

By Paul Maric, photographs by Toyota.

Soon after its release, I drove the Toyota Rav4. At the time of its introduction to the market, it was only available as a 4-cylinder. I recall being disappointed with the lack of power from the engine, which struggled at times to haul the car’s mass. Toyota has addressed these concerns and stuck the same engine as the Aurion underneath the Rav4’s bonnet. Case closed, Paul is now happy. Err…not quite.
I took the new V6 Rav4 for a spin and it was interesting to say the least. Packing some 201kW and 333Nm of torque, this V6 motor is certainly no lightweight. Weighing in at 1655kg, the Rav4 is quite a light ‘SUV’ in relative terms. The 200mm ground clearance increases the centre of gravity and the semi-off-road capable tyres reduce grip levels. This set of factors makes for quite a challenging combination.
My first encounter was a truck with loose cargo travelling under the speed limit and partially in my lane. I had to pass it, so I sank the boot in and received the shock of my life as the car torque steered in several different directions. The V6 engine sends power through the front wheels and only redirects it to the rear wheels if it detects slippage.
If I thought that was bad, the following day it started raining. Pulling away from an intersection in peak-hour traffic required a decent prod of the throttle to hurry things along. Stabbing the loud pedal produced a flurry of wheel spin (typical of an overpowered front-wheel-drive vehicle). No problems I thought, in a matter of moments power will be sent to the rear and we will have more traction with which to workWell, I can’t say I was wrong, power was sent to the rear but this turned a slight bit of understeer into obvious oversteer and I had to correct the rear to bring it back into line. If I thought this car was bad in the dry, it was potentially dangerous in the wet.
The surge of urgency delivered by the engine hits all at once and is extremely sharp. To the regular driver, this can come as a total shock in certain situations. It’s way too much power to be sending through such a vehicle and in my opinion, it should have been down-tuned to reduce the spasmodic delivery of power, perhaps with more concentration on producing torque.
Interior room is impressive, as are the ergonomics of the seats. They fold down quite easily and provide easy entry/exit for children and adults. The sound system is quite average and the head-unit looks poorly integrated, unfortunately this is a trait shared with the Corolla and Kluger.
The quality of plastics is good, but some feel a bit cheap (like the dash surrounds and door handle surrounds). Interior room is great for a small family and the styling is good enough to keep the masses pleased. Fuel economy on test was reminiscent of a V6 – around 11-litres/100km.
Priced from $39,990 for the base model CV6 (as tested), prices move onto $43,990 for the SX6 and max out at $49,990 for the ZR6. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V offer a better package. If you are desperate for a V6 though, Mitsubishi’s offering is far more linear and smooth and is capable on mild off-road tracks. The Outlander’s engine is well behaved and can be controlled by steering wheel paddle shifters – a quaint touch.
As for the Rav4. If driven sedately it’s a car you could live with. But if the off chance arises where full power is required, you would need to be paying full attention
2008 Toyota Rav4 CV6 Specifications
Engine: 3.5-litrePower: 201kWTorque: 333NmTop speed: N/ASafety: Electronic stability control- front air bags - side airbags - curtain airbags - front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.0-100km/h: N/AEuroNCAP rating: N/ATurning circle: 10.6mFuel tank: N/AFuel consumption : 10.5 litres/100km (claimed)Fuel type: 91RON unleaded