All-New TSX Sport Wagon to Arrive in Fall of 2010

2009 Honda Accord Tourer - European Version

TORRANCE, Calif. : October 28, 2009 - Acura announced today the addition of a TSX sport wagon to its 2011 vehicle lineup. Arriving at Acura dealerships in the Fall of 2010, the TSX sport wagon will be based on the popular TSX sports sedan, which features balanced performance, advanced technology and bold styling. Additional information on the 2011 TSX sport wagon will be announced at a later date.

Images : 2009 Honda Accord Tourer - European Version : Acura TSX Wagon based

[Source : ACURA]

Suzuki to show modified concepts at SEMA

Westside Auto Group Kizashi Soleil

• Road Race Motorsports builds on Suzuki’s track-bred tradition.
  
• Delta Tech embellishes Kizashi’s premium (without the premium) assets.
  
• Westside Group enhances Kizashi’s European dynamic with of Europe’s dynamic.
  
• Import Tuner mods are both under the hood and over the top.
  
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics builds on Suzuki Equator’s award-winning platform.

BREA, Calif. : October 28, 2009 – While the Concept Kizashi series debuted globally over the past two years, (in Frankfurt, Tokyo and New York), U.S. anticipation for the production Kizashi was met by a number of custom builders – and members of Suzuki management – asking the proverbial “what if?” What if you melded Kizashi’s production underpinnings and artfully-crafted sheet metal with modifications fully appropriate to a concept’s debut? With European sport sedans serving as Kizashi’s inspiration, and Suzuki’s design and engineering team constructing a platform fully appropriate to a global marketplace, the all-new Kizashi serves as the perfect platform for those stylistic and performance mods integral to America’s motoring DNA. The challenge went out and four custom shops responded. The results of those combined efforts are on display next week at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

Road Race Motorsport’s Platinum Edition Kizashi

Road Race Motorsport’s Platinum Edition Kizashi

As one of the first custom builders to recognize the potential of Suzuki’s vehicles, the presence of Road Race at SEMA comes as no surprise. Given the Kizashi platform’s promise – and the fluid, almost organic sheet metal clothing it – Road Race supplies its own very unique take on Kizashi.

SEMA visitors can enjoy Road Race’s Sport Body kit exterior which employs Carbontrix custom bumpers, rear spats and diffuser. Road Race has crafted a custom grill, vented hood and made the Kizashi its own ‘Platinum Edition’ graphics and a blackened roof. These visual modifications are supported by a platform perfectly suited to Las Vegas Motor Speedway or a high-speed drive on I-15 (what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay in Vegas…).

Progress Technology provided the sport springs and front and rear sway bars. Road Race installed its own chassis stiffeners, and Rotora brings the custom Kizashi to a stop with 330mm slotted rotors up front, supplemented by Road Race’s own 260mm slotted rotors in the rear. Under the vented hood, the sweetness continues with a proprietary custom intake system, Zeitronix ZT-2 data logging system and Road Race engine management. The modifications are concealed – until ignition – by a painted-to-match engine cover, and announced by Road Race’s own ‘Integrated Sport’ dual exhaust system. The Road Race Kizashi can be seen at the Zeitronix Booth #21212.

Delta Tech Engineering Kizashi

Delta Tech Engineering Kizashi

Delta Tech Engineering, a specialist in vehicle lighting, started with a gutted – and lightened – Kizashi body shell. While Delta Tech took care of under the hood, with cold air intake and performance exhausts, RK Sport developed a body kit, Katzkin supplied the custom seating, and Koni enhanced the Kizashi’s already composed ride with its own coilovers and shocks. Lighting, engineered in house by Delta Tech, is LED and HID. Sound equipment upgrades are provided by Kenwood. The Delta Tech Kizashi may be seen at Booth #23526 in the Central Hall.

Westside Auto Group Kizashi Soleil

Westside Auto Group Kizashi Soleil

Integrating vintage European elegance with the high-performance DNA of Suzuki’s Hayabusa, Westside Group’s Kizashi Soleil (French for ‘masculine sun’) incorporates numerous distinct touches, all executed to make an individualistic statement within the unique template supplied by Suzuki’s own execution. Vehicle modifications performed by Westside include custom two-toned paint (Napa Merlot/Bronzed Amber), redesigned front and rear fenders, custom air apertures, fabricated grill, shaved and modified door handles and new front fascia. In back, a redesigned rear deck lid equipped with a GT Super Car spoiler, and a redesigned rear bumper is equipped with custom Yoshimura exhaust. Planting the Soleil to the ground are early-release Bridgestone Potenza mounted on R-Worx 7-spoke wheels. The Westside Group Kizashi will be on display in the show car area adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Import Tuner Kizashi

No outlet speaks better to the ‘tuner’ audience than Import Tuner magazine. With its Kizashi the project build team went for the vehicular jugular, with performance enhancements under the hood, appropriate suspension mods connecting those enhancements to the ground, and cosmetic modifications to provide the appropriate visualization for Import Tuner’s own editorial visualization.

With a nod to both the SEMA Show and its own Los Angeles – based roots, the Import Tuner Kizashi provides a tune-up to an already class-leading sport sedan. The Import Tuner Kizashi will be on display in the show car area adjacent to the Las Vega

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Equator

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Equator

Using Suzuki’s award-winning Equator platform as its base, ICON Vehicle Dynamics taps into a variety of Southern California-based suppliers to assemble a more aggressive interpretation of Suzuki’s off-road recipe. Under the hood, Doug Thorley long-tube headers and cat-back exhaust amplify the Equator’s class-leading 4.0 liter V6. And for off-road exploration, the Equator’s suspension is enhanced with ICON’s own performance coilovers in front and 2.5-inch piggyback shocks supporting linked to Total Chaos upper control arms.

The enhanced power – and capability – is connected to the less-traveled path with Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires mounted to Trail Ready bead-lock wheels; the Equator’s bodywork is protected by Bushwacker fender flares. AMP Research bed extender and LightForce lights add to both utility and safety. ICON’s Equator can be seen at SEMA booth #32173.

2009 SEMA - Suzuki Modified Concept

[Source : SUZUKI]

Volkswagen released new sketch of The Chattanooga's forthcoming mid-size sedan planned car

New Volkswagen mid-size sedan sketch

CHATTANOOGA, TN : October 28, 2009 - Volkswagen officials today unveiled a new sketch of the forthcoming new mid-size sedan that will be built at the new Volkswagen’s Chattanooga assembly plant.


“It’s a really, really nice car,” said Frank Fischer, chief executive of VW’s operations in the city.

Also, Mr. Fischer said there will be a supplier park next to the $1 billion assembly plant.

He said as many as 15 assembly companies could be at the site.

In addition, VW officials said that 12,000 people filed online applications for 1,200 production jobs at the plant over the first two days of accepting applications.

The plant is expected to begin production in 2011.

New Volkswagen mid-size sedan sketch - First official

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN via Chattanooga times freepress]

Fisker to buy GM Wilmington Plant

GM Wilmington Assembly Plant

WILMINGTON, Del. : October 27, 2009 - Fisker Automotive has selected the Wilmington Assembly plant in Wilmington Delaware to build affordable plug-in hybrid cars.


Fisker executives made the announcement inside the dormant facility today, joined by Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and other state officials.

The plant will support Fisker Automotive's Project NINA, the development and build of an affordable, family-oriented plug-in hybrid sedan costing about $39,900 after federal tax credits.

Production is scheduled to begin in late 2012. Fisker Automotive anticipates Project NINA will ultimately create or support 2,000 factory jobs and more than 3,000 vendor and supplier jobs by 2014, as production ramps up to full capacity of 75,000-100,000 vehicles per year. More than half will be exported, the largest percentage of any domestic manufacturer.

The modernized Wilmington Assembly plant was selected for its size, production capacity, world-class paint facilities, access to shipping ports, rail lines and available skilled workforce.

"This is a major step toward establishing America as a leader of advanced vehicle technology," said Henrik Fisker, CEO. "Wilmington is perfect for high quality, low volume production and will soon be the proud builder of world-class, fuel-efficient Fisker plug-in hybrids."

Fisker Automotive has signed a letter of intent with Motors Liquidation Co. (MLC), formerly known as General Motors Corp. to purchase the Wilmington plant for $18 million after a routine four-month evaluation period.

An additional $175 million will be spent to refurbish and retool the factory over the next three years.

Funds will come from a conditional loan of $528.7M the Department of Energy awarded the company in September.

The loan is part of the $25B Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program (ATVM) appropriated by Congress in 2007 to help the United States lead in the development and manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles.

The company's first car, the Fisker Karma, will be the world's first production plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale this summer at retailers in the U.S. and Europe.

Fisker plug-in hybrid cars will help remove the country's dependence on foreign energy by eliminating the need for 42 million barrels of oil by 2016. They will also offset 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

"With our close-knit business, government, and educational communities and our potential to respond rapidly to new opportunities, today's announcement is a testament to what works best in Delaware. Fisker is a perfect partner in shaping Delaware's economic future, and we are thrilled that the vehicle that can reshape the automobile industry will be built here in Delaware, by Delaware workers." said Governor Jack Markell (D-Delaware).

Gary Casteel, UAW director responsible for the plant, said, "It gives me great pride to give UAW Local 435 workers the opportunity to partner with Fisker Automotive to create a greener America by building a plug-in hybrid car that will compete globally."

[Source : NEWSWIRE]

MTM announced Audi based - S5 Cabrio "Michelle Edition"

MTM S5 Cabrio ”Michelle Edition”

MTM announced the new MTM S5 Cabrio ”Michelle Edition”,Audi S5 based special edition with the pleasure of open air driving. Just like the MTM’s classic program for Audi S5 Cabrio, the ”Michelle Edition” benefits from modifications in the engine electronics, suspensions, brakes and wheels but also has a few body elements highlighted in red.


The Wettstetten located auto manufacturer has fitted the new S5 Cabrio ”Michelle Edition” with it’s exclusive 9-spoke Bimoto MTM rims in 10.5 x 21 inches with 295/25 21 Michelin tires. Furthermore, the car is upgraded with a handmade MTM exhaust system for maximum flow-rate and efficiency and 380 X 34 mm MTM-Brembo brakes with 8 piston calipers.

The special edition S5 Cabrio’s 3.0 litre V6 TFSI engine is equipped with both M-Cantronic and V-Cantronic units, which raises the performance numbers to the striking 430bhp (317 kW) and 515Nm maximum torque with a top speed of 287 km/h.

Images : MTM S5 Cabrio "Michelle Edition"

[Source : MTM]

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec to debut at The 2009 Sema Show in Las Vegas

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF. : October 27, 2009 - The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec, the perfect blank canvas for tuners, priced at $23,750 is beginning to arrive at dealerships across the country. R-Spec takes the core performance equipment from the 2.0T Track model and eliminates non-essential convenience equipment to reduce both cost and weight. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec – the first production R-Spec model to arrive in the U.S. – will make its world debut at the Hyundai booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 3 – 6 (Booth # 24387).

The R-Spec allows enthusiasts to tune their own car to their desired specifications. R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness and powertrain scalability in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core Track model performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo^® braking system, Torsen^® limited-slip differential and R-Spec badging.

In a special nod to tuners, R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts (dealer installation - optional for customer to install) to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. To reduce both cost and weight, the R-Spec eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth^®, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, R-Spec will be available in three exteriors colors most common among international racing teams: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. R-Spec comes with manual transmission only.

R-Spec equipment includes:

• 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
  
• 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
  
• Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
  
• 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
  
• Brembo^® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
  
• Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
  
• Torsen-type limited-slip differential
  
• R-Spec badging
  
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  
• Front, side, side curtain air bags
  
• Active front head restraints
  
• Driver’s lumbar support
  
• Air conditioning
  
• Remote keyless entry system
  
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  
• Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
  
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers
  
• iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
  
• Projector beam headlamps
  
• Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)


• Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec

2010 Genesis Coupe Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing

Model	Engine	Transmission	MSRP
2.0T	2.0L Turbo 4-cyl	Six-Speed M/T	$22,000
2.0T	2.0L Turbo 4-cyl	Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$23,250
2.0T R-Spec	2.0L Turbo 4-cyl	Six-Speed M/T	$23,750
2.0T Premium	2.0L Turbo 4-cyl	Six-Speed M/T	$24,250
2.0T Premium	2.0L Turbo 4-cyl	Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$25,500
2.0T Track	2.0L Turbo 4-cyl	Six-Speed M/T	$26,750
3.8	3.8L V6	Six-Speed M/T	$25,000
3.8	3.8L V6	Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$26,500
3.8 Grand Touring	3.8L V6	Six-Speed M/T	$28,500
3.8 Grand Touring	3.8L V6	Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$30,000
3.8 Track	3.8L V6	Six-Speed M/T	$30,500
3.8 Track	3.8L V6	Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$32,000

*Freight charges for the 2010MY Genesis Coupe are $750 and are not included in the prices in this release.

[Source : HYUNDAI]