oasting avant-garde coupé looks and a practical, roomy interior with the commanding driving position and AllWheel Drive traction expected from an Sthe Infiniti Eeally does provide the best of all worlds.

“Infiniti prides itself on offering something different with each of its model ranges, but the Infiniti easily the most different of all,” says Jim Wright, Vice President, Infiniti Europe.

“It’s the perfect fusion of a compact Crossover and a stylish coupé: there’s nothing quite like it on the market today… though we are certain that rival manufacturers will quickly try to follow suit with their own variations on the theme.”

But there’s more to the remarkable Infiniti EX37 than a groundbreaking concept. Built to the same exacting standards as all Infiniti models, Infiniti EX37 offers an exceptional combination of elegance, style, performance and technology.

It is the first production vehicle in the world to benefit from the advanced Around View Monitor system that gives the driver a bird’s eye view of the vehicle while it’s being parked. Another standard feature is Infiniti’s unique ’self-healing’ scratch shield paint.

Powered by the same smooth and potent 3.7-litre V6 as the Infiniti G37, top speed is 240 km/h (149 mph), while 0-100 km/h takes 6.4 seconds.

There are two versions of the innovative crossover on offer - the generously equipped Infiniti EX37 and the more luxurious EX37 GT with leather upholstery and power front seats with memory functiots Crossover status, Infiniti EX37 has been designed following traditional Coupé lines. That means a stretched wheelbase, long bonnet, short overhangs and a sharply tapering roofline. It is noticeably lower than its key rivals which helps to accentuate its low centre of gravity and lends more credence to its Crossover status.

Although longer than most of the rivals with its 2800mm wheelbase, its compact overall shape help give Infiniti EX37 the best aerodynamic positioning in the sector.

Above all, though, it’s the balanced harmony of its lines that help Infiniti EX37 claim its unique place in a crowded market. Its designers have skilfully blended enough signature elements - such as the double arch grille, wave form bonnet and L-shaped headlamps - to ensure it’s an obvious member of the Infiniti family. Yet the overall effect is quite unlike anything in the range.

A bold and masculine stance contrasts with the flowing curves over the high wheel arches and the dramatic slope of the roofline. The rear has a simple, almost three dimensional, appearance combining an energetic shape with elegant styling features such as the chrome door handles, LED rear lights and integrated rear

A feeling of sophistication comes with the use of darkened privacy glass for the rear windows, the elegant eight-spoke 18 inch alloy wheels and fog lamps which are set deep into the front aero bump

s OnStar connectivity service is the Grand Daddy of all such systems, founded in 1995 and available on many GM models. Likely, OnStar is the most recognized name in vehicle navigation and communication, but it does have some limitations– older GM cars with this device cannot be automatically upgraded and competiting makes and models cannot get OnStar.
OnStar to Go

Well, both problems are about to change as GM announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week that OnStar will now be available in a standalone mirror to anyone who wants one. OnStar, which is the first device of its kind to offer automatic crash response (911 is automatically notified if you are in a crash), will now be sold through retailers beginning this spring.

Best Buy is the first “strategic retail partner” OnStar will be working with to sell these mirors which will retail for $299 plus installation. Figure that as installed OnStar will cost you about $400 and that is before any service plan kicks in. OnStar will cost you from $18.95 per month or $199 per year, with a range of service plans available. It seems likely some discounting will take place for the price of the mirror, for OnStar services or for both. Best Buy coupons here we go….
The OnStar Package

OnStar’s activity centers on its “blue button” icon. In addition to providing automatic crash response, OnStar offers turn-by-turn navigation, stolen vehicle location assistance and one-button access to emergency and roadside services. You can also enjoy hands-free calling which includes Bluetooth connectivity.

Understandably, OnStar is thrilled to have the opportunity to find its way into competing vehicles. Where Mazda, Kia, Dodge, Volkswagen and others lack this service, OnStar hopes customers from competiting GM brands will flock to its service. Certainly, it could also help move customers to GM products when they’re ready to trade their vehicles in.

Said Chris Preuss, OnStar president, “For years, thousands of drivers have asked us to get OnStar in vehicles that didn’t feature it as standard. With the retail product that we’ve introduced today they certainly can. This move in to the consumer electronics space represents the biggest development in our business model since introducing OnStar as standard across all GM products several years ago. It represents a quantum leap forward in our plans to grow our business and provide a strong new revenue base for GM and OnStar from which we can further develop our core offerings in the factory-equipped market.”
Last Gasp?

Some analysts think OnStar’s days are numbered. Jason Lancaster, president of Spork Marketing, LLC, said as much in his June 7, 2010, Auto Trends Magazine article, “3 Reasons OnStar Must Improve In Order To Survive.” Jason noted that some OnStar-like services are currently available on anyone’s smartphone for no additional cost. He believes OnStar’s days are numbered unless they begin to include premium services such as automated maintenance scheduling.

he all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers premium features including interior LED lighting, express-up windows, a full-screen navigation radio, heated first- and second-row seats, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. In addition, a new one-touch lane-change feature allows the driver to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes.

Advanced safety and security features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), ParkSense™, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system and side-curtain air bags for all three rows.

Chrysler Aspen’s front and rear fenders, rear doors and rear-quarter panels feature clean, precise angles, creating a seamless profile. Individual chromed “CHRYSLER” lettering adorns the body side on each of the front doors. Chromed accents on body-side moldings, door handedometer and white-faced gauges outlined in chromed trim, providing easy-to-read displays for fuel, oil, volt/battery, odometer and speedometer readings. The center stack features Chrysler brand’s signature analog clock and an available full-screen navigation radio and temperature controls for front and rear occupants.

Available steering wheel-mounted controls keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while adjusting audio settings. An overhead console conveniently provides switch controls for the optional sun roof, power liftgate and universal garage door opener. In addition, an Electronic Vehicle Information Centeravailable with the overhead console and provides customer-programmable features, such as audio and security settings, as well as trip computer, compass and outside temperature dles, side mirrors, belt molding and roof rack, as well as available

erall design combines aggressiveness with style, with a dominance of the first component. The vague sense of déjà vu is due to sharing the same platform with the Viper and the exterior edges of the Crossfire. The general fluid lines are broken up only by the overcrowded bonnet, that features four air exhaust outtakes. A nicer touch is given by the front arches metal plates engraved with the car’s name. The creasing lateral line ends in a beautifully sculptured rear witch might resemble to some to an Aston Martin DB9’s, also it doesn’t reach the European’s finesse. The Firepower is more svelte than its Dodge sibling, but in the flesh the car lacks the unique visual drama of the similarly proportioned Ford GR-1 concept.

The HEMI tucks neatly inside Firepower’s long hood, which gracefully flows into the raked windshield. There are elegant touches, inside and out, such as the CHMSL (Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp) which is worked into the roof-mounted satellite antenna, that seems to be a BMW one mounted backwards.

Besides the esthetic purposes of the body finish we can clearly see the functional ones, required by traveling at high speeds. Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling was used to shape the body with aerodynamics in mind. The low mounted Chrysler grille seems to serve for proper engine cooling as well. Down force in the rear is also achieved through this modeling.

Our artists best guess on the final product’s design is that the LED lights will be replaced with regular ones, the bonnet will get a e neater shape and therepower is a two-seat coupe with a Corvette-humbling 425 bhp 6.1 litre hemi V8. Like the Chevrolet that defines this genre, and the Viper whose platform it shares, it has a classic long hood-short tail alure emphasized by door shuts that wrap round the rear wheel arch and visually move the cab even farther rearward.

“As designers, we challenged ourselves,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “How could we best encompass such strong Chrysler models as the Crossfire, which began the brand’s move toward a higher level of performance and elegance, while looking to the most extreme expression of engineering and design such as last year’s prototype, the ME Four-Twelve? Firepower uniquely bridges these tw wheels will decrease in size. The rest of the details are good for

n the entry-level LS and mid-grade LT models, power comes from a 281-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine that teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Top-line LTZ models include a standard dual exhaust system that allows the engine to make 288 hp. Maximum towing capacity is 5200 lb. Traverse is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbaghe Traverse comes in the single, 4-door wagon body style of its corporate cousins. 17-inch wheels are standard, 18-inch and 20-inch wheels are available–the 20-inch wheels are standard on LTZ. Available features include DVD entertainment, rear climate control, leather upholstery, navigation system, remote engine start, satellite radio, rear obstacleAvailable safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Available features include DVD entertainment, rear climate contrl, leather upholstery, navigation system, remote engine start, rear-obstacle detection, and a rearview camera. detection, and a rearview camera. This evaluation is basThe 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is the first eight-passenger crossover SUV from General Motors’ volume division. Traverse shares its basic design with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn utlook but the Chevy differs in pricing, features, and details

row includes bucket seats or a bench for a total passenger capacity of seven or eight, respectivelyed on preview test driv

d carbon fiber fenders and floor panels, it delivers exceptional levels of capability and technology. And with a curb weight of only 3,175 pounds (1440 kg), it’s the lightest, best-balanced Corvette model and one of the most svelte supercars on the market.

Corvette Z06 is propelled by the LS7 7.0L (427 cubic inches) engine that delivers 505 horsepower (377 kW). Unique features include a racing-style dry-sump oiling system that helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering. The LS7 engine powers a 3,175-pound (1,440 kg) package to help deliver 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the engine.

The Corvette Z06′s powertrain and drivetrain systems are matched to the LS7′s performance capability. The light, four-into-one headers discharge into close-coupled catalytic converters and through two-mode mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power.

At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual transmission is strengthened to handle the LS7′s substantial torque load. It also incorporates a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential, with enlarged ring and pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to tht weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The wider front wheelhouses, for example, are carbon composites, and the passenger compartment floors combine carbon-fiber skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.

The Z06 has a magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum, yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.

The Z06 retains the 105.7-inch (2,686-mm) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse spring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer. It’s a firmer suspension that works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear. New Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires are standard.

Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355 mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340 mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.

The front rotors are acted upon by large, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. The rear brakes use four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads. A four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a very competent active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode.he rear wheels.he aerodynamics of the Z06′s exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. While the race cars use large rear wings, the Z06′s elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag.

For all of its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily-drivable, high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. Standard features include High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter.

The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer, and has a readout on the oil pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06′s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.
The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.n optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.
The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 m
The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.

he new Captiva SUV will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, sporting a new front end design, a range of enhancements to the interior and new engines and transmissions. Captiva will be one of four Chevrolet world premieres.

Captiva is Chevrolet’s full-blooded sports SUV with confident and dynamic new styling and active on-demand all-wheel drive system that distributes power as needed. At the same time the new Captiva retains the advantages of its adaptable, theatre-style seating in three rows which comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers.

The Captiva has won many friends for its exterior design since its launch in 2006, and with the new model it just got even better. A number of features are immediately noticeable when viewing the new Captiva from the front, adding up to its athletic stance: the re-shaped and sharply sculptured hood, a new larger grille with its dual-opening and the Chevrolet ‘bow-tie’ sited proudly in the middle, and the prism style headlamps and integrated LED turn signals on the outside rearview mirrors.

Moving round to the front fenders, the side air-vents now take on a more angular shape to emphasize the new Captiva’s sporting intent, while from the A pillars back the Captiva retains its handsome profile, characterized by a sleek, rising shoulder line. Setting the new Captiva’s body off perfectly are the new exterior color palette and the accentuated wheel arches which will accommodate wheel sizess under the Captiva’s new hood that many changes are also taking place, with no less than four new powerful engines that will come standard with a new manual or automatic six-speed transmission for a powerful, smooth ride. The new engine line-up, which is comprised of two gasoline engines (2.4L and 3.0L) and two turbo-diesel variants (2.2L), incorporates a host of advanced technologies aimed at delivering an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy.

With the introduction of a new 3.0 liter 258 hp V6 gasoline engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, the Captiva will be one of the most powerful compact SUVs on the market, while the new 2.2 liter common rail turbo-charged diesel units will be available with either 163 or 184 hp outputs. Rounding off the new line-up is a 2.4 liter dual overhead cam gasoline unit with variable valve timing, rated at 171 hp. Both, the 2.2 liter turbo-diesels as well as the 2.4 liter gasoline engine can be ordered in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The new Captiva’s chassis has been re-tuned to further enhance vehicle dynamics, improving cornering, roll characteristics and ride feel. With Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Braking Assist System (BAS) standard, as well as front-, side- and curtain airbags, the Captiva provides a high level of safety.

Climb aboard the new Captiva and driv Captiva’s upgraded interior now features an array of new finishes and textures including all-new seat fabrics and interior décor appointments to give the car a more up-market feel and look. Designers have put to good use some of the elements featured on other new Chevrolet models, such as the ice-blue back lighting and the ‘wrap-round’ design of the front fascia which flows into the front driver’s and passenger doors creating the dual-cockpit look.

The new Captiva features Hill Start Assist, eliminating ‘roll-back’ on hills and an electric park brake that opens up space for further storage in the center console, including two 1-liter cup holders.

The new Captiva’s audio system includes Aux-in, USB-port and Bluetooth connectivity. Passengers will enjoy their audio experience all the more thanks to improved acoustic engineering resulting in reduced road, wind and engine noise. Captiva can be ordered with a touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera for parking assistance.

Captiva offers a lot of SUV for its price: powerful, yet efficient engines, all-wheel drive capabilities, roominess and versatility for up to seven passengers. Its launch in Europe is scheduled for er and passengers will still be welcomed by that airy and spacious interior, with storage space that is among best in class and with the option of either 5 or 7 seats.of 17 to 19 inches

Also available is Chrysler’s uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a 30-gigabyte hard drive that can hold music or picture files, a wireless cell phone link, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information. Other available features include heated and cooled cupholders and remote engine start. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is standard on the Lhe convertible remains available in LX, Touring, and Limited trims. The AWD Limited sedan has also been discontinued. The sedan and LX convertible come with a 173-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 186-hp 2.7-liter V6 is standard on Touring convertibles. This engine is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. A 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 is standard on Limited convertibles and optional on Limited sedans. The 2.4- and 2.7-liter engines use a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 3.5 a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags (on sedans), and front side airbagsimited convertible and he 2009 Chrysler Sebring sees some mid-year changes on top of the loss of all-wheel drive. Sebring is available as either a 4-door sedan or 2-door convertible. The Sebring convertible comes with a power soft top and heated-glass rear window and offers an optional power-retracting hard top. The sedan is offered only in Limited trim; the entry- and mid-level LX and Touring trims have been discontinued.optional on the Touring convertible.

he Ferrari 575M Maranello is a two-seat, two-door, grand tourer built by Ferrari. Launched in essentially an updated 550 Maranello featuring minor styling changes from Pininfarina. The 575M was replaced by the 599 GTB in the first half of 2006. Updates from the 550 include a renewed interior, but with substantial improvements mechanically, including bigger brake discs, a larger and more powerful engine, a different weight distribution, refined aerodynamics and fluid-dynamics and an adaptive suspension set-up (the four independent suspensions are also controlled by the gearbox, to minimize pitch throughout the 200-milliseconds shift time). Two six-speed transmissions are available, a conventional manual gearbox and, for the first time on a Ferrari V12, Magneti Marelli’s semi-automatic (Electrohydraulic manual) ‘F1′ gearbox. The model number refers to total engine displacement in litres, whilst the ‘M’ is an abbreviation of ‘modificato’ or ‘modified’. For 2005, the company developed a new GTC handling package and Superamerica version (a limited run of 559 Retractable hardtop variants of the coupe), along with raising the power from

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