Hot Cars

Ford Plans To Revive Expedition With Diesel Or Hybrid Version

To revive falling sales of its SUV, Ford will be launching a diesel or hybrid versions of the Expedition. Depending on what consumers prefer as recorded on the online test, the new Expedition could be powered by either a new European V-8 diesel engine or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Though Ford refuses to divulge much information on this issue, yet a Ford source confirms that a higher-mileage, full-sized SUV to compete with General Motors SUV hybrid is being planned.

Hopefully, with this Ford would be able to beat General Motors’ Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

Ford currently has front- and all-wheel-drive hybrids such as the Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. However, it does not have a rear-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain transmission program for its F-series trucks and truck-based SUVs.

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

The engine of the new Murciélago LP640 has undergone outstanding and radical modification. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5 litres (6,496 cm3). Thus the already extraordinary 580 hp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 hp (471 kW) at 8,000 min-1. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6,000 min-1. Naturally, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 complies with every European and North American law governing exhaust fumes.

This “evolutionary leap forward” has been possible thanks to a coherent review of every engine component: the cylinder head and the entire intake system (based on the tried and tested Lamborghini variable geometry system), have been completely reworked. The crankshaft, camshafts and exhaust system have also undergone innovation.

The increase in power naturally determines an increase in performance. The excellent performance of the Murciélago LP640 means it can now accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (0.4 seconds faster than the previous model).

Lamborghini engineers have also concentrated on improving torque development. The “drivability” of the engine is enhanced by a continuous variable timing system (intake and exhaust side) and a drive-by-wire engine management system.

More power and higher torque call for superior gearbox component performance. To meet these new demands, the new Murciélago LP640 features a modified six-ratio gearbox as well as a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts. On request, the e-gear automatic gearbox is also available equipped with the new dedicated “Thrust” (acceleration programme) mode.

The body of the Murciélago LP640 with its characteristic scissor doors is created from the prized union of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fibre, glued and riveted together.

Driving, handling and stability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilisers, as well as by a redesigned electronically controlled damper. The “antidive” and “anti-squat” features on the axles, which efficiently prevent so-called “brake diving” and “squatting”, have not been changed. The two springs on every rear wheel, the single spring on every front wheel and the damper are placed coaxially.

The seats in the cockpit have undergone the most radical changes; more spacious and equipped with redesigned head restraints, the seats now ensure better comfort. The leather upholstery features lozenge-shaped stitching called “Q-citura”. The same design is recaptured on the upholstery on the door panels, the panel between the seats and the engine compartment, and on the roof panel.

A new instrument panel has been developed with lights featuring a new graphic design, flanked by a new Kenwood car radio with a 6.5” widescreen monitor and DVD, MP3 and WMA player. An optional navigation system is also available (standard in Japan).

Mitsubishi Releases The i Limited In Japan

On Tuesday, Mitsubishi followed up the i (eye) Play with a second special edition of its nifty new kei car.

The i Limited comes in nine possible paint colors and features a grey interior with darker grey cloth seating surfaces. AM/FM/CD 4-speaker audio, air conditioning with a deodorizing filter, UV-reducing privacy glass, keyless entry, power windows, 15″ wheels with styled covers, and ABS are all included in the package.

The keyless entry system allows remote operation of the windows.

As with all i models, power comes from a 660cc MIVEC turbocharged 3-cylinder. Prices are 1,197,000 Yen (2WD) and 1,323,000 Yen (4WD).

2007 BMW X3

The headline-grabbing powerplant is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel with an output of 286hp and 580Nm of torque that has been developed from the engine used by the BMW 535d. Such power places the X3 3.0sd into the realm of sports car acceleration courtesy of a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 149mph top speed.

What sets the X3 3.0sd apart from previous X3s is that it comes equipped with the same twin-turbo technology that has already been showcased in the BMW 535d. By using two turbochargers, one smaller one larger, the X3 3.0sd offers high levels of low down pulling power as well as top end performance.

It can do this because the smaller turbo boosts at low revs for instant, smooth and swift acceleration, but as engine speed builds the larger turbocharger comes into play to continue the rapid progress.

The result is an engine that develops peak torque from just 1,750rpm through to 2,250rpm, but is capable of continuing to rev up to 4,400rpm – an unusually high limit for a diesel.

Santana Set To Join The Army

This is the car that’s gunning for Land Rover’s mighty Defender. The famous Solihull off-roader has long been favoured by the British armed forces. But that could be about to change now that military bosses have given Santana’s range of off-roaders the green light, clearing the way for them to go head-to-head with rivals.

After undergoing a series of gruelling tests, the forces’ Specialist and Utility Vehicles team has, for the first time, added the Spanish line-up to its panel of suitable vehicles. That opens the door to large military contracts and, as a result, puts the utilitarian four-wheel-drive in direct competition with the British-born Defender.

Although Santana has yet to pick up any orders following the decision, the 2.8-litre oil-burner’s 3.5-tonne tow-ing capacity and one-tonne payload are sure to appeal to military chiefs.

The firm’s ‘Work4orce’ line-up also includes van and pick-up variants. Forces in Spain, France and the Czech Republic already use Santana vehicles.

According to distributor Fourtec UK, models in the range can be equipped as emergency vehicles and fitted with armour for battlefield roles.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Classy

The new CL-Class is another Mercedes-Benz masterpiece. Just as the luxury coupé points the way to the future with its innovative technology, the design has also set the mould for a new Mercedes style. Its hallmark is the interaction between distinctive tightly drawn lines with large, unruffled surfaces. This design idiom lends the Coupé its own particular expressive power, emphasising the calm and power of its powerful, self-confident nature.

Style finds its way into the interior too: the large side window aperture draws the eye to the stylish dashboard, exquisite wood trim and soft leather upholstery. In an instant you realise that everything in the interior of the new CL-Class is designed for comfort and relaxation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive club: take a seat and enjoy. Five stylish colour combinations are available; automatic climate control, COMAND with car radio and CD/DVD player as well as a glass sunroof are all part of the standard specification, elements that come together to deliver a unique motoring and comfort experience.

A newly developed control system, which has already been successfully implemented in the S Class worldwide, refines driver-vehicle interaction even further. Above all, it provides convenient, rapid access to frequently used functions such as car radio, DVD player, car phone or navigation system.

Depending on the driver’s own preference, these systems can be controlled using switches in the centre console, pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel or using the COMAND controller on the centre console. This central control unit is linked to the large, pivoting COMAND colour display next to the instrument cluster, providing access to the user-friendly main and sub-menus that activate the various functions.

The newly developed integral seats in the CL-Class provide maximum individual seating comfort. “Integral” means that all components of the seat-belt system are in-corporated directly into the seat; hence the seats form an important component in the occupant protection system.

The standard specification already provides electric adjustment of the fore-aft setting, inclination of the seat and backrest, seat height, head restraint and length of the front seat cushions. Pneumatic lumbar supports allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the backrest contour to suit their build and consequently reduce the strain on the back muscles.

Optional extras include luxury seats with active ventilation (standard in the CL 600) that provide even more individual comfort, along with the further enhanced multi-contour seats with nine air cushions, and dynamic multicontour seats with massage function (standard in the CL 600).

The driver and front passenger seats with multicontour function have been awarded the AGR (“healthy back campaign”) seal of approval.