Hot Cars

G 55 AMG Kompressor Receives Power Boost And A Number Of Added Features

Mercedes has released details of what prospective G-Class owners can come to expect from the latest rendition of the G55 AMG Kompressor.

Powered by a 368kW/500 hp 5.5-Liter V8, the new G55 features an increase in output of 18 kW and 24 horsepower. The increased power comes from an enhanced and retuned control unit, the result of which is a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds (previous model: 5.6 seconds), while top speed is limited to 130 mph.

But engine enhancements aren’t the only change the new G55 has received; customers will also benefit from a number of new standard appointments as well. New 18″ AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with 285/55 R 18 wide-base tires give the G-Class a sporty-yet-rugged appearance; oval fog lamps with a cornering light function provide added visibility while traversing dark passages; ISOFIX child seat attachments in the second seat row help keep your child planted firmly in place no matter how treacherous the terrain; and more scratch resistant, nano-technology based paint finishes of calcite white, periclase green metallic and teallite blue metallic ensure the G55’s appearance matches a wide variety of customer tastes and styles.

Available only as a five-door station wagon with a long wheelbase, the sales price in Germany of the G55 AMG Kompressor is set at EUR 113,332 (including 16% VAT), with orders being taken immediately and deliveries commencing in September of this year.

2007 GMC Acadia Crossover Unveiled

GMC has revealed some official shots of the upcoming Acadia crossover vehicle built on the same Lambda platform, already shared by the 2007 Saturn Outlook and the 2008 Buick Enclave. Inside Line says that the 2007 GMC Acadia will be GMC’s the only product without a full frame. The crossover will be shipped in both front- and four-wheel drive trims.

The Acadia will be equipped with a 267 hp 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic. The crossover may be ordered in either seven- or eight-passenger configurations. Both traction and stability controls will come in a standard package, as well as antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitor.

The vehicle will run on standard 18-inch wheels and tires. GMC hopes that the Acadia will feature about 17 mpg in city and 25 mpg on the highway (24 for 4WD).

Ford Announces Pricing For 2007 Expedition Models

Hoping to rejuvenate sales of its big SUV, Ford Motor has cut prices across the board on 2007 Expedition models. Cutting the model range from four to three by dropping the 2006 base XLS model, the 2007 entry-level XLT is priced at $29,995 - $5,485 below last year’s XLT, and $3,485 lower than the previous base model.

The Eddie Bauer model comes in at $36,395 (a $3,200 drop) and the top of the line Limited is priced at $37,845 (down $3,500 from 2006).

All prices are for RWD versions - 4WD will set you back an extra $2,900. If you need extra room, there is an EL (extended length) version of each model for an extra $2,650.

The price reductions come with an enhanced standard equipment list, including Ford’s new six-speed automatic, additional safety features, and an extended warranty.

New Volvo XC90 Sport Revealed

In response to customer demand, Volvo Car Corporation is expanding the XC90 range with a new variant – the Volvo XC90 Sport. With a dynamic chassis setting and a unique appearance and specifications, the Volvo XC90 Sport will offer drivers more enjoyable handling and desirability.

“We have had numerous requests for a sportier XC90,” says Karin Falk, head of Special Vehicles at Volvo Cars. “They are from customers who appreciate the versatility and comfort of an SUV but who also want a bit more driving pleasure. We have developed the Volvo XC90 Sport especially for them, with a dynamic sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system, and larger, 19″ wheels,” she continues.

The Volvo XC90 Sport is not only sporty in aesthetic terms. The chassis characteristics have been refined to increase genuine driving pleasure. Both the shock absorbers and the anti-roll bars have been made stiffer to offer a high level of stability when cornering. The steering has also been adapted to offer quick steering response. Furthermore, Volvo’s self-levelling system, Nivomat, is standard in both the five and seven seat models. The system has been fine-tuned to offer great stability and driving control.

“We dare to promise a truly enjoyable experience behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90 Sport,” says Karin Falk. “The driving characteristics are of a calibre that few thought were possible in a Volvo SUV. And we have not had to compromise on riding comfort. We have succeeded in finding a balance between driving stability and the capacity to absorb unevenness in the road.”

The Volvo XC90 Sport will be launched with a colour that is unique for this XC90 variant, Passion Red, plus double chromed exhaust pipes and larger 19″ alloy wheels – available in silver bright or diamond cut with contrasting effect. Wheel arch extenders in the body’s colour help emphasise the large wheels particularly clearly.

Details and trim will have a satin silver finish rather than the standard chrome, and the lower skid plate is also in satin silver. The unique sill mouldings are in brushed stainless steel. To accentuate the car’s sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, it is not fitted with roof rails – although they will be available as an option for those customers who need them.

The interior design is customised with a more sporty character with a sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather plus sports seats with additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering.

The leather in the seats is a combination of two different grades of leather which provide a sporty, exclusive feel. The décor piping in different colour shades also enhances the impression.

The instrument dials have metal chronograph watch-style faces with a shimmering blue lustre. The sport carpets with crème-coloured décor piping complete the picture of a sporty interior with an exciting hi-tech feel.

The range of engines for the Volvo XC90 Sport includes Volvo’s V8 (315 hp) and its new 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engines, plus the latest generation D5 (185 hp) turbodiesel. All three are very powerful and energy-efficient engines that contribute to the sporty driving experience. The engines are extremely compact and are transversely mounted in the engine bay for the best possible safety and a spacious cabin.

2007 Volvo XC90

The 2007 Volvo XC90 has been rejuvenated in a number of respects. Enhanced design, a new six-cylinder in-line engine, and new, advanced safety systems contribute to strengthening its position on the SUV market. The same changes have been made in the exclusive Executive model. It has also been given a number of new features of its own that further elevate its level of prestige.

“The Volvo XC90 Executive is the most prestigious version of the XC90, specially designed for the most discerning customers,” says Karin Falk, head of Special Vehicles at Volvo Cars. “In order to meet the high expectations for refined design and sophisticated comfort, we have further enhanced the model, over and above the new features offered on the XC90.

The Volvo XC90 Executive is identified by the discreet emblem on the rear door pillar. The special character is created by, among other things, the chrome finish of the door mirrors and C-pillars, and the colour-coordinated wheel arch extenders.

At the rear, the Executive model has an oval tailpipe that encases both exhaust pipes. To further enhance its profile, the Volvo XC90 Executive can be fitted with 19-inch aluminium wheels.

The XC90 Executive’s cabin is designed and equipped to provide a lavish, first-class, feel.
One of the upholstery alternatives is the classically cut Executive leather, with stitching and edging in contrasting colours. In order to provide everyone in the vehicle with a similar perception, the same grade of leather is now also used in the third row of seats.

Walnut panel inlays are standard and the gauges in the main instrument panel have a distinct, watch dial-inspired design.

The specially designed, extra thick pile carpeting adds to the cabin’s exclusive ambience.
An optional cooler can be fitted in the tunnel console. An advanced Rear Seat Entertainment system (RSE) is also available as an option. The system includes a DVD player, video screens integrated in the front seat head restraints, wireless headphones, and a remote control. An auxiliary connector makes it possible to plug in an additional DVD player, video game or a video camera or other devices such as iPod. The two screens can be used independently of each other.

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.