New Car 2010 Mazda3 U.S. launch scheduled for March

Mazda used last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show to debut the new 2010 Mazda3 Sedan, and then followed it with the reveal of the Hatchback model at the Bologna Motor Show just one month later. The carmaker’s North American chief Jim O'Sullivan has now revealed that the car’s U.S. launch is “on track” for March this year.

Mazda plans to launch both the Sedan and Hatchback models simultaneously but isn’t predicting sales to top last year’s levels, which peaked at 100,000 units. Canada and Mexico will see the cars arrive in dealerships next month.

“Obviously, we're going to be down with the industry,” O'Sullivan told Ward’s Auto. “We're going to be down a little bit year-on-year, but we'll see what happens.”

There is one more variant of the new Mazda3 that is yet to be revealed. The car is the high-performance Mazdaspeed (MPS) model, which is expected to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. However, O'Sullivan didn’t reveal any details about it or when it will reach U.S. shores.

As for the standard Sedan and Hatchback models, both cars will come with two different engine options: a 148hp (110kW) 2.0L four-cylinder with 135lb-ft (183Nm) of torque and a 167hp (124kW) 2.5L unit with 168lb-ft (227Nm) of torque.

For European markets, a newly developed 2.2L turbodiesel engine will also be available. This engine, which was just launched in the Mazda6 overseas, will output 182hp (136kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque while delivering fuel economy figures of around 42mpg (5.6L/100km).

2010 Mazda3 Sedan Wallpaper

Nissan GT-R beats the Germans in residual value as well

It’s been well documented that the Nissan GT-R has what it takes to beat its German rivals when it comes to speed, be it in a straight line or at the track. Cars like the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Porsche 911 Turbo all fall by the wayside time and time again whenever Nissan’s new supercar is thrown into a comparison.

However, there is another important factor that sits in the mind of most car buyers that the GT-R is also a star at – residual value. Any prospective buyers of the GT-R now have another reason to brag over, with Britain’s CAP Monitor car valuation data provider predicting that the Nissan will be worth 84% of its new list price after 12 months or 10,000 miles.

In contrast, the same data agency predicts that the Porsche 911 Carrera will retain just 68% of its original value, while a BMW M3 or M5 will retain just 60%. Even the stunning Audi R8 is only expected to retain about 73% of its original sticker price, reports CAR.

It’s important to remember that these values are only a prediction and the actual results may vary significantly in different markets. Throw in factors like the GT-R gearbox being particular prone to failure after too many hard launches, and the introduction of a new Series II GT-R that does away with the original launch control system that was necessary for the blistering 3.3 second 0-60mph times, and it is easy to see that the 84% residual prediction may be a little generous.

Nissan GT-R Wallpaper

Coming off record sales of 10,014 vehicles in 2007, Bentley's performance last year didn’t go so well, with sales figures dropping by up to 20% over the course of the year. The super-luxury carmaker is being forced to make further cutbacks after earlier shift reductions and production slowing didn't reach far enough to counter decreased demand.

Bentley announced today that it would suspend production for up to seven weeks because of falling demand.

"There's a global downturn in the automotive market," company spokesman Mike Hawes told AFP. "The market continues to be in decline globally so we have decided to stop production for six or seven weeks".

In May 2008 the company also reduced production and asked more than a third of the staff at the Crewe factory to work just a three-day week. Some 1,400 employees of Bentley's 4,000 strong staff are already working the reduced shift in an effort to cut production by around 15%. For the latest production halt, which will run from March to May, workers will still be paid.

The reduction in sales, which had occurred mostly in the U.S., has been attributed to a variety of factors, including higher petrol prices and carbon taxes. Interestingly, brand image may also play a factor in Bentley’s fall in sales - people are becoming more and more reluctant to be seen in exorbitant and environmentally apathetic cars such as those built by Bentley.

Bentley is by no means the only luxury manufacturer to have suffered sluggish sales this year, with across-the-board declines in growth affecting much of the premium segment.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Wallpaper

New Car Porsche upgrades factory racing 911 GT3 RSR

Porsche has updated one of its three factory racing 911s, the GT3 RSR, for the new model year with a number of enhancements designed to ensure it continues a successful GT2 series run.

On the outside Porsche made significant changes to the bodywork to ensure the GT3 RSR is more aerodynamic and has more even downforce front and rear. The changes include new air outlet slots to allow for an optional air-conditioning system and more adjustment on the rear wing to modify the handling for the conditions. Also improved is a “weight optimised” brake system and the installation of lighter wiring harness compared to the previous model.

Underneath the hood are more improvements, with the legendary six-cylinder Porsche boxer engine getting a capacity upgrade from 3.8 to 4.0L. Due to a reduction in the size of air restrictors for the 2009 season, the new RSR produces 450hp (compared to 465hp for last year’s model) and a maximum torque of 430Nm. Despite the lower horsepower figures, Porsche claims the 2009 model is easier to drive because the engine produces a higher output at lower rev levels throughout the range and a better torque curve.

Inside the racing cockpit is a new display that tells drivers when the best time is to change gears. Although Porsche did not go in to specifics about this, it looks similar to the system used in the Ferrari F430 and 599GTB supercars. As you can see from this gallery picture, the interior is completely stripped bare compared to a standard 911 and comes with the usual assortment of race-specific buttons.

The cost for a racing 911 is mind-boggling when compared to a standard 911. The RSR, for example, costs €380,000, which is around US$500,000 at today’s exchange rates, well above the price of a 911 GT2 at $200,000.

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Wallpaper

New Car 2010 Jaguar XFR

Manufacturer Technical Specifications

General
Country Of Origin		England
Year Of Introduction		2010
Base Price When New		£59,900
Miles Per Gallon		N.A
Body Type		Coupe
Curb Weight		N.A
Powertrain Layout		N.A
Transmission		N.A
Engine
Configuration		AJ-V8 Gen III Supercharged
Displacement		5.0 liters
Power		510 bhp
Torque		461 lb-ft. (625 Nm)
BHP / Liter		N.A
BHP / Weight		N.A
Redline		N.A
Performance
Top Speed		155 mph
0 - 62 mph		4.7 seconds
0 - 100 mph		N.A
0 - 250 mile		N.A
Front Brakes		N.A
Front Brake Size		N.A
Rear Brake Size		N.A

JAGUAR REVEALS NEW XKR AND XFR AT DETROIT AUTO SHOW 2009

Jaguar has revealed the new XKR and XFR at the Detroit Auto Show 2009 – two cars that are true to the heritage of Jaguar's legendary performance, delivering a superb balance of high performance, dynamic ability and refinement.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars said: "We've started 2009 with the introduction of advanced new generation petrol and diesel engines that set new benchmarks in terms of performance, economy and efficiency, including a new diesel for the XF that offers a marked improvement in CO2 and fuel economy. Our cars meet the challenges of the modern world and the needs of today's consumers – and they're also true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful fast cars."

XF and XFR 2010 MY

The XF has already secured 'Car of the Year' awards from two major UK automotive magazines and more than 30 other commendations worldwide, so the new XFR, a new high performance diesel and a host of changes for the 2010 Model Year, including the launch of the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, will make the XF an even more attractive proposition.

Featuring all-new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engines and new AJ-V6D Gen III diesel engines, the XF now delivers more power and more performance with comparable or better fuel economy and emissions than the engines they supersede.

The XFR is powered by the all-new supercharged 510PS (510bhp SAE) V8 with acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds making it the ultimate Jaguar sport saloon. A naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, producing 385PS, powers other V8 XF models.

Distinguished by unique exterior and interior design features, the XFR includes revised bumpers and lower front air intakes, sill extensions, bonnet louvres and grilles, four tailpipes, a boot-lid spoiler, unique seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The new XF 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel features a twin sequential turbocharged engine available as the 275PS/600Nm S or a 240PS/500Nm version. Both offer exceptional efficiency and refinement and in the case of the Diesel S accelerates from 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds.

With 275PS, the new XF 3.0-litre diesel S is 33 percent more powerful than the acclaimed 2.7-litre TDV6 it replaces. Torque peaks at a substantial 600Nm, with 61 percent more torque available from 1500rpm.

Every new engine for the XF range has highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures. Both diesel versions deliver combined average fuel consumption of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the acclaimed 2.7-litre engine of nearly 12 percent – and a CO2 of 179g/km.

In the UK, pricing of the new XF range starts at £32,900 for the 3.0-litre petrol. The 3.0-litre diesel model is available from £33,900 while the new 3.0-litre Diesel S starts at £36,900. The XFR is priced at £59,900.* These models are available from late March.
XK and XKR 2010 MY

The new generation of XK and XKR coupe and convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency for 2010 Model Year. With interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminium body structure and a wider range of models, plus the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, the new XK and XKR build on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient petrol engines Jaguar has ever produced.

The XKR features a 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 510PS (510bhp, SAE), 625Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The XK features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 385PS (385bhp SAE), 515Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Both models have improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions which meet the forthcoming EU5 emissions legislation.
Exterior changes for the XK and XKR include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin, both the XK and XKR feature the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector™ that was first seen on the XF to further enhance the XK's luxury sporting character.

There are now three models in the range: XK, XK Portfolio and XKR. The XK is priced from £59,900 for the coupe and £65,900 for the convertible and the XKR starts from £72,400 for the coupe and £78,400 for the convertible.** These models are available from late March.

For further information on all models, please visit www.media.jaguar.com or www.jaguarperformance.com.

2010 Jaguar XFR Wallpaper Gallery