Blog Auto Review

Bugatti is yet to reveal how many open-top Veyron Grand Sports will be produced and when the first cars will be available. The very first build slot for this new car, to be built in Spring 2009, will be auctioned the day after the concept version is first shown in Pebble Beach.

Saturn introduced the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, a compact five-door crossover vehicle with European and sporty ride and handling. The vehicle was revealed at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show.

The new Vue is the latest Saturn model to showcase the brands new character and intensified focus on driving characteristics. When it becomes available in the second quarter of 2007, it will be the fourth all-new Saturn model since the beginning of 2006 calendar year. The other all-new models are the Sky roadster, Aura sedan and the larger Outlook crossover utility.

Saturn also confirmed that it continue to offer the Green Line hybrid version of the Vue, beginning later in the 2008 model year. When it debuted in the 2007 lineup, the Vue hybrid was the first vehicle to use GMs new affordable hybrid powertrain.

In addition to the hybrid, the new Vue available in XE, XR and Red Line trim levels. These models will offer a wide range of powertrains, including a more powerful four-cylinder engine, and two V-6 choices mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Later in the model year, a five-speed manual transmission will be available. All-wheel drive is available with both V-6 engines.

Ride and handling
At the core of the Vues European driving character is a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure. Ride and handling is augmented by model-specific tuning of spring rates and wheel travel. Front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, along with a double-isolated engine cradle, add to the smooth ride. Hydraulic power-assisted steering on V-6 models, standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, standard traction control and standard GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control provide outstanding vehicle control.

A towing package with hitch and wiring is available on all Vues. A towing stabilization system uses active braking to help control the vehicle in trailering situations. The Vue (except Red Line) can also be towed as an RV "dinghy vehicle" with all four wheels on the ground.

Safety
In addition to the handling features that help drivers avoid crashes, the all-new Vue helps protect occupants with a long list of standard crash protection safety features. Dual-stage front seat air bags, front seat side thorax air bags and head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models.

Complementing the air bags is GMs rollover sensing system, which uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle tip-up on a flat road surface and apply brake force to the outside front and rear wheels to reduce lateral force in the vehicle. It also activates the roof rail air bags if sensors determine an impending rollover. Other standard safety features include front-row dual safety belt pretensioners, disengaging collapsible pedals and active head restraints.

Like all Saturn vehicles, the Vue comes standard with GMs OnStar safety and security system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN), making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who will contact the occupants and summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also provides remote door-unlocking service and can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen.

Exterior
The new Vues exterior exhibits Saturns new European design cues, with a look that is clean, sculpted and distinctively sporty. Tight wheel-to-body relationships, large jeweled headlamps and a sweeping upper profile line contribute to the Vues striking. The tapered roof line is one of the design cues drawn from the PreVue concept shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show.

Another cue inspired by the PreVue concept is the fender accent molding located vertically along the forward front door line. The styling feature is molded in charcoal color and incorporates a side repeater turn signal. Bright accents surrounding the side glass add to the appeal of the vehicles profile. The grille proudly displays Saturns recognizable chrome brand bar with a large Saturn badge.

Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on XE models, while larger 17-inch alloy wheels come with the uplevel Vue XR. XE and XR models are further distinguished from each other with specific fascias, rockers and wheel opening trim. The Red Line model, to be unveiled later, will sport its own performance-inspired design cues.

Interior
Inside, the Vue continues the upscale theme with ined materials and precise fit and finish. Designers used lighter colors to bring a sense of spaciousness to the cabin, and incorporated an array of useful storage solutions.

The interior offers a host of comfort and convenience features, many of which are uncommon in the segment. These include optional eight-way power drivers seat; standard flip-down second-row armrest with storage; standard CD stereo with MP3 capability; standard driver information center in instrument cluster; available automatic climate control system with electronic controls; available navigation system; and an optional enhanced convenience package that includes an automatic rain-sensing wiper system, remote start, universal home remote and heated windshield washer system.

Other cabin highlights:

Powertrain
No other vehicle in the segment will offer as wide a range of engine choices as the 2008 Vue. The XE FWD and Vue Green Line models are equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec with variable valve timing. It produces 164 horsepower (122 kW) at 6,300 rpm and 160 lb.-ft. (221 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. It is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T45, four-speed, electronically controlled transaxle. A five-speed manual will be available on four-cylinder Vue XE models in early 2008.

All-wheel-drive Vue XE models come equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine, delivering 215 horsepower (260 kW) at 5,900 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. (304 Nm) of torque at 2,800 rpm, with a broad torque curve and good low-end torque for quick acceleration.

Vue XR and Vue Red Line, are powered by GMs sophisticated, high-feature 60-degree dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm.

All Vue models equipped with V-6 engines receive the new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmissions, which helps maximize powertrain performance and economy.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS is one of the latest version of 2013 Porsche. This is the second generation of the Cayenne GTS, and Porsche has prepared an impressive array of performance updates to give the model a dynamic edge. This 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS follows the recent debut of the Cayenne Diesel, shown for the first time at the New York Auto Show.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS has 20 additional horsepower and rides on a suspension that has been lowered by 20 mm. The final drive ratio of the 8-speed Tiptronic S gearbox has also been lowered for stronger acceleration. Porsche estimates the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Top speed of the GTS is listed at 162 mph. The exterior of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS borrows the hood and front fascia of the Turbo model, and then adds high-gloss black trim, more aggressive wheel arches and 20-in. RS Spyder wheels. A sport exhaust system with matte black twin tailpipes is also standard. The 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS cabin includes eight-way adjustable sports seats with Alcantara accents and, for the first time in a Cayenne, a Sport Chrono package to monitor the performance of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS. Here in the U.S., look for the 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS to go on sale this August with start price at $83,025.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S is the latest Version of 2012 Jaguar. The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S comes from a 5.0L supercharged V8 making 550-hp with a maximum torque of 502 lb-ft of torque and has a 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph and revised deferral and a latest aerodynamically-driven outlook.

The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S is not merely the quickest Jaguar so far, except also the most agile, responsive and driver-focused. It exploits the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S has a strong, lightweight aluminum body design to maximize both handling and economy. 2012 Jaguar XKR-S has incredible performance; the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S is the only car in its category that emits less than 300g/km CO2.

The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S is the final appearance of Jaguar’s long apprehended duality of reason: GT luxury with barely credible performance. The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S manipulate is still evident in Jaguar’s new range products that propose a superior blend of performance, comfort, cutting-edge technology and award-winning design.

The new Peugeot 301 is a clear illustration of the Marques internationalisation and demonstrates its desire to conquer new markets. It has been specifically designed to appeal to a wide customer base attracted by four-door saloons which are both accessible and present an enhanced level of status. In keeping with Peugeots desire to introduce cars for specific markets, the 301 is not intended for the UK market.

The Peugeot 301, which in time is expected to become one of the Marques best selling vehicles worldwide, is positioned at the heart of its segment. It offers modern styling and features that are caully adapted to fulfil the expectations of the different markets in which it will be sold.

The Peugeot 301 incorporates the latest stylistic codes of the Marque offering a modern design and character which inspires emotion and gives an impression of strength. Furthermore, the design of this new car was guided at every stage by the desire to be the best in class incorporating Peugeots highest quality criteria.

The Peugeot 301 was developed to adapt to all conditions of use, and extremes (hot countries, cold countries, and poor roads). With an overall length of 4.44 metres it sets itself apart with an optimised and generous structure which puts it a step ahead of the competition. So, it will have benchmark characteristics in its segment:

The range of latest generation petrol and diesel engines on the 301 is perfectly suited to the expectations of target markets, with power values ranging from 71 bhp to 115 bhp and manual, piloted or automatic gearboxes:

A symbol of modernity, the 301 theore will become the second car in the Peugeot range, after the 208, to benefit from the new range of 3 cylinder petrol engines (1.2 l VTi) which, due to their advanced technology, combine driving pleasure and reduced fuel consumption.

The Peugeot 301 incorporates modern comfort equipment (electronic air conditioning, MP3 audio system with Bluetooth hands-free kit and USB connection, remote opening of the boot, rear parking assistance, etc), all of which guarantee an excellent level of comfort on board.

A family vehicle that is both safe and reliable with great driving characteristics, these are elements that have already ensured the success of the Marque in many of the countries where the 301 will be sold. Indeed, Peugeot has been manufacturing motor vehicles for more than 100 years and has designed numerous saloons which have earned and continue to earn their place in motor vehicle history (404, 504, 305, 405, 406, 407, 408, and 508).

The new Peugeot 301, manufactured in Vigo (Spain), will have its world premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September. It will then go on sale from 1st November 2012 in Turkey then into Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, The Middle East, Gulf and African States, as well as in certain Latin American markets.