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Lexus HS 250h at Detroit Motor Show

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:42:34 +0000

Another hybrid from Toyota-Lexus which will be on sale this summer.

The HS 250h is a mid-size saloon which fits in the Lexus range between the IS-Series and US-market ES. It is a fairly schematic mid-market executive car in its design, but with neat touches and includes a cabin made with carbon-neutral, plant-based bioplastics.
It is to be the most fuel-efficient model in the Lexus line-up; it has the hybrid-drive system as used in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor delivering a total of 187bhp.

The engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, with its changeable valve timing working to allow a longer expansion/power stroke within the cylinders than a density stroke, escalating efficiency.

The car includes electric power steering, exhaust heat recovery for quicker warm-up, infra-red reducing windscreen glass, LED headlamps (optional) all combine to further save energy, and Lexus says that the smoothed-off HS 250h is one of the most aerodynamic saloons of its type.

Fisker Karma S Sunset Show at the Detroit Motor Show of 2009:

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:12:35 +0000

Fisker Automotive has exhibited its Karma S ‘Sunset’ conception, a drop-top interpretation of the Karma plug-in hybrid coupe.

It is a four-seater, and it has the same aluminum space frame structure; its power-operated hard top slips away neatly into the boot.

The Karma power train, which is developed for Fisker by Quantum Technologies, blends a pair of electric motors with a direct-injection, 260bhp 2.0-litre GM Ecotec petrol engine to give a complete power output of 403bhp.

It is capable of 50 miles in electric-only mode, but Fisker has not yet exposed performance figures, its 0-60mph time is expected to be around the six-second mark and its top speed over 120mph.
Prices for the Karma start from $87,900 (£58,600).

Detroit Motor Show prevue: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

admin — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:00:13 +0000

Maserati will be bringing out its new Quattroporte Sport GT S at the Detroit Motor Show next month. This is to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Italian car maker’s first Indianapolis 500 win.

The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is a doped-up version of the Quattroporte S, contributing more power, better managing capabilities as well as a sportier look.
Power is raised from 425bhp to 433bhp and Maserati has also fine-tuned the gearshift software to bear faster changes. Firmer springs that let down the ride height and a sporty exhaust are also let in the updated Quattroporte.

The exterior four-door torero comes in a new black grille with concave vertical fins, novel headlights that has a metallic titanium finish, body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes.

The interior consists of sports seats with perforated Alcantara and leather covering and extra titanium-colored trim.