Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover vehicle (CUV) built by the German automaker Auto 5000, based on the PQ35 platform of the Volkswagen Golf. Production started in the winter of 2007 in Wolfsburg, Germany, and started selling shortly after. All Tiguans are four-cylinder powered. The Volkswagen Tiguan was announced at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show held in November 2006 as a concept vehicle. The production Tiguan was released at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and debuted as a 2008 model for Europe and elsewhere and in North America as a 2009 model. Sales of the Tiguan in Canada began in April 2008. As of 2011, more than 700,000 Tiguans have been sold worldwide since September 2007. The Tiguan's largest markets (in order by sales) are Europe, Russia, the United States, China, Brazil, and Australia. The Tiguan is available in two bodystyles and three specification levels, they are: Tiguan Trend & Fun, Tiguan Sport & Style, and Tiguan Track & Field. The Trend & Fun and Sport & Style both have maximum approach angles of 18 degrees, while the Track Field has a 28-degree maximum approach angle. In The Netherlands another version is delivered namely the Comfort & Design. This is basically a Trend & Fun to which some accessories have been added. This version was created by the Dutch distributor for the Dutch market. In the UK, trim levels are S, Match, Sport and Escape. Tiguan was tested by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and received a five-star safety rating.
The Trend & Fun specification is the entry level road oriented Tiguan. Features it includes are six airbags, ESP, Trailer Stability Program integrated with the ESP, Isofix child seat anchorages on the rear bench and electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, RCD 210 radio with integrated CD player, “Climatic” semi-automatic climate control system, four electric window lifts, electrically-adjustable and heated outside mirrors, Multifunctional Display Plus (trip computer), RF remote control of central locking and various storage compartments and bins. In addition over the Trend & Fun the Sport & Style has these features, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rail, chrome strips on front bumper and surrounding side window lining, tinted windows, sport seats with height-adjustable lumbar supports center console with folding and height-adjustable armrest, folding front passenger seat, drawers under the front seats, folding table and storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, leather for steering wheel, gear shift knob and gear shift boot, fabric seats with Alcantara accents, cruise control system and tire pressure indicator.The off-road oriented Tiguan features a redesigned front module with a 28-degree approach angle, hill descent assistant, modified driving pedal characteristic, EDS adaptation (electronic differential locks are activated at the slightest slip), ABS adaptation (which aids with braking on loose substrates), hill ascent assistance, automatic transmission gear level pre-selection (including optimal engine braking effect), 16-inch “San Diego” alloy wheels, tire pressure indicator, black roof rails, engine underbody protection, compass display and special door impact guard strips. The Tiguan Track & Field is also equipped with “Comfort seats” which feature adjustable lumbar support. This makes the vehicle particularly nimble, considering its 202" overall length.
As part of a marketing strategy by Volkswagen the name was chosen by the public through the Auto Bild group with over 350,000 voters through Auto Bild's magazines and Web sites. The other possible names were Namib, Rockton, Liger, Samun and Nanuk. Tiguan is a combination of the German words Tiger (“tiger”) and Leguan (“iguana”). At the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, China, Volkswagen showed the Tiguan HY MOTION study powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell produces an output power of 80 kW and the electric motor has 100 kW. These figures give the Tiguan HY.MOTION a top speed of 150 km/h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 14 seconds. The lithium-ion battery has a charge capacity of 6.8 ampere-hours and is an auxiliary energy storage system. Power output from the lithium-ion battery is 22 kW. Battery charge is recovered from braking energy or the hydrogen fuel cell. The 2010 model year was the beginning of the Tiguan R availability in the European markets. The import version of Tiguan appears on the Chinese market in 2009, but soon a locally built version (aka Shanghai-Volkswagen Tiguan) was revealed at 2009 Guangzhou Motor Show. The Chinese-built Tiguan uses 1.8TSI (118 kW) and 2.0TSI (147 kW), and has a revised front facia. At the same time the import Tiguan is still sold in China, which has 2.0TDI and R-Line kit as highlights. The basic design of the import model is the same as the international one. In order to differ locally-built and import models, Shanghai-VW Tiguan is given a Chinese name, known as 途观 (tuguan), and the import one keeps the original letter name. On July 17, 2010, the GM of Shanghai Volkswagen, plus the company's public relations chief and two other executives of the company, died in a company-owned VW Tiguan in a high-speed traffic accident. According to Chinese media reports, Shanghai VW General Manager Liu Jian and PR chief Zeng Jialin, plus two other executives, were traveling at 220 km/h (140 mph) — far exceeding the expressway maximum of 110 km/h (68 mph) — when the Tiguan hit a truck and burst into flames.
Mercedes Benz is currently testing the soon to be launched 2011 SLK Roadster. The 2011 SLK would soon be brought in to replace the aging 2nd generation R171 SLK which was launched way back in 2004. We had already posted spy pictures of the 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK and no we have renderings of the same. The car would generously take design cues from the now immensely popular Merc SLS. The long swooping bonnet and the stubby rear are typically SLK.
Luxury 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK
Elegant and Exotic 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK
Red 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK
2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Engine Detail
Sporty 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK In Silver Color
2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Dashboard View
2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Interior Concept
Engine: 3.5L V-6 DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder Premium unleaded fuel 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 Roadster Fuel economy: EPA (08):, 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, 21 MPG combined and 388 mi. range Multi-point fuel injection 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 Roadster 18.5-gallon fuel tank Power(SAE): 300 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 265 ft lb of torque @ 4,900 rpm
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Ford Fusion sedan developed by the Ford Motor Company, and launched to the U.S. market in March 2009 as a 2010 model, together with its twin the Mercury Milan Hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant, located in Sonora, Mexico. Ford set a modest sales target of about 25,000 vehicles a year for the Fusion Hybrid and the similar Mercury Milan. In January 2010 the Fusion Hybrid won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg-imp) for city and 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) for highway. When driving on electric-only mode (EV mode) the Fusion can achieve 47 mph and up to 2 miles of continuous EV driving under ideal conditions. A full tank delivers 700 miles (1,126.5 km) in city driving. The hybrid electric version of the Fusion was announced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, along with the public introduction of the original 2006 Fusion. At that time Ford announced that the hybrid version was scheduled to be introduced in early 2009 for the 2010 model year, for a suggested retail price of US$27,270. The new Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Sport officially debuted at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008. The Fusion Hybrid was made available for press testing in December 2008 and launched to the U.S market in March 2009. During the same month two other new hybrid models also came on sale, the Honda Insight and the Mercury Milan. During the few days that were available to the public, Ford's new Fusion and Milan hybrids sold a combined 451 units, representing 3.0% of all Fusion and Milan models sold in March 2009. The Fusion is the first new hybrid vehicle the Ford brand offered in five years, and is the second hybrid vehicle after the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid for Mexican-built hybrid vehicles. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, launched in the U.S. market in September 2010, shares the hybrid powertrain from the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, and delivers an estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg-imp). The MKZ Hybrid offers several improvements of Ford's Smart Gauge with EcoGuide, first introduced in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid.
The Fusion Hybrid is a "full" hybrid because both propulsion sources, an electric motor powered by a Sanyo supplied[12] 275 V nickel-metal hydride battery, and a 2.5L Atkinson cycle I4 gas engine with late intake valve closing (iVCT), have substantial power ratings and either can be used alone to propel the vehicle. When braking or decelerating, the Fusion's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. Ford claims that nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving. Under ideal conditions, Ford claims the Fusion Hybrid can cruise 2 miles (3.2 km) at up to 47 miles per hour (76 km/h) on battery power alone. The Ford Fusion line-up was included in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2010 "Top Safety Pick's" rating for the mid-size category. As of June 2010, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are the only two mid-size hybrid vehicles in the list. Due to the fact that Ford recently modified and strengthened the roof structure of the Flex, Fusion, and MKT vehicles, these 2010 ratings apply only to Lincoln MKZs, Mercury Milan and Fusions built after April 2010. During 2009 the Fusion Hybrid sold in the U.S. market a total of 15,554 units and the Milan Hybrid 1,486 units, as reported by the manufacturers. Although the Fusion Hybrid helped Ford bypass Honda to become the second biggest seller of hybrids in the US market in the month of December 2009, for the whole year of 2009, Honda sold more hybrid vehicles (35,691 units) than Ford (33,520 units) and the 2010 Honda Insight also outsold the Fusion Hybrid, with 20,572 units. For the year 2010, U.S. sales of Ford Fusion Hybrid reached of 20,816 units, helping the model to become the third best selling hybrid in 2010 after the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. The Milan Hybrid sold 1,416 units in 2010 and its production was discontinued as part of Ford's decision to phase out the entire Mercury brand. Purchases from the Obama administration accounted for almost a third of the Ford Fusion Hybrids produced between 2009 and late 2010. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the fuel economy for the 2010 Fusion Hybrid at 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg-imp) city, 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) highway. The following table compares fuel economy, carbon footprint, and petroleum consumption between the hybrid version and other drive-trains of the Fusion family as estimated by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Ford Fusion Hybrid EPA's fuel economy rating is better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid (32 miles per gallon city, 33 highway), the Nissan Altima Hybrid (35 miles per gallon city, 33 highway), and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (26 miles per gallon city, 34 highway), considered its main competitors in the mid-size sedan segment.In 2009, Edmunds tested a Fusion Hybrid over two days of mixed city and highway driving against other hybrids or fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and the MINI Cooper with manual transmission.
The Fusion Hybrid comes with a SmartGauge with EcoGuide which features two 4.3-inch high-resolution, full-color LCD screens on either side of the vehicle’s analog speedometer. The objective of these panel display is to coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid by keeping track of their eco driving improvements. These screens can be configured to show different levels of driver information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant fuel economy. When set in tutorial mode, the instrument panel in the right side “grows” leaves and vines on-screen to reward fuel-efficient driving. The more leaves and vines that appear, the more efficient the driving behavior is and the more fuel is being saved. Long-term fuel efficiency can be also be displayed as a traditional chart. The left side display shows when the car is in pure-electric mode, and shows the state of battery charge. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, launched in September 2010, offers an improvement of Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide introduced with the 2010 Fusion and Milan hybrids. The Brazilian version of the Fusion Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 São Paulo International Auto Show. Sales will begin in November 2010 at a price of R$133.900 (~ US$78.500), and Fusion Hybrid will become the first full hybrid car sold in Brazil. Imported from Mexico, the Fusion Hybrid engine performance and fuel system durability has been tested with the Brazilian mandatory E20 to E25 ethanol blends.A complete redesign of the Ford Fusion line-up is schedule for model years 2013. The Fusion Hybrid is expected to use a new compact lithium-ion battery pack and an updated powertrain, shared by the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, that is expected to deliver a higher fuel economy of up to 47 to 48 mpg-US (5.0 to 4.9 L/100 km; 56 to 58 mpg-imp) highway. The next generation Ford Fusion Hybrid is expected to be launched by early 2012, and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid by mid-2012.
The Juke was designed at Nissan Design Europe in London and refined at Nissan's Design Centre in Japan. It is based on the Nissan B platform. The car's profile is dominated by the prominent wheel arches and the body's high waistline, which combine to give an impression of strength and which contrast with the slim side windows. Echoing a style first seen on the Maxima, Nissan's high performance electric coupé concept shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the glasshouse resembles a crash helmet visor. A coupé-like appearance is achieved by the rear door handles being located near the C-pillars, within the window frame. The sport motif continues inside with the red- or grey-painted centre console bearing similarity to a motorcycle fuel tank. The front end features a stacked array of lights. Running lamps and indicators are mounted atop the front wings, their lenses visible from inside the cabin as an aid to manoeuvring. Below them, under the lower edges of an expansive, curved grille, the main headlamps are intended to be reminiscent of those fitted to rally cars during the 1960s and 1970s. Where fitted, fog lamps are situated on a third level within the sump guard at the bottom. Common to all but base models is Nissan's Integrated Control System, dubbed I-CON: a command module that sits in the lower dashboard, which manages both the climate control and the vehicle's drive mode (Normal, Sport or Eco). Its display and nomenclature change according to the function selected.
The Fiat Bravo and Fiat Brava are small family cars produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1995 to 2001. The name was revived for 2007 with an all-new replacement for the Stilo; the new version will use only the Bravo name and is not available with three doors. The earlier Brava/Bravo models were effectively two versions of the same car, the Bravo a three-door hatchback and the Brava a longer five-door hatchback. The name Brava was used in the United States on the earlier Fiat 131.
Elegant Fiat Bravo In Red
Luxury White Fiat Bravo Likes Diamond
Fiat Bravo Impressive Interior
Fiat Bravo In The Road
Black Fiat Bravo
Fiat Bravo Seats View
Fiat Bravo Show Up
The Bravo and Brava Mark 1 were replacements for Fiat's successful but ageing Tipo model. The cars came with all new engines, the base model using a 1.4 L 12-valve engine producing 80 PS (59 kW). Three other petrol engines were available: the 103 PS (76 kW) 1.6 L 16-valve; the 113 PS (83 kW) 1.8 L 16-valve engine and the top of the range 2.0 L 20-valve R5 unit used in the HGT model, which produced 147 PS (108 kW) and which could take the car to a maximum speed of 213 km/h (132 mph), later in 1999 the HGT 155 model replaced the older model, power rising to 155 PS (114 kW). Two turbodiesel engines were also available: both were 1.9 L four cylinder units, one producing 75 PS (55 kW) and the other making 100 PS (74 kW). Bravo/Brava was voted European Car of the Year on its launch. In 1996 the Bravo/Brava chassis spawned saloon and estate versions, badged Fiat Marea, a car which was aimed at Ford Mondeo and Opel/Vauxhall Vectra buyers which won praise for its large boot. Another car based on the Bravo/Brava underpinnings was launched in 1998: the curious looking Fiat Multipla, a six-seater compact MPV. The Bravo/Brava received a mild makeover in 1999 but there were few real changes except the replacement of the 1.4 12-valve engine with a 1.2 16-valve engine from the smaller Fiat Punto and a restyling of the dashboard. The 1.9 turbodiesel was also phased out in favour of 1.9 JTD diesel units (now with and 105 PS (77 kW)), to give even better economy and refinement. By 2001, however, the Bravo/Brava range was looking increasingly dated in the face of new competition like the Ford Focus and Peugeot 307. The Bravo/Brava was discontinued in late 2001, and replaced by the all-new Fiat Stilo, which would be ultimately a sales flop in most countries.
The SEAT León (Spanish pronunciation: [leˈon]) is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer, and Volkswagen Group subsidiary SEAT, S.A. since October 1998. Both León generations are, or have been built upon two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and they also share many other components with the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi TT, Audi A3 and Škoda Octavia. The initial SEAT León (Volkswagen Group Typ 1M), launched in 1999, was the hatchback version of the SEAT Toledo. It was based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform and, as such, shared many components in common with other VW Group models such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Bora and Audi A3. As SEAT's first C-segment model as part of the VW Group, the León Mk1 was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the Golf. To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle had slightly more aggressive looks. The more expensive versions were equipped with powerful internal combustion engines, along with firmer suspension to improve handling. In the interior, the dashboard was derived from that of the first-generation Audi A3. Available engines were the 1.4 litre 16 valve petrol engine which produced a 55 kilowatts (75 PS; 74 bhp), a 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine 74 kilowatts (101 PS; 99 bhp) (quickly replaced with a 16 valve 77 kilowatts (105 PS; 103 bhp) unit), and included two variants of the Volkswagen Group's 20 valve turbocharged 1.8 litre powerplant, (with some countries also getting the 2.8 litre VR6 engine delivering 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp). The original "León Cupra" (which later became known as the "Cupra T") had a 1.8 litre Turbo with 132 kilowatts (179 PS; 177 bhp), and the "León Cupra R" 154 kilowatts (209 PS; 207 bhp), later becoming 165 kilowatts (224 PS; 221 bhp). In some countries, there was also a "Cupra 4", equipped with a 2.8 litre VR6 delivering 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp) equipped with four-wheel drive, based on the same Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch as the Volkswagen Golf 4motio. A range of Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines was available, including a 110 kilowatts (150 PS; 148 bhp) version of Volkswagen Group's 1.9 TDI engine, originally sold as a "Cupra 4 TDI", with 4WD, that was sold for one year only, and only in certain countries, then passed to "Evolution" series, then "Top Sport", and later rebranded as the "FR" (formula Racing). Lesser diesel versions were available with 66 kilowatts (90 PS; 89 bhp), 81 kilowatts (110 PS; 109 bhp) and 96 kilowatts (131 PS; 129 bhp) outputs. All engines over 96 kilowatts (131 PS; 129 bhp) have a standard six-speed manual transmission. Rear suspension was by torsion beam for most variants, whilst high-end models were fitted with a multi-link independent rear suspension. All versions came with disc brakes on all four wheels (the front ventilated, and in some cars the rear too).
Seat Leon Agility
The current León, Typ 1P, was released in 2005, with factory production commencing May 2005. It is based on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, most notably used by the Volkswagen Golf Mk5. It is built in Spain, and has a sharper exterior look with vertically parked windscreen wipers, and the external rear door handles more integrated, in a similar style to that seen on recent Alfa Romeo models. Design was handled by Walter de'Silva, and the car uses the same design style that started with the SEAT Altea. The base model on offer is the new 16 valve 1.2 litre TSI petrol engine with 77 kilowatts (105 PS; 103 bhp). In some markets (e.g. Greece), the Leon is available with a 1.4 litre MPI engine producing 63 kilowatts (86 PS; 84 bhp). The sportier variants begin with the 110 kilowatts (150 PS; 148 bhp) 2.0 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) and the popular 103 kilowatts (140 PS; 138 bhp) 2.0 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine. Both are fitted with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the six-speed or seven-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) available as an option. A 136 kilowatts (185 PS; 182 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TFSI unique to the León was later introduced, but despite a low list price and rapid performance – attracted only minimal attention and average reviews, so this was later discontinued to make way for the sportier FR variants. The first real sporty León within the new range is the León FR with rear twin-exhaust pipes to one side, sport seats and gear stick with FR logo to distinguish it from lesser models, was introduced in June 2006, when it finally received the 147 kilowatts (200 PS; 197 bhp) 2.0 TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GTI, as well as a 125 kilowatts (170 PS; 168 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TDI unit featured in the Golf and Audi A3. Further standard equipment includes climate control air conditioning. Next in the range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra model. It features a 177 kilowatts (241 PS; 237 bhp) engine, and a 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) time of 6.4 seconds. The Cupra comes with standard 18" 5 twin-spoke alloys, red brake calipers, and the standard Cupra oval exhaust, as well as new, unique paint finishes and bolstered sport seats complete with the Cupra logo. Also standard are drilled-aluminium sports pedals. At the top of the range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra R. This uses the same 265 bhp engine found in the Audi S3, Golf and Scirocco R. Capable of 0–62 in 6.2 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. From 2008, the K1 variant of the León Cupra was introduced in the UK, featuring extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler. It also gained a unique chrome-tipped, centrally-mounted, oval exhaust. The K1 is considered to be a limited edition model, as production was only for the year 2008–2009 and it only being available in the UK. In 2009 the SEAT León Cupra was turned into a race car in the ‘SEAT Cupra race’ mobile game for Apple iPhone/iPod touch available through the iTunes' App store.
The first generation SEAT León Cupra R was the basis of a one-make trophy, the SEAT León Supercopa. It operated in Spain, UK, Germany and Turkey from 2003. The car was developed by SEAT Sport and power was raised to 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp). An "International Masters" final, featuring the best four drivers from each national series, was introduced in October 2005, as a support race for the Spanish GT Championship's final round at Montmeló. A TDI-powered version has raced in the ECTS, an Italian-based endurance series for touring cars. During 2005, SEAT introduced the second generation León into the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) to replace the Toledo Cupra which it had raced in the early rounds of the title. The car features several modifications, including a racing engine that develops over 191 kW (260 PS; 256 bhp), a Hewland sequential-shift gearbox (unrelated to the DSG), and an aerodynamic package for increased downforce (with its hatchback shape, the León is disavantaged against conventional three-box saloons). Minimum weight is 1,140 kilograms (2,513.3 lb) with driver. SEAT Sport, in partnership with Oreca, runs six cars in the WTCC. Two other cars are run by SEAT Sport UK (Northern South) based in Northampton, UK in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). A further two cars are run by SEAT Sport Italia in the Italia Superturismo Championship. In 2006, the Supercopa León was replaced by the new shape León. The car is potentially faster than the WTCC version, as it features a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, with over 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp), increased torque, the DSG gearbox, better aerodynamics (it includes the WTCC car's front and rear spoilers, plus a venturi tunnel under the car, instead of a flat bottom), and 18 inch wheels, instead of the mandatory 17 inch wheels from the WTCC. For 2007, the SEAT Cupra Championship in the UK (part of the TOCA Package) will run both 'New León' Cupra Race cars with 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp), as well as the Mk1 León Cupra R race car with 184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp). The SEAT León Eurocup began in 2008 as a support series for the World Touring Car Championship. In 2008, Yvan Muller won the FIA World Touring Car Championship for Drivers at the wheel of a León TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title. In 2009, Gabriele Tarquini became the Drivers' Champion with the León TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title for a second consecutive year.
The Hyundai Equus known as the Hyundai Centennial in the Middle East, is a full-size high-end luxury car that serves as the flagship model of Hyundai Motor Company worldwide, named after the Latin word for "horse". The Hyundai Equus is the largest and most expensive sedan in the company's lineup. In 2009, the company released a new version on a rear-wheel drive platform aimed to compete with the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and Lexus LS. In 1999, Hyundai Motors and Mitsubishi Motors presented their full-size sedan. Hyundai said that it was making a full-size sedan to compete with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series in the Korean market. In the reality, nevertheless, it was competing against its domestic competitor SsangYong Chairman. Hyundai had great success with this car in Korea, but very few were exported to foreign countries.
The first generation was designed by Mitsubishi Motors who had their own version called the Proudia. It was jointly manufactured by both companies. The first generation car was introduced in 1999 as a front wheel drive car measuring 5.1 metres (200.8 in) long and 1.9 metres (74.8 in) wide. A long-wheelbase limousine model was available exclusively for the Korean domestic market, and at 92,510,000 South Korean won for the 2008 model with a V8 and no options, was the most expensive model in the company's lineup. The first generation Equus extended length limousine was also mechanically related to the Mitsubishi Dignity limousine for the Japanese market. The first generation Equus were sold in South Korea, China, and the Middle East. A very limited number, badged as the Centennial, were made available for some western European markets in the early and mid 2000s. At first, there were two engine types – a 3.5 Sigma V6 and 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine. After a few months, the 3.0 Sigma V6 engine type was added. Two versions were available: a sedan (3.0, 3.5 and 4.5) and limousine (3.5 and 4.5). In Japan, under the name of Mitsubishi Dignity (limousine version) and Mitsubishi Proudia (sedan version), about 2,000 units were sold. Specifically, the 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine was a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) type engine which was designed and developed by Mitsubishi Motors. This engine was optimized with premium unleaded gasoline fuel, but there was little opportunity to get this type of fuel in Korea at that time. So, most of these engines used normal unleaded gasoline fuel, and then had significant performance issues, about which drivers of this engine-type complained. Finally, Hyundai Motors modified this engine from a GDI Type to a MPI (Multi Point Injection) type to solve the issue. In 2003, Hyundai presented their 'New Equus', changing the hood design and some of interior. A 7 inch screen for the rear seat, Xenon headlamps, front parking sensors, etc. were newly offered. Mitsubishi Motors ended the production of Mitsubishi Proudia and Mitsubishi Dignity, unlike Hyundai. From 2005, 3.0 and 3.5 Sigma V6 engine types were changed to 3.3 and 3.8 Lambda V6 engine types which were designed and developed by Hyundai Motors. But the automatic transmission was not changed. Hyundai officially ceased the production of 1st generation Equus in November 2008. A new bigger, rear-wheel drive Equus was launched in March 2009. A limousine model was made for the Korean market. The Equus Limousine have been used by famous company owners in Korea or foreign VIPs.
In March 2009, Hyundai unveiled the new high-end flagship model, codename "VI". The VI is a completely different model from the old Equus. Unlike the old Equus, the VI has a rear-wheel drive architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine. The VI is based on an all-new platform, that has been entirely developed by Hyundai Motor Corporation. Although the car has nothing in common with the previous Equus, the VI takes only the name from old Equus, because the name 'Equus' has prestige in Korea. The Korean domestic market Equus comes as a 3.8L "Prime" and a 4.6L "Prestige" in South Korea. It is the most expensive model in the company's lineup. It became available in South Korea on March 11, 2009. It launched in the People's Republic of China in August 2009. The Hyundai Equus was listed in the '10 exciting cars for 2010' from Forbes. At the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Equus made its North American debut. At the 2010 New York Auto Show the US-Spec version was revealed with the same 4.6L V8 engine as the Genesis except with 10 hp (7 kW) more than the current version. This puts the total engine output at 385 hp (287 kW) with 333 lb·ft (451 N·m). It was also revealed that the Hyundai Equus will be receiving a 5.0L V8 with 429 hp (320 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m). This engine will be an option for the Equus after January 2011. This engine will also be placed in the facelifted 2012 Hyundai Genesis. and possibly the 2nd Generation Hyundai Genesis Coupe The North American Equus features a badge attached on the hood as opposed to the hood ornament, the grille features a horizontal grid pattern like its Genesis sibling as opposed to the vertical one on international models, and an included iPad device with an Equus user's guide application pre-installed as opposed to a traditional owner's manual. On September 2009, Hyundai unveiled the long-wheelbase version Equus limousine. It is 300 mm (11.8 in) longer than the sedan version, increasing comfort for the VIP passenger with Tau engine V8 5.0L, which delivers a peak torque of 368 lb·ft (499 N·m). The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The limousine model has an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille, as well as features such as a power-driven footrest, rear-seat leg support and a massage system. Hyundai has also developed a bulletproof presidential limousine, based on this limousine model, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine. On September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service. Hyundai designed this vehicle with a special alloy, and it has an automatic cooling system in case of fire as well as bulletproof windows.
A targa top version unveiled at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on 15 August 2008, with production beginning in spring 2009. The model has extensive reinforcements to compensate for the lack of standard roof, and small changes to the windshield and running lights. There are two removable tops, the second a temporary roof fashioned after an umbrella. The top speed with the hardtop in place is the same as the standard coupé version, but with the roof down is limited to 369 km/h (229 mph)—and to 130 km/h (81 mph) with the temporary soft roof. The first (chassis 001) was sold at auction, raising approximately US$900,000 for charity.
Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover vehicle (CUV) built by the German automaker Auto 5000, based on the PQ35 platform of the Volkswagen Golf. Production started in the winter of 2007 in Wolfsburg, Germany, and started selling shortly after. All Tiguans are four-cylinder powered. The Volkswagen Tiguan was announced at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show held in November 2006 as a concept vehicle. The production Tiguan was released at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and debuted as a 2008 model for Europe and elsewhere and in North America as a 2009 model. Sales of the Tiguan in Canada began in April 2008. As of 2011, more than 700,000 Tiguans have been sold worldwide since September 2007. The Tiguan's largest markets (in order by sales) are Europe, Russia, the United States, China, Brazil, and Australia. The Tiguan is available in two bodystyles and three specification levels, they are: Tiguan Trend & Fun, Tiguan Sport & Style, and Tiguan Track & Field. The Trend & Fun and Sport & Style both have maximum approach angles of 18 degrees, while the Track Field has a 28-degree maximum approach angle. In The Netherlands another version is delivered namely the Comfort & Design. This is basically a Trend & Fun to which some accessories have been added. This version was created by the Dutch distributor for the Dutch market. In the UK, trim levels are S, Match, Sport and Escape. Tiguan was tested by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and received a five-star safety rating.
The Trend & Fun specification is the entry level road oriented Tiguan. Features it includes are six airbags, ESP, Trailer Stability Program integrated with the ESP, Isofix child seat anchorages on the rear bench and electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, RCD 210 radio with integrated CD player, “Climatic” semi-automatic climate control system, four electric window lifts, electrically-adjustable and heated outside mirrors, Multifunctional Display Plus (trip computer), RF remote control of central locking and various storage compartments and bins. In addition over the Trend & Fun the Sport & Style has these features, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rail, chrome strips on front bumper and surrounding side window lining, tinted windows, sport seats with height-adjustable lumbar supports center console with folding and height-adjustable armrest, folding front passenger seat, drawers under the front seats, folding table and storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, leather for steering wheel, gear shift knob and gear shift boot, fabric seats with Alcantara accents, cruise control system and tire pressure indicator.The off-road oriented Tiguan features a redesigned front module with a 28-degree approach angle, hill descent assistant, modified driving pedal characteristic, EDS adaptation (electronic differential locks are activated at the slightest slip), ABS adaptation (which aids with braking on loose substrates), hill ascent assistance, automatic transmission gear level pre-selection (including optimal engine braking effect), 16-inch “San Diego” alloy wheels, tire pressure indicator, black roof rails, engine underbody protection, compass display and special door impact guard strips. The Tiguan Track & Field is also equipped with “Comfort seats” which feature adjustable lumbar support. This makes the vehicle particularly nimble, considering its 202" overall length.
As part of a marketing strategy by Volkswagen the name was chosen by the public through the Auto Bild group with over 350,000 voters through Auto Bild's magazines and Web sites. The other possible names were Namib, Rockton, Liger, Samun and Nanuk. Tiguan is a combination of the German words Tiger (“tiger”) and Leguan (“iguana”). At the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, China, Volkswagen showed the Tiguan HY MOTION study powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell produces an output power of 80 kW and the electric motor has 100 kW. These figures give the Tiguan HY.MOTION a top speed of 150 km/h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 14 seconds. The lithium-ion battery has a charge capacity of 6.8 ampere-hours and is an auxiliary energy storage system. Power output from the lithium-ion battery is 22 kW. Battery charge is recovered from braking energy or the hydrogen fuel cell. The 2010 model year was the beginning of the Tiguan R availability in the European markets. The import version of Tiguan appears on the Chinese market in 2009, but soon a locally built version (aka Shanghai-Volkswagen Tiguan) was revealed at 2009 Guangzhou Motor Show. The Chinese-built Tiguan uses 1.8TSI (118 kW) and 2.0TSI (147 kW), and has a revised front facia. At the same time the import Tiguan is still sold in China, which has 2.0TDI and R-Line kit as highlights. The basic design of the import model is the same as the international one. In order to differ locally-built and import models, Shanghai-VW Tiguan is given a Chinese name, known as 途观 (tuguan), and the import one keeps the original letter name. On July 17, 2010, the GM of Shanghai Volkswagen, plus the company's public relations chief and two other executives of the company, died in a company-owned VW Tiguan in a high-speed traffic accident. According to Chinese media reports, Shanghai VW General Manager Liu Jian and PR chief Zeng Jialin, plus two other executives, were traveling at 220 km/h (140 mph) — far exceeding the expressway maximum of 110 km/h (68 mph) — when the Tiguan hit a truck and burst into flames.
