Holden VE II Commodore Calais V

Holden VE II Commodore Calais V

 Holden VE II Commodore Calais V

VE and WM Series II marks the latest versions of Australia's most popular sedans, wagons, utilities and luxury long-wheelbase vehicles. The new range has seen Holden finesse the formula that has made Commodore the nation's top selling car for 14 years straight by introducing smart multimedia technology, improved fuel economy, and the capacity to run on environmentally friendly bio-ethanol.

VE Series II brings more multimedia features to Commodore than ever before through an allnew infotainment system that delivers full Bluetooth®, USB and iPod integration across the range.

Known as Holden-iQ, the system is controlled through a clever, user-friendly touch screen mounted in the centre stack - the cornerstone of a refreshed interior design across all models.

Introducing increased plug-and-play music functions and the capacity to rip and store up to 15 CDs on an internal flash drive, the system also delivers advanced satellite navigation features on selected models including live traffic condition alerts to help drivers avoid congestion delays.

Commodore's smart technology extends to the Series II powertrain line-up which delivers further fuel economy improvements on all models.

Holden's frugal 3.0 litre SIDI V6 now achieves economy of 9.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the official ADR81/02 test. The two per cent improvement adds to the 13 per cent fuel economy gain made in September last year when Spark Ignition Direct Injection engine technology was introduced to the Commodore range.

The 3.6 litre SIDI V6 used to power premium Commodore models makes average fuel economy gains of more than three per cent by while all luxury and performance models powered by Holden's Gen IV V8 improve on average by more than six per cent.

In a major step towards creating a cleaner Australian fuel landscape, Series II customers will also be able to run their cars on bio-ethanol, known in many markets as E85; a blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.

Bio-ethanol is a renewable fuel that can be made from a range of waste products from the production of wheat and sugar and even household garbage. In Australia today use of the fuel reduces lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent when compared to petrol.

A first for an Australian-made car, Series II models powered by the 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 litre V8 engines will have flex-fuel capability, allowing them to run on Bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between.

Long Wheelbase

For long-wheelbase luxury vehicles, Series II will see Holden offer buyers two well-specified versions of the flagship Caprice model.

The introduction of an updated WM Series II range in September will mark the debut of the Holden Caprice V-Series.

The sports luxury V-Series designation matches that of other premium Holdens and identifies this model as top-of-the-range.

Completing the line-up is the Caprice Series II, which shares the stretched silhouette, 18-inch alloy wheels and strong design character of its counterpart.

With this move, Holden discontinues its long-running Statesman nameplate.

VE and WM Series II Model Line-up and New Features

Omega Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute - New standard features include:

• Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
• Dual-zone electronic climate control
• 3.0-litre SIDI Direct Injection V6 engine (new on Ute)
• 6-speed automatic transmission with active select (new on Ute)
• Flex-fuel capability, allowing the vehicle to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between

Berlina Sedan and Sportwagon - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Dual-zone electronic climate control
3.0-litre SIDI Direct Injection V6 engine (new on Ute)
6-speed automatic transmission with active select (new on Ute)
Flex-fuel capability, allowing the vehicle to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between

Berlina Sedan and Sportwagon - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Virtual CD changer,1 GB flash drive storage
Dual-zone electronic climate control
Flex-fuel capability, allowing the vehicle to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between
New 17-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
New seats with Sportec bolsters and fabric inserts

SV6 and Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Virtual CD changer,1 GB flash drive storage
Dual-zone electronic climate control
New sports front seats
New high-clarity sports instrumentation
New 18-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
New interior colour and trim

SS and Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Virtual CD changer,1 GB flash drive storage
Dual-zone electronic climate control
New high-clarity sports instrumentation
New 18-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
New interior colour and trim
Flex-fuel capability, allowing the vehicle to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between

SS-V Series Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Virtual CD changer, 1 GB flash drive storage
New Interior Trim
New 19-inch alloy wheels (4)
Navigation with Live Traffic
Rear park assist (except Ute)
Rear camera (except Ute)
Flex-fuel capability, allowing the vehicle to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between

Calais Sedan and Sportwagon - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Virtual CD changer, 1 GB flash drive storage
New Interior Trim
New 18-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
Leather appointed seats
Leather wrap gear selector

Calais V-Series Sedan and Sportwagon - New standard features include:

Colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, auxiliary input jack; integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling; Bluetooth® audio streaming
Virtual CD changer,1 GB flash drive storage
Full colour mapping satellite navigation with traffic alerts
Rear camera
New Interior Trim
New 19-inch machined alloy wheels (4)

Caprice (new specification) - Standard features include:

3.6-litre SIDI Direct Injection V6 engine
6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
6 airbags including dual-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger
Side curtain airbags
Colour touch-screen Holden-IQ system with virtual CD changer, 1 GB flash drive storage; single CD player, MP3 compatible; USB input, AUX input jack, integrated iPod support; enhanced Bluetooth® (phone book display, touch-screen dialling); Bluetooth® audio streaming
Full colour mapping satellite navigation with traffic alerts
Rear camera
Front and rear park assist
18-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
Rado gloss trim interior finish, platinum accents
Leather appointed seat trim with leather door trim inserts
Leather wrap multifunction steering wheel;includes satellite navigation control
Leather wrap gear selector
Dual-zone electronic climate control
Projector headlamps
Front fog lamps
Dual exhaust outlets, chrome tips
Front and rear power windows
Cruise control
Rain sensing wipers
8-way electric adjustment of front driver seat and 4-way front passenger seat. Driver's seat with memory for up to 3 settings
11-speaker sound system, including sub-woofers
Chrome finish body side mouldings
LED tail lamps
Tyre pressure monitor
Diversity antenna: FM
8-way electric adjustment of driver's seats:Slide. Cushion tilt. Height. Recline
Front and rear floor mats
Chrome finish interior door handles
Remote control priority key

Caprice V-Series (new specification) - Builds on Caprice with:

6.0-litre Generation IV Alloy V8 engine with
Active Fuel Management (AFM)
Electric tilt and slide sunroof
Rear seat overhead DVD player with dual
LCD screens for two rear passengers
New 19-inch machined alloy wheels (4)
Rear overhead console remote control of audio and DVD functions
Two wireless headsets; multi-mode function
allows headset choice of radio, CD or DVD
DVD plays on Holden-iQ system screen when car is stationary
Premium leather seat trim with leather door trim inserts
Tri zone electronic climate control: driver, front and rear passenger
Bi-Xenon headlamps
Chrome highlight exterior door handles
Electro-chromatic interior rear vision mirror reduces headlamp glare automatically
Bose® premium audio system with
10 speakers, including sub-woofers.
Premium leather seat trim with leather door trim inserts
8-way electric adjustment of front seats: Slide. Cushion tilt. Height. Recline. Lumbar
Heated exterior mirrors with 'puddle' lamps and position memory
Quad exhaust outlets - chrome tips
Full size spare alloy wheel and tyre.

Smart Technology - Holden-iQ

The Holden-iQ system brings music, telephone and satellite navigation features to Series II models in one clear, user-friendly arrangement.

The focus of the system is a fully integrated, 6.5-inch full colour multifunction LCD touch screen mounted in the centre stack of all vehicles across the Series II range.

Featuring rich colour graphics, the display has been benchmarked against high-end multimedia products such as computers, phones and video games, providing a wide range of audio-visual functions.

Music can be played via an iPod®, memory stick, CD or wirelessly transferred from a paired mobile phone. USB devices and iPods plug into dedicated sockets located inside the centre console, and all music file playback from compatible devices is controlled via the touch screen.

Holden-iQ also introduces 'virtual changer' CD storage which replaces the mechanical stacker system from previous models with the capacity to rip and store up to 15 CDs on an internal flash drive. The system supports CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA playback. DVD systems, where fitted, also display on the Holden-iQ touch screen.

New Bluetooth® functionality improves drivers' hands-free mobile phone experience. It synchronies a compatible phone's address book and recent call history then displays the information on the touch screen. Outbound calls can be made via the contact list or a dedicated touch-screen key pad.

The high-feature Holden-iQ navigation system, standard on SS V-Series, Calais V-Series and Caprice models, delivers a high-clarity full colour mapping system, intuitive controls, live traffic alerts, speed advisory and point of interest functions. Voice guidance is integrated into the vehicle's audio system.

It also features a touch screen keyboard to facilitate easy text entry, isometric and 3D map views and on-screen turn-by-turn and audio route guidance.

On those same models (except Ute) the touch screen also features a reversing camera display which is activated whenever reverse gear is selected. A strong safety feature, the colour screen display operates in tandem with audible park assist and works to show any obstacles directly behind the vehicle.

 Improved Fuel Economy and reduced CO2 emissions
Holden engineers and designers working on Series II have instituted a series of modifications to produce an average fuel economy gain for all V6 models of 2.8 per cent and an average fuel economy gain for all V8 models of six per cent - making a combined average of just over four per cent across the VE and WM Series II range.

Modifications included aerodynamic improvements, which lower fuel consumption by reducing the vehicle's drag co-efficient, and mechanical changes. Omega and Berlina models were also fitted with lower rolling resistance tyres.

Aerodynamic improvements include:

• Addition of panels under the vehicle floor to reduce airflow drag (sedan and Sportwagon, excluding Omega)
• Reduced trim height on Omega and Berlina sedan
• Air deflectors fitted to the front of sedan rear wheels (Omega, Berlina Calais)
• Rear decklid re-design to include aero lip detailing (sedans)
• Front undertray modified to reduce drag

Mechanical changes include:

• Fitment of a clutched air conditioning compressor, which does not pump when the air conditioning system is turned off
• Engine idle speed reduction on 3.6L V6 SIDI variants 

Further fuel saving enhancements see the Omega Ute brought into line with the remainder of the Commodore range, benefiting from Holden's economical 3.0-litre SIDI V6 engine matched with the six-speed automatic transmission.

 Flex-Fuel EngineTechnology
In an Australian first, all Series II models powered by Holden's 3.0 Litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 Litre V8 engines will have flex-fuel capability, allowing them to run on bio-ethanol, E10, Unleaded, Premium or any combination in between.

Bio-ethanol is a cleaner-burning energy source comprising ethanol and petrol. Bio-ethanol significantly reduces CO2 emissions and enhances vehicle performance.

In Australia, bio-ethanol is currently produced from waste streams created by the industrial production of wheat and sugar. None of these resources would otherwise be used for food production.

To ensure availability of the fuel for Series II vehicles, Holden has entered an alliance with Australia's leading fuel retailer, Caltex which has committed to selling the fuel under the Bio EFlex brand name.

Caltex will have Bio E-Flex available in 31 service stations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra by the end of October, increasing to 100 metropolitan and regional locations in 2011.

Holden is also investigating the viability of establishing Australia's first second-generation ethanol plant, as part of a consortium including the Victorian Government, Caltex, Veolia, Mitsui and Coskata.

The plant could be capable of turning materials such as household rubbish and building waste into more than 200 million litres of ethanol a year.

Holden's leadership in alternative fuels in Australia is part of GM's global sustainability and energy diversity strategy. In the US, GM is the leading producer of flex-fuel vehicles with more than 3.5 million E85-capable GM cars on the road.

Although fuel consumption of bio-ethanol in Series II models will be higher because ethanol contains less energy than petrol, bio-ethanol's higher octane rating means better vehicle performance. As an illustration, Holden V8 Supercars made the successful switch to E85 in 2009.

For Series Holden engineers have introduced a number hardware changes to the company's 3.0-litre SIDI V6 and 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 engines to make them flex-fuel capable.

Firstly due to lubrication differences using bio-ethanol, base engine hardware has been changed to include hardened intake, exhaust and seat valves.

A new fuel pump unit made of different materials to work with bio-ethanol has also been installed along with a flex-fuel sensor to detect the alcohol level in the fuel line and provide information to the engine control unit (ECU).The detection takes place after every refill and also continuously during driving.

Aside from hardware changes, significant calibration work has also been undertaken to meet Holden's flex-fuel needs.

Styling.

The multi-award-winning VE Commodore made a strong and dramatic design statement, characterised by its classic rear wheel drive proportions and an athletic stance emphasised by striking wheel arches.

For VE Series II, designers briefed to refresh the exterior have executed a series of subtle changes, including new front fascia, grille and headlamp treatments across the range.

Berlina specification and above feature new alloy wheels and the upper decklids of the sedan models are enhanced with integrated aero lip detailing.

On the interior, Holden has continued its trend of creating unique personalities for each model. Mainstream, prestige and sports models all receive new centre stack features, mouldings, decoration and illumination colours.

Interior design work has focused on high standards of perceived quality, and creating a more 'pilot oriented' cabin integrating new features and accessories.

Readily apparent is a higher-mounted, more prominent placement of the Holden-iQ system display screen, controls and air vents.

Interior and exterior design enhancements across the range include:

• Omega
• Entirely new front fascia with a bolder, squarer appearance and new lower outboard inserts
• New larger grille, with a bright chrome detail surround and new hexagonal mesh inner
• Revised headlamp shape with new lens and bright bezel
• Decklid with integrated aero lip detailing
• New IP centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
• New centre console surround
• New full width decorative appliqué
• New HVAC controls
• Berlina - Builds on Omega features with
• New grille with prominent bright chrome crossbar
• New unique fog lamp surrounds
• New 17-inch, ten-spoke machine-faced alloy wheels
• New interior trim with woven fabric seat inserts and Sportec bolsters
• Calais - Builds on Berlina features with
• New front fascia and unique grille with prominent chrome header (attached to engine hood)
• New larger grille has full chrome surround, hexagonal mesh inner
• Lower fascia has full width bright detail
• Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel
• Full length bright chrome moulding on lower doors
• New 18-inch ten-spoke machined alloy wheels
• Calais V-Series - Builds on Calais features with
• New bigger 19-inch twin five spoke machined alloy wheels
• Commodore SV6 and SS
• Exclusive sports front fascia, set apart by a new, larger grille
• Bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake
• Revised headlamp shape with new black bezel detail
• Integrated aero decklid lip detailing complements sports rear spoiler
• New 18-inch twin five-spoke machined alloy wheels
• New SS-style sports front seats for SV6 with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours
• High-mounted circular interior air vents.
• New sports centre stack with 6.5-inch full colour touch screen
• New sports IP decorative appliqué
• New 'white on Razor Grey' instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SV6
• New 'white on red' instrument cluster illumination for improved readability on SS
• Gloss black instrument cluster surround
• Razor grey finish 'wrap-around' linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from IP into the door handle surround and through the console
• Commodore SS V-Series - Builds on SV6 and SS features with
• Revised shape projector headlamps feature new black and bright bezel (same as Calais)
• New twin five-spoke 19-inch machined alloy wheels
• Red finish 'wrap-around' linear treatment on lower IP. Extends from the IP into door handle surround and through the console

The VE Series II colour palette features 12 choices, including four new colours.

New colours are:

• Alto Grey - new mid-toned grey with silver highlights
• Hazard - head turning bright solid yellow
• Mirage Glow - a light, soft and luxurious beige
• Sizzle - bright metallic red

 Carryover colors include:

• Heron - solid white
• Karma - an architectural blue with metallic highlights
• Nitrate - a classic silver metallic
• Phantom - metallic black with silver highlights
• Poison Ivy - a sports green metallic with blue highlights
• Red Hot - highly chromatic solid red
• Voodoo - solid electric sports blue
• Wildfire - metallic sports orange

 Redline Edition
Holden has put more performance polish on its sports luxury V-Series badge with the launch of five stand-out Redline Editions.

The Redline Edition Calais V-Series and SS V-Series sedan, Sportwagon and Ute will take up top positions in Holden's updated VE Series II range, to be launched later this month.

Intended for enthusiast drivers, Redline Edition models offer high-level braking and sports handling capabilities to match their powerful 6.0-litre V8 credentials.

Advanced chassis dynamics come courtesy of specialist Holden engineers, who developed a track-inspired FE3 super sports suspension set-up to complement the extra stopping power of four-piston Brembo high performance front brakes.

The Redline Edition range is further distinguished by exclusive forged and polished 19-inch alloy wheels, matched to low profile tyres.

Holden also raises the bar with the inclusion of full colour mapping satellite navigation and a rear camera as standard equipment in V-Series models, which feature the new multimedia touch screen Holden-iQ system and smart interior treatments.

All Redline Editions are compatible with bio-ethanol, also known as E85, an emission-reducing 'fuel of the future' that already powers V8 Supercars.

Redline Edition features include.

Brembo high-performance brakes - Front brakes feature four-piston, two-piece aluminium front callipers and 355mm rotors, pillar-vented for improved cooling and durability.

Forged alloy wheels - High-strength ten-spoke 19-inch forged alloy wheels are exclusive to V-Series Redline Editions. Ultra high-performance low profile tyres provide outstanding grip and handling in wet and dry conditions.

FE3 Super Sports Performance Suspension - A true driver's car set-up. High-performance tuned dampers and stiffer stabiliser bars provide excellent road connection and control. (SS-V Series Redline Edition sedan and Calais V-Series Redline Edition sedan.)

Chrome window surround (Sedan only)

Inflator kit - A tyre inflator kit is mandatory fitment on the SS-V Series Redline Ute.

Pricing - $2500 on top of standard vehicle RRP.

Holden VE II Commodore Calais V

Reference By http://www.netcarshow.com/

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Holden Cruze (2010)

Holden Cruze (2010)

Holden Cruze (2010)

The all-new Holden Cruze made its Australian debut at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show signalling the company's latest entrant in the competitive small car segment. Holden Cruze is the first of General Motors' new wave of global products and enters Australia's small car segment equipped with striking road presence, advanced interior comfort and high levels of safety features. Powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, Holden Cruze will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said Cruze represented Holden's commitment to the small car market and marked the beginning of a new era for the company. "The small car market is the largest growing segment in the Australian market and this is our response to that change", Reuss said. "Holden Cruze will play a significant role in Holden's future and presents us with a new generation car, a new design and a new way of thinking. It is a world class small car that has the perfect blend of both style and substance, all from the base model to the top of the range".

Drawing on GM best practices from around the world, Holden Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team.

Product line-up

The Holden Cruze line-up will include CD and CDX models, both powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine with the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select. A 2.0 litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine will be available as an option on the CD model and will form part of the Holden EcoLine range. The choice of powertrains ensures fuel efficiency and excellent performance all with the ride and handling ability of a true Holden to ensure it feels as good as it looks.

Exterior styling

With a wide track, long wheelbase and its wheels located at the outer edges of its body, the Holden Cruze sedan's 'four-door coupe' styling delivers the presence of an upscale mid-size sedan. State of the art manufacturing processes ensures gaps are minimised and margins in the exterior design deliver high levels of quality, fit and finish. Holden Cruze has been designed to appeal to drivers who value sophisticated design combined with sporty good looks.

Interior comfort

Inside, Holden Cruze boasts one of the most advanced interiors of any small car on the market offering exceptional quality and functionality, while delivering sportiness and luxurious comfort. Stylish and spacious, the Holden Cruze interior offers exceptional fit and finish and comfort with contoured sport seats and a dual cockpit design which houses an advanced integrated centre panel with graphic information display and CD with MP3 "plug and play" functionality. An integrated centre stack houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls resulting in a fresh and contemporary look. With generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room this small car comfortably sits five adults, and when combined with one of the largest range of standard features from the base model customers do not need to compromise on large car features. Storage, functionality and convenience applications found on the new Holden Cruze are plentiful with 60/40 split rear seats, seatback pockets, a centre console CD storage, a shopping bag hook and six cup holders.

Safety

Safety was an overriding objective in the development of Holden Cruze. Significant advancements in structural strength and a full offering of active and passive safety systems should combine to make the all-new Holden Cruze among the safest in its class. The Holden Cruze's stiff structure helps to minimise noise and vibration as well as assuring a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

With an impressive level of standard safety features across the range including:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control (TC)
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Six airbags including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags
Seatbelt retractor and lap pretensioners with seatbelt load limiters
Sixty-five percent of the structure is high-strength steel

 Holden Cruze CD Feature Highlights:
1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine
5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
16 inch steel wheels
Body coloured door handles and mirrors
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control (TC)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
6 airbags including:
Front airbags for driver and front passenger
Front side impact airbags
Side curtain airbags
Automatic headlamps
6 speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 "plug & play" functionality with graphic information display
Air conditioning
Steering wheel audio controls
Cruise control
Trip computer
Power windows, front and rear

 Holden Cruze CDX - includes all CD specific feature highlights, plus:
1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine
5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select
17 inch alloy wheels (4)
Front fog lamps
Leather steering wheel
Leather appointed seats
Heated front seats
Rear park assist

Reference By http://www.netcarshow.com/

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2009 Lotus Elise.

2009 Lotus Elise.

 2009 Lotus Elise.

Lotus Cars EliseLotus Type 49 (1999) Parts 2Picture Of Lotus Cars EliseLotus Cars EliseLotus Type 49 (1999) Parts 2Lotus Type 49ConceptAfter a difficult first year for Lotus in the 3 litre formula, Chapman went back to the drawing board and came up with a design that was both back to basics, and a leap ahead. Taking inspiration from earlier designs, particularly the Lotus 43 and Lotus 38 Indycar, the 49 was the first F1 car to be powered by the now-famous Ford Cosworth DFV engine after Chapman convinced Ford to build an F1 powerplant.The 49 was an advanced design in Formula 1 because of its chassis configuration. The specially-designed engine...

Used Lotus Cars Elise models Lotus Type 49 (1999) Parts 1Picture Of Lotus Cars Elise Lotus Cars Elise 49Lotus Elise Cars Parts 1Unveiled at the 1999 London Motorshow at Earls Court, this special edition Elise is painted in the same red, gold and white colour scheme as the Lotus Type 49 Formula One racing car. Also available with a yellow, white and gold colour combination. It was available with the standard 1.8 or the VVC engine.The Lotus 49 was a Formula One racing car designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe for the 1967 F1 season. It was designed around the Cosworth DFV engine that would power most of the Formula One grid through the...

 Used Lotus Elise Cars models Lotus Heritage / Type 79 (JPS) (1999) Parts 1Picture Of Lotus Elise Cars Lotus Elise Cars HeritageLotus Elise Cars Parts 1A limited series of 100 Elise's in black with gold rims and grills LHD. The interior has a yellow / gold suede effect seat panel and yellow / gold dash. These were a special race at the request of the Italian distribution network, and although in JPS colors (yellow gold instead of the original), as "heritage" of Lotus branded not own the rights to the JPS. A limited edition of 50 units in the form of law, and were sold as a type of 79th These engines were available with standard or VVC.History...

A History Of Lotus Eile Cars And Model Guide Part 6Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsLotus Series 1 50th Anniversary Edition (1998) This is a special edition car based on the standard model. It was launched in late 1998 and only 50 were produced. It was available in one colour only, a metallic green with two tone green/beige leather seats & gold whee...

The History Of The Lotus Classic Cars Before is A Lotus Elise Cars The End PartPicture Of Lotus Elise CarsMichael Kimberley took over as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its Group from May 2006. He currently chairs the Executive Committee of Lotus Group International Limited ("LGIL") established in February 2006, with Syed Zainal Abidin (Managing Director of Proton Holdings Berhad) and Badrul Feisal (non-executive director of Proton Holdings Berhad). LGIL is the holding company of Lotus Group Plc.Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsKimberley retired as CEO on 17 July 2009 and was replaced as CEO by Dany T Bahar on 1 October 2009. Bahar...

The History Of The Lotus Classic Cars Before is A Lotus Elise Cars The End PartPicture Of Lotus Elise CarsMichael Kimberley took over as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its Group from May 2006. He currently chairs the Executive Committee of Lotus Group International Limited ("LGIL") established in February 2006, with Syed Zainal Abidin (Managing Director of Proton Holdings Berhad) and Badrul Feisal (non-executive director of Proton Holdings Berhad). LGIL is the holding company of Lotus Group Plc.Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsKimberley retired as CEO on 17 July 2009 and was replaced as CEO by Dany T Bahar on 1 October 2009. Bahar...

A History Of Lotus Eile Cars And Model Guide Part 1Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsThe Lotus Elise Cars is a two seat, rear-wheel drive, mid-engined roadster conceived in early 1994 and released in September 1996 by the English manufacturer Lotus Cars. The car has a hand-finished fibreglass body shell atop its bonded extruded aluminium chassis that provides a rigid platform for the suspension, while keeping weight and production costs to a minimum. The roadster is capable of speeds up to 240 km/h (150 mph). The Elise was named after Elisa, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli who was chairman of Lotus at the time of the car's laun...

A History Of Lotus Eile Cars And Model Guide Part 5Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsLotus Series 1 Elise Sport 135 (1998)The Sport 135 was first launched as a limited run of 50 in November 1998, VIN: X 5401 - 5450. It has some improvements to increase the power to 135bhp (although it seems 145bhp is not unusual). Other additions include close-ratio gearbox, sports exhaust, drilled brake discs (cast iron), blue tinted metallic silver paint (Quicksilver), dark blue hood, corbeau sport seats, silver roll over bar, racing steering wheel, headlamp covers, driving lights, and unique Sport 135 body graphics. The catalytic converter is replaced by a through...

A History Of Lotus Eile Cars And Model Guide Part 2Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsLotus Series 1 Elise In accord with founder Colin Chapman's saying "Simplify, then add lightness," Lotus cars are built lightweight to achieve great performance. In its production form, the 1996 Lotus Elise weighed 725 kg (1,600 lb).Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsThe Series 1 Elise was able to accelerate 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds despite its relatively low power output of 118 bhp (88 kW; 120 PS). Braking, cornering, and fuel consumption are also improved by the car's reduced weight.Picture Of Lotus Elise CarsSeries 1 was designed by Julian Thomson, then head of...

Reference By http://www.papularcars.co.cc/

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to automobiles, money is usually the limiting factor. Endowed with unlimited dough, who wouldn't drive their dream car?

For those inclined toward luxury, the full-size Mercedes-Benz S-Class coddles its drivers with massive comfort and technology that compensates for nearly every common human frailty exhibited behind the wheel. The S-Class, however, remains beyond the means of most drivers.

Developed to make three-pointed quality, safety and luxury more attainable, the W 201 sedan was introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1982. Known as the 190, this compact sedan stands as the direct forerunner of the C-Class. Some 8.5 million sales stand as M-B's commercial proof of concept over four generations. And the way things are going, those sales are set to continue..

The 2012 C-Class is not an all-new car, but instead a revised 204 series (introduced in 2007). What's new? For the U.S. market we get refreshed front and rear styling, three more-efficient engines, a new gearbox, a revised interior and driving aids previously only available on M-B's more expensive models, including Lane Keeping Assist, Brake Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Parktronic. And yes, this means no diesels for us. No manual gearboxes, either, but that's not so surprising.

All the engines reside under a new aluminum hood and behind a facelifted nose featuring new headlights. Around back, new LED taillamps complete the visual modernization.

Powertrain details begin with the fact that our three new engines all run direct fuel injection. The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, and is available in the rear-wheel-drive C250. Those wanting all-wheel drive get the 3.0-liter V6 making 228 hp and 221 lb.ft. in the C300 4Matic, while the top-of-the-line rear-drive powertrain is the 3.5-liter V6 making 302 hp and 273 lb-ft, an increase of 34 ponies over 2011's C350.

All engines run through the company's seven-speed 7G-Tronic transmission. The combination of direct injection, an extra cog in the gearbox and a small overall weight savings help boost fuel economy by up to 15 percent. The gains are bigger in other markets, where an engine stop/start system is also standard. That feature will be coming to the U.S. when fuel economy pressures justify the additional complexity and cost of the system. Mercedes hasn't released final EPA figures, but offered preliminary combined numbers (by engine) of 24 mpg, 20 mpg, and 21 mpg, respectively.

Like overall efficiency, dynamic performance is also improved. Daimler says to expect a 5.9-second 0-60 mph dash for the 3.5-liter and 7.1 seconds for the other two powertrains.

 As luck of the press-fleet draw would have it, our ride on the twisty roads of Tenerife (the largest of Spain's Canary Islands) was a rear-wheel-drive C350 equipped with the Elegance package. The Stateside equivalent would be called the Luxury model. Significant differences separate this model from the Sport: a four-spoke steering wheel, either rich brown ash or burr walnut and wide S-Class-style headrests with side bolsters (great for resting passengers).

While Sport C-Class models (known as Avantgarde editions in the EU) possess a sportier countenance with a CLS-style grill, AMG-style three-spoke steering wheel and gloss black ash, our C seemed to be the execution that most entry-level luxury buyers are looking for. There's something proper about looking out over the Three-Pointed Star standing proud over the chrome radiator surround. Ditto for the inside's rich wood appliqués and soft Nappa leather.

Our unit had the optional Audio 20 system with integrated navigation and a high-resolution (800x400 pixel) seven-inch screen. Like so many other vehicles, the C's new system is Internet-capable using Bluetooth tethered to a data-capable smartphone. Compared to the operation of the 2012 Audi-A6 (with the optional fully-integrated, built-in data link), the new M-B system felt clunky. During a demonstration on the island, acquiring Web access and doing anything productive took too many clicks and rotations of the COMAND controller. Given Audi's introduction of a touchpad (A6, A7 and A8), this aspect of the revised C-Class seems behind the curve. Good thing this is another one of those non-U.S. features for now, so Mercedes has time to get it right before it makes the trek across the Atlantic.

Volcanic activity raised Tenerife out of the water off the Northwest coast of Africa. It's simultaneously a beautiful vacation spot for Europeans and an excellent place to drive a new Benz briskly.

The C350 drives solidly, in the manner of a small big car. There's no suspension chop or harshness. The new C has slightly revised suspension geometry and a brace of new bushings. The basic steel-spring setup (struts in front and an independent multi-link design in back) carries over. Dampers on all models automatically adjust between two ride settings and there are three available suspensions calibrations: Luxury, Sport and AMG. Our tester's softest suspension didn't offer any driver-controlled adjustability and its range isn't as broad as the higher-performance versions.

Our C350 also included a Sport/Comfort switch that modified the seven-speed's shift schedule. As you'd expect, the transmission moved up shift points and held gears longer. The hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering also heavied up in Sport mode and delivered more feel, but don't expect the tactile sensations of a sports car.

Even in Sport mode, this is a sporty sedan, not a sport sedan – more of a baby S-Class, not an Infiniti G.Cornering is clean and predictable; there's no toss-and-set, just a smooth roll-and-stick. Pushed hard, however, and there's a little understeer. Push harder and M-B's electronic stability control works to prevent oversteer (expectedly) and understeer (unexpectedly). Yup, in some situations, the ESP actually induces additional yaw. The ESP makes the new C-Class feel totally locked down, yet it further robs the car of the playfulness you feel behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series.

The V6 is quiet at light throttle, but wakes up with some pedal. It sounds good at lower revs where most C-Class driver will spend their time. On the far side of the tach, the engine's note isn't particularly sonorous. It's not raspy or thrashy, just not very nice.

Showing that no place on Earth is perfect, our drive was rudely interrupted by a jackknifed semi. An alternative route gave us some miles of easy cruising, and in this more typical driving environment, the C350 drove easily and quietly. There was little road noise, but we were surprised by some decidedly un-Mercedes-like wind noise around the A-pillars. Exceptionally strong crosswinds coming in off the Atlantic may have been to blame, and such breezes are tough to develop for. More time behind the wheel will reveal whether wind noise is properly managed.

After a few more hours behind the wheel, the C-Class continued to feel like a small S-Class. What does the C give up aside from room, stature, status and the feeling like you're gliding over the Earth? Drivers who haven't piloted a modern S-Class won't miss much. However, we noticed details such as the feel of the COMAND knob. The S's is larger and feels as if it's milled from billet aluminum. Additionally, the flagship has a tiny volume control next to the bigger puck, and the feel and utility are far superior. Details like this cost something and are not usually found in this price segment.

While the 2012 C-Class is already on sale in Europe, we'll get the new sedan, coupe, AMG sedan, and AMG coupe this Fall. (According to Mercedes-Benz, America's reluctance to accept station wagons means we won't be getting the C-Class Touring models. For shame.) Pricing hasn't been announced for the States, but given global competitiveness, expect Monroney labels to closely overlay the current C-Class range.

As fuel prices rise and forced fiscal conservatism continues to impact buying decisions, Mercedes executives couldn't have hoped for a better environment to launch the best Baby Benz ever, and for buyers unable to pony up for an S, the C-Class easily fits the entry-level luxury bill.

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