It’s all about diesel models for Volkswagen who not only announced the launch of the Jetta 2.0 TDI racing series (see here) but the German carmaker also showcased a slightly modified version of the 2009 Jetta SportWagen. Powered by a 2.0L Clean Diesel TDI, delivering 140 horsepower and 235 ft.-lbs. of torque, the SEMA Show station is finished in custom paint and graphics.The SportWagen also sits on 19 inch Sportec Wheels and
Hyundai might not be our favorite carmaker when it comes to design, but we have to admit that this Elantra concept doesn't look so bad. The 4door sedan was decked out with original Hyundai aftermarket accessories by the Hyundai's sister parts company, INCUS. The Elantra features concept INCUS parts, including a body kit, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, custom mesh grille, suspension and dual exhaust. Inside the concept is equipped with a two-tone, leather-suede trim that covers the sports seats, the steering wheel and the door panels. -Image gallery after the jump
As promised, 
PRESS RELEASE: October 31, 2007 –
The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
"The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "For 2009, it’s all that, and more. It may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car."
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix’s profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler. A rear deck spoiler will be standard for all XRS models.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility.
Seats have been redesigned to accommodate the vehicle’s new lower profile while maintaining the expected high comfort levels, and seat positions were lowered slightly to maintain appropriate headroom. As a result, cabin space remains equal to that of the previous Matrix.
A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior. XRS models come standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that also includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth® capability when equipped.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table will be available for the front passenger’s seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. A movable and removable cup support element for the front center console helps provide versatile storage area and convenience. The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed.
For rear-seat passengers, expanded front-to-back couple distance helps to provide additional room and comfort. A folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
The Matrix is equipped with a new, high-efficiency air-conditioning system with larger vents for directional accuracy and offers reduced power consumption and improved heating and cooling.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.
A 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine will feature Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine.
For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg.
The Matrix’s base wheel is a 16-inch steel unit with a six-spoke full wheel cover. A distinctive 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel will be available for the S grade, and an 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel with a twin five-spoke design will come standard on the XRS grade.
Dual-stage SRS airbags will be standard for the driver and front passenger. Front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests are also standard.
Brake performance will be improved with standard front and rear disc brakes on all Matrix grades. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC and off switch will be standard on XRS and available as an option on all other models. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle’s braking force at each wheel when the vehicle experiences a loss of traction during cornering.
Form, fun and functionality will be in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on all Matrix models include power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, auxiliary audio input jack, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade features standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
In addition to the array of standard equipment, an impressive list of optional comfort and utility features are available to further enhance the Matrix driving experience. Available options will include an AM/FM/CD with six-speaker system with DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic® capability, alloy wheels, power heated outside rearview mirror, intermittent rear window wiper, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry.
The all-new Matrix will hit
2009 MATRIX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 hp @6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and Four-speed automatic transmissions
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and four and five-speed automatic transmissions
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 173.0 (S and XRS grades)
171.9 (Standard grade and S all-wheel-drive grade)
Overall Width: 69.5
Overall Height: 61.4 (XRS and S all-wheel-drive grades)
61.0 (Standard grade and S)
Wheelbase: 102.4
Ground clearance: 5.3 (S and XRS grades)
5.8 (Standard grade)
Here’s a nice example of what professional tuning can do for a vehicle that in normal form, is no more interesting than a milk carton. Designed in house by Kia Additionally, Kia has fitted the concept with a performance suspension with Eibach springs (lowered 1.4 inches in front and 1.2 inches in the rear) and high-performance cross-drilled and slotted four-wheel disc brakes with front Rotora four-piston aluminum calipers.
Since we’re all about tuning today, one of our readers, “Chris P” from The tuning house will offer the customized Dodge Challenger which they call HXC Cuda, in four available colours (orange, green, purple and red) combined with painted billboards. The standard HXC Cuda will also feature 20-in. black alloy wheels, a shaker hood, coilover suspension, Brembo brakes, revised grill and fender inserts. According to HXC, the basic Cuda with the stock 5.7-litre Hemi V8 will cost under $50,000 (€35,000). -Continued after the jump
Additionally, HXC will offer a serious of upgrades including 20-in. alloy rims, Sparco bucket seats a high-end audio system and a supercharger kit.
Thanks for the tip Chris P!
Press Release - HXC Cuda List / Ordering Information
HXC Performance is now taking names for potential buyers of the 2009 HXC Cuda.
If you are interested in being on the preliminary list for the HXC Cuda, please email your contact information to sales@hxcperformance.com
-Name (First name, Last initial)
-City/State
-Email (contact/updates)
Because of the limited volume of 2008/9 Challengers expected to be built, HXC Performance is taking a new approach to having customers order cars. Like other specialty builders such as Saleen and Roush, the HXC Cuda will still be available for sale in select Dodge Dealerships, but to make it easier for buyers, the HXC Cuda will also be available to order through the HXC Performance Website.
How It Works;
After building and submitting your HXC Cuda online, your Name will be added to the HXC Cuda Build List and your Challenger will be ordered when one of our HXC Authorized Dodge Dealers has a Challenger Allocation available.
By taking this approach to ordering your car, we take out the hassle of dealing with local Dodge Dealers and hunting down a Challenger allocation. We want our customers to be able to order the exact car they want, and do so with the knowledge that their Challenger will be ordered as quickly as possible, and their HXC Cuda will be built to their specs.
The Process;
Once an Order has been submitted on the HXC Performance Website, our list of HXC Authorized Dodge Dealers are notified. Any one of our HXC Dodge Dealers can then "Grab" that order if they have a Challenger allocation available.
After HXC Performance has verified a Challenger is on order with that Dodge Dealership, we then notify the buyer and inform them that their vehicle is in the Dodge order system. The Challenger is then delivered to HXC Performance and your HXC Cuda gets built.
With over 1,500 potential HXC Authorized Dodge Dealers in the
Link: hxcperformance
Albeit less impressive than the Accord Coupe HF-S Concept that we showed you yesterday (click here), the Accord Coupe HFP is a nicely customized vehicle that’s sporty but not flashy. It is equipped with dealer-installed Honda Factory Performance (hence the name “HFP”) components including a sports suspension package, 19-in. alloy wheels in 245/40R-19 rubber and a full aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear). -Details and pics after the jump
Press Release: As a dealer-installed accessory, Honda's in-house HFP products carry the same 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle, when installed at the time of new vehicle purchase, and are engineered to be fully compatible with the vehicle. The Accord HFP package includes a wide range of performance- and style-enhancing products.
The Sports Suspension package (available Spring 2008) reduces ride height by about 25 mm, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity, and enhancing the Accord Coupe's sporty road-handling characteristics. Larger wheels and tires include 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels designed for high-performance 245/40R-19 tires (sold separately).
A full aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear) further elevates the style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior HFP emblems complement the package. All of the Accord Coupe HFP components except suspension can currently be purchased individually, and the full HFP package including suspension will go on sale in the spring of 2008.
American Honda launched its performance accessory program in 2002 with the introduction of a Honda Factory Performance package for the Civic EX Coupe, and currently offers HFP products for the Civic, Accord and Fit.
Ron English, a New York-based painter, billboard liberator, and toy designer has collaborated with Scion and several tuners to create a somewhat different customized tC Coupe. Painted in a custom purple pearl color and featuring electroluminescent lighting animating Ron English's ying-yang artwork the tC is unique in its own weird way. And because this is SEMA and not an art gallery, the tC sits on 19-in. alloy wheels complemented with 3/4" lowering springs by Eibach. -Pics & details after the jump
RON ENGLISH - SCION tC
Volkswagen is attempting to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology by bringing diesel-powered Jettas to selected North American race tracks. Starting from May 2008, up to 30 Jetta TDI’s competing in the hands of young drivers will appear in eight major racing venues across The race vehicles will be outfitted with electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and ABS racing brakes. -Details after the jump
VOLKSWAGEN TO FEATURE CLEAN DIESEL POWER IN JETTA TDI CUP RACING SERIES
“The Jetta TDI Cup racing series will celebrate Volkswagen’s diesel technology and heritage in motorsports as good, clean fun,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Not only will the young drivers gain real-life track experience in a factory-prepared race vehicle, it will allow them to develop their own mindset of today’s clean diesel technology, and foster increased awareness of its advantages in this new era of environmental sensitivity.”
The Jetta TDI Cup shifts gears from the previously announced GTI program, allowing Volkswagen to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology, available in the upcoming 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen. With up to 30 Jetta TDI’s competing in the hands of aspiring, young drivers, this unique motorsport offering will highlight a new, exciting platform of racing that does not currently exist – a full field of clean diesel powered vehicles.
“With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen has created an amazing platform to develop young drivers and expand their knowledge about clean and quiet diesel technology,” said Robert Wildberger, president and CEO, SCCA Pro Racing, Inc. “We look forward to the series in hopes that it will attract more attention to the drivers and advantages of diesel power.”
The Jetta TDI Cup racecars will be optimized for track performance and safety. To focus on the skill of the young drivers and to ensure performance parity, proper maintenance and safety standards, all vehicles will be owned and maintained by Volkswagen. The heart of the Jetta TDI Cup racing vehicle will be the all-new, high-tech 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 horsepower and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The Jetta TDI race vehicles will be outfitted with a six-speed automatic DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and four-wheel ABS racing brakes.
Signifying Volkswagen’s environmental commitment, the Jetta TDI Cup series will be certified as CarbonFree by Carbonfund.org. Additional program details will be available at www.vwmotorsportusa.com by mid-November 2007.
With the SEMA show in full thrust, it’s all about tuning this week. However, time to take a break from all that SEMA madness and see what’s going around in The Panda Sport is already one of the nicest looking mini cars in its class (hey Hyundai, take a look at how you really design a contemporary mini), and with the addition of Novitec’s new blacked out alloy rims, a dual exhaust pipe and a roof spoiler, things only get better. Additionally, Novitec has slightly raised the 1.4-litre engine’s output from 100 to 106 Hp. -More pics after the jump
Via: Motorpasion
