2009 SEMA: Kia shows its Sinister Soul

LAS VEGAS, November, 2009 – Kia Motors America (KMA) returns to the Las Vegas Convention center and brings stylized and enhanced concept vehicles for display at the 2009 SEMA Show.
Also returning this year to the KMA booth are DJ-spun tunes by a local artist to help fully showcase the enthusiast-focused White Forte sedan and Black “Sinister” Soul, based on the highly popular compact sedan and urban passenger vehicles launched earlier this year.“The SEMA Show offers manufacturers the freedom to really push the boundaries of customization, which is exactly what we have done with the White Forte concept and Black Sinister Soul concept,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “These two vehicles expand upon the design evolution of the Kia brand and convey the extensive personalization and customization options we provide for consumers and tuners.”Black “Sinister” SoulBased on the emotion-evoking and highly personalized Soul urban passenger vehicle, the Black “Sinister” Soul offers aftermarket enthusiasts an even more aggressive stance than the production version. Lowered and enhanced with 20-inch black rims with machined accents and smoked-out headlamps and tail lamps, the Black “Sinister” Soul presents an impressively menacing profile.A matte sinister black exterior paint job by Buck Wild Designs with Spectral gray accents and black-out custom trim, the Sinister Soul is like none other on the road. Inside is an all-black color scheme with silver-gray accents on the upper seatbacks, as well as an upgraded sport shifter to complete the look.Also special to the Sinister Soul is the 11-speaker 1,300-watt sound system, provided by Infinity Audio Systems. For the serious audiophile and enthusiast, Infinity outfitted the Sinister Soul with powerful performance and space-efficient components. The advanced Infinity Kappa Series Class-D full-range 500-watt amplifier drives 125 watts per channel through four channels. Two Reference Series 6-1/2-inch two-way loudspeakers and two Reference Series 6-1/2-inch component systems deliver increased bass output and higher efficiency, along with edge-driven textile dome tweeters for greater power handling and reduced distortion at high output levels.For those looking to up the bass with low-frequency effects, Infinity employed a pair of 12-inch single voice coil (SVC) subwoofers, driven separately by an 800-watt amplifier. Both subwoofers and both amplifiers are housed in a specially-designed, sealed enclosure with a surprisingly compact footprint. The subwoofer enclosure has been designed to fit into the rear of the Soul hatch area and can be easily removed if the extra transportation or storage space is needed.White Forte SedanJoining the black Sinister Soul this year at SEMA is a sleek, modified concept of the Forte sedan. Sporting 18-inch 5Zigen wheels, a custom catback exhaust and a lowered stance, this new Forte concept offers a decidedly spunkier profile aimed directly at the tuner crowd. The concept version also benefits from a Kia-designed accessory body kit and rear spoiler, as well as a custom paint job with blacked-out roof and side mirrors.The upgraded interior with gunmetal accents and a carbon fiber sport shifter also improve upon the already technologically-focused interior of the production Forte. For the enthusiast and audiophile, Infinity Sound Systems outfitted the White Forte concept with a nine-speaker, 360-watt sound system with a subwoofer built into a custom enclosure on the right side of the trunk. http://blogs.automotive.com/6602250/auto-shows/2009-sema-kia-shows-its-sinister-soul-white-forte/index.html

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition coming to U.S. in 2010

Volkswagen of America announced today that the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition will hit North American dealerships in January 2010. Like the TDI Cup race car, the “Street” Edition is equipped with the optional TDI Cup Edition Kit, which includes a new front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars.The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup is powered by a 2.0L clean diesel that makes 140-hp and a maximum torque of 236 lb-ft. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a DSG automatic transmission. All ”Street” Edition Jetta TDI’s feature larger brakes with red calipers, sway bars and European sport tuned suspension from the performance oriented GLI.
Pricing for the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup edition starts at $25,000 and it qualifies for a $1,300 Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.Press Release:
Jetta TDI Cup ‘Street’ Edition Racing Into Dealer Showrooms Soon
HERNDON, Va., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition will be available in dealer showrooms January 2010. The concept debuted in Las Vegas during the 2008 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show. Following the SEMA show the concept was displayed at TDI Cup races throughout the country, where it was well received by enthusiasts and consumers alike.
“Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at,” added Barnes.
The similarities between the TDI Cup race car and the “Street” Edition equipped with the optional TDI Cup Edition Kit are apparent at first glance — the TDI Cup “Street” Edition Kit features the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars. The enhancements to the TDI Cup “Street” Edition go well beyond cosmetics. All “Street” Edition Jetta TDI’s feature larger brakes with red calipers, sway bars and European sport tuned suspension from the performance oriented GLI.
The TDI Cup “Street” Edition is powered by the award winning 2.0-liter clean diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine makes use of an advanced electronically controlled turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or the highly acclaimed DSG® transmission.
Other standard upgrades on the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition include sport seats with Interlagos cloth, and a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel that features paddle shifters when equipped with the DSG transmission. Completing this dynamic special edition is a set of 18 inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires. This special edition starts around $25,000–staying true to the brands mantra of offering affordable German engineering that is a whole lot of fun to drive.
The Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition, like the Jetta TDI, Jetta SportWagen TDI, Golf TDI and Touareg TDI qualifies for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit. The tax credit on the “Street” Edition is $1,300.
Like all 2010 models, the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition also comes standard with Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.via egmcartech.com

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan Spied In Transit

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan Spied In Transit

2011 Kia Sorento crossover SUV is about as all-new as it can get

2011 Kia Sorento crossover SUV is about as all-new as it can get

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Kia Soul Given '2010 Automotive Excellence Award' By Popular Mechanics

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Already a recipient of numerousaccolades including a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for HighwaySafety, being named to the "Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by KelleyBlue Book's kbb.com and "Interior of the Year" list by Ward's AutoWorld, theall-new 2010 Kia Soul has yet again been honored and given a "2010 AutomotiveExcellence Award" by Popular Mechanics. Recognized for its appealing style,fuel efficiency, handling and overall value, Soul is one of only 10 vehiclesto be acknowledged on the esteemed list."Soul has been a game changer for the Kia brand, bringing new consumers toshowrooms with its style, value and personalization options as well as pavingthe way for vehicles like the Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new Sorento CUV,"said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). "Popular Mechanics is a well-respected publication and to achieve thisaccolade from them is both a testament to the Kia brand and the all-new Soulurban passenger vehicle."To compile the annual list, Popular Mechanics' automotive department editorstest drove, evaluated and rated new cars and trucks to determine whichvehicles and technologies were the most significant, singling out the top 10in the industry.With a starting price below $14,000(1), Soul is available in four trims, Soul,Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Kia Motors' newest five-door offersconsumers an immense amount of style and value, equipped with suchdriver-friendly standard convenience features as an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systemoutfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three monthscomplimentary service(2), and USB and auxiliary input jacks in the centerconsole with full iPod®(3) and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit andsteering wheel controls (achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable). Soul also offers an optional Audio Upgrade Package that includes a centerspeaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to thebeat of the music to truly enhance the personal lounge atmosphere.

Read article at: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS117618+28-Oct-2009+PRN20091028

Motor Trend First Test: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

Golf VI, as the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is known to model trivia buffs, arrives a year earlier than expected and marks somewhat less of a transformation than were its four predecessors. The styling is all-new inside and out, but the chassis and running gear mostly carry over with minor tweaks, the laserlike focus of which was primarily in two areas: to improve refinement and efficiency and to lower the cost of production. We're happy to report abundant evidence of the former and little or no indication of the latter.

The sleeker styling shows off the new face of VW, as envisioned by design boss Walter Da Silva, with strong horizontal themes in the front and rear graphics. A pronounced shoulder just below the window sills catches the light and lends a butch, bulldog stance on the road. To these eyes, the overall look is about as upscale as two-box cars get, and to the wind it looks ever so slightly slipperier than before (the drag coefficient drops from 0.32 to 0.31). Elsewhere on the refinement front, heroic noise-reduction measures like thicker, acoustic glass from the B-pillar forward, better sound deadening material on the firewall, and new door seals reportedly render this the quietest Golf ever. The claimed improvement is 6 decibels less racket under the noisiest operating conditions (third gear at higher revs). The transformation is most striking on the 2.5-liter, which now shares a lot less of its unpleasant five-cylinder moan with the occupants. Icing on the cake: Despite the sound deadening measures, overall curb weights actually drop about 20 pounds.

All three U.S.-bound engines (the base 2.5-liter inline-five, the 2.0-liter clean-diesel TDI four, and the GTI's 2.0-liter turbo TSI four) receive friction-reducing measures, like switching from a belt-and-chain cam drive to chain-only drive of the cams, balance shafts and oil pump; adoption of new high-pressure die-cast pistons, and an induction-hardened crankshaft. Output levels are largely unchanged, but fuel economy notches slightly upward and in some cases the torque curves are widened (the GTI turbo's torque plateau is achieved 100 rpm earlier, at 1700 rpm). Base cars add one or two EPA city mpg based on transmission, while the DSG-equipped GTI improves by 2 city/3 highway mpg.

Read entire article: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0910_2010_volkswagen_golf_test/index.html

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 is pure JDM awesomeness

Our jaws literally dropped when we spotted this car in the Subaru booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concoction of carbon fiber spoilers, wings and widened fenders seen here is the Legacy B4 GT300 racecar that is set to compete in Japan's Super GT series next year. The car actually made its racing debut at Fuji Speedway last month, and even though previous driveline problems prevented this racer from making an even earlier debut, the B4 GT300 managed 300 trouble-free kilometers to finish a respectable 18th place. As for specs, the Legacy B4 GT300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four that pumps out more than 300 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, a six-speed sequential transmission, and a curb weight of just over 2800 pounds, we imagine it's an absolute blast to pilot around the track. - Autoblog.com