2008 Honda Odyssey: Facelifted

Honda today announced the updated 2008 Honda Odyssey that receives a new facelift and a little more attention to fuel-efficiency. On the front, the 2008 Honda Odyssey gets a new grille design and a new bumper with more defined lines. Most of the back was left untouched besides the new taillights that add a little more character.

The 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5 liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine that produces 241 horsepower. Fitted with VCM the 2008 Odyssey is greener than ever. The VCM features allows for deactivation of either two or three of the engine’s six cylinders during cruising and deceleration, which helps to increase fuel efficiency. Honda also added the “ECO” indicator light, which illuminates when the vehicle is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models achieve a fuel economy of 17/25 mpg.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading for more images and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: 2008 HONDA ODYSSEY

The significantly-updated-for-2008 Honda Odyssey minivan receives new exterior styling along with a more fuel-efficient version of the available Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM) i-VTEC V-6 engine. Exterior styling focuses on a bolder, six-sided grille design and a front bumper fascia with crisp lines that add to the vehicle’s dynamic and premium appearance.

“The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features.”

Four new and notable available premium features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat (standard Odyssey EX-L and Touring), rearview camera display integrated into the rearview mirror (standard Odyssey EX-L) and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down (standard Odyssey Touring).

Interior styling receives updates in the form of new colors and textures for the instrument panel, along with premium fabric for Odyssey LX and EX seating surfaces. Further interior refinements include an additional storage bin in the 2nd Row PlusOne Seat (standard on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility (CD-based) and a standard auxiliary input jack.

The Odyssey achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impacts. In keeping with the Honda “Safety for Everyone” initiative, all Odyssey models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control; standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS); three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides enhanced occupant protection in a frontal collision. New for 2008, active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights have been added.

Known for its industry trend-setting One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat, the Odyssey’s innovative eight-passenger seating areas (seven-passenger on LX) quickly and easily adapt between passenger and cargo duties. The 3rd-Row Magic Seat can accommodate up to three passengers and still provide 38.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the seats, or fold completely flat into the floor for cargo duty to create 91.1 cubic feet of cargo volume while still maintaining room for five passengers (four passengers on LX). With the second row seats removed, total cargo volume expands to a voluminous 147.4 cubic feet. Total interior volume measures 209.8 cubic feet for passenger and cargo volume combined – representing a total volume greater than two Civic Sedan interior volumes combined, for comparison. The 2nd-Row PlusOneSeat integrates a new storage bin inside the seat structure and is standard equipment on the Odyssey EX and EX-L (as before). The 2nd-Row PlusOneSeat has been added as standard equipment to the Odyssey Touring, replacing the standard removable center console, while retaining similar functionality and adding a seating position to the previously seven-passenger Touring model.

Designed with families in mind, a total of three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems exist: two are located in the outboard second-row seating positions and one is located in the middle third-row seating position.

Standard comfort and convenience features include dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone automatic climate control on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, an 8-inch screen, and Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, and a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. A rearview camera aids rear visibility on the Odyssey EX-L equipped with the available navigation system. Odyssey EX-L models without the available navigation system provide a rearview camera display via a 2.5-inch monitor embedded in the rearview mirror.

Determined by specific model, two engine variations exist. The 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC VTEC engine on the Odyssey LX and EX produces 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. The Odyssey LX and EX models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/23 mpg.

The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5-liter, all-aluminum, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine produces 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 242 lb-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm.

For 2008, a new generation of VCM provides the additional capability to selectively deactivate either two or three of the engine’s six cylinders during cruising and deceleration (instead of three, exclusively). Similar to the new VCM system available on the 2008 Accord, the Odyssey’s new VCM engine expands the cylinder deactivation operating range, which helps to increase fuel efficiency in a wider variety of driving conditions and speeds. An “ECO” indicator light illuminates on the instrument panel when the vehicle is operating at an optimal level of fuel efficiency. The Odyssey EX-L and Touring models achieve an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 17/25 mpg2.

Vehicles equipped with VCM use both an audio system-based Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system and a chassis-based Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system to cancel noise and vibration that can occur during cylinder deactivation.

An independent front and rear suspension and a rigid unit body structure help provide comfortable and refined ride performance. Additional chassis components include power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes and variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models have 16-inch wheels (alloy on EX and EX-L) with all-season 235/65R16 tires. Odyssey Touring models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires (standard); Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tires are available (460 mm wheels and 235-710R 460A tires).

1:The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under cense.
2: Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
3: Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (http://www.safercar.gov/). Model tested with standard side-impact airbags (SABs).
4: Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.
5: Zagat Survey® is a registered trademark of Zagat Survey, LLC.
6: Based on 2008 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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Subaru releases teaser of Impreza WRX STi

Set to debut in Tokyo next month, the next-generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi has undergone years of hefty testing at the renowned Nurburgring track. Based on the new Impreza Hatchback, the new WRX STi will once again do its best to triumph the also recently launched Mitsubishi Evo X. While the Evo stays in its sedan form, the new STi will most likely stay as a hatchback. However, that's not saying Subaru won't release a 4-door variant in the near future.

The STi will be packed with a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo, with horsepower in excess of 300. Speculations point to a 0-62MPH time of a mere 4.5 seconds.

[Source: CARSCOOP]

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Kia set to unveil full-size SUV at 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Along with the above image came the information that the North American variant of the anticipated Kia full-size SUV will debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show next January. Coded "HM", the 7-passenger SUV by Kia is also partly designed by the man who penned the original Audi TT, Peter Schreyer. The HM will look very close to its concept sibling, the Mesa Concept.

The HM will arrive in North American dealerships at the beginning of next year. However, the Korean counterpart is set to go on sale earlier, possibly November of this year.

[Source: Kia]

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Tuning: 2008 TechArt Porsche Cayenne

If you love tuning cars, you ought to know TechArt. TechArt presented their iteration of the Porsche Cayenne at the Frankfurt Auto Show. TechArt added their Aerodynamic Kit I onto the Cayenne, giving it a new front spoiler, sill panels and a rear diffuser. An optional TECHART Sport Module lowers the chassis by 30mm. As an option for the Cayenne Turbo, TechArt gives you the option of boosting the horsepower levels of up to 620 horsepower.

You can also opt for sportier rims with the TechArt Porsche Cayenne. There's the Formula I 20-inch alloys or the Formula II 22-inch light-metal rims. The interior is enhanced with further TechArt goodies including sports steering wheel and an exclusive TECHART de Sede leather trimmed interior.

[Source: TechArt]

Continue reading to view more images and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: 2008 TECHART SUV (PORSCHE CAYENNE)

TECHART Automobildesign is presenting an extensive technology programme at the IAA 2007 with a brand new individualisation programme for the TECHART SUV on the basis of the Cayenne (model 2008).

Through the Aerodynamic Kit I, the TECHART SUV is given its perfectly formed line with an unmistakeable recognition value. The front spoiler, sill panels and rear diffuser have been revised and lend the TECHART SUV its sporting and elegant look. All chassis parts are manufactured as first fit made of PUR-RIM plastic. The sporty off and on-road vehicle thus receives the dynamic line of the Cayenne Facelift.

The TECHART Sport Module provides the option of lowering the SUV chassis by an impressive 30 millimetres - which simplifies road use and makes it more attractive. The entire adjustment range from the load level to the special terrain level is roughly 110 millimetres.

As an option, the TECHART SUV on the basis of the Cayenne Turbo can be ordered with a performance of up to 620 hp / 456 KW. A carbon cover and individually modified painting of various engine parts round off the engine optic package for this automobile highlight. In terms of tyres and rims, the designers from the House of TECHART leave none of their customers’ wishes unfulfilled - the options range from Formula I rims in 10×20 ET 55 with 295/40 ZR 20 or 10×22 ET 55 with 295/30 ZR 22 on front and rear axles through to TECHART Formula II light metal rims in the dimensions 10.5Jx22. As an optimum tyre for the Formula II rims, the enhancers recommend ContiCrossContact UHP tyres in the size 295/30 ZR 22.

The format for the TECHART SUV is not simply characterised by state of the art technological standards, but also by the endless repertoire of countless options for the interior. Exclusive accessories include ergonomically formed sports steering wheels, state of the art multimedia systems or carbon applications for the cockpit in various colour options. More individual wishes can be fulfilled with exclusive TECHART full leather fittings in all conceivable colours and upholstery designs. A particularly precious version is the TECHART interior line de Sede of Switzerland, which is created in cooperation with the Swiss furniture manufactory. The high quality de Sede leather hides, which are processed to produce perfectly crafted covers for seats, door and side panels, instrument panels, roof side members and roof in the in-house TECHART upholstery shop, complete the automobile work of art of the TECHART SUV.

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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota released the first official images of the 8th-generation Land Cruiser. Toyota has chosen the Sydney Motor Show to fully unveil the car for the first time in public. However, Toyota went on and released the official images and pricing of the US-spec Land Cruiser. The 8th-generation Land Cruiser is totally redesigned from the ground up, and grows in every dimension.

The new Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7L V8 that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.ft of torque. It is the same engine found in the Tundra. The Land Cruiser is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Land Cruiser can tow 8500lbs of whatever, a full 2000lbs more than its predecessor. The Lexus LX570 shares the same base as the Land Cruiser.

The Land Cruiser is priced a full $6985 more than its predecessor, or 12.4% more. Starting at a hefty $63,200, the Land Cruiser will arrive in US dealerships next month. No word on Canadian availability, but it was always like that since its first generation.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading for a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Pricing For All-New Land Cruiser

September 18, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2008 Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). Now in its seventh generation, the legendary Land Cruiser continues to carry its incomparable reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

The Land Cruiser, with its incredible reliability and capability, is the iconic vehicle that helped Toyota gain its first foothold in the world automobile market. Over the years, it has evolved from a basic four-wheel-drive utility vehicle into an upscale vehicle with the capability of the original Land Cruiser with the comfort and convenience that would rival any luxury sedan. The new Land Cruiser takes those values several steps further than ever before.

The Land Cruiser cements its reputation as the "King of Off-Road" with systems and features that also make it the "King of On-Road." An all-new 5.7-liter V8 engine and six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a sequential shift mode delivers unparalleled power, efficiency and smoothness. The most powerful V8 in the Toyota model lineup delivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque and carries a ULEV-II emissions status. Maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds, an increase of 2,000 pounds over the previous model.

The Land Cruiser receives a new high-mount double-wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear suspension with a solid live axle. The front suspension includes tubular gas-pressure shock absorbers, a hollow stabilizer bar, and coil springs. The purpose of this system is to achieve a high level of off-road driving performance and suspension control while maintaining a high level of on-road driving comfort.

Enhancing this advanced suspension system is a sophisticated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for an improved ride and off-road capability. A Toyota first, KDSS affectively varies the stiffness of the anti-sway bars to provide a unique mixture of optimal on-road roll stiffness and off-road suspension compliance.

Applying all of Land Cruiser's new technology to the driving surface are P285/60 R18 mud-and-snow steel-belted radial tires mounted on 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a high-gloss finish.

The Land Cruiser comes replete with a wide variety of systems designed to help maintain the safety and security of the vehicle's driver and passengers. Like all Toyota SUVS, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR safety system featuring a four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The new Land Cruiser features 10 airbags, the most airbags found in any Toyota vehicle. These include driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags; and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch.

To this arsenal of impressive safety tools, the Land Cruiser adds other new standard safety features: CRAWL Control, a direct tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), and front active headrests.

The CRAWL Control system improves Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities and allows the driver to further concentrate on choosing a line without also having to manage momentum. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL controls engine speed and output, along with braking force, to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of three low-speed settings.

The Land Cruiser also features many more thoughtful standard details. These include a JBL premium audio system with an in-dash six-CD/DVD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry; anti-theft security system; push-button start which allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by simply carrying the key fob on their person; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; electrochomic rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio, telephone, and voice recognition controls; heated, power front seats with driver's memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory.

With its vast array of additional standard equipment and numerous technological upgrades, the MSRP for the 2008 Land Cruiser is $63,200, an increase of $6,985, or 12.4 percent over the previous model.

The seventh-generation Land Cruiser will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in mid-to-late October.

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Price Attack Pt. VIV: 2008 Nissan Rogue starts from $19,250

Nissan announced the official pricing of its latest crossover in the line-up, the Rogue. The Rogue officially went on sale in US dealerships on the 18th. The Rogue S 2WD starts at $19,250 while the S AWD boosts the sticker to $20,450. The SL, only available in AWD, starts at $21,870.

All Nissan Rogues come standard with a 2.5L I4 engine that produces 170 hp. The Rogue is targeted at compact crossover offerings such as the sales-leading Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The Rogue is only available in a 5-seat configuration. The Rogue is mated to an Xtronic CVT transmission.

There are optional packages that can be added to your already-configured models. A Leather Package can be opted for the SL AWD for $1800 more. A power moonroof can be added onto the SL models for an additional $800. Surprisingly, there was no word on the destination charges for the Rogue. Bunch of cheaters.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading for the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: Nissan Announces Pricing on All-New 2008 Rogue

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 17, 2007) - Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the all-new 2008 Nissan Rogue, which goes on sale September 18 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Rogue is Nissan’s first entry into the small crossover SUV segment. It is available in two well-equipped, high-value models, Rogue S and Rogue SL.

The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the well-equipped 2008 Rogue S is $19,250 for the 2WD model and $20,450 for Rogue S AWD. Pricing for Rogue SL is $20,670 for 2WD and $21,870 for AWD.

All 2008 Rogue models come equipped with a standard 170-horsepower (167 hp CAL emissions) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a long list of standard safety equipment, including six air bags. An available all-new Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system with yaw moment control is also offered on both S and SL models.

Other standard Rogue equipment includes air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, cruise control with steering wheel mounted switches, power windows and door locks, 60/40 split 2nd row rear seat, remote keyless entry, 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, auxiliary input jack and 16-inch wheels and tires.

Rogue SL trim adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, body-colored power outside mirrors, tailpipe finisher, 6-way manual driver’s seat, rear passenger heater ducts and an additional 12-volt power outlet.

Available technology features include Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose®–developed audio system with AUX input and MP3 playback.

The new Nissan Rogue also offers excellent fuel economy of 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway for 2WD models and 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for Rogue AWD models.

“Rogue’s aggressive, performance-oriented styling, powerful engine, responsive handling, and driver-focused cockpit combine with its thoughtful everyday utility to create a vehicle that shifts the way buyers, especially younger buyers, think about crossover SUVs,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.

Rogue’s refined interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit, available leather-appointed seating surfaces, fold-flat front passenger’s seat and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized partitioned glove box, a large dual-level center console and an available innovative rear cargo organizer.

Rogue’s standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque (167 hp, 170 lb-ft CAL emissions), tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. Combined with the standard Nissan Xtronic CVT™, the engine offers smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Available paddle shifters provide an added level of sporty performance and driver control.

Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including a Nissan Advanced Air Bag system and front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupants.

Five options and packages are offered for the 2008 Nissan Rogue: Premium Package (SL 2WD) $1,900; Premium Package (SL AWD) $2,200; Leather Package (SL AWD) $1,800; Moonroof (SL) $800; and splash guards at $125.

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Dodge auctioning off first 3 Challengers

Chrysler announced yesterday that the first two 2008 Dodge Challengers that roll off the Brampton, Ontario assembly line will be auctioned off and the proceeds will benefit local charities.

Proceeds from Dodge Challenger No. 1 will benefit notMYkid, an organization dedicated to facilitating improved understanding about youth behavioral health issues. The auction will be held at the 37th annual Barret-Jackson Collector Car Auction Event in Scottsdale, Arizona next January. Proceeds from Dodge Challenger No. 2 will benefit the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, through a private auction for Dodge dealers. The auction begins Sept. 26. A third auction will take place on eBay.com in early 2008. Details of that auction will be announced later.

The vehicles chosen to be auctioned for charity SRT models with HEMI(R) Orange exterior, hood stripes, a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine, and a five-speed automatic transmission with Autostick.

[Source: Chrysler]

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