Chevrolet HHR Concept Sema Edition

Is it sedan, wagon, or a SUV? Well I would say none of them. Some cars defy the definitions and 2006 Chevrolet HHR Sema Edition is one of them. The car is fitted with Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower (201 kw) at 5600 rpm. The concept car gives great fuel economy with low exhaust emissions. Other important features include large-diameter brake rotors, calipers, a performance exhaust system, GM-designed 19-inch aluminum wheels up front, and 20-inchers in back that is mounted with low-profile BF Goodrich performance tires. There are quite a number of configurations for this, which includes:

• Chevrolet HHR Concept where there will be 2 doors in place of 4 doors as present in the production model of Chevrolet HHR which will stretch the car by 6 inches.


• Chevrolet HHR open-air show car, which will have open air in front, and 2nd row seats fitted with 5 panel glass roof which will be operated electronically.


• Chevrolet HHR Tuner Panel, in this car the rear doors and one quarter of glass will be covered by aluminum panels which will give it a panel truck look. This will provide an added security to 63.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity once the rear seats are removed.

HHR stands for Heritage High Roof. Great looking vehicle in production form with good concepts, HHR's real target is the compact crossover market. Same designer who designed PT designed Chevrolet HHR. It seems that GM is quite convinced with the formula, which made PT Cruiser a runaway success.

Now, something about the car. The grill looks great and blends with the styling of the car in giving it an athletic look. The front of the car is done very nicely. Front intake looks very identical to the exhausts. HHR is great because it is original, stylish and practical.

2006 Mitsubishi Concept D:5, 2006 Mitsubishi Concept D5

2006 Mitsubishi Concept D:5 a concept minivan for next-generation Delica model. The car promises high-mobility, high-functionality, classy living space, and Delica's legendary all-terrain capabilities. 2006 Mitsubishi Concept D5 is being derived from its advanced 4WD system, Mitsubishi Concept D:5 offers a refined and rugged design with a assurance of high end protective safety measures.

In the lines of Outlander Mitsubishi Concept D:5 has electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. With all wheel control system the the minivan aims at providing maximum driving pleasure. The power train mates a new 2.4-liter MIVEC engine to a Sport Mode 6-speed CVT. Mitsubishi Concept D:5 integrates active safety vehicle (ASV) technology that supports the driver in working his vehicle safely and lessens strain. 2006 Mitsubishi Concept D5 also brings innovative active and passive protection technologies to the minivan/SUV category.

The styling creates a wide-&-lifted mono-box architecture that is unambiguously Delica in taste. Pushing the New Mitsubishi Motors Design, the styling threads and weaves handsome, purposeful lines into a function-oriented appearance. In creating the basic form, the design team went for a mono-box architecture crafted with straight lines and with an understated nose. Minimizing design elements, the understated surface composition readily invokes the powerfully built lines of the Delica series while adding a fashionable tautness to create a robust and solid appearance

Hybrid cars, diesel cars, or something else

Gas electric hybrid has not been used with its full potential and questions are being raised at its success. Plug in recharging and diesel engines are making news these days with their greater fuel saving and higher mileage capability. A hybrid car costs $3000 more then a conventional car where as a diesel hybrid cars cost $4600 more then a conventional car. With these figures it does not seems that diesel cars could make a commercial success in recent times.

Gasoline hybrid cars use gasoline and electric power by which it gives better fuel economy and less emission. Now replace gasoline with diesel and the same car becomes diesel hybrid car. Companies like Daimler Chrysler has its version of diesel hybrid car Ram pickup in the market and is going to introduce another namely Sprinter vans. GM also sells diesel hybrid systems for buses. Golf from Volkswagen is also under production. Opel Astra diesel version made by GM is claimed to give 59 mpg.

With so many automakers, going for diesel hybrid cars it seems unlikely that they might have missed its market viability. I am sure in coming years diesel hybrid cars, fuel cell cars, and gasoline hybrid cars will go neck to neck. Oh! I forgot hydrogen cars.

2007 Mustang Cobra or 2006 2007 Mustang Cobra

The speculation and rumors for 2007 Mustang Cobra is on a high but no official announcements so far. Only explanation from Ford officials is that it is going to be the most powerful Mustang ever built which was announced at New York International Auto Show.

One thing is for sure that this car is going to hit road sometime next year, which is being built with collaboration between Carroll Shelby and SVT. With 2005 Ford Mustang doing very well speculations are high. Moreover, none can question the talent and passion for the people at SVT, who are capable of making the best cars in the world.

450+ horsepower Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 at the New York International Auto Show further speaks of the Ford plans for its future models in its lineup. 450+ horsepower, supercharged 5.4 ltr, V8 is going to be the 1st production vehicle in the series of specialty Mustangs that SVT will help deliver.

GM reports April 2005 sales. Sales up by leaps and bounds

Due to heavy sales last year where GM made sales record, the sales were bit down this year. But overall GM is happy with its sales and according to Mark LaNeve vice president GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, "We are pleased with the momentum and enthusiasm for our new models,"

Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Buick LaCrosse and Cobalt were the 3 most successful models. Cobalt made a new sales benchmark with 23,000 deliveries last month. Other trucks such as Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Canyon also made record sales.

Sales for cars increased by 20% for Chevrolet in April. Cobalt sales jumped to over 59% as compared to March. Equinox achieved a sales figure of more then 10,000 vehicles which is 76% up compared to previous month sales.

Pontiac G6 also had best monthly sales. The delivery for the car increased by 23% as compared to March. GM sales and production results are available on GM Media OnLine at http://media.gm.com

Mercedes benz 2006 models : 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class was unveiled at 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class. It is one of the premier car in Mercedes benz 2006 models. It has got best of both worlds with 6 passenger sitting, ample cargo space like a sport utility vehicle and luxury and comfort like a luxury sports sedan.

The car is being built at Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant. It has a sitting capacity of 6, which constitutes 36 inches space between 1st and 2nd row and a 30-inch space between 2nd and 3rd row. The car is longer then the other cars in its category. It is longer by 5 inch then Cadillac Escalade and 10 inch longer then Cadillac SRX.

2 version of 2006 Mercedes Benz R Class will be available namely V6 powered R350 and the V8 powered R500. The unique about these 2 versions are that they are world's 1st production vehicle with 7 speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive. Its engine is also a point of attraction. The engine for this models are different then other Mercedes Benz vehicles. R350 has a 3.5 liter twin cam V6 engine that gives 268 hp. R500 is powered by 302 hp 5 liter V8 engine.

2006 Mercedes Benz R Class is likely to be launched by the fall of 2005 and will come with a estimated price between $40,000 - $50,000.

Hybrid automobiles: A boon to soaring gas prices

Prices of fuel are touching record high at more then $2 per gallon. It is quiet natural to feel a pinch in your purse due to low mileage and soaring prices. There is no sign of prices going down in near future. It seem that it is just the beginning. Crude oil prices are high, same is with refinery costs, and there is a constant increase in demand. So, what one should do in these situations.

Hybrid automobiles are a boon at these difficult times. Every automaker is coming up with their line of clean, fuel efficient and high mileage cars. In the near future, whole new range of full Hybrid automobiles and partial Hybrid automobiles will be available in the market. These cars would certainly have better fuel mileage that would lead to less pollution.

Today you have whole range of hybrid cars from Ford, Honda, and Toyota in the market. Few companies like GM have also unveiled their fuel cell cars and there is a huge advancement in development of hydrogen cars. In addition to all this, Ford has come up with zero pollution 3CC hybrid cars.

As of now, hybrid cars with electric engine and batteries are the most practical solution to soaring gas prices

2006 Jeep Commander: More Passenger vehicle

Midsize sports utility vehicle with a third row of seats is hitting the market soon. Minivan or a monster suv was only choice till now which will be changed by this vehicle. The new vehicle is a compact suv with enough room for 3rd row of seats towards back of the car. The vehicle is efficient and has a better maneuverability then other SUV with similar options.

Commander has a single headlight setup with a more upright windshield. It comes with traditional Jeep's seven-slot grille and Cherokee’s power train lineup. It is coming in optional V8 and standard V6 versions.

At New York auto show next week 15.5 feet rugged suv 2006 Jeep Commander will be unveiled. The price for 2006 Jeep Commander will be around $30,000. Another suvs with 6 seats, the Land Rover LR3 and Subaru B9 Tribeca are also entering the US market at the same time but as a luxury suv.

Unlike the Rescue a concept vehicle that Jeep unveiled last year, Commander is a smaller vehicle with normal road tires but with a similar body and style. Jeep is eyeing at expanding its share of suv market, which was once ruled by it in 90s.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 2006 Jetta

2006 Volkswagen Jetta is the 5th generation of Jetta lineup from Volkswagen. The new design is more aggresive and great in style. 2006 Jetta is comming with improved engine with 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and a improvement to 150 hp at 5000 rpm of power. The torque level has also improved to 40 percent to 170 lb-ft. It is available in 5 speed manual and 6-speed Tiptronic. The much awaited fully independent suspension system, using a multi-link rear and optimized front axle is also going to be comming in the car for the first time.

2006 Jetta has a stronger body with a double digit improvements in its dynamic and torsional rigidity. The new electro mechanical steering will be first of its king introduced in this car. Pricing for the car would come to about $18000 for the manual, $19000 for automatic. 1.9-litre turbo-diesel model for the car would also be available by June.

2006 Dodge Caliber concept car

2006 Dodge Caliber concept car a suv like vehicle is likely to be introduced in the market in 2006. It has the features of both sporty coupe and a suv. The 5 door vehicle has strength like a suv and has a profile like a sporty coupe. The Sunburst Orange color grabs attention and would appeal to all section of buyers. As there is no market leader in this segment, 2006 Dodge Caliber stands a fair chance of getting noticed well.

Its looks somewhat resembles with Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. 2006 Dodge Caliber is a Neon replacement. The Caliber is taller than the current Neon and has large headlights, a bulging hood, wide fenders and 19-inch wheels that give it a more substantial look.

2006 Corvette Z06

2006 Corvette Z06 debut at Detroit was not something new and exiting, thanks to spy shots available on net for this high-powered model of sports car. With 500 horsepower this car is going to rock, the road as considered as the fastest and most powerful car made by GM.

The car speed is marvelous, the car could reach 0-60 miles per hour in less then 4 seconds, and with a top speed of 190mph, it could zoom quarter mile in less then 12 seconds. 2006 Corvette Z06 engine is 7.0 l, 427 cubic-in Gen IV V-8 that is being manufactured at GM's new center at Wixom. The maximum 500 horsepower is developed at 6200 rpm, and peak torque is 475 pound-feet at 4800 rpm. It has different bodywork at the rear so as to accommodate Eagle F1 supercar tires. The battery for the car is placed at rear, which will remove the weight bias for the front end. The mileage for 2006 Z06 Corvette will be:

EPA city driving: 16 mpg
EPA highway driving: 22 mpg

The estimated base price for the car would be around $62,500. The car will go to production by mid of 2005.

Hybrid car news

Hybrid cars for Boca Police

Boca Raton City Council recently approved a purchase of 4 hybrid cars for city police department. The council is going to buy 4 2005 Toyota Prius cars at $86,060. This is a good move by Boca on the footsteps of Florida. As more and more state shows their commitment towards environmental cars by actually buying it, people will be more inspired to do so. However, Hybrid cars will not be used in chasing, but will be more used for serving papers and security patrols etc.

Free parking proposal for hybrid cars

A proposal is being discussed by Board of Aldermen to offer free parking in downtown New Haven to the owners of hybrid cars. If the proposal is passed people would be able to park their hybrid cars for free in the city's metered spaces. Promoting hybrid cars will certainly improve the air quality of the place, save cash for people and reduce over dependence on the fuel.

Electrocution from hybrid cars

The major drawback for hybrid cars that concern rescue workers is its high voltage batteries, which could give severe jolt when exposed during crash. Some precautions like shutting engine through keys or switch present in the rear of the car could prevent any mishap. Now automakers are also working on this problem. Some safety measures like automatic shutting down the engine in crash, heavy insulation of wires, distinct colors for the wires in the new models will go a long way in building confidence in rescue workers for hybrid cars.

Hybrids Cars History: A long journey to a commercial success

Hybrid cars are a craze today and are going towards a big commercial success, but it too had a long journey, which started in 1897. In this year, the first attempt was made to combine internal combustion engine with electric power.

After 13 years, an attempt was made by Pieper to make a true hybrid car. He developed 3.5 hp voiturette in which he used a small gasoline engine in conjunction to a electric motor. The car while running used electric motor used, acted as a generator to recharge the battery, but while climbing steep roads, battery power was used to assist the gas engine to give it a boost. The same technology in advanced form is used in Honda hybrid cars as IMA system.

Another try cam from Jacob Lohner, Porsche. He developed a car where two electric motors were used which used to run the two front wheels. But the cars made by these people have a major drawback, which did not allowed it to become commercial success. The batteries used in the cars were very heavy and the battery used was able to store only a small amount of energy.

Later Daimler Motors hired Porsche in 1906 and made Mercedes-Electrique-Mixte under his guidance. Would continue more to it soon.

2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe

Jaguar displayed its new 2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe at North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new Jaguar car is certainly a car for 21st century which is evident by its seductive exteriors and great features. 2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe is designed under Design Director, Ian Callum. The car uses lightweight
aluminum architecture technology which was first used on XJ saloon.

The car could reach 0-60 mph in less the 5 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph packed with all driver friendly features which is one of the basic ingredient in the Jaguar cars. Jaguar Cars managing director says Bibiana Boerio

'This show car is a rallying call for Jaguar lovers the world over, who appreciate sporting luxury. We want them to know that we are committed to a product-led transformation of this company that will see us making Jaguars with great design and wonderful interiors that are fast, glamorous and evocative. A new Jaguar sports car is always an important event and we absolutely believe that the Advanced Lightweight Coupe demonstrates that the direction we are taking is the right one.'

Prices for the car would probably begin with just over $70,000

World's most fuel efficient cars

2006 Jeep Hurricane

2006 Jeep Hurricane unveiled at 2005 North American International Auto Show has simply raised the bar for jeep brand with its maneuverable and powerful capabilities. It has two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the jeep one in front and other in back. Both the engines gives 335 hp each which sums up to 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque. The projected 0-60 miles per hour, speed is achieved in 5 seconds.

2006 Jeep Hurricane could be powered by 4, 8, 12 or 16 cylinders according to driver's requirements. This converts into tons of torque, which enables Jeep Hurricane to explore tough terrain and pass any type of obstacles. The vehicle has ground clearance of 14.3 inches with 37-inch tires.

The front and rear tires could turn inwards which enables this jeep a turn radius of absolutely zero. Another great feature is its ability to turn all the 4 tires in the same direction. It provides Jeep Hurricane, the ability to change direction in minimum space. Built with lightweight and high strength body, 2006 Jeep Hurricane is sure to impress all the jeep enthusiasts.

2006 BMW 530xi - The new 5 Series car from BMW

New xDrive, all wheel drive option, and a six cylinder engine, BMW has presented its 2006 BMW 530xi, something which is hard to overlook. BMW has replaced its older 2.2 and 3 litres engines with the new more powerful 2.5 liters in line six-cylinder engine.


Two models are available namely 530xi and 525 xi. According to BMW the car enhances traction, driving stability and agility by maintaining slow of power between axles. Another car that BMW unveiled is Mg convertible. The car is the most powerful in 5 series with 500 hp V10 engine, 7 speed Smg transmission, and rear wheel drive.

Nissan Azeal

Nissan Azeal concept car is targeted towards is an entry-level car and is targeted to young buyers. The car posses some looks of 350Z sports coupe. The car has 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan is trying to explore the entry-level car segment seriously as commented Jed Connelly, senior vice president of Nissan's U.S. sales arm. Currently Nissan has no plans for production of vehicle.

2006 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai new 2006 Sonata is an attempt from Hyundai to present a vehicle, which would give real value for money. 2006 Hyundai Sonata is priced at below $20,000. With lot of safety features like 6 air bags and a longer body then its earlier counterparts, 2006 sonata is going to make a niche in its segment. The car is placed in the Accord, Camry segment and Bob Cosmai, CEO and President of Hyundai North America was very confident while presenting the car.

2006 Hyundai Sonata does not actually fit into Accord, Camry segment due to its much larger size then them. The car will come with 237 horsepower 3.3-liter v-6 engine or 162 horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. The other new cars from Hyundai are Electra, Santa Fe's mini van, and Accent XG.

Ferrari Superamerica

Top speed of 199 mph, Ferrari Superamerica 12-cylinder convertible comes with a price tag of $305,000. The car has 540 horsepower engine, which is more powerful, then Maranello. The retracting roof is completely noiseless and in few seconds the roof could rest on top of trunk. The electrochromic glass used in the car is the first ever used. With a push of button, you could convert the glass from transparent to opaque.

Ferrari will make only 559 Superamerica as it is a limited-edition model.

2007 Saturn SKY roadster

An estimated $3 billion investment and Saturn's newest addition, a sporty roadster named as Sky is going to debut next week at North American International Auto Show for media preview. The car would be priced somewhere near to $25,000 and is scheduled for production in 2006 at GM's Wilmington, Del., assembly plant. The Sky was created at GM's Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England. The brand is going to expand its product offerings from current 3 to 6 by end of 2006.

Saturn current lineup has 3 models namely Relay minivan, Ion compact sedan and coupe and Vue SUV. The new brand is for sure going to boost the sales of Saturn in US. In 2004 sales for the car was down 22% from year ago. More about the vehicle will be known soon when it is unveiled at Detroit auto show this month.

2005 Ford Mustang Convertible (concept car)

Ford Mustang, one of the most loved car in the automobile industry history, same could be seen in 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible which will be available this spring with V-6, V-8-powered GT version. The convertible was designed to give it a rigid body without any increase of overall weight. It was designed and engineered with coupe in mind but it does not look like coupe at all.

The top which is fabric made is better then the previous models and gives a better rear view. The top has a solid and quite drop which is best as compared to previous models. Previous models with drop top had some shakes and rattles which is not there in 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible.

The car is priced at $24,495(starting) which is one of the lowest price in the V6 convertible segment where as V-8 powered Mustang GT is priced at $29,995.

Like the coupe V8 powered Mustang Convertible will be available in both 5 speed manual and 5 speed automatic versions. The 300 horsepower 4.6 litre V8 with a variable camshaft timing, a total of 320 lb-ft peaking out at 4,500 rpm makes its engine superior. The high rpm shows its superior overhead cam technology.

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 303 horsepower 5.3L V8 with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology (SS model) operation. The LS and LT models will have 211-hp 3.5L V6 operation. The engine would provide a fuel economy improvement of upto 12%. The car will have transmission as Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with overdrive . There will be a sitting space for 4. The other important features will be sound damping, ABS electronic, Traction control and tire pressure monitor. 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo safety features include Front-seat side-impact air bags which help reduce the risk of certain injuries to front-seat occupants in side impacts. The car will be available in 4 models namely LS, LT, LTZ, SS. As per the fuel economy SS model will have 17 mpg city, 27 mpg hwy. Fuel economy estimates based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates is not yet available.

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will be available on fall of 2005.

2006 Chevrolet Impala

2006 Chevrolet Impala will receive 303 horsepower 5.3L small block V8 with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology (SS model) operation. This technology is used for regulating between 8 and 4 cylinder operation which could save fuel of up to 12%. 2006 Chevrolet Impala engines for different make will be 3.9L V6 with variable valve timing (LTZ model) and 211-hp 3.5L V6 (LS and LT models). The transmission is Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with overdrive. The key features of the car includes remote vehicle starter system, abs electronic traction control and tire pressure monitor control, independent suspensions and a large and spacious cargo capacity(18.6 cu. ft). There will be 4 models available namely LS, LT, LTZ, SS.

Standard features for distinct models:

2006 Chevrolet Impala SS:
All-new 303-hp 5.3L small block V8 with best-in-class horsepower and torque
Displacement on Demand (DOD) for greater fuel economy.
18-inch aluminum wheels with W-speed-rated Performance tires.
2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ:
Heated front Nuance leather seating surfaces.
Innovative fl ip-and-fold-fl at rear seat for added versatility.
CD/MP3 player and Bose sound system.
3.9L V6 engine with variable valve timing.
Electronic Traction Control, ABS and Tire Pressure Monitor.
2006 Chevrolet Impala LT:
Dual-zone temperature controls.
Remote vehicle starter system.
Compass and outside temperature display.
2006 Chevrolet Impala LS:
211-hp 3.5L V6 engine.
Driver Information Center.
CD player.

The car will be available at the fall of 2005.