2010 Saab 9-4X – Spied

Among the GM brands, Saab stands out for the richness of its Swedish heritage, the immutable character of its cars (the older ones, anyway), and the voracity of its loyalists. But about four years ago, GM cast it all aside when, in an effort to satisfy SUV-starved U.S. dealers, it slapped a Saab aerospace-inspired grille onto its big midsized GMT360 SUV body, relocated the ignition switch to the center console, and then tried to pass the result—the 9-7X off as a true Saab. To Saab-o-philes, this was akin to bleaching Rosanne Barr’s hair blond and passing her off as supermodel Victoria Silvstedt.

In Saab’s defense, the 9-7X, aka the “Troll-blazer,” was only meant to fill the void until Saab could bring out a crossover ute more in line with Saab’s decidedly Euro sensibilities than the body-on-frame, petrol-swilling, non-turbocharged, and soooo-not-born-from-jets 9-7X.

Since then, the 9-7X has been killed. But the good news is the brand will get back into the crossover game with an all-new, smaller, car-based ute. And development is well on track, as evidenced by these spy shots of the almost completely exposed 2010 9-4X, caught testing at or near GM’s Milford Proving Grounds outside Detroit.

The 9-4X shares its “TE” midsize crossover platform—so-named because it has elements of the old Epsilon mid-size car and Theta compact crossover Saturn Vue platforms—with the 2010 Cadillac SRX. Both will be built at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

In the U.S., the Saab is expected to be powered—initially, anyway—by GM’s lovely, 304-hp, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6, a six-speed automatic, and Saab’s new “XWD” all-wheel-drive system. Other markets will likely be able to specify the new 2.9-liter V-6 diesel that GM engineered with newly acquired Italian diesel-builder, VM Motori SpA.

© Source: caranddriver
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Porshe 911 range at the Paris Motor Show

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the new models in the 911 range to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. Further important debuts are the new Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2, the Cayman S Sport, and the Cayenne S Transsyberia.

Following the fastest generation change in the history of Porsche, all ten models in the 911 series - ranging from the Carrera Coupé all the way to the Targa 4S - are making their appearance together in Paris from 4 - 19 October, all in new design and with new technology. Introducing the latest generation of the 911, Porsche offers a truly unique series of sports cars setting the stan-dard the world over also through their power units featuring DFI Direct Fuel Injection across the entire range.

Two other new models also to be admired in Paris for the first time round off Porsche’s range of mid-engined sports cars at the top end: Offering maximum output of 303 bhp (223 kW) from 3.4 litres, the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Cayman S Sport deliver eight horsepower more than the respective S-models. Both of these very special new models come with a wide range of exclusive features highlighted by the striking design of the car. Limited to a production run of just 500 units, the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 comes all in white.

© Source: germancarscene
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2009 Chrysler 300

The 2009 Chrysler 300 receives significant updates. The 5.7-liter 300C now features variable valve timing that increases horsepower and torque for better performance. All-wheel-drive models get an innovative new active transfer case that disconnects the front axle for better fuel efficiency and performance. A comfort-tuned suspension debuts for those seeking a softer ride, while driving enthusiasts should appreciate the new Chrysler 300C Heritage that features the same sport-tuned steering and suspension as the Dodge Charger R/T Daytona. The SRT8 gains a new grille, revised suspension tuning and additional standard equipment.

The base 2009 Chrysler 300 LX is only available with rear-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 178 hp and 190 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy with this engine is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

The Touring and Limited trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 good for 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is 17 city/24 highway and 20 combined. All-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy with AWD is 15/22/18 mpg. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the rear-wheel-drive 3.5-liter 300 sedans, while a five-speed automatic comes with all-wheel drive.

The Chrysler 300C gets a 5.7-liter V8 with 359 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 15/23/18 mpg regardless of rear- or all-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic is standard. The 300 SRT8's 6.1-liter V8 cranks out 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy is 13/18/15 mpg.

© Source: edmunds
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