Monday, July 12, 2010
Probably Not The 2010 Mazda3, But It Sure Is Pretty
The enigmatic and strange man who runs the Burlapp Car Page has a couple shots of what he claims is the next Mazda3. While we know we're expecting a new 2010 Mazda3, these shots look more concept than production, so we're assuming that's not what we're seeing here. While not as way-out-there as the 2018 Mazda3 design contest, could these be accurate renderings of what to expect from a concept of the next generation of Mazda's zoom-zoomin' C-segment hatchback? Mazda should hope their new car actually ends up looking like this, because it'd totally be a winner. One more shot below the jump.
Jaguar XFR 2010
Jaguar claims that ADC offers increased traction while avoiding the negatives of a fully mechanical differential such as increased understeer. Jaguar says that in dynamic mode, the dampers are stiffened and with the stability control switched off, ADC allows controllable power oversteer and improved off-throttle stability. We can't wait to see how these new systems work on the road.
Visually, the XFR gets the logical upgrades. Twenty-inch, twin seven-spoke alloy wheels are standard. The front fascia gains a larger lower grill and chrome outboard air intakes. The hood also features louvers. The XFR also features sill extensions and a new rear lower valence. Finally, a new exterior mirror design with integrated LED blinkers is used. Inside, new leather and 18-way adjustable sport seats (14-way for the front passenger) are fitted. Unique dark oak veneer with dark mesh aluminum trim is also standard.
We're excited to drive the new XFR. Orders begin in Europe in February and we expect to see cars on sale in the U.S. this summer. But the XFR isn't the only change in the XF model line for 2010. Replacing the 4.2-liter supercharged engine is a normally-aspirated version of the XFR's 5.0-liter V-8. This 385 hp, 380 lb-ft engine utilizes direct-injection as well and fits in nicely between the XFR's 510-hp powerplant and the carryover 300 hp, 4.2-liter V8. Other notable changes include the availability of a Portfolio model with more luxurious interior appointments and an upgraded navigation system available on all XF models that now includes turn-by-turn instructions in the message center between the speedometer and the tachometer. It's nice that Jaguar isn't leaving one of our favorite mid-size luxury cars alone despite it being only a year old.
The big news for the 2010 Jaguar XFR is its engine, the snappy sedan gets a new 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 with a BMW M5-conquering 510 hp. Read the full story on the 2010 Jaguar XFR sedan featured at the 2009 NAIAS Detroit Auto show at Automobile Magazine online.
To read more about the 2010 Jaguar XFR, go to our 2009 Detroit auto show blogs coverage. All the latest blogs from the Editors of Automobile Magazine can be found HERE. We've got our whole staff wandering the floor at Cobo Hall bringing back live photos and more information about all the new debuts from Detroit.
For complete coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show, click HERE.
Once again, Ford is teasing us with a new car in the UK. According to Auto Express, Ford will make a Fiesta RS. The RS will be a slight upgrade from the ST model, taking the 1.6-liter direct-injection EcoBoost turbo to bring power to 200hp. This should make the Fiesta RS good from zip-to-60mph in 6 seconds dead and 140mph top speed. Rumor round it also could include six-speed twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox (man, that’s a lot of words for saying semi-auto tranny) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Once again, Ford is building something exciting for the UK/Euro market like the Mondeo, Focus ST with over 200 hp and now the little Fiesta RS. When will Ford get a clue and bring some of these cars to the US!