The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is barely a week old and yet it is racking up some attention and awards. In fact, the all-new 2010 Kia Forte Koup, unveiled just last week during the 2009 New York International Auto Show, has been chosen by the editors at MSN Autos as a “Best in Show” pick. Vehicles that made the list offered impressive style, value and overall potential to help move the automotive industry forward.

“As the New York Auto Show offers a number of concept and production introductions, we are pleased that MSN Autos recognized Forte Koup as a “Best in Show” for its bold styling and immense value,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “The all-new Forte Koup, combined with the recently launched Soul urban passenger vehicle and soon-to-be launched Forte sedan, really drives home our current strategy to create a full lineup of value-laden vehicles with a distinct and attractive Kia design.”

Based on the design styling of the KOUP concept vehicle shown during last year’s show, the all-new Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design.

(Source) Press

Tags: aggressive stance, automotive industry, balanced proportions, design source, impressive style, international auto show, introductions, KIA, michael sprague, msn autos, new york auto, new york international auto show, powerful design, sleek profile, sophisticated design

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Chrysler and A123 Systems come together to develop advanced battery technology and also provide new employment opportunities. Facilitated by an agreement with Chrysler LLC and its commitment to introduce production electric-drive vehicles starting in 2010, A123Systems has received a $100 million tax grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to build a full-scale battery manufacturing facility in Michigan. The new plant will bring additional high-tech jobs to Michigan, and will help Chrysler achieve its leadership goals in electric vehicle development and production.

“Today’s recognition of this Michigan-based partnership represents tremendous forward thinking by the government, and demonstrates how government can greatly affect the development of – and costs associated with – this type of advanced technology,” said John Bozzella, Senior Vice President – External Affairs and Public Policy. “Chrysler is proud to participate in this effort that will bring high-technology jobs to Michigan, and will help solidify American innovation in electric vehicles – ultimately leading to more advanced fuel-efficient vehicles for the American consumer and the environment.”

Last week, Chrysler LLC announced A123Systems as the supplier for energy storage systems for Chrysler’s first-generation ENVI Range-extended Electric Vehicles and battery only Electric Vehicles.

The heart of ENVI’s battery system is a scalable battery module, as demonstrated in ENVI’s five electric-drive vehicles showcased at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five vehicles included the Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV and the Chrysler 200C EV concept. At the reveal, Chrysler announced its intention to bring the company’s first production electric vehicle to market in 2010.

(Source) Press

Tags: a123 systems, american international auto show, battery manufacturing, chrysler town, energy storage systems, fuel efficient vehicles, high tech jobs, international auto show, jeep patriot, jeep wrangler, michigan economic development, michigan economic development corporation, michigan facility, north american international auto

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In a marketing move, General Motors has reportedly combine three of its most recognized brands; Buick, Pontiac and GMC into one sales and marketing channel – which means many dealers, who had one or two of the brands previously, will now sell all three under one roof. GM says each brand will play to its strengths – Buick larger, premium cars; Pontiac sportier cars; and GMC pickups, SUV’s and Crossovers. This will create a middle sales channel, between GM’s global value brand Chevrolet and its high-end luxury brand, Cadillac.

At the 2009 New York International Auto Show, GMC debuted two new models. The all-new 2010 Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features. The all-new 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid was also unveiled. A luxurious, full-size SUV that seats eight, it tows up to 5,800 pounds and achieves and estimated 21 miles per gallon in city driving, thanks to the patented 2-mode hybrid system.

The Yukon Denali Hybrid arrives in May in dealer showrooms. It joins the Yukon Hybrid and the Sierra Hybrid pickup truck in the hybrid lineup, making GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.

(Source) Press

Tags: buick pontiac, crossover suv, dealer showrooms, fuel efficiency, global value, gmc pickups, hybrid models, hybrid system, international auto show, luxury brand, marketing channel, miles per gallon, most recognized brands, new york international auto show, pickup truck, premium cars, sales and marketing, tows, yukon denali

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An all-new engine from Chrysler is set to debut once the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the market. Chrysler LLC introduced today an all-new line of V-6 engines that will improve fuel efficiency across the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge lineup by 8 percent on average compared with previous Chrysler V-6 engines. This more refined and fuel-efficient V-6 engine will ultimately replace seven current Chrysler V-6 engines.

The new 3.6-liter V-6 engine, named Pentastar, is part of the company’s overall $3 billion powertrain offensive. It will first be offered in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show and at the Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

The Pentastar is an all-new design, featuring double-overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.

In the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine will deliver 280 horsepower (209 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 N*m) of torque at 4,800 rpm — an increase of 33 percent in horsepower and 11 percent in torque over its predecessor — while providing an 11 percent fuel economy improvement.

Chrysler’s all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine design features a double-overhead cam (DOHC), narrow included valve angle, cylinder head and high-flow intake and exhaust ports. This design, combined with dual independent cam phasing, allows optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range, resulting in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with high specific power — the engine’s torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm — which will provide customers with outstanding drivability and responsiveness, without the need for premium fuel.

(Source) Press

Tags: aluminum cylinder, chrysler jeep, fuel economy improvement, fuel efficiency, international auto show, jeep grand cherokee, jeep safari, new york international auto show, overhead camshafts, pentastar, premium fuel

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Nissan is scheduled to unveil a couple of new sports car models at the New York Auto Show. The two new sports cars are the 370Z Roadster and the Nismo 370Z, joining the Nissan 370Z Coupe.

The all-new 370Z Roadster goes on sale in late summer as a 2010 model and features a new power-folding convertible top with single-action operation and automatic roof latch. It also offers more refinement than any Z convertible that has come before, including standard Nissan Intelligent Key, as well as available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, satellite radio and an advanced Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.

The performance-inspired 2009 NISMO 370Z features dramatic aerodynamic styling, a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and a specially tuned suspension. It also offers unique interior treatments and special NISMO-branded 19-inch super lightweight forged alloy wheels. It is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide beginning in June.

“The addition of these two exciting new Zs to the dynamic new 370Z Coupe gives us three times the firepower as any competitive affordable sports car on the market today,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Now, if you prefer your 370Z action with a wide-open top or with wide-open extreme styling and performance, we have the perfect Z for you.”

(Source) Press

Tags: 3gb, firepower, hands free phone, interior treatments, international auto show, new sports cars, new york international auto show, nismo, nissan 370z, satellite radio

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Going compact or small is the trend these days and while many are relying on the information from publications, the web and the ever reliable word of mouth, others may find it better to catch a glimpse of the best Microcars at the New York International Automobile Show sponsored by The Vintage Microcar Club. The Microcar display includes a 1965 Peel P50 owned by The Lane Motor Museum that seats one person and is powered by a 50cc 2-stroke motor. Only 46 were originally produced and 22 survive today.

“Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as ‘The Smallest Production Car Ever Made’, the Microcar display is sure to be a huge hit with show goers large and small,” said John LaSorsa, NYIAS Chairman.

Ushering in the latest motor trends, the 2009 New York International Auto Show will unveil an expansive collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world’s automakers will feature the newest vehicles and futuristic concept cars. More than 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display. NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

(Source) Press

Tags: automobile dealers association, Concept Cars, expansive collection, futuristic concept, guinness book of world, guinness book of world records, international auto show, lasorsa, microcars, motor trends, new york auto, new york auto show, new york international auto show, production car, small cars, stroke motor

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