To most of us who have seen the Nissan X-Trail already, this piece of news should not be confused for a new version. Rather, the second generation Nissan X-Trail is a dead ringer for the old one although it comes with a revamped interior and the instrumentation panel has been repositioned to be in the usual driver’s side. This second generation Nissan X-Trail will make its debut at Thailand, coming with a 2.0 liter engine, an XTRONIC CVT transmission aided by a 6 speed manual transmission. From the looks of it, Nissan may be spreading the Nissan X-Trail in other parts of Asia, with Malaysia probably being the next stop. The new batch of Nissan SUVs will be coming from Indonesia.

(Source) Paul Tan

Tags: Asia, dead ringer, debut, indonesia, instrumentation, liter, manual transmission, Nissan, nissan x trail, second generation, suvs, Thailand, xtronic cvt

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The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition racing car will finally be made available come January, a concept race car that was initially shown at the SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas. It comes equipped with the TDI Cup Edition Kit which includes a front bumper, side skirts and rear valance. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will also feature a 2.0-liter clean diesel engine loaded with 140HP paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other notable enhancements include an 18” Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires, sports seats and a multi-function steering wheel that features paddle shifters when equipped with the DSG transmission.

(Source) Press

Tags: clean diesel, diesel engine, dsg transmission, enhancements, front bumper, Jetta, jetta tdi, manual transmission, paddle shifters, race car, racing car, rear valance, season tires, SEMA, side skirts, sports seats, steering wheel, wheels

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The Lotus Evora beat out 29 other cars to win the title of Performance Car of the Year for 2009 from Car Magazine. The list included marquee car brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche, giving you an idea of what this vehicle brings. All 30 cars went through subjective and objective testing on the driving roads of Great Britain. Among the highlights of the Lotus Evora during this event included the smooth navigation and steering.

And to refresh your memory, the Lotus Evora features a 280HP 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox.

(Source) Auto Spies

Tags: car brands, car magazine, Cars, Evora, great britain, Lamborghini, Lotus, manual transmission, memory, performance car of the year, petrol engine, Porsche, smooth navigation, transmission gearbox

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The BMW Z4 isn’t a slow car by any means, considering it has a full 306HP stock, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. BMW has yet to announce any tuning kits for the car and has kept generally quiet about whatever they have cookin’ in their labs.

Luckily, a tuning firm by the name of Manhart Racing has managed to give Z4 owners exactly what they are looking for, a boost of 244HP. They have managed this by dropping a reworked V10 engine, found in BMW models such as the M5 and M6, into the Z4 effectively giving it a huge boost. All of this additional power will give the Z4 a 0 – 62 mph sprint of just 3.9 seconds in addition to getting the 150MPh electronic speed limiter removed.

Couple all of this with an M5 6-speed manual transmission and differential and you have yourself the baddest BMW Z4 on the road.

via wcf

Tags: BMW, engine, m5, manhart racing, manual transmission, swap, tuning kit, Z4

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Last week we told you how GM had put shipments of the Chevrolet Camaro SS with manual transmission on hold due to failures with the transmission.

Today however, GM has again spoken of the vehicle but this time notifying us that the problem has been remedied and that shipments are back on. Exactly what the problem was, GM didn’t say but they have said that it was based around the output shaft of the tranmission system.

Finally, GM has said that the problems were very isolated and only around a dozen cases were reported. So everyone, get ordering!

via KickingTires

Tags: 6 speed transmission, camaro ss, delay, manual transmission, problem, shipment

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GM has recently announced that they are temporarily putting a hold on the shipments of all manual transmission touting Camaro SS vehicles. This is due to the fact that some owners have reported problems with the Launch Control feature.

Below is a quote from a GM spokesperson regarding the matter:

Our engineering team is reviewing data related to the performance of the manual transmission on the Camaro SS, and have temporarily stopped shipment of this model to the dealers.

This only impacts Camaro SS models with manual transmission in production. Camaro SS with automatic transmission, and Camaro LS and LT models are not affected and will continue to be shipped to dealers.

Since this is an “in production” review, we are NOT requesting vehicles be returned for any service or dealer deliveries stopped as a result of this action.

We’ll keep you posted if a recall is in line.

via Jalopnik

Tags: camaro ss, halt, launch control, manual transmission, safety, shipment

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Kia Motors America unveiled new pictures of the special edition 2010 Denim Kia Soul. From afar it looks like the same Kia Soul which initially came out but go a bit closer and you may notice the changes for this popular urban passenger vehicle.

Among the highlights of the 2010 Denim Kia Soul Special Edition:

• Unique denim exterior color
• White side-view mirrors
• White 18-inch alloy wheels
• Front fender turn signal indicator lights
• Wing-type rear spoiler
• White racing stripes completing the rally-inspired look.
• Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music)
• An iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls
• Carpeted floor mats
• Moonroof
• Fog lights

The special edition Denim Soul is priced at $17,300 for a five-speed manual transmission and $18,250 for the automatic version.

(Source) Press

Tags: center speaker, connection cable, denim, external amplifier, fender, floor mats, fog lights, functionality, inch alloy wheels, indicator lights, KIA, kia motors america, manual transmission, racing stripes, radio head, Rally, rear spoiler, steering wheel, turn signal

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Finally the actual price for the 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z has been revealed. Nissan North America has announced that the second-generation NISMO Z is now available in stores with a MSRP of $39,130. The new car is a dream for most sports car fanatics, carrying an aerodynamic body design, an 18 additional horsepower with sport-tuned suspension.

The 2009 Nissan Nismo 370Z is also equipped with a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match, a positively super-charged machine to carry on the Nissan name for power and excellence towards its demanding consumer market.

“The new NISMO Z is a tuner and Z enthusiast’s dream – straight from the factory,” said Pat Steiner, Director, Specialty Vehicles, Nissan Division, NNA. “With its dramatic exterior, custom interior, sport-tuned performance and under $40,000 price, this new NISMO Z is possibly the best ‘bang-for-the-buck’ sports car available today.”

Accessories:

• NISMO carpeted floor mats
• Illuminated kick plates
• Carpeted trunk mat

(Source) Press

Tags: aerodynamic body, best bang, car fanatics, floor mats, horsepower, kick plates, liter v6, manual transmission, msrp, nismo z, Nissan, nissan division, nissan name, nissan nismo, nissan north america, nna, second generation, Sports Car, steiner, trunk mat

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Hyundai launches a new eco-friendly vehicle variant with the new Accent variant running on LPG. The new passenger car has been priced at Rs 533,900 which is Rs 34,900 more than its existing petrol model. It is fitted with an engine immobilizer as a standard fitment for added security.

The new Accent eco is equipped with a LPG kit and powered by a 1.5 liter engine. It has a manual transmission which should all the more balance the proper consumption of fuel important for motorists today.

With separate Petrol (45 Litre) and LPG (27.2 litre) fuel tanks, the customers has an option to choose from both LPG and petrol driving mode. The LPG tank in the Accent eco has a special ‘Toroidal’ design that allows intelligent use of space and makes for a larger luggage room available to the customer.

LPG use is nothing new for most cars today. In fact, the number of motorists who have turned towards converting to these cheaper mode of motoring. With the new Hyundai Accent, you can do away with that conversion intent since you get it packaged with an all-new vehicle expected to deliver what new vehicles normally come in.

(Source) Press

Tags: added security, consumption, conversion, engine immobilizer, fuel tanks, Hyundai Accent, liter engine, litre, lpg kit, lpg tank, manual transmission, motorists, new hyundai, new vehicles, passenger car, toroidal

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Subaru has officially announced the pricing for its 2010 Legacy Sedan. Pricing will start at $19,995 — $800 lower than the previous generation Legacy sedan — which set a sales record in 2008.

The new Subaru Legacy provides for a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy, whose predecessor is renowned for its sporty handling and reliability, now has a longer wheelbase, four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

All Legacy models now feature an all-new front McPherson strut, rear double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars for improved ride & handling. Additionally, all Legacy models are upgraded with a much larger 18.5 gallon fuel tank for better operating range.

The 2.5i is equipped with a either the 6-speed manual transmission with a starting price of $19,995 or the all-new Lineartronic CVT as an option with a starting price of $20,995.

(Source) Press

Tags: design language, double wishbone suspension, four inches, gallon fuel tank, legacy models, manual transmission, mcpherson strut, powertrain, predecessor, rear seat legroom, rear stabilizer bars, reliability, Subaru, subaru legacy, variable transmission, wheelbase

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Kia Motors North America has officially launched the 2010 Kia Urban in Miami. The 2010 Kia Soul Urban passenger vehicle is on sale at dealerships across the United States. Available in Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300(1) for the base model, while Soul+ starts at $14,950 and tops out at $17,100 with all options. Soul! begins at $16,950 and peaks at $17,900 with all available options, and Soul sport starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600 with all options included.

Built on an all-new front-wheel drive platform, Soul features a high roofline and wide, distinctive stance. With a wheelbase of 100.4 inches, length of 161.6 inches, width of 70.3 inches and height of 63.4 inches, the five-passenger Soul offers a comfortably roomy interior.

Soul is available with two engines – a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission (base only) and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission (Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport). The former produces 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque while the latter produces 142 horsepower with 137 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for the 1.6-liter manual is 26/31 mpg (city/highway) while the 2.0-liter offers a fuel-sipping 24/30 mpg for both the automatic and manual transmissions(2) , besting the Scion xB.

(Source) Press

Tags: base model, cylinder engine, fuel economy, horsepower, KIA, kia motors, manual transmission, manual transmissions, north america, roofline, Scion, scion xb, united states

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GM Daewoo breaks the ice in delivering their first diesel-engined Lacetti, initiating a comprehensive diesel lineup beginning with the SUVs to compact and midsize sedans plus a range of body styles.

The Lacetti sedan and hatchback with a manual transmission obtains fuel efficiency of 18.4 km per liter exceeding the already marvelous Lacetti 1.6 -liter gasoline model by almost 30 percent.

On the other hand the versions with an automatic transmission achieve fuel efficiency of 14.9 km per liter and in combination with its 60-liter fuel tank; the Lacetti Diesel can be driven by up to 1,100km or 900 km in versions with an automatic transmission.

(Source) Aving

Tags: automatic transmission, daewoo lacetti, gasoline, GM, gm daewoo, Korea, manual transmission, midsize sedans

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One of the best-selling cars in America today is the Camry. Hence, if you talk about future cars, it is imminent that many are awaiting the coming of the 2010 Toyota Camry which is aiming to continue its redefinition of standards for vehicle comfort and performance.

The 2010 Camry and Camry Hybrid scheduled to go on sale in March, have an array of enhancements, inside and out, including exterior styling, performance, safety, audio and convenience features.

Highlights:

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) will produce 169 hp for Camry, LE and XLE grades

Engine can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Automatic transmission with sequential shift

A powerful 3.5-liter V6 delivering 268 horsepower

16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels

Certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV)

The 2010 Toyota Camry is expected to come out this March. No pricing has been announced yet.

(Source) Aving.net

Tags: automatic transmission, liter v6, manual transmission, Toyota, toyota camry, zero emissions vehicle

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Mitsubishi is launching a new model soon, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Sporty looking and equipped with a manual transmission that can go as far as 30 miles per gallon, the new design comes with a vented hood that allows proper ventilation of hot air from the hood.

The hood is light as well thus optimizing the weight distribution of the car. It comes equipped as well with an all-wheel control (AWC) and active center differential (ACF) to maintain balance and proper grip on the road. The ACD mode switch sets dynamics for “gravel” or “snow,” optimizing torque transfer for the available traction.

The retail price of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS was said to be $18,000 and if you should choose to add the Sirius radio w/60-month service, another $1500 will be added to the base price.

Via Epoch Times

Tags: GTS, manual transmission, Mitsubishi, mitsubishi lancer, new model, sirius radio, weight distribution

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Doesn’t it feel so much better driving a stick car? Some people prefer automatic transmission but I say you should definitely choose manual.

Acura fans can chose now a manual transmission for the upcoming 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD model. It’s a new six-speed stick as the 2009 model has only a five speed automatic with paddle shifters transmission.

That’s quite a change for thr Acura which used to make the SH-AWD with standard automatic transmission without the possibility of choosing manual. The SH-AWD will also get the “Hill Start Assistant” to help drivers hold the vehicle on hills when starting the engine.

If you’re not into manual shifting think about your fuel saving. The manual transmission weighs 88 pounds less than the automatic. That means less gas to move the whole car right?

Tags: 2010, Acura, automatic transmission, manual transmission

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