2008 Hummer H2 makes accent on luxury, safety

The updated Hummer H2 SUV and SUT, first unveiled at the motor show in New York, not only sport more capable 6.2-liter small-block V-8 engine and a towing capacity increased by 1,700 pounds to 8,200 pounds. The new members of the Hummer H2 family are also characterized by their increased comfort and longer list of safety features, including roof rail head curtain side air bags for first-, second- and third-row passengers with rollover sensing system and panic brake assist feature.



More powerful engine

The 2008 Hummer H2 will be equipped with new 6.2-liter all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine. Being about 20 per cent more powerful than the previous motor, the new V-8 develops up to 393 hp and 415 lb-ft (574 Nm) of torque and is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with "tall" overdrive gear and a "tap up/tap down" feature that allows the driver to manually select lower or higher gear with a button on the column shifter.



It's not only more powerful. The engine uses such advanced performance enhancements as VVT, electric engine cooling fansm new LAN electrical architecture and regulated voltage control.



Too bad, there is still no clean diesel engine for the family.



New safety features

Adding more power to the SUV/SUT, GM's engineers just had to supply it with new safety features that come as standard. Among the new technologies available with the updated Hummer H2 is the new roof rail head curtain side air bags for first-, second- and third-row passengers with rollover sensing system; safety belt pretensioners for the first-row seats; electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology; new traction control system; panic brake assist technology; and, last but not least, tire pressure monitoring system.



Needless to say that both SUV and the truck come equipped with GM's OnStar system with the optional Turn-By-Turn navigation system. Alas, Hummer's new rearview camera Rear Vision System also comes for additional money.









See also: Hummer H2 Victory Red Limited Edition arrives in February

Technorati tags: 2008, Hummer, H2, SUV, SUT, VVT, OnStar, cars

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Dodge Nitro UK pricing announced

OMG, how do they calculate prices for the Old World?



While in the United States the new Dodge Nitro mid-size SUV is available at a meager $19,885 price, in the United Kingdom the vehicle will start from enormous £18,990, which is almost twice as expensive than the U.S. version costs. And you still accuse Apple of price discrimination? Come on.



The Dodge Nitro SUV will be launched in SE and SXT trims available in both front- and all-wheel-drive and either manual or an automatic gearboxes. The choice of engines will also be limited to only two, so you'll have little trouble choosing between a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 petrol engine producing a maximum of 203 bhp and 232 lb.-ft. of torque and a 2.8-litre common-rail turbocharged oil-burner achieving up to 174 bhp and peak torque of 339 lb.-ft with a fuel economy figure of 30.1 mpg.



The price list goes as follows:

Model	Transmission	Price
Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD SE	six-speed manual	£18,990
Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD SXT	six-speed manual	£22,490
Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD SXT	five-speed automatic	£23,490
Dodge Nitro 3.7 SXT	five-speed automatic	£23,490

See also: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Technorati tags: Dodge, Nitro, price, SUV, SOHC, diesel, United Kingdom, cars

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BMW X1 tiny SUV is under consideration

BMW is reportedly planning to broaden its range of crossover SUVs from current two to three, designing a small crossover SUV. Being positioned below the BMW X3 (pictured) and competing against such vehicles as the new Nissan Qashqai / Rogue (you'll probably get three Nissans for the cost of one X1, however), the BMW X1 will be based on the 1-Series platform sharing some parts with the X3.



The vehicle, if ever, will be presented to the customers by 2010 and will sell at some 100,000 annually.

According to German Auto Zeitung magazine, the tiny SUV will feature the same xDrive AWD system we saw on the current BMW X3.

See also: BMW X5 E70 to get a Double wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson

Technorati tags: BMW, X1, X3, SUV, xDrive, crossover, AWD, cars

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Sketches of Zap's new 644hp electric crossover SUV released

After the successful presentation of its Lotus APX demonstrator at NADA in February 2007, ZAP has released first set of sketches of its upcoming (if ever) electric-powered crossover SUV. Based on the all-aluminum Lotus APX concept, the ZAP-X will reportedly feature a 644 horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 155 mph.



What's even more promising is that the vehicle will have a generous 350-mile driving range and its lithium-ion batteries will feature a meager 10-minute recharge time. The batteries will be recharged on the road with the help of vehicle's Photovoltaic glass windows and windshields.



The ZAP-X electric crossover SUV will also have an Apple iPod-ready onboard computer with Windows XP, HD-video, FireWire, Wi-Fi, MiniUSB and Bluetooth connectivity.

So, as you see, the ZAP-X will be a really fun to drive crossover, which even treehuggers will love. Hope, it won't become another waporware.

Images and source: ZAP

See also: ZAP-X Crossover Electric Car to be shown at NADA

Technorati tags: Zap, Zap-X, Lotus, SUV, electric, crossover, NADA, cars

Permalink: Sketches of Zap's new 644hp electric crossover SUV released

Redesigned 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca to be unveiled in New York

Following less than satisfactory sales of the 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca (pictured), the Japanese company has given the crossover SUV a comprehensive overhaul, tempering down its too much of extravagant exterior look.



The 2008 Subaru B9 Tribeca, Automobile Magazine reports, will get more mainstream grille as well as more timid headlights.

The 2008 Tribeca will also receive a more powerful engine.

Instead of the old 3.0-liter boxer, the new Tribeca will be equipped with a 3.6-liter flat-six, which offers just a little bit more power but supplies significantly more torque, raising it form 215 lb-ft to 247 lb-ft. But wait, there is more... hm... well, although more powerful, the engine delivers better mileage returning 10 per cent better fuel economy and running on regular, not the premium fuel.

The vehicle will be presented at the 2007 New York Auto Show.

Photo: Subaru

See also: 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca claimed to be the safest SUV

Technorati tags: Subaru, B9, Tribeca, SUV, engine, crossover, New York, cars

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Lexus LX 570 to be unveiled in New York

The new Lexus LX570 set to replace current Lexus LX 470 (pictured) luxurious SUV will most likely be officially unveiled to the public during the upcoming 2007 New York International Auto Show.



The third-generation Lexus LX 570 will be motivated by a new 5.7-liter V8 engine as seen under the hood of the current Toyota Tundra pickup truck. If the specs remain unchanged, the engine will feature at least 381 hp and nice 401 lb-ft of peak torque.

Photo: Lexus

See also: 2008 Lexus RX 350 will start at $37,400

Technorati tags: Lexus, Lexus LX570, Toyota Tundra, SUV, engine, 2007, New York, cars

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2007 Mazda CX-7 is one of the safest SUVs on the market

In the latest series of tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the 2007 Mazda CX7 crossover SUV has been rated among the safest vehicles present on the North American market.



The Mazda CX-7 has scored five stars in both frontal and side impact ratings and got a four-star rollover resistance rating, which is the highest in the class.



The results are mostly thanks to the vehicle's such standard and optional safety features as ABS and DCS systems, traction control and tire pressure monitoring as well as standard roll stability control. There is also a comprehensive set of passive safety systems including three-point seat belts for all passengers, second row Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child safety restraints, seat belt reminding systems, advanced dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags and both front and rear air curtains.



Photos: Mazda

See also: Nissan Pathfinder scored well in EuroNCAP tests

Technorati tags: 2007, Mazda, CX7, SUV, crossover

Permalink: 2007 Mazda CX-7 is one of the safest SUVs on the market

Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Hyundai has eventually announced the recommended prices of its upcoming Hyundai Veracruz seven-seat crossover. Although we've expected the vehicle to cost as low as $30,000, I'm glad to inform you that in reality the car-based SUV will be even cheaper than expected starting at meager $26,350 for the basic FWD model ($690 destination charge not included).



The feather-light price tag makes the new Hyundai Veracruz less expensive than the new Saturn Outlook, Mazda CX-9 and V-6 Toyota Highlander.

Hyundai Veracruz pricing goes as follows:

Trim	Transmission	Price
Veracruz GLS	FWD	$26,305
Veracruz GLS	AWD	$28,005
Veracruz SE	FWD	$28,005
Veracruz SE	AWD	$29,705
Veracruz Limited	FWD	$32,305
Veracruz Limited	AWD	$34,005

Photos: Hyundai

See also: Hyundai Veracruz to invade America

Technorati tags: 2007, Hyundai, Veracruz, SUV, crossover, price, FWD, AWD, cars

Permalink: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is coming upon us

Porsche is keen to develop its own hybrid vehicle by the year 2009. The hybrid will be based on the gas-guzzling Porsche Cayenne luxury SUV. Not that an average Porsche owner is tight on money to buy an extra gallon of gas, it's just a kind of statement, you know. Go green, be patriotic and all this stuff.



The gas-electric hybrid drivetrain will be developed in close cooperation with Porsche's established partner -- Volkswagen AG. It will be married to the Cayenne 4WD transmission and is expected to cut vehicle's fuel consumption by some 30 per cent and to increase its mileage by about 4/5.5 mpg in the city/highway cycle.

The next candidate for the hybridization is the upcoming Porsche Panamera four-door coupe, ArabianBusiness.com is reporting citing Associated Press news agency.

Photo: Porsche

See also: 2008 Porsche Cayenne features new engines, more aggressive styling

Technorati tags: 2009, Porsche, Cayenne, SUV, mpg, hybrid, 4WD, Panamera, cars

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Citroen Cruise Crosser Concept — six wheel SUV

Citroen and Espera Sbarro School of design have jointly presented their new baby -- the Citroen Cruise Crosser Concept based on the latest Citroen C-Crosser SUV. While Peugeot and Holland & Holland have made an attempt to create a sybarite's wet dream out of C-Crosser's sibling -- Peugeot 4007 -- guys from Citroen probably thought better of it and decided to design an extravagant six-wheel all-terrain monster-truck.



What's the most interesting about Citroen Cruise Crosser Concept is that it's almost totally green. I'm not talking here about the SUV's color -- it's mostly orange and black -- I mean, the Citroen Cruise Crosser is equipped with a hybrid drivetrain combining a conventional diesel engine with an electric motor hidden under the rear floor and powering the third axle. Using the oil-burner in partnership with the electric motor helps drastically reduce the concept's CO2 foot-print. In fact, the Cruise Crosser may run on the electric axle alone in 'Zero Emission Vehicle' mode.



The vehicle was unveiled during the motor show in Geneva.



Photos: Citroen

See also: Mitsubishi Outlander gives birth to the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007

Technorati tags: Citroen, C-Crosser, Cruise, SUV, diesel, hydrid, CO2, Geneva, cars

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Citroen C-Crosser officially presented in Geneva

After months of heavy artillery barrage Citroen has eventually unveiled its latest attempt to jump on the city crossover SUV bandwagon. Being essentially a rebadged 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander with a French face, the 2008 Citroen C-Crosser is anything but new for the European customers.



Featuring decent for a European crossover living space and 5+2 seating configuration, the CCrosser will be available to the local buyers starting this summer.

Citroen still stays mum about the vehicle's price but expect something between €27,000 and €34,000.

For the money you'll get an HDi diesel engine featuring a maximum of 160bhp and peak torque of 280 lb-ft, really decent 40mpg, 9.9 seconds from zero to 62mph and a top speed of 124 mph. Its off-road capabilities are still somewhat questionable and I really doubt it'll be able to beat the new Toyota RAV4 on the good pavement.

See also: Peugeot Holland & Holland 4007 Concept SUV

Technorati tags: Citroen, C-Crosser, crossover, SUV, diesel, Mitsubishi, Outlander, Geneva

Permalink: Citroen C-Crosser officially presented in Geneva

New Volvo XC70 will feature better off-road capability

Although not an off-roader in the real sense, the all-new Volvo XC70 still offers significant cross-country capability comparing to the outgoing model. The vehicle is powered by a 185 PS D5 turbo diesel delivering 400 Nm of torque, or even more powerful 238 PS 3.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, enough for a family estate, which will never see the real mud.



The D5 turbocharged oil-burner, for instance, features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder technology, an electronically controlled turbocharger, a maintenance-free particle filter, a more advanced multi-point injection system and an enhanced engine management system. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine pushes the 2008 Volvo XC70 from zero to 60 mph in just 8.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph. It can also be ordered with Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with an option of manual shifting.



The 3.2-liter gasoline engine delivers impressive 320 Nm of torque. The straight-six engine features aluminum block and head with twin overhead camshafts and 24-valves as well as Volvo's patented CPS (Cam Profile Switching) system that features two completely different intake cam profiles machined onto the same camshaft.



It's even more energetic than the diesel, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in only 8.1 seconds and achieving a top speed of 134 mph.



The Volvo XC70 features really impressive for a wagon effective ground clearance of 210 mm, wading depth of 300 mm and amp angles of 19.2° approach, 19.8° breakover and 24° departure, beating the outgoing model (16°, 18° and 20° respectively) in all three areas. Its off-road abilities are further enhanced by a hill descent control system and all-wheel drive system with Volvo's own Instant Traction electronic torque distribution system.

Its price is yet to be announced in June and the first cars will reach their buyers only in October.

Picture: Volvo Cars

See also: Peugeot Holland & Holland 4007 Concept SUV

Technorati tags: Volvo, XC70, cross country, D5, diesel, Geartronic

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Audi Q7 4.2 TDI raises the bar again

Set to arrive in the showrooms sometime in June this year, the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI SUV makes a good claim to be the world's most powerful and fast sports utility vehicle. Its 4.2-liter V8 diesel engine is mated to the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and develops a maximum of 326 bhp and stunning 760 Nm (560 lb-ft) of torque produced between 1,800 rpm and 2,500 rpm. Although that powerful, it consumes only about 11.1 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km (25mpg).



The new SUV is fast, too. The Ingolstadt company claims that the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI takes only 6.4 seconds to jump from zero to 62 mph and its top speed reaches 236 km/h (147 mph). It's kept on the road with the help of Audi's adaptive air suspension with three driving modes and five ground clearance settings. Like other Audi Q7 models, this one is equipped with a self-locking center differential with asymmetric/dynamic torque split with a 40:60 front-rear base ratio.

The list of technological luxurities includes a radar-supported cruise control system with active distance control and the new lane assist system that informs the driver when he or she comes off the carriageway.

Picture: Audi AG

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

Technorati tags: Audi Q7, V8, SUV, TDi, diesel, Tiptronic, cars

Permalink: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI raises the bar again

Audi Q7 V12 TDi may come to the U.S.

The U.S. market is of strategic importance to any serious automaker and it seems that the golden key to the local market is a clean and powerful diesel engine. Audi has one and is about to offer it inside its highly successful Audi Q7 V12 TDi luxurious SUV.



Citing Audi's CEO Rupert Stadler talking at a press-conference in Ingolstadt, Fourtitude.com is reporting that "the launch of the [Audi Q7] V12 TDI is part of [Audi's] broad-based diesel initiative in the US market".



The new V12 TDI engine belongs to the new generation of oil-burners that are characterized by an extremely low level of nitrogen oxide emissions. Marketed under the Bluetec label, these engines are legal in almost all US states.



Photos: Audi AG

See also: Audi Q7 TDI tuned by B&B

Technorati tags: Audi Q7, V12, SUV, TDi, diesel, Bluetec, cars

Permalink: Audi Q7 V12 TDi may come to the U.S.