Majukan Mobnas, Indonesia Perlu Revolusi Kepada Dominasi Mobil Jepang dan Korea

Ketua Umum Gabungan Industri Kendaraan Bermotor Indonesia (Gaikindo), Sudirman MR menyatakan, produsen otomotif membutuhkan dana setidaknya sekitar USS 50 juta untuk memproduksi mobil nasional yang harganya murah, seperti yang diwacanakan pemerintah.

"Dana itu hanya untuk membeli robot perakit dan mesin pengelas, dan pengecatan, belum sampai pada tahap produksi massal," ujarnya di Jakarta, akhir pekan lalu.

Dia mengungkap, akibat besarnya investasi, membuat produsen memilih sikap menunggu kebijakan pemerintah. Alasannya, kalangan produsen khawatir investasi akan menguap jika produsen terjun langsung tanpa ada kejelasan peraturan dari pemerintan. "Kalau peraturan feasible baru kita bicara produksi massal. Apa yang dapat diberi oleh pemerintah kami belum tahu," jelasnya.

Sudirman mengaku, definisi mobil murah dan ramah lingkungan ("low cost and green car") yang tengah digodok pemerintah belum jelas. Dia meminta, pemerintah mengajak Gaikindo berdiskusi dalam merusmuskan peraturan mobil murah.

Dalam kesempatan itu, Sudirman juga mengungkap. Gaikindo memangkas target ekspor mobil dalam bentuk utuh (completely built up/CBU) dari 100 ribu unit menjadi sekitar 65 ribu unit tahun ini, menyusul rendahnya realisasi ekspor sampai Agustus. "Saya rasa agak berat untuk capai 100 ribu. Tadi teman-teman sudah bicara ekspor di angka 65 ribuan unit," imbuh dia.

Berdasarkan data Gaikindo, ekspor mobil CBU sampai Agustus n.-iik 60.1% menjadi 49.427 unit, dibanding periode sama tahun lalu 30.858 unit.

Dia menerangkan, perekonomian negara tujuan ekspor belum sepenuhnya pulih dari tekanankrisis finansial global 2009. Ini membuat pabrikan mobil lokal sulit menggenjot ekspor.

Walau begitu, tutur Sudirman, kinerja ekspor mulai bangkit memasuki paruh kedua tahun ini. Buktinya, pada Agustus lalu ekspor mobil meroket 122,6 persen menjadi 7.279 unit dibandingkan Agustus 2009 yang hanya 3.269 unit.

Adapun mobil yang diekspor terurai atau completely knocked down (CKD)sepanjang Januari-Agustus 2010 mencapai 38.238 unit dan ekspor komponen otomotif mencapai 237.756 unit

Senada dengan Sudirman, Chief External Affairs PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN), produsen Toyota di Indonesia, Irwan Priyantoko menyatakan, ekspor mobil mulai meningkat memasuki semester II. Ini terlihat dari lonjakan order dari beberapa wilayah seperti Timur Tengah dan Asean.

"Apalagi pada bulan lalu kami mendapat tambahan order Fortuner sebanyak 1.000 unit ke beberapa negara Timur Tengah, sehingga ekspor otomatis terdongkrak," kata Irwan.

Irwan memprediksi tren peningkatan ekspor akan terus berlanjut hingga akhir tahun. Manajemen TMMIN menargetkan total ekspor pada 2010 dapat mencapai 41.400 unit dari total produksi TMMIN 108 ribu unit.

Beberapa mobil rakitan lokal yang diekspor dalam bentuk utuh antara lain Suzuki APV, Toyota Kijang Innova, dan Daihatsu Gran Max, Toyota Avanza, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Rush; Suzuki APV, Suzuki Swift; dan Honda Freed. Ekspor mobil mengarah ke beberapa negara, seperti Malaysia, Thailand, Jepang, Mesir, Yaman, Uni Emirat Arab, Kuwait, Mesir, Oman, Arab Saudi, dan Afrika Selatan.

Target DAIHATSU

Di sisi lain, Sudirman yang juga menjabat wakilpresiden direktur PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM), produsen mobil Daihatsu dan Toyota menerangkan, ADM menargetkan produksi tahun ini dapat menembus 280 ribu unit, naik 21,4% dibanding 2009 sekitar 220 ribu unit. "Produksi naik selaras dengan bergairahnya pasar mobil domestik," ujarnya.

Sudirman menuturkan, produksi sempat menyentuh angka 19.810 unit, teredah sepanjang tahun ini. ADM memproduksi 6.584 unit Daihatsu untuk domestik dan 590 unit untuk ekspor. Selain itu, produksi merek Toyota di pabrik ADM mencapai 9.740 unit dan Toyota untuk ekspor 2.266 unit.

Menurut Dia, rendahnya produksi pada bulan lalu tak lepas dari pendeknya hari kerja akibat libur Lebaran. Kondisi ini membuat produksi tidak dapat digenjot, sehingga pengiriman mobil ke dealer berkurang. "Konsumen juga sedang konsentrasi untuk Lebaran, sehingga pasar mobil lesu. Tapi, produksi pada Oktober akan balik ke angka 20 ribu unit," jelas dia.

Hingga September 2010, produksi ADM mencapai 211.814 unit. Alokasi merek Daihatsu untuk pasar domestik mencapai 75.507 unit dan ekspor 4.995 unit. Sedangkan produksi Toyota mencapai 109.204 unit untuk pasar domestikdan 22.108 unit untuk ekspor.

ADM memproduksi Toyota Avanza, Toyota Rush, Daihatsu Xenia, Daihatsu Terios, dan Daihatsu Gran Max. Pabrik ADM di Sunter, Jakarta Utara, memiliki kapasitas terpasang 211 ribu unit, terbesar di Tanah Air.

Sudirman menyatakan, ADM akan meningkatkan kapasitas pabrik menjadi 286 ribu unit mulai semester 11-2010. Saat ini proses ekspansi sudah mencapai 70%. "Ekspansi kemungkinan akan rampung pada Februari tahun depan, lebih cepat dibanding proyeksi semula, yaitu Maret," tegas dia.

Perang Jepang terhadap Indonesia: Jepang Cengkram Industri Mobil Indonesia

Sudah menjadi rahasia umum kalau pasar mobil di Indonesia di dominasi oleh produsen mobil asal negeri matahari terbit. Jepang bahkan menguasai 95 persen dari seluruh populasi mobil yang ada di tanah air.

Hal itu diungkapkan oleh Direktur Pemasaran dan Layanan Purna Jual PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), Jonfis Fandy di Pasific Place, Jakarta, Rabu (23/2/2011).

"95 persen penjualan mobil di indonesia dari Jepang," ungkapnya.

Jonfis lalu menjelaskan kalau di Indonesia sekarang ada sekitar 300-an model mobil yang beredar. Dari jumlah tersebut, Jepang jelas mendominasi dan mencengkram pasar.

Lebih lanjut Jonfis juga menjabarkan kalau dari 300-an model mobil yang beredar di Indonesia itu, hanya 11 model yang sudah mampu berdiri tegak dengan angka penjualan di atas 1.000 unit perbulan.

"Hanya 11 model dari 300-an model yang beredar yang bisa menjual diatas 1.000 unit. Bisa dibilang hanya mereka yang aman kalau dilihat dari skala ekonominya. Dari 11 model, Honda menyumbang 3 model, Jazz, Freed dan CR-V," jelasnya.

Banyak model yang beredar di Indonesia menurut Jonfis adalah buah dari mudahnya birokrasi untuk mendatangkan mobil ke Indonesia khususnya mobil impor.

"Sekarang tidak ada kewajiban untuk produksi mobil di sini, jadi lebih mudah impor. 1-2 mobil saja bisa diimpor," tukasnya.

Sebagai informasi, Indonesia di tahun 2010 lalu berhasil mencatatkan penjualan mobil total sebesar 764.710 unit. Angka ini jauh di atas target Gaikindo yang berada di kisaran 730.000 unit dan juga merupakan rekor baru bagi Indonesia.

Dan di tahun 2011 ini, bila tidak ada aral melintang, kemungkinan angka 800 ribu unit sangat mungkin akan tercapai.

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is Toyota’s compact truck that is in its sixth generation. Available in Regular Cab, Access Cab and 4-door Double Cab configurations, the Tacoma was last redesigned for the 2005 model year.

Toyota began making a name for itself with cars in America in the 1970s, but has been selling compact pickups here since introducing its "Stout" model in 1964. Those pickups have a reputation for quality and ruggedness, and Toyota's 2005 Tacoma should enhance it.
The redesigned eighth-generation Tacoma is larger, roomier, smoother and more refined, with additional power and safety features. It replaces a rather dated Tacoma model that, nevertheless, has been one of Toyota's best-selling vehicles, accounting for 10 percent of U.S. sales.

The new Tacoma technically is a compact pickup, although it shares the frame of a rugged midsize Toyota sport utility sold in foreign markets. That component helps provide a ride free of creaks and body shivers. There also are lots of sound-absorbing materials, which contribute to the Tacoma's refined nature.

Check Garage Length

However, potential Tacoma buyers should check the length of their garages because certain versions of this pickup essentially have become midsize trucks; the Double Cab — or "crew cab" — version is nearly as long as a big Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab model at 221.3 inches, although the Tacoma Regular Cab two-door is only 190.4 inches long. The step-in is rather high on all versions.

Compact pickup trucks were very popular among young drivers a few decades ago, when they weren't especially refined. But they were cheap to buy, operate and insure — and were substitute "sports cars," when regular sports cars had become too dated or costly for young motorists. Moreover, compact pickups were easy to modify with items such as custom wheels and killer sound systems. In fact, high performance pickup trucks are popular again with young males.

Tacomas range from a Base rear-wheel-drive model with a fairly strong 4-cylinder engine and manual gearbox to the top-line Double Cab crew cab version with 4-wheel drive, potent V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Many Versions

There are nearly 20 versions of the Tacoma, with base prices ranging between $13,415 and $25,250. A racy new one is the $23,110 X-Runner, which is aimed expressly at young males.

The X-Runner has a specially lowered and tuned chassis, frame-stiffening X brace for better handling, stronger brakes and items such as a hood scoop and extra-wide tires on 18-inch wheels. It comes only with a 6-speed manual gearbox and does 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds with the Tacoma's new 245-horsepower V6.

Toyota anticipates that the Tacoma Double Cab will be especially popular because it has a comfortable car-like rear seat and four conventional side doors that help allow easy entry and exit.

Variety of Engines and Transmissions

The Tacoma is powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 164 horsepower or the 4.0-liter V6, which replaces a smaller 190-horsepower V6. Both engines have a new electronic throttle control system said to improve performance and fuel economy. Maximum towing capacity with the V6 and a towing package jumps 1,500 pounds to 6,500 pounds.

The V6 provides fast acceleration in all versions and works with an exceptionally responsive 5-speed automatic transmission. Other Tacoma transmissions are a slick 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic for the 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual for the V6.

The best estimated fuel economy is provided by the 4-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive and 5-speed manual transmission: 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. The V6 with the automatic provides 18 and 22 — or 17 and 21 with 4-wheel drive.

Anti-lock brakes are newly standard on all Tacomas, and you can get an optional skid control system on all except the X-Runner.

Off-Road Prowess

Tacomas come with rear- or 4-wheel drive and have good off-road abilities with the 4-wheel-drive system and the newly optional locking rear differential. That system shouldn't be left engaged on dry roads but has low-range gearing for tough off-road use. There's also a downhill assist control designed to maintain a slow speed down steep slopes.

The new Tacoma is exceptionally competitive and — more than ever — is among the best pickup truck buys.

Volkswagen Jetta

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta gets a power upgrade to its standard 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine to 170 and 177 lb-ft of torque and the 2.0T engine is now only available in the GLI. Trim levels are renamed S, SE and SEL. The SEL receives body color front and rear valance while the S and SE gets black textured color. A number of options are available including a Cold weather package and sunroof on the S and a premium sound package on SE. Now standard on all trim levels is power recline.

The Jetta has long ranked as the lowest-priced, European-badged sedan in the U.S. It promised European road handling capabilities in a sedan body, for a decent price.
The new-generation Jetta remains the most affordable European-badged sedan in America, with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price at introduction set at around $18,000. This is for a Value Edition model with manual transmission.
In comparison, a shopper would need more than $24,000 to get into a starting model of VW's larger sedan, the midsize Passat, and more than $26,000 to get into Audi's entry-level A4, BMW's 3-Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans.
The Jetta may have a European badge, but it's something of a "world car." Engineers from Volkswagen AG's German facilities developed the car, with input from VW of America Inc. based near Detroit. The new Jetta rolls off an assembly line in Puebla, Mexico, south of Mexico City. The Jetta's new automatic transmission comes from Japan, and the new engine is sourced from Mexico.

A good reason for VW of America's involvement: With annual Jetta sales in the U.S. traditionally around 140,000 to 150,000, the U.S. is Jetta's top market. (Europeans prefer VW's hatchbacks.) But by calendar 2004, U.S. sales of Jettas had fallen to less than 92,000. VW officials hope the new-generation Jetta lifts sales back up.
Many standard featuresAll Jettas come with a good amount of standard equipment such as air conditioning; cruise control; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; power windows, outside mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry and six airbags, including curtain airbags that deploy from the sides of the ceiling and two side airbags mounted in the front seats.
This helps explain why the Jetta's starting price is higher than that of some other small cars. For example, the Honda Civic, the top-selling compact car in the United States, started around $13,000 for a 2005 sedan, and Chevrolet's new-for-2005 Cobalt compact sedan started at less than $14,000 for a sedan when the new Jetta was introduced.
The 2005 Civic sedan did not offer curtain airbags, and these bags were optional on the 2005 Cobalt. In addition, the Jetta is one of the few small cars to include a telescoping steering wheel to help drivers better position themselves in their seats.
But I still wish VW, which knows its Jetta has been a younger person's car, had a full complement of fun, optional features available. For example, there was no iPod integrator for this new Jetta at its launch, and buyers wanting a navigation system were told to wait until 2006.
Interior still a hallmarkThe Jetta's interior remains a standout. There's a sense of organization and craftsmanship, both in the layout of the controls and the use of materials, that isn't found in many affordable small cars. Even the new Jetta's ceiling has up-level, textured material like you'd find in a luxury car. And the dashboard's plastic covering doesn't look cheap.
Check out the glove box and you'll find it's lined with a soft, almost velvet-like material, and the owner's manual sits in its own, out-of-the-way slot.
Seats are supportive and well-designed for a lot of travel time. In fact, I liked the "leatherette" fake leather on the seats of one of the Jetta test cars as much as I liked the other seat coverings. The leatherette was perforated and had well-aligned stitching trimming the seats.
New base engineThe Jetta has a new, more powerful base gasoline engine. It's a 2.5-liter double overhead cam 5 cylinder capable of 150 horsepower, up considerably from the 115-horsepower 2.0-liter 4 cylinder that was in the previous Jetta. Torque has increased too, from 122 lb-ft to 170 lb-ft at 3750 rpm.
The change was needed to get the Jetta competitive in the compact sedan segment, where cars like the Nissan Sentra can generate 165 horsepower and 175 lb-ft at 4000 rpm from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.
The new-generation Jetta test cars had good get up and go as I merged into city traffic and onto highways. The extra "oomph" when I passed cars on two-lane roads was noticeable, too.
The transmission in the testers was the new 6-speed automatic—up from 5 speeds in the previous Jetta—and shifts were smooth, except when I used the shift-it-yourself Tiptronic mode and shift points could be noticed.
In addition, the Tiptronic had a mind of its own and regularly upshifted and downshifted for me even when I wanted sportier, later shifts.
If you really want to control the shifts yourself, opt for the 5-speed manual.
The gasoline requirement for the Jetta 2.5 is regular unleaded. The Jetta's 14.5-gallon fuel tank is larger than the 13.2-gallon tanks in the Civic and Corolla. The larger tank is needed, since the Jetta weighs a few hundred pounds more than the two competitors and doesn't have as high a fuel economy rating.
Indeed, the test 2005 Jetta 2.5 model with automatic transmission was rated at 22 miles a gallon in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway, or a combined 26 mpg, which is about mid-pack among compact cars.
VW's carryover 100-horsepower 1.9-liter inline turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine will be in the new Jetta line, too, officials said. It was expected to have much better fuel economy rating of a combined 40 mpg or more.
The TDI model, as it's called, was planned to be offered with a new direct-shift gearbox (DSG). It's essentially an "automated manual" transmission that's getting lots of attention—and buyers—in Europe.
Yes, 5 cylindersFew vehicles in the U.S. have engines with an odd number of cylinders. Most engines use even numbers: 4 cylinders, 6, 8, even 12.
One reason is the concern of many auto engineers that engines with odd numbers of cylinders can have balance and vibration issues. But the Jetta's new 2.5-liter inline 5 cylinder runs quite smoothly, and the test cars showed no hint of such problems.
Indeed, a usual band-aid for engine imbalance—balance shafts—isn't necessary for this new engine, according to VW spokesman Patrick Hespen.
The Jetta's new transverse-mounted engine is naturally aspirated—meaning no turbocharging. And connecting rods that are equally positioned at 72 degrees on the engine crankshaft help do away with imbalance issues, Hespen said. Together, the connecting rods and the crankshaft work to convert the reciprocating motion of the engine pistons that go up and down in the engine cylinders into rotary motion that's used by the transmission.
This power plant "is a product of modern technology," Hespen said.
Note that 90 percent of the maximum torque becomes available as low as 1750 rpm, which means it's there when drivers need it for quick acceleration when they're merging into city traffic and for other everyday driving needs, according to VW.
This is not the first 5 cylinder at VW.
Remember the old VW Quantum? Starting in 1984, it had a 2.1-liter 5-cylinder engine producing 100 horses, Hespen said. A year later, the engine went up to 2.2 liters and produced 110 horsepower.
VW's EuroVan arrived in the States in 1992 with a 5 cylinder. The 109-horsepower 2.5-liter engine remained until it was replaced by VW's VR6 engine after 1995, Hespen said.
Today, Swedish carmaker Volvo and America's Chevrolet and GMC are among the few brands that sell vehicles with 5-cylinder engines in the U.S. The 2005 Volvo S40 sedan, for example, is powered by naturally aspirated as well as turbocharged 5-cylinder power plants. The 2005 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck and its twin GMC Canyon come with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine as its up-level power plant.
New suspension, more safetyThe ride in the front-wheel-drive Jetta is better than before, thanks to a stiffer chassis, revised independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and rear suspension that uses a multilink design for the first time.
The test Jettas maneuvered competently and comfortably, even in mountain twisties, with the car predictably understeering, or plowing, into corners only when pushed hard.
The 16-inch all-season tires on the test Jetta 2.5 versions seemed less than performance-oriented but kept much road noise away from passengers.
I did have noticeable wind noise in one of the test cars but not in another, and the Jetta's new Servotronic electro-mechanical steering is quite good at helping a driver maintain precise steering direction even if the car is buffeted by a large semi or crosswinds.
The new Jetta has larger brakes than its predecessor—good to have as the base engine power has increased.
Other standard safety features include anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, traction control and crash-active head restraints for front-seat passengers. These restraints move closer to passengers' heads during a rear crash to help prevent whiplash.
Final pointsRecent Jettas haven't scored high in independent studies on reliability and quality. For example, the Jetta never was among the top three compact cars in J.D. Power and Associates' annual Initial Quality Studies and Durability Studies in recent years. And another independent survey listed the reliability of recent Jettas as subpar.
The sporty, upscale GLI version of Jetta now is considered a separate car model rather than a trim level of Jetta. "The GLI will be a distinct product," said spokesman Tony Fouladpour. It's due to be offered with optional 18-inch wheels and tires.
VW's Jetta wagon continues on into calendar 2006 built on the old Jetta platform, officials said. A new-style Jetta wagon comes later.

Ferrari 612

The 612 Scaglietti is Ferrari’s high-performance grand touring car which combines the performance of a Ferrari Berlinetta with comfortable seating for four occupants. The 612 Scaglietti is a 4-seat coupe that replaces the 456M in the Ferrari lineup and features an all-aluminum space frame built by Ferrari at the Scaglietti light-alloy technologies facility that results in a 132-pound weight reduction over the 456M with a 60 percent increase in structural rigidity. The Pininfarina-designed body is 5.5 inches longer than the 456M and adds additional rear-seat legroom and headroom for increased passenger comfort. The trunk can accommodate five pieces of Ferrari luggage or two golf bags.


Technical Specs
Standard Engine 6.0L V12
Standard Transmission 6 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 12Horse
power @ RPM 540@7250
Torque @ RPM 434@5250 (foot-lbs)

Ferrari F430

The Ferrari F430 is Ferrari’s latest mid-engine V8-powered sports car, available as both a coupe and an open-top Spider, replacing the 360 Modena. The Ferrari 308 GTB was the first mid-engine V8 Ferrari and is one of the most popular Ferraris of all time. The 308 was followed by the 348 for 1990 and the F355 for 1995 before being replaced by the 360 Modena for 2000. The 360 Spider was added during the 2001 model year. The F430 continues the extensive use of aluminum for the chassis, body and suspension, which began with the 360 Modena. An optional braking system with carbon-ceramic discs will be available. The overall design of the F430 is very aerodynamic and includes elements used in racing, such as a flat underbody and a large diffuser that dominates the rear view of the car. The diffuser creates downforce and eliminates the need for a large rear wing, although the body does include a small lip at the center of the short rear deck. The design is much more aggressive than the 360 Modena, with sharper, chiseled lines and a less organic shape.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 4.3L V8

Standard Transmission 6 Speed Manual

Cylinders 8Horse

power @ RPM 490@8500

Torque @ RPM 343@5250 (foot-lbs)

BMW 5-Series Sports Wagon

The 5-Series includes BMW’s luxury midsize sedan and sport wagon, cars that have been favorites among driving enthusiasts since they were first imported to the U.S. in 1975. The 5-Series sedan was redesigned for 2004, but the wagon has not been sold in the U.S. since the previous generation 5-Series ended production at the end of the 2003 model year. The 5-Series wagon returns for 2006 as the 530xi Sports Wagon, and it has all-wheel drive for the first time. The 5-Series has always emphasized performance and an enjoyable driving experience, offering a variety of engine choices as well as both manual and automatic transmissions. For 2008 the 5-Series Sports Wagon gets a new name and more power with updates to the exterior and interior. The 300-horsepower engine in the 535xi is the most powerful Sports Wagon BMW has ever offered in the U.S.

The 2008 BMW 5-Series Sports Wagon receive similar updates to the sedan with refreshed exterior styling, a horsepower upgrade and a redesigned interior. Replacing the 530xi is the 535xi and is powered by a new twin-turbo inline-six 300-horsepower engine. The exterior is highlighted by revised headlights and taillights, front fascia and relocated DOT lenses. The interior is fitted with more storage space and ergonomic design. Other additions include a Lane Departure Warning system and Active Cruise Control with “Stop & Go” feature. The optional Sport Package upgrade adds 18-inch wheels and tires.

Jaguar XK

Technical Specs
Standard Engine 4.2L V8
Standard Transmission 6 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 8
Horsepower @ RPM 300@6000
Torque @ RPM 310@4100 (foot-lbs)

The XK Series is Jaguar’s grand touring coupe and convertible. When the XK Series debuted as a 1997 model, the XK8 replaced the XJS, ending the 21-year run for the XJS. The XK8 was the spiritual descendant of the legendary E-Type and XK120, and featured Jaguar’s first use of a V8 engine. The supercharged XKR was added for 2000. An all-new model debuted for 2007, an advanced sports car with an aluminum monocoque body structure that is 31 percent stiffer than its predecessor with a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio. For 2008 the limited edition XKR Portfolio was offered.

The 2009 Jaguar XK Series adds another special edition XKR Portfolio with distinctive styling and luxurious interior touches to create a supreme Grand Touring car with the performance and dynamics of a true sports car. The 2009 XKR Portfolio features polished 20-inch Selena wheels with red Jaguar Heritage center badges, exclusive Shadow Grey metallic paint, milled aluminum power vents, and a Bowers & Wilkins speaker system. Only 385 XKR Portfolios will be available in the U.S.

2011 Honda CR-Z Concept

This spiritual successor to the venerable Honda CR-X originally made its debut as a concept car two years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, at this year’s show, Honda has revealed a new CR-Z, a 2-seat hybrid sports coupe that looks very much like the final production version scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of 2010.

"Beyond great styling and features, the CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested in a small car or a hybrid vehicle," says Eric Berkman, Honda’s vice president of planning.

Fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission and sport-tuned suspension, the upcoming CR-Z certainly will be engaging for the driver, the first hybrid sports coupe on the market. Although the car on display at Tokyo has a tiny back seat, the production CR-Z (which makes its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January) is a sporty 2-seater, one with the added practicality of a hatchback.

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf, an all-new design, has a range of 100 miles on a single charge of its lithiume-ion batteries. Nissan is unique among carmakers in also partnering with charging companies and municipalities to make sure the Leaf will have public places to plug in. Even though the car hasn't been priced yet (it could be $23,000, plus batteries), 25,000 "handraisers" have said they're willing to buy one. I drove a "mule" version of the Leaf, and found it great fun — the electric motor gives it great performance right off the line. Available at the end of the year at a Nissan dealership near you.

Driving Electric
Nissan hasn't exactly been handing out Leaf test drives. In fact, when Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn drove the car to the podium for the big unveiling, it was his first time behind the wheel of this diminutive vehicle. We were, however, invited to Yokohama, Japan, to test a car equipped with the same drivetrain as the Leaf. While developing the Leaf's complex technology, Nissan modified several of its European-market Tino hatchbacks as "mules" for just this test drive. We were assured that driving these test cars mirrors the experience of the final product. Consequently, we jumped at the chance to pilot this significant vehicle.
Taking the all-electric car around Nissan's Yokohama test track was a beautiful feeling. The car accelerates with smooth strength, and though there is no engine roar — just the swoosh of air and hum of the road passing underneath — it is satisfying, especially when launching from a standstill. Once cruising, the car doesn't offer much in additional punch, which is a disappointment after the initial power spike; however, the overall handling is responsive and fun.
Granted, this mule is no high-torquing EV sports car such as the Tesla Roadster or Fisker Karma, so you won't need to visit your chiropractor after snapping your neck back. Thank goodness, because this is an EV that some of us might actually be able to afford. All in all, the performance is great, but in a modest sort of way.
Under the Hood (and Floor)
The Leaf's small but spunky AC motor is what gives the vehicle its spring — the electric power plant offers 80 kW of power (107 horsepower) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. But the secret sauce is not the motor — it's in the battery. Only recently have advances in lithium technology made batteries sufficiently light, cheap and energy-dense that companies such as Nissan are willing to take the mass-market plunge. Nissan has been developing electric cars for about 17 years, but only now thinks it can satisfy American drivers, who have some of the longest average daily commutes in the world.
The car's battery is made up of 48 individual laminated modules, each about the size of a TV dinner tray. Together, they carry a capacity of 24 kilowatt hours and a total power output of 90 kW. These manganese-based lithium-ion packs are stacked at different heights under the car's seats and floor so they don't encroach on cabin space.

Ferrari HY KERS hybrid

Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R wing doors has been launched by LSD - a tuner specialized in lambo doors manufacturing.

Nissan GT-R wing doors by LSD feature the new GRS (Guided Roller System) which offers better safety and more precise opening and closing of the door.

Nissan GT-R wing doors by LSD are three-dimensional adjustable and can befitted without any additional welding or repainting, while approved by the German TUV.

Press Release

By mounting LSD wing door hinges, the legendary new Nissan GT-R becomes the absolute looker. The wing doors hinges are available with immediate effect for 1949 Euro.

The LSD wing door hinges for the Nissan GT-R feature the new GRS (Guided Roller System). It offers an adjustment possibility with the roller guidance. This results in more safety and more precise opening and closing of the door.

LSD door fittings come with a German TÜV certificate certifying that the LSD wing doors meet all safety standards.

Compared to other retrofit sets for wing doors, the LSD fittings made in Germany are more impressive due to their absolutely sound engineering and the highest-possible standard of quality. In addition, a testing laboratory accredited by the German Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Federal motoring bureau) proved in a side-crash test, that the LSD-solution patented in Germany is as secure as a door assembled in the series production. This means: the occupants safety is guaranteed by the LSD door fittings in a side-crash complying with rule 96/27/EG. LSD makes a quick and easy installation possible, without any welding or repainting necessary. Another convincing feature is their perfect fit, thanks to the ability to make three-dimensional adjustments. The LSD door fittings are mounted directly at the points where the original doors were removed. With the added fittings, the otherwise unchanged original doors open first outward and then gently glide upward and stop. Adjustable buffers prevent the doors from being opened too wide or from falling downward or inward when open. A simple grip is all it takes to close the door. On the one hand, the LSD solution allows you to open the door in a outward motion with an aperture angle of approx. 30°; on the other hand, it also allows you to swing the wing door upward, and all that without any great exertion. The LSD wing doors lend any car a sensational look and are the ideal solution for all fans of unusual tuning and show cars. The LSD door fittings are available from LSD or special dealers.

2012 Buick Verano Specs

Buick Verano Simple Preview

Produced to see what dealerships would order, the Verano is likely to arrive in four trim-levels. Entry-level ‘1SB’ will be available from ($20,900 - $21,500.) Lower mid-spec 1SD ($22,100 to $22,700),Upper mid-spec 1SG ($23,300 to $23,900),and Flagship 1SL ($25,600 to $26,200.)

spec for http://all-desingcar.blogspot.com/ Entry-level ‘1SB’
base model will feature electric front windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, air-conditioning, urethane steering wheel, steel wheels, x6 airbags and remote central locking.

Buick Verano Lower mid-spec 1SD
contain x4 electric windows, climate control, leather steering wheel, premium sound system w/Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted audio control w/cruise control.

Buick Verano Upper mid-spec 1SG
electric driver's seat, heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors w/reversing camera.

Buick Verano Flagship 1SL
has keyless entry/start, heated leather seats, BOSE sound system, and 18” alloy wheels.

Saudi, Isuzu plan $133m car factory

Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with Japan's Isuzu Motors to set up a car and truck manufacturing factory, costing around 500 million riyals ($133 million), state news agency SPA said.

Production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2012 with initial output of 600 trucks, the project manager was quoted as saying in the statement. The plant will be located in Dammam.

"Expansion in the project will raise production to 25,000 trucks annually by 2017. The company will work to export 40 percent of production to international markets," Qusay Al-Abdul Kareem said.

Saudi Arabia imports around 600,000 cars annually, SPA said.

Top Opec producer Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab economy, is heavily dependent on oil and is trying to diversify its revenue to other sources.

In December, King Saud University in Riyadh signed a memorandum of understanding with a South Korean car manufacturing firm to set up a new company with a capital of about $500 million.

A prototype of an economy model car designed for local use will be ready within two years and may later be exported to Gulf and North African countries, the university's president said at the time.

Paris Motor Show Live 2010 Kia Optima, better than a Peugeot 508?

Kia played both ways at the Mondial de l'Automobile de Paris 2010: the concept cars with the tiny pop, and one of the series with the European premiere of the new Optima. A car, like all latest models released by the Korean automaker, has nothing to do with the cars in the drawing terribly bland often associated with these cars before.

2010 Suzuki Concept Turbo Kizashi

In production form, the all-new Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, providing a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more appropriate to the near-luxury sport sedan segment. The performance experts at Road Race Motorsports build on those performance attributes and near-luxury features with a host of mods designed to heighten the excitement factor while lowering the Kizashi’s lap times on any closed-course venue.

Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of go-fast goods for Suzuki automotive enthusiasts, began the Suzuki turbo project with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Boost is supplied to the stock heads and block by a 16G turbocharger, while temp is kept in check with Road Race Motorsports’ own high flow intercooler. Other adds on the hardware menu include custom fuel management, Road Race’s Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector. The equal length turbo manifold is custom crafted, while the 38mm wastegate is supplied by Tial.

The enhanced power bumps the Kizashi’s already impressive engine to 290 hp and is connected to the track pavement via 19-inch Dunlops. Those are kept connected to the course by Road Race’s own sport springs, working in combination with Kizashi’s ultra-rigid unibody and all-independent suspension. High-speed stability is enhanced with the addition of a rear-mounted spoiler supplied by Delta Tech Engineering. The end result on the track – with either Road Race founder Rob Tallini, Tommy Kendall or the Suzuki enthusiast behind the wheel – is the need for speed suddenly and fully satisfied.