Daewoo L4X

GM Daewoo L4X - Premium Large Sedan of the Future
GM Daewoo is lifting the veil on a show car version of its much-anticipated long-wheelbase premium large sedan, the L4X.

The rear-wheel-drive product, which is close to a production version, permits a first glimpse into what GM Daewoo is pursuing as its premium large sedan. GM Daewoo's future flagship will boast a superior level of refinement, safety and comfort features, stylish, it also offers an array of convenience features and luxury appointments to satisfy the most sophisticated Korean consumers."
The L4X comes with a powerful 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant that is matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The state-of-the-art alloy engine generates peak power and torque of 258 hp at 6,500 rpm and 34.7 kg.m at 3,200 rpm.
What makes the L4X stand out in terms of superior ride and handling are its sharpened chassis dynamics coupled with a longest-in-class 3,009-mm wheelbase, world-class structural stiffness and a sophisticated rear-wheel-drive system.

The elegant exterior design, which will set it apart from other premium sedans, is characterized by a stretched silhouette and a wide stance accentuated by flared wheel arches. The longer rear doors are the key to the dramatic proportions, which are accentuated by a sweeping roofline and substantial wheel and tire package.
as a result of the longest wheelbase among Korean large sedans, the wheels have been moved to the very corners of the car, making it look and perform in a stable and sporty manner.

The Detail highlights include signature LED repeater lamps in the fender vents, striking LED tail lamps and bright chrome accents. Its bi-xenon headlamps and tail lamps have a high-tech, precise and almost diamond-like appearance, with finely detailed elements that make them sparkle and glisten. The bright chrome bodyside molding and chrome-highlighted door handles add a touch of sculptured elegance to the side.

The themes for the interior design are comfort, harmony, luxury and attention to detail. The L4X offers a spacious and safe passenger compartment that provides a prestigious driving environment with optimized storage, packaging and ergonomics.
To give owners second-to-none premium comfort, the production version of the new GM Daewoo flagship will feature an array of safety and convenience features, including a navigation system with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) TV, bi-xenon headlamps, curtain air bags, tri-zone automatic temperature controls, power rear seats with three-step temperature control heating and rear-back massage, power rear-window curtains, roller blinds, a rearview camera and power-folding outside rearview mirrors.

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Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler. The GT also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is offered as the 4-cylinder GS and the V-6 GT. The GS model's 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT's 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. In both engines, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) helps to optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. Both automatic transmissions feature Sportronic� shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

The rigid platform and 4-wheel independent suspension give the Mitsubishi Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant ride. All models are equipped with standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); the GT features larger, ventilated rear discs and standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse interior combines exotic-looking design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. High-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

Key Specifications
* Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
* Length: 180.4 in.
* Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
* Width: 72.2 in.
* Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,263 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,479 lbs.

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Nissan 370Z

The new Nissan 370Z sports a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, new engine with more horsepower and a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, as well as the world's first synchronized down/up shift rev control system for the manual transmission.
The full measure of the new model, designated the Nissan 370Z, one need look no farther than the subtle upswept line of the new rear quarter window. Quintessentially Z, the window is reminiscent of the original 1970 Nissan 240Z - a car that revolutionised the sports car world with its unique combination of performance, style and, especially, value. The new Nissan 370Z continues this philosophy, offering accessible performance, true sportscar handling and athletic, agile design.

The New Exterior: More athletic, more muscular, 100% Z.
The 370Z's dynamic new styling offers dual benefits - a more aggressive appearance and a lighter, tighter structure for enhanced performance. The new Z's wheelbase is nearly 100mm shorter than the previous generation Nissan 350Z (2550mm versus 2650mm), accomplished by moving the rear wheels forward in the 2nd generation FM platform, while overall length is reduced by 70mm (4250mm versus 4320mm). At the same time, the overall width been increased by 33mm and the rear track by 55mm.

The more compact exterior dimensions and expanded use of lightweight materials help reduce weight, while at the same time the body structure has been extensively reinforced, improving rigidity.
Along with its new structure and stance, the Nissan 370Z has a taut new skin - one that looks completely new, yet completely Z. The exterior design incorporates intentional 240Z styling cues, a sleek aerodynamic shape, a "dynamic motion" feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof (with Nissan GT-R styling cues) and a "low visual gravity."

The 370Z's sleek silhouette is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame. Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including the addition of a turn indicator integrated into the Z logo mounted between the front wheel and door.

The Nissan 370Z Interior: putting the driver at the heart of the action
The interior design of the new Nissan 370Z continues the Z tradition of enhancing driving pleasure, no matter what the road or traffic conditions offer. Additionally, particular attention has been paid to the quality of the material, as well as the fit and finish.
The traditional 2-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length centre console separating the driver and passenger's seat. In the rear is an open luggage area with enhanced storage and accessibility.
The information layer provides enhanced visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are once again attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between the perfect steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges.

The Interior packaging is also enhanced from the previous generation, including the removal of the rear strut brace (replaced with less intrusive structural reinforcements) and by adding a new "shelf" area behind the seats, creating an ideal area for storing briefcases. A retractable cover is standard on the 370Z and locking glove compartment has been added.
Life on board has been improved thanks to the addition of an engine start and stop button, larger diameter dials and thanks to the use of premium-feel material on seats, armrest and door trims (depending on grade).

3.7-litre engine: the Z's heart and soul
As its new moniker suggests, the new Nissan 370Z is now powered by a 3.7-litre VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Along with its larger displacement, the new engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,000 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque, creating an entirely new driving experience. Approximately 35 percent of the engine's parts are new, versus the previous design. Power is rated at 331PS, while torque is 366Nm. Engine output, figures for Europe are subject to homologation.
The new engine is backed by a choice of two new advanced transmissions, both designed to improve driver performance. The newly improved close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox includes the world's first synchronized down/ up shift rev control system, which allows drivers of any skill level to experience perfectly smooth gear shifts every time. The "SynchroRev Control" function automatically adjusts engine speed when changing gear to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any down/up shifts.

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Subaru Legacy Wagon JDM

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, announced the launch of the fully redesigned Subaru Legacy series across Subaru dealerships in Japan.

The Concept
To focussing on enhancing "Driver's fun", a key value carried on consistently since the first generation, the new Legacy was developed to create new values such as "Passenger's fun" and "Eco performance", under the concept of "Grand Touring and Innovation".
* Driver's fun - Superior driveability and the enjoyment of driving which have been pursued since its first introduction.
* Passenger's fun - Spacious and comfortable compartment for all passengers to enjoy while driving.
* Eco performance - Confidence in driving and safety with enhanced environmental considerations.

The Exterior
With boldness and presence as a theme, newly designed exterior evokes not only comfortable and ample passenger compartment, but also Legacy's sporty look and high functionality.

The Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon: Best balance of functionality and comfortable interior space. B4 (Sedan): Legacy's sportiness inherited from the predecessor. Outback: Enhanced image of boldness and toughness.
For Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon and Outback, the D-pillars were re-envisioned to project freshness, with Legacy's characteristics maintained.
Chrome mouldings around the windows accentuate presence with a quality feel.

The Interior
The new interior design imparts a feeling of spaciousness and comfort as well as quality emphasized by shading expressions and material texture.
The seats with wide seating surface and redesigned cushions excel in comfort and support. By increasing the amount of slide and lift of the driver's seat, settings can be more finely tuned to better meet drivers' needs.

Audio and Navigation
Two settings are available for manufacturer equipped options: LEGACY premium sound system with acoustic field tuning, designed specifically for Legacy, and LEGACY McIntosh sound system.
HDD navigation supporting G-BOOK ALPHA is equipped with high-definition VGA8 inch monitor and rear view camera.

2.5-litre SOHC engine
Displacement from the existing 2.0-litre was increased by 500 cc, achieving smooth and comfortable driving with lower-range torque.
The improved engine head cooling performance, resin-based intake manifold, and optimized piston shape contribute to reducing weight and friction.
Combined with Lineartronic� that has excellent transfer efficiency, the driving performance and fuel efficiency are well balanced.

2.5-litre DOHC turbo engine
Displacement from the existing 2.0-litre was increased by 500 cc. The peak torque is sustained smoothly from 2,000 rpm to the higher rpm ranges to realize superior driving performance.
The turbocharger unit was placed directly under the forward part of the engine. This layout increases response with smoother turbo-charging and improves fuel economy.
The exhaust system layout including the catalytic converter was optimized, enhancing the exhaust emission control performance.

3.6-litre DOHC engine
Featuring an increased displacement from the existing 3.0-litre engine without significantly growing in size, the new 3.6-litre engine offers excellent driving performance and environmental friendliness with smooth revolution performance and ample torque from the lower rpm ranges. It is also economical by using regular grade fuel.

Transmission - Lineartronic�
A chain-type variator (main speed variator) was adopted. The compact design provides legroom in the front seats, while the fuel economy was improved especially in the over-drive range through excellent transfer efficiency.

Making good use of the advantages of a chain-type CVT, the Lineartronic� employs smaller pulley cores, which makes the unit compact. Due to the significant size difference between the smallest and largest pulley core diameters, it provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios, helping to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range and to achieve excellent dynamic performance.
With perfect balance of torque delivery and engine revolutions, it delivers linear and smooth acceleration matching to the driver's intention.
The manual mode uses six pre-selected gear ratios that allow the driver to shift manually using the steering wheel paddle shift controls. The shift response occurs within 0.1 seconds or less, instantly responding to the driver's intention.

Transmission - E-5AT
E-5AT with high-density control and a smooth gearshift feeling was adopted. Friction and weight were reduced internally, improving the fuel economy.
The improved downshift blipping control enhances the gearshift response in manual mode. Smooth downshift contributes to reducing shocks when shifting gear.
6-speed manual transmission
The lightweight, compact 6-speed manual transmission was newly designed. In addition, the specially designed gear ratio provides improved dynamic performance and fuel economy.

The Chassis
In line with "Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept" (Subaru DC3), chassis and body were further advanced to provide a feeling of reliable, comfortable and superior driveability.
A new engine cradle was newly designed as a powertrain mounting system. It not only helps reducing noise and providing more refined ride and stability, but also improves front impact safety.
Strut type and double-wish bone type suspensions are used respectively for the front and rear. Excellent driveability and smooth ride comfort were achieved not only through the installation of the front suspension arm to the cradle, but also through the damper structure modification and the optimized geometry.
An electronic power steering system was adopted for all models. Along with the increased fuel economy, linear steering was realized.
The electronic parking brake is standard equipment for all models. An electronic Hill Holder System in the parking brake is automatically activated if the vehicle stops on any hill with a slope of more than 5%.
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) is standard equipment for all models. For E-5AT model with 2.5-litre DOHC turbo engine, slip predictive control using the electronic power steering sensor was adopted.

Body
Use of high-tensile steel in critical body parts contributes to weight reduction and higher overall rigidity.
The cradle structure mounting characteristics provide lightweight, sufficient strength and rigidity around the front body, providing excellent handling control and stability.

Safety
For front impact, the engine cradle frame folds inwards and causes the power unit to slide downwards, thus creating a greater zone of protection for the cabin space. In addition, the structure allows the main frame to absorb the impact more efficiently.
For side impact, the high-tensile steel is used inside the B-pillars and side sills. The energy produced on rear impact is effectively absorbed through the optimized frame construction.
SRS driver's and passenger's airbags, SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are installed (except for 2.5i and 2.5GT).
Newly designed high-strength front seat frames and energy-absorbing headrests provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in rear-end collision.

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