[Source: gymkhana via 0-60mag]

PRESS RELEASE

2010 CADILLAC SRX: A DISTINCTIVE ALTERNATIVE FOR TODAY’S LUXURY CROSSOVER CONSUMER

DETROIT – Cadillac unveiled the next-generation 2010 SRX Crossover today, featuring a completely new design and more-efficient, high-technology engine choices. The new SRX is a mid-size luxury crossover coming to the North American International Auto Show next week.

“The all-new SRX is a fresh and compelling crossover aimed squarely at the priorities of luxury buyers,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “With new technologies for increased efficiency and safety, the redesigned 2010 SRX Crossover focuses on both the emotional and pragmatic sides of the luxury consumer.”

The 2010 SRX is designed for efficient performance, including the choice of two high-tech six-cylinder engines that are new to Cadillac – the smallest-displacement engines it offers in North America. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both engines employ technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines. Direct injection enables a 25-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Fuel economy in the mid-20s on the highway is expected, but testing isn’t complete.

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The AWD system includes an advanced electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque as needed from side to side along the rear axle, as well as from the front to rear axle. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

The 2010 SRX rides on a wide track that was designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It seats five, with generous occupant and cargo room, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg).

Distinctive design and craftsmanship

“Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX Crossover builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. “As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.”

A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps – with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a sporty profile, Dean said.

The SRX features a wide stance, minimal overhang and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

“Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends with old-world craftsmanship,” Dean said. “Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin.”

An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navigation system rises from the center of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Advanced technology and entertainment systems

The 2010 SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation screen with three-dimensional imaging; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering; power liftgate with adjustable height setting; integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.

Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation service for buyers who do not select the car’s navigation system option.

Efficient performance

The SRX is powered by a new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3.0L V-6 that delivers an estimated 260 horsepower (193 kW) and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection results in more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions, all will a smaller-displacement package. As a result, the new V-6 engine is expected to raise the SRX’s standard power rating by 5 horsepower, while achieving an estimated 1 0-15-percent fuel economy improvement.

The 3.0L direct injection V-6 is a smaller-displacement version of the 3.6L, direct injection engine featured in the CTS sport sedan and named one of the world’s 10 Best Engines for 2009 by Ward’s Automotive. Along with direct injection technology, the 3.0L engine employs variable valve timing to optimize power and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission helps save fuel by lowering the engine’s rpm at constant highway speeds, while manual shift control enables greater driver interaction when desired. The new SRX includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy.

“The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.”

Traction control is taken a step further on AWD models with the rear eLSD. In icy or wet conditions, the system can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the wheel that has more grip. The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the vehicle more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The suspension includes a real-time damping system in conjunction with AWD that adjusts shock damping rates in response to road conditions for a smooth ride quality.

Enhanced safety

SRX’s safety features are designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorbs crash energy is complemented by the use of martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections. Martensitic steel is one of the strongest available and its use in the rockers helps protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash, while also maintaining the structure during front and rear crashes.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, a pedal release system, trailer stability assist and OnStar.

The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with car bumpers.

Production begins in the second quarter of 2009, with dealer availability shortly thereafter.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Models:
2010 Cadillac SRX

Body style / driveline:
five-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle; front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive mid-luxury crossover vehicle

Construction:
steel body frame integral; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, and liftgate

EPA vehicle class:
sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing location:
Ramos Arizpe, Mexico

Key competitors:
Lexus RX; Acura MDX; BWW X3 and X5

Engines

3.0L DOHC V-6 direct injection, variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder
2.8L DOHC Turbo V-6, four valves per cylinder

Displacement (cu in / cc):
182 cu in / 2986 cc
170 cu in / 2792 cc

Bore x stroke (in / mm):
3.50 x 3.16 in / 89 x 80.3
3.50 x 2.94 in / 89 x 74.8

Block material: aluminum
Cylinder head material: aluminum

Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Ignition system:
coil-near-plug
pencil Coil

Fuel Delivery:
high-pressure direct injection
PFI returnless

Compression ratio:
11.7:1
9.5:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm):
260 / 193 @ 6950 (est)
300 / 224 @ 5500 (est)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
221 / 300 @ 5600 (est)
295 / 400 @ 1850 (est)

Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded; E85 capable
premium unleaded

Max engine speed (fuel cut-off):
7100
6500

Emissions Controls:
dual close-coupled catalysts and single underfloor catalyst; variable valve timing, evaporative system
dual close-coupled catalysts

Fuel economy (city / hwy)
TBD
TBD

Transmissions

6T70 Hydra-Matic six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission
AF40 Aisin Warner six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission

Chassis and Suspension

Front suspension:
independent, strut-type, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings

Rear suspension:
linked H-arm, hollow stabilizer bar; real-time damping available

Traction control:
all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention

Steering type:
specifically calibrated hydraulic-power-assisted rack-and-pinion for V-6 models

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock
2.84
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / M):
40.3 / 12.2

Steering ratio:
16.5:1

Brakes

Four-wheel power-asssited disc with ABS (and ESC); vented front and rear rotors; aluminum calipers front and rear (two-piston front calipers, single-piston rear calipers)

Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm):
13.6 / 345 x 1.2 / 30

Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm):
12.4 / 315 x 0.9 / 23

Total swept area (cu cc):
front: 179.4
rear: 72

Wheels and Tires

Wheel size and type:
18-inch aluminum (std on all models)
20-inch aluminum (opt on all models)

Tires:
P235/65R18 AL3
P235/55R20 AL3 or 235/55R20 HW4

Exterior Dimensions

Overall length (in / mm): 190.2 / 4833
Overall width (in / mm): 75.1 / 1910
Overall height (in / mm): 65.6 / 1668
Wheelbase (in / mm): 110.5 / 2807
Front track (in / mm): 64.0 / 1626
Rear track (in / mm): 63.7 / 1620

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm):
front: 39.7 / 1009
rear: 38.4 / 976

Legroom (in / mm):
front: 41.2 / 1047
rear: 36.3 / 923

Shoulder room (in / mm):
front: 58.3 / 1481
rear: 56.2 / 1430

Hip room (in / mm):
front: 55.4 / 1408
rear: 54.7 / 1391

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) : 100.6 / 2848.6
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 129.8 / 3675.5
Cargo volume behind first-row seats (cu ft / L): 61.18 / 1732.4
Cargo volume behind second-row seats (cu ft / L): 29.20 / 826.8

Capacities

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):
3.0L: 2500 / 1136 (without towing package)
3.0L: 3500 / 1590 (with towing package)
2.8L: 3500 / 1590 (with towing package)

Maximum tongue weight (lb / kg): 350 / 158

Fuel tank (gal / L): 21 / 79.5

Cooling system (qt / L):
3.0L: 12.4 /11.7
2.8L: 12.6 /11.9

[Source: eGMCarTech]

[Source: Volkswagen/WCF]

PRESS RELEASE:
Ranger Max Show Truck Delivers Maximum Capability, Maximum Style and Maximum Impact

BANGKOK, Thailand, November 28 – Renowned for its genuine toughness and strength, the Ford Ranger takes a confident step forward with the debut of the high-impact Ranger Max show truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo.

Ranger Max pushes everyone’s expectations of Ranger. Visually bold and muscular, it takes to the stage at the Ford stand with confidence, sophistication and craftsmanship. The Ranger Max extends Ranger’s reputation as the best all-around compact truck on the market.

“We know Ranger is tough and durable, and Ranger Max adds to those qualities. The show truck does not follow a trend; it sets a new tough style direction for compact trucks,” says Paul Gibson, the chief designer of the Ranger Max show truck. “Ranger Max is genuinely tough, and it is a truck that gets the job done. This high-impact show truck also has the bold visual presence that looks great on the urban scene.”

A team of Ford truck specialists in Thailand worked closely with Ford’s Australia-based Asia Pacific and Africa design team, led by Gibson, to create Ranger Max. Ford’s design team incorporated design cues into Ranger Max that may be seen in future-generation Ranger.

“The Ranger Max is not just about creating show excitement,” Gibson said. “We have a great opportunity to test design themes that may make their way into production. Ranger Max says exciting things about the possibilities for truck fans in Ranger’s future.”

“The tough style of Ranger Max is based on the capability and versatility that make Ford Ranger the choice of the most demanding truck owners,” said Mr. Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president, Ford Thailand. “Ranger Max’s high-impact design and tough style appeal will excite truck enthusiasts in Thailand.”

Delivering Tough Style
Genuine truck toughness comes from great design and engineering, which means the production Ford Ranger is the ideal foundation for creating Ranger Max. No under-skin modification was needed with Ford Ranger to produce Ranger Max.

Gibson and his team of designers concentrated on exploring the limits of tough style. “Ranger Max wasn’t meant to be elegant or pretty. The robust nature of Ranger means that it is the dependable workhorse, and with Ranger Max we wanted to create a show truck that is cool as hell.”

They took inspiration from things many truck owners know and appreciate. The distinctive contrast between Ranger Max’s hardcore orange paintwork with matte black accents is inspired by the functional design found in some modern power tools – just like those used by many Ranger owners every day. Ford designers recognize how absolute function and durability inspire these industrial tools and make them more appealing.

Industrial shapes such as the cog-like detailing in the body accents and wheel arch mouldings extend Ranger Max’s theme of tough style as the ultimate power tool.
Pushing the power tool inspiration a step further, the Ranger Max design team noted how power tools and similar objects incorporated words into their design to convey instructions or warnings. Ranger Max uses ‘words’ in this same style to accentuate its robust ‘industrial feel’.

Ranger Max is full of details like this, such as the word GRAB imprinted subtly on the bold, black grab handle in the side of the sportsbar linked to the cab. Every letter is precisely shaped in a ‘truncated’ font that complements the toughness and utility the overall truck design communicates.

Several power tool brands have inspired Ford designers. Other inspirations for Ranger Max have come from active sports, such as rock climbing, and the tough, technical products used by active sportsmen.

Just like Ford Ranger, the robustness of these products is affordable and their designs are purposeful. People buy these products because they know they can depend on them to get the job done.

“Ranger is respected,” Gibson says, “and Ranger Max amplifies that identity, which gives it a modern and youthful character that’s really suited to sporting and social activities, too.”

Taking Ranger to the Max
With its character as the ultimate power tool, Ranger Max show truck exudes confidence and purpose. It’s up for the job – work or fun – and its tough style says so. It features full surfaces that convey the power and strength of its tough-truck backbone. The detail of its design demonstrates this show truck has been designed by people who know trucks and love them.

Like a high-quality power tool, it’s ready for tough use. This means purposeful matte black plastic accent features and trim items – and no fussy, fancy chrome.
Ranger Max has innovative features such as a remote-controlled power tonneau cover for the cargo bed and a distinctive sportsbar that visually extends the length of the well-proportioned Ford Ranger side-access Open Cab.

And Ranger Max rides on distinctive, deep-dish, 18-inch alloy concept wheels and custom technical-look tyres that finish its extreme looks.
This is a Ranger and proud of its tough-truck heritage. RANGER is boldly embossed in the hood and sidesteps on Ranger Max.

Dynamic Profile
Ranger Max’s high impact establishes a powerful presence wherever it goes. And that bright orange high-energy colour is officially known as Mango Hit. It is the colourful creation of Debbie Pascoe, colour and trim manager, Ranger Max design team.

Its profile exudes power and dominance as well as balanced proportion. The flexed ‘power dome’ shape of its hood communicates the pulling power and high torque of the engine. The power dome shape carries through to influence the design of the hard tonneau cover at the rear of the vehicle. These two overt muscular design elements give Ranger Max power and solidity. It’s enough to scare the typical pickup into the gym for serious weight training.

Adding even more dynamism to the profile is the exclusive Ranger Max sportsbar, which attaches to the pickup bed and arches across the vehicle. This unique crossbar is shaped to create the visual impression that Ranger Max is always on the move – or ready for action.

“The sportsbar makes a big statement,” explains Max Tran, a Ford designer who played a key role in developing the vehicle. “It adds a feeling of movement and dynamic character, and incorporates some great design details, including twin air scoop shapes on top.”

Built into each side of the crossbar is an integral grab handle. Finished in matte black plastic, the grab handle design is all about purpose. The dark shape of the grab handle visually extends the perceived shape of the Ranger Max side window shape, accentuating the feel of functionality and space of the Ranger side-access Open Cab – a functional feature which Ranger debuted in 2002 in response to feedback from tradesmen.

The grab handle is labelled – like instructions on power tools and on aircraft – with the word GRAB. Similarly, the side door of the Ranger Max is distinctively yet discretely labelled AXCESS. These functional callouts also extend to the Ranger Max fuel inlet, which is designed to intersect one of the bold wheel arches, labelled FUEL.

“There’s no mistaking the purpose of labels like these on power tools,” Tran explained. “On Ranger Max, they fulfil the same role. It’s the style of purpose.”
For example, the vent on each front fender uses hexagon-shaped details and discrete chrome badging with the word RANGER. MAX adjoins this Ranger badge to reinforce the show truck’s name.

Other design details in the Ranger Max profile include incorporating the side repeater lamp into the side mirror. The lower bodyside, with two-piece interlocked sidestep look, was inspired by rock-climbing carabineers and other outdoor gear you trust with your life.

Ranger Max’s stance communicates power, purpose and athleticism. The design team has crafted unique, 18-inch alloy concept wheels for Ranger Max. These deep-dish, six-spoke wheels – with black graphic funnel shapes to their centres – are must-have sporting accessories perfectly suited to Ranger Max. Featuring large offsets, the wheels build on Ranger Max’s distinctive tough style.

Big P285/60R18 tires with a chunky tread pattern give Ranger Max the footwear and traction it needs to accomplish any job or adventure.

The bold wheel arches with cog-shaped detailing reinforce Range Max’s stance and its purpose. Explosive, dynamic side graphics on the fenders and lower doors are inspired by the high-impact of shattering glass.

A New Face of Possibilities
Ranger Max is about confidence without aggression. It has a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude as well as great design detail. “When you look at the front design, the three-bar grille, the overt nostrils and open mouth, you’re looking straight into the face of Ranger’s evolution,” said Gibson.

“There are design elements we are developing and Ranger Max is one possibility. We’ve crafted the face of the Ranger Max to explore a new look. Elements from it could evolve into the new identity of Ford Ranger.”

The three-bar grille is a Ford hallmark design element, conveying strength and quality, integrated with a proud, large badge of the famous Ford blue oval. Ranger Max adopts dynamic, modern headlamps which angle at the top to communicate energy and movement.

More robustness cues abound in the front design. Here, the power-dome hood is a dominating shape. Its leading edge features an integral hot-air vent and reinforces that Ranger Max is a tough, powerful machine.

Self-confident Ranger branding – embossed in the top of the front grille surround – is another proud aspect of the front design.

Two major design elements link together to form the dominant frontal look of Ranger Max. The corporate three-bar grille imbeds itself into the lower enlarge air intake. A distinct line starting from the headlamps follows around the nostril and borders the lower air intake. This signature line unites the major design elements to create the defined face of Ranger Max.

Powerful Pulling Away
Ranger Max has presence on the road. Its bold rear design is the combination of proportion and details such as the pronounced contours of the tonneau cover which emulate the power bulge on the bonnet. The distinctive sportsbar integrates the cabin area with the tonneau cover. Continuing rearward, Ranger Max is neatly finished off with a tailgate cladding embossed with RANGER and a pair of unique tail lamps.

“We’re really excited about the Ranger Max because we’ve been able to define a tough style and apply it to Ranger. It is credible and very believable. Ranger Max amplifies the reputation of our truck,” said Tran. “There’s nothing minimal about the Ranger Max.”

Star at Thailand International Motor Expo
The Thailand International Motor Expo 2008, with Ranger Max as the star attraction for Ford, runs from November 28 to December 10.

“We recognise that Thailand is the home of Ranger for Asia Pacific, and from Thailand we export Ranger around the world. We know Asia is a fusion of many cultures, and we look to Thailand as a wonderful blend of tastes, styles and emerging ideas. For this very reason, we decided to create Ranger Max in Thailand and show the high-impact truck to the world at Motor Expo,” said
Mr. Kiatfuengfoo.

[Source: Ford]

PRESS RELEASE:

ENSENADA, MEXICO, Nov. 25, 2008 – The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck, based on the production version of the upcoming 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, survived the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, finishing the 631 mile race in 25:28:10.

Considered one of the toughest off-road races in the world, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck that participated in the Baja 1000 was a collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT), Ford Racing, and Foutz Motorsports Inc. The pickup was entered into the race to test the durability and performance of the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, which goes on sale in the summer of 2009.

“We engineered the F-150 SVT Raptor to be the best high-speed off-road performance truck available right off the showroom floor, and finishing the Baja 1000 proves this,” stated Jamal Hameedi, SVT’s Chief Nameplate Engineer. “Now we need to analyze all the engineering data from the race and apply lessons learned to the production truck, ensuring that the truck delivered to customers exceeds their expectations.”

Prepared for racing in long distance off-road endurance events, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R uses stock components of F-150 SVT Raptor, including the transmission, brakes and axles. The frame – the part of the truck that will take the most stress – is the same proven fully boxed frame that delivers class-leading towing and hauling in the all-new 2009 Ford F-150 that went on sale in October. The Raptor race truck is powered by a specially-calibrated version of the available 6.2-liter V-8 engine, making 500-horsepower.

Even if the typical Ford customer will not be putting their truck through the punishing paces of the Baja 1000, the point is, they could.

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R in the Baja 1000 also served as a test bed for the development of a lineup of race-proven, desert-tested, off-road performance parts that will be available through the Ford Racing catalog.

“This was very exciting for all involved,” said Jamie Allison, sales and marketing manager for Ford Racing. “Even with the extreme capability of the F-150 SVT Raptor right out of the box, we know our customers will want to take its performance to an even higher level. This race truck will be invaluable to Ford Racing as we examine what performance parts we’ll be able to offer customers for the production Raptor.”

Ford brought some of the best stock class off-road truck drivers together to drive the F-150 SVT Raptor R in the Baja 1000. Drivers of record were Steve Olliges, Randy Merritt, Greg Foutz, Bud Brutsman, and SVT Vehicle Development Engineer Gene Martindale.

[Source: Ford]

[Source: 0-60]