New Version 2008 Ford Focus ST On Sale In UK

The updated version of new Focus ST performance hatch has been released today by Ford UK. Focus will go on sale from May 1 at dealerships across Great Britain. Created by Ford TeamRS, the company's dedicated performance vehicle arm, the 2008 Focus ST benefits from the new exterior and interior styling changes introduced across the rest of the Focus line-up earlier this year.

Every Focus ST now boasts 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel and upgraded instrumentation. New to this generation of ST are the 'Ford Power' starter button and Easyfuel capless refuelling system.[...]


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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 V8 Specifications(specs)

GM has announced today the official specs for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powerplant. ZR1 will be powered by GM's latest and most powerful engine ever, the hand-built 6.2 liter LS9 supercharged V8. It will produce 638-hp of horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. Now that means the LS9 puts out nearly 103 horses per liter. Amazing stuff. Corvette ZR1 is expected to have a top-speed of more than 200mph (322 km/h) and will wear Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30ZR19s at front and 335/25ZR20s at the rear axle.

Quick Facts & Expectations from new 09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 LS9 V8 is the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors.
It is hand-built and tested GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.[...]


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Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50

Riding on standard 265/45R21 Bridgestone Dueler H/L all-season tires, the 4,575-pound FX50 snakes through the slalom course like a true AWD sport wagon at 63.3 mph, almost 4 mph faster than the last FX45 we tested. Nimble though this is, such an unnatural test of multiple lane changes makes the FX50 feel a little out of sorts, and eventually it runs out of grip at the rear. Basically it defies the limits of physics at about eight-tenths speed, but things go a little pear-shaped at the limit when the rotating mass of each monster wheel-tire combination gives the electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system a workout.

On the skid pad, the FX50 proves more predictable and shows amazing grip at 0.85g before it begins to oversteer again, which is highly unusual for an AWD vehicle (although we like that). Despite rollin' on 21s, the FX50's ride is quite good, although the interior resounds with a low-frequency boom over sharp seams in the pavement.

Big Engine and Its Consequences
Speed is the 2008 Infiniti FX50's prime directive. The 60-mph mark flashes by in just 5.6 seconds, as compared to the 6.8 seconds required by the FX45's 60-mph sprint. Plus, when the tach needle sweeps past 4,000 rpm, there is a conspicuous extra surge of power from the FX50 V8 courtesy of its sophisticated system for variable valve timing and lift.[...]


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First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)

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First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50

So why mess with success? That's not to say changes are absent from the 2009 Infiniti FX. On the contrary, it gains 35 millimeters in wheelbase and 43 mm front track width, along with functional air vents that appear behind the front wheels to aid in engine cooling and vehicle aerodynamics (reducing frontal lift by five-percent). Dramatic new lights flank a distinctive "black chrome" grille at the front, and LED tail lights protrude slightly at the rear, contributing to downforce back there, according to Infiniti.

All Canadian FX models are all-wheel drive, by the way, unlike the U.S. market which also gets a rear-wheel drive version. For 2009, the FX35 continues with its celebrated 3.5-litre V6 engine, now making 303-horsepower (up 25 from the previous model) and 262 pound-feet of torque. Infiniti reports that the FX35 is expected to offer the same performance as the outgoing, V8-powered FX45.[...]


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Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

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Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX50

Infiniti’s new FX is a refined, refreshed version of its groundbreaking sport SUV introduced in 2003. Edgy and radically different from the get go, it was unlike any other SUV at the time. This time, the FX has received a freshening, along with a technology upgrade, which brings it up to date with many other cars in the Infiniti stable.

The FX series is unique in its body design, which features sports car proportions and a longer, lower appearance that makes it resemble more of an anti-SUV look rather than the rugged off-road type of a Land Rover or Jeep.
What’s up against it?
Settled in the middle of a competitive set which includes the new BMW X6, Audi Q7 and Lexus RX350, among others, it features Nissan-Infiniti’s all-new workhorse 3.5-liter V6 or its equally-new 5.0-liter V8 engine.

The two available powerplants come in two distinct flavors. Buyers of the FX35 can have it equipped with either rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), while buyers of the FX50 will receive their vehicles in all-wheel drive form only.[...]


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First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

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First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50

The topline FX is no longer a 45-the 50's VK50VE 5.0-liter V-8 is good for 390 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, increases of 70 and 34, respectively. Variable Valve Event and Lift continuously twiddles its cam timing and lift, which helps improve fuel economy by one-mpg city/three-mpg highway. Backing both engines is an all-new seven-speed automatic, the first in any Infiniti.

On freeways and twisting canyon roads, the engine and transmission are well matched. Power comes quickly and effortlessly as the FX50 rockets to speed, and the transmission makes it easy to keep things in check when descending steep grades. Under light to moderate acceleration, the seven-speed's close-ratio shifts are quick and smooth; pushing it makes the shifts hard-thumping pulses. Throttle tip-in is sometimes touchy, but easy to adapt to. And despite the crossover's width and bulk, it corners well and feels confident in tight turns, making it a lot more fun than a regular SUV. There's a slight penalty for its cornering capability: The ride isn't soft, not by a long shot, but it's much better than in the previous FX.[...]


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Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

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2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road Test

The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 stick to the original recipe but strive to offer a more luxurious interior and softer ride and thus to appeal to a wider audience, including the fairer sex. Although the basic platform remains the same ubiquitous FM chassis (for “front mid-ship,” the basis for everything from the Nissan 350Z to the GT-R to every Infiniti save the QX56 to CEO Carlos Ghosn’s chaise longue), this FX has mostly new parts, says Infiniti.

They include a new 5026cc V-8 making 390 horsepower in the FX50, a boring-out and stroking of the previous 4.5-liter V-8 with 80-percent new parts. There’s also a new seven-speed automatic, a first for Infiniti, that is standard across the line. The base 3.5-liter V-6 in the FX35 gets more muscle, up 28 horsepower to 303. As before, the FX35 is offered in rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive configurations.[...]


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Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

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First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX

On the road, both the V8-powered FX50 and V6-equipped FX35 feel like a handful of other 'utes that are attempting to emphasize the "Sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle. The ride is certainly better than the outgoing FX and even with the dampers set to Sport it's not the kidney-punishing affair we previously endured. The steering isn't what we'd call engaging, but it's what we've come to expect from vehicles of this size and weight.

Power from the V6 is ample, with a linear torque band that seems to come into its own above 2,500 rpm, while the V8 produces a muted burble out back and provides plenty of motivation when you stamp down on the aluminum long pedal. Both engines have their strong points, but given the weight penalty of the V8 and the better fuel mileage of the V6 (16/21 city/highway for the V6 versus 14/20 for the V8), most buyers would be content with an FX35 optioned up to suit their own specs.[...]


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Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive....(PopularMechanics)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

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2009 Infiniti FX50 Test Drive: The 390-hp Crossover Even Bond Would Dig

Built on the newest version of Nissan’s FM platform, the 2009 FX gains a tad more wheelbase and a wider track. The base FX35 gets a 303-hp, 3.5-liter V6, but we grabbed the keys to an FX50 for our hustle through the Hollywood Hills.

Under the long hood of the FX50 is a new 390-hp, 5.0-liter V8 with 369 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s up a whopping 70 hp over the old FX45—and even 10 more than an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Oh, James. Both FX engines come paired with a 7-speed automatic with imperceptibly smooth shifts under light throttle. Give it the boot, however, and the FX50 moves out like a hot rod, with quick, precise shifts and a brilliant downshift rev-matching feature.[...]


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Review: 2009 Infiniti FX35 and FX5....(LeftLane)
First Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(MotorTrend)
2009 Infiniti FX50 - Short Take Road....(CarAndDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35/FX50....(CanadianDriver)
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX....(Autoblog)
Road Tests Full Test: 2009 Infiniti FX50....(Edmunds)

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Suzuki and Road Race Motorsports Create Turbocharged Suzuki SX4t Hatchback

FULLERTON, California — Suzuki recently unveiled the 2008 Suzuki SX4t Crossover Concept, which adds a turbocharger developed by Road Race Motorsports to the company's otherwise sensible all-wheel-drive hatchback.

There's nothing conceptual about the Mitsubishi-built 16G GT3 turbocharger with its Tial 38mm wastegate, as it's part of a $5,400 aftermarket kit that Road Race will sell directly to Suzuki SX4 owners starting in June 2008.
[...]


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2008 Suzuki SX4t Turbo Crossover Concept....(Carnoise)
Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy....(Autoblog)

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Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy of Road Race Motorsports

When Suzuki launched the SX4, we couldn't help thinking that the oddly shaped hatch had some aftermarket potential. Suzuki seemed to think the same thing and tapped Road Race Motorsports, the renowned SoCal tuning firm, to create a one-off concept for the Chicago Auto Show. Road Race decided that it could do better than just some wheels, brakes, a body kit and a few engine mods, so its created the SX4t, a turbocharged version of the all-wheel-drive hatch that could mark the beginning of Suzuki's ascendancy into the aftermarket.[...]


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2008 Suzuki SX4t Turbo Crossover Concept....(Carnoise)
Suzuki and Road Race Motorsports Create....(Edmunds)

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2008 Suzuki SX4t Turbo Crossover Concept By Road Race Motorsports

Catering to requests from auto enthusiasts, Suzuki is taking the SX4 Crossover's outstanding capability to the next level in performance. The SX4's unit structure and standard all-wheel drive can handle additional horsepower, so in partnership with Road Race Motorsports, the SX4's 2.0 liter DOHC four was upfitted with Road Race's proprietary turbo kit, the chassis was improved with sport springs, and wheels and tires grew to 17-inch.[...]


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Suzuki and Road Race Motorsports Create....(Edmunds)
Suzuki SX4t: "t" is for turbo, courtesy....(Autoblog)

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Nissan Debuts New 2008 Teana & Teana XV At Beijing Car Show

Nissan and its Chinese partner Dongfeng unveiled the final production version of new redesigned Teana & Teana XV at the 2008 Auto China show in Beijing. This is the first new version of the Teana since its debut five years ago and is heavily influenced by the Intima concept seen last year at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new Teana goes on sale later this year in China, Japan and other Asian markets. [...]


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2009 Ford Fusion Gets New Engine Specs

Ford will offer a new range of more powerful and more fuel efficient engines in its updated 2009 Fusion sedan. A hybrid version had already been announced. The Detroit News reports that the midsize sedan's 160-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine will be replaced with a 170-horsepower four-cylinder with variable valve timing. [...]


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