Car News

DETROIT – The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is an exploration of heavy-duty truck capability combined with greater off-road versatility. It is highlighted by a bold exterior design, enhanced all-terrain suspension and premium details expected of a GMC – all designed to enable greater access to off-road destinations.



The new 2011 Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain HD concept, with a modified, production-based 4WD chassis and the Duramax diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed powertrain. The enhanced suspension and unique body dimensions, including increased ground clearance and wider track, as well as greater approach/departure angles, deliver off-road capability while maintaining HD levels of payload and trailering capacity.



"The Sierra All Terrain HD concept takes GMC's outstanding new HD platform to the next level, marries it to the legendary Duramax diesel/Allison transmission, and provides a heavy-duty expression of GMC's premium All Terrain package," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. "It delivers the exceptional capabilities of the Sierra HD – hauling, towing and performance – and applies them to the toughest driving environments. It's the ultimate professional-grade tool for construction crews, ranchers and adventurers whose activities aren't limited by where the pavement ends."



The Sierra All Terrain HD features a unique five-foot, eight-inch Crew Cab/short box body configuration that supports a wheels-at-the-corners proportion. Shorter in overall length than production Sierra HD models, the concept's dimensions contribute to greater approach/departure angles. Additional off-road elements include:



Wider, 73-inch (1,853 mm) track for greater stability

Approximately 3 inches (76 mm) greater ground clearance

Custom front upper and lower control arms

Specially constructed Fox off-road shocks with remote fluid reservoirs (integrated in the wheel house liners)

Front and rear jounce shocks

Electronic front stabilizer bar disconnection

35-inch-tall BFGoodrich KM2 "mud terrain" tires mounted on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels

Full composite underbody protection.



"The capability-enhancing attributes of the Sierra All Terrain HD build on the already outstanding capabilities offered in the all-new production Sierra HD trucks," said Hutchinson. "Although it is strictly a concept, it is a pretty realistic one."



Purposeful design

From every angle, the All Terrain HD looks the part of a dedicated off-road performer, with bold, accentuated features complemented by a wide stance and tall profile.



Streamlined bumpers are designed to enhance approach/departure angles and incorporate frame-mounted recovery hooks – with integrated skid plates. A large, airflow-optimized grille maximizes cooling in tough conditions, while a forced-induction hood delivers more air to the Duramax diesel engine.



"The design of the All Terrain HD is an expression of its capabilities – strong, functional and absolutely professional grade," said Carl Zipfel, design manager. "We're excited about the design elements and exploring how they could apply to future GMCs."



Large fender flares stretch away from the body to cover the 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich tires. At the rear, the cargo box features lockable, lighted storage compartments, along with a number of tie-down cleats, including a pair in the bed floor and two on each side of the bed. A non-slip rubber pad is used on the tailgate, while two special compartments inside the cargo box provide access to a 110-volt power outlet and air compressor. A composite bed liner with a unique "circuit board" pattern provides a protective cover for the bed.



Motorized, deployable assist steps for the cab and cargo bed make it easier to enter and exit the All Terrain HD, while maximizing ground clearance during off-road driving. It also incorporates a number of industrial-grade lighting elements to provide greater visibility for safer driving where stars may be the only other source of illumination. The lighting details include:



High-intensity LED headlamp, taillamp and fog lamp lighting mounted in impact-resistant composite housings and featuring edge-lit illumination

High-intensity LED park and turn signal lamps

Smooth-appearance front marker lamps integrated behind the top edge of the windshield glass

Integrated center high-mounted stop lamp and rear marker lights mounted at the top edge of the rear window glass

LED floodlights for the cargo bed and assist steps.



The All Terrain HD is painted Iridium Metallic – a dark charcoal color that reveals a reddish, anodized inflection when viewed from certain angles. It complements other anodized and satin-metal finishes on the exterior, which give the truck a more precise and functional appearance.



The interior matches the exterior aesthetic, with premium appointments and increased functionality, including enhanced lighting. It conveys solidity and precision, blending accent details such as stainless steel mesh and satin chrome with an amplified expression of the All Terrain's premium features. Two-tone dark gray leather seats, matched with embossed carbon fiber-style leather on the seating surfaces, have red contrast stitching. Additional leather-wrapped interior features include the steering wheel, instrument panel and center console.



A new navigation radio is also featured on the Sierra All Terrain HD concept and previews future radios to be offered in GMC vehicles. An integrated 80-gig hard drive contains map data for the navigation system. It eliminates the need for a map disc and provides greater storage of music from portable devices. It also features DVR-style "time lapse playback," which allows up to 20 minutes of recording/playback from the AM/FM/XM radio stations.



All Terrain chassis and suspension

Based on the chassis of the 2011 Sierra HD trucks, the All Terrain HD features a fully boxed steel frame with exceptional strength and torsional stiffness. It incorporates the production models' new independent front suspension and asymmetrical rear leaf-spring suspensions, but with a wider 73-inch (1,853 mm) track (front and rear) that enhances stability during off-road and highway driving. A production Sierra 2500HD has front and rear tracks of 68.8 inches (1,748 mm) and 67.3 inches (1,709 mm), respectively.



An increased ride height provides greater ground clearance of 21.1 inches (536 mm) at the rockers and 11.8 inches (300 mm) at the skid plates, while specialized Fox off-road shocks deliver exceptional damping on tough terrain. They were created specially for the All Terrain HD, with specific valving. The shocks feature visible, remote fluid reservoirs – connected to the shock bodies via custom hoses – mounted in the wheel house liners and are matched with front and rear jounce shocks. They add additional compression damping and more controlled rebound, which helps increase control, stability and handling.



The All Terrain HD also features electronic disconnection of the front stabilizer bar, which enables greater crawling capability on rocky terrain. The driver simply pushes a button inside the cab to disconnect it from the front suspension.



Custom upper and lower control arms for the front suspension are designed to work with the Fox off-road shocks and jounce shocks, while supporting the greater ground clearance and ride height. They contribute to the wider track, as do the aggressive 20-inch machined aluminum all-terrain wheels. The wheels are deep, with six split-spoke elements, and are constructed in a reverse drop-flange method that ensures optimal strength. They also feature a mix of satin chrome and anodized aluminum finishes, which provide durability and a premium appearance that complements the body's Iridium Metallic color.



A full composite underbody protection system shields the All Terrain HD's transmission, drivetrain, fuel tank, exhaust system and axle differentials. It starts with the front bumper, which rolls beneath the truck and leads to a composite, integral belly pan that covers a front suspension skid plate. Protective covers are also mounted beneath the driveline components, while the front and rear differentials feature direct-mounted skid plates. The rear bumper is integrated with the rear skid plate.



Powertrain details

The Sierra All Terrain HD concept is propelled by the new, production 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination offered in the 2011 Sierra HD trucks. The Duramax is rated at 397 horsepower (296 kW) and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm).



The powerful 6.6L Duramax is more fuel-efficient – with up to 11-percent greater fuel economy than previous versions – and reduces NOx emissions by up to 63 percent. The powertrain's efficiency is assisted by the Allison 1000 transmission, which requires less engine power to funnel torque to the axles. It also incorporates a "smart" exhaust brake feature that helps save wear on the brakes on downhill grades, a feature available on production Sierra HDs.



With the same proven powertrain as production Sierra HD trucks, the All Terrain HD delivers comparable hauling and towing capabilities, including:



Estimated payload capacity of 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg)

Estimated conventional towing capacity of 13,000 pounds (5,896 kg)

Estimated fifth-wheel towing capacity of 15,600 pounds (7,076 kg).



The Sierra All Terrain HD also features four-wheel drive, with automatic locking front and rear differentials, while the 14-inch, four-wheel disc brake system from the production Sierra HD provides the stopping power for this unique off-roader.

TVS has launched the first Indian bike to feature ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), the new TVS Apache RTR 180. This new TVS Apache RTR 180 looks similar with the non-ABS version and is available in only white shade with orange decals.



Anti-lock Braking System technology is an integration of a HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) and Independent Wheel Speed Sensors which help determine when a wheel is likely to get locked. When the brakes are applied hard, the wheel tends to lock. At this point, the HECU takes over instantaneously and modulates the brake pressure continuously to keep the TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS in the most effective braking zone. The TVS RTR ABS is also equipped with Rear Wheel Lift-off Protection (RLP) system which regulates deceleration when the bike is likely to lift off during emergency braking situations and takes over control, with no loss of stopping distance.



This new TVS Apache RTR 180 features a 177.4cc, Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke Petrol engine which develops a maximum power of about 17.3 Bhp @ 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of about 15.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm. This new commuter bike, TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS will feature a top-speed of around 125kph and is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 kph in around 4.15 secs. This new TVS RTR 180 ABS, with a 5-speed Manual Gear Transmission will give a mileage of around 39 kmpl in the cities and around 47 kmpl in the highways. This new TVS Apache RTR ABS will also feature Telescopic Forks Suspension at the fornt and Gas Shocks, Rectangular Swingarm Suspension at the rear. It also comes with a 270mm Petal Disc Brake at the fornt and a 200mm Petal Disc ABS Brake at the rear.

Some unconfirmed news are coming out stating that Hyundai are planning to launch their globally accepted sedan Hyundai Elantra in the Indian automobile field as Hyundai Avante. Few Years ago, Hyundai India have launched a sedan Hyundai Elantra, but it was a major flop. This new Avante in India looks rich in style, great in it's performance, comfort, features and full value for money.



This new Hyundai luxurious sedan, Avante is powered by a 1591cc, DOHC, CVVT Petrol engine which will provide a maximum power of about 118 Bhp @ 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of about 156 Nm @ 4200 rpm. This new Hyundai Avante will provide a mileage of about 11 kmpl in the cities and about 14 kmpl in the highways. This new Avante is also said to achieve a top-speed of about 185 kms in perfect running conditions.



This new Avante, a luxurious sedan belonging to the D segment of the Indian automobile field provides Five-speed Manual Gearbox. This new Hyundai Avante includes McPherson Strut Type, Stabiliser Bar Suspension. It also provides a Disk Brake at the front and a Drum Brake at the rear.

Nissan unveils its latest 2011 Micra soon which was already showcased at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Here are the Photos, Wallpapers and Exclusive pictures of the upcoming 2011 Nissan Micra. 2011 Nissan Micra comes built on the Nissan's new V-platform which offers the customers better performance with stylish design.



Coming to the 2011 Nissan Micra Specifications, it sports a 4 Cylinder line-in 1461cc diesel engine which delivers a maximum power of 65 Bhp @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 160 Nm @ 2000 rpm. The 2011 Nissan Micra has got a 5-speed manual gear transimssion and offers a 23 KMPL fuel economy(Mileage). Nissan offers the new 2011 Micra in two variants - Nissan Micra Diesel XV and Nissan Micra Diesel XV Premium.

The Dacia Duster project was born from a simple premise that there is a real need in the world for, comfortable and affordable 4x4 rough, classes that are currently not served well. Recognizing this gap, the Renault group decided to develop an all-terrain vehicles originally intended for emerging markets. European customers' needs are also taken into account from the beginning of the project.



In the market (Russia, Brazil, etc.), the middle class aspires to own a modern car that reflects their social status. At the same time, they want a strong car most reliable, flexible and able to stand up to the demands of the climate and conditions that can be difficult and diverse (long distance, difficult terrain, used in large built-up area). Bid now largely dominated by imported SUVs, which are often beyond the means of pricing the middle classes. In Europe, Dacia's success has highlighted the need for a modern, reliable and affordable cars. Although many 4x4s and SUVs when large enough, it ignores the call for a vehicle, all-terrain functional affordable, profitable and not expensive SUVs often do not match the needs of off-road driving.



Dacia Duster benefits from Renault's recognized expertise in the field of safety. News features Bosch ABS 8.1 4x4, and electronic brakeforce distribution EBV and emergency brake assist. On the passive safety front, a Duster Dacia come as standard with two front airbags (depending on market) and three-point safety belts with load limiters for the front seats. Depending on the version, the two heads of lateral / thorax side airbags mounted in the driver's and front passenger airbags to provide extra protection in case of side impact. Pyrotechnic pretensioners for front seats (depending on version) complete Duster Dacia's retention system. In addition to firmly hold the breasts in place, they restrict the movement forward in the case of a frontal impact with a belt tightening around the chest and lap.



Particular attention has been paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to some precautions:

• Underbody wax-injected hollow sections and open the panel.


• Fragrant resin sealing of exterior joints.


• Treatments extra wax underbody mechanical components.


• Stone-chip protection for the underbody, sill and wheel arches.

This is the new 2011 Aston Martin Cygnet. No concept car this - here's Aston's official production supermini. The Cygnet will be the smallest Aston Martin ever at just 3m long.



Little has changed since the idea was first mooted in 2009 as a concept car. Aston Martin is importing factory-ready Toyota iQs from Japan and applying a wholly cosmetic face pack at the Gaydon HQ.



Just one Cygnet will be sold: the 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder. Customers will be able to personalise it every which way, although the wilder and more luxurious options will surely send the price spiralling to scary territory north of £40k.

I beg your pardon? How much will Aston Martin's supermini cost?



The base Cygnet will be priced at £30,000. That is roughly three times the cost of the donor Toyota iQ, but Aston will reskin the nose and rump, and layer on a whole new interior feel, as you can see from these first official photographs.



It's worth noting that our earlier news stories on the Cygnet speculated the price would be nearer £20,000. What price luxury? Every Cygnet will be hand-finished in Gaydon with 'an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures.' No two Aston superminis will be identical.



Although Aston Martin isn't announcing full specs until later this autumn, it's safe to assume the figures will be almost identical to the Toyota iQ 1.3 starting point. Aston is making no engineering changes at all. So that means a 1.3-litre four-pot developing 97bhp and 92lb ft. CO2 stands at 113g/km, average fuel economy 59mpg. It will however be the slowest Aston Martin ever, at 106mph flat and 11.8sec in the 0-62mph sprint (explaining why Aston shunned the cleaner, 99g/km 1.0 engine).

Is the Cygnet a CO2 cheat?



Well, there's no denying a humble supermini will help offset all those V8 and V12 supercars. As a lowly independent, Aston Martin has no group efficiencies to fall back upon and selling a stash of £30k superminis could go a long way to lowering its fleet average CO2 emissions.



You'll see from our earlier blogs (see related articles, left), that the Cygnet has already attracted some ire on these pages. But if it makes good business sense, will we allow Aston Martin some leeway?



'It is time to think differently,' says Ulrich Bez, Aston's German CEO. 'Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don't downsize or compromise our sports cars. The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, like every other Martin. Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job.'



The Martin Cygnet goes on sale in late spring 2011. Existing Aston customers will be offered the car first, with general sales following.

It's a phone, it's a tv...no, it's a sporty sedan concept from Samsung. This is the Samsung SM7 Concept which was teased last week, and which was unveiled today at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.



Samsung Motors is Renault's subsidiary on the Korean market, and their SM7 Concept previews the next generation sporty sedan concept which will compete in the E segment from 2012.



As the photos show, the SM7 Concept represents a big step forward when compared to the previous generation, in both design and the overall premium feel that it radiates, with some of its features including a prominent front grille and the single line taillights that kind of remind of the new Saab 9-5.



At this point it is still unclear on which markets besides Korea will the Samsung SM7 be sold on, but considering its design looks adapted to European preferences as well, we might see it sold on the 'old continent' as a Renault.



We'll be back with more photos and technical specifications as soon as the automaker will make the available.