* Maserati debuts GranTurismo S. The Geneva International Auto Show was the venue for the world premier of Maserati's 
GranTurismo S coupe that follows last year's unveiling of the GranTurismo sports car. The S model features a 440-HP V-8 engine and an electro-actuated gearbox for optimum sport shifting. There is also a high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive arena on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology, paired with aluminum mono-bloc six-piston brake calipers.
The interior of the GranTurismo S features Poltrona Frau leather upholstery and figure-hugging front and rear seats.
* Ford F-150 unveiled in Chicago. The 2009 Ford F-150 series, America's best-selling truck line for more than 30 years, debuted at the recent Chicago Auto Show. Ford said the 2009 model is an all-new vehicle with exterior and interior changes that offer seven trim levels. Inside, six inches have been added to the rear seating area, making the F-150 a segment leader with 57.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.
The exterior features bolder lines and new grilles on the fully boxed-frame truck. Cargo capacity can be up to 65.5 cubic feet, and a variety of box variations are available to meet user demands. Advancements include a tailgate step and box side step as well as trailer sway control.
Three Triton V-8 engines are available on the new F-150s, ranging from 4.6-liter to 5.4-liter engines capable of running on E85 fuel. Engines are coupled with either a four-speed or a new six-speed automatic transmission.
One unique feature on the new F-150 is the Ford Work Solutions system, which offers commercial users a suite of programs to help with business operations. The system provides such services as communications, navigation, computing, fleet tracking, and security features.
* New vehicles abound in New York. While the Chicago auto show offered a few debuts, there were plenty of new vehicles and concepts introduced at the just completed New York International Auto show. Production debuts included three Audi models, 
the R8, SS, and TT; the Bentley Brooklands; the BMW 535i; three Chevrolets, including the Beat and Groove; the Ford Flex and Shelby GT 500KR; the Hyundai Genesis; Infiniti G37; Jeep Liberty; three Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles; the Nissan 350Z Nismo; Subaru's Impreza WRX and Tribeca; and two Suzuki models.
Cool concepts included the Cadillac Provoq, the Dodge Zeo, Honda CR-Z, and Jeep Renegade.
* New law for rear vehicle cameras. The U.S. Congress signed legislation (H.R. 1216) that will require vehicle manufacturers to install rear-viewing cameras on new vehicles. The new measure was in response to more than 1,350 children who have died in backup accidents since 2000.
While many vehicles have rear-viewing cameras, some in conjunction with navigation systems, the new legislation requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create a federal standard for cameras or sensors on cars and trucks. The NHTSA has up to three years to develop the standard, which will probably be required on all new vehicles by 2013.
Comment on this article
Send This Link To Friend