Hot News: Lamborghini Estoque to Share Platform with Audi A7

More details are emerging on the Lamborghini Estoque four-door set to debut in 2011 or 2012. Lamborghini insists the aggressive sedan is still only under consideration, but company insiders tell us Sant’Agata is already preparing the car for production. The only obstacle is a strategic review of the entire Volkswagen Group's future vehicle portfolio, currently being carried out by Porsche, VW's majority shareholder.
A conservative sales estimate is about 1500 units annually, but Lamborghini hopes to sell at least 2000 per year. That doesn't seem unrealistic compared to Porsche's far more ambitious targets with the Panamera, of which Stuttgart hopes to make 20,000 in the same time span.
The Estoque will be built on Audi's modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming all-new A7, and the 2013 VW Phaeton. There is very little component sharing with the recently revealed Porsche Panamera, which uses a standalone platform close to that of the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, and VW Touareg SUVs.
The Lamborghini Estoque will most likely have an aluminum body. All-wheel drive will be standard, since front-wheel drive, theoretically a possibility on this platform, is out of the question for Lamborghini. Much development on the underpinnings has been carried out by Audi's Quattro GmbH performance division in Neckarsulm, Germany.
The Audi A7, with its hatchback body, will be closest to the Estoque in concept and dimensions. The Estoque will definitely come to market after the A7, says an insider.

New Car: 2010 Mini Convertible

The new MINI Convertible has broken cover, and given the success of the previous drop top it’s no surprise that BMW has lifted the lid on the current generation.
Due to reach showrooms in March, the new MINI comes two years later than its hatchback equivalent. These are the first official pictures of the soft-top and it looks like it's been worth the wait.
The second version of the best-selling convertible will make full use of MINI’s ‘Minimalism’ package, BMW's clever term for its EfficientDynamics systems. The result is a cleaner more frugal beast. Performance has also been improved and the range-topping Cooper S now pumps out 175bhp from its turbo-charged 1.6-litre unit.
The new cabrio gets a healthy makeover too. A raised shoulder line and added chrome strip surrounding the car, highlight the cars sporty nature. While the trademark circular headlamps and hexagonal grille both remain. There are also two all-new colours making their debuts; Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue.
Opting for the same two-stage electronically-operated canvas roof as the previous car, the top can be partially opened to act as a sunroof as well as fully retracted.
Another accessory making its debut is MINI’s ‘Openometer’, the add-on records how long the top has been down, letting passengers know how long they've been 'cool' for, air conditioning also now comes as standard.
Prices start at £15,995 for the standard Cooper rising to £18,995 for the Cooper S. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2010 Audi A7

Spy shots of the A7, Audi’s upcoming low-roofline sedan, continue to surface. The A7 is likely to be based on the next-generation A6 architecture, which itself will be a lengthened and modified version of the current A4/A5 platform. Judging from the name, the four-seat A7 should slot into the Audi lineup above the A6 and below the A8 and will likely occupy the $50,000-to-$70,000 price range. The grainy new snaps seen here clearly show the A7’s bulbous rear end, which hides a hatchback configuration, a body style that resembles the recently revealed—and not beautiful—Porsche Panamera.
In the U.S. we’re expecting that base A7s will be powered by the A6’s recently introduced 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6; V-8 engines are almost a certainty but we don’t yet know if the V-8 will be the A6’s direct-injection 350-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 or the R8’s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. Transmission choices will be a six-speed automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, and an eight-speed automatic that will likely be reserved for the V-8 model.
After the launch of the regular-grade models, the sportier and more powerful S7 will debut, powered by the S6’s 5.2-liter V-10 with upwards of 435 hp under the hood. An ultra-powerful RS7 is a possibility, although it, like the current RS6 sedan and wagon, may be deemed too expensive and too niche-y for the North American market.
Audi usually shows a thinly disguised concept version before showing the final production car, and we expect such a concept of the A7 to debut in early 2009 at the Detroit auto show, with the production version appearing perhaps as early as the Geneva auto show in the spring.

Spied: 2010 Honda Accord CUV

A gap exists in the Honda lineup between the mid-size Pilot and compact CR-V SUVs, and the company might be filling that hole with an Accord-based crossover. Caught here wearing no camouflage, this bash-up mule could turn into a vehicle that would do battle with the new Toyota Venza.
Possibly based on the European-only Accord Tourer wagon, this CUV prototype wears the familiar U.S.-market Accord front end grafted to a Tourer body. There are fender flares pinned to the body sides, indicating a wider track, and masking around the C-pillar hides a stretched wheelbase. From the back, a rear differential makes it evident the CUV will get power to the rear wheels as well as those in the front, likely via Honda’s VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system. Power could come from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engines offered on the current Accord; the dual exhaust on this mule likely means it carries the V-6.
When asked to comment on the spy photos and its possible reponse to the Ford Flex and Toyota Venza, Honda stated simply that "it is always evaluating the needs of its customers." However unconfirmed, we’d expect that a mid-size crossover is all but guaranteed from a company known for being as forward-thinking as Honda.
Prancing around with no camo and combining currently produced sheetmetal, this is likely a mule that would look markedly different in production. Watch for an announcement at an upcoming auto show. We'll keep you posted.

Spied: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera

Here are the first decent spy shots we’ve seen of the 2011 Porsche 911 in something resembling its own metal; it’s the car which Porsche internals and Porschephiles alike will refer to as the 998. Clearly, this prototype wears the expected placeholder front lighting elements—these ones cribbed from a pre-face-lift version of the current 997-gen Carrera—bulging from tacked-on front fender extensions that conceal a flatter, Panamera-like nose. The roofline and doors appear very close in design to the current model—no surprise there—but the rear fenders of this car conceal a vastly wider track than the current 911, leading us to believe that this car could be an all-wheel-drive 4 or 4S model.

New Car: 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Just days after we were first introduced to the 2010 Mazda 3 sedan at the L.A. show, its five-door hatchback sibling has been unveiled electronically, in advance of its meatspace debut.
On December 3 (Coincidence? We think not), the more useful 3 will be shown at the Bologna motor show in Italy. The hatch shares the sedan’s somewhat-goofy-looking, smiley front end, as well as its new interior and, of course, chassis. Expect the same powertrain options as the current U.S.-market hatch, namely one: the 2.5-liter four. Europeans will be able to choose from among two turbo-diesels and 1.6- and 2.0-liter gas-fired fours, the latter also found in the U.S. sedan.
What’s more exciting for us, though, is the promise of a new Mazdaspeed 3, which will once again be offered in hatchback, front-drive form only. After catching a few glimpses of the speediest of the 3s on the Nürburgring, we’ve been anxiously awaiting further details on the replacement for one of our favorites. It is expected to use the same turbocharged 2.3-liter as now, generating at least the 263 hp of the current model. That car should be arriving for the Geneva show, which takes place in March of next year.

Hamann Volcano Based on Mercedes Mclaren SLR

How much torque does a volcanic eruption have? Well, it does indeed take a lot of steam to melt rocks and push the lava straight up through the earth's crust and Hamann-Motorsport does a good job of rivaling that with their own Volcano.

The Hamann Volcano is a supersized version of what is already one of the world's most renowned supercars - the Mercedes McClaren SLR. Hamann technicians were able to boost the Mercedes Benz 5.4 liter, 626 hp, 780 Nm V8 and take its performance to 700 hp and 830 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpms; giving the Hamann a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.6 seconds.

But performance is also improved by aerodynamics, with the addition of new lift-reducing wing extensions in both the front and the rear as well as new side skirt attachments and sheathings.

Interiors also get yet another luxurious do-over. It includes aluminium pedals, foot-rests, door sills, head-rests and floomats with the Hamann logo and the use of the top-quality material Alcantara for custom center console and dashboard parts.

Subaru Forester Mountain Rescue Concept at SEMA

Since 1974 Subaru has been a well known brand to skiers and ski communities thanks to the all-weather traction advantages of 4-wheel-drive. As a result, Subaru is honoring the men and women of Ski Patrol teams who risk their lives to rescue skiers and snowboarders by presenting the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept, the ultimate first responder vehicle equipped with trail-driving capability and essential rescue gear.

Co-developed with Detroit-based Specialized Vehicles the Mountain Rescue Forester Concept is based on the Forester 2.5XT turbo crossover and features 14 inches of ground clearance (8.9 in. standard) via an Air Lift custom adjustable ride height air suspension system. Increased traction is provided by Yokohama Geolandar MTS 30 x 9.5-in. tires on custom-reversed 15-in. Subaru steel wheels.

Other features include custom front and rear skid plates, grille guard, fender flares, lower door cladding, a rear gate guard and tail light guards, LED emergency lighting package, 9500-lb. winch, remote rear door openers and external quick-access utility compartments, Yakima ski carriers and rescue toboggan.

AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon

AC Schnitzer present X6 Falcon - a project largely following the styling features seen on the recently-launched new X5 of the same name. The newest predator in its namesake's valley territory, AC Schnitzer are keen to point out the X6 Falcon's parallels to its bird of prey counterpart. Broad wings are however where the name originates, but such characteristics go more than skin deep.

Tthe X6 Falcon has been painstakingly 'adapted to its habitat', undergoing numerous laps of Nurburgring testing by engineers, namely to fine tune the set up of the AC Schnitzer springs. The result: traction even at speeds only achievable by a falcon in 'nosedive'. The styling package was designed for 'downforce instead of lift' and includes front and rear skirt, moved fog lamps and a contoured spoiler edge.

Instead of protection to the underbody and 'submarining', a rear diffuser and spoiler has been added, while skirts are now body-coloured so as the body appears more drawn down. We'll avoid calling the alloy wheels the 'legs' of the falcon like AC Schnitzer, but nonetheless it is AC Schnitzer 22-inch alloy wheels Type Vll, available in black or silver, that complement this new look.

AC Schnitzer Racing Design have given the Falcon an exhaust system to shout about, providing excellent resonance for its equally well-performing range of engines, enhanced by Control Unit. Two diesel units, the 30d and 35d, are enhanced from 235 hp and 286 hp to 272 hp and 310 hp respectively.

GTstreet R based on Porsche 911 Turbo by TechArt

TechArt continues its re-inventions of Porsche supercars. Just last spring TechArt presented the GTstreet RS, its specialised version of the Porsche 911 GT2. Now, its latest creation is based on the 911 Turbo which TechArt, located in the same region of Germany as Porsche, has turned into one impressive performer. As if the 911 Turbo wasn't one already.

The GTstreet R comes fitted with TechArt's performance kit TA097/T3, which sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie. What all those letter and numbers mean is 660 hp and a maximum torque of 860 Nm at 4,600 rpm for this re-imagined 911 Turbo. Coupled with Porsche's Tiptronic S transmission, it takes the GTstreet R a mere 3.4 seconds to reach 100km/h.

TechArt takes the 911 Turbo's standard 3.6 liter turbocharged engine and boosts its performance with new turbochargers, special intercoolers and a host of other technological tidbits that make this horse run a lot faster.

Top speed: 345 km/h (214mph).

TechArt Aerokit I for Porsche 911 MY 2009

TechArt has updated its 997 Aerokit I package for the facelifted 2009 model year Porsche 911 Carrera. Besides a new front lower lip spoiler, the kit maintains the overall same appearance but is cut different to accommodate the newly shaped signal lamps and tail lamps.

As always, TechArt wind tunnel tests everything, even for the slightest of changes like this modest facelift.

Other changes include chrome trim on the front bumper air inlets, newly designed decorative trims for the exterior mirror – varnished, in carbon fibre or a new chrome finish – as well as headlight trim.

Aston Martin DB7 by Alchemist

Luxury customization company, Alchemist, thinks their Aston Martin DB7 isn't getting enough attention. So, they've decided to bath the exterior in 24-carat gold and platinum leaf. No details have been given exactly how they did it and what the total cost might be, but they went as far to add 7 diamonds embedded in the bodywork as the final touch.

Alchemist’s creative director and modern day ‘Goldfinger’, Jacques Blanc, said: “Forget the everyday optional extras offered by car manufacturers, this is the King Midas of customization and the gold standard of luxury.”

The 24-carat DB7 makes its debut at MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live at London’s Earls Court among 200 other supercars on display.

Tuning Kits for New 2009 Honda Odyssey JDM by Mugen

In synchronized form, closely related Honda tuner Mugen announced body styling kits for the new Honda Odyssey the same day it launched in Japan. Available in two styles - one for the standard M, L, Li trim levels and a second for the top sporty Absolute, the aero kits consists of grille, front and rear bumper fascias, side skirts and rear roof spoilers. Other add-ons include sport exhaust, brake pads, floor mats, two styles of aluminum wheels and intelligent Tire Condition Monitoring System (i-TCMS). Price for both kits is expected to be approximately €2000 in Japan.

Carlsson CK63 S

Carlsson has released a new performance package based on Mercedes C63 AMG, called the Carlsson CK63 S.

Power jumps from 457 hp to 565 hp, while peak torque climbs 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) to a total of 685 Nm (505 lb-ft). This enables the CK63 S to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, compared to 4.5 seconds in the standard C63 AMG. The car also features a sports air filter, a carbon fiber Carlsson motor cover, sport rear muffler, and an electronic speed limiter which kicks in at 300 km/h (186 mph).

Helping to control all this power is a new Carlsson RS coil-over kit which features step-less height adjustment and adjustable damping. The company also suggests that owners install a limited slip differential in order to improve traction and increase driving stability. The CK63S is also available with ultra light wheels which weigh 38% less than the standard wheels and allows for improved driving comfort.

No tuner car would be complete without a styling kit and Carlsson is happy to oblige. Both ends of the car get special spoilers to improve high speed stability, and can be made of either high-quality polyurethane or carbon fiber. For the interior, customers can choose from a variety of options in order to make their car truly unique.

First Sketch: Volvo S60

This is the first look at the new S60 concept Volvo plans to reveal at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The concept gives an indication of what the new sedan will look like when it's launched in 2010.
The new car's coupe-inspired silhouette follows on from the original S60's and is also underlined by entirely new shoulder contours and a gentle double wave that runs from headlamps to taillamps. "The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas," explains Volvo Cars' design director, Steve Mattin.
"On the inside we've been even more daring - there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future," says Mattin. Among the interior features is a floating center stack made of hand-crafted Orrefors crystal. "Using pure crystal is a thrilling experiment. We may well see interior features in crystal-like materials in the future."

Spied: 2010 Porsche Speedster

The revised Porsche Boxster made its world debut at last week’s Los Angeles Motor Show – and we drive it for the first time in this week's Auto Express magazine. But as these spy pictures show, engineers at the firm aren’t downing tools just yet. They are working on this Speedster edition, which harks back to a rare 911 model from the Eighties.

Take a close look at the rear of the prototype, and you’ll see a large cover. Underneath this lies the trademark dome-shaped mid section, which emanates from the headrests, denoting this sleek-looking variant. In addition, the newcomer gets a lower windscreen and a modified canvas hood.

There’s no official news on the Speedster’s engine, although it’s expected to be the same 304bhp direct-injection flat-six cylinder unit as in the Boxster S.

Inside, the Porsche will get unique figure-hugging, leather-trimmed seats, along with a generous level of equipment, too. The new model will go on sale late next year, with a price tag of around £45,000.For more details click here

New Car: 2010 Porsche Panamera

After years of waiting and dozens of sightings by car spies, we’ve finally gotten our first non-grainy, camouflage-free official look at the first performance sedan in Porsche’s history, the Panamera. And, well, let’s put it this way: if you can handle the Cayenne SUV, you can probably handle the Panamera.

Not that we love it. Indeed, we’re not going to sugar-coat things here: some of us flat-out hate the look of this big, flat-nosed, bustle-backed five-door. The more diplomatic among us are cautiously optimistic that the Panamera will merely take some getting used to. It’s the same swirl of controversy that surrounded the introduction of the Cayenne, which initially all but sent Porsche purists to the psych ward, but has ultimately become respected, if not loved.For more details click here.

Los Angeles: Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode Concept bows in America

Hyundai unveiled the HED-5 “i-Mode” concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show today, featuring an all-new, eco-friendly powertrain making its first-ever appearance for Hyundai. The six-passenger family crossover, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, combines visionary styling with future technologies and advanced eco-dynamics.

For its North American debut, Hyundai added a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that improves efficiency and reduces emissions. The HED-5 i-Mode concept and the new powerplant, called the Theta Turbo GDI, have been green lighted for the U.S. market. Variants of the engine will appear in various Hyundai models.

Timing and specifications for a production version of a family crossover similar to HED-5 i-Mode are currently in development.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view more images and the official press release.







PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI HED-5 "i-MODE" CONCEPT MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW WITH NEW ECO-FRIENDLY POWERTRAIN

2.0-liter, Four-cylinder Turbo Engine with Gasoline Direct Injection Approved for U.S. Market Intro in 2010

LOS ANGELES, 11/19/2008 Hyundai unveiled the HED-5 “i-Mode” concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show today, featuring an all-new, eco-friendly powertrain making its first-ever appearance for Hyundai. The six-passenger family crossover, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, combines visionary styling with future technologies and advanced eco-dynamics.

For its North American debut, Hyundai added a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that improves efficiency and reduces emissions. The HED-5 i-Mode concept and the new powerplant, called the Theta Turbo GDI, have been green lighted for the U.S. market. Variants of the engine will appear in various Hyundai models. Timing and specifications for a production version of a family crossover similar to HED-5 i-Mode are currently in development.

HED-5 “i-Mode” Concept Highlights

· Six-seater monocab design
· World debut of turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with Gasoline Direct Injection
· High-end materials and advanced eco-dynamics
· Unique Swivel Seat concept
· Futuristic communications and entertainment system

“The HED-5 i-Mode concept provides a glimpse into the future of travel, incorporating innovative weight-saving technologies, a modern fuel-efficient four-cylinder direct injection turbo, and a flexible interior package,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

All-new Theta Turbo GDI

For the U.S. market, the HED-5 i-Mode reveals a first-ever powerplant for Hyundai, the Theta Turbo GDI. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine uses gasoline direct injection technology. By injecting the fuel directly inside the cylinder in small, precise amounts, the performance and response of the engine improve thanks to the intake charge cooling. Both fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions improve due to the improved combustion. Combine GDI with turbo charging and the result is exceptional power output. The engine has capacity for up to 286 horsepower, greater than most six-cylinder engines on the market, while improving fuel economy by 15-20 percent. The Theta Turbo GDI includes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to further improve efficiency. This ultra-efficient, high-tech gasoline engine will be fitted in various Hyundai models in future model years.

HED-5 Cross-industry Collaboration Drives Packaging and Technology Advancements

Hyundai continues cross-industry cooperation to speed new technologies to market through such partners as Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiper and LG Electronics. The cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience enabled the complex curvature and radical design of the HED-5 to be implemented sooner. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace. This, in combination with a light-weight body construction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. “Self-healing,” water-based finishes from Bayer add another environmentally friendly twist to the vehicle and even let minor scratches appear to “magically” disappear, saving the need for costly repair.

Through the advanced multimedia and entertainment concept developed by LG Electronics, the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital home allowing passengers to stay connected, communicate, and interact in the car and beyond. Access to the Web, video games, movies or video phones are possible through the pop-down touch-screen displays and Webcams located in the overhead console. A wireless network, cable-free keyboards, game controllers, and headphones further personalize the entertainment experience.

Hyundai’s engineering partner, Keiper, supported the HED-5 i-Mode project with the exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seat concept. The first-row passenger seat flips to face second- and third-row occupants. Additionally, the second-row bench slides rearward to increase comfort and create a social space for communication.

The i-Mode Design

An innovative mechanism enables the sliding door to be free from conventional inner and outer guide rails. When the doors are opened, the lack of a B-pillar enables a feeling of space and remarkable accessibility to the generous interior.

The Hyundai design team worked extensively with new composite materials to enable unconventional and irregular shapes. The architecture of the HED-5 i-Mode is supported by an external frame protecting the space within, like a shell. In cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience, the HED-5 i-Mode is the first vehicle to feature the new “BayVision” glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses made from Makrolon®. This innovative glazing alternative enables extended transparent areas, further reducing weight.

Through the innovative door opening mechanism, the interior of the HED-5 i-Mode reveals an inviting landscape of softly sculpted shapes and advanced technology. The first step into the vehicle reveals the elegant application of natural materials. Soft, silky leather in warm and natural brown tones provides a level of comfort normally reserved for the home. Attention is immediately drawn to the seats, which offer first-class comfort combining a modern, floating look with innovative functionality, enabling the occupants to experience the lounge atmosphere without the limitations of a conventional automotive interior layout.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

Los Angeles: Kia debuts Borrego FCEV

Kia premiered its next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) system fitted on the new Borrego at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. A number of improvements have allowed the system to develop an additional 47HP compared to the previous FCEV powertrains bumping peak output to 154HP.

With a 202-liter hydrogen storage tank located underneath the Borrego and ahead of the rear wheels, Kia's latest research vehicle has a range of about 426 miles. The top speed of the Borrego FCEV is 100 mph (160 km/h) while the vehicle accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h( in 12.8 sec. Kia also claims a 'best-in-class system efficiency of 62 percent' which translates to 54 mpg U.S.

"Entering this new phase of our program is really exciting," said Dr. Hyun Soon Lee, president of research and development for the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. "Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes and lower cost for fleet testing and the latest Borrego FCEV drives us closer to making fuel cell vehicles available for consumers."

[Source: Kia]

Continued: Images, official press release



PRESS RELEASE: KIA MOTORS UNVEILS NEXT GENERATION FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Revolutionary Borrego FCEV Debuts at Los Angeles International Auto Show

- World premiere for new Borrego FCEV
- New technologies boost performance of fuel cell electric vehicle

LOS ANGELES, Calif., November 20, 2008 – Kia Motors Corporation’s (KMC) Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) program takes a major technological step forward today with the global unveiling of the all-new Kia Borrego FCEV at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Numerous innovations including a higher output 154 horsepower fuel cell and a new 450-volts Supercapacitor give the Borrego FCEV higher performance, a greatly extended driving range and cold-weather starting capability to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

Available with two and three tank systems with 70MPa pressure, the Borrego FCEV’s power plant is located under the center floor and boasts an additional 47 horsepower of power to produce a peak output of 154 horsepower (a 44-percent increase compared to the previous generation) and propel the vehicle to a top speed of 100 miles per hour (mph) while boasting a best-in-class system efficiency of 62 percent. With a 202-liter hydrogen storage tank located underneath the vehicle and ahead of the rear wheels, this latest Kia Motors research vehicle has a range of about 426 miles.

“Entering this new phase of our program is really exciting,” said Dr. Hyun Soon Lee, president of research and development for the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. “Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes and lower cost for fleet testing and the latest Borrego FCEV drives us closer to making fuel cell vehicles available for consumers.”

Demonstrating its ability to conduct engineering of both gasoline/diesel production models and fuel cell research vehicles simultaneously, Kia Motors will be able to significantly improve the efficiency and quality control of future fuel cell vehicle manufacturing processes.

With the use of lightweight aluminum body shell components, the Borrego FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio that is similar to the new production model SUV. The FCEV also retains the roomy cabin, low noise levels and overall driving refinement of its new gasoline/diesel-powered sibling.

Technical Specifications

Type: Fuel Cell + Supercapacitor
Fuel Cell Output: 154 horsepower (115kW)
Additional Power Output: 134 horsepower Supercapacitor (100kW)
Traction Motor Output: 147 horsepower (110kW)
Dimensions: 192.1 x 75.4 x 71.3 inches
Curb Weight: 4,960 pounds (2,250kg)

Max. Speed: 100 mph
Zero to 60 mph Acceleration: 12.8 seconds
Max. Distance: 426 miles with three tanks
Fuel economy: 54 mpg (EPA combined F/E)

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.