2011 Ford Focus RS500

Before dealers even knew that the limited edition Ford Focus RS500 has already been unveiled, the model had sold out. What makes this feat so astounding is that it sold out 12 hours after it was revealed and even before pricing was announced. A Ford insider said that this phenomenon occurred despite Ford being forced to unveil the car nearly 48 hours earlier than planned. Ford had a website dedicated to slowly tease consumers until its scheduled debut for Wednesday but it was hacked and official pictures got released Monday afternoon.

The Ford insider said that people were frantically calling up dealers, entering stores and placing orders for a car that dealerships didn’t know had existed. The head office was bombarded with calls from its dealers. Ford is currently looking over the expressions of interest from numerous customers to determine allocations for its dealerships, before the order books officially open in May.

The insider added that in the UK, over 500 expressions of intent to purchase were recorded. The insider confirmed though that the car will be sold all over Europe. The Ford Focus RS500 is a limited-edition 500 car run of a 345bhp version of the hot hatch. This insider attributed the increased interest partly due to the residual values of the standard car. In fact, the secondhand car sells for more than its new purchase price.

Aston Martin Rapide Race Car

Aston Martin revealed today the racing version of its Rapide sedan, a new car which will compete in the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010. It appears that this is the ultimate test for the car, according to Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team. “This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny, he said.

The new Rapida race car will be close to production standard and will be fitted with essential race safety modifications, a re-tuned suspension, slick tires designed for track use as well as a removed interior trim in order to reduce some weight. Regarding the Rapide, who wants to buy one has to know that the deliveries are starting later this month through Aston Martin’s 125-strong global dealership network.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chrysler Group dealers can start ordering the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee this month. It is set to arrive on a new platform this summer and is slated to go on sale in July. Production for the redesigned Grand Cherokee, which will be the first car to be powered by Chrysler’s new Pentastar V-6 engine, is set to begin on May 3 at the Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit.

Jeep CEO Michael Manley said that the upper trim lines will come with an adaptive suspension that enables the driver to adjust the ride height — high for superior off-roading and low for better on-road performance. Manley claims that this platform will reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

Citroen AirCross C3 Picasso

The Citroen AirCross was introduced through social networking site Twitter. Citroen Brazil said that the crossover is intended to be an adventurous version of the C3 Picasso. However, there are minimal differences between the two cars. Sources who sent this story from Brazil, said that the AirCross will be shown in his country during the second half of 2010. It is believed that because the car is based on the Picasso, which debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, it’s likely that Citroen will bring the AirCross to Paris in September.

The AirCross features visual elements, like a new grille, side skirts, rear-mounted spare tire, and graphics. The car will be taller due to a higher suspension, and longer because of the spare tire but the width of the car should remain the same. The car will be offered with either a 1.6-liter flexfuel engine, or the Citroen C4’s 2.0-liter flexfuel engine.

New York Auto Show: 2011 Scion TC

Scion has just revealed its new generation 2011 tC at the New York Auto Show, besides the all new 2011 Scion iQ. The new model receives additional performance input with the new 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i capable of 180 hp, increased fuel economy and lower emissions. The 2011 tC receives also 2 new transmissions, an improved 6-speed manual one and a new 6-speed automatic gaining 2 gears along with sequential-shift. The new model is fitted on a new platform with modified MacPherson strut front-suspension, a double-wishbone rear-suspension that rides lower than the previous model and larger 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels covers in wider tires.

At the exterior, the chassis shows a new design translated into a more aggressive looks due to more prominent fender flares, lower stance and sleek front grille and projector headlamps. At the interior, the car features robust front seats for a more secured position and comfort, a sporty new 3-spoke steering wheel and an easy accessible instrument panel with gauge cluster and center console facing inward V-shape.

The new tC offers in standard version also other additional features such as an an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with eight speakers, key safety features, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

New York Auto Show: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

After releasing the first teaser on Friday, Hyundai revealed today the all-new 2011 Sonata Hybrid at the New York Auto Show. The new car carries the Hyundai-developed Hybrid Blue Drive architecture which is a full parallel hybrid drive system. With this system the car can operate on an electric motors, gasoline internal combustion engine or , as you imagined, using a combination of those two. The new system uses lithium polymer battery technology – leapfrogging competitive in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications.

Under the hood we find a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine capable to deliver 169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (151 lb-ft) electric motor for maximum fuel economy.

This means we have a total output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, exceeding all mid-size competitors, and 195 lb-ft of torque. Sonata Hybrid’s projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 39 mpg offers significant benefit to hybrid owners with highway commutes, while also offering outstanding city fuel economy of 37 mpg (for those who don’t know, the recently unveiled 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers an impressive 41mph – take that Hyundai!).

“Hyundai applies advanced technologies to vehicles to provide the best solutions for the everyday driver,” said Krafcik. “Unlike traditional hybrids that trade off highway fuel economy for higher city ratings, the Sonata Hybrid delivers best-in-class highway fuel economy, while still delivering about a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy compared to a Sonata equipped with the Theta II GDI engine. We think this is a better balanced approach for the majority of car buyers.”

New York Auto Show: 2011 Nissan Juke Crossover

Nissan North America Inc. has just revealed its new Juke sports crossover and will be also shown during New York International Auto Show, starting with Friday, 2nd of April. The new Juke comes with new performance features being powered by a 1.6 L Direct Injection Gasoline turbo engine, featuring an advanced torque vectoring AWD system. At the interior, the JUKE is fitted with bolstered front seats, a center console based on the design of a motorcycle fuel tank painted in a two-coat high-gloss colour. At the rear, it futures a bench seat for more flexibility of the space, when fold-down it can really carry out a lot of cargo.

For those interested in more options you can also choose for leather-appointed seats, RearView Monitor to Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, navigation system with real-time traffic information and power sliding moonroof. A long list of standard safety features is also available, including six air bags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

One of the most innovative technologies presented by the new JUKE is the I-CON system (Integrated Control System), a tech works as a controller for the automatic climate control system and a drive mode selector with three different throttle/transmission (CVT)/steering response settings – Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency. I-CON also serves as a central command center and display module, adopting different display colors and functions depending on how it is being used.

“JUKE is about to carve out a unique space in the rapidly growing compact crossover/hatchback segment with its combination of striking design, agile handling and driving pleasure and user friendly technology. said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA.

Add in the convenience, versatility and high seating positioning of a traditional compact SUV – and pricing that is expected to start at just under $20,000 – and you’ve got a vehicle unlike any other in its class,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA.