In a country with as large a population as China, luxury car manufacturers have in recent years increased their showroom presence and marketing efforts to capture a slice of a growing market that has the potential to dwarf US or European high end vehicle sales, not just amongst China’s many millionaires, but also amongst communist party officials and other government bureaucrats.

With corruption rife and laws that protect party elites from scrutiny, buyers of luxury cars see no reason to curtail their expenditure, with some unofficial estimates saying the Chinese government spent over $15 billion on cars last year, though exact numbers of luxury and high end cars isn’t known.

So prevalent is the purchase of expensive foreign manufactured cars many activists are now photographing excess and uploading pictures of government owned cars to private websites and social media networks in an effort to encourage more accountability from civil servants. At the communist party headquarters in Beijing a frequently seen ultra-luxury vehicle is a chocolate brown Bentley Mulsanne with all gold trim and all the options rumoured to be worth $560,000.

Police in China are not immune from demanding expensive foreign built automobiles, apparently the top officials in the riot and crowd control police in Beijing also have Bentley cars, though theirs are blue, and can be seen entering and leaving the police headquarters building carpark. Shanghai police recently bought 22 BMW 5 series sedans for use during the 2010 World Expo, and Mercedes-Benz SUVs and Porsche Cayennes have been described as highly prized for police officers whose young children need to be transported safely to school rather than risk using overcrowded school buses.

Amongst middle ranking bureaucrats the Audi A6 priced between $50,000 to $100,000 is the most popular car ratcheting up more than 20,000 units sold in the last few years giving the car the reputation for being the unnofficial ‘official car’ of the communist party.

Using government bought luxury cars for official business might be understandable, however critics of the communist party say officials who have been allocated cars see their use as including personal trips to shops, family holidays, and even for use by spouses whilst officials are in the office working.

Whilst the extravagance of the Chinese communist party seems shocking, the habit of supplying officials with better quality things dates back to the 1940s when perks such as nicer houses, cars, lakeside holidays, and tailored clothing were allocated based on seniority. As China has embraced economic reforms, many party officials feel that imported cars, and especially imported luxury cars, allow them to maintain a level of status that competes with private business people.

China’s defence ministry isn’t immune, and is reported to own one or several black Maserati’s which retail for more than $300,000 per car. A popular joke in China is that generals need to be able to get to the frontline in any war quickly, and Italian supercars are the most efficient vehicle of choice. A cynic might comment that etting away from the frontline would be a better use for an unarmed and poorly armored fast car.

The middle east and specifically the UAE has been the best market for Rolls Royce in recent years, that made the other British luxury brand, Aston Martin thinking why shouldn’t we get a bigger share?! As the Aston’s boss Ulrich Bez says, their goal is to sell 10 percent of their cars in the ME.

Dubai: British luxury carmaker Aston Martin, majority owned by Kuwait-based investors, aims to sell 10 per cent of its cars in the Middle East as part of its efforts to expand beyond the main Europe and US markets.

Chief executive officer Ulrich Bez said the current ownership is committed to growing the company by investing in product development despite the global automotive sector being in trouble from an economic slump.

“We had in 2007 our best year in the company’s 95-year history; 2008 was our second best year, and we will still be profitable even if 2009 is globally a year of downturn,” Bez told Gulf News in an interview in Dubai recently.

Bez said the luxury car segment may have seen a drop of 30 to 50 per cent in the first quarter of this year, but his company has posted better than average sales and saw a 30 per cent sales decline compared with the same period last year.

Aston Martin, the brand made famous by James Bond movies, will produce between 4,500 and 5,000 cars this year compared with nearly 6,000 it made in 2008.

“This [reduced production] is the direct result of the hesitation in the market, the negative discussions, and the negative reports in the press,” said Bez, who was in the UAE on a brand-promotion mission.

The company’s aim is to sell 10 per cent of its cars in the region, he told a gathering.

Aston Martin sells 90 per cent of its cars in the UK, US and Western Europe, but has been trying to diversify its sales with greater focus on China, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Bez said the company is looking to raise its capital to fund expansion and new products.

source: Gulf News via Zawya

One of the most beloved Chevrolet cars in the middle east is the Caprice, not because it’s a great car or it’s good value for money. Simply because it has all the qualities that a middle eastern family approve of! It’s big, have a good air condition system, is automatic and is much cheaper than German rivals!

For 2009 Chevrolet has updated, slightly, the Caprice to keep it fresh. Like always it comes in three option levels, LS, LTZ and the SS. The first two uses a 3.6 liter V6 developing 240 hp while the SS, being the sporty version, got a 6.0 liter V8 checking out 360 hp. 2009 Chevrolet Caprice gets a new 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission. The car also gets some new chrome detailing as part of the updating package!

Press Release:

Chevrolet Caprice: Standing Out With Power And Luxury

All-new six speed 6L80E automatic transmission with Active Select on SS and Royale

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The Caprice has long been the cornerstone of the Chevrolet brand in the Middle East.  Considering its specifications, performance, driving dynamics and value for money, it is indisputable that the 2009 Chevrolet Caprice is indeed one of the world’s best large luxury sedans.  Chevrolet’s biggest sedan now benefits from a six speed 6L80E automatic transmission and even higher specification continues to deliver a thoroughbred driving experience that is far beyond that of its peers.

The SS and Royale variants receive an all new six-speed 6L80E automatic with Active Select carrying a wide 6.0:1 ratio spread improving its launch performance and covered with Aluminium case for low noise transfer and higher torque capacity. Providing a smooth launch feel, the transmission has benefited from extensive calibration work by Chevrolet engineers to balance performance with customer expectations and model requirements. A direct input speed sensor is also there to improve shift feel and smoothness. The other trims are mated to a four speed automatic transmission.

Available with a 6.0 litre V8 engine on all models, which delivers 360 hp (net) at 5,700 rpm and peak torque of 530 Nm (net) @ 4400 rpm, the Caprice is genuinely capable of high performance. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, meanwhile, is available for the LS and LTZ models, and this efficient powerplant can generate peak power of 240 hp (net) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 330 Nm (net) at 2600 rpm.

The sporting SS model receives a number of additions, including high-intensity HID headlamps, remote start to cool down the interior and footwell illumination. New chrome-plated plastic interior door handles have been added to the LTZ, SS and Royale, and all models are now available with the attractive new Switchblade Silver paint.

The 2009 edition of the Caprice receives a host of standard features to maintain its place ahead of its competitors. For starters, GM’s state-of-the-art electronic stability control (ESP) now comes standard on the LTZ V6 variant, while Bluetooth connection for mobile phones is featured on all models from the LTZ upwards.

The 2009 Caprice is equipped with a superb suspension package, which includes linear-control independent rear suspension technology to improve handling and drive. The sports ride suspension is there to broaden the car’s appeal to a wide range of drivers.

A near 50:50 weight distribution between the front and the rear also contributes to the feeling of a well-balanced car; this has been attained through a lower and rearward positioning of the engine within its bay, a fuel tank located underneath the rear seat passengers – which also improves safety in the event of a rear collision – and relocated battery.

And large, 16-inch anti-lock, fade-resistant brakes and wheel-and-tyre packages are central to the Caprice’s fundamental dynamics. The large brakes feature lightweight, compact aluminium callipers, wide pad area and large ventilated discs to reduce stopping distances by around 5 per cent. They also increase fade resistance and offer the driver a more responsive brake pedal.

The Caprice’s tyres have been developed to improve handling and longitudinal grip for easy acceleration and short stopping distance. The standard tyre and wheel combinations start with 16-inch on the LS, 17-inch on the LTZ and Royale models and 18-inch on the SS.

Back in the days Toyota Crown was the ultimate luxury sedan from the land of rising sun, but Toyota deliberately010 killed its reputation by making the Lexus brand! Now though it’s been facelifted and making a big return, the Crown Majesta.

Press Release

The fifth-generation Crown Majesta—the Toyota brand’s top sedan—features a high-quality interior with enhanced comfort and safety features, all designed to offer the highest levels of satisfaction to both drivers and passengers.

Specific improvements include a longer wheelbase and exterior styling that exudes presence and energy. The 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine provides ample power and is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth, powerful cruising and response. In addition, three world-first1 technologies—the Front-side Pre-crash Safety System, Pre-crash Seatbacks and a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) rear-seat center airbag enhance safety and improve overall vehicle performance.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 1,000 units

Vehicle Outline
Enduring presence and high-quality

Package
The extended wheelbase, 75mm longer than the previous series, creates a roomy and comfortable interior.
* Longer wheelbase creates ample legroom for rear-seat passengers
* Total vehicle length under 5 meters ensures greater maneuverability in cramped traffic environments

Exterior
Based on the Toyota brand “Vibrant Clarity” design philosophy, horizontal accents create a flowing silhouette, while the long wheelbase generates a style both commanding in appearance and expressive of vitality.

Interior
The wide instrument panel creates expansiveness, while individual components from the center cluster to the console are clear-cut, emphasizing the quality of the materials used.

The steering wheel, shift knob and ornament panel feature carefully selected, fine-grain wood to create a luxurious cabin atmosphere.

Optitron Meters (standard) and thin film transistor LCD Finegraphic Meters (optional) provide vivid and clear information to the driver.

* Speedometer displays in both digital and analog format; lane and other information also displayed
* Steering-wheel-affixed switch allows changing screen display to show fuel efficiency, Eco Zone Indicator (for environmentally considerate driving) and Night View system (see “Safety” section)

Seat frames can be finely adjusted to provide comfortable seating even during long periods of driving.
* Type G and Type G “F Package” feature premium Japanese leather seats
* Power Easy Access System slides driver’s seat back and tilts steering wheel upward and forward, facilitating smooth ingress and egress for driver

The HDD navigation system is compatible with the G-BOOK mX Pro telematics service and is equipped with multi-media and other advanced functions such as Map on Demand, which provides automatic map and information updates.

A rear-seat entertainment system features a high-resolution 9-inch monitor built into the cabin ceiling.

The Toyota Premium Sound System, with a 19-channel amplifier and 20 speakers, offers sound quality comparable to a live performance.

Enhanced performance and advanced technologies

Performance
The two-wheel-drive models feature a 4.6-liter V8 engine that enhances driving performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with an 8 Super ECT transmission with a driving response and acceleration management system to achieve smooth and powerful cruising.
* Four-wheel-drive models employ 4.3-liter V8 engine with 6 Super ECT
* 4.6-liter engine uses advanced D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) fuel injection system, coupled with electrically controlled Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system (VVT-iE) for improved driving performance and fuel efficiency

Electronically controlled air suspension, standard on all models, provides comfortable handling through the advanced control of vehicle roll. The suspension system receives cornering information and accumulated road surface-difference information from the navigation system and then optimizes shock-absorber damping force to enhance handling, cruising stability and ride quality.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which coordinates control of drive power, steering and brakes, comes standard on all models to ensure excellent vehicle stability and preventive safety performance even on slippery road surfaces.

The use of noise-reducing glass and optimal body-structure design, together with best placement of vibration-controlling and sound-blocking materials, achieves outstanding interior quietness.

Safety
The TMC-developed, world-first Front-side Pre-crash Safety System (part of overall Pre-crash Safety System) uses millimeter-wave radar to detect probable front-side collisions at intersections with good visibility.

The TMC-developed, world-first Pre-crash Seatbacks bring reclined rear seats to an upright position when the vehicle’s Pre-crash Safety System detects a high probability of a front- or rear-end collision, thereby positioning rear occupants appropriately to lessen injuries caused by impact.

A stereo camera can detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle, with a warning displayed to the driver when necessary.

The “Night View” system uses a near-infrared camera to display difficult-to-see pedestrians, objects and sections of the road in front of the vehicle. The system also comes with a special pedestrian detection and display function.

The vehicle employs an advanced Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) collision-safety body.

Ten SRS airbags, including rear-seat side airbags, are standard on all models.

Driver Support
The advanced car navigation system facilitates the entering and exiting of highways.
* Using road-map data, system enables smooth acceleration when merging into highway traffic from on-ramps or service areas by controlling gear-change timing, as well as increasing engine braking for smooth deceleration when exiting highways or approaching tollbooths
* System uses road-map data to inform driver of upcoming stop signs, issuing warning if driver is late in decelerating; navigation-system-linked brake-assist function supports driver in emergency braking, helping reduce vehicle speed

The Intelligent Parking Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors installed in the front of the vehicle to detect parking-space parameters. The system then helps the driver when parallel parking or when backing into the parking space by informing the driver when to turn the steering wheel and where to start backing up.

Product lineup aims to satisfy all occupants
The number of trim grades in the series has been increased from five to six.

The Type A “L Package” includes Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), which optimizes the angle of the front wheels in relation to steering wheel turn and vehicle speed, thereby enhancing driving pleasure by providing excellent handling response in line with the driver’s intent.

The four-seat Type G “F Package” provides a safe and comfortable rear-seat space.
* One of total of 11 SRS airbags in vehicle is world’s first SRS rear-seat center airbag, which was designed to lessen secondary injuries caused by rear-seat passengers colliding with each other in side-on collisions
* Controls for such functions as air conditioning, audio and seat-reclining are all located on large, rear-seat, center console
* Rear-seat passengers can adjust large wing-type headrests to their preferred angle and enjoy audio via inlaid headrest speakers
* Rear “air seats” can blow warm or cool air, while left rear seat boasts automatic leg rest that allows leg extension and comfortable support for passenger

Environmental impact reductions
Efforts were made to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The Type A model achieves a fuel efficiency of 9.4km/l (CO2 emissions: 247g/km). The Type G, Type G “F Package”, Type C and Type A “L Package” all meet the 2010 fuel efficiency standards specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy. In addition, all vehicles in the series achieve emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

An Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient vehicle operation and an Eco Zone Indicator that shows throttle use aim to raise driver awareness toward environmentally friendly driving. Both are standard on all models.

Toyota employed its Eco-Vehicle Assessment System (Eco-VAS)—a comprehensive environmental impact assessment system—to efficiently achieve overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

A review of the materials, processing methods, and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde. The review also helped reduce the sometimes discomforting odors emitted from such materials to below the values outlined in the JAMA2 “Vehicle Cabin VOC Testing Methods (for Passenger Cars)”, which are voluntary industry standards.

source: Nihon Car

About two days ago a teaser image of the Rolls Royce 200EX hit the web which is now turned to be completely useless because the company revealed the car officially and will bring it to Geneva Motorshow as well. The 200EX , RR4 or the baby Roller is built on BMW 7-series platform and is a car that you want to drive it rather than being driven in.

Fortunately it is still very Rolls Roycish, it has suicide doors and such a roomy interior you can play a game of football at the back. It is about 5.5 meters long. The interior design looks like a summarized Phantom but it’s not cramped. Afterall this can be the first Rolls Royce in which the driver is more important than the passenger in the back seat!

When the car goes into production in 2010 it’ll use a BMW derived V12 engine with around 500 hp and will be coupled with a 7-speed ZF gearbox. The price for the RR4 is expected to be somewhere around £180,000 ($257,000).

Press Release

Rolls-Royce 200EX is the latest experimental car from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It explores a design direction for a dynamic, modern, four-door Rolls-Royce engineered for the 21st century.

PHILOSOPHY

Experimental models have always played a significant role in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, from the first – 1EX, built in 1919 – to the most recent – Rolls-Royce 101EX, built in 2006. Unlike a concept car, the experimental models developed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have always been fully functioning vehicles, residing in a tangible world of wood, leather and metals rather than clay and foam. EX cars offer designers and engineers the opportunity for real-world innovation and have been used to showcase new components and engineering techniques as well as exterior and interior designs. “Modern automotive engineering is a balance of creativity, innovation and application. Rolls-Royce 200EX is an opportunity to assess these new ideas,” explains Helmut Riedl, Director of Engineering.

Rolls-Royce 100EX was the first experimental car unveiled after Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was relaunched under BMW Group ownership in 2003. Revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the two-door, four-seat convertible was built to mark 100 years of Rolls-Royce motor car design and engineering. Just two years later, 101EX was presented, which explored modern coupé design. Both of these cars inspired production models that not only closely resemble their EX progenitors but have also redefined luxury motoring in the modern age.

Following on from this success, the same group of designers and engineers has created Rolls-Royce 200EX, itself pointing the way to Rolls-Royce RR4, a new model scheduled for production in 2010. The brief for Rolls-Royce 200EX? To create a modern, lithe and dynamic Rolls-Royce that bears all the hallmarks of the great cars that have gone before it: effortless performance, unparalleled refinement, exquisite quality and confident design.

DESIGN

“Alluring, inviting, approachable – this car captivates with each encounter” – Chief Designer, Ian Cameron

Rolls-Royce 200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances. “Rolls-Royce 200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” says Cameron. “What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give Rolls-Royce 200EX an air of informal presence – powerful but unobtrusive.”

The exterior design is dominated by large, uninterrupted surfaces, while finely sculptured horizontal lines add definition and geometric precision. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile. The tapered rear is enhanced by powerful shoulders and flanks that draw in sharply, narrowing as they flow from the rear wings to the tail-lights.

The rear-hinged coach doors give the car a natural presence and sense of theatre. Revived in 2003 on the Rolls-Royce Phantom, this signature feature lends added functionality and style to the design. Opening through a generous 83 degrees, the coach doors offer the widest rear access in the car industry as well as providing the warmest of welcomes to those about to step inside.

At the front, a pair of LED headlamps flank the latest evolution of the world’s most famous grille. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional ‘Parthenon’ style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron. The sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. It’s a more dynamic form that moves on from the design first seen on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.

The exterior of Rolls-Royce 200EX is finished in Darkest Tungsten, which contrasts with the silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Within Rolls-Royce 200EX, Interior Designer Alan Sheppard has accomplished a contemporary atmosphere, incorporating the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars principles of fine materials and peerless comfort. The space is filled with natural light, which brings in a real sense of the outside world. However, substantial doors and a high shoulder line ensure that occupants feel cosseted and protected. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy.

Naturally, the finest materials have been used. Elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles feature, while details include traditional violin key switches, eyeball air vents, opaque dials and refined instrumentation.

“As with any Rolls-Royce, detail is crucial,” says Alan Sheppard. “We want the lasting impression for owners to be that their car was made just for them by someone skilled and caring.”

The dashboard has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in its design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which itself incorporates a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The interior of Rolls-Royce 200EX is finished in supple, natural grain Crème Light leather, with Cornsilk carpets and cashmere blend headliner. The featured wood veneer is Santos Palissander, chosen for its contemporary look and striking grain.

“Rolls-Royce 200EX is a modern execution of timeless Rolls-Royce elegance, breaking with some areas of tradition but retaining the core values that make our marque unique,” says Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. “We expect the more informal, agile design to broaden the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, attracting people who appreciate its fusion of refinement, new technology and contemporary style.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

• No. of doors/seats: 4/5
• Vehicle length: 5399mm
• Vehicle width 1948mm
• Vehicle height: 1550mm
• Wheelbase: 3295mm
• Engine: V12
• Wheel and tyre size: 20 inch, 255/45 R 20 front and 285/40 R 20 rear

The 2010 Hyundai Equus is now officially revealed to the Korean and the web motorists and like the Genesis Hyundai does not put its badge on the car, it comes with its own branding. Despite the fuzz, the Equus is no match for big European players but it should come with a price that will cause trouble to all of them.

The Equus also features two different grilles for V6 and V8 models. This flagship Korean executive saloon offers a roomy interior which is either four or five seater, in the four seater version there is a big middle console where the buttons for the four zone air conditioning system and other gadgets are located. The dashboard is a fine design overall, but European cars have grown up from this woodish layout many years ago. Using this amount of wood makes the interior feel like an old car.

The Hyundai Equus can be considered as an alternative for the expensive European brands for those who cannot afford them, although it is still some years away.

Press Release :

EQUUS, Hyundai’s New Luxury Sedan, Previewed to Korean Media

Journalists get first chance to drive EQUUS at Namyang R&D Center
Retail sales begin in March

(Seoul, Korea) To create the best: That was the uncompromising objective for Hyundai Motor Co.’s VI Project design and engineering team. After ten years in the marketplace, the company’s flagship sedan EQUUS would be retired and replaced by a new EQUUS, an import fighter that would need to compete on an equal footing with the most storied names in the luxury car business. Much had changed in the interim requiring a rethinking of the basic assumptions. It started with the adoption of a front engine, rear wheel drive architecture, the luxury segment’s de facto standard, to achieve the ideal 52:48 front-rear weight distribution needed to achieve optimal ride and handling characteristics.

“Genesis showed the world what a great car we could build, but EQUUS improves on the Genesis in every measurable way,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of the Corporate Research and Development Division. “The VI (EQUUS) was a fun project: It was greatly satisfying to have absolute freedom to adopt the newest and the best technologies. For once, we weren’t constrained by our usual design-to-cost approach to engineering and manufacturing,” said Dr. Lee.

From design to execution, absolute excellence would be required on all levels if the new EQUUS was to meet the needs and wants of the target customers, a highly demanding group of top income earners, male executives or entrepreneurs in their 40s and 50s for whom cars serve as an expression of status. A majority of Korean luxury car customers had defected to Japanese and German luxury marques over the years, and winning back their trust in Hyundai posed the ultimate test of the new EQUUS. An entirely new set of technologies would be needed to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

The visual statement is one of elegance and luxury. The exterior lines are progressive, faithful to the original design concept. Viewed from the front, the impression is one of strength and confident power but with luxurious refinement evident in the details of the headlamp and grill design. A study of the side profile hints at a deeper dynamic, sporty personality but without compromising the sedan’s overall grace and from the rear, perhaps the most commonly viewed angle, the emphasis is on balanced proportions for visual stability. LED rear combination lamps impart a dynamic, high-tech note.

The interior design concept is, in a word, sumptuous. A classical image welcomes the eye with a simplicity of form that is in balance with high-end IT details for a thoroughly modern interpretation of luxury. From the selection of exotic hardwoods for the crash pad and centre console to the supple leather upholstery of the seats, master craftsmanship and premium natural materials soothe the senses taking luxury motoring to a new level. EQUUS customers will have a choice of three interior colors with matching hardwood accents (Eucalyptus, Walnut or Burled Birch) while brushed satin aluminum trim will add a contemporary feel.

POWERTRAINS
EQUUS comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8 V-6 and the award-winning Tau 4.6 V-8. To maximize power while minimizing emissions and fuel consumption, both engines feature all-aluminum construction, continuously variable valve timing, variable air induction systems and are mated to six-speed transmissions. The Lambda V-6, good for 290ps (Note: Korea domestic standard, using regular fuel) and a peak torque rating of 36.5kg?m, delivers an impressive fuel economy rating of 9.4km/l. The Tau 4.6 V-8, named by Detroit-based Ward’s Autoworld as one of 2009′s Best Ten Engines, delivers 366ps and 44.8kgm of torque with a fuel economy rating of 8.8km/l.

TRIM LEVELS
The 3.8 V-6 will be offered in four trim levels starting with the entry level 3.8 L. 3.8 GL and 3.8 GLS will add comfort and convenience features and V-6 range will be capped off by the 3.8 Top edition. Ruling the EQUUS stable as the most exclusive and best-equipped EQUUS of all will be the 4.6 Top.

SUSPENSION
Front and rear, EQUUS rides on 5-link suspension featuring lightweight aluminum control arms. Such a multi-link setup for both the front and the rear is uncommon in the industry but through a careful optimization of the wheel geometry and bushing characteristics, stability and ride quality were optimized. To improve shock control over the wheels, Hyundai worked in partnership with ZF-SACHS to develop Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) which features an innovative relief valve, a design EQUUS shares with only one other car in the world, its luxury stable-mate Genesis. The air suspension is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics.

EQUUS also comes equipped with an Electric Parking Brake which is automatically released once the vehicle is put into drive gear and an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering System which reduces fuel consumption.

SAFETY
EQUUS elevates driving safety to a whole new level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems to provide unparalleled active and passive safety. Using smart optics, the Lane Departure Warning System issues an audible warning if the car deviates from the driving lane without signaling. SCC uses radar waves to automatically regulate the brakes and throttle and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. If a collision danger is detected, the Pre-Safety System automatically applies the brakes, triggers a flashing warning light on the TFT-LCD which is followed by an audible alert and a vibration in the seatbelt harness. If a collision is unavoidable, full braking force is automatically applied and front seat belts are reeled in within a split second in order to maximize protection.

Another new safety improvement is the addition of a Knee Air Bag for the driver. With two front, four side and two side curtain airbags, this brings the total airbag count to nine.

Video cameras in the rear and front eliminate blind spots during parking and backing up maneuvers, reducing the risk of accidents while the new Parking Guidance System provides a computer graphic overlay on the display screen to assist the driver. High Intensity Discharge Head Lamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System varies the angle of the light beam according to the steering direction for safer driving.

COMFORT and CONVENIENCE
Whether driving or being driven, EQUUS surprises and delights as it opens up a new realm in motoring luxury. Heating, for example, is to be found in unexpected places-steering wheel, seat cushions and backrests- providing a welcome touch on a chilly day. On hot summer days, the seat cooling system and glove box drink chiller will be appreciated while the massage system in the rear seats relaxes and refreshes while en route.

EQUUS is also equipped with an advanced Driver Information System whose menus are accessible through touch-screen menus or jog wheel which has adjacent buttons for menu short cuts. DIS displays navigational maps, personal cell phone directories (downloadable via Bluetooth) and serves as the central control of the 17-speaker Lexicon Sound System. Logic7.1 is able to transform the EQUUS cabin into a veritable concert hall with surround-sound wizardry.

A 3.5-inch display nestled between the speedometer and the tachometer provides a rich variety of information displayed in colorful graphics using the latest Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) technology. From the tire pressure to the AV system and lane departure warning system, fifteen different vehicle functions can be monitored using this high-resolution color screen.

As the pinnacle of the Hyundai motoring experience, EQUUS, Latin for horse, retains its trademark winged emblem which captures the spirit of the fabled winged horse that has been mythologized in both the East and the West. Not only does the EQUUS name generate a high level of awareness in the minds of Korean customers but it also has strongly positive associations as a symbol of status and success. Because of the tremendous amount of brand equity accumulated in the EQUUS name over the past decade, Hyundai decided to retain the name for the Korean market but export badging remains to be finalized. Hyundai is now committed to expanding the EQUUS range to nurture it as the company’s flagship model.

EQUUS has made its mark as Korea’s top luxury sedan with sales of over 120,000 units worldwide since its launch in April 1999. While the first-generation EQUUS was not exported to North America and Europe it was sold in a very limited number of overseas markets (primarily the Middle East, China and parts of Asia) under the Centennial name. In view of the critical acclaim received by Genesis, feasibility studies are underway to expand exports of the new EQUUS worldwide, including North America and Europe. However, it could be 2011 or 2012 before all the necessary preparations are completed.

Rolls Royce has decided to update the Phantom range but apparently they realized that the car is already too good, so any major change would do more harm than good. That’s why this update only includes a revised grille and some new lights!

Actually the front end is slightly changed which meant to harmonize it with the Drophead and upcoming Phantom Coupe. As a new feature you get LED door handle illumination and two new wheel designs to choose from. Inside of the car some of the new stuffs include new front and rear door cappings, bi-directional double reading lights in the C-pillar and repositioned electric window switches.

Press Release:

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is pleased to announce details of a product update to the 2009 model year Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase. Building on a successful sales year in 2008, the phased introduction of a number of subtle model year enhancements will reinforce Phantom’s position as the pinnacle product of the super luxury segment. Harmonising the front appearance of the car with that of the Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe, a new streamlined front bumper has been designed and integrated with a shallower grille, finished in stainless steel.

Other new exterior features include LED door handle illumination and the fitting of 21-inch cast aluminum wheels as standard. Two further wheel options exist, both manufactured in forged alloy and available in either painted or part polished finishes.

Inside, rear passengers will benefit from a new RCA component input which provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables. Further features include new front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles and new bi-directional double reading lights in the C-pillar provide additional illumination. Rear climate control, volume control and electric window switches are now conveniently repositioned, housed in a wood veneer panel in the door.

Production will commence at Goodwood in the spring.

Normally all Rolls Royce Bespoke editions end up in middle east, but this time they are paying attention to far east with this Phantom Mirage CHINA Limited Edition. The car comes with some distinguishing factors like all red interior upholstery with big red cushions! gold spirit of ecstasy, luxury key box with China limited edition written on it and other standard luxury stuff you get with Phantom, only a bit more red and some of them in gold! This is the first special edition Rolls Royce for China. More photos after the jump…

via : Leblogauto