A couple of months after its Korean debut (click here), Hyundai will introduce the revised 2009 Sonata sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The facelifted Sonata features new bumpers, larger headlights and a new grille while inside, changes include the completely new centre console and instrument panel along with a set of larger cupholders.

The US spec Sonata’s engine range has also been enhanced with the 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder Theta II now delivering 175 HP and 168 lb.-ft. of torque (+13 HP & +4 lb.-ft.) and the 3.3-liter V6 motor generating 249 HP and 229 lb.-ft. of torque (+15 HP & +3 lb.-ft.) Finally, Hyundai now offers a sport-tuned suspension on the Sonata SE. Sales of the revised Sonata will begin in the States at the end of February 2008. –Details and pics after the jump

PRESS RELEASE:

2009 SONATA: TRANSFORMED FROM THE INSIDE OUT FOR A MORE PREMIUM AND FUEL-EFFICIENT MID-SIZE SEDAN EXPERIENCE

CHICAGO, February 6, 2008 - As gas prices and competition in the mid-size sedan segment surge, Hyundai is introducing its refreshed Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The 2009 Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting both improved fuel economy and horsepower. The 2009 Sonata will be available at Hyundai dealers later this month.

The Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features to increase its appeal to a broader range of customers. For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment. Hyundai's sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with Sonata's continued leadership in safety - it remains the only mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - the 2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive mid-size sedan segment.

CHOICE OF TWO MORE POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

The 2009 Sonata debuts Hyundai's second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been improved for more performance and efficiency. It now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). The first member of Hyundai's "Lambda" V6 engine family, this newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.
All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts.

A NEW, WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS STILL A "CLASS ABOVE"
The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers have thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan. The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a completely new center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a "class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata's 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space give it an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a 16 percent advantage over Accord.

Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata's inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system is now available as well.
More contrast has been added to the Camel and Gray interiors, and for the first time ever, Cocoa Brown is available. The front cupholders are also upgraded for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai's signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle's modern interior design.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING
An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with sharper handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, revalved, twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers, and a larger 26 mm stabilizer bar. The system's lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.
In back, a new sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation. The rear spring rates have been increased by five percent, shocks revalved and the sway bar thickened from 15 mm to 16 mm. All together, this suspension now provides superior control of ride motions for a more dynamic driving experience.
The high-performance Sonata SE becomes an even more exciting and willing partner for enthusiastic drivers with its own unique sport-tuned suspension. The new sport-tuned suspension features a 15 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate, unique strut valving at all four corners and 27 mm front and 17 mm rear stabilizer bars along with unique 17-inch alloy wheels and tires.
All Sonatas also now have quicker ratio steering for a crisp feel on turn in.

SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN

The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata's exterior design, with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic and taut stance.
The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range offers a choice of seven new colors.

UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
On the safety side, 2009 Sonata's front collision performance has been further improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. The Hyundai Sonata is expected to earn the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata's strong body structure and advanced airbag technology. Sonata delivers an unsurpassed commitment to both active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.
The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.
In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags--including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags--along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.
THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS
From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2009 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of mid-size sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.

SONATA GLS
The 2009 Sonata GLS continues to provide value and a sizable price advantage compared with its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2008 Honda Accord and 2008 Toyota Camry. All Sonata models have offered standard ESC since May 2005. This is important, as NHTSA claims ESC is the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt. In comparison, Toyota still offers ESC only as an option on the 2008 Camry, while Honda Accord has only recently matched Sonata with standard ESC on the new 2008 Accord, more than two years after Sonata made this commitment to active safety technology leadership.
Sonata features a new, sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a new five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional.
The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, ABS and active front head restraints. Other standard features include power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column.
The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer. A sunroof is also available.

SONATA SE - I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE
The sport-focused SE adds a unique sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment, matched with a smooth-shifting B&M Racing five-speed manual transmission (2.4L four-cylinder) or optional five-speed automatic (3.3L V6). Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels with unique, handling-focused 215/55R17 all-season performance tires, rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special cloth seats with leather bolsters, and an eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. SE tires feature stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive steering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds dual chrome exhaust tips.
Other standard features include automatic headlights, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. The Premium Package includes an AM/FM/XM/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED
The feature-packed Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for mid-size sedan buyers who want it all--at a great price. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and power sunroof. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink and compass, sliding center armrest, premium scuff plates and 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option besides the engine choice is a navigation system. Sonata Limited four-cylinder and V6 models feature a five-speed automatic transmission with the added control of SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.

WARRANTY
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

Source: Chicago Preview: 2009 Hyundai Sonata Facelift

Simona Alina  
Filed in: Lamborghini | Supercars / Exotic cars | luxury cars | Lamborghini Murcielago

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Lamborghini celebrated a production milestone with their flagship model, the V12 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. Number 3000 of the current series rolled out of the factory just after Christmas, 2007. It was delivered to a private collector in South Florida in January, 2008, by Mr. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini, who personally made the trip to Florida to celebrate the delivery of this historic car.

The number 3000 Murcielago is available for sale on eBay and current bid is $839,784! This milestone Murcielago LP640, Serial Number 3000, is a particularly outstanding car, loaded with every available factory option, including E-Gear.

The Murcielago LP640 is powered by a 6.5 liters V12 engine that delivers 640hp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 487 lbft at 6000 rpm. LP640 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.

Press release after jump.

Press release

"Our products continue to build in popularity and presence in markets across the world," said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commenting on the exceptional production figures. "We consider this latest production pinnacle a confirmation of both our corporate and model strategy."

Lamborghini celebrated another record for its 12-cylinder series just a few weeks ago, when the production figures for the Murciélago model beat those of its popular forerunner, the Diablo, of which 2903 cars were produced by the factory during an 11-year period. Lamborghini’s development in recent years has been marked by persistent highs and record achievements such as the 2006 financial year being the fifth record-breaking year in a row with 2087 sports cars sold. Another record is expected for 2007, with sales of approximately 2400 cars. Lamborghini’s entire 2008 production is also already sold out.

An exceptional car

This milestone Murciélago LP640, serial number 3000, is a particularly outstanding car. Under the exterior of the Telesto Grey-colored carbon fibre body, the passenger compartment has been personalised with numerous special finishes available under Lamborghini’s exclusive Ad Personam programme. The base interior color will be black with custom orange stitching with the same color scheme featured on the seats, instrument panel, centre console and the floor carpets.

The Ad Personam programme allows Lamborghini drivers to "think the impossible." The personalization programme offers many options that allow the buyer to imprint his own personal style on the car. The Lamborghini designers in Sant’Agata Bolognese have developed several high-value personalized packages as part of the Ad Personam programme such as exquisite interior packages of leather or high tech carbon.

For the exterior, there is a wide choice of wheel rims, brake calipers and dimmed rear lights that offers still more personalisation potential. Within the limits established by current homologation regulations, Lamborghini can satisfy practically all of its customers’ personalization requests. There is only one limitation for the Ad Personam programme: the uncompromising standard of quality must be maintained at all times, by every Lamborghini department.

Growth in a new dimension

The company has expanded into a new production dimension with the Murciélago and Gallardo models. Lamborghini built approximately 250 vehicles between 1963 and 2002: by 2006, these production volumes increased more than eight-fold. During the first six months of 2007, 1239 super sports cars were delivered to customers, meaning further growth of approximately 30%. Today, around three Murciélago and 10 Gallardo models are built each day at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.

This success is also reflected in the company’s year-end profitability. In 2006, Automobili Lamborghini reached a 346-million-euro turnover, demonstrating 43% growth over the previous year. Last year, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. achieved a pre-tax profit of 18.1 million euro, more than 300% higher than the previous year and this figure will be exceeded in 2007. In the mid-term, Lamborghini not only plans to continue building the world’s finest super sports cars that are in high demand the world over, but also to become the most profitable sports car manufacturer.

Source: Lamborghini Murcielago No 3000 for sale on eBay

Jeremy Korzeniewski
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors

So, what's a guy gotta do in order to get on the Tesla preferred customer list? How about becoming a crime-fighting-billionaire-industrialist-and-inventor? It seems as if that would be enough, according to the screen-grab from the Iron Man Super Bowl ad above. The man who is iron has got a Tesla, in addition to some other pricey and less environmentally-friendly exotics. Questions have arisen over at Autoblog as to whether the Tesla deserves a parking spot among the other exotic machinery in Stark's garage. Our response: whatever, dude! Any billionaire worth his money-clip will surely be adding a Tesla to his arsenal of four-wheeled ticket-generators. He likely has a Koenigs-whatever in there too... just pan the shot back out a little bit. But, we digress... we're looking forward to seeing how much screen time the Tesla gets in this box office hit-to-be.

[Source: AICN via Autoblog]

Source: Iron Man Tony Stark gets a Tesla before anyone else does. Must be nice!