2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid







In what just seems to be a move to bolster its hybrid portfolio, GM is unveiling the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid at the 2009 New York auto show.

Like the recently announced Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid, the Yukon Denali Hybrid takes the 2-Mode hybrid system offered in the base Yukon model, but applies it to the brand's top-tier SUV offering. As is the case with "normal" Yukon and Yukon Denali models, the Denali Hybrid adds features (e.g. a custom grille, 22-inch wheels, ) that aren't offered on the Yukon Hybrid.

The 332-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 underhood, however, is identical to those used in GM's other full-size hybrid trucks. So too is the 2-mode hybrid transmission, which switches between an infinitely variable mixture of gasoline and electric power to fixed gearing when needed. GM says the system allows the Yukon Denali Hybrid to achieve 21/22 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel-drive.

GM expects Yukon Denali Hybrids to arrive at GMC dealers in May. Two-wheel-drive models will start at $59,185, while four-wheel-drive carry a base price of $62,030.

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype






Taking center stage at Mitsubishi's display at the 2009 New York auto show is the Outlander GT Prototype, a sportier version of the company's crossover.

Many of the design elements on the Outlander GT are unmistakably inspired by the Lancer Evolution X. You'd be forgiven for looking at the slender bi-xenon headlamps and shark-like snout and thinking the Outlander is an Evo wagon. Mitsubishi took the aggressive styling further with reshaped fenders, side mirrors, and a new hood. The new pieces not only enhance the look of the concept, but also function to reduce drag.

A set of revised side skirts and a new rear bumper were added to give the Outlander GT a more "upscale" look. Rounding out the exterior enhancements is a polished aluminum roof.

Sadly, the Outlander GT doesn't possess the Evo X's 295-hp turbocharged I-4 to match some `go' with all the `show.' Nevertheless, the concept does get a slight bump in power. A new intake and optimized engine timing increase the output of the 3.0-liter MIVEC V-6 by 10 ponies, giving it 230 hp. The improvements also make more torque available earlier in the rev band, and reportedly improve the Outlander's fuel economy. Mileage was further improved by a new technology called "Idle Neutral Logic," which shifts the transmission into neutral while at a standstill.

Handling was enhanced by a lowered, stiffer suspension and a set of 19-in OZ Racing wheels. Large Brembo brakes lurk behind the wheels to shorten the crossover's stopping distances. The biggest upgrade to the handling comes from the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The system, also featured on the Evo and Lancer Ralliart, features an active front limited-slip differential and an electronically controlled 4WD coupling to control the power sent front to back and side to side.

Mitsubishi said the Outlander GT Prototype provides "clear directional clues into the next generation of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander CUV." Although we can't say for sure, we're hoping most of the form and functional enhancements of the concept will be making their way into production models as well.

BMW 5-series Gran Turismo





The new BMW 5-series Gran Turismo is (almost) here - displayed as a thinly veiled concept in Geneva. The nearly identical production version is scheduled to make its debut in Frankfurt this fall; it should be in showrooms before the end of the year. But that's not the entire BMW GT story. The company isn't talking about it yet, but we'll see the same theme again with a 3-series Gran Turismo coming three years from now.

Both Gran Turismos are essentially slope-roofed, four-door hatchbacks. The new niche models intend to carve a space between BMW's station wagon models and its X3/X5/X6 crossovers. As such, the new Gran Turismos share features like an elevated seating position, an optional panoramic glass roof, available four-wheel drive, a two-piece liftgate, and split and power-operated reclining rear seats for two.

Scoot the rear seats all the way back in the 5-series Gran Turismo, and BMW claims you'll find 7-series-equivalent legroom and a 15-cubic-foot trunk. Slide them forward, and you get passenger space equal to that of a 5-series sedan while the cargo hold grows to nearly 20 cubic feet. Fold them down, and there's close to 58 cubic feet of cargo space. Aside from its unique interior configuration, the Gran Turismo also grants us an early look at the design of BMW's next 5-series; the revamped sedan and wagon are due later this year. Under the hood, the GT will offer a twin-turbo six and a 400-hp twin-turbo V-8. Neither an M version nor a manual gearbox is planned.

The smaller 3-series GT promises to be the more athletic of the Gran Turismos. It likely will be offered with the full range of go-faster options, such as an M-style body kit, a performance suspension, eighteen- or nineteen-inch wheels, active steering, and adjustable dampers. The optional AWD system will come with an active differential and a rear-biased torque split. Engine-wise, the3-series GT - like other next-generation 3-series models - will see a return to four-cylinder power, with a twin-turbo 2.0-liter replacing the entry-level in-line six; the 300-hp turbo six will remain the top offering, and again, there will be no M version for the Gran Turismo.

Although BMW won't admit it, there's no doubt that the GT formula has been created primarily to attract older, affluent customers (a.k.a. empty nesters). This clientele appreciates a commanding view of the road, easy entry and exit, and a large luggage area. Importantly, they also have money to spend. And spend they will, as the GTs are likely to be priced higher than the corresponding sedans or wagons.

The Dodge Ram R/T







The Dodge Ram R/T will return with production starting in early November. In the second half of the model year, 22-inch forged, polished aluminum wheels will be an available option on the R/T. New exterior colors include Austin Tan Pearl and Rugged Brown Pearl. Mango Tango will replace Sunburst Orange and Bright White will replace Stone White. 2010 Crew and Quad cab production will begin August 24th while Regular Cab production will start a month later.
The 2009 Dodge Ram, introduced on January 13, 2008, features revised engines, a new rear suspension setup featuring coil springs fitted to a solid rear axle held in place with multiple links, a first-class interior, and two revolutionary storage systems, along with nearly every gadget seen on a minivan.

The fastest 2009 Ram pickup will do 0-60 in a remarkable six seconds or less (Dodge Ram R/T regular-cab 4x2 with short bed and 4:10 gears — Motor Trend achieved 0-60 in 5.7 seconds with a 14.4 second quarter mile) - with a normal V8 available on most models.
oh20 wrote that Ram 1500 hybrid-electric trucks will be built at Warren and will use the same 5.7L HEV engine and transmission as the 2009 Durango hybrid; the Crew Cab is on the list to get the hybrid version.

Gas mileage increased along with power (except on the V6). Still rumored is the Ram R/T which, according to Mr. Source, will have an upgraded 5.7 HEMI, beefed-up suspension and steering, and a 4.10:1 axle. The aerodynamic drag of .419 Cd is best in class, beating even Toyota — as does the 0-60 time of under 6 seconds (according to Edmunds, Truck Trends, and Toyota’s official figure of 6.3 seconds).
more details :http://www.allpar.com/model/ram/2009-ram.html.