2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation

Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Toyota Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies. Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Toyota Avalon at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The third generation Toyota Avalon was introduced in four models: the standard XL, the sport Touring, the XLS, and the luxury Limited. Each combined generous interior room with powerful engine performance. 
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
Designed at Toyota’s Calty Design Research in California, and assembled at Toyota’s Georgetown Kentucky manufacturing plant, the third-generation Avalons all have front grilles with horizontal chrome bars, large tail lamps, distinctive trunks, and dual exhaust outlets.
Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Toyota Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and "Traveling Avalon Class" is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
The new Toyota Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon's excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
"The Toyota Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we."
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Toyota Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a "zero landfill" facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich. For 2011, Calty restyled Toyota Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Toyota Avalon's wide stance.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear. Toyota Avalon's exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Toyota Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
The 2011 Toyota Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver's seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Toyota Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica.

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

The most enlightening spy photos of the production version of the 2011 Opel Ampera plopped in our inbox today. At first we thought it was just the concept model out testing, but a closer look at the completely undisguised Ampera with the German license plates revealed that this is the actual production model that's due to go on sale in Europe and the UK (as a Vauxhall) in late 2011.
2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid
Vauxhall Ampera will be unveiled along with Vauxhall Meriva compact MPV at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Vauxhall Ampera, schedule for production late next year, is a five-door four-seater with same design DNA as Astra and the Car of the year-winning Insignia. Ampera uses extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology. E-REV uses electricity as its primary power source, supplemented by a small engine to generate electricity for its motors when electric power runs low. This helps the Ampera overcome the ‘range anxiety’ issues associated with pure electric cars.
2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid
Unlike other conventional propulsion systems, E-REV uses electricity as its primary power source, supplemented by a small engine to generate electricity for its motors when electric power runs low. This helps the Ampera overcome the ‘range anxiety’ issues associated with pure electric cars. Vauxhall will unveil not one, but two cars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show on March 2, with world premieres of the all-new Meriva compact MPV and a futuristic concept car, which is set to boost the company’s credentials as a leader in environmental vehicles.
2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid
A quick recap of the details we already know, the Ampera will use the same plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain as the Volt. It mates a powerful electric motor and a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack to a 75HP 1.4-liter gasoline engine. But unlike conventional hybrids that use gasoline engines to power the wheels when the battery is depleted, the Ampera uses the petrol unit to generate electricity for the electric motor that always drives the (front) wheels. Owners will be able to charge the battery pack with a home outlet and drive for about 64km or 40 miles before the gasoline engine-generator kicks in to extend the Ampera's range to more than to more than 300 miles or 480 kilometers.
2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid
Bolstering this message still further at the show will be the groundbreaking Ampera extended-range electric vehicle and Vauxhall’s most economical production car to date, the latest Corsa ecoFLEX.
2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid
‘Vauxhall is covering all bases at Geneva,’ said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. ‘With the Meriva, we have a unique and innovative take on family motoring, but the concept car and Ampera prove that we are truly at the forefront of environmental technology. These vehicles also show that their versatility and efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of stunning design.’

2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics

CHICAGO, February 10, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the Ray Plug-in Hybrid concept during a press conference at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, advancing momentum of Kia Motors' global alternative fuel and powertrain research program, and its sub-brand coined 'EcoDynamics,' to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. 
 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics
The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee'd Hybrid and the twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.
 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics
Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept is designed in a lowered mono-volume curvaceous shape for improved aerodynamics, while the use of lightweight and eco-friendly recycled materials is what had made it called EcoDynamics. 
 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics
To support this, the Ray” employs new “cool car” technology, including nano-laminate films and cool-glazing materials to reduce solar heat and demonstrate how keeping the interior cool while reducing air conditioning loads and greenhouse emissions. In addition, The “Ray” interior is also stuffed with eco-friendly recycled materials, which is strengthened by green technology feature of the all-new GreenEdgeTM system by Infinity® Audio.
 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics
Kia Ray Plug-in Hybrid Concept is powered by an all-aluminum 153-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine mated to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is used in combination with a 78kw electric motor. 
 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics
To encourage economical driving, the “Ray” is equipped with an engine-power saving alternator management system and a toggle gear-shift indicator. Moreover, the custom-designed low-rolling resistance tyres with a hexagon pattern in narrow 20-inch (195/50R20) construction also contribute to improve efficiency.
 2010 Kia Ray Plug-in New Hybrid Concept EcoDynamics