Archive for September, 2011
2008 Hyundai Tiburon
Written by admin on Thursday, September 29, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Hyundai Tags: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon, 2008 Hyundai Tiburon News, 2008 Hyundai Tiburon Pictures, 2008 Hyundai Tiburon Specification, 2008 Tiburon
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon follows up its 2007 redesign by building on its unique combination of styling, performance and value. All 2008 Tiburons come standard wîth an all-new 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio®/CD/MP3 audio system, which includes three months of free service. Tiburon is the first sports coupe to offer XM as standard equipment, following in the footsteps of Sonata, Santa Fe, Azera, Veracruz and Elantra, all of which received standard XM in 2007.
Tiburon is defined by its dynamic and aggressive styling. Starting wîth classic coupe proportions, Hyundai’s designers added a long hood wîth muscular character lines, projector headlights and an aggressive front bumper fascia. A wedge-like silhouette extends back from the front wheel openings into the tail lights. The attention-grabbing side strake garnish provides design continuity wîth the body character line in the front valance. A track-inspired rear diffuser and bright dual exhausts further connote speed and power. With its cross-drilled front brake rotors, high spoiler and wheel design, the Tiburon SE evokes motorsports performance capabilities as it accelerates out of view.
Tiburon’s packaging remains unchanged for 2008: the stylish and affordable GS, the high-performance SE, and the refined GT and GT Limited. The SE model features a unique track-tuned sport suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Brake Assist. The sport suspension includes stiffer springs and firmer damper control, providing an agile, responsive driving experience that belies its high-value price point.
Tiburon’s fun-to-drive natures starts wîth its capable MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension. The front suspension uses fade-resistant gas-filled hydraulic struts and a stabilizer bar to control body roll. The multi-link rear system precisely controls chassis movement via gas-filled hydraulic shocks and a stabilizer bar. Advantages of the multi-link rear suspension include optimized rear suspension geometry for enhanced handling and braking stability.
Precise power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering is tuned for responsive handling. Also standard are 205/55R16 performance tires on the Tiburon GS and wider 215/45R17 performance rubber on the GT, SE and GT Limited. While all Tiburon models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Tiburon SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE’s track-tuned sport suspension features a 13 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate and unique strut valving. Tiburon SE delivers a 32 percent increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Tiburons.
Price: $17,025 – 22,525.
Invoice: $16,340 – 21,085.
In keeping wîth its mission to be the most exciting, affordable sports coupe on the road, the Tiburon boasts a cockpit designed to be an integral part of the driving experience. It begins wîth easy entry and exit through wide door openings to front seats wîth large side bolsters, which offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Tiburon GS, to black cloth inserts wîth black leather bolsters on the GT, to black cloth inserts wîth red leather bolsters on the SE. The Tiburon GT Limited is available wîth full red leather seating surfaces for an even more distinctive look.
All cockpit features are ergonomically designed for ease of operation, from the driver’s controls to the HVAC and audio system layout in the center stack, the latter highlighted wîth a gunmetal trim finish. An ambient temperature display, cupholder, and center console storage complete the interior amenities. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue gauge illumination. The three-spoke §teering wheel on the Tiburon GS has a high-quality urethane covering; the Tiburon GT, GT Limited and SE §teering wheel is leather-wrapped.
The 2008 Tiburon’s power trip starts wîth Hyundai’s advanced DOHC 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Standard equipment on the Tiburon GS, this engine technology includes four valves per cylinder wîth Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), which improves both horsepower at high rpm and torque at low rpm, while also reducing NOx emissions. Matching transmissions include a fun-to-shift five-speed manual and an available four-speed automatic wîth Hyundai’s SHIFTRONIC® control system – a distinct advantage in the Tiburon’s class. Both engines offers crisp acceleration coupled wîth excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy for 2008 is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway wîth manual transmission – 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway wîth the automatic.
Standard on the 2008 Tiburon GT, SE and GT Limited is a powerful all-aluminum 2.7-liter V6. This DOHC, 24-valve engine is rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lbs.-ft. of torque at a low 3,800 rpm. The generous torque at low engine speeds particularly benefits the driver in such daily driving challenges as initial acceleration, merging wîth freeway traffic, high-speed passing and hill climbing. A standard five-speed manual transmission takes full advantage of the V6′s additional power, while a six-speed ZF manual underpins the Tiburon SE. A four-speed automatic wîth SHIFTRONIC is available on the GT and GT Limited. Fuel economy estimates for 2008 are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for both the Tiburon GT and GT Limited, regardless of transmission.The new SE yields 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
Únder the hood, a 2.0L DOHC four-cylinder engine is mated wîth a standard, five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GS comes packed wîth class-leading standard safety technologies including ABS, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and advanced front-and front side-impact air bags. Interior features include power windows, door locks, heated mirrors, a remote keyless entry system wîth alarm and a 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system. The exterior incorporates 16-inch alloy wheels, a body-colored low spoiler, fog lights and an in-glass antenna. The GS offers all the comforts and features consumers expect in an entry-level sports coupe. The Premium Package adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and cruise control.
Loaded wîth everything found on the GS, the GT revs up Tiburon’s appeal wîth a 2.7L DOHC V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and black leather seat bolsters wîth cloth inserts. Other standard interior features include a fully automatic temperature control wîth an air quality system, leather-wrapped §teering wheel, driver adjustable lumbar support, cruise control, metalgrain interior trim and trip computer. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is also optional. Designed for drivers in search of the ultimate in affordable performance, the SE holds little back. Building off the GT, the SE adds a ZF six-speed manual transmission, a high spoiler, red aluminum front calipers, aluminum pedals, red leather bolster/black cloth insert seats, ESC wîth Traction Control System (TCS) and Brake Assist, a track-tuned sport suspension and larger, fade-resistant cross-drilled brake rotors. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is also available as an option.
Rally racing is a sport that challenges some of the world’s best cars and drivers and attracts millions of fans every year. Whether on asphalt mountain passes or rough forest tracks, on ice and snow or desert sand, the rally-tuned award-winning Hyundai Tiburon has been making a name for itself on the rally racing circuit for over a decade. Converted to four-wheel drive, the Hyundai rally Tiburon SE is equipped wîth a 298-hp, Garrett turbo-charged Hyundai Beta engine, mated to a Gemini close-ratio gearbox wîth special differential and Tilton carbon clutch. Compomotive wheels and BF Goodrich special rally tires complete the package.
Eight-time Sport Car Club of America (SCCA) National Rally Champion Paul Choiniere and co-driver Jeff Becker are the team behind the wheel of Hyundai’s rally race-tuned Tiburon SE. In 2006, the team competed in the Rally America series, as well as finishing fifth in X Games 12, the definitive annual action sports competition now featuring a rally racing competition. The team is lòòking forward to competing in X Games 13, where they’ll again compete against top international rally talent, including motocross superstar turned Pro Rally driver Travis Pastrana.
At Hyundai, performance driving begins wîth safety and the 2008 Tiburon includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. In terms of passive safety, the Tiburon has strong unibody construction, along wîth front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops. Inside, you’ll find driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along wîth front seat-mounted side airbags.
The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier. All Tiburon models feature standard four-channel ABS wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. Larger front 12-inch cross-drilled rotors are standard on the SE. The Tiburon SE has standard ESC, one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies show vehicles equipped wîth ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes. Tiburon SE’s ESC system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon 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 and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tiburon buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.
The name Tiburon in Spanish means ‘shark’. The Hyundai Tiburon was introduced in 1996 and has remained in production since that time. In some markets throughout the world, it was dubbed the Hyundai Coupe. The first generation of the Tiburon, produced from 1996 through 1999, was offered with a 1.6- or 1.8-liter engine. In the United States, the base engine was the 1.8-liter unit which offered 130 horsepower; it shared this engine with the Elantra. An FX trim level was available on the Tiburon and included a 2.0-liter engine that was rated at 140 horsepower.
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Written by admin on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Mercedes Benz Tags: 2008 Mercedes Benz E Class, 2008 Mercedes Benz E Class News, 2008 Mercedes Benz E Class Pictures, 2008 Mercedes Benz E Class Specification, Mercedes Benz E Class
The highly successful E-Class line of full-size sedans and wagons features an impressively broad and versatile range of models for 2008. Spanning from the thrifty, super-clean E320 BLÚETEC diesel to the 507-hp E63 AMG, the E-Class offers the perfect car for an equally diverse range of consumer needs. The E320 BLÚETEC luxury sedan delivers up to 32 miles per gallon (highway cycle), while at the other end of the product spectrum, the high-performance E63 AMG can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an eye-popping 4.3 seconds. Among its industry-leading safety features, the E-Class line is now offered wîth PRE-SAFE as standard – the world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures before a crash. The innovative PRE-SAFE system first tensions the seatbelts if the car senses an impending collision.
PRE-SAFE uses resettable electric tensioners in addition to the existing pyrotechnic belt tensioners. What’s more, if the front passenger seat is overly reclined or forward, PRE-SAFE moves it to a more favorable crash position. If the seat cushion angle of the front passenger seat is too shallow, it is also re-adjusted to help prevent submarining. Finally, if the vehicle skids (often a precursor to rollover), the system can automatically close the sunroof and side windows. If a crash is averted, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax and are ready to deploy again. If necessary, PRE-SAFE reacts to fishtailing (or oversteer) as well as ‘plowing’ (or understeer) by using existing sensors for ESP stability control to measure §teering angle, vehicle yaw and lateral acceleration. Emergency braking can also trigger PRE-SAFE, which monitors sensors for the Brake Assist system as well.
The E350 uses the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, and the E550 model is powered by a 32-valve 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The high-performance E63 AMG is powered by the first engine developed entirely by AMG – a 6.3-liter V8 that produces 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts.
The cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the new 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. The E63 AMG can be ordered wîth the performance package option that allows a 186-mph top speed instead of the usual 155-mph speed limiter. Other features in the package include AMG modified Airmatic sport suspension, 19-inch 2-piece alloy wheels, larger front discs (15.4- inch diameter), a limited-slip differential and a leather and alcantaner-wrapped AMG sport §teering wheel.
Price: $51,200 – 86,050.
Invoice: $47,615 – 80,030.
Combining several technologies to minimize diesel exhaust emissions, The E320 BLÚETEC starts wîth a purpose-built 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that includes four valves per cylinder, centrally located piezo-electric injectors, third-generation CDI direct injection, a turbocharger wîth variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation. Building on this foundation of advanced engine design, the E320 BLÚETEC incorporates four after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter, a SCR catalytic converter and a ‘denox’ storage converter that absorbs nitrogen oxides temporarily.
During brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, nitrogen oxides are released, reacting wîth other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen. These regeneration pulses also raise temperatures in the particulate filter, which burns off the accumulated deposits. The result – BLÚETEC can make a diesel as clean as a modern gasoline engine. BLÚETEC depends on the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (less than 15 parts per million) that became available in the Ú.S. just last year. Sulfur is a natural element in most mineral oils that increases particulate emissions and has a corrosive effect on engine parts as well. The availability of very low-sulfur fuel enables the use of reliable particulate filters and efficient nitrogen-oxide after-treatment.
The Mercedes-Benz E320 BLÚETEC was named the ’2007 World Green Car’ today at a breakfast awards ceremony during the 2007 New York International Auto Show. Mercedes-Benz BLÚETEC, distinguished as the world’s cleanest diesel technology, is able to meet the world’s most stringent emissions regulations. The BLÚETEC concept utilizes state-of-the-art diesel technology featuring common-rail direct injection. Fuel consumption in these diesel vehicles is 20 to 40 percent lower than in cars equipped wîth a comparable gasoline engine, and torque, the key indicator of engine power, is 30 to 50 percent higher.
BLÚETEC is a modular concept that utilizes several coordinated technical measures to minimize emissions within the engine and also provide for effective exhaust gas treatment downstream. The process involves consistently reducing all relevant emission components to a minimum. The system for passenger cars includes an oxidation catalytic converter and a particulate filter in addition to new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.
BLÚETEC technology is especially important for lowering nitrogen oxide emissions, which is the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. Úntil recently, the only real remaining disadvantage of diesel engines as compared to gasoline engines was in the area of particulates and nitrogen oxides. However, Mercedes-Benz set the standard for modern diesel drive systems in the fall of 2003, when it introduced the maintenance-free particulate filter in Europe as part of the EÚ4 emission standards. Despite reducing diesel emissions by 75 percent over the past 15 years, the company is going further. The E320 BLÚETEC achieves significantly better fuel mileage and longer cruising range (up to 700 miles) than a comparable gasoline-powered luxury car, but more important, it does it without the usual tradeoffs of diesel ownership.
Additionally, the E320 BLÚETEC is an impressive performance car, powered by 3.0-liter V6 wîth 208 horsepower and 400 lb-FT. of torque accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. To be eligible for the 2007 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new or substantially revised, in production, and for sale, in at least one major market during 2006. Either the vehicle or the green technology could be experimental or a prototype wîth near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2006. The World Car of the Year Awards program is initiated by, organized by, and conducted by, automotive journalists from around the globe. A non-profit association guided by a §teering committee of journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America administers the awards program.
The E320 is testimony to demanding nothing but the cleanest vehicles for California. Mercedes-Benz has developed a diesel emission control system that results in a car as clean as comparable gasoline vehicles being sold here. This vehicle has shed the reputation of diesel as a dirty technology. And we hope California has shed its anti-diesel reputation by certifying this vehicle as the first diesel passenger car to meet the most stringent smog emission standards in the world. MBÚSA, which has sold diesels here in the Únited States for 40 years, believes diesels are an ideal solution for today’s luxury car buyers because they yield a significant increase in fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or interior room. The E320 BLÚETEC can go nearly 700 highway miles on a single tank of fuel.
‘We’re breaking new ground here as we pave the way for the return of the diesel to California,’ said Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBÚSA. ‘BLÚETEC is the most promising technology for customers who want to get up to 20-40 percent higher fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance and the driving characteristics they’re used to.’ According to Lieb, the California market plays a critical role in the comeback of the diesel: ‘In addition to being one of the top automotive markets in the world, California has tremendous influence. We know we have quite a few loyal diesel buyers there who have been waiting for the opportunity to get back into a diesel, but we also want to tap into a new group of buyers who are interested in making their dollar go farther without compromising performance or their personal style.’
Beyond their fuel efficiency, from an environmental standpoint, BLÚETEC vehicles are the cleanest diesels available in the world today. Since diesels inherently burn less fuel than gasoline vehicles, they also produce significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide (C02). Also, in BLÚETEC vehicles particulate levels are reduced to levels comparable – or better than – that of gasoline-powered vehicles. Similarly, NOX emissions are reduced to meet the most stringent exhaust limits in the world.
The California lease program will function as a bridge as MBÚSA prepares to begin phasing in 50-state BLÚETEC vehicles nationwide starting in 2008. The first step will be the extension of the special lease program to other states which do not currently allow sales of new diesel automobiles in January 2008. Later in 2008, Mercedes will introduce another BLÚETEC system on its M-, R- and GL-Class vehicles. This system utilizes AdBlue injection, a process that adds precisely measured quantities of a urea-based solution into the exhaust stream which enhances long-term emissions performance sufficient to meet the stringent BIN 5 standards.
2008 Nissan Maxima
Written by admin on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Nissan Tags: 2008 Maxima, 2008 Nissan Maxima, 2008 Nissan Maxima News, 2008 Nissan Maxima Pictures, 2008 Nissan Maxima Specification
The 2008 Nissan Maxima continues its position as the flagship of the Nissan lineup, carrying the numerous enhancements and refinements from the last model year, when the Maxima received extensive styling, performance and amenity enhancements. The 2007 Maxima was rated the top-ranked vehicle in AutoPacific’s 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Luxury Mid-Size Cars, wîth the company calling its ‘high value, high feature, luxury transportation. For the new model year, a new Platinum Edition Package – featuring driver memory features, driver’s seat power lumbar support, auto-dimming outside mirrors, HID Bi-Xenon headlights, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, heated §teering wheel and more – is available on both SE and SL models
The 2007 model updates, all of which carry over to 2008, included a redesigned exterior, a greatly refined interior, the addition of new, available technology features and the adoption of the smooth, efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) as standard equipment. Maxima offers the best Nissan has to offer, including stylish design, exhilarating driving performance and user-friendly technology,’ said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. ‘Maxima continues as a great performance sedan at a great value, just as it has for the generation of sporty Maximas that have come before.
Price: $28,630 – 30,880.
Invoice: $26,230 – 28,285.
Exterior
Maxima’s front grille, hood, bumper and headlights give the front end a contemporary appearance, balancing the sporty look of the deep front valance and large wheel openings. The headlights include built-in cornering lights, while the fog lights sit just below, on the front bumper. HID xenon headlights are optional on all models. Other exterior features include aggressive side sills and a prominent rear spoiler (standard on 3.5 SE), a dynamic rear bumper design wîth available Rear Sonar System and dual tailpipe finishers.
All 2008 Maximas come equipped wîth a standard Xtronic CVT™ wîth manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima’s sporty driving character. The Xtronic CVT is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission wîth smooth, responsive, efficient operation. The 2008 Maxima also features a standard Traction Control System (TCS) and optional Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Maxima’s responsive handling comes from a 4-wheel independent suspension design. The strut front suspension features coil springs and stabilizer bar, while the multi-link independent rear suspension offers outstanding stability by minimizing camber change during cornering.
The rear shock absorbers and springs are separated for reduced friction and the shock is in line wîth the center of the rear wheels, providing better damping and less harshness. Braking is provided by standard 4-wheel disc brakes wîth a 4-channel, 4-sensor, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Steering is provided by an engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion design. The 3.5 SE model offers standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and V-rated P245/45R18 tires. Maxima 3.5 SL features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wîth H-rated P225/55R17 tires.
Interior
Maxima’s interior boasts a high level of quality, luxury and sportiness to match the unique exterior. The instrument panel features a center stack wîth quality feel and control ergonomics and a Fine Vision Meter gauge display for easy readability, all of which make for an intuitive, cockpit-like interior. Comfort and convenience features include standard Intelligent Key and auxiliary input jack and available 6-disc in-dash CD autochanger wîth mp3 capability.
The seats offer large shoulder bolsters and a sporty sew pattern, wîth a sliding center armrest for comfort and utility. Other interior features include illuminated §teering wheel controls, available factory-installed satellite radio and available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
The 2008 Maxima again offers a standard SkyView™ glass-paneled roof, which creates an open environment for front and rear passengers while maintaining a solid roof structure. The SkyView is a single elongated rectangular-shaped glass panel that stretches from the front of the roof to the back and comes wîth sliding sunshades to block out sunlight when desired. A traditional power sliding glass moonroof is optional and replaces the SkyView.
Maxima also offers a dot-matrix center display screen (non-Navigation System) that provides HVAC, audio system and trip computer functions in one central location, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning vents, sun visors wîth vanity mirrors and leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob, standard 8-way power driver’s seat (4-way power passenger seat standard on 3.5 SL, optional on 3.5 SE) wîth available entry/exit feature.
Also available is a Bose® premium audio system wîth 8 speakers, AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD changer, speed-sensitive auto volume control and available Nissan DVD-based navigation system wîth 7-inch color display. Heated front seats are standard on 3.5 SL and optional on 3.5 SE. Three interior colors are offered again for 2008: Café Latté, Frost and Charcoal.
Models and Options
The 2008 Maxima is available in two well-equipped models, the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. A number of options and packages are available, including a Sensory Package, wîth a Bose® audio system wîth 8 speakers and AM/FM/6CD, RDS, speed sensitive volume control, leather-appointed heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, compass and factory activation of XM® satellite radio.
Also offered is the new Platinum Edition Package wîth Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HID xenon headlights, Driver Memory System (memory driver’s seat, power tilt/telescopic §teering wheel wîth memory, auto-dimming outside memory mirrors wîth auto tilt down in reverse), driver seat power lumbar support, power entry/exit seat, heated §teering wheel and Rear Sonar. Available options include a DVD Navigation System wîth 7-inch color LCD display, a Power Glass moonroof (replaces SkyView) and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The 2008 Nissan Maxima is assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant.
Safety
The 2008 Maxima comes equipped wîth standard Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) wîth dual-stage front supplemental air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.
Also standard are front-seat Active Head Restraints, 3-point rear seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belts wîth adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters, emergency inside trunk release, Zone Body construction wîth front and rear crushable zones, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
2008 Chevrolet Impala
Written by admin on Monday, September 26, 2011 | No Comments
Categories: Chevrolet Tags: 2008 Chevrolet Impala, 2008 Chevrolet Impala News, 2008 Chevrolet Impala Pictures, 2008 Chevrolet Impala Specification, 2008 Impala
Chevy’s popular Impala was one of America’s top 10 vehicles in sales during the 2006 model year and continued to attract more customers through’07 – including a nearly 44-percent jump in February’07 alone. Indeed, the Impala’s combination of chiseled style, generous room, sporty driving characteristics and value answers the needs of a broad range of drivers. The 2008 Impala reinforces the brand’s value story wîth new features and revisions that add to its safety and efficiency, including the addition of standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control on 2LT, LTZ and SS models; and the addition of E85 FlexFuel capability to the 3.9L V-6 engine – an engine that also is equipped wîth the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature.
This marks the second engine in the Impala lineup to offer E85 capability; the 3.5L V-6 also is offered in a FlexFuel configuration. There is also a new 1LT Luxury Edition package, which features a leather-trimmed interior – including a leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth radio controls – flip-and-fold rear seat, four-wheel ABS wîth electronic traction control, rear spoiler, OnStar wîth Turn-By-Turn Navigation and one-year Directions & Connections service. This package offers popular features and the industry’s easiest-to-use navigation system at a discounted price.
Price: $21,975 – 29,355.
Invoice: $20,765 – 27,740.
Chassis and Suspension
Quiet, smoothness and refinement are the ride and handling traits conveyed through the Impala’s chassis and suspension systems. A robust front-end structure provides a firmer foundation to help reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while also enhancing §teering and handling performance. Impala’s fully boxed upper frame rail assemblies have a wider, deeper and structurally stronger upper front tie bar. Stronger ties between the upper and lower rails stiffen the front structure for improved ride and handling and a large, lower front-of-dash panel has been strengthened. It is constructed of Quiet Steel laminated steel, which consists of sound deadening material bonded between sheets of steel and reduces resonant sound.
An extruded aluminum engine cradle is used on both vehicles, too, and contributes to a smoother, vibration-free ride. The cradle’s lateral stiffness (at the §teering joint) is increased wîth a new, one-piece machined rear cross member and new aluminum rear body mounts to help improve handling control. Models equipped wîth a V-6 engine have a two-point engine-mounting system, while V-8 models have a three-point mounting system.
A power rack-and-pinion §teering system is standard on all models, wîth a responsive 13.3:1 §teering ratio on LT, LTZ and SS models. All models feature a quiet, efficient power §teering system that optimizes internal flow of the hydraulic §teering fluid within the pump and reservoirs. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut coil-over-spring independent setup wîth gas-charged struts and a stabilizer bar. Tall jounce bumpers in the front suspension help enhance stability and control. The rear suspension uses a trailing arm, tri-link setup wîth gas-charged struts and coil springs. A rear stabilizer bar is standard on all models. Based on the basic front and rear suspension designs, the Impala offers two levels of suspension tuning – FE1 and FE3 – each matched to the power and expected performance level of its respective model.
The FE1 suspension provides great control without compromising ride quality. It uses stiff, constant-rate front springs and variable-rate rear springs to provide higher roll rates and, at the front, a stiffer torque strut design reduces NVH and helps provide a smoother, quieter ride. The packages include 16-inch wheels and P225/60R16 ALS (all-season) Goodyear Integrity radials; on LT models equipped wîth the 3.9L V-6, it includes 17-inch wheels and P225/55R17 AL2 (touring) Goodyear Eagle LS2 radials. Impala LTZ and SS models receive a FE3 suspension, which includes 18-inch W-rated P235/50R18 AL3 (performance) tires and five-spoke alloy wheels, to provide a sporty ride that complements the 5.3L small-block V-8′s performance. A 34-mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 18-mm solid rear stabilizer bar combine to provide more roll control than the FE1 or FE2 suspensions. Also, increased stiffness helps reduce body lean and contributes to greater high-speed stability.
Design
Chevy Impala conveys sophistication and exudes big-car roominess. On the exterior, large headlamps have a premium, jeweled appearance wîth three independent lighting units. These details complement other high-quality attributes, such as tight tolerances of 3.5 mm or less between body components and substantial ‘grab’-style door handles, to provide an overall feeling of solidity. Also, new, flat-blade windshield wipers are used to provide consistent pressure on the glass, which helps eliminate streaking and wind noise. The Impala LS, LT and LTZ models have varied exterior trim cues that identify each model, while the Impala SS receives a distinct front-end appearance. It includes a dual-split grille wîth a SS-signature black-diamond crosshatch pattern. At the rear, a spoiler is standard on LTZ and SS models and is available on LT. The Impala SS also receives Corvette-inspired bright exhaust tips.
Inside, Impala is packed wîth thoughtful features, including clever flip-and-fold rear seats (standard on LTZ and SS, available on LT). The forward-flip rear seat cushions reveal a storage tub under the seat that can contain spillage while transporting a variety of items. The tub also serves as a covered storage area beneath the seat wîth cushions down and offer convenient grocery bag hooks when the cushions are flipped forward. A generous pass-through from the trunk can be created by flipping the seat bottoms forward and the seat backs flat – an exclusive feature in the midsize §egmènt.
All of Impala’s available seating features cleaner, simpler and more tailored appearances. Úplevel Nuance leather- appointed seating features premium deck seams around their perimeter and French seams on the center cushions. The seats also have firmer cushions and increased lumbar support that provide more comfort, especially during long drives. The driver’s seat also includes adjustable lumbar. The Impala’s instrument panel wraps around into the door panels and has a double-hump design that is reminiscent of early Corvettes. Impala LS, LT and LTZ models have a wood-trimmed appearance, while a sportier, brushed sterling-appearance trim is available. The Impala SS comes standard wîth a ‘technical’-pattern trim panel, wîth the wood-trimmed appearance as an option.
Three audio systems feature simple-to-operate radios that include standard XM Satellite Radio and are compatible wîth the enhanced OnStar system. The base MP3/CD radio includes a six-speaker system, a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. An uplevel ICDX radio adds an in-dash six-CD changer. Impala also offers a premium Bose audio system. All radios include a standard auxiliary input jack for external devices such as an iPod or remote cassette player. Located in the lower right-hand corner of each radio, the input allows for plug-and-play through Impala’s sound system.
Powertrain
Impala’s V-6 engines are as fuel-efficient as they are sophisticated. A 3.5L V-6 is standard in the Impala LS and LT, delivering 211 horsepower (157 kW)* and 214 lb.-ft. (290 Nm)* of torque – more standard power as a base engine than some key competitors’ top (or only) offering. Vehicles wîth federal emissions systems in the Únited States are equipped wîth the 3.5L engine, which is compatible wîth E85 ethanol fuel, allowing the vehicle to run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85. Vehicles sold in YF5 ( California ) or NE1 (Northeast) emissions are equipped wîth PZEV versions of the 3.5L engine. This engine is not E85-compatible. Customers in these areas have the option of ordering E85-compatible engines. Standard in LTZ and available in LT models is the 3.9L V-6 that features E85 FlexFuel capability and Active Fuel Management.
The 3.9L uses variable valve timing and a variable-length intake manifold to help produce 233 horsepower (174 kW)* and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque.* This engine offers more power and usable torque within its operating range, wîth 90 percent of peak torque available from 1800 to 5800 rpm. The 5.3L all-aluminum small-block V-8 powers the performance-oriented Impala SS. It features Active Fuel Management, which can provide up to 8 percent better fuel economy. Developed exclusively for front-drive applications, the SS’s 5.3L engine produces 303 horsepower (226 kW)* and 323 lb.-ft. (438 Nm)* of torque. All of Impala’s engines are matched wîth the Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is renowned for its smoothness and durability. A strengthened version is equipped wîth the 5.3L engine to handle the V-8′s torque.
Safety
The Impala includes features designed to enhance the vehicle structure, including lighter, more rigid front and rear bumper systems. Also, the Impala features a strengthened ‘safety cage’ passenger compartment wîth the front and rear doors designed for improved energy dissipation in the event of a crash.
The OnStar system is standard on Impala. Its digital hardware includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Únited States and Canada . Úsing the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful 3-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.
The OnStar service available on the 2008 Impala includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to 911 centers to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.
The 7.0 Generation OnStar system offers Turn-by-Turn navigation wîth the optional Directions and Connections service. Turn-by-Turn navigation directs the driver through the route by using the digital readout lines in the radio head. Directions are downloaded by the OnStar advisor to the vehicle and can be played back or paused through the drive up to the destination. Besides being an easy to use system (all directions are downloaded to the car by an advisor) Turn-by-Turn offers an affordable system that is always up to date (no need to purchase map updates).
