Saturday, October 8, 2011

Jaguar XJ 2012

The choice of engines has been enlarged for the 2012 Jaguar XJ range with the fitment of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine (market specific). All engines are coupled to a shift-by-wire, six-speed automatic transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Jaguar XJ 2012On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative a new ‘Executive Pack’ transforms the rear of the Jaguar XJ into a high-speed mobile office space with the provision of fold-down laptop trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.

Jaguar XJ 2012
Jaguar XJ 2012The 2012 Jaguar XJ interior available with the Premium Luxury and Portfolio trim levels the Jet/Ivory option features ivory seating with contrast jet stitching, piping and upper surfaces while the headlining is available in either colour, according to customer preference.

Jaguar XJ 2012
Jaguar XJ 2012All Jaguar XJ variants are now available with an Illumination Package derived from that offered as standard on the Supersport model. This comprises illuminated treadplates, boot latch and front and rear air vents.

Chevrolet Sonic 2012

The Chevrolet Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. The sedan and five-door models are distinctively different. The five-door carries a tight, two-box shape with aggressive, diving feature lines, while the sedan’s “notchback” profile has a more upscale and mature presence. At first glance, the five-door model looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area. The rear of the five-door continues with unconventional details, including exposed, motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps. Details that reinforce Chevrolet Sonic’s quality and attention to detail include chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models, while a range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels, reinforces its sporty demeanor.

Chevrolet Sonic 2012
Chevrolet Sonic 2012Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L – the same engines used in the new Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo. The Ecotec 1.4L turbo’s power ratings are estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm.

Chevrolet Sonic 2012
Chevrolet Sonic 2012The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo. It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency. Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm. It is estimated at 135 horsepower (101 kW), along with 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm.

Chevrolet Sonic 2012Production of the Chevrolet Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.