Kia Release AFD Rally Package for Soul
April 1, 2009
Korean automaker Kia has announced the launch of a new aero kit for the Soul crossover. Aside from the aesthetic rewards, buyers will be happy to know that the aerodynamic doodads also reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions through a simple and low-cost system called Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line. The system is said to rely on microscopic sensors built into the bumpers which constantly monitor wind speed and deploy panels when the wind is sufficient to provide additional directional impetus according to the car's behavior.
Systems Manager Kuasimati Seoulitsou from Kia's Advanced Technorave Research Institute in Mabuk, said: "The big problem with most emission reduction systems is that they are expensive. We wanted to come up with an answer that didn't cost the earth and could be retrospectively applied to cars already on the road."
"Tests of this system at our Nong Dam facility have shown that during windy weather fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 25 per cent and emissions by anything up 40 per cent. Even in calm weather using the system simply under braking can result in reductions of 10 per cent and 15 per cent respectively," he added.
The new aero kit system will be available on all Souls ordered after midnight on March 31, 2011. Prices will be announced in a few hours.
Spied: 2010 BMW X5 to Receive Subtle Facelift
As well as preparing the first-ever "M" version of the X5 that is due to be officially revealed towards the end of the week, BMW is also tweaking the rest of the range of its crossover model. If you're finding it hard to spot the cosmetic changes in our latest spy photos, we don't blame you as on the outside they are limited to the newly styled front and rear bumpers, the repositioned fog lights plus a different alloy wheel or two - or four if you want to take it literally.
Our Bavarian sources also told us that the 2010 X5 will also benefit from a few minor interior updates including the new trim, some ergonomic optimizations and the addition of some toys to the standard and options list.
In terms of mechanical revisions, it is said that BMW will add to the X5's range the latest version of its 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine that develops 326HP in the 740i (up from 306HP in the 335i and the X6 xDrive35i).
2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Photos Leaked by EU Patent Office
The European trademark office has done it again; following the premature leaks of the 2010 Mazda3, Renault Megane Coupe and the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster, the latest slip out from the bureau concerns the first official photos of Mercedes-Benz' new B-Class hatch that will compete head on with the Audi A3 and VW Golf. According to our sources, the new B-Class will be unveiled sometime in 2010 with sales starting in Europe towards the end of the year and in the U.S. and other international markets, during the first half of 2011.
Mercedes-Benz officials have high hopes for the new B-Class that will spawn a whole range of models including a three-door hatchback, a small four-door coupe sedan in the likes of the CLS called BLS plus a small SUV model that will most likely be named BLK.
Power will come from a variety of naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines as well as 'uber' clean diesels including the range-topping 2.2-liter CDi with an output of 204-horsepower. There's also talk of a gasoline-hybrid variant but Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm the rumors.
