2007 is now behind us and Jens Greve, Head of Sony Ericsson Developer World, shares his thoughts on the past and his excitement about the plans for 2008.
2007 was a great year for Sony Ericsson as we sold more phones than ever before ? over 100 million globally. As Sony Ericsson continues to grow, so does Sony Ericsson Developer World. In 2007, I was excited to welcome developers from 200
Ford's Escape crossover gets a more powerful four-cylinder engine for 2009, and that engine also gets transplanted into the Escape Hybrid and the similar Mercury Mariner/Hybrid models for the new model year.
The new engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that should boost fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon in the EPA cycle. At the same time, Ford says the new four-cylinder will make 170 horsepower, an 11-percent boost over the existing base engine. The 17 additional horsepower come in part from a new variable cam timing system and from the increase in displacement over the former 2.3-liter four.
The V-6 option gains power for 2009, too. The 3.0-liter V-6 now makes 230 horsepower, up 30 hp and also up 1 mpg in fuel economy thanks in part to its six-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a four-speed unit used on the Escape and Mariner last year.
Other tweaks, include a new chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers, clean up the Escape's aero profile and help boost fuel economy, while a new 16-inch tire also cuts down on rolling resistance.
Ford says the new Escape is more connected too. That's because the Sync infotainment system is offered in the 2009 model, along with the Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist, which helps passengers get in touch with emergency workers when the need arises.
Other revamps for 2009 include new suspension tuning and standard stability control with roll stability control on Hybrid models.
� Source: thecarconnection
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It's a blend of the portly convertible we drove last year, and the edgy, electric V-8-powered GT BMW dropped on us last fall in the Spanish countryside. BMW's confirmed an M3 Convertible will join its lineup in Europe in the near future, and while preparations to bring the car to the U.S. aren't complete, technical details of the new convertible have made their way on the Interwebs.
The M3 Convertible starts with the M-essentials, shared with the coupe and sedan sportscars already available from BMW. The powertrain for the new vehicle will be based around BMW's 4.0-liter, which develops 420 hp in European spec, along with 295 pound-feet of torque. It's a light-alloy block manufactured alongside BMW's Formula One engines and weighs 445 pounds, 33 pounds less than the six-cylinder engine in the previous-generation M3. European-spec engines also feature regenerative braking.
Outfitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, the M3 Convertible should dash to 60 mph in less than 5.3 seconds; the stock M3 coupe delivers the same scoot in less than 4.8 seconds. Both coupe and convertible (and coordinating sedan) are limited to 155 mph.
Like the 3-Series convertibles, the M3 Convertible offers up a retractable hardtop with a steel frame and a three-piece roof system. The lid flips and stores itself in the trunk in 22 seconds, and is paired with a wind deflector and a specially programmed automatic climate control for open-air driving.
With the extra heft of body stiffening measures and the top mechanism, the M3 Convertible's put on a few hundred pounds more than the coupe. So the Convertible version of the M3 gets a retuned suspension, along with body reinforcements and a high-performance braking system.
� Source: thecarconnection
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What's New for 2008
More features are added to the 2008 Ford Mustang. This includes standard front seat side airbags, available xenon headlights and, for the V6 models, 18-inch alloy wheels. Those who have a thing for pink should be thrilled with the new Warriors in Pink package that provides their ride with that color's accents inside and out. Sales of this package also help support the Susan G. Komen cancer charity.
Introduction
Man O' War, Sea Biscuit, Secretariat. Along with those legendary thoroughbreds, one might include another steed famous for thrilling its fans for nearly half a century: the Ford Mustang. Through the decades, the Mustang has survived oil crises, ever-tougher emissions standards, corporate shake-ups and Americans' diminished interest in sporty coupes thanks to an infatuation with SUVs and pickup trucks. While other so-called pony car rivals have been sent to the glue factory, the original has gotten stronger and more popular.
Most recently, the Mustang's major redesign in 2005 resulted in head-spinning styling that had both old- and new-school car enthusiasts stampeding to their local dealers. Inspired by the 1965-'69 Mustangs, the current car stands out thanks to its big grille, round headlights, side sculpting, tri-bar taillights and, on the coupe, triangular quarter windows and fastback roof.
True, the 2008 Ford Mustang is lacking a bit in refinement compared to competitors such as the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX-8. But the Mustang's style, available V8 power, respectable handling and affordable price more than make up for it. It's a recipe that obviously resonates with Americans, as it is the best-selling rear-drive sport coupe and convertible by a considerable margin. Even as Chevy and Dodge get set to re-enter the muscle car game, there's no doubt the Ford Mustang will remain a truly a legendary thoroughbred.
� Source: edmunds
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Introduction
This year, there's been a considerable amount of attention focused on Nissan's new GT-R sports car; 473 horsepower has a habit of doing that. However, unless you've got $70,000 (assuming -- ahem -- no dealer markup) and have your name on a waiting list, this Skyline successor will likely remain out of reach. Thankfully, Nissan has another legendary sports car for the rest of us: the Z.
Available as a coupe or convertible, the 2008 Nissan 350Z is a proper sports car priced for the everyman. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp handling, potent V6 and rear-wheel drive make it fun to drive in almost any situation. Plus, the car's styling still looks fresh, even though the current-generation Z debuted for 2003.
For 2008 the 350Z stands pat, though it does mark the first full year of availability for the limited-production Nismo 350Z. The Nismo has effectively taken the place of the now-discontinued Track trim. This racetrack-oriented model comes with a specially tuned suspension, additional body reinforcements, a full aerodynamic package, Brembo brakes, and unique wheels and exhaust.
In testing, we've found the Nismo to be the best-handling 350Z to date, though this enhanced performance does come at the expense of fairly punishing ride comfort and noise. The remaining trim levels are more suited for everyday use, although the clutch can be too stiff in traffic. No matter which trim you choose, you'll still get one of the best values out there for a rear-drive performance car. Of course, the Z isn't perfect. Compared to models like the BMW Z4 and Mazda RX-8, the Z lacks handling finesse and cockpit refinement, and against the various permutations of the Ford Mustang GT, it lacks personality. But for an affordable sports car that delivers all-around performance and style, the 2008 Nissan 350Z is an ideal choice.
� Source: edmunds
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