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The Saab 9-4X BioPower concept car that will be unveiled at NAIAS next week, have been leaked by various websites for its first shots. Powered by a 2.0 liter BioPower engine, The Saab 9-4X BioPower develops 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque on E85 fuel.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower concept car is expected to have a top speed of around 230 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of around 8 seconds.

When used with conventional fuel, the power figures of the Saab 9-4X BioPower drop to 245 hp and 353 Nm. The Saab 9-4X BioPower concept car also equipped with a Haldex AWD system, a six-speed gearbox, and an electronic limited slip differential.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower is expected to spawn a new crossover that will probably enter production next year.

The Ford Explorer America - a new Explorer concept car will unveiled by Ford at the Detroit show. The Ford Explorer America concept car will showcase with the help of a new and more efficient engine technology - EcoBoost. Ford Explorer America will showcase two engines that use the EcoBoost technology:
- 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp.
- a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque

Press Release
FORD TO REVEAL NEW FUEL-SAVING CONCEPT IN DETROIT
The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

“Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “Ford gets it.

“Innovative technologies can transform people’s favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles.”

Technologies and engineering innovations help Ford Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company’s systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:
A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer

Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics

A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it

A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components

Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Ford Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed.

The Ford Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today’s active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

The Honda Civic SE+ comes with an enhanced exterior styling that includes body-colored skirts, 16-inch alloys, and spoiler.

Powered by the 1.4-litre i-DSi engine, The Honda Civic SE+ is priced at 14,900 pounds and sold on the British market.

Press Release
CRACKING NEW CIVIC KICK-STARTS THE YEAR

A new variant of the Honda Civic goes on sale in the UK today with enhanced exterior styling that represents excellent value for money.

Called the SE+, the new model’s distinctive 16-inch alloys, body-coloured skirts and spoiler
give it sporty looks, designed to appeal to the Civic’s increasingly youthful customer. It is powered by Honda’s 1.4-litre i-DSi engine and costs just £14,900 on-the-road.

“The market has responded well to the new Civic, and the 5-door is drawing a younger audience than ever before, but customers wanted a higher spec, entry level model that looked even more sporting,” said Tom Gardner, Head of Marketing, Honda (UK). “The SE+ looks great, offers fantastic value for money and represents the success of our UK manufacturing plant at Swindon, where all European Civics are built.”
In 2007, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) reached its full production rate of 250,000 units per annum, of which 140,000 were Civics. Last year in the UK, 30,772 Civic 5-doors were sold.

On top of the standard SE grade specifications, the new Civic 1.4 i-DSI SE + includes:

- 16-inch Atlas alloy wheels
- Image pack - which includes painted front, rear and side skirts and painted rear spoiler
- Metallic paint

The Honda Civic SE + is available in Vivid Blue or Alabaster Silver. Only 1,000 units will be made.