The Lotus Evora has arrived and will provide a solid foundation for the future of Britain’s most exciting sportscar company and engineering consultancy – Group Lotus plc

The Lotus Evora is first of the three new models that form part of a bold five year strategic plan that CEO Mike Kimberley kicked off in October 2006. Lotus will have a three-platform portfolio of sportscars, from the Elise family and her sisters Exige and Europa, through to the new Evora 2+2 coupe, and the brand flagship, a mid engine supercar entering the global marketplace in 2010.

Group Lotus and their 2+2 coupe, the Evora, is leading the motor industry into a new era; an era where priorities of efficiency, economy and environmental impact have to go hand in hand with performance, design and individuality.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc explains, “The automotive industry is focusing on its obligations to reduce its share of global CO2 emissions and improve overall efficiencies”

Lotus Engineering has highly respected technical abilities, and these are in strong demand. “Our brand value of ‘performance through lightweight’ is leading the automotive industry to produce lighter and more efficient vehicles. We are continuing to research and develop new vehicles which utilise future fuels, alternative engines, hybrid and electronic solutions for our next generation of models.” Kimberley concluded.

Lotus is a dynamic and adaptable company, and the Lotus Evora is a perfect example of this expertise. Conceived, and nurtured through complex engineering and advanced development programs before its release at the British Motorshow in July 2008. A type approved sportscar ready for sale around the world in just 30 months. Lotus doesn’t hang about!

Lotus Engineering meanwhile is recognised as one of the finest automotive engineering consultancies in the world, and has an extensive global client base. Almost 30% of all cars on the road have a little bit of Lotus in them; be it engine design, chassis engineering, ride and handling development, or even the overall styling. In the last two years, Lotus has delivered over 620 separate engineering projects to more than 120 clients around the world – spanning whole vehicle programmes for one of the world’s biggest car companies to a study of how knee surgery will effect brake pedal effort for drivers after their operations.

This year has already provided several highlights so far, and these include:

• Lotus Engineering has entered into a joint cooperation programme with KACST, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology with the intention to promote the establishment of an ecologically driven automotive technology capability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• The acquisition of Lotus Lightweight Structures. This was following the acquisition of Holden Lightweight Structures Limited, who manufacture Lotus aluminium platforms and chassis, including those for the Elise, Exige, Europa and the 2-Eleven along with aluminium and composite components for Lotus Engineering’s extensive global client base.

• In February Lotus Engineering and Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) announced the signing of a long-term ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU) with the joint aim to further enhance Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of environmentally orientated technologies and accelerate the development of its manufacturing and business infrastructure.

• More recently in May 2008, Lotus and the Dutch Supercar manufacturer Sypker reached an agreement on the outline of an intended cooperation, which will include a Parts and Platform Commonality Agreement with Lotus as the preferred engineering and parts supplier for Spyker’s new C8 Aileron super sportscar, and a concept Design and Engineering Agreement relating to Spyker’s future models.

Mike Kimberley and his experienced Lotus management team are credited with turning the company around, and are nearly one third of the way through delivering the ambitious five year plan with both the unveiling of the Lotus Evora, and global growth of Lotus Engineering entering all-new markets of China, India and the Middle East.

Mike Kimberley explains further, “I am pleased to say that my plan for Lotus is on target, and the teams around the world has already done a terrific job. We have exciting technologies and innovations in the pipeline, and most importantly the group is returning to profitability. I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank our shareholders Proton Holdings Berhad for their ongoing support to Lotus. Without their corporate guidance and investment over the years, Lotus would not be in the position as it is today – a world leader in a globally competitive market.

“Lotus Engineering will lead the way in finding solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, increase performance, improve efficiency and reduce weight in all types of vehicles both for Lotus and our global engineering client base.

“The new Lotus Evora shows how Lotus can keep delivering quantum leaps towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar. This is keeping Britain at the forefront of high technology. We expect the motor industry to follow our brand value of ‘performance through lightweight’. Surely it’s the only way forward, as Colin Chapman and the last 60 years of Lotus has proved!

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Toyota Motor Sales Inc. currently offers integrated Bluetooth® hands-free wireless systems in 15 models and will make it available on the all-new 2009 Venza when it goes on sale this fall.

With more states enacting laws that prohibit driving while talking on handheld cell phones, the Bluetooth® hands-free systems connection between certain Toyota models and most Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones provide an easy wireless solution. Built into optional Toyota onboard DVD navigation and JBL audio systems, the technology provides users with convenient hands-free phone capabilities.

Bluetooth® hands-free systems are available on Toyota RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models with a JBL audio unit. The system is also available on Toyota 4Runner, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Solara models with the JBL audio unit or DVD navigation system.

The available DVD navigation and JBL audio systems enable the driver to make and receive hands-free phone calls on most compatible Bluetooth® equipped cell phones via the vehicle’s built in microphone and speakers. There is no need to connect any interface cables between the phone and the vehicle. Owners simply need to register the phone by “pairing” to the system.
Due to differences in the quality of various handsets and Bluetooth® chip programming, phone functionality levels may differ by cell phone. The customer typically can enjoy the following Bluetooth® hands-free benefits on Toyota models:

• Integrated phone operation utilizes built-in microphone and audio speakers.
• One touch call answering via the steering-wheel control or the navigation screen.
• Automatic audio mute when receiving or making a call.
• Place a call from an outgoing or the incoming call log (up to five most recent calls – on DVD navigation system only).
• Voice command functions also allow the driver to make or receive calls.

Owners can refer to the LetsTalk Web site at toyota.letstalk.com for a listing of compatible phones and functionality.

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the sales launch of the fully redesigned Teana luxury sedan at dealers across Japan.

With its modern styling, impressive ride comfort and thoughtful appointments for all passengers, the Teana has been designed and engineered to provide lasting value in a modern luxury sedan. Teana will be marketed under the tagline of “SHIFT_hospitality,” reflecting its new dimension of hospitality, superb comfort and quiet, roomy interior.

The new Teana offers a number of significant “firsts” – including being the first Nissan model in the Japanese market to utilize the newly developed “D” platform and the first in its class to feature a stylish glass roof.

Graceful, Elegant Exterior Styling
Teana’s new, meticulously executed exterior design presents a modern, artistic form. Defined by its bold yet elegant character line, which forms a sweeping arc extending from the front to the rear of the vehicle.

The powerful front end is highlighted by a new grille, bumper and headlight design. The grille is composed of horizontal bars, with a three-dimensional look as if cut from a sphere, while the headlights are designed with a vertical motif that flows dynamically from the front. Bi-xenon headlights and Active AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System) are offered as a factory-installed option on the Teana 250XV and 350XV models.

Teana’s body side treatment blends richly flared body panels with boldly curved lines. The elegant, six-light windows are designed to emphasize the luxurious space of the interior. The outside mirrors are also optimally shaped to minimize wind noise and the side moldings are executed in a sword motif, imparting a sense of fine quality.

In the rear, the combination lights’ sculpted forms project outward from the body, creating an impressive, wide-looking rear view. The rear bumper provides a feeling of stability and premium quality.
The Teana is offered in a choice of six attractive exterior colors, including the addition of Deep Amethyst Gray as an all-new Nissan color. All Teana body colors come standard with Nissan’s Scratch Shield, which self-repairs minor scratch marks in the paint surface.

A Relaxing, Artistic Interior With Wave-like Design Themes
The Teana interior is meticulously executed with an emphasis on comfort and fine quality, combining relaxation that soothes both mind and body and hospitality befitting a modern living room for all passengers.

The seats feature a vibrational absorption urethane cushion material and are shaped so that the occupant’s entire body is uniformly supported for enhanced ride comfort. In addition, the seat pads adopt a slab urethane layer to form a three-layered structure that noticeably improves the soft feeling of the seating surface. The double-stitching and three-dimensional shape of the seats conveys an enhanced sense of quality and outstanding workmanship.

The driver’s seat incorporates an adjustable lumbar support mechanism that reduces the feeling of fatigue on long drives, while the front-passenger seat continues to offer the power ottoman that has been a popular comfort feature on the first-generation Teana.

Teana’s new instrument panel design is highlighted by soft padding, which appears to “float” above the wood-grain paneling. The center cluster panel is integrated with the instrument panel, and the new center console design, which combines slope and wavelike cues, projects a rich three-dimensional image. Even the door trim imparts a comfortable, sofa-like image, while the armrest design projects the impression of abundant size and unity with the seats.

Indirect lighting is thoughtfully provided in the center console and the door assist grips (excluding the driver’s door) to illuminate the surrounding area. Even the door assist grips, while based on ergonomic principles, incorporate a wave-like line for a distinctly fresh look.

Other interior features created for enhanced passenger relaxation include a front-seat ventilation system and large rear-seat headrests. (The front-seat ventilation system and large rear-seat headrests are factory-installed options, offered in a set together with genuine leather seats on the Teana 250XV and 350XV.)

Teana is the first in its class to feature a stylish glass roof, extending the open, airy feeling of the interior to the rear-seat area. The new roof is made completely of glass and incorporates a flexible opening/closing mechanism. The front seat have a power glass roof and inner sunshades over both the front and rear seats open/close by motor power (standard on the 350XV and a factory-installed option on the 250XV, 250XL and 250XL FOUR.)

In addition, Teana comes with an intelligent air-conditioning system featuring a one-touch clean air filtering function for improving the interior air quality at the touch of a button (standard on the 250XV and 350XV and a factory-installed option on all other models).

Teana’s new Bose surround sound audio system is designed to deliver concert-hall-like sound quality. The multiple channels of this Bose-original digital surround sound system reproduce the sounds of musical instruments and singing voices with real, three-dimensional quality – as if listening to a live performance. Bose Centerpoint™* signal processing circuitry also reproduces two-channel asynchronous sound sources such as conventional CDs and DVDs in a 5.1-channel surround sound format for listening quality comparable to that of home theater systems. The Bose system is standard on the 350XV and a factory-installed option on the 250XV.
* Centerpoint™ is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation of the U.S.

The new Teana also comes with Nissan’s HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system, featuring a touch panel screen for greatly improved ease of operation. In addition to navigation functionality, the system incorporates enhanced entertainment capabilities, including a music box and DVD audio/video playback. It also includes a Bluetooth hands-free interface (standard on the 250XV and 350XV and a factory-installed option on all other models).

Nissan’s Intelligent Key System is also standard on all models. This system provides improved anti-theft functionality, including electric-assisted power steering lockup, engine immobilizer and other deterrents linked to the ID code stored in the key fob.

Significantly Enhanced Performance and a Flat, Comfortable Ride
The fundamental attributes of the new VQ25DE engine and the VQ35DE V6 engines have been thoroughly enhanced to deliver class-leading performance. The 2.5-liter VQ25DE engine generates maximum power of 136 kW (185 PS) at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 232 N-m (23.7 kgm) at 4400 rpm.

The larger 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine produces maximum power of 185 kW (252 PS) at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 335 N-m (34.2 kgm) at 4400 rpm. Both of these VQ engines deliver 80% of their maximum torque at 1600 rpm for exceptional driving ease, combined with smooth, effortless revving to 6000 rpm for acceleration performance.

The VQ engines utilize a six-point engine mounting system that better disperses engine torque-induced vibration and has lower spring constants for reduced engine noise during start-off acceleration.

Teana 4WD models utilize the QR25DE engine, which achieves a 4% improvement in power output, as well as greater torque at low to intermediate speeds. This engine generates maximum power of 123 kW (167 PS) at 5600 rpm and maximum torque of 240 N-m (24.5 kgm) at 4000 rpm.

Both the VQ25DE and QR25DE engines operate on regular gasoline in consideration of better economy.

All Teana models are fitted with Nissan’s new XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) incorporating Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), a newly developed shift control system. ASC controls the shift timing according to the driver’s personal driving style and the driving environment in order to optimize both power performance and fuel economy. The XTRONIC CVT used on the 3.5-liter-equipped models also includes a six-speed manual shift mode and features a synchro-rev control system that controls the throttle during a downshift to synchronize the engine speed with the transmission for smooth, responsive shifting.

Teana is the first Nissan model in the Japanese market to feature the newly developed “D” platform. This platform optimally balances a flat, comfortable ride with the quietness, superb handling and stability of a car one class higher.

To help ensure high body stiffness, the Teana adopts an X-shaped cowl top structure for increased coupling stiffness with the instrument panel and a new joint member structure for greater coupling stiffness between the upper and lower structures. Along with the extensive use of a high grade of ultra-high tensile steel (980 MPa class), the body has a multiple load path construction that better absorbs and disperses impact energy. This further evolution of Nissan’s high-strength Zone Body achieves both enhanced crashworthiness and weight savings.

Teana’s newly developed front suspension incorporates shock absorbers with built-in rebound springs that suppress the extension stroke during body roll to provide stable cornering performance. A newly developed multi-link suspension is used at the rear. Additionally, the shock absorbers are positioned closer to the tires to provide excellent driving stability, even at a lower level of damping force.

Extra attention was also paid to the control of noise, vibration and harshness. Low interior noise levels are achieved through effective isolation of noise outside the cabin by applying paint sealer and foam materials to block tiny holes and gaps in the body structure and by optimally positioning sound-absorbing materials.

Advanced Safety and Environmental Technologies
The new Teana utilizes a number of advanced safety and environmental technologies. For enhanced driving convenience, the Teana comes with a side blind-spot monitor, which helps provides visual assistance by reducing the left front blind spot when positioning the car alongside the curb, parking or meeting oncoming traffic on a narrow road. Teana also features a back-view monitor, which uses a small CCD camera to take a color picture of the area behind the car for display on the navigation system monitor. Both monitor systems are standard on the 250XV and 350 XV and are offered in a set with the navigation system as a factory-installed option on all other models.

Teana’s advanced safety systems include:
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) including TCS (Traction Control System) functionality (standard on 350XV and a factory-installed option on the 250XV)
Low-friction seatbelts in all seat positions
Three-point ELR rear seatbelts for three passengers (with self-standing buckles)
Driver’s seatbelt with double pretensioners (shoulder/lap belts)
Front seatbelt with pretensioner and two-stage load limiter
High-strength Zone Body construction for high safety
Impact-energy-absorbing body structure for mitigating pedestrian injuries
SRS air bag systems for the driver and front passenger
SRS side air bag systems for the driver and front passenger*1
SRS curtain air bag systems*2
Front-seat Active Head Restraints

Teana is also designed with an awareness and sensitivity toward the environment. For example:
QR25DE engine models achieve fuel economy 5% higher than Japan’s 2010 fuel economy standards
VQ25DE engine models achieve fuel economy 5% higher than Japan’s 2010 fuel economy standards when fitted with optional equipment so that the vehicle weight is 1,520 kg
U-LEV certification is achieved for all models by emitting 50% fewer exhaust emissions than Japan’s 2005 exhaust emission standards
Achieves a recyclability rate of more than 95% by weight (as calculated according to the guideline adopted by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 1998 concerning the definition and calculation method of the recyclability rate of new cars)
A reduction of interior volatile organic compounds (VOC)
A fuel economy indication function
Clean interior environment features developed from the three perspectives of clean air, human skin friendly and sanitary/clean
*1 : Standard equipment (Offered in a set with *2 as a factory-installed option on the 250XE and 250XE FOUR)
*2 : Factory-installed option (Offered in a set with *1 as a factory-installed option on the 250XE and 250XE FOUR)

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The 3.6L direct-injection engine will be the top-level engine option for the 2008 CTS, joining the existing 2.8L V-6 and 3.6L V-6. Designed to operate with regular unleaded gasoline, the new 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 produces power similar to many V-8 engines, but with much better fuel economy.

With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. The application of gasoline direct-injection technology on the 3.6L VVT engine contributes greatly to a 15-percent increase in horsepower; 8-percent increase in torque, and 3-percent improvement in brake-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, the application of direct injection reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by 25 percent.

Exterior: sporty sophistication meets substance

Coupled with a new overall shape, the most evolutionary dimension of the 2008 CTS comes in the form of a two-inch wider track as a result of the addition of the new, optional all-wheel-drive configuration. The wider stance gives the new model a more planted, capable and well-grounded appearance that’s exemplified by much tighter tire-to-fender relationships.
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Additionally, a wider, tapering sail panel, lower, more sculpted hood, smoother wheel housing lips and a tighter wheel-to-body relationship help communicate the CTS’ agility as well as its sophistication and substance. Seven-spoke, 17-inch wheels or available nine-spoke, 18-inch wheels surround larger high-performance brake calipers and rotors.

Interior: performance and elegance combine

The 2008 CTS represents a new design theme for Cadillac interiors, emphasizing technical precision with elegant, hand-crafted details. Dramatically different from the original, the interior design is decidedly more upscale, with added ornamentation, luxury and attention to detail.

Upper instrument panel and door trim surfaces are hand-cut, sewn and wrapped by expert craftsmen. Analog instrumentation that is tightly framed with a compact hood tri-tubular, chromed cluster, is defined by bright accents. An integrated center stack design, with either a satin metallic finish or genuine Sapele wood, blends into the lower instrument panel that sweeps forward and away of front-seat occupants.

Heated and ventilated seats incorporate new “thin-seat” technology for maximum occupant comfort and enhanced rear-seat leg, knee and foot room. A signature V-shaped medallion appears as a decorative touch on the backs of the front seats. Clean, white ambient light emitting diode(LED) soft backlighting is positioned in the door pulls, foot wells and recessed between the upper and lower instrument panels. The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes standard integrated controls for cruise and audio system.
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It has four-wheel drive and Hill Descent Control to optimize traction on difficult surfaces ranging from icy roads to wet grass, gravel and snow. The interior features of the LRX concept car included a touch-screen area and LRX’s iPhone docking facility.
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“We’ve taken Toyota’s truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of maneuvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads,” says Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s Southern California design studio.

To achieve this unheard-of ability to negotiate roads that are both paved and covered in dirt, the A-BAT concept rides on a lightweight car chassis. A 112.2-inch wheelbase suggests it’s the same architecture found underneath the latest Highlander SUV. Toyota says the A-BAT also uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive system, although the lack of additional powertrain details suggests there’s probably not much more than an engine cover with a hybrid badge under the hood.

A smaller overall size is another one of the A-BAT’s nods to improved efficiency and maneuverability. Put the A-BAT side by side with an extended-cab Toyota Tacoma and the real truck would stretch more than 2 feet longer than the concept. A lower height and wider track gives the A-BAT a more street-worthy look, too.

Inspiration for the design of the A-BAT came from two unlikely sources — the Prius and a military truck. “The image of a NATO all-terrain truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity,” says the truck’s chief designer Ian Cartabiano.

Creative designer Matt Sperling says he studied the profile of the Prius to come up with the design of the A-BAT’s A- and C-pillars. “We studied the silhouette of the Prius and applied its trapezoidal shape to create an entirely new truck image,” notes Sperling.

Every last design trick has been used to maintain the A-BAT’s utility as a truck. There’s a sliding roof panel to accommodate taller cargo and a fold-down midgate that can extend the 4-foot bed by an extra 2 feet. Lower the tailgate and you can bring home that sheet of plywood you’ve always wanted.

Like most concepts, the interior of the A-BAT is a mix of high-dollar materials and high-tech features. The seats, center console and dashboard use various combinations of carbon fiber and aluminum, while the door trim, armrests and seat cushions are made of a “tough, lightweight and comfortable” material according to Toyota.

A power pack in the center console is able to deliver both AC and DC power, so virtually any type of electronic equipment can be used on board. And there’s no need to worry about running out of power, as there are solar panels on the dashboard that help recharge the batteries.

As implausible as it all sounds, the chances of a truck like the A-BAT finding its way into production are better than you might think. As the Tacoma has grown, there’s now room for a true light-duty compact truck in Toyota’s lineup. It wouldn’t need big power or the ability to go off-road, just a small utility bed and decent mileage like the A-BAT. A new name would probably help, too.

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There was a big to do made about the company when their systems started being integrated into certain rental cars from Avis. But now they’ve taken it a step further with a new agreement with a chain of car dealerships in California that will now install the hardware for you in your new car.
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The 340-km/h G-POWER HURRICANE is based on the latest BMW M5. At the heart of the high-performance sedan is a five-liter V10 engine with G-POWER EVO II supercharging system that delivers 730 hp / 537.3 kW.

To achieve the desired increase in power output of 223 hp / 164 kW for the fast-revving engine that normally produces 507 hp / 373 kW, G-POWER, in cooperation with ASA Automotive, has developed a high-tech supercharging system. The system uses one belt-driven ASA T1-12 compressor for each cylinder bank.

Contrary to conventional mechanical chargers that waste a large portion of the additional power on being driven themselves, the ASA compressor has an efficiency rate of up to 80 percent. The ASA charger is also small, which allows G-POWER to install two of them in the tight confines of the M5 engine bay.

With a maximum airstream volume of up to 1,200 kg per hour per cylinder bank the compressors are designed for an even higher power output. Boost pressure is limited to 0.5 bars.
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At this year’s Bay Area Faire, several people asked me, in the spirit of the “junkbot,” why I didn’t try using more of the mouse in the build. So I came home and built one using two mouse balls as wheels. The resulting robo-mouse looked really cool (jacked up like a Funny Car), but the wheels were so heavy and the axle holes were not perfectly aligned. That slight deviation resulted in lots of vibration, which eventually, basically shook the bot to pieces. Fun to watch (“hey look, it’s a vibrobot!”), but short-lived. Using the scroll wheels might be a better solution.

While we’re talking Mousey, I discovered another hack that worked out really well at Maker Faire Austin. At the Bay Area Faire, Mouseys were screaming off into the crowd and getting stepped on (like a real mouse, these robo-rodents are super-fast). So I made one with round servo link horns as wheels. They’re hard, slick nylon. The resulting lost traction was just enough to slow the mouse down so that folks could see it in action but not so zippy that it would make make for the exit (which, BTW, one of the mousebots over at the Solarbotics display actually did — heading for the brightest light source, which was the open front doors of the Maker Store).
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Porsche announced the launch of its high-performance sports car ‘New 911 GT2′ model in Korea market.

The New 911 GT2 is powered by 3.6 liter rear engine with 530 horse power and 6-speed manual transmission. It can accelerate from o to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 329km/h. Sugested price starts from 295,000,000(KRW).
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Nissan presented its all-new fifth-generation supercar ‘GT-R’ in North American during LA Auto Show 2007.

The Nissan GT-8 features an all-new 3.8 liter twin turbo V6 engine producing 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The engine is backed by a six-speed dual-clutch transaxle with paddle shifters, manual and automatic mode.

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