Volvo S60

Volvo's latest 3-series rival photographed

The Volvo S60, only previously seen in concept form has been snapped (but only just) on a road in England.

The heavily disguised prototype doesn’t give away much about the car but it is expected to look like a slightly toned down version of the S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Motor Show.

Onboard technology will include Volvo’s Collision Warning With Full Auto Brake. Several cameras will sense if the car is about to have a collision and will then take evasive action. The S60 also comes with a pedestrian detection system that can sense and avoid pedestrians.

Expect power to come from a fuel-efficient 1.6-litre turbo mated to a dual-clutch transmission. More details will be confirmed as the S60 approaches its expected release date in 2010.

New Volvo S60

Concept car previewing 2010 S60 saloon replacement

Volvo has revealed pictures of its S60 saloon concept. The car which will appear at the January 2009 Detroit motor show and give major hints as to what to expect from the 2010 S60, which is only the second version of the saloon - the outgoing car will be a decade old by the time it is superceded.

It has remained on sale virtually unchanged thanks to its well proportioned looks but also due to Volvo pushing funds towards developing a more expansive range - including a new S40, V70, the C30 hatchback/coupe and the all-new XC60 SUV. The bigger XC90 will also be over ten years old by the time it is replaced as the brand concentrates on developing the new S60.

If it looks anything like this concept, Volvo will be onto a winner. Although the suicide rear doors are destined to be lost, the four-door coupe looks, in the same vein as the VW Passat CC, would be sure to stand out alongside more traditional saloon rivals such as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4.

The lines that sweep from the headlights to the back of the car are inspired by Swedish coastlines, apparently, while Volvo says the car will deliver a sporty drive like no other Volvo before. Fingers crossed...

GM will equip Chevy Equinox with fuel-saving technology

General Motors' revamped Chevrolet Equinoxcrossover will carry direct-injection engine technology across the line, boosting fuel economy in the base model while delivering the same amount of horsepower.

The move will contribute to GM's goal of equipping most of its North American vehicles with direct injection. In the 2010 model year, GM says it will have 18 vehicles with the technology, including the Equinox, which goes on sale next summer.

The feature increases performance while curbing fuel consumption and emissions. GM plans to show the 2010 Equinox next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

The base version will be powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 180 hp, about the same as the current V-6, GM said in a statement. The automaker expects that vehicle to deliver 30 mpg in highway driving. There is no four-cylinder 2009 model. The current Equinox has an EPA fuel-economy rating of 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

A 3.0-liter, direct-injected V-6 will be optional. That engine is rated at 255 hp. It will replace a 185-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 built in China that dates to the 1970s.

GM Powertrain spokesman Tom Read said the new V-6 will be built at GM's St. Catharines,Ontario, plant. The four-cylinder engine will be made at the former Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn.

New look for Lincoln's MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ was restyled and re-engineered for the 2010 model year. The most striking change is the large split grille with tall vertical fins, key elements of Lincoln's new design language. Richer-looking materials and a higher level of fit and finish highlight the redesigned interior. The car debuted last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales begin in the first quarter of 2009.

Inileev Admits Lack Of Edge

TASHKENT – Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev admitted that his side may have lacked a cutting edge against Singapore on Saturday following their big win against the Lions earlier in the week.

The Uzbeks become the first team to reach the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers thanks to substitute Alexander Geynrikh, who scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time. But their 1-0 win at the MHSK Stadium was a far cry from the 7-3 victory they recorded in Singapore six days earlier.

“I was worried before tonight’s game because we scored seven goals in our first match and I thought that the players might underestimate how strong the Singapore team are,” said Inileev.

“I’m sure that our opponents did not deserve to suffer such a big defeat and it’s always difficult to play with team which you beat easily just one week ago as you lose some motivation and concentration.

“It was tough match and we were lucky to win this time.

“Singapore played attacking football in the first match but they totally changed their tactics today and played a defensive game which made them very difficult to break down.

“But Alexander Geynrikh proved he worth coming on as a substitute. I’m happy that he became our hero in this match and scored the crucial goal.”

Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic admitted that his team had learnt their lesson from their heavy defeat earlier in the week.

“We learned enough from our last match,” said the Serbian.

“We analyzed all aspects of Uzbekistan’s team play and we realized that it is very dangerous to play open football against them.

“We paid strong attention to our defence but unfortunately, they broke through and we lost again.

“I do not believe that Lebanon can beat Saudi Arabia and I believe that we may have missed our chance of qualifying. However, we will continue to battle in our upcoming games.”