Auction: 1935 Bentley 3.5 Litre

We've seen our fair share of auto auctions over the years. At this point, it takes something truly rare and truly unique to catch our eye. The car in question has to be more than four wheels and a beautifully engineered engine, which explains why we're all riled over word that a 1935 Bentley 3 ½ Liter Saloon will be auctioned off by Historics at Brooklands. Yes, the car itself is something special. It wears a unique Flying B hood ornament – one of only three ever created – and has extensive documentation following nearly every mile on the odometer, but that's not what makes this particular lot so interesting.

You see, the car is being sold along with complete ownership of Freestone & Webb – the company that originally built the Bentley's special body way back when. The company is being auctioned off with neither assets nor debt, so the winning buyer will essentially have rights to the name alone. The coachbuilder hasn't built anything since closing its doors for good in 1958.

The Bentley and Freestone & Webb will be sold alongside a total of 65 other classics on June 2.

via:autoblog




Press Release

Classic Bentley to be auctioned, complete with free ownership of the company that built it

75 years after it was coach-built to the highest standards of the day, a 1935 Bentley will be auctioned at Brooklands on June 2 with a unique, free 'accessory' - ownership of the British coach-building company that created it.

Billed as one of the finest examples of its kind, the fine 1935 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon is a jewel amongst 65 other fine classic and collector cars offered by specialist auction company, Historics at Brooklands.

Valued at between £75,000 - £90,000, the Bentley is offered by Historics with a comprehensive array of diaries documenting it's many trips in great detail. It is adorned with a single winged 'B' radiator mascot; believed to be one of only three examples of the experimental design ever produced, whilst the company which originally built the bespoke bodywork and interior of the car - Freestone & Webb - has even greater rarity value.

The renowned British coachbuilder was formed in 1923 by V.E. Freestone and A.J. Webb and, at its height, was producing 15 Rolls-Royces and Bentleys a year with exquisite hand-crafted bodywork and interiors. Freestone & Webb regularly exhibited at the London Motor Show and, for nine consecutive years, its excellence in the industry was recognised with the Gold Medal in the Private Coachbuilders competition.

Following the death of Webb in 1955, the company was taken over by HR Owen and continued to build bodies until 1958, after which the name was shelved.

The car's vendor discovered and acquired the company name and registered the limited company in 1990. It is now offered, together with the Bentley, as asset and debt free, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own not only a fine motor car, but also an iconic piece of British automotive coachbuilding history.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the evening of June 2, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk. Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the evening.

3-litre Bentley Saloon.

Christened 'The Silent Sports Car', the chassis of the 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon was built from September 1933 in Derby alongside Rolls-Royce – and indeed designed under the influence of Sir Henry Royce - earning its moniker, in part, to excellent handling characteristics and a top speed of 97mph when adorned with the lightweight bodywork.

Despite early examples of the Bentley 3 ½ litre costing around £1,500, the unique blend of style, grace and performance proved popular amongst the inter-war elite, with over 70% of the cars built between 1933 and 1939 said to be still in existence some 80 years on.

A small selection of the 65 fine motorcars consigned to the first Historics of Brooklands auction on Wednesday, June 2, includes the following. Please visit
http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/online-catalogue.aspx for the full consigned list of vehicles.

High res photographs are available of all vehicles

1930 Bentley 4.5 litre Vanden Plas Tourer

A beautifully presented 1931 Bentley 4.5 litre boasts a well-documented and wonderful history, a fabulous finish with the correct engine and period-style supercharger. Examples of these important cars rarely come to the market, and a high level of international interest is expected £625,000 - £775,000

1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

Very original, four owners from new, long-term owner since mid 80's
£110,000-£145,000

1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

Discovered in a barn after 20 years and recently re-commissioned
£48,000-£50,000

1987 Aston Martin Zagato Volante

Extremely rare, 1 of 37
£45,000-£60,000

1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

Body by Thrupp & Maberly. Engine, body and interior restored
£130,000-£155,000

1955 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Stunning body on uprated XK140 chassis
£45,000-£55,000

1937 MG TA Special

All aluminium body, built to very high spec, demonstrated at Le Mans Classic 2004
£25,000-£35,000

1937 MG TA

Well-known 'Team Rosbif' racing T-Type. Raced extensively from early sixties onwards in the UK and Europe
£23,000-£28,000

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Imported to the UK in early 1960's
£12,000-£18,000

1969 Chevrolet Camaro 396 SS Convertible

Genuine numbers-matching 396SS in restored condition
£30,000-£40,000
1968 Ford Escort AVO Rally

Absolutely correct period rally car, beautifully restored.
£35,000-£45,000

1939 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith by Mulliner & Co

A stunning Razor-Edge saloon with a 6,000 hour restoration.
£30,000-£40,000

Tesla to partner with Toyota to Build Electric Vehicle

Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors have announced that they intend to cooperate on the production of electric-vehicles, parts and production system and engineering support. Toyota will purchase a $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned IPO.

Toyota will invest $50 million for a private placement of Tesla common stock and the state of California will provide a sales tax abatement to Tesla for capital equipment expenditures to tool up the plant. Musk estimated that the abatement will amount to about $20 million over the next several years.

The NUMMI - New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. - plant located in Fremont, only 17 miles from Tesla's new headquarters, ceased operations on April 1 after producing its last car, a red Toyota Corolla S believed to be destined for a museum in Japan.

The first car to roll of the production line will be Tesla's Model S electric sedan which costs around $57,400. While Tesla will still be late to the game when compared to the LEAF or the Volt, this amps up the company's reputation ten-fold. For a recent study just named Toyota as one of the top three companies consumers would buy an EV from.




Press Release

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Intend to Work Jointly on EV Development, TMC to Invest in Tesla

May 20, 2010 - Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. - Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.

The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla's common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla's currently planned initial public offering.

"I sensed the great potential of Tesla's technology and was impressed by its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota's approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that 'venture business spirit,' and take on the challenges of the future."

"Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla," said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. "We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota's legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise."

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of "contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles," and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.


Tesla Motors Announces Factory in Northern California
Silicon Valley factory will become the home of the Model S sedan

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world.

It is capable of producing half a million vehicles per year or approximately 1 percent of total worldwide car production. The award-winning plant was the birthplace of the vaunted Toyota Production System, a widely copied system that lead to dramatic quality improvements and unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and worker satisfaction.

The Model S is expected to be the first pure electric premium sedan and is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the electric vehicle architecture. The sedan, which Tesla unveiled in March 2009, has an anticipated base price of $49,900, including a federal tax credit, and is intended to deliver the foremost design and technology in the automotive world. With an optional extended-range battery pack, the Model S will travel over 300 miles per charge.

The factory is located in the city of Fremont near Northern California's Silicon Valley, very near Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters. The location means Tesla can hire best-in-class engineers in Silicon Valley. The short distance also ensures a tight feedback loop between engineering, manufacturing and other divisions within the company.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Toyota produced its last car there just last month. Tesla began discussions to acquire the site this spring, when it was also evaluating opportunities in Downey and Long Beach. The turnkey nature of the facility with its recent production of top quality vehicles and its considerable room for expansion made it stand out from other sites.

New York Auto Show: 2011 Kia Optima [Video]

The new 2011 Kia Optima / Magentis was unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

The 2011 Kia Optima will offer customers a choice of three powertrains: a 200-horsepower 2.4-liter gasoline direct-injection four-cylinder engine, a 274-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder and, in calendar-year 2011, a 2.4-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system. The base LX model features a six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed Sportmatic automatic with paddle shifters is available on all models.

The Optima comes in three trims, LX, EX and SX. The LX starts with chrome-tipped exhaust, solar glass and 16-inch wheels. The EX adds fog lamps, heated mirrors, chrome or body-colored door handles and 17-inch wheels. The SX further loads on upgraded lights with HID technology front and LED rear, unique front grille design, rear lip spoiler, red brake calipers and 18-inch wheels.

Kia offers upgrades for the EX and SX trims such as power panoramic sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel for additional interior refinement.





Press Release

• Midsize Sedan Offers a New Level of Style and Performance Features from
  Kia
• Three all-new powertrains, including turbo and Kia's first-ever hybrid
  offer class- leading power and fuel economy
• Segment-leading premium amenities and technology features

NEW YORK, April 1, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally unveiled
the all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan at the New York International Auto
Show. Arriving in showrooms in early fall, the next generation Optima
continues Kia's design-led transformation while revealing a completely new
and stunning design language for Kia, highlighted by a dynamic and
streamlined profile that conveys elegance and athletic confidence from every
angle. Optima's groundbreaking spirit continues under the hood and inside
the cabin with the introduction of three new powertrains – including the
brand's first-ever hybrid in the U.S. (available in 2011) – which deliver
class-leading power1 and fuel economy while the latest technology features
and luxury amenities are available at the touch of a button or a simple
voice command.

Designed at Kia's studios in Frankfurt and Irvine, Calif., the all-new
Optima is longer, wider and lower than the vehicle it replaces and is based
on an all-new midsize platform that allowed for distinctive dimensions and
proportions in the segment1 while also providing a unique canvas for Kia's
global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else
in the segment.

"The all-new Optima is a new strand in Kia's growing design DNA with a blend
of simple and fluid lines and elegant but uncomplicated shapes that draw the
attention of the eye in much the same fashion as a perfectly-tailored fine
Italian suit," said Peter Schreyer, chief design officer, Kia Motors
Corporation. "From the distinctive sweeping chrome accent that stretches
through the C pillars to the sleek greenhouse and flared wheel arches, every
inch of the Optima projects a distinguished and refined style and extreme
attention to detail."

The all-new Optima also employs engine management systems like direct
injection and turbocharging to help bring performance to the brand without
sacrificing fuel efficiency. Its smooth-flowing lines speak of grace and
style and offer a strong hint of European luxury.

Sleek and Streamlined Exterior

The 2011 Optima projects a high-performance yet elegant image with its
unique silhouette and sleek stance that builds upon Kia Motors' philosophy
of creating high quality and dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The
striking face of Optima features Kia's signature bold tabbed grille that is
surrounded by projector headlamps. Longer, wider and lower than before,
Optima's coupe-like profile is enhanced by a sweeping chrome arc that flows
from the A through C pillars, a distinctive design motif that visually
lowers the car further and enhances its proportions. Optima's roofline
connects with its high and pronounced shoulder line that leads to its
sculpted flanks and extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a
raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular stance.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, the 2011 Optima offers numerous
standard features. The LX includes dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar
glass, outside mirror turn signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels fitted
with 205/65R16 tires. Upgrading to the EX offers standard fog lights, heated
outside mirrors, exterior chrome/body-color door handles along with 17-inch
alloy wheels with P215/55/R17 tires. Moving up to the athletic SX adds HID
headlights with auto leveling, LED rear combination lights, unique front
grille design, rear lip spoiler, sculpted side sills, aero wiper blades, red
brake calipers and 18-inch black machined finish alloy wheels furnished with
P225/45R18 tires, achieving a true performance look.

Luxuriously Equipped Interior

From the moment the door opens, Optima presents an immediate sense of a
driver's car. The instrument panel is contoured toward the driver to suggest
a cockpit feel with precise gauges and controls for an overall sport
performance experience without sacrificing comfort or roominess. Paddle
shifters behind the steering wheel convey that Optima is built for people
who are passionate about cars. A high console with a short shifter adds to
the cockpit perception while an available panoramic sunroof provides an
open-air feeling. Offering occupants both space and comfort with a number of
standard convenience features, the sedan's chic cabin unifies with the
exterior design by welcoming its passengers with lean and ergonomic seat
design and effective storage throughout. Modern standard features such as
six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, illuminated
vanity mirrors and a trip computer further expand the cabin's luxurious
qualities.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology features
also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system
with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary
service. Also standard on all trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks
for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth® wireless technology
connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable
hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

Additional standard interior features include a tilt/telescopic steering
column, power door locks, power windows, sun visor extension and an
air-conditioned glove box. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide
comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple
seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.
Optima LX with automatic transmission features cruise control and an active
EcoMinder® indicator for optimal fuel efficient driving.

Optima EX comes well-equipped and offers premium standard features,
including the UVO powered by Microsoft® infotainment system with rear-view
camera, push button-start ignition with smart key, dual-zone automatic air
conditioning with rear vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift
knob, auto-dimming rear view mirror with Homelink® and compass, auto light
control, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down and eight-way
power driver's seat, lighted glovebox, rear reading lamps, floor mats and
chrome door handles.

For consumers looking for even more sporty appeal, the Optima SX adds unique
black leather woven seat trim, black interior trim with carbon insert film
and metal accent, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, center fascia
and meter housing, soft trim with French seams, steering wheel paddle
shifters, metal pedals and lighted metal door scuff plates.

Available upgrades for the Optima EX and SX trims include a power panoramic
sunroof, leather seat trim, memory driver's seat, heated and cooled front
seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel for additional interior
refinement. Luxuriously appointed features, including an Infinity® 5.1
surround sound audio system with HD Radio®, and eight speakers delivering in
excess of 500-watts of system power and voice-activated navigation system
with a seven-inch screen enhance the cabin for audiophiles or those who seek
the latest superior quality technology for a modern driving experience.

All-New Advanced Platform

The 2011 Optima is distinctive, right down to its all-new platform. Optima's
low, lean and powerful stance is assisted through its overall length of
190.7 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous model. Optima is
built on a platform with an overall width of 72 inches and wheelbase of 110
inches, an increase of 2.9 inches, and has a low ground clearance of 5.3
inches for enhanced aerodynamics. Optima's lightweight design uses
high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength while also
achieving high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and
refinement. Additional measures to help ensure good noise vibration and
harshness (NVH) reduction qualities are fitted throughout the Optima.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes independent
front and rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front
with a multi-link layout in the rear and are both joined with coil springs
and front anti-roll bars to engage drivers with responsive handling and
provide the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

Class-Leading Efficient and Powerful Engines

The 2011 Optima is available in three all-new and fuel-efficient Theta II
powerplants, a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine or
a 2.4-liter hybrid. The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower and
upgrading to the available 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX model) delivers
V6-type power with a four-cylinder engine that produces 274 horsepower1,
while mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This represents Kia's
first application of GDI technology, while a 2.4-liter hybrid Optima will be
introduced in 2011. All automatics feature Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting.
A single six-speed manual transmission is available only with the LX
four-cylinder model.

Safety-Minded

The 2011 Optima is equipped with a high level of standard safety features,
as is the rest of the Kia line-up. This includes six airbags (dual advanced
front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain),
front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front
seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for
all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS),
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake
Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Competitive Warranty

The 2011 Optima is covered by Kia's warranty program, which offers
unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a
10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile
limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation
warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of
the vehicle coverage.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which
has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important
segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued
gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several
other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its
momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation,
quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as the UVO
powered by Microsoft® advanced hands-free in-car communication and
entertainment system (to be available in select Kia models in the U.S.
beginning in summer 2010). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the
official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled at Kia's
first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further
enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

2011 Kia Optima Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

Overall Length: 190.7 inches

Width: 72.0 inches

Height: 57.3 inches

Wheel base: 110.0 inches

Interior Dimensions

Front Headroom: 40.0 inches

Rear Headroom: 37.6 inches

Front Legroom: 45.5 inches

Rear Legroom: 34.6 inches

Powertrain

2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder: 200 hp

2.0-liter GDI turbo four-cylinder (SX): 274 hp1

2.4-liter hybrid (early 2011 availability)

Transmission

6-speed Manual

6-speed Automatic w/ Sportmatic® shifting

Wheels & Tires

Wheels: 16-inch (LX), 17-inch (EX), 18-inch (Optional on EX, standard on SX)

Tires: 205/65R16, P215/55R17, 225/45R18

New York Auto Show: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport

Suzuki had just debuted the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport production version , scheduled to go on sale in the US this August, at this year's New York International Auto Show .

The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport offers various styling options including a new front fascia with chrome accents, side sill extensions, lower body side molding with chrome accents and a trunk mounted spoiler. The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport sits on 18-inch alloy wheels and has a 10 mm lowered ride height.

The suspension changes, it seems, are the extent of the mechanical upgrades gifted to the Kizashi Sport. Power still comes from a 2.4-liter DOHC I-4, which is rated at 185 horsepower, and 170 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, although a continuously variable transmission is optional (and mandatory if all-wheel-drive is ordered). Selecting the CVT drops the engine's output to 180 horsepower.

At the interior the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport gets a sport steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, new stitching for the leather seats, and various other upgrades.

The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport price will get announced as the sale date approaches.






Press Release

American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) arrives in Manhattan - a city known for and populated by its many imports - for the global introduction of its 2011 Kizashi Sport at this year's New York International Auto Show. Offered exclusively on Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels, Suzuki's new 'Sport' variant of its sleek and sophisticated sport sedan is scheduled to go on sale in the United States this August. Pricing for the all-new 2011 Kizashi Sport will be announced closer to the vehicle's arrival in dealer showrooms.

"We've been thrilled with an enthusiastic reaction to the 2010 Kizashi, and we look forward to offering sport sedan buyers the newest iteration of our stylish sport sedan later this year," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "The Kizashi Sport provides us with an opportunity to build on the sport sedan's short-term accomplishments and further engage driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable alternative to luxury performance vehicles."

Based on the recently introduced 2010 Kizashi (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee"), already acclaimed for its near-luxury content and Euro-tuned platform, the 2011 Kizashi Sport moves the excitement meter upward with a host of external mods. These include a more muscular front fascia (with chrome accents) and lower grille, body side sill extensions, lower body side molding with chrome accents, a trunk mounted spoiler, custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride height for a combination of better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity for enhanced grip and sharper handling.

Inside, the new Kizashi gets a distinctive designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip and contrasting stitching on the leather seats, shifter boot and emergency brake boot (when equipped with black leather interior). Interior upgrades speak to the Kizashi's sporting intent, with form-fitting sport seats and driver-centric cockpit.
2010 Kizashi

The 2010 Kizashi is available in four trim levels, ranging from the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 for FWD and $21,899 for AWD, to the luxuriously appointed SLS model ranging from $24,499 for FWD M/T to $26,899 for AWD Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Prices do not include the $735 destination and handling charge.
2010 SX4 SportBack

In addition, Suzuki will showcase America's most affordable "Hot Hatch", the all-new 2010 Suzuki SX4 SportBack. Sharing its base configuration with the all-wheel-drive SX4 Crossover, the SX4 SportBack offers an all-new 2.0-liter engine delivering 150 horsepower with its standard six-speed manual transmission. For those with a preference for action with less interaction, a performance-tuned CVT (with paddle shifters) is optional. Suzuki's new hot hatch also features an aero package, larger rear, fog lamps, spoiler, lower ride package (when compared to the SX4 Crossover) with KYB performance shocks, keyless start, stability control, all-new instrument cluster and a class-exclusive standard navigation system.
2010 Suzuki Auto Product Line

Suzuki Auto's versatile line of vehicles includes the spirited four-door SX4 Sport, all-wheel-drive five-door SX4 Crossover, refined Grand Vitara compact SUV, award-winning Equator pickup truck and all-new 2010 Kizashi and SX4 SportBack. Every vehicle in the line provides Suzuki's standout virtues of durability, leading-edge style and high-end features at very competitive prices. All 2010 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.
About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corp. (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 350 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2009, SMC sold more than 2.3 million new cars and trucks and more than 2.8 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).