Frankfurt Preview: Euro Spec 2010 Kia Sorento SUV

The all-new, second-generation Sorento SUV will have its European debut alongside the facelifted Cee'd at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, Kia announced today. Featuring a all-new unitary monocoque set up instead of the current model's ladder-frame chassis, the new Sorento promises to offer sharper driving dynamics and greater body control. Furthermore, at 4,685 mm long, the seven-seater SUV is also bigger than its predecessor while Kia claims that its drag coefficient is now 0.38, down from 0.43

The Korean automaker has yet to release full details on the European market line up, but Kia said that it expects the all-new 2.2-litre diesel unit to be the most popular engine choice in Europe. The new diesel produces 197 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque, and will be offered with either a six-speed manual or Kia's all-new world-class six-speed automatic transmission.

Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe said: "With the new Kia Sorento, we have created an all-new, 'Highline Cruiser' that we believe offers buyers the benefits of an exciting all-rounder with a much broader appeal."

"Kia engineers have ditched the original Sorento's body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new monocoque bodyshell – achieving a weight loss of up to 215 kg, greatly improving fuel economy and contributing to a more controlled ride than expected from a 4x4," Vainamo added.

Sales of the new Sorento are expected to start in most European markets towards the end of 2009 while the UK will get the SUV in February 2010.

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe and Convertible get New 500HP 3.8-liter Engine

Porsche has whisked the covers off its new is 911 Turbo coupe and convertible models, which boast an all-new 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine rated at 500 horsepower. Believe it or not, this is the first entirely new engine in the 35 year history of the Turbo. The previous 911 Turbo was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six cranking out 480Hp and 620Nm of torque.

Based on the same 3.8-liter flat-six found on the facelifted 911 Carrera S models, the new engine comes with features such as Direct Fuel Injection and twin turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.

Furthermore, as an option, the new six-cylinder may be combined for the first time with Porsche's seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (that's Double-Clutch Gearbox) that can be specified with steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifts. The 911 Turbo is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

According to 'das' Germans, the new Turbo goes from zero to 100 km/h in 3,4 seconds and on to a top speed of 312 km/h or 194 mph.

Aside from the all-new powertrain, Porsche said that the updated Turbo benefits from further improvements in driving dynamics and detailed enhancement of the PTM fully controlled all-wheel drive and PSM Porsche Stability Management systems.

As with the rest of the 911 range, the Turbo receives mild styling tweaks that include new front and rear lights and minor changes in the interior.

The new model will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show from 17 - 27 September with sales of both Coupe and Cabriolet variants starting in Europe at the end of November. The Euro base price without value-added tax and national specifications is €122,400 for the Coupe and €131,800 for the drop-top model.

More Official Photos and Details on 2010 Kia Cee'd Facelift

Kia has released new photos of the facelifted Cee'd that include the first shots of the Sport Wagon model as well as some additional details on the mechanical upgrades. The new Cee'd range is distinguished by the new front fascia that falls in line with Kia's new family looks while the tail lights and rear bumper have also been revised.

In the interior, design refinements include a newly styled steering wheel, all-red instrument illumination, a subtly redesigned centre console with new audio systems, plus dual-zone climate control air-conditioning.

The Korean automaker revealed that its Opel Astra and Renault Megane challenger gets a fully-revised suspension set-up while numerous engine tweaks help cut emissions cut by five per cent across the entire line-up.

The 2010MY Cee'd also sees the introduction of a new Eco-Dynamics version powered by an all-new 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine with Kia's "Intelligent Stop and Go" system coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The facelifted Cee'd range will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales set to begin across Europe in the beginning of October.