Sports Vehicle

Fuel Efficient Cars

2011-11-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Find and compare the most fuel efficient vehicles based on vehicle class, engine size, miles per gallon (mpg), fuel type, green vehicle rating, and more data from. Fuel efficient cars choosing fuel efficient cars can save you quite a bit of money at the pump chase auto finance has the facts about fuel efficient vehicles, plus tips to increase fuel. Stingiest sippers: the 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in the u s stingiest sippers: the 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in the u s your leanest and greenest weapons with which to battle the $4 gallon. Fuel-efficient vehicles drive ford sales toronto ford motor company of canada had its best june sales in 22 years as consumers flocked to more fuel-efficient vehicles last month in the face of high gas. Top 25 used fuel-efficient cars - cars.com fuel-efficient cars: the best and the worst : the following cars are the most fuel-efficient 2008 model year vehicles, as determined by the epa.

Alternative fuel & fuel-efficient cars - yahoo autos green cars guide to the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles available for sale in the u s market. Fuel-efficient vehicles news, photos and video - kfor find the top used fuel-efficient cars on cars.com. Australia s most fuel efficient car now even more efficient read about the best fuel efficient cars and learn how to get the best gas mileage from your vehicle msn autos provides the latest fuel economy news. Fuel-efficient cars - the best and the worst melbourne, australia oct 28, 2011: australia s most fuel efficient car, the ford fiesta econetic, is now even more fuel efficient courtesy of the.

Fuel efficient cars with gas prices flirting with all time highs and the economy going who knows where, who isn t looking to save money on gas it s a common misconception that older. Fuel efficient cars mpgomatic - where gas mileage matters in years past, small cars rightfully carried the stigma of being unsafe they were no match for the larger suvs on the road in a crash and too inexpensive to have. Bing: fuel efficient cars search results. Ten most fuel-efficient cars of 2011 the epa has listed the ten most fuel-efficient 2011 cars on sale in america -- but are they cars you would actually want to drive this list of the ten most fuel. Clean & fuel efficient cars reference compare reviews & ratings mpgomatic dishes out on 25 years of the most fuel efficient cars sold in america 40 mpg is just a starting point.

How to upkeeping your car

2011-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

A lot of people don t fully understand the importance of tires to the safety of your car or truck tires should be a top priority any time of year, after all they re. How to install infiniti g35 and g37 cold air intake - tampa bay kit car and replicar enthusiasts truly wring the most out of their sports car hobby by playing the roles of both end-user and manufacturer. Howstuffworks sports cars of the 1980s kimini: how to design and build a mid-engine sports car - from scratch by kurt bilinski: this book teaches you how to design and build your own sports car - from scratch. How to build your own sports car the mohair soft top roof of a convertible car needs a lot of care and attention to keep it looking new this article provides tips and advice on how to care for your. How to reform health care - thestar.com get advice and support on how to learn how to take care of my car, and other life goals.

How to fix rust spots on a car - instructables - make, how to, and diy autogeek.net at autogeek, we are car care autogeek has the best car wax, car care products, and auto detailing supplies to give your vehicle the perfect show. Kimini: how to design and build a mid-engine sports car - from tire care tire maintenance tire repair tire storage dot tire registration michelin high performance sports cars need high performance tires learn more mixing tires. How to upkeep a sports car waxing your car is one of the best ways to protect the personal finance sports & fitness travel weddings red slider pet turtle feeding and care ajcc how do i. Car care specialties - quality car care products always heartwarming to see someone showing so much care and respect for a small old car and not its not a sports car just a old car.

How to choose tires car wash with care washing & waxing your car watch for windshield splats on your next road trip keeping it simple: straight talk about dressings for rubber, plastic and vinyl. Learn how to take care of my car - list your goals on 43 things sports entertainment life travel columns blogs more autos the story has become too familiar: health-care spending here they are: the 11 best new cars for 2012. Engine detailing, car engine cleaning, engine cleaner, engine how to care for guinea pigs - in this pet video marc car shows models & reviews motorcycles off road repairs softball tennis triathlon volleyball water sports others. How to care for an orphaned kitten or newborn: caring for kittens new car care tips for your kia like all cars, your brand-new kia has a break-in period, during which you should drive it gently and with extra care. How to make your car spic and span a thing for cars search results.

Sport Cars

2011-11-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

What is a sports car by jean-francois ingenbleek universitd libre de bruxelles and jean lemaire wharton school, university of pennsylvania abstract principal. Charlottesville - sports car rentals & sales - classic sports cars sports cars: an overview it s hard to find someone who doesn t like sports cars while other cars are about mundane tasks like getting to work, hauling cargo, and. Sports vehicle 2sportscars.com offers an online database with pictures, specifications, wallpapers and deals on all different types of sports cars. Bmw, chevrolet, audi, & other sports car listings a-c get the facts on driving a cool sports car right here on am. Sports car sports cars, includes concept cars, supercars and exotic sports car pictures and performance specifications.

Sports car questions, answers, news, images and info chacha sports cars listed by make cars by bmw, chevrolet, audi, cadillac, chrysler and more browse through the sports car list to read specs on the fastest sports cars. Sports vehicle vehicle name : class : list price : aston martin virage (2012) exotics: $208,295 - $223,295: audi r8 (2012) exotics: $114,200 - $196,800: audi s4 (2012) high-performance. Sports car rentals australia - sports car hire, rent a car performance parts from all the top manufacturers d on s sport will advise you on the right components to meet your budget and build your dream buggy or baja, hot. Bing: sports vehicle search results.

Sports cars, fast cars, cool cars, exotic hot cars pictures specs you can found a lot of sport cars here, including ferrari, bugatti, lamborghini, porsche, rolls-royce, lotus, bmw, mercedes-benz, mitsubishi. Sports car buying guide get information on new sports cars including rebates, sports car pictures, pricing and more the motor trend new car buyer s guide can help you find your next. How to drive a sports car ehow.com charlottesville sports car rental offers classic sports cars for touring the virginia countryside visit area attractions such as monticello, montpelier, ash lawn. More images of toyota ft-86 sports car leaked meticulous attention to dimensions and the placement of components help lower the sport vehicle s center of gravity to just 17 7 inches and create a dynamically ideal. Sport car ebay sports cars are geared towards an overall balance of performance that maximizes handling, acceleration and braking as opposed to a muscle car, which is focused.

Lotus Elise Sports Vehicle

2011-01-10T23:02:00.000-08:00

If your idea of a sports car is a car with 2-doors, RWD, a manual transmission and telekinetic handling all wrapped up in a curvaceous, sexy body, look no further than the Lotus Elise. Since it came to life in 1995, it has been the bench mark for a “driver's car.” This car provides the grip, poise, and performance of cars 4 times more expensive. Handling has always been the forte of Lotus, but reliability wasn't. That fear is in the past, thanks to a Toyota-sourced 1.8L engine producing a healthy 190hp. Yes you have to rev the hell out of it, and it won't win the Texas Mile, but this car is neither for idling around town or doing high speed highway runs. Canyons, road courses, Auto X; these places are the Elise's natural habitat.

The MSRP on an Elise if $47,250, and for that money you get a lot. Here's a few of the names that will be on your spec sheet; Brembo, AP, Eibach, Bilstein and Advan. Those names some of the best in the business when it comes to making cars stop, turn and stick. It's no wonder these cars feel like they have tires made out of Gorilla Glue. With that MSRP, we had very little room for options, so we went with what we felt would heighten the driving experience even more; the LSD. Let's face it, if you buy an Elise, even with an unlimited budget you won't be building a comfortable coupe that bathes you in serenity and gadgets. It's a car, and nothing more. It will have a heater fan, if you're lucky. This is a bare-bones car meant for one thing; driving. The LSD ($1,790) just makes the car do its thing a little bit better. For $49,000 you won't find anything with the looks of an exotic and the handling to match.

The Mini Cooper Sports Vehicle

2011-01-10T22:46:00.000-08:00

The Mini Cooper is one of the best cars available today. Sure it's FWD and half the size of Oprah's thigh, but it does so many things so well it is far more than a simple sub-compact. For over 50 years the Mini has combined cute looks with great handling, a pint-sized exterior and a cavernous interior. It can take 4 people-with luggage-on a road trip yet manage to park in spots deemed too tiny for a Honda Civic. And it does all of that while having more charm than almost anything on the road. They also drive like a mini bat-out-of-hell. To reach our price point we had to pull out all the stops and go for the Cooper S JCW Edition. “Aw gee, you mean I have to order the best Mini they make? Rats.”

Starting at $28,800 the JCW Mini has a supercharged inline-4 making 208hp/193ft lbs., sling-shotting this pebble to 60mph in 6.2 seconds. With serious suspension, brake, and TC tweaks, the JCW Edition is the ultimate Mini. A Mini Cooper S turned up to 12. The ability to customize your Mini is something BMW promoted from day 1, and they still have it down in spades. What material would you like around your gauges? How about the dash, mirrors, roof, or steering wheel? What color would you like the air in the tires to be? The choices seem endless.

By adding on $17,000 worth of options (Bluetooth, red leather, NAV, stereo, carbon fiber, etc, etc etc.) we turned it into a comfortable, stylish, 100% personalized Mini that would lead the pack in any FWD hatch shootout, and give plenty of “sports cars” a serious fight on your favorite set of twisties.

Lotus Elan, Elise, Elite, Esprit Hollywood photo gallery

2010-12-29T05:40:00.000-08:00

Lotus has given the motoring world an early Christmas present with a bundle of new images of its stunning concept creations on location at a Hollywood beach.

Lotus unveiled the Elan, Elise, Elite and Esprit concepts at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October, and announced all four models would be gradually rolled off the production line between now and 2015.

The Elan concept is powered by a 331kW/465Nm 4.0-litre V6 and is capable of racing from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Elan includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an optional KERS hybrid system, which helps keeps emissions to 199g/km and pushes the 1295kg rocket on to 310km/h. It will go on sale in 2013.

The Elise concept is an equally pretty piece of machinery. Expected to hit the market in 2015, the new Elise is powered by a 235kW/330Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The sprint from 0-100km/h comes up in 4.3 seconds and the 1095kg two-seater will continue all the way to 270km/h.

The 2015 Lotus Elise will be available with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch auto, as well as an optional mild hybrid system, which uses stop/start engine technology.

Stepping up a gear is the Elite concept: a genuine four-seat sports car. Powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine and an optional hybrid system, the Elite packs 465kW of power and a slamming 720Nm of torque.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h comes up in a brisk 3.7 seconds and the top speed is a blistering 315km/h. The all-new Lotus Elite is due for release in 2014.

And finally, saving the best for last as we like to do, the Lotus Esprit concept. The two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive features the V8 from the Elite with the same power and torque figures. But with 200kg less weight to haul around, it flies from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and won’t stop until it gets to its 330km/h top speed.

Production is due to start in late in 2012 for a launch in the first half of 2013.

We can hardly wait. Until then, enjoy the pics.

Strand Craft 166 by Grey Design superyacht with supercar

2010-12-29T01:05:00.000-08:00

It’s never too late if you’ve got the cash. Looking for a last-minute Christmas present and have an account balance bigger than you know what to do with? Try this for size. It’s called the Strand Craft 166 by Grey Design and with this present the batteries supercars are included.

Grey Design is a luxury yacht maker based in Sweden and extravagance is the company’s forte. Just looking at this thing you can smell the money floating, wafting from it. From the retracting entertaining area on the bow – with its own jacuzzi, to the huge opening sunroof above the flybridge, it is the ultimate display in wealth on water.

At the back, inside the yacht’s own garage of course, sits a bespoke Grey Design supercar. A car that can only be obtained through the purchase of the yacht. It gets by with a 4.3-litre V8 engine capable of pulling the sleek coupe to 320km/h. If you don’t fancy the custom car though, Grey Design will stow a Ferrari, Lamborghini or a Koenigsegg into the garage if you’d prefer.

Getting back to the yacht though, the power behind this creation is astonishing. It uses two MTU 20V4000 M93L, turbocharged V20 diesel engines, each outputting 4300kW, and, an additional Vericor TF50 gas turbine booster engine supplementing 4177kW. So all up, the SC166 superyacht offers 12777kW of power… or about as much as 65 Ford Falcons put together. Strangely, the top speed offering isn’t all that great; just 40 knots (74km/h).

The attention to detail is equally gob-smacking. The yacht is draped in, get this, bullet-proof leather. Yep, it’s what’s called Japanese Samurai tread leather which is woven from Vectran fibre. Grey Design will cover the walls in this stuff you wish, rendering the entire cabin bullet proof. There’s also plenty of brushed aluminium and soft LED lighting throughout.

A Grey Design press release release recently summed it up perfectly, saying,

“Her low stance, enormous length and curled haunches give this vessel a dynamic aesthetic that is guaranteed to turn heads in the the most well appointed marinas.”

It sure would. Check out the video below for a digital demonstration.

BMW 3 Series Convertible Review

2010-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Drop the top, punch the throttle – you’re in aural heaven

Model Tested:

2010 BMW 335i M Sport Convertible; 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged petrol; seven-speed dual clutch transmission; two-door convertible: $133,400*

Options:

Engine, transmission, steering, front seats, quality
Handling a little soft, weight penalty over Coupe

CarAdvice Rating:

BMW makes the greatest six-cylinder engines on sale today – there, I said it. Under the bonnet of the BMW 335i Convertible lies a 3.0-litre, turbocharged, 225kW masterpiece.

Unlike the previous 335i, the new six has but one turbocharger and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), but you’d never go back to the previous twin-turbo, six-speed auto combo. The new drivetrain is virtually faultless. The engine spools up super quickly and lag-free, and produces the most heavenly snarling, growly sound. It even pops and crackes on the overrun. Wonderful stuff.

It’ll sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, and this is the heavier convertible version, too, remember. Part of its secret is the super-flat torque curve which peaks its 400Nm at a super-low 1200rpm and remains the same all the way through until 5000rpm. That means instant shove at virtually any RPM and in any gear. Indeed, dial up seventh gear and put your foot down and you’ll hear the growl and feel that surge of torque immediately. It’s as free-spinning and flexible as you can get.

It can be economical, too. BMW’s ADR testing returned a figure of just 8.8-litres/100km on the combined cycle. Driven as we did, the figure is quite a bit higher, at 13.1-litres/100km in exclusively city driving. It’s an awesome engine – it would be a crime not to exploit it.

When combined with the brilliant DCT, you get a drivetrain that is surely an instant classic. Sure there’s slight hesitation from take-off while the transmission engages – just like most dual-clutch setups – but the beauty is it can be dialled out by simply putting your foot down a bit harder when setting off. Indeed, the take-up delay depends on your urgency.

If you’re after a full-bore start, simply switch off the stability control (DSC in BMW-speak), press the sport button behind the gear selector and push the selector to the left to engage sports shift. It’s simply then a matter of slamming your foot down. The engine will rev to its limiter and immediately engage first gear – you’ll be left with two black lines as the 335i Convertible rockets up the road. It’s a good thing, then that the 335i has excellent brakes.

Driven more sedately and the DCT shifts like any normal automatic. In fact most people wouldn’t realise that it’s a DCT behind the engine, by virtue of how smoothly it shifts. Press the sport button, though and the shifts become more solid and instantaneous, which, coupled with the paddle shifters (which are the correct way – left is down, right is up) keep the driver involved and connected.

Also keeping the Stig in us interested is the 335i’s steering. It goes without saying that BMW excels in its steering setups. Thankfully, it’s a true hydraulic rack and pinion arrangement, and on the road it shows. Even around the straight ahead, every tread block tells its tale, and once taken off centre it just gets better. Some would call the steering a tad heavy, but in truth it’s the weight that’s the most satisfying, with increasing resistance the harder you turn in. Feedback is always plentiful, especially on the ragged edge.

Thing is, while it’s based on the 3 Series Coupe, the Convertible is around 210kg heavier, and the price you pay is a slightly less balanced car than its rigid-rooved sibling. It definitely handles, and feels good doing it, however it reaches understeer a bit sooner and unless you’re on the throttle and committed 100 per cent, the nose can run a bit wide. Keep your foot into it, though, and trust the steering and you’ll find you’ll push through the understeer and eventually get the tail coming around.

In the big scheme of things, there’s masses of grip from the 19-inch wheels, even in the wet, so you have to have it on a track to fully exploit its limits, but it is ultimately great fun. The suspension is a little softer than the Coupe, so the ride is firm but not too jittery on its run-flat tyres, but the softer tune also induces less scuttle shake – the 335i Convertible is eminently stiff. Even with the top down.

The 3 Series Convertible uses an electrically operated folding hard top, making opening and closing the roof a button press away. But compared to soft-top drop-tops, where you can do it on the move, you have to be completely stationary for the conversion to occur; the hinges and motors would be destroyed by the wind resistance while moving. The advantage of having a steel folding roof, though is it’s much better looking with the roof up.

At a quick glance, you’d swear it was a coupe, the only giveaway to its convertibility being the cutlines in the bodywork along the boot, and on the roof. In a dark colour, they’re almost invisible. Roof down, and it’s quiet (although not quite as quiet as Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class Cabriolet with its Aircap activated) and calm.

Front seat passengers get some of the best seats in the business with heaps of lower back support, adjustable side bolstering, under-thigh estensions and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers will have to be quite young, or very small, to be comfortable – the Merc E-Class Cabriolet’s rear pews are roomier and more enveloping, though. The other area the Merc whips the BMW is in boot space. While the roof is up, there’s not a lot in it. But with the roof stowed, the Merc’s soft top liberates much more space than the Beemer’s cramped biscuit-thin stow area.

The BMW claws back points in interior layout. There’s a fantastic flattened-honeycomb aluminium trim finish with nice plastics and soft leather. The dash is uncluttered with one of the highest resolution (and largest) infotainment screens in this segment. iDrive’s fabulous voice control is streets ahead, too. The cupholders which come out from the dash fascia are prone to knocking by a front seat passenger, however Bluetooth is hooked up in seconds, and there’s plenty of small storage spaces, including a decently sized glovebox.

If it’s heaps of space you want, then the 3 Series Convertible really isn’t what you’ll be after. However point this car in the direction of your favourite B-road and you’ll come away with a guaranteed smile. It’s more focussed than its competitors, more involving and is geared toward someone who loves their driving, but wants that open-air feeling.

Couple that with good looks, good quality and a cracking drivetrain, and you’ll find the BMW 335i Convertible stakes its claim as the driver’s car in this segment.

Aston Martin, Daimler in talks over Maybach development

2010-12-28T16:31:00.000-08:00

Aston Martin and Daimler are reportedly in talks over a deal that would see the British luxury sports car brand build future Maybach models.

According to the Financial Times, Daimler is investigating the viability of Aston Martin designing and producing the low-volume super-luxury limousine, and providing Aston with engines in return.

It is understood outsourcing the Maybach design and build process to a specialist small volume manufacturer like Aston Martin would be significantly cheaper for Daimler, and could also give the Brits access to the German’s petrol and diesel engines, and potentially other vehicle platforms.

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin unveiled the chunky, low-slung Lagonda SUV, which was based on the platform of the Mercedes-Benz GL. Rumours of a production version of the Lagonda are still far from dead, despite it being almost two years since its debut.

The Maybach name is one of the oldest in the history of the automobile, and was brought back to life as an ultra-premium brand in 2002. Sales are well below those of key competitors Bentley and Rolls-Royce, with around 300 sold in 2008 and just 200 in 2009.

Maybach currently sells three vehicle variants in Australia, with a starting price of $945,000 for the 57 model and $1,150,000 for the range-topping 62.

Meanwhile, Aston Martin has released another Christmas present of sorts, in the form of a short film featuring the V12 Vantage and the DBR1-2 LMP1 race car which competed in the Le Mans series in 2009 and 2010.

Both vehicles share the same 6.0-litre engine, producing 380kW of power and 570Nm of torque.

The footage captures the two cars together for the first time driving along a picturesque riverside road.

Arctic Trucks’ Toyota Hilux reaches South Pole

2010-12-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

We’ve seen the Toyota Hilux, modified by extreme-weather specialists Arctic Trucks, reach the North Pole, and the Icelandic volcano, (10 points if you can pronounce it) Eyjafjallajökull. Now, the Hilux has taken on the challenge of reaching the South Pole again, and in doing so, has set the bar for average speed on an expedition.

From November 10 to December 5 this year, four of the modified Hiluxes took expedition members of the Indian National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) on a 4,600 km round trip from Novo Air Base, to the South Pole, and back.

Because diesel wouldn’t survive the freezing temperatures, the Hiluxes ran on Jet 1A fuel with additional lubricants, however the 3.0-litre diesel engines remained completely stock. Considering the temperature dropped to below minus 50 degrees, the engines had to be running the entire trip and were powering additional heating equipment.

Fuel consumption for the trip might seem excessive at 41.6-litres/100km, however we’re told that this is up to eight times lower than a comparable track-equipped expedition vehicle. Each vehicle carried 1280 litres of fuel, meaning only one fuel stop was necessary – far less than is usually required.

The journey was also completed with a faster average speed than any expedition previous.

One thing’s for sure: if it’s extreme conditions you’re faced with, Arctic Trucks will be your first port of call.

Ford Motor Co. to reclaim second place in US sales

2010-12-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

Ford Motor Co. is poised to reclaim its position as the second-highest selling new vehicle brand in the US.

Ford sales have increased 21.1 percent through the first 11 months of 2010, climbing more than 300,000 units to 1,741,343.

At the same time, Toyota Motor Sales USA will slip to third by the end of this year, after battling to regain consumer confidence in the wake of the corporation’s largest ever vehicle recalls.

Toyota sales have risen just 0.2 percent in 2010 to 1,586,107 compared with the total light vehicle market in the US, which is up 11.1 percent year-to-date. The market continues to show strong signs of recovery after the GFC-driven downturn of 2009.

Ford lost second place to Toyota in 2007, but Ford Motor Co.’s market analyst, George Pipas, said it appears the Blue Oval brand will take a strong hold of the No. 2 again.

“The last time Ford gained one or more points of market share was in the ’80s,” Mr Pipas said, as reported by The Detroit News. “It’s the first time since 1993 that we have gained share in the U.S. back-to-back two years in a row.”

He said Ford expects the small car market to grow significantly in 2011 – a market that Ford US has invested heavily in with the Fiesta and new Focus.

“There’s more pent-up demand in the small vehicle market than in any other segment,” reported Bloomberg.
“The demographic shifts are very powerful. Baby boomers are not only downsizing their autos, they’re downsizing their homes.”

General Motors remains the highest selling brand in the US, and is expected to sell in excess of 2.13 million vehicles in 2010.

In total, more than 11 million light vehicles will be sold in the US in 2010. Annualised sales for December 2010 are expected to top 12 million, making it the third month in a row above that mark.

Despite the upward trend, the market is still a long way behind where it was for much of the past decade, when average annual sales were 16.8 million (between 2000 and 2007).

Looking ahead to 2011, Mr Pipas said the total market figures would be strong.

“We think sales for the year will be above 12 million, and perhaps closer to 13 million.”

Kia KV7 Concept to debut at 2011 North American International Auto Show

2010-12-28T04:23:00.000-08:00

Kia has announced it will unveil one of its latest and most interesting concept cars at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, commencing January 10, 2011.

The new car features various futuristic elements including swivel rear seats and ‘gullwing’ doors. It appears to adopt a similar design platform as the Kia Soul in dimensions and layout as well, only on this everything is more dramatic.

Full details of the car are yet to be released, but one thing’s for sure, the Kia KV7 Concept will make a big impact at the show next month. Look out for further details and images on the KV7 in the near future.

Video: 2011 Hyundai Grandeur, not coming to Australia

2010-12-27T23:51:00.000-08:00

Hyundai has released a full-length promotional video of the upcoming 2011 Hyundai Grandeur, revealing the luxury sedan in its entirety the first time.

When the first official sketches of the vehicle were released last month, Hyundai Australia said there were no plans to bring the new model here.

With the release of the video and more specifications today, Hyundai Australia’s Ben Hershman again confirmed the all-new fifth-generation Grandeur would not be part of the local arm’s line-up.

The news means the current slow-selling and largely unloved fourth-generation model will be the last of the nameplate in Australia, at least in the foreseeable future.

But while Hyundai Australia has managed to sell just 22 Grandeurs in the first 11 months of 2010, one can’t help but that feel sales of the all-new model could easily eclipse those figures, given the right packaging and pricing.

The advertisement itself was designed for the big screen, and will be displayed in ‘4D’ with wind and water spray effects to give viewers the sense that they’re behind the wheel and part of the clip.

Among the vehicle’s new features is what Hyundai calls the ‘supervision cluster’, which incorporates a modern interior with a large colour navigation screen, blue and white illuminated instrument panel and dashboard, and an automatic positioning steering wheel.

‘Advanced smart cruise control’ – a traffic monitoring, warning and autonomous braking system – also finds its way into the new model.

The Hyundai Grandeur will debut in South Korea and various export markets in the New Year.

Kia Sportage Review

2010-12-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

Although from humble origins, the new Sportage is something special

Model Tested:

2010 Kia Sportage Platinum CRDi; 2.0-litre, four cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed automatic; Five-door SUV: $38,990 Styling, build quality, space, diesel engine, competitively specced
Auto calibration could use some work

CarAdvice Rating:

At the beginning of this year, we road tested the Kia Sportage. It was the last of the previous generation, and frankly, we didn’t care much for it. My how things have changed.

With the release of the latest Sportage, Kia has not just moved forward, it’s shifted universes. The styling is gob-smackingly good-looking. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t respect what Peter Schreyer has done for the brand. His new design language is working wonders, causing people who normally wouldn’t consider a Korean car to stare and comment. During the week, several said outspokenly, “Wow. Is that a Kia?” Well, yes, that’s what it says on the grille.

But the fact that it motivates them to not just say it in their mind, but out aloud, means the design shift is making an appreciable impact. And it’s not just on the outside, either.

Climb aboard (using the proximity key) and you’re greeted with a very stylish interior. In Platinum guise (as tested), the leather seats are very good quality, with much softer hide than previously used, and although comfortable could probably use a little more lower back support. The two fronts are heated, but in a first for this segment, the driver’s seat is also cooled – a real boon for our hot country.

The dash and centre console may utilise some harder plastics but the fit and finish is extremely well done, with nary a panel creak or dash rattle to be heard. The radio, clock and climate control (which is surrounded by a stylish piano-black treatment) all feature red on black LCD screens which can be read both in full sun, and also while wearing polarised sunglasses. There’s a neat saw-tooth effect on the radio buttons – the stereo is on the average side, it must be said – plus there’s plenty of angular lines on the door trims to keep things interesting. The leather wrapping the steering wheel could be a little softer, though.

Dual-zone climate control keeps arguments about temperature at bay, although on really hot days we found that only the lowest (coldest) setting kept the car cool, meaning a fair amount of fan speed (and therefore noise) to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The rear seats are quite comfortable, and despite looking at the curved tops of the rear doors and thinking entry and egress would be painful, it’s the complete opposite. If you’re over six-feet tall headroom may become an issue, but for everyone else, the back seats are surprisingly spacious. Legroom and footroom is fine. Couple that with a spacious boot and the Sportage has got style and practicality down pat.

It’s also quiet inside. Only at idle do you get a little of the background diesel knock from the front end, but while accelerating, it’s smooth and never overbearing. There’s not much in the way of road noise, and even the suspension – which gives a firmish ride, but has none of the sharp, brittle movement of its cousin, the ix35 – doesn’t crash or bang harshly over bumps.

With good steering weight and enough feedback, the Sportage manages to keep keen drivers interested. It even turns in reasonably quickly and loses no feel mid-corner.

The Sportage’s handling is balanced with a nice, neutral stance, unless flung into a corner at ludicrous speeds, and the all-wheel-drive system gives constant grip, especially when wet. In some diesel cars, when moving off the line, torque causes the front wheels to spin in first gear until the AWD system catches up and sends some power to the rear. Not so in the Sportage. There’s no scrabble or chirp from the Platinum’s 17-inchers, just immediate grip and forward motion.

That motion is supplied by one of the best 2.0-litre diesel fours in the business. Let’s put the engine into perspective. In Toyota’s Prado there’s a 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel four that has to shift around 2.4-tonnes. It produces 127kW and 410Nm which is slightly more torque than the Sportage’s 393Nm, but it’s less power than the Sportage’s 135kW. Now think about the weight saving the Sportage has, at just 1630kg. You can see that there’s plenty of poke at hand (or should that be foot?) translating to lag-free acceleration.

It’s economical, too. Kia’s ADR testing places the Sportage at 7.5-litres/100km and after a week’s testing, we snuck in just over that at 7.6-litres/100km, which is pretty good, considering how much grunt is available, and being an automatic.

The six-speed auto does a reasonable job of shifting smoothly and is eager to kick down if needed by just a prod of the throttle. Thing is, though, it does like to hold onto the gears and keep the revs up, rather than shifting up early and riding the wave of torque available around 2000rpm. A recalibration might see the fuel use drop even further.

The Kia Sportage is also safe. Currently EuroNCAP tested at five stars, Kia Australia tells us it’s little more than a formality and we’ll see the Sportage also rated at five stars on the ANCAP system. That’s courtesy of a myriad of airbags, ABS, EBD and ESC. There’s also a reversing camera built into the rear view mirror with guidelines highlighting the width of the car; perfect for keeping the driveway an accident free zone.

What’s interesting, though, is the pricing. Years ago, Kia was the poor cousin of Hyundai. But fastforward to 2010 and the Kia Sportage Platinum is priced at $1000 more than its platform-sharer, the Hyundai ix35 Highlander. Is it worth the extra money over the Hyundai, seeing as it’s basically the same car? Absolutely. Not only does it have the same features as the ix35, but it adds the cooled driver’s seat, daytime running lights, has a markedly better ride, but is also entirely better looking.

In the burgeoning compact SUV market, the Kia Sportage is the pick of the bunch.

Video: 2011 Toyota Prius MPV teaser with Bob Burnquist

2010-12-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

Toyota has released a teaser video of the third vehicle in its Prius family – currently known as the Prius MPV – ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

In a clear attempt to tap into a younger demographic, the video features Brazilian-American professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist, who is well known for his environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Toyota is pitching the Prius MPV as a vehicle suited to those with active lifestyles.

It says the latest addition to the Prius family will have 50 percent more cargo room than the standard Prius hatch.

The current Prius has 446 litres of boot space and expands to 1120 litres with the rear seats folded down. Therefore, expect the Prius MPV to have either a standard boot capacity of 670 litres, or an expanded capacity of 1680 litres, or both.

Earlier teaser images reveal the Prius MPV will be slightly longer and taller than the Prius hatch, and the styling will largely resemble the third-generation hybrid.

The interior also shares with Prius hatch, although with a fresher, more modern design.

The Toyota Prius MPV will be unveiled at Detroit on January 10.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coming to Australia Q2 2011

2010-12-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first official details and images of the facelifted 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, sporting refreshed interior and exterior designs, an updated engine range and enhanced cabin technology.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the refreshed model will arrive in local showrooms in the second quarter of 2011.

The headlights now have a more determined look about them, making the appearance of the front altogether more purposeful. The restyled grille is the latest iteration of the brand’s perpetually progressing design language, and both the radiator grille and lower air intake are angled in a V-shape for a sharper, arrow-like look.

The front bumpers are positioned lower for a more muscular stance, while the bonnet is made of aluminium, contributing to weight and fuel savings.

At the rear, the taillights and indicators are all LEDs, adding the vehicle’s distinctive appearance, especially at night.

Inside, the vehicle’s designers focused on giving the dashboard a sporty, premium look and feel, and they say the surfaces and metallic highlights have a higher quality finish.

The computer telematics system has been upgraded to include larger 3D displays, phone book transfer, text message display, wireless Bluetooth audio streaming and USB connectivity, while the refreshed cockpit also features new instruments and gauges directed at the driver.

The steering wheel from the CLS is standard on the new C-Class, and features a chrome-plated central spoke for added sports style.

The new C-Class will also feature a range of driver-assist safety systems, including Attention Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Park Assist with ParkTronic, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

The C350 CGI (not currently sold in Australia) is powered by a new V6 petrol engine, which produces 225kW of power and 370Nm of torque.

In the US, all new models will come with the seven-speed automatic transmission, with the gear ratios on all models optimised for fuel economy.

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Jerry Stamoulis said the local arm was currently investigating the introduction of the C350 CGI and the implementation of the seven-speed automatic transmission as standard, but said it was too early to confirm exact specifications.

Mr Stamoulis said the launch, specification and pricing details of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class would be revealed in greater detail in March.

Video: Porsche 911 GT2 RS vs Porsche 911 Carrera S comparison

2010-12-27T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful production Porsche 911 ever, but how much better than a normal Porsche 911 Carrera S could it possibly be? Autocar has that answer covered in one of the British publication’s latest comparison tests.

It’s easy to point to the GT2 RS and say it’s the better car. It is worth a lot more than the standard 911 Carrera S, but if you’re simply after a quick car to scoot around in and tour the odd mountain pass, then perhaps the normal 911 will suffice.

In the video, the GT2 RS does the 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds while the Carrera S doesn’t achieve it for a entire second later, doing it in 4.7 seconds. Autocar conducts various comparisons in the video including a simple drag race. The race pretty much splits the difference between the two perfectly. Take a look below, there’s also a braking and handling comparison.

2011 Hyundai Veloster revealed in video, enhanced image

2010-12-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

Hyundai has revealed the first official video of the 2011 Hyundai Veloster sports hatch ahead of its highly anticipated world premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The video gives only a very limited look at the new model, but thanks to Autoblog reader Brendon and his Photoshop skills, we can see the Veloster’s face in much more detail.

The enhanced image reveals a design similar to the Veloster Concept that debuted way back in 2007.

The production version is more heavily influenced by the latest evolutions of the brand’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, with more flowing lines evident in the grille and headlights.

The 13-second clip explains that the Veloster will have a direct-injection engine (understood to be a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit), a dual-clutch transmission, Bluetooth connectivity and an estimated fuel consumption of 5.88 litres/100km.

The two-seat Veloster has been confirmed to arrive in Australia in the fourth-quarter of 2011. Whether it keeps the ‘Veloster’ nameplate or conforms to adopt an ‘ixx’ name is still unclear.

2011 Subaru WRX STI Spec C launched in Japan

2010-12-27T00:52:00.000-08:00

Just two days ago Subaru announced the introduction of the Subaru WRX STI tS versions for the real enthusiasts out there, now the company has launched an even higher top-shelf model, the race-ready Subaru WRX STI Spec C version, into the Japanese market.

This version is even more anabolic than the tS, with more heavy duty features. The Spec C gets a bigger, stronger front suspension strut brace reinforcement and underbody chassis strengthening, while the rear gets a conventional yet beefier mechanical limited-slip differential by Torsen.

Other major changes over the normal STI include an aluminium bonnet, laminar glass for the front and side windows and a lighter battery. The interior is also stripped out leaving only the bare essentials in the aid of conserving weight.

It’s basically the cream of the crop, and puts every bit of Subaru Technica International’s knowledge of motorsport all into one car. If you’re after the basis for a weekend racer, or even a car that’s ready to race straight out of the box, then the Spec C is a surefire option – it even comes with its own puncture repair kit for the tyres. The only problem with this car is it’s not officially going to go on sale in Australia.

Other technical highlights include a new ball bearing turbocharger and a re-programed engine computer to help it produce extra torque and power over the standard WRX STI. It also gets a water spray system for the intercooler so the car can run cool and perform at its best no matter how many laps you throw at it. Overall the engine produces 227kW of power and a V8-like 430Nm of torque.

The WRX STI Spec C is now on sale in Subaru dealerships throughout Japan.

Jaguar C-X75 Preview

2010-12-26T20:27:00.001-08:00

Jaguar C-X75 – an exclusive inside look

As far as shop windows go, having your products on display within a beautifully lit studio on the side of the main road through London’s Knightsbridge region, is about as good as it gets. The Berkeley Hotel is the venue, the world’s sexiest eco-supercar is the product and it’s my turn for a guided tour by the guys responsible for building the thing.

The great unwashed are outside with their noses pressed against the huge glass window; collective jaws dropped in bewildered awe. A few minutes ago, a bus pulled up outside and the driver stopped to take a photo using his mobile phone. It isn’t easy turning heads in this part of the world these days but this Jaguar is proving to be an A-list superstar.

First, let’s get one thing out of the way: Jaguar will not be building this car. Which is a pity but not exactly a surprise because it’s so cutting edge, so entirely different to anything that’s gone before it, that we’re probably 20 years away from seeing its like in production form. And, with the pace of progress being what it is, propulsion systems will no doubt have changed beyond all recognition.

But the C-X75 has been built for a very good reason. Actually, make that a number of very good reasons but there’s at least a clue in its nomenclature. C is for Concept, X is for Experimental and the 75 relates to Jaguar’s age in 2010.

As a celebration of three quarters of a century in business, could any car be more fitting?

“It’s like Jaguar’s birthday cake,” smiles Julian Thomson, Jaguar’s Assistant Design Director, “a celebration of 75 years, produced without any constraints. It shows the world that this company is still relevant.” Indeed it does, with jaw-dropping looks that, if you study close enough, reveal more than the occasional nod to Jaguar’s previous output, particularly 1966’s stillborn race prototype, the jaw-droppingly beautiful XJ13.

That the C-X75 still looks futuristic and totally unique is testament to the prowess of Jaguar’s supremely talented (and, as it happens, very young) design team. It also showcases a powertrain straight out of Dan Dare with two gas-turbine engines backed up by four electric motors – enough to power it on to over 300km/h. The icing on the cake with this technology is a combined CO2 output of just 28g/km. The future of the supercar looks like it might be safe after all.

It’s a pointer for future Jaguar design, not just in aesthetics but in powertrain development too. But let’s drink in that exterior before we peer underneath its curvaceous panels. Jaguar shot itself in the foot years ago by becoming obsessed with its heritage, wheeling out the clichéd design cues every time a new model was launched. It gradually became a brand for old men – a far cry from the brave, inspirational company that Sir William Lyons founded. So, ten years ago, a quiet revolution began in earnest for Jaguar to regain its claws. Under the direction of Ian Callum, the entire range has been comprehensively overhauled. Jaguar has rediscovered its mojo, only this time I’m pretty sure it won’t go missing again.

You can tell the design team is firing on all cylinders. This car, which stole the Paris Motor Show, was conceived, designed and built as a running prototype within twelve months. That’s a staggering achievement. But things weren’t done in the usual manner because the C-X75 started as an experiment with new propulsion systems and the body was shaped around its powerplant – but more on that later.

It’s an electric car with four motors, two up front and two at the rear. These are charged by twin micro-turbines sat behind the seats, which are compact enough to allow a cabin design where the occupants are situated right in the middle, between both sets of wheels. Most mid-engined supercars these days have a very ‘cab-forward’ design but check out the side profile of the C-X75 – perfectly proportioned.

Airflow management is the order of the day. Starting at the front, Jaguar says it likes the surfaces to all flow from a car’s mouth. And what a mouth this one has. It looks mean, angry. The side air intakes are strictly for brake cooling and the front bonnet vent allows air to flow through what looks like the car’s radiator (but in fact is a battery cooler) and over the surface, keeping it aerodynamically efficient.

The car’s haunches and curves give it a timeless, almost surreal beauty that really needs to be seen first-hand to be fully appreciated. It looks like it was designed in the 1960s by a team with the same determination as those responsible for the Lamborghini Miura and Ford’s GT40. Fluid, muscular, taut, aggressive and utterly gorgeous in every respect, you can’t help but plead with them to build more of them. Jaguar’s bosses refuse to be drawn on the age-old question about an E-Type for the 21st century but there’s a glint in their eyes and a wry grin that says there may just be something in the pipeline. For now, this is the Jaguar grabbing the headlines.

Aerospace design is an intrinsic part of Jaguar’s heritage. Malcolm Sayer, more than anyone, was responsible for designing the D-Type and E-Type and he used his experience in aircraft design to great effect. With the C-X75 having basically a jet propulsion system, it would have been rude not to have brought back this design ethos. So the air scoops at the rear of the car allow the turbines to suck in copious amounts of air before it’s jettisoned out back through two fat exhaust pipes. Even the wheel design is influenced by the remarkable power source – it’s utterly stunning in every respect. And then you open the driver’s door and it gets even better.

Driver and passenger are seated ahead, in a fixed position, of a sealed airbox that houses the micro gas-turbines and air flows (at a rate of 70,000 litres every minute) to the turbines through channels in the structure of the body. As the seats are fixed to the bulkhead, at the touch of a button, everything moves toward the driver – instruments, steering wheel, pedals, everything.

Ice blue theatre lighting bathes the interior in a cool glow, operated as soon as the car senses the driver approaching – nice touch. The perimeter of the entire cabin lights up, along with the turbine area and, when it’s started up, additional LED lighting floods the door and bulkhead speaker cavities. Everything is tactile, gorgeous to the touch – cream and grey leathers, soft neoprene and polished aluminium abound and there’s a simple, elegant driver information system.

The car is started with a switch mounted in the overhead control panel, just to complete the jet aircraft vibe. When the driver selects Track mode, the cabin’s mood alters to that of an attacking jet fighter. All ambient lighting fades away and just the driver’s seat and controls have blades of blue light highlighting their extremities. The gear-selector (not that it has any gears as such) looks like a jet fighter’s thrust control. It’s comic book stuff, ludicrous yet restrained and even more impressive than the car’s external beauty.

Now for the tech bits. It’s four-wheel drive, with a 50kg, 145kW electric motor on each corner, fed by a bank of batteries housed in the car’s frontal area. They take six hours to charge and provide a whacking 1600Nm of twist, with a range of 110km when used in isolation – and remember, this gives zero emissions. Back that up with power from the turbines, which provide charge for the batteries too, and the range extends to 900km between fill-ups. Even when using the turbines for power, as I said earlier, CO2 emissions work out at just 28g per km.

Theoretical top speed is 330km/h and it will reach 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Instant, life-affirming oomph is there in abundance and trust me, when you hear those turbines spin into a frenzy, you won’t miss the snarling of a V12 one bit. If this is the future of the supercar, then bring it on – I feel like a kid again.

One of the beauties of utilising jet engine technology is that these turbines will run on practically any fuel out there. If it burns, it’ll do nicely. Well, except wood, perhaps. Jaguar says it’s investing millions over the next five years in reducing its carbon emissions and looking at sustainability – and this is a fine start.

As my time with the car draws to an end, Jaguar’s much lauded Design Director, Ian Callum, perfectly sums it up: “The C-X75 is everything a Jaguar should be and we believe it is a worthy homage to 75 years of iconic Jaguar design”. He’s right. This is a magnificent creation and, even if only a small percentage of its design flair and technology finds its way into production Jaguars in the future, the brand can’t help but go from strength to strength. Sir William Lyons would be proud – natural order has been restored.

Video: A ride in downtown Chicago on a Red Bull Nascar taxi with Scott Speed

2010-09-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Nascar

Public transportation in Chicago can be a time-consuming experience, especially during rush hour traffic. Never fear, Scott Speed is here. The Red Bull Racing Team Nascar driver took his race car to the Windy City recently and, for one day, used it as a licensed taxi. Yup, it even had its own city permit and driver’s ID. Speed played the role of taxi driver and picked up unsuspecting passengers and took them for the ride of their lives, including Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler.

Imagine that, huh? You’re late for work so you flag a cab, but instead of a regular taxi showing up, a Red Bull Nascar racer shows up with Speed, a former Formula One driver, behind the wheel. You’d be stupid not to take him up on his offer in taking you where you need to go, even if it means a few detours, a couple of burnouts, and racing around the streets of the Windy City at speeds that would make you scream to high heavens.

And as you can imagine by the looks on the faces of those who hopped on board, they probably didn’t regret sitting shotgun to Speed and the Red Bull Nascar race car.

. Source:Red Bull

2011 Volkswagen Passat headed to the Paris Motor Show

2010-09-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

video

For those of you who have been waiting for the facelifted 2011 Volkswagen Passat to be unveiled, you’ll be happy to know that the Paris Motor Show organizers have confirmed the car’s attendance at this year’s event.

Even better, Volkswagen is bringing a sedan and an estate version of the Passat, which should bode even better for those who have been pining to see the re-tooled version of the car for a quite some time now.

While we haven’t seen the new Passat in all its glory, we’re expecting to see a wholesale of changes on the model, including some modifications to the front and rear end, a new hood grille, and redesigned front and tail lights that should give the facelifted Passat a refreshed aesthetic appeal. In addition to the exterior upgrades, the new Passat model will also undergo an interior metamorphosis that includes a newly installed navigation system.

We expect more information from Volkswagen and the new Passat on the days leading up to the Paris Motor Show so until then, sit tight, kids, we’ll send along new developments as soon as they come out.

. Source:You Tube

Rumor: Porsche prepares GT3 RS Limited Edition

2010-09-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

The rumor mills are spinning again, and this time they are moving in the direction of another Porsche special edition. Adding to the countless number of special editions Porsche has given us recently - such as the 911 Carrera GTS - the Stud from Germany will also be introducing a special edition GT3 RS at the Paris Motor Show. No official details have been released yet, but we do know, that if these rumors are true, the GT3 RS will only get to be appreciated by 500 Porsche lovers.

While a standard Porsche GT3 RS develops a total of 450 HP, this limited edition is said to go up to 500 HP, going a bit closer to the turbocharged GT2 RS that develops 620 HP. We expect a top speed closer to the 200 mph barrier (up from the standard 193 mph) and a sprint from 0 to 60 mph made in less than 3.8 seconds.

Next to the engine upgrade, Porsche will also be making aerodynamic improvements and adding a series of features specific for this limited edition.

Stay tuned for more details!

. Source:TeamSpeed

Citroen Lacoste Concept

2010-09-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

What would a major international motor show be without a quirky concept vehicle in attendance attracting a strong following?

And given that this is the Paris Motor Show, we shouldn’t be surprised that Citroen is bringing with them a concept vehicle that they collaborated with French clothing brand Lacoste. Predictably enough, the concept is being called the

2012 Dodge Viper can double as an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

2010-09-21T04:16:00.000-07:00

As you already know Dodge has already showed a concept version of the next generation Viper to selected dealers about a week ago and, although previous statements were devoid of any criticism, rumors are now flying that the next Dodge Viper may be looking into its Italian heritage. Okay, so Dodge doesn’t exactly have an Italian background, but rumors have stated that the concept looks to have shared a face with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Apparently, the future Viper will not only share design elements with the Italian model, but it will also be built on the same platform.

Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO said when talking about the 2012 Viper: "We had been debating this particular nameplate for a long time, and every time I just could not get there. And then one morning the product committee went into the dome and saw it, and we all knew we were in front of something magic, unique. It took less than five minutes for the committee to fund the initiative. Not a negative comment, not a remark, not a single question. And so I leave you with this. The 17th car in the lineup, in select dealers in 2012." . Source:Autoweek

Dodge Challenger

2010-09-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

We have to hand it to those successfully clumsy or disloyal auto execs. Every time we need some juicy information on a car that hasn’t exactly been fully unveiled, one of those guys always comes through to provide us with information that we would have to have waited to see. A leaked document from Dodge revealed a few more details on the 2011 Challenger. Apparently, the muscle car will be offered in four trim levels: Challenger, Rallye, R/T, and SRT version.

The standard version will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 engine that develops 305 HP. It will get touring suspension, dual exhaust, leather on the interior, and a 6 speaker audio system. The Rallye version will add heated front seats, Satellite Radio, and more.

The R/T version is powered by a 5.7 HEMI engine with 379 HP and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque. This version will hit a top speed of 160 mph. Of course, the most powerful version will be the SRT. It is powered by a 6.4 liter HEMI engine with 475 HP and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque.

Dodge will be also offering a 392 Inaugural Edition that will be limited to only 1000 units. It will get unique exterior colors, SRT wheels, a four-tailpipe exhaust system, leather seats, brushed metal trim, and a serialized dash plaque.

Sales will begin at the end of 2010.

. Source:Ontario Street Car

Video: 1005 HP Switzer R1K Nissan R35 GTR

2010-09-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

car tuning

One dyno test wasn’t enough for the gearheads over at Switzer Performance. They are back to the drawing board and bringing us yet another dyno test for the Nissan GT-R R35 R1K. While a standard GT-R develops 473 HP, the tuner managed to squeeze an impressive 1005 HP out of their little plaything.

To achieve such incredible horsepower, Switzer started off with a base P700 or P800 and then added giant turbochargers and intercoolers, new injectors, ECU, cooling system, new exhaust system, and a new transmission. The tuner didn’t mention how these additions affected the performance times, but they should be a whole lot better than the 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds and the top speed of 193mph for the standard Nissan GT-R!

At the dyno test the tuner said: "Vehicle drove from our shop 20 miles to independent Mustang Dyno, made 1005awhp and drove back to the shop with A/C on and cruise control set. The goal of this combination was to generate 1000whp while maintaining a dual personality. We wanted to have a GTR that would cruise around as comfortably as our milder upgrade cars, but be a terror when at full boost in kill mode."

Porsche Design P6930 Chronograph

2010-09-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Porsche Design has unveiled the P’6930 Chronograph, a watch that was inspired by the Porsche Carrera GT and the legendary P’6910 Indicator. The chronograph is made from titanium, and will be available in two versions; one painted in a blend of self-colored and black PVD-coated titanium and one in an all-black finish.

Now, back to the Carrera GT inspiration. The two push-pieces of the P’6930 are modeled after the pedals from the Carrera and it features a natural caoutchouc strap that folllows a tire-tread design. The folding clasp for the wristwatch is made from PVD-coated titanium and the automatic Valjoux 7750 movement features an energy-optimized rotor system that was designed to look like the wheel rim of the Carrera GT. Adding design to sporty appeal, the P’6930 also features a sapphire crystal caseback.

The P’6930 comes with a 48-hour power reserve and 25 jewels, as well as an hours, minutes, and seconds indicator and a day and date indication.

The P’6930 Chronograph will go on sale at specialty shops in the autumn of 2010.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Porsche Design presents the P’6930 Chronograph. The styling of the new timepiece deliberately takes its cue form the design of the legendary P’6910 Indicator. The Porsche Design Chronograph offers a compellingly technical look and innovative material combinations. Fashioned from self-coloured or black PVD-coated titanium, the P’6930 Chronograph is powered by a highly accurate COSC-certified automatic movement. It is scheduled for launch in autumn 2010.

Purity of form with technical stylingThe P’6930 Chronograph’s impressive-looking case measures 47 millimetres in diameter and is fashioned from titanium. Particularly light and corrosion resistant, the material is characteristic of Porsche Design. The bezel and sapphire crystal caseback envelop the titanium case in a rugged grip. Four screws ensure the integrity of the case and underscore the watch’s masculine appeal. One version of the chronograph features a blend of self-coloured and black PVD-coated titanium. Another version comes in an all-black finish. The resilient black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating is the outcome of a vacuum-based process that creates a condensate which leaves a protective matt-black deposit of metal nitrides on the watch.

Like the P’6910 Indicator, the styling of the P’6930 Chronograph takes its inspiration from design elements of the Porsche Carrera GT. Built between 2005 and 2006, this high-powered sports car is a demonstration of advanced engineering and represents the distilled essence of 60 years of motor racing history. The Porsche Design P’6920 Rattrapante from the Indicator collection is a recipient of the Red Dot Award.

Uncompromisingly functionalThe two push-pieces of the P’6930 Chronograph are modelled on the pedals of the Carrera GT and offer superb grip. The same goes for the Clous-de-Paris screwdown crown finished in black PVD-coated titanium. The interior profile of the natural caoutchouc strap sports a tyre-tread design, allowing air to reach the skin; it comes with a folding clasp fashioned from PVD-coated titanium. The automatic Valjoux 7750 movement features an energy-optimised rotor system designed to evoke a Carrera GT wheel rim; it can be glimpsed through the sapphire crystal caseback. Characteristic of all Porsche Design watches is the purist design, typography and colour of the dial, which facilitate crystal-clear legibility in all conditions. The main hands are partially skeletonised to prevent any obstruction of the indications. The coating of green and white luminous material on the main hands, numerals and indices ensures optimum legibility at all times.

The Porsche Design P’6930 Chronograph is powered by an ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement and is furnished with a certificate of accuracy issued by the independent Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Preview

2010-09-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has finally shown us some skin on the new SLK-Class for 2012. It seems the biggest changes took place on the front of the a-pillar, where the SLK’s SLS-inspired hood and nose details are very noticeable. We can also see that the headlights and front grille will be more upright, like most of the new Mercedes vehicles. The car will also be losing that Formula One nose.

The SLK will feature a metal-folding roof that might feature much more glass. We’re not sure if the glass heavy roof will be an option or not. The side mirrors have been moved down and the rear antenna has been moved to the trunk lid.

The base SLK should have around 230 horsepower from a six-cylinder motor, while the higher end versions could get a 3.5-liter. There were rumors about a turbocharged four-cylinder, but that doesn’t seem likely.

The AMG version will probably have the new 5.5-liter turbocharged V8. We can’t wait to get our hands on one.

BMW 5-Series Sedan by AC Schnitzer

2010-09-11T23:18:00.000-07:00

The German tuner, AC Schnitzer, has unveiled a new tuning package for the latest BMW 5-Series. For starters, the tuner worked on updating the 530d, but the rest of the models on the 5-Series lineup will be getting their modifications soon!

All models will receive an aerodynamic kit that includes a new front spoiler, chromed grille, rear skirt insert with integrated sports exhaust, rear roof spoiler, and rear spoiler and side skirts with chromed design elements.

The interior gets an AC Schnitzer "Evo" sports airbag steering wheel with optional AC Schnitzer carbon steering wheel insert, a carbon interior trim, and a carbon sill trim set, all in black "Exclusiv". The models will also receive an aluminum cover for the i-Drive System Controller, aluminum foot rests and pedal set, as well as gear knobs in leather and aluminum (black anodized), with leather and illumination or digital gear display.

The package also includes an 8-piston high performance brake system, an AC Schnitzer spring kit, and 19 or 20-inch Type IV wheels in BiColor or silver.

This tuning kit for the BMW 5-Series by AC Schnitzer actually reminds us a lot of the kit provided for the sedan by Hamann. Hit the jump to compare some photos!

Press release after the jump.

Press release

"Dynamics in its most beautiful form" - the new BMW 5-series saloon has been in the showrooms of BMW dealers since May 2010.

Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer gives the new dynamic BMW extra wings with its extensive range of special accessories. Thanks to the AC Schnitzer performance upgrade on the 530d, the driver behind the wheel can enjoy 286 HP instead of the standard 245 HP. Optimizations for the BMW 520d, 525d and 535d are also in development. Whatever the model, all 5-series can be improved with the AC Schnitzer engine styling with capacity logo.

Hennessey VelociRaptor APV

2010-09-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ford has just unveiled the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, but Hennessey has one-upped Ford by adding a few components to juice it up. The juiced up version of the truck will be called the VelociRaptor APV (Armored Performance Vehicles) and will be part of a long list of tuned up trucks by Hennessey. This first vehicle will be based on the new Ford Raptor Super Crew.

The VelociRaptor APV is powered by a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine, with output between 450 and 800 HP (up from 411 HP), and offers the ultimate combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort, safety, acceleration, braking and handling performance.

The new SUV will offer seating options for six, seven, or eight passengers and will be available with a full line of electronic upgrades including: Satellite TV, high-speed internet, entertainment systems and mobile office systems.

Hennessey will offer the same APV package for a series of other SUVs, all of them offering output of up to 1000 HP (see list below).

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Having a vehicle that can safely and quickly get you out of harm’s way is just as important as having armored protection. Introducing Hennessey Armored Performance Vehicles (APV) ™. Hennessey APV ™will apply the company’s go-fast know-how to help improve the acceleration, braking and handling performance on late-model armored vehicles.

The company’s 2012 , based on the new Ford Raptor Super Crew, will offer the ultimate combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort and safety. Powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8, the VelociRaptor APV will have the performance capability to drive away from, through or over obstacles both on the road as well as off-road.

Hennessey Performance will also be offering a non-armored version of the VelociRaptor APV which will offer off-road enthusiasts the same level of utility and off-road capability that the Ford Raptor has become known for. Hennessey will offer the VelociRaptor SUV with the same supercharged 6.2L V8 producing 575 bhp. There will be seating options for six, seven or eight seats. A full line of electronic upgrades will also be available, including: Satellite TV, high-speed internet, entertainment systems and mobile office systems.

Hennessey APV™ offers a complete line of high-performance upgrade systems for the following the following armored vehicles, both for new vehicles as well as ones that are already in service:

Cadillac Escalade – 500 to 1000 hp Chevrolet Suburban – 500 to 1000 hp Chevrolet Truck – 500 to 1000 hp Ford Raptor Truck – 450 to 800 hp GMC Denali – 500 to 1000 hp Jeep – Up to 800 hp Land Rover – Up to 550 hp Lexus LX570 – Up to 500 hp Nissan Patrol – Up to 1000 hp Range Rover – Up to 550 hp Toyota Sequoia – Up to 650 hp Toyota Land Cruiser – Up to 650 hp

BMW M3 Agitator by RENM

2010-09-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

First we had the R8 Enigma, then the LP640 Axiom, and now we have the M3 Agitator. All of these amazing vehicles were created by the same tuner: RENM. The Agitator package includes both appearance and performance improvements.

The exterior of the BMW gets new customized T6 forged 3 piece wheels, adjustable coilover suspension, hallmark-designed 76mm diameter tail pipes, aero carbon fiber front spoiler, boot lid, and rear diffuser.

As for the engine, RENM modified the ECU, added an inconel high-performance exhaust, carbon fiber air-intake, sports air filters, and adjustable ride height/dampening suspension. The result is an impressive 450HP (up from 420 HP) and 440NM of torque. The inconel Formula 1 exhaust technology brings stability and heat resistance to the BMW while the rear silencer carries 12 kilograms less in the weight category. This makes the tuned vehicle weigh 40% less than the standard model.

We are excited to see what other beautiful vehicles RENM has up their sleeves. If all of their other creations come out as beautiful as these last three models, then we are sure to be pleased.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

RENM performance has released a visually striking performance upgrade for the BMW E92 M3 called the ‘Agitator’. According to most definitions, an agitator stirs up others in order to upset the status quo, or put more simply, is an apparatus that shakes or stirs. Based on both the appearance and performance improvements of the RENM Agitator, the transformation achieves the desired effect.

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Preview

2010-09-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

We have seen photos of the 2012 ML-Class before, but we now have some photos with most of the camouflage removed, giving us a clear view of what the new Mercedes-Benz ML will look like.

The wheelbase seems about the same as the current version, but we do know that the car went on a diet. The chassis will be shared with the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Dodge Durango.

The doors have new looks with two bold character lines. We can also see new side mirrors and a large angular grille with chrome bars running horizontal. The headlights appear to be nearly the same as we see on the CL-Class.

Under the hood will be a few motor options. Base models should get a 3.5-liter V6, while a 5.5-liter V8 and a 6.2-liter V8 will likely be on offer. A 3.0-liter diesel should also be available, as well as a hybrid model.

Expect the new ML-Class to be around $45,000 when it hits the showrooms in 2011.

Arash AF10 supercar at MPH

2010-09-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

620,000 and will come with modular carbon-fiber chassis and a 550bhp 7-liter V8 engine under the hood.

"We wanted to bring something different to the supercar table, and felt that the industry needed a new and invigorating face and hopefully this is something we have achieved. Combining perfect design, without compromising on power, plus having one of the best emissions levels in the world, the AF10 is set to be a fantastic new car for the market."

The AF10 supercar will be joined by models from Aston Martin, Bentley, Caparo, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Pagani, Porsche, and Spyker. So, if you happen to be around London during November 11-14th, the MPH Show is the perfect place to be!

Press release after the jump.

Press release

This year’s MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live will see the world premiere of the AF10 supercar from British sportscar maker, Arash Motor Company.

The long-awaited, AF10, valued at £620,000, with its modular carbon-fibre chassis boasts 550bhp from its 7-litre V8 block and delivers 475lbs-ft of torque as it seeks to challenge many of the established high performance cars.

Company founder, Arash Faroud commented: “The AF10 has been four years in the making and we feel it is now time to introduce it to the world.”

“We wanted to bring something different to the supercar table, and felt that the industry needed a new and invigorating face and hopefully this is something we have achieved. Combining perfect design, without compromising on power, plus having one of the best emissions levels in the world, the AF10 is set to be a fantastic new car for the market.”

The Show continues to attract the world’s most exciting and expensive cars and the 2010 instalment is set to be no different.

Just some of the iconic names joining Arash at this year’s MPH Show include Aston Martin, Bentley, Caparo, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Pagani, Porsche and Spyker.

MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live will take place at Earls Court, London from November 4-7th and the NEC in Birmingham between November 11-14th.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Preview

2010-09-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has long said that a C-Class coupe was coming, and now TopSpeed has seen it on the road. The car will be made at the Breman plant on the same assembly line as the three other variants.

Under the hood will likely be the same motors as you currently find in the sedan. A 3.0-liter 229 horsepower V6 with rear-wheel drive is the standard model, while a 3.5-liter 268 horsepower V6 is offered.

We expect an AMG version to arrive sometime after the coupe goes on sale. The AMG C-Class coupe could be powered by the new 5.5-liter V8 or a 6.3-liter V8 from the C63 AMG sedan. We have no official word on which will be used.

The new C-Class will be put up against the BMW 3-Series coupe and the Infiniti G37 Coupe. Both are sensational vehicles, so the Merc has a lot to live up too.

TVR prepares new Corvette V8-engined roadster

2010-09-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Ownership of TVR has changed hands a couple of times, with the future of the company changing with each signature placed on the dotted line. Recently, sometime in June 2010, it was announced that TVR would be working together with Gullwing - a specialist German firm - to prepare a new model that would start production in September 2010. Well, here we are in September, and we haven’t heard a thing about the new model.

Turns out, Jurgen Mohr

Audi S5 Cabrio by HS Motorsport

2010-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here we go; it’s that time again when a German tuner - HS Motorsport to be exact - takes the little plaything that is the Audi S5 Cabrio and transforms it into a better machine. We’ve visited this type of project before with the kits from CarGraphic and MTM where we found that MTM’s tuning kit had a clear advantage over CarGraphic’s package. Now that HS Motorsport has entered the picture, whose kit will come out on top as the best for the open-topped sports car? Let’s delve a little deeper and make that decision.

HS Motorsport is on the same page as was CarGraphic when they skipped over making any exterior modifications to the already exquisite ride. Instead, their focus was aimed at the engine’s output. This focus produced a total of 375hp (up from a total of 333 HP) and 525 NM of torque (up from 440 NM of torque). HS Motorsport also removed the top speed limiter so the S5 will now hit a top speed of 180mph (the standard model was able to hit a top speed of 155 mph).

Hit the jump for the rest of the story plus the press release.

The package also includes an exhaust silencer from Cargraphic with four round inclined rolled-in 89 mm exhaust pipes, a set of 21" wheels, and a brake system from Brembo with double 380x32 mm brake disks and 6-piston monoblock saddle for the front axle. It’s not surprising that CarGraphic had a hand in this little project considering HS Motorsports version of the Audi S5 looks exactly like CarGraphic’s version provided back in May.

Although both kits by CarGraphic and HS Motorsports will tickle the fancy of some Audi enthusiasts, we will have to stick to MTM as our favorite kit for the sports car. Their package not only brought the total horsepower to a mouth-watering 430hp, but they also paid attention to the interior of the vehicle with some upgrades fitting for the Audi. Sorry guys, but MTM still has our vote on this one.

Press release

The customers fairly expect over and over again something extraordinary from the HS Motorsport company from Eching, located near Munich, the more so the perfection for a valuable client is the highest precept for Bavaria’s tuner. This time Audi S5 must be exposed to intensive care of the team from Eching.

Attack of the British: The McLaren MP4-12C

2010-09-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

McLaren MP4-12C

Get the Flash Player to see the videos. Too long have we been under the German and Italian wave of performance cars. Too long have we been forced to drive, in Germany’s case, their perfectly engineered soulless rocket ships. Too long have we had to drive gorgeous cars that catch fire from Italy. We want something fast, hardcore, and from an Allied nation. Britain and team McLaren to the rescue.

Let’s start with the name shall we. It might sound stupid, like BMW’s constant use of numbers that mean nothing to the normal person. Is the 750i better than a 760 or a 740? In this case though, the name has some serious weight behind it. The MP4 should ring a mental bell for those of you who love and follow Formula One. Every Vodafone McLaren racing car carries the name MP4 along with it. That should give us some sort of understanding as to how the new car performs.

The 12C aspect of the car isn’t that historical. In fact, it’s not very exciting at all. The C stands for carbon and the 12 for to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance Index. See, pretty boring stuff. Despite this, we are about as excited as a child during Christmas to learn more about this new McLaren.

Hit the jump to keep reading.

To try and make things a bit easier, let’s just call this new car the 12C. This is a truly monumental car that has been a tad overshadowed of late. Not anymore; we aim to put it on the highest pedestal.

Mercedes C63 AMG Dunlop-Performance by Wimmer RS

2010-09-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

It’s one thing for tuners to get their hands on a sweet ride and convert it to an even tastier treat, but it’s quite another when they decide to splatter stickers all over the car to advertise whose project it was. If you haven’t guessed from the picture of the Mercedes C63 AMG shown above, Wimmer RS has created a tuning package for the sedan called Dunlop Performance. The reason behind the sticker extravaganza is that this modified C63AMG took part in this year’s Tuner’s Grand Prix on the Hockenheimring and managed to end up with a runner-up finish. Okay, so we forgive the stickers for now.

Thanks to a modified electronic engine command, a new exhaust manifold, improved suction tubes, and the K&N sports air filter, the engine now delivers a total of 540 HP (up from 487HP). The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 12.6 seconds, and a top speed of 190 mph. The package also includes a KW3 Club sports coilover chassis and a new set of wheels wrapped in 235/35-19 on the front and 265/35-19 on the rear axis.

It’s unfortunate that Wimmer RS has stopped at 540hp when Wheelsandmore were able to squeeze out 570hp out of the luxury sedan, and they didn’t have to brand it with a bunch of stickers. Nonetheless, the Wimmer C63 AMG Dunlop-Performance has been invited to the big acceleration and breaking tests

2011 Bentley Continental GT Shown In Video

2010-09-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Bentley Continental GT

Get the Flash Player to see the videos. The all-new 2011 Bentley Continental GT was just recently shown online. We got to see some pretty pictures and all that, but nothing shows us a car’s true looks and sound than a good video, and that’s just what we have.

There isn’t a whole lot of action in the video, but we do get to see the car up close and personal. The car will be making its first official debut at the Paris Motor Show, which we will be covering. Under the hood will be a W12 with 567 horsepower. Floor the fast pedal and you will be able to hit 198 miles per hour, but if you go down a hill you might hit the magic 200.

Some of the features include climate-controlled seats and a touchscreen for all the car’s toys and gizmos. Chances are the new GT will be pretty sensational, but we will have to wait and see.

Hit the jump to see the video.

No Further Punishments Handed To Ferrari

2010-09-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ferrari needs to thank its lucky stars after a meeting with the FIA World Motor Sport Council today in Paris. The meeting was held to discuss whether Ferrari should face further punishments after team orders allowed Fernando Alonso to overtake Felipe Massa.

The team was already fined $100,000 for the incident, but no further sanctions would be imposed on the Italian race team. Did you expect anything less? Ferrari is obviously very important to Formula One and we never expected them to be forced to sit out a race, especially with Monza, a home race for the team, coming up next week.

Ferrari claimed that Massa decided to move over and allow Alonso by, even though the radio transmission, stating that Alonso was faster and if he understood the message was quite clear. Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley apologized to Massa after he lost the lead. We can’t image how that could have been taken as anything, but team orders.

. Source:Autocar

Mercedes C63 AMG by MEC Design

2010-09-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of hours ago we brought you the 2010 Mercedes C63 AMG Dunlop-Performance by Wimmer RS, and we’ve already found another tuning kit for the luxury sedan. This one is done by MEC Design and pumps up the horsepower found in the V8 engine from 457 HP at 6,800 rpm and 442 lbs-ft of torque to a dramatic 600 HP and 700 NM of torque. The tuner has not only worked on the car’s engine, but they have also spiffed up the interior of the C63 AMG.

The exterior package includes a front spoiler lip, new air intakes on the sides of the car and the front bumper, rear spoiler and diffuser; all made in carbon fiber. For the interior, the tuner is offering a sports steering wheel, seat shells, and carbon fiber inserts. The whole package is finished by 20 inch mecxtreme III alloy wheels.

Of course, the biggest changes were made under the hood. After adding a sports air filter and a V-MAX unit, the V8 engine delivers a total of 600 HP and 700 NM of torque as we have previously mentioned. The tuner is also offering a new stainless steel exhaust system with Sport/Racing catalytic converters.

Before this package was unearthed, we had thought that the package by Wheelsandmore was the one that was able to tweak the most horsepower out of the Mercedes. Now we see that MEC Design was successful in pushing it 30hp more than they were. Anyone else think they could do better?

Subaru plans to expand its line-up by 2012

2010-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

We already know a little about Subaru’s future because of the highly anticipated FT-86 that Subaru has developed with Toyota. However, that is not the only card in Subaru’s hand. Subaru will be unveiling the sports coupe in 2012, but will also be bringing out a hybrid version of the Impreza and improved versions of almost all of their models.

The first, and most awaited model, is the two-door coupe developed in cooperation with Toyota. The exterior of Subaru’s version will differ from the Toyota and will be powered by either Subaru’s 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine or the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine from the Impreza STI. The sports car developed by Toyota is a RWD model, and the buzz says that Subaru’s version will also be FWD. This is a little surprising for some considering all of Subaru’s vehicles are all-wheel drive, but for cost reasons, this feature just wasn’t practical.

The Impreza will be redesigned for the 2012 model year with bodies created by new design chief Osamu Namba. There are reports that the Impreza will have a hybrid variant, with Subaru getting hybrid technology from Toyota.

As for the other models in the line-up, a new-generation Forester will be revealed this November, the Tribeca will be refreshed in 2012. The Outback and Legacy won’t be seeing a facelift until 2014. . Source:Automotive News

Chevrolet Aveo

2010-09-09T03:00:00.001-07:00

After the Aveo RS concept unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet has unveiled the first details on the new Aveo hatchabck. The official debut will be made at the Paris Auto Show and sales will begin in 2011. The hatchback version will be followed by a sedan next summer.

The new Aveo features a new aggressive looking front with exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, and ’hidden’ rear door handles. The interior features a motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle which features an analogue tachometer combined with a digital speedo and warning lights.

Under the hood Chevrolet will place a wide range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines, including two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp) and two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

There is no shortage of world firsts for Chevrolet at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, and joining the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback show car will be the eagerly awaited 5-door, which like the Orlando makes its world production debut.

The Aveo RS show car was displayed at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows earlier in 2010, and with the final production-ready model, Chevrolet has a car that looks every bit as good as the earlier concept.

Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, striking design elements of the new include the aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, the ’hidden’ rear door handles which now feature in the c-pillar and a ’body in, wheels out’ profile which is now very much part of the new Chevrolet design language.

Reminiscent of the recently introduced Spark, the new Aveo is unquestionably a car that will appeal to younger customers with its sporty hot-hatch look. A four-door sedan variant will launch alongside the hatch next summer. Both hatch and sedan are practical small cars with good interior space and Chevrolet expects the new Aveo also to appeal to families, for whom the current model has been a popular purchase.

The new has benefited from an extensive development program, resulting in a small car that will meet European drivers’ tastes both in terms of design and dynamics. Final specifications of the new Aveo will be carefully tailored to each European market.

Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe says: "It’s just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; not only do we have new entries into the MPV and compact classes, in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small car segment, which is also Europe’s largest segment."

The new Aveo is longer and wider than the current model, giving it a spacious interior and cargo volume that is among best in class. The interior design perhaps holds even more surprises than the outside, in particular the motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle which features an analogue tachometer combined with a digital speedo and warning lights.

Up-market blue backlighting features on the center console while the whole of the front cabin is enveloped in a wrap-round fascia. This can be color-coded and flows from the dash into both the driver’s and front passenger’s doors. Aveo customers will appreciate the quality materials used in the interior as well as multiple storage spaces in the center stack and the modern audio system with USB, aux-in and Bluetooth functionality.

Reflecting the little Chevrolet’s sporty personality, Aveo has been engineered to provide involving handling, a characteristic which stems partly from its tight body frame integral (BFI) structure where high torsional rigidity has been achieved - among the stiffest in the small car segment.

The new Aveo’s chassis has been fine tuned to satisfy European tastes with a ride and handling ratio that combines comfort with responsiveness. Electronic power steering (EPS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes will be standard.

A comprehensive range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be available in the new , incorporating the latest technologies such as variable valve timing, double continuous variable cam phasing and common rail fuel injection for the diesels.

The petrol engine range includes two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp). For the first time, Aveo will be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.

Chevrolet’s first 6-speed automatic transmission on a small car will feature on the Aveo 1.4 and 1.6 as an option in most markets; manual transmissions are of 5 or 6 speed depending on engine choice.

Good Car Brands

2010-07-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Good Car Brands- Cd Changer

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Good Car Brands

2010-07-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Good Car Brands- Car Audio

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Water Powered Car

2010-07-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

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Hydrogen Car

2010-07-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

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How to build hydrogen generator cheap & easy way build hydrogen car the majority of homes currently use a heating and air conditioning system to regulate temperatures it is vital to make sure you find a reliable heat pump repair expert prior to. Website ws - your internet address for life save big and dodge the gas crunch by running on hydrogen. How to invest in hydrogen car technology ehow.com a hydrogen car is an automobile which uses hydrogen (usually obtained from decomposition of methane, and sometimes from water using electrolysis) as its primary source of power for. Hydrogen scientific american editor steven ashley test drives a car that may be the future of automotive transportation--if cost, technology and infrastructure problems can be resolved. Hydrogen car-hydrogen car manufacturers, suppliers and exporters on hydrogen car: 20 assigned downloads, like water powered car hydrogen hho car run car on water build and install diy guide from ddworld.

Class C Motorhomes

2010-07-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

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Class c motorhomes: camping and rv classifieds a full line of new and used rv's, motorhomes, pop up tents & campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and more from jayco, dynamax, heartland, rage'n, starcraft, thor and other major. Class c motorhomes - rv & motorhome classifieds this page updated 5-4-10 class c motor homes - new we are a dealer for gulf stream yellowstone. Bing: class c motorhomes irv2 is the friendliest online rv forum community where motorhome and travel trailer owners meet to discuss all aspects of rv ownership come be part of our rv forum community. New class c for sale in california and arizona motor home rv dealer browse used class c motorhomes for sale, buy sell class c rvs by class c motorhome dealer at amazing rv.

Sport Utility vehicle(SUV)

2010-02-21T20:36:00.000-08:00

Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV), Motor trend has named the Subaru Outback Sport Utitlity of the year and Popular Mechanics has named the Subaru Outback their Most Versatile Car for 2010.

The 2010 Subaru Outback ranks 1 out of 4 Affordable Full Size Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 10 published reviews and test drives of the Subaru Outback, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

If you're looking for the practicality of an SUV without all the negative associations, you should consider the newly-redesigned 2010 Subaru Outback. It features all-wheel-drive, an excellent ride and lots of room for your cargo.

The Subaru Outback continues to offer a solid value for car buyers looking for an alternative from the mainstream car market. It is functional, practical and represents an outstanding value proposition, especially at the lower trim levels. The Outback is cross-shopped against both wagons and SUVs, as it falls somewhere in the middle of those two categories. In many ways, it's the ultimate split personality: the convenience of an SUV, thanks to its large cargo area, and the drivability of a sedan, thanks to its nice ride. In fact, Motor Trend has named it Sport Utility of the Year and Popular Mechanics has named it their Most Versatile Car for 2010.

Completely overhauled for 2010, the Outback has more space for passengers and cargo, as well as a new optional 3.6-liter V6 for more power. While Subaru owners have a reputation for being "alternative," the new Outback is sure to expand the Subaru fan base beyond the usual stereotype. The value on the lower trim models are impossible to ignore. Popular Mechanics says: "Subaru owners may be odd in some ways, but they're nothing if not practical about their vehicles and determined to wring every last ounce of value from their purchases. And there's plenty of value in the new Outback -- as long as you stay near the bottom of the price ladder."

Splinter Wooden Sports Car

2010-01-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

Splinter is an original project of a high-performance sportscar concept made of wood composites. It was started by industrial designer Joe Harmon to explore new materials and ideas.

The Splinter concept was developed by Joe Harmon for his graduate project at the Industrial Design Course - North Carolina State University.

The main idea is to build a high-performance, mid-engined supercar from wood composites, using wood whereever possible, including the chassis, body, and large percentages of the suspension components and wheels.

The car has a target weight of 2500lbs and a power goal of over 600 horsepower delivered by a turbocharged 4.6 liters V8 unit.

The claimed goal of the team led by Joe Harmon is to "explore materials, learn, teach, share ideas, and stimulate creativity".

WaterCar Python

2010-01-06T00:15:00.000-08:00

The Python in one word is the ULTIMATE amphibious vehicle. It is a hot rod on the water, excess of 60 mph water speeds, and a hot rod on the street, mid 12 second 1/4 mile times and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The engine is based on the famous aluminum LS Corvette power train. Enormous Horsepower!

Whether you have selected water mode or land mode, the performance is absolutely outstanding. The best of both worlds finally combined into one.

Designed from the ground up to utilize the very latest in materials and the most state-of-the-art hull design. Each rolling chassis incorporates a light weight 304 stainless steel structural frame, state-of-the-art Dominator Jet, and the customers choice of Corvette engine. Every component is built from the best materials money can buy, and built to withstand even the harshest of conditions. Providing the owner a combination of speed and performance that was previously thought unattainable…until now.

The Python is hand built, taking the word custom to an entirely new level. From a choice of over 60,000 exterior colors and 4,000 interior colors/finishes, to the exact seat/pedal/shifter placement, tailored to perfectly fit the owner. Every detail, every curve, every screw, everything on this vehicle is built exclusively for you, truly to be one of a kind!

Ford FAB1

2010-01-04T01:10:00.000-08:00

(from Ford Press Release) Ford is supporting the production of ‘THUNDERBIRDS’, a big budget, live-action family movie based on the cult ‘Thunderbirds’ TV show and due for global release through Universal Pictures from Summer 2004.

Ford’s primary involvement with the movie has been to assist in the development of Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward’s FAB1 limousine – a stunning pink, 27-foot, six-wheel/bubble canopy vehicle, which can transform between car jet plane and hydrofoil and features clear Ford Thunderbird design cues.

THUNDERBIRDS producer, Tim Bevan, commented, “FAB 1 provides the first glimpse into the new-look THUNDERBIRDS movie. We hope to realize fully the genius of the original series and bring it to life for an entirely new generation worldwide.”

Ford Design Europe led the design of the FAB1 vehicle and also delivered a number of ‘virtual’ concept vehicles for the movie. The Ford EX concept is also prominently featured in one of the movie’s chase sequences and other Ford vehicles, including the new Focus C-MAX, will feature in appropriate scenes.

“For our design team, it was essential that the new FAB 1 captured the essence of the original – its size, power and sheer presence,” explained Chris Bird, Director of Design for Ford of Europe. “The people that have worked on this car were already fans, so we hope the end result will please ‘THUNDERBIRDS’ purists as well as the new generations of movie goers who will see it in action on-screen.”

Set in 2010, the film is directed by Jonathan Frakes, famous for his role as William Riker in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ TV series, and as the Director of ‘Star Trek: First Contact’ and ‘Clockstoppers’ feature films. It is produced by Working Title, Europe’s most successful production company, which numbers amongst its hits ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and the current box office hit ‘Love Actually’.

The cast is headed by Sir Ben Kingsley (The Hood, number one villain), Anthony Edwards (Brains, head boffin for International Rescue), Bill Paxton (Jeff Tracy, head of International Rescue), Sophia Myles (Lady Penelope) and Ron Cook (Parker).

Snow Bikes

2010-01-04T00:09:00.000-08:00

World-Class Snow Bikes

Snow Biking or Ski Biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular Extreme Snow Sports. Don't believe me? Try going to YouTube and searching for "Snow Bike". What you'll find is a lot of people making their own snow bikes, ski bikes, or snow bmx from old parts in the garage and a pair of chopped off skis from grandpa's attic. Take the risk and guesswork out of making you own; we've spent three years developing the Storm to meet the demands of the most avid Snow Biker.

The Storm is a serious piece of machinery. No toys here. It is designed for those who seek adventure and fun. If you are serious about keeping up your riding skills during winter you need to ride the Storm.

With our patented fold-down top tube, loading and unloading the Storm on chairlifts is a breeze. It is so simple anyone can enjoy the freedom of snow biking, whether it's bustin' a 540 tail-whip in the terrain park or carving through fresh powder at your favorite resort the Storm is for you.

The Storm is also designed to be stable in a variety of snow conditions and terrain. Our snow bike specific skis will perform on groomers, icy, and powder conditions. If you are serious about action sports you need to ride a Storm.

Honda NAS

2010-01-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

The U.S. motorcycle market often defies comparison. American tastes and trends can reside oceans away from the demands of riders in Asia or Europe. That's reason enough to justify the existence of Honda R&D Americas (HRA), but the creative minds toiling away within this top-secret two-wheeler think-tank do far more than merely exist: They fully intend to shape our motorcycling future.

What's more, by all appearances, this latest creation from HRA will achieve exactly that goal. Meet the New American Sports, an innovative exercise in sport bike design aimed at the very heart of what drives every mechanically minded motorcyclist across the USA: gorgeous hardware.

According to Martin Manchester, executive designer at Honda R&D Americas, "This concept bike takes a new direction in motorcycling, a path that emphasizes the beauty and aesthetics in the execution and creation of a sport bike."

Tony Schroeder, HRA senior designer, launched the NAS project in the winter of 1999, and he described how this futuristic concept took shape. "With an advanced project like the New American Sports, we aren't forced to work under a cloud of urgency; there are no production deadlines to meet, so we're free to take our time and think outside of established norms and push the limits. Unlike most advanced projects, however, the goal with the NAS was to not only create the image of a futuristic machine, but we also had the green light to take the bike to an unusually high degree of finish work. Part of our goal with the NAS was to develop and perfect new methods of model construction, and to push motorcycle engineering concepts into the 'what if' realm.

Lamborghini Sport Car

2009-12-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

SuperVeloce, or SV, is a storied name in Lamborghini’s history, seen most recently on the 1995–99 Diablo SV. The moniker is usually applied to a more powerful, gussied-up version of a car that’s near the end of its life cycle, which is what we have here in the Murciélago LP670-4 SV.

Compared with the plebeian LP640, the SV’s version of the 6.5-liter V-12 develops 29 more horsepower—up from 632 to 661—owing to revised valve timing and modifications to the intake system. Torque is unchanged at 487 pound-feet. The more powerful engine doesn’t have to work as hard, either, as Lamborghini has sliced off a claimed 220 pounds, mostly through the extensive use of carbon-fiber panels and interior parts, and a lighter exhaust system. As a result of higher power, lower mass, and quicker electronic gearchanges, we expect the SV to rip from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds en route to a claimed top speed of 213 mph with the optional small spoiler, or 209 mph when equipped with the lofty “Aeropack” wing.

Despite sacrificing top speed, serious drivers will opt for the Aeropack because the big fixed wing creates so much downforce that Lamborghini should consider changing the name to SG, for Super Glue. On the 16-turn, 3.9-mile handling track at the Nardò proving ground in southern Italy, the SV’s rear end always remained firmly planted, in contrast to the base Murciélago’s occasional booty shake around tight corners.

Notwithstanding much improved behavior on the handling course, the SV felt most at home on Nardò’s nearly eight-mile-long high-speed circle. “We tuned the steering for high-speed sensitivity,” says Maurizio Reggiani, head of Lamborghini R&D, and the resulting on-center feel is precise and responsive at what would be liftoff velocity for most aircraft. Following the upper lane around the big Nardò ring’s gentle arc is point-and-shoot simple—the broken white lines simply whiz by faster. On a whim, we nudged the speedometer near 340 km/h (211 mph), at which point our passenger, a Lamborghini Driving Academy instructor, raised and lowered his left hand, a gentle reminder to return to the posted 240-km/h (149 mph) limit.

Decelerating the SV inspires confidence, too. Standard 15-inch carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston calipers at all four corners (optional on the LP640) stand at the ready behind lightweight, glossy-black 18-inch wheels. The brakes are aided by the huge rear appendage, which also acts as an air brake. To coast to a crawl, simply lift off the throttle and let drag take over.

Production will be limited to 350 cars, with a price that’s likely to be nearly $100,000 more than the base LP640’s already lofty $361,400 sticker. Even so, the SV offers more performance than a Reventón, for about a third of the price.

spotscae

2009-10-22T01:39:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz Sports Car

2009-10-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is about to celebrate its world premiere on 15 September 2009 at the In-ternational Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the SLS fully lives up to all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and optimum safety. In essence, the new 'Gullwing' offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an al-luring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminium space-frame body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine develop-ing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The 'Gullwing' accel-erates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). The fuel con-sumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) puts it at the front of the competitive field (all figures provisional).

"Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. The brands Mercedes-Benz and AMG have joined forces to create the SLS AMG – which is set to become one of the most al-luring sports cars of all time", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"Our customers will experience with the SLS AMG the expertise of Mer-cedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor racing. The unrivalled technol-ogy package delivers outstanding driving dynamics coupled with moderate fuel consumption figures – part and parcel of the modern-day AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"The styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is not only very special because of the exclusive gullwing doors. Our aspiration is to utilise this in-terpretation to create the classic of tomorrow and roll out the most alluring sports car of the 21st century. Our aim is also to create a new design icon, which shapes the incomparable legend of our brand, alongside Mercedes models like the CLS or the SL. At the same time, the new SLS paves the way for the design phi-losophy of forthcoming Mercedes-Benz sports cars", says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Design: purist, distinctive and passionate
The distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthrals with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mer-cedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two metres, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear-end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An un-doubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gullwing doors which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment.

Audi R8 Sport Car

2009-10-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

The soul of the R8 4.2 FSI quattro is the adrenaline inducing 420 hp 4.2 FSI V8 engine. Displayed under a transparent panel, the V8 produces 317 lb-ft of Torque.

Torque is what causes rotational speed to change. Just as greater net forces cause greater linear accelerations, greater torques cause greater rotational or angular accelerations.

Torque and propels the R8 4.2 to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds on the way up to a top track speed of 187 mph. As part of a race-bred mid-engine design that contributes to superb handling dynamics, the 4.2 V8 features race winning technology such as FSI direct injection, sodium-cooled exhaust valves and is setup for a high-revving 8250 rpm.

As a true supercar the R8 not only offers blistering speed but awe-inspiring handling. Featuring the legendary quattro.

Audi's quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, has had over 25-year-long tradition.

Quattro all-wheel drive system the R8 inspires driver confidence, giving you traction when you need it, where you need it, regardless of road conditions. To accommodate the extreme performance of the R8 5.2, quattro® utilizes a continuously variable torque distribution dynamically adjusting power to the wheels with the best traction. With a significant 85% rear torque bias, this highly specialized quattro® system provides the R8 with a balanced driving experience unlike any car on the road.
Audi Magnetic Ride

With thousands of miles logged on the world’s most grueling test circuit, the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the
Suspension

See 4-link front suspension, 4-link rear suspension, dynamic suspension, stabilizer bar, and trapezoidal-link rear suspension.

Suspension system of the R8 is further enhanced with Audi magnetic ride which offers instantaneous driver control at the touch of a button. By utilizing an advanced magnetically charged fluid whose viscosity continuously adapts to driving dynamics and can be controlled electromagnetically, the driver can select from ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ modes to customize the R8 ride and handling.

Honda Acura Advanced Sports Car

2009-10-18T01:47:00.000-07:00

Detroit, USA — Honda used the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to take the wraps off a brand-new sports car, one that promises to entrench the Honda nameplate with the world's greatest sports cars.

Called the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept, the dull and boring name is nevertheless laying the groundwork for the next generation NSX, which will be badged a Honda outside of North America, and an Acura within.

As Honda states, the dynamically styled concept provides a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX.

The Japanese company says that the car was created to take exotic sports car styling to a new level. The concept is designed to incorporate a powerful front-mounted, V10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Honda's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

"The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive," said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance."

The idea of a V10 engine makes less sense now because Honda's Formula One race car uses a V8 engine, so to create an F1 parallel between the two will be more difficult. But the prospect of a Japanese-built 10-cylinder engine should be enough to make most followers of the modern car scene weak at the knees.

Honda has relied on 6-cylinder engines as it's biggest and strongest yet, so a switch to a V10 engine would be very interesting, and would be capable of revving to very high levels, perhaps around 9500rpm. Generally speaking, most Honda engines are high revving, typified by the Integra Type S.

The Advanced Sports Car Concept's exterior demonstrates a dynamic fusion of advanced technology and emotion, says Honda, where the long, pronounced hood features deeply sculpted lines and embossed air vents, both of which hint at the powerful engine beneath. The exterior shoulder line runs the length of the body, creating a ribbon-like effect from the front headlights to the rear wheel arches, evoking a feeling of movement and power according to the Japanese car maker.

Although modern in its appearance, the Advanced Sports Car Concept retains the subtle cues associated with its predecessor, the NSX. The concept's slim, LED headlights are pushed wide and designed to mimic the pop-up headlights found on the first generation NSX. Other styling hints include a modern take on wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit, plus bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept's aggressive appearance.

"Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion," said Jon Ikeda, principal designer at Acura Design Center. "The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car."

Wide and low to the ground with a 2764mm wheelbase, the concept is anchored by 19-inch front and 20-inch rear performance tyres which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs with huge eight-piston calipers accent the wheels, and showcase the improving braking technology that filters down from the Formula One paddock.

The low slung cabin is constructed entirely of tinted glass and sits flush against the body. There are inherent safety concerns with an entirely glass cockpit, but this is still a concept car, and nothing has been confirmed for production yet.

The door handles are also flush mounted, allowing the sports car to retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance, and hinting at its super car status, the vehicle even has a Ferrari-like carbon fibre underbody and the rear is finished with aggressive quad exhaust pipes and integrated rear diffusers, further communicating its high performance potential.

A rear-wheel drive, V10-powered Honda sports car? It would have been an impossibility a few years ago, but with this new concept, the reality just got a little closer. The vehicle also has a subtle resemblance to Nissan's upcoming GT-R, which is expected to change the status quo in the exotic performance coupe segment, something that Honda has now decided it wants to be a part of.

The Advanced Sports Car Concept was designed by the Acura's Los Angeles-based design team that was working at the new Acura Design Center. If built, the car would be marketed as a Honda outside of the United States.

Porsche Sports Car

2009-10-17T03:47:00.000-07:00

Forty years ago, on March 13, 1969 at the Geneva International Motor Show, Porsche unveiled a car that would exceed its creator’s wildest dreams, and develop into one of the most iconic race cars of all time: the Porsche 917.

Project 917 began in June 1968 in response to an edict from the international motor sports authority (FIA). They had announced a class for “homologated sports cars” with up to a five-litre engine capacity and a minimum weight of 800 kilograms.

Under the supervision of Porsche family member and gifted engineer Ferdinand Piëch, the FIA-stipulated minimum 25 units of the new race car were to be completed by April 1969 so that the 917 could race during the 1969 international season. Initially, Porsche built six cars and had “all the bits and pieces to build 19 more for the homologation,” according to Rico Steinemann, Porsche’s Racing Manager at the time. Then the FIA decided that all 25 cars would have to be built. As all of the racing department’s resources were being utilized, the workers to build the cars would have to come from elsewhere.

“We put together apprentices, messenger boys, bookkeepers, office people and secretaries,” remembered Steinemann years later. “Just enough people, taught just enough to put together 25 cars!”

The original 25 “Secretary Cars,” as they came to be called, passed the FIA inspection with flying colors, despite the fact they would barely run on the street, let alone a race track. After the inspection, all but two of the cars were completely disassembled and rebuilt by the factory’s race team mechanics.

The engine of the 917 was also unique. While it retained Porsche’s traditional horizontally-opposed, air-cooled “boxer” engine configuration, the 4.5-litre, 520-horsepower, 12-cylinder engine was bigger than any engine Porsche had built before.

The frame, designed more for durability than lightness, was constructed of TIG-welded aluminum tubing (later switched to magnesium), with fiberglass re-enforced resin bodywork.

The 917 shape underwent constant evolution, with Porsche engineers developing different body configurations to best meet the demands of the varied circuits on the World Championship calendar.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, the World Championship of Makes visited four different continents, all sporting many different styles of racetrack. The so-called short-tail, or “Kurzheck” bodywork was designed for high-downforce tracks, such as Watkins Glen and Brands Hatch, while the original “Langheck” long-tail bodywork was further developed to optimize straight-line speed and stability on the long, ultra-high-speed circuits like Le Mans, with its 3.5 mile long Mulsanne Straight. The ultimate development of the 917 came with the open 917 Spyders, which later dominated both the CanAm and Interseries circuits.

Success was not immediate for the 917. After initially dropping out of its first three races due to technical problems, the 917 success story began in August 1969 at a 1,000-kilometer race at the Österreichring with a victory by Jo Siffert and Kurt Ahrens.

Delays and lack of development time prevented the 917 from winning the championship in 1969. But by the end of the 1970 race season, Porsche demonstrated the superiority of the 917 and the 908/03 models by taking the World Championship of Makes by winning nine of ten possible victories.

This series of victories began with the Daytona 24 Hours and continued at Brands Hatch, Monza, Spa, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Targa Florio, Watkins Glen 6-Hour and at the Österreichring. However, the season's high point was the long-desired overall win at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, a trophy that Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood brought home to Zuffenhausen on June 14, 1970. The number 23, 917K short-tail model, painted in the red and white colors of Porsche Salzburg, successfully fought off the combined factory efforts of Ferrari, Matra and Lola while battling horrible weather conditions during the race.

The 1971 season was once again dominated by the 917, as Porsche defended their World Championship of Makes crown by winning eight out of the ten races on the schedule. For the second year running, a 917 was again victorious at Le Mans – this time with Gijs van Lennep and Dr. Helmut Marko driving, who set world records with an average speed of 222 km/h and a total of 5,335 kilometers driven, records that still stand today. The 917 long-tail coupe also set another record in 1971: car number 21 turned in the highest speed ever recorded on the Mulsanne Straight of 387 km/h.

The 1971 Le Mans race also marked the debut of one of the most fabled iterations of the 917. A cross between the short-tail and the long-tail models produced the 917/20, a car distinguished by its wide cross section and its striking pink color. Although the car, nicknamed “The Pink Pig,” dropped out halfway through the race, its unusual paint scheme made it one of the most famous Porsche models ever, joining the 1970’s “Hippie Car” as a Porsche Racing classic.

When the European FIA regulation for “5-liter sports cars” expired at the end of the 1971 season, Porsche decided to enter the Sports Car Club of America’s Canadian American Challenge Cup (CanAm). There had been exploratory efforts in CanAm as early as 1969, but this was the first championship-level effort from Porsche. Tony Dean, driving his own independently entered 908/2, took a surprise rain-soaked win at the Road Atlanta CanAm race in 1970.

After many months of testing and development in Weissach, done in conjunction with Penske Racing’s legendary driver and engineer, Mark Donohue, the 917/10 made its CanAm debut in June of 1972. Now turbocharged, the 12-cylinder boxer engine pumped out an incredible 1,000 horsepower, but an early season testing accident caused Donohue to sit out most of the season. His replacement, George Follmer, went on to dominate the series and won victories at Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Elkhart Lake, Laguna Seca and Riverside, thus clinching the 1972 CanAm championship and virtually chasing the formerly invincible Team McLaren from the series.

For an encore, Porsche and Penske went to work on its 1973 challenger, the 917/30. In what turned into the ultimate development of the 917 platform, the 1,200 horsepower car was the class of the field at every race. The superiority of the car, driven by Mark Donohue, was so obvious that the CanAm series regulations were changed at season’s end in order to prohibit the 917/30 from competing in 1974. The 917/30 did live on in the Interserie series in Europe, where Herbert Mueller won the championship in 1974 and 1975. Also in 1975, at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, Donohue set the World Closed Course Speed Record driving the Penske 917/30 at an average speed of 355.85 km/h.

As is typical of Porsche, the technologies developed during the racing career of the 917 were successfully transferred to its road cars; one of the most obvious examples is the original 911 Turbo, a car synonymous with performance, efficiency and engineering excellence.

The reputation of the 917 is legendary. When 50 international motor sports experts from the famous British trade magazine “Motor Sport” were asked to name the “greatest racing car in history,” they cited the Porsche 917. Overall, Porsche built 65 units of the 917: 44 sports cars as short-tail and long-tail coupés, two PA Spyders as well as 19 sports cars as CanAm and Interseries Spyders with up to 1,400 hp from their turbocharged engines.

Today, seven of the most important 917 models – among them the Le Mans-winning cars from 1970 and 1971 and the 917/30 CanAm Spyder – are currently on exhibit in the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Most of the other 917s are in the hands of proud collectors around the world, and have been seen – and heard – at the most prestigious vintage events, including Goodwood, Amelia Island, Monterey Historics, and Porsche’s three Rennsport Reunions in the U.S. in 2001, 2004 and 2007. Porsche Motorsport North America, the racing arm of Porsche in North America, services, restores, rebuilds and maintains many of these 917s for collectors at its shop in Santa Ana, California.

Lotus Sports Car

2009-10-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

The Lotus Exige S 240 and 260
The Exige S 240 and 260 are real sports cars that redefine the term, “extreme performance”.

For their engine size, the Exige S 240 and 260 are two of the most powerful production cars in the world. The Exige is not just a track day enthusiasts’ car, but a sublime sports car that’s equally at home on the backroads, motorways and autobahns as it is on city streets and race tracks.

From pure racing heritage to cutting edge technology and world-leading ride and handling, Lotus’ Exige models are in a league of their own. Lotus’ Exige models are instruments of pure driving bliss.

BMW Z4

2009-10-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

When the BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2002, it marked a significant departure in styling for the upscale roadster, due in large part to BMW design guru Chris Bangle's controversial at the time "flame surfacing" look. Love it or hate it, the Z4 has had a successful six-year run, changing little during that period. This time around, for the second-generation 2009 BMW Z4, the updates to the two-seater are decidedly less radical and more evolutionary.

But what an evolution it is. BMW has signaled a clear departure from previous Bangle-era cues across its lineup and the Z4 is no exception. Gone is the awkward line running up the sides of the car and across the front fenders, headlights, and nose. The new headlights are pulled back and sleek, rather than droopy and oddly shaped as on the outgoing car. In fact, combined with the broader twin-kidney grille, the new Z4 almost looks like it has a hint of Aston Martin in the front end. Around the back, the new rear end is clearly related to the one on the new 6 Series coupe.

Though you probably won't notice it from the photos, the Z4 has grown up a bit. The new car is 5.8 in. longer, 0.4 in. wider, 0.3 in. lower, and the wheelbase has grown an imperceptible 0.1 in. Though not much physically larger, it has gained some weight. The Z4 has gained 200 to 300 lb across all models and now ranges from 3241 lb to 3494 lb. Some of that weight comes from the new aluminum retractable hardtop, the first for a BMW Z roadster, which BMW says can be opened or closed in less than 20 sec. The roof is controlled by a button on the center console or by your key fob when equipped with the optional Comfort Access system. BMW says the new car effectively serves as the replacement for both the Z4 coupe and roadster, although a soft top option has been rumored.

The extra girth isn't all bad, though. BMW says that the new Z4 has vastly increased visibility and interior space. All-around visibility is up 14% over the outgoing model, with 40% larger side windows and 52% more see-through area out the glass rear window. Inside, the increased size gives you 0.2 in. more headroom, 0.79 in. more shoulder room and 1.69 in. more elbowroom. The door openings have even increased by 1.02 in. for easier entrance and egress.

While the Z4's new duds are striking, its performance will really get your attention. Gone is the old 2.5L engine, replaced with the same inline sixes found under the hood of the new 1 Series. Standard on the sDrive30i is a 3.0L with Valvetronic variable valve timing laying down 255 hp and 220 lb-ft, enough to hustle the car to 60 in 5.6 sec, according to BMW. If performance is your game, the 3.0L direct-injected twin-turbo in the sDrive35i is the engine for you. With 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, it will reportedly hit 60 in 5 sec flat. Both models are electronically limited to a top speed of 150 mph with an optional Sport Package or 130 mph without.

Sports Vehicle

2009-09-07T02:20:00.000-07:00

FERRARI F430

The Ferrari F430 Spider's main characteristics are its light, compact 4,300 cc 90° V8 engine, which punches out 490 hp to achieve a specific output of 114 hp/litre, also providing the new Ferrari berlinetta with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.8 kg/hp (dry weight); a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs for optimal efficiency under extreme use (optional); a Formula 1-derived gearbox that cuts gear shifting times down to 150 milliseconds allowing the driver to make the very most of this truly high performance car (0-62 mph acceleration in 4 seconds flat, a top speed in excess of 196 mph) and an aerodynamic design that embodies the very latest competition technologies, specifically the flat underbody and large rear diffuser to increase downforce.