LAADI CARS

A year after presenting the Agera, Koenigsegg have announced the Agera R; a harder, faster, more focused version of the original Agera. It is on display at this years Geneva Auto Salon and we’ve got photos from the show floor! We’ve already seen one delivered to the Oman Royal Family, however, this is the first time the factory has presented the car to the general public and press.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera R

Volkswagen Tex And Go! Concept Duo

2011-03-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Renowned studio Italdesign Giugiaro has thrown back the curtain on its first project since joining the Volkswagen family late last year, and fittingly, it's a pair of Volkswagen concepts.

One a small people-mover and the other a sporty-looking three-door, the concepts are named Go! and Tex, respectively. Both concepts utilise electric motors - a constant theme for Volkswagen's most recent concepts, and part of its push toward launching an all-electric 'E-Motion' range in the coming years.
The Tex draws power from a Twin Drive plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.4 litre turbocharged engine with an 85kW electric motor. Together with a seven-speed Direct Shift transmission, the Tex packs 400Nm of torque, hitting 100km/h in "about" six seconds.
On electric power alone, the Tex has a driving range of around 35km.
With its hatch styling, it's no great leap to imagine the Tex as an ninth- or tenth-generation member of the future Golf family.

Little has been revealed about the all-electric powerplant of the Go!, although Volkswagen says its Blue E-Motion well get up to 240km out of its front-and-rear split battery packs, bettering the driving range of most passenger EVs.

Volkswagen Tex And Go

Lamborghini Aventador supercar 700-horsepower

2011-03-01T05:15:00.000-08:00

What can you say about a supercar that's so exciting that the start button is shielded by a red switch cover? Meet the new Lamborghini flagship, the Aventador LP 700-4, about to be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow.

The new Lamborghini presents a sinister image

It has a unique carbon-fiber body and a 12-cylinder, 6.5-liter engine that develops 700 horsepower. Yet the car weighs only 3,472 pounds. Top speed is expected to be 217 miles per hour with zero to 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. Even with that blazing speed -- an 8% increase in the power -- fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are expected to be cut 20% over the previous model.

A new transmission decreases the shifting time, only adding to its fast take off. The car's name means the bravest of bulls. And yes, because it's a Lambo, the doors open upward.

Lamborghini Aventador supercar

VW Bulli concept Geneva Auto Show

2011-03-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen's design chief Klaus Bischoff looked at his new Bulli concept, turned to TopGear's reporter and asked, ‘Well, at the moment is there an MPV that you would actually WANT to buy?' Well, no there isn't, really. Certainly not VW's own Touran, we're thinking Mr Bischoff.
Which is why they made the Bulli. An MPV with the potential to be a cult production car. It's a two-row three-abreast MPV with a lot of cues recalling the original VW Microbus. We think it's one of the cars of the show.

VW has been here before. In 2001 it showed another Microbus concept. But that never made production. Why come sniffing around the idea a decade later? Well the 2001 car was too big for Europe, so would have sold in the US only and they couldn't make a sound business out of it. This one is smaller so would fit the roads over here too.

VW Bulli concept

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback First Official Photos

2011-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

General Motors is continuing its drive to build up the Chevrolet brand in Europe, and its new Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback is one of cars it is hoping will help with the effort. These are the first official photos of the production version of the Cruze hatch, which is making its debut at next week’s 2011 Geneva auto show.

GM says the Cruze hatch will launch with a new range of engines, likely meaning a mix of f gasoline and diesel I-4s introduced on the Cruze and Europe-only Orlando MPV. This is evidenced by GM’s confirmation that the range-topping turbodiesel unit will be the same 160-horsepower, 2.0-liter I-4 as in the Orlando coupled to a six-speed manual transmission.
European sales are scheduled to start this summer. While we’re unlikely to see this car in the States anytime soon, we wouldn’t bet against it possibly coming here at some point, especially when considering its main U.S. rival, the 2012 Ford Focus, is available in both hatch and sedan body styles.

2012 Audi RS3 Specifications

2011-02-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

Audi has finally revealed the 2012 RS3.

Audi RS3 Specs

As you can imagine the 2012 Audi RS3 Specs are more that terrific. The engine of the 2012 Audi RS3 is the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine found in the 2011 Audi TT-RS with whoaping 250 kW (340 PS / 335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb ft) of torque. Off course, it is connected to the Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Get this, the car accelerates from 0-62mph(0-100km/h) in just 4,6 seconds. That is the same as the 4,2 R8. Impressively, the car has average fuel consumption 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 212 g/km.
The handling is also spot on. Audi RS3 engineers has fitted the latest creation from Germany with an aluminum intensive sport suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a four-link setup out back. A high performance braking system with ventilated disks that measure 370mm in the front and 310mm at the rear.
The design is also very aggressive as seen in the photos bellow.
Inside, the cabin is outfitted with Fine Nappa leather sport seats (with silver contrasting stitching), Piano black (or Aluminum Race) trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a revised driver information system with a lap timer.

2012 Audi A6

2011-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

As in the A8 case, Audi will be the last premium brand to introduce their latest luxury sedan. Mercedes introduced their latest E-class last years and BMW do that a couple of weeks ago. Now it’s time for Audi to show it’s latest creation.
Design wise, the 2012 Audi A6 will be a mixture between the upcoming A7 and the latest 2011 Audi A8.
The 2012 Audi A6 will be officially introduced in march 2012 as a limousine and later that years as Avant.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Initial Pic Leaked

2011-01-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Pictures of what the interior and exterior of 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG could look like have surfaced. Meanwhile, the next generation Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is expected to produce output in the range of 550 hp and a torque of 590 lb.-ft.

According to EvoCars, the next C63 AMG can be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 that is expected to raise the power output from the previous version by around 100 hp to 550 hp. In addition, a Performance Pack can be anticipated to increase output to the 570/660 range.

Nonetheless, the above mentioned engine specs can remain mere speculations till official confirmation is received. In fact, the 6.2-liter V-8 can be retained for the full C63 range.

As for performance, the coming Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is estimated to be able to clock in 0-60 mph in the mid-four-second range. Furthermore, top speed can be expected to be around 186 mph.

In addition, the 2012 C63 AMG can be expected in variants other than the sedan namely a wagon, a coupe as well as a Black Series car.

Meanwhile, power, pricing and performance details of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG are yet to be officially announced.

2012 Dodge Viper

2011-01-03T07:27:00.001-08:00

2012 Dodge Viper

It had been exciting to hear that the Viper will be back, shortly after Dodge shifted its home base to Fiat ownership. And now we hear that the revived model, slated to reach dealers by 2012, will use some help from its parent company.
Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles has let it slip that the new Viper will use some assistance from Fiat while designing the chassis, but insists that the car is “not based on anything else”. This is only logical when one considers the reputation Fiat commands when it comes to the matter of tuning cars. It will also be easier on the budget if the Viper takes advantage of Fiat components.
The sports car however plans to choose its own platform over Fiat’s Ferraro or Alfa Romeo model lines. Gilles did accept that that Fiat will have a fair hand in the development of the engine options, with an 8.4-L V10 using the company’s MultiAir technology and an entry-level V8 being among the most probable ones.
Gilles revealed that he wants the new Viper to be a “more forgiving car to drive” and accessible to a wider customer base. His other concern was stability control, something that has always been amiss in high-performance Vipers.
This comes after reports that the new 2012 Dodge Viper would be based on the Alfa Romeo 8C or some other platform within the Fiat-Chrysler Group. The American sportscar had a few Viper enthusiasts scoffing off at its new Italian connection. The latest statements from Gilles will surely be appreciated by most as a keeping of the Viper sanctity.

Nissan LEAF Named 2011 European Car of the Year

2011-01-01T21:50:00.001-08:00

Nissan LEAF

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., today, said that its 100% electric Nissan LEAF received the 2011 European Car award of the Year. The LEAF which is the first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market had a competition with 40 contenders to win most important honor in the motoring world.

With the receipt of the award this electric vehicle from Nissan became the first electric vehicle to get this accolade in the 47-year history of the annual competition. The contestants for the award included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo.

Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Prototype Revealed

2011-01-01T21:49:00.002-08:00

Honda Accord

Honda Motors has just announced the launch of its Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. The company conducted the first public test drive of the Honda Fit EV prototype and the Honda Accord “Plug-In Hybrid” test vehicle outfitted with the new two-motor plug-in hybrid system at Torrance.
The Japanese automaker had previously revealed the plug-in hybrid platform at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which showcased Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. This new hybrid system is designed for mid-size to larger vehicles and will be introduced in a future Honda model in 2012.
The company noted that the plug-in hybrid is intended to be compatible with ones daily driving habits. The user will get the advantage of taking short, frequent trips in its all-electric mode, while also utilizing the long-distance driving capabilities when needed. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes, all-electric, gasoline-electric and engine direct-drive mode, to maximize driving efficiency. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

Eco Friendly Vehicles at Detroit Auto Show

2011-01-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

BYD Co. Ltd. announced its plans to launch several US-ready green-technology vehicles and products. The company will present their “Three Green Dreams” strategy at the upcoming 2011 North America International Auto Show, scheduled to begin from January 10^th.

The Chinese automaker, which is appearing for the show for the fourth consecutive time, will showcase their “Green City Solutions”, their green electric vehicle series and a portfolio of other eco-friendly products.
The automaker noted that its “Three Green Dreams” focuses on renewable energy generation, environmentally-friendly energy storage and efficient energy consumption, covering solar power, iron-phosphate energy storage and electric vehicles. BYD’s pure-electric vehicle, the 2012 e6 Premier, and the brand-new dual mode electric SUV, the S6DM, will make their world premieres at the show.
The new 5-seat crossover, the BYD e6 Premier, comes with a dynamic and sporty exterior design. The new vehicle, equipped with BYD’s Iron-phosphate “FE” battery, will have an expected range of 300 km on urban roads. The vehicle which takes only 40 minutes to get charged on the 100kW fast charging cabinet can sprint at a top speed of 140 km/h, while it takes around 6 hours to charge the e6 on the 10kW standard charging pole.

2010 Kia Pop Concept

2010-08-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

2010 Kia Pop Concept
2010 Kia Pop Concept

2010 Kia Pop Concept

Bugatti Veyron F1 photos

2010-07-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

Bugatti Veyron F1

The world’s most expensive Bugatti Veyron, complete with F1 number plate, will be a star attraction at this year’s MPH Show featuring Top Gear Live at London’s Earls Court between 5-8 November.

If ever the phrase ‘if you need to ask the price, you can’t afford it’ was appropriate it’s now. But at the right price the car could be up for sale, according to owner Afzal Kahn.

Michael Schumacher's Bugatti EB110 Photos

2010-07-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher put his Bugatti EB 110 SS (Sport Stradale) for sale for 600,000 Euro ($761,940). The supercar is supposed to be in better-than-new condition.

This striking yellow Bugatti EB 110 was bought by Schumi in 1994 who used it in his private life for almost ten years. But he apparently hardly ever used the car as the mileage seems to be not even 5000 km.

Bugatti EB110

2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Photo Gallery

2010-07-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

Land speed world record with the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport takes production sports cars to a whole new dimension.

2010 Bugatti Veyron

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Photo Gallery

2010-06-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Following the successful launch in European cities the new smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of North American cities from the autumn. The electrically powered trendsetter has been rolling off the production line since November 2009 – and due to the huge demand the initial production volume has been increased from 1000 to 1500 vehicles. The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is neatly accommodated between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for very good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available.

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric picture

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric gallery

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric view

2011 Smart Fortwo Electric

2010 Jaguar XKR 75 Special Edition Photo gallery

2010-06-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Production of the XKR 75 will be limited to just 75 vehicles, which will be available to order from July 2010 in the UK priced from £85,500 OTR. Customer deliveries will commence during October.

2010 Jaguar XKR 75 Special Edition

2011 ABT Sportsline Audi A8 Pictures

2010-06-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

Renowned for its astonishing VAG automobiles conversions, ABT Sportsline, the Bavarian aftermarket expert has exclusively unveiled the details on its astonishingly elegant creation, the new ABT AS8. The extraordinary luxury ride is based upon the recently launched, new-generation premium sedan 2011 Audi A8 and offers more sophisticated yet unobtrusive sporty vision.

2011 ABT Sportsline Audi A8

2011 Jaguar XJ Saloon Price

2010-06-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

The new Jaguar XJ offers unique style with its distinctive design, generous accommodation and impressive predicted residual values. The vehicle offers class-leading combination of round-the-clock support and minimised running costs. Furthermore, the number of extras is endless.

2011 XJ Saloon is a perfect choice especially for owners, who demand exceptional luxury at reasonable cost of ownership. Jaguar XJ has further minimised running costs by lightweight aluminium structure, which not only contributes to lower fuel consumption when driving, but also significantly reduces the car’s overall carbon footprint. More than 50 per cent recycled aluminium is used to build the bodyshell.

The Long Wheelbase model offers extraordinary cabin space – a full metre of rear legroom and ample headroom. The boot is also impressive – 520 litre, so it can accommodate two large suitcases and a full set of golf clubs. XJ Long Wheelbase comes with illuminated rear vanity mirrors, four zone automatic climate control, rear privacy glass, a rear electric window sunblind and manual rear side window sunblinds. Rear business trays become standard on Portfolio and Supersport models.
The Jaguar XJ is powered by 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel , which offers class leading fuel consumption of 39.2mpg, and emissions of only 189g/km CO2.

The new Chauffeur Programme is available to Jaguar XJ and XF customers. It offers licenced a range of unique benefits to maximise the productivity and cost-effectiveness of their vehicle. The support package includes:

-A like-for-like replacement vehicle – minimise downtime with a like-for-like replacement vehicle in the event of a mechanical breakdown during the vehicle warranty period. Vehicles will also be PCO licenced for London based chauffeurs

-Jaguar Chauffeur Insurance – tailored hire and reward insurance available through Jaguar Cars Finance with a £500 insurance contribution for the first year of the policy – peace of mind and a significant saving for chauffeur businesses

-Jaguar accident management – part of Jaguar Chauffeur Insurance, a comprehensive service for fault and non-fault accidents, including arranging repairs at a Jaguar approved repairer and the provision of a like-for-like replacement vehicle which will also be PCO licenced for London based chauffeurs

-Quintessentially Jaguar – one year’s membership of a dedicated global ‘concierge’ service, to provide assistance with special customer requests, such as theatre or restaurant bookings

-Priority servicing and repairs – to ensure vehicles are back on the road, washed and valeted, as soon as possible

-Tailored finance – a range of tailored finance options, including flexible Jaguar Contract Hire profiles with varying annual mileage options, with or without maintenance

2011 XJ is priced at £56,900 on the road. The Jaguar XF 3.0 Litre V6 Diesel, with 42.0mpg combined and 179g/km CO2 is priced from £34,900 on the road.

2011 VW Jetta Sedan

2010-06-20T05:42:00.002-07:00

Look at these first official photos of the all-new 2011 Jetta Volkswagen sedan. The new Jetta was officially unveiled and will go on sale in the U.S. this October with prices starting at $15,995. Unfortunately, availability and pricing in Europe will be announced later.

The new Jetta’s exterior styling with the Audi-esque rear-end and Scirocco-like fascia was inspired by the NCC coupe concept car shown at the Detroit Show.

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2010-06-20T05:42:00.001-07:00

The all-new Opel (Vauxhall in the UK) Astra Sports Tourer has been revealed at the Paris Motor Show on October. This euro GM’s station wagon model go on sale across Europe in November.

The exterior of the Astra Sports Tourer look like the Insignia ST. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer shares its footprint with its 5-door sibling, with a similar 2,685 mm-long wheelbase and front and rear tracks of 1544 and 1558 mm respectively.

2011 Honda Odyssey

2010-06-20T05:41:00.001-07:00

Honda has pulled the first official photos of its all-new Honda Odyssey eight-seater minivan. The new styling and the 1.6-inches lower roofline give new Odyssey more character and presence over the current model.

The 2011 model is said to be wider over the current 2010 Odyssey and promises to be more functional and roomy with better interior lighting.

New interior features include an available entertainment technology that introduces high-definition connectivity and split-screen viewing.

The 2011 Honda Odyssey will be offered at least with 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine. Honda estimating a fuel economy for new Odyssey of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Peugeot-Citroen developing small car, sedan for India peugeot citroen new small car

2010-06-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

We had brought news about Peugeot-Citroen’s Indian plans few days ago. Now the French car-maker has announced it is keen on exploring developing markets like India, China, Thailand and Brazil with market specific small cars and sedans.

Peugeot is looking to shy away from its dependency of developed markets and enter new markets where there are more prospects. Peugeot-Citroen has confirmed that it is working on two new models for developing markets, a small car internally called ‘Global Small Car’ and a cost-effective sedan (probably on the lines of the Renault Logan) dubbed the ‘M3-M4′.

Peugeot-Citroen is looking to launch these vehicles in the developing markets by 2013-14. The company is also looking to manufacture these cost-effective cars either in India, Thailand, China, Japan or the Latin America.

Peugeot-Citroen’s partner Mitsubishi is actively involved in this venture. Peugeot-Citroen’s strength is its ability to develop extremely frugal small displacement diesel engines. This would surely help the prospects of their new cost-effective cars in India at least.

2011 Mustang V-6

2010-06-17T06:57:00.001-07:00

For a starting retail price of just $22,995, buyers get more than 300 horsepower, a six-speed transmission and the unmistakable sporty looks of one of America's favorite icons. The newest Mustang even has the best six-cylinder fuel economy rating ever in the car's 47-year history — 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway, according to the federal government.

And this comes from a new V-6 whose 305 horsepower is just 10 less than the V-8 that was in the 2010 Mustang GT. It's a happy confluence of power and efficiency. But it's also surprising that it shows up in a famous sporty car. Mustang buyers typically don't make fuel economy a high priority.

Sold as a two-door coupe and convertible, the 2011 Mustang has a starting retail price of $22,995 for a V-6 coupe with six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic, which nets the top fuel economy rating, adds $995 to the price, for a total of $23,990.

Gosh, these prices aren't far from the $23,305 starting retail price for a more ho-hum 2010 Honda Accord coupe with 190-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and manual transmission.

Mustang V-6 prices also compare favorably with the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $23,530 for a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro coupe with 304-horsepower V-6 and manual transmission. The lowest starting retail price for a Camaro with automatic is $24,525. Note that the top government fuel economy rating for the Camaro is 17/29 mpg with automatic transmission.

Meantime, a 2010 Dodge Challenger with 250-horspower V-6 starts at $23,695 and is rated at 17/25 mpg. There's no manual transmission in the Challenger. Neither the Camaro nor Challenger is available as a convertible.

The test Mustang was a 2011 Premium coupe with automatic transmission that had shift-it-yourself controls that don't require a clutch pedal.

GM recalls 1.5 million cars, trucks with heated wiper fluid

2010-06-17T06:56:00.001-07:00

General Motors is recalling about 1.5 million vehicles worldwide for a problem with a heated windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire. The recall affects a number of 2006-09 model pickups, SUVs and cars sold under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer and Saturn brands. GM conducted a similar recall in 2008 but has had new reports of fires in vehicles that were supposedly fixed.

GM plans to disable the washer fluid heating module and will pay owners/lessees $100 for losing the feature. GM says it is aware of five fires, but no injuries or crashes.

Nearly 1.4 million vehicles are in the U.S. More than 100,000 vehicles are in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere.

Here is a list of vehicles and a summary of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's posting:

BUICK / ENCLAVE 2008-2009
BUICK / LUCERNE 2006-2009
CADILLAC / CTS 2008-2009
CADILLAC / DTS 2006-2009
CADILLAC / ESCALADE 2007-2009
CADILLAC / ESCALADE ESV 2007-2009
CADILLAC / ESCALADE EXT 2007-2009
CHEVROLET / AVALANCHE 2007-2009
CHEVROLET / SILVERADO 3500 2007-2009
CHEVROLET / SUBURBAN 2007-2009
CHEVROLET / TAHOE 2007-2009
CHEVROLET / TRAVERSE 2009
GMC / ACADIA 2007-2009
GMC / SIERRA 2007-2009
GMC / YUKON 2007-2009
GMC / YUKON XL 2007-2009
HUMMER / H2 2006-2009
SATURN / OUTLOOK 2007-2009

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr's Report Date: JUN 04, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V240000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Ford expects to be 25% electrified by 2020

2010-06-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ford predicts the electrification of America's auto fleet to happen a lot faster than most have expected.

Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of global electrification, told our colleague Jewel Gopwani at the Detroit Free Press that Ford expects 10% to 25% of its sales by 2020 will be vehicles that in some way run on batteries, up from about 2% now.

Of those electrified vehicles, 70% will be hybrids, 20% to 25% plug-in hybrids, the rest pure electrics.

For starters, Ford, which needs to give Lincoln new life as it kills off Mercury, says its new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has gotten an EPA sticker rating of at 41 miles per gallon in the city, 36 mpg on the highway. That beats what it considers the MKZ hybrid's top mid-size luxury sedan rival -- the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid -- by 6 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. Ford also claims a top speed on battery alone of 47 mph vs. 25 mph for the Lexus.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Final Edition

2010-06-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Dodge has announced a specially styled, limited-edition Viper model, which carries the name 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Final Edition. Designed to mark exclusively the final year of production for the current-generation Dodge Viper, the newcomer will be manufactured in limited number of only 50 units worldwide.

The new 2010 Viper SRT10 Final Edition differs from its series counterpart by a sleek, Graphite finished exterior with painted black center stripe traced in red and unique side sill badges. The Coupe and ACR Final Edition models pack also a black windshield surround.
The manufacturing process of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 Final Edition is scheduled to start in the early summer of 2010.

2010 Dodge Challenger SpeedFactory SF600R

2010-06-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

SpeedFactory, the leader in modern Mopar supercars, today announced the industry's first 6spd manual, 600 HP ‘SF600R' Challenger, as part of their complete line of 2010 Mopar supercars.

The ‘R' designation in the SF600R Challenger denotes a SpeedFactory hi-performance, normally-aspirated, bored, stroked and balanced 6.1L Hemi block, increasing the displacement to 426 cu. in. (7 liters).

This modern 426 powerplant has an all-forged rotating assembly and features CNC ported aluminum heads with new valves, guides, seals, Bee Hive springs and titanium retainers. A custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body works with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.

Additional SpeedFactory performance modifications include a CARB- certified high volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system for better breathing. The increased power is managed with a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. Handling is improved with performance springs and sway bars as well as additional front and rear strut tower braces. The SF600R Challenger rides on premium Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires mounted on staggered 20" BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.
The 2010 SF600R Challenger is priced at $73,900. and is available for immediate delivery.

2011 Audi TTS Facelift Orange

2010-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Audi released the official images showing the new 2011 Audi TTS facelift in orange. The carmaker has also followed the orange theme at the interior of the Audi TTS facelift.

The Audi TTS, both in Coupe and Roadster body styles, combine enthralling sportiness with cultivated comfort. Its two-liter TFSI with the large turbocharger and many additional modifications pumps out 200 kW (272 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, the latter from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. It accelerates the TTS Coupe with the optional S tronic from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.2 seconds, up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). With the S tronic, the Coupé consumes an average of only 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (30.55 US mpg).

The TTS comes standard with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber technology, the Sport button and a high-performance brake system. Visual cues to its identity are provided by the 18-inch wheels with size 245/40 tires and a new grille combined with chrome air inlets. A new color combination – spectral silver/black – is available for the interior.

The dynamic spearhead of the TT model series is the TT RS, which is likewise available as a Coupe or a Roadster. Its turbocharged, inline 5-cylinder engine draws 250 kW (340 hp) of power from 2.5 liters of displacement. 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque are available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. It nevertheless averages just 9.2 liters of fuel per 100 km (25.57 US mpg).

2010 Racer X Design RZ Ultima Concept

2010-05-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

Sub 10 seconds runs up the strip, quickest acceleration from 0 to 100 mph, quickest deceleration from 100mph to 0. We all know the Ultima GTR. Performance that makes any production car trail behind where it counts: Around a track!

The RZ Ultima concept is intended for those who want all the performance that the GTR offers but with a more refined look. Even if this is still in design phase, we believe it has the potential to be the ultimate supercar.

Based on top of the GTR existing chassis, the styling was designed to leave the chassis and running gear untouched. This is what Racer X Design thinks a supercar should be. Extremely quick, stylish, and unique. The RZ Ultima promises all these qualities and more.

2010 Asi Lexus LX 570 INVADER

2010-05-10T08:15:00.001-07:00

In order to fit the Lexus LX 570 luxury SUV with more aggressive and sleeker appearance and to boost its performance figures to new heights, Asi, the Japanese styling and tweaking expert is about to unveil the Asi LX 570 INVADER program.

Charged with hyper-bold and highly sports-dedicated vision, the Asi LX 570 INVADER is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and anticipated enhancement programs for the off-roader, due to the its aftermarket goods lack. In addition to the new look, the specialists at Asi are also planning an exclusive power increase, which will take the output of the Lexus SUV’s 5.7-liter V-8 engine to the stunning amount of more than 600 horsepower. Thanks to that, the refined sports luxury ride will be able to cover the zero to 100 km/h acceleration sprint in less than 5 seconds.

2010 Suzuki SX4 Aerio

2010-05-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Suzuki launched a new version of SX4 – Aerio, which is priced at £12,495, based on the 1.6 litre petrol model with manual transmission. The engine has quite good fuel consumption by doing 45.6 mpg and the CO2 emissions are just 143g/km.

The new model has front, side and rear under spoilers in lieu of black body trim and front and rear skid plates and completes its sporting stance with a roof spoiler, rear privacy glass and deletion of roof rails.

The SX4 1.6DDiS – diesel engine is also improved by lowering its emissions with 10g/km to 129g/km and a 10 per cent of combined fuel consumption cycle, now it is 57.6 mpg.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Turbo

2010-05-05T05:26:00.001-07:00

Suzuki Kizashi Turbo

After an impressive performance preview of Suzuki's 2010 Kizashi at last fall's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the heightened fun (on closed course, with professional driver) continues with the debut of Kizashi's concept turbocharged variant. As seen - beginning this month - with racer Tommy Kendall and his Speed Channel program "Test Drive," this newest Kizashi concept morphs the intended definition of Kizashi from the Japanese - "something great is coming" - into "what might be coming next?"

In production form, the all-new Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, providing a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more appropriate to the near-luxury sport sedan segment. The performance experts at Road Race Motorsports build on those performance attributes and near-luxury features with a host of mods designed to heighten the excitement factor while lowering the Kizashi's lap times on any closed-course venue.

Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of go-fast goods for Suzuki automotive enthusiasts, began the Suzuki turbo project with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Boost is supplied to the stock heads and block by a 16G turbocharger, while temp is kept in check with Road Race Motorsports' own high flow intercooler. Other adds on the hardware menu include custom fuel management, Road Race's Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector. The equal length turbo manifold is custom crafted, while the 38mm wastegate is supplied by Tial.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Price

2010-05-05T05:24:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi Motors (UK) is pleased to announce the pricing and specification of its all-new urban crossover vehicle, the ASX.

Mitsubishi’s Managing Director, Lance Bradley, commented that, “This is the right car, at the right time, at the right price and specification. The CO2 reducing technologies will appeal to fleets, user-choosers and retail customers alike – indeed, early customer reaction has been very positive with advance orders already taken.

“We’re targeting customers who would traditionally buy a C-segment car, such as the VW Golf and Ford Focus, but also people looking to down-size from their SUV or family estate car. With the ASX you really do get the best of every world.

“It’s a game-changer for us, which could easily become a new ‘hero’ vehicle for the brand and heralds the advent of our new ‘Intelligent Motion’ philosophy.”
Pricing, Insurance Groups, Volumes and Model Mix

Model Ins Group Mix Price
ASX 2 1.6 Petrol 13 15% £14,999
ASX 3 1.6 Petrol 13 36% £16,799
ASX 4 1.6 Petrol 14 4% £18,799
ASX 3 1.8 Diesel 19 27% £18,549
ASX 3 1.8 Diesel 4x4 19 13% £20,049
ASX 4 1.8 Diesel 19 3% £20,549
ASX 4 1.8 Diesel 4x4 20 2% £22,049

2010 Nissan Dualis+2 Announced For Australia, Available From July

2010-04-21T07:22:00.001-07:00

NISSAN AUSTRALIA has today revealed the 2010 Nissan Dualis+2, ahead of its market debut in July.

Longer and taller than the regular Dualis, the Dualis+2 is a seven-seat family wagon, built on a stretched version of the platform used by the Dualis 2WD and AWD hatch.

“Against rivals that tend to appeal to the head more than the heart, DUALIS+2 combines practicality with genuinely attractive design and a fun to drive attitude,” Nissan Australia’s Dan Thompson said.

“We are targeting active urban families who probably have only one or two children. But those children have friends and they have grandparents, meaning that a family outing can now be undertaken in one car,” he said.

Girls at Detroit Auto Show 2010

2010-04-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

At this year’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show were revealed many significant vehicles, the overall impression we got is that the industry has scaled back. But there is one area where automakers seemingly didn’t skimp.

Car Babes at the 2009 ESSEN Motor Show

2010-04-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

A lot of beautiful ladies were present at the 2009 Essen Motor Show in Germany! Those women who are charged with keeping our attention focused on those vehicles they’ve been paid to lean against. View full gallery with awesome pretty booth babes

hot Babes at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show

2010-04-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

The 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas not only features some of the coolest rides you will ever set your sights on but also some of the hottest girls at this event.

It seems like every supplier finds the top models they can to drive attention to their wares and their efforts do not go unnoticed. Check full image gallery with the beauty ladies that made their way to Sin City for the largest tuning gathering in the world.

Audi Q7 Prices & Review

2010-04-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

When Q7 was first rolled out three years ago, this Audi performance SUV immediately achieved a leadership position as a sporty, comfortable as well as high-performance recreational and business vehicle on a grand scale. The Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation, and business. Its dynamic proportions and distinctive lines express this character, and subtle modifications endow its styling with even more elegance.

Audi India has launched the new Q7 in Indian Market. It is available in four engine options – 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro, 4.2 FSI quattro and 4.2 TDi quattro at Audi dealerships across the country. The new Audi Q7 range starts at Rs. 53,40,000 for the 3.0 TDI quattro and Rs. 55,20,000 for the 3.6 FSI quattro (ex-showroom Mumbai). It is available in new colors like Ibis White, Teak Brown, Orca Black and Graphite Grey as well as the existing colors which include Deep Black, Bahia Beige, Cobalt Blue, Condor Grey, Ice Silver, Garnet Red and Lava Grey.

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Update: Audi 4.2 TDi Quattro Launched

Audi has announced a Limited Edition offer on the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI quattro – the latest and more powerful version of the largest selling luxury SUV in India. This special offer is to commemorate completion of three successful years of Audi in India. The limited edition Q7 4.2 TDI will be available at a price of Rs. 58,68,000/- (ex-showroom Mumbai) from April 2010. The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI boasts of impressive performance figures with 0-100 kmph in 6.4 seconds and top speed of 240 kmph while still having a fuel efficient engine which consumes 9.9 liters per 100 km.

“The Audi Q7 has set the benchmark as the best luxury SUV in the country and with the introduction of this new powerful diesel engine we continue to offer customers the most progressive, sporty and sophisticated products – reflecting the core essence of our brand DNA ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’,” said Mr. Benoit Tiers, MD, Audi India. “India has been a significant growth driver for Audi globally and this special offer as we commemorate three rewarding years in India is our way of thanking our valued customers in India without whom our success would not have been possible,” he added.

The new V8 4.2 TDI quattro engine will join the three existing engine options – 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro at Audi dealerships across the country. The price of the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI, post the limited edition offer period, will be Rs. 66,12,500/- (ex-showroom Mumbai). This exclusive Limited Edition Audi Q7 4.2 TDI will be available at Audi dealerships across the country. All standard equipment on the car remains unchanged.

2010 Audi Q7

Design & Style

Now Audi is making it more elegant and more efficient, with lower emissions. Audi has also given the 2010 Q7 a minor facelift both inside and outside. At the front end, Vertical chrome bars contrast with its black high-gloss finish. 2010 Q7 gets new headlamps that incorporate Audi’s now-signature LED running lights and a revised front bumper with chrome accents. Their lower section is now painted in a contrasting black or gray, depending on the body color. The newly integrated underbody protection in the center section of the bumper has a distinctive ribbed design. New single-frame radiator grill in high gloss black with vertical chrome bars adds robustness to the car in conjunction with new Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The new Audi Q7 also comes with optional high-end headlight version that integrates not only a low beam, high beam, and turning and cornering lights, but for the first time also a special superhighway beam. The restyled tailgate presents a more forceful contour. LEDs are standard equipment in the taillights. An aluminum exterior package adds further highlights to the styling. In conjunction with the xenon headlights, light-emitting diodes assembled to form U-shaped bands provide the daytime running lights. The front blinkers are also composed of LEDs as straight-line arrays, located at the upper edge of the air intakes.

Interiors

Inside, the trim has been updated with more wood, but the big news is the third generation MMI navigation/entertainment/information . The navigation system gets a 3D interface and joystick control for finding destinations. The Sirius satellite radio also provides traffic data now and accepts voice commands to find cash, food or gas, much like Ford's TravelLink system. Thanks to its 3002mm wheelbase within an overall length of 5086mm, the Audi Q7 has interior room to spare, and the interior flexibility is unrivalled. The seatbacks in the second row are divided into three fold-down sections to provide a level cargo floor. This increases the luggage space from a volume of 775 liters to 2,035 liters. With the leather upholstery option, the middle seat now has an even more comfortable contour.

Safety & Technology

In its suspension technology too the Audi Q7 is exceptional. As a customer option, Audi equips the Q7 with adaptive air suspension - a pneumatic suspension system that operates in conjunction with an electronic shock absorber control, varies the ground clearance at five different levels, and lets the driver select three driving modes: comfort, automatic and dynamic. In its road handling the Q7 excels in its sporty, highly responsive precision. Off-road, it provides a superior ride on widely varying terrains. The Q7 comes with a splendid range of standard equipment.

The speed-dependent servotronic steering system is standard, as is a double floor in the cargo area complete with a storage compartment and a dirt tray; there is also a roof rack, an automatic air conditioning system, and an MMI radio operating system complete with a CD audio player and eight loudspeakers. The option program includes luxury features such as the remote key and four-zone automatic air conditioning. Another high-end option is the climate-controlled comfort seat, which can keep the body warm or cool it by means of small fans.

2011 Mazda2 priced at $14,730

2010-04-01T07:59:00.003-07:00

Mazda announced today that its Mazda2 subcompact will carry a price tag of $14,730, including freight. Set to hit the U.S. dealerships in July, the base model will carry a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable to deliver 100 hp and mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

If you want the four-speed automatic transmission, then you will have to pay extra $800. Some of the standard features include air conditioning, ,dynamic stability control with traction control, antilock brakes, electric power steering, 15-inch wheels, tilt steering wheel, CD/MP3 stereo, remote keyless entry system, power mirrors and windows as well as door locks.

2010 Fiat 500C Abarth - Gallery

2010-04-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 : New York Auto Show

2010-04-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz unveiled at the New York Auto Show the brand new SLS AMG GT3, a racing version of the gullwing model. The new SLS AMG GT3 pays tribue to the 300 SL racing sports car of 1952 which first established the “gullwing” legend who won the legendary “Carrera Panamericana” long-distance race. The new racing car comes with a completely new body kit consisting of a new front apron with larger air intakes, new side sills and an impressive rear spoiler to generate extra downforce. As prescribed by the FIA GT3 rules, the car features the same AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine found on the production version but thanks to its lower weight, the GT3 version will be faster comparing to the standard car (the SLS AMG can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds while the top speed exceeds 300 km/h).

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI breaks cover

2010-04-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Subaru of America revealed today at the New York Auto Show the all-new 4-door version of its 2011 Impreza WRX STI. The new car promises to offer new styling as well as a revised suspension and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.

Regarding the design of the new car, this features sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile, a newly designed front grille with black base, newly designed fenders (for the 4-door models) and a big rear trunk spoiler.

Shopping Tools * Free Dealer Quote * Vehicle History Report Click Here Advertisement 2010 Toyota RAV4 Face-Lifted for Europe

2010-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Toyota RAV-4 Facelift SUV, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The facelift version of the RAV4 gets a new interior and exterior, but also receive improved engines.

The 2010 Toyota RAV-4 Facelift exterior gets some new headlights and a new grille, new hood and a new redesigned bumper with integrated fog lamps. There are still details of the range of engines, but surely the Japanese company will provide gasoline and diesel engines.

2011 Fiat Doblo

2010-03-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

2011 Fiat Doblo

The Fiat Doblo has always been about space – one that’s versatile, practical and value for money for the family driver. Now the all-new version builds on those qualities, yielding improved comfort, style, economy, safety and running costs.

Highly acclaimed and with more than a million variants sold since it first went on sale in 2000, the 2011 Fiat Doblo has forged a formidable reputation as a hard-working hold-all. And whether it’s for leisure or work the new model aims to cement its standing with best in class interior space and lowest exhaust emissions.

Alonso Gets Maserati GranCabrio

2010-03-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

The two-times Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso, driver of Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, has "unveiled" in Fiorano the Maserati GranCabrio that he has selected.

The Spanish driver has chosen for the GranCabrio elegant fixtures, preferring a darker shade for the exterior in combination with two-tone upholstery for the interior. Grigio Granito is the colour of the body, while the interior has a combination of Pearl Beige and Bordeaux leather, matching a soft top of the same shade.

Mercedes F800 Concept - 2012 Mercedes CLS-Class

2010-03-13T01:38:00.001-08:00

Mercedes F800 Concept

Mercedes F800 Concept

Mercedes-Benz' F800 Style research vehicle is showing the future of premium automobiles from a new perspective, as the five-seat premium sedan combines highly efficient drive technologies with unparalleled safety and convenience features and an emotive design idiom, which interprets current Mercedes-Benz styling in line with the brand's hallmark attribute of refined performance.
Mercedes F800 Concept

2010 VATH V58 Mercedes SLK AMG

2010-03-12T01:00:00.001-08:00

2010 VATH V58 Mercedes SLK AMG

2010 Lexus IS 350C F-Sport

2010-03-12T00:59:00.001-08:00

The IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition also comes with black leather-trimmed seats with sporty blue contrast stitching. Other Special Edition standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim; Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS); headlamp washers; and Lexus Navigation. The hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system has a seven-inch VGA touch-screen, Bluetooth® phonebook download capabilities, a rear back-up camera, Voice Command casual-language voice recognition system, Lexus Enform, XM® NavTraffic, XM® NavWeather, and XM® Sports and Stocks. XM services include a complimentary 90-day trial subscription. It is also features the new telematics system Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™ (includes complimentary one-year trial subscription).

2010 Infiniti G37 Anniversary Edition

2010-03-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

2010 Infiniti G37

he Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the four available 2010 Infiniti G Anniversary Editions are:

G37 Sedan Anniversary Edition - $43,350 USD
G37 Sedan AWD Anniversary Edition - $43,550 USD
G37 Coupe Anniversary Edition - $50,550 USD
G37 Convertible Anniversary Edition - $54,900 USD

The Anniversary Editions are based on the G Sedan Journey and AWD, G Coupe Journey and G Convertible and come standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. Premium and Navigation Packages are included on all of the Anniversary Editions.

Pininfarina And Bolloré's Bluecar

2010-03-06T23:33:00.000-08:00

The Bluecar, an electric car, is a joint endeavor between Pininfarina And Bolloré.

Bentley Supersports Convertible

2010-03-06T23:32:00.000-08:00

Bentley's Supersports Convertible runs on both gas and E85 bioethanol.

King Saud University's Gazal-1

2010-03-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

Engineering students at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia designed the Gazal-1, based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, as an academic assignment.

Aston Martin Cygnet

2010-03-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

Aston Martin's Cygnet -- based on the Toyota iQ, which is marketed in Europe for about $14,000 -- is set to go into production in 2011. With an estimated price tag of $45,000 to $75,000, however, the luxury mini car -- to be sold only in Europe -- will be much pricier.

Mercedes F800 Style

2010-03-06T23:29:00.000-08:00

Mercedes' F800 Style has 136-horsepower and is powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Geneva Auto Show: Audi A8 Hybrid

2010-03-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Audi A8 Hybrid
Audi calls the Audi A8 Hybrid “a near-production concept,” which means if you put your ear to the tracks, you can probably hear that train approaching. Audi A8 Hybrid It is equipped with Audi’s fully developed turbocharged, direct-injection 2-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, linked to a 33-kilowatt electric motor (or 44 horsepower) via a wet clutch. The A8 Hybrid makes combined power equivalent to 245 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a zero-to-60 mile per hour time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 146 miles per hour. Audi A8 Hybrid Conversely, it is also capable of sipping fuel at rate of just 38 miles per gallon. It can also travel on electric power alone, at speeds up to 40 miles per hour, for about a mile and a half.

2011 Porsche Cayenne range revealed at 2010 Geneva Auto Show

2010-02-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Porsche Cayenne is credited with expanding the breadth and scope of the brand, bringing some of the company's legendary sports-car genes to family-hauling utility vehicles. And the Cayenne is again leading the charge for Porsche, this time in an effort to cement its green credentials.

The redone 2011 Cayenne range will break cover in March at the Geneva auto show, and the spotlight model is a Cayenne S hybrid that packs total output of 380 hp and can run short distances completely on electric power.

The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 makes 333 hp and works with a 47-hp electric motor. Peak torque is available low in the band, with 427 lb-ft on tap at just 1,000 rpm. The motors work in tandem or separately with the help of a decoupling clutch, which manages the transitions between the two in an effort to make for seamless operation. The hybrid can run on electric power at speeds of up to 40 mph, Porsche says.

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid : 2010 Geneva auto show

2010-02-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

Lotus Engineering has created what the U.K. firm calls a "high-performance technology demonstrator" in the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid. The Lotus shares elements of its plug-in series hybrid drivetrain with a Giugiaro-designed concept from Lotus' Malaysian parent, Proton. Both will be at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

The Evora 414E Hybrid shares its 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline "range extender" engine with the Proton hybrid concept.

But the emphasis on the Evora 414E Hybrid is on performance. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds and has a range of 35 miles on pure battery power and an extended range of more than 300 miles from the hybrid system.

The car's muscle is housed in the twin electric motors, each of which drives one of the rear wheels. The motors generate a combined 408 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque.

Through the magic of electronics, the single-speed transmission is linked to a column-mounted paddle shifter designed to simulate upshifts and downshifts in a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Lotus also created a synthesized engine sound that changes frequency with the "virtual" gear selection, as well a modulation in drive torque to simulate a gearshift "jolt."

Lotus hybrid concept is best

2010-02-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

Lotus hybrid concept

Mazda CX-9 crossover

2010-02-17T22:34:00.002-08:00

the CX-9 drives more like a car. And its unique, modern design looks good. It reads as the quintessential crossover, combining the best of cars and SUVs.

On the down side, in Touring trim, such as the one we reviewed, navigation isn't available, forcing a move up to the Grand Touring trim, plus buying the navigation option on top of that.

2010 Mazda2 Hatchback and New Sedan Variant

2010-02-17T22:34:00.001-08:00

A subtly updated version of the 2010 Mazda2 will make its way to Australian showrooms in May in hatchback and for the first time, sedan body styles. Aside from the new looks and the addition of the longer, four-door sedan to the range, the 2010 Mazda2 also heralds the change of production as the refreshed model will now be sourced from the company's new factory in Thailand instead of Japan.

As with the North American version of the car, the styling tweaks on the revamped Aussie-spec Mazda2 are mostly concentrated up front and concern the new front bumper that incorporates the firm's smiley-shaped lower grille, darker head light clusters and the revised upper grille.

Both body styles of the new Mazda2 will continue to be powered by a 76kW / 102HP 1.5-liter petrol engine hooked up to either manual or automatic transmissions.

New Pagani C9 Shows Off its Gullwing Doors in South Africa

2010-02-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

It's a small world indeed. The next generation of the Italian boutique supercar, the Pagani C9, was caught on film during a pit stop at a gas station in South Africa. Looking a bit like a modern interpretation of the Batmobile, the lightly camouflaged prototype was fitted with a pair of eye-catching yellow stickers that say "Government Approved Highspeed Testing Vehicle".

New Lotus Elise facelifted

2010-02-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

Lotus has unveiled its revised Elise.

The facelifted Elise gets a cheery new face, courtesy of a revised front bumper, splitter and clamshell. It even gets LED running lights. LED running lights! On a Lotus Elise! Next they'll be telling us it's got night vision cameras.

Round the back, the engine cover and rear bumper have been sharpened up, too, but it's the mechanical stuff underneath that's most interesting.

The entry-level Elise gets a new 1.6-litre, 134bhp four-pot petrol engine - the first time the Elise has been fitted with a 1.6 - that emits 'under 155g/km of CO2'.

Lotus claims this gives it ‘the lowest CO2 per performance for any petrol high-performance sports car in the world': a bold claim, but one we're struggling to refute. Anyone want to take a punt?

The 189bhp 'R' and 218bhp supercharged ‘SC' Elises remain powered by the familiar 1.8-litre unit. Their CO2 emissions remain at 196g/km and 199g/km respectively.

Alfa Romeo to return to the United States

2010-02-17T22:28:00.000-08:00

Things are once again looking up for Fiat S.
p.A.’s plan to return Alfa Romeo to the US by 2012, according to a Chrysler Group spokesman who recently confirmed remarks made by CEO Sergio Marchionne last Friday.

Marchionne had expressed his confidence that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the US and Canada. Press reports have talked about the brand being most likely to be back within the next two years. Alfa made its exit from the US in 1995 with a reputation for poor quality.

2010 Land Rover LR4

2010-02-14T23:18:00.001-08:00

Land Rover’s LR4, formerly known as the LR3 and called Discovery everywhere else in the world, is one of the last of its breed, — a SUV assembled with antique body-on-frame construction that is engineered for extreme off-roading.

That’s all fine if you are out patrolling the Serengeti on a regular basis, but less admirable if you are cruising shopping centers in Beverly Hills.

With the U.S. imposing 2016 standards of 35 mpg and Europe setting regulations on carbon dioxide emissions, that kind of excess would seem to make the life expectancy of the LR4 a limited one.

Ignoring societal and regulatory considerations, the LR4 measures up quite well. A finalist for the North American Truck of the Year award, it is more modern and refined than any Land Rover in memory.

The driver sits up high in a captain’s chair with an armrest. Unlike in earlier models, the pedals and stacks respond with a reasonable degree of effort.

The new 5.0 liter 375-hp aluminum alloy V-8, which is also used in Jaguars, provides plenty of pep, propelling this seven-passenger vehicle to 60 miles per hour in a brisk 7.5 seconds. The interior is both functional and attractive and aligns Land Rover with international standards. There are no more switches that move in an opposite direction from the rest of the world’s.

Some of the information screens, though were difficult to decipher — especially while traveling at 60 mph — and the trip computer appeared incapable of delivering a fuel consumption analysis.

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

2010-02-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

We remember growing up when lots of families had station wagons. And we thought they were cool. Fake wood on the sides, rear-facing third row seats, the perfect family hauler for trips to the store or cross-country. Along the way, the noble wagon got replaced by minivans and SUVs, but we always felt like something was lost. So we were pleased to get a chance to drive the new Ford Flex. Okay, Ford calls the Flex a crossover, but to our eyes, this is just one cool, big wagon.

The Flex has actually been around a year, but for 2010 Ford has introduced the twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine making this spacious hauler a rocketship as well.

This is a great looking vehicle that stands out in a crowd. Square, blocked off lines, grooves running down the sides and a contrasting white roof on our Red Candy tester gave it the look of a modern-day Surf Wagon. Add in the EcoBoost’s slightly lower suspension and optional 20-inch alloy wheels and our Flex was the epitome of cool.

And with EcoBoost you’ve got the goods to back up the image. The stats on the engine are impressive: 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s a whopping 92 hp and 102 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. But it’s how the EcoBoost works that’s really impressive, coming on swiftly, quietly and strongly at any speed, making it great fun to surprise some more “performance” oriented machines. And while the EcoBoost pulls with V8-power, it sips with V6 efficiency, with an EPA 16mpg city/22 mpg highway rating – strong numbers for such a big vehicle.

Helping you enjoy the power is a standard 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters for manual-style fun, standard all-wheel drive to make sure none of the power is wasted, and a sport suspension that gives surprising sport-sedan responsiveness and a maneuverability making the Flex feel much smaller than it actually is.

1950 GMC Pickup

2010-02-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

1950 GMC Pickup

Lexus LX570

2010-02-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

Lexus loaded its LX570 full-size SUV with just about every conceivable amenity and then added a new one for 2009: a $4,050 luxury package with a radar system that senses when a car or person, motorcycle or wall, is in your path and applies the brakes to prevent contact.

There's also adaptive cruise control that senses when traveling faster than the car ahead and regulates speed and braking to keep a safe distance.

And crawl control to limit engine speed and apply brakes over rough or slippery surfaces so the driver can focus on steering; holds itself on a hill without rolling when first started; adjusts shock settings for on- or off-road surfaces; raises itself 3 inches for off-road clearance or lowers 2 inches for easier entry/exit; has full-time all-wheel drive with a low setting for off-road excursions; and offers stability control and traction control on- and off-road.

Yet the tall SUV, weighing in at 5,995 pounds, doesn't move like a ballerina, especially in sharp corners or turns.

A 5.7-liter, 383-horsepower V-8 with 6-speed manual-mode automatic has the muscle to climb or pass without huffing, but moving nearly three tons means a disappointing 12 mpg city/18 highway. No hybrid or cylinder deactivation. For shame.

The SUV holds eight in three rows. Second-row room is very good, and the power-operated split seats motor back to accommodate legs and knees or forward to create more cargo space. Third row is tight for other than kids. Second-row seats fold and flip for access to the back, but don't attempt entry in a skirt or carrying a cane.

BMW facelifts the X5 SUV

2010-02-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

BMW has released details and images of the facelifted X5 SUV that will be showcased at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The X5 now has new bumpers, reworked headlights with white corono rings as well as renewed taillights. BMW also added new body colours and new wheels.

Inside you can find a new iDrive system with a standard 6.5-inch display screen while an 8.8-inch version is optional. Buyers also have more optional features to choose from. These include a panorama glass roof, a DVD system, heated steering wheel, adaptive cornering lights, heads-up display, a reverse camera, lane departure warning and more.

Four models of the X5 are available including the xDrive35i, the xDrive50i, the xDrive30d and the xDrive40d. The 35i has a turbocharged 3.0 liter 6-cylinder that makes 306hp and 400Nm of torque. This N55 engine replaces the normally-aspirated 3.0 liter found in the outgoing X5. This delivers 100 kilometers with 10.1 liters of petrol.

The 50i has a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 that makes 407hp and a massive 600Nm of pulling power. This top of the line model hits 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed 250 km/h. It takes in 12.5 liters of petrol to deliver 100 kilometers. The 30d features a turbocharged 3.0 liter diesel unit that can produce 245hp and 540Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

GMC Terrain mostly smooth

2010-02-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

For 2010, Equinox was reborn, redesigned and enlarged. And now that Pontiac is going out of business, Equinox gets a new partner called Terrain, a midsize crossover sold by GMC. GM insists Terrain was earmarked for GMC before Pontiac was earmarked for extinction.

Terrain, like Equinox, is designed to attract consumers moving out of gas-thirsty mid- and full-size SUVs, as well as minivans. Good plan, considering GMC has dropped its midsize Envoy and Chevy its midsize TrailBlazer, and GM and Ford have dropped minivans. Foreign competition includes the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

We tested Equinox (Rides, July 19) and now Terrain, which serves those needing two rows of seats. (Acadia is for those needing three rows.) The only other things Terrain has in common with Equinox are the platform, roof and windshield.

GMC says it caters to higher household-income levels than Chevy, so Terrain comes standard with such goodies as rearview camera, auto-dimming mirror, deep-tinted glass, USB port, floor mats, fog lights, heated mirrors and projector beam headlamps -- all options on Equinox. Terrain/Equinox offer optional heated leather seats, but only Terrain heated cloth seats ($440 with SLE-2).

Front- or all-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter, 182-horsepower 4-cylinder or a 3-liter, 264-hp V-6 are available on both. Both come with 6-speed automatic. The 4 is a member of the 30 mpg club, with a rating of 22 mpg city/32 highway with FWD and 20/29 with AWD. The V-6 is rated at 17/25 with FWD; 17/24 with AWD.

We tested the FWD Terrain with a V-6. GMC says styling is bold, with large, slab side-body panels, raised hood, bulgy fender flares and low-slung plastic bumper and rocker-panel cladding.

2010 Lexus LX 570 Price

2010-02-04T20:10:00.001-08:00

Lexus, the famous luxury marque has unwrapped the 2010 Lexus LX 570 off-roader. The luxurious Lexus LX 570 SUV gets improved specifications and a fresh re-styled vision.

For the new model year, all LX 570 trim levels will receive enhancements to the navigation and user interface, USB input for portable media devices, a 12-volt socket in the cargo areas, headlamp washers and updated privacy glass in the rear of the vehicle. A new „Sports” variant fitted with centre console cool-box, rear seat entertainment unit and roof rails will replace the well-known Lexus LX 570 Prestige model. The top-of-the-line 2010 Lexus LX 570 Sports Luxury is distinguished by a new 10-spoke, 20-inch alloys set and an exclusive aero-kit that features front and rear sport spoilers. Thanks to its new styling improvements, the Sports Luxury models underlines ultimately the athletic nature of the striking SUV.

2010 Seat Ibiza ST

2010-02-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

2010 Seat Ibiza ST
2010 Seat Ibiza ST
2010 Seat Ibiza ST

2011 Kia Sportage Official Revealed

2010-02-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

The all-new Kia Sportage will show a dramatic shift in design direction when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010.

Embodying Kia's new visual dynamism, all-new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV - the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance - in a sleek and urban-friendly design.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: "Sportage was the car that really made the breakthrough for Kia in Europe and the all-new version will make people sit up and take notice just as the original did. I am convinced it will begin a remarkable new chapter in the Kia story."

The all-new Sportage comes to the UK later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and petrol engines.

The world premiere of the all-new Sportage will take place at 08.45 on 2 March, 2010 on the Kia Stand (No 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

2010 Mini John Cooper Works Challenge Edition

2010-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

More performance. More customisation. More MINI. Introducing the new and exclusive race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition – bringing the MINI John Cooper Works even closer to the track.

In recognition of the pure pedigree that underpins MINI, the release of the MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition draws John Cooper Works even closer to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, both in its appearance and performance.

The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the same powerplant as the MINI CHALLENGE race cars; delivering 155kW from a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Developing a maximum of 260 Nm of torque (280 Nm torque available during Overboost) the MINI John Cooper works propels from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.

Exclusive to the Australian market, the John Cooper Works Challenge Edition includes the following features over the already highly optioned MINI John Cooper Works model: John Cooper Works aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and side aprons, John Cooper Works Carbon spoiler, John Cooper Works Aluminium cross brace, John Cooper Works Alcantara and Carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud, John Cooper Works Carbon handbrake lever with Alcantara surround and unique Challenge Edition badging.

The Challenge Edition is available with all new MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, Clubman or Cabrio models. Representing over $7,000 worth of value, the Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a $2,500 option.

A testament to the strength and success of the MINI Challenge race series, last year the sales of MINI John Cooper Works reach unprecedented heights, accounting for 26 percent of MINI Cooper S Hardtop sales and 10 per cent of the entire model range.

The 2010 MINI Challenge season kicks off in March with the categories debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures

2010-02-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures

2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures
2010 Mazda MX5 Pictures

Detroit Auto Show: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

2010-01-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

Is it real? Officially a concept, the XTS Platinum will almost surely roll down assembly lines to replace a pair of senior-snoozing Caddy sedans, the STS and DTS.

What they said: Nick Twork, a Cadillac spokesman, said that G.M. was seriously considering offering plug-in capability on an eventual production XTS. “People in the luxury class want efficiency as well,” he said.

What they didn’t say: Can import-leaning luxury buyers accept a full-size Cadillac that shares some components with the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala?

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster UK Price

2010-01-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

The wait is over, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan’s much loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version.

Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels – the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z. Now compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations, the V6 packs a 328 PS punch to go with its glorious engine note.

Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps.

Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8 speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control.

Every inch the understudy to the mighty GT-R supercar, the 370Z’s performance is far from diluted in Roadster form. The 370Z was designed from the start to be a thoroughbred Roadster from the ground up as well a thrilling Coupe. As a result, minimal weight has been required for strengthening and driving dynamics are everything Z fans would expect.

Not previously available on the Roadster in Europe, an advanced 7-speed automatic gearbox is offered alongside the conventional 6-speed manual transmission. GT Pack models also benefit as standard from SynchroRev Match – the world’s first synchronised downshift rev matching manual transmission – while buyers of all variants can enjoy the Nissan’s acclaimed rear-wheel drive chassis.

Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The Roadster’s black hood not only gives an authentic convertible look and feel, but its shape has been styled to look great up or down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed.

And anyone who thinks sitting in a convertible in the summer sun can get a bit hot and sweaty can think again. Standard on GT Pack models, the 370Z’s newly developed seats are air conditioned, allowing chilled ventilation through their netted material so that both the driver and passenger can keep cool with the roof down no matter what the weather. What’s more the seats also make winter top-down driving a pleasure as they can also push out hot air to keep you warm.

Prices start at £29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to £36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with Sat Nav. A full price list can be found below.

Nissan’s UK MD, Paul Willcox comments: “The UK might not be experiencing perfect convertible weather right now, but having the 370Z Roadster on sale in Britain in time for spring is great news for performance car fans. There’s nothing like hearing the Z’s roar up close with the hood down!”

The launch of the 370Z Roadster also marks the arrival of the 2010 model year Coupe. In addition to the engine tweaks bringing its V6 powerplant in line with the latest environmental regulations, the Z is now available with Uphill Start Support to make getting the best out of the sporty Nissan even more stress-free (not fitted on the standard model).

A number of tweaks have also been made to the luxurious two-seat cabin including the addition of Connect Premium. Priced at £1,500, the system is borrowed from the GT-R and comes equipped with a 40GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and advanced Satellite Navigation. The dashboard mounted screen has a resolution now four times higher, while the new unit features a touch screen display, DVD functionality, iPod USB connectivity and coverage of more European countries than ever. The system also offers 10GB storage for music files which can be imported direct from your CD collection.

2011 Tata Aria Crossover

2010-01-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010, which opened here today. Among them are three new Tata vehicles, the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, and the Tata Magic Iris. All the three will be commercially launched during 2010.

The Tata Aria, first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in 2005, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV.

Its unique design and construction ensures that it is as robust as it is elegant and comfortable. The dynamic exteriors bear a distinctive lunging silhouette complemented by a unique A-pillar sweep and a well planted stance. Wrap-around dual barreled headlamps enhance the signature Tata grill, while the chrome underlining the glasshouse creates a distinctive kinetic beltline.

Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4x4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain. Dual mass flywheel reduces NVH to the bare minimum level.

Unlike MPVs or SUVs, passengers can simply walk into the Tata Aria, rather than climbing up or getting down into the compartment. Once seated, one is wrapped in a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3d surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. The plush and spacious interiors come with three rows of theatre style seating. The second row slides and inclines, and the third row can fold flat along with the second to yield a large storage area.

The Tata Aria has established new benchmarks in safety. It boasts of top-of-the-line features like 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. A chassis frame, constructed with advanced hydro formed members, coupled with a stiffened body cage, dual zone collapsible steering and airbags make the Tata Aria one of the safest vehicles in an exigency. It meets EEC safety regulations, which includes full frontal crash, offset crash and the side pole tests.

2010 Honda NSX John Danby Racing

2010-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

2010 Honda NSX John Danby Racing

2010 Audi R8 PPI Razor GTR Visible Carbon Fiber Widebody

2009-12-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

The new PPI RAZOR GTR and PPI RAZOR GT Supercar. BOLD Design, SHARP performance, and EXCLUSIVE production, developed and presented by PPI Automotive Design GmbH, the only tuners for Audi automobiles with a true focus on Engineering in Style.

Vanderbrink Ferrari 599 GTO Ecurie GTX Rendering

2009-12-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

New drawings of Vanderbrink Design’s proposed Vanderbrnk Ferrari 599 GTO Ecurie GTX have been released. The new car will be based on the lightweight Vanderbrink GTO model that’s limited to just five production units.

The Vanderbrink Ferrari 599 GTO Ecurie GTX has already been introduced as a concept three years ago. The GTO will come as either a 599 or a 630. The 599 will come with a 5.998 liter 650 horsepower V12 engine that produces up to 630 Nm of torque. The 630 meanwhile will be equipped with a 6.30 liter V12 engine that can churn out 750 horsepower and torque of 680 Nm.

Further details about the Vanderbrink Ferrari 599 GTO Ecurie GTX will be released as soon as it is available.

Protoscar Lampo2 EV to Debut at Geneva

2009-12-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

A year after the introduction of the Lampco concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Protoscar is at it again. Now with the Lampco2 to debut at the same venue.

The latest prototype will have improved aerodynamics and less weight, and also will have different charging modes: the overnight home charger, the standard three-phase on board charger, and the off-board Dc fast charger. The overnight home charger is ideal for domestic use and the standard three-phase charger is for industrial plugs. Meanwhile the DC fast charger can give an additional 100km to the EV in just 10 minutes of charging.

The Lampco2 will be fitted with two electric motors that produce 260 kW (354hp) and peak torque of 600 Nm. Its 30kWh lithium-ion battery can give up to a range of over 200km when fully charged. The Lampco2 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds before reaching its top speed of 200km/h.

The BMW Concept ActiveE – It’s Electric

2009-12-21T09:04:00.001-08:00

Never ones to shy away from a fight, it seems that BMW are wading into the electric vehicle battlefield. The German giants are heading into next month’s Detroit Auto Show with the impossibly posy-looking Concept ActiveE, with strong hints that it may actually see production.

The Concept ActiveE is the latest piece to roll out of BMW’s Project i campaign, which is dedicated to creating low-emission city cars and follows the MINI electric car out of the door and promises “CO2-free Mobility”.

Definition Of A Luxury Car

2009-12-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

We all know what a luxury car should be: Long, roomy, a big V8 or even V12, lots of electronics. Picture a Mercedes E or S Class, the BMW 7 Series, the Audi 8 or big Lexus or Cadillac. Or even a Lincoln Town Car.
But that's an old definition. Nowadays, it's the brand that counts, so luxury may be a smaller Mercedes C Class or BMW 3 Series or Cadillac CTS. Still, they're not cheap; one of these will cost $40,000.

But there will be a broader definition of luxury or prestige tomorrow, because times are changing again. We are creating new markers to show that we are rich enough, and that we are caring enough, to spend thousands of dollars in the "green" cause. It's quite possible, even likely, that tomorrow's luxury or prestige car will be quite different, and open the door to new competition, too.

Here's what I mean: We have a couple of new car companies, Tesla and Fisker, making expensive electric cars (actually Fisker still is getting ready to produce). The Tesla is a small sports car and sells for $120,000; the Fisker is to go for around $80,000. Those are luxury car prices.

It's likely that our traditional luxury carmakers will produce electric plug-ins, too, and charge more for them than for the big V8s. They may or may not have the performance or room of today's prestige cars--depending on how they are built--but they will be even pricier. New technologies, and lithium batteries, are expensive.

And the luxury brands might make some quite small cars and sell them at relatively high prices for their size. Some of this exists now. Mercedes, for example, has its small A Class car that it sells in Europe but not here, and parent Daimler builds the tiny Smart.

The cost built into these future cars will be more in the engine technology rather than the leather on the seats. But what counts to the manufacturer is being able to charge enough to make a good profit.

We can see a bit of this starting. Mercedes sells its S400 hybrid, with a six-cylinder engine plus lithium batteries, instead of a V8. The car doesn't perform as well as the big-engined Benz but is accounting for 10% of the Mercedes S Class sales in this country.

Mercedes will also start selling cars here with four-cylinder engines in about two years, and later will offer a four to replace the V6 in some prestige E Class models.

This shift to technology-driven luxury opens the door for other manufacturers to go into the low volume but high price markets.

Honda ( HMC - news - people ), for example, built a distinct model that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell engine. Hydrogen and oxygen mix and create electricity that runs the car and the emission is water. The car has been used for tests, but should Honda decide to build one and sell it, the price would put Honda in the luxury field.

Who would buy such a car, which would be expensive but a problem to use because there aren't many gasoline stations selling hydrogen? Rich folks.

A real example: Nissan ( NSANY - news - people ) is going to build an electric car soon. It's called the Leaf. The company hints it will cost $30,000 or so without the batteries (which will be leased separately). The car will have limited use: Recharging will be a pain, and you won't want to visit Grandma in Minnesota in January--batteries don't work so well in the cold.

That's a real luxury car: $30,000 for something that won't work too well. The people who buy these cars won't be those going for a sub-prime mortgage. They are the folks who buy expensive toys and want to show they care about the environment.

Look at the little Smart car. Again, we're talking about a toy for the wealthy. How about the coming Chevrolet Volt electric/hybrid car? It will be priced around $40,000 we hear. Again you can bet the buyer won't be your typical Chevy owner.

Mass-market producers often wish to sell some pricey cars and earn some prestige, too. Chevrolet sells the expensive Corvette. Ford sold the expensive Thunderbird.

Nothing is certain, of course. Small but expensive cars haven't done that well here so far. The Audi A3, around $30,000, has only 3,300 sales here in 11 months. The BMW 1 Series has 10,000 in 11 months while the larger 3 Series has 82,000 sales.

But every luxury carmaker in the world is showing design studies of models with electric or hybrid engines. And mass-market producers, like Chevy and Nissan, are getting into the act, too.

2010 Kia Sorento Pictures

2009-12-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures
2010 Kia Sorento Pictures

2011 GMC Acadia Denali Trim Package

2009-12-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.

"The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that's just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. "The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia."

The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia's refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.

The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.

The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

Unique lower front and rear fascias
High-intensity discharge headlamps
Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
Dual chrome exhaust tips
Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Luxury amenities

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

Premium acoustics - laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
Head-up display (HUD)
Additional content includes:

Tri-zone automatic climate control
Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
Bluetooth connectivity
OnStar
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
XM Satellite Radio
Rearview camera system
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory
Remote vehicle start
GMC capability

Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions - including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).

A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked "H" design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.

The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali's 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
Tire pressure monitoring system

Acadia Denali is covered by GM's five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty - the best coverage in America.

2011 GMC ACADIA DENALI SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:
GMC Acadia Denali

Body style / driveline:
crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Construction:
body-frame integral

EPA vehicle class:
sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing location:
Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing, Mich.

Key competitors:
Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9

Engine

3.6L V-6 VVT DI

Displacement (cu in / cc):
217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:
aluminum

Cylinder head material:
aluminum

Valvetrain:
dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing

Fuel delivery:
direct injection

Compression ratio:
11.3:1

Horsepower (hp / kW) @ rpm:
288 / 215 @ 6300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm) @ rpm:
270 / 366 @ 3400*

Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded

Max. engine speed (rpm):
6700

Emissions controls:
dual close-coupled converters; two pre- and two post-oxygen sensors

EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):
17 / 24 (FWD)
16 / 23 (AWD)

Transmission

Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic

Gear Ratio (:1)

First:
4.48

Second:
2.87

Third:
1.84

Fourth:
1.41

Fifth:
1.0

Sixth:
0.74

Reverse:
2.88

Final drive ratio:
3.16

Chassis / Suspension

Front:
coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle

Rear:
linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame

Steering type:
hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort

Steering ratio:
16.1

Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
2.89

Turning circle, curb-to-curb
(ft / m):
40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type:
four-wheel disc

Rotor diameter (in / mm):
front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated
rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated

Anti-lock braking system (ABS):
Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:
20-inch chrome-clad

Tire size and type:
P255/55R20 H-rated blackwall

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):
118.9 / 3020.7

Overall length (in / mm):
201.1 / 5107.9

Overall width (in / mm):
78.9 / 2004.1

Overall height (in / mm):
72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.9 / 1775.5 (w/o roof rails)

Track

Front (in / mm):
67.3 / 1709.4

Rear (in / mm):
67.3 / 1709.4

Curb weight (lb / kg):
4720 / 2141 (FWD)
4925 / 2234 (AWD)

Min. ground clearance (in / mm):
7.4 / 189 (FWD and AWD)

Interior

Seating capacity:
7 or 8

Headroom

First row (in /mm):
40.4 / 1024 (w/o sunroof); 38.5 / 978 (w/ sunroof)

Second row (in / mm):
39.3 / 996 (w/o sunroof); 38.3 / 973 (w/ sunroof)

Third row (in / mm):
38.4 / 975.3 (w/o sunroof); 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)

Legroom

First row (in / mm):
41.3 / 1049

Second row (in / mm):
36.9 / 937.2

Third row (in / mm):
33.2 / 843.2

Shoulder room

First row (in / mm):
61.9 / 1574

Second row (in / mm):
61.1 / 1551

Third row (in / mm):
57.8 / 1468

Hip room

First row (in / mm):
57.8 / 1468.1

Second row (in / mm):
57.9 / 1470.6

Third row (in / mm):
48.3 / 1226.8

Cargo volume

Behind first row, with second seat folded and third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):
115.9 / 3282

Behind second row, with third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):
68.7 / 1946

Behind third row (cu ft / L):
24.1 / 683

Capacities

EPA passenger volume
(cu ft / L):
154 / 4362

Fuel tank (gal / L):
22.0 / 83.3

Engine oil (qt / L):
5.5 / 5.2

Transmission fluid (qt / L):
9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only)

Cooling system (qt / L):
11.8 / 11.18

Max towing capacity (lb / kg):
5200 / 2364

GCWR (lb / kg):
9500 / 4309 (FWD)
9700 / 4400 (AWD)

GVWR (lb / kg):
6459 / 2930

2009 ESSEN Motor Show (photos)

2009-12-16T21:02:00.001-08:00

6 12 2009

2011 Audi A8 Revealed: Official Details, Photos

2009-12-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

The all-new fourth generation 2011 Audi A8 luxury sedan has unveiled in Miami. The new A8 acquired a new design, an improved line of engines, a new technologies such as night vision assist with marking of detected pedestrians and Audi pre sense safety system, an updated MMI operating system with hand writing recognition touch pad, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights.

Leaving the evolutionary styling of the outside and interior departure, the new 2011 A8 continues to make using of a lightweight aluminum body. The common wheelbase A8 (a LWB will trail at a later meeting) trial 5,137 mm (16.85 ft) in segment, 1,949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1,460 mm (4.79 ft) in height, with a 2,992 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase.

Read more (details + photos + video)!!

Audi says that the new model weighs about the same as the tide A8, even while it’s superior (3 in. Longer, 2 in. Wider) and has more usual utensils. Besides the low burden, the aluminum opening edge (ASF) body of the A8 has other advantages with the company announcing that the static torsional toughness has augmented by 25 percent compared with the predecessor.

When the 2011 A8 arrives in European showrooms in early 2010, it will be open with a span of two engines, a 4.2 FSI and a 4.2 TDI. The 4.2-liter V8 petrol makes 372HP and 445 Nm (328 lb-ft) torque at 3,500 rpm, accelerating the A8 from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.7 seconds, and onto an electronically governed top pace of 250km/h (155mph).

Audi says that in the EU cycle, the petrol story proceeds a shared 9.5 lt/100 km (24.76 US mpg, which represents a bargain of 1.4 liters or 13 percent compared over its predecessor, despite a right growth of 22-horsepower.

The 4.2-liter V8 TDI diesel produces 350HP and a whopping 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque already unfilled at speeds between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The V8 diesel accelerates the A8 from leftovers to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 5.5 seconds.

Even though this new engine delivers 24HP and 150Nm of torque more than before, common consumption has dropped by 1.8 liters/100 km or 19 percent to 7.6 liters/100 km (31 US mpg), corresponding with CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (320 g/mile).

The two V8 engines will be united by two six-cylinder diesels soon after the advertise launch. The first 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel makes 250HP and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) propelling the A8 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.6 seconds while consuming on mean 6.6 liters of fuel per 100 km (36 US mpg).

The following variant of the 3.0-liter V6 TDI produces 204HP and will be untaken only as a front sweep propel classical. It is said to benefit an average fuel consumption of 6.0 lt/100 km (39 US mpg), corresponding with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km (256 g/mile).

All engine versions will be equipped with a new, electronically controlled 8-alacrity tiptronic usage and quattro lasting all-circle urge (minus the primitive 3.0 TDI shape). As a selection, Audi will proffer a dynamic sport differential, which will be mean on the 4.2 TDI quattro.

In the U.S., the 2011 Audi A8 will go on deal in belated 2010 and will be existing at launch exclusively with the 372HP 4.2-liter V8 FSI petrol.

New 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan Facelift Revealed (details and photos)

2009-12-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

The facelifted 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan has revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car will look alongside the group’s new M37 and M56 models with a tweaked outer that matches some of the styling seen on the M string. New Infiniti G37 powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine.

The new model that replaced 2006 Infinity G35 has some external changes, counting a redesigned front copious that incorporates fog lights and a black honeycomb junior lattice. The upper frame is slightly tailored, with the top and base bars extending added than the relax. In back, a new rear bumper gives off a more squared appearance, although the rounder indentation above the exhaust. The decklid also appears a bit boxier, with a smaller spoiler, and LED lighting.

Inside, new features contain a fair painted theme that includes new gauges and instrument panels. They used a “Shodo” aluminum edge, inspired by Japanese calligraphy, to replace the earlier “Washi” edge. Lighter-toned leather and glossier accents are also vacant. The Bose Studio on Wheels audio technique, with three-way speakers, ten-creep woofers, and new subwoofer comes regular.

Mercedes E-class convertible joins the family

2009-12-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the final member of the redesigned E-class line with official photos of the E-class convertible, which replaces the CLK in the Mercedes lineup.

The open-top E-class will make its formal debut at the Detroit auto show in early January and is set to reach U.S. Mercedes showrooms next May, about one month before the E-class wagon arrives.

While the convertible shares many traits with the rest of the E-class lineup--sedan, coupe and wagon--Mercedes engineers have given the open-top E-class some unique technologies.

Start with the Aircap, a wind deflector that extends nearly 2.5 inches forward from the top of the windshield header. When used in combination with a wind blocker behind the rear seats, Mercedes says the system dramatically reduces wind turbulence in the cabin. The Aircap can be activated at speeds up to 100 mph and will stay in place up to the 155 mph electronically limited top speed.

Engine choices are a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 268 hp and a 5.5-liter V8 rated at 382 hp.

The optional Airscarf system in the front seats has been modified. Airscarf is a vent embedded in the seatback just below the head rest that blows warm air onto the driver's and front passenger's necks. Mercedes added a pivot function to the vent so it can be adjusted for short or tall seat occupants.

Bucking a trend for hardtop convertibles embraced by other luxury-car makers, Mercedes uses a soft top for the new E-class. The top, which is nearly 1 inch thick, is insulated to block road noise. It can be opened or closed while the car is moving up to 20 mph. When stowed, the top eats up nearly 4 cubic feet of space in the trunk, but that still leaves about 10 cubic feet available for cargo.