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2009 Obvio 012

(from Obvio site)

• High-performance microsport car with seating for three side-by-side
• Monocoque integrated chassis design includes passenger safety cell utilizing “Niess Eliptical Survival Rings”
• All laminated safety glass tinted windows, front and side impact airbags
• Microsport special chassis length: 3.20 meters / 126 inches
• Runs on any percentage of ethanol or gasoline in any combination of the two and also with NCG - natural compressed gas
• Achieves a fuel economy of 12.5 Km/Liter (29.40 MPG) in urban driving and 17.3 Km/Liter (40.69 MPG) during highway driving when equipped with ZAP Eco-Flexible SUPER ULTRA LOW EMISSION VEHICLE (SULEV) - 1.6 Liter/115Hp high fuel efficiency Tritec power train coupled with ZFґs Ecotronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Also available with Obvio's "HIGH-POWER SERIES" 170 and 250 HP engines. (All mileage ratings are estimated with 100 percent ethanol as the assumed fuel source, gasoline should yield about a 10 percent increase in mileage)

• 012 is capable of a top speed of 100 mph with 115 HPґs and more than 160 mph with 170 and 250 HPґs versions, with optional six speed manual gearbox.
• Four wheel independent strut suspension with powerful disc brakes on all four wheels
• Pre-reserve your vehicle now, delivery available in the second semester of 2008
• Targeted price: US$28,000

Dimensions and weight: Width: 1800 mm (71 in.) - Wheelbase: 2250 mm (89 in.) - Height: 1500 mm (59.0 in.) - Overall length: 3200 mm (126 in.) - Curb weight: 750 kg (1,648 lb.) - Tank: 50 liters (13.21 Gallons)

A safe, high performance urban vehicle:

Obvios vehicles will meet or exceed all USA D.O.T safety standards, all European Community Standards, and all Japan and China safety standards.

The Obvio's Monocoque chassis is bonded together with the body shell high-protection structure in a special process of reinforced composites in RTM Light – Resin Transfer Molding. The internal and external panels are in special high-tech Bio-Plastic from GE Plastics and delivers an “A” class finishing.

The body shell and integrated chassis form a high strength monocoque structure, providing full passenger protection in rollovers, front, rear, and side impacts.
Single piece, bonded construction yields high torsion and flexional stiffness, providing a solid body with superior handling.

The “Niess Elliptical Survival Rings” allow the Monocoque chassis to function as a passenger safety cell, designed to distribute any impact throughout the vehicle’s structure. These elliptical survival rings are based on technology developed and patented by the Aeronautical Engineer Mr. Marc William Niess, who was acquired by Obvio.

There will also be a left-hand drive version available (steering wheel on the right side). Power steering? Not necessary on a vehicle this light.

All our key-suppliers are large, established companies, including MVC-Marcopolo - www.mvc-marcopolo.com.br - from the parent company Marcopolo - the world’s second largest bus factory ( www.marcopolo.com.br ) – specializing in the development of innovative solutions in plastics, using fully automated, high tech processes.

Aerodynamic analysis in the wind tunnel allowed us to design the chassis for optimum engine ventilation, wind resistance, and ground effect;

Obvio 012 key-tech specs:

•The metal chassis is bonded to the composite superstructure, meaning the chassis enters the "RTM Light" forms (Resin Transfer Molding Light) during manufacture, forming one solid piece with the superstructure and passenger safety cell
• The integrated structure means the chassis doesn’t have “the hump”, or central channel. This leaves a nice, smooth floor with ample legroom and a clean interior look. Essentially the front seat is like a comfy sofa, or if you prefer, think of it as a throwback to bench seats
•The gearshift is located on your left, between the door and the seat, with the electronic six speed “manual gearbox style” control integrated in the steering wheel;
• Rear wheel drive with mid-mount engine
• Detachable "Boblbee" backpacks are part of the interior design;

Options:

A/C, bucket seats, power windows/mirrors/power locks, and leather.

iMobile Carputer: Gives you one display with live vehicle diagnostic and maintenance tools, voice assisted turn-by-turn navigation, integrated organizer with mobile device sync ability, a mobile media center incorporating features normally expected from a home theater system*, web connectivity, emergency services, and safety features such as a rear view monitoring camera….an Obvio! experience like no other.

With all the Audio and Video options included, you can watch movies, live news, sports, and business information anywhere you go in a Windows based Multimedia environment with Dolby 5.1 output in digital SPDIF format, XM satellite radio. System supports Multi Format Audio - MP3, WMA, DVD-Audio, WAV and Multi Format Video - AVI, DVD, MPEG, WMV, DIVX. Includes a Pro-Acoustic internal ambience system with amplifier connected to speakers developed by ASK Sound Systems. An exclusive MiniFin integrated antenna for WAN, WWAN, Wi-Fi2, GPS, GSM-GPRS and FM links it all together. And we didn’t forget your iPod, there are USB2.0 ports in the dash.

Intelligent vehicle connectivity system continuously monitors vehicle's sensors for diagnostic problems, with integrated OBD-II scan tool for trouble code retrieval, "Check Engine" light reset, and live sensor data. Dual trip odometers track your progress with ELAPSED TIME, DISTANCE, and AVERAGE SPEED. You can view all vehicle information with virtual instrumentation at the touch of a button, allowing you to catch problems before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Wheels and tires:

Exclusive Obvio Design / Mangels alloy wheels, 19" x 7" front and 19”x 8,5" rear, Continental tires 215x45x19 front and 245x40x19 rear.

© Source: article on seriouswheels.com

Lemon Meter: whether Your car is a “lemon” ?

Take a look at a cool new site that helps You to know whether your car is a “lemon”.

The site also let you know what you can do to get the repair shop or car manufacturer to compensate you for the money you have spent, as well as for the hassles and frustration of having to take your car to the shop over and over again.

A fun and useful feature of the website is the “Lemon Meter”

A tool that, through a short series of questions, provides consumers with vital information about whether or not their car is considered a “lemon” under various states’ Lemon Laws.
The Lemon Meter review

The “Lemon Justice” web site has several other features, such as legal information and detailed information about vehicles that have “sour” track records.

The main site can be found at www.lemonjustice.com.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Rocks 600 Ponies

DETROIT — You just knew that with the arrival of the Ford Shelby GT500 and rumors of Chevrolet's "Blue Devil" Corvette, Dodge wasn't about to let the Viper slip into limbo.

So, for model-year 2008, the Viper SRT10 coupe and roadster get a significant bump in output to go with some modest styling tweaks.

With engineering assistance from Ricardo and McLaren, the Viper's V10 engine has been extensively reworked and the displacement bumped from 8.3 to 8.4 liters. The engine now makes 600 horsepower — an increase of 90 hp over last year — and 560 pound-feet of torque.

The '08 Viper is fitted with the latest-generation Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual gearbox. Dodge says 0-60 acceleration is shaved to less than 4 seconds, with 0-100-0 acceleration and braking accomplished in an astonishing 12 seconds.

In addition to massive Brembo brakes and a new GKN Visco-Lok speed-sensing, limited-slip differential, the '08 Viper rides on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires — 18s in front, 19s in the rear. Three different polished, forged-aluminum wheels are available, including a new Razor five-spoke design.

Dodge has limited the exterior changes to a new hood with a larger scoop and louvers to improve airflow. There are several new exterior and interior color schemes.

The '08 Viper coupe and roadster go on sale next summer.

© Source: article on insideline

2008 Obvio 828

• Monocoque integrated chassis design includes passenger safety cell utilizing “Niess Eliptical Survival Rings”
• High performance, microsport car with seating for three, side-by-side
• All laminated safety glass tinted windows, front and side impact airbags
• No more parallel parking, fits lengthwise into the width of most parking spots
• Runs on any percentage of ethanol or gasoline in any combination of the two and also with NCG - natural compressed gas
• Achieves a fuel economy of 12.5 Km/Liter (29.40 MPG) in urban driving and 17.3 Km/Liter (40.69 MPG) during highway driving when equipped with ZAP Eco-Flexible SUPER ULTRA LOW EMISSION VEHICLE (SULEV) - 1.6 Liter/115Hp high fuel efficiency Tritec power train coupled with ZFґs Ecotronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
• 828 is capable of a top speed of 100 mph

Also available with Obvio`s "HIGH-POWER SERIES" 170 and 250 HP engines. (All mileage ratings are estimated with 100 percent ethanol as the assumed fuel source, gasoline should yield about a 10 percent increase in mileage)

• Four wheel independent strut suspension with powerful disc brakes on all four wheels
• Reserve yours now, delivery date in first semester of 2008;
• Targeted price will be US$14,000.

828E - Plugin electric version - preliminary specifications

Range 200 – 240 miles
Acceleration 0 to 60 < 4.5 secs with 200HP’s and CVT transmission system
Top Speed 120 mph
Charge rate 30 minutes for 20 – 50 miles
Full Charge 2 hrs (fast), 5 hrs (normal)
Electric Propulsion
Drive system 120 kW, 220 Nm, 13,000 rpm
Regenerative braking
Innovative Lead Cobalt Battery made with Lead-Foam grids by Apollo Energy Systems, Inc. Charger Onboard, plug in anywhere, Up to 20 kW
Vehicle to grid (V2G) Bi-directional grid interface
Instrumentation:
Analog Cluster Speedometer, ammeter, battery state of charge
Multi-Function Display Energy use, efficiency, charge control functions,cell-level voltage, temperature and V2G control

Targeted price 828E will be US$49,000 - available in the third quarter of 2008.

A safe, high performance urban vehicle:

Obvios vehicles will meet or exceed all USA D.O.T safety standards, all European Community Standards, and all Japan and China safety standards.

The Obvios Monocoque chassis is bonded together with the body shell high-protection structure in a special process of reinforced composites in RTM Light – Resin Transfer Molding. The internal and external panels are in special high-tech Bio-Plastic from GE Plastics and delivers an “A” class finishing.

The body shell and integrated chassis form a high strength monocoque structure, providing full passenger protection in rollovers, front, rear, and side impacts. Single piece, bonded construction yields high torsion and flexional stiffness, providing a solid body with superior handling.

The “Niess Elliptical Survival Rings” allow the Monocoque chassis to function as a passenger safety cell, designed to distribute any impact throughout the vehicle’s structure. These elliptical survival rings are based on technology developed and patented by the Aeronautical Engineer Mr. Marc William Niess, who was acquired by Obvio !

Acessories and iMobile carputer:

A/C, bucket seats, power windows/mirrors/power locks, and leather.

iMobile Carputer: Gives you one display with live vehicle diagnostic and maintenance tools, voice assisted turn-by-turn navigation, integrated organizer with mobile device sync ability, a mobile media center incorporating features normally expected from a home theater system*, web connectivity, emergency services, and safety features such as a rear view monitoring camera….an Obvio! experience like no other.

A mid mount engine, with high-power motor and CVT transmission, scissor-doors and a unique design... this is definitely going to be the latest must-have !

Wheels and tires:

EMangers alloy wheels designed exclusively for Obvio 16" x 6" front and 16”x 6,5" rear, with Continental tires, 195x45x16 front and 205x45x16 rear.

© Source: article on seriouswheels.com

Suzuki Plans Growth Further Growth in Europe

PARIS — Suzuki sold just over 233,000 cars and SUVs in Europe between January and November 2006, making it number four among Japanese automakers in Europe.

The company intends to nearly double that volume by 2011, according to published reports. For 2008, Suzuki will introduce a production version of the Splash concept that was unveiled at the 2006 Paris auto show. This new minicar will be produced at Suzuki's Hungarian facility, where capacity will be expanded to 300,000 units by the end of 2007.

Suzuki also plans to introduce other new models in Europe, including a mini SUV in 2009 and an upper-midsize car two years later. Also, the China-built sedan version of the popular SX4 will appear in Europe by 2008.

© Source: article on insideline

2008 Nissan Rogue Fits In

DETROIT — The best car names often get recycled. Take the Pacer, which was a version of Ford's ill-starred Edsel; it later wound up on an ungainly, egg-shaped model from American Motors. But who ever thought an old Rambler name might be resurrected by Nissan?

Nissan's 2008 Rogue, appropriately enough, is a compact crossover that's aimed at the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Compass and the upcoming 2008 Mazda CX-5. Built in Japan, it will be powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The Rogue shares its compact platform with the Sentra sedan, and will be offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Standard hardware will include ABS, side and side curtain airbags, traction and stability control, and electric power steering.

The five-passenger Rogue, which makes its debut in January at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, goes on sale next September as a 2008 model. Prices will start at around $20,000.

And for you automotive history buffs, Rambler used the Rogue nameplate in mid-1966 on a "performance" edition of the American.

© Source: article on insideline

Ford Prices 2007 Shelby GT at $37K

DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2007 Ford Shelby GT, a production version of the popular Hertz rental-only Shelby GT-H model, will go on sale in January with a starting price of $36,970, including shipping.

The first Ford Shelby GT will hit the auction block on January 20 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car event. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation.

The newest member of the Shelby corral gets a 325-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 and will be slotted above the 300-hp Mustang GT. The Mustang GT is priced from around $26,000 while the Shelby GT500 starts at around $41,000.

Ford said the Shelby GT models will begin as stock Mustang GTs assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for modifications, including installation of the Ford Racing Handling Pack.

© Source: article on insideline

Donkervoort D8 GT - Hard Top Lotus Seven Replica with 1.8T Power

Lelystad, Netherlands – The Netherlands-based car manufacturer Donkervoort is preparing to launch it’s first hard-top coupe. The maker of Lotus 7 inspired specialty cars with the heart of a modified Audi 1.8T plans on debuting its so-named D8 GT at the Geneva Auto Show this spring.

The new D8 GT features Lamborghini-style scissor doors and is expected to continue use of the 1.8T engine for now. There’s been no word of a change to the newer FSI-powered 2.0TFSI or 1.8TFSI motors currently offered by Audi.

Expect about 50 D8 GT coupes a year from Donkervoort to be built alongside their existing D8 open-top range.

© Source: article on fourtitude.com

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

GOODWOOD, England — Rolls-Royce has revealed its new two-door Phantom Drophead Coupe in a series of official photographs ahead of its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show on January 7.

The upmarket convertible, previewed by the 100EX concept car in 2004, is the second new Rolls-Royce model to be introduced since the famed British carmaker was purchased by BMW in 1998. The coupe lines up alongside the larger four-door Phantom and will be assembled with it in limited numbers at Rolls-Royce's Goodwood production site in England.

In naming its latest model, Rolls-Royce decided against the oft-rumored Corniche name, preferring to give it the ultra-British "drophead coupe" designation for open-top models. Insiders say the Corniche moniker may now appear on a smaller Rolls-Royce model officially announced by Chairman Ian Robertson at the Paris Motor Show. That one is due out by the end of the decade as a competitor to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and a heavily rumored entry-level Maybach.

The Drophead Coupe's exterior design draws heavily on that of the 100EX. Sleeker than previous Rolls-Royce models, it is far less formal than the Phantom, despite sharing certain cues. Among the more flamboyant elements brought over from the well-received concept car are its high-tech headlamps, raked grille, stainless steel hood and suicide doors.

The new car's vast fabric roof is claimed to be the largest ever applied to a production model. Engineered with the help of German specialist Edscha, it automatically retracts back into a dedicated well at the rear of the four-seat cabin. The trunk has a tailgate function designed to support the weight of two adults.

As with the Phantom sedan, the Drophead Coupe is based around an aluminum space frame. Rolls-Royce claims this decision let it develop the new car at a fraction of the cost of a conventional unit-body model. It has been heavily upgraded for use on the new convertible, with added strengthening to bolster overall stiffness despite the loss of the roof. Rolls-Royce goes so far as to describe it as the stiffest convertible on sale.

Powering the Drophead Coupe is the same 6.7-liter V12 engine used in the Phantom sedan. It produces 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 531 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite tipping the scales at a portly 5,776 pounds, Rolls-Royce claims the new model goes from zero to 60 mph in a rapid 5.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 149 mph.

At 220.8 inches in length, the new car is 9.8 inches shorter than the Phantom. A 130.6-inch wheelbase liberates enough space for four in a plush cabin with materials influenced by 1930s America's Cup J-class yachts, according to Rolls-Royce design boss Ian Cameron.

© Source: article on insideline

A.W.E. Tuning Releases GT28R Turbo Kit for B6 Audi A4 1.8t

Willow Grove, PA – A.W.E. Tuning is proud to announce the release of the all new GT28R big turbo kit for the 2002-2005 (B6) Audi A4 1.8t. This complete bolt on kit requires no internal motor modifications, and dramatically transforms the base 170hp Audi A4 1.8t. The GT28R turbo kit bumps peak power to 290 crank hp and 280 crank ftlbs torque on 93 octane pump gas. That is a 120hp gain over factory trim.


Kit features:

• Extensively dynamometer, street, and track tested
• Complete bolt on kit with all required hardware, fittings, lines, and instructions
• Garrett GT28R turbo with Siemens-Deka injectors
• GIAC custom programming with optional kill mode
• Stock drivability and idle
• High flow metal core catalytic converter

Over three years in development, A.W.E. Tuning used 6 test cars spread throughout the country, logging over 80,000 street and hard track miles to ensure long term reliability. At first glance under the hood of an A.W.E. Tuning GT28R equipped car, even the most experienced technicians and tuners may be fooled as the engine bay looks factory. However, rest assured that no sacrifices need to be made to obtain expensive sports car power at a fraction of the cost. All MAF, oxygen sensor, and catalytic converter functions remain operable with the A.W.E. Tuning GT28R turbo kit.

Despite conventional wisdom, this level of power can indeed be achieved re-using the stock exhaust manifold. The factory manifold is surprisingly free flowing, and by eliminating a replacement manifold we were able to shave well over $1,000 off the retail kit price.

For pricing, more pictures, track videos, and all test data, please visit our website:
www.AWE-Tuning.com

A.W.E. Tuning is the leading provider of performance products for Audi, Porsche, and VW vehicles from GIAC, B&M Shifters, Bailey Motorsport, Bilstein, Borla, Brembo, H&R Springs, Ross-Tech, CPP, HRE, BBS, Moton, and of course, our own line of A.W.E. Tuning products.

© Source: article on fourtitude.com

Magna and Avtovaz Ink Russian Cooperation Deal

TOLIATTI, Russia — Canadian corporation Magna International has signed a framework agreement for a cooperation deal with Russia's biggest auto producer, Avtovaz.
The move was not unexpected. Since representatives of state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport were elected to the Avtovaz board of directors in late 2005, there has been much speculation about the future of Russia's biggest automobile producer.

A deal with Magna, one of the biggest parts suppliers in the world, should put the company on the path of reform. But there are still a lot of questions to be answered.

Avtovaz has a hopelessly outdated production facility in Toliatti, south of Moscow, capable of churning out close to a million complete cars and knockdown kits a year. However, production rose just 8 percent during the first 10 months of 2006 amid a market growth rate of around 20 percent.

Avtovaz's bestselling product, a midsize front-wheel-drive sedan, was designed in the early 1980s with assistance from Porsche engineering, while a rear-wheel-drive model is derived from a 1960s Fiat. In 2004 a new model, the Kalina was introduced, but it has been plagued with quality problems. Another new model, an upper midsize car that would compete against the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Opel Vectra, is expected by the first quarter of 2007.

The new deal with Magna should enable Avtovaz to open a new production facility with a capacity of 450,000 cars a year, where a brand-new model would be produced from 2009. It is rumored that this "platform C" model is the project 2116 that has been making the rounds of European engineering companies for years. However, the not-so-small question of who will secure the $1.7 billion required by this 50/50 joint venture still lingers.

© Source: article on insideline

1939 Auto Union Type D Expected to Fetch Highest Price Ever for Car in February '07 Auction

One of Two Original Auto Union Type D Silver Arrow Racecars Known to Exist.

That an original 1939 Auto Union Type D racecar will be auctioned is no small matter. These racecars, with engineering by Ferdinand Porsche, are some of the greatest racing cars in history, and also some of the rarest with only two original Type D racecars known to exist. For that reason, the auction house or record Christie’s suggests that this Auto Union will break the record for the most expensive automobile ever sold.

The ‘Silver Arrow’ era is arguably one of the greatest eras in racing history. With mobilization as a major goal for his country and successful race teams and race drivers a major source of national pride for the masses, Nazi leader Adolph Hitler funded the development of ground-breaking racecar design from Auto Union (the precursor to Audi AG as we know it today) and Mercedes-Benz.

The Auto Unions in particular were revolutionary in design, masterminded by the great Ferdinand Porsche. Porsche was the first to place the engine amidships in a racecar, with the driver in the front for better balance. The cars also featured fully independent de Dion suspension. Earlier Type A, B and C Auto Unions featured a supercharged 16-cylinder engine that was later changed to a supercharged 12-cylinder for the 1938 race season to meet new international Grand Prix regulations that restricted the displacement of the engine to three liters. By this time, the Porsche had left the Auto Union project and adaptation of his basic design to meet the new regulations was supervised by Robert Eberan-Eberhorst. Drivers of the Type D models included Tazio Nuvolari, Hans Stuck, H.P. Muller, Georg Meier and Rudolf Hasse.

This particular Auto Union chassis, chassis #21 according to sources at Audi Tradition, is reported by Christie’s to have won the 1939 Grand Prix at the talented hand of “The Flying Mantuan”, the legendary Tazio Nuvolari. Audi Tradition also reports that this chassis won the 1939 Grand Prix of France in Reims by driver H.P. Muller.

Another interesting aspect of racing during that period is provided by Audi Tradition, and suggests why it is hard to pinpoint the exact history of a given silver arrow from the era. According to our source, both Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz employed the practice of the ‘Driver Car’ or ‘Winner Car’ whereby all of the components were pulled from the cars after a race and re-installed in the cars for the next race, and not uncommonly mixed from chassis to chassis.

Original Auto Union racecars are the rarest of breeds. While many of these cars were built and campaigned by Auto Union in the years prior to World War II, the legendary Auto Union silver arrows fell on a harder fate than their counterparts from Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union and its several facilities, including its Zwickau headquarters ended up behind the Iron Curtain when the geopolitical divider dropped.

It is said Auto Union staff did their best to hide the cars from the Russians, squirreling eighteen of these legendary machines away in a mineshaft, though the cars were eventually discovered by the Russians and shipped by train back to Russia to be examined for their technology. Only two Type D racecars are known to have survived, though a very small number of display cars that were never raced are also in the hands of a very select group of collectors.

For many years, the components of this particular car and several others sat, largely dismantled, within the borders of the Soviet Union. It and what amassed to two or three others were located there in pieces, the bodies separated from the chassis and marked for the scrap heap when they was saved by the American Paul Karassik who found the stash in the mid 1980’s.

From Russia, the Auto Union chassis and parts were shipped west to England where the body of this Type D was recreated by Rod Jolley Coachbuilding and made to the exact dimensions of the original. Following this process, this ’39 Type D and a second ’38 Type D were rebuilt and fully restored by Crosthwaite and Gardiner, the same company who would later recreate in exact detail additional Auto Union silver arrow replicas for Audi AG and is reported to be currently creating an exact replica of the ’39 Type D for the Audi Tradition collection. In 1994, Dick Crosthwaite track tested this restored Auto Union for the first time following its reassembly at the fabled Nurburgring, from whence it was sold by Karassik to an English owner, all the time being meticulously maintained according to Christie’s.

The other Auto Union Type D with racing pedigree known to exist, saved by Karassik and rebuilt by Crosthwaite and Gardiner is a 1938 example owned by Audi AG, kept as part of the Audi Tradition collection and recently displayed at the Audi Forum New York City last October. The 1939 iteration set to be auctioned features an engine with dual superchargers good for 485 hp versus Audi’s ’38 Auto Union that features a single supercharger and 420 hp. Further differences between the ’38 and ’39 cars can also be spotted by the well-trained eye, including a different hunchback design at the rear, modified so that the car could accept the second supercharger underneath the aluminum bodywork.

The 1939 Auto Union Type D is slated to go under the auctioneer’s gavel on February 17, 2007 as a lot within the Christie’s International Motor Cars auction at Paris’ Retromobile 2007, one of Europe’s most prestigious vintage automobile exhibitions.

In late January of 2007, sources at Audi have shared that the 1939 Auto Union will be air-freighted to New York City where it will be displayed for one or two days at the Audi Forum New York City so that Americans interested in viewing the car before it goes on sale in February can take a closer look at the car on their own soil, then be able to bid via Christie’s New York offices on the day of the auction should they be interested in doing so.

Christie’s expects this Type D will sell for upwards of $12 million. If so, that will break the previous record of roughly $11 million paid in 1987 for a 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Sports Coupe.

Other significant vintage automobiles expected to be sold alongside the 1939 Auto Union Type D include a 1951 Talbot Lago T26GS "Barquette" driven single-handedly by Pierre Levegh in the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans, a one-owner 1936 Mercedes-Ben 540K A, a 1927 Amilcar MCO with six speed records as claim to fame, the only remaining 1930 Derby K4 Low-Chassis Roadster and a nearly 100-piece pedal car collection.

Public Auction: Friday 16 and Saturday 17 February, Retromobile, Paris
Public Information: +33 (0)1 40 76 83 76 / +44-(0) 20 7389 2133 / www.christies.com

© Source: article on fourtitude.com

Collector Alert: Rare Invicta Type S Going on Auction Block

MELBOURNE, Australia — Invicta was a short-lived British brand in the 1920s famed for created exciting two-seaters that competed with the powerful Bentleys.

Now one of the few survivors is set to be sold off by an Australian auctions company. Australia is a gold mine for rare classic cars — the first surviving Alfa and several rare French 1930s coach-built cars currently reside in the land of kangaroos.

The late Robert Shannon, founder of his own auction company in Australia, bought this Invicta in 1988 and made it a flagship of his company. It was used extensively in local and international classic-car events. Following his death in 2000, his family retained the car but used it only rarely.

The Invicta Low Chassis Type S was introduced at the 1930 London Motor Show. Its sleek appearance was due to its underslung chassis, which means that the axles were running over the chassis, rather than the more frequently used solution in which the axles ran under the chassis. It was one of the first cars of its era to exceed 100 mph. Only 77 Type S models were made before the company folded in 1933. It is thought that only a handful remain, two of which are now in Australia.

© Source: article on insideline

Face Lift: Racedesign Helps Old Audi A6s Hide Their Age

ALLERSBERG, Germany — Audi's single-frame grille is the distinguishing hallmark of all recent designs from Ingolstadt — and now German tuner Racedesign Automotive is offering an update for older-model A6s.



Racedesign has a complete aero body kit for the B4-series Audi A6, beginning with the company's RDX single-frame grille and front spoiler. As an option, Racedesign also offers a genuine Audi grille with additional styling cues from the Volkswagen GTI.

A rear apron attachment bolts onto the original bumper. The front spoiler and rear apron are made from GRP and are approved for all A6 models made from 1997-2001.

Audi owners can further dress up their cars with Racedesign GT4 side sills, which fit A6s made from 1999-2004. A roof spoiler is available for the A6 Avant and a rear spoiler for the A6 sedan.

© Source: article on insideline

FAW-Volkswagen Launches New Models of Audi A6L

Three new models of year 2007 Audi A6L, including 3.2 FSI (front-wheel drive), 3.2 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro, were put into market in Sanya city, Hainan Island in China on Nov, 5. Powered by top-level FSI direct injection engines, brand new Audi A6Ls maintain superior performance both at dynamic and fuel economy.

The 3.2 FSI, which gains 188 kW (255 bhp) at 6,500 rpm and generates a constant torque of 330 Nm at 3,250 rpm. The V8 4.2 FSI engine, as the top quality and superior performance unit for home grown sedans, even gains 257kW (350 bhp) at 6,800 rpm and generates a constant torque of 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. The two new engines will further strengthen Audi's top position of high dynamic and operation at China domestic market. The base price range of Audi A6L 3.2 FSI (front-wheel drive) will come from 573,900 to 647,200 Yuan (RMB). 3.2 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro will be sold 701,300 and 856,300 Yuan (RMB) respectively.

Mr. An Tiecheng, general manager of FAW-Volkswagen, introduced 2007 new models of Audi A6L to the attendees, "FAW Volkswagen has long experienced developments and tests for the components matching and Audi A6L road test so as to be sure of the high performance and quality of the three new models".

Werner Eichhorn, executive director of FAW-Volkswagen's Audi Sales Division, said "as a high end luxury auto brand in the world, Audi has established eleventh successive yearly top sales record so far. FAW-Volkswagen's Audi Sales Division has extended Audi's long-running global mission and sold 65,950 units at China domestic market from January to October, an increase of 60 percent compared with the same period of last year", Werner Eichhorn also added, "We are full of confidence facing the market challenge in the future and will be satisfy the increasingly diverse needs of customers in China."

With the launch of 2007 new models of Audi A6L, the full line of Audi products including A4, A6L, A8L and Q7 are all entered into China domestic market with yearly brand new models.


FAW-Volkswagen, a joint venture between FAW Group and Volkswagen AG, produces a wide range of premium passenger and commercial vehicles. Current products include the Volkswagen Bora, Caddy MPV, Golf, Jetta, and Sagitar; and Audi A4, A6L, A8L, Q7, and TT.

FAW Group is a leading global manufacturer of quality passenger cars, trucks, and buses. Established in 1953, the company is the oldest and largest automotive group in China. Annual sales exceed one million units.

© Source: article on fourtitude.com

2007 Lincoln MKR Concept

The Lincoln MKR Concept is poised for a Detroit introduction -- and now, here's what you'll be looking at in January -- and seeing in a showroom sometime in 2008.

Though it's officially no more than a concept vehicle, the prototype is very likely to show up in production form before decade's end, albeit a bit less radical than the prototype. One of the more notable features of the show car is its all-glass roof with a Lincoln badge etched in. A more conventional roof, albeit with an oversized Panorama roof would be more likely in production.

The outline of the Lincoln badge can also be found designed into the distinctive brake and gas pedals.

What design chief Peter Horbury calls the "ultimate" Lincoln would go to rear-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, something that would make for a much more competitive entry. Under the hood of the show car is one of the most over-the-top engine layouts seen since the era of the muscle car. The prototype features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, the new Ford TwinForce, which makes 415 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The TwinForce, Ford promises, will deliver V-8 power with markedly better fuel economy.

Overall, the look displays Lincoln 's new design theme. It's notably more curvaceous than the slab-sided theme the brand was experimenting with in recent years, but it also harkens back to some distinctive Lincoln heritage cues, such as the double-wing grille and high beltline.

The MKR sits on a 112.9-inch wheelbase and, at least in show car trim, is shod in 21-inch wheels and tires, with well-displayed Brembo brakes.

Don't be surprised to see a production version of this sedan hit Lincoln showrooms for the 2009 model-year.

© Source: article on thecarconnection.com

Holden Rodeo Gets New Turbodiesel in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia — General Motors' Holden unit has introduced a new low-emissions turbodiesel engine as part of a major makeover of its 2007 Rodeo pickup, which goes on sale next month in Australia.

Among the features of the new Rodeo light commercial vehicle are increased towing capacity and 25 percent more power, both thanks to the new 3.0-liter VCDi common-rail turbodiesel engine. The new engine also meets strict new Euro 4 emission requirements.

Peak power of 161 horsepower is achieved at 3,600 rpm (up from 129 hp at 3,800 rpm) and peak torque of 246 pound-feet at 1,600 rpm (automatic) and 265 pound-feet at 1,800 rpm (manual), an increase of 29 and 49 lb-ft, respectively. The redone Rodeos with turbodiesel are equipped with new five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions.

There's also a gasoline-powered version of the Rodeo, powered by a 3.6-liter Alloytec V6, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder model.

© Source: article on insideline

2007 Lexus GS450h Hybrid

You won’t want to buy this $60,000 luxury hybrid sport sedan for the fuel mileage, though it is marginally better than its conventional siblings. You might instead want to buy one for the performance since in this case the two power systems are faster than one - zero-to-sixty in 5.2 seconds . . . with a V6 . . . in a 4,100-pound car. Or you might want this GS450h for its luxury, technology or good looks.

I’m still struggling to understand the value of hybrids. When I evaluated the Ford Escape hybrid last year I ran some numbers to see what the pay-off period might be based on the extra cost of the dual power system compared to the savings in fuel. That one turned out to be about ten years. Not a bargain, I’m sure you’ll agree. This Lexus is a bit harder to assess since there are two other versions with which to compare. If we compare our test car to the V8 version there is only a few grand difference in price, the fuel savings is about 30% and performance is a tad better. The payoff period is between seven and eight years. If we compare it to the basic V6, a great-looking, beautiful car itself though a bit slower, the premium is nearly eleven grand, fuel savings is negligible and the pay-off period would be about 158 years. For some buyers the reason to purchase the hybrid may have more to do with making a statement on one’s environmental consciousness. For those folks I say ‘right on.’

On another front we can confidently say that the GS450h is one of the finest cars we’ve driven. The luxury quotient is the match of anything in its class and sportiness is admirable as well. With the amazing zero-to-sixty time referenced above seconds is close to class-leading. BMW M5 may be quicker and a smidge better in the twisties but the GS is not an all-out high-performance sedan either. It’s just a classy, comfortable, competent sport sedan loaded with technology.
Lexus’ tag line, “The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection,” is well stated. It’s really tough to find any fault with the GS. I thought I had identified a niggle when I looked and looked for the power mirror controller. I was just about to find fault when I took another look at the line of symbols below-left of the steering wheel. Right in the middle is a button with the word “Push” emblazoned in white. A gentle push opens the little panel with mirror controls, gas filler door release and a couple other functions. Slick. Now the only fault I’ve found so far is that the seat belt receptacle is rather deeply sunk in beside the seat making it difficult to engage.

Power and thrust are amazing. Full-throttle acceleration mashes us back into the firm leather seat with aplomb. Lexus says the 3.5-liter V6, 24-valve, quad-cam gasoline engine makes 292 horsepower but the electric motors enhance it to about 339 horsepower. Two electric motors take up about as much space behind the engine as a typical 6-speed transmission would. One motor is the starter and generator and the other is for auxiliary power and regeneration. Like all the gas-electric hybrids regenerative braking takes advantage of energy normally lost in deceleration and braking to recharge the batteries. Another advantage to the hybrid system is that this car is an Ultra-low Emissions Vehicle or ULEV, meaning the only thing cleaner is a full electric.

The sleek, low-slung new body design is distinctively different from the previous version. The roof line seems to extend from mid-hood nearly to rear bumper. Ingress and egress are a bit limited by the low-slung nature of the top. I have to duck more than I like to ease into the cabin. The rear door is even more limited. Only the largest of folks, though, will have a problem getting in or out. Once in those wonderful seats there is plenty of room. Because of that stub-tail shape the trunk is rather shallow and holds 7.5 cu-ft of cargo.

Once inside the feeling of luxury is pervasive. Three choices of wood and three of leather color allows for some personalization. You can have birds-eye maple in black or gold or your might prefer red walnut for trim. The materials, fit, finish and overall design, as we expected from Lexus, are impeccable. Everything we touch has a feel that confidently states ‘quality.’ My pretty blonde is a tough sell. She’s often unimpressed with even the best cars I bring home. But after driving the GS450h into the city she slid out of the driver’s seat with a big grin and announced, “I want one of these!” Too bad she can’t afford one.

Transmission is a CVT with 2-speed reduction, ‘snow mode,’ and a manual mode. I haven’t seen a CVT with manual mode before. A CVT (continuously variable transmission), of course, has no specific gears, so what’s up with a manual mode. We slip it into manual mode at speed and the shift indicator on the instrument panel shows a ‘5.’ We can bump it down and up triggering a slow shift-like feel, though it must be just selecting particular spots on the CVT continuum.
Suspension is independent double-wishbone with coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks and stabilizer bars front and rear – very sophisticated and on task. Push the GS as hard as you like through the cloverleaf on-ramp for a feeling of pure confidence and competence. The GS also has an admirable turning radius, much tighter than you’d expect from a car this size.
For the serious audiophiles among us Lexus has done a deal with the Mark Levinson folks to put ultra-premium sound systems in the GS and LS sedans; 7.1-channel architecture, 330 watts of power at 0.1%THD, driving 14 speakers. I hope that means something to some of you. It just means mighty good sound to me.

In terms of safety Lexus has left no stone unturned – and nearly no seating position without air bags - ten air bags to be precise. Additionally, the Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) includes ABS with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, traction control, automatic seat belt tensioners will make us feel safe as well. An available pre-collision warning system using front-mounted radar is paired with adaptive cruise control. ABS and traction control, of course, are standard. Brakes are vented discs, 13.1 inches in front and 12.2 inches in the rear.

Fuel mileage is supposed to be between 25 and 28-mpg. We’re getting a consistent 24.7 according to the on-board computer. I’ve never been entirely convinced of the accuracy of these on-board measurements but I’m assured by some engineers I know that they are very close. Perhaps we can shake this beauty loose from the press fleet for a long trip sometime to do a really good assessment of the mileage.

Our beautiful Smokey Granite test car starts out at $54,900 and with about 5-grand in options and $695 in destination fees we’re looking at a tad over $60,000. That Mark Levinson Audio system we spoke of earlier adds about $1,780, the 5th-generation navigation system with Bluetooth is $1,900. Run flat tires – five of them – run $480 extra.
Warranty is 48-month/50,000-miles plus 72-month/70,000-miles on the powertrain.
My pretty blonde and I loved the GS450h. For car buyers in that price range

© Source: article on theautochannel.com

Mazda's Christmas Carol Aims Small

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda has announced it has face-lifted its Japan-market Carol micromini, and the new model will go on sale today.

The Carol, which Mazda describes as popular with female buyers "due to its charming design and practicality," gets a new front end with separated headlights, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Other notable changes include changed seats and door trim — with "tea colored" fabric.

The revised Carol has also qualified for Green Tax reductions because it is now certified as a SU-LEV vehicle under Japanese standards and gets 10-20-percent better fuel economy than the 2010 standard requires.

Mazda targets sales of 800 per month for the little Carol.

© Source: article on insideline

A.W.E. Tuning Wins 2006 Eurotuner Magazine Tuner Grand Prix

Willow Grove, PA – A.W.E. Tuning is pleased to announce their 2001 Audi 2.7T S4 entry has won the 2006 Eurotuner Magazine Tuner Grand Prix. The event was held October 10-12th in Southern California, and included dynamometer tests, _ mile runs at Los Angeles Country Raceway, and fastest lap competitions at the Streets of Willow.

Powered by a custom A.W.E. Tuning RSK04 turbo kit and a host of other A.W.E. Tuning performance upgrades, this is a proven package that has powered the last three Eurotuner Grand Prix champion cars. Power isn’t everything, however, and we have to give a big thanks to our friends who assisted us in the project. It takes a team to win:

• Brent Mattraw provided the car, and his endless enthusiasm and late nights preparing the car with Jeff Moss showed Brent meant business at this year’s event. We are proud to have Brent as a member of the A.W.E. Tuning family.
• Jeff Moss from Torque Factory (www.Torque-Factory.com) continues to impress us, as he prepared and fine-tuned the entire vehicle on his own time. Extremely familiar with A.W.E. Tuning power upgrades and performance products in general, Jeff Moss stepped up to the plate once again to prepare the event-winning vehicle.
• Stasis Engineering (www.StasisEngineering.com) provided the suspension and brake components, and special thanks to Stasis driver Chip Herr and Audiworld’s Neil McGarry (www.Audiworld.com) for piloting the car.
• G.I.A.C. software (www.GIACUSA.com) powers all A.W.E. Tuning power kits, and we owe them yet another pat on the back for making the best software in the business. Well done Garrett, Andrew, and Team.

While the car did not achieve a first place victory in any category, a perfectly balanced car was the key to success as planned. Scoring second place on the dynamometer tests and placing third in both the _ mile and fastest lap competitions guaranteed a top place finish.

Thank you once again to all our supporters and partners in helping propel A.W.E. Tuning to victory. For more information on A.W.E. Tuning, please visit our website:
www.AWE-Tuning.com

For additional details on the event and Eurotuner Magazine, please visit: www.EuroTuner.com

A.W.E. Tuning is the leading provider of performance products for Audi, Porsche, and VW vehicles from G.I.A.C., B&M Shifters, Bailey Motorsport, Bilstein, Borla, Brembo, H&R Springs, Ross-Tech, CPP, HRE, BBS, Moton, and of course, our own line of A.W.E. Tuning products.

© Source: article on fourtitude.com

Detroit Preview: Volvo XC60 Concept Gets Ethanol Engine

GOTEBORG, Sweden — Volvo's XC60 concept, which will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will be equipped with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder bioethanol engine and all-wheel drive.

The bioethanol engine will make 265 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Carbon dioxide emissions will be down 80 percent compared with the same engine if it ran only on gasoline, Volvo says. Three current Volvo models, the C30, S40 and V50, are currently sold in several European countries with optional bioethanol FlexiFuel power plants, but all are four-cylinder engines.

The XC60 Concept's inline-6 is based on a gasoline engine, but "optimized" for E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Using the E85 blend, Volvo says, fuel economy averages 19.2 mpg.

Volvo Cars' President and CEO, Fredrik Arp, has called the XC60 concept "the C30 owner's next car. Equally sporty and exciting, but far more capable."

The XC60 concept is scheduled for production with an on-sale date in early 2009. No word yet on whether the bioethanol engine will be part of the final production plan for the U.S. market.

© Source: article on insideline

Peugeot Design Contest Winner To Appear in Xbox Game

PARIS — French automaker Peugeot is asking the public to vote online for their favorite from 30 entrants in the 2007 Peugeot Design Contest.


The winning vehicle design in this fourth annual competition will be woven into a video game for Xbox 360, sponsor of the contest.

Thirty design studies, chosen from 4,000 entries that came in from 113 countries, can be viewed on Peugeot's special contest contest Web site.

But hurry! The deadline for voting is January 27. The winner will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March by Frédéric Saint-Geours, CEO of Peugeot, and the design will be built for a debut at the Frankfurt show in September — not to mention a debut as part of a future Xbox 360 auto-racing game.

© Source: article on insideline

Toyota conceives a 21st-century Supra

About a year ago, Toyota asked its designers and engineers a simple question: “What would be a suitable and appropriate Toyota sports car for the 21st century?” The result is the car you see on these pages, the FT-HS concept.

FT-HS is a hybrid sports car designed at Toyota’s Calty design center in Newport Beach. The idea was to find out if it is feasible to combine ecology and emotion in a sports car; to make an eco-friendly car that is fun to drive. Why bother? Because Toyota thinks drivers of the future will be eco-conscious but won’t want to give up performance cars.


Details are sketchy, but FT-HS is a front-engine, rear-drive four-seater with a target of about 400 hp from a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and next-generation hybrid technology. Toyota officials figure the car should be able to hit 60 mph in the 4.0-second range.
The car’s looks are bound to provoke some debate (they already have around our office), and indeed Toyota refers to it as “perfect imbalance.”

Calty director Kevin Hunter says the FT-HS expresses the “values of a design strategy that combines two key elements: J-Factor and vibrant clarity. J-Factor is the conceptual umbrella. It refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural sensibilities.
“Vibrant clarity, on the other hand, is the design language used to express the J-Factor, much in the same way that L-Finesse is the language of the Lexus division.”

Hunter says the car’s hard-edge corners will smooth airflow and reduce turbulence. The hood’s scalloped channel exposes the hybrid engine. The roof has a scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide more headroom. The front end’s lower intake provides additional cooling and airflow management. The underbody is fully covered to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The interior is designed with a carbon fiber beam down the middle, separating the driver and passenger cockpits. All important functions are directly in front of the driver. The hubless steering wheel incorporates the semi-automatic transmission’s paddle shifters. The beam also provides chassis stiffness.

All that remains to be seen is whether Toyota will bring this vision of a future Supra to production reality, maybe around 2009 or 2010. And much of that likely will depend on how those water-cooler debates go.

© Source: article on autoweek