BMW M3 Coupe

BMW's hot new M3 coupe will carry a sticker of £50,625 — or approximately U.S. $101,265 — when it arrives in British showrooms in September. The car is slated to reach U.S. dealers later as a 2008 model.

In comparison, the 2007 M5 sedan carries a U.S. sticker of $83,195.

The Euro-spec M3 coupe features a DOHC 4.0-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the M3 coupe sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds.

The roof of the M3 coupe is made of carbon-reinforced plastic to help keep weight down. BMW says the only pieces carried over from the regular 3 Series coupe are the doors, deck lid, windows, headlamps and rear lights.

Of course, the car has all the usual M-squad suspension and steering mods.

U.S. prices will be announced closer to the car's launch in the States.

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2007 Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo based on BMW 335i

(from Alpina Press Release) In ALPINA’s more than 40-year history of manufacturing automobiles, turbo-charged engines have consistently set enduring accents. Launched in 1989, the BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo is just one example of the cult status some of these automobiles achieved. In fact, ALPINA’s turbo-charging history began in 1978, based on the 5 Series and 6 Series of the day (E12 & E28 and E24). The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo continues this tradition for the first time on the basis of the BMW 3 Series with its world premiere at the 2007 Geneva Salon d’Automobile

The heart of the B3 Bi-Turbo offers 265 kW (360 hp) at 5,500 - 6,000 revolutions per minute, as well as maximum torque of 500 Nm from 3,800 - 5,000 rpm. The B3 Bi-Turbo’s engine has a sporty engine’s willingness to rev to 7,000 rpm. Equally as present but usually reserved for diesel engines, there is vigorous torque from 1,500 rpm onwards. The result: a powerband broader than ever before experienced, guaranteeing both sporty and bullish driving dynamics

Technically, this is all made possible due to the exceptional BMW base engine with injectors centrally located over the pistons – the state-of-the-art in direct injection technology. For more than a year, ALPINA engineers researched, developed and tested, both on the engine test bench and on the road. Ever refining the ALPINA engine map to leverage all the advantages offered by modern direct injection, the potential inherent in the BMW foundation was maximised. The use of extremely durable MAHLE pistons allows for a maximum boost of 1.1 bar with a 9.4:1 compression ratio. The result, peak specific values of 89 kW (121 hp) per litre and a maximum average pressure of 21 bar

The allure of the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo is found in its V8 like performance, but with the advantages of a much lighter and noticeably thriftier 3.0-litre straight-six, a six with an aluminium block and twin-turbo charging. The smooth-running nature inherent in this engine concept is even more prominent when the engine is charged

The BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo embodies pure driving enjoyment – whether cruising along or enjoying all 7,000 revs in each gear. The reason for the spontaneous responsiveness of the B3 Bi-Turbo is the ZF 6-speed sport automatic transmission with its very short shift sequences, which smoothly processes the power through the drivetrain without any uncomfortable interruption of forward momentum. The driver may also choose to shift manually at the wheel using SWITCH-TRONIC, which contributes in no small part to both the awe-inspiring performance numbers and the ability to save fuel in top gear. Frugality and driving excitement are therefore not contradictory in the B3 Bi-Turbo. Driven by high torque means using sixth gear on the Autobahn is more than sufficient in almost all situations

The engine’s kick surprises even those in the know: 0-100 km/h in 4,9 seconds and thrust-like acceleration that keeps pulling all the way up to a top speed of 285 km/h. Indulgence without remorse: in spite of its stellar performance, the new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo achieves excellent fuel economy in relation to its competitors. One of the B3 Bi-Turbo’s features that literally stands out are the four exhaust tips, with their catalytic converters contributing significantly to the achieving of low Euro4 emissions standards

The intense driving experience and an immediate bonding with the B3 Bi-Turbo are markedly influenced by fine materials and superior ergonomics. The standard leather interior features comfortably-padded sport seats with excellent lateral support, making long journeys a joy. The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel falls perfectly to hand and affords a clear view of the typical ALPINA blue instruments with their red pointers. As demanded by any enthusiastic driver, the provision of essential information in the form of the analogue oil temperature gauge located below the rev counter means the B3 Bi-Turbo can be pushed to its limits, once the minimum oil temperature of 50° C has been reached. Next to the analogue speedometer, the B3 Bi-Turbo also provides a digital speed read-out as well as average fuel economy and instantaneous fuel economy figures – thrifty driving also creates driving pleasure

Immediately noticeable is the B3 Bi-Turbo’s light-footed, extremely agile handling. The secret lies in an ideal 50/50 weight balance between front and rear axles in combination with a ALPINA’s neutral and supple suspension. Augmenting this agility are light-weight 18” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels shod with conventional MICHELIN tyres, 225/40 ZR18 front and 255/35 ZR18 rear, with a conscious choice having been made not to use heavy Run-Flat tyres. 19” wheels offer an even higher level of potential lateral acceleration – in either DYNAMIC or CLASSIC design

ALPINA’s newest creation reduces aerodynamic lift, especially approaching top speed. The greatest contributors are the optimised front and rear aerodynamics, helping guarantee true driving safety, not just creating a feeling of safety

In quite exclusive fashion, we’ll complete but a few hundred B3 Bi-Turbos in Buchloe per annum for automotive connoisseurs. As tradition holds, each automobile will be fitted with an ALPINA plaque identifying its unique production number

The new BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo – revel in its unique driving experience infused with impressive grace, power and thrift

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Edo Ford GT

While owner Edo Karabegovic tends to focus mainly on European supercars with such brands as Porsche and Ferrari, he more recently turned his sights to the Ford GT.

Beginning with the supercharged 5.4-liter V8, Edo has managed to wring 610 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from the rear-engine two-seater. That helps shave a fraction off the 0-to-60-mph acceleration time, which drops to less than 3.7 seconds. Top speed is somewhere north of 211 miles per hour.

Other modifications include new carbon-fiber paneling in the engine bay, a stainless steel exhaust system (with a tunable exhaust note), a replacement rear wing and an adjustable damping system. There is even a tire-pressure control system that displays individual pressure and temp readouts at each wheel.

Speaking of wheels, Edo offers a selection of custom wheel designs in different sizes and colors.

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Nissan Announces Pricing for 2008 Titan and Armada

Nissan said on Tuesday that the base 2008 Titan truck will start at $24,445 for the 2WD King Cab XE and the 2008 Armada will start at $35,995. Prices include a $745 destination charge.

The new Titan Pro-4X model, which is off-road oriented, starts at $32,195 for the King Cab model and $34,695 for the Crew Cab model. The Pro-4X is differentiated from the base truck with body-colored grille and bumpers and a Pro-4X decal over the rear bumper. It also features Rancho performance shock absorbers, additional skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case, electronic rear differential, 18-inch aluminum alloy off-road wheels and a lower final drive ratio. In the cabin, the Pro-4X gets red stitching, unique meters and gauges, and an optional red-stitched shifter knob and steering wheel.

The Titan is powered by a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 that delivers 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. Up-level Titan LE models get new standard equipment, including XM Satellite radio, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and wood trim.

The 2008 Armada gets a new front fascia, new headlight and foglight designs, a new one-piece roof rack design, a revised rear fascia and optional 20-inch wheels and tires. The Armada gets the same engine as the Titan. Nissan said flexible-fuel variants of Titan and Armada are available in certain U.S. markets, except for the Southwest, Northwest and Northeast regions.

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Metalworkers Make NBA Player's Lamborghini an XXL

Basketball great Shaquille O'Neal got special treatment for his Lamborghini Gallardo — a stretched version thanks to Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, a supplier for such corporations as the Boeing Company and PPG Aerospace Glass. The longer Lambo has 12 inches added through the middle, surely a relief for the 7-foot-1-inch athlete.

The Gallardo received custom extended doors, roof and side windows. The company says it strove to maintain the car's "visual integrity" with the changes. Glass fabrication was a particular challenge, the company said. "We relied on our aerospace and coachworks divisions to make sure Shaq could fit in the car, but the naked eye could not detect any differences from the original Gallardo," Gaffoglio CEO George Gaffoglio said.

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Orange crush from Nissan

Three hundred quid for an extra 13bhp may not sound like a lot of power for the cash, but when it comes wrapped in a Nissan 350Z, we're easily convinced.

Nissan has not just upped the output of the newly tweaked 350Z, it's completely revised the engine to make it rev to 7500rpm.

That means the 3.5-litre V6 engine should sound even better, and there's the added bonus that all of Nissan's jiggery pokery has beefed up the mid-rev grunt. You can spot the revised car by its slightly higher bonnet bulge.

The 350Z now manages 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds in the Coupe and 6.1 in the Roadster.

That £300 is the price increase for the revised 350Z, with the Coupe now costing £26,795 and the Roadster £28,295.

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Mini Clubman

LONDON — BMW's Mini division continues to tease us with sneak peeks at next year's Clubman wagon.

The latest official sketch mirrors the Mini Traveller concepts that were displayed earlier this year at the Detroit and Geneva shows. The official production version of the Clubman is slated to be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with the car going on sale in Europe in early 2008.

The Clubman will extend the Mini range with a wagonlike body style that features a second set of mini doors to aid access to the rear compartment. There's a larger trunk as well.

The U.S.-spec edition is likely to be offered in both standard and S variants. Still no word on Mini's plan to offer diesel variants in the States.

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2007 Autodelta Alfa Romeo GT Super Evo

(from Alfa Romeo Press Release) THE AUTODELTA GT SUPER EVO ARRIVES IN DUBAI
Alfa Romeo enthusiasts’ attention worldwide has over the last year has been firmly focused on the “new breed” of exciting Alfa Romeo models. And at the same time the attention of Autodelta’s design and engineering team has been on working through the rapidly-growing order book for the new 340bhp Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C, as well as finalizing bespoke high-performance versions of the 159, 159 Sportwagon and Spider to be added to the range this year.

And although it has slipped somewhat from the public’s attention, the stylish Alfa GT Coupe continues to find a niche market, buyers continuing to be seduced by its excellent chassis, gorgeous Bertone-styled looks, and of course the availability of the classic Alfa 3.2 “V6” engine. Autodelta introduced its exclusive, bespoke version of the Alfa GT, the Autodelta GT 3.2 Super, at the MPH04 Motor Show in December 2004, before exactly a year later at MPH05, it introduced a new, more extreme version that pushed the performance and dynamic envelope out even further. This model, the awesome Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo, has proved to be hugely popular with customers with a steady stream of orders being fulfilled over the last year-and-a-half.

The 320bhp Autodelta GT Super had featured a bespoke Rotrex C30-94 supercharger utilised through a compact cooling and lubrication system developed by the firm’s talented engineers for the Alfa GT, along with chassis, suspension, transmission, electronics, braking and aerodynamic upgrades. The new Autodelta GT Super Evo then pushed the performance envelope out even further, offering increased levels of torque (287 lb/ft at 4800 rpm) and more power (341bhp at 6,450rpm) through the incorporation of a larger intercooler and higher-flow injectors, with boost raised from 0.45 to 0.55 bar, and utilising an evolutionary engine re-mapping programme. The 0-60 mph time was shaved to 5.2 seconds, while the main change apparent to the driver was in the substantial improvement in mid- and high-range acceleration as well as a more noticeable (and louder) sound emitted by the revised exhaust system, which was created specially for this “Evo” model in close conjunction with Autodelta’s exhaust development partner, Ragazzon.

While a growing number of Autodelta GT Super Evo models have since been built at the firm’s London HQ and by its authorized dealers worldwide, a customer in the United Arab Emirates recently approached Autodelta to convert his Alfa GT Coupe to full Evo specification. With a growing demand for Autodelta products in the Gulf region, Autodelta is currently putting a localized distribution network together, but for this project specially commissioned by Walid Shihabi and his brother Wissam – the first fully bespoke model programme to be carried out in the UAE - factory Autodelta engineers were to be dispatched to carry out the conversion using the excellent facilities of Gargash Motors LLC, the country’s official Alfa Romeo importer and distributor.

“Walid and I recently decided to upgrade our 3.2-litre Alfa Romeo GT Coupe to a supercharged version; and we chose Autodelta for their huge experience both with supercharging and with tuning Alfa Romeos,” says Wissam. “Getting the maximum performance possible out of the Alfa GT – without considering any compromises - was our main objective; any other issues were regarded as secondary.

"We flew to London just before Christmas to test-drive an Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo demonstrator and we ordered the conversion on the spot,” he adds.

Autodelta air-freighted all the parts required for the conversion to the UAE last month, including the new body panels, and its engineers flew over to Dubai shortly afterwards to carry out the conversion. The Autodelta team was pleased to use the workshops of Gargash Motors LLC to carry out the conversion.

"It was an amazing decision,” adds Wissam, “because the outcome was a car that we both really love. The GT’s drive was always one to enjoy but with the extra 100 bhp and the superbly aggressive noise the new exhaust system makes, Autodelta has managed to make the car into what it is really supposed to be, the type of car that totally speaks to you and says ‘please drive me to the limit’. We have also driven the car on the new Dubai race track several times, exploring its potential fully, and it has always been a fun experience with the car setting very fast times. In the UAE it is often difficult for a car to stand out as there are many distinctive and expensive, luxury and supercars on the road – but the Autodelta GT Super Evo always captures attention wherever it goes.”

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Ford GT

It's like 1966 all over again, and we're not talking soccer ball here, because the Ford GT40 is taking to the world's race tracks.

Using the latest Ford GT, Swiss team Matech Concepts has developed a GT endurance racing version of the Ford supercar.

Built to race in the GT3 class, the team is based next to Germany's Nurburgring, so it's no surprise that handling is top drawer.

If you fancy seeing the Ford GT in action, it's racing at the first round of the FIA GT3 European Championship, which kicks off at Silverstone on 5-6 May.

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Soar Goes Wild With the Brilliance Zhonghua

Soar Auto is a new name in the youthful world of Chinese automakers. It brought forth an odd-looking variant of the Brilliance Zhonghua for the Shanghai auto show — and turned out to be the latest iteration of a quirky specialist carmaker that has been around for about a decade.

Back in the late 1990s, the Saint Horse company of Qingdao manufactured bizarre four-seaters intended to look like touring cars from the 1930s — perfect for supporting roles in a wedding.

Eagle-eyed bloggers who spotted the model shown by Saint Horse, now renamed Soar Auto, at Auto Shanghai — actually on "display" in the parking lot, not on a show stand — learned that it was a rebodied Brilliance Zhonghua sedan. The car looked a bit like a combination of a gin bottle and a pumpkin.

A further look on Soar Auto's Web site revealed other flights of fancy: a Rolls-Royce look-alike, a Brillance Zhonghua-based wagon, a Nissan-pickup-based hearse and a slightly bizarre take on the Ford Transit.

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Holden Version of Astra Gets Engine Upgrade

MELBOURNE, Australia — General Motors has updated the Holden Astra with a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine but has not increased the revised model's price.

The Astra CD and CDX five-door hatch, wagon and three-door coupe models, all built in Europe, now are fitted with the new XER 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The new power plant has continuously adjustable camshafts, a two-step intake manifold and lighter construction. Power is up by 14 horsepower, to 138 hp. In addition, claimed fuel consumption figures for manual three- and five-door hatch models have improved slightly.

The updated Astra gets only a few changes to the headlamps, front fascia and grille, and more to the point, pricing has not changed. The cost is still equivalent to $18,275 for the CD five-door manual on up to $23,650 for the CDX wagon.

The new XER 1.8-liter engine joins 2.2-liter, 2.0-liter turbo and 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engines in the Astra lineup.

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FuelVapor Ale

With a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 180bhp, the Ale may not be endowed with crazy power, but low weight and equally low aerodynamic drag helps it on its way to a 140mph top speed.

OK, you'll have spotted that the Ale is a three-wheeler, though thankfully two are at the front for stability.

Having three wheels does not hinder the Ale's cornering prowess and grip levels have been measured at up to 1.7 G, which is a good bit more than a BMW M5.

But the major point of the Ale is to that it's a low emissions vehicle.

It can turn in 92.0mpg and qualifies for a 'super low' emissions rating in Canada.

The key to this is in the name of the company as the Ale runs on fuel vapour rather than normal liquid fuel.

It allows the engine to run on a much leaner mixture of fuel and air without compromising performance, yet uses about a third less petrol for the same given power.

FuelVapor is busy testing the Alé before it goes on sale in 2008. There's no word on pricing yet, but we'll be keeping our ears pinned back.

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Delta 4x4 Concept Off-Roaders

At the Bodensee Tuning Show here, also known as "international event for auto tuning, lifestyle, and club scene," SUV specialist Delta4x4 is unveiling a trio of concepts for the Opel Antara, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara.

Orthodontic in their appeal, the concepts have gigantic chromed grilles and body-lift kits, along with cinematic names: the Nissan Navara is the King Kong Cab, the Mitsubishi L200 is the Big Baboon and the Opel Antara is...the Opel Antara. Delta4x4 calls them vehicles "that you don't have to look for in a parking lot."

The concepts get PIAA-Rallye headlights, fender flares, hand-polished stainless steel side steps, front bar and roll bars in the pickup's bed and a stainless sport exhaust with dual side outlets. All three also get 20-inch wheels and tires.

The Navara gets a tuned engine with power increased from 174 to 200 horsepower.

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Brilliance Jinjue FRV

Brilliance Auto, which numbers BMW and Toyota among its partners in China, has unveiled yet another car under its own brand, the Jinjue FRV.

Brilliance already has begun rolling out its range of passenger cars in Europe, and has said it could enter the North American market by the end of this year. The export portfolio includes two sedans and a coupe, with the BS6 sedan at the top of the line.

The FRV (known originally by its development code name A1) could anchor the lower end of the company's product stable. The four-door hatchback is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 106 horsepower. Brilliance said the car will begin production later this year at its plant in Shenyang.

Officials said prices in China will start at less than $10,000.

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2007 Geely Coupe Concept

(from Geely Press Release) Geely Meirenbao II

The design motivation for Geely Coupe is to show the nimble and sturdy image of highly aggressive beasts in our minds. It has optimized the plumpness lacked in the existing models; meanwhile, it also integrates lines and surfaces with sharpness to distinguish the features of a racing car, thus strengthening the full figure of wheel house and fender to build a steady shape. You can feel the strong aggressiveness of beast from the shape of front headlamp and grid, and the ultra speed expressed by the streamlines of rear lamp and bumper.

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Castagna Aznom

MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Carrozzeria Castagna, the Milanese coachbuilder that traces its roots back to the mid-19th century, has pulled the wraps off the Aznom, a custom-bodied two-seater built on a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 chassis.

The Aznom features a carbon-fiber body and an extremely low weight of just over 3,000 pounds. The 7.0-liter LS7 has been massaged to deliver 750 horsepower and 723 pound-feet of torque, and uses the Corvette's six-speed manual gearbox.

Castagna projects a 0-to-60-mph time of less than 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 218 mph.

The car is to be launched officially in May. No word yet on pricing.

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2008 Chevrolet Corvette

(from General Motors Press Release) Get comfortable. There’s so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you’ll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screen and absorb all the details.

The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvette’s position as the preeminent American sports car – and further the argument that it is one of the world’s best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette’s luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.

“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”

Also back again for ’08 is the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, an American super car that has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily-driving civility and value.

Here’s a look at the new and enhanced features for ’08 Corvette models:

Engine – A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.

This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L’s 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06’s LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.

The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine’s stroke remains at 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.

Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They’re based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.

Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine’s 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.

To accommodate the engine’s large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.

Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.

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Duesenberg Torpedo Coupe

There's nothing that entertains us more than the wild claims made by manufacturers developing new supercars.

The latest lofty proclamation comes from Duesenberg, which claims its new Torpedo Coupe will be capable of 70mpg while using a 300bhp supercharged V12 engine.

Regardless of whether or not Duesenberg can pull off this unlikely feat - and call us cynics, but we're guessing it's unlikely - it's good to see this historic name back in the fray with its two-door coupe.

The Torpedo aims to offer the ultimate in luxury motoring and it should be on sale in the US by August this year, although there's no firm pricing yet.

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2007 Ssangyong WZ Sports Sedan Concept: Photos

2007 Ssangyong WZ Sports Sedan Concept photos

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

(from Mitsubishi Press Release)

The development concept for the all-new Lancer Evolution X specifies a “new-generation high-performance 4WD global sedan that allows all levels of driver to enjoy the car’s speed and handling with ease and in safety”. The new model features Mitsubishi’s S-AWC2 traction and handling system, that integrates the control of drive torque and braking management with the four-wheel drive system to help realize highly responsive and intuitive handling in addition to outstanding vehicle attitude stability. Other examples of Mitsubishi Motors’ latest automotive technology to be featured in the new model include a new lightweight and high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged MIVEC3 engine with aluminum cylinder block and a 6-speed automated manual transmission that contributes to exceptional performance with improved fuel economy. The car’s performance-driven design makes the car’s extreme potential clear, while cockpit design focuses the driver’s attention on operating his machine.

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2007 Maserati GS Zagato

(from Zagato Press Release) One year after the presentation of the Ferrari 575GTZ, Zagato returns to Villa d’Este with a world preview for fans of Italian sports sedans: the Maserati GS Zagato.


In the most classic traditions of exclusive collections that inspired the creativity of car designers in the '50s and '60s, Paolo Boffi, well-known entrepreneur in the furnishing and luxury design sector, has commissioned from Zagato a customised look for his Maserati GS Spyder.

Zagato proposes a line that evoked the historical Maserati A6 G Zagato of 1954: one of the most beautiful Italian sedans ever built, and nowadays at the top of every collector’s wish list.

The Maserati GS Zagato, like its celebrated ancestor, has all-aluminium bodywork and bears the Trident on the bonnet and the Z on the wing, expressing eternal Italian excellence in its shape and its content. A winning combination that matches powerful and reliable mechanics, with an elegant and
and sports style, both rigorously Made in Italy.

For purists of the compact coupй, afficionados of the Milano-based brand, it is a two-volume, two-seater, hatchback with a streamlined profile and a neat tail. The wheelbase is 180mm shorter, a spin-off from the Spyder, provides excellent handling and stability on curves, with extraordinary torsional rigidity.

In homage to the tradition of the gentlemen drivers who asked Zagato to transform the bodywork of their cars, modern collectors choose mechanics at the top level of technical evolution and ‘dress’ them in tailor-made garments that increase in value as time passes.

This is the mission of a modern automobile atelier: to create timeless objects that celebrate prestigious models and brands and which, unlike mass produced vehicles, are destined to last for ever.

Zagato, born in 1919 as an atelier for automobiles and planes, has put its signature on all the most important mechanics of the last century, earning the opportunity to create, every time, an “instant classic”.

Zagato’s strengths lie in the concept of sports-style elegance, a functional design that does not bow to momentary fashions but seeks out the excitement and pleasure of driving, and in the precious aluminium bodywork, a value recognised everywhere.

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Ford Trasit Sportvan

Transit van modifications are usually limited to a selection of deeply witty slogans scratched in the dirt on the rear doors, with a selection of choice dents for good measure.

But we've found the Transit that takes White Van Man mods to a new level.

Unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show this week (if you weren't there, why not?), the Transit SportVan was introduced to the world by TG's good friend Sabine Schmidtz - she who terrified Richard all the way round the 'Ring.

Limited to a production run of just 500, the SportVan is aimed at those who want to make a 'bold statement' with their van.

We can't argue with that. With a custom paintjob, bonnet stripes a la Fiesta ST, twin exhausts and full bodykit, the SportVan looks every inch the race-honed repo van.

There's no upgrade in performance, though, because the short wheelbase SportVan retains the standard 128bhp TDCi Duratorq engine.

No matter: it's still cool... in a sort of porno-stash chic fashion. You'll be seeing SportVans with 'I wish my wife was this sporting' scrawled across their panels from June this year.

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