2007 Kleemann GTK Concept based on Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

(from Kleemann Press Release) In 2004, KLEEMANN made ambitious plans for creating unique and exclusive KLEEMANN sportscars. Now, after 3 years of design and development, KLEEMANN bring their vast technology know-how and experience to the next level by introducing the GTK concept car.

The design project
KLEEMANN, best known for their long experience in Kompressor technology and exclusive styling products for Mercedes-Benz cars, now enters the battlefield of the exclusive sportscar manufacturers. This was made possible when KLEEMANN employed the internationally experienced car designer Christian Brandt. Christian has headed the top secret GTK design project, which was not only a sportscar project, but also a design and technology development platform for future KLEEMANN performance and styling solutions for Mercedes-Benz cars.

Unique performance
The raw performance data for the GTK places it at the very front of the competition: The 0-100 km/h acceleration is done in only 3,7 seconds and the GTK continues the brutal acceleration right up to the electronically limited top speed of 300 km/h. The high performance KLEEMANN brake system featuring 380 mm. vented discs with 8 piston fixed aluminium callipers front and 345 mm. vented discs with 4 piston fixed aluminium callipers rear ensure fast and secure stopping power from any speed.

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Nissan GT-R racer

This is our first look at the new Nissan GT-R racer, which will debut in next year's Japanese Super GT series.

Unfortunately for Nissan and its racing/tuning arm, NISMO, this is not a series in which the production car's amazing four-wheel-drive traction will give it an advantage, like the Skyline GT-Rs of old: the cars are built to very specific regulations which outlaw four-wheel-drive and allow bespoke silhouette designs.

This year, the championship was won by a Honda NSX, which beat Nissan's 350Z racer. Whether or not the new GT-R will be more successful remains to be seen, but it shares little with the road-going car. Nissan GT-R Still, it doesn't rob the Super GT car of its visual impact. It's quite something, and it's a shame they'll have to run it with sponsors - this black colour is perfect.

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Caparo: police issue

Caparo have joined forces with the Metropolitan Police to come up with this T1 showpiece.

It's obviously never going to become a real world patrol vehicle, but the very idea is enough to fuel a good few minutes of school boy like day dreams.

Imagine how quickly you could get through town in this with the sirens blaring?

It is however real enough to be making an appearance at this week's MPH show, that's on from November 1-4 at Earls Court, London and next week on the 8-11 at Birmingham's NEC. Get tickets here.

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2007 Mazda Taiki Concept

(from Mazda Press Release) Mazda Taiki reflects one possible direction for a future generation of Mazda sports cars aimed at helping create a sustainable society. The fourth concept car in the Nagare design series, Mazda Taiki further evolves the “flow” theme to establish a breathtaking presence that clearly distinguishes it as the next in the series, and which visually expresses the atmosphere – called taiki in Japanese – that wraps the Earth in its protective mantle.

The basic proportions begin with the stretched coupe form of a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, the short overhangs, and the liberating feel of an all-glass canopy. The challenge to create “a design that visually expresses the flow of air” was inspired by the image of a pair of Hagoromo – the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend – floating down from the sky. Inspired by Japanese koinobori – the decorative “climbing carp streamers”– the notion of creating an Air-tube became the concept word for the interior design. In accordance, from the dashboard and seats down to the door trim, the interior space creates the dynamic sensation that the flow of the wind is being visually depicted. Centering around the performance rotary engine sports packaging that is synonymous with the Mazda name, technologies introduced for the Mazda Taiki include the next-generation RENESIS (rotary engine 16X), which sets new standards for environmental and driving performance, a front-engine rear-drive layout, a unique 2-seat configuration, and Mazda’s rotary sports package, which conveys an image of lightness. The effect integrates the design theme perfectly to realize outstanding aerodynamic performance.

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1934 Chevrolet Coupe E85

(from General Motors Press Release) FLEXFUEL CHEVY HOT ROD DEMONSTRATES VINTAGE STYLE AND MODERN ALTERNATIVE-FUEL PERFORMANCE

With a 500-horsepower engine, a channeled body and a chopped top, GM’s custom street rod looks right at home on the salt flats of Bonneville.

But instead of a traditional gasoline V-8, this ’34 Chevy replica rod sports a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec engine that runs on E85 ethanol. Appropriately, it has been dubbed the FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod.

“Since the 1930's, hot rods have embodied American ingenuity, aesthetic flair and the quest for performance," said Bryan Nesbitt, vice-president of General Motors North American Design. "The ethanol Hot Rod is a modern statement that today's hot rodder can address energy concerns about the consumption of petroleum without sacrificing performance or style.”

The car’s low-slung stance and stripped-down essence suggests track cars and speed racers of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Open hood sides reveal the high-powered Ecotec engine, which has been pumped up with the help of GM Performance Parts’ Stage III performance kit and a larger turbo. The higher octane of E85 enabled engineers to tune the engine for more power. It is backed by a GM Powertrain 5L40 five-speed automatic transmission.

A sturdy 8-3/8-inch Winters Quick-change rearend is suspended by a parallel four-link suspension. It is filled with 5.20 gears, which are used to generate brisk acceleration with 35-inch-tall, racing-type Excelsior rear tires and 29-inch-tall front tires. The tires are mounted on custom 18-inch front and 20-inch rear “kidney bean”-style wheels from Budnik.

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2008 Infiniti QX56 Review

Summary
If its styling agrees with you, then the rest of the 2008 Infiniti QX56 should, too, thanks to an improved interior and plenty of high-tech goodies.
Pros
High-tech electronic features, powerful and refined V8, impressive balance of ride and handling, massive towing capacity, roomy second- and third-row seats.

What's New for 2008
The Infiniti QX56 undergoes its first major freshening since its debut. The 2008 QX56 has subtle styling changes, a significant redesign of its interior and the addition of new standard and optional equipment that brings it more in line with other top, large luxury SUVs.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2008 QX56 is offered with either 2WD or 4WD with low-range gearing. Power comes from a 5.6-liter V8 that produces a healthy 320 horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque. The V8 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The QX56 is quick for a full-size SUV, going from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Towing capacity is 9,000 pounds on rear-wheel-drive models when properly equipped. As is typical for this class of vehicle, gas mileage is poor, with 12 mpg city and 17/18 mpg highway using the EPA's revised 2008 testing regimen.

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2008 Ford Edge Review

Summary
Strong acceleration, agile handling, a smooth ride and a roomy passenger compartment give the 2008 Ford Edge major points in the midsize crossover segment. Unfortunately, mediocre braking performance sullies its otherwise impressive credentials.

Pros
Quiet and comfortable ride, agile handling, potent V6, all major safety features are standard, roomy cabin.
Cons
Questionable brakes, lackluster interior design and materials, low maximum cargo capacity.
What's New for 2008
The 2008 Ford Edge gets more luxury and convenience features. Highlights include Ford's "Sync" system (which allows voice operation of cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players and USB storage devices), an optional power liftgate and a voice-activated navigation system. This year also sees a new Limited trim level, which replaces last year's SEL Plus.

Powertrains and Performance
The Edge comes with a 3.5-liter V6 rated for 265 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. All trim levels offer a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. On AWD models, power flows primarily to the front wheels until wheel slippage occurs, in which case nearly all the power can be redirected to the rear.

The Edge is quick, with a 0-60-mph time of just 7.4 seconds (front-driver version). Shifts from the six-speed automatic are smooth and well-timed, though we wish there was better manual access to gears. (You're limited to "D," "O/D off" and "L.") Properly equipped, the Ford Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is average for the segment.

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2007 SEMA Show: Aims for Drama With 550-HP Escalade Sport Concept

LAS VEGAS — Urban hipsters should find their heads swiveling at the Cadillac Escalade Sport concept, one of the luxury marque's 2007 SEMA Show offerings.

The Escalade concept boasts a sport-tuned suspension with a 2-inch-lower ride height, a high-performance brake package and unique air induction and exhaust systems. The underhood cover protects a small-block V8 with approximately 550 horsepower linked to a 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior gets a modified front and rear fascia with new upper and lower grilles, a new roof rack, new hood and retractable side steps with aero rockers. Eye-popping 24-inch forged alloy wheels add to the sense of drama with this concept.

The cabin is outfitted with Recaro sport bucket seats in the first and second rows with the third row deleted. The rear hatch gets an aluminum cargo floor. The driver gets a modified center console with new shifter and shift knob, along with billet aluminum pedals.

Cadillac brags that the concept "showcases even more of the dramatic presence and power" that has made Escalade an "image leader."

What this means to you: The already impressive Escalade takes on even more stature at the SEMA show.

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2007 SEMA Show: Motocross Is Springboard for Dodge Dakota MX Warrior Concept

LAS VEGAS — The over-the-top graphics on the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior concept at the 2007 SEMA Show make more sense when you understand how one of its co-creators spends his spare time.

Scott Waraniak, a design student at Detroit's College for Creative Studies, is also a motocrosser who races KTM bikes and is no stranger to flying dirt, rocks, adrenaline and horsepower. Hence the orange-and-battleship-gray vinyl wrap on the Dakota MX Warrior laid on top of the "surf blue" exterior. By the way, that's Waraniak's bike in the back of the Dakota, which Dodge likes to promote as more of a personal leisure vehicle instead of a workhorse like its bigger sibling.

The Dakota MX Warrior gets a suspension that's raised 4 inches, 20-inch Mopar chrome wheels and 31-inch tires. Other touches include a custom hood with one-off intake scoopers to feed air into the 4.7-liter Magnum V8. Custom steel bumpers and an integrated winch mounted on the front bumper round out the package.

What this means to you: A must-see if you're into motocross and Detroit muscle.

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2007 SEMA Show: Cadillac CTS Sport

LAS VEGAS — The public unveiling of the 2009 CTS-V is still more than two months away. Meanwhile, at the 2007 SEMA Show, Cadillac aims to fill the void with the CTS Sport concept.

This one looks like mostly a cosmetic package, with few of the high-performance mods expected on the next CTS-V, which is being unwrapped at the upcoming Detroit show and goes on sale next fall.

The CTS Sport gets a variety of exterior add-ons, including new front and rear fascias with carbon-fiber and wire-mesh inserts, a modified hood with wire-mesh inserts and carbon-fiber front fender extractors and rear deck lid spoiler. You'll also spot the forged and polished 20-inch wheels, the painted calipers and drilled/slotted rotors on the high-performance brakes, and the rectangular exhaust tips with wire-mesh inserts.

Inside, the CTS Sport features Recaro leather sport seats and carbon-fiber trim.

Under the hood is a production-based, direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 — a far cry from the supercharged big-bore V8 that's rumored for the new CTS-V.

What this means to you: Look for the real deal in January at the Detroit show.

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2007 SEMA Show: Jay Leno Shows off Green 600-HP Modified Corvette Z06

LAS VEGAS — If Al Gore were to make an appearance at the 2007 SEMA Show, there's no doubt that he would find an excellent photo op in front of Jay Leno's E85 Z06-inspired C6RS Corvette. The car's 600 horses aren't an issue, since Leno's rocket runs on ethanol.

"The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," said Leno, who increasingly sounds like the voice of reason when it comes to automotive trends. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline."

The C6RS Corvette's fuel system and engine control computer were modified to use E85, with the spent gases exiting through a Corsa exhaust system. The custom 8.2-liter all-aluminum small-block V8 is linked to a strengthened T-56 six-speed transmission and a high-performance Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

The comic did not choose green paint for this SEMA offering. Instead, it is clad in C6.R-inspired black paint. Other design cues include wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top and a racing-style diffuser at the bottom. The cabin deliberately veers away from a spartan look, with premium features that include a two-tone shift knob and boot, leather-covered console armrest and racing-style pedal covers.

What this means to you: Leno appears to be committed to giving us the best of both worlds.

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2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution

(from Ferrari Press Release) FXX programme extended for further two years thanks to new evolution kit developed with assistance of Client Test-Drivers

The innovative FXX programme, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched by Ferrari in June 2005, is being extended to 2008/2009. The FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated with an evolution package aimed at further improving its handling and performance. The package was developed as a result of Ferrari's collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and with the invaluable support of Michael Schumacher. The FXXs equipped with this package will also sport a new livery in addition to new rear wing profiles.

The FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D programme agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years. Thanks to readings taken over the 16,500 kilometres of tests carried out in 2006 and the 18,500 kilometres covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the programme the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.

Maranello's engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop a kit which will cut the FXX's Fiorano lap time to under 1'16'' (previously it was 1'18''). The FXX's 6262 cc V12 engine can now punch out a massive 860 hp at 9500 rpm. Gearshifting takes just 60 ms, a drop of 20 ms on the previous time, and the gear ratios have been adapted to make use of the extra 1000 rpm now delivered by the engine.

The FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organising at international circuits for 2008/2009. Six events are planned for each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia). In addition to these, the FXXs will also be participating, as per tradition, in the prestigious end-of-season Ferrari World Finals.

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2007 SEMA Show: Chevrolet Takes the Wraps off 2008 Cobalt SS Coupe

LAS VEGAS — General Motors used the 2007 SEMA Show to reveal the details about the upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, which promises to have more kick than the previous Cobalt SS Supercharged.

GM says the '08 Cobalt SS will churn out 55 more horses than the Cobalt SS Supercharged. The new model uses the 2.0-liter Ecotec turbocharged and intercooled engine with 260 horses linked to a GM Powertrain Sweden five-speed transmission with a short-throw shifter. It sprints from zero to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, according to Chevrolet. The coupe was developed by GM Performance Division, which put it through its paces at the Nürburgring circuit.

Chevy noted that the Cobalt SS coupe has powertrain and chassis enhancements that are similar to the new Chevrolet HHR SS, "but with larger Brembo brakes, a slightly taller final-drive ratio and other variances." The Cobalt SS coupe gets a new FE5 Sport suspension with specific stabilizer bars, spring rates and damper tuning. A "no-lift shift" feature on manual-transmission models is said to "achieve the best acceleration time via an algorithm in the engine controller."

What this means to you: The most powerful Cobalt yet.

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2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenaline

(from Ford Press Release) FORD ADDS ‘ADRENALIN’ TO SPORT TRAC FOR 2008

The 2008 Sport Trac Adrenalin is a sport utility truck that combines the utility and functionality of a pickup with a bold new attitude and genuine sense of street style.

“The new Sport Trac Adrenalin is designed to appeal to the urban adventurer,” said Ryan Mitton, Sport Trac marketing manager. “It still offers up the functionality and capability that Sport Trac is known for, while boosting the style factor.”

Adrenalin retains the Sport Trac’s distinctive profile, blending SUV and pickup, but the similarities end there. Every exterior panel from the beltline down has been redesigned or styled to deliver the Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin’s cool, aftermarket look. New front and rear fascias sit 3.5-inches lower than the units on the standard truck. Full running boards are seamlessly integrated into the body design and function to visually tie the front and rear of the truck together. The rubber step pads provide traction and add a striking graphic stripe that accents the lower portion of the truck.

“The new body panels give the Sport Trac the appearance of being lower – without actually lowering the vehicle,” said Betancourt. “You get a street cruiser look without compromising any of the functionality or capability.” Adrenalin looks hot, bathed in special Colorado Red paint. Colorado Red, a true red without metal flake, is new to the Sport Trac lineup and will be launched with the Adrenalin. Additional color choices are White Suede, Black and Silver Birch Metallic.

The 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels are the same units found on the Sport Trac Adrenalin concept. The polished aluminum wheels are shod with P255/50R20 Pirelli rubber.Adrenalin will be in dealer showrooms in early January. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) for Sport Trac Adrenalin begins at $30,495 (including $720 for destination and delivery charges).

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2007 SEMA Show: Hummer H3 Is Crossed With Corvette Z06

LAS VEGAS — The Hummer H3R Off-Road Concept unites the H3 SUV and the 7.0-liter V8 from a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, with some intriguing results, at the 2007 SEMA Show. But don't get too excited. Hummer hustles to say, "No, a production H3 equipped with an LS7 engine isn't in the cards."

"The H3R pays homage to the racing SUV while pushing the envelope on what could be considered 'stock' — supposing the factory decided to drop in the 505-horsepower 7.0-liter V8 from the Corvette Z06," Hummer said in reference to Team Hummer, led by Rod Hall.

One smart bit of detail here includes a forward-tilting hood with a Lexan see-through insert, as well as power-operated hood hinges. The H3R has a racing-inspired paint job with custom badging, 20-inch wheels and Mickey Thompson Bear Claw 35-inch off-road tires.

A washable rubber floor replaces the carpeting, and there's a navigation radio system and auxiliary performance gauges.

What this means to you: Unlike some of GM's other SEMA show offerings, this one won't see the light of day outside of the concept.

© Source: edmunds

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2007 SEMA Show: Saturn Astra Tuner Concept Aims for a "Racier Look"

LAS VEGAS — The Saturn Astra makes its maiden appearance at the 2007 SEMA Show in the form of the Astra Tuner Concept, sporting a lowered ride height, high-performance Recaro seats and 20 more horsepower than the production car.

The Saturn Astra Tuner Concept is based on a production Astra XR three-door. Modifications to the 1.8-liter Ecotec DOHC inline-4 include an exhaust header, a cold-air intake and a modified throttle body. External touches include new front and rear fascia extensions, a new grille surround finish and tinted headlamps, taillamps and windows. Study it with a keen eye and you'll notice that the production side moldings have been deleted and a rear center-outlet exhaust has been added. The concept also gets OPC 19-inch wheels and an OPC rear spoiler.

The cabin is tweaked with a Blaupunkt sound system, GMA pedals and unique interior trim.

Saturn describes its SEMA show concept as one that "applies some of the latest bolt-on performance and appearance components to show what's possible with this all-new compact."

What this means to you: Expect the Saturn Astra to become one of the darlings of the tuner crowd.

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2008 Maserati GranTurismo Review

What We Know
The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, a two-door coupe to complement the Quattroporte sedan, is yet another Italian beauty, this one penned by Pininfarina's Jason Castriota.

Successor to Maserati's Guigiaro-designed coupe and spyder, the upcoming GT is built on a shortened version of the Quattroporte's chassis. The GranTurismo is powered by a 405-horsepower version of the same Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V8 found across the Maserati range. In a nod toward the crucially important American market, where Maserati hopes to achieve significant sales gains with the GT, power is sent to the rear wheels through the ZF-built six-speed automatic transmission that just became available in the Quattroporte. With a platform converted from the rear-transaxle configuration necessary for the automated manual gearbox to the front-mounted automatic transmission, the GranTurismo should provide enough rear-seat space to make it something more than a cramped 2+2. Nevertheless, we expect a weight distribution of 49 percent front/51 percent rear, which should ensure excellent maneuverability. Meanwhile the GranTurismo's suspension will be similar in configuration to the Quattroporte's double-wishbone setup, but it'll be supplemented by Maserati's Skyhook active damping system. Throughout the rest of the car, extensive use of carbon composites and aluminum should provide the GT with an exhilarating power-to-weight ratio. Maserati hopes the GT will help alter the misperception that its cars are prohibitively expensive. Prices should begin somewhere around $110,000, putting the GT Coupe in good position to steal business from Porsche's 911 and the Mercedes-Benz SL. A hardtop convertible version of the GT, powered by a larger-bore version of the 4.2 and delivering around 470 hp, should arrive later in the year, and a Competizione model is sure to follow.
What Edmunds.com says
A gorgeous coupe with a Ferrari engine and a reasonable price. What more do you need?

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2008 Chrysler 300 Review

What's New for 2008
Significant changes are in store for the 2008 Chrysler 300. An updated interior includes new soft-touch surfaces, revised instrument panel and console designs, and available LED accent lighting. New luxury-oriented options include adaptive cruise control, a surround-sound audio system, a dedicated iPod interface, Sirius Backseat TV for the rear entertainment system and a new hard-drive based MyGIG multimedia system with optional navigation.

Safety has been enhanced with new front seat-mounted side airbags added to the 300's available side curtain airbag system. Wrapping everything up is freshened front and rear exterior styling and Chrysler's new limited lifetime powertrain warranty.

Introduction
Mold-breaking cars don't come along very often. But that's exactly what happened when the Chrysler 300 debuted four years ago. Previous to the 300, modern full-size cars provided plenty of interior room and comfort but typically generated all the pizzazz and excitement of an ice cream social in a Florida retirement community. With the 300, Chrysler proved that this type of car could actually be fun and desirable. Shoppers loved its artful, edgy styling, rear-drive layout and powerful V8 engine options, and it was an immediate hit.

Powertrains and Performance
The base rear-wheel-drive 300 LX comes with a 2.7-liter V6 good for 178 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Touring and Limited models upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 capable of 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. These two models are available with your choice of either rear- or all-wheel drive, as is the more muscular 300C with its 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that generates 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.

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2008 Jaguar S-Type Review

What's New for 2008
Jaguar's midlevel sedan enters its final year with several tweaks, all of them cosmetic. V6 and V8 models upgrade to standard 18-inch wheels and adapt the front bumper design of the S-Type R. The R, in turn, upgrades to 19-inch wheels.

Introduction
The Jaguar S-Type has a fairly significant place in automotive history, signifying the first real fruit of the Ford-Jaguar partnership and the first step from either brand into the midsize luxury segment. The 2008 Jaguar S-Type represents the ninth and final year of production for this midsize, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan.

Born as the classier-looking sibling of the Lincoln LS, the S-Type also enjoyed a higher-grade interior and more potent versions of both the V6 and V8 engines.Regardless of the prodigious power at the top of the lineup, the S-Type as a whole has become known more for walking the middle ground between performance and comfort. Its V6 delivers weak performance for this class, and even decked out in R guise, handling is on the soft side. This midsize luxury sedan is also known for an interior that's a mix of virtues and vices: high comfort in front but skimpy space in back, and old-world British ambience with unfortunate splashes of Ford-grade controls and materials.

Powertrains and Performance
The base Jaguar S-Type 3.0 uses a Jaguar-enriched version of Ford's Duratec 3.0-liter V6. Its 235-horsepower rating is the most this engine has ever made, though keep in mind that it has less torque (216 pound-feet) than the competition's bigger V6s. The engine in the S-Type V8 displaces 4.2 liters and cranks out 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the supercharger and variable valve timing on the R boosts that all the way up to 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. If those numbers still sound petty compared to the BMW M5's 500 hp and the Mercedes E63's 507, so should its $65K price compared to their $82K and $87K. Ever since the V6 lost its short-lived stick shift of 2003-'04, a six-speed automatic transmission has transmitted power to the rear wheels on all models.

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2008 Mercury Mariner Review

What's New for 2008
The 2008 Mercury Mariner gets a makeover inside and out. A more aggressive attitude marks the exterior design, and the cabin is more attractive and functional. The chassis and powertrain are virtually unchanged, however, meaning this "redesigned" Mariner has the same running gear as before.

Introduction
Something of an anomaly in the marketplace, the compact but upscale Mercury Mariner SUV gets a not-so extreme makeover for 2008. The Mariner debuted three years ago as a more luxurious version of Ford's Escape. And like its relative, the Mariner's "top-half" revamping for this year means new sheet metal and a revised interior but no significant revisions to the chassis or running gear.

The changes in the looks department include a bolder grille, taller beltline and higher hood, all of which give this junior sport-ute a more aggressive curbside presence. Inside, the changes are more functional, including such touches as a multifunction display at the top center of the dash and cool blue instrument lighting. To promote a quieter cabin, the new Mariner features an acoustic laminate within the windshield, a redesigned roof panel and thicker carpeting.

Unfortunately, these changes might not be enough to keep the 2008 Mercury Mariner competitive in the small-SUV class. In past years, we praised the Mariner for its relatively roomy (for four) cabin, sporty driving dynamics and peppy performance, but new and more modern competitors now surpass it in many areas.

A more serious disappointment concerns the Mariner's braking. For some reason, all 2008 Mariners except the V6 AWD version have reverted to rear drum brakes (they formerly had discs all around) and braking performance suffers. In our testing of a similar Escape with rear drums, the best stop from 60 mph took 154 feet — about 25 feet longer than average.

Powertrains and Performance
All versions of the Mercury Mariner can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.3-liter inline-4 rated for 153 hp and 152 pound-feet of torque powers the base Mariner. The base V6 and Premier models come with a 3.0-liter V6 good for 200 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the V6 Mariner can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

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2008 Toyota Camry Solara Review

What's New for 2008
The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible are unchanged.

Introduction
Usually, the two-door variants within a model line are flashier and sportier than their four-door counterparts. This was true of the Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible right after they were redesigned back in 2004. Since then, though, they've been upstaged by the Camry sedan, which grew more powerful in last year's overhaul. The injustice continues into 2008, as the Solara siblings stand pat while winds of change swirl around them. Rival import-brand manufacturers have launched better-performing, edgier-looking coupes, and relatively affordable hardtop convertibles are crowding into soft-top Solara price territory.

The Solara's diminishing appeal is due at least in part to its exterior styling, which although curvy and sophisticated, has never come across as trendy or youthful. This is particularly true when you look at the car from the back, as the rear deck appears to droop on both the coupe and the convertible. Another issue is the car's lack of verve once you're behind the wheel. The Solara coupe is fairly quick when equipped with the V6, but in the heavier convertible the engine's modest low-end torque and the transmission's slow responses noticeably detract from performance. And although handling is stable and predictable, the Camry Solara is not the sort of car you'll revel in driving briskly, given its soft suspension and minimal steering feedback.

Powertrains and Performance
The standard engine for the Toyota Camry Solara coupe is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 157 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. It can be paired with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, either of which drives the front wheels. Optional on Solara coupes and standard on convertibles is a 3.3-liter V6 rated for 210 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard with the V6. The EPA rates four-cylinder coupes at 21-22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Upgrade to the V6 and you're looking at an 18/27 rating in the coupe and 18/26 in the convertible.

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A little bit of Fisker

Fisker, consider us teased. This is the first image of the upcoming plug-in hybrid luxury car from Henrik Fisker, the man behind the BMW Z8, Aston V8 and the delicious Artega GT.

Apologies for the grainy little photo, but that's all we've got to go on at the moment, along with a few scant details. The hybrid is expected to cost around £50,000 and is due to debut in Detroit early next year.

It'll be limited to a production run of just 100 cars, but we've got no idea how efficient it'll be or even what engine lurks under that long bonnet.

It should look good, though - scrutiny of the image reveals hints of Aston, Maserati and maybe even a bit of Ferrari about the elongated front-engined grand tourer.

"We want people to drive beautiful fast cars that make environmental sense," says Henrik Fisker. "Cars that are eco-chic and will have less of an impact on global warming."

Noble aims indeed. We'll find out more about the Fisker hybrid early next year.

© Source: topgear

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2008 Porsche 911 GT2

(from Porsche Press Release) Presenting the new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use.

Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill. Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph) on average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.

The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496

© Source: seriouswheels
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Full Test: 2008 Infiniti EX35. This Crossover Thinks It's a Sport Coupe

We're hammering the 2008 Infiniti EX35 on Mulholland Highway in the mountains of darkest Malibu where the movie people live and we've just passed the Rock Store where bikers profile on weekends. Ahead lies the snakiest mile of the whole road.

So we drive even faster. The hard-edged 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 spins a little quicker while the front suspension occasionally chatters a little in the hairpins, and a short time later we get to the top in the kind of a rush that makes a whole day of driving worthwhile.

Then we look over our shoulder and realize that there's a whole backseat behind us, plus the big cargo compartment and we realize again that we've just done the whole Mulholland drive in some kind of crossover-utility thingy.

It's a little unseemly. Who knows what the locals thought? Probably figured we were some kind of Malibu catering service running a party platter to some screenwriters. But of course the 2008 Infiniti EX35 really isn't any kind of crossover at all.

But once you're standing next to the Infiniti EX35, you realize it's not a crossover or even some kind of utility thingy. It's really just a tall wagon, more like a Volvo XC70 than a BMW X3. This explains everything about the EX35's combination of practical luxury and the kind of driving dynamics you'd expect for express delivery of a party platter in the mountains above Malibu.

What's the Difference? It's Fast
The 2008 Infiniti EX35 doesn't really fit our idea of a crossover. It goes down the highway like a luxury sedan, but the tiny tremble from the wide tires tells you there's a high-performance sedan lurking beneath. It steers crisply through the corners. In short, it's one of the most satisfying examples of a vehicle with "utility" in its job description that you'll find anywhere.

© Source: edmunds
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