2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 265 kW/360 hp two-seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission now offers even faster gearchanges.

AMG eight-cylinder engine for superior performance
The striking bonnet with its characteristic longitudinal fins conceals the 5.5-litre AMG eight-cylinder engine, which has an output of 265 kW/360 hp and develops 510 newton metres of torque – figures which remain unrivalled in this segment. Enormous torque, immediate responsiveness and the typical AMG V8 sound characterise the driving experience, together with outstanding performance: the two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaches the 200 km/h mark in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 250 km/h. Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, which now ensures even greater agility: gearchanges in the "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual) driving modes are around ten percent faster than before. This is not only thanks to the new components in the seven-speed automatic transmission, but also to the new engine and transmission management, which also ensures that the gearshifts are smoother.

© Source: seriouswheels
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1985 Buick Grand National T-Type

Seller: garmo
Address:
City: Goodyear
State: Arizona
Country: USA
Price: $7,500.00
Date Added: December 28, 2007
Expiration: April 26, 2008
Views: 664

Description: Well I hate to do it but I need to let her go......It has been a great car but just drive too much....

I have had it about a year now and put a good deal of work into it. It is not a perfect car and not asking a perfect price.....So here is the list....

110K miles mostly highway, adult driven as long as I have had it....
I was told when I bought it, the motor was replaced at 20K for a bad crank. Don't know if it is true but it runs strong, always used Mobile 1. Emissions good till Oct 08.

All power seats, windows Limo tint in back, legal up front), sunroof work great. New turn signal switch. Only thing that I haven't fixed is the cruise control. I think it just needs a vacuum line. Haven't had time to look at it. All parts look to be there.

Would drive anywhere, I average 100 miles a day. Get many, many compliments. Here is the VIN to check with carfax.....1G4GK4795FP423334. You won't be disappointed. I have many more pics I can email........

© Source: seriouswheels
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SIMO replica to pilot Honda's transforming Rose Parade float

Generally we're a little too, um, preoccupied on New Year's Day to bother with such trifles as opening our eyes and watching the annual Rose Parade from Pasadena, but with Honda planning an ambitious float for 2008 that will feature a gigantic ASIMO replica riding a transforming Honda Ridgeline, well, at the very least we'll be setting our DVR.

According to American Honda, which provides the Tournament of Roses with hundreds of vehicles and has won numerous awards for its entries in the past, its generators will cause "the hood of the truck to fold forward to become an aircraft cockpit, the doors and sides of the truck to unfold outward to become wings, the wheels to tuck under the body, and the bed of the truck to open and take on the form of an aircraft tail section, complete with rocket engines - and even real fire."

Giant robots piloting huge fire-breathing truck-planes? If this truly is a "Passport to the Future" as Honda claims, you can sign us up! Lots more pics in the gallery below, and a full seven-part, behind-the-scenes mini-documentary after the break.

© Source: engadget
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2004 BMW 330i ZHP Europrojektz DarXideх

(from Luis Duran) Biography of Alfonso Vergara aka DarXide
Alfonso Vergara, a 20 year old student, began his journey in the modified world in 2004 when he acquired his 2004 BMW 330i. Working as a sales representative in a condo hotel Alfonso started tweaking his BMW with a few additions such as OEM European clear lights all around, tints and a sound system thinking that would be as far as he would go. Right around November 2004 a couple months after getting the car Alfonso stumbled upon e46fanatics.com where his enthusiasm for European cars unfolded. Not long after joining the community modifying the e46 became not only an addiction but a pursuit of a unique sedan. It started off lightly with a set of springs and eventually a set of 1 piece wheels.

The car has been through 3 different phases. First, Alfonso opted to keep his stock body kit which already was an M-Tech kit thanks to the performance package that came along with the car. Next he added his first set of wheels which were 19’’ black faced Sevas S-stars along with a few performance upgrades such as, UUC under drive pullies, an intake and a Rouge Engineering DSM exhaust. Right around October 2006 a year later after his first round of light modifications Alfonso decided to take a different approach to his vehicle by incorporating a full body kit and wheels to set off a completely new theme.Currently the car is not 100% finished; there are still plans on supercharging and doing some more in car entertainment as well as interior work.

Vehicle: 2004 BMW 330i ZHP
Sapphire Black Metallic/Black
Performance Package
Premium Package
Steptronic
Xenon Headlights
Power Seats w/Driver Memory
Power Glass Moon roof

Engine
Custom quad exhaust w/ 88mm double walled tips
Carbon Fiber Intake

© Source: seriouswheels
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PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS

Porsche has market-researched it to death, but we expect that only two kinds of people will buy the Cayenne GTS: those who will love it and those who will come to hate it. It's the grip- and agility-rich Cayenne that the Porsche faithful will love, or it will be resold within months by people who simply wanted to be seen in the best Cayenne there is but were ultimately unable to live with the tradeoffs Porsche made to get it there.

It's faster, even though the torque is unchanged (369 lb-ft at 3500). Porsche shortened the final-drive ratio 15 percent for faster acceleration. And it wanted faster acceleration because the GTS's real advantages are much more difficult to sum up in a sound bite.

So the big unit will punch from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is nothing like what the twin-turbo Porsche Cayenne can muster but is 0.5 second faster than the Cayenne S. It will run out to 156 mph and gets there willingly.With 405 hp, it's only slightly more powerful than a Cayenne S. Porsche squeezed another 300 rpm and 20 hp out of the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 by pushing the peak power up to 6500 rpm. The key to that was bigger throttle bodies (up in internal diameter by 0.24 inch).

But the crux of the GTS is not its engine or its acceleration. Torn between giggling at the Cayenne's enormous profits and being stung by criticism that its chassis' lack of 911-esque purity meant it didn't deserve to wear the badge, Porsche finally let the engineers loose on a path to counter the negativity. They lowered it, slapped enormous 21-inchers on it and tied the whole thing down with the stiffest and most sophisticated suspension yet seen on a Cayenne. Which means more grip and agility. Porsche has lowered the truck by 0.94 inch; it drops itself another 0.35 inch at the lowest setting you can manually select and then sinks another 0.20 inch at speeds beyond 130 mph. It also sits on 295/35 R-21 Michelins (with tacked-on 0.55-inch plastic wheel arches to contain them), and the thing sticks to the road like peanut butter in a dry mouth.

The trouble comes when you're not pushing anymore, because the GTS's abilities are all there for the taking, all the time. Regardless of Porsche giving you three damper settings, you can't avoid its too-hard suspension. Over low-amplitude, high-frequency bumps, on patchwork roads or even around town, ride quality is uncomfortable, bordering on awful. It's not vertically uncomfortable, though. Oddly, it disturbs your equilibrium with lateral head-toss (as the engineers call it) where conventional Porsches are supple. Even on smooth winding roads, the systems used to flatten the body become jerky on the neck and the torso. The systems are working for your grip, not your comfort, and there's always 4906 pounds to control.

By all means, though, try a Cayenne GTS. It's a jet, and, in corners, it works. Just be absolutely certain you know what you're getting into. BASE PRICE: $69,300

© Source: autoweek
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Diamond in the rough Bentley reaches HCM City

Bentley is one of the favorite brands among Vietnamese connoisseurs. The limited edition Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series was launched in 2006, to celebrate 60 years of Bentley at Crewe. Only 400 units were produced.

Now, the owner of a HCM City-based company, specializing in producing construction materials, has decided to shell out eight billion VND to purchase the Bentley Continental GT, a model commemorating the 60th anniversary of Bentley’s factory. The beige Bentley Continental GT reached Vietnam on December 26 and was ordered by a Vietnamese car importer through a US dealer more than a few months ago.

The GT Diamond series flaunt especially luxurious interiors with a maximum speed of 318 km/h. A car enthusiast estimated that the imported Bentley Continental GT is worth $180,000. But, as it goes through official channels, it will be worth $475,200 (60% import tax, 50% luxury tax, and 10% VAT). A brand new Bentley Continental Flying Spur 2008 is valued at $448,773, after tax.

© Source: bornrich
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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

The longest-surviving nameplate in the Toyota lineup, the Land Cruiser traces its roots to an earlier era when sport-utility vehicles were judged for their off-road credentials above all else. From those early days, the Land Cruiser has morphed through several generations. It's gotten bigger, more luxurious and, naturally, more expensive. Through it all, however, this iconic Toyota has maintained the constants of excellent off-road ability and a reputation for reliability and durability.

For 2008, Toyota is hoping for more of the same -- but better, of course -- for its fully redesigned Land Cruiser. The previous-generation SUV, though certainly capable, had been on sale since 1998 and was getting increasingly dated in terms of features and design. Compared to last year's model, 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has the same wheelbase but is 2.4 inches longer and about an inch wider and taller. The exterior has been freshened but is still conservative, and underneath is again a traditional body-on-frame design. The frame is considerably stiffer than before, and Toyota says the payoff is enhanced ruggedness, towing capacity and crashworthiness. It also works in conjunction with a new front-suspension design to improve on-road handling.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has also gotten heavier by about 265 pounds, but no one will likely notice thanks to its new engine. It's an advanced 5.7-liter V8, the same one featured as the Toyota Tundra's top-shelf choice. It cranks out 381 horsepower and is connected to a new six-speed automatic transmission with full-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. The new engine also meets a stricter emission standard (ULEV) and returns slightly better fuel economy than last year's 265-hp, 4.7-liter V8.

Inside, Toyota has updated the cabin with a fresh design and enhanced features. For the first time, there's a heavy-duty four-zone climate control system, a surround-sound audio system and additional airbag coverage with an available pre-collision seatbelt preparation feature.  Price: $63,200.

© Source: edmunds
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2009 Subaru Forester Preview

Subaru has issued this photo of the 2009 Forester, the mid-size crossover that will make its world debut at the Detroit auto show in mid-January.

New 2009 Subaru Forester is redesigned with more traditional SUV styling cues, and with a bigger body intended to make the Forester more competitive with the growing crossover class. The new version sees its wheelbase grow by 3.6 inches to 103.0 inches, and its overall length is up by about three inches too--which Subaru says maintains the "trim exterior packaging" that current Forester owners want. With the stretched length comes a stronger body structure, Subaru promises, and a ground clearance of up to 8.9 inches.

The engines motivating new Subaru Forester are both flat fours, one turbocharged and one normally aspirated. Power outputs haven't been released but Subaru says in a press release that the 2.5-liter fours will offer better low-end and mid-range torque. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered; manual-equipped cars will get a hill-start helper that keeps the Forester from rolling backward when launching uphill.

Inside, the Forester gets a higher grade of interior trim and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. A navigation system and satellite radio are options.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2007 Ferrari F430 GT Racing

(from Ferrari) Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro wins this year's Constructors' Championship. The F430 GT cars gave Ferrari victory in the 2007 Constructors' Cup in the FIA GT2 series.


© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Toyota A-Bat Concept

Toyota's presence at the Detroit auto shows past has trumpeted its big, big, big trucks and SUVs, from the new Tundra to the Sequoia. But this year coming, with fuel-economy rules changing, Toyota is staking out some greener territory with a concept pickup truck derived -- like Honda's Ridgeline -- from passenger-car running gear.

The Toyota A-Bat is smaller than Toyota's mid-size Tacoma pickup, which is based on a traditional ladder frame. Toyota says the smaller dimensions and car-based running gear would give a production version of the A-Bat more car-like handling and a smooth ride. Toyota A-Bat Concept concept sits on 19-inch wheels for a dash of truck tougness.

The most important feature, the truck bed, is a four-foot affair with a flexible pass-through that adds another two feet to the bed. The putative 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit in the A-Bat, and taller cargo can ride in the cabin, poking through a sliding panel. The bed also includes formed-in lighting, a first aid kit and flashlights, as well as an AC power outlet. The bed panels slide around to expose more storage areas, and the bed floor also slides to expose a storage drawer, like Honda's Ridgeline has its storage locker below the bed.

The A-Bat's cockpit is more unconventional than, say, a Dodge Ram Mega Cab. A center console incorporates an AC/DC portable power pack that can be used to run tools, computer or even give a jump start. Carbon-fiber-look trim is teamed with rim on the doors and instrument panel than can be personalized. And the four-seat cabin offers flexible seats that fold down for bed space, or retract beneath the cargo bed entirely.

High-tech features in the concept include a portable navigation system, wireless internet, a music hard drive, and solar panels on the roof that capture energy and use it to charge the navigation system and power pack.

© Source: thecarconnection
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DiMora Natalia SLS 2 Telling features defining luxury worth $2 million

For those who have a penchant for everything most expensive, the Natalia SLS 2 from DiMora Motorcar is the next big thing. The hotly awaited $2 million super-sedan is in the works for now and the latest news from the company is that the luxury car will come equipped with the HeatFlexx electrically-heated frameless windshield wiper.

The Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan is the world’s most expensive production automobile. The electrically-heated HeatFlexx windshield wiper speedily melts ice and snow. The frameless design of the all-season blade offers incessant even pressure to the windshield, thereby reducing streaks while reducing wind lift at speeds up to 150 mph. The new HeatFlexx system, which is designed by Von Stach Products, is considered to be one of the most novel inventions in the automotive industry this year.

Other powerful specs of the luxury coupe include variable-cylinder, aluminum DiMora Volcano V16 engine pumping out 1200 horsepower, aerodynamic construction with stylish interiors, 50 computer systems controlling every aspect of this sport luxury sedan, unique beverage holders, expected four-wheel steering system, 24-inch rims coated in special run-flat tires, color change technology, and spa facility for the rear seat passengers who will be provided with a soothing high-tech massage.

DiMora wants Natalia to set the standard for 21st century automotive excellence. There is no word on release date, so we need to sit back a while and wait for the world’s most luxurious, expensive, and technologically-advanced creation to hit the roads.

© Source: bornrich
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2008 Volvo C30

To see one of the more innovative Web sites ever created to complement a new car launch, go to Volvo's C30 site.

The manufacturer is clearly after younger, fun-loving, intelligent car buyers with an offbeat home page representing the funky-looking two-door C30. The littlest Volvo is destined to stand out in a crowd, with its huge blacked-out hatchback rear window, stylish wheels, a bold, flowing overall design and a base cost of $22,700.

Airbags can deploy from every conceivable nook and cranny, as you might expect of a Volvo. The list of safety features also includes a whiplash protection system that cradles occupants in the event of an accident.

You'd guess four cylinders might be under the C30's hood, but actually a turbocharged five-cylinder engine resides there, supplying the Volvo with a more than ample 227 horsepower. As a result, it takes 6.6 seconds to move the speedometer from 0 to 62 mph, according to Volvo.

The head-turning C30 is slated to be available in summer 2008.

© Source: autos.aol
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All Eyes on $219,000 Electric Lightning GT Sports Car

The Lightning car firm has lately released the new models of electric cars in UK. Featured above are the electric Lightning GT and Sports versions that are inviting pre-orders. Pre-booking for the first cars (for 2008 delivery) is now being welcomed. The coupe has a potential to ride over 130 mph with a driving range of 250 miles. Also, the Electric Lightning GT can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. It is designed using carbon fibre/Kevlar hand-crafted bodywork complemented by aluminium honeycomb crushable collision cells.

The NanoSafe battery from Altairnano would give you no opportunity to complain regarding its operational safety. The battery is toxic free and contains no heavy metals. You needn’t make an effort to heat or cool the battery and it can run in temperatures between 75°C and minus 30°C (-22° to 167°Fahrenheit).

The battery comes with a warranty period of three years but the company claims of battery having a life expectancy of 12+ years. With 15,000 cycles and a standard of 40 miles per charge, you can ride your car to around 600,000 miles. A laboratory test is being conducted by the company and its being proved that NanoSafe cell can be charged to 80% of its capacity within a minutes’ time. Now the big news you must be hunting for. The car comes with a price tag of $219,000, almost two-fold of the Tesla. It’s battery individually costs $12,000-$14,000.


© Source: elitechoice
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2008 Scion xD

The term 'econobox' once evoked images of laughably bad fit and finish, air conditioning invariably being an option, and powerplants featuring a squirrel on an exercise wheel. So it's a revelation to drive the new Scion xD and discover $14,550 buys you Toyota-level quality, a peppy 1.8-liter, double overhead cam four-banger, and keyless remote entry, power windows, air conditioning and an iPod connector on the standard-equipment list.

Not only that, but you and your friends needn't be contortionists to travel in the Scion xD, as was the case when the Yugo and its brethren inhabited the econobox niche. Not only does the xD comfortably seat four, but the rear seat can recline, or slide forward six inches.

Understand that purchasing a Scion xD won't make you the envy of your block, nor will you be king of the road with 128 horsepower at your disposal. However, if you have a thing for well-built, reliable, cheap vehicles that burn gasoline like it's an expensive, non-renewable fossil fuel, you owe it to yourself to check out Scion xD.

© Source: autos.aol
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2008 Lancia Delta

According to various websites the new generation of the Lanci Delta will be shown for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The 2008 Lancia Delta is scheduled to be launched in June next year.

The 2008 Lancia Delta will be based on the Lancia Delta HPE that you can see in the pictures. The Lancia Delta HPE was presented for the first time at the Paris Motor Show last year.

The Lancia Delta model range is most famous for the success it had in the World Rally Championship with the Lancia Delta Integrale.

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Toyota Auris SR180

The Toyota Auris SR180 is powered by a 2.2 liter D-4D engine that delivers 175 hp and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. The Toyota Auris SR180 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds. The Toyota Auris SR180 price starts at 17,995 pounds for the three door model and 18,495 pounds for the five door model.

The SR180 is far from being all-show-and-no-do. The 2.2-litre D-4D engine generates 175bhp and a maximum 400Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, Gallery: Toyota Auris SR180
giving responsive and rewarding driving performance through the six-speed manual transmission. Benchmark acceleration from nought to 62mph is 8.1 seconds, while the D-4D engine’s strong fuel efficiency returns an official 45.6mpg in combined cycle driving.

Further driving rewards are delivered by the dedicated, lightweight double wishbone rear suspension, tailored specifically to meet the demands of the model’s higher performance characteristics. Vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control (TRC) are provided as standard.

In keeping with its flagship status, the SR180 has a high equipment specification with automatic dual-zone air conditioning, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control all part of the standard package.The new model is available to order now (for delivery in January), with both three and five-door versions available, priced respectively £17,995 and £18,495 on the road.

© Source: zercustoms
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2002 Peugeot H2O Concept

(from Peugeot Press Release) H2O is not just a futurist fire prevention vehicle produced by the creative people at Peugeot. H2O produces electricity and water using fuel cell battery technology. Hidden underneath the playful and dynamic appearance of a fire engine lies a very innovative propulsion method. H2O, built on a Partner Electric base, uses the fuel cell battery as a source of on-board energy and features a major innovation for this technology: the hydrogen is produced in real time, based on the system's needs, which means it can overcome the problems associated with storing pressurized hydrogen.

With its generously proportioned air intake, feline-shaped lights and plunging muzzle-like bonnet, the front of the vehicle is strongly identified with the Lion. The rear is reserved for the tank and a telescopic ladder. At the bottom of the rear end panel, instead of the exhaust (no longer needed) there are two connections for the water feed or the branch pipe. Naturally, the colour is "fire engine red", reflected in the interior with nicely matching touches of metal.

The cabin is designed for 2 firemen and to hold modern command and operating equipment, such as GPS, telephone and a touch screen on the dashboard. A second screen is linked to a PC and shows the map of the buildings.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Mazda MX 5 Niseko

The Mazda MX-5 Niseko comes in two version: a 1.8i powered version and a 2.0i. The Mazda MX-5 Niseko soft-top is powered by a 1.8 liter engine and will be available in UK in 240 units at a starting price of 17,995 pounds. The Mazda MX-5 Niseko roadster coupe is powered by a 2.0 liter engine and will be available in 560 units at a price of pounds.

The latest Mazda MX-5 can truly be described as an all-weather, all-year sports car with its enhanced heating and air-conditioning systems.
Now, to celebrate its continuing status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ this winter, Mazda is introducing a pair of special edition ‘Niseko’ models, named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort.

As the latest edition of the world’s best selling roadster, the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 Niseko boasts unrivalled handling and driving dynamics, and represents extremely competitive value for money. Available from £17,995 on-the-road, the Niseko offers up to £2,000 worth of additional or exclusive extras over and above the equivalent standard models.

On sale from 1 January 2008, both the ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Niseko soft-top (126ps, five-speed) and the £19,995 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe (160ps, six-speed) are available in an exclusive new bespoke colour ‘Icy Blue’ metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver metallic – for no additional charge.

As well as adding the special Niseko features, the generous standard equipment of the donor vehicles ensures that buyers can enjoy: driver’s seat height adjustment, electric windows, central locking, MP3-compatible radio/single CD player with six-speaker audio system, climate control air-conditioning, stainless-steel scuff plates, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser. Despite all of the additional specification, both Mazda MX-5 Niseko special editions remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts – 11E (1.8i) and 13E (2.0i).

© Source: zercustoms
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1939 Lagonda V12 Rapide

---- Specifications ----

Price --
Production --

Engine 4.5 liter V12
Weight --

Aspiration natural
Torque --

HP 180 hp
HP/Weight --

HP/Liter --
1/4 mile --

0-62 mph --
Top Speed 105 mph



© Source: seriouswheels
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Mazda Premacy Cool Style

The Mazda Premacy Cool Style concept car will be showcased at next year's Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Mazda Premacy Cool Style concept is a customized version of the Premacy with its exterior painted in a luminescent black and chrome parts which appear to sparkle in one focused point on the front and rear. The Mazda Premacy Cool Style also features a black leather interior.

© Source: zercustoms
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Volkswagen Polo Match

The Volkswagen Polo model range is receiving a new version - the Volkswagen Polo Match. The Volkswagen Polo Match replaces the S level in the line-up. The Volkswagen Polo Match is equipped with 15-inch 'Charade' alloy wheels, body-colored bumper strips, door strips, door handles and wing mirrors inset into which are integrated indicators. The Volkswagen Polo Match also has a set of foglamps that are set into the twin airdams.

The new Polo Match is distinguished by a set of 15-inch ‘Charade’ alloy wheels and body-coloured bumper strips, door strips, door handles and wing mirrors inset into which are integrated indicators. At the front a pair of foglamps are set into the twin airdams.

The revisions continue to the Polo’s interior. A leather-trimmed steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake grip are joined by the option of either a six-disc CD autochanger or an iPod connection to allow access to your digital music library on the move. Practical additions include electric front windows, a split folding rear seat, height adjustment for the driver’s seat and a useful drawer under the passenger seat. All these enhancements represent an £825 improvement in value.

Powering the new Polo Match is a choice of engines ranging from the compact petrol 1.2-litre unit up to the flexible 1.4-litre TDI engine – the latter of which is placed in VED band ‘B’ equating to an annual tax bill of only £35.

Prices for the new Polo Match start at £9,315 for the 1.2-litre three-door model before rising to
£11,380 for the 1.4-litre TDI five-door variant. The Polo Match is now open for ordering at any Volkswagen Retailer. To find your nearest Volkswagen Retailer, call 0800 333 666 or visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

© Source:zercustoms
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2008 Nissan Fuga

The 2008 Nissan Fuga features two new engines: the VQ35HR and VQ25HR. The 2008 Nissan Fuga is also the first vehicle to be equipped with Nissan's Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System. The 2008 Nissan Fuga price ranges from 3,969,000 yen to 6,279,000 yen.

The new Fuga features a revised model lineup, a redesigned exterior and interior, Nissan's new VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines and the world's first*1 Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System*2, among other refinements, the combination of which further advances the car's all-around qualities as a premium sports sedan.
Living up to its marketing tagline of “SHIFT_luxury,” Fuga transforms the traditional notion of a luxury car. Fuga is available in three grades (GT, GT Type S and GT Type P) for three engine variations (V6 2.5-liter, V6 3.6-liter and V8 4.5-liter). 4WD version is available for 350GT.

A Responsive Driveline
Fuga showcases the latest in Nissan engine technology with its choice of 3.5-liter VQ35HR and 2.5-liter VQ25HR engines, which combine high levels of power and torque with low fuel consumption, as well as producing sounds that befit its position as a sports luxury machine.

Both powerplants are backed by a standard full-range electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with a DS mode. The DS mode works to provide maximum performance by optimizing gear selection for the applicable driving conditions. Additional control is available through magnesium paddle shifters, which are standard on the GT Type S model. (4.5-liter VK45DE engine is also available for 2WD models.)

© Source: zercustoms
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2009 Toyota Corolla Road Test

Base price: $15,000 (est.)
Engine: 1.8-liter four, 132 hp/128 lb-ft; XRS: 2.4-liter four, 158 hp/162 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (base models); five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (XRS); front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 178.7 x 69.3 x 57.7 in
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Curb weight: 2,723-2,965 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 27/35 mpg (1.8-liter); 22/29 mpg (manual 2.4-liter), 22/30 mpg (automatic 2.4-liter)
Safety features: Dual front, side and curtain airbags anti-lock brakes; stability control standard on XRS Major standard features: Air conditioning; power steering; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 60/40 split folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD (XM satellite ready) radio; outside temperature gauge; two 12-volt power outlets; driver vertical seat height adjuster
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

For starters, we think this new Corolla is far better looking than the near-invisible car it replaces early next year. And it steps up in power and torque to a 158-hp, 162 lb-ft, 2.4-liter 16-valve VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with "intelligence") four-cylinder engine...but only in the sportiest XRS model. The other four models, from bargain-basement base through better-equipped LE, XLE and semi-sporty S, make do with a fairly anemic 132-hp (up from the 2008 Corolla's 126) dual-VVT-i 16-valve four that pumps out just 128 lb-ft of twist (up from 122). That compares to a healthier 140 horses and an identical 128 lb-ft for the Civic's same-size four and 148 hp and a much stronger 152 lb-ft for the base '08 Cobalt's 2.2-liter four.

These new Toyota Corolla sedans roll on the same 102.4-in.wheelbase as their predecessors but sit 0.4 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower. The added width provides additional shoulder and hip room in front, though (for some reason) a couple inches less rear hip room. Leg room is increased about a half-inch in front and nearly an inch in back, but front head room is down a half-inch due to the lower roofline. The overall result is a slightly roomier, quieter and more comfortable cabin usable for four adults but very tight for five.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Mazda Demio Chiara

This special edition model with a brilliant custom body color and distinctive seat covers
commemorates Mazda Demio's RJC Car of the Year win

The Chiara, which means brilliant or bright in Italian, is based on the 13C-V grade Demio (the front-wheel drive (FWD) model which is powered by a 1.3-liter Miller cycle engine and a continuously variable transmission [CVT]) or the electronically controlled four-wheel drive (e-4WD) 13C grade model.

The Chiara special edition features the exclusive Golden Red Mica -- a vivid shade of red sprinkled with gold flakes – as an exterior color choice. The interior includes custom seat covers featuring a multistripe pattern, which enhances the special edition model’s distinctive style. Special equipment for the Chiara provides improved convenience through an advanced keyless entry and starter system, an auto light system, water-repellent coating for glass surfaces and rain sensing front wipers, which were all originally set as factory-installed options for the standard Demio model.

Base models
Base models are the 13C-V grade Demio (1.3-liter DOHC Miller cycle engine with a continuously variable transmission [CVT], front-wheel drive) or the 13C grade (1.3-liter DOHC engine with four-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled four-wheel drive [e-4WD]).

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Nissan Serena Highway Star

The Nissan Serena Highway Star is destined for the Japanese market. The Nissan Serena Highway Star has a very versatile interior with seats that are adjustable to 11 different positions and third-row seats that utilize assist springs. The Nissan Serena Highway Star price range is between 2,131,500 yen to 2,709,000 yen.

Nissan Releases New Serena Minivan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Some days ago announced the release of the new Serena minivan, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers throughout Japan. The new Serena, which has been highly acclaimed by customers for its class-leading interior roominess, excellent outward visibility, flexible seating configurations and driving ease, features revised exterior and interior styling, leading technology features and a new model lineup.

New Exterior Styling
Serena’s exterior styling has been enhanced with a more distinctive and modern front end design, including a new grille, new headlights, front bumper and fenders. The Highway Star model also features more dynamic front-end styling, with even stronger character lines.

Other exterior improvements include remote-controlled power-folding body-colored outside mirrors incorporating turn signal lamps on all models, redesigned wheel covers on the 20S model and the addition of AFS to bi-xenon headlamps as Gallery: Nissan Serena Highway Star
standard on the Highway Star model, and optional on all other models.

These additions improve upon an already highly practical and stylish minivan, with large side sliding doors and low floor height for easy entry and exit, standard sliding door automatic closing feature on both sides of all models and on the 20G model, standard remote-controlled automatic sliding side doors. Eight body colors are available on the new Serena, including three new colors – a metallic Kingfisher Blue, a pearlescent Rose Red and a pearl metallic Cool Iron.

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2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport - Comparison Tests

What we noticed first inside the Mercedes-Benz  C300 while running through the canyons near Ojai, California, is that the road felt as if it were coated with Crisco. Or as one staffer noted snarkily, “I’ve never hydroplaned on a dry road before, until now.” While the other sedans gripped, pounced, and powered through the corners, the Benz, wearing all-season tires that are a part of the Sport model, slid and protested its way through the Highway 33 jaunt. Mercedes does offer an 18-inch wheel upgrade for $1000 that adds dedicated performance tires, but our $37,410 example didn’t have the option and likely suffered for it as the rest of the sedans in the test benefited from having more serious performance rubber.

Step the C300 away from the performance precipice, and the Benz seemingly finds itself and connects with the driver. A comfortable ride, a nearly silent engine, a solid structure, and the low-set multifunction turn-signal stalk will have Benz owners and luxury seekers feeling right at home. Making S-class customers feel right at home should they get a C300 as a loaner is the excellent COMAND system that combines controls for navigation, audio, and a multitude of other settings into a single knob. Unlike BMW’s iDrive, the Mercedes system is intuitive and doesn’t leave an unsightly growth in the middle of the dash.

Aside from the electronics, the rest of the interior fails to impress. Much of it is made up of shiny, hard plastic that is low-rent enough to suggest that maybe it was Chrysler that divorced Mercedes. In back, a rear seat with very little space was rated the least comfortable and serves as a reminder that the C300, and the 328i, for that matter, is barely larger than a Honda Civic sedan—a Civic, in fact, has more interior space than the Benz. So Mercedes has built a refined, small sedan. It’s sporty on an intramural level; too bad the rest of the class plays on varsity.

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2008 Volkswagen R32 - Short Take Road Tests

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 3-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED: $35,430 (base price: $33,630)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron block and aluminum head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 195 cu in, 3189cc
Power (SAE net): 250 bhp @ 6300 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 236 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 101.5 in Length: 167.2 in Width: 69.2 in Height: 57.7 in
Curb weight: 3521 lb
FUEL ECONOMY : EPA city/highway driving: 18/23 mpg

Basically, the Volkswagen R32 is a three-door GTI—already one of our favorite small cars, with a comparison-test crown and a 10Best trophy to its name—with more: a 250-hp narrow-angle V-6, all-wheel drive, a full complement of luxury features, and weight. VW manages the R32’s weight gain without losing the GTI’s playful tossability by cinching the car’s suspenders a bit tighter. Spring rates, increased just so all around, mask the additional 332 pounds quite well, leaving the GTI and the R32 nearly indistinguishable in tight Alpine switchbacks. With our test gear riding shotgun, the R32, even fitted with the no-cost-option all-season tires, managed 0.87 g on the skidpad, matching the best number posted by a production GTI in our hands (the early Euro-spec car we tested pulled 0.90 g on summer tires).

Unfortunately, the R32 manages its increase in power without a huge gain in speed over the lighter front-wheel-drive GTI. All R32s come with Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch sequential transmission—with launch control—so mashing the throttle yields easy, consistent hole-shots. Compared with a DSG-equipped GTI, we saw a half-second improvement in the 0-to-60-mph blast but just a 0.2-second and 2-mph lead through the quarter, with those benchmarks falling in 5.5 and 14.4 seconds at 97 mph, compared with 6.0 and 14.6 at 95.

No doubt the R32 is a special package, a rare blend of performance and comfort, and a bargain compared with other cars offering the same balance of attributes. But for $33,630, or about $6000 more than a similarly equipped GTI, some might want more than just two more driven wheels, a center-exit exhaust that emits a sexier note, and a slight calming of high-speed ride. How much is a small step toward perfection worth to you?

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First Look 2009 Subaru Forester

Tall wagon. Small crossover. Sleeper rocket. Lesbo-chic whisk-about. The Subaru Forester has been called a lot of things, but one thing it’s never been called is good-looking. That all may change for 2009, when the Forester undergoes its first ground-up redo, featuring a three-inch-longer wheelbase, three inches of additional length, and gratefully, all-new, more macho styling.

What won’t change is its tall wagon, raised-suspension program, but the ’09 model’s off-roading capability should be heightened—literally—thanks to no less than 8.9 inches of ground clearance. Helping on-road demeanor is its stiffer, all-new platform, which utilizes a new double-wishbone rear suspension for improved cornering prowess.

As with the current model, the ’09 Forester will be powered by a choice of four-cylinder boxer motors, each displacing 2.5 liters and available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. Better news still is that it will continue to be offered with a manual transmission, now with “Incline Start Assist”. Oh, and of course, being a Subaru, the Forester will never send its power anywhere if not to all four wheels.

The Forester will be available in a variety of flavors, from the base Forester X to the range-topping L.L. Bean Edition. Each will benefit from a more spacious cabin rendered in higher quality materials intended to distance it from its econo-car past. New interior features and options include double-stitched seat fabrics, advanced audio systems, and—finally—a navigation system. The little crossover’s safety résumé also grows to include standard stability control, in addition to surround-sound air bags with a rollover sensor.

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Minitest 2008 Lotus 2-Eleven

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 0-door roadster
BASE PRICE (U.K.): $68,532
ENGINE TYPE: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 90.6 in Length: 150.5–152.4 in Width: 67.3 in Height: 43.8 in
Curb weight: 1650 lb

We are amazed and mostly delighted by the way Lotus has played so many tunes on the theme of the Elise. Lightweight cars are the thing today, so it is a surprise to learn that this thoroughly modern British sports car dates back 10 years—although it only came to the U.S. officially for 2005.

Milestones in Elise development were the introductions of the Exige coupe, the 2-Eleven-style 340R, and a redesigned roadster, and the replacement of the original Rover engine with the 1.8-liter Toyota VVTL-i (for the U.S. launch) and supercharging that engine for the Exige S. Along the way, the same chassis, made with bonded aluminum extrusions, has been adapted to create the Opel Speedster for GM, the Lotus Europa S, and the electric Tesla roadster, and it will be further modified for Lotus's Project Eagle, a two-plus-two scheduled to appear by the end of 2008.

This is an ultra-quick car (0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, claims Lotus) that is also agile, with so much grip and responses so perfect it makes an average driver look heroic. But only on a track, because in the U.S., the Lotus 2-Eleven is not certified for public roads.

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Spied 2009 Audi R8-RS

Audi’s R8 is already being celebrated as one of the most savory, slippery, sexalicious supercars ever to roam our roads. And, to our delight, the luxury automaker is acting more like such sports-car makers as Ferrari or Porsche by continuing to evolve the flagship sports model.

In addition to the simplified grillwork front and back and that military-grade flat gray paint job, modifications to this particular R8 mule include widened sail panels—implying the need for more air into the mid-mounted engine than satisfies the standard 4.2-liter V-8 in the regular R8—and a high-performance parts-bin braking system, complete with what appear to be Gallardo-sourced carbon-ceramic rotors coupled with large S-line calipers.

Our spy’s guess is that this is the rumored V-10 model, which makes sense, given how much the R8 shares structurally with the V-10–powered Lamborghini Gallardo.

We think there’s an equal chance, however, that this car might be powered by a high-performance diesel V-8 like that found in the Q7 4.2 TDI, where it makes 321 horsepower and an impressive 561 pound-feet of torque.

When Audi first showed us its concept for a supercar, the Le Mans Quattro, at the 2003 Frankfurt auto show, it was powered by a twin-turbo, direct-injection, gasoline V-10 developing in excess of 600 horsepower—making it more powerful than the Gallardo.

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Spied 2010 Cadillac BRX

Although Cadillac was one of the first brands to realize the notion of the luxury SUV with its tank-sized Escalade, the brand has been notably late in further populating the luxury utility market it helped popularize.Cadillac’s first compact SUV, the BRX, will be no less tardy, set as it is to appear in 2009. It will compete in a segment that includes the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Land Rover LR2—all of which will have enjoyed between two and five years of market traction by then. By the time the BRX goes on sale, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5 will be vying for attention.

It adds up to the fact this Caddy needs to be better than good. The BRX will be built atop a stretched version of GM’s new front- and all-wheel-drive TE platform, the same architecture used by the 2008 Saturn Vue, which is the North American version of Europe’s Opel Antara.The TE platform is a combo of the original Theta architecture found underneath the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent and the Epsilon mid-size-sedan platform that underpins the Chevrolet Malibu, Saab 9-3, and Saturn Aura.

The long-awaited Saab 9-4X crossover is also expected to be built on the TE platform. Both utes could go into production at the GM plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, starting in 2009, alongside the Chevrolet HHR and Saturn Vue. BRXs intended for export markets could also be assembled in Trollhättan, Sweden, alongside the Cadillac BLS sedan and wagon.Sources say the BRX will be powered by 2.8-liter and 3.6-liter V-6 engines similar to those found under the hoods of a litany of other GM products.

And although the BRX is expected to come with standard all-wheel drive, we’re not sure if this platform, with its pedestrian roots, will be able to sustain a luxury vehicle with BMW-grade performance, which is what the BRX needs to offer.At least it should look cool, based on these spy shots that appear to have photo-shopped backgrounds, but the vehicle cues seem genuine.

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2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible

(from Saab Press Release) 2008 SAAB 9-3 RANGE FEATURES EXTENSIVE EXTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS, POWER UPGRADE and introduction of XWD cross-wheel drive

The 2008 Saab 9-3 range makes its debut in Saab showrooms sporting major exterior enhancements inspired by the acclaimed Aero X Concept.Additionally, in keeping with Saab’s driver focused heritage, the 2008 9-3 range gets a more powerful engine to match the more powerful-looking exterior: The 2.8L V-6 turbo has been modified to produce 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm), a five-horsepower improvement over the 2007 model.

For 2008, the Saab 9-3 range includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 Convertible and 9-3 SportCombi in 2.0T and Aero models. Saab engineers developed the 9-3 Convertible structure concurrently with the Sport Sedan and SportCombi, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car frotonewsm the very start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and driving refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

For 2008, designers made the Convertible interior window frame and A-pillar black, to better coordinate with the instrument panel. The soft top headliner is Parchment, providing a more roomy feeling inside the car when the soft top is up. The 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan and Convertible newly designed 16-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, body color rocker panels and bumper skirts, 9-3 Aero models have the 255-horsepower (190 kW) 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

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2008 Suzuki XL7 Review

Introduction
If Costco's Kirkland Signature brand were to sell a car it would probably be a lot like the 2008 Suzuki XL7. Like the many Kirkland items, the XL7 is bulk-sized, with lots of features at a low price and an overall quality that slightly trails that of big-name brands. While you may not strive to own a Kirkland product or a Suzuki, it's hard to argue with the family-friendly value that each provides.

The second-generation XL7 is the largest SUV Suzuki has ever produced, dipping generously into partner GM's parts bin to create a mostly unique end product. Under the skin is a stretched platform shared with the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent twins, but the XL7 boasts its own distinctive styling (check out those funky headlights) and a 3.6-liter V6 engine designed by General Motors, but built by Suzuki in Japan. Even though it's equipped with only five seats, the base XL7 provides more maximum cargo capacity than a Honda Pilot at a price that rivals the Honda CR-V. Other trims offer a fold-flat third-row seat that provides enough room for children and maintains the ample storage capacity.

But if price seems to be a running theme, that's no mistake. Considering that the 2008 Suzuki XL7 is priced similar to compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, the Suzuki's quality difference versus the big boys isn't large enough to completely disregard the significant discount it provides. Whether you're buying a 3-liter tub of Kirkland cashews or a $26,000 SUV, value is difficult to ignore.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2008 XL7 features a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. All trim levels are available with all-wheel drive except the base model, which is front-drive only. In performance testing a FWD XL7 went to 60 mph in a tidy 8.2 seconds. Fuel economy estimates for 2008 are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive versions rate practically the same, dropping the city rating by only 1 mpg. These figures are on par with other vehicles in the class.

© Source: edmunds
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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Introduction
Unlike smaller hybrid cars that offer readily apparent fuel economy benefits, the case for hybrid sport-utility vehicles is less clear-cut. On one hand, they promote wider acceptance of hybrid technology by virtue of their family-friendly packaging. As detractors are quick to point out, though, some hybrid SUVs aren't radically more fuel-efficient than their non-hybrid counterparts -- yielding benefits of the feel-good variety rather than measurable mileage gains. However, the improvements on the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are undeniable. In addition to being a larger, more flexible family vehicle than the original Highlander Hybrid, judged by the EPA's revised rating system, it's no less frugal with fuel.

If you ever read up on the previous Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the drivetrain components of the new version will seem familiar. The main power source is a 3.3-liter gasoline V6 engine, which is rated at 208 horsepower in this application. With the propulsion assistance of two electric motors, one in front and one in rear, the '08 Highlander Hybrid produces a cumulative 270 hp. A third electric motor functions as a generator and engine starter. As in the past, Toyota's hybrid SUV has what the company calls an "electronically controlled continuously variable transmission." This is not a CVT in the traditional sense and is instead a simplified power-split device that coordinates the efforts of the various power sources.

For consumers living in milder climates, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid should prove quite practical. Its available third-row seat is roomy enough for adults in a pinch, and easy-folding second-row seats make it a cinch for 6-year-olds to seat themselves without help. Alternatively, they can just walk through the center aisle, as the 40/20/40 second-row bench has an available "Center Stow" feature that allows you to fold away the center "20" section, leaving a pair of captain's chairs just like in a minivan.

Powertrains and Performance
Toyota's Highlander Hybrid uses a 208-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine in combination with three electric motors. One electric motor functions solely as a generator, recharging the SUV's nickel metal hydride battery pack, while the others concentrate on propulsion (but also work as generators during braking). Combined output is 270 hp, and with separate electric motors driving the front and rear wheels, the Highlander Hybrid is effectively a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A simplified CVT governs the contributions of the various power sources.

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Ford Sinclair Rod Concept by Bo Zolland

(from Bo Zolland) The body Lines have retained 1932 looking body pressings, and can be had with either the 40 deluxe or 32 style grille. Engines can be either Audi V8 or Viper V10.

Front and rear suspension is custom Formula car style with inboard shocks etc.

Brakes are 13 inch Baer

Dash is a 53 Studebaker-looking custom board with modern meters. Heater is installed as an option.
Underbody is flat with carbon panels

Weight 1160 KG

Performance: Who knows?, but faster than most.

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2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

So effortlessly does the MX-5 respond to your steering inputs that you can guide the car along the most writhing road at breakneck speeds without effort or even apparent thought. This connection between the driver’s brain and the MX-5 is replicated in the car’s throttle response, braking feel, and transmission, which benefits from one of the most direct shifters on the planet. It all makes for an immensely satisfying drive and proves that a car doesn’t need pavement-wrinkling horsepower to deliver driving enjoyment.

This motorized pleasure is accessible to all because the Mazda MX-5 starts at about $21,000 and is surprisingly practical for a sporting roadster. It has a trunk that provides room for a pair of soft duffels and is uncompromised by the position of the convertible top. The standard manual top is the easiest to use in the industry, completely operable from the driver’s seat, and the optional folding hardtop is a model of compactness and light weight.

It adds up to a car that is not only irresistible to anyone who likes to drive but can also put a smile on your face on your daily commute.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster
BASE PRICE: $21,180–$27,355
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4
Power (SAE net): 158–166 bhp @ 6700 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 5- or 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 91.7 in
Length: 157.3 in
Width: 67.7 in
Height: 49.0–49.4 in
Curb weight: 2400–2550 lb

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First Drive 2008 Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet

Nothing turns heads like a sexy convertible wearing Pininfarina badges on its flanks. The Italian design firm is world famous for creating pulse-quickening exotic cars such as the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and Maserati GranTurismo. However, the Pininfarina-badged droptop we recently took for a spin proudly wears a blue oval in the center of its grille. The Ford Focus coupe-cabriolet is designed and built by Pininfarina at its factory in Turin, Italy, at a rate of roughly 20,000 per year.

It might not have a prancing horse or trident on its hood, but the Focus is hardly a shrinking violet when it comes to drawing attention. As we drove through posh Parisian neighborhoods—where any other Ford would be considered so déclassé—the coupe-cabriolet got plenty of admiring glances.

Interesting Design
The front end is filled with four large grilles, a pair of fog lights, and just the right amount of chrome to be tasteful but not tarty. A bold crease flows up from the headlights and hood before working its way to the C-pillar and over the trunk. Aggressive wheel-arch blisters add visual muscle without making the car look steroidal.

Driven at six-tenths and keeping wheels firmly on the pavement, the coupe-cabriolet is a relaxed, refined ride. One reason for this composure came about purely by chance, when Ford France was unable to provide us a coupe-cabriolet with the 143-hp, 2.0-liter Duratec inline-four. The company suggested we try the turbocharged 2.0-liter Duratorq diesel. A diesel-powered convertible? We had images of the Italian-chic Ford rattling and wheezing down the road like an asthmatic Fiat Panda. As it turned out, our worries were unfounded. With 134 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at only 2000 rpm, the diesel makes easy work of stop-and-start city traffic and revs lazily at highway speeds. A short dip into the throttle at 50 mph, and suddenly the Ford lunges ahead as though a small V-6 were under the hood. Other than some valve clatter at idle, the torque-rich turbo-diesel proved a perfect match for the car.

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2008 Honda Fit

The Fit belongs to a class—basic transportation—that we once acknowledged with a patronizing pat on the head but now take more seriously. There are two reasons for this. The first is obvious: Soaring fuel costs and environmental concerns are making small cars increasingly popular. The second is not so obvious: Basic transportation no longer means deprivation. Not only does the Honda Fit deliver what you’d expect—high mpg numbers and low ownership costs—but it also delivers something you might not: high-quality interior appointments, a high level of usefulness, and a high fun-to-drive index.

The Fit scores well in those areas of unexpectedness. There seems to be more room inside this car than the tidy exterior could possibly contain, the seats flop and fold to yield great cargo versatility, and the interior appointments would do justice to an Accord.

But it’s the Fit’s agility and terrier spirit that win our hearts. With 109 horsepower, blazing acceleration isn’t part of the deal, but it’s worth noting that the Fit posted an astonishing speed in our lane-change test (71.4 mph), outhustling pedigreed athletes such as a Ferrari F430 Spider F1, and topped a seven-car comparison.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
BASE PRICE: $14,585
ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 16-valve 1.5-liter inline-4
Power (SAE net): 109 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 105 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed auto, 5-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 5-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 96.5 in
Length: 157.4 in
Width: 66.2 in
Height: 60.0 in
Curb weight: 2500–2550 lb

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First Drive 2008 Renault Twingo

Beloved in France, the Renault Twingo that arrived in 1993 was undoubtedly one revolutionary little car. Small, but with a roomy (for its size) interior, the Twingo’s big round headlights and squat stance earned it the nickname of la grenouille (“the frog”). Roughly 2.4 million copies were sold during its life span, but after 14 years on the market and a couple of mild face lifts—plus countless special editions—the original frog had finally croaked its last. The new, more refined and mature Twingo arrived in France this past summer and officially bid adieu to the wide-eyed headlights and egg-shaped body of the original.

Unlike its equally new big brother, the Laguna, the tiny Twingo manages a smidgen of cuteness. Its tall greenhouse, very short front and rear overhangs, and upright silhouette have a jaunty charm. Far from being as adorable as the new Fiat 500, the Twingo is at least as visually appealing as the similarly sized Toyota Aygo or Volkswagen Fox. The Twingo’s 141.7-inch length (about four inches shorter than a Mini Cooper) makes it perfect for squeezing into tight parking spots and zipping through traffic.

Our Renault Twingo was in Initiale trim, which is a bizarre mix of luxury (leather seats and a large sunroof) and austerity (hard interior plastics, so-so stereo, and no tach). Thankfully, the Twingo manages to ride like a car one or two sizes larger, and the variable-assist power steering provide surprising amounts of feedback. The car’s simple strut-front suspension and torsion-beam rear axle provide a comfortable ride and soak up bumps well, in spite of the short, 93.1-inch wheelbase. However, even with a beefy, one-inch front anti-roll bar, the Twingo never gets close to what we’d call a sporty feel.

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2008 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT

(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release) After repeated requests by enthusiastic SLR.Club members, Mercedes-Benz agreed to develop a track version of the SLR McLaren super-sportscar - the SLR McLaren 722 GT.

Developed by the British motor racing specialists at RML, the 722 GT has been comprehensively re-engineered for track use with more than 400 new or redesigned components. The 722's unique specification addresses the chassis, suspension, brake, and aerodynamic systems of the already capable SLR.Each of the 21 SLR McLaren 722 GTs offered for public sale produce 680 hp from their 5.5 liter kompressor V8 engines, and weigh in at 1390 kg (some 600 lbs. less than series production models).

ENGINE: The 5.5 liter kompressor engine in the 722 GT has been tuned to produce 680 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, making the 722 GT capable of 0-60 sprints in under 3.3 seconds.

SUSPENSION: RML gave the 722 GT new uprights front and rear, strengthening the suspension and delivering improved kinematics with better adjustability, allowing the trackside RENNtech technicians to tailor each 722 GT to the owner's unique driving style.

CHASSIS: An RML engineered, FIA approved rollcage does more than improve driver safety - the cage works to stiffen the SLR 722 GT's carbon fiber chassis further, allowing for better grip and improved control over wheel movements during cornering, acceleration, and braking.

AERODYNAMICS: An RML engineered, FIA approved rollcage does more than improve driver safety - the cage works to stiffen the SLR 722 GT's carbon fiber chassis further, allowing for better grip and improved control over wheel movements during cornering, acceleration, and braking.

SAFETY: The 722GT offers a no-nonsense motorsports interior with toggle switches, FIA spec. safety measures, lightweight seats, removable steering wheel with digital data-logger, and more.

AVAILABILITY: Only 21 examples of the SLR McLaren 722 GT will be offered for sale, and only a hand-full of those will be released to the North American market.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Land Rover Piet Boon Defender Design Edition

Specifications:
Price Ђ56,900
Production 20
Engine 2.4 liter diesel
Weight --
Aspiration turbocharged
Torque 266 lb-ft
HP 121 hp per liter
HP/Weight --
HP/Liter 50.4 hp per liter
1/4 mile --
0-62 mph --
Top Speed --

A special edition version of the Land Rover Defender by Dutch designer Piet Boon to benefit the Drive Against Malaria foundation.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Preview

Mercedes SLK roadster is getting a facelift for 2009, with around 650 parts that are either brand new or modified. Most obvious is the redesigned front end, which apes the style of the much larger McLaren SLR road car. The air dam has also been modified to give the whole nose a more pronounced arrow-like shape.

The designers have also revamped the rear end with a new diffuser-style lower section, and there's trapezoidal exhaust tail pipes and AMG-inspired darkened tail lights. Round the side the door mirrors are larger than before, and feature LED indicators.

Inside the car there's a revised cabin with new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel with multi-function buttons. Mercedes is also installing its latest audio and telematics package in the SLK for the first time. Standard integrated features include a Bluetooth hands-free system and an MP3 interface hidden in the glove box. The firm's Linguatronic voice-operated control system is on the options list for the first time.

All engines offer more power and torque, but less carbon dioxide emissions. As an example, the V-6 unit in the popular SLK 350 has the same 3.5-liter capacity, but now develops 305 hp, up 33 hp on the outgoing model.

Since its launch in 1997, close to five million SLKs have been sold around the world. The latest version hits showrooms from April, with prices to be announced early in the new year.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2009 Nissan Murano SL

We liked what we saw when Nissan rolled out its second-generation Murano, featuring sleeker lines that remain unmistakably true to the vehicle's stylish origins.

There are little changes in the known formula: The 2009 Murano rides on the same 111.2-inch wheelbase as its predecessor, while width and height grow only slightly. The biggest difference is the nearly one-inch increase in length.

Besides the cleaner look, the exterior gets a new front fascia with a large chrome grille and wide headlights. Inside, Nissan transforms the surroundings to an environment that is warm and modern, with simple, easy-to-navigate controls, abundant storage and good build quality.

But the best changes come in the driving quality. The 3.5-liter V6, massaged to produce an extra 25 hp, is mated to Nissan's second-generation continuously variable transmission. Normally we bemoan CVTs, but Nissan's unit impresses with its fluid operation and adaptive shift control that does a good job of simulating stepped gears.

Ride quality is improved, thanks to the stiffer chassis and new suspension for a confident feel and controlled body roll. Expressway runs are stable and quiet, while in-town motoring is comfortable and well dampened over rough goings. Dive into a corner to discover strong brakes and among the best steering response in the class--reminiscent of the old car.

We were fans of the first Murano, and the improvements to the new car give Nissan's original crossover a strong second coming. Even in a crowded crossover field, the Murano should remain near the top of the class.

© Source: autoweek
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Renault Laguna

Renault Laguna is a big car and it gets a big engine, a 3.0-litre diesel V6 doing 230bhp and 332lb ft. It's been co-developed with Nissan and we'll see the same thing in a host of big Renaults including the coming Koleos 4x4, as well as the next Nissan Murano.

The transmission is a six-speed auto. A new four-wheel-steering system turns the rear wheels through small angles, helping both stability at speed (when the rears go in the same direction as the fronts) and parking manoeuvrability (by countersteering the rears). Both the powertrain and the fancy steering will be available in production.

As for the show-car bits, the luscious, far-too-fragile-for-reality details that make the interior a palace of surprise and good taste, well at least they show that Renault's designers are still in possession of a mojo.

A few weeks ago, in the crowds of the Tokyo motor show, I bumped into Anthony Grade, VP of design at Renault. He's no softie, because being brought up in a family including Michael and Lew Grade he doubtless learned to stand up for himself. But he was bruised about the treatment we'd meted to the Laguna hatch - "And the estate, which I think is a really good-looking car".

Like everyone at Renault I've talked to, he insists there never has been a successful car of this size that wasn't subdued on the outside. He also said that the Twingo is proving appealing to the youngsters it's aimed at, where the old Twingo was really only a favourite with Parisienne femmes d'un certain age. Most of all, he said, you've got to see the whole programme not base judgments on the first five minutes. The Ghosn-era Renaults are only just kicking in, and there are a lot more to come next year. He claimed the next Megane, due in the autumn, is a radical and good-looking car, because radical is OK in that size category.

© Source: topgear
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Chevrolet HHR SS

At Chevrolet, cubic inches and horsepower ratings share a high-performance legacy with alphabetic designations.The most prominent designation--and, since the 1980s, arguably one of the most abused--is SS, or Super Sport. So forgive us for our initial skepticism when we first saw an SS-monogrammed HHR last August at the Woodward Dream Cruise. The HHR SS looked mean enough, squatting on 18-inch split-spoke polished forged-aluminum wheels with a snout extended by a burly air-dam-style bumper, black mesh upper and lower grilles and a roof-mounted rear spoiler. But super looks do not make a Super Sport.

We let down our guard a bit when John Heinricy, respected race driver and engineering executive for the GM Performance Division that builds the HHR SS, said the car turned an 8:43.52-minute lap at the Nürburgring. That eclipsed the class record of a 240-hp Opel Zafira OPC by more than 10 seconds.

The engine produces 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque when paired with the five-speed manual trans, 235 hp and 223 lb-ft with the four-speed automatic. Both transmissions include "launch mode" that switches off traction control. Manual transmissions add "no-lift shift" that allows nearly 6300-rpm redline "speed shifts" without releasing the accelerator pedal. Chevy claims this gets you from 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds.

Chevy folks noted that console-mounted window switches were moved to the doors to allow engineers to relocate the short-shift manual unit farther forward and higher to fall readily at hand. In addition, the upgraded interior includes an A-pillar-mounted boost gauge, instrument panel with 140-mph speedometer and supportive driver's sport seat.

© Source: autoweek
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

(from General Motors Press Release) Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The ZR1’s basic stats:
-All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm); -Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission; -New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch; -Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube; -Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip; -Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels; -Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1; -Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear; -Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area;

-Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension; -Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents; -Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it ; -Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave; -ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections; -Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout ;
-Only two options: chrome wheels and a “luxury” package; -Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg).

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle’s summer 2008 launch.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Kia Rio5 SX Review

In an automotive context, don't practicality and economy exclude a pleasant driving experience? After all, the best fuel economy means the smallest, lightest car, unless you want to pay a premium for a hybrid. And not only are small cars small, and cramped, they're slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. Right?

The second-generation 2008 Kia Rio5 SX debuted for model year 2006, in both sedan and Rio5 hatchback form. The sedan section covers basic, inexpensive transportation with the $11,515 base model. The LX adds popular amenities including air conditioning and a good audio system, with the SX getting sportier interior and exterior trim to top out at just over $15,000 with a four-speed automatic transmission, or a little over $14,000 with a five-speed stick. The Rio5 version debuted as the premium model in the line, available only in SX trim. For 2008, an LX model has been added. It drops the fancier interior trim, exterior foglamps and spoiler, and replaces the SX-spec 15-inch alloy wheels with 14-inch steel rims at a savings of almost $1,000 - $13,500 or so with the stick, $14.4 with the automatic.

PERFORMANCE: With 110 horsepower out of 1.6 liters (at 6000 rpm) and 107 lb-ft of torque (at 4500) the Rio5 isn't going to race any supercars. But that's competitive with the other cars in its class, and with less than 2500 pounds to pull around, it's enough for an entertaining and reasonably economical driving experience, especially with the standard five-speed manual transmission. For optimum performance, just keep it over 4000 rpm, and keep working the gearshift - small-displacement driving 101, really. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, as the old saying goes. And the Rio5 has no problem keeping up with traffic, and responds well to being driven enthusiastically. EPA mileage is 27/32, and I got 28 in a mix of city and highway driving. 30 should be easy with a little less weight on the right foot.

© Source: theautochannel
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All we want for Christmas : Creventic CR-8.

A racing version of Audi's awesome R8 had to come along sooner or later, but we didn't think it'd look this good. In the power stakes, Creventic has been fairly conservative with the CR-8 - output is up by 13bhp to 427bhp while the factory-installed low-gear restrictor has been removed.

But there are a bunch of other racing enhancements to prepare the R8 for its racing shakedown in the Dubai 24 Hour, including a 90-litre fuel tank, extra carbon fibre and, best of all, a race-spec sequential gearbox.

Creventic says the first two CR-8s will be delivered in early 2008, with more to be built to customer specifications throughout the year.

Better be well behaved if you want Santa to bring you one next year.

© Source: topgear
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Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2008 LX 570 Luxury Utility Vehicle

Lexus today announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2008 LX 570 luxury utility vehicle. The third-generation LX offers significantly increased performance and new safety features over the LX 470 model it replaces with a number of technological advancements and a new high-strength chassis.

2008 Lexus LX 570, with several new technology features, enhanced safety, performance and comfort, will carry a base MSRP of $73,800.

The LX 570 features a new 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission built to handle demanding tasks with smoothness and refinement. The powertrain advancements make the 2008 LX 570 engaging to drive while providing an increased towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. An electro-hydraulic system with four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) reacts more quickly and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces.

With several first-in-class features, the LX 570 offers perhaps the most compelling combination of luxury, safety, on-road smoothness and off-road performance of any vehicle in its segment. The new Crawl Control regulates throttle and braking, allowing the driver to focus more on steering over particularly rough ground. In addition, LX 570 is the first Lexus to offer a new Wide-view Front & Side Monitor feature designed for use in certain urban settings such as parking garages. For enhanced occupant safety, the new LX 570 is equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags and a segment-first Active Front Headrests. The optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is also a segment first.

© Source: theautochannel
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Full Test 2009 Nissan GT-R

We know you want the numbers and we're not going to waste your time. Neither is Nissan. Its 2009 GT-R hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, quicker than the last Dodge Viper, Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo we tested. Keep your foot pinned, and after another tap on the upshift paddle it will clear the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at more than 120 mph.

We know this because we've just returned from Japan where we tested a privately owned Nissan GT-R on an airstrip outside Tokyo. The car we tested was a Japanese-spec example with 1,500 break-in kilometers on its odometer. It's owned by Japanese journalist Jun Nishikawa and packs the same hardware the U.S. car will get: a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that generates at least 473 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. It had the same six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox and the same adjustable dampers which, by now, you've read plenty about.

Controlling the Launch
Activating the Nissan GT-R's launch control is a matter of configuring its transmission, dynamics control and damping adjustments properly. The transmission and damping switches must both be set to the R mode and the VDC must be switched off completely by holding the VDC-R button down for a few seconds. Then it's just a matter of pinning the brake with your left foot and wooding the throttle with your right, not unlike the technique used to produce a tire-shredding burnout in that '85 Camaro you drove in high school.

The result, however, is quite different. The computer holds the engine at 4,500 rpm and waits for you to lift your left foot off the brake pedal. When you do the GT-R produces the most crushing acceleration of virtually any production car in the world. Our test was conducted on a fairly low-grip surface that produced lots of rear wheelspin before the GT-R's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system engaged the front wheels and it thundered down the track. Its 3.3-second 0-60-mph run and 11.6 at 120.9 mph performance make the GT-R the quickest car we've ever tested.

The Best Part
Perhaps more impressive than the Nissan GT-R's brain-cell-punishing acceleration or its stellar handling is its price. At just under $70,000 it's within reach of the upper middle-class enthusiast who insists on spending disproportionate amounts of his income on a car.
Plus, it will take an average driver and hurtle them into a realm of speed they couldn't buy with a 911 Turbo. It's world-class fast and relatively cheap. And that's a hard combination to beat.

© Source: edmunds
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Chevrolet Impala Marks 50 Years

Chevrolet will build a special edition of its full-size Impala sedan to mark the nameplate's 50th anniversary on the market. The new sedan will be on display in January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The first Impala hit the market in 1958 as a package available on Bel Air sedans - and Chevrolet says the new edition will recall the same fun-to-drive spirit that's an Impala hallmark.

The special edition shares the standard Impala's drivetrain, a 3.5-liter V-6 with 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque and E85 flex-fuel capability.

New features on the special edition include a retuned FE3 sport suspension; four-channel anti-lock brakes; a rear spoiler; eight-way power driver's seat; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; black carpet and floor mats; special badges and sills; and a choice of red or black paint. A year's subscription to OnStar and its navigation system is standard as well.

The Impala range also offers - and the 50th Anniversary edition has as standard - a rear seat that flips forward to expose a storage bin molded into the car's floorpan. The seats also fold forward, and with the seatbacks flipped down, offer a pass-through to the Impala's trunk.

The new Chevrolet Impala edition goes on sale in the spring.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Project Kahn Bentley Continental GT-S

(from Project Kahn Press Release) Project Kahn’s latest Bentley GT conversion combines the proud heritage of the Bentley brand with its own ideology of producing stylish, contemporary, bespoke vehicles. Driven by the hunger for a more sporting iteration of this highly desirable vehicle, project Kahn went back to the drawing board to develop a radical new look for the car.

The Bentley is transformed with the addition of the Project Kahn GT-S body styling package. The two piece spoiler wraps around the edges of the front bumper, whilst the three piece rear lip contours round the exhaust and provides a clear starting line for the Kahn subtle side skirts. Project Kahn’s Bentley GT body kit accentuates the cars already stunning exterior and provides a truly unique look. However the body styling package is only the start of the conversion. To fill the arches are Kahn’s newest addition to their wheel collection, the RS-D diamond cut edition.

The RS-D wheel is diamond cut along the inner spokes producing an eye-catching contrast between the outer matt finish and the inner mirror finish.
With an outstanding design, the classic yet contemporary look fits the role perfectly transforming the exterior of the vehicle.

The project Kahn GTS also sports a complete interior upgrade, featuring quilted nappa leather, available in a variety of colours and combinations. All seats, door panels, steering wheel and gear shift are re-upholstered to add the ultimate tactile quality of the driving experience. Various fabrics are also available including alcantara, suede, perforated leather, grained leather, smooth leather and many more.

Finishing the conversion, as with all Project Kahn vehicles, the GTS is fitted with tinted privacy glass as well as a fully adjustable electronic lowering module to create a firmer, more responsive ride. This also has the effect of creating a tighter and more aggressive stance.

For full details on the Project Kahn Bentley GT and other products by project Kahn, visit the following website www.projectkahn.com.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Cuts in Mercury advertising cause speculation as to brand's future

Ford is removing all national TV ads and other traditional advertising venues from Mercury, thus feeding the speculation as to how long the brand will be around. Instead advertising funds will be directed towards online and dealership advertising.

Mercury sales are down 7 percent from last year, and there are no new models in the pipeline once the Milan is facelifted for the 2009 model year.

Mercury spokesman Mark Schirmer states: “a directional thing that we’ve been working on for awhile, reshaping how we use the same pot” of marketing money. He said Ford believes that it will “get more traction” for Mercury sales by reallocating more advertising money to online efforts and to dealers.

“It’s just not a big enough pot of money to do traditional TV for Mercury and make it effective,” Schirmer said. “It’s not a significant enough chunk to break through. We have to be smarter with those resources.”

© Source: autoobserver
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Form an orderly Mitsubishi Evo X

Now that's evolution. The soon-to-be-released Mitsubishi Evo X is set to be cheaper than the outgoing model.Not quite as cheap as the new Impreza STI, mind: the entry-level FQ-300 Evo will cost £27,499 when it goes on sale in the spring of 2008.

That's some £2,500 more than the STi, and buys you a very similar amount of power: the turbocharged two-litre four-pot puts out 290bhp, which should see the Evo to 60mph in under five seconds. If that's not enough grunt for you, Mitsubishi is offering two higher-power Evo Xs courtesy of tuning firm HKS.

The £30,499 FQ-330 gets a new ECU and breathing kit, including a Drager exhaust and upgraded catalyst, while the £35,499 FQ-360 adds even more power thanks to a tweaked ECU and new fuel pump assembly. This top-spec version also gets an aero kit and some swish leather.
We'll find out performance figures for both versions soon.

Neither the FQ-330 nor the FQ-360 will be available with Mitsubishi's new dual-clutch gearbox, though. The flappy-paddled SST is only available for the FQ-300, and will cost £31,999 on the higher-spec GSR version. All other Evo Xs will come with a five-speed manual transmission.

And, in good news for all those with no no-claims bonus (if you see what we mean), Mitsubishi boasts that the insurance group ratings for the X are the lowest they have ever been for the Evo. Which groups? 19A and 20A. Ah.

© Source: topgear
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2009 Ford Flex

If Ford's next big intro goes as the company predicts, the 2009 Ford Flex will do for so-called crossover vehicles what the first Explorer did at the start of the SUV boom or the original Taurus did for sedans. When it goes on sale around the middle of 2008, the seven-passenger Ford Flex will be the largest in Ford's expanding line of crossovers, which now includes the Taurus X (formerly known as the Freestyle) and the Edge, a crossover nearly as big as the Explorer.

The family oriented Flex is a big vehicle, measuring more than 202 inches long on a 117.9-inch wheelbase. That makes it longer than a full-size, truck-based sport-utility vehicle like the Chevrolet Tahoe, and longer than some of the biggest minivans ever, including the recently canceled Freestar. Ford insists the 2009 Flex is not a minivan replacement, and that might be true in spirit. Yet it will be built at the same Canadian plant that built the Freestar, and it replaces that minivan in Ford's model line-up.

Our guess it that the Flex won't be a screamer, but it should have more than enough guts to get out of its own way. It will be powered by the new 3.5-liter V6 appearing in lots of Ford products, including the Edge crossover and Lincoln MKZ sedan, generating 260 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque in the Flex. All models will feature a six-speed automatic transmission, and Ford promises some of the best EPA mileage ratings among larger, seven-passenger vehicles. The Flex will also feature a capless fuel-filler. Simply open the cover door, insert the pump nozzle and squeeze.

When the Flex goes on sale sometime during the summer of 2008, trim levels should match Ford's existing sedans and crossovers. The SE, SEL and Limited will be distinguished by interior appointments and the level of standard equipment. A more luxurious Lincoln variant is expected to debut roughly a year after the Flex.
Expected Pricing: $28,500-$40,000.

© Source: nctd
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2008 Infiniti EX35

Is there still room to fit more crossover SUVs in the market? Sure there is! This month, Infiniti wedges the EX35 into the segment between sporty crossovers such as the Acura RDX and the BMW X3 and sporty sedans such as the Acura TL, the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti's own G35. This ain't no Pathfinder.

Like seemingly everything created by Nissan and Infiniti, the EX35 is based on the FM platform, the one that famously rides under the 350Z. That's a strong starting point. Like the Nissan Z, the EX gets a very good engine. This version of the Z's award-winning 3.5-liter VQ35 V6 makes 297 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. A fairly direct-feeling five-speed automatic delivers torque to either the rear wheels or all four wheels, depending on drivetrain choice.The interior is artsy enough, but you may find more room in more ungainly competitors.

The EX has plenty of available high-tech features, though. Our favorite was a set of four wide-angle cameras that combine on the NAV screen to produce a unique bird's-eye view of your surroundings as you park. Intelligent cruise control, real-time traffic, a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and voice recognition for a number of controls are also handy.

But some "high-tech" features were simply irritating, such as the next generation of the already-irritating, king-of-the-false-alarm lane-departure-warning system. Now while it dings, it uses brake pressure to "steer" the EX back into the lane it decides you should be in. If we are all this inattentive, we probably should be on a bus with a paid attendant to empty our drool buckets and tell us when our next stop is coming.

Fortunately, the good tech outweighs the bad here, and the EX is more responsive to drive than the majority of crossovers on the market. Its power-to-weight ratio is better than those of the RDX and the X3, for instance, which is a convincing statistic. With a front double-wishbone suspension from the G35 and a rear multilink from the FX, the EX quickly goes where you point it.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Aptera Typ-1

(from Aptera Press Release) The Aptera was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, and later as an extended range electric vehicle. After building the proof-of-concept Mk-0, we hired the automotive design firm, 'eleven', to help us further develop the concept vehicle. The 'eleven' team, led by Jason Hill and Nathan Armstrong, made great strides in the development of the Aptera's body styling, interior design, and structural engineering.

Meanwhile, we refined the Aptera's shape to maximize efficiency using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), developed and built advanced suspension and drivetrain components, and integrated a strong yet lightweight composite shell. Our entire process has been developed in-house exclusively by Aptera for the Aptera Typ-1. Our structural elements have undergone countless revisions of FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to be lightweight, robust, and manufacturable. Based on our wheel layout and our weight, the Aptera Typ-1 is registered as a motorcyle.

In fact, Aptera is a motorcycle manufacturer registered with DOT and CA DMV. This means, among other things, that we are able to issue VIN's. Our 'world identifier number' is '5WT', so all of our VIN's begin with '5WT'. Knowing the public perception of motorcycle safety, we made the decision to make safety a fundamental part of the design of our vehicles. For example, the Typ-1 roof is designed to EXCEED rollover strength requirements spelled out in FMVSS 216 for passenger vehicles. The doors EXCEED the strength requirement spelled out in FMVSS 214.

Electric & Gasoline Hybrid
The Typ-1 uses a commoditized, 'ruggedized' 3-phase motor controller designed for vehicular applications, and a 3-phase motor made for us by a company here in Southern California. The rear drive suspension, and the drive reduction, are all designed and made by Aptera. Since the Typ-1e (electric) and the Typ-1h (series plug in hybrid) have different battery needs, this may result in different battery manufacturers for the two models. The Typ-1e is designed to use a 10 KWh pack, while the Typ-1h uses a smaller pack. The cycles and DOD are different for both applications. We will announce further information regarding the battery lifespan and warranty policy well before we begin manufacturing the Typ-1 next October.

Diesel or Gasoline? Our first prototype, the Mk-0, was a parallel hybrid Diesel and achieved an average of 230 MPG at a steady state of 55 MPH. This was pure Diesel/mechanical drive with no electric assist. Diesel is attractive for its Carnot efficiency and the increased enthalpy of Diesel fuel vs gasoline. However, diesel contains lots of unburned hydrocarbons and NOX compounds, and it's impossible to get a small Diesel engine certified for emissions in California. Therefore, the typ-h uses a small, water-cooled EFI Gasoline engine with closed loop oxygen feedback and catalytic converter. This engine is coupled to a lightweight 12KW starter/generator. It's very clean and quiet.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Review

Introduction
With lots of functional cabin space for a vehicle of its size, the well-equipped Chevrolet Equinox has been a popular choice for a small SUV in recent years. Owners enjoy the Equinox's roomy cabin -- the rear seats slide fore and aft to boost cargo room or legroom when needed -- and often comment favorably about the vehicle's power and fuel efficiency.

For 2008, Chevrolet injects more style and performance into the Equinox. Leading the way is a new high-performance Sport model complete with lowered ride height and a new 3.6-liter V6 good for 40 percent more power over the standard 3.4-liter V6 engine. Chevrolet promises a 0-60-mph acceleration time under 7 seconds. The Sport's hydraulic power steering also addresses one of our Equinox criticisms that related to lackluster steering response on lesser versions. Like its stablemates, it offers the option of all-wheel drive.

For those who instead desire more refinement and luxury, the new Equinox LTZ is differentiated by bright exterior accents, heated leather seats, upgraded premium audio and head curtain side-impact airbags. The LTZ also benefits from the same enhanced ride and handling package as LS and LT models, consisting of retuned shocks, spring rates and hydraulic bushings.

Powertrains and Performance
All 2008 Chevy Equinox trim levels are available with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Non-Sport models are equipped with the standard 3.4-liter V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. With 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, this engine offers respectable performance that should please most owners. The Sport model substitutes one of the most powerful engines for this class, a 3.6-liter V6 cranking out 264 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It's hooked up to a six-speed automatic with manual shift control.

© Source: edmunds
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2008 Nissan Forum Concept

Though minivan sales have cooled significantly in the past five years, American families snap up more than a million minivans annually. Brands like Ford, Nissan, and GM may have pulled back from minivans entirely but Chrysler, Honda and Toyota are still dedicated to providing buyers with those traditionally flavored family movers.

The Forum concept isn't unrecognizable to minivan drivers and owners. It has the big box in back for kids and cargo, but Nissan designers have gone with a higher beltline, styled side glass and a wider stance, to give a more sporty feel to the traditional one-box van. Emphasizing that theme is a curvaceously sweeping grille that is accented by a soft LED light bar. While Nissan hasn't eliminated the sliding doors that parents love, it has carefully hidden their tracks.

The front doors swing open to a 90-degree angle. Further enhancing the sense of spaciousness, the Forum's sides have lost the typical B-pillars that would reinforce the middle of its body; instead, designers have penned in stronger door and roof frames. Atop the Forum, the huge SkyView roof contains hidden sunshades, permitting the glass to be closed off on hot days.

Nissan has even built in a pair of "Kids Cams," which can be displayed on the instrument panel's LCD monitor. If a little discipline is needed, there's also a "Time Out" system, which will mute all audio devices - and broadcast the driver's voice on all the Forum's speakers.

Under the hood, the Forum features a clean diesel engine, like the one the automaker is planning to offer in the next new Maxima sedan. It's mated to a version of the mileage minded continuously variable transmission (CVT) Nissan has been rolling out throughout its global product lineup.

Whether the Forum will take a place in the Nissan lineup is unclear. It's obvious that the automaker is looking for an acceptable alternative to its slow-selling Quest minivan. If the Forum gets people talking the idea up during the coming auto show season, Nissan very well could find a place for this new people mover.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Bitter Vero

---- Specifications ----

Price about $175,576
Production --
Engine 6 liter V8
Weight --
Aspiration natural
Torque --
HP 362 hp
HP/Weight --
HP/Liter --
1/4 mile --
0-62 mph --
Top Speed --

The Bitter Vero is based on the Holden Statesman. Changes include different front and rear fascia, new hood, upgraded interior appointments, and improvements to the suspension and brakes.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Rinspeed sQuba Concept Car features dive and drive

Mover Q your amphibious car designs are redundant, maybe they were good enough for the previous spies but the next-gen demands a more synced-up version. In case you need to take pointers, make sure you are there at the Geneva Motor Show (March 6th thru 16th, 2008), where Swiss design company Rinspeed will showcase their sQuba Concept Car. The makers claim that it is the world's first real diving car. And if its aquatic feats were not enough, the car can (at the push of a button) drive autonomously. It can dive to the depth of up to 10 meters (33 feet).

The "sQuba" fulfills Rinspeed's boss Frank M. Rinderknecht long cherished dream of creating something that marries fictitious movie concepts to reality. Thus taking inspiration from "The spy who loved me", sQuba features an electric motor with powerful torque that drives the rear wheels. The thrust on the water is ensured by two propellers in the stern and two powerful jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle under water while diving. The car promises zero emissions thus zero pollution to the water. The light weight body with components made of futuristic Carbon Nano Tubes encloses in a streamlined manner the driver and passenger who are supplied with fresh breathing air by the self-contained on-board system. Rinspeed sQuba Concept Car is a one-off car. No commercial production is planned.

© Source: luxurylaunches
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2004 Hummer H1

2004 HUMMER H1: ONE OF A KIND
"Unique." "The original." "The world's premier off-road vehicle." There are many ways to describe the HUMMER H1. Also fitting is "cornerstone," since it's the foundation upon which the HUMMER sales growth is built.

"The H1 is what started it all for HUMMER," said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager. "It's the vehicle that drew the interest of adventurous consumers across the nation, as well as the interest of GM. It offers superior off-road capabilities rugged enough for the Baja and powerful highway performance."

More power and plenty of poise
HUMMER H1 is powered by a retuned 6.5L, turbo-diesel V-8 engine that for 2004 delivers 205 horsepower (152 kw) at 3400 rpm and an impressive 440 lb.-ft. (596 Nm) of torque at 1800 rpm. That's 10 horsepower (7 kw) and 10 lb.-ft. (14 Nm) of torque more than the 2003 powerplant. Yet enhanced performance is only part of the engine's story. The retuning also enables the 6500 to meet the more stringent emission requirements starting in 2004. It's mated to GM's Hydra-Matic 4L80-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Over time, this transmission monitors the customer's driving technique and adjusts for driving style. The New Venture Gear Model 242 transfer case enables the driver to customize the drivetrain configurations to match virtually any terrain.

H1 has a four-wheel fully independent suspension system and variable-rate heavy-duty coil springs. The front suspension incorporates a large stabilizer bar to improve handling and reduce sway when cornering. The truck's four-channel ABS four-wheel power disc brakes are mounted inboard as a component of the axle assembly, making them less vulnerable to damage than conventional wheel-mounted components.

"There's still nothing else on the road today with the panache of the H1," said DiGiovanni. "No other SUV can match its off-road capability and no other SUV - and very few vehicles in general - have the attention-grabbing styling of the H1. It remains the foundation upon which to build the HUMMER future."

© Source: seriouswheels
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Can you figure out the point in the new BMW X6

You are part of history. You are witnessing a world first. You are looking at the universe's only Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6.There could, of course, be a very good reason why no one has previously come up with a Sports Activity Coupe (or SAC, if you prefer). But before we pass judgment, let's take a quick look over the X6.

Based on the X5 platform but adding a fastback, four-door body, the X6 combines the sporting presence of a coupe with the height and presence of an SUV, says BMW.It'll certainly be quick: the X6 comes with the choice of two petrol or two diesel engines, with the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 topping the line-up. It'll be called the xDrive50i, and develop 407bhp along with a hefty 442lb ft of torque.

That'll propel the X6 to 60mph in a scary 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph. As you'd expect, the xDrive50i isn't the most frugal - BMW is quoting combined economy of just 22.6mph and CO2 emissions of 299g/km. Ouch.All X6s will come with a six-speed automatic gearbox with flappy paddles, channelling power to all four wheels through BMW's xDrive technology. This allows variable distribution of torque not just between the front and rear axles, but also between rear wheels.

You've got a few months to figure that one out - the BMW goes on sale in May next year with prices starting at £41,955.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Volvo S60 Review

Introduction
A midsize entry-level luxury sedan, the 2008 Volvo S60 stands apart from its rivals in many ways. Whereas most of the cars in this segment are powered by normally aspirated V6 engines, the S60 offers turbocharged five-cylinders instead. Styling is also left of center. Even as it enters its eighth year of this model cycle, the S60 still sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavor. The cabin is more functional than flashy, but you'd be hard-pressed to find fault with its solid ergonomics and comfortable, orthopedically correct seats. Where the S60 falls short is in performance -- the Swedish sedan's handling dynamics are a bit dull compared to newer rivals -- and in the backseat, where the S60 has less real-world legroom than Volvo's compact S40.

As the S60 relies upon a turbocharged inline-5 for power, its acceleration can feel a little sluggish compared to competitors like the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and Lexus ES and IS sedans. All those rivals offer the broader power deliver of a larger-displacement six-cylinder engine. And although the S60 rides smoothly, it's not as composed over bumps as its competition. Though likely satisfying to own thanks to its comfort, safety and Scandinavian personality, we suggest taking a look at newer, better-performing sedans populating this price range before closing a deal on this aging Volvo.

Powertrains and Performance
The S60 2.5T has a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder rated for 208 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with this engine, and it routes power either to the front wheels or all four on the all-wheel-drive (2.5T AWD) model.

The S60 T5 has a slightly smaller 2.4-liter inline-5 but uses a higher-boost turbocharger, helping it produce 257 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T5 is front-wheel-drive only and comes with a five-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode.

© Source: edmunds
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It's official Focus RS on the way

It's finally coming. Ford has today confirmed that the second-generation Focus RS is on the way, and it's set to be the hottest Focus ever.

And, just to prove they're serious, the guys at Team RS have shown us a dark, teasing picture of the new RS. It looks mean.

Based on the new Focus ST but with bigger, blistered wheelarches, bonnet vents and a gaping front air dam with secondary side intakes, the RS is described as a 'no-compromise Focus for more enthusiastic drivers'.

Technical details are scant, but the RS seems likely to get four-wheel drive and a twin-turbo version of the ST's 2.5-litre five-pot engine. That should be good for some 300bhp and a 0-60 time in the five-second bracket - genuine competition for the Subaru Impreza STi.

Expect the RS to command a similar price tag to the Impreza, too. Despite a cult following, the original Focus RS - launched in 2002 - wasn't too profitable: Ford is reported to have lost £7,000 on every model. The new one is expected to cost around £25,000.

Ford says a concept version of the Focus RS will arrive some time next year, with the smart money on the London motor show in July. The production version will follow in 2009, giving us plenty of time to get all misty-eyed about RS-based Fords of old. Did someone say Cosworth?

© Source: topgear
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2009 Ford Mustang

Ford will continue the relentless march of new Mustang variants in 2009 with a new glass-roofed edition of the Mustang that clearly bridges the gap between the current Mustang hardtop and convertible.

In 2009 - its 45th year on the market - the Mustang will come in V-6 and GT editions once more, and both will offer the glass roof as a $1995 option.

Ford cites research showing longer commute times and higher percentages of sunroof installations as its inspiration for the Porsche-like roof - that, and the data point J.D. Power reports, which has 62 percent of sportscar buyers interested in a sunroof.

The glass itself is tinted for privacy, and can cut UV in the cabin enough to cool the 'Stang 50 percent quicker than non-tinted glass. A sunshade is built into the roof for sun-scared drivers. Structurally, the glass roof mounts in a frame that's based on the coupe Mustang. And the glass-roof coupes will be built alongside both the hardtop and convertible in Flat Rock, Mich.

Ford also will sell the new $31,075, 315-hp Bullitt Mustang and the Shelby GT500KR in 2009. The Shelby edition packs in 540 horsepower and is limited to 1000 copies.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2009 Jaguar XF Road Test

We humans tend to anthropomorphize the things that surround us, from kittens to computers, and of course, our cars. Who hasn't given a name to their favorite sedan or cajoled their SUV to eke out a few more miles on an empty tank of gas?

With the new Jaguar XF, you may have real reason to think it can come to life. Slip inside and you'll notice the heartbeat red of its Start button. As the engine fires up, all sorts of things seem to happen around you - concealed vents rotating into view, while the hidden gearshift knob rises to meet your hand.

A disastrous decade
Next came the remake of the classic XJ sedan. Despite its new aluminum body and chassis, Jaguar's redesigned flagship looked all too much like the old one, and also has languished in the market. Until now, the remade XK coupe and convertible offered the only hope that there was life left in the old brand. While the sports car has its minor flaws, it is a credible competitor in a tough segment. But finally, with the launch of the XF - the desperately needed successor to the S-Type - Jaguar has a no-excuses, no-compromise contender that gives long-suffering Jaguaristas reason to believe.

First, some basics. There'll be three versions of the sedan coming to the States: the Luxury XF, reasonably well-equipped at $49,975; the Premium Luxury XF, which adds such things as onboard navigation, for $55,975; and the top-line Supercharged XF, at $62,975.

The base and mid-line models share Jaguar's naturally aspirated, 4.2-liter V-8. It makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, launching from 0-60 in a respectable 6.2 seconds. As its name implies, the Supercharged XF features a blown version of the 4.2-liter V-8 that ups the output to a healthy 420 hp, and 413 lb-ft, and cuts the time from naught - as the Brits say - to 60 down to an impressive 5.1 seconds. The Supercharged has a limited top speed of 155 mph, the other models 121 mph.The transmission is a new six-speed automatic that can be driven in fully automatic, sport or manual mode, the latter using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Some folks will look at the primary Jaguar Sequential Shifter as a gimmick, and perhaps it is, but as mentioned, it's a big improvement over the outdated J-gate automatic, and to our eyes - and hands - much preferable to the mini-stalk approach taken by both BMW and Mercedes-Benz. After a few minutes, it feels natural and looks great.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2010 HUMMER H2 SUT Spied!

Judging by this prototype caught under test, it looks like the HUMMER H2 SUT is on the verge of a growth spurt. This H2 SUT tester--parading around in what appears to be a faux army paint scheme (complete with star)--has clearly been lengthened behind the rear doors. It appears that a good 12 inches has been added both fore and aft of the rear wheel, resulting in a significant increase in hauling capacity over the compromised bed of the current H2 SUT.

We would guess that this new, longer H2 is making use of the stretched GMT 900 platform used on the Suburban instead of the H2's normal Tahoe-based package. The strategy was probably deemed necessary to properly differentiate the H2 SUT from the upcoming H3 SUT, which sports a similarly stretched bed when compared to its SUV counterpart. If the H2 SUT has ever made any sense, its relevance would be severely challenged if the smaller H3 pickup actually trumped the H2 in functionality. The General is now in the process of rectifying this shortcoming. One now wonders if this lengthened treatment will also be applied to the H2 SUV.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Chrysler We’ll Meet New Mileage Rules

With Washington lawmakers moving forward on proposals to increase federal fuel economy requirements, at least one of Detroit's Big Three is ready to meet the likely new measures, even if it means significant new investments and a shift in its product lineup.

Among the technologies Nardelli believes will help is Chrysler's new two-mode hybrid system. Developed as part of a joint venture with General Motors, BMW, and Chrysler's former German owner, Daimler AG, it is an alternative approach to the hybrid-electric powertrain technology used by Toyota. Set to appear in several Chrysler models, including the Aspen SUV next year, the two-mode technology is designed to boost fuel economy on the highway, as well as during around-town driving.

On GM's Chevrolet Tahoe, for example, it increases the city-cycle mileage rating by about 50 percent, to 20 mpg. Chrysler has not released final fuel economy ratings for its two-mode products, but the system will likely prove even more critical once Senate and House lawmakers agree on a final fuel economy increase.

Chrysler is particularly vulnerable to the proposed CAFE hike because nearly two-thirds of its lineup consists of the low-mileage minivans, pickups, and SUVs that have propped up its balance sheet over the last several decades.Considering the worsening financial situation at Chrysler - analysts expect it to post 2007 losses of around $1.8 billion, though as a privately held company, it's unclear how much financial data the maker will now provide - new mileage standards and shifting market conditions will be a heavy burden.

On the other hand, Chrysler was recently given a helping hand by its union workers. As it did for General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., the UAW approved a variety of cost reductions, including a two-tier wage structure and a program that takes much of Chrysler's hefty healthcare costs off its books.But by various industry estimates, the savings will ultimately add up to $1000 or more per vehicle, and will close about two-thirds or more of the labor gap between the Big Three and the foreign-owned "transplant" assembly lines.

© Source: thecarconnection
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KITTstang Knight Rider Returns as Ford

On the original Knight Rider TV series, which ran from 1982 to 1986, David Hasselhoff was catapulted to stardom. But the real star was a talking car named KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand), a Pontiac Trans Am that, in a stretch of reality, was modified to reach a salt-flats-defying 300 miles per hour with the help of a 'Turbo Boost' mode. The original KITT could drive itself, conduct surveillance, become airborne for short distances, and jump over obstacles.

But now with a new Knight Rider show almost ready for release, a Ford is set to take its place. The automaker has announced that the star of the show - the new KITT (the Knight Industries Three Thousand) - will be a 2008 Mustang Shelby GT500KR.Todays retro-styled Mustang isn't nearly as futuristic-looking as the Pontiac Trans Am was at the time of the original show, but Hollywood car experts have been working hard to give the new car a new but equally captivating personality.

The new car's look is conceived by Galpin Auto Sports, a Van Nuys-based maker of one-offs for the So-Cal market. Then it was sent on to the Picture Car Warehouse, where 25 specialists created six variations, some for stunt purposes.

On the show, which will debut in February with a two-hour movie pilot, the new KITT will have three modes - Hero, Attack, and Camouflage. Hero is equivalent to the standard 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR fitted with an automatic transmission, but the attack car will be a further bolstered and visually enhanced version. The now-requisite post-production rendering will also be part of the package.

The stock Shelby GT500KR that KITT is today based on makes 540 horsepower. In 1982, the Trans Am's 5.7-liter V-8 made 165 horsepower in it most desirable trim. ord said that KITT's artificial intelligence "makes it the ideal good cop partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge." Wait 'til Google catches wind of the latter.The car in that movie closely resembled the Pontiac Banshee, a concept that prefaced the last-generation Trans Am.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Nissan Confirms We’re Building Suzuki Truck

Nissan North America confirmed what everyone suspected today when it said that its Smyrna, Tenn., plant would build a new truck for Suzuki.

The Suzuki pickup will be a version of Nissan's mid-size Frontier pickup, though neither company has specified whether it will be a four-door or two-door truck, long or short bed, four- or six-cylinder.

Nissan added in a press release that the pickup will enter production next year, and will only be sold by Suzuki in North America, and in no other global markets. The companies agreed last year to cooperate on various global products - the new pickup being the first confirmed collaboration in North America.

The pickup will be important to the brand, to keep people who own other cars or Suzuki motorcycles in the brand. Though the truck will be a rebadged Nissan Frontier, it will get a new fascia and other differentiation. It's not planned to be a high-volume vehicle, though.

© Source: thecarconnection
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First Drive 2009 Nissan GT-R

We're 20 feet from a production-spec 2009 Nissan GT-R at Sendai Highland Circuit, a raceway north of Tokyo. After years of staring at various concepts, prototypes and Nürburgring test mules of the GT-R, it's finally time to drive the finished product.An engineer waves us over after making his final checks, then hands us the keys with a smile so big you'd think he'd been knocking back Kirins since sunrise. We suspect he already knows what we came here to find out.

Does the 2009 Nissan GT-R really deliver the performance of the Porsche 911 Turbo for half the price? Time to find out for ourselves.

Getting Acquainted With Godzilla
Unlike most supercars, the GT-R doesn't sit only 2 inches off the ground, so it's easy to slide into the driver seat. This is a Japanese-market car, so we're on the right-hand side, which makes everything feel awkward. The seat is firm and narrow, and the high center console gives the cabin a tight, cockpit-style feel.

Start buttons aren't the novelty they used to be, but the GT-R's big red igniter just below the central shift lever does make us stop and think for a second. There will be 473 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque on tap once this sucker is running. It's also about 40 degrees F outside and we're on an unfamiliar track that packs 16 turns into just 2.5 miles of asphalt.

Ignore the Numbers
Into 4th gear and the cabin remains calm right up to 120 mph. There's no valvetrain clatter like a Corvette and the engine doesn't wail in your ear like a 911.A quick left-right-left through a chicane and the GT-R starts barreling back up a hill through a long, sweeping left-hander. It's the last thing we expected, but the GT-R feels surprisingly light and maneuverable despite its curb weight of 3,836 pounds. That's 342 pounds more than a Porsche 911 Turbo and nearly 700 pounds more than a Corvette Z06.

The GT-R should feel like a big, lifeless brick, yet here we are, barely finished with our first lap and already we're tossing the car from one corner to the next with confidence. The precise steering and nearly total lack of body roll make it easy to place on the road, and there's little dive when the big six-piston front calipers are clamping down on the 15-inch drilled rotors.

For an engine that thrives at 6,000 rpm, this 3.8-liter V6 feels just fine at 1,500 rpm, too. That's good, since the transmission's automatic mode heads for fuel-sipping 6th gear as soon as possible. Of course, the slightest nudge of the throttle kicks the gearbox down to 4th. Ask for more and we're met with a slight delay before all the clutch plates and gears get lined up. Then it's wham, and we're off at full boost, wondering what the local speed limit might be.

© Source: edmunds
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Suzuki A-Star Concept

Suzuki has shown us the first shots of the Concept A-Star, its new baby city car with a definite Indian flavour.

Due to be unveiled at the Dehli motor show in January, the Concept A-Star is a five-door hatch previewing Suzuki's forthcoming A-segment competitor.

Designed in part by Suzuki's Indian partner Maruti, it'll go on sale in production form in both India and Europe during 2009, slotting below the Swift in the Suzuki line-up.

For Maruti's first crack at a concept car, we reckon it's a fairly handsome effort, but it's not just the design that the Indian team has got involved in. The production version of the A-Star will be built solely in Maruti's Gargaon plant, and Suzuki expects to sell just shy of a million units a year by 2009. Expect to see a few around, in other words.

Details on the A-Star are somewhat sketchy, but we know it'll be powered by a 1.0-litre aluminium petrol engine which is expected to produce less than 109g/km of CO2.

Suzuki says it is considering a diesel variant, but has ruled out using its current 1.3-litre DDiS unit on environmental grounds.

© Source: topgear
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Lincoln Zephyr - Alice Coopers Dirty Diamonds album car

Seller: Corvette Collection
Address: 23227 West Lincoln Highway
City: Plainfield
State: Illinois
Country: USA
Price: $299,900.00
Date Added: December 13, 2007
Expiration: April 11, 2008
Views: 35
Description:
Alice Coopers Dirty Diamonds album car! Built for Alice in 2005 this Lincoln Zephyr has only 170 miles on it. Powered by a GM 5.3 litre motor, 4spd trans, AC, PS, PB, Remote entry... A must have street rod!

© Source: seriouswheels
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1971 Camaro SS

Seller: mrmontess
Address: 21 Marc Ridge Lane
City: Wappingers Falls
State: New York
Country: USA
Price: $17,500.00
Date Added: December 12, 2007
Expiration: April 10, 2008
Link : .m-car-locators.tripod.com
Views: 373
Description:
Now selling this "Super Straight" 1971 Camaro SS "CLONE" 81,000 original miles.All original floors & trunk.350-4V 4-Speed.Rally dash with 150 speedo & 7,000rpm tach.Very nice Black deluxe bucket seat interior.All new factory style dual exhaust.Disc brakes & power steering.
"RUNS & DRIVES GREAT" $17,500 obo. Trades up/down or sideways considered. What you got? Please email me direct at MrMonteSS@aol.com or contact Dan 845-795-5600 days 845-546-5523 nights or weekends.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Land Rover LRX Concept first official images

Today Auto Motor und Sport published the first official images of the Land Rover LRX Concept that will be shown for the first time at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit.

The LRX is a two-door crossover with a coupè-like body that previews the future small Land Rover, which will be positioned under the Freelander. The production version is expected to make its debut in spring 2009.

The car measures 435 cm in length and 155 in height, being shorter but, above all, quite a bit lower than the Freelander. The concept has aggressive air intakes, 20" rims and narrow head lights. In the side view there is a notably high belt line which creates along with the sloping roof profile a small glass surface, similar to a sports car one.

The panoramic roof shows the futuristic interior, covered in two-tone leather and highlighted with polished aluminium trim. There are only four seats as the central tunnel is extended to the rear.

The LRX is based on the Ford Focus platform and has a hybrid drive with the electric engine positioned on the rear axle.

© Source: eurocarblog
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2008 Honda Pilot Concept

In a very brief release this morning, Honda confirmed its next-generation Pilot crossover will be shown as a concept at the upcoming Detroit auto show.

Press release
A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at the January 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.

The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007).

Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Limited retail marketing of the FCX Clarity will begin in summer 2008. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2007 Ferrari Millechili Concept Model

There are no production plans for this cardboard model which nevertheless gives some hints at Ferrari's future plans, which include lighter, more efficient cars. Millechili means 1000 kilograms, which would be all this small Ferrari would weigh if put into production.

The design would incorporate a hybrid powertrain that would come into play by maintaining a continuous flow of power between shifts.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Aston Martin's RS kicker

Well, we didn't see this one coming. Last night, Aston Martin invited 700 VIP guests to its Gaydon HQ for the opening of its new design centre and then casually pulled the covers off this 600bhp Vantage RS concept.

Engineers have shoehorned a modified version of the 6.0-litre V12 from the DBRS9 production class racer into the Vantage to create Aston's fastest-accelerating road car ever - capable of reaching 62mph in four seconds and 100mph in just 8.5.

Part of the key to achieving those stats is an intensive weight-loss programme. Like the recent DBS, the RS features a moulded carbon-fibre bonnet and bootlid, which helps to bring the new car in at close to 1,500kg. That's less than the standard V8, despite carrying the heavier V12.

Other motorsport-inspired kit includes carbon-ceramic brakes, that awesome louvred bonnet and a few metres of ducting to keep things cool. There's also a carbon front splitter and a deployable spoiler on the back that pops up at speed for added downforce.
We pressed Aston boss Dr Ulrich Bez on whether the RS will make production, but he wasn't yet ready to commit: "We'll listen to feedback on this and if there's sufficient demand, then we'll seriously consider a low volume production."

And if you wondering about the price, Dr Bez simply added that "it would reflect the exclusivity of the car". That should push it past DB9 territory, then.

© Source: topgear
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Limited edition Ferrari for the rich Russians coming this month

Last week, the gorgeous Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Russian Edition was exhibited in Moscow by Barviha Luxury Village. Only five special edition cars have been put into productions for the uber-rich Russians.

The four-seat Berlinetta touts exclusive interior as well as unique logos atypical to the Russian edition. Each car carries a whopping price tag of 425,000 Euros (nearly US $625,790). All the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Russian Edition roadsters will come with tinted glass and painted grey metallic. The passenger compartment enjoys brown leather and a special carboxylic tablet with a picture of the Russian flag.

Moreover, the head unit will be equipped with a voice recognition system, a navigation system, a 4GB flash disk, support for MP3, and Bluetooth Protocol support. Under the hood, you will find a V- 12 engine with a working volume of 5748 cubic meters that pumps out 540hp at 7250 rpm and a torque of 588 Nm at 5250 rpm. The exclusive car can get to 100 km/h in only 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 320 km/h. All the five exclusive cars will be delivered to Russia in December, 2007.

© Source: bornrich
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2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum

(from General Motors Press Release) Cadillac announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the segment-leading large luxury SUV that takes Cadillac’s dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression.

Making its world premiere alongside the upcoming Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac announced the Platinum edition will come to market in the spring of 2008 as the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup. It rounds out a full series of Cadillac Platinum models, including the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and STS performance sedan. Each model in the Platinum lineup is characterized by elegant cabins featuring handcrafted leather, advanced technology and unique design details throughout.

Plentiful power
Platinum models are powered by the Escalade’s exclusive 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* It is an all-aluminum engine that uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine.

A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2004 Lamborghini Gallardo

Seller: TUCC
City: USA and European Community
State: --
Country: USA
Price: $117,000.00
Date Added: December 11, 2007
Expiration: April 9, 2008
Link : http://www.theultimate-carc...
Views: 859

Description:
2004 Lamborghini Gallardo in Yellow with Black Leather, new Rubber, and only 14K Miles, 6 Speed Manual..... Gorgeous inside and out

© Source: seriouswheels
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1934 Cadillac V-8 Convertible Sedan

Seller: ces
Address: 2032 Heide
City: Troy
State: Michigan
Country: USA
Price: $75,000.00
Date Added: December 10, 2007
Expiration: April 8, 2008
Link: http://www.classicandexotic...

Views: 577
Description:
Older restoration of a solid car
Mechanically sound - engine rebuilt 5 years ago
Excellent driver
*Price Reduced*
$75,000.00 or offers
Located in the Detroit metro area and available for inspection by appointment

© Source: seriouswheels
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Ascari A10

The Ascari A10 has smashed the Top Gear lap record.

The Stig piloted the V8-engined, 625bhp supercar around our test track in just 1m 17.3, shaving three-tenths of a second off the previous record held by the Koenigsegg CCX with the Top Gear spoiler.

With a claimed 0-60mph time of just 2.8 seconds and the ability to hit 100mph in under six seconds, the Ascari A10 was always going to be quick - but that lap time is simply astonishing.

Best of all, the A10 is British built, in Ascari's Banbury factory - albeit around the German engine off the old BMW M5.

If you reckon the A10 sounds like the sort of car that'd look good on your driveway, well, you'll need about £350,000 (and a very understanding partner) to make it happen. All that cash buys you a lot of carbon fibre, that amazing sequential 'box and, erm, not a lot else.

A few weeks ago, the Caparo T1 lapped our track even quicker than the Ascari but was disqualified from the power laps board because it is unable to clear a speed bump. The Ascari, on the other hand, has a raising hydraulic nose, allowing it to take its rightful place atop the board.

© Source: topgear
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Mitsubishi Upgrades Lancer, Outlander Four

Mitsubishi will add another version of the "world engine" four-cylinder family to its Lancer and Outlander models.The new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that will be installed in the compact sedan and crossover are essentially similar to the four-cylinders found in the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass. Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai are partners in the joint venture that designed and developed the engines.

In its Mitsubishi installation, the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 168 hp and 167 pound-feet of torque, and in both new models, it's coupled to a continuously variable transmission.

In the 2009 Lancer GTS, which goes on sale in the spring, the new engine turns in 16 more horsepower than the entry-level 2.0-liter four. Fuel economy with the 2.4-liter and CVT is estimated at 21/27 mpg. The CVT is programmed with six fixed ratios and equipped with paddle shifters. A five-speed manual will also be available.

The Lancer GTS also includes a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, paddle shifters, fog lamps, ground effects, and a rear spoiler. Options include a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, Bluetooth, a 30-gigabyte navigation system and music server, passive key entry, and later in the 2009 model year, stability control and rain-sensing wipers.

Meanwhile, the new Outlander ES has already arrived in showrooms as a 2008 model. It'll be followed in the spring by a similar Outlander SE, also outfitted with the 2.4-liter engine, as well as 18-inch wheels, metallic trim and new seats, and the 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Aston Affirms Bond Sticks With DBS

Don't worry about old James Bond. Since he ditched his suits for a Speedo and took on a blond 'do, it's been rumored that he'd switch driving machines again--particularly since former Aston Martin owners at Ford have other vehicles they'd like to "prominently place" on movie screens everywhere.

But for the new Bond movie in development--tagged only Bond 22 for now as a title is yet undecided--Daniel Craig will, once again, pilot an Aston DBS. Craig's first Bond flick, 2006's Casino Royale, saw him jet around in the Aston supercar for the first time, setting a Guinness record for "most cannon rolls in a car" at the same time. In that stunt, Aston reminds us, stuntman Adam Kirley rolled the DBS seven times for the cameras. (And we swore it was CGI!)

Bond's former Astons include the DB5 from 1964's Goldfinger, which features ejector seats and rockets. More recently, the Vanquish appeared in DIe Another Day.

The new Bond film isn't due until November of 2008, giving the community involved plenty of time to figure out how to get deadly new gadgets into the DBS.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 HUMMER HX Concept

General Motors is known to have had its eye on the niche occupied by the Jeep Wrangler. And at the Detroit auto show next month, it may reveal more of its intentions to field a Wrangler competitor in the shape of the HUMMER HX concept.

The HX Concept, shown in sketches at a GM press event today, also embodies some of the off-road hallmarks of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. BUT GM says the design of the new HX concept is all HUMMER, even though it's the work of three new designers.

David Rojas, Min Young Kang, and Robert Jablonski are the artists GM assigned to envision a future off-road vehicle for the HUMMER brand. All three are graduates of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The vehicle would have to evince HUMMER's off-road credentials while passing muster with Carl Zipfel, the director of the brand's design studio.

The resulting HX concept shares some elements with other HUMMER vehicles, like its flex-fuel-capable powertrain. But as the HX model is smaller and is a two-door vehicle, it has some stylistic touches uncommon to other HUMMER vehicles. The roof, for example, has removable panels and a removable rear roof that converts the HX from hardtop to an open-air vehicle with a short truck bed. The doors and fender flares are removable, too.

Stay tuned for more pictures and details on the HX concept as TheCarConnection.com covers the Detroit show debuts through January 15, 2008.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Audi S8 Review

Introduction
The S8 is a high-performance version of the standard-wheelbase A8 (as opposed to the longer "L" version), and sends its 450 horsepower to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Car geeks may note that the V10's peak output isn't as high as it is in the high-strung Lambo Gallardo, as it has been tuned for a broader powerband that's better suited to a luxury car. No worries about performance -- this executive express can sprint to 60 mph in the mid-5-second range and will effortlessly run at autobahn speeds all day long.

More than just a powerhouse engine, the S8's features list also includes a sport-tuned adjustable air suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, unique styling tweaks (including distinctive front and rear fascias) and aggressively bolstered, multiadjustable front sport seats.

The 2008 Audi S8 sits squarely in the middle of this group, not as overly sporty as the B7, though more so than the Jaguar. Compared to all but the XJR, the S8 lists for around $20 to $30 grand less. In the real world of city traffic and a 70 mph maximum speed limit, the finely crafted Audi S8 doesn't give much away to its pricier rivals. And let's face it; those well-to-do folks chatting it up at the country club didn't get to be that way by ignoring value.

Powertrains and Performance
The Audi S8's 5.2-liter V10 makes 450 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. That thrust is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that allows manual gearchanges via paddles behind the steering wheel. We've clocked the 0-60-mph sprint in 5.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The only dynamic downside to the 2008 Audi S8 is brake pedal feel. Though the S8 certainly has capable stoppers (halting the 4,600-pound sedan in 112 feet from 60 mph), brake pedal feel is too soft upon initial application and somewhat out of step with the solid, confidence-inspiring sensation of the chassis as a whole.

© Source: edmunds
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2007 Hummer Racing

(from General Motors Press Release) HUMMER H3 Alpha and H3 first stock class vehicles to finish Baja.
Racing legend Rod Hall earns 19th career win in 40th Anniversary race
DETROIT – Team HUMMER once again demonstrated the inherent off-road capability of the HUMMER H3 as Rod, Josh and Chad Hall piloted their stock class H3 Alpha and H3 nearly 1,300 miles to become the first stock class vehicles to finish the 2007 SCORE International Baja 1000. The 2007 Baja 1000 marked the 40th anniversary of the grueling off-road race and covered 1,296.39 miles from Ensenada in Baja California to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Baja California Sur. It ran from November 13-15, 2007.

Team HUMMER races in the SCORE International full and mini stock classes which feature production-based vehicles with stock frames, stock suspension designs and production-based engines. With 18 entries, the 2007 race boasted the most stock class vehicles in the history of the 1000 and included models from seven different automakers.

As the only racer to have competed in a car or truck in all 40 Baja 1000 races, Team HUMMER owner Rod Hall marked his 40th race with a victory behind the wheel of his #760 stock mini class H3. Hall shared driving responsibilities in the race with his eldest son Josh Hall and business partner Mike Winkel. The trio piloted the vehicle to victory in 40:04:30 hours averaging a speed of 32.34 miles per hour. The H3 was the second stock class vehicle to cross the finish line.

The first stock class vehicle to cross the finish line was the #863 Team HUMMER H3 Alpha, piloted by Chad Hall and Sam Edgar. The team drove the H3 Alpha to a full stock class victory in its inaugural race, finishing in 36:27:25 hours and averaging a speed of 35.56 miles per hour.
Hall’s win marked his 19th career victory, continuing his record of the most wins of any driver in Baja 1000 history. It also marked Josh Hall’s fourth win at the 1000 and Chad’s sixth.

About HUMMER
HUMMER is a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, which employs about 321,000 people globally. HUMMER is one of the world's fastest growing truck brands, with a product line-up that consists of the H2, H2 SUT, H3, H3X and H3 Alpha. HUMMER models are available today in 37 countries around the globe.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Bentley Motors Showcases the Art of Design and Craftsmanship at 2007 Art Basel Miami Beach

AUBURN HILLS, MI: Bentley Motors, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of handcrafted, personally commissioned luxury automobiles, announces a unique collaboration with leaders in the world of design during Art Basel Miami Beach 2007. Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the U.S., combining an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions and crossover events bringing together the worlds of music, film, architecture and design.

At an exclusive event hosted by Bentley Motors, renowned designers Dror Benshetrit, Cory Grosser, and Sami Hayek have been invited to showcase a selection of original artistic creations that have been influenced by Bentley design. A select audience of VIP's and art aficionados will be treated to a presentation of these creations at a private residence on Hibiscus Island. The creations are the result of a six-month long collaboration between the designers and Bentley Motors.

In commenting on working with the designers, Head of Bentley Exterior Design, Robin Page, remarked, "Design is one of the key hallmarks of the Bentley brand and each of these three very talented designers have exhibited that passion in their individual works. I have been very fortunate to work with Dror, Cory and Sami as their vision and passion is a mirror image of the values of the Bentley marque."

- Culture & Commerce, Inc.: Culture & Commerce identifies high potential design opportunities and develops them into high performance financial assets. The company represents Dror Benshetrit and Sami Hayek, as well as some of the world's top designers, including Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Yves Behar and Piero Lissoni. For more information please visit www.culturecommerce.com.

© Source: theautochannel
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Bose Media System Test Drive in Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Elegant Interface Lives Up to (Expensive) Hype

If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then Ford should be thrilled by the glut of Sync-like infotainment systems popping up all over the automotive landscape. Possibly the most noteworthy is the Bose Media System. Like Sync, the Media System offers a variety of entertainment features (mostly music playback), plus hands-free phone capability and satellite navigation. It also matches Ford with a user-friendly interface that seamlessly integrates all of its functionality without confusing the user. However, unlike Sync, which is priced for the masses, Bose’s infotainment is only available to the exclusive few who can afford the $300,000 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

Taking a closer look, the Bose system has all of the typical electronic bells and whistles you’d expect, including AM, FM and XM satellite radio; a CD transport that supports multiple disk formats; iPod connectivity; a 30GB harddrive (15GB for music, the other half to run the interface and store maps); a USB port to upload music files; Bluetooth connectivity; and a slick navigation system with text-to-speech capability and real-time traffic updates. It even has voice command.

A 6.5-in. widescreen LCD controller, located in the 612’s center stack, provides the muscle. At first glance, it looks a little like a high-tech Etch-a-Sketch, because the screen is flanked on either side by old-school rotary knobs. But fire up the Scagliette’s V12, and the LCD quickly displays mapping information, then lists turn-by-turn directions, where the audio is coming from (radio, CD or music library) and what song or station is playing. And that’s not the only way the Media System simplifies operation. Bose’s uMusic learns what kind of music you like from the library of tunes stored on the hard drive. It automatically sets up playlists based on those preferences, and the radio tuner continuously scans for and only displays the strongest terrestrial and satellite stations—so you never have to use seek or scan.

On the road, the Media System really lives up to its hype: an elegant, easy–to-use system that does everything a discerning customer could want. The interface was super-intuitive, and we absolutely loved the “Hand of God” feature—very unique. The LCD also was very solid. All of the text was clearly legible, images and illustration clear and concise, and colors natural. The navigation system was easy-to-use and faster than your average infotainer, quickly re-routing us when we went off course. Sonically, the system was also better than average. The sound stage was deep and wide, and sounded clean, tonally accurate and pleasantly punchy. We especially liked acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. Even after five hours of continuous listening, we weren’t fatigued one bit.

© Source: popularmechanics
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Audi R8 Named Playboy Magazine's Car of the Year

CHICAGO, IL -- Which cars will be turning heads on the street this year? According to Playboy's "2008 Cars of the Year," a high-performance hybrid surges past competitors, a European import squeezes to the top, and a luxury carmaker provides one of the most fuel efficient and affordable vehicles on the road.

The selected cars were chosen by an expert team of automotive writers who traveled the world and test drove every new model hitting the showroom floor this year. The vehicles were taken on the sharpest turns, most challenging curves, and the steepest hills to properly separate the superlative from the mediocre. The vehicles featured in Playboy's January issue (on newsstands and at http://www.playboydigital.com/ Friday, December 7) include:

PLAYBOY'S 2008 CAR OF THE YEAR: Audi R8
This mid engine sexpot boasts a 420 bhp, 4.2-liter V8, and hits zero to 60 in a sexy 4.4 seconds

BEST LUXURY SPORTS COUPE: Maserati GranTurismo
Features a 405 bhp, 4.2-liter double overhead cam V8 packs 339 foot-pounds of torque

SMARTEST PURCHASE: Smart Fortwo
Sits eight feet by eight inches long and weighs a whopping 1,807 pounds

BEST SPORTS SEDAN: Cadillac CTS
With a base engine of a 3.6-liter V6 that develops 263bhp, it is just as quick as the CTS-V

BEST SUV: Land Rover LR2
Equipped with a Terrain Response feature that adjusts the AWD and suspension for driving conditions

BEST CROSSOVER: Buick Enclave CXL
Proudly sits on 19-inch wheels and is available with a luxury package including articulated headlights

BEST CONVERTIBLE: BMW 335i
Not only does it whip from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds, its light-weight steel top retracts in 22 seconds

BEST EARTH-DAY CAR: Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
Outfitted with three catalysts and a filter in the exhaust that erases every trace of smoke and N2O

BEST PINT-SIZE PERFORMANCE: Volvo C30
Dances on the sporty side with its full-width glass hatch and clipped Manx bobtail

© Source: fourtitude
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A sexy minivan Nissan concept goes for it

Is the battle for minivan buyers moving beyond the cupholder, nifty cargo bins and seating and into the modern media age?The lowly minivan is getting a radical makeover and communications upgrades in the form of the new Nissan Forum - a concept to be introduced at the North American International Auto Show next month. Minivan sales are dropping and some automakers are abandoning the segment altogether in favor of sexier crossovers. The slump has some automakers looking at real styling innovation and equipment upgrades to overcome the commodization of minivans by low-price Korean automakers, for example, analysts say.

The Forum
- created by Nissan designers in La Jolla, Calif., and Farmington Hills, Mich. - is designed to shuttle the digital family with a little more pizazz. Like other recent Nissans, this one comes with an all-glass roof.It's a change taken right out of the playbook of Acura, which gave the boxy MD-X crossover a radical makeover more suited for a starring role in a Matrix movie.

Nissan first showed the Forum in November to journalists gathered in Las Vegas for the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association show - a gathering of purveyers of custom parts and accessories for pure enthusiasts.The SEMA show is not your typical venue for minivan followers, but Nissan turned up the volume just to be sure to make some noise.

The Forum's equipment includes an advanced Bose media system with proximity sensor-based information controller, a one-button audio muting system, 2nd and 3rd row monitoring cameras, and individual seat-mounted speakers for every row. And until the Forum arrives, you can always take NFL quarterback Peyton Manning's advice: add some flames to your favorite minivan.

© Source: detnews
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2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDi Test Drive Clean Diesel’s 50 MPG Meets Prius-Humbling Thrust

The new era of clean diesel in America will officially be ushered in by the new VW Jetta TDi when it goes on sale in a few months. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-banger that produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, it will be the first automobile to meet the world’s most stringent emission control standards, California’s Tier II, Bin 5.

Although it won’t be wearing the “BlueTec” badge, the Jetta will be using emission-cleansing technologies developed under the cooperative formed by Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen to make it 50-state legal. Most BlueTec vehicles control NOx emissions—one of the biggest environmental hurdles facing diesels, along with particulate matter—by injecting a urea-based solution into the exhaust system upstream from the catalytic converter, where NOx is then converted into nitrogen and water. The Jetta will instead use a NOx-storage catalyst, which is basically a reservoir that temporarily holds the noxious emissions, like a particulate filter, until they can be burned off during one of the engine cycles.

In addition, the new engine will feature a common-rail fuel injection system, instead of VW’s traditional mechanical system, that uses piezoelectric fuel injectors. This technology permits higher injection pressures, which better atomize the fuel and make it easier to control pollution.

We recently test drove the Jetta through the streets of San Francisco and were pleasantly surprised. The Jetta has always been agile and zippy, but the new, more powerful TDi gives it more oomph, allowing us to power through traffic and accelerate from stoplights with authority and a little bravado—we totally tooled on a Toyota Prius. We were also shocked as to how quiet the engine operates: You have to consciously listen for the knocking, or you wouldn’t even notice it.

If reports are correct, the Jetta should get upwards of 50 mpg, combined highway and city. Although pricing hasn’t been announced, expect it to be within a few thousand of the current models (an estimated $18,000 to $23,000). We can’t wait for chance to spend some more time with the new TDi Jetta—and test its real-world feul economy. —Chuck Tannert.

© Source: popularmechanics
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2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe Aerokit

(from Porsche Press Release) Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has developed a special Aerokit for the 911 Turbo Coupe. It includes a front spoiler lip and an entirely new engine cover design with fixed aerofoil.

The characteristic front lip and the distinctive rear spoiler lend the typical turbo silhouette an even more dynamic appearance. The Porsche development center engineers in Weissach attached the greatest possible importance to aerodynamic functionality. The most important objective among the components refined in the wind tunnel was to improve the handling characteristics, given an unchanged drag coefficient of 0.31 compared with the production version.

This ensures that the Aerokit’s optimized streamlining blends ideally with the 490 PS high performance Coupe’s harmonious overall design and enabled further reductions of the lift coefficients on the front and rear axles. This ensures an even more stable drive at high speed.

The aerodynamically coordinated front and rear components may only be fitted together. Compared with the standard 900 Turbo, the door sill trim and the rear skirt are painted in body color as well as the Aerokit’s add-on parts.

The Aerokit costs 4,500 euros (excluding VAT) when ordered at the same time as purchasing a new vehicle from Porsche Exclusive in Germany. If the parts are retrofitted, they can be purchased from Porsche Tequipment at a cost of 4,100 euros (excluding painting and assembly as well as VAT). The Aerokit is available with immediate effect worldwide.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Volkswagen New Beetle

(from Volkswagen Press Release) Driving off in iconic, head-turning vehicles like the 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible just got easier with new option packages from Volkswagen.
The New Beetle sedan now is available in a well-equipped base model “S” as well as the “SE” model with premium sound, heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles.

The sedan also is available in Platinum Gray and Reflex Silver. New 16-inch alloy wheels are available on the “S,” and 17-inch alloy wheels are available on the “SE.” The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are available at Volkswagen dealers now, with a starting price of $17,365 for the hard-top and $23,125 for the soft-top.

As you would expect from Volkswagen, the interior of the car has been given thorough attention. The newest interpretation of the iconic interior includes a single-bezel instrument cluster housing a large, easy-to-read, 140 mile-per-hour speedometer and a smaller tachometer and fuel gauge. Chrome accents enhance the instrument cluster and the dashboard air vents.

A two-speed windshield wiper system features a four-speed intermittent wipe feature. A large assist handle across the instrument panel above the glove box and two rear-passenger assist straps located on the B-pillar on hardtop models ensure interior comfort.

The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are offered with the advanced Volkswagen 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.5 L engine delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.

Power is delivered to the front wheels with two types of transmissions. A five-speed manual transmission operates smoothly with a hydraulic clutch. An available six-speed transmission with Tiptronic® allows for both automatic and driver-selected gear changes using the gear selector. The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible with automatic transmission achieve an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 29 miles per gallon in highway driving and 20 mpg in city driving. With a manual transmission, the EPA estimates are 28 mpg highway and 20 on the city cycle.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Koenigseder Opel GT'Aime

(from Koenigseder Press Release) Desire for an affair?
Kцnigseder makes his own motor show - not in Essen - but with his work on Opel GT. Women finally know what they want: 300 sleek-tuned PS.

The affair Koenigseder and Opel takes place.
With aerodynamic accents - frontspoiler and rear wing - race wins over mass and causes exactly the tension which an affair consists of. They emphasize the soft silhouette on the one hand and power the dynamic character of the car on the other hand.

A KW coilover suspension version 3 guarantees sporty driving and lap records through individual damper adjustmest - also due to the Yokohama tires.

Las Vegas: 20" Giovanna Dalar rims remind of Elvis' best times with rivet belts and match the car like chalk and cheese. Two American giants meet at Konigseder. Why not earlier?

The custom made Brembo brake system provides excellent deceleration and the 332mm brake discs with red 4 pistons calipers underline the exciting erotic style of this convertible.

The climax of the affair - naturally - takes place in the interior:
Very special: Hand made wooden car floor in black and red with GT`aime writing.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Full Test 2009 Nissan Murano LE

As the 2009 Nissan Murano proves, Nissan figured out this whole crossover thing before the rest of us. It's pretty uncommon for a vehicle to actually gather increasing steam when it comes to sales as it gets older, but the Murano has done exactly that. Introduced as a 2004 model, sales of the Nissan Murano have climbed every year since then, reaching 81,000 units in 2006.

Evolution, Not Revolution
Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations and its engaging driving dynamics.

Good Performance
At the test track, the powerful 2009 Murano LE accelerates to 60 mph in 8 seconds flat, while its capable four-wheel disc brakes stop it from 60 mph in just 122 feet. These performance figures place it near the top of its class.

When it comes to handling at the limit, the 4,135-pound Murano circles the skid pad (unimpeded by the stability control, which can't be shut off completely) with 0.79g in lateral grip. Weaving through the slalom field, however, awoke the safety system and it allowed only a pass at 59.2 mph.

A reengineered suspension with lightweight aluminum pieces and a new steering system also make the Murano a willing and surprisingly communicative partner in daily driving. No doubt the combination of these chassis upgrades and a new predictive (not reactive) all-wheel-drive system (first introduced by the 2008 Nissan Rogue) contribute to the Murano's genuine agility and overall feel of predictability. And, contrary to what some might expect from the newly available 20-inch rolling stock (LE model), the 235/50TR20 Toyo Proxes A20 tires don't degrade the ride either.

© Source: edmunds
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Jeep Patriot Gets the Led Out

How much would you pay for a pair of VIP tickets to see the one-off Led Zeppelin reunion gig in London on 10 December? If they included a champagne reception and access to the aftershow party as well, would you pay $70,000? Oh yes, and you get a limited edition Jeep Patriot as well.

With just three days to go to one of the most eagerly anticipated gigs in rock history, RGVA, a U.K.-based vehicle branding company, is offering just seven of they exclusive 4x4s. Each is a 2.0-liter CRD Sport edition, with air conditioning, cruise control, two-tone leather, privacy glass, six-speed manual gearbox, remote central locking and a premium sound system.

RGVA's sales and marketing boss Alison Smith said: "This is an exciting project to be involved with. It combines a rare chance to see one of the world's greatest bands, as well as a lasting souvenir of the event. We're really looking forward to seeing who the new lucky owners will be!"

Demand for tickets to see Led Zeppelin reached incredible levels, with the event promoters reporting 20 million applications for just 18,000 tickets. With the exception of Live Aid in 1985, their last gig was in Berlin in 1980.

© Source: thecarconnection
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First Drive 2007 Ford Mondeo

The 2007 Ford Mondeo is what remains of Ford's last attempt to build the "world car." Back in the days of former Ford CEO Jac Nasser, we were told that if Ford could just build one car for the whole of mankind instead of a bunch of different platforms for every little Ford region, we'd all end up with better cars. They would be cheaper, too.

Ford Chairman Alan Mulally is once again talking about rationalizing the number of different platforms that Ford builds around the world. Now that America is suddenly interested again in efficient sedans, could the all-new 2007 Ford Mondeo be the right kind of car for America?

Making Modern Power
More than 70 percent of Mondeo models sold in Europe are powered by diesel. There are three turbocharged common-rail diesels to choose from, and their output ranges from 99 horsepower to 138 hp. Four gasoline engines are also part of the model mix, and their output ranges from 123 to 217 hp.

The Mondeo Titanium X that we spent time in featured a 217-hp turbocharged 2,521cc inline-5. There are 236 pound-feet of torque available between 1,500 rpm and 4,800 rpm. The car's performance is brisk — it takes 7.3 seconds to get to 60 mph, and acceleration doesn't stop until you reach 152 mph.

Nevertheless, the Mondeo is a heavy car at 3,596 pounds, and it needs to be worked hard to deliver its best. Fuel consumption inevitably suffers, which is especially problematic on a continent where gas now costs over $8 per U.S. gallon.

© Source: edmunds
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Astra VXR

A few weeks back we drove the Ford Focus ST500, a limited edition of Ford's hot hatch distinguished solely by a new paint job, and now Vauxhall has had a go at tarting up the Astra VXR with this, the Nurburgring Edition.

In fairness, unlike the Focus ST500, the VXR Nurburgring Edition does feature at least a minor mechanical difference from the stock Astra VXR: a Remus Sports Exhaust developed by Vauxhall's BTCC race team.

Other than that, though, it's just an Astra VXR with white paint, white wheels (which we like) and silly chequered decals (which we don't). Oh, and you get a few bits of extra carbon fibre and a numbered plaque on the inside.

The two-litre engine still produces the same 237bhp but, given the VXR's already lairy road manners, it's probably a good thing Vauxhall didn't decide to ramp up the power any further.

The Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition costs £20,995 - £1,100 more than the stock Astra VXR. Of course, you could always save the extra and spend it on a trip to the 'Ring to get a proper bootlid sticker...

© Source: topgear
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Full Test: 2008 Chevrolet Corvette

With all the feverish excitement surrounding the Corvette Z06 and the absurdly powerful Corvette ZR1, you'd almost believe that the standard Corvette had virtually ceased to exist.
Indeed, it has not. And the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette we've just tested proves that while the standard Vette might sit in the shadow cast by its more publicity-friendly brethren, it has received something more valuable than media attention: performance.And considering that Chevy sells roughly one Corvette for every 10 Accords that Honda sells (and 10 times the number of S-Types that Jaguar sells), we're talking about a pretty impressive automobile.

Small Block, No Extra Charge
And there would be no Corvette without the small-block V8. True, there have been moments of great embarrassment in the long history of the Corvette and its pushrod V8. There was the disgraceful 1970s small-block that wheezed out a total of 165 horsepower. And all by itself, the 1982 Corvette V8 represents some kind of low.

This 6.2-liter V8 constitutes the basis of the large explosive device called the LS9, which will power the forthcoming Corvette ZR1 with more than 600 hp. It's a sturdy, thick-wall block, nicely suited to the supercharging that will vault the ZR1 over the 600-hp barrier. But there we go talking about the ZR1 again. For good measure, Chevrolet has also added an intake manifold that flows more air and then rammed in a high-lift cam to actuate intake valves that are 9 percent larger in diameter (2.2 inches vs. 2.0 inches). The result is a "standard" engine that makes 25 more horses than the most powerful power plant of the last-generation Z06.

Some worthwhile side effects include a 4.5-second run to 60 mph and a quarter-mile pass of 12.8 seconds at 114.8 mph. And this car won't quit until you reach 190 mph. It simply humiliates would-be rivals. All right, "humiliate" might be too strong. But this Vette is slightly quicker to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile than a Porsche 911 Carrera S. It's also quicker than a Ford Shelby GT500, a Nissan 350Z and the last-generation Z06.

© Source:edmunds
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Pimp my Pope

Pope Benedict XVI has a new car: a pearly white, modified Mercedes G-Class worthy of any West Coast rapper. Sort of.

Mercedes spent two years creating the pimped-up G500 Cabriolet, which features handrails and rear steps to allow leisurely papal ingress and egress, although it seems the Pope has dispensed with the customary bulletproof glass in favour of a more alfresco runabout.

That paintjob, in case you're wondering, is officially known as 'Vatican mystic white', and is sure to be all the rage on the mean streets of Romford next season.

If you're worried about the Pope's mitre getting damp if it starts to rain, fear not - the Holy Father has a garage stocked full of alternative rides, including armoured M- and S-Class Mercs and, of course, a Volkswagen Phaeton.

Anyone for a quick round of 'Fantasy Papal Garage'?

© Source: topgear
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2008 Jeep Compass What’s New

Jeep's entry-level, compact Compass is a car-based crossover that shares its platform and drivetrains with the Dodge Caliber and its sibling, the Jeep Patriot.

Unlike traditional Jeeps - which have historically been serious off-roaders with four-wheel drive and low-range gearing, the Compass is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with lighter-duty all-wheel drive as an option. Though the optional "Freedom Drive" system can route as much as 60 percent of engine power to the rear wheels, the absence of Low range gearing means the Compass is primarily an on-road vehicle and should be compared with similar car-based crossovers.

The standard Compass engine is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder rated at 172 horsepower, available with either a five-speed manual or a CVT. The '08 Compass comes in Sport and Limited styles, with 17-inch wheels, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and curtain airbags as standard equipment on both versions.

Major options include 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a moonroof, and an upgrade audio system with six-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Three new colors are offered for 2008. In addition, air conditioning is now standard on all models, as are tire pressure monitors. There's more chrome trim inside, and a navigation system is now available on Limited models. The Compass' continuously variable transmission has been updated with better responsiveness and new AutoStick control.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2010 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Spied!

W197 is the internal code name for Daimler's hottest project in years -- a new sportscar equipped with gullwing doors.

The latter-day Benz gullwing is scheduled to debut in 2010, and hopes are high that the car will become as successful as its famous predecessor from the Fifties and Sixties, the legendary 300 SL.

So far only prototype mules of the new two-seater have been sighted and caught on camera. Those photos are here, along with a new artist's illustration of what the SL might look like when it bows in 2010.

Mercedes plans to sell 3000 to 5000 units per year. The new car will be assembled at the Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen. The car's development, however, is being undertaken by AMG in Affalterbach.

Although the new model will include components from the future SL, it will be a few centimeters shorter in overall length. Similar to the former gullwing, the new sportscar has a tubular frame and rear-wheel drive. The engine will be a 620-hp V-8.

The new gullwing doesn't have an official name yet, but a pricetag in the $250,000 range is expected.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Peugeot Wins One with the Bipper?

The Bipper, the newest commercial vehicle from French firm Peugeot, will go on sale next summer. To mark the event, and celebrate the company's successes in the 2007 Le Mans Series (LMS) race championship, it's unveiled a concept version called the Beep.
The van shares its color scheme with the competition machine, the diesel-driven Peugeot 908 HDi FAP.

That includes matt black sides, red bonnet, and roof, plus a white stripe running lengthways along the vehicle. Its sides display the stylized lion's head of Peugeot Sport, with the numbers 7 and 8 adjacent to the side windows in a reference to each of the 908 HDi FAP race cars. The vehicle's special gold tinted windows are designed to mimic the visors of the 908 driver's helmets.

Revealed at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy, the other link between the Beep Beep and the race car is its diesel engine with particulate filter. The former produces 70 hp, the latter more than 700.

In its first year in the LMS, the 908 HDi FAP won all six races of the 2007 program and secured second place in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Saturn Astra XR Five-Door Road Test

While the current immigration conflamma has O'Reilly frothing, Pelosi gnashing, and Home Depot's stock tumbling, it's good to know that legal border crossing still rocks it out as the foundation of America itself.

Nowhere will that be more obvious than at a Saturn dealer early next year, when the Anglo-Saxon-bred Astra makes its way across the waves via Belgium to the U.S. in three- and five-door form.

When the Astra arrives, it'll do a couple of things for Saturn. It will give the 17-year-old nameplate the freshest lineup in the GM universe, with its oldest car being the two-year-old Sky roadster. And it will give a final shove-off to the plasticky, inspiration-free Ion, one of the last cars to emerge under GM's old, fusty way of killing cars by committee.

There's almost none of the old domestic GM in any cupholder or storage bin in the Astra. It's a smart, savvy small car with a great price tag that probably will give Saturn the kind of boost that Ford got from the Focus lineup at the beginning of the decade.

But is the five-door XR really up to the global standard set by cars like the Mazda3 and Volkswagen Rabbit? TheCarConnection.com drove the newest Saturn to be put into orbit and found out exactly how its European breeding matches up to Saturn's thoroughly American attitude.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Strictly for Aficionados Drive the Way Elvis did in his adorable Caddy

Good news for all you Elvis lovers, especially those who loved his hunky-dory lifestyle. The King may have left us all but what doesn’t leave us are his rocking numbers and that desire to live like the way the great soul lived. His glittery lifestyle included a lot of opulent possessions and cars were an integral part of that lifestyle.

One car he couldn’t flaunt probably the way he would have wished too was his 1965 Eldorado Caddy Convertible for the reason that the car wasn’t completed long after his death. Coated over 40 times with gold paint and done in gold-upholstered interior it was tuned by another King from the tuning world.

Familiarly known as Kustom King George Barris, the man tuned this exclusive caddy which is now on sale on eBay for a starting bid of $US119, 900. Barris has had other tuning accolades to his name for he has pimped the likes of VW Herbie, Night Rider’s KITT, the Ghostbusters ambulance and many more.

This one thus is a perfect grab for the ones who’ve loved the King and even for the ones who didn’t admire him but have loved cars from the core of their heart. There ain’t a paucity of the likes of both so it wont be long before someone grabs it, all you need to do is be there first, to prove that you sit at the pinnacle of extremism and also don’t lose the opportunity of savouring something this unique.

© Source: bornrich
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2010 Buick LaCrosse Spied!

These are the newest pictures of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, caught by our spies during testing.

As before, General Motors had two security guards for round-the-clock coverage in a public parking area. When the engineers left for a break, thick car covers with huge locks were placed on the camouflaged prototypes and the security folks sprung to action, intimidating even the most innocent pedestrians.

Codenamed GMX353, this second-generation LaCrosse will be riding on the new (global) front-wheel-drive Epsilon II platform. It will be the first car in the United States to use this architecture.

Production is expected to start at the Fairfax, Kansas, facility in February of 2009, with the new LaCrosse reaching dealerships shortly afterwards as a 2010 model. Annual production numbers in the 65,000-75,000 range are expected.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2007 Bulletproof Automotive Honda S2000 GT

(from Bulletproof Automotive Press Release) LOS ANGELES, October 29, 2007 – Bulletproof Automotive, LLC unveils their Honda S2000 GT, the company’s flagship complete tuned street legal car. Bulletproof Automotive, recognized as the leading importer of high end Japanese tuning products and consultant to many leading companies in the aftermarket, conceptualized, designed and built the car using original parts as well as parts sourced from the Japanese tuning elite.

Ben Schaffer, President of Bulletproof Automotive and chief designer of the S2000 GT elaborates:
“Since it’s inception in 1999, I’ve been a fan of the Honda S2000’s purity and driving performance. Over those years through Bulletproof Automotive I’ve consulted with thousands of S2000 clients to help build their dream car. With this project I allowed myself to build my own dream car and as a result I hope to inspire others as their cars have inspired me. From the onset of the project I set out to keep the car street legal because I intend for it to be full functioning and well balanced in every aspect. Despite the intention to drive the car weekly, I also wanted to push the envelope to the extreme edge with regards to performance and overall quality design. As I set out on this project earlier this year, I was inspired by what the Honda S2000 CR does and does not do. I hope to leave the world with a representation of what the tuner market can do with a legal tuned S2000 so that people can enjoy comparing and contrasting the aftermarket’s capability to Honda’s tuner car offering, the S2000 CR. I hope people enjoy both the creativity of our S2000’s design and also the performance that results from it.”

The Bulletproof S2000 GT’s objective is to be aggressive but timeless, strongly stating it’s performance capabilities but still with manners and subtlety often overlooked in the tuner industry. The car utilizes two sets of wheels. For the street, it runs Top Secret Gold limited TE37 wheels in 19x9.5 and 19x10.5 size with Toyo Proxes T1R tires.

The engine utilizes a CARB legal Vortech supercharger mated to a built F20C motor capable of spinning past 9000 RPM, managed by an AEM EMS. The exhaust system is fully built by Tracy Sports utilizing their header, high flow catalytic converter and full titanium 70mm dual exhaust. For racing duties, the engine is also equipped with a Tracy Sports baffled oil pan and runs to a 4.44 final drive gear also by Tracy Sports.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Fiat Grande Punto new brazilian prize

The Fiat Grande Punto has won the prize "Imprensa Automotiva 2007" in Brazil, one of the most important automotive awards in the country, since it is given by a jury of specialised journalists.

The jury was made of 63 automotive journalists coming from brazilian newspapers, magazines, radio stations and televisions.
The finalists in the category of 'Best National Vehicle' were the Fiat Punto, Chevrolet Vectra, Citroën C4 Pallas,