Ferrari 430 Scuderia at 2008 Melbourne Motor Show

The 430 Scuderia has made a belated appearance on the Australian Motor Show circuit bypassing Sydney and heading straight for Melbourne.

Finished in a stunning deep yellow gloss, the 430 sits centre stage at the Ferrari stand proudly displaying its’ Enzo killing prowess for all passing the main centre walk way of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

© Source: caradvice
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1987 FERARRI 328 GTS

Seller: fourmsales
Address: 3080 main st
City: buffalo
State: New York
Country: USA
Price: $49,995.00
Date Added: February 28, 2008
Expiration: June 27, 2008
Link: fourmsales.com
Views: 304

Description:
Four M Import & Exotic Sales of Buffalo presents this:
1987 Ferrari 328 GTS!
This 328 GTS Ferrari is the one! Finished in Rosso Corsa Red over Tan Italian leather, this 328 GTS is the #1 desired color combination. This car runs and drives 100% in every way, and is a true pleasure to drive. The exterior of the car has no dents or scratches and appears to be all original paint. The interior leather is in excellent condition and shows no unusual wear of any kind. All 4 wheels are in great shape, and have no curb rash or chips. The tires are 95% new. If you are looking for a stunning 328 GTS, Don't let this one pass you by! Call Today!!! This Vehicle has been NYS Inspected, serviced, and is ready for immediate delivery. Canadian and out of State buyers Welcome! We are 15 minutes from 3 Border crossings and the Buffalo International Airport. We specialize in helping Canadian buyers import vehicles and can arrange transport if needed. We can also ship Worldwide!
CONTACT: John Caruso 716-998-0792.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Holden Coupe 60 at Melbourne Auto Show

We're elated when an embargo doesn't break or official images don't somehow manage to find their way to the wrong people ahead of time, because then we're totally surprised by things like this: the Holden Coupe 60. Unveiled today at the Melbourne Auto Show, the Coupe 60 honors Holden's 60th diamond anniversary in the car building business. Removing the two rear doors has allowed designers to make the sports coupe concept a full 60 mm shorter than the VE Commodore sedan that shares the same rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform, but the coupe's long wheelbase remains identical to the sedan.

The Coupe 60 looks absolutely brutal sitting on its 21-inch wheels that can barely be contained by the car's swollen fender flares. While the VE face up front is familiar, the design as a whole is decidedly clean thanks to a lack of wings, scoops and other superfluous paraphernalia. The only aerodynamic assistance is provided by a serious looking air diffuser in the rear apron, a rear deck lid spoiler and completely flat underbelly. Finally, Holden dipped its coupe concept in a one-off paint color called "Diamond Silver" that references the brand's diamond anniversary.

The Holden Coupe 60 is powered by a 6.0L flexfuel V8 sending power to the rear rubber through a 6-speed manual transmission, though Holden has withheld exact horespower and torque numbers. Brembo brakes bring the whole affair to a hault, while side-exiting exhaust tips add just the right amount of cool. The interior has also been heavily modified with one-piece carbon fiber seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, lots of suede and an LCD instrument cluster that looks lifted straight from a race car.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 FPV at Melbourne motor show

Despite how it might seem, all the action at the Melbourne motor show is not happening over at the Holden and HSV stands. Dearborn's Australian outpost put on its brass knuckles too and is teasing Melbourne showgoers with Ford Performance Vehcie's latest, greatest muscle. The arrival of the new FG Falcon means that a full lineup of FPV variants follows, and the new F6, GT and Super Pursuit ute are all on display. Like HSV, which hasn't announced power numbers for its W427, FPV is keeping the stats for its new machinery under wraps for now.

We're confident that the numbers will match the cars' gloriously extroverted looks. Colors out of a gumball machine, matte black accents, and stripe packages give the cars a vintage musclecar vibe. Big wheels, big brakes and all the requisite badges and bulges complete the look. The F6 is particularly evil, with its black wheels, "eye black," and visible intercooler. The interiors of all the cars appear to be very well-detailed, with snazzy instrumentation, sharp looking accessories, and very inviting seats.

As with the higher-end standard FG Falcons, power comes from either a turbo inline-six or a beefy Boss V8. FPV takes those already-impressive engines and makes them even more imposing. We know we have the Mustang and its impressive Shelby-badged factory specials, but man, what we wouldn't give for some of this Aussie muscle.

© Source: autoblog
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Mercedes G55 AMG with McLaren SLR engine

The German automakers keep on making more and more powerful sport-utes – some capable of pulling jumbo-jets and driving up buildings – with seemingly no end in sight. But for one owner, a stock Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG just wasn't enough to outperform his neighbor's Porsche Cayenne Turbo, so he had the engine swapped out for the 720-hp 5.5L supercharged V8 from the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The result? 0-60 in 4.2 seconds in a package that's rivaled in its exotic-engined brutality only by the long-departed Countach-powered Lamborghini LM002.

Of course there's only one place on earth that such a unique creation could possibly call home: Abu Dhabi, the same über-wealthy gulf emirate where the obscenely wealthy built Ferrari theme parks and drive $1.4 million hyper-exotics with $14 million license plates. Where else?

© Source: autoblog
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BMW 1 Series Coupé at Melbourne Motor Show

BMW’s best 1 Series yet, the Coupé is a noticeable presence at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show. The two-plus-two-seater is based on the rear wheel drive 1 Series Hatch but is longer by some 121mm (4360mm). A real Coupé (Astra I’m looking at you) with a proper boot, the 1 Series is also 13mm lower that its’ hatch back cousin.

Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0 litre six cylinder petrol engine (recently voted International Engine of the Year), the 135i delivers 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque to thrust the 1,560kg Coupé from standstill to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds!
Six Pot Calipers up front and twin pot rears should see equally impressive stopping times from the claimed 250km/h top speed which incidentally has a combined fuel consumption of 9.2 litres per 100km (not yet confirmed by ADR testing).

Riding on a double-pivot tie bar strut set up in the front and multilink rear suspension in the back the 135i also features an electronic management system designed to mimic a limited-slip differential for optimal traction to the 18 inch (rear) wheels.

Pricing is expected to be between $75,000 and $85,000 when 135i Coupé goes on sale next month. There has as yet been no official decision on an M varaiant though an M Sport Pack will be available.

© Source: caradvice
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Volkswagen in Geneva the new Scirocco is coming

The new Volkswagen Scirocco will debut next week in Geneva 34 years after the first generation Scirocco. The new coupè, based on the Golf platform, will be quite a bit bigger than the original, with space inside for 4 adults.

Initially the engine range will include four TDI and TSI engines ranging from 122 ps (presumably the 1.4 TSI) to 200 ps (probably the 2.0 TSI). The Scirocco will also include new technologies such as an adaptive chassis control system.

© Source: eurocarblog
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Opel Meriva Concept ready for Geneva

The current Opel Meriva on sale to Europeans is a rather ho-hum affair, which is why there's actual anticipation for the Meriva Concept that will debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show. Images of the Meriva Concept have already leaked out, but Opel has made the concept's existence official by releasing the good, high-res stuff and an accompanying press release. This four-door hatch concept that's guaranteed a spot on the production line is cloaked in Opel's new design language, which means clean lines and a simple face with the brand's new grille.

There are two elements of the Meriva Concept that we find interesting enough to mention again (the rest you can read in the press release after the jump), which include its rear FlexDoors and the kink in its window line. Rear suicide doors are a common feature on concept cars because they allows designers to eliminate the B-pillar, giving photographers a better view of the interior from behind the velvet ropes. The Meriva Concept, however, retains its B-pillars, suggesting the rear suicide doors have a definite shot at making it to the final production car.

We'll finally meet this car in person next week at the Geneva Motor Show, but we don't expect it to make the return trip badged as a Saturn like so many other Opel models.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva '08 Preview Magna Steyr MILA Alpin concept

Three years ago, Magna Steyr debut what it called the Mila concept car -- Magna Innovation Lightweight Auto. Conceived as a pure driver's car, it was an environmentally-conscious single-seater that ran on natural gas up to 120 mph. Last year around this team, Magna followed up the Mila CNG with the Mila Future, a further evolution of the concept that bore two seats, completely covered wheels and an impossibly complicated folding hard top.

For the next evolution of the MILA, Magna apparently thought that no one was serving the mountain climbing concept car market and stepped up to the challenge. The Mila Alpin is a chunky little off-road number that can climb 45-degree angles, runs on CNG, has 3+1 seating and what looks to be a seriously small turning radius. We hope the Magna stand in Geneva has a model Matterhorn so we can try it out.

© Source: autoblog
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Geneva '08 Preview Koenigsegg CCX and CCXR Edition

The Swedes seem to have a way of cutting through the hype. While its rivals call the special versions of their supercars things like "Hermes edition" and "Versace edition", Koenigsegg simply calls theirs the Edition. Too cold up there to tolerate fancy fashion labels tarting up their supercar.

It's been three months since we brought you the news of the Koenigsegg CCX and CCXR Edition, and the extra-special exotics will finally have their day in the spotlight as the Scandinavians make their way southwards to Geneva. As a quick refresher, the Edition models feature a twin-supercharged 4.8-liter V8, producing 888 hp in the CCX Edition and 1,018 hp in the ethanol-burning CCXR. Like Henry Ford said, you can have it in any color, as long as it's black: the Edition models come in bare carbon fiber, heavily lacquered to make it shine, with red accents for the ethanol version.

Extra equipment, from the carbon-fiber wheels to the rearview camera, come as standard, while special interior touches round out the package, including color-matched leather carpets and special instruments and controls. Only 14 CCX Editions will be made, and just 6 of the CCXR Edition, the first two of each already spoken for at over $2 million apiece with the first delivery taking place right under our noses at the Geneva show.

© Source: autoblog
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2010 Fiat Panda may take retro cues from 500

The Fiat Panda has been on the market in its current form since 2003, making it a likely candidate for replacement in the next couple of years. The miniscule five-door hatch was a big success contributing to Fiat's revival, winning the European Car of the Year award in 2004 before donating its platform for the even more successful 500 retro-hatch.

Italian car site OmniAuto is featuring a series of renderings predicting what the next Panda could look like, borrowing some of the retro cues from its Fiat 500 stablemate. Of course, this is mere speculation at this point, and while Fiat could decide to capitalize on the sell-out success of the Cinquecento with a similarly-styled five-door, it could alternatively deem keep the two models entirely separate.

© Source: autoblog
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Pininfarina will unveil Sintesi at Geneva Motor Show

All set to walk the red carpet at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 is the Sintesi by Pininfarina Design Department. Still a concept only, this drop-dead beauty is the synthesis of the brand’s values, their love for work and passion for innovation, of beauty driven by functionality, of sportiness and elegance.

What’s more fascinating is that the Sintesi concept will debut with an innovative feature that is called Clancast. Exclusive to Pininfarina, the Clancast system talks with other cars on the road to communicate traffic patterns, eliminating the need for traffic lights and other street signs.

However, Sintesi isn’t only the expression of Pininfarina design; it also embraces innovative technologies that allow us to explore new typologies of mobility, active safety and packaging solutions. Wait till March for official unveiling.

© Source: luxurylaunches
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2008 Creative Workshop Sport Speciale

With modern engineering and traditional Carrozzeria build techniques, this hand built, one-of-a-kind masterpiece is a seamless fusion of style and performance. A car that provides soul and character that no modern car and few classics can emulate. This car captures all of what those magnificent cars of that era were, yet provides a level of ergonomics and performance those cars could only dream of.

Additional Details:
Body:
- Body constructed with exact “Carrozzeria” build techniques, as the famous Italian builders of the 50’s did. Body construction is “Superleggera” style.
- All body and chassis elements of car completely fabricated from raw materials – from special thermo-formable acrylic headlight covers to the shift knob, which was machined from a solid block of Stainless Steel.
- Panel “rub protection” in matching leather beading
- Color: Ferrari Rossa Barchetta, OEM code 320

Ergonomics:
- Full heat protection on all cockpit panels
- Adjustable seats – seating position from 5’2” to 6’3”
- Interior door pockets, with matching custom storage pouches
- Custom seats trimmed in Italian glove leather
- Side Exhaust pipes custom bent for burn protection and increased ground clearance
- Custom floor mats
- Integrated passenger compartment heating system

Functionality:
- Removable Head Faring
- Original, Marchal racing fog lights
- Clear Mylar chip protection on all forward facing surfaces
- Integrated trickle charge system
- Original “Quick Fill” racing Monza fuel cap

Performance:
- Power to Weight Ratio: 4.95
- Weight Distribution: 1000lbs/Front (45%), 1230lbs/Rear (55%)
- Fuel Injection: 12 individual injectors and throttle bodies. Completely programmable – both on the acceleration and deceleration curve.
- Traction: Cutting edge limited slip traction control. No noise, no clicking, power-to-positive-grip-wheel.
- Handling: Racing, quick ratio rack steering, NASCAR-inspired fully adjustable front sway bar.
- Completely adjustable coil over shock absorbers, with multi-position rebound control valving.
- Fuel Cell: Fully Baffled, “1000 rivet style” hand built gas tank, Approximately 20 Gallon capacity.
- Mechanical, self-proportioning, 4-wheel race disc brakes
- Completely hand constructed header and exhaust system. Ceramic coated.

© Source: seriouswheels
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SEAT Leon Cupra K¹

Every so often, we wish that Volkswagen's SEAT brand was available here in the US. Sure, the Spanish automaker's vehicles are badge-engineering exercises that raid the corporate partsbin for powertrains, switchgear, and the like, but their styling is unique and some of the packages have definite appeal.

Take, for instance, the just-announced UK-market Leon Cupra K¹. With the stylish Leon Cupra as its base, the K¹ adds an appearance package that is, to put it plainly, pretty bitchin'. Intended to make the car look more like the Cupra BTCC racers, the kit includes new front and rear treatments, side skirts, and a sweet-looking center-exit exhaust. We think the K¹ kit is actually better-looking than the BTCC bodywork. Like its standard-bodied counterpart, the K¹ gets power from a 240 PS (236 HP) version of VW's 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder. That's good enough to give the Cupra a top speed of 153 mph. Hot hatch, indeed.

© Source: seriouswheels
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The Dracula Dacia Logan

Who knew the Prince of Darkness was into Eastern European econocars? After all, he is immortal, so you'd think he'd want something that'd probably last him a little longer than a Dacia Logan. Then again, Transylvania was part of Dacia in ancient times, so maybe this is how he cheekily shows his sense of nostalgia. In any case, there's no accounting for personal taste, and from the looks of things, Dracula's is pretty bad.

Look at those airbrushed scenes on the bodywork; the wall-to-wall Alcantara interior; the red LED "starlight" headliner; the custom "Dracula" badging; the coffin-shaped amp housings; the 8-million-speaker audio system -- clearly, this was a project he eagerly sunk his teeth into. From the looks of things, chicks dig it, too. At least until he sinks his teeth into them. Still, the thought of eternal life with a Dacia Logan -- particularly this one -- makes a stake through the heart seem like a pretty good option.

© Source: autoblog
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BMW X6 pricing

For some, the new BMW X6 sports activity coupe may be the car you've been waiting for. For others, the vehicle is a curiosity for embodying traits of both a crossover and sports sedan. It's got the ride height of a soft roader, but the sleek design and headroom-sacrificing profile of a performance vehicle. If this kind of cognitive dissonance appeals to you, a BMW X6 can be yours starting from $52,500 for the xDrive 35i model powered by the brand's superlative twin-turbo inline six-cylinder. That's not chump change, but is certainly less than the X6 xDrive 50i that starts at $63,000.

For the extra ten grand or so, the X6 xDrive 50i is fitted with BMW's brand new twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 pound feet of torque. BMW Blog also reveals a ton of optional equipment that's available for the X6, as well. These two MSRPs are just a starting point from which the cost of your X6 could take off like a rocket... that's made of money... and aimed at BMW HQ in Munich. If you require things like a navigation system ($1,900), heads-up display ($1,200) or the Active Ventilated Seat Package ($2,100), bring a lot of rocket fuel to your local BMW dealer.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Mazda6

New 2008 Mazda6 is motivated by an all new 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine managing a semi respectable 125kW and 226Nm the 6’s performance, though hardly likely to tear a hole in the space-time continuum, is nonetheless capable, sinuous and free-revving thanks to precision tuned VVT.

The engine sounds spirited and healthy, no NVH up top and no messy struggling in the lower reaches. It works in perfect harmony with the Activematic five speed auto to keep things moving with silky fluidity and thanks to the little paddle shift controls behind the steering wheel, can motivate things a little more hurriedly when required.

The new Mazda 6 is a great deal for the money, an enjoyable drive and packed with features. It’s safe, good looking and comes with enough toys to keep you happy.

Specification:
• Engine: 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol
• Power: 125 kW @ 6000 rpm
• Torque: 226 Nm @ 4000 rpm
• Top Speed: 207 km/h (claimed)
• 0-100km/h: N/A
• Drive: Front Wheel Drive
• Transmission: Five Speed Activematic (auto)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Emission Rating: Euro IV
• Fuel Capacity: 64 litres
• Fuel Consumption: 8.8l / 100km (combined average)
• Fuel Type: 98 octane PULP
• Towing Capacity: 1,500 kg (braked)
• Warranty: 3 years / Unlimited kilometre
• Weight: 1,513 kg (Tare)

© Source: caradvice
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Ford Flex priced from $28,995

The latest addition to Ford's seemingly ever expanding lineup of crossovers, the Flex, will start showing up at dealerships this summer and it now has a price tag. The new full size Flex SE will be starting off at $28,995 for the front-wheel-drive model, which includes the cost of getting the vehicle from the Oakville, Ont. factory to the showroom.

Two other trim levels will also be offered, as will all-wheel-drive, all of which easily pushes the price over $30,000. The AWD Flex Limited, for instance, kicks off at $37,255. Initially, power will be supplied by Ford's 3.5L V6, but a turbocharged EcoBoost model will be added next year.

© Source: autoblog
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3-wheeled Electric Car is Faster than a Porsche

Electric cars are reputed to be slow and aesthetically unappealing, but ZAP, which stands for Zero Air Pollution, have defied both stereotypes with their front-wheel-drive ZAP Alias.

This futuristic two-seater amazingly stands on just three wheels and claims to be faster than a Porsche. It can go from 0 to 60 mph (about 100 km/h) in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 156 mph (more than 250km/h) and boasts a 321.85 hp that matches the Porsche 911 Carrera.

Though it challenges the Porsche in speed, it isn’t exactly meant for cross-country cruising with a distance range of 100+ miles (160.9km). Nonetheless, this clean and green car looks to have a bright future in a world that is facing environmental challenges more than ever. Listed at US$32,500, the ZAP Alias is expected for launch in 2009, but booking reservations can be made now at www.zapworld.com for US$5,000.

© Source: goldarths
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2008 Audi A3 8L by RDX Racedesign

(from RDX Racedesign Press Release) Sporty muscular look: Aerodynamic kit for Audi A3 model 8L by RDX RACEDESIGN

* Aerodynamic construction kit Audi A3 model 8L (except S3) for 615.56 euros
* Front bumper spoiler ready for combination with Audi S6 daytime headlights
* Custom-fit for single-frame grille use on Audi A3 / 8P Sportback
* precisely fitting; in high-quality robust GRP
* Body-styling parts with TV-parts approved certificate/TV cleared

A new aerodynamic body-styling kit for the Audi A3 8L is being put on the market as from today by the tuning specialist RDX RACEDESIGN Automotive, Germany. It brushes up the first-generation A3 with rejuvenating body-styling at the same time giving it a really sporty appearance.

The aerodynamic kit comprises a front bumper spoiler, intended for use with a single-frame grille. It can be combined with the original Audi grille for the A3/8P Sportback as well es with various other single-frame grilles* supplied by RDX RACEDESIGN. In addition it can also be used on vehicles with or without headlight washing systems. The final detail, so-to-speak the "crowning" detail, is the chance to have Audi S6 day lights fitted, which can be ordered from Audi dealers.
Optical lowering and more side "muscles" are provided by a side skirt set (129.95 euros), which shows off the sporty air scoops on each side The new appearance is finished off by a new RDX RACEDESIGN rear apron fitted with an attractive design fold for 255.00 euros. The rear part is supplied without openings for the exhaust unit. They can be cut out to size as required.

The kit is available as a set for 615.56 euros. A price advantage of around 70 euros!

All RDX RACEDESIGN components display excellent custom-fitting, good paintability qualities and are of course TV tested and certified. The front part is supplied with TV parts approved certificate, the side skirt and rear with TV clearance. For further information on the wide range RDX RACEDESIGN tuning programme please call 09176/ 99 55 90 or refer to the homepage www.rdx-racedesign.de.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Lexus LS600h L

Sam Abuelsamid recently spent a week behind the wheel of the very expensive, very luxurious Lexus LS600h L. The über-Lexus has the V12 offerings from Audi, Mercedes, and BMW in its sights -- lofty targets, to be sure, but based on Sam's account, the big hybrid might well have a missile lock on its competition this time around.

If you thought the "hybrid penalty" on mass-market hybrids like the Prius or Altima was a tough financial pill to swallow, you're going to need the Heimlich maneuver performed once you look at how the LS600h's numbers work out.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 TechArt GTstreet Cabiolet based on Porsche 911 Turbo

(from TechArt Press Release) World premiere at the Geneva Auto-Salon 2008

TECHART GTstreet convertible – uncompromisingly sporty.

In hall 2 of the 78th International Geneva Auto-Salon, the world premiere of TECHART Automobildesign will be unveiled. Here, the new TECHART GTstreet convertible will be presented to the press and international public; the car is based on the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

Uncompromisingly sporty, unreservedly suitable for everyday use. TECHART is continuing this traditional philosophy with its GTstreet convertible. Since 2001, when the Porsche 911 Turbo model from the 996 series was used, vehicles bearing the TECHART GTstreet logo have been among the fastest and highest performing road-worthy sports vehicles in the world.

The new TECHART GTstreet is continuing this impressive trend, based on the current Porsche 911 Turbo generation. At the world premiere on 4th March 2008, this convertible model will stand alongside the GTstreet Coupй, which was officially launched in Geneva in spring 2007 and caused a real sensation.

Unmistakable characteristic appearance and breath-taking performance. The TECHART GTstreet convertible now develops 463 kW (630 hp) and can reach a maximum speed of 345 km/h.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Mitsubishi Prototype S

Autobild spilled the beans over the weekend, and today, Mitsubishi lifted the embargo on its Geneva-bound Prototype S, which is basically the forthcoming Lancer Sportback in light concept trim. Beneath the hatchback's skin lies the powertrain used in in the new US-market Lancer Ralliart -- 240 horses, dual-clutch, full-time AWD, and active center differential.

It's anyone's guess whether Mitsubishi will elect to offer it outside Europe, where the body style is sure to be a bread-and-butter seller. We certainly wouldn't turn it away, though; there's always room for more hatchbacks with "go."

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Cadillac STS-V Review

With flashy contemporaries like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the 2008 Cadillac STS-V always had an uphill battle to win some celebrity among luxury-minded horsepower junkies. However, it isn't a German or even a Japanese high-performance sedan that has effectively torpedoed the STS-V. No, the shot below the water line has come from within its own family. The forthcoming CTS-V will sport 81 more horsepower, 111 more pound-feet of torque, greater agility and a much better interior at a lower price. In other words, the little brother is way cooler. Jacksons one through four can relate.

Things started off well for the STS-V, as it was the most powerful car to ever don the old wreath and crest logo. With a supercharger stuffing air into the 4.4-liter Northstar V8, this high-performance Caddy pumps out 469 hp and can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Although not quite as prodigious as the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the STS-V is still a mean machine that can also soak up miles upon miles of freeway cruising in luxurious comfort. For American muscle car lovers with a healthy bank account, the STS-V presents a tremendous combination of performance and luxury. Of course, its German competitors are more refined and technologically advanced, but they also cost at least $6,000 more.

On the luxury front, the 2008 STS-V comes standard with all the regular STS's options, including this year's new lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems. The interior has also been given a light polish, with a much nicer steering wheel and a sportier combination of wood and aluminum accents. In total, this large sedan is very nice, but like its performance credentials, it will be greatly outdone by the future CTS-V. Little brother sports a more eye-catching design, better materials and newer electronic gizmos. Plus, it's actually the same size as the M5 and E63 -- the STS-V is the big-boned member of the family.

Given that size, the 2008 Cadillac STS-V will certainly have some appeal to those who need the maximum amount of space available in a high-performance luxury sedan. We're not sure how many people actually do, though, so seemingly, the STS-V's only other advantage over its little brother is that you can actually get one. The CTS-V won't be available until later in 2008 and even then, it may be hard to come by initially. It should be worth the wait, but the STS-V certainly won't disappoint if you absolutely have to have a super Caddy this very second.

© Source: edmunds
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Toyota FT-HS performance hybrid concept

Perhaps not the most ideal tag line to promote Toyota’s newest performance concept, think of the FT-HS - or Future Toyota Hybrid Sports - as a ‘Prius on steroids’. With rising fuel prices, the FT-HS prototype makes sense - a battery to keep the nutters happy, and a 3.5-litre V6 engine to keep a smile on your face.

The electric motor adds almost 50 percent more power to the petrol-only engine similar to the one found in the humble Aurion family car. When combined, the FT-HS has a targeted output of over 300kW - just a little more than a Prius. With its aerodynamic profile and liberal use of weight saving materials, Toyota expects a 0-100km/h dash in the four-second range.

If the hybrid-sports car doesn’t quite catch on, Toyota Australia’s corporate manager of product planning Peter Evans says alternatively it could be interpreted as a vision for the Toyota Supra of the future.

The FT-HS concept will be featured on Toyota’s stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

© Source: caradvice
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