2008 SAAB 9-3 Vector Review

Engine: 1910cc four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 110kW @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 2,000 - 2,750rpm
Transmission: Sentronic Six-Speed Automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds (Claimed)
Top speed: 210km/h (Claimed)
Safety: ESP (with TCS); ABS (with BA, CBC & EBD); Front, Side and Curtain Airbags
NCAP rating: 5 Stars
Turning circle: 10.8 metres
Wheels: Alloy 17″ x 7.5″ (As Tested - Usually 17″ x 7″)
Spare Wheel: Space Saver
Fuel tank: 58 litres
Fuel consumption : 6.8 litre / 100km (ADR Combined Average)
Fuel type: Diesel
Towing Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
Weight: 1,509kg (Tare)

Take the 9-3 on face value and the car is quite impressive, rather stunning to look at and surprisingly comfortable to ride in, but start blending the various parts and practicalities together as a whole and you soon realise a few things could have been done a little better. Smooth parallel shoulder and hip lines carry unbroken through the length of the vehicle to a well finished rear end sporting frosted tail lights and high boot line.

Upfront the 110kW 1.9 litre common-rail turbo diesel does a brilliant job of keeping things on the boil once moving and with thanks to a healthy 320Nm, pulls rather strongly mid gear. The down side however is that the performance suffers incredibly from (initial) turbo lag.

Braking though is good, reassuring, and a lot better than the 9-5, but the pedal feel is still somewhat firm and requires far more input than similarly priced European or Japanese rivals. Still the ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brings the 9-3 to rest confidently and drew little in the way of messy black dust all over the sporty 17″ alloys which was nice for a change come clean up time.

In all though SAAB 9-3 is a great looker, is cheap to run and is surprisingly comfortable. Whilst it does lack some of the driving finesse you’d expect of a premium brand, and though it could do with a little tweaking to satiate the needs of a fiercely fought price bracket, it’s has one unique thing going for it - people just love to admire it.

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New KITT - OFFICIAL PHOTOS

The Knight Rider TV movie was not good. The updated, Shelby Mustang-based KITT looked undeniably cool (when not in Ugly... er... Attack Mode, at least), but the acting was wooden and the writing was a horror show. Still, the ending completely set up a potential ongoing story. Today comes word that the ratings were apparently good enough for the suits to give a thumbs-up for a new weekly series starting this Fall. Early reports suggest a Friday night timeslot is in the works, but that's subject to change; all will be known on Wednesday when NBC presents its early upfronts.

We'll assume that at the very least, stars Justin Breuning (Mike Traceur) and Deanna Russo (Mike Traceur's Girlfriend) will return to fill our flatscreens with emotionless line reading. And since voicing KITT should be a relatively easy payday for Val Kilmer, we'd expect him to reprise his role, as well. As for the Hoff, who walked on for a brief cameo at the end of the pilot, who knows? The big winner here is Ford, which now gets an hour-long weekly showcase for the Shelby GT500KR KITT. Based on the stupendously lousy pilot, however, we're going to put on our prognostication hats and set the over/under for this Knight Rider reboot at 10 episodes. Unless NBC ups the quality in a big, big way, the under is a lock.

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2008 Volvo V70 T6

For starters, the new Volvo V70 only comes in one guise for the Aussie market. The ‘T6’ title refers to the unit under the bonnet. The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder motor pulsates 210kW and a very brisk 400Nm of torque. Power is delivered via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. All these turbocharger shenanigans return a fuel consumption figure of 11.3-litres/100km – pretty modest when you consider the performance!

If the acceleration doesn’t blow you away, the handling certainly will. Coupled with a Haldex all-wheel-drive system, the V70 has tremendous grip through corners. Sitting on 18” wheels with 245-wide Pirelli Pzero tyres, grip levels are prodigious – making it the best way to drop the kids off to school and make it home before your favourite morning show begins.

The interior is typical Volvo – clean and sleek. The quality of materials used is extremely impressive, as is the fit and finish. The cabin is very quiet at highway speeds, indicating good cabin sealing. Front and rear leg room caters for families, with more than enough space for adults to stretch out.

The advanced key fob allows the drive to obtain information about the car’s status, meaning that you will never have to think back and try to remember if you have locked the car, as the key stores the last state.

Optional radar cruise control allows the driver to maintain a set distance between their vehicle and the car in front. This allows the driver to concentrate on one thing – driving. The system can also pre-emptively brake for the driver if it senses an impact is imminent, this further reduces the braking distance in the event of a collision.

Recommended Retail Price: $67,950

Options fitted: Radar cruise control ($3,950); Speed sensitive power steering ($750); sunglass holder ($100); Volvo navigation system ($3,950); sunroof ($2,150).

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2010 Acura NSX - Rendered Speculation

We've known for quite some time now that the Acura NSX replacement would feature a V10 engine likely at the front of the vehicle and possibly powering all four wheels via a version of the brand's SH-AWD. Now that Nissan's amazing new GT-R has set a new standard for what a Japanese supercar can be, the next NSX had better be something impressive indeed, and rumors are that it will be just that.

What we still don't know is what this car will look like, so we're very interested in what Japanese car-buff-mag Best Car claims is a rendering of the new NSX. If this is an accurate portrayal, we're glad that Acura stylists found a way to leave off the big metal triangular grill that is plaguing the rest of its lineup, as it just doesn't seem befitting for a sportscar. Although the only rendering offered is an angled shot from the drivers-side front, this coupe still seems a little generic to our eyes, but at least looks better than what we saw from the Advanced Sports Car Concept last year in Detroit.

Fans of Acura's first generation NSX are going to have a tough time waiting until 2010 for the next version to bow, but we're sure to have an endless stream of spy shots and a perpetually overactive rumormill to keep us busy till then.

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2010 Cadillac BRX Caught - Spy Shots

Riding on GM’s new TE (Theta-Epsilon) chassis, this new, smaller Caddy will start production in May of 2009 at the Ramos Arizpe plant. The General will look to build about 75,000 units annually. Codenamed GMT166, Cadillac will share the TE platform with Saab for the 9-4x (GMT168) that starts production in the fall of 2009.

Powertrain choices will surely include the 300-hp, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 found in the CTS. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel variant is also in the works, however, it remains to be seen whether that model will be sold in U.S.

Through the camouflage on this BRX prototype, we can see the production grill will follow the Provoq concept almost exactly, while the rear camouflage attempts to hide the true roofline - but we can tell the production greenhouse will swoop downward in the rear just as it does on the Provoq. Quite honestly, we don’t see many differences from the concept at all. It seems as if the tailfin taillights of the concept may even find their way to production.

Two things we did not see on the concept, but do see on the prototype, are the dual exhaust outlets integrated into the bumper. While shooting, we also noticed that the BRX will feature the same pop-up navigation screen found in the CTS sedan.

© Source: thecarconnectio
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Buyers dropping more coin on the 2008 Chevy Malibu

The 2008 Chevy Malibu has snatched up awards and media accolades, and JD Power data shows that customers are paying Chevy dealers handsomely to own one. The average transaction price of a Chevy Malibu is $22,358 -- $5,000 higher than the inherently uncool last-gen 'Bu. Twenty-one percent of buyers are also opting for the top-of-the-line LTZ vs. only 5% for the outgoing model.

The news isn't all rosy, however, as most of these customers are trading in other GM products to get themselves into the North American Car of the Year. Only 1.4% of buyers traded in a Toyota Camry, 1.3% swapped a Nissan Altima, and less than 1% turned in a Honda Accord. Those aren't exactly the kind of numbers GM will want to brag about, but at least the General is pulling in the equivalent of two Tata Nanos more per car than the last generation model did.

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2009 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT will be E85 compatible

In Dallas, a businessman has spent half a million dollars to install nine pumps that dispense E85, E10, and biodiesel. The catch: the businessman is a HUMMER dealer, and the pumps are next to his dealership. The station is called Classic Clean Fuels, and it is intended to make a statement for next year's H2 and H2 SUT, which will be the first production models to be Flex-fuel capable.

You won't need to drive a HUMMER to get E85 at the station. The pumps are open to the public, a first for a dealer-owned gas station. By 2010, GM has said all HUMMERs will be biofuel-capable. GM plans to market 15 Flexfuel models next year, but only one percent of the country's service stations sell E85. GM is using that as an opportunity to open the public's (and dealers') minds to putting alternative fuel stations in alternative places.

Said GM's Larry Burns, "Down the road we may even want to consider hydrogen dispensers at dealerships."

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Chrysler Town and Country

Much has been made about the decline in popularity of the minivan. With the proliferation of crossovers and SUV-lights, one might think that the mommy-box market was tanking. After all, GM and Ford bailed on the segment, so it must not be viable, right? Wrong. The reality is that while the minivan market has shrunk some, with over a million annual sales it’s still a big sand box with room for perennial leader Chrysler to duke it out with its remaining competitors from Asia and Germany.

Introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is more squared-off styling represents an edgy departure from the Clorox bottle shape of the previous generation. Particularly from the rear, the van’s boxy design looks as if it were artfully drawn with a rafter square.

Perennial power
Chrysler’s 3.8-liter V-6 powers the Town and Country Touring model we tested. Two other V-6s propel the trim levels that bracket the Touring; the 3.3-liter on the LX and the 4.0-liter on the Limited. Our van’s powertrain included a six-speed automatic, and the combination provided more than adequate performance for this class of vehicle. With 197 horses, power was never lacking around town or on interstates.

Surprisingly quiet at highway speeds, the engine sounded rather raucous when the throttle blades opened wide. Unlike some competitive engines that emit a powerful but muted growl when poked, the 3.8-liter was aurally unrefined. Likewise, the six-speed shifted smoothly under most circumstances, but lost its buttery feel when rushed. Of course, this is a minivan and not a BMW sedan.

Outfitted with the 3.8-liter/6-speed, the Town and Country is said to deliver mileage of 16 city/23 highway. With its 20-gallon fuel tank, one could reasonably expect to cover over 400 miles between fill ups. We found no reason to doubt this estimate.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Ferrari F430 Coupe Review

Specifications
• Engine: 4.3-litre V8
• Power: 360kW @ 8500rpm
• Torque: 465Nm @ 5250rpm
• Transmission: 6sp Seq. Manual Auto-Clutch
• 0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds
• Max speed: 315km/h
• Fuel tank capacity: 95 litres
• Fuel type: minimum 95
• Fuel consumption (combined): 18.3-litres/100kms
• Weight: 1290kg (Tare Mass)
• Built in: Italy
• CO2 emissions: 420g/km

The F430 bears a strong resemblance to the 360 that it replaces, however it’s a totally different creation. The two front intakes are not only inspired by the 156 F1 car that Phil Hill drove to victory n 1961, but also to cool the carbon-ceramic front brakes.

There are several features of the car that show just how scientific the design process was – the air flows in a vector between the twin struts of the wing-mirror, along a groove in the door and neatly into the rear intake cowls. Similarly, another aerodynamic work of genius draws air along the shut-line at the bottom of the doors and into another set of intakes, which service the rear brakes. A completely flat underside and rear splitter help to provide more down-force.

The biggest miracle of design is that the renowned Italian automotive designer, Pininfarina managed to achieve all of this and still managed to make this Berlinetta look fantastic, in an athletic kind of way. Unveiled in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, this F1-inspired mid-rear engined super car was launched in 2005. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 360 kW, 4.3-litre V8 (456 Nm of torque), has a lightweight aluminium chassis and body panels and is bristling with technology developed on the race track.

Advanced aerodynamics, suspension and the electronic differential (E-Diff) ensure that performance dynamics are nothing short of astounding. Ferrari F430 has a maximum speed of 315 km/h.

A welcome addition to the F430 is the Manettino switch. Explained briefly, this is an F1 style set-up selector on the steering wheel. In ‘Sport’ mode the suspension height is lowered and damping stiffness is increased, the engine management is reigned in and safety systems and traction control become less intrusive.

‘Race’ mode gives you a bit more and will let you slide enough to make you look like a superstar but there’s still enough safety stuff looking after you if you overcook it. In ‘CST/OFF’ mode, everything’s off and if you’re not a superstar, you’ll probably kill yourself.

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BMW M3 downsizing?

Future incarnations of the BMW M3 may no longer use the newly introduced V8 powerplant, with tougher emissions standards and environmental expectations encouraging BMW’s M division to seek more power from smaller engines.

The BMW M3 has always featured powerful naturally aspirated engines, beginning with an inline-4 in the original which progressed to the iconic inline-6 and then finally the current high-revving V8.

However in order to continue producing faster and more powerful sports cars, BMW’s M division may create another first for the M3 - with BMW boss Norbert Reithofer expressing interest in the 223kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six as a possible alternative to displacement and cylinders.

The trend toward smaller engines doesn’t stop with the M3 range however, with BMW’s V8 diesel also likely to be replaced with a twin turbocharged I6.

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Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera production ends

Production of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera has ended in favour of the newly released LP560-4 Gallardo which made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Despite having only been in production for almost a year, the lighter and more powerful Superleggera was only ever intended as a limited production model.

Revisions to the Gallardo’s V10 engine raised maximum power to 388kW at 8000rpm and 510Nm, whilst a 70kg weight reduction meant it could accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

The Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo produces 412kW and 539Nm from its larger 5.2-litre V10 engine, out pacing the lightweight Superleggera in the sprint to 100km/h by 0.1 seconds.

CarAdvice will be bringing you a full review of not only the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera but also the stunning Gallardo Spyder in the coming week.

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2011 Rolls-Royce Sedan Spied

We nabbed some new spy shots of Rolls Royce’s new baby–dubbed internally as the RR4. Despite sharing some platform elements with the upcoming BMW 7-Series, the RR4 still manages to have entirely different dimensions–longer, wider and taller, with a longer wheelbase to boot. The RR4 has clearly been inspired by the Rolls-Royce Phantom, only a bit less ostentatious. The RR4 will give BMW a new entry to slot between the Phantom and the 7-Series, finally providing some meaningful cannon fodder for rival Bentley’s Continental Flying Spur.

A range of engines have been rumored, including a detuned version of the Phantom’s 453-hp 6.75-liter V-12 engine, the BMW X6’s 407-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, or the 441-hp 6.0-liter V-12 from the current BMW 760i. The U.K.’s Autocar magazine also reports that a diesel is also a real possibility for the RR4’s engine bay

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Kia Koup Concept

from Kia Press Release) KIA DEBUTS KOUP CONCEPT AT 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

- Design Cues, Indicative of an Emotional and Powerful Driving Experience; Reflect Brand Evolution

- Distinctive "check mark" shape furthers the performance-inspired appearance;
Realistic interior design makes KOUP a true driver's car

Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling" with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.

"The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies," said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. "Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers."

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager

Chrysler has released the all new 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager in Australia with a starting price of $56,990. The 2008 model has improved significantly, with the entry price only increasing by $1,000.

The old 3.3-litre V6 engine has been replaced with a new 3.8-litre petrol V6 and, for the first time, a 2.8-litre turbo diesel is also available. Chrysler says there is more than 30 new improvements for the ‘original’ people mover. The new engines are now coupled to six-speed automatic transmissions which replace the aging four-speeds.

Other notable features include standard Reversing camera across the range, all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system, the availability of dual-DVD screens for second- and third-row entertainment and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System.

The most obvious change, however, is the all-new interior and exterior design which now resemble the rest of the Chrysler line-up. On first glance you might assume that the ‘all-new’ 2008 Grand Voyager is only a facelift. Not so.

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2007 Kia Kee Concept

(from Kia Press Release) The all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept vehicle today made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Previously introduced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany, the Kee is an expression of the company's emphasis on design and incorporates styling cues that will establish a design language and identity for the brand.

The Kia Kee (pronounced 'key') is a 4.3-metre long, four-seater, 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines resulting from a slightly lengthened greenhouse. It is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence that demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for Kia.

Designed in Europe under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the sports coupe concept is named Kee for several reasons. "Kee refers to the English word 'key' as the coupe embodies design elements which will become essential to the future 'look' of Kia vehicles," explains Schreyer. "The coupe also represents the 'key' which will open the door to success for our brand and acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word 'Ki' – the cultural concept for life-force or spiritual energy."

© Source: seriouswheels
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McLaren F1 LM

Ten years ago, Lewis Hamilton was only 13 years old and was already under the wing of McLaren chief Ron Dennis. A young Lewis visited the McLaren headquarters in Woking, England, and fixed his eyes on a bright orange McLaren F1 LM supercar sitting on display at the factory. Good taste, Lewis: only five roadgoing LMs were made, and each one is said to be worth about $4 million. Produced in 1995 to commemorate McLaren's win at Le Mans, it was the fastest supercar of its day, and with a 0-60 time of under three seconds, it remains one of the fastest to this day.

Ron Dennis has now promised Hamilton that if he wins the world championship this year – and locks up the constructors' title together with teammate Heikki Kovalainen – the car will be his. Not a bad bonus.

© Source: autoblog
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Wooden Opel

I wouldn’t quite advice you to practice what this guy above has done to his Opel unless you are rich enough to posses a tree farm for otherwise the environmentalists would eat up on you. That would have taken quite a solid trunk in the making. Defying Critique, it does something which I never came across; an automotive piece-of-art which is mobile.

Can’t just think of a reason to do so lest the fact we know how useless those Opel cars are. Probably, Robert Frost would have been the best man to say something more about it for the fact that the pictures reveal an invigorating background with the usage of ‘woods’ as he normally puts it. Was it the car that could made him change the famous lines ‘I’ve miles to go before I sleep’, for it could have helped him in treading those miles quicker.

© Source: bornrich
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Roewe 550 sedan spied at commercial shoot

SAIC's Rowe brand is set to formally unveil its new 550 sedan in Beijing next month. The sedan's styling is very mainstream save for its unfortunate front fascia. Those undersized, oddly-shaped headlights just seem very out of place.

That said, it's not as if we're the target market, and it's likely to be one of the more important Beijing Motor Show debuts. According to China Car Times, the 550 will be powered by the same 1.8L turbo found under the hood of the Roewe 750 (the re-engineered Rover 75). We'll have more photos and additional details via the crew at Autoblog Chinese when the car is unveiled next month.

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2009 Acura TSX - First Drive

The first generation Acura TSX received glowing reviews from the media and owners alike. While not having the most exciting styling or the beefiest of powertrains, the TSX offered a sensible and reliable vehicle with plenty of standard options that didn't break the bank. Our man Damon road-tripped a 2007 TSX up to Lake Tahoe and was pleasantly surprised with the driving characteristics and smooth powertrain, although he put Acura's turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 on the wish list.

With Acura launching an all-new TSX in 2009, we've been itching to see what direction they would go with the second generation. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long to find out because Acura invited us to test the new TSX just a few weeks before officially launching the car at the New York Auto Show.

© Source: autoblog
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2010 BMW Z4 - Spy Photos

BMW’s next-generation Z4 sports car has been photographed quite often in various stages of its development. These latest shots show a test car caught in the streets of Munich.

The Z4 will replace the current model that has been on the market since 2003, and it will be about the same size. The most significant feature on the new car is that BMW will exchange the canvas top for a retractable steel roof, like that on the Mercedes SLK.

The new Z4 is expected to offer a choice of more powerful engines. Riding on the latest 3-Series chassis, it may use the same range of four- and six-cylinder engines, and for the first time there is talk of additional diesel engines, too. The top of the line version will be the Z4 M.

While the current Z4 is being built in BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the new Z4 will be built in Regensburg, Germany, with production starting in late 2009.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

It's a shame that more of Suzuki's line-up isn't as well designed and executed as the nimble little Swift hatchback. But we swear, this was not what we had in mind.


Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the country's largest automaker and majority owned its the Japanese parent company, has taken the wraps off of the ironically named Swift DZire, initial spy shots of which we lamented several months ago. Rather contrary to its name, we're left wondering what's so desirable about a trunk that it's worth butchering erstwhile attractive hatchbacks. The resulting conversion ends up looking like the hatch version, only with a tumor growing out the back. Maruti calls its "The Heart Car", but we'll go for the bypass, thank you very much.

© Source: autoblog
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SEAT Leon FR550 TDI

While it sister company Audi continues to forge ahead in Le Mans-class racing under diesel power, the SEAT division is likewise launching an assault on the British Touring Car Championship with an oil-burning Leon TDI. The Spanish automaker is also launching a special edition Leon for the road to coincide with its competition counterpart's race debut.

Mechanically, the limited-edition Leon FR550 is largely the same as the standard FR – one rung down on the SEAT performance ladder from the top-of-the-line Cupra – powered by the same two-liter turbodiesel on the Leon FR TDI. The details are what set the FR550 apart, carrying such touches as racing-style buckets seats, special badging, USB connectivity, 18-inch "Draco" alloys and a range of special colors. The turbodiesel Leon FR will hit sixty in 8.2 and return 39.2 mpg city/47 mpg highway. If they act fast enough, British customers can pick up one of the 550 examples of the FR550 being offered at a £400 premium over the standard version.

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Lexus IS F

No luxury car range is complete with-out a super-saloon these days – so Lexus has come up with this. The IS F is the Japanese manufacturer’s answer to the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. It lacks the heritage of its European rivals, but can it match the old guard on UK roads?

Judged on looks alone, this version of the IS is a rather sober piece of kit. Lowered suspension and 19-inch alloys give a ground-hugging stance, yet the new front bumper, side sills and large bonnet bulge are surprisingly discreet.

Our model’s black paintwork also reduced the impact of the standard anthracite wheels, and on our drive no other road users paid the sporty Lexus any attention. The only details which spoil its Q-car credentials are the two pairs of stacked oval tailpipes that protrude from the back bumper.

It’s a similar story inside, because the cabin is pretty much unchanged from the standard IS 250. You do get loads of kit, including sat-nav, sports seats and a 14-speaker stereo, but the new silver trim on the centre console is somewhat underwhelming.

A quick look under the IS F’s bonnet should be enough to restore faith in the brand, because crammed into the engine bay is an incredible 5.0-litre V8. It develops a mouth-watering 417bhp and powers the saloon from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

However, the car’s pure pace tells only half the story, because the high-revving unit is smooth, with a linear power delivery and pin-sharp responses. It’s muted in normal driving, but once you pass 3,600rpm, a valve in the exhaust manifold opens and the volume instantly rises, creating a fantastic V8 soundtrack.

While it’s still fun to drive, most of that enjoyment comes from its mighty V8. And in this class, the IS F’s limited handling involvement won’t appeal to everyone – especially when you’re paying £51,000 for the privilege.

© Source: autoexpress
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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

(from Hyundai Press Release) Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show t. The 2010 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines – a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009.

GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
• Hyundai’s second rear-wheel drive performance car
• 306 horsepower (est.)from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
• Std. 212 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
• Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model

Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.

POWERTRAINS
Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.

The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.


HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS
Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear rotors on SE models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single piston calipers.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Skoda Roomster Comparo

Models tested:
Skoda Roomster 1.6 Petrol (automatic) $29,290 - Tested
Skoda Roomster 1.9 Turbo Diesel (manual) $28,990 - Tested

Options:
Metallic Paint $540 (Fitted); Park Distance Control (Rear) $690 (Fitted); Alarm System $530; Roof Rails $330 (Fitted); Panoramic Roof $1690 (Fitted).

The funky Skoda Roomster is no stranger to the CarAdvice office having been reviewed by Karl some months ago. So rather than review it again, I used the Roomster as a little science project to help solve the most important conundrum of the modern age – petrol versus diesel.
My first guinea pig was the petrol variant, in this case the Roomster Style 1.6 litre four-cylinder. The double overhead cam sixteen valve engine revs rather freely and like most petrol engines, develops the majority of its motivation higher in the rev range.

The multi-point injection set up helps develop a rather smooth 77kW which is on board at 5,600 rpm, just shy of the red line. Coupled with a somewhat lack luster torque figure of 153Nm @ 3,800rpm the figures don’t really do a lot to inspire a would-be buyer, at least on paper.

Fortunately for the petrol Roomster the transmission is its saving grace, which is why I chose to review the automatic. In my opinion it does a better job than the manual when mated to this particular petrol engine, and made for a fairer comparison to the TDI model.

The six-speed automatic (with sport mode and tiptronic style shifter – floor mounted) adapts itself to your driving style and very quickly learns how best to react to throttle input selecting the required gear to keep Roomster moving at a respectable pace.

Moving on to the diesel now, the Roomster Style TDI comes in one guise only, the slightly higher capacity 1.9 litre five-speed manual. The single overhead cam eight valve turbo charged oiler manages 77kW, just like its petrol brother, though the power comes on sooner - 4,000rpm due to the low revving nature of a diesel engine.

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2008 Geeley GT Concept

The 2008 Beijing Motor Show will play host to the usual assortment of real automakers' wares, direct knock-offs of said automakers' wares, and a few concepts and production vehicles of genuine interest beyond comedic value. We'll count the Geely GT among that last group. Details are sparse at the moment -- we have no clue what the proposed powertrain consists of, for example -- but Geely's coupe concept this year looks to be substantially more ambitious and voluptuous than the Mybo II 2-door show car it displayed last year in Shanghai. The Mybo II didn't have a whole lot going on in the looks department except a peculiar face that had us expecting it to transform into a giant robot at any moment.

The Geely GT mashes up a variety of looks -- we see some Maybach Exceleo, Ferrari 612, Nissan GT-R, and assorted Peugeot in there. The end result is something that we'd actually be interested to see in person, as the preview photos (or are they renderings?) demonstrate.

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2008 Kia KOUP Concept

Introducing the Korean Camaro, better known as the Kia KOUP concept, which has been unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.

A surprisingly fresh and attractive offering from Kia, the KOUP concept signals a new design direction for the otherwise bland brand. Flared wheel arches, twin exhaust outlets and an aggressive aerokit leave no doubt that this concept aims to lead Kia’s assault on the performance car market.

Carbon-fiber highlights are used extensively both inside and out, including on the stunning alloy wheels which cradle an impressive Brembo brake package. Under the bonnet is a powerplant to match its menacing appearance, featuring a twin screw turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre Theta II four cylinder engine producing an impressive 217kW of power and 391Nm at just 2,000rpm.

The KOUP has more than enough potential on paper to compete not only with fellow turbocharged Korean sports car entrant, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0t, but also the flagship V6 Genesis Coupe.

However unlike the Hyundai, the Kia KOUP concept is built on a front-wheel drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension.

A seemingly production-ready interior uncharacteristic of the usually flamboyant Kia concept designs indicate this model is most likely destined for the production line in the near future.

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