SEAT Ibiza Cupra unveiled

In Europe, budget-minded pistonheads have a treasure trove of hot hatches to choose from, and SEAT will be adding another model to the mix later this year.

Seat Ibiza Cupra will be officially unveiled in Paris, but Seat has dropped the first few images and a handful of specs ahead of its official unveiling in the City of Light this October. The Cupra is packing a twin-turbocharged, 1.4-liter TSI four underhood, sending 178 hp to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Traction control and ESP are part of the package, along with a stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels and bolstered buckets. The exterior benefits from a new fascia incorporating massive grilles and tiny fog lamps, side skirts and a new rear bumper.

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Audi R8 GT3 unveiled

Call it a new car or not, Audi has made it official that their new Audi R8 GT3 that sports 550hp is going to be available to the market from autumn 2009.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport program,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich.

Built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture, the new Audi R8 GT3 is looking even better and sports things like a rear wing, a full roll cage, heat extractors over the engine bay or a longer spoiler. But did we mention the performances? It runs on a new 6-speed sequential sports gearbox that takes the suspension components from the regular R8 and sports 550 hp?

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Fisker new hybrid models

Fisker Automotive is going to have its work cut out for it when it comes to meeting its self-imposed deadline of bring the Karma sedan to market by the fourth-quarter of 2009. To complicate matters even further, the automaker is now rumored to be working on three more plug-in hybrids. That would represent a truly serious undertaking for such a small automaker. To ease matters slightly, all four models would use the same basic underpinnings -- including the most important piece of all, the lithium ion battery and its assorted bits.

Fisker has recruited Quantum Technologies, a company which has seen success building vehicles for the military, for help in creating the drivetrain for its electric vehicles. Reportedly on the drawing board are a coupe, a convertible and an SUV, all of which should go a long way towards meeting Fisker's goal of selling 15,000 vehicles a year by 2011.

© Source: autoblog
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BMW 1-Series in the Schnitz

Who'd have thunk it? AC Schnitzer has turned the awkward looking BMW 1-Series coupe into something really rather desirable.

The styling features, which fit to the car with or without the M-Technik bodykit, include front and rear skirt 'attachments' and enlarged side intakes on the front spoiler.

According to AC Schnitzer this gives the car a 'greedier, more competitive look'. Right you are.

Engine upgrades are available throughout the range. The 120d gets a power boost to 210bhp from 177bhp, while the 123d goes up from 204 to 240bhp.

The most appealing however is the 135i, which AC Schnitzer has ramped up from 306 to 360bhp - that's 15bhp more than a 3.6-litre Porsche 911 Carrera...

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2008 Mercedes Benz E Class

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class features one of the most diverse engine and transmission lineups in the luxury sedan market. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is unique in that it is the only luxury sedan available with a diesel engine. "Being a diesel," reports Edmunds, "it boasts superior fuel mileage and plentiful torque." The Mercedes-Benz 2008 E320 features a 3.2-liter V-6 diesel that produces 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Other engine choices include a 3.5-liter V-6 (E350) that produces 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque; a 5.5-liter V-8 (E550) that produces 382 hp and 391 pound-feet; and a massive 6.2-liter V-8 (E63 AMG) that produces 507 hp and 465 pound-feet.

The "manic" Mercedes-Benz 2008 E63 can hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The E350 does it in the mid-6-second range, the E550 takes 5.2 seconds, and the E320 is no slouch either, taking just 6.8 seconds, all according to Edmunds. It's no wonder Kelley Blue Book claims "the E-Class' engine lineup is one of the most dynamic on the planet." In testing, ConsumerGuide finds the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers effortless acceleration and passing power, no matter the engine choice. The E350 is "stately from a stop but gathers speed quickly and has fine passing power"; while the E320 is "similar," it suffers from turbo lag when accelerating from a stop and passing. The E550 is "impressively gutsy from any speed," they conclude.

Buyers of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 or E550 may choose either rear- or all-wheel drive, known as 4Matic. Edmunds reports that "all rear-wheel-drive E-Class models come with a seven-speed automatic, while the 4Matic models feature a five-speed...the automatic offers three modes: Comfort, Sport and Manual." ConsumerGuide says "in all, the transmissions provide smooth, timely shifts."

Fueleconomy.gov ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are as follows: 23/32 mpg (E320 diesel); 17/24 mpg (E350 rear-drive), 16/22 mpg (4Matic); 15/22 mpg (E550 rear-drive), 13/19 mpg (4Matic); 12/19 mpg (E63). In their testing of a Mercedes-Benz 2008 E550 4Matic, ConsumerGuide achieves 17.5 mpg. They note "premium-grade gas is required in all non-diesel models."

In the handling department, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is no match for its archrival, the BMW 5-Series. Where the BMW is marketed as the ultimate driving machine and lives up to that, the E-Class is "certainly adequate...but isn't a willing partner like a 5 Series can be," writes Edmunds. They add, "although the Benz E550 is, without question, a track star during acceleration runs, super-athletic moves on a twisty road are not the car's forte."

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Renault Safrane

Introduced in 1992 instead of the famous Renault 25 and in operations till 2000, the French automakers decided to replace Safrane with the remarkable Vel Satis. But that didn’t affect sales as they expected, so now the company is thinking of reviving it as a mid-size luxury sedan but the news aren’t THAT great.

Apparently the new Renault Safrane is only going to be available in Gulf States like United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman,Kuwait and Qatar.

Suddenly we’re not so very impressed with this V6 powerplant anymore unless they give it a greenlight for either South Africa or Europe. And make it for a good price if you want us to buy it.

© Source: carblog
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2009 Kia Forte

It’s obvious that the South Koreans from Kia are doing their best to make it the right way. After the great success with Kia Ceed, the guys are going to release a new model dubbed the 2009 Kia Forte.

Main focus is on fuel efficiency considering the high gas (oil) prices, but I’ll have to be honest though it’s not for the racetrack, they really did a good job with the design. As for what’s under the hood, the 124 hp 1.6 liter engine will be offered as standard while the 2.0L versions will come later.

Kia also has great expectations. They estimated (more like .. wish) to sell some 30,000 units this year and up to 250,000 units in 2010. The biggest factor to these figures are the prices which start at ~$11,300 and top up at $18,300. Main competitors for the 2009 Kia Forte are Hyundai Avante, the Renault SM3 or the GM Daewoo Lacetti.

It should go on sale this week.

© Source: carblog
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2009 Lexus LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition

(from Lexus Press Release) Lexus LS 600h L's distinctive L-finesse styling is complemented by a unique exterior/interior color combination exclusive to the Pebble Beach Edition with a Truffle Mica exterior paint combined with an exclusive two-tone Alabaster and Black leather trim interior with Dark Grey Bird's-eye maple wood trim. Additional styling cues include 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with a unique finish, Pebble Beach interior badging, premium black floor mats with stainless steel badging, and blue illuminated scuff plates.

The Pebble Beach LS hybrid comes standard with the Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) which incorporates the world's first system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle's path, as well as world's first Driver Monitor System that helps warn drivers if it senses an obstacle ahead of the car and that the driver's head is not facing forward. The APCS system helps prepare the car for evasive action or collision by triggering appropriate sensors in the car and retracting the front seatbelts. Furthermore, the Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L is equipped with the Advanced Parking Guidance System, Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES), power rear-door sunshades and rear-seat side airbags.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

(from Chevrolet Press Release) 2009 CORVETTE: ENHANCEMENTS BRING MORE CHOICES, REFINEMENT TO CHEVY’S LEGENDARY SPORTS CAR

After a milestone year in 2008 that saw the introduction of the LS3 6.2L V-8 as the new standard engine, a custom, leather-wrapped interior and more upgrades, the Corvette powers into 2009 with a raft of enhancements that further distinguish it and give customers more choices – including a lower-priced convertible model.

Of course, that range of choices also includes the ZR1, with its 6.2L supercharged engine that produces 638 horsepower (476 kW). (Please see the separate Corvette ZR1 release for complete information on Chevy’s world-class supercar.)

“The Corvette is an American icon with world-class credentials,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It’s the car we all aspire to own and the 2009 edition, with more choices and features, only amplifies that craving.”

New for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe:

- Color-keyed door and instrument panels with red and titanium interiors

- Power-operated pull-down hatch now standard

- Gray stitching on Ebony base seats (previously red)

- New door sill plates with the Z06 logo

- Acoustic package standard on all Z06 models

- The Z06 also receives a larger-capacity dry-sump oiling system. It upgrades to the 10.5-quart (9.9 liters) system of the new ZR1. The previous oil system held eight quarts (7.5 liters).

- The popular museum delivery option (RPO R8C) remains available for all Corvette models.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Nissan GT-R Nismo tuning package

While tuners from every corner of the globe have been hastily showcasing aftermarket performance add-ons for the GT-R, Nissan’s in-house tuning arm has been completely quiet - until now. Nismo has today unveiled its official Club Sports Package for the legendary GT-R - and it will only cost you around $58,000 for the privilege.

The package consists of a new tire and wheel setup, suspension, Nismo branded race seats from Recaro and a new titanium exhaust system. The wheels are a lightweight 20-inch forged aluminium product from Ray’s finished in Gunmetal grey, saving a valuable 6kg all up.

These are wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE070R run-flat tires and incorporate a valve tire pressure monitoring system.The upgraded suspension package uses Bilstein Damp Tronic shock absorbers and Nismo-developed springs which have been engineered to suit the GT-R’s three distinct suspension modes.

The new driver and passenger race bucket seats were jointly developed with Recaro using a carbon shell wrapped in black leather which features embroidered Nismo and Recaro logos.

In total, they save a further 6kg each, and have been specifically designed to give added support through high-G turns - especially in the shoulders.

Finally, the exhaust system has been assembled from a mix of pure titanium and titanium alloy saving an additional 5kg while cooling has been improved with a new carbon fibre rear diffuser.

Fortunately, the entire package can be further divided into three distinct categories: chassis, seat and exhaust, which can be ordered separately - however there has been no official word on how these components actually effect performance.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 Audi TT RS Spied

Work is under way to develop the hottest ever version of Ingolstadt’s sports coupe, likely to be badged TT RS. It promises to be a real alternative to the Porsche Cayman when it goes on sale in late 2008 in Europe.

The TT RS will use a 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder petrol unit, ten years since Audi last used a similarly designed engine. Early reports indicate that Audi will boost performance to hefty 260kW using twin sequential turbochargers.

This entire grunt will be channelled through Audi’s permanent 4WD quattro system and a six-speed manual ‘box, though the DSG dual-clutch system will also be available as an option.

Expect a sporty styling with bespoke wheels, alloy-effect door mirrors, aggressive bumpers, RS-batches on the brakes and sill extensions.

Volkswagen’s new 210kW 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, lined up for a hot version of Volkswagen’s Passat, will be released at the same time in a more refined form, to replace the 3.2-litre V6 currently powering the range-topping TT.

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2009 Chevrolet Malibu

Fillback now have 2009 Chevy Malibus in Stock and available!



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2010 Suzuki Kizashi Spied

Hiding under yards of heavy black vinyl, padding and netting, is the all-new mid-sized family sedan from Suzuki: the Kizashi! Although the name may (or may not) change, we suspect the later, this is the production version of the concept that made its world debut at the New York Auto Show earlier this year.

Obviously toned down a bit from the sleek concept, the Kizashi will be built in Sagara, Japan, and will arrive at dealerships in Australia in early 2010. Suzuki is pitting the Kizashi up against Toyota’s Camry and – in the U.S. – the hot selling Chevrolet Malibu, therefore it was no surprise to find a few of the Chevys out testing with the Kizashi prototypes.

Power-wise, we’re expecting the base model to be equipped with a ~120kW 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine, and the top-of-the-line Kizashi will be powered by a 3.6-litre V6 (with around 220kW) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. One Suzuki engineer recently told CarAdvice that the Kizashi will be available in higher specification as an All-Wheel-Drive, pitching it as a competitor to the Subaru Liberty.

Will Suzuki break into the mid-sized market with the Kizashi?

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2008 Lexus IS F

The higher-ups at Toyota may have decided to axe the replacement for the Lexus SC convertible, but don't get too used to the idea of a world without a wind-in-your-hair Lexus. Word has it they've given the green light to a convertible version of the current IS sedan. Of course, lopping off the doors and roof of a four-door is hardly unheard of, as that's just what Audi did to make the A4 convertible, but while that 'vert is set to be replaced by the A5 cabrio, Lexus is going the opposite direction.

Lexus IS cabrio is tipped to come in 250 and 350 varieties, with Lexus reasoning that there'd be no market for an IS-F convertible. But fret not, as the same reports suggest that a lightweight IS-F sedan is on its way, again going the opposite way of the Germans as BMW just canceled the M3 CSL program.

© Source: autoblog
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2005 Mini Wears Bisazza

(from Mini Press Release) 'MINI WEARS BISAZZA' - TAILORED MOSAIC OUTFITS ADORN FOUR MINIS

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - May 13, 2005... This spring, four MINIs morph into mobile mosaics as internationally renowned Bisazza transforms two MINI hardtops and two MINI convertibles into one-of-a-kind works of modern art. Bisazza craftsmen have encrusted each MINI with over 30,000 colored glass tesserae, creating four "artomotive" masterpieces in the themes of a Zebra, Summer Flowers, Tartan plaid and a Dama. The tesserae, each one-half inch by one-half inch in size were used to transform the vehicles, with 31,700 tesserae laid on each convertible and 37,004 on each coupe.

Two of these stunning works - the Tartan and the Dama - are on display at the Conran Shop in New York City from May 14 to June 5. The cars are part of Conran's exclusive British Influence exhibition, curated by Max Fraser, celebrating 'all things British.' The exhibition is also concurrent with the 17th International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) from May 14-17 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The ICFF is North America's leading trade fair for avant-garde interior design with 500 exhibitors from all over the world expected.

The mosiac-ed MINIs are on tour around the world at select design and furniture exhibitions. The cars debuted in Milan at the Salone Internationale del Mobile, April 13-18, 2005. The two other MINIs - Zebra and Summer Flower - are also currently on display in Berlin Mai in Berlin from May 5-16. "The partnership between MINI and Bisazza underscores a shared philosophy that values designs that are as thrilling as they are sexy, as classic as they are innovative," said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI. "We are thrilled to engage with such an avant-garde partner."

About Bisazza
Since its founding in 1956, Bisazza has led the world in creating the most innovative glass mosaic products. The company pursues a dual objective: to preserve the traditions of the earliest Italian arts-and-crafts industries and mosaic techniques, while simultaneously developing into a cutting edge manufacturer characterized by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to predict market evolution, and a readiness to incorporate modern manufacturing techniques.

Bisazza products are used for the construction and refurbishment of interior and exterior spaces, swimming pools, fitness and wellness centers and can be found in prominent hotels, boutiques and residences worldwide.

Headquartered at Alte, in the northern Italian province of Vicenza, Bisazza has three additional production facilities, nine global branches located in Australia, France, Hong Kong, India, Germany, Spain, the UK , USA, Russia and dedicated showrooms in Milano, Moscow, New York and Berlin.

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2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

The Ninja 250R is playfully referred to as the Ninjette, and has been considered one of the better beginner bikes since its introduction over 20 years ago. This year's redesign is radical, with new bodywork, more power, beefed up brakes, and—most tellingly—the inclusion of a gas gauge. The Ninja 250R is a great commuter bike for those willing to trade some horsepower for fuel efficiency. Best of all, the Ninja is priced at only $3499.

One of the most important features to consider for new riders is seat height, and the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's saddle sits only 30.5 in. from the ground. It has a rear cowl that can be replaced with a passenger seat for an extra $99. Hidden underneath its sporty bodywork—which is available in green, red or blue—is a carbureted, liquid-cooled, DOHC 249 cc parallel twin engine with exhaust routed through a 2-into-1 system.

The powerplant is now quieter and packs better low- and midrange power—oh, and a tastier exhaust note too. Retuned intake and exhaust ports smooth out the power delivery, and maximum torque is a modest 16.2 lb.-ft. at a stratospheric 9500 rpm. But with only 333 pounds to haul around (plus rider), that number becomes bigger than it sounds. The engine is mated to a traditional six-speed gearbox.

Slowing this tiny package is easy with a two-piston, 290 mm petal-disc setup mounted up front, and a 220 mm disc at the rear wheel. The 37 mm fork is nonadjustable, but the rear Uni-Track suspension has five-way preload adjustability. Larger 17 in. wheels not only accommodate the larger brakes, they also enable vast possibilities for tire fitment.

© Source: popularmechanics
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Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes

We know what you're thinking, because we're in the same lamentable position ourselves: you'd totally order up that uber-exclusive Hermes edition Veyron, but you're not a big fan of the brown and tan paint scheme. Fortunately Bugatti has heard your cries, brother, and announced the availability of new color options for the Veyron Fbg.

The announcement actually came from Monterey but was quickly overshadowed, somewhat ironically, by the unveiling of the open-top Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport and the subsequent auction of its first example for $3.2 million. The unveiling of the new-tint Hermes Veyrons took place at the Quail motorsport gathering on Monterey Peninsula, where Bugatti revealed the four new color schemes available: "indigo blue and vermilion", "indigo blue and lime green", " black and garance red" and "Prussian blue and blue jean".

We're not entirely sure what all these colors are, exactly, and given that Bugatti put them in quotation marks, we're not sure they're sure, either. They undoubtedly would have shown us pictures of all four, but given that these 1.5 million euro hyper-exotics are made to order and available only from the end of the year, we doubt examples of each color option have been made yet. Of course they all come decked out with the H-pattern grille, eight-spoke wheels, lavish calfskin interior and exclusive package of specially-made Hermes luggage.

© Source: autoblog
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2009 Jaguar XF V6 Diesel Review

Actually, there are a few things. But why don't we start at the beginning? Remember the retro-styled Jaguar S type sedan? Not a bad car, but there were aspects that never were quite right. It seemed … old. But the new XF is the first Jaguar in a very long time that doesn't look like your dad's car. It's modern—hip even.

Under the hood is the carry-over twin-turbo 60-degree V6 diesel from the S-Type. It's actually a Peugeot/Citroen design—now four years old and built in Dagenham, Essex at a plant belonging to Jaguar's former owner, Ford. The compacted graphite iron block, aluminium-alloy head engine has twin camshafts per bank, four valves per cylinder and weighs just 445 pounds.
In other words it's modern, clever and lightweight.

It's also powerful, delivering 204 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque though a six speed automatic and on to the rear wheels. And that's enough to sprint to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and manage a top speed of 143 mph. But this big cat also delivers a friendly European Combined cycle economy of 31.3 mpg, hough we could only average 29.4 mpg in our tenure of mixed driving, including a couple of 100-mi. journeys.

If the S-type had a glaring fault it was that cheap interior. It looked a bit as if it had been won at the Minnesota State Fair. The XF has changed all that. And now Jaguar's mid-size sedan surpasses nearly all the opposition including BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Made with the traditional materials of wood, leather and aluminium, the XF's design brings the whole equation up to date with wit and charm. The rotary gear selector that rises out of the center console, the air vents that blink open like an Owl's sleepy glare when the car is started—they all work well and never once feel contrived. Even the RAF roundel sticker on the dash, which hides a proximity switch that opens the glove box is clever and original. Not everyone likes the front seats, but we found them supportive and accommodating. The rears are suitable to anyone up to six feet in height and the trunk is generous, even though access is a little restricted and the floor isn't completely level.

Jaguar XF can smooth out a backwoods road without floating or pitching, and still match a BMW 5-Series when it comes to all-guns-blazing, flat-top cornering. The steering system gives the driver huge confidence when the fires are lit and the hammer is down—it's so accurate and makes this machine very easy to place. Likewise the brakes are linear and powerful with an easilly judged pedal effort. Around town, the 3,904-pound XF will cruise like a stretch, button-back chesterfield, its occupants perhaps slightly more aware of the road surface that in an old S-Type, but also more comfortable in the way the car handles the bumps and pot holes.

© Source: popularmechanics
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2009 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai has added a hatchback version of its Elantra compact sedan to battle it out with cars like the Dodge Caliber, Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 hatchback and Nissan Versa.

Standard equipment includes four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and stability control, something not standard among the competition. Other features new to the Touring model are standard USB and auxiliary audio inputs. The center stack design has also been changed.

Power still comes from the same four-cylinder engine, but for an economy car it isn't completely anemic.

© Source: cars
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2009 Mazda RX-8

There isn’t another car like the Mazda RX-8 on the road today – for a number of reasons.
First, it’s a true four-place sports car, with rear seats even average adults can fit into, so long as those up front are average size too. And getting in and out of the back seats is remarkably easy thanks to narrow, rear-hinged doors similar to those on the old Saturn quad coupes.

Second, the RX series is still powered by a rotary engine, just as it was when the RX-7 made its debut 30 years ago. In fact, the RX-8 is the only car left on the road using a rotary. In Mazda’s version, as the two three-sided rotors both rotate and orbitally revolve, each side of the rotors gets closer then farther from the wall of the housing, compressing and expanding the combustion chamber similar to the vertical strokes of a piston in a reciprocating engine.

With more than two million rotary engine cars built since the first Cosmo Sport in 1967, Mazda has persisted with the design while other manufacturers have dropped by the wayside. That faith in the rotary’s reliability was proved in 1991 when the Mazda 787B became the first Japanese car to win the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

The Renesis rotary in the current generation RX-8 is the latest version of the engine developed by German engineer Felix Wankel during World War II and perfected in the 1950s. It has been named to Ward’s list of 10 best engines multiple times. The Renesis rotary revs higher than ordinary reciprocating gasoline engines – even higher than Honda’s S2000 roadster whose 2.2-litre inline four redlines at 8,000 rpm. The RX-8’s tachometer goes all the way to 10,000 rpm, but redlines at 8,500 where peak output of 232 hp is reached.

The RX-8 looks like it means business, especially with our test car’s ground optional effects kit. And its looks aren’t deceiving.

Incidentally, although the tires are not run-flat there is no spare, unless you order one as a dealer-installed accessory for $595. The space-saver spare is then mounted in the trunk, cutting into a generous 290 litres (10.2 cubic feet) of luggage room that Mazda claims will hold two sets of golf clubs. Without the spare, an emergency inflation kit is found under the trunk deck.

Although the RX-8 seats four, its 2,700 mm wheelbase is just 15 mm longer than that of a Chevrolet Corvette and the overall length of 4,424 mm is 9 mm shorter.

© Source: autonet
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Toyota recycling hybrid batteries

Part of the misconception with hybrid cars has been the production and disposal of the hybrid batteries. Some simply don’t even consider the process, others have been turned away from hybrid cars as a result. To tackle the problem, Toyota Australia has released some information regarding the process. The Big T says there has been a recycling process (in Australia) for the battery packs of its hybrid-technology vehicles for the last seven years.

Toyota organised the battery recycling process well before the Prius launch in 2001. A similar method has been followed around the world where Toyota sells its hybrid cars. “Toyota Australia regards the batteries as a key ecological issue and has had a recycling solution in place for more than seven years,” Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said

The hybrid Camry, which the federal government is funding to the sum of $35 million dollars, will be produced in Australia from 2010 and uses the same nickel-metal hydride batteries as in Prius.

So what happens when your hybrid battery needs recycling? The more important question should be: will it ever need recycling? So far over 10,000 Prius cars have been sold in Australia and only 17 battery packs have had to be replaced. Three have been completely recycled while the rest are being used for research and training.

Toyota’s Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) batteries don’t contain Cadmium, despite what many think. The plastic, metal and copper wire from the batteries are recycled locally while circuit boards and battery elements are exported for recycling.

In case you have an accident and the battery is damaged, Toyota has briefed roadside assistance and emergency service workers how to handle damaged hybrid vehicles.

Recently a Prius taxi was shown to have managed 500,000km on one single battery.

© Source: caradvice
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2009 Toyota Camry SE V6 - video

2009 Toyota Camry SE V6 Better quality video. Shown in black color. Acceleration shown.



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2009 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

(from General Motors Press Release) 2009 Corvette lineup includes the Corvette coupe and Corvette convertible, each powered by the 430-horsepower (321 kW) LS3 V-8, and the incomparable Corvette Z06. Equipped with the 505-horsepower (377 kW) LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis, the Z06 is a street-going descendent of the championship-winning Corvette racing program.

The Corvette convertible now features a power-operated soft top with the 2LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard on the new 1LT convertible. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car’s excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 Audi A4 Driving Impressions - video

Cars.com's Kelsey Mays drives the 2009 Audi A4 and gives his impressions of the German sports sedan. It competes with the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.



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2009 Toyota HiLux preview

A source deep inside Toyota has managed to sneak out some pictures and information regarding the facelift for the new Toyota HiLux, with production of the new model starting this month.

Although from what we can gather the only significant change is the slight redesign of the front and minor improvements to the interior.

The Thai-made HiLux will also receive cruise control on SR5 manual transmission double cab models.

© Source: caradvice
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2008 Aeon GT3

(from Aeon Press Release) Aeon was founded in 2000 by Keith Wood and John Hewitt to design and build a three-seater track/road car. John and Keith have a wealth of experience between them. John comes from an engineering background, serving his apprenticeship with the M.o.D. In his early years he built and raced karts and trials cars, and for the last 17 years has prepared cars and competed in sprints and hill climbs. Keith started his career as an apprentice in a drawing office, but for the past 18 years has owned and run a company that manufactures specialist off-road, amenity, agricultural and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Reliability and Durability Testing at Mira
The Aeon GTі vehicle spent several weeks with MIRA Ltd in Nuneaton Warwickshire. MIRA is a leading independent provider of product engineering, research, testing and certification to the worldwide automotive industry.

Aeon’s first road car was completed and shown at the Exeter Kit Car Show in November 2003. Since then the Aero version and the Spyder have been completed.
Three models are now available:
- GT3 Spyder - open top with windscreen
- GT3 Coupe - full roof coupe
- GT3 Aero - open top with aeroscreen

Justin Yates joined Aeon as a customer in Jan 2007. His car was finished in March 2008 and is the car you see here.

Since Justin joined Aeon as a customer his relationship with Keith Wood grew and Justin is now responsible for all UK northern sales.

The model here is Justin Yates’s own Aeon GT3 Spyder – scoobydesign This is a factory spyder with track focused engine & chassis. The car was built by Justin Yates and can be replicated for sale as a special edition model (Aeon GT3 Spyder-scoobydesign) This car is fully road legal and is frequently used on UK highways.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 ABT Audi Q5

(from ABT Sportsline Press Release) When the engineers and designers with ABT Sportsline intend to tune an SUV, you can be sure that the result will be an extraordinary vehicle. That has been the case with the Touareg, AS7 and Tiguan - and that will be continued with the new ABT Q5. The elegant crossover vehicle is by concept a premium model in the category of compact SUVs, but "such a wonderful car always spurs us to create something really special," says Hans-Jrgen Abt. The managing director of ABT Sportsline emphasizes that it is about "blending our philosophy with the character of the car." With the ABT Q5, this worked perfectly: The Allgu SUV is fast, beefy, sleek, extravagant, extremely versatile - and therefore evokes five wows.

The ABT Q5 is impressing, harmonic and superior from every angle. The front skirt with the integrated underride protection finds its equivalent in the rear skirt, which, in a very elegant way, also hides the tow bar extendable for use. The mighty front grille, the fender extensions and the dynamic door strip attachments form a unit. The rear wing, the 4-pipe-rear muffler and the BR wheel rim in size 20-inch also fit in optimally into the elegant overall picture. The ABT Q5 is indeed a car for all occasions: No matter whether in front of a luxury hotel or a beer garden, this vehicle fits in everywhere.

The Q5 follows its bigger brother from Kempten, the AS7, suit: the "S" in "SUV" means "particularly sporty". A genuine ABT always has significantly more power, even more so when all four wheels are powered. The two diesel engines sparkle with energy: thanks to ABT Power, the 2.0 TDI delivers potent 190hp (140kW) instead of 170hp (125kW). The 3.0 TDI delivers the most powerful performance for the ABT Q5: with ABT Power S, it achieves 310hp or 228kW (Series: 240hp/176kW) on any terrain. Particularly impressing: its maximum torque of 610Nm. Also the 2.0 TFSI is suited perfectly for the SUV from Kempten: thanks to ABT Power, 211hp (155kW) are turned into sporty 240hp (177kW).

When a power upgrade is made, suspension and brakes, too, have to be adjusted to the increased power. That is why Abt is offering a fine tuned package for the Q5: suspension springs, lowering of the car's center of gravity or also the well-proven ABT Level Control, an electronic lowering for the CDC air suspension (Continous Damping Control). Regarding deceleration, the ABT sports brake system provides for a maximum of safety, which meets the increased requirements: the brake disks with a diameter of 380mm are strong enough for the fast SUV - and behind the 20-inch-wheel rims type BR or AR, they also look extremely good.

The ABT Q5 is going to be available within the first quarter of 2009.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Audi R8 Spider Spied

The convertible version of Audi’s R8 supercar has been spotted testing in Germany without a hint of camouflage material. These latest images of the test car reveal that the new convertible will gain a conventional fabric roof but misses out on the R8’s trademark aluminium side blades.
Other major changes for the new Spider that are expected to make it to production will be additional air intakes located behind the seats as well as a pair of safety roll-over bars.

The placement of the fuel filler cap will also be changed due to the missing rear pillars, while changes under the sheetmetal will likely include extra chassis strengthening. While the base model will likely stick with the hard-top’s 420hp (313kW) 4.2L V8 engine, there’s talk that Audi may shoehorn the 5.2L V10 from the S6 and S8 sports-saloons into a mid-level model and reserve the 5.0L twin-turbo V10 from the RS6 for a high-performance RS-variant.

The differences between it and the standard V8 model will extend beyond just horsepower outputs. The chassis has reportedly been modified to accommodate the extra power, gaining upgraded suspension, steering and braking systems. This particular test car is thought to be the top end RS version of the new R8.

Tell-tale signs are the exhaust pipe and diffusers, which are the same as those fitted to Audi’s other V10 models, as well as the new grille design. Onlookers even claim the test car had the sound of a V10 and not a V8.

© Source: caradvice
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2010 Concept Cars

Featuring the Audi R15 TDI LMP1,Ford Mustang,Chrysler ME412 and others...



© Source: youtube
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Insignia Opel at the Ring Spied

The Opel Insignia has certainly made an impression since the staggered reveal of the sedan, hatch and wagon variants over the past few weeks.

Now the final iteration has been spotted prowling the Nurburgring during a stint of performance testing.

Whilst on paper, the Insignia may seem out of place of the world’s most infamous circuit; this is actually our first glimpse of the performance flagship OPC model.

No doubt hiding some new performance flare behind the duct tape, the OPC variant is expected to boast a new front skirt with bigger air intakes, wider sills and wheel arches, and a moulded rear lip spoiler.

Under the hood is a new turbocharged V6 power plant which should deliver over 220kW, likely mated to a performance version of the lesser model’s all-wheel drive system.

© Source: caradvice
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Chevrolet Matiz Spied

Judging from the big grins and thumbs up the engineers gave our photographers, they were very happy to see them. Not that we are complaining, it’s not everyday you get to see a glimpse of the upcoming “Chevrolet” Matiz development car.

Riding under various panelling, the new Matiz is currently undergoing some early testing in France. Code-named M300, a new, ultra small car platform will also underpin the next generation Chevrolet Beat and Spark.

This new platform actually has more names than we can keep track of. We’ve also heard it referred to as “Global Mini” and “GMDAT-M.”

While the Matiz and Spark should start production in Spring of 2009, the timing on the Chevy Beat still remains unclear.

© Source: caradvice
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