Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue (video)

Volvo’s unveiled its new XC70 SR at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), being held in Las Vegas from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. The car, Volvo indicates, was designed to emulate lifeguard vehicles seen at many California beaches. The four-door SUV features a 5-inch-lift suspension for improved ground clearance, heavily modified body panels, and specially-made oversized tires with a tread designed for increased grip on loose and sandy soil. The XC70 also includes first-aid equipment and custom rescue surfboards.

2008 Infiniti QX56 Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Launch of the smart fortwo in the USA

San Francisco and Silicon Valley become “smart Valley” as the smart USA Media Test Drive event takes place in one of America’s “smartest” regions. The new smart fortwo is scheduled to roll on the streets of America in January. The shortest and most compact automobile currently in production will soon be launched in the world’s largest automobile market. The smart fortwo is the right car, at the right time for U.S. Drivers. Americans are faced with volatile fuel prices, increased urban congestion and a mindset of environmental responsibility. The smart fortwo offers a high level of comfort, agility, safety and ecology. Its unique features and attributes meet consumer wishes now and well into the 21st century.The Media Test Drive location was carefully chosen. California is a key market in the United States. The State of California and the Silicon Valley in particular, is a leading area in the United States for design, technology and environmental awareness. These features characterize the smart fortwo. Furthermore, both the smart brand and the model have roots in Silicon Valley dating back more then ten years. The Silicon Valley also stands for an open minded America. smart expresses the lifestyle of an enlightened and forward-thinking social class with joie de vivre that cannot be defined by age or social standing, but rather by an attitude, lifestyle and open-minded outlook on life. smart isn’t just another micro-car, it’s a statement by enlightened drivers of the 21st century who look at future challenges and actively and positively impact outcomes. Like owning an Apple i-Mac, i-Pod or i-Phone, smart documents the open-minded attitude of the “thought leaders”, who choose innovative solutions as an existential part of their everyday lives.
The stops of the smart Media Test Drive include the renowned Stanford University in Palo Alto and visits to world-famous high-tech companies such as Intel, Google, Apple, eBay and Sun Microsystems. These locations illustrate smart’s proximity to information technology that is characterized by creativity, visions and the courage to make pioneering decisions. The Computer History Museum at the heart of Silicon Valley in Mountain View does not only bring the history of the computer to life; a special limited exhibition also shows the development of smart with outstanding concept cars. The comparison of the evolution of computers with the smart fortwo also clearly shows that greatness is not a matter of size. Despite its compact dimensions, the smart fortwo offers the driver and passenger remarkable freedom of movement equal to or greater than some larger cars. On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the two-seater quickly became popular following its launch in October 1998. The same is expected to hold true in the United States. More than 770,000 customers opted for a first generation smart fortwo; often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. The smart fortwo is a special car and clearly stands out from the crowd. It should not be taken for granted - the smart fortwo is simply fun to drive.
Apart from this, the vehicle concept is extremely practical - especially for people who live in large urban areas. Many Americans drive with just a single occupant. The size of the smart fortwo allows for faster movements in cities. Finding a parking space will also be simplified. In the context of the U.S. market smart is also redefining the distribution concept. This includes the new smart Center San Francisco. Roger Penske and Penske Automotive Group (PAG) will serve as the official distributor for the smart fortwo beginning in 2008. This partnership is unique and also demonstrates forward-thinking on the part of smart. The American mindset is changing. The smart fortwo proves that greatness is not a question of size. The smart fortwo has been embraced in the States long before the first vehicles are expected to arrive in the showrooms. The 24 week smart USA “street smart” road show has been touring the USA since May with three display trailers, test drive vehicles and product specialists presenting the smart fortwo from coast to coast. To date, the road show has attracted and convinced 65,000 visitors. The road show will continue until early November and when complete is expected to reach over 75,000 people in over 50 cities across the United States. The presentation of the brand and the road show have been very well received by the U.S. consumers and the American press. In many cities across the country, consumers waited in line for over an hour to test drive a fortwo. Many waited in temperatures over 100 ° F whilst others drove over 3 hours to attend a smart road show event. In the end road show surveys indicated the smart fortwo met or exceeded expectations. The presentation of the brand and model has been very well received by the US public and the press. For example, in Las Vegas; here, people waited patiently for an hour in temperatures of 104°F to test drive the cars in the parking garage of the Fashion Show Mall. Some even went straight back to the end of the queue again after the short jaunt in order to drive a smart one more time. Many enthusiastic comments were heard: “Driving a smart is really great. It’s really good fun.” Over 30,000 Americans have placed a $99 deposit on a smart fortwo. Dealers will begin to fill orders in January 2008. smart USA’s website - www.smartusa.com - has received over 3 million visits since June 2006, over 95,000 people have signed up as smart “insiders” and visitors spend an average of over five minutes on the site. The reaction of dealers has also been overwhelming: smart USA received more than 1400 applications. Although many were qualified, only a few were selected. Approximately 70 carefully selected dealerships will sell the fortwo in 2008 in major cities across the United States.

2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution

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

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

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

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

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

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Maserati GranTurismo Review

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

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

© Source: edmunds
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Mercedes-Benz: Acoustic logo enhances new brand image

As part of its new brand image, Mercedes-Benz is for the first time introducing an “acoustic trademark”: the new sound logo, which will be used in all ad broadcasts starting on November 1, 2007, is intended to enhance the further developed brand design. Combined with a new film fade-out, the distinctive sound serves to focus attention more sharply on the star as the Mercedes-Benz trademark.“Our new sound logo is going to make the Mercedes-Benz brand not only visually, but also acoustically distinctive, and thus more quickly recognizable,” says Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “This acoustic trademark is a perfect fit for Mercedes-Benz — it is emotional, elegant, and unmistakably associated with our brand.” The Mercedes-Benz sound logo is based on an original recording of an English boys choir from the 1990s. Sound engineers extracted a choir boy’s solo vocal from the recording and adapted it for use in the sound logo. The logo was developed in cooperation with Jung von Matt, Mercedes-Benz’ lead agency.

The Dodge looks interesting, but simply doesn’t feel like a modern SUV

The Dodge offers a thirsty 3.7-liter V6 petrol engine, or a suitably grunty 2.8-litre diesel; with 460Nm of torque, it isn’t short of pulling power. It’s smooth enough at idle, but is not terribly refined. The five-speed auto gives reasonably smooth changes, though, and the brakes have good feel and impressive performance. Sadly, the handling is a letdown, and the ride is uncomfortable. It seems to make no attempt at smoothing out bumps, crashing into them instead. At speed, the steering feels disconcertingly light either side of the dead-ahead position, yet at parking speeds the wheel becomes heavy. There’s also a fair degree of body roll to contend with in corners.

If you’re going to name a car Nitro, you can hardly give it insipid styling. Dodge’s designers haven’t done that – it looks like a great big toy truck. It’s not subtle or sophisticated, but certainly has presence. The all-American off-roader is packed with character, and is a stand-out budget rival to the Land Rover Discovery. It competes alongside models including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Sorento. There are just the two engines, and two trim lines – SE and SXT. The diesel version will easily be the best seller, and it’s offered with a six-sped manual or a five-speed auto gearbox. Equipment levels are all-inclusive and prices are extremely competitive; the base diesel comes in at under £20,000.

While it looks solid and expensive from the outside, the same can’t be said of the interior. The plastics are cheap and brittle, build quality is average and as with the exterior, square lines dominate. The dash is also exceptionally shallow for an SUV, giving the Nitro an old-fashioned feel. At least the controls are logically laid out, while you won’t miss the pistol-grip handbrake; it’s one of the largest we have ever encountered. You sit high up front, and the driving position could do with more adjustment. The rear initially feels OK, with good headroom and lots of legroom. However, the rear seats don’t offer enough underthigh support, and the transmission tunnel forces middle occupants to angle their feet uncomfortably out. The 389-litre boot is a reasonable size and there’s a slide-out floor. However, even the diesel isn’t very economical and retained values are unimpressive, though servicing costs are low.

2008 Chrysler 300 Review

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

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

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

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

© Source: edmunds
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2008 Porsche 911 GT2

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

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

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

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

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

© Source: seriouswheels
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The Dodge looks interesting, but simply doesn’t feel like a modern SUV

The Dodge offers a thirsty 3.7-liter V6 petrol engine, or a suitably grunty 2.8-litre diesel; with 460Nm of torque, it isn’t short of pulling power. It’s smooth enough at idle, but is not terribly refined. The five-speed auto gives reasonably smooth changes, though, and the brakes have good feel and impressive performance. Sadly, the handling is a letdown, and the ride is uncomfortable. It seems to make no attempt at smoothing out bumps, crashing into them instead. At speed, the steering feels disconcertingly light either side of the dead-ahead position, yet at parking speeds the wheel becomes heavy. There’s also a fair degree of body roll to contend with in corners.

If you’re going to name a car Nitro, you can hardly give it insipid styling. Dodge’s designers haven’t done that – it looks like a great big toy truck. It’s not subtle or sophisticated, but certainly has presence. The all-American off-roader is packed with character, and is a stand-out budget rival to the Land Rover Discovery. It competes alongside models including the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Kia Sorento. There are just the two engines, and two trim lines – SE and SXT. The diesel version will easily be the best seller, and it’s offered with a six-sped manual or a five-speed auto gearbox. Equipment levels are all-inclusive and prices are extremely competitive; the base diesel comes in at under £20,000.

While it looks solid and expensive from the outside, the same can’t be said of the interior. The plastics are cheap and brittle, build quality is average and as with the exterior, square lines dominate. The dash is also exceptionally shallow for an SUV, giving the Nitro an old-fashioned feel. At least the controls are logically laid out, while you won’t miss the pistol-grip handbrake; it’s one of the largest we have ever encountered. You sit high up front, and the driving position could do with more adjustment. The rear initially feels OK, with good headroom and lots of legroom. However, the rear seats don’t offer enough underthigh support, and the transmission tunnel forces middle occupants to angle their feet uncomfortably out. The 389-litre boot is a reasonable size and there’s a slide-out floor. However, even the diesel isn’t very economical and retained values are unimpressive, though servicing costs are low.

Tokyo Motor Show 2007: Nissan R.D:B.X Concept

The R.D:B.X... as in Round Box. Could this be a hint of what will replace the (currently) JDM only Nissan Cube? Japan's youth, who are already way too cool for the current model, let alone the Toyota Bb (Scion XB), should certainly hope so.

Check out that amazing interior, complete with a totally digital dash, in our high-res gallery of live shots below

[source: AutoBlog]

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First Drive 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

The corner was slow, even unremarkable. A constant-radius, 2nd-gear curve that happened to be a part of Circuito de Balocco, Fiat's official test track, although it could have been any decent-size roundabout in the world.


Back From the Brink of Front-Wheel Drive
These are such simple pleasures that it seems absurd that one of the world's most evocative, emotive marques, one that built its brand on pure driving pleasure, has been denying them to its devotees this last decade and a half. Since 1992, a rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo has not been available, as a succession of front- and all-wheel-drive platforms was supplied to Alfa Romeo from its Fiat parent.

The car responsible is the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. It's been a long time coming. First shown in concept form at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, the car finally is scheduled to go into production next year. You know the wait has been worth it as soon as you see how little its shape deviates from the original, how wonderfully proportioned it is and how it acknowledges Alfa's past without being defined by it.

All 500 8Cs that will be made in 2008-'09 were sold long before anyone so much as sat in one, even at a price of about $226,000. The 8C will also reintroduce Alfa Romeo to the United States. About 99 cars of the production allotment will cross the pond, and then 500 8C Spiders will be built and a batch will also come to America.
Speed Thrills
Hard driving is what this car invites more than most, even in the rarefied air of the six-figure supercar. After waiting so long for an Alfa whose direction of travel can be determined as much by your foot as your fingers, the temptation to streak off into the sunset is overwhelming. Only the concrete confines of Balocco stop us from doing so.

Initial impressions are uniformly good. The engine note is perfect. This 450-horsepower V8 has a similar capacity to a small-block Ford in the classic Mustang, but its voice is not a transatlantic rumble but instead the smooth, sweet melody of the true European aristocrat. Hit the Sport button, which sharpens the throttle response, cuts the shift times in half and opens a valve in the exhaust, and the 8C sounds at once gloriously rich, angry and assertive.

There are 354 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm, so if you hit the throttle pedal hard enough, this Alfa sits back on its heels, takes a deep breath and then cannons you up the road, with its fat, rear 285/35R20 Pirellis yelping all the way. The engine develops its 450 hp all the way up at 7,000 rpm, and the 8C will fling you past 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds on its way to the far side of 180 mph. The swiftness of the gearchanges doesn't defy logic as with the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, but it's still quicker than you'd manage on your own.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Honda Accord Review

What's New for 2008
Honda Accord has been fully redesigned for 2008. It's bigger and roomier. New four- and six-cylinder engines are not only more powerful, they either match or surpass their predecessors in terms of fuel economy.

2008 Honda Accord Vehicle Overview
Introduction
Still available in sedan and coupe body styles, the all-new 2008 Honda Accord is most obviously highlighted by its slick new styling. The two-door is particularly striking, as it's mostly unchanged from the Accord concept car that debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The sedan, meanwhile, has an eye-catching elegance that sets it apart from past Accords, which were mostly understated to the point of anonymity. Although, once the first 100,000 2008 Accords hit the streets, the sedan may start to seem pretty anonymous, too.

The biggest news lies under the hood, where Honda has devoted its considerable engine expertise to perfecting three power plants that deliver both performance and fuel efficiency. Available on EX sedans and all coupes, the midlevel inline-four-cylinder produces a best-in-class 190 horsepower -- by comparison, the 1998 all-new Accord featured an optional V6 that produced 200 hp. All that power comes at no fuel economy expense, as it matches the fuel economy estimates of the previous model's four-cylinder.

A new 3.5-liter V6 debuts as well. This engine equals the hefty horsepower and torque ratings of the Toyota Camry's V6, but falls a wee bit short of the Altima 3.5. New to this segment is Honda's cylinder-deactivation technology, which allows the engine to run on six, four or three cylinders depending on driving conditions for maximum fuel economy. The result is an improvement of 3 highway mpg over the last V6, despite 24 more horses. As a matter of fact, all 2008 Accord engines get better highway fuel economy than the 125-hp 1990 Accord and even come close to the tiny 68-hp 1977 edition. Now that's progress.

© Source: edmunds
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2007 Tokyo Motor Show: Live shots of the Nissan GT-R!

A press event has never been so well attended, or dangerously overcrowded. But we got to the front in time to watch in car footage of a GT-R lapping the Nurburgring in 7:38.5, then out came Carlos to claim that his new baby is the best that Nissan has ever produced – and we're inclined to agree. Unsurprisingly the show car is silver, and, well looks pretty much like it did in the spy shots, but the shock was that Mr. Ghosn committed to Nissan fielding GT-Rs in next year's Super GT Championship. Could this be the start of another R32-like Godzilla race track domination?
Deliveries start in next month, and to the rest of the world by the end of 2008. Check out the gallery, we'll have tech specs up soon.




More about 2007 Tokyo Motor Show:
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Porsche cleared for Volkswagen takeover

Will Porsche buy out Volkswagen? A Teutonic takeover looks on the cards after Europe's highest court (most powerful, that is, not one at especially lofty altitude) ruled a law protecting VW from foreign takeovers is illegal.

The so-called 'VW Law' had prevented Porsche from exercising more than 20 per cent of its voting rights over Volkswagen, despite owning a 31 per cent stake.

But the European Court of Justice ruled that the law - which was originally drawn up back in 1960 to prevent VW being taken over by hostile foreign investors - contravened the principles of the European Single Market.

That means that Porsche will soon be free to take its stake in VW to 50 per cent, giving it overall control. Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking said today, "We obviously have a high interest in exercising our voting rights in full." Watch out, VW.

So does this mean we'll see a VW 911 Turbo or, worse, a Porsche Polo? Unlikely, but the two companies have already collaborated on the Touareg/Cayenne project, so don't rule out the possibility of more production crossover.

In any case, insiders say that Porsche is unlikely to raise its stake in VW until next year? Пiving all you Mk II Golf owners time to remove that 'My Other Car's A Porsche' sticker from the rear window.

© Source: topgear

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Peugeot winner scores the try of her life

Saturday wasn’t England’s night; however, for one person in the packed Stade de France Stadium the celebratory mood could not be dampened. Jessica Wright won tickets to the final, along with a brand new Peugeot 207 CC as part of the manufacturer’s sponsorship of the 2007 iRB Rugby World Cup.Jessica, from Brixton, entered the prize draw, whilst taking a test drive of a Peugeot 207 CC with her aunt at Robins and Day Peugeot, Clapham in July. As a part of the Peugeot 207 Rugby World Cup prize draw, she won a brand new Peugeot 207 CC and a pair of tickets to see England and South Africa battling it out to win the Webb Ellis Trophy. “I really didn’t expect to win,” said an excited Jessica. “I thought the car was fantastic after test driving it in July, and was very jealous when my aunt purchased one. I can’t wait to get out and about in mine; I just hope the nice weather continues so I can get the top down!” Jessica was presented with her Flamenco Red 207 CC 1.6-litre HDi 110 Sport, in time to see England’s heroic performance against South Africa. “I was so excited about going to the final, and completely gutted for the England boys, they fought so hard against South Africa.” Peugeot kicked-off its 207 Test Drive competition nationally in July and August, anyone who test drove a 207 was entered into the prize draw, 39 runners up received pairs of tickets to fixtures throughout the 2007 World cup campaign. The Peugeot 207 CC is the UK’s leading small Coupe-Cabriolet and is available in showrooms now with a 1.6-litre petrol or HDi diesel engines with emissions from 136g/km CO2 (1.6-litre HDi 110 with DPFS model).

Luxury Lexus offers an eco-friendly choice for business high-flyers

No car maker has embraced hybrid technology quite like Lexus. While rivals moan about high development costs and technical inefficiencies, the Japanese manufacturer is committed to combining petrol and electric power – and the next vehicle in its highly charged line-up is the LS600h.

We have already tried the techno­logy in a left-hand drive version of the new car (Issue 958). But how does it work here on the UK’s roads? The first impression with any LS is its vast scale – especially in this long-wheelbase guise. Apart from its subtle badging, the hybrid shares the sombre styling of other variants. Even the twin chrome exhausts remain, hinting at its performance potential.

Under the bonnet is a 389bhp 5.0-litre V8. Add to that the thrust of an electric motor, and output is boosted to 439bhp. The final technical flourish is to feed power to all four wheels.

The cabin features the familiar LS dashboard with its huge array of buttons. While German rivals have opted for a central control system, there seems to be a switch for everything here – including EV (Electric Vehicle). Press it, pull away and the LS wafts in near silence through slow traffic. Refinement is astonishing as the batteries power the vehicle. Only when the charge runs out or you press hard on the acceler­ator does the petrol V8 kick in.

Lexus claims a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds, although real-world perfor­mance doesn’t feel so sprightly. With the CVT gearbox offering change-free acceleration, the luxury saloon isn’t slow, but it seems no quicker than a diesel-powered Mercedes S-Class.

We also struggled to match the maker’s claimed economy. Driving mostly in town, the Lexus returned little better than 24mpg, according to its trip computer – a long way short of the official 30.4mpg combined fig­ure. Official CO2 emissions are low, though; the 219g/km output is on a par with cars from the class below.

Away from traffic, the driving experience is similar to that of other LS models. While the motorway ride is smooth, it struggles to cope with sharp jolts and bumps. Tackling corners at speed leaves the Lexus floundering compared with Audi’s A8.

The new hybrid LS is a technological tour de force. Its superb refinement and peerless build quality are likely to be enough to tempt some buyers – although the compromised economy will be a turn-off for others.

New Ford Mondeo has smarter, safer lighting

The all-new Ford Mondeo is showing drivers more of the road thanks to the car's adaptive front lighting system (AFS) which beams light round corners. AFS incorporates halogen lamps linked to sensors which detect steering input and can swivel up to 15 degrees. This system improves visibility when negotiating tight bends, particularly on roads where the only light source is the car's headlamps. In comparative tests between conventional halogen reflector lamps and AFS, the AFS lamps cast light an additional 10 metres into the bend. Allied to static corner lighting, AFS greatly improves visibility.Static, low level cornering lights are another feature of AFS. They are automatically turned on when the car is travelling below 37mph, and the steering wheel turns at an angle of at least 30 degrees. This helps to avoid accidents in reduced visibility and is particularly useful during tight manoeuvres such as turning into driveways. New Mondeo can also be specified with Bi-Xenon lamps which include static cornering lights, plus automatic headlamp levelling and washer jets. Bi-Xenons offer twice the light density on the road at one-third of the energy input of conventional lights.
Test show that while AFS headlamps have a range of 155m, Bi-Xenons illuminate up to 245m of the road ahead. Karsten Foese, Ford adaptive lighting programme leader, said: “The safety advantage is clear: pedestrians, animals or objects on the road can all be seen earlier when entering a bend or manoeuvring. Adaptive lighting offers greatly increased visibility for the driver, and reduced glare for oncoming drivers.”

BMW 1 Series Coupe (video)

The new BMW 1 Series Coupé features rear-wheel-drive dynamics and seating for four (2+2). The BMW 135i is powered by BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which produces 300 horsepower and direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling. The car accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds. The engine features on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy. Starting in the spring of 2008 in the U.S., the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i, with an M Aerodynamic Kit.

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review

Summary
Though it's a well-rounded package, the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is increasingly lost amidst a growing crowd of very good SUVs.
Pros
Carlike ride and handling, spacious seating front and back, solid build quality, torquey V6 engine, long warranty coverage.
Cons
No available third-row seat, less cargo capacity than competitors, missing a few common features, some mediocre interior materials.

What's New for 2008
Traction control is now standard on all Endeavors, while two-tone leather upholstery is now standard on the SE trim level, along with contrasting stitching. The rear glass no longer opens independently of the hatch on the LS trim level.

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Vehicle Overview
Introduction
There's more to the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor than huge fender flares and exaggerated body bulges. That's saying quite a lot, since this midsize five-passenger crossover SUV is festooned with the type of body adornment that makes you wonder if the folks at the factory accidentally included the prototype's styling excesses on the production model. Yet between the Endeavor's love-it-or-hate-it swollen sides is a vehicle that offers solid driving dynamics, a gutsy V6, a roomy cabin and good build quality.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a dark-horse candidate to be sure, overshadowed by newer and/or better-known five-passenger crossovers like the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Hyundai Santa Fe or even Mitsubishi's own Outlander, which offers almost as much interior space and more high-tech goodies. Also, larger crossovers like the Ford Taurus X and GMC Acadia have room for seven, while besting the Endeavor's meager fuel economy. If its ambitious styling floats your boat, though, and you can live without two extra seats, the 2008 Endeavor is a good choice that provides safe, comfortable and well-built family transportation.

© Source: edmunds

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Honda to begin sales of the all-new Fit in Japan

Honda has announced it will begin sales of the Honda Fit (known as Jazz in Europe) in Japan on Friday, October 26, 2007. The hugely popular small car retains all its best features – class leading economy, cabin space to rival mid-sized saloons, and easy manoeuvrability – yet has been brought bang up-to-date with some subtle design changes, and clever interior space solutions.Two engines will be available on the new car, a 1.5-litre i-VTEC and a super frugal 1.3-litre i-VTEC which delivers maximum output of 100PS. CVT transmission is also available. In the chassis, a longer wheelbase and wider track offer even better stability, manoeuvrability and handling. Honda Fit was first introduced in Japan in June 2001. It is now being produced in six factories in five countries and sold in approximately 115 countries around the world. Cumulatively, sales of Fit and Jazz exceed two million units. A rotating passenger seat is available on the Japanese car which takes full advantage of the Fit’s easy access. The seat has a higher position than previously, has additional foot space and features a specially contoured seat cushion. The seat enables easy loading and unloading of a wheelchair through the rear seats. A new Jazz for the European market will go on sale late in 2008. No details of this car have been announced.

Newcomers: 2008 Porsche 911 GT2

It's not commonly known, but jet lag is cured by high-speed injections of German autobahn, a volksremedium we discovered long ago, at 180 mph in a Porsche 928 S4.

And it still works. Better than melatonin, mile-high liaisons, or other familiar folk remedies, there's no surer cure for jet lag than redlining a Porsche on an unrestricted autobahn-as we're about to reaffirm in the 2008 911 GT2, the best Porsche ever unleashed on an undeserving everyman. (Don't even think about owning one if you can't handle full opposite lock or payments on an MSRP of $191,700.)

Driving the 530-horsepower two-seater at 180 mph doesn't cure our jet lag as much as expel it violently from the car, but heavy rain means reaching the GT2's top speed of 205 mph is out of the question. Even with double the previous GT2's downforce from the new Le Mans racer-inspired body and rear wing, and excellent grip from the 19-inch Pirellis, the GT2 is too much car for the conditions. We also keep Porsche's spectacularly efficient stability-management systems, suitably modified for the GT2's higher limits, on full alert, leaving it to others to find out what happens when the driver is let loose in the most powerful, fastest, and costliest 911 ever.
That part of the test is conducted on an unused airport's runways by Walter Rohrl, former rally champ and current Porsche test driver, who, in perilously slippery conditions, dispensed a pure dose of GT2.

"This car was ninety-percent done before I ever drove it," shouts Rohrl over the roar of the biturbo's new titanium exhaust, one of the strategies to lighten up a platform that began life in the same gene pool as the "standard" all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo. "It was that good, but the final 10 percent can be learned only by driving."

And what did he learn?

"This is the best 911 ever," he pronounces, left hand and right foot executing a perfect power slide. "Race car, street car, the best."

Much of Rohrl's opinion, and the GT2's final suspension tuning, was formulated on the Nurburgring's Nordschleife, where he set a time of 7:32, faster than the previous GT2's 7:46, the fastest for any production-series 911 and comparable with the Carrera GT. "It has the power and stability of a good race car, but it drives more easily," he continues, shifting down through the six-speed manual gearbox as quick as a cardshark flashes aces.
Key to the GT2's fleeter feet is 300 pounds of shed weight via composite front bucket seats, elimination of the rear seats, an aluminum rear-axle subframe, the plastic rear lid and wing, a composite intake manifold and lightweight front aluminum brake hats, which, along with standard ceramic composite brake rotors, means less weight at the nose, a valuable ingredient of the GT2's steering-quick, precise, and the best we've ever felt in a 911.


"Turn-in is fantastic," Rohrl yells, his left hand gripping the wheel as lightly as if it were a lover's fingertips. "You always know just how much steering is needed," he says, illustrating the point with a bit of one-handed countersteer through a wet corner.

Though it's not homologated to race in any professional series, the GT2 is racetrack-ready. The chassis sits an inch lower than the 911 Carrera's and can be fine-tuned via adjustable anti-roll bars, spring plates, and wheel camber plates. A partial rollcage and fire system are optional, but not the full cage available in most other parts of the world. Most important to the talented few, the traction controls can be entirely disabled.

Rohrl pushes the proper buttons to do so, and, now using both hands to steer, purposely takes a bone-headed apex to show how easily the car transforms sideways movement into forward momentum. "No understeer," he shouts. "New front kinematics!" Rohrl also endorses the GT2's command of any road surface. "This is not a race car. You can go racing in it and have fun, but you can also drive it from Stuttgart to Berlin and not feel any pain."

It's also a great antidote to a muddled mind, snapping every sense to attention and replacing jet lag's sluggish distortion of time and space with an intensified perception of the here and now. Groovy.

[source: MotorTrend]

Other Excellent articles about Porsche Cars:
+ Edo Porsche 997 Shark Test Drive
+ Faster than getting a coffee at Starbucks: GT2 laps the 'Ring in 7:32
+ New Porsche Cayenne begets new TechArt Magnum
+ Porsche's New Range-Topping 911 Convertible Offers Huge Pace In Every Gear And Sensational Performance
+ Most Powerful Production Porsche
+ 2007 Porsche Targa 4S A Hard-Edged Sports Car
+ GT2 hits the Ring

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Review

Summary
Though it's a well-rounded package, the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is increasingly lost amidst a growing crowd of very good SUVs.
Pros
Carlike ride and handling, spacious seating front and back, solid build quality, torquey V6 engine, long warranty coverage.
Cons
No available third-row seat, less cargo capacity than competitors, missing a few common features, some mediocre interior materials.

What's New for 2008
Traction control is now standard on all Endeavors, while two-tone leather upholstery is now standard on the SE trim level, along with contrasting stitching. The rear glass no longer opens independently of the hatch on the LS trim level.

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor Vehicle Overview
Introduction
There's more to the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor than huge fender flares and exaggerated body bulges. That's saying quite a lot, since this midsize five-passenger crossover SUV is festooned with the type of body adornment that makes you wonder if the folks at the factory accidentally included the prototype's styling excesses on the production model. Yet between the Endeavor's love-it-or-hate-it swollen sides is a vehicle that offers solid driving dynamics, a gutsy V6, a roomy cabin and good build quality.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a dark-horse candidate to be sure, overshadowed by newer and/or better-known five-passenger crossovers like the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Hyundai Santa Fe or even Mitsubishi's own Outlander, which offers almost as much interior space and more high-tech goodies. Also, larger crossovers like the Ford Taurus X and GMC Acadia have room for seven, while besting the Endeavor's meager fuel economy. If its ambitious styling floats your boat, though, and you can live without two extra seats, the 2008 Endeavor is a good choice that provides safe, comfortable and well-built family transportation.

© Source: edmunds

We need your comments below >>

First Drive: 2008 Aston Martin DBS.Be James Bond at 191 mph

Low, sleek and yet self-consciously aggressive, the 2008 Aston Martin DBS is the ultimate expression of the contemporary Aston Martin.

The 2008 Aston Martin DBS is the car that Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez describes as "thunder and lightning." Aston Martin must achieve the prestige of Ferrari to survive as an influential manufacturer of sports cars, and that means the DBS must measure up against the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

A Surprising Start
For the DBS, Aston Martin presents you with a plastic controller topped with a crystal, described as an ECU — Emotion Control Unit. (Well, it'll be stainless steel and a sapphire if you actually pay the $265,000.) It slots into the center of the starter button, which then glows warmly red as the 5,935cc V12 comes to life.

This is the same Ford-designed engine featured in the DB9, still assembled by hand in Cologne, Germany. It's been slightly revised for the DBS, and the changes include a taller 10.9:1 compression ratio and a bypass valve in the intake tract that opens at 5,500 rpm to admit more air into the engine at peak rpm. The upshot of this is a 60-horsepower hike in power from the DB9's 450-hp calibration to 510 hp at 6,500 rpm. The torque output remains unchanged at 420 pound-feet, available at 5,750 rpm.

The deep, rich tone from the V12 engine is instantly familiar, now a signature of Aston Martin. Reach out for the shift lever of the six-speed manual transmission (an automated sequential manual will be available later), and slot into 1st gear. The shift action is heavy, as you would expect from a rear-mounted transaxle required to process so much power, yet it's precise and manageable, while the clutch action is light and linear. The DBS might be powerful, but it's not intimidating.

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview: Acura shows drawings of a future fuel cell Le Mans racer

Diesel power is the hot ticket at Le Mans right now after the dominant win by Audi's R10 this year and Peugeot coming next year. But technology always moves on in racing (unless you're talking Nascar, but that's a whole other story). By the middle of the next decade, racers will likely have moved on to something else, and Acura is playing off of parent Honda's fuel cell efforts by showing drawings of a potential fuel cell powered Le Mans racer. It's unlikely a racer will look much like any of these drawings, but some of the technology could make it to the track. More drawings and a press release after the jump.

More excellent articles about LA Auto Show
+ Los Angeles Auto Show 2007 Preview: Quick test drive in BMW 535d
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Honda Civic GX quick test drive
+ LA Preview: Volkswagen to unveil plug-version of the Up! mini

Honda to begin sales of the all-new Fit in Japan

Honda has announced it will begin sales of the Honda Fit (known as Jazz in Europe) in Japan on Friday, October 26, 2007. The hugely popular small car retains all its best features – class leading economy, cabin space to rival mid-sized saloons, and easy manoeuvrability – yet has been brought bang up-to-date with some subtle design changes, and clever interior space solutions.Two engines will be available on the new car, a 1.5-litre i-VTEC and a super frugal 1.3-litre i-VTEC which delivers maximum output of 100PS. CVT transmission is also available. In the chassis, a longer wheelbase and wider track offer even better stability, manoeuvrability and handling. Honda Fit was first introduced in Japan in June 2001. It is now being produced in six factories in five countries and sold in approximately 115 countries around the world. Cumulatively, sales of Fit and Jazz exceed two million units. A rotating passenger seat is available on the Japanese car which takes full advantage of the Fit’s easy access. The seat has a higher position than previously, has additional foot space and features a specially contoured seat cushion. The seat enables easy loading and unloading of a wheelchair through the rear seats. A new Jazz for the European market will go on sale late in 2008. No details of this car have been announced.

2008 Audi R8

LONDON — Audi is launching a head-snapping advertising campaign for its 2008 R8 in the United Kingdom today that uses the tagline "the slowest car we've ever built."

The $12.2 million ad campaign makes heavy use of irony, since the R8 is the fastest production car Audi has ever produced. It is equipped with a 420-horsepower V8 4.2-liter FSI engine and sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It has a top speed of 187 mph. "But because each one is constructed with painstaking precision, largely by hand, it actually has by far the slowest build process of all Audi models," the automaker notes in a statement. Only 450 R8s will be shipped to the U.K. in 2007, with 750 to follow in 2008.

The 90-second commercial by Bartle Bogle Hegarty promises to be fairly riveting, with a group of real Audi mechanics putting together an R8 over the course of several days "from the very first bolt to the finished car."

Irony is defined as something that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects. If you Google "Germans and irony," you get a sense of the controversy behind the linking of the two. "Do Germans Do Irony?" asks one citation, while castigating the celibate German-born Pope Benedict XVI for criticizing Europeans for having fewer children than in the past.

When the 2008 Audi R8 launches in the U.S. this fall, it will start at $109,000. No word yet on whether we'll see the ironic ad campaign in these parts.

What this means to you: Hey, it got your attention, and that's what the best ads do.

© Source: edmunds

We need your comments below >>

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview: Acura shows drawings of a future fuel cell Le Mans racer

Diesel power is the hot ticket at Le Mans right now after the dominant win by Audi's R10 this year and Peugeot coming next year. But technology always moves on in racing (unless you're talking Nascar, but that's a whole other story). By the middle of the next decade, racers will likely have moved on to something else, and Acura is playing off of parent Honda's fuel cell efforts by showing drawings of a potential fuel cell powered Le Mans racer. It's unlikely a racer will look much like any of these drawings, but some of the technology could make it to the track. More drawings and a press release after the jump.

More excellent articles about LA Auto Show
+ Los Angeles Auto Show 2007 Preview: Quick test drive in BMW 535d
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Honda Civic GX quick test drive
+ LA Preview: Volkswagen to unveil plug-version of the Up! mini

Details on '08 Cadillac CTS, Including Tutorial on French Stitching

DETROIT — More details have been released about the 2008 Cadillac CTS, including the reason why the entry-level luxury car is minus an electric parking brake at launch time. The details were outlined on Wednesday in a posting on the GM FastLane blog by Eric Clough, Cadillac interiors director of design.

"Not having a handbrake in the center console was a conscious decision to enable dual cupholders and air ducting to reach the rear passenger outlets," Clough explained in a follow-up to an earlier posting about the cabin of the CTS. "An electric park brake will be in the car starting in model-year 2009, located just behind the shifter. It was unfortunately not fully developed in time for this launch, but along with the obvious interior space-saving benefit, will also be lighter than the mechanical system it replaces."

Clough also noted that the CTS's radio is usable with the navigation screen retracted. "In fact, the only time the full screen is necessary is for nav use," he pointed out.

Apparently, consumers (male) are clueless when it comes to the benefits of French stitching. Clough patiently explained that "French stitching is a type of seam that has a line of stitching on both sides of the seam. The excess material from each piece being joined is folded back under and secured by the lines of stitching. This keeps the seam flat and greatly improves the quality of the surface because the excess can't wobble back and forth underneath."

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview: Acura shows drawings of a future fuel cell Le Mans racer

Diesel power is the hot ticket at Le Mans right now after the dominant win by Audi's R10 this year and Peugeot coming next year. But technology always moves on in racing (unless you're talking Nascar, but that's a whole other story). By the middle of the next decade, racers will likely have moved on to something else, and Acura is playing off of parent Honda's fuel cell efforts by showing drawings of a potential fuel cell powered Le Mans racer. It's unlikely a racer will look much like any of these drawings, but some of the technology could make it to the track. More drawings and a press release after the jump.

More excellent articles about LA Auto Show
+ Los Angeles Auto Show 2007 Preview: Quick test drive in BMW 535d
+ LA Auto Show 2007: Honda Civic GX quick test drive
+ LA Preview: Volkswagen to unveil plug-version of the Up! mini

"BMW Welt" Customer Delivery Complex Opens in Munich

German carmaker BMW unveiled the "BMW Welt," a giant car delivery center, recreation and exhibition complex, located in Munich, Germany. The steel and glass building covers 10,000 square meters and was designed by Austrian architect Wolf Prix. Clients are able to view their vehicles at the center, tour the BMW factory and visit the new BMW Museum.

Award-Winning Chevrolet Volt Concept Heading Towards the Middle East

First shown at Detroit in January this year, followed by Canada and more recently at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the award-winning Chevrolet Volt Concept car has created great excitement within and outside the motoring community. The Chevrolet Volt concept is the first vehicle to use GM's new E-flex family of propulsion systems which can offer triple-digit fuel economy. The car is capable of traveling up to 1,030km without a fuel fill-up or a battery recharge. The Volt draws from GM’s previous experience in starting the modern electric vehicle market when it launched the EV1 in 1996, according to GM Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz.The Volt also represents a new chapter in hybrid thinking. While current hybrids use an electric motor to supplement or complement a gasoline-powered engine, the Volt has been designed to run only on electric power until the battery runs out. To recharge the battery, there’s a small internal combustion engine that helps moves a generator to produce electricity for the battery. Technology employed in the Volt also ensures that energy usually lost in braking is also tapped efficiently. Alternatively, the batteries can also be recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet at home. The stylish Volt is a four seater and gets a front-mounted electric motor that generates 120 kilowatts of power (about 160 horsepower). With the current battery technology, the Volt has a range of 60km on pure electric power, which is the distance most commuters travel each day. Studies have showed that half of commuters travel less than 50km per day to work. No wonder the Chevrolet Volt concept has also impressed the critics. The concept was awarded the 2007 North American Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year and the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year at an awards ceremony at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn. The Volt concept is an important vehicle and is not just a ‘science project’. The technology chapter is on going and at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show in April, a fuel cell variant of the Volt concept was announced. GM is consciously working towards helping energy diversity and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The Chevrolet Volt concept was designed with exactly these objectives in mind and uses energy diversity as part of the solution.

The Audi R8: ‘The slowest car we’ve ever built!’

Audi UK is investing more than £6 million to support its R8 high-performance sports car with one of the most ironic claims in the history of advertising: "the slowest car we’ve ever built". The new campaign featuring the sought-after all-aluminium, quattro four-wheel-driven, V8-powered two-seater breaks this week, and represents the largest investment ever made by Audi UK in the launch of a new car.The R8 is, of course, anything but slow off the mark: it is the fastest production car Audi has ever produced, but because each one is constructed with painstaking precision, largely by hand, it actually has the by far the slowest build process of all Audi models. Only 450 cars will be delivered in the UK this year, and 750 in 2008, with prices starting at £77,000. “The R8 is the epitome of Vorsprung durch Technik – it embodies everything it stands for – advancement through technology," explains Peter Duffy, Audi UK’s Head of Marketing. "It also symbolises progressive design, our pursuit of perfection and unrivalled handling built from our motorsport history. We had to tell the story of how the car is built." That story will be told in a 90-second commercial developed by creative duo Richard McGrann and Andy Clough of Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), Audi’s long-standing creative partner and the agency responsible for encapsulating its values in the UK through the ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ catchphrase. It uses a filming technique developed by director Olivier Gondry, and observes a group of real Audi mechanics over a number of days as they construct the vehicle from the very first bolt to the finished car. “We wanted to make a film which made the process of constructing an R8 as beautiful as the car itself,” explains Richard McGrann. The effect captures the workers’ movement through time – each frame measures a point in time compressed into one shot. Filming took place over eight days in Germany, with each frame requiring a minimum of 20 different shots and four layers to achieve the unique visual effect. The soundtrack for the commercial is provided by critically acclaimed folk singer Simone White, whose pure vocals and haunting melodies have had both critics and listeners spellbound. The beautiful track, ‘The Beep Beep’, is taken from Simone’s new album – ‘I am the Man.’ The multi-channel campaign breaks on 17 October at 1855hrs during the England vs Russia football match on Sky Sports One*. From 16 November, the commercial will also be aired in cinemas across the UK around quality films such as American Gangster – the latest offering from Ridley Scott starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington. Around this time a ‘making of’ programme will also be broadcast on the Audi Channel on Sky 884, and the R8 will begin making two-day appearances on the concourses of major UK stations to give travellers a glimpse of the finished article.

Mercedes-Benz Diesels Back in California With Launch of Bluetec E-Class

LOS ANGELES — Mercedes-Benz put its E320 Bluetec sedan on the market in California today, marking the company's return to U.S. diesel sales after a decade in which the company didn't have a diesel product that could meet stringent California emissions rules.

Mercedes unveiled the new diesel in dramatic fashion on Monday at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, held at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles.

The E320 Bluetec will be on sale as a lease-only vehicle, with numbers limited to 100 initially. It will cost $600 per month on a 24-month, 24,000-mile lease. The car will be available in seven Eastern U.S. states on the same terms starting in January.

The E320 Bluetec sedan has a 3.0-liter V6 making 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes says the car's Bluetec technology "will satisfy the strictest emission regulations in the world — even in the future." The eventual plan is to sell Mercedes Bluetec vehicles in all 50 states, which the automaker says it will start doing with its M-, GL- and R-Class sport-utility vehicles in late 2008.

One enterprising California dealer has already posted the Bluetec lease offer on the Los Angeles Craigslist.

What this means to you: This could be the leading edge of a Bluetec invasion

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

Audi R8 V10 Proto Returns to the Ring

After the unfortunate incident of the Audi R8 V10 catching on fire last April, a new anti-reflective matte black prototype has returned to “the Ring” to complete its testing. With the prototype cost estimated at half million Euros, Audi's sport division, quattro GmbH, has now installed an electronic fire suppression system as indicated by the white “E” (foam based extinguisher) sticker and two red buttons seen next to the driver's side rear view mirror. In case of a fire, the first reaction is for the driver to get out of the vehicle and if risk is minimal, the fire suppression system can be activated from outside the vehicle by pressing the two red buttons.

The super high performance R8, which is rumored to be called R10, R8 S or RS8, will use the same V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo but slightly detuned to produce 490 – 500hp. As seen in this prototype completely devoid of camouflage, the R8 V10 gets larger air intake tunnels just behind the front doors, revised rocker panel skirts and larger brakes.

Other Audi Excellent Cars:
+ New Audi A4 Officially Revealed In Detail
+ 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Audi S8 facelift
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+ 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Spy Shots: Audi RS6 Avant
+Audi's TT Doubles the Pleasure
+ 2007 Acura RDX First Drive
+ 2008 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster: Is it a Sports Car?
+ Quick Take: 2008 Audi R8 Road Test
+ Test Drive:2007 Audi A4 Avant
+ Auto News-Audi's A5 gets in shape for 6-Series scrap
+ Auto News-Audi turns on style with new A4
+ 2007Audi S5 Driving Experience
+ New Car Audi R8 Reviews
+ Audi has a plan to manage R8 sales, quell speculators
+ First Drives Experience-Audi R8
+ 2007 Audi S4 and RS4
+ Exclusive Sneak Peek: Audi's 2009 A7
+ Auto News-Audi's A5 gets in shape for 6-Series scrap
+ Car Reviews:Audi S5
+ Audi TT Clubsport
+ Car Reviews:Audi Q7 4.2 TDI
+ True Luxury Is About Understatement, Not Ostentation-2007 Audi A8

KW coilover suspension V1 for new Fiat 500

The new Fiat 500 won quickly the hearts of most of the people. The small car with its beautiful retro-style is already sold out in Italy and Fiat can satisfy the other markets only through extra production due to the great demand. KW automotive now makes the cute „Cinquecento" become a go-kart in terms of driving characteristics through its coilover suspension Variant 1. The vehicle's level can be lowered between 30 and 60 mm at the front axle and from 10 to 40 mm at the rear axle. The coilover suspension V1 for the Fiat 500 is available with immediate effect.Coilover suspension V1 with preset damper setting permits customised lowering of the suspension and creates an optimised balance of sportiness, comfort and safety. Damping variant V2 is the ideal system for sporty drivers, who also wish to make modifications in the set-up to achieve a more customised lowering of the suspension. Thanks to the adjustable rebound damping, it is possible to adapt the driving comfort to suit the driver's personal taste. With its separately adjustable pressure and rebound damping functions, coilover suspension V3 permits an even higher degree of customisation to the suspension and provides the perfect solution for those truly technically demanding drivers. All KW coilover suspensions are produced in the unique stainless steel "inox line" technology. This assures the extremely high quality and durability of the suspensions plus a long-lasting perfect finish to match.

2007 Gemballa Porsche Carrera Mirage GT

(from Gemballa Press Release) High-end-Tuning for the Carrera GT: Racing-look GEMBALLA Mirage GT with more power

Around 1500 of Porsche's prestige product, the Carrera GT, have been built, all of which have now been sold. Owners worried about the individuality of their vehicle, in spite of its rareness, would be well-advised to make an appointment with GEMBALLA. Thanks to its expertise, as the only Porsche tuner GEMBALLA has comprehensively modified the high-tech car from Weissach, while at the same time adding an individual touch. In addition, performance addicts can obtain even more of what they want. The spectacular end product answers to the name of GEMBALLA Mirage GT and outshines its production-line counterpart in every respect.

The Carrera GT engine is a dream. A meaty 5.7-litre V10 boasting 612 horsepower. What more could one want? More power of course! GEMBALLA operates on the same principle as racing drivers: "You can never have too much power". By modifying the engine management electronics, GEMBALLA has been able to squeeze out a further 60 bhp of power and 20 Nm more torque for the V10, slicing off 0.1 seconds off the time it takes to go from 0 to 100 km/h. The added performance has also been aided by a new, fully stainless steel exhaust system that now resounds through four tail pipes instead of the standard two. GEMBALLA has positioned the two extra tail pipes where the reverse and fog warning lamps used to be. The tuning specialist has relocated the two lamps to beneath the rear diffuser.

Complete racing look

With the GEMBALLA BODY-CONCEPT, the Mirage GT looks like it is planning to enter the Le Mans 24-hour race. The most conspicuous change to the front are the additional air intakes on the new front spoiler. In addition, GEMBALLA embellished the component with a spoiler lip. The bonnet has also been replaced. In the area between the wheel housing and door GEMBALLA has replaced the standard side panels with its own mudguards, with reshaped openings which blend harmoniously with the original design. Down below, new side skirts lend the vehicle a muscular line. They also come with a cooling vent for the breaks at the rear. One thing is certain! The racing look is enhanced by the new rear skirt, with its aerodynamically optimised mid section for more downforce on the rear axle.

The Mirage GT is an impressive example of GEMBALLA's capability, and represents high-end tuning at its best. The cost of the comprehensive conversion, which can only be carried out by GEMBALLA, starts from EUR 229,800.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Farbio GTS

(from Farbio Press Release) Designed to reflect speed and beauty with exquisite flowing lines, the Farbio GTS brings to reality the merger of a road car with a racing pedigree. The latest technological advances are encompassed with dynamic styling and superb road holding.

Now in production at our factory near Bath, the stunning Sports Car has a full carbon fibre body, space framed chassis, complete flat underfloor (incorporating a rear diffuser), giving the GTS an exceptional aerodynamic grip level. It has an understated elegance combined with style, giving a truly refined sports car with outstanding performance.

GTS customers will be able to tour in comfort with the spacious, ergonomic interior, with fully adjustable Sparco reclining seats allowing for a 6’6” driver. The controls have an easy accessibility with the touch-screen featuring satellite navigation, air conditioning and sound system as standard. Long distance touring is made easier due to the 76 litre fuel tank and 220 litre boot capacity, which can incorporate a full size set of golf clubs or luggage.

Farbio Sports Cars has the benefit of an Ј11 million order book for the next three years with customers from the UK, USA, Scandinavia and Thailand. Our UK waiting list is currently 8 months at the time of going to press.

The Farbio GTS and Supercharged GTS

The route followed when developing the Farbio range was clearly defined: a powerful engine, high-tech space framed steel chassis and carbon fibre body, race inspired seating, racing brakes, advanced aerodynamics incorporating a flat underfloor with rear diffuser, all these ingredients combined with a beautifully styled body.

With the addition of an exceptionally spacious and refined interior, excellent all round visibility... you have the breathtaking Farbio GTS.

GTS

The normally aspirated Farbio GTS comprises of a bespoke induction and exhaust system and along with a specially mapped ECU, it can produce an impressive 262bhp. This combined with the lightweight full carbon fibre body shell delivers powerful acceleration. The Farbio GTS also incorporates a flat floor the full length of the car, joining the front splitter and rear diffuser, which provides exceptional downforce giving excellent handling qualities.

With the large fuel tank and lightweight carbon fibre body, touring is made simple and enjoyable.

The boot volume is large enough to fit a standard set of golf clubs, or several pieces of luggage. There is also extra luggage space on the parcel shelf, secured with bespoke luggage straps.

The Farbio GTS can accommodate a 6'6" driver, into our fully adjustable Sparco seats.

Supercharged GTS

The supercharged Farbio GTS comprises of a bespoke induction and exhaust system and along with a specially mapped ECU it can produce an exhilarating 384bhp. This combined with the lightweight full carbon fibre body shell delivers powerful acceleration. The Farbio GTS also incorporates a flat floor the full length of the car, joining the front splitter and rear diffuser, which provides exceptional downforce giving excellent handling qualities.

With the large fuel tank and lightweight carbon fibre body, touring is made simple and enjoyable.

The boot volume is large enough to fit a standard set of golf clubs, or several pieces of luggage. There is also extra luggage space on the parcel shelf, secured with bespoke luggage straps.

The Farbio GTS can accommodate a 6'6" driver, into our fully adjustable Sparco seats.

The Supercharged version of the Farbio GTS combines all of the qualities of the normally aspirated car with a specially tuned bespoke version of the V6 engine and a Rotrex supercharger. The supercharged GTS has added cooling ducts, to accommodate twin intercoolers.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Volkswagen honors best apprentices

The Volkswagen Group conferred the “Best Apprentice Award 2007” on its best apprentices from all over the world in Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic). This year, 20 young people from ten countries and three continents received the award. In 2006, the Group trained over 9,000 men and women worldwide.The award certificates were presented by Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Board Member for Human Resources Dr. Horst Neumann, and Bernd Osterloh, President of the Volkswagen Group Global Works Council. This is the seventh time that the "Best Apprentice Award" has been presented. The ceremony took place at the Skoda headquarters on the occasion of a joint meeting of the Group Global Works Council and the Group Board of Management. Prof. Dr. Winterkorn praised the outstanding achievements of the apprentices and commented: "The Volkswagen Group is committed to encouraging talent. That is why we train young people at all sites worldwide, thus giving them a perspective." Dr. Neumann emphasized that "Volkswagen needs first-class employees. Professional development is also important once training has been completed. For this reason we have introduced programs such as the "Journeyman’s travels" scheme to give apprentices the opportunity to gain experience at Volkswagen sites in other countries such as only a global company can offer." Addressing the apprentices, Bernd Osterloh said: "It is both an honor and a duty for you to continue to progress in your careers with the Volkswagen Group." He added that, at the same time, the entire Group had a responsibility "not to lose touch with these talented and committed colleagues in order to harness the great potential they represent." The young people honored in Mlada Boleslav achieved excellence in very diverse fields. From the fitter from Györ (Hungary) to the industrial mechanic from Hanover (Germany) and the electronics technician from Uitenhage (South Africa) – these 20 young people will now join special programs individually developed by the relevant Group companies. Auto mechanic Jakub Hajný from Skoda, for example, is very much looking forward to continuing his career in the Volkswagen Group: "My apprenticeship has brought me into contact with many different areas of the company and I have made many contacts." The apprentices toured the Skoda plant during their four-day stay in Mlada Boleslav and talked to instructors. The program also included test drives, a visit to the Skoda Museum and a guided tour of Prague.

Mini-Mustangs auction

This year, Ford adds some flair to the Warriors in Pink campaign by enlisting celebrities to join them in the fight by decorating and signing mini Warriors in Pink mustangs. These 1/18th scale models of the recently launched 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package will be auctioned off on eBay.com from October 15 -25, 2007 with all proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Celebrities have joined the fight against this deadly disease by adding their own personal mark on the mini-Mustangs. For more information on the auction, please go to www.ebay.com/warriorsinpink.Celebrities include: - David Arquette
- Courteney Cox
- Kelly Clarkson
- Toby Keith
- Richard Simmons - Cast of General Hospital
- Cast of Young & The Restless - Cast of Grey's Anatomy - Cast of Desperate Housewives
- Cast of Brothers and Sisters
- Laurie Force, wife of Legendary NHRA John Force, mother of Ashley, Brittany and Courtney
- Ashley Force, driver of the Castrol GTX Ford Mustang Funny Car
- Brittany Force, driver of the Brand Source Super Comp dragster
- Courtney Force, driver of the Brand Source Super Comp dragster Embarking on its 13th year of support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Ford has dedicated more than $90 million in cash and in-kind donations to save lives and end breast cancer. The new 2008 Mustang with Warriors in Pink package and fashionable suite of 2007 Warriors in Pink apparel symbolize Ford’s powerful mission statement of ending breast cancer and making a difference against one of the biggest threats facing women's health today. Produced in a limited edition of 2,500 units, the new Mustang is a special addition to its Warriors in Pink collection. For more information on the Warriors in Pink campaign, please go to fordcares.com.

2008 GeigerCars Ford GT

(from GeigerCars Press Release) The legendary Ford GT is now even faster!GeigerCars.de packs even more performance power into Ford’s newest model.

The Ford GT is a living legend. For those who have driven this car before it is hard to imagine what it means to gain 29 % more performance power. Its supercharged engine with an impressive 701 bhp/ 523kW producing a peak torque of 7407 in-lbs reaches a top speed of 211 mph. The engine’s shear force gives you goose bumps and its deep base just about takes your breath away. With the tuning modifications carried out by GeigerCars.de the Ford GT really outdoes itself.

Munich’s tuning specialists at GeigerCars.de converted the Ford GT 5.4 liter V8 engine entirely. A 3.3 liter serial compressor replaces the 2.3 liter compressor and the boost pressure was raised from 0.8 to 1.25 bar. The engine electronics were reprogrammed to calibrate the GeigerCars.de power components. Enlarged throttle valves and a sport air filter provide its eight cylinders with more circulation. The engine and transmission’s cooling system are optimized to meet the needs of the Ford GT’s expanded performance. With the first step on the gas this sports car instantly demonstrates what it is capable of: a true race car.


From 0 to 62mph in 3.5 seconds
With the tuning kit from GeigerCars.de the sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes just 3.5 seconds. The Ford GT can cover a quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. Its driving force is noticeable in first gear and does not let up - this car does not stop giving until reaching maximum speed at 211mph. Only the tire’s loading limit bridle the engine’s overwhelming power. Its top speed is limited electronically. The driving experience is acoustically enhanced with the installation of a high performance exhaust system from GeigerCars.de which accentuates the engine’s solid sound. The Ford GT’s powerful tailpipes have a diameter of 110 millimeters. Having removed the rear bumper the tailpipes impress in full view.

Engine and suspension design: a perfect complement

Such immense force of acceleration is to be controlled with confidence. Optimum control in all situations is guaranteed by a GeigerCars.de specially designed adjustable suspension system. For optimal weight distribution of axle load between front and rear axles, the hydraulic shock absorbers can either be set in the impact or tow mode. Its suspension package lowers the Ford GT by up to 60 millimeters and brings its power onto the road. In turn, its unique thin silhouette and sporty proportions are brought out by the low rider.

Controlling shear force with confidence

Its high performance break system with monoblock brake calipers produced by GeigerCars.de is made for deceleration performance. Even at over 186mph the Ford GT breaks quickly and confidently. For quick acceleration and optimum control when taking curves GeigerCars.de combines impressive 245/35R 20 size tires and 9Jx20 light alloy wheels on the front axle and 325/30R 21 size tires and 11x21 wheels on the rear axle. Such distribution gives the car a safe grip even at fast cornering. The Ford GT’s impressive outer appearance is completed with the addition of a Geigercars.de wheel set in black with stainless steel inlays.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Speculation: Maybach 62 Landaulet

The usually well informed AutoTelegraaf.nl released a short article today about the upcoming Middle East International Motor Show (MEIMS) in Dubai and that Maybach is planning to debut a brand new Maybach 62 Landaulet there.

The 'landau' was made popular in the '20s and '30s and was basicly a fixed soft-top roof instead of a metal one. The 'landaulet' has a fixed soft-top roof from the A-pillar to the B-pillar (covering the driver) and becomes a retractable soft-top from the B-pillar to the rear.

The Maybach 62 Landaulet will be limited to 20 units and seems to be aimed mainly at the superrich in the United Arab Emirates. The 62 Landaulet will be launched on 13 November during the MEIMS press day and on show from 14 until 18 November during the public days.
Attached is a Maybach Cabrio computer rendering. The Maybach 62 Landaulet will most likely look nothing like the image.

Nissan to introduce world’s first Around View Monitor

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd will introduce the world’s first Around View Monitor, which offers the driver a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings in real-time. In Japan, the Around View Monitor will debut in the new Elgrand, scheduled for introduction at the end of this month. The technology will also be offered to the U.S. market on the all new Infiniti EX35 scheduled for launch this December.The Around View Monitor system sythesises a bird’s eye image of the vehicle and its surroundings from four ultrawide-angle (180-degree) high-resolution cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. The Around View Monitor is particularly helpful when parking, enabling the driver to steer easily and precisely into a parking space. The screen displays the view from above on the left, and a front or rear view on the right. The front and rear views alternate according to the gear shift. This allows the driver a comprehensive view of the vehicle and its surrounding environment from all angles. [SLIKA]2[/SLIKA] The left side-view is offered with the rear view, allowing the driver to more easily observe both the rear and left-front when attempting to parallel-park. The driver has the option to choose between the top view and the left side-view. The camera-enabled sensors mounted on all four corners of the vehicle depict the distance to an obstacle in easy-to-understand coloured graphics, and help warn the driver via a “beeping” alert the closer the vehicle approaches a fixed obstacle.

Ducati UK lead the way

2007 is proving to be a year to remember for Ducati UK, the fully owned UK subsidiary of Ducati Motor Holdings. Celebrations on the race track through a first ever MotoGP World Championship win by Casey Stoner has been echoed by success on the road with the launch of numerous new products becoming instant sales hits throughout the world and no more so than in the UK.The main reason for the UK success has been down to a Sportsbike orientated market falling in love with both the new Ducati 1098 and 1098S which have combined to produce sales of over 800 units. Less obviously has been the surprise package of the Hypermotard which has become an instant cult machine and at the same time proving to be the commercial success Ducati had hoped. Some have already tipped this to be a real contender for the bike of the year along with the 1098. This unprecedented demand has led to an increase in sales by nearly 37% (YTD September) and has helped Ducati UK to be the strongest performing subsidiary compared to 2006 and the fastest growing European manufacturer in the UK. Soon to be added to the Ducati portfolio will be the Desmosedici RR, the £40,000 MotoGP replica that has proved to be the unsanitized, engineering marvel that public and media had hoped for. Deliveries to the UK will begin soon to the UK which is the third biggest market for this exclusive motorcycle, with North America second and the Italian home market taking most orders. It seems that the UK biking public has fallen for Ducati all over again as Visitors to service centres and dealers have been encouraged by a drop in Ducati servicing costs by as much as 50% after the introduction of new service schedules, adding to customer confidence and the feeling that there has never been a better time to buy a Ducati. The Ducati factory has also invested time and money in ensuring that the quality of new products meet customer expectations and this has been shown by significant reductions in warranty claims. And lastly, an increase in the UK dealer network has seen dealers appointed in areas such as Potters Bar (Hertfordshire), Norwich (Norfolk), Romford (Essex / East London), Ballymoney (Northern Ireland) and an additional service centre in Dunfermline (Scotland) has helped geographical coverage improving accessibility to the brand. With UK parts sales up 9%, clothing up 16% and accessories up a staggering 69% and excited new models for 2008, the future for Ducati UK is a very rosy red.

Lexus LF-Xh concept makes its global debut at Tokyo Motor Show

Lexus announced today that it plans a global unveiling of the LF-Xh concept at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Also on the Lexus stand will be the LF-A concept, along with six production vehicles at the International Convention Complex (Makuhari Messe) in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.On the basis of its "pursuit of perfection" philosophy, Lexus strives to provide the highest-quality products and to fill every moment with exhilaration and comfort for its customers through continued, uncompromising efforts in all aspects of development, production and sales. At the Tokyo Motor Show, as a new global premium brand for the 21st century, Lexus plans to exhibit a concept SUV and a premium two-seater sports car. The LF-Xh is a concept SUV based on the Lexus design philosophy of L-finesse and equipped with an advanced hybrid system - The combination of a powerful body and elegant interior gives this next-generation SUV a dynamic look and feel. - Application of “Lexus Hybrid Drive”, which features a sophisticated fusion of superior environmental and power performance, seeks to achieve outstanding driving performance, quiet operation, high fuel efficiency and low emissions. - All-wheel drive is backed by a V6 petrol engine and high-output electric motor hybrid system. The LF-A is a premium two-seater sports car that represents the impressive Lexus driving performance - Manifestation of the Lexus “F” premium sports car concept, which offers new Lexus performance through the combination of enhanced fundamental performance and cutting-edge driving technology, pursues the pinnacle of sports car performance. - Use of L-finesse design creates an elegant and a solid presence. - A high-performance V10 engine (up to 5.0 litres) and a body made of light yet sturdy carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) combine to provide unprecedented driving performance.

The Touareg R50: World Premiere in Sydney

In a world premiere, Volkswagen will be presenting the Touareg R50 on October 11 at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Its power of 258 kW / 350 PS (at 3,500 rpm) positions the new Touareg version among the most powerful SUVs in the world. The Touareg R50 can be ordered in Germany at prices starting at 88,260 Euro; it will be introduced to the market this November.The engine characteristic of the Touareg R50 is marked by a torque level nearly unattainable by the competition: The V10 TDI of the Touareg R50 develops its enormous power of 850 Newton-meter at a low 2,000 rpm. The turbo diesel was derived from the well-known ten cylinder with 230 kW / 313 PS. Adjustments to its turbo charging and modified engine management enabled a 28 kW / 37 PS increase in power and a considerable 100 Newton-meter increase in maximum torque. Under these new parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds (production car: 7.4 seconds); its top speed is 235 km/h. In relation to engine power and vehicle size, the fuel consumption of the production ten-cylinder diesel equipped with a particulate filter is a moderate 9.6 liters per 100 km (highway) and 12.6 liters per 100 km (overall). Despite big gains in power and torque, its DIN fuel consumption values have remained constant compared to the Touareg V10 TDI. In keeping with the performance potential of the R50, Volkswagen Individual designed new exterior and interior features according to the R philosophy. From the outside, the new Touareg R50 is easy to recognize with its 21-inch Omanyt type alloy wheels and size 295 tires, blue painted brake calipers, discrete wheel well flares, side skirts and distinctive bumpers (Sport Design Package), as well as a modified radiator grille (in a matte finish chrome). Offered exclusively on the Touareg R50 is the car color “Biscay blue”. Blue hues of this type have been typical of the high-powered R models since the first Golf R32 was introduced in the year 2002. Offered as optional car colors on the Touareg R50 are “Campanella white”, “Reflex silver”, “Black Magic” and “Atacam gray”. The car’s extensive features also include an air suspension sport chassis: The so-called “Driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation” and chassis lowered by twenty millimeter supplements the “Sport” mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension by achieving a stiffer spring rate. On the inside, the SUV’s features include a sport seating system in anthracite-colored nappa leather with R50 logo integrated in the headrests. The logo was also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Also in keeping with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-colored “engine spin” decor of the interior – a metallic structure similar to that previously used on race cars – as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals. An R50 logo also decorates the gearshift lever of the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features the Touareg R50 also include a winter package (including seat heating for the rear seats), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column and seatbelt height), net partition behind the rear seats and a ski sack.

First pictures of Grand Modus and New Modus unveiled

Renault takes the wraps off two new MPV models, Grand Modus and New Modus. Grand Modus features harmonious, distinctive looks that elegantly exploit its longer wheelbase (+93mm) and larger quarter-lights, while its overall length of 4,034mm ensures that it has all the benefits of an MPV. Its boot is amongst the biggest of its category (410 litres VDA) and its three-seat, sliding 60-40 split-folding rear seat, plus its bright, functional cabin and plethora of smart storage spaces permit Grand Modus to pave the way for a host of family uses.New Modus (3,874mm) combines compact dimensions and city car agility with an elegant new design and benchmark comfort. Grand Modus and New Modus will be produced at Valladolid, Spain, and will go on sale from February 2008. Grand Modus, a genuine Renault MPV
Renault has put all its expertise as a pioneer of the MPV into Grand Modus. With an overall length of 4,034mm, a wheelbase of 2,575mm, the new model features expressive, appealing looks in keeping with Renault's approach to the MPV. The large glazed surface area accentuates the sensation of space when sitting inside the car. Grand Modus’ user-friendly driving position combines the advantages of a saloon with those of an MPV and features centrally-positioned instruments that are easy to read for driver and all passengers. The emphasis on comfort and practicality
Grand Modus features one of the most generous boot volumes of its category (410 litres VDA) and represents a gain in this area of practically 50% over Modus (+136litres). Its modular interior layout is simple to transform thanks to its easy-to-use, sliding 60-40 split-folding rear seat, which enables Grand Modus to pave the way for a host of new uses. Attention has also been paid to passenger comfort thanks to its generous cabin space. A large number of storage spaces are within easy reach of passengers, including under-floor lockers, drawers, aviation-style storage and the ‘Stay Put’ system built into the front passenger seat cushion. Last but by no means least, the availability of top-performing, fuel-efficient powerplants ensures that Grand Modus has all the credentials to become a household's main car. New Modus: compact and complementary
New Modus' compact dimensions (length: 3,873mm) and city car agility position New Modus as an ingenious and complementary alternative to the traditional city car. This mini MPV is aimed at customers looking for a vehicle with a high driving position and an effective compromise between exterior dimensions and cabin space. New Modus features elegant new lines and continues to stand out as a benchmark in terms of comfort and practicality, two areas that have made the model so popular with existing Modus owners. Grand Modus and New Modus are based on the Renault- and Nissan-shared B platform, and will go on sale in February 2008.

Lexus IS F: Details (JA)

In order to drive the new IS F by New Years Eve in the States you will have to buy your car through Neiman Marcus, but in Japan you can just stroll down to a Lexus dealership to pick up your 423 hp sports car. The new Lexus IS-F will go on sale 25 December with a starting price of yen 7,660,000 (EURO 46,286 or USD 65,268).

Lexus is aiming to inject 'the joy of driving' into the premium sports car, something which many enthusiasts claim the Japanese manufacturers lack (and even Toyota themselves seems to think so). The IS F is based on the IS series and comes with a new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and special aluminium wheels. The F refers to the Fuji Speedway on which Lexus has been extensively testing the car. The transmission is an 8-Speed Sport Direct Shift transmission which can be operated either as an automatic or clutchless manual, a world first for an 8-speed transmission.

The 5,0 liter V8 (model 2UR-GSE) engine (a D-4S direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version, that combines both port and direct fuel injection) produces 311 kW / 423 hp at 6,600 rpm with 505 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. Lexus is looking to sell 40 units per month in Japan.

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Press Release
Lexus Launches 'IS F' in Japan

Lexus announced today that it will begin sales in Japan, starting on December 25, of the "IS F"*. The IS F is a Lexus "F" premium sports car based on the concept of proposing a new level of performance for Lexus through a refinement of basic performance with the addition of new cruising technology. The vehicle was developed to pursue, to the fullest extent possible, the "joy of driving" — which is one of the fundamental appeals of the automobile — by responding reliably and performing as intended.

Based on the IS series, the IS F boasts a completely new engine and transmission, an exclusive suspension and specially selected aluminum wheels and tires. The vehicle was tested extensively on race circuits in Japan and overseas, including Fuji Speedway, in order to demonstrate its full potential. Detailed attention to the responsiveness of the acceleration, gear shifting, steering and brakes, as well as to the actual experience of quality (such as engine sound and the sensation of acceleration), has created a new type of driving pleasure — not just for the driver but for passengers as well — thus expressing the emotional appeal of the Lexus brand.

Honda CR-Z hybrid sportscar concept breaks cover

One of them is the Honda CR-Z. Honda CR-Z is a lightweight, two-seater sportscar equipped with Honda’s petrol-electric hybrid IMA powertrain. Following in the tyre prints of the Honda Remix Concept (seen at LA Show last year), and the Small Hybrid Sports Concept (debuted at Geneva in March), the CR-Z Concept explores the potential of a compact, lightweight sportscar that’s exciting to drive, but has minimal impact on the environment.

The CR-Z features the latest Honda hybrid IMA powertrain to deliver low emissions and impressive economy.

The front of the car sits low, and is dominated by an imposing, large bumper with gaping air intakes. Meanwhile, the smooth lines across the glass roof and rear of the car minimise drag.

Tube shaped combination lamps at the rear improve rearward visibility, and other design details include stylish, high-visibility wing mirrors, LED headlights, fin-shaped sidelights and large 19-inch wheels to enhance the sporting appearance.

Inside, the aim was to give the concept car a light, spacious and sophisticated feel. The CR-Z’s hi-tech interior features a blue, neon-like finish across the main dash and centre console. Mesh material on a simple framework is used throughout, with sporty seats to help support the driver during cornering.

According to the Japanese design team, CR-Z stands for Compact Renaissance - Zero.

GM Uzbekistan Joint Venture to build and sell Chevrolets

General Motors, the world’s largest carmaker, announced today a joint venture with UzAvtosanoat to assemble and distribute Chevrolet cars in Uzbekistan, the central Asian republic and part of GM Europe region. The joint venture, which will be called GM Uzbekistan, will extend Chevrolet’s rapid expansion in Eastern Europe and Asia. “Chevrolet has become the fastest growing brand in Europe, demonstrating its strong appeal especially in the opportunity markets of Eastern Europe”, said Carl-Peter Forster, President of General Motors Europe. “The start of operations in Uzbekistan and the launch of a series of new Chevrolet models will help us continue our rapid growth.” Sales of Chevrolet models in Europe have increased 32 percent year-to-date, with 328,000 units registered through September. Chevrolet is on track to reach the 450,000 unit mark this year, a more than 30 percent increase over 2006.

Under the terms of the joint venture, General Motors will hold a 25 percent equity stake with the option of increasing this amount in the future. General Motors will provide new technology, manufacturing expertise and training for the joint venture, which will have access to the portfolio of GM’s largest and fastest growing global brand, Chevrolet. Senior GM managers will hold key positions in the new joint venture, particularly in manufacturing, quality, and sales and marketing.

“We are very pleased to join forces with our reliable manufacturing partner in Uzbekistan,” said Michael Grimaldi, President and CEO of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology. “Demand is high around the world for the new Chevrolet models we build in Korea. The new joint venture means we will have added manufacturing capacity to assist us in meeting the growing demand for our cars in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.”

The GM Uzbekistan manufacturing plant, situated in Asaka, Andijan Province, 350km from the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, has a total manufacturing capacity of 250,000 units which, over time, is to be fully utilized for producing Chevrolet cars. The first three Chevrolet models, Captiva, Epica and Tacuma, will be assembled from SKD kits starting immediately, with other carlines to be added for assembly from CKD kits and full-scale production over the next three years.

“Entry into the General Motors family gives access to a modern model line and modern automobile technologies”, asserts Rustam Azimov, Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “Quality improvement, growth of production and consumer requirements’ satisfaction in Uzbekistan and in other countries, where Uzbek cars rightly deserved popularity and recognition, these are key points to which the new joint venture will focus on”.

The new Chevrolet models will be sold initially at seven showrooms in Tashkent and other major Uzbek cities. By the end of 2008, the dealer network is expected to grow to over 60 showrooms as the Chevrolet range for the Uzbek market is extended to additional carlines.

Until now, the Asaka assembly plant, which started production in 1996, has been building the Daewoo Matiz, Nexia and Damas for sale both in the domestic and neighboring markets. These models will be lined up along with Chevrolet models: Captiva, Epica and Tacuma during the interim period.

“The newly created enterprise will increase production volumes to 250 thousand cars per year”, said Ulugbek Rozukulov, the Chairman of Board Uzavtosanoat SC. “Besides, along with production of new models, we are planning to implement a number of localization projects of KD parts in Uzbekistan, which also will contribute to the development of the industry”.

The assembly plant will begin using GM’s common Global Manufacturing System, in which performance is improved through the consistent adoption of five principles: people involvement, standardization, built-in quality, short lead times and continuous improvement. The principles are interrelated and implemented as a complete system. The plant will also be integrated into General Motors’ global purchasing and supply chain with a view to increasing the quantity of components and materials sourced on the domestic market.

With a population of 27 million (up 7 million in the past 15 years), Uzbekistan is an auto market with significant potential for further expansion. The country’s economy has grown by an average of 7 percent over the past five years. In 2006, vehicle sales reached a total of 65,600, 19 percent more than in the previous year.

Audi Fashion Preview Presents with Silvia Tcherassi

Renowned fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi has opened the new Audi Fashion Preview Presents yearly series in which Audi intends to promote Latin American designers in the United States. Tcherassi, an Audi Ambassador in her native Colombia, debuted her Spring-Summer 2008 collection at the Moore Building in Miami’s Design District last night. “As part of the company’s lifestyle program, Audi is looking to support up and coming designers from Latin America in the US,” said Anja Kaehny, Manager East Coast Communication and CSR for Audi. “Miami has been chosen as the ideal setting for this yearly series as it is considered to be the capital of Latin America and it is one of the most important Hispanic markets for Audi today.”

Silvia Tcherassi and Audi have formed the perfect partnership as they both share the same design philosophy: clean, sophisticated, and forward thinking. “Both brands fit perfectly like pieces of a puzzle,” commented the designer. “I believe that my brand identifies with that of Audi as they project discreet elegance without effort. Both designs are classic yet have a contemporary edge. And, as we are committed to quality, we like to offer nothing but the best.”

The collection presented last night reflected Silvia Tcherassi’s own vision of the architecture of Barcelona. “The romantic geometry of the gothic style, the undulating forms of the modernism, and the metallic tones and the futurist shapes of the contemporary architecture were my source of inspiration,” continued Tcherassi. “The colors and shapes of the Parc Güell, a masterpiece by Antonio Gaudí, provided the inspiration for accessories of the season.”

During the event, Audi and Silvia Tcherrasi also hosted an extraordinary silent auction in support of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization founded by Anthony K. Shriver that provides opportunities for one to-one friendship and integrated employment to people with intellectual disabilities.

“Audi and Best Buddies have been partners since June 2007,” added Kaehny. “Last night, Silvia Tcherassi added to this partnership by donating one of her exclusive evening gowns.” Mariela Cisneros, the highest bidder, took with her a unique and special edition of the famous Victory dress, one of the classic creations of Silvia Tcherassi. The dress, which raised $6,000 for the organization, featured an unusual combination of materials such as techno lace, one of the highlights of the Spring Summer Collection.

Some of the evening’s celebrities that joined the Audi Fashion Preview Presents Silvia Tcherassi venue were Boris Becker’s ex wife Barbara Becker, Anthony and Alina Kennedy Shriver, Design Miami’s founder Ambra Medda, Real Estate tycoon Craig Robins, Philippe Levine, race car drivers Bruno Junqueira and Richard Philippe, TV Presenters Ingrid Hoffmann, Raul de Molina, and Ana Maria Canceco, and Actors Candela Ferro, Khutan, Valentino Lanus, and Marisa del Portillo, among others.

Rolls-Royce at full production to meet unprecedented demand

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that the manufacturing plant at Goodwood is working at full production to meet unprecedented customer demand. Additional shifts and extended working hours have been introduced and will continue throughout the remainder of the year. This level of demand is reflected in the quarterly sales figures, also announced today. By the end of September 2007 the company had retailed 22 per cent more cars compared to the same period last year with demand for all models increasing. Forward orders for the four-door models stretch well into 2008 and for the new Phantom Drophead Coupé, extend right through next year.Sales growth is expected to continue with last week’s announcement that Rolls-Royce will build a series version of the two-door, four-seat experimental car, 101EX. The new coupé will be launched in 2008 and production is scheduled to begin in the summer. Further development at Goodwood in readiness for a future model series, due for launch by the end of decade, starts at the end of this year. The new model series, which will be smaller than the Phantom, will result in major infrastructure changes and the expansion of the workforce by several hundred. Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “These are exciting times for Rolls-Royce. With the success of Phantom, the recent addition of the convertible and last week’s announcement of a new coupé in the Phantom family, our challenge is to cope with exceptional customer demand. Now we look forward to significant changes for the whole organisation as we prepare for the launch of our future model series. The changes that will soon take place mark a significant investment in Goodwood, in the future of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and in the future of manufacturing in the UK.” Further details of expansion plans at Goodwood will be released in due course.

First official pics of Nissan GT-R?Nissan GT-R targets record

Will it ever stop? Between spy shots, Goodwood hill climbs and GT5 previews, we're almost to the point of GT-R overload. Then we start thinking about the next generation ATESSA all-wheel drive setup, the stroked 3.8-liter motor, and the two turbos hanging off the exhaust manifold, and we come to our senses. Godzilla's making a comeback, and it's just over two weeks away.

This newest shot comes courtesy of CAR, and although we've seen the Nissan GT-R in profile before, some of the more subtle elements caught our attention. The deeply drawn panel aft of the front wheels, the headlamps that almost stretch halfway across the quarter panel, the subtle front lip -- it all spells kick-ass in our lexicon, and we absolutely can't wait for its reveal in Tokyo.

The Mitsubishi Evo X may be grabbing the lion’s share of the attention this week, but the countdown is well and truly on for the relaunch of another high-performance Japanese model.

Fans have been waiting for the new Nissan GT-R for years, and to add to the hype, the company has set up a website dedicated to the supercar and increased the pace in its testing and development programme.

The pictures here show the final pre-production prototype wearing the lightest disguise yet. Look closely, and you can just make out the shape of the GT-R badge on the aggressive, angular grille and the distinctive front wing design. The outline of the lights can also be seen for the first time, and they appear to rise high up the wings – a bit like those seen on the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show concept.

Spied at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, this car is part of an ambitious plan to make the GT-R a record breaker before it’s even launched.

Auto Express has seen the 4WD coupé lapping the 13-mile Nordschleife section of the track for months – and drivers are particularly keen to prove the Nissan’s performance.

In a spectacular publicity bid, the firm’s top prototype testers are aiming to break the lap record there. No confirmation has yet been given, but our spies have clocked disguised cars lapping quicker than Porsche’s latest 911 Turbo, completing the circuit in a similar time to the current record of seven minutes, 32 seconds.

Given that the existing fastest lap was set by Porsche’s highly specialised Carrera GT, this is proof of the incredible pace of the new Nissan.

The GT-R will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo exhibition later this month. Visitors to gtrnissan.com can download a timer on to their desktop to see the seconds tick away in the build-up to the event. The website also features a timeline charting the history of Nissan’s performance models.

When the new GT-R goes on sale next year, it will be powered by a front-mounted V6 engine developing 450bhp. All-wheel drive and the latest differential technology will help to maximise the car’s grip.

[source: AutoExpress]

Volkswagen Touareg R50 World Premiere At Australian International Motor Show

If you thought that the Golf R32 or Passat R36 were the pinnacle of power at Volkswagen, then be prepared to have your world rocked. Next week on October 11 Volkswagen will reveal their all new Volkswagen Touareg R50 at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney. The VW Touareg R50 is claimed to be one of the most powerful SUV in the world, which is saying something when the Porsche Cayenne Turbo counts 500 hp, BMW's top-of-the-line X5 4.8i M comes in at 355 hp (but there is a X5 M on the way of course) and the Lexus LX 570 puts 381 hp to the road.

The Touareg R50 is based on the current V10 TDI model but with a 'generous' power increase over the 230 kW (313 hp) and 750 Nm torque. The R50 also sports bigger wheels, tires and tweaked suspension and is the third model in the VW sporty R line. The interior and exterior have been redone by Volkswagen Inidividual GmbH to reflect the R philosophy.

Stay tuned for more directly from AIMS next week Thursday.

Press Release

In another world premiere for the Australian International Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced it will unveil its new Touareg R50 in Sydney next week (11 October). Developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Touareg R50 is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. While Volkswagen has yet to announce detailed specifications, it promises the R50 boasts "generous" increases on the 230kW of power and 750Nm of torque produced by the current V10 TDi model on which it is based. Bigger wheels and tyres and tweaked suspension complete the high-performance package. Volkswagen Individual GmbH has also designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy.

The R50 is the third model to appear under Volkswagen's sporty R label, following in the footsteps of the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36 - which was launched last month at the Frankfurt motor show. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction.

[source: WorldCarFans]

New Mitsubishi Evo sets the pace

The Evo has landed – and we have driven it first! In an exclu­sive test near Mitsubishi’s base in Japan, we put the all-new performance saloon through its paces.

After nine generations, the firm has started with a clean sheet of paper. And the result is the Evo X – which is more attractive than before, and offers a Volkswagen DSG-style twin-clutch gearbox and incredible performance.

Arriving virtually unchanged from the Prototype X concept, the new car looks absolutely fantastic. Compared to its boxy predecessor, the Evo has neater proportions and a more athletic stance. And it takes some of its inspiration from Europe, with an Audi-style grille and Alfa-like tail-lights.

This new, more mature approach is a conscious one. Mitsubishi feels the Evo needs to move away from its boy-racer image – but it’s determined to push performance and handling to the next level. So every major com­ponent has been upgraded, with the Evo X getting a new turbo engine, twin-clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) system, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) and fresh rear suspension.

Suspension upgrades allow the car to corner more quickly than ever
The 2.0-litre MIVEC direct-injection unit delivers 280bhp at 6,500rpm and 422Nm of torque at 3,500rpm, with 0-60mph taking only 4.9 seconds.

But, strangely, because the power delivery isn’t as brutal as before and the engine is more refined, the Evo doesn’t feel quite as manically fast.

However, the SST gearbox more than makes up for this, changing rat­ios at lightning speed and bringing a completely new edge to the car. Three shift modes are available, selected by a button next to the gearlever.

In Normal guise, SST behaves like a smooth auto. In Sport mode, gear­changes take place at higher revs and throttle response is sharper. And in Super-Sport, shifts happen at 6,500rpm, throttle response is more aggressive and the transmission blips the engine on downchanges under heavy braking.

You can take over control with the steering-wheel paddles at any time, and the whole set-up improves driving enjoyment considerably. A five-speed manual gearbox is also available for those buyers who prefer a more conventional transmission.

The handling, meanwhile, is sensational. Despite a weight increase of 100kg, the four-wheel-drive system offers amazing agility and grip. And the S-AWC set-up is stunning. It dabs the brakes should the car slide and, together with Active Stability Control (ASC), Active Yaw Control (AYC) and an Active Centre Differential (ACD), pulls the saloon around corners more quickly and with less roll than before.

Turn the ASC off and you can slide the car at will – but you’d better be quick to catch it. Still, with a revised steering set-up, tweaked multi-link rear suspension and a stiffer chassis, feedback is better than ever – and so is the ride, which is less crashy. Brembo brakes deliver huge stopping power, and pedal feel is excellent.

If there is a downside, it’s the cabin. Even though you get a sporty two-tone steering wheel and fantastic Recaro seats, the plastics are cheap and the design flair that’s evident in the exterior styling seems to have been forgotten. However, the new car is slightly bigger, so there is more in the way of space for occupants.

There’s no doubt the Evo X is a significant leap forward. It’s not as manic as its predecessor, it looks much more stylish and it has one of the best transmissions in the world in the SST gearbox. It adds up to a truly fabulous all-rounder. Mitsubishi really has raised the bar again.

[source: AutoExpress]

Nissan opens new Engineering Center in Japan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today opened its new Engineering Centre, located within the Nissan Technical Centre (NTC) campus in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Construction started in October 2004 and was completed in September.The new Engineering Centre will focus on the development of environmentally focused technologies in line with the company’s Nissan Green Program 2010, its mid-term environmental action plan. Nissan has pledged its commitment to offer advanced technology and products to help make real-world reductions in CO2 emissions, contribute to cleaner overall emissions and increase the recycling of resources. The modern and spacious Engineering Centre was designed to facilitate a culture of “knowledge creation” which promotes communication and close collaboration between visiting engineers and parts suppliers. A walkway bridge connects the Engineering Centre to the Product Planning and Design Centre for easy access. The Engineering Centre employs an environmentally-friendly turbo freezer that uses water as coolant for the air conditioning system, a first in Japan. With the all-new turbo-freezer system, Nissan will collect data to support further improvements to the system for wider industrial-scale applications. Other “eco-technologies” incorporated into the design of the Engineering Centre include use of crystal liquid ice thermal storage and heat recovery system (CLIS-HR), eco-glass, and a rain-water and waste-water heat recycling system to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Nissan has invested 90 billion yen ($783million) to boost and strengthen its R&D facilities. The Engineering Centre is yet another significant long-term investment by Nissan. Other recent investments include NATC (Nissan Advanced Technical Centre) completed in May, the new Design Centre in September, and the on-going refurbishment of the Powertrain Engineering Centre at NTC. In 2009, Nissan will move its headquarters to Yokohama City to further consolidate its presence in the Kanagawa Prefecture, whilst it continues to contribute to the local community and economic development. At present, Nissan’s facilities include the Yokohama engine plant in Yokohama City, Oppama Plant (vehicle production plant) in Yokosuka City, Grandrive Proving Ground in Oppama, NTC and NATC in Atsugi.

Subaru Impreza 1.5R hits UK

The jury is still out. But now that the car has arrived in the UK, judgement day for a model that was only recently the darling of performance car enthusiasts across the country has arrived.While we were lukewarm about the changes to the Impreza after driving it in Japan, we were hopeful the newcomer might appeal to us more once it hit the UK.Yet first impressions aren’t good. The shape is far from attractive and lacks a sporty edge, traditionally a trademark of Subaru styling. It’s bloated and ungainly, as well as shorter and wider than the old Sport Wagon. The wheelbase is 95mm longer, though, so at least interior space is generous.

Sadly, the cabin itself is a letdown. Bosses say the new model has a premium feel, but we can’t agree. The design is better looking than the outgoing car’s, yet the cheap and brittle plastics simply aren’t up to scratch.

Build quality is fine and at only £12,495 for the base 1.5R, it’s good value, especially with a standard kit list that includes climate control, electric windows and six airbags. The key question, though, is what’s the Impreza like from behind the wheel?

Sitting on an all-new platform with a wider track and lower placed engine, the latest model still has Subaru’s acclaimed handling abilities. There’s more roll in corners, due in part to the taller body shape, but grip is good and the Impreza feels stable.The ride quality is excellent, too, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces well. Our biggest gripe is with the light steering. It lacks feedback, which makes the driving experience somewhat detached.

The 1.5-litre engine has been tweaked to give more torque at low speeds, but it’s still sluggish and has to be worked hard to get decent pace. It’s better on the motorway, where it easily keeps up with traffic.

Without the performance of a turbo­­charged engine, there’s little to recommend the Impreza. Its lacklustre design and drab cabin are disappointing, and while it’s a capable driver’s car, there are better rivals available.

RIVAL: Kia Cee’d 1.6 GS
It doesn’t have the all-wheel-drive set-up of the Subaru, but the Kia is cheaper, quicker and more economical. This, combined with a neat design and upmarket cabin, makes it one of our class favourites. Add the seven-year warranty, and it’s a near unbeatable package.

[source: AutoExpress]

Pedestrian visibility quadrupled by use of reflective vest

Motorists at the side of the road can be seen from up to four times as far if they are wearing a high-visibility vest, new research has found. The study, conducted by motoring magazine Auto Express and car care specialist, Comma, was carried out as part of Comma’s campaign at www.safeandseen.co.uk to lower the 250 deaths and serious injuries that happen on the hard shoulders of the UK’s motorways each year.For the night-time research, a pedestrian was ‘planted’ on four different types of road, with varying traffic speeds and street lighting, while a driver passed by, recording when they spotted the pedestrian with and without a high-vis vest. At 40mph on an unlit, rural road, the driver will see someone at the side of the road just 3 seconds before reaching them. Wearing reflective gear, the reaction time tripled to 11 seconds, while the distance travelled was nearly quadrupled. On a faster route, meanwhile, at 65mph the driver only saw the marker 2 seconds before passing him without a reflective vest. With it, the viewing distance was again quadrupled. Further tests yielded similar results. Auto Express news and features editor Mat Watson said: “Most drivers wouldn’t consider carrying a high-vis vest in their car, incorrectly assuming they they will be perfectly visible to passing motorists without one. The shocking results of our study prove just how wrong this is. Hopefully it will help change people’s minds and encourage more to carry a high-vis vest in their car as doing so will help boost safety on our roads.” The research adds weight to Comma’s petition to make it compulsory for motorists to carry a high-vis vest in their car at all times. A law to make the vests a mandatory boot item would bring UK legislation into line with several other countries in Europe, such as Italy, Croatia and Belgium, where it is already law.

Placido Domingo Set to Drive BMW Hydrogen 7

World-renowned opera singer- conductor Placido Domingo will be given the keys to a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - for his everyday use, BMW announced today. Widely regarded as the greatest operatic artist of modern times, Domingo joins several other preeminent figures in entertainment, government, the environment and more, as the latest person to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 on U.S. roadways as a part of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, designed to help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels."It is an honor to be taking part in this initiative by BMW to educate, inform and, ultimately, to impact how we as a society think about alternative energy and the health of our planet," said Domingo. "Having worked on numerous natural disaster relief efforts, I've witnessed first-hand the profound impact that environmental and climate changes can have on humanity. I feel it is the duty of everyone on this planet to learn, become involved in the fight, accept change and be part of the solution." In addition to his prolific operatic career, Placido Domingo is a dedicated public advocate, raising millions of dollars through special benefit concerts to help such causes as the victims of the 1985 Mexican earthquake, AIDS and more. He has become one of the most decorated and honored artists in the world today, acknowledged as a Kennedy Center Honoree, a Commander of France's Legion of Honor, the Honorary Knighthood of the British Empire and the highest decoration in the US, the Medal of Freedom. Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. It is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process. While the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, it is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation. By harnessing the power and influence of individuals who, like Placido Domingo, are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, BMW hopes to continue to generate support of hydrogen-drive vehicles in the short term and stimulate demand for a viable hydrogen infrastructure in the long-term. A number of entertainers, politicians, business leaders and more have opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the "Ocean's 13" premiere in Hollywood; Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica; Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin; and "An Inconvenient Truth" producer Davis Guggenheim (Oscar(R) for the best Documentary Feature) and Best Foreign Language Film Oscar(R) winner, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards; among others. The vehicle has also made an impact oversees, with luminaries such as Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, and Günter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission, world renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and many others covering more than 1.3 million miles worldwide.

First Look: 2008 BMW 1 Series Convertible

It didn't take a mind reader to predict BMW would add a convertible variant to its 1 Series lineup -- especially since spy shots of the vehicle have been popping up on the Web long before any missives from Munich were issued.

The German automaker has finally made it official, releasing details and photos of its 2008 1 Series Convertible, which will reportedly wash ashore stateside next spring, about six months or so after the U.S. debut of the coupe.

As the spy shots have indicated, the top will be soft as opposed to the hardtop folding unit on the new 3 Series. The standard top can be ordered in either black or taupe cloth. The optional top is what BMW calls Moonlight Black, featuring interwoven shiny metallic fibers designed to lend it a unique appearance in ample sunlight.

Both of the engines available in the 1 Series coupe will be offered in the convertible variant. Buyers will have a choice of the standard 3.0-liter, 230-horse inline-six in 128i trim or the twin-turbocharged version of the same displacement in the 135i, good for a full 300 horsepower. BMW is listing the 0-62-mph sprint as taking 5.6 seconds for the 135i Convertible -- 0.3 second slower than the coupe, although it retains the same electronically limited 155-mph top speed.


Visually, the 1 Series Convertible will be distinguished by a flared shoulder line, creating a surface that wraps around the interior as a boat deck wraps around the cabin. The convertible top itself will be able to raise and lower at speeds up to 25 mph and will take 22 seconds to do so, according to BMW. One obvious disadvantage to the convertible configuration is a significant loss of trunk space - capacity drops almost 25 percent from just over 13 cubic feet in the coupe to 8.48 cubic feet in the convertible when the top is stowed. As on the coupe, an integrated spoiler is on the rear of the 128i's trunklid, while the 135i gains an additional lip spoiler in the same location.

The climate-control system features an additional mode designed exclusively for top-down driving. While in normal mode, climate-control sensors take readings based primarily on interior temperatures, but when switched to convertible mode, readings are made from exterior temperature and sunlight factors to help achieve the proper amount of ventilation. Leather seats featuring BMW's Sun Reflective Technology and a wind deflector are available options.

Given the lack of a steel roof, the BMW1 Series Convertible is fitted with a rollover sensor that, when detecting an imminent rollover, pretensions the seatbelts and deploys two rollbars behind the rear headrests. The A-pillar and windshield frame are also reinforced in the convertible for added protection.

Speculation is that a convertible roof will add at least $3,000 to the price of the BMW 1 Series when it hits U.S. showrooms, but for those who pine for wind in the hair and sun on the face, the convertible will likely be the only option they consider.

[source: MotorTrend]

Other BMW Cars:
+ BMW 1-Series Cabrio Revealed
+ Tuners: 2007 BMW Alpina B7
+ An Incredibly Accomplished Driver's Machine BMW M3
+ Test Drive:2007 BMW X5 4.8i
+ Comparison Test: 2007 BMW X3 vs. 2008 Land Rover LR2
+ New Two Door 1-Series BMW Coupe is the '1'
+ 2008 BMW 528+ First Drive Experience-BMW M5 Touring
+ First Drives Experience-BMW 650i Sport
+ Auto Review-BMW 3-Series Convertible
+ Auto News-BMW 118d SE
+ BMW 2010 5-Series
+ 2008 BMW 5-series now available
+ 2007 BMW 7-Series Expert Review
+ 2007 BMW 7 Series Sedan

Škoda Yeti to be manufactured in the Czech Republic

Škoda has announced that it will manufacture the Yeti SUV in its Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic. Production of Škoda’s fifth model line is due to start in 2009 and many new jobs will be created in the firm’s home country following this announcement. The Kvasiny facility, along with Škoda’s other plant in Vrchlabí, will be extensively modernised and expanded in order to meet the board’s aim of having three full-scale Czech factories by 2010.Mladá Boleslav, the carmaker’s main plant and headquarters, will continue to produce the Fabia and Octavia. However, the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava will help to satisfy the high demand for vehicles by increasing its production of the Octavia. Detlef Wittig, chairman of Škoda’s board of directors, said: “Thanks to the growing demand for the Octavia we are looking for suitable manufacturing capacities elsewhere that will enable us to quickly react to the enormous interest shown by customers in our model range. “

Honda’s running robot makes European debut

The latest generation of Honda’s humanoid robot, ASIMO, has made its European debut in Barcelona. The new ASIMO incorporates several significant technological advancements over its predecessors, including a more streamlined design, even more fluid and quick movements and the ability to run at almost 6 km/h (4 mph). The agile robot also has several other new mobility and intelligence capabilities. “The previous generation of ASIMO amazed people with the fluidity of its movements,” said William De Braekeleer, Corporate PR Manager, Honda Motor Europe. “The new ASIMO takes this mobility and interaction with people to the next level and moves Honda one step closer to its ultimate goal of developing a robot that can be a helper to people in need.”ASIMO is developed by Honda engineers in a variety of locations across the globe, but Honda’s European Research Institute is making a particularly significant contribution to enhancing the robot’s intelligence capabilities. Based in Offenbach, Germany, the Honda Research Institute currently works in partnership with 17 European universities and research centres in the development of intelligent systems and cognitive intelligence. The European debut was held during II Jornades de Robòtica at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park and organised in partnership with the Barcelona City Council as part of the city’s ‘Year of Science’ activities. The new ASIMO will be in Barcelona until 29 September where it will be performing a number of special shows for the general public and the city’s school children. On 28 September, the robot’s educational role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers will be highlighted at Nit de la Recerca, the European Commission’s ‘Researchers in Europe’ event, which aims to raise the profile of European researchers and scientists.

BMW 1-Series Cabrio Revealed

The fourth variant in BMW's 1-Series model range has now arrived with official details and photos being released today. But while the pictures speak for themselves, oddly enough only German-language information has surfaced. So forgive what might be a poor translation of the Cabriolet's German press release - official information in English is bound to surface very shortly.

BMW describe the newest edition to the marque's Cabriolet line-up as having characteristics typical of the brand and sporting a youthful, but elegant design, made so by its sleek profile, muscular wheel arches and pronounced shoulder-line.

Dubbed by the firm as the 'first premium cabriolet in the compact segment', the new soft-top 1-Series features an electro-hydraulic roof, capable of automatically opening and closing in 22 seconds - at speeds of up to 40 kph (25 mph). Exclusive options for the 1-Series' soft-top roof are also available. An anthracite grey option with glossed filaments allows for an interesting silver effect on sunny days, while the cabin is adorned by high quality materials and upholsteries. A 'class-first' in its stowage capability also allows for the safe transportation of golf clubs, or even two snowboards.

Touted as an authentic first rung onto the ladder towards the 'world of BMW Cabrios', the new 1-Series Cabriolet offers four petrol models ranging from the 118i's 143 hp 2.0-litre unit to the 306 hp 3.0-litre six-cylinder 135i, while a 177 hp four-cylinder turbodiesel will also be available.

An official English-language press release will be published very shortly, so stay with us for all the details. The Cabriolet hits showrooms next year.





[source: worldcarfans]