Ferrari 430 Scuderia at 2008 Melbourne Motor Show

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

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

© Source: caradvice
We need your comments below >>

Mercedes G55 AMG with McLaren SLR engine

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

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

© Source: autoblog
We need your comments below >>

Kia shows production and green concepts at Geneva Motor Show

Excitement and the environment are at the top of Kia’s list for the 78th Salon de l’Automobiles in Geneva next week. Three fun concepts based on a forthcoming production car and Kia’s latest every-day environmental technology will be on display at the Korean company’s stand in Hall 5 and will be officially unveiled during a Press Conference at 12.30pm on Tuesday 4 March.

2009 Nissan Murano named Top Safety Pick by IIHS

The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano, on sale in the US and coming to Europe late 2008 has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). When testing nine mid-sized SUV models, IIHS found the Murano to be the best overall performer in front, side and rear crash test evaluations.

2008 Creative Workshop Sport Speciale

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

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

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

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

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

© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>

Hinting a Geneva Preview? VW launches Scirocco minisite

Last May, we said the Scirocco may be U.S.-bound. At the time, it was AutoWeek who seemed to think the then-distant 2008 Geneva Motor Show would be an appropriate venue for Volkswagen to make the announcement. Well, it has been nine months, and VW is still closemouthed on any official disclosure, but we've all but been assured that it's not coming our way.
Now, word comes that Volkswagen has launched a Scirocco minisite dedicated to the future coupe. This move is fueling speculation that a Scirocco announcement next month in Geneva is imminent. As expected from a German teaser-site, very little is disclosed other than a few shadowy glimpses of the bodywork. However, a "2.0 TSI" badge is clearly visible, hinting at VW's 200 hp gasoline powerplant. Will Geneva host the long anticipated announcement from VW, or is this just another breadcrumb? We'll let you know in two weeks.

Mercedes-Benz launches Mixed Tape Music Magazine on Mercedes-Benz TV

With around 2.5 million users and 28 million downloads so far, Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape has proved one of the most successful legal music sites worldwide since launching in 2004. Now, Mixed Tape is entering a new era: Mercedes-Benz is keeping the popular download compilations and broadening its scope to include a monthly music show on Mercedes-Benz TV (www.mercedes-benz.tv).

3-wheeled Electric Car is Faster than a Porsche

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

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

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

© Source: goldarths
We need your comments below >>

Toyota FT-HS performance hybrid concept

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

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

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

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

© Source: caradvice
We need your comments below >>

Hinting a Geneva Preview? VW launches Scirocco minisite

Last May, we said the Scirocco may be U.S.-bound. At the time, it was AutoWeek who seemed to think the then-distant 2008 Geneva Motor Show would be an appropriate venue for Volkswagen to make the announcement. Well, it has been nine months, and VW is still closemouthed on any official disclosure, but we've all but been assured that it's not coming our way.
Now, word comes that Volkswagen has launched a Scirocco minisite dedicated to the future coupe. This move is fueling speculation that a Scirocco announcement next month in Geneva is imminent. As expected from a German teaser-site, very little is disclosed other than a few shadowy glimpses of the bodywork. However, a "2.0 TSI" badge is clearly visible, hinting at VW's 200 hp gasoline powerplant. Will Geneva host the long anticipated announcement from VW, or is this just another breadcrumb? We'll let you know in two weeks.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z03 Concept by Ugur Sahin Design

(from Ugur Sahin Design Press Release) European automotive coachbuilder unveils design for limited production, carbon fiber Corvette Supercar.

Gorenchem, The Netherlands, February, 2008 - Automotive design and coach building firm Ugur Sahin Design announced plans to build a Chevrolet Corvette Supercar entitled the Corvette Z03 Concept. The vehicle will be built in a limited production of just 100 units utilizing the platform of the world renown Corvette Z06 and will have a restyled body made of carbon fiber. Beyond the rebodied exterior, modifications will be made to the power plant, suspension and interior.

To take the concept from design to reality the company has organized a team of innovative partners including Flybrid Systems (Winner of Professional World Motorsports Engine Innovation 2007), Modesi Design (technical studies and engineering), Fischer Motorsports (carbon fiber production and engine tuning) and Kirkham Motorsports(aluminum body and panel production). In addition, the expertise of automotive legend and former Corvette chief engineer Dave McLellan has been instrumental in consulting Ugur Sahin Design on the production management of the limited series Z03 Corvette.

As for performance, replacing the stock body panels with carbon fiber parts will see a weight reduction of approximately 100 pounds. The vehicle will have three performance packages available ranging from 500 to 750 hp. The top package will be equipped with dual Tial/Garret oil lubricated and liquid cooled ceramic bearing turbochargers combined with a revolutionary Motec electronic engine management system. More detailed specifications on engine and drive train components will be released shortly. All aspects of the vehicles personalization will be handpicked by the customer including custom mixed paint, upgraded interior treatments including gauges, dashboard, custom created RECARO seats and more. Interior upgrades are an important part of the vehicle.

Details on pricing and availability will be made public in March. The first production vehicles are set to be delivered to the US market late in 2008.

© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>

The € 900,000 Maybach Landaulet

Maybach has announced the production version of the Maybach Landaulet - the semi-convertible ultra-luxurious limousine, with a 620 ps V12 bi-turbo engine and a € 900,000 price tag.

Probably Maybach hopes that such an over the top car will save the brands’ sagging sales. The first deliveries will start in the autumn of 2008.

In November 2007, Maybach revived the aura of the grand carriages of days gone by with its Landaulet study. The response from the public to this masterpiece was overwhelming, so much so that Maybach decided to offer the hand-built Landaulet based exclusively on the customer’s own specifications. A limited number of vehicles will be built in the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingenover a restricted period. The finest materials are painstakingly handcrafted by select craftsmen to meet the customers’ exacting requirements - just as the discerning Maybach clientele would expect. According to the latest Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI), a survey of 531 U.S.millionaires recently voted Maybach the most prestigious luxury automobile brand.

The Maybach Landaulet is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and comes with its very own exciting yet distinguished, authentic style. While the chauffeur’s workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer, the passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun. They travel on opulent reclining seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an environment of utmost luxury and exquisite style.

Engine and suspension
The Maybach Landaulet is powered by an uprated V12 engine, developed for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. Thanks to twin turbochargers, the V12 engine develops 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. Equipped with the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension system and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) the Landaulet model achieves an outstanding level of ride comfort whilst at the same time proving that even a prestigious automobile can display excellent agility and handling qualities.

The Maybach Landaulet will cost EUR 900,000 (or US$ 1.35 million). The first customer vehicles are due to leave Maybach Manufaktur in autumn 2008.

© Source: eurocarblog
We need your comments below >>

Two Iconic Holdens Take to the Track at Clipsal 500

In a unique motoring event, two of Holden’s most distinctive cars will take to the track in Adelaide’s eastern parklands during this week’s Clipsal 500 event. Holden’s Number 1 car, the first 48-215 will be joined by world renowned Holden concept car, the EFIJY, for a unique lap of the circuit on Sunday 24th February at 1.15pm. The track time will herald an exciting year of celebrations for GM Holden, which is marking the 60th anniversary of Australia’s own car – the Holden 48-215.

Geneva Motor Show 2008 Preview: Opel/Vauxhall Meriva Concept rendered

We've already seen a rough sketch of the new Meriva concept from Opel/Vauxhall, but after a rendered image began leaking out onto the interwebs this week, GM's European division decided to put out a new image and a more extensive press release. The Meriva concept, set to make its debut in Geneva early next month, is being touted by GM as the future of flexibility and practicality. The automaker is heavily pitching the Meriva's major innovation dubbed FlexDoors, which are what we've all come to know and love as "suicide doors." The rear-hinged back doors supposedly offer easier ingress and egress, better aesthetics and greater safety for the little ones when you're strapping them down in thier child seats. Cool, but hardly what we'd consider truly innovative. We'll let you know how innovative this concept truly is in a couple weeks when we touch down in Switzerland.


MERIVA CONCEPT: NEXT LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY

• World premiere: FlexDoors make monocabs more comfortable, versatile and safer


• Design: Dynamic lines with no concessions in practicality


• Lifestyle: Exit the rear of the car in style

With the dynamically styled Meriva Concept, Opel/Vauxhall presents the next level of monocab flexibility at the International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008). The concept car features rear-hinged rear doors on both sides of the car called FlexDoors. While the front doors are conventionally designed with front hinges, the rear doors swing open towards the back of the car. Another feature of the family-oriented Meriva Concept is that the front and rear doors can open independently of each other. Rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened, which severely limits their practicality.

GM's patented FlexDoors innovation offers a wide range of benefits:

* Greater functionality: entering and exiting the vehicle is more convenient as the rear doors open to a 90-degree angle, creating a much wider aperture than standard car doors. Thanks to the high roofline, rear passengers also have more headroom when getting in and out of the car. The interior is much more accessible, so stowing a briefcase behind the front seat, for instance, is considerably easier.
* Higher level of safety: securing children in the back seats is much easier. The rear-hinged rear doors also improve control over children exiting the car, as they can be better seen from the different seating positions. The "safety zone" created between both doors also makes it much more difficult for them to step out into traffic than with conventional doors.
* More style: entering and exiting the rear of the vehicle not only looks cool and elegant, but also feels much more natural.

FlexDoors' smooth operation is backed up by an array of patented innovations developed by GM engineers. A safety system ensures the doors can only be opened from the inside or outside when there is no risk to the passengers. The Meriva Concept also features an automatic electronic child lock, which supplements the conventional mechanical system. The concept car also has B-pillars not only for independent opening but also for side-impact safety reasons.

The Meriva Concept's design is distinguished by its attractive combination of practicality and spaciousness with very dynamic and cool styling. The concept car's distinctive window line, arched roof, wide track and impressively sculpted body give a good indication of what is to be expected from future Opel/Vauxhall production monocabs.

"The Meriva Concept clearly illustrates how our new Opel/Vauxhall design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for the monocab segment," says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design, General Motors Europe. Especially eye-catching is the dynamic 'wave' of the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers. This also enabled designers to create a dynamic and unique silhouette and still provide good visibility for children in the rear. The body also boasts the distinctive "blade" bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers' heads. Rear section elements – in particular the rear lights – echo the Insignia, Opel/Vauxhall's new upper mid-size class car due to be unveiled in the summer. The monocab's roof slopes gently downward towards the rear, underlining its dynamic character.

"The FlexDoors concept is a logical enhancement of our monocabs' flexibility," explains Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe. "With the Zafira's Flex7® seating system and the Meriva's FlexSpace concept, we took on a similar pioneering role in interior flexibility."

Opel/Vauxhall is enjoying great success with its monocab designs: in 2007, almost 335,000 Zafira and Meriva models were sold. And with the new Agila, monocab experts Opel/Vauxhall now also offer an entry-level monocab in the mini-car segment. Every fifth Opel/Vauxhall model sold today is a monocab, while in the total market it is just every eighth car.[Source: GM]

Geneva Motor Show 2008 Preview: First Fiat 500 Abarth official images leaked

This morning, we brought you a Fiat-provided doodle showing a super-deformed 500 Abarth meant to give us a gist of what to expect when the Italian automaker pulls the cover off the Scorpion-emblazoned performance variant. What we didn't expect was that we'd be seeing official images on the same day we posted the sketch. Thanks to Carscoop (and one of its generous readers), we've got exactly that.

The first four (of many, we're sure) official images show the Nuova 500 dressed in the equivalent of a tracksuit and running shoes, with a full bodykit consisting of a new front spoiler, side skirts, and rear bumper with a nifty-looking diffuser insert through which a pair of rolled exhaust tips peek. Black, Scorpion-emblazoned 5-spoke wheels with silver and red accents sit inside the hot hatch's flared fenders, while the endlessly-cool Abarth shield adorns the nose, rear quarters, and hatchback lid. Flashes of red make their way onto the rearview mirrors, brake calipers, and side stripes, too. Inside, the leaked cutaway drawing shows us read seats with matching door panel inserts. The whole thing is very butch...like a little bulldog puppy, and it's bound to be one of the stars of the show when the doors are thrown open in Geneva. We can't wait to see it in person.

[Source: Carscoop]

2008 Jaguar XJ6 D Review

Introducing the 2008 Jaguar XJ6 D. This is proof that Jaguar is still building great looking cars only this time it’s a diesel. There’s something quite special about driving a Jaguar too. It’s as if drivers around you are a little protective of the old girl. For the first day or so, behind the wheel of the XJ6 D, I was content to amble around at limo slow speeds and soak up my fellow drivers admiration of the car.

Lurking beneath the bonnet is a seriously capable 2.7-litre V6 twin turbo diesel, that won’t quite fly you to the moon, but it will get you to where you want to go – quickly. It’s no fat cat either. The XJ6 D like all XJ models has a body made entirely of aluminium, which keeps its weight down to a class leading 1659 kilos. That’s significantly lighter than the best from Germany. Power from this engine is a modest 152kW, which pairs up nicely with a not so modest 435Nm of torque. If you compare this engine to the 3.0 Litre V6 petrol powered car, the diesel is way out in front. Although maximum power for the 3.0 litre six is 16kW more than the diesel, that power is not on song until high up in the rev range at 6,800rpm. The diesel on the other hand is reaching the high notes at 4000rpm. Far more useable and a lot more fun!

When you buy a Jaguar XJ, you expect superior ride quality. That’s been a core brand value of the company, forever. It simply doesn’t matter that it’s a diesel. Buyers will expect Jaguar to have dealt with the fact that diesel engines generate higher levels of vibration than petrol engines. And they have. If you purchase an XJ6 D, you will be driving in the only car in its class, to have electronically controlled active engine mounts, which cancel out 90% of engine vibration at idle as well as those from poor road surfaces.

Specifications:
Engine: 2.7 Litre twin turbo diesel with intercooler
Power: 152kW
Torque: 435Nm
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 225kph
Fuel tank: 85L
Fuel consumption (combined): 8.1 L/100kms
Kerb weight: 1659 kg
CO2 emissions: 214g/km (low)
Drive: Rear wheel drive
Turning Circle: 11.7m
Price: $154,900 to $234,900

© Source: caradvice
We need your comments below >>

The new Audi A4 Avant revealed

Dynamic, elegant, and emotional; with the A4 sedan, Audi has already advanced into a new dimension. In a few weeks, the A4 Avant will follow: The most successful premium station wagon of its class offers, along with excellent drivability and uncompromising quality, a higher utility value for sports and recreation. This vehicle combines elegance and intelligent functionality.

Geneva '08 Preview Alfa Romeo to unveil production 8C Spider

Let's be honest here. There are some cars on which we report because they're new and that's what we do. But some are just pure pleasure. Now try to figure out into which category the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider falls.

Although we've already seen plenty of the Alfa 8C in both coupe and roadster bodystyles, we can never get quite enough, and at this year' Geneva show, Alfa will finally be showing the production version of the 8C Spider. Technical details carry over from the luscious fixed-roof 8C Competizione, and little is expected to have changed from the concept spider unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2005 to the production version being unveiled now. As with the initial run of the coupe, only 500 spiders will be produced, so this could be our best chance to get up close and personal with the hottest model this side of Scarlett Johansson.

© Source: autoblog
We need your comments below >>

Three SOUL concepts to reveal ‘fun’ side of Kia

Defying traditional automotive classification, three new SOUL concept cars to be unveiled by Kia at the Geneva Show on 4 March, will reveal a whole new individual and fun direction for the Korean brand.

Honda at the Geneva International Motor Show

The all-new Accord makes its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month. One of the first cars to be unveiled – at 08.30 on Tuesday 4 March – the European Accord will be shown in both Saloon and Tourer body styles. It will be joined by the FCX Clarity, Honda’s ground-breaking hydrogen fuel cell car – featuring for the first time ever on European soil. The CR-Z hybrid sports car concept also makes its debut on this side of the world after its reveal in October last year.

2008 BMW 1 Series Review

Few brands have grown more than BMW in the past 25 years. That growth can be seen in their sales figures and the vehicles themselves. Today's 335i is larger than 1986's 535i, for instance, and it certainly sells in much greater volumes. This trend toward bigger and heavier has altered the brand's lineup to the point that there's now room for a cheaper, smaller entry-level car. Stepping boldly into the gap is the 2008 BMW 1 Series.

The 1 Series already debuted in Europe earlier this decade as a four-door hatchback, but that body style's limited appeal to American shoppers prevented its journey across the pond. With the introduction of new coupe and convertible body styles, however, BMW believes the timing is right for a small car revival.

With their compact two-door bodies, high-performance engines and scalpel-sharp handling, the 2008 BMW 128i and 135i are arguably the spiritual successors to BMW's classic 2002 coupe. Yet the 1 Series features many of the modern high-tech and luxury features that have become just as much a part of BMW during this decade as the raw driving experience. Some features like active steering and navigation with iDrive are dubious in terms of value, while others like keyless ignition/entry, premium hi-fi stereo and the convertible's heat-reflective leather seating are welcome niceties in a small car.

The 1 Series coupe is 8.7 inches shorter than a 3 Series coupe and a bit narrower as well. Though its front engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration is pretty unpopular in this size category because of its lack of space efficiency, BMW reckons its layout has unique appeal to people who care more about driving than carrying passengers. As such, the 1 Series comes with the same engines as the 3 Series: a 3.0-liter, 230-horsepower straight-6 for the 128i and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six good for 300 hp in the 135i.

Considering its $30,000-plus price tag and its rear-wheel-drive layout, this is a coupe and convertible without any real apples-to-apples competitors. Potential rivals are either too big (Infiniti G37), have front-wheel drive (VW Eos), are too mechanically different (Mazda RX-8) or are more an unrefined muscle car (Ford Mustang GT) than a finely balanced sport coupe/convertible. Plus, with its tiny backseat, the 1 Series toes a very fine line between usable four-seat coupe and a 2+2 sports touring car like an Audi TT.

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

Rolls-Royce to Reveal Phantom Coupé at Geneva

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Coupé at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, 4 March 2008. Production of the new car will start at Goodwood in the summer of 2008.

Geneva global debut for new Fiesta

FUN-loving and fashionable, sensational and safe; Ford's all-new Fiesta is guaranteed to wow the crowds when the wraps come off at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Taking much of its exterior and interior design from the striking Verve Concept, the next generation of Britain's best-loved small car promises to shake up the supermini scene at its global premiere.

Gemballa Tornado GTR700 Cayenne

We all get that the Porsche Cayenne, though it has its talents, is no prize pig down at the beauty pageant. But this is just mean. Like a caricature of the Cayenne itself, we can applaud the go but shudder at sight of the show. Under the hood, Gemballa has primped and preened the twin-turbo V8 to produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 horsepower. It will also offer a 2WD conversion – that's got to be a first – to go with the severely dropped ride height and beefed-up suspension.

The mad-science plastic surgery is another story, however, as Gemballa opens up the Cayenne's mouth, adds a carbon-fiber hood insert, cuts open a whole mess of new vents, throws on some Ferrari-esque tail-lights and a set of roof-mounted brake lights to boot. Inside they've added fully-adjustable racing buckets front and back, separated by a strange-looking full-length center console. Maybe Gemballa was trying to prove a point when it decided to mix styling cues from the Carrera GT with its ugly step-sister the Cayenne. Whatever it is, we don't get it.

© Source: autoblog
We need your comments below >>

Volvo XC60 - first official images

Our friends over at Autoblog.nl have discovered these first official images of the Volvo XC60, out a couple of days before the embargo date.

The Volvo XC60 is the new mid-sized SUV from the swedish brand, from which much is expected in terms of sales. At the moment there are no technical details available and nothing is known about when sales will start.

© Source: eurocarblog
We need your comments below >>