Lumma BMW CLR X 650 GT to Debut in Geneva

Lumma Design was clearly not satisfied with the work it presented on the BMW X6 at Essen 2008. They now present another slightly different package and it's called the CLR X 650 GT. At the forefront of this is the rear carbon fiber spoiler which makes a line all the way to the sides ending at the front headlights.

The front spoiler is custom-fitted and is integrated to the daytime running lights. The front and rear fenders are enlarged, suspension is lowered, and the roof is finished in matte black. The 11x23-inch deep-dish rims are matched with high-performance tyres of size 315/25-23.

Lumma is not only known for exterior work but for the inside as well. For this part they fitted upgraded leather trim, sports seats upholstered in leather and ultra-suede. A flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a shift indicator makes the driver feel more willing than ever.

Although the pedals themselves were left untouched, the gas pedal features something Lumma calls the Gas Pedal Module or GPM. GPM works with the 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 and reprogrammed ECU to increase pedal response for enthusiastic driving.

The BMW X6 based Lumma CLR X 650 GT makes its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Source: autoblog.nl

HKS Announces CZ200S Mitsubishi EVO X Time Attack Project

One of the legacies continuously being created by tuning house HKS is the number of track records it has achieved with the HKS CT230R Circuit Time Attack Evo. The Evo is always a good base car to start from if one is looking for a razor-sharp handler to take on a race track.

A new car dubbed the HKS Lancer Evolution X, CZ200S is now being developed for the same time attack purposes. As with its predecessors most of the parts used for the CZ200S's are either sold off-the-shelf or available to customers as prototype HKS products.

The Yokohama Tyre Company will be expected to provide top rubber shoes for the CZ200S as it goes for a lap time of under one minute at the Tsukuba Circuit, Japan. Consider though that cars like the Nissan Nismo R34 Z-Tune, the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and a stock Nissan GT-R are yet to break the one minute barrier on that circuit.

Initial testing using new Advan Neova AD08 radial tyres yielded a best lap time of 59.495 at Tsukuba.

Source: HKS via 4wheelsnews.com

Nissan GT-R SpecV First Independent Tsukuba Circuit Laptimes Reported

The following news will either disappoint or delight some Nissan GT-R fans. The new GT-R SpecV is slower than the standard GT-R. In fact, it's slower than both the MY08 and MY09 cars. Good news for standard car owners, bad news for those who have or are planning to shell out the equivalent of ¥15,750,000 for a SpecV.

Japan's Best Motoring publication has gotten a hold of the mighty SpecV and they wasted no time in heading for the Tsukuba Circuit to test Nissan's claims for themselves. To make matters interesting they put legendary racer Keiichi "The Drift King" Tshuchiya behind the wheel. Even he could not beat the MY08 and MY09 times of 1:01.888 and 1:01.343 respectively. The car could only manage a best time of 1:02.4. Best Motoring says the conditions under which all three cars were tested were similar.

The SpecV weighs 60kg less than the factory car. It's powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 with 480hp (353kW) and 434 ft-lb of torque. No explanation is forthcoming on this pressing issue yet, suffice to say perhaps the upcoming issue of Best Motoring in which the car was tested will provide some answers.

Source: gtrblog.com

New 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Promotional Video Released

It can be argued that the Audi R8 V10 probably does not need a promotional video. The car can practically just sell itself. Nevertheless there will be no complaints from fans of powerful fast cars after they click on this video to see flashes of the R8 V10 and hear that marvelous engine in a professionally-shot video clip. The video runs for about a minute and a half and shows the car at a track putting some rubber on the tarmac. No fancy stunts were performed, apart from the handbrake turn at the end.

The Audi R8 V10 was finally launched to the public at the Detroit Motor Show in January after much speculation and spy pictures. It has a 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine that gives it 386kW (525hp) and 530Nm of torque. In 3.9 seconds it reaches 100km/h from standstill while top speed is 316km/h (196mph).

Source: Audi

Hyundai ix-ONIC HED-6 Concept Live Photos

Hyundai has unveiled their new ix-ONIC (HED-6) concept at a press event ahead of the car's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The concept hints at the company's future styling direction for an upcoming compact SUV and from the looks of it, Hyundai may have a hit on their hands.

The brand's traditional conservative styling is thrown out the window and is replaced by a dramatic exterior that features a blend of muscular curves and sharp angular lines which helps to create an impressive and sporting appearance. Among the many design details are back-swept front headlights, a hexagonal grille, 21-inch mirror-polished alloy wheels, and a special three-dimensional rear window that is made from high-performance plastic instead of traditional glass.

Under the hood sits an all-new 1.6-liter GDi turbocharged engine which produces 175 HP and is connected to a brand-new six-speed automatic transmission that was developed in-house.

The company will also use the Geneva Motor Show to debut the new i30 blue which features engine stop/start technology to achieve a 7% increase in fuel economy and the new i20 three-door.

Source: telegraaf.nl via hyundai-blog.com

Saudi Tuner: Mercedes S550 Gets CL550 Front End Conversion - Becomes CS500?

Sometimes we here at WorldCarFans are just plain thankful for all that spare cash that flows through the Middle East. Without it, we wouldn't have all these weird, bad, and unusual tuners to make fun of.

Case and point, the car its owner is calling the Mercedes CS500. What's that you say? There's no such thing? Well there is when Saudi tuner MyCar takes a Mercedes S550 and tacks on a front end from the CL550. All that's left is to add the missing "C" and "0" to the rear badging, and you have a CS500. We definitely will not file this car away as ugly, like so many other tuner vehicles from the region. We think this car looks like a natural when the front end of the CL550 is joined to the S550 body.

Say what you will, but this certainly does not look like a bad car, especially when you put it side-by-side with such Middle Eastern atrocities as the Hummer H2 Cabrio, and the chrome-plated Mercedes C63 AMG. Even Autoblog thinks it classes up the S550 a bit. The family-owned Riyadh-based tuners at MyCar are very proud of their creation, and they should be.
If you happen to be in Riyadh, you may still be able to check out the MyCar Mercedes CS500. They only just posted the photos a few days ago.

Source: gulf4cars.com via autoblog.com

Subaru Justy 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition (UK)

Who says that desirable limited-edition cars have to be unattainable exotics? Clearly not Subaru. The company has just released what might be the most wallet-friendly special edition ever in the UK: the Justy 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition. Production of the striped and spoilered supermini will be limited to just 100 cars. At under £10,000 each, this means that then entire production run could be had for less than the cost of a chrome-plated Bugatti Veyron.

The thumb-sized Justy is a city car based on the Daihatsu Sirion, and in 1.0R form it looks the part of a maximum-economy urban minicar; it's boxy and conservative. The 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition adds a healthy dose of excitement in the form of exclusive paint (in a choice of Black Mica or Shining Red) and over-the-roof "viper stripes," a roof spoiler, privacy glass and a dual exhaust. Inside, the Justy's tarted up with a leather and alloy shift knob. 15-inch Monza R alloy wheels are also available.

The Justy 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition shares the Justy 1.0R's 1.0 liter, 68bhp three-cylinder engine and two-wheel drive running gear. It's not exactly what you'd call a "hot hatch," but the special edition's attitude makes up for what it lacks in outright performance. So does the fuel economy: after all, when was the last time you could boast that your ultra-rare limited-edition Ferrari got 64.2mpg on the UK's Extra Urban Cycle?

The Justy 1.0 Twin Cam Special Edition's standard equipment includes air conditioning, anti-lock brakes and power windows. Pricing is only £690 more than the standard Justy 1.0R, starting at £9,995. The Monza alloys add £600 to the bottom line, but even fully equipped, this is a special edition that most of us could live with.

We're rooting for some creative multi-billionaire enthusiast to step up and purchase all of them. A 6800bhp army of buzzing microcars with racing stripes has to be at least as cool as a FAB Design Maybach, doesn't it?

Source: Subaru

Audi TT RS with 340hp 2.5Turbo - Official Photos, Details and Engine Sound

In addition to the official teaser shots and an audio clip of the TT RS' five-pot turbo that were released today by Audi, thanks to one of Carscoop's readers, we now have a full set of pictures as well as more detailed information on Ingolstadt's hottest ever TT model. To be officially revealed at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the TT RS will be available in both Coupe and Roadster forms. Reviving the spirit of the original Quattro models of the 1980's, Audi has equipped the TT RS with a new turbocharged 5-cylinder engine with direct-injection and a capacity of 2.5-liters.

The result is an output of 340-horspower and a maximum torque figure of 450 Nm or 331.9-lbs/ft. The sportiest TT ever uses Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system with power being transferred through a six-speed manual gearbox. In terms of performance, Audi says that the TT RS will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5,0 seconds with its top speed being electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Ingolstadt's engineers also beefed up the TT RS's braking system and revised the car's suspension and electronic stability control systems.

On the outside, the TT RS gets a rather subtle treatment over the 272HP TT S model that includes slightly larger front air vents, a distinctive rear diffuser, a fixed boot spoiler and twin-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there's a leather multifunction sports steering wheel and sports seats in a combination of Alcantara and leather

Both the TT RS Coupe and Roadster will be available in European markets during the second quarter of the year. To the misfortune of North American buyers, Audi has not approved the TT RS for U.S. launch.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.pt

Porsche Releases More Cayenne S V6 Hybrid Details - Sales to Commence in 2010

If you're going to go for a large and powerful SUV, you might as well opt for one that consumes as less fuel and emits as less CO2 as possible - at least that's the logic behind vehicles like the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid that will be available worldwide from the beginning of 2010. According to the German automaker, the hybridized Cayenne will consume less than 9.0 liters of fuel per 100km (26.2 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle (EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available) and emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output.Talking about power, the Cayenne S Hybrid uses a supercharged Audi 3.0-liter V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), for 333-horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. The V6 is mated to a 52-horsepower three-phase synchronous electric motor that produces up to 221 lb-ft of torque and also acts as an alternator, while the combined power units are joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Also on board is a 154-lb. no-maintenance 38 kW nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery which takes the place of the spare tire under the luggage compartment.

Porsche said that the company's engineers have been able to drive the SUV at speeds up to 86 mph (140 km/h) without at all using the supercharged V6 combustion engine. In terms of performance, the Cayenne S Hybrid is said to cover the 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 6.8 seconds.

For those that prefer sedans over SUVs, you'll be glad to learn that a similar hybrid system will find its way into the new Porsche Panamera four-door saloon sometime after the car's market debut in late summer 2009.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

VW Testing Chinese Passat Lingyu fuel-cell vehicles in the States

Volkswagen of America announced today that it has 'imported' 16 Passat Lingyu fuel-cell vehicles from China to use in fleet demonstrations at the California Fuel Cell Partnership in Sacramento, California. These prototype fuel-cell vehicles that are based on the domestic version of the Passat were developed in China as part of a joint effort between VW Shanghai, Tongji University and Volkswagen Group Research. They were first revealed at last summer's 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"These vehicles logged nearly 50,000 miles in Beijing - with zero harmful emissions. We can think of no better place to next exhibit this environmentally-friendly technology than at the California Fuel Cell Partnership," said John Tillman, program manager for Volkswagen's U.S. Advanced Powertrain Research Program.

The hydrogen fuel cells are located in the car floor of the Passat Lingyu. The fuel cell system develops a peak power of 55 kW. The energy obtained by converting hydrogen (H) into water (H2O) is fed into a lithium-ion battery which is located under the rear bench seat and has a capacity of eight Ampere-hours (Ah) at 376 Volt (V).

VW claims that the Passat Lingyu is capable of traveling at highway speeds up to 90 mph (145 km/h) and as far as 146 miles (235 km) on a single tank of fuel with the only byproduct released from the tailpipe being water and oxygen.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

2009 Ford Ranger Facelift: First Official Photos

The redesigned Ford Ranger will makes its debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Built in Thailand, the new model will hit European showrooms this April and it will be available with two turbo diesel engines in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and three body styles – Single Cab, RAP (Rear Access Panel) Cab and Double Cab. In design terms, the facelifted European and Asian market pick-up truck is inspired from last year's Ranger MAX Concept.
Up front, the 2009 MY Ranger gets a new fascia with an 'in-your-face' three-piece chrome grille, domed hood and restyled headlamps. Other changes include the clear tail lamp design, the new exterior mirrors and the side air-vents.
The Ranger is offered with two 4-cylinder diesel engines, a 143HP 2.5-liter and a 156HP 3.0-liter unit both of which can be paired with either a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. According to Ford, the Ranger's towing capability with either the 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre TDCi Duratotq engine is rated at up to 3,000kg or 6,614-lbs.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

Hyundai ix-onic Concept with 175hp 1.6 Turbo: First Photos of 2010 Tucson Study

This is Hyundai's ix-onic concept, also known as the HED6, and it previews the second-generation Tucson compact crossover / SUV that will be officially revealed in production form at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show this fall. Even though it's hard to deny the styling resemblances to the Ford Kuga, the ix-onic that was penned at Hyundai's European center looks way cooler than the anonymous Tucson.

The concept version of the 2010 Tucson that will be called in Europe ix-35 will be powered by Hyundai's new 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers an output of 175HP. This engine will be available in the production version as well other Hyundai models in the near future. It will also be joined by a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel producing 184HP.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

MY2009 Alfa Romeo 159 with new 200hp 1.8 Turbo and 170hp JTDm

Europe's sexiest mid-size sports sedan -feel free to disagree with us at your own risk (...), the Alfa Romeo 159, will receive two new powertrains for the 2009 model year, a 1.8-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a JTDm diesel, and these are the first official photos of both versions. To be presented at the Geneva Show, the 159 1.8 TBi is equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct injection gasoline unit producing 200HP while the 159 JTDm will get a new variant of Alfa's four-pot diesel with 170HP. Since there's no press release out, we are unaware of anyother changes on the MY09 159 sedan and SportWagon models.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

2010 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro - First Official Photos

Automakers are leaving no stone unturned these days to make a buck or in Audi's case, a Euro or two. The German company is getting ready to enter a new niche segment with the presentation of the A4 Allroad Quattro, a crossover version of its latest A4 Avant that will compete head on with the new Saab 9-3X, and in some ways act as an alternative proposal to compact SUV's like its own Q5 and the BMW X5. Audi will initially offer a gasoline engine and two diesel engines for the A4 Allroad Quattro that will hit European dealerships early this summer at a basic price of €37,100.

The engine range comprises of the 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline unit that delivers 211HP and 350 Nm of torque. Matted to Audi's S-Tronic dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, it propels the Allroad to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.9 sec, and to a top speed of 230 km/h (143mph). On average, it consumes 8.1 lt of fuel per 100 km (29 mpg).

The diesel range includes the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TDI with 170HP that's combined with a six-speed manual gearbox launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 sec and on to a top speed of 213 km/h (132mph) with an avg fuel consumption of 6.4 ly of fuel per 100 km (36.8mpg). The more powerful 3.0-liter TDI V6 delivers 240HP and is hooked up to dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission propelling the Allroad from standstill to 100 km/h 6.4 sec topping out at 236 km/h. On average, the three-liter TDI sips 7.1 lt of fuel per 100 km (33.1mpg).

Aside from the standard quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi's engineers widened the A4 Avant's front and rear tracks by 20mm (0.79-in.) while the body is higher on account of a new chassis with longer springs - though Audi did not say how high. Furthermore, the Allroad is equipped with Audi's Offroad Detection (ORD) technology that senses the type of driving surface and adjusts the ESP's control parameters accordingly. The car sits on 17-inch alloys shod in 225/55 tires.

Similar to the A6 Allroad, Audi's smaller faux-offroader gets color-contrasting body cladding, restyled bumpers, a unique grille and roof rails. Inside changes are limited to the standard electromechanical handbrake and the availability of an exclusive Allroad fabric trim.
The A4 Allroad will make its world debut in Geneva in March. The German firm has yet to disclose its plans for the North American market.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

Video: BMW 5-Series GT Concept Presentation in Munich

In a special event in Munich, BMW took the wraps off its new Concept 5-Series Gran Turismo prior to next month's Geneva Motor Show. The five-door liftback which is taller and longer than a 5-Series, supposedly combines elements and characteristics from several segments including MPVs and SUVs. BMW's latest niche model, known until now by as the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS), is scheduled to enter production later this year. In this film we get the chance to see the concept inside and out as well hearing BMW design director Adrian van Hooydonk's initial thoughts on the GT.

Source: www.carscoop.blogspot.com

New 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Guard Model Announced

Mercedes-Benz has added the E-Guard high-protection package to the new W212 E-Class lineup. Not easily differentiated from the normal sedan, most of the work is under the skin. A protective cocoon made of special steel and all-around polycarbonate glazing forms the basis of the E-Guard's protection systems.

The E-Guard can withstand attacks by a .44 Magnum firearm. Even the underbelly can resist the blast of a DM51 hand-grenade. An optional intercom system will enable occupants to communicate with the outside world without opening any part of the car.

To compensate for the extra weight brought on by the protective layers of the car, the AIRMATIC suspension and the brakes have been duly adapted while the E-Guard runs on 17-inch runflat tires.

Three engine variants are available with the E-Guard badge in both Elegance and Avantgarde trim; the E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E500 and the E350.

The E-Guard package can be ordered in Germany from April at a price of €45,000 excluding VAT.

Source: Daimler

Y's Factory BMW M5 is Radical or Ruined?

Japanese tuners can be quite eccentric as far as body kit goes. This BMW M5-based sedan is an example of such eccentricity from Y's Factory. The front end features a revised bumper with tinted blue headlamp lenses. The low-profile tyres look at least 20-inch in diameter and are wrapped around 10-spoke black rims which feature what appears to be larger blue 6 piston calipers with matching hardware.

But the most visible signs of excess are at the rear where the car cannot be mistaken as it passes by. That is because of the two massive mufflers flanking an air diffuser. The wing on the boot rises up to about three thirds of the rear window and is wider than the body of the car itself.
Inside all that can be seen from the pictures are blue Recaro seats, standard M5 detailing and a floor that looks stripped out and bare. Details pertaining to the car's performance abilities can be seen on the tuner's website but unfortunately for us it's all in Japanese.

Source: thekucars.wordpress.com via autoblog.nl

1937 Bugatti Type 57S Sells for $4.4 million at Paris Auction

The 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante that was recently discovered forgotten in a garage in the UK has sold for about $4.4 million.

Hailed as one of the last great garage discoveries, the Bugatti was found locked in the garage of a reclusive Newcastle doctor after his death, along with an Aston Martin and a Jaguar E-Type. The Type 57S Atalante went under the hammer at the Paris Bonhams Retromobile auction on February 7, and the final selling price was 3,417,500 euros.

One of just seventeen examples, the car was originally owned by Earl Howe, the first president of the British Racing Drivers Club. Registered DKY 5, the Bugatti was a familiar sight in the local sports-car scene, and passed through a few owners until Dr. Harold Carr ended up purchasing it in 1955. It was in his garage that the car sat after it was mothballed in the early 1960s until it was unearthed in 2007.

The Type 57S was a sportier incarnation of the Type 57, with a high-performance engine and a shortened, low-slung frame and de Ram shock absorbers. Type 57S racers won the A.C.F., la Marne and Comminges Grand Prix races in 1936 and at Le Mans in 1937.
The identity of the Type 57S' new owner has not been disclosed.

Source: autoweek

Seat Exeo Sport Tourer Official 3D Render Video Released - Debut in Geneva

Seat has released a 3D video rendering of their upcoming Exeo Sport Tourer ahead of the wagon's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Like the Exeo sedan, the Sport Tourer is based off the previous generation Audi A4 which rides on the B7 platform. Clearly showing an Audi like side profile, the new Seat features the brand's traditional front end with a large grille and attractive headlights. In the rear the styling transplant is even more subtle as it appears the only difference is a slightly redesigned rear hatch, new taillights, and a new bumper.
The interior is all Audi, which despite looking a bit dated is a good thing because the previous generation A4 was known for its high quality and use of premium materials.
Engine options should mirror that those offered in the sedan, which means we can expect a variety of power plants to provide motivation for the new model. Petrol versions should offer outputs ranging from 102hp (75kW) to 200hp (147 kW) while diesel versions should have between 120hp (88kW) and 170hp (123kW).
Look for official details and pricing to be announced when the model debuts in early March.

Source: historiasdelmotor.com

OFFICIAL: Citroen Presents New Logo & Brand Identity Strategy to Dealers

Citroën is not wasting any time pursuing the plan of turning its brand into something less mass-market than its PSA sister Peugeot. Beginning with a new logo which was first pointed out by AutoExpress last December, the French automaker wants to reinvent itself completely from the top down. The logo still features two chevrons but they are redesigned to be more round-edged. Even the name Citroën is written in a different font. It's all part of the 90-year celebrations for the motor manufacturer.
Information that came through to WCF says dealers from 30 different countries where the marque is represented were invited to a screening at cinemas. They were then shown a video of the company's new strategy going through to 2013. Some of the details covered included new-look showrooms and plans pertaining to new models. These will be presented about every half year which works out to 6 new models in the next 3 years.
As reported before these new models will include a new line of Citroëns that are badged as DS cars. The first of these would be a DS3 of which a picture was leaked and later an official one shown. The DS3 will be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Later a DS4 and DS5 (based on the 2008 Hypnos Concept) will be launched.
The DS line does not replace cars like the C3 and C4 but will sell alongside them, possibly in a separate more exclusive enclosure inside a dealership similar to what Toyota used to do with Lexus.

Source: Citroen

Nissan GT-R by Shadow Sports Design

Shadow Sports Design has given access to details regarding its Nissan GT-R conversion. The car has been given a number of new parts to enhance its performance. A carbon fiber rear spoiler is fitted and elevated to improve downforce. There is a rear air diffuser installed as well for the same purpose.

The 20-inch wheels are made of forged magnesium for both strength and lightness of weight. These were developed in conjunction with Enkei and each of the front wheels saves the car 2.05kg in unsprung weight. They are available in either black or a gunmetal finish. As a way of helping to cool the front brake calipers the front underspoiler has carbon ducts that lead directly to these brakes.

Titanium was the material picked when it came to manufacturing the exhaust pipe mufflers. The Shadow Sports Design GT-R has a pair of racing seats fitted with a harness. No performance figures have been released yet but it's been said that the carbon-clad official GT-R Spec V is two seconds faster around the Sendai Highland Raceway track in Japan than the standard car.

Source: gtrblog.com via www.carscoop.blogspot.com

VW Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid Announced for 2010

The Volkswagen Touareg already straddles both sides of the petrolium fuel fence, with gasoline and diesel-engined versions available. When the next-generation Touareg drops in 2010, VW plans to extend that powertrain flexibility to include a gas/electric hybrid as well.

Prototypes are already in testing. The Touareg hybrid will use an all-new 245 kW (333 hp) supercharged 3.0 liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine connected to an electric motor. This engine produces 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) torque from 3000 rpm. The E-motor adds another 38 kW (52 hp), as well as a massive 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) torque.

The Touareg will be a parallel hybrid, with both gas and electric motors working together to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The electric motor can also power the Touareg alone for up to 50 km/h (30 mph), and Volkswagen plans to incorporate a switch that enables the driver to lock it in electric mode for gas-free travel. Power is routed to the wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Touareg hybrid will incorporate a stop-start system for fuel savings during city driving, as well as regenerative braking to charge the nickel metal-hydride battery that powers the E-motor.

The capabilities of the Touareg aren't lost with the transition to hybrid power, either. Volkswagen says the hybrid Touareg will still tow up to 3.5 metric tonnes, and that off-road and hill climbing ability are not affected. To offset the weight of the batteries and hybrid system, a lighter Torsen 4x4 differential and electronic power steering have been added.

Source: VW

Ford's new Electric Vehicle: First Details Revealed

An article in the Detroit News about Ford's ongoing electric vehicle program has let a few facts slip out about the upcoming "battery electric vehicle" (BEV) that Ford says it plans to bring to market by 2012.

Developed in conjunction with the plug-in Escape Hybrid that's due to debut a year before it, the BEV will be based on the new global Ford Focus platform which debuts in 2010, and will be a fully electric vehicle, with no gasoline engine component. Ford is aiming for the vehicle to have a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. "Project M," as it has been internally dubbed, is a joint venture between Ford and Magna International, Inc.

Critics are already wondering if a 100-mile range will be enough for the average commuter. The upside to Ford's Focus-based BEV is reduced cost; with less complexity than a hybrid and most of the construction sourced from a single supplier - Magna. Ford's BEV will likely cost much less than the Chevrolet Volt, whose starting price has been estimated in the $40,000 range.

Source: Detroit News

Rendered Speculation: Seat Roadster Inspired by Bocanegra Concept

Speculation as to the future of Volkswagen's lovely BlueSport concept shown in Detroit continues apace. Hot on the heels of last week's speculative rendering of a "Seat Salsa" based on the BlueSport, we've got another, more extreme imagining.

The latest speculative design combines the BlueSport's dimensions with styling elements seen in Seat's concept vehicles, especially the Bocanegra from last year and the Tango from back in 2003. The new rendering has more aggressive lines and looks quite different from the attractive but restrained BlueSport.

Seat's trademark descending side line features heavily, and the Bocanegra's influence is in the blacked-out front fascia. To keep the lines similar to Seat's current and future family styling, the rear-mounted engine's air intakes are hidden in the convertible top's opening.

Source: Seat

O.CT Boehler Concept BS3

O.CT Tuning is getting ready to show off this predominantly white three-door hatch dubbed the Boehler concept.BS3. The car is based on an Audi S3 quattro and as it can be partially noted from the pictures, some changes have been implemented. Among these are a blaring sport exhaust system that features an improved air intake system, 8-piston brakes with 372mm discs and Yokohama Advan Sport tyres 245/30 R 20 and 255/30 R 20. They are supported by a fully adjustable O.CT coilover suspension.

The exterior features widened rear fenders, an aerodynamically-designed rear bumper, a rear air diffuser and stainless steel tailpipes. The engine bay, battery and air intake have been covered in carbon fiber for that extra sporting touch.

Making the BS3 go forward is a 328hp (241kW) tweaked engine that also makes maximum torque of 425Nm. The BS3's makers say it will achieve the 0 - 100km/h time almost a whole second quicker than the standard Audi S3. The top speed is 265km/h.

O.CT Tuning will only build 100 units of the BS3 at a price of about €67,000 (US$86,100) each.

Source: autoblog.nl

Ford Focus RS Video

For the longest time Ford wasn't even breathing a word related to the Focus RS. Then suddenly a flood of information came through, including confirmation that the RS would make a return after a six year hiatus. When details burst out, few really believed that the RS was to be driven through the front wheels, given its power figures of 300bhp (224kW) and 440Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre turbo. After all, front-wheel-driven cars with slightly less power than the RS are known to have excessive torque steer. Nevertheless Ford had an answer to that in a hi-tech system called RevoKnuckle, a specially design steering knuckle containing two ball bearing sets which help compensate for torque steer. Additionally an LSD is fitted for extra traction.
Pushing the car forward is a 6-speed manual gearbox that helps the RS reach the 100km/h target in second gear. For certain engine frequencies a ‘sound symposer' is used to transfer certain pleasing sounds the car makes as it goes along into the cabin. Those bonnet louvers are there to help with idle cooling especially after heavy runs on a track so they aren't just there for aggressive looks.
The Focus RS is a serious performance machine, all indications point towards this. But on this video a more somber, normal Focus RS shows itself proving that there's more to this spicy lime hatch than mere numbers.

Source: Ford

VW Polo Unveiling Scheduled for Geneva - Bound for U.S.

Somehow Volkswagen has managed to evade the lenses of spy photographers who would have been busy taking pictures of its next-generation Polo. Therefore only this artist rendering accompanies these news that VW will reveal the next Polo at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show this March and begin US sales in 2011.

The Polo in its current form began selling in 2002 after a public reveal in 2001. It falls below the Golf (called the Rabbit in the US) in VW's hierarchy of models and comes in sedan or hatchback body styles, although not every market where it's sold carries both body types.

The US is the world's most important vehicle market and VW wants a piece of Uncle Sam's pie. It wants to push annual American sales up to 800,000 units by 2010 and expanding its list of choices available to consumers will contribute to that goal. The company is building a sedan slightly larger than a Jetta at its Chattanooga, Tennesee plant but the US-bound Polo would be built at the Puebla, Mexico plant.

Source: autoweek

Hartge Reveals BMW M3 Aerodynamic kit

Previously tuning house HARTGE had released a full range of accessories for the BMW M3 that include aluminium pedals, an aluminium handbrake handle and HARTGE gear knob. A new range of exterior accessories is now available from HARTGE.

Listed are a front spoiler lip, carbon add-ons for the front spoiler lip, and side sills for both right and left rear. This applies to both the coupe (codename E92) and convertible (E93). A rear diffuser and a lip for the boot lid are also offered but only for the M3 sedan and coupe, not for the convertible. The exterior side mirrors get a set of carbon casings. Side profile pictures are not available at this point.

The current BMW M3 comes only in three body types; a coupe, a convertible and a sedan. There's no word on a Touring wagon version. It uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engine to produce 420hp (309kW) and 400Nm of torque.

Source: Hartge

Porsche 911/998: First time on video

The new 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet have been caught on video for the first time. This is the new generation of Porsche's flagship sports car, internally referred to as the 998.

Our spies showed up on the scene while three prototypes were at a fuel stop. They took full advantage, capturing over two minutes of raw video, showing the much-loved car from many different angles. Engineers have been looking into winter performance capabilities of the 998 in the north of Sweden, where extreme weather pushes cars to their limits. Two cabrios and a coupe were being road tested.

The drivers looked to be doing some reconnaissance work of their own, snapping several photos of the spies as they headed back to the highways.

Generational improvements will include raised headlights, new side mirrors placed on the doors, with LEDs expected at both the front and back. Inside, more room will be made at the back, requiring the car to be stretched a bit longer. Power should come from direct-injection engines, with a possible 3.0-liter version coming standard. Customers will have the choice of upgrading to an all-wheel-drive version, or keeping the standard RWD. Transmission choices include a manual transmission, or the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch currently seen on the 2009 model.

Source: CarPix

Lexus IS-F: Wald Sports Line Black Bison Edition

New crystal clear photos have emerged, featuring the much talked about Lexus IS-F Sports Line Black Bison Edition. Created by tuners Wald International, the car debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this month.

As a stock vehicle, the IS-F is interesting even for people who don't like the brand. Lexus delivers the vehicle with a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 417 horsepower, and 317 ft-lb of torque. A two-stage air intake system lets the engine breathe, while the eight-speed sport direct-shif transmission allows manual upshifts in about one-tenth of a second. The new transmission even blips the throttle when the driver downshifts, giving solid control over the car. It is even designed to look a bit more sporty than most other vehicles under the luxe Toyota label.

Here is where Wald takes over. They built a custom body kit, comprised of a front spoiler, rear wing, and rear diffuser, all from a lacquered, wet-look carbon fiber. New side vents are also built in. Wheels are upgraded to Wald's very own Mahora 3-piece 20-inchers, in a dark, almost gun-metal finish. In the end, Wald wanted to show off a car that really looked like it had the power Lexus built into their IS-F.

Source: Wald International

More 2010 BMW 5 Series Details Emerge

New details of the 2010 BMW 5-Series are beginning to surface. Set for delivery during the 2nd quarter of 2010, the new 5-Series will carry a sportier design, and be slightly longer than the previous E60 generation.

Despite being longer, the functional dimensions stayed the same. Only the wheelbase was increased slightly. Aside from the sedan, a Touring version will come to market. That model should see daylight in October 2010. Each will have the wider BMW grille reminiscent of the BMW CS Concept, first shown in the Shanghai motor show 2007.

Several driver-assist systems will be available on the car, including a steering system with an active rear axle. This system will be speed-dependent, and help to prevent rear-end swing-out, making the car easier to control when cornering. The damping control on the car will be fully adjustable, with several different driving modes selectable on the fly. Night vision, lane-assist, active braking, and an advanced cruise control system will also be available.

The 5-Series will have a choice of petrol engines ranging from 180 to 370 hp, and diesel engines that output 180 to 290 hp. One of these options will be the 2.0-liter twin-turbo 204hp four-cylinder found on the 1-Series. From 2011 onward, a mild hybrid may also be available. As seen in the BMW 7-Series Active Hybrid Concept, mild hybrids function by cutting off the engine when the car is coasting, or at a dead stop. Mild hybrids can also assist with power output at higher speeds.

Eventually, we should also see the release of a new M5. This car would likely come with a huge 500+ hp V10, and a dual-clutch transmission.

Source: autozeitung.de

Jaguar 200mph Supercar Rumours Dismissed, New Entry-Level XE Sportscar More Likely

Britain's Autoweek has rebuked stories that claim that Jaguar is working on a 200mph-plus supercar in the mould of the old XJ220. According to AutoWeek, these claims are nothing more than a pie in the sky that will probably never be reached. Instead Jaguar is said to be readying a smaller sports car to be badged the XE.

We know the name XE will feature in Jaguar's future plans because it was patented as C-XE along with C-XJ. Normally the people running the British luxury brand prefix the ultimate car's name with a C when the car first debuts in public as a concept. The 2007 C-XF Concept for instance later became the production XF. Pictures used are those of a rendered XF-based roadster from the WCF files.

The boss of Tata Motors which owns Jaguar, has said that he likes the idea of an entry-level sports car which would afford first-time buyers the opportunity of considering a Jaguar in the mid-end sports segment. The car under discussion would compete in the same league as the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK instead of with a Mazda MX-5 or a Pontiac Solstice. It would hedge the brand against a global credit crunch that in all probability would stifle sales of the bigger, more expensive XK range. Still on the XK, it's said that a 275hp (205kW) turbo diesel version is being prepared for a friendly rivalry with the BMW 635d.

Source: autoweek

Nissan 370Z Coupe Pricing to Start at £26,895

UK pricing for the new Nissan 370Z has just been announced for the UK. Coming in three different trim levels, the sports car will have a base price of £26,895.

Three trim levels are available for customers, including the base model, the GT Pack, and the GT Ultimate. The lowest level car still comes flush with equipment, like push button ignition, power seats, and xenon lights. In addition to the standard 18-inch aluminum alloys, the car also has side curtain airbags, and an alarm to make you feel safer. Other features include an audio system with an auxiliary input, and Bluetooth connectivity for your pohone.

Step up a grade to the GT Pack, and you get 19-inch RAYS alloys, as well as suede and leather trimmed heated seats. If the six-CD eight-speaker Bose system is too distracting, the automatic rev control system will assist you when shifting gears. All this comes at a price: £30,195.

Finally, the £31,895 GT Ultimate package upgrades the interior to Persimmon suede, adds a DVD/Sat-Nav system covering most of Europe, and a voice recognition system added in to the MP3 audio system.

Other options include a seven-speed automatic with rev matching for £1,400, and metallic paint for £450. With the upgraded paint, you also get a scratch-masking paint job.

You can order your Nissan 370Z online beginning February 2. Delivery of the car should begin this July.

Source: Nissan

VIDEO: Four Mini Cabrio Addicts Take the Top-Open Car Wash Experiment

Ever wanted to know what would happen if you and your best friends succumbed to your most idiotic wish to drive a convertible through an automatic car wash? Now you can find out with much less hassle in this 90-second promotional/viral video from MINI.

Shot on location in Toronto at the Crosstown Touchless Carwash, the amateur-looking (but professionally-produced) video shows three friends in a dropped-top MINI Cooper going through the full wash cycle. Set to Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers", from The Nutcracker, we see the whole process from multiple angles. Each of the three guys in the car had a camera, with an additional camera mounted on the bonnet. Two chase cameras followed alongside the car as well.

The best part is when the coarse brush whipped one of the guys in the face, and he responded with a yelp. Or in the "behind the scenes" video on the MINI site, when the black actor "Andre" tells his colleagues, "I ain't never hangin' with you guys again."

Amazingly, as seen in the making-of video, the car emerged completely unscathed. A full test of the vehicle by an on-site mechanic cleared the car for future use. We still would not recommend you do this with your own car. Is this how they do things in Canada?

Source: miniunited

Toyota Wish 2009 Brochure Leak (JDM)

People interested in the next generation Toyota Wish may have, for lack of a better term, gotten their wish. A brochure for the company's compact people-mover leaked out on the internet, and we have some details to bring you.

As it stands, the vehicle will have a choice of two engines both upgrades from the vehicle's current offering. The first, Toyota's 2ZR-FAE, is a 1.8-liter DOHC engine that produces 142 hp and generates up to 130 ft-lb of torque. Also found on the Corolla and Matrix, this engine improves on the current Wish base offering by nearly 22 hp, and 8 ft-lbs.

The second engine is a two-liter version of the same engine, producing 158 hp and 145 ft-lb of torque. This is a smaller power improvement, only 3 hp, over the old offering. Torque matches the current higher-valued engine choice.

Length of the new body is increased by 40 mm, and height remains the same. The width of the MPV either remains the same, or increases by 50mm, depending on the trim level. Wheelbase is constant, at 2,750 mm. Inside, the vehicle will feel 10mm longer, and now has 5140 liters of interior space.

There will be four trim levels, with two featuring each engine. Those getting the bigger engine, will also get a push button ignition. Several different wheels will be featured, as well as either a standard or multi-function steering wheel.

The 2009 Toyota Wish is expected to go on sale soon, with deliveries beginning in the 2nd quarter of the year.

Source: autoincar.com

Cadillac CTS Coupe Delayed Until 2010

The financial crisis has bumped the Cadillac CTS coupe! Say it ain't so? The handsome two-door compact luxury coupe was one of the stars of the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and Cadillac promised a 2009 debut as a 2010 model. It was previewed to journalists at Pebble Beach, but then the planned introduction of the production version at the Los Angeles Auto show didn't happen and the word on the street was that it had been postponed indefinitely.
Now we know that the CTS coupe hasn't been cancelled, but the current economic woes have led the General to push the car's introduction back a year. It is now scheduled to hit the market in 2010. Cadillac's other 2009 debuts, the CTS Sport Wagon and SRX crossover, remain on schedule to hit the streets in the spring and summer, respectively.

Joanne Krell, a GM spokeswoman, said, "Obviously we are in a challenging economic time, and one of the changes is to move the coupe back a year. Instead of coming out this summer, it will come out next summer."

Source: AUTONEWS

BMW 730Ld Launched in the UK

The UK is one of Europe's most important diesel car markets. Therefore most motor manufacturers doing business in the UK will offer at least one diesel derivative in their lineup. BMW is one of these automakers as it expects about 85% of 7 Series sales over the year to be diesel-powered. It has just launched the new 730Ld priced at £56,790 OTR. This is the long-wheelbase version of the 730d and comes with an additional 14cm of rear legroom. The car can be driven by its owner or by a chauffeur when the passengers seek the extra space and comfort of the rear.

Buyers of the 730d require certain levels of luxury specification and BMW is delivering on that expectation. Features like a self-leveling rear suspension, an electrically-powered rear window sunblind, individually heated and air-conditioned seats, and 9-inch twin flat adjustable monitor screens come either standard or as options depending on the package selected.

Powering the 730Ld is a 3.0-litre straight six turbo diesel motor producing 245hp (180kW) and 540Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic gearbox accompanies this engine and helps the car achieve a 0 - 62mph time of 7.3 seconds as well as a top speed of 153mph. It registers a 194g/km emissions figure and a 38.7mpg combined consumption figure.

Source: BMW

Car Lands on Church Roof in Spectacular Crash

German police are investigating the cause of an accident which left a car suspended nearly 25 feet off the ground, halfway through the roof of a church. How somebody managed to put a station wagon into the church rafters is still undetermined.

The accident took place in Limbach-Oberfrohna, just outside of Chemnitz, Germany. Police believe the 23-year-old driver was racing through the center of town when he lost control of his Skoda Octavia, careened off an embankment, and wound up wedged in the church seven meters up.

One police officer told reporters at the scene, "the driver took off due to unexplained circumstances, flew some 30 meters through the air and ended up seven meters up in the church roof."

Investigators believe the car's speed led to the driver missing a turn. Just how the vehicle went airborne is still a bit of a mystery. "I've never seen anything like it," continued Officer Knut Wagner.

The driver of the Skoda Octavia was extracted from the vehicle, and transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Damage to the vehicle has been estimated at €10,000. Meanwhile, the town's church was badly damaged from the accident, but the cost of the damage has yet to be assessed. Investigators have requested the assistance of physicists in the accident reconstruction.

At its most powerful, a stock Skoda Octavia can get up to 197 hp and 207 ft-lb of torque from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder 16-valve TFSI vRS engine. With that engine, and no other tuning, it has a top speed of 150mph, and a 0-60mph time of about seven seconds.

In a statement released earlier today, Chemnitz police said that the officers “must have thought they were looking at a movie.” Remarking on reports that claim the car missed a bend, crashed through a railing, and plowed into an embankment, they said, “The embankment worked like a ski jump.”

Police and medical workers will carry out testing on a blood sample taken from the driver to determine if alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.

Source: spiegel.de

Mazda RE-Amemiya Genki 7 at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009

Isami Amemiya founded RE Amemiya Car Company in Chiba, Japan way back in 1974. The tuning company has been specialising in the modification of cars fitted with the rotary engine. For a long time these have been exclusively Mazda RX-7s. At this year's Tokyo Auto Salon RE Amemiya presents the Genki7.

The Genki7 is built from an RX-7 and it apparently features an engine tuned by long-time RE Amemiya collaborator GReddy. No numbers were tossed alongside the pictures apart from the claim that the engine will help the Genki7 "leave everyone behind".

Source: nihoncar.com via autoblog.nl

Dodge Challenger by KW

We all know the new Dodge Challenger is a big hit in the States, but the car has shown a steady following from European tuners. This particular car comes from German tuner KW and shows how the company's suspension can turn the standard car's mediocre ride quality into something special.

The car features a hydraulic suspension that offers an improved ride with the ability to lower the ride height almost instantly thanks to a push of a button. It works in conjunction with KW's coil-over struts in order to provide superior handling and enhanced road feel. Other changes include 22-inch HRE wheels outfitted with low profile tires and slick Lamborghini-style scissor doors.


Source: http://www.americar.de/

Toyota Corolla Axio Super GT300 Unveiled At Tokyo Auto Salon

Take a look at this amazingly cool Toyota Corolla Axio GT300. The GT300 was unveiled in front of a horde of photographers, including the good folks at NihonCar, during the 2009 Tokyo AutoSalon.

Over 150 kg was trimmed off the world's number one selling sedan, bringing weight down to about 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs). Putting the car on a tube-frame chassis helped to cut the fat. It was then fitted with a 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6 engine, producing 296 hp, and mated to a sequential race transmission. The GT300 also has a new suspension system, fit for a race track.

You will get a chance to see more of this car, as it participates in the 2009 Super GT series. The first race in the Japan Automobile Federation Super GT Championship takes place on March 22 in Okayama.

Make sure you check out the NihonCar source link at the top of this article. They have a whole bunch of cool pics.

Source: http://www.nihoncar.com/ via www. jalopnik.com

Next Generation BMW 1-Series Details Spilled

Details of the next generation BMW 1-Series range have now cropped up courtesy of the UK edition of CAR magazine. A new series of engines will adorn the 1 Series beginning with a smaller, more efficient 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol. This new mill will power the 116i and 118i both of which are currently powered by 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines respectively.

CAR says power figures will be as follows: the 116i gets 136bhp (101kW), the 118i gets 184bhp (137kW), 218bhp (163kW) for the 120i and the next 130i pumps out 272bhp (203kW). An M1 version is still out of the question, although a high-performance 300bhp (225kW) twin turbo 1 Series is on the cards. It would be powered by a 3.0-litre twin turbo petrol unit.

For diesel fans the selection is a 118d with 150bhp (112kW), a 120d producing 184bhp (137kW) and a 123d good for 211bhp (157kW). Later in the car's life, plug-in hybrid and electric versions are expected to hit the market.

Six-speed manual transmission systems will be the standard mate for these powerplants and a 7-speed double-clutch will be optional.

BMW engineers apparently tinkered with a front-wheel-drive layout in order to pair it with the MINI as a cost-reduction exercise. But it was decided the cars will stick to the brand's tried and tested RWD suspension. Body styles seen in the contemporary 1 Series range like the hatch, coupe and three-door hatch will stay. Additional shapes may be added such as a three-door shooting brake.

Source: Car

Chrome Finished Mercedes C63 AMG Found in Dubai

This picture of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG finished in chrome was found posted on a web forum. The picture was apparently taken in Dubai. Although the C63 AMG comes in a range of 10 colours, 7 of which are metallic, none of them is chrome.

Mercedes revealed the C63 AMG in July 2007 and launched it in September that same year. Based on the W204 platform, the car is the flagship model in the C-Class range. It's powered through the rear wheels by a normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 451hp (336kW) and torque of 443 lb-ft (600Nm). The official 0 - 100km/h time is 4.5 seconds.

Source: mbworld.org via http://www.autoblog.nl/archive/2009/01/21/heet-chromen-mercedes-c63-amg

New Mercedes E-Class AMG Sport Package Revealed

As soon as the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class goes on sale in March the AMG sports package will also be available as an option. The AMG sports package will be priced at between €2,915 and €4,046 (incl. 19% VAT), and includes some features that would not be made available individually.

What the package offers are exterior modifications like AMG side skirts, a front apron with large air intakes, 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels and brake calipers with the Mercedes-Benz logo at the front. The DIRECT CONTROL suspension system is lowered by 15mm and comes standard with the package.

More differentiating features that make the E-Class look sportier are the tailpipes. In the four-cylinder petrol models the twin pipes are oval shaped and polished in stainless steel. For the diesel four-cylinder cars the single oval pipe is also polished in stainless steel. The six-cylinder E-Class fitted with AMG sports package can be seen sporting rectangular exhaust pipes that are integrated into the AMG rear apron.

When stepping inside a vehicle with the AMG package a number of alterations are apparent. Some of these are AMG-badged floor mats, sports foot pedals, sports seats, a gearshift lever covered in nappa leather and chrome highlights and a three-spoke AMG sports steering wheel. Shift peddles come with automatic-shift models for a more engaging drive.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Rare 2008 Lamborghini Reventon Found on Sale

Looking for a Lamborghini Murcielago Reventon, but you were unable to get your hands on one? Perhaps this used car listing will interest you. The Silicon Valley Auto Group in Los Gatos, California, is selling a practically new 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago Reventon for an undisclosed sum.

A vehicle history report, obtained through CARFAX, shows the vehicle as having one previous owner, possibly in the State of Missouri. Purchased from STL Motorsports, an exotics dealer in St. Louis, the first owner took possession in June. At that time, the vehicle had approximately 58 miles on it. Just one month and 15 miles later the vehicle was put back up for sale.

The Reventon was then transported out to North Cali, where it sits waiting for somebody to drive the hell out of it. The third of ten Reventons sold in the States, this car has a 6.5-liter V12 dual overhead cam 48V engine that produces almost 650 horsepower and 487 ft-lb of torque.

Top speed: 340 km/h (211 mph). 0-100km in 3.4 seconds.

This all-wheel-drive Bull comes in Grigio Reventon grey, with green-grey leather interior. It features 18-inch alloys that are wider in the rear than the front, bi-xenon headlights, traction control, and brake distribution.

The dealership selling the supercar claims ten of the produced 2008 Lamborgini Murciélago Reventón units wound up on America's shores. Since only 20 of units of this car were ever built, the Reventón is a rare find.

If you are lucky, maybe you can at least get a test drive.

Source: cars.com

Chrysler bailout going to Terminator 4 sponsorship deal

Chrysler LLC has announced a sponsorship deal with the makers of Terminator: Salvation, but refused to disclose the cost of the deal. In a move that is certain to upset many, the financially strapped company is ponying up what little cash they have to see their cars featured in short cameos during Terminator 4.

The American automaker recently received $4 billion in a taxpayer-funded government bailout. Chrysler was reportedly on the verge of bankruptcy, and would not have been able to pay their suppliers without the loan. Still in a dangerous position, the privately-owned company cut over a third of their employees.

Chrysler was shut out of many product placement deals recently. General Motors inked a deal with The Transformers live-action films. Ford got in on the action with their Knight Rider deal, featuring a Mustang, Flex, and F-150.

But those deals were made before the economy took a nosedive, and before a bailout of the auto industry was even considered. Critics of the deal think Chrysler's cash is better spent elsewhere, especially since the company's products are already well-known by the public. A better use of the bailout funds may be to directly market their cars and trucks to potential customers based on the merits of those vehicles, and not by product placement in a sci-fi/action flick.

"This spring, Terminator 4 comes out and we will be one of the sponsors," said Chrysler media director Susan Thomson. In her presentation at the Automotive News World Congress, she said, "We have a following with the Terminator movies and we are going to continue with that."

Only time will tell if Chrysler's marketing strategy will work. Terminator:Salvation, starring Christian Bale, opens in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and South Korea on May 22, with other markets worldwide getting the film soon after.

Chrysler will likely ask for an additional $3 billion in federally backed loans when they present their restructuring plan next month.

Source: Reuters

New Mercedes Benz CLS Spied Winter Testing

Either Mercedes-Benz's development efforts of the next generation CLS have been accelerated or our spies are working overtime during this Northern Hemisphere winter. In either case it is good news for those who want to see more spy pictures of the CLS. The car starts selling in 2011.
Taken during the day the pictures follow on the first two sets of spy shots that were published in December 2008. Hidden under heavy black disguise the CLS only shows itself through the headlights, rear lights, side mirrors, tyres and the roof. Bits of the tailpipes can be seen sticking out through two rectangular tips on either side -similar tothe new E-Class sedan. A front grille shaped like two kidneys could be mistaken for one from another German brand.

The CLS was the pioneer of the 2+2-seater four-door coupe when it launched in 2004. More and more motor manufacturers are either presenting or working to finalise their own interpretations of this sporting sedan layout. Included here are Aston Martin with the Rapide, Porsche's new Panamera and Audi's upcoming A7 which was previewed in Detroit as the Audi Sportback Concept. Even Volkswagen has released its own Passat CC, although it falls lower in the luxury ladder than these other names.

Thrust is expected to come from a wide range of sources among which are petrol, petrol turbo and diesel turbo engines, as well as a BlueHybrid model that will use the same engine system as the S400 BlueHybrid. An AMG model should top the range and produce a revised target of about 380kW (517hp). Merc's 7-speed gearbox will be offered with these powerplants.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Next Generation Porsche Boxster Caught in the Snow

Spy shots starring Porsche cars are as popular as ever regardless of the fact that the Stuttgart-based automaker is churning out different models like it was a fashion show. The 2011 Boxster is the subject of this spy photo spread showing the car undergoing winter testing in Scandinavia.

Porsche used the body of the current Boxster to obscure the real star of the show. Even after their hard work one or two details cannot be hidden. The two rear lights clusters show a cleaner look with two or perhaps three round lights in each. It may be a another red herring but the roof is made of cloth instead of composite metals which means the Boxster hasn't gone coupe cabriolet like its rivals the Mercedes SLK and the new BMW Z4. Other than that no other serious detail can be made out from these spy pictures. An evolution rather than a revolution in styling will be the design stance taken by Porsche for the next Boxster then.

The Porsche Boxster was launched in 1996 to complement the 911 range. It was the first Porsche designed as a roadster from scratch as it wasn't based on any existing model. Upgraded engines were introduced in 2000 and both styling and engines changed in 2003. Further improvements were made to the Boxster in 2005 and in 2007. Last November a new face-lift version appeared at the LA Auto Show with yet more power and features such as the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) 7-speed double clutch gearbox.

Source: Porsche

Cadillac CTS-V Priced at £56,495 ($80K) in UK - Available from Next Month

Cadillac will start selling the CTS-V in the UK from this coming February. The car is being offered for the price of £56,495 OTR or about US$79,000 for the manual and £58,995 (US$82,300) for the automatic transmission version.

The CTS-V is the most powerful production Cadillac ever made. It's powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine with a supercharger that produces 564PS (415kW) and 747Nm. A 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds has officially been released while top speed is 191mph (307km/h). The automatic is limited to 175mph (282km/h).

The CTS-V currently holds the lap record for the fastest sedan at the Nürburgring.

Source: Cadillac

BMW M3 Touring Imaginatively Rendered with Supercharged V8 Engine

BMW currently has no plans of building an M3 wagon or Touring as the brand calls it. But that didn't stop an artist from creating an impression of one. Some of the features of this M3 Touring rendering include a paint job called Pepper White with Satin, an Argray Titanium exhaust, an AC Schnitzer front lip and roof wing and Black Series BBS RE Magnesium wheels with a Brembo 8-piston caliper brake system. Wrapped around its wheels are Yokohama ADVAN Sport Tyres.

Figuratively speaking, under the hood lies an engine force-fed by a custom Vortech supercharger. The standard M3 has a 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 309 kW (420hp) and peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900rpm. Its maximum engine speed is 8400rpm. Although no power figures were speculated, it's safe to say that this rendered M3 Touring's engine, if real, would improve performance nicely.

The M3's main rivals are the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the discontinued Audi RS4, both of which have/had wagon/estate versions in real life.

Source: jonsibal.com

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Spied Naked

Although Ford wasn't expected to unveil the new Taurus SHO until the Chicago Auto Show next month, a few undisguised pictures have made their way to the internet.

The pictures were taken along I-75 in Michigan and from the lack of snow, it seems reasonable to assume they are several months old. According to the report that accompanied the photos, the cars come with dual exhaust, a rear deck spoiler, and at least 19-inch wheels.

Power is expected to come from Ford's new 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo direct-injection V6 engine which produces 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (474 Nm). Judging by the fact that the 2010 Lincoln MKS equipped with all-wheel drive and the same engine gets 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, expect the new SHO's fuel economy to mirror that if not be slightly higher thanks to its lighter weight.

The new SHO will most likely only be offered with all-wheel drive in order to keep torque-steer under control, a complaint that occurs often in front wheel drive vehicles with power rating at or above 300 hp. Other performance goodies will most likely include the SR1 suspension which offers a "one-to-one" rear shock absorber ratio for enhanced cornering and handling while still delivering a comfortable ride and Ford's new SelectShift transmission that allows for rev-matching downshifts and the ability to hold gears.

Source: bringbackthesho.com via jalopnik.com

Mitsubishi Online Car Game - Win a three day ice racing trip to Finland

Mitsubishi has announced a new online game where contestants can attempt to qualify to win a three-day ice-racing holiday in Finland.

The online game can be played at www.control10.eu and it offers players a chance to brush up on their winter racing skills. It features nine different levels with the tenth level being ice racing in Finland, each level is supposed to teach players a unique skill necessary for driving an Evo X on arctic conditions.

Winners will travel to Finland where they will receive a three-day crash course in winter driving with the amazing Evo X. There they will be coached by 1998 vice-world rally champion, Uwe Nittel, and also travel via snowmobile to visit the Santa Claus village at the Arctic Circle.

While it may not beat yesterday's contest to win a 1997 Nissan Skyline, a trip to WCF's Finnish homeland and a chance to meet Santa isn't too shabby either.

Source: Mitsubishi

Chevrolet 2009 Corvette Competition Sport Package Revealed

Corvette enthusiasts who aren't lucky enough to have a new ZR-1 in the garage have some good news for 2009 as well. Even as General Motors turns its attention to electric cars, the performance side of the market hasn't been forgotten, and a 2009 Competition Sport Package is now available for 1LT and Z06 ‘Vettes.

The Competition Sport Package adds just the right amount of flash to finish off the Corvette's track-ready looks. Included are a set of racing stripes in Competition Gray, unique wheel and headlamp treatments and a collection of Corvette Racing "Jake" and CSR decals for the interior and exterior. Racing numbers that correspond to the individual owner's build number are also available. Inside, the Competition Sport Package adds an ebony interior with titanium embroidery and Corvette Racing pedals. A new engine cover is also a part of the package.

When combined with the Z51 Performance Package that adds a horsepower-boosting exhaust and differential cooler, the result is a seriously track-ready Corvette, especially in Z06 form.


Source: GM

Mini Announces New Entry-level Clubman (UK)

Mini is preparing to unveil a new entry-level version of the Clubman at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Set to launch in the UK on March 28, the Mini One Clubman echoes the affordability of the Mini One but features the additional interior room of the Clubman.

Under the hood is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 95 horsepower that allows the Clubman to run from 0-62 mph in a leisurely 11.6 seconds. The sacrifice in power does add up to impressive gains in fuel economy and reduced emissions thanks to brake regeneration, auto start/stop and a shift point display that tells the driver when to shift to maximize fuel economy. The end result of all these technologies means that drivers can expect to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 130 g/km.

UK pricing starts at £13,290 and all models will feature new exterior paint combinations and standard air conditioning.

Source: MINI

Audi A4 Outsells BMW 3-Series in Germany

The Audi A4 is not only Audi's top selling vehicle, it was also purchased more often in Germany than the BMW 3-Series. 2008 figures for the A4 have been released, with over 98,714 units in Germany. The Audi A6 and Audi TT also topped their segment, with 45,304 and 10,630 vehicle registrations, according to the company.

Audi claims the A4 was second only to the Volkswagen Golf in terms of overall sales in Germany. Both brands are owned by VW. The figures also show a great boost for Audi, with increased sales in Germany, and all of Western Europe. Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler said, "Audi is presently experiencing stronger growth than any other premium brand in the region - and thanks to new models we will maintain this dynamism."

"In a difficult market environment, we want to further expand our market share in Germany and Western Europe."

The 2009 model year Audi A4 was released in April 2008. The '09 S4 Sedan and Avant arrive in European dealerships this quarter.

Not a bad birthday present for Audi's 100-year anniversary. Audi sold more than one million vehicles worldwide last year. BMW still leads them as the global luxury brand, having sold 1.12 million in 2008.

Source: Audi