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