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