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Audi R8 News : Cargraphic brings Airlift system to Audi R8

2009-12-20T06:03:00.004+05:30

The Audi R8 is undoubtedly awesome. It is also undoubtedly low, as in to the ground. Not low enough to prevent you from getting around, but you pay close attention anytime the word "driveway" comes up. Cargraphic has engineered an airlift system to address the issue that can raise the car 72 mm (2.8 inches) in 15 seconds. The best part about it is that it doesn't alter the dynamic performance of the car's suspension.
The airlift places small bellows on the upper spring cup of the suspension. When the bellows aren't inflated, the mounting point is rigid, so the suspension responds as normal. With the compressor, the total weight is just 3 kilos, and there are no hydraulics or fluid to deal with. And the system comes with a remote control, in case you want to show off your additional three inches when you're not in the car.

GM to show Chevy Orlando based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

2009-12-20T05:40:00.008+05:30

2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling Photos

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept Photo Gallery

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM. Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.
The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740i brings six-cylinder power

2009-12-17T20:22:00.003+05:30

When the latest generation of BMW's big 7 Series went on sale in the U.S. early this year, buyers had a choice of either the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 or the supremely impressive twin-turbo, 535-hp V12. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn't committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6.

The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7's 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new 5 Series.Tags : Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740i,Detroit autoshow 2010 BMW 740i photos, images, pics,pictures,gallery images, Review,article

Range Rover Tuning by Onyx Photos Images Gallery

2009-12-17T20:18:00.004+05:30

Since we're getting close to the time frame seen in the movie Demolition Man, you might want to start shopping for a car that can prepare you for Stallone and Snipes blasting it out in the streets. Irish tuning house Onyx could have what you seek with its new 2010 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Vogue conversions. Inside are buffalo hides and carbon fiber, and outside are a ring of bluff skirting, along with LEDs on the Vogue and, naturally, 22-inch TPM wheels.

Some under-the-hood work has also been done, adding an impressive 80 horsepower to the already very quick Supercharged model's 517 horsepower. You can read about the Onyx Rovers in the press release after the jump and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below. And feel free to also enjoy the musical riff on this post's title – it's most likely the kind of soundtrack you'll hear coming from one of these, anyway...
Range Rover Tuning by Onyx Photos Images Gallery,photos review, article, stills gallery

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

2009-12-17T20:10:00.002+05:30

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells – a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Essence GT Concept and why Infiniti Should Build it

2009-12-17T20:02:00.003+05:30

People seem pretty excited about the recently revealed Infiniti M executive saloon. Frankly, I don't see what all the fuss is about. While it looks decent enough and its interior really shines (literally, thanks to the silver powder-coated wood), it's no game changer. But there's one Infiniti that really caught my attention this year, a concept that inspired some of the M's styling and might, just might, still be in the cards: the Infiniti Essence.

In my opinion, the Essence is the best-looking Infiniti ever crafted. Feel free to disagree, but I'd go so far as to say it may even be if not the, one of the most beautiful Japanese cars in the last quarter century.

Shown for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Show, the concept is built on a modified version of Nissan's FM platform featuring a twin-turbo 3.7 liter V6 hybrid power train which creates an impressive 592 horsepower. The big output in a green package isn't the best part about the concept, though. Neither is the fact that it's jaw-droppingly beautiful.

There's more to the Essence than show and go, and to truly appreciate the most significant aspect of Infiniti's Essence, you must delve into what the car represents: a leap forward.

For Infiniti, a brand that has never quite hit the big-league when it comes to luxury marques, the Essence could be just what it needs to get on the main stage: a halo car for the 21st century.

The concept is gorgeous inside and out, technologically and aesthetically stunning. With its heritage-inspired designs (the 'kanzashi' hair pin vent trim and the kimono-inspired seat-back stitching in the offset interior), the Essence is automotive culture redefined.

It blends old and new themes - automotive and non-automotive - flawlessly into a "legacy of the future" style that stands head and shoulders above anything coming from the land of the rising sun. The concept is powerful without being racy, luxurious without being pretentious. Most importantly, on more than a few levels, it's realistic. Which, if I may be so bold, is why it has to be built.

While the high-output hybrid might have to go out possibly in favor of a practical non-turbo hybrid system like the one found on the new M35 Hybrid and a maybe even a range-topping direct-injection V8, it's not hard to picture this beauty driving down the road as is.

The Essence is loaded with production or soon-to-be-production safety tech, it rides on realistic wheels (well, maybe they're an inch or two too big, but who cares), and the minimalist interior is handsome without being pure concept; the only items missing are the mirrors and a more practical / ergonomically premium sat-nav stereo system housed on the center console.

As a limited production grand tourer, the Essence could be just the surge needed to put Infiniti on the map in a big way. Add to that the fact that it could launch the idea of a true performance Infiniti, and maybe a few years down the road we'd see the G take a step into the fast lane.

To make it a truly distinct model, forget the traditional letter-based naming system and call it the Essence. Price it in the same range as, let's say, the BMW M6 and Maserati Gran Turismo (somewhere around $100,000-125,000), throw in the Louis Vuitton luggage, and allow for customer individualization 'a la' BMW Individual.

That way, using the already-proven platform and award-winning power trains, Infiniti could offer customers a variety of Essences, from track-day attack-dog to romantic-getaway luxury-tourer.

The resulting car would be the Japanese halo car Lexus's not-the-fastest-at-anything-for-$375,000 LF-A should have been: not an exercise in absurdly expensive technological excess, but a properly-placed, luxurious grand tourer for the gentleman racer.

VW would have to shift 100,000 Amarok pickups to justify bringing them to North America

2009-12-17T19:38:00.005+05:30

Want a new Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck? Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, says that the automaker would need 100,000 takers per year in order to make any money on the Amarok here in the States.

That would be a daunting task for the automaker as the only non full-sized truck that sold that many units last year was the Toyota Tacoma (102,327 units), and the next highest seller was the the Great Grandaddy of the Compact Truck Segment, the Ford Ranger (just 51,097 units).

What's more, the compact truck market is declining, VW doesn't have many dealerships in truck-happy areas of the nation and the so-called "chicken tax" would add a 25% tariff to the Argentina-built Amarok. Add in the fact that Jacoby says there are more pressing vehicular needs that the German automaker needs to concentrate on. In other words... don't get your hopes up.

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Detroit Preview: MINI Beachcomber concept photos, pictures, images

2009-12-16T22:05:00.002+05:30

We still have few more months to wait before the production version of the new MINI Crossover arrives, but the folks in Oxford will be dropping a new concept in Detroit next month to tide us over. Think of the MINI Beachcomber as the melding of one of Alec Issigonis' progeny with a Jeep Wrangler. The Beachcomber is based on the brand's new CUV, but gets an open-top/open-sides look reminiscent of the American off-road icon.

Unlike the mid-sixties Mini Moke, this one retains the main structure of the upcoming crossover, but is unlikely to ever see production. The new all-wheel drive system in the concept and the turbocharged four cylinder are both expected to appear in the production Crossover, although the 4,000-word press release somehow manages to avoid giving any actual technical details. Like a Wrangler, the Beachcomber can accommodate either solid roof inserts or a soft top. Hopefully we'll get more details in Detroit, but before then check out the release after the jump.

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2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers (Photos , pictures)

2009-12-16T21:57:00.004+05:30

All we really want to do at this moment in time is make a never-ending series of N'Sync jokes. But we don't know any. So instead, let's talk about how Audi has just picked Justin Timberlake to be their new spokesman. What's JT doing specifically? Seems as if the four interlocking rings folks are gearing up to do some sort of "extraordinary Internet campaign" for the A1 and "That's where Timberlake will play a leading role."

The new Audi A1 will possibly not be coming to the U.S. Obviously, a star of Timberlake's caliber will be able to effectively move metal outside of our shores. But we have to wonder if Audi's naming Timberlake its brand ambassador doesn't kick a little sand into the eye of the A1-is-not-for-here theory. After the all, the guy started his music career on Star Search and later as a Mouseketeer. It seems fairly apparent that Audi would make a move like this if us American types are in fact getting their small premium city car.Tags : 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers (Photos , pictures), 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers photos,stills, pics,pictures, imags,gallery stills,

Geneva Preview : Rinspeed to unveil the UC ?

2009-12-16T21:44:00.002+05:30

When we get to Geneva next March, eccentric Swiss design house Rinspeed will be showing off a design for a new electric commuter vehicle called the "UC?" The design of the car itself doesn't appear to be particularly novel with styling that looks like a cross between the Smart ForTwoFiat 500 (not to mention the Aston Martin Cygnet from earlier today).
However, Rinspeed is proposing an interesting approach to extending the range of the EV. Because the UC? is only 2.5 meters long, it could theoretically take advantage of the same kind of perpendicular parking that many Smart drivers use. With that in mind, Rinspeed is proposing that railroads build special train cars that would allow the UC? to be driven straight on and off for travel between cities where the 75 mile nominal plug range would make travel impractical. Since most European trains are electric, it's even conceivable that drivers could plug in their UC? models during the train trip. Rinspeed hopes to offer up the UC? to outside manufacturers who may want to build it.
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Hyundai Grandeur Get A Facelift photos,pictures

2009-12-16T20:41:00.003+05:30

Here's our first look at the 2010 Hyundai Grandeur facelift that was revealed in its home market in South Korea today. The revised Grandeur sedan, which is sold as the Azera in North America and other international markets, has received some minor cosmetic tweaks to keep it looking contemporary in a line-up of newer Hyundai products.

Most of the styling upgrades concern the mid-size sedan's front end which gains new headlamps, a redesigned bumper and larger grille.

At the back, changes are limited to the modestly revised LED tail lights, the reshaped bumper and the new chrome tail pipes.Aside from some new options and standard features, the only difference inside concerns the introduction of a new package with Alcantara seats.

It remains unclear if or when Hyundai will redesign the North American Azera.

Hyundai Grandeur Facelift

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2010 New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Photos, Images

2009-12-16T20:33:00.005+05:30

For those of you that fancy a topless E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has revealed a convertible version of the coupe that will make its world premiere at next month's Detroit auto show. The fourth member of the E-Class family, which essentially replaces the CLK Cabriolet, features a classic fabric soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds at speeds up to 40km/h or 25mph.

Mercedes says that E-Class Convertible's boot capacity with the roof open is 300 liters (13.5 cu.ft.) , raising to 390 liters (13.8 cu.ft.) when closed.

The most significant new feature for the four-seater cabriolet is the AIRCAP system that consists of two components, a wind deflector on top of the windscreen that can be extended by around six centimetres or 2.5 inches and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

As well as reducing wind turbulence in the cabin, Mercedes says that the system also reduces the interior noise level. The AIRCAP can be activated at speeds of up to 160 km/h and remains in use right up to the car's top speed.

Other highlights include the redesigned AIRSCARF system that is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

All E-Class Convertible models are equipped with seven airbags fitted as standard and a roll-over protection system that consists of two bars, each with a diameter of 35 mm, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests.

At least in Europe, there are plenty of direct-injection engines to choose from, ranging from a 204HP four-cylinder diesel (to be followed shortly after launch by a 170HP E220 CDI model) to a 388HP V8 petrol. Here's the complete range:

E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (diesel): 150 kW/204 hp
E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (diesel): 170 kW/231 hp
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (petrol): 150 kW/204 hp
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet (petrol): 215 kW/292 hp
E 500 Cabriolet (petrol): 285 kW/388 hp

In North America, the new E-Class Convertible will be offered only with the 292HP 3.5-liter V6 (E350 CGI) and the 388HP 5.5-liter V8 (E500).

Mercedes said that the four-seater cabrio will go on sale in March 2010.

Tags : 2010 New Mercedes Benz E Class Convertible Photos, images gallery photos,review, auto,2010 New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Photos luxuary car

Kia Kee Coupe Concept Photos, Pictures, Review,

2009-12-12T21:28:00.005+05:30

In an interview , Kia head designer Peter Schreyer had plenty of interesting things to say about the possibility of a new rear-wheel drive sportscar from the Korean automaker based on the KEE concept from the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. If it ever sees the light of day, Schreyer sees the coupe as a possible competitor for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the upcoming inexpensive sportscar from Toyota and Subaru. Not to mention a possible Nissan 240SX revival. Just don't expect to see such a machine any time soon: Assuming Kia's European fortunes continue to improve at the rate they are now, we could be ready in, say, five years for a car like Kee... [I]t would be important for the Kee to be rear-wheel drive. And there is, of course, already a rear-driven platform within the Hyundai-Kia group that we could look to use, if our timing was good... Personally, I have to say that I'm very excited by the idea, and very enthusiastic to make it happen. So, not only may the Genesis platform be expanded to include a top-level Kia sedan, it may spawn a small sporty machine as well. According to Schreyer, the production Kee wouldn't need a ton of power; rather Kia would focus on making the car "compact, affordable and fun." Sounds good to us – really, can we ever have too much of those three adjectives in the automotive world?

Latest News : Danica Patrick to race NASCAR in 2010

2009-12-08T20:57:00.004+05:30

More Danica Patrick news and this time, it's actually racing related. Last week came a report that Ms. Patrick had inked a multi-year deal with the recently restructured Andretti Autosport, putting to rest the rumors that the sometime-swimsuit model was headed to NASCAR. Well, Sporting News is now reporting that the gun might have been jumped on that conclusion. It seems that the GoDaddy pitchwoman is about to announce a deal to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s NASCAR Nationwide Series team in 2010.

SN is reporting that Danica will run the full IndyCar calendar and a limited Nationwide schedule, with GoDaddy sponsoring her stock car. According to the GoDaddy website, the formal announcement will come at 1 PM ET Tuesday, December 8. We'll be sure to watch for that announcement and update as needed.

2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: Danica Patrick

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Volkswagen takes 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG

2009-12-08T20:55:00.000+05:30

Cue Ennio Morricone and the symphonic accompaniment to the endgame: VW has officially taken a 49.9% stake in Porsche.VW paid €3.9 billion ($5.75B U.S.) for its cut, "based on the enterprise value for Porsche AG calculated under a careful due diligence and valuation procedure." That's a few shades more than the €3.3 billion amount VW was saying it would pay a few months ago.

In acquiring Porsche, VW not only gains a premium brand that is still among the most profitable in the business, but VW expects its operating profit to jump by €700 million ($1.03B U.S.) over time due to cost-saving synergies. The purchase won't be finalized until 2011, though, when VW will incorporate Porsche Holding Salzburg, Europe's largest car dealer which also happens to be owned by Porsche.

U.S. customs agents seize a very familiar gray-market Cizeta V16t

2009-12-08T20:48:00.002+05:30

Whenever we've mentioned the Cizeta V16t supercar, we have always received mixed reactions. With its love-it-or-hate-it, Diablo-prototype looks and its unique transverse V16 engine, the car was a stunning achievement by former Lamborghini engineer, Claudio Zampoli. It was his vision, his engineering and his design work that made this project come to fruition. It was also his initials, C.Z., or "Ci Zeta" in Italian, that led to the vehicle's name. While only ten of the cars were ever built, they have attained a certain cult-like following among some enthusiasts.

Although often misidentified as a Cizeta Moroder, the correct name does not include the name of music composer Giorgio Moroder, who was an early investor that dropped out in the planning stages. The 560-horsepower, V16 beast was said to be good for well over 200 MPH in its day, and for anyone who has seen or heard it in person, it's not hard to believe. We consider ourselves very lucky indeed to have spent some time in one of these Veyron-preceding 16-cylinder marvels. The red one you see above is so familiar to all of us in the SoCal car community that we sometimes forget just how exotic it really is. We've seen it at numerous events around Southern California and have gotten to know Mr. Zampoli as well.

Imagine our shock, then, to hear that the very Cizeta we know best has been seized by Federal authorities. According to news reports, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has seized the car, alleging that Zampoli violated U.S. customs and environmental laws when he brought the car into the country in 2001. One issue was the price claimed for the vehicle when it was brought over, which at $125,000 was approximately one fourth of its price when new.

The other issue is the fact that the car was never certified by U.S. agencies for emissions and safety regulations. It is not uncommon for such small manufacturers to skip U.S. importation because of the cost involved in crash testing these expensive autos. Some are granted exemptions using the government's Show or Display rules, and others are sometimes imported as museum pieces that are never registered for road use.

2009 LA Auto Show Random Photos And Babes Gallery pictures

2009-12-06T15:02:00.006+05:30

With the state of the economy, it didn't come as much of a surprise that manufacturer presence was down at the LA Auto Show this year. The carmakers that did show up, however, brought their "A Game" – mostly. As much as that was true for new vehicle introductions, it also applied to the deployment of booth professionals as well. Many booths didn't hire models this year, unfortunately, and companies that have traditionally been reliable sources of model employment weren't even here in 2009. We're looking at you, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Still, it was nice to see even a few smiling faces while we scoured the darkened halls of the LA Convention Center trying in our obsessive search for postworthy material. While we didn't encounter many spokesmodels, we did find a lot of beauty in the City of Angels. We've assembled a small gallery of random shots and artsy-fartsy images to give all of you a taste of this year's show from LA. Click below to see our small but satisfying high-res gallery.

2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

2009-12-06T13:46:00.006+05:30

The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 million Fiestas over the vehicle's lifetime and the new-for-2009 model has moved half a million units already this year in Europe and Asia. It's a smash hit in spite of the fact that the Fiesta is not for sale in the U.S., a.k.a. the world's biggest car market. That all changes in the spring of 2010 as the Fiesta finally makes its way stateside.

Ford appears to be focusing its efforts in the U.S. small car market at exactly the right time, as consideration for B-Segment vehicles is at an all-time high and the trend appears to be upwardly mobile. And while Ford would love for us to believe that it was clairvoyant when deciding to bring the Fiesta to the U.S., it just isn't true. In fact, the Fiesta wasn't originally designed for the U.S. market, but the shock of $4 per gallon gas and a new-found interest in eco-friendly transportation led the Blue Oval to rethink its strategy. Ford didn't start readying the Fiesta for the U.S. market until many bits and bolts of hardware were already settled, so Team Blue had to go back to the drawing board to make its small car ready for Americans. The result is a U.S.-spec Fiesta that has only 60% of its parts in common with the Euro Fiesta. Will Americans be missing out? Follow the jump for everything you need to know about the Fiesta.

The first test the Fiesta had to pass was the all-important eye test, and as you can see from the pictures, the U.S. version is a near dead ringer for the Euro model. The biggest change between the two is only noticeable when looking at the front end of the U.S.-spec sedan. Gone is the body-color grille and in its place a "Bold Moves"-style three-bar grille. We're not exactly digging the three-bar look and we really hate the fact there's a big Michael Strahan gap below the lowest bar, but the hatchback's grille makes us feel quite a bit better. The hatch has a more euro-look body color grille, but unlike the grill on the Euro Fiesta, it's a separate insert.

Also missing are the Euro Fiesta's fog lamps and in their place is a pair of similarly positioned LED light strips. We find the chrome backdrop of the LED lights a bit off-putting and we're guessing some buyers aren't going to like the lack of fog lamps in areas with a lot of inclement weather. Ford is betting that most Americans won't miss the functionality though, and judging by the fact that few of us ever use fog lamps, they're probably right.

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VW’s U.S. : Jetta Name Confirmed, Two-Door Concept Coming, Series Production Coupe Possible

2009-12-06T08:18:00.003+05:30

It seems that we'll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW's so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

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Ferrari 458XX developmental track-car

2009-12-06T08:14:00.002+05:30

Ferrari has stumbled upon one heck of a formula with its XX development programs. They've found that their most wealthy clients aren't just willing to help Maranello develop new components for future supercars, they're actually willing to pay for the privilege. And pay big, too – as in $2 million big.

The program started with the Enzo-based FXX, evolved with the FXX Evoluzione, and carries on with the Fiorano-based 599XX. So what's next up Ferrari's sleeve? A 458XX wouldn't be too far off the mark.

If the outgoing lineup (and those that came before) can serve as any indication, the new mid-engined V8 sports car is poised to tillsspawn numerous variations, including the requisite Spider, a new Challenge-spec racer, a replacement for the existing F430 GT2, a stripped-down successor to the 360 CS and 430 Scuderia, and, if this speculative rendering from Luxury4Play has its way, a 458XX as well. If and when it does come along, we'd expect it to look something along these lines – which is to say, "tasty."

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Aston Martin Rapide priced from £139950 in the UK

2009-12-05T20:52:00.004+05:30

The new Aston Martin Rapide four-door sports saloon will go on sale in the UK in the first quarter of 2010 with prices starting from £139,950 (US$232,800 or €154,000 at today's exchange rates), the British automaker announced today. In comparison, the Rapide's closest rival, the 500-horsepower Porsche Panamera Turbo is priced at £95,258 in the UK.

The Rapide is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine that cranks out 477-horsepower and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of peak torque, and is connected to a six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Aston Martin said that the Rapide's will come equipped with many standard features including a Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for the car, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.

Customer deliveries will start at the beginning of the second quarter of 2010 with Aston Martin anticipating to produce around 2,000 units in the first year.

The Rapide is the firm's first sports car to be built outside the UK, as production will take place at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria. According to Aston Martin, each Rapide will take approximately 220 man hours to build.

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Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) concept Photos,Pictures

2009-12-05T12:31:00.003+05:30

You can always rely on the Japanese car makers to invent the craziest names. Honda didn’t disappoint at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, with the new P-Nut concept car. That stands for Personal-Neo Urban Transport, in case you were wondering.

It’s quite a different kettle of fish (bag of nuts?) from last year’s striking supercar hybrid concept car shown a year ago almost to the day. The P-Nut is an urban weapon, with a 2+1 seating layout for a compact shape and a McLaren-esque central driving position.

It’s also rear-engined, to help with the miniaturised packaging, says Honda. The concept was designed in the company’s advanced design studio in the US, whose director Dave Marek said: ‘The P-Nut concept explores the packaging and design potential for a vehicle conceived exclusively around the city lifestyle.’

So no need for any motorway cruising ability then?

Exactly. Honda says the footprint of the P-Nut is similar to a city car: it’s a scant 3400mm long, 1750mm wide and 1439mm tall.

Although there is seating for three, you can fold away the two rear outboard seats to increase boot space when travelling one-up.

Honda P-Nut: the engineering bit

Although Honda hasn’t specified an exact powertrain (ie this concept car is in make-believe land), it suggests that the P-Nut could use an internal combustion engine, hybrid-electric power or a pure battery EV solution.

We reckon they should stick an engine in fast. This thing is rear-engined and rear drive. And we all know that the best Hondas of recent years, the NSX and S2000, all drove the back axle not the front. Game on, Honda.

Volkswagen unveils a new concept Up! Lite.

2009-12-05T12:25:00.001+05:30

Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off another concept at the LA Auto Show called the Up! Lite which they claim is the world’s most fuel efficient four-seater unlike its predecessor the two seater Up! The Up! Lite powertrain is a newly designed 0.8 litre TDI engine producing 51PS of power and features a 10kW electric motor that also functions as a starter, alternator and E-drive and also helps to reduce the TDI load. Together the engine and electric motor produce 61PS of power.

The three door concept’s TDI engine was featured on the Volkswagen L1 concept car previewed earlier at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. The hybrid engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox same as the one in the Polo and has a top speed of 160kmph along with a fuel economy of 40kmpl. The car is aptly termed the Up! Lite as it is constructed from a blend of lightweight materials such as aluminum, light weight steel, carbon fibre and tips the scales at just 1530 pounds. It has no sharp edges and looks like built from a single molded unit. The rear LED lights and the rear fog lights are integrated in the bumper while the interior mirror and side mirrors are replaced by camera’s, a novel styling by VW.

The Up! Lite is lower and longer than the E-Up! and at 3840mm it almost nears the Polo in length (3980mm). It has a host of innovative features such as active thermal management wherein the radiator grille closes and opens automatically depending on the engine’s cooling needs, passive park ventilation where hot air is vented outside the vehicle when it is parked in summers and easy entry feature that enables comfortable entry and exit for rear seat passengers along with internet, telephone, trip computer and MP3 all of which are centrally controlled via an intuitive touch screen with hand movement sensors. VW plans to roll out the first Up! in 2011, whether the Up! Lite will hit the production lines will depend on the how the the Up! fares. Here is what the original press release says:

“Volkswagen Announces World Premiere of the Up! Lite Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show
The World's Most Fuel-Efficient Four Seater

•Volkswagen's Up! Lite concept consumes just 2.44 l/100 km (70 mpg/highway)
•Concept based on the future New Small Family from Volkswagen

Wolfsburg, Germany / Los Angeles, CA -- December 2, 2009 -- Volkswagen – Europe's strongest automotive brand – is setting standards worldwide when it comes to efficiency with its clean high-tech TDI and TSI engines. Now this is being followed up by latest coup at the Los Angeles Auto Show (December 4 to 13): the world premiere of the Up! Lite A progressive, fuel efficient and in all details cleverly designed four-seater with a hybrid drive. Combined fuel consumption: 2.44 l/100 km or 70 mpg/highway! No other car is more sustainable. With a drive concept consisting of a TDI (turbo-diesel), electric motor and 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) as well as top aerodynamics (Cd value: 0.237), Volkswagen is driving CO2 emissions down to a sensational 65 g/km. This makes the three-door concept the world's most fuel efficient car – and from the perspective of its overall CO2 footprint the world's most environmentally friendly four-seat car as well. Both technically and visually, the Up! Lite is a preview of the future. The image of the car body with its clean lines, as though sculpted from a block of aluminium, underscores just how fascinating a car tuned to aerodynamic perfection can look.

The ideal car for the daily commute to work
The technically challenging 2-Liter fuel consumption car might be launched globally. Many of the components of the 695 kilogram light Volkswagen are based on those of the future New Small Family, an entirely new model series that is already scheduled for market launch in initial countries at the end of 2011. The Up! Lite concept continues the Volkswagen strategy of offering high-tech and high-end quality in all of its vehicle classes, making progress affordable for every car driver. The Up! Lite was designed to be a versatile vehicle that makes trips into the city, commutes to work and naturally long trips as well significantly less expensive and more eco-friendly.
Hybrid drive enables electric driving
The centerpiece of the Up! Lite powertrain is the newly designed 0.8 TDI two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a power of 38 kW / 51 PS. Furthermore, the electric motor (10 kW) – designed as a pulse start module (starter, alternator and E-drive) – also reduces the load of the TDI, provides added propulsion (boosting) and works to recover kinetic energy (regenerative braking). During boost phases – e.g. in a quick passing maneuver – the TDI and E-motor combine for a total power of 48 kW / 65 PS. Incidentally, a version of the TDI used in the Up! Lite was also used aboard the L1 concept car that Volkswagen presented in September at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Luxgen7 SUV from Taiwan's Yulon Group

2009-12-05T09:02:00.004+05:30

Luxgen7 SUV from Taiwan's Yulon Group that reminds you of another manufacturer's vehicle. The Asian-market Luxgen is said to be powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine producing around 180-horsepower and it is offered with front and all-wheel drive. More photos after the jump.

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2010 Nissan Qashqai Get A Facelift Photos,Wallpapers,

2009-12-05T08:08:00.005+05:30

The UK is to receive a facelifted Nissan Qashqai in spring 2010. Changes have been effected not just outside and inside, but also beneath the skin. Minimum prices will be £15,395 for the 1.6-litre Visia 2WD manual going all the way up to £25,745 for the Tekna 2.0 dCi AWD automatic and £26,845 for the Qashqai+2 Tekna 2.0 dCi AWD auto.

Alterations made to the exterior include a new front bumper, a revised front grille, an all-new bonnet, and upgraded headlights. The front end shares its design elements with the Qashqai+2. Two new colours have been added; Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey. The rear lights are largely the same but now feature a more transparent lens look. Brake and taillights use LED technology. An additional two alloy wheel styles measuring 16-inch and 17-inch were added. The suspension has been further tuned for better ride quality and handling.

Nissan redesigned the main interior dials by giving them added clarity. The white LCD screen is geared to show lots of information such as time, cruise control, average fuel consumption and the speed limiter. Storage spaces were increased to include a new cubby hole at the base of the central cluster. Two-wheel drive models even have space for plastic cards where AWD models would have the ALL MODE selector.

Some unspecified weight reductions were implemented as well as aerodynamic improvements that help the 1.5 dCi model drive down its C02 emissions from 137 to 129g/km.

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