SPORT AUTO

The 10 best discontinued cars

2010-01-26T03:06:00.000-08:00

With automakers finally starting to reel in their rebates, $4,000 off the price of any new Saturn sounds like a sweetheart deal. The hefty discount brings the starting price of the sexy Sky roadster down to the low $20,000s, making it one of the cheapest sporty convertibles on the market. And it drops the price of the seven-seat Outlook crossover to the mid-$20,000s, a great price for a well-equipped family hauler.

The come-ons, however, omit one discouraging fact: Saturn is going out of business. Parent company General Motors has pledged to service all Saturn vehicles indefinitely through other dealerships, but smart car buyers know that the true value of a car also depends on what it will be worth in a few years when you decide to sell it. And the resale picture has never been hazier.

In addition to Saturn, GM is closing its Pontiac division and streamlining the lineups for Chevrolet and Buick. The company's Saab division may be shut down completely, and a little-known Chinese company has purchased Hummer. Crosstown rival Chrysler is likely to kill many of its underperforming models as well. And with a devastating plunge in auto sales over the past two years, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Volkswagen and other automakers are also pruning their lineups.

Face to Gas Prices - What can we do, What To Do?

2008-10-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

The price of just about anything is mostly about supply and demand. This is Rule #1 of Economics 101 -- which they made me take, along with English, history and a few other useful things, in engineering school:

Demand goes up, supply doesn't: price goes up
Demand goes down, supply doesn't: price goes down
Supply goes up, demand doesn't: price goes down

Oil will bring whatever buyers are willing to pay and sellers are willing to take, and buyers are willing to pay very dearly these days. Nearly all economic activity runs on oil, and it is extremely difficult for any society to reduce its usage without cheap and plentiful alternatives.

Petroleum products are not just in transportation tanks; they are in almost all consumer products. Take off your jacket, check your watch, dial your phone, boot up your computer, plug in your iPod – these things and nearly everything else contain them as fundamental elements.

Most things consume oil as they are manufactured, and all things consume it as fuel in shipment to market. And so, as we have been learning all too painfully lately, as the price of oil goes up, the price of everything follows in the same direction. So, given that the price of oil depends mostly on supply and demand, what can we do to drag it back down? Reduce demand? Increase supply? Yes, and yes! Anyone who thinks we can make enough difference by working just one end of that equation is wishfully thinking.

New Mercedes SL 2011

2008-10-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

Is this the UpComing Mercedes SL 2011 model? Well, rumours from the internet said so. The UpComing Mercedes SL 2011 is also coming with SL 350 V6, 272 bhp, SL 500 V8, 388 bhp, SL 600 V12, 517 bhp, SL 63 AMG returning 525 bhp and SL 65 AMG with no less than 612 bhp. The Mercedes SL defenitely looks impressive and futuristic.

Porsche new beginning in North America

2008-07-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

Stuttgart, management, provision of the 2810 vehicles in North America in June in difficult market conditions for these, 2,650 units were destined for the United States and Canada 160. Dropped 19 percent, of the total compared with the previous year, mainly to change the 911 Carrera model. Therefore, the sale of the entire scope of the Sept.

11, 2001 June dropped by 40 percent to 753 vehicles, the vehicle's life cycle. Introduced the new 911 Carrera model and lower fuel consumption, direct fuel injection and the new dual-clutch gearbox, Porsche is a new beginning for the next financial year: the new model will be ready to take on The North American market from September and October this year.

In last month's review, within the framework of Cayenne cars were sold in 1212 in the United States and Canada. Decreased slightly by 4 percent over the previous year's figure is down to the fact that the second generation Cayenne launch in North America, a year ago and the initial sales correspondingly high. 845 cars sold in the Boxster range (less than 10 per cent), including 451 in the Cayman Islands and the Cayman section

U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the average oil price this year, 101 U.S. dollars

2008-07-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, the agency's earlier international oil prices over a period of time at the top of the expected 100 U.S. dollars for the amendment. The agency as expected, this year the average level of international oil price will be 101 U.S. dollars per barrel.

However, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is expected, because the U.S. economic slowdown, the U.S. automobile, truck transportation companies and airlines use the fuel this year, the total will be reduced. This will alleviate some of the gasoline and other fuel price pressure and could maintain the U.S. average gasoline prices in the following four U.S. dollars per gallon.

Early this year, the first international oil prices have broken 100 U.S. dollars / barrel. But then the market will be more attributable to the operators of the deliberate acts that the international oil price in more than 100 U.S. dollars will not last. But the last two months the international oil price has Wenwen station 100 U.S. dollars. Even taking into account inflation and depreciation of the dollar factor, the real value of international oil prices have more than the previous record of the 1980s. To 1980 when international oil prices reached a record 38 U.S. dollars a barrel the highest level, but also its real value equivalent to today's 96 to 103 U.S. dollars.

And the U.S. Energy Information Administration projected that oil prices would mean 100 U.S. dollars this year may be a reasonable price level. The bodies are usually expected to have lower oil prices, after oil prices is expected in January to 87 U.S. dollars a barrel. The oil price forecast for next year is also not very optimistic about next year, the agency now expects oil prices to average 92.50 U.S. dollars a barrel.

Earlier, the major investment banks have also increased in the future the expected level of international oil prices. Lehman Brothers is expected this year in international oil prices, the average level of about 86 dollars. The earliest predicted that oil prices will reach 100 U.S. dollars a Goldman Sachs research team said that if the U.S. economy regain momentum or the world oil supply problems, oil prices could impact the next step the goal of 200 U.S. dollars.

New "measures" will be implemented industry dilemmaly

2008-07-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

From the WTO accusations, while making the "measures" can Dunsheng variables implemented as scheduled. Once the new regulations put into effect, parts and components to China will bring about the impact of enterprises, but also a cause for concern

From the "characteristics of a vehicle auto parts management approach" (hereinafter referred to as "the way") of the implementation period July 1 there are still two weeks, China's domestic parts and components enterprises have begun to feel complicated.

According to the "measures", the import of used vehicle parts and components valued at more than 60% of the value of motor vehicles, must charge the same tariffs and the vehicle (which is 25 per cent). The import tariffs on parts and components only 10 percent.

With the imminent implementation of new regulations relative to the incident, on February 13 this year, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled China of violating the provisional trade rules, to impose high import tariffs on auto parts, contrary to join China in 2001 WTO commitments. The organization asked the Chinese auto parts imports to give more concessions.

From the WTO's accusations, makes this the "measures" can Dunsheng variables implemented as scheduled. Once the new regulations put into effect, parts and components to China will bring about the impact of enterprises, but also a cause for concern.

Chuan policy more

With China's formal accession to the WTO, the cancellation of some restrictions on auto imports terms of foreign-funded enterprises started the industry norms of "Ca Bianqiu" Huazhengweiling the way through to avoid taxation, access to benefits. "Characteristics of a vehicle auto parts management approach" came into being.

In 2005, the "measures", the prices of imported parts and components to meet the sum of the total price of car models to 60% and above, the collection vehicle with the same 25 percent tariff. This vehicle features the standard approved since July 1, 2006 takes effect.

However, in March 2006, a lawsuit disrupted the "methods" implementation plan. EU and U.S. to the WTO action at the same time the Chinese Government formulated the "Measures" irregularities, and then Canada to join. The prosecution believes that China over the vehicle more than 60 percent of the import car parts by the practice of tax-related violations of trade rules.

"Measures" have Chuan fate of this Open.

Early July 2006, the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Commerce announced that the originally scheduled for July 1, 2006 since the implementation of the "measures" postponed to July 1, 2008 implementation. As for the specific reasons for delay, the notice did not mention.

At the same time, China and Europe and between the U.S. auto parts imports into the issue of the 60-day consultation period. But the parties failed to reach agreement on the final in September of that year launched the WTO dispute settlement procedures, the decision to enter the Group stage.

-- February 13 this year, results for the preliminary ruling, the Chinese lost.

The result of that triggered the trade. Co-passenger vehicles will be of the view that the Secretary-General Rao preliminary ruling unfair. However, he also pointed out that China can still appeal, the survey, carried out for explanation, and so, this will China's independent brand for the growth of valuable time.

In the preliminary ruling on the outcome of the dispute at the same time, the "measures" Can this year as scheduled July 1 implementation, industry concerns. "China and the European Union, United States, Canada and parts of disputes in the short term there will be no results, the" measures "At least until 2010 before a possible withdrawal." Rao said of.

The disparity between the forces

Rao was that the "methods" introduced, reflects China's relevant departments prevent China from become the world's assembly plants, the Chinese auto industry to accelerate the growth of care and thought.

China has become the world's second largest auto consumer countries, but in R & D and manufacture of automotive components, the Chinese force is clearly inferior. The historical reasons can not be ignored.

"For a long time, China's auto industry policy compared to vehicle production enterprises, to the neglect of its supporting the development of automobile spare parts market. Heavy vehicle light Accessories, has led to parts in research and development in China lags behind other countries." Veteran automotive Analyst Jia Xinguang of the "Financial Times" said.

In the initial stage of development the automotive industry, due to financial constraints, only limited capital investment projects focused on the vehicle, "July 5" period, the investment started to parts, "August 5," "September 5" as a priority, However, the proportion of investment has always been low.

China congenitally deficient parts and components industry in the formation of strong contrast, the foreign parts enterprises in the Chinese market, "Hushidandan."

In recent years, foreign-owned,-controlled parts enterprises annually. Transnational auto parts giants such as Bosch of Germany, Delphi, Japan's Denso, Aisin Seiki Co., Fujitsu, send e-al, France Valeo, one after another to joint ventures, wholly-owned investment in China and set up factories in the way. Today, the world's top 100 auto parts enterprises in 70 percent have set up factories in China, the Chinese foreign investment in auto parts enterprises over 1200.

Foreign-invested enterprises in China, the rapid occupation of parts of the main areas of market share and become directly to the Zhuji Chang supporting a provider. According to incomplete statistics, as at present, foreign parts and components market in China has accounted for more than 60 percent market share.

What is the way out

Foreign investment in all parts giant beach circumstances, high-tech automotive components of the core technology for the most part held by the International Automobile giants, independent research and development ability of domestic companies is still short of its own development board.

England Dili Shanghai Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., one week named the manager believes that foreign capital enterprises in China parts of the landing parts market, to bring advanced technology and introducing competition mechanism. "Competition will be improved, China will allow the parts to cutting-edge. Elevation foreign auto parts the threshold of entering the China market, will be restricted to some extent local automotive components and technological development." Above tell Zhou Jingli "Financial Times."

"Who can not say who robbed of their jobs, who earn more money. To promote the development of market economy, to promote a technology update on the role, is the focus of." Then he added.
In auto analyst Jia Xinguang, the increase of independent research and development capabilities and strengthen product innovation, China's domestic parts and components is the way out of the business.

Said Jia Xinguang, although in recent years, parts and components industry in China has noticeably accelerated the pace of development, but the current situation, the high-tech automotive components of the core technology for the most part by the foreign master, we lack of independent research and development capabilities. Most parts of China's major products or plants concentrated in low technology content, low labor cost areas. "Chinese auto parts manufacturers lack the brand that the brand and R & D and technology are the core does not have its own R & D and technological innovation, what means are there to talk development» "

Auto Club 500 results

2008-07-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

1. (9) Carl Edwards, Ford, 250 laps, 135.4 rating, 190 points, $340,500.
2. (1) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 250, 134.9, 180, $252,136.
3. (2) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 250, 126.7, 170, $214,18.
4. (22) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 250, 113.5, 165, $154,050.
5. (4) Matt Kenseth, Ford, 250, 105.3, 160, $169,841.
6. (11) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 250, 106.2, 150, $144,308.
7. (6) Tony Stewart, Toyota, 250, 99.5, 146, $158,06.
8. (10) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 250, 98.3, 147, $148,761.
9. (20) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 250, 109.9, 143, $133,616.
10. (13) Ryan Newman, Dodge, 250, 91.2, 139, $143,625.
11. (39) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 250, 78.7, 130, $98,700.
12. (8) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 250, 92.7, 132, $142,258.
13. (36) Kurt Busch, Dodge, 250, 88.4, 124, $92,800.
14. (24) David Ragan, Ford, 250, 86.2, 121, $104,850.
15. (14) Greg Biffle, Ford, 250, 89.4, 123, $104,350.
16. (16) Mark Martin, Chevrolet, 250, 73.3, 115, $128,208.
17. (32) David Gilliland, Ford, 250, 69.4, 112, $111,508.
18. (28) Robby Gordon, Dodge, 250, 73.1, 114, $116,708.
19. (3) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 250, 75.6, 106, $106,150.
20. (21) Juan Pablo Montoya, Dodge, 250, 78.0, 103, $121,508.
21. (31) Scott Riggs, Chevrolet, 250, 62.4, 100, $104,708.
22. (18) Jamie McMurray, Ford, 250, 68.5, 102, $97,850.
23. (40) David Reutimann, Toyota, 249, 68.2, 94, $101,758.
24. (27) Elliott Sadler, Dodge, 249, 58.7, 91,$114,770.
25. (19) Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 249, 58.4, 88, $125,136.
26. (38) Bill Elliott, Ford, 249, 54.0, 85, $105,34.
27. (29) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 248, 51.2, 82, $94,300.
28. (41) Michael Waltrip, Toyota, 248, 45.4, 79, $92,247.
29. (25) J.J. Yeley, Toyota, 248, 36.9, 76, $93,500.
30. (34) Dave Blaney, Toyota, 248, 39.1, 73, $85,250.
31. (17) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 248, 42.4, 70, $91,575.
32. (26) Dario Franchitti, Dodge, 248, 34.9, 72, $89,875.
33. (37) Dale Jarrett, Toyota, 247, 37.5, 69, $82,600.
34. (43) Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 246, 29.5, 61, $81,450.
35. (42) John Andretti, Chevrolet, 245, 33.9, 63, $81,225.
36. (30) Travis Kvapil, Ford, 242, 67.0, 55, $108,289.
37. (23) Reed Sorenson, Dodge, 240, 40.6, 52, $108,064.
38. (35) Kyle Petty, Dodge, 236, 26.8, 49, $80,600.
39. (33) Jeremy Mayfield, Chevrolet, 231, 31.5, 46, $80,480..
40. (15) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 203, 54.9, 43, $88,325.
41. (12) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 193, 44.3, 40, $115,191.
42. (5) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, crash, 20, 49.4, 37, $98,110.
43. (7) Sam Hornish Jr., Dodge, crash, 20, 38.2, 34, $125,539.

Turning Powerful Passion into Supreme Performance: The New BMW M3

2008-05-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

ambience tailored to their specific needs and wishes. This applies particularly to the driver, with all controls and instruments relating directly to the active driving experience in the car adapted to the supreme performance of the BMW M3 and re-designed from the ground up wherever appropriate.

Double circular instruments with white illumination and red needles, the M leather steering wheel and the newly designed centre console all characterize the cockpit of the new BMW M3. The door cutout trim embellished by the characteristic M logo, the support for the driver’s left foot made of brushed metal, the special design and color of the inner door panels, as well as the trim strip made of high-quality, sophisticated materials exclusive to BMW M such as leather in carbon design or aluminum, all serve to underline the supreme and truly unique position of the new BMW M3.

MDrive Button for the Ambitious Driving Enthusiast

Enjoying the qualities of the new BMW M3, the driver is able to configure several driving parameters individually according to his particular requirements, thus adjusting the car’s behavior and performance to his personal preferences. One option, for example, is to completely deactivate the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) via the car’s set-up. Electronic Damper Control (EDC), in turn, which optimizes both vertical vibration behavior as well as the car’s dive and roll in bends and when applying the brakes and accelerating by adjusting damper forces, comes with three different settings – Normal, Comfort, and Sports – the driver is able to pre-select at the touch of a button.

Three control maps are also available for precise, on-demand management of the engine. These management functions operate not only on the position of the throttle butterflies in the intake manifold, but also on further factors and parameters significantly changing the behavior and response of the engine.

The optionally available MDrive configuration enables the driver to pre-select the response of the Servotronic power steering. In the process, MDrive is able to follow two control maps varying steering forces between the Normal and Sports setting as a function of road speed.
Base Price: 2009 BMW M3 Coupe - $57,275

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Audi Reveals the R8: Le Mans Racer for the Street

2008-05-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Audi R8, into which Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, is a spectacular sports car. Three years after the unveiling of the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, the production version will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the guise of the new Audi R8 mid-engined sports model. It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminum body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.

As the first Audi mid-engined sports car, the Audi R8 combines Audi's experience gained from numerous motorsport triumphs with groundbreaking design and the acknowledged technological expertise of the brand. This expertise has led to the slogan 'Vorsprung durch Technik' becoming a byword for leading-edge technology both on the race track and on the road.

Audi R8's Exterior

Even at first glance, the caliber of the Audi R8 is plain to see. The car sits broad and squat on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off.

The characteristic proportions of the vehicle are dictated by the location of the engine behind the cockpit. This layout is a typical feature of race cars. One of the most striking examples of this design – and as such one of the legitimate antecedents of the Audi R8 – was, and still is, the Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car. The central position of the engine is above all a boon to driving dynamics, as it allows for a weight distribution, as on the R8, of 44 percent to the front and 56 percent to the rear.

The car's body is highly compact in appearance. The front end and the gently curved roof arc are drawn in a sweeping line; a line which immediately marks the two-seater out as an Audi.

The side view also reveals familiar contours. The dynamic line above the wheel arches and the shoulder line interlink the front end, side and rear, imbue the doors and the transition to the side air vent with a strong presence, and even more emphatically highlight the typical Audi rounded wheel housings accommodating the big wheels.

The cabin of the Audi R8 is pushed far forward – a typical feature of a mid-engined sports car, and as such a visual cue linking it to the race car of the same name. Behind the cabin, positioned in front of the rear axle, is the V8 FSI engine, a sculptured piece of engineering visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from inside the car.
The full aluminum body is constructed in the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design. Its perfect synthesis of minimal weight and maximum rigidity provides the ideal foundation for optimum driving dynamics, as well as delivering an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of just 8.18 pounds per bhp.

The Interior

The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

Form follows function: this design principle is implemented throughout the R8. Alongside the driver-oriented architecture, also reflected in the styling of the side window sills, the choice of materials also makes for a highly functional look and feel. Looking around when in the driving seat makes one thing clear: just like in the R8 race car, the styling and placement of all the elements in the cockpit of this driving machine is focused on the essentials. The center point of everything is the driver.

The Drivetrain

Turbine-like power up to the highest rev ranges, a high maximum torque, all combined with a fascinating sound, are the characteristics of a perfect sports car engine. An engine that is fascinating both in terms of its enormous power potential and its suitability for everyday use.

In the high-revving 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI petrol direct injection technology has reached a new high. This technology has also enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.

The figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 420 bhp of power output. Peak torque is 317 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving situation.

The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 mph.

Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox. Here, too, the influence of the motorsport world is clearly evident, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel, which are a long-established ergonomic feature in motorsport. The best illustration of this is once again the Le Mans winning Audi R8, which also enables the driver to change gear on the steering wheel.

The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm, Germany.

$109,000

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2009 Maserati GranTurismo S

2008-05-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Maserati GT SA year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 HP V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the Transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers, ensuring optimized braking performance.

On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks
Base Price: $130,000 (est)

Detail

BMW: Always the Award Winner

2008-05-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

BMW has won many awards because of the high class performance that BMW vehicles give. Talking about winning awards, one can not forget the ultimate BMW 5 series. This series has won many awards. BMW 5 series is a mid size luxury car. BMW started the production of the 5 series in 1972 and is till producing it. This series had won hearts of million of people. There are two body styles, Sedan and touring (Wagon), available for BMW 5 series. As suggested by its name, BMW 5 series is the fifth generation car for BMW. Gandini designed the first BMW 5 series car. BMW had produced five generations for the 5 series. These generations are denoted by the traditional numbering EXX. This was the first time that BMW started the tradition of 3 digit numbering. The first digit represented the series number (5 in this case) and the other two represented the engine size. E12 was the first generation of BMW 5 series car.

There were different models produced for BMW E12. Here are few models listed; 518 1.8L (1974), 520 2.0L (1972), 525i 2.5L (1973), 528i 2.8L (1975) and M535i 3.5L (1979). E28 was the next model in the 5 series family. This model was a high performance fifth series car. This car had a power full 24 valves engine with six throttle body. BMW released this model in the year 1982 and its production was continued till 1988. Here are few models released for BMW 5 series; 518i 1.8L, 520i 2.0L, 524d 2.4L, 525i 2.5L, 528i 2.8L, 530i 3.0L and 535 I 3.4L. This model was considered to be one of the fastest at that time. The next generation in the BMW 5 series was the E34 that was produced in 1989 through 1996. BMW E34 won many awards for offering the best safety and reliability. BMW E34 gave a sporty look and that was the reason why it was so popular at that time. BMW E34 was considered to have a very attractive design. Here are few models for the BMW E34; 518i 1.8L (1989), 520i 2.0L (1988-1990), 525i 2.5L (1988-1991), 530i 3.0L (1994-1995), 540i 4.0L 1993-1995 and M5 3.6L (1991-1993). BMW E39 is the second last generation for the 5 series.

BMW produced this generation cars form 1996 through 2003. This generation was the first to be truly called a sports car. This generation had most success than the previous generations. Some people call BMW E39, the best car ever produced by BMW. This generation has the highest consumer ratings. This generation had extraordinary performance in speed. BMW E39 had a power full engine that has an excellent and smooth drive. The total torque for the BMW E39 engine is 500 Nm that is the reason why this car reaches 0-100 Km per hour in an unbelievable time of 5.2s. The last generation in the 5 series is the E60/E61. This generation is being produced from 2004 till present. This generation is currently using the best available technology. A maximum power of 5.0L engine is available in this generation. E60 was given the award for “Best Luxury Car” for the year 2006. BMW E39 was on the front pages of many famous car magazines.

BMW: What makes it the best Luxury Car?

2008-05-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

BMW is believed to be the best luxury car manufacturing company. In the race of best luxury cars, BMW is ahead of all other luxury car manufactures. Now the question is that what makes BMW the best luxury car? BMW is using the most advanced technologies available to produce high tech cars. BMW cars are equipped with up to date components giving extraordinary performance in comfort, speed and style. BMW is producing wonder full cars. All BMW models have decent shape and style. You will keep looking at BMW for quite some time because of its beauty. The interior and exterior design of BMW cars are mind blowing. Let us see what the latest car from BMW has. 2007 BMW M5 Sedan is master piece produced by BMW. The total length of 2007 BMW M5 is 4864.1 mm or 191.5 inches (4.864 meters). Total width is 1846.5 mm or 72.7 inches (1.846 meters) and the total height for 2007 BMW M5 Sedan is 1468.5 mm or 57.8 inches (1.468 meters).

All these specifications show that 2007 BMW M5 Sedan has a lot of room both for the passengers and cargo. Now let’s see some more dimension specifications. 2007 BMW M5 Sedan comes with a total curb weight of 4012 pounds or 1819.81 kilograms. 2007 BMW M5 Sedan comes with a hard fixed top. The front track is 1579.9 mm or 62.2 inches (1.58 meters). The rear track is 1567.1 mm or 61.172 inches (1.567 meters). All these specifications lead 2007 BMW M5 Sedan to be the best in the luxury car business. 2007 BMW M5 Sedan is superb car with wonder full features offering excellent overall performance. BMW offers the best car safety. Recently BMW was given the award for “The safest car of the millennium” by IBIA (International Brain Injury Association). This is the great achievement for a car manufacturer as nowadays many human lives are wasted in road crashes. BMW is the first and the only one to introduce HPS. HPS stands for Head Protection System. It’s great to know that car companies are realizing the importance of car safety. This system has already saved many human lives. People and different associations like IBIA are appreciating BMW efforts for making much safer cars.

One important factor in determining the overall performance of any vehicle is the front and rear weight distribution. This is a very important factor as front and rear weight distribution is directly affected on car’s acceleration and speed. 2007 BMW M5 Sedan front and rear weight distribution is excellent. 52 for the front and 48 for the rear weight distribution. 2007 BMW M5 Sedan is a standard four door car with 5 passenger seats including the driver’s seat. The total wheel base is 2888 mm or 113.7 inches (2.887 meters). The bottom line is that BMW is the best luxury car manufacturer and BMW vehicles are reliable, extremely comfortable, great style, high performance giving and are the fastest.

BMW Launching Hydrogen powered luxury car

2008-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

According to the BMW’s spokesmen, BMW will launch a luxury car that will operate on either hydrogen or premium gasoline. This is great news for BMW fans. BMW only plans to produce limited number of hydrogen powered cars. The hydrogen powered BMW is based on the wonder full and most success full BMW 7 series luxury sedan. BMW has announced to bring out the hydrogen version of the 7 series luxury sedan in the year 2007. BMW is not only producing limited number of hydrogen 7 cars but has also announced that this car will be given to selected drivers only and will be used in selected areas too. BMW hydrogen 7 car is equipped with a high quality and power full 12-cylinder engine. The total power of BMW hydrogen 7 car is 260 hp and is more than enough. BMW hydrogen 7 is capable of running on either hydrogen power or pure gasoline power. According to BMW, you can switch between hydrogen and gasoline power with a push of a button. Both hydrogen and gasoline have a separate tank which means that you will have long cruising range. According to BMW spokesman, the total cruising range of BMW hydrogen 7 will be some where around 390 to 460 miles. BMW hydrogen 7 will be capable of giving a cruising range of about 100 to 140 miles for the hydrogen tank. On the other hand, BMW hydrogen 7 will have a cruising range of about 320 to 350 miles for gasoline. Thus BMW hydrogen 7 has a big advantage of long cruising range. You don’t have to worry about refilling for quite some time.

The duel fuel system allows you to switch to gasoline or hydrogen power. Hydrogen filling stations are not as common as gasoline filling stations so the duel fuel switching feature helps a lot. If you run out of hydrogen gas and there is no hydrogen filling station around, don’t worry you still have gasoline that can drive you more than 300 miles. In case BMW hydrogen 7 runs out of hydrogen gas, you don’t even have to worry about switching from hydrogen to gasoline because BMW hydrogen 7 automatically switches from one fuel source to other when ever one fuel source tank gets empty. BMW is planning to produce a total of 100 BMW hydrogen 7 cars in the year 2007. From these 100, BMW fixed the US quota to 25 cars. BMW wants to see selected people in BMW hydrogen 7 and are also planning to charge a monthly fee for using the car. BMW hydrogen 7 is based on BMW 760Li. BMW 760Li is the most costly car in BMW cars list. BMW 760Li also has 12-cylinder engine. BMW has not announced the price for BMW hydrogen 7 but one can guess the range of BMW hydrogen 7 price as it is based on BMW 760Li which costs some where around $120000. Hydrogen is available abundantly on the earth but is not in pure form.

There are different chemical processes to separate hydrogen. These chemical processes are of concern as these processes can increase environmental pollution. On the other hand, hydrogen powered vehicles only produces water vapors and no pollution.

BMW: The Most Power Full Machine

2008-05-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

One it comes to the most power full car available in the market, BMW is always listed on the top of the list. BMW has produced the most wonder full cars that any one can only see in their dreams. BMW offers high tech cars equipped with the most advance technology. BMW has a high reputation of producing cars that have a sporty look and feel. The main reason for the big success that BMW has is that they are producing cars that make a person feel that he is driving a sports car. Talking about the sporty feel car, how can we forget the BMW Z4? This model has an excellent performance and look that is very much same like a sports car. BMW Z4 is rear wheel drive car. BMW first released Z4 in the year 2003. BMW Z4 was released to replace BMW Z3.

BMW Z4 is more power full than Z3. BMW introduced multi tank suspension in the Z4 model that made the car more comfortable. The multi tank suspension also had the impact on car handling, thus highly improving Z4 road grip. BMW Z4 comes in two body styles; 2 door coupe and 2 door convertible. BMW Z4 is available with 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.2L engines. All these are power full engines based on high tech technology. BMW Z4’s transmission is available in 5 and 6 speeds. BMW Z4 comes with manual, automatic, and semi-manual transmission. BMW Z4 car is an excellent piece of work. This car is too fast. BMW Z4 with 2.2L engine can reach 0 to100 Km/hour in an unbelievable time of 7.2 seconds. BMW Z4 with 2.5L engine is even more power full and according to BMW, Z4 2.5L reaches 0 to 100 Km/hour in an incredible time of 7.0 seconds. All this is possible because of the high quality research that BMW is doing to attain faster speed in less time. The weight ratio is very important factor for any car to have high speed. BMW is making the weight ratio better and better with very year.

BMW Z4 2.5L has a total horse power of 141 kW AT 6000 rpm. It has a total weight of 1335 kg. It reaching 0 to 100 Km/hour in 7.0 seconds and if this has not impressed you then hear this, BMW Z4 3.0L having a total horse power of 170 kW can reach 0 to100 Km/hour in 5.9 seconds. Wait, there is still more. BMW Z4 also comes with a 3.2L engine. BMW Z4 3.2L has a total horse power of 246 kW AT 7900. Total torque produced by BMW Z4 3.2L is 262 lb-ft AT 4900 rpm. Six gear transmission is available for BMW Z4 3.0L and M roadster. BMW Z4 M roadster was released in the year 2006. They are equipped with 3.2L engine capable of producing 330 hp.

BMW Z4 M roadster comes with 6-speed manual transmission. It’s hard to believe this but its 100% true that BMW Z4 M roadster reaches 0 to100 Km/hour in 4.9 seconds.

Volvo announces pricing for the C30 2008

2008-03-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Following hot on the heels of the news of the Limited Edition C30 R-Design, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) today announced pricing for the 400 C30s that will go on sale in April. With a base MSRP of just $25,700* the Limited Edition C30 R-Design brings new levels of style and unique appointments to the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo’s lineup.

At first glance, the C30 R-Design catches the eye with its distinctive exterior enhancements. Premium touches include a matte-silver finish for the outside mirror housings, front grille surround and iconic Volvo grille “strap.” To signify that this C30 is truly special, an R-Design badge has been affixed to the grille. Customers can select from four exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey, Orinoco Blue and Passion Red. Sport Body kit, tailgate spoiler, large diameter exhaust tips, etc. are additional exterior enhancements that add to the C30 R-Design’s dynamic personality.

Stepping inside the cabin, the driver and three passengers are rewarded with sporty and premium cues befitting the stature of this truly special Volvo. Seats are swathed with off-black. Flex-tech while the cushions and backrests are trimmed in contrasting crème-colored leather. The R-Design logo is embossed neatly into the front bucket seatbacks.

Inspired by Volvo’s legendary high-performance R models, the C30 R-Design sports a blue-face instrument cluster. The C30’s signature super-slim center console is finished with a unique inlay with subtle circular patterns that take the standard aluminum inlay to the next level. A special leather-wrapped steering with aluminum inlays proudly displays the R-Design logo.Additional features include sport pedals, sport shifter, and floor mats.

Like the regular production C30, the R-Design delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Equipped as a complete package which includes 18″ Atreus wheels and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 6 month introductory subscription as std. equipment, customers can select from an abbreviated list of options for the C30 R-Design including 5-speed Geartronic transmission, DVD-based navigation system with real time traffic, power driver’s seat, Climate Package, power glass moonroof, bi-xenon headlights, Serapis alloy wheels and Dynaudio premium sound system.

2008-03-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

The selection committee for the 2008 World Car Awards announced today that the European BMW 118d Advanced Diesel was named the 2008 World Green Car. Tom Purves, President and CEO of BMWNA, accepted the honor on behalf of BMW at the award reception, which was held this morning at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

“We are honored to receive the 2008 World Green Car Award for the BMW 118d,” said Mr. Purves. “As a company we have been committed to reducing fuel consumption and emissions of our vehicles, while at the same time improving performance. This commitment is the driving force of our Efficient Dynamics platform and the philosophy behind BMW’s vehicle designs and development of technologies such as the Advanced Diesel implemented in the 118d. This honor will inspire BMW’s continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.” The BMW 118d is a four-door hatchback powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine and is not a model that is available in the U.S.
A jury of nearly 50 distinguished automotive journalists selected the BMW 118d as top choice from a list of three finalists that also included the Smart ForTwo CDI and Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. To be eligible for the 2008 World Green Car award, vehicles had to be available in at least one major market during 2007. The vehicle or the green technology could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2007. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.
Now in its fifth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the most prestigious and credible programs of their type in the world. The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on a global scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise. [source bmw]

Benz at the 2008 New York Auto Show 2008

2008-03-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Under the heading “Vote for BlueTEC”, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel offensive in the U.S. with a vengeance. At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the three-pointed star is presenting three new, exceptionally clean diesel SUVs with the latest AdBlue injection technology. The ML 320 BlueTEC, the R 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC boast such low emissions that they comply with even the strictest exhaust limits such as the Bin 5 and ULEV standards in the U.S. They are also poised to fulfill the future EU6 standard in Europe. The focal point of today’s Mercedes-Benz NYIAS press conference was the facelifted M-Class, which celebrated its world premiere as the ML 320 BlueTEC.

“The BlueTEC campaign expresses our ambitious targets for the U.S. We want to make diesel driving popular here again – especially for SUVs,” comments Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Management Board Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

“The prospects for this are now even better,” Weber continues, “because, just in time for the world premiere in New York, we have become the first manufacturer ever to receive certification enabling registration of Bin 5 and ULEV compliant diesel SUVs, thus qualifying them for registration in all 50 states.”

In preparation for the comeback of the clean diesel to the U.S., Mercedes has been conducting years of pioneering work. The decisive breakthrough came with the introduction of the E 320 BlueTEC in October 2006, which was voted “World Green Car of the Year 2007″ in the U.S., followed by the successful launch of Mercedes diesel SUVs with CDI technology in 45 states.

John Cooper Works Mini Clubman and Cooper S

2008-03-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

MINI USA announced today the debut of two all new performance models at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Following their successful World Premier in Geneva, the MINI John Cooper Works hardtop and the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman are showcased at MINI’s display and represent the first new models from the recently integrated John Cooper Works Brand.

In addition, pricing for both new models were announced today. The MINI John Cooper Works hardtop will be offered at $29,200. USD. The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be offered at $31,450, USD. Both prices include a $650 destination and handling charge, MINI USA’s Free Full Maintenance Coverage for 3 years/ 36,000 Miles and a 4 year-50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

For more than four decades, the name John Cooper has been synonymous with the high-performance members of the MINI family. In January 2008, MINI and John Cooper Works announced they would transition from being two separate entities to merging the John Cooper Works into the MINI family as a MINI sub brand. These are the first high-performance MINI models that will be launched under this new MINI John Cooper Works brand and are expected to arrive in the US this summer.

Both John Cooper Works models will feature a newly developed high-performance version of the highly-acclaimed 1.6 liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with twin scroll turbocharger and direct injection. Delivering 208 horsepower and maximum torque of 192 ft-lb between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm, overboost torque momentarily increases to 207 ft-lb under heavy acceleration. The revised powerplant propels the MINI John Cooper Works from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds, with the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman shadowing this figure at 6.5 seconds. Top speed comes in at 147 MPH.

Audi R8 receives 2008 World Car Design of the Year award

2008-03-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

Audi made it a big double when the R8 was declared the 2008 World Car Design of the Year. Cars eligible for the 2008 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of thirty-nine (39) World Car candidates nominated by forty-seven (47) World Car jurors from twenty-four (24) countries throughout the world.

A design panel consisting of four highly respected world design experts asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors. Jurors then voted on the expert’s recommendations. The top three design finalists were, in alphabetical order, the Audi R8, the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio and the Volvo C30.

The World Car Design of the Year category, and the corresponding award, is meant to highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries.

The World Car jurors praised Audi for “….transforming the sports car landscape”. “The R8 design is striking, original and full of interesting details, from the nose strakes to the much discussed vertical ‘blade’ behind the B pillar”. World Car design expert, Tom Matano, commented, “It is a great visual representation of the technology within…..a complete package of Techno-Iconic Design”. The R8 looks just as good as it performs, which is saying something. In design consultant Robert Cumberford’s opinion, the Audi is a “real tour de force in style, performance and practicality.”

“Having won the World Car Design of the Year award last year with the new Audi TT, it is a real pleasure to make it two in a row with the Audi R8,” said Johan De Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America. “Our designers surpassed themselves with our first super sports car, which is both a show-stopper and a traffic-stopper.

Characteristic features such as LED headlights and customizable sideblades make the Audi R8 instantly recognizable. We are delighted that our designers’ work has been acknowledged in this way by the World Car of the Year jurors.”

Previous winners of the World Car Design of the Year award were the Audi TT in 2007 and the Citroen C4 in 2006.

Now in their fifth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the most prestigious and credible programs of their type in the world.

The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America . There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

The red dot design award is held annually by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany. This year’s award ceremony will take place on June 23 in Essen, Germany.
[source audi]

Acclaimed Audi S Tronic

2008-03-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Lightning fast, virtually seamless Audi S tronic gear changes will soon be within the grasp of drivers of the all-new A4 Saloon, the Q5 SUV and many more Audi models as a new version of the much loved dual-clutch transmission brings compatibility with longitudinal or ‘north-south’ engine installations.

Originally developed to work with transversely mounted units, and so initially restricted to the TT and the A3, the latest generation of S tronic can now extend its reach upwards to the A4, A5, Q5 and many other Audi models whose engines are mounted ‘lengthways’.

In its latest form the famously quick and slick gearbox, developed exclusively by Audi, offers the existing transmission’s familiar Drive, Sport and ‘Manual’ modes, the latter upgrading from six to seven fixed ratios, and boasts a higher torque threshold of 550Nm. This impressive capacity means that it is theoretically compatible with a wide spectrum of sports models, including the majority of the V8 and V10-powered performance flagships and the high performance TDI models.

The formidable outputs produced by these cars will be handled by two multi-plate clutches – one controlling the odd gears 1, 3, 5 and 7 and the other the even 2, 4, 6 and reverse. Both transmission elements are continuously active, but only one is powered by the engine at any one time. This means that when the driver accelerates in third gear, for example, fourth is already pre-engaged by the second transmission element. The switching process takes place in mere hundredths of a second as the clutch shifts – while one is opening, the other closes, so changes are remarkably swift and the power flow is never interrupted.

The new seven-speed S tronic has also been designed to work in conjunction with the latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with asymmetric-dynamic distribution, so in normal conditions 40 per cent of the power is channelled from the drive shaft to the front axle differential and 60 per cent to the rear, resulting in optimum handling poise.

Twenty three years ago Audi fielded its first dual-clutch transmission in the 476PS Sport quattro S1 rally car piloted by Walter Rohrl and Christian Geistdorfer, and since its transfer to the road in 2003 as the Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG over 188,000 examples have been installed worldwide. The latest version, with its dramatically greater scope for application across the Audi range, will make its debut in UK-bound Audi models in late 2008.
[source audi]

2009 BMW 1-Series Coupe

2008-02-12T07:09:00.001-08:00

Fleet-footed and charmingly agile, just like the legendary 02 models from the 1970`s, but with a 21st century engine, safety and suspension technology: BMW fans have long been waiting for a sports coupe like the Series 1. Particularly since, just like its legendary predecessor, it has two rear seats and a boot.

This fascinating vehicle can be made even better handling and more attractive with the optional Eibach Suspension Components, without making it a less practical and comfortable daily run-around. The Pro-Kit Performance Springs bring the centre of gravity closer to the road, make for better looking vehicle. In addition, the Pro-Spacer Aluminum-Wheel-Spacers optimise the overall impression and also improve handling.

All Eibach Suspension Components, which are available through authorised dealers, are provided with a high-quality corrosion protection and are TÜV-certified.

[subaruauto.blogspot.com]

SSC Ultimate Aero official the fastest car in the world!

2007-09-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

After several attempts the Shelby engineers did it: SSC Ultimate Aero is official the fastest car in the world!

The first pass was recorded at 257.11 MPH / 413.82 KMH, and the second pass was recorded at 254.55 MPH / 409.71 KMH. The official record was previously held by the Koenigsegg CCX . The unofficial record held by the Bugatti Veyron is 253.4 MPH.

Press release:

Speed testing has been conducted in the company’s home state of Washington and has been validated by Guinness World Records. The Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero (with 1,183hp) finalized speed testing with a World Record Breaking speed of 255.83 MPH / 411.76 KMH.
The first pass was recorded at 257.11 MPH / 413.82 KMH, and the second pass was recorded at 254.55 MPH / 409.71 KMH. The official record was previously held by the Koenigsegg CCX (242 MPH). The unofficial record held by the Bugatti Veyron is 253.4 MPH.

There is a standard procedure outlined by Guinness World Records to validate a land speed record. The vehicle must drive the predetermined course, turn around, and drive back the opposite way within one hour. This is to negate any discrepancy there may be in the course or conditions. Top speeds from each run are then averaged to obtain the official speed. This method has been used for decades as the benchmark for land speed record attempts.

Dewetron, a company known for performance testing of missile, train, aerospace, and automotive capabilities will accurately monitor and measure the speed of the Ultimate Aero for the record run. Dewetron’s equipment is so precise that Guinness World Records approved their systems as a replacement for the standard 1,000m laser traps. Dewetron utilizes 4-12 satellites and numerous onboard sensors to track a vehicle’s speed.

Lexus launches 6 million pound hybrid campaign

2007-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Lexus announced a multimedia campaign in which it will promote its range of hybrid models for the 4th quarter of 2007.“One day high performance will come with lower emissions….not one day but today” represents the tag line for this campaign.

A 40-second version will be screened on television, with an extended 60-second version for Virgin Atlantic services airing through to Christmas.

Press release:

Luxury car maker Lexus has announced a substantial multimedia ad campaign promoting its industry-leading range of hybrid models for the fourth quarter of 2007. The spend of more than 6 million pounds includes national TV, landmark billboard, on-line, and magazine activities.

Designed and co-ordinated by full service agency CHI & Partners with communications planning from ZenithOptimedia, the campaign will emphasise the engineering innovations that have enabled Lexus to build a range of high performance cars with substantially better emissions levels and fuel efficiency than rival premium market brands. It coincides with the October launch of the LS 600h hybrid power limousine, the new Lexus flagship model.

The television ads will air across six weeks from 17 September, the camerawork moving through prairie and desert panoramas to gradually reveal an LS 600h driving in an urban landscape. The tag line declares: “One day high performance will come with lower emissions….not one day but today.”

A 40-second version will be screened on television, with an extended 60-second version for Virgin Atlantic services airing through to Christmas.

Frankfurt Motor Show: Audi A4 e Concept

2007-09-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

With the new Audi A4 e Concept, the German automaker plans to show how its new Modular Efficiency program is. The new concept uses just 4.9 litres per 100 km. Also the Co2 emissons is just 129 g/km, that means less than the limit that will be introduced in 2012!

The 2.0 TDI in the new Audi A4 presents itself in an essentially enhanced form. A common rail injection system supersedes the unit injection pumps used to date, its piezo injectors supplying fuel with a pressure of up to 1,800 bar, allowing extremely fine atomisation in the combustion chambers. This improves fuel combustion and smooth running.
Press release:
With the new 2.0 TDI e Concept, Audi is showing just how effective its new Modular Efficiency program is. The sporty middle class saloon undercuts the consumption limit of five litres per 100 km. The A4 2.0 TDI e Concept needs just 4.9 litres for 100 km on the EU cycle. This means CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km – less than the limit that the European Union aims to introduce for vehicle fleets from 2012. With an output of 105 kW / 143 bhp and a peak torque of 320 Nm, the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is a powerful saloon – for Audi, a dynamic character always goes hand in hand with low consumption.

In this vehicle, Audi has realised a whole package of innovative engineering solutions. Some of these are already in series production on the new Audi A4. Others, such as the start/stop system or the energy recuperation system, will be introduced in the near future.

TDI marries efficiency with dynamism

The 2.0 TDI in the new Audi A4 presents itself in an essentially enhanced form. A common rail injection system supersedes the unit injection pumps used to date, its piezo injectors supplying fuel with a pressure of up to 1,800 bar, allowing extremely fine atomisation in the combustion chambers. This improves fuel combustion and smooth running.

The refined engine develops a powerful 105 kW / 143 bhp of output. Even in the speed range between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm it puts a bullish 320 Nm of torque onto the crankshaft – this mighty pulling power at low revs is a one of the great strengths of the TDI principle. Modified piston geometry improves the thermodynamics in the combustion chambers. Other measures to reduce internal friction and for temperature management further increase fuel efficiency.
On the A4 e Concept, the 2.0 TDI engine is supplemented by the ultra low emission system. That means that this engine not only works highly efficiently, but it is also exceptionally clear and absolutely future-proof: Even today, it undercuts the strictest European emissions levels, which are not expected to come into force until 2014. The ultra low emission system, which makes the TDI the world’s cleanest diesel, will go into series production in 2008 as an option on the new Audi A4 3.0 TDI.

Low-friction gearbox
The TDI’s power is transmitted onto a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox that is characterised by greatly reduced internal friction. It has been specially tailored for the high-torque of the TDI engine – its transmission ratios are slightly longer in third to sixth gears. Like all Audi gearboxes, its gear changes are playfully light and extremely precise. The gear change indicator in the driver information system encourages an economical driving style. It indicates which gear is selected and if another gear is judged to be better while driving steadily, it will show this as a recommendation.
An especially fast and smooth start

Another important contribution is made by the start/stop system. It avoids the engine running inefficiently when the vehicle is stationary. This is important because much of our day-to-day driving is made up of trips that are shorter than ten kilometres, and these are interrupted by numerous stops at traffic lights.
As soon as the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept comes to a standstill, the gear lever is moved to neutral and the driver takes his foot off the clutch, the TDI is automatically switched off. The engine is restarted when the driver depresses the clutch. The TDI runs up while he is engaging the gear. It has reached idling speed by the time he releases the pedal. A specially developed starter motor turns the engine in little more than two tenths of a second – 60 percent faster than a conventional part, and yet especially comfortable acoustically.

Microhybrid gathers energy when coasting and braking

The recuperation system on board the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept converts kinetic energy into useful electrical energy as the vehicle decelerates. An innovative gel battery is used as the power source for the vehicle electrical system. This is extremely robust even at high loads and when it is heavily discharged, allowing it to achieve a particularly long service life.

When the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is coasting or braking, the secondary voltage from the D/C converter is run up. The alternator is now able to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy that is temporarily stored in the gel battery. When the saloon subsequently accelerates again, the battery feeds the energy back, relieving the load on the alternator.

The power steering has also been thoroughly modified – its effectiveness has been improved by around 50 percent because it is now fed hydraulic energy by a demand-controlled vane-cell pump. In contrast to conventional power steering pumps, which constantly recirculate large volumes, it only pumps as much oil as actually needed at that very moment.

On the automatic air conditioning system, Audi uses an innovative, thermostatically controlled refrigerant circuit with an internal heat exchanger. Along with intensive precision work on other components, has greatly improved the efficiency of the system – the new automatic air conditioning system requires 20 percent less fuel that its predecessor model did.

Sporty performance yet highly efficient

The A4 2.0 TDI e Concept glides smoothly and effortlessly through the wind. Its body is fundamentally extremely aerodynamic. Its boot lid has been given a slight additional separation edge. Specially designed alloy wheels improve the airflow across the wheels and wheel arches, while a sporty tuning has lowered the body by 20 millimetres. This modification reduces the frontal area, improving air resistance.

For Audi, efficiency means exactly the same as dynamics. For example, the tyres are configured for light running, but still have a sporty performance – they have the wide, visually attractive 225/50 R17 format. Yet the most impressive evidence of the potential of the A4 2.0 TDI e Concept is found in its performance figures. The middle class saloon sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.3 seconds. Its top speed is 215 km/h. A spurt from 80 to 120 km/h in 5th gear needs just 8.7 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG

2007-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Following in the Saloon’s footsteps, the C 63 AMG Estate is now also due to be launched. Under the bonnet with its distinctive power domes, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers effortless acceleration.

The high-revving naturally aspirated engine sets the benchmark in this segment with its maximum output of 336 kW/457 hp at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 600 Nm at 5000 rpm. The unique high-performance estate accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds; top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Equipped with AMG steering wheel gearshift paddles and the three driving modes “C”, “S” and “M”, the seven-speed automatic transmission delivers a decidedly sporty or comfort-focused ride depending on the driver’s tastes. The automatic throttle-blipping function when downshifting is another innovation. In conjunction with the all-new front axle, the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the new 3-stage ESP®, the AMG sports suspension provides maximum driving pleasure and superb driving dynamics.
The AMG high-performance braking system with large internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes all round provides optimum stopping power even during particularly dynamic driving. The standard specification includes 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with 235/ 40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) wide-base tyres. 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres are available as an option.Design and appointments: more distinctive than ever
The design and appointments on the new C 63 AMG Estate are comfortably on a par with the sophisticated technology. The top-of-the-line AMG eight-cylinder model has been differentiated more clearly than ever from the series-production C-Class: typical hallmarks of the brand come in the shape of AMG bodystyling, the bonnet with power domes, the distinctive AMG radiator grille, the flared front wings, the AMG rear apron with its black diffusor insert and the AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of chromed twin tailpipes.

The interior feel is dominated by the distinctive AMG sports seats with integral head restraints, the three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel with its flat underside and small 365-millimetre rim, and the tube-style AMG instrument cluster with its AMG-specific main menu. As an alternative to the standard-fit aluminium trim elements, AMG carbon trim can also be ordered as an option for the C 63 AMG Estate.
Largest load compartment in its class with up to 1500 litres

The load capacity of the C 63 AMG Estate ranges from 485 to 1500 litres (VDA measuring method) depending on the position of the 1/3:2/3-split rear seat backrests which can be folded forwards. No other car in the premium estate segment of this vehicle class can match this capacity. Standard equipment includes bag hooks and four anchoring lugs to secure the load, side stowage compartments with covers, a collapsible shopping crate as well as a combined luggage cover and retaining net.

The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes at the push of a button. The market launch of the C 63 AMG Estate is scheduled for the start of 2008; sales price incl. 19% VAT is EUR 69,853.

2008 Bmw M3 CSL

2007-09-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

According to M3Post this car caught on the Nurburgring race track represents the future Bmw M3 CSL. For the moent this remains a mystery…but future articles will be available.

G-Power packs M3 CSL with an M5 V10

2007-09-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

German tuner G-Power has created a monster M3 CSL with a tweaked version of the M5 V10 under the hood. Ditching the venerable inline six in favor of the potent 5.0L V10, engineers then proceeded to modify the engine to an even higher state of tune.
The V10 now produces a supercar-like 550hp (410kW) and 580Nm (428lb-ft) of torque, propelling the modded M3 to a top speed of 335km/h - a huge improvement over the CSL’s standard top speed of 285km/h. The 0-100km/h time is also slashed down to 4.2 seconds with the 200km/h mark coming up in only 11.6 seconds.
This isn’t just a fancy one-off special either. For a price, G-Power will convert any current 3-series coupe, Z4, X5 or new M3 to the V10 specification. They are also working on a supercharger kit to take the power all the way from 550hp to a very tasty 750hp (559kW).
The engine isn’t the only part of the car to receive an upgarde. Engineers have also added a special KW automotive race-suspension kit that was specially honed on the Nurburgring.

[source: subaruauto]

Toyota launches new SUV

2007-09-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Vanguard is a new luxury-class mid-size SUV with a high degree of mobility and power to spare. Not only does it offer a superb driving performance based on exceptional handling and cruising stability, it features styling that reflects refined urban settings and provides a truly pleasant experience to drivers and passengers alike.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine and Active Torque Control 4WD combine with S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) to provide power, handling and stability along with one of the best environmental and safety performances in its class. The Vanguard benefits from interior and exterior design cues that achieve a sense of strength and quality, as well as three rows of seats that can accommodate seven passengers within a roomy and highly practical interior space.

[source: subaruauto]

Spy Shots: Lamborghini LMX SUV

2007-09-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini could have a successor to the original LM002 if the prototype in these latest spy shots turns out to be the latest test-mule from the Italian supercar manufacturer. Although the prototype is dressed in the sheetmetal of a Porsche Cayenne, the widened fenders and lowered front-end suggests that this is no ordinary SUV.
Earlier reports suggested that Porsche’s next-gen Cayenne would be smaller and sportier than the current model but this test-mule is clearly larger. Rumors that it could be a new SUV model for Bentley are also unlikely to be true given the speeds the prototype has been seen reaching around Germany’s Nurburgring.

Based on a modified version of the Cayenne platform, the new Lambo SUV will likely feature the Gallardo’s V10. This could be followed by a smaller 4.5L V8 model and possibly a diesel variant running Audi’s 5.9L V12 TDI.

Lamborghini’s immediate plans will see it launch a new Murcielago-based-supercar at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show and possibly a new V8-powered entry-level Gallardo.

[source: subaruauto]

Spy Shots: BMW M X5 spotted

2007-09-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

BMW has consistently argued that a vehicle like the X5 is not fitting with the whole 'M' philosophy of increased performance through reduced weight but despite this spy-photographers have recently come across a new X5 prototype rolling around the streets of Munich with some very distinct M styling cues. The test-mule was seen sporting a new front bumper with much larger intakes than usual, while the back of the car was adorned with a quad-tailpipe arrangement sitting lower than the usual V8 models. A further clue to this mule being a high-performance version was the sound of the engine. The photographer claimed it sounded very different to any of the X5's current powerplants, suggesting that it could be a new V10 version or possibly a twin-turbo V8 set-up. The final giveaway is the prototype's performance tires, signalling that we may have a new M car on the way.We can picture the purists around the world shedding a tear at the thought of BMW adding an M badge to an SUV but if Porsche can get away with selling a sports off-roader, and AMG can pump up the Mercedes M-Class than we suppose BMW could too.

[Source: World Car Fans]

New A4! Audi's new sedan in S-Line trim

2007-08-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

The leakage of information coming forth from Audi AG on its new A4 (some say 2008, others say 2009) continues, and along with eight new high-resolution, desktop-wallpaper size pics in our gallery, we also have four new shots of the A4 S-Line, which, while not as potent as the actual high-performance S4, at least looks the part. The S-Line treatment is seen here dressing up an A4 with the 3.2L FSI engine that produces 265 hp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. The S-Line trim adds the obviously larger wheels with a strong seven split-spoke design, though other than that, exterior changes seem to be minimal. The paint color may be exclusive to the S-line, and it appears the chrome trim around the greenhouse has been blacked out, as well as the lower rear bumper.
[Source: http://iautos.blogspot.com]

Ford Focus ST Black Edition revealed

2007-08-28T09:33:00.001-07:00

The Black Edition ST gets a black paint job, orange insertions(graphics and trims) and 19″ OZ Superturismo WP alloy wheels. At the interior the limited edition Focus receives Recaro sport seats of course with the orange insetions as the exterior has and a new model of steering wheel.

The engine remains the same. The 2.5 liter turbo engine from the “standard” ST delivering 223 bhp will fit into this ST too. The ST Black edition will be built in a limited series of 50 units.

Press release:

Racée, sporting and with the malicious glance, Ford Focus ST Black Edition does not miss assets for its special edition of black color strictly limited to 50 specimens: rare will be thus the drivers which will be able to be offered this sports car to the complete equipment invoiced 47 990 franks and which can practically do everything. Quasi like the imperceptible car of the popular television serial “Knight To wrinkle”, in the Eighties.

After successful launching, in spring, X-ray ST WRC-Edition, here now a new version of popular Ford which wants to be resolutely sporting, and in spite of very elegant, in its delivered black color. With the first glance, one could almost confuse X-ray ST Black Edition with his large s?ur, celebrates it car of the American television serial “Knight Rider”: with its black body Black Panther, its impertinent monogram Black Edition, its masks of foglamps black chechmate and the so black grids of higher and lower grill they, the car is not without recalling celebrates it knight of the road, the K.I.T.T. Except that Ford Focus ST Black Edition carried out in a strictly limited special version can neither speak nor to lead all alone.
The fifty models Black Edition are characterized by exclusive black light alloy rims OZ Supertourismo WP from 19 inches which were manufactured in particular for Ford in black chechmate with an orange graphics. Goes up pneumatic is with the height with tires Dunlop “SP Sportmaxx” (225/35Z R19) broad and with the extremely flat profile. The large back aileron painted in the color of the body gets an optimal support to him. The headlights bixénon guarantee that the dipped headlights and the main-beam headlamps have an identical color of light and that the road is illuminated liberally and with a great clearness so that the driver identifies any possible danger very early. The treated cockpit enamels of it piano with its head offices Sport Recaro, the head-rests embroidered with a great love of the detail, the wheel leather which fall well in hands and the pommel speed with its fine leather sleeve also adopt the same black color. Among the details of installation of the three-doors which deserve to be announced appear in particular an audio system Sony in changer with six CD of great standing and a practice automatic air-conditioning at two zones as well as de-icing the QuickClear® windshield which also reflects the rays of the sun.

Ford Focus ST Black Edition is propelled by famous the 2,5 turbo liters with five cylinders which develops 225 CH (166 kw) with 6100 tours/minute. But its couple is more impressive still since it is 320 newton-meter available between 1600 and 4000 turns. In combination with the manual box at six speeds of a high degree of accuracy, front traction charms its driver by filling with enthusiasm performances: it cuts down the 0 to 100 km/h in 6,8 seconds and its dash speed culminates with 241 km/h.

[source: http://iautos.blogspot.com]

Jaguar XF official revealed !

2007-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon. This is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar.

The new XF: a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds expectations created by the striking appearance: relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.
Resolutely true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating Beautiful, Fast cars, the XF goes further, adding a new dimension to the marque. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.
As well as space, the new XF’s interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF’s interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar’s intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly Touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.
Every XF model has shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar’s class-leading sequential shift system – its popularity already confirmed by feedback from XK sports car customers – used for the first time in a saloon. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts – faster, even, than the acclaimed XK’s transmission.
The Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM System gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering-wheel mounted paddles. There are also multiple JaguarDrive ControlTM transmission modes, including Dynamic and Winter settings, which interact with throttle progression, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds and shift strategy to match mood and conditions.
But the most exciting feature of the XF’s transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive SelectorTM – an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines precise, intuitive control with space-saving packaging, to allow maximisation of interior storage options.
Other innovative functional features add more ’surprise and delight’. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate to the open position. Another new technology - JaguarSenseTM - introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.

more information on: http://iautos.blogspot.com

New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S to be revealed at Frankfurt

2007-08-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

The new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow for its worldwide preview. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness.

Exclusively for those looking for an even stronger sporting edge in a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

This result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.

Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20).

The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. Along with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching dark-chrome 20″, seven spoke alloy wheels.

Even the choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car’s sporty character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the Trofeo cars and the MC12.

The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with aluminium treads, whilst front seats are characterised by a new, more cosseting sporty shape.

[source : http://iautos.blogspot.com]

Spy photos: Porsche 911 Targa facelift

2007-08-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Porsche prepares a facelift for its 911 series. You can easily see that the 911 is adopting the same design of the stop lights as the new Porsche Cayenne.The new stop lights will also incorporate the LED technology making them more visible.

But Porsche doesn’t stop here. The new 911 will get also an update at the engine. The 3.6 liter engine will get a power boost from 325 bhp to 360 bhp and the 3.8 liter engine from 355 bhp to arround 400 bhp. Also the fuel consumption will drop approximately 15% due to the sever laws regarding CO2 emissions.

Volvo V70 by Heico Sportiv

2007-08-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Right on time for the market introduction of the new VOLVO V70 and XC70 the Volvo tuner HEICO SPORTIV is already offers a complete program.

A power upgrade is available for the models V70 2.4D/D5 and XC70 D5 with 154 kW / 210 hp and 460 Nm torque. With this program the V70 D5 accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds to a maximum speed of 230 km/h. HEICO SPORTIV power upgrades are carefully matched to each engine type and are offered with a 36 month warranty (from initial vehicle registration) as well as with compulsory TV-Certifications.

A technical supplement to the power upgrade is the HEICO stainless-steel exhaust system. For the first time, HEICO SPORTIV offers two different versions. For the engine types 2.4D, D5, 2.5T, 3.2 and 3.2 AWD a twin-outlet exhaust with oval tips in 120×74mm diameter is available. Specially engineered for the T6 model a four-pipe exhaust system is available. The T6 sport exhaust has got a modified silencer featuring four chrome endpipes in a 76mm diameter style.

From the chassis development side there are sport springs for all versions (FWD / AWD, Four-C suspension and XC70) available. The lowering in all cases is approximately 30 mm. A complete suspension kit with springs and shocks is currently under development at will be available in around 8 weeks.

Well suited to the new chassis is the attractive HEICO alloy wheel program. The VOLUTION V. (5 spokes) design is available in dimensions 8×18″, 8×19″ and 8,5×20″ sizes. HEICO SPORTIV supplies the VOLUTION X. (10 spokes) wheel in 8×18” - with a perfect offset for the proper positioning relative to the fender lips. A distinctive feature is that HEICO SPORTIV offers an exchange-warranty for road hazard damage at 50% of the List price (German market only) and all sizes are compatible without the need of body/fender work. The most exclusive fitment is the Titan finish versions of both wheel styles.

The complete program is rounded out with several interior options, as well as by an exterior design program with front grill and front/rear skirts (currently in development).

BMW 7-Series High Edition released

2007-08-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

Due to the next year’s launch of the new 7-series, Bmw is presenting an extra attractive BMW 7-Series High Edition. This model comes with a bunch of extra options with a relative affordable price. The most successful 7-Series in Bmw’s history comes now with options like: metallic paint, leather interior aith wood insertions, AdaptiveDrive, Soft Close Automatic system for the doors, comfort seat with heating, Park Distance Control, adaptive xenon curve lighting, smart air conditioning, Navigation System and a LOGIC 7 Surround HiFi system.

All of this will be offered at a price of € 13.050 for the standard models and € 13.100 for the models with long wheel ( 7XX L - series). The price for the options is good because usually these kind of option cost almost € 30.000 and with the High Edition Bmw makes a discount of almost 60% .

Citroen C-Airscape Concept revealed

2007-08-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Citroen plans to present a cabriolet concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September. Thanks to the website Planete-Citroen we have a set of official pictures with the C-Airscape Concept.

The car will be a 4-seater midsize cabrio equipped with a retractable soft-top. There is nothing more to say about this concept but stay tooned because the press release from the French automaker will soon appear. Until then enjoy the photos below!

Skoda Fabia II Estate will surface in Frankfurt

2007-08-17T00:57:00.000-07:00

Czech automaker Škoda will take advantage of the upcoming IAA motor show in Frankfurt to present the station wagon version of its popular Skoda Fabia supermini. Set to compete against the new Renault Clio Estate / Sport Tourer, the Skoda Fabia Estate will offer superior payload capacity and roomier interior space.

The car, Škoda is reporting in its press release, will be 7mm longer and 46mm higher than the previous generation Fabia, being 4,239mm long, 1,642mm wide and 1,498mm tall. It will feature up to 480 liters of cargo space, which is 41 liter more than the Renault Clio Estate can provide.

With the rear seats folded flat the stowage space totals at 1,460 liters, which is the best in its class and even dwarves some more expensive cars from the class above.

The Skoda Fabia II Estate will be shipped with a choice of six engines (three working on gas and three oil-burners). The gasoline engines are the 1.2 12V HTP (70bhp). The 1.4 16V (85bhp) and 1.6 16V (105bhp, mated with an optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission). The diesel engines are offered as the 1.4 TDI PD (70bhp), 1.4 TDI PD (80bhp) and 1.9 TDI PD (105bhp).

All engines are mated to a five-speed gearbox.

[source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Porsche Boxster Limited Edition comes in orange

2007-08-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

The new Porsche Boxster Limited Edition will be officially launched on September 28, 2007 and will go on sale at a starting price of $49,900. Its more energetic sibling Porsche Boxster S Limited Edition will be start at a more breathtaking $59,900.

For the money, you'll get an orange-clad little sneaky beast equipped with a sports exhaust system, safety bars and Porsche's own SportDesign appearance package, which includes new front spoiler lips, an automatically extending rear spoiler, and modified rear trim with integrated diffuser.All this gear will roll on standard 18- and 19-inch wheels coming with the Porsche Boxster and Boxster S respectively.
Inside, you'll find black-colored Alcantara trim, three-spoke steering wheel from the Porsche 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS, and handbrake lever on vehicles with manual transmission. Of course there will also be a special "Limited Edition" plaque in the glove compartment.

The new 8-piston high performance brake system from AC Schnitzer

2007-08-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

It’s not only sheer power which gives a car superlative performance, but also the braking system. What initially seems like a paradox makes sense: Racing drivers know that the better the braking system, the later they can leave braking before the corner and keep the speed at the limit for as long as possible.

Drivers of high power cars also have a high social responsibility. A powerful braking system allows a car, even driven at high speed, to be brought to a stop quickly, effectively and safely. To do this it must apply many times the car’s engine power.
To achieve a clear improvement in braking performance of the current 3, 5 and 6-series, the High Performance System from AC Schnitzer in Aachen uses an 8-piston fixed caliper. The pistons press the pads into the discs and therefore form the decisive interface in brake force transfer, which is particularly effective here.
A further advantage is the more even distribution of force over the friction surface. The design of the system with its one-piece cast fixed calipers is perfectly suited to very high forces with minimum distortion. So AC Schnitzer with its 374 x 36 millimetre brake discs has decisively improved braking performance.
But even when the vehicle has stopped, the generous brakes serve a purpose: the attractive design of the powerful calipers with the AC Schnitzer logo finally enhances the visual appearance
Installation site: front axle

Design feature: fixed caliper

Number of brake pistons: eight

Size of brake discs:374 x 36 millimetres

Application:
3-series (E90/E91/E92/E93) 325 i/d from 09.2007, 330 i/d from 09.2007, 335 i/d
5-series (E60/E61) M5, 545i, 550i
6-series (E63/E64) M6, 645Ci, 650i

Audi brakes another record

2007-08-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. has set another engine production record during the first half of 2007: the company has already exceeded the one million mark in the first six months of the year. 1,013,697 (994,777)* engines were produced in Győr by the end of June, 1.9% more than in the same period last year.
There was also a significant increase in the production of the Audi TT and TT Roadster sports cars during the first half of the year. 32,089 (5,194) vehicles left the factory floor.

Audi Hungaria generated revenue of around EUR 3.14** billion (EUR 2.45 billion) during the first half of 2007. Of the total capital investments of EUR 300 million planned to be made by the end of 2007, around EUR 130 million was invested between January and June 2007.The total capital investments from the year in which the company was founded in 1993, to the end of June 2007 have thus increased to EUR 3.18 billion. **

The number of employees at AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. rose in recent months thus increasing the number of highly qualified staff. It had 5,498 (5,158) employees as at the end of June 2007, an increase of 6.6 percent.

AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG with headquarters in Győr, has been one of the main engine suppliers of the Audi and the Volkswagen Group for twelve years. The Audi TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars are also assembled in Győr. Audi Hungaria has been Hungary’s biggest exporter for several years and is one of the highest revenue companies in the country.

* Figures in brackets refer to the first half of 2006
** Figures correspond to the IFRS international accounting standards

[source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Lamborghini releases 2008 model year changes

2007-08-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's not as if Lamborghini has to make its products any more enticing, but the bull-badged fantasy folks are doing just that, making a few substantive changes to both the Gallardo and Murcielago LP640.

For the Gallardo, Lamborghini will be adding an onboard computer, iPod connectivity with USB, heated mirrors, along with Q-citura stitching that originally could only be found on the Nera model, as well as a beige soft-top on the Spyder.

The Murcie will also get the iPod connection and USB port, along with sat-nav, perforated leather steering wheel (accompanied by carbon weave) and the option of having the roof of the Roadster painted either dark blue, grey or black.

Get your orders in now, as Lamborghini has also extended its warranty coverage for three-years with unlimited miles.

[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Proton partner to build Lotus Europa in China

2007-08-14T07:52:00.001-07:00

The guys over at China Car Times are super-stoked over news that Proton has inked a deal that will see the Lotus Europa built in China.

According to a China Daily report, Proton is working with its Chinese partner, Jinhua Neoplan Vehicle Co., to produce for Proton the Europa and a four-door sedan based on Proton's Gen-2.

Jinhua Neoplan has until now manufactured buses, but in its new partnership will build as many as 150,000 cars for both the Chinese market and for export. Inside Line even goes so far as to predict future Chinese-built Lotus vehicles being sold in the U.S.

[Sources: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Aw Snap! Audi R10s lose outright victory at Road America

2007-08-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Speaking of calling your shots, Audi said prior to Round Eight of the American Le Mans Series at Road America this past weekend that its LMP1 R10 diesel racers were poised to steal an outright victory from the LMP2 cars. The R10s, they surmised, were better suited to the 4.0-mile track with its long straights than the LMP2 cars. Though performing well in qualifying and leading most of the race, the Audis ultimately lost to a Penske Porsche RS Spyder in the LMP2 class, the nearest one 1.783 seconds back. Both Audis picked up fuel and tires in their final pit stops, while driver Timo Bernhard opted for only fuel in his Porsche. Ironically, what really did the Audis in was their lack of cooperation during the final laps. Rather than allowing one of the cars to charge ahead and overtake Bernhard in the LMP2 Porsche, the Audis passed each other multiple times, as if they were competing against each other for the LMP1 win. The R10 driven by Dindo Capello and Allan McNish ultimately finished first in LMP1, just 0.706 seconds ahead of the R10 driven by Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner. Lot of good it did them, especially considering Road America was their best change this season at an overall victory, which they haven't enjoyed since March in St. Petersburg.

Check out a gallery of the Audi and Porsche battle below, complete with descriptive captions from Getty.

[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Spy Shots: Honda Accord coupe goes out for groceries

2007-08-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

have been spotted sporting artfully applied camo, these newest shots finally give us the full Monty, with only the badges being obscured by color-matched tape.

Compared to the concept that debuted in Detroit, the blocky front end has dispatched the hard angles for a much more curvaceous clip, with deeply contoured fog lamp recesses and a smoothed out lower air dam to feed the radiator. Out back, the lines are somewhat reminiscent of the shooter's Civic Si coupe, coupled with a set of taillights that hint at the last generation Audi A4. The interior is on par with the shots we've seen recently of the sedan, with a three-spoke wheel and nicely bolstered thrones.

You can view all the pics by checking out the gallery below, and comparing it to its concept counterpart.

Top tippage Guy!

[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Another Cheap FR Sports Car? Nissan joins the fray

2007-08-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Japan's top two auto makers have a long and sordid history of ripping off each other's successful designs. No sooner had the Nissan Cube become a run away success in its home market than Toyota came up with the similarly boxy bB (Scion xB). Many years earlier, after the Toyota HiLux Surf (4Runner) proved a hit with, well, surfers, Nissan restyled their Terrano with nigh on identical lines, hoping to ride on the coattails of the Toyota. And let's not get in to the Supra vs. Z and Celica vs. Skyline wars.

Now, just weeks after confirming that Toyota does indeed have a successor to the lauded AE86 in the pipeline, Best Car magazine claims to have evidence that Nissan has got a team working on building a new Silvia. Like the final 2002 S15 Spec R Silvia the new car is reckoned to be powered by a turbocharged two-liter good for 247 HP, but will just be 10 kgs heavier at one and a quarter metric tons (2450lbs).

The new range should sell for between 2.5 and 2.8 million Yen ($21,000 - $23,700), but not until 2010. Best Car's scoop ties in nicely with photographs of a shortened Z, most likely a mule testing a new, smaller FR drive train, taken at the ring earlier in the summer. If the new Silvia is indeed to be based on a modified Z/Skyline LM platform, expect a similar wheelbase of 8' 6", but smaller overall dimensions, around 14' 4" long by 5' 8" wide.

Chances of Nissan bringing a concept car, possibly derived from the URGE shown in Detroit last year, to October's Tokyo Motor Show? 60-percet according to the magazine.

[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]

Racing of Corvette Z06 and past 13 pace vehicles

2007-08-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

The Corvette rating the sports ground at NASCAR Nextel Cup on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This one Artic White, lastly booked color for Ron Fellows, it’s a special edition of Z06.

The Chevy has paced all NASCAR Brickyard race. At first time they will use Chevrolet truck as a pace car.

The past 13 pace vehicles will be featured in special view at IMS, this is sponsored by Chevrolet.
This race wil be show live on ESPN, starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, EST.

These cars top speed is 198 mph and they reach the speed of 0 to 60 within 3.7 seconds, and a dramatic white, blue and red paint scheme.

McLaren may have received phone tip-offs from spy

2007-08-10T08:14:00.001-07:00

. In addition to the 780-page dossier of secrets, it is now reported that Nigel Stepney, the sacked former chief mechanic, may also have telephoned and emailed Mike Coughlan with tip-offs about Maranello based Ferrari - including its moveable floor.

It is a fact that McLaren asked the FIA for a clarification about the underbody rules at the Australian grand prix this season, which resulted in Ferrari having to change the design. Italian investigators are also scouring Stepney’s bank account details to see who might have paid him, and have confiscated several mobile phones that he could have used.

Stepney’s Italian lawyer Sonia Bartolini, meanwhile, revealed that Ferrari has turned down her client’s request for a meeting with team boss Jean Todt. She told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “We are disappointed. Surely it is in everyone’s interest to clear this up.” (GMM)

Dennis slams Ferrari as F1 espionage saga continues

2007-08-10T08:12:00.001-07:00

Media reportage of the espionage scandal entered a third consecutive month on Wednesday. McLaren made public a lengthy letter from team boss Ron Dennis to Italian motor sport president Luigi Macaluso, whose own letter to Max Mosley this week resulted in the re-opening of the FIA investigation into the spying affair.

In his letter, Dennis refers to sacked Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney as a ‘whistleblower’ who alerted chief designer Mike Coughlan to illegal floors and rear wings on the 2007 Ferrari.

“McLaren took steps to confirm whether (Stepney’s) allegations were true, and we concluded that they were,” Dennis wrote, accusing Ferrari of then winning the Australian grand prix with the illegal floor still attached.

He added: “Were it not for Mr Stepney drawing this illegal device to the attention of McLaren, and McLaren drawing it to the attention of the FIA, there is every reason to suppose that Ferrari would have continued to race with an illegal car.”Dennis slammed as “completely misleading” Ferrari’s claim that Stepney’s whistle-blowing amounted to the divulgence of “confidential information”.

“He acted properly and in the interests of the sport in blowing the whistle about this,” Dennis said of Stepney.

He added: “No team can expect their employees to keep quiet if they suspect - correctly in this case - that their employers are breaching the rules of the sport.”

Dennis also defended not telling Ferrari about Stepney because “it is in the interests of formula one that whistle-blowing is encouraged and not discouraged”.

“If team members think that their identity will be revealed they will not whistle-blow,” he wrote.

As for the separate issue of Coughlan’s receipt of 780-pages of secret material, Dennis said Ferrari “has gone to extraordinary lengths to try to maximise the damage to McLaren”.

He describes as “offensive and false” Ferrari’s claim that other McLaren staff were aware that Coughlan was in possession of the Ferrari dossier, which the now suspended chief designer subsequently copied, shredded and burned in his back garden.

Dennis also rejects Ferrari’s claim that it was not allowed to participate in the World Council hearing, revealing that Ferrari submitted a dossier of evidence, attended the meeting in Paris with lawyers who were “given several opportunities to ask questions and make submissions”, while Jean Todt also spoke.

He said: “McLaren’s reputation has been unfairly sullied by incorrect press reports from Italy and grossly misleading statements from Ferrari.

Alonso rumored to leave McLaren

2007-08-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Fernando Alonso on Sunday refused to commit to honouring the full three year term of his McLaren contract. The Spaniard joined the Woking based team from Renault this year, but has endured rocky relationships with his British colleagues Lewis Hamilton and team boss Ron Dennis.

Alonso finished fourth on Sunday after his pole position was docked when stewards found that he “unnecessarily impeded” teammate Hamilton in a qualifying pitstop. Asked by Spanish reporters in Budapest whether he will still be racing for Dennis’ outfit in 2008 and 2009, 26-year-old Alonso replied: “I don’t know, I don’t know.

“We will see.”

One such reporter enquired as to whether it would be a fair comment to surmise that he expected to be treated differently by McLaren this year after arriving as a twice world champion.

“Very fair. That is absolutely true,” Alonso said.He also repeated his criticism of the stewards who took away his pole position and the chance for victory here.

“The sanction seems very strange to me,” Alonso told the television transmitter Telecinco, “since it does not talk about any rule in particular. But it is like a bad penalty decision in football — you have to keep playing anyway.”

Alonso said his own relationship with Hamilton has not declined any further, but revealed that “nobody” in the team is currently talking to his British teammate.

“In normal circumstances I could have won this race, because I think I showed today that I was the fastest when I had a free track.

“It is a missed chance but fourth is not so bad,” Alonso said.

He said he was able to clear his mind of anger prior to commencing the 70-lap race at the twisty Hungaroring.

“No, with the car and the engine you have enough to worry about. And since I knew I did not have a chance to win I could preserve my engine to try to win in Turkey.

“Last night I was naturally frustrated when I heard about the penalty but you have to forget it for the race and think about the championship. And fourth place is better than fifth.” (GMM)

Spy knowledge boosted McLaren - Briatore

2007-08-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Flavio Briatore has suggested that McLaren was only able to keep up with Ferrari this year because of the spy scandal.

The Renault boss, who respectively beat McLaren and Ferrari for the world championships in 2005 and 2006, said he does not believe his counterpart Ron Dennis that no-one except Mike Coughlan at McLaren knew about the 780-page dossier of Ferrari secrets.

Briatore said the biggest disadvantage compared to Ferrari this year was its rivals’ lack of knowledge of the Bridgestone tyres.

“Had I only known Ferrari’s weight distribution, or how big their tank is, if I had a bit of those documents, then we surely wouldn’t be in this situation today,” the Italian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

McLaren is currently subject to the suspicions of the FIA about the espionage saga, but Dennis insists that his suspended chief designer Coughlan acted entirely alone.Briatore charged:

“Dennis says he’s immaculate, but it’s hard to believe him. No, I don’t believe in his good faith.

“In a team everyone knows everything.”

He also criticised Dennis for not yet sacking Coughlan, while Ferrari has on the other hand dismissed alleged McLaren informer Nigel Stepney.

“It’s an extremely serious thing that he hasn’t yet been fired,” Briatore said, referring to Coughlan.

“All the team managers should say that in F1 there’s no more room for them.” (GMM)

Lewis Hamilton wins the Hungarian Grand Prix

2007-08-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton took a dramatic revenge on team mate Fernando Alonso at the Hungaroring on Sunday afternoon, leading throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix to extend his world championship points lead to seven over the Spaniard, who could do no better than fourth place.

Hamilton jumped into the lead at the start, but soon came intense pressure from Kimi Raikkonen as the Ferrari indeed proved a lot better in race trim than it had in qualifying.

Raikkonen easily got the drop on front-row starter Nick Heidfeld in the BMW Sauber, but couldn’t quite muster the pace to challenge Hamilton, even though in traffic at times the gap between them was no more than half a second. The final laps were gripping as they duelled, while some 40 seconds back, Heidfeld was challenged by Alonso but similarly had little trouble keeping the McLaren driver at bay to score the second podium of BMW Sauber’s season.
Fifth place fell to Heidfeld’s team mate Robert Kubica, who made a great start and enjoyed excellent pit work from his team, while Ralf Schumacher hung in there for sixth for Toyota ahead of Nico Rosberg in the Williams. Like Heidfeld, Rosberg made three stops, the third dropping him back from fifth place.

The final point went to Heikki Kovalainen after a feisty race for Renault, from Red Bull’s Mark Webber. Toyota’s Jarno Trulli was a lapped 10th ahead of David Coulthard in the second Red Bull, while 12th was the subject of an intense fight between Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Alex Wurz in the Williams, who finished in that order.

Takuma Sato was 15th for Super Aguri ahead of Toro Rosso debutant Sebastian Vettel, Adrian Sutil who had several off-track adventures in his Spyker, and a very unhappy Rubens Barrichello for Honda.

Vitantonio Liuzzi retired his Toro Rosso with mechanical problems, as did Jenson Button his Honda, while Anthony Davidson spun his Super Aguri after a clash with Fisichella, and Sakon Yamamoto lightly shunted his Spyker.

The victory gives Hamilton his third success of the season and 80 points, to Alonso’s 73, Raikkonen’s 60 and Massa’s 59. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren retain their lead over Ferrari but by a reduced 19-point margin following the FIA edict that they should not score constructors’ points in Hungary as penalty for Saturday’s qualifying incident. That decision could yet be overturned on appeal.