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2008-10-17T04:25:00.000-07:00

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2008-10-17T01:43:00.000-07:00

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Lotus 'Eagle' (2009): first pictures

2008-07-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is the long-awaited new Lotus 2+2, with a 3.5-litre Toyota V6 and four apparently useable seats. It's the first new Lotus for 13 years and a pretty significant launch, due for its show debut at the 2008 London motor show later this month on 22 July 2008. That's when we’ll find out the name of this new Lotus – codenamed Eagle – but in the meantime the company is teasing us with some new details. These include the car’s sub-five second 0-60mph time, its estimated 160mph top speed and the promise of convertible and high-performance versions. Read on for the full first details and analysis of the new Lotus Eagle.
Is it still called the Lotus Eagle?
For now, as that’s the car’s project name – but the production car will bear a regular Lotus 'E' name, predicted to be a short, pithy tag. This is a true Lotus at heart, after all; early prototypes of the are considerably faster than the Elise, Hethel spokesmen claim, and more stable at speed than the Exige, too.
Of course the Lotus Eagle should be one of the quickest four-seaters around, with an aluminium chassis and a composite roof help to keep weight low in time-honoured Lotus fashion. Add in that 3.5-litre V6 Toyota engine equipped with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing) producing 276bhp and we wouldn’t expect anything less from Lotus. The torque figure should be at least 250lb ft.
The rest of the Eagle's spec is pretty impressive too, with 350mm four-pot AP racing brakes, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.
And the looks? We'll let you judge the design for yourself, suffice to say that this first official photograph had most at CAR recalling the M250 concept shown at the start of the decade; it was designed as a smarter Lotus to slot above the Elise but failed to meet global homologation standards and was subsequently parked. Much of its spirit seems alive and well in the new Eagle.

Smart MHD micro-hybrid CAR review

2008-07-19T11:56:00.001-07:00

The Smart Fortwo MHD has been available in Europe since October 2007. MHD is Smart-talk for a stop/start system and stands for Micro Hybrid Drive. UK versions of the 61bhp and 71bhp Smart will have MHD from October 2008, while the punchier 84bhp and Brabus models will have it in 2009.
Time for CAR to take one out for a traffic-jam test drive.
How does the Smart Fortwo’s MHD stop/start work?
Bigger stop/start systems like that in the A-class BlueEfficiency add a belt-driven starter-generator, but keep the conventional starter motor for cold starts. In the Smart, both the starter and alternator are replaced by the starter-generator.
The system generates electricity to charge the battery when the driver is braking, and automatically cuts the engine when the speed drops below 8km/h (about 5mph). It then re-starts the engine when the driver releases the brakes.

Mercedes SLK's panoramic glass roof: the spy photos

2008-07-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Want to turn your Mercedes SLK into a goldfish bowl? Our spies have caught this prototype out on test with a panoramic glass roof, which is being readied for launch on the next-generation SLK. It's like the panoramic glass vario roof available on the SLK's bigger brother, the SL. So expect a similar cost of around £1400 – and we hear it's a popular option on top-spec SLs. Does a glass roof affect operation of the SLK's folding hard-top?Apparently not, but we guess that's what the engineers are testing right now. It essentially just changes the main roof section from metal to toughened glass like your average laminated windcreen. But CAR's spy photos prove the vario roof is heavily tinted to protect your bonce from solar radiation.The idea is that it bathes the cabin in light, for those occasions when you don't want to lower the roof because it's too hot or you're driving through a polluted city, for instance. Just the ticket for roadster buyers who want to see and be seen, then.This test mule is an interesting vehicle, since it's based on the pre-facelift SLK. Well placed sources told CAR that the glass roof won't be offered in the lifetime of this SLK, pointing to the next-generation car due

Mazda RX8 R3 CAR review

2008-07-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Mazda has been producing rotary engines since the year dot and they’ve become the company’s trademark long after others have given up on the idea. Yet rotary engines – like the new Mazda RX-8’s – are hard to justify.
Compared to a piston engine, they were always known for gobbling fuel, using oil and suffering from premature wear. The upside is they sound fantastic and go like the clappers, the RX-8’s revving to 9000rpm before the rev limiter calls time.
The Mazda RX-8 was originally launched in 2003 and has just undergone a facelift emerging as the RX8 R3. It’s got the latest RENESIS twin-rotor engine in which, after donkeys years of development, most of those problems have been licked. It’s also had a makeover in other areas too.
Right, so what’s new on the Mazda RX-8 R3?
Externally, there’s a standard Sports Styling Pack with new front bumper, side skirts, rear wing and the RX-8 also gets 19-inch wheels clad with 225/40 tyres. But as you discover from the driving seat in the first half mile, there have been a few changes under the skin.
The bodyshell has been stiffened and dampers, springs, bushes and anti-roll bars revised including the use of Bilstein sports suspension and a urethane-filled front cross member. At the rear, the multi-link suspension has been tuned to improve both the ride and handling.
The RENESIS rotary engine has undergone a few subtle changes too, such as an improved oil metering system (the engine mixes tiny amounts of oil with the fuel to lubricate the rotor tips) and there’s a new type of knock sensor.

U-turn! VW's Up will be front-engined

2008-07-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

By Phil McNamara
19 July 2008 13:51
Shock news from Volkswagen: the Up city car and spiritual successor to the original Beetle will switch to a front engine/front-wheel drive layout, CAR can confirm. Despite the 2007 concept being rear-engined like the iconic 'people's car', VW suits have approved a switch to a front-mounted three-cylinder engine. 'For cost, design and aerodynamic reasons, we will probably have to put the engine at the front,' a VW source told CAR. Our further investigations reveal that a front-engined Up is a done deal – and it's mostly for cost reasons.
By ditching a standalone rear-drive platform, the Up will have much greater drivetrain and component commonality with other front-drive VWs. It will also be much easier to integrate on existing production lines. All told, the decision will save Volkswagen hundreds of millions in investment.
Our sources vow that the Up concept's wonderful looks and proportions won't be compromised. 'The show car's small front overhang stays. In fact, the front-engined car is more faithful to the concept than the rear-engined package we developed,' one insider revealed.
Packaging a front engine means the four-seat production car will measure 400mm longer, taking the Up to around 3850mm – fractionally longer than Ford's outgoing Ka. Power will come from a 1.2-litre three cylinder engine, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged to provide a range of outputs.
A source also said that the engine switch would also eliminate some tail-happy instability in cross winds, as well as eliminating the complexity of channeling coolant from the front-mounted radiator to a rear engine.
Expect the Up to go on sale in 2010, with deluxe versions for western customers and budget versions to tap growing demand in the developing world.

BMW 7-series (2009)

2008-07-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

From launch there will be three engines, including an all-new diesel, a revised twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol and the forced-induction V8 from the . The X6 will also donate its to the 7-series, with a launch expected by the end of the decade. The engine line-up is as follows:
Diesel730d – 3.0-litre straight six, single turbo, 241bhp and 398lb ft
Petrol740i – 3.0-litre straight six, twin-turbo, 322bhp and 332lb ft750i – 4.4-litre V8, twin-turbo, 402bhp and 442lb ft
A revised six-speed automatic gearbox is standard and BMW’s new Dynamic Driving Control unit allows you to modulate the dampers, throttle response, steering and gearshift settings via three modes.

Jeep Renegade

2008-07-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Of the three concepts unveiled on the Chrysler stand the one most likely to see a production line is the Jeep Renegade. Whether it does so with its current tree hugger-pleasing power source is unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
Socket to ’em
Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Jeep has plumped for a hybrid diesel electric engine in the Renegade. A 200kW electric engine over each axle makes it genuine four-wheel drive and a 1.5-litre diesel engine cuts in when required to give extra boost. The combination gives a 400-mile range, meaning it’s unlikely you’ll be left stranded on a rain-lashed hillside looking for somewhere to plug it in. And unlike some of its pure electric concepts, it’s much less likely you’ll run out of gas entirely.
Jeep has concentrated on paring weight from the Volkswagen Polo-sized two-seater by using composite bodywork and giving it a stripped-out cabin. The overall result is an impressive claimed fuel return of 110mpg. The car’s a proper fun machine too, with no roof, a speedster windscreen and drainage holes in the floor so you can hose it out if you really go off-road.
Buggy off
A healthy dose of the classic 1960s beach buggy including a beefy rollover bar and ‘doors’ with see-through panels in them combine with the seven-slot grille and round headlights to make the Renegade look the part. And according to sources within Chrysler it could end up in production as a ‘baby’ Wrangler, aimed at drivers who want a fun and relatively affordable car for off-roading. Prices would start at around £16,000 putting it in similar territory to the Patriot.
If you think that’s unlikely, remember this is the second buggy-style concept that Jeep has done in recent years. The wild 2005 Hurricane concept trod similar ground, albeit with twin engines rather than the Renegade’s more fashionable planet-saving power plant.

Mercedes McLaren SLR speedster (2009)

2008-07-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

CAR Online has scooped the farewell edition of the SLR – a speedster version of Mercedes and McLaren's outrageous supercar. Our spy photos and video conclusively reveal the chop-top SLR that's somehow even more shocking than the and Just look at those mini windscreen lips and imagine the speed at which flies will be rammed into your throat at 200mph. Utter madness. Our new spy photos of the aero-screened machine turned up today and the camouflage seems pretty pointless to us; this is clearly an open ‘speedster’ style SLR. Just check out the amusing third headlamp camo detail. Yes, it's pretty difficult do disguise a 200+mph windscreen-less hypercar! Indeed. The SLR’s lines are unmistakable despite the loss of the windscreen. The rear deck features twin roll hoops and double-humps – reminiscent of Mercedes’ classic ‘Silver Arrows’ racers. It’s not known what it’ll be called, but it's internally codenamed Z119. What is certain is that it will be the most expensive SLR ever built, with a price tag in the region of €750,000 (£600,000). Yikes. That’s a huge amount of cash. What does it buy you? Quite simply it’s a windscreen-less SLR. The existing models already use rigid carbonfibre so removing the windscreen is a relatively simple job for the engineers at McLaren's HQ in Woking where the SLR is assembled. Numbers will be limited – it's thought that only 75 of these radical speedster SLRs will ever be built.

BMW tii models

2008-07-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

BMW chief Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to CAR Online that a range of tii performance options will be launched soon on the company's smaller models. He has finally ruled out a rumoured M1 version of the 1-series and said the tii spec would be the most performance-oriented model, claiming the the twin-turbo 135i was quite fast enough (it does 0-62mph in 5.3sec, after all).The tii concept shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show points accurately to the approach BMW is developing: performance kits for the 1-series coupe and hatchback, an aero package, carbonfibre details, fatter wheels and tyres, sports seats and instruments. There's even talk of a new M-style steering wheel with integrated LED rev counter.A tii for the massesBMW is the past master at offering huge choice in spec and trim; subtle nuance of alloy wheel size here, and Sport spec there is the stuff of workplace car park folklore. The tii spec will slot above today's M sport spec in the multi-faceted pecking order.However, BMW plans for the tii models to be proper performance cars in the longer run. For instance, the next-gen 1-series, dubbed F20 and due in late 2011, will offer a tii version with a downsized twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a radically lighter body and chassis, we hear.The 3-series tiiWe'll see the facelifted 3-series this summer - with mild revisions to the lights and bonnet - but there is likely to be a tii model, too. Expect the brakes from the M3, 19in wheels, sports suspension and a new twin-clutch transmission. Again, though, a harder core tii is likely with the next 3-series, codenamed F30 and due in late 2011.

Suzuki's Jazz rival splashes

2008-07-04T03:23:00.000-07:00

Another quirky Suzuki is on the way – the Splash – a small car with a big interior. The five-door is a rival for petite but practical hatches like Honda's Jazz.
Unveiled at the Paris show, the Splash will go on UK sale at the end of 2007. At 3.8m-long, the five-door is not that much longer than a Ford Ka. But a tall roof ensures higher mounted seats and reasonable legroom, aided by a long wheelbase thanks to those pushed out wheels. The Splash is spun off the front-drive Swift platform. The concept car runs an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine, which insiders claim returns around 75mpg, hooked up to a four-speed automatic 'box. With such miserly consumption, a diesel Splash is looking unlikely in the UK. Some of the more fanciful touches – 18inch alloys, LED lamps, side cameras, fancy tailpipes, lashings of chrome – will be toned down on the production car. But the architecture is pretty faithful to the finished model's. The interior is very simple, with the single speedo containing info about fuel consumption and other on-board diagnostics. Suzuki's answer to BMW's iDrive – a menu screen operated by a ball-shaped control – also makes an appearance.

Acura Advanced Sports Car

2008-07-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

Honda has given a huge hint about its NSX supercar replacement with this Advanced Sports Car Concept. Honda president Takeo Fukui unveiled the supercar in Detroit, and revealed key details of the production car. It will run a V10 engine, mounted in the nose, and turning all four wheels. 'My passion is performance,' said Fukui. 'And our direction is clear: we plan to make advances in technology, design and performance with this car.' Click 'next' for more.
Design: Corvette meets Cadillac
The ASC was designed by Honda's Los Angeles studio. The stylists have clearly been studying America's supercar icon, because the front end screams of the Corvette. And the crisp creases and sheer surfaces are reminiscent of Cadillac's stillborn supercar, the 2002 Cien. 'Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion,' said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. 'The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car.' The horizontal light bar which dominates the rear is a nod back to the original NSX. It rolls on 19-inch wheels up front, 20s at the back. Overall length is 4.6m-long – around 0.5m longer than a 911.

Renault Laguna Coupe

2008-07-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

Critics of the new dull-looking new Laguna - and there have been a few - can seek solace in the new two-door coupé version unveiled today in Frankfurt. It's a far sleeker affair, although a concept. And we all know what happens to sexy concepts before they reach the high street. We just have to hope the officials who vouch it won't change much for production aren't just toeing the company line. This isn't no sports coupé designed to trade off Renault's reputation in F1. Think of it as the company's answer to its domestic rival Peugeot's 407 Coupé. Click 'Next' to read the full story.
I like the look of it... what's different from the saloon?
Every body panel is different, and there are some lush design details on this show special. It's the first Renault with LED headlamps and Renault boss Carlos Ghosn made the typical concept car usual claim that its interior was made using craftmanship from luxury watches. Back in the real world, this concept car does provide numerous clues to the production car. For starters, it ushers in the company's new V6 turbodiesel, a 3.0-litre cranking out 265bhp. There will also be Nissan's 3.5-litre V6, plus more wallet-friendly 2.0-litres in both petrol (205bhp) and diesel (180bhp) guise. All will drive the front wheels.

Kia Koup

2008-07-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

Kia’s Koup. If you saw this compact coupe concept without its badges and had to guess who made it, there’s no way your first guess would be Kia. Its lines are simple and sporty, not a million miles from a Ford Puma. But it actually looks like our from the front, and has hints of along the flanks.
But however it looks the Kia Koup should be fun. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine producing 290bhp and has a tasty torque curve delivering 289lb ft from 2000rpm all the way to 4000rpm.
The interior is deliberately futuristic. Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA says: ‘Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology. The Koup effectively delivers (that).’
Some US commentators thought the exterior design too understated. We’re told it’s close to production (the interior architecture certainly looks it), so go on Kia, make it happen –and bring it to the UK!

Kia Kee

2008-07-04T02:24:00.000-07:00

Just the one: this is a key car for Kia. But whatever bad jokes we make the Korean manufacturer openly admits to this play on words. Why? Because this 2+2 coupe previews Kia’s design language for the next decade. The Kee’s design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, the man behind the original Audi TT, and Kia’s coupe just betters the current TT in all its dimensions. It’s 147mm longer, 37mm lower and 18mm wider. The Kee is powered by a 2.7-litre V6, and the 197bhp output is exactly the same as the base TT’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. This car is so close to the TT's recipe, it makes you wonder...
A coincidence?
Not a bit of it. The coupe market has grown massively since the first TT, and not only is Kia looking to capitalise on such growth, but it wants the Kee to emulate the success that Audi has had with the TT. And it wasn’t just sales of the TT that did Audi favours either. The TT helped make the Audi brand what it is today. That’s what the Kee could do for Kia, what Peugeot hope the 308 RC Z will do for them, and what the Tango roadster would have done for Seat had that car been put into production. Kia wishes to be viewed, in the company’s own words, as ‘exciting, appealing, creative, aspirational, with products that are beautiful and yet functional, purposeful and realistic’. Thus Kia needs the Kee: it’s a great-looking little 2+2.

Ford Focus RS

2008-07-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

The wait is over. Ford today officially took the wraps off its new Focus RS – the hottest hatch on the planet, judging by the first official details. We'll see the new fast Ford at the 2008 London motor show, but the first customer cars won't arrive until spring 2009.
If you thought the original Focus RS was a hard-nosed, uncompromising hot hatch, the second-gen Focus RS should surely qualify for an ASBO court order. It puts 300ps (296bhp) through the front wheels to make it one of the fastest - and most frenetic - hatches around.
Ford Focus RS: 296bhp and shredded tyres, right?
It does sound that way, doesn't it. But Ford insists that its chassis mods have tamed the turbocharged thrust from the Volvo-derived, Duratec 2.5-litre five-pot that also powers the regular Focus ST.
You could argue that 300bhp is too much, or that Ford should have fitted four-wheel drive to the fastest Focus, but instead it's developed a raft of traction enhancing gizmos to stop the front wheels burning more rubber than Max Mosley and actually put some of that 302lb ft of torque to the road.

Bullitt Mustang unveiled

2008-07-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

Yes, this is the one we’re been waiting for, but they had to make it a 2008 car to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bullitt and the best car chase of all time. So pull on your turtlenecks; Ford will reveal the new Mustang Bullitt at the forthcoming LA Motor Show, and will sell only 7700 at a reasonable $31,075, from January. You can have it in the original Highland green (unique to this model), or black. Either way the cabin leather is a black as a villain’s heart.
It looks as mean as Steve McQueen in every scene with Robert Vaughan…
Just as McQueen frequently used to demand fewer, rather than more lines, chief designer for Mustang Doug Gaffka and his team stripped this car down to essentials. He says: 'It’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing'. We'd have to agree, it looks pretty good. Like the original, it sheds the pony from its mesh grille. The only badge is a roundel on the trunk. The 18in wheels mimic the original Torq Thrusts, and the turned aluminium dash seeks to evoke the era. The gearlever is a stubby, short-shifter like the one on the soundtrack (although cabin shots reveal an auto.)

Ford Focus RS photo leak

2008-07-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

These leaked, blinding lime-green photos of the new Ford Focus RS have surfaced on the internet today – nearly a month ahead of the planned unveiling of Ford's new hot hatch. However, CAR has learned that they are computer-generated images of the Focus RS and do not reveal the finished item, which will be launched at the 2008 London motor show in July.The three shots were used in an internal presentation in 2007 and insiders claim the finished car is considerably different. Come back to CAR Online on 4 July 2008 to find out exactly how different it is...So what do we know about the new Ford Focus RS?Ford's latest hot hatch will use the front-wheel drive chassis and powertrain of the regular Focus ST, but beefed up considerably by the boys in the RS division. That means a power output of nearer 300bhp – all put through the front axle and a clever Quaife diff.What about the design? We reckon this shocking green hatch is a close guide to the finished thing; it's all butch bodywork and contrasting black trim on the grille. Compare it with the issued in December 2007.

RML SLR 722 GT

2008-07-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

It’s another special edition, but it's nothing to do with Mercedes, apparently. Northamptonshire-based RML (Ray Mallock Ltd) have tweaked the SLR for rich racing enthusiasts. Don't fret, they've got some pedigree. In 2007 RML ran the Chevrolet WTCC teams, competed in the ALMS, and at Le Mans, and in the past ran they also ran Nissan's BTCC team. Compared to the standard SLR 722, RML claim to have ‘uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered’ the car, with over 400 changes being made.
So what are these changes?
The headline figure is of course the power, and the supercharged Merc 5.5-litre V8 now puts out 671bhp thanks to a new exhaust and air filter. However, that’s only up 21bhp, and torque is up a measly 7lb ft. The fuss, therefore, is all about the loss of 334kg. That’s right, 334kg! RML have stripped out all the weight that Gordon Murray was so adverse to see Mercedes put in, and now the SLR 722 GT weighs 1390kg, 5kg less than a 911 GT3.

Ford Explorer America

2008-07-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

At the forthcoming Detroit Motor Show Ford will show off a concept clearly aimed at the States: the aptly named Explorer America. But it won’t be the traditional yank tank as we know it…
Gone is the body-on-frame chassis, replaced by a unibody construction. Off-road and towing ability is only described as ‘moderate’. Heck, there’s even a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine…
It’s part of Ford’s move to go green, and the Explorer is essentially a showcase for the company's new EcoBoost technology. EcoBoost is a combination of direct injection and turbocharging, which Ford reckons can cut emissions by 15 percent, and fuel consumption by 20 percent. But power will also increase, despite the downsizing of the engines: the 2.0-litre produces 275bhp and 280lb ft, while the new 3.5-litre V6 puts out 340bhp. Ford hopes to produces 500,000 EcoBoost equipped cars a year starting from 2009.
The smaller engines, and other lightweight materials mean Ford reckons the V6 Explorer weighs 68kg less than today’s equivalent, while economy is also helped by a six-speed auto and electric power steering. In fact, Ford wants at least 80 percent of its cars by 2012 to come with electric power steering, which the company believes can account for a five percent fuel economy saving.
And the Explorer concept?
The America itself looks compact thanks to the wraparound rear glass. The concept also features Ford’s three-bar grille, a sliding rear door, and apparently a work table that deploys from the tailgate. And to make sure you don’t get lost in America in the America there’s a fancy 3-D compass and map.

Avro Mirage 720 Ford GT

2008-07-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Avro’s 720 Mirage Ford GT is the supercar for when one limited edition just isn’t enough. Just ten of these Roush-tuned Fords will be made, and yes, the 720 signifies the horsepower output.
In 2007 Avro and Roush unleashed the 600bhp 600RE Ford GT. Just ten were made (and we’ve already seen one wrecked example) but Roush realised there was more to come from the engine. At the request of Brooklands-based Avro Motor Cars a further 120bhp has been found over and above the 600RE. And that’s 170bhp more than this Ford GT had when it left the factory.
The increase to 720bhp and 601lb ft comes mainly thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger. To make sure the 720 Mirage stays on the road the tracks are 5mm wider front and rear, there is adjustable KW suspension - that mean the car sits 25mm lower - and AP Racing brakes.
Perhaps the best feature though is the removal of the car’s American-spec rear bumper. Avro says it saves weight, but is also gives the Ford GT a clean, uncluttered look. And if you want the car to stand out, there’s the orange paint and black wheels. Yours for £179,400.

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24

2008-07-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Who’d have thought a little gathering in Austria could give birth to three stunning concept cars. This is VW's new Scirocco GT24 concept and it's appearing at the Wörthersee Tour alongside .
The Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 concept is a road version of the trio of racecars (pictured bottom far right) that will compete in this weekend’s Nürburgring 24-hour race. And like the concept from 2007, the VW Scirocco GT24 is a runner. According to Volkswagen the GT24 is also a pointer towards how an ‘R’ version of the Scirocco could look.
Let me guess, the VW Scirocco GT24 has a 2.0-litre turbo?
Spot on, and that forced-induction 2.0-litre makes 321bhp and 251lb ft. It’s mated to VW’s obligatory six-speed dual-clutch ‘box with power going to the front wheels. Why no four-wheel drive? Because even the earliest reports about a hot Scirocco pointed towards an R20 with a tweaked 2.0-litre turbo, rather than the new coupe using a V6.
To beef up the gearbox there are new clutch plates, alongside revised gear ratios and a lightened flywheel.

Mazda launches amazing MX-5 CC

2008-07-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Mazda is claiming the world's first no compromises coupe-convertible, with its MX-5 Roadster-coupe.
Traditionally, folding tin-tops keep out thieves but steal luggage space. They boost refinement, but make handling less tidy. But the MX-5 Roadster-coupe's roof is as compact as the canvas one, and comes with just a 37kg weight penalty, which Mazda claims does not compromise the dynamics. Mazda has managed to stuff the entire folding roof mechanism into the cubby behind the seat where the soft top normally sits, making this the first CC that doesn't impinge on boot space. It's not just the first MX-5 to have an electric top, but it's also the quickest retractable hardtop in the world, requiring just 12sec to fold away. The Roadster-coupe roof is a £1750 option available on every MX-5 model from September and even comes with free air conditioning, itself normally a £500 extra.
Great value considering the £2000 a removable hardtop cost and air con package previously cost on an MX-5. It's little wonder Mazda expects half of all customers to tick the Roadster-coupe option. But the weight of the roof and its motors adds 37kg and the revised suspension settings are less aggressive, so expect the RC to appear dynamically softer than the standard soft-top car. Although unveiled a year after the basic soft-top car, the Roadster-coupe was always planned for production so Mazda created a space behind the seats big enough to accommodate the solid roof. With the roof down, subtly restyled wings, boot lid and a taller deck lid betray the tin-top MX-5. In fact, the MX-5 Roadster-coupe looks even tidier with the hood down than the soft top, whose folding mechanism can be seen through ugly gaps. But packaging so much metal into such a small space meant that the hood-up roofline appears more vertical and not quite so attractive.

Mazda Taiki

2008-07-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Mazda Taiki: the lowdown
Is it just us, or has Mazda gone a bit concept car crazy in recent months? Its current design mantra of 'nagare' - or flow - has spawned the Nagare, Ryuga and Hakaze show-offs at recent motor shows. And, true to form, there will be another car in the series at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. That honour befalls the Taiki, a clean-fuel two-seater that's again inspired by natural waves and rhythms of nature, apparently. Officials drop hints that it'll inform the design of the next RX-8, but then spokespeople always say that sort of thing, don't they? Our guess is that Mazda is slowly but surely playing with a new style, and we're inching closer to flavours of what will actually appear in a showroom near you. Eventually. Don't expect sci-fi style out-rigger rear wheels quite yet, though...
The Taiki looks nothing like the next RX-8, surely?
You're right - this is a long, long way from any kind of production reality. But squint awhile at the front end, and you're not a million miles away from future design cues. The grille treatment, in particular, is said to be a preview of a fresh facial expression for Mazdas. The Taiki also premieres a new package of aerodynamic aids, although Mazda isn't elaborating any more until its Tokyo debut. Many manufacturers are playing with semi-active aero aids, so expect moving body parts to smoothe the airflow.

Mazda RX-8 facelift

2008-07-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Mazda’s facelifted RX-8 arrived at the Detroit Motor Show, and it’s more of a mild nip and tuck than a drastic overhaul. Mazda hasn’t suddenly dropped in a V6 or anything like that – so far over 165,000 rotary-engined RX-8s have been sold and Mazda doesn’t want to mess with a recipe that works. That means it’s still a four-door, four seater with 'Freestyle' (suicide to you and me) doors, and a unchanged 1.3-litre turbine engine available in 189bhp and 228bhp states of tune.
But while the engine hasn’t changed Mazda has been busy fettling the chassis. There’s a new trapezoid front strut bar, new rear suspension geometry and a more rigid driveshaft. The USA wll also get a new R3 sport package (pictured), though Mazda UK has yet to confirm whether it's coming to this side of the Pond. The R3 pack features tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, 19-inch wheels, a bodykit consisting of new front and rear spoilers and side sills, 300-watt stereo and some part-leather Recaros.
RX-8: the new look
All cars, including the R3-equipped RX-8s, get restyled front and rear bumpers, a new finish for the lights, and larger diameter exhaust pipes. Inside the rev counter now has a red-zone that only fades when the engine is at operating temperature. There’s also a new steering wheel while the four seats have been redesigned to provide extra comfort, and the backrests of the front seats have also been changed to provide extra legroom for those in the rear.
The revised RX-8 lands in UK dealers mid-year, with prices scarcely changing over today's model. British dealers sell around 4000 a year - down from a high of 10,000 in the RX's first year on sale.

Toyota Aygo Crazy set for Goodwood debut

2008-07-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Toyota will bring its 'shopping supercar' – the Aygo Crazy – to the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicks off next week. It's a one-off, attention-grabbing supermini with a mid-engined layout like the Renault Clio V6. The racing Aygo uses a 200bhp turbocharged version of Toyota's 1.8 VVT-i engine from the Celica and MR2 – making it somewhat more powerful than the regular Aygo's 68bhp. A 200bhp Aygo? How fast is this thing?Don't forget, we're dealing in the world of fantasy here (the Aygo Crazy is just that – a madcap, one-off concept), but Toyota claims it will hurtle to 62mph in just 5.8sec, although top speed is pegged back to a rather more mundane 127mph.It will be driven up Lord March's driveway by Scot Peter Dumbreck, who drives a 500bhp Lexus in the Japanese SuperGT series. And if you're not going to Goodwood, you can see the mental mini at the London motor show from 22 July 2008.

Ferrari California roof up

2008-07-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
29 May 2008 15:57
The latest Ferrari California photos and details have just been released by the Prancing Horse. It’s the first time we've seen the California with its folding hard-top erected, and extra snippets of information - like the size of the 2+2 - have now been announced.
Its 4560mm length puts the California midway between an and while the Ferrari’s 1900mm width means it is wider than both Brits. Compared to its Ferrari brethren, the California is 48mm longer than an F430 but 23mm narrower.
Ferrari California: the roof details
The folding metal roof is a two-piece unit that folds away in just 14 seconds. When the roof is up, the boot has a 360-litre capacity, shrinking to 260 when the hard-top is folded away.
The overhead shots of the California also give us the first glimpse of the 2+2’s four seats. Let's not beat about the bush - rear legroom looks a little tight. The wheelbase of the California is 2700mm, a mere 50mm shorter than a .
And if you’re thinking you don’t want your California in typical Ferrari blood red, then this car’s Azzurro California paint job could be just the ticket.
Californication... the figures
Number junkies will enjoy the California's 4.3-litre V8, 454bhp at 7500rpm and a 0-62mph time of less than 4.0sec - thanks to a new launch control system.
Emissions figures still haven’t been finalised, but Ferrari claims the California will release ‘around’ 310g/km of CO2. The combined mpg figure is 21.4, better than any other current Ferrari and not bad for a supercar with some towering performance potential.

Ferrari California

2008-07-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

By Ben Whitworth
First official pictures
25 June 2008 14:01
Ferrari continues its tantalising drip feed of information and images on the new California, with new footage of the roof in action appearing on the car’s website today.
The fully automatic electro-hydraulic folding metal roof is a two-piece unit that converts the coupe to convertible in just 14 seconds. When the roof is up, the boot has a 360-litre capacity, shrinking to 260 when the hard-top is folded away.
Remind me about the California’s key figures.
With pleasure. At 4560mm long, the Ferrari splits the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DB9, but it’s wider than both at 1900mm. Ferrari claims the California is a 2+2 but it would outrageously generous to describe the rear tubs as seats.
Yes, yes, but what about the engine?
Mounted far back under the California’s bonnet sits a spanking new all-alloy 4.3-litre V8. Fettled with direct injection, it develops 454bhp at 7500rpm. It’s hooked up to a new seven-speed double-clutch transmission. A new launch control system will blast the California to 60mph in just under four seconds and on to a 190mph top speed. And if you’re interested in collecting loyalty points, the Ferrari will return around 21mpg - with a light foot.

Mercedes F700

2008-07-01T14:50:00.001-07:00

By Andrew Noakes
First drive
16 June 2008 17:16
Advanced engineering wrapped in ‘aquatic’ styling made the Mercedes F700 concept car one of the stars of the Frankfurt motor show in September 2007, and CAR has been itching to put its technologies to the test ever since.
Flip-over, cork-faced seats and a navigation system run by a virtual assistant called Gloria are novel enough, but we’re really here to find out about the revolutionary DiesOtto engine and Pre-Scan suspension.
What’s so clever about the Mercedes F700’s engine, then?
Mercedes calls it DiesOtto because it combines elements of diesel and petrol (Otto cycle) engines. Centrepiece of the DiesOtto concept is a new combustion system called Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI), which several manufacturers are now developing. It uses carefully controlled in-cylinder temperature and pressure conditions to ignite the air/fuel mixture without a spark.
The result is very clean, efficient combustion, but the drawback is that HCCI struggles to work over a wide range of engine speed and load. So for cold starts and full-throttle acceleration, DiesOtto switches back to spark-ignition mode.

Mercedes-Benz F600 Fuel-cell concept

2008-07-01T14:40:00.001-07:00

First drive
26 June 2008 09:00
Mercedes has been running a test fleet of fuel cell A-classes since 2002, and it’s preparing for small-scale production of a fuel cell B-class in 2010. To get an idea of what the fuel-cell B-class will be like, CAR has spent some time on the road with the curiously-named F600 HyGenius fuel cell concept, first seen at the Tokyo show in 2005.
Ah yes, fuel cells are… erm, remind me, would you?
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction which generates electricity, with water as a by-product. The carbon dioxide emissions of the vehicle are zero, which makes it sound like the ultimate green car – but those environmental credentials take a hit when you consider the electrical energy consumed by the production of hydrogen in the first place.
What’s special about the F600’s stack?
The F600’s fuel cell stack is smaller, more powerful and more economical than previous generations of the technology. It’s housed under an A-class-style ‘sandwich’ floor along with the drive motor, hydrogen tank and a lithium ion battery, which stores excess energy from the fuel cell and captures ‘waste’ energy through regenerative braking. As a result the centre of gravity is low and there’s still family-sized space inside.
What’s it like on the road?
Wide doors open out and up to make entry easy. Generous glass area, a flat floor and the hum of the electrics out back make F600 feel like a glazed golf cart, albeit one which features a leather-clad interior with heated (or cooled) cup-holders.Driving it isn't as alien as you might expect. Push the familiar-looking START button on the dash and it settles into a subdued whistle as it idles. Four buttons next to the steering wheel mimic auto gearbox modes: select D for drive and the F600 answers the accelerator with a brisk surge forwards as the fuel cell and battery work together to deliver up to 115hp. There’s no multi-ratio gearbox, so progress is uninterrupted by gearchanges. A distant electric-tram hum and the whine of the electric 'turbocharger’ which supplies air to the fuel cell stack are all but drowned out by the rustle of wind around the A-pillars as the speed builds.
F600 is impressive for its utter lack of fuss: it goes and stops on demand, just like any production car. MB's boffins are understandably protective of their multi-million-euro testbeds, but they treat this one with a nonchalance that speaks volumes. It doesn't need to be babied. As a forerunner of next-generation fuel cell vehicles, it’s impressively competent and effective.
Verdict
F600 feels cohesive and complete, but turning hydrogen fuel cell cars into a practical proposition means more than just engineering advanced on-car systems. A whole infrastructure for hydrogen distribution has to be established, which brings with it a raft of concerns over safety and evaporative emissions. And economic, sustainable production of hydrogen depends on a plentiful supply of renewable electricity to make it viable. Providing that will take more than simply the efforts of a car maker or two.

VW to relaunch 'one-litre' eco car

2008-07-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

VW to relaunch 'one-litre' eco car
By Georg Kacher
Green news
30 June 2008 15:52
Remember Volkswagen's 'one-litre' car, capable of one litre per 100km, or a scarcely credible 282mpg? Well VW has approved top-secret plans to build the limited-edition fuel miser in 2010, CAR Online can reveal. The tiny, grey cigar-shaped curiosity was a triumphal hit at the 2002 annual meeting in Hamburg and now – finally – it's heading for production. At the time the chairman of VW's supervisory board predicted that the super-economical two-seater would go into production as soon as the cost of the carbonfibre monocoque dropped from €35,000 (£28,000) to €5000 (£4000), which he estimated would happen in 2012. Now the VW 1L will hit the market two years ahead of schedule, in 2010.A VW that does 282mpg! What'll she cost?The asking price? That's a game of political posturing. Volumes will be restricted to keep costs under control and, according to one well placed insider CAR spoke to, anything from €20,000 (£16,000) to €30,000 (£24,000) is possible. Expect a large amount of subsidy from VW, which hopes to reap a slew of headlines in the current climate.Somewhat surprisingly, the basic vehicle concept of the one-litre VW (pictured) hasn't changed that much over the past six years. To keep the frontal area as small as possible, the passenger still sits behind the driver. To ensure optimum structural rigidity, the aircraft-style canopy door concept will also be retained. Very Top Gun.

Chevrolet Lacetti replacement (2009)

2008-07-01T14:25:00.001-07:00

Chevrolet Lacetti replacement (2009): the spy photos
By Tim Pollard
Spyshots
01 July 2008 11:59
Chevrolet will replace its Lacetti/Nubira/Cobalt with this slick saloon in autumn 2008. Our spy photos reveal the four-door Chevy in near-production form three months ahead of its planned debut at the 2008 Paris motor show. The name of the newcomer will be announced on 8 July 2008 and this time a single badge will be used globally, instead of different names in different markets. In the UK, Chevy's mid-sized car was called the Lacetti, but an-all new tag is in the pipeline this time.Chevrolet Lacetti: the replacementThis four-door will arrive first and is expected in UK showrooms in March 2009; three- and five-door hatchback versions will follow later in 2009. There won't be a direct replacement for the Lacetti estate, although today's bargain load-lugger will continue in production until 2010.Then, at the end of 2009, Chevrolet will launch a crossover which has the task of replacing both the Lacetti station wagon and the Tacuma midi-MPV. Both new Chevy models will be based on the GM Delta platform; that means a host of new tech and upmarket gadgets that you wouldn't believe possible on refashioned Daewoos

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

2008-07-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept: first pictures
By Ben Pulman
First official pictures
16 May 2008 23:00
Thought the was a drop of diesel fuel in a large petrol pond? Think again. This is the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept – another performance diesel from Ingolstadt. Set to debut later this month at the Lake Wörther Tour in Austria, this rather OTT A3 features DTM-inspired bodywork and the world’s highest specific output diesel engine. Think of the Clubsport as a way to get us excited about the while being relatively kind to the environment too.
What’s the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro packing under that hood?
A very shiny four-pot diesel (the 1968cc diesel is stripped of its usual black cladding, you see). Add in a new turbocharger, and the four-cylinder unit produces 221bhp. That easily bests and twin-turbo diesels. The Clubsport’s 332lb ft at 1750rpm puts it midway between the BMW (295lb ft) and the Merc (368lb ft).All that torque is combined with a six-speed manual ‘box and a four-wheel drive system to help the A3 Clubsport reach 62mph in 6.6 seconds and go on to 149mph. Not bad for a diesel A3, we say.Keep all this performance chat in context. This is a ludicrously OTT concept car, isn't it? Maybe not... Audi remains tight-lipped on the production feasibility of the engine's 221bhp, but claims it already passes EU5 emission regulations due in 2010. With BMW and Mercedes already offering 100bhp/litre diesels, Audi could well follow suit soon.

Porsche unveils Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe and Convertible

2008-07-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Porsche unveils Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe and Convertible
By Ben Whitworth
First official pictures
26 June 2008 11:54
Following on from the driven earlier this month, Porsche has expanded the line-up with the new all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and 4S, both in coupe and convertible form. And like the standard rear-drive Carrera, the 4 and 4S hides it’s new tech under its same-again styling – badging aside, only the 44mm wider rear haunches and that reflective band between the rear lights distinguish the two and four-wheel variants.
So what has changed?
Well, there’s an all-new four-wheel drive system, for starters. Porsche has ditched the previous viscous multiple-plate clutch layout for its new electronically-controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM) set-up, claiming better stability and enhanced dynamics from the quicker system. Initially developed for the 911 Turbo, the PTM has been modified for the Carrera and now features a mechanical limited slip diff on the rear axle.
Keep going…
Porsche claims the PTM system uses an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch to metre out the exact amount of torque between front and rear axles. With the previous viscous system, only a maximum of 40% torque could be fed through the front axle – the new system’s infinitely variable torque splitter can shift up to 100% torque between front or rear axles, enhancing cornering stability and boosting all-weather traction.
Anything else?
The four-wheel drive versions share the standard Carrera's new direct injection powerplants, as well as the option of the new seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission. Delivering more power from less fuel, the 3.6 and 3.8-litre flat sixes in the 4 and 4S return some pretty impressive economy figures: the 345bhp Carrera 4 coupe with PDK transmission gives 28mpg, while the 385bhp 4S cabriolet (again with PDK) returns 26.4mpg on the combined cycle.

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2008-07-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model concept: first photos
By Nargess Shahmanesh-Banks
First official pictures
10 June 2008 00:00
Who’d have guessed that BMW’s latest concept car would be made of cloth? The GINA Light Visionary Model – unveiled today – is a far-flung research concept from Munich that has shaped the latest generation of BMWs. This car can change shape and surface at the flick of a switch, and the 'GINA' principles it espouses have been used to craft today's BMW design language. Fancy flame surfacing today? No worries – tap a switch and your bodywork goes all taut-edged and angry. Prefer to go more classical and clean-edged? Not a problem. GINA does it all. BMW GINA: what it all meansBMW design has been known to ruffle a few conservative feathers in the past, and today's disclosure of its GINA process is bound to raise eyebrows. Standing on its 20-inch alloys, the Light Vision Model concept looks like a modern-day BMW sports car, displaying taut sculpted muscles and the brand’s unmistakable signature form language of flame surfacing. Yet the Light Visionary Model is not made of metal but of cloth. The virtually seamless stretch fabric is secured on a meshwork of metal wires that shields the movable substructure beneath.Made of cloth?! Has Chris Bangle finally lost the plot?Bear with us here. The BMW group design director explained at length to CAR the method in his madness at a private viewing ahead of the official media launch in the newly renovated BMW museum in Munich. The Light Vision Model is part of a project that has shaped BMW design for a decade and led to ground-breaking developments such as iDrive and flame surfacing. It's the ultimate expression of the company's GINA design mantra. ‘The cloth can change your mind about what a car can be,’ he says mysteriously. Click ‘Next’ below to read more of Bangle’s explanation...

Maserati refreshes Quattroporte

2008-07-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Maserati refreshes Quattroporte
By Ben Whitworth
First official pictures
24 June 2008 08:51
Maserati has given its Quattroporte a mid-life refresh and a power boost. The new flagship Quattroporte S borrows the 424bhp 4.7-litre V8 from the GranTurismo S, while the standard Quattroporte retains the existing 393bhp 4.2-litre engine from before, with both hooked up to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission introduced two years ago.

2008-06-26T22:43:00.001-07:00

2008-06-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

Bugatti Veyron Vs Mclaren SLR Video

2008-06-24T00:26:00.001-07:00

2008-06-22T02:42:00.000-07:00

Ferrari F430 Spider

2008-06-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

Farrari.
World Premire of the Spider at Geneva Motor Show
Maranello, 10th February 2005 - Ferrari's range of V8-engined sports cars will be joined by the new F430 Spider when it is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March 2005).
Ferrari's new drop-top includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car's F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential - first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia's all-conquering F1 cars - which improves traction and roadholding under all conditions. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia's drivers as the 'manettino', which allows the car's set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.
Formula 1 is thus again the inspiration for the development of the company's road cars. Designed by Pininfarina, the F430 Spider's sinuous lines, in fact, were fine-tuned using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamics simulation programmes usually employed exclusively by the F1 team.
The F430 Spider's shape is the result of lengthy testing and features a pronounced nolder which is integrated into the end of the engine cover, new bigger rear air intakes that emphasise the car's muscular stance, and a new rear valance that incorporates a diffuser of competition derivation. The engine itself is attractively set below a glass cover.
Just like the berlinetta, the new Spider incorporates two elliptical air intakes that feed the front radiators. The shape of the intakes is inspired by Ferrari's racing cars from the 1961 season, especially the 156 F1 which Phil Hill drove to that year's F1 Championship title. The spoiler that joins the two intakes at their bottom edge is highly effective in directing the central air flow towards the flat underbody.
The F430 Spider boasts a compact, fully automatic electric hood that allows the engine to be seen in all its glory at all times and which, once lowered, takes up relatively little space, despite the uncompromising central-rear engine layout.
The F430 Spider is powered by Ferrari's new 490 hp, 4,308cc 90 V8 which is capable of pushing the car to a top speed of over 310 km/h (over 193 mph) and covering the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 4.1 seconds. This lightweight and highly compact power unit produces a specific output of 114 hp per litre with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) per horsepower (dry weight).
F430 SPIDER
BRIEF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length: 4512 mm (177.6 in)
Width: 1923 mm (75.7 in)
Height: 1234 mm (48.6 in)
Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Front track: 1669 mm (65.7 in)
Rear track: 1616 mm (63.6 in)
Kerb weight: 1520* kg (3,351 lbs)
ENGINE
Type: 90 V8
Bore x stroke: 92 mm x 81 mm (3.62 x 3.19 in)
Unitary displacement: 538.5 cc (32.87 cu in)
Total displacement: 4.308 cc (263 cu in)
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Maximum power: 360.3 kW (490 hp/483 bhp at 8,500 rpm)
Maximum torque: 465 Nm (47.4 kgm/343 lbs/ft) at 5,250 rpm
Specific power output: 114 hp/l
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: >310 km/h (over 193 mph)
0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds
* European market version.

2009 BMW M3

2008-06-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

BMW wasn't planning on releasing the M3 convertible just yet. It had its hands full with the crossover and those the company unveiled at the . The M3 drop-top wasn't supposed to debut until March at the Geneva show. But the Bavarian automaker evidently took a decidedly un-German "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude when . Rather than trying to hold the dam together, BMW has decided to join us for a swim and let the floodgates open on its new V8 hard-top convertible.
As exciting and versatile package it is, the real news here is BMW's new M DCT twin-clutch gearbox that stands in for the previous SMG transmission, which had its fair share of haters. The rest we already know from the and the more plebian 3-Series convertible. Unfortunately, the glorious M-tuned V8 is bogged down by an extra 450 lbs. of folding metal and electric motors, but that's the price you pay (on top of what promises to be a heart-attack-inducing sticker price) for the option of taking in the sunshine and that delicious exhaust note without sacrificing the security of a tin top. Swapping cogs at lightning speed, though, should help mitigate the half second the convertible loses on the coupe.
Check out the images in the gallery below and the full press release after the jump.

2008 Gemballa Avalanche 600 Porsche GT2 EVO

2008-06-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

SpecificationsTorque: 620 lb-ft
HP: 600 hp
0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 199 mph
(from Gemballa Press Release) Demonstration of expertise: GEMBALLA Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO
• 600 bhp and 840 Nm torque thanks to GEMBALLA power kit• 320 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds• Elegant and sporty body conversion with special paint finish• Sports exhaust system and 20-inch “Racing” wheels• Coilover suspension; more powerful braking system• Sporty and luxurious interior trim
Being one of the premier addresses for stylish and refined Porsche tuning, GEMBALLA has earned itself a worldwide reputation over the course of time. Thanks to its outstanding expertise, proven in numerous conversions, each customer acquires a vehicle that represents the absolute pinnacle of what is achievable in terms of design and performance. One further such demonstration of its abilities is GEMBALLA’s “Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO”.
Ready for take-off?
The basis of the Avalanche 600 GT EVO is the Porsche 997 turbo or the GT2. GEMBALLA even knows how to boost the already impressive set of performance figures of the production model. 600 bhp (442 kW) put the competition from Maranello and Sant’Agata-Bolognese in a tight spot. The six-cylinder boxer with a torque of 840 Nm – power-boosted by the GEMBALLA power kit - stands out even more. Jet-like acceleration in every gear and at every speed being the outcome. A sports intercooler ensures that this performance can be reliably accessed even in hot ambient temperatures. As an option, this task can also be performed by a racing sports intercooler. The power boost is acoustically announced by the sports exhaust system fitted by GEMBALLA, whose awesome sound thrills the vehicle occupants and listeners alike. Upon request, this can also be achieved by means of a four-pipe system instead the two tailpipe versions. GEMBALLA’s power boost allows the modified 997 to race at a top speed of 320 km/h, accomplishing the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The latter can – depending on the driver’s skill – be even further enhanced by fitting the sport shifter for vehicles with a manual gearshift, reduced gear lever travel, which is available in the “Sport” and “Race” versions.
Powerful appearance thanks to GEMBALLA Avalanche body conversion kit
A successful combination of various aerodynamic components from the company’s own suite goes to ensure greater downforce. In its basic version, the Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO exhibits the fundamental Avalanche modification, which is particularly prominent on the flanks in the form of the air intakes modified to give the look of a Carrera GT. Also characteristic for the Avalanche conversion are the modified side sills, which also feature air intakes, designed to help cool the brakes. In addition, GEMBALLA fits the “GT” hood, the “Avalanche” front skirt with additional cooling openings, the “GT2” front spoiler lip in black carbon, the GTR EVO tailgate skirt with an integral diffuser and hot air outlets, the GT2 EVO rear spoiler and a stoneguard. For the rear end, GEMBALLA borrows design ideas from its own Carrera GT conversion Mirage GT, which is available as a limited edition. The exhaust tailpipes with jet-fighter-style covers bear witness to this.
Needless to say, GEMBALLA also supplies the obligatory logos, identifying the 997 as a genuine GEMBALLA. Drivers wishing to show their allegiances with motor racing can adorn the front and tailgate skirt with carbon components. For the GTR EVO tailgate skirt, GEMBALLA also offers a carbon diffuser option. It is also possible to order the rear spoiler in this light-weight material.
The paint finishes GEMBALLA is offering enable drivers to add that all-important eye-catching finishing touch to this aerodynamics kit. The options of a BICOLOR concept, special colors, effect colors or a “special effect” color are guaranteed head-turners.
Enhanced suspension and brakes
If it looks like a racing car, it should also drive like one. The enhanced engine power alone goes a long way to achieving this. To boost the overall performance, GEMBALLA, however, relies on an additional, extensive enhancement of the suspension and brakes. The GEMBALLA “PROFESSIONAL CONCEPT” is used for the suspension. This consists of a variable ride height coilover suspension, a strut bar, stabilizer kit and stiffened axle mounts. As an option, GEMBALLA is offering the “RACE CONCEPT”, which additionally includes racing transverse links for the front and rear axle. For vehicles without ceramic brakes, GEMBALLA offers a brake system with four red high-performance brake calipers and brake discs with the diameters 380 mm (front) and 350 mm (rear). For an additional charge, an even larger system is available with a brake disc combination 405/380 and brake calipers in the customer’s requested color.
Larger wheels lend the Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO an even more impressive appearance. This is made possible by a set of GEMBALLA “Racing Black Edition” wheels in the format 9.0×20″ (front) and 11.5×20″ (rear) with size 245 and 325 tires. The wheel design is characterized by its classic racing look and the stainless steel rim flange. By way of an alternative and without paying extra, GEMBALLA will also fit the wheel design in its “Silver Edition” version or completely matt black in the “Black Magic” version.
Sporty luxury inside
Even the basic version of the interior trim available for the GEMBALLA Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO is entirely given over to creating a sporty appeal. Pedals and a driver’s footrest from aluminum, Avalanche logos in the door sill area, as well as instruments and foot mats, a new sports steering wheel with a 340 mm diameter in a leather/leather combination (upon request with F1 shift paddles), a conversion of the rear area and the sports package featuring leather components (not for vehicles with original leather trim) all combine to create a sporty and luxurious atmosphere. The options list allows customers to select other versions of sports steering wheels (combinations of aluminum/leather or carbon/leather, F1 shift paddles, etc.), interior packages from carbon or leather (e.g. headliner in leather or Alcantara), various sports seats (also with leather and carbon) or a new carpet for the passenger compartment.As regards the interior, it is of course also possible to request other customized conversions.

2008 Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo

2008-06-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

SpecificationsEngine: 6 liter V12
Aspiration: natural
Torque: 527 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
HP: 700 hp @ 8200 rpm
HP/Liter: 116.7 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
(from Edo Competition Press Release) Specifications
Engine V12Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpmMax. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance
Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s
Features
* Power increased to about 700 hp thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX,high-flow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake with ram-air system,high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration
*Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips
*Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button
*Wheels can be custom-painted on request
*Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheelSport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.
*Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tiresFront: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20
*New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)
*New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX

2006 Faralli and Mazzanti Antas V8 GT

2008-06-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

SpecificationsEngine: 4.7 liter Maserati V8
Aspiration: 4 double-body Webers
0-62 mph: 5 seconds
Top Speed: Over 168 mph
Note: Our apologies that 6 of the images are smaller than normal. The 2 available high-resolution images were inadequate to get a sense of this vehicle’s unusual design.
(from Faralli & Mazzanti Press Release) ANTAS V8 GT is the first “Berlinetta” (touring car) created in the F & M workshop. It is completely inspired by the philosophy and material used in the “special series” of the past: the body, for example, is made of aluminium and completely built by hand.
ANTAS is driven by a powerful V8 MASERATI engine fed by carburettors and endowed with a pleasing elasticity of power, which gives the “driver” the sensation of “true” steering typical of the great touring cars of the past. Because of this, when the time came to name this “jewel,” a word was chosen that comes from the ancient Tuscan language of the ETRUSCANS: ANTAS, which means EAGLE, the noblest and most audacious dominator of open spaces.
On delivery, ANTAS comes equipped with a case covered in blue velvet bearing the silver plate with the identification numbers; inside are a photography book and a DVD documenting the construction of the vehicle.

2008 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Edition

2008-06-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

SpecificationsEngine: 6.2 liter V8
Aspiration: natural
HP: 540 hp
HP/Liter: 87.1 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: over 186 mph
(from Kicherer Press Release) The prevailing notion that sports cars are just a pleasure for two was now contradicted by Kicherer. The renowned Mercedes embellishing specialists from Stockach have enriched the CLK 63 AMG, which is actually a two-seater, with a sporty back seat.
When you take the north loop in less than 8 minutes with this bolide, all those seats will defnitely provide more fun – and adrenaline – than any rollercoaster.
And what is more, those additional seats guarantee a Black Edition with a significantly improved road capability.
But, Kicherer will even delight design and sports enthusiasts.
The radiator grill, already quite impressive on the standard version, is replaced by an even sportier variant made of carbon and featuring carbon fibre struts.
The beautiful forged three-part wheel, Kicherer RS-1, also fulfls a double function as it is a visual and – thanks to weight reduction – also a sportive gain.
The chassis – specially developed for Kicherer by DTM specialist H&R – also improves the racer’s cornering dynamics by several degrees. Since the Kicherer engineers have taken care of the engine, too, they have further underlined their reinterpretation by carbon mirror shells. With its 540 hp, the Kicherer CLK racer gained about 33 hp. Even the torque has been improved by another 20 Nm.
Thus equipped, the Kicherer CLK only needs 4.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and runs faster than 300 km/h – thanks to a derestricted V/max.
In order to delight any fellow passenger’s vision, Kicherer has equipped the car with additional carbon intarsia.These do not only include – as is usually the case – parts of the centre console and of the door linings, but also ultra-light front seat buckets made of genuine carbon.
Therefore, even at a red light, the “normal” Black Edition becomes a Kicherer Racer.

2008 MTM Audi S5 GT Supercharged

2008-06-19T00:06:00.001-07:00

SpecificationsEngine: 4.2 liter V8
Aspiration: supercharger
Torque: 403 lb-ft
HP: 505 hp @ 7190 rpm
HP/Liter: 120.2 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 4.3 seconds(from MTM Press Release) Under pressure: MTM Audi S5 GT Supercharged
* 505 hp and 546 Nm torque* Top speed: 300 km/h, 0-100 in 4.3 secs* 4-pipe stainless steel sport exhaust system* Bigger brake system for maximum deceleration* Coilover suspension, amended axle geometry
Motoren Technik Mayer from Wettstetten, Germany, puts the Audi S5 under pressure. As “MTM GT Supercharged” the sporty coupe’s supercharged engine demonstrates impressive performance data. Together with bigger brakes, a coilover suspension and other minor changes, the result is an overall package which can take on the race track.
Pressurized
Watch out, when it gets loose! At the slightest pressure on the accelerator the MTM S5 GT Supercharged rockets forward with brute force. The compressor added to the Audi 4.2 liter V8 by MTM is what makes this possible. An MTM intercooler housing with integrated water cooling ensures that the engine can always generate maximum performance. Overall, instead of the stock 354 hp, there is now all of 505 horsepower at 7190 rpm available. This makes an engine output of 120 hp per liter! The torque boost by 106 to 546 Nm emerges in vehement intermediate bursts, to which the driver can get addicted. The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes 4.3 seconds, turning many super sports cars green with envy. And up to its top speed of 300 km/h it can hold its own with any of them.
The evenly powerful, dynamic power display is underscored by a flow-optimized stainless steel sports exhaust system. The goose pimple-raising sound is released by four tailpipes, each 90 mm in diameter.
Curve-hugging and agile
MTM equipped its GT Supercharged with a perfectly tuned coilover suspension and in addition amended the axle geometry with higher camber angles. After the change, its driving dynamism and curve-hugging characteristics are so pronounced you never want to drive straight-ahead again. The steering characteristics are more precise and the agility enhanced, while road handling remains quite neutral.
Braking
Since a performance-enhanced vehicle also has to be reined in quickly, MTM improved the brake performance, too. Consequently MTM always provides the appropriate brake system for cars of all performance classes.
In the case of MTM GT Supercharged, the Bavarian specialists upgraded the deceleration with a new brake system on the front axle. This is a brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers and 380×34 mm pitted brake discs. The package includes the flexible steel lines and attachments. With the system the driver can decelerate the MTM GT Supercharged from 100-0 km/h within about 35 m.The “pitted” brake discs incidentally represent a special design, manufactured especially for MTM. Typical of “pitted” brake discs are the holes which do not completely penetrate the disc. They look like and share the characteristics of a perforated disc, but hinder the crack formation which normally occurs after lengthy use.
The small difference
Optically the GT Supercharged does not look very different from the series model. Here MTM has gone in for understatement. Nevertheless – apart from the MTM exhaust system’s pipes – the “bimoto” MTM rims take care of a look clearly distinguished from the series. The eye-catching wheels are available in “shiny silver”, “titanium” and “diamond cut” finishes. MTM provides the “bimoto” rim for the S5 – as for other A5 models too – in 10.5×21” as a complete rim set together with 295/25/ZR21 tires.
At MTM the general rule is: special wishes are met. Customization is also carried out on an individual basis!

Volkswagen W12 Coupe

2008-06-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

(from VW Press Release) Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, 24.10.01. Volkswagen is presenting a further highlight of its product offensive in the top segment at the 35th Tokyo Motorshow: the production standard design study of the W12 Coupé with a 440 kW / 600 bhp (at 7,000 rpm) 12-cylinder engine. Having been adapted to suit individual requirements, the W12 engine will also be used in the Volkswagen luxury saloon in the future and in a premium off-road vehicle.
The six-litre, large twelve-cylinder engine is mid-mounted in this new concept vehicle which weighs just 1,200 Kilo. At 5,800 rpm it develops a maximum torque of 620 Newton metres. With a top speed of more than 350 km/h and an acceleration of less than 3.5 seconds to 100 km/h, the W12 Coupé is one of the most exclusive and fastest sports cars in the world.
The technology of the twelve cylinder engine integrated in the design study W12 Coupé: with a length of 513 millimetres, a height of 715 millimetres and a width of 710 millimetres, the engine is particularly compact. The capacity of the W12, which weighs just 239 kilograms, is 5,998 cm³. The basic layout of the W12 engine is made up of two very thin V6 four-valve modules which are configured at an angle of 72 degrees with a joint crankshaft with seven main bearings to make up a V-V arrangement, i.e. a “W”. The cylinder angle is just 15 degrees within the two V6 banks. This makes the construction, which is very compact in comparison to V12 engines, possible. All the other construction details of the W12 engine are also an indication of top-level design. The variable intake and exhaust valve timing has a decisive influence on power development: the inlet camshafts can be continually adjusted through 52 degrees and the corresponding value for the exhaust camshaft is 22 degrees.
It is no wonder, when considering this technology, that a high priority was given to the performance of all materials in the development phase of the W12 engine. Volkswagen only uses engine oils of the Shell Helix family for the W12 Coupé, for example. The enormous power of the engine is transferred to the rear axle via a sequential and thus very fast shifting six-speed gearbox located behind the engine. This layout is very favourable for a classic sports car layout. The contact to the road is made via specially developed 19″ magnesium wheels with 255/35 ZR front tyres and 275/40 ZR rear tyres.
The sophisticated front and rear axle with double wishbone suspension, numerous electronics modules, an ideal weight distribution of nearly 50:50 and an extended wheelbase of 2.63 metres ensure that the W12 Coupé is both fast and safe. The electronic stability program ESP and the traction control system TCS can be switched off for use in motor sport conditions. Ventilated Brembo brake discs with a diameter of 318 millimetres are fitted at both the front and rear. The electrically activated handbrake has been set up for an easy integration in standard production.
The long and flat body of the Coupé, with the restrained styling of the rear spoiler which automatically extends as of 120 km/h, transports the timeless elegance of Volkswagen design into the dynamic sector of the ultimate sports car. With a length of 4.55 metres and at more than 1.92 metres wide, the design study W12 Coupé has a very impressive appearance due to its dimensions alone. This is further underlined by the height of the two-seater vehicle - just 1.1 metres.
The design study drafted by Italdesign has been further refined in comparison to its two predecessors; newly designed headlights and rear lights echo even more strongly the characteristics of the future top class models from Volkswagen.
The sports car, finished in orange pearlescent, has two wing doors that open to the front and roof centre part made of special glass which extends from the windscreen through to the end of the engine compartment. The first glance of the W12 with its double V construction can be made through the transparent bonnet.
Leather, aluminium and carbon dominate the design of the new concept for the interior of the W12 Coupé. Seats, fittings and door trims have been finished, for example, with a black/grey suede and a colour coded smooth leather.
Furthermore, the red aluminium elements in the interior are eye-catchers. Volkswagen has used a new chemical process to achieve this tone and surface coating.
The layout of the instruments is classic. Two round main displays show the most important information such as speed and revs. The functions of the air conditioning system, the navigation system, the on-board computer and the car telephone are controlled via a colour display in the centre of the dash panel.
There is no doubt - all the details of the W12 Coupé are fully-functional and the concepts are close to production standards, as the second W12 Coupé being shown in Tokyo impressively demonstrates. It set many new international speed records on the high-speed course in Nardo, Italy during a long distance test.

Ferrari 559 GTB Fiorano

2008-06-18T11:57:00.001-07:00

The challenge put to the engineering team on the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was lofty: Surpass the performance of the legendary Ferrari F40 while simultaneously providing the refined, daily driver livability of the outgoing 575M Maranello. Getting a man to the moon might have been an easier task.
Somehow, Ferrari has been able to pull it off. As with the 575, the new 599 GTB Fiorano has a V12 engine positioned ahead of the passenger compartment. With styling penned by Pininfarina, the 599 resembles the 612 Scaglietti in front but then goes its own way with its rising haunches, flying-buttress roof pillars and assortment of air intakes and extractors. Underneath, the 599 shares the new architecture that Ferrari uses on the 612 Scaglietti, meaning light yet strong all-aluminum space frame construction. Extra effort went into weight optimization, with the 599's mass being centralized for better handling responsiveness.
Considering that there's 612 horsepower propelling a relatively svelte 3,722 pounds, the weight to power ratio of the 599 GTB stands at 6.1 pounds per hp. That's a stunning number that soundly bests that of street legal, but cramped and thinly disguised racecars such as the Lotus Exige. Ferrari claims a 3.7-second 0-62-mph (100 km/h) time and, without the need for a gaudy rear wing or blocky front airdam, a top speed in excess of 200 mph. A sophisticated suspension features magnetic dampers that firm up in milliseconds in response to aggressive cornering, yet soften up for relaxed interstate cruising, allowing the 599 GTB to serve up both thrills and comfort when needed.

BMW M3 GTR Street Version

2008-06-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive
Tires F-R: 225/40 R19 - 255/35 R19
Engine Displacement cu in (cc): 244 (3997)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 350(258) / 7250
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 270(365) / 5000
Type: V8
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 181 × 70 × 53
Weight lb (kg): 2976 (1350)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h): 155 (250)

Mercedes Mclaren

2008-06-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Mercedes won’t be taking any chances in the performance stakes with its new super-sports car following the disappointing results of its which rarely comes first in comparo reviews.
The new model is set to be slotted in between the SLR and SL, and could feature a 700hp version of the 6.2L AMG V8 engine according to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport. However, we think it’d probably be closer to 600hp so as to not step on the toes of the SLR flagship. The source also reports that it might carry the name ‘SLC’ and could also feature a biturbo V8 model as well.
The SLC will share much in common with the next-generation SL Roadster, including most of the interior but will get its own carbon-fiber roof.

Original: Mercedes-Benz will team up with its official DTM partner, HWA AG, to co-develop and build its new super-sports car as well as several other high-end performance models. The luxury brand is reportedly disappointed by the performance of its SLR McLaren when compared against its main rivals, and this is said to be a key reason why it sought a new partner to develop its latest sports car, reports Automotive News Europe.
In steps HWA. The motorsports company was formed by Hans-Werner Aufrecht in 1967, one of the founders of AMG, and is best known for its HWA Racing team, which competes in the German touring car series with the CLK-DTM.

The new model will be a built for the road and is likely to be powered by a higher performance version of the hand-built 6.2L V8 engine from AMG. To make it road-legal, the car will be officially sold under the Mercedes AMG label, but it will remain a genuine HWA race-developed product. Expect to see a concept version at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
HWA will also be investing €4.5 million to expand its manufacturing facilities, which will see its current plant extend from 1,200 to 3,600 square meters. HWA spokesman Hans Jürgen Matheis revealed to The Insider that the motorsports company always had the ambition to prove to Mercedes that it could build a better than McLaren, and now it finally gets its chance.
McLaren fans shouldn’t be completely disappointed. Substantial cash flows from its successful F1 team and the freeing up of resources from this latest announcement could eventually pave the way for the development of a successor to the original McLaren F1.

Islamabad Xotic Cars Exhibition

2008-06-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

Toyota subra i love the intake sound ov dis car..
luks hot in black

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Islamabad Xotic Cars Exhibition

2008-06-17T22:43:00.001-07:00

i was in islamabad these days i went there wid my uncle the red bmw z4 i took a test drive ... itz like a bullet dude believe me

New Mitsubishi Evo X

2008-06-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

THE REVOLUTIONARY EVOLUTION
New body, new engine, new transmission and new all-wheel drive system - this isn’t evolution, it’s revolution. But, while this new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X may look as though it’s been graced with a stylist’s wand, its mission to manipulate air remains single-minded - cool air in, hot air out, and always employed for maximum downforce. The new chassis is stronger, with 40% more torsional rigidity and 60% greater flexural rigidity. The track is wider, the centre of gravity lower and weight has been redistributed 3% rearwards - all resulting, impossible though it may seem, in an even more sure-footed stance. The ride is calmer (but never, ever soft), the steering less nervous and road noise reduced. This Evolution is still the stuff of legends. It remains an extreme, almost maniacal supercar-slayer, which dares you to attack every twist and turn. But this time there is more than a hint of sophistication. Whisper it… the Lancer Evolution is growing up.
"Mitsubishi really has raised the bar again… the Evo X is a significant leap forward" Auto Express
"Mitsubishi has retained the explosive performance while adding a new-found level of refinement" Evo magazine
"Sequels are rarely as good as the first instalment, but number 10 is a corker" Top Gear
Performance
As always the Lancer Evolution X keeps its best tricks hidden from sight. 290 bhp at 6500 rpm*, 300 lb.ft. at 3500 rpm*, all comprehensively turned into pace. Traction and grip are even more immense, the car’s various brains using differentials and brakes to subtly shuttle torque to the wheels with most grip, whilst a revised multilink rear suspension, still utilising Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers, combines with a new steering set-up and that stiffer chassis to make feedback even better than ever before.
FQ Power Upgrades by HKS
As with previous incarnations, the Lancer Evolution X is available with FQ power upgrades. The FQ-330 and FQ-360 power upgrades have been developed in conjunction with the world renowned HKS.
Control
Four doors, five seats, the same focused driving position and hugely winged Recaro seats. On the face of it the Lancer Evolution’s cabin is reassuringly familiar. But look more closely and, as everywhere else, the interior has received a huge injection of sophistication. Materials and build-quality are far superior, as is the specification: now the Evolution gets a Bluetooth handsfree phone system, privacy glass, automatic light and rain sensors and adaptive Xenon headlamps for optimum visibility, a category 5 tracker to go with the category 1 alarm, power windows and climate control air conditioning, an HDD satellite navigation system with music server and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system**. At last there’s an Evolution with as much interest in the cabin as there is under the skin. Well… almost.

Sports Cars in Islamabad

2008-06-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Kool Islo Riders having fun!

Xoticar Chat

2008-06-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

2008-06-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ferrari F430 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 4,308 cc 4.3 liters V 8 mid engine with 92 mm bore, 81 mm stroke, 11.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 95
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 17 and EPA city (mpg): 11
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- Main premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 360 kW , 490 HP SAE @ 8,500 rpm; 343 ft lb , 465 Nm @ 5,250 rpm

Nissan Skyline GTR

2008-06-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

the nissani skyline GTR is one of the mosttt fastest and the hottest car

this car is featured in 2 fast 2 furious movie and also in NFS series this car is in every scene

Jaguar XF Saloon

2008-06-17T09:41:00.001-07:00

2008 Pontiac G8

2008-06-17T09:35:00.001-07:00

2010 Acura NSX

2008-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

The new NSX, which has been delayed repeatedly, is expected to incorporate a front-mounted, 550 hp V10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura’s ‘Super Handling All-Wheel Drive’ (SH-AWD). A similar RWD/AWD system is also expected for the 2011 Acura RL.
Honda showed its Advanced Sports Car Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, a preview of the next-generation NSX, but failed to deliver a production version — as Honda said it would — at the 2007 Tokyo show.
According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the delay has been because designers couldn’t agree on the NSX’s styling. “All of the designers are working together on the NSX, but they can’t agree on the styling,” he said in January this year.
American Honda President and CEO Tetsuo Iwamura recently confirmed the NSX will be launched in the U.S. in 2010. Honda will also be launching the Acura brand in Japan and Europe around the same time, but the automaker says it will launch the NSX in the U.S. market first.

2008 BMW M3 Coupe

2008-06-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

First eight-cylinder for the BMW M3.
420 hp from 4.0 litres.
Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres (295 lb-ft) at 3, 900 rpm,85 per cent of maximum torque over a speed range of 6,500 rpm.
340 Newton-metres or 251 lb-ft available from just 2,000 rpm.
Maximum engine speed 8,300 rpm.
Consistent lightweight construction of engine and ancillary units,new V8 power unit one of the lightest eight-cylinders in the world,lighter than the straight-six power unit in the former model.
Variable camshaft control, low-pressure double-VANOS for anoptimum charge cycle, system offering full power and performance even with normal engine oil pressure.
Eight individual throttle butterflies for spontaneous engine response.
Consistent and reliable oil supply with longitudinal and lateral acceleration up to 1.4 g ensured by two oil pumps and wet sump oil lubrication.
Exhaust system optimizing cylinder charge, optimized for weight and function by means of internal high-pressure remoulding, exhaust emissions fulfil EU4 and LEV 2 standards.
Upgraded MSS60 engine control unit for optimum coordination of all engine functions with the various control systems in the car.
Ion flow technology recognising and distinguishing engine knocking phenomena as well as misfiring and miscombustion by measurement of ion flow in the combustion chambers.
Brake Energy Regeneration with intelligent alternator control

Audi R8 Quattro 2ds Coupe

2008-06-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Pros
Admirable balance of handling ability and ride comfort, high-tech suspension and transmission, roomy cockpit, upscale interior design and materials, easy-to-drive nature.
Cons
Can't match the straight-line pace of a Porsche 911 Turbo or Corvette Z06, lack of factory-supplied customizing features.
What's New for 2008
The 2008 Audi R8 debuts as the brand's first midengine exotic sports car. Highlights include aggressive styling, an aluminum body structure, a 420-horsepower V8 and all-wheel drive.
2008 Audi R8 Overview
Introduction
High horsepower and low quarter-mile times are great and all, but in an era when speed comes cheaper than ever, any manufacturer that expects to launch a successful six-figure sports car out of the blue had better bring something unique to the table. The midengine 2008 Audi R8 could be just the thing.
Certain design aspects of the R8 might bring to mind a Porsche, a Corvette or the late Acura NSX, but because the R8 carries a 4.2-liter V8 in its midsection, sends 420 hp to all four wheels, offers two transmissions and wraps it all in an aluminum space frame, this Audi clearly has its own attitude. The only car coming close to that description wears the name Lamborghini Gallardo -- no surprise, as that midengine exotic provided the basic blueprints for this one. Audi's $70-grand-lower price tag ensures the competition will be minimal, as does the R8's two fewer cylinders and 100 fewer horsepower.
Yet the R8 is undoubtedly fast. Sixty miles per hour comes up in 4.4 seconds, a quoted top speed of 187 mph arrives not much later, and tire grip approaches a full g -- all par for this potent class. Among the bigger differences: the R8 lets its driver exploit that speed through a six-speed manual or "R tronic" transmission (Audi's newest take on the clutchless manual); Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive allows hard driving with an extra degree of confidence; and perhaps above all, the R8 incorporates Audi's usual concessions to comfort rather than raw performance. Consider its advanced, ride-friendly electromagnetic shock absorbers, for instance.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

2008-06-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Performance & Efficiency

- Turbo compressor
- 1,998 cc 2.0 liters in-line 4 front engine with 86.0 mm bore, 86.0 mm stroke, 10.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 4B11T
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 14.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 12.1
- Power: 217 kW , 291 HP SAE @ 6,500 rpm; 300 ft lb , 407 Nm @ 4,400 rpm

Handling, Ride & Braking
- Four-wheel ABS
- Cornering brake control
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

Interior

- 12v power outlet: front and 2
- Air conditioning
- Roof antenna
- Peripheral anti-theft protection
- Front ashtray
- Audio system with AM/FM and CD player CD player reads MP3
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 11.6
- Clock
- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
- Full dashboard console, full floor console with covered storage box
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats and rear seats cup holders fixed
- Door ajar warning
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
- Floor mats
- Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Recaro driver and passenger seat
- Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Two height adjustable active head restraints on front seats, three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
- Headlight control with time delay switch-off
- Illuminated entry system
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 39.6, rear headroom (inches): 36.9, front hip room (inches): 53.3, rear hip room (inches): 54.1, front leg room (inches): 42.2, rear leg room (inches): 36.1, front shoulder room (inches): 54.7, rear shoulder room (inches): 54.3 and interior volume (cu ft): 94.8
- Knee airbags driver
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Remote power locks
- Power steering
- Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows
- Front reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Three asymmetrical bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
- Rear view mirror
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Remote fuel filler door release
- Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
- Front seat back storage
- Suede seat upholstery with additional leather
- Seating: five seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front side airbag
- Six speaker(s)
- Leather covered steering wheel with tilt adjustment
- Tachometer
- Driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system

BMW Gina New Concept Car

2008-06-17T04:58:00.001-07:00

BMW Presents BMW GINA SHAPE CHANGING CAR

Pimp your Ride

2008-05-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

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Super Car Specifications

2008-05-18T01:57:00.000-07:00

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Daily Videos

2008-05-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

CarDomain Videogreat free widgetsWidgetbox

2008-04-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

2008-03-26T22:44:00.001-07:00

2008-03-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

2008-03-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

Auto Insurance

2008-03-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

If you own your own car, you probably already know a little about car insurance. You may have heard the words deductible or premium. But, do you truly understand the different parts of an auto insurance policy and do you know how to choose the best coverage?
Forty-seven states require that you have at least some kind of car insurance, so it's a good idea to know what the law requires you to have and what additional or optional coverage will help to protect you in the event of an accident.
Before purchasing auto insurance, you must consider a variety of factors including what kind of car you have, your driving record and the amount of money you are willing to pay. Understanding the simple basics of auto insurance will make you confident that the car insurance policy you choose will take care of your needs in the event of an accident.
In this article, we will walk you through the types of coverage that insurance companies offer and discuss possible insurance needs. Additionally we will look at what affects the price of auto insurance, how to bring the costs down and how to understand the components of your policy.
Types of CoverageEveryone who drives needs car insurance. In fact, most states require it by law. When you buy car insurance, you are buying what is called a policy. Your policy is based on a variety of factors including what kind of car you drive as well as what kind of insurance you want. Auto insurance policies are actually a package of different types of insurance coverage.
The first step in understanding an auto insurance policy is to learn the various types of coverage insurance companies offer. Some of this coverage may be required by your state and some of the coverage may be optional.
Liability - This coverage pays for accidental bodily injury and property damages to others. Injury damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. Property damage includes damaged property and automobiles. This coverage also pays defense and court costs. State laws determine how much liability coverage you must purchase, but you can always get more coverage than your state requires.

Collision - This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive - This coverage pays for loss or damage to the insured vehicle that doesn't occur in an auto accident. The types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or theft.

Medical Coverage - Pays medical expenses regardless of fault when the expenses are caused by an auto accident.

PIP - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in some states. This coverage pays medical expenses for the insured driver, regardless of fault, for treatment due to an auto accident.

Uninsured Motorist - Pays your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by a driver who doesn't have liability insurance.

Underinsured Motorist - Pays your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by someone who has insufficient liability insurance.

Rental Reimbursement - This type of coverage will pay for a rental car if your car is damaged due to an auto accident. Often this coverage has a daily allowance for a rental car. Many insurance policies combine a number of these types of coverage. The first step in choosing the insurance you want for your car is to know the laws in your state. This will tell you the minimum insurance you need for your car. It's good to keep in mind that, just because your state may not require extensive insurance, extra coverage may be worth the expense. After all, no one wants to be stuck with thousands of dollars worth of bills because of an auto accident.
Now, let's take a look at how to determine your insurance needs.

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