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2009 Renault Laguna Coupe & Megane 5 doors spy shots

The production version of the Laguna Coupe and the Megane 5-doors versions were caught in Australia. Both models will make their world debut in October at the Paris Motor Show.

The Laguna Coupe will most probably be offered with 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol and diesel engines generating between 140 and 201 Hp along with a top-notch 3.5-liter V6 unit.

The new Megane lets go of the current version’s weirdly styled arse for a more subtle design. However -no thanks to the heavy camouflage, that’s about all we can comment on Renault’s VW Golf adversary.

Hybrid Apollo to compete at 24 Hours Nurnburgring

hybrid apollo to compete at 24 hours nurnburgring

Gumpert will compete at the 24 Hours Nurnburgring in May with a hybrid Apollo. The decision was made due to new Formula 1 regulations that says that every teams must use hybrid engines.

The Hybrid Aopollo will be powered by a combination of a 3.3 liter V8 engine and an 100 KW electric motor. The V8 engine has an output of 630 hp.

The car will compete with models like Porsche 911 GT3, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette.

DBS’ customers will have to wait for delivery

dbs 8217 customers will have to wait for delivery

Aston Martin announced that the customers who’ve put orders in for the DBS luxury coupe are going to have to wait about three months longer than Aston had originally intended, to take delivery of the super coupe. Shortages of some of the car’s one-off parts are the source of the hold- up, causing otherwise complete cars to remain unfinished.

Sources within Aston Martin say that the automaker is willing to make people wait, if it means getting the car right. The company isn’t willing to risk its reputation by using available parts that are slightly sub-standard.

New Bentley Arnage for 2010

new bentley arnage for 2010

Bentley is already working at the next generation Arnage that will be launched in 2010. A true Rolls-Royce beater, the 2010 Arnage will be priced at around £180,000 for the base version, and rise to in excess of £200,000 for the W16-engined Arnage T version.

The new Arnage will be even bigger than the model it’s set to replace. The increased length will ensure the new range-topper provides limousine levels of space inside. And for the first time ever, bosses are considering the possibility of using a diesel in the Arnage.

Also rumors say that the W16 engine from the Bugatti Veyron supercar is also under consideration for the big Bentley. It would be most suited to the range-topping Arnage T model, and have enough power to propel the four-door from 0-62mph in well under five seconds.

$5 millions Ferrari Testarossa for sale on eBay

5 millions ferrari testarossa for sale on ebay

The 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa was limited to only 20 units. One of this extra limited editions Ferrari is for sale on eBay at a price of $5 millions.

This well known Testa Rossa has undergone a complete restoration to the highest standards. It comes complete with racing photographic history going back to its winning race at Laguna Seca in 1957.

The 500 Testarossa is powered by a 2.0 liters 4 cylinders engine mated by a 4 Speed Manual Transmission.

Latest Baby Rolls Photos

latest baby rolls photos


It was caught on the streets of Munich, in camouflage that still clearly reveals the shape and features of the upcoming model. Codenamed the “RR4,” this is the upcoming Bentley competitor from Rolls-Royce, the latest salvo by BMW in the luxury market.

The expected price, when introduced, will be about $250,000 to $280,000, which positions it below the $345,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Rumor has it that the new RR4 will be based on the next generation BMW 7 Series platform and feature a twin-turbo V8 derived from the one planned for the future BMW X6.

In profile, the RR4 seems less brick-like that the Phantom, and bears a resemblance to the softer lines of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur against which it will be direct competition.

Bmw X5 M not coming, X5 Sport Edition to be launched

BMW X5 M Sport Package

Well...it’s true! According to Bimmerfile, a website for Bmw enthusiast, the X5 will not feature a M version and this for sure is not going to happen in the future. Although spy photos of the vehicle ,which was believed to be the M version of the Bmw X5, were taken on the Nurburgring race track it looks llike that was only the sport edition of the SUV featuring the 4.8 V8 engine.

Using the same power plant as the Bmw X6, the engine of the sport edition will develop 407hp which while the top speed is going to be limited at 250 km/h. The technical specifications of the new sport edition were not yet revealed but, according to the rumors the new car will be able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro to be priced at 180,000 euro?

audi q7 v12 tdi quattro to be priced at 180 000 euro

The first orders for the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro has already been placed, despite the fact that the car is not on sale yet. But the diesel SUV launched this year at the Geneva Motor Show comes with a very bad news: it will be priced around 180,000 euro (that’s around $283.000 - almost 5 times the price of the Audi Q7 4.2 Premium! - $58,600). Sales of the Q7 V12 TDI quattro will start by the end of the year.

The Q7 V12 TDI quattro is powered by the world’s first V12 diesel engine that generates 500 hp of power and 1,000 Nm (757.56 lb-ft) of torque from six liters of displacement. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds while the top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (but on the speedometer, the range extends up to 310 km/h).

Nissan Qasqhai+2 to debut next week

nissan qasqhai 2 to debut next week

Nissan will unveil a new version of it Qasqhai crossover on Monday. Named "Qasqhai+2", the new crossover will feature an additional third row of seats that are designed for children or small adults up to about 1.6m or 5.2 ft tall.

Compared to the standard Qashqai, the new version will feature a wheelbase extended by 135 mm or 5.3 in. taking it to 2,765 mm or 108.9 in. Overall, the Qashqai+2’s length has risen to 4,526 mm or 178.2 in., an increase of 211 mm or 8.3 in. over the five-seat version. Subsequently, the Qashqai+2 will also offer more luggage space compared to its 5-seater sibling, and in particular, almost 500 litres - an increase of 90 litres over the Qashqai.

Stay tuned! More details on Monday!

2007 Nissan Qashqai Picture Gallery
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2008 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia

porsche cayenne s transsyberia


Porche unveiled today the 2008 Cayenne S Transsyberia, an improved model that will be offered to customer teams around the world as a conversion kit.

In the modifications to the Cayenne S Transsyberia, primary importance was given to further improving the offroad capabilities and optimising the suspension set-up. The 2008-spec of the successful long distance racer features a stronger and newly-formed sump-guard. The front and rear panels were modified to allow a larger angle of driving slope. An all-terrain offroad tyre from BFGoodrich in the 265/65 R18 R dimension increases the ground clearance by 30 millimetres. Compared to last year, the higher and stronger side walls offer better protection against tyre damage.

The air suspension was retuned based on the experiences of the 2007 Transsyberia Rally. The standard shock absorbers were replaced with special rally shocks. Particularly on the fast, bumpy sections, the vehicle’s handling is substantially smoother than the 2007 version. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which features two active anti-roll bars to almost completely eliminate body sway in bends, was adapted to withstand the special demands of a marathon rally.

The Cayenne S Transsyberia is powered by a 4.8-litre normally-aspirated engine with direct fuel injection that delivers 385 hp. It makes the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 105 mph.

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will again contest the Transsyberia Rally this year. Already at its debut in 2007, the Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia proved its speed and excellent offroad qualities on the way from Moscow to the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Three Cayenne S Transsyberia finished in the top three positions. For this year’s edition of the Transsyberia Rally from 11th to 25th July, Porsche optimised the small series in several areas. The modified components are offered to customer teams around the world as a conversion kit.


In the modifications to the Cayenne S Transsyberia, primary importance was given to further improving the offroad capabilities and optimising the suspension set-up. The 2008-spec of the successful long distance racer features a stronger and newly-formed sump-guard. The front and rear panels were modified to allow a larger angle of driving slope. An all-terrain offroad tyre from BFGoodrich in the 265/65 R18 R dimension increases the ground clearance by 30 millimetres. Compared to last year, the higher and stronger side walls offer better protection against tyre damage. The air suspension was retuned based on the experiences of the 2007 Transsyberia Rally. The standard shock absorbers were replaced with special rally shocks. Particularly on the fast, bumpy sections, the vehicle’s handling is substantially smoother than the 2007 version. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which features two active anti-roll bars to almost completely eliminate body sway in bends, was adapted to withstand the special demands of a marathon rally.

The Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia is equipped with a massive safety cage, with two bucket seats and six-point harnesses for driver and co-driver. The standard 4.8-litre normally-aspirated engine with direct fuel injection delivers 385 hp (283 kW). The weight-reduced sports exhaust system gives the Cayenne S Transsyberia a particularly powerful sound. For optimal acceleration, the six-speed automatic gearbox of the Cayenne S was combined with shorter final drive ratio of the Cayenne GTS. The transmission management was taken from the standard model and optimised for all-terrain purposes.

Like all other models in the Cayenne range, the Cayenne S Transsyberia features the permanent all-wheel-drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which feeds 62 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and 38 percent to the front. The multiple-plate clutch, operated by an electric motor and controlled electronically, varies the distribution of power as a function of driving conditions, if necessary feeding as much as 100 percent of the engine’s power completely to the front or rear. The map-controlled longitudinal lock and the differential lock on the rear axle respond not only to lack of traction on the front or rear wheels, but also benefit from sensors measuring the speed of the vehicle, its lateral acceleration, the steering angle and the position of the accelerator pedal. In this way, PTM is able to consistently calculate the degree of lock required on the two axles and distribute the power required to the axles. The PTM software underwent optimisation compared to its 2007 predecessor. A fitted transverse lock further enhances the offroad capabilities of the Cayenne S Transsyberia and is also available in the standard model as part of the optional Offroad Technology Package.

All Cayenne S Transsyberia are fitted, as standard equipment, with a navigation system that also enables teams to plan their route offroad and is controlled by the co-driver. Additionally, the glove compartment is replaced with a Tripmaster computer enabling the co-pilot to exactly scrutinize the route between navigation points. All of the control units are positioned within the water-tight interior, and all electric lines and wires have been installed in new positions. To prevent water from entering the car, the body and doors have been sealed up to the height of the side windows. The maximum depth when crossing rivers and streams is approximately 78 centimetres or almost 31”.

The air intake for the engine is positioned above the hood. With a snorkel the air intake can be moved to roof height, ensuring that the front wave generated when crossing water is not able to enter the intake manifold. The regular foot-operated parking brake is replaced by a handbrake enabling the driver to intentionally oversteer the vehicle in a tight bend. Four additional headlights are mounted on the roof. For particularly difficult terrain and to assist in salvaging other vehicles, the Cayenne S Transsyberia comes with a winch easy to fit when needed and stored in the luggage compartment.

As standard equipment, the vehicle includes two fire extinguishers, two sandbags, two full-size spare wheels, and two transport boxes for tools. Also included are two two-man tents, two heat-insulated blankets, four lashing belts, a nine-metre long salvage belt complete with tackle, a folding spade, a folding saw, an axe, a manually operated and adjustable headlamp, four towing bar openings and a Hazet toolkit.

Technical Description Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia 2008

Bodyshell:
Monocoque, lightweight all-steel bodyshell hot galvanised on both sides; safety cage bolted
into position; full¬-size airbag for the driver; two bucket race seats; six-point harness.

Power Unit:
Eight-cylinder power unit in V-arrangement with aluminium crankcase and aluminium cylinder
head; direct gasoline injection (DFI); integrated dry sump lubrication; four overhead
camshafts; four valves per cylinder; valve timing variable on the intake side and valve lift
adjustment (VarioCam Plus); oscillating tube turbocharger; two-chamber sports exhaust
system with a three-way catalytic converter (pre and main catalyst) on each side; engine
management SDI 4.1; electronic ignition with eight active individual spark ignition modules;
E-gas.

Bore:
96 mm (3.78”)
Stroke:
83 mm (3.27”)
Capacity:
4,806 cc
Compression ratio:
12.5:1
Engine Output:
283 kW (385 bhp) at 6200 rpm
Max. Torque:
500 Nm (369 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm
Output per litre:
58.9 kW (80.1 bhp)
Max Engine Speed:
6700 rpm

Fuel Grade:
Premium Plus (RON/MON 98/88) unleaded. Engine able to run on fuel with 91 octane and
more, with a certain amount of loss on output and torque. Addition of up to 25% ethanol
possible.

Electrical System:
12 V, three-phase 2660 W alternator, battery capacity 95 Ah

Power Transmission:
Engine and gearbox bolted together to form one drive unit; power conveyed permanently to
all four wheels by means of a power divider (integrated low-range gear); basic power
distribution (rear axle: 62 per cent; front axle: 38 per cent) variable by means of multiple-plate
clutch; Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with longitudinal and lateral dynamic control
through automatic intervention in engine management and brake system. Electronically
controlled rear axle differential lock.

Gear ratios/ Tiptronic S
1st gear: 4.15
2nd gear: 2.37
3rd gear: 1.56
4th gear: 1.16
5th gear: 0.86
6th gear: 0.69
Reverse: 3.39
Low-range gear: 2.70
Final drive: 4.11

Chassis and Suspension:
Front: double track arm with subframe (spheroidal-cast track arm at the bottom; aluminium track
arm at the top); independent suspension with reinforced tie-bar;
Rear:
Multi-arm axle with subframe (steel plate track arm at the bottom, aluminium track arm at the top);
independent suspension. Full-load air spring struts on both axles with integrated dampers;
special rally shock absorbers. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC): Active anti-roll bars
front and rear.

Brakes:
Two-circuit brake system; six-piston aluminium monobloc callipers at the front and four
piston monobloc brake callipers at the rear; inner-vented brake discs front and rear; ABS;
vacuum brake servo.

Wheels and Tyres:
8 J x 18 with 265/65 R 18 R (BFGoodrich)

Dimensions:
Length 4798 mm
Width 1928 mm
Height 1783 mm
Wheelbase 2855 mm
Tank capacity 100 litres (22 lmp gals)

Performance:
Top speed: 170 kph (limited by tyres)
Acceleration:*
0 – 100 kph in sec.: 6.8
0 – 160 kph in sec.: 15.7
Standing-start km: 26.8

Fuel consumption:*
(EU standard) : 13.7 litres
CO2-emissions (EU standard):
Overall 329 g/km
Emission category Euro 4 / ULEV

Jaguar XE to debut in 2012

jaguar xe to debut in 2012


Is not the first time your hear about a production version of the Jaguar F-Type Concept. But now, thanks to AutoCar, we can reveal the name of the production version: XE, a two-seat, £40k sports car that is currently in the design and planning stages and will be developed for a 2012 launch.

The future sportscar, codenamed Project X700 will be built on either XF or the XK platform and will be a serious competition for the Porsche 911.

Hyundai Genesis not going to Europe

hyundai genesis not going to europe

The Genesis luxury sedan launched in January at the Detroit Auto Show is something the Europeans will not enjoy. The Korean carmaker says the failure of Toyota’s Lexus premium brand to sell cars in high numbers in Europe is one reason for the decision. "We looked at Lexus’ track record in Europe," said Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz.

Last year, Lexus sold 40,636 cars in Europe and Turkey, according to JATO Dynamics. Gadacz said EU plans for tougher CO2 emission limits were another factor. Large, powerful cars such as the Genesis, which is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, have high CO2 emissions.

The rear-wheel-drive Genesis will go on sale in the US, Korean and China starting in the summer. The Lexus GS and Infiniti M will be its primary competitors. Hyundai’s head of research, Lee Hyun Soon, said the carmaker will concentrate on selling mini-, small and lower-medium cars in Europe.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Picture Gallery
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Barnum was Right: Pair of Mustangs Go for 300K at Barrett-Jackson




barnum was right pair of mustangs go for 300k at barrett-jackson

It was P. T. Barnu who built a fortune on the proposition that “[t]here’s a sucker born every minute.

A man whose mother apparently gave birth as the minute hand reached twelve paid $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach for a pair of “KITTt” Mustangs.

KITT, in case you’ve missed it, is the car that was the soul of the television show “Knight Rider,” long ago. The real KITT was a Pontiac. Though they’ve been offered on eBay, the real KITT cars have, so far, gone unsold at their asking prices, which have been less than was paid for the imitations.

(more after the jump)


But, the movie industry lacks for original ideas. So, the scions of imagination are bringing back the TV show as a film. This time Ford got the nod for the car job. (Apparently, they heard in Dearborn that GM had gotten the deal for “Transformers,” and thereby had secured its future in the marketplace.)

Now, it may have escaped you, but Ford has been doing a lot of special edition Mustangs. Roush may have reached the outer limits with the P-51 Mustang commemorative edition, but Roush has also been responsible for one done in Gulf racing colors and he’s probably going to do one in pink. Ford, at least, managed to avoid competing with Mary Kay when it did the breast cancer Mustang. That one was black, with a pink stripe South of the skeg line.

The demise of a car is generally preceded by myriad special editions. When it ain’t selling, putting a tape and trim package on it, a few more dollars on the sticker and then discounting the dickens out of it to the dealer is the solution.

And that’s exactly what Ford’s doing with the Mustang.

But, $300 grand for two clones of a car that’s really nothing more than an overdone Roush Mustang with a rear wing from a WWI Spad?

Barnum was right.

But wait – they sold because Jack Roush also sold his hat as part of the deal.

Hummer to feature biofuel capability by the end of 2010

GM announced that by the end of 2010 all the Hummer vehicles will feature biofuel capability. Recently a dealership called Classic Chevrolet / Hummer opened public biofuel pumps and GM revealed a 2009 H2 SUT, which was E85 capable, described by the public who first saw it, as a derivate of the HX concept.

The biofuel station called Classic Clean Fuels, located in Dallas, Texas, offers biofuel at nine dedicated pumps which cost over $500,000. The dealership announced that it will deliver E85 capable vehicles with an extra tank of E85 . “We sell a lot of trucks capable of running on alternative fuels like E85, and even though there has been some increased availability, we saw a need for more E85 pumps where drivers could fill up” said Charles Martin, general manager at Classic Chevrolet / Hummer.

Honda Civic Type R - UK’s mosr popular hatchback

honda civic type r - uk 8217 s mosr popular hatchback

Honda’s latest, more refined Civic Type R is the biggest-selling 3-door hot hatch in the UK. From its launch in March ‘07 to the end of February, a total of 5,192 customers got hold of the keys to a Type R, making it Britain’s most popular performance hatchback.Over the same period, Ford sold 4,778 of the 3dr Focus ST (all variants), while the 3dr Golf GTI (incl. Edition 30) recorded a total of 1,984 sales.

And that’s not all. Here are some more Type R facts from the past 12 months:

  • In response to previous Type R customers’ pleas for a more refined, high specification cabin, Honda introduced the GT grade - and a huge 90 per cent of customers opt for this more comfortable, better-equipped Civic
  • Customer demand for higher-specced, more comfortable Type Rs is displayed by the sale of just one of the stripped-down, lightweight models(with no parcel shelf, stereo equipment or audio speakers)
  • The current residual value for the Civic Type R GT is an amazing 52 per cent (3 years / 60,000 miles) - this compares favourably with both the Focus ST (44 per cent) and Golf GTI (47 per cent), according to CAP data
  • 58 per cent of 3-door Civic sales are to conquest customers
  • During 2007, the Civic Type R won Top Gear magazine’s Hot Hatch of the Year and scooped the same award in Auto Express’ New Car Honours

Senifeld’s Porsche 911 Turbo S up for sale

As you all know Seinfeld, the famous comedian is also a Porsche lover and a collector of these sport cars. Recently his 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S was put on sale by TruSpeed Motorcars dealership.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is part of a limited series of 345 units and the comedian’s car seems to be first car which came out the factory. The vehicle features full leather interior, sport seats, heated seats, carbon fiber dasboard/ door panels/ shifter/brake, leather steering wheel, yellow seats belts, factory cell phone, self dimming mirrors, air freight from Porsche AG, turqoise blues colour and a 424 hp engine. All these options come at a price of $225,000. Quite a price if we consider that a „normal” ’97 Turbo S is sold at $82,000.

Volkswagen Tiguan by Cobra

volkswagen tiguan by cobra

Staying ahead through innovation is the prime objective of Cobra Technology & Lifestyle. The accessories specialists have developed a palette of exclusive customization components for the various versions of the new VW Tiguan, components that are miles apart from the rest. All are backed by a two-year warranty with unlimited kilometers.

A pioneer in the development of energy-absorbing front protection bars, Cobra Technology & Lifestyle have also developed custom-tailored components for the off-road version ‘Track & Field’ as well as for the on-road models ‘Trend & Fun’ and ‘Sport & Style.’ The stainless-steel front protection bars have a tube diameter of 60 millimeters and stylishly follow the front contours of the respective models.

During crash testing required for homologation the components remained well below the permissible limits of EG guideline 2005/66/EG regulating pedestrian protection. The elastically mounted Cobra Technology & Lifestyle front protection bars come with an EG operating certificate, eliminating the need for individual technical inspections. The components are prepared for the installation of auxiliary high beams, available in a ready-to-install set.



For upgrading the front of the two on-road versions, Cobra Technology & Lifestyle offers additional striking accessories. The air dam of the front apron can be refined with a high-gloss stainless-steel mesh. As an alternative to the front protection bars the Cobra CITYGUARD® can be mounted to the underside of the front apron. It is manufactured from stainless steel with a tube diameter of 48 millimeters.

For the sides of all Tiguan models Cobra Technology & Lifestyle offers three accessory options: 80-millimeter stainless-steel rocker panel guards with integrated steps make entering and exiting the vehicle easier. Aluminum Cobra Technology & Lifestyle running boards are also available. More understated are dual 27-millimeter rocker panel guards that hug the Tiguan’s body tightly. Black rub strips protect the doors against damage from carelessly opened doors or unattended shopping carts. The self-adhesive strips come in a ready-to-install set.

The Cobra Technology & Lifestyle rear bumper is manufactured from stainless steel with a tube diameter of 48 millimeters. It is attached to the production rear apron. A striking chrome strip can adorn the liftgate.

Available shortly will be a Cobra Technology & Lifestyle stainless-steel sport rear muffler with one chrome-plated tailpipe on either side. It’ll give all Tiguan models a more sonorous exhaust note.

The palette of Cobra Technology & Lifestyle light-alloy wheels for the small SUV from Volkswagen ranges from 7.5Jx16 to 8Jx18. The largest version features sporty yet elegantly styled Cobra Grenada 8Jx18 five-spoke wheels with tires in size 255/45 R 18 front and back.

Ferrari to launch new entry level vehicle in October

ferrari to launch new entry level vehicle in october

Some of you already call it Dino, some of you call it F250 and some of you may not have a clue how the new Ferrari vehicle will be named but one thing is for sure: the prancing horse will be launching an entry level vehicle in October at the Paris Auto Show. Sources confirmed the existence of a V6 under the hood because this engine is currently the cheapest solution.

So far the Italian automaker did not reveal any clue about the new car, spy photographers didn’t make any picture and for the moment nobody knows how the baby Ferrari will look like, so TopSpeed designer had to work with its own imagination and create the rendering above. Let us know if you like it.

If you are already reaching your pocket to buy this new marvel, don’t expect it to come cheap. The new model will not compete against the Aston Martin V8 not the Maserati GranTurismo, so expect a price starting in the $150k (between the F430 and F599). As Ferrari said earlier, if you want to buy a cheap Ferrari, you will have to buy a used Ferrari.

Let’s see if this is the truth or just another marketing plot to keep sales of the F430 going until the new cheaper model arrives.


For those of you looking for more, a few months ago a young designer from New Zeeland presented his view of a Ferrari F250 Concept, a 2.5 liter V6 powered vehicle capable to run also on ethanol. His car might not resemble in any way the future production car original it can be considered a good source for imagination for the next 7 months until the Paris Motor Show.

Ford to Build New RWD Platform

General Motors apparently is struggling with ways to increase the fuel economy of its Zeta platform, the rwd basis for the upcoming Camaro and rumored new cars from Cadillac and Buick, and appears to regret having decided to proceed with that program. At the North American International Auto Show, GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz told TopSpeed.com that GM sees rwd as creating a 2 mpg penalty over front wheel drive.

But, the folks at Ford appear unfazed by the idea that rwd has no future. According to the Detroit News, they’re proceeding with plans to develop a new rear wheel drive platform, one that will be the basis for the next generation Mustang and for new sedan models for both Ford and Lincoln.

Estimated time to the showrooms is four years, and the same platform will underlie the next generation Falcon in Australia.


GM’s Holden subsidiary in Australia played an important role in development of the Zeta platform, which was first introduced as the basis for the Holden Commodore, from which the Pontiac G8 is produced. Ford’s Australian subsidiary is also, apparently, instrumental in development of the new rwd platform for that company, with enough progress already made that the projected new Mustang, Ford, and Lincoln models already have been assigned product codes by the Dearborn comp

Diesel Porsche Cayenne caught tanking-up at Sweden

diesel porsche cayenne caught tanking-up at sweden

Spies at Auto Express have caught the Porsche Cayenne Diesel filling up at a fuel station in Sweden. The black car was undergoing cold weather testing and caught the spies attention when the testers parked to fill up diesel. The diesel clatter later cleared their doubts and disbeliefs.

The Oil-burning version of the popular SUV has been in the company’s pipeline for sometime now. Sweden is a preferred place for cold weather testing. A host of cars like the Mercedes B-Class, Chevrolet Camaro, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche’s own Cayman have been spotted testing in Sweden in the past two months alone.

Engines for this SUV will be borrowed from its cousin Touareg’s 3.0-litre V6 TDI and the V12 diesel engine, which will also find its place on the Q7 later this year.

Toyota to miss its global sales goal for this year

In a recent interview, Toyota’s Vice President Tokuichi Uranishi announced that due to the fluctuation of the currency and the surge in materials the company might miss its global sales goal for this year.

Toyota is currently the second-largest car manufacturer in the world and according to Mr. Tokuichi Uranishi the company is aiming to sell 9.85 million vehicles this year. The Vice President admitted that if the dollar continues to drop it will be tougher for Toyota to meet its goal.


To make yourself an ideea about how the economy affects the company, Uranishi gave an example which explaines everything: 1 yen gained in the Japanese currency against the dollar cuts Toyota’s profits by $353 million. If we look at the statistics we can see that the yen gained almost 13% against the dollar since January and it is clear that the dollar will loose some more percents by the end of this year. A conclusion would be that the car manufacturer will definetely not meet its sales goal but certainly we must wait for the end of the year to see this.

Crash Tested Ford Taurus to be presented in NY

crash tested ford taurus to be presented in ny

Most cars at auto shows are highly polished and gleaming, except one – a Ford Taurus that crashed into a 1 million pound wall at 35 mph en route to the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Deliberately.

Ford wants New York International Auto Show visitors to see how the Taurus – rated ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – fared in the 35 mph crash test. Positioned in the same place occupied by the seated crash-test dummy, showgoers view video of the actual crash test.

“We want people to see what happens in the blink of an eye,” said Stephen Kozak, North American safety chief engineer for Ford Motor Company. “We want to open people’s eyes that not all cars are created equal when it comes to safety. There is a difference and we want to show why Taurus is the safest rated large sedan sold in America.”



A car crash can literally happen in the blink of an eye – 100 milliseconds, or about a tenth of a second, from start to finish. In that brief span of time, safety belt pretensioners tighten the belt, frontal air bags are inflated to the appropriate level, and the forces of the crash are being deflected by the structure of the vehicle designed specifically to help protect occupants inside.

The crashed Taurus test car is expected to be a popular display at the show – and not just because it looks so different from all the other vehicles. More than 50 percent of car buyers call safety a major purchase consideration.

The crash test was conducted at Ford’s testing facilities in Dearborn, Mich., prior to the show. The company conducts hundreds of crash tests and thousands more simulated computer tests on a yearly basis for its vehicles.

“A crash can happen to the best of us, and it may happen before you have time to react,” Kozak said. “So we believe the best way to react is to buy the car equipped to help protect you when the unexpected happens.”

Taurus models equipped with optional AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control have earned the highest available rating of five-stars for rollover resistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Taurus earned five-star ratings from NHTSA for both driver and front passenger in a frontal crash test and five stars for both the driver and rear-seat passenger in a side impact crash test.

The IIHS also gives Taurus top marks – “Good” ratings – for frontal, side and rear impacts.

Mercedes SL-Class Black Series to debut in July

mercedes sl-class black series to debut in july

Mercedes will add a new model to the Black Series line-up in July. The upcoming SL65 AMG Black Series is based on the SL65 AMG and will follow the route taken by the SLK55 AMG and CLK63 Black Series models.

The SL65 AMG Black Series will be powered by a reworked version of the SL65 AMG’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine, tuned to deliver in the vicinity of 680 hp.

"We could have easily got 720 hp without any significant modifications. In the end, though, we decided to dial it back," said an insider privy to the new car’s development. "There will be a slight increase in power, but really it’s all about creating optimal conditions for the introduction of direct injection," a source said.

Mercedes-Benz for dummies

Technology- thats the one word answer you can expect from an engineer in Mercedes Benz if asked about the cars his company makes. And the same answer is what keeps them ahead of the rest. They make these epic cars and when nobody is complaining, they make better ones. They were the first ones to develop, test and implement stability control, traction control, brake assist, seat belt tensioners, airbags, ABS etc. Every time a new car is unveiled in one of those auto shows, it sports a handful of fascinating and unseen technology. Jeremy Clarkson commented after driving the Mercedes-Benz S Class’s that "It’s more than just a car, its a glimpse into the future, its a showcase of everything that can be done and everything that everyone else will be doing very soon". A brief examination of the popular models reveal how different and colorful they are.

Peeping under the hood of any Merc, you would find the power plant with the three pointed star embossed on its top. It somehow makes you feel like the Sultan of Brunei every time it’s working for you on the road. The engine on any of the these cars is powerful enough to keep that smile running wide and the adrenaline secreted without much thought or trouble. Engineers at Mercedes believe in keeping all the people happy all the time. They have got Brabus, Kleemann, AMG etc to do the ’beef up’ job for the "more-power-i-want" category of customers. These tuning companies might have names that give an impression that they are real hi-fi, and perform labyrinthine natured jobs. But they are so real to the way they sound as they somehow bring out World record breaking cars once every fortnight?. For example, Brabus currently holds the world record for producing the world’s fastest street legal sedan (BRABUS rocket) and the world’s fastest street legal roadster (BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo Roadster). If you already have this aging E class and gotten bored of its engine and other dynamics, these tuners can perform the sort of magic that’ll put new wine in the old bottle. They can also add visual effects to the power packed action thriller like a new set of alloys or a new strikingly styled front fascia.

The Mercedes Benz A Class is a class apart from the other cars in its league. Often referred to as the ’baby Benz,’ this front wheel driven hatchback is the smallest in the Benz line up. More than a million units have been sold since its production commenced in 1997. In case of a violent frontal collision, the engine and the transmission would slide under the floor rather than entering the cabin. That’s not it. Awesome handling is achieved by precision tracking and by a Parabolic Rear Axle. A "Selective Damping System", in which the shock absorber forces respond differently according to conditions, is standard. For example, under normal conditions it operates at soft absorption; while cornering at speed it changes to full damping force. The most powerful A Class can go from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, and has a top whack of 227 km/h. Cool uh?

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Masked in unapproachable elegance, the Mercedes Benz C Class sporting the ever eminent Stuttgart Star would undoubtedly make infinite individuals take notice. The new C Class looks like it came right out of Giorgio Armani’s fashion boutique. This luxury compact car produced by Mercedes was introduced in 1993 as a replacement for an earlier model. Be it the multivalve turbocharged diesel (CDI) or the supercharged petrol engine (KOMPRESSOR), the C Class has staggering amounts of power and mind boggling technological lineaments like traction control and antiskid system to help keep it under control. The new C Class which was unveiled earlier last year was tested in all terrains including the Arctic Circle and the Sahara desert, clocking twenty four thousand test miles before production began. Versions of the car are available with a choice of rear and all-wheel drive. Its also one of the most safest car to travel in as it achieved success by scoring the maximum five stars in the EuroNCAP crash tests. The most powerful C Class is the 5.5 L naturally aspirated V8, which churns out 362 hp and an intense 510 Nm torque.

’Einspritzung’ in German means fuel injection. The ’E’ in the ’Mercedes Benz E Class’ means exactly that and comfort along with refinement couldn’t blend in a better form. While the E-Class’ ancestry stretches back to the 19th century and the beginning of Mercedes, the lineage becomes more distinct after World War II when the prewar 170 sedan reentered production. From there they haven’t turned back. With some 200,000 vehicles sold annually, the current Mercedes-Benz E-Class series is the most successful sedan in the upper mid-range segment. The latest E class is different in 2000 ways when compared to the previous one. At least that’s what Mercedes claim. The midsize luxury sport sedan ranges from fuel-efficient diesels to ultra-high-performance AMG models offering a choice of a saloon and an estate. The Bluetec technology from Mercedes, which reduces emissions, was first successfully implemented in the E Class. The car has won more than 70 awards in all categories over the past seven years. Ahead of the rest and truly ahead of time, the E Class is yet another feather to the Mercedes hat.

Supercar territory..and look who is here!. The Mclaren Mercedes SLR takes the laws of physics and wipes its shoes with it. Developed with help from their Formula 1 partner Mclaren Automotive, the SLR is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world. The SLR McLaren sports a 232-kilogram, hand-built 5.4-litre, supercharged, all-aluminum, V8 front-mid mounted engine that can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and has a top whack of 334 km/h. Talk about stopping power- the SLR has a spoiler mounted on the rear, which pops up when braking from high speeds, helping the car to stop quicker. The SLR is one of the safest and most luxurious supercars ever built, deviating from the common supercar practice of eliminating luxuries for the sake of weight reduction. Inspite of the extra weight, the car handles like its on rails and the captivating style and design would surely blow one off balance.

It can see in the night, prevent accidents, and can leave most sports cars in the dust. All this when it measures almost the size of a big-sized cinema hall!?. The largest and most spacious luxury vehicle in the company’s lineup, say hello to the Mercedes S class. The ’Special’ class is a product of advanced technology and sophisticated engineering. The car can literally accelerate, cruise at a preset speed and brake by itself. It can even close its doors automatically!. Mercedes have used exotic materials for the structure and insulation of its car. The S bears a computer-controlled active suspension system and an advanced V12 engine, which runs only 6 of its 12 cylinders when cruising at light throttle.

Recent generations of the S-Class have been the recipient of various automotive awards, reflecting the vehicle’s status as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury flagships. Unsurprisingly, it has captured the top end of this market segment in every region of the world. The 2008 S class will be replacing the older version which has sold 485,000 units world wide since its production began ten years back. One diesel and three petrol engine options are on the list, all of which make this car the king of ultra luxury sedans.

Summing it all up, Mercedes-Benz make cars that could go on for decades pounding over dirt roads or ruptured pavements, or forming a line drawn by rival militias lobbing grenades at each other. They have added to the "Made in Germany" pride and glory and without doubt, the cars they make are truly world class

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