Land Rover LRX: Round Two in British Ugliness Sweepstakes

Land Rover LRX: Round Two in British Ugliness Sweepstakes

tgriffith just showed us a photo of the Audi R8, and no one could deny that’s a gorgeous car, even if the Germans don’t win many design awards. But when it comes to SUVs, our British friends just don’t seem to get it. We just saw them produce a beastly monstrosity in the new Aston Martin Lagonda. Now here they come again with the new Range Rover LRX. Click on photo to get the full impact.
As I said about the Kia Soul Sport, this thing looks like someone stepped on it. What’s the deal about squashed-down rear quarters? Is that a new styling trend, or are they trying to sell us rear-view cameras because the vision’s so bad? Jalopnik says it may come in as a five-door and “carry a taller roof line.” One would hope so.
And all those front-end styling tricks, sculpted panels and flow lines. What happened to simple, form-and-function cars? Land Rover’s design director Gerry McGovern says, “This vehicle has its own unique personality. It’s very dramatic and its very youthful.”
This is really tiresome fluff, Gerry, especially when I read the votes of confidence some folks have expressed in your company via comments on that Jalopnik post:

As a previous owner of a Land Rover, what I appreciate most about them is that you often sell them with relatively low mileage for the year. This is often due to the fact that they spend more time on a lift, than on the road, but all in all it is still a benefit.

and

As a Range Rover owner and Land Rover enthusiast I can say I expect nothing from this concept. I saw the Stormer with all it’s amazingness, and it became that anesthesia on wheels that is the RR Sport.

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Honda Not Giving Us Fits, but CR-Z Hybrids Instead

Honda Not Giving Us Fits, but CR-Z Hybrids Instead

Since it has gotten such lousy reviews on the new Insight, Honda apparently hopes the new CR-Z Hybrid will do better, even as it uses basically the same powertrain. The difference is that this car, like the beloved CRX before it, will appeal to the sporty set. Judging by the many positive comments on the Autoweek story, a lot of them will be tempted. Sign up for email info from Honda here.
The CR-Z Hybrid will go on sale in Japan in February 2010 and should be in the U.S. by the middle of next year. Honda seems ready to commit to an across-the-board hybrid lineup, as Toyota has. Whether that will work in this country is anybody’s guess. The Insight was the top-selling car in Japan this year (until the new Prius took over the crown), and Honda has new, better, two-engine powertrains under development for its larger models.
Let us not forget, however, that Japan has government incentives to go hybrid, as well as higher gas prices. Hybrids are going to be niche vehicles here unless either or both of those conditions change.
Honda also announced that the Fit Hybrid will become available in Japan before the end of the year; there are no plans to bring it here. This news may not send thrills and chills up your spines, CR-Z fans, though the Fit will cost lots less and may well sell better. But, my God, it’s ugly.

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Volvo C30

Volvo C30

Volvo’s new agreement can be gentle-looking coupe won a place on the list on the basis of the external style. May be on the winning design of the interior. It could be on the basis of its fun factor drive to win, especially with its standard engine cylinder turbocharged 5. Can be won on the practicality – C30 has plenty of room for four, with the seats folded and he makes a great mini-van to run. Or it can be won only on price – 23.5k-dollar deal for a European luxury marque, undercutting A3 by more than 3 grand. It all together, and you have a fantastic car that is also an excellent value – and a shoo cars for About.com in 2008 for the best new

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Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru Impreza WRX

There has been much debate about whether some new WRX is better or worse than the old WRX. I do not care about that, for all this than some of the competition, brand new WRX is impressive. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine believe that power makes quick, and its all-wheel – drive system makes it stick to the earth like Spiderman. Behind the wheel, WRX every driver makes a hero. Perhaps a bit dull style of the Interior and also very low growth, but I’m all about the driving experience – and some cars, especially those on the price of this thing, invigorating drive as the WRX are.

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Smart Fortwo

Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo is the first mass market to go on sale microcar in the U.S., and for making that he can single-handedly in one place on the list. But the fact is that the Smart Fortwo is really a great car to live with – it’s got plenty of room for two more cargo space is a great, it’s good to find money for the campaign and great fun, leisurely With the speed of your set by the miniscule 3 cylinder engine. If you live in a crowded urban area, Smart Fortwo is quite impressive – it has a circle the size of a hand out and it will be half the size of parking spaces fit. And in addition to all that – it is just so attractive darn!

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Scion xB

Scion xB

For 2008, expansion of the family scion xB has a reasonable size car, it is plenty for adults with a family of five rooms. A new, larger engine old xB muscles addesses the lack of steep hills. So far, and the xB has lost none of his original attraction – it also claims to stand outside the styling and a large, boxy cargo bay that can swallow all kinds of strange, like the size and heavy freight traffic. The new xB mail and cargo space of a small SUV, fuel economy and road manners of a mid-size car, and the peace of mind that comes with the purchase of a vehicle executed by Toyota. All in all, this is a good option boring sedans and fuel guzzling SUVs.

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Nissan Altima Coupe

Nissan Altima Coupe

I think I am just a sucker for a good-looking back end, the same as the main reason for this is on the list of Altima – from the perspective of a styling, is a full coup. (And the award for the worst pun of 2008 goes to … me!) But the attraction of the Altima went beyond his good: it shares its underpinnings with the Altima sedan, my favorite mid-size family car. It is not the most practical well before the drive out there, nor is it the best value (especially if you want any options, which are tied in the most expensive packages), but it is arguably the best view , Money to stay with the easy feat – and why I love it.

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Infiniti G37

Infiniti G37

If I have to choose a favorite on this list, G37 will tie with the Audi R8. This is good, fast, elegantly trimmed from the outside, and a joy to complete the campaign. Plus it is a heck of a deal: $ 35k you bought 330 horsepower, leather interior, automatic transmission and proper luxury brand cachet. I, I will go for $ 36k model with 6 speed manual transmission of the game, tighter suspension, bigger brakes and limited slip difference. Beautiful to behold, impressive drive, and a deal to buy, G37 is not only one of the best new cars, 2008 – This is the best cars on the market, period.

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Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

Lest you think that the Malibu is here as a token of our domestic car, I’m quite clear: Malibu earned his place on the 2008 best new cars entirely on the basis of their ability. Japanese and European competitors compared to his Malibu is quiet, comfortable, and the extraordinary trimmed. And some different – dorky taillights, it is also quite good – in search of the man in the picture is much better than. It still remains to be seen whether the U.S. will be the confidence of buyers in Malibu; making will continue as long as the quality of an unknown owners in the first few miles of the start racking. We know one thing: Feature for feature and dollar for dollar, which it takes to run Malibu with the Camry, Accord and Altima.

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Audi R8

Audi R8

By mid-mounted 420 hp engine, all-wheel-drive, and supermodel looks, the R8 may be regarded as a natural-born supercar. But this is not because it is on this list. The average Italian exoticar is a weekend warrior  that really does not start to strut things until you’re well past the speed limit. But the R8 is a car you can enjoy every day – is equally enjoyable in a run in the store, for a period up to Mulholland Highway. (Gotta love the German sense of practicality.) Concerned that the two positions will not be enough? There is no problem for the same price of an entry-level Lamborghini or Ferrari, you can get an Audi R8 and an Audi A6 wagon.

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Behind the Scenes: Electric car of the Future, Aptera 2e

Behind the Scenes: Electric car of the Future, Aptera 2e

[Doors akimbo: The not-so-traditional electric Aptera 2e]

I drive new cars all the time, but two weeks ago I extended a trip to San Diego to drive something very, very new. As in you-haven’t-seen-anything-like-this-on-the-road-before new. Called the Aptera 2e, it’s the first product from a San Diego startup and the idea is ingeniously simple: Make something so light, so aerodynamic, that whatever power source you plug into it, it will go really far. (Full review of the Aptera is here.)
This baby is all electric, and you plug it in with an everyday extension cord. Even the gas-powered version they’re working on has a projected gas mileage of 100 miles per gallon.
The Aptera truly looks radical: A slipstream design with three wheels that appears more like a spaceship than a conventional car, it was funny to watch other drivers stare as me and electrical engineer Sean Touhy as we sped around the streets near Vista, California. Like they’d just spied E.T. on his floating bicycle.
Sean, like me, has a leadfoot, and he pulled out one version of the Aptera that had a single racing-style seat and five-point harness, which the company uses to test suspension settings. They’ve got an impromptu road course set up in the production parking lot (I’ve got video, which I’ll post soon), and Sean proved how stable the three-wheeled vehicle really is, by apexing through a corner at good speed.

Tires screeched and he swung wide and near the far wall of the parking lot, but it was a good show of how stable the EV really is. They let me have a go at it, which I may have abused slightly, as I took about five passes around the lot, going a bit faster each time, and testing the slight understeer and surprisingly good ABS brakes.
There’s a lot of ingenuity throughout the design, from the funky gullwing style doors to the back LED tail lights, which, when turned on, light from left to right and indicate how full a charge the Aptera has.
Surprisingly I got as many negative comments from Bloomberg readers as I did positive: It’s radical enough to arouse skepticism in a lot of people (three wheels??), and it’s somewhat hard to fathom from pictures alone. In real life, however, I immediately gave a giddy laugh… there’s something so Sci-Fi about it that it rang those little-kid bells most of us still possess beneath adult-like exteriors. We still don’t have jetpacks or laser guns, but this three-wheel electric machine looks like something out of the future.

How well will it do? I don’t know. In California, where it will be sold first, the Aptera 2e will be classified as a motorcycle, due to its three wheels. (Interestingly, you won’t actually need a motorcycle license, though: As it’s fully enclosed, your regular auto license will do.) That will put a good number of people off, especially as the pricing will be at least from the mid-$20Ks to the $40s… (The difference is in the options, but I’d be surprised if the base isn’t actually in the mid-$30s when all is said and done.)

But it would be interesting if the Aptera had good sales. Making  lighter cars is a big step to better gas mileage (or range in this case), and lightness is always a hallmark of good performance.  And we should want to reward innovation like the Aptera’s… throwing out some of the old car ideas is a good step.
Besides, after my drives, I pressed the iPod-like configuration on the swinging door, and stepped out with a very sizable grin. Back to the future? Here’s hoping the Aptera does much, much better than the Delorean.

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The All-New Jaguar XF is Revealed in Toronto

The All-New Jaguar XF is Revealed in Toronto

Jaguar Canada unveiled the new XF at a special unveiling today at Toronto’s Liberty Grand. The new Jaguar XF is a bold new design for Jaguar and it’s a car that is relaxed confident, with outstanding ability and control.
True to the Jaguars philosophy of creating distinguished fast cars, the XF goes further. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior that is contemporary in style, yet uniquely Jaguar.
“This is the New Jaguar” said Gary Moyer president, Jaguar Canada, “The well-equipped 2009 XF sedan will go on sale March 1, 2008 at an MSRP under $60,000 with a standard V8 engine.”
XF pricing is very aggressive for this type of luxury and comes with a range of options despite the standard feature specifications and extensive use of advanced technologies.
“The 2009 XF showcases Jaguar’s leadership in automotive design, with stunning craftsmanship, quality and dynamic refinement, while offering exceptional standard equipment and exciting advanced technology,” adds Moyer. “This groundbreaking sedan is proof that Jaguar is moving boldly into the future with seductively-designed cars that are head-turning and of the highest quality.”
The introduction of the XF signals a dramatic new design and engineering direction for Jaguar. Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a modern luxury sedan.
The 2009 XF will be priced starting at $59,800 MSRP for the V8 Luxury model. The V8 Premium Luxury XF will have a base MSRP of $65,800. A Supercharged XF with its 420 horsepower engine will retail for $77,800 MSRP. All prices do not include a $1,195 destination and delivery charge. Tax, title, and registration fees not included.
NEW JAGUAR XF KEY POINTS -
- Three trim levels will be offered in the North American market - Luxury, Premium Luxury and the 420hp Supercharged model.
- The XF is a four door Jaguar that combines the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan.
- Class-leading torsional stiffness delivers refinement and dynamic performance - underpinning the driver-focused yet remarkably comfortable driving experience.
- The XF will be available at launch in the North America with two different engines - 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and 4.2-liter supercharged V8 - all featuring Jaguar’s proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles as standard in the XK sports car.
- With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful lines and a distinctive face, the XF is the first sedan to exemplify Jaguar’s new design language.
- Using only the finest materials, which are applied in a very contemporary way, the XF’s interior is crafted to create a truly warm and bespoke environment
- Challenging convention, the XF offers sophisticated instrumentation and intuitive technologies. Upon entry, the start button pulses, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive Selector^TM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, ‘parked’ position to their functional open position.
- The coupe-like lines of the XF (which are similar to the XK’s) belie the amount of space inside: there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage and a trunk capacity of 17.7 cu. ft., plus the opportunity to fold down the rear seats and add a further 14.8 cu. ft.
- Key driver aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.
- Jaguar-exclusive Bowers & Wilkins 440-watt Surround Sound System is available on Premium Luxury and Supercharged trim levels.
- The first cars will be delivered to Canadian customers in March 2008.

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Mercedes’ new Gullwing (2009): the inside story

By Georg Kacher (artist's impression by Larson)

Spy shots

09 May 2008 09:22

CAR Online has obtained the best info yet on Mercedes’ new AMG ‘Gullwing’ supercar. Depicted in our artist’s impression, the super coupe is codenamed C197 and will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show; a roadster tagged R197 follows a year later.

The new two-seater will be badged an AMG, not as a Mercedes (our artist’s impression still displays the Merc star). It’s thus the first standalone product of the go-faster department – and it probably won’t be the last.

The coupe and roadster will cost around the same as a well-equipped Porsche 911 Turbo – the target is €150,000 (£105,000) – and in size they are closer to the SLR than the SL.

How big’s the new Gullwing, then?

CAR Online has seen documents spelling out the pair’s dimensions:

• Length 4650mm
• Width 1950mm
• Height 1250mm
• Wheelbase 2700mm
• Luggage capacity 200 litres (coupe), 175 litres (roadster)

That’s quite a big car, then, but it will, intriguingly, be even lighter than the SLR. The target weight for the engineers is 1650kg – 45 kilos less than an SLR and 235kg less than an SL55.

How do they do it? By introducing a brand-new advanced aluminium spaceframe technology which is allegedly even more rigid than that carbon fibre tub designed in Woking

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UK car registrations down 20% for the new ’58′ plate

UK car registrations down 20% for the new ’58′ plate

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

It’s that time of the year again when, as a lad I used to go to the roads, with a pen and paper and note down how many ‘new cars’ I could see. I still remember the excitement when I say my first H reg car. But that’s going back a bit!
Unfortunately the times are changing and the latest figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) that new car registrations were down 18.6% to 63,225 compared within the same month in 2007.

Brand new cars – there are less 58 plates on the road
Is this a result of the economic down turn, environmental awareness or the price of fuel? Possibly a result of all the factors. It seems that there are bleak times ahead for the motoring industry.

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

In the world of supercars, the Corvette is a bargain, and Chevrolet just made it even better with the ZR1. The new Corvette uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 putting out an astounding 620 horsepower and 595 ft-lbs or torque. Carbon fiber body parts keep the overall weight low.

Photo credit: CNET Networks

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Goodwood Gathers New Car

Goodwood Gathers New Cars

In just two weeks time Britain’s largest annual ‘moving motor show’ opens its doors as the Festival of Speed gets underway (3-5 July). Goodwood has firmly established itself as the best place to see the latest motoring marvels and best supercars in action from around the globe.
Supercars set to make their UK debuts will include the targa-top Bugatti Veyron Gran Sport, the awesome Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Mercedes Benz SLR Stirling Moss, Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, Pagani Zonda R and the wild Tramontana from Spain. Other Goodwood debutants include the Porsche Panamera S, Audi R8 V10, Morgan Aero SuperSports, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Lotus Evora, Lexus LF-A and Nissan’s new GT-R Spec V and 370Z.

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Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

Looking for a cool new car under $18,000? Check out Kelly Blue Book’s list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. In choosing the elite 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000, Kelly Blue Book’s ‘editorial staff used the same combination of objective and subjective criteria that many consumers use in examining this category. Safety, fuel economy, environmental impact, interior size, comfort and fun-to-drive were all items on the consideration list. And each vehicle was examined through the subjective magnifying glass of what is cool.’

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2009 Saab 9-5 spied

2009 Saab 9-5 spied

  10:42 PM Posted by Autohut

Saab's new 9-5 continues testing – as the Swedish car maker continues to fight for its survival. These latest spy photos, taken yesterday at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, are proof that Saab does finally have the new product for which its dealers are clamouring.
Pending the sale of Saab, the new 9-5 is due to be shown this autumn at the September 2009 Frankfurt motor show, ahead of a showroom launch in winter 2009-10. It's a step change for Saab's range-topper; after a decade of stagnation in the exec sector, the 9-5 is finally brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
Our latest spy photos confirm a more low-slung style, with an especially noticeable fastback rear screen (a touring estate will also be offered later in 2010).
GM might have turned its back on Saab 9-5, but this car was engineered under its watch – so the global Epsilon II architecture underpins the new 9-5. That means a similar engineering set-up to the Vauxhall Insignia, with the option of front- or four-wheel drive and the likelihood of turbocharged Aero models. Downsized, four-cylinder turbo engines form the backbone of the engine line-up and – this is cuddly, enviro-conscious Saab, don't forget – eco-friendly E85 biofuels will be available.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata interior

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata interior

 PM Posted by Autohut

We've already seen the exterior pics of the next Hyundai Sonata, and though the mule was well disguised, it had attractive proportions. What those images didn't reveal was the new Sonata's cabin, but a new spy shot shows a nearly production-ready interior.
The first thing that caught our eye in the Sonata interior is the dual cockpit design, giving the driver and front passenger their own living quarters. There also appears to be a smattering of high quality materials, which makes sense given the highly competitive nature of the mid-size segment. Though the steering wheel is partially blocking the center stack, it appears that Hyundai is taking a page out of the Volvo playbook by using similar HVAC controls. Volvo uses the silhouette of a seated occupant in button form, making it easy to choose hot or cold air to the floor, dash, or windshield. The new Sonata steering wheel looks positively hideous in the spy photo, but we're guessing that it's unfinished and won't look this unpolished in production form.

The Hyundai Sonata may still be a way from production, but the increased amount of spy photos surfacing tells us that this Hyundai is rapidly approaching its debut. At any rate, the Sonata is looking more impressive with each pic, and the final product looks like a lock to be a vast improvement over an already decent mid-size sedan.

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Chrysler's Nardelli to Walk Away with Nothing

Chrysler's Nardelli to Walk Away with Nothing

Part of yesterday's announcement that Chrysler is going to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings is that Chrysler’s chairman and chief executive, Bob Nardelli will step down once the restructuring process is complete.
When Nardelli leaves Chrysler, he will leave with nothing. Meaning he will not get a hefty severance package.
I’ll pick up my pencil and walk out the door”, Nardelli said on Thursday.
In contrast when Nardelli left his last post at Home Depot he made $32 million in his last year and also received a severance package worth $210 million. Nardelli did not have a contract at Chrysler when he took control of the automaker in August 2007.
Following the completion of the restructuring process, Fiat will control 20 percent of Chrysler, which could rise up to as much as 35 percent as Fiat pays off the government loans that Chrysler received. Nardelli's replacement will be decided upon by Chrysler's new board and with Fiat's approval.

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Weymann

Weymann

American automobile enthusiasts associate the name Weymann with Stutz and Duesenberg, since most Weymann bodies built in this country were mounted on those chassis (a few were built on Cord L-29, Marmon, Peerless and Pierce-Arrow chassis). However, in Europe they were much more widely used and were mounted on virtually every luxury chassis built during themed-to-late 1920s, notably Bentley�s famous LeMans racecars and the legendary Bugatti Royale.

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Chrysler LLC and Fiat Group Announce Global Strategic Alliance

Chrysler LLC and Fiat Group Announce Global Strategic Alliance

Chrysler LLC today announced that, as a result of the comprehensive restructuring plan agreed to by many of its stakeholders, it has reached an agreement in principle to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat SpA to form a vibrant new company. It will allow Chrysler and Fiat to fully optimize their respective manufacturing footprints and the global supplier base, while providing each with access to additional markets.

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Modernisation "Ivanovec" from students MGTU "MAMI"

Modernisation "Ivanovec" from students MGTU "MAMI"

Students of MGTU "MAMI" within the limits of the curriculum have executed projects of the truck crane for known Russian mark "Ivanovec". The task has been given pupils of the fourth year of chair "Design". We represent you the most interesting projects.
First of all it is necessary to notice that before students there was a problem only to modernise present crane KS-8973 and not to bring changes in configuration of the basic knots. The primary goal was to develop driver's cabs and the crane operator, plus to replace the basic facing panels for increase of competitiveness of the base crane. One of unpleasant features КС-8973 – a radiator sticking out on the left side of the truck crane while at any competitors, whether it be Liebherr LTM 1100-4.1 or even Chinese XCMG QY 100K, such it is not observed – a motor compartment behind a driver's cab goes flush with it. The given feature of 100-ton "Ivanovec" should be beaten somehow by means of various style decisions.
Certainly, work on the project has begun with preparation of the technical project with studying of existing competitors, and then on the basis of the done work students have created new images for KS-8973.

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Micro Audi. (Audi E1)

Micro Audi. (Audi E1)

Crisis has generated total mania of small economic machines in brains of journalists, if to trust the press now practically each brand prepares compact unless Bentley yet don't touch. Company Audi which marry off micromobile E1 became the next victim of a mass journalistic psychosis.

Ostensibly in its basis- the platform from Volkswagen Up should lay down, on which there will be a ten-other engines as Audi love. Will be both petrol, and diesel, and hybrid, and, probably, there will be absolutely new micromotors: 1.2-litre with three cylinders and 600 cubes with the turbine. Gossips assert that the machine will start up on the conveyor of Slovak factory VW that will help to lower its price even more low, roughly, to 13 500 dollars in the homeland. Despite cost, Audi do not prepare to refuse the premium features like LED-lanterns, the navigator, mp3-radio tape recorders or possibility of connection of phone so three passengers on whom the car is calculated, will be surrounded by care, as in Q7. If the is the truth pre-series concept we can see in 2011.

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Fiat Uno

Fiat Uno

The new generation of revived model Fiat Uno will be such. Appearance of the car which now takes place tests definition on Brazilian roads, and reminds while a design far from a final stage, has been developed by George Fernadezem. On creation of shape revived Uno the designer was inspired by appearance of one more legend: Fiat 500.
Fiat Uno 2011 modelling years (now car working out takes place code-named the Project 327), will arrive in manufacture next year. It is informed that the South America and, in the first Brazil where production Fiat uses a great demand becomes a commodity market of new model. For the European market the Italian developers have provided the friend version Fiat Uno in other design of an interior.

About revived Uno company Fiat yet does not inform technical details, but it is a matter of time. The spread rumours assert that the car is constructed on the same platform, as model Fiat Panda. In sale the novelty leaves in a variant of three- and five-door a compact hatchback.

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Ferrari 599XX details

Ferrari 599XX details

  PM Posted by Autohut

Ferrari has released more detailed information on the Ferrari 599XX, the extreme track car that is helping the legendary supercar maker develop new technology for future road-going supercars. First seen at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, a limited number of 599XXs will be available for sale to Ferrari’s most valued customers, but Ferrari will prepare and run the cars on behalf of their owners, enabling them to drive them at special events at Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track and at leading race tracks in Europe and the USA. Data gathered from these track days will be used to further enhance and develop technology for future frontline Ferrari models.
This includes reducing internal friction in the engine, faster gearbox operation, aerodynamics that automatically adjust depending on whether the car is cornering or going in a straight line, as well being speed dependent, and a new high speed adjustable chassis. New weight saving ideas are used throughout the car, including carbon fibre brake calipers.
While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal friction has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9000rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 515kW at 9000rpm.
Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimizing forms - as in the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gear change times to 60 milliseconds. The chassis of the 599XX uses an innovative electronic model called the “High Performance Dynamic Concept” which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The aggressive handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system.
Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new “virtual car engineer”, a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle’s track performance. The 599XX’s aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280kg of downforce at 200km/h and 630kg at 300km/h. The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.
The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximize stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.

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2009 Saab 9-5 spied

2009 Saab 9-5 spied

  10:46 PM Posted by Autohut

These will most likely be the last spy photos we see of the Saab 9-5 in prototype form as it prepares for its first public appearance later this year. The prototype captured here on the Nurburgring wears a substantial amount of camouflage although the production version is unlikely to waiver from typical Saab styling.
These images also reveal the much shallower rear roofline, giving the new 9-5 a more coupe-like silhouette - with the car taking many of its styling cues from the 9-4X BioPower concept. The new 9-5 is likely to gain some extra weight, with a greater length and height than the current model as well as a longer wheelbase, making it a closer competitor to models such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.
The prototype in these images uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine making 160kW, while a 2.8-litre V6 will be available in the European market with the US getting an even bigger 3.6-litre V6.
Saab 9-5 diesel model is also a given along with a hybrid model, with its first public unveiling scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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Results Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009

Results Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009

Though weather this year was not the most pleasant (almost all the Sunday long poured a rain), it has not prevented more than to 2 600 visitors of an exhibition to take pleasure in exclusive exhibits. By the way, Villa D’Este has celebrated double anniversary: 80 years from the beginning of carrying out of competition of elegance, and 80 years to the first car BMW. Germans have brought the most well-known roadsters for 75 years, since 315/1 and finishing new Z4.
The main prize from BMW Group (Trofeo BMW Group), and also two other awards - Trofeo BMW Group Italia and Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este has this time received Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta Touring 1938. It belongs to American John Shirley.

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New Jaguar XJ

New Jaguar XJ

Jaguar have just announced that an all-new Jaguar XJ will make its public debut this July. And the rotten teases in the Gaydon press office have released just this one bird’s eye view of the new saloon. Speaking at Auto Shanghai 2009, Jaguar Cars Managing Director, Mike O’Driscoll confirmed that the all-new XJ will go on sale at the end of 2009 – but will officially be revealed on July 9th in London.
It will be the first car to feature the next-generation of Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminium body architecture.
All of Jaguar’s XJ ultra-efficient Gen III petrol and diesel engines will be available in the new XJ, including the already acclaimed V6 diesel and 510 bhp supercharged V8. There will be a choice of standard or long wheelbase models – as well as a panoramic glass roof highlighted in the first picture.
With the success of the excellent XF, It’s difficult to see what space the XJ is going to occupy in the Jag Pantheon. We’ll just have to wait and see how the final release looks, feels and drives.
But can there really be room for two completely different mid size luxury saloons from Jaguar?
In our humble opinion, the loveliest Jag ever to grace our roads is the incomparable XK 120, that was produced way back in 1948. Now that’s what we call a panoramic roof.

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Zenvo ST1 first test video

Zenvo ST1 first test video

Debut Zenvo is almost ready to small-scale manufacture, it is necessary to finish some details, but, in general, about the car the basic information is already known. So, under cowl ST1 which, naturally, is located behind, seven-litres engine V8 with the forced aspiration, giving out 1 104 h.p. and 1 430 Nanometers of a twisting moment, and the peak moment whips on wheels already on 4 500 rpm.
Now about the most powerful thing to us! The car dispersal to 100 km/h for 3 seconds only and the maximum speed is 375 km/h, attention, limited by electronics system!

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Dodge Ram Takes Top Honors in Ward s Interior of the Year Competition for 2009

Dodge Ram Takes Top Honors in Ward s Interior of the Year Competition for 2009

All-new 2009 Dodge Ram beats new 2009 Ford F-150, Toyota Venza, Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda Pilot, Kia Borrego and Chevrolet Traverse for best interior

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Lexus IS 2010

Lexus IS 2010

Together with representation Lexus RX 450h 2010, the Japanese motor-car manufacturer also has exhausted the official information on models of generation IS which became IS 250C and IS 350C. Cost IS 250C with a six-high-speed manual gear box costs 38 490 dollars and 39 660 dollars for IS 250C with an automatic box, the price 350C with "automatic machine" makes 43 940 dollars.
Lexus IS 250C 2.5 l are equipped. Engine V-6, developing 204 h.p. In turn Lexus IS 350C has under a cowl of 3.5 l. V-6. capacity of 306 h.p. Four-seater cabriolets have a roof developing for 20 seconds. Cabriolets not so have much changed in design in comparison with sedans of the same ruler of models. The same systems of safety are available and on a sedan, including the control of dynamics and the integrated steering of systems, the control over stability and system of prevention of crash. The interior also has much in common with sedans. However as that is demanded by a body – a cabriolet, the standard panel of devices has been altered to give a place for elements of steering of a developing roof. The Climate Control has received feature to supervise atmosphere depending on speed of the car and to consider presence or absence of a roof. Cabriolets will go on sale in May of this year. Each of them can be equipped by various options depending on preference of clients.

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Lexus RX 450h 201

Lexus RX 450h 201

Magnificent brand Toyota which is Lexus, has exhausted details concerning new model RX 450h 2010, using updated system Lexus Hybrid Drive.
The equipped 3.5 l. Engine V-6 Atkinson, united with the easy electromotor, new RX offers technical characteristics more inherent in engines V-8, but with the best fuel economy, even in comparison with middle size sedans. In figures it turns out 7.3 l./8.4 on 100 km in a city and on a line accordingly, it on 16 … 20 % more low, than the previous version. But to be a hybrid, does not mean to lose in capacity or dynamism. New RX 450h 250 h.p. (in aggregate petrol and the electric motor) possess that on 27 h.p. it is more in comparison with available RX400h. Safety RX proves to be true presence of 10 pillows of the safety integrated by the monitoring system behind dynamics of the car (VDIM), ABS, the stability and pull-rod monitoring system (VSC). Besides RX it will be equipped with system of a starting engine operation, an adaptive lighting system (AFS) and system of prevention of crash (PCS). It is entertaining – the information system is equipped by the newest navigating equipment, with the remote dispatcher and the new touch display.

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