Kia is bringing its offbeat, spunky styling to the mini-car segment with a concept to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show. It’s called the MPV concept, which Kia says stands for Multi-Purpose Vehicle. The teaser shot we’re seeing today shows a small four-door with a hatch in the back. The side panels and beltline get a little bit of edge, and the pronounced wheel arches echo the Soul. Read More
The Blue Oval has unveiled Yesterday the 2010 Ford Ranger that will offer, as a standard from this summer, a new safety technology - AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). With this new technology, the 2010 Ford Ranger can be prevented to skid in dangerous rollover conditions. Also as a standard, the 2010 Ford Ranger comes with side air bags for the protection of the head and torso. Other safety features of the 2010 Ford Ranger include the Personal Safety System, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
Powered by a 2.3-liter I-4 engine, the 2010 Ford Ranger will be able to offer a 26 mpg fuel economy on the highway. Press Release
The Spanish brand has released the images and information of the 2009 Seat Leon and Altea facelift. The front and the rear of the 2009 Seat Leon and Altea facelift keep the brand's identity but also show a new design. The engine options for the 2009 Seat Leon and Altea facelift have been revised and the company also offers new common rail Diesel variants. The new diesel engine is the 170 hp 2.0 TDI.
The 2009 Seat Leon and Altea facelift are now equipped with the XDS system that works together with the ESP as a self-blocking differential to improve the car's performance.
The 2009 Seat Leon and Altea facelift will be premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
By now, racing fans should be aware that when David Donohue grabbed the checkered flag at the 2009 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona his win came on the 40th anniversary of his father's 1969 victory. The Daytona outcome won't be the last tribute to Mark Donohue in 2009, either. Watkins Glen International is planning a weekend of Donohue festivities for their season-opener in April. The event will be a celebration to compliment the official release of a new Mark Donohue biography, which is something that fans of the The Unfair Advantage will surely want to add to their reading lists. The book's author and Watkins Glen founder's son, Michael Argetsinger, will be on hand for autographs and conversation. The ultimate American racing history lesson will also take place as the track opens for tribute laps by many vintage race cars once piloted by Mark Donohue. If you happen to be in the upstate New York area, mark the calendars for April 25th and 26th. Thanks for the tip Jon! more detail. ...
That money can’t buy taste shows this Hummer H2 Convertible parked at the marble tiles of the uber-luxury Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. This H2 modifications took it a bit further than simply cutting the roof off. The conversion includes chrome wheels, seven red leather seats, a science fiction hood scoop, wider wheel arches and a custom paintjob.
The Laser Avenger, a military vehicle designed to safely take out unexploded ordnance such as IEDs or bombs, now has a new purpose—blowing drones out of the sky. With a tracking system-guided laser mounted onto a fully capable military Humvee, the Laser Avenger is the newest in Boeing’s line of directed-energy weapons. Last month, it shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during a test in New Mexico, the first time a combat vehicle has done so successfully with a laser. Read More
Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK) has returned to drag racing with a limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the Shelby GT500 Mustang. Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme unveiled the program during a private reception at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif. The drag racing inspired 800 horsepower post title package was a collaboration between Shelby Autos and Don Prudhomme, who successfully drove a top fuel car for Carroll Shelby in the 1968 NHRA season.
Each year, the Automobile Club of Southern California holds a dinner to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum on the first night of the Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals. In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the first race that Mr. Prudhomme drove for Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Autos team unveiled the new drag racing package that they developed together over the past year.
“Don is an exceptional drag racer and I’m proud that he drove my first Top Fuel car in 1968,” noted Carroll Shelby. “By leveraging Don’s experience, we turned a really good car into a great drag racer that will beat up on the MOPAR and bow tie brigade right out of the box.”
The program is a post-title package for 2007-2010 Ford Shelby GT500 cars already in the hands of owners. To create the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake, Shelby Autos pumps up the 5.4L supercharged engine to produce 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. The Shelby includes a Kenne Belle modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end, a five-point Impact safety harness and a Borla side exhaust system. A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires are included to improve traction during launches; optional street tires are available. For a more aggressive stance and improved aerodynamics, side lower rockers are incorporated. Only 100 total packages at $100,000 (not including car) will be offered.
“Working with Don on this project was a great experience for our design team,” noted Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. “Carroll and Don earned their stripes in competition over the years, so we had to build a car that would continue their racing domination. Our Prudhomme Edition GT500 Super Snake builds on that legacy and gives Shelby enthusiasts today a way to rule the quarter mile in their town.” Read More
Now they are at BMW Motorsport Gmbh of their faith have been attacked and the X5M and X6M release, the final step, they can also do. Audi and Mercedes have been "sporting" topversies, but in Munich remained silent. 2Pac does establish a boost with this shop. Carcrazy was also once an impression, but that of 2Pac, I find something nicer. That would also by the moody black color to come.
In terms of a BMW engine can make some suggestions. The M7, the fastest BMW, so there should be plenty of horsepower available. In the X5M and X6M A raised to 550 hp twin turbo V8 block, a variant of the V8 in the 750Li. But that is perhaps still not enough, but other options in the BMW stable, there are not. Although there ever rumors about a twin turbo variant of the V10 from the M5 and M6. Source: autoblog.nl
Audi announced today that the UK market versions of the Audi A4 Saloon and Avant and the Audi A5 get the S Tronic transmission from the new S4 model. The twin-clutch S Tronic transmission was first offered for the Audi Q5 and the S4 Saloon and Avant. This gearbox offers rapid gear changes with no interruption to the power flow and at the same time maintains the fuel economy of a manual. The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic has a top speed of 150mph and a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds. The Audi A5 with the same specifications manages a 0-62 mph time of 6.2 seconds.
The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic price starts at 27,170 pounds and the Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic price starts at 31,065 pounds. more detail. ...
Scheduled to hit U.S. dealerships for the first time next week, Audi announced today the official price for the 2009 Audi Q5 crossover vehicle will begin at $37,200. Offered in four different trim levels, Audi’s endless array of luxurious options can carry the price of a new Q5 as high as $48,200 (excluding destination, tax, titling, and licensing fees, of course). Intended to give similar luxury vehicles a real run for their money (no pun intended), the Audi Q5 will go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz GLK, a crossover vehicle of similar proportions also scheduled to make its inaugural debut in 2009. Despite the stiff competition, Audi is confident the Q5 will be able to weather the fierce competition from the other luxury veterans.
“Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance,” said Audi of America President, Johan de Nysschen. “But monotony has developed in that segment - sameness we’re certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features.” Read More
We usually know what vehicles an automaker will debut at a major auto show the weekend before, but General Motors has kept us in the dark about its plans for the Chicago Auto Show next week. As such, we're not expecting any major product reveals, but today we learned that GM will be introducing us to the new Bumblebee from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. He's the same Bumblebee from the first film, but the Camaro into which he transforms has been spiffed up for the sequel with a new front bumper, chin spoiler, hood scoop and different wheels. Whereas the first Bumblebee was based on the Camaro Concept, it appears that the new one is based on the actual production car.
Joining the orange Camaro in Chicago will be other characters from the film in their car forms. New additions to the sequel brandishing a GM badge include a 2010 Chevy Volt called Jolt, a Chevy Spark called Skids and a Trax concept called Mudflat (together known as the Twins), and a character called Sideswipe based on the still-yet-to-be-revealed Corvette Centennial Concept. GM didn't specify in its press release (included after the jump) which characters are accompanying Bumblebee to Chicago, but the venue at McCormick Place is one of the largest exposition centers in the world, so the more Transformers the merrier. via autoblog
It comes with a luxury sports car which can be housed in a garage between the van’s wheels. The car can then be ejected and ready to drive at the touch of a button.
The Volkner Mobil Performance has a spacious living area, which can be fitted with up to eight beds and is designed to the buyer’s specification.
The Performance’s living space can accommodate a fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave and flat screen TV with surround sound.
It is kept warm by four separate heating systems, including under-floor heating.
We've got some official studio pictures of Wald International's Black Bison body kit for the Nissan GT-R, which was unveiled in January at the Tokyo Auto Salon. These shots give a more detailed look at the kit than the show-floor pictures. The body kit adds a number of lightweight carbon fiber panels to the GT-R, including a front-lip spoiler, nose cover, rear wing and engine cover. Composite materials are also used on the duct covers. The lightening job shaves a few pounds as well as improving the GT-R's aerodynamics. A choice of "wet" or "dry-"look carbon fiber is offered, with glossy or matte trim, respectively.
For now, it's still an appearance-only package; Wald does not offer any engine tuning components. This is the first time Wald International has modified a Nissan, but that hasn't affected the company's attention to detail. Prices for the Black Bison kit for the GT-R range from ¥1,039,500 ($11,620) for the wet-look carbon fiber to ¥2,362,500 ($26,410) for the race-oriented dry-look kit. via:World Car Fans
The Pagani Zonda R is the Italian supercar maker's most track-focused car. Even though the standard Pagani Zonda has broken records at the spirit-breaking Nurburgring's Nordschleife, it was never enough for some of Pagani's more track-biased customers. For these guys the Zonda R will fit perfectly. The Zonda R is modeled from a Zonda but with a number of significant differences. At the foundation of its performance lies a 48-valve 6.0-litre V12 engine acquired from Mercedes-Benz AMG division. It kicks out 750hp (552kW) and maximum torque rated at 710Nm. Accessing this power is a 6-speed sequential gearbox from XTRAC which runs the big Pirelli P Zero rear 335/30/20 tyres.
Front rubber measures 255/35/19. Together they hurl the Zonda R from a standing position to 100km/h in 2.7 seconds. Top speed is estimated at over 350km/h. Carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes will put an immediate stop to the car if called upon.
A major cause for this stunning performance is the reduced weight. Pagani says the Zonda R's unladen mass is just 1,070kg (2,359 lbs). To make this happen the engineers constructed the body out of carbon-fiber and titanium.
Many parts were reduced in weight to achieve the desired mass. Even screws used are constructed from titanium. Light as it is the Zonda R is no small car. It measures 4.89 metres in length, 2 metres in width, one metre high and has a wheelbase of 2.79 metres.
Aerodynamics are improved by the use of adjustable suspension and wing configuration. A new bonnet, closed underbody and rear air diffuser form part of the arsenal against performance-sapping exterior air. via:World Car Fans
U.S. dealers were apparently clammoring for the A1, until the found out the potential price tag: over $25,000. The Audi exec claims dealers told him "You cannot charge this much for small cars. ... In their mind, they were thinking $18,000, because that's the conditioning our society still has." Looks like Audi will not be bringing the new Audi A1 to the States. Seen as a major rival to the MINI Cooper, the Audi A1 is a luxury-level supermini that should get up to 170 hp from one of five different engine choices and a possible hybrid.
The first of these used an additional 40 hp electric that ran the rear wheels, while the second used a 27 hp version running the front wheels. Concepts aside, the Audi A1 engine choices seem to be perfectly slotted to compete against every level of MINI Cooper, beginning with the MINI One, on up to the 175 hp turbocharged MINI Cooper S.
Expected engines for the vehicle include a 1.2-liter 86 hp, a 122 hp 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated and a 170 hp turbocharged engine, and two diesels. The diesel options comprise of a 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter units, getting 90 and 143 horsepower. Both of the Audi A1 concepts have featured a mid-range 1.4 liter petrol engine mated to an electric motor.
Nonetheless, the Audi A1 may come to the U.S. when they release a second-generation. We should see the unveiling of the 2010 Audi A1 sometime soon. Source: Autonews
So why then would Audi not want the A1 in the States? The MINI created a resurgence in American interest in a small car when it was introduced earlier in the decade. And, despite BMW's sales falling in 2008, the MINI saw yet another increase in new vehicle sales for 2008. Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen glossed over the MINI's record in the U.S., instead noting his belief that the Americans by-and-large think small cars are inexpensive.
This seems unusual, since a well-kitted out MINI Cooper S with premium wheels and Bluetooth can easily cost over $30,000. And that's without a navigation system. Meanwhile, the A1's other major competitor, the BMW 1-series, starts at $29,400. More Photos
Ya can see the first official images (performed by computer in three dimensions) of the new Seat Exeo SportTourer in this video published by Seat in Belgium we can see the appearance and the dimensions that have the new family of the Spanish brand. To investigate where he podido, this video was published by Seat Belgium, so the three-dimensional images made by computer in this video is Deberían correspond with the actual appearance will the new Seat Exeo ST, and so both are reliable.
In the meantime we just have to wait for your official presentation in the Hall of Geneva, where we are to see in person the new family of Fiat, and the images and information published to the mark this month, before it veamos for the first time in Geneva . Source:historiasdelmotor
Honda has announced plans to put an emissions free all-electric motorcycle on sale sometime in 2010. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said that an electric bike makes sense as the battery characteristics and driving range fits a motorcycle profile - as they are generally used for shorter trips. Detailed
Mission Motors has just revealed its all-electric sport bike and the family-friendly version of our initial reaction goes something like, "Holy Mother of God and all that is good and decent!", followed immediately by the sound of our jaws hitting the floor. After a couple of years of staying almost perfectly in stealth mode, the Mission One is being unveiled today at the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference. The Yves Béhar-designed bike sets a new performance standard for electric two-wheelers with a top speed of 150 mph and an estimated range of 150 miles. Of course, the strength of an electric drivetrain is torque and the Mission One has 100 lb-ft of the stuff on offer from the first twist of the throttle up until 60 mph. When it makes its race debut at the TTXGP on June 12th, we suspect the other entries will be scrappin' it out for second place.
To bring this amazing machine to market, Forrest North and his two co-founders, Edward West and Mason Cabot, have assembled a real dream team with incredible depth and experience and whose resumés list companies like Tesla Motors, Ducati and Google. The first 50 bikes produced will be a special Limited Edition model delivered in 2010 bearing a $68,995 price tag, while a standard, more affordable Mission One model will be announced this summer. If the goal of this company was to create a paradigm-busting object of desire, then we say, "Mission accomplished". Mouth watering specs below and official press release after the break. Read More
SAAB is making the last testing and adjustments on the new 9-3X in the snowy and cold parts of Sweden. SAAB has finally realized that the Audi Allroad, Volvo XC70, Subaru Outback and Skoda Scout have been alone on the market for too long now, and with traditional SUVs losing more and more interest with buyers, this type of "mild" SUV are attracting new buyers. As with the competitors, the SAAB 9-3X is a station wagon with all-wheel-drive, about 30 mm raised suspension and off-road-looking bumpers. And for a beefier look, the fenders are also wider. The four-wheel-drive system is supplied by Swedish manufacturer Haldex, just like on the SAAB 9-3 XWD.
This prototype was equipped with the 210 horsepower engine from the 2.0 XWD, but we are sure that there will be diesel options as well, with the 1.9-liter TTiD developing 180 horsepower as a top diesel model. via:World Car Fans
Mazda used last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show to debut the new 2010 Mazda3 Sedan, and then followed it with the reveal of the Hatchback model at the Bologna Motor Show just one month later. There is still one more variant of the Mazda3 in the works and it is set to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car is the sporty Mazdaspeed (MPS) model and it has now been revealed ahead of its Geneva debut. Details about the upcoming hot-hatch are yet to be released, although we can confirm that it will come with the same MZR 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as the current model. Output is expected to be up around the 268hp (200kW) mark.
Differentiating the Mazdaspeed from the regular Mazda3 lineup is a large hood scoop for the turbo, oversized air-intakes in the front bumper, a rear diffuser, large-diameter twin-exhaust pipes, and a chunky rear wing.
While other specs for the car are hard to come by, there are rumors that the newly developed RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system from the Ford Focus RS could be used in the Mazda. An AWD set-up has been ruled out.
Mazda will also use next month’s Geneva event to unveil Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda’s fuel-saving engine stop-start technology. via:motorauthority
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