2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring wagon pricing

The Tuesday announcement signals a return to the compact five-door segment for the Korean automaker. Packages range from $18,495 for the entry-level version to $20,795 for the premium-sport version. Prices include delivery.

Standard equipment on all versions includes air conditioning, remote keyless entry with alarm, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. Audio features include an AM/FM/XM Satellite radio, CD and MP3 system with six speakers. USB input and auxiliary input jacks also are standard.

The premium-sport package adds a sunroof, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring wagon also offers standard electronic stability control. It earned a five-star frontal crash rating in the compact passenger car segment from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Elantra Touring has a wheelbase of 106 inches and interior volume of 125.5 cubic feet.

The vehicle, powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with a manual transmission, gets an estimated 23 mpg city/31 highway, according to the EPA. The Elantra Touring wagon also is certified as an ultralow emission vehicle.

© Source: autoweek
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2009 Toyota Highlander 2.7-Liter Four-Cylinder

Automakers have responded by building clean diesels, E85-burning engines, and all varieties of hybrid powerplants. But sometimes the easiest solution is also the simplest: downsizing. In its current generation, Toyota's Highlander has only been available in V6 or hybrid models. But for 2009 the strong-selling crossover is now available with a four-cylinder under the hood. We put nearly 400 miles on the downsized model, and can report that compromising engine size doesn't necessarily relegate you to automotive purgatory—or the slow lane. But it does make for better gas mileage.

Skeptics should note that the base 2009 Toyota Highlander's four-cylinder engine puts out roughly as much power as Toyota's fairly recent V6s. This Highlander's 2.7-liter unit is a double-overhead cam, 16-valve engine with dual variable valve timing. The engine—internally referred to as 1AR-FE—is rated at 187 hp at 5800 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm, almost identical to the engine found in the all-new Venza we test drove recently. Also shared with the Venza is a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 Highlander gets a five-speed automatic with a slightly shorter final drive ratio of 3.478 (versus 4.356).

The four-cylinder Highlander is only available in front-wheel-drive and base-trim levels. Five passengers can be seated comfortably with the standard two-row seating setup, and seven will fit with the optional third row, which comes standard on the V6 model. The four-cylinder Highlander is rated at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway, and can run on 87 octane fuel.

Standard equipment includes 245/65R17 tires, keyless entry, 40/20/20 fold-down second-row seats, cruise control and six-speaker stereo with MP3/WMA playback compatibility. And Toyota hasn't skimped on safety either. Hill-start assist, brake assist, stability and traction control, airbags for everyone, including the driver's knees, and active headrests are included.

Though it's the most meagerly outfitted of all Highlanders, climbing inside the cabin of the base model reveals reasonably well-finished surfaces, soft-touch materials, and instrumentation that is clear and well-designed—very Toyota, if you will. You might miss the higher-end pampering that comes from a leather-wrapped steering wheel and navigation, but the four-cylinder's cockpit is still a pleasant place. And details such as subtle LED lighting make nighttime driving feel even a little upscale.

You would expect a four-cylinder engine to provide subpar acceleration on a 3847-pound midsize crossover, but this Highlander moves with reasonable authority. It won't light up a drag strip or have you screaming for mercy as it pins your spine into your seat, but this engine makes for perfectly acceptable response, thanks to the six-speed transmission. It does a solid job of picking the right gear for the right speed. And shifts are quick and nearly imperceptible—this is a smooth gearbox. Cruising along at 60 mph, the tach registers barely more than 1750 spm.

© Source: origin
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Mercedes-Benz Delivers 1,500,000 E-Class Models Worldwide

Mercedes has delivered 1,500,000 units of their consummate E-Class since they launched it some six years ago. Of these, 1,270,000 units were sedan variants, while 230,000 units were of the estate variety.

According to Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The current E-Class and its predecessor models have been the ‘heart’ of Mercedes-Benz for more than 60 years now. With its typical brand attributes that include safety, comfort, innovation, economy, and quality, the E-Class has delighted around 12 million customers worldwide across eight model generations.”

Of course, news of the Mercedes E-Class' sales success is bittersweet, as overall sales at Mercedes-Benz have dropped sharply the past several months. Nevertheless, in times of economic turmoil, one must look for bright spots in otherwise disappointing sales numbers, and 1.5 million units sold is certainly a figure to be proud of.

© Source: emercedesbenz
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2010 Cadillac SRX – video

Cadillac is advancing the debut of the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover with this YouTube video. The black SRX playing in a field of snow sure is fun to watch.



© Source: youtube
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2009 Saturn Aura

The 2009 Saturn Aura lineup shuffles some trim levels and model names and adds some new features. This midsize sedan shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saab 9-3. Aura offers base XE, uplevel XR, and gas/electric Hybrid (formerly Green Line) models. XE and new-for-2009 XR 4-cylinder models have a 169-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. XR V6 models have a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6. All XE and XR Auras have a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission replaces a 4-speed automatic on 4-cylinder Auras. The XE V6 model with its 219-hp 3.5-liter engine has been discontinued.

The Aura Hybrid has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric motor for 164 hp total. This hybrid can shut off the gas engine at a stop, but it cannot run solely on electric power. It uses a 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and GM's OnStar assistance. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is available, as is a sunroof. Newly available for 2009 is a wireless cell phone link.

Aura sedans use GM's current Epsilon architecture, already several years old. A redesigned Epsilon II platform will be used for Aura station wagons slated as 2010 or 2011 models. Sedans will eventually adopt that structure, too. Sources say the wagons will be built in Europe by GM's Opel subsidiary.

© Source: consumerguideauto
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2010 Toyota Prius – video

Now it begins to make sense: The previous performance art video teasers for the 2010 Toyota Prius were made up largely of edited shots from this teaser, with the Blue Man Group restored to its place. This one doesn't make any more or less sense than the previous videos, and there isn't much more to see, but it does offer a couple of chuckles. We would love to see how far you get with that eyedropper, though.



© Source: autoblog
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Toyota Battery Electric Concept

The Japanese manufacturer announced that it will premiere a new Toyota Battery Electric Concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Unfortunately this is all the official press release says.

The company did not disclose any other additional information on this new Toyota Battery Electric Concept. For more information we'll have to wait until the show in January when the new Toyota Battery Electric Concept will have its world premiere.

© Source: zercustoms
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Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss - Video

After celebrating its world premier, more content pertaining to the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss has emerged, with a rather official looking video of the model making an appearance on YouTube. In the approximately minute-and-a-half clip, both the new SLR and the vehicle it was modeled after – Stirling Moss' SLR 300 – are on display, with the new SLR and its individual styling elements showcased from a number of different angles.



© Source: emercedesbenz
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2009 Conquest Knight XV

(from Conquest Vehicles Press Release) Conquest Vehicles Inc., the Toronto-based company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of fully armoured, ultra-luxurious, handcrafted sport utility vehicles has unveiled its flagship vehicle, the KNIGHT XV at the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas, announced William Maizlin, President, Conquest Vehicles, Inc.

Inspired by the Gurkha military vehicle, the KNIGHT XV is an ultra-luxurious handcrafted, Bio-fuel powered fully armoured SUV. The KNIGHT XV is powered by a V10, 6.8-litre engine and sits on a super duty Ford modified platform chassis. It provides 400 hp and 498-ft lbs of torque. The KNIGHT XV is priced at $310,000 USD. Only 100 will be made available as a limited first run. Each vehicle takes 1,500 hours to build by hand.

The KNIGHT XV offers interior appointments including Wilton Wool luxury carpeting; Andrew Muirhead leather; 6-way electric leather boardroom-style seating; Tandem sunroof glass with privacy shades; Personal side-mounted lap top stations; LED cabin lighting; Alpine AM, FM, CD, DVD navigation and Bluetooth equipment; TV Monitors; Night vision and rear op camera system and Playstation 3 (PS3). The cabins 283-cubic-foot interior is larger than the interior of most SUVs on the road today and can comfortably seat six professional basketball players.

The KNIGHT-XV is built using ballistic hardened steel making it fully armoured including ballistic fiberglass fenders, bumper and up to 64 mm. (2.5 inches) transparent armor (glass). The KNIGHT XV is 240 in length, 98 in width with a ground clearance of 14 and stands at 100. Its wheelbase is 141 and has an armoured curb weight of 10,000 pounds. The vehicle holds 40 gallons of fuel and sits on four, LT40X13.50R20 Mickey Thompson Baja Radial ATZ tires with ballistic run flats.

Additionally, the KNIGHT XV contains an E-85 Ethanol conversion system (Flex Fuel) with California emission certification, thereby making it certified in all 50 States.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Ferrari 612 Scaglietti by Imola Racing

To miss with perfection should be a sin. So the moment Imola Racing even began to mess with the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the heavens should open and swallow the German tuner whole.

At least it seems Imola was smart enough to not touch the engine. Instead this is likely just body enhancements. We don’t have much info on the kit. We do know its being considered a widebody because of the enlarged fenders and larger tires. There are also new front and rear spoilers as well as a two-tone paint job the is reminiscent of the first generation Corvette.

© Source: topspeed
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Mercedes E-Class AMG Coupe caught undisguised – video

This is the latest footage of the coupe out performing winter testing. Although the testers have no intention of rolling down the windows, hopefully Mercedes will take a page from the CLK’s book and delete the B-pillar to get the stylish hardtop convertible look of its smaller sibling. We expect Mercedes to offer a wide variety of V6 and V8 engines, including a 525 hp 6.3-liter V8 for the E63 AMG model. Judging by the taped over AMG badging on the cars in the video, this is latter playing in the snow.



© Source: topspeed
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2010 Lincoln MKT caught in the cold

Just a year after the MKT Concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Lincoln will be unveiling the production version of its new three-row CUV next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Fortunately, our spy photographers have snapped the most revealing views yet of this new 2010 LincolnMKT being driven out on the snowy streets of Dearborn.

As you can see, the production MKT holds true to the design direction set by the concept with the largest version yet of Lincoln’s signature split-wing grille and that conspicuous kink at the base of the C-pillar. In profile, the MKT seems to share a roofline with the Audi Q7 that creates a soft arch from front to back, and the rear gate is also tilted far forward to avoid the upright, boxy look of a traditional SUV or CUV.

© Source: autofans
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Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier

EDO Competition and Christian Audigier have announced the limited edition edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier which will be built in only five units. The edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier features a re-styled exterior and interior with unique designs on the seats, door panels and center console.

The custom paint work on the edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier is done by Marcus Pfeil, of Pfeildesign in Austria, who is one of the most respected artists specialized in custom painting.

Each of the five edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier units will be tailored specifically to its owner, who can personalize its car by choosing from a wide range of themes. In terms of performance the edo Lamborghini Murcielago LP710 Audigier features a modified engine, aerodynamics, wheels, tires and exhaust system.

All five Haute-Couture Lamborghinis are custom made for each customer. The themes typical of Audigier's design underline the edo LP 710’s proud pedigree. Every wish of the client can be accommodated during production. Customers have the opportunity to personalize their vehicles by choosing from a wide range of themes, lending an individual touch to Christian Audigier’s work. Thus it is ensured that prospective owners do not just get the world’s fastest Lamborghini, but also a completely unique design. In addition, each vehicle will be personally signed by the US-based star designer!

The base car, a Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, is completely disassembled. The modifications to the engine, aerodynamics, wheels, tires, exhaust system and interior are made to measure at edo competition within a three month time frame.

© Source: zercustoms
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Kia Rondo7

We were lucky enough to get a second go in the Rondo7, Kia’s affordable and popular people mover. Kia has always been popular in the MPV segment, over six years ago Kia introduced the Carnival, an 8 seater people mover sub $30K. And nowadays Kia has surprised us again introducing a 7 seater people mover sub $25K, yes under $25,000 for the entry level model. This means for families with more than the average 2.2 kids who want more passenger room don’t have to settle for second best and buy used, families now have the luxury of going through the exciting process of ordering a new car.

This car is definitely for a family like mine and it’s so affordable, I couldn’t believe it when I looked up the price. Sure it doesn’t have a V8 engine or all the wizz bangs but it’s a purposeful vehicle that doesn’t look half bad and has some nice features.

The excellent fuel economy also means its lacking power, but I don’t mind, as I do not need to hoon around with a family, pram and shopping in the back. I was fond of the automatic transmission, smooth sounding gear changes and no clunks when shifting down the gears.

The interior pillars do not interfere with blind spots, making changing lanes easier, the windscreen is large which is important for me as I’m a very observant driver especially with my loved ones in the car. A great point to make mention is the view of the kids in the backseat, they’re not covered by large front seats so looking back to see which one started the fight is possible.

The height of the rear seats is a bit low as the kids in the back cannot see out the side door windows, which is not good as they tend to get bored quite easily. Being a parent who believes in communicating verbally and not in computerised games, the kids begin to annoy one another for fun instead of asking questions about the scenery.

Overall, as you may have guessed I grew to be quite fond of the Rondo7, it got us from A to B and would easily take us on a family trip to C. With the features, looks, excellent fuel economy and most importantly the price I would recommend taking the Rondo for a test drive when considering a new car.

© Source: pressportal
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Honda FCX Clarity to be launched in Japan

Following its successful launch in the US, Honda has begun leasing the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car in Japan, delivering the first vehicle to the Ministry of the Environment.

While Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to government agencies and selected corporate entities, the roll out is part of the company’s broader commitment to lease the FCX Clarity to at least 200 customers in the United States and Japan over the next three years.

A dedicated fuel cell vehicle, the four-seater FCX Clarity runs on electricity produced by combining hydrogen with oxygen and emits only water vapour. Honda claims the vehicle is twice as energy efficient as a petrol-electric hybrid with three times better fuel efficiency than a traditional, petrol-powered car.

The FCX Clarity is powered by the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that powers the car’s motor. A breakthrough in the design of the fuel cell stack has enabled engineers to lighten the body, expand the interior and increase efficiency.

Launched in the US in July 2008, the FCX Clarity was the first hydrogen car certified for regular commercial use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One of the first customers to lease the FCX Clarity was Hollywood star Jamie Lee-Curtis. Other well-known Honda FCX Clarity drivers from the world of entertainment are actress Laura Harris from the television show 24 and film producer Ron Yerxa.

© Source: pressportal
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2011 Ford F-150

True truck owners, those who need to buy pickups for towing and hauling, need the practicality of a truck, but like everyone else, would like to use less fuel. Unlike the commuters who haul air in their trucks, true truck users don't have the option of swapping their pickups for economy cars.

The obvious solution has been for manufacturers to start putting diesel engines into their light-duty pickup trucks, but the large price difference between regular unleaded and diesel, often about a dollar per gallon, has caused a rethink of that plan. Ford says it has put off (at least for a couple years) its previously announced plan to offer a diesel in the F-150 in 2010.

Instead, the company is developing a V-6 EcoBoost engine for the F-150 which employs turbocharging and direct-injection - a design that Ford says will deliver similar power to a V-8 engine - all while using less gas.

Such engines are cheaper to build than diesels -- less than $1000 more costly than a conventional V-8 in comparison to the $4000 or $5000 price tag of a diesel engine, according to Ford. That thousand bucks buys you more power, expected to top the targets of 340 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque from the 3.5-liter turbo V-6, compared with the 320 and 390 for today's 5.4-liter Triton V-8.

It will also return 15-20 percent better mileage, Ford engineers predict. That extrapolates to 16 mpg city/23 highway for the EcoBoost engine, compared with 13 and 18 for the V-8 today. EcoBoost-powered F-150s will arrive in showrooms in 2010 for the 2011 model year.

© Source: motortrend
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9FF's 1300hp Porsche 911 Based Draxster

A drag-racing Porsche 911? Why? Well, why not? Although Porsche's iconic sports car hasn't traditionally been a drag-strip competitor, the car's rear-engine, rear-drive layout is actually ideal for drag racing. Porsche specialist 9ff has just unveiled the DraXster, a boosted, 911-based supercar whose focus seems to be quarter-mile domination. It's a high-horsepower, high-torque lightweight 911 whose lack of aerodynamic aids suggests that it's not intended for sustained high speeds but rather maximum acceleration.

The DraXster's 4.0 twin-turbo flat six puts out an estimated 1300 hp (970 kW) and 877 ft-lb (1190 Nm) torque. The car has also been lightened to 1168kg, and 9ff reports a 9.5-second run to 161mph (260 km/h). Yes, the DraXster is faster than a Bugatti Veyron. Thanks to the lack of adornments, the DraXster is low-key, with very few exterior details to distinguish it from any other 911.

Pricing, quarter-mile times and top speed for the DraXster have not been released.

© Source: worldcarfans
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2009 Volkswagen Routan Review

Minivans come and minivans go, but the existence of growing families is eternal. And whether you consider them hip or not, in the 25 years since Chrysler 'invented' the minivan, humankind has yet to devise a better way to mobilize four kids and all their stuff. In the previous paragraph, you will note we used the word invented in quotes. Fact of the matter is, those of us of a certain age recall an earlier vehicle that; seated six comfortably, was based on a car, shaped like a van, and had a sliding door on its side. Volkswagen’s Microbus.

Routan is packed with features conducive to excelling at family duty. Attributes include two nine-inch video screens––for second-and third-row passengers, each capable of displaying video independently of one another. Remote keyless engine start and entry, a power operated rear lift gate, 12-volt DC and 115-volt AC electrical outlets, touch-screen navigation, 13 cupholders, and a 30 GB hard drive multi-media entertainment system all work in concert to help make mobile life easier.

The optional power folding third-row seat can be flipped for tailgating, or folded completely away for more cargo capacity. And, the main cabin doors on both sides of the Volkswagen Routan can be opened and closed electrically while featuring windows that lower completely.

Two engines are available, a 197-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 that makes 230 foot-pounds of torque, and a 253-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 that makes 262 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines run on regular fuel. Naturally, the bigger engine pulls the vehicle with more alacrity, but the 3.8 does just fine too, thank-you-very-much. Although frankly, given that the 4.0 is more powerful AND gets better fuel economy, we have trouble seeing why the 3.8 is even in the mix. According to Volkswagen, Routan is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with the 3.8, and 17-city and 25-highway with the 4.0.

© Source: onwheelsinc
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2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate wagon

The next-generation Mercedes Benz E-class has again been spotted in testing but this time the prototype is for the Mercedes Benz E-class‘Estate’ wagon version. The images were taken near the carmaker’s headquarters in Germany and reveal the final shape of the car, with only the finer details being masked by the black camouflage material. These new renderings and spy shots, however, gives us a good indication as to how the final version will look.

We can clearly see the design of the grille and some details on the tail-lights. The next E-Class is expected to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show before going on sale later that same year as a 2010 model. The wagon ‘Estate’ variant, meanwhile, should be unveiled at the following Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

© Source: autofans
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2010 Chevrolet Equinox - First look

The utility of a crossover with the economy of a sedan! That’s the boast being made by Chevy’s second-generation 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, and the claim does not come attached to any expensive hybrid or diesel technology. Instead the base Equinox gets a spanking new 2.4L four bristling with variable valve timing on both cams and direct fuel injection.

Letting liquid fuel evaporate inside the hot cylinder cools the charge considerably, permitting an impressive 11.7:1 compression ratio with no knock on regular fuel. That high compression combines with more complete fuel burn to lower hydrocarbon emissions, improve power, and reduce fuel consumption.

© Source: autofans
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Honda Jazz Review

The old Honda Jazz has been at the top of the tree since its launch in 2002 and the company is eager to reassure us that new Honda Jazz is the same only better. This was a car that appealed to a wide range of customers, from driving instructors to little old ladies and even at the end of its production, the Honda Jazz still held third place against its competitors. Such is its attraction that it has been at the top, or thereabouts, of the sales charts every year, selling over 2 million, worldwide and picking up over 30 awards along the way.

Although the new version went on sale in October 2008, there has been little or nothing in the way of advertising. This is not an oversight on the part of Honda but rather that it doesn't need to because historically, over half of the people who bought the previous model, signed up for more of the same and are expected to do so again. Moreover, they were not shy about spreading the word to friends and family.

The front end has a vague hint of the Honda Civic about it with new, larger headlights and a honeycomb grille set into the deep font bumper. At the other end, the new LED taillights and black gloss trim that carries the Honda logo, serves to extend the angled, lower edge of the windscreen. The tailgate narrows near the rear bumper and appears to limit the load aperture.

A new feature, available on the 1.4-engined models, is the 'Double Trunk'. It is a clever piece of kit that makes the most of the 337-litre boot space. It has four functions with under-floor storage and a base that is split between solid and a framed cargo net to stop things rolling about.

© Source: carpages
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2010 Cadillac SRX playing in the snow - video

So General Motors might be a little low on cash these days, but some of the best things in life are free. Take for example some engineers (or possibly marketing people) having some fun playing out in the snow while testing the upcoming 2010 Cadillac SRX. We’ve seen plenty of preview material on this car, but we’ll be able to reveal the production specs when the official debut is made at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.



© Source: topspeed
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2010 Peugeot 3008 – spied

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 has been spotted in France wearing a scant amount of camouflage, and unless Peugeot is deceiving us, it looks just like the Prologue HyMotion4 Concept from the Paris Motor Show. Updating the sheetmetal of the 4007, this crossover Pug gets a much smoother grille treatment and a combination of lines and curves out back suitable for a display at MOMA.

The interior isn't revolutionary, but it's expected to offer seating for five or seven and looks like it will hold up to consumers cross-shopping the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan. Four-cylinder turbocharged engines are predicted to be sized at 1.6-liters, burning either gas or oil and driving two wheels at launch, with a four-wheel-drive variant offered down the line.

© Source: autoblog
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Subaru Impreza diesel delayed for the UK

In this installment of "As the Yen Skyrockets," Autocar is reporting that the introduction of the long-awaited Subaru Impreza diesel has been delayed indefinitely due to unfavorable exchange rates. A source inside International Motors, the firm that imports Subarus into the UK, told Autocar, "At the current rate we would have to charge vastly more than we can justify for the diesel Impreza if we were to make a profit. As a result we can't guarantee when the car will go on sale as we can't predict when the economy will change."

Both Toyota and Honda are facing the same problem, with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui going so far as to threaten moving Honda's headquarters outside of Japan. Analysts predict that the yen could begin to sink in the coming weeks, but if the market doesn't correct itself, the Japanese government might have to intervene and begin devaluing its currency.

© Source: autoblog
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Porsche Driving Experience

It looks like England is the destination for track schools. Last week Lotus opened its new driving academy in Hethel, and now Porsche has opened its new Driving Experience Center at the Silverstone raceway in Northamptonshire. Watch and dream as the could be you on your next trip to England.


© Source: topspeed
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2008 Jeep Cherokee

Looks like a Liberty, drives like a Liberty, but once you cross the pond, it's called the Jeep Cherokee. European specs include the 2.8-liter common-rail turbo diesel (CRD) with a diesel particulate filter but the Cherokee's navigation system, with directions given with an English accent, and swanky interior distinguished the Jeep on a recent test drive.

On a route from Florence to Siena along a scenic highway getaway through Tuscany, the Cherokee accrued approximately 125 miles roundtrip, with bouts of city driving in between.As a first-time driver out of the country, the prospect of driving in Italy was not a little intimidating but considering that the cars are right-hand drive rather than left-hand, e.g. Great Britain, it seemed do-able.

The walled-in medieval city of Siena, with unique street lights hanging from said walls to distinguish each neighborhood, allowed for few distinctive frames of reference. I should have made a better note of the street lights, but I did spot of a Jeep Grand Cherokee parked on the street, apparently by a resident. Like an oversized bread crumb, that marker would come in handy on my way out of town.

The all-new Jeep Cherokee is available with both a 3.7-liter SOHC V6 gasoline engine. The V6 produces 205 horsepower and 232 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm while the CRD engine enables the Cherokee to claim a best-in-class torque of 339 lbs.-ft. at 2,100 rpm with the five-speed automatic transmission, and best-in-class towing capacity of up to 2,800. Maximum power is 177 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is also available.
With the CRD and automatic transmission, the Cherokee earns an estimated nineteen miles per gallon on the highway.

The MSRP on the Jeep Cherokee Limited.2.8 CRD is € 39.560 or approximately $59,340.

© Source: onwheelsinc
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2010 Kia Soul

You can point toward the high cost of gas, raising concerns about the environment, or just what goes around, comes around, but small is big. Small doesn’t have to mean an austere, plain, prole-mobile, though. With vehicles like the MINI, Scion Xb and Honda Fit, small is hip and fun.

And while Hyundai has been getting a lion’s share of attention with its new vehicles lately, especially the jaw-dropping Lexus-baiting Genesis V8 sedan, the Korean automaker’s cousin Kia has been making its own inroads with well-designed, high-value vehicles of its own, like the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego, available with Kia’s first V8. To take the brand even further up the automotive ladder, Kia is adding a real “personality” vehicle to define its youthful, carefree—dare we say it—Soul.

Enter the 2010 Kia Soul. Based on the subcompact Rio sedan’s running gear, and about the same overall length, this cheeky, squared-off, little 5-passenger, 4-door crossover slots in below the Kia Sportage SUV. And although it’s aimed at the Gen Y buyer (like the MINI Cooper and Scion Xb), its design, utility and value are sure to attract buyers across the board.

Which isn’t to say that those looking at the production model will be disappointed. We’ll know soon enough, as the Soul is planned to debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in late November 2008. Right now, though, our guess is it will be one of the most desired vehicles of the coming year.

Early specs say that the Soul may offer one of two engines: a fuel-thrifty 115-hp, 1.6L or a punchier 145-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with your choice of stick or automatic transmission. Like the MINI and Scion, the Soul will be exclusively front-wheel drive, making it more of an urban fun-mobile than a regular off-roader.

© Source: automedia
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Splinter Wooden Supercar

Yes, this is a wooden car. Forget the jokes. Anyone making more than mere decorative use of wood in an automobile has heard them all. And doesn't care. Wood is a magnificent structural material, "God's own composite," proclaimed the late Frank Costin, the brilliant technologist behind the glorious shapes of early Lotus cars, the Vanwall Formula 1 car, and-significantly-the plywood chassis of the Marcos in which a young Jim Clark won some of his first races.

Three years ago, Joe Harmon, a twenty-eight-year-old industrial design graduate student at North Carolina State University, thought it would be instructive to make a wood supercar for his master's thesis, including some of the running gear and-unlike the Marcos-all of the bodywork. "I wanted to show that wood isn't an antiquated, low-technology material," Harmon says.

To achieve Harmon's goal of a fully fluid body surface, the team had to invent a wood veneer cloth to use in place of more usual glass-fiber or carbon-fiber weaves. That meant designing and developing specific looms, acquiring rolls of veneer five inches wide, slitting it into bands sixty feet long and an eighth- or a quarter-inch wide, weaving it into cloth to place in female molds, and then vacuum bagging it with epoxy resin. Those looms-wood, of course-are works of art, using wooden clothespins machined to feed veneer strips through their jaws. With too much tension, they slipped; if there wasn't enough tension, rubber bands attached to the clothespins compensated. It was wonderfully elegant, wonderfully simple. Once it was imagined.

Those wheels represent one of the biggest unknowns. Despite a fifteen-degree conical taper meant to spread loads over more wood fibers, Harmon thinks that the massive torque of his modified Cadillac Northstar engine may rip out the centers. To get heat away from the wooden structure, he has swapped the cylinder heads left to right so the exhaust ports are inboard, with the headers coming out the top of the engine below huge vents. The transaxle is a six-speed Corvette unit, which helps push the cockpit well forward, despite the 104.8-inch wheelbase. The hull weighs about 1100 pounds, and Harmon expects the final curb weight to be approximately 2500 pounds.

© Source: automobilemag
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Mansory builds mysterious Bugatti Veyron Vincero

We’re convinced the Bugatti Veyron has to have the highest ratio of variants per total production — Ford Mustang included. There’s the Sang Noir, a first and second version of the Hermes, Pur Sang, Grand Sport, and now the Vincero built by Mansory.

Not much is known about the car since no information is listed on the Swiss tuner’s web site, but United Arab Emirates exotic car dealer Prestige Cars has posted the car for sale, listing it as one of three built. Looking at the photos, the Vincero features a carbon fiber hood and engine cover, new black wheels, and an interior that has been reupholstered in black and white with carbon fiber trim. It’s not everyone’s taste, but we definitely wouldn’t kick it out of the garage.

© Source: autofans
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2010 Chevy Equinox - Video

Chevy has released a number of Equinox videos. The new SUV’s interior includes a close-up look at the dials and buttons as well as a peek at the rear storage and the optional flat screens built into the seat rests.



© Source: blogs.cars
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2009 StudioTorino CoupeTorino

(from StudioTorino Press Release) PRESS RELEASE: COUPETORINO

Studiotorino presents a cultural, non-profit project: the COUPETORINO, a single to-scale model inspired by the iconic Mercedes SL spider.

COUPETORINO will make its debut December 12, 2008 at the “BESPOKE COACHWORK” exhibit to be held at Turin Gallery as part of the greater event “Turin World Design Capital 2008”. In cooperation with L’Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design di Torino (IAAD).

As part of the event “Turin World Design Capital 2008”, Studiotorino presents a cultural, non-profit project. The COUPETORINO is a technical and stylistic study aimed at transforming series and off-set automobiles with reliable technical solutions while maintaining the car’s identity. With this objective in mind the iconic Mercedes SL spider was chosen as a lone specimen. Its original architectural structure was transformed into a true coupй.

Amongst the various design studies directed by STUDIOTORINO in cooperation with Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design (IAAD) and informally presented to the Mercedes Design Center in Como to Professor Peter Pfeiffer, a more typically Italian coupй style was chosen.

This project includes an accurate 1:4 scale maquette personally modeled by Alfredo Stola and a photographic exhibit presenting all of its developmental stages, from its conception to its realization. An in depth study presents all of the construction methodology and aerodynamics with the goal of creating a perfectly functional prototype with the reliability akin to that of series automobiles. COUPETORINO was presented on December 12, 2008 at the Premiиre held at Turin Gallery with an exhibit titled “Bespoke Coachwork”.

The Premiere of COUPETORINO to be held on December 12, 2008 in the exhibit “Bespoke Coachwork” at Turin Gallery will present in addition to a photographic exhibit of all the designs and developmental stages, a 1:4 scale model purposely without wheels, monochromatic in bronze on a transparent support as if a sculpture.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Nissan GT-R by Cobra

Cobra Technology is ready for the release of the Nissan GT-R on the European market. Although no cars have hit the street there (officially), it allocation for 2009 is already sold out. So the modified Cobra N+ GT-R may already be on a few European wish lists.

Cobra reprogrammed the ECU, boost pressure is increased by 0.15 bar, and the air intake is modified with sport air filters. It claims this increases the standard 485 hp to 550 hp (but also remember that GT-Rs will usually appear more powerful than they actually are on a dyno.)

Other upgrades to the GT-R include three-piece lightweight 21-inch Cobra N+ light-alloy wheels, eight-piston brake calipers, and adjustable coil-over suspension. There is also a body kit with Cobra N+ front apron with large air dams, rocker panels, and rear apron.

It’s a tough thing to mess with Godzilla. The engineers at Nissan spent about seven years getting everything right, so even a body kit may seriously mess with the aerodynamics from the factory. But if nothing else, Europe will love the black and gold paint scheme that should remind many of the John Player Special F1 racers of the 1970s.

© Source: topspeed
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Honda Accord by Mugen

Last week, the new Honda Accord made its official debut in Japan and only a few days later, Honda specialist Mugen already presented the first details regarding the upcoming package for the car, both sedan and wagon versions. The Accord Mugen will a full new bodykit, with new front and rear spoilers, ‘aero’ bumpers, side sills and a huge rear wing, plus four alloy wheel designs available in 18 and 19 inches size.

Performance upgrades include a new sport suspension kit, high-performance brake pads and rotors, plus a new sport exhaust system. No word wether the 2.4 liter engine or the 5-speed automatic transmission received any upgrades.

© Source: autounleashed
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Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT by Reiter Engineering

Reiter Engineering was on board for the development of the Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT racecar. So with a little extra tim on its hands, the people at Reiter decided to give this track-only car some modifications so it could be unleashed on the street.

What makes this version recognizable from standard Murcielagos are the raised tail pipes and fixed rear wing. The important part is that its that this Murcielago is on strict weight saving diet. Expect to keep the current car’s 640 hp V12 engine, but like the Gallardo Superleggera, the Murcielago’s all-wheel drive system is ditched for the lighter and more race-friendly rear-wheel drive.

© Source: topspeed
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