New Fiat 500 "first snow" (II)
© Jérôme
New Fiat 500 - National Museum of Singapore
New Fiat 500 - National Museum of Singapore
Source: vanqphotography
Hot News: Lamborghini Estoque to Share Platform with Audi A7
More details are emerging on the Lamborghini Estoque four-door set to debut in 2011 or 2012. Lamborghini insists the aggressive sedan is still only under consideration, but company insiders tell us Sant’Agata is already preparing the car for production. The only obstacle is a strategic review of the entire Volkswagen Group's future vehicle portfolio, currently being carried out by Porsche, VW's majority shareholder.
A conservative sales estimate is about 1500 units annually, but Lamborghini hopes to sell at least 2000 per year. That doesn't seem unrealistic compared to Porsche's far more ambitious targets with the Panamera, of which Stuttgart hopes to make 20,000 in the same time span.
The Estoque will be built on Audi's modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming all-new A7, and the 2013 VW Phaeton. There is very little component sharing with the recently revealed Porsche Panamera, which uses a standalone platform close to that of the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, and VW Touareg SUVs.
The Lamborghini Estoque will most likely have an aluminum body. All-wheel drive will be standard, since front-wheel drive, theoretically a possibility on this platform, is out of the question for Lamborghini. Much development on the underpinnings has been carried out by Audi's Quattro GmbH performance division in Neckarsulm, Germany.
The Audi A7, with its hatchback body, will be closest to the Estoque in concept and dimensions. The Estoque will definitely come to market after the A7, says an insider.
A conservative sales estimate is about 1500 units annually, but Lamborghini hopes to sell at least 2000 per year. That doesn't seem unrealistic compared to Porsche's far more ambitious targets with the Panamera, of which Stuttgart hopes to make 20,000 in the same time span.
The Estoque will be built on Audi's modular-longitudinal platform, which is the base of a number of new models, including the current Audi A4 and A5, the next-generation A6 and A8, the forthcoming all-new A7, and the 2013 VW Phaeton. There is very little component sharing with the recently revealed Porsche Panamera, which uses a standalone platform close to that of the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, and VW Touareg SUVs.
The Lamborghini Estoque will most likely have an aluminum body. All-wheel drive will be standard, since front-wheel drive, theoretically a possibility on this platform, is out of the question for Lamborghini. Much development on the underpinnings has been carried out by Audi's Quattro GmbH performance division in Neckarsulm, Germany.
The Audi A7, with its hatchback body, will be closest to the Estoque in concept and dimensions. The Estoque will definitely come to market after the A7, says an insider.
Volkswagen
Wolfsburg, 19 September 2008 - Forty years have passed since Volkswagen presented the VW 411, at that time the company’s largest and most powerful model yet, to some 200 journalists in Wolfsburg. The journalists had earlier put the VW 411 through its paces on the new Volkswagen proving ground in Ehra-Lessien, testing the vehicle’s equipment and performance. Volkswagen built 367,728 units until production ceased in July 1974, and 416 of these are currently registered as old-timers.
The ads claimed there had never been a VW like this before. And they were quite right. This was the very first model with a unibody, a four-door option, more space than any other Volkswagen and a longer wheelbase than the Beetle. A newly-designed, powerful, 68 bhp air-cooled 1.6 liter boxer engine mounted in the rear of the VW 411 was robust enough even for long journeys at a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The innovative sporty chassis with MacPherson strut front suspension and rear suspension with double joint axles also used in the Porsche 911 made sure the car held the road well. The midsize saloon featured “the luxury of a luxury car”. Available with either a Normal or an L equipment line, “Wolfsburg’s biggie” offered customers space and ride comfort, enhanced safety, a total 570 liters of luggage space in front and rear and an optional automatic transmission.
The history of what was known as the Type 4 began in 1962 as development project EA 142. The economics of series production, which began in February 1967, were based on the sale of 822,500 vehicles over a four year period with daily production of 1,000 units. The price of the VW 411 ranged from 7,770 to 9,285 DM.
Compared to the VW 1500/1600 launched in 1961, the VW 411 was noticeably larger and better equipped. Volkswagen aimed to establish the new vehicle in the upper midsize segment which was beyond the reach of the Beetle and the Type 3, and to expand the market position in the long term by broadening the model range. For this reason, the publicity concentrated on technical innovations and the high level of comfort as well as highlighting typical Volkswagen characteristics such as quality, economic efficiency and service.
In the run-up to the market launch on October 5, 1968, dealers, the press and customers responded positively to the VW 411. Once the car had come to market, problems with the clutch on the first models delivered and an increasingly negative press curbed sales prospects. The most common complaints from customers related to engine and driving noise, the engine’s limited output and what was perceived as an unaesthetic front end. Since over 80% of VW 411 buyers were already Volkswagen customers, the vehicle failed to win new customer groups. As a result of these marketing problems, which could not be remedied by sales incentives either, Volkswagen sporadically lowered production to 75 vehicles per day.
The company introduced an improved version, the VW 411 E, for the 1970 model year. Electronic fuel injection boosted engine output to 80 bhp and the front end, which had given the model the nickname of “Nasenbär” (coati), received a facelift. The VW 411 E Variant, provided even more space for luggage, and this estate version was soon selling twice as well as the hatchback saloon. Type 4 exports to the USA began in 1971, and the car sold better than expected there, soon accounting for roughly 40% of total sales. A further new and improved model called the VW 412 followed in 1972. Production of the Type 4 at the Wolfsburg plant continued until 1973, when the production line was relocated to Salzgitter, and production at Volkswagen of South Africa commenced in 1969.
Even though the VW 411/412 did not break any sales records, the model nevertheless has an important role to play in Volkswagen’s automobile history as the last large series model with air cooling and a rear-mounted engine. A 1966 prototype is on display at the Automuseum Wolfsburg. The Type 4 has by no means been forgotten. Type 4 fan clubs in Germany and abroad have been presenting their lovingly preserved automotive rarities at a stand at Techno Classica since 2005.
Source: Volkswagen Press Release
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New Car: 2010 Mini Convertible
The new MINI Convertible has broken cover, and given the success of the previous drop top it’s no surprise that BMW has lifted the lid on the current generation.
Due to reach showrooms in March, the new MINI comes two years later than its hatchback equivalent. These are the first official pictures of the soft-top and it looks like it's been worth the wait.
The second version of the best-selling convertible will make full use of MINI’s ‘Minimalism’ package, BMW's clever term for its EfficientDynamics systems. The result is a cleaner more frugal beast. Performance has also been improved and the range-topping Cooper S now pumps out 175bhp from its turbo-charged 1.6-litre unit.
The new cabrio gets a healthy makeover too. A raised shoulder line and added chrome strip surrounding the car, highlight the cars sporty nature. While the trademark circular headlamps and hexagonal grille both remain. There are also two all-new colours making their debuts; Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue.
Opting for the same two-stage electronically-operated canvas roof as the previous car, the top can be partially opened to act as a sunroof as well as fully retracted.
Another accessory making its debut is MINI’s ‘Openometer’, the add-on records how long the top has been down, letting passengers know how long they've been 'cool' for, air conditioning also now comes as standard.
Prices start at £15,995 for the standard Cooper rising to £18,995 for the Cooper S. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Fiat 500 - Argentina Launch (more pics)
New Fiat 500 - Argentina Launch (more pics)
Source: cosas de autos
2010 BMW Z4 prototype spy photos
BMW's next-generation BMW Z4 sports car has been photographed very often in various stages of its progressive growth. These latest shots show a proof car caught in the streets of Munich. The BMW Z4 power of choosing replace the current model that has been in successi the market since 2003, and it resolution be about the same size. The greatest part significant feature on the new car is that BMW
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View Slideshow2009 Cadillac CTS New purchase now
2009 Cadillac CTS New purchase now!
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SFI Picture
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SFI
Pictures, Features, Specs, Dealer Quotes
$35,905
$33,571
3.6L V6 263HP
16/25 mpg
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SIDI Picture
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SIDI
Pictures, Features, Specs, Dealer Quotes
$38,205
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3.6L V6 304HP
17/26 mpg
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SFI AWD Picture
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SFI AWD
Pictures, Features, Specs, Dealer Quotes
$39,105
$36,563
3.6L V6 263HP
17/25 mpg
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SIDI AWD Picture
2009 Cadillac CTS 3.6L SIDI AWD
Pictures, Features, Specs, Dealer Quotes
$40,105
$37,498
3.6L V6 304HP
17/26 mp
Estimated Payments:
$718/month* find current rates
Rebates & Incentives:
Cash Back / Special Financing more info
Standard Engine:
3.6L V6, 24 valve, 263 hp @ 6400 rpm
* 6 speed manual (standard) or 6 speed automatic transmission
* 18 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy
* Green Rating: Unavailable
Honda CBR 150
Spek detail dari Honda CBR 150
Detailed Specs of Honda CBR 150 ADA disini
It is said that Casey Stoner, Australian MotoGP rider started out on a Honda CBR150. What is the Honda CBR150 technical; the CBR150 comes with a 4 stroke, DOC 4 Valves, water-cooled 149.4cc engine. The cylinder bore is 63.5mm and the stroke is 47.2mm (We can several other smaller cc motorcycle from Honda with the same bore), the compression ration is 11:1 and the ignition is by CDI Direct.
The standard spark plug is an NGK CR8E, but seen also CBR150’s with a Denso U24ESR-N.
The transmission of Honda CBR150 comes with a 6 gear transmission, with a gear ratio from 3.038 for the first gear and a ratio of 0.923 for the last (6th) gear. Honda is using a wet, multiple disk clutch type for this motorcycle.
The dimensions of the bike are 652mm wide by 1,910 in length and 1,065 mm high. With a wheelbase of 1,286mm, all this specification indicates that it is a well-suited motorcycle for some road racing.
The dry weight of the bike is 115kilograms; the full fuel tank capacity is 10 liters unleaded gasoline octane 91 and up.
We need to keep focusing on performance that’s affordable. This keeps us from manufacturing some tailor made individual parts to get the exact performance needs; also changing the bore or coating the cylinder bores with a Ceramic Coating is off they all fall out of the budget.
Okay looking at the standard bike, we are thinking what can we change to get at least some better performance. In the corner of my eye I see my girlfriend walking around with a block of aluminum, assuming that we are going to make a whole new cylinder. But after a quick telephone call with the bike owner, we concluded that it was far out of the budget.
So without the manufacturing of custom made parts we are restricted to the exhaust pipe, air-intake and carburetor. The exhaust pipe is the easiest part, we just bough a racing exhaust set. The air-intake was also easy; we just made the holes bigger so the air can flow much easier into the carburetor. Adjusting the main carburetor main fuel jet, and keeping track on the max and idle performance we got almost 32km/h more speed out of this bike. As we where examined the bike we also found that the chain and sprockets had to be replaced, as the bike clearly ad some more power we selected a small rear and a few teeth bigger front sprocket. The bike was now a fast little monster.Upgrading a Honda CBR-125R to a CBR-150R
Modify & MaintenanceAs the Honda CBR-125R get more popular, the Honda CBR125 is Britain's top-selling motorcycle for several years. The Honda CBR-125R is a fantastic road legal learner bike perfect for first time rider.
The Honda CBR-125R with its Liquid-cooled, two-valve, single-cylinder, four-stroke, 124.7cc engine produces enough power to get first time riders experience the feeling of riding a sporty bike. But after about one year, most Honda CBR-125 owners want to sell the bike as the 13 horsepower engine doesn’t provide enough power.
But why sell the bike, if you can for as little as 10,000 Baht (217 Euro, or 294 US$) can upgrade the big to a CBR-150R, with original Honda parts. The differences between the Honda CBR-125 and his bigger Thai brother the Honda CBR-150 is only the cylinder, piston and cylinder head assembly.
Buying the original Honda CBR-150 part is for people who plan to visit Thailand for a holiday no problem at all, it is not uncommon that foreigners buy this ‘150cc upgrade kit’ says a shop owner who also shows us quickly several more Honda CBR upgrade variants starting from 130cc to all the way up to 195cc. This third party bore-up sets are even cheaper then the original Honda 150cc set.
The shop owner explains us that with the 195cc bore-up kit, which includes a sport camshaft, piston, cylinder, cylinder head assembly which includes larger DOHS 4-valves and an un-limited ECU/CDI with a simple manual, the modified Honda CBR can produce twice the amount of horsepower compared to the stock Honda CBR-125.
Just when we want to leave the owner of the shop, points out that with more power ‘over 26 horses’ we also need to consider other modifications. And he shows us racing front forks and Brembo brake assemblies with disc brakes that are much larger then standard on the Honda CBR-125. Other stuff we get to see are rear swingarms, racing, air-filters, exhaust pipes, gas rear shocks, and the guy is not stopping ….we need an excuse to get away…
Spied: 2010 Audi A7
Spy shots of the A7, Audi’s upcoming low-roofline sedan, continue to surface. The A7 is likely to be based on the next-generation A6 architecture, which itself will be a lengthened and modified version of the current A4/A5 platform. Judging from the name, the four-seat A7 should slot into the Audi lineup above the A6 and below the A8 and will likely occupy the $50,000-to-$70,000 price range. The grainy new snaps seen here clearly show the A7’s bulbous rear end, which hides a hatchback configuration, a body style that resembles the recently revealed—and not beautiful—Porsche Panamera.
In the U.S. we’re expecting that base A7s will be powered by the A6’s recently introduced 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6; V-8 engines are almost a certainty but we don’t yet know if the V-8 will be the A6’s direct-injection 350-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 or the R8’s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. Transmission choices will be a six-speed automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, and an eight-speed automatic that will likely be reserved for the V-8 model.
After the launch of the regular-grade models, the sportier and more powerful S7 will debut, powered by the S6’s 5.2-liter V-10 with upwards of 435 hp under the hood. An ultra-powerful RS7 is a possibility, although it, like the current RS6 sedan and wagon, may be deemed too expensive and too niche-y for the North American market.
Audi usually shows a thinly disguised concept version before showing the final production car, and we expect such a concept of the A7 to debut in early 2009 at the Detroit auto show, with the production version appearing perhaps as early as the Geneva auto show in the spring.
In the U.S. we’re expecting that base A7s will be powered by the A6’s recently introduced 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6; V-8 engines are almost a certainty but we don’t yet know if the V-8 will be the A6’s direct-injection 350-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 or the R8’s 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. Transmission choices will be a six-speed automatic, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, and an eight-speed automatic that will likely be reserved for the V-8 model.
After the launch of the regular-grade models, the sportier and more powerful S7 will debut, powered by the S6’s 5.2-liter V-10 with upwards of 435 hp under the hood. An ultra-powerful RS7 is a possibility, although it, like the current RS6 sedan and wagon, may be deemed too expensive and too niche-y for the North American market.
Audi usually shows a thinly disguised concept version before showing the final production car, and we expect such a concept of the A7 to debut in early 2009 at the Detroit auto show, with the production version appearing perhaps as early as the Geneva auto show in the spring.
Spied: 2010 Honda Accord CUV
A gap exists in the Honda lineup between the mid-size Pilot and compact CR-V SUVs, and the company might be filling that hole with an Accord-based crossover. Caught here wearing no camouflage, this bash-up mule could turn into a vehicle that would do battle with the new Toyota Venza.
Possibly based on the European-only Accord Tourer wagon, this CUV prototype wears the familiar U.S.-market Accord front end grafted to a Tourer body. There are fender flares pinned to the body sides, indicating a wider track, and masking around the C-pillar hides a stretched wheelbase. From the back, a rear differential makes it evident the CUV will get power to the rear wheels as well as those in the front, likely via Honda’s VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system. Power could come from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engines offered on the current Accord; the dual exhaust on this mule likely means it carries the V-6.
When asked to comment on the spy photos and its possible reponse to the Ford Flex and Toyota Venza, Honda stated simply that "it is always evaluating the needs of its customers." However unconfirmed, we’d expect that a mid-size crossover is all but guaranteed from a company known for being as forward-thinking as Honda.
Prancing around with no camo and combining currently produced sheetmetal, this is likely a mule that would look markedly different in production. Watch for an announcement at an upcoming auto show. We'll keep you posted.
Possibly based on the European-only Accord Tourer wagon, this CUV prototype wears the familiar U.S.-market Accord front end grafted to a Tourer body. There are fender flares pinned to the body sides, indicating a wider track, and masking around the C-pillar hides a stretched wheelbase. From the back, a rear differential makes it evident the CUV will get power to the rear wheels as well as those in the front, likely via Honda’s VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system. Power could come from the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engines offered on the current Accord; the dual exhaust on this mule likely means it carries the V-6.
When asked to comment on the spy photos and its possible reponse to the Ford Flex and Toyota Venza, Honda stated simply that "it is always evaluating the needs of its customers." However unconfirmed, we’d expect that a mid-size crossover is all but guaranteed from a company known for being as forward-thinking as Honda.
Prancing around with no camo and combining currently produced sheetmetal, this is likely a mule that would look markedly different in production. Watch for an announcement at an upcoming auto show. We'll keep you posted.
Spied: 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera
Here are the first decent spy shots we’ve seen of the 2011 Porsche 911 in something resembling its own metal; it’s the car which Porsche internals and Porschephiles alike will refer to as the 998. Clearly, this prototype wears the expected placeholder front lighting elements—these ones cribbed from a pre-face-lift version of the current 997-gen Carrera—bulging from tacked-on front fender extensions that conceal a flatter, Panamera-like nose. The roofline and doors appear very close in design to the current model—no surprise there—but the rear fenders of this car conceal a vastly wider track than the current 911, leading us to believe that this car could be an all-wheel-drive 4 or 4S model.
New Car: 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback
Just days after we were first introduced to the 2010 Mazda 3 sedan at the L.A. show, its five-door hatchback sibling has been unveiled electronically, in advance of its meatspace debut.
On December 3 (Coincidence? We think not), the more useful 3 will be shown at the Bologna motor show in Italy. The hatch shares the sedan’s somewhat-goofy-looking, smiley front end, as well as its new interior and, of course, chassis. Expect the same powertrain options as the current U.S.-market hatch, namely one: the 2.5-liter four. Europeans will be able to choose from among two turbo-diesels and 1.6- and 2.0-liter gas-fired fours, the latter also found in the U.S. sedan.
What’s more exciting for us, though, is the promise of a new Mazdaspeed 3, which will once again be offered in hatchback, front-drive form only. After catching a few glimpses of the speediest of the 3s on the Nürburgring, we’ve been anxiously awaiting further details on the replacement for one of our favorites. It is expected to use the same turbocharged 2.3-liter as now, generating at least the 263 hp of the current model. That car should be arriving for the Geneva show, which takes place in March of next year.
On December 3 (Coincidence? We think not), the more useful 3 will be shown at the Bologna motor show in Italy. The hatch shares the sedan’s somewhat-goofy-looking, smiley front end, as well as its new interior and, of course, chassis. Expect the same powertrain options as the current U.S.-market hatch, namely one: the 2.5-liter four. Europeans will be able to choose from among two turbo-diesels and 1.6- and 2.0-liter gas-fired fours, the latter also found in the U.S. sedan.
What’s more exciting for us, though, is the promise of a new Mazdaspeed 3, which will once again be offered in hatchback, front-drive form only. After catching a few glimpses of the speediest of the 3s on the Nürburgring, we’ve been anxiously awaiting further details on the replacement for one of our favorites. It is expected to use the same turbocharged 2.3-liter as now, generating at least the 263 hp of the current model. That car should be arriving for the Geneva show, which takes place in March of next year.
First Sketch: Volvo S60
This is the first look at the new S60 concept Volvo plans to reveal at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The concept gives an indication of what the new sedan will look like when it's launched in 2010.
The new car's coupe-inspired silhouette follows on from the original S60's and is also underlined by entirely new shoulder contours and a gentle double wave that runs from headlamps to taillamps. "The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas," explains Volvo Cars' design director, Steve Mattin.
"On the inside we've been even more daring - there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future," says Mattin. Among the interior features is a floating center stack made of hand-crafted Orrefors crystal. "Using pure crystal is a thrilling experiment. We may well see interior features in crystal-like materials in the future."
The new car's coupe-inspired silhouette follows on from the original S60's and is also underlined by entirely new shoulder contours and a gentle double wave that runs from headlamps to taillamps. "The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas," explains Volvo Cars' design director, Steve Mattin.
"On the inside we've been even more daring - there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future," says Mattin. Among the interior features is a floating center stack made of hand-crafted Orrefors crystal. "Using pure crystal is a thrilling experiment. We may well see interior features in crystal-like materials in the future."
Spied: 2010 Porsche Speedster
The revised Porsche Boxster made its world debut at last week’s Los Angeles Motor Show – and we drive it for the first time in this week's Auto Express magazine. But as these spy pictures show, engineers at the firm aren’t downing tools just yet. They are working on this Speedster edition, which harks back to a rare 911 model from the Eighties.
Take a close look at the rear of the prototype, and you’ll see a large cover. Underneath this lies the trademark dome-shaped mid section, which emanates from the headrests, denoting this sleek-looking variant. In addition, the newcomer gets a lower windscreen and a modified canvas hood.
There’s no official news on the Speedster’s engine, although it’s expected to be the same 304bhp direct-injection flat-six cylinder unit as in the Boxster S.
Inside, the Porsche will get unique figure-hugging, leather-trimmed seats, along with a generous level of equipment, too. The new model will go on sale late next year, with a price tag of around £45,000.For more details click here
New Car: 2010 Porsche Panamera
After years of waiting and dozens of sightings by car spies, we’ve finally gotten our first non-grainy, camouflage-free official look at the first performance sedan in Porsche’s history, the Panamera. And, well, let’s put it this way: if you can handle the Cayenne SUV, you can probably handle the Panamera.
Not that we love it. Indeed, we’re not going to sugar-coat things here: some of us flat-out hate the look of this big, flat-nosed, bustle-backed five-door. The more diplomatic among us are cautiously optimistic that the Panamera will merely take some getting used to. It’s the same swirl of controversy that surrounded the introduction of the Cayenne, which initially all but sent Porsche purists to the psych ward, but has ultimately become respected, if not loved.For more details click here.
Hot News: Jaguar Gets Green Light for XF Roadster
You heard it here first! Way back in September last year, Auto Express revealed Jaguar’s plans to expand its XF range.
And, just as we predicted, a source from within the maker’s parent company, Tata, has confirmed that a raft of sporty new models is on the way from the revived British marque. We can now bring you the full story.
Our pictures show how the big cat’s new litter will shape up, starting with a two-door cabriolet version of the hugely successful XF saloon.
The XF Roadster will employ a folding fabric roof, along with a slightly shortened wheelbase to improve structural rigidity, while maintaining the saloon’s handsome profile. Bosses will ensure there is a significant cost differential, so that the new model doesn’t poach sales from the XK Cabriolet. As a result, prices are set to start at around the £35,000 mark.
But that’s not the only XF variant which has been earmarked for production: a two-door Coupé is also on the way. Designed to lock horns with Audi’s curvy A5, it will add even more style to the XF’s taut bodyshape with a tapered roof and high waistline. This, too, will be pitched below the XK in the £30,000 bracket. Both models are expected to borrow engines from the XF saloon.
The line-up will include V6 petrol and diesel units, plus the firm’s 4.2-litre V8, available in normally aspirated 300bhp or supercharged 420bhp form.
Jaguar is tipped to take the wraps off the two newcomers in 2010. And don’t forget the hardcore 500bhp XFR, with its 5.0-litre supercharged V8.
It was seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, and is set to debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.
Our sources have also revealed that Jaguar is eyeing up the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK – and seriously considering a ‘budget’ two-seater to compete in this lucrative sector of the market. We published images of the sporty roadster in Issue 1,012.
Following in the footsteps of the F-Type concept, this model will be pitched firmly in £40,000 Boxster territory – leaving room for a coupé model to rival the Cayman.
The small two-seater, which is due in 2012, will use a cut-down version of the lightweight aluminium chassis from the new XJ – itself due in 2010. Styling inspiration will be taken from the XF, while power is from a 4.2-litre V8.
There are also rumours that both cars could benefit from the top-of-the-range 5.0-litre V8 in the forthcoming XFR. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Concept Car: Honda FC Sport
Honda unveiled its vision for the future of transport at the LA Auto Show today with the FC Sport concept. The three-seat hydrogen fuel cell-powered design study was created at the Japanese manufacturer's Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, CA.The low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance and has been finished in white to communicate the car's environmental aspirations. Sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle taper into geometric hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell, while Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle's racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a 'naked bike' motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.
New Fiat 500 - "Best Compact Car" award
New Fiat 500 - "Best Compact Car" award
Consumers' Choice Award-Car of the Year (Japan)
Unofficial Picture: 2010 Peugeot 3008
Our spy photographers have captured the first undisguised pictures of the Peugeot 3008.
The ‘crossover’ is based on the 308 hatchback, and is meant to combine MPV practicality with occasional off-road ability. Apart from the absence of concept car jewelry, the 3008 is little changed from the Peugeot Prologue concept car that was revealed at the Paris motor show in October.
The most obvious rival to the 3008 is the Nissan Qashqai, which has enjoyed considerable success across Europe since it went on sale last year. Peugeot will also be hoping that the butch styling helps to attract buyers who would otherwise go for a conventional C-segment MPV, a segment that the company has chosen not to compete in.
The platform is shared with the Peugeot 308, and when the 3008 goes on sale next year, power will come from the PSA group’s familiar range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
However, there’s also the strong possibility that Peugeot will offer the 3008 with a hybrid drivetrain. Peugeot recently announced that it would put the world’s first diesel hybrid into production within two years, and the 3008 could well be that car.
The ‘crossover’ is based on the 308 hatchback, and is meant to combine MPV practicality with occasional off-road ability. Apart from the absence of concept car jewelry, the 3008 is little changed from the Peugeot Prologue concept car that was revealed at the Paris motor show in October.
The most obvious rival to the 3008 is the Nissan Qashqai, which has enjoyed considerable success across Europe since it went on sale last year. Peugeot will also be hoping that the butch styling helps to attract buyers who would otherwise go for a conventional C-segment MPV, a segment that the company has chosen not to compete in.
The platform is shared with the Peugeot 308, and when the 3008 goes on sale next year, power will come from the PSA group’s familiar range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
However, there’s also the strong possibility that Peugeot will offer the 3008 with a hybrid drivetrain. Peugeot recently announced that it would put the world’s first diesel hybrid into production within two years, and the 3008 could well be that car.
Thanks to: Autocar
New Car: 2009 Pontiac G6
Pontiac has announced that it is ringing in the new year with a fresh look for its best-selling line of G6 mid-size vehicles. Additional fuel-saving powertrain options, more aggressive exterior styling, and a sleek new instrument panel highlight the 2009.5 model G6, which will begin arriving in Pontiac dealerships in January.
"The G6 has always been one of our most important vehicles and has been Pontiac's number-one seller since it was launched in 2004," said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "As the most complete family of mid-size vehicles available in the marketplace, the new enhancements for 2009 will further solidify the G6's reputation for sporty style and handling without sacrificing value and fuel efficiency."
All G6 models, including sedans, coupes and convertibles, receive the interior upgrades. The uniquely styled G6 GXP models will not be affected by the exterior or powertrain changes. For more details click here.
New Car: 2009 Volvo S80L
Apparently, extra-long cars are all the rage in Chinese executive transport these days. Following up on the success of the A6L, Audi unveiled the A4L for the Chinese market yesterday. Today, Volvo has gotten in on the act, taking the wraps of the Chinese-market-specific S80L at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China.
"Volvo made a decision to produce its flagship sedan, the S80, in China, with upgrades to suit the tastes of Chinese consumers and to meet the increasing demand for premium cars in China," said Dr. Alexander Klose, CEO of Volvo Car China.For the discerning Chinese buyer, Volvo has stretched the car 14 cm, or about 5.5-in, and all that extra space has gone to the rear seats. The S80L's design is otherwise unchanged from that of the S80 and boasts the same level of passenger safety that Volvo is known for, as well as top level trim and amenities. The S80L will be produced using locally-sourced parts at Volvo's CFMA Chongqing plant in China.
New Car: 2010 Nissan Cube
Nissan has released the first official U.S.-spec photos for the 2010 Nissan Cube, the automaker's latest take on its box on wheels making its world bow this week at the 2008 L.A. auto show. The Cube will start rolling on U.S. streets sometime in the spring.
The Cube has been a hit in the Japanese market since its introduction in 1998, with Nissan moving close to a million Cubes in the country since 1998. Of course, Nissan's billing the latest Cube as the biggest and best version yet, with loads of new features and a larger cabin.Powered by a 1.5L four in Japanese-spec trim (we should know the U.S.-market engine at its debut, our guess is the 1.8L out of the Versa) mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT, the Cube will be available in both front drive or with an all-wheel-drive system Nissan calls e-4WD, which uses a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels when the fronts begin to slip (because it eliminates the need for a prop shaft, the e-4WD system provides enhanced interior space).
For moredetails click here.
New Car: 2009 Ford Fiesta Sedan
China's third main auto event, the Gunagzhou Auto show, marks the official release of the production version of Ford's four-door Fiesta. Having been previewed by the Verve Sedan concept less than a year ago - when it was planned predominantly for the Chinese market - the production model is of huge significance to the ailing US manufacturer.
The 2009 Fiesta sedan's design is nearly identical to the concept's, with a form that has a high deck point displacement, a good body-to-DLO proportion, and graphic boundaries on the headlamps. Only minor details such as the fog lamps, alloy wheels and front grille have been changed, and both head- and taillamps have been toned down for production.
Factories located in Beijing, Thailand and Mexico will build the four-door version for China, the United States and Canada respectively. And with reports of the Mexican factory expecting to produce 500,000 units alone, the Fiesta could play a major role in the uncertain future of its maker.
The 2009 Fiesta sedan's design is nearly identical to the concept's, with a form that has a high deck point displacement, a good body-to-DLO proportion, and graphic boundaries on the headlamps. Only minor details such as the fog lamps, alloy wheels and front grille have been changed, and both head- and taillamps have been toned down for production.
Factories located in Beijing, Thailand and Mexico will build the four-door version for China, the United States and Canada respectively. And with reports of the Mexican factory expecting to produce 500,000 units alone, the Fiesta could play a major role in the uncertain future of its maker.
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