Sneak Peek: 2011 Nissan EV

Nissan is going all-electric! On 2nd August the Japanese brand will announce its first Zero Emissions vehicle. The as yet unnamed 5-seat hatchback was created from the ground up for electric only driving.

A micro-site has shown the front of the new EV and Nissan will release official images and information on 2nd August but until then we have some insider information from a media test drive session.

Externally, the car features a distinctively sharp, upright V-shaped design and protruding headlights that split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing drag.

Elsewhere, the EV is powered by compact lithium-ion batteries and an 80kW electric motor which, when coupled with the aerodynamic body and low consumption electronics, should offer a range of around 160kms.

If you find yourself low on charge, the EV has an IT system that informs the driver of a ‘reachable area’ on the remaining charge and all the charging stations within that area.

Performance is roughly the same as a 2.0-litre petrol powered car and handling is even slightly improved over petrol counterparts because of the low centre of gravity provided by the heavy batteries in the floor of the vehicle.

The car is expected to go on sale in Japan and the U.S in 2010 and in Europe by early 2011. Prices should start at around £20,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Renault Posts Huge Loss

Renault has announced a net loss of 2.7 billion euros (£2.3bn) for the first half of 2009.
Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said, “We anticipated the crisis from July 2008 and made the first decisions necessary to weather it. Today, Renault is showing resilience, as illustrated by our significantly positive free cashflow.
“We are already preparing Renault for the post-crisis period with the mass marketing of zero-emission vehicles from 2011, the expansion of the entry-level range, consolidation of our presence in emerging markets and a drive to accelerate and expand synergies with Nissan.”
Renault has recently launched a new Megane, Scenic and facelifted Clio, so it is expecting better results for the second half of the year. Renault’s group global market share remained at 3.7 per cent for the same period.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2010 Bentley Grand

Our spy photographers have captured the best shots yet of Bentley’s replacement for the Arnage, known as the new Grand Bentley.These pictures suggest that the new Bentley will measure about 30 centimetres longer than the already huge Arnage putting it towards the Rolls-Royce Phantom end of the market.The Grand Bentley is expected to be powered by a tweaked version of the 6.75-litre V8 that powered its predecessor. Power should be around 550hp which will propel the Grand to around 200mph.Considering it’s competition (Maybach, Rolls-Royce) prices for the new model are expected to be well over £200,000 for the base model. Unlike its forerunner the Grand Bentley will only be available in one wheelbase.The official unveil comes at the Pebble Beach concours d’elegancee on 16th August 2009 and UK sales are expected to start later this year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied Up Date: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is on a diet! These spy shots show a smaller, lighter version of the German carmaker’s SUV is on the way - offering better performance and improved efficiency.Reports suggest that Porsche are hoping to shed 200kg from the Cayenne by using aluminium doors and dropping some of the previous model’s equipment.The lower, more streamlined body, along with even more 911 and Boxster influenced styling touches suggest Porsche are serious about making the Cayenne a real performance model.Inside, expect a Panamera based interior with a large touch-screen taking centre stage on the dash, flanked by two large air vents. Swathes of leather and high-quality materials will complete the luxurious cabin.Powertrains are expected in petrol, diesel and hybrid forms. The 400hp, 4.8-litre petrol engine from the Panamera is likely to power the Cayenne S, whilst the 500hp V8 from the range topping version of the Panamera will power the Cayenne Turbo.An improved version of the 3.0-litre oil burner from the Touraeg will kick off the diesel offerings whilst the hybrid models will be powered by Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre engine mated with a 38kW battery in the spare tyre well.The new Cayenne is expected to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next Spring. For more details clikc here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

After teasing us with three extreme-proportioned concepts, each called “Kizashi,” Suzuki has finally shown us the production version of the mid-size sedan it plans to launch this December as a 2010 model. Now, after having been formally introduced, we have learned more about it, including that it will carry the Kizashi name into production. That’s cool, we think, and refreshing: not only is Kizashi not some sort of alphanumeric—hooray!—but it is also brazenly ethnic. Kizashi means “something great is coming” in Japanese.

Since we didn’t get to drive it at the introduction, we don’t know yet just how “great” the Kizashi might be on the road, but we can say it is quite easy on the eyes. Certainly, it is way watered down from the fantasy-inspired concepts, but the handsome fascias and pleasing proportions remain intact. In front are predatory headlamps and a VW-esque top-to-bottom grille with a gorgeous black-chrome wicker look to its upper weave. Indeed, Suzuki claims that it benchmarked the VW Passat, the Alfa 159, and the Acura TSX because they have “character,” “agility,” “personality,” “flair,” and a few “rough edges.” You can definitely tell the designers studied the Alfa a lot.
The only body style that will be introduced worldwide—at first, anyway—is the four-door sedan. Dimensions stand at 183.1 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, and 58.3 inches high, and the Kizashi rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. (For reference, the Ford Fusion is 190.6 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, 56.9 inches tall, and has a 107.4-inch wheelbase.) Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. Suzuki declined to comment on whether a wagon would be developed (the first Kizashi concept featured a gangster-chopped wagon body), other than to say it is under consideration.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

2010 Acura ZDX Wallpapers

2010 Acura ZDX Front View

2010 Acura ZDX Wallpaper

2010 Acura ZDX Interior

2010 Acura ZDX Side View

2010 Acura ZDX Picture

2010 Acura ZDX Display

2010 Audi A5 Sportback

2010 Audi A5 Sportback Exotic Car

2010 Audi A5 Sportback Side View

2010 Audi A5 Sportback Interior

2010 Audi A5 Sportback Rear View

2010 Audi A5 Sportback Picture

2010 Volvo S80 Pictures

2010 Volvo S80 Front View

2010 Volvo S80 Wallpaper

2010 Volvo S80 Best Interior

2010 Volvo S80 Side View

2010 Volvo S80 Luxury Car

2010 Volvo S80 Rear View

Ferrari 458 Italia Wallpapers

Ferrari 458 Italia Wallpaper

Ferrari 458 Italia Side View

Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari 458 Italia Sport Car

New Abarth 500 - "Forza Motorsport 3" game

New Abarth 500 - "Forza Motorsport 3" game

New Fiat 500 "My Ride"

New Fiat 500 "My Ride"
© Bain McLeod

New Fiat 500 C "the best-value soft top around"

New Fiat 500 C "the best-value soft top around"
Source: Independent

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Fiat Grande Punto

Fiat's Grande Punto facelift has leaked onto the internet.

The pictures show parts of an undisguised Fiat Grande Punto, which is due to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Punto has a revised front end, inlcuding restyled headlamps and a new front bumper with three grilles and a grey centre section. The photos also show that the rear lights have been restyled.

The pictures also show a new dashboard that takes clear styling cues from the Bravo and features a revised gauge design and circular air vents.

The revised Fiat Grande Punto is also expected to benefit from the introduction of cleaner engines.

It goes on sale in early 2010.

Thanks to: Autocar

Unofficial Picture: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Suzuki's new midsize sedan, based on the series of Kizashi concepts seen most recently at last year's New York Auto Show, has leaked onto the web a day before its official unveiling.

At this point, all that's been leaked are four candid images from a Suzuki press event showing two cars posed on a lawn. From what we can see, the production car is surprisingly faithful to the concept (at bottom), but also appears to channel some Volkswagen and Hyundai. Still, the car looks as though it could have the potential to be a break-out hit for Suzuki.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

First Sketch: Kia VG

Kia has released official renderings of its new flagship sedan, codenamed VG, that's set to replace the Amanti (known as the Opirus in some markets) and go on sale in Korea by the end of this year.

The VG started life as the KND-5 concept car at this year's Seoul show, and we even caught prototypes testing in a wintry setting just ahead of the concept's debut.

Kia is developing its own unique design language, and we challenge readers to look at the front of the VG and really see another automaker's design. We like the LED daytime running lights and hope we'll get more accustomed to the new Kia family grille. On the profile view the greenhouse is reminiscent of Lexus, and the rear view is styled as modernly as the Amanti is old-fashioned.

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity,'" said Hyoung Keun Lee, senior vice president and COO of Kia's international business division. "The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile, and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance."

We expect to see the Lambda 3.5L V-6 and both front- and all-wheel drive versions of the VX sedan when it comes to showrooms later this year. Before it hits dealers, Kia could choose the Frankfurt Motor Show to show off the production-ready version.

We look forward to viewing the final product, especially considering the changes that were made to the Hyundai Genesis sedan on its way from concept to production. Regardless, the question remains: Can Kia follow in Hyundai's footsteps and build a luxury sedan that commands respect? What do you think?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

First Sketch: 2010 Chevrolet Agile

General Motors has announced that it will launch a new compact hatchback primarily for the South American market in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Chevrolet Agile, as it has been named, is a "compact, versatile car with great design," according to a translated GM document.

The vehicle will be built in Rosary, Argentina, where a plant is already being retooled to begin production. With a showroom debut looming in a matter of months, we'd usually be seeing a production-ready version of such a vehicle right about now. Strangely, though, GM has only released rough design sketches of the new compact vehicle, along with photos of the Gpix (called Agile in Brazil) concept crossover -- a vehicle said to have provided styling references for the Agile.

From what we can make of it, the Agile seems to slot in somewhere between compact hatchback and crossover, with the roughly translated GM document suggesting the "near space and aspect of a crossover." True to its name, the Agile has been designed to combine practicality and comfort with a fun-to-drive character and a youthful feel. More from a new Agile consumer site claims, "Agile is the symbol of the new Chevrolet vehicles; it implies rapidity, dynamism, and flexibility -- qualities of the new GM that is being born."

With the South American market and the Agile's segment in mind, we'd venture the car will be fitted with a variety of small-displacement four-cylinder gasoline engines, no doubt including a version of GM's 1.4-liter unit.

Could the Agile come to the U.S.? Not long ago, we reported on the 2011 Chevy Viva -- a subcompact five-door hatch that we currently believe will be built in South Korea and could serve as the replacement for the current Aveo. While the Agile was designed in South America and will be built in Argentina, there is also the possibility that a version of the Agile will end up being the small car that will be built at the Lake Orion, Michigan, plant, which has been announced by GM as the facility that will build an as-yet-unspecified small car. That, along with a GM reference to the Viva platform (translated as "Alive" in the release below), means that the Viva and Agile could essentially be one and the same, but we'll have to wait for official details to be sure.

What do you think of the Chevrolet Agile? Does GM need such a vehicle in the U.S. and, more importantly, would it sell?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2011 Buick Regal

Buick is on the rebound in its home market, with the successful Enclave crossover and the appealing 2010 LaCrosse leading the charge. Could it continue with the reincarnation of the Regal? Spied on American soil was a camouflaged Chinese-market Buick Regal, itself a re-grilled and rebadged European 2010 Opel Insignia. Just what the covered-up Regal was doing here is anyone’s guess, especially considering that it’s already fully exposed on Buick’s Chinese website.

But speculation has been ongoing for some time about whether a Regal would reemerge to flesh out America’s Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealerships, and that possibility is even more likely now that one of those brands will soon evaporate, taking a huge quantity of mid-size sedan sales with it. Now, whether it makes sense to sell what is essentially a short-wheelbase LaCrosse alongside the LaCrosse is a marketing question we can’t fully answer. But if it is markedly less expensive than the $27,835 Lacrosse, it could play well to Camry/Accord/Fusion buyers. Factor in GM’s pending divestiture of Saturn—which was due to get a copy of the Insignia as its next Aura sedan—and the Buick version makes even more sense.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Porsche 911 Hybrid

Porsche has been testing what appears to be a 911 hybrid from these latest spy pics.

On top of the bonnet sits a matt black box suggesting this is where the car maker would fit the electric motor.

This may limit the hybrid to just the Carrera 2 models as the space is limited in the front of the four-wheel drive model.

Theoretically the 911 could be the first to do without a flat six as a lower-powered, possibly four cylinder, engine would be needed if it was boosted by an electric motor.

A hybrid 911 would be a logical step to help Porsche reduce its overall emissions because it is such a big seller.

The car was extremely quiet when it was pulling away, our spy photographer told us, but when spotted accelerated at considerable speed.

The bonnet bulge has been adorned with a lightning bolt sticker and there is what appears to be a “no pacemaker” sign on the window.

However the Batman logo on the bonnet would lead us to believe the sticker are more of a Stuttgart joke than anything else.

Porsche is planning hybrid versions of both Panamera and Cayenne and although the flat six in the 911 is a very different engine the technology does exist.

A hybrid 911 would have formidable fuel economy for such a sporting car. The standard 997 currently manages almost 30mpg on the combined cycle and with the aid of an electric motor this could be boosted to 50mph.

The 911 hybrid is still in the early stages of development and is not likely to appear before 2011.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied Up Date: 2011 Skoda Superb Estate

These are the most revealing photos yet of the Skoda Superb estate.

The pictures clearly show the car's tailgate, which replaces the innovative split hatchback of the standard model, and which clearly draws on the Octavia estate's styling.

The estate is not expected to have a significantly longer wheelbase than the standard car, but it has a large rear overhang and is taller at the back. It also benefits from revised rear seating to maximise load space.

The Skoda Superb estate is expected to be launched at the Frankfurt motor show in September, before going on sale in early to mid-2010.

The engine range will include the three petrols and three diesels from the current Superb range, linked to five and six-speed gearboxes. DSG will also be an option.

A model with a Haldex developed four-wheel-drive system is also expected to be available, and speculation suggests it will be linked to the Superb's 3.6-litre V6 and the DSG gearbox to create a sports estate model.

Prices are expected to start from around £16,000.

Thanks to: Autocar

Saatnya Shalat di Amerika Serikat

Masih dalam rangka kunjungan Presiden Sukarno ke Amerika Serikat tahun 1956. Ketika tiba saatnya shalat, Bung Karno dan rombongan menuju salah satu masjid di sana untuk bersujud. Foto-foto berikut terasa sejuk kalau kita resapi dalam hati. Karenanya saya merasa tidak perlu berpanjang kata mengomentari ataupun memuji. Kita nikmati saja deretan foto di bawah ini, sambil membenamkan imaji sedalam-dalamnya….

Bung Karno, dengan tongkat komandonya berjalan kaki melintasi koridor masjid. Para pengawal correct menjaga Presidennya, lantas mengiringkannya masuk ke dalam masjid.

Usai shalat berjamaah, Bung Karno berdoa sejenak. Sejurus kemudian, ia bangkit berdiri lagi untuk kembali melaksanakan shalat sunah dua raka’at…. Anggota rombongan lain, ada yang mengikuti Bung Karno shalat sunah, ada yang tekun berdzikir, ada pula yang beringsut mundur, dan menunggu di luar masjid.

Usai shalat, tak pernah lupa Bung Karno khusuk berdoa. Tampak di sebelah kiri Bung Karno adalah Roeslan Abdulgani. Diplomat muda, pahlawan pada pertempuran heroik 10 November 1945 di Surabaya. Ia kemudian diangkat menjadi Menteri Luar Negeri, dan termasuk tokoh di balik Konferensi Asia Afrika Bandung yang bersejarah itu. Roeslan Abdulgani wafat 29 Juni 2005 dalam usia 91 tahun.

Seperti umumnya jemaah masjid, begitu pula Bung Karno. Di dalam masjid, tidak ada presiden, tidak ada menlu, tidak ada pejabat. Yang ada hanya imam dan makmum. Begitu pula usai shalat, Bung Karno dengan santai duduk di tangga masjid untuk mengenakan sepatu, seperti halnya jemaah yang lain.

Usai shalat, ia kembali melanjutkan protokol kunjungan kenegaraannya. Antara lain menggelar pembicaraan bilateral dengan Presiden Dwight Eisenhower yang dikisahkan “kurang mesra”. (roso daras)

New Car: 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

With a top speed of 203mph and a 0-60mph sprint of less than 3.5 seconds, this is the fastest car Ferrari has ever built.

So say hello to the F458 Italia - officially revealed in these first pictures.

Offering a staggering 570bhp at 9,000rpm it's also fitted with an advanced engine, and a new double-clutch, seven-speed gearbox.

Like all Ferraris, the new name references the engine - in this case a 4.5-litre V8. But what's equally important is important is the bit that comes next. Called Italia, this is the car Ferrari hopes will be the new pride of Italy.

While Ferrari is unlikely to admit it, the firm has been under huge pressure from rivals like the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Offering similar chassis technology and superior engine technology both cars offer a winning blend of performance, reliability and drivability.

The F458 is the car that insiders claim is set to change all that - stamping the famous firms authority on a class it has dominated for the past 15 years.

As a result, the F458 is much more than simply a refreshed F430 - sporting new engine, chassis and suspension technology - using exotic materials like magnesium and carbon fibre to keep the weight down.

And the technology push doesn't stop there. Leaked patent drawings last month revealed Ferrari is working on a hybrid powertrain, and a petrol-electric concept, possibly based on the 458, is mooted to debut as early as the LA Show this December..

It's also got a radical new look. Designed by Pininfarina, the car's signature lights include LED technology - pioneered by Audi - and a distinctive black front grille.

However, what makes the F458 so different to its predecessor is science behind its svelte bodywork. Look closely and there's an obvious lack of openings in the bodywork.

Reducing aerodynamic drag has been key to this cars performance - both on track and on the petrol station forecourt.

The holes but into the front and flanks of the bodywork feed air to the engine and radiators, but just as importantly, they also push it under the car's flat under tray, into a series of aerodynamic venturi tunnels.

This has the effect of sucking the car down onto the tarmac - in fact, the set up is so effective, that at around 120mph the car is generating around 140kg of downforce.

Another subtle, yet effective trick can be found at the front of the car, where two movable wings are hidden against the black of the radiator air intakes. This is part of the car's active aerodynamic package and helps to reduce drag at high speeds.

Performance is delivered to the rear wheels, and controlled using Ferrari's "e-diff" limited slip differential and adjustable F1-Trac traction control system.

Backed by lightweight carbon ceramic brakes, the car is said to be the fastest point-to-point machines the firm has ever built.

At the rear of the car you'll find the distinctive three-tailpipe arrangement, first seen in our spyshots. According to insiders, the exhaust note has been modelled on the firm's F1 car - sounding every bit as high-pitched.

The car makes its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September - while first examples are set to hit UK roads early next year. As yet, there's no word on price, but as the car is even faster than the F430 Scuderia - priced from £172,250 - it's unlikely drivers should expect change from less than £175,000. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

KAWASAKU ER6N specification

2009 Kawasaki ER-6n Base pictures, prices, information, and specifications. Below is the information on the 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n Base. If you would like to get a quote on a new 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n Base use our Build Your Own tool, or Compare this bike to other Standard motorcycles.To view more specifications, visit our Detailed Specifications.Identification
Model Type Standard
BASE MSRP(US) $6,399.00 Free Dealer Quote
Dealers Kawasaki Dealers
Warranty 12
Insurance Get a Quote
Engine:
Engine Type Parallel Twin
Cylinders 2
Engine Stroke 4-Stroke
Cooling Liquid
Valves 8
Valves Per Cylinder 4
Valve Configuration DOHC
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Starter Electric
Fuel Type Gas
Transmission:
Transmission Type Manual
Number Of Speeds 6
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) Chain
Wheels & Tires:
Front Tire (Full Spec) 120/70 R17
Rear Tire (Full Spec) 160/60 R17
Brakes:
Front Brake Type Dual Disc
Rear Brake Type Disc
Technical Specifications:
Wheelbase (in/mm) 55.3 / 1404.6
Fuel Capacity (gal/l) 4.1 / 15.5