New Car: 2010 Mercedes C-Class Executive SE

Mercedes has thrown a number of extras at the C-class to create a special edition Executive SE model.

Based on the manual C180 BlueEfficiency SE, it is offered as both a saloon and estate.

Externally, the Executive SE gets the three-pointed star in its grille, usually only seen on the Sport model, new 16-inch alloys and chrome exhaust tips.

Inside, the car gets a multimedia system that includes sat-nav and voice control, with a multi-function steering wheel.

The Executive SE will cost £574 more than the standard car at £23,190.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Mercedes Plans SLS AMG Black Series

AMG has kicked off development of a powered-up and pared- down version of its soon-to-be-launched SLS following an official green light from Mercedes-Benz chairman Dieter Zetsche.

The new German super-coupe, tentatively due to go into limited production in 2013, is planned to join an exclusive range of Mercedes-Benz performance cars wearing the AMG Black Series name at a price, Stuttgart insiders hint.

It will add at least 50 per cent to the standard SLS’s UK price of around £155k - a move that looks set to pitch it into direct competition with the recently upgraded Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano fitted with Maranello’s latest handling package upgrades.

Describing the SLS AMG Black Series - plans for which have existed ever since a decision was made in 2006 to revive the Gullwing - Mercedes-Benz insiders have told Autocar it will be differentiated from the standard SLS in very much the same vain as the Chevrolet ZR1 is removed from the Chevrolet C06.

At the heart of the go-fast Gullwing is a reworked version of the SLS’s M159 engine. The 6.2-litre V8, already far removed from similar-sized and configured units found in other AMG models, kicks out 563bhp and 479lb ft of torque in standard guise.

For the SLS AMG Black Series, however, its reserves are set to be raised beyond 600bhp and 500lb ft through the inclusion of a larger air manifold, higher compression ratio, reprofiled camshafts and other unspecified tweaks.

“We’re not at the limit with what’s out there the moment. There’s still a good deal more to come from the engine,” says AMG engine boss Friedrich Eichler. “We’re saving the best until last.”

The uprated V8 will continue to place drive through the SLS’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to the rear wheels, with a mechanical locking differential set to be included as part of the upgraded driveline package.

Despite running similar gearing, the added engine reserves, together with detailed aerodynamic tweaks and a 50kg reduction in kerb weight, promise to bring the 0-62mph time down from the standard car’s claimed 3.8sec to under 3.5sec, while raising top speed from 195mph to 208mph.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

A new prancing horse has just bolted into view. Our spy photographers caught the first development prototype for the new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti – and it’s going to be bigger, more powerful, yet more economical than ever.

Take a close look at this test mule’s profile and you’ll see a few extra inches have been added to the front wings. This indicates a longer wheelbase and more space inside for the four occupants.

Under that huge bonnet bulge lies a new 6.0-litre version of the current car’s 5.7-litre V12, updated with direct injection to boost power from 540bhp to 600bhp. Performance will be blistering, with the 0-60mph sprint taking less than four seconds and a top speed of 200mph.

The car will feature a development of the seven-speed double-clutch gearbox first seen on the California – with which the newcomer shares its stacked exhaust pipes. The set-up will work in tandem with the direct-injectction technology to slash CO2 emissions and increase fuel returns.

To answer criticism of the current car’s looks, designers are working on a sleeker, less controversial body to clothe this technology. The new Ferrari is due on sale in 2011, priced at around £225,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE

The 2010 9-3 Convertible is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury convertible, available in two trims, the Sport and the Aero.

Upon introduction, the Sport is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 210-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Aero is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 210-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The 2010 9-3 Convertible is a carryover from 2009.

SATURN VUE HYBRID

The 2010 VUE Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in one trim only, the FWD 4-Cylinder.

Upon introduction, the VUE Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 172-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 25-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 VUE Hybrid is a carryover from 2009.

SCION xB 2010

The 2010 xB is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 5-Door Wagon 5-Spd MT and the 5-Door Wagon 4-Spd AT.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 158-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on the 5-Door Wagon 5-Spd MT. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on the 5-Door Wagon 4-Spd AT.

The 2010 xB is a carryover from 2009.

SUBARU TRIBECA

The 2009 Tribeca is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Tribeca to the Limited. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, H6, 256-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2009 Tribeca is a carryover from 2008.

SUZUKI EQUATOR

The Suzuki Equator is an all-new model for the 2009 model year. The Equator is available as an Extended Cab or Crew Cab, each with rear- or four-wheel drive. Two engine choices are available: a 2.5-liter 152-horsepower 4-cylinder or 4.0-liter 261-horsepower V6. Available trim levels include Sport, Premium and top-of-the-line RMZ, all of which feature standard cruise control, power mirrors, door locks and windows and remote keyless entry. The RMZ adds a factory-installed moonroof, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control. The Sport package features a Rockford-Fosgate AM/FM/6CD/XM Satellite Radio with eight speakers and subwoofer, an auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth capability.

TOYOTA 4RUNNER

The 4Runner is Toyota’s midsize SUV that has retained its exceptional off-road capability, but has also evolved into a vehicle that offers many different variations including 7-passenger seating, luxury amenities and an optional V8 engine. The original 4Runner that was introduced as a 1985 model was really a version of the Toyota pickup with a removable hardtop and extra seat. The fourth-generation 4Runner which debuted as a 2003 model retains its original high-level of off-road capability, but also includes room, power, and luxury. The 2009 Toyota 4Runner adds the optional Trial Edition package for the 4Runner SR5 with V6 engine and 4WD. The Trail Edition combines enhanced off-road capability with unique design, including a locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Bilstein shock absorbers and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires. The Trail Edition package includes color-keyed grille, door handles and rear license plate trim, Trail Edition badges, black tubular side steps and tubular roof rack. Available in three exterior colors, Titanium Metallic, Natural White and Shadow Mica, the Trail Edition also features seats covered in water-resistant material and charcoal fabric bolsters. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel incorporates controls for the audio system and a detachable TomTom personal navigation unit. The audio system offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio capability and available iPod connectivity.

VOLKSWAGEN CC

The CC is Volkswagen’s new four-door coupe that Volkswagen describes as combining sports car dynamics and dimensions with sedan comfort. Wider, longer and lower than the Passat sedan with a long hood, strong shoulder line, rear-swept roofline and short trunk lid, the athletic but elegant look is accentuated by large wheels and tires, deep front air dam and bold grille. Inside the four individual sport seats sit low. The 2009 Volkswagen CC is a new model for 2009, offered in four different trim levels. The CC Sport and CC Luxury are powered by Volkswagen’s 200-horsepower 2.0T 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 207 lb-ft of torque and can be combined with either a 6-speed manual transmission (Sport) or a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic. The CC VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion are powered by a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter version of Volkswagen’s narrow-angle V6 engine combined with a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic. All trim levels include sport-tuned suspension and electromechanical power steering.

VOLVO C70

The C70 is Volvo’s four-seat convertible coupe that returned to the lineup for 2006 with a new folding metal hardtop. The C70 originally debuted for the 1998 model year as a fixed-top coupe and a soft-top convertible, and began a new model-naming convention for Volvo: C denotes coupe, while 70 represents the car's relative position in the company's product line. The C70 coupe was dropped in 2003 and the C70 convertible continued for the 2004 model year before taking a hiatus in 2005. The 2009 Volvo C70 adds standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, aluminum inlay interior trim, leather sport gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, Volvo rear lettering spread further apart, power hardtop lowers and raises with one button and side windows automatically lower when top is lowered.

New Fiat 500 "Autumn"

New Fiat 500 "Autumn"
© bjornlammers

New Abarth 500 papercraft

New Abarth 500 papercraft
by toshimasa mitsutake

New Abarth 500 "ready to run"

New Abarth 500 "ready to run"
© Blythman

Amphibious lamborghini takes to the high seas

At first glance, I thought this seafaring sports car was the underwater Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me. Much to my amazement, it’s a real amphibious Lamborghini Countach built by Mike Ryan of SeaRoader.

World's first luxury amphibious motorcoach/yacht

Touted as the world's first luxury amphibious motorcoach/yacht, the C.A.M.I.L.C Terra Wind boasts revolutionary design and luxury features.

At a standard length of 42’6”, the Terra Wind RV is built with fiberglass reinforced plywood with a foam core, while the hull is constructed from 3/16" marine grade 5052 plate with 6061 grade structural members. Powered by a Caterpillar 3126E turbocharged engine, this C.A.M.I.L.C amphibious motorcoach also has two 19" bronze propellers with stainless rudders. The Terra Wind comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect to find in a luxury RV, with features including a 42" plasma TV, an In Motion satellite with Direct TV, a trash compactor and a combination washer/dryer. Prices from the $850,000's. C.A.M.I.L.C.

First Sketch: 2011 Mitsubishi cX

Mitsubishi has become the latest company to join the cross-over craze! This official sketch reveals the production version of the hatchback/SUV mix 'cX' concept which was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.

The sketch shows that the production model has stayed true to the design of the original concept, with the same aggressive lights, fighter-jet style grille and rising waist-line.

Under the bonnet, power is expected to come from a range of naturally aspirated four cylinder engines, with the flagship cX possibly toting a turbocharged powerplant.

The cX will be officially unveiled at he 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Restyling Volkswagen Tiguan. First Photo

In internet appears first photo of a front part restyling Volkswagen Tiguan which will appear on sale in the beginning of next year. Alas, quality of this picture leaves much to be desired, however, and on it is possible to understand, how will look updated Tiguan (in a photo above new Tiguan, and below nowadays exhausted).

Predictably, the car will receive "muzzle" in new corporate style Volkswagen (the same design of a front part already have Golf, Polo and Transporter). What changes will occur in technical part Tiguan, yet is not informed. Most likely, the car will keep a present ruler of engines though, some motors and can receive minor alterations.

The most powerful BMW M5 is shown

BMW is absolutely unexpected for all has presented the fastest version of sedan М5. While this model exists only in the single copy, and the management of the Bavarian concern has informed that to start in a series the car is not planned.

However charged BMW M5, constructed only for driving on a track, nevertheless it is worthy our attention. Still, after all this car has received motor V10 in volume of 5,5 l – for comparison, at standard «M5» volume of 5,0 l. Besides increase in volume of the power unit under a cowl there was a new oil cooler, other final system also has been established. As a result, on predesigns, the engine power has grown about 507 h.p. to 580 h.p. the twisting moment (with 520 Nm to 540 Nm) has slightly increased also.

Besides the engine, the suspender and even a body with interior has undergone to modernisation. So, the roof at this M5 is made from carbon, and in interior there are no rear armchairs is has allowed to lower weight a little. But for Bavarians the result, to be exact circle time on a Nurnburgring is more important. It yet is not informed. Representatives BMW have only modestly informed that track version M5 passes a circle approximately for 20 seconds faster standard «M5».

Hot News: Geely to Buy Volvo

After all the rumours and speculation, Geely looks set to buy struggling Swedish firm Volvo. There’s no word yet on how much the Chinese manufacturer is likely to pay, but this news marks a major milestone for the Chinese car industry and reinforces just how tough even the most established marques are finding the financial crisis.

It’s an astonishing rise to prominence for Geely which only made its first car in 1998, but this year over 300,000 units will roll out of its many production facilities. To put this in context, in the second quarter of 2009 Geely sales grew by a massive 33 per cent while almost every other brand suffered from a steep decline in demand.

Not only does the potential deal highlight the growing influence of Chinese car makers in the world market, but with unimpeded access to all of Volvo’s R&D and technical know-how it could spell a major hike in quality for the models Geely produces. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot news: 2011 Nissan Micra

The wraps are off Nissan’s Micra! These exclusive pictures show the next-generation supermini – nearly a year ahead of its official UK debut.

Auto Express had the chance to see the car in the flesh at a top-secret event in Tokyo, and the most obvious changes were the addition of a MINI-style grille and Fiat Punto-like headlights.

Under the skin is Nissan’s all-new V platform – V standing for versatile – which is lighter and allows for more cabin space than before. It’s set to spawn an MPV version of the Micra, which will replace the popular Note in late 2011.

By achieving a 50kg weight reduction over the outgoing car, Nissan says it has been able to make the Micra more efficient, as well as better to drive. And the cabin won’t only offer more room; quality will be improved, too.

The firm has developed an all-new three-cylinder engine, mated to a fresh CVT auto gearbox, to maximise fuel economy. A stop-start system will also feature. Add in the significant weight savings, and a sub-120g/km CO2 output is anticipated, as are fuel returns of 60mpg.

Prices are set to be equally competitive when the new Micra goes on sale here, most likely in five-door form only, in October 2010. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe

The BMW 3-Series Coupe has undergone some nip and tuck – and our team of spies have caught it post-op. Pictured here virtually without camouflage, the test mule previews a raft of styling changes that will be applied to both the Coupe and the popular Coupe-Cabriolet version of the 3.

Black tape around the headlights and front bumper hint at mild changes to the front end, while the same treatment to the rear suggests redesigned light clusters and bodywork at both ends.

Both the updated Coupe and Coupe-Cabriolet are due to show their faces at the Geneva show next March, before going on sale later in the month.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Porsche 928

Get ready for a blast from Porsche’s past! The German firm is developing a luxurious, front-engined grand tourer – a spiritual successor to the 928 built between 1977 and 1995. The ‘new 928’ will be a fifth model line, and is designed to sit above the sportier 911 in the range.

With the compact Boxster and Cayman, the 911, the Cayenne SUV and four-door Panamera, Porsche would appear to have most bases covered. But it’s notable for its absence in the front-engined GT segment. The newcomer will allow the brand to take on rivals such as the Ferrari 599 GTB, Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB9. And our exclusive pictures show exactly why the curvy, Panamera-based coupé is set to stun the competition.

Essentially it’s a two-door, short-wheelbase version of the Panamera, which will help to spread the £1.1billion development costs of that model. Its front-engined layout has a number of inherent benefits, too.

A rear-engined 911 has barely more than 100 litres of luggage space, but a similarly sized GT with its motor up front would offer a useful 320 litres – a vital attribute if the new 928 is to be taken seriously as a grand tourer.

While the nose is virtually identical to the Panamera, the shortened wheelbase and 2+2 layout mean the 928 features far smoother lines at the back. One of the major criticisms levelled at the four-door Panamera was its bloated rear, but this model’s muscular haunches and neater proportions should attract a new wave of style-conscious customers.

As you’d expect from Porsche, though, driver appeal remains a top priority. The engine line-up will mirror that of the Panamera, so a 4.8-litre V8, with or without a turbocharger, producing 500bhp or 400bhp, will be available. The naturally aspirated variant is set to come with four or rear-wheel drive, while the range-topping turbo model will be 4WD only.

Thirsty V8s aren’t the only power units on the agenda. The Cayenne SUV hybrid is ready to go on sale next year, with a petrol-electric version of the Panamera following closely behind. As the new 928 shares the latter’s platform, it’s sure to get the hybrid drivetrain, too.

An Audi S4-sourced 369bhp 3.0-litre supercharged V6, coupled to a 38kW electric motor, will give the hybrid 928 fuel economy that breaks the 30mpg barrier. That will make it the most frugal petrol-powered Porsche ever, while still providing hair-raising performance.

The 928 will slot into Porsche’s pricing line-up somewhere between the 911 and Panamera. The four-door ranges from £70,000-£95,000, while the 911 starts a little lower, at just over £60,000, but stretches to £128,000 for the GT2.

With this is mind, expect the 928 to be pitched between £65,000 and £90,000 – enough to safely undercut its Ferrari and Aston rivals when it goes on sale in 2012. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Mercedes Benz SLK

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

2009 Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise 2009

2009 Lotus Elise rear

Cadillac Escalade

Siapa Mau Sofa dari Bodi Vespa?

Desain unik Vespa memang mengundang decak kagum banyak orang. Tidak hanya mengundang minat untuk menungganginya, tapi juga mengkreasinya dengan berbagai kerajinan lain yang sama uniknya.

Hal itulah yang melatari sebuah studio seni bernama Bel&Bel dari Spanyol ketika mereka membuat sofa dengan bahan utama bodi Vespa.

Sofa yang dibuat Bel&Bel ini menggunakan bodi bagian depan alias sayap Vespa yang kemudian dilapisi dengan busa dan bahan kulit berbagai warna yang kemudian dijahit tidak dengan mesin tapi tangan.

Hasil kreasi studio ini cukup beragam dan unik yang tentu bagus sekali sebagai bagian interior rumah. Misalnya saja sofa Vespa dengan kaki dari ban-nya.

Hebatnya lagi, sofa-sofa tersebut menggunakan bodi Vespa klasik yang di Indonesia tentu masih digunakan. Ini pun bisa dipandang sebagai cara unik mendaur ulang Vespa.

Mengingat populasi Vespa yang masih cukup banyak di Indonesia, ide ini
sepertinya pantas untuk ditiru dibanding hanya mengekspor Vaspa tua kita ke berbagai negara.

The most expensive China car

The Chinese company FAW declared that it soon will begin sale by all interested person of the smartest car which ever was issued in Heavenly Empire. Its price will make 586 000 dollars! It is a question of model Hongqi HQE («the Red flag») which was accessible only to the higher persons of the state earlier – for today it is assembled only such 17 cars.

According to representatives FAW, creation of the new car has taken about two years. The main feature of the car are its dimensions – the length of "the Red flag» makes 6400 mm. It is appreciable more than at Rolls-Royce Phantom which even in the extended version has only"6084 mm, and Maybach 62 (6165 mm). The weight of the car exceeds 4,5 tons (so big weight speaks reservation presence).



It is interesting that in movement Hongqi HQE is resulted by the newest 12-cylinder engine in volume of 6,0 l which has been developed directly in China (it is considered that heads of such country as China should go by completely Chinese car).

Now, Russian Lada looks very sporty

LADA-C is conceptual design on the basis of the new platform, which is developing in cooperation with Magna International Inc. and will become the base for the whole range of new LADA models. This class-C family will include sedan, hatchback, universal, compact van and cross-over with engines 1.6 – 2.0l.

In September 2006 at Moscow International motor-show for the first time LADA presented the new family sedan, its name was Concept C, and today in Geneva there is a debut of 3-doors hatchback with a typically sports character.




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