Thursday, May 25, 2006

Mercedes Special-edition C-Class unveiled

Mercedes is bolstering its C-Class Sport Coupe range with a special edition called the Evolution S.

Yours from £19,995, the Evolution S comes in C180 Kompressor or C220 CDi guises and is fitted with an AMG sports package.

The AMG pack includes a body kit, 17in alloy wheels and aluminium inserts in the cabin's trim.

The Evolution S is on sale now.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

2007 Porsche Cayman

Following the successful market launch of the Cayman S in autumn 2005, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing the Cayman, a new version of the mid-engine sports coupe.

2007 Porsche Cayman2007 Porsche Cayman 22007 Porsche Cayman 32007 Porsche Cayman 4 Based on the Boxster series, the two-seater is powered by a six-cylinder boxer engine with an engine-capacity of 2.7 liters and developing an output of 245 bhp (180 kW). With its high and sustained propulsive power in the lower and medium speed ranges, the engine puts in an impressive performance. It has a top speed of 258 kilometers per hour. This sports car with manual transmission accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The Cayman is convincing proof of the fact that outstanding performance statistics do not necessarily mean high fuel consumption. According to European standards, it consumes on average only 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

Thanks to the Porsche VarioCam Plus system the Cayman affords a torque of 273 Newton meters available between 4,600 and 6,000 revs. Power is transmitted via a five-speed manual transmission with short, precise shifting travel. A six-speed manual transmission in conjunction with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is also available on request. As a third variant, Porsche offers its customers the well-known Tiptronic S five-speed automatic transmission, which has rocker switches in the steering-wheel spokes for sporty gear shifting.

The Cayman coasts along on 17-inch light-alloy wheels boasting a unique design with five double spokes. 205/55 tires are fitted as standard onto 6.5-inch wide wheel rims at the front; the combination at the rear is 235/50 tires on 8-inch rims. With the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system fitted as standard, the chassis makes an impressive impact in terms of driving dynamics and active safety.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is available as an optional extra. The system is capable of lowering the body by ten millimeters, and automatically adapts the shock-absorber system to each particular driving situation. The driver can choose between the “normal” and “sport” programs by pressing a button on the center console.

Other special features of the Cayman are black brake calipers, black front-spoiler lips, a titanium-colored logo at the rear and also a trapezoidal tailpipe. The impressive interior boasts a comprehensive range of standard features including an air-conditioning system, a radio/CD player, seat covers in luxurious Alcantara leather, black-faced instrument dials and door entry trims with the Cayman logo. Because of the mid-engine concept, it boasts two trunk compartments with a combined volume of 410 liters, just like its big brother, the Cayman S. Along with many other storage features, this design highlights the sports coupŠ¹’s supreme practicality.

In additional to two full-size airbags to guarantee the necessary level of safety protection in the event of head-on collisions, the ingenious Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP), which features a chest and head airbag on each side of the vehicle, also provides excellent protection in side-on collisions.

The basic price in euros for the Cayman is 40,900 euros. In Germany, the vehicle costs 47,647 euros including sales tax and country-specific requirements. The Cayman will be on sale in the USA for 49,400 dollars (not including tax). The market launch in Europe and the USA will take place on July 29, 2006.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

New Leon FR on the loose

Seat is back in the hunt for hot hatch scalps and sales with the new Leon FR.

seat leonseat leon 2
seat leon 3seat leon 4The Spanish firm is not pussyfooting around either, with the FR (Formula Racing) models straining at the leash with 200bhp turbocharged petrol or 170bhp turbodiesel units.

The 200bhp TFSi petrol model is the swiftest and cracks 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds before heading on to a maximum speed of 143mph.

Opt for the 2.0 turbodiesel FR and there's no loss of acceleration, because it sees off 0-62mph in an identical 7.3 seconds, while returning 47mpg. The 2.0 TFSi gives a very respectable 35.7mpg.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard.

Helping the Leon make the most of its potent engines is Seat's 'Agile Chassis' concept, which stiffens and lowers the suspension, as well as quickening steering response.

The Agile Chassis also includes larger brakes and also brings all of Seat's electronic driver aids into play.

More obvious markers to distinguish the Leon FR are its aggressive front grille and rear bumper, twin chromed exhaust pipes, and alloy wheels in either 17- or 18in sizes.

Slipping into the FR, there's plenty to remind you that this is a potent hot hatch.

Figure-hugging sports seats keep you in place, while the white-faced instruments with FR logo are de rigeur hot hatch kit.

Other standard equipment for the FR models includes climate control, an MP3-compatible CD stereo, and all-round electric windows for the five-door-only body.

The FR models arrive in July, with prices yet to be confirmed, and they come hot on the heels of the Leon's best-ever sales month.

Expect the FR models to make up almost half of all Leon sales, which means one will be scalping a hot hatch near you soon.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Monday, May 22, 2006

2006 XEIGEN Formula Aerodynamic Program for Nissan 350Z

The Formula aerodynamic kit completely replaces the factory bumpers and different parts, not just another cheap lip spoiler. The larger grille is functional. Uses factory mounting points for easy installation with no drilling required. Shipped ready to paint. This front bumper is delivered with aluminium grids, screw and adhesive and the assembly instructions.

Nissan 350ZNissan 350Z 2Nissan 350Z 3Formula aerodynamic kit parts :

- FRONT BUMPER
- REAR BUMPER
- SIDE SKIRTS

Optional parts for the Formula Aerodynamic kit :
- FIBERGLASS REAR AIR DIFFUSER
- CARBON FIBER REAR AIR DIFFUSER
- CARBON FIBER EYES BROWS
- FIBERGLASS EYES BROWS
- CARBON FIBER FRONT WIND SPLITTER

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Honda Civic Type-R EU - spyshots

Edmunds' Inside Line has some spy-shots of the new Honda Civic Type-R, that should arrive in a few months. The outside is almost identical to the Type-R Concept shown in Geneva.

honda civic The only changes are the colour (a dark grey, way less gaudy than the concept's yellow) and the fake rear doors, that can't do much to hide the shorter wheelbase and the much longer front doors, compared to the 5-door version.

The engine should be pretty much the same as the previous Type-R (a 2.0 liters i-VTEC with 200 ps), while there's talk of un upgrade to the suspensions. If anyone wants more, one can only hope that the gossip about a Civic Type-RR turns out true ...

© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=115424

Volvo readies diesel C70

Volvo is all set to join the diesel convertible fray with the C70 D5.

volvo c70 The new C70 model will use a 178bhp version of Volvo's 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine.

No performance figures have been announced, but Volvo insiders say the D5 will be very similar to the 2.4-litre petrol model, so expect 0-62mph in around nine seconds coupled with 40mpg economy.

Prices are expected to start around £27,000 when the C70 D5 goes on sale in August, with the same Sport, SE and Lux trims as the other C70 models.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

2007 Ford F-150 FX2

F-Series customers know exactly what they want, and they aren’t shy about letting Ford know.

Ford F-150 FX2Ford F-150 FX2 2 The 2007 Ford F-150 FX2 is an example of how connected Ford is to its customer base because it is being offered as a result of customer demand for the popular FX package on a two-wheel-drive truck. It also continues Ford’s tradition of offering more models, more cab options and more box configurations than any other truck line in North America.

Ford introduced the current F-150 FX4 in the 2004 model year as a specialized truck for the off-road enthusiast seeking rugged 4x4 features, such as shift on the fly and skid plates, and unique styling cues. The new F-150 FX2 carries on the tradition of targeting key customer groups, offering a sport truck aimed at customers looking for a more stylish appearance without the need for 4WD.

“The FX2 is a very different approach for F-150,” says Raj Sarkar, assistant marketing manager for F-150. “It looks aggressive both because of its design and its stance. Younger customers are more image conscious, and this truck makes a style statement.”

The FX2 features a dark billet grille, clear headlamps with platinum bezels and a sporty, deep front valance. The monochromatic paint scheme adds body color to exterior components such as the bumper fascias, side mirror caps and door handles. Unique 18-inch wheels and a chrome exhaust tip complete the exterior package.

The interior features black captain’s chairs with red stitching, in cloth or leather, and a flow-through center console with a floor shifter.

Best of all, the FX2 delivers the style that today’s truck buyer is looking for without compromising on the F-150’s rugged and dependable qualities.

The Ford F-150 FX2 is a sample of the bold, new offerings coming this fall.

“We keep a close watch on the market and look for trends,” says Sarkar. “We work hard to predict the needs of the consumer and be responsive to those needs.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Come check out AmericanTrucks.com and browse our selection of Ford Truck Parts.

First pics: new Vauxhall Corsa

There's some good news for Vauxhall today (May 17) as the company unveils its new Corsa.

vauxhall corsavauxhall corsa 2vauxhall corsa 3 The longer, wider new Corsa is set to make its world debut at London's British International Motor Show in July.

There's a strong family resemblance to the Astra in the Corsa's sweeping roofline, and chief designer Niels Loeb said: "We wanted to give the Corsa owner a feel-good factor. It just cried out to be driven."

To underline this, Vauxhall has spent much time making the Corsa as good to drive as possible and it's the first car in its class to have variable sports power steering to improve feel on twisty roads.

To start with, there will be 1.0-, 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines and a 1.3-litre turbodiesel.

There's also a 123bhp 1.7 turbodiesel from when the Corsa goes on sale in September, but the company promises a hot VXR model will arrive soon after.

Standard models will have a Sport option that includes lowered suspension and 17in alloy wheels.

Inside, the new Corsa has greater space for heads, legs and luggage, and the stereo will be compatible with MP3 players.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

700 horsepower Hummer H2 cop car

Texas Ranger Walker, your new ride is ready...

hummer h2Just when you thought you've seen it all, this comes along:
A 700 HP Hummer H2 in cop-car spec, with the obligatory bling wheels wearing 325/35R-28 cowboy boots. Yikes!

The 700 HP was attained thanks to a displacement increase to 7.0 litres and a supercharger—and especially to the Motormeisters at Geiger Cars.

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

Monday, May 15, 2006

2006 Lumma Design CLR 400 GT based on Porsche Cayenne

Its exterior is a Porsche and it is a Porsche from inside too, but the Cayenne gives many the impression of too elegant a car. This sport utility vehicle is a typical all-terrain vehicle - huge, broad and high-wheeled. Those who were not content with the standard outfit of the Zuffenhausen sports car smithy can now back on the innovations of the Lumma brothers from Winterlingen in Swabia, Germany. Horst (design) and Andreas (engineering) have developed a body kit for the Cayenne that is very much in line with the age-old Porsche traditions and still boasts proudly, that it's not a vehicle driven by some ranger on duty…

Porsche CayennePorsche Cayenne 2 The estimated price of the Porsche Cayenne S lies at about 63,000 Euros. That includes 250KW (340bhp) power, a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph) and a torque of 420 Nm at 2,500-5,500 rpm. But it has an appearance that does not stand out amongst the band of popular SUVs. Cheaper rivals such as Volkswagen, BMW or Jeep fall into the same category as concerns the exterior; very much to the sorrow of many Porsche enthusiasts. “Ex factory, this vehicle just looks too smart and neat,” says Horst Lumma. That was one of the reasons why the designer, along with his brother and model construction engineer, Andreas Lumma developed the new body kit, the “CLR 400 GT.” It comprises a front spoiler bumper with double headlights, a rear spoiler with diffuser, side skirts, front and rear enlargements, door panels below, a three-part front grill and the Lumma emblem.
A sporty look bonnet with venting slots, a roof-edge spoiler with a tear-off edge, headlight eyebrows and double- output exhaust valves are also part of the offer. “For those, who feel that the Cayenne appears to be meek even after our innovations, we've got some more technical extras”, Andreas Lumma proudly declares. The so-called extras would include a lower suspension setting module and alterations in the compressor. The latter promises an overwhelming 470bhp and 640Nm from the 4.5 liter V8 engine.

The optical tuning of the Cayenne would take two to three weeks, according to Horst Lumma. The same time applies to the alteration or reconstruction of the compressor version of the S-model. “All components in the alteration are made of high-quality compound fiber and PU RIM materials and this conforms to the requirements of the serial components”, says Lumma. Durability, form stability and perfect surfaces are given high importance. This kind of quality has its price too: according to the customer's needs and optional equipment, the body conversion costs around 22,000 Euros. The height-adjustable chassis and the special wheels (10x22 - 295/30-22) add around 12,000 Euros to the price. And the compressor alterations amount to a further 20,000 Euros. “But then you have a Cayenne, of which there are only a handful in the whole world”, says Horst Lumma.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Citroen buggy bares all

Is it a beach buggy or a Pluriel that's melted in the sun? Well, it's both, because this is the Citroen C-Buggy.

citroen buggy The C-Buggy is set to make its entrance at the Madrid International Motor Show on May 26.

Developed from Citroen's C-Airplay concept, the C-Buggy packs a 173bhp turbodiesel engine that is soon to be used in the C4 and C5 models.

The engine comes with a six-speed gearbox with electronically operated shift that does without a clutch pedal.

The C-Buggy also does without much in the way of bodywork or windscreen to emphasis its carefree credentials.

Big, fat wheels, chunky wheelarches and a hefty sump guard nod at the C-Buggy's off-road ability, although Citroen is staying quiet about whether this concept hints at the company's SUV due in 2007.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Saturday, May 13, 2006

2006 Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series

This year, Bentley Motors celebrates 60 years of hand-assembled car production at its historic factory in Crewe. To commemorate Crewe’s Diamond Jubilee, Bentley is announcing a limited series of the Continental GT coupe, the most successful car in the company’s illustrious history.

2006 Bentley Continental GTContinental GT Diamond Series

Power and Performance:

Engine Twin-turbo 6-litre W12
Power 552bhp (411kW) @ 6100rpm
Torque 479lb ft (650Nm) @ 1600rpm
0-60mph 4.7 seconds (0-100km/h – 4.8 seconds)
0-100mph 11.25 seconds (0-160km/h – 11.15 seconds)
Max Speed 198 mph (318km/h)

Specification:

- Carbon ceramic brakes, providing significantly lower weight and exceptional performance. Inspired by technology developed for the world of motor sport, this is the first time these brakes have featured on a Bentley
- 20” 14-spoke alloy sports wheels, exclusive to this model
- Choice of three additional, exclusive exterior colours
- Unique insignia to exterior
- Unique treadplates bearing the legend ‘Celebrating 60 years of manufacturing in Crewe’
- Choice of upgraded veneers: Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Piano Black (additional veneers available at extra cost)
- Drilled alloy sport foot pedals
- Sporting gear lever finished in knurled chrome and hide
- Diamond quilted hide to seat facings, door and rear quarter panels
- Embroidered Bentley emblem to seat facings
- Indented hide headlining
- Mulliner alloy fuel filler cap

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

Diesel engine for four-door Wrangler

Jeep is set to introduce a new diesel when it launches its four-door Wrangler in Europe at the start of 2007.

jeep diesel The new diesel is likely to be a 2.8-litre unit with 180bhp and around 300lb ft of torque.

Jeep intends to tempt buyers away from the Land Rover Defender with the rugged new Wrangler.

The Wrangler will feature a high- and low-ratio gearbox, and superb off-road ability.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Friday, May 12, 2006

BMW X5 E70 2006 - new spyshots

"Killboy" has two very nice spyshots of the BMW X5 II (E70) with pretty light camouflage: one shot from the front (black) and one from the rear (grey).

Pity he didn't manage to get the side.

© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Peugeot updates 307 range

A bit of tweakery to the Peugeot 307 range has resulted in four new trim levels.

peugeot 307 The trims are Urban, S, Sport and GT, with the entry-level Urban coming with standard air-conditioning.

The S has 16in alloy wheels and cruise control as standard, while the Sport also has leather upholstery, climate control and a CD autochanger.

The top-of-the-range GT only uses the most powerful 180bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 136bhp 2.0 turbodiesel engines, and it has leather seats, 17in alloys and some fancy chrome trim.

Prices for the rejuvenated 307 range start at £11,900.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Prodrive fine-tunes Mazda's RX8

The latest car to be blessed by Prodrive's brilliance is the Mazda RX-8, which becomes the limited edition RX-8 PZ.

mazda rx8mazda rx8 2Only 800 PZs will be built and all benefit from bespoke Prodrive suspension modifications that lower the ride height by 15mm and are honed specifically for UK roads.

There are unique 18in alloy wheels for the PZ and a rear spoiler, and there's also custom-made rear exhaust section.

Performance is unchanged from the standard 228bhp RX-8, the PZ concentrating on handling.

The PZ will set you back £25,995.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Opel Antara - first official photos

Carscoop has the first official photos of the Opel Antara, the new mid-size SUV from GM.

opel antaraopel antara 2opel antara 3 Sadly, this is little more than a rebadged Chevrolet Captiva, and it has nothing to do with the sleek Opel Antara / Saturn PreVue concept.

In the pictures you can see the Vauxhall version (english market), which differs from the Opel version only in the grille and in the driving position. Compared to the Chevrolet (Daewoo) Captiva the differences are little more: hood, headlights and rear lights, bumpers, third window and assorted details.

Four engines will be available initially (by the end of 2006): 1.8 Twinport with 140 ps, 3.2 V6 with 225 ps and a 2.0 liters turbo-diesel common rail engine with 130 or 150 ps

© Source: original article on eurocarblog.com

Monday, May 8, 2006

Pathfinder price cuts

- "Big car, smaller prices !"
That's the message from Nissan for its Pathfinder SUV, which has had its prices slashed by as much as £3,095.

nissan pathfinder Along with the price cuts, the trim levels have simplified down to three specs, covering Trek, Sport and Aventura.

The entry-level Trek is £1,550 less than the previous S model, with a £22,995 price tag.

Sport models start at £25,595 and gain seven seats, a six-CD in-dash autochanger and roof rails.
The top-of-the-range Aventura costs from £28,595 and comes with leather seats, sunroof and side steps.

The new range of Pathfinder models are on sale now.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Spy shots: BMW 5 Series Stretch

Need a little more room to stretch out in your BMW 5 Series ?

bmw 5BMW will have the answer soon if our latest spy photo is any indication.
This prototype caught in Germany looks to have a slightly longer set of rear doors indicating a few extra inches of room have been cut out for the rear seat.
Don't expect to see it in the States anytime soon, however, as these cars are typically built to satisfy customers in the Chinese and Middle Eastern markets.

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

Friday, May 5, 2006

Audi pushing A3 as new class of compact luxury

Audi of America Inc. is marketing the A3 -- the smallest car in its U.S. lineup -- with a "less is more" message.

audi a3Audi executives cite the sporty touring car's luxury features, cargo space, fuel efficiency and power. In the first three months of 2006, Audi sold 2,347 A3 cars in the United States.

The A3 went on sale in this country in March 2005; for all of last year, the car had 5,389 U.S. sales. The A3 has a base price of $25,460, including shipping.

"This car is about creating a new class of compact luxury in the U.S.," says Stephen Berkov, Audi's marketing director.

"The time has come where (Audi's) values and personality are more relevant than ever before in the marketplace."

Some industry analysts are not ready to declare that a shift to small but expensive -- and profitable -- cars such as the A3 is under way in the United States.

"It could be the wave of the future," says Dan Gorrell, an automotive analyst at Strategic Vision, a consulting firm in San Diego. "It depends on the way manufacturers are executing the vehicles."

A high-end small car must display several qualities to succeed in the United States, Gorrell says. It must be versatile, fun to drive, fulfill its brand identity and look and act like a premium vehicle, he says.

"Pulling all these off is a challenge," Gorrell says. Audi and the Mini USA brand of BMW of North America LLC are doing it right at the near-luxury end of the market, he adds.

Upscale small cars are "a huge part of (automakers') financial pictures," says Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network.

"They need them to be successful."

If gasoline prices rise to at least $4 a gallon and stay there for a year, that will encourage higher sales of small cars, Libby says. Otherwise, he argues, buyers tend to trade within vehicle segments.

John Mendel, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda Motor Co. Inc., says spiking gasoline prices do not greatly affect the high-end market.

"If you look at those shopping luxury, they're looking at the whole package," he says.

Many consumers fall "in love emotionally with the style of the car," he adds.

Automakers target affluent younger consumers as buyers of pricey compact cars.

Car companies reach those customers on the Internet and through sponsorship of concerts and other events.

"You have to reach in lots of different places, but the message has to be consistent," says David Berne, director of strategic planning for the RPA advertising agency in Santa Monica, Calif., which handles the Honda and Acura accounts.

"Younger buyers want it all."

Audi spent $15.7 million to advertise the A3 in U.S. media last year, according to TNS Media Intelligence.

Berkov says his company seeks to "create an environment and communicate with people with whom we want to have a relationship ... in a charming way."

Last year, Audi partnered with the American Film Institute to sponsor a competition among young filmmakers to create short movies that featured the A3.

The company also orchestrated an online promotion around the bogus theft of an A3.

© Source: original article on autoweek.com

Peugeot reveals 207 prices

Peugeot is playing a numbers game with the new 207, and the big number is £8,995.
That's the starting price of its supersized supermini, which goes on sale on June 8.

peugeot 207peugeot 207 2peugeot 207 3 Available as either a three- or five-door, with the extra pair of doors attracting a £600 premium, the car comes with five trim levels.

There's only one gearbox available from the 207's launch, a five-speeder manual, but there are six engines to choose from.

There are three petrols and three turbodiesels, with the 1.4 16v petrol expected to be the best seller.

An all-new 150bhp turbocharged petrol engine is due before the end of 2006, jointly developed with BMW.

Peugeot will also introduce 'Stop and Start' technology to the 207 range, where the engine switches off automatically when the car is at a standstill, such as at traffic lights.

The range will be joined by a 2.0-litre GTi model next summer, with a power output rumoured to be around 200bhp and styling following on from the RCup concept.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Volkswagen Fox is on the prowl

Here's one Fox that the Countryside Alliance cannot object to, especially as it's most likely to be found prowling city streets.

volkswagen foxvolkswagen fox 2volkswagen fox 3 The Volkswagen Fox is now padding along UK roads, with prices starting from £6,590.

This compact beast comes with either a 1.2- or 1.4-litre heart, and even the most basic models include power steering, a CD player and twin airbags.

There's also a free servicing package that covers the first three years or 36,000 miles when you visit the vet's. Er, we mean dealer's.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

2007 Volvo S60 sportier than ever

Volvo is adding some visual candy to the 2007 S60 lineup in order to make it look sportier. To add some credibility to the new visuals, the chassis has also been tweaked.

2007 volvo s60 Snippet: The Volvo S60 is being further refined, with the sights firmly set on sharpening the sedan model’s already sporty profile.

“We’re making the S60 even sportier in every respect,” says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service “We’ve both spiced up the design and fine-tuned the chassis to create a car with even greater driving appeal.”

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

Lexus launches GS450h hybrid

Politicians will be clamouring to make the most of the Lexus GS450h's green credentials.

lexus gs450lexus gs450 2The Lexus executive saloon produces 186g/km of carbon dioxide, which puts it in the 21 per cent company car tax band.

Not exciting stuff on its own, but far more catchy when you realise this is significantly lower than the slower BMW 535d's 211g/km.

The Lexus will see off 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds while still returning 35.8mpg.

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine combines with an electric motor to produce 335bhp, driving through a continuously variable transmission.

Prices for the GS450h start at £38,015 and it's on sale from May 19.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

Monday, May 1, 2006

Russo-Baltique Impression

Russo-Baltique. Now there's a name you don't hear every day. In fact, this is the first I ever heard of it...

russo baltiqueApparently Russo-Baltique was a Russian carmaker back in the early part of the 20th century.

Snippet:
The Russo-Baltique car brand’s history begins in 1907 when a domestic autocar manufacturing was established by one of the largest industrial concerns in the Russian Empire. Two years had passed before the first car was built – a 30-hp open two-seater Russo-Baltique 24-30. First years of its existence were marked by outstanding performance in automotive sport competitions building up the reputation of a reliable, ideal and elegant model producer. In 1912, a special sport model, Russo-Baltique C24-50, won two first awards in the Monte-Carlo Rally, and the second award in the rally in San-Sebastian a year after that.

In 1913, Russo-Baltique was granted a title of an official supplier of His Highness the Emperor’s Court.

In 1914, the Russo-Baltique concern built the biggest aeroplane in the world – Ilya Muromets – developed by a remarkable Russian engineer Igor Sikorsky.

The First World War became a turning-point in the Russian history in general and the Russo-Baltique future, in particular. The subsequent Revolution brought an end to the Russo-Baltique production for many years.

The new Bugatti-like Russo-Baltique Impression pictured above has some pretty impressive specs:

• 555 hp bi-turbo V12
• 6-speed automatic
• 22" wheels
• Production of 2–3 per year, with a total production of 10–15 cars
• Price approximately 50 million rubles

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept

Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans.

Chevrolet CamaroChevrolet Camaro 2Chevrolet Camaro 3Chevrolet Camaro 4Chevrolet Camaro 5Specifications:

Engine : 6 liter LS2 V8 Weight
Aspiration : natural
HP : 400 hp
HP/Liter : 66.7 hp per

The Camaro Concept embodies the performance and passion that have made first-generation Camaros some of the most sought-after collector cars, updating the formula with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution. The goal is to make the sport coupe relevant to younger enthusiasts while retaining its appeal to its current fans.

“Millions of people of all ages fell in love with the Camaro for all of the right reasons,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “Camaros were beautiful to look at and offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs. Yet they were practical enough to drive every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers.”

Though only a show car at this point, the Camaro Concept is intended to explore customer reaction to design and engineering elements that might lead to an all-new version of the Camaro.
The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 400-horsepower aluminum small-bock V-8, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension.

Like its forebears, the Camaro Concept would be practical enough for everyday use. It features fuel-saving features like Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, yielding highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better. Its overall size is a comfortable fit for city streets and suburban parking lots, and its back seat provides occasional seating for two adults.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com


The Camaro is back for 2010 and you can count on American Muscle to bring you top of the line Chevy Camaro Parts.