Cadillac LMP 02
2007-08-18 16:18:00
As Cadillac
celebrates its 100th birthday in 2002, one of the first presents to be unwrapped is the all-new Cadillac Northstar Le Mans Prototype (LMP). With an aerodynamic new body design, an updated engine package and a performance-driven team, the second-generation Cadillac LMP 02 represents a bold break from the past for young Team Cadillac. Designed under the direction of GM Racing by Nigel Stroud, the Cadillac LMP's carbon fiber monocoque chassis and suspension components were fabricated in Brackley, England, and assembled at the team's headquarters near Atlanta. An extensive testing program is planned leading up the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15-16, 2002. The Cadillac LMP 02 will also compete in selected American Le Mans Series events in North America.The design team utilized the full range of sophisticated tools that are now available to race car constructors: computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA),
Cars : Subaru Impreza WRX GB270
2007-08-23 19:34:00
Subaru is guaranteeing customers exceptional value from the final-edition versions of its iconic Impreza
2.5 WRX saloon and Sports Wagon. Called GB270, the last-of-the-line current Impreza offers around £7,600 in extra equipment for the saloon and just under £7,000 for the Sports Wagon. Both models cost £22,995 on-the-road – only £2,898 and £1,898 more than the standard Impreza WRX saloon and Sports Wagon respectively. Named after Rally GB – Subaru’s most successful WRC stage – and the 270 PS the Prodrive-uprated engine produces, the GB270 models can be ordered from July 10 with first deliveries planned for September 1. Numbers will be strictly limited to 300 for the Impreza GB270 saloon and 100 for the Sports Wagon.Both models benefit from the 270 PS Prodrive Performance Pack which boosts power by 40 PS and torque by a staggering 74 lb ft to 310 lb ft. The result is a 0-60 mph time reduced from 5.9 to 5.3 seconds and a 0-100 mph time of 13.9 instead of 14.4 seconds. Mid-r
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Cars : Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan
2007-08-23 19:26:00
American Honda
Motor Co., Inc., revealed a prototype Civic
MUGEN Si Sedan prepared by legendary Honda tuner MUGEN equipped with a high performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic MUGEN Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $30,000 and a full factory warranty.''Enthusiasts have equated the name MUGEN with JDM Honda performance for decades, and with the introduction of the Civic Si Sedan, the time is right for the two companies to once again join forces,'' said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. ''A MUGEN-tuned vehicle available directly from the factory provides the ultimate level of performance, quality and refinement in a specially-tuned car.''The track tuned suspension, tested a
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, Honda Civic
Cars : Honda S2000
2007-08-22 15:23:00
Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car and performance icon for the Honda
brand, the S2000 combines uncompromising racetrack ready performance with everyday usability. For 2006 Honda builds on that premise with significant updates to further improve performance and refinement.Notable changes to the 2006 S2000 include electronic Drive-by-Wire (DBW) Throttle System(TM), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)), maintenance minder system, standard headrest speakers, an outside temperature gauge, revised seat and console designs, a unique new alloy wheel design, and the addition of Laguna Blue Pearl as an exterior color.The S2000's renowned high-revving, 2.2-liter, DOHC, VTEC(TM) (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) 4-cylinder engine remains the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance technology, delivering 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly complimenting the engine's output characteristics is a compact, longit
Cars : Honda IMAS
2007-08-22 15:09:00
The bicycle: a highly maneuverable, environment-friendly means of transportation that responds to the rider's every whim. The IMAS: a sports car designed to provide that same invigorating cutting-through-the-breeze feeling. The design concept was to combine environment-friendly performance with fun-to-drive sports-car performance in an advanced, lightweight, aerodynamic package. The body is made mainly of super-light carbon fiber and aluminum - the overall weight is just 700 kg. A sweeping aerodynamic shape helps achieve a drag coefficient (CD) of just 0.20. The efficient power plant is a refined update of Honda
's IMA system. Outstanding aerodynamics, light weight and a 'green' power plant for bicycle-like freedom of movement - that's what the new-age lightweight IMAS sports car is all about.Designed to be ultra-light and exceptionally aerodynamic, the IMAS features a carbon fiber body and an ultra-low weight. A sweeping aerodynamic contour and a transparent spoiler with built-in
Cars : Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic Coupe
2007-08-22 14:52:00
Fiat was one of Italy's automotive pioneers and has competed in international motorsport from the dawn of motoring. In those early days the Turin based company manufactured all out racers in contention for the overall victory like the legendary Mephistofele. From the 1930s the focus shifted to class victories with racing cars derived from the manufacturer's road cars like the 508 Balilla.At the 1952 Geneva Motorshow, Fiat stunned the gathered crowd with an all new car, developed especially for racing. Powered by a 2 litre V8 engine, the car was simply known as '8V' or 'Otto Vu' in Italian. It was designed specifically to take on the two litre class, which was a highly contested class of the Italian championship. Fiat faced competition from Maserati, Ferrari and Lancia, who all had a two litre racer. Interestingly each engine was of a different configuration.Fiat's V8 was derived from two four cylinder blocks mounted on a common crankcase. To keep the engine compact, the angle be
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Cars : Fiat Bravo
2007-08-22 14:46:00
On January 29, the new Fiat Bravo
will be presented to the international media in Rome, going on the market all over Europe in the following weeks.The model is built in the Piedimonte S. Germano plant (Frosinone), and aims to become a benchmark in the most important segment of the European market. To achieve this goal, the Fiat Bravo
has been designed and developed as the ideal synthesis of Beauty and Substance.Developed by the Fiat Style Centre, the exterior design of the model is unmistakably ‘Italian’, another step forward in the development of the brand’s new stylistic identity.The new Bravo arouses emotions at first glance, and it welcomes driver and passengers aboard in a passenger compartment where they will appreciate the quality of the materials and the care dedicated to even the smallest detail.The Fiat Bravo cleverly combines a compact five-door body with an extraordinary amount of interior roominess: it is 434 centimetres long, 179 cm wide, and 149 cm high, with a whe
Cars : Fiat Barchetta
2007-08-22 14:41:00
The 2002 Bologna saw the world premier of the new Fiat Barchetta, the model that represents a happy blend of Italian sportscar tradition and the shape of things to come. The car harks back to a golden age of motoring and brings it right up to the present day. The style has changed outside and inside, though the underlying attributes of Fiat's open-topped sports car are unchanged. It still offers the outstanding performance that returns the following figures for the 96 kW (130 bhp) 1.8 16v car with variable valve timing: 200 km/h of top speed and less than 9 seconds to speed from 0 to 100 km/h.The shape is still young and highly original, with a few extra details that add great impact. The front, for example, is dominated by a new front grille, an enormous horizontal black mouth that makes the model look more aggressive. This impression is reinforced by a bigger exhaust tail-pipe, more up-to-date bumpers at front and rear and foglights as standard throughout the range. On the outside,
Fiat Nuova 500
2007-08-21 16:38:00
On July 4, 1957, in Turin, Fiat presented the Nuova Fiat 500, a real icon of our times, with which Fiat concluded a revival that had begun straight after the Second World War. On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years later, again in Turin, Fiat will present the new Fiat 500 which will be marketed immediately after the launch. And the new car will conclude an equally important cycle of revival for Fiat Automobiles SpA.Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in the plant in Tychy (Poland), the new 500 is a 3-door model with very compact measurements: it is 355 cm long, 165 cm wide, 149 cm tall and has a wheelbase of 230 cm. The car is extremely entertaining to drive, due to its three engines: a 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet turbodiesel unit and two petrol engines, the 69 bhp 1.2 8v and the 100 bhp 1.4 16v, all of which are available with five or six speed mechanical gearboxes.The model confirms Fiat Automobiles SpA’s undisputed leadership in this category - a result of its extraordinary
Cars : Jaguar XK Convertible
2007-08-24 16:22:00
With the all-new XK Coupe now revealed to the world, Jaguar
is pleased to announce another all-new XK - the XK Convertible
.Designed in parallel with the Coupe as a model in its own right, the new XK Convertible uses the same advanced aluminium body structure technology to achieve excellent rigidity while minimizing weight. At just 1,635kg, the new Convertible - lighter than both its predecessor and rivals - is the lightest car in its competitive set.A 300bhp, 4.2-litre V8 engine and Jaguar Sequential Shift steering-wheel-mounted gearchange controls ensure rapid performance of 0-60mph in just 6.0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250kmh. The luxurious triple-lined, fabric roof - which can be powered up or down in less than 18 seconds - stows fully out of sight beneath an aluminium tonneau cover when retracted. A roll-over protection system comprising two 'hidden' aluminium hoops that deploy in the event of an incident is standard on all XK Convertibles.General
Cars : Jaguar XKR GT3
2007-08-24 16:09:00
Jaguar’s new XKR Coupé has been revealed at the Autosport International Show at the NEC, Birmingham, and in a new guise. Buckingham-based Apex Motorsport, under the direction of Richard Lloyd, has developed the stunning XKR model for use in the FIA GT3 European Championship. It is being revealed in the ‘flesh’ for the first time to the world’s motorsport media at what is recognised to be globally one of the biggest and most successful motorsport shows.Lloyd and Apex have enjoyed huge racing success in the past, most recently with Bentley with whom they won the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans. ''It was obvious to us that the Jaguar name was missing from the list of GT3 contenders,'' said Lloyd. ''We believe the new XKR has great potential for success, and Team Manager Dave Ward and the guys have been working flat out since receiving our first car at the end of September. We’ve still got a mountain to climb with roll out and first test scheduled to take place within the next fi
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Hummer H1
2007-08-28 15:56:00
The foundation of the Hummer
brand is the H1, introduced over a decade ago. Over the years the H1 has received some revisions to further improve its performance.The H1 is powered by a 6.5-liter, 195-horsepower turbodiesel engine manufactured by AM General, which generates 590nm of torque. Its near-midship location provides excellent weight distribution. GM’s 4L80-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission allows smooth transition of power for improved mobility off-road. Over time, it monitors the customer’s driving technique and adjusts for driving style. The New Venture Gear Model 242 transfer case enables the driver to customize the drivetrain configurations to match virtually any terrain.H1 has a four-wheel fully independent suspension system and variable-rate heavy-duty springs. The front suspension incorporates a large stabilizer bar to improve handling and reduce sway when turning. The truck’s four-channel ABS four-wheel power disc brakes are mounted inbo
Cars : Jaguar XK
2007-08-28 15:48:00
Making its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in Germany, the all-new Jaguar
XK will go on sale in North America next spring as a 2007 model year product.The all-new Jaguar XK is the first of a new generation of cars that reflect the best of everything that Jaguar is associated with – from gorgeous, contemporary design to renowned craftsmanship and quality, alongside the latest driver-focused technologies – and, of course, exhilarating performance. Light and agile, the all-new Jaguar XK accelerates faster, stops quicker than the previous generation, steel-bodied XK8 and has exceptional dynamic abilities.Traditional Jaguar craftsmanship elements have been retained on the all-new Jaguar XK, but it's the use of aerospace technologies that have resulted in the most technically advanced Jaguar production car ever created.One of the key elements of the all-new Jaguar XK is the use of latest technologies including Jaguar’s industry-leading aluminum body structures
Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
2007-09-07 14:10:00
Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics. The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupé. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster
offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.Like the coupé
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Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series
2007-09-07 14:02:00
The new Black
Series from Mercedes
-Benz is an even more driver-focused variant of the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG Roadster, using motorsport-inspired technology to deliver scintillating performance and enhanced driving dynamics.Output from the 5.5-litre AMG engine is boosted from 360 hp to 400 hp and 45 kg has been shaved off the kerbweight through the use of lightweight components including a new fixed hard top. As a result, the 0 to 62 mph dash drops from 4.9 to 4.5 seconds, while 125 mph is, where permitted, clocked up in just 15.5 seconds – a full two seconds quicker. Top speed is no longer restricted to 155 mph, and the car can reach 173 mph.The exclusive nature of the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is signalled by even more muscular front wings made from ultra-light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) and a restyled AMG front skirt with carbon fibre inlays. Large air intakes and side air outlets ensure a sufficient flow of air to the enlarged engine oil cooler and new transmission and ste
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Mazda RX-8 Revelation
2007-09-03 18:53:00
Mazda’s latest edition to its unrivalled sports car line up is a limited edition RX-8. Known as the RX-8 Revelation
, it exudes luxury and exclusivity, with the added enticement of only 100 vehicles available in Australia.On sale from January 2006 in Copper Red, a new colour to the four-door sports car, or Brilliant Black, this sporty update also features sand coloured Alcantara seat trim, special finishes and dark silver alloys.Unique to the RX-8 Revelation is a smart keyless entry and engine start system, removing the need for a key to start the car. This is the first time Mazda has offered this technology in Australia. Foam filled cross members have also been included to improve ride, handling and improve NVH.Interior comfort and aesthetic appeal is enhanced with a power sliding glass sunroof, chrome finish interior highlights including meter rings, leather trimmed parking brake lever, leather armrest console lids as well as a piano black finish on transmission tunnel and steering
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Mazda MX-5 Icon
2007-09-03 18:32:00
Celebrating its status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ – delivering one in every four sports cars sold in the UK this year – Mazda
is introducing a new ‘Special Edition’ MX-5 soft-top model to its product line-up this summer, finished in a patriotic choice of red, white or blue paint.The appropriately named ‘Mazda MX-5 Icon’ is the latest edition of the world’s best-selling roadster and is specially designed to appeal to British drivers looking to purchase their very first soft-top roadster this summer. A true sports car, the rear-wheel drive MX-5 delivers unrivalled handling, driving dynamics and wind-in-the-hair motoring.Representing extremely competitive value for money, the Mazda MX-5 Icon is available in two versions – the ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Icon features a 126ps engine and a five-speed transmission and is priced at £16,825 on-the-road. Customers in search of higher performance can choose the 2.0i Icon powered by a 160ps engine, costing £17,82
Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
2007-09-03 18:10:00
The new version of this highly successful super-sports car features considerable innovations in terms of body design and mechanics. And also with a new name: Murciélago LP640, which refers to its engine position - longitudinale posteriore - and to its power 640 hp. Designers and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but also the interior and exterior design; improvements that make the Murciélago LP 640 the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class, placing it at the very top. The first vehicles will be available in spring 2006. Since the original Murciélago’s debut at the 2001 International Car Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, around 2,000 vehicles have left the car plant in Sant’ Agata Bolognese.In their reinterpretation of the Murciélago LP640, the designers at the Lamborghini
Style Centre have remained true to the traditional Lamborghini principles of purism, sport and function. The Murciélago L
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, Lamborghini Murcielago
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
2007-09-03 17:48:00
With the Gallardo
Superleggera
, to be launched at the 2007 Geneva motor show, Automobili Lamborghini
presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight, the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo
Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, putting it in the top lightweights of its class. The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under various driving conditions.The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical e-gear gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
2007-09-03 17:38:00
Featuring a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design, the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited expands the Jeep experience to new dimensions. With room for five adult passengers — a Wrangler first — and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, the Unlimited combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality. The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited grows to mid-size SUV proportions, offering even more comfort and space, even more versatility, even more open-air options, even more off-road capability, even more on-road refinement, even more convenience and safety features, and even more power and fuel efficiency.The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features a 116-inch wheelbase, achieved by adding 20.6 inches to the standard all-new 2007 Wrangler's 95.4-inch wheelbase. The additional length allows for a larger rear seat that features three seating positions, as well as more hip, leg and shoulder room. In addition, Wrangler Unlimited offers nearly trip
Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X MR
2007-10-16 16:10:00
Mitsubishi Motors is introducing the 2008 Lancer
Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began 16 years ago. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world's best performance models.The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 295-hp (est.) 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.Two Lancer Evolution models will be offered in the U.S. market for 2008: the GSR with a new 5-speed manual transmission and the Lancer Evolution MR with a new 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SS
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, Mitsubishi Lancer
Nissan 350Z Nismo
2007-11-22 14:00:00
For the first time in the Nissan
Z 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the broad range Z. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut in 2007 in New York International Auto Show, length contains a list of unique equipment, which includes a package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe range, is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in the United States since 2003, previously participated in the development of the NISMO Frontier off-road pickup truck, introduced in 2005. The NISMO 350Z is the second Nissan model to be branded with the legendary marque. Like the Frontier model, which is specially equipped for off-road excursions, the 2007 NISMO 350Z is optimized for enthusiast drivers.''With the combination of the new V
Mitsubishi Lancer GTS
2007-11-22 13:07:00
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has introduced the all-new, 2008 Lancer
compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, ''class-up'' value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007. The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A ''shark-nosed'' front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design.The 2008 Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered global platform that also forms the foundation of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and will underpin the next-generation high-performance Lance
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, Mitsubishi Lancer
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