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New Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli Revealed 2007-06-11 02:44:00 Traction control: New Pirelli
18-inch wheels and size 225 P-Zero tires Unique character: Seat and seatback surfaces of sports seats with tire tread design Sports car engine: Golf GTI Pirelli has 230-PS engine from GTI Edition 30The Golf GTI Pirelli is back; a powerful, fast and very exclusive GTI. Volkswagen
is continuing the history of one of the best known limited edition models in Europe. In May 1983, the “Original Pirelli” arrived on the market. It was based on the first generation, second series Golf GTI. A distinctive identifying feature: Specially designed alloy wheels with the “Pirelli P” on their outer edges. A remarkable 10,500 cars of the special model were built and sold within half a year. Then it was over – a limited edition! If there were an Automobile Hall of Fame for young-timers, the “Pirelli GTI”, as it was called by its fans, would have long held a place there.The legendary tire tracks of the young-timer are now being extended by the new Golf GTI Pirel
New smart fortwo cdi: More Details 2007-06-11 02:11:00 With fuel consumption of just 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC) and emissions of 88 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre the new smart fortwo
cdi is the most economical production car worldwide. A full tank of fuel costs around €38.00* and 33 litres of fuel will take the 33 kW/45 bhp two-door car approximately 1,000 kilometres – for example theoretically from central Berlin to the outskirts of Paris without refuelling. With an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometres drivers of a new smart fortwo cdi would only have to refuel 15 times a year. In other words: the smart fortwo cdi is the right small car at the right time.The smart engineers have improved the successful cdi engine from the predecessor model and equipped it for the future. The power and torque have each increased by ten percent, whilst the fuel consumption has decreased by around 13 percent. In figures this means power of 33 kW/45 bhp and maximum torque of 110 metres that is delivered between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm. The ne
Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye Launched 2007-06-11 01:41:00 On June 9 and 10 the public will be able to examine and try out the Alfa 147 Murphy
&Nye, the new version that has resulted from collaboration between Alfa Romeo and the company famous for its brand of nautical clothing and sportswear designed for the racing world.Powered by the sparkling 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM, the car has exclusive Light blue Crystal bodywork, 17” alloys and a chrome-plated exhaust terminal. The grille, whiskers and wing mirrors all have the same satin-effect finish, while the Murphy&Nye logo, a name of great distinction in the yachting world, decorates the pillar and rear end.Inside, the sporty effect is even more refined, underlined by an original leitmotiv that links the car world to the world of yachts. The result is a blue and cream colour combination that lightens the interior, sporty leather seats with blue side strips and a cream seat, and the Alfa logo embroidered in red on the head restraints. The red coulisse on the gaiters of the gear lever and hand brake knob Read more:Launched
Hamilton wins chaotic Canadian Grand Prix 2007-06-11 01:29:00 Take out no less than four safety car periods, two black flags, other problems for many in the 70-lap CanadianGrand
Prix and Lewis Hamilton
had no issues leading away from the Pole Position to secure his first Grand Prix
win on what was just his sixth Formula One race start. It was a stunningly calm performance from the Rookie driver as Championship rivals Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen all hit troubled of their own.As a Grand Prix, the Canadian event was a real mess in terms of the calmly plotted startegies from the race teams. The only two drivers to avoid incident, accident or penalties in Montreal were the top two and it was Hamilton ahead of Nick Heidfeld in his BMW Sauber.To run thought the incidents and accidents and penalties will be a separate article as they are far to complex and as the author of this article minutes after the chequered flag, it need a calm couple of hours to watch the VT and understand exact why and how some people finished where they did
BMW's Hydrogen Auto Demo at Stanford University 2007-06-07 03:19:00 BMW's hydrogen hopes to proclaim BMW's hydrogen engine as the universal blueprint for the 21st century car. Other auto makersFrom DaimlerChrysler to General Motors Corp., most are working on fuel cells that use hydrogen to produce electricity to run electric motors. But BMW's entry burns hydrogen in an only slightly modified version of the internal combustion engine that has powered cars for more than a century. BMW expects to put a model on the market in 2008.The dilemma facing BMW is that if most carmakers go for fuel-cell technology, that's what will become the industry standard. BMW risks missing out on technological breakthroughs in fuel-cell research, with GM has teamed up with Toyota, and Ford with DaimlerChrysler.One problem the entire industry faces is that hydrogen is not widely available. Right now, there's just one public hydrogen filling station in Europe -in the cargo area of the Munich airport.Hydrogen Auto Video Read more:University
Subaru new car - gives Tribeca facelift, more power 2007-06-05 09:14:00 The Tribeca
has the lowest consumer awareness of any Subaru
product. You have to admit, the first edition, which came out in 2005, was rather odd looking. So Subaru has given the Tribeca a facelift
and added more horsepower
for 2008 model year. The newest version was shown for the first time today at the New York Auto Show.The new Tribeca has a much less polarizing design than the first edition. Gone is the isolated grille design, in favor of a grille that is integrated into the front bumper. In fact, all of the sheetmetal forward of the A-pillar is new. There's a more prominent hood line, sleeker headlamps and more aggressive front valance. The rear end was also freshened with restyled three-quarter windows, wider taillamps and new rear valance.A new 3.6-liter engine that runs on unleaded fuel will power the 2008 Tribeca. Horsepower is increased from 245 to 256, and torque jumps from 215 lb-ft to 247 lb-ft. The features highly valued by Tribeca loyalists, such as the graceful interio
2007 Canadian Grand Prix Race Calendar 2007-06-05 09:01:00 Friday 08 Jun 200710:00 - 11:30 Practice 114:00 - 15:30 Practice 2Saturday 09 Jun 200710:00 - 11:00 Practice13:00 QualifyingSunday 10 Jun 200713:00 Race Circuit ASN Canada FIA Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Parc Jean Drapeau Montreal (Quebec) HC3 1A9 Canada Tel: (+1) 514 350 4731 Fax: (+1) 514 350 0007Statistics Length4.361 km Nb of Laps70 (305.270 Km) Best LapR. Barrichello - 1'13''622 (2004, Ferrari)Record PoleR. Schumacher - 1'12''275 (2004, Williams)F. Alonso - 1'14''942 (Renault)1. F. Alonso 2. M. Schumacher 3. K. Raikkonen Winner Driver2006F. Alonso (Renault)2005K. Raikkonen (McLaren)2004M. Schumacher (Ferrari)2003M. Schumacher (Ferrari)2002M. Schumacher (Ferrari)2001R. Schumacher (Williams)2000M. Schumacher (Ferrari)1999M. Hakkinen (McLaren)1998M. Schumacher (Ferrari)1997M. Schumacher (Ferrari)1996D. Hill (Williams)1995J. Alesi (Ferrari)1994M. Schumacher (Benetton)1993A. Prost (Williams)1992G. Berger (McLaren)1991N. Piquet (Benetton)1990A. Senna (McLaren)1989T. Boutsen (Wi Read more:Canadian
, Grand
, Calendar
Ferrari expecting more in Montreal 2007-06-05 08:58:00 After a disappointing Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari
are looking forward to a return to form at this weekend’s Canadian race. The Italian team are certain that their heavy defeat in Monte Carlo was more down to luck than lack of pace, and are optimistic that in Montreal
they will reduce McLaren’s 20-point lead in the championship.“We believe we will have a strong package for this event,” Ferrari’s sporting director, Stefano Domenicali, told the team's official website. “There is no reason why we should not be able to fight for the win in Montreal after a weekend in Monaco where our performance did not accurately reflect our potential.”Felipe Massa crossed the line in Monaco over a minute behind the McLarens of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, while Kimi Raikkonen’s weekend was scotched by a costly accident during qualifying. Relegated to 16th on the grid, the Finn spent his race fighting through traffic and scored just one point.To make doubly sure of an improved showin
F1 history 2007-06-05 08:42:00 Bruce McLaren, born in Auckland New Zealand on the 30th of August 1937 was the man behind the McLaren marquee. He made a far greater impact on the Formula One world than the sum of his results as a driver.He started driving in his homeland in the mid 1950's and his advancement to single seaters was swift, winning a scholarship to race in Europe in 1958 in Formula Two. His Formula one debut came the following year with Cooper, and by the time the season was over, he was a regularly scoring points, actually winning the final race of the season at Sebring making him the youngest ever Grand Prix driver. He was only 22. He played the role of number two to Jack Brabham in 1960, but took over the role of number one driver the following year when Brabham left the team. Unfortunately, several frustrating seasons were to follow before he formed his own team. Inspired by Jack Brabham, he formed ' Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd.' and constructed his own cars. He built this company into a succes
2008 Renault Laguna Offers Fuel-Sipping Diesel Options 2007-06-05 08:35:00 Abstract: The 2008 new RenaultLaguna
now offers fuel-sipping die sel options. The new Renault Laguna is not going to be officially shown off until the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show in October.Renault did, however, release some photos (before someone posted videos of the model, without the permission of Renault) and some engine information. Let's discuss here the base diesel model which has a lot of good ecological implications.First, the 1.5L 110 HP diesel that get over 46 MPG and has 136g/km of CO2. This engine currently powers the sportier versions of the Clio and the middle Megane. With such an engine, the Laguna becomes a direct competitor of the VW Passat Blue Motion. This diesel Laguna also is labeled with Renault's ECO2 label, and it contains more than 35kg of recycled plastic and also more than 15kg of renewable materials.It might sound surprising that such a small engine is used for a relatively large car. There is a similar trend at VW with their TSI engines. It's all rela Read more:Offers
, Options
Audi TT clubsport quattro concept 2007-06-01 10:26:00 For the big W?rthersee 2007 enthusiast meet, Audi has created a new design study that will take its place among the thousands of Volkswagens descending upon the Austrian lake region. The event kicks off today and runs through the weekend, and if you happen to be visiting Austria, it may well be worth a visit just to check out the Audi TT clubsport quattro in person.It's impossible to look at the concept and not make the Porsche Speedster connection, with its barely-there windscreen (pillarless, wraparound, and wiper-free) and low-to-the-ground stance. Unlike the lithe, iconic Porsche, however, the Audi has more visual heft, thanks to the TT's high sides and chunkier 21st-century design. In front, this thing's anything but subtle. The dominant shield grille is flanked by large intakes that are presumably required to feed the 300-horsepower TFSI four-cylinder residing behind them. Like the flagship R8, the clubsport's four rings are moved to the hood.The TT clubsport gets an eye job,
BMW Concep Car - CS 2007-06-01 10:23:00 BMW's surprising CS concept car is likely to beget a new flagship sedan for the Munich-based automaker. This news comes from the mouth of BMW North America honcho Tom Purves, who told Automotive News, "We have a reasonable number of examples where we have built a concept car and relatively small examples where we have not built a concept car."Additionally, Purves noted that his US dealer network is already very excited about the concept. If the post-Shanghai market research brings positive news, it's pretty likely that a production 4-seater based on the CS would get the green light. The new car would be positioned above the 7-series in the automaker's lineup.
Nissan new car - cube 2007-06-01 10:17:00 The Nissan
Cube is one of the poster children for the term "econobox." Square and thrifty, the teensy MPV can be outfitted to carry five or seven passengers (the latter is known as the Cube3 in Japan) in quirky style and relative comfort. Over the last couple of years, there has been no shortage of reports claiming that the Cube will head stateside in 2008 following its scheduled redesign. The latest outlet to report this is the Nikkei, which said the Cube is all but certain to arrive (along with two other unnamed subcompacts). Unfortunately, that's all the detail given. We just hope the next Cube is as quirky-cool as the current one, with its asymmetrical styling and the variety of front end treatments applied to the different versions on the Japanese market. Enough already with the detail-free media reports. Get on with the redesign, show it to us, and tell us when we can finally buy it. Oh, and while you're at it -- keep it on the inexpensive side, okay?In the interim, enjoy the g
Super car :The Aston Martin DB-ONE 2007-06-01 10:13:00 We certainly don't want to be called out for complaining about AstonMartin
's current crop of designs. Were we to win the lottery tomorrow, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be high up on our list of cars to purchase the day after tomorrow. That said, we've lived with the Aston Martin's corporate style for a few years now, and at some point the next generation needs to be confronted. When the time comes, Aston Martin should give this guy a call. Ruben Vela is a Spanish designer who just received his Masters Degree in Automotive Design last year from Polytechnic University in Valencia. He created the DB-ONE Concept you see above (and in the high-res gallery below). Vela says that the design's most important element is "dynamism", kind of a subtle tension between the car's surfaces and lines that gives it an energy even when static. The front grille is much larger than current Aston models and becomes the focal point of the DB-ONE's front end, while the narrow slit headlights ensu Read more:Super
Bertone headed to U.S. with BMW-powered sportscar? 2007-06-01 10:11:00 The blogs are buzzing today about an Automotive News article that reveals Italian coachbuilder Bertone
is developing a BMW-powered sports car to sell in the U.S. The article actually focuses on the familial spats occuring within Bertone's management that led to Barbara Bertone, daughter of Lilli Bertone, the company's chairman and CEO, departure in March of 2006. Apparently whatever differences that led to mother and daughter parting professional ways have been worked out, and Barbara has been brought back as the company's managing director. Her sole job is to go out and get Bertone business, as the coachbuilder hasn't had a major job since it stopped producing the Opel/Vauxhall Astra coupe and cabriolet in 2005. Since then it's had some minor work building a special run of 2,000 MINIs, but not enough to prevent the idling of many of its workers.Of course, the interesting news that caught everyone's eye is this short paragraph at the end of the article that reveals Bertone told i
mitsubishi new car - EVO X 2007-06-01 10:02:00 The press release Mitsubishi released today is ostensibly about the new naming scheme for the JDM Lancer, details of which can be found in paragraph 2 below. Of far greater importance, however, is the fact that the photos included with the release reveal the closest look yet at a production Evo X. They're officially described as a "design study," but we probably expect this to be a near-100% representation of the production car's appearance. There are differences between it and the Prototype X that was shown in Detroit earlier this year. These include a new grille, foglights, different mirrors, more detailed taillamps, slightly different headlamps (note the amber indicators), and new wheels. The hood from the Prototype X is carried over, as is the vent aft of the front wheel well. Like the show car, the production design study sports Brembos with red-painted calipers. Keep in mind that nothing is officially official until Mitsubishi pulls the wraps off the final production car. This
Buick getting fourth model, Velite likely 2007-06-01 09:58:00 In an interview with Car and Driver, Troy Clarke, president of GM's North American efforts, confirmed that Buick
would be getting another model
by the end of the decade. The forth vehicle to join the Buick stable will be rear-wheel drive and take cues from the Velite concept that debuted at the 2004 New York Auto Show.Whether or not such a vehicle will be a convertible or a large sedan remains to be seen, but it will share the Zeta platform underpinning the upcoming Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro. The Velite name may not carry over.In the same article, Clarke espoused Pontiac's goal of being a performance-oriented brand, while at the same time suggesting that all of Pontiac's products will not sport RWD. Clarke confirmed that a redesign of the FWD Vibe is in the works, and may be released as early as this year. Read more:fourth
, likely
Mazda new car - Mazda2 2007-06-01 09:49:00 The executive-laden ceremonial kickoff of Mazda
2 production has taken place at the automaker's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima. The Mazda2 was one of our favorites at the Geneva Motor Show, where it made its worldwide debut at the beginning of March. The small car is destined for Japan, Europe, Australia, China, and other markets, none of which uses the initials "U.S." Its architecture will also spawn the next Ford Fiesta, which we actually should see in late '09. Thank God for timeliness. Mazda will back up Ujina 1 by starting production of the car at the Ujina No. 2 facility in June, as well, and the Mazda2 will arrive in Japanese dealers later this summer badged as the Demio. Exports to Europe and the others will follow, and the Chinese-market edition will be built in Nanjing. That the spiffy little ride isn't expected here at all sucks, frankly. But what do we know. Who wants/needs another stylish, economical, and practical little hatchback today, anyway?
BMW releases new M Sport package for X5 2007-06-01 02:46:00 BMW has unveiled its new M Sport package
for all members of the X5 range, giving the SAVs a sportier look and feel inside and out. A new bodykit gives the X5 a more aggressive appearance, with updated fascias, flared fenders, black low-profile roof rails, and a choice of different 19" and 20" wheels. Inside, electrically-adjustable sport seats and an M steering wheel can beaugmented with any number of customization options from BMW Individual, and the X5's already-sporting character is further enhanced by a retuned suspension that reinforces the "sport" in Sport Activity Vehicle (hey, that's what they want to call it, so who are we to argue?). A variety of available paint finishes complete the deal.German pricing for the M Sport upgrades is €6,350 for the X5 3.0si and 3.0sd, and €4,840 for the more-powerful X5 4.8i. There's no word yet on if or when the package will be available stateside.
Porsche new car- 910 HP 9ff 2007-06-01 02:00:00 We still remember being extremely excited about the 200 HP, 2.5L V6 in the SVT Contour, so every time the think of FWD family sedans approaching 300 HP, we shake our heads in amazement. And if an Altima can have 275hp, then what the heck do automakers do with exotic sports cars? Easy, crank up the juice until drivers are able to break the sound barrier on the Interstate track. Somewhere around 600-650hp, OEMs start to get nervous, and the aftermarket takes over. The tuning specialists over at 9ff took an "ordinary" 911 turbo cabrio and kicked up the power into the 910 HP stratosphere. Since the standard 911 turbo can hit 60 MPH in under four seconds, we can't imagine what would happen if you doubled the grunt on a car that weighs only 3,200 lbs. Since 60 will come and go well before you kick it into second gear, perhaps top speed is most relevant here, and achieving speeds that pass 240 MPH has already been done by 9ff while using only 850 HP. 9ff has already done a coupe and Carerra Read more:Porsche
Peugeot new car - 207 SW 2007-06-01 01:50:00 Here is a group of official images of Peugeot
207 SW.While Peugeot calls its 207 SW Outdoor a concept, there's little doubt that the Geneva-bound show car is a very good look at the upcoming 207 SW production car. Nix some of that glitzy metallic blue and bright orange trim, and you're pretty much there.The 207 SW Outdoor gets some additional ground clearance a la the Audi Allroad or Subaru Outback to give it a soft-roader look. Peugeot says that the car's greenhouse, which includes a glass panoramic roof panel, is meant to help "bring the outdoors in" and create a bright, welcoming environment for occupants. In terms of innovation, the car features a single-movement fold-flat second row seat, and the tailgate glass opens independently of the rear hatch itself. We wouldn't look for the parachute silk seat and door panel coverings to make it to production, but the car's 1.6L HDi 16v diesel with particulate filter is a good bet. It produces roughly 110 horsepower and 178 pounds of t
Infiniti new car - G37 2007-06-01 01:33:00 WorldCarFans gives us an up-close look at the interior/exterior of Nissan’s upcoming Infiniti G37, which is powered by a 3.7-liter engine that produces 370hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed sequential.
Gumpert Apollo 2007-06-01 01:22:00 At $380,000(My god~~), the Gumpert Apollo
is “a 1100kg, street-legal race car with up to 650hp and 627 lb/ft of torque, designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3, it is a mid engined, rear wheel drive two seater constructed on a tubular Chromoly frame, with fiberglass or optional carbon fiber body panels.” An Audi 4.2L V8 engine is joined to a six-speed sequential gearbox with Formula 1 influences. Estimated top speed is 360 km/h (224mph) with 0-100km/h (0–62 mph) reached in 3.0 seconds, making it the 9th best accelerating production car in the world, behind the Ariel Atom
Rolls Royce Phantom Silver 2007-06-12 02:09:00 PHANTOM SILVER MARKS 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SILVER GHOSTRolls
-Royce
has produced a limited edition, named PhantomSilver
, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The special model, of which only 25 will be made, pays homage to the one of the most famous automotive names of all time. First built in 1906, specifically to publicise the then new Rolls-Royce 40/50 h.p. six-cylinder model, the Silver Ghost established the Rolls-Royce reputation for reliability and engineering excellence. The name was coined in 1907 by Rolls-Royce Managing Director, Claude Johnson, by virtue of its silver coachwork and its ‘extraordinary stealthiness’. The original Silver Ghost, registered AX-201, competed in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, for which it won the gold medal in its class for hill climbing speed and reliability. The Silver Ghost went on in that year to break the world record for a non-stop motor run, covering a London to Glasgow route 27 times, with mileage totaling 14,371 miles Read more:Rolls Royce
New Ford Fiesta Spy Photos 2007-06-12 02:01:00 Confirmed for U.S.ABehold the first photos of the 2009 Ford Fiesta
, photographed while taking a break from testing on North American soil. No longer just for fuel-conscious Europeans, this next-generation Fiesta will be sold in the U.S., as confirmed by Ford officials at the previous Geneva Motor Show. The Fiesta’s design follows Ford of Europe’s kinetic design language, and this look is expected to be sold virtually unchanged on each side of the Atlantic. According to Ford of Europe design chief Martin Smith, quoted in a Motor Trend article by Paul Horrell: “Cars with one design theme will be sold in the other market”, meaning that the demarcation between Ford’s U.S. And European design language will become more flexible, and will likely disappear altogether. Horrell reports: “The new Fiesta will look almost exactly the same in the U.S. As it will in Europe. It was signed off on before the decision was made to sell it here. Minor engineering changes, including a slightly l
Hamann BMW M5 Edition Race 2007-06-12 01:47:00 wide body aerodynamics kitup to 320 km/h top speed thanks to Vmax overrideup to 567 hp and 574 Nm by sport-kit installationVarious wheel sets in 19, 20 and 21 inch designsHAMANN, by trade a top-class tuning specialist for BMW vehicles, is crowning its tuning suite for this brand with its latest creation. It is daring to touch the top model amongst the Bavarian saloons, namely the M5, and offers now – besides the already known modifications – a ?Wide Body“-kit for the king of the 5 Series. HAMANN offers its clients three different engine tuning options. The high revving 5-litre V10 with 507 bhp and 520 Nm is limited to 250km/h as standard. By removing the engine limiter, the racy Bavarian can reach top speeds of between 300km/h and 320km/h, depending on the wheel and tyre combination. The second option is made up of a combination of removing the engine limiter and optimising the engine characteristics by reprogramming the standard engine computer. HAMANN manages to tease an addi Read more:Edition
BMW 1 Series Coupe - Clearest Spy Shots Yet 2007-06-12 01:42:00 Almost completely free of disguisingFinally, these shots show the new Coupe
of the BMW 1-Series almost completely free of disguising. Engine options for the stylish 1-series Coupe have yet to be confirmed, but BMW officials have said they do not plan to offer a four-cylinder engine in America – although we believe they will be available in European markets. But we are expecting a version of the magnesium/aluminium 3.0-liter six-cylinder that is currently found in the 130i, as well as the 3- and 5-series, Z4 Coupe and Roadster, and X3 and X5. There is also a strong possibility the 3.0-liter turbo-charged six from the 335i coupe and sedan could find its way into an M version of the 1-series Coupe. Among driving enthusiasts, there is strong sentiment that the 3-series Coupe has grown too large and luxurious to be a true sports coupe. Many of them long for a smaller, simpler car with the driving dynamics BMW has become known for. The 1-series Coupe could possibly deliver on that desire, Read more:Series Coupe