Car News

The Viper has hissed its last. But before the ageing supercar is consigned to the history books later this year, it will shed its skin one last time with a limited run of 50 Final Edition models.



Only available in the US, buyers will have the choice of conventional Coupe or Roadster models. But for the ultimate Viper experience, the Coupe-based ACR (American Club Racer) version with its huge rear wing and lighter kerbweight will be the enthusiasts’ choice.



Each Final Edition Viper features a graphite-coloured clear-coated paint finish with a black centre stripe highlighted in red. The Coupe and Roadster models feature Anthracite-coloured six-spoke alloys while the ACR version has black, five-spoke items. All Final Edition models have unique side sill badges.



The interior has been treated to black leather with red stitching, red painted dial surrounds on the instrument cluster and bright stainless steel screws on the centre console. A numbered dash plaque and unique Viper Final Edition floor mats complete the changes.



All models are powered by the enormous 603bhp 8.4-litre V10 engine, ensuring sensational performance. The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.0 seconds, while top speed is 202mph. The braking power is equally staggering, with 0-100-0 mph taking just 11 seconds.



Production of the Final Edition models will begin in early summer, with 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters and 12 ACRs due to be made. That figure is considerably less than the 360 red and white Final Edition coupes that heralded the departure of the previous generation Dodge Viper in 2002

Audi is entering a new vehicle class. The compact A1 condenses all of the strengths of the brand – a progressive design, supreme quality and groundbreaking efficiency – into a space of measuring 3.95 meters (12.96 ft) in length. The new compact model bearing the four rings is dynamic and high-quality, emotion-packed and individual. Its powerful engines and the agile chassis make it the sportiest car in the segment.



Body and interior

One look is all it takes to see the sporty character of the A1. The design with the encircling shoulder line is cutting-edge and integrates the youngest Audi into the large model family. The front end with the dominating single-frame grille, the side line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupé-like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are among its defining style elements. The hood and the rear hatch wrap around the body. Audi offers optional xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. These are already three-dimensionally styled in the base version and are unmistakable, day or night.



High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise two-thirds of the new compact model’s body. The strongest of these are the hot-shaped steels, which draw their extremely high tensile strength from a dramatic temperature increase during the shaping process. Hot-shaped steels are used primarily within the passenger cell. They provide the basis for the precise, sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet interior, the excellent passive safety and the low base weight.



The interior of the A1 is spacious, bright and airy. The instrument panel resembles an airplane wing; its four round air vents are reminiscent of jet engines. The clean, clear controls are every bit a classic Audi strength as the superior workmanship. Many lovingly designed details underscore the premium character of the A1. In addition to the Attraction and Ambition trim lines, Audi also offers a media style package focused on infotainment and interior design. The on-board computer with efficiency program and shift indicator is among the standard features of the Ambition line.



Drivetrain

Audi is rolling out its new compact model with four four-cylinder engines: two TDI and two TFSI units. All of the engines follow the downsizing principle – they substitute turbocharging for displacement and draw their fuel through direct injection units. Their performance range extends from 63 kW (86 hp) to 90 kW (122 hp).



All versions of the A1 impress with exemplary fuel economy. Standard cycle values lie between 3.9 and 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (44.38 - 60.31 US mpg). Scheduled for introduction in 2011, the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) and manual transmission emits only 99 g of CO2 per kilometer (159.33 g/mile). Efficiency modules that come standard with all versions are a start-stop system and a recuperation system. A new, particularly effective thermal management system in the engine contributes to the low fuel consumption of the 1.2 TFSI.



Engine lineup:



* 1.2 TFSI with 63 kW (86 hp)

* 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (122 hp)

* 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) (Launch date: 2011)

* 1.6 TDI with 77 kW (105 hp)



At Audi, efficiency always means high-tech. The A1 1.4 TFSI is available with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, which shifts extremely quickly, comfortably and with no perceptible interruption to the flow of power. It can be operated as an automatic or manually, with paddles on the steering wheel available as an option. Thanks to its high efficiency and the intelligent control system, the S tronic also helps to reduce fuel consumption.



Chassis

The agile, wide-track chassis moves the A1 to the head of its class. Whether in the city, on an interurban road or on the expressway – the newest Audi is always great fun to drive thanks to its sporty setup, the favorable weight distribution and the direct-ratio steering.



The ESP stabilization program with electronic limited slip differential, which comes standard on all models, makes the handling even more precise while also enhancing driving safety. It minimizes understeer at the cornering limit by means of slight braking, which also improves traction.



Equipment and trim

Innovative materials and modern colors emphasize the youthful character of the A1. Whether color-matched air vents, LED interior lights or seat covers in expressive colors – customization is the key. The equipment program offers countless opportunities for matching the A1 to the driver’s own personal style. There are even a variety of paint finishes from which to choose for the roof arch. Customers can also order many features after the initial sale to follow a trend or a whim.



The available infotainment and multimedia systems for the A1 come directly from the luxury class. The top of the line is MMI navigation plus, a media center that sets new standards in the compact segment. It borrows closely from the system used in Audi’s A8 flagship, including the monitor that folds out from the instrument panel and the control unit, which uses MMI logic.



The Connectivity package, which is based on the concert radio, includes a navigation preparation kit that allows the customer to later install a map-based navigation system – that, too, is a new idea. The 465 watt Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers is just one example of the additional high-end complementary features available. Convenient Bluetooth and wired interfaces are available for cellular phones and external players such as the iPod. The A1 has a base price in Germany of €15,800.

Audi has just confirmed that a hybrid version of the Q5 SUV will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The new version will be offered to both Europe and America.



We already know that the Q5 will carry the same hybrid powertrain found in the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, but we are curious to see what else Audi has planned for the SUV.



The Cayenne Hybrid is powered by a 47 hp electric motor combined to a 333 hp compressor engine. The two drive units deliver a total of 380 HP and peak torque of 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm. However, for the Q5 Hybrid, we expect a 211 HP four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine combined with a 45 hp electric motor which would make it the first compact SUV on the market to utilize a hybrid powertrain.

Great Danes are know for their presence and power – and this one is no exception. Known as the Zenvo ST-1, it’s Denmark’s first foray into the super car arena.The aggresive body is hand-built from carbon fibre wrapped around a light steel frame – but its performance should be even more eye-popping. Powered by a 7.0-litre V8 fitted with both a turbo and supercharger, its makers claim it will produce a staggering 1,104bhp.The ST-1 will achieve a 0-60mph sprint time of three seconds and rocket all the way to 120mph in just under nine seconds. But it might not quite be the Bugatti beater, as despite a huge power-to-weight ratio of 1,055bhp per ton, top speed is limited electronically to 233mph. Just as impressive is the fact that the car was conceived less than five years ago. Zenvo Automotive was formed in 2004, with the aim of creating a hand-made and high-performance yet use able super car – so the ST-1 should make as much sense on the street as it does on the track. The Nissan GT-R-meets-Audi R8 styling is sure to win the car a place on many bedroom walls, but prospective buyers will have to be quick. Production is scheduled to start later in 2009, but just 15 models will be made for specially approved buyers. Prices have not yet been announced. For more details click here.

BTR II 580 is the tuned and modified version of the new Porsche 997 Turbo 3,8l with PDK-gearbox: The SpeedART BTR-II 650 EVO (Bi-Turbo-Racer, 2. generation with 650 hp and Evolution-body kit). It is based on Porsche 997 Turbo with 3,8l engine and PDK shiftbox. The power increase of 150 hp and 150 nm consits of a modified motronic to enlarged the power boost in combination with bigger VTG-turbo chargers, a sport exhaust with sport cats and twin tail pipes plus sport headers/manifolds, sport air filter and enlarged intercoolers. The sport exhaust is available with sound control switch, too.



Body Kit



The body kit "2010 SpeedArt BTR II 580" consists of an new designed front bumer with spoiler lip and gun-metal frames for more downforce and better brake cooling (EVO-version), side skirts, rear diffuser and a rear spoiler with movable rear wing. The rear wing is available in car colour or original carbon.

Take the money and the wisdom of buying a prancing horse does not seem to exclude some of its eccentricities owners improper elegance of a machine like the new Ferrari 458 Italy. Definitely not normal to find a Ferrari decorated with snowy camouflage.

The owner of this Ferrari 458 Italy might be thought his brand new Italian sports pass unnoticed through the city traffic and decided that the best way to “twisting necks” wherever he happens to wear it would be this way.

Latest 599 SA Aperta are a special serial example of which a rigorously limited act of just 80 leave comprise built. All bear already been sold. Ferrari opted to build 80 SA Apertas in festivity of Pininfarina’s 80th day of remembrance. The SA language also pays court to both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina whose company and bring have been linked to the almost successful road-going autos ever built at Maranello.



Following reports of a private viewing in Pebble Beach earlier this month, Ferrari has revealed first photos and details of the SA APERTA, a drop-top version of the 599. Production is limited to only 80 units all of which have been pre-sold.



The significance of the 80 units pays tribute to styling firm and long time Ferrari partner, Pininfarina, for their 80th anniversary. The SA nomenclature also pays tribute to both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina.



Described as a true roadster, a removable soft top design is used which Ferrari describes should "be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad." Other body alterations include a lower-angled windscreen, integrated roll-bars flanked by aerodynamic fins and a lowered suspension.



The chassis has been stiffened to compensate for the absence of the roof, however, Ferrari states that any added weight brought on by the re-engineering of the chassis is negligible.



The SA Aperta is equipped with the familiar 6.0-liter V12 producing 670 PS (493 kW / 661 bhp), same as the recently announced 599 GTO, the road-going version of the 599XX track car.

The first details of the 2012 Jaguar XFR facelift have emerged today as the updated version of the performance model has been spied during testing. Judging from the parts of the spied Jaguar XFR facelift prototype that have been covered in tape, we can tell which sections of the car have been re-designed. The XFR facelift will have a new front fascia, probably with a new grille and a re-styled front bumper. The rear Jaguar XFR facelift will also receive some updates, and probably new tail lights.



We're not sure at the moment whether or not the 2012 Jaguar XFR facelift will have the same output as the current version. However, the engine will still be the 5.0-litre direct-injection supercharged V8. If everything remains the same, the 2012 Jaguar XFR facelift will output 510PS and 625Nm of torque. The performance figures of the XFR facelift say it will have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and that it will rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.



We'll have additional details on the 2012 XFR facelift as soon as they become available.

Misha Designs has just unveiled its new widebody Mercedes-Benz SL-Class , as if the normal one isn’t wide enough.

The new package includes a new front bumper and lower lip spoiler made from carbon fiber. These help to increase the opening in the front to allow more air flow. The fenders and the quarter panels are widened to merge with the wheel arches with air intakes behind the front wheels. This will give the Misha SL a Black Series-like look.

The new kit also uses a new bonnet with carbon fiber vents. There are side skirts that meet up with the fender flares and a rear bumper with carbon fiber gills on each side. There is also a carbon diffuser and a truck spoiler for aerodynamics.

Misha Design says that you can have this done to any post-2003 SL model, but it can provide an easy upgrade bolt on kit for the face lifted 2009 version. As if the new version wasn’t vulgar enough, this steps it up one more notch

Who said green cars can’t have their ‘cool’ cakes and eat them too? More often filed under the ‘plain and bland-looking’ category, hybrids aren’t often considered as boasting of cutting-edge aesthetics. Fortunately, there are events like SEMA wherein an otherwise mundane-looking vehicle can be given an aggressive makeover.

Take for example this Lexus LS 600h L by Brian Fox’s Fox Marketing. Suffice to say, there’s nothing mundane about this Lexus hybrid. For starters, it comes with a fiberglass aerokit that includes bumpers, fenders, and side skirts courtesy of Artisan Spirits. The package also includes HID fog lights, smoked tailights, and deck wings on the roof and the rear of the vehicle. There’s also the addition of some snazzy-looking 20-inch rims and a hotness-personified Glacier Green paint scheme.

The Fox-tuned LS 600h L is set to take the stage at SEMA and unlike the traditional bombastic cars that are regulars at the show, this car takes the more conservative approach but does so in a manner that it should catch its share of attention from the patrons. After all, there’s still something to be said for tuned-up cars that don’t go screaming ‘Look at me!’ to get some attention.

This is one of them

Exotic Car Wallpaper, find a picture or video and specs of luxury cars, sports cars, classic cars and super cars. Search for exotic car dealers, and rental cars.






Exotic Car Wallpaper

The new 2010 Acura TL are revolutionizing the way we look at a four door family sedan. No longer is the sedan looked upon as boring and uninspired, particularly when you get your hands on this new Acura. The base model packs a serious punch: It's powered by a 3.5L V6 with 280 horsepower, which is more than enough to make the kids in the back seat squeal with delight when you roll onto the throttle.

This high-revving engine finds its peak horsepower at 6200 RPM (with a peak torque of 254 ft/lbs right around 5000 RPM), making it a whole lot of fun to drive around the city and on the highway. Best yet, unlike models that find their peaks lower in the RPM range, you can keep the power at bay when you need to keep a lower profile. It's really the best of both worlds.

Now, if you can believe it, that's simply the base model. The 2010 Acura TL SH comes with a beefier 3.7L 305 horsepower V6, with just a little bit more torque added into the mix (273 ft/lbs versus 254 in the base model). This gives the driver a bit more passing ability on the highway than the base model, which can certainly get you out of trouble in a hurry if you ever find yourself in the need for that extra push of power.

With the extra power comes a new drive train to keep that power under control: The Acura TL SH comes with all wheel drive standard, which makes driving in the snow and rain just that much easier and safer.

The available 2010 Acura TL engine options are enough to give any driver a grin that just won't go away. See your local dealer for more.

We've been staring for months, but now we have our best look yet at what Benz' baby coupe will look like once the camo tape is peeled away.



The grille gets a nose job to match its larger sibling, and the photo above reveals it to be a more pleasing aesthetic than in . Also, it seems the new wants to play with the cool kids who are all wearing LED running lights.

Now turn powered-up Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG proposal by Swiss tuning firm FAB Design. The tuner found a way to extract 40 more ponies from ‘Gullwing’ door supercar’s V8 engine pushing total output to 611-horsepower. The extra oomph allows the SLS AMG to do the 0-to-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 3.7 seconds instead of the stock model’s time of 3.8 seconds

Mercedes-Benz after a two year absence from the Australian International Motor Show and now it is returning to this year’s edition of the event that takes place in Sydney from October 15th to 24th with a [supposedly] special C63 AMG, called the Mercedes-Benz 358 Concept. The show car was co designed by Mercedes-Benz Australia and built by AMG.

This time, Hyundai’s Italian arm partnered with Milanese fashion brand Fiorucci to create a special series of models based on the i10 city car and the larger i20 supermini. Both models by Fiorucci are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.

French car maker Peugeot is revealing a "next generation hybrid" car at next month's 2008 Paris Motor Show. Judging from the photos, the 'Peugeot Prologue' is not the 'RC' coupe that Peugeot has already been teasing us with, and it's certainly not the 307-based diesel hybrid concept the firm has touted at previous shows. So what do we know?



Not a lot, yet. It produces 109g/km CO2 -- hardly spectacular even for today's tech, as the current Prius is on 104 -- and it's a 'strong hybrid'. In other words, it's capable of running solely on electric power for short distances. We also know the car's rated at 200bhp, and Peugeot claims its eco creds won't compromise decent performance.



For more on the Prologue, come back here on 2 October, when I'll be covering the Paris Motor Show with reams of live news and photos.

Ford, the definitive leader in tough trucks, is further building on its solid foundation of the new F-150 to deliver the all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck that's versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures, as well as the everyday commute.



“Ford trucks have been a mainstay on the off-road racing scene for more that 20 years because of our long history of capability and durability,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for Global Product Development. “With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we will be delivering a true off-road performance truck with the proven 'Built Ford Tough' capability and durability that is at the core of every F-150.”



Ford and off-road racing



Desert off-road racing is something Ford knows and does well, with eight championships in nine divisions in the 2007 “Best In The Desert” series and four more titles in CORR (Championship Off Road Racing). Ford has also shown its leadership at the Baja 1000 race - 12 Ford-powered vehicles have won the overall title for four-wheel vehicles, the most of any engine manufacturer.



With interest in off-road performance growing steadily, the F-150 SVT Raptor was designed to fulfill the desires of that highly demanding market. The high-performance off-road truck market is one that's largely untapped, allowing the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor to set the bar for this type of vehicle.



“Most of the major manufacturers have focused on on-road performance, so when we looked at what was available in off-road truck performance, it was somewhat limited,” said Mark Grueber, Ford product marketing manager for pickups and large SUVs. “This was the perfect opportunity for Ford to further differentiate the F-150 from other trucks on the market.”



Looks tough and fast



The tough, chiseled look of the new Ford F-150 has been taken to a new level with F-150 SVT Raptor. The agile performance truck was designed to give the impression that it's always on the move.



Noticeable differences between the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the conventional F-150 will include a distinctive grille that has the Ford name carved into it; front bumper, vented hood, front fascia and fenders, functional hood extractors, fender extractors with “SVT” bored out, as well as visible Fox Racing Shox.



Another key difference between the F-150 SVT Raptor and the base F-150 is that it is more than seven inches wider. Ford designers took advantage of this difference and highlighted it with distinctive marker lamps. When turned off, the marker lamps are well integrated into the F-150 SVT Raptor's front end, as opposed to on top of the cab. When lit up, Raptor's imposing stance is immediately recognizable.



While the exterior design of the F-150 SVT Raptor is about creating an image, the interior design is about creating the feel of the truck, and both must complement each other.



Design elements from the unique grille and front fascia have been carried through to the interior on the console and dashboard. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a molten-orange leather strip that serves as a centering sight line - which is especially useful in extreme driving maneuvers that can often cause the driver to lose perspective of the steering wheel's center point.



Revved up and ready



The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by the F-150's proven 5.4-liter Triton® V8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new open-valve fuel-injection strategy improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds.



A new 6.2-liter V8 engine will be available after launch. The 6.2-liter engine features all-new architecture specifically designed for robustness in a truck application. Given that reliability and longevity under harsh conditions are key to truck customers, the Ford team performed extensive testing to ensure the 6.2-liter V8 engine would live up to the “Built Ford Tough” promise.



Take off and landing

Building a high-performance off-road truck is not just about the horsepower - it's about the suspension. The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn't disappoint, with 13.4 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 in the front.



“With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we changed the axle, the whole front suspension is different - new upper A arm, new lower A arm, new tie rods, new half-shaft joints,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. “The suspension does all the work to keep the truck's attitude stable.”



In addition to a beefed-up suspension, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts unique internal-bypass Fox Racing Shox.



“This truck is also going to be a daily driver. We brought together a lot of experts to ensure the on-road steering precision and comfort was there too,” said Hameedi. “That's where Ford expertise really came to the table and complemented Fox's off-road expertise.”



Specialized Technologies

The F-150 SVT Raptor provides the complete package for off-roaders, including state-of-the-art technologies to keep it at the top of capability.



“For many years, enthusiasts have been struggling with the performance of electronic technologies in the extreme off-road environment since that was not the environment they were designed for,” Hameedi said. “What SVT has done is tailor technology to function in both an on-road and an extreme off-road environment.”



The F-150 SVT Raptor will be built alongside the new F-150 at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant at the historic Rouge Center in Dearborn, Mich. It will be available in spring of 2009.



The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R will take on Baja 1000



The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R, which features modified components, was developed by SVT and Ford Racing specifically to race in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 - one of the most grueling off-road races on the circuit.



Prepared for racing in long-distance off-road endurance events, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R uses stock components of the F-150 SVT Raptor, including the transmission, brakes and axles. The frame - the part of the truck that will take the most stress - is the same proven fully boxed frame that delivers class-leading towing and hauling in the base F-150. The race truck is powered by a specially calibrated 500 horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine. Placing the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R in the Baja 1000 also serves as a test bed for development of the production F-150 SVT Raptor.



Ford is bringing some of the best stock class off-road truck drivers together to drive the F-150 SVT Raptor R in the Baja 1000. The team includes driver of record Steve Oligos and co-drivers Randy Merritt, Greg Foutz and Bud Brutsman who will compete in class eight for moderately modified full-size pickup trucks.



The Baja 1000 will run Nov. 20-23. The intense off-road endurance race runs from sea level up to 7,000 feet over 1,000 kilometers of sand, rock and mountain passes on the Mexican Baja Peninsula.



Preproduction vehicle shown.

Suzuki has released an updated version of its Suzuki SX4 compact crossover vehicle in Australia, addressing a number of concerns raised by customers and media.

All models are now equipped with stability control (ESP) as standard, a continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission is now offered and fuel consumption has been reduced, thanks to an all-new 2.0-litre petrol engine.

"SX4 set a new vision for small crossover vehicles when it launched and the updated version continues to stamp Suzuki as a significant player in the local industry," said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers.

"The update guarantees the new SX4 will offer small-car customers a value-packed choice combining performance, efficiency and Suzuki's legendary reliability."

The new engines output 112kW/190Nm and fuel consumption has been reduced to 7.3 litres per 100 km for the 2WD manual and 7.6L/100 for the CVT 2WD models, improving efficiency by 11 and 16 per cent respectively.

Devers claimed that the Suzuki SX4 is one of the best performing and fuel-efficient small cars available today: "Customers have always enjoyed the power of the SX4; now they can do it without paying an impost at the petrol pump. Our aim is to be among the class leaders, and SX4 more than delivers on the powertrain front."

As well as improvements in safety and efficiency, the SX4 comes in for some minor styling updates, though only eagled-eyed car spotters will notice the difference (new mesh grille, different wheels). The interior has also been refreshed.

Volkswagen introduced a sports version of the Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line, which has already taken pre-orders. Marking R brings to model a variety of changes, both in the interior, and for the body.

The car comes with 17-inch wheels R-Line Mallory (18-inch available as an option), shod in 235/45 tires. In addition, there is a new front bumper with integrated headlamps, sills, body-colored, in turn, slightly zatonirovany rear lights.



In the salon VW Passat CC R-Line there is a new sports steering wheel, leather-performance, having multi-functional keys. Sports seats, climate control system and parking are also features of the model.



This package will be available for the entire range Passat CC, the value of which starts from 2 200 euros, for the model 2.0 TDI (140 hp), equipped with a six-speed gearbox.



In the standard Passat CC is proposed, in total, with three engines, including the most popular 3.6-liter V-6. This unit develops a maximum 300 hp at 6 000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2 500 rpm. In terms of performance car races to the first hundred in 6.1 seconds, with a maximum speed of 249 km / h. Fuel consumption in the urban cycle is 15.2 liters. 100 km., in suburban 7.3 liter., according to official data.

The 2011 Freelander 2 model range, on sale in the UK from the end of September 2010, benefits from a new 2.2-litre diesel engine available with either 150PS or 190PS outputs, a new look exterior plus interior alterations including new instrument dials and a new Premium Pack option.



Land Rover's new turbo diesel engine is available in the 4WD TD4 150PS model featuring a manual transmission and intelligent Stop/Start technology as standard (an automatic gearbox without Stop/Start is available as a cost option), or the new SD4 model delivering 190PS (available in automatic transmission only).



This new engine is quieter, more efficient and both derivatives have 20Nm more torque than the outgoing engine. This means the 2011 Freelander 2 offers improved engine response and more mid-range strength for towing. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced to 165g/km and 185g/km respectively with corresponding fuel economy benefits.



However, despite reductions in consumption and emissions, there has been no compromise in performance. The flagship 190PS Freelander SD4 accelerates from rest to 60mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118mph. The Freelander 150PS TD4 manual and automatic versions match the performance of their predecessors.



As well as being upgraded from EU4 to EU5, both versions have a new variable geometry turbocharger and have been extensively re-calibrated to deliver new levels of power, meet emissions regulations and reduce CO2 emissions. They are fitted with a catalysed diesel particulate filter as standard and are now compatible with 10 per cent biodiesel rather than 5 per cent.



As an addition to the Freelander 2 range, Land Rover will also offer customers a 2WD derivative, available in the UK from January 2011. This will be called the Freelander 2 eD4 and it will be the most efficient Land Rover ever produced, with fuel consumption of 47.2mpg combined, and CO2 emissions of just 158g/km.



"The new Freelander 2 eD4 moves Land Rover into the hugely popular and fiercely contested two wheel-drive SUV market," said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham. "The European market for two-wheel drive SUVs represents 23 percent of the segment and we intend to compete strongly here.

"A 2WD option is just one way in which we are developing our vehicles' efficiency whilst adding to the Land Rover range and expanding our appeal to a broader group of customers. We will continue to make the 'world's finest all-terrain vehicles' for those customers who require 4WD but will also now offer an alternative."



This groundbreaking Freelander 2 eD4 is powered by the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 150PS. It is only available with a six-speed manual transmission featuring Stop/Start technology as standard.



The exterior of the latest Freelander 2 gets a new look for 2011. Marked out by a new front bumper assembly incorporating new front fog lap bezels, a new front grille finish, improved headlights and tail lamps, new full width tailgate appliqué and new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheel styles. There are three new colour schemes for 2011 Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.



Inside the cabin, Land Rover's design team have revised the instrument dials, and there are four new seat styles with the option of a Premium Pack that includes Windsor Leather upholstery, an 8/6 way electric seat, plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage.



The 4WD TD4 and SD4 models are on sale in the UK from the end of September.

Meet the Volkswagen Eos Exclusive edition. Normally a plebian offering, the Eos can now be spruced up with a few luxury car standards such as two-tone nappa leather, sport seats, contrast stitching, "piano lacquer" trim, chrome accents on the grille ribs and three new 18-inch wheel designs. The Volkswagen Exclusive package also nets you a sport suspension that lowers the car 0.6 inches.



All of these luxury-like extras come at a price, though. A standard VW Eos will run you 27,524 euro with shipping and hefty European taxes, or roughly $35,300. To snag an Exclusive package, you'll need to drop a whopping 34,350 euro, or about $44,200. Obviously the prices don't translate exactly due to differences in U.S. and European taxes, but that's still a $9,000 (5000 euro) mark-up for the package. For perspective, the luxurious Volkswagen Phaeton starts at 65,800 euro, or $84,600, and in the U.S., the Eos starts at $32,390.



Is the extra coddling worth the coin? Unless you live in Europe, you won't have to worry about it for now, but VW says it's working on a Special Edition Eos for the U.S. market though no specific release date has been set. Presuming it does come here, would you buy one if the price was right?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Chevrolet has announced that the new Chevrolet Camaro convertible will make its official debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November. It’s set to go on sale in February 2011, and will battle the Ford Mustang convertible for the dollars of sun-loving pony-car fans. Speaking of dollars, we also now know how many of them it will take to snag a ‘Maro droptop: $30,000, or about $6500 more than the base hardtop. It’s also about $2000 more than the cheapest Mustang convertible ($27,995). If the pricing gap holds true throughout the lineup, expect to pay at least $39,000 for the cloth-topped Camaro SS.



As we expected, the droptop will employ the same powertrain lineup as the Camaro coupe. The base engine is a direct-injected, 3.0-liter V-6 with 312 hp, while SS models score a 6.2-liter V-8 producing 426 hp. A six-speed manual remains the standard transmission, with a six-speed automatic optional for those who like their cruisin’ simple and their livin’ easy.



We also got another peek at the convertible, this time an SS model. Shot with its top down in an idyllic beach setting, it looks as handsome as the coupe, although we have yet to see the car with its fabric roof in place.

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h F Sport treated compact hybrid made its debut at the Australian International Motor Show and features light alterations in an attempt to burnish its sporty credentials. Like many factory packages, changes to the appearance take the forefront. The Lexus hatchback receives alloy wheels, badging, an updated body kit, and a different interior with CT 200h F Sport steering wheel, pedals, door-sill plates, gauge cluster, and tinted window glass. The Flame Blue color, which is nearly indiscernible to the IS F's Ultrasonic Blue Mica, can also be ordered.



The Lexus CT 200h is otherwise unchanged and remains powered by an adapted version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive with revised intake, exhaust, and programming for the 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four. The suspension, called the Lateral Performance Damper System, allows Lexus to forgo strut bars and boost torsional rigidity while suppressing vibrations for a comfortable ride.

The latest 2011 BMW X3 births a cabin worthy by the BMW badge. It characteristics high-quality fabrics, an bettered blueprint, and a generous boot capacitance of 550 litres (19.4 cubic feet). The latter canful be increased 1,600 litres (56.5 cubic feet) cheers to 40/20/40 fold rear seats. Choices let in GPS sailing (on an 8.8-inch display), dual-zone machine rifle climate control, a diorama sunroof, a agiotage sound system and an automatonlike tailgate.

Hyundai surprised the automotive world when displayed the 2011 Hyundai Equus at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The success of the Hyundai Genesis sedan, however, has the Korean automaker thinking big. If Americans will embrace the Genesis as a Hyundai luxury car with a price tag as high as $40,000, some ask, what's to stop them from embracing a more luxurious model a step up the food chain wearing a Hyundai badge?



The Genesis offers some equipment found only on $50,000 luxury cars in a $32,000 to $40,000 price range. The Genesis appears to be convincing skeptical auto writers and skeptical car shoppers that Hyundai can build a bargain luxury car.





In Asian markets, this car is sold as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS - a super-luxury car with a sticker price approaching six figures. Would Americans accept a six-figure Hyundai?



The Genesis succeeds by offering a BMW 5-Series-like experience for the price of a 3-series.

Standard Equus features like a massaging driver seat, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a 17-speaker surround-sound audio system are usually options on even high-end luxury cars. Hyundai even plans to supply Equus owners with an Apple iPad as a standard feature, which will function as a sort of interactive owner's manual and maintenance minder.





Even with this minor demerit, the 2011 Hyundai Equus is a genuine competitor to other luxury sedans, both midsize cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class and flagships like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. The "Hyundai Equus" is a large luxury sedan available in Signature and Ultimate trim levels. The Equus Ultimate seats four, as the rear bench seat is replaced with a pair of reclining bucket seats with heating/cooling/massaging functions and a passenger-side power footrest. This rear-wheel-drive car is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Hyundai estimates, the Equus will achieve 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.



The 2011 Hyundai Equus comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, electronic seatbelt pre-tensioners, active front head restraints, a lane-departure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a driver-side knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, and side curtain airbags.





If you're wondering whether a value-oriented brand like Hyundai can produce a luxury car, the cabin of the Equus will put your mind at ease. The passenger-side rear seat even has a power-operated footrest. In its home market of South Korea, the Hyundai Equus Ultimate is frequently used as a VIP limousine.

A while back there was a rumor going around that Apple and its overlord Steve Jobs were going to be getting into the city car game. Although nothing official has been announced in the years since those rumors started - and Google looks ready to shut down anything Apple has coming with its driver-less cars - the Apple iMove, an independent design study, is likely close to what people were thinking as soon as Apple mentioned "car".



Designed by 20-year old Liviu Tudoran, the iMove is simple, smooth, cute, and most of all, blends right into the Apple product lineup of pods and user-friendly design.



The exterior uses "photocromic material" to adjust the exterior hue of the vehicle (at least on the transparent parts) based on a variety of presets. Think of it like the Mustang's MyColor gauges, but on the outside of your ride.



Have a look at the pics below (and use our new zoom function, if necessary) to check out some of the designer's ideas and explanations behind them. While the spelling may be a bit off, the idea seems to be fairly on.



The iMove, though currently just a sketch and rendering, will be right at home in the cities of the future. I'll take mine in Vintage Mac Beige please.



By Phil Alex



Source: Liviu Tudoran

Hyundai has presented at the Geneva Show the series model i30 hatchback and Hyundai QarmaQ concept.The crossover Concept, which has been announced in a sketch published a few weeks ago by Hyundai, brings an important change of approach in what concerns the materials used in its composition.While the traditional cars use metal and glass, QarmaQ is assembled from plastic materials made by GE Plastics. The Hyundai QarmaQ concept is the result of the cooperation between the 2 companies and brings, as novelty, a vista of the kind that only a view from the chopper gives, because of the great surface of the plasticized windows from the car's body.By integrating GE's polycarbonate glazing wrap-around and the GE Lexan windscreens, the body weight of the cars is reduced by almost 50 %. A unique technology characterizes Lexan screens: Exatec Technology. It' s a technology through which a thin, protective layer of glass is deposited on the screen, which helps when protecting from scratching or effects of humidity. The material, much lighter than traditional glass used in automotive industry, also increases the impact resistance and both occupant and pedestrian safety. When talking about pedestrian safety, we can also mention the system that uses deformable sections under the concept's body panels, which is able to absorb crush energy in case a collision with a person may happen.GE Plastics' High Performance Thermoplastic Composite (which is used for the horizontal body panels) manages to also save some weight. 900 recycled plastic bottles have been used when manufacturing other body panels.The new concept is a showcase of 30 new technologies that will be found in the future Hyundai models. The car is the result of the hard work of Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and Technical Center and it has been engineered in cooperation with GE Plastics. It will be ready to roll in 2008 to 2014