LAND ROVER

The 2009 Range Rover Sport looks like it's getting a slightly revised face. After undergoing minor cosmetic surgery, the Sport comes out with grillework that's reminiscent of the Land Rover LR2's as well as a new front bumper. Out back and along the sides, the SUV seems to be unchanged compared to the current model. One of Brenda Priddy's clandestine operatives snagged the freshened Ranger Rover Sport frolicking undisguised somewhere in Europe where it looks cold and snowy. As for when it'll be shown to the public, who knows? Geneva's just around the corner, though, so we'll have our gang keep an eye out for it when they're not eyeballing Renaults or noshing on good chocolate and tasty Lake Geneva perch filets.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S Unveiled

Mercedes has unveiled the ultimate McLaren SLR, the SLR 722 S Roadster, which features the same 650 horsepower 5.5L V8 mated to a five-speed automatic as the coupe.
The SLR 722 S Roadster reaches 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed over 200 mph. The Roadster also features a semi-automatic top that can be lowered in ten seconds.
Only 150 of these very special roadsters is going to be produced and will be available on January 1, 2009.

GM Asks The US Government for $2.6 Billion in Loans to Produce New Hybrids

GM has asked the U.S. government for an additional $2.6 billion in loans to support the development of new hybrid vehicles.
The loan request would help the development of two spinoffs of the upcoming Chevy Volt. This is the first time that GM has confirmed plans to produce spinoffs of the Volt. In January, GM unveiled the Cadillac Converj concept which was based on the mechanicals of the Volt. GM executives have stated that GM plans on using the Volt system in other models to raise volume and reduce costs.

BMW Z2 Gets the Green Light for Production...Expected in 2012

It's been rumored for a while that BMW has been working on a smaller roadster that will be dubbed the Z2 and according to AutoBild, BMW executives have now given the small roadster the green light.
The Z2 will be based on the 1 series and will be offered as a roadster and a small coupe, just like the previous Z4. The car was developed under BMW's Project i team and will be a front-engine, rear wheel drive car with a target weight of 2,200 lbs. Powertrain options are expected to be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine, an extended range hybrid, and an all electric motor with lithium-ion batteries.
A concept version is expected this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the production version is expected in 2012 or 2013.

Lamborghini Estoque Four-Door Reportedly Killed

Autocar is reporting that Lamborghini has shelved plans to build the Estoque four-door concept, an apparent victim of the current economic situation.
Maurizio Reggiani, Lamorghini's head of research and development stated "The timing and market conditions are just not right for an additional model line."
The Estoque concept was a four door, four seat concept that featured a front/mid engine layout with standard all-wheel-drive.
According to Reggiani, the Estoque has been put on hold for the time being, which means that the project could be restarted once the economy improves.

Toyota Developing a Prius Coupe Dubbed the MR2 to Compete with the Honda CR-Z?

According to Auto Express the once loved MR2 is making a comeback, but not as the small mid-engined roadster like the last generation. Instead Toyota is going to apply the MR2 name to a new performance hybrid that would be similar to the upcoming Honda CR-Z.
The small coupe would feature rear-wheel-drive, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.
Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto recently told Auto Express: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.
“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”
It's also rumored that the revived MR2 hybrid will draw styling cues from the Toyota FT-HS sports car concept

New York 09' Preview: Acura Teases With a New Crossover Concept

Acura has released a few teaser images of its new crossover concept that is going to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show.
The crossover concept features styling that is very similar to the controversial BMW X6. That means its most likely a four-door coupe-like crossover.

Geneva 09': Aston Martin One-77 Details Revealed in Technical Showcase

Aston Martin is going to officially unveil the One-77 at the Geneva Motor Show. The One-77 is a showcase of Aston Martin style and performance.
The One-77 is powered by a 7.3L naturally-aspirated V12 engine with upwards of 700 horsepower. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission that is controlled via column mounted paddle shifters. It also features Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (255/35 ZR20 front, 335/30 ZR20 rear) that were developed specifically for the One-77.
Aston Martin expects a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph.

Geneva 09': Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is More Stylish than the Volt

GM is set to unveil two more versions of the Volt at the Geneva Motor Show. In Europe the Volt will be called the Ampera and sold under the Opel and Vauxhall brands.
The Ampera is essentially the same thing as the Chevy Volt although with a bit more style on the front and rear of the car.
The Ampera will enter production in late 2011

2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia Released

Following the initial release of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia last month, Ferrari has finally released more photos of the car that many of us can not afford.
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is powered by a 4.3L V8 that puts out 510 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and has a curb weight of just 1,250kg.

All-New Ferrari California Unveiled...460HP and 0-62MPH in Under 4 Seconds!

Ferrari has officially taken the wraps of off its newest GT, The Ferrari California.
The newest Ferrari is only available as a convertible with a folding hardtop. Its powered by a 4.3L V8 with 460 horsepower mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The Ferrari California reaches 0-62 mph in less than 4.0 seconds.
The Ferrari California is going to be officially unveiled at the Paris Auto Show later this year, but expect more photos and info in the near future.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

2009 Ferrari California Speeding Around in California

We've already seen countless photos of Ferrari's newest model, the California. But these newest photos were actually taken in California (note the pics of the car on the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge).
The Ferrari California is powered by a 460 horsepower 4.3L V8 that is mated to 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The car reaches 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
Oh also just in case you're actually one of the few not effected by the current economic crisis, the Ferrari California is supposedly sold out through 2010.

Honda Profits Fall Even Though Sales Have Increased

Honda Motor Co. is forecasting a 3% drop in profit this year, even though the company expects their global car sales to increase 7.7 percent to a record 3.395 million vehicles. The company cites an expected rise in the yen, and a global shift to lower-margin small cars as a few of the reasons for the decline in profits.
Honda is now Japan's No.2 automaker after the company stole the spot from Nissan last year. The popular CR-V, Fit and new Accord will drive sales this year.
The automaker is forecasting net profit will be $4.86 billion (575 billion yen) for the year, which is below the predicted profit of $6.48 billion.
"All in all, if you strip out currency headwinds and other special factors, our business should grow this year," Executive Vice President Satoshi Aoki told a news conference.
Even with the currency issues the fact that the market no longer desires larger more profitable vehicles is hurting profits. All automakers across the board are being forced to offer incentives on SUVs and trucks that usually provide a significant amount of profit for the automakers. Currently Honda is spending about $2,000 on every Ridgeline truck and more than $1,000 on the Pilot SUV in the U.S. The company is hoping to reduce that amount to less than $900 per vehicle.
Even though the Honda has seen a decline in their overall profits, the company is still expected to have a steady amount of growth thanks to the number of fuel-efficient vehicles they offer. Honda is also going to add more production capability in the North America next year with a new factory in Indiana.

Honda Looks for More than Just Horsepower from the Next Acura NSX

Honda has been working on the next NSX for quite a while. They released the Advanced Sports Car Concept earlier this year, but shortly after decided to go back to the drawing board to make the car more distinct. Now comes word that the automaker is trying to not only squeeze 500+ horsepower from a 5.0L non-turbo V10 engine, but also achieve 23.5 mpg.
Engineers reportedly set a goal for the new car to achieve a 10.0 km/l rating (equal to 23.5 mpg) rating in Japan's standard 10.15-mode fuel cycle.
The last NSX Type R with a 3.2L V6 and 276 hp managed only 8.6 km/l.
The car is scheduled to be released at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall.

Does the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 Have Too Much Power?

Well apparently not everyone is happy with the power of the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3. According to Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press, the car has too much power that it inhibits the overall driveability of the car.
"Mazda left the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 performance compact on the burner too long."
The Mazdaspeed 3 is a turbocharged 263 horsepower version of the popular Mazda 3. Its main competition is the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.
The regular versions of the Mazda 3 (sedan and five-door) have been a great success for the automaker since they were introduced. The Mazda consistently remains at the top of its class. Well according to Phelan, the Mazdaspeed version misses the mark. Compared to the GTI and Civic Si, the car falls short in the handling department.
On paper the Mazda looks like it will eat the Honda and VW in a comparison test, but that is not the case. The 263 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque severely undermine the steering and handling of the car. With that much power at the front wheels, the car suffers from a significant amount of torque steer. Phelan stated that it was hard to keep the car planted on the road even though it had a standard limited slip differential and stability control.
The reason that the GTI and Civic Si perform so well is because they have the right balance of power and handling. The Mazdaspeed is too overpowered.
According to Phelan if the car had 220 horsepower, it would perform much better.
I have yet to drive one, but his findings seem legitimate. Mazda should have put the all-wheel-drive system from the Mazdaspeed 6 in this hatch and then the torque steer problems would have been solved. I still think it is a great car and I am glad to see that some automakers are willing to take a risk.

Ford is the UK's "Most Trusted" Automaker?!

For the seventh consecutive year, Ford has been voted by readers of the Reader's Digest as Britain's most trusted car brand.
The survey covers 15 countries and 38 product categories and assesses over 24,000 replies.
Would this be the case if they had the same product line that we have here in the U.S.? It is widely known that Ford of Europe has a lot better models that we do. For example, they have a different Focus and the new Mondeo, while we are stuck with a modified version of the first generation Focus.

2008 Audi S5 Unveiled...Is it any Match for the BMW 3-Series?

Audi has just released specs and pictures of the new 2008 Audi S5.
The car will feature a V8 FSI engine, that puts out 354hp and 325 lb-ft. of torque. The car also has a sportier suspension and modified exterior styling.
The S5 will also have performance wheels and brakes, carbon fiber interior bits and either a six-speed manual or DSG transmission.
There is no word on pricing or the intro date

Another Ford Recall... 500k Ford Escapes are Being Recalled

According to the Associated Press, Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 500,000 Ford Escape SUVs due to engine fires that are related to corrosion on antilock brake connectors.
The recall involves 444,880 Escapes from the 2001-2004 model years in the U.S. and about 75,000 Escapes in Canada, Mexico and Europe. The recall does not affect the Escape Hybrid.
Reportedly there have been 50 engine fires related to the corrosion problem, although there have not been any reported injuries or accidents.
The company said the recall would address missing or incorrectly installed seals on the wiring harness of the antilock brake connector.

Has BMW's Marketing Gone Too Far?

Anyone who has seen an episode of Queer as Folk or maybe even Queer Eye for the Straight Guy may easily be able to know that
a "Top" and a "Bottom" is not just referring to the highest point and lowest point of an object, but instead it is usually a label that a gay person may identify with.
Unfortunately I will not go into further detail about the definitions.
Now to my point. This weekend as I drove through West Hollywood, CA, which is an area known for its large gay and lesbian population, I noticed a number of BMW billboards that were posted around town. What caught my attention was the fact that the ads made references to a "top" and a "bottom", but not in a sexual way, but instead in terms of the new 2008 BMW 3-Series Hardtop Convertible.
One particular ad: "Hard Top. Firm Bottom. It's So L.A." is what caught the most attention. There are many ads that are geared towards the gay community, but the difference in this ad is the fact that it is going one step further. It is using gay sexual references to sell the car.
I thought it was funny how our society has progressed so far that now major companies are now marketing their products to every niche possible. This has been going on for years. For example Subaru has been creating commercials that feature same sex couples in their everyday lives for a while.
My questions are: Are these companies going to far? By seeking out certain populations that are not always favorably viewed in our society, are they going to lose part of their existing fan base? Or instead are these companies going to be viewed favorably better for their efforts to market their products to a broader spectrum? By using gay sexual references in their ads are they going to offend individuals that are not in fact, gay?

Honda Attempts to Diversify its Workforce

Honda is going to build a new plant in Greensburg, Indiana to build 200,000 Honda Civics per year. The plant is expected to start production in the fall of 2008. According to an Automotive News story, the automaker is concerned about a lack of diversity in the upcoming city.
"The Japanese automaker's challenge is hiring a diverse work force in an almost completely white rural area."
The new Honda Manufacturing of Indiana plant is going to start hiring 2,000 workers this fall, but in a city that is comprised of 97% whites, the automaker sees diversity as an issue. The automaker has contacted minority leaders to help them recruit minority employees within 65 miles of Greensburg.
The U.S. Census Bureau counted only eight black residents in 2000 or 0.08 percent of the population. Asians, the largest minority group in the city makes up only 1.4 percent.
The town of Greensburg is known as one of about 10,000 "sundown towns" in the U.S. "Such towns once warned blacks not to "let the sun go down" on them - meaning blacks could work but not live there."

2008 Lexus IS-F Shows up at the NY Auto Show...Is it Better than the New M3?

The 2008 Lexus IS-F made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show this month. It is also being displayed in all its glory at the New York Auto show this week.
The new IS-F has a 5.0L V8 with more than 400hp and 350lb. ft. of torque. It is estimated that the car will go 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. Unfortunately only 1,000 will make it to the U.S.
The biggest question is how does it compare to the recently introduced BMW M3?

2008 VW Touareg

Volkswagen has unveiled the new 2008 Touareg 2 at the New York Auto Show. This is a very mild refreshening of their mid-size SUV. The new version features revised headlights, dark-tinted brake lights and a new chrome grille that is similar to the other VWs.
A VR6 FSI 3.6L engine replaces the old 3.2L engine. The new engine produces 280hp vs. 240 for the prior engine. The V8 and 5.0L V10 from the previous version are still being offered.
Other new additions are a new ABS braking system that shortens stopping distances on loose roadbeds, a new rollover sensor system, an enhanced tire pressure monitoring system, and a system that wipes the rotors dry when the window wipers are activated.
The new Touareg will start at $39,320 when it is released later this spring.
Too bad they didn't refresh the rear end more, the front end looks nice.

2009 Ford Flex Revealed...too Bad its Just a Glorified Station Wagon

Ford has finally taken the wraps off their next "crossover" the 2009 Ford Flex at the New York Auto Show. The new car is supposed to fill the void left by the deseased Ford Windstar/Freestar.
The car will be sold alongside the upcoming Taurus X and Edge crossovers.
According to Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas, "The new Ford Flex crossover is a game-changer. It's the first vehicle of its kind to combine seating for seven, interior spaciousness and surprising features with a striking design that looks great on the road and at home for today's modern American families."
The Flex will be powered by the new 3.5L V6 and will be connected to a 6-speed tranny. It will have 260hp and 245 lb.ft of torque.
At least the overall design of this car is a lot better than the minivans it replaced. It looks a lot like a Honda Element mated with a Scion xB. I don't understand why they need the Taurus X if they have this in their lineup.

MERCEDES CLAREN SLR

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German super car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. Daimler AG, owner of Mercedes-Benz, also owns 40% of the McLaren Group. Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement and its driving characteristics lead some commentators to classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals can be considered to be e.g. the Aston

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Mercedes officials on hand at the closed-door preview declined to discuss the GLK's technical details. Since then, we've learned that the GLK is based on a C-Class chassis ­modified to furnish more ground clearance. The GLK won't be equipped for serious off-roading.
At first, the sole engine in America will be a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Mercedes is almost sure to also offer a diesel-powered model in the U.S., but probably not at launch. "Why wouldn't we offer diesel if we have a diesel and people want diesel?" said Hellwig.
The disguised version shown to journalists had 20-inch-diameter alloy wheels and running boards integrated into the lower body sides. Its license plate read "GLK Class."

­Noting the lead time­ required to bring a vehicle to market, Hellwig said the styling of the production GLK was in near-final form under the black paper and tape. "We're pretty much where we want to be," he said.
Since we were shown the prototype, Mercedes released photos of the Vision GLK FREESIDE, a concept that was displayed at the 2008 Detroit auto show Mercedes said this study vehicle was close to series production.
The Vision GLK FREESIDE featured a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine, that Mercedes says is good for about 170 horsepower. The engine is equipped with the BLUETEC emission control system, and it is claimed the engine should not have trouble meeting strict U.S. emissions standards. At this time though, it is unclear if this 4-cylinder diesel will be offered in the U.S.
Mercedes finally displayed the production GLK in April 2008 at the Bejing auto show. The U.S.-market version is the GLK350, and it is available with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. Both models are shod with standard 19-inch wheels and tires, but 20-inch rolling stock is included in an optional appearance package.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the production version to the American media in December 2008. Consumer Guide has driven the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic, please click here for our review
Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof and a hard-drive-equipped navigation system with a backup camera and the company's COMAND multimedia interface system. An upgraded full-leather interior is also available.
A Notable Feature of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLKTwo things stood out about the GLK prototype's interior: The seats, done in cream-colored leather, had dark piping defining the seams. And on the center console was a single knob that functions as a multi-control interface in the manner of the system on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class premium compact car

Mercedes-Benz SL600

SPECIFICATIONSMODEL:

Mercedes-Benz SL600ENGINE: 5.5-liter V12HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 493 hp @ 5.000 rpm/590 lb.-ft. @ 1,800-3,500 rpmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed automaticWHEELBASE: 100.8 in.LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 178.5 x 71.5 x 51.0 in.TIRES: 255/40WR18 front, 285/35WR18 rear CARGO: 10.2 cu.ft.ECONOMY: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway/12.8 mpg testPRICE: $137,640 (includes 4720 destination and delivery charge and $2,600 gas guzzler tax)

TOYOTA PRIUS

Auto Express has learned that Toyota is considering naming an entire range after its hi-tech hybrid car - in the same way as it created the Lexus badge for its most expensive machines. Sources say the company is planning to launch three new dual-power models, starting in 2009. Currently, Toyota engineers call these cars the Prius A, B and C. The A will be a Yaris-sized supermini and the B is planned to be a compact hatchback similar to the current Auris. Meanwhile, the C will be a family model in the same class as the Avensis. Although Toyota cars will continue to have their trademark conservative styling, launching a new Prius range would allow top brass at the firm to give their petrol-electric vehicles a more adventurous look. The new family's styling is likely to be heavily influenced by the Hybrid X concept car, which was unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
A company insider confirmed: "The exterior design won't be as controversial as that of the first-generation Prius. However, the intention is for these cars to stand out from the crowd. We need to strike a balance between a shape that's attractive and has room under the floor for the hybrid system's batteries, plus space for five people and their luggage." Engineers have apparently ruled out making a hybrid people carrier for now because they have been unable to accommodate the batteries in a design that buyers would expect to feature a flat floor. This could change with the use of new compact lithium-ion battery technology.

The Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron, a 1001 horsepower sports car, could be eclipsed by the Koenigsegg CCXR’s 1018 hp engine. The 16 cylinder, 8.0 liter engine has a seven-speed transmission. Its speed record of 407 kph could be in jeopardy. The Veyron costs a mere $1,630,000

Natalia SLS 2

DiMora Motorcar has created the world’s first hand-built sports luxury sedan - the Natalia SLS 2. The $2million marvel takes the credit of being the world’s most luxurious, expensive and technologically advanced car, which is loaded with features that most of us have never heard of.The Natalia has a variable cylinder, aluminum DiMora Volcano V16 engine with 120 hp. It has a lightweight body and chassis, and over 50 computer systems to monitor every facet of the sedan.

The computer talks to the driver, when it detects signs of drowsiness in him. The Natalia senses the emotional state of the driver and thus adjusts the interior temperature and lighting of the car, and the music accordingly.

It has unique beverage holders, which heat or cool the drinks, as desired. If you happen to be on the rear seat, you can enjoy a high-tech luxury massage while you sip your favorite drink.The amazing beauty makes use of the color change technology, as Natalia’s color transforms from black to blue in cool exteriors whereas from black to white when it is hot outside

MERCEDES BENZ

Mercedes Touts Its Role in 'Sex and the City' Movie - 20 March 2008

NEW YORK - Mercedes-Benz USA will likely spend a "few million dollars" advertising its product integration in New Line Cinema's upcoming big-screen version of the hit HBO series "Sex and the City," VP-Marketing Steve Canon told Advertising Age during the New York International Auto Show.

The movie's director, Michael Patrick King, will helm the Mercedes-Benz co-branded effort breaking on national U.S. TV, Mr. Canon said. The automaker's national creative agency of record, Merkley & Partners, New York, will work closely with New Line Cinema, one of the producers and the film's U.S. distributor, to develop the ads, he said.

The automaker is also studying whether to stage private screenings for owners and prospects or special ticket offers, Mr. Canon said.