2008 Ford Kuga crossover to debut in Frankfurt

This one is added to our huge list of European Fords that we want, but we don't get. I think we have enough to start a petition. Ford unveiled the Iosis-X Concept in Paris last fall, which was a preview of Ford's future crossover for the European folks. The Frankfurt Autoshow is right near our door and Ford released some teaser information along with an attractive sketch of the vehicle.

Named the 'Kuga', the crossover will sit on Ford's C1 platform, which also underpins the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volvo S40, and the Land Rover LR2. The Kuga is Ford's attempt to combat the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Qashqai. The name, which distinctly sounds like a British pronounciation of Mercury's Cougar, clears any speculations made like the X-MAX. The design, which derives from the Iosis-X Concept, seems to have stayed intact in the concept to production transition.

The Kuga is slated to go on sale across Europe in early 2008. Folks in North America will have to deal with the Escape for quite a bit more, which still runs on rear drum brakes by the way. Continue reading to view the official tidbits from Ford. Mind you, it's German (we think Google needs to tweak the translator a bit more). Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their large selection of Truck Performance parts.

Kia Coupe to Enter Production in 2009, No Hatchback Version for the U.S.

The production version of the Kia coupe Concept that was previewed earlier this year at the New York Auto Show will go on sale in the States during the third quarter of 2009, according Lee Hyun-soon, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors' R&D division. Kia's first ever Coupe model will be based on the replacement for the Spectra, teaser shots of which have already appeared throughout the web.

The Spectra sedan, that may bear a different name, will be available in the U.S. by mid-2009. According to Lee, the Spectra hatchback will no longer be sold in the U.S. as the Korean automaker believes that the Coupe variant will easily outsell it.source:autonews.com

Bentley Zagato GTZ

What started life as a Bentley GT Speed has been taken and transformed by Zagato into something that has the style and presence to contend with the scion of the best luxury automobiles.

The Bentley, now named the GTZ Zagato, features extensive but subtle bodywork from the famed and legendary design house of Zagato Atelier, and was revealed to the world at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show.

The most obvious changes are the redesigned grill, hood, and overall front, and the paint. Especially the paint, as this car looks even more expensive and luxurious with its mute but metallic two-tone coat of dark green and gray. The back has also been redesigned, with a longer deck and exotic-looking slim, gray tail lights. And, of course, which Zagato creation would be complete without the trademark double-bubble roof? As for the interior, from what I gather, it is even more scrumptious than the GT Speed’s, with a Zagato designed interior redolent with leather, wood, and other exotic materials.

I’d like to give you some performance info, but I can’t, as there is none on this car. The best I can do is give you some estimates. If the GTZ Zagato keeps the technical and engineering aspects of the GT Speed, that means it will have a 6 liter W12 behemoth that produces 600 horses and 553 pound-feet torque, along with a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Now, since Zagato usually tweaks the performance in their creations, expect a slightly better stats for all of the above, including a 200+ mph top speed.

Burberry Maserati Quattroporte spotted in Saudi Arabia

The unison of Italian manufacturer,Maserati and the British fashion house Burberry could never be this hideous. But some stinky rich loser in Saudi Arabia with awful taste has plastered his Maserati Quattroportein a Burberry plaid gift-wrap paper.


I thought that type of a print only went over fragrance cartons and Burberry handbags, but this dreadful magnum opus seeks to open new gates for future gruesome innovations. The Italian maker shouldn’t turn a blind eye to this horrid attempt at blemishing its scrupulously established reputation.Source: : luxurylaunches

2008 Hamann Porsche 911 Turbo Stallion

(from Hamann Press Release)


A thoroughbred stallion with 630 horse powers: The HAMANN STALLION based on the Porsche 911 Turbo.Like an Arabian stallion collecting its attention for a jump. Concentrated and full of dynamic body tension. This is how the silhouette of the super sports car called STALLION presents itself. But the latest development of the premium refiner HAMANN MOTORSPORT offers far more than a fascinating new aerodynamics concept. The efficiency boost to 630 hp and the HAMANN-sport chassis turn the STALLION into one of the most powerful and fastest sports car in the whole world.The core of the Stallion is its modified engine. The Hamman motor technicians enhance the 3.6 litres Boxer Biturbo motor from standard 480 hp / 353 kW to 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,300 rpm. The upgrade also includes two larger VNT (variable nozzle turbochargers), a sport air strainer, a stainless steel exhaust system with metal catalytic converters and a new motor management.

These are measures which certainly hit their target. The Hamman Stallion accelerates to 100 km/h in only 3.3 seconds and is therefore six tenth of a second faster than its serial counterpart. The new maximum speed tag is sensational. With its efficiency boost and the reduced air resistance by Hamman -Aerodynamics, the Stallion achieves a maximum speed of 359 km/h.

Only the most precious materials can be found in the interior. Stallion The Hamman upholsterers only use selected leather for covering the fittings and sport seats. Aluminum gear shift and aluminum pedals make the cockpit gleam in a noble look and perfectly match with the carbon parts of the interior set. Precisely applied embroideries of the Hamman logo in the floor mats and headrests set further creative accents. All of these features complement one another in a stylish symbioses of motor sports flair and lifestyle.
Source: seriouswheels

Super Car From 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Renegade Jeep


Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder


Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 roadster


Land Rover LRX concept


Lexus LF-A


Li Shi Guang Ming


Lincoln MKT


Mach5 Supercharged Race


General Motors vintage Corvette 1953


Mercedes GLK


Mercedes GLK


Mercedes GLK


Ford Verve


Ford Verve


Audi R8 V12 TDI

Hungary's Eco-Green Car

From the unlikely origin of Hungary comes the Antro Solo, a green driving machine perfect for those who find the likes of the Prius a tad too plain.



Its resemblance to a vacuum cleaner aside, the gas-electric powered Solo incorporates a variety of exciting features, including solar power for short trips, a hardly-there weight of 270 kg (courtesy of carbon fiber and composite materials used in its construction), and pedals for manual battery charging under low-sunlight conditions.

It also boasts a top speed of 87 mph and an ultra-efficient fuel consumption rate of 100 mpg. Seating arrangements are similar to that of the McLaren F1, with the driver sandwiched between passengers on both sides. This eco-cruiser is expected to hit the streets in 2012.

2009 Nissan Armada Review

The most famous armada of all time was sent by King Phillip II of Spain to invade England and usurp the heretic Queen Elizabeth. This armada was enormous, formidable and a force to be feared. In the end, though, it vanished into the North Atlantic, a victim of smaller British ships, some unfortunate westerly gales and the scraggly Irish coast. Nissan hopes that its enormous, formidable 2009 Armada doesn't suffer a similar fate, although there are a few westerly gales brewing in the automotive marketplace as well.

Based on the Titan pickup, the Nissan Armada full-size SUV was introduced for 2004, a year that seemed to signal the tail end of the "to heck with fuel economy, big trucks for all!" period. It featured (and still does) several avant-garde styling elements, like its curved roof line, designed to set the Armada apart from its competitors. A refresh conducted last year gave the Armada a more pleasant cabin with smarter ergonomics and much nicer materials. In the top-level LE trim, the Nissan Armada is actually none too different from its Infiniti counterpart, the QX56.



Unlike most of its competitors, the 2009 Nissan Armada is only available with one engine, a 5.6-liter 317-horsepower V8. In addition to brisk acceleration around town and prodigious passing power, the 5.6 allows a 9,100-pound tow rating when properly equipped. We've driven the Armada with and without a trailer and were very impressed by its stamina when hitched up.

Of course, that type of power and the Armada's heavy, boxy body translate into poor fuel economy -- which is subpar even by full-size truck standards. In today's climate of high gas prices, an unstable economy and global warming concerns, Nissan's Armada is entering uncharted choppy waters. And like the Spanish Armada, the full-size Nissan has smaller models conquering its sales as buyers move away from thirsty, large SUVs.

Mind you, such vehicles will always be preferred for serious off-road and towing duties. Although a large crossover like GMC's Acadia is superior for simple people-hauling, it just can't handle the rigors of lugging a Bayliner. However, the Armada's newer rivals from Chevrolet/GMC and Toyota have similar heavy-duty capability and are superior offerings to boot, with a wider choice of engines and a more refined ride.
edmunds

2008 Geneva Motor Show : Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM COUPÉ

In 2006, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 101EX, an experimental car hand-built to explore an exciting new design direction for a modern coupé. Wrapped in a sleek, rakish body, 101EX was an engineering-led study, showcasing the technical and architectural innovation inherent in the quintessential modern Rolls-Royce car. Both handsome and elegant, it encapsulated the essence of contemporary coupé style.

So positive was the worldwide reaction to 101EX that, in autumn 2007, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that a series model would go into production in the summer of 2008. This coupé would complete the Phantom family, standing alongside the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Revealed at the Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva in March 2008, the Phantom Coupé is the third new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since BMW Group became custodian of the marque in 1998.

The Coupé is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line. A number of subtle but significant modifications have been made that change its character. It is noticeably more dynamic, whilst still offering incredible levels of comfort a balance not easily achieved.

The Coupé marries cutting-edge technology with a beautifully proportioned, muscular body that exudes power and style. Utterly contemporary in appearance, it nonetheless incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues such as the long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the classic dynamic, rising profile.

Pleasing to the touch and to the eye, every material used in the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has been carefully selected to combine form with function. The cabin's sumptuous leather, rich wood grains and cool chrome accents create a driver environment unparalleled in luxury and comfort.

Designed to cover great distances with the minimum of fuss, the Coupé is a sublime choice for a transcontinental trip, its effortless power provided by the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12, producing a phenomenal 453 bhp and 720 Nm of torque. Agile, fast, long-legged and virtually silent, the Phantom Coupé allows both driver and passengers to emerge unruffled, even after an all-day run.

United States vs Europe: The battle of car sales

The U.S is a very big car market, as is Europe, particularly Russia, Germany and the UK. I have gathered some sales figures for this year, from Europe and the U.S. during the first five months of the year (January - May) and compiled a list with the top 10 best selling vehicles from each side of the Atlantic. The results will start from the most popular model.

U.S:

Ford F-Series - 235,924

Toyota Camry - 198,309

Chevrolet Silverado - 197,030

Honda Accord - 166,158

Honda Civic - 164,994

Toyota Corolla - 152,308

Nissan Altima - 133,465

Chevrolet Impala - 122,281

Dodge Ram - 112,795

Ford Focus - 105,499

EU:

VW Golf - 208,800

Peugeot 207 - 204,379

Ford Focus - 176,698

Vauxhall/Opel Corsa - 174,667

Renault Clio - 162,816

Vauxhall/Opel Astra - 161,166

Ford Fiesta - 151,050

Fiat Punto - 151,050

Volkswagen Polo - 125,427

BMW 3-Series - 114,203

Related link:

Top 10 selling cars in Europe

BMW working on a larger SUV than the X5?

BMW may build its extra-large X7 SUV. The newcomer is suppose to rival the Mercedes GL-Class, which itself has proved fairly popular. Judging by the name, the X7 could be based off the 7 Series sedan, like the X5 is based on the 5 Series.

Sources within BMW are saying that the project is currently snoozing because BMW wants to see what happens with the U.S SUV market. At the moment, things aren't looking good as most customers are converting to more fuel efficient cars like the Honda Civic. This could make the German car-maker cancel the project.

The SUV segment is under extreme fire from environmentalists and generally anti-SUV groups, hence why the BMW X3, X1 and Mini SUV are arriving. The X7 would only work if alternative fuels like hydrogen and hybrid technology become more mainstream.

Train plows into a parked BMW 5 Series (Estonia)

At the moment, its unknown how this train rammed into a BMW 5 Series in Tallinn, Estonia. Whether is a human error or mechanical fault is anyone's guess. The fact is that this train that arrived to the Tallinn station in Estonia from Moscow, Russia, didn’t stop where it was supposed to. As you can see in these pictures, the train came to a halt just inches away from the Tallinn station building. The owner of the BMW 5-Series that was parked in front of the station wasn’t so fortunate as the train rammed the driver’s side of the car.

Skoda's receive low-rider treatment (Czech Republic)

A transporter carrying nine brand new Skoda vehicles hit a bridge connecting to two buildings in the Czech Republic, when its driver underestimated the height of the transporter and its good. From what we can tell, at least six of the nine Octavias and Fabias on board were in one way or another damaged.

Via Skodaoctavia

Man rigs fuel pump so friends can have free gas

Thanks to surging fuel prices, an unidentified man managed to unlock a gas pump at a Citgo station in Southern Florida, allowing his friends to steal an estimated 100 gallons of petrol. The thefts happened on Friday night, just after midnight and according to the owner of the petrol station Frank Veloso, seven cars managed to get away with free petrol. The owner believes that the man used a master key to open up the gas pump.

"It's not our fault that the prices of petrol have gotten so expensive, but now because of the expenses that we have to incur to protect ourselves, it only makes sense that we're going to have to raise prices even more," said Frank Veloso Jr., the owner's son.

In related news, the police have revealed an huge rise in the number of fuel thefts from cars, as petrol prices continue to soar. Petrol thefts have increased by an enormous 75% this year, with criminals siphoning fuel from other motorist’s tanks.

4 days ago, a farmer’s wife from County Durham died of a heart attack after her husband confronted a man who was stealing diesel from the couples farm.

Petrol now costs an average of 118p per litre but with diesel hitting 131p, the fuel siphoning gangs are targeting the tanks of large agricultural vehicles, and static tanks that farmers have on site.

A recent AA survey revealed that two out of three drivers plan to vote against Labour if petrol rises above £1.25 per litre. President of the AA Edmund King commented; “All political parties should remember that there are thirty-two million driving licence holders out there and most of them have the vote.”

The deepening crisis comes after PM Gordon Brown attended a fuel summit in Saudi Arabia where he argued for an increase in oil production to stem the rising costs of refined fuel.

13 people squeeze into a Smart ForTwo Brabus

Who said the Smart ForTwo was only for 2 people? Well, if there’s no need to drive, the ForTwo can actually fit 13 people. This was proven during the annual Smart Destination Brooklands event held at Mercedes-Benz World at Weybridge in the UK.

With more than 1,200 Smarts attending the event, there was no shortage of participants but the winning team was the ‘smart car-tortionists’, a group of body-bending specialists chosen for their gymnastic feats. The flexible ‘smart car-tortionists’ managed to squeeze 13 people. Just for the record, there were more women than men in the team.

This follows when a popular kids show back in 2006 managed to squeeze 25 kids into the previous ForTwo.

Daihatsu fan purchases entire line-up within 3 years (UK)

A big fan of the Japanese carmaker, John MacKay from Axminster, UK has managed to buy all four models of Daihatsu’s current line-up in 2 and a half years. It all started when Mr. MacKay and his wife came to pick up their new Copen Vivid roadster from a Daihatsu dealer. During the visit, the couple not only left with the Copen but they also placed an order for the Sirion hatchback.

1 and half years later, the Daihatsu loving duo replaced their Copen with a new Terios SUV in April 2007, they brought yet another Sirion. Finally, in March 2008, following his retirement from the army, Mr. MacKay purchased the latest model, the Scion-esque Materia MPV.

Nissan Maxima pricing announced (U.S)

Nissan has announced the pricing on its all-new, Maxima sedan. The flagship sedan is only offered exclusively with a 290 bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine that is mated with a CVT transmission.

The entry level 'S' model will start at $29,290, rising to $31,990 for the range-topping 3.5 SV.

If you like to accessorise your car, the Maxima is also available with a series of new option packages, including the Sport Package which is only available with the 3.5 SV. The Sports Package comes with sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, paddle shifters and more while the Premium Package, again only available with the range-topping 3.5 SV comes with dual panel sunroof, 7-inch color monitor with RearView camera, Eucalyptus wood-tone trim and more.

Related link:

Nissan Maxima production starts

Nissan starts 24 hour production at Sunderland plant (UK)

Nissan UK has announced plans to begin 24-hour production at its Sunderland factory. The 24hr production allows 800 new jobs to be created during the night-shift in the area and will allow Nissan to meet demand for its popular Qashqai crossover.

Extra capacity is needed at Sunderland to accommodate the forthcoming seven-seat variant of the Qashqai, when it launches in this August.

When production reaches maximum speed, Nissan says it will build 6100 Qashqais per week at the plant.

Production of the Micra, which is also built at Sunderland, will shift to China in 2010, but replacing the Micra at the plant will be a smaller crossover the sits below the Qashqai instead.

Related link:

Nissan announces new crossover

Smart ForTwo joins the police force (UK)

The Metropolitan Police will be fighting crime a Smart Electric Drive (ED) city cars from next month, as part of a new trial. Four police versions of the zero-emissions two-seater will be deployed on routine police patrols in central London and Heathrow airport.

The aim of the trial is to gather data about the Smart ED's performance in everyday life. The car is powered by a 41bhp electric motor, does a top-speed of 60mph and has a range of 70 miles. Police will then have to recharge the Smart ED's batteries from a standard three-pin plug.

This isn't the first time the police have used a Smart car on patrol. The City of London used the first generation of the city car as an emergency response vehicle in 2002. Local councils also controversially use Smart cars fitted with CCTV cameras to monitor central London streets. Dermot Kelly, managing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said, "This Smart ED market trial is an important part of our commitment to sustainable mobility".

Road deaths at all-time low (UK)

The number of people killed on British roads last year fell to an all-time low. Child deaths, which were down 20 per cent in 2007, were also at a record low of 121, the Department for Transport statistics showed.

Total fatalities in 2007 were 2,943 - 7 per cent lower than in 2006 - with deaths and serious injuries down in all categories of road user except motorcyclists. There were also fewer road accidents involving personal injury last year in figures that will hearten road safety campaigners.

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "These figures are extremely encouraging. They show that for the first time since records began in 1926 the number of people killed on our roads has fallen below 3,000.

"We've cut the number of people killed or seriously injured each year by more than a third since the mid-1990s. That means almost 17,000 fewer deaths or serious injuries on our roads last year.

"But these figures make us determined to do even more. Far too many people are still dying and we will continue to do everything we can to improve road safety and further reduce the numbers of people killed or injured."

2009 Ford F-150 Raptor Inching Closer To Full Monty

New spy pictures of Ford's expected F-150 Raptor factory-built desert runner confirm details that escaped from Ford’s closed-door dealer meeting in Las Vegas in April. At that gathering, Ford marketing chief Jim Farley showed video of the truck racing off-road, plus a picture of the production grille with the word "FORD" prominently stamped across black mesh.

The latest Raptor photos show that Ford's long-travel 4x4 has swapped out a standard 2009-model-year grille (seen in pictures of earlier Raptor mules) for the one Farley previewed. You can see it has a rectangular mesh pattern on the top and bottom of the grille, with "FORD" taped over in the middle.

The Raptor is expected to be powered by Ford's new large-displacement Boss V-8, with Fox Racing running gear and 35-inch all-terrain tires to soak up desert bumps. We're also expecting it to be badged as a Ford Special Vehicle Team product.
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