Spy shots: RR4 wearing even less camouflage
The RR4 -- the Rolls-Royce that asks that you "don't call me 'baby'" -- is slowly undressing, striptease-like, before its final reveal at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Previous spy shots hinted at rear suicide doors, or coach doors as Rolls-Royce refers to them, and now it is official: the hinges on the rear door are on the rear of the door. The car has plenty of Phatom-esque cues, and although it doesn't look anything like the initial sketch, it looks like it could be a very attractive proposition when it shows up for the big dance. Still no word on engines, but we have no doubt its output will be something along the lines of prodigious.
[Source: Global Motors]
Labels:
2008,
2009,
news,
Rolls-Royce,
sports cars
Spyker to build lightweight race-derived C8 LM 85
Take your exotic sports car and put it in a room with its racing counterpart. Put on some R&B, dim the lights and wait nine months. It's a winning formula that has worked for some of the world's best automakers and resulted in such stunning performance vehicles as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Aston Martin DBS and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, to name just a few. Now Spyker is getting ready to cue up the Barry White with the upcoming LM 85.
Named for the starting position of the Spyker C8 GTR2 racer at Le Mans, the LM 85 will be the latest race-derived, hardcore exotic sportscar. It will be based on the short-wheelbase C8 Laviolette, but lightened and tightened. Power could be as high as 450 horses, while the suspension is expected to be stiffened and weight removed to get a 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) figure near 3.8 seconds and top speed bumping the 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. Only a highly symbolic 24 examples are expected to be built in an effort to bring the niche Dutch automaker back from the brink.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport and Motor Authority]
Labels:
motorsports,
news,
sports cars,
Spyker
Tanner tests his Top Gear skills on the Lambo Reventon
One-third of American Top Gear, Tanner Foust, spent a day in the Lamborghini Reventon, and here's his verdict: "Thumbs up big girl!" The fractional bit of additional horsepower didn't mean much to him, but he did say the brakes were more capable, and, surprise, the car is quite wide and people like to stare at it. After six hours on Italy's B-roads, that basically sums up his impressions. Since he didn't have too much to say in print, we really do hope he's saving the zingers for the show...
[Source: AutoFiends]
Labels:
2008,
Lamborghini,
news,
sports cars
KYMCO KIWI 100
KYMCO KIWI 100, look the great style isn't it, with red painted. it is a beautiful Kymco
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Yamaha Mio Vino Retro style
Yamaha Mio vino Fino Retro style, yes i call it retro style, just like another retro classic, this mio is like Vespa or Piaggiot,i believe all of retro mania will love the style.which color do you lke
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Labels:
YamahaMio Vino Retro style
Modifikasi Mesin Yamaha Mio
we Now have new article about Modifikasi mesin Yamaha Mio, The reasources coming from my friends and he want to share with us,he we are.the name is mio spek harian with 2006 year
you can bore up 58,5 then
-klep 28/24
-karbu PWL 26
-noken as 280 deg. make the simple exhaust system with easy flow knalpot
-big pulley LHK
-gear ratio 14/40
-per CVT LHK 2000 rpm
-CDI BRT dual band
aftre modification the compression began 16:1
the we use bahan bakar pertamax plus mio
-busi autolite jupiter
-koil kawasaki AR 125 ori jpn
-velg nouvo 16"
top speed after modificationwe have jarak 600 m speednya mentok 140/jam
my friend also has new one . here are
spek motor gw :
blok : eon 58,5 keramik
klep : 28/24
pen stroke: naik 2 mm
stang piston : titanium LHK 3,5 mm
camshaft: LHK 330 R10
karbu : sp 28
pulley : kitaco
ratio : 14/41 di pelek 14
kampas kopling : pantekan america
per cvt : LHK 2000 rpm
roller : 10 rata
belt :standart
knalpot : Dbs
Cdi : Brt hyperband
kompresi : 18:1
bahan bakar :pertamax plus
you can bore up 58,5 then
-klep 28/24
-karbu PWL 26
-noken as 280 deg. make the simple exhaust system with easy flow knalpot
-big pulley LHK
-gear ratio 14/40
-per CVT LHK 2000 rpm
-CDI BRT dual band
aftre modification the compression began 16:1
the we use bahan bakar pertamax plus mio
-busi autolite jupiter
-koil kawasaki AR 125 ori jpn
-velg nouvo 16"
top speed after modificationwe have jarak 600 m speednya mentok 140/jam
my friend also has new one . here are
spek motor gw :
blok : eon 58,5 keramik
klep : 28/24
pen stroke: naik 2 mm
stang piston : titanium LHK 3,5 mm
camshaft: LHK 330 R10
karbu : sp 28
pulley : kitaco
ratio : 14/41 di pelek 14
kampas kopling : pantekan america
per cvt : LHK 2000 rpm
roller : 10 rata
belt :standart
knalpot : Dbs
Cdi : Brt hyperband
kompresi : 18:1
bahan bakar :pertamax plus
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Labels:
kompresi
Gambar Mio Modifikasi Kontes
Here we come with new picture of Yamaha Mio Modifikasi, The New Trend Of modication Is Trend ekor Kolibri on Mio Like the picture here. .So who is behind the Kolibri trend Mio ? yeach he is A man who wins Paddocks siswo winoto, he is the master of wins paddocks
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Labels:
GambarMio Modifikasi Kontes
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to debut at LA autoshow
Hyundai is to show a petrol/electric Sonata saloon at the Los Angeles autoshow in November. This will have new generation lithium-ion batteries, and will be based on the facelifted 2009 Sonata sedan. However, it will not reach production until 2010.
Hyundai is not importing the revised Sonata to the UK, thanks to very slow sales. Instead, it is waiting for its all new mid-sized model, dubbed i40. This comes to Europe in late 2010, and will be completely different to the U.S Sonata. The i40 will be available as a sedan and wagon, with the latter expected to be the most popular in the UK.
Heated seats can affect men's fertility
Men who use heated car seats may be putting their fertility at risk, according to research by scientists in Germany.
A study, undertaken at the University of Giessen in Germany and reported in the New Scientist magazine, reveals that heated seats could damage sperm production by raising men’s temperature to unhealthy levels. Scientists tested the effect of heated car seats on 30 healthy men. They were asked to sit on different types of car seats for 90 minutes. The scientists said that on unheated seats the average temperature of the scrotum was 36.7°C, but on the heated car seats the average was 37.3°C. One man’s scrotum was measured at 39.7°C after sitting on a heated seat.
The discovery follows warnings that keeping a mobile phone in a trouser pocket for too long or extensive use of a laptop can also impact on fertility. An optimal temperature of 35-36°C is needed to produce healthy sperm.
Most new cars have heated seats as standard or as an option.
Hyundai recalls 65,000 Elantra sedans (U.S)
Hyundai Motor America has issued a recall affecting 65,000 units of the Elantra for a fuel pump defect. It affects MY2008 models produced between 5th November 2007 and 28th June 2008.
The defective fuel pump may lose pressure and hinder the engine's performance. All affected models are equipped with the 2.0 litre Beta 4-cylinder engine that produces 138bhp. Injuries have not been reported due to this defect. Hyundai USA has said that its dealers will replace the fuel pump for free. The recall is expected to begin in during September 2008.
Produced in Hyundai's Ulsan plant in South Korea, the Elantra is the second best selling Hyundai in the U.S, behind the Sonata.
SEAT Ibiza Cupra unveiled
In Europe, budget-minded pistonheads have a treasure trove of hot hatches to choose from, and SEAT will be adding another model to the mix later this year.
The Ibiza Cupra will be officially unveiled in Paris, but Seat has dropped the first few images and a handful of specs ahead of its official unveiling in the City of Light this October. The Cupra is packing a twin-turbocharged, 1.4-liter TSI four underhood, sending 178 hp to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Traction control and ESP are part of the package, along with a stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels and bolstered buckets. The exterior benefits from a new fascia incorporating massive grilles and tiny fog lamps, side skirts and a new rear bumper.
Prices and performance stats haven't been released yet, but the Renaultsport Clio 197 competitor should be priced around £16,000 when it hits dealers in Europe in December.
New Car: 2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra/Ecomotive
2009 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive:
Seat introduced its most frugal and eco-friendly version of the new Ibiza. Available in both 5 door and 3 door forms (SportCoupe), the Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with VW Group’s 80bhp 1.4 TDI turbo-diesel engine with a DPF (diesel particulate filter). According to the Spanish carmaker, the Ibiza Ecomotive has a CO2 emissions figure of only 99g/km while consumption is also low. Seat hasn’t released any official figures yet but expect them to be very similar to the outgoing Ibiza Ecomotive.
Along with the updated engine software, the Ibiza Ecomotive also features revisions to the gearbox and the gear ratios, low resistant tyres and improved aerodynamics through the new closed front grille and new rear spoiler that reduce resistance to movement and therefore decrease mechanical effort as well as fuel consumption and emissions.
2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra:
Seat has revealed the hot Seat Ibiza Cupra ahead of the car’s Paris show debut in October. The Ibiza Cupra gets its sporting potential from a 178bhp, 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine and a seven-speed double-clutch DSG gearbox, combined with stiffened sports suspension, and a host of driver aids including ESP and traction control. The Ibiza Cupra will produce lower CO2 emissions than the outgoing model.
The styling of the Cupra is much closer to the Bocanegra concept that preceded the Ibiza, including its larger, more sharply defined black grille, revised air intakes and a centrally placed trapezoidal exhaust. Other standard equipment on the Cupra includes cornering lights, bucket seats and 17-inch alloys.
No performance figures or prices have been released, but expect the Cupra to compete with the RenaultSport Clio 197, Ford Fiesta ST and Vauxhall/Opel Corsa VXR/OPC. Seat’s new offering should go on sale before the end of the year.
Related link:
Mid-sized Suzuki sedan spied
Suzuki engineers are hard at work, trying to get the Kizashi into showrooms ASAP. We first saw the original incarnation of the concept series at the 2007 Frankfurt motorshow, followed by the updated version at the 2007 Tokyo motorshow, before we saw the final concept unveiled at the 2007 New York autoshow.
Judging by these latest spy shots caught by our spies whilst undergoing testing, the vehicle is sporting heavy disguising, hiding much of the specific details. Some mules are wearing clear rear-light clusters buth this Michigan plated prototype isn't.
Under the hood, expect the base model to be equipped with a 150bhp, 2.3 litre 4-cylinder engine, and the flagship Kizashi will be powered by a 3.6 litre V6 (with 280 to 300 bhp), mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission.
The newcomer will battle the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Citroen C5, Skoda Superb and the forthcoming Toyota Avensis and Seat Exeo in the European market, meanwhile in the U.S, it will rival the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda6, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Judging by the interior picture, hard plastics will dominate most of the dashboard, which falls below class-leaders....
The Suzuki Kizashi will be built in Sagara, Japan and will arrive in U.S dealerships in early 2010. The sedan will be joined by a wagon in 2010 to replace the Korean built Forenza.
Related link:
Viper ACR and Corvette ZR1 battle on the 'Ring
A couple months back, the bone-stock Corvette ZR1 put supercars everywhere on notice when it took on the famed Nurburgring and ran a Nissan GT-R-beating 7:26. The track-ready, fire breathing Viper ACR bested the Corvette's amazing effort by posting an incredible 7:22 lap time. Despite a four second difference in total track time, blogger Andi Baritchi slapped both track videos together (after 30 seconds of annoying scrolling text) to verify that the Viper ACR came out on top. Hit the jump to view the two fastest American-made, street legal, 600+ hp beasts as they tangle in a 'Ring battle for the ages. The video proves what we already knew, but it's still fun to see how two very different, yet very similar vehicles, handle the twists and turns of the Nurburgring.
Labels:
Comparison,
Corvette ZR1,
dodge,
videos
Mid-engine Audi R3 to replace TT
Over the past week, CAR has donned its prognostication cap and tapped it's "internal sources" in an attempt to foretell Audi's future product plans. A few of stories have ranged from inane to insane, but one post seems entirely plausible and has blinded us with excitement.
Audi's mid-engine R4 was pronounced stillborn this past year, but with Volkswagen bringing its own midship concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, Audi might revive plans its own version to market in the next five years. The new R3 would effectively replace the TT, providing a better business case for VAG to produce a mid-engine platform and silencing critics that have constantly complained that the TT is merely a tarted up Golf.
If the Volkswagen version is well received and given the green light, expect it to debut in 2013, with Audi's variant following shortly thereafter. In an attempt to keep from directly competing with the Porsche Boxster, Audi will exclusively offer the R3 with four-cylinder engines, including a 180 hp, 1.8-liter TFSI, 220 hp, 2.0-liter and a 280 hp, 2.0-liter on the S-line model. Diesels are also being considered, ranging from a 125 hp, 1.6.-liter to a 204 hp, 2.0-liter.
[Source: CAR]
Labels:
2012,
audi,
news,
sports cars
Toyota unveils new Avensis
Toyota will use the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October to unveil its redesigned flagship model for Europe, the Avensis. Think of it as the old country's version of the Avalon. Though we only have a rear 3/4 shot to go by, the new Avensis looks considerably more chunky than the current model, with a short deck lid, large rear tail-lights, a strong shoulder line and some interesting concave surfacing above the side sills. We don't know much else, other than that it will be offered with more powerful and cleaner engines when it goes on sale in Europe around January.
Toyota also announced that it will be bringing out the production version of its iQ city car and the Urban Cruiser for the Paris show. The Urban Cruiser is basically a ruggedized, soft-roading version of the Scion xD, while the iQ is based on the concept of the same name that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.
2009 Honda Civic Coupe revealed in brochure
Just last week we revealed official images and specifications for the updated 2009 Honda Civic in sedan and hybrid body styles. Lest you coupe fans feel left out, we've finally found information on Honda's newish two-door in DX, LX, EX/EX-L and Si levels from a PDF brochure and the brand's U.S. website. As with the sedan, the front and rear of the Civic Coupe see the most change, though it'll take a trained eye to spot the differences out back. The front grille, though, looks more aggressive and sports a new honeycomb pattern, and the lower bumper has been redesigned with new air intakes. We likey. Also of note are the new clear turn signal lenses. On the inside, the available navigation system flips down to reveal a slot-loading CD player and inputs for digital audio cards, whatever those are. There's also a new USB music interface in the center console so you can just plug a flash drive full of tunes into the dash. A 140-hp, 1.8-Liter i-VTEC® engine powers the standard coupe and offers up to 36 highway mpg. Honda hasn't released any of this information through its media website, and the consumer website still isn't showing any 2009 Si models, so expect the big H to release more information on its '09 coupes in the coming weeks.
Nissan Shiraz Concept
Design student Miguel Ángel Iranzo Sánchez created the vehicle you see above, and he describes it as "a mix between a[n] SUV and a sportscar infused with Nissan brand DNA." For his efforts, which took an entire summer, he won a scholarship to get his Masters in Car Design in Valencia, and -- put on your Price is Right voice for this -- a brand new car! A Nissan Note, to be exact.
Billed as 100-percent all-terrain, ecological, sporty, and Nissan, we admit it's interesting. The doors are gullwing, and the interior is terrific concept car simplicity.
Labels:
2008,
Concept Cars,
news,
nissan
RENNtech's Pikes Peak-inspired hybrid GLK
Of all the trucks that have proliferated into the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the GLK isn't exactly the most aggressive. But according to the latest reports, Mercedes is lining up an array of aftermarket tuners at the SEMA show to infuse what appears to be more than a little testosterone into the compact sport-ute.
First up to bat is RENNtech, the Florida-based company responsible, among other things, for the bringing the McLaren SLR 722 to America and actually getting it to produce 722 horsepower. RENNtech has taken inspiration from the Pikes Peak challenge – one of the most iconic and power-craven hill-climb events in the world – to create this hardcore GLK. Little is known in the way of details, but the vehicle is said to feature RENNtech's first performance hybrid drivetrain.
Brabus, Blvd Customs and Legendary Motorcars are also said to be preparing modified GLKs for SEMA, although Mercedes has not yet confirmed its participation in the show.
Microsoft getting into the car WiFi biz
The Internet has been invading every aspect of our lives, but until recently most of us have gone without a connection to the World Wide Web inside our cars. That's changing with third party companies and OEMs beginning to offer 3G WiFi solutions for automobiles, and Microsoft says it's working on an even better idea. The Seattle-based software giant is working with the Universities of Massachusetts and Washington to develop a more reliable WiFi experience that enables the reception of multiple signals simultaneously to cut back on choppy service.
Microsoft's WiFi solution would leverage fledgling municipal wireless infrastructures to bring the Internet to your car. The Ballmer boys are betting that WiFi services will spread like wildfire in the future, and its new technology will be able to utilize multiple signals at the same time to make in-car Internet as smooth as what you get at home. On the surface, in-car Internet sounds ridiculous, but think of all the iPhone-like apps that could make your life easier. Weather, navigation, information, show times, and even gaming for your passengers would be a click away. You could even read Autoblog in the parking lot while your spouse goes shopping.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
The anniversary of harley davidson 105th
The anniversary of harley davidson 105th
The Schedule On the way :
Kick-off Party
Wednesday, August 27
Start the 105th Celebration with a rumble on Wednesday, August 27! Join us at Highland Ave. & 35th at 4PM for a powerful performance from American Idol singer Amanda Overmyer. At 5:15PM, check out classic rockers Foghat. Then at 6PM, it's the official Kick-Off Ceremony followed by a continued show from Foghat. Finally, at 7:30PM, young British rock band The Crave will wrap up the night and kick-start the 105th Anniversary celebration weekend.
Summerfest Grounds
Friday, August 29 - Saturday, August 30
Two-days of live music, antique and custom bike shows, skilled riding competitions, and 105th Anniversary merchandise along with food and beverages from several of Milwaukee’s local restaurants.
Check out the Music Schedule
Main Street at the Lakefront
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August 31
Gather with other enthusiastic riders starting on Thursday, August 28, through Saturday, August 30, at Main Street at the Lakefront. You'll find loads of great food, live music, fireworks, and more.
105th Anniversary Parade
Saturday, August 30
The 105th Parade will be lead by the Parade of MDA Heroes, and will also include the H.O.G.® Chapter Parade of Flags, Police Motor Officers, Dealers and Enthusiasts from across the world. The route is 4.5 miles long. Parade viewing begins at 9AM at 35th Street and Wisconsin Avenue continuing east on Wisconsin Avenue, south on Milwaukee Street and then east on Erie Street to the Summerfest Grounds.
H-D / Buell 2009 Motorcycle Demo Rides
Thursday, August 28 - Saturday, August 30, 9AM - 4PM, State Fair Park
Now is the time to experience everything the 2009 motorcycles have to offer. Get intimate with models you’ve had your eye on, and take them for a spin. Nothing beats the feeling you get from riding a brand new motorcycle.
H-D Facility Activities
Wednesday, August 27 - Saturday, August 30, Times may vary, Highland Ave. & 35th
Take a closer look at what H-D is made of. Learn all about how the motorcycles we build get a soul of their own. Walk the floors where history has been made and rules broken. Experience where it all goes down.
H-D Facilities Schedule
Street Parties
Wednesday, August 27 - Sunday, August 31
In true festival form, the 105th Anniversary Celebration will include a variety of entertaining street parties throughout Milwaukee. Each night the roads will be closed off as they come to life with live music and classic Harley revelry.
Learn More
Harley-Davidson Museum™
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August 31
Museum tickets are sold out during the 105th Anniversary but can be purchased for the days prior to and after the four day celebration. However, during the 105th Celebration, the Museum grounds will be open for all to enjoy the river walk, free local bands and great food. Get a tattoo and play some lawn games while you're at it. Be sure to check out the personalized "Living the Legend™" Rivets and create your own to mark your trip to the 105th.
Free Entertainment at the Museum Ground Stage:
8/28 Blacktop Kings 11AM - In Black & White 1PM -
Southbound 3:30PM - Alex Wilson 6PM
8/29 Punch & Pie 11AM – DB Bryant 1PM - Big Bob & Loco Mojo 3PM
8/30 Robert Allen Jr. Trio with Paul Martin 11AM -
Ronnie Nyles 1PM - Marcos D'Cruze 3:30PM
8/31 T-Man & The Young Guns 11AM - H2-OH 1PM -
Charles Walker Blues Band 3PM - Speakeasy 6PM
So come and visit and enjoy
The Schedule On the way :
Kick-off Party
Wednesday, August 27
Start the 105th Celebration with a rumble on Wednesday, August 27! Join us at Highland Ave. & 35th at 4PM for a powerful performance from American Idol singer Amanda Overmyer. At 5:15PM, check out classic rockers Foghat. Then at 6PM, it's the official Kick-Off Ceremony followed by a continued show from Foghat. Finally, at 7:30PM, young British rock band The Crave will wrap up the night and kick-start the 105th Anniversary celebration weekend.
Summerfest Grounds
Friday, August 29 - Saturday, August 30
Two-days of live music, antique and custom bike shows, skilled riding competitions, and 105th Anniversary merchandise along with food and beverages from several of Milwaukee’s local restaurants.
Check out the Music Schedule
Main Street at the Lakefront
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August 31
Gather with other enthusiastic riders starting on Thursday, August 28, through Saturday, August 30, at Main Street at the Lakefront. You'll find loads of great food, live music, fireworks, and more.
105th Anniversary Parade
Saturday, August 30
The 105th Parade will be lead by the Parade of MDA Heroes, and will also include the H.O.G.® Chapter Parade of Flags, Police Motor Officers, Dealers and Enthusiasts from across the world. The route is 4.5 miles long. Parade viewing begins at 9AM at 35th Street and Wisconsin Avenue continuing east on Wisconsin Avenue, south on Milwaukee Street and then east on Erie Street to the Summerfest Grounds.
H-D / Buell 2009 Motorcycle Demo Rides
Thursday, August 28 - Saturday, August 30, 9AM - 4PM, State Fair Park
Now is the time to experience everything the 2009 motorcycles have to offer. Get intimate with models you’ve had your eye on, and take them for a spin. Nothing beats the feeling you get from riding a brand new motorcycle.
H-D Facility Activities
Wednesday, August 27 - Saturday, August 30, Times may vary, Highland Ave. & 35th
Take a closer look at what H-D is made of. Learn all about how the motorcycles we build get a soul of their own. Walk the floors where history has been made and rules broken. Experience where it all goes down.
H-D Facilities Schedule
Street Parties
Wednesday, August 27 - Sunday, August 31
In true festival form, the 105th Anniversary Celebration will include a variety of entertaining street parties throughout Milwaukee. Each night the roads will be closed off as they come to life with live music and classic Harley revelry.
Learn More
Harley-Davidson Museum™
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August 31
Museum tickets are sold out during the 105th Anniversary but can be purchased for the days prior to and after the four day celebration. However, during the 105th Celebration, the Museum grounds will be open for all to enjoy the river walk, free local bands and great food. Get a tattoo and play some lawn games while you're at it. Be sure to check out the personalized "Living the Legend™" Rivets and create your own to mark your trip to the 105th.
Free Entertainment at the Museum Ground Stage:
8/28 Blacktop Kings 11AM - In Black & White 1PM -
Southbound 3:30PM - Alex Wilson 6PM
8/29 Punch & Pie 11AM – DB Bryant 1PM - Big Bob & Loco Mojo 3PM
8/30 Robert Allen Jr. Trio with Paul Martin 11AM -
Ronnie Nyles 1PM - Marcos D'Cruze 3:30PM
8/31 T-Man & The Young Guns 11AM - H2-OH 1PM -
Charles Walker Blues Band 3PM - Speakeasy 6PM
So come and visit and enjoy
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Audi A7 four-door hard-top cabrio
The blokes at Car say they've got the scoop on the upcoming Audi A7, including a convertible version depicted in the rendering on the right. Power is rumored to start with six cylinders across the range, with a V10-powered S7 and a twin-turbo V10-motivated RS7. Expect a variety of transmissions to be on offer as well, including manuals, automatics and dual-clutch gearboxes with six or seven speeds, along with the availability of quattro all-wheel-drive.
Sources have suggested that, while Audi will be behind the game in bringing a four-door coupe in the Mercedes CLS mold to market in the first half of 2010, it's got another segment-busting trick up it's sleeve: a full four-door convertible. And according to Car's illustrators, the A7 cabrio will feature a full retractable hard-top. Many have toyed with the idea of a four-door convertible – most recently arch-rival Mercedes with the Ocean Drive concept from Detroit '07 – but Audi may be the ones to actually revive the long-lost segment. Parade detail, here we come.
[Source: Car]
Labels:
2008,
audi,
news,
sports cars
Hyundai recalls 65,000 Elantras for fuel pump problem
Some 2008-model Hyundai Elantras are being recalled due to fuel pumps that could lose pressure and decreasing engine performance. In Elantras with the 2.0-liter Beta engine, gasoline with ethanol added creates a buildup of film on the pump's electrical contacts. This can cause the engine to hesitate during starting or while running. The recall is voluntary, and if you have one of the affected cars, don't hesitate to contact your dealer.
[Source: Freep]
Bugatti releases new palette for Veyron Hermes
The announcement actually came from Monterey but was quickly overshadowed, somewhat ironically, by the unveiling of the open-top Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport and the subsequent auction of its first example for $3.2 million. The unveiling of the new-tint Hermes Veyrons took place at the Quail motorsport gathering on Monterey Peninsula, where Bugatti revealed the four new color schemes available: "indigo blue and vermilion", "indigo blue and lime green", " black and garance red" and "Prussian blue and blue jean". We're not entirely sure what all these colors are, exactly, and given that Bugatti put them in quotation marks, we're not sure they're sure, either. They undoubtedly would have shown us pictures of all four, but given that these 1.5 million euro hyper-exotics are made to order and available only from the end of the year, we doubt examples of each color option have been made yet. Of course they all come decked out with the H-pattern grille, eight-spoke wheels, lavish calfskin interior and exclusive package of specially-made Hermes luggage.
Labels:
2008,
Bugatti,
news,
sports cars
Lexus planning IS cabrio, lightweight IS-F
The higher-ups at Toyota may have decided to axe the replacement for the Lexus SC convertible, but don't get too used to the idea of a world without a wind-in-your-hair Lexus. Word has it they've given the green light to a convertible version of the current IS sedan. Of course, lopping off the doors and roof of a four-door is hardly unheard of, as that's just what Audi did to make the A4 convertible, but while that 'vert is set to be replaced by the A5 cabrio, Lexus is going the opposite direction.
The IS cabrio is tipped to come in 250 and 350 varieties, with Lexus reasoning that there'd be no market for an IS-F convertible. But fret not, as the same reports suggest that a lightweight IS-F sedan is on its way, again going the opposite way of the Germans as BMW just canceled the M3 CSL program. Things are about to get a whole lot busier at the Lexus plants in Tahara and Kyūshū.
Labels:
lexus,
news,
sports cars
Renault's Persian-market, Maxima-based Safrane
The Persian Gulf is fast becoming a demanding market for luxury automobiles. So demanding, in fact, that some automakers have begun creating special models just for consumption there. Just days ago we brought you news that Rolls-Royce, having already shipped a golden Drophead Coupe for one special customer, was launching a limited edition Phantom saloon called the Peony edition.
This, however, is not a special Rolls-Royce. We won't list all the ways in which it isn't a Roller, but will save your time and ours by listing instead what it shares in common. It's a luxury sedan, and it's made specially to be engulfed by the Gulf market. That's about it. The Safrane nameplate was previously used for Renault's lackluster flagship sedan, replaced by the reviled Vel Satis in 2000. So what is this exactly that has revived the name? A rebadged Samsung SM5, essentially. That vehicle is produced in an 80.1% Renault-owned joint venture in South Korea. If you're noticing some similarities with our own Nissan Maxima, you've got a keen eye, as it shares its platform with the last-gen Maxima as well as the Nissan Teana (itself available only in the Asian market).
Kimi Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen has dismissed suggestions he is suffering from flagging motivation, insisting he remains determined to fight back in the championship battle.
The world champion’s recent inconsistent form has provoked criticism from both the media and some paddock observers, while speculation persists that the 28-year-old is considering retirement at the end of his Ferrari contract in 2009.
Last Sunday’s European Grand Prix prompted further questions about the Finn’s performances after he was again comprehensively outperformed by team-mate Felipe Massa and knocked a mechanic over in the pit lane during his final fuel stop – before an engine failure compounded his misery.
But despite falling 13 points adrift of championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ standings, Raikkonen is adamant he has both the necessary time and desire to remain in the title hunt.
“We knew we had to take a risk for Valencia and we did not finish the race,” he told his official website.
“It’s a shame, but it’s useless to grieve for that.
“One third of the season is still left and it’s enough to fight back.
“If somebody has doubts concerning my motivation, let them doubt.
“One thing I can say is that right now I am more motivated than ever.”
While keen to move on from his disappointing Valencia weekend, Raikkonen – who qualified with three laps more fuel than pole-sitter Massa – did concede he and the team probably got his strategy wrong given his poor recent qualifying form.
“The Friday practice was good – I had a good feeling in the car,” he said.
“But Saturday was a little bit cooler and we struggled again in qualifying.
“We should have been more aggressive.
“Obviously there has been a lot of talk about my qualifying problems.
“But in Hungary I just went wide on my last lap of Q3. Without that we would easily have been third. Then we got the fourth place and after that I knew the race would be very difficult again.”
He now hopes that next week’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, a venue where he is chasing a fourth consecutive victory at, is the place to start his title fightback.
“I love that circuit, and obviously, I would love to race there for the whole year long,” he said.
“It’s the best of all the circuits and hopefully we finally get the car working the way I want it to work.
“We go to Spa to win again.”
The world champion’s recent inconsistent form has provoked criticism from both the media and some paddock observers, while speculation persists that the 28-year-old is considering retirement at the end of his Ferrari contract in 2009.
Last Sunday’s European Grand Prix prompted further questions about the Finn’s performances after he was again comprehensively outperformed by team-mate Felipe Massa and knocked a mechanic over in the pit lane during his final fuel stop – before an engine failure compounded his misery.
But despite falling 13 points adrift of championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the drivers’ standings, Raikkonen is adamant he has both the necessary time and desire to remain in the title hunt.
“We knew we had to take a risk for Valencia and we did not finish the race,” he told his official website.
“It’s a shame, but it’s useless to grieve for that.
“One third of the season is still left and it’s enough to fight back.
“If somebody has doubts concerning my motivation, let them doubt.
“One thing I can say is that right now I am more motivated than ever.”
While keen to move on from his disappointing Valencia weekend, Raikkonen – who qualified with three laps more fuel than pole-sitter Massa – did concede he and the team probably got his strategy wrong given his poor recent qualifying form.
“The Friday practice was good – I had a good feeling in the car,” he said.
“But Saturday was a little bit cooler and we struggled again in qualifying.
“We should have been more aggressive.
“Obviously there has been a lot of talk about my qualifying problems.
“But in Hungary I just went wide on my last lap of Q3. Without that we would easily have been third. Then we got the fourth place and after that I knew the race would be very difficult again.”
He now hopes that next week’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, a venue where he is chasing a fourth consecutive victory at, is the place to start his title fightback.
“I love that circuit, and obviously, I would love to race there for the whole year long,” he said.
“It’s the best of all the circuits and hopefully we finally get the car working the way I want it to work.
“We go to Spa to win again.”
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