Auto Show 2007

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2008 Nissan GT-R Shock Reveal!
2007-10-17 23:18:00
It's been a long time coming, but Nissan 's GT-R has arrived early. Take a look at the first official pictures: It was meant to be the big surprise of next week’s Tokyo Motor Show – but we can now reveal Nissan's big secret!After months of spy shots, a raft of teaser images and plenty of high performance promises, these are the first official pictures of Nissan’s new GT-R supercar. While the firm hoped to release images to coincide with the car’s unveiling in Japan, an American publication has broken the agreed picture embargo and published the shots early.As you can see, the final production model has remained close to the original concept, with sharp angles and a distinctive front-end. At the rear the new model retains the GT-R’s trademark round lamps, while the tapered window line also helps the Japanese model to stand out.Although Nissan says the GT-R will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, finish the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 19...
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New Subaru Impreza WRX STI (JDM) 2008
2007-10-09 21:52:00
The wait is finally over. Subaru has released official photos and initial info on the new JDM-spec Impreza WRX STI. Details remain scant, however, as Subaru only tells us that the new STI is powered by a 16v 2.0L boxer with a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 6-speed manual. SI-DRIVE, multi-mode Drivers Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) are also standard. All of these things have been widely speculated on and/or reported already. Specific power numbers are conspicuously absent, so we'll have to wait for the rest of it when the car bows in Tokyo in a couple of weeks. Based on what's already been leaked, look for 304 horses and 311 lb-ft of torque in the Japanese-market model. What's no longer a mystery is the car's appearance, which is muscular and aggressive -- a huge improvement over the base WRX.[Source: Subaru]
More About: Subaru Impreza , 2008 , Baru

BMW 135i Convertible
2007-10-08 20:32:00
Next year, BMW will start selling its 1-Series Convertible . Long-awaited by enthusiasts, the tiny Bimmers will be available as 128i and 135i models and will feature two main design elements making for a driver's car. Namely, a six-banger sitting within a rear-drive chassis.Just like the BMW 1-Series Coupe, the cabrios will be offered with a powerful six-cylinder engine. The BMW 128i Convertible will receive a naturally-aspirated 3.0-lter, 230hp inline motor, capable of delivering a maximum of 200 lb-ft of torque.The range-topping BMW 135i Convertible will come with the same 3.0-liter motor but this time equipped with twin-turbochargers. The turbo engine will be able to generate up to 300 hp and 300 lb-ft torque available from 1,400 rpm. The car will take 5.6 seconds to reach 62 mph and its maximum speed is limited to more or less reasonable 155 mph.via
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Weird Looking Honda in a Arab Country
2007-10-06 21:09:00
Extreme Honda tuning in a arab country
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Top 10 Worst looking `07 Cars
2007-10-03 22:53:00
1.GMC AcadiaIts pear-shaped rear end is enough to ensure that even the most aggressive of tailgaters give it some room on the highway. 2.Honda Element The Honda Element divides the automotive c ommunity. There are those misguided souls who think it looks cool and stylish, and there are the realists who can plainly see that it looks like a cross between a UPS delivery truck and a garden shed.3.Chrysler Aspen Chrysler's strategy of naming its bloated minivan after a beautiful resort doesn't wash. With unfortunate styling cues like hood strakes and a huge, gaudy grille, they would have been better off calling it the Chrysler Fresno 4.Acura MDX If Acura ever gets into designing boats, it will have a head start with the blueprint for its new MDX. With gunwale-like front fenders, a bowed front end, and a black-plastic bumper and spoiler, the MDX looks more ready for the high seas than the highway 5.Subaru Tribeca Can you still hear the ...
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Rolls-Royce 101 EX concept coupe
2007-10-03 22:06:00
Rolls-Royce has officially confirmed that it plans to start actually producing its stunning Rolls-Royce 101 EX concept coupe. The model will complete RR's model range, joining the gorgeous Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé.The Rolls-Royce Phantom coupe will be motivated by the standard for the range 6.75-liter V12 engine capable of producing 450 hp and 531 lb-ft (720Nm) of torque. Though, having a shorter body, sportier suspension and chassis and, probably, lower mass, the coupe will be more driver-oriented.The new coupe will go on sale sometime next year and will be sold at a price higher than the original Phantom, but lower than that of Phantom Drophead Coupe .via
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NEW Jaguar XKR
2007-10-03 21:52:00
We have heard plenty of people wishing that the Jaguar XKR had more power. And while we've also heard of people who weren't sold on its styling, we have never heard of anyone wish the car had an aftermarket body kit appended. So Arden's latest work on the Jaguar XKR is bittersweet, as the company giveth the power, but taketh away the elegance. The engine is enlarged from 4.2 to 4.5 liters using a specially made crankshaft, and it also gets new con-rods and pistons, an altered exhaust and a revised intake. The tweaks give the car 480 BHP and 472 ft-lb. New, progressive-rate springs lower the car 1.2 inches, all the better to fit over some hot wheels (they did get that part right). Outside is all vents, bulges, scoops, and slots. Regardless of its brutishness, the body kit does help the car slide through the air from 0-60 in just over 4 seconds, on to a 177 MPH top speed. That makes it the fastest Jaguar coupe around, and that's got to be worth something: specifically, 160,650.00...

Pimp your Russian Ride - Weird Russian Tuning and Car Modifications
2007-10-01 20:32:00
You can meet these strange cars in the streets of Russia and the former Soviet republics. Most of them were produced in the USSR, and most likely, Soviet engineers could not even think about such fate of these vehicles. But some of them are tuned very nicely.[Source: English Russia]
More About: Weird , Russian , Pimp , Ride , Tuning

Weird accident caused in Russia between a Cell Phone and a Mercedes
2007-09-29 23:13:00
No wonder Putin doesn’t want anyone – especially teenagers to use cell-phones in there cars... Can you think of a better reason to ban those "devilish" machines in vehicles than this cell-phone related accident caused in Russia?
More About: Weird , Phone , Cell Phone , Mercedes , Cell

MTM unveils Bentley Continental GTC Birkin Edition
2007-09-20 22:39:00
German tuning house MTM is creator of the schnellest Audi RTT and the sickness-on-wheels RS4 K540. It follows up those two acts with a tastefully-tuned Bentley called the GTC Birkin Edition . (Sir Henry Ralph Stanley "Tim" Birkin, 3rd Baronet, was one of the original Bentley Boys of the 1920's.) It is wonderful to see a tuner take an already beautiful car and forgo visually mad modification for jet black understatement.In fact, the only exterior mod, other than the 21" Bimoto wheels, is the rear apron and staggered pipes. Frankly, we like those better than the elliptical versions on the standard car. The real fettling has taken place on the engine and suspension. Two kits are available, one that ups the HP from 560 to 635, with a jump in torque to 575 lb-ft. The second kit raises that again to 650 HP and 585 lb-ft. The German oomph will get you to 62 in 4.2 seconds, a 0.6-second improvement over the "basic" Bentley GTC.MTM has also added a proprietary, stainless steel exhaust that i...
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Spy Shots: Subaru Impreza WRX STi caught undisguised on 'Ring
2007-09-20 22:37:00
Though Subaru engineers took careful measures to ensure their Impreza WRX STi tester wasn't spotted en route to the Nurburgring or at the track's staging area, eventually the car cover had to come off. It appears Subaru engineers were forced to unveil the production body of the new STi in order to test how the final form affects cooling. Though we just showed you this official teaser shot of the STi, these spy shots show the car outside in perfect light where every detail of the new design is cleary visible. Aside from some black tape, the blue STi underneath is practically naked. Note what appear to be air extractor vents or intake scoops on the sides of the front bumper, a design element we weren't entirely aware of before. We can also clearly see the rear wing now, which is less ostentatious than we were hoping. The STi has always been known for sporting an obnoxious rear wing, but it looks like that tradition will end with the 2008 model.
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Audi A4 Cabriolet S line Special Edition joins UK lineup
2007-09-20 22:36:00
With the new Audi A4 sedan gracing stands at last week's Frankfurt Show, Audi is attempting to inject some life into the older-shape A4 Cabrio with the addition of the S line sports specification for the 2.0L TFSI model. Available only in the UK from December onwards, the special edition packaging adds Pearl Nappa leather, a Bose stereo system, parking sensors, and xenon headlamps.Handling is improved with 18-inch double spoke alloys and a lowered sports suspension, while the exterior dons an optional blacked out grille and unique front and rear bumpers with an integrated rear diffuser. The car's mechanicals haven't come in for an upgrade, but the 197 HP and 206 lb-ft. of torque available from the 2.0L engine should suffice until the new model arrives. Opt for the multitronic CVT and the 0-62 MPH will take you 8.1 seconds while fuel consumption stands at 28 MPG. [Source: Audi]
More About: Special , Cabriolet , Special Edition , Line

Frankfurt 2007: Mazda RX-8 Special Edition
2007-09-17 21:32:00
Mazda is celebrating 40 years of putting engines inspired by pony kegs in their cars by rolling out a special version of the RX-8 2+2. Mazda's official hyperbole about the RX-8 brags that the car changed customer expectations of what an affordable sports car should be when they launched the four-place coupe in 2003. It sure did; we've now come to expect less than the stated power output from the Renesis Wankel, which also swills oil like a... well, like a Wankel. Now that we've ensured that every single Rotary fan on Autoblog will lambaste us, let's go on to say that we really do like them. Any engine you can mercilessly spin out to 10,000 RPM without aerating the block has significant entertainment value. The fact that there's about three major moving parts is cool, too. The Special Edition RX-8 has two new colors for its sinewy sheetmetal, Metropolitan Grey and Crystal White Pearl. There's also new ten-spoke wheels, blue tinged foglamps, and the obligatory emblems to dress u...
More About: Mazda , Frankfurt , Special Edition

2008 Ford Focus will start at $14,695
2007-09-17 21:30:00
Styling aside, the 2008 Ford Focus is a better car than the one it replaces, and Ford announced today that its pricing will begin under $15,000. For 2008, the Focus S Coupe will start at $14,695 and the Focus S sedan at $14,995. Up-level models like the Focus SE coupe and sedan will add $1,000 to those base prices, while the top shelf SES models that come with Ford's new SYNC technology standard (normally a $395 option), start at $16,695 and $16,995 for the coupe and sedan, respectively. All of these prices include a $620 destination charge, mind you. Comparing those prices to the 2007 Focus lineup is difficult, since the less expensive hatchback, which had a base MSRP of $13,715 in 2007 (not including destination), has been replaced by the new coupe body style. The sedan's base price, however, has increased from $14,040 in 2007, or $14,660 including destination charges. As we said earlier, anyone considering the new Focus will likely need to put its styling aside and focus (ahem)...
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NASCAR Busch Series may switch to muscle cars
2007-09-17 21:05:00
Many lament the days when stock cars were actually based on production cars, rather than the new NASCAR Nextel Cup Car of Tomorrow vehicles that merely wear stickers bearing the headlights and grille of their production counterparts. While production-based stock cars will likely never happen again, word is that the NASCAR Busch Series will switch to cars based on the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and yet-to-be-determined model from Toyota as soon as the 2009 season. The world of NASCAR is divided into three series, which include the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The Busch Series has had a bit of an identity crisis lately, though. Meant to be a stage for a up and coming drivers in NASCAR, seasoned vets have taken to racing in the Busch Series as well as the Nextel Cup and usually dominate the podium of the former. While switching to pony cars won't chase away the experienced drivers, it will give the Busch Series a ne...
More About: Cars , Nascar , Switch

Spy Shots: BMW V5 spied naked
2007-09-16 20:47:00
Hot on the heels of the BMW X6 introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week comes word of a yet another variation from Munich. The V5 is not a new engine configuration, it's a new body style for BMW. Looking like a pretty standard five door hatchback, the rear roofline is higher than the more coupe-like X6, allowing for more headroom.The V5 is thought to be built on the same platform as both the X5 and X6, which means that it will probably by built alongside the X models in South Carolina. CAR is reporting that the new machine is targeted at the US market, which would be an odd choice by BMW. Unlike Europe, Americans have never really taken to hatchback styles -- especially in premium segments. [Source: CAR]
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Exotic cars accident : Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murcielago
2007-09-15 21:53:00
Five Dallas teens were injured in an accident between (gulp) a Lamborghini Murcielago and a Ferrari Enzo , allegedly while street racing. According to the unconfirmed report, the Lamborghini was driven by the daughter of local man who owns an an exotic-car dealership. The Enzo was allegedly driven by the daughter of a local attorney. Three male passengers were reportedly also injured, one possibly critically. We had a "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" joke all ready, but it wasn't that funny. The Lamborghini is valued at $280,000, and the Ferarri is valued at more then $2,000,000.00.
More About: Cars , Accident

Frankfurt Special: Ferrari intros classic colour program
2007-09-15 16:32:00
Ferrari made quite a splash in Frankfurt , bringing out Michael Schumacher and the other corporate bigwigs to show off its newest model. While we were entirely focused on the debut of the awesome new Ferrari F430 Scuderia, the Italian company had other news to share in Frankfurt. It was easy to miss with all the hoopla surrounding its new weekend warrior model, the Maranello carmaker also had a representative of every other model in the current lineup. And to make things even more interesting, a few of the cars were sporting some rather interesting color combinations on their swoopy sheetmetal.
More About: Ferrari , Classic , Special , Program

Frankfurt 2007: Novitec Ferrari F430 TuNero
2007-09-15 16:30:00
Amidst the countless tuner displays gracing the Frankfurt Messe, one vehicle caught the attention of our lens and caused the hairs on the back of our necks to stand at attention. The Novitec Ferrari F430 TuNero, swathed in matte black from its body to its brake calipers, is pure evil incarnate, and it's got the motivation to match.Sporting a duo of race-ready superchargers, air-to-water intercoolers, a revised intake system, individual oil coolers, new fuel injectors and a host of other mods, the TuNero puts out 707 HP at 8,350 RPM and 525 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,300 RPM. 62 comes up in 3.5 seconds and Novitec claims that a top speed of 216 MPH is easily within reach.

Frankfurt Motor Show: Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe Concept
2007-09-15 16:07:00
While many of the debuts in Frankfurt garnered either a decisive positive or negative reaction, the Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe Concept held the middle ground. The front end is almost a direct carryover from the 308 on which it's based, but we couldn't help but want a bit more individuality and a bit less gaping maw. From the side, all we can see is Karmann Ghia, along with John's earlier assertion that the roofline apes the Audi TT.Something like the RC Z could come to production since it's essentially a re-bodied 308, and with a 218 HP 1.6-liter blown four pot, you won't hear any arguments from this side of the pond – regardless of the fact that it'll never come our way.
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FRANKFURT SPECIAL: Top 10 Dream Machines in Frankfurt
2007-09-14 20:47:00
Frankfurt has a reputation in the automotive world as a something of a techno showcase. The wildest offering was the F700 concept, which may qualify as Best of Show despite polarizing reactions to it. A sort of Mini-meets-"Minority Report," the Citroën C-Cactus is at once provocative and appealing. There was no word on whether the diesel-electric hybrid drive would actually make it into production.Citroëns have not been sold in the United States for decades; one look at the C-Cactus and you can see why not.The Mixim was Nissan's latest of many recent nonfunctional auto show design studies. An all-electric vehicle, the Mixim would be powered by something called a Super Motor, which was not installed in the Frankfurt show model.Hyundai may actually use the platform of its i-Blue design study for future crossovers, but its advertised 100-kilowatt electric motor, powered by a fuel cell, is probably as fanciful for the near future as it was in this concept.Toyota said that it actually...
More About: Machines , Special , Frankfurt , Dream , Mach

Fiat 500: Small Car, Big Shoes
2007-09-14 20:46:00
Fiat's new 500 hasn't even passed its first driving test, but already the mini-hatchback and reincarnation of great Fiats past is being crowed as the next best thing to the MINI Cooper.A "manifesto of the new Fiat," according to its parent brand, the 500 has been designed in a distinctly modern ethos, one equal parts Apple and Vespa, it seems. And - despite the huge 20-foot-tall version looming over the Fiat display at the Frankfurt show - the 500 makes all its virtue of its subcompact size.The task of reinventing the 500, which is fifty years old this year, comes as Fiat's reputation is waxing once again. Quality is up, and the company has resurfaced from dire financial condition that compelled it to ask GM to invest in the company at the start of the decade. Clear of its GM commitments, the company is putting money on the 500 and its potential to further reinvigorate the brand.The basics of the car are typical subcompact stuff: there's a 69-hp, 1.2-liter engine, a 75-hp 1.3-li...
More About: Shoes , Fiat , Small , Fiat 500