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The Mating Rituals of Exotic Cars
2008-04-04 12:38:00
Throughout history, humans have referred to exotic cars as "beasts" and "sexy machines". But for all the sexiness these cars possess, mating happens on very rare occasion. When it does they put on quite a show. Exotic cars held in captivity in museums and garages around the world have all failed to breed successfully. Scientists have long puzzled over how these vehicles mate in the wild.Now for the first time, they are beginning to get an idea. Thanks to amazing images captured by amateur photographers, scientists are getting their first glimpse of how these automobiles attract and mate with other vehicles.Here we present photos documenting the mating rituals of exotic cars in the wild.Viewer discretion is strongly advised.Scientists discovered exotic cars go into heat before they begin mating. Temperatures can rise to hundreds of degree farenheit within a short period. The heat is usually generated near the rear as seen in the photo below:It's unfortunate that humans didn't reali...
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Chevrolet forecasts 2009 Camaro sales
2008-04-04 09:23:00
Some scant details pertaining to the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro ’s capabilities have emerged ahead of its launch. The new millennium muscle car 2009 Camaro from Chevy will feature a 6.0-litre V8 engine dispensing over 300kW/ 400 bhp. This will not be the only engine derivative of course, because Chevy is aiming to cast the net wide with Camaro, make it reach as many customers and admirers as possible. It is speculated that in addition to the 6-speed manual, a semi-automatic will also be fitted.Therefore a 200kW/ 270bhp 3.6 will be on offer as an option for those either too chicken (or simply not skilled enough) to realize its full potential or can’t afford the benefits of the hemispherical (hemi) V8. Hemi will of course offer the current benefits of fuel saving by shutting down four cylinders during times when eight are least needed.GM is intimating at annual sales of up to 100,000 units all over the world, including the convertible version. Markets will include North America, Europe,...
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First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
2008-04-04 08:35:00
Thirty minutes ago I was hustling a car through the rolling, glass-smooth two-lanes of Virginia's horse country, my hands happily clasped to a thick, three-spoke steering wheel as I arced the front tires through kinks and bends and wriggles, my feet playing the three pedals as if I were summoning bass notes on a pipe organ, my right hand jumping to the five-speed manual lever to choose shifts up and down, suspension beneath me deftly deflecting road bumps while keeping all four corners locked down and obedient. I was having fun.I was not driving a Porsche, though. My grins appeared from the helm of a station wagon.Once a staple of American idiom, the term "station wagon" has in recent decades all but slipped into disuse, now found way back in the synonyms drawer alongside words like "dull," "archaic," and "I'd rather have a big ol' SUV." But as I wrote in a recent Motor Trend column, a lot of us still like station wagons -- and there's about wagons to like. After all, wagons are...
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Hyundai to Mass Produce Hybrids Cars Starting 2009
2008-03-29 11:43:00
Hyundai-Kia Chairman Chung Mong Koo said last Friday, while showing South Korean President Lee Myung Bak around the Kia facility, that Hyundai will start production of its first hybrid car by 2009. Further plans are to produce a small fleet of electric cars starting 2012.Mr. chung said: "The importance of developing futuristic, environmentally-friendly cars is increasing for sustainable growth. Therefore, technology for advanced cars, like the hybrid, is imperative.”Hyundai has set out a plan to achieve this target, first to develop the technology, create a mass production system and expand the model line-up. The first car to receive the hybrid treatment is the compact Elantra (Avante) LPI (Liqufied Petroleum Injection), the Elantra LPI Hybrid will run on both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and electricity. 2010 should see the introduction of mid-sized hybrids using LPG and regular petrol.Hyundai hopes to turn a new corner with the introduction of hybrid LPG powered cars and be imp...
More About: Cars , Hybrids , Hyundai , Mass , Produce

Speculations: New Chevrolet Camaro Cabriolet Images
2008-03-29 11:41:00
The Chevrolet Camaro is preparing for its launch and has been caught undergoing testing multiple times now. Sometimes in black, sometimes in white and sometimes without camouflage, but not yet as a cabriolet.There is no doubt that the Camaro will eventually be available as a convertible, after all it has been shown in concept form already. Camaro5 forum came across these images of a supposed Camaro Cabrio, and we hope that they are real, but looking closer at the two images will reveal a few details which just are not right.For one, if the photos were made during a photo shoot of some kind, wouldn't the car have the same wheels? The front shot shows the Camaro sitting on wheels we have seen before on the coupe prototypes but the side-view car sits on differing rims. Secondly, there is no rear-view mirror, gas-cap, front turn signals or reverse lights. To top it off, the headlight halos don't really seem to fit the front fascia.
More About: Images , Cabriolet , Chevrolet Camaro

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT2
2008-03-29 11:31:00
The flexfuel-compatible Aston Martin Vantage GT2 that we first reported on back in January has finally been captured in the photo studio. Not surprisingly, it's a looker. After all, the Vantage is a car that activates the pheromones in many a gearhead. Making it Le Mans Series-worthy just piles on the awesome. The car makes its competition debut for James Watt Automotive on April 5 in the European Le Mans series at Barcelona, and it's also good to go for ALMS if any teams decide to take the plunge. Without further ado, have a look for yourself. We like the subtle Gulf colors -- who knew orange lipstick could be so pretty? If baby blue and orange doesn't do it for you, check out the menacing black car that participated in the Paul Ricard test session with the rest of the Aston racers. The phrase, "It's all good" applies here.
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Volvo C30 R-Design priced from $26,445 in 2008 New York Auto Show
2008-03-27 16:08:00
Following up on our story about the Volvo C30 R-Design at the New York Auto Show , Volvo announced pricing today for its sporty hatchback tunerish trim level. MSRP will be $25,700, plus destination charges of $745. Doing simple math, you can put one of these hot turbocharged Swedes in your garage at a base price of $26,445. Of course, most of you will want to add available goodies such as the DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, or the Dynaudio premium sound system...and they'll cost you extra, which will balloon the price into what many consider too dear for a Swedish hatchback.If a cosmetically-enhanced C30 is just your thing, however, we suggest you act fast. With a production run limited to just 400 examples, the exclusive R-Design will probably roll quickly out of showrooms starting in April.Excellent Articles About 2008 New York Auto Show:+ 2009 Audi A4 to offer new 2.0 TFSI, revised 3.2 FSI V6+ New York Auto Show 2008: Suzuki unveils Kizashi 3 concept, coming in 201...

2009 Audi A4 to offer new 2.0 TFSI, revised 3.2 FSI V6
2008-03-27 15:37:00
Wagon lovers rejoice! Audi 's new 2009 A4 Avant has made its official North American debut at the New York Auto Show. The press release, after the break, introduces us to the newest 2.0 liter TFSI four cylinder engine, variants of which have won "Engine of the Year" trophies three times. Coming in at 211 horsepower along with 258 lb.-ft. of torque, the A4's base engine is reportedly capable of propelling the car to sixty in 6.5 seconds.The impressive output of Audi's new four-banger almost makes up for their decision not to offer the sedan's 3.2 liter FSI V6 in the Avant. That engine features the newest version of the patented Audi Valvelift Technology (AVS) and offers up 265 horsepower. Six-speed transmissions will be offered in both the A4 sedan and Avant -- no mention of Quattro systems or the new 7-speed DSG. It seems like Audi's been holding back the new A4 for so long that we can hardly believe that we'll see it in dealerships this October, but we'll continue to sate you...
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Spy Video: Alfa Romeo 159 GTA mule spotted at the Nurburgring
2008-03-27 15:16:00
Alfa Romeo has been turning out some impossibly beautiful cars. Unfortunately, most of the line-up is lacking the grunt to back up its killer looks, with the 8C Competizione floating beyond reproach atop the range and a huge gap down to the standard production models. Alfa is apparently looking to bridge that gap, however, with the 159 GTA.In the video after the jump, you'll see footage of a 159 decked out with enormous AMG Black Series-style vents and four squat tailpipes from which you can clearly hear a monstrous engine resonate. The test mule, spotted near the Nurburgring in Germany, looks like a further development of the one spied last summer. Although curiously, rather than wearing camouflage, it's all decked out in big Alfa Romeo decals as if to scream "look at me" in true Italian supercar fashion. Initial reports suggested the GTA could get a slightly detuned version of the V8 found in the Ferrari F430, although either the 4.2-liter V8 from the Maserati GranTurismo and Qu...
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New York Auto Show 2008: Suzuki unveils Kizashi 3 concept, coming in 2010
2008-03-21 13:23:00
Suzuki has been teasing us over the last few months with its duo of highly stylized concepts, the Kizashi and Kizashi 2. While it was obvious that cues found on both those concepts are going to inspire the styling of future models, it wasn't clear how Suzuki would implement some of the more extreme features of this design language. Today in New York , Suzuki showed what elements were making the cut with the unveiling of the Kizashi 3 concept.Sporting a toned-down version of the gaping maw found on the first two concepts, deeply drawn headlights and recessed fog lamps, the fascia has made the successful transition from design exercise to down-to-earth concept. While the profile and rear end is a little less dramatic than the view up front, the 21-inch wheels add a healthy amount of visual weight down below. Underneath the hood is a 300-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that drives all four wheels through Suzuki's intelligent AWD system.Suzuki made it very clear that the Kizashi 3 is a close represen...
More About: Auto Show , Show , Auto

Volvo to offer T6 engine option in XC70 this fall
2008-03-21 13:15:00
The Volvo XC70 recently spent some time in the Autoblog Garage, and while we liked the vehicle overall, we had a few major complaints: its high price, poor gas mileage and a noticeable lack of power. At least one of those issues will be rectified somewhat this fall when Volvo begins offering the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine for the XC70. This engine is already available in the S80 sedan, and since the V70 and XC70 use similar chassis architecture, it was only a matter of time before the T6 engine migrated down the line. The 281 horsepower of the T6 engine should offer a useful improvement over the standard 235 horsepower 3.2 liter six. According to AutoWeek, the T6 model will be the crossover's flagship, so it seems unlikely that the 311 horsepower V8 will show up underhood any time soon. Power often covers a multitude of sins, so we're betting that the boosted-six will prove to be a popular option among buyers.
More About: Engine , Fall , Offer

New York Auto Show 2008: 2009 Acura TSX revealed... again... but LIVE
2008-03-19 16:13:00
The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX was revealed live at the New York Auto Show just a few moments ago, and despite the new face of Acura, the TSX isn't nearly as ugly in person as we suspected. We've found that the key to the new nose is partnering it with lighter colors (silver, white, etc.) and avoiding the darker hues that don't do much to blend with the bright metallic mug.While we've already covered details of the TSX in our previous post, a few of the high points are worth repeating. The new 2.4-liter four is making 201 hp and a much-needed 176 lb.-ft. of torque, while still doing extremely well on the fed's sniffer test. The track has been widened and the wheelbase lengthened, but the emphasis on the TSX's sportiness was lost in the list of standard and optional equipment.The TSX gets standard Bluetooth, a USB port, iPod integration, a seven-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, HID headlamps and a moonroof. Option up for the Technology Package and you get an addi...

New York 2008: Ferrari 2008 612 Scaglietti One to One launches in North Ame
2008-03-19 16:13:00
Ferrari previously announced their One to One personalization program back at the Geneva Motor Show a few weeks ago and now it's coming to North America. One to One is for those who just can't settle for an "off the rack" Ferrari, as if there is such a thing, yet the program allows purchasers of the new 2008 612 Scaglietti to have their new toys tailored to their whims.Beginning with the Park Avenue store in New York this week customers can work with a specialist to select the materials and accessories they want in their 612 to create a truly bespoke Italian exotic. Once the desired combinations have been chosen, the cars will be assembled in a dedicated corner of the Maranello factory. Along with the usual shrieking V-12, the latest edition of the 612 includes Ferrari's new electrochromic roof and SuperFast electro-hydraulic shifted gearbox. If you have to ask the cost... just peruse the gallery and drool.
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New York 2008 Preview: Nissan to unveil all-electric concept
2008-03-17 12:06:00
All-electric vehicles are on their way, and Nissan plans to be a player with an all-electric vehicle on the market in Japan and the U.S. by 2010 for fleet customers and 2012 for everyone else. While the automaker has been testing a system that uses a lithium-ion battery pack in its boxy Cube runabout (above), it's not known if the Cube will get the electric drivetrain when it goes on sale in the U.S. Regardless, Nissan plans to preview its electric intentions in two weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show with an all-electric concept car. Details are scarce, but it's said to have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. While it's true that most people drive less than 100 miles per day, a top speed of just 75 mph seems especially limiting. Apparently passing on the freeway is not an option on this car. We'll be on hand in New York to catch this EV concept's debut, so stay tuned.
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New York 2008 Preview: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP packs 402 HP... and a third peda
2008-03-17 11:55:00
The Northeast is the Pontiac division's largest market, and the brand -- which has played the stepchild in recent years, banished to the outer limits of exhibition halls -- is finally getting its own coming out party in New York next week. The resurgent Performance Division will flex its muscles at the Javits Center. Joining the 2010 G8 sport truck (and maybe another newcomer sporting the Arrowhead badge) is the highly-anticipated Pontiac G8 GXP.The new Poncho flagship wears subtle visual tweaks including updated front and rear fascias plus the same 19" HSV wheels that were shown on the G8 concept. More importantly, the GXP packs GM's 6.2L LS3 V8 underhood. In this application (it's also in the Vette, where it makes even more power), the small-block punches out 402 horses and 400 lb-ft of torque rearward via a Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox or a HydraMatic 6L80 auto. (Add another 2 pound-feet of twist if you opt for the latter.) A fully-adjustable suspension helps keep the muscle ...
More About: Preview , Peda

2008 New Yord Auto Show Preview: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets web-assist
2008-03-17 11:53:00
As some of you might have already heard by now. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been unceremoniously de-cloaked courtesy of MyRide.com and the New Tiburon forums and is now making the rounds online. The consumer-grade version of the concept shown last year in Los Angeles simply looks fantastic, and with both turbo-four and V6 power on tap, it's ready to make some noise. Unfortunately, we can't tell you the specifics just yet (but rest assured, there's plenty to tell -- and it is good).Barring any additional unforeseen surprises, we'll have the complete story for you when the car makes its debut this week in New York. But since the cat is out of the bag regarding this particular sampling of fourteen official photos, here they are for your enjoyment. Just hit up the high-res gallery below.
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Rendered Ruminations: Porsche Traveller Concept slaps Stuttgart in the face
2008-03-16 17:50:00
There's probably a few clunkers in DaVinci's sketchbook, too. Looking more gnarled than Van Gogh's Potato Eaters hand studies, Ivan Volkov's Porsche Traveller concept picks up design ideas from the Matchbox Fandango, though it doesn't look like the spare wheel on the Traveller incorporates Rolamatic action. Rather than heap massive derision on Volkov's renderings, it would be interesting to get a deeper explanation of the design goals and features incorporated in this car. The SUV/CUV appears to have a pickup-like division between the front and rear body sections, and one thing's for sure, it's got absolutely no chance of seeing production without much further refinement. We'll grant that the Cayenne isn't the most classically handsome conveyance to roll out of Zuffenhausen, but Volkov's Traveller is exponentially more polarizing.
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First Drive: the 2008 Lexus IS F
2008-03-16 17:36:00
I could start off with wheel sizes and the 8-speed transmission and all that, but this car is only marginally about the numbers. Still, let's get the numbers out of the way:Lexus IS-F8-speed auto, 5.0L V8, 416-HP, 371 lb.-ft.BMW M36-speed manual, 4.0L V8, 414-HP, 295 lb.-ft.Mercedes C 63 AMG7-speed auto, 6.2L V8, 467-HP, 442 lb.-ft.I left out curb weight and 0-60 times because no one can agree, but the results are constant: the M is lightest, Lexus in the middle, Mercedes the heaviest. To sixty, the AMG rocks it first, the BMW usually gets the second-place nod or tie, then the Lexus, all of which do the do in under 5 seconds.However, the story of the IS F isn't truly about this first set of numbers, and everyone knows it -- Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and you, too. Why? Because we all know that anyone who says they want to straight up outperform an M or AMG... doesn't want a Lexus.In fact, the comparisons of all of these cars are slightly disingenuous. Until the C 63, people didn't re...
More About: Drive , 2008

Quick Test: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan
2008-03-13 14:45:00
BMW launched its M3 last fall in two-door form and unveiled the four-door variant shortly thereafter. It packs the same M-spec, 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V-8 as the coupe. The 2008 M3 sedan is about three inches shorter overall than the coupe but weighs about the same. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered so far, but a dual-clutch automated manual joins the lineup later this year.You don't have to rev it like you stole it, but that's where the joy is found. The engine, derived from the M5's V-10, still has enough grunt for low-speed, around-town work. The intake and exhaust noises are as much V-12 as V-8 and blend at higher rpm to make one beautiful noise.The clutch is light, and take-up is linear. Today's BMW shifters are what they are: not mushy, but with a disconnected feel about them, as if the stick were the size of a straw. We'd wish for something more like what you'd find in a Porsche Carrera, Mitsu Evo, or MX-5. But you always hit the right gear, the rat...
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Long Term Verdict: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR SE
2008-03-13 14:17:00
For 2006, all Evos got a revised version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder that now has MIVEC variable valve timing and puts down 286 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Both numbers were up a bit from the previous-generation Evo VIII that had 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.The differences between our MR SE and the rest of the Evo line are significant. The interior gets aluminum/carbon-fiber handbrake grip, aluminum shift knob, and a boost gauge kit that displays boost, voltage, and oil pressure. Exterior changes include BBS forged alloy wheels, (reducing unsprung weight), inverted Bilstein shocks, HID headlamps, and color-matched vortex generators on the roof. Opting for the zero-lift aero kit also gives you a rear spoiler wickerbill, underbody air dam, and front brake air guides.Another big difference among the MR SE and all other Evos was the gearbox. The MR got a six-speed transmission, while the GSR made do with five cogs. The chatter is ...
More About: Evolution , Mitsubishi , Lancer , Long , Verdict

Geneva Motor Show 2008: production Ford Kuga
2008-03-10 13:53:00
Kinetic design has been swallowing Ford of Europe's product range whole, and took a big bite at this year's Geneva Motor Show . Alongside the new Fiesta, Ford showed off the production version of the all-new Kuga crossover. Previewed by the concept unveiled at the last Frankfurt show and drawing on styling cues from the Iosis X show car, the Kuga is based on the same platform as the slicker Focus they get overseas.Although the Kuga is admittedly one more European model that Ford won't offer in its home market, we're not short of Ford crossovers to choose from over here, so we'll let the Europeans have this one. (Just give us the Focus RS and we'll be happy.) But to see what we're missing, check out our gallery of images from the Geneva show floor by clicking on the thumbnails below. Unfortunately, although we're sure the Kuga rolled off its turntable at night after we were gone and duked it out with the Renault Koleos for market share, we couldn't prove it.
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Geneva Motor Show 2008: updated Alfa Romeo 159
2008-03-10 13:47:00
We had plenty of reason to frequent the Alfa Romeo pavilion at this year's Geneva Motor show. After the unveiling of the production 8C Spider along with the updated Brera and Spider came the revisions to the 159 sedan and Sportwagon.Like its two-door counterparts, the changes to the 159 consist of a few small updates that don't interfere with the model's stunning lines. Better ergonomics and new electronics update the interior, while weight reduction where the car meets the road should help the car's driving dynamics slightly. Most importantly, however, the tweaks which Alfa Romeo announced for the 159 range gave us and our cameras another reason, as if we needed one, to get reacquainted with one of our favorite European sports sedans and wagons. To see the product of our emotional reunion, click on the thumbnails below and jump to our high-resolution image gallery.
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Geneva Motor Show 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program
2008-03-10 13:45:00
Show-stopping new production cars and concepts were not lacking in Geneva this year. There were so many, in fact, that we struggled to take it all in. Yet while Ferrari didn't have any new models to show us, somehow we couldn't help but slow down in front of its booth as we rushed from press conference to press conference. Maybe it was the classic Daytona sitting next to the 612 Scaglietti bathed in soft light, or maybe the pair of lookers standing next to them. Guess we'll never know, but you can feast your eyes on all the sexy models in the gallery below.What Ferrari did unveil at the Swiss show, however, was a new customization program. Called One-to-One, the program takes the catalog of options under the existing Carrozzeria Scaglietti Program me a step further. A customization studio is being built at the factory in Maranello where clients can hand-pick a wide variety of options from leather swatches to brake calipers and everything in between. The program is being launched o...
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Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans Concept
2008-03-07 13:17:00
The Audi R8 V12 TDI concept made its debut in Detroit to extremely favorable reviews. With its mid-mounted 500 horse, 738 lb-ft twelve-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine based directly on the motor found in Audi's Le Mans winning R10 race cars, the concept drew a straight line from the race track to the road and left enthusiasts begging for a production version to put in their garages. We can't see a whole lot of changes between the silver car shown in Detroit and this red and black Le Mans tribute version at Geneva, save for the color change and some chrome accents. Nevertheless, as a halo car for Audi and as a way of making the connection between the automaker's epic race success and its road cars, Audi would be foolish not to churn out at least a limited number of R8 V12 TDIs for public consumption. Oh, and it's Euro 6 compliant too. Green and fast -- we like.
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Geneva Motor Show 2008: Renault Koleos clocks in for work
2008-03-07 13:10:00
Renault pulled out all the stops for this year's Geneva Motor Show , taking the wraps off the swoopy Megane Coupe concept, as well as debuting the Twingo Renaultsport, Laguna GT and this, the Koleos crossover. Although closely based on mechanicals borrowed from sister-company Nissan, the Koleos is far more of a complete project than that other pair of French sport-utes from archrival PSA Peugeot-Citroen.The Koleos shared center stage with the Megane Coupe this week, outlining how important the new model is to Renault. This is its first proper foray into the sport-ute segment, finally surrendering when the French automaker realized the crossover craze would not be subsiding any time soon. When you can't beat 'em, join 'em, the saying goes, but push come to snooty shove, Renault actually appears to have done a decent job.
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Geneva Motor Show 2008 Preview: Bugatti taps Hermès for special edition Ve
2008-02-12 16:21:00
When a vehicle costs $1.4m, can go 253 mph and has a lifetime production run of only 300 vehicles, it's a very special ride. How, then, do you up the ante to make the vehicle even more amazing? When you're talking about the Bugatti Veyron, more power than the stock 1,001 hp just isn't the answer, so the super-upscale automaker is looking to pile on even more luxury on the inside. Bugatti is tapping into its history to once again team up with Hermès on a ultra high-end interior package. Hermès, which became famous for its leather saddles in the 1800s, switched over to cars and planes early in the 20th century, and the company supplied materials for Bugatti in the '20s.Bugatti is set to unveil the Hermès Veyron at the 2008 Geneva show, and we'll be there to snap pictures of the absurdly rare supercar right from the show floor.The Hermès Veyron will likely have a production run similar to that of the Pur Sang, which included all of five units, and sold out in less than one day...
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Geneva Motor Show 2008 Preview: Chevy Aveo 3-door
2008-02-12 16:19:00
Chevy has completed the Aveo facelifts and will introduce the updated Euro-market 3-door at the Geneva Motor Show next month. You can sum it up like this: it's like the Aveo5, minus the doors for second-row passengers. The rear windows pop open for ventilation and an 84-horse 1.2L or step-up 1.4L that generates 101 hp will supply power. The interior styling carries over, as do the exterior visuals that share the Aveo5's gigantic grille, fake fender vents, and the like. If this were offered in the US, it might make a nice alternative to the Yaris Liftback -- also a 3-door. Keep one eye on the sky to watch for those flying pigs. [Source: GM]
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New York Auto Show 2008: Production Pontiac ST pickup to appear
2008-02-11 13:17:00
Our friends over at Pickuptruck.com have learned that Pontiac will debut a production-ready ST pickup at this year's New York Auto Show in late March. The Pontiac ST pickup is based on the Holden VE Ute that recently debuted in Australia, and since development of the vehicle consists mainly of grafting the Pontiac G8 front clip onto the Holden VE Ute, the business case for the vehicle is a no-brainer. What did stand between the Pontiac ST pickup and production was the U.S. exchange rate between the Australian and U.S. dollar, but apparently the difference isn't as bad as once thought and the price of the ST won't be out of reach for its target market. Pickuptruck.com also learned that, despite previous reports to the contrary, the Pontiac ST will be offered with a 256-HP V6, as well as a 361-HP V8. The reason is because plans for a Pontiac G8 Sportwagon that would have been powered by a V6 have been cancelled, so the Pontiac needs to offer both a V6 and a V8 for the ST pickup to ...

Jim Press: little trucks could be big
2008-02-11 12:50:00
Jim Press thinks that there's an emerging market for small, fuel efficient trucks. You know, the kind of trucks his former employer, Toyota, used to build. Press put in 37 years at Toyota, and he saw the evolution of the HiLux into the Tacoma, which is no longer the diminutive hauler it once was. Press owns a second home in Thailand, and observing how trucks are used in that country leads him to believe that there's a worldwide need for a small, versatile pickup. Dodge's Dakota saw its sales drop by one third between 2006 and 2007, and Press thinks that's likely due to buyers shifting to crossovers.There's not a whole lot of incentive to buy a midsize truck right now – they cost nearly the same as an entry level full sizer, the mileage is only marginally better, and the size differential isn't that great. We can recall two Dodge concept pickups of the recent past that we think buyers who miss the small pickup market might take a liking to. First, there's the 2006 Dodge Ramp...
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Rumormill: Suzuki to unveil V8-powered Kizashi 3 at 2008 New York Auto Show
2008-02-11 12:27:00
Hyundai is quickly proving with its Genesis luxury sedan that a lower-end Asian automaker can play in the V8-powered big leagues, and if the reports are to be believed, Suzuki wants in. The Japanese carmaker's Kizashi concepts, unveiled in Frankfurt and Tokyo last year, proved popular enough for Suzuki to move ahead with production plans and target a late 2009 roll-out. But before it settles on what form the production version will take, Suzuki is reportedly preparing a third iteration to show at the New York Auto Show in March, and this one will be powered by a V8 driving all four wheels, compared to its turbodiesel and V6 predecessors. Whether there's any truth to the reports will become evident as we weave through Manhattan traffic towards the Javits Center, so stay tuned. [Source: AutoTelegraaf via Motor Authority]