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Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Introduce Detroit to
2008-01-15 18:38:00
The Honda CR-Z, a lightweight sports hybrid concept vehicle, and the FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle set to begin limited retail marketing in summer 2008, are bringing some of the most advanced environmental technologies from Honda to the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Honda CR-Z Concept Car CR-Z Making its North American debut, the CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system that achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The CR-Z stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero" - an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals. The design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver elevated driving performance while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint. Designed to be futuristic and dynamic, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact fo...
More About: Hybrid , Fuel , Cell , Vehicle

Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid SUV May Begin Production in 2010
2008-01-15 18:37:00
Expected to be First Commercially Available, OEM-produced Plug -in Hybrid 2008-01-14, DETROIT - Saturn announced today at the North American International Auto Show that production may begin as soon as 2010 on a plug-in hybrid electric version of the Saturn Vue Green Line, expected to be the first regular production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Depending on a consumer's drive cycle, the Vue plug-in hybrid will be the most fuel-efficient vehicle offered by a major automaker. Saturn Vue Green Line Plug-in Hybrid This Vue Green Line will use a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a lithium-ion battery pack, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy. When the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged, the Vue plug-in hybrid will potentially double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV. After electric-only propulsion depletes the lithium-ion energy storage system to a specified level, ...
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Volkswagen Group China Establishes New Sales Record with 910,491 Vehicles
2008-01-12 17:05:00
- Expected to surpass the one million mark in sales in 2008- Sustainable growth strategy implemented successfullyBeijing, 10 January 2008 - Volkswagen Group China achieved an all-time sales record with 910,491 vehicles (2006: 711,360, up 28 percent) delivered to customers in China Mainland and Hong Kong in 2007. Together with its two joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen it fostered its share in the passenger car market at 18 percent. Sales of the Volkswagen brand amounted to 780,784 (2006: 628,807, up 24 percent) including 9,067 imported vehicles. Audi delivered 101,996 vehicles to customers (2006: 81,708 up 25 percent) including 8,828 imported units. Skoda sold 27,325 (2006:660) cars, including 213 imported vehicles."Our outstanding performance as the result of our restructuring measures gives us the confidence that we will break the one million mark with our sales in 2008", Dr. Winfried Vahland, President & CEO of Volkswagen Group China said. "Our growth will ...
More About: Vehicles , Record

Aston Martin to Defend GT1 Title with Gulf
2008-01-12 17:04:00
Aston Martin Racing will return to Le Mans in 2008 to defend its GT1 title in the distinctive blue and orange livery of Gulf Oil. Two Aston Martin DBR9s will look to emulate Gulf?s first victory at the 24 hour race 40 years on. Aston Martin DBR9 Alain Dujean, Gulf Oil vice president international, said: ?This is arguably the most important year ever for Gulf in motorsport. The famous Gulf racing colours first tasted victory at Le Mans in 1968, so 2008 already had great significance for us, but for Gulf to have joined up with Aston Martin Racing for this year is fantastic ? the coming together of two great automotive names, for what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership.? David Richards, chairman of Aston Martin, said: ?Endurance racing is engrained in the heritage of both Gulf and Aston Martin and we have also both been intrinsically linked through Le Mans for many decades. It was perhaps destined that, in the year we defend our GT1 title and Gulf celebrates the 40th annive...
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Ford of Europe Sales Roar to a New Record in 2007* Ford of Europe's 2007 sa
2008-01-12 17:04:00
* Ford of Europe 's 2007 sales rise 5.4 per cent to a record 1,833,600* Car sales up 4.1 per cent and commercial vehicles 10.9 per cent COLOGNE, January 10, 2008 ? With demand increasing for its stylish new models, Ford of Europe's sales soared by an impressive 93,500 units in 2007 to a record 1,833,600, a rise of 5.4 per cent on the previous year. Market share improved to 8.9 per cent. Ford of Europe sold 1,463,630 cars in 2007, an increase of 4.1 per cent across its main 21 markets. Commercial vehicle sales leapt 10.9 per cent to a record 369,985, beating the previous record of 333,570 set in 2006. The Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta were the top-selling Ford models in Europe last year, retailing a total of 496,600 and 378,220 units respectively. The Transit continued to set a brisk pace in the medium commercial vehicle market and sold a record 224,915. Not to be outdone, its smaller sibling, the Transit Connect, also set a new record selling 109,900 vehicles. "I am delighted with our...
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin 2008: Top model Eva Padberg and the new M
2008-01-12 17:03:00
Leading model Eva Padberg and the new Mercedes sports coupé CLC share top billing in the key visual for the second Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, which takes place from January 27 - 31, 2008. The new CLC will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the fashion event. New Mercedes-Benz CLC Sports Coupé With Model Eva Padberg The purpose of the key visual is twofold: It will be used as a motif on adverts, posters and event materials promoting the Berlin event, and at the same time will generate interest and a sense of anticipation in advance of the world premiere of the new CLC, because the photo reveals only part of the sport coupé. Most of the body is hidden by the vivid yellow fabric of the evening gown worn by Eva Padberg. The CLC will then be revealed in all its beauty on January 27, 2008 at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin 2008. ?The choice of Eva Padberg as our brand ambassador lends a fascinating face to our long-standing commitment to fashion,? says Dr. Olaf ...
More About: Mercedes Benz , Top Model

Toyota Adds 13 More Models For 2008 Tundra Lineup
2008-01-12 17:02:00
Toyota has created greater value to its 2008 Tundra full-size pickup truck lineup by adding 13 new models and enhancing standard equipment levels. The 2008 Tundra now offers a choice of 44 models in three cab styles. Since its introduction in February 2007, Tundra's share of the half-ton full-size pickup truck segment has more than doubled. 2008 Toyota Tundra with Sport Appearance Package "Last year, Toyota designed the new-generation Tundra to exceed truck buyers' expectations for what a full-size pickup can be," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president. "The 2008 Tundra truly sets new standards for performance, safety, comfort and functionality." The biggest change for the 2008 Tundra is the increased availability of the two most popular cab styles ? Double Cab and CrewMax ? with the "Tundra grade," formerly offered only in Regular Cab models, to improve Tundra's reach into the marketplace. Previously, these four-door models were available only in the interme...
More About: Toyota , Models , Lineup

Compelling Buick Riviera Concept Showcased at 2008 NAIAS
2008-01-12 16:57:00
The Buick Riviera , a stunning concept car designed to showcase Buick's new global design direction, makes its North American debut at the Buick stand during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Buick Riviera Concept Unveiled at China?s Auto Shanghai 2007, the gull-wing, front-wheel-drive Riviera concept coupe was developed with global design input by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). PATAC is headquartered in Shanghai. ?We said last year the Riviera concept made us realize how small the world was ? it?s not East; it?s not West. It?s Buick,? said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. ?The reaction to the car around the globe proved that to be very much the case.? Engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system that will go into production this year at Shanghai GM (SGM), GM's flagship joint venture with SAIC, the Riviera features sev...
More About: 2008

Honda Reveals Overview of Its Exhibition for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2008
2008-01-10 19:52:00
Honda Access Corporation1, manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories, announced that it will feature two Modulo2 concept vehicles in its exhibition at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2008 with NAPAC3, to be held from Friday, January 11, to Sunday, January 13, 2008, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Japan. Honda Sports Modulo Type R The theme for the Honda display will be ?Realizing Dreams Together?, and the focus will be on road-going models that display the true value of Honda Access products and demonstrating how those products deliver what customers really desire. The two concept vehicles are designed to take the appeal of the sedan to a higher level through new approaches to customization. The Honda Sports Modulo Type R is based on the Honda Civic Type R, and demonstrates how aerodynamic performance and design can be brought together to enhance a vehicle. The Touring Modulo Inspire, based on the new Inspire, is a luxury vehicle that combines a sporty character with a premium...
More About: Honda , Exhibition

2008 Nissan Note
2008-01-10 19:51:00
New Nissan Note Debuts with Refreshed Styling and Enhanced Lineup TOKYO, Jan. 9, 2008 -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the new Nissan Note compact car will go on sale at dealers throughout Japan beginning on January 16. Since the original Note?s debut in January 2005, it has garnered customer accolades for its quick acceleration, quiet and comfortable driving manner, comfortable roomy interior and convenient double-decker multi-configurable trunk. 2008 Nissan Note 15X The new 2008 Nissan Note features revised exterior styling, enhanced interior appearance and convenience, as well as improvements to the HR15DE engine and XTRONIC CVT, complying with Japan's new JC08 fuel economy and exhaust emission test mode*1. Additionally, the Note lineup has been revised, with a special new ?Plus navi HDD" upgrade to some models. New Note Models and TechnologyNote?s strong model lineup includes a value-leading 15RS model, newly added to strengthen the Sporty grade. Additionally 15G,...

2009 Hyundai Genesis
2008-01-10 19:50:00
- Hyundai crafts a rival to $60,000 sports sedans...with a starting price under $30,000- Rear-wheel drive and high-output V8 engine deliver world-class driving experience FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 01/08/2008 -- Hyundai aims to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the North American International Auto Show introduction of its new flagship, the all-new Genes is sports sedan on January 13. With capabilities and features comparable to $60,000 premium sedans, Genesis will be offered at a starting price under $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer. 2009 Hyundai Genesis Genesis is built on Hyundai?s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai?s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau will produce an estimated 368 horsepower on regular fuel, and lead all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases featu...

Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept
2008-01-10 19:50:00
Cadillac Showcases Future Design, Performance Technology 2008-01-07, DETROIT - Cadillac extends its ongoing design and technology momentum with tomorrow's debut of the Cadillac Provoq Concept , a vision for a petroleum-free future of luxury transportation. GM CEO Rick Wagoner will present the Cadillac Provoq concept vehicle January 8 at the influential Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, beginning a showcase of Cadillac's future performance technology and design that will continue at next week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept: © GM Corp. The Provoq Concept continues Cadillac's remarkable heritage of landmark concept vehicles, this time in a vehicle free from petroleum fuel and emissions, the ultimate luxury. Provoq will make its world premiere at one of the world's leading technology showcases at CES, appearing again at one of the foremost automotive stages in Detroit on Jan. 14. Cadillac accelerates into De...
More About: Cadillac , Fuel Cell

General Motors Showcases Its Brands in Style in Detroit at NAIAS
2008-01-10 19:49:00
From Cadillac Provoq E-Flex concept to most powerful Corvette ever 2008-01-09, Rüsselsheim/Detroit -- General Motors presents a number of world premieres from its Cadillac, Corvette, HUMMER, Saturn and Saab brands at the North American International Auto Show (January 13 ? 27, 2008) in Detroit, the first major motor show of the year. GM?s focus is on environmentally friendly mobility and maximum performance. Cadillac Provoq Fuel Cell Concept: © GM Corp. The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM?s groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system and the next step toward the innovative propulsion concept?s series production. The crossover boasts crisp, progressive body lines, making it instantly recognizable as a contemporary Cadillac. Unlike the Opel Flextreme with diesel generator that attracted such attention at the IAA 2007, the Provoq?s hydrogen fuel cell system and lithium-ion battery use no fossil fuels and only emit water. The concept?s fifth-generation fuel cel...
More About: General Motors , Style , In Style

UK Ford Dealers Offer More Power for Ford Fiesta ST
2008-01-10 19:49:00
Ford is offering Fiesta ST customers in the UK a unique opportunity to buy performance upgrades for their cars through a choice of two special dealer-fit options. Highlights: * Performance upgrades available on new and used Fiesta ST models * 2.0-litre Duratec ST engine can now be tuned to 165PS or 185PS * New association with motorsport specialist Mountune * Prices from £1,435 plus fitting at specialist Ford dealers 2008 Ford Fiesta ST Mountune (UK) The Mountune Performance Stage 1 package will retail at £1,435 (plus fitting) and consists of a high-flow air induction system, a high performance exhaust system including high flow catalyst and tubular manifold, and re-calibration of Ford?s potent 2.0-litre Duratec ST engine to produce 165PS. The more powerful Mountune Performance Stage 2 package will cost £1,838 (plus fitting) and adds new camshafts and valve springs to the basic package to deliver 185PS. Developed by Ford Team RS in a new association with Roush Technologi...
More About: Power , Ford , Offer

2008 Cadillac CTS Receives IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
2008-01-10 19:48:00
2008-01-09, DETROIT ? Cadillac ?s new 2008 Cadillac CTS sports sedan, already a hit with critics and luxury consumers, today earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ?s Top Safety Pick for 2008. The award results from CTS earning the Institute?s highest ratings in front, side and rear crash testing, as well as standard application of Stabilitrak electronic stability control system, which can help drivers avoid crashes. The CTS is one of only three large luxury cars to earn this designation. 2008 Cadillac CTS: © GM Corp. ?All luxury cars should perform as well as the CTS. It?s a leader in its class for safety,? said Institute President Adrian Lund. In 2007, the Institute toughened the Top Safety Pick award criteria by requiring electronic stability control, which can help drivers maintain vehicle control, particularly in severe conditions such as wet or icy surfaces, or during emergency maneuvers. ?IIHS is one of the top authorities on vehicle safety, making this award particu...
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Honda Siel Cars India Showcases Futuristic and Environment Friendly Technol
2008-01-10 19:45:00
? New Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD launched in India ? Preview of the all-new Honda Accord? Key attractions include Honda FCX Concept, Honda Civic Hybrid & Honda Jazz Concept NEW DELHI, India, January 10, 2008 ? Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) showcased the technological excellence of Honda, with a wide range of advanced, environment-friendly technologies and exciting new models at the Auto Expo 2008 at Pragati Maidan. Honda Jazz Concept The exhibits at the HSCI booth in Hall No. 6, all complemented the theme, ?Nature Rides with Honda?, which echoes Honda?s long-standing commitment to protection of the environment and energy conservation. Apart from the new-generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Concept and the Civic hybrid, HSCI also put on display its powerful, but fuel-efficient i-VTEC and IndyCar engines. Other attractions at the stall included the ?Jazz concept?, ?Honda?s F1 Earth car?, and Honda?s much-loved, popular humanoid Robot, the ASIMO. New ProductsAt the Auto Expo, HSCI launc...
More About: Environment , Friendly

Honda Siel Cars India Showcases Futuristic and Environment Friendly Technol
2008-01-10 19:45:00
? New Honda CR-V 2.0L 2WD launched in India ? Preview of the all-new Honda Accord? Key attractions include Honda FCX Concept, Honda Civic Hybrid & Honda Jazz Concept NEW DELHI, India, January 10, 2008 ? Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) showcased the technological excellence of Honda, with a wide range of advanced, environment-friendly technologies and exciting new models at the Auto Expo 2008 at Pragati Maidan. Honda Jazz Concept The exhibits at the HSCI booth in Hall No. 6, all complemented the theme, ?Nature Rides with Honda?, which echoes Honda?s long-standing commitment to protection of the environment and energy conservation. Apart from the new-generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Concept and the Civic hybrid, HSCI also put on display its powerful, but fuel-efficient i-VTEC and IndyCar engines. Other attractions at the stall included the ?Jazz concept?, ?Honda?s F1 Earth car?, and Honda?s much-loved, popular humanoid Robot, the ASIMO. New ProductsAt the Auto Expo, HSCI launc...
More About: Environment , Friendly

Audi A4 2.0T Review
2008-01-08 19:59:00
Buying an Audi sedan without Quattro all wheel-drive is like dating a Swedish brunette. That said, there?s nothing wrong with the right brunette, Bergman movies notwithstanding. And Audi makes and sells plenty of products where only the front wheels are driven, from economy cars to its aufwendig TT. In fact, Audi?s UK website proudly proclaims ?a front-wheel-drive car is in principle more controllable and tracks better than conventional rear-wheel drive.? OK then, in advance of the all-new A4 headed our way in '09, let?s have a look at the Audi A4 2.0T and see if we can get past the FWD thing.Under the guidance of northern Italian designer Walter de?Silva, Audi?s products preserve the straight, clean lines that BMW and Mercedes abandoned in pursuit of Picasso-esque titillations. The A4 maintains the simplicity of form and absence of affectation that has marked this marque?s models for decades. It?s proof positive that Audi understands understatement like Ferrari groks glamor.The A4...
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CarCapsule keeps all unwanted elements away
2008-01-08 19:59:00
Folks who are very touchy about their cars may feel that just covering them with a clothed cover isn?t enough. Doesn?t stop those prying hands from sliding underneath the sheet. So here?s a perfect solution for their hang-ups. To protect your luxurious vehicle from unavoidable elements like envious hands, sun, rain, snow, dust, etc. you must cover it with CarCapsule.Truly speakin? its just a clear vinyl (anti-static and flame retardant) bubble that can envelop your car, truck, boat or motorcycle and keep it looking fresh and new. Once you lay the base out on the floor, you simply park your vehicle on top and then zip the clear vinyl dome all around it. A built-in fan then inflates the dome, keeping it from touching the vehicle. Once it?s inflated though, the fan keeps running to constantly circulate the filtered air inside and keep the car smelling fresh while it?s in storage. It?s sturdy enough to withstand an accidental drop of a 5lb. hammer on your car, truck, boat, or motorcycle...
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Nissan Rogue Review
2008-01-08 19:59:00
It probably seemed like a good idea at the time: introduce American car buyers to Nissan ?s new cute ?ute in an episode of NBC?s hit show Heroes. And so we see the Rogue in the hands of a world saving high school cheerleader? ensuring its chick-car status for all eternity. The car is easy to boost? Why didn?t technopath Micah Sanders get a booster seat, take the wheel and show Ford the true meaning of ?sync my ride?? All of which leaves me wondering: is the Rogue good enough to survive its own marketing?From the looks of it, yes. Although the upward kinked rear window is a Murano cue without which I could do, the Rogue?s swoopy lines are generally as fresh as a pair of Puma sneakers. The height vs. width solution makes the vehicle look decidedly skinny from certain angles, but that may be part of the appeal (you can?t be too tall or too thin). And cheers to the designers for realizing nobody wants to see your spare tire.The Rogue?s design loses coherence at the front. If the crossove...
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2008 Lorinser smart fortwo
2008-01-08 19:58:00
(from Lorinser Press Release) Short for power Smart with 104 hp.There can be no doubt: the Smart Fortwo has what it takes to become a cult vehicle. Thanks to Sportservice Lorinser Smart owners will now rob drivers of other vehicles not only of their parking space but also of the pole position at the traffic light. The Swabian tuning firm was able to boost the performance of the three-cylinder turbo engine from 84 hp to 104 hp. Add to the mix a weight of less than 800 kilograms and a semi-automatic transmission that is much faster than the one built into its predecessor and you are talking about a vehicle that has dynamic road performance written all over it. Even the factory-tuned model is no match for this kind of performance. This rear-wheel powered vehicle accelerates to 100 km/h in much less than 10 seconds and can go up to 180 km/h. Since the speed of the production model is electronically limited to 145 km/h, the Lorinser Smart upgrade also features an updated speedometer.Afte...
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2008 Volvo C70 Caresto Edition
2008-01-08 19:58:00
(from Volvo Press Release) The Caresto V8 Speedster brings its posh new C70 cousin along to SEMA. The Caresto V8 Speedster makes a comeback at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas - accompanied by its posh cousin, the stunning Volvo C70 Caresto Edition ."The Speedster is a dream car that few people can afford, while the new C70 is the affordable distant relative. Two very different cars, but put them next to each other and you see that they dropped from the same family-tree," says specialist car builder and customizer Leif Tufvesson.Leif Tufvesson is one of Sweden's most skilled specialist car builders and customizers. Many of his cars have received widespread international acclaim. He is the man who built the Caresto T6 Roadster and V8 Speedsters, shown by Volvo at the 2005 and 2006 SEMA Shows, respectively, in Las Vegas. And now Leif is back again in Vegas with the V8 Speedster - plus a refined version of the new C70 convertible.Inspired by the Speedster, Leif has put his own personal...
More About: 2008 , Ares

Detroit Auto Show Scan Of Facelifted RX-8 Leaks Onto The Web
2008-01-08 19:58:00
We have a scan of the a facelifted RX-8 for those tempted to give in and buy a new Mazda RX-8 before the next generation RX-9 is available for purchase.The rotorheads over at Mazda-Madness.nl managed to pick up this Japanese mag story of the Mazda RX-8 RS, which will bow at the Tokyo Auto Salon and include those fierce looking wheels, Recaro seats (as pictured), spoiler and new rear suspension.We'll get to see the slightly upgraded RX-8, probably sans some of those goodies, at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show . If it maintains this look it'll definitely be what most consider a mild refresh, with most of the enhancements in the usual places (bumpers, lamps, et cetera). [MazdaMadness via: World Car Fans]© Source: jalopnik
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Detroit Auto Show: Mazda Furai
2008-01-08 19:57:00
So we were all teased with the Mazda Furai teaser photo a few weeks back -- that's the concept car we'll be seeing from the brand all about the "Zoom-Zoom" in two weeks at the Detroit Auto Show . Now we can be teased with the full press shots thanks to Automobile letting the cat out of the bag a wee bit early (and thanks to Edmunds dropping the veil completely). So take a gander at the press shots below and hit the jump to again find out what we know about this concept car cum Courage C65 chassis."Furai takes Mazda's unique Nagare (Japanese for "flow") design language a step further as it is translated into a concept car based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racing car. The car utilizes the Courage C65 chassis the company campaigned in the ALMS series only two seasons ago, and the 450-hp three-rotor rotary engine that distinguishes it from anything else on the track."© Source: jalopnik

Detroit Auto Show :Toyota Reveals New Honda Ridgeline, Calls it the A-BAT C
2008-01-08 19:57:00
This is it -- whatever "it" is. Actually "it" is Toyota 's newest concept they'll be bringing to the Detroit Auto Show in two weeks, the A-BAT Concept Pickup Truck. And A-BAT is more than just a winged rat, it's an acronym for "Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck." That's a name that has us kinda scratching our heads. How did Toyota name a concept vehicle a "breakthrough" when it looks like the love child of some sort of menage-a-truck involving the Honda Ridgeline, the Chevy Avalanche and the Toyota Prius. Yeah, you heard us -- the Toyota Prius -- you know, for that tint of green.But despite what appears to our eyes as the obvious Ridgeline-esque styling, Toyota claims the look of this unibody-platformed concept truck is unique -- based on "the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius." But don't think for a moment this concept is all car and no truck. The A-BAT's able to shed the five-person crew-cab-like set-up with a tiny four-foot bed and transform i...

2008 Audi A5 Review
2008-01-08 19:57:00
IntroductionPassion over practicality? When one is shopping in the luxury sport coupe segment, most definitely. Luxury sport sedans provide virtually identical performance and comfort plus extra practicality, but sometimes the passionate pull of a coupe's swanky body style is too strong to resist. And when it comes to style, not much else in this class can match the 2008 Audi A5 coupe.All-new for this year, the A5 (as well as its high-performance sibling, the S5) is instantly desirable thanks to its curvaceous sheet metal, which performs the rare task of being both elegant and muscular. Backing up this bionic Jaime Summers-like bod is Audi's direct-injected V6 that makes 265 horsepower, a six-speed transmission (manual or automatic) and Quattro all-wheel drive.Although much of the A5's platform is shared with the A4 sedan, there are a few key differences that further the coupe's sporting intentions. Among those tweaks are a new front suspension design, a longer wheelbase and a r...
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KTM X-Bow with 2.0T Power To Make Autosport Show Debut
2008-01-08 19:56:00
? High-performance KTM X-Bow two-seater extreme sportscar to be shown at NEC for first time? Unique show car to appear in sparkling ?Gleaming White? bodywork? Series production scheduled to begin in Graz, Austria during 2008? Customer order bank for road-legal track car is growing stronglyKTM Power sports AG has confirmed that its stunning new X-Bow sportscar will be exhibited at the Autosport International Racing Car Show starting on 10 January.The lightweight, high-performance X-Bow marks motorcycle manufacturer KTM?s groundbreaking move into the four-wheeled market, and will be presented to UK driving enthusiasts for the first time finished in the new optional ?Gleaming White? bodywork.The Autosport Show appearance will mark the KTM X-Bow?s fourth major show outing following its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show last year, its starring role at the 2007 Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai ? where it was voted one of the event?s ?Top Attractions? by vis...
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Suzuki X-Head Concept
2008-01-08 19:56:00
According to Suzuki , this pert little number exhibits the road performance and toughness of the Jimny and the load-carrying capability of the Carrry. (Yes, Suzuki really does produce an SUV named "Jimny.") Essentially the company is saying that the X-Head is a cross between an SUV and a pickup truck, which you might have already picked up on.The concept looks as if it could ride on a wheelbase as short as the Carry's (93 inches), a vehicle so small that moped maker Piaggio rebadges them for Europe. The X-Head's big-rig styling is pug-cute. Shrinking the characteristics of a full-size thing and applying them to a tidy little package often results in something quite attractive. Call it the Eva Longoria effect.With essentially no front or rear overhang, big ol' mudder tires and a tiny wheelbase, Suzuki X-Head would make a wicked little off-roader. And look, a little Suzuki dirt bike fits in the bed. What a coincidence! The wall of the cargo bed conceals storage compartments accessi...
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2008 Bailey Blade Prototype
2008-01-08 19:56:00
from Bailey Speed) Blade Proto type overview:This car was designed to capture the look and feel of old school automobiles with a hint of modern touches. This is a full performance car built with modern advancements. Big V8 fuel injected power plant up front riding on a tubular hybrid chassis with full independent suspension. The addition of belly pans and rear splitters are added to keep down force up without the need of a giant rear spoiler.Powertrain:Engines types range from Roush 400HP to 500+HP. The B1 engine compartment is designed to accommodate most small block engines including the newer Ford modular 4.6L engines.Suspension:Several suspension types can be applied. Standard equip is a fully adjustable independent rear suspension with adjustable shocks. Front suspension utilizes adjustable upper and lower control arms and with adjustable performance shocks. The rear end can be swapped with a Ford 9" or 8.8" straight axel with 4-Link or 3-Link rear control arms. Also included ar...
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2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Preview
2008-01-08 19:55:00
The four-cylinder Vue and Aura Green Line s have been on sale for months, offering drivers a practical, low-cost green option. An even greener choice (in terms of MSRP) will be the Vue Green Line 2 Mode . It arrives in dealerships later this year, and showcases GM's first front-wheel-drive application of their two-mode hybrid technology that was co-developed with BMW and the old DaimlerChrysler.The 2009 Green Line 2 Mode is built on an excellent foundation. You likely know the Vue is an unrepentant clone of the Antara sold in Europe through GM's Opel division. Our miles spent in the Vue/Antara have been singularly pleasing, and based on our experience in GM's full-size SUVs with the two-mode technology, we have high expectation for the more sophisticated Vue 2 Mode.While we can't comment on how the new Vue hybrid drives, we can tell you what GM told us leading up to the little ute's Detroit auto show introduction. The powertrain combines GM's corporate 3.6-liter direct-injected ...
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