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De Tomaso Pantera revival could be based on the Gallardo

De Tomaso Pantera

We've heard rumblings of a De Tomaso Pantera revival for the last year or so, and now reports are appearing that suggest that the new car, if it ever sees the light of day at all, may not be the same Ford-powered mid-engined supercar that we've come to know and love. We could deal with the idea that the name might have to be changed to Panthera instead of Pantera, but basing the once Ford-powered classic on Lamborghini architecture as our source suggests would surely price the vehicle far out of reach for most of us. The Lamborghini Gallardo and the Audi R8 share similar underpinnings already, and these new rumors suggest that the Pantera re-dux would be based on the same platform and also pilfer the German-Italian V10 engine, which makes us wonder if the market is willing to accept three similar super cars, all with similar running gear and similar performance.

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2010 Acura NSX

2010 Acura NSX

Honda is testing for a long time now the NSX supercar; and even if it won’t be unveiled until 2010, Best Magazine gave us a pretty good idea of how the supercar will look like.

The NSX will be sold under the Acura badge, and will be powered by a 4.5 liter V10 engine that will deliver 550 hp. The AWD super will make the Nürburgring in just 7minutes and 30 seconds: better than the Porsche Carrera GT. The Japanese magazine expects the car to be priced between 12,500,000 and 15,000,000 yen (that’s $125.000-$150.000).

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Geely CE Concept

Geely CE

Via Autoblog Chinese, the parade of Beijing-bound debuts continues. Today we've got another one from Geely, which seems to be working to establish itself as a style leader in a sea of Chinese cars, the looks of which range from the vanilla to the bizarre. The renderings you see here show the Geely CE concept, a compact 5-door hatch that easily has the looks to appeal to shoppers outside of Geely's home market. If Geeley is able to bring this car to production and make it safe enough to meet Western crash test standards (something we have yet to see on anything remotely resembling a consistent basis from the Chinese manufacturers), it is going to make a lot of noise, particularly in Europe where a low-priced, stylish, compact hatch like this would sell like french fries at McDonalds. From what we've seen so far, Geely's 18-car Beijing parade is setting itself up to be a stylistic quantum leap over some of its ridiculous past concepts and mundane current offerings

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Bugatti Veyron - production increased

Bugatti production

Bugatti has decided to increase production of its €1 million-plus Veyron supercar. This way, the company will build 90 units instead of 85 this year, an executive at parent company Volkswagen group said.

To increase production, Bugatti could shorten the summer break at its plant in Molsheim, France, to one week from three, the executive said.

Bugatti has 220 customer orders for the Veyron. It has delivered 135 cars so far. The company has not said what it plans to do after it completes its 300-unit run of the supercar.

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Audi R4 denied

Audi R4

For almost a year, we've been hearing rumors from a variety of sources that Audi planned to build a mid-engine sports car that would utilize the Porsche Boxster's underpinnings after the Stuttgart crew takes a majority stake in Audi's parent company, Volkswagen. By most accounts, including a leaked product outline, the so-called Audi R4 was on its way to production by 2010. But according to Automotive News, the plans have been dashed due to Porsche executives who worry that the R4 could steal sales away from their beloved Boxster.

AN quotes an Audi spokesperson as saying that, "It was never in our product planning." While some industry insiders maintain that it's best to keep the VW/Porsche alliance separate, Nick Margetts, from the automotive analysis firm JATO Dynamics, maintains that the R4 never would have threatened Boxster sales. Margetts says that, "Audi drivers are very different from Porsche drivers," and we tend to agree.

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2008 SAAB 9-3 Vector Review

Engine: 1910cc four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 110kW @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 2,000 - 2,750rpm
Transmission: Sentronic Six-Speed Automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds (Claimed)
Top speed: 210km/h (Claimed)
Safety: ESP (with TCS); ABS (with BA, CBC & EBD); Front, Side and Curtain Airbags
NCAP rating: 5 Stars
Turning circle: 10.8 metres
Wheels: Alloy 17″ x 7.5″ (As Tested - Usually 17″ x 7″)
Spare Wheel: Space Saver
Fuel tank: 58 litres
Fuel consumption : 6.8 litre / 100km (ADR Combined Average)
Fuel type: Diesel
Towing Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
Weight: 1,509kg (Tare)

Take the 9-3 on face value and the car is quite impressive, rather stunning to look at and surprisingly comfortable to ride in, but start blending the various parts and practicalities together as a whole and you soon realise a few things could have been done a little better. Smooth parallel shoulder and hip lines carry unbroken through the length of the vehicle to a well finished rear end sporting frosted tail lights and high boot line.

2008 SAAB 9-3 Vector-12008 SAAB 9-3 Vector-22008 SAAB 9-3 Vector-3Upfront the 110kW 1.9 litre common-rail turbo diesel does a brilliant job of keeping things on the boil once moving and with thanks to a healthy 320Nm, pulls rather strongly mid gear. The down side however is that the performance suffers incredibly from (initial) turbo lag.

Braking though is good, reassuring, and a lot better than the 9-5, but the pedal feel is still somewhat firm and requires far more input than similarly priced European or Japanese rivals. Still the ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brings the 9-3 to rest confidently and drew little in the way of messy black dust all over the sporty 17″ alloys which was nice for a change come clean up time.

In all though SAAB 9-3 is a great looker, is cheap to run and is surprisingly comfortable. Whilst it does lack some of the driving finesse you’d expect of a premium brand, and though it could do with a little tweaking to satiate the needs of a fiercely fought price bracket, it’s has one unique thing going for it - people just love to admire it.

© Source: caradvice
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New KITT - OFFICIAL PHOTOS

The Knight Rider TV movie was not good. The updated, Shelby Mustang-based KITT looked undeniably cool (when not in Ugly... er... Attack Mode, at least), but the acting was wooden and the writing was a horror show. Still, the ending completely set up a potential ongoing story. Today comes word that the ratings were apparently good enough for the suits to give a thumbs-up for a new weekly series starting this Fall. Early reports suggest a Friday night timeslot is in the works, but that's subject to change; all will be known on Wednesday when NBC presents its early upfronts.

KITT-1KITT-2We'll assume that at the very least, stars Justin Breuning (Mike Traceur) and Deanna Russo (Mike Traceur's Girlfriend) will return to fill our flatscreens with emotionless line reading. And since voicing KITT should be a relatively easy payday for Val Kilmer, we'd expect him to reprise his role, as well. As for the Hoff, who walked on for a brief cameo at the end of the pilot, who knows? The big winner here is Ford, which now gets an hour-long weekly showcase for the Shelby GT500KR KITT. Based on the stupendously lousy pilot, however, we're going to put on our prognostication hats and set the over/under for this Knight Rider reboot at 10 episodes. Unless NBC ups the quality in a big, big way, the under is a lock.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Volvo V70 T6

For starters, the new Volvo V70 only comes in one guise for the Aussie market. The ‘T6’ title refers to the unit under the bonnet. The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder motor pulsates 210kW and a very brisk 400Nm of torque. Power is delivered via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. All these turbocharger shenanigans return a fuel consumption figure of 11.3-litres/100km – pretty modest when you consider the performance!

If the acceleration doesn’t blow you away, the handling certainly will. Coupled with a Haldex all-wheel-drive system, the V70 has tremendous grip through corners. Sitting on 18” wheels with 245-wide Pirelli Pzero tyres, grip levels are prodigious – making it the best way to drop the kids off to school and make it home before your favourite morning show begins.

2008 Volvo V70 T6 -12008 Volvo V70 T6-2The interior is typical Volvo – clean and sleek. The quality of materials used is extremely impressive, as is the fit and finish. The cabin is very quiet at highway speeds, indicating good cabin sealing. Front and rear leg room caters for families, with more than enough space for adults to stretch out.

The advanced key fob allows the drive to obtain information about the car’s status, meaning that you will never have to think back and try to remember if you have locked the car, as the key stores the last state.

Optional radar cruise control allows the driver to maintain a set distance between their vehicle and the car in front. This allows the driver to concentrate on one thing – driving. The system can also pre-emptively brake for the driver if it senses an impact is imminent, this further reduces the braking distance in the event of a collision.

Recommended Retail Price: $67,950

Options fitted: Radar cruise control ($3,950); Speed sensitive power steering ($750); sunglass holder ($100); Volvo navigation system ($3,950); sunroof ($2,150).

© Source: caradvice
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2010 Acura NSX - Rendered Speculation

We've known for quite some time now that the Acura NSX replacement would feature a V10 engine likely at the front of the vehicle and possibly powering all four wheels via a version of the brand's SH-AWD. Now that Nissan's amazing new GT-R has set a new standard for what a Japanese supercar can be, the next NSX had better be something impressive indeed, and rumors are that it will be just that.

2010 Acura NSXWhat we still don't know is what this car will look like, so we're very interested in what Japanese car-buff-mag Best Car claims is a rendering of the new NSX. If this is an accurate portrayal, we're glad that Acura stylists found a way to leave off the big metal triangular grill that is plaguing the rest of its lineup, as it just doesn't seem befitting for a sportscar. Although the only rendering offered is an angled shot from the drivers-side front, this coupe still seems a little generic to our eyes, but at least looks better than what we saw from the Advanced Sports Car Concept last year in Detroit.

Fans of Acura's first generation NSX are going to have a tough time waiting until 2010 for the next version to bow, but we're sure to have an endless stream of spy shots and a perpetually overactive rumormill to keep us busy till then.

© Source: autoblog
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Top 10 - 2008 Hybrids

The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), resulting in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are primarily achieved by four elements of a typical hybrid design:

1. recapturing energy normally wasted during braking etc.;
2. having significant battery storage capacity to store and reuse recaptured energy;
3. shutting down the gasoline or diesel engine during traffic stops or while coasting or other idle periods;
4. relying on both the gasoline (or diesel engine) and the electric motors for peak power needs resulting in a smaller gasoline or diesel engine sized more for average usage rather than peak power usage.

No. 1: Toyota Prius
MSRP: $21,100
EPA-estimated mileage (city/highway, mpg): 48/45

Toyota_Prius

No. 2: Saturn Vue Green Line
MSRP: $24,170
EPA-estimated mileage: 25/32

Saturn_Vue_Green_Line

No. 3: Honda Civic Hybrid
MSRP: $22,600
EPA-estimated mileage: 40/45

Honda_Civic_Hybrid

No. 4: Toyota Camry Hybrid
MSRP $25,200
EPA-estimated mileage: 33/34

Toyota_Camry_Hybrid

No. 5: Lexus RX 400h
MSRP: $41,280
EPA-estimated mileage: 27/24

Lexus_RX_400h

No. 6: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
MSRP: $33,700
EPA-estimated mileage: 27/25

Toyota_Highlander_Hybrid

No. 7: Ford Escape Hybrid
MSRP: $26,505
EPA-estimated mileage: 34/30

Ford_Escape_Hybrid

No. 8: Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode Hybrid
MSRP: $49,590
EPA-estimated mileage: 21/22

Chevrolet_Tahoe_2_Mode_Hybrid

No. 9: Saturn Aura Green Line
MSRP: $22,140
EPA-estimated mileage: 24/32

Saturn_Aura_Green_Line

No. 10: Lexus GS 450h
MSRP: $54,900
EPA-estimated mileage: 22/25

Lexus_GS_450h

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MOTO GP Race results - Jerez.

Race results - Jerez.

Full race results from the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, round two of the 2008 MotoGP season.

1. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 45min 35.121 secs
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 45min 38.004 secs
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 45min 39.460 secs
4. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 45min 45.263 secs
5. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 46min 2.645 secs
6. James Toseland GBR Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 46min 2.929 secs
7. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 46min 3.417 secs
8. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Scot Team (M) 46min 3.570 secs
9. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 46min 7.690 secs
10. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 46min 10.212 secs
11. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 46min 17.344 secs
12. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 46min 19.619 secs
13. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 46min 20.928 secs
14. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 46min 20.992 secs
15. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 46min 44.679 secs
16. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 46min 49.563 secs

DNF:
Colin Edwards USA Yamaha Tech 3 (M)
Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M)

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FIA chief Max Mosley embroiled in S&M sex scandal

Max Mosley
he world of motorsports was shocked by a report of a video tape which surfaced, allegedly showing FIA president Max Mosley participating in a bizarre sadomasochistic orgy. The reports emanate from British tabloid News of the World, but have been spreading rapidly across mainstream media and the motoring press.

The video reportedly depicts Mosley engaging the services of five prostitutes in London to stage a perverse reenactment of a Nazi concentration camp in which Mosley plays both victim and oppressor, alternately receiving lashes from a dominatrix and barking orders in German to the prostitutes dressed in pseudo-Auschwitz uniforms. The son of infamous wartime British fascist leader Oswald Mosley, who married Max's mother Diana in the presence of Adolf Hitler at a ceremony in the home of Nazi arch-propagandist Joseph Goebbels, Mosley had tried to help resuscitate his father's fascist political career before leaving politics for the world of motor racing. Meanwhile Mosley's closest allies include former Ferrari chief Jean Todt (the son of a Holocaust survivor) and Jewish business mogul Bernie Ecclestone, who has publicly come to Mosley's defense. Mosley is reportedly considering pursuing legal action against News of the World, while sources suggest the World Council of the FIA may be preparing a vote of no confidence in Mosley's leadership. In the meantime it's business as usual for Mosley, who is heading to Bahrain to preside over the grand prix there next weekend. (Thanks to David who brought this story to our attention.)

[Source: News of the World and The Times of London]

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2010 Cadillac BRX Caught - Spy Shots

Riding on GM’s new TE (Theta-Epsilon) chassis, this new, smaller Caddy will start production in May of 2009 at the Ramos Arizpe plant. The General will look to build about 75,000 units annually. Codenamed GMT166, Cadillac will share the TE platform with Saab for the 9-4x (GMT168) that starts production in the fall of 2009.

Powertrain choices will surely include the 300-hp, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 found in the CTS. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel variant is also in the works, however, it remains to be seen whether that model will be sold in U.S.

2010 Cadillac BRX Caught-12010 Cadillac BRX Caught-2Through the camouflage on this BRX prototype, we can see the production grill will follow the Provoq concept almost exactly, while the rear camouflage attempts to hide the true roofline - but we can tell the production greenhouse will swoop downward in the rear just as it does on the Provoq. Quite honestly, we don’t see many differences from the concept at all. It seems as if the tailfin taillights of the concept may even find their way to production.

Two things we did not see on the concept, but do see on the prototype, are the dual exhaust outlets integrated into the bumper. While shooting, we also noticed that the BRX will feature the same pop-up navigation screen found in the CTS sedan.

© Source: thecarconnectio
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Buyers dropping more coin on the 2008 Chevy Malibu

The 2008 Chevy Malibu has snatched up awards and media accolades, and JD Power data shows that customers are paying Chevy dealers handsomely to own one. The average transaction price of a Chevy Malibu is $22,358 -- $5,000 higher than the inherently uncool last-gen 'Bu. Twenty-one percent of buyers are also opting for the top-of-the-line LTZ vs. only 5% for the outgoing model.

2008 Chevy MalibuThe news isn't all rosy, however, as most of these customers are trading in other GM products to get themselves into the North American Car of the Year. Only 1.4% of buyers traded in a Toyota Camry, 1.3% swapped a Nissan Altima, and less than 1% turned in a Honda Accord. Those aren't exactly the kind of numbers GM will want to brag about, but at least the General is pulling in the equivalent of two Tata Nanos more per car than the last generation model did.

© Source: autoblog
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2009 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT will be E85 compatible

In Dallas, a businessman has spent half a million dollars to install nine pumps that dispense E85, E10, and biodiesel. The catch: the businessman is a HUMMER dealer, and the pumps are next to his dealership. The station is called Classic Clean Fuels, and it is intended to make a statement for next year's H2 and H2 SUT, which will be the first production models to be Flex-fuel capable.

2009 HUMMER H2You won't need to drive a HUMMER to get E85 at the station. The pumps are open to the public, a first for a dealer-owned gas station. By 2010, GM has said all HUMMERs will be biofuel-capable. GM plans to market 15 Flexfuel models next year, but only one percent of the country's service stations sell E85. GM is using that as an opportunity to open the public's (and dealers') minds to putting alternative fuel stations in alternative places.

Said GM's Larry Burns, "Down the road we may even want to consider hydrogen dispensers at dealerships."

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Chrysler Town and Country

Much has been made about the decline in popularity of the minivan. With the proliferation of crossovers and SUV-lights, one might think that the mommy-box market was tanking. After all, GM and Ford bailed on the segment, so it must not be viable, right? Wrong. The reality is that while the minivan market has shrunk some, with over a million annual sales it’s still a big sand box with room for perennial leader Chrysler to duke it out with its remaining competitors from Asia and Germany.

2008 Chrysler Town & CountryIntroduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is more squared-off styling represents an edgy departure from the Clorox bottle shape of the previous generation. Particularly from the rear, the van’s boxy design looks as if it were artfully drawn with a rafter square.

Perennial power
Chrysler’s 3.8-liter V-6 powers the Town and Country Touring model we tested. Two other V-6s propel the trim levels that bracket the Touring; the 3.3-liter on the LX and the 4.0-liter on the Limited. Our van’s powertrain included a six-speed automatic, and the combination provided more than adequate performance for this class of vehicle. With 197 horses, power was never lacking around town or on interstates.

Surprisingly quiet at highway speeds, the engine sounded rather raucous when the throttle blades opened wide. Unlike some competitive engines that emit a powerful but muted growl when poked, the 3.8-liter was aurally unrefined. Likewise, the six-speed shifted smoothly under most circumstances, but lost its buttery feel when rushed. Of course, this is a minivan and not a BMW sedan.

Outfitted with the 3.8-liter/6-speed, the Town and Country is said to deliver mileage of 16 city/23 highway. With its 20-gallon fuel tank, one could reasonably expect to cover over 400 miles between fill ups. We found no reason to doubt this estimate.

© Source: thecarconnection
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Barnum was Right: Pair of Mustangs Go for 300K at Barrett-Jackson

The new KITT

It was P. T. Barnu who built a fortune on the proposition that “[t]here’s a sucker born every minute.

A man whose mother apparently gave birth as the minute hand reached twelve paid $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach for a pair of “KITTt” Mustangs.

KITT, in case you’ve missed it, is the car that was the soul of the television show “Knight Rider,” long ago. The real KITT was a Pontiac. Though they’ve been offered on eBay, the real KITT cars have, so far, gone unsold at their asking prices, which have been less than was paid for the imitations.

But, the movie industry lacks for original ideas. So, the scions of imagination are bringing back the TV show as a film. This time Ford got the nod for the car job. (Apparently, they heard in Dearborn that GM had gotten the deal for “Transformers,” and thereby had secured its future in the marketplace.)

Now, it may have escaped you, but Ford has been doing a lot of special edition Mustangs. Roush may have reached the outer limits with the P-51 Mustang commemorative edition, but Roush has also been responsible for one done in Gulf racing colors and he’s probably going to do one in pink. Ford, at least, managed to avoid competing with Mary Kay when it did the breast cancer Mustang. That one was black, with a pink stripe South of the skeg line.

The demise of a car is generally preceded by myriad special editions. When it ain’t selling, putting a tape and trim package on it, a few more dollars on the sticker and then discounting the dickens out of it to the dealer is the solution.

And that’s exactly what Ford’s doing with the Mustang.

But, $300 grand for two clones of a car that’s really nothing more than an overdone Roush Mustang with a rear wing from a WWI Spad?

Barnum was right.

But wait – they sold because Jack Roush also sold his hat as part of the deal.

Wonder if Jack appreciates the irony:

His hat is worth more than his cars.

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Prius fighter: Honda reveals details about new global hybrid

Prius fighter

Honda's upcoming dedicated hybrid model is expected to debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a recent interview with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui revealed that the car will look similar to its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity. Although many upcoming hybrid models use lithium ion batteries (including the Chevy Volt and Honda's own FCX), Honda plans to stick with the tried-and-true nickel metal hydride technology for its new machine along with an engine derived from the Civic's, though smaller, lighter and with newly programmed electronics. Also like the Civic and Accord, the new hybrid model will use the same nameplate the world over; what that nameplate will be remains a mystery. Insight, anyone?

Expected to be priced below the Civic Hybrid, Honda hopes to sell 200,000 of its new hybrid model per year. We expect that the new machine will start an epic battle between Honda and Toyota for supremacy in the entry-level hybrid market, much as they already duke it out in the midsize sedan range with the Accord and Camry. Consumers only stand to benefit from the competition, so we look forward to more information as it becomes available.

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Motor Trend claims Nissan GT-R making at least 507 HP

Nissan gtr

For car buffs it's baffling (and pretty cool, too) to see a $70,000 Nissan weighing nearly 4,000 lbs whoop up on lighter, more powerful cars. The GT-R lapped more than five seconds quicker than a Corvette Z06 and 911 Turbo at Buttonwillow Raceway during Road and Track's test, and Car and Driver pulled off some pretty incredible numbers during theirs, running 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and the quarter mile in just 11.5 seconds. However, some have questioned the numbers. How does the GT-R, which has a weight-to-horsepower ratio 25% higher than the Turbo and Z06, beat both around the racetrack?

Motor Trend questioned the numbers too, and decided to check for themselves when they received a GT-R to review. They took the GT-R over to K&N Engineering in San Bernardino, CA, who strapped it to their in-house chassis dyno to see just how much horsepower the car was making. Three separate runs in fourth gear netted an average of about 430 horsepower at the wheels. Assuming a conservative 15% drivetrain loss, the GT-R is actually producing more than 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft torque at the flywheel. That helps explain the numbers, but it won't give 911 Turbo and Corvette Z06 owners any comfort. Thanks for the tip, Jake!

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2008 Ferrari F430 Coupe Review

Specifications
• Engine: 4.3-litre V8
• Power: 360kW @ 8500rpm
• Torque: 465Nm @ 5250rpm
• Transmission: 6sp Seq. Manual Auto-Clutch
• 0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds
• Max speed: 315km/h
• Fuel tank capacity: 95 litres
• Fuel type: minimum 95
• Fuel consumption (combined): 18.3-litres/100kms
• Weight: 1290kg (Tare Mass)
• Built in: Italy
• CO2 emissions: 420g/km

2008 Ferrari F430 Coupe-12008 Ferrari F430 Coupe-22008 Ferrari F430 Coupe-3The F430 bears a strong resemblance to the 360 that it replaces, however it’s a totally different creation. The two front intakes are not only inspired by the 156 F1 car that Phil Hill drove to victory n 1961, but also to cool the carbon-ceramic front brakes.

There are several features of the car that show just how scientific the design process was – the air flows in a vector between the twin struts of the wing-mirror, along a groove in the door and neatly into the rear intake cowls. Similarly, another aerodynamic work of genius draws air along the shut-line at the bottom of the doors and into another set of intakes, which service the rear brakes. A completely flat underside and rear splitter help to provide more down-force.

The biggest miracle of design is that the renowned Italian automotive designer, Pininfarina managed to achieve all of this and still managed to make this Berlinetta look fantastic, in an athletic kind of way. Unveiled in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, this F1-inspired mid-rear engined super car was launched in 2005. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 360 kW, 4.3-litre V8 (456 Nm of torque), has a lightweight aluminium chassis and body panels and is bristling with technology developed on the race track.

Advanced aerodynamics, suspension and the electronic differential (E-Diff) ensure that performance dynamics are nothing short of astounding. Ferrari F430 has a maximum speed of 315 km/h.

A welcome addition to the F430 is the Manettino switch. Explained briefly, this is an F1 style set-up selector on the steering wheel. In ‘Sport’ mode the suspension height is lowered and damping stiffness is increased, the engine management is reigned in and safety systems and traction control become less intrusive.

‘Race’ mode gives you a bit more and will let you slide enough to make you look like a superstar but there’s still enough safety stuff looking after you if you overcook it. In ‘CST/OFF’ mode, everything’s off and if you’re not a superstar, you’ll probably kill yourself.

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BMW M3 downsizing?

Future incarnations of the BMW M3 may no longer use the newly introduced V8 powerplant, with tougher emissions standards and environmental expectations encouraging BMW’s M division to seek more power from smaller engines.

BMW M3The BMW M3 has always featured powerful naturally aspirated engines, beginning with an inline-4 in the original which progressed to the iconic inline-6 and then finally the current high-revving V8.

However in order to continue producing faster and more powerful sports cars, BMW’s M division may create another first for the M3 - with BMW boss Norbert Reithofer expressing interest in the 223kW twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six as a possible alternative to displacement and cylinders.

The trend toward smaller engines doesn’t stop with the M3 range however, with BMW’s V8 diesel also likely to be replaced with a twin turbocharged I6.

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Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera production ends

Production of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera has ended in favour of the newly released LP560-4 Gallardo which made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Lamborghini Gallardo SuperleggeraDespite having only been in production for almost a year, the lighter and more powerful Superleggera was only ever intended as a limited production model.

Revisions to the Gallardo’s V10 engine raised maximum power to 388kW at 8000rpm and 510Nm, whilst a 70kg weight reduction meant it could accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

The Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo produces 412kW and 539Nm from its larger 5.2-litre V10 engine, out pacing the lightweight Superleggera in the sprint to 100km/h by 0.1 seconds.

CarAdvice will be bringing you a full review of not only the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera but also the stunning Gallardo Spyder in the coming week.

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2011 Rolls-Royce Sedan Spied

We nabbed some new spy shots of Rolls Royce’s new baby–dubbed internally as the RR4. Despite sharing some platform elements with the upcoming BMW 7-Series, the RR4 still manages to have entirely different dimensions–longer, wider and taller, with a longer wheelbase to boot. The RR4 has clearly been inspired by the Rolls-Royce Phantom, only a bit less ostentatious. The RR4 will give BMW a new entry to slot between the Phantom and the 7-Series, finally providing some meaningful cannon fodder for rival Bentley’s Continental Flying Spur.

2011 Rolls-Royce Sedan -12011 Rolls-Royce Sedan -22011 Rolls-Royce Sedan -3A range of engines have been rumored, including a detuned version of the Phantom’s 453-hp 6.75-liter V-12 engine, the BMW X6’s 407-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, or the 441-hp 6.0-liter V-12 from the current BMW 760i. The U.K.’s Autocar magazine also reports that a diesel is also a real possibility for the RR4’s engine bay

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Kia Koup Concept

from Kia Press Release) KIA DEBUTS KOUP CONCEPT AT 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

- Design Cues, Indicative of an Emotional and Powerful Driving Experience; Reflect Brand Evolution

- Distinctive "check mark" shape furthers the performance-inspired appearance;
Realistic interior design makes KOUP a true driver's car

2008 Kia Koup Concept-12008 Kia Koup Concept-2Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling" with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.

"The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies," said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. "Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers."

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager

Chrysler has released the all new 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager in Australia with a starting price of $56,990. The 2008 model has improved significantly, with the entry price only increasing by $1,000.

2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager-12008 Chrysler Grand Voyager-2The old 3.3-litre V6 engine has been replaced with a new 3.8-litre petrol V6 and, for the first time, a 2.8-litre turbo diesel is also available. Chrysler says there is more than 30 new improvements for the ‘original’ people mover. The new engines are now coupled to six-speed automatic transmissions which replace the aging four-speeds.

Other notable features include standard Reversing camera across the range, all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system, the availability of dual-DVD screens for second- and third-row entertainment and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System.

The most obvious change, however, is the all-new interior and exterior design which now resemble the rest of the Chrysler line-up. On first glance you might assume that the ‘all-new’ 2008 Grand Voyager is only a facelift. Not so.

© Source: caradvice
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2007 Kia Kee Concept

(from Kia Press Release) The all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept vehicle today made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Previously introduced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany, the Kee is an expression of the company's emphasis on design and incorporates styling cues that will establish a design language and identity for the brand.

2007 Kia Kee Concept-12007 Kia Kee Concept-2The Kia Kee (pronounced 'key') is a 4.3-metre long, four-seater, 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines resulting from a slightly lengthened greenhouse. It is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence that demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for Kia.

Designed in Europe under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the sports coupe concept is named Kee for several reasons. "Kee refers to the English word 'key' as the coupe embodies design elements which will become essential to the future 'look' of Kia vehicles," explains Schreyer. "The coupe also represents the 'key' which will open the door to success for our brand and acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word 'Ki' – the cultural concept for life-force or spiritual energy."

© Source: seriouswheels
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Voisin Concept

Voisin Concept

Unless you've got your automotive history books close at hand (or a Wikipedia bookmark), the name Avions Voisin won't spring to mind. The French bespoke automaker was established in 1919 and rivaled the likes of Bentley and Bugatti up until it's demise in 1939. Now, the Portuguese designer and founder of LusoMotors, Ernest Freitas, has decided to revive the deceased marque with the introduction of the Voison supercar concept.

Voisin Concept

Currently, it only lives in the CAD realm, but Freitas intends to build a full-scale model in the future to display at auto shows to gauge interest and public opinion. The technical details are scarce, but it's obvious that the concept is taking aim at the Bugatti Veyron, reviving the former rivalry, with power conceivably provided by a variant of Audi's V12 diesel engine.

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Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT2

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT2

Aston Martin Racing today unveiled the first official images of the Vantage GT2, which will make its race debut with James Watts Automotive at the first round of the Le Mans Series at Barcelona on 5 April.

Robin Brundle, Aston Martin Racing’s new managing director, said: “The new Vantage GT2 completes our product portfolio for 2008 with competitive cars now available in every category. Thanks to our experience with the DBRS9, we have been able to develop a bio-ethanol fuelled version, which will be eligible to compete in an increasing number of series now accommodating this greener fuel, including the American Le Mans Series.”

The Vantage GT2 has been designed to run on both standard and E85 bio-ethanol fuel.

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