Lexus launches GS450h hybrid

Politicians will be clamouring to make the most of the Lexus GS450h's green credentials.

The Lexus executive saloon produces 186g/km of carbon dioxide, which puts it in the 21 per cent company car tax band.

Not exciting stuff on its own, but far more catchy when you realise this is significantly lower than the slower BMW 535d's 211g/km.

The Lexus will see off 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds while still returning 35.8mpg.

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine combines with an electric motor to produce 335bhp, driving through a continuously variable transmission.

Prices for the GS450h start at £38,015 and it's on sale from May 19.

© Source: original article on topgear.com

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Russo-Baltique Impression

Russo-Baltique. Now there's a name you don't hear every day. In fact, this is the first I ever heard of it...

Apparently Russo-Baltique was a Russian carmaker back in the early part of the 20th century.

Snippet:
The Russo-Baltique car brand’s history begins in 1907 when a domestic autocar manufacturing was established by one of the largest industrial concerns in the Russian Empire. Two years had passed before the first car was built – a 30-hp open two-seater Russo-Baltique 24-30. First years of its existence were marked by outstanding performance in automotive sport competitions building up the reputation of a reliable, ideal and elegant model producer. In 1912, a special sport model, Russo-Baltique C24-50, won two first awards in the Monte-Carlo Rally, and the second award in the rally in San-Sebastian a year after that.

In 1913, Russo-Baltique was granted a title of an official supplier of His Highness the Emperor’s Court.

In 1914, the Russo-Baltique concern built the biggest aeroplane in the world – Ilya Muromets – developed by a remarkable Russian engineer Igor Sikorsky.

The First World War became a turning-point in the Russian history in general and the Russo-Baltique future, in particular. The subsequent Revolution brought an end to the Russo-Baltique production for many years.

The new Bugatti-like Russo-Baltique Impression pictured above has some pretty impressive specs:

• 555 hp bi-turbo V12
• 6-speed automatic
• 22" wheels
• Production of 2–3 per year, with a total production of 10–15 cars
• Price approximately 50 million rubles

© Source: original article on blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/

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2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept

Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans.

Specifications:

Engine : 6 liter LS2 V8 Weight
Aspiration : natural
HP : 400 hp
HP/Liter : 66.7 hp per

The Camaro Concept embodies the performance and passion that have made first-generation Camaros some of the most sought-after collector cars, updating the formula with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution. The goal is to make the sport coupe relevant to younger enthusiasts while retaining its appeal to its current fans.

“Millions of people of all ages fell in love with the Camaro for all of the right reasons,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “Camaros were beautiful to look at and offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs. Yet they were practical enough to drive every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers.”

Though only a show car at this point, the Camaro Concept is intended to explore customer reaction to design and engineering elements that might lead to an all-new version of the Camaro.
The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 400-horsepower aluminum small-bock V-8, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension.

Like its forebears, the Camaro Concept would be practical enough for everyday use. It features fuel-saving features like Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, yielding highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better. Its overall size is a comfortable fit for city streets and suburban parking lots, and its back seat provides occasional seating for two adults.

© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com

The Camaro is back for 2010 and you can count on American Muscle to bring you top of the line Chevy Camaro Parts.

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