A month before the Eos starts its career in the US (October 2, 2006 with prices starting fro the 3.2 at $36,850), Volkswagen's California Design Center decided to debut a concept version of the all new Coupe-Convertible at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (August 18-20).

Apart from it's name, the Highway 1 distinguishes itself from the stock Eos thanks to its 1 inch lower stance (due to a coil-over suspension system from H&R Special Springs), new 20 x 8-inch Mille Miglia multi-spoke alloys and wide 245/30 Continental performance tires and finally, a discrete boot-lip spoiler.

In the interior, the Highway 1 gets upgraded with special 2-tone leather upholstery and piano black lacquer trim plus a thick flat-bottom sport steering wheel. No surprises under the hood as the Eos Highway 1's drive train features a standard 250Hp 3.2-liter V6 that’s combined with VW’s innovative DSG double-clutch 6speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.

Technorati: Volkswagen+Eos, Highway+1, Pebble+Beach+Concours+d’Elegance, concept, VW, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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Remember the Peugeot 406 Coupe based "Ferrari 360 Modena" Replica (click here: Carscoop) posted a few days ago? If you thought that was impressive take a look at this Lamborghini Murcielago imposter from the German based company, Cyclone.

According to Cyclone, this Murcielago replica has a barred frame made of stable steel struts whereas other supporting parts of the body are made of glass fibre, connected by rivets and special glue. As for the range, this replica can be fitted with three engines (mid-mounted), all with the compliments of Audi:

• Cyclone V8 - 64.482 euros (without VAT) - 334Hp 4.2 V8 engine from the Audi S4 (0-62 mph /100 km/h in 4,9 sec)
• Cyclone S8 - 70.517 euros (without VAT) - 360Hp 4.2 V8 engine from the previous Audi S8
• Cyclone W12 - 76.551 euros (without VAT) - 450Hp 6.0 W12 engine from the Audi A8 W12

Via: Autoblog.it

Technorati : Lamborghini+Murcielago, Replica, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

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The first totally uncovered image of Nissan's upcoming Qashqai submerged into to the net, a month before its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show.

Based on the homonymous concept which was revealed in the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai will try to grab the attention of European buyers who find C-segment models like the VW Golf and Opel Astra a tad compromising and boring. According to Nissan, the Qashqai will combine characteristics from C-segment hatchback, SUV and MPV models (sounds very familiar to the Dodge Caliber concept, doesn't it ?).

Although the production version seems to stay very close to the concept iin terms of design, it is not sure yet if 4wheel drive will be standard on all versions of the Qashqai.

Practically, the Qashqai, which is named after a southern Iranian nomadic tribe, will take on the role of the Almera & Primera in Nissan's European line-up. This is the second model in Nissan range that tries to lure buyers from different categories. The first one was the mini-MPV, Note which aims at buyers who want a B-segment sized car (Fiat Punto, Renault Clio etc) with C-segment interior space (Peugeot 307, Opel Astra etc).

In other words, Nissan has accepted its defeat in mainstream segments in Europe, focusing now on more niche -and less competitive, categories. After seeing what happened to companies like Fiat, who can blame them ?

Technorati: Nissan+Qashqai, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006spy, scoops, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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EA announced the first cars that will be included in it's new version of "Need For Speed" dubbed Carbon, which will hit the roads in a few weeks. Apart from the Dodge Challenger Concept, the Aston Martin and the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO we saw on the promotional trailer of the all new NFS -click here to see the trailers: NFS Carbon, gamers will also get a chance to drive these 12 cars:

2003 BMW M3 GTR
2006 Porsche Cayman S
2006 Nissan 350 Z
2004 Lamborghini Murcielago
2006 Ford Mustang GT
2007 Audi Le Mans Quattro
2004 Lotus Elise
1998 Toyota Supra
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera
2006 VW Golf R32
2005 Mercedes CLK500
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT-8

Technorati: Need+For+Speed+Carbon, EA, games, Playstation, Xbox, Nintedo, PSP, Game+Boy+Advance, PC, Dodge+Challenger, muscle+cars, video, clip, auto+news,automobile,autos,vehicles,automotive,cars

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Two totally uncovered pictures of the 2007 Commodore HSV have found their way to the net after a mix-up in embargo dates between GM's subsidiary and an Australian government department who mistakenly published them a few days before the official unveiling -Monday 21 August.

The car shown in the pictures is speculated to be the Clubsport edition. Apart from the bodykit and the rims, the most significant change on the Commodore design are the brand new rear light clusters. Unfortunately, there's no official info on the specs yet. Via: drive

Technorati: Holden+Commodore, HSV, Clubsport, spy, scoops, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Although it seems quite lame having a Coupe and a Coupe-Cabrio version of the same model, BMW doesn't seem to wink an eye. The latest proof comes from these two pictures that leaked into the net.

The first one, scanned from an unknown magazine, wants us to believe it's the real thing -although it could easily be a photoshop. The other one, allegedly taken from a mobile-phone in one of BMW's German factories, gives us a glimpse of the Coupe-Cabrio's interior and it's three piece retractable roof. Although I can't say for sure if they're the real-deal, I'm pretty sure that we won't have to wait a long time till the official photos find their way in the net.

Technorati: BMW+3+Series, Coupe-Cabrio, E92, spy, scoops, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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As you can see from this teaser that was released on the company's Japanese site, Mitsubishi is getting ready to update its Pajero SUV -called Shogun in the UK. The updated version will make its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Available in three or five door versions, the 2007 Pajero will also feature a new 3.8 litre V6 petrol engine.

Technorati Tags: Mitsubishi+Pajero, Shogun, 2007, Paris+Motor+Show, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Ok, you read the press release and you saw the pictures, but you still want more. Well, "mama" BMW can't possibly leave you dissatisfied, can she... Take a look at the following promotional videos of the basic 2007 MINI Cooper and it's turbocharged brother, the Cooper S

MINI COOPER - PART 1

MINI COOPER - PART 2

MINI COOPER S Turbo - PART 1

MINI COOPER S Turbo - PART 2

Technorati: MINI+Cooper, Cooper+S, 2007, video, promotional+video, clips, Paris+Motor+Show, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Well this comes to us a big surprise... A few weeks after Kia revealed the first photos of its all-new c-segment family car at the recent London Motor Show, they announced today that it will be called... "cee'd" (pronounced "seed"). Ring a bell ? Of course it does, as it takes the name given to its concept-car predecessor .

Anyways, the 2007 cee'd is set to make its world premiere in production-ready form at the Mondial de L'Automobile in Paris on 28 September hitting European showrooms by the end of the year.

Update: New interior pictures

To see more pictures of the 2007 Kia cee'd, click here: KIA

Technorati: Kia+cee'd, 2007, press+release, Paris+Motor+Show, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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I'll be damned if most of your friends won't drool all over you when they see you in this stunning Ferrari 360 Modena Replica, made by Extreme Cars. Judging by the photos, these guys seem to have done quite an impressive job in turning a humble Peugeot 406 Coupe into a jaw dropping Ferrari.

According to Extreme Cars, the replica kit, which consists of numerous exterior panels (doors, mirrors, roof, lights, bumpers etc) and an interior package (centre console, seats etc) costs about 17.000 Euros or 22.000 USD. Extreme Cars says that an average kit takes approximately 100 hours to assemble. If you want Extreme Cars to do the job for you, then the you'll have to take out another 17.000 Euros or 22.000 USD from your bank account. Add to that of course the cost of buying a Peugeot 406 Coupe.

Think that even if this is just a Replica, its a shame that this car's engine is in the front powering the front wheels? Well, if your into more "extreme" sports, Extreme Cars announced that it is programming a limited run edition which will get two 3.0 V6 engines - one in the front and one in the rear, available for about 45.000 USD or 35.000 Euros. Although -unfortunately, the beautiful pin-up girls on the pictures won't be available even as an extra, they'll sure as hell want to take a ride with you... via: Autoblog.it

Technorati: Ferrari+360+Modena, replica, Peugeot+406+Coupe, tune, Tuning+news, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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No more teaser photos and speculations as Mini came out today with the full press release of the 2007 Cooper & Cooper S versions. The two new models will make their world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September with sales commencing before the end of the year.

UPDATE - CHECK OUT THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS HERE: 2007 MINI COOPER & COOPER S

2007 MINI IN DETAIL

Exterior -Unmistakable features of MINI design: Every body panel has been re-designed, but MINI's successful form has been retained. The MINI design team brief was continuity in concept, whilst modernising traditional design details and engineering features. The second generation new MINI remains immediately recognisable visually and dynamically.

The typical MINI characteristics of short body overhangs front and rear, the famous wheel-at-each-corner stance and the high shoulder line rising towards the rear have all been retained, as well as the hexagonal radiator grille and the large, round headlights.

Subtle changes: The new MINI has grown slightly in size from the first generation in order to fulfil future safety requirements. The new MINI Cooper is 60mm longer than its predecessor and the new MINI Cooper S, 61mm longer. But to maintain the car's unmistakable proportions, the designers matched the increase in size at the front by giving the car more rounded contours at the rear.

The round, clear-glass headlights are now fixed to the body and have been turned slightly to the outside to maintain the geometry of the car from the front. The indicators, formerly isolated in the front valance, are now housed within the main headlight units.

The radiator grille is now made up of a closed, self-contained element without the former dividing line made by the upper edge of the bumper. This design is reminiscent of the air intake scoop on the classic Mini.

The MINI Cooper S has a "stronger" front end due to the bonnet curving up approximately 20mm more to provide extra space for the turbocharged engine underneath and to meet pedestrian impact regulations.

Rising gently to the rear, the shoulder line is now 18mm higher than on the former model and visually accentuates the powerful stance of the car's body. The rear lights are now slightly larger and feature separate external surrounds.

On both models, vertical air flow edges on the C-pillars and individual spoilers at the rear end of the roof enhance the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard than before. The MINI Cooper now has a drag coefficient of 0.33. (0.35 on the previous model).

Customisation of the new MINI starts with a wide range of paintwork colours. 12 body colours will be available, seven of which are brand new.

Interior re-interpreted: The changes in the interior design of the new MINI are as comprehensive, but more immediately visible, than on the exterior. The design of the instrument controls and feel of the surfaces inside the car offer an air of premium quality.

Still the most striking feature inside is the Centre Speedo. It now comprises not only the analogue speedometer, but also all entertainment and, as an option, navigation functions.

The centre console below the Speedo is slimmer to create more space in the footwells for driver and front passenger. The door lock blipper and ignition key is now a round signal sensor. When inserted into a slot beside the steering wheel it allows the driver to press a start/stop button to switch the engine on and off.

New ambient illumination included in the optional lights package is unique in the automotive industry. The colour of the interior lights in the roof lining, the door storage compartments and grab handle recesses may be changed at any time in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue, depending on the occupants personal preference. This is controlled from a new panel of toggle switches in the roof lining. The toggle switches in the dash that operate the electric windows, seat heating and central locking were a real hit with current MINI owners and have been made larger on the new MINI.

A Colour Line option allows individual design of the MINI cockpit. Colour highlights in the lower sections of the dashboard flow on into the door linings, where they are combined with the materials on the trim surfaces. Colour Line is available in five colour shades, with the trim surfaces coming in four exclusive variants over and above the versions already standard on the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S: glossy black piano paint, dark brown grained oak, brushed aluminium, and an extra-fine gloss surface.

A set of 16 chrome-plated trim rings for the air vents, cupholders and instruments gives the interior an even more sophisticated look. In the rear, passengers are offered more comfort with recessed knee cut-outs in the front seats lined with material rather than the traditional plastics.

Mini Cooper - Fully variable valve management instead of a throttle butterfly: The 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated power unit in the MINI Cooper develops maximum output of 120hp at 6,000rpm. Engine torque reaches 140Nm at just 2,000rpm, peaking at 160Nm once the engine reaches 4,250rpm. The MINI Cooper accelerates from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 9.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 126mph (203 km/h).

This ultra-modern four-cylinder features fully variable valve control based on the BMW Group's unique VALVETRONIC system. This innovative valve management system adjusts intake valve lift and opening times within fractions of a second to meet the power and performance requirements of the driver. The big advantage is that it replaces the conventional throttle butterfly on "normal" engines to translate any movement of the throttle pedal directly into engine speed instantly.

In addition to variable control of valve lift on the intake, valve timing is also controlled on the outlet stroke. This enhances the torque curve to deliver not only high torque at low engine speeds, but also high power at high speeds.

Together these two technologies reduce fuel consumption, depending on the route the driver is covering, by up to 20 per cent. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is down by approximately 12.5 per cent. The CO₂ emissions on the MINI Cooper are now 139g/km and 164g/km on the MINI Cooper S -a reduction of 43g/km.

MINI Cooper S: twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection: Displacing 1.6-litres, the four-cylinder turbocharged power unit of the MINI Cooper S now develops an impressive 175hp, up 5hp on the outgoing supercharged engine. Maximum engine power comes at 5,500rpm, with peak torque of 240Nm being maintained consistently between 1,600 and 5,000rpm. When accelerating hard, torque rises to an even higher level of 260Nm by briefly increasing charge pressure through a system named "overboost". It covers the 0-62mph (100 km/h) sprint in 7.1 seconds and achieves a top speed of 140mph (225 km/h).

The MINI Cooper S engine is a Direct Injection petrol power unit. Intake air is pre-compressed by a twin-scroll turbocharger complete with intercooler. Exhaust gases meanwhile are split and forced through the exhaust ducts of two cylinders each, separated from one another in the exhaust gas manifold and the turbocharger. Response time when accelerating is virtually instantaneous.

The high performance of the MINI Cooper S is also enhanced by advanced valve management -four valves per cylinder being operated by two overhead camshafts. The camshaft on the intake side comes with infinitely variable valve timing to manage both engine output and torque while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled in order to off-set the higher temperature loads typical of a turbocharged engine.

Innovative technologies around the engine: The Hams Hall-constructed engines featured in the new MINI boast a wide range of innovative technologies. The two-piece bedplate structure of the crankcase, for example, is sophisticated technology derived from motor sport. The cylinder block and bearing housing are made of cast aluminium alloy, while the camshafts on both engines are composite structures, not the usual castings, in order to reduce weight.

The on-demand water pump in the coolant circuit helps to reduce fuel consumption since it is only activated when the engine has reached its regular operating temperature. This helps to save fuel in the warm-up phase and the catalyst is able to reach the temperature required for optimum operation earlier.

Manual Gearshift and Automatic Transmission: Both the new MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, a six-speed automatic transmission will become available for both models. Paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually without removing his hands from the wheel.

Chassis and Sports Suspension: As with the first generation, spring and damper settings tune the chassis and suspension set-up of the new MINI Cooper S to be firmer and more dynamic than the MINI Cooper. As an option both models are available with an identical Sports Suspension set-up, comprising harder springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Front-wheel drive, a low centre of gravity, a long wheelbase, wide track, short body overhangs, a stiff bodyshell and the firm suspension all interact to determine MINI's unique go-kart feeling.

The front axle is based on the MacPherson spring strut principle and features an anti-roll bar to reduce body sway to an absolute minimum. The central-arm rear axle is new to MINI and unique in this segment. Its longitudinal track control arms are made of aluminium that reduces weight by 6 kilos over the former model.

Benefiting from the sophisticated kinematics of the new suspension, the wheels offer improved grip over even more extreme cambers. The rear axle is equipped with an anti-roll bar on both model variants that makes a decisive contribution to the car's famed agility, poise and safe handling.

New electromechanical power-assisted steering: The new EPAS (Electric Power-Assisted Steering) makes a significant contribution to the pin-point behaviour of the new MINI. Speed-related power assistance guarantees low steering forces when parking and, at the same time, precise responses at high speeds on the motorway.

The electric system offers the driver a choice of two different steering control maps. The standard set-up ensures a well-balanced steering response in all speed ranges. The second map is activated when the Sport button is pressed and the power steering becomes even more direct. The electronic map for the accelerator is also modified by the Sport button to give a more instant response.

Run-flats as standard on MINI Cooper S: The MINI Cooper comes as standard with 15-inch light-alloy rims and 175/65 R 15 tyres. Run-flat tyres are standard on the MINI Cooper S that has 16-inch light-alloy rims running on 195/65 R 16 tyres. In the event of a puncture, Run-flat tyres allow drivers to continue their journey for 90 miles at speeds of up to 50mph. Run-flats also provide stability in the event of a blow-out or sudden deflation. Seventeen-inch rims running on 205/45R Run-flat 17 tyres are available as an option on both models.

Safety at all times: Six airbags are standard consisting of front, side and curtain head airbags for the driver and front passenger. The extra-large curtain airbags (integrated in the roof lining) offer optimum protection from head injuries for the rear passengers.

Active safety is ensured in critical situations by ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution and CBC Cornering Brake Control as standard on both models. ASC+T Automatic Stability Control + Traction is standard on the MINI Cooper S with on-off control by the driver, and as an option DSC Dynamic Stability Control.

Included within the option of DSC is Hill Assist. This feature holds a manual MINI on the brake when setting off on a gradient to prevent it from rolling back.

Passive safety was another primary aim of the new MINI's designers and the new car offers all the prerequisites for optimum results in crash tests.

The transverse engine of the new MINI combined with the extra-large deformation zones at the front absorbs most of the impact forces in the event of a collision. Highly stable crossbars and reinforced door structures also help to keep impact energy away from the passenger cell. The same effect is provided by the front axle absorbing energy and passing impact forces on through the floor of the car.

The electric fuel pump is switched off automatically in the case of a severe accident to prevent any chance of a fuel fire. At the same time the central locking is opened and both the interior lights and hazard warning flashers are immediately activated to attract attention.

Technorati: Mini+Cooper, Cooper+S, 2007, specifications, press+release, Paris+Motor+Show, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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As if Ford would have let it's arch-rival GM, conquer the video-blogosphere with its upcoming Chevrolet Camaro... Beside releasing more photos and info on the 2007 Shelby GT, Ford came out with a video clip on its fordboldmoves.com website revealing the "Go Fast" decision-making and development process of it's new Shelby designed, "pony".

Video has been removed due to the problems it causes when uploading

Technorati: Ford+Shelby+GT,Mustang, muscle+cars, Hertz, video, clip, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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Following last week's foreplay, Ford came out today with a pack of pictures and more info on the forthcoming Mustang Shelby GT.

The retail version of the Mustang Shelby GT-H (available only through select Hertz rental centers) features a 4.6 liter V8 producing 325 hp and it will occupy a niche between the Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500 both in performance and appearance. It will only be offered as a coupe and in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black and production will be limited to less than 10,000 models in volume.

Leaving aside Ford's weird sense of "limited production models", the Shelby GT will hit dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2007.

Press Release

Exterior Cues: The Shelby GT will be offered only as a coupe, and only in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black. Both colors are accented by silver LeMans-style racing stripes - a signature detail of classic Shelby Mustangs. The LeMans stripes extend over the hood, roof, and trunk, and are complemented by matching side stripes with "Shelby GT" nomenclature.

The powerful face of the Shelby GT features a unique front fascia, with a more aggressive lower air dam. The brushed-aluminum grille is accented by an offset Mustang logo. In addition, the Shelby GT has a new hood scoop that comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster.

The side profile features chrome-finished 18 inch wheels and unique side scoops just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames the larger dual exhaust tips, and is topped by Shelby badging on the trunk lid.

Interior Cues: Inside, features include "Shelby GT" logo floor mats and custom sill plates with Shelby GT nomenclature. In addition, the Shelby GT features an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as matching tag underhood. This tag features the CSX number, which is recorded in the Shelby Automobiles registry.

Chassis Modifications: The Shelby GT driving dynamics are fine tuned with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, which was developed by the same engineers that developed the Ford Racing FR500C, which won the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship. New coil springs drop the overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half for a more aggressive stance and reduced body roll.

Stiffer dampers and front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and body control. To showcase the key performance modifications, Ford Racing painted all the key suspension components, including the damper, spring, and swaybar Ford Racing Blue.

A front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure, and P235/55ZR18 high-performance tires maximize the benefits of the chassis upgrades.

Upgraded V8 Engine: Under hood, the Ford Racing Power Pack increases the output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, 4.6 liter V8 to 325 hp, and 330 pound-feet of torque. The Power Pack includes a 90 millimeter cold-air intake and a new performance engine calibration for improved response. The high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V8 exhaust note. A shorter rear-axle ratio is installed to capitalize on the Shelby GT coupe's extra power, especially accelerating off the line. For Shelby GT models equipped with a manual transmission, a Hurst short-throw shifter is installed for more precise shift action.

Technorati: Ford+Shelby+GT, Mustang, Shelby, Hertz, Press+release, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

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