UPDATE: NEW PICTURE GALLERY
PRESS RELEASE & VIDEO

Here it is in its official costume : Dodge's 2006 Paris Show Concept, the Avenger. As reported a few days ago from Carscoop (click here: 2008 Dodge), dont be fooled by the concept badge that the Avenger wears cause practically, what you're seeing in front of you is what you'll get when the production version begins its career in the US late 2007 and in Europe, early 2008. No info yet on what mechanical parts lay beneath the concept's body, but as for the production version don't expect any significant changes in comparison with Avenger's sister model, the 2007 Chrylser. More info coming soon.

Technorati: Dodge+Avenger, 2008, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, concepts, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile

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The "extra-terrestrial" C-Metisse might gather most of the flashes in Citroen's Paris stand, but when the show's lights close, this is the one that'll get all the attention. And why shouldn't it? The C4 Picasso has its own signature styling that sets it apart from most of the other euro MPV's like the boxy VW Touran and Ford C-MAX, without compromising on interior space. Apart from the 7seat edition shown in the video, the C4 Picasso will also be available in a 5seat version with different rear end styling (see more here: C4 Picasso 5S Scoop)

Technorati: Citroen+C4+Picasso, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, Mondial+de+l'Automobile2006cars, automotive, vehicles, Paris+International+Motor+Show,video

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5 million USD or roughly, a mere 3,3 % of the total cost of building the Turkish track: That's how much the FIA World Motor Sport Council estimated the Turk propaganda in the Turkish Grand Prix. For those who don't remember, Mehmet Ali Talat presented the trophy to the race winner, Felipe Massa. Talat was introduced on the podium as the... president of the Turkish Cypriot "state" - a pseudo entity recognised solely by the Turks since it's army illegally occupied the northern region of Cyprus in 1974.

And ok, the Turks wanted to play a political game, but what about FIA ? As Granprix site correctly remembers, the last time there was a podium problem was in Jerez in 1997. Then, local mayor Pedro Pacheco barged his way on to the podium, giving Daimler-Benz chairman Jurgen Schrempp who had been chosen to present the trophy a moment to remember. In that case though, which is a misdemeanour compared to what the Turks did , FIA cut the Jerez circuit from the Formula 1 World Championship.

And don't think for a moment that 5 million USD is a signigicant price to pay when politics are concerned -it's nothing. I really wonder how the Turks would have reacted, lets say hypothetical, if a Kurdish leader was invited to give a trophy in the next F1 Race representing the Northern Kurdish State of Turkey... via Autoblog.com & Granprix

Technorati: F1, FIA, Gran+Prix, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

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Remember the "bugs bunny" toothed AC Schnitzer Tension Concept of the 2005 IAA (Frankfurt Motor Show) that put all Bangle creations to shame (see the yellow colored 6 Series) ? Well, its no concept anymore as BMW specialist, AC Schnitzer decided to put this wacky looking version of the BMW 6 Series in production.

On the other hand, we should feel lucky that no more than 50 examples will be built. The conversion work will be performed exclusively by AC Schnitzer in Aachen. The only exceptions are the USA and Japan, where trained specialists perform the vehicle conversion locally.

AC Schnitzer Specs
-large air outlet edged in a chrome frame in the bonnet, front skirt with air intake
-front fenders with integral air outlet, three chrome ribs and the indicators
-two-colour paintwork, side skirts with air ducts, rear skirt, carbon diffuser, boot lid
-stainless steel twin exhaust system with chromed Sports Trim tailpipes
-sports mirrors, sports suspension (not for M6)
-lightweight forged wheels Type V in 9,0J x 20" and 10,0J x 20" with 245/35 ZR 20 front and 285/30 ZR 20 rear
-spring kit, aluminium strut brace (only M6)
-antiroll bar sets (optionally)
-5.1 l engine (optionally for 645i and 650i) with 550 Nm, 302 kW (411 hp)
-high performance brake system for the front axle with 8-pot fixed caliper (optionally M6)
-carbon interior trim in titanium
-3-spoke airbag sports steering wheel in leather with carbon applications
-automatic selector lever in carbon, combi-instrument with a speed display up to 320 or 330 km/h
-pedal set, foot rests, handbrake handle and cover for the "i-Drive" controller, velours mats
-black anodized aluminium placard silver serial number

Technorati: AC+Schnitzer, BMW+6+Series, tuning+news, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles,

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Surprise, surprise... Kia revealed the first images of its latest concept car that is scheduled to debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. Named pro cee'd, it's based on the new C-Segment (VW Golf, Opel Astra, Ford Focus, Peugeot 307 etc) Cee'd and it previews next year's 3d version.

"Following on from the original cee'd concept car we exhibited at the Geneva Show earlier this year, our design brief for pro cee'd was to create a teaser for the all-new Kia cee'd sporty hatch which will become the third model in the cee'd line-up (after the five-door and wagon) from December 2007," explained Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Kia, European Design Centre.

Have to admit that the Koreans did quite a good job on designing the pro cee'd and especially its rear end which has a hint of Audi in it -ok, it shouts out loud Inglosandt... Although we wont' ever see the chunky 265/30 R19 low profile tyres or the dramatic 4seat interior, lets hope that this time, Kia will remain much closer to the concept than it did with the 5door Cee'd when the 3door version goes in production next year.

Read about the new 3door, GTi (2.0 Turbo), Station Wagon and cabrio versions of the Kia Cee’d here : Inside info on upcoming versions

Technorati: Kia+pro+cee’d, 2007, concept, Kia+Cee’d, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile2006

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When Procrustes laid his victims on his torture bed, he'd stretch the ones who were too short until they died, or, if they were too tall, he'd cut off their limbs as to make them short enough to fit. BMW on the other hand may have stretched it's 5 Series to fit the Chinese mentality who seem to love LWB versions but at least they didn't "kill" it as these pictures prove.

Found on a Chinese forum called ChinaBMW forum, the images give us a glimpse of Bimmer's upcoming 5 Series LWB -or Procrustes if you prefer, that'll only be available in Asian markets. Apart from the longer wheel base, the 5-series also gets a few more goodies in the interior like a tray table for rear passengers and more entertainment options.

Technorati Tags: BMW+5+Series, LWB, China, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

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Subaru will make the European Premiere of its 2007 Legacy model at Paris. Highlights include the retuned suspension, small exterior and interior changes, and a new engine response system called Si Drive (for the 3.0 litre models) that allows the driver to select three completely different engine-response programmes allowing to choose between economy, normal or sporty characteristics. The modes are selected by a round dial on the centre console or via buttons on the steering wheel.

Technorati Tags: Subaru+Legacy, 2007, autos, Paris+International+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile2006

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"We feel it is in interests of our Land Rover business to have the Rover brand. We are acquiring it and we're not looking to sell it. We believe it is a valuable asset for us"

That's what a Ford spokesman told Reuters concerning the company's decision to exercise its right to buy the Rover brand name from BMW. What the spokesman didn't say is that Ford was "scared to death" when it heard that Chinese automakers SAIC and Nanjing (they have both brought the rights to manufacture former MG Rover models), where in contact with BMW to buy the Rover nameplate. Why? Well, imagine a Chinese made Rover SUV reminiscent of a Land Rover model...

Technorati Tags: Ford, Land+Rover, SAIC, Nanjing, PAG, Rover, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles,

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UPDATE - SEE THE FIRST PICTURES HERE: FORD MONDEO WAGON CONCEPT

In a previous post concerning this year's Paris Motor Show presentations (click here: Carscoop), one major car manufacture was absent: Ford. We've all heard several rumors to as what Ford will present at the French capitol, but nothing was sure, till now that is, as I've got an inside tip… And yes, the Mondeo will definitely make its debut at Paris in a near production form but it will also be accompanied by a, still unknown, brand new concept vehicle.

Curious ? Well, no problem as it's a matter of days -let's say, four, maybe even five days, depending on where you live, before Ford comes out with the official pictures and info on both vehicles. In the meantime, take a look at the scanned pictures from Top Gear magazine that give us a pretty good idea to as what the 2007 Mondeo will look like.

Technorati Tags: Ford+Mondeo, 2007, Ford+Mondeo+Wagon+Concept, autos, Ford+S-MAX, auto+news, car+news, automobile, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006, cars, automotive, vehicles, Paris+International+Motor+Show,

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Following the steps of its latest Roomster compact MPV, Skoda is giving us a preview of the 2007 Fabia B-Segment hatch in the form of the Joyster Concept. Making it's debut at the Paris Show, Skoda's 3door Concept borrows quite a few styling cues from the Roomster like the "invisible" black colored front pillars and the "tower" like rear headlights.

Doesn't look bad, but we better hold our pants till we see the production version which will be revealed in mid-2007. Like the present Fabia, Skoda's new supermini will yet again debut VW Group's new B-Segment platform which will base a series of models such as the next generation VW Polo & Seat Ibiza, maybe even Audi's future Mini Cooper competitor, the A2.

Technorati: Skoda+Joyster, Skoda+Fabia, 2007, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile

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The wonders of technology... Thanks to a cell-phone camera we've got an "inside look" on Citroen's forthcoming 5seater edition of the new C4 Picasso. As previewed a few months ago from a French magazine (see pictures bellow), apart from the seats, the basic difference between the 7seater C4 Picasso, which will make its world premiere at Paris, is a shorter rear end which has a more sporty styling thanks to more "arched" roof and the longitudinal placed light clusters. According to my information, the 5seat C4 Picasso will be presented at next years Geneva Motor Show in March with pan-european sales starting in July.

Technorati: Citroen+C4+Picasso, 2007, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile

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Hydrogen has its honour this week as few days after BMW announced that'll introduce the production ready, Hydrogen 7 in 2007, GM came out yesterday with it's proposition, based on the Chevrolet Equinox. Following a similar tactic with the Bavarians, GM will built a limited series of hydrogen-powered fuel cell Chevy Equinox's -about 100, which will be placed with selected customers in California, the New York metropolitan area and Washington, DC.

These test vehicles will be available as from fall 2007 and their main objective is to gain comprehensive learnings on all aspects of the customer experience in differing driving environments

2007 Chevrolet Equinox Hydrogen : Enabled by GM's fourth-generation fuel cell propulsion system, the Equinox Fuel Cell is a fully-functional crossover vehicle, engineered for 50,000 miles of life. Importantly, the Equinox Fuel Cell is able to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures during its 50,000-mile life. It is expected to meet all applicable 2007 U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Technorati: GM, Chevrolet+Equinox, 2007, Fuel+Cell, Hydrogen, Ecology, green+cars, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

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Here at Carscoop we love witty car commercials and I think Jeep has began the add race add with a head start judging from its first 30 sec TV spot for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler 2d & 4d Unlimited, called Lizard. The add campaign consists of five, "bug" themed, TV spots which will air officially on September 18th. via: Motorpasion

• TV Spot Descriptions
• Lizard opens on a lizard running across the desert floor. It sees the old Jeep Wrangler, faces off against it, then expands himself and hisses to try and scare away the Wrangler. The Wrangler, unfazed, suddenly expands and changes into the all-new Jeep Wrangler and scares off the lizard.
• In Grooming -two gorillas encounter a bug they believe to be food only to find out it's really the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
• In Bird, a hungry bird zeros in on a potential bug snack and painfully discovers the Unlimited.
• In Rock Crawler, what appears to be a bug-like object makes its way through an adventurous tunnel only to surface as the new four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited alongside the all-new Jeep Wrangler two-door.
• Bigger Deffer, which pays homage to Wrangler's place in the beginning stages of Hip Hop music, opens with the words "we ran the streets... and became legendary" set to Hip Hop music and fast paced computer generated images in an urban setting..

Technorati: Jeep+Wrangler, Wrangler+Unlimited, 2007, TV+adds, TV+Commercials, videos, clips, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

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Despite the promising name, this is nothing more than your "usual" Maserati Coupe Gransport with a new set of interior clothing. To be specific, the Italians offer this edition with coloured stitched leather seats and dashboard combined with light blue instruments with a vintage look and a full leather steering wheel. There are four combinations of exterior and interior colours for the GranSport Contemporary Classic:

Exterior-Leather-Stitches
White--Cuoio--White
Black--Cuoio--Black
Green--Cuoio--Green
Red--Black--Red

Technorati:autos, auto+news, Maserati+Coupe+Gransport, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile

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Ok, a basic Impreza 1.5R (click here to read more: Subaru Impreza 1.5R) I can get, but a basic Impreza WRX STI without its huge rear wing ? Sorry but in my book that's like seeing Burt Reynolds without a mustache if you ask me, but if that's what the Dutch want, what can I say. Anyway, Subaru Netherlands (Holland) presented a more casual dressed version of their Impreza WRX STI named Executive -I wonder who thought of that...

Basically, the Dutch removed the wicked bad spoiler of the STI, put on WRX fog lights and replaced the sexy gold alloys with more down to earth, silver colored 17 inch wheels. Spoiler aside, its identical to a UK version called Impreza WRX STI Spec. D -see the left hand photo bellow. The Executive is available in four colors only, light grey, black, dark grey and white and it carries a price tag of 52.285 euros in Holland.

Technorati: Subaru+Impreza+WRX+STI, Executive, tuning+news, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles

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Just got of the phone talking with a friend of mine -can't say more, but believe me when I'm saying that he's 100% trustworthy when it comes to Chrysler Group stuff. He informed me that the Dodge Avenger we saw a few days ago on the net (Click here to see the rest of the pictures: Dodge Avenger) will make its World Premiere at the Paris International Motor Show in a couple of weeks, but not as a production model, as a concept.

Not that it makes any difference as the car is practically production version ready -something like last years Cadillac BLS Concept which was identical to the BLS that went on sale a couple of months later. The official pictures of the Dodge Avenger are due to be revealed soon, probably towards the end of next week. As for the production version, the Dodge Caliber / Chrysler Sebring based Avenger will go on sale in the USA sometime in 2007 as a 2008 model while Europeans will have to wait a little bit more, as it will enter the marke in early 2008.

Technorati: Dodge+Avenger, 2008, Paris+International+Motor+Show, 2006, concepts, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile

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Those of you that have visited a Fiat, Lancia or Alfa Romeo stand at any major European car show should know from first hand that when it comes to female models, the Italians get straight 'A's. Style over substance? Perhaps, but who cares! Watch a... very "juicy" video from the Fiat Group presentation at the 2006 Poland Auto Motor Show.

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Check out Citroen's flamboyant C-Metisse Concept, a 4-seater 4-door hybrid coupe that revives the spirit of Grand Touring vehicles. Design aside, the most important feature of the C-Metisee is a diesel hybrid powertrain that could very well find its way into production in the near future.

It combines a diesel combustion engine, PSA Peugeot - Citroen's 208 Hp V6 HDi DPFS, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels & two electric motors in the rear wheels, each developing torque of 400 Nm with output of 20 Hp. As a result, C-Metisse boasts a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint in 6,2 sec with a combined cycle consumption of just 6.5 litres/100 km

• Dimensions
• Length: 4,740 mm
• Width: 2,000 mm
• Height: 1,240 mm
• Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
• Gross vehicle weight (GVW): 1,400 kg (batteries included)

• Performance and fuel consumption
• 0 to 400 m: 14.2 seconds
• 0 to 1,000 m: 25.4 seconds
• 0 - 100 kph: 6.2 seconds
• 30 - 60 kph: 1.9 seconds
• 80 - 120 kph: 4.2 seconds
• Top speed: 250 kph
• Combined consumption: 6.5 l/100 km
• CO2 emissions: 174 g/km

• Diesel hybrid drivetrain
• V6 HDi diesel engine developing 150 kW (208 Hp) with a DPFS and 6-speed automatic transmission
• Two electric motors in the rear wheels:
• - each with torque of 400 Nm
• - and developing 15 kW (20 Hp)
• ZEV mode (range of 3 km at 30 kph)

Technorati Tags: Citroen+C-Metisse, , Paris+International+Motor+Show, video, concepts, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006

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The first picture of Suzuki's Splash concept has found its way into the net. According to Suzuki, the car you see in the picture will base a production model in the near future mixing up SUV, MPV and mini hatchback features. Doesn't look bad, but then again, it's a concept and as you know, concepts usually have little in common with production versions...

Splash specifications

• Dimensions: 3,780mm (Length) x 1,780mm (Width) x 1,650mm (Height)
• Wheelbase: 2,360mm
• Engine: All new 1.2 litre, 16valve, 4cylinder petrol
• Transmission: Four-speed automatic
• Seating capacity: Five persons

UPDATE: NEW PICS FROM SUZUKI FLASH SITE

Technorati: Suzuki+Splash, Paris+International+Motor+Show, concepts, autos, list, news, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles, Mondial+de+l'Automobile,2006

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THINK it's about time we started the official countdown to the opening of the 2006 Paris International Motor Show which opens its doors to the journalists in 14 days and to the public in 16 days. I formulated a list of the officially announced premieres from all the press releases I could get my hands on (click on the two pictures bellow). I'll keep updating it as the days near and when a substantial number of new presentations are announced, I'll post a newer version. If anything's missing or wrong, feel free to leave a comment, I'll appreciate it!

By the way, I made up a second list of a few important premieres that haven't been announced officially, but it's rumoured that will make their appearance at the show:

• AUDI R8 - production version
• AUDI A5 - concept or production version
• TOYOTA COROLLA (AURIS?) - concept or production version
• DODGE AVENGER - production version
• FORD MONDEO - production version
• KIA PICANTO F/L - production version
• LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO F/L - production version

PS: Feel free to use the list, but please add a referring link if you do. You might not know this, but I am the sole contributor of this blog and it took me quite a lot of time to make it up. Thanks!

Technorati: Paris+International+Motor+Show, concepts, new+models, autos, list, news, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles,
Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006

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Ingolstadt's ( Audi's headquarters in Germany) 3 Series Coupe competitor has been spotted running around "naked" in Germany, as Germancarblog informs us. Despite the light camouflage, we get a pretty good idea to as how Audi stylists interpreted the Nuvolari GT concept theme in a more down to earth, production version. No word out yet if the A5 will be based more on the new TT or if Audi will prefer to use the next generation A4 platform. Whichever solution they select though, be sure that the A5 will be available with 2.0 TFSI (200 & 265 Hp), 3.6 FSI (280 Hp) engines and of course, with Ingolstadt's hefty diesel line up. You should also expect later on, top spec S5 & RS5 versions fitted with V8 motors. via: Autoblog.it & Germancarblog

Technorati Tags: Audi+A5, coupe, S5, RS5, autos, news, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles,

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Ever wonder what all those "crazy" mechanics & testers are doing in Death Valley, an area where temperatures normally reach above 122 F (50 C) ? Sure you've seen hundreds of spy car pics at Death Valley, but these two videos give us an inside look at what exactly goes on during the tests. See how a Volvo XC70 copes when tested at extreme driving conditions, pulling a fully loaded trailer uphill for 14 miles (23 kilometers).

Second Part

Technorati: Volvo, XC70, SUV, autos, news, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles, video, clips

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AS announced from this site a few days ago -seeing is believing so click here & take a look at what Carscoop wrote: 2007 Honda Civic Type R, Honda officially unveiled its top spec Civic, the Type R. No surprises as to the exterior appearance which retains nearly all the characteristics of the prototype. As for the interior the new Type R gets the usual red upholstery, bucket seats etc.

Power comes from a slightly revised version of the previous Type R's 2.0 i-VTEC which pumps out 201 Hp (from 200 Hp). According to Honda, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) and top speed figures are expected to remain identical to the previous version (6,6 sec & 235 km/h - 146 mph respectively). Apart from the "basic" version, the 2007 Civic Type R will be available in two other specs, a luxury GT and a lighter sportier one without audio systems, rear load cover etc.

The new Civic Type R will make its international show debut in Paris during September and sales are expected to begin in Europe in 2007. All the range of Type R and Type S, will be built exclusively alongside the Civic 5-door range at the Honda's UK manufacturing site in Swindon.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE : Honda Motor Europe Ltd today announced the eagerly awaited new Civic Type R, the successor to a model whose unique blend of affordability, exhilarating driving characteristics and everyday usability resulted in sales that exceeded all expectations.

Engine: Given the outstanding performance credentials of its predecessor, Honda saw little purpose in increasing engine output. The new Type R therefore continues to be powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with similar output, but reworked for greater refinement and responsiveness thanks to a new balancer shaft and a drive-by-wire throttle. The 201 PS maximum power output is now reached at 8,000 rpm (previously 200 PS at 7,400 rpm).

VTEC variable valve timing and VTC variable inlet camshaft technology continue to underpin the engine architecture. Its exhilarating, high revving nature is retained, but the switch to high lift, long duration valve timing now takes place at a lower 5,200 rpm, and continues all the way to the 8,000 rpm red line. There is a new i-VTEC indicator just to the right of the digital speedometer which is illuminated within this rev range.

Performance: While the headline performance figures are expected to be virtually identical to the 6.6 second 0-100 km/h time and 235 km/h top speed of the Type R in its previous incarnation, the engine enhancements mean the new car is more responsive generally, while improved aerodynamics ensures the new car cuts through the air more cleanly. Slightly lower gearing compensates for a small increase in kerb weight.

Chassis - Wheels - Suspension : Widely praised for its ride and handling balance, the chassis of the Civic 5-door forms the basis for all 3-door models and provides an ideal platform for a high performance derivative. Building on the Civic Type S suspension which is fine-tuned for sharper chassis dynamics to match its sportier profile, the Type R takes those modifications on to the next level. Like the Type S, its rear track is 20 mm wider than that of the 5-door model, but otherwise damper, bush and spring characteristics are all unique to Type R.

225/40 ZR18 tyres provide added grip, while the 15 mm reduction in ride height further reduces body roll. What's more, the fuel tank's central location beneath the cabin floor lowers the centre of gravity and the body's inertia moment. Firmer steering, a quicker ratio and stiffer steering box mountings in combination provide pin-sharp responses to steering wheel input.

The Civic 5-door already offers one of the stiffest body structures in the C-segment; and the Type R's body is further enhanced, playing a key role in the particularly responsive chassis dynamics. Extra strengthening has been introduced into the floor cross member just ahead of the central fuel tank, around the upper front suspension mountings, while the lower cross member just ahead of engine bay provides greater rigidity. The overall result is a chassis offering more predictable characteristics than the old model, with levels of responsiveness and stability that are some of the best in class. At the same time, the damper settings deliver enhanced ride comfort in keeping with the increased refinement of the new Type R.

Design: The new Type R's bold styling is undeniably assertive in its appearance. The aggressive looking body has a series of fully integrated aerodynamic parts that together with a 15 mm reduced ride height - compared to 5-door and Type S models - and standard seven-spoke 18" alloy wheels, are a clear indication of the car's potent nature. The deep front spoiler incorporates a larger air intake as well as triangular foglamps whose shape mirrors the large exhaust tailpipes at the rear. There's a distinct body coloured tailgate rear spoiler for added downforce that splits the rear tailgate glass rather than the raised glass profile featured on Civic 5-door and Type S models.

Other identifying features are deliberately discrete: Type R logos feature on the front brake callipers and the glass panel grille of the Civic Type S is replaced with a honeycomb mesh and central red 'H' logo.

Interior : Step over the stainless steel door sill inserts, complete with "Type R" logo, into the cabin, and again there is no mistaking that this is a car developed for driving excitement. Front seat occupants are gripped by bucket seats with large black Alcantara bolsters with red stitching and red fabric seat cushions and backs. Two distinct rear seats repeat the same colour coordination. The highly effective and strikingly stylish Dual Link concept fascia common to other Civic models naturally features in the Type R, but with red illuminated dials set off by gun metallic switch panels on either side of the meter display. The driver grips a black, perforated leather covered steering wheel with red stitching and central 'H' logo, while the matching gear shift knob with aluminium-finish has a black boot with red stitching.

And, as a finishing touch and for added exclusivity there is a plaque engraved with the car's unique serial number placed just ahead of the gear lever.

Lighter Sport & GT Versions : For those customers who want added convenience and an enhanced specification, there will be a fully equipped version available. Additional features include curtain SRS bags, cruise control, fog lights, automatic lights and wipers and dual zone air conditioning. A state-of-the-art Navigation system, with voice control functionality as well as RDS traffic monitoring, is offered as an option.

Taking the Type R philosophy to its logical conclusion, a lighter Civic Type R will be available. The deletion of items such as the audio system, rear load cover, engine under cover and reduced noise insulation material brings weight down by 40 kg. This version forms the basis for receiving FIA Group A homologated prepared parts. In addition, the Civic Type R itself will be homologated to FIA Group N and Group A as well as the forthcoming Group R.

Technorati: Honda+Civic+Type+R, I-Vtec, Press+Release, 2007, GT, tuning+news, tune, autos, news, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles, Paris+International+Motor+Show

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UPDATE - CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL SPECS : Impreza 1.5R

Well it might not be the typical Impreza you've got in mind but nevertheless, one cant only rely on WRX's & STi's to make money in Europe's mainland. So, Subaru Europe decided to present a poor mans -or more politically correct, a new basic version of their mid-sized Impreza at the Paris International Motor Show, which by the way is officially named, Mondial de l'Automobile. Tres chick, don't you think ?

Back to the basic Impreza version, it gets a brand new 4cylinder 1.5 litre boxer engine that delivers a "whopping" 105 Hp at 6.400 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque at 3.200 rpm. No turbo thrills here but at least Subaru's logistic department didn't cut off the 4wheel drive system... (performance figures will be announced at the show)

Technorati Tags: Subaru+Impreza+1.5R, 2007, autos, news, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles, Paris+International+Motor+Show

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BMW seems to have the solution for the, lets say, less fortunate who can't find a way to finance their dreams. This official 2007 3 Series Coupe die cast model has another plus as it wont bother you or your pocket when its time to go for the yearly check-up. Don't laugh; I know a lot of bimmer owners who needed a check up themselves after listening to the price BMW service asked... If your interested you can order this sleek coupe at www.bmw-shop.com Prices, according to BMW are 59 euros for the 1:18 scale model, 25 euros for the 1:43 version and 15 euros for the even less fortunate, who choose the 1:87 scale model.

Technorati Tags: BMW+3+Series+Coupe, diecast, 2007, autos, news, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles

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Thanks to Autoblog and in particular, a fan who sent them these pics, we may very well have the first images of the next generation Toyota Land Cruiser 100. According to the reader, the pictures where taken outside of the Shangri-La Hotel and Spa in Oman. To tell you the truth though, at first I thought it was some kind of Chinese attempt at producing a Subaru Forester on hormones, and that's not something to brag about. The interior on the other hand looks quite good especially when compared against the present Land Cruiser. via: Autoblog & Jalopnik

Technorati Tags: Toyota+Land+Cruiser, 2008, news, automobile, cars, scoops, automotive, vehicles,

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"Little monster town" just got a new resident in the form of the Smart forfun2: definitely, one of the most impressive Smart you'll ever set eyes on -as long as you don't try to stare down, but up on... Actually, this is Smart's second attempt at creating a monster truck, or to be more accurate, Mercedes-Benz Hellas (Greece) and Stefan Attart (46 year old Greek Champion in 4x4 Rally Races) attempt.

The latter had presented the first Smart monster truck, the forfour based, forfun at the Athens International Motor Show in November 2005. But while the forfun was solely made by Mercedes-Benz Hellas & Stefan Attart who fitted a forfour body on the platform of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (rally version), this time Mercedes-Benz central, gave a helping hand to the Greeks.

Once the platform for the smart forfun2 had been decided, in January of this year Stefan Attart started working on the first designs. The engine and transmission were adopted from the Unimog. The OM 352, a six-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 5,675 cc, delivers 84 Hp, which more than enough for this little monster. The dimensions also turn heads: tyres on 26 inch rims with a diameter of 140 cm. Not to mention ground clearance of 65 centimetres and a total height of 3.7 metres !

Technorati: Smart+forfun2, Smart+forfun, forfour, fortwo, Mercedes-Benz, Hellas, Greek, Stefan+Attart, , news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, 2006, press+release

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Mercedes came out today with the official release of the 2007 CL 63 AMG. Under the bonnet is an AMG engineered 6.3-litre V8 engine that delivers a maximum output of 386 kW/ 525 hp and 630 Nm of peak torque. The CL 63 AMG is propelled from 0-100 in just 4.6 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. Not bad at all for a vehicle of this size and weight but, on the other hand, doesn't that defy the whole concept of a sport vehicle even if luxury is added to the equation? Of course, I doubt it if that will stop any of those wealthy folks from buying clearly as a status symbol.

Luckily, in addition to the AMG bodystyling and the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the AMG high-performance braking system is also fitted as standard as is the PRE-SAFE, the anticipatory occupant protection system. The later and may be supplemented by the addition of both the innovative new PRE-SAFE Brake and DISTRONIC PLUS as an option. Well, we wouldn't want to scare any of those folks I mentioned before with all that power and mass would we now...

Technorati: press+release 2006, cars, Mercedes-Benz+CL+63+AMG AMG, CL+Class, news, automobile, automotive, vehicles, Paris+International+Motor+Show, Mondial+de+l'Automobile,

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RECOGNIZABLE from its Polo inspired front end styling, the 2007 Touran will be presented at the Paris Auto Show on September 28 (market launch in the middle of November). VW also made a few design alterations at the rear which is distinguished by its new rear light clusters and the modified bumper. Despite the styling changes though, VW's mid-sized MPV still looks conservative and uninspired. Don't forget, in Europe, the Touran competes against models like the Citroen C4 Picasso and the Renault Scenic.

In contradiction with its dull styling, the Golf V based Touran's engine range is to say at the least, interesting. Starting in spring 2007 and in addition to the 140 Hp 1.4 TSI which is already available, the refreshed Touran will get for the first time, the most powerful version of VW's 1.4 TSI engine (charged via compressor and turbocharger) producing 170 Hp. No performance figures out yet, but considering that the 140 Hp version needs a 9,8 sec for the 0-100 km/h(62 mph) and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h -124 mph, expect a sub 9 sec for the spirt and a top speed of +210 km/h - +130 mph.

Technorati Tags: Volkswagen+Touran, 2007, 1.4TSI, MPV, news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, 2006, Paris+International+Motor+Show

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