Thanks to our anonymous tipster, we discovered this hand-made Lotus 7 wanna-be. According to its owners, the Votus is a Volvo powered and Lotus inspired (hence the name…) Lotus 7 replica, which they started building in 2004. The car is powered by an early 70's Volvo 4cyl 2-litre engine which I gather they found for free since these guys are getting directions from Ron Champion's book “Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as £250 - And Race It!” . Don’t you just love young entrepreneurs? Via: "Tipster" & Votus

Technorati: Volvo, Lotus, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Don’t you just love car-geeks who frisk every single corner of the web, waiting for someone or something to go wrong? We certainly do! Following December’s mix-up with the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu pic that popped up by mistake on the NAIAS site, GM has another “booboo” on its hands. This time a member of “G8board.com” managed to catch half a dozen screen shots of the Pontiac G8 from the online webcams at the Chicago Auto Show official site! -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus 5 extra pictures

From the looks of it, and as we previously assumed, the Holden Commodore SS based G8 is, well, nothing else than a rebadged Holden Commodore SS. But that’s ok with us. Don’t forget, we’re talking about a 6-litre V8 powered, rear-wheel drive, 4door sedan. If the price is right, we’d be among the first to sign up for one. Via: Autoblog.com, Source: G8board

Technorat: Pontiac+G8, Holden+Commodore, Chicago+Auto+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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We’re not sure if our “loverino” pals over at Jalopnik have seen this before, but I’d bet an arm and a leg that they'd praise this one-off El-Camino like a "Jalop-God"! Believe it or not, this super-duper EL Camino concept you’re seeing in these pics was created by a passionate guy called Tom HOLDEN somewhere in the early 60’s. From what we gather, Mr.Holden took a stock 1959 Chevrolet El Camino and in 12 months he turned it into a stunning concept that he named “Ultimus”. Now don’t tell me that this magnificent display of what a passionate man can do with a bit of imagination, couldn’t easily put the famous Batmobile to shame…-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus more high-res images


Notice all the space-cool details like the split seat base, the dashboard-mounted TV-Screen and the center armrest that contains a telephone, a tape recorder and a… mini bar-complete with glass, shaker and several brands of liquor! Even more interesting is the fact that the car was actually used by Mr. Holden! We have no idea where the "ULTIMUS" 1959 Chevy El Camino is located toady, but we’d be more than happy to report on it if any of you guys know its whereabouts! Via: Jims59

Technorati: Chevrolet+El+Camino, Ultimus, 1959, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Following the Nagare and Ryuga concepts, which were unveiled at the Los Angeles and Detroit Show respectively, the Hakaze is the third design concept of the series created around the 'Nagare' design language. However, this time, Mazda’s new concept was penned at its European Design Centre in Frankfurt -not that it makes any difference as we find this “Nagare design language” look like a silly imitation of a clam-shell but, what the heck do we know….
Anyhows, at 4,420 mm, the Hakaze is roughly about the same length as the Mazda3 hatchback and according to Mazda’s description, it’s a 4-seat coupe-style compact crossover SUV. And o yeah, its equipped with the Mazda6 MPS’s drivetrain (2.3 Turbo & 4x4). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press-release and the image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the new Hakaze design concept at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 18, 2007. Officially titled the Salon International de l'Auto de Genève, the press days are March 6 and 7, and the public days are March 8-18.

"Nagare is the start of a new journey. A journey that will ultimately sow the seeds for an entirely new generation of Mazda vehicles. That is why it is so exciting and exhilarating. Nagare is about capturing motion, energy and beauty, and translating it into forms that people connect with and want to touch. Nagare finds its inspiration in nature, and as such is an incredibly rich source for our designers." Laurens van den Acker, General Manager Design Division


1. Introduction
Nagare Design - A New Expression of Movement

Last year Mazda wowed the show car world with a trilogy of design concepts that were talked about on three continents. From Europe's Sassou show car with its unique Shoji design principle and hidden features, to Tokyo Motor Show's Mazda Senku concept car, winner of the Grand Prix du Plus Beau Concept Car at the XXIst Festival Automobile International in 2006 in Paris, to North America's sports car study Mazda Kabura, winner of the Detroit Motor Show's Aesthetic and Innovation Award –Mazda Motor Corporation wrote another chapter in its global reputation for eye-catching, Zoom-Zoom designing.

The new show car season features four concepts from Mazda that express a new design language called Nagare, (pronounced na-ga-reh) developed by Mazda's new global design director, Laurens van den Acker. The word Nagare means "flow" and "the embodiment of movement" in Japanese and applying it to car design involved analyzing motion itself and how forces like wind and water move in nature. Natural flow lines are all around us - wind blowing shapes in sand, wave forms seen from above - and are literally symbolic of movement itself. Nagare, then, is the application of natural flow to automotive design that combines surface language and proportion to communicate movement in a new way.

"Through the success of the current generation of cars, Zoom-Zoom has managed to focus our company and delight our customers at the same time. Nagare builds on this newly regained confidence and gives it a unique and distinctive identity", says Laurens van den Acker.

Its first expressions were the Mazda Nagare concept car presented last November at the LA Auto Show, and the Mazda Ryuga, which premiered at the Detroit Motor Show this January. Both Mazda concepts are an evolving expression of Zoom-Zoom, inspired by the movement of nature's elements - Mazda Nagare's surface articulation was inspired by geological flow patterns, and Mazda Ryuga's side body texture was inspired by Karesansui, or Japanese raked gardens. Both evoke energy and lightness, translated into a beautiful language of lines and forms that are powerful yet effortless, simple yet strikingly seductive.

Now Nagare is coming to Europe with this season's third all-new concept car, the Mazda Hakaze, which was designed at Mazda's European Design Centre near Frankfurt, Germany. Mazda Hakaze is a compact crossover coupe with roadster feel. It combines the best attributes of three traditional types of cars. Part of its roof is removable, which gives a feel similar to a roadster; it is agile and fun to drive like a compact hatchback, and it has a high hip point and interior functionality like a compact SUV. It expresses Nagare "flow" on the outside with sand-dune like surface iteration, and combines these with shapes from machines that move through water or air. On the inside, it boasts "flowing" Nagare forms, natural surfaces and insightful functionality to meet the demands of adventurous lifestyles like kite-surfing.

"Nagare is expressed in the Mazda Hakaze, not only in the iteration on the side of the car, but also in a lot of the details, " says Peter Birtwhistle, Chief Designer, Mazda Motor Europe. "If you look at things like the execution of the wheel design, the spokes have a nice flow in terms of the way they move, the way the surfaces move, the way they integrate into the tyre design. The interior too. The basic form of the interior is like looking at sand dunes. It's got all this movement, winds blowing. I find that inspirational in terms of trying to find a new way of expressing design. Of course, you have to think about functionality. But Mazda is all about emotion. And this is emotion."


2. Market Inspiration
A Look at Advanced Product Planning

Cross-Functionality for Concept Development
While the new Mazda Hakaze design concept is a look into a possible future compact crossover vehicle from Mazda, it is nonetheless a concept rooted in reality. It meets the unmet needs of a growing compact segment trend towards SUV-like crossovers in Europe, making it a valid proposal, despite its futuristic attributes. To ensure Mazda Hakaze and all upcoming concepts from Mazda Motor Europe are not merely flights of fancy, an Advanced Product Planning (APP) team was assigned to Mazda Motor Europe's Research and Development (MRE) centre in late 2004 with cross-functional team members from design, marketing and engineering.

The APP team was responsible for the initial planning phase of the Hakaze project. This began with lifestyle and automotive trend research, and included spending time with"normal"consumers in Germany and the UK, to see exactly what kind of lifestyles people lead, and what kind of attitudes these customers have towards their cars. Combined with market data, it became clear that compact SUVs - those able to meet emerging and more active lifestyle trends - will become more popular over the next 10 years.

"Traditional segments in Europe are declining," said Benno Gaessler, Manager APP who, along with Stefan Meisterfeld, Assistant Manager APP, was responsible for analysis and strategy. "What the team found was that potential customers have emotional needs that are unfulfilled. They would like to drive a coupe, to drive a convertible, to drive a vehicle that is expressive. But these normally come with a very big price tag and expensive running costs. How we can fulfil these needs is what Hakaze is all about."
The APP team clearly identified an overall concept that would appeal to these kinds of customers. It should be just as agile and fun to drive as a compact hatchback, while offering attributes like open-top driving, a higher seating position, more sporty driving attributes and a modern, upscale design.

"What is unique to this vehicle is that its realization was a tightly-knit, cross-functional effort," says Jose R.G. Santamaria, Director of APP and Consumer Insights. "We have engineering, planning and design professionals working together as one group. From this point of view, Hakaze is the first of this new and effective process of future development."

After identifying the key attributes of the new concept, the APP team turned the plan over to two cross-functional members of the team - a designer and a packaging engineer. Together, they worked to develop a vehicle concept that meets the needs of the target customer mentioned above, while making sure it stayed true to C-segment hatchback values. This robust process at the beginning of development was a major asset to the actual designers of the Mazda Hakaze, when they took over realization of the project at a later stage.


3. Exterior Design
The Compact Crossover Coupe with Roadster Feel

In Japanese, the word Hakaze (pronounced Hah-kah-zay) comes from "ha" for "leaf" and "kaze" which means "wind," a fitting combination for a vehicle that looks like it is effortlessly cutting through the air while standing still. Mazda Hakaze has very compact proportions. At 4,420 mm, it is roughly the same length (+15 mm) as the Mazda3 hatchback - which ensures agile, sporty handling - but is wider (1,890 mm, + 135 mm), and taller (1,560 mm, + 95 mm) with a high seating position, a very large glass area and large suspension travel - all attributes usually associated with a C-segment SUV.

This insightful package is clothed in a modernistic body work with no door handles and no mirrors - exterior cameras replace these - very compact proportions and flowing major feature lines and side textures that create a muscular and taught look. Mazda Hakaze has no B-pillar either and the rear two-thirds of the glass roof can be taken off in two parts and stored in a slide-out compartment in the rear bumper. Lowering the car's four frameless windows then converts the concept into a fun to drive, four-seat coupe with roadster feel.

Mazda Hakaze's exterior design was a cooperative effort from the same successful duo that designed the Mazda Sassou, presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show: Mickael Loyer, whose design was selected this time for the final proposal, assisted by Luca Zollino. "The design team took inspiration from sports and outdoor activities in the wind or in the water giving the sensation of being free and allows us to break boundaries," says Mickael Loyer, "like kite-surfing, flying, diving, driving a jet-ski or a motorbike. We were looking for shapes moulded by natural elements, and how the wind shapes the sand is a key element in the exterior design of this concept."
At the front, they pushed forward the design idea of the Mazda Sassou - with a large grille design that has chevron-shaped front indicators and headlights - to which they added Nagare flow lines. At the rear of the car, a unique illumination system is used with light flowing directly into the lower part of the rear window. Because the rear lights have flowing shapes integrated into the design here, this creates an impression of floating light. Mazda Hakaze's silhouette features Nagare flow lines at the front of the door panel, with a visual link to the front of the car created by a line falling over the top of the front wheel well and into the side panel. These are combined with a rising beltline extended into the hatchback door, a steeply angled windshield similar to Mazda's crossover SUV CX-7 and a roof line that gives Hakaze a modern body shape that integrates the strong look of a Samurai sword when seen from the side.

All the concept's Nagare flow lines combine to visualize movement by making it seem as if the wind itself has etched natural flow lines into the car's surface. Even when parked, Mazda Hakaze looks as if it is moving - as if wind is blowing over the front wheel wells, down and along the side panels and across the bottom of the rear window.

Mazda Hakaze not only took its inspiration from Nagare natural flow, but also from technological objects like helicopters, speed boats, jetfighters. These are strongly related to flow and examples of human interface to fast movement through natural elements. The design team combined these kinds of forms with shapes directly moulded by flow in sand and water. Examples of this are Hakaze's glass roof cockpit and its 20-inch wheel design. The wheels use a mixture of forms inspired by sand dunes and propeller shapes to express flow and movement - including extensions of the spoke design into the tyre rubber bordering the wheel - and adds a three-dimensional depth to lend Mazda's new show car a modern sophistication.

"The Hakaze is an agile yet tough coupe that takes you wherever you want to go," says Luca Zollino. "Its design is also unique because of the unconventional shape of its hatch. The continuity of the beltline through the hatch allows us to close all the volumes above it: this together with a very angled and long windscreen enhances the compactness of its proportions."


Exterior Colour and Materials - Nagare Surface Treatment enhanced by "flop" technique
Mazda Hakaze's exterior forms are combined with colours, materials and surface treatment that also express Nagare flow. A desert image is the source for its golden colour, reminiscent of a desert at sunset.

"The exterior colour was selected to support the surface language, its articulation and its texture," says Maria Greger, Senior Designer for Colour and Materials, "so that the whole surface impression is one of natural flow. We want to have a feeling of sand. So if you look closer at the colour, you see small particles like sand."

The natural look to the exterior surface was further underscored by employing a "flop" technique in the colour treatment of all panels that are bent at an angle to form two sections with a smooth edge between them. The paint used for such panels was designed to give the upper part of the panel a more transparent feel, which is created by a transparent layer over the colour. Then the colour "flops" over towards a darker impression below the edge, an effect achieved by additives to the paint and by a slightly different use of particles in the paint. The final effect is similar to a sand dune or a wave in sand, which is lighter above and darker below.

4. Interior Design
A Natural Environment

The interior of the Mazda Hakaze is a triumph of form, texture and functionality. Its two large, pop-up doors are keyless, one-touch and give a wide opening into one of its four bucket seats. Once inside, Hakaze's interior gives an intense open feeling, even with the roof on. The windscreen extends to behind the front occupants, creating an enormous viewing angle. The A-pillar dives into the instrument panel just in front of the door, making this feeling even stronger.

"Nagare is visible on the interior in the main surfaces, which are a combination of gently flowing volumes with edges that slowly fade away," says Jo Stenuit, Assistant Chief Designer who, along with Masato Ogawa, Lead Designer from Hiroshima, designed Mazda Hakaze's interior. "Inspiration was taken from a dune landscape with the technical parts, like the steering column, being pushed into the surface like a shell that is partly covered in sand on the beach. Also the textures follow this gentle flow of form in a natural manner. All this creates a sensual feeling for the interior and makes sitting in Hakaze like sitting in a natural environment."

The interior design, and especially the instrument panel, is asymmetrical with a strong focus on the driver. The wrap-around cockpit features a long steering unit that gives a feeling of sportiness and depth. It has orange-lit meters on each side of the steering wheel - speedometer and tachometer - and in the centre of the steering column is an LCD screen with navigation information, images from the car's rear view and side cameras and warning indicators - all of which give an enhanced feeling of control to the driver. The centre of the steering wheel is fixed, only the rim and the lower arm can rotate.
There are also unique sliding controls to the right of the driver on the centre console, which follow the three illuminated lines in the surface. These lines have a dune wave design to make it easy for the driver to slide his finger up or down along the surface. Doing so adjusts seat positions, heating, audio and multimedia devices, with light below the surface moving up or down with the finger. The wave strip furthest from the driver has the controls for the car's hard disc drive multimedia system and an LCD screen that electrically rises up and out of the dashboard surface on the passenger side. This screen can be turned by hand so the driver can also see it when the car is parked.

Data can be transferred to and from the car's computer with a personal "data shell", which is a further development of the USB stick concept used on the Mazda Sassou design car.
It is a wireless device that allows the driver to open the car simply by carrying it in his pocket, and also allows him to save his personal driving settings and data from his home computer (route, music, movies). After getting in the car, the driver pushes the switch on the side of the "data shell" causing the connector to pop out (in way similar to a key). This he sticks into a designated slot in the centre console and it automatically downloads the stored information wireless using Bluetooth^® technology and provides ignition. Once in place, the "data shell" also functions as the gear shift lever for the concept's automatic gearbox. Mazda Hakaze concept also has a wireless charging pad located in the glove box (also using Bluetooth^®) to recharge the batteries of a mobile phone, PDA, camera or MP3 player. This insightful solution does away with annoying cables hanging everywhere, and keeps the device out of view and safe while it recharges automatically.

All of Mazda Hakaze's seats are mounted on the centre tunnel and are electrically adjustable, sliding fore and aft. For more room in the boot, the rear seats slide forward with their lower cushions under the front seats, which give ample space in the hatch for all kinds of gear necessary for a day at the beach. With the windows down and the top off, there is a true roadster feel wherever you happen to be sitting in the car.


Interior Colours and Materials
"We want the interior to be a heightened touch experience full of natural-feeling surfaces. Natural in the sense that you come to the car and you have one impression. When you look a second time, you see new things happening everywhere," says Luciana Silvares, Designer for Colour and Materials who, along with Maria Greger, designed the colours and materials for Mazda Hakaze.

The colour scheme on the inside of Mazda Hakaze was chosen to enhance the natural flow forms and to underscore the car's kite-surfing functionality. They reflect the ocean, continuing the beach and dune theme, with the floor a dark brown, the trim, dashboard, doors and centre panel a greenish beige, the four seats in a deep blue. This is combined with unique texturing of materials meant to enhance the Nagare flow strategy with natural feeling surfaces and patterns. Many of the concept's interior materials are grained using new Flotek^® technology, which can create different textures on a single surface. Before, materials had to be embossed using the same repeating patterns. With this new graining technology, the Colour and Material's team was able to make asymmetrical and creatively-patterned surfaces that mimic natural irregularities.

The floor, for instance, is made of soft, natural leather - great for bare feet just off the beach - embossed in a flow pattern with a patina of various textures and slight imperfections that give a natural feel compared to artificially homogeneous material like carpet. The dashboard also has a special grain over it that feels sandy in some places and has line texture in others, which enhances the flowing Nagare forms by making them not only look natural, but feel natural as well.

This touch experience also extends to the seats of Mazda Hakaze, which are made of smooth, high-tech leather with a surface coating to make them feel similar to the material used for wet suits, but with a higher quality. The driver's seat is surrounded in a cocoon-like cockpit and continues the kite-surfer appeal with wet suit stitching and badging in orange Kanji script, while the other three seats have water droplets printed on them for a wet and wild look. The result of all these efforts is a very interactive, even sensual interior surfacing where passengers can discover new touch sensations every time they get into the car.


5. Powertrain & Chassis
Ready for Off-road Fun

The Mazda Hakaze design concept has been conceived to be equipped with either a powerful DISI^* petrol engine or a diesel engine. The MZR 2.3-litre DISI petrol is a high-performance turbocharged engine with direct injection that is coupled to Mazda's active torque-split all-wheel drive transmission. This is Mazda's latest MZR petrol powertrain technology and is an ideal match to the adventurous and fun nature of Mazda Hakaze. It delivers high torque and power, 6-speed sport automatic transmission and beach-ready four-wheel drive traction.

Combined with Mazda Hakaze's aerodynamic shape and lightweight body, the engine would not only be fun to drive, but would also use acceptable amounts of petrol. It has MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear suspension for agile, Zoom-Zoom handling, whether at the beach or in the city.


6. Technical Data

Dimensions Overall length 4420 mm

Overall width 1890 mm

Overall height 1560 mm

Wheelbase 2650 mm

Seating capacity 4

Boot volume 400 l

Engine Type MZR 2.3 DISI turbo petrol

Transmission Type 6-speed electronically controlled sport
automatic gearbox.
Mazda's active torque-split all wheel-drive
transmission

Tyres & Wheelss Type Dunlop 255/50 R 20 20'' x 9 J

Technorati Tags: Mazda+Hakaze, Genevea+motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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“Small is big in Europe” so Honda rightfully decided to preview a compact Hybrid Coupe at the upcoming Geneva Show. Information on the “Small Hybrid Sports Concept” is scarce–apart from the fact that it was conceived by Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany so for now we’ll have to do with that plus a vague rendering. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the full press release on Honda’s Geneva Display

PRESS RELEASE: Honda at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show

February 5, 2007– Honda will be presenting the world debut of an exciting new concept car at the forthcoming 2007 Geneva motor show, as well as showing the fully driveable FCX Concept fuel cell car in Europe for the first time. A press conference will be held on the Honda stand in Hall 4 on Press Day, 6 March, between 12:00 noon and 12:15 pm.

Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept
Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept represents Honda’s proposal for a future hybrid model. The Concept demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced hybrid technology and fun-to-drive sports car characteristics. The Small Hybrid Sports Concept, which has been designed by Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.

Fully driveable Honda FCX Concept demonstrates Honda’s advanced fuel cell technology
The fully functional Honda FCX Concept will be on display for the first time in Europe. The concept model features a newly developed compact, high-efficient Honda FC Stack as well as a long-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a comfortably large cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance. The FCX Concept offers practical driving performance with a range of 570 km (Honda calculations when driven in LA4 mode) and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on the FCX Concept model is to begin in Japan and the US in 2008.

Next-generation clean diesel engine
Further technical innovation will be represented in Geneva by the company’s next-generation diesel engine that uses world-first technology to reduce emissions to the same level of a petrol engine. A revolutionary catalytic converter reduces NOx (oxides of nitrogen) emissions to a level that enables the engine to meet the stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II/Bin 5 requirements.

The catalytic converter features an innovative system that uses the reductive reaction of ammonia to ‘detoxify’ oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by converting them into harmless nitrogen (N2). However, unlike Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems which use urea injection, Honda’s innovative technology uses ammonia generated within the catalytic converter. Honda plans to introduce its next-generation diesel engine within three years.

Honda’s Motorsports challengers for 2007
On public display for the first time will be the Honda Racing F1 Team’s brand new race car, the RA107. Honda’s commitment to motorsport will also be represented at the show by the Civic Type R race car based on the just-launched road car. Developed in close cooperation with Italy’s JAS Motorsport, the Civic Type R is aiming for even greater success than its forebear, which has proved popular in European motor sport circles since its introduction in 2002. The car is being developed to Group N and Group A, as well as the new Group R specifications to be introduced in 2008.

Honda’s production models and accessories
The stand will also feature examples of the brand-new CR-V and Civic Type R models, as well as the rest of the Honda range. The company’s extensive range of accessories will be showcased on the upper level of the stand, including a CR-V Aero Performance Pack.

Technorati: Honda+Small+Hybrid+Sports+Concept, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

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Our friends over at Autoblog.it have acquired a new set of images featuring the upcoming KTM X-Bow sports-roadster. Well, to be exact what we’re seeing here is pictures of a fully-detailed 1:25 scale model that KTM made to test the X-Bow’s aerodynamics in the wind-tunnel. But no need to get worried as in a months time we’ll see the real X-Bow as KTM will unveil it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. We remind you that according to the initial facts the KTM X-Bow will weigh just under 700 kg (a little over 1,500 pounds) and it will be powered by various versions of VW Group’s 4cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine. Sales are expected to start this autumn with the X-Bow carrying a base price of about 40.000 euros. Via: Autoblog.it -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the image gallery

Technorati: KTM+X-Bow, motorcycle, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures

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Boy, is this old fella crazy or what! Look at him go like 6.000 rpm’s in reverse in his Fiat Seicento. But it gets even better when he tries to park his car in the garage or rather, in the garage wall… Seriously though, how do these people keep their drivers-licenses? I mean, if someone’s capable of destroying his own vehicle during a routine parking imagine what damage he can do on the road. Via: Leblogauto

Technorati: Fiat+Seicento, Parking, accident, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

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I don’t know about you but we kinda find both these commercials, well, put it this way, totally lame… The first one you see above is called “Car Wash” and it was actually created by a student named Katelyn Crabb who won a contest organized by GM which involved video entries submitted by 820 teams from 230 schools. The second video, dubbed “Ain’t we got love” features a pack of stars who sing their love for Chevy products. Go figure… - Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the second vid and GM's press-release -Via: Autoblog.com

GM PRESS RELEASE– During Super Bowl XLI, Chevrolet debuted the winning ad from the Chevy Super Bowl College Ad Challenge on network television. The ad was the original concept of Katelyn (Katie) Crabb of North Prairie, WI. Chevy was the first to announce their competition last fall for a consumer-generated ad for the Super Bowl. The competition focused on college students and asked that their ad concept focus on one of Chevy’s cars and crossovers targeted to the youth market, the Aveo, Cobalt, HHR, or Equinox. The winning ad concept was selected after students from across the country submitted their ideas to Chevrolet last fall.

“Chevy wanted to learn what resonates with the younger buyer, and this competition gave us an opportunity to do that. We were able to engage in creative dialogue with them about our brand and teach them about the real-world of advertising. The resulting ad is so much fun!” said Kim Kosak, Chevrolet General Director, Chevrolet Advertising and Sales Promotion.

“It was great to have this opportunity. I was so excited that I got to be on the set when the ad for the HHR was filmed – the car and the set were really cool,” said Katie Crabb – winner of the ad challenge. "I really enjoyed it all - meeting the other finalists, learning about the production process from Chevy - from music selection to editing – it was all fascinating. And now to see the final ad on TV – it’s been an amazing experience,” she said.

The 30 second spot was directed by Bryan Buckley, of Hungry Man Productions, and was produced by Chevrolet and Campbell-Ewald, their lead advertising agency.

Katie came up with the idea for the ad as part of a class project through University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Her faculty advisor, Jessica McBride notified Katie that she was a finalist and would be going to Detroit for an all-expense paid trip in late October. During the trip, Katie was able to learn and experience first hand the advertising world. She and the other four finalist teams spent time learning about the cars and crossovers, and refining their concepts, before presenting them to the executives from Chevrolet and Campbell-Ewald.

“Chevrolet is thrilled we were able to help students realize their dreams of participating in real-world advertising. It was great to work with Katie on this ad. Katie’s a smart girl; she understood the importance of the idea and ran with it. She made a great presentation to us in Detroit. And everyone at Chevy has really enjoyed working with Katie on this commercial. We commend all of the students on their creative ideas, and thank them for participating,” said Kosak.

Chevy continued to engage students throughout the process, posting interviews with students about the ad challenge, supplemental materials from students and other information on the www.chevycollegead.com website. In January, www.cbs.com/chevy started running reality webisodes about the five finalist teams, and CBS The Early Show showed video mockups for a number of ad concepts that were submitted. Katie was named as the winner during CBS’ “Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials 2007” on Friday, February 2, 2007.

Technorati: Super+Bowl, Ads, Commercials, TV, Chevrolet, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

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We have to hand it to these guys for having a wonderful sense of humour to say the least. It’s worth playing around with the parody site to see how its authors manipulated the original content of the official Chicago Auto Show site. We really appreciated the “Parking” link in General information, which gives you the answer “There's no such thing as Free Parking”, how true!

However, humour is not the essence of the “2007 Chicago Auto Show Shutdown” as the main object of this site is to inform people about the "Auto Show SHUTDOWN Festival" which is an annual event where hundreds of cyclists parade through Chicago to raise awareness about global warming and to promote sustainable transportation. The ride culminates in a rally at the entrance of the 2007 Chicago Show that opens on the 9th of February. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article and the pics

The thing is that “2007 Chicago Auto Show” officials got annoyed with the parody site so they did the obvious: a lawyer sent a threatening letter claiming that the website amounted to trademark infringement and that it would seek damages if it weren’t taken down. However, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which is a non-profit group that includes lawyers, technologists, volunteers, and visionaries who protect digital rights, backed the parody site. EEF responded with a letter to the “2007 Chicago Auto Show” officials claiming among others that “the auto show does not actually own the trademark it is claiming was infringed. Records show that the Chicago Auto Show abandoned the mark by neglecting to respond to correspondence from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as required by law” Via: Wired & EEF

Technorati Tags: 2007+Chicago+Auto+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images,

EEF RELEASE: EFF Backs Parody Protest Site of Chicago Auto Show

Chicago - The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warned the Chicago Auto Show today to back off attempts to muzzle protestors who posted a parody of the show's website.

The parody site, autoshowshutdown.org, is a clearinghouse for information about the "Auto Show SHUTDOWN Festival" -- an annual event where hundreds of cyclists parade through Chicago to raise awareness about global warming and to promote sustainable transportation. The ride culminates in a rally at the entrance to the show. But this week, a lawyer for the auto show sent a threatening letter to the protestors, claiming that the website amounted to trademark infringement and that it would seek damages if the parody was not taken down.

In a letter sent in response today, EFF reminded the auto show that trademark infringement must involve some commercial use, which is clearly not the case in this non-profit, community-organized protest.

"Auto show organizers can't stop thousands of citizens from attending the SHUTDOWN Festival. Instead, they have resorted to baseless trademark claims to silence critics and interfere with planning for an event that embarrasses them," said EFF Staff Attorney Jason Schultz. "Both trademark law and the First Amendment won't allow for that."

In addition, an EFF investigation found that the auto show does not actually own the trademark it is claiming was infringed. Records show that the Chicago Auto Show abandoned the mark by neglecting to respond to correspondence from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as required by law.

"The auto show seems so scared of fair competition in the marketplace of ideas that they aren't playing clean," said protest organizer Dan Korn. "Fortunately, we know our free speech rights, and we will be exercising them during the SHUTDOWN Festival, despite their threats."

EFF's letter to the Chicago Auto Show is part of its ongoing campaign to protect online free speech from the chilling effects of bogus intellectual property claims. EFF is currently representing a blogger threatened with copyright infringement by ABC after criticizing talk radio hosts. In November, EFF reached an agreement with the corporate owners of the popular children's television character Barney the Purple Dinosaur to withdraw meritless legal threats against a website publisher who parodied the character.

Full response sent to the Chicago Auto Show

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According to ‘M3post”, this wonderful rendering of the upcoming BMW M3 that puts professional “chops’ to shame is the work of Gerald Alvarez (aka Alpine325ci) from NJ U.S.A. Alvarez also posted a series of photoshopped images of the car you see above “dressed” in several colors of which we definitely prefer the “Alpine-white”. I don’t know what this fella’s day job is but we think that someone, somewhere, ought to give him a ring. Via: Autoblog.nl & M3post -Continued: Click "Read More…" below to see the rest of the pictures

Technorati: BMW+M3, E92, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Following last summer’s interior-upgrade, the Swedes are getting ready to give the 9-3 a mid-life facelift as these scanned pics from Aftonbladet prove. The 2008 9-3 was caught out testing in Sweden and by the looks of it, it’ll get a brand new front end that’s obviously influenced from the sexy Aero-X concept plus a new set of door handles…straight from its Americanized cousin, the Cadillac BLS. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus extra pictures

Aftonbladet also suggests that the redesigned 9-3 will receive a suspension upgrade. And some useless but nevertheless interesting info; the guys over at Trollhattansaab who posted the scanned pics also checked out the license plate of the covered-up 2008 9-3 at the Swedish car registry. Turns out that the car shown here is a 9-3 Combi 1.9Tdi owned by “SAAB AUTOMOBILE AKTIEBOLAG” (who else could it be…) and it was first registered on the 9th of January 2007. Via: Trollhattansaab

Technorati: Saab+9-3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Talk about “Hand of God”… Just looking at these pictures we found over at “MustangWorld” is enough to give you the creeps! By the looks of it, the guy in the smashed up pick-up truck lost control of the vehicle, crashed into the guardrail, flew over the sewage pipe, hit head-on the mountain on the other side coming to a halt on the edge of the cliff -and here's the best part: with his vehicle facing the opposite way that he came from!!! Insane. Via: MustangWorld

Technorati: Accidents, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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When I first saw this pic I thought it was some kind of a “rear-end airbag” hoax but according to the guys over at Autoblog it’s an inflatable sphere-like tent attached to the back end of the car that sleeps two and is pumped-up by a low-voltage fan that gets power from the bimmer’s cigarette lighter. Dubbed “Air-Camper” this sassy accessory was custom made a couple of years ago by BMW for a UK based mag called “Intersection Magazine”. Via: Autoblog.com

Technorati: BMW+1-Series, gadgets, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images,

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Following the leaked pics, the official press release and gallery here’s a narrated video of the all-new Volvo V70, which will make its official debut at the Geneva Show in March. And oh yeah, lets not forget to note that we still don’t dig it.

Technorati: Volvo+V70, Youtube, video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, Genevea+motor+Show

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Swedish Automotorsport has published a couple of pics featuring ChryslerGroups’s answer to the new Ford Edge that goes by the codename “JC49”. From what we learned, the “JC49” will most probably be presented in September with sales starting in the US towards the end of the year (as a 2008 model). While it’s still unclear whether the mid-size crossover or CUV if you prefer, will get a third row seat, we do know for certain that it’s based on the Chrysler Sebring / Dodge Avenger platform and that it'll be built at Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico, factory starting in December 2007.

So I guess the next question you’ll make is whether we’ll see a Chrysler version of the CUV. Although unconfirmed, rumors have it that Chrysler’s version codenamed “JZ49” is expected sometime in 2009 as a 2010 model. Via: Automotorsport

Technorati: Dodge+JC49, Chrysler+JZ49, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Man, I don’t know who’s crazier; the fearlessly stupid folks that are trying to cross the tracks or the “Birdie dum-dum” train driver who’s passing the station in warp speed! Unbelievable!

Technorati: Youtube, video, India, Trains, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

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About 24 hours after an internet leak provided us the first official pics of Volvo’s 2008 V70 the Swedish firm released the press pack that includes images and of course the press release. I’ve never been a fan of the Volvo Station Wagon family and from the looks of it, I still ain't. European sales will start in the summer where it’ll be available with a 2.4 diesel (163 & 185Hp) and three petrol motors (2.5Turbo 200Hp, 3.0T6 285Hp & 3.2 I6 238Hp). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press-release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: The all-new V70 model offers more of everything; it is more luxurious inside than its predecessor, it is sportier to drive, offers more space for both passengers and luggage, and it integrates a variety of intelligent solutions for flexible usage. Safety is at the highest level and the car also includes a world breakthrough – for the benefit of families with young children.

Design and Dynamics

The Volvo V70 is the jewel in Volvo’s crown, and the engineers and designers wanted to ensure that in the new V70 driver, passengers and luggage are all treated to the same first class driving experience.

With its sleeker and more athletic lines, rakish windscreen, blacked-out side pillars, C30-inspired taillights and dynamic tailgate angle, the V70’s head-turning style hints at its newfound on-road dynamism. Sitting on all-new chassis architecture, the Volvo V70 delivers an athletic and engaging driving experience that combines exceptional ride comfort, secure and stable road holding and enhanced driver control.

Optimised use of high-strength steels throughout the new chassis has boosted torsional rigidity by 15 percent compared to the previous model. Allied to Volvo’s advanced active Four-C chassis technology with electronically controlled damper adjustment, the V70 is now both safer and more entertaining to drive. Volvo’s DSTC dynamic stability and traction control is a standard feature on the V70. This stability-enhancing system uses feedback from numerous dynamic sensors to reduce engine torque and apply carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid.

The top-spec T6 model is fitted with Volvo’s responsive Instant Traction AWD (all-wheel drive), that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to instantly distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing the Volvo’s all-season versatility and safety.

As well as speed-sensitive powered steering with three settings, the V70 also features an intelligent PPB power parking brake that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed and the car moves off, making easy work of hill starts.

Versatility

The Volvo V70 may set a new benchmark for style and luxury, but it’s still a Volvo estate, and that means unparalleled versatility and load-lugging ability. No surprise then that the V70 introduces a world first – an integrated rear child booster seat with two heights. The seat’s adjustable dual-stage booster cushion means the seatbelt geometry is optimum irrespective of the child’s height. The integrated booster cushion is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters for its smaller and lighter occupants.

The V70’s revised tailgate design now makes the boot aperture even larger than before and the boot has grown by an effective 55 litres over the outgoing car. The 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat offers unrivalled versatility in the sector (16 different combinations). The centre backrest can be lowered to house longer items or raised to provide an additional seat, or the larger backrests can be folded separately to create a flat-floored load. Factor in the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, and the load-carrying possibilities are even greater.

The loadbay floor itself is fitted with aluminium rails and movable load-securing anchorage points which fold away when not in use. The boot’s side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to hold luggage securely in place and create a unique 3D load securing system.

A clever sliding load floor is also available as an option. Fastened into the floor rails, it slides easily over the bumper to permit convenient loading, facilitated by an optional powered tailgate. A lockable storage area under the load floor is standard and, for total load and passenger security, there is also the option of fitting all-round laminated glass windows.

Performance

For the first time ever, the new Volvo V70 will be available with an all new T6 six-cylinder petrol engine – a compact and lightweight all-aluminium 3.0-litre in-line unit breathed on by an advanced turbocharger featuring twin-scroll technology.

The twin-scroll system takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow split into two, each flow feeding three cylinders for immediate throttle response. Producing 285 PS and a hefty 400 Nm of torque, the flagship V70 delivers 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a 155 mph top speed.

This flagship powertrain is joined by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre derivative of the same engine. Developing 238 PS and 320 Nm, the straight six engine features Cam Profile Switching as well as Variable Intake System on the inlet manifold that employs two throttle valves to adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to deliver optimised performance throughout the rev-range.

Like all engines in the V70 range, the six-cylinder units are transversely mounted, further reducing the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision. The petrol engine line-up is completed by Volvo’s 2.5 litre in-line five cylinder engine with integrated turbocharger, which posts outputs of 200 PS and 300 Nm of torque. A bio-fuel E85-compliant version of this engine with 145 PS will join the range towards the end of the year.

The V70 will also be powered by two versions of Volvo’s 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engines. Expected to be key sellers in the UK market, these second-generation Euro IV-compliant powerplants generate 185 PS and 400 Nm (D5) and 163 PS and 340 Nm of torque (2.4D).

Both feature double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and, in their revised form benefit from a new electronically controlled turbocharger, a more advanced multi-point injection system, an enhanced engine management system and a service-free particle filter.

All engines in the V70 range are hooked up to Volvo’s acclaimed six-speed Geartronic transmission, which gives the driver the choice of automatic or manual shifting. The flagship T6 model comes with a Sport mode for quicker and more dynamic gearshifts, whilst the 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T are also available with a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Interior

The Volvo V70’s interior is the perfect example of Scandinavian style that combines clean design, intelligent functionality, exceptional comfort and unmatched luxury.

One of the key goals of the V70’s development team was to boost cabin space effectively and intelligently. In the all new Volvo V70 rear legroom has increased by 48 mm, rear knee clearance has grown by 21 mm, front shoulder room by 30 mm, while the distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 mm.

The V70’s sense of space is enhanced by its sleek and slim centre console, intelligently configured dashboard and ergonomically correct layout of its controls.

Renowned for their long-distance orthopaedic comfort and support, Volvo has improved its seats even further; along with driver seat power assist as standard, both front seats can also be specified with ventilated leather offering the comfort of both a heating and cooling function.

The new Volvo V70 comes with the option of a superb DSP digital signal processing audio system, featuring loudspeakers from Danish audio experts Dynaudio, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern, integrated RSE system for rear passengers, the latest generation of RTI road traffic information system, MP3 player compatibility and optional subwoofers to produce a total output of 910W.

The V70 also features an innovative Clear Zone Interior Package to further enhance on-board comfort. Based on ECC electronic climate control and the IAQS interior air quality system, this vents the passenger compartment for a full minute when the car is unlocked and the external temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius.

Along with interior trim materials and fittings selected to emit minimum levels of harmful substances, this creates a passenger environment that has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

Safety

As you’d expect, the all new Volvo V70 was developed and engineered to be the safest car in its segment and, sharing the same sophisticated network of interactive safety features, arrives with a raft of ground-breaking active and passive safety features.

Top of the list is the innovative dual-stage integrated rear child booster seat. With two heights, this optional adjustable booster cushion is ideal for children between 95 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 15 and 36 kg.

The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. This optional safety feature can be fitted in both outer rear seats and its seatbelt positioning and recalibrated force limiters ensure maximum protection.

Child safety is further improved by the new V70’s extended IC inflatable curtain. Now 60 mm longer, this airbag provides superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes. The V70’s patented SIPS side impact protection system not only benefits from the use of higher-strength steels in the side panels, but also from the development of Volvo’s new side-impact airbags. The dual compartment airbags feature two separate chambers – one for the hips and the other for the chest.

The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body’s network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection. The front passenger airbag can be disabled using a key, and the front seat can be specified with attachments for a rear-facing baby seat.

Enhanced crumple zones that use differing strength steels to absorb energy during an impact, IDIS intelligent driver information system, a more advanced WHIPS whiplash protection system (the same as that launched in the new S80), an energy absorbing nose and bonnet, the choice of laminated glass all-round, a collapsible steering column, five three-point seatbelts and dual-stage front airbags complete the safety package.

The Volvo V70 can also be fitted with a raft of advanced electronic driving systems to further boost safety. Highlights include active bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support, and emergency brake lights. A radar that constantly monitors the front of the car will activate a head-up display warning light and buzzer if the car approaches another vehicle from the rear with no driver reaction. Once alerted, if the driver still does not react, then the brakes are pre-charged to minimise the likely consequent impact.

Other key safety features include Volvo’s award-winning BLIS blind spot information system, HBA hydraulic brake assist, OHB optimised hydraulic brakes and, like the Volvo S80, the V70 offers the option of Volvo’s PCC personal car communicator. This advanced pocket-sized control centre has a range of around 100 metres and is not only used to lock and unlock the car but can also tell the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, if someone is in the car.

Petrol engines Configuration Output kW/hp Torque Nm
3.0 T6 I6 210/285 400
3.2 I6 I6 175/238 320
2.5 T I5 147/200 300
Diesel engines Configuration Output kW/hp Torque Nm
D5 I5 136/185 400
2.4 D I5 120/163 340

Later in 2007, the engine range will encompass units with power outputs between 100 kW (136 hp) and 210 kW (285 hp). During the first year of production, a 145 hp FlexiFuel alternative will also become available.

Technorati: Volvo+V70, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Well, not actually “rumours” but a report from the weekly German motor magazine Autobild, (without citing its sources though) that Louis Vuitton –yes, the French company that makes the renowned handbags, has acquired Aston Martin from Ford. Additionally, the report states that Ford has kept a 15% stake in Aston Martin, with Louis Vuitton acquiring the majority share. However, since nothing is official yet we’d better wait for a statement (either from Ford or Louis Vuitton) before we start commenting.

Technorati: Louis+vuitton, Aston+Martin, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

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About a week after ABT released the TT-R that’s fitted with a turbocharged 355Hp 3.2 V6 engine, the German tuner came out with a new version of the TT, dubbed TT-Sport that’s equipped with a revamped 2.0TFSI pimping out 300Hp. That’s 100Hp more in comparison to the stock version and +30Hp to ABT’s own TT-iS. 0-100 km/h (62mph) is reached in 5,5 sec while top speed is 256km/h (159 mph). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press-release

Technorati: Audi+TT, ABT, Audi+TT-Sports, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

PRESS RELEASE: In direct comparison the little “brother” of the Abt TT-R might not seem to be as spectacular as the 355-HP-racer but on the roads there is hardly a match. The Abt technicians have boosted the power of the established 2.0 Turbo FSI engine with up to an additional 100 HP. The most powerful version now performs mighty 300 HP (221 kW) and the Abt TT-Sport sprints to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and shows a top speed of 256 km/h.

The two-litre Turbo is also available with 270 HP or with the innovative, environment-friendly and fuel-saving iS-technology which brings about 240 HP (177 kW). The strongest motorization of the Abt TT-Sport is the VR6 3.2 with supercharger performing 310 HP (228 kW). In all versions the Coupé is extremely powerful and a sports car of the special kind as the basic beautiful design of the TT has been given the perfect touch.

Abt Sportsline has developed special body styling parts that make the TT-Sport a real eye-catcher communicating power and dynamics. The lateral add-on parts continue the dynamical body language and create a harmonious transition to the extravagant rear with rear skirt inset and rear wing. In contrast to the filigree serial part, the Abt rear wing cannot be folded but is a part which is firmly integrated in the hatchback. The result is not only a racier design; it also brings about more downforce. The double twin-pip rear muffler is the finishing tough that harmonizes perfectly with the black rear skirt inset and diffuser.

The area around the fog lights and single-frame grill is highlighted by the front skirt, giving the Abt TT-Sport a more aggressive and marked face. To round off the striking overall design, Abt Sportsline recommends the wheel models AR20 and SP1 in 20 inch or 19 inch as well as tyres sized 255/30 R20 and 255/35 R19

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Looks like the Audi TT mini-site that opened up last year was quite successful so Audi figured why not do the same with the A4 based, A5 Coupe that’ll be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in about a months time. Of course to be able to watch the on-line strip-tease that Audi’s getting ready you’ll have to hand over all you personal info. Snoopy, snoopy little Germans… Via: Jalopnik & Audi A5 mini-site

Technorati: Audi+A5, Coupe, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop

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While we were off traveling in Spain the past two days, others were busy letting off pics and info on the 2008 Volvo V70. Since we’ve lost track to as who let the doggy-van out, we’ll give credits to our pals over at Autoblog.it since we first got a glimpse of the car there. Based on the S80 platform, the new Swedish Wagon has grown up compared to the current model as it’s 4.850 mm long (+143 mm) and 1.860 mm wide (+60mm). According to the initial facts, that led to an increase of 30 mm in width for the front passengers and 48 mm in leg room for the rear while boot capacity has grown to 540 liters (+55 liters). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below and check out the image gallery

While there’s no official press release out yet, it's speculated that the new V70 will receive the same engine line-up as the S80. That means we should expect two 5cylinder, 2.4-litre diesel motors producing 163 & 185Hp and two petrol engines, the 2.5 Turbo (5cylinder) with 200Hp and the 238Hp 3.2 (6cylinder). While it’s a long shot, don’t be surprised if Volvo also offers the new V70 with its new 300Hp 4.4 V8. Via: Autoblog.it

Technorati: Volvo+V70, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Sounds nice, looks even better. For Fiat’s sake, let’s hope that the Bravo not only combines style with substance but also that it has nothing in common with its homonymous 90’s predecessor. We’ll get back on the Bravo once we get the chance to test-drive it in a couple of months. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press-release and the image gallery

Technorati: Fiat+Bravo, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images,

When Beauty encounters Substance

The new Fiat Bravo is a perfect balance of Beauty and Substance, another milestone in the process to update the brand’s product range. This extraordinary period of change is symbolised by the new logo that makes its debut on the front of this new model, with which Fiat will tackle the challenges of the future, without turning its back on its past century of history. This essential sign, full of references to tradition, was created to express 'change in continuity', and to represent from a modern viewpoint a human and technological heritage that few of the world’s carmakers can boast. Historical identity and state-of-the-art engineering skills, pride in its past and a renewed determination to innovate: this is the context in which the new Fiat Bravo was developed, a beautiful well-built Italian hatchback, which is agile, entertaining to drive, and competitive, thanks to the excellent balance between content and price. The new Fiat Bravo is 'concrete beauty', a car that reiterates the aesthetic canons of Italian styling tradition. It was designed to give customers the substance that comes from outstanding safety and reliability, coupled with the enjoyable, sporty driving style that the whole world expects from an Italian car.
The new model was presented in the spectacular setting of the Stadium of Marble in Rome, the Eternal City, in one of the most important examples of Neoclassical architecture. This beautiful stadium, which is inside the Foro Italico, was built in the 1930s by Renato Ricci (1896-1956), who decided to decorate the stands with an array of statues in Greek style produced by young sculptors who were unknown at the time. The end result is an extraordinary stadium where each figure, sculpted in white marble, embodies the power of an athletic movement in a form of refined beauty. One of the characteristics of Neoclassical art was to reproduce reality by taking Beauty as the ideal of perfection and balance, not just copying nature but trying to grasp its intrinsic essence.
The decision was a pondered one, because the goal of this artistic movement, which developed in Europe between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was to recover in a contemporary key the aesthetics, forms, noble materials, building techniques and artisan skills of Graeco-Roman tradition, the cradle of every subsequent artistic manifestation of Western culture: from literature to the theatre, music and architecture. The neoclassical artist did not improvise, but summed up tradition in every work, with exemplary control over his emotions, perfect mastery of his materials and a broad knowledge of history.
The choice of this site underlines an ideal parallel with the Bravo project. When they developed the project, the engineers, designers, technicians and marketing staff also set out to create a 'new classic': in the design, by references to the great Italian styling tradition; by respecting the 'fundamentals', such as the quality of the materials and the assembly, safety, and exploitability of space, and comfort, which have always decreed a car’s success; and finally, in the technological components and cutting edge engineering processes, including recourse to virtual development techniques that have made it possible to cut lead times and to check even the tiniest details related to quality and performance thousands of times.


Rigour and Love: the best way of creating a car

The launch is charged with other symbolism. The New Fiat Bravo project challenged accepted paradigms where the design and development of a new model are concerned, in terms of time and methodologies. This extraordinary result was achieved thanks to the rigorous integration of the best processes, and the application of the most advanced technologies, but above all the essential contribution of Fiat’s men and women, and the commitment, creativeness and love that they put into their work. To convey this immense undertaking, for the debut of the new Bravo, Fiat insisted on the extraordinary participation of the performers of 'Le Cirque du Soleil': a perfect organisation, but above all 'the best artists in the world', as the international press has described them. It is certainly one of the most extraordinary live performances on the planet.
'Le Cirque du Soleil' employs about 3000 people, and performers include numerous Olympic champions and former champions, who currently give life to 5 resident companies (all in the United States) and 6 touring companies that perform simultaneously all over the world, and are regularly sold out. The various shows share maniacal attention to the tiniest detail, because everything is done by hand and nothing is left to chance. It was the first time that 'Le Cirque du Soleil' has put on a performance in Italy designed specifically for a corporate event, in front of an audience of more than 6,000 journalists, dealers, suppliers and representatives of large client companies from 72 countries, plus 3000 children from Rome who attended the first night and enjoyed a magical dream come true.
The parallel with the Circus world is appropriate, because the circus is hard work, talent, and creativeness, preparation and dedication, professional skill and passion, coordination, collaboration and teamwork, dexterity and lightness, magic without tricks, a dream but not an illusion. Just like the project to develop a new car: months of hard work, involving hundreds of people, and a huge investment. A perfect mechanism, for a spectacle that leaves no space for pretence or for second chances. At the first turn of the key, everything must function perfectly, year in and year out, repeat after repeat.


'Authentic Italian Beauty'

Designed by the Fiat Style Centre, the model sets out to attract the public with its uncluttered, smooth lines, which on one hand confirm Fiat’s determination to create a new 'family feeling', beginning with the Grande Punto, while on the other hand they reinvent the stylistic elements of the great Italian car-making tradition, without exaggeration or stylistic excesses: authentic beauty in other words, that is reassuring and easy to understand. The raked, forward windscreen, the drop-shaped headlights, the sporty grille that frames the new logo, and even the colour chosen for the launch campaign, known as Maranello Red, which is a clear tribute to the best-known symbol of Italian automotive excellence: Ferrari.
The new Fiat Bravo is born from this cultural and stylistic heritage, a five-door saloon with a sleek, aggressive line, which is refined and compact at the same time. It is 434 centimetres long, 179 cm wide, and 149 cm high, with a wheelbase of 260 cm, and a loading capacity of 400 litres that tops its class.
The beautiful 'dress' made by Fiat contains all the substance of a car built to surprise in the category that rules the European market, to convince a clientele that considers the cars of this class as a real investment, because they are the family’s main car. The Bravo aims to make the difference in terms of quality, comfort, practicality and the versatility of the interior. Anyone who gets into the car will immediately be aware of the quality leap that everyone at Fiat was determined to achieve. The refinement of the materials and the colour combinations, the solidity, attention to detail and painstaking assembly, all represent a new standard for Fiat and a benchmark for the market.


Innovation, reliability and quality

Substance also means performance, safety and technology.
The launch of the new Fiat Bravo is also an opportunity to present the new family of turbocharged T-JET petrol engines (120 and 150 bhp 1.4 Turbo), which combine fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional performance, and now join the popular range of Multijet common rail turbodiesels (1.9 litres delivering 120 and 150 bhp) and the 90 bhp 1.4 16v petrol engine.
Comfort is enhanced by the pinpoint steering and excellent roadholding, and the choice of two tried and tested suspension systems which have been suitably modified and updated: an independent MacPherson system at the front, and a semi-independent torsion axle with interconnected wheels at the rear.
The Fiat Bravo was designed to score maximum points in passive and active safety tests, thanks to several airbags (as many as 7), three-point seat-belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and five head-restraints. Another aspect of safety regards the 'Pedestrian impact', which was taken into account during the design of the chassis, designed to maximise the absorption of this type of impact. The new model also features the most sophisticated electronic systems to monitor the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour, such as ABS complete with EBD, the sophisticated ESP system with a Hill Holder, and ASR anti-slip regulation.
The Fiat Bravo embodies new technologies, not only where engineering is concerned, but also in the use of electronics at the service of comfort and well-being on board. The best example of this is the new generation of the 'Blue&Me' system, known as 'Blue&Me Nav'. This technology, which is a Fiat Group exclusive, developed with Microsoft, combines the functions of the first generation with a highly efficient pictogram navigation system, and access to a series of telematic services, that convey the true spirit of Fiat: simple, useful and at the right price.
The 'dual-zone' automatic climate system, a choice of two radios with specific Hi-Fi systems, the large panoramic opening sunroof, Cruise Control, a rain sensor, parking sensors and foglights with a self-adaptive cornering function, complete the array of equipment to customise the car, and to make life on board a pleasure for every occupant.
And finally, to underline the generosity of this project, the Fiat Bravo range will be broad and comprehensive right from its launch, with a choice of 5 engines, 12 elegant liveries and 4 outfit levels (Active, Dynamic, Emotion and Sport), all designed to offer the customer outstanding value for money.


Made in Italy, Sold around the world

The new Fiat Bravo aims to become the benchmark for what is the most important segment of the European market, which accounted for over 3,400,000 cars sold in 2006, or little more than one fifth of the total market (a value that has been practically constant since 2000).
It is clearly a very interesting segment but one that is also highly competitive, with about 30 different models, from full-liners and premium European, Asian and American manufacturers. We should also underline that the largest grouping in the medium sized saloon category is made up of 2-box saloons or hatchbacks, which account for over 71% of sales. About 25% of total sales for this category are destined to the corporate market, where qualities such as residual value, operating costs, reliability and price are important considerations. But these are areas in which the Fiat Bravo will be one of the most competitive models on the market. With these expectations, the long-established plant in Piedimonte S. Germano (Frosinone) and its 3500 employees are preparing themselves enthusiastically to turn out an average of 120,000 cars a year, which will be marketed in 55 countries around the world, starting in 2007.

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New Yorkers are about to get a taste of the future with the opening of the first robotic parking system in Chinatown in February. Given our time constraints and busy schedules, we can’t help but commend this newly introduced idea. We all have places to go and people to see. Taking the time to look for parking is a straight waste of our time.

But it wouldn’t be our “style” to not include some sort of “bad scenario”. What if the robo-parker malfunctions and drops a 10,000$ Hyundai on your 80,000$ Benz. Wait, here’s a better one- The garage system malfunctions and your car gets stuck inside for days (this one actually happened). In addition, just for laughs…what if you neglect to leave the vehicle, you get lowered into the garage but it gets stuck and you’re suspended 50 feet in the air? Via: Jalopnik & Robopark Posted by Dani

Technorati: Robopark, Youtube, video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

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If you own a Mercedes, and the purchase of one hasn’t left moths in your pockets, the design of the TAG Heuer SLR, especially for Mercedes-Benz, might interest you. This is the third watch to emerge as a result of the collaboration between the reputable automaker and the popular Swiss brand watch manufacturer.

The time piece measures speeds of up to 400 km/h and remains watertight down to 100 metres depth. Not to mention it’s just sexy as hell. The “TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz” watch will be available as of June 2007 through selected watch retailers. Only 3,500 units will be manufactured and prices aren’t being released. However, rest assured it won’t even compare to the price you paid for your SLR McLaren.

Via: Motorpasion & Emercedesbenz Post By: Dani

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Hey folks, if you think your Jetson’s days are over, think again. Rafi Yoeli, a lad from Israel, is the mastermind of the X-Hawk flying vehicle that he hopes to see on the market as early as 2010. But before you start wondering if Toyota and Chevy will be coming out with versions, you should probably know that the “main” intention of the X-Hawk is to aid in saving soldiers trapped in burning high-rises or behind enemy lines. In other words: A HELICOPTER!

But the difference is the X-Hawk has no rotating propeller. According to Urban Aeronautics X-Hawk will be able to take off vertically (like a similarly sized helicopter), fly up to 155 miles an hour and as high as 12,000 feet and remain aloft for about two hours. As I look at the pics, I can't help but question. What's next? Talking dogs?

Via: Autoblog & Detroit Free Press, Posted By: Dani

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I’m not going to say anything about this one. Just read what the seller has to say about this "unique" car below and you’ll understand why…

“Custom built showcar for a Las Vegas Celebrity. This custom designed Masterpiece is the quintessential Phantom as conceived for the upcoming concept car for the 2010 model year. Ahead of its time this Rolls Royce was designed and manufactured by part of the design team responsible for some of the most groundbreaking designs of the 21st century.

The long rolling front fenders remind us of the "Infamous Auburn Roadster" While the performance is as scintillating as one would expect from this performance minded "drivers" Rolls Royce. The complete rebody on this vehicle was an elaborate, detailed and price prohibitive endeavor. Absolutely no expense was spared creating what will become one of the most historically significant Rolls Royce Phantoms of recent times” Via: Autoblog.nl & e-bay

Technorati: Rolls+Royce+Phantom, E-bay, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Don’t be ashamed to ask, we didn’t know what a mine flail was either. We’ll spare you the agony though and inform you that after a quick visit to Wikipedia we learned that a mine flail is “a vehicle-mounted device that makes a safe path through a mine-field by deliberately detonating mines in front of the vehicle that carries it”. Sounds cool doesn’t it? Wait till you see one in real-life action when a brave chap from Discovery Channel took the Aardvark Mine Flail for a test. Despite the fact that no crewmember has been killed or injured using the Aardvarks, just thinking that you're about to detonate a mine used for blowing up tanks gives you the creeps doesn’t it?

Technorati: Aardvark, Youtube, video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

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It’s been nearly two years since we first laid our eyes on the Mini Traveller Concept Frankfurt and its colourful spouses, the…witty named Detroit, Geneva & Tokyo Concepts. However, it’s not over yet since we’re waiting for the Traveller to make a comeback at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Only now, it’s going to be the final production version, which will go on sale in Europe in 2008. Automotorundsport has managed to scoop a bunch of pictures of the production version during test runs. Interesting enough, the car spied seems to be fitted with opposite-hinged rear doors, though the duck-tape may have been used to fool us. In any case, the Traveller will be definitely more practical and spacey than the new MINI with which it'ill share the same engine range. Via: Automotorundsport

Technorati Tags: MINI+Traveller, Frankfurt+Auto+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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Thanks to a report from Charles Gibson of ABC we’ve got an official sneak peek of the forthcoming Pontiac G8. Gibson was escorted by “big-boss” Rick Wagoner into GM’s design studio where the later did a little bit of a strip-tease on the G8 by lifting off the front cover, thus revealing the Americanized Commodores fascia. According to sources, the Pontiac G8 will make its first appearance as a concept at the Chicago show in February with a production model following on late this year or early next year. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

It’s highly unlikely that GM will do any serious rework on the Holden Commodore’s sheetmetal or on the interior for that matter since the car will be imported from Australia. Same goes for the mechanics as the G8 will be equipped with the same V6 and V8 engines as the Commodore including a 6.0-liter 362hp, 390lb.ft. V8 coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.Via: Autoblog.Com & ABC

Technorat: Pontiac+G8, Holden+Commodore, Chicago+Auto+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

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I’m guessing that the owners of this parking lot in Spain must have been up for a big surprise this morning seeing the blue Mercedes-Benz CLK parked in this near artistic way... From what we made out from the Spanish newspaper who reported the accident today, seems like the owner of the Mercedes-Benz lost control of his car due to the icy roads and ended up climbing half a dozen of poles. Fortunately, no one was injured. Via: Motorpasion & Diariodenavarra

Technorati: auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

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2million for a new Rolls? Well, yes and bravo to the resident of Naples in Florida who bought the first Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe destined for the USA at a charity auction held during the annual Naples Winter Wine festival. According to Rolls, more than $1.6 million will go to the Naples Children and Education Foundation, which supports charitable and educational programmes to improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged or at-risk children.

Technorati: Rolls+Royce+Drophead+Coupe, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

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