Back in April at the Top Marques Show in Monaco, Carrozzeria Castagna gave us a glimpse of its then unfinished, Corvette Z06 based supercar, the Aznom concept. Well, ladies and gentlemen, here’s the Milanese coachbuilder’s final product. Since I nearly threw up my Napolitano pizza upon seeing the Aznom, I decided to zip it up and leave its appearance uncommented...

So moving on to, using the Corvette Z06’s steel chassis, Castagna dressed the Aznom with an exterior body made from carbon fibre with magnesium and aluminium structural components also used in the coachwork process to help reduce overall weight to 1400 kg. Further weight savings and aerodynamic efficiency come from a composite-material 'flat bottom', while there are smaller overall details such as the carbon-shelled rear view mirrors mounted on perpendicular posts. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

According to Carrozzeria Castanga the Aznom is fitted with a supped up version of the Corvette Z06's 7.0-litre aluminium V8 engine lifting power from 505 Hp, to an immense 750 Hp at 6,200 rpm while maximum torque has hiked to 980 Nm at 3,800 rpm. The Aznom’s top speed is a claimed 350 km/h (218 mph) while 0-100 km/h (62mph) is reached in 3.4 sec.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Italiaspeed

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While we’re waiting for BMW to "officially..." unleash the press release and high-res image gallery on the 2008 1-Series Coupe later on the day -yes, at last, times up!, we thought it would be a good idea to finally break loose the first official promo video of the Bavarian compact coupe. Static interior and exterior shots of the 1-Series Coupe aside, the video also includes some acoustic fireworks from the 135i’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-6 engine. And that’s not all because we’re working on a few more "things" on the 1-Series Coupe. Stay tuned...

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Here we have a fella who either A. has no morals what-so-ever, or B. Can’t tell the difference between his Ferrari 360 Modena and a bike rack. We think it’s probably a little bit of both. Isn’t it strange how some people in the world don’t have the means to buy a Ferrari and others drive bicycles to work? This guy is just selfish. Apparently the Ferrari wasn’t enough of a mode of transportation.

Posted by Dani

Via: Autoblog.nl

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Long live cell phones! Be in the right place at the right time and you too can become a spy photographer just like member "98Formula" at the LS1GTO forums that managed to scoop a camouflaged 2009 Dodge Challenger prototype on his way home from school in Auburn Hills, MI on I-75. According to "98Formula", the Challenger’s proportions were spot on the concept and the car sounded quite nice, as its driver would push the pedal to the metal occasionally. -More photos after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: LS1GTO

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Back in March, we uploaded the first promo video of Mazda’s new subcompact hatch that’ll go on sale in Europe this autumn. Thanks to our “Français” pals at Le Blog Auto, we have a second video of the all-important ’08 Mazda2 that will also find its way to Japan, Australia, China and other markets but not the U.S.

Youthful design aside, the most intriguing aspect on the ’08 Mazda2 (also known as Demio in Japan and other markets) is that for the first time ever, a new Mazda is lighter than the model it replaces. According to the Japanese carmaker, the Mazda2 is approximately 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than its predecessor weighing in at less than 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). Even if that’s partially due to the new Mazda2’s reduced overall length and lower roofline, still, it’s admirable. -Click "Read More..." below to see the video

Via: Le Blog Auto

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Here’s a replica that we wouldn’t be proud of owning even if we were dead drunk or stoned up to the point that we started hallucinating of having a love affair with Madeleine Albright. Think we’re a bit harsh on the “Ziata”? Then may we suggest that you take a closer look at the toy-car rims and the elephant size BMW badge on the steering wheel… -More images after the jump


Link: ebay

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Kempten-based tuner Abt presented a new sport package for the 2008 TT Roadster that follows in the footsteps of the TT-S and TT-R coupe versions. The package includes a full bodykit consisting of a rear wing and front, rear and side skirts. The exterior look is completed with a new ser of 5-spoke allow wheels and a 4-pipe rear muffler incorporated in the rear skirt inset and its integrated rear diffuser.

Abt’s top notch version of the TT Roadster is equipped with the same supercharged 3.2-litre V6 unit that we find under the hood of the TT-R Coupe. With an output of 355Hp, the V6 engine accelerates the car from standstill to 100 km/h in about 5,0 sec. The German tuner also offers various upgrades for the favored 200Hp 2.0-liter Turbo FSI, pushing power from 240Hp up to 300Hp. Chassis upgrades include Abt’s suspension kit along the Abt sports brake system with its huge disc diameters of 380x34 millimeters. -Continued after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Abt

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English smokers get ready for a new ban as from July 1st, lighting a cigarette is prohibited in vehicles used for work, including lorries and vans, and there is no exemption for heavy goods vehicles with a sleeper cab. According to England’s Freight Transport Association, the ban is designed to protect shift and other workers who use the same vehicle from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke and provides consistency with other non-mobile work places.

What a democratic society; ok, I fully understand that non-smokers are totally justified to demand that they not have to deal the so-called “second hand smoking”, but isn’t this taking it a bit too far? I mean, what about the rights of people who do want to smoke? If a government or an organization believes that smoking is bad for everyone then in my humble opinion, politicians should ban the product, not the consumer...

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Here at Carscoop, we love laughing at the expense of others, especially when people do really stupid things. We also really love high speed car chases that include a stolen vehicle, a few cops, and a criminal that just refuses to surrender. In the video you’ll see nothing will stop this man from getting away from the cops, not even a little body of water. This “Olympic swimmer” decided to jump in the lake his car crashed into thinking if he couldn’t out run the cops in a car, he could just swim away! You couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy after he was washed up onto shore falling into the face of two K-9 police dogs. I’m sure of one thing: No matter what this guy did, it won’t compare to the amount of trouble he’ll be in for this little adventure. -Watch the video after the jump

Posted by Dani

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Leakity succotash! So let’s see what we’ve got up until now: leaked studio shots, an official image accompanied by the initial press release from BMW UK and 17 official images along with the detailed North American press release. Not bad at all, wouldn’t you say?

But enough with our “leak drama”, time to check out what’s new in the US press release. The most interesting fact is that apart from the twin-turbocharged 306Hp 135i Coupe, the N. American market will get a 128i Coupe equipped with a 230Hp strong naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight six. We remind you that in Europe the new 1-Series Coupe will also be offered with two diesel options, the 120d fitted with a 177Hp turbocharged 2.0-liter unit and the 123d with a twin-turbocharged, 2.0-liter diesel gem delivering 204 Hp and a whopping 400Nm of torque –same as the 135i.

And now to the question that all of you have been passionately waiting for Carscoop to answer (… just being sarcastic): do we like the 1-Series Coupe look’s? Mmm, yes but(t)… -you guessed it, we’re torn apart with BMW’s new iteration of the “Bungle Butt” that’s combined this time with a set of Hyundai Lantra inspired taillights. Any ideas? -Click “Read More…” below for the US Press Release and the image gallery

US PRESS RELEASE: Woodcliff Lake, NJ –Since its introduction in 1966, the BMW 2002 has been at the core of BMW’s philosophy. By combining exhilarating rear-wheel-drive performance, agile handling, seating for four and powerful value, the 2002 created a new niche—the sport sedan—that is still a BMW stronghold today. The understated appearance never belied its capabilities but those who knew performance, knew the 2002. In 2008, BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that will be the next BMW legend—the 128i Coupe and the 135i Coupe.

The 128i Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque. Featuring Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction, the elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics mindset is alive and well in the 128i. The more powerful 135i is briskly motivated by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parastic losses for increased output.

Handsome looks with sporting intentions

The new 1 Series combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable coupe design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic “Hofmeister kink” is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. Its short front overhang, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMW’s characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, a standard M Aerodynamic Kit appears.

The 1 Series boasts aggresive rear end styling with new taillamps specific to this new model. A particularly interesting feature is the trunklid with its spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car, accentuating the short rear section and building up extra downforce on the rear end at high speeds.

The individual sections within the L-shaped rear taillights follow the horizontal orientation of the car’s lines at the rear. The back-up lights and directional indicators form a white band across the back of the 1 Series. Horizontal lights integrated in the rear light clusters offer a homogeneous lighting effect with a help of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This light design, as found on other BMW models, makes the BMW 1 Series Coupe stand out in the dark. Also, the Adaptive Brakelights operating in two stages in relation to brake application force, are yet another feature typical of BMW, with the additional benefit of extra safety on the road.

Available as an option on the 128i (standard on the 135i) Xenon headlights with Adaptive Headlight feature complete with integrated Cornering Lights make driving in the dark safer than ever before. The daytime headlight function in typical BMW style with two corona rings on each headlight unit enhances the perception of the car under normal and “murky” light conditions.

Luxurious interior appointments with today’s technology

The innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. A rear 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The Controller featured in the optional iDrive control system is integrated to the center console, again following BMW’s characteristic philosophy. Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces adorn the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio’s rotary knobs, on the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, on the iDrive Controller, and on the ornamental trim strips featured on the optional leather sports steering wheel.

Also available as an option, Boston leather upholstery adds further style to the high-quality impression of the interior. And as a practical feature, map pockets are integrated in the lower part of the doors. Map nets in the backrests of the front seats available as an option and a storage shelf between the individual rear seats featured as standard enhance the range of storage options to an even higher level. The BMW 1 Series Coupe is available with a choice of two upholstery options—sporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. When the optional Sport Package is selected, sports seats are then included for enhanced side support and are finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials and can also be optioned with Boston leather.

Enhanced iDrive and integration of an external MP3 player.

Interacting with the central Controller, the optional iDrive control system enables the driver to mastermind all secondary and comfort functions easily and conveniently to control all communication, air conditioning, entertainment and optional navigation functions with perfect ease.

In the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the newest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allows one to individually program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. The sensors on the buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen by a simple touch before the driver actually presses down the button to use the stored function. This allows him or her to choose the function safely and conveniently, always keeping his eyes on the road in the process.

A wide choice of audio, communication and navigation options are available, never before seen in the compact performance market include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound, Bluetooth interfaces For simple and straightforward connections of an MP3 player, an Auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available separately.

The mid-range speakers and tweeters differ visually from conventional loudspeakers. They are recognizable by the silver loudspeaker covers and by a grille, which - to match the hexagonal structure of the diaphragm - has a honeycomb design. The lightweight and ultra-stiff Hexacone diaphragms are particularly suitable for both powerful and demanding sound reproduction. Not only do they have generous power reserves but they also offer a high degree of effectiveness. The maximal acoustic pressure is 112 dBA, the frequency range being 18 to 24 kHz. Both subwoofers are located in the vehicle floor and the mid-range speakers and tweeters are installed in the doors or in the rear panels, in the instrument panel, in the mirror triangles and in the rear shelf respectively.

High-tech suspension with newly-developed final drive

In typical BMW style, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels. This design concept and configuration – engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear – guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and safe handling. And the separation of drive power and steering, to add a further important point, gives the car extremely agile driving behavior at all times.

The new 1 Series has an elaborately designed suspension with an aluminium double-joint axle at the front, a five-link rear axle in lightweight steel and Dynamic Stability Control. BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that still provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher actication point. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW, is available as an option. Traction by electronic rear brake management provides a high level of differential lock on the BMW 135i Coupe.

The final drive on the 1 Series comes from a new generation of final drive units optimized for running smoothness. Featuring double-helical ball bearings for the first time, the final drive runs at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the final drive transmission.

The front axle on the BMW 1 Series is also built to a standard quite unique to its competitive group. The double-pivot spring and strut front axle with its anti-roll bar, is made largely of aluminium and offers an optimum combination of stiffness and low weight. Together with the very stable track control arms and thrust rods, as well as exact wheel guidance, makes an important contribution to the car’s driving dynamics.

Driving dynamic programs for perfect handling of the car

The BMW 1 Series Coupe benefits from BMW’s industry-leading brake and stability control systems. Standard ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) prevent the drive wheels from spinning while CBC (Cornering Brake Control) stabilizes the car whenever necessary during application of the brakes in a bend.

All of these functions are part of the car’s DSC Dynamic Stability Control that can apply the brakes to each individual wheel in particularly demanding situations and by reducing engine power, it can prevent the rear end of the car from swerving around (oversteer) or the front of the car from “pushing” out of a bend (understeer).

When networked with the optional Active Steering, DSC can is also prevent the car from swerving out of control on slippery surfaces by countersteering with the appropriate amount to allow the driver to regain control.

To ensure enhanced traction when the DSC is completely switched off, a software-controlled locking function slows down the drive wheels when spinning in an appropriate, properly controlled process. This, in turn, enhances the car’s traction without any negative effects on its steering behavior.

High safety standards exceeding International requirements

No less than six airbags come as standard within the new BMW 1 Series Coupe for optimum protection of the car’s occupants. The frontal airbags are activated in two stages as a function of impact severity, while side airbags integrated into the sides of the front seat backrests reduce the risk of injury at chest and hip levels in side impact situations. HPS (Head Protection System) side curtain airbags fitted in the roof lining protect both the occupants on the front seats and the passengers at the rear. The new BMW 1 Series Coupe also comes with crash-optimized seats with specially padded headrests and backrests significantly reducing the risk of injury in an impact from the rear.

All seats within the 1 Series Coupe are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests, with the front seat belts fastened on the frames of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, keeping the belt in an optimum position around the occupant’s hips regardless of seat height.

Also, the driver’s pedals move back automatically with a predetermined amount of deformation in the event of a head-on collision so that the risk of driver foot injury is reduced to a minimum. And last but not least, the rear seats come with ISOFIX fastenings for child seats standard.

M-inspired Performance for the 135i Coupe

The standard M Sports Package for the 135i Coupe offers more performance and a striking look. Features of the M Sports Package include M Sports Suspension for higher traction and reduced body roll, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, M logo doorsill trims, an M leather sport steering wheel and an M logo footrest for the driver’s left foot. The leather appointments on the gearshift lever and handbrake, as well as the handbrake handle are finished in high-quality soft leather. The roof lining on the M Sports Package comes in Anthracite, and the interior features offered in this package are rounded off by Glacier Silver aluminium interior trim that highlights the sporting character of the cockpit. The M Sports Suspension also comes with a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.

The particularly sports-minded driver of the BMW 135i Coupe will also be happy to know that aesthetic dynamics have also been adjusted accordingly for his or her tastes, thanks the included M Aerodynamics Package. The M Aerodynamics Package includes specially-designed front and rear bumpers as well as special rocker sills and foglamps. Together, they give the 135i Coupe a signature BMW M look in a tasteful yet distinctive manner.

The new BMW 135i Coupe comes not only with a sports suspension, but also with appropriate modifications of the ASC and DSC driving stability systems, taking the particularly sporting character of the car into account. And as a further point the top model in the range has an even more spontaneous control map for the gas pedal.

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Blending timeless style with technology, Porsche Design’s new wrist-watch is a “must” for petrol-head’s like us. Offered in limited edition, the Cronographe PTC with the characteristic accentuated orange stitching has a titanium case that measures 42mm and is water resistant up to 100 meters. Powered by automatic chronograph caliber ETA 2894-2 with special Porsche Design rotor, the Cronographe PTC has a power reserve of 42 hours. We like it a lot but as the saying goes, time is money and Porsche Design’s Cronographe PTC is no exception; priced at €5,600 or approximately $7,540, this is one watch that we'll probably never get our hands on -or rather in... -One more picture after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

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Hyundai’s new C-Segment hatch (Golf, Focus, Auris, Megane etc) won’t go on sale in Europe before autumn, but that doesn’t mean tuners haven’t already started “fooling around” with the Korean hatch as MS-Design proves. Dubbed Sport Package, MS-Design’s proposition for the i30 consists of a stylish bodykit that includes front and rear aprons, side sills, a roof spoiler, new air-intakes along with a black plastic cover for the grille, twin exhaust pipes and plastic mouldings on the rear bumper. The i30 Sport Package also includes 17-inch alloy wheels (optionally 18-inch) and a new set of sport springs that lower the body-height.

Funny how a tasteful bodykit and a new set of rims spice up an utterly boring design into something Paris Hilton wouldn’t be embarrassed to receive a DUI in… -One more picture after the jump

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GM Blogs just released two videos featuring lead Camaro interior designer Micah Jones and GM’s Director of rear-wheel drive performance cars and Corvette, Tom Peters, talking about the Camaro and the forthcoming Transformers Movie. Yes, we agree both are acting kinda geeky but to be honest, we definitely prefer these folks to all those Armani suited car-folks walking around with a set of yellow-Bilsteins stuck up their a$... -Follow the jump to see both videos

Thanks for the tip Mary!

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Thanks to a watchful friend, our blog-pals at Jalopnik managed to get their hands on a set of totally undisguised shots featuring the upcoming 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. Due to make its official appearance at the Tokyo Show this October, the ’08 Land Cruiser is nothing more and nothing less than a rebadged ’08 Lexus LX570. That said, don’t expect to find anything other than the LX570/Tundra derived 381Hp strong 5.7-litre V8. Hop over to Jalopnik to see the rest of the images.

Via: Jalopnik

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Here is just another example of alternative energy through solar power use: The world’s smallest solar powered car. Measuring in just 33 x 22 x 14 mm, when the sun shines on the solar panel, the panel makes electricity that turns the motor and the wheels- An extremely exciting concept (note the hint of sarcasm). Even though I’m not a scientist (I got a C in Physics) can we please siphon our intellect and money into something more promising and productive like: a vehicle that runs on solar power energy that we can actually fit in!

Posted by Dani

Link: selectsolar

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On August 19th, at Pebble Beach California, an unprecedented automobile auction will be taking place. The oldest functioning car in the world will be auctioned off by Gooding & Company. Built in 1884 in France, the four-wheel steam-powered De Dion-Bouton et Trepardoux (aka La Marquis) was driven by the co-founder of the company, Count De Dion.

The vehicle is fueled by coal, wood and bits of paper and can reach a top speed of 38 miles per hour. The car had two previous owners since it was built with quite the lengthy resume. It covered a 19 mile course with an average speed of 26 miles per hour and was the winner of the first car race in 1888.

At an estimated value of somewhere between $1.5 - 2 million USD, our tip for the next owner: keep history where it belongs, in the past! Take care not to bring this thing out on the highway for a joyride. (pic via Gooding & Company)

Posted by Chris

Via: CNN

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That was quick; a couple of weeks after we first heard about Volvo’s intentions to present a sport package and the Swedish carmaker made it official. The option package will be named “R-DESIGN” (and not R-Line as we initially thought) and it will be available on the C30, S40 and V50 model range as of autumn 2007. The R-DESIGN package offers a range of sports-inspired interior

Exterior design includes an R-DESIGN badge in the front grille, color coordinated body kit, rear or roof spoiler, silver matt finish front grille and wing mirrors, and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (18-inch optionally). Interior design includes a two-tone black and cream upholstery with contrast stitching and embossed R-DESIGN logo, leather trimmed steering wheel with R-DESIGN logo, an aluminum center stack, blue instrument dials, sports pedals and tufted dark floor mats with cream leather seams. -Full press release along with a high-res image gallery after the jump

Spice up your Volvo with R-design - the choice for a refined taste

Volvo Cars is now introducing R-design - an exclusive factory-fitted options package for customers who want a car with refined attributes.R-design will initially be available on the Volvo C30, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 as of autumn 2007.

"The possibility of tailoring one's car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars," says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

Customers can choose between 10 exterior colours, and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details. Exterior features include a satin matt-finish grille, colour co-ordinated bumpers and lower side mouldings, rear or roof spoiler, satin matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminium wheels (17 inches, 18 inches available as option). There is also a decotrim on the tailgate of the C30 and V50.

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So here it is: VW’s first attempt in the compact SUV category, the 2008 Tiguan. What do you think about it now that you’ve seen it without a trace of camouflage? We’re asking you that because, although we still think VW should have remained closer to the 2006 L.A. Show Concept, we’re not so negative about its styling as we we’re when VW unveiled a series of camouflaged images a couple of weeks ago.

And a few words about the Tiguan in case you missed our previous post. VW’s RAV4 and CR-V contender will be offered solely with turbocharged engines: three TSI petrol units producing 150, 170 and 200 Hp and two TDI diesel units developing 140 and 170Hp. The Tiguan will make its official public at the Frankfurt Show in September with sales commencing in February 2008. -Click “Read More…” below for the official press release and a high-res image gallery

First pictures: Powerful appearance – this is the new Tiguan

- Statement: new Volkswagen SUV with powerful design

- Borderliner: predestined for the street, in top form for off-road

Wolfsburg, 28 June 2007 - With the first pictures of the new Tiguan Volkswagen is starting the countdown for the debut of it’s 14th model series. The Sports Utility Vehicle – SUV for short – will be presented to the public for the first time in September as part of the International Motor Show (IAA in Frankfurt). A combination of power and elegance characterizes the design of the new Tiguan. It was conceived as a borderliner between the urban world and endless landscapes, between business and leisure time. The Tiguan is a multitalent with driving characteristics that are just as agile as they are comfortable, high utility value and groundbreaking technologies.

Like the Touareg, the second Volkswagen SUV also presents a self-confident design. Shaping the front of the new Tiguan are the sexy proportions that Volkswagen first introduced with the Concept A Study that garnered worldwide attention – a crossover of a coupe and SUV. On the sides an elongated and powerfully modulated silhouette spans between the extended wheel arches with a – typical Volkswagen – unmistakable C-pillar. A very short overhang characterizes the steep rear end. Also significant are the front headlights and rear lights with matching shapes.

First facts on Tiguan engines: Volkswagen will offer the SUV – and this for the first time worldwide – exclusively with turbocharged direct injection engines. This “high-performance turbocharging” significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, yet immensely increases dynamics and driving fun.

Overall there are three TSI and two TDI engines. Of these the completely new developments are the extremely quiet TDIs with common rail fuel injection. They achieve 103 kW / 140 hp and 125 kW / 170 hp and at 1,750 rpm already output 320 Nm or 350 Nm in four-wheel drive. Both TDIs already meet the limits of the Euro-5 standard first coming into effect in 2009.

Also getting to the point powerfully, economically and cleanly are the turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines in the performance levels 110 kW / 150 hp, 125 kW / 170 hp and 147 kW / 200 hp. New to the Volkswagen program are the 150 hp and 170 hp versions. A glance at the torque values makes one sense that the TSIs are very high torque. The 150-hp TSI already develops a self-assured 240 Nm (from 1,750 rpm). In the 170 hp and 200 hp performance range it is 280 Nm (from 1,800 rpm each).

“Tiguan Base” on the internet shows just how big the interest is in the new Tiguan. Visitors to www.tiguan-base.com can log in to the virtual world of the Tiguan. The development stages of the new SUV are presented in photos, films and facts. Within just 15 weeks – and this is sensational – more than one million people have made use of it worldwide. It looks as though the Tiguan is developing into an exciting chapter in the history of the automobile.

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With all the commotion yesterday on the BMW 1-Series Coupe, we kinda forgot to post this picture featuring the 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R or simply GT-R that was spotted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend. The prototype was driven in the Supercar run by Nissan’s Executive Vice President in charge of Product Planning and Business Strategy, Carlos Tavares. The GT-R, due to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, is one of the most anticipated sports cars of the year.

Based on the 2005 Tokyo GT-R Proto concept, the GT-R promises to offer Porsche 911 Turbo performance and dynamics for 911 money. Unlike its Skyline GT-R predecessors, for the first time in its history, the new GT-R will be designed as a specific body-style, and not derived from the Skyline range. Another first for the GT-R is that it will be a car sold globally and not exclusively in RHD markets (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK). -Check out scoop videos of the Nissan GT-R here and here.

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Remember our two female readers that sent us images of their Nissan 280Z based and BMW V12 powered Ferrari 250 GTO replica last week? Well our handy-gals also took the time to send us a couple of videos of their creation (which we condensed into one) proving that the V12 powered Ferrari 250 GTO replica is fully drivable. Sounds awesome doesn't it? See our article on Michelle and Haley’s 250 GTO along with a full image gallery here.

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Wow, wow and triple wow! Now this is something none of us we’re expecting - BMW UK just posted on its public site an official press release and a picture of the forthcoming 1-Series Coupe! Albeit the tiny image doesn’t reveal much, the press release included gives us more than we bargained for. Starting with the initial line-up, the 1-Series Coupe will be offered in in three versions: the 135i fitted with BMW’s supercilious 306Hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo petrol unit, the 123d that’s equipped with the new 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers 204Hp and finally the 120d that gets a 177Hp strong 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit. According to BMW, the 135i accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 5,3 sec, the 123d in 7,0 sec and the 120d in 7,6 sec.

Like its 3-Series Coupe counterpart, the new BMW 1-Series Coupé has 50:50 weight distribution and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration promising to deliver the same –if not better due to its lower weight, driving dynamics. Based on the 1-Series hatchback, the Coupe is 4,360mm long (133mm more than the hatchback) and 1,934mm wide (1mm more). The slight increase in body size helps raise boot capacity from 350-litres to 370-litres. A standard 60:40 rear seat split permits greater load flexibility allowing for items to be stored in place of one or both rear seat occupants.

According to BMW UK, the 1-Series Coupe will go on sale in November which probably means that in the rest of Europe sales should start in September. We’ll have more on the 1-Series Coupe later on, but for the time being follow the jump for the official press release.

Many thanks to Vincent from Autoblog.nl for the tip!

PRESS RELEASE

BMW is extending the 1 Series line-up in the UK with a new model consisting of a brace of high performance twin-turbocharged engines and a diesel capable of a frugal 58.9mpg. The new BMW 1 Series Coupé goes on sale in the UK in November and will be available in 120d, 123d and 135i guises. The 135i marks the first time a twin-turbo petrol engine has powered a 1 Series, while the launch of the 123d heralds the introduction of the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder diesel engine.

The flagship of the range is the BMW 135i with its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol powerplant. Offering 306hp from its light alloy and magnesium straight-six engine, the 135i is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Peak torque of 400Nm from just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm ensures smooth yet rapid progress and in-gear flexibility.

Courtesy of High Precision Direct Injection for the most efficient burn of fuel mix and Bi-VANOS variable valve technology combined with lightweight engineering principles, the BMW 135i is capable of frugal motoring while maintaining its top end performance. The 2,979cc engine posts a 30.7mpg figure on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of 220g/km. BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme seeks to boost engine performance while at the same time cut fuel consumption and emissions. Second generation High Precision Direct Injection and Brake Energy Regeneration are both elements of EfficientDynamics deployed on the 135i Coupé.

Frugal yet sporting

The BMW 135i is joined in the range by another twin-turbocharged model to offer a unique blend of performance and economical motoring. The 204hp four-cylinder engine in the BMW 123d Coupé sets a benchmark for small diesels. Its 1,995cc powerplant is the world’s first all aluminium diesel to have an output per litre figure in excess of 100hp – something only BMW M cars usually attain. It is also the first four-cylinder production diesel to come with twin-turbo technology. Peak torque is 400Nm from 2,000rpm, while the engine revs to in excess of 4,400rpm where peak power is attained. This performance equates to a zero to 62mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 148mph – previously unheard of figures in such small capacity production diesels. By comparison the output of the four-cylinder BMW 123d betters that of established six-cylinder diesel engines from both Audi and Mercedes.

The BMW 123d Coupé also makes financial sense. Its 138g/km emissions figure sees it fall into the Band C Vehicle Excise Duty tier while the fuel consumption figure on the combined cycle is 54.3mpg. It is aided in this by the use of elements from BMW’s renowned EfficientDynamics programme. The 123d comes with Auto Start-Stop technology, Brake Energy Regeneration, third-generation common-rail fuel injection, a diesel particulate filter, active aerodynamics, Electric Power Steering and low rolling resistance tyres.
For customers seeking an entry point into the new 1 Series Coupé range, the 120d offers another option of style, driving dynamics and parsimonious motoring. Its 1,995cc four-cylinder engine mixes a 177hp output and a zero to 62mph time of 7.6 seconds with 58.8mpg economy and emissions of just 128g/km. The same EfficientDynamics technologies used on the 123d are also deployed on the 120d.

Dynamic capability

Like every BMW before it, except xDrive models, the new BMW 1 Series Coupé has 50:50 weight distribution and a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration for the best in driving dynamics. To offer the most compliant yet sporting ride and the best in directional stability, the 1 Series Coupé has a double-joint spring strut front axle arrangement with a five-link rear suspension. Such an arrangement allows engineers greater scope in fine tuning the ride characteristics of the car.

Dynamic Stability Control is standard on the 120d Coupé to act as an electronic safety blanket for the driver. Dynamic Traction Control is a further function of DSC that permits a greater degree of wheelslip for more spirited driving. The BMW 123d and the 135i come as standard with Dynamic Stability Control+ with its five additional safety features of Soft Stop, Hill start assistant, Brake Drying, Brake pre-tensioning and Brake fade compensation. In addition to this the 135i Coupé has a high performance braking system featuring six-piston callipers for greater retardation.

Design

The BMW 1 Series Coupé uses the same architecture as the three- and five-door models, but is shrouded in an elongated coupé body to emphasise the sporting nature of the car. The 1 Series Coupé is 4,360mm long (133mm more than other 1 Series) and 1,934mm wide (1mm more). The slight increase in body size means the boot space swells from 350-litres to 370-litres. A standard 60:40 rear seat split permits greater load flexibility allowing for items to be stored in place of one or both rear seat occupants.

The BMW 120d Coupé will be available in ES, SE and M Sport guises, while the 123d Coupé will be offered in SE and M Sport and the 135i Coupé just as an M Sport. M Sport raises the specification bar by including 17-inch light alloy wheels on the 120d and 123d Coupé but unique 18-inch light alloy wheels on the 135i Coupé, M Aerodynamic package, M Sports suspension, Sports seats, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M leather steering wheel, M designation door sills and Anthracite headlining.

Prices for all three models will be announced closer to the on sale date.

Source: BMW UK

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Yikes, a ’08 Impreza with an “Outback” outfit! How worse can it get… However, before you start cracking up any jokes about the ‘08 Impreza Outback Sport’s appearance let us state that we’re not absolutely convinced in relation to the image’s authenticity –it could be photoshopped. Nonetheless, for the sake of conversation, let’s say it’s for real. Our opinion? Well, let us put it this way; the equation Impreza + two-tone paint job + higher ground clearance + construction worker’s roof rails doesn’t seem to add up at all…

Via: Straightline , Source: VW Vortex

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Nissan UK is celebrating the launch of the fourth instalment in the Die Hard film series staring Bruce Willis by releasing a limited edition Navara called “DIE HARD 4.0”. In all, Nissan will produce 444 individually numbered units of the “DIE HARD 4.0” version which is based on the recently launched 2008 model year 2.5 dCi Navara.

Just so you don’t get excited or anything, the only difference between the “DIE HARD 4.0” version and the Outlaw double cab plus optional Premium has to do with the hand polished stainless steel styling bar behind the cab area, the DIE HARD 4.0 body decals with a shattered glass effect, plus the individually numbered tailgate badge. -Continued after the jump

According to Nissan, five of the 444 trucks will be more prized than others since all the new owners’ names will go into a hat and numbers 1, 4, 44, 400 and 444 will be randomly allocated and in addition will receive a free specification upgrade as found on the top of the range Aventura model. The additional equipment over the standard Navara DIE HARD 4.0 includes a voice activated DVD satellite navigation with a full color 7” screen and a premium audio with MP3 CD compatibility worth around £1200.

The Nissan Navara “DIE HARD 4.0” goes on sale in the UK from July 2 with prices starting for the manual version from £18,995 (+ VAT) and £20,095 (+ VAT) for the automatic -€28.200/$38.000 & €29.800/$40.200 respectively.

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Referred by Nothelle as a “Porsche-killer”, the supped up TT is equipped with a bi-turbo version of Audi’s 3.2-litre V6 raising output from 250Hp to 520Hp and maximum torque from 320Nm to a breathtaking 635Nm. According to the German based tuner, the bi-turbo TT, which is offered in both coupe and roadster versions, manages a top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph). Unfortunately, Nothelle hasn’t announced any acceleration figures yet. Along with the supped up V6 Nothelle also upgrades the TT’s suspension system with a set of sport springs that lower body height about 25 mm while the high-end solution in Nothelle’s program is a coilover suspension with integrated adjustable compression and rebound settings.

With the aim of giving the TT an individualized look, Nothelle offers an aerodynamic kit that includes a three-piece front spoiler as well as other front apron air intakes (Double Frames), side sill elements, a rear apron, 20-inch rims and a 3-part rear spoiler that promises to provide extra downforce, particularly at higher speeds. Additionally, Nothelle offers a roof spoiler, excluding however the Roadster version. -Gallery and press release after the jump

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Nothelle

Press Release June 2007

Audi TT - Program with 520 HP – sensational!

• Aerodynamic kit
• Increase in performance for the 2.0 TFSI up to 330 HP
• World premiere: Turbo-kit 3.2 V6, 520 HP, 635 Nm, Vmax 308 km/h!
• Wheel design “NOVEDRA IX” in 9.0 x 20 in four available Finishes!
• Optionally Wheel design “NOVEDRA VII Sport” in 8.5 x 19

During this year, Nothelle looks back on a fourty-year history of vehicle individualization programs. Since 1967, the name nothelle has been affiliated with supreme engineering aesthetics. Nothelle offers an unmatched array of extensive experience far beyond any other company within this field. Hardly any other company has gathered such a wealth of experience. The refinement program for top-range Audi models meets the highest standards and combines experiences acquired from motor sports with the traditional nothelle values of quality and exclusivity. The enthusiasm for motor sports and innovative concepts is the foundation of the individualization programs for vehicles from Audi.

For it’s anniversary year 2007, featured highlights offered from the nothelle program include extensive modifications for Audi TT, including both versions Coupé and Roadster.

Aerodynamic, Design, Sport Exhaust System

With the aim of giving the TT an individualized and emotionally expressive look, Nothelle offers a shaply aerodynamic kit for a perfect match to the Audi original design really spicing it up.

A three-piece front spoiler as well as other front apron air intakes (Double Frames) bestow the TT an expressive face. The nothelle side sill elements give the Audi TT a much sturdier profile building up a sort of lateral muscle mass look. In back, a rear apron in special nothelle design comes with complete, perfectly integrated end pipes extending from the silencer – which is offered by nothelle in combination with the rear apron – guaranteeing a super spine-tingling sound with very distinctive rear view. Perfect to the completion of the rear, nothelle provides a 3-part rear spoiler providing extra downforce and particularly at higher speeds, a better stabilization effect. Additionally, nothelle offers a roof spoiler, excluding however the Roadster version.

Sport Suspension System

Because reduction to the center of gravity results in better agility, nothelle offers a set of sport springs. This brings TT to about a 25 mm lowering. The high-end solution in Nothelle program is a coilover suspension with integrated adjustable compression and rebound settings. The driver can choose from three different shock absorbing levels. The suspension strut housing is made of high value stainless steel, with anodized suspension plates and gaskets of Teflon. The material provides for long-lasting life and offers something for the eye as well. Not a bad investment, in terms of the pleasure endowed while taking those curves quick as a flash.

Motor Performance Increase

Matching the racier look, Nothelle makes available more zest for the TT motor as well. The Ratingen (Germany) -based Audi specialists help the 2.0 TFSI Motor (series-produced 200 HP) to charge forwards with four different increase performance programs. From Chip tuning (+ 40 HP, + 75 Nm) through to complete rebuild (+ 130 HP, + 120 Nm) everything is possible.

Then, nothelle drops the big one: A world premiere is celebrated for the 3.2 V6 being modified through twin turbo technology. This increases performance up to 520 HP and 635 Nm and a Vmax of approx. 308 km/h turning the TT from the underdog to a Porsche-killer per se! The conversion is available for manually shifted versions as well as for TT´s with DSG-transmission (direct shift gearbox). The conversion of course includes a reinforced clutch and a specially adapted gear transmission ratio. Because on one hand the sheer power should be transmitted without causing damage, and on the other hand it should enable a full gallop of the 520 ponies.

Light Alloy wheels

The superior, distinctive and modern design of the “NOVEDRA IX” is immediately noticable, due to its’ complete self-containment. The nine spokes (hence “IX”) consists of a broad basic design in which a slender ridge runs into the rim flange. The sporty dynamics of this perfectly-shaped masterpiece makes every vehicle look fast even while when just standing still. These are offered in 20-inch for the Audi TT by Nothelle.

Nothelle makes available no less than 4 different surface finishes. For variations “silver”, “white”, and “black” the spokes and rim flange are polished. Trendy again particularly for white vehicles is the white finish really standing out with an individualized look.

The variation “NOVEDRA IX brillant” features an elaborate, high-polished finish available by Nothelle through special ball-polishing techniques and high-polished clearcoat. Through these processes, the wheel not only receives its own individual non-imitable look, but possesses increased durability as well. The sealing of the surface occurs through a transparent baked-on lacquer finishing process.

The attractive wheels are made available from Nothelle as a set with tires in sizes 255/30-20, contributed by its’ technology partners Hankook and Continental.

The Nothelle wheels, manufactured from high-grade aluminium alloy, stand out because of their minimal weight. This means reduced unsprung mass, decreased wheel tramp resulting in increased driving comfort. Over and above this, large spacing between spokes guarantees prefect cooling of the brake system. For security aspects, a point not to be underestimated. Also optionally is the Nothelle “NOVEDRA VII SPORT” wheel in multiple-parts look available in 8.5 x 19” Car-scoop

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And this time, it’s for real; no cryptic press releases and teaser images… Due to be launched in Europe this September right after its Frankfurt Show worldwide premiere, Peugeot’s new C-Segment hatch will be available with a broad range of powerplants, including 1.4, 1.6, 1.6 Turbo petrol units producing 95, 120 and 140-150Hp respectively and 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines delivering between 90 and 136Hp. In comparison with its predecessor, while the 308 maintains the same wheelbase (2.610 mm) it’s 74mm longer (4.276 mm) and 85mm wider (1.815 mm) promising to boost interior space.

This year, we’ll only see the 3door and 5door versions of the 308 however, according to Peugeot, the C-Segment model will evolve into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years which translates into a 308 CC (Coupe-Cabrio), a 308 SW and maybe even a 308 Sedan. The French company states that we’ll see a “BioFlex” petrol model (enabling the car to be driven with a fuel composed of up to 85 percent ethanol) in 2008 while they note that the 308 could also one day benefit from Peugeot’s HDi Hybrid technology. -Full high-res image gallery after the jump

Just for the record, we avoided adding the 72-page long PDF file preferring to post Peugeot UK’s condensed version of the press release.

PEUGEOT 308 – INSIGHT INTO A NEW MODEL

• To be launched in September 2007
• Powered by seven engine options
• Class leading aerodynamics
• 1.6 litre HDi 90 emits only 120 g/km of CO₂
• The start of a new “3” series family

Peugeot’s first vehicle of the “8” generation, the Peugeot 308 five door hatchback will be launched in the UK in September.

Designed by Peugeot’s in-house designers, the Peugeot 308 builds on the successful concept of the Peugeot 307, with its semi-high architecture, large interior space, class leading safety equipment and high standards of road holding.

The stylish design not only looks good but contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions, due to its class leading aerodynamics – Cx of 0.29 – enabling the 1.6 litre HDi 90 to emit only 120 g/km of CO2.

The Peugeot 308 will be available with 10 powerplant options:

Petrol engines *VTi – Variable valve lift and Timing and injection

• 1.4 litre VTi* 95 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre VTi* 120 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre VTi* 120 bhp - 4-speed automatic gearbox
• 1.6 litre THP 150 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre THP 140 bhp - 4-speed automatic gearbox
• 
  

HDi Diesel engines

• 1.6 litre HDi 90 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp - 6-speed controlled manual gearbox
• 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp - 6-speed manual gearbox
• 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp - 6-speed automatic gearbox

Safety is another strength of the new Peugeot 308, with seven airbags fitted as standard; even rear side airbags will be available as an option on 5 door models. Peugeot’s lane departure warning system (LDWS) and bi-xenon directional headlamps will also be available.

The increased size compared to the 307 results in greater interior space and carrying capacity. The boot of the 308 is cleverly laid out to maximise the space which, with the parcel shelf in place provides 430 litres, increasing to 1,398 litres with the seats folded.

The Peugeot 308 will evolve into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years, and will see a “BioFlex” petrol model introduced. It could also one day benefit from Peugeot’s HDi Hybrid technology.

The Peugeot 308 will go on sale in the UK in September 2007; price and specification details will be announced nearer the launch date.

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A couple of years ago, four out of five stars for adult occupant protection would be something worth celebrating for, but today, when most new cars in the C-segment (Auris, Golf, Qashqai, Bravo, Focus etc) manage a maximum five star rating, 4-stars and 29 points isn't something worth bragging about. Not that the car us unsafe, but you get the general idea. In the other Euro NCAP tests, the Caliber was awarded with four (out of five) stars for child occupant protection and one (out of four) star for pedestrian protection. -Continued after the jump

Posted by Chris

Front impact

There was insufficient pressure in both driver and passenger airbags to prevent the dummies from making contact with the steering wheel and dashboard respectively. Structures in the dashboard presented a potential hazard to the knees and femurs of both front seat occupants.

Side impact

The Caliber scored maximum points in the side impact and pole tests.

Child-protection

Dodge dealers can disable the front passenger airbag to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. The dangers of doing so without first disabling the airbag were not clearly indicated in the warning labels. The presence of ISOFIX anchorages in the rear outboard seats was not clearly marked.

Pedestrian protection

Neither the bumper nor the front edge of the bonnet scored any points for the protection they offered to pedestrians' legs. Most of the bonnet scored no points and was rated as poor for the protection offered to the heads of adult and child pedestrians.

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Due to make its public debut in 2008 -most probably at the Geneva Show next March, the intriguing Fiat 500 Abarth is undergoing through its final test faze. In this video, we see a lightly camouflaged 500 Abarth performing test runs at the Nurburgring race-track in Germany. Albeit the author of the video presumes that the 500 Abarth will be equipped with a 200Hp strong 1.6-litre Turbocharged petrol unit, we highly doubt it as our information talks about the 1.4-litre T-Jet engine found in the Grande Punto (120Hp) and its Abarth sibling (150Hp).

Via: Autoblog.it

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We’ll just bypass the fugly looking, upside-down 3-Series Coupe/7-Series taillights and the fact that this is the first totally undisguised picture of the 1-Series Coupe and we’ll get straight to the point; is the “135i” decorative license plate for real? Does this picture confirm the rumors that BMW will equip the forthcoming 1-Series with the renowned 306Hp strong 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six?

Hard to say due to the poor quality of the image, but before you start having doubts due to the absence of the dual exhaust pipes featured in the 335i (one on each side of the bumper), let us remind you that the 535i has the same style exhaust pipes as the “135i” shown here. As for the image itself, it looks like someone managed to scoop it during some sort of BMW presentation or commercial/brochure shoot-out, via a cell-phone camera -Thanks for the tip Ronan!

Via: 2addicts

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Our blog-pals over at Jalopnik managed to obtain a whole set of images from Brenda Priddy & Co who caught the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and its Coupe sibling without a trace of camouflage during a photo shoot for a Canadian brochure. To be honest, I’m not at all impressed by the ’08 Accord’s unoriginal design -not that it will influence buyers in any way, but aren’t you tired of Honda's looking like Hyundai's which look like Toyota's? The coupe kinda looks better, though obviously less aggressively designed than the Detroit concept. Expect the ’08 Accord to be offered with a base 180Hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 270Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit. PS-The ’08 Accord viewed here shouldn’t be confused with the upcoming European model.

Via: Jalopnik

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Ok, I have to admit that I nearly fell for this one when I landed on Subaru’s STI page as my first thought was, “God, I stumbled upon the WRX STi”. Seconds later, I noticed the “Sport Parts for Impreza” on the top-left hand of the page and well, my “surprise” expression gave its place to a bitter smile and some inner awkwardness… I guess everyone’s entitled to a mistake here and then.

Anyway, back to reality, STI Performances’ Sport Parts for the 2008 Impreza models include a front spoiler, a skirt lip, 18-inch 12-spoke alloys; various gear knobs, a timer belt, a short-shift kit for the gearbox and a few other goodies. Not much but I’m sure STI will come up with heaps of stuff over the next few months. -More images after the jump

Source: STI

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A man was beat to death by a mob of people after the car he was in accidentally struck a 2 year old child while driving in a parking lot. The child was sent to the hospital with no life threatening injuries. The passenger of the vehicle, however, wasn’t so lucky. After the accident, the driver got out of the car to check on the child and was confronted by several people. The passenger of the vehicle, Mr. David Morales, came to the driver’s defence and was severely attacked. Shortly after Mr. Morales was found by a neighbor sprawled out on the pavement beaten and choking on his own blood. Police in Austin, Texas where the incident took place are currently conducting an investigation. Just goes to show you, don’t get yourself into an accident in the wrong neighbourhood, or you’re dead meat.

Posted by Dani

Via: amny

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As expected, BMW went on and facelifted its 6 Series Coupe and Cabriolet models which will be publicly unveiled at the Frankfurt Show this September. Despite the “mega” 11-page long press release, not so many things have changed in the 2008 BMW 6 Series. Concisely, both Coupe and Cabriolet versions feature subtle exterior changes that include redesigned bumpers, new directional indicators with LED light units and a more concave spoiler lip in the rear end with an integrated “third brake-light” that looks quite awful to be honest.

According to BMW, the 6 Series’ interior is enhanced by appropriate refinements in the quality of materials on specific controls and instruments. Other newbies include innovations in drive technology and driver assistance and safety systems like the Lane Departure Warning with vibration signal on the steering wheel and the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Mechanic-wise, the ’08 6 Series Coupe and Cabriolet line-up will be enhanced with the addition of the 635d which is equipped with the superb 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six diesel engine delivering 286Hp and a maximum torque of 580Nm. While the 635d features a combined fuel consumption figure of just 6,9 Liters/100 km (34 mpg US) it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.3 sec. Not bad wouldn't you say? -Full press release and more than 35 high-res images suitable for your desktop after the jump

PRESS RELEASE - 2008 BMW 6 SERIES:

The Authentic, Progressive Grand Touring Automobiles with Newly

Updated Styling, Interior Refinements and New Luxury Options

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 26^th, 2007…Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, an interior further refined in many details and boasting new color highlights, as well as innovations in drive technology and driver assistance and safety systems, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and the BMW 6 Series Convertible offer a greater thrill and more style than ever before.

Indeed, through their looks and style, combined with cutting-edge technology, both models are authentic representations of the classic Grand Touring automobile featuring modern highlights together with classic qualities.

Brilliant performance is delivered by the eight-cylinder power unit featured in the BMW 650i Coupe and the BMW 650i Convertible. Developing 360 hp from an engine capacity of 4.8 liters, this power unit allows truly dynamic performance combined with incomparable smoothness and refinement.

The new six-speed automatic sports transmission is tailored perfectly to the character of the BMW 6 Series, combining comfortable cruising with the option at any time to use the full power and muscle of the engine for all-out acceleration and driving dynamics.

Style and sport are indeed inherent characteristics of the BMW 6 Series: either as an elegant Sports Coupe in the proud tradition of a genuine Grand Touring Coupe or as a dynamic Luxury Convertible enabling the driver and passengers to enjoy the wind rushing by in an incomparable manner. Both models combine their strengths with the convincing everyday driving qualities of a large and spacious 2+2-seater.

The BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible stand for a heritage of no less than 70 years dedicated to the thrill of mobility and success in motorsport. Cars such as the BMW 327/328 Coupe, the BMW 3200 CS, the BMW 3.0 CSi and the first generation of the BMW 6 Series to this day represent the unique combination of elegance and competition-oriented sportiness so characteristic of BMW.

The history of dynamic driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above was originally introduced in the BMW 327 Convertible, the BMW 335 Convertible, and the BMW 503 Convertible, all of them milestones in technology and design, with a strong and lasting impact on the ongoing development of the brand and its products.

The 6 Series today also plays a significant role within BMW’s model portfolio. It is indeed the benchmark for innovation, and a powerful expression of progress in technology. Cars of this kind establish a particularly active relationship between the manufacturer and the customer, with the dedicated 6 Series owner showing a clear preference for the BMW brand and, at the same time, a strong affinity for innovations in technology, premium quality, and individual style.

An attitude of this kind creates a particularly close relationship with the product and its features not only prior to, but also after purchasing the car. Innovations of this standard endorsed and acknowledged by the critical customer of this caliber have the potential to define the progress of the entire brand. This, in turn, makes the BMW 6 Series a role model not only in design, but also in its control and operating concept, its comfort functions, chassis and suspension technology, and driver assistance systems.

Having built over 75,500 cars within the past three years is impressive proof of the close link between the BMW brand and the tradition of the sophisticated, top-quality Grand Touring automobile. In this segment, facing keen competition from a number of high-ranking competitors, the BMW 6 Series, measured in terms of registration figures, ranks a proud second among all luxury sports cars the world over. In other words, right from the start it immediately left the competition with comparable all-round qualities far behind.

Clearly dynamic: new highlights in exterior design.

The BMW 6 Series boasts powerful innovations characteristic of the brand and its leadership over the competition not merely through the cars’ power unit. For in their design and style, both the 6 Series Coupe and the 6 Series Convertible offer a level of quality only the development process applied by the BMW Group is able to achieve.

While the engineers responsible for developing the drivetrain benefit from skills and the art of engineering going back decades in enhancing the level of perfection through new technologies such as EfficientDynamics, the success of BMW design lies in the ability to interpret the traditional values of the brand with supreme creativity in looking into the future. Hence, the design and styling of the BMW 6 Series clearly reflect the highly dynamic, refined, top-quality and progressive technical standard of the car as a truly authentic rendition of this supreme standard.

The overall design and look of both models, offering perfect harmony and balance to the last detail, is borne out in particular by the sculptural look of both cars, providing a perfect match of all lines and design features. Indeed, the smooth, uninterrupted flow of all characteristic lines on the 6 Series ensures harmonious interplay of the front section, the sides and rear sections of the car, the generous and powerfully curved surfaces all coming together to provide a harmonious picture to be admired in its sporting elegance and dynamic class from every angle and every perspective.

Offering this unique design language, the BMW 6 Series Coupe stands out as a modern and innovative interpretation of the classic Grand Touring Coupe. And in the same way, the BMW 6 Series Convertible, through its design, is a proud symbol of sporting and elegant driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above.

Powerful and full of presence from every perspective.

Both the Coupe and Convertible now make an even more powerful and striking stance on the road. The strong lines extending all the way from the A-pillars along the entire engine compartment lid to the BMW kidney grille and forming a dynamic arrow further emphasized by the powerfully chiseled bars in the lower air intake.

The air intake itself is even wider than on the former model and borders at the bottom on a new contour edge significantly highlighting the wide track of the car. The newly designed directional indicators, in turn, featuring LED light units with a crystalline effect, provide an even more distinctive signal than before.

Through their striking contours, the headlights give the front end of the BMW 6 Series a clear, focused look, new light technology adding further brilliance. Featured as standard, the bi-xenon dual round headlights are covered by a layer of clear glass at the surface, their corona rings now offering BMW’s typical daytime driving light function.

With its long wheelbase, the long and sleek engine compartment lid, the greenhouse moved far to the back and the low roofline tapering out gently to the rear of the car, the BMW 6 Series has all the proportions of a classic Coupe. And thanks to its unique finned roof, the BMW 6 Series Convertible also offers the same, dynamically stretched silhouette.

The light edge on the side-sills is even more pronounced and distinctive than before on the new BMW 6 Series, offering extra volume and contours to highlight the sporting character of the car. The new metallic paint colors Deep Sea Blue and Space Gray, as well as new light-alloy rims, offer further options in rounding off the sporting elegance of the new BMW 6 Series according to the customer’s individual preferences.

In the process of modifying the rear end of the car, BMW’s designers have harmoniously continued and enhanced the concept of ongoing lines extending around the entire vehicle. The section of the luggage compartment lid beneath the spoiler lip is even more concave in design than before, rising up less steeply to provide not only a more dynamic look, but also more distinctive light/shade contrasts, making the entire rear end of the car look even lower and more dynamic.

On both the Coupe and Convertible, the additional brake light is now integrated in the spoiler lip. The inner structure of the rear lights has also been modified to reflect the new lines of the car, with all light sources now being LED units.

The harmony of lines on the luggage compartment lid, the rear lights and reflectors is likewise more intense and striking than before, the line formed by the lower edge of the rear spoiler sweeping gently downwards, where it is taken up by the outer contour of the rear lights. Then, following the design of the lights, the spoiler line, while still moving down, sweeps to the inside, where it is taken up by the contour of the low, even more stretched-out and sleeker reflectors.

BMW 6 Series all the way: harmony of design outside and inside.

The stylish and elegant dynamism of the car’s exterior design continues smoothly and harmoniously within the interior of the BMW 6 Series. Bearing a clear analogy to the exterior design of the car, the concept of dynamic harmony forms clear, flowing lines and tense, muscular surfaces. As an example, the sweeping cover above the dashboard starting beneath the windscreen extends back on both sides in an ongoing, dynamic line leading into the door panels and surrounding the armrests. Both the driver and front passenger are therefore enveloped by tense, even exciting design elements continuing all the way to the center console between the rear seats, thus emphasizing both the sophisticated style and elegance of the interior in a genuine visual and tangible experience.

The unique nature of the new BMW 6 Series is enhanced by appropriate refinements in the quality of materials on specific controls and instruments finished in new Chrome Pearl Grey Design as well as new colors for the interior trim and upholstery.

As an alternative to the standard aluminum trim, optional interior trim strips made of grained maple wood or dark birch wood give the interior either a technical and progressive feel or a sophisticated, stylish and elegant look.

Optional finish in Pearl exclusive leather, with additional leather on the armrests, the door grab handles and the center console, is now also available in Chateau Red and in a new upholstery color, Saddle Brown.

Featuring a combination of leather and Pearl Grey chrome, the iDrive Controller matches the look of the new rotary buttons, thus additionally enhancing the overall harmony of the car’s design.

Precise control of the system is further facilitated by a ring around the Controller made of extra-hard rubber, and to ensure even more intuitive use, the iDrive control system in the new BMW 6 Series comes complete with six programmable memory keys allowing direct access to selected functions, such as a favorite phone number or navigation destination.

Unparalleled supremacy: the eight-cylinder in the BMW 6 Series.

Once again, the eight-cylinder power unit in the new BMW 6 Series marks the pinnacle in superior power and performance. The 4.8-liter engine develops maximum output of 360 hp at an engine speed of 6,300 rpm, with peak torque of 360 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm.

This cutting-edge aluminium power unit features throttle-free VALVETRONIC valve control, variable double-VANOS camshaft management on the intake and exhaust side, as well as an intake manifold switching to two different settings. Benefiting from these highlights in technology, the eight-cylinder offers superior smoothness and refinement, an immediate and direct response, and a truly powerful torque curve.

The new BMW 650i Coupe accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds (with manual transmission) while the BMW 650i Convertible completes the same exercise in 5.6 seconds. Engine management, in turn, limits the top speed of both models to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Fuel economy and emissions optimized on all models.

A wide range of fuel-saving features in and around the engine also serve to make all of the power unit in the new BMW 6 Series even more efficient. One example is the Varioserv steering assistance pump that ensures particularly efficient steering support and assistance according to the driver’s current requirements.

Further new technologies serving to save fuel provide their superior effect without any intervention by the driver. The belt drive for the a/c compressor, for example, comes with its own clutch automatically disconnecting the compressor as soon as the driver switches off the air conditioning.

New automatic sports transmission and shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Engine power on the new BMW 650i is transmitted to the rear wheels in standard trim by a six-speed manual gearbox. Optionally available, at no charge, is BMW's newly developed six-speed Sports Automatic transmission, combining supreme comfort with extremely fast reaction and gearshift times in genuine Grand Touring style. Further advantages are the direct connection of the automatic transmission to the engine and, as a result, dynamic conversion of engine power into driving pleasure and performance.

The driver controls the Sport Automatic by means of an electronic gear selector lever, moving the lever briefly to the left from position D in order to activate the manual gearshift mode. This allows the driver to shift gears either via the gear selector lever or manually in sequential mode by means of paddles on the steering wheel. A further option is to shift gears manually directly from the paddles. Pressing the Sports button positioned behind the gear selector lever, the driver is able to enjoy an even faster and dynamic gearshift. A further benefit is that the Sports button also modifies the progressive action of the gas pedal and, in conjunction with the car’s standard steering, the Servotronic control map, providing optimum conditions for dynamic acceleration.

All-aluminum suspension for enhanced agility, safety and comfort.

Both the BMW 6 Series Coupe and the Convertible are characterized by sporting and superior driving characteristics at all times and under all conditions. Featuring a high-performance power unit, rear-wheel drive, excellent axle load distribution, and an ultra-modern all-aluminum suspension, the BMW 6 Series offers a supreme driving experience under all conditions. The principle of lightweight construction on the chassis and suspension, in turn, guarantees supreme stability on low weight and minimizes the car’s unsprung masses.

The high-performance floating-caliper brakes with inner-vented brake discs are controlled hydraulically on the BMW 6 Series, now acting even faster and more precisely than before in guaranteeing maximum stability and full brake power at all times.

Dynamic Stability Control with optimized control action.

Offering a wide range of functions, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) supports the driver in the process of handling his BMW safely and with superior style. First and foremost, DSC can apply the brakes individually on the car’s various wheels as required, or intervene in engine management in order to counteract any over- or understeer in bends.

DSC also includes the ABS anti-lock brake control system as well as Automatic Stability Control, which helps prevent the drive wheels from spinning on loose or slippery ground, as well as Brake Assist, and Cornering Brake Control to help avoid under- or oversteer in bends.

Further functions include Brake Fade Compensation when the brakes become particularly hot, Brake Drying to optimize the car’s stopping power in wet weather, and Start-Off Assistant, enabling the driver to set off smoothly and without the car rolling back on an uphill gradient, without having to use the handbrake.

A further innovation is Brake Standby, whose pre-loading brake function moves the brake pads closer to the discs for immediate build-up of brake pressure, thus avoiding the slightest delay in the process of applying the brakes. In the event of an emergency braking maneuver, this precaution enables the brakes to build up their maximum stopping power much faster than usual, making stopping distances shorter and offering valuable safety reserves.

The Brake Assistant in the new BMW 6 Series, part of the DSC control system, is networked with the car’s other driver assistance systems, interacting with the optional Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function in order to detect the need for extra stopping power in good time. This is done by radar sensors incorporated in the system, with the brakes being pre-loaded by reducing the normal activation thresholds on the hydraulic Brake Assistant.

Activated at the touch of a button, Dynamic Traction Control serves to raise the DSC response threshold for even more dynamic performance. Specially optimized in the new BMW 6 Series, this DTC mode enhances traction on slippery surfaces and ensures an even higher standard of sporting performance under dynamic driving conditions.

Unique: Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization.

Standard on the BMW 6 Series, Servotronic power steering provides appropriate assistance on the hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering as a function of road speed. Further enhancement of steering comfort is provided by optionally available Active Steering, unique in the 6 Series segment, varying the steering ratio appropriately to provide a larger steering angle at low speeds with the same movement of the steering wheel than at higher speeds. In practice, this allows the driver to maneuver the car with less effort and with an even smoother steering effect. At higher speeds, Active Steering makes it easier for the driver to remain steadily on course, harmonizing the feeling of the steering.

By way of yaw rate control, Active Steering stabilizes the car when applying the brakes on surfaces with different traction levels side-to-side, counter-steering as required for superior safety and balance.

Another innovation reflecting the character of the BMW 6 Series is Active Roll Stabilization. This suspension control system features active anti-roll bars with hydraulic swivel motors on the front and rear axle, enabling the car to almost completely eliminate body roll movements in bends and in a sudden change of direction. A further benefit is appropriate control of the car’s steering behavior in a lane change or in hard maneuvers serving to avoid an obstacle on the road.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function offers the driver better support and greater assistance at the wheel than ever before. This innovative system now available as an option in the new BMW 6 Series – on models with automatic transmission – features automatic distance control, allowing the driver to comfortably cruise along the highway or on a country road as well as in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds, while constantly maintaining an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead.

As soon as the distance pre-set by the driver can no longer be maintained, the system adjusts the speed of the car by intervening in drive management and building up brake pressure, thus taking current traffic conditions into account. Then, as soon as the road ahead is free again, Active Cruise Control increases the speed of the car to the limit set by the driver. The system even reduces the speed of the car to a standstill whenever necessary based on current traffic conditions, bringing the car to a halt and holding it in that position.

The maximum deceleration generated by Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is 0.5g. And should the driver be required to intervene because the vehicle ahead is applying the brakes extremely hard, he will be alerted to do so by appropriate visual and acoustic signals.

New: Lane Departure Warning with vibration signal on the steering wheel.

To support driver awareness, both the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and the new BMW 6 Series Convertible are available with a newly developed assistance system helping to prevent the driver from inadvertently departing from the correct lane on the road. Referred to as Lane Departure Warning, this sophisticated system identifies movement of the car from the correct lane and gives the driver a discreet but noticeable signal at the most important point in steering the car – on the steering wheel itself.

The Lane Departure Warning System is made up of a camera fitted near the interior mirror on the windscreen, a control unit for comparing data, and a signal transmitter generating a vibration signal on the steering wheel.

BMW Night Vision

BMW Night Vision, available as an option, offers a higher level of safety when driving at night. The “heart” of this unique system is a thermal imaging camera able to detect people, animals and objects emitting heat at a distance of up to almost 1,000 feet down the road, then transmitting a high-contrast image to the central Control Display also used by the navigation system.

Head-Up Display

As an option, both the BMW 6 Series Coupe and the BMW 6 Series Convertible are available with a Head-Up Display projecting information relevant to the driver such as the road speed of the car or navigation data to the windscreen directly in front of the driver.

Comfort and safety on all four seats.

High-strength load-bearing structures, generous and clearly defined deformation zones front and rear, side impact protection integrated in the doors and rear side panels, and an extremely stiff passenger cell allowing the entire structure around the driver to maintain its function as a survival area in a severe collision – all these features provide the prerequisites for the exemplary standard of passive safety offered by the BMW 6 Series.

Other standard features are three-point seat belts with pretensioners on all seats as well as front and side airbags for the front occupants. The BMW 6 Series Coupe also comes with head airbags, while the BMW 6 Series Convertible features rollbars which move up automatically in the event of a possible rollover within fractions of a second from behind the rear headrests.

Active headrests for an even higher standard of occupant protection.

Both the BMW 6 Series Coupe and the BMW 6 Series Convertible come as standard with electrically adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger as well as a triple memory function on the driver’s seat. The front seats on the BMW 6 Series Convertible feature an integrated belt system, while on the BMW 6 Series Coupe the belt anchor points allow comfortable and convenient use of the car’s restraint systems.

Newly developed active headrests on the front seats once again enhance the standard of passive safety in both models, the headrests developing their protective effect in the event of a rear-end collision by automatically moving closer to the occupant’s head, thus preventing any rapid spinning or turning motion of the head, in the process significantly reducing the risk of upper spinal injury for the driver and front passenger.

To ensure this effect, the headrests are moved forward by 60 millimeters or 2.36´´ and upward by 40 millimeters or 1.57´´ as soon as the airbag control unit registers an impact at the rear of the BMW 6 Series and sends out a signal for pyrotechnical activation of the system. This, in turn, releases two springs moving the upholstered sections of the headrests into position to immediately cushion the heads of the occupants, preventing any spinning or jerking movement resulting from impact energy.

Top-end navigation and audio systems.

As a particular highlight in the interest of motoring comfort, both the BMW 6 Series Coupe and the BMW 6 Series Convertible are equipped with the BMW Navigation System, including Real Time Traffic Information. Among other features, the BMW Navigation System features refined graphic presentation on an 8.8-inch Control Display as well as new, particularly reliable voice entry exclusive to BMW cars.

High-quality audio systems and telematics functions serve to enhance touring comfort and driving pleasure in the new BMW 6 Series. BMW’s optional Premium Sound Package continues to include a 6 disc CD changer and Logic 7 and adds a USB interface is also available as an option for linking up external audio sources. This allows the user to integrate MP3 players such as an Apple iPod into the audio system and to control the various functions by means of the iDrive Controller or the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel.

The range of multi-media features and options is rounded off by BMW Assist telematics services including TeleService, which enables customers to make service appointments with their BMW center.

Leather upholstery with SunReflective Technology on the Convertible.

One of the particular highlights offered by the BMW 6 Series Convertible is the use of a newly developed type of leather for the seat upholstery and interior panels. In this case, so-called “cool pigments” are integrated into the material in a process referred to as SunReflective Technology, reflecting infra-red radiation in the sunlight. This very effectively reduces undue overheating of the seat surfaces when the car is open, providing a difference in temperatures compared with conventional leather of up to 36 °F in the case of dark colors.

2008 BMW 6 Series: The Authentic, Progressive Grand Touring Automobiles

Together with the characteristic design of both models and their impressive standard of driving dynamics, the comprehensive range of multi-faceted features helps to give the BMW 6 Series its truly authentic and unique identity. Indeed, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and the new BMW 6 Series Convertible belong to the small group of cars fulfilling the greatest demands in every respect and setting new benchmarks everywhere. Given the sheer magnitude of their qualities, both models stand out clearly in their respective segments, reflecting the ideals of the discerning motorist dedicated either to the refined dynamics of a four-seater Grand Touring Coupe or the unique driving pleasure only a Luxury Convertible is able to offer.

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A 1956 Ford Thunderbird was found after it had been stolen from owner Ronald Leung at his auto-repair workshop in downtown Palo Alto, California in 1976. The car was identified by a woman who purchased the vehicle on e-bay from an Ohio seller and tried to register the car in California. When she discovered the car’s title didn’t exist, a little database searching discovered that the car was identified as stolen. Whoever held onto the Thunderbird took great care of it because it has been fully restored and refurbished. The owner bought it in 1974 for $1,500 and has reminisced about it ever since. He’s flying to Southern California to pick up his long lost Thunderbird this week.

Posted by Dani

Via: aol

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Don’t you just love “small print”? As we were gazing at Peugeot’s latest detailed press release on the all-new 207 SW we discovered a “hidden” paragraph concerning the French carmaker’s intentions to broaden up the SW’s line-up with two new versions. These are: the sporty 207 SW RC equipped with the same PSA-BMW jointly developed 175Hp 1.6-liter turbo unit found in the 3d RC and the production version of the crossover concept “207 SW Outdoor”.

Since we found both versions extremely interesting we decided to make a few phone calls “here and there”. Our insider informed us that the 207 SW Outdoor and RC will make their public debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Show with sales starting in Europe this November. -Follow the jump for the abstract from the press release

“In the near future ...

Full of ambition, the 207 SW will make every effort to enlarge its potential customer base with a truly rich and diverse range:

The 207 SW “Outdoor”, an off road leisure vehicle ... a rugged, ‘versatile’ design with additional ground clearance - with a greatly accentuated perception of robustness....

The 207 SW “RC”, with a clearly stated sportiness -a spacious, “GT” design and powered by a 128 kW (175 bhp) engine, delivering 240 Nm of torque at 1600 rpm”

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Ever wake up and just know its going to be a bad day? Marlowe Treit, the proud owner of a flawless '85 Lamborghini Countach, should have listened to his intuition and stayed in bed on this day last spring when an airplane collided with his Lambo. The Cessna plane which was being driven by a trio of heartless FBI agents badly mangled the side of the vehicle. Marlowe had bought the Countach for himself as a 60th birthday present and had only put 200 miles on it. He estimates the crash did about $100,000 in damage and is filing a law suit for $105, 500 in damages on the grounds of negligence.

In my opinion, this was more than just negligence, this was simple stupidity! The three agents that were on a “familiarization flight” saw a small black sports car out the left side window dart from under the propeller and gushing fluid. Investigators said both failed "to maintain an adequate visual lookout and their failure to see and avoid one another". We ask how it is humanly possible to miss something like a Lamborghini on an airfield? First of all, what the heck was it doing there?!

Posted by Dani

Via: Oregonlive

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The first images of MINI’s 2008 Clubman have found their way into the net, two months prior to the car’s public debut at the Frankfurt Show in September. We don’t have the press release in our hands yet, but the four pictures of the Clubman speak for themselves. Maintaining several of the characteristics seen in MINI’s “Traveller” concepts like the spilt rear doors, the Clubman is based on stretched platform architecture from the new MINI range.

The most notable feature of the Clubman -apart from the extended wheelbase which will significantly open up cabin space, is the clamshell side door on the passenger’s side. The reverse-opening door promises to offer easier access to the expanded second row seats. Style-wise, the Clubman has a redesigned rear-end featuring plastic add-ons on the C-pillar. However, what really caught our attention here were the twin-wipers on the split-door; a detail that makes you love those meticulous Bavarian engineers.

As for the engine range, the Clubman is expected to be offered with the same units as the hatch minus the base 95Hp 1.4. Thus meaning, we’ll have the Cooper with the 120Hp 1.6-litre petrol engine, the Cooper S with the 175Hp Turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol unit and finally a diesel version fitted with a 110Hp 1.6-litre unit. As BMW Group announced earlier this year, the Clubman will go on sale towards the end of 2007. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below for more high-res images

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Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time pays off. Then again, my internal devil’s advocate says that these guys could have been stalking Mercedes-Benz’s testers, but in the end who cares! All that counts is that thanks to this amateur video we get a chance to see the 2008 C63 AMG up close and in action. Of course, we would have preferred a bit of silence on the amateurs behalf so as to focus our attention on the brutal 6.3-litre V8 melody rather than listen to their namby-pamby babbling, but we can’t have it all.

Via: blog.worldcarfans

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The definition of a “Q” car or just profound insanity? Who cares, either way, my inner child just discovered a new imaginary dream-toy in the form of a humble looking late 80’s BMW 3-Series Coupe with a V12 powerhouse! Created in Germany the 350i E30 is equipped with a BMW 7-Series /8-Series derived 5.0-litre V12 engine tuned to deliver 350Hp @ 6.000 rpm and a maximum torque of 470Nm to the rear wheels via a 6speed manual gearbox form the 850CSi. And yes, we’re still trying to figure out how the heck the mechanic managed to squeeze a 5.0-litre V12 powertrain in that teeny-weeny engine bay. Amazing.

According to the magician -sorry, tuner, this one of a kind E30 V12 features several other goodies like a BMW Z3 M Roadster rear axle, E34 M5 rims and some other stuff from the E36 M3 which unfortunately, couldn’t be translates from the German-only site. What could be translated though are the 350i’s performance figures: 0 - 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.0 sec, 0 - 160 km/h (100mph) in 9,4 sec and 0 – 200 km/h (124mph) in 15,5 sec! -Continued: Click "Read More..." below

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: BMW-power

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Sometime ago –actually, ages in internet years, we showed you the Binz CLS Hearse which was nothing more than an E-Class SW with a CLS fascia and a boot larger than life –knock on wood… Well Binz now announced that it’s bringing the “CLS flavor” to all its E-Class extended-chassis range as an extra cost option which means you can have a 6door E-Class limousine with a CLS front-end. According to the German owned procrustean coachbuilder, the cars fitted with this fascia get front wings manufactured from advanced composites and more importantly, they preserve the base E-Class collision performance characteristics. -Full press release after the jump

BINZ Unveils Coupé de Grace

It’s not enough these days to operate the best engineered cars in the world. They have to look good too. Nowhere is this truer than in the exalted world of the top class European coachbuilders, where luxury saloons are hand-crafted into the 6-door limousines that waft government ministers, top executives, and their entourages from A to B. To cater for this growing awareness of style,.

This new ‘face’ of Binz is so-far only to be made available as an extra cost option on its existing E-Class limousine and hearse line-up. Kevin Smith, sales director of the company explains the thinking behind the : “It really comes down to the saying that your fleet is your best marketing asset, and that means having something that is instantly recognisable. In a sense the E-Class has been the victim of its own success. We are not the only coachbuilder using this platform as a base, and operators are increasingly seeing in the Mercedes-Benz brand a quick way of lifting their businesses onto a different plane.

“Though we can boast a myriad of technical innovations and full manufacturer engineering approval, these are all features that in the main only become apparent to the passenger once they have ridden in a Binz vehicle. So by offering our customers this CLS styling option, they now have yet another way of differentiating their service from that of the competition”.

Far from being a simple cosmetic makeover, Binz had to surmount a number of technical challenges when developing this option. Entirely new wings were required, manufactured not from steel – or even aluminium, the traditional coachbuilder’s medium – but from advanced composites. Care also needed to be taken to preserve the base E-Class collision performance characteristics, as well as ensuring that the curves that are so much of the CLS appeal, were to blend seamlessly into the E-Class’ flanks.

Underneath the skin, the CLS version of Binz’s 6-door limousine retains the magic carpet ride of the company’s ‘standard’ model, with AirMATIC suspension and active ride technology recalibrated in concert with Mercedes-Benz to take into account the vehicle’s increases in wheelbase and kerbweight.

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This is exactly why I love the Sema Show; it’s like going to a toyshop for grown kids. I mean, where else would you find a mid-engine car with a Corvette Sting Ray body that’s powered by a twin-turbocharged Chevrolet LS V8 unit delivering a whopping 1000Hp? Thanks to our blog-pals at Jalopnik we not only have the info but we also have the first images of the V7 Super Coupe that’s being readied by American Super Car for this year’s Sema Show in Las Vegas. Can’t wait to see how this monster comes out. -Continued after the jump

Via: Jalopnik

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A treasure chest filled with $50,000 in gold doubloons and a key to a new Volvo? – Who needs it when there’s $500 million worth of priceless coins lying right next to it? In theory, Volvo’s treasure hunt adventure, which was designed to promote the latest chapter of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, was a good idea. The contest, which originally promised the winner a sea voyage to retrieve a pre-sunk chest full of cash goodies, was put on the backburner when Odyssey, the world leader in deep-ocean shipwreck exploration, found something better.

The “new” prize included a chest, which is thought to be from an old Spanish shipwreck, filled with $500 million in gold and silver coins. The area was immediately blocked off by the Spanish government hoping they could get a cut of the findings.Meanwhile, Volvo had to dig deep in their pockets and give the winner of the contest, 23-year-old Alena Zvereva of Russia the replacement $50,000 and the keys to a new Volvo. They are also wondering how they’ll retrieve the stranded chest of gold coins. The contest attracted more than 32,000 online contestants from 22 markets around the world. -Full press release and pics after the jump

Posted by Dani

Via: Motorpasion, Source Volvo

PRESS RELEASE: REAL-LIFE PIRATE ADVENTURE DELAYS VOLVO TREASURE RETRIEVAL

Controversy Sparked by $500 Million Real-Life Treasure Find
Adds New Mystery and Intrigue to Final Leg of Volvo's Online Hunt

In a twist worthy of any great pirate story, Volvo Car Corporation today upped anchor - at least temporarily - on the last crucial leg of its global online treasure hunt: the retrieval of a prize treasure chest filled with $50,000 in gold and a key to a new Volvo from the sea floor. The retrieval of the chest will hang in the balance until controversy dies down over the discovery of real life treasure by Volvo's Hunt partner, Odyssey Marine Exploration.

Earlier this year, Volvo selected Odyssey, the world leader in deep-ocean shipwreck exploration, to sink a treasure chest with one goal: to create an authentic, exciting treasure hunt to promote Disney's ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.' Veiled in secrecy, Odyssey scouted locations in the Western Mediterranean, finally zeroing in on a perfect spot off the coast of Gibraltar. They had planned to take the winner of The Hunt, 23-year-old Alena Zvereva from Ekaterinburg, Russia, out to retrieve the treasure from its secret location when the operation hit an unprecedented snag: Odyssey found real treasure. And a media storm ensued.

"We thought sinking a real treasure chest, filled with $50,000 in gold doubloons and a key to a new Volvo, and creating a global treasure hunt for 22 markets was challenging," said Linda Gangeri, national advertising manager, Volvo Cars of North America. "But that was, quite literally, a drop in the ocean compared to the storm our attempted retrieval process has stirred up."

While thousands of would-be treasure hunters from around the globe battled it out to find Volvo's prize booty, Odyssey struck gold and silver of their own in the Atlantic Ocean with the discovery of an estimated $500 million in coins from a deep ocean site the company has now code-named the ‘Black Swan.'

As soon as the discovery was made public, having been spotted depositing Volvo's treasure in an entirely different area, questions started circulating as to the real provenance of the ‘Black Swan.' Was it a Spanish shipwreck? Had Odyssey been working on shipwrecks in Spanish waters? Unable to reveal the exact location of the ‘Black Swan,' in the Atlantic Ocean because of obvious security reasons, and under a non-disclosure agreement with Volvo to protect the location of its treasure chest, Odyssey found itself in the eye of a media storm that has yet to abate. Reports have been widely circulated that a court in the Spanish coastal town of La Linea has issued an order for the Spanish Guardia Civil to detain any Odyssey vessel should it leave the port of Gibraltar, putting Volvo's retrieval plans on hold.

"When we discovered the ‘Black Swan,' international interest in the find was amazing," said Greg Stemm, real-life shipwreck explorer and co-founder of Odyssey. "Even though we have been very clear that it's in the Atlantic Ocean, outside any country's territorial waters, when Spanish authorities saw that we'd been out near Gibraltar in March, some unfortunately jumped to the wrong conclusion. Until very recently, we were contractually bound not to reveal our arrangement with Volvo, so without a real explanation of why we had deep-sea exploration equipment out there, it's easy to see how imaginations could run wild."

Whatever happens, Zvereva will receive $50,000 and a new Volvo XC70. Volvo, however, is not giving up on its retrieval plans yet and is committed to exploring every avenue possible to reclaim the chest from its watery depths.

"We wanted an adventure, and we certainly got one," said Gangeri. "Real-life shipwreck exploration is uncharted waters for us, and Odyssey did warn us that you never know what will happen out on the high seas. They have been an excellent partner throughout all this, and they helped make this contest one of the most authentic, exciting promotions of the year. Now, pirate story or not, we're putting everything we have toward raising a thrilling - and happy - ending."

About the Hunt

The wildly popular Hunt, a month-long multi-media campaign developed as part of Volvo's promotion of the theatrical release of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, attracted more than 32,000 online contestants from 22 markets around the world. Participants solved a series of puzzles that led to a semi-final puzzle, Puzzle 21: World's End, posted May 31. The first contestant from each country to submit the correct answer then went on to compete in one final online puzzle to decide the winner. All participating markets were represented in the final with the exception of Italy, who didn't have a participant submit a correct semi-final answer within the time limit.

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John Doe’s Lexus LX570, or in plain car-English, the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser has been spotted again performing tests in the Arabian Peninsula and specifically, in Dubai (UAE). The only notable exterior difference between the ’09 Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX570 seem to concern the rear-light clusters and while you can’t see it in these pics, the redesigned front-end.

Inside, Toyota’s LX570 is equipped with a slightly redesigned and less luxurious version of the Lexus dashboard. Surprisingly, in comparison with the previous test car spotted in Oman, the’09 Land Cruiser in Dubai features a different instrument cluster with “3D” shaped gauges. As you might have guessed already, the new Land Cruiser will probably be equipped with the same 381Hp 5.7 V8 found in its ’08 Lexus counterpart. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Pics via: carspyshots

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Nine million is the number of motorists in Britain that are utterly confused about their own vehicles. Well, that’s according to Green Flag break down specialists that conducted research regarded a driver’s knowledge about the car they drive. 30% of the country’s driving population admits they don’t know their way around their car, which is a basic skill that could reduce time waiting at the roadside if they ever broke down. The data collected was astonishing, yet sadly enough, sound about right.

Here were some of the findings:

• 2.5 million drivers have no idea where to find the spare tire
• One-in-six women drivers don’t know how to open their bonnet
• One-in-five men wouldn’t know where to find their spark plugs
• 13% don’t know how to fill up windscreen washers
• over two million motorists wouldn’t recognize the low oil light if it flicked on
• one million have no idea what the low fuel signal looks like (This must explain why the most common cause of breakdowns is NO FUEL!)
• 15 million (44 per cent) don’t know how to attach leads for a jump start
• Nearly ten million drivers don’t know their engine size

I decided to save the best for last, because just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, one-in-ten have no idea how old their car is. These stats are saddening not only because many of us spend so much time in our cars, but because most people just can’t tell their rear-end from their spark plugs. Green Flag should start an online tutorial. Link: Green Flag

Posted by Dani

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With the Frankfurt Show only a couple of months away, car-makers have began showing off their 2008 merchandise. Mitsubishi on its behalf will unveil the European edition of the all-new Lancer Sports Sedan which doesn’t look any different from its US or Japanese spec counterparts. Under the hood though it’s another story -no 2.0-litre petrol engine here. Instead Europeans get the choice of two petrol units, an 110Hp 1.5-liter and a 144Hp 1.8-liter engine along with a VW Group derived, 140Hp 2.0-liter diesel engine. Of course the top-dog in the Lancer range is the Evolution, which may be introduced as well in Frankfurt.

Mitsubishi also announced that in 2008 an all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback (based on the 2005 Frankfurt Show Concept) will join the Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution models. But what really caught our attention in Mitsubishi’s press release is that the Japanese carmaker talks about an “Upper-range version” details of which will be unveiled at a later stage. The “Upper-range version” will fit in between the 1.8-litre petrol/2.0 Diesel and the EVO in the Lancer’s range. If our inside info is correct, this could be the front wheel-drive MR version with a 2.0 turbo engine producing around 240Hp. -See the full press release after the jump

Mitsubishi Motors Europe - 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

Preview # 2

- All-new Lancer Sports Sedan -

Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.

Known as “Project Global” within MMC, and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform will next be rolled out to the European public at the 2007 Frankfurt Show (IAA), underpinning the all-new 4-door Lancer Sports Sedan.

Global

Representing a multi-million dollar investment, the “Project Global” platform will support the launch of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, including (as of now) the all-new Lancer family, the second generation Outlander or the recently unveiled – and very successful – Delica D:5 minivan / SUV crossover.

Designed from the outset for world markets to accommodate various regional needs and regulations as well as changing market trends and customer demands, “Project Global” generates economies of scale through built-in flexibility and synergies in design, engineering and manufacturing.

Credentials

Designed at Mitsubishi Motors’ European design studio in Trebur, near Frankfurt (Germany) for world markets, Lancer Sports Sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback (2005 IAA) and Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) concept cars, also created in Europe.

Its low stance, long bonnet / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark “Jet Fighter” grille (with a chromed upper grille in this European market application) and distinctively deep set “eyes”, all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.

Very much in line with Mitsubishi’s inspiring “Japanese Modern” design philosophy, this theme is also evocative of Lancer’s peerless motor sports credentials covering 35 years of racing, from the original 1973 Lancer 1600 GSR winner of numerous long distance 70s rallies in Africa and Australia (East African Safari, Bandama, Southern Cross,…) to the very hot 1980 Lancer EX 2000 Turbo and today’s Lancer Evolution.

Family

To be launched progressively in Europe from the end of 2007, the (4,570 mm long x 1,760 mm wide) Lancer Sports Sedan will provide Mitsubishi Motors in Europe with a full family of offerings ranging from 1.5 litre petrol entry models to mid-range 1.8 litre petrol and 2.0 litre Diesel versions (availability according to markets), right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution – for the first time a member of the Lancer family. In the future, further variants will be made available as well:

• - Entry level: 110 ps – 1.5 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
• - Mid-range: 140 ps – 2.0 l Pump Jet Diesel (VAG-supplied)*
• 144 ps – 1.8 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
• - Upper-range: output & details to be unveiled at a later stage
• - Hero: 2.0 l Turbo DOHC MIVEC petrol (Lancer Evolution / output to be unveiled later)

* all data subject to homologation.

The above line-up will include 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, CVT, 4-speed automatic and 6-speed automated manual, according to the engine.

Joining the Lancer Sports Sedan and Lancer Evolution during 2008, the all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback will further strengthen the Lancer family. With its coupé-like profile – modelled upon the exciting 2005 Frankfurt concept car of the same name – it will specifically target hatchback-minded European customers.

Beyond conventional segmentation, the all-new Lancer family will be in Europe a refreshing alternative for customers looking for timeless presence, sharp dynamics, reliability and value-for-money, all brought by heritage-proud, non-mainstream, right-brained, quality Brands.

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Kia’s European built, designed and engineered C-Segment model will soon welcome a new member in its family, a 3door version which will also base next year’s 225Hp GTi –we don’t know the name yet. Spied here wearing more camo than a Paradoxophyla palmate (a narrow-headed frog native to Madagascar that’s a master of camouflage – don’t blame us, blame the Discovery Channel…), the 3door Cee’d has been designed by Peter Schreyer, the father of Audi’s iconic fist generation TT.

As Kia people pointed out to us last year at the Paris Show, the 3door Cee’d will closely resemble the pro cee’d Concept. Of course, we’ve heard that before so we’re not keeping our hopes up too high. Either way we’ll soon find out since as our Kia insider informed us, the 3door Cee’d will break cover at the Frankfurt Show this September. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Pics via: kiaworld

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If you’re one of “those” young or old folks that are always getting into trouble with the law this little DVD being sold by a former narcotics police office might be of some interest to you. Barry Cooper was considered among the top cops in Texas that took part in over 800 drug busts, seized more than more than 50 vehicles and $500,000 in cash and assets, and made a case against a local politician's son.

Considering himself an expert on the subject, Cooper has released the informative DVD titled “Never Get Busted Again.” The DVD is a guide that shows you how to stash pot in your car without getting caught. Some antics include stashing pot in car dashboards with nooks and crannies and throwing off drug-sniffing dogs by coating tires in fox urine. Gross! The formerly straight-laced cop has become a “shaggy-haired militant for the legalization of weed” and he’s giving away all the dirty secrets.

But this is America, and Mr. Cooper is fortunately protected by First Amendment Rights and since he’s not aiding anyone personally in the crime of possession he’s making money without breaking the law. What I can’t get over is the part about the fox urine. If you’re an expensive rims lover, kiss the shininess goodbye! In the extremely rare case that any of our readers want to get a taste of the DVD, click “Read More” below…

Posted by Dani

DVD Trailer

False Alerts

Hidden Compartments

Conceal Your Stash

Traffic Stops

Narcotic Detector Dogs

Via: cbsnews , Link: nevergetbusted

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Too fast and too furious but also too married and too poor? Don’t worry, German tuner Pro-Street has a solution that’ll satisfy your needs without emptying your piggy bank: the VW Passat "xtr-racing line" Wide Bodykit and you’re a mere €2.045 or $2.750 away from owning a butler’s (or butcher’s…) ASMA. German tuning houses never seem to stop amazing us with their aesthetic creations do they…? -One more pic after the jump

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Pro Street

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