Gibbs Technologies, makers of vehicles like the Aquada seen above, has managed to snag tax breaks from both the state of Michigan and the city of Auburn Hills to open its world headquarters near Detroit, the U.S. capitol for automakers. While we're sure that Michigan's Oakland County is happy to see Gibbs' investment in the area and the additional jobs it'll bring along with it, one must wonder just how many $85,000 aquatic vehicles the company plans to sell to sustain itself. Though it's headquartering itself in the Detroit area, manufacturing may be done elsewhere. Michigan is still reportedly in the running, but we'd imagine a less seasonal climate may prove beneficial for the research, development and testing of its upcoming amphibious line of vehicles.
Volvo gave its C30 hatchback a pretty aggressive look when it introduced the R-Design package, but unfortunately none of that sportiness made its way beneath the hood. Adding some show to the go, Volvo has reportedly created a C30 prototype fitted with a turbocharged inline-5 pumping out 350 horsepower using the Ford Focus RS engine block as a base. Best of all, it would be able fully put down all that power combined with Volvo's AWD system, unlike the FWD system on the Focus RS. Unfortunately, Volvo has no current plans to bring the car to production, and with high gas prices and upcoming fuel consumption regulations, it would be tough to convince them otherwise.
The 2010 9-4X will make its world debut next spring, most probably at the 2009 New York Auto Show.
The five-passenger crossover is based on the same GM midsize sedan architecture as the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura, and the Saab will share its overall mechanical package with the forthcoming 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and 2010 Cadillac SRX.
The 2010 Saab 9-4X will be priced like a BMW X3 and sized like an X5. Under the hood the company will place innovative powertrain options like the concept vehicles E85-fueled, direct-injection four-cylinder engine.
Shelby Supercars has just issued its second release this week about its miraculous new project, the Ultimate Aero EV. As we read the announcement, it was obvious that it was exactly the same release from just a few days ago and the hyperbole was in no way toned down. They are promising to deliver a working prototype by February of next year, followed by full production examples by the fourth quarter of 2009. That, in and of itself, is highly improbable, but it just gets better from there. The performance the company is promising is insanely impressive and about as likely to come to fruition as airborne swine or your fairy godmother.
SSC promises two, 500hp electric motors equipped with a triple disc clutch and a six-speed gearbox. As Tesla found out the hard way, making a gearbox last with an electric motor is tough, even with half as much power. But it gets better. SSC promises a power source with extended times between charges, perhaps as long as several years. We're still confused, but we don't think it's a coincidence that the company is making this announcement in the same week it announced its hopes of securing new venture funding.
Building a car powered by an internal combustion engine to go 250 mph is less of a big deal in this day and age. You just need an engine with enough power and a slippery shape. Building the kind of electric car that SSC is promising involves invalidating the most fundamental laws of physics. So for the time being, we remain comfortable skeptical.
CarTribe has procured a few shots and the initial details of the production Chevrolet Camaro ahead of its official unveiling this Monday. According to their report, the Camaro will come in LS, LT and SS trim, equipped with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. Of course, that doesn't account for the very-obviously-marked RS car that is shown in the official photos, so who knows what the whole story is. Engine choices include either a 296 hp, 3.6-liter V6 or a 416 hp 6.2-liter V8 which will feature cylinder deactivation to boost fuel economy. Underneath the retro sheetmetal is a full independent suspension and StabiliTrak traction control system. Four-pot Brembo brakes are mounted up front on the SS variant, and the 3,700-pound coupe will reportedly have a weight balance of 52/48, front/rear. The neuvo-retro theme is carried inside with a gauge cluster inspired by the 1969 model, along with leather seats and blue LED lighting.
We'll have more specs and images as information becomes available.
The Camaro is back for 2010 and you can count on American Muscle to bring you top of the line Chevrolet Camaro Parts.
The 2009 WRX's turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer will get a boost in output to 265 hp (41 hp more than the 2008 model) and will only be available with a manual gearbox. The '09 WRX will also feature an upgraded suspension (no details), an STI-style front grille, standard aero kit and a new grey wheel package, along with red stitching on the steering wheel and seats.
The memo also mentions the inclusion of a moonroof on models equipped with the premium package, along with some undisclosed changes on vehicles equipped with the ivory interior.
While owners of the 2008 WRX might feel slighted, it's nice to know that Subaru is stepping up its game on the eve of the release of the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
News of facility closings and truck and SUV production cuts have been very sobering to GM's plant towns and the union workforce. While GM's live press conference was bad news for many, the General's Lansing Grand River plant had plenty of reason to smile. The facility received word that the CTS Coupe and Sport Wagon were green-lighted for production, giving the plant more variations of the strong-selling CTS. The two-door CTS should provide Cadillac a shot in the arm here in the States, but the Sport Wagon could be a wild card. The sporty family hauler will likely sell well in the wagon-loving Euro market, while also giving US buyers a fashionable alternative to the SUV. The CTS will supposedly receive a 2.9L turbo-diesel powerplant, which will give Cadillac a stronger presence overseas, while giving shoppers States an oil-burning alternative.
One potential downer for the plant is that the SRX will be moving to a front drive platform, meaning that production could potentially move to another plant. The SRX never sold in high volumes and it didn't have a market overseas. The CTS Sport Wagon will arrive in the spring, with the CTS Coupe following during the summer
For those of you queuing for the Q5, Audi has let loose a flood of new info on its high performance, low consumption, relatively low emission sports SUV. Consumers outside the U.S., get to choose between one of two diesel-sipping TDIs -- of 170 hp and 240 hp -- that are the envy of Stateside quattrophiles. Even with that 240 hp and 369 lb-ft, you'll still get 31 MPG. Folks in the fifty U.S. will need to make do with the 211 hp, 2.0-liter V6 FSI... which isn't exactly a complaint.
The vehicle wrapped around those engines is a study in efficiency, from the power steering pump to the energy recovery to the .33 coefficient of drag. The full press release is after the jump -- it's probably the only one you'll read this year that mentions a "holistic optimization of energy."
When it comes to increasing fuel economy, turbochargers are the replacement for displacement. The combination of highly efficient snails and smaller engines provides the power people expect, while reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Like other automakers that have realized that forced induction is a suitable stop-gap for improving fuel economy, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of developing turbo'd engines that will proliferate throughout its lineup in the next two and a half years.
Thomas Weber, a Daimler board member in charge of research and development told Automotive News, "All our vehicles will have turbocharged engines in series production by the end of 2010 at the latest."
Mercedes is joining BMW and Audi by investing heavily into forced induction, primarily to cope with new fuel economy standards in the U.S. and Europe. But turbos are only going to take them so far. Mercedes plans to introduce hybrids into its lineup towards the close of the decade, beginning with the S-class sedan in 2009. According to Weber, zero-emission vehicles are the automaker's long-term goal and Daimler intends to push heavily towards fuel-cells and electric-powered vehicle in the future, including an electric smart fortwo which will go into production sometime in 2010.
Like every other automaker under the sun, Mitsubishi is in the process of expanding its reach into Russia. In 2007, the automaker offloaded over 100,000 vehicles in the world's largest country (size, not population) and is looking to sell approximately 140,000 units this year.
Not surprisingly, it's chosen the Moscow Auto Show in August to unveil the next generation Pajero Sport SUV, before sales begin in South-East Asia, South America, Australia and the Middle East later this year.
The new Pajero Sport (or Challenger, depending on the market) is packing all the "active lifestyle" accoutrements you'd expect, including water-repellent seats, 2- or 3-row seating that can accommodate between five and seven passengers, and a waterproof luggage compartment that will come in handy after you've hiked through the volcanoes of Kamchatka.
Power will be provided by either a 2.5- or 3.2-liter common rail diesel, or if oilburners aren't your taste, a 3.5-liter V6 can send power to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system. However, don't expect to see the Pajero in the U.S. or Europe anytime soon.
Enjoy a quick video of the Ferrari California as it leaves the factory gates for testing. It may only last a few seconds but it’s absolutely worth hearing the symphony from the Italian 4.3-liter V-8.
Mitsubishi unveiled today a new competition car, the Racing Lancer, whose mission will be to target victory on next year’s Dakar which breaks new ground in 2009 with a switch from Africa to South America.
The Racing Lancer is a Super Production Cross-Country Rally car, which has been developed in compliance with the FIA’s Group T1 regulations (modified cross-country rally cars). It also complies with the new rules due to come into force in 2010.
The car will be powered by the 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine which the company is currently developing on qualifying rounds of the 2008 Dakar Series and the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup. The carbon-fibre bodywork of the MRX09 is redolent of the Lancer Sportback, a new sporty hatchback due to be released on the European market this summer. The new car will be equipped with the same 4WD system, drive train, suspension and brakes following their modification in accordance with the new technical regulations and as a function of the characteristics of the diesel turbo powerplant
Every year, hot rodders from around the country gather for a huge custom car show, swap meet, and a night of drag racing put on by the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. For many, it's a weekend of fun, but for others it's the chance to be named the Street Machine of the Year. The winner of the prestigious award this year went to Erv Roller's 1969 Chevy Camaro known as "RAZOR", built by the Ring Bros. of Spring Green, WI. If the Ring Bros. sound familiar, it might be because they built the Reactor Mustang, the car that won the award last year. It's the first time in the competition's 14 year history that the same builder has won the award two years in a row. Follow the jump to read more about Erv Roller's Camaro and how it came to be.
This much we know. Transformers: Rise of the Fallen will have some sort of Corvette concept portraying one of the Autobots (well, we assume it's an Autobot). We also now know that there are at least two movie cars, as you can see in the shot above. Do we officially know that these are Corvettes of some sort? No, but the fender shapes, split rear window, and the port aft of the front wheel are familial styling cues that seal the deal. We're dying to know if this is just a movie creation or a concept that's in the pipeline to be revealed publicly at some future time. And if this forecasts what we should expect in terms of a C7, well, we're okay with that, too.
Also snagged in this photo set: the Chevy Beat and Trax, a military-style dune buggy, a pair of Can-Am Spyders, Optimus Prime, and Ratchet
The rumormongers at AutoZeitung are reporting that BMW plans to unveil a stripped-out, track-ready M3 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The E90-based M3 CSL will use many of the same tricks BMW employed on the E46 model in an effort to shave the coupe's curb weight. Luxuries like air conditioning, stereo and navigation won't be included, while the hood, bumper, trunk and fenders will all be swapped out in favor of carbon fiber pieces.
In addition to keeping the pounds down, BMW will reportedly boost the output of the M3 CSL by an additional 50 horsepower, for a total of 470 bhp. That should allow the E90 CSL run to 60 in around four seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 185 mph.
Production of the 2010 BMW M3 CSL will be limited to 100 units and pricing is estimated at 90,000 euro, or just over $140k.
There's horsepower, and then there's dyno-tested, can't-lie-to-your-friends horsepower. If you want to know how much power a car really makes, you've got to strap it to a dyno and spin it to redline. The guys over at 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords are always eager to find the true horsepower of a car, and so when they took delivery of a GT500KR to review they headed straight to the dyno to see how much power the supercharged V8 is putting out. What they found was somewhat surprising -- the KR produced 509 horsepower and 467.7 lb.-ft. torque to the wheels. Adjusting for an estimated driveline loss of 15 percent, the actual output at the flywheel is 589.82 hp and 550.24 lb-ft torque -- nearly 50 more horsepower and 40 more lb-ft than Ford is claiming. Take that Z06!
Add some GT500 Wheels to your 'Stang from AmericanMuscle.com
Green performance cars are the new darlings of today's small crop of boutique auto builders. From the Tesla Roadster to the Fisker Karma, and now, the new Ultimate Aero EV. The easiest way for the little guys to attract big attention is to make attractive, high performance cars with green credentials. So, it's with a grain of salt that we bring you news of the aforementioned electric hyper coupe from Shelby SuperCars. Considering that the supercar manufacturer claims that its battery will not require a charge "for six years" (should we proclaim them early favorites for McCain's battery prize?), powering dual, five-hundred horsepower electric motors, the whole thing sounds more than a bit fishy. It deserves noting that the battery technology doesn't exist to support those claims and, while five-hundred horsies can indeed be extracted from an electric motor, that would have to be one big honkin' motor... and they plan on using two in their EV. Guiness World Record for the fastest car?
While you'll have to wait another day to get our initial impressions of the 2009 Mazda6, the automaker has released the pricing details on its redesigned mid-level sedan.
The base "i" model starts at $19,220 (including the $670 destination charge) and comes equipped with a 170 hp, 2.5-liter inline-four sending power to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed auto with a manual shift mode. The range-topping SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models will be packing a 272 hp, 3.7-liter V6 and will start off at $24,800 (again, destination charge included).
Mazda hasn't released a comprehensive break down of each model, their corresponding features and specific prices, but you can hit the jump for the official press release.
Lotus has released the first image and all the details on its new coupe ahead of its unveiling at the London Motor Show next week. A 3.5-liter Toyota V6 mounted amidships, producing 276 hp and 250 lb.-ft. of torque will power the new 2+2. Performance estimates are sketchy right now, but assuming Lotus holds with tradition and keeps the pounds off, the 0-60 time should be below five seconds, with a top speed approaching 160 mph.
While it's still not clear if the new Lotus will carry an Eagle badge at its debut, it will be packing an extra set of "Isofix" seats behind the front seat passengers that can accommodate children up to nine years old or cast members from the Cirque du Soleil. Thankfully, there will be an option to convert the rear seats into a storage compartment.
Inside the leather-lined cabin, drivers get to enjoy amenities previously thought frivolous on the Elise/Exige, including storage bins, cup holders, blue LED lighting, air conditioning, traction control, tire pressure monitoring and a Alpine stereo with a seven-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod connections.
Sales will be limited to around 2000 units per year when the Eagle hits dealers in the spring of 2009, with an approximate sticker of £45,000. A convertible version and a high-performance variant are also planned, and according to sources, the Eagle is considerably faster than the Elise around the Nurburgring and more planted at speed than the Exige.
The Eagle is part of the automaker's effort to broaden its appeal, and that will also include two new models due out in October of 2011.
CAR sat down with a "high-placed Audi source" at the European launch of the Q5 and was able to pry out a few details about the automaker's future products.
To begin with, the next RS4 will use a retuned version of the supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 due to be fitted on the next S4. Audi's unnamed engineering mole said that the decision to go with the supercharged six was primarily to provide higher torque at lower RPMs. With the base engine putting out 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, it's assumed that the tweaked version should crest the 350 hp mark and just under 400 lb.-ft. of torque. How that will play in the inevitable comparison test between the RS4's V8-powered competition remains to be seen.
The A1 is still set to debut in 2010, but despite its aim at MINI, Audi won't resort to retro styling. Based off the next Polo, the A1 will spawn several variants, including three- and five-door hatches, a convertible and an off-roader. While Audi has no plans to build anything smaller than the A1, it does plan to increase the size of the A3, along with offering a Q3 CUV inspired by the Cross Coupe Quattro concept.
And what of the R8? The V10 version is on its way this fall, but a turbocharged variant isn't in the cards, nor is the V12 TDI. And while Audi has continued to deny that it's working on an R4, CAR's source says that there's still room in the automaker's lineup for another R-badged vehicle.
Mazda has unveiled the first official images of the new Kazamai concept ahead of the car's official debut on August 26 at the Moscow International Auto Salon. In Japanese, "Kazamai" means "swirling crosswinds." In English, that means "Nagare-styled compact CUV." If Mazda were to make a small crossover using the Nagare design language, it would probably look something like this. Only with four doors, because we all know that the 2-door configs are just to make the show cars sexier. So, does this mean that Mazda's working on a stylish, downsized CUV to join the ranks of the CX-7 and CX-9? Well, probably, given expensive gas prices and the resurgence of smaller vehicles in general. With any luck, it'll look this cool if and/or when it arrives.
Buyers in the U.K. are about to get their first crack at the revised 2009 Mazda RX-8, as the quad-door sportscar officially goes on sale in late August. All RX-8's destined for the U.K. will get the full body-kit that's optional in other markets. We've already seen all the images of the only rotary-powered mass market car in the world that we can stand, so lets move on to what's changed under the skin. Shorter final drive gearing combined with a steeper (numerically lower) sixth gear will allow the high-strung engine to reach its power-band earlier in gears one through five while still maintaining reasonable revs when cruising in sixth. New Recaro sport seats spice up the cabin and 19-inch rims with rotor-shaped spokes add some flair to the exterior.
Though power levels remain unchanged, the Renesis rotary engine sees minor revisions as well, with improved cooling as one main feature. Also updated are the oil metering pump -- all rotary engines ingest oil during normal operation -- and computer software which limits high-speed operation until the velvety-smooth powerplant has reached a proper operating temperature, likely to improve reliability somewhat. All in all, the '09 update of the sports coupe is pretty thorough, though the result is still instantly recognizable as an RX-8.
Press Release:
New Mazda RX-8 R3 Delivers Even More Driving Fun
Later this year Mazda is introducing a new version of its unique rotary-engined, four‑seater, four-door coupe – the Mazda RX-8 R3. Powered by an improved version of the 231ps twin-rotor engine, the new R3 will offer drivers a heightened experience with faster steering, chassis and engine responses, more refinement, more equipment and even greater value.
On sale from late August, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 will be priced at £24,995 (on‑the‑road) and, together with the Mazda MX-5, is sure to maintain Mazda's position as 'Britain's favourite sportscar brand' with a 25 per cent share of that market sector.
"New Mazda RX-8 R3 is the ultimate expression of Mazda's brand DNA, demonstrating our determination to do things differently," enthuses Mark Cameron, Mazda UK Marketing Director.
"The R3 delivers an even more focused and even more sporty driving experience, while retaining the original model's many uniquely attractive technical innovations and adding numerous premium features.
"Thanks to its Sports Styling Pack, stiffer body shell, up-rated suspension, lower gearing, enhanced aerodynamics and new Recaro sports seats, the new Mazda RX-8 R3 is a truly exciting sportscar with immense driver appeal. It remains the perfect 'flagship' model for Mazda in the UK," adds Cameron.
"The changes made for R3 have not detracted in any way from the unique selling points that made the Mazda RX-8 such a stunning car at its 2003 launch. RX-8 is still the world's only rotary-engined production car, and that very rare creation, a genuine four-seater coupe. The free-style doors ensure good access and the car has the typical Mazda functionality, practicality and reliability that also make it a 'use-me-every-day' kind of car. With the new-look Sports Styling Pack for the RX-8 R3, Mazda is taking a step back towards its sportscar heritage, giving its coupe the appearance of a Japanese racing car," declares Cameron.
The standard-fit Sports Styling Pack comprises a sport front bumper, side skirts and rear wing all finished in body colour. The new model's front wings no longer feature the air-extractor vents behind the wheel arches and accommodate the turn-repeater light instead.
Mazda RX-8 has always had the appearance of a classic sportscar with a powerful‑looking and dynamic exterior design. The new R3 version enhances this with a new front bumper design that has a larger five-point grille and oil cooling openings (below the front fog lights), that are nearly twice as large as on the original model for an even stronger look and improved cooling. Added to this are new front headlamps, new front fender designs, new twin round LED rear lamps and a redesigned rear bumper with larger exhaust pipes (now 90mm in diameter) – all executed with a beautiful attention to detail and a superb build quality that Mazda drivers have grown to expect.
The more aggressive appearance created by the revised styling is complemented by the all-new larger diameter 19-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 40 section tyres. These extra-light wheels have five 'rotor-shaped' spokes and are finished in dark titanium.
At under £25,000, the new RX-8 R3 is still incredibly good value for a 146mph sportscar with the ability to reach 62mph in just 6.4 seconds. A previous model RX-8 of equivalent power, with leather trim and metallic paint would actually have cost more than the highly specified new RX-8 R3.
The new Mazda RX-8 R3 will be available in four new body colours – Aurora Blue mica, Crystal White pearlescent, Diamond Grey metallic and Sparkling Black mica – and two carry-over colours, Sunlight Silver metallic and Velocity Red mica. A solid paint finish is not available and whatever colour customers choose, there is no additional charge.
Rotary Powertrain – Enhanced Sports Car Performance
The uniquely high-revving RENESIS engine of the new RX-8 is evolved to deliver sharper responses and even more driving fun, although the outright power and torque are unchanged. Maximum power is 231ps at 7,500rpm and maximum torque is 211Nm at 5,500rpm.
Several measures have been taken to enhance engine lubrication in the new R3. The metering oil pump drive is now electromagnetic, rather than mechanical, and the pump is now mounted semi-directly at the supply position. The oil capacity is enlarged to 7.0-litres and a larger oil cooler air intake generates a 6°C drop in oil temperature at maximum engine speeds.
The rotary engine's acclaimed smoothness and cultivation is enhanced by the introduction of a two knock sensor system, a first for Mazda, which improves the detection and prevention of knock. Drive shaft torsional rigidity has been increased by 30 per cent improving driving performance and reducing NVH.
The new RX-8 R3 also features variable 'red-zone' technology which limits revs at a cold start to protect the engine and allows full use of the car's uniquely broad 9,000rpm rev-band when it is fully warmed.
Using a 700ps race-tuned four-rotor rotary engine, Mazda won the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 1991, beating hot favourites Porsche along the way. Mazda was the first and is still the only Japanese manufacturer to have achieved this classic motorsport feat.
Every new Mazda RX-8 R3 comes with a new six-speed manual gearbox developed from the transmission fitted in the smooth-shifting third-generation MX-5. This unit has better overall shift feel, making the new R3 even more fun to drive. It is fitted with a higher top ratio (0.787:1) for quieter, relaxed and fuel-efficient cruising – and R3 is fitted with a lower final drive ratio (4.777 compared to 4.444 for the previous model) for a sharper getaway from standstill and improved performance feel.
Improved Ride and Handling
The new RX-8 R3 continues to feature the front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive configuration of the original, delivering an ideal 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear axles for fantastic handling characteristics. This acclaimed attribute is taken to a new level with improved overall body shell rigidity, steering feel and handling stability.
Mazda engineers have stiffened the body shell so that torsional (twisting) and flexural (bending) rigidity have been increased by 5.4 and 8.7 per cent respectively.
Revised steering and suspension deliver even better steering feel and driving stability. New damper, spring, suspension bush and stabiliser settings are introduced for enhanced ride comfort, while Bilstein® sports suspension and a urethane foam filled front suspension cross member ensure a more linear steering feel with a quieter and smoother ride for optimal comfort. The multi-link rear suspension geometry is fine tuned for increased stability.
Also contributing to the evolved handling of the new Mazda RX-8 is its exterior design, which is updated for improved aerodynamic performance and reduced lift, enhancing performance feel and high-speed stability. Underbody airflow is optimised as well by a redesigned and extended floor covering. All these modifications do not harm the aero Cd which remains a highly competitive 0.30.
Maximised premium equipment, maximised value
Marketed as a single model, the new R3 is so highly specified that no factory-fitted options are available and each car is fitted with more than a dozen items of equipment not previously available on an RX-8.
The interior of the new RX-8 is just as sporty and sophisticated as its predecessor, and adds new trim materials for a further improvement in quality look and feel. For the driver, the cockpit is even sportier with new Recaro sports front seats, a tachometer that now has a variable red-zone that rises as the engine comes to operating temperature, an instrument cluster with a newly developed colour to help minimise eye strain, and a new-style steering wheel.
In addition to the Sports Styling Pack, larger 19-inch diameter alloy wheels and Recaro front seats, every R3 comes with 12 new items such as cruise control, automatic light-sensing xenon headlamps, automatic rain-sensing wipers, an integrated Bluetooth® system and special R3-badged carpet mats.
Buyers will also enjoy the new BOSE premium audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology exclusively designed for R3 with an eight-channel digital amplifier. A 6-CD autochanger, nine speakers and an AUX auxiliary jack (for connecting an MP3 player), complete the audio system.
Enhanced ownership benefits
As well as benefiting from hyped performance feel and significantly improved NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), new RX-8 R3 owners will find it easier to live with as an 'everyday' car.
Checking the oil level in the R3 is now easier. The oil dip-stick has been moved from the side of the engine to the top of the engine cover, for quick and easy checking of the oil level. Engine oil capacity has been increased to 7.0-litres. And owners can now enjoy driving the new Mazda RX-8 longer between fuel fill ups. It has a larger 65.4-litre petrol tank holding 3.6-litres more fuel.
Top Gear has turned its stellar production values loose on the GT-R. In the interest of compelling television, it's not just a review. In pursuit of hilariousness, May and Hamster set off on a bullet train to see if they can beat Clarkson to the final destination. It takes about the duration of the ride for Clarkson to figure out what half the buttons in the GT-R do, and May and Hammond don't have it any easier trying to communicate in Japanese to do simple things like figure out the train system and buy tickets.
To lure buyers towards the all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan, the Korean automaker is aggressively pricing lease programs. Traditional Hyundai customers choose to lease about 10-12 percent of the time. The Genesis, however, is aimed at a more upscale buyer -- a segment that tends to lease more often (according to Hyundai's estimates, 50 percent of the Genesis customers will lease the new sedan). To drive sales, the standard six-cylinder model, with a base price of about $33,000, will lease for $399/month (24-month lease with $2,199 due at signing). It's a deal that undercuts the Cadillac CTS by nearly $150/month, according to a retailer who sells both. With 80 percent of customers expected to choose the V6 model (we would too), the lease program is bold enough to drive traffic. In case you were wondering, the V8 model won't be in showrooms for another month, and by that time the lease program will have expired.
When the Volt concept was first unveiled, GM was not sure how to badge European versions of the E-Flex cars. Apparently, the decision has been made and the first Euro-bound EV's from GM will be badged as Opels, with a Vauxhall version coming shortly thereafter. All three models of the E-Flex chassis will be built in Detroit atop the next-gen Delta compact car platform which was designed to carry a large lithium ion battery pack along with a range-extending engine. Though the Europeans would likely favor a diesel powerplant, it seems that the first-generation of all three E-Flex vehicles will use a gasoline-powered engine for on-the-fly battery recharging.
It goes without saying that the Volt and its Euro-clones will be the most expensive vehicles built on the Delta platform, with U.S. pricing estimated to be at least $40 grand. Across the pond, the Opel and Vauxhall E-Flex's will be saddled with at least a 10,000 euro premium. The price of gasoline, which is significantly higher in Europe than in the States, along with any government assistance for purchasers of the EVs, will determine how quickly customers will recoup that added investment.
Newer technology like GPS and Wi-Fi have given us easy access to directions, and soon, in-car Internet. Ford is working with the federal government and other automakers to use that same technology to improve safety on our roadways as well. Since 40% of all accidents and 20% of automotive fatalities occur at intersections, stop signs and stop lights were the smart place to start.
The new "Smart Intersection" uses Wi-Fi and GPS to find the exact location of your vehicle and determine if a warning is needed to help you stop. When driving through an intersection, an on-site black box and two wireless antennae communicate with your vehicle. If the light is red and it's determined that your vehicle isn't stopping, a wireless signal will be sent to your car, alerting you with a visual and audible warning signal in a fraction of a second. A series of red LEDs will flash, a noise will sound, and a voice will say "stop sign" or "stop light". With drivers preoccupied with cell phones, in-car eating and sipping on java, the warning quickly refocuses his or her attention back to the road. We tried it ourselves, and we can tell you firsthand that the warnings quickly got us to stop the car.
The move towards active safety comes as most automakers are getting four or five stars in NHTSA crash testing, making the next focus of their efforts the avoidance od accidents altogether. The Smart Intersection could help save thousands of lives per year, while also cutting back the three billion gallons of fuel wasted each year in accident-related traffic jams. Honda, Toyota, GM, and Daimler are also working on smart intersections, and Ford collaborated with Michigan's Oakland County to set up a couple of real-world techno-intersections for testing. Unfortunately, it could take 20 years to get smart intersection technology in every traffic stop and vehicle, but at least much of the technology needed to accomplish this goal is already here.
Despite the burgeoning popularity of small cars, especially with premium nameplates, Audi doesn't think there's a case for bringing its MINI-sized A1 to the United States. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler acknowledges that American customers are increasingly interested in fuel efficiency, but also contends that we want that frugality wrapped in larger sheetmetal than customers elsewhere might go with. In the interest of greener numbers, Audi's planning on going electric, launching an armature-motivated car around 2010, roughly the same due date as a Volkswagen electron-mobile. No decision has yet been made about a plant in North America, but that might reduce costs enough for attractive pricing to facilitate Audi's target of selling 1.5 million annual units by 2015. Without the A1, we're going to be forced to continue drooling all over the Alfa MiTo's roundy-round front fenders.
Big Merc gender-bending is coming to the small Benzes when the platform underneath the A- and B-Class vehicles is released for consumption. Amongst the van-like MPVs will come a "four door coupe" that Autozeitung predicts will be called the CLA. Picture a shrunken CLS and you get the idea, and that's what Autozeitung's digital artist went with when fashioning a rendering. The "sandwich structure" of the current A/B-Class Benzes allows crash safety with a short nose, as well as passenger cabin benefits, but is costly to build, so something else is being brewed up for the new smallest Mercedes. The front-drive, tall and stubby cars haven't been fawned over, so a platform swap to an FR layout may be in store, though that would seriously chew up space efficiency. A muscled-up Euro scuttled plans to bring the original B-class to the United States, though this new version might just make it onto the boat to do battle in the burgeoning small/flexible/fuel efficient end of the market.
