Price details for least expensive SUV, Dacia Duster

2008 Lincoln Zephyr – a LUXURIOUS sedan

The 2008 Lincoln Zephyr ocuppies the best place among luxury sedans.You won’t find superiority in BMW 3 Series or Mercedez-Benz C-Class anymore.

Lincoln Zephyr have a 3.0 liter V6 engine making 220 HP at 6250 RPM and 200 pound-feet of torque at 4570 RPM.Due to the 6-speed automatic gearbox,the new Lincoln Zephyr delivers superb fuel economy.

As far as standar features are concerned,the Zephyr has got 17-inch wheels,speed-sensitive windshield wipers,dual-zone electronic climate control,10-way power adjustable heated driver and front passenger seats,power windows,power locks,heated exterior mirrors,genuine wood trim,6-speaker audio system with in-dash CD/MP4 player,fog lamps,leather upholstery,trip computer and cruise control.

2011 Nissan GT-R Premium with minor tweaks but peppery price

Undoubtadly that  the GT-R  is a desirable beast, but what Nissan is doing with it for next year is pure stolidity.  Godzilla will receives a few minor tweaks for 2011, including some minor suspension tuning, a double clear coat on its front and rear fascias, new rear cooling ducts and – wait for it – slightly darker wheel center caps than on the 2010 model that is pictured. Additionally, the 2011 GT-R – henceforth only available in Premium trim – gets more standard features, including auto on/off headlamps, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, Bluetooth, a USB iPod interface and XM NavWeather and NavTraffic. All of this can be yours for $85,060 (*including $1000 destination charge), which represents an increase of $1,020 over the 2010 GT-R Premium. Curiously, spokesperson Darryll Harrison said that the automaker can’t confirm a limited production volume.

2011 Ford Mustang V6: most efficient 300+ HP car ever

The pony car wars are about one-upsmanship if nothing else. The Ford Mustang held court for years while Chevrolet and Dodge had their horses on hiatus, but times have changed. The new Camaro has been whaling on the Mustang ever since its return, beating the Ford in sales for nine months straight and offering a range engines that are at once more powerful and efficient than the Blue Oval’s aging mills. Advantage: Camaro.
The Mustang, however, received a nicely executed redesign for its 2010 model year and, as is Ford’s way, the automaker waited another model year to introduce its new range of engines. You already know all about the return of the storied 5.0 moniker on this year’s new Mustang GT. You also know that the V6 model is replacing its Civil War era 4.0-liter engine with a more powerful and efficient 3.7-liter. Powerful as in 305 horsepower, but how efficient? We didn’t know before but we do now. The 2011 Ford Mustang V6 will achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and, more noteworthy, 31 mpg on the highway.

The V6 model’s rating of 30 mpg highway (when paired with the six-speed auto mind you, the manual version achieves 30 mpg) is noteworthy because, well, it’s 2 mpg more than the slightly less powerful 304-hp Camaro V6. Also, it’s a record for being the first 300+ hp vehicle to be officially rated at 30 mpg or more. Wow, think about that. It’s never been done before. Sure, the new Mustang V6 is only marginally more powerful and efficient than its Camaro counterpart, but clawing above that 30 mpg mark will no doubt get Ford’s thoroughbred some extra ink in the press.

India goes for Euro 4, Suzuki goes for Swift 1.2

Suzuki announced some changes regarding little Swift: the 1.3 litre engine (87 bhp and 111 Nm) will be replaced with the new 1.2 L petrol engine, developing 84 bhp and 113 Nm. As India will go for Bharat Stage IV standard as April 2010(equivalent of Euro 4), Suzuki got back to the drawing board and came up with the new hatchback, claiming  better refinement and fuel consumption of 17.9 km/l, 2 km/l better than the old 1.3. As a comparison, the M15A 1.5-litre Swift sold in Malaysia has 101 bhp and 133 Nm.

Since its debut back in May 2005, the Japanese mite sold pretty well, despite competitors like Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet diesel. The only problem is that buyers are turning to diesel…or to bikes, like in the case of Chinese.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo and Hybrid

The Korean automaker presented at Los Angeles Auto Show its latest version of Sonata, powered by a 198- horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a class-leading 35 miles per gallon highway. Hyundai also mentioned that it would utilize a turbocharged and direct-injected four in place of a V6 offering, and a hybrid version of the Sonata that utilizes technologically advanced lithium polymer batteries. But we haven’t heard much about the turbo or hybrid models post-LA, until now.

2011 Sonata Turbo and Hybrid will make their grand entrance at the 2010 New York Auto Show. With three distinct variants of the Sonata and a price of entry under $20,000, Hyundai could stand to gain quite a bit of street cred (and market share) in the hyper-competitive midsize segment. Stay tuned for maore details after the NY Auto Show.

Futuristic Hyundai i-flow

The Hyundai i-flow is one of the significant concept cars at Geneva, not just because it looks dramatic, but because under that heavily sculpted skin is a range of latest tech that could appear in Hyundai’s next generation of cars. Powering the i-flow is the company’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain consisting of a U2 1.7-litre oil burner with two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s lithium ion-polymer battery. Coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is capable of 33.3 km/l and a low CO2 output of 85g/km.

The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Designed at Hyundai’s European studio in Russelsheim, the i-flow sports the firm’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the i-flow is a Honda Accord sized D-segment contender that is set to hit the market in 2011. It remains to be seen how much of the i-flow’s styling is retained for production, but things look promising with the recent Korean realisation that advanced design is as important as making competent cars.
The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

GMC Granite to stretch people’s ideas of GMC

The “professional grade” version of the Chevy Orlando, Granite concept represents the smallest GMC ever built, if it were to go into production.

The Granite is GMC’s take on the already revealed Chevy Orlando concept, a new crossover-based utility vehicle, or CUV. GM has decided that the Granite is so unique, however, that it doesn’t fit an existing segment – instead creating the ‘urban utility vehicle,’ or UUV segment.

GMC did stick true to its roots with the exterior styling of the Granite keeping a very rugged look – slightly more bold than than Orlando concept. At the same time, many will likely find similarities with the current Scion xB’s exterior and the Granite concept – and that is likely no fluke. In fact, the two vehicles are virtually identical in exterior shape and size.

On the inside of the Granite GMC says it tried to make the vehicle like an urban loft apartment – or that is to say, livable, comfortable and stylish. GMC says that the interior was also inspired by aircraft-type mechanical instruments and precision tools.

GMC also took it upon themselves to equip the Granite with reconfigurable seats – a feature it believes will appeal to young professionals in need of versatility.

To move this UUV GMC supplied this concept vehicle with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and matched it to a six-speed transmission for what it believes is a great blend of efficiency and sportiness. The transmission also features dual-clutch design for faster, crisper shifts.

GM to change Vette’s look

The Chevrolet Corvette has held the title of “America’s sportscar” for more than six decades now, but General Motors is going global for the design of the next-generation two-seater. GM has requested Corvette design studies from 10 of its global design studios.

Although the Detroit automaker has yet to make a decision on the design direction of the next Vette, it is considering several global design studies. Ed Welburn, GM’s head of global design, offered the challenge to 10 of GM’s design studios last year.

While the Corvette will always be America’s sportscar, GM is looking to give the next iteration of the performance machine a bigger global presence – particularly in Europe. The Corvette has never really taken hold in Europe – despite outperforming cars twice its price – but Welburn is hopefully the redesign will make the Corvette more attractive to European buyers.

The redesign – which is expected within the next two to three years – will also be important for the U.S. market. Corvette sales have dropped off 48 percent in the United States since 2008, with the average age of a Corvette buyer ballooning to 54 years.

“We have challenges in the States with the Corvette,” Welburn said. “The average age of the customer is really rising.”

Although the next Corvette will be the most global version of the sportscar yet, don’t expect the American icon to lose sight of its roots. “It can’t mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette,” Welburn added. Welburn failed to detail any design studies currently on the table, but did say the next Chevy Corvette would feature a much improved interior.

Hot Chocolate’s Sexy Thing: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

I believe in miracles;
Where’re you from,
You sexy thing?
I believe in miracles
Since you came along
You sexy thing…

Yes, this song was written about 2 decades ago exclusively for Cadillac XTS Platinum, this stylish luxury sedan. The beauty is powered by a  3.6-liter V6 Direct Injection gas engine paired with a “plug-in hybrid system”. Your eyes’re flipping? Well…A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a hybrid vehicle with batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an external electric power source. It shares the characteristics of both traditional hybrid electric vehicles (also called charge-maintaining hybrid electric vehicles), having an electric motor and an internal combustion engine; and of battery electric vehicles, also having a plug to connect to the electrical grid (it is a plug-in vehicle). Eyes stopped flipping? Good!

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future wreath-and-shield models’ in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in- car electronics systems from deployable touch-screen navigation systems in the CTS and SRX product lines to a minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel they call a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate.

V-series Recaro seats, standard for Cadillac CTS

The Cadillac CTS is seen as a sports sedan, but there is something about it that makes you think twice before saying it is an excellent sports car: the front seats. But GM is about to change that as they will make V-series Recaro seats a standard for the CTS.

Cadillac’s Recaro front seats were previously an exclusive option for the high-performance CTS-V model, but GM’s luxury division will expand the option to include the standard-issue CTS for 2010.

Bugatti and Hermes team up for special Veyron

Car manufacturer Bugatti and fashion house Hermes have announced they are teaming up to create a special edition Bugatti Veyron.

The Italians at Bugatti are going to showcase another special edition of their 1001hp Veyron at the upcoming Geneva motor-show. This time they are teaming up with renown fashion label Hermes, in an attempt to revive the special relationship between Emile Hermes and Ettore Bugatti, dating back to the 1920s.

We’re probably going to see a luxurious interior, full of quality, stitched leather and embossed logos. Previous limited-edition Bugatti super cars have sold in just a few days, and we’re guessing this will have the same fate.

Bugatti won’t stop: Veyron Grand Sport Blanc Noir

Sang Bleu was supposed to be the last special edition of the French manufacturer. Well, think again, ’cause Bugatti returns to the charge. Please welcome Grand Sport Blanc Noir edition, which follows the trio of Dubai specials into the Veyron special sunset.
Apparently created for a high-end clothier, the Veyron Blanc Noir appears to be a one-off  rather than a limited-production run. Based on the targa-roofed Grand Sport, the Blanc Noir edition – spotted in California – is all done up, as the name suggests, in black and white: a matte white body with glossy black hood, wheels, spoiler, fuel filler cap and more. And of course, there’s the requisite nameplate on the lower front corner of the door.

We come to think if this will really be the last special edition…

Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept: Black beauty

Remember Bugatti’s 16C Galibier concept? Unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt show to a very select audience, the “four-door "Voryn” remains a concept for now, but new images have surfaced showing the Galibier in black, looking much sleeker than the initial car which had a two-tone blue and mirror like aluminium finishing.
Black allows us to focus more on the 8.0-litre W16 powered Galibier’s interesting detailing and body shape. The chrome strip that starts from the base of the A-pillar wraps around the doors and continues after the front wheels to make a loop with the other side, only interrupted by the imposing grille. The sloping rear sports four exhaust tips on each side and a spine brake light that divides the rear screen. This spine runs the length of the car – it looks like a fish when seen from the top.

2012 Buick Regal GS with no AWD system

As you may know already GM is working hard on the 2012 Buick Regal GS, which will be based on the Regal GS Concept, unveiled back in January at the Detroit Auto Show but also on the all-wheel drive Opel Insignia OPC.

But, apparently, the upcoming car will be offered without the all-wheel drive system. This was confirmed by Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice Chairman who said that the produc planners are debating whether all-wheel drive is worth the added weight and cost. Regarding the engine, we will see the same 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology found on the Regal GS Concept and capable to deliver 255 horsepower (190 kW) as well as 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm). 

Geneva 2010 Report: Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport

First thing that comes to my mind is that GranTurismo is the finest transition/combination between sportiness and elegance. For those of you who are looking for something that errs a little more towards the former the Trident marque has launched the MC Sport Line.

One step off the track and onto the road this side of a race-spec MC GT4, the MC Sport line gives Gran Turismo S buyers a catalog of optional extras, from carbon fiber bits all the way up to the exclusive limited edition model made for the Middle East. The range was initially unveiled at the local Bologna Motor Show.

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

 

Just as the new sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan goes on sale in Europe, a new station wagon variant has been unveiled. Like past editions of the 5 Series Touring, this one is essentially the same as the sedan, only with the roof extending straight back to enclose a substantially larger cargo area.
All of the fancy new technology that we’ve already seen in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and sedan is carried over into the Touring. That includes the driver assistance systems like the surround-view cameras and parking assist. Underhood, BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 won’t be available at launch, but a selection of gas and diesel four- and six cylinder engines will be offered. The range-topping 535i is powered by the new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter N55 twin-scroll turbo direct-injected inline-six.

Bentley Continental GT – Premier4509 tuning package

British and Japanese engineering made this tuning package for Bentley Continental.

The package contains : front bumper,rear bumper,sike skirts,front fenders,rear quarter panels,new exhaust tips.

The Continental GT widebody package will be limited to 100 units and each kit gets its own numbered serial plate.

Bentley Continental GTC SuperSports is their daddy!

 

This Phaeton-based Continental has got it all: carbon fiber, E85 flex-fuel capability, a thick skin HP figure, stylish drop-top body, comfort, best quality materials to the interior, 200 mph top speed and the Bentley logo on its nose. I’ll point the key features before dropping the price, cause this is Bentley style. Compare it with the catwalk models: astonishing looks, really teasing, rudely expensive to take on a date. Well, Bentleys are like taking to a date a whole issue of Vogue.

Audi RS5 leaked images

Aparently Audi didn’t want to share images of its long-time rumoured RS versions of A5, but it seems nothing in this world can be kept secret. Leaked images of Audi RS5 have come to our attention to delight our sight and to make pur imagination go wild. However, we don’t have much information about this sleek coupe, but some parties have said that the RS5 will be powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 with around 450bhp and 450 Nm.

Apart from the red line set at about 8200 rpm, that indicates a peppery mill, we learned from the brochure that there’s a lack of a manual option; Audi’s S-tronic auto transmission is pictured here. Options will include three types of front seats and four wheel designs.