Vauxhall VXR8

Like the distant cries from the mad uncle locked in the attic, we hear that Vauxhall has another barmy Aussie motor on the way, just waiting to howl at the moon.

The Antipodean is called the VXR8, so it won't take a forensic scientist to work out that there's a big old V8 lurking under the bonnet.

It's the same 6.0-litre 420bhp monster that we last saw in the end-of-line Monaro VXRs, and in this VXR8 saloon, this is enough to see off 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, although there's no word on top speed as yet.

Sticking with rear-wheel drive, the VXR8 comes with either a six-speed manual gearbox or, included for the first time, a five-speed auto.

The auto attracts a £1,400 premium, but when the VXR8 costs only £34,995, we reckon you can afford to indulge in a few extras when the car goes on sale in July.

Source: topgear

See also:
First Drive: Vauxhall Astra 1.6T 180 SRi
Vaux in the box

Italdesign Giugiaro Vadho Concept Makes Hydrogen Steamy

TURIN, Italy — Italdesign will be pushing the alternative-fuel message at next week's Geneva auto show with the unveiling of a futuristic-looking, hydrogen-powered concept car called the Vadho.

Based around a unique chassis developed in-house at Italdesign's Turin-based headquarters in Italy, it moves well away from the retro themes explored on the company's last concept car, the Giugiaro Mustang, adopting distinct aeronautic-inspired styling cues, including seating for two within a tandem cockpit fashioned in a teardrop shape down one side of the upper body.

The car to be shown in Geneva is described as having left-hand drive. However, the use of compact drive-by-wire control systems is claimed to mean the Vadho can easily be adapted to right-hand drive. The Vadho does away with a traditional steering wheel in favor of two joystick controls. Power, meanwhile, comes by way of a hydrogen-fueled engine positioned at the rear next to the passenger.

Conceived to highlight the need for ecological propulsion, the Vadho also marks the debut of Italdesign's new corporate logo: a large G in the company's corporate shade of red.

Ford Mondeo

Once upon a time, a new family car from Ford would simultaneously attract the biggest fanfare, and the biggest yawns.

Now, thanks to its appearance in the recent James Bond flick, the new Mondeo's film star looks have earned it a most triumphant fanfare.

The price of the new Mondeo is more Holyhead than Hollywood, however, and will kick off at £14,995 for the petrol 1.6-litre Edge five-door model.

There are the usual saloon, hatch and estate bodies, and four trims covering Edge, Zetec, Ghia and Titanium.

Order books open in March for the new vehicle, and deliveries are expected to begin in June.

source: topgear

Fiat Bravo Takes a Bow in Solo Performance

GENEVA — Next week at the Geneva auto show, the Fiat stand will be devoted in its entirety to the 10 models that make up the Bravo lineup. The company hopes this move will maximize the effect of the show debut for the new model.

There will be engine variants from a 150-horsepower 1.4-liter gasoline engine to a 150-hp 1.9-liter Multijet diesel, a wide range of equipment levels, trim options and custom choices, and all kinds of enticingly named colors like Maranello Red, Maserati Blue, Provocative Black and so on.

This is not an unprecedented move for media days. A couple of years ago, Rover showed two prototypes of a forthcoming Mini replacement to journalists, but by the time the general public arrived, the stand had been rearranged and the one-off cars disappeared.

Fiat will also change the layout when the Geneva show opens to public scrutiny. Then the whole Fiat lineup will be presented, including the 100-hp Panda, the highly popular Sedici and the quirky Croma.

Also, the Geneva show will be the first opportunity for the Italian carmaker to show off its new logo.

2007 n2a Motors 789

The 789 gets its name from the melding of design cues from the 1957, 1958, and 1959 Chevrolet models. The headlights and nose are most similar to the 57 Chevy, while the mid-section and interior are much like the 58, and the rear and tailfins are styled after the 59.

The vehicle is built on a 2005-2007 Corvette C6 chassis, and shares the stock C6's 400 hp engine as well.

Nitro Contest by Dodge

Hey ! Dodge Fans !
Here is a contest rules:

If you want the cool Black Nitro "Can" T-Shirt or long-sleeve Red Dodge T-Shirt (see the pictures below)







The "can" the t-shirt comes in
(You have to see it to believe it!) :














The T-shirt: (front)









Long-sleeve Red Dodge T-Shirt
(picture shows both the front and back)






Send me email (you can find in contacts section) with your address and "Black Nitro" or "Red Dodge" text in subject.

Then I'll randomly choose a 2 winners (future t-shirt owners).
The winners will be announced on this blog with photos of t-shirts dresssed on them :)

source: Dodge

See also:
VIDEO: Dodge Demon concept

New Volkswagen Golf Estate

Amid the supercoupes and ketamine-fuelled concepts of the Geneva show, there'll be a healthy dose of practicality present in the shape of the new Volkswagen Golf Estate.

Although VW is highlighting the estate's revised front end and dynamic lines, it's a unapologetically practical station wagon.

With a low-loading boot lip, roof rails and fold-flat rear seats, bootspace stands at a whopping 1,550 litres - the largest loadspace of any Golf to date.

Volkswagen's tried-and-tested 1.9- and 2.0-litre turbodiesels join a brace of petrol engines - a 1.4-litre TSI and 1.6-litre FSI - from the Golf hatchback.

The smaller petrol is actually the more powerful variant, and comes with the option of a DSG gearbox instead of the standard six-speed manual shifter.

The Golf Estate goes on sale this summer in the UK, with prices to be confirmed nearer to the time.

Source: topgear

See also:
First Drive: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Bugatti Veyron development

German car TV goes through the development of this 1001 horsepower Bugatti Veyron.

Gumpert Apollo Sport

PRESS RELEASE:

Gumpert Apollo Sport

Rebel amongst super sport cars

It is one of only a handful of super sport cars and after its debut at Geneva's international Motor Show in 2006 it was clear: the apollo is a synthesis of dynamic and design with pure driving pleasure and unique performance. On the road it speeds like a god and on the race track it cries out to be challenged by an opponent that can match its breathtaking acceleration and incomparable handling. Now, it is due to get a worthy competitor out of its own stable. At the 77th Geneva Motor Show, the Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur will present the apollo sport to the wide public.

The apollo sport is the rebel amongst the super sport cars. Its bodywork combines sexy curves with potent edges and angles and aims for uncompromising aerodynamics. A clear demonstration of the principle "form follows function". Its challenging sporting design derives from the requirement to built a street legal racing car, whose number one priority is to provide extraordinary performance on the circuit, but at the same time embodying a vehicle suitable for daily use.

The highest importance was attached to safety: the tubular space frame in chrome-molybdenum steel with integrated safety monocoque fabricated in carbon-fiber passes all crash-tests regulations, while a cashbox offers additional protection. The gaping air intake stub over the roof and on the rear signals power, dynamics and superiority. The eight cylinder, bi-turbo mid-engine with up to 800 horsepower is capable of catapulting this 1200 kg missile from 0-100 km/h in only 3 seconds.

The apollo sport is equipped with an extended aerodynamic package and, in contrast to the three part spoiler of the apollo, possesses a racing wing which gives even more down force and pushes the spollos's maximum speed up to 360 km/h.

As you can guess, it is not for nothing that this cars is named after the fierce Greek God.

The two-seater also convinces from the inside, with its sporty and elegant alcantara interior, and offers air-condition, CD-player, navigation system and reverse view camera as standard equipment. A two-layer metallic finish available in any conceivable color, gives this bolide a particular luster. As a special accessory the apollo is equipped with an airjack, a pneumatic jacking pad.

The standard version of the apollo sport costs 299.500,- € plus VAT.

Tramontana supercar cometh

PRESS RELEASE

a.d.TRAMONTANA, presents its production model in the 77th Geneva International Motorshow 2007
Tramontana: half formula 1, half fighter.

First it was the idea, then the model, later the prototype and now, finally, the final genesis has come: the first Tramontana is already ready for its international presentation. Journalists of the whole world are going to meet in the Geneva Motor Show to see, touch and hear for the first time the Tramontana, the only exclusive sports car of Spanish manufacture.

That's right. The Tramontana is already ready for its world debut next 8. March. A.d. TRAMONTANA, the Catalan company that has created it, after years of investigation and development presents the definitive version, and we are not in presence of just any vehicle: the Tramontana does not answer to the classic super-sports car, the best arguments of a formula 1 and a fighter have met together with an aesthetics inspired by the beauty of the
classic ones that marked a historical milestone.

The result? A car of a great technical precision, with a personalized design, 100 % handcrafted for a highly qualified team of professionals. Undoubtedly, a new kind of car for which still a name does not exist, since it
represents a new step in the evolution of its specie.

It is enough to observe the aesthetics to realize its exclusivity, where conjugate retro elements, material of last generation like carbon and magnesium with traditional elements like wood, white gold or leather, without forgetting its high number of customizations. But if
we concentrate on the details, the idea still acquires more force.

Among the definitive solutions of the Tramontana, we find a new electronic system, with full silver wiring and a central engine V12 Biturbo capable of offering a power of 550 CV and 720 CV selectable.

Regarding safety, it is the only sports car of the market that incorporates a carbonfibre monocoque inspired by the design of a formula 1 and made with the same criteria, guaranteeing a high protection to its passengers. A monocoque with 8 deformable zones calculated for the absorption of the impact energy.

On the other hand, this monocoque contributes a lightness and maximum rigidity to the whole, factor that together with its suspension system, only on its market of double wishbones with pushrod and a great length of arms, improves the dynamical aptitudes of the vehicle.

All this elaborated with materials of last generation of aerospace technology like the steel to the cromolibdenium, magnesium and duraluminium.
All this is only a sample of what turns the Tramontana into a special car, a tailored jewel in order that its future owner can feel the best sensations, both urban and sports. A.d.TRAMONTANA has wanted to wait to the Geneva Motorshow to present the new development of the Tramontana.

In this manner, the Swiss city will become the scene which is going to approach the world to this new star of the exclusive super sports cars.

Crystal Oxigon Rims

PRESS RELEASE

Now available for heavy vehicles:
„Crystal“ from OXIGIN delivered in an awe-inspiring 22”

• One-piece wheels with 5 Y-shaped spokes
• Brand new in 22” format!
• perfect for SUVs and all-terrain vehicles
• also available in 17, 18, 19 and 20” in Chrome Silver or Full Chrome
• 22” from 535 euros, with TÜV approval
• 3-year guarantee – "Made in Germany"

With last years launching of “Crystal”, OXIGIN, well-known specialists for their rim creations, released a spectacular design. Up to now, 20” meant the end of the flag pole, but now owners of larger vehicles can enjoy these wheels as well. Available immediately is an impressive 22”.

The “Crystal” is characterised through its Y-spoke design. It is reminiscent of ice crystals in a snowflake or of a cut jewel. As a result of its many edges and bevelled surfaces, especially when it is turning, the wheel evokes light reflections like a jewel and a bewitching game of shadows. The two branches emerging from each of the five main spokes reach directly to the edge of the five-hole wheel, creating a look that suggests they are even larger. OXIGIN offers the "Crystal" design in "Chrome Silver" and "Full Chrome" versions.

This super look is also available for drivers of SUVs and all-terrain vehicles. The wheel „Crystal“ offered by OXIGIN is especially designed for this purpose and comes in 9,5x22“ guaranteeing an attractive appearance for heavy vehicles. To ensure that this wheel can tolerate higher vehicle weights, it is tested to withstand a maximum of 950kg. Without question, this wheel in its puissant 22“ will be impressive also for potential show cars.

The sizes currently available comprise the following dimensions: 7.5 x 17” / 8 x 18” / 8 x 19” / 8.5 and 9.5 x 20” as well as 9.5 x 22”. The OXIGIN wheel "Crystal" is available beginning at 206 euros (7.5 x 17" Chrome Silver"). The new 22“ version starts at 535.- euros.

The wheel comes with TÜV approval for all current vehicle models. OXIGIN provides a three-year guarantee on its wheels "made in Germany".

For more information about OXIGIN alloy wheels visit our website at www.oxiginwheels.com and www.oxigin.de or call +49 (0)7022/979622.

Honda Civic Type R Coming To States In 2010?

The prototype car shown above, modeled on Honda’s JDM/ASEAN market Civic sedan, incorporates a 2.0-liter iVTEC engine giving nearly 220 horsepower, along with the usual suspension and appearance modifications. Given the close proximity of the standard Japanese Civic sedan to its North American counterpart, it would likely be easier to federalize such a model than attempt to import the Euro-market Type R’s angular hatchback, whose bodystyle wasn’t developed with either the U.S. or Canada in mind.

This strikes us as a wise move, because as wonderful as the current Civic Si is here in the States, it’s outgunned by high-horsepower entries like the Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru WRX, both of which will be likely targets for this more expensive CTR.

source: windingroad

Lamborghini Spiga Concept

There have been a lot of body modifications for the Lamborghini Gallardo released, but none have been as sexy as the Spiga Concept. Created by Ugur Sahin, an automotive and industrial designer, the Spiga Concept has not been evaluated by Lamborghini, but perhaps it should be.

The Spiga is clearly based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, which the Author says “proved itself to be a top-notch design.”

The main characteristic of the car is that the rear and the middle flows in an harmonic way which kind of reminds the human muscles stretching to the back, as the front is slightly different than the rear, it also gives a sense of speed and movement forward when viewed form the side angles. The air intakes near the side windows are designed integrated on the body which also shows strong Lamborghini aspects.

Be sure and look at the rear of the car, which is one of its best modifications.

source: automoblog

See also:
VIDEO: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
VIDEO: Lamborghini: this is how heaven sounds!!
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera revealed!

VIDEO: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Full test and review of the awesome Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 from Top Gear, Also the Stig takes it around the track for some all out attack.



See also:
VIDEO: Lamborghini: this is how heaven sounds!!

GM's Street-Fighting Transformer Vehicles Rev Up

DETROIT — Until now, moviegoers only got a quick glimpse of the Chevrolet Camaro that stars in Paramount's upcoming Transformers movie via a trailer that hit theaters late last year. The brief clip also offers teaser images of the GMC TopKick truck, Hummer H2 and Pontiac Solstice that will star in what is likely to be the blockbuster film of the summer.

But General Motors took the edge off this weekend, releasing several images of its four Transformer vehicles. The Chevrolet Camaro is undoubtedly the über-Transformer, dubbed "Bumblebee," a major character in the saga of aliens who take mechanical forms when on earth. GM said it will "roll out a fully integrated marketing and promotional effort around the film in the near future, including a major Chevrolet promotion."

Insiders say this effort may include specially badged vehicles to commemorate the film, as well as the usual line of toys, posters and other movie-related accessories.

GM vehicles are not merely static displays in Transformers. They are clearly embedded in the story line. "Autobot Jazz" converts from a hardtop Pontiac Solstice. "Autobot Ratchet" is a Hummer H2 that has been modified to serve as a rescue vehicle. "Ironhide" changes from a GMC TopKick medium-duty truck.

The movie will hit theaters July 4.

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Concept Preview

PRESS RELEASE:

The legendary Abarth "Scorpion" returns

A great project will be launched at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show: the rebirth of one of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Its symbol is a scorpion, and its name is Abarth.

Abarth has always been synonymous with assertive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motorsports. Abarth's first interpretation of the Grande Punto will be on the "catwalk" at the Geneva Show, the first step in an initiative which will later involve other models.

This new adventure starts in the familiar, uniquely emotional context and exclusive setting of the Geneva Motor Show. A striking stand has been prepared, in line with the philosophy of Abarth's rebirth, an innovative space with a fresh, contemporary, technological language and great attention to every detail. The new elements that will publicise the Abarth brand are displayed with all their strong, original personality: the revamped version of the famous Abarth racing stripe has been rendered with LED tiles, while the new logo, the scorpion and the wording are all large, three-dimensional elements in polished, satin-effect aluminium.

The Abarth values and tradition on the other hand are underlined discreetly and technologically: refined materials and precious finishing details in aluminium, carbon fibre, enamel and lacquer decorate the exhibition area, and draw attention to the true stars of the stand: the Grande Punto Abarth S2000, a car that has been type-approved for racing and is proving to be highly successful, and the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a concept car making its world debut.

These are the two souls of the Abarth world: racing and standard production.

Visitors to the Geneva Show will also have an opportunity to discover a third field in which the brand operates; a multimedia configurator will illustrate the whole concept of the 'Abarth Kit', and the flexibility and wide range of combinations that the brand will offer customers in its conversion kits. Some of these solid wooden boxes, inlaid with satin-finished aluminium trims, are on display inside glass cubes, with the historic mechanical and stylistic components from the conversion kits.

And finally, by means of exclusive LED technology and plasma screens, the walls of the stand propose historical photographs and films, alternating them with a reproduction of the new Abarth racing stripe, underlining the fine link between the past and the future, as well as the energy and personality that are inherent in the Abarth brand.


The Grande Punto Abarth Preview

The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a true jewel of assertiveness and elegance. The car will be marketed in September, to enhance the sporty, youthful positioning of the Grande Punto.

The car on show in Geneva is equipped with a 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by the adoption of 98 RON petrol. What is more, thanks to a booster kit, a version with twice as much power as the basic version (180 bhp) will soon be available. This is a revival of a tradition from the past: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm with a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year delivered 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.

The Grande Punto Abarth aims to revive the feats of these entertaining performance cars, offering young drivers in particular an opportunity to enter the racing world in complete safety and at an accessible price.

The Grande Punto Abarth S2000

The public in Geneva will also be able to admire the extraordinary Grande Punto Abarth S2000. This is a racing car designed for racing stables, which the Fiat Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. Davide Gatti, winner of the 2006 Fiat Abarth International Trophy, will compete at the wheel of an official Fiat Grande Punto R3D with a diesel engine. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D'Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.

The Abarth & C. Spa racing team will be managed by Claudio Berro.

Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is heir to the version that took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship title with Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi, winning 7 of the 11 races on the programme. Nor must we forget the excellent season of their team-mates Andrea Navarra and Guido D'Amore who took third place. Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta won the European title and the International Rally Challenge.

Since its debut last season, the racing version has proved unbeatable, whatever the type of route or terrain. And we must underline that the 15 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in Europe and elsewhere, to compete in domestic and international rallies. And now, thanks to this technological and competitive superiority, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is ready to compete in these two championships with the same determination and assertiveness.

And finally, as well as a successful car and an outstanding team of drivers, the new Abarth & C. company can also boast a staff with a great deal of experience in motorsports: a total of 113 experts, 26 in the engineering field, 43 on the manufacturing side and 9 dedicated to racing.

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera revealed!

PRESS RELEASE

Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy - With the Gallardo Superleggera, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight (USA 70 kg), the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, which puts it unquestionably at the top.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under other driving conditions.
The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical 'e-gear' gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March 2007: production volumes will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo.

More power thanks to technological developments

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's engine is the latest version of Lamborghini's well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 hp is reached in 8,000 min-1. The increase in power was made possible by the engine's improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures, together with optimized electronic control. Naturally, emission levels observe the strict EURO 4 and LEV II standards.

Higher power thanks to lighter construction

Lamborghini engineers decreased the Lamborghini Gallardo's already low weight when empty (1,430 kg) by another 100 kg using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fiber and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10. The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rearview mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel's covering are also made of carbon fiber. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fiber sports seats covered in Alcantara® were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.

Exclusive specification and options range

A comprehensive specification and extensive range of options will be available, with some exclusive to the Superleggera. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with robotized mechanical e-gear as standard; a sports package including shock absorbers; and special suede-covered steering wheel. The car is available in four colors: Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (standard) on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. A few of the options that can be requested include the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer; a rear video camera to make parking easier (with optional rear wing only); a Carbon accessories kit for the interior; a fixed rear spoiler; a four-point seatbelt (not for USA); tubular rear frame or fitting points for later inclusion (not for USA, Japan or Middle East); and carbon-ceramic brakes.

See also:
VIDEO: Lamborghini: this is how heaven sounds!!