First Drive: 2010 Jaguar XFR, XKR and one of the best V8s on the market

About 20 minutes after heading south towards the Mediterranean, traffic on our four-lane roadway stops abruptly. The bus we have just passed pulls up on our right and an officer is standing in the middle of the roadway, waving the morass of motorists through – until we reach the head of the pack. He points at us, then motions towards an unpaved turnout where a handful of squad cars are accompanied by a dozen police officers.

We pull the white, droptop XK into the dirt lot, twist the rotary shifter into Park and within seconds we're being berated by a young officer with "CADET" embroidered across his upright baseball cap. Our French is about as good as our Klingon, so after realizing we don't speak the native tongue, he snatches our documents and leaves us to stew.

A few minutes pass, at which point an older officer approaches and asks in perfect English, "Do you know why you are here?" We tepidly shake our heads as he informs us we were doing 60 km/h in a 40 zone. Our wallet recoils in horror as we remember the advice given to us earlier in the week: "The police in France are very strict about speed limits. The fine can run upwards of 1,500 euros (a little over $2,000) and it is payable on the spot." Just as thoughts of frantic phone calls, maxed-out credit cards and the atrocities that await us in a Parisian jail cell begin to flood our minds, the officer cocks his head sideways, realizes we're a pair of dimwitted Americans and simply says, "Please be more careful."

So begins our time with the foursome of Jaguar's newest offerings, and we haven't even sampled the 510-horsepower XKR and XFR yet.

Jaguar's managing director, Mike O'Driscoll, admits it's been, "a traumatic ten years" for the brand. Aging, lackluster products and a poorly implemented marketing strategy conspired against the automaker and it quickly fell off the radar of both German brand refugees and Jag's most ardent devotees. But last year's introduction of the XF proved Jaguar was poised for a renaissance (Tata takeover or not) and O'Driscoll's posture straightens and his chin tilts upwards when he says, "We're making Jaguar Jaguar again." And 2009 is Jag's coming out party.

The all-new XJ is due to be revealed next month and go on sale this December, and for the 2010 model year, Jaguar has added two new high-performance models to the mix – the XFR and XKR – along with upgrading the powerplants in its shapely sedan and arresting (pun intended) coupe/convertible.

2010 Jaguar XF

Both the naturally aspirated and supercharged 4.2-liter V8s are gone in the U.S. market for 2010, and in their place is an all-new, Jaguar-developed 5.0-liter direct-injected eight-pot putting out 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Jag's codename for the revised mill is the "AJ-V8 Gen III," but don't let that fool you – only two parts have been carried over from the outgoing engine – and one of them is a screw.

Fitted to both the 2010 Jaguar XF and XJ, the 5.0-liter V8 is a torquetastic wonder of modern machinery that utterly transforms both the sedan and coupe. With peak twist coming in below 2,500 rpm, a judicious mash of the throttle elicits a wave of torque that's as flat as the Salar de Uyuni and best measured with an EKG.



Channeling both the XF and XK's newfound grunt to the rear wheels is a revised six-speed automatic gearbox with uprated internals to make better use of the mill's inflated torque. Gear selection is controlled by either the reworked, shift-by-wire computer or through the steering wheel-mounted paddles, each of which delivers some of the most crisp, immediate shifts this side of a dual-clutch 'box and one of the most intoxicating throttle blips known to man. Our only complaint centers on the traction control system which, even when engaged in Competition mode by pressing the checkered flag button on the transmission tunnel, cuts in far too soon for our tastes. Completely disabling the electro-nanny requires the driver to depress the same button for 12 seconds, something we're not inclined to condone when blasting across the narrow, unfamiliar byways draped over Southern France's majestic mountains.

But we just can't help it when we get behind the wheel of the XFR.

2010 Jaguar XFR

In a nod to Jaguar's tradition of making its hottest models barely distinguishable from their staid, stock counterparts, the XFR exhibits the sort of passive-aggressive demeanor normally reserved for sadistic seven-year-olds and scorned felines. The front fascia's been augmented by a set of gaping, chrome-lined air intakes, the mirrors have been shaved in size, the side sills have been extended, a rear spoiler joins a quartet of polished tailpipes and hood vents emblazoned with "Supercharged" match the XFR-specific 20-inch rolling stock.



The interior revisions are equally subtle, with 18-way adjustable sports seats, dark oak and mesh aluminum inserts, R badging on the seats and a choice of either London Tan or Redzone leather, the latter of which looks absolutely striking with the R-only Kyanite Blue exterior.



The muted determination of the exterior and interior matches the XFR's driving experience beautifully. With the rotary (and gimmicky) JaguarDrive Control set to "D," the hotted-up XFR exhibits none of the trashiness you'd expect from a 500+ hp sports sedan. But that can work both ways. While the BMW M5 may be an awkward handful when meddling around town, there's a sense of occasion every time you slip behind the wheel. The XFR simply feels like its naturally aspirated counterpart... until the Renault in the left lane moves out of the way and – as the Brits would say – you give it the beans.

The Roots-type, four-rotor Eaton supercharger sucks sacrificial oxygen molecules through the duo of water-cooled intercoolers and delivers a kidney-punishing 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The blown 5.0-liter blends the perfect balance of low- to mid-range torque and upper-end horsepower, landing squarely between the aforementioned high-revving M5 and the executioner-style twist provided by one of Mercedes-Benz' AMG-fettled offerings.



Equally endearing is the XFR's ability to walk the steering and suspension line between BMW's directness uber alles and Mercedes' and Audi's penchant for numbness. The connection between the helm and the front wheels is in a class the boys from Bavaria obviously skipped, allowing minor course corrections to be made at speed without threatening a shunt into the weeds, while still delivering enough information to engage, but avoid overwhelming, the driver.

The majority of that connected sensation is thanks to the adaptive dynamic technologies Jaguar employed on the XFR – equipment that is now standard on the XK. The system tweaks the damper rates 100 times a second to maintain a constant and level attitude based on steering, throttle and brake inputs, and combined with the Active Differential Control, which integrates with the DSC system and features true active locking – not a brake-based setup – the XFR is a dynamic coup for Jaguar. It may not be as rewarding or taut as some M- or RS-badged products – and its muted exhaust won't set your auditory senses ablaze – but give the XFR an open road and a blank check (made payable to the local constabulary), and you'll be amazed at its ability to consume countless kilometers with the kind of ease Jaguar was once known for. And with the XKR, that formula creates a perfect party for two.

2010 Jaguar XKR

Like its four-door stablemate, the XKR is another stylistic balancing act that errs on the side of aggression. The new front bumper compliments the chrome mesh nestled within, and the hood louvers and quad exhaust assure that only Jag aficionados can identify what breed of coupe just blew past. The interior features the same shift selector, heated and cooled front sports seats (with ample bolstering) and a black alcantara headliner that begs to be stroked while stopped at traffic lights.

However, unlike the XFR, which feels like a fullback who's been forced to take yoga, the XKR is more refined and supple; a half-back who enjoys ballet as much as giving the stiff arm to a defensive lineman.



With the supercharged V8 mounted closer to the firewall and a wheelbase that's some six inches shorter than the XF, the XKR jukes and jives with the confidence of a GT peppered with a few tricks pulled from the sports car segment. The dynamic systems carried over from the sedan -- along with the brakes, which proved fade-free after miles of flogging – feel even more at home on the coupe, providing an experience that's both fluid and firm, and is sure to put the hurt on more expensive grand-tourers-turned-sports coupes, including the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Whoops.

But where the XKR falls flat is price. Starting at just over $100,000, Jaguar's hottest coupe doesn't make a compelling case for itself when the good bits – specifically the dynamic suspension – are standard on the entry XK, and the new 5.0-liter V8 is just... well... damn near perfect for a daily driver and back-road enthusiast. Throw the XFR into the mix, however, with a starting price just south of $80k and a pair of usable back seats, and the choice becomes even more clear. We'll take ours in blue, with the red leather interior and a better awareness of French traffic laws.

[Source: Autoblog]

GM to declare bankruptcy before markets open, chief restructuring officer named

General Motors' bankruptcy endgame appears to be at hand, with word coming out that the automaker will indeed file for Chapter 11 protection early on Monday morning, which in turn is expected to trigger $30.1 billion in U.S. government loans. That funding will arrive on the heels of the $19.4 billion GM has already received since late last year, and Canada is expected to chip in an additional $9.5 billion. In exchange for that $30.1 billion in financing, Capitol Hill will receive a 60% share of GM, while Canada's investment will reportedly net it a 12% stake.

In related news, Automotive News is reporting that GM will appoint Al Koch to a newly created chief restructuring officer post. Koch, a corporate turnaround expert, has already been working with GM since January through his advisory firm, AlixPartners LLP. According to AN, Koch will oversee "bad" GM – that is, the liquidation of assets deemed to be dead weight in the drive to a leaner, more competitive GM (think: Hummer, Saturn, Saab, etc.). Recently minted GM CEO, Fritz Henderson, will continue to lead the corporation and, of course, all warranties will continue to be honored.

As part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, GM will see its stock-trading ticker removed from the Dow and S&P 500 on Monday, with those who have still been stubbornly holding on to stocks effectively losing everything.

President Obama will address the nation on GM's historic bankruptcy beginning at 11:55 a.m. EDT, with Fritz Henderson slated to address media members at around 12:15 p.m. in New York.

[Source: Automotive News]

Hamann does its thing to the new BMW 7 Series

The arrival of the new F01 BMW 7 Series means that aftermarket companies have a new toy upon which to apply their talents. Enter Hamann, the German tuner with a penchant for Lambo-dooring, among other things. Thankfully, the firm's workup of the all-new 7 Series leaves the factory door hinges intact, but that's about it. A new aero kit makes the big sedan less vanilla-looking with updated fascias, skirts and spoilers on both the rear decklid and roof. Naturally, a lowered suspension is offered, which, when combined with a selection of new wheels and the aforementioned bodywork, gives the über-Bimmer a nastier stance. Inside, Hamann will fully customize the cabin appointments to your taste, or lack thereof. The Hamann 7 Series isn't necessarily all show, either -- an available sport exhaust upgrade for the 730d bumps power by 45 horses for a total of 290. Hamann's unlikely to stop with this batch of initial offerings, so more extreme modifications are probably inevitable. Just resist that primal urge on the butterfly doors,

[Source: Hamann]

Bailey Blade prototype expected in October

Remember the Bailey Blade coupe being created by Neal Bailey in his Texas garage? Not only is Neal still at it, but he tells us he'll have at least one, possibly three, prototypes ready for testing in October. That's a big change in status from the last time we checked in on Neal in November. Back then he was having serious funding problems but was keeping the dream alive by soliciting small investments from enthusiasts.

Seven months later, things are much sunnier for what's now known as BXR Motors. Neal has moved the project out of his garage to a much larger facility at MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas; hired a consultant to help work out a business plan; and, most importantly, attracted a private investor, which has allowed Neal to focus on the car's development full-time.

"Getting an investor has not changed development process of the Blade at all," Neal told us via email. "However, developing a business plan and strategy has greatly educated us in the world of business and venture capital investments. There is a great deal to learn as developing a business plan like this is almost as difficult as developing the car itself. The business plan and marketing strategy has helped us to focus on making sure that we succeed. It forces you to take a deeper look into the project and apply real numbers to see if this dream will produce real profits. As for pressure from our investor, there has been little involvement. The investor has seen our plan and the engineering behind it and simply wants us to succeed."

Neal says with the investor's funding, he has confidence he'll have at least one -- hopefully three -- Blade prototypes ready by October for road testing. Neal has stayed true to the original design, applying just a few tweaks to update the look.

The first alteration Blade followers will notice is the glaring absence of those chrome side pipes. His latest renderings show four rear exhaust outlets, but he says fans of the side-exit exhausts needn't worry. The rear-routing of the pipes is for customers and municipalities that still think side exhausts are dangerous.

Neal was also forced to rework the rear taillights due to a sourcing issue. "Those were a design pain for me since the beginning," Neal tells us. "I always intended the car to have simple round tail lights, but could never find anything that I liked. It's amazing but it's actually difficult to get modern round taillights. So after many months I finally found what I was looking for but it required me to change up the back end a little."

This wasn't as big of an issue as one might expect, since he had already decided to stretch the whole car 4 inches. The extra length meant the original car's lines didn't flow as well, leading to the new, more aerodynamic back end. Also missing from the new design is the mid-line ridge that ran through the doors.

"The midline on the doors was something I added to break up the space a little," Neal said. "However, after looking at it more, I felt it was only adding clutter to the overall lines of the car. I always intended this car to have a slightly retro feel but with very clean lines. When I developed the car, I wanted every part to have a function and purpose. Therefore, every hole, vent, intake, splitter and diffuser all serve a function. It drives me nuts when I see a new sports car, and you go to look into the vents or scoops only to find a plastic blank. I feel cheated every time I see that."

Which brings in to question a couple of photos on the BXR Motors' Web site showing the Blade sporting a huge rear wing. "Yes one of the images does show the car with a huge rear spoiler, this is to represent a possible track edition and what it would look like."

Last March, Neal told us he hoped to sell his muscular roadster for between $50,000 and $80,000 depending on options. Since then, reality has set in and as his costs have grown, so has the projected asking price.

"Yeah pricing is always an issue," he said. "I intended to keep the Blade as affordable as possible and still do. However, in the beginning the price was just a projection. Now that we have gone though our business development and have a clearer picture of building materials, facilities, employees etc. This all factors in to our current price range in order for us to be profitable. We feel even at a price range around $100K this keeps us out of the super car market, where everything is $250K and up."

Ouch, that's quite a jump in price. But how many other cars are available that allow you to actually watch the design process as it happens?

"What we are doing is not really all that uncommon, but it's how we are doing it and our willingness to share it with the world -- that is unique," Neal says. "Most cars are developed in secrecy, and I decided to approach this differently. Instead of hiding the project I wanted to share it with the world to show just how it can be done, and not only building the car but also building a successful company around it."

Plus, Neal says the initial production run will be limited to only 50 cars. Which means you'll likely be the only Blade owner in town.

Neal says that if he meets the October deadline for having the prototype ready, and all goes well in testing, BXR Motors will begin taking orders pretty soon thereafter. We'll be sure to have another update around that time to see how things are going. Until then, don't forget to save us a seat, Neal.

2005 The Acura RSX Car Pictures

Acura's entry-level RSX gets its first round of changes since its 2002 introduction with a new face, new taillights, new wheels, quicker steering, and on the uplevel Type S, 10 extra horsepower and 17-inch wheels. A new "A-spec" package features unique styling touches such as bright double-spoked wheels.
For 2005, the high performance Type-S model receives engine and exhaust system modifications that boost horsepower from 200 to 210 and torque from 142 lb-ft to 143 lb-ft. Engine output was optimized by applying high performance camshafts and enlarging the diameter of the intake duct by 10 percent. A larger diameter exhaust pipe and free-flowing catalytic converter helped to boost horsepower by increasing exhaust flow by 10 percent.

Remarkably, given the considerable power, Acura RSX Type S engine meets stringent CARB Low Emissions Vehicle-II (LEV-2) standards and is designed to run for 110,000 miles before the first scheduled tune-up.

The Type-S is equipped exclusively with a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission for quick, responsive shifting. For 2005, the final drive ratio on this transmission was lowered to provide even quicker acceleration while shift feel was improved by applying carbon synchronizers on fifth and sixth gear.

To meet the demands of the true driving enthusiast, the chassis of the RSX features track-tuned suspensions and steering systems for exceptional handling precision, outstanding cornering grip and a smooth, controlled ride.

Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with a 3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) help to provide secure stopping power. To match its additional performance capabilities, the RSX Type-S uses larger 11.8-inch ventilated discs up front. For 2005, a larger diameter master cylinder was applied to increase hydraulic pressure, the rigidity of the brake pedal increased and the pedal stroke was reduced. These enhancements combined to both enhance stopping power and improve braking feel.

The exterior styling of the RSX communicates a message of power and precision through short front and rear overhangs, sweeping curves and sharply chiseled accent lines. For 2005, Acura updated the styling to make the RSX look lower, faster and more aggressive. In front, the fascia has been redesigned with lower, rectangular air ducts, aggressive-looking tri-beam headlights and a new Acura-family grille. Side sills on the RSX are now body colored, while the side sills on the Type-S are more substantial, and wrap further around the car to highlight the new wheels and tires. The rear of the RSX was redesigned with new taillight assemblies, a new bumper, larger diameter exhaust tips and, on the Type-S, a deck lid spoiler. The result for both models is a more aerodynamic car that gives off a strong feeling of mass and power.

The interior of the RSX features a driver-oriented cockpit that has been updated for 2005. The seats have been redesigned with more supportive side bolsters and a thicker lower cushion for increased comfort on long drives and support during aggressive cornering. Titanium accents have been added to the integrated headrests and to several key points around the cabin including the step garnish, the shifter boot ring and the hand brake.
source : Acura

Preview-Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI BlueEfficiency 2009

From the end of 2008, Mercedes-Benz will be adding to its range one of the most fuel-efficient and therefore economical luxury saloons around in the form of the new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Effective detailed modifications and advanced technology have lowered the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the new model variant by some ten per cent compared to its predecessor, which was itself very economical. Features of the first BlueEFFICIENCY model in the S-Class range include on-demand power steering, an automatic transmission with standstill decoupling, as well as tires with reduced rolling resistance. All without compromising the high standards of comfort, performance and driving pleasure in any way.

By bringing out the new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, Mercedes-Benz is carefully pursuing its strategy for developing environmentally sound premium models that also encompasses the S-Class. The latest variant of the luxury saloon, which is due to supersede the S 320 CDI model from the end of this year, is more fuel-efficient and, as a result, even more economical than its predecessor. With fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 km (a reduction of 0.7 liters) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (a reduction of 21 g), the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is set to achieve top marks in the luxury class. Mercedes-Benz has achieved such exemplary economy by incorporating a tailor-made BlueEFFICIENCY package. The package’s key components:

The power steering’s hydraulic pump that is driven by an electric motor has an on-demand design, meaning that it only builds up pressure when the driver actually turns the steering wheel. This has the effect of reducing energy and fuel consumption when driving for long distances in a straight line – such as on the motorway.

The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is equipped with standstill decoupling. With this feature, the torque converter interrupts the power flow as soon as the vehicle draws to a stop with the engine running, in much the same way as the clutch on a manual transmission. This eliminates the converter’s hydrodynamic resistance, lessening the load on the engine and lowering fuel consumption. Standstill decoupling has the added benefit of reducing noise and vibration levels when stopped, and enables even smoother idling. The slip-controlled clutch engages the instant the driver releases the brake pedal, allowing the vehicle to move off without the slightest delay.

The S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY rides as standard on 17-inch light-alloy wheels shod with reduced rolling resistance tires, featuring a special carcass construction.

There has been no change in the V6 powerplant’s superlative output and torque figures of 173 kW/235 hp and 540 Nm respectively. Thus equipped, the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY completes the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and attains a top speed of 250 km/h.

The luxury saloon with fuel consumption and emission figures on a par with a medium-size car can be recognised from the outside by the “BlueEFFICIENCY” badge on the front wings. The S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY sees Mercedes-Benz further extend its line-up of models offering enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility.

The price for the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in Germany is unchanged at €70,864.50 (incl. VAT). The long-wheelbase version costs €78,718.50 (incl. VAT).

Source Marcedes Benz

BMW introduces exclusive M3 Edition models

It's difficult to make the new BMW M3 even more appealing, but that's exactly what the boys from Bavaria are trying to do with the new M3 Edition models. The limited run of 2009 M3s feature a choice of four bespoke paint schemes – Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic – along with a black-finished twin kidney grille, fender vents and mirror caps. Body-colored side-mirror bases and darkened chrome quad exhaust tips round out the exterior mods, and things get even more individual inside.

The interior benefits from a center console and armrests finished in white on the Alpine and black models, with "Carbon Structure Leather" trim and black Novillo leather seats, each complimented with white stitching. Vertical white trim adorns the back-rest and leg-rest, while the yellow and blue models get matching interior trimmings, and all Edition models feature both a numbered plaque and checkered flag door sills.

The only "performance" modifications are a suspension dropped by 10mm (0.4-inches) and Edition-specific forged, 19-inch double-spoke wheels, available in either black, brushed metal or – on the white, black and blue models – polished spokes with contrasting white highlights. Sales will begin this July and will only be available for a six month term.

PRESS RELEASE

Supreme Performance, Exclusive Style: The BMW M3 Edition Models.

Powerful, aesthetic design, supreme performance and exclusive style – the unique characteristics of the BMW M3 are now available in highly attractive Edition Models focusing on the most outstanding highlights of these outstanding cars.

Based on the BMW M3 Coupé, the M3 Edition Models offer a choice of no less than four highly individual cars boasting perfectly harmonised modifications in body design and interior features as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis.

The BMW M3 Edition Models will be entering the market worldwide in July 2009 in Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. In the interest of supreme exclusivity their production period is limited to just six months.
Individual highlights both outside and inside.

On the BMW M3 Edition Models the exterior paintwork and interior design are individually matched to one another. Depending on the respective Edition model, the body comes either in Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic. The combination with BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome accentuates the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models.

The openings on the engine compartment lid on all models are finished in black, the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system come in dark eloxy-plated chrome. The caps on the special BMW M exterior mirrors are likewise finished in black and are connected to the A-pillars by dual arms extending out of the mirror base finished in body colour.

Special colour highlights add an individual touch also to the interior of the BMW M3 Edition Models. The surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models. At the same time these Edition Models come with interior trim in Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams. The seats in Black Novillo Leather feature bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest. On the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are in the appropriate exterior colour.

As a further feature the armrests and door closing handles at the inside on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models come with yellow and, respectively, blue contrasting seams. And last but certainly not least, entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design bearing the "M3" model designation give all Edition Models yet another highlight.

Special rim design and lowered suspension.
To optimise the looks of the car, all four Edition Models come with specially designed light-alloy rims and a unique suspension: On all models the 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design are available either in black or in the classic rim colour. And on the Alpine White, Black and Monte Carlo Blue models, the same rims are also available in a special white contrasting colour with polished spokes.

The suspension of the BMW M3 Edition Models adds to the sporting style of the cars, lowering the entire body by 10 millimetres or 0.4".

BMW M3: supreme performance with eight cylinders and seven gears.
The BMW M3 Edition Models give this high-performance athlete a particularly striking look also reflected by the car's supreme driving dynamics based on a unique all-round concept and drivetrain/suspension technology inspired by motorsport. The V8 high-speed power unit of the BMW M3 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels either through the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard or through the optional M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic enhancing both the dynamic performance and the all-round efficiency of the BMW M3 all in one. In this case acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds (six-speed manual: 4.8 seconds) and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.9 litres/23.7 mpg imp (six-speed manual: 12.4 litres/22.8 mpg imp)/100 kilometres.

The BMW M3 comes as standard with a lightweight carbon roof, while the options include Electronic Damper Control and the M Drive menu enabling the driver to configure individual, M-specific suspension and drivetrain functions just right for his personal style.

Audi reportedly shoots down electric R8 rumor for Frankfurt

Rumors in the European press that Audi would bring an all-electric R8 supercar (or an extended range EV that uses a diesel range extender) to the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September have been denied by an Audi spokesperson. The anonymous Audi representative told Edmund's Inside Line that the stories in Auto Motor und Sport in Germany and L'Automobile in France were "not true."

Instead, Audi will stick to the liquid fuel path and show off the R8 Spyder with gas engines. While we certainly don't fault Audi for sticking with what it knows, the possibility of a limited edition R8 EV challenging Tesla made for a good night's dream, anyway.


[Source: Inside Line]

2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Bugatti, an authentic purveyor of fast moving machines, recently introduced their Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport featuring 1001 horsepower and speeds capable of 252 mph. As well, the French roadster holds a 0 to 62 mph time of 2.5 seconds, making it the world's fastest roadster Bugatti claims.

The future cars 2010 Mitsubishi i MiEV

America is ready for an electric car of city, and Mitsubishi, not Toyota, could right being the company for us to give it. Our short ordering of I MiEV (innovating electric vehicle of Mitsubishi) during last spring 'the automatic exposure of S New York convinced us that this four-door Martian-mobile could play Philadelphia, if not Peoria.

As the car of Japanese-market I from which it is derived, I MiEV has a powertrain assembled to the back. The batteries of lithium-ion, which weigh approximately 450 pounds, are under the back seats, and the electrical motor, charger of reverser, and other components are under the sector of trunk. Packing up the powertrain this manner lowers the vehicle the 'center of S of gravity while maximizing the part for the passengers and the luggage.

I MiEV advances close silence, with the thrum of tire rather much the only noise. It is not any sport scar, but acceleration with 35 M/H is strong and linear thanks to 63 powers in horses and 133 deliver-pi of couple. Direct-lead the transmission provides the shifts without clash, and the brakes of unravel provide the foreseeable of pedal and sour feeling the stop, the essential devices when you 'about dodging large yellow taxis. The brakes also regenerate energy for the batteries, like the majority of the hybrid cars. Mitsubishi indicates that the car should control 80 miles between the expenses, particularly if the mode of Eco is chosen, that the falls actuate with 43 powers in horses.

Since each of the four of the car of 'wheels of S are eliminated with the remote corners, you sit down much more close to before car that you 'about used with, and you can leave furtively in the holes impossiblement small in the traffic. With its firm control of body, decent direction, and superb maneuverability, tiny Mitsubishi is a companion laid out for cut-and-have pushed the movements which make him really the recreation to lead to Manhattan.

I MiEV goes on sale to Japan the next summer for approximately $25.000, and Mitsubishi also has an eye on the market lately mileage-haunted of the United States; it will carry out a test practises I MiEV with the companies of public service of California. Common Association will bring back valid data and a greater appreciation of the practical character of an all-electric vehicle in California, indicates Tohru Hashimoto, managing director of corporation of the office of promotion of businesses of I MiEV.

Which means the company would like that bring the powertrain here, if not itself conveys it. We say bring I MiEV and let us place it like respectful alternative of the environment to smart and the minis for the people who want mobility in the city with incidences on the environment minimal.

Hot News: Koenigsegg Bidding for Saab

Supercar maker Koenigsegg is among the remaining bidders for fellow Swedish firm Saab, it has been reported.
The other front-runner for the loss-making manufacturer is understood to be US financier Ira Rennert and his Renco Group.
Fiat is also interested in Saab as part of its strategy to take over GM’s European units.
GM has made it clear that Saab must go by the end of the year and three suitors have been shortlisted, with a deal expected in weeks.
"According to sources close to GM the toughest battle is expected between US billionaire Ira Rennert and Swedish carmaker Koenigsegg," a Swedish newspaper reported.
It also said that Koenigsegg was lining up financing for the purchase among a group of “very wealthy people”.
Saab has said it has narrowed down a list of suitors to three and hopes to have a deal concluded in the coming weeks after its US parent, which is facing bankruptcy, said earlier this year it would cut loose the brand by year-end.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Magna Agrees Opel/Vauxhall Deal

General Motors and Canadian car parts group Magna International are close to an outline agreement for the sale of Vauxhall/Opel.
GM and the German government are now trying to agree on a memorandum of understanding with Magna that would serve as the basis for bridge financing of 1.5 billion euros (£1.3 billion), as well as a solution that would protect Opel from creditors if GM files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US.

"A framework agreement has been reached. The goal is to work out as many of the details as possible before the meeting with (Chancellor Angela) Merkel in order to sign a memorandum of understanding today," a source told the Reuters news agency.
Germany's economy minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg confirmed that all his attentions were now on reaching a deal with Magna, which has been asked to submit new proposals for Opel ahead of a meeting tonight.
Juergen Reinholz, economy minister of German state Thuringia, where Opel has a plant, added “What’s crucial though is that GM and Magna reach an agreement. If that agreement isn’t reached, Opel has no choice but to file for insolvency.”
A meeting is now taking place between Chancellor Angela Merkel, the ministers involved and officials from the German states that contain GM plants to discuss whether to approve the deal.
Magna has said it will inject between 500m (£437m) and 700m (£612m) Euros into Opel, assuming the deal gains government approval.
It also plans to cut 2500 jobs in Germany, about 10 per cent of Opel's workforce in that country. Fiat had said it would cut 10,000 jobs.
It is not known what its plans for Vauxhall's plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port in the UK are. However, the European Commission gathered members at a meeting yesterday to discuss concerns that job cuts resulting from the deal will be concentrated outside Germany.
A statement from the EC after the meeting said any state support should "not include non-commercial conditions concerning the location of investments and/or the geographic distribution of restructuring measures". Germany said the loan to Opel would benefit plants in all countries.
Under the agreement with Magna, GM would keep a 35 per cent stake in the company, while 10 cent would be owned by Opel employees.
Magna's bid is backed by Russia's state-run Sberbank and Oleg Deripaska's truck firm Gaz.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2009 Volkswagen California Black EDition

What better way to enjoy the warm summer days that are nearly upon us than to cruise in one of Volkswagen's new California vans, right? Well, for those van-types looking to get away for away in style, VW has just released a limited California Black Edition featuring classy and sophisticated appointments suitable for the most discerning of campers.
Its exterior wears a single dark black livery matched with numerous chrome accents. Each corner receives 18-in. black faced wheels, while up front, headlights get the bi-xenon treatment. Open up any of the doors and passengers are treated to Alcantara and leather trimmings. Front occupants are in command of a three-zone climate control system, as well as a GPS navigation. Drivers get the latest in park distance controllers too.Powering the mighty California is the same 130-hp TDI engine found in run-of-the-mill editions.All this coolness doesn't come cheap though. Pricing for this sleek people mover is 77,736.75 euro, or around $109,921 in Yankee money. Of course, that's if you could buy one here -- which, ironically, you can't. At least we get the actual state as a consolation prize.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied Up Date: 2010 BMW X1

If these barely disguised prototypes look familiar to you, it’s no surprise: This BMW X1 was already shown at last year's Paris auto show under the rather unimaginative but BMW-typical "Concept X1" moniker. Now BMW is testing prototypes on the Spanish island of Mallorca and releasing some details as the car is readied for its official launch later this summer. This will be BMW's fourth size of SUV—sorry, “SAV”—after the X3, X5, and X6.
The elderly X3 is having an increasingly difficult time in a changing marketplace that now includes the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK. The X5 and X6, on the other hand, have been getting flak for their politically incorrect appetite for fuel—even before BMW, in a somewhat incendiary move, added the over-the-top X5 M and X6 M. For more details click here

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it was the first really practical hybrid to come to market and has sold more than any other examples. Yes, of course, the original Honda Insight beat the Prius to market in the U.S. by about six months, but the tiny two-seater sold in equally tiny numbers and had limited appeal beyond hard core hyper milers.

In the coming weeks, Toyota dealers will start getting their first allotments of the all-new third-generation Prius, and while we got to spend a few hours with one on the west coast in March, we just spent a whole week with the new version of this iconic Toyota. While the efficiency of the Prius has never been in dispute, like many other cars from Brand T, its appeal as a driver's car has been, to say the least, limited. For its generation three model, Toyota has not given up on minimizing fuel consumption, but it has sought to make the Prius a bit more appealing on other levels. Read on to find out if the company has succeeded.

Many of the most avid fans of the Prius have been people who view cars as nothing more than a means of conveying occupants to a destination with the least amount of fuss. Minimal fuss often means minimal involvement, as well. That typically means finding the most direct route with the fewest number of directional changes. For those operators (we hesitate to call anyone who prefers to remain uninvolved in the process a driver), the first two generations of the Prius were utterly up to the task.



However, there is a fringe group of us who actually prefer roads with some twists and turns and enjoy the challenge of carrying momentum through corners without scrubbing off speed. Doing that effectively is aided by a car that transmits information about cornering forces back through the steering wheel and doesn't feel like it will scrape its door handles at moderate speeds. This is where the previous Prius was severely lacking, falling far short of other thrifty vehicles like Honda's new Insight and VW's Jetta TDI.

Somehow, Toyota has managed to muster its prodigious resources over the last several years to create a new model to address both of these extremist camps. Under the hood, the Prius now includes the latest iteration of Hybrid Synergy Drive, which operates more efficiently than ever. The basic architecture has not changed and includes an electronically variable transmission that acts as the power split device and a pair of electric motor/generators to provide drive torque and kinetic energy recovery.



The internal combustion engine remains a four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle to optimize its thermodynamic efficiency. However, the displacement has grown from the previous 1.5 liters to 1.8 liters, which has dual benefits. When the driver actually needs extra power in order to merge onto a freeway or complete a passing maneuver, the propulsive force is now readily available. The extra displacement means that it's available without unduly straining the engine so the impact on fuel consumption is actually reduced.

Inside, the new floating center console features a trio of buttons to help manage the powertrain behavior, one of which was previously available only in overseas markets. For the first time, U.S. Prius buyers now have an EV button available that sometimes allows the driver to force the car into electric drive mode. Since the Prius is designed as a parallel hybrid, the electric drive portion of the vehicle has limited capabilities (although far more than most current hybrids) to drive the vehicle. Therefore, the EV mode only allows the Prius to troll around silently at speeds below 25 mph. Of course, you can get kicked out of EV mode if the battery level is too low or the accelerator is applied with too much verve. With sufficient energy in the battery and an extremely light right foot, we were regularly able to go over a mile without the engine firing up.



To the right of the EV button is the ECO button. Like the similarly labeled switch in the new Insight, this one moderates the driver's commands before sending them to the various powertrain elements. The ECO mode essentially applies a slow filter to everything, smoothing responses to avoid the sort of sudden transient reactions that cause increased fuel consumption. During our time with the Prius, even these slower reactions proved to be sufficient for almost all day-to-day driving needs. For those times when you need just a bit more get up and go such as merging onto a crowded freeway, to the right of the ECO switch sits the Power button.

This one does the opposite of the ECO switch and speeds up throttle responses. While the 134 horsepower of the new Prius certainly doesn't give it the feel of a sports car, the 24 hp boost over the previous model means that it also never really feels inadequate. The biggest dynamic complaint about the old Prius, however, was the suspension and steering. Our own limited exposure with the prior model demonstrated excessive body lean and steering more in keeping with a video game that uses a non-force feedback steering wheel. The steering in the new model no longer feels so over-boosted and has at least a semblance of feedback about the cornering forces at work. It's not great but it no longer qualifies as scary, so that's a good thing.



As for the suspension, it actually has some roll control now, and the whole car feels tighter than ever. In fact, if anything, it might be a bit too tight in terms of damping. Small road inputs (on the rare occasion that you can find such a thing in Michigan) are transmitted a bit too directly to the driver's back side. While the ride and handling balance is certainly more geared to enthusiasts than before, it could still use a bit of tweaking. The Prius still understeers at the limit like most mainstream front-wheel-drive cars, but it never feels out of control.



The interior of the Prius now has a much more modern appearance than before with the high center console sweeping down from the dash between the front seats. The shift lever has the same basic functionality as before: a pull to the left and down engaging drive and left/up bringing on reverse. The shape of the console means all the controls fall readily to hand. Like the previous generation, Toyota has opted to use some unusual textures on the plastics to replace the usual faux leather graining. Since the simulated leather is typically exaggerated anyway and really doesn't fool anyone, that's a good thing in our books.



Much of the center console has a finish that looks something like brushed metal and is actually rather attractive. The leather seats in our level IV trim model have perforations in a sine wave pattern rather than the usual grid that gives it a bit more visual interest. The front seats themselves were reasonably comfortable during our driving time and never exhibited any unusual pressure points. The rear seat was also adequate for two passengers with plenty of leg room and improved head room thanks to the re-profiled roof-line. Behind the seats, the Prius has an ample 21 cubic feet of space available to carry all your stuff.

The Prius, of course, is all about fuel economy, and the new model has received some big numbers from the EPA. With ratings of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined, one would expect it to be thrifty in the real world... and it is. During our week, the Prius returned a healthy 47 mpg with a driving style that was modest but could not be described as hyper-miling. It took comparatively little effort to get some very impressive numbers.



While a Prius can be purchased for as little as $21,000 for a stripped down model, our test example came to $30,150 including the leather interior, navigation system and solar roof panel. This pricing strategy will appeal to an even wider range of buyers than before, and the lower base price should attract a few cross shoppers from the less expensive though less frugal Honda Insight.

The new Prius is no longer just an appliance for commuting. It's almost fun to drive. Toyota just needs to apply some more of its Kaizen philosophy of continual improvement to the ride and handling and we can call it good.

[Source: Autoblog]