Saturday, January 31, 2009

eBay Find of the Day: Sole remaining 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT prototype


It might not be the very first production Thunderbird ever made, but it is a pretty special T-Bird nonetheless, and it is up for auction, not at Barrett-Jackson, but rather on eBay Motors. Item number 190283235126 is a rare, 1 of 4, 1995 Ford Thunderbird SVT Concept prototype.


The description tells us that the other three were crushed by the Blue Oval, making this the sole survivor. What makes this SVT concept special is the engine. It features a turbocharged 4.8L V8 instead of the supercharged V6 that went into the production Thunderbird SC. Black with a gray leather interior, it appears to have aged well, with nearly 70,000 miles on the clock.


The car has been with one owner for the past ten years and was featured in Makes & Models Magazine in 2005. Unfortunately, it has a few non-stock "upgrades," including a racing fuel cell and a fiberglass hood with an airbrushed bird on the underside. Check out the gallery and click over if you feel its worth at least the $30,000 starting price.
More Photos



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Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events


Thanks to your suggestions, we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts. Event cancellation notices are also greatly appreciated.

Highlights for February include the Chicago Auto Show, which we will be covering obsessively from McCormick Place; the kickoff of the NASCAR and NHRA seasons with the Daytona 500 and the Winternationals, respectively; and the RetroMobile show in Paris. There's plenty of other fun stuff scheduled all over the country and indeed around the world.

Read more

Bee Four revives BRM brand, reveals in-wheel motor source



It's been announced that the electric race car we were telling you about from Bee Automobiles Ltd will now contend for the British Speed Hill Climb Championship in 2010 as the BRM Bee Four ERV.

This revives the BRM (British Racing Motors) brand that was born 60 years ago and has a rich and proud history. This also delays the original plan by a year, but should give them the necessary time to introduce a car that is fully tested and ready to win. There is hope that we'll see it before then as it is rumored that it may make some cameos at events this year.
more detail. ...



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Toyota MR2


Ooh arty, originally uploaded by GIANTDOG.

Mini Cooper graphic


inmotion, originally uploaded by fresh pOPcOrn-.

Ford of Europe makes $1bn (£700m) in Europe (EU)


Ford of Europe has reported a pre-tax profit of just over $1bn (£700m) for 2008.

Profits for the first half of the year soared to $1.37bn (£950m) but declined in the second half of the year, with the company recording a $261m (£182m) loss. Its record profit in Europe, up from $997m (approx. £700m) in 2007, is in stark contrast with Ford’s global loss for the fourth quarter of 2008. The company lost $5.9bn (£4.1bn) in the last quarter of 2008, and a total of $14.6bn (£10bn) for the whole year.

Ford now intends to draw on $10bn (£7bn) of additional credit, which is expected to reach the company by Tuesday 2nd February.

'09 Renault Clio uncovered


An amateur spy photographer spied the facelift Clio III free of disguising in a public car park with its bonnet wide open. Spy pictures of the revised Clio date back to September 2007 where the Clio's engineers were testing the newcomer in Spain and Italy.

New headlights, grille, intake, and front bumper assist in giving the car a more aggressive look. Body-coloured side mouldings gives the car a more appealing look, but this is not just an exterior redesign. The revised Clio is also expected to have higher quality materials inside with special attention being paid to the upholstery.

Expect to see the facelifted Renault Clio and the Clio Sport Tourer, at the Geneva motorshow for its debut. UK sales start in June, Clio Sports Tourer in October and Clio Renaultsport in December.

Via Planterenault.com > Renault Clio III Phase 2 spied

Volvo XC60 pricing announced (U.S)



3 weeks ago, it was announced that the 2010 Volvo XC60 will start from under $40,000. Today, Volvo Cars of North America has revealed prices for the compact XC60 SUV. Starting from $37,200, the vehicle comes with a 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol T6 engine with AWD. It delivers 281bhp and maximum torque of 295 lb.-ft.

A host of features are included in the base price, such as a panoramic roof (limited time only), heated front and rear seats, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports, Bluetooth connectivity, leather seats and a SIRIUS satellite radio with a six month complimentary subscription.

For extra cash buyers can choose from a host of options that comprise a DVD-based navigation system with an integrated rear-view camera, a lane departure warning system and Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) amongst others.

Press Release:

Anticipation is growing as Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced pricing of the exciting new 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD small premium utility. With a starting price of just $37,200* for the well-equipped XC60, buyers will have it all: Class-leading safety, stunning design and unrivaled driving dynamics. The new Volvo XC60 goes on sale this March.

The XC60 is Volvo's entry into the growing small premium utility segment. Features such as leather seating surfaces with a power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary six-month subscription), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports are all standard. As a special introductory offer, the unique Panorama moonroof will be offered at no charge. Customers may also opt for Volvo's DVD-based navigation system with integrated back-up camera and two new colors: Lime Grass Green or Terra Bronze.

Continuing Volvo's quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world's first -- City Safety -- as standard equipment. City Safety is a driver-support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less.

The new Volvo XC60 is the first production expression of Volvo's new design DNA. As a crossover, it artfully blends a dynamic mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakable, immensely capable XC pumps up its muscles creating a strong athletic body that is mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up top the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

The 3.0 litre turbocharged T6 engine is based on Volvo's naturally aspirated 3.2 litre inline all-aluminum six-cylinder that was introduced in the Volvo S80 in 2008. The T6 delivers 281 horsepower with torque of no less than 295 lb.-ft., combining for best-in-class performance. Maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm and remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift acceleration and impressive passing performance. Volvo's all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction is standard in the new XC60.

The XC60 is also included in Volvo's recently announced Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program, which covers the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance helps reduce the cost of ownership by providing customers the first four maintenance visits to their Volvo retailer as complimentary. A wide range of services are covered by the program, including oil and filter changes, cabin filter replacement, complete fluid level top-offs and a check of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system.

VCNA, part of Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

The 2009 Volvo Cars model lineup includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the stunning C70 retractable hardtop convertible and the dynamic C30.

Friday, January 30, 2009

New Ford Focus RS Video


The Focus RS is a serious performance machine, all indications point towards this. But on this video a more somber, normal Focus RS shows itself proving that there's more to this spicy lime hatch than mere numbers.


Pushing the car forward is a 6-speed manual gearbox that helps the RS reach the 100km/h target in second gear. For certain engine frequencies a ‘sound symposer' is used to transfer certain pleasing sounds the car makes as it goes along into the cabin. Those bonnet louvers are there to help with idle cooling especially after heavy runs on a track so they aren't just there for aggressive looks.


For the longest time Ford wasn't even breathing a word related to the Focus RS. Then suddenly a flood of information came through, including confirmation that the RS would make a return after a six year hiatus. When details burst out, few really believed that the RS was to be driven through the front wheels, given its power figures of 300bhp (224kW) and 440Nm of torque from a 2.5-litre turbo.


After all, front-wheel-driven cars with slightly less power than the RS are known to have excessive torque steer. Nevertheless Ford had an answer to that in a hi-tech system called RevoKnuckle, a specially design steering knuckle containing two ball bearing sets which help compensate for torque steer. Additionally an LSD is fitted for extra traction.





via:World Car Fans



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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Mitsubishi i Miev Sports Concept





















Mitsubishi unveiled i Miev Sport concept at the 2007 Tokyo auto show. i Miev Sport has a simple and fluid exterior and interior design, the layout provides optimal distribution of weight. This futuristic electric car has a sporty performance and spacious interior. This concept car has an aluminum space frame body structure to minimize it’s weight. i Miev also has three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. As environmental considerations, on the roof of i Miev sport an auxiliary photovoltaic generator was installed for energy saving.



i Miev has a sporty, spacious and dynamic interior. The interior gives the security and comfort feelings to the user. Mitsubishi also gives excellent occupant protection from collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.

























i Miev Sport Specifications :



Introduced at : 2007 Tokyo Auto Show



Dimensions :

length ; width ; height : 3,450 [mm] ; 1,600 [mm] ; 1,400 [mm]

Body Weight : 970 kg

Body Structure : aluminum space frame



Engine :

Motors : Permanent magnetic synchronous motors

Front : In-wheel motors

Rear : Single motor



Max. output Front : 20kW 2; Rear: 47kW

Max. torque Front : 250 Nm 2; Rear: 180 Nm

Range (10-15 Mode) : 200km



Max. Speed : 180km/h

Wheelbase : 2,550 [mm]

Track (F/R) : 1,405/1,405 [mm]

Tires : 175/40R17



Interior :

Seating capacity : 2 + 2

Hot Insignia caught at official Opel event


The Vauxhall/Opel Insignia has recently gone on sale across Europe with a sports variant due this year. Prototypes of the Insignia VXR/OPC have been lapping around Germany heavily disguised but a crafty photographer managed to leaked a pre-production ready model onto the net.

This prototype's model, a saloon rather than a hatchback, shows the vertical front air intakes that were a striking feature of the Opel GTC Concept coupé that previewed the Insignia's design language at the 2007 Geneva motorshow.

Running OPC Prototypes have lapped the Nürburgring in a little over 8 minutes, according to Opel managing director and engineering guru Hans Demant. With its Haldex 4WD and 255/35 R20 tyres, it's said to be very grippy, very stable and very benign in its handling. Wheels have five concave spokes, are painted in dark metallic grey and have polished rims and spoke outlines.

Power is not yet disclosed but the twin-turbo V6 is thought to produce around 320bhp. Expect to see this styling model at the Geneva show in March, with the production version making its debut at the Frankfurt show in September, if not before. A wagon variant is also expected.

Via Evo.co.uk > Vauxhall Insignia VXR

Jeep "WL" captured in U.S






















These are the first ever spy photos of the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee, undergoing cold-weather testing in the U.S. The newcomer is due sometime next year. Codenamed "WL", the Grand Cherokee will sit on an all-new platform which will be shared with several other vehicles including the next-generation Dodge Durango and the next-generation Mercedes M-Class, unlike the Tailhawk concept which underpinned the Jeep Wrangler. The mule appears to be much curvier (thanks to the Jeep Trailhawk concept which was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show) all round compared to the outgoing model and looks shorter too. The interior will receive a huge revamp with upright air vents and curved dashboard to make it more European focused.

A long wheelbase '10 G.Cherokee is set to replace the slow-selling Commander SUV.

Chrysler’s new V6 Phoenix engine (reported in the last article) will be available in the Grand Cherokee in 3.3 litre and 3.6 litre displacements. A 4.7 litre V8 and 5.7 litre HEMI are likely as well the GM/Chrysler/BMW hybrid powertrain, used in the shortlived Chrysler Aspen & Dodge Durango Hybrids. The 3.0 CRD, sourced from Mercedes is expected to remain for the European market.

Watch for production of this new Jeep to start at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit in January 2010.

New Chevrolet Camaro on the way

Well, if you have been on the look out for the next Camaro, look no further. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is on its way. First to be released as a hardtop and then move to a convertible a little ways down the road. As of right now, they have two different models that are coming out. There is the V6 model and the V8. The V6 is going to have 300hp while the 6.2L V8 engine will be pushing 420. Either

40 years since the Honda Accord arrived (AU)


To celebrate 40 years of the Honda Accord in Australia, Honda has released a limited edition 2.4 litre 4 cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine which produces 178bhp and 222Nm with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Fog lights, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, floor mats, illuminated door sill and 40th Anniversary badging are all included in this special edition.

The Accord has sold over 16 million units since 1976 in 160 countries and remains one of Honda’s most endearing and successful models for more than 30 years.

Press Release:

The limited edition four cylinder Accord showcases Honda’s commitment to producing passenger cars that feature the latest in technology and design quality.

The Accord V6 was recently named Drive’s 2008 Car of the Year and Large Car of the Year.

The original Accord was the first Japanese car to feature air conditioning, a digital clock, power steering, cloth seats, a tachometer, intermittent wipers and an AM/FM radio as standard. During its first year in Australia, the Honda Accord won ‘Wheels Car of the Year’, the first Japanese car to win the coveted award.

The Honda Accord has continued to receive accolades including Drive Car of the Year 2008 for the V6. In fact, the Accord remains the most highly decorated car in Honda’s history.

The limited edition Honda Accord is packed with extra features including fog lights, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, floor mats, illuminated door sill garnishes and 40th Anniversary badging.
Honda Australia’s Senior Director, Mr. Lindsay Smalley, is proud of the Accord’s success in Australia.

“The Accord was one of the first models Honda introduced to Australia 40 years ago and has been a popular choice ever since. The name ‘Accord’ was chosen to symbolise Honda’s efforts to achieve an accord between people, society and motor vehicles through advanced technology.

“The Accord was ahead of its time when the first model was released and it continues to evolve to this day. Last year we launched the 8th generation Accord, offering buyers the choice of either a 2.4 litre four cylinder engine or a powerful 3.5 litre V6 featuring revolutionary Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that seamlessly switches between six, four and even three cylinders as required,” Mr. Smalley said.

The Accord has sold over 16 million units since 1976 in 160 countries and remains one of Honda’s most endearing and successful models for more than 30 years.

The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Accord has a 2.4 litre four cylinder i-VTEC engine which produces 133kW and 222Nm with a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Its impressive performance is matched by equally impressive fuel consumption – just 8.8 litres/100km – and very low emissions.

And even more impressive is the price - A$31,440 plus on road costs. For the month of January, customers will also receive free registration and CTP insurance, a 5 year warranty and free 5 year 24hr Premium Roadside Assist.

Renault Megane sedan spied in Sweden




























































































Alongside the Megane GrandTour, Renault engineers are hard at work testing the forthcoming Megane Sports Saloon in Northern Sweden.

Like the regular Megane, the new sedan will be lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. Both petrol and diesel engines will be taken from the recently launched Megane.

Rivalling the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Tiida, Opel Astra, Chevrolet Cruze and Citroen C-Triomphe, the new Megane sedan is likely to debut at October's Paris motorshow. After this model is launched in early 2010, the coupe-cabriolet and a possible crossover will arrive.

Via WorldCarFans.com > Renault Megane spied winter testing & GlobalMotors.net > 2010 Renault Megane sedan

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR


911 GT3 RSR, originally uploaded by jarapet.

Geneva Debut _2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Official Details & Video


Porsche has revealed the updated and slightly more powerful 2010 911 GT3 ahead of its official debut at Geneva Motor Show in March.


The Euro base price of the new GT3 is €98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is €116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at dealerships in October at a price of $112,200 (MSRP without taxes). Porsche fans in the UK can expect the new model to be in dealerships this fall with a starting price of £81,914.


The new model receives many of the subtle exterior updates as the rest of the 911 family but adds a unique racing flair to the mix. Up front there is a new bumper with a lower spoiler, larger air intakes with mesh inserts, and modified bi-xenon headlights. Other changes to the new GT3 include a redesigned rear spoiler, rear LED taillights, and a new rear bumper.


Helping to keep all that power on the road are updated stability and traction control systems which aim to keep Porsche's legacy of offering outstanding vehicle dynamics while providing an enhanced measure of safety. The new version of Porsche Stability Management offers drivers the option of deactivating stability and traction control in separate steps, allowing for a custom tailored driving experience. Should the new safety systems fail to keep you on course, the larger carbon ceramic brakes will be there to help bring you to a halt.


Power comes from an enlarged version of Porsche's naturally aspirated flat-six engine which now comes in at 3.8-liters and boasts 435 horsepower and 317 ft-lbs of torque. This allows the GT3 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 194 mph. Compared to the current GT3, the new model features an additional 200cc in displacement which helps to create the extra 20 hp.
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

First time on video for New 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet


Our spies showed up on the scene while three prototypes were at a fuel stop. They took full advantage, capturing over two minutes of raw video, showing the much-loved car from many different angles. Engineers have been looking into winter performance capabilities of the 998 in the north of Sweden, where extreme weather pushes cars to their limits. Two cabrios and a coupe were being road tested.


Generational improvements will include raised headlights, new side mirrors placed on the doors, with LEDs expected at both the front and back. Inside, more room will be made at the back, requiring the car to be stretched a bit longer. Power should come from direct-injection engines, with a possible 3.0-liter version coming standard. Customers will have the choice of upgrading to an all-wheel-drive version, or keeping the standard RWD. Transmission choices include a manual transmission, or the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch currently seen on the 2009 model.


The drivers looked to be doing some reconnaissance work of their own, snapping several photos of the spies as they headed back to the highways.


The new 2011 Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet have been caught on video for the first time. This is the new generation of Porsche's flagship sports car, internally referred to as the 998.
via:World Car Fans



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2010 Renault Megane Sedan Spy Photos


Today we have first pictures of the new Megane Sedan with heavy camouflage that was spotted in snowy Sweden doing winter testing.


Renault has already officially introduced the third-generation Megane Hatchback and the Coupe. Just recently we brought you spy shots of the Grandtour version.


Just like the new Megane hatch, power will come from a range of gasoline and diesel engines. Gasoline engines range from 1.4-liter to 2.0 liter(225 hp when turbocharged) and diesel engines offered are 1.5-liter and 1.9-liter dCI turbodiesels with power from 89 hp to 178 hp.



Built on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai, it will go against the Peugeot 308, Fiat Bravo and VW Golf VI, and will obviously be much more than just a mature evolution of the current Megane.

Source:globalmotors



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