Event Alert: March Calendar of Automotive Events

Besides the gradual thawing of most of the country, March means the beginning of the Formula One season as well as Sebring, the Geneva Motor Show, the Amelia Island Concours, and NASCAR ramping up to full speed.

Those events alone would be enough to sate even the healthiest automotive appetites, but there's plenty more going on in the motoring world. As always, we tried to list the highlights as well as a few smaller events that we hope will be of interest to you. Feel free to use the comments section to add or modify listings.
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More on TAC Motors' Stark raving awesome Brazilian bomber in Video

It's not the love child of a Smart Fortwo and a Jeep Wrangler -- it's the TAC Motors Stark 4X4. While we're not entirely sold on the looks of its four-piece composite shell, this off-roader is now aequipped to handle whatever terrain you might happen to encounter.

Previously available with an ethanol-burning Volkswagen engine, power now comes from a 2.3-liter turbodiesel making 220 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a five-speed synchronized transmission that sends power through a Borg Warner transfer case back to a stout Dana 44 rear axle. A set of skidplates looks to keep it all protected.
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First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, this time-honored dictum is proving true as pickup trucks regain their rightful place at the top of the U.S. sales charts following a precipitous fall from grace last summer.

As you've undoubtedly noticed, the cost of gasoline has dropped to a more manageable level, with an average gallon of regular-grade fuel going for half the price it was less than a year ago. So is it back to business as usual? Not quite. As we found out (again) in 2008, the volatile nature of gasoline stocks means that the market price for a barrel of crude can and will change on a whim. Does anyone really think fuel is going to stay cheaper than bottled water forever? Not likely.

However, America's love affair with the pickup truck will continue to burn bright even though the status quo is changing. All vehicles, regardless of type, must travel more miles on each gallon of gasoline. Enter GM's latest duo of fuel-saving pickups: the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids.


These two workhorses were first announced at the LA Auto Show in late 2007, though the 2009 editions are just now beginning to show up at dealerships across the country. For the new model year, GM has made a few tweaks to its range of heavy haulers, most notably switching to a new set of hydraulic body mounts to compensate for the extra weight of the large battery pack. Are there any good reasons to consider these hybrid trucks over their highly-respected standard siblings? To find out, we strapped ourselves behind the wheel of each, followed a route through the streets of San Antonio, Texas, and recorded our mileage along the way.
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Geneva Debut: Sportec SPR1 M with 858hp

Sportec with an update on the above SPR1: the SPR1M. This car is 3 seconds from 0 to 100!


The sprint from 0-200 is perhaps even more impressive, it does the SPR1 in 8.6 seconds! Perhaps the SPR1M that take? The available power is 858 hp with a max torque of 880 Nm. Sportec will next week unveil the car at the Geneva car show, then it will also be shown the Autorai (April). The SPR1M is based on the 997 Turbo and completely rebuilt by hand using a lot of carbon. To ensure exclusivity, only 10 copies made.


The Sportec SPR1 continued in 2007 the second time down to Nardo, there was achieved a top speed of 378 km / h. The SPR1M this should increase to 390 km / h.
via autoblog



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Jaguar E-Type

Jaguar E-Type, originally uploaded by Rob Cherry.

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NASCAR Entry ~(DC098)~, originally uploaded by gravityx9.

2009 Corvette

When it comes to sports cars, there are not may companies out there that can do it better than Chevrolet. The Corvette is one of the main reasons for that statement being true. Well, if you have been a big fan of the Corvettes of the past, then you can rest assured that the new 2009 Corvette is not going to let you down. This new 2 door, 2 passenger sports car is going to blow you away.First of

News in brief

Before it's debut in Geneva, Nissan has revealed its new NV200. The NV200 will arrive in 3 variants; a commercial van and two 7 seat passenger versions - a combi for passengers and load carrying and a passenger only version. Nissan is presenting the NV200 to the world as a global product which has been tested under many different conditions to suit very different markets. Nissan is launching the NV200 in Japan before Summer, in Europe in Autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets. Engines are a 1.6 litre petrol with 108PS and 153Nm of torque. The second option is a 1.5 litre dCi, producing 86PS and 200Nm. Both use a 5 speed manual transmission.Optional equipment includes a rear view parking camera, ESP, ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags and side airbags on the options list.

Hyundai is likely to sell the Genesis Coupe in Europe. Prices should start around €25,000, undercutting the Nissan 350Z by €13,000 at €38,000. Sales should start in 2010 with EU cars limited to 1,000 units a year. Hyundai Genesis Coupe priced at €25k.

Ford reveals revised Ranger pick-up. Set to debut at next weeks Geneva motorshow, the Ranger is built in Thailand and will reach European showrooms in April. Engine wise, buyers can purchase 2 4-cylinder diesels; 2.5 litre, 143bhp and a 3.0 litre 156bhp unit both of which can be paired with either a 5 speed auto or manual.

Kia's new mini-MPV, referred to as the "YN" will be unveiled in Switzerland in concept form. The concept named, Kia No 3 Concept is designed by Peter Schreyer, who heads the Korean brand's European design studio. At 4,045 mm in length, the new MPV is a little longer than the Ford Fiesta. Underpinnings will be borrowed from the Soul.

Kia has released 2 more teaser images of the forthcoming Sorento SUV. The Korean market will get a 2.4 litre Theta II petrol, a 2.7 litre LPI and a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel R-engine, kindly donated by sister firm Hyundai. The 200bhp, 2.2 litre turbo-diesel R engine will achieve 33mpg UK whilst mated to a new 6 speed automatic transmission. CO2 emissions are likely to top 225g/km. A 175bhp, 2.4 litre Theta petrol engine will be offered in the UK alongside the 2.2 diesel. A 3.8 litre V6, expected to produce more than 270bhp won't be offered in the European market. The U.S will only get the petrol engines. The new Sorento goes on sale in South Korea in April. In Europe and North America, the model will be launched late in 2009.

The Skoda Fabia Scout will stand in Geneva next month. Based upon the Fabia, it receives cladding along the front, side and back. Sales start in May.

Rolls-Royce will show a concept version of the forthcoming "RR4". The 200EX will use the underpinning of the BMW 7 Series. Measuring at 5.4 metres, the baby Rolls is likely to start at £180,000. Power will come from a V12. The official product will premier at the Frankfurt motorshow with worldwide sales starting in 2010.

Courtesy of the European Office for Harmonization of the Internal Market (OHIM), where trademark records are kept and spy photographers, we can see the European Chevrolet Volt, named Vauxhall/Opel Ampera in all it's glory in Germany. Set to debut in Geneva next week, the 5 door hatchback will be on sale by 2011. It'll be built in Ellesmere Port, England and is claimed the Ampera will be capable of returning upto 176mpg with CO2 emissions of under 40g/km. It will use the same Voltec plug-in hybrid system as the Volt. GM says that Voltec system has a 40 mile range from a single charge. A small petrol engine in the car which powers the generator will increase the range to about 500 miles. Recharging from a European 230-volt outlet is expected to take 2-3 hours.

New face for Grande Punto

Fiat's hot-selling Grande Punto has been on the European market since 2005. Recently, the UK model (MY 2009) received some subtle changes to the exterior, interior and pricing. A few pre-production cars, caught in Sweden and Italy show that the newcomer will bring substantial changes to its mechanics, interior and exterior. On the outside of the prototypes, Fiat engineers have only covered the front radiator grille with tape. It seems that the facelift could be small, but who knows.

In a market where comfort, affordability/running costs and style are the most important factors, the G.Punto's interior is likely to be upto Alfa Romeo standards. Engines will remain the same.

Whilst one of the engineers were testing the 5dr mule in Sweden, our Norwegian spy photographer said the vehicle caught alight whilst in motion. The driver escaped unharmed and started filming the incident by our spy, instead of phoning the emergency services. Sales of the Grande Punto will start in Winter.

Entry-level Mini Clubman One announced (UK)

Mini has announced an entry-level version of its popular Clubman.

Under the bonnet is a 1.4 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine producing 95bhp that allows the Clubman to run from 0-62 mph in 11.6 seconds. The sacrifice in power does add up to impressive gains in fuel economy and reduced emissions thanks to brake regeneration, start/stop and a shift point display that tells the driver when to shift to maximise fuel economy. The end result of all these technologies means that drivers can expect to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 130g/km. A short-shifting 6 speed manual transmission is standard with the option of a 6 speed auto with manual-shift capability.

The new addition will be unveiled at next week's Geneva autoshow. Orders are being taken now with sales starting on Saturday 28th March. Prices start at £13,290 and all models will feature new exterior paint combinations and air conditioning as standard.

Geneva Preview: Porsche Cayenne Diesel gets the TechArt Treatment

For some reason, Porsche tuner TechArt has decided to release an exclusive aerokit for the recently introduced Cayenne diesel used Audi-derived, 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Although less extreme than the company's other adjustment package, accessorized Cayenne diesel certainly come to the fore.

TechaArt the Aero package includes a pre-spoiler with additional lights, side skirts, roof spoiler, a tailgate on the proliferation and integrated headlights / tail light decoration. All the components are from high quality polyurethane RIM Corporation.


Package to be complemented by a set of 21 inch alloy wheels 295/35 tires continental tires, but buyers can also choose 22-inch alloys. If your pockets can handle it, TechArt also provides a wide range of internal upgrades, including a new steering wheel, alloy pedals, and the full leather treatment.





via:carscoop



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Report: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible unveiled at Frankfurt

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe and convertible enough to clearly indicate that these two cars close to a statement. The coupe will bow next month in Geneva, according to Edmonds' inside the roadster will debut this autumn in Frankfurt, in line with market expectations.


It's official: E-class coupe and convertible models will replace the clock. Tire specifications convertible is still a possibility on the basis of the test found in the prototype, but the soft-top was inevitable. By a modified two door sedan version of the chassis, longer wheelbase and more interior space than the outgoing clock. The roadster is expected to share the same power system can be in sports.


What are these? Ah, Mercedes's first direct injection four-cylinder engine is based on power, 1.8 liters turbocharged unit of decision-making 204 horsepower. Ah four common-rail diesel power can also be, but neither the four-cylinder (designated E250 CGI and ignition of gasoline and diesel models, respectively) is expected to make it to North America. American will have to content with the E350 Coupe and Cabriolet 231 hp 3.0 liters V6 engine. V8 engine provides the E500. Of course, the high power of the AMG version are inevitable; expected 500-horsepower AMG or if shoehorns its 6.2 liters V8 engine, the engine E-Class sedans Bay.


Other progress will be found a similar high-tech E - Class sedan, including revised Command System PRE - SAFE braking and a driver assist system detects drowsiness attention.

Please note: Photos are included in this article was originally published February 11, 2009.
Source:World Car Fans



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New rules do not halt F1 innovation

F1's new bodywork rules may have brought an end to a lot of the cars' overt aerodynamic detail, but it has not halted the innovation of the teams

At the winter test tracks so far, plenty of clever features are on display, including Williams and Toyota's controversial rear diffuser designs

Sam Michael, Williams, technical director, said on Thursday he expects "50 per cent of the grid" to have honed-in on the idea by the time late March and the Australian grand prix roll around

Also spotted recently is a new design of carbon-fibre front wheel covers on the 2009 McLaren

Described as a sort of "snorkel" by the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, the innovation is expected to be fitted to the MP4-24 in Australia

Meanwhile, on Williams' 2009-spec FW31 at the Grove factory on Thursday, reporters could not miss the addition of new fins on the cockpit

"They're called 'skate fins' because they're similar to what you see on a surfboard," Australian Michael said
Source: GMM



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Mercedes-Benz Extends G-Class Production Until 2015

The "Highlander" of the automobile industry, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class that has been in production since the spring of 1979, will continue to live on for at least six more years as Daimler AG has signed an agreement with Magna Steyr to produce the robust off-roader at the company's plant in Graz, Austria until 2015. In the 30 years that the G-Class has been in production, Mercedes-Benz has sold around 200,000 examples of the vehicle worldwide.


To celebrate the G-Class' 30-th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz recently launched two special edition versions of the rugged off-roader called EDITION30 and EDITION30.PUR



via:carscoop




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Button agrees to slash 2009 retainer

Jenson Button has agreed to cut his 2009 retainer in half as the Honda team survives the withdrawal of the Japanese manufacturer.

A management buyout headed by Ross Brawn has apparently been green-lighted by the carmaker's Tokyo board, but it will mean a drastically reduced budget this season.

The Daily Telegraph in Britain claims up to 300 of the 700 Brackley based staff will be shed, while 29-year-old Button voluntarily cuts his contracted $15m salary for this season in two.

Some of the Brackley staff, however, are reportedly unhappy with the Brawn buyout and prepared to strike.

If Honda had folded the team, the manufacturer would have dished out healthy severance packages, while under the Brawn deal, many staff will still be shed but not compensated as handsomely.

Those surviving the job cuts face pay cuts, the Telegraph added.


Source: GMM

TechArt Porsche 997 Facelift Program for 2009 4S Cabriolet

TECHART has a new tuning programme for the 2009 Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet. These modifications can best be seen live at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of next week. The aero kit comprises of a front spoiler which blends in with the front bumper and side sills that widen the car's already wide stance. Moreover a rear diffuser and a wing profile add to the visual appeal.


Other decorative details are headlight and mirror trims, a carbon fiber roof spoiler and air vents that are integrated into the front apron.
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Geneva preview：TechArt Magnum based on Cayenne Turbo

Tuning firm TechArt will use the Geneva Motor Show to introduce their new Magnum, which is based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.


In terms of performance, the Magnum features a T2.2 tuning package which increases the engine's output to 680 hp (500 kW) and 900 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h takes just 4.2 seconds while the vehicle's top speed is a healthy 308 km/h. Other performance changes include a reworked suspension module that allows the car to sit 30mm lower than a standard Cayenne Turbo S and a variety of wheels that are available in sizes from 20 to 23 inches.


In order to help the Magnum standout, TechArt added a new front apron which features massive air intakes and plenty of chrome detailing. The company also included new fenders and sill panels, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser, two stainless steel double-flow exhaust pipes, and enough LED lighting to illuminate a small town.


Despite the rather questionable exterior, the cabin is luxurious enough to win rave reviews from just about anyone. It features an exclusive de Sede interior which covers virtually every surface in premium leather and rear passengers get individual seats that are separated by a new center console.

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