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Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Today, Aston Martin released the two sharpest renderings of its production-ready Rapide to date. Where the previous images of the car were dark and harder to distinguish, these latest renderings are bright and easier to read.
Granted the new pictures really aren't telling us anything that we don't already know. From the former renderings and spy shots we've been able to confirm the sexy sedan's seductive shape. We like the front end's snarling guise and the One-77-esque hood vents. We already know that the back end slightly resembles the Vantage, and we approve of that too.
What we dislike is the fact that Aston hasn't told us when we will see the four-seat sedan in person. We expect that the car may be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva motor show in March.
© Source: automobilemag
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In the recent past, VW’s answer for power junkies has been the R32—a GTI with a 3.2-liter V-6 shoehorned into its engine compartment. Heavier than the GTI and equipped with all-wheel drive, the R32 failed to deliver significant performance improvements despite its 250-hp rating. We liked it, but were disappointed by the marginal performance benefits over the base GTI.
Meet the new 2010 Volkswagen R-series Golf. It will feature basically the same direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that you find in the GTI, tuned to an impressive 270 hp. Power will be transmitted to all wheels. Zero-to-60 times should be in the low- to mid-fives, and while the regular GTI tops out at a drag-limited 149 mph, the new R version will hit its governor at 155, with a theoretical top speed 10 mph or so higher.
Unlike the R32, the new R model will offer performance greater than the GTI’s, with the slightly increased weight and resistance of the AWD system easily offset by the leap in power and torque. Essentially, the Golf R features the Audi S3’s powertrain. We have driven that car extensively; think WRX performance combined with Audi refinement. It’s worth noting that the new Golf MkVI, upon which this R version will be based, is more sophisticated than the Audi A3/S3.
The exterior of what we believe will be called R20 Turbo is distinguished from the GTI by an even more aggressive front spoiler, complete with three distinct air intakes, a more aggressive rear spoiler, and two center-exit exhaust pipes. Three doors will be standard, but VW will most likely also offer a five-door variation. Our artist’s renderings show a possible look for the three-door R20.
This ultimate Golf will go on sale in Germany in late 2009, and after some internal back and forth, VW has decided to offer the R model in America.
VW will first show the R-series Golf on May 21 at the ADAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Volkswagen will also launch an R version of the sporty, Golf-based Scirocco. Equipped with the same engine as the R20, it will be front-wheel-drive. Torque steer will be managed by an electronic differential VW calls XDS—and a prayer.
© Source: caranddriver
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SEAT is launching on the market a new special edition of the Ibiza - the SEAT Ibiza SC Color Edition. The SEAT Ibiza SC Color Edition comes with two new colors, Galia Blue and Lumina Orange, an exclusive exterior and a personalised interior design. The interior of the SEAT Ibiza SC Color Edition features body colored gearknob, door panels, ventilation nozzle bezels, dashboard inserts. In addition, the new edition features a black roof paint and 17 inch alloys.
The Color Edition versions are only available in the Sport finish and with the following engine Gallery: SEAT Ibiza SC Color Edition choices – the 85 hp 1.4 and 105 hp 1.6 petrol engines and the 90 hp and 105 hp 1.9 TDI Diesel versions.
The Lumina Orange package includes 17 inch “Saga” alloy rims, dark glass, Mágico Black roof and park position door mirrors, Lumina Orange interior inserts, Carbón Black steering wheel spokes and orange stitching on the steering wheel and front seats.
The Galia Blue version features 17 inch “Saga” rims, dark glass, Candy White roof, park position door mirrors and grille surround, body blue interior inserts, Carbón Black steering wheel spokes and blue stitching on the steering wheel and front seats.
Besides, the Galia Blue Color Edition version is also available with 17 inch white alloy rims at no extra cost.
The new Ibiza is already available in the SEAT sales network equipped with the seven-speed DSG gearbox and 105 hp 1.6 petrol engine in the Reference, Style and Sport finishes. In Spain, this model costs 1,320 € more than the 1.6 manual gearbox in all three versions on offer.
© Source: zercustoms
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The five-passenger Mercedes GLK-Class launches as a 2010 model, but the 4MATIC model is available now, and the base rear-wheel drive GLK350 appears at dealers in April. The GLK is slotted as the new compact entry-level SUV for Mercedes, with a price point to match. Upgrading to the M-Class increases the MSRP by $13K, and the GL-Class adds $24K over the GLK.
Without spending any extra money on options, a buyer is looking at standard features such as 19-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, dual chrome exhaust tips, roof rails, Bluetooth, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control adaptive brakes, six airbags and Agility Control suspension.
What isn’t included are some fairly basic features I’d expect at a luxury level. However, this à la cart menu is typical of a Mercedes. Here’s a heads up for you on some of those items you’ll have to pay extra for: an iPod integration kit ($375), park assist ($790), heated front seats ($740) and any color of exterior paint other than red, white or black ($720). The test vehicle was the 4MATIC version, which was greatly appreciated in this hideous weather we’ve been having. Base price with the all-wheel drive is $36,775, and believe me, for an extra $2K over the base model, it’s so worth it.
Powering the GLK is a 3.5-liter V-6, and this engine is superb. It delivers 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the seven-speed transmission, the power is smooth seamless and fast. Fast to the tune of 6.5 seconds for a 0-to-60-mph time. Not bad for a 4,036-pound vehicle.
© Source: emercedesbenz
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Mazda announced that the 2009 Mazda MX5 Miata will debut in US at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The 2009 Mazda MX5 Miata comes with a re-styled exterior, enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency. The US version of the 2009 Mazda MX5 Miata is powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 167 hp and comes with an improved suspension.
The 2009 Mazda MX5 Miata is the world's best selling two-seat roadster with 800,000 units sold since its first introduction on the market 20 years ago.
The 2009 Mazda MX5 Miata price for the US market has not been announced yet.
© Source: zercustoms
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(from Chrysler Press Release) 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10: Still the Ultimate American Sports Coupe, 25,000 Hand-built Vehicles Later.
The 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10® is the ultimate American sports car and the icon of the Dodge brand. For 2009, the Dodge Viper SRT10 offers the outrageous power expected, with an 8.4-liter 600-horsepower (450 kW) V-10 engine contributing to blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in less than four seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the low 12-second range), setting an American sports car benchmark.
A dramatic hood featuring a larger, more efficient hood scoop for air induction and functional hood louvers to facilitate a greater cooling effect enhance Viper’s bold, aggressive looks. Viper design hallmarks, including deep-cut side scallops, swept-back fenders, lowered hood lines and the signature Dodge crosshair grille remain.
The 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10 will be available in four new exterior colors: Anaconda Green Pearl Coat, Graphite Metallic Clear Coat, Diamond Black Pearl Coat and Viper Bright White Clear Coat.
The 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10’s deep-skirted V-10 aluminum block features 8.4 liters (510 cubic inches) and generates 600 horsepower (450 kW) and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N•m) of torque. And all the power is compliant with stringent regulatory requirements, such as federal Tier 2, Bin 5 and California’s Low Emission Vehicle (LEV II) mandates.
The 2009 Viper SRT10 engine features cylinder heads equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers, larger valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) featuring award-winning CamInCam® technology. The VVT application used in the 2009 Dodge Viper SRT10 electronically adjusts when the exhaust valves are opened and closed according to engine speed and load, allowing the engine to “breathe” more cleanly and efficiently.
© Source: seriouswheels
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