car auto blaas

While the Corvette Stingray Concept (a.k.a. Autobot Sideswipe) introduced at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month sports heritage-inspired cues, its futuristic styling could also hint at the design of the next-generation model. GM made no comment on whether any of the concept would find make its way into the C7 Corvette, but there will doubtless be plenty of people willing to speculate. The gang at BadBoyVettes.com have taken it one step further and have come up with what the C7.R would look like if the Stingray went to production as-is.

Using one of our live shots from the show, they've added the Corvette Racing livery, complete with the "Jake" skull mascot featured prominently on the hood. We think they did a good job, which is to be expected, since BBV helped put together the design schemes for the actual C6.R racers. In full race livery, the Stingray looks like it'd be equally adept at chasing down Gulf-liveried Aston Martins or battling giant evil robots. After all, Jake plays no favorites; he's an equal-opportunity intimidator.

© Source: autoblog
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For you tuner kids who've grown up and earned some bank at daddy's company, BMW has just announced pricing on their BMW M Sport appearance and "tuning" packages.

BMW M Sport packages include more aggressive styling upgrades meant to emulate actual M cars bigger wheels — slightly lowered suspension with stiffer tuning, a short throw shifter for the handful to be sold with a manual and different trim finishes. No power upgrades, which is no surprise from a company engaged in projects like the 5-Series GT Concept. Overly dear pricing breakdown below.

BMW 3 Series Sedan — $3750
BMW 3 Series Wagon — $3270
BMW 3 Series Coupe — $3250
BMW 3 Series — $3250
BMW 550i — $4800
BMW X5 3.0 and 4.8 — $6500

© Source: jalopnik
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(from Vauxhall Press Release) 2009 Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S Edition DEALS BLOWER PUNCH TO RIVALS

-- At Ј44,995, Bathurst S is less expensive than any UK car with 500PS+
-- Comprehensive dynamic mods on both Bathurst and Bathurst S
-- Optional Bi-Modal Exhaust offers flexibility for road and track

Luton – Few will claim that Vauxhall’s storming VXR8 super-saloon is lacking in the power stakes, but just in case there were any doubters, the Bathurst S Edition will put them straight.

Thanks to the addition of a Walkinshaw Performance 122 Supercharger, the Bathurst S dispenses 560 V8 horsepower, compared with the standard car’s 431 horsepower, and produces searing acceleration throughout the rev-range and a spine-tingling, banshee wail when you hit the loud pedal.

The Bathurst S Edition joins the normally aspirated Bathurst Edition at the top of the Vauxhall family tree, with both cars receiving a raft of technical and cosmetic upgrades over the standard VXR8. Only a limited number of Bathurst Editions will be sold through selected Vauxhall retailers. To exploit the Bathurst’s greater power potential, six-pot front and four-pot rear callipers are now standard on both models, along with stiffer, height-adjustable springs and Walkinshaw-developed coil-over dampers. The bespoke damper units have 15 separate valve settings with independent corner adjustment for the owner’s preferred setup.

Dynamically, both Bathursts retain the VXR8’s much praised ride quality, but body control is enhanced and the handling made more exploitable for the enthusiastic driver. At the heart of the Bathurst S is Walkinshaw’s 122 Supercharger, which not only boosts power by 30 per cent, but escalates torque from an eye-catching 550Nm to an eye-watering 715Nm. Such is the strength of the LS3 V8 engine that extracting bigger figures would have been possible, but retaining the VXR8’s driveability and durability was Walkinshaw’s priority.

Both Bathurst models retain the VXR8’s standard colour palette, and can also be specified with optional 20” alloy rims at Ј1500. List price for the Bathurst Edition is Ј37,995 – just Ј2757 above the standard VXR8 – while the Bathurst S costs Ј44,995.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Giorgetto Giugiaro has a series of successful concepts under his belt, including the Ferrari GG50 and his own interpretation of the Mustang. But his most recent design exercise -- the Italdesign Quaranta, shown at last year's Geneva Motor Show -- was a clear indication that he was moving beyond bespoke bodywork and taking a long look into the future of the automobile.

At this year's Geneva expo, he'll take the wraps off another hybrid concept that appears to evolve the Quaranta design and the (theoretical) drivetrain underneath. Judging by the teaser, it's decidedly more sleek than its predecessor, dropping the blocky '80s aesthetic of the Quaranta and packing a powertrain that will supposedly propel the gas-electric coupe to 186 mph. If the same 270 hp, 3.3-liter V6 hybrid employed on the Giugiaro Quaranta migrates to this new concept, expect an all-wheel-drive system with a duo of electric motors powering the front wheels and a claimed 0-60 time of around four seconds.

Although there's some confusion about the name (there are rumors of the "Frasier Nash" nameplate being revived), we'll be able to get all the details from the show floor in Geneva next month.

© Source: autoblog
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M Sport front apron, M Sport side skirts and M Sport rear apron give the BMW X3 a sportier appearance.

Available for X3.

The striking aerodynamic components perfectly complement the lines of the BMW Z4 Roadster, and are an eye-catching addition to the front apron.

Available for Z4 Roadster from 02/09.

Exterior Aerodynamics for Z4 models up to 01/06.

Available for Z4 Roadster up to 02/09, Z4 Coupé up to 02/09.