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Monday, November 8, 2010


Back in 2010, Porsche was looking for something to slot in the middle of the 911 and the Boxster. It had to be pretty darn good, as the 911 is a legend among car fans and the Boxster was a hit for the automaker. What they came up with was the Cayman.

First launched in the 2010 model year, the Cayman is a coupe derived from Porsche’s second generation Boxster convertible, yet it looks like a 911 in the front. The name Cayman is an alternate spelling of caiman, a reptile in the same family as the alligator. Some thought the name came from the Cayman Islands, but that’s incorrect.

After the first generation Cayman was debuted and widely accepted, the second was introduced on February 21, 2010. The power was upped, the transmission was replaced, and the overall performance was vastly superior to the previous model. As an example, this baby 911 could hit 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Now, there is a new Cayman variant on the way and we believe it might make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.


The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. Moreover, the sixth one is already under intense testings and will make its official debut in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 991, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. There will be a new exterior and interior, although under the hood Porsche will still keep its usual flat-six engine, but combined with more modern technologies.

Shortly after the launch of the 991 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.


The Nismo 370Z is still a child in terms of lifespan with the first model coming into the picture in 2009, so the idea of the 370Z strolling into the 2011MY with an abundance of additions is pretty naive. Instead, and not unexpected, the Nismo 370Z comes back with next to nothing altered. It still carries the same 350 HP V6 engine, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension, and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. However, Nissan is offering one new exterior color: Gun Metallic.

As we have already mentioned, the 2011 Nissan Nismo 370Z will have a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 engine that delivers a total of 350hp at 7,400 rpm with 276 lbs of torque at 5,200 rpm. This allows the Nismo Z to hit a top speed of 155mph (electronically limited). The engine is mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual with Nissan’s “SynchroRev Match” synchronized downshift rev matching system.

The look of the Nismo will stay the same with its extended front nose, integrated chin spoiler, special side sills, unique rear bumper, and functional rear spoiler. The interior includes Nismo logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a Nismo tachometer, steering wheel with smooth leather and red parallel stitching, smooth leather wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. There is also a serialized plaque of authenticity.


Lexus is to the hybrid world as Germany is to the Formula One racing driver scene. Toyota’s luxury brand has been in the hybrid game for some time now and they have quite the selection to choose from. Most have been successful, but nobody would dare argue that these models are the best of the hybrid world. In order to take the hybrid title, Lexus has decided to build a hybrid from the ground out, sort of Lexus’s Michael Schumacher.

Being that Lexus is directly related to Toyota, who currently produces the benchmark hybrid in the Prius, Lexus has a wealth of knowledge at its disposal, but at the same time has one tough act to follow with the new third-generation Prius. With all that in mind, one would hope that this HS 250h would be the pinnacle of what a hybrid vehicle should be.

Lexus’s attempt to create a Schumacher-type vehicle seemed within reach, but the Japanese automaker wound up with a Sebastian Vettel, which isn’t that bad if we’re honest. What Lexus has done was create a luxury Prius, something that is nearly a mirror image of the best selling hybrid and that just isn’t a benchmark in our eyes. After spending a week in the HS 250h, our minds haven’t changed.


Could the Mazda MX-5 Cup Car be outrun by a hybrid out on the track? It’s quite possible with Honda Performance Development’s CR-Z Racer powered by the same hybrid system as found in Honda’s road-going SEMA child, the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept. This system combines a turbocharger and an upgraded Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system that, together, produce 200 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque.

In addition to the modifications made to the hybrid setup, Honda also added a performance clutch, limited-slip differential, a ‘circuit-tuned’ suspension, upgraded brakes, and some aerodynamic components. We can’t get past that huge rear wing and those graphics.

The interior of the CR-Z Racer has also been primed for a race with the use of a single front seat, a roll cage, and other bare bones features.

The two concepts shown at the 2010 SEMA Show are not intended for sale, but Honda Performance Development does plan on sharing the racing potential of the CR-Z Racer at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race in December. We smell a money-making opportunity in the works? Well, if the Racer is any good, of course.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Wallpaper
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Show
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Image
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Wallpaper
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Pic

2011 porsche 911 GT2 RS Overview
2011 porsche 911 GT2 RS SpeedoMeter
2011 porsche 911 GT2 RS Interior
2011 porsche 911 GT2 RS Parts
2011 porsche 911 GT2 RS Inside

Ulrich Bez has led Aston Martin for ten years now and is already two years ago brought his ideas to expand car sales with a new, different model. Lagonda brand would be revived and it was made official at the 100th anniversary declared in autumn 2008.

At the next Geneva Salon, Spring 2009, we got to see what Ulrich Bez Aston Martin and imagined, and it was not a new sedan that most believed – without a convertible! The concept car called a certain habituation, and although it did have character had Lagonda concept hard to convince everyone on the same obvious way that Aston Martin’s models usually do.


Aston Martin SUV Lagonda

Aston Martin SUV Lagonda

It was during a meeting in Rotterdam last week, as Ulrich Bez said that there are still 22 pieces One-77 for sale and that, in future, a four-wheel Lagonda. Much more than that wanted Ulrich Bez not tell but we may well presume that we need new ideas to convince David Richards on Lagonda project survival.

Business-wise, it would probably be on the right of Aston Martin to broaden its range with a four-wheel model. Porsche’s success with the Cayenne has not escaped anyone’s attention and the most important luxury car markets, there is no doubt to sedan model. Cooperation with Toyota mini-car around Cygnet also show that Aston is ready to take the unconventional approach.

Aston Martin SUV Lagonda

Aston Martin SUV Lagonda

After her divorce from Ford has been rumored that Aston Martin is looking for a new partner for future powertrains (V12: s built by Ford in Cologne). Mercedes is said to be the company that immediately comes to mind and you could also collaborate on a suvmodell, similar to the Aston chosen to partner with Toyota on Cygnet.

BMW 6-series is entirely renewed from model year 2011, with new designs and techniques taken from both 5 – and 7-series. And like so far offered six that coupe and convertible on the same platform.

The new generation has a bit more wheelbase and short overhangs, and is slightly wider than the old. At the Paris Salon recently, we see the coupe called the concept, but looked very finished out. Now notice, however, “sources familiar with” the series ready car first will appear as convertible at the NAIAS in Detroit in January. Sales will then start to summer.

BMW 6 Series Convertible in Detroit 2012

BMW 6 Series Convertible in Detroit 2012

Previously it has been said that the coupe-6-ball would appear in final form only at the Frankfurt motor show in autumn 2011, but the question is whether or not it is almost as complete as cabber, and if so, should bring series car debut in Geneva instead. No entirely credible information that there are at this moment.

It is clear however that the 6 Series Convertible range retains the classic soft top, and that the solution of the vertical and lowered the rear window between the characteristic “earflaps” left over from the current generation.

BMW 6 Series Convertible in Detroit 2012

The engines are six and V8 from both 5 – and 7-series, with 306 and 407 horsepower, two-standard related to BMW’s åttastegade automatic transmission. Start / Stop is also standard.

We can also expect the new 6-ball (in both coupe and convertible version) gets most of the advanced equipment was launched with the latest 7-series and then were also transferred to new 5-series. This means, among other camera that reads road signs (including “speed limit ends”), fescue warning with steering wheel vibrations, blind spot monitoring, vindrutedisplay and spacers with automatic emergency brake.

Recent spy photos from the Nurburgring shows that new 6-series also comes in a muscular version of trim forge M GmbH, and in both coupe that cabber. The engine which is expected to be the 4.4-liter V8 with twin turbo which now sits in the M-branded models, X5 and X6. The effect should be between 570 and 580 horsepower. It is likely that the test car’s 20-inch wheels come with the finished M6-ball – which should be in showrooms sometime in autumn 2011.

Audi R8 V10 Racing Edition by Anderson Germany

Anderson Germany is famous for its customization programs for models like the Ferrari California and the Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni, but now the German tuner has spead its wings and completed a new tuning kit for the Audi R8 V10 version. The new tuning kit provides changes to the sports car’s exterior as well as its engine.

Called the Racing Edition, the new package for the R8 includes an aerodynamic kit to add extra sportiness to the ride. The aerodynamic kit includes a carbon front apron and rear spoiler for downforce improvement. Rear window bordering, a carbon diffuser, carbon mirrors, and 19" light alloy rims complete the exterior package. The interior gets carbon fiber inserts on the door trims, radio frame, ashtray, gear stick frame, hand brake knob, and steering wheel.

A new ECU software, a sports air filter, and a valve commanded sports exhaust system take off about 37 lbs from the overall weight of the R8 and transform the performance of the R8 from 525hp to 585hp.

The package from Anderson Germany is actually similar to the tuning package provided by Wheelsandmore last month. Both package contained new ECU software as well as a new exhaust system, Wheelsandmore were able to get the R8 to pump out 600hp. If we had to choose, it’s obvious we’d head to the wheel experts giving us a bit more bang for our buck.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Honda CR-Z Equipped with MUGEN Accessories

If you think the Honda CR-Z is hot, then you will fall head over heels in love with this CR-Z decked out in Mugen accessories that is currently being displayed in SEMA. We aren’t exactly huge fans of Honda’s hybrid coupe, but the exterior package provided for it makes us rethink our bashing quite a bit. We can’t waste too much time thinking, though, as this limited edition will only be available in 300 units starting in the spring of 2011.

To make the hybrid the exquisite machine you see in front of you, the Honda had to take on plenty of components including a full MUGEN body kit, a front grille, a rear wing spoiler, 17-inch "XJ" aluminum wheels, sport mats, a unique black aluminum shift knob, and a billet aluminum oil-filler cap. All of the painted parts will come color-matched to each of the five available CR-Z colors and each owner will receive a unique serial-number plaque designating each kit as one of 300 available.

Upon revealing this car in Las Vegas, Honda said: "The combination of greener practicality with style and fun makes this vehicle a perfect fit for young, environmentally conscious buyers looking to further personalize their cars."

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

In an interview with the trade journal Automotive News China confirms Gregoire Olivier, board member of the PSA Peugeot Citroen with a special responsibility to model and strategy, the concept Metropolis series is produced. Metropolis, which likely will be renamed to DS9, is one of the more premium models such as PSA Peugeot Citroen is planning for the Chinese market.

Even if the luxury car market is still not large compared to the U.S. and Europe, it has a growth rate that allows the development curve points to very high numbers at the end of the decade. The car makers want to sell many “luxury” must therefore be present in China and have models that are tailored for the Chinese taste. While PSA Peugeot Citroen is well aware of this and you will not let the German colleagues to be alone on this lucrative market.

Citroën Metropolis

Citroën Metropolis

The cooperation between PSA and Changan Automobile Group will result in a group of premium models in which the Metropolis, or DS9, is one of the cars:
“The same design components to be used for a top model from Citroen to be developed in China,” said Gregoire Olivier to Automotive News China. However, he mentioned nothing about when this model would be ready and if it also is relevant for the European market.

Metropolis is the first concept car developed by the PSA’s own design studio in Shanghai and it was at the inauguration of the World Expo in the spring as it was unveiled. Citroën has not revealed all the details but the powertrain will consist of a two-liter gasoline V6 that provides 275 hp and 375 Nm, which indicates that Citroën makes use of turbocharging.

The transmission is a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. V6 driving the front wheels, while an electric motor at 40 kW/55 hp (quick “boost” effect 95 horses) drives the rear wheels. The system allows engines to work separately or together. Metropolis can run a few mil in city traffic completely emission free.

2011Porsche 911 GT2 RS Wallpaper
2011Porsche 911 GT2 RS
2011Porsche 911 GT2 RS Image
2011Porsche 911 GT2 RS Side view
2011Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Monday, November 1, 2010

Bugatti to begin selling Veyron in India

Bugatti must be really confident in the buying power of the rich folks of India considering that the company has introduced the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in the country despite the ridiculous 110% import tax tacked to items like foreign exotic cars.

Add the car’s cost to the tax it comes with and to be able to purchase a Veyron in the country would mean that you would have to pay a staggering $3.6 million. Apparently, Bugatti is undeterred by the mammoth tax cars like the Veyron will be given, opting to focus more on the huge potential of the spending power of wealthy locals, which, according to analysts, could reach $14.7 billion as fast as 2015.

Satya Bagla, head of Exclusive Motors Pvt., the company that carries high-end brands Bugatti, Bentley, and Lamborghini, said that the Indian market, specifically the wealthy, are beginning to open up their bank accounts. “People have more spending power and are getting more aware of owning beautiful things,” she said.

Dodge RedLine Charger 2011

Lost in the overly hyped Mustang versus Camaro tug-of-war is the Dodge Charger, Chrysler’s muscle-bound mayhem machine. It may not have the cache of its two competitors, but the 2011 Charger is anything but a push-over.

So what happens when you give the boys at Mopar Underground a 2011 Dodge Charger and let them work their magic on it?

Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles answered it best. “We let the designers of the production car and their friends at Mopar rip. I wanted them to show us what they would do with this vehicle if it were their own dream car.”

Peugeot Shine Concept 2010

If Peugeot ever decides on introducing a new concept car, we highly suggest that they give Piotr Czyzewski a call.

The Polish designer is responsible for this stunning Peugeot concept called ‘Shine’. The four-seater coupe’s design is nothing short of jaw dropping. The sleek curves and aggressive linings give it the look of a stealthy puma ready to pounce on a very unfortunate – and unsuspecting – prey.

While the aesthetic and the glossy black color is enough to give the Shine Concept a VIP entry to the ‘Smoking Hot Concept’ Club, we still haven’t gotten to those opposite-opening doors that make the car look more awesome than it already is.

Czyzweski didn’t give any details on the performance package that comes with his work of art, but you can be assured that whatever’s under the hood of this car, it’s sheer appearance alone is all the evidence we need to know that this is one Peugeot concept the manufacturer should seriously think of rolling into the production block.

Abarth Roadster 2012

News of Abarth preparing their own roadster started back in 2008 and, although we have caught some rumors here and there, nothing much has panned out leaving us to believe that Abarth will be clutched under the wing of other European brands forever. That, apparently, was an incorrect assumption.

Hoping to leave behind the disappoint that was the Smart Roadster, Abarth’s new Roadster model will feature an all new design, a transverse, mid-engined layout similar to that of the Lotus Elise. There are previous suggest reports suggesting the future Abarth model will share the chassis with the KTM X-Bow, but that is still under discussion. The car’s exterior design will be inspired by Abarth models of the 1960s.

Under the hood there will be the recently launched turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir, available with outputs as high as 170bhp. The engine will be mated to a new six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, but a seven-speed version is also a possibility for the future.

Expect the new Abarth Roadster to debut in 2012, priced at around £25,000 (aprox. $40,000 at the current exchange rates). Abarth expects to produce a total of 5,000 units to sell worldwide.

2011 Toyota Sienna Interior
2011 Toyota Sienna TV
2011 Toyota Sienna Inside View
2011 Toyota Sienna Seats
2011 Toyota Sienna Parts

 

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