General Motors' UK Special Vehicles division has pulled the wraps off the all-new police specification version of the Vauxhall Insignia that is available with all three body styles - four-door sedan, five-door liftback and the Sports Tourer estate pictured above. Police fleets throughout Britain can opt among three versions of the car equipped with either 2.0-litre 220HP turbo or a 2.8-litre 260HP petrol engine and all-wheel drive, or a 160PS 2.0 CDTi diesel with front-wheel drive.
The Police-spec Insignia comes equipped from the production line with all of the usual patrol car knickknacks including Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) cameras, Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) system, roof lightbar with 360 blues, side alley lamps, sirens and full comms radio equipment.
via:carscoop
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| Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept [Video]The new 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept represents the latest in armored patrol vehicle technology and has made its debut at the recent EUROSATORY 2010 defense industry trade show. |
These real-world photos reveal the unique lines in the Spano's design, especially the arc that swirls around the greenhouse and melds into the rear spoiler, giving the Spano a fluid yet aggressive shape. But don't take our word for it, see for yourself in the high-res gallery below.
We're spoiled, us supercar fans. With so many awesome road-munching beasts on the market, we've grown jaded. Which may go some ways towards explaining the general reaction to the GTA Spano. Here's an accomplished racing team unveiling an 840-horsepower, mid-engined V10 supercar and all anyone could say was "ho-hum, another cookie-cutter supercar from a new upstart."
Admittedly, the apathy was mostly centered on the Spano's styling, for which the initial batch of photos didn't do any favors. But a machine as promising as the GTA Spano at least deserves a second glance, and we're glad the good folks over at CarAdvice.com.au got a chance to give us exactly that.
As if to compound our jealousy, our friends down under also got to spend some time behind the wheel. But though that's on embargo until September when the production-spec model hits the market, they've given us a little teaser video, which we've included after the jump. Oh, and one more thing: Spano also says they're working on a supercharged version, which promises to boost the Dodge Viper-sourced V10 to stratospheric levels of output. The future's looking bright.
via:autoblog
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BMW has just unveiled a special George Harrison Mini Cooper that will be up for bidding, with the proceeds set to go to Harrison's own Material World Charitable Foundation, an organization dedicated "the exploration of alternate and diverse forms of artistic expression, life views and philosophies as well as a way to support established charities and people with special needs."
The psychedelic hatchback is actually an homage to George Harrison's "extravagant original" Mini Cooper S, a customized car that was given to the late Beatle by his manager, Brian Epstein back in 1966 (the other members of the Fab Four got one too).
The original Harrison Cooper actually starred in the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour movie, and the new one has been designed with the input of Olivia Harrison, George's wife. The keys to the new Cooper will be handed over to Olivia on behalf of the MWCF at MINI United, a three-day festival held in Silverstone from May 22 through 24. Official press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE:
Beatlemania at MINI United 2009.
New edition of the legendary George Harrison MINI helps support a good cause.
Munich/Silverstone. MINI has come up with a fresh interpretation of George Harrison's extravagant original Mini to coincide with the brand's 50th birthday. The one-off model will be handed over to Olivia Harrison at the MINI United event. Olivia will accept the MINI on behalf of the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity set up by George Harrison in 1973. The car will be auctioned in aid of the Foundation later in the year.
MINI United – the world's biggest fan event – will take place at Silverstone in the UK on 22 – 24 May 2009. The festival delivers three days of non-stop entertainment for the brand's large fan community. MINI United is all about concerts, shows, car races etc., and provides the perfect stage on which to showcase the unique new MINI inspired by George Harrison.
George's psychedelic MINI in a new look.
Back in 1966 The Beatles' manager Brian Epstein gave each of the Fab Four a Mini Cooper S as a gift. In keeping with the zeitgeist of the time, lead guitarist George had his car painted with psychedelic images such as yantras and Sanskrit mantras. In 1967 this legendary Mini starred in The Beatles' film Magical Mystery Tour. And now, to coincide with its latest landmark anniversary, MINI is dedicating a modern interpretation of George's car to the man himself. The MINI has been designed according to the wishes of Olivia Harrison and rekindles the look of George's famous original.
"George was a huge MINI fan and he would have enjoyed creating this new version. The fact that MINI's anniversary celebrations will also benefit our Foundation has made it an enjoyable as well as meaningful collaboration." says Olivia Harrison.
Replay signs up as MINI United partner.
The denim specialist congratulates MINI on its latest landmark birthday and presents an anniversary jeans model, which will be available exclusively and in a limited edition from the Replay stand at the MINI United event. To mark the anniversary, the used-look jeans sport a circular "50 Years of MINI" sew-on badge on the front left pocket. Added to which, all the MINI staff at the festival will be kitted out in Replay jeans. Selected Replay stores are promoting the event in special window displays.
Source: MINI via autoblog
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profile photos also show a roof spoiler and a new set of wheels. Like the sedan, the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer will ride on 19-inch alloys shod in 245/40 high performance tires while 20-inch lightweight forged wheels with 255/35 tires will be available as an option.
If you were in any doubt that Opel and consequently, its British arm Vauxhall, was readying an estate version of the recently introduced Insignia OPC, here's the proof that you've been asking for. Carscoop's secret agent hit the jackpot with the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer snapping the car without a single trace of camouflage. Naturally, the German firm's Audi S4 Avant contender comes with a similar sports outfit to the sedan featuring a new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts.
Since it's almost certain that the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer will be a bit heavier than its sedan sibling, don't be surprised if you see slightly worst acceleration figures. For the record, the OPC-ized Insignia saloon hits the 100km/h mark in 6.0 seconds (0 to 60mph in 5.8 seconds). Top speed should remain the same at 250km/h or 155mph (electronically limited).
As you probably have already guessed by now, under the skin you'll find the same hardware used in the Insignia OPC sedan. In other words, a four-wheel drive chassis mated to a 2.8-liter V6 fitted with a twin-scroll turbo that generates an output of 325 horsepower and 400Nm or 295-lbs/ft of torque. Power is channeled to all wheels through a six speed manual gearbox. As with the sedan, the transmission is coupled to an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that can feed torque to individual wheels.
sportier suspension set up and beefier Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs complete the changes.
Source:carscoop
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The MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne is also fitted with sound systems with first class components from brands like Alpine. The multimedia kit which consists of navigation system that is compatible with any audio or video format is also included. The main display in the dashboard can show images captured by the video cameras integrated in the front and rear bumpers.
MAFF Tuning, car tuner from Bucharest Romania, has developed a new appearance package and performance package for the Porsche Cayenne SUV.
The “Muron” wide body kit for the Porsche Cayenne is made of fiber glass components with elements of carbon fiber. The kit consists of front and rear spoiler, front grille with integrated LED daytime running lights, side skirts, roof spoiler
, bonnet with dramatic scoops, masks for the head lights and tail lights, a discreet adornment for the boot lid, inserts of carbon fiber for the door handles, rear view mirror carcases with integrated LED signal lights and exhaust tailpipes covers.
Customers can also request any size of the light alloy wheels which are designed exclusively by MAFF for their Porsche Cayenne.
As for the interior, the MAFF Tuning Muron Porsche Cayenne can be configured based on customer request. Customers can choose the color, materials combination, stitching design, embroiderments and inserts. According to MAFF, only the finest leathers such as Alcantara as well as leather with a surface that imitates the carbon fiber texture are used for the cockpit. Apart from that, the MAFF Cayenne also features door sills with ambiental lights.
MAFF Tuning is also capable to produce over 700 hp from the Cayenne and this is why the suspension system has been retuned to improve the dynamic behaviour. The SUV is lowered by up to 8 cm by retuning the electronic management of the suspension system.
As for the performance upgrade, MAFF has the ability to increase the power of the standard engine up to 100 hp without affecting the endurance of the engine. This is made possible with the installation of bigger turbine, sportier admission, reconfigured ECU and other additional components.
Source:revmods
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Volkswagen's upcoming up! minicar project is destined to go electric but the first examples won’t be around until 2013. Currently, the up! is being developed with conventional petrol and diesel options and will be sold under various guises through the VW, Seat and Skoda brands by 2011.
Before the arrival of the electric up!, however, VW will launch several other versions including a petrol-electric hybrid, MPV model and possibly even a sporty cabrio. In total, VW is hoping to sell close to 500,000 units of the up! annually. Whether or not the car will be coming Stateside is another matter, and VW is still pondering the advantages of such a move.
VW has already previewed its electric minicar in the form of 2007’s up! blue plug-in hybrid concept vehicle. The advanced concept featured a hydrogen fuel cell mated to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery array. Driving on electric power alone, the 60hp (45kW) electric motor could carry the vehicle over a distance of 65 miles, more than enough for most inner city trips. The production version is likely to feature an electric motor as its sole power source.
The reported 2013 launch date for the electric up! means the car will arrive to market a little slower than some of its competitors, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is slated for a 2011 release. This disadvantage will have to be made up by VW with either better pricing or a superior product, reports AutoTelegraaf.
Source:motorauthority
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In keeping with the "smaller, but more powerful" trend, new entry level engines have been announced for the new Volkswagen Polo and Golf Mk VI cars. The engines were unveiled at the Vienna Engine Symposium and they point to a VW future peppered with turbos.
The two engines presented are the 1.2-litre TSI and the 1.6-litre TDI. The 1.2 TSI has a lightweight construction aluminium crankcase which uses rigorous friction optimisation. It is fitted with a turbocharger which, combined with direct fuel injection provides it with 77kW (105PS). Maximum torque is 175Nm and it is all available from a relatively low 1,500rpm.
Press Release
Volkswagen presents its newest engine generation at the 30th Vienna Engine Symposium
Maximum dynamics and minimum fuel consumption also for the newest 1.2 litre TSI and 1.6 litre TDI engines
Downsizing is consistently adapted to volume models
Wolfsburg, 08 May 2009 - Highly efficient and at the same time low in emissions, the newly developed TSI engines caused quite a stir in previous years at the Vienna Engine Symposium. This year, Volkswagen will again emphasise the downsizing approach at the high-calibre conference of TSI and TDI engines and will present two new engines. Volkswagen transfers the pioneering technologies now to even smaller displacements with the 1.2 l TSI and the 1.6 l TDI.
Dr Jens Hadler, Head of Engine Development at Volkswagen, explains: "The potential of internal combustion engines is far from exhausted". Both engines impressively show how Volkswagen reduces the CO2 emissions and the fuel consumption and that to fungible costs. Downsizing is rigorously being developed in the volume segments with the 1.2 TSI and the 1.6 TDI."
Volkswagen completes its TSI engine family with the powerful 1.2 litre 77 kW / 105 PS TSI engine. Petrol direct injection is combined with a turbocharger to deliver convincing performance levels and torque curve despite its smaller displacement. Thus, the maximum torque of 175 newton metres is already available at a low engine speed of 1500 rpm.
The continued development of the engine technology of the small but powerful engine family uses rigorous friction optimisation and lightweight construction. The engine with an aluminium crankcase and a completely newly developed combustion process combines pulling power, high fuel economy and low emissions in an ideal manner for the volume engines of Volkswagen. These superiorities have already been rewarded in the 1.4 litre TSI family member which has been awarded the famous "Engine of the Year" Award three years in a row.
The new 1.6 litre TDI engine was presented at the Engine Symposium by Falko Rudolph, Head of Volkswagen Diesel Engine Development, as "an engine as universal as the Golf". The new entry-level engine for the Polo and the Golf convinces with good driving performance while at the same time keeping fuel consumption low. It will be available in the 55 kW / 75 PS (only Polo), 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS options. Thanks to its modular structure, the 1.6 litre TDI engine will serve as a basis for all future four-cylinder diesel engines of Volkswagen. It meets the EU 5 exhaust emission standard and is perfectly equipped with regard to future emissions requirements.
The essential development goals of the new 1.6 litre TDI such as the reduction of fuel consumption were achieved, among other things, through the reduction of friction. Besides the characteristics of economy and performance, importance was placed on low CO2 emission which was achieved through the diesel particulate filter with an upstream oxidation catalytic converter located close to the engine. Both engines, the 1.2 TSI and the 1.6 TDI will be available to order for the new Polo and the Golf this year.
For decades, the leading engineers of engine and gearbox development meet at the Vienna Engine Symposium to present their newest developments and to give a perspective on future trends.
via:World Car Fans
For the first time in the modern incarnation of One Lap of America, a Japanese car has claimed the top spot. After a grueling 3,400+ mile, nine racetrack odyssey around the United States, veteran "Lap Dog" Steve Rankins and "Lap Puppy" Will Taylor captured the overall trophy in their 2009 Nissan GT-R this weekend.
The victory marks the first for a Nippon car since the event's 1986 running, when rallyist Karl Chevalier's Toyota Celica beat out fellow racer John Buffum's Audi 5000S wagon. OloA's timing and scoring procedures were markedly different at that point, however, as from 1985 to 1991, One Lap was essentially a time-speed-distance (TSD) rally.
With five-time defending champion Mark Davia and Drew Wikstrom taking the year off in their Porsche 911 Turbo, a new winner was assured, but for quite a while, it looked like another Stuttgart powerhouse would take the podium, as the 996 GT2 of Peter Lier and Ian Stewart held down the top position for much of the event.
In the end, the consistency of the #3 Team Cannonball GT-R outlasted all comers – including the green #2 GT-R of Derek Whitis, Tom Long and Mark Pombo, which fell by the wayside when it was beset by gremlins (faulty boost controller pushing the ECU into limp mode, overheating, etc.).
Along the way, the #3 GT-R was a consistent performer all week long, setting OloA's best-ever wet skidpad performance, a tidy 0.953g and winning events at Turfway Park, Talladega Grand Prix Raceway, Daytona International Raceway, Carolina Motorsports Park, and the BMW Performance Center. While stockpiling that many victories may make this year's race sound like a walk-off, tight competition from Lier and Stewart's 996 GT2 and the aforementioned #2 GT-R meant that the issue was in doubt almost until the very end.
More Photos
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has launched the freshened Verisa compact car for sale in Japan. The newly refined model features high quality interior and exterior improvements and goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including taxes) start at 1,560,000 yen for the Verisa C, with its high quality fabric seats, and 1,650,000 yen for the Verisa L, which offers leather seats as standard.
Improvements to the Verisa C grade include new Lilac Grey fabric seats. The door trim and glove box lid have a matching color, invigorating the cabin space. Three exterior body colors are also newly available, including Lilac Silver Metallic.
Main features of the freshened Mazda Verisa
- A new feature is Lilac Grey fabric seats with orange stitching. The new design features matching color door trim, parts surrounding the meter panel, and glove box lid (Verisa C)*1.
- The addition of three new body colors – Lilac Silver Metallic, Metropolitan Grey Mica, and Sparkling Black Mica – brings the available exterior range to eight colors.
- High quality leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard (Verisa C).
- Vehicle immobilizer fitted as standard equipment (all grades).
- Audio-less specification as standard. (To best match each driver’s needs, the space for a head unit in the center panel is left open. The Audio-less spec allows for a variety of audio systems) (all grades).
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices
| Grade | Drive | Engine | Transmission | Price (yen) | |
| With tax | Without tax | ||||
| C | FWD | 1.5L DOHC | 4-speed EC-AT | 1,560,000* | 1,485,715 |
| e-4WD | 1,749,000 | 1,665,715 | |||
| L | FWD | 1,650,000 | 1,571,429 | ||
| e-4WD | 1,839,000 | 1,751,429 | |||
- Both front-wheel-drive model grades qualify for 50 percent reductions in vehicle acquisition and weight taxes under Japan’s eco-car tax reduction system.- A separate recycling fee of 11,280 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above. If the curtain and front side SRS airbag system is selected as a factory installed option, the fee is 11,850 yen.
- If the special body color Crystal White Pearl Mica is chosen, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including tax).
These spy photos reveal for the first time new rear lights as well as different body attributes to the production prototype first seen two years ago. Some exterior differences include the absence of a rear diffuser and in its place is a kind of mesh net. A new front bumper also appears.
The Lexus LF-A has been one long development project since it was shown as a concept car at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show. Even as Toyota Motor Corporation reported its first year-on-year loss of 436.9 billion yen (US$4.47 billion) last week, new spy pictures of a production LF-A have been snapped. It seems the car is very much on track for production then. This is not the one hidden under the race car body which was seen at the Nürburgring.
The LF-A will feature a number of technical innovations to ensure its environmental friendliness as well as high performance credentials. Those in the know have constantly said the car will be powered by a V10 engine worth between 500hp (368kW) and 600hp (441kW).
A convertible/roadster LF-A concept was unveiled in January 2008 but there is currently no clarity on whether it will be produced or not. What is speculated a lot is that the production coupe will be shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in preparation for its 2011 market launch.
Lexus will race a 4.8 liter V10 LF-A at the 24-hour Nürburgring which takes place from May 21.
Source:World Car Fans
Loyal WCF reader Ahmed Almuhairi managed to capture the Top Gear crew in the United Arab Emirates with a host of high powered supercars.
While little is known about the upcoming segment, it appears Top Gear will compare the Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and Lamborghini SV LP670-4 to the old McLaren F1. Almuhairi also stated that police closed a 3km (1.86 mile) section of a local roadway, which in addition to the presence of the Stig, suggests that the segment will feature an epic race or comparisson between the four vehicles.
As we reported earlier, Top Gear's budget was reduced this season so it's nice to see the gang out and about.
Source:World Car Fans
TOKYO (NQN)--Honda Motor Co.'s (7267) Insight (photo) took the top spot in the new vehicle sales ranking for April, the first hybrid to ever do so, according to data released Monday by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.
Second place in the ranking, which excludes minivehicles, went to the Fit compact, also made by Honda.
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corp.'s (7203) Prius hybrid took 21st, as consumers apparently refrained from purchases ahead of the release of the new model later this month.
via:nni.nikkei.co.jp
It's a motorist's most horrific nightmare - buying a brand new car and getting into a total loss situation even before the odometer clocks a few thousand miles. That's what happened to Camaro5 forumster "Dertybr" when his spanking new 2010 Camaro SS was rear-ended last week by a teenager in a Ford Escape.
To make matters worse for Dertybr, the teen not only lacked any type of insurance, but didn't even have a driver's license. We don't know what happened after the crash, but it sure sounds like a recipe for a human accident, if you get our drift.
Fortunately for Dertybr, his insurance replacement protection plan covered the total loss of the Camaro SS, meaning that he will be receiving a new car. Still, it sure does take out all the fun of buying a new car, doesn't it...
via:carscoop.blogspot.com
