Range Rover

The 485-horsepower sports car also gets a medium-pressure extinguisher system (20 bars) as well as a winding device for the hose while an additional radio communication system and a new set of Recaro sports seats complete the upgrades. The manufacturer claims that with a foam reach of around 18 meters and a 20-metre hose, the unit will be able to fight fire for around two minutes on a single tank.

Meet the world's fastest fire fighting vehicle: Nissan's specially modified GT-R that takes up role as an emergency response vehicle at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany The fire-fighting GT-R is a gift from Nissan to the Nurburgring operator and it was created in collaboration with M&M Automotive, a Bonn-based specialist for car development and motor sports. While the mechanical hardware remain intact, the GT-R's rear seats were removed and replaced with a 50-liter water tank secured with a roll cage.

Even though the extra equipment added 200 kg or approx 440 pounds to the coupe's weight, Nissan supports that the GT-R can still lap the Nurburgring circuit in less than 8 minutes. The standard model has recorded a lap time of the Nordschleife circuit of 7 minutes and 26.70 seconds.
Source:carscoop

Vermot AG, makers of the Veritas RS III have announced prices for the super car. First unveiled at the 2009 Salon Privé Motor Show in London the Veritas RS III is to be priced at €342,000 (USD$488,478) excluding tax. The final production unit shows a more aggressive front end, unlike the prototypes that were previously shown.


Stretching almost five metres in length the car is also two metres wide and less than one metre high. It therefore squats quite a bit and gives a super performance look. The driver will have the best of fresh air because it comes without a roof, although a coupe version has not been ruled out for future production.


Using a 5.0-litre BMW V10 engine performance is of usual supercar nature. Presently figures are 441kW (600hp), 0 - 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and top speed is 347km/h. Overall it weighs in at 1,170kg (2579lbs).


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If you're the kind of type that doesn't care what the neighbors might have to say about you and wouldn't mind driving around in your very own miniature replica of the Tumbler from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, then you may want to check out this go-kart creation from eBay user "Tully712". If you win the auction the seller will send you a zipped file containing the plans to build the Tumbler go-kart. Those intrigued may follow the jump to check out the Tumbler in action

via:carscoop

We are amazed every time we see a new creation from the Blastolene Brothers, and this latest monster we spotted at last night's Jet Center party in Monterey made our jaws drop. Built by Randy Grubb, the same man responsible for designing and constructing Jay Leno's tank car, this rolling monster is comprised of a chopped Peterbilt model 351 cab and an 852ci two-stroke Detroit Diesel twin-supercharged V12 mated to an Allison 4-speed automatic transmission from a Greyhound bus.


The engine produces 500 horsepower and nearly 1000 lb-ft torque with a redline of just 2,800 rpm. Other features include a custom boat-tail gas tank, Baer brakes, stitched leather seats made by a saddle maker and a customized rear end from a semi truck. Overall, Grubb spent over 3,000 man hours and 15 months to build this one off creation and has lovingly given it the nickname "Piss'd Off Pete." Check out all the incredible details in the high-res gallery below.
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For the face of the always adorable A3 convertible, the single-frame front bumper provides for a GTS-look, featuring large air intakes on each end. The GT-bumper also includes a fog-light kit which can be ordered separately.


New front grill and bumper as well as rear apron on offer from German tuner for the A3 Cabriolet

German tuner Hofele has a few added touches for your Audi A3 cabriolet.


At the back, a new rear apron is offered which can be simply glued to the existing one of the A3 non-top. This "Diffusor" is made out of PKG material and is offered for both a quad sport exhaust system or for the serial one from the standard production model.


Hofele also has its own S3-like, sporty front grill in both black and silver for those who want something more than just a change in bumper.


Caps for the headlamps washer are also to be had and the Hofele badge to be placed next to the A3 moniker on the rear hatch offers another subtle touch.
via:worldcarfans

Apparently, we're not the only ones trying to figure out the exact methodology that was used to determine the supposed 230 mile per gallon city rating claimed by General Motors for the upcoming Chevy Volt. In response to a query from the boys at Green Car Advisor.


The EPA issued the following statement:

EPA has not tested a Chevy Volt and therefore cannot confirm the fuel economy values claimed by GM. EPA does applaud GM's commitment to designing and building the car of the future - an American-made car that will save families money, significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create good-paying American jobs. We're proud to see American companies and American workers leading the world in the clean energy innovations that will shape the 21st century economy.

Although it deserves noting that GM CEO Fritz Henderson didn't exactly say the 230 mpg rating was an official figure from the EPA, it sure is being bandied about as if it were gospel in the huge marketing campaign launched ahead of today's announcement.


When contacted for comment, GM told AutoblogGreen that the EPA is not backing away from the 230 numbers and that it's unlikely that the EPA will come out with a much lower number when they actually get to run a Volt through the official cycle. Further, GM believes that coming out with the 230 rating at this point in time is one way to change people's perception of what kind of car the Volt is.
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GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson confirmed today that Cadillac is developing five new models through 2011 including an entry-level luxury sports sedan that will compete against the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 sedans in the segment below the CTS. The announcement was part of a general relaunch of GM that will present a total of 25 new models from now until the end of 2011.


Automotive News also reported that Cadillac's plans include a common replacement for the flagship rear-wheel drive STS and front-wheel drive DTS models that will share its underpinnings with the Buick LaCrosse and be offered with all-wheel drive. For the record, GM did not disclose any details on this vehicle.


Aside from the new entry level sedan and the already revealed SRX compact crossover and the CTS Sport Wagon, Henderson confirmed that the firm will introduce the production version of the CTS Coupe concept which will be offered in a "V" guise boasting the same 556HP 6.2-liter supercharged V8 as the CTS-V Sedan.


"We are determined to repeat what CTS has already achieved in design, quality, driving dynamics, performance and fuel economy to grow our presence in this high-volume and highly competitive segment," Henderson said.


Back to Cadillac's 3-Series rival, GM said that the new sedan that will be offered with high-tech engines, rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive will take on the best in the segment.
Source:carscoop

This R8 was spotting doing a few laps around the track at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. What else could that large, fixed rear wing and those little flaps at each end of the front bumper mean?

Well, it could mean a lot of things, such as a new aerodynamic package.


But let us imagine for a moment that this is a Clubsport prototype intended to put a few added touches of civilized dress around the monstrous heart that beats beneath the bonnet of the R8 V10. A Clubsport version of the R8 V10 would also shed some weight, about 100 to 150 kilograms, and rid itself of the all-wheel drive system.


Inspiration could be had from fellow VW brand Lamborghini, with its Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. Turning the R8 V10 into a true racer, capable of incredible aerodynamically and traction-enhanced lap times around that very Nürburgring track.


Yes, and maybe they can add some kind of snooze function to it, so that when taking the car onto the public roads the R8 doesn't fall asleep from all the boredom.
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The Hyundai ix35 is due for release at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September and, until now, has only been spotted in deep camouflage or as a computer generated artist’s impression. The lower grille treatment and fog light detail seem to be the major differences from the predicted image published on the Hyundai Blog in July.
Looking to establish a more recognisable family face this photo represents one of the first undisguised looks at a production-ready example of Hyundai’s new hexagonal grille treatment.
Hyundai’s first teaser for the new Tucson replacement was given earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show with the release of the ix-onic concept. Courtesy of autoblog you can see a a YouTube clip below featuring the Hyundai designers talking about the ix-onic.
It is believed the ix35 will be powered by a mix of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The ix35 should also be one of the first cars from Hyundai to feature their new double clutch six speed transmission. The ix35, then, represents a bold move forward for Hyundai with big strides in both exterior design and mechanical technology.
Source: ausmotive

Richard Hammond from top Gear is not a stranger to crashes, but we're sure this latest one hurt him more than the 280 mph dragster accident. According to the British press Hammond managed to crash his Morgan AeroMax into the back of a Datsun Nissan in Gloucestershire, UK. According to eye witnesses, a car suddenly braked in front of Hammond which led to a series of crashes. The Morgan AeroMax however did not receive a rear hit, but unfortunately the front is in a bad shape.

According to a BBC spokesman Richard Hammond was not hurt in the event.

The Morgan AeroMax is a modern car with retro looks, powered by a 4.8 liter V8 engine from BMW which is able to take the car well beyond the 155 mph limit.
via:zercustoms

It's a little difficult to keep track of what's happening at Tata and JLR these days. While the XF sales continue apace and the XJ is promising, the JLR division lost £673.4 million pounds ($1.11B U.S.) last year, and parent company Tata was $520 million in the red at the end of its 2008 fiscal year. Due to those numbers and a so-far unfulfilled quest for financing, Tata has been relentlessly talking up the need to shed production workers.
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The refreshed 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been caught out again, this time thanks to a leaked Japanese-market brochure. As you can see, the facelifted Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is sold in the States as the Lexus GX, gets new sheetmetal all around featuring a restyled front fascia somewhat inspired from Toyota's latest creations like the Avensis along with new tail lamps, bumper and tail gate design at the rear and a smoother profile thanks to the redesigned fenders.


The scanned brochure also provides us with our first glimpse of the redesigned dashboard that boasts a new instrument panel with two deeply set gauges and a new center console with repositioned air vents. In addition, there's a new multifunction, four-spoke steering wheel while the interior trim has also been updated.


It's not clear yet if Toyota has made any changes under the hood, but we reckon that it shouldn't be long before we get the "Full Monty" on the 2010 Land Cruiser Prado.


via:carscoop

Kia unveiled the new 2010 MY Sorento at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show in April. Now Europe is getting ready to receive the crossover vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 4.7m-long, 7-seater Sorento features a higher-class cabin than the previous model, some sleeker design elements and a more spacious interior.
via:worldcarfans

Press Release

‘Stand-out' styling for all-new Kia Sorento

Modern, powerful styling with a clear dynamic look differentiates the all-new seven-seater Kia Sorento that makes its European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

New Sorento is longer and lower than the current model and incorporates Kia's new design DNA into its ‘stand-out' looks, while featuring a much more spacious and luxurious cabin. The 4,685 mm long SUV is also significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38 - down from 0.43.

The most popular engine choice in Europe is expected to be the all-new 2.2-litre diesel unit from Kia's ultra-modern ‘R' family of engines. This highly competitive unit produces 197 ps and 421 Nm of torque, and will be offered with either a six-speed manual or Kia's all-new world-class six-speed automatic transmission.

"With the new Kia Sorento, we have created an all-new, ‘Highline Cruiser' that we believe offers buyers the benefits of an exciting all-rounder with a much broader appeal," commented Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe. "Kia engineers have ditched the original Sorento's body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new monocoque bodyshell - achieving a weight loss of up to 215 kg, greatly improving fuel economy and contributing to a more controlled ride than expected from a 4x4."

The new Sorento's ride and handling balance has been biased more towards on-road sophistication but without ignoring the original model's renowned off-road talents. High-tech features will include keyless entry, an engine start button, in-mirror reversing camera and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The all-new Kia Sorento will make its European premiere at 13.00 hrs (CET) on Tuesday 15 September, during the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The line-up, final specification and prices of the all-new Sorento will be announced closer to the car's UK on-sale date of 1 February, 2010.

Here is the new Ferrari 458 Italia spotted somewhere on the road, probably in Italy. Yes, these cellphone pics are a little low-res, but certainly we can, detective-like, spot some news here somewhere?

That landscape around the highway does indeed match the flatlands of the Padania, the area around the Po river of Italy. Definitely in the same neighborhood as Ferrari's Maranello headquarters in the Italian province of Emilia-Romagna. Okay, so we can guess that Ferrari is still keeping the 458 close to home.

What else?

Despite its initial media release, the 458 is masking itself with a convenient disguise. Hiding its design lines behind the black color of one model and the blushing yellow paint job of the other, each with white stripes and spots to obscure its features. Still, we can get a pretty good idea of what it will look like.

It will look like a Ferrari.

via:worldcarfans

With the automotive world striving for smaller, more efficient engines in a bid to be seen as environmentally-conscious and attract customers, scientists and engineers are coming out of the woodwork with new combustion engines, electric powertrains and other systems that they tout as the future of automotive technology - just this month we already saw EcoMotors' opposed-piston opposed-cylinders project that promised to revolutionize engine design.

Now, an engineering firm by the name of Ilmor has announced its own new redesign of the internal-combustion engine, with claims that efficiency gains of between 5% and 20% can be had. What makes us actually sit up and take notice of Ilmor's claims is the company's history, having built Formula 1-winning engines for Mercedes-Benz and working with a number of Indy car teams for over a decade to build engines - not exactly amateurs, then.
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The seventh generation of the 911 Turbo will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show from September 17 – 27. Porsche's new model combines a new power unit displacing 3.8 liters and delivering maximum output of 500 bhp (368 kW) with lower weight, enhanced driving dynamics and improved fuel efficiency. Depending on the configuration, the car requires just 11.4 – 11.7 ltr/100 km (equal to 24.8 - 24.1 mpg imp) under the EU5 standard. Sales of the new Porsche 911 Turbo in both Coupé and Cabriolet guise are starting in Germany on November 21, 2009. Available video includes driving scenes and exterior footage of the car.
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The new Legacy Sedan and Station Wagon are 65 mm and 55 mm longer than their predecessors respectively while the wheelbase in both cases is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for greater rear legroom. In Europe the Legacy will be offered with two four-cylinder petrol engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter unit, and Subaru's 2.0-liter turbo diesel boxer engine that makes 150 horsepower.


The fourth-generation Outback which is the crossover version of the Legacy Station Wagon featuring improved ground clearance and SUV-like protective body cladding will be sold in Europe with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel while certain markets will also get a range-topping 3.6-litre boxer 6-cylinder petrol model.


Already available in North America and Japan, the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback will have their European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 17 through 27. Compared to their American counterparts, both models get a restyled front grille along plus redesigned lower part of the front bumper and larger exterior mirrors housing the turning signals.


via:carscoop

The Jaguar XJ's innovative double view sat-nav and video screen may not be legal in the United States, the car's designer has admitted.


With the dual-view system, Jaguar devised a way to let the passenger watch a movie, for instance, while the driver sees the navigation system. The idea is to keep the passenger entertained without distracting the driver, offering up the best of both worlds. Problem is, it may be illegal in the United States.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration currently prohibits the display of entertainment in the center console. The idea is that it would distract the driver, and they're right. However while the XJ's display may be "technically illegal", as Jaguar's noted designer Ian Callum admits – that is, by the letter of the law – the whole point of the system is that it removes the distraction from the driver's eyesight, thereby complying with the spirit of the law.


However, the Jaguar system does not allow the driver to access the entertainment functions on the move, and the driver cannot see the passenger's screen.
As a result Jaguar is hoping that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will change the law to accomodate its innovation.
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