Range Rover

Honda announced their 2010 Accord Crosstour (after weeks of viral marketing) to the general public – and Facebook Honda followers ripped it to pieces. Comments like “It’s too European” and “I wanted to like it, but…” started an avalanche of hate posts towards the big-butt Honda sports wagon.


Honda claims that the two initial press shots are to blame for the public outcry as they weren't the best to show off the vehicle. Having said that, the company decided to address the critics and prove that they are wrong about the crossover's design by releasing a new set of pics which showcase an Accord Crosstour finished in a dark cherry color.


Furthermore, this time we get to see the five-door crossover pictured from different angles and even on the road with a natural background.



In order to “fight back” against this online outburst (or maybe to gain some positive interest) Honda posted this directly on their Facebook forums:

Hi, Facebook fans. We're listening, and we want to address a few things you've been talking about over the past few days.

1. The photos: Arguably, the two studio photos we posted didn't give you enough detail, nor were they the best to showcase the vehicle. There are more photos on the way. Maybe it's like a bad yearbook photo or something, and we think the new photos will clear things up.

2. It's not the European wagon: We've seen a lot of comments about the desire for a wagon, but this is neither a wagon nor designed for wagon buyers. We think the Euro wagon is a cool vehicle, too, and we appreciate the feedback… but a version of that wasn't our intention here. That's another segment worthy of our consideration, but the Accord Crosstour, built on the larger, Accord platform, is meant to give you the best of two worlds – the versatility of an SUV with the sportiness of a car.

3. Many of you don't like the styling: It may not be for everyone. Our research suggests that the styling does test well among people shopping for a crossover.

4. You want further details about the Accord Crosstour: We typically can't give you details so far out from when the vehicle goes on sale for a number of reasons, including competitive intelligence and pure availability. However... we hear your frustrations, and while specs on the vehicle aren't finalized, we're trying to get some stuff together that we hope will satiate some of your curiosity and give you more to think about.

5. Honda associates participating in the wall comments: We didn't remove comments out of embarrassment. We removed comments that were posted contrary to American Honda's consumer-generated media policy for associates: We must first clearly state that we are Honda employees and that a posting is a personal - not Honda's - opinion. Eddie forgot to add that, so his comments were removed.

Thank you for all of the interest, and we'll be in touch again soon...
via:carscoop hondapedia

* Second U.S. clean diesel offering from Audi within a year
* EPA estimated highway 42 mpg offers unmatched efficiency in luxury car segment
* Luxurious features and amenities without compromise

Audi today announced pricing for the 2010 A3 TDI, its second U.S. clean diesel offering launched this year. Expected to begin arriving at U.S. dealers in late November 2009, the 50-state certified A3 TDI delivers the highest highway fuel economy in the luxury car category - 42 mpg, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges):
A3 TDI clean diesel with S tronic front wheel drive $29,950

Audi launched its first TDI clean diesel model, the Q7 TDI, earlier this year. The Audi Q7 TDI built awareness with American luxury car consumers that modern clean diesel technology is markedly improved in emissions, quietness, ride comfort and overall performance. Both the A3 TDI and Q7 TDI clean diesel vehicles share several common attributes that include 50-state clean diesel technology, 30% better fuel economy and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas than gasoline engines of comparable size.

In fact, the EPA calculated that if only one-third of the vehicles on American roads ran on clean diesel, the U.S. would use 1.5 million fewer barrels of oil each day. Audi was the first German car manufacturer to combine turbocharging with diesel engine technology in 1989, and has continued to evolve its technology ever since. Audi Sport has helped prepare the way for TDI clean diesel in the United States by racing the R10 TDI sports car from 2006-2008 in the American Le Mans Series and sweeping the major endurance races at the 12 Hours of Sebring (Sebring, Fla.) and the 10-hour Petit Le Mans (Atlanta, Ga.). In addition, the R10 TDI won all three 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance races in which it competed from 2006-2008. The R15 TDI continued the TDI clean diesel performance tradition by winning the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in March 2009.

The Audi A3 TDI offers the same sophistication, styling, operating efficiency and ride comfort that has distinguished Audi throughout its model range. Standard amenities include lighted vanity mirrors for drivers and front passengers within the sun visors, leather seating surfaces, cargo nets behind front seats, split folding 40/60 rear seats, rear seat arm rest with dual cup holders. Distinctive options include Audi Navigation plus with RDS traffic, Bluetooth® hands-free phone preparation, Audi music interface (integration for iPod® and related technology), BOSE® premium sound, the Titanium package with dark grey wheels and black grille, leather/alcantara seating, wood trim, rain/light sensors, auto-dimming exterior and interior rear-view mirror with integrated compass, and LED daytime running lights.

The pulling power of torque is the signature performance feature in all diesel models, and the A3 TDI clean diesel is no different. Offering 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, this model performs briskly and efficiently with unmatched performance with its EPA-estimated 30/42 city/highway fuel efficiency.

The competitive set for the A3 TDI clean diesel is unique. Only one competitor is currently playing in the field of fuel-efficient compact luxury vehicles, but does not offer the driving experience or the 5-door flexibility that includes 40/60 split rear-folding seats. The Lexus HS 250h offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range. The A3 TDI offers more superlatives in value, including a standard S line exterior sport appearance for 2010, a tighter steering turning circle, a top speed of 130 mph, as well as a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion.

The Audi approach toward efficiency is not only catered toward TDI clean diesel vehicles. Audi is also the first car company in the United States to equip 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in 2000 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and American Le Mans Series with the R8 FSI prototype racing sports car. Once this technology first became available for U.S. Audi customers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI quattro, the list of Audi vehicles sold in the U.S. with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.
Source: Audi

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson commented: "The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come."


let alone it's Speedtser twin that has yet to be revealed, but parent company BMW officially confirmed today that both models will enter series production and that they are to be built at MINI's Oxford Plant in the UK. The important announcement was made by Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG, during his two-day visit to the firm's UK operations earlier this week.


The two seater coupe and its drop-top sibling will most likely be available with the 1.6-liter turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train that pumps out 211HP and a peak torque of 260Nm (192 lb-ft) or 280Nm (206 lb-ft) with the overboost function.


However, we wouldn't be surprised if MINI also offers the standard MINI Cooper S' 175HP 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol while a high-performance diesel option should be considered a possibility.


Source:carscoop

Currently, Murrary is keeping busy revolutionizing the way we build cars with his iStream technology and his soon-to-be-released T25. His next project will be more performance-oriented, but rather than trying to outdo the McLaren F1, he'll be going for a high power-to-weight ratio by decreasing the latter, not increasing the former.


The result promises to be "expensive and exclusive", but quite different from the P11 program on which his successors at McLaren are currently working – a program which Murray apparently doesn't give much of a chance. Better show 'em the way, Gordon.


"There's no point in trying to outdo the F1, they'll never do it. The world has moved on..." That's what legendary designer Gordon Murray told CAR about the future of the supercar. We'd like to disagree, but you can't argue the subject of supercars with the father of the McLaren F1. Fortunately, he's willing to take another crack at it to show us how it's done.


via:autoblog

Belgium-based Volkswagen/ Audi specialist tuner Caractere has released some details regarding the body kit fitted to the facelift Audi Q7. According to the company most of the old vehicle's kit, apart from the front grille, can be used in the new SUV.


Components making up the exterior include the complete front bumper with original fog lights. It is compatible with all the cars whether they come equipped with Park Distance Control or not. The same goes if Adaptive Cruise Control was installed. It even works with the original headlight washers.


Customers who choose the 10-piece set of wheel arch extensions can only have it in conjunction with the Caractère front bumper. Two choices are offered for wheel sizes; a 20-inch and a 22-inch package. The rear features a spoiler with left and right tips to accommodate cars with or without a tow bar.


Caractère assures that the body kit is not affected by the S-Line exterior package and that it is TÜV certified. It will be available from the end of September.
via:worldcarfans

Ginetta has announced plans to launch its new G40, a fully road-legal racer that will make its competition debut on the 2010 Ginetta Junior Championship grid, supporting the BTCC.


Designed and engineered at Ginetta's Leeds factory, the new G40 will feature an 1800cc sealed Zetec engine, and has a proposed weight of 850kgs, so should be a hoot on the road as well as a capable racer.
more detail. ...

These figures make the hearts of sports car drivers beat faster: 600 HP (441 kW), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, top speed of 322 km/h. The car to which these impressive performance figures belong is the ABT R8 5.2 FSI. Its V10 engine draws plenty of power from its large 5,204 cubic centimetre capacity – all the more if ABT POWER gives it an extra boost. 75 extra HP or 55 more kW provides a powerful trust at all speeds as well as increasing the torque.


The fact that the medium-engine super sports car becomes a winner on any track is not just due to its excellent performance characteristics, but also the perfectly coordinated bodywork package. It has been designed by the DTM crew of ABT Sportsline according to the latest motorsport knowledge, including the use of high-end carbon materials. The focus was above all on the optimum distribution of weight and a systematic light-weight construction. "The 600 HP is not just intended to exist on paper, but also be available on the road", says Christian Abt. At the same time the ABT R8 thereby looks extremely dynamic. The front spoiler, side sills and rear apron outline the bodywork and give it a more powerful presence even when at a standstill. They form one unit with the distinctive rear wing and the typical ABT 4-pipe exhaust system.


The super sports car is presented on BR-type 20-inch wheels which suit the classic design. The ABT R8 5.2 FSI is a design milestone and is of course very, very fast. This is because the 600 ABT horsepower contain, what the dynamic design of the car promises.
via:autoblog

Last week we caught a glimpse of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon doing some late-evening testing on a German highway. Now, we get to the see E63 wagon in all its daylight glory, doing its final workout at Nürburgring before its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in a couple of weeks.


Not much camouflaging going on here and we've already seen the E63 AMG sedan. The wagon, for obvious reasons, has a different set of tail lamps, with LED lights, and may have a slightly altered rear bumper from the sedan model.


This 'T-modell', as it is called in Germany, is meant to match other sport wagons from arch-competitors BMW or Audi. AMG has promised improved performance through weight-reduction and better engine management, therefore, comparing horsepower figures will not be enough to judge it vis-a-vis the other premium brands's offerings. That will require a track.


But power is considerable. The E63 AM wagon will come with a 6.3 liter (6208 cc) V8 engine, naturally aspirated, churning out a resounding 525 hp (518 bhp) with a Dutch-windmill-like 630 Nm of torque. The 7-speed AM Speedshift MCT transmission, borrowed from the SL 63 AMG, provides for the smoothest possible channeling of power.


The E63 AMG wagon will takes its bow soon at Frankfurt. It is expected to go on sale later in the year.
Source:worldcarfans

The new-look Volvo C70 will make its world debut in a couple of weeks time at the Frankfurt Motor Show and should go on sale towards the end of the year or early 2010, depending on the market.


We brought you the first images of the refreshed 2010 Volvo C70, which was snapped by a Volvo forum member during a commercial shoot in Spain, back in June, but today the first official photos of the facelifted model made their way onto the internet.


That means a prominent new front bumper arrangement with swoopy styled headlights and a wider and more pronounced grille. At the back, the facelifted C70 gains a new tail light design with LED strips, a restyled bumper and a larger 'Volvo' name on the boot lip.



From what we can tell by looking at the single press shot of the C70's interior, there don't seem to be any changes made to the convertible's cabin.

The most prominent change on the folding-hardtop four seater concerns the new front-end design with more organic details and softer shapes that is very similar to the S60 Concept that was reveled in Detroit this past January.


Source:carscoop

Moller International, Inc. Skycar Could Allow Military to Do More in Afghanistan With Fewer Soldiers

August 27, 2009 /EIN News/ -- Moller International (the "Company" -- OTC-BB: MLER) is pleased to announce today that its Skycar technology has gained ground within the military for its use in high-tech, demanding battlefield applications like those in Afghanistan. "Afghanistan is not Iraq" stated Lieutenant Colonel James Thomas, 304th SB, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. "The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle that turned the tide of battle in Iraq will have much less impact in Afghanistan," he continued in a recently issued white paper entitled Winning an Asymmetric War with Skycars. This report, directed to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), spelled out the numerous advantages the Skycar(R) aircraft could offer the military in its effort to win the war in Afghanistan."Poor and unimproved roads and rugged terrain severely limit the use of the MRAP. The Moller Skycar(R) provides a more cost effective, highly maneuverable, lethal and safe platform for the 21st century soldier to dominate and win in an Asymmetric Warfare Environment. The Skycar(R) will become the MRAP vehicle of Afghanistan. The ability to safely and rapidly employ soldiers on the battlefield enables us to exercise economy of force on the battlefield, doing more with fewer soldiers."

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas is not the first voice within the military to suggest the use of the Skycar in improving maneuverability on the battlefield. In an article titled A Revolutionary Vehicle for the Future, Colonel Larry Harman, then Vice Director of the Combat Service Support Battle Laboratory at Fort Lee, Virginia discusses the Skycar's military version referred to as the LAMV (pronounced "lam-vee"), or light aerial multipurpose vehicle."(The) LAMV will benefit the Army's battlefield distribu­tion concept tremendously because it will be able to move commodities rapidly when and where they are needed across a widely dispersed battle space. Both air and ground main supply routes (MSR's) would exist throughout the battle space," he goes on to say."Without any doubt, this technological innovation will succeed internationally in the private, commercial, and mili­tary sectors. I hope that the U.S. Army will be the first army in the world to embrace and exploit this technology. But sooner rather than later, this aerial vehicle technology will affect all of our lives. It is just over the horizon."

About Moller International

Moller International is a fully reporting public company (OTC-BB: MLER) that developed and flight-tested a utility or recreational, two-passenger VTOL aircraft called the NeueraTM. This was followed by the development and initial flight-testing of a four-passenger VTOL aircraft called the Skycar(R). The Skycar(R) has the potential to provide an airborne alternative to a significant portion of the miles now traveled by automobile. Both aircraft use the Company's Rotapower(R) rotary engine, designed specifically for applications requiring high power along with low weight, volume, hazardous emissions, fuel consumption and cost per horsepower.

The Skycar(R) and NeueraTM have been featured on a number of TV programs including CBS 60 Minutes "Highway In The Sky", NBC's Today Show "Today's American Story", and History Channel's "Greatest Movie Gadgets: Then and Now."

Skycar(R), NeueraTM and Rotapower(R) are trademarks of Moller International in the USA and other countries.

The next-generation Volkswagen Jetta has been spied during a round of hot-climate testing in the American Southwest. The Jetta VI is expected to be one of the models that will spearhead VW's onslaught in the US market as it works towards unseating Toyota from its top spot in global sales.


Spies at first glance thought the camouflaged car was the New Medium Sedan (NMS) mule said to be planned specifically for the American consumer. Often automakers like VW do produce special variants of existing cars for discerning markets like China and the US. It turned out not to be the longer and wider NMS.


Styled in similar fashion to the more chiseled Golf VI, the Jetta will undoubtedly feature the company's new signature front end.


Styled in similar fashion to the more chiseled Golf VI, the Jetta will undoubtedly feature the company's new signature front end.
Source:worldcarfans