Range Rover

spec version of its gently refreshed 2010 CR-V that gains mild refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior as well as a more powerful engine under the hood. On the outside, the CR-V features a mildly reworked fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a restyled rear bumper shape plus new alloy wheel designs.


Changes under the bonnet of the 2010 model year CR-V, however, are more important as upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is linked to a an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, result in an improved output of 180HP, up from 166 horsepower of the outgoing 2009MY CR-V.


Upgrades to the interior focus on new features and added functionality with the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink now included on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System while auto on/off headlights are now standard on the EX-L grade and finally, the front seats have wider center armrests on all models.


Despite the power boost, Honda claims that city/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings have been improved to 21/28 mpg on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg on models equipped with 4WD, an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.


The 2010 CR-V is on sale now at Honda's U.S. dealerships with prices ranging from $22,545 for the entry-level LX 2WD to $30,455 for the top-grade EX-L 4WD with Navi .
Source:carscoop

As expected, Richard Petty Motorsports will no longer race in NASCAR using Chrysler vehicles after the current season, instead turning to Ford and joining forces with Yates Racing. The first sign of discontentment between the Pentastar and Petty came shortly after Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and halted payment to Petty's racing organization.

For the 2010 season, the new group will field a team of drivers consisting of Kasey Kahne, A.J. Allmendinger, Paul Menard and Elliott Sadler. At this point, its unclear what will happen with Reed Sorenson, Bobby Labonte and Erik Darnell, the three drivers currently left out of the new team's plans.
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American Motors Company or AMC for short, may be long gone as the firm was absorbed by Chrysler in the late 1980's, but the brand lives on in the hearts of people like Jeff Teague, a designer who happens to be the son of AMC's design vice president for 26 years, Dick Teague. The latter was responsible for an array of Jeep and AMC designs such as the Gremlin, Pacer, Matador coupe, Jeep Cherokee, Rambler American, Javelin and Hornet.


Teague will present his AMX/4 concept to the public for the first time at this weekend's So Cal AMC Classic Car Show and Beach Cruise at the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, California.


We don't know what the odds are for a full-scale, drivable version of Teague's conceptual proposal, but nonetheless, we salute his efforts and hope that he manages to bring the car to life.


Having penned many sketches for a modern-day AMC in the past, Jeff decided to proceed to the next phase by creating a 1/4 scale clay prototype for a coupe model that he calls AMX/4 and which is a logical successor to his father's AMX/3.


via:carscoop

The special edition BMW X5 xDrive35d 10 Year Edition has been launched today on the British market. The BMW X5 xDrive35d 10 Year Edition develops 286hp and comes equipped with 20-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels, Matt Aluminum exterior trim, Matt Aluminum roof rails, Panoramic glass sunroof and Comfort Access. Inside, and Comfort seats. The BMW X5 xDrive35d 10 Year Edition also features an Anthracite headlining, Carrara Shades Nappa leather upholstery and BMW Individual Piano Black trim.


The BMW X5 xDrive35d 10 Year Edition price starts at 53,075 GBP and only 2,000 units will be sold.
Source:zercustoms

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the microsite for the SLS AMG called "From the Ground Up," and it has all the information you need on gullwinged retro rocket from the space from to components to the magnesium backrests in the seats.


At the end of it all, there's a visualizer so you can start building the SLS you would will order when they go on sale in a little over a year, so start saving. We would say that the microsite will has enough info to keep you busy until the car shows up next year, but you won't have to wait that long -- we'll be bringing you even more info from its unveiling next week in Frankfurt. Hat tip to USB!


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New images of Mazda's MX-5 Superlight Concept have hit the web.


Designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MX-5/Miata, the concept features a racing-inspired exterior that lacks a windscreen. Other changes include a revised front end, integrated air scoops (that serve as roll-over bars), a streamlined profile, and a Mazdaspeed dual exhaust system.


Tipping the scales at 2,195 pounds (995 kg), the MX-5 is powered by an anemic 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 126 hp. While this likely results in stellar fuel efficiency, the concept reluctantly accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.


Look for more information to be released when the concept officially debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.


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* Renault set to shock in Frankfurt with four electric vehicle concepts previewing new Renault Zero Emission product range.

* Renault Press conference 11:45-12:00 (CET) on Tuesday 15th September, Hall 3.1.

Following a raft of unveilings at European motor shows in recent years, Renault's range expansion shows no signs of abating with news today that it will preview the launch of the new Renault Zero Emission product range by taking the covers off of four electric concepts at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Renault Press conference, hosted by CEO, Carlos Ghosn, will be aired live on its global media site, www.media.renault.com at 10:45 (GMT), with edited video highlights available to view later the same day. Full information on each of the new concepts will be available on www.press.renault.co.uk immediately after the Press conference. Unregistered users for both sites are invited to sign-up now in advance.
Source:Renault

When it comes to special edition luxury cars, the name Neiman Marcus usually rings a bell. However, this time ‘round, the guys at luxury lifestyle magazine Robb Report have managed to get their hands on a small run of custom Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadsters.

The Robb Report Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster commemorates the rakish Brit’s rapturous reception by the magazine’s editors during this year’s Best of the Best judging. Production is capped at a mere seven handcrafted examples, sequentially numbered from “001” to an Ian Fleming-approved “007.”


Each of the seven cars will wear a dramatic triple-black color scheme—body panels, interior trim, and power-operated fabric top—brightened by subtle accents of hand-polished chrome. Inside, the Robb Roadster shows off its glossy black wood veneer trim and a racy three-spoke steering wheel from Aston’s V12-powered flagship, the DBS. Distinct color contrasting stitching contrasts supple black hide on the seats, dash, door panels, and wheel, and in the trunk, there’s a full complement of bespoke luggage, designed and crafted especially for the Robb Report Limited Edition.


Under the hood remains the 420 horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 engine from the standard Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, which you can read about in our review by clicking here. Matched to a paddle-actuated six-speed automatic Sport Shift Transmission, the all-black roadster will hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 180 mph.

The Robb Report Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster is available for special order through Aston Martin dealers and is priced from $153,000.
via:motorauthority

Ford's British division has added an all all-wheel drive option to its 15-seater Transit minibus. The AWD system, which automatically provides torque flow to the front wheels when traction loss at the rear is detected, costs an additional £3,995 and is available with the 140-horsepower 2.4-litre 140PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The price


According to the company, compared with the standard rear-wheel-drive Transit minibus, the additional front axle weight is 70kg or 154 lbs while the rear axle weight is 10kg or 22 lbs heavier on the AWD model.
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Available following the launch of the 105 and 135 hp MultiAir engines, the world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi takes place in Frankfurt. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years has appeared on some of Alfa Romeo's sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.
Bearing the Quadrifoglio Verde is this MiTo with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.
This engine's best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo's success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.
This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.
On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17" satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.
It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.


Dynamic Suspension

Competitive racing has always been a testing ground for new technologies, which have found their way from the world's most famous racetracks to standard road cars. One example of this passage between two seemingly very different worlds is dynamic suspension. This system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, was developed by combining Alfa Romeo road testing with the latest engineering techniques from Magneti Marelli.
So, using experience gained on the racetrack, the system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car's movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.


The suspension interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA system. In “Normal”, agility is combined with a higher level of comfort, whereas in "All Weather", the safety features are enhanced by continual interaction between the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the steering and the suspension. Finally, in “Dynamic”, the MiTo becomes a true sports car clinging to the ground and fit for any road: it is no coincidence that the system was developed at the historic Balocco test track and round the corners of the Nurburgring. So, thanks to the hard work of Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the car is responsive and reliable when you turn the steering wheel or put your foot on the accelerator.
The innovative Dynamic Suspension system is made up of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for the different settings and with the other on-board electronic systems.
Its main feature is to actively and continuously control the response of the shock absorbers, which adapt depending on the movement of the car and the road conditions, as well as the driving style. To sum up, the Dynamic Suspension system better protects passengers from uneven road surfaces thanks to an effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognising an obstacle (such as a bump or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The system also ensures better cornering by altering damping distribution of the four shock absorbers, enhancing handling and hold thanks to advanced lateral dynamic control. What's more, the Dynamic Suspension system manages longitudinal dynamic control by adjusting the movement of the chassis during acceleration, braking and gear changes, and by integrating perfectly with the Vehicle Dynamic Control, steering and braking systems.


The new six-speed C635 gearbox

The technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are further enhanced by the next-generation C635 gearbox. Developed by FPT and manufactured at the Verrone factory in Italy, this groundbreaking mechanical unit is the first result of a design philosophy aimed at improving driveability, consumption levels and production flexibility.
As far as driveability is concerned, the new gearbox ensures clean and swift changes with very short selection movements, uniform activation pressures, no noise and no vibrations. In addition, modern design and construction techniques help to significantly reduce consumption levels thanks to less friction and the best possible gear ratios.
Its appearance in the Alfa MiTo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi marks the debut of a modern family of gearboxes adapted for a broad range of models.
Source:Fiat Group via worldcarfans

The X in the name comes from the cross formed by the side's design elements. It's all kinds of edges and smooth bits all mixed together, with a rear end that reminds us of a slightly softer Zenvo ST1... which gets us to wondering what a small, nimble, Zenvo-by-Honda could be... And that's reason alone to justify the RA-X's existence. Hat tip to LoboSylva


It's called the RA-X, the first two letters pulled from Honda's F1 nomenclature, with a direct tie being the exhaust outlets, which mimic those on the RA300 from 1967. Quite compact at just 13.3 feet long, 3.8 feet high, and 6.4 feet wide (4050 mm / 1163 mm / 1940 mm), theoretical power could be in excess of 350 hp from the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.


With the S2000 going, going, gone and sports car fans left to wait until the CR-Z arrives, some car designers have taken to creating Honda sports cars on their own. This effort is from Spaniard Xuacu Perez, who wanted to design a modern Honda that spoke to the company's Formula 1 cars from the sixties.



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Due to be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG's offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority.


Despite an achingly long roll-out, the first cracks in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dam have begun to appear, courtesy of CarPoint.


Color choices will include Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, Alanite Grey and red, complimenting the leather and alcantara interior and ten-spoke forged wheels. Production will begin in late 2010 with sales starting the following year, and early pricing suggests a €177,310 MSRP in Germany. Get your first eye-full in the gallery below before all the official details are delivered next week.


Although we've seen an endless string of spy shots of the SLS over the past year, we finally get a clear view of its upright fascia, drawn headlamps and curvaceous rump that draws a few cues from the departed McMerc and modern M-Bs.
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Originally commissioned by Thakorsaheb Dharmendrasinhji, the Maharaja of Rajkot, this 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental is now for sale for £8,000,000.00. The current owner, Hans-Gunther Zach is selling his entire collection of Rolls’ and Bentleys but the Star of India is indeed the star in that collection.


The 7.7-liter V8-engined car is currently owned by German collector Hans-Gunther Zach, and is part of a vast collection of Bentleys and Rolls-Royce machines. It is a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle, in that it is painted in a saffron tone, has 14 headlights at the front (including adaptive lights that work with the wheel), as well as the all-weather Torpedo Convertible top, custom made by Thrupp and Maberly.


Built with a polished aluminum hood and wing panels, the Star of India is expected to fetch a mind-boggling £8 million. That price is 10 per cent higher than the current most-expensive car, a 1957 Ferrari Testarossa that sold at auction earlier in 2009 for £7.2 million.


If the sale goes through for the stipulated amount, the Star of India will be the most expensive car in motoring history. There are rumours of a Japanese gentleman paying $15,000,000.00 for a Ferrari GTO before the Japanese asset price bubble burst in early 1990 but it has never been proven, so this sale would surpass that of the 1957 Ferrari Testarossa recently sold at an auction for £7,200,000.00!
Source:jameslist via worldcarfans

At the heart of the concept is a high-performance diesel-electric hybrid system that combines a small diesel engine with two electric motors and a newly-developed version of BMW's double-clutch transmission (DCT) with six speeds.

Mounted in front of the rear axle (behind the back seats), the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo diesel engine that drives the rear wheels delivers an output of 163HP and 214 lb-ft of torque. The compact-sized electric motor that is positioned between the diesel engine and the DCT produces 33HP and 214 lb-ft but can supply momentarily up to 51HP.

The urban stylishness of the Fiat 500 combined with the pure performance know-how of Ferrari? That just may be the proverbial match made in an Italian automotive heaven that will appeal to many, many people.

Unfortunately, there may not be enough of such a car to go around. Ferrari and Fiat's performance division Abarth have partnered for a limited edition series based on the Fiat 500 - to be called the 695 Tributo Ferrari.

But the car definitely aims to bring new meaning to the term hot hatch. For starters, the 695 will come in the traditional Ferrari color of Scuderia Red.


Performance will be boosted by means of a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol/gasoline engine dialed up to 180 hp coupled to an F1-style 6-speed transmission with paddle-shift function. Suspension tuning will compliment the increase in power and a set of red Brembo brakes will sit behind the 17-inch alloy wheels made special for the occasion, referencing classic Ferrari design.

The interior cabin gets carbon fiber seats dressed in black leather while the steering wheel trim comes with red inserts to make for a true Ferrari color contrast of red on black.

More details such as pricing and the number of models to be produced are sure to follow when the 695 Tributo Ferrari debuts at the Frankfurt motor show next week.
via:worldcarfans