2008

The Germans in Ingolstadt may be fearing Porsche's imminent takeover, especially as it might affect their 911-fighting R8 sportscar, but if popular demand has any role to play, the car will be safe. Already the entire production allotment of the R8 for 2009 is sold. The wait to buy a new one is now...

Billed as the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the world famous pickup truck, the HEVT (Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc.) F-150 makes significant improvements in fuel mileage while maintaining the utility of its Ford chassis. The truck is intended as an exhibition...

We’re used to seeing plenty of modified BMWs from the German tuners, but rarely do we see a Japanese customizer give the Teutonic saloons and coupes the aftermarket treatment. Wald International is one such tuner that specializes in the modification of some of Europe’s finest, with kits...

Worries over the serviceable lifespan of battery packs have been at the forefront of many critics dislike of hybrid cars. With doom-and-gloom scenarios of pricey replacements and short service life, the pundits have posited the Prius' long-term impracticality. But an Australian taxi outfit has...

Following the release of its M5 derived CLR500 RS and its more recent styling kit for the BMW M6, German tuner Lumma Design has announced the addition of the CLR600 kit designed specifically for the standard 6-series range. Having already designed a kit for the M6, Lumma was able to easily modify...

Volkswagen has released its own maritime-inspired vehicle based on its Touareg SUV and called the North Sails Concept. The new design study comes only months after Audi launched the similarly-themed Q7 Coastline Concept, but unlike the Audi, the new Touareg North Sails was built in partnership with...

Cutting models while adding value to existing mid-range trims could be the new tactic at Chrysler as it fights to regain sales and stability in the turbulent market. The changes are wrapped up in a plan called "Fight Back" that the carmaker is rolling out to parts suppliers this week, and things...

A renowned car collector has taken delivery of America's first Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Benny Caiola received a white example of the all-wheel drive supercar this week at his home outside New York City. The new Gallardo will take its place in a garage that has housed several historical greats...

Downsizing engines and adding forced induction is the new wave in fuel economy engineering as companies strive to maintain performance levels and the latest reports indicate Audi is leaping into the ring with both feet, lopping two cylinders from its mighty RS4 sedan and replacing them with a...

Since the new E90 series BMW M3 was revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, true BMW enthusiasts have been intrigued, but waiting for the CSL to come along. Standing for Coupe, Sport, Lightweight, those three letters name the most track-focused and pure driver's cars BMW has to offer. News...

The newly updated Gallardo LP560 has only been out for a few months, but already the tuners are having their way with it. IMSA is one of the first, with its version gently massaging output of the car's V10 to add 24hp (18kW), bringing the total to 584hp (435kW). The modifications are, for the most...

Starting in October, smart's fortwo will get an update that includes a new micro hybrid drive (MHD) system to aid a pair of petrol engine variants. The micro hybrid system consists of start-stop technology, which the company says is good for an 8% reduction in emissions. Around the same time, the...

The production version of the Jeep J8 (pictured) was revealed at Euro Jeep Camp 2008, a customer event in Northern Germany this week. The J8 marks the Jeep brand’s return to commercial and military vehicle production with a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of both...

German tuner Hamann is known for its extensive reworkings of BMW models, as well as other exotica such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Ferrari 430. Its latest project is a new-look design for the facelifted BMW 6-series range. Hamann is offering up two aerodynamic kits, including a basic package...

Ford’s second-generation Focus range (international model) first went on sale in 2004 and then underwent an extensive facelift last year as part of its mid-cycle refresh. However, new prototypes of the car have been spotted testing in Germany, distinguished by their camo gear and slightly...

Audi’s Le Mans-dominating R10 race cars plus a recent string of TDI concepts have shown that diesels are capable of serious speed and are not out of place in performance circles. Thankfully for consumers, diesel engines are finally gaining a foothold in the performance car market as...

Two of Audi's R8 sports cars have been handed over to the German Motorsport Association at the Norisring Speed Weekend event. One will be used as the official safety car for the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) race series, while the other, specially prepped by Audi's in-house tuners at quattro...

Ferrari's 430 Scuderia was developed with the help of Michael Schumacher to be a thoroughbred track machine that could also be licensed for the street, so it might be hard to think it needs modification. Novitec Rosso, tuners of all things Ferrari, obviously faced no such impediment when turning...

Germany’s Edo Competition is an expert when it comes to modifying ultra-rare exotics so who better to tune one of Lamborghini’s fastest and most hardcore cars ever produced – the limited edition Gallardo Superleggera. Squeezing more power from the car’s highly strung V10...

Production of the Porsche Boxster and Cayman will switch from Finland's Valmet Automotive to Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, from 2012 onwards, Porsche announced today. The Austrian manufacturer secured the contract because it submitted the most financially attractive offer, and because it had the...