2008
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Lexus has expanded its line-up in the UK with the introduction of a new special edition model based on the entry-level IS250 sedan. The new car, called the IS250 SR, is fitted with a number of performance and styling accessories but unfortunately the output from the 2.5L V6 remains unchanged. This means the IS250 SR develops a peak output of 204hp - enough to accelerate it from rest to 62mph in 8.1 seconds (8.4 with the optional six-speed automatic transmission) and progress to a top speed in excess of 140mph. The list of changes over the standard model includes a full bodykit comprised of a...
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BMW to offer ultra-clean 3-series
With plans for similar emissions-based taxation schemes like London’s congestion charge as well as tough new low CO2 emissions regulations planned for Europe from 2012 onwards, carmakers are focused on cleaning up tailpipe emissions as well as offering more models with lower CO2 levels than...
Ralph Hanson -
Volvo V70 R-Design and flex-fuel police car
Volvo has revealed the latest addition to its sporty R-Design line-up with the introduction of the all-new V70 R-Design wagon. Set to go on sale in Europe in August, the regular V70 estate has been spruced up with a specially tuned lowered sports chassis and a distinctive bodykit. The sports...
James Martinez -
Smart sets out to prove safety of ForTwo with wrecking ball ad
Smart has set out to quash the perception that its diminutive ForTwo runabout is unsafe by launching a new advertising campaign in the UK where the car is hit with a one-ton wrecking ball. Marketers hope the new ads will change the perception of new car buyers in regards to the ForTwo’s...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Study: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu stealing sales from foreign makes
If GM has any hope of regaining its title of world’s biggest carmaker from Toyota its vehicles must not only sell well but they should also regain market share lost to rivals. Until recently, consumers rarely cross-shopped between GM and Toyota but as the quality and reliability of GM...
James Martinez -
Video: IIHS crash-testing the Smart ForTwo
Earlier this month the NHTSA revealed concerns about the safety of the new Smart ForTwo minicar after conducting a number of safety tests on it. The results showed that the ForTwo only had marginal passenger safety, and this was if the car was to be hit by a similar size vehicle – a near...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Ford has released a new version of its 2008 Focus ST performance hatch developed by its in-house tuner TeamRS and plan to launch the car in a limited run in the UK from next month onwards. The TeamRS version benefits from new exterior and interior styling changes introduced across the rest of the Focus lineup earlier this year as well as unique aero parts and decals. The car is now available with a range of options including a tire pressure monitoring system, external audio connectivity, voice control and satnav. Three trim levels remain, the ST, ST-2 and top end ST-3. Standard features...
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Preview: BMW 3-series 'Shooting Brake'
As premium brands continue to diversify and expand into new segments one bodystyle that appears to be gaining popularity among the German carmakers is the two-door luxury estate – more commonly referred to as the ‘Shooting Brake’. Audi today revealed its own Sportback version of...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback concept
The Maserati Quattroporte defined the modern comeback of Maserati and has been praised for its looks and design the world over. Now, Italian coachbuilder Carrozeria Touring Superleggera is introducing a station-wagon version of the Quattroporte, dubbed the Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Premier4509 Lamborghini Gallardo aero kit
Premier4509 has added the Lamborghini Gallardo to its lineup of aero kits for exotic vehicles, where it joins the previous widebody kit for the Bentley Continental GT and Murcielago aero kits. The latest release from the Japanese tuner features aerodynamic enhancements for the front bumper, side...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Aston Martin DBS goes cliff diving en route to Bond set
James Bond has had his share of underwater cars, and recently Rinspeed's sQuba brought one of those movie creations to life. Excellent on-screen as a means of escape or access to a villain's lair, it turns out a car is somewhat less effective in real life when used as an impromptu life raft...
Nelson Ireson -
Smart to sell fortwo in China by mid-2009
The speed of growth in the Chinese auto market is difficult to comprehend because the scale of it is beyond anything known in Europe or North America, especially coupled with China's record economic growth. To capitalize on the growing automobile craze in China, Daimler is sending its smart fortwo...
Nelson Ireson -
This year is the last for the Tiburon two-door hatch, though Hyundai is quick to point out it's not being replaced by the new Genesis coupe due to hit dealerships in early 2009. Its replacement - another small FWD coupe - will most likely be based on the sexy Veloster concept from the Seoul auto show. "We are seriously looking at a small front-wheel-drive coupe to replace the Tiburon, but I can't say when that will happen," said John Krafcik, Vice President of product development for Hyundai, in an interview with Automotive News. He went on to emphasize the Genesis coupe is intended to fill a...
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DTM picks Mercedes C63 AMG as official Safety Car
The Mercedes-Benz SL63 may have been picked as the official safety car for F1 but its little brother, the new C63 AMG, was chosen for the role in Europe’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. The new car will start its role as the official safety car in the second DTM race of the season...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Judge approves Ford Explorer rollover settlement
Ever since a string of fatal rollovers during the 1990s, the Ford Explorer SUV has had a stigma of being dangerous despite the reason behind the accidents – poorly designed Firestone tires – being resolved. A California judge has now approved the settlement for a class-action case that...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Next-gen Ford Focus to get global design
In Europe the Ford Focus is an affordable, well-engineered and stylish small car available in hatch, sedan, wagon and convertible bodystyles. It also features latest technologies such as a Powershift dual-clutch transmission, flex-fuel engines, a folding hard top roof (cabrio models only), and a...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Rare collection of Ferraris to be auctioned at Maranello factory
One of the biggest collections of past and present Ferraris is set to be sold off next month at a special event at the Maranello factory dubbed the ‘Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione’ auction. Ferrari fans will have the opportunity to buy some of the marque’s rarest and oldest cars...
James Martinez -
Hamann-tuned E92 BMW M3 Coupe
Hamann has released its latest performance and styling kit for the E92 BMW M3 Coupe, boosting performance of the high-rev V8 engine as well as adding a lift-reducing bodykit and brake package. The Laupheim-based tuner has been modifying BMW’s since 1986 both for motorsport use and personal...
Alex Kaufmann -
Mercedes-Benz specialist ART has developed a new performance and styling pack for the current S-Class saloon, combing the best of elements of its previous 221 Avantgarde and Sportline GTR models with a new two-tone paint scheme. Unlike the 580hp conversion for the Mercedes G-wagon we reported about last month, for ART’s latest kit engineers focused mostly on enhancing the car’s exterior although there are some minor performance mods as well. The car’s exterior has been dressed up with a new aerodynamic front bumper with an array of custom air intakes and distinctive...
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AC Schnitzer restyles ACS6 BMW 6-series
BMW-specialist AC Schnitzer has released its latest aero kit for the facelifted 6-series coupe and cabrio and has added a host of performance upgrades as well. Like its predecessor, the new front skirt of the ACS6 mirrors the famous kidney design of the grille but gets a more aggressive look with...
James Martinez -
Hyundai rolls out Tiburon TSIII limited edition in UK
Hyundai is preparing for the launch of its all new Genesis coupe but before it arrives officials have given the car it will replace, the Tiburon Coupe, one last hurrah with the unveiling of the new TSIII limited edition model. On sale in the UK only, the Tiburon TSIII has offers a number of styling...
Alex Kaufmann -
MANSORY 'Stallone' Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Updated: New images The gorgeous Ferrari 599 is probably the last car in need of any modifications but German tuner Mansory has developed a range of carbon-fiber accessories and performance upgrades designed specifically for the stunning GT. The tuner has unveiled the latest package for the 599 at...
Alex Kaufmann -
Crash tests show ForTwo not so smart
Incredible demand has created a waiting list for buyers trying to get their hands on a Smart ForTwo in its first year of official U.S. sales. Strong fuel efficiency, easy urban maneuverability and a very positive image have all contributed to the sales success, but now that the NHTSA's first round...
Nelson Ireson -
Mercedes may launch four-cylinder C-Class in U.S.
While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient petrol and diesel four-cylinder versions of the C-Class, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a V6 powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at Mercedes-Benz are now considering...
Ralph Hanson