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Growing pressures over CO2 emissions in the EU are threatening to force powerful luxury cars into extinction, but Mercedes’ SLK update shows it has what it takes to survive. Adding more power and torque while decreasing emissions is a real engineering feat, and that’s just what Mercedes has done. Throw in segment-leading style and no-compromise luxury appointments and you have one of the best roadsters money can buy. Three engine options are available for the 2008 model year: four, six, and eight-cylinders can be had depending on what balance of power and economy you seek. The...
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Vandenbrink Design’s Ferrari 599-based convertibleDutch car designer Michiel van den Brink has just unveiled his next project after the stunning 599/630 GTO – a hardtop convertible based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Ferrari itself has not managed to produce a convertible version of its most powerful production car, however there’s...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Chery and Chrysler will bring A1 to Mexico, US ’soon’Small cars are the future of automotive transport, at least as long as fuel consumption and traffic are a concern. To that end, Chrysler decided to team up with Chery, a Chinese car manufacturer, to save on development costs. The first car to come of the trans-pacific union will be a re-badged...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Nissan Forum Concept: official pics and detailsThe Forum’s unique ‘turntable’ seating streaked across the web last week, as did news of its built-in microwave oven and extensive entertainment systems. The Forum has been likened more to a mobile living room or lounge than a grocery-getter, and the comparison is apt. Today...
Ralph Hanson -
French police catch Lewis Hamilton speedingMcLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has been caught speeding on a French highway. The 22-year-old rookie was clocked by radar on the A26 motorway, linking the towns of Calais and Reims, at 196kmh at the wheel of a Mercedes CLK, the news agency EFE reported. It is claimed that French police suspended the...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Mercedes planning more models based on E and S-ClassRising demand for premium cars in emerging markets is forcing luxury labels to churn out more models than ever before. Because of this, Mercedes-Benz is now considering offering several new versions of its current model range including new SUV, cabrio and long-wheelbase vehicles. Speaking with Auto...
Ralph Hanson -
Hyundai, like many other carmakers seeking ways to increase performance of their engines without dramatically increasing fuel consumption, will be offering a turbo option on its upcoming Genesis coupe. The new RWD coupe will also be available with a naturally aspirated V6 but it appears the rumored V8 option has been ruled out. The new turbocharged engine is being developed under the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance, a joint-venture between Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Chrysler, and it will eventually feature in more vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup. Turbos won’t be limited to the...
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Toshiba’s high-tech batteries could be EV revolutionThe main problem with modern electric vehicles (EVs) is the range and recharging issue. Tesla’s Roadster, for example, is probably one of the most advanced and developed pure EVs in the world, and it’s still struggling with range and recharging issues even as it nears production. But...
James Martinez -
Diesel BMW X6 promotional video leaked onto webThe latest new model to roll off BMW’s production line was recently officially revealed - at least from the outside - but thanks to what appears to be an internal leak, we can bring you a look at the X6, uncovered and up close, inside and out. The example in the video appears to be a diesel...
Alex Kaufmann -
FIA could scrap slick tire return - MosleyThe reintroduction of slick tires in 2009 is not set in stone, FIA president Max Mosley has warned. Bridgestone supplied a developmental slick tire for teams to experiment with at the recent Jerez test. It is planned that the current grooved tires, introduced in 1998 to cut cornering speeds, will...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Saleen’s Patriot American Flag Edition Ford MustangThis has got to be the first time we’ve seen a car tuner build a custom vehicle to honor its country’s servicemen and women, with Ford specialist Saleen building a unique pony car dubbed the Patriot American Flag Edition. Saleen, in fact, built the cars, as a way to say welcome to...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Revolutionary future Infiniti hybrid driveSome say electric vehicles are the real future of automobiles and hybrids are just the first step in the transition. With drivetrains like Infiniti’s forthcoming hybrid, that transition may be a long one, however. By now most of us are familiar with the series hybrid, the plug-in hybrid and...
Kenneth Hall -
The ongoing saga of the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover continues, although it seems now a real end may be in sight. Ford’s concern with the process is that the brands are sold to a buyer that wants to continue to build upon their legacy. The previous deadlines for the sale of the two brands came and went because Ford felt it couldn’t find the right buyers. However, now that the final bids are in, it’s just a waiting game to see which bidder comes out on top. India’s Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. are two contenders for the purchase. Apollo and One Equity...
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Toyota to save over $2.7B annually starting next yearToyota’s march to the top of the world’s sales lists continues and at the same time the Japanese mega-maker is looking to cut costs at every possible point. The savings will come from improved quality, reduced waste and human resources development in addition to their new “Value...
Alex Kaufmann -
Ford Mustang Confirmed As New 'Knight Rider' KITTFor the remake of the Knight Rider series, an updated sequel that will air as a two-hour movie on NBC, a Ford Mustang will star as the famous car KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand). In fact, there will be three different versions of KITT, all based around the Shelby GT500KR muscle car. The...
Ralph Hanson -
‘Used’ Nissan GT-R sells for $20K over MSRPStretching the meaning of the word ‘used’ to its most technical limits, Japanese car auction firm Aucnet has sold a barely-driven GT-R at auction. The pearl-white GT-R sold for 10.4 million Japanese yen, which works out to roughly US$94,000 or €63,945 - about US$25,000 over the...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Updated: Suzuki ‘A-Star’ concept official detailsSuzuki and its Indian partner Maruti will use the upcoming Auto Expo in New Delhi to launch a new concept car dubbed the A-Star. The concept was developed jointly by Maruti and Suzuki and is the precursor to a new global compact model. Concept cars often do not become production models, being more...
Ralph Hanson -
Factory Five Racing GTM supercarAmerica’s Factory Five Racing has created a do-it-yourself kit car, which owners can build with the powerplant of their choice. The GTM is a ready-to-drive, V-8 powered, mid-engined supercar with a composite body shell and an aluminum and steel tube frame chassis. The car’s final curb...
James Martinez -
Porsche’s ultimate Carrera GT may no longer be in production but that hasn’t stopped one of Germany’s most reputable aftermarket tuners developing a range of performance upgrades for the uber Porsche. Edo Competition now offers three power stages for the Carrera GT, with 670, 715 and even 770hp available. Edo Competition achieves this level of power thanks to the use of a modified intake system, re-calibrated engine controls, high flow air filters and new header catalytic converters. To round off this power package, engineers also added a full stainless steel performance...
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Honda to unveil prototype Pilot SUV at DetroitA prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled at next month’s Detroit Auto Show, the carmaker revealed today. The prototype will convey design features of the next-generation Pilot, including improved interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Walkinshaw Supercharger Pumps GM V-8 To 566 HPAs if the massive V8s from GM were short of power to start with, Aussie-based Walkinshaw Performance is making a Stage 2 supercharger that’ll pump an LS2 V8 up to 566hp (422kW) and 727Nm (537lb-ft) of torque. The kit is also available for the 6.0L L98 V8. Either one will run you somewhere...
Alex Kaufmann -
Skoda unveils Superb flagship ahead of Geneva debutSkoda is going to present the successor to its flagship model at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March - the long awaited second-generation Superb sedan. For those readers not familiar with the Superb, the car is an executive saloon manufactured by Czech carmaker Skoda, and shares its...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Video: Tips for your first day at a trackWe all like to think that given the chance to race around a track we’d be pretty capable right from the first lap. The reality is that most drivers would be time wasting mistakes on nearly every corner. Here’s a video with none other than Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needle showing us the...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Next-gen Seat Ibiza to debut at Geneva Motor ShowSeat is planning to unveil the latest iteration of its Ibiza hatchback at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. The Ibiza is a crucial model in the Spanish carmaker’s lineup with sales of the current model reaching 117,963 for the first nine months of the year, roughly 40% of...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran