Alex Kaufmann, Author
Articles
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As carmakers strive to improve the fuel efficiency of their powertrains, more and more innovative and technical solutions are coming to light. Take Rinspeed’s latest E2 concept car based on the...
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Lancia adds ‘Executive’ flagship and sporty ‘Hardblack’ to Delta range
This year’s Geneva Motor Show will see the launch of two new Lancia Delta variants: a new range-topping version and a sports model with a powerful turbocharged engine. For those unfamiliar with Lancia, the brand is a division of Fiat Group that offers a range of distinctive hatches and...
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Speculation rife on Mercedes Benz A-Class roadster
An updated A-Class was revealed late last year, and though it received numerous revisions the compact model is due for a complete redesign sometime in 2011. The next-generation A-Class range is expected to feature a number of body styles, but the latest word indicates a roadster could be joining...
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Official info and pricing on BMW's U.S. M-Sport packages
High-performance factory packages are a common sight these days, but BMW's ZMP M-Sport packages are more than just big wheels and fancy aero pieces. The details revealed today tell us what equipment is standard in the M-Sport package, which models will get it and how much it will cost. Don't worry...
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Carlsson Aigner-modified GL500 CK55 RS Rascasse goes over the top
Modifying new cars is an art, and like all art, its beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The only thing certain with the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse is that the beholder's eye will be full, and very busy. Based around the Mercedes-Benz GL500, the 5.5L V8 engine gets some serious tuning to...
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Ferrari founds Mille Chili design lab at University of Modena
Ferrari's work in pushing the world of motoring to new heights can hardly be underestimated. From the Formula 1 World Championship to the street, the Prancing Horse has been innovating as long as it's been in the business. The Mille Chili design study, based loosely around the incomparable Enzo...
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Putting an already overwrought car through the tuner's wringer usually results in some pretty horrific ocular torture, and while the FAB Design Maybach 57 certainly qualifies, it adds a distinct...
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Audi A4 Allroad quattro revealed ahead of Geneva Motor Show debut
Audi has expanded its A4 range with the introduction of the all-new A4 Allroad quattro, a taller and tougher version of the A4 Avant wagon with permanent AWD and off-road capability. Making its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the A4 Allroad is packed with a range of new...
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BMW reveals 5-series Gran Turismo concept
In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Today we have the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Set to debut at next...
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Volkswagen releases aero kit and accessories for Golf Mk VI
The new Mark VI Volkswagen Golf may not look much different from its predecessor, but VW is already working on offering a range of accessories to help spice the new car up and make it unique for each owner. To that end, it has released images of its new Sport & Design appearance options today. Two...
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Porsche Design releases new P'9522 mobile phone
Car-themed phones are nothing new, but phones designed by Porsche's Design Group are less common. Today Porsche Design announced a second phone in its 9000 series of communications products, the P'9522. The first Porsche Design Phone, the P'9521, was a flip-style phone, but the P'9522 is a...
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Fiat still in talks with BMW despite proposed alliance with Chrysler
Just as Chrysler and Nissan plan to keep their previous platform and product sharing deals now that the American carmaker is on the verge of an alliance with Fiat Group, the Italian giant reportedly plans to keep its own dealings with BMW alive as well. While there was speculation that the proposed...
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Having released initial specifications for the Panamera late last year, Porsche is for the first time presenting details for the interior of its new sedan. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the...
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Sportec joins growing list of Scirocco tuners with new SC 350
The Volkswagen Scirocco is proving to be popular with tuners, with famed Swiss performance shop Sportec also releasing its own hotted-up version of the svelte sports coupe. Sportec’s work on German cars has been well documented, especially some of its more outrageous creations based on much...
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ABT Sportsline takes on the KTM X-Bow
Taking things to extremes is what car modification houses do best, so starting with the already extreme KTM X-Bow is, to a certain eye, an obvious thing to do. The tuners at ABT think it's not just obvious, but commendable, and have done just that, tweaking the track-day special to yield een more...
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Hybrid repair expenses roughly equal to non-hybrids
Repairing cars is never a pleasant thought, because it pre-supposes your precious piece of automotive machinery has been damaged. But it's comforting to know that though your fuel-swilling performance machine might be expensive to operate, it'll be a cheap and easy fix, while the likes of the Prius...
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VW joins ranks of carmakers investigating thermoelectric generators
Finding ways to make cars more efficient isn't always about improving the engine, changing the fuel or adding a hybrid system to the mix. Sometimes it's about recapturing some of the energy already expended. Volkswagen's thermoelectric generator applies that idea to waste exhaust heat, and turns it...
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Harman to supply Mercedes Benz with ‘hybrid’ navigation system
Carmakers are working closely with electronic component suppliers to develop a new generation of low cost navigation and infotainment systems designed for both vehicle and personal use. Renault recently launched such a system in its facelifted Clio hatch called the Carminat TomTom GPS and now...
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In a sign that Americans may truly be ready to embrace electric vehicles, including living with any shortcomings and paying a significant price premium, demand for BMW’s Mini E electric vehicle...
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100mpg Axon Automotive X Prize entry gets funding
Last year Axon Automotive, creators of 2007’s Eco-M super lightweight speedster, entered the $10 million Automotive X Prize with a new hatchback aimed at city dwellers. The vehicle features a full carbon-fiber chassis and will likely be powered by a compact turbodiesel engine. Today the...
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Alpina releases more details for B6 GT3 ahead of Geneva Motor Show
BMW-tuners extraordinaire Alpina has decided to return to motorsports after a 20 year absence. The comeback will be staged in the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championship - but the best part - the company will be selling exact copies of their race cars to individuals, collectors and other teams. Alpina's...
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Video: Technology behind the Opel Ampera explained
General Motors recently gave us a preview of a new plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt that the company plans to sell in Europe under its Opel division. The car is the new Opel Ampera and it is set to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. GM has now released a...
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PSA Peugeot Citroen planning 2011 launch for first diesel-hybrid
PSA Peugeot Citroen plans to enter the hybrid market in Europe in coming years with new diesel hybrid technology, but the current economic downturn is starting to take its toll on the French carmaker and could see further development of the efficient powertrains delayed. The technology has already...
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Obama caps executive salaries for firms accepting loan money
President Barack Obama today tied another string to the money received by GM and Chrysler, setting a cap of $500,000 on executive salaries for companies in receipt of taxpayer funds. The move is likely to prove popular with the public, which often perceives corporate executives as overpaid. The...
Alex Kaufmann