Alex Kaufmann, Author
Articles
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The European commission put forward a proposal on Wednesday to introduce a scheme to offer motorists incentives to scrap their old cars in order to boost sales of new fuel-efficient models. The... -
Porsche RS Spyder Design wheels for 911 TurboIn commemoration of the Porsche Spyder RS sports prototype race car's success in the American Le Mans Series, Porsche is making available a special edition set of wheels with a unique central locking mechanism and high-tech materials and design. The success of the RS Spyder in the ALMS series is...
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Fuoss 01 hits the track in early 2009Despite rising concerns over the economy, the environment, and the future of personal transport, individual track-day cars are apparently riding a high-tide of popularity. One of the latest to join the throngs in pursuit of personal-best lap times is the Fuoss 01 from Germany. Designed and...
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Brembo working on more affordable carbon-ceramic brakesThe Corvette ZR-1, any number of Ferraris, a and choice selection of the finest automobiles from Italy, Germany and elsewhere - these are fine company, and soon more affordable sports cars could be joining these ranks, at least in terms of brakes. Brembo has this week announced the purchase of the...
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Techart releases new GT Street R package for the Porsche 911 TurboTechart is well known in the aftermarket tuner scene for creating some of the greatest performance kits for Porsche cars, so it comes as little surprise that there has been plenty of interest in the German tuner’s latest kit designed for the facelifted 911 range. The GT Street R is fitted...
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DKR Tuning tweaks the Audi RS6It's hard to imagine truly making the Audi RS6 any better at what it is: one of the most insanely powerful and over-the-top family cars around. But the gang at DKR Tuning have applied their skills at ECU tuning to deliver another 80hp (59kW) and some mildly upgraded aesthetics to the already strong...
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Modified Mercedes-Benzes are far from uncommon,and the methods applied are likewise becoming rote: big, flashy wheels, a new, agressive body kit and, of course, more power. Lorinser sticks with this... -
Audi Releases Official Sketches For A5 Sportback, A7 And Next-Gen A8Just as it did back in July with its upcoming R8 Spider convertible, Audi has released several teaser sketches for some of its important future models. The images reveal new details about the upcoming A5 Sportback model due next year as well the all-new 2010 A7 four-door coupe and next-generation...
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BMW announces Car-2-Car communications developmentEarlier we reported on Volkswagen's new Car-2-Car communications system, which is being developed by a consortium of various European manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler, Renault, Fiat and Audi. BMW has now revealed that it could use the technology in its future vehicles, however stressed that...
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Volkswagen's Car-2-Car system begins testingVolkswagen is claiming to have reached an automotive milestone today as tests begin on its Car-2-Car communications system. The system aims to increase the levels of communications between cars of all makes and models eventually, and to hopefully improve road safety. The enlistment of a number of...
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Report: Chrysler to use more Mercedes diesels in EuropeThough Daimler and Chrysler split last year, cooperation between the two carmakers is ongoing, and it looks to be headed into the future as well, with the next-generation Mercedes four-cylinder diesel headed into Chrysler vehicles in Europe, according to the latest reports. A 2.1L unit will be the...
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Brabus Smart ForTwo Confirmed For U.S.The Smart ForTwo has proven to be a runaway success for Mercedes-Benz in the United States, with the official distributor Penske Automotive Group forced to boost sales forecasts for the diminutive hatch earlier this year. The company now plans to capitalize on the soaring demand by expanding the...
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Mercedes Benz has introduced a new version of its C-Class sedan under the guise of its BlueEFFICIENCY eco tag. The car is the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, and despite producing more power and torque than... -
GM develops second-generation car-to-car communications systemVehicle-to-vehicle communication is the next big wave in active vehicle safety but the technology is still in its infancy and will require substantial cooperation between carmakers and governments to get off the ground. Several carmakers have taken the initiative to develop the technology already...
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Mercedes and BMW already making joint purchases, parts sharing nextIn July, BMW announced a new partnership with Fiat for the use of U.S. Mini dealerships by Alfa Romeo, and in August the carmaker turned to negotiations with Mercedes-Benz over procurement and purchasing agreements. Now those agreements have come to fruition and joint-purchasing arrangments are...
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National Geographic special examines history of Nissan's GT-RNational Geographic has created a 47 minute documentary about Nissan's famous GT-R family, the latest generation of which, the R35, has recently begun delivery to U.S. buyers. The documentary examines the legendary status of the GT-R in Japan and around the world, and pits it against the Porsche...
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German tuner SKN modifies the Porsche 997 TurboPorsche is mid-way through updating it's lineup for 2009, though the Turbo hasn't yet received the new features that are expected to come with the facelift. SKN isn't worried, however, since its version of the 997-generation 911 Turbo comes in three flavors, even the mildest of which is sure to...
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LPG-powered Mustang GT cranks out 300hpThe Ford Mustang is many things to many people, but rarely is it considered an efficient or 'green' vehicle. A German LPG advocacy group and tuning shop Rollin on Chrome have come together to change that perception, however, producing a 300hp (228kW) LPG-fueled custom Mustang GT, which joins the...
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Porsche is expected to release another set of high profit figures for this financial year on the back of its growing stake in VW and its own successful sports car range, but despite this success the... -
VanAsperen four-door sports car design study aims at sustainabilityThe next generation of high-performance car design is apt to be as much about innovative use of materials as it is about aggressive shapes and huge horsepower numbers. The VanAsperen '202,61' is a step in that direction, combining coachwork of recyclable plastic and a lightweight steel spaceframe...
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Roock RST 600 LM based on the Porsche 911 TurboRoock may not be as well known as some of its rival German tuning houses but the company does have a number of important motorsport titles under its belt including a class win at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans. Roock’s latest creation, the RST 600 LM, has been built to celebrate the Le Mans...
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GM rules out launching minicar in U.S.General Motors confirmed at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show that its Chevrolet Beat concept car would enter production in South Korea and eventually be sold in Asian and South American markets. While previously there was talk that a production version of the Beat could eventually be sold in...
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Wheels And More Interprets The Eleanor Ford MustangMade famous by its role in the most recent incarnation of the classic film Gone in 60 Seconds, the 1967 Ford Mustang known as Eleanor is a fearsomely attractive vehicle, projecting an aggressive, dominant stance—the perfect vehicle for showing off some unique custom wheels. And that's the...
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Early look at VW’s upcoming ‘Robust’ pickupThe long-awaited and much anticipated Volkswagen Robust pickup truck has been canceled for European and North American sale, but the project is still alive and kicking as indicated by the recent ‘Pickup’ concept vehicle unveiled at last month’s 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in...
Alex Kaufmann