Alex Kaufmann, Author
Articles
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As brilliant as the new GT-R is, its premium price tag and limited availability means it will be out of reach of most sports car lovers for some time to come. Then there’s the 350Z but it too... -
Nissan’s creepy dashboard robot could make productionNissan has set itself a clear goal: to become a technology leader in the auto industry within the next ten years. We’ve already seen the launch of the new bird’s-eye view camera system and ‘self-healing’ paint on the Infiniti EX35 crossover but according to CEO Carlos Ghosn...
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2008 Barrett-Jackson Shelby GT Ford MustangThree American automotive icons, Ford, Barrett-Jackson Auctions, and Shelby have collaborated to create a limited edition 2008 Mustang Shelby GT, which was unveiled today at the Arizona Auto Show. The car packs a 319hp (238kW) powerplant with an available 447Nm (330lb-ft) of torque. The Ford Racing...
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Aptera Typ-1 300-mpg plug-in hybrid for less than $30,000A small company in California claims to have done the impossible by developing an all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle for under $30,000 that can achieve a fuel economy of 300mpg (0.784L/100km). The cars were developed by Aptera, and first deliveries of the all-electric version are slated for...
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Hennessey Venom GT Supercar ConceptHennessey has finally revealed official details about its upcoming Venom GT supercar concept, including this teaser shot whose front end shares a striking resemblance with the Lotus Elise. Penned by Brit designer Steve Everitt, the Venom GT will feature the Viper Venom's 1,000hp twin-turbo V10...
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Honda FCX Clarity Production Fuel Cell Car AnnouncedMany think the infrastructure for a hydrogen-powered car just isn’t there, and they’re mostly right. There have been a few advances in hydrogen production recently, but the distribution system is the weak point. Honda won’t let that deter the production of a hydrogen fueled car...
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Consumer demand in the United States is driving Toyota’s move to produce a plug-in hybrid car that can run off grid power alone for a short stint. Toyota won’t let the vehicle come to... -
Preview: 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mark VI GTI and cabrioThe Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the most sought after models in the Golf lineup and has even proven to be the favored choice over the more powerful R32 in most markets. Its combination of a punchy drivetrain, slick gearbox and understated styling have won it many fans over the years and...
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Toyota presents tuned S3 Corolla at SEMAToyota only took the covers off the 2009 Corolla sedan today and already we have first images of a new high-performance version dubbed the S3. Although there are no plans for production, the new S3 shares some of its accessories with the regular production model such as the sports bodykit and...
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SEMA debut for the 2009 Toyota CorollaLike the new Matrix, Toyota’s 2009 Corolla is all-new. The tenth generation of the Corolla features a balance between utility and performance in its five trim levels. It’s still a subcompact sedan, but the new design cues give it a sportier, more modern shape and feel. It’s cute...
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Facelifted Mercedes-Benz SLK appearing at Detroit ShowMercedes-Benz has a number of important model facelifts coming over the next couple of years with cars like the CLS, SL and B-Class all scheduled for a major makeover. The first of the revised models however will be the facelifted version of the SLK, which is reported to make its debut at next...
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Nissan using Infiniti brand to promote hybrid techNissan will be mimicking Toyota and its premium Lexus division by focusing on the luxury end of its product line for hybrid drivetrains. Product planners will use the Infiniti brand to debut Nissan’s own advanced hybrid technology, which engineers are still developing. Nissan already sells a...
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Honda was one of the first carmakers to launch a hybrid vehicle with its original Insight compact but it quickly lost the limelight when Toyota’s much more practical Prius hit the market. Now... -
Video: Fiat Abarth promoThe revival of the legendary Abarth brand is less than six months away and this latest video of the Grande Punto Abarth SS Concept reveals we have plenty to look forward to from the Fiat performance division. You can read up on all the details of the latest Abarth concept by clicking here...
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Audi takes its time building the R8The newest supercar contender from Audi has shown itself well, comparing favorably with the Lamborghini Gallardo, its corporate sibling. Now Audi has made a new commercial showing that the R8 offers not just performance but quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Check out the video after...
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Car Vs. Truck--How The Figures Stack UpBefore you shrug this off as just some pointless comparison, take a close look at the stats of these two vehicles. In one corner we have the SLR McLaren, which we’re sure most readers would recognize, and in the other corner we have the Mercedes-Benz Actros Black Edition semi. The SLR...
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Porsche likely to buy VW this monthVolkswagen has a bit of a reputation in the German auto industry as carrying some “bloat”. Workers are paid 20% more than the German average, the company has funded the high-profile but incredibly costly Bugatti Veyron, and remarkably few synergies have been developed with its other...
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Unified design theme for future Toyota hybridsOne of the key reasons Toyota has had such success with the Prius is the instantly recognizable green image the car projects. That’s one of the major reasons why the Prius has gone on to sell almost 140,000 units in the U.S. this year whereas the similarly efficient Camry Hybrid sold just...
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Designed at the Nissan’s European design studio in London, the NV200 is the follow up to Nissan’s previous Bevel lifestyle and recreational van concept that was displayed at... -
Nissan Round Box (R.D/B.X)The Round Box represents Nissan’s take on open-air motoring and is designed as a roadster with seating capacity for four and a removable glass roof. Designers have also added "road surface windows" to give occupants a greater sense of speed. These are basically small glass panels placed close...
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BMW documents confirm 7-speed gearbox for M3We were disappointed to see that BMW launched the new M3 Sedan with only the six-speed manual gearbox when we know that there’s likely to be a new dual-clutch gearbox in the works. We now have confirmation that a seven-speed gearbox is planned for the M3 Sedan and even have the final gear...
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Exiga Touring Concept from SubaruSubaru may not be as large as the likes of Honda or Toyota but that hasn’t stopped it from preparing an equally strong showcase for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. In addition to the all-new Impreza WRX STI Subaru will be displaying two concept cars, the G4e electric minicar and Exiga...
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Honda CR-Z hybrid conceptOne of the new concept cars Honda will unveil at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show is the CR-Z sports compact, a possible preview of a replacement for the popular Honda CRX. The official tagline for the concept is “a next-generation lightweight sports car equipped with a Honda petrol-electric...
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Mitsubishi previews WRC Lancer Evolution X Group N racerOnly a week after the official reveal of the new Lancer Evolution X, Mitsubishi has given us a preview of next year’s Lancer Evolution X Group N rally car, which it plans to showcase at this month's Rally Japan. The car won’t be competing but will instead be used as a ‘course...
Alex Kaufmann