Ralph Hanson, Author
Articles
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The two luxury marques have already seen some success by collaborating over the development of super-efficient diesel and hybrid technology, albeit with Volkswagen and General Motors lending a hand... -
Preview: Mercedes-Benz C-class SportcoupeMercedes-Benz is currently developing a new version of the C-Class Sportcoupe, a car that’s rumored to make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Several prototypes were spotted undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden recently, which revealed that the new model will...
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Koreans to take early lead in LPG-hybridsHyundai has announced that it will release a hybrid version of its midsized Avante sedan in 2009, a car that will combine an electric motor with an internal combustion engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This will be the first high-volume Korean hybrid car and according to Hyundai...
Ralph Hanson -
Nissan working on three new performance modelsNissan’s upcoming GTR is easily one of the most anticipated sports cars of the decade, and it seems the performance bug has taken control over at Nissan’s product planning division. The carmaker’s image of late has been skewed towards the SUV segment, but this may soon change with...
Ralph Hanson -
Toyota hybrid sales top one millionToyota announced today that its hybrid sales have surpassed the one million mark after ten years of sales. The feat is a major landmark for Toyota, a pioneer in the development of petrol-electric hybrid cars, and comes as rival carmakers around the world prepare for the launch of their own hybrids...
Ralph Hanson -
Audi RS4 Cabriolet confirmed for USThe convertible version of Audi’s potent RS4 sedan is destined to hit showrooms in the US, with the first cars arriving early next year. Only 300 examples of the drop-top RS4 are expected to make it across the Atlantic, which means the Canadians will have to miss out. After launching its...
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The Jaguar label has always had a little more flair and prestige than its rivals, a trait its management would like to maintain by reducing the volume of cars it sells. Jaguar won’t be... -
Brabus B63 S pack for all Mercedes 63 AMG modelsBrabus has upgraded its B63 S tuning kit for the hand-built 6.2L AMG V8 engine and is now offering the package for any AMG Mercedes model fitted with the amazing powerplant. Engineers have boosted the power output of the high-revving V8 to 550hp (404kW) and peak torque to 650 Nm. The sprint time...
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Fiat considers Bravo crossoverThe new Bravo is an important model in Fiat’s revamped lineup and is key to the Italian carmaker expanding into more diverse markets. We’ve previously reported about Fiat adding a wagon model to the Bravo range, but now there are rumors that a new crossover model is in the works, and...
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Updated: More details on Mercedes' super-sports carUpdated: Mercedes won’t be taking any chances in the performance stakes with its new super-sports car following the disappointing results of its SLR supercar, which rarely comes first in comparo reviews. The new model is set to be slotted in between the SLR and SL, and could feature a 700hp...
Ralph Hanson -
M sport pack for the BMW X5BMW has launched a new M sport package for its X5, the first time the performance kit has been offered on the SUV model. The kit includes both visual upgrades to the interior and body, as well as performance tuning of its chassis. The exterior features new color-coded bumpers with integrated fog...
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Porsche and BorgWarner develop new AWD techUS based auto-parts supplier BorgWarner has teamed up with Porsche once again to develop a new AWD clutch and control system, which will be adopted across several Porsche sports cars. You may remember that BorgWarner also supplies the Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) blowers for the potent 911...
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Earlier this week, Swedish newspapers reported that Ford was in talks with BMW over the possible sale of Volvo and that BMW had gone so far as to order in a set of the carmaker's latest financial... -
Air-powered car ready to roll off production lineA car that runs on nothing but compressed air is about to start production in India by the nation’s largest carmaker, Tata Motors. Known as the Air Car, the small runabout was developed with by ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre and is capable of traveling up to 68mph with a range of 125...
Ralph Hanson -
Lexus expecting LS600h to do better in Europe and Japan than USDespite the US easily rating as the number one market for Lexus vehicles, and most other luxury makes for that matter, Toyota’s premium label is expecting to sell more of its LS600h and the long-wheelbase flagship saloons in Japan than it does in the States, with Europe close behind in second...
Ralph Hanson -
VW, Ford, unlikely to enter F1Max Mosley in Monaco played down speculation that Volkswagen and Ford could be considering entering F1 in the near future. The rumours were sparked when the FIA's proposals for new regulations in 2011 and beyond were also sent to the aforementioned carmakers, but not seasoned private teams like...
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Scion wants more modelsSince its launch back in 2003, Scion has insisted that three models were enough. But as the label becomes more popular, company execs are considering adding new models to satisfy that demand. Scion corporate manager Steve Haag, who spoke with The Car Connection, explained that management wants to...
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No go for night races yet - MosleyFIA president Max Mosley insisted in Monaco that F1's governing body has not yet sanctioned Bernie Ecclestone's plans for night racing. Ecclestone, the F1 supremo, has busily been organising floodlit events in Singapore and possibly Malaysia and Australia for as soon as next year, but Mosley said...
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Audi’s current A6 has been on sale for almost two years now, but we’re still at least a year away from the release of the potent RS 6 super-sedan and Avant wagon. Originally thought to...
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Ford nixes plans for new Focus RSFord of Europe has apparently axed plans for the development of the sporty Focus RS hot-hatch because of concerns over carbon-dioxide emissions. The RS version of the facelifted Focus due next year was one of the most eagerly anticipated models in Ford’s Euro lineup, with some customers...
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BMW confirms 3-series based crossoverBMW execs are reported to have given approval for development of a new crossover based on the 3-series sedan and upcoming X3 SUV. Likely to carry the F3 label, the new crossover model will be aimed directly at Mercedes B-Class range and should appear in showrooms by the end of the decade including...
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Roush Nitemare and Harley-Davidson F-150 pickups revealedRoush has unveiled its 2007 Nitemare F-150 pickup, a 445hp supercharged steed that will be produced in a limited run of just 100 trucks. Based on the standard cab version of the F-150, the Nitemare picks up a ROUSHcharger that boosts output from the 5.4L engine to 445hp and 500lb-ft. of torque...
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Mercedes takes a leaf out of BMW’s strategy bookAfter the disastrous turn of events surrounding the troubled merger between Daimler and Chrysler and the subsequent split last week, the German division won’t be attempting any more tie-ups in the future and will reportedly go-it-alone from now on. Following the strategy of BMW, which learned...
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Honda hates Super Aguri's successNick Fry says he is "happy" to see Super Aguri do well in 2007. The Honda team principal, however, also admitted to the Dutch magazine Formule 1 Race Report that he "hates" the fact that the Japanese manufacturer's satellite team is embarrassingly beating the hugely-funded works squad. Leafield...
Ralph Hanson