Alfa Romeo Milano Prototype Spied During Police Stop

Essentially a replacement for the aging 147, the Milano features modern MiTo-inspired

styling underneath all that camouflage. Since the car was already unmasked by

several cell phone pictures, taken at an Alfa Romeo factory, the new images

don't provide a lot of additional details.

As we have previously reported, the Milano will feature a wide variety of petrol

and diesel engines. While nothing is official, engine options are expected to

include a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol (with 120-160 hp) and a range-topping

1.75-liter four-cylinder petrol with around 200 hp.

Judging by the pace of development, look for a possible unveiling at Geneva

Motor Show in March 2010. According to documents released as part of Chrysler's

bankruptcy, the Milano also seems destined for North America.

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Hyundai Launches Stretch Edition of Its Luxury Flagship, EQUUS

Hyundai Motor Co. today began receiving orders for the long wheelbase edition of its most luxurious car, the EQUUS.

The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

With the comfort of passengers at the forefront of its design principle, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine, as it is named in Korea, offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume. The vehicle's length is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with backseat legroom as much as 376 mm longer, as well.

To differentiate it from the EQUUS sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Thus, the exterior image exudes an impression of strength and confidence, in line with the vehicle's elegant image.

Hyundai EQUUS Limousine comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8L engine and the Tau 5.0L engine. The Tau 5.0 engine, applied to the stretch version for the first time, is a reinforced version of the Tau 4.6L engine that won the 2009 Ward's 10 Best Engines award.

With a maximum output of 400ps and a peak torque rating of 51.0kg, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine outperforms its competitors, such as the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by 20ps and 12ps, respectively.

The power-driven footrest, the world's first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function, allows passengers the most comfortable driving experience found today.

The price for the long wheelbase edition EQUUS ranges from 135 million won to 146 million won (approximately US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates).

Additionally, Hyundai has successfully developed a bulletproof version of the long wheelbase EQUUS and has donated three units to the Blue House (the Korean Presidential Residence). Hyundai is the first Korean company ? and one of a handful worldwide - to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.

Tokyo Motor Show: Mazda Shows Off Updated Kiyora Concept

Hyundai is the latest carmaker to bail on the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, but it's far from the first, raising concerns over the show's future. Mazda is undeterred, however, today revealing a range of new engines and an updated version of the 2008 Kiyora concept that it will have on display.

The Kiyora Concept is a compact, eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout powered by the new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine revealed earlier today. Power is sent to the wheels by the six-speed SKY-Drive automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is estimated at 75 mpg in Japan's combined 10-15 mode test cycle. It gets there thanks in part to Mazda's i-stop system, which shuts the engine off at stops. The Kiyora also uses regenerative braking, presumably to operate the car's electronics, and weight savings and aerodynamics also play a role in the car's efficiency.

Even with a reduced set of manufacturers, the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show may still prove to be an interesting display of technology, as carmakers continue to push forward with increasingly "greener" powertrains and designs.

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show runs October 23-November 4, 2009, with press days starting October 21.

via:motorauthority

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT

1. Concept
Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru's latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru's vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru's unique hybrid system.

2. Design and packaging

(1) Exterior
Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.

(2) Interior
The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.
The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.
A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.
Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.
New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.

3. Mechanisms
In addition to refinements to Subaru's core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.
(1) Next-generation power unit system
2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.

Lineartronic (CVT)
Lineartronic, Subaru's new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.

Hybrid system
To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.

* At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
* During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.
* During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.
* Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.
* The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
* The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.


<Major specifications>
Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo
gasoline engine
Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)
Transmission type: Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

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STARTECH Expands Its Customization Program to Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover Automobiles

World Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009

Until now the STARTECH brand stood globally as a synonym for exclusive tuning for the automobiles from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. With the world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 STARTECH expands its portfolio with a sophisticated customization program for Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover automobiles.

All STARTECH products are designed and manufactured in accordance with the strict quality guidelines of the ISO 9001 norm, and all are tested and approved by the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV).

The STARTECH product lineup for all makes of vehicles comprises the entire palette of professional tuning: Elegant and efficient aerodynamic-enhancement components as well as custom-tailored one-piece or multi-piece STARTECH Monostar light-alloy wheels characterize the outfit of a Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler refined by STARTECH.

To further improve active safety the STARTECH engineers have developed markedly comfortable sport suspensions and lowering kits. They offer more agile handling and easier controllability of the vehicle in extreme situations.

Special emphasis of the STARTECH activities lies on customizing and upgrading the interior. Exclusive accessories such as ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels, polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo or classy interior completion sets are part of the product lineup as are custom fully leather interiors crafted from especially soft, breathable and yet highly durable leather and Alcantara. Another specialty are exclusive wood inlays that can be manufactured in any desired color using special bleaching and staining techniques. Genuine carbon-fiber trim sets are also available in numerous variations for all models.

STARTECH also offers custom-tailored multimedia systems for all models.

STARTECH Makes the Range Rover Even More Exclusive

Owners of Range Rover vehicles are highly discriminating automotive connoisseurs. They can now find the perfect solutions for customizing their vehicles at STARTECH.

With stylishly integrated LED daytime running lights STARTECH lends the Range Rover an even more striking appearance and further improved active safety. The light inserts come in the same color as the door handles and the front grille, eliminating the need for costly painting.

The new STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels are another eye catcher. The five-spoke wheels feature a beautiful combination of grey and polished surfaces with a matte lacquer finish. The size 10Jx22 wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 295/35 R 22 front and back.

Immediately noticeable in the rear are the dual trapezoidal stainless-steel exhaust tips, which were developed to add some more visual pizzazz to the stock exhaust system.

The STARTECH designers demonstrated their ingenuity in the interior as well. Leather door panels on all four doors in the same color as the production leather complete the leather interior. Special contrast-colored cords create a particularly customized look.

The company upholstery shop fulfills requests for even more customization with entire interiors crafted in any color, upholstery design and from any material imaginable, including exclusive precious wood. Innovative bleaching and staining techniques allow the creation of perfectly matched or stunningly contrasted wood colors with various surface finishes.

The choices are virtually unlimited: The product lineup ranges from an upgrade for the stock wood trim in the form of a precious-wood molding for the center console to complete trim sets made from any desired wood grain or from genuine carbon fiber.

Upon customer request STARTECH transforms the Range Rover into an exclusive office on wheels or into a mobile multimedia lounge with state-of-the-art communication technology.

The development of the STARTECH program for the updated Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles of model year 2010 is already running at full steam. It will include a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement kit, custom-tailored 22-inch wheels, suspension modifications and exclusive interiors with fully leather and Alcantara upholsteries and precious-wood inlays in any color and grain, all made exactly to customer's specifications.

STARTECH Refines the Land Rover Freelander 2

Following the development and implementation of a globally successful customization program for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep automobiles STARTECH now also refines British Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. At the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 the Land Rover Freelander 2 with STARTECH design celebrates its world debut.

The face of the English SUV receives more character with the sporty yet elegant STARTECH front element with integrated LED daytime running lights. The new front element was designed to attach to the lower part of the production bumper.

The STARTECH attachment for the liftgate continues the contour of the rear bumper across its entire width. The result is an even more balanced rear appearance of the Freelander 2 compared with the production car.

The fully stainless-steel STARTECH sport exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipes left and right adds yet another visual and acoustic highlight. Custom-tailored versions of the exhaust system are available for all Freelander 2 models.

STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels give the Freelander 2 an even more refined appearance and increase both driving fun and safety reserves. The one-piece five-spoke wheels in size 9Jx20 are mounted with size 265/45 R 20 tires front and back and make full use of the available space under the wheel arches.

The STARTECH program also offers a multitude of customization options for the interior of the smallest Land Rover model: The company upholstery shop can answer the exclusive requests of any Freelander 2 owner, perfect down to the last detail. The upholsterers masterfully handcraft interiors in any color and upholstery design imaginable. The materials of choice for the exclusive STARTECH interiors are especially soft and breathable leathers and Alcantara.

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Germany’s E-Wolf Targets Ferrari With New Electric Supercar

It seems these days that a new electric sports car concept is announced almost every month but it's not often that we get to see the actual concept in the metal, so to speak, or in the case of the new E1, in the carbon-fiber composite. The E1 electric roadster is the latest creation of German firm E-Wolf and it is just one of two new electric vehicles from the company, with the latter vehicle set to compete with the likes of Ferrari in the performance arena.

Working in partnership with the Saxony Lightweight Center and the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology at the Technical University of Dresden, E-Wolf unveiled its street-legal E1 roadster at the recent 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show and plans to add the E2 supercar to its lineup in about two years.

The key to the cars’ performance is a light weight structure. In the case of the E1, the entire chassis weighs in at just 1,102-pounds but this comes at a cost as the vehicle can only accommodate drivers weighing up to 150-pounds.

Power comes from a 150-horsepower AC induction motor with 185-pound-feet of torque. This is enough to propel the E1 from 0-62 mph in less than five seconds and see it reach a top speed of 143 mph. An array of lithium-ion batteries will see the E1 drive up to 200-miles on a single charge.

While the E1 can be bought today at a price of €150,000 (approximately $218,818), E-Wolf is also working on an E2 supercar due in 2011.

The E2 will feature four electric motors, one in each wheel, delivering a combined output of 544-horsepower and 737-pound-feet of torque--All this in a chassis that is expected to weigh around 2,000-pounds.

So far the E2 only exists in computer-generated rendering form but its designers promise the car will be able to reach a top speed of 155 mph. Hopefully the production version will stay true to the concept’s lines.

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Infiniti G37 Coupe Anniversary

The Infiniti G37 Coupe Anniversary was built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil and will be auctioned for charity at a later date.

Infiniti unveiled at the end of last week the Infiniti G37 Coupe Anniversary Art Project Vehicle at the 14th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala in Toronto. The one-of-a-kind Infiniti G37 Coupe Anniversary was done in partnership with Cirque du Soleil and was hand-painted by Heidi Taillefer. The process took almost one month.

"Celebrating 20 years of Infiniti is an important milestone and we wanted to do something truly unique and representative of the Infiniti brand to commemorate this occasion," said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “The intricate, beautiful design is an expression of Infiniti’s commitment to Inspired Performance in everything we do."

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NEW MEGANE RENAULT SPORT APPEARS IN THE LATEST RELEASE OF THE NEED FOR SPEED VIDEO GAME SERIES "NEED FOR SPEED SHIFT"

Following the successful incorporation of New Mégane Coupé in Need for Speed Undercover which was released last November, Renault and Electronic Arts have continued their association with the inclusion of New Mégane R.S. in Need for Speed Shift, the latest addition to the NFS series which went on sale on September 17.

Need for Speed's development team were won over by the looks and performance credentials of New Mégane R.S., and have featured it in the game's line-up of 70 cars which are considered to be the most legendary models of the past three-and-a-half decades.

Renault's experts and Electronic Arts developers worked hand-in-hand for almost a year to make New Mégane R.S.'s role in the game as lifelike as possible.

Need for Speed Shift delivers driving sensations on a par with those felt behind the wheel of the cars themselves, and its unique gameplay features provide players with an unparalleled experience as they embark on a world tour of the planet's most legendary circuits.

Created 15 years ago, Need for Speed evolves from year to year, enabling players to enjoy the thrills of motor racing with increasing realism. More than 100 million copies of Need for Speed have been sold, making it the biggest motor racing video game franchise ever thanks to its combination of prestigious cars and incomparable technical qualities and graphics. The game is developed and published by Electronic Arts, the world's leading video game publisher, whose products constantly seek to push out the envelope when it comes to innovation, player immersion and intensity.

via:worldcarfans

Lexus RX350 - RX450h

Feast your eyes on one of Wald International's latest Black Bison styling packages that give the Lexus RX350 and its hybrid counterpart, the RX450h an aggressive new look. The cosmetic makeover includes a new front bumper with large air-inlets, matching side skirts, a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser, different treatment for the grille and a pair of twin tail pipes.

A roof spoiler and Wald International's multispoke alloy wheels shod in chunkier rubber help complete the new look for the Japanese automaker's luxury SUV. Customers can also upgrade the car with interior enhancements such as an alloy pedal set and specific floor mats.

　

via:carscoop.blogspot.com

Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan and China

Mitsuoka, the Japanese car company whose mission seems to be hoarding all the ugly in the entire world and using it to design automobiles, will expand into Japan's rental car market and offer its luxury range in China. Japanese drivers will be able to rent the Orochi for ¥25,000 ($279 US) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or for three whole days for ¥45,000 ($501 US). They can also sport the Himiko for ¥20,000 ($223 US) for those nine hours, or ¥36,000 ($401 US) for 72 hours.

The sea monster-faced Orochi will also spearhead Mitsuoka's charge into China. The company plans to display the car at next year's Beijing Auto Show, and to open dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We know the Chinese have occasionally fascinating taste in car design, but we can't wait to see how they receive the Orochi. Mitsuoka wants to move 35 units in its first year, and as if its looks weren't queer enough, the car is expected to cost 50% more in China than it does in Japan, where it will already set you back ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). Any takers?

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ASI: Ferrari 458 Italia Initial Design Renderings

The Japanese tuners from ASI have released two images of their Ferrari 458 Italia upgrade program. The ASI Ferrari 458 Italia is still in the development phase. The standard car is not even on sale yet. Company CEO Satoshi Kondo has announced that his team of engineers are hard at work on their latest project: an aerokit for the Ferrari 458 Italia. Kondo authorized the release of these sketches, well in advance of the final prototyping, in effort to prevent future accusations of design theft.

The ASI Ferrari 458 Italia also comes with a rear wing which is probably functional adding more downforce on the rear axle. The ASI Ferrari 458 Italia body kit also features new side skirts and although it can't bee seen from the images, it will also come with a new rear design. If the company's mods on the F430 are any indication, do not expect a retuned engine. Instead, look for the new body parts to shave weight when compared to the old parts. The ASI F430 received a 27kg weight reduction when it was introduced in June.
via:zercustoms

Singer 911 offers vintage looks, modern appointments, exotic performance

Singer Vehicle Design rolled out its first prototype, plainly named the "Singer 911," at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance last month. Based on an '80s-era long-wheelbase 911 donor vehicle, the company strips each chassis to its bare shell for "reinvention" into what Singer calls a "celebration of the golden air-cooled era of the world's most important sports car."



Incontestable is its vintage Porsche 911 look. However, the Singer 911 is far from antiquated. The complete reincarnation includes chassis stiffening, new active aerodynamics, and a lightweight integral backbone structure and roll cage to improve torsional rigidity. Most interestingly, nearly all of the steel body panels are replaced by full carbon fiber composite bodywork candy-coated in Singer's exclusive "Racing Orange" paint.

　

Under the rear decklid is an air-cooled 3.82-liter flat-six sporting six individual throttle bodies. With a GT3 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, the powerplant spins eagerly to 8,000 RPM. The engine sends 425 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque to a proper Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission. According to the engineering team, the 2,400-pound Singer 911 will sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 170 MPH.

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New Opel Meriva spied

Opel's small MPV was anticipated for an unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though others say the vehicle will be introduced later in the year. It is based on the Meriva Concept, seen at the 2008 Geneva show, and is believed to be using the Small Common Components and Systems (SCCS) rendition of the GM Gamma platform.



The new Opel Meriva was spied once again, with less camouflaging as the last time. Caught on the 'Ring, the Meriva is showing its unusually-shaped rearward side windows, and the rather standard door handles. However, emphasis is placed on the forward position of the rear door handle indicating the FlexDoor system in play.



Engine choices on the new-look MPV should include naturally-aspirated and turbocharged variants of a 1.4-liter petrol engine. The turbo cranks out around 137 hp. Meanwhile, four diesel options will range up to about 155hp.



Despite the design masking, we can still see the Opel lineage in this MPV. The roofline is very similar in look to the Opel Astra, while the grille has a resemblance to the Opel Insignia.

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Preview: Bentley Mulsanne Coupe

It's the amazing new Bentley that sets fresh standards for performance and driveability – and it will spawn a family of models, including a coupé and convertible, too!

This is the Mulsanne, a luxurious limousine with a 6.75-litre V8 that produces 510bhp and 1,020Nm of torque, plus boasts a hand-finished chassis and state-of-the-art air suspension.

And Bentley is planning fresh replacements for both the Brooklands coupé and Azure convertible based on the newcomer, which made its public debut at Frankfurt.

The information comes from Bentley executive Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, who hinted at the possibility of a coupe and convertible Mulsanne. Eichhorn explained that the Mulsanne will reset the luxury car benchmark for years to come, so it's understandable the company has such ambitious plans for the platform.

Powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8, the Mulsanne offers a number of firsts for the luxury sector, such as cam-phasing, which adjusts engine performance and fuel efficiency. Variable displacement technology is also featured, which shuts down cylinders to save fuel at cruising speed. Inside, there's a 2,200-watt Naim audio system with 20 speakers – all connected to a 40GB hard drive boasting the latest navigation technology and Internet connection.

via:autoexpress

Pair of Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR road cars to be auctioned by RM in London

Supercars like the SLS AMG and SL65 AMG Black Series might be the flagships for the current Mercedes-Benz lineup, but back in the late 1990s it was all about the CLK GTR -- an all-out race car slightly disguised as a road car. The street version you see here was built to homologate the race car that competed in the FIA's GT1 class in 1997 and 1998 (wining the championship in 1997). Each came with a 6.9-liter V12 putting out 612 horsepower as well as features found on modern supercars like a sequential six-speed transmission with paddle shifters and carbon fiber brakes. Just 25 examples were built including five roadsters, making the CLK GTR one of the most exclusive supercars ever built.



It's for this reason that the auction of two CLK GTR road cars immediately caught our attention. Both will be offered at RM Auction's Automobiles of London sale on October 28. One coupe and one roadster will go across the block, each completely brand new and unregistered with delivery miles only. Interestingly, both cars are right hand drive, custom built for the original owner. RM lists the estimated price for each CLK GTR at around 1/3 the original cost to build the cars, meaning some lucky collector might take home a supercar for a bargain.



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