Archive for August, 2009

Renault Fluence debuts for Eastern Europe

Renault’s Turkish factory, production home of the Symbol and Clio sedans, has added a new model to its line-up. Dubbed the Renault Fluence, it is intended to replace the French-built Megane in “low-end” markets such as Turkey, Russia and Romania. Continue reading »

Kimi wins for Ferrari at 2009 Belgian F1 GP

In what has to be the most random podium finishes of the season, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen became the sixth different victor in six races, and his first for 2009, with a closely-fought success in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, in which his KERS system played a crucial role in the opening stages. Interestingly, regular loser Force-India came in second, after the team’s Giancarlo Fisichella took pole in qualifying. Continue reading »

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics diesel hybrid concept

The BMW Vision concept car is the latest in a string of “EfficientDynamics” ideas by the German automaker. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this concept car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an economical combustion engine and good aerodynamic qualities. Continue reading »

NHTSA recall for 95,700 Toyota & Scion cars for brakes

According to the NHTSA, Toyota is recalling this year’s batch of 95,700 Corolla, Matrix and Scion xD cars for a defect that could result in brake failure. Continue reading »

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL production hydrogen car

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B-Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2.0L petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 86.6 mpg in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B-Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year. Continue reading »

Lotus Exige Cup 260 offers lightweight power

The Lotus Exige Cup has developed a cult following and a dedicated fan base since the first Lotus Exige Cup 240 was unveiled in 2006. Over the last 4 model years several hundred Exige Cup Cars have been sold, either specifically for race and track use or for a pure road going driving experience. The latest Exige Cup 260 takes the weight savings introduced in the last years model, combines them with the extensive body and aerodynamic improvements and revisions introduced on the 2010 Exige in March 2009 and tops them off with new components and technologies to produce the most focused and pure Exige yet. Continue reading »

Ferrari 458 Italia interior details released

The official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia will be held at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September. Until then, Ferrari has released more details on the 458 Italia, including shots of the complicated interior. Continue reading »

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racer revealed

The new version of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup offers its many customers the world over even greater value than ever before. The successor to the best-selling racing car of all time built in a production series of more than 1,400 units is based for the first time on the 911 GT3 RS, with the weight of the racing model reduced significantly versus the lightweight road-going version. Continue reading »

Mini Coupe Concept to debut at Frankfurt

BMW is showing a Mini Coupe Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It might head for production by next year, considering how “complete” it looks, but only if there is enough demand. Continue reading »

Maserati GranCabrio debut at Frankfurt show

The Maserati GranCabrio convertible has debuted just before its public appearance at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Essentially nothing more than a GranTurismo with a chopped-off roof, this is probably the most predictable car to be revealed at the auto show. Continue reading »

Brawn’s Barichello wins 2009 European F1 GP

Rubens Barrichello finally has a win under the Brawn GP banner, achieving first place at the 2009 European F1 Grand Prix in Valencia with a performance that brought him home just two seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, whose pit-crew’s mistake cost him the win. Continue reading »

VW recalling various DSG-equipped models

Volkswagen of America has announced a voluntary recall involving 13,500 vehicles equipped with its DSG transmission. Models affected by the recall include the Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, and Eos built between September 2008 and August 2009. Continue reading »

9ff Porsche Panamera packages ready

Well-known Porsche tuners 9ff has introduced their version of the Porsche Panamera luxury sports sedan. The 9ff version is still in the design stage. Continue reading »

Volvo celebrates 50th anniversary of seat-belt

Feed out, stretch, click and pull taut. A simple movement of the hand and the belt is in place – at the same time the risk of fatality or serious injury in a collision is cut by more than 50 percent. Volvo’s three-point safety seatbelt turned 50 on August 13, 2009. Continue reading »

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS revealed

Delivering even more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components than all previous GT3s, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3 and will be introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Continue reading »

Gumpert Apollo Sport claims new Ring record

The Gumpert Apollo Sport has set a new lap record for a road-legal production car at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife track as timed and reported by German magazine Sport-Auto. Continue reading »

Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford in sales

Kia Motors has announced that parent company, Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, has become the fourth largest global automotive manufacturer, beating out Ford for the spot. Continue reading »

Video shows Evo rally car hitting horse

A wild horse collided with a rally car, causing the animal to be catapulted nearly 30 feet into the air. Video of the crash, which happened during the Argentine Rally in South America, shows driver Federico Villagra slamming his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo straight into the horse. Continue reading »

Peugeot RCZ to debut at Frankfurt Motor Show

Two years after displaying the 308 RCZ concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot will present the production Peugeot RCZ coupé at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Also debuting alongside the RCZ are the RCZ hybrid concept, the 3008 hybrid concept, the all-new 5008 minivan, and low-emission versions of existing models, namely the 207 ‘99g’, 107 ‘106g’, 308 ‘120g’, 407 ‘129g’ and 3008 ‘130g.’ Continue reading »

2010 Kia Venga to debut in Europe

Kia’s spacious new compact crossover-hatchback contender, named Venga, goes on sale across Europe later this year and in the UK early in 2010. Continue reading »

« Older Entries