Audi A5 Sportback

The 1st official picture. Just a teaser so far.
Audi has also mentioned that the US market will not get this car.

I guess they still think Americans don't like hatchbacks...


Here is a teaser video.

More real life pictures of the 2010 Taurus

2011 Mustang to get new 3.7Liter V6

Finally.
The Mustang won't be using the old Explorer engine anymore. Starting next year.

It is supposed to be getting a version of the 3.7 Liter already in used in other Ford models.
It will make over 275hp. Much closer to the Camaro's 300hp V6.

This should be a really nice car. There is really no need for V8s anymore in our new "2009 over $3 a gallon world".
(Which is what I just paid yesterday, by the way...)

Aston Martin DB8

Aston Martin DB8, originally uploaded by Rob Cherry.

Top Five Ferrari Cars Based on speed design and costs

Competition on the car market is huge. With over 20 car manufacturers and various models, it's definitely not a gap in the market. Ferrari however, has a huge automobile history. Ferraris are pure emotion. They aren't most reliable, one of the cheapest or practicable. But every Ferrari driver probably agrees that they are the best cars in the world. So which Ferrari gives you most thrill?



1. Ferrari Enzo (FXX)

A car is really good if Ferrari names it after its founder Enzo Ferrari. The Enzo FXX is a project still going, with the car getting updates still. The Enzo FXX is sold only when you're chosen by Ferrari and changes owner for about €1,300,0000. Maintenance is huge, about €40,000 per year. But everyone will look at you when you drive one, guaranteed. And when it's dark out… I dare you to take it out for a spin.



2. Ferrari F430 Ferrari's new race car, replaced the 360 in 2005. It has a maximum speed of 317 km/h and is sold starting from €180.000. Remarkable is that it's the official car of the Ferrari race classes and the car is rumored to be replaced soon.


3. Ferrari california Central front engine with maximum speed of 310 km/h. First Ferrari car with dual clutch and most recent Ferrari released. The California is the most aerodynamic Ferrari yet. It costs €140.000 and average maintenance costs are unknown.



4. Ferrari 550 Maranello It has an front V12 engine with an maximum speed of 323 km/h. Beautiful curves and nice a beautiful interior. It's not the best or most recent Ferrari but will give you a huge thrill. Why? Because it costs €70,000 if you search right, and maintenance average is lower than the 612. Biggest maintenance post is that the car eats tyres for breakfast.



5. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti It has an engine providing 533HP, a maximum speed of 315 km/h. It's biggest feature that sets it apart: it has four seats. It's still not a family car though, it will cost you €300,000 to purchase and if used as an everyday car about €10,000 per year to maintain.

Read this as intended with pictures of the interior and exterior. ferrari car top 5 list

Best looking cars of 2009

Best looking cars in each class 2009. The AutoBild group, a publisher of more than 27 magazines, each year asks their readers what they think is the best looking cars of that year. The tests are separated into 4 groups. On average 40 million people each year vote for the winners of the design award 2009. The results aren't final yet but here are the leaders at the moment.

Category A (small/compact cars)

3. Volkswagen Polo.


2. Citroen C3 Picasso




1. Renault Megana




Category B (Sedan/station wagons)

3. Porsche panamera.


2. BMW 7 series



1. Opel Insignia Sports Tourer


Category C (Coupe/cabrios)

3. Audi A5 cabriolet




2. Aston Martin DBS Volante




1. Aston Martin One-77


Category D (MPV/SUVs)

3. Lexus RX 450h



2. Saab 9-3X



1. Audi A4 Allroad



Interestingly in the last category the difference between then number 2 and 1 is huge in terms of votes. So the Audi A4 looks like a sure winner when the final numbers of this year's design awards come in. Can't wait.

The cars on this list are all voted on by autobild readers and site visitors. It doesn't represent the whole population but it does represent the opinion of a lot of people.

For pictures go to the site:
Best looking cars of 2009 according to autobild

Tuning a Mustang

Tuning a mustang can be simple or complex. There are a few ways to tune a mustang. The common way is through the use of a hand held tuner. The other way is by tossing the car on the dyno and testing tunes to get the maximum power and efficiency.
First, the hand held tuner. The typical mustang tuner is going to come with a few programs on it. Typically you get an 87 octane, 91 octane, and 93 octane tunes. Each tune has been dyno tested on a dynamometer which measures horse power and torque throughout the entire rpm ranges, so you can see the mustangs torque curves. The tuners also allow for speedometer recalibration for those who go to larger or different sized tires, or even for different axel ratios. They also read and clear DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) or check engine lights. Typical gains on a diablosport predator mustang tuner are about 20 horse power. Most mustang tuners come with extra tunes for the people that have added an air intake or an exhaust system. Diablosport doesn't batch test their tuners when they make them either, they are all tested individually to ensure the best quality possible.

Second, you have the dyno tunes. Now remember, we mentioned that most mustang tuners were tested on a dyno before they are made for the masses. One thing that must be kept in mind here is that even though you might have ten of the same car that were produced on the same production line, the same day, they all seem to act just a little different. The tunes created on a dyno with the mustang that is being worked on are made specifically for that mustang and can generate slightly higher gains, but in most cases we're only talking about a few horse power. Tuning the mustang either way will also improve engine efficiency and improve fuel economy one to two miles per gallon, and sometimes even a rare three mpg. This is great for the weekend warriors that use their mustang to commute during the week, where they will have the maximum fuel economy, and then on the weekends they will have the maximum power.

Our preference here is the hand held tuner, because it gives the end user the ability to make the changes themselves. For example, you can tune your stock mustang and gain some really good power. You can then add a cold air intake, and alter the tune, and add an exhaust, and alter the tune. You can even add a supercharger or turbocharger system which require the use of a tuner to make the engine even run at all once the the forced induction system of your choice has been added. You also have the ability to get in touch with the manufacturer of the tuner. Diablosport for example, can create custom tunes for whatever someone is wanting to do to their mustang. You can see how four or five trips to the dyno guy for each time you add a part after having saved up for it, can get expensive. If all the parts that are ever going to be added to the mustang are all done at the same time, then the dyno tune is going to be the most accurate and produce the most power. If parts are going to be added over time, and for me, I'm always looking for the next mod for my mustang, then the tuner is the best way to go.

Bugatti Veyron Extended Warranty

Bugatti announced that it has introduced an extended warranty cover. The Bugatti Veyron extended warranty is extended to three and four years.

The Bugatti Veyron extended warranty covers every eventuality up to four years after the vehicles original delivery. The optional warranty for the Bugatti Veyron guarantees the mechanical and electrical components, the body- and paintwork, including a guarantee against rust throughout the entire vehicle.

The built-in telemetric system of the Bugatti Veyron can be used to provide early warning of any possible malfunction within the cars equipment. In the event of a failure, the warranty also provides for the delivery of replacement parts anywhere in the world.

In case your Veyron brakes down Bugatti S.A.S. will make you reach your destination. The warranty provides immediate breakdown service, plus towing free of charge if the car cannot be repaired on the spot. If they have to tow your car the Bugatti Veyron extended warranty also assures they will provide you with a replacement car of Audi A8 standards.

The Bugatti Veyron extended warranty will provide an anti-inconvenience check that can be used to cover any expenses resulting from a breakdown, such as hotel accommodation or travel tickets, without any need to produce receipts.

To enforce this warranty Bugatti has set up a special help line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where all calls are managed personally by a member of the Bugatti customer service.

The Bugatti extended warranty applies to a specific car and is transferable to the new owner Bugatti Veyron Extended Warranty in the event of the car being sold. For further details please contact your Bugatti dealer.

Zagato Bentley Continental GTZ

For 2008 the Bentley Continental GT has undergone a similar modification to the Ferrari 575 GTZ by Zagato in 2006. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the roof and tail section which recieves Zagato’s trademark double hump roof design and rounded tail. This is highlighted by the two tone paintwork, British Racing Green for the lower section and dark silver for the roof

Exotic Cars

Exotic cars are the ultimate in tuned cars. These vehicles come straight out of the factory tuned to perfection. While we all can’t afford exotic cars, many car tuning hobbyists create their own. In fact, with the right tuning car parts, know- how and maintenance, you can easily surpass the performance of even the most expensive and rarest vehicles on the road.

Direct Automotive

Any Pre-Owned vehicle , Any color, Any miles, Lowest cost! Guaranteed!
Direct Automotive is the only choice for any New GM car and truck in the nation.

rect Automotive is quickly becoming one of the countries largest stockists and distributors of OE and Non OE (replacement) automotive crash repair parts in the U.K.

Automotive advertising

In 1987, Company Founder & CEO, Jimmy DeFalco set out on a mission to create a Full-Service Advertising and Marketing Organization, to satisfy the demanding marketing and advertising needs of the Automotive Industry. Now, nearly 20 years later, accompanied by an entire team of industry leaders, DeFalco Advertising has surpassed $150 million in annual billing with a client roster of 150 of the most successful auto dealers in the country. If you aren't currently working with DeFalco Automotive Advertising, it's time to start.

Another BMW X1 teaser

Desperate for attention...

Lamborghini Cala

Mercedes Benz SLR

Buick Invicta Car

The 2008 Buick Invicta Car is a four-door mid-size sedan car with a coupe-like roofline that showcases a new design direction for the GM brand. The 2008 Buick Invicta sedan makes its world debut at Auto China 2008, in Beijing. Powered by a 2.0L DOHC, direct injection turbo engine, the 2008 Buick Invicta may delivers 250 hp and 220 Nm of torque. The 2008 Buick Invicta engine transfers the power to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Press Release Buick Evolves Global Design Inspiration Into Invicta Show Car The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick’s strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door mid-size sedan with a coupe-like roof line presents bold direction for Buick’s new generation of vehicles in the world’s two biggest automotive markets – the United States and China.

Sallen Exotic Car

2010 BMW X1

This is supposedly the production model. (Although it doesn't match 100% the official teaser)
And just like the rather horrific X3, it looks pretty cheap. With all that black plastic trim.
And, just like the X3, it won't actually BE cheap.

Saturn Vue as Chevrolet?

Ever wondered how the Saturn Vue would look like as a Chevy?
Well here it is. As a new 2010 model. In Brazil...

The Vue is one of the few models Saturn's new owner will keep selling for a couple of years. Like the Aura.
And the new Equinox would prevent it from being sold as a Chevrolet in the US anyway.

But still, not bad looking...

2010 Mustang glass roof option

One of my favorite option ever. On any car.
This makes the Mustang feel like one of these future cars from the 60's.

And it looks great with the new design.

Lotus Cortina

Lotus Cortina, originally uploaded by AndyBrink.

Peugeot 408

The new mid size sedan from Peugeot is due out sometime next year.
I don't think there is any chance we'll ever see it in the US.
But it does look pretty good. Even if these latest illustrations do not seem to match the earlier picture of the prototype...

Ultimate nerdmobile for sale

Toyota/Subaru coupe

Yet another illustration of the upcoming small 2+2 coupe.
Probably wrong.
Subaru might offer an STI version of the car.

Apparently, both the Subaru and the Toyota would share the same design, with minor differences like the front end etc...

Geely to own Volvo???

According to rumors from China, Ford would already have an agreement to sell Volvo to the Chinese car maker Geely.
How weird... (At least Saab is staying Swedish)

They are also saying that Volvo might relocate the XC90 production line in China. That could mean Chinese made Volvos could find their ways in the west sooner than later.

I just don't know what to think about this...

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg, 8 AM SUNDAY, originally uploaded by r_green54.

VIPER

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan The first vehicle to be equipped with the new system “Forest AC”

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

The interior of Fuga is garnished with a nice blend of leather and and wood grain panels coated with genuine silver powder, which gives them an immaculate mirror finish. It features a new “Forest AC” air conditioning system that creates the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting.

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Nissan has revealed their latest innovation in air conditioning systems - and it's a good one. The "Forest AC" controls the aroma and humidity to help create an optimal interior environment for the occupants. The system uses a number of advanced technologies and is designed to recreate the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings. It was developed based on the results of a joint research study with the Tokyo University of Science on the effects of aroma on human mental activity.

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Along with the air-cleaning and temperature control effect of conventional car air conditioners, the new Forest AC system offers additional control of air flow, humidity, aroma and other ambient factors that can influence the physiological state and senses of the driver and passengers. This is the first automotive system in the world created to make driving more comfortable based on studies of drivers' mental activity.The first vehicle to be equipped with the new system is the 2010 Nissan Fuga.

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

As we are approaching the new year, manufacturers are announcing new pricing on 2010 updated and new models. One of these new models which was unveiled at this year’s Tokyo Autoshow and received very good media is the Nissan Fuga, an Infiniti based luxury sedan which firstly will go on sale in Japanese domestic market. The car is very well equipped and comes with lots of new features starting at around $45,000.

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Since its debut in 2004, the Fuga has been highly praised by customers for its exceptional performance, class-leading interior roominess and a variety of luxurious interior trim options. The new Fuga takes each attribute to a new and higher level.

The new Fuga features a revised model lineup, a redesigned exterior and interior, Nissan’s new VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines and the world’s first*1 Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System*2, among other refinements, the combination of which further advances the car’s all-around qualities as a premium sports sedan.

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Living up to its marketing tagline of “SHIFT_luxury,” Fuga transforms the traditional notion of a luxury car. Fuga is available in three grades (GT, GT Type S and GT Type P) for three engine variations (V6 2.5-liter, V6 3.6-liter and V8 4.5-liter). 4WD version is available for 350GT.

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

The new Fuga announces its substantial presence and premium class image with a new “look” featuring redesigned headlights, grille, front and rear bumpers and rear combination lamps. Making even more of a statement is the GT Type S model, with an exterior styling package that includes new side sill spoilers and a “smoky chrome” finish to the inside of the headlights.

Hotrod

Hotrod, originally uploaded by Coertie!.

Hotrod Jaws

2011 McLaren MP4-12C Super Sports Concept Car pure McLaren, Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8 litre, V8 Engine

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

The independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England,the McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive.The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world's best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.
Through a rich modern history, McLaren's automotive division has already built the world's most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the world's best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.

At its heart, the McLaren MP4-12C features a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis structure, the Carbon MonoCell: the first time a car in this market segment is based around such a strong and lightweight racing car engineering solution and the first time any car has ever featured a one-piece carbon fibre structure.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

Martin Whitmarsh : "McLaren has for years offered a potent mix of race car and road car technologies. This combination of McLaren's performance heritage, and future demands on what is expected of high performance sports cars in the 21st century, gave us a head-start when we embarked on this project. The 12C, and future variants, draws on the spirit of Formula 1 and delivers real-world technological advances."
The first car from the new company, the McLaren MP4-12C, is a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the 'core' sports car market segment for cars costing between £125,000 and £175,000.It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011.
All the parts of the McLaren MP4-12C are bespoke and unique to this car. Everything from the engine right down to the tailor-made switches and buttons is pure McLaren: nothing has come from another manufacturer's parts bin.

The 12C is powered by a bespoke McLaren 'M838T' 3.8 litre, V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600bhp, driving through a McLaren seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). It is targeting not only new standards for power and performance in its sector, but also class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions; supported by McLaren's experience of active aerodynamics to aid cooling, grip, handling and road holding.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

"The 12C is all about performance," said Sheriff. "And in McLaren, we have a very broad definition of performance. We don't just look at the traditional one-dimensional parameters like top speed, we focus equally on useable measures such as in-gear acceleration times, braking performance in all conditions, and efficiency of power delivery combined with the lowest possible fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Sure, 12C is very fast, but it is also the most efficient, most driveable high-performance sports car in the world.
Thorough engineering and market research led to concept development and a clear decision in favour of a mid-engined two door high performance sports car. Intensive work was carried out in the wind tunnel and the driving simulator to ensure that the new car would inherently have superb dynamic qualities.
The McLaren MP4-12C design follows similar principles to McLaren's Formula 1 cars, and the legendary McLaren F1, where everything is for a reason and all lines, surfaces, and details are designed with a job in mind as much as styled. This ensures that the 12C communicates its engineering through its styling and will remain timeless as a piece of automotive design.
"By the time the 12C is launched in 2011 we expect the economic conditions to be much improved. We have already seen significant interest in the car and the supply of the 12C will be relatively scarce; in its first year we plan to produce just 1,000 cars which represents only 3.5 per cent of the 'core' market," explained Antony Sheriff.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

The McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8 litre 90° V8 engine - the 'M838T'. This marks the start of a new era in 'core' segment sports cars - smaller capacity, lighter weight, higher efficiency and more economical power units. The engine has the highest specific power output in its segment which, when allied to its low weight carbon composite chassis, delivers exemplary power- and torque-to-weight ratios.The McLaren engine revs to 8,500rpm, has quick transient throttle response and delivers its abundant torque throughout the rev range. A staggering 80 per cent of torque is available at below 2,000rpm, ensuring great driveability and no need to floor the throttle to deliver performance.
The McLaren MP4-12C has been designed around a demanding mechanical package that puts emphasis on aerodynamics, compact dimensions, performance and efficiency, practicality and comfort. Although the design of the 12C was driven by aerodynamics, it aims to remain contemporary and elegant throughout its lifetime as well as distinctive among its peers.
"The 12C design was therefore led by aerodynamics. At McLaren we have been able to use the Formula 1 techniques and the huge expertise that the company has amassed at the pinnacle of the sport," explained Stephenson.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

Aerodynamic efficiency drove the 12C's design. High downforce helps maintain traction, cornering ability and stability while low drag aids top speed and acceleration. It has a completely flat underbody and smooth upper body surfaces to yield a highly effective drag coefficient and generate very high levels of balanced downforce at high speed.

CCX

All new Opel Astra

Now with interior pictures.
Still not sure if we'll ever see it in the States. GM still would own 35% of Opel in their deal with Magnia.
So this might still end up as a small Buick. Just like it will in China.