Spy shots: RR4 wearing even less camouflage

The RR4 -- the Rolls-Royce that asks that you "don't call me 'baby'" -- is slowly undressing, striptease-like, before its final reveal at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Previous spy shots hinted at rear suicide doors, or coach doors as Rolls-Royce refers to them, and now it is official: the hinges on the rear door are on the rear of the door. The car has plenty of Phatom-esque cues, and although it doesn't look anything like the initial sketch, it looks like it could be a very attractive proposition when it shows up for the big dance. Still no word on engines, but we have no doubt its output will be something along the lines of prodigious.

[Source: Global Motors]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Spyker to build lightweight race-derived C8 LM 85

Take your exotic sports car and put it in a room with its racing counterpart. Put on some R&B, dim the lights and wait nine months. It's a winning formula that has worked for some of the world's best automakers and resulted in such stunning performance vehicles as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Aston Martin DBS and Porsche 911 GT3 RS, to name just a few. Now Spyker is getting ready to cue up the Barry White with the upcoming LM 85.

Named for the starting position of the Spyker C8 GTR2 racer at Le Mans, the LM 85 will be the latest race-derived, hardcore exotic sportscar. It will be based on the short-wheelbase C8 Laviolette, but lightened and tightened. Power could be as high as 450 horses, while the suspension is expected to be stiffened and weight removed to get a 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) figure near 3.8 seconds and top speed bumping the 300 km/h (186 mph) mark. Only a highly symbolic 24 examples are expected to be built in an effort to bring the niche Dutch automaker back from the brink.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport and Motor Authority]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Tanner tests his Top Gear skills on the Lambo Reventon

One-third of American Top Gear, Tanner Foust, spent a day in the Lamborghini Reventon, and here's his verdict: "Thumbs up big girl!" The fractional bit of additional horsepower didn't mean much to him, but he did say the brakes were more capable, and, surprise, the car is quite wide and people like to stare at it. After six hours on Italy's B-roads, that basically sums up his impressions. Since he didn't have too much to say in print, we really do hope he's saving the zingers for the show...

[Source: AutoFiends]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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benzs-Kicherer get to Work on Mercedes C-Class 320 CDI 4Matic

As always the engineers headed straight to the front of the car and dug deep under the hood, a modest improvement is made on the power generated from the 3.0-liter V6 engine with a figure of 265hp and 600Nm of torque – up from 224hp and 510Nm. The upgrade allows the model to shoot from 0-100km/h in less than 6.7 seconds.


The exterior look comes courtesy of an AMG bodykit and Kicherer further enhance the ride experience with a ride-lowering suspension kit and a set of forged 19inch RS-1 wheels. Kicherer finish the package off with mild interior enhancements that include a two-tone leather upholstery, a Kicherer speedometer and a leather/wood steering wheel.


The busybodies at Kicherer have released details on their latest tuning package, this time the modifications and upgrades are awarded to the Mercedes C-Class Estate and more specifically the 320 CDI 4 Matic model.
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Paris Motor Show:BMW X1 Concept and 7-series Hybrid

Its the end of August the Sun begins to vanish from our skies and everyone returns back to work to show off their newly tanned look. Not a great time of year for your average folk, but in the automotive world its great – it signals the start of the motor show season. First up is the Paris Motor Show and following a report by Insideline, we are going to see a fantastic showing from BMW.


First to arrive on the scene will be the concept version of the BMW X1 SAV which basically means we are going to see the styling of the full production model as we did with the X6 and M3. We will also see an ActiveHybrid version of the newly revealed 7-Series make an appearance.


In late November, BMW will continue with its product strategy with the unveiling of the all-new BMW Z4, both the coupe and convertible body styles are likely to make an appearance.
Not much is know about the X1, we have spotted what is believed to be a prototype for the model on a number of occasions but it has always kept its camouflage on. What we do know is the current BMW 1-series will provide the underpinnings for the new model as well as lend a number of its award winning engines.

Source:World Car Fans



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BMW X1 Officially AnnouncedSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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SEAT Ibiza Cupra unveiled

In Europe, budget-minded pistonheads have a treasure trove of hot hatches to choose from, and SEAT will be adding another model to the mix later this year.

The Ibiza Cupra will be officially unveiled in Paris, but Seat has dropped the first few images and a handful of specs ahead of its official unveiling in the City of Light this October. The Cupra is packing a twin-turbocharged, 1.4-liter TSI four underhood, sending 178 hp to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Traction control and ESP are part of the package, along with a stiffer suspension, 17-inch wheels and bolstered buckets. The exterior benefits from a new fascia incorporating massive grilles and tiny fog lamps, side skirts and a new rear bumper.

Prices and performance stats haven't been released yet, but the Renaultsport Clio 197 competitor should be priced around £16,000 when it hits dealers in Europe in December.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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GM recalls the fire risk 857,735 vehicles

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. is recalling 857,735 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield wiper fluid system for a potential short-circuit problem, according to federal safety regulators.

A short-circuit in the system may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor or cause smoke, increasing the risk of a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site.

The recall involves the 2007-2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL and Saturn Outlook; 2006-2008 Hummer H2, Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne; and the 2008 Buick Enclave.Read All



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GM Heritage Center, the displaysSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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New Aston Martin One-77

The contour of the car as well as all the details like the shape of the windows, the mirrors, the muscular rear fenders and the stretched out front fenders were clear from Aston Martin’s preview.especially in the eyes of designer Jon Sibal who has created this new rendering of the model, you may also remember Jon for the superb rendering published here on WCF of the Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster.


The huge vents in the front bumper is something new from Aston Martin also. This vent is aligned with the vents on the side panels which spans across the front fenders all the way to the the door which replaced the relatively tiny front fender trademark vents found in the previous models.


Details about the model were left very much to the rumour mill, it is believed that the power will come from a hand-built 7.0 liter V12 engine which will be housed nicely inside a chassis made of aluminium and carbon fiber.
Source: John Sibal


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Aston Martin Racing Reveals Vantage GT2 IllustrationSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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2009 Seat Ibiza CUPRA Images Released

The “Arrow Design” concept seen throughout the Ibiza range continues to inspire the model, the designers have remodelled the front bumper to incorporate the extra air intakes that surround the grille and clearly contributes to its added aggression. The rear end bumper also fails to escape the wrath of the engineers with a centrally mounted exhaust pipe that is surrounded by a wind controlling rear diffuser. The look is completed with a set of 17 inch alloy wheel and twin chrome headlights. Inside the vehicle but hidden from us in these initial pictures are CUPRA sports seats, aluminium pedals and an “easy entry” system on the passenger seat.


Today is the day we present to you the reason behind the awesome Bocanegra Concept, today we present to you the first images and details of the Ibiza CUPRA model. It is powered by a brand new 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine that generates 180 horsepower and it is mated to the 7 speed DSC gearbox which similarly features in its Sport-Coupe sibling.

No further details have been released yet, but expect to hear more closer to the models debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.


The brand new 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine continues Seat's tradition to care for the environment with reduced CO2 emissions, its low displacement is testament to this fact. A bunch of upgraded systems add to the overall driving experience, these include TCS (Traction Control System), EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a CUPRA Suspension system
Source:World Car Fans



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New Seat Ibiza to debut at GenevaSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Viper ACR and Corvette ZR1 battle on the 'Ring

A couple months back, the bone-stock Corvette ZR1 put supercars everywhere on notice when it took on the famed Nurburgring and ran a Nissan GT-R-beating 7:26. The track-ready, fire breathing Viper ACR bested the Corvette's amazing effort by posting an incredible 7:22 lap time. Despite a four second difference in total track time, blogger Andi Baritchi slapped both track videos together (after 30 seconds of annoying scrolling text) to verify that the Viper ACR came out on top. Hit the jump to view the two fastest American-made, street legal, 600+ hp beasts as they tangle in a 'Ring battle for the ages. The video proves what we already knew, but it's still fun to see how two very different, yet very similar vehicles, handle the twists and turns of the Nurburgring.

Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Mid-engine Audi R3 to replace TT

Over the past week, CAR has donned its prognostication cap and tapped it's "internal sources" in an attempt to foretell Audi's future product plans. A few of stories have ranged from inane to insane, but one post seems entirely plausible and has blinded us with excitement.

Audi's mid-engine R4 was pronounced stillborn this past year, but with Volkswagen bringing its own midship concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, Audi might revive plans its own version to market in the next five years. The new R3 would effectively replace the TT, providing a better business case for VAG to produce a mid-engine platform and silencing critics that have constantly complained that the TT is merely a tarted up Golf.

If the Volkswagen version is well received and given the green light, expect it to debut in 2013, with Audi's variant following shortly thereafter. In an attempt to keep from directly competing with the Porsche Boxster, Audi will exclusively offer the R3 with four-cylinder engines, including a 180 hp, 1.8-liter TFSI, 220 hp, 2.0-liter and a 280 hp, 2.0-liter on the S-line model. Diesels are also being considered, ranging from a 125 hp, 1.6.-liter to a 204 hp, 2.0-liter.

[Source: CAR]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Toyota unveils new Avensis

Toyota will use the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October to unveil its redesigned flagship model for Europe, the Avensis. Think of it as the old country's version of the Avalon. Though we only have a rear 3/4 shot to go by, the new Avensis looks considerably more chunky than the current model, with a short deck lid, large rear tail-lights, a strong shoulder line and some interesting concave surfacing above the side sills. We don't know much else, other than that it will be offered with more powerful and cleaner engines when it goes on sale in Europe around January.

Toyota also announced that it will be bringing out the production version of its iQ city car and the Urban Cruiser for the Paris show. The Urban Cruiser is basically a ruggedized, soft-roading version of the Scion xD, while the iQ is based on the concept of the same name that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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2009 Honda Civic Coupe revealed in brochure

Just last week we revealed official images and specifications for the updated 2009 Honda Civic in sedan and hybrid body styles. Lest you coupe fans feel left out, we've finally found information on Honda's newish two-door in DX, LX, EX/EX-L and Si levels from a PDF brochure and the brand's U.S. website. As with the sedan, the front and rear of the Civic Coupe see the most change, though it'll take a trained eye to spot the differences out back. The front grille, though, looks more aggressive and sports a new honeycomb pattern, and the lower bumper has been redesigned with new air intakes. We likey. Also of note are the new clear turn signal lenses. On the inside, the available navigation system flips down to reveal a slot-loading CD player and inputs for digital audio cards, whatever those are. There's also a new USB music interface in the center console so you can just plug a flash drive full of tunes into the dash. A 140-hp, 1.8-Liter i-VTEC® engine powers the standard coupe and offers up to 36 highway mpg. Honda hasn't released any of this information through its media website, and the consumer website still isn't showing any 2009 Si models, so expect the big H to release more information on its '09 coupes in the coming weeks.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Nissan Shiraz Concept

Design student Miguel Ángel Iranzo Sánchez created the vehicle you see above, and he describes it as "a mix between a[n] SUV and a sportscar infused with Nissan brand DNA." For his efforts, which took an entire summer, he won a scholarship to get his Masters in Car Design in Valencia, and -- put on your Price is Right voice for this -- a brand new car! A Nissan Note, to be exact.

Billed as 100-percent all-terrain, ecological, sporty, and Nissan, we admit it's interesting. The doors are gullwing, and the interior is terrific concept car simplicity.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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RENNtech's Pikes Peak-inspired hybrid GLK

Of all the trucks that have proliferated into the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the GLK isn't exactly the most aggressive. But according to the latest reports, Mercedes is lining up an array of aftermarket tuners at the SEMA show to infuse what appears to be more than a little testosterone into the compact sport-ute.

First up to bat is RENNtech, the Florida-based company responsible, among other things, for the bringing the McLaren SLR 722 to America and actually getting it to produce 722 horsepower. RENNtech has taken inspiration from the Pikes Peak challenge – one of the most iconic and power-craven hill-climb events in the world – to create this hardcore GLK. Little is known in the way of details, but the vehicle is said to feature RENNtech's first performance hybrid drivetrain.

Brabus, Blvd Customs and Legendary Motorcars are also said to be preparing modified GLKs for SEMA, although Mercedes has not yet confirmed its participation in the show.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Microsoft getting into the car WiFi biz

The Internet has been invading every aspect of our lives, but until recently most of us have gone without a connection to the World Wide Web inside our cars. That's changing with third party companies and OEMs beginning to offer 3G WiFi solutions for automobiles, and Microsoft says it's working on an even better idea. The Seattle-based software giant is working with the Universities of Massachusetts and Washington to develop a more reliable WiFi experience that enables the reception of multiple signals simultaneously to cut back on choppy service.

Microsoft's WiFi solution would leverage fledgling municipal wireless infrastructures to bring the Internet to your car. The Ballmer boys are betting that WiFi services will spread like wildfire in the future, and its new technology will be able to utilize multiple signals at the same time to make in-car Internet as smooth as what you get at home. On the surface, in-car Internet sounds ridiculous, but think of all the iPhone-like apps that could make your life easier. Weather, navigation, information, show times, and even gaming for your passengers would be a click away. You could even read Autoblog in the parking lot while your spouse goes shopping.

[Source: Kicking Tires]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Honda/Acura NSX Caught Powering Round Nurburgring Again

The revival of the Japanese supercars has been fantastic, models such as the Toyota LF-A and Nissan GT-R have been a breath of fresh air on the industry and soon the Honda/Acura NSX will get in on the party. Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX, this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal – particularly in the USA.


Not expected until 2009, Honda’s supercar is aiming to compete against rivals like Porsche’s 911 Turbo, the Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.


Under the hood we can definitely hear the bite of a V10, there are however questions over whether Honda will turbo charge this engine or perhaps leave it in its naturally aspirated form. Honda’s not as obsessed as many by big horsepower outputs, but even so an output of 450 hp seems likely. Should such an engine be fitted to the sort of lightweight body as the previous NSX, the performance would be exceptional.
Source:World Car Fans



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Spied Chevy Matiz is Happy to See UsSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Behind drawing board McLaren P11 Supercar

Stephenson will join McLaren in a couple of months and he will head up the designs for a small family of supercars set to be launched by the brand as soon as 2009. The engineering side of the development is said to be fixed with the Mercedes-sourced direct-injection 6.2-litre AMG unit mated to a double-clutch gearbox set to be incorporated, however the design is not.

It had been thought the design of the McLaren P11 had been signed off and was just waiting to be engineered into prototype form. But following a report by Autocar we can tell you the model's original designs have been scrapped and its back to the drawing board, a move that will put the model's launch date back by 12 months. It also explains the real reason why the company hired the former BMW, Mini, Fiat and Ferrari designer Frank Stapleton to head up their design team.

Rumours flying around also state that the P11 will spawn both an open-top and GTR race versions in the future.
Source:World Car Fans



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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Photo Album Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Bugatti renews Fbg same standard Hermès special issue Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès special edition model was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and the supercar maker has decided to extend the options by offered four new colour schemes in line with the Heritage of Bugatti and Hermès. These color options are “indigo blue and vermilion”, “indigo blue and lime green”, “ black and garance red” and “Prussian blue and blue jean”.


Just a few short weeks a go, we were all basking in the glory of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport at the Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance. So much in fact that we failed to notice that the makers of the one of the world's most expensive supercars had actually presented (albeit at a different location) a new interpretation of one of their special edition models.More Photos



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Detailed and Officially Revealed for Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport RoadsterSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Volkswagen Caddy Topos Sail Design Concept

The Caddy Topos Sail design concept, based on the smallest model in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle van range, uses design cues from classic yachts and has its multi-functional roof covered with wooden decking surrounded by aluminium roof rails.


It is based on the Volkswagen California camper van, the boot door sports a set of four wooden and aluminium steps leading up to the top of the vehicle where we find the decking area surrounded by aluminium roof racks preventing users from falling off the edge.


Volkswagen campers became popular almost as soon as the Transporter van was introduced in the 1950s, and the California model was introduced in 1988 when the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter was in production.
Source: VW


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Volkswagen ECE 9.150 Armored TruckSource URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Audi A7 four-door hard-top cabrio

The blokes at Car say they've got the scoop on the upcoming Audi A7, including a convertible version depicted in the rendering on the right. Power is rumored to start with six cylinders across the range, with a V10-powered S7 and a twin-turbo V10-motivated RS7. Expect a variety of transmissions to be on offer as well, including manuals, automatics and dual-clutch gearboxes with six or seven speeds, along with the availability of quattro all-wheel-drive.

Sources have suggested that, while Audi will be behind the game in bringing a four-door coupe in the Mercedes CLS mold to market in the first half of 2010, it's got another segment-busting trick up it's sleeve: a full four-door convertible. And according to Car's illustrators, the A7 cabrio will feature a full retractable hard-top. Many have toyed with the idea of a four-door convertible – most recently arch-rival Mercedes with the Ocean Drive concept from Detroit '07 – but Audi may be the ones to actually revive the long-lost segment. Parade detail, here we come.

[Source: Car]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Hyundai recalls 65,000 Elantras for fuel pump problem

Some 2008-model Hyundai Elantras are being recalled due to fuel pumps that could lose pressure and decreasing engine performance. In Elantras with the 2.0-liter Beta engine, gasoline with ethanol added creates a buildup of film on the pump's electrical contacts. This can cause the engine to hesitate during starting or while running. The recall is voluntary, and if you have one of the affected cars, don't hesitate to contact your dealer.

[Source: Freep]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Bugatti releases new palette for Veyron Hermes

The announcement actually came from Monterey but was quickly overshadowed, somewhat ironically, by the unveiling of the open-top Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport and the subsequent auction of its first example for $3.2 million. The unveiling of the new-tint Hermes Veyrons took place at the Quail motorsport gathering on Monterey Peninsula, where Bugatti revealed the four new color schemes available: "indigo blue and vermilion", "indigo blue and lime green", " black and garance red" and "Prussian blue and blue jean". We're not entirely sure what all these colors are, exactly, and given that Bugatti put them in quotation marks, we're not sure they're sure, either. They undoubtedly would have shown us pictures of all four, but given that these 1.5 million euro hyper-exotics are made to order and available only from the end of the year, we doubt examples of each color option have been made yet. Of course they all come decked out with the H-pattern grille, eight-spoke wheels, lavish calfskin interior and exclusive package of specially-made Hermes luggage.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Lexus planning IS cabrio, lightweight IS-F

The higher-ups at Toyota may have decided to axe the replacement for the Lexus SC convertible, but don't get too used to the idea of a world without a wind-in-your-hair Lexus. Word has it they've given the green light to a convertible version of the current IS sedan. Of course, lopping off the doors and roof of a four-door is hardly unheard of, as that's just what Audi did to make the A4 convertible, but while that 'vert is set to be replaced by the A5 cabrio, Lexus is going the opposite direction.

The IS cabrio is tipped to come in 250 and 350 varieties, with Lexus reasoning that there'd be no market for an IS-F convertible. But fret not, as the same reports suggest that a lightweight IS-F sedan is on its way, again going the opposite way of the Germans as BMW just canceled the M3 CSL program. Things are about to get a whole lot busier at the Lexus plants in Tahara and Kyūshū.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Renault's Persian-market, Maxima-based Safrane

The Persian Gulf is fast becoming a demanding market for luxury automobiles. So demanding, in fact, that some automakers have begun creating special models just for consumption there. Just days ago we brought you news that Rolls-Royce, having already shipped a golden Drophead Coupe for one special customer, was launching a limited edition Phantom saloon called the Peony edition.

This, however, is not a special Rolls-Royce. We won't list all the ways in which it isn't a Roller, but will save your time and ours by listing instead what it shares in common. It's a luxury sedan, and it's made specially to be engulfed by the Gulf market. That's about it. The Safrane nameplate was previously used for Renault's lackluster flagship sedan, replaced by the reviled Vel Satis in 2000. So what is this exactly that has revived the name? A rebadged Samsung SM5, essentially. That vehicle is produced in an 80.1% Renault-owned joint venture in South Korea. If you're noticing some similarities with our own Nissan Maxima, you've got a keen eye, as it shares its platform with the last-gen Maxima as well as the Nissan Teana (itself available only in the Asian market).Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Ferrari Monza concept too complex for puny humans

It appears that after seeing a number of its finest works crashed by errant drivers, Ferrari should consider making something like this. It's called the Monza, and it's part car, part motorcycle, part flying wing, and all anime.

Independently designed by Iman Maghsoudi, the Monza, whose name recalls historic Ferraris of yore and the race track that hosts the Italian Grand Prix, can go 125 miles per hour. But because humans cannot muster "sufficient concentration" to keep it on the ground and upright, computers take over. They change the angles of the canards over the front wheels and make sure the Monza doesn't go airborne in violent gusts. This study in advanced aerodynamics appears to be the road-going equivalent of an F-16, which seems to be a rather complicated way to go speeds that aren't considered that fast anymore. But hey, it's a Ferrari, it's red, no one else has one, and if we got the chance we'd drive it, too.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Chrysler may sell Dodge Viper rather than kill it

The Dodge Viper has been Chrysler's halo car since it was introduced back in 1992, but times are tough. Faced with the fact that it might not be able to continue making the brutish sports car, the Auburn Hills-based automaker is reportedly considering doing something that's never been done before by a domestic automaker (as for as we know): selling the Viper's future to a third party. Automotive News quotes Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli saying, "We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper." Nardelli claims that whatever happens, his company will work to make sure the best interests of Viper fanboys are served and that Chrysler would continue to offer "operational and financial" support for the car if a transaction takes place. We're honestly a little stunned that Chrysler would consider such a drastic action, though if it means the Viper won't be sacrificed at the altar of economic woes, we're all for it. On the other hand, how does one separate Dodge from the Viper? Can you imagine Ford selling the Mustang to ROUSH or GM selling the Corvette to Lingenfelter? Chrysler has not identified any of the Viper's suitors, so rather than a familiar tuning house, it could also be a conglomerate of investors or another automaker. Is a Viper sold by another brand still a Viper?Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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McLaren P11 supercar goes back to the drawing board... in two months

The McLaren P11 will still be powered by a 6.2-liter Mercedes AMG unit, but nobody knows yet what the car that goes around the engine is going to look like. Frank Stephenson, recently of Fiat fame, has been given instructions to completely redesign the car when he starts at McLaren. However, he can't take up the position at McLaren until he finishes his "gardening leave," a mandatory vacation between sensitive jobs that aims to prevent employees from taking their inside knowledge with them.

McLaren says that the car won't look anything like the sketches that made the rounds last year. That's not such a bad thing -- while a good looking car, the sketches were uninspiring and a bit derivative. We expect that the man who has had a hand in everything from the BMW X5 and MINI to the Ferrari F430, Maserati Quattroporte and MC12 probably has a few good ideas left lying around. Unfortunately, the arrival of the P11 has been pushed back a year due to the redesign, to probably mid-to-late 2010.

[Source: Autocar]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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BMW cancels development of E92 M3 CSL

There were around 1,400 examples of the BMW e46 M3 CSL built, and by all accounts they were exceptionally well received. However, according to Ludwig Willisch, the boss of the automaker's M division, the current e92 M3 won't get the same treatment. He – or perhaps the accountants – feel that "based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL."

If a current scorching version of the e92 were to exist, it would have been bumped by anywhere from 36 to 56 horsepower, shed 200 pounds or more, worn some different tires and a set of bigger lungs. In light of the possible volume, though, which would be small, BMW – or again, its accountants – would rather focus on the X6 and X5 for now.

[Source: Car]Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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Audi develops R8 GT3 racer

The courtship between Audi and GT3-class racing teams has officially begun with the automaker's announcement that it has developed a GT3 version of the R8 sports car dubbed "R16" internally by its project overlords at Audi Sport . The rear-drive racer (GT3 regulations prohibit AWD) features a six-speed sequential gearbox, mostly production-spec suspension components, plus an updated front end and a large rear wing designed to keep it planted to the tarmac. No additional tech specs have been revealed at this time. Factory driver Frank Biela was at the wheel for the prototype's roll-out, and customer deliveries are expected to take place next fall. Look for the car to see wheel-to-wheel action against the likes of the Aston Martin DBRS9 and Jaguar XKR GT3 during the 2009 European racing season.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE:
Audi develops race version of the R8

* Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar
* First races planned for 2009 season
* Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

Ingolstadt – For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.

"The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. "Ever since the R8 was unveiled we've been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle."

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name "R16" within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Györ).Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2008/08/
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