Event Alert: March Calendar of Automotive Events

Besides the gradual thawing of most of the country, March means the beginning of the Formula One season as well as Sebring, the Geneva Motor Show, the Amelia Island Concours, and NASCAR ramping up to full speed.

Those events alone would be enough to sate even the healthiest automotive appetites, but there's plenty more going on in the motoring world. As always, we tried to list the highlights as well as a few smaller events that we hope will be of interest to you. Feel free to use the comments section to add or modify listings.
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Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/
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More on TAC Motors' Stark raving awesome Brazilian bomber in Video

It's not the love child of a Smart Fortwo and a Jeep Wrangler -- it's the TAC Motors Stark 4X4. While we're not entirely sold on the looks of its four-piece composite shell, this off-roader is now aequipped to handle whatever terrain you might happen to encounter.

Previously available with an ethanol-burning Volkswagen engine, power now comes from a 2.3-liter turbodiesel making 220 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a five-speed synchronized transmission that sends power through a Borg Warner transfer case back to a stout Dana 44 rear axle. A set of skidplates looks to keep it all protected.
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First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, this time-honored dictum is proving true as pickup trucks regain their rightful place at the top of the U.S. sales charts following a precipitous fall from grace last summer.

As you've undoubtedly noticed, the cost of gasoline has dropped to a more manageable level, with an average gallon of regular-grade fuel going for half the price it was less than a year ago. So is it back to business as usual? Not quite. As we found out (again) in 2008, the volatile nature of gasoline stocks means that the market price for a barrel of crude can and will change on a whim. Does anyone really think fuel is going to stay cheaper than bottled water forever? Not likely.

However, America's love affair with the pickup truck will continue to burn bright even though the status quo is changing. All vehicles, regardless of type, must travel more miles on each gallon of gasoline. Enter GM's latest duo of fuel-saving pickups: the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids.


These two workhorses were first announced at the LA Auto Show in late 2007, though the 2009 editions are just now beginning to show up at dealerships across the country. For the new model year, GM has made a few tweaks to its range of heavy haulers, most notably switching to a new set of hydraulic body mounts to compensate for the extra weight of the large battery pack. Are there any good reasons to consider these hybrid trucks over their highly-respected standard siblings? To find out, we strapped ourselves behind the wheel of each, followed a route through the streets of San Antonio, Texas, and recorded our mileage along the way.
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Geneva Debut: Sportec SPR1 M with 858hp

Sportec with an update on the above SPR1: the SPR1M. This car is 3 seconds from 0 to 100!


The sprint from 0-200 is perhaps even more impressive, it does the SPR1 in 8.6 seconds! Perhaps the SPR1M that take? The available power is 858 hp with a max torque of 880 Nm. Sportec will next week unveil the car at the Geneva car show, then it will also be shown the Autorai (April). The SPR1M is based on the 997 Turbo and completely rebuilt by hand using a lot of carbon. To ensure exclusivity, only 10 copies made.


The Sportec SPR1 continued in 2007 the second time down to Nardo, there was achieved a top speed of 378 km / h. The SPR1M this should increase to 390 km / h.
via autoblog



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Geneva Preview: Porsche Cayenne Diesel gets the TechArt Treatment

For some reason, Porsche tuner TechArt has decided to release an exclusive aerokit for the recently introduced Cayenne diesel used Audi-derived, 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Although less extreme than the company's other adjustment package, accessorized Cayenne diesel certainly come to the fore.

TechaArt the Aero package includes a pre-spoiler with additional lights, side skirts, roof spoiler, a tailgate on the proliferation and integrated headlights / tail light decoration. All the components are from high quality polyurethane RIM Corporation.


Package to be complemented by a set of 21 inch alloy wheels 295/35 tires continental tires, but buyers can also choose 22-inch alloys. If your pockets can handle it, TechArt also provides a wide range of internal upgrades, including a new steering wheel, alloy pedals, and the full leather treatment.





via:carscoop



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Report: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible unveiled at Frankfurt

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class coupe and convertible enough to clearly indicate that these two cars close to a statement. The coupe will bow next month in Geneva, according to Edmonds' inside the roadster will debut this autumn in Frankfurt, in line with market expectations.


It's official: E-class coupe and convertible models will replace the clock. Tire specifications convertible is still a possibility on the basis of the test found in the prototype, but the soft-top was inevitable. By a modified two door sedan version of the chassis, longer wheelbase and more interior space than the outgoing clock. The roadster is expected to share the same power system can be in sports.


What are these? Ah, Mercedes's first direct injection four-cylinder engine is based on power, 1.8 liters turbocharged unit of decision-making 204 horsepower. Ah four common-rail diesel power can also be, but neither the four-cylinder (designated E250 CGI and ignition of gasoline and diesel models, respectively) is expected to make it to North America. American will have to content with the E350 Coupe and Cabriolet 231 hp 3.0 liters V6 engine. V8 engine provides the E500. Of course, the high power of the AMG version are inevitable; expected 500-horsepower AMG or if shoehorns its 6.2 liters V8 engine, the engine E-Class sedans Bay.


Other progress will be found a similar high-tech E - Class sedan, including revised Command System PRE - SAFE braking and a driver assist system detects drowsiness attention.

Please note: Photos are included in this article was originally published February 11, 2009.
Source:World Car Fans



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New rules do not halt F1 innovation

F1's new bodywork rules may have brought an end to a lot of the cars' overt aerodynamic detail, but it has not halted the innovation of the teams

At the winter test tracks so far, plenty of clever features are on display, including Williams and Toyota's controversial rear diffuser designs

Sam Michael, Williams, technical director, said on Thursday he expects "50 per cent of the grid" to have honed-in on the idea by the time late March and the Australian grand prix roll around

Also spotted recently is a new design of carbon-fibre front wheel covers on the 2009 McLaren

Described as a sort of "snorkel" by the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, the innovation is expected to be fitted to the MP4-24 in Australia

Meanwhile, on Williams' 2009-spec FW31 at the Grove factory on Thursday, reporters could not miss the addition of new fins on the cockpit

"They're called 'skate fins' because they're similar to what you see on a surfboard," Australian Michael said
Source: GMM



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Mercedes-Benz Extends G-Class Production Until 2015

The "Highlander" of the automobile industry, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class that has been in production since the spring of 1979, will continue to live on for at least six more years as Daimler AG has signed an agreement with Magna Steyr to produce the robust off-roader at the company's plant in Graz, Austria until 2015. In the 30 years that the G-Class has been in production, Mercedes-Benz has sold around 200,000 examples of the vehicle worldwide.


To celebrate the G-Class' 30-th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz recently launched two special edition versions of the rugged off-roader called EDITION30 and EDITION30.PUR



via:carscoop




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Button agrees to slash 2009 retainer

Jenson Button has agreed to cut his 2009 retainer in half as the Honda team survives the withdrawal of the Japanese manufacturer.

A management buyout headed by Ross Brawn has apparently been green-lighted by the carmaker's Tokyo board, but it will mean a drastically reduced budget this season.

The Daily Telegraph in Britain claims up to 300 of the 700 Brackley based staff will be shed, while 29-year-old Button voluntarily cuts his contracted $15m salary for this season in two.

Some of the Brackley staff, however, are reportedly unhappy with the Brawn buyout and prepared to strike.

If Honda had folded the team, the manufacturer would have dished out healthy severance packages, while under the Brawn deal, many staff will still be shed but not compensated as handsomely.

Those surviving the job cuts face pay cuts, the Telegraph added.


Source: GMM
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Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE

At next week's Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari has announced that it will take the wraps off of two new versions of its 599 GTB Fiorano. The more approachable one (at least in terms of a high-end Ferrari fare) is the rumored 599 HGTE. Details are scarce on what comprises the Handling GT Evoluzione package at the moment, but the promise is that it will take the already accomplished GT to the next level.

Perhaps the more interesting car will be the 599XX. This model will apparently only be available to select clients – in other words, those with a long history of Ferrari ownership. Like the existing FXX version of the Enzo, the 599XX will be a rolling laboratory that incorporates technology that Ferrari engineers have been developing on both road and track cars. At this point, Ferrari isn't saying how many of these cars will be available – or what they will cost – but we expect for them to make the standard 599 look quite affordable by comparison.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe V6 beats out Infiniti G37 in first comparison test

While we're working on our own shoot-out between the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and a yet-to-be-named contender, the crew at Inside Line put Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive two-door against one of its strongest opponents: the Infiniti G37.

IL's 3.8-liter V6 Genesis Coupe tester came equipped with the Track pack, which includes a stiffer suspension, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels, along with the standard six-speed manual. The sticker? $30,375, or $6,625 less than a base model Infiniti G37. For the extra scratch, the Infiniti is a more luxurious package and carries a bit of badge snobbery, but performance and driver engagement are the metrics we're interested in and the Hyundai proved to be a serious contender.

The G is packing more power from less displacement (330 vs. 306 hp), a bit more torque (270 vs. 266 lb-ft) and revs higher (7,600 vs. 6,800 rpm). But it's also packing the pounds. The Infiniti tips the scales at 3,709 pounds, while the Genesis Coupe comes in just under 3,500 pounds.

IL performed its usual battery of tests, along with a dyno run, and deemed the G37 a better vehicle on the road from both a driving and livability standpoint, but gave props to the Genesis for its competence on the track and predictable handling characteristics. Both cars were remarkably close in the performance department, with the Hyundai taking the win on the skid-pad, while falling short on the sprint to 60, quarter-mile time and slalom run.Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/
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A word of advice to all you Genesis Coupe tuners.

It is nice to see that tuners are off to a good start with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This clean orange example has undergone a few tasteful modifications. It is possible to say that it is what hasn’t been done to the Genesis Coupe that makes it so attractive. Keep up the good work, and stay off the vinyl.


With Hyundai releasing an affordably priced enthusiast model of the Genesis Coupe, expect for the vehicle to be embraced by tuners. So please use this fine example of a modified Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a template for what tastefully tuned vehicle looks like.
The orange car includes modifications such as:
Volk Racing Rims

Aftermarket Exhaust

Slammed Suspension

Smoked Taillights

De badged treatment
What the car does not have:
Over sized GT Wing

Vinyl Graphics

Altezza Tailights

Coffee can muffler

Aftermarket wheels with a stock suspension
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TechArt Porsche 997 Facelift Program for 2009 4S Cabriolet

TECHART has a new tuning programme for the 2009 Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet. These modifications can best be seen live at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of next week. The aero kit comprises of a front spoiler which blends in with the front bumper and side sills that widen the car's already wide stance. Moreover a rear diffuser and a wing profile add to the visual appeal.


Other decorative details are headlight and mirror trims, a carbon fiber roof spoiler and air vents that are integrated into the front apron.
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Geneva preview：TechArt Magnum based on Cayenne Turbo

Tuning firm TechArt will use the Geneva Motor Show to introduce their new Magnum, which is based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.


In terms of performance, the Magnum features a T2.2 tuning package which increases the engine's output to 680 hp (500 kW) and 900 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h takes just 4.2 seconds while the vehicle's top speed is a healthy 308 km/h. Other performance changes include a reworked suspension module that allows the car to sit 30mm lower than a standard Cayenne Turbo S and a variety of wheels that are available in sizes from 20 to 23 inches.


In order to help the Magnum standout, TechArt added a new front apron which features massive air intakes and plenty of chrome detailing. The company also included new fenders and sill panels, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser, two stainless steel double-flow exhaust pipes, and enough LED lighting to illuminate a small town.


Despite the rather questionable exterior, the cabin is luxurious enough to win rave reviews from just about anyone. It features an exclusive de Sede interior which covers virtually every surface in premium leather and rear passengers get individual seats that are separated by a new center console.

More Photos




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More Details and Images for Perana Z

When Basil Green squeezed a 5l Ford Windsor V8 into the venerable Capri 40 years ago he created the Perana legend. Now the name is about to make a return in dashing supercar style.

Low volume performance car enthusiasts will be well acquainted with the skills of Port Elizabeth based Hi Tech Automotive, under the leadership of Jimmy Price, renowned for building the Noble supercar range bodies.

Team Perana vision

Jimmy has always hankered after the idea of producing a home-grown supercar. At the Geneva motor show next week this dream will finally take a step closer to tangible reality with the unveiling of the Perana Z-one.


Made for real driving

Framing the otherworldly bodywork is a traditional 60s F1 car tubular and box section chassis. Suspending the Z-one, on both axles, is an unequal length double-wishbone set-up with Eibach springs and Blistein dampers controlling rebound.


Dream come true?

Jimmy Price intends the Perana Z-one to be a limited production model (as are all Zagato-inspired sports cars), with factory capacity in Port Elizabeth not to exceed 999 cars during a yearly production cycle. If they sell such numbers, Hi Tech Automotive could probably balance the Eastern Cape budget - for a change.


more detail. ...




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Geneva Debut: 2009 Renault Megane Sport Tourer...

2009 Renault Megane Sport Tourer Estate While sharing the same front-end styling with the new Megane hatchback models, the station wagon variant features a distinct rear-end design with split tail lights. Compared to the outgoing Megane estate, the new Sport Tourer features a 'swoopier' and lower roofline that offers the car a more dynamic appearance than its predecessor, but this could also mean that it is less practical.



Don't expect any surprises under the hood as the Sport Tourer will be offered with same gasoline and diesel unit as the hatchback. The petrol engine range will include 100HP and 110HP 1.6-liter units, a 140HP 2.0-liter and the turbocharged 130HP 1.4TCe and 180HP 2.0TCe. Diesel options will include 1.5 dCi 85HP, 90 HP, 105 HP and 110 HP units along with more powerful 130 HP, 150HP and 160 HP variants.


The next-generation Renault Megane Sport Tourer - you can simply call it an estate or a station wagon- has been scooped without a single trace of camouflage ahead of its world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. Caught by our friends over at the Auto Hoje forums, the 2009 Megane Sport Tourer was discovered in the city of Lisbon in Portugal during a filming for an advertising campaign.



via carscoop



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AC Schnitzer BMW 7-Series F01/F02 Program for Geneva Presentation

AC Schnitzer's BMW 7 Series kit is set to wow Geneva next week. Fitted to the new 7 Series the kit is made for a sporty image while making a powerful statement as a large luxury sedan. The front lip is one of the first changes one notices. Then the side skirts seem to widen the car's poise and enhance its already muscular look.


AC Schnitzer tailpipes heighten the experience with two exhaust channels rounded by a chromed trapezoid trim. In between them an air diffuser is fitted. The rear look is completed by a boot spoiler and a rear roof spoiler.


Wheels come in several designs including the five-spoke V alloy look and stretches for 22-inches. Another one is the multispoke design that also comes in a 22-inch size.


"Our accessories set important accents and emphasise the sporting characteristics of the saloon in a targeted manner," says AC Schnitzer Chief Designer Michele Viandante. "The result must be a harmonious ensemble, and not a combination of trainers and tuxedo."
More Photos



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