Detroit Premiere: Revenge Designs Verde Supercar Teased Ahead

This year a multiple powertrain option will be announced, although the optional HP2ge hybrid engine will not be displayed due to time constraints. It is said to return 110mpg through its V8/ electric motor combination. The system makes 678Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. Power is a respectable 294kW (400hp). But the Revenge Verde super car itself, which has apparently garnered so much interest, is set for a public display regardless.


Revenge, the manufacturer-turned-tuner based in Indiana, Ohio, is poised for its second appearance at the North American International Auto Show. Last year the company showcased the Revenge GTMR at the same event.

According to the company website the Verde will launch at a price of US$180,000 which is quite less than the Gallardo's US$250,000. Sales are scheduled to begin in July.


"That Gallardo's clutch will run US$16,800 to repair," says Peter Collorafi, President and CEO. "Ours will be done with domestic vendors and labour and run US$3,200. That's a niche we want to fill."
Tom Dupont from the Dupont Registry will speak regarding the kind of international interest the super car has had when the Detroit curtains drop.
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BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS ADDS RECYCLABILITY TO ITS GREEN CREDENTIALS

The new Continental Supersports, the first Bentley to use FlexFuel technology which enables it to run on E85 biofuel, gasoline or any combination of these two fuels, has further underlined its green credentials by meeting the 85% recyclability standard (95% for recoverability) demanded of all the Bentley Continental range.
In May 2009 Bentley received the official recycling pre-certification (in accordance with the EU Directive 2005/64/EG) from the German Motor Transport Authority (KBA) - thereby becoming one of the first luxury car manufacturers to attain this standard.


Type approval then followed from TÜV, the independent testing and certification service supplier, and now, with the addition of the Continental Supersports to this certification, the entire Bentley Continental range meets this exacting standard. The certificate, which is only awarded after detailed independent scrutiny of the car, assures the fact that virtually all the Continental's materials can be reused or reprocessed by other industries.
The Crewe-built Supercar, which is now arriving in Bentley showrooms, is the most extreme production car in the company's 90-year history. Capable of reaching 204 mph (329km/h), it is also the lightest road-going Bentley having shed some 110kg through a broad programme of weight reduction involving the innovative use of new materials such as carbon ceramics and carbon fibre.


The achievement of this certification is testament to the endeavours of the Bentley engineering team as Dr. Arno Homburg, Head of Whole vehicle Development at Bentley Motors said:
"Producing the fastest Bentley was a challenge in itself. However, we were equally determined not to sacrifice any environmental aspect in pursuit of this goal. The result is the paradox that the most extreme Bentley ever, is also the greenest".
The Supersports is the first iteration of the environmental strategy Bentley launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. Powered by gasoline, E85 biofuel or any combination of these two fuels, the Supersports can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70% on a well-to-wheel basis.


It is one element of a broader Bentley strategy which will see by 2012 the company's average fleet CO2 emissions reduced by 15% and the introduction of a new powertrain that will by itself deliver a 40% reduction in fuel consumption. This programme is also supported at the Bentley factory where the use of gas, electricity and water have all been reduced significantly despite Bentley achieving record levels of production in recent years.


A genuine two-seater, the Supersports takes Bentley into new market sectors. It has received an overwhelmingly positive media reaction and is now attracting keen customer interest. Its Flexfuel capability ensures that is fuelled for the future and, with this latest recyclability certification, customers can be assured that every effort has been taken to consider the environmental impact of all components over the entire life of the car. As Dr Homburg adds:
"It is part of our responsibility as a car maker to contribute to environmental improvements and with Supersports you can see an evolution of this thinking. Even though Bentleys last a very long time - nearly 70% of all cars ever made are still on the road or in collections - we have still sought to ensure any environmental impact is minimised. The wide use of natural materials such as wood and leather and the craftsmanship inherent in their use naturally favours us here."
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Alfa Romeo Not Planning Multiair V-8 Engine

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, despite its extremely limited production, certainly counts as both rear-wheel drive and V-8-powered. But rumors of an Alfa based on the Chrysler LX platform have been stirring for some time now, opening the door to a more mass-market top-level sedan.


According to the report, an Alfa source told Autocar that, "No front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive Alfa Romeo will use a engine larger than a V6." That is rather conclusive on the point, but it also infers two things: first, that there are more rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeos in the works; and second, that V-8s might find homes under their hoods.


News emerging from Europe this week says new Chrysler corporate cousin Alfa Romeo won't be developing a V-8 engine anytime soon, though a quick read in between the lines may shed some light on the issue. Tapping into the corporate parts bin to bring Fiat Multiair technology to Chrysler engines, including the Pentastar V-6, may be a real possibility, as well.


Likewise, the limitation to the V-6 engine for the front- and all-wheel-drive models means that tapping into the Multiair variable intake valve programming system found on the MiTo hatchback's four-cylinder unit could improve efficiency and output to levels that would make a V-8 unnecessary in those applications.


Fiat does, however, have access to Chrysler's forthcoming 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, which it could equip with its new Multiair valve train to improve efficiency. Chrysler's powertrain division is now being run by Fiat's product engineering boss Paolo Ferrero.
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Lexus Updates 2010 GS Sedan Tech, Gives Hybrid GS 450h New Look

With winter rapidly approaching, the 2010 model year cars that haven't already
been released are quickly breaking cover. The 2010 Lexus GS sedan range gets a
new technology treatment and the hybrid GS 450h gets a new look, but otherwise
they carry over much of what made the 2009 models so good.





Both the 2010 Lexus GS 350 and GS 460 get new iPod and USB connectivity with
Bluetooth streaming audio and active front headrests, plus an integrated XM
satellite radio receiver with the standard Lexus Premium Sound System. The
navigation system has been updated with casual-language voice control and can
also now grab your phone's phonebook via Bluetooth. Standard XM NavTraffic/Weather
capability is also built in, though it only comes with a 90-day subscription.
Safety Connect is also standard on non-navigation equipped vehicles, while the
Enform telematics system is added when navigation is equipped.





Power for the standard GS sedans carries forward the 303-horsepower 3.5-liter
V-6 in the GS 350 and the 4.6-liter, 342-horsepower V-8 of the GS 460. The GS
450h nearly matches the V-8's output at 340 horsepower from its combination of
electric drive and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and though it's a hybrid, it actually
out-accelerates the V-8 GS 460 by 0.2 seconds to 60 mph (5.2 seconds vs 5.4
seconds).





The Hybrid GS 450h gets all that plus a few more updates, including new 18-inch
alloy wheels, a revised grille and clear taillight covers. Blue-colored hybrid
badging like other Lexus hybrids also features prominently, making it clear the
GS 450h isn't a normal gas-powered luxury sedan.



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Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen L1 Concept

The L1 name refers to the European concept of a "1-Liter" car, meaning one so efficient it uses no more than 1.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. If you're not particularly metric, that translates to 235 miles per gallon.

VW didn't quite make its mark; the L1 actually uses 1.38 L/100 km, meaning its gas mileage is "only" 170 miles per gallon.


The rear-mounted engine, a 0.8-liter two-cylinder turbocharged diesel, is essentially half of VW's current 1.6-liter TDI turbodiesel engine. It puts out 27 horsepower in Eco mode, which rises to 39 hp in Sport mode, and drives through a 7-speed direct-shift gearbox (DSG) paired with a 14-hp hybrid electric system that switches off the engine as the car comes to a stop.
more detail. ...



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Frankfurt preview: New 2010 Saab 9-5 _ With Video

Saab is already working on a hybrid version of the new 9-5 sedan. The hybrid version will use a small petrol engine backed up by an electric motor in an effort to increase fuel-economy and cut emissions.


Saab is working on a new 120-hp turbocharged 1.4L gasoline engine that will be assisted during periods of acceleration by an electric motor fitted in between it and the transmission. AutoCar says that the electric motor will offer high levels of torque and will come on when the driver is accelerating.


The big advantage of an electric motor is that it offers high levels of torque from idle. In the Saab the electric motor will come on stream when the driver is pulling away or accelerating.


The new 2010 Saab 9-5 will make its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next week. It will go on sale in early 2010. Pricing and availability details will be announced closer to launch date.
via:egmcartech



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GM Presents those 'Simple Bare Necessities' Concepts

For GM one of the most fundamental definitions goes to the idea of saving weight. That means unnecessary features are stripped off to make room for what may be termed as Bare Necessities which is applied to all vehicles including trucks and smaller cars. A number of the blog's users suggested a diesel motor and better aerodynamics for Bare Necessities Trucks as examples of eco-friendliness. The designers and engineers may end up taking some of these thoughts into the final truck product, as well as using lighter construction materials.


The new GM's plan to interact better with the world is working quite well seemingly. Users of the online forum at GMblogs are quite impressed with the company's plans for better, more fuel-efficient vehicles. During one of the discussions on the company's Eco Initiative project GM designers explained how difficult it is to meet customer expectations when it comes to eco-friendliness because different customers have different ideas of what eco-friendly means.


For smaller cars like the Bare Necessities Car some of the same principles can be applied, such as eliminating non-critical features as per customer needs while using the minimum of parts and sustainable materials. Quite a challenge considering that one man's critical feature may be another one's luxury.


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Frankfurt Motor Show:: Audi to Unveil R8 ePerformance Electric Vehicle Concept

For a number of years now major automakers' favourite flavour at international motor shows has been the hybrid system. Now a new dawn is upon us and it is the dawn of full electric power. Rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while are suggesting that Audi will be one of those who unveil an electric sports car concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will take the form of an R8.

Supposedly the car will be called the R8 ePerformance. Power is to come from large powerful batteries and an electric motor to drive the wheels, so it will not be a hybrid but a complete electric-powered car.
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Gilligan's Island tech? Coconut oil-fueled, bamboo taxi

Increasing powertrain efficiency is just one area in which vehicles' environmental impact can be lessened. A significant portion of the total energy used to operate the vehicle over its lifetime comes from sourcing and processing raw materials into individual vehicle components, as well as transporting finished vehicles to their end customers.


With this in mind, new taxis based on renewable materials are being built and used on Gilligan's Island in the Filipino town of Tabontabon. The bodywork is made entirely from bamboo -- a grass which, in addition to being strong and lightweight, grows back after it's harvested. Don't expect to see this on the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks anytime soon, but as a low-speed vehicle for use in rural areas, it's an interesting alternative.


Even the fuel is renewable, as the engines in these vehicles are powered by coconut oil-based biodiesel. Plus, if you're lucky, maybe you'll be able to split a fare with Ginger or Mary Ann on the way to the Professor's hut.


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2010 Tesla Roadster gets upgrades

While owners of the current Tesla Roadster get the benefit of driving their bad ass electric vehicle today, people who are on the list for a 2010 model will get a few benefits that make 2009 owners jealous. Tesla Motors Club member DrComputer wrote about "a conversation with Ted at corporate" that revealed some improvements to the new cars. A tipster sent in a similar list of upgrades.


The upgrades include:

* New power electronics module
* Better cooling for the power electronics
* Improved AC with variable speed fans
* Built in WiFi cards that connect the Roadster to the Internet (unless you turn the feature off) and gives Tesla the ability to interact with the car remotely. Also, this could open the door to mobile phone apps that talk to the car.
* Glove box locks when you lock the car (to leave it out with the top down)


Both sources mention the ability to switch vehicle performance modes – from Range to Standard or Performance (but not back to Range) – with the key instead of needing to change modes via the screen. There has been no official confirmation about these upgrades, but none of them would surprise us if they were true. Thanks to Dan for the tip!


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2010 Toyota Prius ditches Incredible Shrinking Gas Tank for conventional unit

Since its introduction back in 2001, Toyota has equipped the Prius with a synthetic fuel tank bladder that collapsed as gasoline was slowly pumped out of the tank and into the engine.


Due to complaints that the last-gen car wasn't able to take its full 11.9 gallon fuel allotment whenever the temperature was below 70-degrees, the third-generation Prius comes equipped with a more conventional rigid fuel tank made from lightweight resin. In order to retain its coveted low-emissions rating in California, the latest Prius also reportedly features an improved vapor-recovery system that will help reduce hydrocarbon emissions.


Ever notice that you your bladder seems to shrink when its cold outside? Apparently, the Toyota Prius feels your pain, and while we don't have any good solutions to report for your own personal problems, Toyota has found an easy fix for its hybrid. Unlike previous generations of Toyota's fuel saver, the new 2010 model won't have an underperforming bladder when it's cold outside.
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Compact hybrid Range Rover LRX gets green light

According to the report, Land Rover will borrow liberally from corporate partner Jaguar's hardware stable, which is rumored to soon include both hybrid and extended-range EV options. Land Rover's innovative electric drive rear axle is supposedly on the LRX menu, which would work along with the automaker's well-known and highly-effective Terrain Response System to put power to the ground wherever possible.


If there's any truth to these rumors, we shouldn't expect Land Rover to have the hybrid LRX in production until at least two years have passed. In the meantime, the British-built, Indian-owned automaker is set to debut stop/start and regenerative braking on all of its models to improve their environmental performance.


Automakers that hope to continue doing business over the next few years need to be increasingly aware of their fuel consumption, emissions and environmental credibility. In deference to this fact, Auto Express in the U.K. is reporting that Land Rover is moving forward with plans to launch the new LRX compact hybrid 'ute, possibly with a bit of help from the U.K. government.


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Nissan to Releases Global Electric Vehicle on August

Nissan will unveil a prototype of their new global electric vehicle when the company officially opens their new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan on August 2.


Although little is known about the upcoming EV, AutoCar reports it will be a mid-size five door hatchback with unique styling. The car will be propelled by an advanced lithium-ion battery developed by AESC. Nissan says it offers twice the power of a traditional "li-lo" battery, while providing unparalleled performance and reliability.


Nissan will start with a production rate of 50,000 units per year, ramping up the build rate as mass-marketing begins around 2012-13. The EV motor will be produced in Yokohama and the inverter will initially be made at Nissan's Zama plant.


Nissan is also pushing ahead with the next Micra, coyly described as its 'global entry car'. This will launch in spring 2010. Nissan will produce this car both in India (for European markets) and Thailand (for Japan) but China and two other as-yet-unnamed nations will also make the car that's on line to sell one million units a year after manufacturing is fully ramped up.


Look for the production model to be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.


Source: autocar via worldcarfans

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Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S.

So far this year, Smart USA has sold just 7,451 Fortwos, which is down nearly 16% over the first five months of 2008. May sales, though, were down an alarming 56.6% to 1,169 units. To stem the rushing tide of order cancellations and slow sales, Penske has decided to offer its first-ever incentives on the Fortwo. From now until the end of July, buyers may qualify for 4.2% financing through Daimler Financial Services for the purchase of a new 2009 Smart Fortwo.


Penske Automotive Group, distributors of the Smart Fortwo here in the United States, recorded an impressive 24,622 total sales of the diminutive city car in 2008 and dealers widely reported that they could have sold even more had they been available. With that in mind, the nascent company set what seemed at the time like a realistic sales target for 25,000 units in 2009. That may have been a bit optimistic.


If this incentive has a positive impact on sales, expect it to be extended a bit longer. Further, Penske is considering making it possible for dealerships to order new cars without accepting the refundable $99 reservation from a customer that's currently required, which could have the desirable effect of placing more new vehicles on dealer lots for buyers to choose from.
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