2010 Opel Meriva MPV Spy

GM’s next-generation Opel Meriva compact MPV has been caught undergoing testing once gain. Though it remains in full camouflage, many details are still discernible, including the overall shape, which remains close to the original Meriva concept from last year's Geneva Motor Show.


The new Meriva is expected to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and should be sale across Europe by the end of the year.


The simple and attractive front fascia, minimalist outlines, and overall configuration remain very close to the concept’s design, however. Small detail differences include the addition of a tailpipe (hidden on the concept) and the removal of the rear roof spoiler and addition of an antenna in its place.


A very carefully placed extra segment of cladding appears to be hiding one of the most controversial lements of the concept’s design: the rear-window ‘kink’. The front door’s handle and the general construction of the doors and rubber strips indicate the rear-opening rear doors of the concept are gone. The suicide door configuration makes for better display in a car show booth, but is both inconvenient and hard to get past the legal department in the real world.


The treatment of the rear windows and rear hatch area seem to indicate both the angular upsweep before the C-pillar and the hourglass-shaped rear hatch will carry over into production. The tail lights, though heavily camouflaged, carry a hint of the outline of the concept’s large and stylistic units as well.
Source:motorauthority

Read more »

GM ends 25-year NUMMI partnership with Toyota

General Motors has confirmed that it will dump its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) joint venture that it established with Toyota more than 25 years ago. Located in Fremont, California, the NUMMI plant was last responsible for versions of the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma, as well as the Pontiac Vibe.

But with GM’s decision to discontinue the Pontiac brand, the automaker decided to stop selling the Vibe. There was hope that GM would use the facility to produce another model but it appears that all chances have since been eroded.
more detail. ...

Read more »

Leaked: BMW X1 SUV Official photos

The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height is taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.





The latest round photos, which have surfaced on several Internet forums, reveal the vehicle's details inside and out. BMW family traits can also be found in the front and rear lights, which resemble the recently revealed 5-series GT and the 7-series sedan, respectively.





The range will kick off with two base models: the xDrive18i and the xDrive18d, and these will be followed by an xDrive20d with 177hp (130kW) that is good for a 0 - 60mph sprint time of 8.4 seconds and fuel economy of 40mpg (5.8L/100km). Also available will be an xDrive23d model with 204hp (150kW) and a 0 - 60mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds. Topping out the range will be an xDrive28i model.





The shots also confirm that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last year’s Paris Motor Show.





The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.





Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark. Expect to see the X1 unveiled for the first time at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to follow shortly after.





More Photos

Read more »

1997 McLaren F1 GTR race car for sale in Japan

For those whose cash reserves have not been completely depleted by the current global recession, a very special car is currently up for sale in Japan via Wintel. This racer is one of ten long-tail McLaren F1 GTRs built especially for the 1997 FIA GT season.


The F1 GTR first hit the track in 1995 when a model barely removed from the roadgoing version raced to victory at Le Mans. By 1997, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had seen the writing on the wall, and combined with the series' updated rules, had created their own competitors, including the CLK-GTR and the 911 GT1.


McLaren's 97 F1 GTR had all-new bodywork with a longer nose and tail that reduced drag and dramatically increased downforce. By this time, the new purpose-built Mercedes and Porsche cars were regularly outrunning the McLaren, although the latter did manage 197 mph on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. There is no indication of a price tag, although if you have to ask...


More Photos

Read more »

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake released with 725hp

　
Las Vegas-based tuners Shelby are releasing another new set of mods for the Mustang. The limited edition 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake includes improvements both to power and performance.


The Super Snake gets a standard Ford Racing handling package, which includes lowered springs, adjustable dampers, front strut tower brace and tuned stabilizer bars. You can purchase the optional Shelby/Eibach handling package as well. Custom Alcoa 20-inch wheels surround the cross drilled rotors. A six-piston Shelby/Baer brake system is also part of the package, as are the front brake cooling ducts.


"Over the past 12 months, my team of hot rodders was hard at work on a Super Snake package for the next generation GT500," said Carroll Shelby. "Every lesson we learned kicking the competition around on the track over the past two years has been poured into this new car to keep Shelby owners out front."


That is why the company mounts an optional Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger kit, which raises power output to 725 horsepower. You can also take the car down a peg, and opt for the Ford Racing Supercharger, which helps to produce a maximum 630 hp and 590 ft-lb of torque. Either way, the driver will take control of a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio via the short-throw shifter. A Borla exhaust unit is also included on both.


Although the company does say that, "Exclusivity will be assured as a limited number of Super Snakes will be built," what they do not say is how few units will be produced. This information would surely be beneficial to anybody considering the car as an investment.


Visual changes begin with the new fiberglass hood, Super Snake striping, rear decklid lettering, and various badging. Shelby headrests and floormats are also included.


The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake will begin production in August. Pricing for the 630 hp package starts at $29,495, while the 725 hp kit goes for $33,495. Installation is included, but the price of the car is not.
via:worldcarfans

Read more »

Leaked: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Images

The Lamborghini Diablo was the last rear-wheel drive car to come from the factory at Sant'Agata. That may change soon, however, if the car depicted in these images that have surfaced on the Web are to be believed. This orange beast is rumored to be called the Gallardo LP550-2, and given Lamborghini's very descriptive naming scheme, all of this Gallardo's 550-hp are supposedly sent only to the two rear super-wide Pirellis.


Given the stripe package and contrasty black-on-white interior, it’s clearly some kind of upcoming special edition; but determining its drivetrain layout from these images alone is near on impossible. There aren’t any noticable differences in bodywork between this and the current LP560-4, but the 19-inch wheels are reminiscent of the old Superleggera.


Power comes from the 5.2-litre normally aspirated V10 engine but has been detuned to make 550hp (405kW) and not 560hp (412kW) like the LP560-4. A 6-speed manual gearbox comes standard. Don't let that minor power cut dissuade you from forming high opinions of the car though; it has shed 30kg (66 lbs) and dispatches the 0 - 100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.


An AWD Italian bull rushing over 500 stallions from under the bonnet is no child's play at full glory. One with no AWD safety net is something only a few should attempt to play with.
via:motortrend

Read more »

JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI

The tuners from JE DESIGN have turned their attention to the diesel Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 TDI CR. The JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI now outputs 180 hp (133 kW) and 400 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm instead of 140 hp and 320 Nm. With the extra found juice the JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI has a top speed of 213 km/a and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds.


Under the hood, JE Design equips the standard 2.0-liter TDI engine with a revised ECU module which boosts the engine's performance from 140 hp (103 kW) to 180 hp (133 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. Performance stats include a 0-100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds (a reduction of 0.9 seconds) and a top speed of 213 km/h (an improvement of 6 km/h).


The company also offers a performance package for the 2.0-liter TDI CR, it produces 205 hp (171 kW) and 410 Nm of torque (up from 170 hp (125 kW) and 350 Nm of torque). 0-100 km/h takes 7.1 seconds (an improvement of 0.7 seconds) and the top speed is increased to 229 km/h (up from 222 km/h).


The JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI also comes with a new aerodynamics package which includes lambo doors, a new front and rear spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a center double exhaust.
via:zercustoms




Press Release

JE DESIGN lashes on the Diesel: Entire sport programme for the VW Scirocco

* Performance of the TDI rises to 205 hp
* Entire body kit and lowering guarantee sport appearance
* Complete wheel set in 19 inches and two finishes

The times of shaky oil burners are over. But the diesel engine still has a rather stale image. Now JE DESIGN is taking on this prejudice.

The refiner located in Leingarten, Germany enhances the performance of the already agile turbo diesel in the VW Scirocco with an additional control unit by more than twenty-five percent from 140 hp (103 kW) to 180 hp (133 kW). Also the maximum torque increases from 320 to 400 Newton metres at 1,750 to 2,500 r.p.m. respectively. The maximum speed thereby rises from 207 km/h to 213 km/h, and the acceleration from zero to hundred is reduced by 0.9 seconds to 8.4 seconds.

Also for the new 2.0 TDI CR, JE DESIGN offers a performance enhancement of 170 hp (125 kW) to 205 hp (171 kW). With that, the Scirocco then renders a top speed of 229 km/h (serial model: 222 km/h) and accelerates from zero to hundred in 7.1 seconds (serial model: 7.8 seconds). The torque rises to 410 Newton metres (serial model: 350 Nm).

JE DESIGN offers the entire performance pack with assembly for 1,249 euros (180 hp) and 1,449 euros (205 hp) including VAT and adds a 12-month warranty.

In order to adjust the appearance to the newly gained power, JE DESIGN has created an entire body kit. The refiner produces these parts in the usual OEM-quality made of high-quality ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The CNC-milled material ensures a low weight, perfect fitting accuracy and at the same time, the highest material stability.

The kit for 919 euros including VAT includes a front spoiler with a centre sword in carbon look which already renders a racy glance when the car is still parked. The side skirts with air inlets and a rear skirt attachment which is perfectly adjusted to the other component parts and which is also available in carbon-look renders a powerful profile. A refining kit for gull-wing doors (1,549 euros) completes the body modification.

The muffler made of stainless steel with two central oval end pipes (899 euros) renders an earthy sound and an impressive appearance. The muffler comes with an EU-operating license. The lowering springs (299 euros) which were especially designed for the VW Scirocco, lower the car by 30 millimetres and are combined with serial shock absorbers. In order to fill the wheelhouses adequately, JE DESIGN offers the elegant wheel design Multispoke as a complete wheel set. The wheels are available in the size 8x19 inches in shadow silver (2,810 euros), or graphite matt / with polished edges (2,930 euros), both with 235/35 R 19 tyres.

The sport programme for the VW Scirocco can be immediately obtained directly from JE DESIGN, from car component dealers or from Volkswagen partners. For more information about the extensive JE DESIGN programme, please do not hesitate to contact +49(0)7131/20384-0 or visit the web site www.je-design.de/en/

Read more »

Frankfurt Motor Show; 2010 Citroen C3 unveiled

Citroen has decided to officially reveal the new Citroen C3 months before its scheduled Frankfurt Motor Show debut. The new generation C3 is far more aggressive than previous model which was literally an egg! It is pretty funky as all Citroens are, but because of some nice detailing it looks very elegant, which is a rare treat in the world of small hatchbacks.


As previously mentioned, it appears as though early rumors of a full panoramic glass roof were unfounded. The "Zenith" windshield does in fact extend over the front occupants' heads, but only just to the b-pillar. The company believes occupants will find the Zenith Windscreen very comfortable, as progressive glass helps keep harsh rays out of the cabin. Citroen says they worked hard to guarantee that the car would not have an increase in road noise due to the glass extension. A thin strip of chrome at the top end of the windscreen matches chrome lines seen around the honeycomb grille, and on the side mirrors, door handles, door panels, and trunk.


The old C3 has always been in the shadow of names like Peugeot 207 and Renault Clio and even it’s smaller brother the C2, but the new model seems to have everything it needs to change this. It appeals to both male and female customers. In front, the shape of headlights and that amazing grille are all very aggressive and sporty, while at the back those Boomerang shaped tail lights give it a nice cutesy look. You also get a lot of chrome straps here and there which again, is a very nice touch.


The car's front end is completely redesigned, with a sportier front bumper featuring integrated fog lights. The new rear light cluster is designed rather well, and is a nice step up from the current C3 model. We are still not certain if the entire rear bumper will be painted in the same exterior color of the car, or if the lower section will remain black for all vehicles. Either way, the bumper's new shape is a nice touch.


But the most striking feature of the 2010 Citroen C3 should be the new panoramic windshield called Zenith which is an optional extra. This innovation was first seen in the previous generation of the Opel Astra some years ago. New C3 is also improved inside the cabin, where its extra 8cm length than the old model translates into greater comfort for passengers and bigger luggage space. It is also very well equipped, you even get a full navigation system with RD4 radio and MP3 audio system and USB ports.


In these first photos of the car's interior, we see a very clean design utilizing a two-tone thermo-coated dash and center console that matches the contrasting seats and headliner. The customer can customize the dash a bit by choosing from either a satin grey or glossy brushed aluminum strip mixed with chrome detailing. It appears a CD-radio, climate control, and sat-nav/infotainment unit are the features built into the console. The HiFi system gives the driver a few extra options, thanks to the USB port, iPod jack, and BlueTooth. The covered, recessed gauges feature a pleasing mix of analogue and digital display.


As for the engines, at launch it’ll be available with a 1.6 liter HDi diesel developing 90 hp and CO2 level of only 99g/km, a 1.4 liter VTi petrol with 95 hp, a 1.6 liter petrol with 120 hp and at the top of the range a 110 hp HDi engine. Form 2011 a new range of petrol and diesel engines, plus the Start/Stop system will be added.


The new Citroen C3 will be built in France at the company's facilities in Aulnay and Poissy. The car will be available beginning in November.
via:worldcarfans



Press Release

NEW CITROËN C3 - VISIODRIVE
Beautiful, young, intelligent. The new C3 by Citroën.
Coming out in November 2009, the new Citroën C3 has a strong ambition: to replace a bestseller that has sold more than 2 million units. "This is a major renewal for the Marque and gives us the wherewithal to achieve our target of increasing market share even more, among both individual and corporate customers," says Frédéric Banzet, Managing Director of Citroën.

The winning formula: take the best of the C3 and make it even better. The new C3 is packed with seductive features: tauter styling, high-class trim, intelligent architecture creating exceptional interior space in what is still one of the most compact vehicles on the market, and superior on-board comfort and road handling, both in the city and on the open road. With the most advanced features in the segment, the new Citroën C3 will be ideal as the main family car or core fleet vehicle.

But that's not all. The Zenith windscreen makes the new C3 unique. As well as drenching the cabin in light and expanding visibility, this windscreen introduces passengers of our Visiodrive to a new driving experience. "With the new C3, Citroën is opening up a new automobile universe. A universe where reason and responsibility leave room for new driving pleasure. And new sensations," says Vincent Besson, Products and Markets, Citroën.

These quality features are confirmed in the design and manufacturing of the new Citroën C3. Made in France, on the industrial sites of Aulnay and Poissy, the new vehicle meets high quality standards, both new and over time. To guarantee optimum reliability, and iron out the last imperfections, it will be put through more than 2 million kilometres of on-road testing before the market release.

A UNIQUE, ALLURING PERSONALITY

The new C3 is asserting its personality. The recognisable protective roundness of its predecessor is given a sportier edge with tauter, smoother lines. Exciting with a gentle touch: the essence of seduction.

The styling and refinement of the new C3 are seductive. The materials are high class, such as the thermo-coated dash, highlighted by a cross strip in satin grey or gloss brushed aluminium, and chrome detailing. The new C3 takes trim level and quality to a new dimension. This is illustrated perfectly by care with gap and flush, attention to every detail and robust design.

INTELLIGENT ARCHITECTURE

The new C3 is one of the most compact vehicles in its segment. With a length of 3.94 m, a width of 1.71 m and a 10.2 m turning circle, it is perfect for the city.

A compact exterior, without compromising on interior space. The new C3 has the roominess it needs to assert its new status as the main family car or core fleet vehicle. This can been seen in the generous 300 litres of optimised boot capacity, numerous storage spaces (console, glovebox, central armrest...), medium-height seats facilitating access and visibility, and optimised interior space offering more knee room. The new Citroën C3 is more spacious, but still compact. It's a "real" car, with upper-segment features.

A NEW DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The new experience goes further and gets better with the Zenith windscreen, a technological feat. This exceptionally long windscreen expands the front occupants' field of vision by 80° upwards. Combined with slimmer pillars, the Zenith gives all occupants a sense of unlimited, high-definition vision. Total immersion. As a world first, the progressive glass smoothes the transition from the strong sun protection above the front passengers to the standard clear glass for looking forwards. The saloon with the biggest windscreen and the smallest roof on the market delivers more new driving sensations! The new C3 offers more visibility and light, for more safety and driving pleasure.

Speaking of pleasure, our Visiodrive naturally benefits from the Marque's know-how in comfort. Everyone will be extremely comfortable on board the new Citroën C3 for all the senses: not just low noise and low vibration, but fragrant and nice to look at, with the many windows and air freshener. A relaxing atmosphere. A great car to drive and be driven in.

The new C3 is a "connected" car. In addition to the RD4 mp3 audio system, the USB Box (USB slot + jack, full iPod compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free kit) and MyWay navigation, the new Hifi System® surrounds passengers with sound, as if they were in a concert hall. The system offers not only exceptional sound quality, but comes with a competitive price tag.

IMPRESSIVE AND REASONABLE DYNAMIC FEATURES

The new Citroën C3 will make others green with envy... with more dynamic road handling, it is as comfortable on the open road as in the city, and has managed to keep a slim figure by not putting on any weight! An exceptional achievement given the convincing increase in comfort and interior space. This weight control, combined with optimised aerodynamics (a Cx of 0.30), the new C3 manages its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions intelligently. Right from launch, it will come in a version emitting 99 g/km de CO2, with the HDi 90 DPFS engine.

That expertise in managing fuel consumption will reach a new stage with the arrival of new powerplants in 2011, incorporating second-generation Stop & Start. Coupled with five- and six-speed electronic gearboxes, they will equip diesel versions emitting only 95 and 90 g/km de CO2. In short, the new generation of three-cylinder engines will enable versions emitting less than 100 g/km de CO2.

Read more »

Jaguar to make a roaring lion? XKR Goodwood Special mooted

The details haven't been disbursed yet, but one of Jaguar's chief engineers has reportedly spilled the beans on a special XKR to be shown at Goodwood. Called, fittingly, the XKR Goodwood Special, it will get more power than the standard XKR's (shown above) 500 horses, and more audible snarl than the current exhaust emits.
Read More

Read more »

Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream

You wanted something sporty, but due to additions to the family, a minivan is as athletic as its going to get. But if that minivan is the 2010 Honda Stream, you can still satisfy your sporty urges thanks to Mugen. The practically in-house tuner has developed a full line of interior, exterior, aero, performance, handling and cosmetic parts for the people mover -- from typical Mugen mods like spoilers and wheels to a performance air filter and TypeT touring brake pads. If you add the sport suspension to your minivan, well, maybe you really do need to get a different car.
More Photos

Read more »

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer lineup includes new MR Limited

Remember the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback we showed you back in October? The one that debuted in Paris? The one that we lusted after for its hatchback practicality and Ralliart brawn? The one that the good folks from Mitsubishi had promised we'd be getting here in the States this summer as an early 2010 model? Well, Mitsubishi has delivered. Sort of.


A few Mitsu reps drove down to Irvine from Cypress with a genuine 2010 Ralliart Sportback. And not only that, but they dragged along an Evo GSR and an all-new MR Limited as well.


The Ralliart Sportback drew a lot of attention for its shape, but the Limited was the one that caught our eye. It's a regular old MR with a few differences. In place of the Alcantara bits, Mitsubishi has gone all-cowhide inside. There are also a few additions to the standard options list, including an Evo-first moonroof.


Out back, the car has gone undercover by foregoing the large wing that has heretofore characterized the Evo sedans. Sounds like the Evo MR for grownups. Mitsu's reps remained tight-lipped on the details, but pricing is likely to top $40,000 for this model. We didn't get as many shots as we would have liked, but we did manage to get a few that we've assembled in the gallery below. As soon as we get more details, we'll fill you in.
More Photos

Read more »

2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan AND Wagon First photos

Do these images actually show official manufacturer renderings of the 2010 Saab 9-5 sedan and 9-5 wagon? Two different blogs seem to think so.


Both Autoblog.nl and Saabunited.com believe that the source of these images is Saab itself. We're not so sure. The images are far from perfect (is that a scratch on the front bumper of the 9-5 sedan?), showing two drawings that need some finishing touches. Most recently, the wagon was seen under a tight-fitting cloth cover teasing us with an idea of what the vehicle will look like.



However, what the artist seems to have been accurate on is the overall shape of the front bumper, including headlight placement, air intakes, grille shape, and fog lght location. Also, the wheels appear to be fairly close in design to what Saab has included on their teaser car.


Comparing these pictures with the rendering, we think we can spot a few differences. The rendering does not appear to have a steep enough angle just over the rear headlights. Rigidity looks to be key in the back end of the covered up car, as opposed to the smoothness seen in the drawing. Also, the rendering shows a roofline that plunges down at the back quite a bit more than the concealed 9-5 wagon, which shows a flatter roof.


The car should be available with a mix of four and six cylinder engines (petrol/BioPower) and a four cylinder diesel. The six cylinder diesel that was planned for the car was cancelled by GM.
via:worldcarfans

Read more »