Saturn to be sold by GM

General Motors is proceeding to the next step with respect to the sale of Saturn. A number of potential buyers have surfaced and expressed interest in the Saturn brand and retailer network.

2009 Suzuki SX4

The Suzuki SX4 offers a lot of compact car for the money. The SX4 lineup features a four-door sedan and a four-door hatchback. All Suzuki SX4 models are powered by a 143-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available on the hatchback.
All-wheel drive makes the SX4 an excellent choice for drivers who want an inexpensive car with all-weather capability. The all-wheel-drive system has a locking feature that sends 30 percent to 50 percent of the available power to the rear wheels, giving it better traction in snow and on unpaved roads. All-wheel drive is also beneficial in the rain or anytime it's slippery, even on dry pavement in some situations. The hatchback is called the Crossover. The Crossover offers cargo versatility and looks like a cute mini-SUV.
The sedan offers responsive handling and packs worthwhile features into a tidy package. Using front-wheel drive, the sedan achieves 23/31 mpg with the automatic and 22/30 mpg with the manual transmission. For 2009, the biggest news is the inclusion of a navigation system as standard equipment, unusual for this class. The 2009 models get more features than before, including electronic stability control with traction control for the hatchback and a split-folding rear seat as standard equipment on all models. The SX4 Crossover was first launched as a 2007 model; the sedan joined the hatch for 2008.
The Sport sedan features a sport-tuned suspension and wider, lower-profile tires on alloy wheels. We found the Sport offers sharper steering and more nimble handling, though the ride may be stiff for some drivers. All Suzuki SX4 models offer pleasant cabins with controls that are easy to use and interior materials appropriate for the price. The front seats are spacious. The rear seat in the hatchback is roomy. The back seat in the sedan is cramped for tall riders, but it has a large trunk. All models are keenly priced, making them worthy candidates for shoppers looking for small cars that are more than just basic transportation.
The 2009 Suzuki SX4 lineup comes in sedan and Crossover hatchback versions, each with a 143-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available for the hatchback. The SX4 sedan ($13,299) comes with cloth upholstery, tilt steering wheel, anti-lock brakes, P195/65R15 tires on steel wheels, and a five-speed manual transmission. The LE ($14,689) adds air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, and power windows, door locks, and mirrors. The LE is also available with a four-speed automatic ($15,789). The Sport ($15,739) features a sport-tuned suspension with P205/50R17 all-season tires on 17-inch alloy wheels; it's available with the automatic ($16,839).

2010 Honda Insight

Honda and Toyota pioneered the hybrid-powertrain business in the U.S. market, with the Insight two-seater and the original Prius sedan. Both debuted at the turn of the 21st century. Honda halted production of the original Insight after the 2006 model year, and Toyota's midsize Prius is now entering its third generation as a 2010 model.
Also for 2010, Honda has revived the Insight nameplate, but on a completely different type of hybrid-powertrain vehicle. This time, it's a five-passenger compact hatchback. Honda also continues to offer the Civic Hybrid compact sedan (with a trunk).Billed as the "affordable" hybrid, the Insight hybrid hatchback aims to attract a new breed of battery/gas buyer. In mid-2008, as gasoline prices skyrocketed, hybrids suddenly became highly prized—and highly priced. As gas prices eased back down, the bloom slid rapidly off the hybrid rose, and sales began to tumble.
Honda advises that some design elements were carried over from the original Insight hybrid, particularly in the side profile, while the front-end relates to the company's FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle. Built on a 100.4-inch wheelbase, the Insight weighs 2,723 pounds. Five occupants fit inside, along with 15.9 cubic feet of cargo. Fold-down 60/40-split rear seats provide a configurable seating and cargo area.
In the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, Honda's 1.3-liter i-VTEC (intelligent variable valve timing) four-cylinder gasoline engine produces 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Powered by nickel-metal-hydride batteries that deliver 100.8 volts, the electric motor/generator is rated at 13 horsepower and 10 kilowatts. Every Insight has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and rolls on 15-inch tires. EX models have paddle shifters at the steering wheel.
While accelerating and in certain cruising situations, the electric motor adds power to the gas engine's output. To boost mileage, the IMA system also provides cylinder deactivation while decelerating, and an idle-stop feature when the car is stationary. An Ecological Drive Assist System, dubbed Eco Assist, can optimize vehicle operation in accord with driving conditions, and also provide feedback related to the individual driver's style. Pushing the dashboard ECON button enhances throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, and air-conditioner operation–all to extract the most distance from every drop of fuel.

Corsa Motorsports P1 Prototype with KERS to debut at Utah Grand Prix

Back in September of 2008, Corsa Motorsports announced it would be shelving their Ferrari F430 in the GT2 category and instead campaign a new P1 Prototype fitted with a KERS system.

While the planned debut at Petit Le Mans didn't happen in order to further develop the system, the Utah-based race team is still pushing ahead with the hybrid racecar that will introduce the kinetic energy recovery system to the ALMS.

Today, Corsa Motorsports tested the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09SH laden with the 85kg KERS system for the first time at the Silverstone circuit, and Steve Pruitt, team owner, has announced that the car will make its competition debut at the Utah Grand Prix at Miller Motorsports Park on May 17. If all goes well, the appearance of the new racecar will bring some much needed competition to the P1 category which has been dominated by the Acura prototypes the last two races. Corsa Motorsports proved to be very quick last year in a Zytek 07S (pictured above), finishing third in class at the season finale at Laguna Seca.

Chrysler Celebrates Grand Voyager's 25th Anniversary

In celebration of the Grand Voyager's 25th birthday, Chrysler has launched a new special edition version of its full-size MPV in Britain. As with most models of the sort, the Grand Voyager 25th Anniversary comes with extra interior and exterior equipment along with the necessary memorabilia that in this case include commemorative badging on the outside and a special keyring.

Available exclusively with a 2.8-liter diesel that provides acceleration from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 12.8 seconds plus a top speed of 115mph (185km/h), and a combined fuel economy figure of 30.4 mpg UK, the 25th Anniversary Grand Voyager is priced at £32,600 on-the-road with only 100 units being allocated to the British market.

The interior equipment of the 25th Anniversary Grand Voyager includes leather trimmed upholstery, dual screen rear DVD entertainment system and a GPS system with a phone and voice recognition. The exterior features include Xenon headlamps, chrome mesh grille, LED daytime running lights, revised lower front fascia and a special paint finish.
via:carscoop

MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?

With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that BMW's little guys have gone truckin' crazy, there's supposedly a sporty variant of the five-door MINI 'ute in the works.
The butch wagon will have 180 hp on tap to fend off Volkswagen GTIs (Autocar's confusing assessment, not ours), and if that's not enough, a Works version will deliver around 220 hp.
You can't have a high-performance version without high-zoot duds, and there's bound to be a distinctive body-kit to go along with the engine's fortitude. Interior upgrades will be aimed at keeping the driver planted and looking fancier, too. Expect the first Crossover to bow sometime next year, with the slightly hotter version coming towards the end of 2010, followed by the JCW variant in 2011.

Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. Electric Vehicle Demonstrator Introduced

Renault revealed the Kangoo Z.E. Concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The Zero-Emissions all-electric powered concept has given birth to this Kangoo be bop Z.E. demonstrator that was unveiled to Renault shareholders in Paris. The Z.E. Concept featured technologies that Renault and its partner Nissan will install in their upcoming electric vehicles. Through their alliance the two companies aim to be the leaders in mass-produced electric cars from 2011 when Renault starts.
More Photos
Press Release
RENAULT INTRODUCES THE KANGOO BE BOP Z.E. ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEMONSTRATOR
* Renault profited from the Annual General Meeting of its shareholders today in Paris, France, to take the wraps off its new prototype electric vehicle, Kangoo be bop Z.E.. The technology featured on this vehicle is very similar to that featured on the brand's upcoming production electric vehicles which are currently under development.
* In July, Kangoo be bop Z.E. will embark on a Europe-wide tour during which it will be available for test drives.
* The mass marketing of affordable Renault electric vehicles will begin in 2011.
* The Renault-Nissan Alliance is targeting to become the leading producer of massmarket zero emission vehicles.
Specific, functional styling
Kangoo be bop Z.E. is derived from the production Kangoo be bop and is instantly recognizable by its Energy Blue body colour, while the Renault logos on the grille and wheels are picked out in satin-finish blue-hued chrome. Inside, the satin-finish chrome and metallic acidic green trim ensure a unique ambience which is further expressed by the specific grey velour upholstery and
embroidered 'printed circuit' motifs.
Like the Z.E. Concept concept car which was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Kangoo be bop Z.E. is equipped with low-energy LED (light-emitting diodes) front and rear lighting with a view to optimizing energy use. Meanwhile, the car's aerodynamics have been significantly reworked in order to reduce energy consumption. Kangoo be bop Z.E. sits on 18-inch full disc wheels, and its ground clearance has been lowered by 20mm compared with that of the production Kangoo be bop.
Linear displays on the outside of Kangoo be bop Z.E.'s doors show how much charge is left in the battery by simply activating the remote central locking control. Inside, another gauge to the left of the instrument panel provides the driver with a permanent indication of how much battery charge remains.
An all-electric motor
Kangoo be bop Z.E. is an all-electric zero emission (in road use) vehicle. It is powered by a 44kW (60hp) electric motor which revs to 12,000rpm and which boasts greater efficiency (90 per cent) than an internal combustion engine.
Kangoo be bop Z.E.'s electric motor is coupled to a reducer which replaces the gearbox traditionally mated to heat engines. This reducer has a single, constant output ratio. Electrical energy is transmitted to the motor by a power electronics unit which incorporates the controller that delivers the required amount of energy to the rotor.
Latest-generation lithium-ion batteries
Kangoo be bop Z.E. is equipped with compact, innovative lithium-ion batteries produced by AESC (Automotive Electric Supply Corporation), a Nissan-NEC joint venture which was founded in April 2007. The performance of these batteries compared with former-generation nickel metal hydride batteries is superior in every domain, including performance, reliability, safety and efficiency.
Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the so-called memory effect which results from incomplete charge cycles, ultimately leading to a fall in capacity. The AESC battery is expected to deliver between 80 and 100 per cent of its original capacity for a duration of six years.
The compact dimensions of lithium-ion batteries enable the vehicle's configuration to be optimized and a wide range of applications to be envisaged. In the case of Kangoo be bop Z.E., the battery is located underneath the dashboard. It consequently doesn't encroach on either cabin space or boot capacity, making it possible to keep the same arrangement of four individual seats as that seen on the heat-engined Kangoo be bop.
The battery comprises 48 modules, each of which incorporates four elementary cells. It is inside these cells that the electrochemical reactions take place, enabling electrical current to be produced or energy to be stored.
A year and a half ahead of the launch of Renault's production electric vehicles, the 15kWh battery of the Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype delivers a range of approximately 100km. When released, Renault electric vehicles will profit from an evolution to their battery technology which will take their real-world range to 160km.
Last but not least, lithium-ion batteries are recyclable and the Renault-Nissan Alliance is actively working on establishing recycling processes and infrastructures adapted to automotive batteries.
Express charging
Kangoo be bop Z.E. is charged via a MarechalTM-type socket located behind a flap at the front of the vehicle alongside the right-hand headlamp. The other end of the cable is fitted with a normal plug which connects to the mains supply.
This plug permits two different battery-charging modes:
* a conventional charge via a household mains supply (10A or 16A 220V) which can charge the vehicle in a timescale of between six to eight hours. This mode is perfectly suited to vehicles which are parked up overnight or during the day at the workplace.
* a so-called quick charge using a 32A 400V three phase socket, enabling up to 80 per cent of Kangoo be bop Z.E.'s capacity to be charged in approximately 30 minutes.
Twenty or so car manufacturers - including Renault - and energy groups have been working with the German group RWE with a view to developing a universal standard plug.
This universal standard plug was shown at April's Hanover Messe technology fair and will be used to charge the batteries of future Renault electric vehicles. This three phase plug can be used with a 400V supply and will enable a complete charge in approximately 20 minutes. This multi-partner agreement marks a significant step forward in the development of mass market electric vehicles.
Kangoo be bop Z.E. is also equipped with a brake energy recovery system which enables it to be charged while on the move.
The Alliance's electric vehicle strategy
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has its sights set on becoming the leading manufacturer of mass market zero emission vehicles. The Alliance is actively forging innovative associations with governments, city authorities and energy companies with a view to promoting the widespread use of electric vehicles across the world. Twenty-four such partnerships have already been sealed to date.
Renault and Nissan were among the first manufacturers to commit to achieving significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions in recent years. Renault's strategy which was unveiled in January 2008 specifies the release of mass market electric vehicles by 2011.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is planning to have a comprehensive range of high-quality, reliable, innovative and affordable electric vehicles. The first all-electric Nissan vehicle is due to be launched in the United States and Japan in 2010, and Nissan is set to market its electric vehicles worldwide from 2012.
Renault will start marketing all-electric models in 2011, beginning with a family saloon in Israel, and a utility version of New Kangoo in Europe. Two new, highly innovative vehicles are then scheduled for release in 2012.
Renault's zero emission (on the road), silent-running electric vehicles will incontestably break new ground, while at the same being affordable for the majority of road users.
KANGOO BE BOP Z.E.
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm) 3,871
Overall width with/without exterior mirror
(mm) 1,829 / 2,133
Height (unladen) (mm) 1,812
Wheelbase (mm) 2,313
Front track (mm) 1,522
Rear track (mm) 1,536
Ground clearance (unladen) (mm) 170
Weight (kg) 1,591
TECHNICAL DATA
Motor Electric motor
Power (kW) 44
Revs (rpm) 12,000
Maximum torque 190Nm
Transmission Direct drive reducer
Batteries Lithium-ion
Battery energy 15kWh
Tyres Dunlop SP Sport MAX 205/45
R18 Wheels 18-inch full disc wheels
PERFORMANCE
Top speed (electronically capped) (kph) 130

Audi R8 V12 TDI Production Model Development Halted

According to AutoExpress who spoke with a "high level" Audi official, the cost of modifying the R8 to accommodate the massive 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine was simply too high for them to recoup through the limited sales this model would have produced. The issue was further complicated by the fact that diesel sales in the US are nothing short of dismal, making the V12 TDI a hard sell considering that the US accounts for nearly a third of all R8's sold.

Barcelona Motor Show: Dacia Sandero Stepway Unveiled

Dacia has lifted the lid off the Sandero Stepway simultaneously in Barcelona Motor Show and at the L'Atelier Renault showroom in Paris. The four-metre long Dacia Sandero Stepway is the European version of the Renault Sandero Stepway which has sold 2,700 units in Brazil and Argentina since its launch in November 2008.

Arden Presents Bentley Continental GTC... hood ornament

It's not often that a tuner puts out a press release essentially announcing it has a new hood ornament.
Seriously, this story is about a 980 euro "bonnet mascot" by Aden for a Bentley Continental GTC. That's 980 euros not including tax. It takes 30 minutes to mount. Okay, got ya.

DUB @ Daytona Coke Zero 400

DUB will feature a special Custom Car Showcase Display at the Daytona Coke Zero 400 NASCAR race from July 2-4. Besides all the custom cars at the DUB booth, Race fans will also have two chances to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. compete on the historic 2.5-mile tri-oval during the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. Earnhardt Jr., who owns 12 career victories at DIS, will pull double duty during the Independence Day holiday weekend competing in both the NASCAR Nationwide Series 250-mile race on Friday night, July 3 as well as the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday night, July 4.

n2a Motors 789 serial #001

The n2a Motors 789 is perhaps the ultimate automotive expression of retro styling. Based on a C6 Corvette chassis and using hand-crafted carbon composite body panels, the 789 features styling cues from 1957, '58, and '59 Chevrolets. Just over 20 of these unique cars have been built over the past few years, the first of which n2a Motors is putting up for auction on eBay.
Featuring an LS2 V8, custom Budnik wheels, and a Borla exhaust system, chassis #001 was used as the promotional car at the Los Angeles and New York auto shows and still has the remainder of GM's five-year/100,000 warranty. Best of all, the winning bidder gets to take delivery of the car immediately and doesn't have endure the typical 12-week wait for a brand new 789.

2010 Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider

Ferrari is one of the few automakers on planet earth to have any news worth celebrating, these days but indeed the prancing horse posted a 54 million euro profit for the first quarter of 2009, its new entry-level California has a two-year waiting list, and the scuderia won its 16th Formula 1 constructor's championship in 2008. To celebrate, Ferrari's flashing the world with a topless version of the 430 Scuderia dubbed 16M and festooned with badges to remind the generations to come of Scuderia Ferrari's auspicious racing record. Of course, in Italy, the number after 16 is unlucky, and so far the 2009 F1 season has been less auspicious, but for now let's bust out the prosecco and toast better days.
Functionally, the 16M is a Scuderiafied Ferrari F430 Spider. It gets the same low-back-pressure, higher-compression (11.9:1 versus 11.3:1) V-8 good for 503-horses and 347 pound-feet (versus the F430's 483/343) bolted to the same F1-Superfast2 transmission capable of shifting in 60 milliseconds with torque interruption of about 40 milliseconds. The chassis setup is also nearly identical from the standard carbon-ceramic brakes (15.6 inch front, squeezed by six-piston calipers, 13.7-inch rear with 4-piston calipers), wider 19-inch tires on unique rims (including an optional new design for the Spider), harder and lower springs, and the race-tuned adjustable damping, F1 Trac, and E-Diff systems. The ability to engage the most aggressive driving modes on the Manettino switch while setting the suspension to its softer setting to help keep the tires pressed to the pavement on bumpy stretches is probably even more useful in the Spider.

The biggest tuning difference between the Scuderia coupe and Spider involved the engine note, which was revised to eliminate some uncomfortable frequencies by fitting unique intake manifold resonators (the torque curve is unchanged). Mass increases by about 60 pounds, raising its weight-to-power ratio from 5.9 to 6.0 pounds per horsepower but it's still about 175 pounds lighter than the F430 Spider. Torsional rigidity drops about 30 percent relative to the roofed version, though the Scuderia mods improve the F430 Spider's torsional strength marginally. While we're speaking in relative terms, we may as well disclose that at $313,350, the 16M costs $25,382 more than the Scuderia coupe, and $78,553 more than an F430 Spider. That sounds pretty darned steep for a V-8 Ferrari, but then this promises to be history's quickest flip-top Ferrari road car.We set out to prove that claim, but on the day of our drive, the famous Fiorano circuit was occupied, and the airstrip we used to test the coupe was not available. So we located a nice long, flat, slightly narrow public road on the agricultural river plane just east of Maranello that seemed lightly traveled and sparsely populated enough to allow the 16M to stretch its legs for a few quick quarter-mile accels. After a peaceful reconnaissance run to establish that there were no farmers in the nearby fields, nor animals or children in the area at lunchtime on a Wednesday, we lined up for our first launch-controlled blast off. Foot on brake, CST off, LC button pressed, "L" flashing in the gear-number display, we revved to 4000 rpm, released the brake and modulated the throttle for what felt like a too-low-speed, near bogging launch, followed by blistering acceleration through four gears' worth of shrieking g-sled acceleration that may have been audible at the Lambo factory 20 miles away in Sant'Agata Bolognese.
After considerable cooling down and a few nice quiet braking tests, it was time for another try, this time with a few more revs on the dial. Too much wheelspin, too abrupt a corrective lift. After two more attempts, each from different starting points and neither feeling quite ideal, a matron appeared trotting briskly toward the road from a seemingly abandoned house well off the road. Game over. Time to disappear, as best one can in a screaming yellow Ferrari.
Our best results: 3.8 seconds to 60 mph, 11.8 at 122.7 mph in the quarter. That's just ahead of the F430 Spyder, but six or seven tenths and almost four mph off the coupe's time. Overlaying the acceleration curves proves the difference is almost entirely before 20 mph. The 45-65-mph passing times are within two tenths. Braking was off just a bit too, at 96 feet from 60 mph versus 93 and 282 from 100, versus 255. Some of that difference will be accountable to the extra weight and some possibly to green (900-mile) hardware, but not much. The factory quotes a Fiorano lap time within a whisker of the coupe's. Given that, it seems safe to assume this is indeed the quickest open Ferrari this side of the company's perennially triumphant single-seaters.
If it doesn't actually run quite as quick as the Scud coupe, it feels way quicker with the top down, the same way sledding down a hill felt faster and more exhilarating than riding down it cooped up in your mom's car. Attack a set of switchbacks alfresco and while your fingers are receiving abundant information from the well-weighted helm, your ears receive corroborating evidence about exactly which tires are scuffing or squealing as a result of cornering forces or intervention from the antilock, E-Diff, or CST systems.
Depending on how much runoff is available in the corners, a flick of the Manettino switch can dial the amount of allowable oversteer up or down quite reliably from zero slip angle in Normal mode, to Formula-Drift in Race mode. Sport seems ideal for narrow Italian back roads. In between the turns there's that inimitable flat-plane-crank V-8 wail bouncing off the retaining walls and goading you to charge deeper into each corner, testing the seemingly infinite depth of the carbon-ceramic disks' braking power. They're incapable of vibration-inducing warpage and incredibly resistant to fade. In 120 miles of driving over roads of varying quality, no bump or dip ever elicited a shake or shimmy of chassis flex, but the violence of a full-throttle Race-mode upshift sends a shudder through the structure that I don't recall feeling on the same roads in the coupe.
With a bit of brainstorming one can imagine more exciting ways of getting from point A to point B while enjoying the sun and wind-a flying-squirrel suit, a jet pack, a rocket luge-but it's hard to think of an open four-wheeler that's this exciting to drive and still offers full weather protection, A/C and a decent sound system (put your pencils down, Ariel Atom buffs). That's ample cause for celebration even in a down year.
[source:MotorTrend]

2009 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

Ford saved Aston Martin from the scrap heap. And after so many years, and so many millions invested, it's a shame the Blue Oval isn't able to enjoy the fruits of its labor. Because Aston Martin is on a roll.
Aston was sold in 2007 to a private investment group headed by David Richards; think of him as Britain's version of Roger Penske. Serious car guy CEO Ulrich Bez remains at the helm. The model lineup is proliferating, including the upcoming Rapide sedan and a high-tech, million dollar plus flagship called the Aston Martin One-77. The marque is once again chasing an overall win at Le Mans, five decades after it last did so. And of course, Aston Martin remains the automotive clothier of choice for the world's favorite spy. Not bad for an outfit that, prior to Ford's involvement and Bez's guiding hand, had been at bankruptcy's doorstep too many times to count.

It's hard to believe the DB9 is now five years old, as is the strong, light, and flexible VH chassis architecture on which it's constructed. This model was the first modern Aston Martin to be built at the company's then-new Gaydon, England factory, and carries on the design themes established a decade earlier by Ian Callum's DB7 and seminal Vanquish. The DB9 still looks fresh and beautiful -- elegant proportions never go out of style. It forms the basis for the edgier, sportier DBS range and has received a makeover for model year 2009.The last DB9 we tested (October 2005) struck as us pretty, yet somehow short of the expected magic. Its 450-horsepower V-12 was strong but lacked response and sounded a bit lifeless. The car didn't like to be pushed, the transmission temperature warning light flashing its objection often during hard mountain driving (on an admittedly hot summer day). Its shifts were none too responsive, either. So we were eager to give this updated version a go to see if these issues had been noted and addressed.
Our favorite spot for "new and improved" is underhood, and the DB9's spa treatment began there. The 5.9-liter V-12 remains architecturally unchanged, but gets a compression bump from 10.3 to 10.9:1. This, and a revised oil sump to reduce windage and internal friction losses, translates to an increase of 20 horsepower, plus 23 more pound-feet of torque. The additional torque shows up low in the rev range, where it does the most good. The transmission also has been worked over, via a new hydraulic control unit that enables quicker and more precise low-speed gear changes, so claims Aston Martin (recall our tranny-related issues above). Downshifts in Sports mode are rev-matched in the name of speed and smoothness.
Bilstein dampers are now standard, suspension bushings have been revised, and there are new upper suspension arms. The retune is designed to give the DB9 Coupe a sportier demeanor and improve overall refinement on the Volante. The previous seven-bar grille design has given way to a less fussy five-bar look, the side door mirrors are new (borrowed from the DBS), and you can select a new, optional 20-spoke, 19-inch wheel design. Torsional rigidity has been improved on the Volante -- important stuff on a convertible.
The rest of the work went on inside, incorporating several updates from the DBS. A new center console design features the DBS's glass-trimmed fob, which, when inserted into a slot, becomes the starter button. The (now-satellite instead of DVD-based) nav system screen is mounted high on the center stack and motors open and closed. Interior lighting has gone ambient and LED.
The Volante's convertible top is beautifully trimmed in Alcantara and fuzzy cloth inside and a rich, hearty cloth outside. It's a one-touch design, naturally, and fits the carriage nature of this car, as opposed to the trunk-eating retractable hardtops that have become so popular and can prove a design challenge. The softtop is now better insulated for reduced noise and recontoured for 25 mm more headroom. Everything else inside that's not Alcantara-covered is wrapped in super-high-quality leather. Park/Drive/Reverse buttons on the center stack replace a conventional shifter -- a little gimmicky, but cool -- and there are paddles on the steering column for manual control. Many aluminum trim pieces serve as eye candy; even the bezel around the makeup mirror on the back of the sunvisors is milled and polished alloy. It's a sumptuous, tactile cabin, as it should be in a car of this cost.
Send that glass-edged key controller home, and the V-12 lights with a whirr and a bark. It's not as guttural as in the Vanquish or DBS, but crisper sounding than the old DB9. The promised better response is there: This DB9 steps out smarter and harder. Accel is punchier in the low end, the shifts are clean and crisp, and trans response, particularly on the paddles, is much better than the example we tested originally. Mat the gas and you're met with a wonderful combination of intake moan and exhaust note. The engine sounds sweeter too; we'd wish for a bit less muffling, but if you want the louder, harder edged version, well, that's what the DBS is for.
Additional work is needed in the calibration department, as the DB9 exhibits more impact harshness than expected over rough surfaces. It's fine when the road is smooth, and we expect a little ride penalty in the sportier DBS, but there's more than usual here. It could be more supple without turning to mush. We don't recall cowl shake or body wiggle being a problem for the previous-gen DB9, and they're certainly not now. No shakes or tremors (just once, over a surface we know will make any chassis dance), and no squeaks or clunks from the convertible top either.
A few curious ergonomic foibles: There's no lip or handle by which to grab and open the trunklid. And the button to open the gas-filler door is up under the dash at about left-knee level. Why make something used so often so difficult to reach? And, of course, the rear seats are useless, but who cares.
Our 2005 tester stickered at $175,700, while this one costs $204,130, an average increase of $7100 per year. But if the numbers in your checkbook are still backed by lots of zeros, the updated, upgraded, uprated DB9 Volante will not disappoint. And if you fancy your Aston ragtop with even more protein and less fat, a new Volante version of the 510-horsepower DBS is just around the bend.
[source:MotorTrend]

Featured Custom Scion: Team Koshak Scion xD

Team Koshak – Scion xD

Engine
• Nitrous Express - Nitrous Wet system with purge
• Custom ID-Tuning intake system with individual port NX nitrous oxide injectors
• Auto gear fuel rail
• Color-keyed valve cover
• Nology spark plug wires
• Precision muffler.com Magna-flow exhaust system
• Perrin silicone hoses
• Kinetik Power batteries

Wheels and Suspension
• Custom 19” wheels – Color-keyed and pin-striped (black/green centers, silver bolts, black inner and outer barrels, custom pin striping)
• Custom tires with shaved side walls
• Custom suspension: front - four-inch raised strut towers drop the car by four-inches, rear suspension lowered four-inches with custom cut and welded handmade brackets
• Color-keyed TRD springs
• Customer Auto Gear CNC offset 13” four-wheel disc brakes conversion with Wilwood calipers and handmade rear brackets

Exterior
• Custom Extreme Dimension body kit
• Custom mixed PPG paint - Samurai Green Tea
• Varad Vision under car lighting
• Custom shaved door handles
• Full steel cabriolet conversion
• Handmade steel side mirror mounts
• Color-keyed C-west CF mirrors
• Custom all metal rear wing, all metal rear valance panel/boot, all metal rear logo panel with recessed emblem pocket, all metal rear panel lowered 1” lower then stock, handmade fiberglass cowl panel, painted headlights bezels with Varad Strobes, pin striping
• Ignited 8000k HID lights
• 2008 Toyota ist emblems from Japan painted glossy black

Interior
• Varad Vision lighting
• Color-keyed Ignited toggle and starter switches
• Limited Edition Status Racing / Tjin Edition seats with custom mini check blue and green plaid upholstery
• Unique Fabrication seat mounts
• Valor monitors with DVD player, rear view camera mounted from the rear view mirror mount
• Arc Audio Foose edition amps and speakers with custom J&G enclosure
• Shutt steering wheel, shift boot, and pedal
• Center console bezel fiber glassed and painted to fit Shutt custom shift boot
• NRG steering, quick release, shift knob, and harnesses
• Custom Unique Fabrication six point roll cage with dimple dyes and harness bar
• Shaved window switch panels
• Scan gauge on board computer

Modified Scion xD - Team Koshak at 2007 SEMA - Hi-res. Images

Car that chauffeured Mussolini, Franco, Hitler up for auction

There were a little more than 600 Fiat 2800s made between 1938 and 1943, only about 400 of them for civilian use. The one you see above is one-of-a-kind: a 1939 Fiat 2800 Torpedo whose cushions have supported the rear ends of King Vittorio Emanuele II, Queen Margherita, the Princess of Pistoia, Pope Pius XII, Benito Mussolini, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, and Adolf Hitler.
A couple of prime ministers have graced those seats as well, but with that diverse, high-profile roster who's worried about bit players?
The car will be auctioned by COYS International Auction House and is expected to fetch something north of £250,000. If you're interested in a slice of history, you'll want to be in Espace Fontvieille, Monaco on Monday, May 18.

Featured Custom Scion: Ruthless Cartel Scion xD

RUTHLESS CARTEL SCION xD
Major highlights that make this build unique is that it brings back the open air look of the 60’s with a new twist of technology and body lines. It’s been chopped four inches with B-pillars and roof section removed and reinforced completely.

POWERTRAIN
• TRD intake and sport muffler
• Drag Cartel sports header

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
• Master Image air bag kit
• Wilwood 13’’ SRP hat and rotors, DynaPro four-piston radial mount caliper

WHEELS/TIRES
• 20 x 8 Cartel two color 100 spoke wire wheels
• 215/ 30/ ZR20 TOYO Proxes 4

EXTERIOR
• 4” roof line chop with
• Center section removed
• B-pillars removed
• Rear doors welded shut
• Custom metal fabrication on interior and exterior panels
• Orange base with Jerk Designs graphics and paint
• Custom ED front bumper and molded and stretched rear wing

INTERIOR
• White leather front seats with black accents on door panels, and audio and trim panels
• Hot rod low rise buckets
• Rear seat belt bar / chassis reinforcement
• Alpine Audio System IVA-W505 head unit,12” in dash monitor, SWR-1042D 10” sub woofers (2), PDX 1.600 amplifiers (3), PDX 4.150 amplifiers (3), SPX- 13 5 ¼ and SPX-17 6 ½ components
• Custom Cartel rear love seat

Ruthless Cartel Scion xD - Hi-res. Images

Craig Jones does 238km/h on ice, on a Buell 1125R

Pics: Buell, via Motoblog

British stunt rider, Craig Jones is now probably the fastest rider in the world. On ice. The man recently took his specially prepared Buell 1125R to a top speed of 238km/h on the frozen surface of Lake Dellen, in Sweden. No mean feat, this, since the ice is only a few centimetres thick and below that there is the lake’s 1.2 billion cubic metres of water…
With a NOS kit, Craig’s 1125R packs almost 200 horsepower (50bhp more than the stock bike) and in order to find traction on ice, the tyres have nails (20mm at the rear, 15mm at the front) embedded in them. Of course, it takes a man with Craig’s skill and utter fearlessness to ride such a bike to its limits, in an environment where it was never designed to be ridden.
'I firmly believe that your head is the biggest limiting factor in pushing to the edge. The less you think about the risks, the further you can push yourself. So I kept it simple. I just put the bike into gear, tucked down and went as fast as I could,' says Craig. Hmm... you would probably expect this from a man who, among other things, has pulled the world’s longest rolling stoppie (with a passenger on board), where he started braking at 192km/h, lifting the rear wheel off the ground and then riding 305 metres on the front wheel of his Buell XB12R. More about the very talented Craig Jones here

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback

Fans of AWD turbo cars are no doubt aware of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX's changes over the 2008 model, and those that aren't aware ought to be - this is a seriously improved vehicle. Fun, quick and comfortable, there are many reasons to like the latest WRX. Our week behind the wheel left us with mixed emotions, however.
The last Impreza WRX was all-new for 2008, but many lambasted the car for being too soft and too lethargic for its enthusiast position in the market. Subaru sought to turn that around with the 2009 car, and - for the most part - it has.
Borrowing bits from all over the Subaru lineup, the new WRX has an improved suspension, turbo, appearance and options profile. Only available with a five-speed manual, the new WRX means business, and once you get the new 265hp, 244lb-ft 2.5L Boxer rolling and the turbo spooled up, you know it. This car launches and pulls like a dream. Data acquired with our MaxQData GPS data logging system showed getting into the 5.2-5.3 second 0-60mph range was easy and repeatable without beating on the car or the clutch too hard.
But hit the first corner hard and you'll be surprised at the amount of body roll you're faced with. Push it to the limit and beyond, and all you'll find is understeer. Stomp the throttle at the apex of a 90-degree turn and you'll hear lots of front-inside wheel spin thanks to the open diffs on each axle. Something about the car still feels unfinished. The aftermarket will have a great deal of fun with this car, however.
Subaru says they've tightened up the suspension with higher spring rates, larger anti-roll bars and tuned dampers, but the car feels like it's been setup for a gravel rally stage, not the pavement jungle most of us face in the daily grind. On the other hand, the WRX maintains complete composure over even the most broken and busted tarmac the Midwest has to throw at it, accelerating, handling and braking without incident or issue.
In the aesthetic department, the latest WRX is as polarizing as ever - you'll either love it or hate it at first glance - and the racy Aero Package and STI-style grille add to the boy-racer effect for those that might prefer a more subdued exterior. Inside, the design is better, but materials are still lacking with hard plastics dominating and the cloth seats in our $26,800 hatchback test car needing significantly more bolstering in the thigh area, though the side bolsters were quite good.
Pricing is another issue. On the street, Mazda's Mazdaspeed3 - either last-gen or the new 2010 model - will likely offer as much or more real-world performance for less cash. Of course, those in northern climes will appreciate the Subie's AWD. Those that appreciate a hard launch and 60-foot times well below 2.0 seconds will too.
Fuel efficiency is nothing to write home about, but it's nothing to worry about either. We averaged 17-22mpg in our test car, in mixed driving, depending on how hard we pushed it. That's not stellar for a modern turbocharged hatchback, but it's not terrible for a car in this performance league, either.
All in all, the new WRX is a great improvement on the 2008 model, which was more econo-box than pocket rocket. With the power situation resolved and the options more suited to the car's intended purpose and market, all we can hope for is further work on the suspension to tune the car into a coherent whole, capable of mashing the competition both on road and off.

Spy Photos-2010 Rolls Royce Ghost with less disguise

Rolls-Royce is currently developing a brand new model positioned below the Phantom for launch in early 2010, which is expected to double the number of vehicles built by the ultra-luxury carmaker each year. The new car will be called the Ghost and these latest spy shots reveal the new car will be heavily influenced by the 2009 Rolls-Royce EX200 concept car.
The Ghost will essentially resemble a vehicle with modern Rolls-Royce lines in a slightly smaller package. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail should give the Ghost an air of informal presence.
The vehicle will feature a pair of suicide-style rear-hinged doors in the back, and is designed to comfortably seat five adults. It will stretch roughly 5,399mm in length, 1,948m across and stand 1,550m in height.
According to its designers, the interior will be kept deliberately clear. The controls will be neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. As for the rest of the cabin, you will only find the finest in leather and natural wood trim and plenty of mood lighting.
Drive will come from a 6.6L turbocharged V12, with an 8-speed gearbox sending the power rearward. Power at the crankshaft is expected to top 500hp (373kW). The engine itself may be a bit smaller than the Phantom line's powerplant, but output is still very healthy.
Production will start at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing facility on the south coast of England later in the year.

Chrysler to build new sedan in U.S. based on Fiat C-Evo platform

The alliance between Fiat and Chrysler still has just been finalized and with the government’s deadline for restructuring falling at the end of this month dealers understandably are nervous. Add a looming bankruptcy to the mix and stress levels for most dealers will likely be going through the roof.
To settle tensions a little and offer some hope, Chrysler recently showed off several of its planned models at a special dealer presentation. Among the new models was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan, as well as a compact sports sedan based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform.
On hand at the event was Chrysler’s design chief Ralph Gilles who confirmed that the Chrysler version would use the Fiat chassis but will have unique exterior sheet metal. The C-Evo platform, incidentally, underpins the popular Fiat Bravo and it will also be used for the upcoming Alfa Romeo 149 (Milano).
The information, which was first reported by Bloomberg, was acquired from a court filing issued by Chrysler. It revealed that the new sedan will be built in the U.S. but didn’t state which plant or under which brand the car will be sold. A previous bankruptcy filing also revealed that Chrysler’s agreement with Fiat includes four platforms and two engine and transmission combinations.
Chrysler doesn’t have a compact sedan in its lineup at the moment and has lacked one ever since the Dodge Neon was discontinued back in 2006. With consumers in the U.S. continuing to downsize to smaller vehicles, even with fuel prices back at the $2 per gallon mark, Chrysler needs to fill the gaping void in its lineup.
Chrysler, in its original viability plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury back in February, showed that it could expand its lineup for very little cost by borrowing several future Fiat models. The alliance will possibly see up to seven new Fiat and Alfa Romeo models sold in the U.S., including some that will be produced in North America for the first time.

Germany’s Gullwing dishes out another 300SL Gullwing replica

Last month we saw some concept sketches for a retro-designed gullwing coupe based on the original Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing from the 1950s. The car we’re talking about is the disturbingly cute 300 SL Panamericana from Gullwing-America. Now, we have a second custom gullwing but this time its lines are an exact copy of Mercedes’ original style setter.
Built in Germany by Gullwing GmbH, the same company responsible for a modern AC Cobra replica, as well as a partner for the previously mentioned Panamericana, the latest 300 SL replica is completely faithful to the original on the outside but under the pretty sheet metal the car is thoroughly modern.
Instead of the original’s 215hp (160kW) 3.0L straight six, Gullwing has decided to go with a Mercedes Benz 5.5L V8 with 405hp (302kW) on tap and match
ed to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Other modern touches include a custom chassis and suspension set-up, performance disc brakes with ABS, air-conditioning, and a retro-styled Becker Mexico stereo with satnav.
Pricing for the replica starts at €165k and if you order one today it won’t arrive for at least 10 months. Production will be limited to just 30 units per year, though there are plans to add a manual six-cylinder version as well as a new roadster model.

Button celebrates fourth win in five races

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Formula One leader Jenson Button banked his fourth victory in five races on Sunday after a Spanish Grand Prix strategy switch that stunned his downcast Brawn GP team mate Rubens Barrichello.
"I feel like I'm on top of the world at the moment," said Button, now 14 points clear of the Brazilian in the championship.

Audi A2 'Little Lord of the Rings'

If anything else, the owner if this modified VW Lupo has a weird sense of humor when it comes to naming his cars. Among other things, the "Little Lord of the Rings" sports an Audi single-frame grille, Porsche 924 alloy wheels, a bodykit and semi-covered headlamps. Too bad the owner didn't add something from the Seat and Skoda brand cars to complete the VW Group look...
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