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Lamborghini is planning a special edition supercar to celebrate next year's 100th anniversary of the birth of company founder Ferrucio Lamborghini. The car will be built in a limited run, just like the previous Sesto Elemento and Veneno special editions, and it will make its debut next March at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. We’ve already had reports that the car will be called a Centenario LP 770-4, suggesting it will come with 759 horsepower (770 metric hp) and an all-wheel-drive system. Now we have some new details direct from Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “You are familiar with our one-offs,” Winkelmann told Auto Express. “It will be something like this, a coupe bodystyle.” He said the car would provide a “balance between tradition and innovation” when it comes to things like aerodynamics, performance and weight. He also ruled out the chance of the car being based on the Huracán, a new version of which was recently spied. Around 20 examples of the Centenario are planned, and they’re all likely accounted for as the car has already been shown to prospective buyers. It is expected to be based on the Aventador platform but with a unique body. One insider told Auto Express that the car’s design might surprise some, as it will be “beautiful” and “not as extreme” as Lamborghini’s hardcore, wedge-shaped cars. Here is a possible leaked image:

Labels: centenario, lamborghini, lamborghini centenario lp7740-4 news, lp770-4

(Note: To view larger pictures, right click the picture --> view image)
The unusual sight of 50 Jaguar E-types greeted Londoners today as a fleet of privately owned vehicles travelled in convoy through the Capital to the 2011 Motorexpo in Canary Wharf, marking 50 years of the sports car in style.



Organised by the Jaguar Drivers' Club, the convoy started its journey under police escort at Forbes House in central London, home of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The route took in landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square before arriving at Canary Wharf where the cars lined up on display.

Leading the convoy was a team of professional cyclists joined by ex-Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell, supporting Motorexpo's chosen charity, UK Youth.

The Jaguar E-type was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. When launched its mix of daring design, advanced engineering and the ability to hit 150 mph caused a sensation. The intervening years have seen it become one of the most acclaimed and desirable sports cars of all time.

The same spirit of innovation and emphasis on design lives on in Jaguar today, with the latest XF, XK and XJ models making their UK debut at the Motorexpo. Also present will be the fastest Jaguar production car ever created, the 550 PS XKR-S.



On arriving at Canary Wharf, Graeme Carver, CEO of Motorexpo commented: 'It's been a terrific day and a fitting tribute to the E-type – we are incredibly grateful to the police and all the owners for providing their support to make it possible. We all feel honoured to have taken part in such a key celebration of what was, and remains, a landmark car.'

Labels: jaguar e-type convoy 50th anniversary

Here is a recent dynojet of the hotly anticipated Hyundai Genesis coupe.


Also, the following is the press release for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec

"When the colors of your new turbocharged rear-wheel-drive sport coupe are named after international racing circuits, you'd better have the performance and confidence to back it up. Now, Hyundai is upping the ante by announcing an R-Spec version of the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe, designed to appeal to true enthusiasts who want a low starting price and the ability to tune their car to their own specifications. R-Spec will be available as a mid-2010 model year introduction.

R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo(R) braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. To further reduce cost and weight, it also eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth(R), automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be priced at $23,750 and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, the R-Spec will be available in three performance oriented exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.

R-Spec equipment includes:
-- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210-hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
-- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
-- Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
-- 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
-- Brembo(R) braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
-- Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
-- Torsen-type limited-slip differential
-- R-Spec badging
-- Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
-- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
-- Front, side, side air curtain air bags
-- Active front head restraints
-- Driver's lumbar support
-- Air conditioning
-- Remote keyless entry system
-- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
-- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
-- AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
-- iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
-- Projector beam headlamps
-- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
-- Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec"

Chrysler says it will double the $4,500 government incentive for people to trade in their old gas guzzlers for new vehicles under the "cash for clunkers" program.

The automaker announced Wednesday that it will offer up to $4,500 cash or zero percent financing for six years on most of its 2009 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep models. The incentive begins Thursday and lasts until Aug. 31.

Chrysler says in a statement that buyers are eligible even if they don't qualify for the clunkers program.

The government's "cash for clunkers" program is expected to begin later this month. It gives owners of inefficient, older vehicles up to a $4,500 incentive to trade them in and send them to the scrap heap in exchange for more efficient models.

Labels: cash for clunkers, chrysler, incentives, trade in

Just a quick update this time. It is just me or does the new Mazda 3 look really awkward? The huge lower grille looks like it is smiling in a wicked, Joker-like way. Just thought I'd point that out.

Labels: 2010 Mazda 3, Mazda 3, Mazda 3 exterior, Next gen 3

An excerpt from Car & Driver about the new, surprisingly efficient 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

"If you're in the market for an ultra fuel-efficient hybrid that makes a convincing family sedan, your best choice has always been a Toyota -- until now. Toyota's Camry Hybrid and Prius have been the only realistic alternatives for many. Most American-built hybrids simply haven't matched their fuel economy, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid remains rare and hard to find.

A new entrant in the contest, however, may have knocked the Toyotas from their lofty perch.

The automotive press has begun testing the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid in recent weeks. Two prominent publications have now published comparisons pitting the Fusion Hybrid against its Toyota competition, and the Ford has won both.






Car and Driver set the Fusion against the Camry Hybrid, Chevy Malibu Hybrid and Altima Hybrid, but the result was the same. "Ford has pulled off a game changer with this 2010 model, creating a high-mpg family hauler that's fun to drive," they write. "Nothing about the leather-lined test car, optioned up from its $27,995 base price to $32,555, seemed economy minded except for the mileage readings. On that score, the Fusion topped the others, turning in a 34-mpg score card for the overall 300-mile test run."

In our time behind the wheel of the Fusion Hybrid, we quickly came to a similar verdict. The Fusion Hybrid corners with as much agility as its conventionally-powered cousin - one of the best-handling cars in the midsize class. With standard SYNC technology, it allows the driver to control Bluetooth-enabled phones and music players through the car's speakers with voice commands. And its standard leather and high-quality stereo give it an upscale feel for an affordable price. Ford has a hit on its hands."

Labels: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Hybrid comparisons, Prius

Aston Martin will present the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 95-year history at the Geneva motor show on 3 March. Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage will feature a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

The latest incarnation of the Vantage family has been designed to provide a unique character, appealing to different driver tastes and complementing the other models in the current Aston Martin line-up.

The original V12 Vantage concept was unveiled to guests at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in December 2007. Continuing the marque’s impressive record of bringing concepts through to production, Aston Martin engineers have brought the V12 Vantage to market in an incredible 12 months.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine. It represents the definitive driving package; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling and everyday useable driving experience.

“The V12 Vantage has a unique character, one unlike our other cars. This will appeal to different people with different tastes, allowing more people to enjoy the Aston Martin experience.

“This also illustrates one of Aston Martin’s key strengths – the ability to act quickly and turn concepts and ideas into reality.”

Designed for the focused driver, every component of the V12 Vantage has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. Benefitting from race-developed materials and components, and featuring lightweight carbon fibre; performance and agility have been tuned to perfection.

Visually enticing, the V12 Vantage expresses its performance potential through its purposeful stance created by enhanced aerodynamic and cooling aids optically widening the car, while retaining traditional understated Aston Martin design. Equally inviting, the cosseting interior permits the driver to extract maximum performance ability from the car while also enjoying customary levels of Aston Martin comfort on longer journeys. High levels of power and torque are available at all engine speeds making the V12 Vantage responsive and tractable in any driving situation.

The V12 Vantage will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire joining the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage model lines which are built in the state-of-the-art production facility combining hi-tech manufacturing processes with traditional hand-craftsmanship. Production will be limited up to 1,000 examples over the life span of the car, making the V12 Vantage a truly exclusive driver’s car.

Deliveries of the V12 Vantage are expected to commence during quarter three 2009 with prices to be confirmed at the Geneva motor show.

Labels: Aston Martin Engine Sound, Aston Martin V12 Vantage News, V-12 Vantage Video

Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder convertible. Here is an excerpt from Road & Track with some of the newest details:

"The world debut of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder at the Los Angeles Auto Show is designed to build on the success of the coupe version, which was launched in early 2008.

According to Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, "With the Spyder, we are now unveiling a car that is quite simply a new dimension of the latest Gallardo range."

Underpinning the car is the same mechanical package of the coupe — a brawny V-10 engine that produces 560 bhp, delivered to all four wheels. In addition to delivering 40 more horsepower than the previous-generation Gallardo, the new generation model is also lighter, further improving the car's power-to-weight ratio. The drivetrain includes Lamborghini's e.gear automated manual that has an automatic mode or can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Improvements to the e.gear transmission have reduced shift times by 40 percent.

Lamborghini claims a 0–100 km/h (62mph) acceleration of just 4.0 seconds and 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.1. Top speed is listed at 201 mph.

Unlike the trend toward retractable hardtops, the Gallardo LP 540-4 Spyder employs a soft top that when in place, nicely integrates with the lines of the car. Although the styling is similar to the coupe's, the Spyder looks slightly more aggressive and muscular thanks to its more prominent haunches that house the convertible mechanism. The power top takes just 20 seconds to open or close. One unique feature of the top: The backlight functions as a wind blocker when the roof is stowed."

Labels: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Gallardo pictures, Lamborghini specs

This video is over two weeks old now, an eternity in Internet time, but in case you haven't seen it, here is the best garage you will ever see.

Labels: rising Lamborghini garage, Ultimate Lamborghini Garage, underground garage

An excerpt from Road & Track:
"Lamborghini says the Estoque is more than just a roomy Maserati Quattroporte. The Estoque's front/mid-engine layout, all-wheel drive and low center of gravity virtually guarantee superb handling and ideal traction — they would be needed, given the car's 560-bhp Gallardo-based V-10, which makes for a top speed of 190 mph. There could be a turbocharged V-8 option, as well as a turbodiesel. Lamborghini chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani points out: 'Diesel and downsizing are very interesting topics. A mild hybrid could be possible, as well.'"

Labels: Estoque Pictures, Lamborghini Estoque Concept, Lamborghini Estoque Specs

Happy belated Halloween! To continue the spirit, here is an article about the top ten scariest looking cars of all time, including the Mercury Marauder, Buick GNX, and the infamous Rolls Royce Phantom Jonckheere.

Click here for the full article.

Labels: Buick GNX, Mercury Marauder, Rolls Royce Phantom Jonckheere, Ten scariest cars of all time

Honda fans, feast your eyes on the S3000 concept:



quoted from Raod & Track

"A typhoon of rumors has been swirling around Honda's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, about the company's next generation of sports cars. While we have already seen spy photos of the future NSX, we have not seen anything about the next-generation S2000. A source close to the company revealed that Honda is indeed in the process of building such a car, but wouldn't disclose specific details.

The OSM (Open Study Model) concept car definitely raised some eyebrows recently at the London show, but that car was just a convertible version of the CR-Z hybrid sports car shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The OSM was penned by Honda's European design team, and our people tell us that the real S2000 successor will have much more influence and input from Japan. Also, the CR-Z and OSM have been engineered as front-engine/front-wheel-drive models, and the S2000 successor will no doubt be a rear-wheel-drive car. So apparently the OSM has nothing to do with the S2000 successor. Or does it...?

There's the possibility that the OSM may very well be a design study of the next S2000, wearing the veil of an open-top CR-Z to throw us off. There was also a sighting of a mysterious prototype sports car near Honda's R&D headquarters in Japan that seemed to share the OSM's proportions, yet looked completely different. Could this be another design study of the S2000? We think so, so we took pieces of that car, melded it with the OSM and came up with this image, a handsome car with an Audi R8-esque face, a long hood and a profile reminiscent of the current S2000.

As for what will go under the hood is still unclear. There have been rumors that Honda may equip the car with a V-6, perhaps a new 3.0-liter or the 3.5-liter in the Acura TL, thus the name S3000. In the U.S., this makes sense because it would give the car much more low-end torque (something we Americans love), not to mention improved smoothness and quietness for freeway driving.

With such an engine, you can expect power to be in the 280- to 300-bhp vicinity, enabling a 0–60 run in the sub-5-second range. The more probable choice is a 2.2- to 2.5-liter inline-4. Honda, which has traditionally shied away from big-displacement powerplants, may feel that a 4-cylinder engine makes more marketing sense in this age of high gasoline prices. There's also talk of a simple hybrid system.

Only those directly involved with the next-generation S2000 project know for sure what the car will be like. We'll know for sure in 2011, after Honda releases the NSX and CR-Z."

Labels: Honda S3000, Honda S3K, Next Gen S2000, S3000 news, S3000 pictures

Why would the cancellation of a car make headlines? Because we are talking about the beloved Toyota Supra.



The concept for the next gen Supra, shown above, will not make it into production unfortunately due to "the high mpg requirements in the US."

Labels: Next gen Toyota Supra, Supra cancelled, Supra concept, Toyota Supra

You are looking at the new Ferrari California, which Ferrari claims to be "aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever."

To start, the California will feature a fully retractable roof, with the rear deck completely flat when the top is down. The 4.3L V-8 produces approximately 460 BHP, and features Ferrari's first dual-clutch gearbox which features 7 forward gears.

Labels: Ferrari Cali, Ferrari California, Ferrari California pictures, Ferrari California specs

Here's the newest, small, RC-looking car from Toyota, called the Aygo.







This is only a concept at the moment, and not too much is known as of yet, except that it will be using Toyota's 1.8 VVT-i and with the addition of Toyota's Motorsport turbo kit, it will pack a whopping 200 horses and 240 NM of torque. Amazing numbers for such a small car. More info will be posted when it's released!

Labels: Aygo Crazy concept, Toyota Aygo

A few shots of the gorgeous new, supercharged Audi S5, based on the A5 model. More info and specs to come later.

Labels: Audi, Audi S5, MTM Supercharged, S5 GT Supercharged pictures

For those of you who are fans of the new 2009 Acura TSX and are looking forward to the until now, very discreet next-gen 2009 TL, this is the first leaked specs. Excerpt from Leftlane News:

"As of late, dealer shows are proving to be a valuable source of insider information.

According to a source who attended the meeting, the 2009 Acura TL lineup will consist of two models: a base front-wheel drive car and an up-level all-wheel drive model. The front-driver will be powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5L V6 whereas the AWD model will receive its motivation from a 3.7L V6 producing 300 horsepower.

Despite boasting 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the range-topping model will not sport the Type-S nameplate. In fact, the source says that Acura will not offer a Type-S model, at least not in 2009 guise. It remains unclear if the performance model will eventually join the lineup.

Acura has promised us a new TL by the end of the year so a Los Angeles Auto Show reveal seems likely."

(Shot of the 2009 TSX)

Labels: 2009 Acura TL, 2009 TSX, leaked news, Next Gen TL

And the money shot:




Features
- Record sale into the Shelby Registry
- Shelby MSO and dash plaque
- Carroll Shelby engraved door handles
- Carroll Shelby etched left and right front headlight covers
- Roundels with 85 number decals
- Leather seating
- Hood wind diffusers
- CS GT40® numbered plaque
- CS GT40® side sill graphics
- Carroll Shelby signature floor and sill mats
- 85th Commemorative hood badge
- 85th Special Edition decal
- Available in right and left hand drive

Labels: Commemorative MkII GT40 by Shelby, New Ford GT

"The car you see above, dubbed the M-Zero by its designer Mael Oberkampf, looks like spawn of a BMW M6 and Aston Martin DB9. Up front it's an all business BMW with a convincing set of "angry eye" headlights and a bit of snarl, but inspiration from Aston can be seen in the rear or by viewing the car in profile. Though the extra large wheels are a bit tunerrific for our tastes, the overall design wouldn't make a bad BMW at all. Not that the Munich-based brand needs any more high-performance coupes to sell alongside the 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series coupes, but if there were an open slot in the lineup, the M-Zero would fit nicely. There's no mention (at least in English) of what theoretical powerplant might be found beneath its bonnet, but we'd opt for the obvious and install the corporate workhorse 5.0L V10."
(quoted from Autoblog)

Labels: Bimmer, BMW M-Zero, M Zero Pictures, New M

According to Consumer Reports, overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda. I'm sure Toyota is devastated, although according to Consumer Reports' overall scores, Toyota's 75 is only 3 behind Honda's 78. Emerging from a sleeper position, Subaru surprisingly took the #3 spot with a rating of 72. In fact, only Honda and Subaru earned the honor of having all their cars making CR's Recommended List.



Read the full article here

Labels: BMW, Consumer reports, Honda makes the best cars, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota