BMW M6 to be Replaced with Audi R8 Fighter?

August 12, 2010
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BMW is purportedly replacing its top performer, the M6, with a new model that will likely to compete against the likes of the Audi R8.

The new model will be powered with a V8. The super car/sportscar will be drawn from the BMW’s VisionEfficient Dynamics concept. That Vision ED concept came with a diesel-electric hybrid system with 356 bhp (258 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. But that model featured a turbocharged 3-cylinder diesel engine which is hard to envision being placed under the hood of an R8 competitor. That engine may make it to the streets wrapped in a 1-Series or a 3-Series BMW one day, but the…

Suzuki Brings Kizashi Sport To New York

August 12, 2010
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Suzuki has just unveiled the Kizashi sedan in New York. But those in New York are in for a treat as Suzuki unveiled a new Kizashi Sport trim level for the vehicle as well.

Even though the Kizashi Sport trim package doesn’t have the power upgrade that was widely expected, it features a lowered sport suspension that is to improve skidpad performance by up to 0.04g. Sitting 10 mm lower than a standard Kizashi, the Sport rides on unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

A unique bodykit with special front and rear fascias, body sill side extensions and additional chrome accents has also been added in the trim level. A…

Scion Debuts Next-Gen tC

August 12, 2010
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After several years—almost five years actually—Scion’s mainstream tC coupe finally gets a refresher. The long-awaited second generation of the tC coupe debuted at the New York  Auto Show.

The 2011 tC, which will be powered by an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The new 2.5 churns out 180 horsepower, and Scion says it is more efficient than before. A new intake manifold design and a sport-tuned exhaust are said to improve the tC’s sound, too. A pair of new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions replaces the outgoing four-speed automatic and five-speed manual.

The 2011 tC might look similar to the outgoing model, but it rides on a new platform. The new platform…

Lincoln Announces MKZ Hybrid

August 12, 2010
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Lincoln has unveiled a hybrid version of its mid-size MKZ sedan at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The MKZ is the first hybrid vehicle for the auto brand. And as such, Lincoln expects the MKZ Hybrid to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America when it rolls into dealerships this fall.

With the same hybrid system the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid use, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers a combined 191 horsepower from its 2.5L four-cylinder engine and electric motor. In EV mode, the MKZ Hybrid can travel up to 47mph on battery power alone. With the help of its hybrid technology, the gas-electric MKZ assures the…

2011 Nissan Leaf EV Will Retail For $25,280 In US

August 12, 2010
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Nissan announces the price list for its Leaf EV. For as low as US$25,280 (US$32,780 MSRP minus up to US$7,500 federal tax credit, for which the car is eligible), buyers can have a zero-emissions vehicle in their garages come December 2010.

That price includes personal charging docks which work with normal 220-volt sockets. A charging dock should cost about US$2,200 but both the equipment and installation are eligible for a 50% federal tax credit of up to $2,000.

The basic SV Leaf will be fitted with an advanced navigation system, Internet/smart phone connectivity for pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control, Bluetooth and push-button start as standard.

“Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to…

2011 Mazda2 Pricing Begins At $13,980

August 11, 2010
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After the unveilingat the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2009, Mazda now announces the price list for the Mazda2. The entry-level Sport trim will price from $13,980 including destination, with the range-topping Touring trim level starting at $15,435.

The base Mazda2 Sport will start at $13,980, including destination and a five-speed manual transmission. Upgrading to the only other trim level, Touring, will cost you $15,435, which also features a manual transmission.

The North American Mazda2 version will get some minor changes, considered upgrades, in interior materials and revisions to the audio and climate controls compared to world market versions.

The Mazda2 will be powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit, good for 100…

2011 VW Toureg Exclusive Options Offered In Germany

August 11, 2010
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Volkswagen is releasing a list of new option for the new Toureg. Exclusive line of options will cover the vehicle’s upholstery, trim, and wheels.

Some teasers from the list include two tow-tone Nappa leather seats, including Pepper Beige/Titan Black and Dark Burgundy/Titan Black. The leather is treated to become “cool leather,” making it less likely to scorch your skin after a day under the sun. For the tag price of €1,725, the upgraded upholstery includes heated 12-way seats, black headliner; door inserts, and tread plates.

Other examples of Volkswagen Exclusive options: high-end genuine wood inserts in “Olive Ash Silky Luster” and machine-polished 19-inch “Girona” alloy wheels with 265/50 R19 tires, which can…

Toyota Hybrid Technology To Be Seen In Mazda Future Vehicles

August 11, 2010
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Mazda announces that it will utilize Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system paired with its own new generation of highly efficient Sky engines. The Japanese automaker will use the same technology that Toyota has used in its Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid vehicles – among others.

This isn’t the first time that Toyota has allowed another automaker access to its Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which powers all of its hybrid vehicles. Nissan’s Altima hybrid car has been using the licensed Hybrid Synergy Drive technology since 2007, although the four-door sedan is sold in only a few of North American markets.

Mazda says it will launch a hybrid vehicle in Japan by 2013…

Chevrolet Introduces Cruze Eco

August 11, 2010
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Just a few days before its scheduled debut at the New York Auto Show, Chevrolet takes the wraps off of its 40 mpg version of its Cruze sedan, the Cruze Eco. The vehicle is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission.

A number of changes have been incorporated into the Cruze Eco to help decrease fuel consumption, such as the optimized front axle ratio and ultra low rolling resistance Goodyear tires and lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle’s lowered stance also reduces mpg-robbing air turbulence at highway speeds, while a lower front grille “air shutter” closes at higher speeds to improve highway aerodynamics. And to…

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Previewed

August 3, 2010
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With the upcoming official unveiling of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at the New York Auto Show, the auto company releases a teaser image of the vehicle to further up the hype.

The Sonata was designed at Hyundai’s design studio in Irvine, CA. Although there were reported heated debates over what the styling direction the new Sonata will be taking, it’s good to see it sport a much sleeker, coupe-like roofline.

The hybrid model of the Sonata will use lithium polymer batteries instead of the ubiquitous lithium-ion. The polymer batteries are said to be more durable and cheaper to make. The test group consisted of Hyundai’s well-known hybrid battery specialists who tested…

Nissan, Daimler Discussing Of Engine, Electric Vehicle Swaps

August 3, 2010
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Nissan and Daimler are in talks of swapping engines and electric vehicle technology, recent reports said.

While both companies have yet to fully disclose their agreement, Japan’s Nikkei business daily had already said that Nissan wants “larger” engines from Daimler. In exchange, Nissan would provide Daimler with electric vehicles, batteries, and/or equity. The paper added Daimler is already in talks with Renault, so discussions would likely be expanded into three-way negotiations.

By the end of the week, Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan CEO, will meet executives on the details of the proposed partnership talks. And if all goes according to plan, Renault will be joining the Daimler-Nissan talks shortly.

The report also adds that Daimler…

Porsche To Bring Cayenne S Hybrid To NY

August 3, 2010
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Porsche will be bringing the highly-anticipated Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to the New York Auto Show next week. This would be the North American debut for the vehicle. Also in the show will be the Cayenne base model, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo.

The hybrid version makes use of a combination of a supercharged 3.0-liter 333-horsepower (249 kW / 337 PS) V6 engine and a 47-horsepower (34 kW / 48 PS) electric motor. Total output is 380 horsepower (283 kW / 385 PS), with maximum torque of 428 ft-lb. The engine system is paired with a decoupling clutch, with the SUV intelligently choosing between both driving modes. Added to this, the…

Honda Jazz Si UK-Bound

July 26, 2010
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Beginning in April, a new trim level will be offered for the Honda Jazz in the United Kingdom, the Honda Jazz Si. The Honda Jazz Si will only be sold with a manual transmission, and will be available with the 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter engines.

The Si trim was first introduced to the Civic 5 door range in September 2009. And now it crosses to the Jazz.

With the trim, the cost of the car adds about £870. The company claims though that the value of the added equipment is about £2,000. This includes a chrome-lined grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler.  Inside, embroidered carpet mats and Si badges throughout will…

Ferrari 599 GTO Price List Surfaces

July 26, 2010
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After the recent picture leak of the Ferari 599 GTO, now the pricing list for the said vehicle has surfaced.

According to the leaked pricing list, the Ferrari 599 GTO will start at €319,495 ($426,843 / £285,053). What come with this price are several retro options such as historic GTO stripes and 1950’s / 1960’s exterior paint. The paint design actually confirms the said leaked photos of the vehicle mentioned above.

But if you’re not into the ‘old school’ thing, probably an alcantara headliner, rosso corsa brake calipers, Daytona seats, carbon fiber dashboard trim, iPod connectivity, and a Bose audio system will suit you.

The Ferrari 599 GTO will likely to feature a…