BMW has gone to great lengths to publicize the “Hydrogen 7,” the hydrogen powered 7 Series loaned to stars with great publicity.

But is there any reality to what BMW is doing, or is the Hydrogen 7 really just a very effective publicity stunt?

Though hydrogen powered vehicles are generally thought of when fuel cells are the actual source of power creation, the Hydrogen 7 is not a fuel cell car. And, therein, lies the real story.

The Hydrogen 7 burns hydrogen in modified BMW V-12 engine. In that respect, it’s a lot like cars that are converted to burn propane. A different fuel is being substituted for gasoline, but it creates power the same way as any other internal combustion engine: moving pistons in cylinders. In fact, the Hydrogen 7 can also burn regular gasoline. Selecting the fuel is simply a matter of moving a switch on the dashboard.

But, in order to burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, it must be stored in liquid form. That requires the ability to keep the hydrogen very, very cold. The hydrogen fuel tank in the Hydrogen 7 is insulated, using an insulating material which BMW says has the equivalent properties of 17 meters of Styrofoam in the one inch thick tank insulation. Even though the tank is so well insulated that, according to BMW, it could keep coffee hot for three months, it can’t keep hydrogen inside it for more than a day. The fuel builds pressure in the tank, to the point that it must be vented when the pressure reaches 87 psi. That happens automatically, but it can also vent out half the hydrogen fuel supply into the atmosphere. The car is equipped with a catalytic converter to add oxygen to the venting hydrogen to turn the escaping gas into water vapor.

Then, there is cost: hydrogen is more expensive than gasoline. Even though it creates water vapor as its exhaust, there has been virtually nothing done to assess either the environmental impact of the energy used to manufacture hydrogen or maintain it in liquid form in storage tanks around the country. Similarly, there has been no apparent consideration given to the effect of increasing the atmospheric water content, particularly in areas with concentrated automotive populations.

BMW claims that it is hoping the Hydrogen 7 will encourage more stations selling liquid hydrogen. But, it’s not willing to take the gasoline tank out of the car before loaning it to the stars. That’s probably just as well, for both stars and company. On hydrogen, the range of the Hydrogen 7 is a mere 100 miles with a full tank.

Lamborghini is working on a lightweight version of the Murcielago. At least 220 pounds lighter than the Murciélago LP640, the SV will have even more power than the 641-hp V12 Reventon. Sources also say that Lamborghini is working on a SV version of the Gallardo.

The Murcielago SV will loose the front differential and driveshafts saving this way around 90 lbs. Also the dietary lessons learned from the Gallardo Superleggera will provide the rest of the needed weight reduction. The car body panels will be made out of carbon fiber while th roof and the door panels from aluminum.

The interior will become carbon-fiber central, including the inner door skins, the seat shells and the center tunnel. Leather-lined door panels will be replaced by carbon, with a pull strap for a door handle, saving five pounds per door. Lamborghini also will strip out the audio system, and if it follows Superleggera precedent, it will happily sell it back to you as an option.

Under the hood there will be a 6.5-liter V12 engine that will deliver 680 hp and 516 lbs-ft. Also it will feature new, lighter exhaust internals to serve the dual missions of cutting weight and easing back pressure.

Unobtrusive design and powerful appearance - this is what the Abt AS5 stands for. With a discerning eye on the detail Abt enhances the elegant Audi Coupé with its breathtaking, pleasing contours and the stretched flanks. The team from Kempten has managed to upgrade the unique vehicle without changing its character.

With the two coloured paint and the Abt body kit, the AS5 appears like a mannequin in an extravagant designer tailor-made suit.The front skirt, in which a grid element accents the front fog lights and the single-frame grill, the strikingly curved lateral parts, the fender insets and the gill-shaped air inlets form a shapely unit.

The Coupé is a unique and beautiful car, no matter from which perspective. The rear skirt inset with the diffuser excellently harmonizes with the 4-pipe rear muffler, together with the perfectly designed rear spoiler it accentuates the rear of the vehicle. As ideal complement, Abt recommends the new BR wheel in 20 inch. With its superposed spokes, the wheel seems to rapidly move forward although it is standing still.

The Abt AS5 is not only optically a real sports car. In Essen it is presented with the powerful 3.0 TDI engine which, thanks to Abt Power S, now brings 300 HP (221 KW) onto the road instead of the serial 240 HP (176 KW). The torque of 600 Nm is getting free at already 2400 rpm and provide for shear force in all situations. Also impressive is the acceleration of the self-igniting engine. Exactly 5.3 seconds needs the car from standing still to 100 km/h, the top speed is 264 km/h - values which suit to a sporty Coupé like the Abt AS5.

In order that the impressive power remains controllable, Christian Abt, motor sport professional, excellently adjusted the Abt thread sports suspension in detail. And the Abt brake system with discs 380 millimeters diameter powerfully grips.Abt multifunctional sports steering wheel, soft nappa leather grip and carbon look leather adorn the driver’s workplace. Abt aluminium pedals and gear shift knob complete the sporty accent in the interior. A successful masterpiece can be seen at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW, the Abt AS5. The only downside is: It wants to be driven and this, unfortunately, is impossible in the exhibition hall.

Source: Internal

BMW fans in Dubai were recently treated to the BMW Concept CS that BMW calls a “concept study of a four-door Gran Turismo for the luxury segment.” The Concept CS, on display at the 9th International Middle East Motor Show at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, was designed by Lebanese born Karim Habib, and presents BMW’s vision of a four-door saloon car that combines the luxury of a Gran Turismo with the performance of a sports car. But the big news is that only last month the BMW board of management confirmed that the Concept CS will go into production in the next few years. This is according to BMW Group Middle East managing director, Phil Horton!

Ferrari F430 Spider


-V8, 490 hp
-6 spd F1
-RWD
-1599 kg
-311 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,1 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,9 s

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder



-V10, 520 hp
-6 spd E-Gear
-AWD
-1748 kg
-314 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,4 s
-0-200 km/h: 15,5 s

Porsche 911 Turbo


-B6, bi-turbo, 480 hp
-5 spd TipTronic
-AWD
-1709 kg
-310 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 3,8 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,0 s

Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG


-V12, bi-turbo, 612 hp
-5 spd Automatic
-RWD
-2051 kg
-250 km/h limited
-338 km/h without the limiter
-0-100 km/h: 3,9 s
-0-200 km/h: 12,6 s

As Nissan reported at Los Angeles Auto Show, the GT-R will be brought on the North American market in a number of 1500 units a year and will be sold only by selected dealers. And if you want to buy a GT-R you will be happy to know that the company will start taking orders on January 1ts 2008.

And just as a reminder the Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine that produces 473 HP at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 433 lbs-ft from 3200 to 5200rpm.

The GT-R prices start from$69,850 for the base model and $71,900 for the premium version.

2009 Kia Borego (or Mohave on the Korean market) is set to be unveiled next year at the Detroit Auto Show. But of course it couldn’t stay a secret until then, and the first images started to surface online.

The 2009 Borrego is based on the mesa Concept, unveiled in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. Built with body-on-frame construction incorporating the latest in NVH engineering philosophy, Borrego will be Kia’s newest addition to its well-rounded full-line of vehicles that continually provide value, safety and a steadfast 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to consumers.

Borrego will be available with either a V6 engine or the company’s first V8 offering, which will also boast Kia’s largest towing capacity to date.

A few years ago, the idea of building a 4x4 that thinks it’s a coupé would scarcely have been believed – but BMW has done exactly that with its stunning new X6. According to the German marque, the four-door, four-wheel-drive vehicle will redefine the off-roader as we know it when it goes on sale here next summer.

Dubbed a Sports Activity Coupé, the X6 aims to combine the racy look of a coupé with the luxury and ruggedness of a prestige SUV. Radical? Certainly. And under the skin, it gets even better, with a clever new 4x4 system and hybrid power.

The car is set to rival the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne, and Auto Express gained exclusive access to a prototype at a test track near the BMW production plant in South Caro­lina, US, to see how it’s shaping up.

Virtually unchanged from the Active-Hybrid concept which the company revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the X6 looks startling. It’s very different to BMW’s other big off-roader, the X5, with every single body panel being unique. The windscreen is more raked, and the lights front and rear are completely new.

But it’s the coupé roofline and vast one-piece hatchback that provide the most dramatic detail. Longer, wider and lower than the X5, the X6 has an aggressive low nose, high tail stance and smaller glass areas, too.

Yet while the X5 is now available as a seven-seater, the X6 accommodates only four people, with two individual seats in the back. Legroom is fine, but headroom is tighter due to that sloping roofline – although the fact that the car is a hatchback does mean there’s an enormous boot.

In the front, the dashboard draws its inspiration from the X5, and even on this prototype, it’s clear that fit and finish will be class-leading.

Under the skin, the coupé is based on the X5 platform, but gets Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) to enhance traction and stability. The all-new sys­tem builds on the benefits offered by the xDrive 4x4 drivetrain. Cleverly, it can split torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between individual wheels. So if the system senses the tyres are starting to slide, it can instantaneously send drive to the wheels with the most grip.


There’s also a widened rear track and 20-inch alloys, so you’d expect the X6 to be great around corners. And, on the basis of our track drive, it certainly is. In fact, it’s even more entertaining than the Cayenne.

The steering is sharp and there’s lots of grip, as well as amazing agility, with the DPC system shifting torque seamlessly. This provides the BMW with neutral handling, even under extreme provocation. Body control is superb, and at high speeds, the X6 feels really stable.

Further innovation is found under the bonnet. The X6 has a slick-shifting new eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles. This is mated to a 290bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel, which gives sublime pace, refinement and economy.

In addition, buyers will be offered a 400bhp version of the 4.8-litre V8 from the X5. A hybrid will appear at a later date, too, complete with twin electric motors – one for town use and the other for motorways. All this comes at a price, though. Entry-level versions of the X6 will start from around £45,000. Yes, this may seem a little on the expensive side – but drivers with that much to spend will be getting the best-handling and best-looking luxury SUV on the market. We can’t wait to put the stylish new BMW through its paces in a more thorough test early next year.


Rival: Porsche Cayenne GTS

The GTS is the Cayenne that Porsche buyers have always wanted. Featuring tweaked suspension and an uprated 4.5-litre V8, it’s an off-roader that performs like a supercar. As such, it will provide the new X6 with strong competition.

The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market. Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln’s growth by attracting new customers.

“Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator,” says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president of The Americas. “With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers.”

The New Lincoln Flagship: A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value.

Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln.

“We’re playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else. We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury – not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two,” said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager. “We’re also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes.”

Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market. Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.

Common, an accomplished musician, children’s author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008. The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common’s wide-ranging businesses and his community service program. Common is currently appearing with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.

To be built at Ford Motor Company’s Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer.

Loaded with Convenience and Technology: Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities
The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:


SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality – plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices.

Lincoln’s Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar. The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle. Four settings accommodate different driving styles.

Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.

Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver’s field of vision. Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.

Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what’s behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.


Understated Design: Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA
The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln’s new design DNA.

“Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln – from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time,” says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.


Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline. A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cues found on many classic Lincolns. Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance.



Modern luxury carries through inside, as well. Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package. In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room. And Lincoln tends to passengers’ comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight.


Its interior is sleek. For instance, the Lincoln MKS’s symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles. The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top. The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.

“Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity,” Horbury said.

“This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we’ve chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents – in a more environmentally responsible way.”

For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.

It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world’s first 7-star hotel.

Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact. Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.


Smooth Power: Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward’s 10-Best Engines for 2007.

Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs. The 3.7-liter’s larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears.


“This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it’s needed most – standing acceleration and passing,” says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.

Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford’s new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.

The premium engine – which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market.

Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather. It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – to avoid wheel slip. The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side.

An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.



The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.

The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels. Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.
Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership

The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.

Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes.

Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.

MotoGP ace defends Monza Rally title.


Valentino Rossimay not have won a MotoGPrace since September's Portuguese Grand Prix, but the Italian was back on the top step of the podium on Sunday - at the Monza Rally Show (pictured).

The former five-times MotoGP world champion, who fractured his hand earlier this month, drove a Pirelli-shod Ford Focus WRCcar to his second successive victory in the end-of-season asphalt event.

Alex Perico had set the early pace for Peugeot, but Rossi took the lead halfway through the first leg and was able to build a 33-second advantage over Subaru's Piero Longhi by the finish - despite treacherous weather conditions producing standing water on many parts of the track.

Pirelli rally manager, Mario Isola was delighted with the result: "Our consecutive wins at the Monza Rally Show should be seen in the light of the fact that we operate two separate lines of development for our rally tyres: those to be used on the WRC – of which we will be the exclusive supplier next year – and those used on non-WRC events, which are no less important to us.

"Thanks to our know-how and the experience we have developed from every event, we are able to supply competitive tyres to all our drivers using Pirelli PZero rubber on rallies.

"We have also proved our ability to hand-cut these tyres precisely, as we did for many drivers at Monza including Rossi and [Luca] Cantamessa [who took the Group N win], in order to suit variables such as the car, road surface and weather conditions."

For the record, Rossi had been in talks to do this coming weekend's Wales Rally GB, the final round in the 2007 FIAWorld Rally Championship, which runs from November 30 to December 2, however in the end the Italian opted not to take part.

To date, Rossi has done two WRC events, and last year he impressed on the Rally New Zealand, finishing eleventh overall, just 18.8 seconds off a place in the top ten in a SubaruImpreza WRC car.

The result was in stark contrast to how he did on his first WRCouting in 2002, when he crashed out on the Rally GB in his Michelin-backed Peugeot 206 WRC just 17 kilometres into the event.

Rossi meanwhile will be back on two wheels this week, during testing at Jerez, when he is due to ride with Bridgestonetyres for the first time

Audi A6 will unveil the next generation A6 as a prototype in 2009 and a production version will follow in 2010. More modern and sporty, the new A6 will use the same design cues as the latest A5 and A4. It will compete with the next generation BMW 5-Series, the Infiniti M and Mercedes E-Class.

The 2010 A6 will feature for the first time the LED day headlights, which were used only in the S6. Also the interior will feature a significant change. It will have the same bumpers used in the A5, new air intakes and totally redesigned lights.

In the same way as the newly A4, the future A6 will have the front body overhang drastically shortened and the bonnet and wheelbase will be both longer than before.

Most of the component will be made from weight-saving aluminum. The results are expected to be impressive: supremely dynamic road behavior and effortlessly precise handling.

Audi A6 will be based on Audi’s MLP platform also used in many vehicles from the Audi’s line-up: the A5/S5, Q5, next generation A4, A7 and A8.

Under the hood we will see a two-litre FSI turbo engine and also a four-cylinder Diesel engine. There will be 3.2-litre V6 engine with an output of 260 hp and 4.2-litre V8 FSI direct injection petrol’s with a maximum power of 350 hp. The S-line version will feature standard Bi-xenon-lights and will be powered by the Lamborghini’s V10 engine, with an output of 450 hp.

The 2010 A6 will have a top speed limited to 155 mph and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 6 seconds.



Competitors

2010 BMW 5-Series

BMW has already “in works” the next instalment of their successful executive saloon. Several test mules have been spotted, pointing that a production ready 5 Series is to be released in the next three or four years. The current BMW 5 Series is around for more than 4 years, meaning that it is well in its middle age, and needing a successor around the year 2010.


It is expected that the next generation executive BMW will grow in pretty much every direction, including wheelbase and wheel-track. In order to keep up, the wheels will follow the same trend, and standard equipment will feature 17” rims. Sports versions (like the M5), are expected to use 20” wheels or bigger.


Technologically, the future 5 Series will be as surprising and uncompromising as ever. The only difference will be that, in the overall tendency of the market, there will be an increased attention to the ecological and fuel consumption issues. Performance will be even better than before, helped by those components that give the BMW name, the power units. Starting from a 2.5 litre straight 6 with 220 bhp, the petrol engine range will extend up to the brand new 410 bhp V8 biturbo. Four diesel engines will also be made available, ranging between 2.0 and 3.0 litres, with single and biturbo systems and offering over 300 bhp.

Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5’s 5.0-liter V10. The 5-series will have a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

2009 Mercedes E-Class

Mercedes is going to unveil a completely new E-Class in 2009 code-named W212. The design will be inspired from the new C-Class, S-Class and a few cues from the CLS-Class. It will come as a main competitor for BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. The car will be unveiled at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 2009 E-Class will have a more aggressive look as a result of the design cues taken from the CLS-Class. The glass surfaces will get smaller and the flank of the car will suffers from the usual creeping up of sheet metal. The wheels will be at least 18". An important change will be the shape of the 4 headlights: no more will they be round, they will be shaped like squarish teardrops.



The basic power plant will consist of four-cylinder engines with the horsepower rating starting at 175 bhp. The V6 and V8 engine will also be available delivering from 136 hp to 514 hp. The W212 will be electronically limited to 155 mph and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6.5 seconds. An E63 AMG model will be also unveiled powered by a normally aspirated, 500-plus-bhp 6.3-litre V8 eng

Rolls-Royce has announced a special edition of the Phantom, to be called the Tungsten. At least six of the model are headed to the lands of Arabian oil wealth, complete with dark paint similar to that of the 101EX concept car and new seven-spoke wheels, just like the concept car.

It’s the same way that they’ve sold Chevy’s for years. Take a model that’s been on the market for a while, doll it up with a few cosmetic extras, call it a special edition and wait for the suckers to walk in the showroom door.

The suckers, in this case, will get “Smoke Grey” leather with navy accents, Rosewood veneer, and metallic trim to accent the instrument panel. But the real specialty of this special is roof that uses fiber-optic lights to create a simulated star-filled sky on the headliner above the back seat – sorta like those lights they put in the Escalade stretch limos.

You also get silver key fobs.

Of course, tarting up a car was never beneath the Rolls-Royce brand. Rolls-Royce used to do it regularly for Indian maharajas’ and created some of the most garish concoctions on four wheels (and, in at least one instance, six). And, in reality, the Tungsten Rolls-Royce isn’t particularly garish. A car in multiple shades of grey can’t be garish. Actually, it looks rather good.

But there’s something demeaning about selling a brand so lofty as Rolls-Royce, so lofty that it’s usually called a “marquee,” in the same fashion that pedestrian carmakers use to move “the iron.” The whole essence of Rolls-Royce is class, at least in appearance if not reality.

But, no. BMW has adopted for Rolls-Royce the marketing tactic of the Town Car: signature editions.

No class, there.

Today marked the beginning of an exciting new era for Jaguar Cars as the first Jaguar XF rolled off the production line at the company’s Castle Bromwich plant.

The XF, which is available to order now, has already been heralded by some of the UK’s most influential motoring publications for its stunning new design language, winning Autocar magazine’s ’Design of the Year’ award and the ’Interior of the Year Award 2007’ from CAR magazine.

The first production car, a Vapour Grey 4.2 litre SV8 has been donated to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust collection and will go on display alongside some of Jaguar’s most prestigious and memorable vehicles ranging from the oldest surviving Daimler, the 1897 Grafton Phaeton to the stunning 1974 E-Type – the last ever built.


More than 500 employees from the plant gathered to watch Sir William Lyons’ grandson, Michael Quinn, drive the car off the end of the Trim and Final production line. He said: "My Grandfather would have been immensely proud today. The new XF is a car that truly represents the core values which have lain at the heart of this great brand since its foundation in 1922 and I am thrilled to have been asked here today to witness this historic event from the best seat in the house!"




Jaguar has invested significantly in the new facility at the Castle Bromwich plant to ensure that the new XF is built to even higher standards than the S-TYPE – a car that was widely recognised for its excellent build quality and performance. Commenting on the introduction of this new model, Richard Else, Operations Director at Castle Bromwich, said: "Today is a significant milestone for Jaguar and a very proud moment for the Castle Bromwich team who have worked tirelessly to ensure this car delivers the highest levels of quality and refinement customers have come to expect from Jaguar."


The Jaguar XF will be exported from Castle Bromwich to 66 markets worldwide with the first UK customers taking delivery of their cars in March next year. The range starts with the Luxury 2.7 litre diesel at £33,900 rising to £54,900 for the 4.2 litre Supercharged ’SV8’.

Land Rover will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a new special edition of the iconic Defender – the SVX.

The Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled for the first time by Zara Phillips at the British Red Cross Ball in London earlier this evening. The world's first SVX has been donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to auction at the ball.

"The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary," said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. "We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa."

While most of the 25,000 Defenders produced each year are working tools for everyone from farmers and foresters to aid agencies, the SVX is the most stylish and feature-packed version that Land Rover has ever produced.

Special Edition Features

With metallic black paintwork and subtle satin black graphic decals, the Defender SVX will be available in both 90 soft-top and 90 station wagon versions. Distinctive exterior features have a contrasting silver finish, such as the unique 'Defender' and 'SVX' badges, tubular side-steps, and the bold surround for the front grille and new, clear-lens headlamps. All vehicles will also feature new, 'diamond turned' five-spoke alloy wheels, a reinforced aluminium front undershield and clear LED rear lights.

To bring the SVX interiors right up to date, they are equipped with custom-designed Recaro front seats, distinctive alloy gear knobs, a new audio system (with subwoofer and USB socket), iPod cradle and Garmin satellite navigation. The soft-top models are especially eye-catching, with a metallic silver tubular cage that supports a tailor-made, removable black fabric hood. This encloses a flat load-space and a spare wheel stowed behind the front seats, reminiscent of the very first open-top Land Rovers. Each SVX model for the UK will also come fitted with an individually numbered plaque, e.g. 001.

"The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover's 60th birthday."

A total of 200 SVX vehicles will be made available in the UK – 140 two-seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. Production of the Defender SVX will start in spring 2008, with deliveries to customers starting from early summer for soft-tops and later in the summer for station wagons. Prices will be announced later in the year.

Hyundai has scored a major coup, beating a field of the world’s best cars to win the 2007 CARSguide Car of the Year award with its diesel-powered i30 hatchback. Praised by the judging panel for its style, handling and performance features, the i30 was also voted CARSguide Green Car of the Year in recognition of its small turbodiesel’s frugal and eco-friendly performance.

Underscoring the i30 CRDi’s eco-ability was its win last month in the Panasonic Solar Challenge Greenfleet category where it travelled from Darwin to Adelaide using an average of 3.2 litres per 100km.

It is the first time a Korean-made car has won a national car of the year award in Australia. The i30 CRDi secured its place in motoring history against a stellar field of finalists ranging from a $19,000 hatch to a $110,000 luxury sedan.

Finishing second in the voting was VW’s Golf GT TSi ``twin charger´’ just ahead of the second-generation Mazda2 Maxx.

Judged on criteria ranging from styling, safety, innovation, value, functionality, build quality and performance, the finalists were studied, dissected and scored in a variety of situations.

The cars were driven through a range of environments and road conditions, such as city, freeway, highway and country towns, to evaluate how competent they were in critical driving situations. Steering, handling, braking, and acceleration were also rigorously evaluated*.


Finalists were also put through their paces on Goulburn’s Wakefield Park race circuit, enabling the judges to assess grip thresholds, tyre balance, chassis performance and suspension.

The winning i30 CRDi SX chosen by CARSguide judges featured Hyundai´s Protectz pack option, comprising electronic stability control (ESP) plus side and curtain airbags.

The Hyundai i30 CRDi was determined the winner on an overall points basis, receiving 94 out of a possible 99 points. The judges assessed the cars against 10 criteria, before ranking the finalists from 1-11 (1 being the best) to determine the winning Car of the Year 2007.


Final Rankings


Hyundai i30 CRDi (94pts)
VW Golf GT TSi (86pts)
Mazda2 Maxx (75pts)
Mitsubishi Lancer VR (71pts)
Mercedes-Benz C280 (66pts)
Holden Ute SV6 (56pts)
Ford Mondeo Zetec (37pts)
Subaru Impreza RS (32pts)
BMW X5 3.0d (31pts)
BMW 335i sedan (25pts)
Volvo C30 T5 (21pts).

For Audi engineers from the "Electronic Research Laboratory" (ERL) in California, vehicle-to-vehicle networks are a major step towards reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

At the LA Auto Show, Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, explained to California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger how Audi will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions over the coming years. At the Governor’s press conference he presented products including an Audi A5 that runs on E85 – a fuel consisting of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent conventional petrol. Governor Schwarzenegger visited the Audi stand and also took a seat in the concept car Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro, which is powered by the cleanest diesel engine in the world, a 3-litre TDI with the ultra low emission system.

Audi also has an active interest in traffic optimisation. As Mr Weyler commented, "In this field we are cooperating with three Californian universities on six research projects." The prestigious institutes California at Berkeley, California at Riverside and Stanford are involved in these projects.

The objective is to achieve additional reductions in CO2 emissions through intelligent interactions between the driver and the vehicle, between vehicles on the road, and throughout the entire traffic in circulation. The name of the project is "Clean Air, a Viable Planet".

Daniel Rosario, Head of the "Connectivity and Computing" Department in Palo Alto, stresses that the shortest route does not necessary offer the lowest fuel consumption. "The path between two points can be measured in terms of its distance, but also in terms of the quantity of carbon dioxide emitted by our cars. Information transmitted between vehicles in a network allows the driver to choose the route that indicates the lowest CO2 emissions."

The technology to create vehicle-to-vehicle networks already exists. Now it is up to researchers and engineers to integrate this technology into what Rosario calls an "intelligent vehicle network". As he goes on to explain, "Driver behaviour can increase fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent. Our approach could achieve 20 percent on top of that."

Dodge viper competition coupe.


Type: V10
Top speed: 309km/h
0 to 60 mp/h: 3.7 sec
bhp: 520




Nissan GTR


Type: Twin turbo v6
Top speed: 340Km/h
0 to 60 mp/h: 3.7~(sec)
bhp: 473

How did Michael Schumacher lap just five seconds slower than the MotoGP lap record?

Colin Edwards has explained how he believes it was possible for former seven-times F1world champion Michael Schumacherto ride a MotoGPbike just five seconds off the Valencia lap record.

Schumacher set his stunning time during the press and guest day immediately after the season-ending grand prix - and despite only limited sportbike experience. The test was also the German legend's first on an 800cc Ducatiand just his second ever MotoGP ride.

There's still over one month of 2007 remaining, but development of the new 2008 Suzuki is already well advanced.

By Peter McLaren

The 2007 MotoGPseason was still underway when Suzuki gave a prototype version of the 2008 GSV-R its race debut, at the hands of test rider Nobuatsu Aoki in last month's Malaysian Grand Prix- and by the time the team returned to Sepang for testing last week the '08 was already around half a second quicker than this year's model.

"We started the test on the '07 and then took the settings from that over to the '08 and it worked really well," Chris Vermeulen told Crash.net at Sepang. "Loris [Capirossi] said the same. We have a new chassis that makes the bike easier to turn at various lean angles - something both John [Hopkins] and I had asked for. We will get the full version of the new engine later. Aoki has been testing it and is not quite happy with it yet. We're really lucky to have someone of Nobu's experience; it really speeds up the whole development process."

Is expected deal about to fall flat after persistent stalling over length of contract..?
Fernando Alonso's much-vaunted return to Renaultfor the 2008 Formula 1season could have hit yet another hitch over the length of his contract, with reports suggesting the team will settle for nothing less than three years.

Reports from both Alonso's homeland of Spain, and Renault F1boss Flavio Briatore's native country of Italy, are adamant what was believed to be as good as a done deal is anything but. Daily Spanish sports newspaper Marca claims although Briatore is happy to accept the double world champion's demands for a one-year agreement, the Régie's president Carlos Ghosn is insisting on three years – take it or leave it.

Alonso is keen on signing for one year only, as he has his eye on a subsequent move to Ferrarialongside Kimi Raikkonenin 2009, with some Italian sources convinced that is already a certainty. Wire service Agenzia Giornalistica Italia, however, quotes Ghosn as saying: “It's three years or nothing.”

Neel Jani surges to a dominant feature race pole position at Sepang with an immense final effort.

Having eased to pole position for the sprint event, Neel Jani did it again when deciding grid positions for the A1 Grand Prixfeature race at Sepang, yet this time he did it with a gap of almost a second over his rivals.

His fourth pole position around the Malaysian circuit in four attempts, this one will probably go down as one of the finest qualifying efforts seen in A1 GP yet as Jani flexed his inspiration around Sepang's twists and turns.

Indeed, Jani was never topped throughout the day, going fastest in the first of the two mini-sessions to decide the grid positions for the feature race. Even then, that lap was good enough to cement another pole position for Switzerland, as their rivals got near but not close enough to overhauling them

World's leading private motorsport concern acknowledges aim to break into the top flight next year now little more than a pipe dream.
Following months of speculation, Prodrive has finally conceded its ambition to enter Formula 1in 2008 has failed to get off the starting grid, confirming there will remain just eleven teams in the sport next year.

According to Canadian sports website TSN, the Banbury-based outfit's chairman David Richards admitted to German publication Auto Motor und Sport that Prodrive's plans to break into the top flight as F1's twelfth team have been put indefinitely on hold, until a new Concorde Agreement is finalised and agreed upon. The current agreement is due to expire on 31 December, 2007.

“We asked the FIAto be able to start midway through the season,” Richards is quoted as having told the magazine, “and our request was rejected, so for 2008 there is not a realistic chance of there being a Prodrive F1team.”

Prodrive – already heavily involved in world rallying, touring cars and sportscars for more than two decades – was picked from almost two dozen applications to be F1's twelfth team back in April this year, with Richards making no secret of the fact he intended to take advantage of new rules allowing the use of customer cars, to avoid having to build everything from scratch. A new £200 million, 200-acre motorsportcomplex nicknamed ‘The Fulcrum' has been planned for the outfit's second base near Warwick.

Prodrive was expected to tie up a chassis and engine deal with McLarenuntil several teams – most prominently Williams and Spyker(now Force India) – challenged the eligibility of customer cars under the present Concorde Agreement, constraining Richards to put any further progression on hold until a new ruling is made.

“Our ambition is still to be in F1,” he asserted. “There was the risk of legal procedures because we wanted to use a customer car. As a result, our entire business plan was put into doubt, so we have chosen to re-group instead of simply race ahead blindly.

“We must wait for the new Concorde – only then can we fully assess our options.”

Third team implicated in F1's 2007 spy row saga rocked by latest revelations ahead of FIA hearing.

Renault's Formula 1 team has been dealt a hammer blow in the latest revelation in the sport's ongoing spy row, with leaked legal documents painting a bleak picture for the French squad ahead of its pivotal World Motor Sport Council hearing early next month - the outcome of which is likely to determine its future in the top flight.

Renault was first named as being implicated in the espionage saga a fortnight ago. It will consequently appear before the FIA in Monaco on 6 December to answer a charge of being in unauthorised possession of documents and confidential information belonging to McLaren. It is a similar offence to that of which McLaren was found guilty during the summer, when the Woking concern was proved to have illegally received 780 pages of secret Ferrari data – and for which the team received a $100 million fine, disqualification from the 2007 constructors' world championship and a high degree of scrutiny over its 2008 model.

According to British daily newspaper The Times, the latest assertions – allegedly leaked to PA Sport from McLaren's submission to the world council in a bid to ramp up the pressure on Renault – imply the Enstone-based outfit benefited significantly from the aforementioned data, which includes, the FIA has confirmed, the layout and critical dimensions of McLaren's F1 car, fuelling system, gear assembly, oil cooling system, hydraulic control system and a novel suspension component used by the 2006 and 2007 machines.

“It is clear that McLaren's confidential design information was knowingly, deliberately and widely disseminated and discussed within the Renault F1 design and engineering team,” read a statement from McLaren's solicitors, Baker McKenzie, “thereby providing them with a clear benefit and unfair

The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe combines thrilling design and performance with outstanding value to offer the sport coupe customer an attainable exotic. New for 2008, limited-production Special Edition models will be available with either the V-6 or 4-cylinder engine. The SE models combine an exclusive aerodynamic body package, a unique exterior graphic treatment and interior enhancements.



Key Specifications

Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Length: 179.7 in.
Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
Width: 72.2 in.
Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,274 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,483 lbs.


Major Standard Features

140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and six speakers
17-in. alloy wheels (GS)
50:50 split fold-down rear seat backs
Air conditioning
Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors
Front seat mounted side-impact air bags
Front seat side curtain air bags
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Cruise control
Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
Fog lamps
Keyless entry
Power windows, locks and mirrors
Tilt steering wheel
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

263-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission
18-in. alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires
Center display with outside temperature and compass
Electronic traction control
Larger ventilated rear disc brakes




Optional Sun and Sound Package (GS and GT):


650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Center display with outside temperature and compass (standard on GT)
Glovebox with damper
Illuminated ignition key cylinder
Power glass sun roof
Steering wheel audio controls
Rear cargo shelf
Rear window wiper
Windshield shade band


Optional GT Premium Sport Package (GT Only):


650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including 6-month pre-paid subscription
Aluminum pedals
Aluminum scuff plates
Automatic climate control system
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Heated front seats
Heated mirrors
Leather front seating surfaces
Power drivers seat
Power glass sun roof
Steering wheel audio controls
Sword Silver lipless 18-in. alloy wheels




SE Models:


18" wheels, Sword Silver finish
Active Stability Control (V-6 version only)
Aluminum scuff plate
Front chin spoiler
Graphics package
Large rear wing
Leather seating
Unique interior color combination

Porsche is offering aerokits for the Cayman and Turbo 997 models. For the 911 Turbo the Aerokit is priced at 4.920 euro.

The Turbo Aerokit features a new front splitter spoiler and a new engine cover with rear spoiler and fixed aerofoil profile. The aerodynamically optimized components minimize lift on both axles, improve stability and emphasize the dynamic lines of the vehicle. In addition to these components, the standard sill trims and standard rear underside can be painted in the color of the exterior.

The Aerokit for the Cayman will make your car looking even sportier and more dynamic. It features an improved aerodynamics and reduce the lift coefficients on the front and rear axles. The aerodynamics and design of the vehicle have been improved by front splitter spoilers and a new fixed rear spoiler, giving a more stable drive and, as a result, even more fun.

Ford announced that the St. Paul, Minnesota plant will be closed at the end of 2009. This means that the life of the Ranger pickup truck will come to an end in 2009.

Ranger is being produced for nearly 15 years and this year sales drop with 24% compared to the 2006 when Ford sold 92,000 units.

The 2007 Ranger is available in XL, STX, XLT, SPORT, FX4 Off-Road and FX4 Level II trims, in regular-cab and in two- and four-door SuperCab configurations. Ranger offers three engine choices: a 2.3-liter, inline four-cylinder (I-4) and two V-6 engines

The C50 is a five-doors version of the Volvo C30. It will be unveiled at the end of 2008 and will compete with BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Sportback. The C59 will go on sale in early 2009, costing around £500 more than the three-door version.

It will have the same wheelbase as the three-door, so there won’t be much more room inside. However, improved back access and versatility will appeal to families, while the extended rear overhang will provide a little more load space. At the front, a modified bumper and grille will further differentiate the C50.

Under the hood there will be the same engines as in the C30: an entry-level 100bhp 1.6-litre petrol and a range-topping 217bhp 2.5 five-cylinder turbo T5.