» Choose a Make

Citroen GT - first video

admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:16:00 +0000

After revealing the sixth teaser image of the GT Concept today, Citroen revealed the first video teaser of the concept (and we really hope the next time we see it, it will be the whole car.)

Maybe someday we’ll be able to teach Citroen a lesson that they can’t keep treating us like this, but until then, the video is pretty cool.

Read more from the source

Audi R-S-Street by Kicherer

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:41:05 +0000

The Audi RS6 Avant is becoming a popular customizing car. After ABT, MTM and B&B versions, Kicherer of Germany unveiled today its customization options for the Audi RS6 Avant. Dubbed Audi R-S-Street, the vehicle comes with a power increase from 580 hp to 700 hp. The extra horses make the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 4.3 seconds, the 0-124 mph is made in 13 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 173 mph.

In order to deliver better stability the car not only received a new suspension system that lowers the car by 25 millimeters, but also gets a new rear air diffuser. A new exhaust system is used for a better sound of the engine. The body kit of the vehicle includes carbon fiber mirror covers and front lip spoiler. What is really special at this car is the custom body paint and the custom 22 inch wheels which complement the kit.

Read more from the source

Test drive: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:39:57 +0000

The ZR1 is Chevrolet’s newest super-Vette — 638 supercharged horsepower, lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber construction, and a six-figure price tag. So when Chevrolet called and offered me a chance to drive it at their Milford Proving Grounds in Detroit, I was thrilled beyond belief.

How was it? Man, oh, man — driving the ZR1 was one of the most memorable experiences of my career as an auto hack. I even got to take a quick spin — slowly and carefully — in the first customer-ready ZR1, VIN 00001 (picture of the car here and the VIN plate here. GM plans to add this car to their Heritage Collection.)

I went back and forth as to how to write this review — should I relate all the fascinating technical details (this car really is an engineering masterpiece), or should I try to describe what it’s like to pilot this beast? I tried to do a bit of both, but as always, I leaned towards the latter. Check out my 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 test drive and review.

I went a little snap-happy with the ol’ Pentax, so along with my review you’ll find a couple dozen more photos in my 2009 Corvette ZR1 photo gallery. Be sure to check out the tire smoking sequence (shortcut to the pics here, here and here). — Aaron Gold

Read more from the source

Lexus LS460 AWD to debut at the Moscow International Auto Show

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:30:47 +0000

Moscow can sometimes conjure up images of cold and snowy weather. So what better place for Lexus to introduce its newest all-wheel drive car. Next week, all the attention of the car fans will be on the Moscow International Auto Show, which will begin on August 26th. The latest manufacturer who announced the global debut of one of its cars is Lexus, who will launch its brand new LS460 AWD, a four-wheel-drive version of its well-known LS460.

The new vehicle will be powered by the same 4.6 liter V8 engine capable to deliver 380 hp but it will feature a new Torsen differential, which like the LS600h version, it distributes 60% of the power on the rear wheels while the other 40% is available on the front wheels. The car will be available from November, but no pricing has been confirmed.

Read more from the source

Prototype Jaguar sells for $5 million

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:29:10 +0000

The “missing link” Jaguar fetches $5 million at at Bonhams & Butterfields’ Quail Lodge Sale in California last week. This car sets a new record for Jaguar prices, but falls short of the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57C Atalante that sold for $7.92 over the weekend a few miles up the road in Pebble Beach.

This Jag is the 1960 E2A prototype racer that bridged the gap between the champion D-Type and legendary E-Type. Renowned race drivers Dan Gurney and Walt Hansgen turned the wheel of this car at the 1960 Le Mans. It was raced under Briggs Cunningham’s race team, and the car still carries the team’s white with blue stripes colors today. Unfortunately the car never finished the race when the head gasket failed. The one-of-a-kind racer did go on to victory in the 1960 race in Bridgehampton, New York.

Read more from the source

Test drive: 2009 Honda Fit

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:26:10 +0000

After just two years — the original Fit made its US debut in 2006 as an ‘07 model — Honda is already introducing a new version of their subcompact Fit hatchback. The new Honda Fit is all-new from stem to stern, but aside from the look, little has changed — and that’s actually a good thing. Get the details in my 2009 Honda Fit test drive and review. Want photos? You’ll find lots of ‘em in my 2009 Honda Fit photo gallery. — Aaron

Read more from the source

Land Rover’s LRX concept at Pebble Beach

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:23:06 +0000

The Land Rover LRX concept was first shown to the world back in January. It has since been making the car show tours, and now with its premier at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, Gerry McGovern, design director for Land Rover describes how the car fits into the company’s heritage.

The LRX is expected to be the replacement for the Freelander. The concept was shown as a hybrid diesel package to keep up with modern fuel economy demands. While this car is supposed to be a revolution in Land Rover design, remember this is the company that never had to go retro with the design of Range Rover, because it’s had only three generations in 38 years.

In fact, the LRX concept looks like it shares some of the same cues from the 2004 Range Stormer concept, which was the forerunner for the Range Rover Sport.

Read more from the source

VW Going WRC??

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:18:43 +0000

What? Can this be true? More manufacturer involvement in the world Rally Championship? Be-still my heart.

It seems that rumors are running rampant that VW is considering getting in the WRC game. Now, I do understand that VW, as an umbrella company, already is sort of involved in the WRC with Skoda. Specifically they give limited factory support to teams running the Skoda Fabia, which is I think, and correct me if I’m wrong, essentially a Golf variant. So if VW wanted to, they could probably just start running Golfs, but sources point to more than doing just that, possible running the upcoming Scirocco.

It gets even better though, the rumors are picking up steam, and now point to WRC involvement from Fiat and Renault going WRC as well.

Renault getting in the game seems like an easy deal, given their great success in the series in years past … but Fiat getting involved? Hm, what car would the run? The new 500 is too small (the WRC actually has size rules), so maybe the Grand Punto? I’m coming up with blanks on what Fiat could put on stage, but if any of you out there have any knowledge, please fill me in.

Car companies getting involved in the WRC seems like SUCH a no brainer. The technology migrates directly into the cars we drive, think Subaru or Audi to see the technology transfer.

We all benefit from this kind of activity, so c’mon VW (and Fiat & Renault), just do it.

Read more from the source

Audi RS6 Avant by B&B

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:16:53 +0000

After ABT unveiled its customized Audi RS6 Avant with 700 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque, its main rival, B&B unveiled its new tuning kit for the German car. The new program from B&B has 4 versions of boost for the V10 TFSI engine, developing 650, 670, 700 and 715 hp. With the 4th level installed, the car can hit 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with 0.3 seconds faster than the ABT RS6 Avant, and has a top speed of 200 mph.

Also, a new a new suspension kit was added in order to obtain a better stability. No words about the price yet. Also check Audi RS6 Avant by ABT.

Read more from the source

FEATURES: 2010 Lincoln MKT Spy Shots

admin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:15:34 +0000

By Phil Floraday
Photography by Brenda Priddy

Well, that didn’t take long. Just a few days after Ford officials confirmed production of the 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover, our spies captured several clear images of a development vehicle. Judging by the interior shot, this crossover looks to be very close to production-ready.

The Lincoln MKT is based on a Ford Flex platform, so it’s no surprise the Lincoln will share the 270-hp, 3.7-liter normally aspirated V-6 engine found in the MKS on base models and have an optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that utilizes direct injection and turbocharging to produce an estimated 340 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. Expect a familiar six-speed automatic transmission behind either V-6. Front-wheel drive will be standard and all-wheel drive will be available.
You won’t, however, have to worry about mistaking the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT.
Although a concept MKT debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show to mixed reviews, much of the concept’s styling seems to carry over to production. Expect the MKT to keep the concept’s face, distinctive C-pillar, and strong beltline. The majority of these features are under wraps, but it’s easy to see Lincoln’s new corporate grille through the front camo and the sloping roof of the MKT concept.
Expect to see a production 2010 Lincoln MKT at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January. According to our spies, production could begin as early as the summer of 2009. Check back at Automobile Magazine online for more details on the Lincoln MKT and other future vehicles.

Read more from the source