Sneak Peek: 2011 Nissan EV

Nissan is going all-electric! On 2nd August the Japanese brand will announce its first Zero Emissions vehicle. The as yet unnamed 5-seat hatchback was created from the ground up for electric only driving.

A micro-site has shown the front of the new EV and Nissan will release official images and information on 2nd August but until then we have some insider information from a media test drive session.

Externally, the car features a distinctively sharp, upright V-shaped design and protruding headlights that split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing drag.

Elsewhere, the EV is powered by compact lithium-ion batteries and an 80kW electric motor which, when coupled with the aerodynamic body and low consumption electronics, should offer a range of around 160kms.

If you find yourself low on charge, the EV has an IT system that informs the driver of a ‘reachable area’ on the remaining charge and all the charging stations within that area.

Performance is roughly the same as a 2.0-litre petrol powered car and handling is even slightly improved over petrol counterparts because of the low centre of gravity provided by the heavy batteries in the floor of the vehicle.

The car is expected to go on sale in Japan and the U.S in 2010 and in Europe by early 2011. Prices should start at around £20,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Renault Posts Huge Loss

Renault has announced a net loss of 2.7 billion euros (£2.3bn) for the first half of 2009.
Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said, “We anticipated the crisis from July 2008 and made the first decisions necessary to weather it. Today, Renault is showing resilience, as illustrated by our significantly positive free cashflow.
“We are already preparing Renault for the post-crisis period with the mass marketing of zero-emission vehicles from 2011, the expansion of the entry-level range, consolidation of our presence in emerging markets and a drive to accelerate and expand synergies with Nissan.”
Renault has recently launched a new Megane, Scenic and facelifted Clio, so it is expecting better results for the second half of the year. Renault’s group global market share remained at 3.7 per cent for the same period.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2010 Bentley Grand

Our spy photographers have captured the best shots yet of Bentley’s replacement for the Arnage, known as the new Grand Bentley.These pictures suggest that the new Bentley will measure about 30 centimetres longer than the already huge Arnage putting it towards the Rolls-Royce Phantom end of the market.The Grand Bentley is expected to be powered by a tweaked version of the 6.75-litre V8 that powered its predecessor. Power should be around 550hp which will propel the Grand to around 200mph.Considering it’s competition (Maybach, Rolls-Royce) prices for the new model are expected to be well over £200,000 for the base model. Unlike its forerunner the Grand Bentley will only be available in one wheelbase.The official unveil comes at the Pebble Beach concours d’elegancee on 16th August 2009 and UK sales are expected to start later this year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied Up Date: 2011 Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is on a diet! These spy shots show a smaller, lighter version of the German carmaker’s SUV is on the way - offering better performance and improved efficiency.Reports suggest that Porsche are hoping to shed 200kg from the Cayenne by using aluminium doors and dropping some of the previous model’s equipment.The lower, more streamlined body, along with even more 911 and Boxster influenced styling touches suggest Porsche are serious about making the Cayenne a real performance model.Inside, expect a Panamera based interior with a large touch-screen taking centre stage on the dash, flanked by two large air vents. Swathes of leather and high-quality materials will complete the luxurious cabin.Powertrains are expected in petrol, diesel and hybrid forms. The 400hp, 4.8-litre petrol engine from the Panamera is likely to power the Cayenne S, whilst the 500hp V8 from the range topping version of the Panamera will power the Cayenne Turbo.An improved version of the 3.0-litre oil burner from the Touraeg will kick off the diesel offerings whilst the hybrid models will be powered by Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre engine mated with a 38kW battery in the spare tyre well.The new Cayenne is expected to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next Spring. For more details clikc here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

After teasing us with three extreme-proportioned concepts, each called “Kizashi,” Suzuki has finally shown us the production version of the mid-size sedan it plans to launch this December as a 2010 model. Now, after having been formally introduced, we have learned more about it, including that it will carry the Kizashi name into production. That’s cool, we think, and refreshing: not only is Kizashi not some sort of alphanumeric—hooray!—but it is also brazenly ethnic. Kizashi means “something great is coming” in Japanese.

Since we didn’t get to drive it at the introduction, we don’t know yet just how “great” the Kizashi might be on the road, but we can say it is quite easy on the eyes. Certainly, it is way watered down from the fantasy-inspired concepts, but the handsome fascias and pleasing proportions remain intact. In front are predatory headlamps and a VW-esque top-to-bottom grille with a gorgeous black-chrome wicker look to its upper weave. Indeed, Suzuki claims that it benchmarked the VW Passat, the Alfa 159, and the Acura TSX because they have “character,” “agility,” “personality,” “flair,” and a few “rough edges.” You can definitely tell the designers studied the Alfa a lot.
The only body style that will be introduced worldwide—at first, anyway—is the four-door sedan. Dimensions stand at 183.1 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, and 58.3 inches high, and the Kizashi rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. (For reference, the Ford Fusion is 190.6 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, 56.9 inches tall, and has a 107.4-inch wheelbase.) Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. Suzuki declined to comment on whether a wagon would be developed (the first Kizashi concept featured a gangster-chopped wagon body), other than to say it is under consideration.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR Specifications

now for

2010 Ford Mustang NASCAR to race in Nationwide series

Ford Antagonism appear today that the Mustang, which hasn’t competed in NASCAR, will chase in the Nationwide alternation back Ford begins a bound rollout of its new car in 2010.

“We had been talking with NASCAR for some time about Mustang as allotment of its eyes for a ‘muscle car’ rollout for the Nationwide Series. We both saw it as a way of appropriate the alternation from Sprint Cup,” said Brian Wolfe, administrator of Ford North America Motorsports. “We admired the idea, so we jumped on the adventitious to extend Mustang’s antagonism bequest to a new alternation extensive a huge and loyal audience.

The Mustang’s motorsports history includes abounding types of antagonism including drag, road, afloat - but this will be Mustang’s aboriginal actualization in any NASCAR series.

Ferrari 458 Italia New WALLPAPER AND REVIEW

Ferrari 458 Italia New

italian manufacture launched Ferrari 458 Italia New WALLPAPER AND REVIEW 458 Italia, it is the two-seater mid-rear engined berlinetta,this Ferrar is the latest addition to the Prancing Horse's history. Ferrari 458 Italia is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The result of the Ferrari engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

Citroen Hypnos Concept Car Reviews

This is Citroen Hypnos concept, and it been announced by Citroen company , and will be premiered at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.what a beautiful car concept

Citroen style namely Hypnos concept car is being to merge the space of an SUV with the vitality of a coupe and also with the elegance of a saloon. This is Citroen Hypnos concept is Powered by a 200 bhp (147 kW) engine, Citroen Hypnos concept will delivers a 4.5 l/100 km fuel consumption and a 120 g/km CO2 emissions level.

Citroen Hypnos concept interior’s is aiming to make the technology more approachable by humans. More Citroen Hypnos concept’s photos and detailed informations will be available soon when it’s closer to the premiere date.

Citroen Hypnos Concept Car
The special hybrid technology used on Hypnos highlights Citroen’s commitment to the environment and shows once again that this strong ecological focus is always accompanied by driving thrills and efficiency. With its 200 bhp (147 kW) engine, Hypnos combines dynamic performance with low fuel consumption and emissions (4.5 l/100 km and 120 g/km of CO2).

Illustrating the advantages of hybrid technology through a high-tech approach, Citroen has designed a beautifully proportioned coupe with bold styling.

Unofficial Picture: 2010 Fiat Grande Punto

Fiat's Grande Punto facelift has leaked onto the internet.

The pictures show parts of an undisguised Fiat Grande Punto, which is due to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Punto has a revised front end, inlcuding restyled headlamps and a new front bumper with three grilles and a grey centre section. The photos also show that the rear lights have been restyled.

The pictures also show a new dashboard that takes clear styling cues from the Bravo and features a revised gauge design and circular air vents.

The revised Fiat Grande Punto is also expected to benefit from the introduction of cleaner engines.

It goes on sale in early 2010.

Thanks to: Autocar

Unofficial Picture: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Suzuki's new midsize sedan, based on the series of Kizashi concepts seen most recently at last year's New York Auto Show, has leaked onto the web a day before its official unveiling.

At this point, all that's been leaked are four candid images from a Suzuki press event showing two cars posed on a lawn. From what we can see, the production car is surprisingly faithful to the concept (at bottom), but also appears to channel some Volkswagen and Hyundai. Still, the car looks as though it could have the potential to be a break-out hit for Suzuki.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

First Sketch: Kia VG

Kia has released official renderings of its new flagship sedan, codenamed VG, that's set to replace the Amanti (known as the Opirus in some markets) and go on sale in Korea by the end of this year.

The VG started life as the KND-5 concept car at this year's Seoul show, and we even caught prototypes testing in a wintry setting just ahead of the concept's debut.

Kia is developing its own unique design language, and we challenge readers to look at the front of the VG and really see another automaker's design. We like the LED daytime running lights and hope we'll get more accustomed to the new Kia family grille. On the profile view the greenhouse is reminiscent of Lexus, and the rear view is styled as modernly as the Amanti is old-fashioned.

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity,'" said Hyoung Keun Lee, senior vice president and COO of Kia's international business division. "The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile, and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance."

We expect to see the Lambda 3.5L V-6 and both front- and all-wheel drive versions of the VX sedan when it comes to showrooms later this year. Before it hits dealers, Kia could choose the Frankfurt Motor Show to show off the production-ready version.

We look forward to viewing the final product, especially considering the changes that were made to the Hyundai Genesis sedan on its way from concept to production. Regardless, the question remains: Can Kia follow in Hyundai's footsteps and build a luxury sedan that commands respect? What do you think?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

First Sketch: 2010 Chevrolet Agile

General Motors has announced that it will launch a new compact hatchback primarily for the South American market in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Chevrolet Agile, as it has been named, is a "compact, versatile car with great design," according to a translated GM document.

The vehicle will be built in Rosary, Argentina, where a plant is already being retooled to begin production. With a showroom debut looming in a matter of months, we'd usually be seeing a production-ready version of such a vehicle right about now. Strangely, though, GM has only released rough design sketches of the new compact vehicle, along with photos of the Gpix (called Agile in Brazil) concept crossover -- a vehicle said to have provided styling references for the Agile.

From what we can make of it, the Agile seems to slot in somewhere between compact hatchback and crossover, with the roughly translated GM document suggesting the "near space and aspect of a crossover." True to its name, the Agile has been designed to combine practicality and comfort with a fun-to-drive character and a youthful feel. More from a new Agile consumer site claims, "Agile is the symbol of the new Chevrolet vehicles; it implies rapidity, dynamism, and flexibility -- qualities of the new GM that is being born."

With the South American market and the Agile's segment in mind, we'd venture the car will be fitted with a variety of small-displacement four-cylinder gasoline engines, no doubt including a version of GM's 1.4-liter unit.

Could the Agile come to the U.S.? Not long ago, we reported on the 2011 Chevy Viva -- a subcompact five-door hatch that we currently believe will be built in South Korea and could serve as the replacement for the current Aveo. While the Agile was designed in South America and will be built in Argentina, there is also the possibility that a version of the Agile will end up being the small car that will be built at the Lake Orion, Michigan, plant, which has been announced by GM as the facility that will build an as-yet-unspecified small car. That, along with a GM reference to the Viva platform (translated as "Alive" in the release below), means that the Viva and Agile could essentially be one and the same, but we'll have to wait for official details to be sure.

What do you think of the Chevrolet Agile? Does GM need such a vehicle in the U.S. and, more importantly, would it sell?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2011 Buick Regal

Buick is on the rebound in its home market, with the successful Enclave crossover and the appealing 2010 LaCrosse leading the charge. Could it continue with the reincarnation of the Regal? Spied on American soil was a camouflaged Chinese-market Buick Regal, itself a re-grilled and rebadged European 2010 Opel Insignia. Just what the covered-up Regal was doing here is anyone’s guess, especially considering that it’s already fully exposed on Buick’s Chinese website.

But speculation has been ongoing for some time about whether a Regal would reemerge to flesh out America’s Buick/Pontiac/GMC dealerships, and that possibility is even more likely now that one of those brands will soon evaporate, taking a huge quantity of mid-size sedan sales with it. Now, whether it makes sense to sell what is essentially a short-wheelbase LaCrosse alongside the LaCrosse is a marketing question we can’t fully answer. But if it is markedly less expensive than the $27,835 Lacrosse, it could play well to Camry/Accord/Fusion buyers. Factor in GM’s pending divestiture of Saturn—which was due to get a copy of the Insignia as its next Aura sedan—and the Buick version makes even more sense.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Porsche 911 Hybrid

Porsche has been testing what appears to be a 911 hybrid from these latest spy pics.

On top of the bonnet sits a matt black box suggesting this is where the car maker would fit the electric motor.

This may limit the hybrid to just the Carrera 2 models as the space is limited in the front of the four-wheel drive model.

Theoretically the 911 could be the first to do without a flat six as a lower-powered, possibly four cylinder, engine would be needed if it was boosted by an electric motor.

A hybrid 911 would be a logical step to help Porsche reduce its overall emissions because it is such a big seller.

The car was extremely quiet when it was pulling away, our spy photographer told us, but when spotted accelerated at considerable speed.

The bonnet bulge has been adorned with a lightning bolt sticker and there is what appears to be a “no pacemaker” sign on the window.

However the Batman logo on the bonnet would lead us to believe the sticker are more of a Stuttgart joke than anything else.

Porsche is planning hybrid versions of both Panamera and Cayenne and although the flat six in the 911 is a very different engine the technology does exist.

A hybrid 911 would have formidable fuel economy for such a sporting car. The standard 997 currently manages almost 30mpg on the combined cycle and with the aid of an electric motor this could be boosted to 50mph.

The 911 hybrid is still in the early stages of development and is not likely to appear before 2011.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied Up Date: 2011 Skoda Superb Estate

These are the most revealing photos yet of the Skoda Superb estate.

The pictures clearly show the car's tailgate, which replaces the innovative split hatchback of the standard model, and which clearly draws on the Octavia estate's styling.

The estate is not expected to have a significantly longer wheelbase than the standard car, but it has a large rear overhang and is taller at the back. It also benefits from revised rear seating to maximise load space.

The Skoda Superb estate is expected to be launched at the Frankfurt motor show in September, before going on sale in early to mid-2010.

The engine range will include the three petrols and three diesels from the current Superb range, linked to five and six-speed gearboxes. DSG will also be an option.

A model with a Haldex developed four-wheel-drive system is also expected to be available, and speculation suggests it will be linked to the Superb's 3.6-litre V6 and the DSG gearbox to create a sports estate model.

Prices are expected to start from around £16,000.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

With a top speed of 203mph and a 0-60mph sprint of less than 3.5 seconds, this is the fastest car Ferrari has ever built.

So say hello to the F458 Italia - officially revealed in these first pictures.

Offering a staggering 570bhp at 9,000rpm it's also fitted with an advanced engine, and a new double-clutch, seven-speed gearbox.

Like all Ferraris, the new name references the engine - in this case a 4.5-litre V8. But what's equally important is important is the bit that comes next. Called Italia, this is the car Ferrari hopes will be the new pride of Italy.

While Ferrari is unlikely to admit it, the firm has been under huge pressure from rivals like the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Offering similar chassis technology and superior engine technology both cars offer a winning blend of performance, reliability and drivability.

The F458 is the car that insiders claim is set to change all that - stamping the famous firms authority on a class it has dominated for the past 15 years.

As a result, the F458 is much more than simply a refreshed F430 - sporting new engine, chassis and suspension technology - using exotic materials like magnesium and carbon fibre to keep the weight down.

And the technology push doesn't stop there. Leaked patent drawings last month revealed Ferrari is working on a hybrid powertrain, and a petrol-electric concept, possibly based on the 458, is mooted to debut as early as the LA Show this December..

It's also got a radical new look. Designed by Pininfarina, the car's signature lights include LED technology - pioneered by Audi - and a distinctive black front grille.

However, what makes the F458 so different to its predecessor is science behind its svelte bodywork. Look closely and there's an obvious lack of openings in the bodywork.

Reducing aerodynamic drag has been key to this cars performance - both on track and on the petrol station forecourt.

The holes but into the front and flanks of the bodywork feed air to the engine and radiators, but just as importantly, they also push it under the car's flat under tray, into a series of aerodynamic venturi tunnels.

This has the effect of sucking the car down onto the tarmac - in fact, the set up is so effective, that at around 120mph the car is generating around 140kg of downforce.

Another subtle, yet effective trick can be found at the front of the car, where two movable wings are hidden against the black of the radiator air intakes. This is part of the car's active aerodynamic package and helps to reduce drag at high speeds.

Performance is delivered to the rear wheels, and controlled using Ferrari's "e-diff" limited slip differential and adjustable F1-Trac traction control system.

Backed by lightweight carbon ceramic brakes, the car is said to be the fastest point-to-point machines the firm has ever built.

At the rear of the car you'll find the distinctive three-tailpipe arrangement, first seen in our spyshots. According to insiders, the exhaust note has been modelled on the firm's F1 car - sounding every bit as high-pitched.

The car makes its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September - while first examples are set to hit UK roads early next year. As yet, there's no word on price, but as the car is even faster than the F430 Scuderia - priced from £172,250 - it's unlikely drivers should expect change from less than £175,000. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Nissan EV Versa Prototype (EV-11)

this is Nissan EV Versa Prototype (EV-11) .Nissan has been quite vocal about its electric-vehicle ambitions. Along with the announcement of its new electric-vehicle platform this morning, Nissan launched a mini-site focused around the launch of its first electric-car scheduled to make its debut on August 2nd. The site shows a teaser of what we can expect to see when Nissan shows the new electric-car, which will hit the U.S. and Japanese markets in 2010.

While this morning we saw Nissan’s new electric-vehicle platform as a Versa-based prototype, the all-electric vehicle scheduled to debut in 2010 will have a unique design and body.

Nissan says that the in-house developed electric-motor will help the car produce a total of 107-hp with a driving range of more than 99 miles on a single charge.

The unibody 2011 Ford Explorer

The unibody 2011 Ford Explorer, based on the D3 platform used on the new 2010 Ford Taurus, will go into production in 2010 at the company’s Torrence Avenue plant. Expect an EcoBoost model to follow after the standard gasoline engine choices make their debut.

Sales of the Explorer have seen a drastic decline since the model’s popularity in the 1990s. In its peak year in 1999, FoMoCo sold 507,091 Explorers and 49,281 Mountaineers.

In 2008, sales of the Explorer declined to a staggering 78,439, while Mountaineer sales were 10,596. Both nameplates are down more than 50 percent so far in 2009.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

NEW video Gear pins 2009 Nissan 370Z against 2009 BMW Z4

this is battle between two big manufacturer

Refresher:

2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i: Power comes from a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 engine that makes a total of 306-hp. 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds when mated to a manual transmission and 5 seconds flat when mated to the new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
2009 Nissan 370Z: Power comes from a 3.7L VQ37VHR engine making 332-hp. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox that will allow for a 0 to 60 mph time in the low 4.7 seconds.

Wonder how fast The Stig lapped the Top Gear lap or which one Clarkson liked better? Make the jump for the video to find out.

Ener1 Lithium-ion Battery System

First Integrated Platform of Its Kind Offers Quick, Cost-Effective Solution Scalable to Suit Wide Range of Vehicle Applications
Ener1 Lithium-ion Battery System
NEW YORK, July 27 -- A new, fully integrated electric drive train developed by electric vehicle pioneer, Think, and powered by a lithium-ion battery system made by U.S.-based EnerDel (subsidiary of Ener1, Inc. Nasdaq: HEV), has been delivered to Japan Post via Zero Sports. Zero Sports of Japan has been selected by Japan Post as one of the conversion partners for delivering vehicles as part of a comprehensive on-road testing program which has been fast-tracked by the Japan Postal Service to electrify their fleet of 22,000 delivery vehicles. With the support of strategic partner ITOCHU Corporation, who organized this project, Ener1 provided engineering support on the delivery of the first two postal service vehicles to Japan Post via Zero Sports.

The drivetrain is being used to convert a gasoline -powered truck to run entirely on electric drive. The real -life data will be shared with other major users and potential customers of electric vehicles, including other postal fleets in Europe and the Americas.

Initially developed for the Th!nk City electric car, the complete system is the first of its kind to provide off-the-shelf availability combined with made-to-order performance in a wide variety of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicle (EV) applications.

"The ability to deliver a fully integrated, road-ready package that can be quickly tailored to suit a wide range of vehicle solutions is a major step forward for both of our companies," said Ener1 Chairman and CEO Charles Gassenheimer. "By significantly reducing time-to-market for our customers and meeting accelerated production milestones has opened up avenues of opportunity in exciting new programs. We are happy to be able to announce one such program today."

The new technology platform being utilized for this program unites Think's industry-leading EV drive system with EnerDel's award-winning lithium-ion battery technology. A spin-out of Ford Motor Company in 2003, Think Global has more than 18 years' experience in producing environmentally friendly vehicles. The two companies began an active partnership in 2007, with EnerDel developing a 26-kWh battery system for the Th!nk City vehicle, the first pure electric vehicle of its kind to use the next- generation technology.

"We have seen growing interest in supplying Think's proprietary EV drive system to third parties, a significant new business line and revenue opportunity," said Think Global CEO Richard Canny. "Our long standing relationship with EnerDel has culminated in one of the most advanced battery electric drive train systems in the world, producing reliable, high performance systems, which are both cost-effective and highly adaptable."

The Japan Postal Service is currently converting 25 percent of its fleet of combustion engine vehicles to electric drive as part of a government push to accelerate market adoption and infrastructure development for electric drive vehicles. It is anticipated that federal fleets across the world will be soon to follow their example. Initially they will develop a fleet of pure electric vehicles for testing in general business and sales use in the Kanagawa and Tokyo Prefectures, where the two conversion vehicles are currently undergoing on road testing. A picture of the vehicle may be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/meauur.

"Asia has long pioneered the future of electric drive, and Japan in particular has been a global leader in advancing its adoption," Gassenheimer said. "We are pleased to be working on such a high-profile project, and excited to be contributing EnerDel's proprietary lithium-ion battery technology designed and produced here in America. Working alongside our European partner Think, this has become a valuable global enterprise."

ITOCHU Corporation, a multi-billion dollar Japanese trading company and seed investor in Ener1 has been instrumental in expanding the Ener1 and Think commercial presence in Japan through its broad sales and marketing network. Ener1 is also partnering with Kyushu Electric Power ("KEPCO"), one of the largest public power and utility companies in Japan to create and manufacture rapid recharging systems for electric vehicles.

About Ener1, Inc.:

Ener1 develops and manufactures compact, high performance lithium-ion batteries to power the next generation of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles. The publicly traded company is led by an experienced team of engineers and energy system experts at its EnerDel subsidiary located in Indiana. In addition to the automobile market, applications for Ener1 lithium-ion battery technology include the military, grid storage and other growing markets.

Ener1 also develops commercial fuel cell products through its EnerFuel subsidiary and nanotechnology-based materials and manufacturing processes for batteries and other applications through its NanoEner subsidiary.

About Th!nk:

TH!NK was established in Norway in 1991 and designs, develops, manufactures and markets environmentally friendly vehicles and technologies designed to be smart, flexible and to deliver state-of-the-art and safe urban mobility solutions. The TH!NK City is the company's latest generation EV, and offers a range of 180km per charge and a top speed of 100 km/h.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/07/27/471814.html

2010 Ford Mustang AV-X10 wallpaper

ngine Location Front
Drive Type Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis Unitized steel
Production Years for Series 2010
Weight 3552 lbs | 1611.2 kg

Engine
Engine Configuration V
90-degree
Cylinders 8
Aspiration/Induction Supercharged
Roots-type
Displacement 330.00 CU IN. | 5408.7 cc. | 5.4 L.
Valves 32 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain DOHC
Horsepower 540.00 BHP (397.4 KW)
Torque 694.00 NM (511.7 Ft-Lbs)
HP to Weight Ratio 6.6 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter 100.0 BHP / Liter
Redline 6250
Compression Ratio 8.4:1
Fuel Feed Fuel Injected
Block Cast-iron
Head Aluminum
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears 5
Transmission Manual
Tremec T-5
Final Drive 3.31:1

Optional Transmission

Dimensions
Cargo Volume 13.10 cu. ft.
Passenger Volume 84.701 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity 1000.001 lbs
Seating Capacity 4
Doors 2
Produced 1
Exterior
Length 187.601 in | 4765.1 mm.
Width 73.901 in | 1877.1 mm.
Height 55.401 in | 1407.2 mm.
Wheelbase 107.101 in | 2720.4 mm.
Front Track 62.401 in | 1585 mm.
Rear Track 63.001 in | 1600.2 mm.
Interior
Front Headroom 38.601 in | 980.5 mm.
Rear Headroom 34.701 in | 881.4 mm.
Front Legroom 42.701 in | 1084.6 mm.
Rear Legroom 30.301 in | 769.6 mm.
Front Hip Room 53.61 in | 1361.7 mm.
Rear Hip Room 46.81 in | 1189 mm.
Front Shoulder Room 55.401 in | 1407.2 mm.
Rear Shoulder Room 53.401 in | 1356.4 mm.
Vehicles with similar dimensions

Suspension
Suspension Front : Reverse-L independent MacPherson strut, 28.6-mm tubular stabilizer bar

Rear : 3-link solid axle with coil springs and Panhard rod

Steering
Rack and Pinion with Power Assist
Steering Overall Ratio 15.7:1
Turning Circle 33.401 ft

Brakes
Front Brake Size 293.001 mm | 11.5 in.
Rear Brake Size 300.001 mm | 11.8 in.

Tires / Wheels
Wheels 19-inch

2009 Lexus IS-F Police Car

This is the precisious car, so exlucif, The Police in Humberside has received a new Lexus IS-F Police Car. Specially trained officers spent 12 months evaluating a number of high performance vehicles that are set to replace the current Subarus which have proved highly successful in enabling the
Roads Crime Section to target organized criminals in the area. Following a stringent evaluation process the decision was taken to purchase the Lexus IS-F after the vehicle proved to be exceptionally capable of remaining stable in high speed operational policing environments, despite carrying the extra weight provided by the £30,000 worth of on-board computers and communications equipment.

The Lexus IS-F Police Car has a performance tuned 5.0-litre V8 engine capable of reaching 62mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 168 mph and was supplied by Steve Kelly, Centre Principal at Lexus Hull who has been working closely with the Humberside police regarding the sale.

Petroleum Engineering Requirement

new vacancy at Petroleum Engineering,Petroleum engineers are responsible for finding, testing and extracting fossil fuel resources that power most of the world's demand for energy. These fuels can take the form of crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering is involved in the first stage of petroleum production. It does not refer to the second phase, which includes refining and distributing petroleum for consumption. Petroleum engineering is a lucrative career, but it takes skill and education.2009 SPE Award Recipients Announced

Recipients of SPE's International Awards for 2009 have been announced by the SPE Board. These members are recognized for outstanding contributions to the technology, the Society, and the communities in which they live and work. Read the complete list...
ATCE Online Registration is Now Open

You can now register online for the 2009 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. Be sure and check out the complete technical program for the Society's premier conference and exhibition. You can also follow ATCE updates on Twitter.
Petroleum Society of Canada Completes Merger with SPE, Two Sections Added

The boards of the Petroleum Society of Canada and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) have approved a merger agreement that will create a new Canadian organization, SPE Canada, to serve the combined membership of around 4,500 in Canada. In addition, two new Canadian section, Lloydminster and South Saskatchewan, have joined the list of SPE sections worldwide, bringing the total to 170. Read More...
OnePetro Has Replaced SPE eLibrary

The SPE eLibrary is no longer a standalone collection. SPE's technical archive has become part of OnePetro, the multi-society library that features more than 80,000 technical documents from nine E&P-related organizations.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Hot News: No New Bugatti Model Yet

Bugatti will not be launching a new concept model at the Frankfurt motor show in September after all, according to company sources.

A teaser picture on an official Bugatti invitation to an event at the show has been circulating online, prompting speculation that Bugatti would be launching its second production model, a Rolls-Royce Phantom rival.

However, Bugatti sources claim the new model will only be shown to a select few customers, executives and dealers to gauge reaction to the car ahead of an official launch.

Bugatti will be launching another special-edition Veyron at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event in the US next month, meanwhile. The latest Veyron special edition will be based on the 16.4 Grand Sport convertible model.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2011 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60, only previously seen in concept form has been snapped (but only just) on a road in England.

The heavily disguised prototype doesn’t give away much about the car but it is expected to look like a slightly toned down version of the S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Motor Show.

Onboard technology will include Volvo’s Collision Warning With Full Auto Brake. Several cameras will sense if the car is about to have a collision and will then take evasive action. The S60 also comes with a pedestrian detection system that can sense and avoid pedestrians.

Expect power to come from a fuel-efficient 1.6-litre turbo mated to a dual-clutch transmission. More details will be confirmed as the S60 approaches its expected release date in 2010. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: GM Opens Yuma Proving Ground with U.S Army

GM has announced the official opening of its new Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona in cooperation with the U.S. Army. GM signed an agreement to co-develop and administer the site with the Army two years ago after selling its Mesa Proving Ground in Mesa, Arizona.

"This new facility meets several of our important product development needs," said Ken Morris, executive director of Vehicle Integration, Proving Grounds and Performance Division for GM. "We have a longer hot weather testing cycle, we have great partners with the Army and the city of Yuma, and we have a facility that will meet our needs in the years to come."

With residential development encroaching on the privacy and secrecy of the Mesa Proving Ground and driving up land values, GM sold the old test facility and inked a deal with the Army to lease 2400 acres on the Army's Yuma Proving Ground to build its own test facility. As part of the agreement, GM and the Army will have access to each other's test facilities.

GM's new facility will employ 75 engineers and other staff members and includes a 3.5-mile circle track, a 1.4-mile drag strip, a one-million square-foot vehicle dynamics pad and over 40 miles of roads, including those with various ride-handling tests and grades. The site also features several shops and garages for working on test vehicles as well as a fuel station, car wash and scale house.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Mazda Prepping Refreshed RX-8 for Frankfurt Show 2009

Rumor has it, Mazda will debut either a slightly refreshed or special edition version of its RX-8 sports car at this year's 2009 Frankfurt motor show in Germany.

Autocar reports that the Japanese brand's top sporty model will get new aerodynamic bits on all corners, as well other cosmetic components like LED taillights, bigger exhaust tips, and 19-in. dark grey alloys.

Interior designers are said to have worked in new black cloth, standard Recaro seats, a redone instrument cluster, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. No changes to the current 232-hp rotary engine were rumored to be in the pipeline.

Seeing as the car was just refreshed for the 2009 model year here in the U.S., signs point to the RX-8 reportedly coming to Frankfurt as being some sort special edition model instead of a full refresh of the present model. But if the rumors pan out to be true, we we'll be interested to see what Mazda has in store for the RX-8.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2011 Toyota 4Runner

With SUV sales in the tank—especially of the old body-on-frame variety—there has been some question regarding the future of the long-in-the-tooth Toyota 4Runner. Would it continue with its sturdy ladder frame or would it switch to unibody architecture, as Ford is planning to do with its Explorer? Will Toyota take its styling in a new direction or will it take the usual conservative approach? Heck, will Toyota even bother building a new version of its iconic off-roader when it has five other SUVs and crossovers (RAV4, Venza, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, and Sequoia) to cover the family truckster/off-road adventurist market?

With the appearance of this prototype, caught by a quick-thinking reader, we’re getting answers to some of those questions. First, Toyota is clearly readying a 4Runner replacement, which we expect to appear sometime this fall, looking even more butch than before—think four-door FJ Cruiser. Second, the high-and-mighty road stance indicates that it will continue to ride on a frame and offer excellent ground clearance. Styling elements appear to offer few surprises, with the headlight/grille/hood relationship in roughly the same arrangement as the current model; ditto the squared-off wheel arches. We can also see that the roof pillars have a slightly more upright and angled relationship with the body and roof, and we expect that the body will have a smooth geometric surface.

A 4.0-liter V-6 with 258 hp or so will be the base engine, and a new 4.6-liter V-8 that is shared with the Tundra, will also be offered. The V-8 will hook to a six-speed automatic and promises to deliver better fuel economy and more power than the 260-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 it replaces. We expect prices to drop from their current levels (the 2009 4Runner starts at $29,440), as the 4Runner will also be leaner and more stripped down than before.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Car: 2010 Acura RDX

The entire Acura lineup is slowly being stricken by the chrome beak that first occupied the grille of the MDX, and the 2010 RDX is its next victim. As it goes, though, the new schnozz is no less weird than the awkward, toothy grin sported by the RDX on its introduction. Along with the new proboscis, the RDX gets redesigned front and rear bumpers, too.

The bigger news, however is that not every RDX will have driven real wheels, as the little ute—previously only available in all-wheel-drive—will now be available in a base, front-wheel-drive version. The only available transmission remains the paddle-shifted five-speed automatic.

Opting down to front-wheel drive drops the RDX’s curb weight by about 200 pounds, will save customers $2000—$33,330 for a front-driver versus $35,330—and net a few extra mpg. Front-driven RDX models are rated at 19 mpg city and 24 highway, while the all-wheel-drive version drops to 17/22 mpg. Over 40,000 miles with a long-term RDX, we averaged just 20 mpg, so any improvement is welcome in our book.

What remains to be seen is how removing the connection to the rear wheels will change the RDX’s wonderfully tossable character. We’ll find out this fall, when the front-wheel-drive RDX becomes available. The all-wheel-drive 2010 RDX is available now.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Lexus Plans 1-Series Rival

Lexus is set to launch a five-door compact hatchback at September’s Frankfurt motor show.

Although Lexus won’t officially confirm as much yet, Autocar can reveal the concept that’s a close match for the car it’ll offer up against BMW’s 1-series and Audi’s A3 in 2010.

Company insiders suggest that the car was signed off late last year, largely at the behest of European execs who insisted that the Europe’s premium C-segment was an area of the market “too lucrative not to be in”.

Our sources won’t divulge the car’s name - although rumours suggest that both ‘BS’ and ‘CS’ are in the frame. They will say that the car will be a petrol-electric hybrid-only model, like the firm’s RX SUV, so a fleet-focussed diesel model isn’t too likely.

As such, the new compact Lexus is likely to use the same powertrain as the US-market-only HS250h – a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that, with the help of an electric motor, produces 187bhp.

Like the HS it’ll also be front-wheel drive, but it won’t use the same platform as the bigger HS.

“The Frankfurt concept is called C-Premium,” our source advised. It’s a 90 per cent match for the real thing, which we’ll see at Geneva next year. It should be on sale in the UK by Autumn 2010.”

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C

This is the hardcore, lightweight Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C, which will be limited to just 900 models.

The latest in a long and inventive line of tuner Impreza WTX STi models unleashed in Japan, the 2009-edition Spec C has been designed with Group N motorsport homologation duties in mind.

Though the car's looks are near standard, the Spec C badge means a breathed-on 2.0-litre turbo engine, a stiffened-up body, new 18-inch wheels, a unique suspension set-up and a big round of weight saving.

The engine is the 1994cc flat-four 16-valve turbocharged unit that’s standard in Japanese WRX STis. Its power is unchanged, at 304bhp, and it has 311lb ft of torque.

However, the twin-scroll turbo now gets low-friction ball bearings and this, coupled with new ECU engine mapping, is said to ensure more urgent engine response.

Subaru fans will also recognise the intercooler water spray, a traditional feature of go-faster factory Rexs from way back.

To bring the weight down by 30kg (to 1450kg), Subaru has downsized the battery and used an aluminum bonnet. Laminar glass features in the front and side windows. Those new alloy wheels also cut unsprung weight.

True to form, Subaru has breathed on the chassis. The spring and damper settings are unique to the car, and so are rear anti-roll bar settings and subframe bushes.

Subaru has even reinforced the front crossmember to tighten things up even further and, perhaps in the interests of simplicity and lower costs, the standard-issue rear Torsen limited-slip diff now switches for a mechanical type.

Inside, big Recaro sports seats (Alcantara and leather, with red stitching) are optional if you choose the 18-inch wheels.

Despite the modifications, Subaru is pegging the price at £23,675 in Tokyo, which isn't far off the price of a normal WRX STi.

Furthermore, if you can live with 17-inch tyres instead of 18s, you can save around £2000.

Thanks to: Autocar

BMW principleofjoy

BMW 325i Convertible new



BMW Z4 sDrive35i new



BMW Z4 sDrive23i new



BMW X5 xDrive30i Sport new



BMW X6 xDrive50i new