Car Inovation 201X: May 2008

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kawasaki

Ferrari 599 2008 pictures

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Ferrari 599

Ferrari cool cars 2008

Ferrari

UK diesel is cheapest in Europe

Until the government tax is added, then its the most expensive. According to Government figures, the UK's diesel costs an average of 48.8 pence a litre before tax is added.

However, that leaps to an average 116.6p or £1.06 a litre once the Government's 58% tax has been added, making it the most expensive diesel in Europe.

Unleaded petrol prices are the third-lowest in Europe before tax, 62% tax, the third highest in Europe meaning it is the fifth highest-priced.

The Conservative Party slammed the revelations. Shadow Treasury minister Philip Hammond said: 'Gordon Brown’s claim that world oil prices are the cause of the soaring costs is exposed as a sham.

Diesel tax rates in Europe:

UK 58%

Sweden 52%

Germany 51%

France 50%

Austria 48%

Denmark 48%

Ireland 48%

Audi R8 waiting list grows to several months

The Audi R8 is defiantly a good-looking supercar but now theres a large demand for it.. Nevertheless, a new sales report from Audi says the car "is sold out for months."

If demand remains strong for the car then it's fair to assume the backlog will continue to grow.. According to chairman Rupert Stadler, the R8 isn't the only Audi with strong demand. The top executive said the large Q7 SUV has taken the A4's place as Audi's most popular model in the U.S.

What's more, Stadler said he expects to see Audi's overall sales exceed one million units this year globally. Last month, the manufacture had sold 86,700 vehicles and sales could increase even more into the second half of 2008. In 2007, Audi sold 964,000 vehicles worldwide.

Toyota recalls 90,000 Highlander SUV's (U.S)

Toyota has announced that it will recall 90,000 Highlander SUVs in the U.S due to a defect in the Highlander's third-row seat belts, which could prevent rear-facing child seats from being secured properly.

The Japanese automaker has also issued a stop of sale on all 2008 Highlanders equipped with third-row seating.

The recall impacts Highlander models built between May 2007 and March 2008. Owners will be informed of the recall in June. No injuries or accidents have been linked to the defect.

KIA Morning receives 6 month waiting list (KR)

The Kia Morning (known as Picanto in Europe and South Africa) has a 6 month waiting list in Korea. This is due to the rising fuel prices which has now made city cars in the country ever more popular.

Throughout April this year, Kia Motors has sold over 33,000 units of the Picanto/Morning. That’s a growth of 30 percent from the same period last year.

Kia says the fuel-efficient city car has been so popular that it has over 32,000 units on back order, meaning a wait of upto 6 months for many buyers throughout the world.

GM Chevrolet/Daewoo’s Matiz has also seen a steady rise in sales with more than 5,000 of the cars sold since March and another 5,000 on back order. The two models are currently the only city cars made by Korean automakers for domestic sale, putting demand far above supply.

Bigger Golf gets facelift

It seems like that the Golf/Rabbit isn't the only Golf-based model to receive a facelift. Spies have caught the new Golf Plus facelift undergoing mechanical and altitude testing in the Austrian Alps.

The revised Golf Plus will have its debut at the Bologna motorshow in late December, before UK sales start in early 2009. The front end gets the same styling treatment as the upcoming Golf Mk6 hatch but the rear is apparently going to be similar to the current Golf Plus model.

The Golf Plus, Jetta sedan and Golf Estate will receive technical improvements including direct-injection engines to cut down on fuel consumption and emissions without affecting performance. Expect an expansion of the 1.4 TSI petrol engines which are now available in 140, 150, 160 and 170bhp form.

Related links:

Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit spied

Volkswagen 300bhp Golf

Difficult is worth doing - By Honda

I was given a early preview for the all new Honda Accord advert. The advertisement is called Difficult is worth doing. The adverts are teaser ads of the making of the new Honda Accord.

Difficult is worth doing highlights how Honda are at the cutting edge of technology and the ad also brings to light the team behind the making of Honda and their teamwork.

Let me know what you think of it.

Part 1 - Introduction:

Part 2 - Rehearsals on the ground:

Part 3 - The wind tunnel:

Part 4 - Filming the stunt:

Chevrolet Europe set to expand its range by 2012

Chevrolet Europe will double its car range by 2012. Chevrolet wants to be competitive in 65% of the market within four years, an increase of a third from 2006.

“The whole Chevrolet portfolio will be renewed by 2012 and we are looking to expand into new segments,” said Wayne Brannon, chief executive of Chevrolet Europe. “We’re particularly interested in creating a new monocab MPV to compete with the Zafira and a small SUV that would sit beneath the Captiva.”

The new Epica mid-sized sedan is the first stage in the new strategy and will be followed by the all new Beat, Camaro and electric Volt.

New engines will also be a key part of this growth, said Brannon. “We’re looking to produce a new 1.0-litre diesel engine in the next two to three years, and we are also hoping to add a 1.3-litre diesel to the range.”

Progress is also being made on the company’s hydrogen fuel-cell car, which is also due to enter the Chevrolet range by 2012. The first working fuel-cell demonstrators, which will be based on the Equinox SUV, will be in action in Europe by the end of next year.

VW Tiguan customers receive free Golf (DE)

Buyers from Germany who have purchased a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV will receive a Volkswagen Golf as a courtesy car until their vehicle has arrived in January 2009.

Faced with high demand of its soft-roader and in an effort to stop Tiguan buyers from looking elsewhere, Volkswagen has taken the unusual move of getting its dealers to hand out Golf's to anyone who orders a Tiguan. To cover the costs of depreciation on the Golf, VW will pay the dealers €1000 (£800) for every Tiguan sold.

Squaring up the Cube

Nissan is working flat out on the new Cube. The first generation of the quirky vehicle was only sold in Japan where it enjoyed huge success thanks to its eye-catching design. Since it was only for Japan, the vehicle got imported by customers in their thousands. The Cube also had an older brother called Cubic which provided a 3rd row of seats.

The new model, caught here undergoing testing in France will be sold throughout the world, including Europe and the U.S.

Nissan showed a concept called Denki (electric in Japanese) Cube with high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries at the New York Motor Show. The hybrid will utilise cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology and will developed in the UK alongside with NEC. This previews an electric Cube scheduled for 2010, as well as a conventional petrol engined version. A 1.6VVT petrol engine is expected to be borrowed from the Renault Clio alongside the 1.5 dCi, which is expected to stay firmly in Europe.

Exterior changes should be minimal compared to the concept, although the current car’s low rear lights will be placed near the boot lid to meet European regulations. A smooth CVT automatic and manual gearbox will be offered along with a classier interior to suit UK tastes.

The first photo shows the car undisguised at a press conference. Other than testing in France, Nissan has been testing Cube mules in London, near their design centre. These prototypes include the Cube and the Cube Cubic. The latter may make it to the UK if demand is sufficient.

Its hard to distinguish what the Cube will be rivalling since the Note takes on supermini based MPV's like the Renault Modus, Vauxhall/Opel Meriva, Daihatsu Materia and Ford Fusion but it is safe to say, for those who don't want a European styled people carrier will have the option to choose the Cube. The Cube should reach dealerships by 2010 followed by the hybrid in 2011. Expect a world debut at the LA autoshow in November. Nissan Cube to be unveiled in LA

'09 Nissan Maxima production started (U.S)

Nissan's flagship sedan has officially gone into production today. The first '09 Maxima rolled off the assembly line at Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. manufacturing plant.

The new Maxima is built on Nissan's new D-Platform but is powered by an upgraded 3.5 litre VQ V6 engine producing 290bhp, a 35bhp increase than the current model but still less than the new 3.7 litre V6 with 330bhp (borrowed from the Infiniti EX37 and G37). The engine is mated to a new Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual and Ds (drive sport) mode for a more sporty drive.

"We set out to create one of the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive sedans in the world," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan division, Nissan North America. "The Maxima delivers on all levels offering the value, quality and exhilarating performance consumers have come to expect from Nissan."

The Nissan Maxima was first introduced in the U.S back in 1981 and today 4 of every 5 sold are still on the road today, not bad for a car that's in its 8th generation. The new 2009 model will come in two trim levels; Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV. Pricing will announced before sales start in summer 2008.

Upcoming Lexus rumors

Lexus is expanding their current range of cars. Recently introduced is the IS-F that rivals the BMW M3 sedan, Mercedes C-Class AMG and the upcoming Alfa Romeo 159 GTA. Although the schedule is 2 years out of date, it still gives a brief idea of what Lexus is getting upto.

2008:

'08 MY IS convertible:

According to Lexus insiders, Lexus has registered the following trademarks: IS 250C, IS 300C and IS350C. Presumably, the C stands for coupe or convertible. What's even more interesting is the trademark on IS 300C. Lexus doesn't sell an IS 300 anywhere so its likely the new model will fill the 100+ bhp gap between the IS 250 and IS 350.

Lexus didn't trademark a IS-FC or any other combination of those letters so a 2 door IS-F may not be in the Lexus future but the coupe could be marketed as the IS-F.

See spy photos here > Lexus IS coupe and cabriolet

'08 MY LX470:

Initially the LX470 SUV is due for a replacement in September judging by the schedule but the top 2 rows of black boxes have both got "06" typed on them, so its kinda confusing.

'08 MY LS900h:

Considering the name, LS900h is indicating a larger engine than the 5.0 litre V8 powered LS 600h which develops 435bhp. No information is currently available for the engine or model.

2009:

RX Series:

In 2009, we should see the all new Lexus RX SUV. Current engines are expected to be carried over and there will be a hybrid variant available.

"JX" Crossover:

Since the RX SUV is considered as a crossover to Lexus, does that mean Lexus is planning a proper crossover? Although its not known what the RX is named internally, could the Lexus "JX" crossover be real?

IS Series facelift:

In order to keep it looking nice and fresh for the small premium car market, the IS is readying for a minor facelift. There could even be a hybrid in the pipeline for the new IS.

"BS" small hatchback:

Although its been rumored for years and Lexus hasn't hinted at wanting a small premium hatchback, it seems that there will be no baby for Lexus so the "BS" could just be BS.

Upcoming Jaguar and Land Rover rumors

Jaguar is on a roll. After the successful launch of the XF mid-sized sedan, Jaguar and Land Rover will be introducing a series of new engines and models including a hybrid XJ. An upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide rival is in the pipeline for Jaguar and we're likely to see the new super-coupe in 2011 the earliest.

Longer-term JLR plans to develop green technologies have won government financial backing under the Low Carbon Vehicle programme. These are likely to result in production developments over the next five to 15 years and include the REHEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) for a plug-in hybrid, a new flywheel-based energy recovery system and a 120g/km luxury.

2008:

This year could see a new, smaller diesel engine finding its way underneaths the XF's bonnet. The current 2.7 litre V6 diesel engine pollutes 199g/km and new diesel unit is likely to be a 2.0 litre in-line 4-cylinder engine. This should offer much better fuel economy and even lower emissions.

2009:

A new 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine based upon the current 2.7 litre V6 and an all new direct injection 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine will find its way in some Land Rover's and Jaguar's. The 5.0 litre V8 could find its way under the upcoming XF-R hood.

Jaguar XE Coupe:

No information has been surfaced yet but a £40,000 price tag is expected. The new coupe maybe based upon the XK or XF platform. C-XE (registered on 18.04.2008) could hint at a cabriolet version of the upcoming XE coupe. This is likely to rival the Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4.

2010:

A micro-hybrid using stop-start technology and based around the 3.0-litre V6 diesel will be the first to be launched in the Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ in 2010. This system will improve economy and lower emissions by 10%.

Transmission wise, a new 8-speed ZF gearbox is key to the hybrid development. It features a completely new approach to the internal design of an auto, itself a fuel-saving feature, and a separate hydraulic reservoir that makes the 'box compatible with stop-start devices unlike today's six-speed ZF unit.

Jaguar XK:

The XK coupe and cabriolet first came into production in 2005/2006. Since then, a slight refresh has been offered for the 2008 model year. 2010 could see a complete facelift or a whole new model. The usual 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine will be standard and if demanded, a diesel engine could even find its way under the hood.

Jaguar XJ:

Testing is in full swing for the new large luxury sedan. The new XJ will take styling hints off the XF, interior and exterior wise including the new pop-up JaguarDrive gear selector. C-XJ (registered on 14.04.2008) could suggest a convertible version of the XJ sedan. The XJ will reach showrooms in 2010 with a possible sports version dubbed: XJ-R. This could rival the upcoming Lexus LS-F and the Mercedes S-Class AMG. The XJ-R could use a tuned version of the upcoming 5.0 litre V8.

Like the current XJ, the next generation will be available in both SWB and LWB version and is set to be lighter than the current model, thus saving fuel and giving better handling.

2011:

Land Rover Freelander, LRX and Discovery:

The Land Rover Freelander should receive a refresh or facelift in this year. In the same year, Land Rover's LRX coupe will reach showrooms. This uses a diesel engine mated with a hybrid system. The Discovery has received a refresh this year but in 2011, there should be a facelifted model arriving.

Jaguar XF:

As for Jaguar, the XF will receive a facelift to keep it looking fresh.

2012:

Jaguar is considering the system for a full-hybrid version of the next XJ and it could be on the market as soon as 2012. Land Rover is looking at a different hybrid solution using its rear-mounted 'Electric Rear Axle Drive' electric motor.

mercedes cool cars

Mercedes-Benz has also produced a supercar with McLaren Cars, an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racing team, which is part owned by Mercedes. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a carbon-fiber/fibre body with a 5.5l V8 supercharged engine. This is the same block as featured in SL55 AMG and the CLS55 AMG, though modified to give 460 kW (630 PS/620 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) of torque. The SLR has a maximum speed of 334 kilometres per hour (208 mph) and costs approximately US$500,000.

mercedes cool cars

ducati 996 2008 full matrix

As the 996SPS became a hot commodity, Ducati updated the bike with more advanced chassis parts to make it stay competitive. Most notably the Öhlins front forks featured a titanium nitride coating on the stanchions to minimise stiction. An aluminum rear subframe and other detail modifications reduced the bikes weight even further.

ducati 996

suzuki motorcycle random images

suzuki motorcycle

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