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| Car Freaks Blog |
| a very stylish,sophisticated and frequently updated car news blog, which features the latest news and hottest rumors from automobile industry. |
| Language: English |
| RSS Feeds for this Blog |
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Statistics |
| Unique Visitors: 808 |
| Total Unique Visitors: 1602168 |
| Visitors Out: 1314 |
| Total Visitors Out: 1314 |
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| Spy Shots: Latest Toyota Avensis Spy Photos |
| 2008-02-28 13:25:00 |
Almost two months after the first spy shots, the new Toyota Avensis caught by the photographers during winter testing. The third-generation Avensis is expected to be launched at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Since its launch in 2003, the second-generation Avensis has won the European Car of the Year award in 2004 and 156,000 units sold in 2005 alone. The current Avensis received its mid-product life cycle facelift at the Madrid Motor Show in 2006.But because of the heating up competition that Avensis is facing in the up-market medium-sized car market from e.g. the Mazda 6, Toyota is in the process of updating the Avensis range, with reportedly a hybrid, all-wheel drive and diesel hybrid models being available by 2010.Gallery: Toyota Avensis Spy Shots
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| World Car Of The Year: Top Three Finalists Announced |
| 2008-02-28 13:20:00 |
Three finalists of the World Car Of The Year awards are announced. Last year the Lexus LS 460 took the award to home and this year judges have to select between the Ford Mondeo, Mazda2 (a.k.a. Mazda Demio), and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.The three were chosen from the initial list of top ten finalists, which includes the Audi A5/S5, Audi R8, Cadillac CTS, Ford S-Max, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Nissan Qashqai, and Volvo C30. The award is scheduled to be announced at the New York Auto Show on March 20th.There are also other minor-league awards such as the World Performance Car, World Green Car, and the World Car Design of the Year titles. The three finalists for the World Performance Car award are the Audi R8, Audi S5 Coupé, and BMW M3. The three finalists for the World Green Car award are th...
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| Detroit 2009 Preview: Lexus To Unveil Lexus-Branded Prius |
| 2008-02-28 13:14:00 |
We've previously reported that Lexus is planning to unveil its first hybrid-only model at next year's NAIAS in Detroit. Emerging reports now suggest that the Lexus hybrid will actually be a rebadged luxury version of the next-gen Prius. While it would be a little weird that the lightweight Prius will be loaded with Lexus-grade luxury equipments, we think the Hollywood people will love this new car so much.
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| Leaked: Opel Meriva Concept Pictures |
| 2008-02-28 13:05:00 |
After the first sketch that surfaced and a leaked teaser image last week, more Opel Meriva concept pictures leaked to internet. These pictures are first unofficial images of the Meriva concept.The minivan doesn't have a ground breaking design with its regular profile and Corsa-like front end. The most important show piece of the concept is its FlexDoors; essentially rear-hinged suicide doors for back seat passengers.We've to wait just a week for the official unveiling of the concept in Geneva.Gallery: Opel Meriva Concept Images Leaked
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| Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera With Open Doors And Boot |
| 2008-02-26 14:22:00 |
We've already seen aplenty of the Porsche Panamera. So its silhouette is a familiar sight now in picture. These new shots give us our first glimpse into Porsche’s new saloon and the interior door panels seem almost production ready. Porsche always waits until everything has been thoroughly tested, so don’t expect the super saloon to debut before 2009.One thing we're sure is is that it will come with a relatively practical hatchback rear compartment where most of its rivals offer the more traditional boot. The rear doors look a great size. Naturally aspirated and twin turbocharged versions of the Cayenne’s 4.8L V8 producing 400hp and 500+hp are expected to be offered. A 300hp V6 version is rumored along a hybrid model.Gallery: Porsche Panamera Spy Shots
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| Sp Shots: Lexus IS Convertible |
| 2008-02-26 14:14:00 |
Well it's hard to tell from the picture, but what you see in the picture, according to the sources, is a test mule of the Lexus IS convertible. Information accompanying the spy shot suggests that the car is destined for production by the end of 2009 and will feature the full range of engines available in the Lexus IS sedan, from the 177-hp European diesel 220d to the 423-hp IS-F. If the information is correct, the IS cabrio would be the first body style variant of the Lexus sports sedan since the previous generation SportCross wagon model, and would slot in the Lexus line-up under the SC 430 convertible.As one forum member pointed out, by 2009 the IS sedan would be entering its fifth year of production and itself be due for replacement soon thereafter.
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| Future Of The Car Freaks Blog |
| 2008-02-25 14:39:00 |
Hi Friends,I wanted to let you know something about the future of my blog. Despite the fact that I really like writing about cars and posting the latest auto news for you, because of my education I have to stay away from the internet for a while.So, Car Freaks Blog will no longer be updated on a regular basis as of March 1 unless I found a Co-Author ( If interested look here). I will update the blog now and then and all old post will remain.Bye,CarFreak
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| Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz GLK Production Version |
| 2008-02-25 14:32:00 |
We've already seen Mercedes' GLK Freeside and Townside concepts, so there's not much left to the imagination. Set to go on sale later this year, the GLK, caught here during winter testing, keeps design of the concepts.The differences are in the details. The tester displays a less ornate grille and foglight setup, and the roof rack is also less complex.Gallery: Mercedes-Benz GLK Production Version Spy Shots
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Alfa Romeo To Debut Updated Brera And Spider |
| 2008-02-25 14:23:00 |
While Romeo">Alfa Romeo has disappointed its fans with the push back of the possible Junior debut, the Italian automaker still has some gorgeous cars to show next week in Geneva. Next week Alfa Romeo will be unveiling updated versions of the Brera and Spider models.These cars already look awesome, so Alfa hasn't messed with the award-winning design to any great extent. The wheels, brake calipers and suspension components have been replaced with lighter-weight aluminum versions, which should help address the cars' lamentably underwhelming performance relative to its design by taking a chunk out of its unsprung weight. The subtle changes continue inside, where redesigned seats offer a sportier and more ergonomic driving position. The dashboard has been updated as well to integrate a new dual-zone climate control system and a new sat-nav unit.A new 185hp 2.2-liter four joins the 260hp 3.2-liter six and 210hp 2.4-liter JTDM turbodiesel, mated to a variety of six-speed transmissions.
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| VW Launches Scirocco Minisite |
| 2008-02-25 14:14:00 |
Volkswagen has lunched a new teaser mini-site for the upcoming Scirocco sports coupe. You have to register to enter the site, but once in there isn’t much in terms of visual stimulation. Rumors has that we will see the productinon version of the car in Geneva next week and then the Europe launch towards the end of 2008.VW Group engine 2.0 TFSI looks like will be offered with the Scirocco.
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| Spy Shots: Toyota Urban Cruiser |
| 2008-02-25 13:59:00 |
Toyota is currently testing the Urban Cruiser, the small car that will be revealed in Geneva soon. Smaller than the RAV-4, the Urban Cruiser is more a Jeep Compass rival than a Cherokee competitor, sitting lower than RAV and smaller as well. These are the first live pictures of the Urban Cruiser yet .The spotted mule is a diesel version; the photographer saw it was filling up with diesel. Urban Cruiser will aim to attract the younger buyers with its technologies, such as the navigation screen which can be viewed via a curved transparent panel, which is integrated with the centre console.Gallery: Toyota Urban Cruiser Spy Shots
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| Spy Shots: Jaguar XF-R |
| 2008-02-24 11:55:00 |
The sporty XF-R spotted during testing by the spy photographers. Jaguar's current XF line-up includes 2.7L V6 diesel, 3.0L V6 petrol, 4.2L V8 petrol and a 4.2L supercharged V8 petrol. The majority of these models have received much praise from the motoring press with Jaguar’s XF bettering many of its German rivals in test comparisons. Not bad for a manufacturer on the sale.It's still unknown what will power the premium XF although it can probably be narrowed down to two options. A rework of the current 4.2L supercharged engine is not out of the equation, in its current guise it is good for 416bhp and a prodigious 560Nm of torque. However the Germans are regularly pumping 500+hp now out of the super saloons. It must also be noted that the ...
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| Rumored: Peugeot To Produce 308 RC-Z |
| 2008-02-24 11:50:00 |
PSA is seriously considering putting the 308 RC-Z into series production, and will make a formal announcement at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The roof and backlight are formed from polycarbonate and use a double bubble shape to increase headroom for occupants, while at the same time evoking racers by Zagato. The upkick in the doors where they meet the rear quarter windows also offers visual amusement, too. Underhood is a direct-injected, 218-horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder that's shared with the MINI.The 308 RC-Z could be a great and cheaper alternative to Audi's TT.
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| Lotus Annouces New Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Group |
| 2008-02-24 11:47:00 |
Behind the scenes, Lotus is much more than a low-volume manufacturer of sporty little roadsters. Along with Lotus Cars, Group Lotus houses Lotus Engineering. With decades of motorsports experience, Lotus Engineering offers consulting expertise to automotive suppliers and OEM manufacturers. They've even made their mark in the world of cycling. More recently, their close work with Tesla as the supplier of the Roadster's chassis must have had some influence on the next direction of the firm, as they have now announced the creation of a new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group. Lotus hopes the move will further expand its consulting reach.The newly-anoi...
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S |
| 2008-02-24 11:40:00 |
German magazine Auto Bild has revealed the first unmasked pictures of the Mitsubishi Prototype S. The "S" is for Sportback, and this show car forecasts a future production vehicle. Sportback is for the European market, where hatches account for the majority of car sales. Up front, you have the Lancer Ralliart's nose, which is dressed up with more ornate, concept-style headlamps and foglights.The sloping rear hatch is topped by a large, body-colored roof spoiler, and restyled rear lighting wraps from the lid onto the quarter panels. Dual exhaust tips poke through a diffuser insert on the rear bumper, and stylish split-spoke wheels in a gunmetal finish occupy the lightly-flared fender cutouts.Mechanically, it...
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Renault Laguna GT And Sport Tourer |
| 2008-02-24 11:35:00 |
At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in less than two weeks, Renault will unveil the Laguna GT Hatch and Sport Tourer. Both models can be had with one of two new engines making their world debut: a new 2.0 dCi diesel producing 180 hp and 295 pound feet of torque and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine offering 205 hp and 221 pound feet of torque.In addition to the new motors, the Laguna GT also comes standard with what Renault calls its Active Drive chassis, which is basically a four-wheel steering system. Renault claims all sorts of performance and safety benefits for the Active Drive chassis.,The GT's exterior is specified with new vertical ...
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| 2009 Honda Fit To Debut At New York |
| 2008-02-24 11:30:00 |
The 2009 Honda Fit is ready to make its American debut at the upcoming New York Show. The new car, which made its world debut last October at the Tokyo Motor Show gets a makeover that gives it interior space equal to that of a midsizer.While the Japanese version is available with 1.3L and 1.5L engines, the 1.5 i-VTEC will be the only engine in the US. In Japanese trim, it's good for 118 horsepower (120 PS) -- a 9-horse bump over what the engine in the current car delivers. The Japan-spec 1.5L Fit can achieve fuel economy of 46 mpg (19.6 km/l).
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| Chrysler Unveils Diesel 300C SRT |
| 2008-02-24 11:15:00 |
Chrysler unveils the diesel powered 300C SRT in Europe. But not exactly what you think. Basically a trim package for the 300C in Europe, the SRT model gets visual enhancements such as a new rear taillight clusters and a deck lid spoiler, but the car still uses the same 3.0L V6 diesel producing 218 bhp and 376 pound feet of torque you can get in other models.While the wheels appear to be the same 10-spokers as the US spec 300C SRT8, the front fascia lacks the deeper chin spoiler and the grille is Chrysler's Euro-spec Bentley-like tight mesh.
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| Production Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe To Go On Sale In Europe First |
| 2008-02-24 11:08:00 |
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui revealed in January that a production hybrid based on the CR-Z Concept shown in Tokyo last year was on its way. And now it's reported that the spiritual successor of the CR-X will go on sale in Europe first, sometime around the end of the decade.Honda UK manager of product planning Mark Turner told Automotive News Europe that the production CR-Z hybrid would be priced around €25,000, with a high-end model costs €28,000. Since Europe will be the car's most important market, Honda UK will have a voice in the car's development, including its design. Engineering for the car is also being carried out at Honda's R&D ...
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| Renault Makes Alonso Highest Paid Driver |
| 2008-02-24 10:58:00 |
Back in the 2005 and 2006 Formula One seasons, Fernando Alonso thoroughly trounced Michael Schumacher for the title. Since then, Alonso hasn't beaten many of Schumacher's records, but the two-time champion can now rest easy knowing that he's finally earning more than Schumi.Although finances in F1 are secrets as closely guarded as technical breakthroughs, reports now indicate that Alonso's deal to return to Renault has made him the most highly-paid driver in or out of F1. If the reports are to be believed, Alonso will make $46 million this season. That's only from his contract with Renault and does not include sponsorship deals and only stands if Alonso stays for a second year.The amount is $1 million more than Ki...
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| Tata to Spin Off Jaguar, Buy Land Rover |
| 2008-02-24 10:51:00 |
While the sale of the Jaguar and Land Rover has not been completed yet, Tata is preparing to make major changes at the companies. According to sources speaking with InsideLine, Tata purchased a 450-acre swath of land in Gurgaon, outside of New Delhi, for the explicit purpose of building Land Rovers. The source said that "... Jaguar will be spun off almost immediately." British labor unions supported Jaguar’s sale to Tata over rival bids from Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra and an American private equity firm. Both companies could eventually attempt to buy Jaguar from Tata should these reports become true.Ford announced Tata Motors was the preferred buyer of Jaguar and Land Rover back in January and the sale could be completed in the next few weeks.
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| Ssangyong Chairman Interior Revealed |
| 2008-02-24 10:31:00 |
Ssangyong is heating up the Asian luxury car market with its Ssangyong Chairman W, a V8-powered, RWD sedan. Some new exterior and interior pictures of the Chairman were revealed. While we have already saw the exterior, the interior appears quite advanced for the market.First of all, the car features a rear screen that pops out of the front center console, which appears to be able to control both front and rear entertainment systems. Taking this even further, the rear console features an integrated command knob.The car is expected to be in the $ 100K range when it officially debuts.Gallery: Ssangyong Chairman W
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| Rumored: Ford Taurus X To Be Cancelled |
| 2008-02-24 10:24:00 |
Jalopnik is confirming that the Taurus X will be cancelled after the 2009 model year. The original 2005 Five-Hundred and Freestyle debuted to a slow sales start and were around until 2007, when the Ford CEO Alan Mulally decided to resurrect the Taurus nameplate on the refreshened 2008 models. Along with their new names of Taurus and Taurus X, each got corporate faces with three-bar grilles as well as the automaker's new 3.5L V6. Ford must've thought sales would pick up in earnest as the 2008 models were both more interesting to look and more powerful than the vehicles they replaced. But sales didn't pick up and Mulally recently announced another major change for the Taurus: a completely new version for the next year that he calls, "the one we should h...
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| Officially Unveiled: Volvo XC60 |
| 2008-02-24 10:19:00 |
Before its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, details have been released about the new Volvo XC60 crossover vehicle. Buyers will be able to choose between three engines, including the turbocharged T6, which produces 281 horsepower. Other options include two different D5 turbodiesels, rated at 163 and 185 horsepower. The 163 hp 2.4-liter diesel is the only Euro5 compliant of the three.Production of the compact premium SUV includes intelligent safety systems like City Safety, meant to assist the driver in avoiding low-speed impacts. The car automatically brakes if the driver does not react when closing in on a vehicle, at the very least reducing the effect of impact. This feature comes standard on the XC60, something Volvo claim...
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| Officially Unveiled: Lancia Delta |
| 2008-02-24 10:08:00 |
After the release of first official images two weeks ago, Lancia released an extended press release which covers almost everything you need to know about the car.The Delta is 4.5 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, 1.5 metres high, and has a wheelbase of 2.7 metres ( that means a spacious interior). The exterior appears very contemporary and particularly aggressive.At first, buyers can select between the 120 hp 1.4 litre and 150 hp TurboJet petrol engines, or the 1.6 litre 120 hp MultiJet turbodiesel engine. The engines are mated with a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. More engines will be added in the future, including the 2.0 litre 165 hp MultiJet, 1.9 litre 190 hp Twinturbo MultiJet, and the all new 1.8 litre 200 hp Di Turbojet (petrol).The car has some other features include climate control, Blaupunkt radio, Hi-Fi Bose® sound system (optional), CD and MP3 player, and a new satellite navigation system.Gallery: Lancia Delta
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| Ford Focus Production Commences in Russia |
| 2008-02-24 10:07:00 |
Ford's new production plant has opened its manufacturing line in St Petersburg, Russia, where already over 20,000 orders of the new Focus have been received.All body styles of the new vehicle will be assembled, meaning the 3, 4, 5-door styles as well as the wagon. Five engines will roll of the assembly line, with both automatic and manual transmissions to accompany them. Jim Tetreault, vice-president of manufacturing, Ford Europe, says he was quite pleased with the setup at St Petersburg, praising the quality of product to come out of there.Focus is not new to the Russian market, having gone on sale there in its first incarnation back in 1999.
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| Officially Unveiled: Audi A4 Avant |
| 2008-02-24 09:56:00 |
Audi has officially unveiled the A4 Avant, station wagon variant of the highly anticipated mid-size sedan. Its first public appearance will happen at the Geneva Motor Show, with sales soon after that in Germany. Besides the new looks, the A4 Avant is 12 cm bigger than its predecessor (reaching 4.70 m long) and its luggage compartment now holds up to 490 l.The new station wagon will have two petrol engines and two diesels. The petrol engines will be the 1.8 TFSI, generating 160 hp, and the 3.2 FSI, the most powerful of the line, delivering 265 hp. Concerning the diesel units, the entry level is the 2.0 TDI, which has two specifications, the first one with 143 hp and the second with 170 hp. The top engine is the 3.0 TDI, generates 240 hp and to take the...
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| Spy Shots: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid With Massive Power Dome |
| 2008-02-21 13:13:00 |
An unusual BMW X6 with a massive power dome spied. This camouflaged photos belong to BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, which will be BMW's first hybrid-powered coupe.The engine is a two-mode hybrid gasoline-electric engine developed in co-operation with GM and Daimler and expected to decrease the fuel consumption by 20 percent. Just like with all hybrid cars, the X6 ActiveHybrid runs either on electric power or uses an internal combustion, depending on whether the car runs at a low or high speed and generates energy from braking. The car is expected to be launched by mid-2009 for the 2010 model year.Gallery: BMW X6 With Massive Power Dome
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Facelifted Alfa Romeo 159 |
| 2008-02-21 13:07:00 |
Romeo">Alfa Romeo has announced that it will be bringing its 159 sedan and wagon to Geneva, with minor physical, mechanical and technical changes.Exterior changes will include three new colours which are Ice White, Crystal Blue and Grey indigo, and a new range of 16 and 17 inch alloy wheels. Interior changes will include the new titanium color trim, a new multifunctional display, and new controls for the dual-zone climate control.Apart from the design changes, new engine options are also available. Buyers will be able to select between the 140 hp 1.8 litre and 185 hp 2.2 litre petrol engines and two new 1.9 litre turbo-diesel engines that produce 120 and 150 hp. The current 2.4 litre JTD...
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| Toyota Redesigns Crown And Introduces Hybrid Model |
| 2008-02-21 06:53:00 |
Toyota has revealed the redesigned Crown model, including the hybrid version for the first time. The company will also offer two non-hybrid versions called the Crown Royal Saloon and the Crown Athlete.Crown Royal Saloon will come equipped with either a 2.5L or 3.0L V6, while Crown Athlete’s offer a choice of a 2.5L or 3.5L engine. Both models come standard with a six speed automatic and rear wheel drive, four wheel drive is offered as an option. Hybrid models come equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, an electronic motor, and rear wheel. Also featured is a first of its kind TFT (thin film transistor) LCD Finegraphic Meter that displays digital and analo...
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| Rumored: Renault To Show New Alpine At Geneva |
| 2008-02-21 06:25:00 |
Rumors say that Renault is preparing to launch an unspecified concept car at the upcoming Geneva show, alongside the new Koleos crossover. Patrick Pelata, the French automaker's product planning manager, confirmed that Renault is working on a new sportscar. "Think Mazda MX-5 or even Smart Roadster and you are on the right lines", said Pelata in a recent interview. As previous reports said the small roadster will have more content than the previous Renault Sport Spider and could feature a mid-mounted turbocharged engine driving the rear wheels. Reviving the Alpine name, the new model is also expected to be just first of a new lineup of sport cars that would capitalize on Renault's success in Formula One. Meanwhile marketing chief Stephen Norman revealed that the company is also working on a new flagship sedan positioned above the new Laguna set to target French rivals from PSA Peugeot-Citroen. We have just two weeks to see what Renault has for us in Switzerland this year.
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Kia To Show 3 SOUL Concepts |
| 2008-02-20 11:19:00 |
With the SOUL Burner concept, one of the three SOUL concept vehicles which Kia will be showing at Geneva, Kia follows the footprints of Scion, Toyota's young division. Part of the selling point of Toyota's Scion brand has been offering a very limited number of factory configurations and an almost endless list of customization options. Likewise, Scion ads often highlight the many ways that owners have made their cars unique.Like the Scion models, the trio of SOUL concepts highlight the personalization options for the new car. The first teaser shot of the one Kia calls the SOUL Burner has just been released showing off its matte paint finish, tattoos and fancy wheels.
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider |
| 2008-02-20 08:06:00 |
We've already seen enough the Alfa 8C in both coupe and roadster bodystyles. At this year's Geneva show, Alfa will finally be showing the production version of the 8C Spider. Technical details carry over from the coupe version of the 8C Competizione.The production version is expected to have just a little changed from the concept spider unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2005. As with the initial run of the coupe, only 500 spiders will be produced. Gallery: Romeo">Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
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| UAE License #1 Goes For $14.5M |
| 2008-02-19 12:18:00 |
Some records are shattered regularly. Records set for spending on frivolity never seem to stay put for very long, as there's always someone with more cash to spend on something ridiculous. After Afzal Kahn paid $870,000 for the F1 license plate in UK, Arabian billionaire Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri paid $14.5 million on UAE license plate number 1. If that seems like too many cash for a registration number, consider that Khouri, who has yet to decide on which of his assuredly many vehicles he'll mount the plate, was prepared to spend over twice that much – 100 million emirate dirhams, or $30 million – on the plate. The sale took place at an auction in Abu Dhabi, the proceeds from which are earmarked towards assisting victims of traffic accidents. At least it's going to a good cause.
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| Volvo Produces Its 15 Millionth Car |
| 2008-02-19 11:54:00 |
In 1927, the year that Ford's fifteen-millionth Model T was produced, the first Volvo ÖV4 was built. On February 20th, Volvo will finally produces its 15 millionth car, a C70. The Swedish company has sold only 297 cars that first year. It took the company twenty-three years to produces its first 100,000 cars, and these days it'll build that many in about three months--but the iron symbol that graced the first ÖV4's radiator grille still decorates modern Volvos and the company's reputation for safety and reliability continues to attract a cadre of loyal customers. Volvo's contributions to the industry include the three-point seatbelt, introduced on Volvo production cars in 1959, and the three-way catalytic converter in the mid-1970s. The iconic Volvo 240 sedan is still a common sight on U.S. and European roads fifteen years after production ended.
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Peugeot 308 GT THP 175 |
| 2008-02-19 11:40:00 |
With BMW's request, Peugeot has developed and produced the motor for the second-generation MINI. The French automaker put the same engines to its own cars. After the 207 GTi, Peugeot created the new 308 GT THP 175, which parent company PSA will be unveiling in Geneva.The 1.6-liter turbo four produces 175 horsepower with 195 lb-ft torque. This engine gets the hot 308 up to 62mph in 8.3 seconds. With an impressive fuel economy of 37.1mpg and low carbon emissions of 180g/km. The appearance of the car has been updated to pass the engine. With a new front bumper, rear spoiler and lowered suspension, and a new steering wheel and aluminum shifter and pedals inside. Manual and automatic transmissions are offered, each with six speeds.Although the 308 GT THP 175 will only be offered as a three-door, a detuned five-door will also be offered driving 150 horses through a four-speed auto.Gallery: Peugeot 308 GT THP 175
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| Geneva 2008 Preview: Peugeot 308 SW |
| 2008-02-19 11:22:00 |
Peugeot has been bringing its full 308 line-up to Geneva. One of the new variants of Peugeot's compact hatch is the new 308 SW. The wagon replaces the previous 307 SW and adds upgrades with a number of innovative and utile features.The 308 SW can accommodate seven passengers, like its predecessor, despite its compact size. The car can achieve this thanks to removable third-row seating. Without the third-row and with the modular second row in place, the 308 SW can accommodate an impressive 674 liters of cargo. Remove the second-row seats as well, and the spacious little sport-wagon has a 2,149 liters cargo space. Compared to the 308 hatch, the sport-wagon had its wheelbase stretched 100mm and the rear overhangs by an...
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| Ralf Schumacher Joins Mercedes As DTM Driver |
| 2008-02-19 11:16:00 |
After he ended his F1 career, German driver Ralf Schumacher decided to join Trilux AMG Mercedes, the DTM team of Daimler, to drive the C-Class for this season. He will be seen first behind the wheel on the 13th April at Hockenheim."Of course I know that neither the media nor the spectators consider me the greatest race driver of all times and this is not what I’m aiming for,†Ralf said at the announcement.The former F1 driver is now looking forward to a fresh new start in his new formula, having won 6 F1 races out of the 180 he started.
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| Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Junior Spied For The First Time |
| 2008-02-19 10:44:00 |
We have previously reported the Romeo">Alfa Romeo Junior. And now Alfa's new hatch spied for the first time in Torino. The four-meter long two-door, the Junior will be available in October 2008. Alfa plans to produce 75,000 units of the car annually. The main rivals of the new hatch will be the new Audi A1 and the MINI. The Junior is based on the Fiat Punto but it's expected to look much more attractive than its brother. Engine choices will come from the higher level of the Punto options, with choices ranging from 120 horsepower on up to 200 hp. A 1.8 liter turbo with 227 horsepower could be also possible, with diesel options becoming available at some point. 22 centimeters shorter than the Alfa Romeo 147, the Junior coul...
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| New Opel Meriva Concept Image Leaked Revealed |
| 2008-02-19 10:27:00 |
After the first teaser sketch of the new Opel Meriva, the first image of Opel's new mini MPV revealed ahead the car's public debut at Geneva. The current Meriva is on the roads since 2003. The concept is expected to give a clear indication of what the production Meriva look like.It was rumored that the concept will preview a suicide door system. This system is now coming back into fashion after decades of being neglected. Suicide doors operate a normal front door which swings forward in an arc and is hinged to front A pillar. The rear doors swing rearwards in an arc from the cars C pillar. Generally the car will then do without a B pillar, so whe...
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