For Sale: Lamborghini LP400 Countach 'Periscopo' 1976

The future of Lamborghini was unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show with the first public display of the new Countach. The car’s dramatic styling with its trademark scissor doors and low, angular, wedge-shaped body left all onlookers speechless. These first LP400 Countachs however stunning in their design provided virtually no rearward visibility; a periscope-type rear-view mirror was added, lending the name “Periscopo” to the initial Countach series. Just 150 examples of the LP400 were built before the introduction of the LP400S in 1978, making these early examples, with their remarkably clean styling and purity of purpose, highly coveted and sought-after by astute collectors and marque enthusiasts today.


A somewhat rare Lamborghini LP400 has been put up for sale in Huntington Station, New York. The car, painted in Tahiti Blue with Blue/White leather interior, has been listed at $395,000.
The car uses a lightweight 4.0-liter V-12 engine with dual overhead cams that produces 375 horsepower and up to 365 Nm of torque. Mated to a five-speed synchromesh transmission, the engine reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a 316 km/h (196 mph) top speed.


This LP400 Countach received a two year restoration completed by marque specialist Ultimate Motorcars, the oldest Lamborghini dealership in the United States. This facility is renowned for the accuracy of its work, in addition to an enviable record of class victories achieved at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. During the restoration process, all areas of the car were attended to including the exterior, interior, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and air conditioning, with truly spectacular results.


Typically, the car would be valued around $80,000, according to several Lamborghini enthusiast websites. However, this car has been thoroughly restored outside and inside over two years. It has won multiple class trophies at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.


During the restoration process, the noted Lamborghini expert Valentino Balboni inspected this LP 400 on two occasions and a letter from him, attesting to the quality and accuracy of the restoration, is included in the history file.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase one of the finest examples on an LP400 Countach “Periscopo”, the initial version representing the clean, wild design statement of the definitive supercar of the 1970s and ‘80s.
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Jaguar observes 75-year anniversary by celebrating past, looking to the future

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making. We're also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we've completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars".


Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.

Mike O'Driscoll added: "The development of our new range of cars is all part of making Jaguar the modern, sporting company that it was under our founder Sir Williams Lyons – a company that made its name creating cars that were innovative, exciting and always original."


Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: "Jaguar design over the next 75 years must respect and reflect on the past 75 while continuing to push boundaries of technology, luxury and sporting style. Designing cars with a presence that demands a turn of the head and an allure that pulls at the heart has been central to the Jaguar brand throughout the years.

"A successful piece of design should stand the test of time, holding it's own through passing fashions. Jaguar has a range of cars that are as iconic today as they were when launched – testament to Jaguar's legacy in creating beautiful fast cars.

"Looking at the present with the XK, XF and all-new XJ and with an eye on the future, we will continue to innovate and set the benchmark, not only in automotive design, but in luxury premium design as a whole."


Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcycle sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.

The 'Jaguar' name was an ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car "was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive", a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all of the cars created from that point forward.


Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940s, was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period; the C Type and D Type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950s; the E-Type, launched in the heady 1960s, has been called the most beautiful car ever built and it defined a whole generation. Sports cars have always defined Jaguar, but the Company has also built some of the Industry's most memorable sedans, such as the Mark II in the early 1960's and the renowned XJ range.


During the year Jaguar will celebrate our 75th anniversary at some of the world's most glamorous automotive settings, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D'Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy. Jaguar is also returning to the racetrack with its new JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and will compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
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Video: Renault Launch 2010 Car the R30 and Confirm Petrov

Renault on Sunday presented Vitaly Petrov, Russia's first formula one driver, as the occupant of its second race seat for the 2010 season.


The new car is painted in a radical yellow and black livery, quite stunning and one that harks back to the old days of Renault F1 cars. it is a move away from the white and orange of the previous title sponsors ING and a clear move away from the sky blue liveries used when Renault were sponsored by Mild Seven.


The 25-year-old, who finished the GP2 championship in second place last year and who reportedly has a big sponsorship purse, helped his new teammate Robert Kubica pull the wraps off the R30 car in the Valencia pitlane.


Robert Kubica will be joined at the team, as expected but only confirmed today with Vitaly Petrov, a highly rated youngster who was runner up in the GP2 series last year. Petrov will be the first ever Russian Formula One driver.


Meanwhile, as was predicted, Jerome d'Ambrosio and Ho-Ping Tung were unveiled as the team's new non-race drivers for 2010, and former technical director and acting team boss Bob Bell is now managing director.

James Allison, who while Bell was team boss acted as technical director, now takes up that role full time.
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Maybach Landulet details

The Maybach Landaulet is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 604 hp from a displacement of 5,980 cubic centimeters. This is continuously available between 4,800 and 5,100 rpm.
Model
Maybach Landaulet - 4 Passenger, Extended Length, High Performance Landaulet
Engine / Transmission
V12 biturbo gasoline engine
Maybach type 12
5-speed automatic transmission
Output / Torque
604 hp
738 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm
Displacement
5980 cc
Tires / Light-alloy wheels
275 / 45 R 20
8.5J x 20 ET 67
With a 4-year unlimited-mileage warranty for defects in accordance with our general terms and conditions as well as a 4-year maintenance and repair package in accordance with our maintenance and repair terms and conditions.

Maybach 62 specs , photos and price

The Maybach 62 can be equipped with an optional partition in the area of the B-pillars which completely separates the front and rear sections of the passenger compartment. An electrotransparent glass panel ensures extra privacy in the rear compartment when required. Vehicles with the partition are automatically equipped with an intercom.




BRAKES AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

Instead of the traditional mechanical/hydraulic brake system, the Maybach is equipped with an electrohydraulic system known as Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™). This system has two central control units – a design feature which has significant advantages with regard to the division of the brake circuits. The key benefit of this system is that it is able to modulate the brake pressure required for each individual wheel with greater precision and deliver it more quickly. This means that this advanced brake system can respond more appropriately to the driving situation to provide the optimum braking effect. Sensotronic Brake Control also enhances the operation of important safety-related dynamic handling systems such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and ABS/BAS, which for instance sense the onset of skidding and automatically intervene to stabilize the vehicle. And SBC™ also helps to make braking smoother.


CHASSIS – AIRMATIC DUAL CONTROL

The Maybach is equipped with the latest chassis technology which includes independent double wishbone front suspension and independent multilink rear suspension, as well as AIRMATIC Dual Control air suspension. AIRMATIC DC features air springs complemented by an additional spring-rate adjustment system and also includes adaptive damping with integrated level control. As a result, the vehicle occupants are able to enjoy a ride quality of unprecedented smoothness.

INTELLIGENT BI-XENON HEADLAMPS

Bi-xenon is an innovative headlamp technology in which both the low and main beam are produced by powerful xenon gas discharge lamps. The additionally integrated active light function can enhance the illumination of curves in the road by up to 90 percent, since the bi-xenon modules swivel as a function of the car’s steering angle, speed and rate of turn. At the same time, the dynamic headlamp range adjustment changes the angle of the headlamp beams to compensate any pitching movements. When the car turns a corner at speeds up to 19 mph the cornering light function of the headlamp unit on the inner side is automatically switched on.




MODULAR ROOF SYSTEM

The Maybach is available with an electric tilting/sliding sunroof made from 0.25 inch laminated glass and installed over the rear cabin of the Maybach 62. Your Maybach can also be specified without this feature.

PARKTRONIC

PARKTRONIC makes maneuvering into parking spaces easier. LEDs show the driver how close the car is to a detected obstacle and an audible signal provides an additional warning.

PASSIVE SAFETY

The newly developed body features a crash-optimized passenger compartment that sets new standards in terms of geometry and the thickness and quality of the materials used. More over, a sophisticated sensor system in the Maybach is used to detect the type and severity of an accident. The weight of the front passenger, for instance, is registered by a special foil in the seat cushion (occupant classification), while two sensors at the front of the car help to determine how severe a crash is, and how the vehicle’s safety systems will respond. The Maybach also has a two-stage, situation-dependent triggering system for the driver and front passenger airbags. All four seats are equipped with three-point seat belts enhanced by high-performance tensioning retractors, beltforce limiters and comfort-fit mechanisms. The upper belt sash guide is built into the seatback. Side air bags in the seatbacks, plus separate curtain airbags for all seats give the occupants added protection. The reclining seats in the Maybach 62 are also fitted with crash-responsive seatbacks.




KEYLESS-GO

The Maybach can also be unlocked by touching the door handle when you carry the electronic key with you. There’s no need to insert a key to start the engine – just push the button on the gearshift lever and the Type 12 powerplant comes to life.

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL

Every Maybach has two climate control systems: one for the front compartment and one for the rear. Each can be programmed and operated independently. The high-performance climate control system not only delivers the ideal temperature very efficiently but also responds extremely quickly when the settings are changed. The four-zone system allows different temperature, blower speed and air distribution settings to be programmed for each occupant. A specially designed ventilation system around the side windows provides added comfort when outside temperatures are particularly high or low. A solar sensor automatically makes the necessary temperature adjustments. The system is, of course, equipped with a dust filter and an activated charcoal filter with smog sensor and automatic recirculation control.




RIDE COMFORT

Both the front and rear seats in the Maybach are master pieces of comfort technology. All the seats are heated. The shoulder belts automatically adjust to the height of the driver or passenger, which helps to enhance their protective capability. The seats are upholstered in Grand Nappa leather and feature multicontour seatbacks with dynamic lumbar supports. All the seats are electrically adjustable for fore/aft, height, seatback and cushion angle, cushion length and head restraint height. The Maybach 62 exclusively offers extending and reclining rear seats fit for a private jet. To protect from the sun and guard from the gazes of strangers, the Maybach features rear high-grade fabric window curtains that can be operated from all four seats.

MULTIMEDIA

Maybach occupants enjoy the convenience of audio, video, phone and navigation systems as standard equipment. Installed in the front center console, the COMAND unit manages the functions of the radio, DVD, and front telephone, as well as the navigation system and other services. Rear passengers can control specific audio and video systems using a remote control. The driver can also control the communication systems by voice, keeping both hands on the steering wheel for safety.

BOSE® EVERYWHERE DOLBY SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM

Twenty-one speakers and a maximum output of 600 watts help create a unique surround-sound experience inside the Maybach. The DRO (dynamic range optimization) system uses a microphone inside the car to sense variations in the ambient sound level and corrects the audio output automatically.

ELECTROTRANSPARENT PANORAMIC GLASS ROOF

One of the most spectacular innovations is the panoramic glass roof for the Maybach 62. It consists of a glass surface which appears to be continuous when viewed from the exterior, extending from the windshield to the rear window. The front section of the roof is equipped with solar cells, while a second, electrotransparent panel is installed under the exterior glass roof above the rear-seat area. This panel, which admits an exceptionally high level of daylight to the interior, can be rendered opaque in an instant at the touch of a button. Transparency is restored in the same way. An electrically operated sliding roof liner situated between the inner and outer roof panels functions as a blind and becomes luminescent when an electrical current is applied to it. A dimming control in the rear center console allows the light intensity to be adjusted.

DISTRONIC

In the Maybach an electronic system helps you maintain the desired distance to the vehicle in front. DISTRONIC shows the driver just what that distance is on the display. If the gap narrows, the car is automatically braked; if the gap widens, the car accelerates up to the set speed. If harder braking is needed, a visual and acoustic warning prompts the driver to take action accordingly.

REAR REFRIGERATOR

Installed in the rear center console and equipped with its own compressor, the thermostatically controlled refrigerator - a no-cost option, allows passengers to enjoy chilled drinks or food.

FOLDING TABLES

Both rear seats in the Maybach 62 are equipped with individual folding tables featuring continuous fore / aft and tilt adjustment. When not in use, the two-part tabletop can be folded together and stowed away.

ELECTRIC DOOR CLOSING

Up to an opening angle of 85 degrees, the rear doors of the Maybach 62 can be closed at the touch of a button from inside.

CLIMATIZED SEATS

The front and rear seats feature an efficient heating system that can be optionally augmented by active seat ventilation. When so equipped, 10 miniature fans in the seatback and seat cushion ensure comfortable seating even on the hottest days and the longest trips.

CHAMPAGNE FLUTES

2 Champagne flutes, in hand-polished 925 sterling silver by Robbe & Berking are included as standard on all Maybach models

INDIVIDUAL REAR CENTER SEAT

As an optional extra, you can request a third rear seat in place of the rear center console.

price 409.000 usd

Maybach 57s price and basic details

TECHNICAL DATA

Beneath its refined and dynamic exterior, the Maybach 57 S holds true the philosophy of discreet power with the most powerful Maybach engine ever, delivering effortless propulsion with astonishing agility. This combines with a peerless interior equipment level with spaciousness and unique appointments creating an environment, more on a parallel with a business jet than an automobile.
Model Maybach 57 S - 4 Passenger, High Performance Sedan
Engine / Transmission 12-cylinder bi-turbo gasoline engine
Maybach 12 model
5-speed automatic transmission
Output / Torque 604 hp
738 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm
Displacement 5980 cc
Tires / Light-alloy wheels 275 / 45 R 20
8.5J x 20 ET 67
Performance 0-60 mph = 5.0 secs
Top speed = 172 mph
With a 4-year unlimited-mileage warranty for defects in accordance with our general terms and conditions as well as a 4-year maintenance and repair package in accordance with our maintenance and repair terms and conditions.



price 397.500 usd

Maybach 57 details, specs and price

INTRODUCTION

Measuring an impressive 225.5 inches (5.73m) in length, the Maybach 57 is one of the most luxurious cars in the world. Its proportions provide four or five privileged passengers with exceptional room and comfort.

Standing out from the crowd has never been easier. And it starts with the paintwork: The specially selected colors, such as Nayarite Silver or Himalayas Dark Grey, can be combined to give the Maybach a striking, yet elegant, two-tone finish. It goes without saying that only particularly fine and exclusive materials are considered for the interior. Sumptuous leather is complemented by exotic woods, such as Amboyna, while the superbly finished trim elements lend their own unique and timeless appeal to the passenger cabin.

It is not enough to select the finest materials. Only through exacting craftsmanship can their true potential be unlocked to create a unique, entirely personal ambience to satisfy even the most demanding tastes. Production in the Maybach Manufaktur assures a level of quality that sets new standards within the ultra-luxury segment.

You can choose a single color for your Maybach, or combine two for a two-tone scheme. Please contact your Maybach Relationship Manager to discuss applying a custom color to your specification. With a limitless range of paints available, a great many combinations are possible.



TECHNICAL DATA

Maybach 57 - 4 Passenger Sedan
No. of cylinders / arrangement 12 / V
Bore / stroke (mm) 82.0 x 87.0
Cubic capacity (cc) 5513
Rated output 543hp @ 5250 rpm
Rated torque 664 lb-ft @ 2200-3000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Acceleration 0-60mph 5.2 secs
Top Speed, approx. 155 mph
Tire size 275/50 R 19
Fuel consumption city 9.6 mpg
Fuel consumption highway 21.4 mpg
Fuel consumption combined 14.8 mpg
CO2 emission, combined 238 g/mi
Fuel tank capacity / inc. reserve 29 / 3.7 gal
Weight 6030 lbs
Perm. gross weight 7187 lbs
Trunk capacity 21.4 cubic feet



price : 358.000 usd

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT (Spec and Picture)

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

    2010 Honda Racing HSV-010 Super GT

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. introduced the Honda HSV-010 GT, which will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series.

Honda HSV-010 GT Technical Specifications :
    - Dimensions
          * Length: 4675 mm
          * Width: 2000 mm
          * Vehicle weight: 1100+ kg
    - Engine
          * Engine name: HR10EG
          * Configuration: Liquid-cooled, naturally aspirated, longitudinal V8
          * V angle: 90°
          * Valve train: Gear-driven DOHC - 2 intake and 2 exhaust valves per cylinder
          * Displacement: 3397 cm3
          * Bore x stroke: 93.0 x 62.5 mm
          * Maximum output: 500 PS (370 KW)
          * Maximum torque: 392 Nm
          * Throttle control system: Mechanical
          * Fuel supply system: Programmed fuel injection system (Honda PGM-FI)
          * Fuel: Lead-free premium gasoline
          * Lubrication: Dry sump
    - Powertrain
          * Transmission mechanism: Constant mesh
          * Transmission shifting method: Steering paddle shifter
          * Steering system mechanism: Rack and pinion system with electric power steering (EPS)

    - Tires
          * front: 330/40R18
          * rear: 330/45R17
    - Brake type and mechanism: Hydraulic ventilated disc system
    - Suspension system: Double wishbone
    - Stabilizer: Torsion bar

Europeans in Detroit

Interesting to see a couple of re-badged European cars on display at the 2010 Detroit show earlier this month.



Following its takeover by Fiat, Chrysler clearly couldn’t be bothered to do too much with the Lancia Delta, not even going to the trouble of changing its model name. A minor tweak to the grille seemed to be enough.



The Chrysler Delta.  Or is it?

Buick meanwhile appeared to make a bit more of an effort with the Regal, its version of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia. The GS shown featured a 252 bhp four cylinder turbo engine. Not quite the 321 bhp that the six cylinder Insignia VXR / OPC has, but it should still be rather quick, with a 0 - 60 mph time below six seconds.

BMW Launches Competition Package for 2011 M3 Coupe and Sedan Models

BMW's North American division announced the availability of a new 'Competition Package' for the 2011 model year M3 Coupe and Sedan. The package promises to further improve the cars' handling dynamics by adding a 10mm lower suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels with greater offset for a wider track.

Combined with the reconfigured Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the Bavarian automaker claims that the M3 with the Competition Package is "the best handling production M car ever built".

Question to BMW: does that mean the M3 Competition Package handles even better than the previous generation M3 CSL or the upcoming 450HP M3 GTS, both of which are considered production models?

While BMW did not publish any pictures of the M3 Coupe and Sedan with the Competition Package (the car pictured here is the Euro market M3 Coupe Edition special), the company said that the package is available on both models for $2,500.

The MSRP of the MY2011 M3 Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible remain unchanged at $56,275, $59,275, and $67,925, respectively, with all prices including a $875 destination and handling fee.

Pictures: Euro Market BMW M3 Coupe Edition

Punto loses its looks

Undoubtedly one of the best features of the Fiat Grande Punto was its styling, which even earned comparison to the design of the Maserati 3200 GT, around the nose at least. Hardly surprising considering that Italdesign was involved in both cars.



So who knows what Fiat was thinking when it signed off the Grande Punto’s successor, the Punto Evo? Being kind, it’s definitely a striking facelift. Being unkind, perhaps they should have left the bandages on. Maybe it’ll look better in the flesh, but the combination of that great chrome strip with the heavy bumper / grille arrangement at the front really isn’t very photogenic.

Not all bad news though - one of the highlights of the Punto Evo has to be the new MultiAir petrol engines that manage to increase power and torque, whilst reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This is achieved by a clever new electro-hydraulic method of controlling the inlet and outlet valves.



It means that the most powerful petrol engine, the 1.4 16v turbo, produces 135 bhp yet will do just over 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) on the combined cycle (according to Fiat) with carbon dioxide levels of 129 g/km.



By comparison its predecessor, the Grande Punto with the 1.4 T-Jet engine, could generate only 120 bhp, failed to better 43 mpg (6.6 l/100 km) and had emissions of 155 g/km.

Instruction for buyers of car parts

Car fans may be in a position to get the details of new car accessories from various web sites. There are very many web sites that offer comprehensive information to consumers of the car accessories. One may also find new car accessories from auctions that take place online (eBay, or other). Internet sellers can also offer new accessories at lower prices since their overheads are essentially less.

Only original car accessories

Once the car accessories have been selected, one can shop around and compare the various price offers. Due to special demands for these types of things, one will find many shops offering the unique parts. Before buying at Internet market, ensure that you gain a full information regarding the car accessory since one may come across unfair sellers who claim to have the most original car accessories and charge exorbitantly for them.

Find out the add-ons to the accessories being bought by inquiring from persons who have purchased the parts to avoid buying other accessories that may not necessarily be part of the main accessory that is required.

Trust only to authoritative dealers!

The accessory should be inspected properly to ensure that it is as ordered. This will guarantee from sellers who require one to sign on the receipt waving their right to return such parts in case they are faulty or non-standard. For people purchasing in online store this option of returning faulty parts may not be available. Such purchases therefore should only be from a dealer who is really reputable.

Citroen C3 Crosser - Geneva another debutant

At the international auto show in Geneva, which opens in early March this year, the French company Citroen will show a compact crossover C3 Crosser.
Novelty is based on the Mitsubishi ASX and will be available in a few months after its debut.

In Europe, Citroen C3 Crosser will cost, probably about 22 000 euros.

Official information about the technical component of the Citroen C3 Crosser yet. Can assume that the car was all wheel drive system with viskomuftoy, 1.8-liter engine and 6-speed Manual.

Five SUV Comparison test

Supertest video five suv comparison : Chevrolet Captive, Citroen C-Crosser, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander2, Renault Koleos.




thanks for video alvolante

Geneva Preview:2011 Kia Sportage

We're still short on details about the engine range, but chances are that the 2011 Sportage will be offered with the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four cylinder engines coupled to six-speed transmissions as the Tuscon in North America, while in Europe, it will most likely get the same 1.7-liter and 2.0 liter diesels, and 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline units as the iX35.


Penned under the guidance of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the new Sportage carries the new Kia family look as seen on the Soul, Cadenza sedan and Sorento SUV, but it appears to have a more European flavor to it, with extra attention given to details.


The five-door crossover shares its platform with the also new Hyundai Tucson, known as the ix35 in Europe. It is longer and wider than the outgoing Sportage, something that should translate to improved cabin space.


This handsome-looking compact crossover is the next generation 2011 Kia Sportage that will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.
Source:carscoop

BMW Prepping Production Version Of Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

We brought you the first official details on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept straight from last year's Frankfurt Auto Show, but here's a quick refresher: it's a three-cylinder diesel, four-door, plug-in hybrid that promises M Division performance from its combined 356-horsepower, 590-pound-foot output.


The arrangement of the hybrid powertrain allows the diesel engine to drive the rear wheels directly or with assistance from a rear-axle electric motor through a six-speed gearbox, while the electric motor up front drives the front wheels on pure electricity, and all three systems can work in tandem for maximum performance. This delivers a range of possibilities for in-town and performance driving.


Reaction to the 356-horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque plug-in electric (one lithium-polymer battery stack + two electric motors) with dedicated lighter-weight three-cylinder diesel range-extending engine mounted amidships has been off the charts. Now we're all waiting for more details and, of course, that sticky price issue.


According to the report on the Vision's production path, BMW is looking at turning the highly conceptual design into a production-ready car for 2013. Target volumes are about 5,000 to 10,000, meaning BMW is planning to make the car at least reasonably affordable. Despite the relatively high volume targets, the report indicates BMW is envisioning this car as a successor to the M1, a legend in its own right, and progenitor of the M Division.


We may be able to look forward to a preview of the new plug-in hybrid this summer, possibly leading up to a nearer-to-production concept preview at Paris. One thing that's for sure, according to the report, is that the long and clumsy Vision EfficientDynamics name will be making a quiet exit. And 2013 will be one interesting year for performance electrics.


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