Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition based on the Porsche Carrera GT

The Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition based on the Porsche Carrera GT is finally here. Gemballa, the renowned German tuner has announced it will make just five examples. Obviously, that will makes the Carbon Edition very exclusively and costly.

For the Carbon Edition, Gemballa hasn’t place too much emphasis on the power output but focus on a simple bi-color design scheme. Fromm the name of the car, we know that there are lots of carbon fiber parts. That’s true! The Carbon Edition adds lots of exposed carbon fiber accents, a black-on-white color scheme and custom alloy wheels. A hydraulic height-adjustable coilover kit is also supplied to improve handling, as well as protect the car when any steep bumps need to be conquered.
We know that some of Gemballa's GTs have put out as much as 750hp (560kW), but the Carbon Edition is satisfied with 670hp (500kW) on tap. That's still about 50hp (40kW) more than the stock Carrera GT, however, and with 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque, it's sure to be a fun ride in any gear.

Gemballa's claimed performance stats back that up: 0-62mph (100km/h) takes 3.7 seconds, and it'll hit 124mph (200km/h) in just 9.7. Both of those figures shave two tenths of a second from the stock times, and the power boost takes top speed up to at least 208mph (335km/h).

Pricing for the upgrade starts at €298,000 (approximately $426,000), but they don't provide the original Carrera GT and so customer is required to supply their own Carrera GT.

Audi expands A3 range with two new economical 1.6L TDI engines

In the U.S. the 2009 Audi A3 is only offered with a pair of petrol engines ranging in displacement from 2.0L up to 3.2L, but in the rest of the world Audi offers a full range of engine options including both petrol and TDI diesel units. And now overseas, Audi has expanded the Audi A3 line-up with the addition of two new 1.6L TDI engines offering 90hp (66kW) and 105hp (77kW), respectively. The two engines give customers who concern about fuel efficiency more options.

The first is a 90 hp engine with a peak torque of 230 Nm, emitting a scant 118 grams of CO2 per km. 0-100 km/h time is 12.9 seconds in an A3 with this engine, and a top speed of 180 km/h. Using only 4.5 liters of diesel per 100km, or 52.27 US mpg, you might be pleased with cleanness of this choice.

But the second unit is not only more powerful, but more efficient, too. Rated at 105 horsepower, this four-cylinder engine uses just over 4 liters of diesel for every 100 km of driving. This translates to a spectacular 57.37 US mpg. Even emissions are cleaner with this unit, dispensing only 109 g/km. With the 105 hp unit, the Audi A3 gets a 0-100 km/h time of 11.4 seconds, on its way to a 194 km/h top speed. But torque figures were not released for this engine. The secret to this engine's success is the use of both engine start-stop and energy recovery system.

The energy recovery system draws kinetic energy from the car’s brakes when slowing down, converting this to electricity to take the load off the alternator, which draws power from the engine and thus consumes fuel. According to Audi, this improves fuel economy by as much as 3%.

The Audi A3 1.6-liter TDI is on sale now. The 90hp (66kW) unit will cost €22,550, while the 105hp (77kW) model will cost €23,550.

NOVITEC tunes the Alfa Romeo MiTo

NOVITEC has unveiled the exclusive tuning for the Alfa Romeo MiTo, with a focus on both performance and handling upgrades, as well as some aerodynamic mods .

Novitec is offering engine tuning for the two diesel models and the petrol-powered 1.4L turbo in the lineup. For the range-topping 1.4L engine, Novitec can install an auxiliary control unit in around 5 minutes, resulting in an almost instantaneous 31hp (23kW) boost. This extra power gives the 1.4L MiTo a final power output of 186hp (134kW), enough to push the car to 62mph in just 7.4 seconds, or around 0.7 seconds quicker than the standard model. For the two turbodiesels, a similar control unit is installed that boosts power by 20hp (15kW) for the 1.3L JTD model and by 24hp (18kW) for the MiTo 1.6L JTD, as well as increasing torque figures by close to 37lb-ft (50Nm).

Additionally, a new height-adjustable coil-over suspension with adjustable dampers is also available, along with sport springs that can lower the car significantly. This results in improved handling and greater acceleration for the MiTo.

Accompanying the handling upgrades is a new look for the MiTo brought about by an aerodynamic enhancement kit. The front of the car gets a facelift thanks to the spoiler corners on the left and right, as well as the centrally mounted cup spoiler. At the back, rocker panels make the car appear lower, while a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser both help to improve downforce.

The rear diffuser surrounds the new Novitec sports muffler, which yields a more exciting growl when the engine is wound up, and the system can be combined with one, two, or four tailpipes. New Novitec alloy wheels top off the package, and high-performance Pirelli tires ensure the car should stay glued to the road.

BMW overtakes Lexus to be top-selling luxury brand so far this year in U.S.

BMW was the top-selling brand for a full year was back in 1997. But since 2000 Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus has been sitting on top of the US luxury brand market. Now things are going to change. The king may be coming back! It’s reported that BMW has overtaken Lexus to become the best-selling premium marque in the United States so far this year.

Lexus hit high ratings in both dependability and satisfaction surveys, however, Lexus is suffering from a sales decline of 37.2% this year, according to data compiled by Autodata Corp. BMW sales are down this year as well but not as severely as those of Lexus, with the German automaker’s figures dipping 30.5% to 76,819 for the first five months of this year, which is slightly ahead of Lexus's 73,186. The worst performance luxury brands, incidentally, were Bentley and Maybach, both of which are experiencing sales declines in excess of 60%

BMW claims that dependability and enduring quality have been the reasons why they became number 1 in sales during the early part of this year with the 3-series, 5-series and X5 range making most of the sales numbers.

"We have been seeing, all year, customers remain cautious, and when they shop for premium products, they are buying brands that have a history of value, dependability and enduring quality," BMW’s U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell told The Detroit News. "This has helped sales in our core 3-series, 5-series and X5 range."

But the year is not over yet. Lexus has recently launched its new RX SUV and the new HS 250h compact hybrid is also due to hit the streets in coming months. Who will be the winner is still uncertain.

Bmw M3 Tornado by G-Power

The G-Power name has become synonymous with extreme BMWs, which is working at creating the world's fastest BMWs. Its G-Power M6 Hurricane CS based on the BMW M6 Coupe has a recorded top speed of 367.4km/h (228mph) --- making it the fastest BMW Coupe in the world.

Now G-Power has also unveiled a new performance upgrade for the M3 and they called it Tornado. Why this name? In fact, the new car fits in perfectly with that description.

While the standard M3 already has a fairly potent 420hp (312kW) under the hood, G-Power's engineers have taken the car into true supercar territory with a new supercharger system that raises the final power output to a heady 500hp (373kW). Using relatively soft charging of just 4.4psi (0.3bar) boost from the T1-518 ASA centrifugal supercharger (the same system used in certain Alpina models), G-Power claims that its M3 constantly provides around 20% more torque than the standard model.

The sueprcharger system also uses a large volume air box, including eight lightweight integral resonance induction pipes, which are responsible for improved throttle response and creating an optimal torque curve. Finally, the supercharger system is completed by the large air-to-air intercooler that is located up front and cools the boost temperature down for added performance and reliability.

The result of the new performance system gives the G-Power M3 a top speed in excess of 200mph, while the sprint to 124mph is dispensed within just 13.5 seconds - more than two seconds quicker than the stock M3.

Custom wheels and Michelin sport tires help put the power down onto the road, along with a new continuously height-adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension system with nine settings to help the BMW more effectively use that extra power. Additionally, G-Power offers a new sports rear muffler to give the M3 a deeper roar, and also lighten the car's final weight by close to 15kg.

Capping off the upgrades is a new interior, decked out in carbon-fiber panels, a custom G-Power speedo that goes up to 223mph, aluminum pedals and tailor made leather seats.

Incidentally, The G-Power BMW M3 Tornado has been thoroughly tested in the hot temperatures of the United Arab Emirates for performance and reliability.

2010 Corvette Grand Sport pricing

Chevrolet is planning a series of updates for the Corvette for the 2010 model year, with changes affecting the entire lineup, from the base model all the way up to the scorching ZR1 supercar. First and foremost is the introduction of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Model. While introducing at the National Corvette Museum in April, Team Corvette members Harlan Charles and Tadge Juechter both said that people will be pleased when the final price of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Model is announced.

Now here comes the result. 2010 Grand Sport Coupe starts at $55,720 including DFC, while 2010 Grand Sport Convertible starts at $59,530 including DFC. That’s a $6,205 increase over the price of the base 2009 Corvette Coupe and $5,360 over the price of the base Corvette Convertible, respectively, but you will be happy to see that the Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package which costs $1,695 and you are essentially looking at $3,665-4510 upgrade for the new wide-body design, complete with Z06 brakes, tuned suspension and a better 0-60 mph performance of 4.0 vs 4.2.

The LS3 engine’s output has been kept at 430hp (321kW) and 424lb-ft (575Nm) of torque, however, an optional two-mode exhaust system boosts output to 436hp (325kW) and 428lb-ft (580Nm). Furthermore, all manual Corvettes for 2010 receive a new launch control system.

Specific modifications include wider front and rear fenders with unique badging, a Z06-style front splitter and rear spoiler, new brake ducts, unique 18in wheels with 275mm tires up front and 19in units shod with 325mm rubber in the rear, Z06-spec brakes include 355mm rotors with six-piston calipers up front and 340mm rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

All of the Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available ‘Heritage’ package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The sticker price for this Z15 GS Heritage Package should be released when full pricing is announced for 2010 Chevrolet Corvette lineup in the near future.

Incidentally, a quick check on some of the forums shows that people are generally pleased with the pricing of the new model. The new Corvette Grand Sport should have a good sell.

Nissan launches 370Z Nurburgring Edition in Europe

The Nissan 370Z is available in the markets of Japan and the US in a high-performance trim by Nismo, but the model will not be available for Europe. However, Nissan is offering a special edition to its European buyers, which is patterned after the yellow Nissan 370Z race car that participated in the Nurburgring 24 hour competition just recently. It’s so called 370Z Nurburgring Edition.

This special edition features a number of performance modifications and is limited to just 80 copies. Not surprisingly, pricing of the vehicle reflects this limited availability and exclusive quality and has been set at €50,400 (approximately $71,280).

Each vehicle will come with a uniquely numbered plate, as well as unique 19in OZ Racing alloy wheels shod with 285mm tires in the rear and 255 tires up front, including a Cobra performance exhaust system. A special ring card with €150 ($212) of credit will also be offered to customers, which they can use for public track days on the Nurburgring circuit.

Apart from the new exhaust system, the car’s powertrain has been left untouched which means it features the most current 3.7L V6 engine with 332hp (247kW) and 270lb-ft (366Nm) on tap. Standard on this model is the six-speed manual equipped with SynchroRev Match function from Nissan.

Spy shots: BMW releases official teasers for new X1

It’s reported that in the next couple of years BMW will be releasing a number of its latest models including new variants of its present top selling models and some models that have never been seen yet. The new X1, revealed in spy photos, is a new crucial model of BMW and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The spy shots of the new X1 shows its outlines and curves under the least amount of camouflage. The checkered cladding does obscure the details, but the overall feel of the vehicle is definitely there. Most notable is the completely undisguised grille, and the sporty new front and rear bumpers. Front and rear lights are similar to the 5-Series GT and 7-Series sedan, respectively.

The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.

Engine options will range from a 145hp (108kW) 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range-topping 3L turbodiesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter.

Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini

The production version of the X1 will be shown for the first time to the general public at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. Pricing is unknown at this time, but it will most likely be set between the 1 Series and the X3, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark.

Volvo anounced diesel-electric Plug-In Hybrid coming in 2012

Under the company's over-riding vision - DRIVe Towards Zero, Swedish automaker Volvo announced that it will team up with Swedish energy utility Vattenfall to create a new plug-in hybrid vehicle by 2012. In fact, the two companies began working together since 2007 to explore the technology that makes plug-in vehicles a reality.

Although still three years off, Volvo has also announced that it will launch three Volvo V70 demo models in Europe this summer. These demo cars will be use to learn more about their customers' attitudes. Vattenfall is looking for the fastest, and most efficient methods to charge vehicles, while Volvo will be trying to get a better feel for driving habits. Over time, the electricity utility also hopes to figure out how to reduce charging time to a minimum.

Volvo and Vatenfall plan to use an electric motor deriving power from a lithium-ion battery pack. Depleted batteries would charge in about five hours, presumably from a 220V wall socket. Their vehicle will use regenerative braking to also help keep the batteries charged. An extensive range is not expected. Any vehicle created looks to be specifically for routine distances.

"Most car journeys are short trips, for instance to and from work. We will be able to offer a product that fulfils this transportation need. In order to cover longer distances as well, the car will also be equipped with one of Volvo's fuel-efficient diesel engines," writes Volvo head Stephen Odell. Any car created will have at least an all-electric range of 50 km per charge. This number would likely need to rise if their project is to be taken seriously.

However, the two companies acknowledge that any vehicle coming out of the partnership will be more expensive than a conventional car. The reasons for this include the high price of batteries, and the cost of research and development. Although electricity in Sweden costs a fraction of the cost of conventional fuels, getting customers to pony up extra cash up front in this economy will be difficult. The two companies are hoping things will turn around by the time their new vehicle is released. They also hope that a €3 per 100km running cost will be a big selling point.

Still, the environment will be a big selling point for any new Volvo plug-in hybrid. As such, Vatenfall will allow customers to only purchase electricity from "green" sources, like windpower and hydropower. Meanwhile, the utility claims they are working on reducing emissions across their entire electricity production lineup, in a push to be more sustainable.

"Through electric power, we avoid the emissions from each individual car. Instead of petrol or diesel, the energy is derived from a few large power sources and Vattenfall is working hard to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from all electricity production. In Sweden, virtually all Vattenfall's electricity production is emission-free," said Vattenfall chief Lars G Josefsson.

2009 Volkswagen Touran Freestyle revealed

Few days ago, Volkswagen revealed its latest Touran Freestyle, which is claimed to be the most economical and sportiest Touran of all times. The German manufacturer has announced that this model particularly focused on fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Indeed, the new Touran Freestyle brings a fuel efficiency increase of around 0.6 points over the standard model, with CO2 emissions standing around 144 g/km.

There are two available powerplant choices for the VW Touran Freestyle, the 75kW (102hp) and the 103kW (140hp) and two diesel units, consisting of a 77kW (105hp) unit and a 103kW (140hp) unit and also an EcoFuel powerplant which comes with 110kW (150PS).

Besides the eco-technologies, the car also boosts driving dynamics, sporty look and graceful movement. On the outside the special model comes with outstanding sporty appearance caused by its Sedona 16 inch light alloy wheels and Chrome grille. Black headlights, smoke-gray tail and darkened rear and side windows are also included in the package.

Interiors have been customized as well, with the gearshift knob and the handbrake lever covered in leather. The multifunction steering wheel boasts leather trim as well plus aluminum decorations. A RNS 310 radio-navigation system, heated front seats, automatically heated windshield washer nozzles and a multi-function display are also included in the package.

The model seems to be quite affordable, as it is sold for 25,925 euros. However, the car is currently available in Germany, but it might be released in other markets as well.

Range Rover Sport by Revere London

Revere London, a new luxury tuner, has unveiled its first project, a heavily modified Range Rover Sport, dubbed the HSR.

On the Range Rover Sport, Revere offers an aggressive new bodykit that gives the SUV some edge over the standard model. Up front, there is a custom Revere London front bumper that gives the appearance that the vehicle is sitting lower to the ground. There is also a new front grille, as well as color-coded side vents. At the rear, a custom bumper with tailpipe box replacements is also available.

Other cosmetic modifications offered are varying and comprehensive - for example, customers can choose to have the door handles color-matched with the rest of the body, or have the 'Range Rover' letters themselves painted or removed completely.

In terms of engine upgrades, there are a number of options available depending on what engine is in the particular model. ECU reprogramming for the range-topping 4.2L Supercharged V8 engine results in a lift to power of 410hp (305kW), and coupled with custom exhaust kits, upgraded Brembo brakes and new suspension components the Revere London Range Rover Sport should prove to be a little more fun than the standard model.

Finally, a variety of interior modifications is available, including high-quality leather upholstery and Alcantara lined steering wheels. Audio and visual upgrades are also available, along with items like custom umbrella holders and umbrellas.

The standard kit with front and rear bumpers, foglamps and stainless-steel exhaust tips is priced at the equivalent of $6,390. More details can be found on Revere London's Web site.

Spy shots: First test-mules for next-gen 2012 VW Passat

Volkswagen's next generation 2012 Passat, which is expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, is caught undergoing testing on Germany's famous Nürburgring. It’s the first time spy photographers got the spy shots of a test-mule for the new car.

While the test-mule wears the current Passat body, we can see slight modifications in the form of wider wheel arches and lengthened B-pillars. This clearly indicates that the next generation Passat will be longer and wider than current model. According to CAR magazine, however, the next-gen Passat will feature a host of weight saving technologies such as ultra-thin glass, foam chassis reinforcements and a low-friction 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the car should ensure a lighter kerb weight and improved mileage.

Under the hood, a replacement for the VR6 engine will be in place, putting out close to 300hp (224kW) from a displacement of 3.0L. To improve mileage and maintain power, the new engine will also be using direct injection, while the rest of the powertrain lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.

To give the Passat some much needed panache, VW will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-generation a technological showcase, including an automatic parking system, "airless" Continental tires, an advanced window cleaning system that doesn't use traditional wipers, 360° parking cameras, adaptive cruise control with speed limit monitoring, and possibly even a sci-fi low-voltage magnetic paint which will allow owners to change the car's exterior color by adjusting the current.

In terms of exterior design, the new Passat is expected to ditch the current model's bland styling for a more aggressive appearance which is both luxurious and dynamic.

Volkswagen's next-generation Passat is expected to compete with BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class and Audi A4. Incidentally, One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.

Ford offers SYNC TDI update

Ford is enhancing the capabilities of its vehicles by offering its popular Sync system with the new Sync TDI application (SYNC 3.0 version) , which adds traffic, directions and information in a simple download, now available for download via the Ford SYNC website.

SYNC TDI pairs with drivers' Bluetooth handsets to connect to Ford's Service Delivery Network to bring them turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic information, business searches and new, sports and weather updates. Users can call up these features with voice guidance through their handsets --- at no subscription cost for the first three years of vehicle ownership.

To operate the system, all the driver needs to do is state the voice command “services”. Stating “traffic” will then send a text message to the driver’s phone with information such as location and severity of accidents or new road construction causing areas of heavy congestion. This message is then broadcast over the vehicle’s audio system.

If a user states “directions,” a turn-by-turn route for a desired journey is downloaded and is spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on the central information display near the radio.

The latest system also enables drivers to personalize and categorize their favorite media topics, such as sports, weather and news using voice commands or through the Sync website.

The automaker's 2010 models equipped with the SYNC entertainment system will ship with the update already installed, though owners of some early-launch 2010 models will need to perform the update themselves.

The SYNC system is available as an option on select Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles for $395, and includes a GPS receiver for the 2010 model year.

Details of 2010 Audi TT RS

Last year, Audi has taken the wraps off several variants of its sporty TT, including TT-S, 2.0L TDI diesel-powered TT and the entry-level 1.8L TFSI model. And at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, we see the performance RS version of the TT, which is simply called Audi TT RS. The TT RS range has two models, they’re TT-RS Coupe and Roadster.

The TT RS range is powered by Audi's new 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine with FSI direct petrol injection. It makes maximum power of 340hp (250kW) and peak torque of 450Nm (332 lb ft) between a wide band of 1,600rpm and 5,300rpm. This power and torque is sent through to all four wheels via Audi's quattro permanent AWD.

Performance, according to Audi, confirms the TT RS as the fastest in its class. The Coupe fires off the line to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds while the Roadster does it in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250km/h in both cars but can be increased to 280km/h if requested. The hard top weighs in at 1,450kg (3,197 lbs) while the Roadster is 60kg (132 lbs) dearer because of all the extra equipment needed to operate the canvass roof.

Average fuel consumption is 9.2 litres per 100km (25.57 US mpg) for the Coupe and 9.5 litres per 100km (24.76 US mpg) for the Roadster.

The standard wheel size is 18-inch with 245/40 tyres but customers can specify the bigger 19s or 20s for their baby. A standard sports suspension lowers the car by 10 milimetres while the optional magnetic ride adaptive damping system offers Comfort and Sport characteristics. The rear features a diffuser and a stationary spoiler. There is an optional one that retracts and extends. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual and ventilated disc brakes with black four-piston aluminium callipers and diameters of 370mm at the front and 310mm at the rear button, which alters throttle response and also opens a flap in the left exhaust tailpipe to increase the rumble. The standard electronic stability software has been replaced with a more sporty version that is more forgiving to sideways action and can also be switched off completely for maximum fun.

The interior is laid out in leather and Alcantara. It also features heated sports seats, brushed aluminium inlays and a flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel.

The TT RS Coupe will be priced at €55,800 and the Roadster at €58,650 when they are launched this summer in Europe.

2009 Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS officially revealed

The Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS, designed by Dutch students Emile Pop and Justin de Boer, is expected to begin production by 2010. The car is the only 4 door "topless on demand" supercar in the world with a fantastic look.

The designers put in a retractable hard-top which can open or close in just 20 seconds. Built without B-pillars and having a two-tone paint job, the car is meant to have taken inspiration from luxury yachts. Body panels are made from carbon-fiber, and the chassis is built from chrome steel. Inside, the driver is treated to a nice layout of alcantara, aluminum, and carbon-fiber. Meanwhile, the floorboard is made from teak wood, which will look interesting if left unupholstered. Although commonly used on yachts, and thus keeping with the boat motif, a lighter-weight material probably could have been chosen for the floor if some form of carpeting will cover it up.

Power under the hood comes from a powerful V8 that propels the car from 0-300km/h (0-186mph) in under 35 seconds. The supercar is a true celebration of design and the design is achieved from driving excitement. The Savage’s menacing front section demonstrates the cars inherit potency, while the broad beefy rear section exhibits unbreakable integrity. The aggressive cut front shows its primeval powers.

Regardless, with a Corvette ZR1 powertrain, weight is still relatively low at 1,280 kg. Custom-made Tenzo 19-inchers are wrapped in Toyo T1R tires. Braking is provided by DBM, using eight-piston and four-piston monoblocks, gripping 380mm or 355mm discs.

Companies lending their assistance to the project includes Eindhoven, Netherlands, based Motio development, who aided with the 3D modelling. Komplot Mechanics supplied the foam moulds, while Rep-air Composites assisted with the body panels. Steel juggernaut Corus provided materials for the chassis.

Pop and de Boer expect to produce 20 units of the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS, at a rate of four annually. They are actively looking for investors, and hope to begin production by 2010.