Spy shots: Peugeot 308 RC Z coupe

The midsize Peugeot 308 is one of the most flexible vehicles in the French carmaker’s lineup, spawning numerous variants such as the regular three and five-door hatchbacks, SW wagon, as well as the stylish CC convertible. However, there is at least one more 308 variant in the works and it’s destined to be the most exciting of them all.

That is Peugeot 308 RC Z. Peugeot first showed the 308 RC-Z Concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Now the French automaker appears determined to bring the car into production. The production RC Z is expected to debut at this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show, and goes on sale in 2010.

The car, spotted here with very little camouflage, does bear a certain resemblance to the previous-generation Audi TT. But no observer is likely to confuse the two. Heavily flared fenders, a longer rear deck line and Peugeot's chunky front-end design - still slightly obscured here - will make the 308 RC Z stand out from the crowd.

The RC-Z will probably hit the streets with the same engines as higher-level 308 models with a rumoured 250hp (184kW) motor mentioned. With figures like that, the car will definitely have to focus on nimble handling to meet its performance targets. Turbo diesels are probably going to be included as well.

With the emergence of this new set of spy photos, however, it's clear that Peugeot is well along the way toward the development of the 308 RC Z Coupe, and we can expect more details to appear as we approach September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

World's rarest Corvettes heading to Chicago for Bloomington Gold(R) Corvette Show

We reported that the 1.5 millionth Corvette is being built, and now, the rarest and fastest Corvettes in the world have been assembled into one remarkable collection for an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the 2009 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show scheduled June 25-28, 2009, at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill. It’s unmissable for Corvette lovers.

Taking place in two weeks, the 2009 Bloomington Gold Corvette Show will feature 60 of the most historically significant Corvettes in existence. Among the showings will be some stunning models from the echelons of history, including the 1953 Corvette EX122 - the hand-built concept car that represents the beginning of Corvette production as the oldest Corvette in the world. This model was first unveiled in January of 1953 to the New York public at a GM Motorama event, and according to legend this is the car that inspired Zora Duntov to join Chevrolet and work on the Corvette.

Speaking of Zora Duntov, the 206mph Corvette CERV hand-built by him will also be appearing in the collection. The CERV, which stands for Chevrolet Experimental Racing Vehicle, was used as the platform for refining the body, chassis and suspension systems - and considering that it was built over 45 years ago, its top speed is astonishing.

Other historic Corvettes appearing will be the 1960 Original Stingray Racer, the 1969 Grand Sport #001 Penske racer that has been valued in the millions and the amazing 1969 ZL1 Corvette - the only one documented to exist and hence one of the most valuable Corvettes in the world.

As America's Original Corvette Show since 1973, Bloomington Gold offers flagship car judging, educational and restoration seminars, auctions, museum-quality displays of America's fastest and rarest Corvettes, road tours and more!
The magnificent Pheasant Run Resort plays host to the Bloomington Gold Corvette show. Tickets are available at the door for $20. For more information, visit BloomingtonGold.com, call 309.888.4477 or email info@bloomingtongold.com.

Audi Q5 Hybrid coming in 2011

The competition of Hybrid-electric and other green propulsion systems becomes more and more deep. Already Lexus' new RX 450h is leading the compact crossover hybrid race and BMW is positioned to make an entry eventually with the X6 ActiveHybrid. In keeping with the times, Audi also announces its plans to bring a Q5 hybrid SUV to the U.S., most likely by 2011.

TheCarConnection is reporting that Audi will fit a new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to the Q5 in 2011, and since the compact SUV shares much of its design with the A4 and A5 models the hybrid option may filter across to these as well. After the launch of the hybrid, Audi is then expected to introduce an efficient turbodiesel version of the Q5.

The latest news follows comments originating with Wolfgang Hatz, Audi's head of powertrain development, back at January’s Detroit Auto Show. Hatz cautioned that diesel is a more practical alternative, but there’s a catch. The cost-effectiveness of diesel technology is greater, though that calculus in the U.S. is very different from Europe, where the price of fuel is higher in general and the differential between diesel and petrol isn't as great.

Whether that calculation works out so dramatically in favor of diesel, however, acceptance of hybrid technology is clearly much greater in the U.S. That alone might be enough to justify the decision to bring in the hybrid Q5 before the diesel.

Chevrolet builds the 1,500,000th Corvette, prices 2010 Grand Sport

The Chevrolet Corvette has been going on for about 60 years as America's iconic supercar, spawning imitations in the past and inspiring allegiance from Corvette aficionados around the world over the decades. Yesterday, Karen Rafferty, Chevrolet Product Marketing Director, announced the recent production of the 1,500,000th Corvette at GM Bowling Green Assembly plant. This is a serious milestone.

"The 1.5 millionth Corvette is a great example of how Chevy is America's brand", Rafferty said. "For nearly 60 years we have built America's Sports Car and this milestone is a solid proof point."

The 1.5 millionth Corvette, built on May 28, is a white convertible 3LT with red interior and black top. Incidentally the first, 500,000th and 1 millionth Corvettes built in 1953, 1977 and 1992 respectively had similar features.

Along with the announcement of the sales landmark, Chevrolet released pricing for the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. The standard coupe GS starts at $55,720 and the GS convertible starts from $59,530.

"The Corvette Grand Sport achieves a 0 - 60 time in less than four seconds, pulls 1.0g on the skid pad and still boasts an impressive 26 highway mpg," Karen Rafferty said. "These numbers are unmatched by any of Corvette's competitors." The 2010 Grand Sport was unofficially priced just over a week ago, but the official announcement today confirms those numbers.

Obviously, GM will be leveraging its most iconic products to help rebuild the company's image in the wake of its massive bailout and bankruptcy. The new Grand Sport sport is a step in the right direction, however, adding performance and value to an already impressive American sports car.

Volkswagen develops 30% lighter Golf

To vehicle, we know that the lighter weight makes it easier to maintain performance and therefore more efficient engines. Earlier this year Audi's plan for a lighter pair of next-generation S4 and S5 performance variants were revealed. Now Volkswagen is working on a new lightweight platform for its Golf that will reduce the weight by up to 30%.

The project to build a new lightweight Golf is actually a part of a larger project founded by the European Commission and dubbed the SuperlightCar project. The project involves 32 suppliers and several other carmakers, including Renault, Volvo, Opel and Daimler.

The project focuses on using lightening techniques include the use of steel where appropriate, but also lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium where cost-effective. Its overall goal is cutting body-in-white structure weight in the mid-size segment by up to 30% while maintaining commercially reasonable prices.

VW is going to build three concept Golfs: the first was made entirely of steel, the second with mixed materials built with low-cost techniques and the third was built from more expensive mixed materials. The first two cars were 20% lighter, while the concept with the expensive materials was 41% lighter.

The German firm eventually settled for a compromise using a combination of the three concepts to achieve the best balance of weight and cost.

The SuperlightCar project ends in July 31, 2009 and it is highly likely other manufacturers will be releasing details of more lightweight designs very soon. Volkswagen's lightweight Golf is expected to hit the market in 2012.

Superior Glass Works turns Corvette parts into retro-styled wagon

Start with a pile of C5 Corvette parts, some tube steel and a wealth of experience fabricating hot rods, drag racers, custom cars and resto-mods, and you might end up with something like the Superior 54 Sport Wagon.

Using donor parts where it matters most and linking it all together with a custom frame. The hand-laid fiberglass and CoreMat body is bolted directly to that frame, and the whole package is assembled for delivery, leaving the interior, paint, engine, wiring and all the little touches that finish out a custom Sport Wagon.

The body itself also includes a chrome Corvette grille, a 1953 Corvette-style dash, power door windows and locks, complete custom safety laminate window glasswork, a slew of chrome trim pieces, and a functional tailgate with power window opening.

Suspension and control pieces fitted to the Chassis include C5 Corvette independent front suspension with coil-over shocks and power steering, sway bars front and rear, Corvette disc brakes at all four corners, a C5 Corvette independent rear suspension that's been narrowed by 6in to fit the body style, a choice of automatic or manual transmissions included, plus room for good-sized wheels, with 10.5in clearance in the back and 8.5in up front.

Motor mounts for - what else - a Chevy LS-series V8 are also part of the standard package, allowing you to source either a donor engine or a brand-new crate unit to fit your project.

All you need to own one of the 25 of these special-production custom rolling packages that will be built is a $50,000 deposit and the $125,000 purchase price - and the desire to build one serious custom Sport Wagon. For more details, check out the Superior 54 Sport Wagon official site. The car will make its official debut June 19-21 at MSRA's Back to the '50s event in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Preview: New BMW 3-series GT set to join 5-series GT in 2011

2010 BMW 5 Series GT set to goes on sale early next year, and now BMW has turned its attention to pulling the same trick on the 3 Series, a smaller version based on the next-generation 3-series sedan is expected to be launched in 2011.

Picking up the 3-series GT moniker, the car will feature the same raised seating position and ride height as the bigger 5-series GT and will also likely adopt a two-tier rear hatch design. It will come with both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four and six cylinder engines. The computer generated rendering above gives us a preview of what the new car may look like, revealing that it will share the aggressive new look that’s being implemented across BMW’s lineup.

Speaking with British auto magazine AutoExpress, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said that the German manufacturer considers the upcoming 3 Series GT a “volume builder with which BMW can earn good money.”

Designers will be stressing the car’s coupe characteristics just as they did with the X6 and new 5-series GT. Expect to see extremely short overhangs, pumped fenders and sporty alloy wheels. Pricing will also reflect the car’s positioning above the standard 3-series on which it will be based. Along with an upcoming replacement for the X3, it will give BMW a vital rival to Audi’s A4 Avant as well as the upcoming Q3 SUV.

Official: Mini's F1-Commemorative ‘World Championship 50’ edition

In May, we reported that Mini unveiled the Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) World Championship 50 special edition to mark the event as well as the achievements of John Cooper in the Formula 1 World Championships back in 1959 and 1960.

There will only be 250 copies of this car to be built, making it one of the most exclusive Minis ever. And they will be sold exclusively in British Racing Green, or Connaught Green, as it's known to Mini – just like the original race cars - and is based around the same core as the JCW edition currently on sale. Incidentally, it was Sir Jack Brabham that won back-to-back titles at the wheel of the JCW Coopers, taking eleven race wins during these two seasons.

Along with the World Championship 50 special edition, two other models were unveiled in Silverstone at the Mini United 2009 celebrations. The other cars were the Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour' Cooper S and the Mayfair and Camden editions.

As for the World Championship 50, no performance mods have been installed, which means the familiar 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder from the regular JCW model with 208hp (155kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) of torque remains nestled under the hood.

Standard features include Alcantara trim on the steering wheel, carbon fiber hood scoop, rear diffuser, mirror caps and tailgate handle, white racing stripes, leather trim with black and red piping, Bluetooth connectivity, a Harman Kardon stereo system, 17in alloy wheels, and bi-xenon headlights.

Lamborghini announces new programs for reducing CO2 by 35% in 2015

There were hints last fall that Lamborghini was considering a V8 hybrid version of its Estoque concept car. Now, the exclusive Italian automaker has announced it will be developing a hybrid system for future models.

Lamborghini plans to reduce by 35 percent the CO2 emissions of its vehicles by 2015, but as a corollary it will also be reducing the CO2 emissions of its factory by 30 percent by next year.

Lamborghini will also be conduction research into a hybrid system as part of a 35 million euro investment in that plan to reduce emissions in its vehicles. It cites last year's Gallardo LP 560-4 as a case in point, where non-hybrid technology was employed to deliver a 18 percent reduction in that model's CO2 emissions.

But a hybrid system will only be part of that plan to reduce vehicle emissions by 35 percent. Lamborghini will also be working on improved engine management and combustion, reducing friction and weight, employment of stop-start technology and even the introduction of bio-fuel-ready vehicles.

"Lamborghini is committed to its policy of environmental management," says the brand's President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann in the press release. "We have an objective to reduce CO2 emissions to the greatest possible degree."

Switzer announces Porsche 911 GT2 tuning package to 800hp

Switzer Performance Innovations (SPI), an American based tuner, started by Tym Switzer several years ago, is becoming a familiar name in the tuning field. Now it is offering an 800hp (597kW) twin-turbo kit for the already extreme 997 Porsche 911 GT2.

With his latest project, Tym and the crew at SPI wanted to create a high horsepower with an efficient and linear power curve that puts power to the ground smoothly and didn't punish the driver with sudden spikes in torque and power. The car also needed to run on regular 93 octane fuel.

Initial dyno testing has shown that the car has met its 800hp (597kW) goal but the element engineers are most happy about is that the car remains manageable on the street.

"We were very happy to hit our target numbers," says the main man Tym Switzer. "Of course, but the best part is that the car is still so manageable on the street, at this power level. It is an everyday hyper-performing exotic, and I can't wait to get it out on the track and see how it performs in the hands of a pro driver."

To achieve this level of performance, the guys at SPI add an in-house developed headers and sport exhaust system, a new intercooler package and custom GT30R turbochargers. Switzer says this is a truly bolt-on system because the Porsche factory DME has been kept intact. In fact all the hardware installed is still managed by the stock ECU but running Switzer-specific DME software calibrations.

No performance numbers have been released but expect sprint times to match or come close to Switzer’s previous Sledgehammer Porsche 911 upgrade.

Caractere styling kit for Audi A5 Cabrio

After unveiling their sexy body kit for the Audi A5/S5 coupe last year, Caractere now offers a similar series of styling accessories for the new Audi A5 Cabrio.

The design program for the Audi A5 Cabrio offers a range of front and rear fascias, side skirts and a roof spoiler. The new pieces are designed to fit and enhance the newly introduced drop-top, with special pieces for the high-performance S5 model.

An exhaust kit is also available, but only on non-quattro models, while the two-piece front spoiler kit only works on non-S-line models. The unique CW1 wheels in both 19 and 20in sizes are available as part of the program, though since it's a piecemeal system, you can always opt for your own if Caractere's designs don't suit your tastes.

Overall, the result is surprisingly tasteful. Although pricing information wasn't released, the styling accessories are currently on sale.

Spy shots: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost caught undisguised

Rolls Royce has announced that the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost will be launched in early 2010, which is positioned below the current Phantom range. With the new car, the number of vehicles built by the ultra-luxury automaker is expected to double each year. The Ghost may give Rolls-Royce a more attainable model to compete against the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, as well as the upcoming 2010 Aston Martin Rapide.

From the latest spy shots we can see that the Ghost is heavily influenced by the 2009 Rolls-Royce EX200 concept car.

The Ghost essentially resembles a vehicle with modern Rolls-Royce lines in a slightly smaller package than the current Phantom. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail should give it an air of informal presence, while also allowing for a sportier appearance.

The vehicle features a pair of suicide-style rear-hinged doors in the back, and is designed to comfortably seat five adults. It stretches roughly 5,399mm in length, 1,948m across and stands 1,550m in height.

According to its designers, the interior will be kept deliberately clear. The controls will be neatly sculptured, with more important functions emphasised by accents of chrome. As for the rest of the cabin, you will only find the finest in leather and natural wood trim and plenty of mood lighting.

Drive will come from a 6.6L turbocharged V12, with an 8-speed gearbox sending power rearward, and maximum torque of 750Nm. Power at the crankshaft is expected to top 500hp (373kW). Some technologies will also be shared with the Phantom and the Drophead. The engine itself may be a bit smaller than the Phantom line's powerplant, but output is still very healthy.

The car will be unveiled officially at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Production will start at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing facility on the south coast of England later in the year. And sales should begin in early 2010 and prices are speculated at around £180,000 (US$286,600) a pop.

Two-mode Chevrolet Equinox hybrid coming in 2011

Before the economic downturn, General Motors had some major plans for its Saturn brand including the launch of a two-mode hybrid Vue and eventually a plug-in hybrid version. Although the development has been completed for both cars and production has already been set to start last November, declining sales and an inevitable bankruptcy forced GM to readjust its plans.

The biggest change is the sale of the Saturn brand to the Penske Automotive Group, the owner of the second largest dealership in the US. As for the hybrid vehicles, GM has already confirmed that the technology for the Vue plug-in hybrid will be retained and used in other brands, and now the automaker has revealed to AutoblogGreen that the Vue two-mode hybrid has been cancelled.

Instead, GM will use the FWD two-mode system for its Chevrolet Equinox crossover, which should arrive on the market in petrol-electric configuration in 2011. The system in the Vue was to use a 3.6L V6 engine mated to the two-mode hybrid drive system. Since the Equinox uses a different 3.0L V6 engine, GM will need additional time to redesign the system.

The two-mode system utilizes an Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) that GM developed together with Mercedes-Benz and BMW and currently uses in the Chevrolet Tahoe and Silverado, as well as the GMC Sierra and Denali, and Cadillac Escalade hybrid vehicles.

Audi unveils '100 years of Audi' package for Europe

Audi's "100 Years of Audi" celebrations have already seen a unique watch called the Tachoscope, now it continue with the announcement of two new Audi Exclusive equipment packages for European Audi cars.

The packages are the Styling package and the Innovation package. Both are available for the Audi A3, A3 Cabriolet, A4, A6, TT, A5 coupe and Q5 to Q7.

The Styling package is named as such because it concentrates on upgrading the cars' looks, including a three-spoke leather steering wheel and unique alloy wheels, while the innovation portion features xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights with high-beam assist.

Other custom options are also available on 100-year packages, including a special Daytona pearl exterior color, sport seats, tinted moonroof, and a special door sill design that backlights a silhouette of the legendary 16-cylinder Type C racing car.

Both packages also offer huge values, cutting the price of the included options and features by as much as 40%. Pricing starts at €2,400 ($3,300) and ranges up to €6,750 ($9,400) for the style packages, while the innovation packages cover the span from €1,700 ($2,300) and €2,700 ($3,800).

New ABT AS3 based on Audi A3 Facelift

German tuner ABT Sportsline has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3 hatchback. The tuner calls it ABT AS3 and it's more than just a cosmetic surgery. The tuned A3 follows in the footsteps of similar work undertaken by ABT on the larger Audi A5. The tuning focuses on both performance enhancements and visual upgrades to give the car more grunt than the standard hatch from Audi.

Under the hood, ABT takes the 2.0L TSI engine and winds it up to an impressive 240hp (179kW), rather than the standard model’s 200hp (147kW). Similar gains in performance are available for the other petrol engines in the A3 lineup, including a 35hp (26kW) lift to 160hp (120kW) in the 1.4L TSI engine, and a 50hp (37kW) lift to 210hp (157kW) in the 1.8L TSI unit. For the 2.0L turbodiesel A3, ABT can also lift power to a maximum of 190hp (142kW), along with plenty of torque.

To help control the extra power on the road, ABT is also offering custom made performance springs that lower the car by 35mm. When coupled with an upgraded braking system, the ABT AS3 should prove to be significantly more agile than the factory A3 on the road.

In terms of visual upgrades, ABT is offering a number of modifications, including a new bonnet, front grille, front bumpers, fenders and LED daytime running lights. The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT's recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3.

Audi Q5 gets the highest safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA

In previous post, we reported that the 2009 Volkswagen CC received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009. It seems carmakers do take the safety of cars into considerations. It's no different with the 2009 Audi Q5, which is equipped with most of the safety devices available on the market today, earning a Top Safety Pick award for 2009 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and received the highest front and side crash ratings from U.S. safety regulators.

Results from rigorous IIHS testing showed the 2009 Audi Q5 received a "good" rating in all three crash measurements: side impact, offset frontal and rear impact seat tests. The NHTSA gave the 2009 Audi Q5 five stars for both driver and passenger protection in front and side impact tests.

“Audi engineers place unwavering emphasis on the protection of motorists and their passengers,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “These outstanding ratings for the Audi Q5 confirm our intent to meet the most rigorous safety standards found anywhere in the world.”

Every Audi sold in the U.S. has standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability program, daytime running lights (DRL) and a standard tire pressure monitoring system. The Audi Q5 adds to these features with quattro permanent all-wheel standard on all models, providing high levels of active safety and traction in a wide variety of conditions. All of these features are designed to help reduce the chances of a collision, and they all contribute to the Q5's top safety rank.

BMW releases new full-phrase voice control system

Are you tired of inputting a series of painfully long and intricate menus to choose songs, whiling driving? Well, things are going to change. BMW is releasing a new voice control system allowing drivers better control over their cars' infotainment and navigation tools. It’s said that "the driver hardly having to take his eyes off the road" with the new system.

The German automaker claims the system is a first, where drivers only need "one single voice command ... to completely transmit the driver's destination into the navigation system." The driver’s verbal statement specifying the place, street and number is processed immediately by the system, all data going directly into the navigation unit. For example, the driver can state "Chicago, 1060 West Addison" to immediately get directions to Wrigley Field, eliminating the step-by-step process previously used.

The system also interfaces with the music system, allowing the user to access not just the audio source but also to choose individual music titles with voice alone. Of course, as with all voice recognition systems, accuracy and speed will be the key to making it more useful than touch-entry.

BMW thinks it has gotten the package right on these accounts, saying in a statement, "The BMW system monitors and interprets the user’s voice commands regarding the type of music, the name of the artist, an album or an individual title, ensuring precise access to the audio program desired."
Music functionality will be upgraded further in early 2010, when BMW will add the ability to interface not just with the car's built-in media library, but external media players as well.

Those who already have BMWs may be wondering how this is an advance over the "full word destination" control system introduced in 2006, which allows full word destinations to be spoken. The primary difference is the removal of computer-guided steps in destination entry; instead, the car just listens to the full destination and sorts out place, street and number on its own. That speeds things up and makes it easier to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

In the end, this is really just a further complication of the already frightfully complex iDrive system. In a way, however, it is also a simplification - the input process is streamlined and dealing with the guided menus is no longer a must. So on the whole, iDrive fans should appreciate the extra functionality, while those not so impressed with the complex system will welcome the improved ease of use.

The new voice control system will be available on new cars beginning in September 2009 in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States. It is unclear if the system may be retrofitted on previous cars.

2009 Volkswagen CC gets IIHS Top Safety Pick award

Volkswagen of America announced today that the 2009 Volkswagen CC received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009. To get the Top Safety Pick rating, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. The CC fits into all these measurement.

In terms of restraint systems, the CC comes fitted with standard driver and front passenger advanced multistage front airbags; driver and front passenger side-thorax airbags; head curtain airbags (front and rear); three-point safety belts front and rear; emergency locking retractors for all seating positions; optimized front head restraints; safety belt power pretensioners at the driver and front passenger positions; safety belt load limiters for driver, front passenger and rear outboard seating positions; tire pressure monitoring system; and rear seat LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchorage and top tether child seat attachments. A rear passenger side-thorax airbag system with safety belt pretensioners is optional.

In addition to the wealth of airbags available on the CC, the 2009 CC features standard electronic stability control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Brake Assist and Electronic Differential Locking (EDL). Additionally, potential customers can choose the optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive on the CC VR6 for even more safety.

"The TOP SAFETY PICK award from the IIHS is a tremendous honor for our CC," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We are thrilled when organizations like the IIHS recognize the hard work of our engineers who are dedicated to the safety of our customers. This award further validates Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System approach to vehicle safety."

2009 Volkswagen CC carries a base price-tag of $27,100 and has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Hartge’s kit for BMW X6

There’s no shortage of tuners offering upgrades for the new BMW X6, and to add to this specialist BMW tuner Hartge has just unveiled its new aerodynamic kit for the sporty crossover. For those of you that have seen pictures of the high-performance X6 M and felt underwhelmed by the crossover’s rather mundane appearance then Hartge’s latest kit may just be one of the best alternatives we've seen to BMW M's own styling.

The actual kit itself consists of a number of aerodynamic pieces, including an aggressive front spoiler, a custom rear skirt and side sills for both sides of the car. Meanwhile, there are also wheel arch extensions with air intakes at the front, and wheel arch extensions at the rear as well. These modifications must be had in conjunction with Hartge's stainless steel tail pieces that accommodate four tailpipes, and also include a solid rear diffuser. Other mods available for the X6 include carbon-fiber exterior mirror casings and Hartge emblems to replace the BMW-badges on the bonnet and at the rear.

Overall, the Hartge kit looks much more impressive than the X6 M SUV, although the kit is only designed for the xDrive30d, xDrive35d, xDrive35i and xDrive50i models.

Ford Mustang 'X-1' and Dodge Challenger 'Vapor' Revealed

American tuners Galpin Auto sports have created two customs for the U.S. Air Force to wheel out on their 2009 Super Car Tour. Both cars will be used as recruitment tools for the military outfit.

First up is the matte-pearl white Ford Mustang X-1, with an interior modeled after a fighter jet cockpit. The muscle car seats one, but even that could be reduced: the driver sits in an ejection seat "just in case." Pedals are on either side of the center console, with an oddly placed flight stick in the middle to replace the steering wheel. Three "advanced instrumentation panel(s)" take up quite a bit of space, and look to cut off some of the view outside the windshield. But who cares? The monitors on the panels show night- and thermal-vision almost making the windshield obsolete!

Along with other mods, three-valve Ford Racing heads are used inside the 4.6 liter engine to bring the output up to 500 hp. Vertical doors are meant to give a more "jet-like" feel.

That feeling also translates to the Dodge Challenger Vapor thanks to the "radar-absorbing" stealth-black paintjob. The military aspects only begin with the exterior look; stealth exhaust lets the vehicle run in near silence, but the driver can open the headers to create a surprise aggressive engine noise. The Vapor requires biometric verification to gain entry to the driver compartment. Once inside, the driver can view the night and thermal vision as it is projected onto the windshield.

However, if the driver is unable to get to the car, he or she can still command the vehicle from a remote control system modeled after the Air Force's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The remote system can be accessed worldwide through the internet.

Both cars recently were introduced in Austin, Texas by Galpin's own Mad Mike. Mad Mike, a fixture on "Pimp My Ride," said, "If it was not for the U.S. Air Force, I would not have the knowledge and skills that enables me to stand where I am today."

Source from: worldcarfans.com

Details on Renault Megane Estate wagon

After debuted in March at the Geneva Motor Show, Renault released more details on the new Megane Estate wagon. The car will go on sale in Europe by the end of June, with a wide range of standard and optional equipment.

In terms of engines, the Estate comes with a full range of engine choices, fourteen, including both petrol and diesel powerplants, meant to give customers a choice between power and efficency. The petrol engine line-up comprises five powertrains, including the new TCe 130 engine which is available from launch. Economy is the focus of this 1.4L unit, and Renault claims that it "boasts the torque of a 2L engine and the power of a 1.8, yet its CO2 emissions are less than those of a 1.6."

The Megane Estate can also be ordered with 100hp (75kW) and 110hp (82kW) 1.6L petrol engines that drive through manual gearboxes, while a 2.0L petrol engine mated to an automatic transmission is also available.

The diesels are available in a number of different guises - the 1.5 litre dCi engine comes in a choice of three power outputs, with or without a particulate filter (dCi 86, dCi 106 and dCi 110 FAP). All the diesel engines feature relatively low levels of carbon emissions (just 118g/km for the dCi 86 and 120g/km for the dCi 106) and should prove popular with those watching their carbon footprints.

The diesel engine range is topped by the 2.0 dCi which is available in a choice of power outputs, ranging from 140hp (104kW) to 160hp (120kW).

The vehicle has some interesting exterior styling, especially when viewed from the side. Renault says the car has "a plunging roofline," but we disagree. The roofline does drop from the front, which gives the driver 890mm of headroom. But the drop is much more gentle than the car maker implies. Easy access is thus given to all of the vehicle's seats and its hatch.

The Megane Estate distinguishes itself from the standard Megane hatch with its greater carrying capacity, extended wheelbase and longer rear overhang. Trunk space measures in at 524L but fold down the rear seats and this expands by an additional 119L.

Subaru Stella all-electric vehicle goes on sale in Japan

General Motors and Toyota are still years away from launching their own all-electric models but Subaru has be ahead of them. Recently, Subaru Stella has announced that its own eco-friendly Stella electric vehicle (EV) will go on sale in late July in Japan. And Subaru is expecting to sell around 170 units between now and March 31, 2010 – the end of Japan’s next fiscal year.

The new Stella EV, which combines technology from the company’s R1-E prototype with the regular Japan-only Stella platform, is based on the Subaru’s existing Stella mini car. The EV is front-wheel-driven and uses an advanced lithium-ion battery that produces a maximum of 47kW (64hp) and 170Nm of torque. Subaru has run tests on it and found it to be capable of a 90km range when fully charged. In keeping with its urban angle, the Stella has an electronically-limited top speed of 100km/h.

The car’s batteries can be charged up to 80% of its capacity in 15 minutes using a quick charging system, whereas it's also fully rechargeable in eight hours when using a 100V power outlet. The 8 hours can be further reduced to 5 when using an AC200V power outlet.

Emissions are said to be zero while the car also uses an energy recovery system for further efficiencies. The price for the Stella EV is ¥4,725,000 yen or US$49,150 (including consumption tax) and there are other tax benefits and subsidies that are offered to buyers. The Japanese government will be offering a ¥1,380,000 ($14,308) subsidy through its Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center program. On top of that, additional tax reductions are also expected due to special measures conducted by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Mitsubishi Reveals electric i-MiEV production version

To mark the United Nations' World Environment Day, Mitsubishi has specifically revealed photos and details of the production model of new i-MiEV electric car. Select customers will be able to take delivery of the car on lease as soon as July, ten months before the car officially hits the market.

Although lower emissions if very much the trend these days, Mitsubishi faces an uphill battle with this vehicle. Japanese consumers are likely to suffer sticker shock when they see the tax inclusive price of ¥4,599,000 ($47,544). Potential new customers will most certainly weigh their needs when they see the cost.

Based on Mitsubishi’s “i” minicar, the i-MiEV has a lithium-ion battery center-mounted under the floor, with power being sent to a unit mounted in the boot. Mitsubishi claims a range of 160 km (100 miles) when the car is driven under normal urban conditions. The battery can be recharged to 80 percent capacity in about half an hour when using a 200 V, 50 kW three-phase power source. Using standard outlets, the car goes from empty to fully-charged in either seven or 14 hours, depending on the voltage used. Regenerative braking also helps to recharge the battery pack.

Ultimately, the driver gets a motor rated at 47kW, with 180 Nm of torque available almost immediately. Mitsubishi did not release figures related to either the car's acceleration, top speed, or quarter-mile times. We do know that the driver will have three different drive modes to choose from, including "maximum fun," "maximum economy," and "maximum regenerative."

Inside, the driver will be fed data through an instrument cluster with a few meters we would expect to see on an electric-powered vehicle. Along with power consumption and energy recovery information, the driver is also given information about range, and remaining power. This system is powered by a computer operating system developed specifically for this car. An optional, multimedia system running off a solid-state hard drive is also available.

Colors available on the car include White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic, and Raspberry Red Pearl. Customers can also buy the car in one of five two-tone color setups, including Red Solid & White Solid, Cool Silver & White Solid, White Pearl & Ocean Blue Metallic, White Pearl & Mint Green, and Cool Silver & Black Mica. Headlamps are fully LED, as is the rear lighting clusters.

The initial 1,400 units will be handed over to various corporations and government bodies over the summer in Japan during 2009, all under a maintenance/lease program. However, it anticipates that number will reach 5,000 units in 2010 when sales to individuals are set to begin, and rise to 15,000 in 2011.

Mitsubishi did not give any details on when the car might go on sale outside Japan, but company representatives have already said the the i-MiEV is scheduled to be sold in North America.

Infiniti announces pricing for new G37 Convertible

Infiniti has announced pricing on the newest addition to its lineup, the all-new G37 Convertible, which is set to go on sale on June 19 at Infiniti retailers in the U.S. Pricing has been set at $43,850 for the standard G37 Convertible and $43,900 for the G37 Convertible Sport with a six-speed manual.

The car's 3.7L V6 engine is backed by a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the same as in the Coupe. Strangely, however, horsepower for the Convertible is down slightly versus the Coupe - 325hp (242kW) for the drop-top compared to 328hp (245kW) for the Coupe.

The roof design features a three-piece folding steel top and a special convertible-focused interior, including a unique Bose Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position. Also on the feature list is an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.

"The new G37 Convertible is a seductive addition to the G line that has already earned such prestigious accolades as Car and Driver's '10 Best Cars' in 2009," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "It adds all of the excitement of open-air motoring without compromising the G's legendary performance and signature styling. This new G Convertible is one more compelling reason for buyers to put Infiniti at the top of their consideration lists."

Overseas markets are expected to receive the car later this year.

AC Schnitzer unveiled MINI Cooper R57 Cabrio

The summer driving season is here, and German tuner AC Schnitzer has unveiled a new kit for the Mini Cooper R57 Cabrio with a number of modifications to the engine, suspension, styling and aerodynamics. It’s unlike with Mini’s original design theme ‘cute’, but the little fellow looks pretty good.

Starting with the performance, the standard Cooper S Cabrio features a 175hp (131kW) 1.6L engine, but with performance upgrades this figure is increased to a more impressive 208hp (155kW). The car is also fitted with a limited-slip differential that can be had in both the Cooper S and the special John Cooper Works (JCW) performance variant. The engine upgrades are complemented with a new AC Schnitzer sports silencer in special steel with a chrome racing tailpipe for the Cooper S and JCW.

AC Schnitzer has also unveiled new suspension components, available in the form of a suspension spring kit and a height-adjustable racing suspension set-up. In conjunction with an aluminum strut brace for the front, the new suspension should make the Mini drop-top even more agile than it already is.

Visually, the designers at AC Schnitzer have come up with new front spoilers and rear skirts for the car, which they claim also offer aerodynamic advantages on top of giving a sportier appearance. New decals on the side and custom alloy wheels also add to the car's appearance

The interior gets an upgrade as well, from gear knobs, handbrakes, pedals and foot rests can be had inside, along with velour floor mats.

Nissan GT-R is America's most expensive car to insure

The compilation made by Insure.com has shown a list of the twenty most expensive 2009 vehicles to insure, as well as the twenty cheapest 2009 vehicles in the U.S. From the list, the Nissan GT-R stands at the top of the list of the most expensive cars.

The GT-R, which is owned by a 40 year old man who travels about 12 miles to work daily, with a $100,000 policy limit for injury liability for a single person, $300,000 for all injuries, $50,000 for damage to property, and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive, can be insured annually for an average $2,540.

According to Insure.com, the reason the GT-R features so prominently is because of the fact that customers will buy the car for its speed and power, and they will be more likely to be involved in serious crashes.

The most expensive cars to insure for this year portion of the list are populated by sports cars. Next to the GT-R comes the Dodge Viper, which ranked as the second most expensive vehicle to insure ($2,446/year) and the third-ranked BMW M6 ($2,236). High-performance vehicles such as the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the BMW M5, the Lexus IS F, the Jaguar XK and the BMW M3 also made the top 20 list for the most expensive vehicles to insure.

Other categories where a clear correlation between vehicle class and insurance cost arose was that of luxury SUVs, such as the Mercedes G-Class, the Hummer H2, the Land Rover Range Rover, the Cadillac Escalade and the BMW X6 all making appearances in the top 20.

At the other end of the spectrum were smaller and cheaper vehicles that didn't offer much in the way of power but were big on safety. Interestingly, the five cheapest cars to insure were all from South Korea, with Hyundai and Kia featuring multiple entries in the cheapest five vehicles to insure. Meanwhile, minivans seem fairly cheap to insure also, with the Honda Odyssey, the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan all featuring on the list for cheapest vehicles to insure.


The 20 most expensive 2009 vehicles to insure:
1 $2,533 Nissan GT-R
2 $2,446 Dodge Viper
3 $2,236 BMW M6
4 $2,186 Ford Shelby GT500
5 $2,088 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
6 $2,071 Audi S8
7 $2,020 BMW M5
8 $1,912 Hummer H2
9 $1,881 Lexus IS F
10 $1,819 Porsche 911
11 $1,762 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
12 $1,717 Jaguar XK Series
13 $1,714 BMW M3
14 $1,694 Cadillac XLR
15 $1,637 Audi R8
16 $1,603 Land Rover Range Rover
17 $1,592 Cadillac Escalade EXT
18 $1,587 Honda S2000
19 $1,584 BMW X6
20 $1,577 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The 20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure:
1 $832 Hyundai Santa Fe
2 $840 Kia Sportage
3 $848 Hyundai Entourage
4 $857 Kia Sedona
5 $870 Kia Rio5
6 $871 Honda Odyssey
7 $881 Smart Fortwo
8 $911 Saturn Vue
9 $913 Mazda Tribute
10 $915 Chrysler Town & Country
11 $921 Scion xB
12 $929 Mazda Mazda5
13 $936 Volkswagen Passat
14 $939 Jeep Wrangler
15 $951 Honda Accord
16 $954 Suzuki Forenza
17 $955 Lincoln Town Car
18 $957 Mazda Truck (B-Series)
19 $959 Chevrolet Impala
20 $960 Dodge Grand Caravan

Mercedes Benz launches high-end bicycle range

Mercedes Benz introduces a new range of cycles that are promised to be every bit as good as the quality of its cars. The new bicycle range include a folding bike, a new mountain bike and a racing bike. All of them feature an outstanding level of technical features.

The folding bike features a patented mechanism that Mercedes says allows cyclists to fold the bike down in just a few seconds without any tools. The bike can be folded into two different positions, one which allows the bike to still be pushed and steered, which is useful for public transport situations and the other that completely folds the bike down to fit into small spaces. Featuring eight gears, the folding bike from Mercedes uses disc brakes and has a luggage rack, but its premium quality means it commands a fairly hefty price of €1,699 (approximately $2,410).

The Mercedes mountain bike on the other hand is designed for off-road tracks and is a more serious machine than the commuter friendly folding bike. Limited to a production run of just 100 units, the mountain bike features a lightweight fully sprung aluminum frame and 27 gears. It also features carbon-fiber pedals, special disc brakes and custom wheels from DT Swiss. Available in matte black or white, the mountain bike will set customers back close to €4,000 ($5,670).

Finally, the most expensive bike is the racing bike that is available from Mercedes-Benz 2009 as a limited edition of 100. It features a high-end carbon-fiber frame, Carbotec monocoque carbon-fiber fork, SRAM RED 20-speed gears, SRAM RED carbon-fiber pedals and a set of DT Swiss RWS wheels in white. The Mercedes racing bike is available in five frame sizes in carbon/white/red, and costs €4,999 ($7,085).

Mercedes Benz C-Class adds three new direct injection engines in Europe

Mercedes-Benz may want to tell us that the new C-Class is the most economical C-Class ever. After first added its CGI BlueEFFICIENCY technology (Mercedes speak for direct-fuel-injection) to the C-Class range last October with the launch of the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model, today the automaker has expanded the range of fuel-efficient engines with three newly developed engines.

The new engines impress with a low fuel consumption, and therefore exemplary environmental compatibility, while delivering a high output and therefore outstanding driving pleasure. Incidentally, while the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY features a V6, the three new engines are all based around four-cylinder powerplants.

First one is the 2.2L C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel, which is described as the most efficient C-Class ever and generates a peak output of 170hp (125kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. The efficient oil-burner will accelerate the C-Class from rest to 100km/h in a respectable 8.4 seconds, while returning a fuel economy of 49mpg (4.8L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 127g/km.

Next in line is the is the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel, which is rated at 204hp (150kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm), sends the car to 100km/h in 7 seconds flat and returns a fuel economy of 46mpg (5.1L/100km).

Finally, there’s the new C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model, which also develops 204hp (150kW) but only 229lb-ft (310Nm) of torque. This particular model takes 7.4 seconds to reach 100km/h, while returning a fuel economy of 32mpg (7.2L/100km).

The three new engines are available in both the Sedan and Estate models. But it’s important to note that the three new engines are currently limited to European markets only. So if you're one of the many U.S. residents, your options are severely limited. Specifically, your best option at present is the C300, which features a 228 hp powerplant and fuel mileage of 18 city/ 25 highway.