Chrysler Plans On Releasing A 2011 Chrysler 300
May 29, 2008
Despite problems encountered by Chrysler at the beginning of this year, the company has been able to weather the blows and seems intent on getting things right again. One of the things they’re planning to do to help them accomplish this is to come up with a redesign for the new Chrysler 300 line of vehicles, which they plan to release on 2011.
Because of the success it enjoyed during its launch in 2004, Chrysler is now determined to keep the production of this vehicle line active with the new design to be handled by vehicle designer Lou Gasevski and twenty-three of the company’s design staff. According to Chrysler, the look and shape of the new 300 will be the same as the previous model with the difference being that the new Chrysler 300 will be a four-door sedan with a folding steel roof. Aside from these new design features, the new Chrysler 300 will also be equipped with a state-of-the-art “dual viewing screen.” This feature gives owners two screens to view: one for the passenger and one for the driver, allowing the driver to check for directions while the passenger has the option of watching a movie flick.
With its target release date still far away, interested buyers will still have some time to set aside the funds they need to get this four-wheeled baby. Hopefully, this new Chrysler 300 will be able to help the company rebound from its earlier setbacks.
Sources: TopSpeed, Motor Trend, Auto Spies
If you’re an avid collector of cars, then this is one model that you shouldn’t be without. With only 500 units of this luxury sports car produced, you can expect the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will be one of those cars that will be most sought after by car aficionados worldwide.
First introduced in 2003 as concept car, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione has since then enjoyed a huge amount of success, like going into production in 2007, appearing in a video game called Squadra Corse Alfa Romeo around 2005 and 2006 and it has even spawned a racing version of itself. What makes this 2009 version tick – aside from its limited run – is its combination of excellent looks and performance. Alfa Romeo equipped its 2009 Competizione with a 4.7-liter engine allowing the car to hit 182 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. On top of that, the luxury automaker also incorporated a Sport button on the car’s center console that increases the speed of its transmission’s shift intervals, heightens the response time of the car’s throttle and provides an electronic traction control allowing you to oversteer.
While its engine and features come off as exciting, its appearance shouldn’t be overlooked. The 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione’s body design is made similar to its 1960 predecessors, the Type 33 Stradale and TZ. It also has a triangle-shaped front grille, triple headlights and circular taillights. The overall design of the 2009 Competizione was developed by Wolfgang Egger.
Since the shipment of the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will begin this spring, make sure you have one reserved. This new sports car is sure to be a collector’s item after a couple of years.
Sources: Robb Report, Wikipedia, HowStuffWorks
When you’re an environmentalist and one of the founding members of one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time, you’re in a position to get whatever you want. The only question you have to ask yourself now is how you’ll end up getting it. Well, that’s what Sir Paul McCartney is facing right now after he was given an LS600h, one of Lexus’ eco-friendly sedans. While Sir Paul’s intention of getting this car was to try and help the environment, the mode of transporting this eco-friendly car just wasn’t what he had in mind.
Instead of being hauled over to Britain by ship, Sir Paul’s new Lexus was transported from Japan to UK in a plane. While that made it faster for him to get his new car, it however contributed to the pollution of the atmosphere since a plane generates huge amounts of carbon dioxide. And since Japan to UK by plane is roughly around 7,000 miles, imagine the amount of CO2 it emitted on its way there. Well, don’t imagine because here are the numbers. The journey by plane caused our atmosphere to be the receiving end of 38,050 kg of CO2, compared to just getting 297 kg by boat.
So what have been the reactions of both Lexus and Sir Paul McCartney regarding this issue? Well, while Sir Paul has expressed both anger and horror, Lexus has remained mum about the whole incident and refused to provide any comments. But after giving Sir Paul “A Hard Day’s Night”, don’t be surprised if he and other environmentalist find a way to “Get Back” at Lexus because of this incident.
Source: TopGear, DailyMail
Jaguar Unleashes The New Jaguar F-Type Concept
May 20, 2008
A change in management always means a change in goals and directions. And since Jaguar just recently experienced one after being purchased by Tata along with Land Rover for a whopping $2.3 billion, its new management is now set on working on their goal of releasing a new Jaguar sports car by 2012 that would help resuscitate this luxury brand.
The new Jaguar scheduled for release is currently called the F-Type concept, which was recently given the go-signal by Tata to commence production. This new roadster will bear Jaguar’s XF platform and will be utilizing the Jaguar’s XK’s suspension components to make it more lightweight. It will also be given a V-6 engine that’s capable of producing 235 horsepower. As for its design, the 2012 Jaguar F-Type concept will follow the design of the Jaguar XK, but will be relatively slimmer.
Even if the only image that we have of the new 2012 Jaguar F-Type concept is just a rendering and not the actual car, based on its current appearance, the new Jaguar concept looks like it’s going to rock everyone’s boat when it starts parading around the street in 2012.
Sources: TopSpeed, AutoBlog
Audi To Launch The New 2009 Audi RS8
May 15, 2008
If you thought that Audi will just rest on its laurels after the success of the Audi R8, then you better think twice. As if being part of a box-office movie (Iron Man, folks) wasn’t enough, Audi has now decided to release a newer and upgraded version of the R8 next year called the Audi RS8.
In comparison to the current Audi R8, the 2009 Audi RS8 will sport a more powerful twin-turbo V-10 engine that will be capable of producing 580 hp. That’s 110 hp more than the Audi R8, making it capable of running with the likes of the Lamborghini Gallardo. The new Audi RS8 will be able to hit the speed of over 200 mph and can hit 60 mph in an impressive time of 4.0 seconds. It will also be equipped with a better set of cooling components to prevent it from heating up and catching fire when on the go.
Although the new 2009 Audi RS8 is set for release next year, there have been other speculations that a car sporting a V-12 engine is being considered, along with two roadster versions of the Audi R8 sporting a V-8 and V-10 engine respectively. While these remain to be rumors, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Audi decides to produce these machines in the near future.
Sources: TopSpeed, Automobile, Autospies
Volkswagen To Release Next Generation Passat In 2011
May 14, 2008
The Passat has been part of Volkswagen for the better part of 35 years. It has undergone six transformations from the time it was first introduced in 1973. However, that number is about to change come to 2011 when Volkswagen releases a new wave of Passat automobiles.
Although the new Volkswagen Passat CC is still in its rendering stages, the initial images released by the company have given us a glimpse of something brimming with potential. Based on its current design, the new Passat still makes use of the tripartite design for its front bumper and has incorporated a sleeker-looking set of headlights. Its current design is pretty much inspired from Audi’s A6 Avant, although it’s said to be slightly bigger. Reports indicate that it will maintain the same engine type but will make use of a more versatile modular platform.
Right now, the initial trim of the new Volkswagen Passat CC will be that of a mid-sized sedan and is set to be released in the United States. However, confirmation has already been received that a hatchback version will be released soon afterwards. Whether this generation of Passat will fare better than its predecessors remain to be seen. But based on its current look, I wouldn’t be surprised if it did.
Sources: TopSpeed, Wikipedia, AutoBlog
Have you ever wanted to have a car that, once looked at by those you know, would make them nod their heads and say “Yep, that is so you.” Well, here’s your chance to live that dream by being able to customize Italy’s most luxurious saloon car.
Carozzeria Touring Superleggera has just announced that the Bellagio Fastback Touring, which is a tribute to the Maserati Quattroporte Sedan, will be undergoing production as a limited edition car. Launched in Italy’s Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, what makes this production special is that Carozzeria Touring Superleggera has given customers the opportunity to customize the car once they’ve purchased one. Customers won’t be able to change the whole look of the car mind you (now that’s going way overboard), but they will be allowed to change its color, interiors, and add materials based on their taste.
And just to show you that the new Bellagio Fastback Touring isn’t just all about good looks, Carozzeria Touring Superleggera equipped the car with a 4.2-liter V8 engine that’s able to hit 400 hp, hit the top speed of 171 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. So if you want to find a way to express that artistic side of yours, then try taking a crack at the new Bellagio Fastback Touring and show the world the person you truly are.
Source: TopSpeed
Two weeks ago, we posted a rendering of what the new Ferrari F149 could look like once it starts to grace the streets. At that time, no official images were released by Ferrari, making us lose sleep and wonder if the actual Ferrari F149 would look exactly like the rendering they created. Well, upon getting a glimpse of it cruising down the street, I think the people at Ferrari were able to do a good job.
Even though, it’s black finish makes it a bit plain looking (I still like the red used in the previous image used), the Ferrari F149 does look like a sports car to be reckoned with. Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show, this red hot ride will be carrying a direct injected 4.7 liter engine that’s able to produce 480 to 500 bhp and generate a 5 to 8 percent increase in fuel economy. It will also utilize seven speed gear box that will allow it to hit the 100 km/h in four seconds tops. Aside from its powerful engine, the Ferrari F149 will be using a new and never-seen-before throttle body. It will also be given other components like injection rails, new intakes, cylinder heads and valve trains.
True to their word, Ferrari did release official shots of its upcoming Ferrari F149. And if you can just look past its boring, drab black finish, it looks like Ferrari is bound to have another gem in their hands.
Source: TopSpeed
Lexus Goes Mini!
May 7, 2008
If think size matters, think again. Since the rise in popularity of small, compact-sized cars, most people nowadays are open to getting smaller vehicles over heavy-duty ones. Because of this demand, automakers are now trying to develop more and more small-sized cars. That’s prompted Lexus to develop a mini-car of their own called the Lexus E750-G to meet that clamoring demand.
The new Lexus E750-G is part of the company’s wave of “Micro Luxury Economy” vehicles. The reason for this influx of small cars is due to the rise in fuel prices. According to Lexus, these small vehicles were developed to be more fuel efficient than your standard-sized vehicles. Inspired by the look of the Toyota Yaris, the Lexus E750-G will carry the luxury features Lexus is known to incorporate into its cars like leather seats, B&O audio speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels and a navigational system.
Aside from these parts, the Lexus E750-G will also sport a 1.5-liter fuel injected engine. This engine will allow the car to dish out a smooth and quiet feel when on the road. On top of making the car a “smooth operator”, this engine will also ensure that fuel consumption will be kept at a minimum. So if you feel like going with what’s hip and trendy right now, then go out and check the new Lexus E750-G. Based on the specs that Lexus released, it will make you rethink the notion that size does matter.
Source: Unconfirmedsources.com
Since building hybrids and electrically-powered cars is the trend being followed nowadays, expect car manufacturers to find different creative ways to build these types of vehicles. Bentley, for example, has decided to build what looks to be a very cramped, yet stylish looking electric car called the Continental DC.
The Continental DC (DC stands for Direct Current), was actually developed by 6 apprentices from Bentley called the Greenpower Team. They made use of a 24-volt electric motor that’s capable of running 0.5 hp and 5.1 lb. ft. of torque. All this, while running on just a pair of 12-volt batteries. Even though it looks a bit tiny and the seating doesn’t look all that comfortable, the Continental DC is still able to pack a wallop by being able to reach a speed of 40 mph.
Due to being an electric powered car, the Continental DC was able to bring home a special “Spirit of Greenpower” award after racing for four hours at the Greenpower Corporate Challenge, which was held at Sussex. The contest also featured competing cars from fifteen schools and nine corporations.
With that behind them, the team’s current goal is to join and conquer the Formula 24+ season. Consisting of eight 90-minute races, the Continental DC will end up going against other cars of its kind. Here’s wishing the Greenpower Team good luck and hopefully, they get to win and take home the big prize.
Source: Wired Blog Network
