Lamborghini Murcielago, Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI,Zero concept,Chrysler ,Nissan G37 Coupe ,New Porsche 911 Cabriolet ,Jaguar XKR GT3 ,saab 9-3 convertible,Dodge Challenger ,Ford Mustang Giugiaro,Saab Aero-X
Lamborghini has unveiled the 2007 Murcielago LP640, a refreshed version of its range-topping supercar. The new Murcielago is powered by a 6.5-litre V12, longitudinally mounted behind the driver (LP in LP640 means longitudinale posteriore). The engine's increased displacement means output jumps to 631 hp at 8,000 rpm. 0-62 mph is accomplished in just 3.4 seconds that's nearly half a second faster than the regular model. A new six-speed gearbox with an optional sequential paddle shift undoubtedly helps achieve those numbers. The carbon fiber exterior has been enhanced with sharper lines, new 18-inch rims enhance the overall appearance, and new outrageous 13.5 inch-wide tires deliver all that power to the ground. The interior has also been revised for increased comfort. The vehicle is expected to be sold a premium model above the standard Murcielago.
Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI
VW continues its new model push with a performance version of its Polo. The company borrowed heavily from the Golf GTI to come up with its new Polo supermini, which hits selected markets this spring, after having debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2005.A significant step up from the last Polo GTI, which delivered 125 hp, the new GTI model pumps out 150 hp, good for 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds.The baby GTI is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter, 5-valve per cylinder, four cylinder engine. Other performance upgrades include 16-inch alloys sporting 205/45 rubber, and a lowered suspension with standard ESP. Oh, yes, and red brake calipers, too! More pics after the jump.
Zero concept bares a striking resemblence to the Audi TT, Nissan 350Z, and Infiniti G35 coupe. A project that has come out of the International School of Design in France, more specifically transportation designer Franck Levivier and digital designers Remi Marchand and Pierre-Olivier Wagner.Based on exterior design alone, you would expect that such a concept would involve a V6 (or bigger) engine with a huge displacement and outrageous horsepower numbers. Instead, the designers envision the R-Zero being "powered by an electric motor yet offer a supercar level of performance." To be able to generate the 800 volts of output and rocket around the test track, the R-Zero is said to deploy around 1,200 kilos (about 2,645 pounds) of "high-tech lithium-ion batteries" and a quad of engines weighing 85 kilograms (187 pounds) in total. Add in the chassis, the interior, body panelling, and all that and you have yourself a rather porky sportscar, no?
Chrysler
Chrysler
For other uses, including the Chrysler Brand, see Chrysler (disambiguation).
DaimlerChrysler Motors Company LLC, soon to be called Chrysler Holding LLC, is an American automobile manufacturer that has independently been producing automobiles since 1925. It is often called the Chrysler Group and referred to internally within DaimlerChrysler as such.
On May 14, 2007 DaimlerChrysler AG announced the sale of 80.1% of Chrysler to American equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. When the transaction completes, Chrysler will take on the name Chrysler Holding LLC.[1]
Chrysler and its subsidiaries were part of the German based DaimlerChrysler AG after an arduous deal dubbed a "Merger of Equals" with Daimler-Benz in 1998 [2]. Prior to the acquisition in 1998, Chrysler Corporation traded under the "C" symbol on the NYSE. The U.S. operations are generally referred to today as the "Chrysler Group." Another popular term for all Chrysler cars is Mopar, the name for its parts operation.
Nissan G37 Coupe
While the G37 Coupe has already had an unceremonious debut ahead of its scheduled unveiling at the New York Auto Show next month, Infiniti has seen fit to distribute a press release today (although directed at the UK market) with four more images of the new coupe, as well as every detailed spec you could ask for. What's the new G37's coefficient of drag? 0.29. How big is its fuel tank? 20.0 gallons. How much does it weigh? Well, that depends on the model, of which there are three: the base G37, G37 Journey and G37 Sport 6MT. Like other Infinitis, there will also be three option packages from which to choose: the Premium Package (upgraded Bose stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats and mirrors, etc.), the Sport Package (19-inch wheels, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, stiffer suspension, sport brakes, sport seats and an appropriate body kit) and the Navigation Package (touch-screen navigation, 9.3-gigabyte hard drive). There's too much to list here, so you can peruse the press release and a shot of the entire specs list after the jump. The gallery has also been updated with high-res, desktop wallpaper-sized versions of the new pics
saab 9-3 convertible
saab 9-3 convertible
Saab at the Los Angeles Auto Show unveiled the 9-3 Convertible 20 Years Edition a celebration of twenty years of convertible building at the Swedish carmaker. More than 240,000 units since it introduced its first soft top in 1986, the automaker is now launching a 250 horsepower, $44,615 version of its popular 9-3 convertible. The new range-topper goes on sale this spring and is limited to 300 units for the U.S. It is based on Aero specification, with a lowered sports-tuned chassis. It is powered by a 2.8 liter turbo V6 (258 lb-ft torque), rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, and features a parchment leather sport interior with blue trim accents. The car can reach 60 mph in under seven seconds, according to the automaker. The current third-generation Saab 9-3 Convertible was launched in fall 2003. All models feature a safety belts mounted on the front seats, a rollover protection system, and intelligent air conditioning for when the top is down.
Jaguar XKR GT3
Jaguar XKR GT3
Apex Motorsport and Jaguar today revealed the XKR GT3 at the Autosport International Show in Britain. The Jaguar XKR GT3, featuring a 4.2 litre V8 supercharged engine, retains the aluminium body of its production cousin, but has had modifications made in line with the regulations. The first car to be built by Apex Motorsport has already been sold to Stuart Scott, Managing Director of East Anglia’s most successful travel management company, Cambridge Business Travel. Scott, who has most recently been racing in the British GT Cup, will be driving the Jaguar in a program of six events with a yet-to-be-named co-driver
New Porsche 911 Cabriolet
New Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Porsche will be sending the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet to the starting line on September 8. The 20-year tradition within the 911 Series of the 911 Turbo with a classic soft top is continued with this open, top model. Firstly, the open 2+2 seater offers the driving performance of a high-performance sports car while still providing convertible driving pleasure. Secondly, compared to the competition the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is economical in its fuel consumption, thanks to its deliberate design, outstanding aerodynamics and advanced engine technology As with the 911 Turbo Coupé, the Cabriolet will also be powered by a 3.6 liter six-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine with biturbo turbocharging and Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). The powerplant already generates 480 hp (353 kW) and 620 Nm of torque at 1950 rpm. With the new, optional “Sport Chrono Turbo Package”, which includes an overboost ********, up to 680 Nm is even intermittently possible. The manual transmission version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds. With Tiptronic S the time can be cut to 3.8 seconds. Both versions can reach speeds of up to 310 km/h. Fuel consumption for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet is 12.9 liters per 100 kilometers – an exemplary value in the competitive environment. In spite of the convertible-specific reinforcement of the chassis and automatic and the extendable rollover protection behind the rear seats, the open version of the 911 Turbo only weighs 70 kilos more than the Coupé. The light, three-layer soft top, which can completely automatically be opened or closed in roughly 20 seconds, enables a low balance point. Together with the running gear that is tuned to convertible-specific needs, which includes the active suspension system Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard equipment, the new 911 Turbo Cabriolet offers the sporting driving performance typical for a Porsche 911 as well as extremely high driving safety together with appealing driving characteristics. The driving stability control Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and the managed all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) also contribute to its uncommon performance. The system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch can, according to the requirements, alternatively shift the drive output from the engine between the front and rear axles, and – with shift intervals of a maximum of 100 milliseconds – quicker than the reaction of the engine to load changes. With a drag coefficient of Cw=0.31, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet travels at the level of the coupé models. Together with the rear spoiler, which automatically extends at speeds from 120 km/h – extending 30 mm further than with the Coupé, the vehicle is the only standard series convertible that generates negative lift at the rear axle. Along with its passive safety systems, including six airbags as standard equipment and the comprehensive rollover protection system – with steel tubing integrated into the windshield frame and an extendable rollover protection behind the rear seats – the 911 Turbo Cabriolet also fulfils all legal requirements for passive safety applicable in the worldwide sales markets. Furthermore, it is equipped with one the most high-performance brake systems. The six-cylinder fixed-brake caliper up front stems from the Porsche Carrera GT. Upon request, the race-proven and light Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) ceramic brake system is also available for the 911 Turbo Cabriolet. Also included in the extensive standard series equipment of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet are Bi-Xenon headlights, 19 inch forged wheels with two-tone appearance, an air conditioner, the wind deflector, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) – with the navigation module and 5.8 inch color monitor and the Bose Surround Sound System, among other things
Saab Aero-X
Saab Aero-X
Saab Aero-X
Manufacturer
Saab Automobile
Production
2006
Class
Concept
Body style(s)
2-door coupé
Engine(s)
2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6
Saab Aero-X is a concept car by Saab unveiled at the 2006 Salon International de l'Auto. It is powered by a 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6 running on pure ethanol that produces 400 hp. 0 to 62 mph is predicted to be 4.9 s and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). It has a 7-speed automatic transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.
Like the American-market Saab 9-2X, the Aero-X has four wheel drive. The doors and windscreen are connected, so instead of using conventional doors or even gullwing doors, it uses a cockpit canopy where the entire top section of the car is opened. This offered the Aero X's driver full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. The body is made in carbon fiber. The suspension is electronically-controlled. Even if it is a compact two-seat sports car, it has reasonable storage, as the rear features two storage facilities, with a conventional hatchback and sliding drawer underneath.
The interior offers "clean Scandinavian interior design". The car has no ordinary dials and buttons; instead, data is displayed on acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3D images. All interior and exterior lights are done using LEDs.
It is a concept car, but if it is well received, it may go into production, probably based on a shortened Epsilon 2 platform.
"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," said Bryan Nesbit, the Executive Director of GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."
"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the Saab brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional ********ality, in a way that is specific to Saab."
Saab Aero-X
Manufacturer
Saab Automobile
Production
2006
Class
Concept
Body style(s)
2-door coupé
Engine(s)
2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6
Saab Aero-X is a concept car by Saab unveiled at the 2006 Salon International de l'Auto. It is powered by a 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6 running on pure ethanol that produces 400 hp. 0 to 62 mph is predicted to be 4.9 s and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). It has a 7-speed automatic transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.
Like the American-market Saab 9-2X, the Aero-X has four wheel drive. The doors and windscreen are connected, so instead of using conventional doors or even gullwing doors, it uses a cockpit canopy where the entire top section of the car is opened. This offered the Aero X's driver full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. The body is made in carbon fiber. The suspension is electronically-controlled. Even if it is a compact two-seat sports car, it has reasonable storage, as the rear features two storage facilities, with a conventional hatchback and sliding drawer underneath.
The interior offers "clean Scandinavian interior design". The car has no ordinary dials and buttons; instead, data is displayed on acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3D images. All interior and exterior lights are done using LEDs.
It is a concept car, but if it is well received, it may go into production, probably based on a shortened Epsilon 2 platform.
"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," said Bryan Nesbit, the Executive Director of GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."
"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the Saab brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional ********ality, in a way that is specific to Saab."
Ford Mustang Giugiaro
For the 2006 LA Auto Show Italian design house Italdesign, led by Fabrizio Giugiaro (Giorgetto Giugairo's son - see Ferrari GG50 concept), decided to reinterpret the contemporary Ford Mustang.In 2005 Guigiaro had approached J Mays, Ford Motor Company's group vice president, Design and chief creative officer, with the idea to create an American icon with Italian flair powered by Ford Racing products.It took just 4 months to create an exterior model of the Guigiaro Mustang in the Turin, Italy, based studio.The Ford Mustang by Giugiaro appears to be more compact than the standard production car, thanks to a reduction of the rear overhang and the signature Giugiaro style of tapering the angles on the car to the limit of its mechanical outlines.The Giugiaro styled Mustang is 30 millimeters longer in the nose, and wider by a full 80 millimeters in the rear.Ford Racing improved the Guigiaro Mustang's all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine by adding an intercooled twin-screw supercharger, fuel injectors from the Ford GT and a unique engine calibration. Engine air intake was increased with a larger 95 mm mass air meter and a conical air filter. Exhaust performance of the Guigiaro Mustang was enhanced with new Ford Racing mufflers and an X-pipe. The upgrades allow for an estimated 500 horsepower at a boost level of 11 psi from the Ford Racing supercharger. To keep the Guigiaro Ford Mustang handling as good as it looks, the FR500C-inspired chassis tuning is accomplished with a tailored Ford Racing Handling Pack. This package, available through Ford Racing for the Mustang GT, adds new Dynamic-tuned dampers, lowering springs and anti-sway bars. The changes give the car a lower stance while sharpening handling response. The car rides approximately 1.5 inches lower than the production Mustang GT. Features of the Ford Mustang Concept by Guigiaro:• The interior – featuring a dramatic instrument panel that sweeps the width of the car; circular gauges that project from behind the steering wheel; dark brown horsehide-covered headrests with horse logo accents; and seat cushions and backrests elaborately upholstered in dark brown mottled horse hides.• The single curved glass panel that bridges the windshield and rear window, serving as the concept's roof. Produced by Solutia of Detroit, the panel is made from a special type of crystal that filters out 100 percent of UVA rays while providing unfettered vista views.• Doors hinged at the base of the upright A-pillar and open vertically at the touch of a button.• Bespoke taillights, which are three separate elements as found on the 1964 Mustang – but reinterpreted into a more dramatic arrow shape that links to the louver panels that replace the rear side windows.• The visible curl that sweeps into the crest of the concept's carbon fiber fenders, hinting at tail fins that defined American cars of the '50s.• The sporting-but-elegant unique 20-inch rims, fitted with 275/40 tires on the front and larger 315/35 tires on the rear.
Dodge Challenger
2008 Dodge Challenger 392 Super Stock Concept
At this year's SEMA auto show Chrysler released another 2008 Challenger concept car. Introducing the Dodge Challenger 392 Super Stock concept car. This car features the rebith of the legendary 392 Hemi. This new engine sports between 525hp and 540hp! The Challenger SS concept sports a tritone paint job. It has white as the base paint. Then the top half of the Challenger is a bright blue. Finially it sports a stripe down the side of the car that resembles the 1970 T/A Challenger's stripe or the 1971 Dodge Challenger's R/T stripe. Without the "R/T" and "T/A" lettering though.
The 392 Dodge Challenger also shows some cosmetic changes from the original 2008 Dodge Challenger concept. The front bumper is pushed out a little farther, probably to help with crash safety tests. Also the fog lights have changed to a more practiacal production version.
So will we see the new Challenger equipped with the 392 Hemi? Well with the competing 500hp Ford Mustang and the new Camaro coming out, I can't see how Dodge could afford not to. For the new Challenger to compete they need more than just awesome cosmetics. They need to excel in performance, too. Even more important then performance, though, will be the price that they set. And if they offer a V6 version to get the car into main circulation.
2008 Dodge Challenger Overview
The 2008 Dodge Challenger will be based on the LY Platform (the updated version of the LX platform). It will share the updated LY platform with the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and the Magnum. The new platform will be able to hold a manual transmission along with an automatic transmission. The Dodge Challenger will be rear wheel drive, and have what everyone wanted, two doors. The expected starting price on the 2008 Dodge Challenger will be around $31,000.
For more pictures view our Dodge Challenger Forum !
2008 Dodge Challenger Engine Options
What engines will there be available in the 2008 Dodge Challenger? We don't know for sure right now, but there will definitely be a Hemi available. Like the Dodge Charger I think the top engine will be the 6.1 Hemi which produces 425 HP. There has been some rumors though of them using the new 392 Hemi. There will likely be a V6 engine available also. It is now looking as though there isn't going to be a V6 Challenger in 2008. The current prospect looks as though the stock engine for the Challenger will be the 5.7L Hemi. Then the SRT-8 version would have the 6.1L engine.
The Dodge Challenger concept made its debut at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, which was back in January of 2006, and has made several appearances at other car shows and meets.
Will they bring back the different versions like the R/T, SE, and T/A for the 2008 Dodge Challenger? They will almost for surely bring back the R/T and SE versions. For the T/A version, we don't know yet, but the Charger had the Daytona edition so along the same lines they could bring it back. They will also likely have the SRT version available too.
At this year's SEMA auto show Chrysler released another 2008 Challenger concept car. Introducing the Dodge Challenger 392 Super Stock concept car. This car features the rebith of the legendary 392 Hemi. This new engine sports between 525hp and 540hp! The Challenger SS concept sports a tritone paint job. It has white as the base paint. Then the top half of the Challenger is a bright blue. Finially it sports a stripe down the side of the car that resembles the 1970 T/A Challenger's stripe or the 1971 Dodge Challenger's R/T stripe. Without the "R/T" and "T/A" lettering though.
The 392 Dodge Challenger also shows some cosmetic changes from the original 2008 Dodge Challenger concept. The front bumper is pushed out a little farther, probably to help with crash safety tests. Also the fog lights have changed to a more practiacal production version.
So will we see the new Challenger equipped with the 392 Hemi? Well with the competing 500hp Ford Mustang and the new Camaro coming out, I can't see how Dodge could afford not to. For the new Challenger to compete they need more than just awesome cosmetics. They need to excel in performance, too. Even more important then performance, though, will be the price that they set. And if they offer a V6 version to get the car into main circulation.
2008 Dodge Challenger Overview
The 2008 Dodge Challenger will be based on the LY Platform (the updated version of the LX platform). It will share the updated LY platform with the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 and the Magnum. The new platform will be able to hold a manual transmission along with an automatic transmission. The Dodge Challenger will be rear wheel drive, and have what everyone wanted, two doors. The expected starting price on the 2008 Dodge Challenger will be around $31,000.
For more pictures view our Dodge Challenger Forum !
2008 Dodge Challenger Engine Options
What engines will there be available in the 2008 Dodge Challenger? We don't know for sure right now, but there will definitely be a Hemi available. Like the Dodge Charger I think the top engine will be the 6.1 Hemi which produces 425 HP. There has been some rumors though of them using the new 392 Hemi. There will likely be a V6 engine available also. It is now looking as though there isn't going to be a V6 Challenger in 2008. The current prospect looks as though the stock engine for the Challenger will be the 5.7L Hemi. Then the SRT-8 version would have the 6.1L engine.
The Dodge Challenger concept made its debut at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, which was back in January of 2006, and has made several appearances at other car shows and meets.
Will they bring back the different versions like the R/T, SE, and T/A for the 2008 Dodge Challenger? They will almost for surely bring back the R/T and SE versions. For the T/A version, we don't know yet, but the Charger had the Daytona edition so along the same lines they could bring it back. They will also likely have the SRT version available too.
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