Mini Cooper: Mini Mini rumored to be in the works

Post by: Automotive

Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW's Mini brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany's Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company BMW. We've actually heard these rumors before when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.

If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you're not alone. Who could say 'No' to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what's to come is said to be earmarked for next month's Detroit Auto Show.

source: Mini Cooper Press

Mercedes-Benz SL550

Redesigned in 2009, the SL-Class charcoal the a lot of exceptional Mercedes roadster. The two accessible models for the U.S. bazaar are the SL550 and SL600, while Europeans shoppers can aswell opt for the bottom SL350 and SL280.

The bigger changes to the SL band afterward the 2009 amend are to the foreground of the car. The car now has CLS-style headlamps to accompaniment the new bonanza and grille. Meanwhile, the taillights accept been aggrandized with LEDs and a aesthetic shape.





The SL550 and SL600's engines abide unchanged. The above has a 5.5-liter V8 carrying 382 application at 6000 rpm and 391 pound-feet of torque amid 2,800 and 4,800 rpm. The closing is motivated by a 517 application twin-turbo V12, carrying 612 pound-feeet of torque from 1900 rpm up to 3500 rpm. Both models now accept factionally bigger ammunition economy.

The car's council arrangement has been bigger to affection a capricious arbor ratio, which adjusts in band with the council angle, accretion acutely as anon as this alcove 5 degrees. All of which agency that, compared to a council arrangement with a connected ratio, the disciplinarian does not accept to move the council caster as abundant if cornering.


New lighting technology

A new appearance isn't the alone affair the SL's new headlights accept traveling for them. The units are able as accepted with able bi-xenon bulbs that are purportedly added able and added energy-efficient than commensurable LED headlamps.

Now accessible is the Intelligent Ablaze System, featuring 5 audible functions, which are automatically selected. They are: country mode, motorway mode, added fog lamps, cornering ablaze action and alive ablaze function.

Motorway approach is activated in two stages if the acceleration exceeds 56 mph, accretion the driver's ambit of eyes by up to 60 percent. If the alive ablaze action is activated, the headlamps axis to the ancillary in band with the council angle if the disciplinarian enters a bend, acceptance them to see about 80 anxiety added into a continued bend. The cornering ablaze action is activated automatically at speeds beneath 44 mph.

Interior

The autogenous has been bigger with bigger seats, a new-look three-spoke covering council wheel, and a absolutely restyled apparatus cluster.

As anon as the agitation is switched on, the cockpit instruments grab the driver's attention: the red speedometer and rev adverse all-overs are woken from their "six o' alarm position", circle already about the dials to their best ethics and again backslide to their aught positions.

In agreement of materials, there are two types of covering to accept from, as able-bodied as 5 altered aluminium or fine-wood trims and 5 blush combinations. The SL 600 underlines its top announcement with acutely bendable Exclusive nappa covering and trim elements in affected poplar wood.

The Airscarf arrangement aboriginal apparent on the SLK provides amore to the disciplinarian and commuter for top-down motoring in acknowledgment weather. The blower and heating are now congenital in the arch rests for bigger comfort.

Features

Mercedes has bigger its COMAND infotainment system, which provides admission to information, ball and communications. New additions cover a Bluetooth receiver and a beyond 6.5-inch blush display.

An iPod can now be absolutely chip with the COMAND system, acknowledgment to the new UCI (Universal Consumer Interface). The affection allows the iPod music advance to be adumbrated on the apparatus array and on the COMAND affectation in the centermost console.

Customers can accouter the new SL with the Harman Kardon "Logic7" complete system, which is aswell acclimated in the S-Class. The complete arrangement has an achievement of 510 watts.

2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid

New 2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid

Toyota Sai Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter petrol engine generating just under 150 horsepower, and up to 187 Nm of torque. It is mated to a strong electric motor, powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery, which produces an additional 140 hp and up to 270 Nm of torque.

2010 Kia Sorento SUV

2010 Kia Sorento SUV

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

Aston Martin 2009 Cygnet Concept

Aston Martin releases the aboriginal official images of the Aston Martin Cygnet Abstraction - a new affluence driver abstraction car. The Aston Martin Cygnet abstraction represents a creative, environmentally acquainted solution, actuality small, yet with attendance - and awful ammunition efficient, now accumulated with the authority of Aston Martin's affluence cast ownership. Work on the abstraction is advancing and will abide into 2010 back it is hoped that it will become a assembly absoluteness initially accessible to Aston Martin barter in the UK and Europe.

Volvo S80L

2010 Volvo S80L Picture

2010 Volvo S80L Interior

2010 Volvo S80L 3.0 T6 AWD is equipped with the classic 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine, with a maximum power rating of 210 kilowatts (285 hp) and a maximum output of 400 Nm torque at 1,500rpm. It needs only 7.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, so it doesn't seem to be overstated if "extremely fast" is used to describe the speed. The T6 engine uses Twin Scroll technology, inhaling exhaust in two stages and dividing it into two scrolls, which then flow into three cylinders. Twin Scroll Technology uses a more compact and simple turbocharger with quick response, giving equivalent performance to dual turbochargers.

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept

Carlsson presents an own developed auto at this year’s Geneva Motor Show – the Carlsson C25 Bound Super-GT. The abstraction of this Super-GT is based on the eyes of accumulation best active achievement with an absolutely new architecture and aerial exclusiveness. The aftereffect is a amazing and admirable sports coupé with 753 hp in a bound copy of alone 25 cars world-wide. The achievement abstracts of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance accumulated with a motor administration optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast dispatch as able-bodied as bland campaign at lower speeds. Additionally amenable for the absolute achievement evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless animate bankrupt arrangement with ends in four anxious pipes at the back. The ability catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically bound to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in alone 3.7 abnormal and achieves a best acceleration of 352 km/h. The Carlsson C25 Super-GT Abstraction additionally comes with an ultra-light and artificial auto 1/10 UL in the ambit 9,5×20 and 12×20 inches accept been abnormally advised for the C25 and are able with aerial achievement tyres barometer 265/30 at the advanced and 325/25 at the rear alive axle.

GMC Terrain AWD SLT

GMC has been General Motors barter analysis for a accomplished century, but with the abolishment of several car lines, the automaker acquainted that GMC bare to ample some voids in its artefact offerings. As a result, this year GMC gets the five-passenger bunched crossover Terrain, which slots in beneath the ample three-row Acadia.

The Terrain shares a belvedere with the Chevy Equinox and the Cadillac SRX. The exoteric actualization of anniversary of the three is, however, absolutely different. The Terrain, in a bow to its GMC roots, is the a lot of truck-like in its administration cues. It has a boxlike and able-bodied attending with boxlike off billowing caster wells and a ample three bulk foreground barbecue amidst by chrome. The ample foreground headlights and fog lights, which are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle, accord it a adumbration of ancestors affinity to the Cadillac. Yet admitting its adventurous foreground end appearance, GM says the Terrain has the aforementioned accessory of annoyance as the endure bearing Corvette. The foreground end getting added glace than it looks apparently helps accumulate the Terrain quiet while canoeing on the highway, as there is about no wind babble in the cabin.

Specifications Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Sport Car

Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Sport Car

Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Specifications

Drivetrain
Layout	Front Engine, RWD
Engine
Type:	Supercharged AMG-Sourced V8
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc):	5.4 liters
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	478 kW/650 bhp
Exterior
Body Type	2 Door, 2 Seat Open Speedster
Materials	Carbon Fiber Exterior/Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, Leather Interior
More Info...
Release Date	Production Begins June 2009
Performance
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	Less than 3.5 seconds
Top Speed	217 mph
Bhp	118.2 bhp

Ford F150 Raptor

The Ford F150 Raptor

Parts availability for the Ford F150 Raptor is going to be like an explosion. As soon as this SVT truck hits the streets there is going to be everybody and his brother looking for parts. I have been on the phone looking for parts manufacturing company's that is or is going to be manufacturing even the tiniest of Raptor parts. There are a few areas the Raptor that can be upgraded right off the bat. Parts like tires, wheels and brakes can be upgraded with parts available in the currant after market parts that should fit the Raptor now. We can add parts such as larger calipers, better wheels with bead locks, we can add bed covers, BAK is the supplying vendor for bed covers for the factory F150's have bed covers that will fit. there are lots of parts that can be used to personalize your new F150 Raptor. Though there not allot of parts manufactures working on performance parts up grades for the Raptor due to the cost of R&D and the decline in truck sales. But I would bet you that when this Raptor hits the market there will be a great deal of catching up to do.


I've talked to Rousch Performance engineers about this very thing, Rousch is holding back because Ford made some major changes in the Raptor engine management and there currant performance parts and goodies will not work for the Raptor so its a ground up situation for there parts as well. I'm sure they will attack this with all they have once the truck is available. There is one company that is in the position to supply a performance parts upgrade that will add approx. 150 hp to the Raptor right out of the box and we will be selling that Raptor system at about the same time the truck will be available. Raptor suspension is another area that has limited upgrades. As of yet there are no companies with lift kits on the drawing board reason being Ford has major changes to the suspension and they are waiting to get there hands on the new Raptor, Shocks are an area hard pressed to see up grades, talking to Ross the lead engineer at FOX racing there are no upgrades that are being looked at because Ross designed the system that ran in the BAJA and the Raptor already has the best, maybe later we will see something. He did say that FOX has a new Raptor Style shock upgrade for the standard F150's that will up grade the F150's to a Raptor style ride, we will have that soon.


Another area that we have looked at for upgrade is the cast lower front control arms, we have a major player in upscale buggy parts manufacturing that says they can produce billet lower control arms, we will continue to work on that and keep you advised.


Being a Ford Truck owner and lover since my first days of driving from early 1960's I have at times had problems locating and purchasing some ford truck parts, you always have to wade through dozens of sites looking for that one item that will solve your problem or dress up your truck, takes a lot of time and you don't always find what your looking for or it's wrong and wont fit!


I'm using my years of Ford experience from building my own and others trucks and cars to help you build your dream truck. with over 40 years of building engines, transmissions and just about anything else that can be done to these great trucks to provide my customers with a place that they can purchase parts from with the confidence and trust you would expect from a fellow F150 nut! stop by and check us out we want to be your parts source for your dream truck.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is the most potent version of the German automaker's C-Class sedan. The car delivers a whopping 457 horsepower, putting it comfortably ahead of BMW's all-new M3. With that amount of performance on tap, and a price to match the M3, Mercedes looks to steal at least a few sales away from its cross-country rival.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

In typical AMG fashion, the C63 features large performance-oriented tires and wheels, an aggressive bodykit, a much sportier interior, and suspension and chassis improvements.

Unlike the M3’s small displacement V8, the C63 uses a big 6.2L V8. The C63’s powerplant is good for 443 lb-ft of torque and 457 horsepower. The torque curve of the engine is just as impressive as its output: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap  ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

The sprint to 62 mph takes a scant 4.5 seconds according to Mercedes -- and that's likely a conservative estimate: real world acceleration is typically even quicker than claimed times.

Maximum torque of 443 pound-feet comes at 5000 rpm. The torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap -- ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

A new seven-speed AMG automatic transmission with paddle shifting provides a wide range of driving modes. The different modes are "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual). Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode.

The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed.


The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track  visible by the more widely flared wheel archesand therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering.

The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimeter discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is handled by 330 x 26-millimeter discs with four-piston fixed callipers.

The Electronic Stability Program offers a variety of settings. In "ESP ON" mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT". In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF," whereby there is no intervention.

Pricing
There is no doubt that Mercedes-Benz is squarely taking aiming at BMW's M3 with its all-new C63 AMG Sedan, and that rivalry will be reflected in the car's price. Mercedes has announced that its C63 AMG will come with a base sticker price of $53,800 -- the exact same price of entry for BMW's M3 sedan.

Fiat 500 Blackjack Edition

2011 Fiat 500 Blackjack Edition

Fiat appear the accession of a new Limited Edition of the 500 mini car alleged Blackjack. The new car comes in a matte atramentous accomplishment with bright aperture handles and mirror housings and new 16-inch auto with matte atramentous anatomy and red anchor calipers.

Inside, we will acquisition aforementioned matte accomplishment accumulated with argent elements begin on the council caster and accessory knob. The new car will be accessible with a best of four engines such as the new 900cc Twin Air able to bear 84 hp, a 1.2-liter petrol engine carrying 69 hp and a 1.4-liter petrol engine carrying 100 hp. Also, we will get a 1.3-liter Multi jet agent engine carrying 95 hp. The new 500 Blackjack will accomplish its admission in September and will amount  18,350!

Ford Mustang Gt Convertible

The Ford Mustang is still acme in the sports car segment, but with new antagonism from the brand of the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro, the Mustang is starting to attending over its shoulder. To ensure the Mustang doesn’t lose out in the latest annular of the pony car wars, Ford is reportedly basic a new powerplant for the 2011 car.

With the Dodge Challenger R/T blame out 372 application and the Chevrolet Camaro SS bearing upwards of 422 horsepower, the 2010 Mustang GT is a bit underpowered at alone 315. To antidote that shortcoming, Ford is advancing to block a new 5.0L V8 beneath the awning of the 2011 Mustang.

Code-named ‘coyote’, the new 32-valve powerplant will be aggregate with the 2011 Ford F-150. In F-150 guise, the coyote powerplant will be bearing upwards of 400 application and 400 lb-ft of torque, so apprehend the 2011 GT to at atomic bout those figures.

With the 2010 Mustang not hitting the bazaar until this spring, we doubtable Ford will accumulate the 5.0L Mustang beneath wraps for at atomic the abutting few months. However, with added able versions of the antagonism on the market, we’re abiding Ford will be chomping at the bit to get the new ‘Stang to market.

Small Car Concept-IIMS 2010

 
World already changed, everything has to be compact and easy.
so do the car's design, already turn to city car and small car.
Honda, Daihatsu and Nissan also ready with the small car concepts.

BMW M3 racing version

BMW M3 Race

 BMW M3 Race Version, BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) from 2009 onwards. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: “With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters.” 

“We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3,” states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. “Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America’s history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was formed in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the 12-hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer’s championships over nine seasons. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3.” 

BMW’s 2009 entry into the Sports Car Championship will be overseen by the United States-based Team Rahal Letterman operation. “BMW has an illustrious racing heritage,” says co-owner and US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal. “Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come.” 

The BMW M3 Race Version: Sportiness personified.

In the course of developing the race version of the BMW M3, BMW’s engineers were faced with an ambitious task: to improve upon the sportiness of an already sporting car. A better base would, though, be difficult to find. In standard form the vehicle delivers powerful dynamics and sporting aesthetics. Thanks to an eight cylinder engine producing 420 bhp, BMW’s customers are provided with a unique driving experience.

Those engine blocks, cast in BMW’s light alloy foundry in Landshut – the very source of BMW’s Formula One castings – selected for race duty need to withstand even more power: the BMW P65 engine delivers 485 bhp.

Lotus Evora Car

2010 Lotus Evora Car

 Lotus Evora Car,Lotus has released full information and photos of its latest sports car, the Evora. Previously known only by its "Eagle” code name, the car was revealed at the British auto show.

The Evora will be positioned above the Elise and Exige S models and, like the not-for-the-U.S. Europa, aims to provide increased day-to-day usability, which means it should be no harder to get in and out of than a Corvette, with a low, flat door sill. Think Porsche Cayman as opposed to all-out track toy: the Evora will carry more creature comforts and be larger (although that’s a relative term) than the Elise and Exige in an attempt to help attract new customers to the Lotus brand.

The basic structure is similar to every other modern Lotus: mid-engine, lightweight—the Evora prototype weighs 2976 pounds—and smaller than most everything else on the road. Like the Europa, the Evora has a sloped rear window and a fixed roof, although a convertible will arrive at a later date, and Lotus hints at further variants.

The Evora will be offered either as a true two-seater or with a 2+2 seating arrangement, but Lotus warns the rear seats are only suitable for children, and we suspect only those with very short legs.

Power will come from a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing, tuned to produce 276 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, and Lotus says the car clears the 0-to-60-mph sprint in less than five seconds and tops out around 160 mph.

Volkswagen Passat CC R

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line Wallpapers

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line package is available with all Volkswagen Passat CC engines. Prices start at 2,200 Euros for the Passat CC 2.0 TDI (140 PS / 103 kW) with a 6-speed gearbox. Counting versions already introduced on the Golf, Scirocco, Touran, Tiguan, Passat, Passat Variant and Touareg, a total of eight models with R-Line equipment are now on the market.

Specification Ford Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost

After a more than expected successful first year on the full-size sport utility market, the 2010 Ford Flex Ecoboost AWD Limited returns with more power, performance and high-technology features. I tested the new Ecoboost ‘top-of-the-line’ Limited model that came equipped with everything I would expect in a luxury crossover sport utility.


Ford Flex already turned heads with its distinctive style and its planted stance, signature Ford aluminum grille, broad shoulders flanked by signature side grooves, a chrome strip that travels from the front A-pillar all around to the other side A-pillar, slab aluminum plate on the rear hatch, LED rear lamps, dual, 3in. polished stainless steel exhaust tips, and a flat roof, it is a style than shuns traditional crossover styling, plus you can still option for the available 2-tone roof.


The Flex comes standard with a 3.5 liter, 24-valve V6 variation of the award-winning Duratec engine family that delivers 262hp at 6,250rpm and 248lb.ft. of torque, more than enough to easily move 7-passengers and cargo; but the big news is the optional EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5 liter 24-valve, direct fuel injected V6 that produces 355hp at 5,700rpm and 350lb.ft. of torque at 3,500rpm, while still returning 16mpg/city and 22mpg/highway with the standard AWD.

GENERAL INFORMATION
	2010 Ford Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Type	Sport Utility
Passengers	7
Doors	5
PRICE
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Price	$ 46,599
Transport and PDI	$ 1,400
MECHANICAL
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Engine	3.5L V6 EcoBoost Twin turbo DOHC 24-valve
HP (hp@rpm)	355 @ 5700
Torque (lb.ft@rpm)	350 @ 3500
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Brakes	4-wheel disc
ABS	Std
Power Steering	Std
Front Suspension	Independent
Rear Suspension	Independent
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Air Conditioning	Dual-zone auto climate control
Cruise Control	Std
Power Locks	Std
Remote Keyless Entry	Std
Power Windows	Std
Power Mirrors	Std
Adjustable Steering	Manual tilt / telescopic
Sunroof	Opt
FUEL CONSUMPTION
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Automatic Transmission city / highway (L/100 km)	13.1 / 9.1
DIMENSIONS, CAPACITY AND WEIGHT
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Length (mm)	5,125
Width (mm)	1,927
Height (mm)	1,726
Wheelbase (mm)	2,972
Curbweight (kg)	2,105
Trunk Size (L)	415
Maximum Trunk Size (L)	3,985
Fuel Tank Capacity (L)	72.7
CO2 EMISSIONS
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
Automatic Transmission (KG/year)	5198
WARRANTIES
	Flex Limited AWD EcoBoost
General (years / km)	3 / 60,000
Powertrain (years / km)	5 / 100,000
Perforation Corrosion (years / km)	5 / Unlimited
Roadside Assistance (years / km)	5 / 100,000