Spycam: 2009 Subaru WRX STI

Subaru's all-new WRX STi has been caught testing on the Nurburging again, this time with almost no camouflage.

The regular WRX's much maligned egg crate grille - reportedly the subject of a hurried redesign already - makes way for a simpler mesh-style design. New front fenders are heavily flared to cover the STi's wider track, and an aggressive new front fascia feature features a deeper front spoiler.

The rear fenders and doors are also new, again to cover the car's wider track. A new, more aggressive rear fascia has been redesigned to accommodate the quad-outlet dual exhaust. The rear spoiler is as functional as one can be on a hatchback, but will not please fans of the current STi's massive spoiler.

The STi's dumpy styling lacks the visual flair of arch-rival Mitsubishi's next-generation Evolution X. But for Subaru fans, performance is probably more important that looks. Power is reputed to be in the 300 horsepower ballpark, close to that of Evo X.

Subaru will offer the STi only as a hatchback, with the vehicle arriving sometime in the middle of 2008 after making its debut at one of the many auto shows held in the early months of the year.

Source : Automotive

Batman special effects man killed

A special effects technician working on the new Batman film was killed when a vehicle he was in crashed while on a stunt test run.

The accident happened off-set and there was no filming taking place, movie company Warner Bros Pictures said.

The victim was on a camera truck which was following a stunt vehicle, believed to have been the Batmobile.

An ambulance spokeswoman said he was pronounced dead at a test track in Longcross, near Chertsey, in Surrey.

Warner Bros said in a statement: "There was a fatal accident at a special effects facility for Batman: The Dark Knight.

"A technician on the film died when the truck he was in struck a tree following a test run.

"Warner Bros Pictures and the entire cast and crew of The Dark Knight are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and their hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased."

'Stunt driving'

The accident, just before 1450 BST on Monday, is being investigated by Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The HSE confirmed two vehicles were on a "filming production exercise".

A spokesman said: "It appears one vehicle was undertaking some stunt driving and another 4x4 provided the camera platform.

"The second vehicle and a camera operator were involved in a collision with a tree."

Batman: The Dark Knight, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, is due to be released in UK cinemas next summer.

Source: BBC News

Spy photos: Nissan GT-R beats 911 Turbo around the Nurburgring

There were plenty of enthusiasts who scoffed when Nissan's engineers started dragging a 911 Turbo around with them while testing the 2009 GT-R. It seemed like a lofty benchmark for a car that's expected to cost around $75,000, but the latest word from Germany suggests Nissan may have met its goals.

Prototypes of the 2009 GT-R started circling the Nurburgring yesterday, and according to spy shooters on the scene it was clear that the GT-R was running at full steam. With that in mind, they pulled out their stop watches to get an idea just how fast the GT-R was getting around the Nordschleife. The fastest hand timed lap came in at around 7:38, two seconds faster than the 911 Turbo's widely reported fastest lap of 7:40.

And as if that wasn’t enough to cement the GT-R's reputation around the Nurburgring, our spies also caught a couple shots of the Nissan blowing by the facelifted Porsche 911 Turbo we showed you earlier in the week. The Porsche may not have been running at full speed, but a pass is a pass.

Source : Straightline

Facelifted Mitsubishi Grandis coming soon

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will launch a new version of the Mitsubishi Grandis MPV at the end this month. According to a statement issued this afternoon, the new version ‘will make an even bigger statement whilst also delivering all-new values and satisfaction’

To have a retail price of RM158, 629.80 (Peninsula Malaysia, without insurance), the new Grandis will offer an impressive list of standard equipment including a DVD entertainment system with 8-inch LCD monitor and 17-inch alloy wheels.

“Designed to be sleeker and futuristic, its newly designed front grille, front bumper and fog lamp will surely win favour with many Malaysians. With superb ergonomics, easy storage and a first-rate drive, this new Grandis is set to satisfy the needs of today’s MPV customers,” said Fumihiko Minami, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

The Grandis has the latest version of the 2.4-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) engine which develops a maximum of 121 kW/165PS at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 217Nm at 4000rpm. Power reaches the front wheels through a 4-speed Sport Mode automatic transmission with INVECS-II. The transmission offers manual shifting as well as the convenience of an automatic.

Fully imported from Japan, the list of standard features includes power steering, power windows, retractable exterior mirrors, fully automatic air conditioning, dual SRS airbags, corner sensor, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, ETACS (Electronic Time and Alarm Control System), copious storage areas, and an extremely flexible three-row seating arrangement.

Colours available are Black Mica, Cool Silver, Medium Purplish Grey Mica and White Pearl.

In its commitment to quality and reliability, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is offering 5-year warranty/ first 100,000 kms (whichever comes first) and 3-year/60,000 kms Maintenance-Free Programme for the new Grandis. Owners are also provided with “Mitsubishi Assist 24” card which offers a host of privileges including 24-hour roadside assistance.

Source: MotorTrader
Author: Chips

BMW X6 Concept [2008]

BMW is proudly demonstrating the vision of a unique vehicle developing the striking design language of BMW X cars with a clear and consistent focus on sportiness and elegant presence.

Mr Bean’s Aston Martin for sale

by Vijay Pattni.

An Aston Martin owned by one of Britain’s best loved comedians is for sale on Auto Trader.

Rowan Atkinson, one of televisions most renowned collectors and part-time racers, was one of the owners of this rare Aston Martin Virage, but, he still owns a green Ferrari 456GT a Bentley Mulsanne, an MG XPower SV, and a Honda Civic Hybrid.

The Mr Bean star previously owned this rare Aston, powered by a 5.3-litre V8 which produces 330bhp and 350 lbs/ft of pulling power.

Despite its gargantuan 1,790kg kerbweight, this exclusive Aston is capable of reaching 158mph.

Unveiled to an eager public in 1988 with a price tag of £135,000, Rowan’s 1990 Virage is priced at just £28,500. It comes in anthracite metallic paintwork with unmarked grey trim, complemented with a full service history.

Rowan Atkinson’s first foray into the comedy circuit was on Not The Nine O’ Clock News, followed by hit sitcom Blackadder. He most famously played loveable buffoon Mr Bean in the popular television series and more recently in the film Mr Bean’s Holiday. Last week saw the car mad comic hurtle around a race track in a 1960’s Ford Mustang at the Goodwood Revival.

He was famously involved in a collision in his £650,000 McLaren F1 supercar with a Rover Metro in 1999.

Top Gear’s Richard Hammond speaks after crash

by Adrian Hearn / PA

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has spoken for the first time after being involved in his second high speed crash within a year.

The pint-sized presenter was driving a £100,000 BMW 330Dti Sport when he was shunted off the track while taking part in a 24-hour Le Mans-style race at Silverstone on Saturday.

But Hammond dismissed the incident as "a bit of a collision" and after the car was repaired, rejoined the race.

The 38-year-old TV star said: "Reports of my shunt this weekend have been greatly exaggerated.

"We were competing in a 24-hour race at Silverstone in a BMW. During one of my driving stints, a much faster car tried to overtake and there was a bit of a collision.

"It was nobody's fault - it was what they call a 'racing incident'. I managed to limp the car to the side of the track and wait for a truck to take me back to the pits, where it was quickly fixed."

He added: "Most importantly, no, Jeremy and I did not enjoy a 'comforting' hug. I would rather be hugged by a threshing machine and he would rather hug a chainsaw."

Hammond was left seriously ill after crashing a rocket-powered car at 288mph on September 20 last year.

A BBC spokesman said: "The three presenters and The Stig were racing a car ... at Silverstone over the weekend. During the race, at night, Richard was driving and another car shunted him off the track. Richard wasn't hurt at all but the car was damaged. It was taken back to the pits and repaired before Richard carried on with the race."

Source : www.autotrader.co.uk

Caldina GT4 Drifting (Video)

Nice!

Batman Can Crash Lamborghinis Too

Posted by David Thomas on September 7, 2007
Source:Kicking Tires

Last week the news was all about the Chicago Bears’ Lance Briggs crashing his Lamborghini, but just miles away in downtown Chicago some hooligans were crashing not one but three Lamborghinis. That’s the report from Cars.com’s Iver Walkoe, who looked out his window one morning to see the scene captured in the images you see here.

Some back story: The crew of the next Batman movie has been all over the city (even right outside the Cars.com offices) filming next summer’s surefire blockbuster, “The Dark Knight.” Now we know there will be at least one scene in which a dark gray Lamborghini Murcielago – roughly $300,000 – will be crashed. We’re guessing by Bruce Wayne, who piloted a Lamborghini roadster with two memorable passengers in the first movie.

Check out more photos below of the scene unfolding. There’s one demolished Murcielago on the left, one with cameras on the right and a third out of picture. A brand-new and completely unharmed Bentley Continental GTC was also spied nearby, but we’re not sure if it’s in the movie or is just Heath Ledger’s new personal ride.

Volvo Alcoguard To Help Reduce Drink And Drive

Volvo announces their latest innovative technology. A device called the "Alcoguard" to help reduce road accidents caused by drink driving. The main objective of the technology is to sober up driver's decisions. According to Ingrid Skogsmo, director of the Volvo Car Safety Centre, the device will be available in upcoming models of Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 as a optional feature.

Volvo expects good response from the market, especially the public sector vehicles like taxis, state authorities, municipals and private sectors like company vehicles and privately owned vehicles. The research and development of Alcoguard is the great success of Skyltfonden funding. Skyltfonden provides financial support for developments in the area of traffic safety. Funds for Skyltfonden come from the fees that car owner’s pay for personalized registration plates.

Alcoguard utilizes methanol-based fuel cells, which is similar to the law enforcement alcohol test units. Users of Alcoguard will blow into a wireless handheld unit, which will analyze and transmit data back to Alcoguard inside the vehicle. Results will determine the level of alcohol from the driver as:

Green: 0.0 - 0.1 g/l alcohol, the car's engine starts

Yellow: 0.1 - 0.2 g/l alcohol, the car will start, but the driver should not drive

Red: more than 0.2 g/l alcohol, the car's engine will not start

Different levels of preset limit of the device can be tweaked according to differing country’s legislation. Alcoguard will preserve the test results within 30 minutes after the engine has been turned off to prevent shortstop repeat process. Calibration and battery replacement also can be done at the Volvo service center, which includes removal of the units if owners do not wish to have it anymore.

The Alcoguard handheld test unit is powered by wireless connection; as such, a driver do not need to run the test inside the vehicle in a perimeter of 10 meters from the car. Volvo engineers also designed the unit to be able start up in 5 seconds within room temperature as well as supply it with a power adaptor when use in cold weather.

Volvo spokesperson David Nilsson explained that Alcoguard should not be treated as an aid tool to reduce alcohol related accidents, but as information guidance to the driver. Alcoguard can be by-passed if required in two ways:

1. Bypass is possible in unlimited number of times, or

2. Bypass is only possible once.

The bypass can be executed at Volvo service workshops and all information will be kept as private and confidential in the car'slog. Volvo hopes this technology can be used in a wider spectrum, helping authorities and insurance companies and perhaps bring down the cost of producing Alcoguard as well. However, this technology has already been well accepted by Swedish.

Source : zerotohundred

Porsche Cayenne GTS

Porsche recently unveiled early drafts of its Cayenne SUV hybrid prototype. The SUV, which will debut towards 2010, aims to decrease fuel consumption by an estimated 25 percent, especially during city driving. The Cayenne Hybrid will feature electric-powered steering, air conditioning and vacuum pumps for the brakes. Porsche officials also report they plan to introduce a hybrid version of its upcoming Panamera four-door Gran Turismo, scheduled to debut in 2009.

Source: Porsche AG and Automotoportal

New cars raising new gas mileage levels

Source : the STAR online

New vehicles are expected to set records for average gas mileage in 2007, driven by improved technology and demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, the US government reported.

Vehicles from the 2007 model year are projected to average 26.4 miles per gallon overall (11.2km per litre; 1 US gallon being equal to 3.79l), a gain of 1mpg over the previous year and above the previous record of 26.2mpg in 1987.

The increases are attributed to higher demand for hybrids and more fuel-efficient vehicles with gas prices hovering around US$3 for much of the year.

Sales of hybrid vehicles and small cars are expected to set new sales records this year despite a sluggish US auto market. Sales of pickup trucks and SUVs have largely declined due to high gasoline prices and the slump in the homebuilding industry.

Honda Motor Co was estimated to lead the way, averaging 39.9mpg for its imported vehicles and 33.7mpg for vehicles built in the United States. Toyota Motor Corp is second with 38.5mpg for imported vehicles and 31.7mpg for cars and trucks produced in North America.

David Friedman, a researcher with the Union of Concerned Scientists, called the estimates for Toyota discouraging. Toyota's domestic vehicles are projected to fall 3mpg in 2007 and the Japanese company is the only large automaker expected to decline in truck fuel economy.

"At the same time Toyota's producing ads with hybrids driving through green fields, it's making less fuel-efficient vehicles," Friedman said.

Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong said the automaker did not have an immediate comment.

The data, based on a Transportation Department analysis of sales estimates released earlier this month, was first reported in last Friday's editions of the Detroit Free Press. The projections will be updated once automakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration receive sales data for 2007 vehicles.

The difference in mileage between continents comes from the different models that are produced at each location.

Detroit-based automakers are all projected to make progress. General Motors Corp and Ford Motor Co improved to 29.6mpg and 28.8mpg, respectively, in domestic production.

DaimlerChrysler AG also showed gains. The automaker, which sold an 80.1% stake in Chrysler - now called Chrysler LLC - to Cerberus Capital Management LP, climbed about 3mpg to 28.6mpg in its domestic production.

Nissan Motor Co's domestically-produced vehicles averaged 33.4mpg while its imported vehicles were estimated at 25.9mpg.

Overall, passenger cars are expected to average 31mpg, an increase of 1.2mpg, while pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans are expected to increase to 22.9mpg, up 0.7mpg from 2006.

Charles Territo, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the data reflected the industry's push to develop more fuel-efficient models, but much of the progress was dependent upon what consumers buy.

"While we're pleased that fuel economy has increased, we also are well aware that shifts in the marketplace could very easily negate those gains," he said.

In June, the Senate approved legislation requiring the auto industry to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles and negotiators in the House and Senate are expected to consider the upgrades.

Under the Senate bill, the industry would need to meet fuel economy requirements of 35mpg by 2020, up from the current standards of 27.5mpg for cars and 22.2mpg for SUVs and pickup trucks.

Automakers have pushed more modest standards, contending the Senate bill would be extremely costly and limit the consumer's choice of vehicles. - AP