Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - pricing released.

Although the concept has been around the US and GM for a while, only recently has GM released pricing for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.
For the 50% improvement in fuel economy, now rated at 20-21 mpg for city and highway respectively, the luxury SUV and bling on wheels piece of bling is US$3,600 over the stock escalade, which brings the total price to just under $72,000 pre tax, and without extra options.

source: General Motors, Cadillac.

Dynometer using your Iphone.

In the craze of the Iphone 3G since its release on July 11, many applications taking advantage of the glamourous phone/ipod/organiser/internet explorer.

But the one which surely will persuade rev-heads like us is the Dynolicious application, which uses the in built accelerometer of Apples newest must have consumer gadget.

Thhe Dynolicious application can measure
- 0-60 Acceleration
- 1/4 Mile Elapsed Time
- Lateral G's
- Horsepower
among other data and presents them graphically and numerically on the IPhones touchscreen.

Now available at the Itunes store for all you who want to pull a quick Dyno run on your way to work in the morning.

Dynalicious.

2010 BMW M5

The next BMW 5 series is due for release in 2010, and around a year behind will follow the release of the "super saloon" M5.
For the next generation BMW M5, BMW's M [motorsports] division will have bumped peak power to somewhere in the vicinity of 550bhp, while making more horsepower in the mid range. Speculation and some reports point to a displacement increase to 5.5 liters, and possibly a forced induction system in conjunction with direct injection to lower emissions all the while competing with mercedes E63 and the Audi RS6.
The 2010 BMW M5 will most likely come with a 6 speed manual, or 7 speed dual clutch SMG gearbox dubbed "M DCT"
BMW's "Efficient Dynamics" concept will most likely make it to the "super saloon" in which alternators are used in the driveline to capture energy while slowing down, it also features a start-stop system which will cut down energy use while idling.

Picture of the Day - BMW M3 Nurburgring

Todays p.o.t.d comes courtesy of

bridgetogantry.com

although weve already posted a p.o.t.d of a red E92 BMW M3, we couldnt resist sharing this snap of one lucky driver getting sideways in "green hell" with the new 4.0 V8 M3. When driving like that, id hate to think it would void his insurance if he also happens to purchase some guardrail during his session.

Picture of the Day - Rolls Royce 101EX

Source:NetCarShow.com

Keating Supercars UK - GM V8 powered Bugatti Killer.

This month saw the release of a bespoke British engineered and produced range of supercar - The Keating TKR and SKR models.
Keating claim to produce a car which will beat the Bugattis top speed, and smash the 400km/h barrier.
Both the TKR and SKR are based upon the same chassis, consisting of a steel space-frame structure housing a V8 powertrain from General Motors Chevrolet mated to a Porsche 5 speed transaxle. The body can be optioned to be constructed from Carbon fiber or fiberglass. The 2-choices for motor are a 6.0 LS3 and 7.0liter GM V8, each witht he option of supercharging. Power ranges between 404hp to 656 hp for SKR model.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

Mercedes-Benz have been making the SL class of sports cars since 1954 starting with the famous 300SL with its "Gullwing doors" the famous German car maker from Stuttgart has produced over 630,000 SL sports cars since the mid 50's, including the SL roadster, introduced in 1957.
The 2009 incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz Sl class is to be released in march with a reworked exterior and interior, aswell as minor changes to major components. The previous engine gearbox lineup is available with the new model, with the addition of an entry model SL180 producing 231 bhp from the V6. Next in the ladder is the SL350, with 316 bhp with improved fuel economy.

The SL500 with its V8 capable of 388 bhp is also available, and the next option up in the motor category is the SL600 with its twin-turbo producing 517 bhp, and a massive 1000nm of torque, which is distinguished from its lesser Sl's by the matte finished side vents, a trademark of the Mercedes-Benz SL class roadsters since the 1950's.
Other tweaks added for the new generation SL roadster is the re-engineered "Airscarf" neck heaters, which are now housed in the headrests. Also added is Mercedes Benz's "direct-steer" system, seen on the SLK consisting of a variable rack ratio, which will decrease steering wheel turns at speed, and decrease effot. As a luxury roadster, Mercedes have made the "Comand" multimedia system standard, to entertain drivers and passengers and deliver the level of luxury often associated with Mercedes-Benz.

Picture of the Day - BMW M3

2008 BMW M3 Coupe, 4.0 V8 derived from the M5 5.0 V10, almost like BMW's M-division chopped 2 cylinders form an M5 engine and dropped it into the smaller and lighter 3 series coupe body.

courtesy of:DieselStation

Ken Block - Subaru Rally Driver

Awesome video of rally driver Ken Block in his Monster Energy, Subaru WRX STI rally spec, driving on the slopes in winter beside snowboarders and skiers.
Insane!
Forget the ski's and boards next winter holiday, take the Subaru-

Time Lapse video documents drive across the USA

Music video for a song called "Behind" by a "Laquer".
Every second of the drive was one frame of film, and at night it was every 10 seconds per frame,
check it out:

Audi R8 - T.v spot - "Slowest car [Audi] ever made"

The fastest production Audi - The all new R8, is being called "The Slowest car audi have ever built"
if you want to see why the new supercar from Audi is being called this, check out the video:


...somehow i dont think the Audi R8 production line is actually a white room with a white floor and just 1 single car being produced at a time.

Porsche 911 - Facelifted GT3 on the Nurburgring

Spy photographers have snapped the next model of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in disguise, testing on the outskirts of Nurburg, Germany. The newer, upgraded 911 due for release late this year, or early 2009, will benifit from direct injection, as is the case witht he GT3 RS seen here. However, the GT3 and GT3RS [RennSport] will not be available with the 7 speed PDK automated manual transmission - as this is a track oriented car, it will only come with 3 pedals.
This is undoubtedly a facelift model because of the slimmer, led taillights, and it is obviously the GT3 RS because of the rear spoiler, rollcage, and its use of a 911 "widebody" as the base.
The biggest question is how much more power will be available from the naturally aspirated flat 6, Porsche will undoubtedly up the ante due to the introduction of the Nissan GT-R, along with other bargain ringstormers such as the Corvette ZR-1.


source:

leftlanenews.com

2010 Honda/Acura NSX - V10

The flagship of the Honda brand, the NSX was axed from the range several years ago, and lately rumurs have been spreading about the release of an all new Acura/Honda NSX to come out in 2010.
Honda's all new NSX was to be released in production form at last years Tokyo Auto Show, but Honda designers were still in disagreement about the final design - hence it being a no-show.
The news is that Honda will launch the Acura brand, which until now has only existed in north america, with the release of the 2010 Acura NSX, powered by an F1 inspired 4.5 liter V10 which is estimated to produce about 550bhp, and mounted in the front of the car.
More news as it comes-
source:

Leftlanenews.com

Aston Martin - V8 Vantage N400 & DB9 LeMans

For the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, Aston Martin will display a handful of racing inspired special editions, the result of recent achievements at the Nϋrburgring 24-hour races and Le Mans.
Aston Martin will showcase 2 new special editions; the V8 Vantage N400 and the Aston Martin DB9 Le Mans alongside the DBS next week in Germany.
The DB9 LM is a road going special editon DB9 coupe, available only with a touchtronic transmission, "Sarth Silver" paint finish and red brake calipers. In the interior, black leather with perforated inserts, a unique "tertre rouge" facia trim, and a specially numbered sill plaque. The DB9 LM special editon also comes with the DB9 sports pack as standard along with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels. The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin's GT1 win in the Le Mans 24hr endurance classic last June with the DBR9.

The V8 Vantage N400 is another celebratory release, signifying Aston Martin's achievements at the Nϋrburgring where the V8 Vantage N24 factory race car was successful in the ADAC 24-hour race.
The Vantage N400 was tested, like all Aston Martin road cars, extensively on the Nϋrburgring Nordschleife circuit where the car recently broke the 8 minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.
The special edition N400 gains from a power upgrade to 400hp and 420Nm of torque, produced by the 4.3 litre front mounted V8. The suspension is also re-worked, with the introduction of a sports pack, comprising of lightweight aluminium wheels with a graphite finish, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.

Interior additions include black perforated leather seats, machine finished alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be offered in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.

source:

Aston Martin press release

Porsche Cayman -Turbo spotted at the Nurburgring.

The people from bridgetogantry.com have spotted this special Porsche Cayman doing laps of the 'ring,
although it doesnt look too out of the ordinary in the photo's, the photographer claims it had the sound of a Turbo.
It's registered on Ludwigsburg license plates, so it's more than likely an official Porsche A.G. car, but porsche have always stipulated that the Cayman will remain between, and was intended to - fill the gap between the Boxster and the 911. Porsche had held back, and restricted the real potential of the Cayman when it was in pre-production stages so that it would keep its place on the ladder - strictly between the Boxster and the 911.

So surely they couldnt go against their word and actually produce the Turbo Cayman... I hope they lied.
The reason why i hope the people in suits at Porsche are a bunch of liars, is because, the Cayman is lighter than the 911, the Cayman is cheaper than the 911, the engine is in a better position, the handling is better, and with a Turbo engine - the Cayman would be faster than the 911.

source:

Bridge To Gantrysource for everything on the Nurburgring Nordschleife

Audi Q5 - soon to be released

The latest small S.U.V. to enter the market is from Audi's new "Q" range, - the Q5.
Baby brother to Audi's Q9, the Audi Q5 will compete head on with the BMW X3 for sales in the small luxury S.U.V. market.
Although the Q5 can be tagged an "s.u.v" the chassis is based upon the volkswagen/audi MLP platform, used in the Volkswagen Passat, and new Audi A4 models. This allows the Q5 range to offer the same engines as Audi's A4, but the Q5 will be released with just 1 petrol engine, and 2 diesel engines to chose from - which are mounted longitudinally [front to back], which disperses rumors that the small design would feature a transversally mounted engine, such as in the Audi A4 range/VW Golf. Power is transmitted to the wheels via an all new 7-speed, dual clutch DSG which has been so successful in previous incarnations in the Audi A4, A3, Volkswagen Golf and Passat ranges.
Features include; Bi-xenon lamps, and LED taillights, and LED daytime running lights as seen on the R8 and the all-new A4.
Exterior trim can be selected from standard black trim, to a contrasting colour or a colour coded matching trim. Even further available is the choice of an "S-line" body package, including exterior and interior panels, as well as wheels - or an off road package is available with underbody protection plates front and back. wheels can be optioned from the standard 17 inch forged wheels, to 20 inch rims from the factory.

The sole petrol engine produced in the Q5 is the 2.0-liter TFSi, which has been offered of late in the Audi A3 and A4 range for the Q5 it has been re-worked to produce a maximum of 211 hp [155 kW] and 258 lb-ft [350 Nm] of torque available from 1500 to 4200 rpm, and will take the small luxury offroader from 0 to 62 mph [100 km/h] in just 7.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137.94 mph [222 km/h]. Fuel consumption is just 8.5 liters per 100 km [27.67 mpg] - which is diesel like economy, from a turbo-petrol engine.
The Turbo Diesel variants begin with the 2.0 liter, 170 hp [125kw] and 258 lb-ft [350 Nm], which is naturally slower than the petrol 2.0 TFSi, but delivers better economy at 6.7 liters/100kms [35.11 mpg]
The flagship engine available is the 3.0 liter TDi V6 producing 240 hp (176 kW) and a massive amount of torque for a 3.0 liter at 500 Nm [368.78 lb-ft] available at just 1,500 rpm. This turbo diesel will take the new Audi Q5 from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, onto a top speed of 225 kph [139.81 mph] and will also deliver fuel economy of just 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers [30.55 mpg]

source:
Worldcarfans.com

BMW X6 - The car that makes you question.

Why?
Who told BMW that this car was needed? How could BMW put this thing in production in the face of an oil crisis, not to mention, they already have 2 separate models of S.U.V's - the tiny X3, the s.u.v. for people who actually wanted a hatchback, and the X5, the tried and true big-seller for BMW for years. The X3 and the X5 are excellent cars, "sheer driving pleasure" as BMW refers to the feeling, is what can be experienced by driving one of these machines of technologic triumph.

But why did BMW feel the need to tool up to make the new X6,
i cannot see any stereotype of person who could possibly say "the X6 is exactly what ive been looking for" and if there is someone who could say that, - they've already bought an X5 when the new model was released last year.
Maybe it was in retaliation to mercedes making a "coupe like" CLS a 4 door coupe, and BMW thought it was a good idea to cross the "coupe like" design with the X5.
maybe the designer just got halfway through designing the new 5 series, fell asleep and when he woke up, he designed the bottom half of the next X5 - just on the same sheet of paper.

The new X6 series is produced in BMW's spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing facility - alongside the X5, and the Z4. The "Sports Activity Vehicle" [S.A.V.] as BMW likes to call their S.U.V's, comes with a range of 6 cylinder diesel, and petrol engines, with turbo charged power. But surely the kind of people buying the X6 would opt for the 4.8 with 408bhp, 600nm of torque and will take the latest addition to the BMW line up from 0-60mph [97kph] in 5.4 seconds. Theres no question that the car/suv/"sav" [bmw speak for s.u.v] will drive like nothing else, it will go, stop and turn like a seven series - thats just how BMW builds their cars, the question is - why - why build it in this form?

source:
CarBodyDesign.com

VW Beetle leaves Mustang GT for dead at the strip

I dont usually source from YouTube,
But this was too good to pass up,
i can imagine the driver of the Mustang thinking it was a joke being up against an old VW beetle,
...untill he saw the thing warming up, getting the rubber all smoked up.
The best part is at 20secs in, look at the little Bug take off-

Nissan GT-R 500, JGTC / SuperGT championship car

Nissans new GT-R has been extensively modified for the purpose of contending in the Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship or Super GT, in 2008. The result of these modifications by Nismo and Nissan team racing is the Nissan GT-R 500. The GT-R race car, in its new livery was unveiled for the first time at the Tokyo Auto Salon car show, after extensive track work with the matte black version of the race car at Suzuka circuit.

The new Nissan GT-R road car which has only recently been released, has been transformed into what is rightly being labeled the ‘New Godzilla’. The GT-R will compete in one of the toughest competitions around the globe today, the JGTC/Super GT championships - the Japanese equivalent of the DTM series in Europe.

The New colors of the GT-R were selected by Nismo and team Nissan, as well as feedback from the Nismo fan club, around the globe. The Livery scheme is not unlike the current Fairlady Z, based on the 350Z. The contrasting red and black colors represent the passion and fury of racing in the red, and the speed and power of the car with the black.

Whilst the statistics aren’t being released because of competitive reasons, there is a very good chance of the twin turbo V6 being at the front of the Super GT grid later this year.

Source:

rsportscars.com

How Unco... [unco-ordinated] Man crashes new Audi R8

Portugal: Man crashes brand new Audi R8, totally ruins the all black Audi supercar,
Audi say this was the "slowest car they've ever built" refering to the time it takes to build the Aluminum monocoque construction.
I say it was the fastest car to be released, bought and smashed. [correct me if im wrong]

apparently the driver couldn't contain control, [hence the term "unco"-ordinated] when the Audi proceeded to mount the curb, hit 2 mercedes, and flattened a no entry sign before it could be forklifted onto a flatbed tow truck.

How? and Why? did this happen...


source:

autogespot.com

Bugatti Veyron targa/convertible - Worlds fastest car goes topless

The 1,001 Horsepower supercar of the new millennium, capable of 400Kph, [248mph] -is planned to go roofless.
The Bugatti Veyron, Volkswagens pet project over the last decade, is set to be released with a Targa model for 2009.
With 16 cylinders, 4 turbos, and 10 radiators the Veyron had many airflow problems in development of the coupe version - in response to the Targa's lack of smooth and quantitive airflow over the roof, the Bugatti Veyron targa/cabrio/spyder/convertible will be delimited somwhere around 340kph or 350kph [217mph] to avoid the danger of either overheating or interrupted power at speed.
It is rumored that Bugatti [i.e. Volkswagen] will produce only 80 units of the Targa, to sell to posers who live no where near the Autobahn. also.. it is rumored that the Targa top is not able to be taken along with the car when it is topless. So, there could be a few saturated interiors in 2nd hand Bugattis for sale in years to come.

source: autogespot.com &
4wheelsblog.com

New Porsche Cayenne GTS - V8 sports car, in an S.U.V's body

The newest addition to the Stuttgart Soft roader range, comes in the form of the Cayenne GTS. Using the Cayenne "S" as the base, Porsche have added 20 horsepower to the GTS's 4.8 Direct Injection V8, through simple intake modifications, a wider throttle body, plus a higher performance exhaust set up to make the manual gearbox equipped, 4906-pound SUV go from 0-60mph [97kph] in 5.7 sec, on its way to a top speed of 157 mph [252kph] while making a great bellowing note from the tailpipes.

The new Porsche Cayenne GTS is the first Porsche off-roader, [or soft-roader] to combine steel springs with Porsche Active Suspension Management [PASM] this technology, until now, was reserved for the 911 and Boxster model range only.
However, this suspension set-up will not be available in the United States as it does not comply with "Light-Truck" regulations, so models sold in the U.S will be equipped with Air-Bag suspension as on other Porsche Cayenne models.

Sure an S.U.V. that was designed and made by a sports car company, still couldn't feel like a sports car, at 4906 pounds, and the "Wading Depth" included on the technical specifications, this car defies what is "supposed to be" it wants to be on the track, not just because it wont hold its own off the road. So, you cant take it on the track, and you cant take it off the road... but it does look nice and shiny, sitting on 21 inch Porsche wheels, with quad exhaust pipes, tinted windows, a perfect ride hight [for an S.U.V] and the body kit ripped straight from the Turbo Cayenne, the Porsche Cayenne GTS looks nice anywhere, sounds loud anywhere, and will get you, the kids, and all the luggage anywhere - in anytime.

New Audi A4 - Gets 1, 2, 3 at debut DTM round

The first round of the 2008 DTM (German Touring Car League) at Hockenheim, saw Audi cross the line in 1st 2nd and 3rd places with the all-new B8 Audi A4, in DTM guise.
The all new A4 was engineered to improve aerodynamics through Computational Fluid Dynamics (whatever that is..) lowering centre of gravity for better cornering, faster, with less roll. Under the bonnet of the new A4 is a 4.0 Liter racing specialty engine capable of 460 horsepower.
Drivers of the trifecta Audi cars are:
1st - Mattias Ekström [11 career wins - most successful DTM driver of all time.]
2nd - Timo Scheider
3rd - Tom Kristensen

source: Audi Motorsport

Professional "U-turn" Competition a.k.a. "Flip-a-B!tch"

Drag Racing is ancient,
Circuit Racing is boring,
Drifting was last years fad,
The new craze is the art and sport of pulling a U-turn, or as it is newly coined: Flippin' a B!tch.

One Lug Wheels - old race style, for new style cars.

Knock off wheels have been a thing of the past on street driven cars, until now.
Originally designed for racing purposes, a single lug nut in the centre of a wheel acheives much quicker tyre change times - but one new company One Lug Wheels have revived the system specifically for street cars.

These 3 peice rims are made in custom sizes from a selection of styles, even the bolts used in construction of the 3 peice wheel can be customised - gold, black or chrome bolts can be specified. They come with the companies one lug adapter, so they can fit on 4 or 5 lug cars to add that "race-spec-look".

One lug wheels would especially suit cars out of the ordinary such as SEMA show cars, high end imports such as the new Nissan GTR, the Old Toyota Supra, or any european supercar which deserves a race derived one lug set-up such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche.

Lamborghini Murciélago SV - Rear Wheel Drive.

Spy shots have been snapped of a Lamborghini Murciélago sporting a large fixed spoiler, instead of the automatic small one which comes off the production line - and it doesnt appear to be just a tacky aftermarket tuner wing, this car is thoguht to be the up and coming Rear Wheel Drive, high performace [can a lamborghini be any more high performance?] version of the Murciélago.


The "High Performance" SV is designed using the simplest supercar formula:

-Lower weight - lose approximatly 100kg over the 1660kg Murcielago. This is acheived through extensive use of carbon fibre and cutting parts out by switching to Rear Wheel Drive - removing the front axle and associated parts.

-Higher Horsepower, the SV is estimated at having more power than the Reventon which has 640, the SV will have somewhere in the vicinity of 680 BHP, all of those horses sent to the rear wheels opposed to the 4x4 system of production LP640.

As with previous Lamborghini SV incarnations, the death of the model usually follows not too long after the special edition is introduced - to leave the market on a high note - the same high note 680 horsepower will make going through the rear wheels of this beast.

Source:

left lane news

2009 Porsche 911 - 997 facelift - or 998?

It doesnt seem all that long ago that Porsche put the "broken-egg" eyed 996 911 to pasture and brought out the tasteful 997 model with mid 90's 993 stle headlights - notice the focus upon headlights - well as it is with 911's of late thats pretty much how you tell one model from another.

Already though spy shots and rumors have been spreading about next years facelift [or new model - 998] to come from Stuttgart, on the next generation of bloated and water cooled version of the classic sports car.

One such rumor is of the traditional flat 6 motor being accompanied in the model line up by a Cayenne sourced direct injection V8 - However this is very unlikely, and could be derived from news that the new 911 will actually have a "Direct Injection" system from the Cayenne - Not the whole motor thank god.

So the new generation is rumored and labelled as the new 998 model series - which is highly unlikely since the 996 Porsche 911 was produced from 1998 until 2004 - a run of 6 years, not counting the 996 Turbo models still sold when 997 Carreras were. the 997 model has only been in production for 3 years so this is likely a facelift for the 997... for what reason -who knows -if it aint broke, dont fix it!

From the spy pictures circulating nearly the only indicator of a new 911 is the tailights - again Porsche deciding to update just the lighting on the car [seems like it] The new tailights obviously inspired by the Cayenne's, perhaps Porsches attempt to get some of the S.U.V's sales succes to rub off on "the other" model in showrooms.

The 2009 911 will most likely come to market in the late 3rd or early 4th quater of 2008, sporting significant technologic upgrades under the bonnet, [the one at the back] and in the gearbox [between the rear wheels.]

The flat 6 motors will receive a Direct Injection system in an effort to improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions to pass future Euro legislation, while increasing power - Why havnt all cars got Direct injection? and have it ages ago - not just diesels and VW Golf's.

The next part of the driveline to be upgraded is the gearbox, in which the old automatic "Tiptronic" which receives power through a dopey old inefficient torque converter. In favour of this old sloshbox will be the new "DSG" like Dual Clutch "Porsche Doppel Kupplungen" (PDK for short) which swaps gears just like VW's DSG gearbox - without boring you and getting technical - its quicker than an auto - and it is technically a manual gearbox with a clutch [2 actually] but a computer predicts that you'lll want to move up or down a gear and choses the time to change gears.
Improved efficiency greatly, aswell as vastly improving shift times.

Were all going to have to wait a bit longer to see exactly how it all plays out from the Germans - but weather its a facelift or a 998 - it will be another improvement in the 40-year old 911 model from Stuttgart.

autoblog.it via
germancarblog

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