NEWBIE CARS: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

New Citro�n C4 Breaks Cover: First Official Pictures of Focus Fighter

Citro�n just couldn't wait until this fall's Paris Salon to show us the all-new C4 five-door hatchback as the French automaker decided to release the first official photos of its C-segment model. As with the current C4, the new compact hatch will take on the likes of the VW Golf, Renault Megane, Ford Focus, Opel Astra and Toyota Auris.

If you're thinking it looks familiar in a conservative kind of way, you're probably right as the 2011 C4 is the five-door version of Citro�n's near-production DS High Rider concept that was first shown at this year's Geneva Salon.

Yabba Dabba Doo Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Pedal-Powered Sports Machine Made from Cardboard and Aluminum Foil

This here is the Ferdinand 911 GT3 RS - without doubt, the most technologically advanced and at the same time environmentally-friendly and fuel efficient Porsche model ever to see the light of day.

It uses a high tech chassis bonded together with a special adhesive tape coated in polyethylene while the body is finger-made from exotic lightweight materials such as thin sheets of paperboard covered in a space-age aluminum foil that serves various purposes.

In this case, power is provided by a left-to-mid-mounted human-boxer unit capable of delivering a yawn-inspiring 1 fhp (foot horsepower) when fully fed, relaxed and emotionally happy.

Audi's �ber Cool Soccer Table Enters Production, on Sale for �12,900 / US$15,900

Remember that awesome -conceptual then- soccer table from Audi's design team that we showed you back in the summer of 2008? Well, almost two years later and Audi has taken the decision to produce the soccer table in a limited series of hand-made models.

Seat Announces Sporty Looking Ibiza SC Sport Limited Edition

Seat has announced the availability of a new special edition version of its three-door Ibiza SC (Sports Coupe) for the German market. The Ibiza SC Sport Limited comes in a Lamborghini-like "Lumina Orange" finish and only with the not-so sporty 105HP 1.6-liter petrol engine. The production run will be limited to 300 cars.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

SPIED: 2011 BMW M5 Super Saloon Sheds More Camouflage

Now that there's less reason for secrecy since we've already seen the standard versions of the new F10 5-Series on the road, BMW has started peeling off the psychedelic camouflage from its 2011 M5 prototypes.

Key stylistic highlights of the new M5's look will include the four tailpipes, chunkier front and rear bumper designs, unique exterior mirrors and alloy wheels while there's also talk about a carbon fiber roof and bootlid which should also help reduce weight.

As we've already told you in earlier posts, BMW's new uper saloon will be the first M5 to adopt turbocharging with power coming from a reworked version of the X5 M and X6 M's 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that replaces the current model's V10 unit.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Dealer Selling Jean Alesi's Ferrari F1 Scuderia Tipo 642 Racer

If you're looking to buy a genuine Formula One race car this may be your chance. A Florida-based dealer has put up for sale a 1991 Ferrari F1 Scuderia Tipo 642 racer with chassis No. 126.

The seller claims that the car, which is powered by a 3.5-liter V12 engine linked to a seven-speed gearbox, was used in the 1991 Formula One season by French driver Jean Alesi who had then just signed for Williams Ferrari.

After being replaced by the Tipo 643, this car was rebuilt and prepared for private sale by the Ferrari factory at the end of the same season. Now it could be yours for a 'mere' US$700,000 or about �565,000 at today's exchange rates. More details and pictures after the jump.

New Skoda Superb Fastback Design Concept

With Volkswagen and Audi both featuring what marketers and advertising agencies like to call "four-door coupe" models in their range (the Passat CC and A5 Sportback respectively), one wonders why the German group hasn't added a similar model to their more mainstream brands, Seat and Skoda.

Czech architect and designer Pavel Hrubyi decided to take matters in his own hands (or so to speak) and draw a four-door coupe, sportback, fastback or whatever else you would like to call it, proposal for the Skoda brand based on the firm's range-topping Superb saloon.

Friday, May 28, 2010

That's Gotta Hurt: Tree Falls on New Aston Martin Rapide Sedan and Bentley Continental Supersports

Here's a sight that no driver would like to see his car in, even more so if the vehicles in question are a spanking-new $200,000+ Aston Martin Rapide sports saloon and a Bentley Continental Supersports.

According to Joel Feder (the man who took these photos), the incident happened at the Midwestern Automotive Media Association earlier this week when a thunderstorm followed by hail and strong winds took down a tree that landed right on the parked Aston Martin and Bentley.

Designer Revives Ford Thunderbird with Hardtop Roadster Concept

The last time we saw the Thunderbird nameplate in Ford's lineup was in 2005, and from what we know, the Detroit automaker has no immediate plans to revive it. Nevertheless, this hasn't stopped Brazilian designer Eduardo Oliveira from coming up with a conceptual proposal for a new Ford Thunderbird model with a retractable hardtop.

VIDEO: Drunk Driver Simply Refuses to Stop, "Crashes" Serbian Parliament!

It may look like a commercial for the Citroen C5, but it's not. What you see going on here in this amateur video is an unbelievable incident that took place (literally) in front of the Serbian parliamentary building.

It all started when a middle-aged man (evidently intoxicated) drove his Citroen C5 on the opposite side of the road. A police officer attempted to stop the driver by opening the door of his car and talk some reason into him.

At first, it looked like the police man succeeded and that the driver was willing to make a 'U' turn and stop on the other side of the road, but he didn't...

Spyker Searching for a Partner to Build Modern-Day SAAB 92

Saab's automobile range may be expanded in the near future with a new small car inspired by the Swedish firm's teardrop-shaped 92 model of the 1950s if the company's CEO Victor Muller gets his way.

In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Muller revealed that his company is in talks with automakers to share technology and a platform for the modern-day 92 or in Saab's current lingo, the 9-2.

One-Off 1960 Pininfarina X Concept up for Sale

No, this isn't the real-life car of George Jetson. It's the 1960 Pininfarina X, a futuristic concept from the famous Italian design house for a four-door saloon with three wheels and an aerodynamically shaped body that was said to achieve a drag coefficient of 0,23. Pininfarina's concept model features a 43HP Fiat engine of the same era.

New Kia Soul Edition Irmscher 001

Another day, another special edition version of the Kia Soul. This one comes from Germany and it's the result of the cooperation between the South Korean automaker and the tuning house Irmscher.

SCOOP: Opel's Sexy-Looking Three-door Astra GTC Caught out in the Open

The new Astra range continues to expand. Following a series of spy shots and videos of the Sports Tourer model, our man with the long-lens has snapped the dramatically styled replacement to the three-door Opel / Vauxhall Astra GTC while out and about in Germany.

Due to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October before arriving in most European markets in early 2011, the new three-door variant of the Astra hatch follows in the footsteps of the outgoing GTC boasting a more rakish appearance than its five-door sibling.

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta Brochure

We've already brought you heaps of images of Alfa Romeo's new Giulietta hatch (click here for the gallery), but we thought you might also be interested in the car's official brochure. Unfortunately, the English version of the brochure was only 6-pages long, so we opted to upload photos of the Italian edition which is more comprehensive. Follow the jump to check it out.

VW Develops Customer Magazine as an App for Apple's iPad

Volkswagen is the latest automaker to jump into the bandwagon of Apple's iPad by developing a digital customer magazine as an app specially for the tablet computer. The magazine goes by the name DAS, which stands for "Digital Automotive Space". It will be published quarterly in five languages and will be accessible throughout Europe.

"DAS is an important building block in Volkswagen's digital marketing strategy and gives us the opportunity for an interactive dialog with our customers," says Luca de Meo, Head of Marketing at VW. "Our goal is to transmit the fascination of the brand and its products in a new digital dimension, creating a global experience."

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Subaru to Launch New Impreza WRX STI Sedan and Impreza XV in Japan

Following on from the world premiere of the four-door sedan version of the 2011 Impreza WRX STI at the New York Auto Show in April and the Impreza XV crossover at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Subaru has confirmed that both cars will be offered in Japan with sales set to begin this June.

Dodge Challenger: 40 Years in Pictures

Challenger turns 40-ish this year. Well, actually, it's like a 40-year range over which the Challenger name was used a few times and to celebrate, Chrysler has given a photo-run-through of the model's rich history.

Over the course of its first generation, ranging from 1970-74, the Challenger was offered with an inline six-cylinder and many choices of V8. The 8-cylinder options ranged from a 318 cubic inch unit making 230 horsepower to the 425-horse 426 Hemi and 390-horse 440 (output numbers dipped consistently as the oil crisis developed).

Report: Ford Planning to Kill Mercury Division, Maybe as Soon as Year's End

Mercury, the maker of higher grade Ford models with waterfall grilles such as the Milan and Grande Marquis, will have the same fate of GM's Pontiac and Saturn brands, according to a report from Bloomberg citing two unnamed people familiar with the plan.

The news agency said that Ford Motor Co executives could ask the automaker's board of directors as early as July to green-lit the (eventual) axing of the Mercury brand.

Russia's Met-R Creates the BMW X6 Interceptor

Here are some photos of a BMW X6 wide-body kit designed by Zaur Khalilov of Zaoor Design. Created for Met-R, a Moscow-based tuning shop, it's called the Interceptor. As with any X6-based work, the actual work has to be evaluated (not the car). The Interceptor's nose is nice and aggressive, and those vertical driving lights just add to it. Even the matte black helps, but that's about as far as it goes.

VIDEO: Bucket Head Jumps Russian "VIP" Car Over Illegal Use of Police-Like Light to Cut Through Traffic

It seems that obnoxious neo-rich "VIP" Russians are (illegally) using the same kind of flashing blue rooftop lights found on official government vehicles to cut through traffic, and this is starting to get on the nerves of everyday people.

One man in Moscow decided to take action by putting a bucket on his head and climbing over one of these cars as its driver was trying to use the blue light to bypass traffic. Watch what happened in the video after the break.

Nissan Prices Juke Crossover from �12,795 in Britain

Nissan's controversially styled Juke compact crossover model will be priced from �12,795 OTR when it goes on sale in the UK in late September, the automaker announced today (see U.S.-market version here).

This means that Nissan is targeting buyers in the supermini segment with the Juke. For example, the new Ford Fiesta starts from �11,645, but that's the price for the entry-level three-door model with a puny 60HP 1.25-liter petrol unit. The basic version of the Juke is powered by a 117-horsepower 1.6-liter petrol engine.

Infiniti Developing 'IPL' Performance Division?

Does Infiniti dare take on the likes of BMW's M, Mercedes-Benz's AMG, and Audi's S/RS/quattro? Probably not immediately, but recent reports indicate that something performance-minded is going on at Nissan's luxury brand. Infiniti has begun the process of establishing IPL, or the Infiniti Performance Line.

IPL is likely to be much like Nismo, providing sport suspensions, spoilers, seats, and shift knobs. For those wanting more (like a supercharged M luxo-barge), there's some light at the end of the tunnel. According to the filings, Infiniti's high-performance division may work to develop supercharger / turbocharger applications.

Another Pointless 90th Anniversary Special from Mazda: New Biante 20S NAVI

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Mazda, and to celebrate, the Japanese automaker is building all sorts of (supposedly) special edition cars for its home market. The latest commemorative model is the JDM-only Biante 20S Navi Special that goes on sale today in a limited run of 400 units.

Is Bentley Considering a Shooting Brake Model?

Car and Driver had a chance to sit down with VW board member Stuart McCullough. In regards to future Bentley models, he said, "We have an idea in the back of our minds that we may yet bring to market."

Of course, this immediately led to whisperings and theories of a possible Continental Shooting Brake like Carozzeria Touring Superleggera's Flying Star (see here) that was revealed at this year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show.

Daimler and BYD Join Forces, Create a New Brand with Electric Cars for China

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler AG have set up a new joint venture called "Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd," to develop electric vehicles for China.

The two companies said that they are planning to invest a total of 600 million yuan (US$87.9 million) in the 50-50 partnership in China.

According to a statement made by Daimler, the German automaker will bring its "know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety" to the venture, while BYD will contribute "it's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems".

UK Debut for All-Electric Fiat 500 Atomik at Salon Priv�

The annual Salon Priv�, a luxury supercar event and Concours d'El�gance that takes place this year in London from 21-23 July, will be hosting the UK debut of the all-electric Atomik 500.

Created by Paris-based maker, Atomik Cars, the Fiat-500 based model gets two electric motors, one up front producing 80kW and 840Nm (619 lb-ft), and one at the rear that makes the same power but a whopping 1,710 Nm (1,261 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

McLaren F1 Celebrates the Big 2-0

McLaren's F1 is 20 years old this year (18 if you consider its 1992 debut date, so it's still legal) and to celebrate, McLaren invited owners out to Woking for a dinner at its Technology Center. The highlight of the get-together has to have been the 21-car F1 roundup, featuring the largest collection of F1s ever seen together.

McLaren chairman (and anti-Bugatti spokesman) Ron Dennis was on-hand to express his own feelings about owning and driving the car: "The F1 is a technological tour-de-force and a real triumph in terms of packaging and design."

"Whether endurance racing or on road, it is supremely fast, agile and yet comfortable. Its styling is enduring and will never fade. I enjoy driving mine more today than ever before because I find its technical purity highly satisfying; the F1 remains one of McLaren's proudest achievements."

VIDEO: 730HP Nissan GT-Rs are no Match for Bugatti Veyron 16.4

When it comes to straight-line acceleration, there are a few (if any...) street-legal cars in this world that can compete with the VW Group's 1,001-horsepower-strong Bugatti Veyron 16.4 supercar.

As you can see in this video that was most likely shot in Russia, even a pair of heavily-modified Nissan GT-Rs tuned to churn out some 730HP (or so it is claimed) are having a hard time keeping up with the Veyron. Of course, the Bugatti costs as much as two-dozen or so Nissan GT-Rs, but that's another tale for another time... For now, follow the jump to watch the clip.

It's all Relative: Jewish University Sues GM Over Einstein Ad

With all the recent hubbub around General Motors reorganizing its marketing campaigns and strategies, this ad-based lawsuit stands out like a sore thumb.

Way back in September, GMC ran four-page ad in People's "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. Nothing special there. However, a part of the ad used Einstein's face on a model's body, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has the rights to his image (which earned $10 million last year)

Now the university is suing GM for $75,000, claiming Einstein's likeness was fraudulently used in the ad. GM spokeswoman Ryndee Carney defends GM by saying the automaker bought the right to use the image from a known firm, and that the ad itself (which only ran in that issue) was created by the Leo Burnett agency.

New Ram Brand gets Dodge's Horns Logo, Dodge Adopts SRT-Like Twin-Red Slash

Late last year, Chrysler LLC split Dodge's lineup into two different brands, one for the firm's passenger vehicles, and the other comprised of the Ram truck models. Now it's time for the Detroit automaker to separate the brand's identities with a different logo for each brand.

As you can see in these official pictures, the Ram brand gets to keep Dodge's well-known horn logo while Dodge, which will be positioned as a sporty and youth-orientated passenger car maker, adopts a new insignia featuring two red slashes that's inspired by the Chrysler Group's SRT performance brand.

Aussie Cops get Alfa Romeo MiTo Police Car

We won't go as far as calling it an interceptor, but Sydney's Rose Bay Police is the latest law enforcement force in Australia to get an Alfa Romeo police car. The MiTo is the most recent in a series of cars provided by the Italian automaker to police forces around Australia.

Rare, Rear-Engined Tatra 603 for Sale in the States

Feel the need to own a "Communist supercar" that can ford rivers and fall down mountains with nary a hint of damage? This Czechoslovakian Tatra 603 might just be up your alley.

Tatra was one of the first manufacturers to get into the whole rear-mounted engine scene, meaning all you 911 and Beetle fans out there have engineer Hans Ledwinka to thank.

VIDEO: Dropped 2010 Camaro SS on Hydraulics

Is this what the kids are into nowadays? If so, well...good for them. I've never been into the huge lowrider / airbag / hydraulic culture, but I'm glad to see it's thriving; it's a different take on the car scene. If anyone's wondering what a 2010 Camaro SS capable of "hitting three's with ease" looks like, here you go. The info / details start at around 2:00.

Novitec Rosso Does the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

German tuning company Novitec Rosso has no problem whatsoever about putting its own mark on Ferrari's supercars. Its most recent offering is a new customization package with performance and cosmetic upgrades for Maranello's 612 Scaglietti.

The cornerstone of Novitec Rosso's program for the 2+2 seat grand tourer are a power increase and an even sportier exhaust note. The Ferrari's 5.7-liter V12 engine gets revamped electronics and a custom stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four 90mm tail pipes resulting in a boost in output to 565HP at 7,290 rpm and 609Nm or 449.2 lb-ft of peak torque.

APS Sportec Powers Porsche 911 Turbo to 580-Horsepower

The tuners over at APS of Brackley, which is the UK importer for the Swiss company Sportec, have unveiled a new performance kit for the 'facelifted' version of the 911 Turbo. In standard form, the 997 Turbo's six-cylinder, 3.8-liter boxer engine delivers 493 bhp.

By reconfiguring the ECU and adding a sport air-filter and a stainless steel sports exhaust system with high flow catalytic converters and two 70mm twin-tailpipes, Sportec managed to boost output to 580 bhp at 6,500 rpm. Peak torque hits 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) at 3,500 rpm with more than 700 Nm (516 lb.ft) available from 2,700 to 5,500 rpm.

New Zealand's Hulme CanAm Supercar Opens for Orders

The developers of the Hulme CanAm have announced plans to produce a limited-run of 20 units of the New Zealand-designed and built supercar, each priced at �295,000 (plus local taxes), equal to US$423,200 and �346,300 at today's exchange rates.

Named after the 1967 F1 World Champion, Denny Hulme from New Zealand, the road-legal Hulme CanAm features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork, and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking. The supercar tips the scales at 980kg / 2,160 lbs.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Foose-Made Alfa Romeo Carabo Replica Found on eBay

Originally made for Alfa Romeo by Bertone, the (real) Carabo was built atop a chassis donated by Alfa's 33 Stradale. Packing a 230-horsepower V8, it debuted at the 1968 Paris Motor Show. But this isn't it.

Don't worry, this isn't some tacky, Fiero-based kit car, either. The guy behind this replica wanted to purchase the original from Bertone (so the ad says) but the design firm wasn't willing to part with the masterpiece, so he decided to say to hell with that and have his own built...by Sam Foose. For those who just got out of bed, that would be Chip Foose's father.

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