2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on sale in U.S. this summer

Mitsubishi finally announced what we've known all along: the five-door Lancer Sportback is coming to the States for the 2010 model year and sales will begin this summer.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback builds on the already competent Lancer sedan, although the overall length is slightly longer to accommodate the new hatch. One-touch auto-folding rear seats split 60:40 to make room for "active lifestyle" parcels and Mitsubishi dropped the rear cargo area floor by three inches to create 52.7 cubic-feet of space when the rear thrones are folded flat.

The Sportback will be available in two trims, beginning in GTS form and equipped with Mitsubishi's 168 hp, 2.4-liter inline four mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT with six "virtual" ratios. More importantly, the Sportback will be offered in Ralliart guise, with the detuned Evolution X's turbocharged 4B11 2.0-liter four putting out 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be doled out to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system with Active Center Differential (ACD), and buyers can opt for either the six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift transmission (TC-SST) or CVT gearbox, both of which are manipulated by a set of magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Motors Brings Versatile New Five-Door Sportback To Award-Winning U.S. Lancer Lineup

Mitsubishi Motors North America today confirmed that the versatile all-new five-door Lancer Sportback will arrive in U.S. dealerships this summer for the 2010 model year. The Sportback will meld high performance and progressive design with an extra dose of utility to feed the most active lifestyles. The newest member of the multiple award-winning Lancer family is part of Mitsubishi's refocused efforts to introduce new models designed to meet evolving consumer demands. MSRP will be announced nearer to its summer on-sale date.

"American consumers are increasingly asking for fun, attractive, yet practical cars that complement their active and individual lifestyles," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The Lancer Sportback answers those calls with a heady mix of performance, aggressive styling and the bonus of greatly increased utility, and will be available in two versions - the economical GTS and high-performance Ralliart. The five-door platform has considerable upside potential in the domestic market."

Mitsubishi designers created a dynamic new shape for the Sportback that is instantly recognizable as a Lancer from the front, with its signature "jet fighter" grille, while being completely fresh from the C-pillar rearward. The key element is a sleekly sloping rear door with integrated "roof wing" that creates a visually distinctive shape while making the Lancer significantly more versatile. The door extends down to the rear bumper to make loading cumbersome objects like surfboards, camping gear and bicycles as easy as possible.

The Sportback's overall length is just slightly longer than the Lancer four-door sedan, yet it gains substantial cargo-carrying flexibility-especially when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded flat. One-touch auto-folding rear seats make the newfound space almost effortless to configure. To add still more volume, the rear cargo-area floor of the GTS version can be cleverly lowered three inches, yielding 52.7 cubic ft. maximum cargo space. The roof will also conveniently accommodate a plug-in Thule® Sport Rack for additional flexibility.

The Sportback's basic architecture, technical features and most optional equipment is shared with the Lancer sedan, a winner of several awards, including:

• J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study, naming the touch-screen interface system an industry-leader and the first non-premium brand to ever capture the award
• NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
• IIHS Top Safety Pick
• CNET Editors' Choice (Lancer Evolution)
• MSN Top-10 New Cars

Sportback GTS models feature Mitsubishi's efficient 2.4-liter engine with 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed CVT automatic transmission.

The Sportback Ralliart is powered by a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine that pumps out 237 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) is standard, as is the quick-shifting six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) that it shares with the Lancer Evolution. Both the CVT and Twin-Clutch transmissions include magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

Premium interior features like those found on the Lancer sedans are also part of the Sportback's resume. Key components in the Ralliart version include a standard 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers or an available 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio. A hard disc-drive navigation system with Mitsubishi's exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance to provide route guidance is optional, as are Recaro sport seats that provide optimal support for the driver and front passenger.

The Lancer Sportback also formed the basis for Mitsubishi's 2009 Dakar Rally effort earlier this year. The Dakar is the most grueling rally race in the world and Mitsubishi vehicles have won the event 12 times since their first attempt in 1983.

As an important test bed for future technology, the Racing Lancers used at the Dakar reflected Mitsubishi's ongoing efforts to minimize the automobile's environmental footprint with such features as clean diesel power, bio-fuel capability and plant-based "green plastic" body components.

Hyundai Super Bowl Commercial

Hyundai revealed commercial that will be seen this weekend during Super Bowl. This one looks like the product of the behind-the-scenes video we saw last week.

Aston Martin Rapide production version images leaked

AutoCar seems to have the jump on everyone, and has revealed today the first “official” images of the production version of the Aston Martin Rapide. The look of the car is a little toned down from the concept car, but still carries a lot of the spirit, and is definitely unmistakably Aston.

The super-sedan will use its DB9 sibling for much of its mechanics. The Rapide will use a stretched version of the DB9’s platform and also its utilize the 6.0-liter V12 making between 480 - 500 hp. AutoCar puts the price at £140,000 (about $200,000 at direct current rates), which if true, puts the Rapide between the DB9 and the DBS in Aston’s lineup.

[Source:AutoCar]

Fiat Jolly old Styles and New Style Panda

Sweety Cars Fiat Jolly Old Styles







Last Style Fiat Jolly Panda



The Panda Jolly is destined to perform an exclusive service of courtesy, transporting all VIP tourists who visit the island of Capri to their destinations. Suspended between sea and sky in the gulf of Naples, Capri has been synonymous for centuries as a classy tourist haven with perfect weather conditions, and is therefore the ideal scene for the new Fiat concept car.

For wheelchair users Kenguru Car

* Environmentally friendly – completely GREEN car delivering long awaited mobility solution for wheelchair users
* Driven directly from a wheelchair – access is via the rear-opening tailgate and steering is by motorbike style handlebar (joystick option will be available in time)
Your own wheelchair is secured within the car by an interlocking device
* The current design allows parking rear end to the pavement for easy access and it is an ideal solution to drivers who only undertake journeys to local shops and services
* Because of its weight the Kenguru is classified as a scooter and therefore only a scooter driver’s licence is required to drive Kenguru



Spesifications:
* Designed by a Hungarian Company specialising in development of aids for the handicapped people since 1915
* Max. speed 30 miles per hour
* Max. distance on a single charge 30 miles
* Weight 290 kilograms without batteries
* Dimensions: Length 2150 mm
* Widths: 1550 mm with mirrors
* Height: 1470 mm

Toyota MR2

Ooh arty, originally uploaded by GIANTDOG.

Mini Cooper graphic

inmotion, originally uploaded by fresh pOPcOrn-.

Limousine

White Classical Limousine

Modified Fire Limousine

Perfect inside Limousine

Tesla cancels plans to move to San Jose

Tesla's plans to eventually build a pair of new factories for the Model S and powertrain components in San Jose, CA have run into a ditch. The move was announced last September, just before the (official) collapse of the world's financial markets. However, the plan ran into trouble quickly when Tesla was unable to complete a $100 million round of Series venture funding. Not long after that, the up-start nearly ran out cash before existing investors put in another $40 million. The bulk of the $400 million required to build the two factories and move its headquarters from San Carlos to the new San Jose campus were expected to be provided by low interest loans from the Department of Energy.

However, the DOE loan program favors redevelopment of existing industrial sites and the San Jose location was a greenfield. Tesla is now looking for new locations including former factory sites in both the Silicon Valley area and Southern California. Without the DOE money, it will be extremely difficult for Tesla to build anything new and getting that loan will be increasingly problematic. The program requires applicants to raise matching equity investments of 20-30% of the loan amount, which in this case would amount to $100-150 million. Since Tesla already failed to raise that much last fall, it's not clear that it can happen now.

[Source: BizJournals.com]

Volvo announces 2010 XC60 pricing starting at $37,200

Pricing has been released for the 2010 Volvo XC60 crossover, and the T6 with standard AWD and Volvo's pioneering City Safety low-speed collision protection system will have a base price of $37,200 plus destination. Power is provided by a turbocharged 3.0L T6 engine pumping out a solid 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Premium features like leather, power driver's seat, SIRIUS, Bluetooth, and HD Radio with USB and AUX ports are all standard. The Panorama moonroof will even be offered at no charge as part of an introductory offer, although Volvo hasn't said how much it will run after that.

Four different option packages available on the XC60, beginning with the Climate Package for $1,000 which includes heated seats fore and aft, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain sensing wipers, headlamp washers, and an Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) with a humidity sensor. The Technology Package will retail for $2,700 and adds a 650-watt Dynaudio stereo with 12 speakers and Dolby surround sound, plus Volvo's DVD navigation system with real time traffic and a rear park assist camera setup. This being a Volvo, of course there's a safety package as well.

The Collision Avoidance Package adds another $1,695 to the bottom line and includes a big bowl of alphabet soup: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). That's a lot of tech for such a small package and the availability of these features, although increasingly moving downmarket, can help justify the seemingly very premium base price of the vehicle. You even get free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles as part of Volvo's new program.

PRESS RELEASE

Volvo Announces Pricing of the New 2010 XC60

San Francisco, CA (Jan. 29, 2009) - Anticipation is growing as Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced pricing of the exciting new 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD small premium utility. With a starting price of just $37,200* for the well-equipped XC60, buyers will have it all: Class-leading safety, stunning design and unrivaled driving dynamics. The new Volvo XC60 goes on sale this March.

The XC60 is Volvo's entry into the growing small premium utility segment. Features such as leather seating surfaces with a power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary six-month subscription), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports are all standard. As a special introductory offer, the unique Panorama moonroof will be offered at no charge. Customers may also opt for Volvo's DVD-based navigation system with integrated back-up camera and two new colors: Lime Grass Green or Terra Bronze.

Continuing Volvo's quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world's first -- City Safety -- as standard equipment. City Safety is a driver-support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less.

The new Volvo XC60 is the first production expression of Volvo's new design DNA. As a crossover, it artfully blends a dynamic mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakable, immensely capable XC pumps up its muscles creating a strong athletic body that is mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up top the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged T6 engine is based on Volvo's naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline all-aluminum six-cylinder that was introduced in the Volvo S80 in 2008. The T6 delivers 281 horsepower with torque of no less than 295 lb.-ft., combining for best-in-class performance. Maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm and remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift acceleration and impressive passing performance. Volvo's all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction is standard in the new XC60.

The XC60 is also included in Volvo's recently announced Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program, which covers the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance helps reduce the cost of ownership by providing customers the first four maintenance visits to their Volvo retailer as complimentary. A wide range of services are covered by the program, including oil and filter changes, cabin filter replacement, complete fluid level top-offs and a check of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system.

VCNA, part of Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

The 2009 Volvo Cars model lineup includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the stunning C70 retractable hardtop convertible and the dynamic C30.

2010 Volvo XC60 T6 Pricing

MSRP $37,200

Destination Charge $825

OPTION PACKAGES

Climate Package $1,000

• Heated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated windshield washer nozzles
• Rainsensor windshield wipers
• Headlamp washers
• Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)
• Humidity Sensor

Technology Package $2,700

• Dynaudio® Premium Sound System, Dolby Pro-Logic II® Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier, 12 Dynaudio® speakers, rear seat headphone jacks, audio controls
• Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, DVD map data and remote control
• Rear Park Assist Camera

Collision Avoidance Package $1,695

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB)
• Distance Alert (DA)
• Driver Alert Control (DAC)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Convenience Package $1,000

• Grocery bag holder
• 12V power outlet in cargo area
• Front and rear park assist
• Power tailgate
• Homelink remote garage door opener

OPTIONS
Black Sapphire Metallic $525
Electric Silver Metallic $675
Maple Red Pearl $525
Barrents Blue $525
Silver Metallic $525
Lime Grass Green Pearl $525
Savile Grey Pearl $525
Terra Bronze Pearl $525
Dual onboard two-stage child booster seats with adaptive seatbelts and power child rear door locks $495
Dual Xenon with Gas Discharge Headlights with Active Bending Light $800
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) $695
Personal Car Communicator (PCC) with Keyless drive $550
Nordic Light Oak inlays $295
Panorama moonroof n/c

*Price does not include destination charges of $825

Ford reports 4th quarter net loss of $5.9 billion

Ford has so far been able to avoid suckling on the teat of the federal government like its cross-town rivals, but after today's announcement of a 2008 fourth-quarter loss of $5.9 billion, serious questions are beginning to arise about how FoMoCo will fair in 2009.

This will be the third consecutive year Ford hasn't posted a profit, with a $2.8 billion loss in the previous year and $620 million drop during the same quarter of 2007. Ford wrapped up 2008 with $13.4 billion in cash reserves, but has announced plans to draw $10.1 billion in available credit to weather what's sure to be a rough 2009. That would bring Ford's liquidity up to $23.5 billion, sans the money already used for January, and the automaker contends that this is enough to meet its goals for the year. However, if Ford continues its fourth-quarter cash burn rate of $1.83 billion a month, there's a distinct possibility that FoMoCo execs might be knocking on Uncle Sam's door before the year comes to a close.

On a more positive note, Ford posted a 2008 pre-tax profit of $1.06 billion in Europe, although the last quarter saw a drop of $330 million. Hit the jump for Ford's full press release.

[Source: Ford]

Moto Gp and Bwin Girls

if you want see bwin girls, video is below page. incredible

Car of The Future

Beardog "Pink Peril" Lotus

Beardog Racing and AB Slotsport PRESENTS: THE PINK PERIL

This is a new car released by Beardog racing which is available through ABSlotsport.com and can be seen here as well.

Contact Beardog directly at: beardogracing@comcast.net

THE 1964 S&H PINK STAMPS LOTUS 30.

HISTORY

HISTORY: In January 1964 the Lotus 30 was introduced at the Racing Car Show in London, as a logical extension of Lotus’s Indy car program with Ford. The intention was to build a ford powered sports car to compete in the Can-Am series for unlimited sports cars.

Colin Chapman utilized the famous backbone frame idea that had worked so well in his Lotus Elan. Len Terry designed the car utilizing a one piece glass fiber body and Dave Lazenby directed operations for both the sports car and Indy car programs, and Jim Clark was the designated driver.

But alas even the great talent of Jim Clark could not tame this beast. So Lotus made the type 40, then gave up.

This Lotus 30, was delivered from Lotus Components to John Willment’s Race Shop in component form, it was assembled by the Willment team, and a Ford Advanced Vehicles, Lotus modified 4.7 litre cast iron V8 was installed. The car was the 5th car made of the series two, type Lotus 30. The car is identified as a 30/40 because it was updated to the Lotus 40 specifications.

The first race for this car was May 1st 1965, driven by Brian Muir at Goodwood in the Tourist Trophy FIA International Race for prototypes, painted (as per reference photo) in Willment team colors of red with white stripes running longitudinally down the length of the car. The car was then raced at Mallory Park, Silverstone, Zeltweg, Brands Hatch, Nurnburg and finally on Oct 31st at Riverside California for the Times GP Can-Am race. The car had varying degrees of success but did mange to set several track records. By the time it reached California the car had been fully updated to Lotus 40 configuration.

For the first part of 1966 the car toured the U.S. and Canada as a Ford show car, it now had the familiar chopped tail you see on the model. The car was shipped back to the U.K. and continued to be campaigned in international racing in Willment colors, but managed by CarCraft racing Organization. (Ford Advanced Vehicles).

During 1968 and 69 interest in Group 7 sports cars slowly waned in Europe, so the car was sold in 1969 to Paul Gresham, who obtained sponsorship from Sperry & Hutcheson. The car was now painted in the familiar bright pink because S&H trading stamps were pink in the U.K. instead of green as in America. John Markley was contacted as the driver and the car was entered the U.K.’s National Racing Series.

At this time the car was modernized, modern racing tires were added, the wheels went from 13” to 15”, fender flares were added, and fuel capacity was reduced. This is when ‘The Pink Peril’ started wining races, out of the 18 races it was entered into in 1970 it was the overall winner at 4. It was during 1970 that it was fitted with a new JW 365 bhp Ford engine, still with Tecalemit fuel injection (an option included with this model) and a tuned exhaust sytem.


At the end of 1970 the roll bar hoop was added, and during 1971 still raced in the pink livery, but without S&H sponsorship, it won 3 races out of the 7 entered.

In November of 71 it received it’s final and most powerful engine. Sourced from Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough, a 5 litre experimental pushrod motor with Gurney/Weslake Mk IV cylinder heads, and four dual throat Weber 48IDA carburetors was installed, this engine was good for 453 bhp @ 6,000 rpm.

In 1972 Pinkie raced in 6 events for 2 outright wins. The final race of the season was at Mallory Park unfortunately John crashed the car while in 4th position damaging the rear of the car.

After the race at Mallory the car was repaired and in 1978 shipped to the U.S. for resale. It was purchased by Dick Keves, and John Strange and started undergoing restoration in Oregon, and is now in better condition than when it raced under S&H sponsorship.

So to recap, ‘The Pink Peril’ Lotus 30/40 competed in over 50 international races, and has a total of 21 wins, 10 seconds, 5 thirds and 8 lap records.

A more complete history, full specs and far more than you ever wanted to know about this car and other Lotus 30’s is available at: www.lotus30.com

PINK PERIL SPECIFICATIONS:

CHASSIS: Chapman designed steel backbone chassis.

BODY: Len Terry designed Glass-Fibre.

ENGINE: 5 litre Ford pushrod V-8 with 48 IDA Weber Carbs, and Gurney/Weslake heads.

WHEELBASE: 7’ 10 1/2”

TRACK: 4’ 5” (stock Lotus 30)

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

911 GT3 RSR, originally uploaded by jarapet.

Porsche unveils updated 911 GT3 for 2010

Porsche has released photos of the new 2010 911 GT3 ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the revised model features a host of upgrades that make it even more potent than its predecessor. The naturally aspirated flat-six has been enlarged to 4.0-liters, and now produces 435 horsepower good for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. Handling is improved as well, with a modified stability management system that allows for graduated settings for both stability and traction controls, along with enlarged carbon ceramic brakes that improve stopping distances. On the outside, the GT3 gets several subtle revisions including a redesigned rear spoiler, more angular LED taillights, new bi-xenon headlights, modified air intakes on the front bumper, and a new front spoiler that can be adjusted from the cockpit.

Aston Martin plant down to three-day work week

Late last year, Aston Martin announced that it would reduce its ranks by some 600 workers to cope with a sales slide of 28% in 2008. Apparently, those cuts, which are now halfway completed, weren't enough to stem the tide of red ink, as Bond's favorite automaker has now said it will place its entire staff of assembly line workers on a work week that starts on Monday and ends on Wednesday. A total of 1,250 individuals now work at the Gaydon, Warwickshire plant, and almost half of those employees will be affected by the three-day work week.

Bentley, another famous British automaker, announced its own production cuts just yesterday. In response to the industry hardships faced by automakers in the U.K., the British government has promised £2.3 billion worth of aid, though we're not yet sure how much will go to smaller companies like Aston Martin.

[Source: BBC]

Bentley to stop building cars for six weeks

As expected, Bentley will be forced to slow production of its high-end luxury cars for several weeks over the next few months. According to Bentley's U.S. spokesman David Reuter, the newer Continental line will shut down for a period of seven weeks, while the slightly more mature Arnage production line will go on hiatus for six weeks. Over the course of 2008, sales dropped by roughly 30%, leading Bentley's factory in Crewe to cut production by about 15% and things aren't expected to improve in 2009. Regardless, Bentley's German ownership isn't yanking development dollars from the British brand, so any new products that were slated for introduction in 2009 are still on schedule.

[Source: Inside Line]

The Legend Formula One F1

Formula 1, often abbreviated as F1, also known as the "queen of motorsport category 'or' the highest category of motorsport ', is the international motor popular.1 2 each race is called the Grand Prix and competition grouping is called the Formula 1 World Championship. Most of the racetracks where he held the grand prix circuits are permanent, but are also used urban circuits. The cars are used cars with the latest technology available, some of these improvements were developed in Formula 1 and ended up being used in commercial cars such as brake disc or turbocompresor.3
The start of the modern Formula 1 dates back to 1950, who participated in the legendary teams like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Some teams have been removed by new ones that have achieved great successes, like McLaren, Scuderia Ferrari, Williams and Renault, who have raised several times with the world championship teams.


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