2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R is a legend before it even enters production. Born from a long line of Skyline GT-Rs dating back to 1969, this latest version — "R35" to the hard-core — promises to pack more turbocharged power, more all-wheel-drive technology and more sheer speed than any Japanese car ever to come to America.

For six years the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R has been the subject of intense rumors and frenzied speculation. Frequent sightings of GT-R test mules help fuel the excitement. We've caught GT-R prototypes on the streets of L.A. and the Nürburgring test track in Germany. Nissan's engineers also made a trip to a couple California racetracks, bringing the GT-R to both Laguna Seca and Sears Point.

Why is this car followed so closely? Because the Skyline GT-R R35 is expected to be the ne plus ultra of Japanese performance machinery; and after 30 years of waiting, it's finally America's turn to officially take part in all the fun.

The Allure of Forbidden Fruit. The original Nissan Skyline GT-R might have hit the street in 1969, but it wasn't until 1990 that the GT-R legend would be solidified. That was the year the Skyline GT-R was introduced to an utterly stunned Japanese market. It was the first of three twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering Skylines (R32, R33 and R34) and it's the generation upon which the Skyline GT-R legend rests.

Though the R34 left production after the 2003 model year, it was so beloved that Nissan's Nismo division actually bought 20 used Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec models during 2005 and completely rebuilt them into what is currently considered the greatest GT-R of them all — the $170,000, 500-horsepower Skyline GT-R Z-Tune.

Although Nissan never imported the Skyline GT-R to the United States, the supercar still found its way into America's automotive consciousness. In fact, buying one in the U.S. became relatively easy. By the dawn of the 21st century, several hundred had been imported.

So prominent had the Nissan Skyline GT-R become that in 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious, the film's hero drove and raced one through the streets of Miami. And the actor Paul Walker, who played the role, bought his own and modified it.

America's GT-R. At the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan showed the GT-R Concept as the prospective successor to the R34. By early 2005, modified G35 coupes with Infiniti badges, oversize wheels and tires, big rear wings, hood scoops and bodywork protrusions big enough to hide exotic exhaust systems in back or intercoolers up front were spied at the Nürburgring.

These weren't just tuner cars, but full-fledged prototypes of the next GT-R. Then in the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, another GT-R showcar appeared called the GT-R Proto; and the new, innovative shape of the next GT-R was apparent. Obviously based on Nissan's FM-code front midengine chassis, this GT-R would apparently use a turbocharged version of the VQ V6 with a seven-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.

And at the 2006 New York Auto Show, Nissan's CEO Carlos Ghosn announced that, yes finally, the new Skyline GT-R R35 would be sold in the United States and it would be sold worldwide exclusively through Nissan, and not Infiniti. And apparently without the Skyline name.

That's right, it'll officially be called the Nissan GT-R. Yeah, right, just like the 2007 Mazda Miata is the MX-5.

Almost Ready To Rock. Since then, more prototypes of the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R with sheet metal nearly identical to the GT-R Proto have been often seen at the Nürburgring and in America's Southwest, usually in the company of at least one Porsche 911 Turbo. It's that 480-hp, all-wheel-drive Porsche that Nissan is obviously using as its performance benchmark for this car.

But when the new production GT-R R35 goes on sale after its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in October, we don't expect it to carry a price tag near that Porsche's $122,000 chit. Instead the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R is expected to run somewhere around $70,000, making it a contender to take the title of best value supercar from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

No wonder it's the most eagerly anticipated car in a generation. And to feed that anticipation, we'll be updating this page with new information, photos and anything else related to the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R R35 until the official unveiling at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.

Source from : http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=126103

2009 Jaguar XF

The 2009 Jaguar XF is a new model, replacing the aging S-Type in Jaguar's lineup. This mid-sized, rear-wheel-drive sedan offers a fresh, engaging alternative to luxury imports such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Lexus GS. After a 300-mile test drive, we'd rank the Jaguar XF near the top of its class.

The Jaguar XF delivers everything you'd expect in a contemporary luxury sedan, and then some. The big news with XF is styling, interior design and features, though the hardware underneath is anything but ordinary. A lot of it, including the suspension design, is borrowed from the Jaguar XK.

Factor in a well-engineered body structure, and the XF is exactly what it should be: smooth, quiet and responsive. It feels lighter and more agile than some of its competitors, and it bears up like a sport sedan when driven aggressively.

The XF comes with a choice of two V8 engines. The base engine is Jag's familiar 4.2-liter V8, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The upgrade is a supercharged version of the 4.2, generating 420 hp and 408 lb-ft and surpassing nearly all competitors in output. Both V8s come with Jaguar's six-speed ZF automatic transmission, which is one of the best automatics money can buy.

The XF will be offered in three trim levels, starting with the normally aspirated Luxury, which is better equipped than most base models in this category. The Premium Luxury adds even more stuff, including double-stitched, soft-grain leather on the dash and door panels. The SC (for supercharged) comes with just about everything Jaguar offers, including CATS automatic suspension control and 20-inch wheels.

Then there's the racy new look. The XF marks a new direction for Jaguar, but it also continues some of the styling themes that have identified Jaguars for decades. The roofline and the shape of the side glass are intended to create the impression of a sporty, two-door coupe more than a four-door sedan, and to a considerable extent it works. The XF presents one of the more interesting designs in a category full of handsome automobiles. If you're intrigued by the photographs, you'll like it better in real life.

The same applies inside. We really like the XF cabin, for both its look and overall function. Slide into this sedan, and an interactive greeting that Jaguar calls the handshake welcomes the driver and reminds him or her that driving is an active process. The wood, wool and leather create the feel and scent of a British club room, yet the design is light, airy and almost Scandinavian. The XF interior is more minimalist than its German competitors, but also more charming and easier to get familiar with.

Of course, the swoopy styling has its drawbacks. By nearly every exterior dimension, the XF is slightly larger than all competitors, but the flow of its roofline and the rake of its rear glass mean rear headroom is tight. In general, the rear seat feels more confining than that in a Mercedes E-Class or Audi A6. On the upside, the XF's trunk is larger than any competitor's, and a folding rear seat further expands capacity. The importance of these packaging issues will depend on the buyer's priorities.

In our estimation, the XF debuts as one of the most appealing cars in its class. Before the XF, well-heeled buyers seeking an option to the dense-pack switches, multi-layered interfaces and alphabet-soup of electronics in most imported luxo/sport sedans probably had to think about a brand with less cachet or dynamic capability. No more. With steady improvement in Jaguar's resale values and customer-satisfaction ratings the last several years, the new XF offers an excellent alternative.

The 2009 XF replaces the 2008 S-Type in Jaguar's line-up, though the two cars will sell concurrently during calendar year 2008.

By J.P. Vettraino

2009 Corvette ZR1 LS9

The project hasn't exactly been a mystery. Chevrolet has been working on a high-end Corvette to slot above the Z06 as GM's hottest sports car for some time. The car has been known as the Blue Devil and the Corvette SS, but when it arrives in dealers this summer it will be the next incarnation of the ZR1.

Power will be phenomenal. GM is targeting at least 620 horsepower and 595 pound-feet of torque. The ZR1 will be capable of reaching 200 mph and cornering at better than 1 g of lateral grip.

The heart of the beast will be a supercharged version of GM's 6.2-liter V8 known as LS9. It will be the first ever supercharger in a Corvette. While the 1990-95 Corvette ZR1 used a dual-overhead cam, 32-valve V8, this engine will feature overhead valves and two valves per cylinder. The LS9's Eaton Roots-type supercharger will provide 10.5 pounds of boost and use a liquid-to-air charge intercooler. Like the Corvette Z06, the ZR1 will have a dry sump oiling system that allows for a lower center of gravity. The engine will be mated to a new Tremec six-speed manual transmission with a twin-disc clutch to better handle the LS9's torque output.

The ZR1's suspension will be much the same as in other Corvettes, but will feature thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and springs that will be slightly softer than those of the Z06. GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) will be standard. MSRC is a real-time damping system that uses electronically controlled shocks filled with a fluid containing minute iron particles. When subjected to a magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide varying degrees of damping resistance.

The brakes also represent a first. The ZR1 will use carbon ceramic rotors. Measuring 15.5 inches in diameter up front and 15 inches in the rear, the rotors will be vented and cross-drilled. GM says they save 11 pounds at each corner compared to cast iron rotors. Six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers will be used; the front brake pads will be twice the size of those found on the Z06.

Like the Z06, the ZR1 will be offered in a hatchback body style with a fixed top. The front fenders, hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings will be made of carbon fiber. All except the top of the hood will be exposed-weave carbon fiber protected by a clear coat. The fenders will have dual ports on each side instead of the single port design of other Corvettes. The hood will have a clear polycarbonate window to show off the intercooler, which will be adorned with "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" lettering. The ZR1 will be offered in seven colors: Black, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Victory Red, Atomic Orange Metallic, Jetstream Blue Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, and Cyber Gray Metallic. Expect pricing to approach $100,000.

Source: By Kirk Bell

sQuba Car Concept

Almost 30 years ago we came across James Bond “The Spy Who Loved Me” that let our imagination go wild and now we have Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht swerving the portrayal into a reality by producing their contemporary concept car called “sQuba”. It would be the world’s first real car packed with potential to not only burn roads but also frost water. The automobile is geared up to use two propellers in the stern and two commanding jet drives in the bow that drive the vehicle. It is being said that the car can dive to the depth of 33 feet and is powered by an electric motor with zero emission power.

It’s lightweight body and ultramodern Carbon Nano Tubes enfolds the driver and customer amidst the clean air to be inhaled that is supplied by an on-board system. The only worry visible is will take another four-month to hit the Geneva Motor Show scheduled for 6-16 March, 2008. What a great idea to plan out a long-drive underwater date with your beloved!

Watch the sQuba in action!

Alfa Romeo 8C

After a concept version of a convertible 8C Competizione was presented by Alfa Romeo at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance in Monterey, many suspected that one day the car would enter production alongside its coupe sibling. However, until now there’s been no official word of the car being given the green light. Speaking at a presentation to financial investors in New York today, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne finally revealed that the 8C Spider will go on sale in 2009.

Sales of the coupe version kicked off in Europe just this month and should be arriving in U.S. showrooms along with the return of the Alfa Romeo brand in the States by mid next year. The coupe is priced at €165,000 and the convertible is expected to cost around €20,000 more than the coupe, reports Automotive News.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG) subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS introduced in 2005. It is the quickest accelerating and decelerating street-legal production car in the world.

Powered by a 1,001 PS (987 hp/736 kW) W16 engine, it is able to achieve an average top speed of 407.47 km/h (253.19 mph). The car reached full production in September 2005, and is handcrafted in a factory Volkswagen built near the former Bugatti headquarters in Château St Jean in Molsheim (Alsace, France). It is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. [ More ]

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

2009 Lamborghini took the wraps off a more potent version of its Gallardo coupe, called the LP560-4. The car delivers 560 horsepower at 8,000 rpm via a 5.2-liter V10 engine. The car is capable of hitting 62 mph in an amazing 3.7 seconds. The sprint to twice that speed -- 124 mph -- takes just 11.8 seconds.

The 560 portion of the car's name reflects its horsepower, while the "4" designation indicates all-wheel-drive. The "4" was likely added to the name in anticipation of the forthcoming rear-wheel-drive variant, which will likely end in "2."

The engine not only gains power and displacement, it also features a new "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" direct injection system. Despite its clearly increased output, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent.

The enlarged and clearly redesigned cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine. The front spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.

The redesigned four-wheel-drive system, an improved suspension design, and optimized aerodynamics all contribute an improved driving experience. A weight reduction of 44 lbs and decreased friction between the components also enhance performance.

The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the look of the car.

The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned for the LP560. Gear change time reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented "CORSA" setting not only affects shift speed -- it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The 'Thrust Mode' ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized.

An optional carbon-ceramic-disc braking system makes use of eight-piston Brembo calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at he rear. Rotor size is 14.4 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear.

Bi-Xenon headlights provide plenty of illumination at night, while LED daytime running lights give the car a more aggressive and high-tech look.

BMW X6

The entire BMW X6 production run for 2008 has been sold. While there are still a smattering of vehicles available at some dealers, every one scheduled to depart the Greenville, SC production facility has been spoken for by a dealer, many of whom report a long waiting list for the new SAC. This doesn't surprise us at all; the X6 is one of the best driving vehicles made by BMW, easily eclipsing sports SUV competitors like the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. In fact, in a competition with the Mercedes CLS, we'd put our money on the big bimmer every time.

Clip BMW X6 Promotional

Source : BMWBlog - Thanks to Horatiu for the tip.

Ferrari California 2009

Just as more spy shots of the rumored “Baby Ferrari” begin surfacing, the Italian automaker has decided to blow the cover off their newest vehicle, the gorgeous California, with a trio of official photos.

Offered only as a folding hardtop convertible, the California aims to sate the desires of the ultrarich who crave both open-air and Grand Tourer experiences. Powering the California will be Ferrari’s familiar 4.3-liter, flat-crank V-8, here with direct injection and mounted in a front-mid position and producing 454 horsepower at 7500 rpm, down from the 483 and 503 in the mid-engined F430 coupe/Spider and F430 Scuderia, respectively. The chassis and body panels will be crafted—as is the case with all Ferraris—in aluminum, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes will be standard.

The California is mechanically related to both the Maserati GranTurismo and Alfa Romeo 8C, which might make this the hottest set of triplets since, well, ever. The rear suspension is a new multilink setup, which deviates from the control arm approach used for the rest of the Ferrari lineup (and the GranTurismo and 8C, too). Seating is said to be a 2+ arrangement, which implies a rear seat, but the photos suggest that it will be little more than vestigial, a leather-lined shelf for your Prada briefcase.

In big news, putting the Prancing Horse’s ponies to the pavement will be a new, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a first for Ferrari. While Ferrari has had great success reducing the shift times to mere milliseconds with its Formula 1–derived F1 sequential manual gearbox, it’s never been able to make the shifts smooth enough for comfortable use in regular driving, particularly in automatic mode; this new box should fix that. Acceleration will be neck-snapping, as the automaker claims a 0-to-62-mph gallop of less than four seconds.

The “Baby Ferrari” nickname will likely prove to be misleading in terms of price, as Ferrari is positioning the California as a shoulder-to-shoulder GT peer to its own 612 Scaglietti, which sports a sticker of around $270,000. While the California will not likely cost nearly as much as that, some rumors have this car priced commensurate with today’s F430, whose replacement model will become even more technologically intensive—and therefore more expensive.

As such, we expect the California to come in just under $200,000, but going on looks alone—the achingly beautiful styling is inspired by both the 599GTB Fiorano and classic Ferraris of the past—we’re going to go ahead and say it’ll be worth whatever they ask.

Ferrari has set up a Web site with high-quality sound clips of the engine, as well as a live timer indicating when the next details are to be released. It also promises photos and what it’s calling “highly gratifying virtual road tests” some time in the future. The live reveal will take place October 1st at the 2008 Paris auto show.

BY JORDAN BROWN AND ERIK JOHNSON

Lotus Eco Elise Concept

Lotus will unveil an environmentally-friendly version of its sporty roadster called Eco Elise at the British Motor Show that opens its doors on July 22. Unlike most eco-friendly propositions of our time, the Eco Elise study doesn’t revolve solely around tailpipe CO2 emissions. Instead, the Brits tried a holistic approach to ecology by using sustainable materials, cleaner manufacturing processes, renewable energy generation and of course, by reducing the car’s weight.

The renewable materials that have been incorporated into the Eco Elis project include hemp (industrial cannabis) that’s used on the car’s composite body panels, spoiler and seats, eco wool for the upholstery and sisal for the carpet. Cleaner manufacturing processes have been achieved by utilizing the latest water based paint technology. As for renewable energy generation, the Eco Elise’s hemp hard top incorporates a set of solar panels that provide power for the car’s electrical systems.

“Performance through light weight” is synonymous with Lotus, so a reduction in mass was a priority for the company’s engineers. The weight reduction philosophy has even extended to the audio system with a lightweight stereo and speaker system from Alpine that saves an impressive 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). The Eco Elise also uses special lightweight wheels that reduce the unsprung mass and contribute a weight saving of approximately 15.8 kg (34.8 lbs) over the already light Elise wheels.Overall, the weight saving programme for the Eco Elise has resulted in a total saving of around 32 kg (70.5 lbs) over the feather light Elise S, which consequently reduces the fuel required to drive the car.

Source from : carscoop.blogspot.com

Acura TL for 2009 Model

Acura redesigned the TL for 2009, with a design based on the 2008 Honda Accord platform. The base TL model will arrive in dealerships in late, 2008, while the up-level Type-S will be released 6-12 months later, most likely in 2009 or 2010.

The regular 2009 TL sedan will have a base 3.5-liter V6, same as the current TL Type-S, and will have 286 Horsepower. While an upgraded model will carry the 3.7-liter V6 from the MDX in addition to using Acura's SH-AWD platform.

TORRANCE, Calif., July 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL employs dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two distinctive versions including the first ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(R)) on TL. Available in the fall of 2008, the new TL will deliver a driving experience that achieves new highs within the performance luxury sedan category.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the Acura RL luxury performance sedan, the Acura TL performance luxury sedan, the Acura TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged Acura RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit http://www.acura.com

Honda CR-Z -Compact Renaissance Zero Model

The Honda CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) is a gasoline-electric hybrid automobile developed and planned for production by Honda. The CR-Z was first introduced as a concept car by Honda CEO Takeo Fukui on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. Fukui further announced that a production model is "in the works" and that the car is intended to be "sporty, incredibly efficient and inexpensive". Aside from the fact that it will use Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, the specifications of CR-Z's drive train are unknown. The CR-Z concept features 19-inch wheels, lightweight seats, and blue neon-lit gauges.

The design and production of the CR-Z follows two other Honda hybrid concept cars: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Motor Show, and the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

The four-seat CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and design.

According to Automotive News Europe, Honda plans to roll out the production CR-Z in 2009 or 2010, first in Europe before expanding production and distribution to the rest of the world. The CR-Z is expected to cost approximately €25,000 (with higher-trim models retailing up to €28k) and be primarily geared towards the European market. Because of the vehicle's importance on that continent, Mark Turner of Honda UK says that Europe will have a great deal of influence on the final design of the vehicle.

Several reports by Edmunds Inside Line indicate that the CR-Z will arrive in North America following the early 2009 launch of a currently unnamed 5-door hybrid.

For more information visit http://www.honda.com