Hyundai Blue2 Concept

Hyundai has just unveiled the all-new Hyundai Blue2 Concept car at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in Korea. 2011 Hyundai Blue2 Concept aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe. Hyundai Blue2 concept is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW (1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/l.

The concept is the Korean automaker's first sedan-style FCEV. Hyundai did not disclose production plans for the Blue2, which it says is read as "Blue Square," but it appears to be focusing more on hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles than pure electric vehicles at this point. Hyundai says that the name comes from a combination of the company's "Blue Drive" and the number 2 from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Aesthetically speaking, the Blue2 Sedan Concept has an exterior whose design language is being described as ‘Intersected Flow’ with other external features complementing the contoured form of the car, including the LCD screen panels on both the front and back, side cameras in place of the standard side mirrors, a roof camera, and automatic opening doors.





Press Release

Hyundai to Showcase New Thinking at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show

• Hyundai unveils next-gen FCEV sedan concept ‘Blue2' and Sonata Hybrid

• Cutting-edge eco-friendly and telematics technologies show Hyundai's future

• Separate booth displays Hyundai's latest commercial vehicle technology

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, showcased its latest `new thinking' on products, technologies and services to the world at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, which opened today under the theme of ‘Evolution, Green Revolution on Wheels.'

Hyundai unveiled its latest eco-friendly creation, the Blue2 (Read as "Blue square") concept vehicle, the company's first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) powered by hydrogen. The automaker also introduced its first gasoline-hybrid vehicle, the Sonata Hybrid, to its home market. Most importantly, Hyundai applied its new brand direction, "New Thinking. New Possibilities.", throughout its exhibition, including its customer-oriented booth design, entertaining displays and cutting edge future technologies.

"Hyundai's goal is not to be the biggest car company, but the most loved. We want to be a reliable partner to our customers, supporting their happiness, rather than a company that pursues its own interests," said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. "We will ceaselessly introduce world-class products of the best quality to overcome the difficult market environment and turn it into an opportunity, while modestly listening to the voice of the customer." In particular, Hyundai will focus on "improving quality, creating new values through new thinking, and developing advanced eco-friendly technologies to contribute to a greener society," Yang said.

Blue2

Hyundai Motor staged a world premiere of its new concept car, Blue2 (codenamed HND-6), a mid-size FCEV which shows a blueprint for future sedans. The name ‘Blue2' is a combination of Hyundai's sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive' and the number `2' from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Aiming at gaining early leadership of the FCEV market, Blue2 is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW(1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/?. The Blue2 is materialized in a sporty and luxurious style, a combination of futuristic, flowing designs and eco-friendly features. The Blue2 is equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance, while the car's interior design encompasses a futuristic look by using eco-friendly new materials.

Hyundai's concept keywords for the exterior design are ‘Intersected Flow,' featuring innovative and dynamic designs. The vehicle's condition is visible via unique and futuristic images on the exterior of the car through outside LED screen panels, which are located on both the front and rear of the car. Blue2 also features a welcome system which recognizes the driver, while an automatic opening door system enhances the driver's convenience. Conventional side mirrors are replaced by side cameras and a roof camera, offering a state-of-the-art driving environment.

The exterior designs flow inside the vehicle, with asymmetrically-designed dashboards and doors to optimize a driver's convenience and add emotional value. Wider seats enable people to get in and out of the vehicle more comfortably.

Hyundai combined the cluster and center fascia, applying an advanced Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor and ultra-light tempered glass, called Gorilla® Glass, providing more accurate and vivid graphic information. The infotainment system is operated by a Motion Sensor Moustick, a haptic wheel and motion sensor that respond to the driver's touch and hand movements, respectively, giving drivers a new experience.

Blue2 aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe: A cluster ionizer freshens the air inside the vehicle, while antibacterial genuine leather with leaf-shaped patterns, called ‘eco-graphic perforation,' enhances an eco-friendly look and feel.

Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai also unveiled its first gasoline hybrid model, the Sonata Hybrid, to its home market. The Sonata Hybrid, which made its world debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, also encompasses Hyundai's new thinking, as Hyundai developed the world's first full parallel hybrid system and applied lithium-ion polymer batteries to a hard type hybrid model for the first time in the world.

Equipped with a Nu 2.0 Hybrid engine, a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission and a 30kW hard type hybrid electric motor, the Sonata hybrid delivers a peak output of 191ps (engine: 150ps, electric motor: 41ps) and the best fuel economy in its class at 21.0km/? (All specifications limited to the Korean market).

The Sonata Hybrid, which is based on Hyundai's best-selling mid-size sedan, differs from the gasoline model with its dynamic `hexagonal grille.' The vehicle also has an `Eco Guide Gauge' on its cluster to help drivers build more economical driving habits. The Sonata hybrid will go on a sale in the Korean market in the first half of this year.

i40, Curb, and In-Vehicle Technologies

Along with Blue2 and the Sonata hybrid, Hyundai introduced i40, a mid-size wagon exclusively developed for the European market, which made its world debut at Geneva in March. Hyundai also displayed Curb (codenamed HCD-12), a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) concept unveiled at Detroit in January. Curb, targeted at the next generation of Hyundai buyers, is also a test bed for future Hyundai in-vehicle connectivity technology.

In order to promote its advanced eco-friendly technologies, Hyundai built a ‘Blue Drive Zone' at its booth, which displays its first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV) BlueOn and its electric bicycle ECCOV. Hyundai's most advanced powertrain technology will also be on display - some for the first time - including its 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and 8-speed auto transmission, as well as its 1.6 Gamma Turbo GDi, Nu 2.0 GDi and Nu 2.0 CVVL (Continuously Variable Valve Lift) engines.

The ECCOV (Eco Community Vehicle), introduced at Geneva in March, boasts a maximum speed of 30 km/h and can travel as much as 50 km on a single charge in electric mode.

A total of five new future in-vehicle technologies introduced at the 2011 CES early this year were also on display: Smart Connectivity System, which allows drivers to connect their smart phones and tablet PCs with the vehicle; Motion Sensor Moustick, which recognizes the driver's hand movements through sensors to control the car's audio and navigation system; Dynamic Cluster, an LCD gauge and information system that is driver-customizable; Car Browser System and Web Platform, a fully functional Internet terminal; and Multifunctional Safety Vision System, a four-camera, 360-degree view around the vehicle.

Commercial Vehicles

Hyundai Motor set up a separate booth for its commercial vehicles under the concept of ‘Enjoyable Sensation Truck & Bus,' displaying three new models: The New Trago 27t Dump, Mega space-cab Tractor and the 2011MY Universe.

In order to promote its future eco-friendly technology, Hyundai's commercial vehicle booth also created a ‘Green zone,' showcasing its electric bus, diesel hybrid mega truck, hydrogen fuel cell bus cutaway and a new eco-friendly power system technology.

In particular, ‘Elec-City' is a zero-emission electric bus developed in-house. A test fleet of Elec-City will be operated in some metropolitan bus routes starting this year, while Hyundai plans to mass produce the buses starting in 2013. During the G20 Seoul Summit in 2010, Elec-City was used as the official shuttle bus for organizers and officials.

Equipped with three 100kW motors, Elec-City delivers a peak output which is equivalent to a combustion engine's 402ps and maximum speed of 100km/h. It can run 120 km on a single charge.

Hyundai also displayed two new commercial vehicle technologies: The Commercial Vehicle Telematics System, which collects real-time data from the vehicle to enable more efficient freight transportation management; and the 3.5t AMT system, which allows drivers to enjoy the convenience of an automatic transmission, with the fuel efficiency and power of a manual transmission.

New Thinking for Customers

Hyundai's new thinking could be seen in its booth layout and services, as well. By reversing the conventional thinking that motor shows are for cars, Hyundai brought a new concept that motor shows are for ‘visitors,' which means everything should be designed to maximize their enjoyable experience.

Hyundai's new booth enables visitors to comfortably view the cars, while the entire space on the second floor of the booth is used as a lounge where customers can relax and get a view of the whole booth. Hyundai is also providing FCEV shuttle bus services to and from the parking lot to the exhibition hall. Staff members at the booth will provide product information using tablet PCs.

As part of its efforts to evolve from simply an auto manufacturer that provides transportation to an automaker that creates an auto culture, Hyundai presented its virtual-driving Veloster game machine, as well as a 4D theater showing ‘Robocar POLI,' a 3D animation for children presented by Hyundai Motor, Roi Visual and EBS.

2011 Seoul Auto Show: Kia Naimo electric concept【Video】

The Kia Naimo Electric Concept car has just been unveiled at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in Korea.

The Naimo's name is derived from the Korean word 'Ne-mo' which means 'square shape'. And this is one concept which isn't running away from its boxy design. It features no B-pillar and rear-hinged doors.

Kia would not confirm any production plans for the car, saying in a statement that it "explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market."

With a 150kph (93.2mph) top speed, four-seat accommodation, and a high air pressure windscreen wiper system, with external rear view mirrors replaced by cameras, there is plenty of gadgetry to help reduce aerodynamic drag and improve performance.

Along with the 125 mile range (which would put the car ahead of the 100 mile per charge Nissan LEAF), Kia says the Naimo can be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity within 25 minutes using a 50kW quick charge, with a full-charge taking five and a half hours using a conventional outlet.

A twin-pack 27 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery, located under the boot floor, gives the vehicle a driving range of 200 km on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch alloy wheels.

Early Reveal for Corvette-Powered Spada Codatronca Monza Speedster

Thanks to these leaked photos, we won’t have to wait for the high-end Top Marques Monaco show in mid-April to get our first taste of the new Spada Codatronca Monza. Loosely based on the Spada Codatronca TS coupe that was revealed at the same show in 2008, the Monza is a hardcore speedster model aimed primarily for weekend track racers with a very fat bank account.

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Rumors: Kia to Reveal New Rio Sedan at New York

The word on the street is that Kia will lift the covers off a sedan version of its new Rio series in a world premiere at the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show in mid-April. The new generation of the Rio was recently unveiled in hatchback form at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.

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Toyota May See Production Diminished by 500,000 Cars because of the Earthquake

The shortage of parts and electricity problems in Japan in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake may delay the production of at least 500,000 Toyota vehicles, according to market research company Advanced Research Japan.

The world's largest carmaker may subsequently see its operating profit drop by at least 100 billion yen ($1.2 billion) in the 2010 fiscal year (ending March 31 2011) and up to 200 billion yen in the 2011 fiscal year. Auto analyst Koji Endo says any impact on production destined for export will affect earnings even more. “Hardly any cars will be built in April and a very low level of production will continue from May,” Endo was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

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Audi Teams up with Renovo Design to Create Wooden Frame Bicycles

Audi is joining a long line of car manufacturers that have reached out to bicycle specialists to create their own range of two wheelers. Being that the brand with the four rings is renowned for the use of aluminum in its cars, you’d expect Audi to employ the lightweight metal on its bicycle series. But that’s not the case as the Ingolstadt automaker teamed up with Renovo Design, a firm famous for its wooden frame bikes. Read more »

New Study Finds Women Comprise 38.5% of U.S. Auto Sales

Americans love their cars. Whether it’s a humble family wagon, a muscle car, a luxury sedan or even a minivan: there’s nothing Americans like better than the automobile. What’s that, you say? What about women car owners?

Unsurprisingly for a species with just two genders, half the world’s population is female. And as everyone these days has to own at least one car, automakers obviously spend a lot of money catering specifically to that section of the market.

In a new study by automotive industry analyst R. L. Polk, it was found that some 38.5% of the last four year’s light vehicle registrations were made by – you guessed it – women. In “not-white” households, it’s more like 40 to 45%. It might not seem like much,

So what are the nation’s womenfolk buying? Would you be surprised to learn that nearly half of all MINI sales (47.9%) went to the fairer sex? Okay, so that’s not too surprising, but how are top five market leaders doing? Well, scroll down to see for yourself:

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Five-Millionth Audi A4 Rolls off the Production Line in Inglostant

Audi's Ingolstadt plant produced on Wednesday the five-millionth A4 model, an Avant station wagon painted in Misano Red. The brand with the four rings started production of the A4 in Ingolstadt in 1994 and since 2007, it has also been building it at Neckarsulm. The A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, A4 allroad quattro, S4 Sedan and S4 Avant are manufactured in Ingolstadt, while the A4 Sedan is built in Neckarsulm in both plants. The A4 range takes up a high proportion of the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants' production capacity. Read more »

Find of the Day: Infiniti G35 Dressed Up as a Nissan GT-R

Usually, it’s Nissan owners that want to upgrade to a model from sister company Infiniti, but in this case, it’s the other way around. Found for sale in Quebec by Carscoop reader Caroline is this Nissan GT-R wannabe based on the Infiniti G35 Coupe. From what we can tell, the owner’s budget dried out after he or she finished the front end that now resembled the R35 with a bespoke grille and front bumper assembly. Read more »

VIDEO : Watch the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Apply for Jobs

What is the best way to promote a commercial van? Well, you can follow the classic way by showing off its qualities and advantages over the competition, but that lacks originality. On the other hand, a van that writes its own letters of application and sends them to 121 potential employers (i.e. big buyers of commercial vehicles) sounds a lot more creative.

And that’s exactly what a German marketing campaign for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is all about. Check it out in the video below, but don't try to do that to your Sprinter, it might lose its grip -literally...

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GM Reportedly Readying Buick Version of Opel Ampera

Sure, the Opel Ampera is nothing more than a Chevrolet Volt with some extremely mild cosmetic changes, but doppelgangers have always had a very special place in the wonderful world of General Motors. If Bloomberg’s inside sources are right, GM is currently looking into the development of a Buick-badged version of the plug-in hybrid Opel Ampera. According to people familiar with the project, the Buick model could go on sale in 2013, if the plans goes ahead.

Given that the styling changes over the Chevrolet Volt would be limited to a Buick-specific grille and bumper designs, one of the most significant problems GM faces is how to justify the car and its higher price tag which would be in excess of the Volt’s base MSRP of US$41,000 not including a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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Stunning Chevrolet Mi-ray Roadster Concept Premieres at Seoul Motor Show

GM's Korean subsidiary lifted the wraps off the Mi-ray hybrid roadster concept at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show today, as a tribute to Chevrolet's 100th anniversary this year. The aggressive-looking Mi-ray (which means “future” in Korean) was developed by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Seoul and pays homage to the bow-tie brand's sports car heritage.

The roadster uses styling cues from Chevy's 1963 Monza SS and the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder, but also from aircrafts, with its aerodynamic fuselage being reminiscent of modern jet fighters. Elements like the scissor-doors, the pronounced wheel-arches and the sharp front bumper add further drama to the Mi-ray's appearance.

The car's bodywork is made of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics, while the turbine-shaped wheels (20-inch front/21-inch rear) are made of aluminum-carbon fiber composite.

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Heico Sportiv Redoes the Volvo XC90 SUV, Launches New Styling Package

Seeing that Volvo will be holding on to the XC90, which has been in production since 2002, for a few more years, tuning firm Heico Sportiv decided to update its styling offerings for the crossover model.

The newly developed bodykit is made from PUR-R-RIM plastic and consists of six parts. These include new front apron that replaces the series-produced central and side panels and has a stainless steel stay located in front of the cooling air outlet, side skirts that are mounted on top of the original parts and a new rear apron that accommodates the four-pipe sports exhaust system with oval chrome end tips.

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Kia Unveils Naimo EV Concept at Seoul Motor Show

Making its world premiere today at the at the Seoul Motor Show, is Kia’s Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV), a B-segment sized concept car that will serve as a test-bed for the company's EV technology. Penned by Kia's international design team in Seoul, the car takes its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, which is pronounced ‘Neh-mo’ and means ‘square shape.

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Anderson Germany Treats the Ferrari GTB Fiorano with Subtle Power and Styling Upgrades

There’s so much you can do to improve a supercar like the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, but tuning specialist Anderson Germany believes it has some goods to offer with its new program for the Italian model.

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New Hyundai Blue2 Fuel Cell Concept Debuts at Seoul Motor Show

The 2011 Seoul Motor Show that runs in South Korea from March 31 to April 10 plays host to the world premiere of the all-new Hyundai Blue2 concept study. The name ‘Blue2’, which is read ‘Blue square’, is a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive’ and the number `2’ from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Codenamed HND-6, the prototype is Hyundai’s first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). The four-door saloon is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW or 121HP and fuel economy of 34.9km/ℓ (of hydrogen, of course), which is equal to 82mpg US and 2.9lt/100km. The concept is also equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance.

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Buick Envision Concept SUV Heads to Shanghai Auto Show

A new Buick concept model called the Envision will make its global debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18. Jointly developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the Envision is a crossover model designed for the Chinese market, although the company points out the vehicle incorporates Buick's "dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable" styling language.

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Chevrolet Teases All-New Global Malibu Sedan, will be Sold in Nearly 100 Countries [with Video]

This is the first official photo of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu show car that will debut simultaneously at the Shanghai Auto Show in China and the New York International Auto Show in mid-April. And if you’re wondering why GM made plans to show it in China, that’s because unlike the current model that’s offered only in North America, the new Malibu will be a global vehicle that will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and built in multiple locations, including China and two facilities in the United States.

“This Malibu takes Chevrolet’s established and award-winning nameplate to new places and introduces it to new audiences around the world,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet. “Whether the Malibu is sold in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, or Australia, it has been engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of customers around the world.”

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Two Years the Wiser: Marouane Bembli Retackles his Audi R10 Design Study

Back in November of 2009, then 23yo Swedish industrial design student Marouane Bembli brought us an impressive design study for a proposed halo model for Audi to sit above the R8. With its sharp lines, centralized cockpit and Rolls-Royce Phantom rivalling proportions, the R10 was a pretty if unlikely proposal for a next generation Audi supercar.

Now, two years older and presumably a little wiser, Bembli has once again tackled the R10 in what I call the R10 v2.0. Though the concept of a low roofed, widebody coupe with a mid-mounted V10 remains the same, Bembli’s new-for-2011 R10 features a more aggressive front-end treatment, larger rear view mirrors and cabin windows and the addition of fighter jet-inspire side intakes.

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A Quick History of the BMW 3-Series, from 1975 to Today

In 1975, BMW launched the 3-Series as a successor to the 02 series and essentially established the premium compact car segment. The company went on to produce five generation of the 3-Series selling more than 12 million cars worldwide. Even though it changed considerably from one generation to another, the 3-Series kept its core characteristics: a compact body with a classic design, rear-wheel drive, sporty handling characteristics and potent engines.

Launched initially as a two-door coupe, the 3-Series gained throughout the years new body variants such as the sedan, station wagon, coupe, convertible and even a three-door hatchback model (Compact). Scroll down to read a brief history on each generation.

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Saab Temporarily Halts Production After Suppliers Suspend Parts for Not Being Paid

In a sign of the possible problems brewing up at Saab, the Swedish firm was forced to temporarily halt production for a few hours at its plant on Tuesday as well as on Wednesday after component makers cut off deliveries to the factory because they hadn’t been paid.

“Certain suppliers halted supplies to Saab Automobile pending discussions about payments and supply terms,” Spyker said in a statement on Wednesday. “Saab Automobile expects to resolve these issues in the short term, also to prevent any further disruptions in supply. Saab Automobile has sufficient means to meet its immediate liquidity needs from existing and available sources,” the company added.

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Lexus Owner Recreates Epic LS400 “Champagne Glass” Ad from the 1980s

In one of the cleverest ads from the 1980s, Lexus stacked fifteen champagne glasses on the hood of its (then new) LS400 sedan...and then placed it on a dynamometer. Taking the LS400 up to a simulated 145 mph (233 km/h), the viewer marvels as the glasses remain exactly where they should be. The ad ends with the Lexus logo and the words, “The Lexus LS400 is designed to stir the soul...and not much else.”

It’s a great bit of advertising and holds up pretty well even today. There is one question that many would-be Lexus owners may be asking themselves today: are the cars still as good as they were back then? Has engineering perfection über alles survived twenty years of market reinvention and product development?

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Toyota, PSA and BMW Closest to Achieving EU’s New CO2 Targets

Toyota, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and BMW are the carmakers closest to reaching their CO2 targets next year, according to a report by market research firm JATO Dynamics. The targets are imposed by the European Union, whose objective for 2015 is to enforce a fleet average CO2 level of 130 g/km for manufacturers selling cars in Europe.

In order to reach that objective, CO2 targets are lowered progressively each year. In 2009 the average was 145.9 g/km and in 2010 it went down to 140.9 g/km. Emissions regulations will be imposed starting next year, with significant fines to be enforced to automakers that will not comply with the new emissions limits.

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Report: Zagato Rumored to Build Alfa Romeo TZ4 Stradale Based on Dodge Viper V10

A little less than a year ago, famed Italian coachbuilder Zagato celebrated Alfa Romeo’s centenary with the reveal of the TZ3 Corsa at the Villa D'Este Concours. Based on the hardware of the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione, the TZ3 Corsa paid homage to its TZ predecessors. It was built as a one-off for a wealthy German collector named Martin Kapp.

In December of the same year, Zagato sent out a holiday card featuring the older TZ1 and TZ2 alongside the latest TZ3 and one more unnamed fourth model wrapped in a bow, hinting at a new TZ4. Fast forward to today, and German car magazine Autobild is reporting that the Italian coachbuilder is indeed planning a fourth TZ model, which could carry the TZ4 Stradale nameplate.

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Former F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen Moving to NASCAR Truck Series

Kimi Raikkonen surprised the motorsport world this week by announcing he will switch to NASCAR this year. The 2007 Formula 1 champion will start racing with a new team called ICE1 in the Truck series and will later move to the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series. Most likely, the team will be supported by Raikkonen himself, whose current WRC team is called ICE1 as well and is backed by the driver and sponsors from Finland.

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VÄTH Turns up the Wick on the Mercedes-Benz CL500 Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz CL500 [C216] coupe is the latest car to drop into the hands of German tuning firm VÄTH. The company starts by squeezing more power out of the 5.5-liter V8 engine through the use of sport camshafts, custom stainless steel sport catalysts and air filters. Output is lifted from 388HP to 460HP and 600Nm, while VÄTH also removes the speed limiter allowing the modified CL500 to reach a top speed of 290km/h or 180mph. Read more »

Tesla Sues the BBC and Top Gear for Libel Against the Roadster

Tesla Motors announced yesterday that it has sued BBC's Top Gear TV show for “libel and malicious falsehood.” The American automaker’s action refers to a Top Gear episode aired on December 14 2008, when Jeremy Clarkson tested the Tesla Roadster.

According to Tesla, the show “contained lies and misinformation about the Roadster's performance, behavior and reliability.” Tesla Motors considers the breakdowns of the Roadster that allegedly occurred during the Top Gear episode were “staged” and that the statements made during the show are untrue.

More specifically, Tesla claims Top Gear misrepresented that:

1. The Roadster ran out of charge and had to be pushed into the Top Gear hangar by 4 men.
2. The Roadster’s true range is only 55 miles per charge (not 211).
3. One Roadster’s motor overheated and was completely immobilized as a result.
4. The other Roadster’s brakes were broken, rendering the car undriveable.
5. That neither of the two Roadsters provided to Top Gear was available for test driving due to these problems.

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2012 Jaguar XF Facelift with New 2.2-Liter Turbo Diesel to Debut in New York Auto Show

Undeniably, the XF is one of the most important models in Jaguar’s recent history, as it turned a new design page for the British carmaker at a time the company changed ownership, from Ford to India’s Tata Motors. Now, three years after its market launch in 2008 following a debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar is preparing a facelift version of the XF that will receive its world premiere at next month’s New York Auto Show.

The facelift model will receive a makeover that includes a new front fascia with new lights, a redesigned front grille and reshaped bumper, which oddly enough, bring it closer to the original C-XF Concept that previewed the car. The XF will also benefit from tweaks to the interior and the overall quality, the introduction of new tech systems and an upgraded suspension for improved ride and handling.

Perhaps the biggest news for buyers across the pond is the introduction of a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The oil-burner is a development of the Ford unit found in the Land Rover Freelander and the European-market Ford Mondeo, however, given that the XF is rear wheel drive, it sits in a north-south configuration so Jaguar had to make several changes to the engine.

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New Porsche Panamera Turbo S Comes with Uprated 550HP V8

Porsche officially lifted the veils off the most powerful and fastest version of the Panamera to date, the new Turbo S. The latest addition to the sports saloon’s range features an uprated version of the standard Turbo model’s 4.8-liter force-fed V8 engine with improved turbochargers boasting titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and modified engine control management.

These changes boost output by 50HP to 550HP and peak torque from 700 to 750 Nm (553 lb-ft), while in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” mode of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo (as well as during kick-down in normal mode) the eight cylinder engine delivers 800Nm (590 lb-ft) courtesy of the over-boost function.

When using the Launch Control function, the Panamera Turbo S completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds [0-60mph in 3.6 seconds], and can reach a top speed of 191 mph (307km/h). In comparison, the standard Panamera Turbo needs 4.2 seconds and can go up to 303km/h (188mph).

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Chevrolet Miray Concept Unveiled In Korea

The GM Korea births revealed the Chevrolet Miray (pronounced Mi-ray) concept at the latest 2011 Seoul Motor demo – a mid-electric hybrid-powered boasts example.

The concept's powertrain consists of two front-mounted electric motors, each producing 15 kW (20 bhp / 20 PS) of power for the front axle, coupled with a 1.5 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit mounted mid-rear which drives the back wheels. Current for the electric motors comes from a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is recharged through regenerative braking.

Styling elements include a new interpretation of the Chevy dual-port grille, scissor doors, LED headlamps, and what the designers call Corvette front and rear fenders. Jet aircraft are also cited as inspirations. Aluminum wheels are 21 inches in diameter at the rear, 20 inches in front.

The Miray is capable of running on electric power alone and the petrol engine kicks in with his gearbox with double clutch change faster when extra power is needed. Chevrolet did not provide performance numbers, or range for the concept.

FatChance 2.0: The Very First Customized 2011 Chrysler 300 [with Videos]

The original Chrysler 300 is perhaps one of the most popular cars in the tuning industry here in the States, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Detroit automaker is using the car’s successor to tap into the custom scene.

The very first customized 2011MY Chrysler 300 is called the Fatchance 2.0 and it made its debut alongside the firm’s “S” concept cars at this past weekend’s Annual Spring Festival of LXs in California (see here). The low-rider 300 was crafted by John Fortuno aka Fatchance, who apparently caught the attention of Chrysler with his first generation 300-based FatChance 1.0.

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CSR Volkswagen Scirocco

CSR Automotive, a German aftermarket specialists, releases their Volkswagen Scirocco upgrade program. The car comes with a turbocharged engine and a custom body kit that includes a single frame grille, new side sills, a rear apron styled by O-Line-Design, upper and lower rear wings, headlight trims and a stainless steel dual tailpipe exhaust system.

The CSR Volkswagen Scirocco comes with a partial, carbon-look foil, and packed the striking new alloys Schmidt Revolution, which measure 20 inches size, Toyo tires (235/30 ZR20 285/25 ZR20 front and rear) and € 3400 .




Press Release

SUCCESSFUL RESUSCITATION by CSR Automotive

After several years of hesitation, VW - not least because of pressure from the customers - has won through to reanimation of its warm Mediterranean wind Scirocco. Good news, because many professional tuners have in the meantime put into action their version of a still further perfected Scirocco. Thus, the company CSR Automotive from Nurnberg is in a good company, but it presents a stunning version of the Mediterranean wind that has no parallels.

Originally from the 2009, Scirocco III was equipped with a turbocharged engine with an in-house body kit consisting of a single-frame front grille, side skirts and a rear apron from the O-Line-Design, the upper and lower rear wings, "bad-look" headlight trims and a stainless steel rear silencer with suitable outlets.

The obvious effect is also provided by a partial foil design in carbon-look.

The alpha and omega of any redevelopment continues to be a successful tire / wheel combination that can never be spectacular enough. And now - once again - Schmidt Revolution (www.FELGE.de) from Bad Segeberg comes into play. Thanks to its rims Cirrus with carbon-look parts (wheel assembly costs 3400 euro) in the dimensions of 8.5x20" with 235/30 ZR20 tires from Toyo at the front or 10.5x20" with 285/25 ZR20 - at the rear axles, Schmidt comes near to the ideal of "perfect footwear" for the Scirocco.

There is only the pious hope to sit in the sports chair and go on. That is quite feasible ...

Heico Sportiv Volvo XC90

Heico new kit for the XC90 is purely aesthetic at the moment but in the near future they could be a power / performance upgrade. Heico’s bodykit for the Volvo XC90 has a new front bumper replaced with a stainless steel stays, the mass of central and lateral parts produced. The Heico Volvo XC90 also comes with new side sills, in the workshops and a new rear apron with integrated parking sensors.

According to Heico Sportiv's CEO Holger Hedtke, "Our new bodykit intends to give dealerships an attractive opportunity to offer additional buying incentives. Around the globe, the Volvo XC90 has an unwavering fan club that will certainly applaud the modern, self-assured design from Heico Sportiv.

The Heico Sportiv exterior kit can be fitted to all Volvo XC90s produced from 2007 onwards. The package will be available for purchase starting from May. Before the pack arrives, we’re inviting you to enjoy the gallery below, which also includes imaged from its development phase.




Press Release

Volvo XC90 reloaded

Due to its continued success, Volvo will be retaining the XC90 in its production program. HEICO SPORTIV is revitalizing the SUV's design and is now presenting an entirely new bodykit.

"There's life in the old dog yet!" could be the caption beneath the current Volvo XC90, considering the model has been on the market since 2003. Given the constant level of demand for this vehicle, however, Volvo has chosen to continue producing the Sweden SUV until model year 2014.


HEICO SPORTIV saw this as an advantageous opening and seized the opportunity to take an extremely novel step: the development of an entirely new bodykit. "Our new bodykit intends to give dealerships an attractive opportunity to offer additional buying incentives," explains HEICO SPORTIV CEO, Holger Hedtke, adding: "Around the globe, the Volvo XC90 has an unwavering fan club that will certainly applaud the modern, self-assured design from HEICO SPORTIV."

Complete and perfectly integrated.
The Volvo XC90 by HEICO SPORTIV has a perfectly integrated design. The six-part bodykit picks up on the current Volvo XC60's dynamic use of forms, fitting like a custom-made suit. The one-piece front skirt replaces the series-produced central and side panels and has a stainless steel stay located in front of the cooling air outlet. The side skirts are mounted on top of the original parts, with the rear skirt fully replacing the standard one. And - typical for HEICO SPORTIV - the rear skirt accommodates the four-pipe exhaust system with oval chrome end tips which can be extended optionally with a stainless steel inlay.

All plastic parts are produced from high quality PUR-R-RIM and are easy to fit. The HEICO SPORTIV Bodykit will be available from May 2011 for the XC90 from model year 2007 onwards and can be delivered for all engine versions.