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Video: V10-Powered Audi R8 Spotted

2008-05-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

The R8 in this video clearly isn't the V8 motor. The Gallardo/RS6 V10 howls as the driver accelerates down the road. Is this the production-ready V10 R8 model we've been waiting for?

Ferrari California Revealed; Versatile & Innovation-packed GT

2008-05-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT

The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a 'flat' crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.Source - Ferrari

Comparison: Which Exotic Produces The Best Sound?

2008-05-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

We love each and every one of these cars. However, there can only be 3 chosen out of this very elite group that we have put together. Watch the videos and you decide which is sound suits your taste. Below is our top 3:

1) Porsche Carrera GT
2) Pagani Zonda F
3) Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Reasons for each
1) The Porsche brings a totally different sound to the table. We don't expect that coming from a Porsche as the Cayman's & 911's tend to sound a lot more tame than othere supercars out there (such as Ferrari and Lamborghini)

2) Pagani's are the true definition of exotic supercars. None is like it in the world and with it's Mercedes-Benz engine powering the car the sound it produces sounds like no Mercedes Benz we've ever seen or heard.

3) The V8 Vantage has a true sound of a muscular V8 engine. It's the least powerful in the group but sounds more raw than the rest that weren't chosen.

It was a tough decision but this is our verdict. Whats YOURS?

Lamborghini Murcielago LP460

Mercedes McLaren SLR

Porsche Carrera GT

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Pagani Zonda F

Ferrari F430

What Is The Most Prestigious Brand?

2008-05-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is a touchy subject among car enthusiasts but we felt that we might as well bring it up since it always brings a lot of sub-topics to the table, and rightfully so.

From Ultra-luxury brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Maybach to premium-luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, & Mercedes to modest luxury brands such as Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti, & Lexus all of these have the right to be prestigious in their own rights.

We randomly asked 30 people on the street to do a survey and that is why we have a 3 tier grouping system. It came to our surprise that Lexus wasn't mentioned in the same sentence as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, & Mercedes because they are such a powerhouse here in North America. However, that doesn't mean Lexus isn't prestigious.

Tier 1
Rolls Royce: beautifully sculpted body and ultra luxury amenities make this car one of the most desired barges to get around in. The perfect car for the ultra wealthy.

Bentley: they differs than the Rolls Royce in the type of consumers they attract. Rolls Royce is old money whereas Bentley owners seem to be born after the baby boomers. Cars like the Bentley GT coupe really gave the company new life.

Maybach: it's been called the private jet on wheels to other names like it. It's as luxurious as the two automakers just mentioned. It has even more amenities than it's competition and more room in the back seat. It's for the elite who don't want flash like a Rolls Royce but yet still desire the pampering cushioned ride of a Rolls Royce.

Tier 2
Audi: as VW's luxury division, Audi has become very well respected world wide. It's contemporary and modest design philosophy really grabs the attention of the buyers who want a fine built German saloon without the glitter and flash of a Mercedes-Benz.

BMW: the "Ultimate Driving Machine" as they call it and rightfully so. The 3-series BMW saloon and coupe have been the benchmark in it's segment for years for handling and comfort all in one package. It's definitely more sporty than an Audi or a Mercedes but it caters to those who want luxury but also those who love to drive.

Jaguar: It's safe to say people who buy Jaguar are those who look for traditional British luxury. It's the next best thing next to Rolls Royce and Bentley (even though they are owned by Germans). Jaguar new XF models differs from traditional Jaguar so perhaps that may draw interest from consumers who typically turn to Mercedes as the luxury brand to own. They are very prestigious (especially the high end XJ's)

Mercedes: Not much mentioning is needed for this marque brand. It's been the definition of luxury in a global scale for any person looking for a luxury car. Their innovative technology has benchmarked themselves as the most recognized brand in the world. They cater more to luxury seekers than consumers looking for a sporty ride. Mind you they have a great AMG division which makes adrenaline pumping, gas guzzling, acceleration a must-have.

Tier 3

Acura: some call them overpriced Honda's but in reality they differ much from the parent company. We find that Acura's have more care put into their fine finishing. Acura's proposition seems to be more solid than their Honda counterparts. We feel that they are the most understated and under-rated luxury brand in North America. They bring well equipped and well priced luxury vehicles to the table which is a great alternative to the slightly more expensive Infiniti's & various Lexus models. As for it's prestige it lacks the luster of even a Lexus but does its job well and based from our studies, their customers are taken care of very well.

Cadillac: the only American luxury brand maker that made our list. They make heavy comfortable cars and is the best domestic luxury brand in North America. They put Chrysler and Lincoln to shame. Their levels of quality is considered high compared to Chrysler's cheap plastic and Lincoln's inability to keep their door sills lined up with the set on the rear door. Cadillac has prestige and in country's such as China and among others in Asia, they are perceived as very respectable cars. In a world where there are many millionaires and billionaires these cars are a favorite.

Infiniti: has made themselves known for performance luxury vehicles. Their level of prestige is no where close to a Lexus but in our opinion their at the same level until you reach past the M35/M45 price range. They are probably the closest competitor to Acura since both brands don't exactly have a "flagship" vehicle. Not yet at least. So does this Infiniti brand have any prestige? of course! otherwise they wouldn't be considered a luxury brand. They just don't have the reputation of a Lexus. Not yet...

Lexus: has hired the best of the best marketers to promote their brand. They have separated themselves from their Japanese rivals enough that they can contend with the European brands. Some call them glorified Toyota's or expensive Toyota's. In fact, they do share similar components to this day despite them claiming their completely separate entities. Their marketers have built an image for their brand of cars to a level of prestige that their Japanese rivals only wish they could have.

Porsche Denies US Cayenne Production

2008-05-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

source: auto news
Porsche says it does not need to build Cayenne SUV in North America and has no plans to do so. German business newspaper Handelsblatt said the Cayenne could be built in a new United States Volkswagen plant. U.S production of the luxury sport utility vehicle would offset the affects of the weak dollar. However, Porsche spokesperson Albrecht Bamler responded by saying it wouldn't make any sense in building the Cayenne in the U.S. because the supppliers that provide components for the SUV are in Europe.

Bamler said Porsche is protected against the financial effects of the weak dollar through currency hedging until 2013.

For those are curious, Volkswagen welds the bodies in its Bratislava, Slovakia, plant alongside the VW Toaureg and Audi Q7. Cayenne bodies are then shipped to Porsche's Leipzig, Germany, plant for final assembly and inspection. In related news, Handelsblatt is reporting that the next generation Cayenne could be built in VW's new U.S. plant after 2015. However, Bamler said the launch of the next Cayenne was too far in the future to comment on.

VW's new U.S. plant will set to open in 2010 and build 100,000 to 150,000 vehicles annually with a maximum capacity of 250,000 vehicles.

Porsche owns 31 percent of VW and plans to increase its stake to more than 50 percent in the next six months.

What Justifies An Acura Over A Honda

2007-08-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Now we haven't had any new articles since June 26 but we are back with many topics and comparisons in mind.

Lets get this started. Our topic today is for you consumers out there who are in the market for economy class vehicles.

Autospies.com recently posted the comparison between the Camry and the latest redesign for Honda's Accord Sedan/Coupe. We looked at the interior and the quality of interior for a high-end Honda(Accord lineup) and the Acura vehicles out in the market today. We can't find a strikingly different interior feel between the Honda Accord and the Acura TL.

Now this is a topic you guys can think about and debate about because seriously if you are getting the same type of interior and same comfort for thousands less then why even consider Acura? For the name? for the image? sure Acura is a well respected brand for making decent luxury cars that aren't too shabby on the reliability end of things.

Would you say they are glorified Honda's? In essence they are but we'll leave that to you to judge.

Top 5 best sports car between the $100K-$200K price bracket

2007-06-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

In today's world of cars the industry is saturated with many companies who produce many sports cars. Some are beautifully sculpted but handles poorly. Some look poorly but handles superb. The best sports cars between the $100,000-$200,000 price range are as follows.

1) Mercedes SL55 & SL65
- A great blend of satisfying performance and top notch luxury. Not the lightest car in the bunch but still a classy car which can still pack a deadly punch.

2) Aston Martin DB9
- Beautifully designed British Sports Car that blends thrilling performance with a hint of luxury. An overall fun driving car.

3) Ferrari F430
- A brilliant model from Ferrari. Great handling, great performance, and an unmistakable note produced by the Ferrari V8 engine.

4) Audi R8
- The most anticipated upcoming sports car from Audi. From what we see it has great potential against its rivals. With its price it will definitely be a bargain. You pay much less but still you get a mid-engined sports car.

5) Porsche 911
- Great driving dynamics, great weight transfer, and outstanding engineering that has made Porsche one of the best sports car makers ever created. With the smallest engine in its class it still manages to surprise all the V8's and even V12's out there.

Mini Clubman

2007-06-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

(source:motorauthority) New images of the Mini Clubman have turned up, with the car captured by spy photographers without any disguise as it was being filmed for a commercial. The images reveal that the Clubman will have a split-opening tailgate, a single suicide-style rear door on the passenger side only, and a corresponding stretched window on the driver’s side.

Other features new to the range include plastic moulding that surrounds the taillights, matched with the same color as the roof, plus the double exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper and the stretched glass sunroof. Optional extras include ski-racks, and a new roof mounted storage bin.

We’ll have to wait until the official reveal next month to get a look at the Clubman’s interior, and interested buyers will have to wait until the car makes its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. In the meantime, head over to km77 for several other shots of the new Clubman on the road.

BMW 1 Series Receives A 2.0 Liter 4 Cylinder Twin Turbo Diesel Engine

2007-06-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

BMW is announcing a lot of ’green’ news today for its model lineup. The 2008 BMW lineup will now have 22 models that achieve over 48mpg while emitting 140g/km or less of CO2 as well as increased performance. As we just reported earlier, the BMW 6-Series will get a powerful diesel-powered 635d. BMW also announced the new 123d for its 1-series range.

The BMW 123d is powered by a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine that produces an outstanding 201 horsepower. That gives the BMW 123d the ability to do 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds with a fuel-economy of 54.3mpg.

Available in 3 and 5 door variants, the123d is fitted with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics system that includes the stop-start function and brake energy regeneration.

Pricing for the new models will be revealed in September near the sale date.

BMW 6 series Receives A Twin Turbo Diesel Engine Producing 282HP

2007-06-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

(Source: AutoCar)BMW has announced a powerful diesel-powered 6-Series called the 635d. The car is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 282 horsepower giving it the ability to do 0-62 in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The best part is that the BMW 635d will get an average fuel economy of 40 mpg. As a part of BMW EfficientDynamics program, the entire 6-Series range will be getting a makeover with more equipment and more technology. BMW also plans on introducing regenerative brake technology and a more efficient engine for the 630i.

According to BMW, fuel economy will be increased by 15 percent in the 630i and by 5 percent in the 4.8 liter 650i.

The BMW 635d comes with a six-speed gear box as standard, as well as wheel-mounted paddles for manual changes.

Jaguar Introduces an XK model with a smaller powerplant

2007-06-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Jaguar has announced a limited edition less powerful Jaguar XK. Limited to only 200 copies the car will have a 3.5 liter V8 engine and will cost less at 77,900 euros ($104,898). The original 2008 Jaguar XK costs around 89,230 euros ($120,139).

The smaller 3.5 liter V8 engine XK produces 285 horsepower giving it the ability to do 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 157 mph.

Lamborghini Gallardo fitted with a V8 engine

2007-06-20T01:29:00.000-07:00

There are rumors floating around that the people at Lamborghini is putting together a Gallardo variant power planted by a V8, the same high-revving 420 hp V8 4.2FSI from the Audi RS4. This will bring the Gallardo down in price a little. WCF's spies have said that the V8 is much quieter than the screaming V10.

Video: VW Golf GTI W12 - The sound is amazing

2007-06-20T01:23:00.000-07:00

The sound that this engine produces from a GTI is simply amazing. It sounds a lot bigger than it really is.

Volkswagen GTI W12 in action

2007-06-20T01:19:00.000-07:00

The Golf GTI W12 in action. It sounds really aggressive and really means business. The numbers are staggering with a 0-62mph time of 3.7 sec and a top speed of 323 km/h (201 mph).

BMW 7 Series: caught testing at the Nurburgring Track

2007-06-20T01:09:00.000-07:00

The new BMW 7 series photos captured during testing at the Nurburgring track.

Comparo T1: The Latest 200-mph Supercar

2007-06-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

First, the Caparo T1 offers 575 horsepower and weighs 1,213 pounds. This represents a power-to-weight ratio that's twice as good as the $1 million Bugatti Veyron. From a standing start, the Caparo T1 is expected to sprint to 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds and reach 100 mph in less than 5 seconds. It will cost $378,000.

This is, of course, not the first time an unknown company has made outrageous claims for its new supercar. Most such projects end in abject failure quickly followed by financial ruin, but there are at least three good reasons why the Caparo T1 might be different.

First, Caparo is a significant player in the manufacture of both steel and vehicle components (largely in India), and it has yearly revenues of more than $1.3 billion. Second, the T1 is the brainchild of Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead, engineers already known for their work on the 1994 McLaren F1 supercar. And third, we've had a ride in the Caparo T1 at the famed Goodwood Motor Circuit in Britain.

The Inspiration
"I have no desire to be the next Enzo Ferrari," says Angad Paul, the 37-year-old CEO of Caparo. "The T1 is a showcase, a marketing tool for the brand. It allows us to develop our know-how and demonstrate our technical prowess. This will help us to sell more components."

Although Paul says he enjoys vehicles and owns a couple of Ferraris, he is not building the T1 for the sake of vanity. Faced with a desire to expand his steel business into composites production, Paul happened upon the opportunity to build a supercar as a way to demonstrate his company's skills.

The project actually started in 2005, when Scott-Geddes and Halstead started up Freestream, a company that would build the T1, very much like the car you see here only powered by a 2.4-liter V8 derived from a Formula 1 design. It quickly became the automotive answer to Paris Hilton in British car magazines, its colorful image splashed across pages of the usual hype and speculation. Freestream was acquired by Caparo in March 2006 and then the Caparo T1 officially debuted at an exotic car show in Monaco in April 2006.

The Concept
Although Scott-Geddes and Halstead helped develop both the F1 and the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR while working for McLaren Group (well-known for its involvement in Formula 1 racing), they decided from the outset that the T1 should be a very different kind of car. "No one can knock the Bugatti Veyron; it's a fantastic car," says Scott-Geddes. "But it cost billions of [dollars] to develop and VW loses money on every one it sells. I can't see anyone doing another." Instead, he believes the established makers of supercars will become victims of their success, forced to focus on practicality, quality and safety, leaving specialty companies such as Caparo to pursue ultimate performance.

While the McLaren F1 had been designed as a road car that could prove equally adept on the racetrack, the Caparo is a road-legal track car. The T1 has been designed so you will be able to drive your car to a track day, complete 50 laps and then drive it home again — in theory, at least.

"This is an odd project," admits Scott-Geddes. "It is not really like a road car and it's not really like a racecar." He admits that the T1 would fall afoul of most racecar regulations. "To get the maximum performance from as little mass as possible, we basically cheat — we don't have to contend with any of the restrictions facing normal racecar design. You could enter the car into an open formula race, but you'd be so fast that you'd piss off everybody else."

The Car
The T1 is reminiscent of a prototype sports car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a hand-built, midengine, rear-wheel-drive racing car wearing 200-mph clothes. A racing-style monocoque made from carbon fiber and aluminium honeycomb forms the basic structure of the car and encloses a narrow, two-passenger cockpit. A dedicated impact-absorbing crash structure of carbon composite is attached to the front of the monocque, while a tubular spaceframe at the rear carries the engine and transaxle.

Just as with a racing car, the double-wishbone suspension at each corner is fully adjustable, with five-way adjustable dampers and cockpit-adjustable antiroll bars. Track-day enthusiasts will also be able to fiddle with the aerodynamics, including the angle of the sizable rear wing. Just like a racing car, the T1's ride height and rake are crucial for aerodynamic downforce, and the car is designed to afford just 2.8 inches of ground clearance on the track.

The T1's wheelbase measures 114.2 inches while the overall length is 160.1 inches and the overall width is 75.1 inches. The tip of the air inlet for the engine is just 42.3 inches off the ground.

The Caparo T1's engine comes from Menard, a DOHC 3.5-liter V8 that began life as a Nissan-designed unit for IRL Indycar racing. It's calibrated to produce 575 hp at 10,500 rpm with 310 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm.

The racing industry also supplies the T1's gearbox, just as it does many of the car's components. It's a Hewland-designed, non-synchromesh sequential-shift six-speed transmission that's operated pneumatically by shift paddles on the steering wheel. A limited-slip differential is fitted and the production car will feature driver-adjustable electronic traction and launch control.

Taking a Ride
Caparo is adamant that nobody outside the company will drive the T1 before it is finally in production. Instead, we were able to clamber into the passenger seat of a prototype for two laps around the Goodwood Motor Circuit.

We take our spot in the passenger seat, just beside and a bit behind the driver, and adopt a reclined posture. It helps to have slim hips to squirm into the seat bucket, but it isn't half as uncomfortable as it looks, and this 6-foot-3 passenger had no trouble finding room. Production cockpits will come dressed in either leather or suedelike upholstery, but the interior is distinctly businesslike, not luxurious. A canopy will be offered for wet weather protection, although Scott-Geddes admits that it gets uncomfortably hot inside the car when the canopy is in place.

Noise restrictions at the Goodwood circuit imposed a limit of 7,000 rpm on this largely unmuffled T1 prototype, which is right at the bottom of the engine's power band.

Caparo is claiming that a T1 fitted with slick-tread racing tires will exceed 3gs of both cornering grip and braking force. We'll have to reserve judgment on that until we've driven the Caparo ourselves, but this taste of the prototype proves that the T1 feels more like a single-seat racecar than a conventional road-going supercar. The engine noise is angry rather than cultured and the gearshift action feels as rapid as anything we've experienced.

If you want to get the most from the Caparo T1, you'll have to have more than a little driving skill, and some courage besides.

Is This a Real Car?
Scott-Geddes admits that he's surprised that more than 50 percent of customer inquiries have come from the U.S. Chad Mann, the president of Mann Motor Company, has been appointed to import and distribute the car in America, but it remains unclear as to whether the car can be made street legal.

Scott-Geddes also admits that his team at Caparo still faces a challenge in making the car reliable. Both the T1 prototypes at Goodwood suffered a series of problems during the day, and the event had to be cut short. Customers in this price bracket will not enjoy the prospect of racecar fragility, even if racecar performance is the reward.

What times we live in that so many people are building cars like this.

BMW Hydrogen 7 In London To Raise Awareness

2007-06-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

The ground-breaking BMW Hydrogen 7 car was presented to Deputy Mayor of London and London Hydrogen Partnership Chair, Nicky Gavron, at City Hall yesterday to raise awareness of hydrogen as an alternative energy source for tomorrow's consumers.

BMW's Head of Government and Industrial Affairs, John Hollis, handed over the BMW Hydrogen 7 for the use of the Deputy Mayor. The car is part of BMW's initiative to encourage debate around the role of hydrogen in the economy. For the next two months, cars will be evaluated in the UK by business leaders and opinion formers.

John Hollis said: "BMW is a pioneer in the development and use of hydrogen as a fuel source and shares the vision of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor that London should be one of the world centers for Hydrogen. In recognition of the work the Mayor's Office has done in this field, BMW would like it to be the first public organization in the country to have the use of a Hydrogen 7 car."

The BMW Hydrogen 7 is based on the existing 7 Series and comes equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running on hydrogen or petrol. In hydrogen mode the car emits nothing more than water vapor. Powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 143mph top speed.

100 Hydrogen 7 cars have been built for worldwide evaluation with six cars in the UK over the summer.

BMW is attempting to make an impact in the UK as well as the rest of the world with this alternative source. They are directly going head to head against the hybrid formula as well as diesel technology. Hydrogen sounds like a great concept but our main question is will it be able to get off its feet and really become something more than just an idea.

Jeremy Clarkson's Look At The History Of The Japanese Automotive Industry

2007-06-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 videos showing the history of Japanese Cars. Jeremy Clarkson also pointed out how the Japanese used ideas from Europe to enhance their vehicles styling. It is a true statement but we must remember that people from both Japan and Europe paved the road to where we are at now in automotive engineering.

Scott Speed the only F1 Driver carrying the American Colors

2007-06-17T03:32:00.000-07:00

(Associated Press)

Scott Speed, the only Formula One driver carrying the American colors, would love to score his first career points in his home country by finishing in the top eight today at the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It would mean a lot to me to do it at home,” Speed said. “That would really be something special.”

Speed is living a dream that few Americans share. While growing up in Manteca, Calif., near San Francisco, he wanted to race in Formula One. He did not have many countrymen as role models.

Since 1978, when Mario Andretti joined Phil Hill as the only American Formula One champions, only a few drivers from the United States have found a seat in the international open-wheel series.

Eddie Cheever and Danny Sullivan gave it a try but never had any real success before coming back to the States and finding fame and fortune, including winning the Indianapolis 500.

Michael Andretti, Mario’s son, was a star in the CART series — now Champ Car — before he tried Formula One in 1993. The reception from Formula One was less than enthusiastic, mostly because Andretti chose to commute from the United States rather than move to Europe, and he did not even make it through a full season.

Then, along came Speed, 24, who moved to Europe when he was a teenager. He is in his second season driving for the lower-level Toro Rosso team, and the improvement by the driver and the team has come in small steps.

“Certainly, when I first moved to Europe and first started racing, the respect was very little,” he said. “I am sure there is not very much respect for American drivers even now.

But there have been signs that things are looking up for Speed, who finished a season-best ninth at Monaco last month.

“It is encouraging to see where we are at now, and we can kind of see where our target is,” he said. “We are pretty confident we will be able to reach it this year, which is to be in the points a few times.”

Ford Interceptor Concept

2007-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

(MotorTrend)
Press the electrically triggered chrome door handle and the door pops open. The sculpted one-piece leather seats are as stiff as the suspension, and you slide onto them as into a Barcelona chair. A 21st-century "shaker" looms in your view, and the rest of the hood is long and upright...you're overlooking a similar expanse of sheetmetal as in a Chrysler 300. Hit the electronic ignition button on the headliner just aft of the header, and the 5.4-liter V-8 fires up with a rumble.

The clutch is a bit heavier than a Mustang GT's, but it releases smoothly and progressively. This big sedan is easy to drive-if you're into low-riders. It bounces along the smooth test road like a candy-colored 1964 Impala on the haunches of its hydraulics. It feels like one good bump could launch it into the air. You shift cleanly into second gear, but that's all she'll show today.

Interceptor. It's just another Ford concept car. A nice piece of eye candy designed to take your attention away from the real horror story playing out in Dearborn amid collapsing sales, massive losses, and a demoralized workforce. Don't you believe it: Even as you read this, Dearborn insiders are sweating the details on a secret plan to radically change the way FoMoCo develops new cars and trucks. And the Interceptor reveals a key part of that plan.

Two things make the Interceptor important: the way it looks and the way it drives. Especially the way it drives. Ignore the fact the Interceptor rolls on a cobbled-together Mustang platform with a nonexistent show-car suspension. It's the thinking behind the car that matters. And the thinking is this: Ford wants an all-new rear-drive sedan for North America by 2011 or 2012.

Not that long ago, rear drive was on life support at Ford. The company had axed the slow-selling Lincoln LS sedan and Ford Thunderbird, both built on the expensive DEW98 platform shared with the Jaguar S-Type, and announced the plants building the Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand, Marquis, and Ford Crown Victoria would be closed in 2010. Under this scenario (Motor Trend, August 2006), the Mustang would be the only rear-drive Ford car on sale in America by 2011.

Now, under new CEO Alan Mulally, Ford is rethinking rear drive for North America. Insiders say Mulally has looked at what GM has done to reinvent Cadillac, seen the buzz it's generated around new rear-drive cars like the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac G8, and the Chinese-market Buick Park Avenue (all based on the Australian-developed Zeta rear-drive architecture), and asked: "Why can't we do that?"

It's more than just an obvious question. It also addresses a major dilemma for two key Ford products, the Mustang and Ford Australia's Falcon. The Mustang has been a runaway hit for Ford, but by 2011 the platform will have been in production for seven years, and its live rear axle is no match for the sophisticated independent rearends under the newer Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Down in Australia, the Falcon, Ford's rear-drive rival to GM's Holden Commodore, is getting a major overhaul for 2008, but its platform dates back to 1998.

Neither platform has the volume (2006 sales totaled 160,000 Mustangs and 50,000 Falcons and variants) to justify an all-new replacement each. So Mulally has asked for a plan to bring Ford's rear-drive cars together onto a single, global vehicle architecture. That means Mustang and Falcon. And it also means potential replacements for the Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Ford Crown Victoria. Which is where Interceptor comes in.

By 2010, the Panther platform that underpins the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, and Town Car will be 31 years old. To put that in perspective, even the legendary Model T lasted only 19 years. The Panther cars are cheap to make and, despite their ancient chassis and ergonomics, sell in reasonable volumes-combined sales totaled almost 157,000 units in 2006. They make good money for Ford, but all three are hopelessly outdated cars with little appeal to private buyers. They survive on taxi, police, and livery vehicle fleet sales, and even that market is trending down: 2006 sales were 10 percent lower than 2005, for example.

Throwing replacements for the three Panther cars into the mix changes the economies of scale significantly. Even allowing for natural shrinkage in Mustang sales and fewer sales of the Panther trio's replacements (which would be more expensive and aimed at private buyers rather than low-margin government and fleets), you're still looking at a global rear-drive architecture with a potential volume of over 200,000 units a year.

As you read this, Ford staffers are racing to meet a July deadline set by Mulally. The global rear-drive architecture plan is just one part of a radical rethink of Ford's entire product development process. At stake is nothing less than Ford's survival as an automaker into the next decade: Having taken out an unprecedented $23.4 billion in loans to fund badly needed new models, Mulally and his team are literally betting the farm on this.

Interceptor. Ford North American design chief Peter Horbury's team actually never called the car by that name while working on it in Dearborn, where the computer model was done by Swede Andreas Nilsson, and California, where the model was turned into a full-size clay under the watchful eye of Freeman Thomas, the man behind such icon cars as the VW Beetle, Audi TT, and Chrysler 300C. "Galaxie was the name we used in the studio when we were working on this," says Horbury. Check those taillights. Yup, '66 Galaxie.

The Interceptor isn't a retro car, but it clearly draws on design themes that for the British-born Horbury defined the great American sedan at its very best. "A lot of cars have lines that swoop upward and backward," says Horbury with a sweep of a hand. "We did it the other way around here. On Woodward Avenue in August [in the Dream Cruise] you see these fabulous '50s and '60s American cars, and they all have that graceful line that flows down toward the rear, rather like a yacht sailing by."

Look closely at the Interceptor and you'll see that, although there's a slight wedge in the beltline, the shoulderline falls gently away toward the tail.

There's a lot of subtle, almost subliminal design in the Interceptor. The front end is anything but subtle, however, clearly referencing the massive Super Chief pickup concept Horbury unveiled at the 2006 Detroit show. "It's a statement to say this is the Super Chief of cars," says Horbury.

He insists the way the Interceptor looks "isn't a million miles away from what's possible." Those showcar wheels would come down to real-world 18- or 20-inch items, and the roofline-currently the same height as a Mustang's-would be raised to ensure adequate headroom for all passengers.

Big sedans will never be the huge-selling heartland cars they were in the 1950s and 1960s; that territory today belongs to midsize, four- and six-cylinder front-drivers like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, and Ford Fusion. And George W. Bush's call for CAFE to hit 35 mpg by 2017 threatens to marginalize them even further (although, as European automakers have proved, it's possible to get 30 mpg or more out of a big car right now if you stick a high-torque diesel V-6 or V-8 under the hood).

But if the reactions to cars like the Chrysler 300C, Pontiac G8, and Chinese-market Buick Park Avenue are any indication, plenty of Americans still like the idea of a roomy, stylish, and affordable rear-drive sedan. These cars recall the quintessential American automotive experience, an experience lost when American cars downsized and went front drive in the 1980s, leaving personal-use pickup trucks to take up the slack.

Ford, the company that put America on wheels, the company that gave us the Model T, the Mustang, and the F-150, shouldn't walk away from its heritage. Build the Interceptor, Alan. Call it the Galaxie. Build an upscale Mercury version, and a Lincoln flagship, too. Find a way to make them fuel-efficient; make them hybrids or diesels if you have to. But build them.

July 07' Motor Trend Magazine Picks A Hyundai Over A Lexus

2007-06-16T18:59:00.001-07:00

In the July issue of the Motor Trend Magazine there was an article doing a comparison between the Hyundai Veracruz Limited AWD and the Lexus RX350. It is obviously not a biased comparison but what does this really mean? Does it mean that Hyundai is moving up in the market and capturing their targeted segments slowly under the radar?

Hyundai(even KIA) have never been the most respected cars but perhaps the writers saw something that we don't and that can pose potential threat to the brands that are more expensive than any models offered by Hyundai.

It will be interesting to see what the next reviews and comparisons between other models in the Hyundai lineup will be and how they match up.

Can the new 2008 CTS compete with its rivals?

2007-06-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

The main question on this topic is does the new CTS have what it takes to compete against it's Japanese and European rivals. There are many aspects to look at here. Quality, performance, and reliability are the three major points we are looking at.

Looking at the soon to be out-going CTS model the quality was horrible, the ride was not great, and performance it was under powered compared to it's counterparts. We give the CTS designers credit as it paved the road for present day Cadillacs (example: STS, DTS, and the Escalade).

The 2008 Cadillac CTS features GM’s new 3.6L direct-injection V-6 VVT engine, delivering an estimated 300 horsepower (223 kW). The numbers are impressive as it does meet "industry standards" in terms of power for these entry-level luxury sedans. There will also be a CTS-V with 500 horsepower and a six-speed transmission, a good match for European competitors like the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes Benz E63 AMG edition which will boost up much more power for the speed demons.

The overall stance of the car looks sportier and that may help Cadillac boost sales. Whether GM liked it or not they are automatically entered into the horsepower war and will have to deliver with their next V-line models. We all know domestic automakers are fully capable of creating great 0-60mph/hr straight line performing cars. Another question is if they can produce a great handling performance sedan without sacrificing the level and quality of traditional Cadillac luxury.

Toyota Reports May Sales - Lexus 4.8% increase in sales compared to May 2006

2007-06-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

(Torrance, CA)

June 1, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever sales of 269,023 vehicles for the month, an increase of 9.7 percent over May 2006. The former all-time best-ever record was 242,675 units in March 2007.

"As fuel prices and consumer confidence rose, the industry saw a move to passenger cars, with retail business posting sharp gains over a very challenging April," said Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "Despite the industry's shift toward passenger cars, Toyota's all-new Tundra hit an all-time high in May. As for hybrids, the market's appetite continues unabated, with Prius also establishing an all-time record."

The Toyota Division posted all-time best-ever sales of 237,176, up 10.9 percent over last May. The Lexus Division reported best-ever May sales of 31,847 units, an increase of 2.1 percent.

Toyota Division
Toyota Division passenger cars recorded all-time best-ever sales of 148,327, an increase of 12.7 percent over last May. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever May sales of 50,126, up 11.8 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 6,853 units in May. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted all-time best-ever sales of 24,009, an increase of 184.9 percent over May 2006. The Yaris subcompact reported an increase of 30.5 percent, posting best-ever May sales of 10,949 units. Corolla reported all-time best-ever sales of 45,238 units, an increase of 4.7 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up eight percent, with a best-ever May total of 88,849 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which reported best-ever May sales of 16,547, up 13.5 percent over the same period last year. The all-new Tundra full-size pickup reported all-time best-ever sales of 17,727, an increase of 113.8 percent over the year-ago month. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined May sales of 11,991, up 6.7 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 3,312 units for the month. FJ Cruiser reported May sales of 4,639 units.

Scion posted May sales of 11,570 units. The tC sports coupe led the way with May sales of 6,615 units. The xB urban utility vehicle posted sales of 3,658 units for the month.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars reported best-ever May sales of 19,943 units, an increase of 4.8 percent over May 2006. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with May sales of 8,572 units. The all-new LS 460 and LS 460 L reported combined sales of 3,196, an increase of 183.2 percent over last May. Combined sales of the IS 250 and IS 350 posted all-time best-ever sales of 5,722 units, up 19.5 percent over May 2006.

Lexus Division light trucks reported May sales totaling 11,904 units. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined best-ever May sales of 9,798 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,746 units for the month.

TMS Hybrids

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 119,154 units, an increase of 75 percent over the same period last year. In May, TMS posted sales of 36,101 hybrid vehicles, up 102 percent over last May. Toyota Division posted sales of 34,174 hybrids, up 121 percent over the same period last year. Lexus Division posted sales of 1,927 hybrids.

There were 26 selling days this month, as compared to 25 selling days last May.

Acura reports May Sales - SUV sales up 82.5% in May with 6,635

2007-06-15T14:57:00.001-07:00

(TORRANCE, CA)

Record sales of light trucks drove Acura May sales to 15,920 units, off 5.3 percent* from May 2006 based on the daily selling rate that included one additional selling day, the division announced today. Acura year-to-date sales reached 74,774 units.

Strong sales of the MDX luxury SUV and turbocharged RDX SUV helped set a May sales record of 6,635 for total light trucks, up 82.6 percent versus last year and exceeding the previous record of 5,633 set in May 2005. The MDX posted strong sales of 4,623 units, up 27.2 percent versus last May. Year-to-date MDX sales reached 22,388 units, up 7.1 percent for the year. Additionally, the RDX continued to make sales gains, recording May sales of 2,012 units, with year-to-date sales reaching 10,419 units.

"We are delighted to report our tenth consecutive record month of light truck sales," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of Acura sales. "And we look forward to the new Acura Design Studio in Southern California creating exciting products to help further increase Acura sales."

The TL performance luxury sedan, a product of the designers who will work in the new design studio, was the top-selling Acura model for May, posting sales of 5,760 units. The TSX sports sedan sold 2,859 units for the month, bringing year-to-date sales to 14,007.

Additional media information and downloadable high-resolution images are available at

Renault considering building an ultra low cost $3000 car

2007-06-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Renault has revealed that it was considering developing a new ultra-low cost car that would undercut its current Logan sedan (pictured) in price and be sold in emerging markets. The announcement follows the release of an article by French newspaper Le Figaro, which reported that Renault was developing a $3,000 car for the Indian market due within three years.

The newspaper also published details about plans for the opening of a third “technocenter” in India that would hire 1,000 local engineers to develop the new car. Renault has previously confirmed that it is building a second plant in India that will be fully operational by 2009.

“We are indeed thinking about a car priced more competitively than the Logan for emerging markets,” a Renault spokeswoman told reporters from Reuters. If built, this new model would join the locally-assembled Logan model that has been on sale in India since May.

A final decision is expected soon when the project is discussed at an upcoming Works Council meeting.

SPIED: Mercedes C63 AMG

2007-06-15T14:39:00.001-07:00

Here are the latest spied photos of the next C-Class AMG model the C63. These photos show a very sporty looking C-Class with very a aggressive 4 tail pipe setup.

Video: Audi R8, Porsche 997 GT3 RS, Aston Martin DB9, Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera and Bugatti Veyron

2007-06-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at the Audi R8, Porsche 997 GT3 RS, Aston Martin DB9, Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera and the automotive engineering masterpiece Bugatti Veyron. Enclosed in this video is an acceleration comparison between an ultra hypercar to a hypercar. Yes there is a difference. The Bugatti stands alone in this comparison not only as the most expensive but the most powerful.

Audi RS4 now out of production

2007-06-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Audi RS4 has stopped production making room for the upcoming RS6. The new RS6 is expected to use a 5.2 liter V10 engine producing 500 or more horsepower putting it in direct competition against it's German rivals such as the Mercedes E63 AMG and BMW's mighty M5.

Audi R8: A TDI variant of the supercar will be offered

2007-06-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Audi has the unique talent of being able to mix the oil and water of the engineering world and somehow turn it into champagne. Take for instance the passenger car and four-wheel drive. Besides the tiny volume production of Jensen, Audi was the only manufacturer that attempted to combine the drivetrain system of agricultural vehicles, like tractors and pickup trucks, in a frame belonging to a regular motor vehicle. It worked brilliantly. Audi found great success with quattro, which helped it dominate rally races and road races alike. Today, quattro is the cornerstone of almost all things Audi. Without it the brand just wouldn't be the same.

The gears are beginning to turn on a new groundbreaking phase for Audi, which is set to revolutionize the auto industry in another way: through the use of diesel power. Diesels aren't anything new, of course, and while Audi has had great success using diesel power on the track, especially with its new TDI Le Mans winning R10 racer, they're far from the first to incorporate Rudolf's invention in race or road cars.On the contrary, they're looking to be the first to create a diesel-powered supercar, based on nothing less than their brand new R8.

Instantly, the engine that Audi aficionados will think of is the brand's flagship diesel, the majestic 6.0-liter V12 TDI that develops 500 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, although it probably wouldn't make the cut for its size and weight. Keeping in mind that the R8 is a very small vehicle, the cast-iron and vermicular graphite block would completely alter the car's balance and therefore its handling characteristics. Instead, insiders are reporting that the R8 TDI will feature Audi's newly developed 4.2-liter V8 TDI engine.

The latest evolution of the V8 TDI has yielded a brand new engine that is 4.2-liters in displacement and generates 326 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. With four less cylinders on board, the engine will weigh less and will be more compact in size.

The unique characteristics of the diesel engine will be as interesting to exploit in a road going performance vehicle as they have been on the track, although this engine makes nearly 25-percent less horsepower than the current gasoline V8 engine (of the same displacement), the losses are more than minimized by its staggering 561 lb-ft of torque. This engine should also drop the R8's fuel consumption by about 20- to 22-percent.

Audi is also said to be preparing a second, more powerful gasoline engine for the R8 that will feature ten cylinders. Just last year, the Ingolstadt-based brand launched the new S6 and S8, both which feature V10 engines derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, albeit with major changes in just about every area. Whether or not Audi opts for the in-house tuned engine, or the straight-up, high-revving Lamborghini unit has yet to be announced. Either solution - more cylinders or diesel - presents an exciting future for the R8.

LF-A Photos: Another look at what started the Lexus L-Finesse

2007-06-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some great shots of the LF-A car. This is NOT the production model but it shows what great design capabilities the design team at Lexus has. For the more recent photos of LF-A's in testing click here. The spied photos show some striking similarities to the ones that appeared at the auto shows world wide. This design concept is what officially started the Lexus L-Finesse that has inspired the IS, ES, GS, and LS model ranges.

The LF-A really shows an aggressive stance with wide fenders, large wheels, and of course the 3 tail pipes on rear. This design has been criticized by some and loved by many. It will join the competition range of the Porsche 911, Mercedes SL, Audi R8, BMW M6, and Jaguar's XKR. It has been said all over the internet that the engines that will be offered are two V8's and a V10. Toyota's acclaimed hybrid technology will be implemented in one of the V8 variants for this LF-A. L-Finesse has ran wild throughout the Lexus line up and will continue to do so in future models to come.

Luxury brands at war: Lexus, Infiniti, & Acura VS Audi, BMW, Jaguar, & Mercedes

2007-06-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

The fact of the matter is this. The Japanese brands have always been battling against it's rivals. It was not until a few years ago this battle turned into a war. With new models from Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura they have made their competition on their heels. The Japanese have and is still offering technology packed models from all brands that is very competitive against the Europeans. The old term "More bang for your buck" really speaks a lot about this topic.

What justifies the purchase of a BMW 3 series and not a Lexus IS or an Infiniti G35? Is it about the image and the simple fact of owning a "Bimmer" isntead of a Lexus. Would you sacrifice quality, technology, and styling just so you say you own this instead of that? Many forums throughout the internet have been discussing this topic and there is still no conclusion. It's an on going topic that will never find an end.

Here are the main rivals that bring up the most controversy.

* Jaguar X-type, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, BMW 3 series
VS
Acura TSX/TL, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS

* Jaguar S-Type, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5 series
VS
Acura RL, Infiniti M, Lexus GS

* Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 series
VS
Acura RL, Infiniti M, Lexus LS

You be the judge which you would rather have.

2007 Brabus SV12 S Biturbo Coupe based from the CL 600

2007-06-15T01:31:00.000-07:00

(source: apg)730 hp / 537 kW of power, 1,320 Nm of top and a top speed of 340 km/h: With the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe based on the latest Mercedes CL 600 model BRABUS presents the world’s fastest and most powerful coupe.

At the heart of this exclusive automobile is the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world. Installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Further engine modifications also include precision-machining the cylinder heads and fitting them with four special camshafts.

In addition the engine peripherals are also modified extensively. The modifications include special exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. Extensive bench tests determined the new programming for the engine electronics that not only maximizes power yield but also ensures that the engine meets stringent Euro IV emission limits.

Performance figures of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo displacement engine speak volumes: A rated power output of 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm is just as extraordinary as a peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS locking differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS drivetrain elements are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful; it is also the fastest street-legal of its kind. 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe places exceptionally high demands on the aerodynamic-enhancement parts that were developed in the wind tunnel. The sophisticated shape of the BRABUS front apron reduces lift on the front axle and improves engine and front brake cooling due to its large air inlet. Integrated fog lamps and high beams lend the car a characteristic appearance and further improve active safety by optimizing illumination of the road.

The BRABUS rocker panels optimize the airflow along the sides and feature integrated entrance lights for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron sports custom-tailored cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust. Three LED lights integrated into the apron are also activated via the keyless fob. An understated rear spoiler rounds out the sophisticated BRABUS aerodynamics concept, and reduces lift on the rear axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

The enormous performance of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe is kept safely in check at all times thanks to custom-tailored solutions for tires, suspension and brakes. Among them are BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 18, 19, 20 or 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features BRABUS Monoblock VI and E wheels in sizes 9Jx21 in front and 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. The largest corresponding tires are size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 in the rear. BRABUS recommends Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.

The BRABUS module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires, and lowers the ride height of the two-door by some 25 millimeters. For further optimized active safety the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be equipped with the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Maximum fade-free stopping power is provided on the front axle by 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear features 355 x 28 millimeter discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

BRABUS also fulfills any requests imaginable when it comes to exclusive interior options. The list of products ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to an exclusive customized interior crafted from soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara.

2007 Bentley Arnage

2007-06-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

For 2007, the Bentley Arnage receives a power boost: the R and RL models increase from 400 hp to 450 hp, and from 616 lb-ft of torque to 645 lb-ft; while the T rises from 456 hp to 500 hp, and from 616 lb-ft to 738 lb-ft. In the T, The previous four-speed automatic transmission is now replaced with a six-speed.

As a result, top speed on the R and RL rises to 270 km/h, while the T increases to 288 km/h.

All models now include a tire pressure monitoring system, Bluetooth integrated telephone system, new wheel, new exterior paint and interior trim options, and an optional retractable “Flying B” mascot. The RL long-wheelbase model receives a rear centre armrest bottle cooler, veneered rear centre console, rear master telephone system and backup camera.

All Arnage models use a 6.8-litre V8 with twin turbochargers, mated to a four-speed automatic in the R and RL, and a new six-speed automatic in the T.

Standard equipment on each Arnage includes Connolly leather interior, Wilton carpets, 18-inch wheels with Pirelli low-profile tires, automatic climate control, a DVD-based satellite navigation system, electrically-adjustable heated seats, cruise control and parking sensors front and rear.

The T receives 19-inch, seven-spoke wheels. As each Arnage is built to a customer’s specifications, individual options and interior equipment will be different on each vehicle: over half are further modified by Bentley Mulliner, the company’s coachbuilder.

Although it’s still based on a reengineered Rolls-Royce platform, the Arnage has been moving away from its role as a Rolls clone, and now has a personality all its own. The R and its stretched RL sibling receive softer springs and a cushier ride. The extra horsepower of the T is sent to the asphalt through a firmer setup that makes for a huge, luxurious car that can handle challenging road courses with ease.

The Chrysler Group Shows Interest in Jaguar and Land Rover

2007-06-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

(autonews)
As reported earlier this week, and confirmed by Ford, Ford has officially hired Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to sell its Jaguar and Land Rover brand. Now, according to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Cerberus, who recently bought Chrysler, is showing interest in Jaguar and Ford.

Citing London bank sources, the newspaper said that Cerberus, Blackstone and Cinven have shown interest in joining the auction for Ford’s luxury car brands.

It is not clear yet whether both brands will be sold as a package deal but an industry source has told Automotive News that Ford is favoring a package solution though it won’t mind selling the two brands separately.

Merrill Lynch analysts have previously said that Ford could possibly raise over $9 billion by selling its remaining luxury car brands.

2008 TechArt Porsche Cayenne

2007-06-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

(Source:TechArt Press Release) TECHART will present the individualization programs for the new Cayenne models within short time. Besides the new TECHART Magnum and the new Aerokit I, TECHART will offer a manifold choice of technical options.

Two new engine performance kits provide additional power up to 120 hp (T2) for the Cayenne Turbo.To ensure optimum deceleration, a new high-performance brake system has been developed which is equipped with 6-piston brake calipers with 405/38mm brake disks at the front axle and 4-piston calipers with 365/28mm disks at the rear axle.

More TECHART options for the new Cayenne: the new TECHART air suspension unit, 22 inch Formula and Formula II wheels, new exterior trims for head- and taillights as well as a new exhaust system which is also available as dual-mode sports exhaust variant.

The most exclusive individualization range is the newTECHART Magnum. The completely new exterior continues the typical Magnum character and once more sets the pattern for excellent powerful designas well as finest workmanship and quality.

The exclusive interior line „de Sede of Switzerland“ as well as all other TECHART interior refinement options are available for all new Cayenne models.

The Magnum will be presented to the public at the upcoming Frankfurt IAA among other TECHART world premiers. The delivery of the first TECHART Magnum vehicles will start in August. The Aerokit I will belaunched in September.

First Drive: 2008 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

2007-06-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

The DBS will launch the new Aston Martin era with one hell of a bang. Set to go into production in October, it'll be quicker than any Aston road car before it, thanks to its massaged V-12. It'll weigh about 220 pounds less than a regular DB9. It'll wear a body kit designed to help it slice through the air more cleanly. And it'll introduce high-tech materials and a new upgraded cockpit for the entire DB line.

The ultimate embodiment of the DB9 coupe, the DBS will replace the muscular Vanquish as the flagship Aston Martin, although senior execs struggle to admit it.

"It'll be our halo car and will have superior performance to the now-aged Vanquish," says Aston's Ulrich Bez, before quickly countering: "It's not the Vanquish successor, but another car to raise awareness of the brand." Adds design director Marek Reichman, "The DBS isn't replacing the Vanquish; it's a standalone product based on the DB9."

Guys, stop talking down the DBS. The $260,000 Vanquish goes out of production shortly. The price of the DBS? About the same. And with just 300 cars to be produced each year, the DBS will be as exclusive as, er...the Vanquish. Still, reading between the lines, Bez and Reichman are clearly leaving room for a new Aston supercar to slide in above the DBS at some point in the future.

At least they can stop acting like caring parents protecting their eldest child from a younger, more talented sibling. When the 450-horse DB9 was launched in 2004, it immediately matched the heavier, pricier Vanquish, which needed some nurturing-well a 51-horse boost-to stay on top. But without the need to protect the Vanquish, the DBS is edgier: lighter, louder, and faster.

Is it a track-day car? "Absolutely," says Reichman. But it won't be a stripped-out street racer like Ferrari's 360 Challenge Stradale. "We want an element of luxury, too. It'll still be swathed in carpet, but a carpet made of lighter materials. There'll still be leather and Alcantara." Bez puts it this way: "The DBS is brutal, but dressed in black tie."

A bit like Daniel Craig's edgier, darker, more intense James Bond, then, though Reichman, who started work on the DBS in October 2005, insists the car's crash-and-burn cameo in "Casino Royale" was never on the original agenda. "Part of my brief was to make the DB9 look more edgy, like a tough guy in a dinner suit," he says. " I wanted to convey strength, power, and agility." One month into the design phase, however, the producers of the James Bond films walked into Reichman's studio, and the seeds were sown for Aston's return to the big screen.

"We didn't design the car for Bond; we wanted a flagship DB9," insists Reichman. "That's what the project is about." Bond, did, however, influence the new Aston's name: Australian George Lazenby drove a DBS in his sole performance as 007 in 1969's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." (Lazenby trivia: He served in Australia's SAS [special forces] before becoming one of the world's highest-paid male models and Europe's Marlboro Man.) Reichman says the "S" is appropriate for the car's sporting intent, but it has yet to be decided whether the moniker will appear on the production version of the car.

Whether the DBS is officially Aston's halo model, insiders admit it is the company's technology flagship. Naturally, the car is built on the DB9's aluminum VH chassis, and the exotic materials don't end there. The new body kit is carbon fiber and all business. "Everything is present for an engineering reason, nothing is extraneous," notes Reichman. The new lower bumper section feeds more air to the enlarged radiator and oil cooler and also helps cool the standard carbon ceramic brake rotors.

Additional apertures in the hood help vent heat from the upgraded V-12 underneath, which is likely to kick out about 520 horses. The fenders have been pumped out to cover the wider track and new 20-inch-diameter wheels, and the right height has been dropped 20 mm. Reprofiled sills better manage airflow along the sides of the car, and a large rear diffuser helps improve high-speed stability.

"The DBS is a lighter car with more efficient aerodynamics and more horsepower," says Reichman. "Naturally, that equates to..." With the final specification still to be determined and targets a closely guarded secret, Reichman trails off. But his sentence could be finished thus: "higher performance." With a power-to-weight ratio close to that of a Porsche 991 Turbo, the DBS should run 0-to-60 mph in close to four seconds even, with a top speed naturally north of the DB9's 176 mph.

Inside, Reichman has taken the opportunity to rework the DB9's fiddly ergonomics. "For performance driving, you need the controls at your fingertips," he points out. "We've reconfigured the center stack to make it more functional, more precise." The HVAC and audio controls are now more user-friendly, and the paddleshift automatic trans has been replaced by a regular six-speed manual (an auto will be available on the production version, however).

Despite being completed in six months to meet an April 2006 shot schedule for "Casino Royale," the DBS had been in a holding pattern while Ford negotiated the sale of Aston Martin. But production is now confirmed for the fall.So prepare for sensory overload. The DBS looks gorgeous, the interior materials feel sensational, and the V-12's bark is apocalyptic. Concludes Reichman: "It's a to-die-for car." A sentiment of which James Bond would definitely approve.

Vanquish: One last blast

It's hard to believe the Aston Martin Vanquish is now six years old. Ian Callum's design is a masterclass of British muscle; under the skin is an aluminum and carbon-fiber chassis that makes it still one of the most technically advanced cars Ford has ever produced.
The original Vanquish's 6.0-liter V-12 kicked out 460 horses, which helped make it the fastest, most driveable Aston in decades. With one small exception: the transmission.

The Vanquish came with a clutchless six-speed manual similar in concept to Ferrari's F1 paddleshift. Only problem was the Aston's transmission management software was nowhere near as sophisticated as Ferrari's. Shifts were said to take just 250 milliseconds, but it often felt like the engine and the tranny weren't on speaking terms.

Now, just as the Vanquish is about to go away, it's available with a regular, stick-in-the-center, clutch-on-the-floor six-speed. This Aston Martin Works Service option isn't for the faint-hearted, however: You could buy a brand-new BMW 328i for the same money. Yes, the whole damn thing.

But it's a joy to talk to that V-12, now rated at 520 horse in Vanquish S spec, in your own language, not via a translation service provided by the shifter's ECU. The manual transmission conversion has increased the clarity of feedback and transformed the dynamics to a level that would've frightened the Vanquish's archnemesis, the Ferrari 550 Maranello. And even today, the stickshift Vanquish S makes a compelling old-school alternative to Ferrari's techno-zeitgeist 599 GTB Fiorano. - Nick Trott

Top Gear's review on the 300C SRT8

2007-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Jeremy Clarkson tests the 300C SRT8 from Chrysler. He compares this bulky executive saloon to the mighty BMW M5. Watch to see what he says about the SRT8.

Nissan debuts new mini-wagon

2007-06-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Associated Press

TOKYO -- Japan's Nissan Motor Co. launched a new mini wagon in Japan on Thursday in an effort to beef up its domestic vehicle lineup as the automaker pushes to return to solid overall sales growth.

Nissan, a newcomer to the domestic mini vehicle market, lost business to its rivals because of its insufficient lineup, Toshiyuki Shiga, Nissan Chief Operating Officer, said at a roundtable meeting with the media.

Nissan posted a profit decline last fiscal year for the first time in seven years as sales in the U.S. and Japan slumped.

"We'd like to stop our customers from moving" to rivals by adding the new Clipper Rio mini wagon, Shiga said.

Nissan, 44 percent owned by Renault SA of France, aims for annual sales of 4,000 vehicles of the car, the company's first mini wagon model.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will produce the Clipper Rio for Nissan, Japan's third-biggest auto maker by sales volume. Nissan consigns all of its mini vehicle production to Mitsubishi and Suzuki Motor Corp.

Sales of mini cars -- vehicles with engine capacities of 660 cubic centimeters or less -- reached a record 2.02 million in 2006 and are expected to remain near this level in 2007, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

General Motors paid Bill Clinton $200K for speech

2007-06-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Former President Clinton made more than $10 million in paid speeches last year, according to new filings that show he was paid $200,000 for a New York speech to General Motors.

According to financial disclosure forms made public today, Clinton and his presidential-candidate wife have at least $10 million in the bank and may have closer to $50 million.

Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton hold two accounts, each valued at somewhere between $5 and $25 million. One is an old-fashioned bank account; the other is a blind trust.

The former president upped his speechmaking money from the previous year, garnering $10.2 million in payments, compared with about $7.5 million the year before.

The Clintons had a much more pedestrian income when he ran for president in 1992. If Sen. Clinton's 2008 presidential bid is successful, they will enter the White House a very rich couple.

Six years out of power, Bill Clinton still can raise huge sums with a personal appearance. He made a staggering $450,000 for a single September speech in London, at a Fortune Forum event, as well as $200,000 for an April appearance in the Bahamas to speak to IBM.

The former president's earnings must be reported as the spouse of a senator.

The Chrysler Group may extend its warranty coverage

2007-06-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

By: Josee Valcourt at The Detroit News

The Chrysler Group may extend its warranty coverage on new vehicles to better compete with 100,000-mile offers by rivals Hyundai Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.

Chrysler told employees it is considering changes to its warranty program in a recent online question-and-answer session.

"With the recent increases in warranty coverage by some of our competitors, sales and marketing will likely re-evaluate the business case for our warranty coverage and act accordingly," according to a copy of the Q&A obtained by The Detroit News.

Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines confirmed the company is considering increasing warranty coverage. "We are doing some studies with customers to see if there is a level that makes sense," Vines said.

Automakers typically use warranty packages as a selling tool to convince car and truck shoppers that their vehicles are well-made and reliable.

But stretching its existing warranty coverage from 36,000 miles or three years to 70,000 or even 100,000 miles would be a strategic reversal for Auburn Hills-based Chrysler, which was purchased last month by Cerberus Capital Management.

In 2002, the automaker introduced a seven-year/70,000 mile warranty for all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models after a seven-year/100,000-mile limited offer helped spark sales in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks.

But the "7/70" deal ended in 2005 after internal research showed the package was no longer swaying consumers. It was replaced with a basic three-year, 36,000-mile warranty that covers engines, transmissions and other powertrain components.

Chrysler is reconsidering as South Korean automaker Hyundai continues to aggressively market its 10-year/100,000 mile protection and GM is touting its five-year/100,000 mile package, launched last year.

While Chrysler's earlier 7/70 offer helped dealers close sales, it did not significantly boost sales. The company ended it so it could spend the money to fund other programs, according to the Q&A.

GM says its program has been a success. However, as more automakers follow the move the impact could be diminished, said Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book, a guide for car buyers.

"With each succeeding manufacturer that does this, it will probably have lesser and lesser effect," Nerad said. "There was a time when the general warranty was one year. And now we're seeing more of the norm with even longer warranties, starting with Hyundai" and now including Kia and GM.

Longer warranties have been more of a defensive move by companies such as Hyundai to change consumer perceptions of their vehicle quality. The Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands were all rated below average in the recently announced 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey.

"It's a closing tool or an in-dealership tool," Nerad said. "It might help get you on the consideration set. And then if you're considering two similar vehicles, one of which has a much more attractive warranty, that might sway you."

Japanese supercar war to really heat up

2007-06-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Domestic Market is really heating up with new super cars coming from Toyota(Lexus) and Nissan. The horsepower war now is a rendering of the one in the 60's. The LF-A concept from Lexus and the GT-R from Nissan are by no means weak compared to it's German rivals. The numbers are impressive and Europe should really be worried that the Japanese will be taking the checkered flags on the racing circuits. It has been a long time since the Japanese had a proper looking sports/super car and it is shaping up to be a real hype for these cars to be released. Based on the photos, they have the looks and from what we hear and read, the numbers are very impressive.

Now there is one more legend from Japan that has not been given the word to go ahead and that is Honda(Acura's) NSX. The NSX is much needed if Honda(Acura) wants to join the super car race. There has been a few so called "test mules" out there but nothing to solidify the return of the NSX. Having the LF-A, NSX, and GT-R out from Japan it will be huge competition against the European counterparts(horsepower, quality, and design).

Mercedes has confirmed the new GLK Sport Utility will be in production

2007-06-14T03:04:00.001-07:00

Mercedes has confirmed the release of the 2009 GLK SUV and has announced that the first cars will appear on the market from the second half of next year. This will be the fifth SUV/Crossover model in Mercedes’ lineup, joining cars like the M-Class, R-Class, GL and the old-school G-Class SUV.

Several prototypes have been spotted cold weather testing in Scandinavia, which revealed a design similar to the bigger GL-Class SUV. This rendering, compiled with information sourced from insiders close to the project, show that the new GLK picks up the same angular design theme and ruggedness seen in the rest of the Mercedes SUV range.

A steep front with a steeper windshield will dominate the car’s looks, broad shoulders and squared off corners and edges with Mercedes’ typical character line and chunky 20in wheels complete the rugged theme.

Early reports indicated that the GLK will measure 4.5m and feature an elegant but basic interior. It’ll offer space for five passengers and will have generous trunkspace, which will be accessible over a relatively low tailgate.

SPIED: 2009 Lexus LF-A in testing

2007-06-14T02:53:00.000-07:00

Lexus has hit the Nordschleife with its cleanest prototype yet for its LF-A supercar. LF-A prototypes first hit the 'Ring in 2005, and have seen a number of alterations over the last two years.

In that time, two concepts have also hit the auto show circuit, and while they were clearly related in overall shape, they differed drastically in their surface development. The 2005 concept was a rather simple wedge shape, while the 2007 iteration was more rounded, with more nuanced, almost fussy detailing.

The prototype's lower side vents and front air-intakes come quite close to the '07 concept, but the air scoops around the test car's C-pillar are more simplistic like the '05 concept. With its large mesh air extractors and triple exhaust tips, the prototype's rear-end design once again borrows from both cars, but ultimately goes its own way in the details. With the temporary, function-only tail-lights that are tacked on, it's clear that this prototype doesn't reveal the car's finished styling.

The headlights on the prototype still appear to be simple, angular shapes, not unlike those of modern Lamborghinis, but the '07 concept has strange lamps with a distinctive LED strip running down the front bumper. Whether elements of the latest design study will end up on the final production cars is still unknown.

Lexus is obviously approaching the LF-A with great care and extensive development–both mechanically, dynamically, and stylistically. At this point, it seems that Lexus designers are still fine-tuning the LF-A's shape.

Fifth Gear's review of the Lexus GS450H

2007-06-14T02:43:00.001-07:00

Fifth Gear reviews this performance hybrid Lexus GS450H.

Fifth Gear's review of the Lexus IS220d

2007-06-14T02:29:00.001-07:00

Tom Ford is at it again with another Lexus. This time it is the IS 220d. Yes you are probably thinking "d" for diesel? Yes you are correct! Lexus has joined the diesel game as well. In this car review Tom compares this IS to it's rival the BMW 320d.

Fifth Gear's review of the 2007 LS460

2007-06-14T02:14:00.000-07:00

One of 5th Gear's Tom Ford test drove and gave a great review on this new Lexus flagship class and it shows what type of innovative technology is packed in this vehicle.

Can you really pack more technology in a car than this LS for much less? that's for you to be the judge. Style wise the new Lexus LS460 is much more attractive than the previous LS models.

Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ Tops J.D. Power’s “Best Nav” List

2007-06-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

(Source: windingroad)
J.D. Power released their list of the best factory-installed navigation systems and the Lincoln MKZ (nee Zephyr) Pioneer unit ranks at the top of their list. The study, now in its eighth year, identifies six factors that contribute to overall customer satisfaction. They are (in order of importance): ease of use, routing, system appearance, speed of system, voice directions and navigation display screen. An informal poll taken at the WINDING ROAD offices reveals that all do not agree with today’s study:

Nate Luzod, WINDING ROAD’s Art Director:
“Toyota is the best in terms of design, and Honda ranks second.”

Kevin Smith, WINDING ROAD’s Managing Editor:
“I like the Audi units, but dislike those in Dodges.”

Let the record also show that many like the system in the new GM full-size trucks and SUVs.

J.D. Power released their list of the best factory-installed navigation systems and the Lincoln MKZ (nee Zephyr) Pioneer unit ranks at the top of their list. The study, now in its eighth year, identifies six factors that contribute to overall customer satisfaction. They are (in order of importance): ease of use, routing, system appearance, speed of system, voice directions and navigation display screen. An informal poll taken at the WINDING ROAD offices reveals that all do not agree with today’s study:

Nate Luzod, WINDING ROAD’s Art Director:
“Toyota is the best in terms of design, and Honda ranks second.”

Kevin Smith, WINDING ROAD’s Managing Editor:
“I like the Audi units, but dislike those in Dodges.”

Let the record also show that many like the system in the new GM full-size trucks and SUVs.

Navigation System Ranking by Vehicle Model
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Supplier Model Index Score
Pioneer Lincoln Zephyr 844
Alpine Acura TSX 838
Alpine Acura RL 825
Denso Lexus IS 821
Denso Lincoln Town Car 821
Pioneer Ford Freestyle 815
Alpine Honda Ridgeline 813
Pioneer Ford Explorer 812
Alpine Honda Civic 812
Alpine Honda Accord 810
Alpine Honda Civic Hybrid 810
Pioneer Ford Five Hundred 807
Alpine Acura TL 804
Alpine Dodge Durango 803
Alpine Honda Pilot 802
Alpine Dodge Charger 800
Denso Lexus GS 800
Pioneer Mercury Mountaineer 799
Xanavi Nissan Quest 798
Alpine Honda Odyssey 796
Xanavi Infiniti M 796
Alpine Dodge Ram 793
Xanavi Nissan Z 793
Delphi Chevrolet TrailBlazer 790
Alpine Chrysler 300/300C 789
Delphi Chevrolet Avalanche 785
Denso Lincoln LS 784
Denso Toyota Sienna 783
Xanavi Nissan Maxima 781
Xanavi Nissan Pathfinder 780
Alpine Jeep Grand Cherokee 777
Denso Lincoln Navigator 775
Kenwood Subaru Legacy 774
Alpine Jeep Commander 773
Siemens VDO BMW 3 Series 770
Alpine Dodge Grand Caravan 770
Siemens VDO MINI Cooper/Cooper S 769
Denso Toyota Tundra 769
Denso Lexus LS 430 768
Denso Chevrolet Corvette 767
NA Industry Average 767
Alpine Dodge Magnum 766
Denso Cadillac DTS 761
Denso Toyota Prius 759
Denso Lexus RX 330 758
Alpine Acura MDX 757
Xanavi Nissan Titan 757
Kenwood Subaru B9 Tribeca 757
Delphi GMC Envoy 753
Denso Mazda3 753
Blaupunkt Volkswagen Jetta 753
Xanavi Nissan Altima 752
Xanavi Nissan Murano 751
Denso Toyota Sequoia 748
Denso Toyota Camry 745
Visteon Ford Escape Hybrid 744
Denso Toyota Highlander 744
Denso Mazda5 742
Aisin AW Audi A3 739
Kenwood Subaru Outback 739
Blaupunkt Volkswagen Passat 739
Alpine Chrysler Pacifica 737
Siemens VDO BMW 5-Series 731
Harman/Becker Mercedes-Benz SLK 722
Alpine Chrysler Town & Country 717
Aisin AW Audi A4 716
Denso Toyota Avalon 716
Alpine Mercedes-Benz C-Class 715
Visteon Ford Expedition 706
Alpine Jeep Liberty 705
Visteon Mercury Mariner Hybrid 698

Included in the study but not ranked due to small sample size are: Audi A6 (Harman/Becker), Audi A8 (Harman/Becker), Audi S4 (Aisin AW), BMW 6-Series (Siemens VDO), BMW 7-Series (Siemens VDO), BMW M3 (Siemens VDO), BMW M5 (Siemens VDO), BMW X3 (Siemens VDO), BMW X5 (Siemens VDO), Cadillac CTS (Delphi), Cadillac Escalade EXT (Delphi), Cadillac Escalade/ESV (Delphi), Cadillac SRX (Denso), Cadillac STS (Denso), Cadillac XLR (Denso), Chevrolet Suburban (Delphi), Chevrolet Tahoe (Delphi), GMC Yukon XL/Denali XL (Delphi), GMC Yukon\Denali (Delphi), HUMMER H2 (Delphi), HUMMER H3 (Delphi), Infiniti FX (Xanavi), Infiniti G35 (Xanavi), Infiniti QX (Xanavi), Jaguar S-Type (Denso), Jaguar XJ (Denso), Jaguar XK (Denso), Jaguar X-Type (Denso), Land Rover LR3(Denso), Land Rover Range Rover (Denso), Lexus ES (Denso), Lexus GX 470 (Denso), Lexus LX 470 (Denso), Lexus, RX 400H (Denso), Lexus SC430 (Denso), Mercedes-Benz CLK (Alpine), Mercedes-Benz CLS (Harman/Becker), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Harman/Becker), Mercedes-Benz M-Class (Alpine), Mercedes-Benz R-Class (Alpine), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Becker-Siemens), Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (Becker-Siemens), Nissan Armada (Xanavi), Porsche 911 (Harman/Becker), Porsche Cayenne (Harman/Becker), Toyota Land Cruiser (Denso), Volkswagen Touareg (Blaupunkt) and Volvo XC90 (Mitsubishi Electric).

PRESS RELEASE:

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: The Pioneer Navigation System in the Lincoln Zephyr Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction

The Number of Vehicle Models Supplied With Factory-Installed Navigation Systems Has Increased Significantly

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ — The Pioneer navigation system supplied in the Lincoln Zephyr ranks highest in satisfying new-vehicle owners with their factory-installed navigation systems, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study(SM) released today.

The study, now in its eighth year, identifies six factors that contribute to overall customer satisfaction. They are (in order of importance): ease of use, routing, system appearance, speed of system, voice directions and navigation display screen.

Making its debut in the 2006 study, the Pioneer system supplied in the Lincoln Zephyr ranks highest among all navigation systems included in the study. The Pioneer system performs particularly well in the ease of use, routing and appearance factors. Navigation systems supplied by Alpine and Denso, respectively follow Pioneer in the rankings.

Factory-installed navigation system availability has expanded considerably in recent years with the number of models that offer navigation systems increasing nearly six fold since the year 2000. While the majority of earlier models supplied with navigation systems were in the luxury vehicle segment, navigation systems are becoming more mainstream — available across a wide variety of vehicle segments.

“With the popularity of navigation systems continuing to increase, many owners still struggle with the functionality of their system, which can cause satisfaction to suffer,” said Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power and Associates. “The top four navigation system problems are route or map related, accounting for more than 50 percent of all problems cited by owners. Missing map data points continue to be a highly cited problem among users. Frustration with this issue will lessen as the time between building the map and delivering to owners decreases. In the meantime, consumer education regarding the age of the map data may be the easiest way to alleviate this problem.”

The study also finds that 95 percent of new-vehicle owners with navigation systems report that they would like to have the ability to access real-time traffic information; however, this feature is only currently available on a very limited number of models. In particular, navigation system owners express high interest in satellite radio as a means to relay real-time traffic information, with more than 40 percent of owners being interested in paying to receive traffic information through this option.

The 2006 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 14,103 owners who recently purchased or leased new vehicles with factory- installed navigation systems.