Morgan Plus 8 Modification review

Morgan Plus 8 Modification review

Morgan didn’t even dabble in four-wheeled machinery until 1935. Up to that point, it was exclusively employed in the business of building three-wheelers — evocative machines that it has just recently returned to. 

The Plus 8, equipped with Rover’s mighty V8, was pioneered in the late 1960s and is credited with sealing the firm’s enduring popularity. The Aero 8, on which this new generation of Plus 8 is based, is the direct descendent of the 1997 GT2 Le Mans car that Morgan built for the FIA GT series.

Placing a V8 engine in the front of the traditional Morgan roadster was a wonderfully barmy idea in the 1960s. The Plus 8 was Britain’s fastest-accelerating production car for a time and proved so endearing that it remained on sale, in relatively little-altered form, until midway through the last decade. 

Production of the traditional roadster has continued alongside the new-look, aluminium-chassis Aero series and new 3 Wheeler, which have stolen most of the public’s attention. However, the Plus 8, in the form of a grunty old V8 in an even older bodyshell, has been missed, and nowhere more so than in the US, where the traditional roadster has been unavailable in any guise.

The old Plus 8’s chassis was no longer suitable to take a ferocious modern powertrain and associated running gear, but Morgan has found an answer: take today’s componentry and mate it with the old stager’s looks. What we have here is precisely that: a traditional-looking Morgan bearing the return of the Plus 8 name and with all the hallmarks of an old-school British roadster. Let’s see how it measures up. MORE RESOURCES

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Mustang SRT Viper New Cars 2013

Mustang  SRT Viper New Cars 2013

With a 640-hp V-10 and a body made of magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber, we're expecting greatness from Chrysler's supercar. And at 100 grand, it'd better be great—there's already a Corvette ZR1 in this price range that can eat Ferraris, and the C7 will only up the ante. Plus there's a certain new Mustang that's far cheaper and should be mighty impressive too. And even if the Viper is faster than the Ford or Chevy in a straight line, it must improve its handling over the outgoing model. While SRT folks are claiming a scorching 0-to-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a 206-mph top speed for the new car, the last Viper was time-warp-fast too—and also saddled with unpredictable handling and frequent maintenance headaches. 

Haunted by those ghosts of Vipers past, Chrysler engineers started over. They lowered the car's weight by about 140 pounds and made its chassis 50 percent stiffer. (That alone tells you how far Chrysler had to go to make a Viper that's world class.) The Tremec-supplied six-speed manual (no automatic, at least not yet) is said to have far lower clutch effort, while bringing tighter ratios and more precise feel. The suspension is entirely new, again with the aim of more predictable handling. And there's a multi-setting stability-control system with a full-off mode for the track. That could be great, but only if the car doesn't actually need the electronic assist to handle like a supercar.

That will be key. This Viper is designed to challenge cars that can reach nine tenths of their potential without technological guardrails. The SRT needs to get in that ballpark to be a real winner.

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Dodge Dart R/T New Car 2013

Dodge Dart R/T New Car 2013

Most of the new front-wheel-drive Dart models go on sale this summer, and we like what we've driven so far. But the fastest of the breed, the R/T, holds off for a fall launch.

Like its less muscular brethren, the R/T rides on a Fiat chassis borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, with a fully independent suspension. We expect that suspension to be a little lower and stiffer in the R/T. The car will get the most horsepower of the lot, with a 184-hp 2.4-liter four under the hood. 

At this point it's unclear if the R/T will come with only a six-speed manual or with a dual-clutch automatic as well. We do know that the R/T, like the Sonic RS, is going to face stiff competition from slightly pricier models, including the Ford Focus ST, the expected Fiesta ST, and the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. Even if these sporty cars are bunched around $25,000, slightly above the Dart R/T, their performance chops could put a pinch on sales of the Dodge.

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Hyundai Veloster Turbo New Cars 2013

Hyundai Veloster Turbo New Cars 2013

Right now, the Veloster lacks the performance cred to back up its killer looks. But that will change once this 201-hp version hits the streets. The 45 percent boost in horsepower has most folks taking a second look at the Veloster, and hoping this Turbo is a signal that Hyundai is getting as serious about performance as it has been about quality and design over the last few years.

So far, though, signs remain cloudy—the stonking 1.6-liter motor with dual exhaust notwithstanding. Word is the Veloster Turbo gets the same suspension, which is disappointing. The stock Veloster is fun but stiff-kneed and less refined when compared to better-bred sporty cars like VW's GTI—or the Subaru BRZ, which is only somewhat costlier than what we're expecting to see from the Veloster Turbo. Also, ask Mini engineers about controlling torque steer in a 200-hp car with a short wheelbase. That, too, has probably made Hyundai sweat.

Even if the Veloster Turbo isn't perfection out of the gate, we hope it's a sign of better-performing Hyundais (and Kias) to come.

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Kia Optima Top Best Performance Cars 2012

The 2012 Kia Optima is one of the better-performing cars in the class. It’s not a snooze to drive and its base four-cylinder engine is lively. Step up to the turbocharged four-cylinder and reviewers say you’ll get six-cylinder power with four-cylinder fuel economy. The Optima’s handling is capable, and most say it leans on the sporty side of the spectrum

Acceleration and Power

The 2012 Kia Optima has two four-cylinder engines. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower. The more powerful engine is an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four that makes 274 horsepower, and is good for those looking for V6-like power. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission, which is available only on the base model, or six-speed automatic with overdrive. Reviewers say the automatic is smooth, but some reviewers disliked the car’s tendency to upshift by itself when in manual mode.

Handling and Braking

Reviews are divided on the Kia Optima’s handling. While most reviewers agree that it is competent on the road, they disagree on how sporty it is and how far drivers can push it. If performance is your priority, some reviewers say the Optima is a good choice, but others disagree. They complain of some understeer and a somewhat stiff ride. Make sure you take it on an extended test drive to make sure it’s up to your standards. The Optima’s strong brakes receive positive comments.

• "The car showed all the attributes of a first-rate mass-market midsize sedan, but perhaps not as much handling athleticism when pushed as the styling would suggest."
• "As good as all this packaging is, it would be for naught if the Optima didn’t or couldn’t step up to the plate. In this regard, it did not disappoint."
• "We found the pickup impressive, and we enjoyed rowing our own with the six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic function."  (2.4-liter engine)
• "The 2.4-liter engine feels decently peppy in most driving situations. After a modest delay from a stop, the turbocharged engine accelerates much like a V6. On all, the automatic transmission is generally smooth, alert, and reasonably quick to downshift for more power."
• "The engine lacks the low-end oomph to come out of a corner in a high gear and accelerate uphill, but the transmission kicks down soon enough to get you back up to speed. On the highway, the car moves competently: Squeeze the accelerator two-thirds of the way down, give the automatic a beat to fetch 4th gear, and the Optima turns 60 mph into 80 mph with surprising vigor."  (2.4-liter engine)
• "Though the 200-hp four-cylinder provided adequate power, we were disappointed that while in manual mode, the automatic transmission voluntarily upshifted at the top of the rpm range. This annoying detail made us yearn for the SX option: With the manual transmission and more horsepower at just a minimal fuel-economy penalty, we'll have a hard time passing it up."
• "Optima is among the sportier-feeling mainstream midsize sedans; it's reasonably poised and nimble in quick changes of direction. The steering feels well balanced, and the brakes deliver smooth, linear stopping power."
• "The car rides a bit stiffer than its Hyundai counterpart, but not by much, and it's much better than the brittle Altima."
• "As with every other front-driver in this segment, understeer remains the Optima's marching orders, but if anything, handling feels a bit keener than the Sonata, which itself has heretofore had a claim on the best-handling car in its class." --
• "The Optima offered a good balance between a soft ride on straight runs and fairly buttoned-down cornering control.”
• "Hitting the right notes with the mid-sized-sedan buyer is also evident in the way the Optima rides and handles. Contrary to what the auto enthusiast press would have you believe, the mid-size sedan driver is more concerned about quiet and a comfortable ride than about crisp handling, and we discovered that Kia engineers tuned the Optima's suspension with that bias in mind."

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Most Popular Sophisticated New Cars Year 2011

Most Popular Sophisticated New Cars Year 2011
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 Most Popular Sophisticated New Car  Year 2011 - the world's car manufacturers have issued a concept in 2010, now it's time we see Which car will sell well in 2011, maybe for some people who have money they will follow the latest and most sophisticated car prices because satisfaction is number one.

There are about ten brand new cars in the predictions will become popular and best-selling car in the world, according to news sources available on the internet really, if you want to know please read the following references to the most sophisticated car and greatest predictions on 2012.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 2012 Cars made by Mercedes-Benz coupe will be launched on the mat North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2011 in Detroit in January. Offered in several variants. Standard Type 1,800 cc four-cylinder engine a turbocharger. The machine is claimed capable of producing 201 horsepower power. Another type of power-powered 302.

In addition, Mercedes is also offered in variant C63 AMG Black Series. This variant consists of two types, namely model 4700 cc engine with twin turbo V8 that produces 430 horsepower power. The second type is, the model 5500 cc V8 engine that produces 563 horsepower power.

Audi Coupe Quattro Audi Quattro was first introduced in the mat Paris Auto Show, October 2010. Cars cross coupe uses a 2,500 cc V8 engine and dual clutch transmissions from the RS5.

Five-cylinder turbocharged engine is capable of spraying power 408 horsepower, and torque of 354 Newton meters (Nm). Audi working with Volkswagen AG subsidiary, Italdesign Giugiaro in doing this car.

Honda Civic 2012  Honda Motors is reportedly preparing to finalize the launch of the latest generation Honda Civic hatchback. Car engine began to be marketed in 2011 was not changed compared to previous generations.

Honda claimed to equip it with some newer features in both the exterior and interior of the car. Front grille that uses a honeycomb design, wrapping sheets Alcantra in interior leather, alloy rims of the GT version of the Civic, are among the new features.

This hatchback car manufactured in this type of SE and Si. Both still use the 1400 cc engine and 1800 cc engine. Two types of first use are 16 inch rims. The 1,800 cc engine type using size 17 inches.

Engine 1800 cc i-VTEC is called capable of generating power up to 140 horsepower. Fuel consumption of only 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers and dump gas emissions of no more than 155 grams per kilometer.

Honda did not mention the maximum speed that can be enfolded car. However, the speed acceleration from rest to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour claimed in just 8.9 seconds.

Toyota FT-86 Collaboration between the sports car Toyota Motors Corporation (Toyota) with Fuji Heavy Industries, car manufacturer Subaru, mentioned would be launched on the mat New York Auto Show 2011 which will be held April 2011.

Hachiroku nicknamed this car uses the concept with the sporty 2 +2 seats and adopt the style of RWD Corolla AE86.

Although the FT-86 is claimed to be environmentally friendly cars, but still give priority to speed have been the benefits of Toyota and Subaru. Sport sedan is equipped with 2,000 cc four-cylinder engine that ejects power to 200 horsepower.

Power of the transmitted to wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The car's rear wheel using the brake Advics.

New Chevrolet Camaro Z28

This car will be equipped with 6200 cc V8 engine that powered 426-550 horsepower. During this time, the machine used by the Cadillac CTS-V which is also manufactured by General Motors, Chevrolet's parent company.

Camaro Z28 latest generation is expected to become one of the few backbone Chevrolet sales in 2011.

Hyundai Veloster Veloster newest generation was developed with FS code using the platform of the Hyundai Cee'd front wheel. Using a standard Type 1 600 cc direct-injection engine that powered 138 horsepower. Another type 2,500 cc engine powered 205 horsepower.

Coupe car made by Hyundai Motors Corporation is using a dual-clutch transmission with six levels of acceleration. South Korean manufacturer's claim that thanks to newer transmission fuel consumption could save 5-7 percent.

Hyundai said its products that would compete with the Renault Megane and Volkswagen Scirocco.

BMW M5BMW M5 Sedan  The new version will use 4.400cc V8 engine and uses two turbochargers. The machine is claimed capable of generating power up to 555-578 horsepower and 530 lb torque. Acceleration from rest to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour (kpj) was achieved in just 4.5 seconds.

The car is capable of racing up to 248 devices equipped kpj that dual clutch transmissions seven levels of acceleration. The plan super sedan will be launched on the mat Paris Auto Show 2011 in October.

Volkswagen New Mid Size Sedan Volkswagen (VW) said the latest sedan besutannya that use 30-40 percent of VW Jetta parts. The manufacturer is confident presence sedan will be able to compete with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord.

About the price, VW claims will membanderolnya in the range of U.S. $ 20 thousand or approximately USD 180 million with a sales target of 150 thousand units per year.

Since early October 2010, VW has made the production process of the medium sedan at its plant located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States. Previously, VW has poured funds no less than U.S. $ 1 million or approximately USD 9 billion for plant expansion.

The plan, the car was launched in the mat North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) in 2011, 10 January next.

Porsche 918 Spyder The car will be produced at the Porsche factory in Zuffenhausen is priced 500,000 euros, or approximately USD 5.8 billion for the European region. The model was equipped with a V8 engine and electric motor. Power generated second combined power source is capable of spraying power 500 horsepower.

Porsche claims this car emissions level of only 70 grams per kilometer. Classified as super speed, which is 320 kilometers per hour (kpj). While acceleration from rest to a speed of 100 kpj taken in just 3.2 seconds

Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador

This car carrying the engine 6500 cc V12 engine capable of producing power of 700 horsepower and torque of 680 Newton meters (Nm). The plan, Lamborghini launch it in the mat Geneva Motor Show 2011 which took place next March.

Aventador LP700-4 is claimed to sped up to 347 kilometers per hour (kpj). Acceleration from rest to a speed of 100 kpj achieved in 2.9 seconds.

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Audi A1 Sportback S Line market in 2012

Audi A1 Sportback S Line market in 2012
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Audi announced that its A1 family will become larger, as a new model which hopes to build on the success of the 3-door version, will enter the market in 2012.

We're talking about the five-door version AudiA1 called the Sportback, which measures 3,95 mm in length and which is 6mm both longer and wider than the three-door variant, in order to perfectly accommodate the new set of doors and two also add a little extra space for passengers at the back.

Offered with four seats asstandard (a fifth seat also available at no extra cost), the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback is also providing more head-rood and shoulder-room (approximately 1 cm more than in the three-door) while it's boot compartment can accommodate 270 litres (9.53 cu ft) worth of luggage or 920 litres (32.49 cu ft) with the rear seats folded.

As far as theengine range, the German car maker is offering a total of six choices, out of which three are petrol's (a 86 HP/63 kW 1.2 TFSI, and a 1.4 TFSI rated at either 122 HP/90 kW or 185 HP/136 kW) and three diesels which include a 1.6 TDI that will deliver 90 HP (66 kW) or 105 HP (77 kW) and a2.0-litre TDI outputting 143 HP (105 kW)

The most fuel efficient petrol is the 1.2-litre TFSI which returns 5.1 liters per 100 km (46.12 US mpg) while the most agile, the 185 HP variant, requires 7.0 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h (62 mph) and can reach atop speed of 227 Km/h (141 mph).

In the diesel range the least powerful 1.6-litre unit will consume 3.8-litres per 100 Km (61.9 US mpg) and will emit 99 grams of CO2/km (159.33 g/mile) while the 2.0-litre TDI will go from 0 to 100 Km in 8.5 seconds and will consume 4.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (57.37 US mpg).

On the automaker's home market pricing for the 2012 Audi A1 Sportback will start at 16,950 Euros and will reach 19,050 Euros.

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Porsche Cayenne II Caractere Exclusive 2012

Porsche Cayenne II Caractere Exclusive 2012
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Belgian tuner Caractere Exclusive is mostly known for its numerous range of accessories designed to fit Volkswagen and Audi model.

This time they went on a different route by choosing a more exclusive vehicle, the second generation Porsche Cayenne, which received a full conversion kit.

The kit consists in aerodynamic parts, a set of light alloy wheels, a sports tuned exhaust and a set of carbon fiber interior trims. The aero parts include a redesigned front bumper, a new rear skirt, new side sills, wheel arch extensions and a small roof spoiler, while the rims can range from 20 to 22 inches in diameter and are available in CW1 GRAPHITE or SILVER designs.

The new exhaust 'enhances the performace' although Caractere did not mention the exact number of extra horses it enables, and also makes the engine sound meaner.

On the inside the carbon trims are available in various colours and finishes.

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President George W Bush Former bought an Lamborghini Aventado

President George W Bush Former bought an Lamborghini Aventado
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Has the former President, George W. Bush bought a Lamborghini Aventador? People over at Luxury4play forum seem to think so, and they also have a picture to prove it (unless what we see is the work of Photoshop).

According to a "reliable source" Bush junior has purchased the Aventador out of Huston, and it seems like he preferred the car is a stealthy matt black finish.

It may not seem like the ideal car to own when living at a ranch, but nevertheless the car looks cool.

As far as the authenticity of this news, we are still waiting for more photos or videos to confirm it. 

 Related Articles

• Video: Lamborghini Aventador vs 911 GT2 RS vs SLS AMG
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder
• Lamborghini Aventador Review by Fifth Gear
• Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Review by Jay Leno
• Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale
• New Lamborghini Supercar Heading to Frankfurt
• Cosa Design Lamborghini Gallardo
• Lamborghini Gallardo Performante Review Video
• 2012 Lamborghini Aventador Promo Video
• Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Announced

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Audi R8 GRAND-AM Daytona Testing Complete 2012

Audi R8 GRAND-AM Daytona Testing Complete 2012
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

The Germans from Audi will compete in the 2012 Daytona 24 Hours, but before actually throwing the R8 GRAND-AM into the race, it was only natural for them to test and fine-tune the car first. And what better place to do that other than the actual track on which the race will be held, the Daytona race track in Florida.

Based on the R8 LMS the car has been developed for the Touring class of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and after it completed around 1000 test kilometers, the main aspects that needed to be improved were in terms of aerodynamics due to the GRAND-AM regulations.

That is why the car received a new front splitter, a flat design underbody, a new rear diffuser and higher ground clearance (65 mm).

Furthermore, systems like ABS and traction control

have been deactivated and due to the usage of new tires, supplied by Continental, the Audi R8 GRAND-AM is also featuring a new suspension set-up.

Audi will field two R8 GRAND-AM racers at Daytona next year, and one of the customer teams which has been confirmed for the 2012 season is APR Motorsport from Opelika, US. The company is also in advanced talks with three other trams and a total of 4 cars could be delivered for the 2012 season.....READ MORE

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Cadillac XTS Away to LA or Detroit 2012

Cadillac XTS Away to LA or Detroit 2012
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Cadillac XTS rumored the production version will appear at the LA Auto Show 2011 (November) or the Detroit Motor Show 2012.

XTS will replace the DTS and STS. XTS Concept exhibited at the Detroit Auto Show 2011 with the name of the XTS Platinum. Furthermore, the XTS will be marketed by 2013.

Cadillacs buried 3.6-liter V6 engine direct injection. Power 350 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. XTS concept is a plug-in hybrid vehicles (plug-in hybrid electric propulsion or PHEV).

Luxury sedan equipped with 4WD systems ABS brakes, StabiliTrak stability control and traction control.

"The concept XTS Platinum is designed to deliver exciting driving experience without compromising the functional features, space and comfort you are looking for customers in the luxury car," said Bryan Nesbitt, General Manager of Cadillac.

"This is a new vision of luxury that uses advanced technologies to provide functionality in an efficient and useful," he added.

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ATS 2013 Cadillac engine More Powerful than Audi, BMW & Mercedes

ATS 2013 Cadillac engine More Powerful than Audi, BMW & Mercedes
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Cadillac boasted this machine is the most performing compared to its competitors from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. "2.0T engine is very smooth and responsive so that makes ATS agile, fast, and fun to drive," said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of Global Marketing.

Peak torque of 353 Nm at 2013 ATS. Remarkably, 90% of torque is achieved at 1500-5800 rpm.

Apart from 2.0T engines, Cadillac will offer a 2.5 liter engine and a 3.6-liter V6. Friction of all engines have been reduced 16%. It means becoming more efficient power delivery.

ATS 2013 Cadillac compact sedan will be showcased first on the North American International Auto Show 2012.

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Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID 2013 will debut at the Detroit Show 2012

Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID 2013 will debut at the Detroit Show 2012
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID 2013 will mendebut world at the Detroit Motor Show 2012. Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID will dated Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID.

4-cylinder engine 204 hp releasing power (150 kW) and torque of 500 Nm. Mated total power cars or 231 hp 170 kW. While the total torque of 750 Nm.

One weapon MB entered the world of hybrid is the Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID 2013. Burst power V6 engine 306 hp and 370 Nm. While the electric motor together with the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with 20 kW power and 250 Nm of torque.

Fuel consumption of Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID registered 11.48 km / liter when used in combination highway and in town. In the city need only 10.20 km / liter. Most economical if driven on a highway 13.18 km / liter.

Mercedes-Benz E 400 HYBRID will be sold first in the United States, after Japan and China.

 

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Nissan Pathfinder New Concept Showcase 2012

Nissan Pathfinder New Concept Showcase 2012
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Concept Nissan Pathfinder again showed itself. This time, Pathfider Concept Nissan showed the front and rear.

From the front mesh grille with Nissan logo in the middle flanked by two chrome rods forming the letter 'V'. A pair of trapezoidal headlight adds firmly. While a pair of fog lights decorated chrome.

Sector over the stern section with the sculpted shape. A horizontal chrome bar above the license plate enhance your appearance. The combination of red and white lights berkelir.

Nissan Pathfinder Concept will be displayed at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012, starting January 9. Nissan Pathfinder is an SUV Concept 7-seater with spacious cargo room.

System 4-wheel-drive is pinned on the latest generation of this Pathfinder. U.S. Nissan will sell in the fall of 2012

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Scion FR-S First Drive 2013

Scion FR-S First Drive 2013
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Slide behind the wheel of the first-ever rear-wheel-drive Scion and settle into the Recaro-style seats. Severely sculpted, with black fabric, red stitching, and prominent bolsters, they immediately telegraph the performance intentions of this 2+2-seat coupe. Drop your left leg onto the clutch pedal. The travel is short but fluid, with a discernible engagement point just short of the floor. The gearshift has short throws and positive action. The steering wheel is all business, exactly the right thickness and with minimal padding. So far, everything feels just right to the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands, and the car isn't even moving yet.

We're at Sodegaura Forest Raceway, a 1.5-mile road course tucked into a forest in Chiba Prefecture, across Tokyo Bay from Tokyo. This is our first drive of Toyota's version of the all-new, front-engine rear-wheel-drive coupe it co-developed with Subaru. We drove the Subaru BRZ last week, and the Scion FR-S (Front engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport) is virtually the same car, with some minor tuning and trim differences. Toyota will sell the FR-S as the Toyota 86 in Japan and as the Toyota GT86 in Europe, but only as the Scion FR-S in North America.

More on the Subaru connection shortly. Turn the key (other markets get push-button start) and the 200-hp, 2.0-liter Subaru flat-four engine, code-named 4U-GSE for those who care about such things, sparks immediately to life and settles into a quiet hum. Engage the clutch, select first gear, and we are off with a chirp of the rear tires, heading quickly into the tight right-hander that is Turn One at Sodegaura. Oh, wow, does this car turn in. The steering is super precise, and you have a good sense of the front of the car, even if there's not the sort of steering feel you get in a Lotus Elise or Porsche Cayman. The FR-S feels flat, balanced, neutral, natural.......READ MORE

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Lotus’ New V-8 and Upcoming Esprit and new performances

Lotus’ New V-8 and Upcoming Esprit and new performances
 auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

As we eagerly await the arrival of the upcoming Lotus Esprit, the British automaker has released a teaser video that discusses the progress of its V-8 engine.

The video features Lotus CEO Dany Bahar and
an engine developer, whose long hair and loose-hanging jewelry gets uncomfortably close to some moving engine parts. The clip is purely a tease, as no engine specs or power outputs are provided.

“To take a decision to design your own engine is big decision,” Bahar says in the video. “It’s a brave decision and we’ve taken that decision.”

It’s been a year since we first learned and reported on the next-gen Lotus Esprit. It was rumored to receive a revised Lexus LS V-8 engine, but the news didn’t go over too well with many enthusiasts and Lotus loyalists alike. Lotus has since decided that it would be too costly to modify the Lexus mill, and established this new engineering program.

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Supercar Performance Porsche 918 Spyder Gets , 78mpg

Supercar Performance Porsche 918 Spyder Gets , 78mpg
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Ready for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Porsche 918 plug-in hybrid vehicle claims supercar performance, with a clean conscience. The concept car aims to put together fuel efficiency and performance in a single package. It has two electric motors, one for each axle, and with a total output of 218hp. A V8 engine with 500 hp is also available. According to what Porsche says, the 918 Spyder can go from zero to 62mph in just three seconds, have a top speed of 198mph and also have a fuel efficiency of 78mpg.

The car, in essence has four different driving modes to make both performance, and its green claims feasible. The E drive mode draws power from the batteries and gives the car a range of 16 miles. The Hybrid Mode puts the engine to work as well. Then there’s the Sport Hybrid mode, which is quite like the hybrid mode, only with more of the V8 engine involved. Finally, the Race Hybrid mode puts the concept into a performance drive with both powertrains giving it their maximum.

• Porsche Unveils 911 GT3 R Hybrid
• Porsche 918 Spyder Gets Supercar Performance, 78mpg
• Porsche 911 GT3R Hybrid Gears Up For North American Racing Debut

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Hybrid Car Lovers, Safer You Are Now From Injury in Crash

Hybrid Car Lovers, Safer You Are Now From Injury in Crash
auto, cars, ford, honda, bmw, toyota, audi, nissan, mercedes, ferrari,new cars,new trends,class,modes

There is one more reason to love your hybrid cars. Besides providing fuel economy, these environment friendly models now offer you safety as well. A research by Highway Loss Data Institute, which studied 25 2003 to 2011 vehicles that featured both conventional and hybrid powertrains, concluded that the occupants in hybrid version are 27% less likely to be injured, in a crash, than those in the nonhybrid models.

Matt Moore, HLDI vice president, claims that the weight plays a critical role in this. Hybrid models on an average are10% heavier than their standard counter parts. This extra beef gives hybrid models an advantage in crashes as the heavier cars usually transfer force to the lighter vehicles.

This study would also be a relief to many of the green-minded drivers. Safety, which came as a trade off for saving fuel, was their major concern with the hybrid cars. However, it’s not a concern anymore.

This, also, is good news to the insurance companies as the green machines need only 25 percent less personal injury protection than their conventional counterparts.

On the flip side, this isn’t good news for pedestrians. The study claims that pedestrians might get involved in accidents as this car travels almost in a silent mode when in electric-only mode.

As the pedestrians can’t hear these cars approaching, when in electric only mode, HLDI suspects that people might step out into the roadway without checking what’s coming. They fear that the hybrid vehicles are 20 percent more likely to be involved in pedestrian crashes with injuries.

However, this can be solved by employing a sound alert system of some kind. Let’s hope that more and more hybrid vehicles would hit the road and contribute more to green environment

• Porsche 918 Spyder Gets Supercar Performance, 78mpg
• UK Company Makes Breakthrough to Reduce Hybrid Battery Cost Significantly
• Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Test Drives at Michelin Challenge Bibendum
• General Motors geared up to play a big role in meeting US goal of hybrid vehicles

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Toyota Aqua Heads Concept for Detroit Auto Show

Toyota Aqua Heads Concept for Detroit Auto Show
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The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show had witnessed many charming production and concept models from vehicle manufacturers around the world. Of them, Toyota’s Aqua models caught the interest of many.

Now, at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2012, these Aqua models will serve as the Prius C in the United States. This vehicle would feature a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

This slender and elegant model car would be equipped with a smaller engine and is expected to give a mileage of over 50 mpg in the city.

Aqua Kiriri Version and Aqua Piriri Version, the two bright colored models, joined the production lines. We have to wait and see how these Aqua models would perform in the market. Some might even wonder whether these models are worth going for, considering the fuel economy of these vehicles.

Meanwhile, do let us know what you think about these.

• Toyota Prius C Coming to Japan in January 2012; To be Called Aqua
• Toyota Prius C Gears Up for Tokyo Show [Video]
• Ford Vertrek Concept Shown at Detroit Auto Show; Soft on the Environment
• Volkswagen Up! Heads for Frankfurt Show

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