Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Ever since we saw the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider at the Geneva Motor Show, we fell in love with because it’s simply breathtaking. And it seems Alfa is aware of the emotions this car brings and released a new set of photos of the car.

Scheduled to be produced in a limited run of 500 units, the 8C Spider will be powered by the same 4.7 liter V8 engine from the Competizione, developing 450 hp at 7000 rpm and 480 Nm (354 ft-lb) at 4750 rpm and mated to a 5 speed gearbox.

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BMW 6 Series tuning package by AC Schnitzer

German tuner AC Schnitzer announced today a new tuning package for the facelifted BMW 6 Series. The package includes a sportier body kit, featuring new “kidney” front skirt, new side skirts, restyled rear part with new tailgate design and integral brake light, AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipe, plus 20 inch AC Schnitzer alloy wheels.
Under the hood, AC Schnitzer offers the 6 Series with a modified 635d engine, which now generates 228 kW/310 hp and 680 Nm (210 kW/286 HP and 580 Nm on the production version) and the 650i petrol engine, whose power output has been increased from 270 kW (367 HP) to 302 kW (411 HP).

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BMW X6 Pricing Announced Starts from $53k in the U.S.

BMW’s newest offering, the X6 Crossover-SUV-Coupe-Something will go on sale in the States this summer with prices beginning from $53,275 for the entry-level xDrive35i that’s equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six engine producing 300 Hp and 300-lb.-ft of torque. The top end version of the X6, the xDrive50i will start at $63,775 with power coming from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 400 Hp and 450lb.-ft of torque. Both variants of the X6 come with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Follow the jump for details on the extra equipment.

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2009 Opel Insignia: New Image Gallery Released

After releasing pictures of the taillight - headlight treatment and an initial set of camouflaged shots. Opel has followed up with a new image gallery of its upcoming Insignia sedan that will replace the Vectra in Europe, and most possibly, the Saturn Aura in the States.
While the Insignia shown in these pictures is once again covered with that annoying black adhesive tape, the new images give us a clearer view of the mid-size sedan’s exterior styling which is heavily inspired from the 2007 GTC Concept. The Insignia which is based on GM’s Epsilon-2 platform, is to be unveiled at the London motor show in 2008 with sales beginning in Europe shortly after.
About a year later, Opel plans to unveil a sporty edition of the Insignia bearing the OPC logo that will be powered by an updated version of the current Vectra OPC’s 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering approximately 300 HP. Unlike the top-notch Vectra however, the Insignia OPC will get a four-wheel-drive system.

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Geely to Show NL SUV Concept in Bejing

Geely is one of the most active carmakers at this year’s China Auto Show that’s set to take place in Beijing from April 20 to 28 as it’s planning to present a whopping 23 new production models and concepts at its 1500 square meters exhibiting area. Our latest discovery from the Chinese automaker’s Beijing Show stable is the NL Concept, a compact-sized Crossover that looks like a cross between a Chevy and a Ford Kuga SUV. Even so, we must admit that it does look good.

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VW Golf GTI Pirelli Available in the UK

The special edition Golf GTI Pirelli is making its comeback in the British market this year as Volkswagen announced that it has begun receiving orders with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country this June. Inspired from the original Golf GTI Pirelli that was introduced in May 1983, the 2008 version of the car is based on the Golf GTI Edition 30.
At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre TFSI unit with its output raised from the standard 200 Hp to 230 Hp. Drive is channelled through a choice of 6-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. With this engine, the new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car’s 0-62 mph time of 7.2 sec to 6.8 while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152.
As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique wheels and in particular, a set of five-spoke 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Other exterior features include body-coloured front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. The Pirelli GTI will be available in a choice of three colours –silver, black and blue.

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Proton recall Savvy

The owner Proton Savvy must check the rim of the tyre behind him, when had the trickle of oil, immediately to the official Proton workshop closest.
There was the possibility grease/fat trickled, that his tips could damage bearing.
In Malaysia, Proton me-recalled 34.000 Savvy units for the inspection bearing the wheel behind because of having the potential for water entered and caused the component damage.
According to Proton, recalled this the anticipatory action for the interests and the safety of the consumer.
"We asked sorry to all the Savvy owners because of the discomfort of ini,"kata Dato Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir", "as being quoted thestar, last Tuesday (1/4)."
The inspection and when needing the replacement was carried out in the official workshop free of charge.
The Savvy population in Indonesia at this time around the 600 's the unit.
The proton of Edar Indonesia (PEI) did not do the similar matter because of the inspection bearing already including in the routine inspection each 1000km, 1500km and 10,000km first.
"So already in checked previously," said Arief Gunawan, head of sales and marketing PEI, on Wednesday (9/4).
The problem that happened according to Arief was to melt him grease in bearing behind.
His characteristics adal the trickle of the liquid like oil in the rim of the wheel belaakng.
"And until this we did not yet find that", he said.
In the inspection, was carried out by the replacement grease and the inspection bearing.
When having damage bearing, was replaced free.

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Chery QQ2

The mini car with the cheap price made by Chery that was most brand new, Chery S18 will according to plan be launched in 2008 Beijing the Show car, 20 - on April 28. This model will be introduced as QQ2 and was expected to be able to attract many interested persons because of his design that was pretty, his interior that was simple and certain, his price that was very interesting.
Chery S18 followed the line of the design of Chery A1 that was very popular, although being positioned as a part of serial Chery QQ. in China, this model was offered with the price between 20.000 - 30,000 yuan or Rp 26. million -Rp 39,5 million. Chery A1 was the model that was chosen by Chrysler to be marketed in Mexico with the Dodge make. Dodge was some brand was supervised by Chrysler.
Chery S18 not the only player in this segment. There was Wuling -the affiliation of General Motors- that jagoan in this segment with the car specialist was supervised by Rp 28 million, Wuling could sell 500.000 units/the year. At this time that was regarded as cheapest by the car in the world was the Nano Order that is $2500 or Rp 23 million.

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Livina X-Gear

Nissan Motor Indonesia (NMI) will launch Livina X-Gear to the first beak this year equipped two variants beforehand, Grand Livina and Livina XR. Varian the three this was based on Livina XR with tampilan more sporti, aggressive and macho. His price was around Livina XR and Gran Livina Ultimate as being revealed by Teddy Irawan Irawan, Sales & Marketing NMI Deputy Director.
"This model will be launched slowest in Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) came," he said. IIMS 2008 was scheduled 11- on July 20 2008 in Jakarta Convetion Center.
This model will be introduced more previously in 2008 the China car, the exhibition of the car in Beijing (20 - on April 28). In China his name of Livinca C-Gear. The touch sporty not only outside, but thick also in his interior. The interior of C-Gear in the domination of the colour silver and black, without sacrificing the luggage capacity, 383 litre.
The petrol engine that was used in C-Gear have a capacity 1.6 litre, while X-Gear was 1.5 litre like that was worn by Livina XR. the Transmission 4AT and 5MT. Like Livina other, this model in the design and was developed in Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan.

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BMW’s China Car Sales in Q1 Rise by 43.2%

The Bavarian group said in a statement today that it sold it sold 14,574 cars in mainland China during the first three month of the year, up by 43.2 percent that a year earlier. In particular, sales of BMW badged cars rose 40.8 pct from a year earlier to nearly 13,851 units - including 8,035 BMW 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles made in China. MINI’s sales grew by 112 percent to 723 units.

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Chop-Shop: Alfa Romeo Mi.To GTA

In contrast with various other “chops” we’ve seen from time to time, the Mi.To GTA that was created by the guys at “Progetto955” is a model that we will definetely see coming out of Alfa Romeo’s factory in the near future. We do not know whether or not the actual Mi.To GTA will look like this, but we are aware that Alfa’s plan is to equip the top-notch version of its premium mini with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine delivering approximately 230 Hp.

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Toyota Recalls More Than Half-A-Million Corolla and Matrix Models

Toyota has launched a safety recall involving approximately 539,500 Corolla and Matrix vehicles sold in the U.S. The recall concerns 2003 and 2004 Model Year Corolla and Matrix models equipped with power windows. According to Toyota, the driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, causing the door glass to separate from the window regulator. Vehicles that are equipped with manual windows are not involved in this campaign.
The Japanese carmaker said in a statement released today that it will notify owners of the involved vehicles with a Special Service Campaign letter via first class mail beginning in late April. As usual, replacement of the driver and front passenger door glass bolts will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.

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Scion Presents 400Hp Rear-Wheel-Drive tC Coupe for Formula Drift

The good news is that Scion has developed a rear-wheel drive version of its compact coupe, the tC. The bad news for all us RWD-lovers is that the RS*R tC was created to compete in Formula Drift events and not to go on sale for the public to enjoy. The conversion, that was performed by aftermarket specialist, RS*R, was able to be done thanks to the fact that the tC shares its platform with Toyota's Japanese market Avensis four-wheel drive and Caldina all-wheel drive.
RS*R changed the tC's stock transverse engine configuration to a longitudinal setup in order to drive power, through the transmission and drive shaft, directly to the rear wheels. While the stock tC is equipped wit a 161 Hp 2.4-liter engine, the RS*R features a 3SGE Beams motor, HKS GT3037 turbo and intercooler, Blitz Dual SBC boost controller, and AEM EMS engine management system that outputs more than 400 HP.

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Drive an Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track

As much as we would have like to offer you the chance to drive a race-prepped Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track, unfortunately its UK newspaper “The Sunday Times” that’s giving its readers this unique opportunity. Thanks to a partnership between Aston Martin, PalmerSport and The Sunday Times, the UK newspaper is running a competition from April until October offering two lucky readers per month the chance to demonstrate their driving skills in a Vantage N24, at PalmerSport’s Bedford Autodrome.

For those of you who don’t believe in “Lady Luck”, Aston Martin offers the option to pay for a timed session in one of the cars. Either way, each driver’s lap time will be entered into a ‘Hot Lap League’, with the ten fastest drivers being called back at the end of the year to compete in a final to decide who’s the fastest. The winner will enjoy a package of prizes, including the loan of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a month and full VIP hospitality for two people at the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour race.

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Brilliance BS4 Wagon

It may look like a BMW and it may be produced by a company that builds BMW’s Chinese-market cars, but fact is, it’s not a bimmer. These pictures supposedly show the station-wagon version of Brilliance’s BS4 compact sedan that is scheduled to make its global premiere at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show on April 20. And why supposedly may you ask; well, while we found these pics on several Chinese sites this morning, some details like the phony-looking alloy wheels, the fact that the car has only one roof-bar along with the Italian license-plates make us wonder whether or not these pics are the product of photoshop. We’ll know soon enough.

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Lamborghini Murcielago Crash – China Style

A car crash is an unpleasant site - whatever the make or model. However, we must admit that we tend to feel worse when it involves exotic cars like this Lamborghini Murcielago that bit the dust somewhere in China. Ironic detail: the flowers seen in the picture above were not placed by some random folks or by the owner of the car in memory of the Lambo.

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Nissan Livina C-GEAR

Nissan is enhancing its Livina line-up with the introduction of a third variant of its Asian market hatchback, the Livina C-Gear (to be called the 'X-Gear' in various markets). The crossover version of the Livina will make its first public appearance at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show later this month. In addition to its “rugged-look” exterior, Nissan supports that inside the C-Gear has received a sporty look and feel manifested through the combination of a black interior with silver finish.
The Livina C-Gear will be offered with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with the choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. The model will be produced locally at DFL's Huadu plant in Guangdong province.

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The Audi Q5 coming on April 19

With its world debut scheduled for the Beijing Auto Show, which will start on April 20, the new Audi Q5 will be revealed for the first time on April 19, on the Audi Q5 microsite. The special website was launched a few weeks ago and offers you the possibility to register for the newsletter and be the first ones to find out all the details about the new Audi Q5. For now there are only some wallpapers on the site, but all you Audi fans would better hurry and register because, besides the info on the Q5, you’ll also get the chance to win a test drive in Audi’s new competitor for the BMW X3, the Mercedes Benz GLK or the recently introduced Volvo VX60.

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Lexus luncurkan edisi spesial IS 250X

Lexus memperkenalkan edisi khusus IS 250 yaitu IS 250 X di Australia. Hanya ada 450 unit dan diposisikan sebagai kendaraan dengan value for money yang menaik untuk pembeli mobil prestisius seperti diungkapkan Lexus Australia chief executive, John Roca.

Model ini dilengkapi sports suspension, sistem stereo Mark Levinson dengan 14 speaker, sunroof, satellite navigation, rear view camera with rear guide assist, Bluetooth™ handsfree telephone system, hingga alloy wheel 18inch. Ada warna spesial yaitu Arctic Blue and Vermilion, dan Onyx Black yang dipasangkan dengan interior kulit berwarna hitam.

"Tahun lalu Lexus memperkenalkan limited edition IS250 yang terjual habis dalam enam minggu, dua kali lebih cepat dari perkiraan. IS250 X diperkirakan juga seperti itu," kata John Roca.

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Volkswagen Recalling 410,000 Passats in the U.S.

German carmaker Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall of all gasoline powered Passat models from 1999 through 2005. In particular, some Passat vehicles with an automatic transmission may have an underbody heat shield that could be subject to damage. If the damaged heat shield comes in contact with the vehicle’s exhaust system, it could create a potential safety risk.

Additionally, some Passats equipped with 1.8T engines have a fuel line that requires inspection and potential replacement. A small number of vehicles equipped with 4Motion all-wheel-drive will be inspected for potential damage to a fuel tank ventilation valve. According to VW, no accidents or injuries have been recorded. Owner notification is scheduled to begin by May 30, 2008.

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Ford’s US Sales Free-Fall By 14% in March

While many at Ford would wish this were an April fool’s day joke, it isn’t; in March, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totalled 213,074 units, down 14 percent compared with a year ago. Total Ford Motor Company sales, including Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, totalled 227,143, again down 14 percent versus March 2007.
The American carmaker blamed its poor March results to the crumbling SUV and truck sales. In March Ford Motor Company sold 146,228 SUVs and trucks, down from 175,491 last March (-16.7%). In terms of car sales, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar and Volvo sold 80,915 vehicles, down from 89,484 last year (-9,6%).

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Feast For Your Eyes: Italian Tuning Show Babes

“My Special Car Show” is an automotive customisation exhibition that took place at Rimini Fiera in Italy from 28 to 30 March, 2008. As with all tuning salons, there was no shortage of babes at “My Special Car Show”. Luckily for us, our fellow blogger-buddies at Autoblog.it were kind enough to capture many of the babes on film so we can get a taste of what we missed out on. Did we mention that there were a lot of poles at the exhibition centre in Rimini?

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Kia KEE_wii Concept

While most of us thought that we had seen the last of the poorly received KEE Concept Coupe that made its debut in Frankfurt last year, Kia announced today the introduction of a unique development of its Peter Schreyer-designed sports coupe concept - the KEE_wii. The latest upgrade to KEE involves the addition of high-tech drive system that removes the need for a steering wheel and pedals

Franz Josef-Hicks, head of the Advanced Propulsion Research Institute and Laboratory at Kia Motors New Zealand, explained; ‘We have taken inspiration from current computer gaming technology to create a completely new steering and pedal system called Dynamic On-Road Kinetics. The traditional driving controls are replaced by a small ‘controller’ which fits comfortably into two hands. Making steering motions with the small controller will turn the car in whichever direction the driver likes whilst accelerator and brakes are button operated. It is a very simple and intuitive system.’ added Mr Josef-Hicks.

According to Carscoop sources, the KEE_wii dynamic control system will be available on new Kia cars on April 1 2009 and will then be optional on forthcoming generations of models as they are updated or replaced.

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Toyota UK Launches Auris SR Versions

Following the launch of the flagship Auris SR180, Toyota UK is introducing a new sporty trim named SR. Available with the 1.6 Dual VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel engines, the new SR grade benefits from lowered sports suspension and riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, both from Toyota Motorsport. Other unique features provided as standard include a Toyota Motorsport rear spoiler and dark-tinted privacy glass – items shared with the SR180. The SR is on sale now in the UK, in three and five-door body styles priced from £14,495

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SEAT Introduces High Tech Electro-Reflective Paint

Forget about Candy White and Matte Black; the color we’re all going to be hearing about over the next few hours is SEAT’s innovative 'electro reflective' exterior panel finish. The unique paint has been developed in-house by an elite team of technicians at the Spanish manufacturer's Martorell HQ, near Barcelona. Using complex principles similar to those through which electrochromic (auto dimming) rear view mirrors work, the experts have developed the patented electro reflective finish which constantly adapts to mimic the car's surroundings. Even though SEAT has not disclosed any more information, Carscoop’s sources state that the new electro-reflective paint will be available for order in a year’s time, on April 1, 2009.

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Audi TT: New 1.4 TFSI 140 Hp Coming to Leipzig

Downsizing is the name, and VW Group is the one who’s playing the game. Following yesterday’s announcement on the TT 1.8TFSI, Audi revealed that it will introduce an even smaller engine for its sport model, the 1.4-liter TFSI unit that combines a supercharger and a turbocharger generating 140 Hp.
The 1.4 TFSI unit is already available in wide number of VW Group models including the Audi A3, VW Golf and SEAT Leon. The reason that Audi decided to fit the TT with this unit is partially due to the stricter European emission and fuel consumption rules, but most importantly to attract a wider audience as a lot European countries calculate vehicle taxes based on engine size so the new smaller engine will reduce owners registration fees without sacrificing much of the cars performance. The TT 1.4TFSI will make its world debut at the Leipzig Auto Show in Germany this month alongside the TT 1.8TFSI. Euro-wide sales will follow shortly after.

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