Author: yoann besnard

Audi to launch the hybrid Q5 first in the US

While the audi Q7 Hybrid is expected sometimes in 2009, it might be pipped to the post by the Q5 which might be launched in its hybrid configuration on the American market ahead of the other versions.
Secrecy surrounds the exact launch date of the Q5 although some observers think the company will unveil its latest SUV at Geneva. It would then be unveiled as a hybrid model and would be powered by the 210bhp 2.0-litre TFSi petrol engine coupled to an electric engine. The latter would use Nimh batteries at first before getting Lithium-Ion batteries in the future.
No information has been given regarding the pricing of the future hybrid Q5.
Source: Automotive News
February 14, 2008
Shuanghuan CEO lands in Greece

The Shuanghuan CEO has gone on sale in Greece. The SUV is well known for its inspired design that takes its styling cues from the Toyota Land Cruiser, the BMW X5 and the Honda CRV.

This automotive compilation will be powered by a 147bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine initially developed by Mitsubishi. Some techincal equipments are derived from the previous Mitsubishi L200.
The CEO comes with an ABS, a mp3/CD player, heated seats and is sold at a competitive price tag of €22,900/£17,000.
February 14, 2008
Rolls Royce Phantom modified by EDAG

EDAG doesn’t expect to be famous for its design skills but for its expertise in technical feats. When applying this philosophy to the Rolls Royce Phantom, EDAG doesn’t change the styling but features an articulated roof that allows graceful, upright entry into the Phantom’s recessed rear seat.

The articulated panel required some work as it cuts the top of the car in half. EDAG reinforced the structure while keeping the weight down by using carbon fiber for the panel.

Inside there is a bespoke interior and EDAG added the latest technologies available such as mobile internet access, email and text messaging and a built-in PC. Moreover aware of the obsolescense of such technologies, EDAG allows to integrate third-party devices at any time.
February 14, 2008
Morgan to unveil the LifeCar at Geneva

Morgan will unveil the LifeCar at the Geneva Motor Show. The prototype is a fuel cell hybrid sports car based on the company’s Aero 8 roadster.
The LifeCar’s purpose is to demonstrate that a zero emission vehicle can also be fun to drive and to lower the entry barriers for a vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

The LifeCar project costed £1.5 million and Morgan collaborated with Oxford University and Cranfield University.
February 14, 2008
Audi TTS prices announced

Audi has announced the pricing for the Audi TTS Coupe and Roadster for the UK. The coupé will cost £33,380 and the roadster £35,380.
The first Audi TT to sport the ‘S’ insignia is now available to order in Coupe and Roadster forms while first deliveries will start in summer of this year.
The Audi TTS is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with direct injection system which has an output of 268bhp and a torque varying between 206lb ft to 258 lb ft between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph and the TTS can shuttle from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds.
The TTS features newly designed bi-xenon headlamps incorporating trademark Audi LED strip daytime running lights, a redesigned front apron incorporating larger air intakes and aluminium-look door mirror housings. There are also deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be upgraded to 19-inch. The aft gets a revised rear bumper surrounding quad-tailpipes.
On the inside, the TTS comes with two-tone leather sports seats, exclusive ‘S’ instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminium trim elements.
February 14, 2008
Mazda rolled off the 100,000th Demio/2

Only eight months after domestic production started, Mazda built the 100,000th Demio confirming the success encountered by the small Mazda in Japan but also in Europe.
The Mazda Demio, known as 2 model in Europe has been delivered to 34,389 units in the first six months on the Japanese market while in Europe 12,591 units found an owner four months after it hit the showrooms.
Well born, the Mazda 2 took the second place in the 2008 European Car of the Year thanks to a bold design but essentially to its focus on weight reduction. The Mazda is around 100 kilograms lighter than the previous model while almost all other competitors grew in size and weight.
February 14, 2008
Tiff Needle drives the Aston Martin DBS

Tiff Needle drives the DBS and really likes it.
February 14, 2008
More details about the Nissan GT-R V-Spec

Nissan will start selling the GT-R V-Spec at the end of this year. The V-Spec will be more powerful and will include aerodynamic upgrades.
While the standard GT-R’s engine delivers 473bhp, the sportier V-Spec will have an output boosted to 550bhp. Along with the power boost, the engineers focused on weight reduction. The V-Spec will be 150kg lighter than the normal GT-R. The power-weight ratio will drop from 271bhp per tonne to 346bhp, a 28% increase.
The V-Spec will come with a set a aerodynamic appendices such as side skirts and splitter. On the inside, the car will feature carbon fiber panels but will keep its current equipment and dashboard.
Nissan has set the goal to break the Nürburgring record lap which is 7 minute 25 second and to take on the Porsche 911 GT2 and GT3. The V-Spec will be £20,000 more expensive than the normal version.
February 14, 2008
Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG tuned by Väth

Here is the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG spice up by the German tuner Väth. More power, upgraded braking system and lowered suspension.
If you feel unhappy with the power delivered by the 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine, Väth raises its power to 718bhp. The CL 65 AMg can then reach a top speed of 211mph with the removal of the electronic speed limiter.

The coupé is also equipped with an improved braking system and lowered suspension. The exterior styling features 20” alloy wheels and a carbon-fibre front spoiler lip and rear diffuser parts.
Source: autoblog.nl
February 14, 2008
Mazda might produce a MX-5 coupé

Mazda is seriously considering launching a coupé variant of the successful MX-5 roadster. The future coupé would go on sale from 2010.
According to the Japanese car magazine Best Car, there is 60% chance that we will see the coupé hitting the showrooms. 2010 is also the year Mazda will likely revamp the roadster.
The coupé won’t be built on the same assembly lines as the roadster. It will be produced at a small scale by Mazda R&E, the Research and Engineering department of the company which compromises the probability to see the coupé being exported outside of Japan.
This is not the first time Mazda would build a coupé derived from the roadster. The previous generation featured a coupé also sold exclusively in Japan.
February 14, 2008