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U.S. Formula One Team Faces Massive Time Crunch
February 4th, 2010 | Author: PopularMechanics.com - Automotive Motorsports
Lexus SC rendered by avarvarii
January 31st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
While the first SC is not even worth mentioning (at least not in terms of design) the second one proved to be a pretty strong player. It was the first luxury cabriolet with 2 + 2 seats and got to be known all over the world due to various rap clips . The Lexus design changed dramatically in 2005, when the beta "L-finesse" produced the magnificent second IS. The 2007 LS further pointed that the IS was no accident and Toyotas can also look stunning. We can now dare and dream at the third generation SC that could bring us the rough-sporty side of the "L-finesse" philosophy. . An increased wheelbase should be a must on the new car, that way it can have descent rear room, and a real chance against the competition.
Lexus SC rendered by avarvarii originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 31 January 2010 16:00 EST.
Vauxhall to bring giant snow globe to annual ice skate disco event
January 31st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
We rarely hear about Vauxhall at this time but when we do hear about them, they sure know how to get noticed.
Opel’s sister manufacturer will be hosting the Vauxhall Ice Skate event in London on January 28 and they’re bringing with them a gigantic snow globe that comes with at least 50 bags of artificial snow and a real Vauxhall Astra inside.
The snow globe, which is enormous by any stretch of the imagination, measures around 16 feet in diameter and is just one of the many attractions Vauxhall is bringing to their annual ice skating disco event.
Apart from the giant snow glove, the British carmakers are also scheduled to display their very own Gingerbread car and Corsa-inspired karaoke machine, which they appropriately dubbed as the ‘Car-aoke Corsa’.
There’s no telling what other kooky creations Vauxhall has in store for the ice skating event but judging from what they’ve already shown with the giant snow globe, we’re thinking that they may have a few more surprises under their sleeves.
Vauxhall to bring giant snow globe to annual ice skate disco event originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 31 January 2010 14:00 EST.
Fiat 500’s second-year anniversary in the UK commemorated with eight special edition models on display
January 31st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Taking a page out of MINI’s playbook, Fiat commemorated the Fiat 500’s second-year anniversary of the hatchback’s UK launch in typical MINI fashion by bringing in a number of special edition 500s from all over the world to be prominently displayed at the company’s Marylebone showroom.
Among the special edition 500s that called in their attendance for the occasion included the 500 Capri by Castagna, the 500 Valentino Rossi, the racing Abarth 500, the 500 by Andy, the 500 Diabolika, the 500 by Diesel, the 500 Ron Arad and the just-released special-edition 500 Pink, which, incidentally, just went on sale in the UK last week.
Of course, a celebration of this magnitude deserves the attendance of a who’s-who of London’s celebrity row and those present for the occasion included actress Angela Griffin, entertainment executive Keith Bishop, and TV presenter Raef Bjayou.
This isn’t exactly the Fiat’s first rodeo when it comes to out-of-the-box marketing when it comes to promoting the 500. A few months ago, the Italian brand brought a giant Fiat 500C in London in an effort to drum up interes in the car.
As an added treat to those who may want to catch a glimpse of any of these special-edition 500s will have the opportunity to do so at the Fiat’s Wigmore Street showroom, which will display all special edition 500s one at a time until February 28.
Fiat 500's second-year anniversary in the UK commemorated with eight special edition models on display originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 31 January 2010 12:00 EST.
BMW receives positive feedback from MINI E study
January 31st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The results from a study done to gauge customer feedback for the MINI E has been released and as expected, you can score one for MINI and BMW.
The study, which was commissioned by BMW, and conducted by the University of California, Davis, has determined that participants who drove the MINI E have come back with positive feedback on the car after having used it for a period of six months.
On the flip side, the study also showed that while the participants been generally receptive of the new electric car, they’ve also encountered a few problems along the way, namely “range anxiety”, which, if explained, means that the MINI E’s battery run-time isn’t as long as they hoped it be.
Meanwhile, BMW was quick to point out that despite concerns surrounding the MINI E’s battery life, the whole study proved to be a ‘delightful success’, saying in a press release that the results of the study showed that the range of about 100 miles is sufficient for most of the drivers’ daily needs; charging at home provides enough energy for most daily driving; demand for additional charging is centered on the place of work, or where sufficient time is spent during the day; and driving the MINI E is a delightful experience and there is no sacrifice of "real car" values.
Dr. Thomas Turrentine, the leading man in the MINI E study also said that while the participants have reported a few complaints with the MINI E , one of which is the car’s regenerative braking, the overall experience was very positive.
So there you have it. It’s always a tough task to get an overwhelmingly positive response from studies of this nature given the subjectivity of the participants involved but the results from the MINI E study is something that BMW should be happy about overall. There were a few bumps along the way, but overall, a lot of the participants seemed to come out with a positive feedback for the MINI E.
Press Release after the jump
BMW receives positive feedback from MINI E study originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 31 January 2010 10:00 EST.
Infiniti Compact rendered by avarvarii
January 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
While not yet very popular in Europe, Infiniti cars are considered in the US true alternatives for BMW and Audi. After Lexus have announced their Lf-Ch, Infiniti joins the downsizing trend and wants to produce a premium compact to go against the 1 Series and the A3. We expect the Infiniti to be a dynamic car with a sculptural design and an emphasis on performance that could really shake up BMW fans. With a low, wide stance and large wheels this could be the ultimate hot hatch, especially if we consider that Infinitis are generally well powered and well equipped.
Infiniti Compact rendered by avarvarii originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 30 January 2010 16:00 EST.
Video: Colin McRae with his 22B
January 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Subaru made a name for themselves in the WRC with the late great Colin McRae behind the wheel of their blue and yellow Impreza rally car. In celebration of the automaker’s 40th anniversary and by that point, multiple World Rally Championships, the Japanese automaker built the special edition 22B STI back in 1998. This special edition Impreza started out as a lightweight WRX RA coupe shell and then had a set of much wider rear arches to match the boxed front fenders that housed special gold BBS wheels, which widened the Subaru’s track and made it look just as bad as the WRC car.
Video: Colin McRae with his 22B originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 30 January 2010 14:00 EST.
Video: Mercedes’ new ‘Used 1 program’ commercial wants us to "avoid surprises"
January 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
We don’t know if this commercial is going to be part of the Superbowl but it sure is witty enough to have a place on America’s biggest football game.
The commercial, which is promoting Mercedes’ new certified used-van program, features a dinged-up old Mercedes Sprinter jugging along a country road before its engine inexplicably conks out. As the driver opens the hood, an evil clown jumps out Jack-in-the-Box style.
Then the tag line comes: “Avoid surprises. Choose a Mercedes-Benz Used 1”. Nice tag line, if you ask us. And we’ll be honest; the driver wasn’t the only one that was caught by surprise by that clown.
Video: Mercedes' new 'Used 1 program' commercial wants us to "avoid surprises" originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 30 January 2010 12:00 EST.
BMW M3 Competition Package official details revealed
January 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
A few days ago we reported that the 2011 BMW M3 will get a new Competition Package. Not the German company revealed the official specification for the package. It will be offered for the coupe and sedan model and will be priced at $2,500.
The package further enhances the highly responsive chassis by installing a 10mm lower suspension and 19" wheels with greater offset for a wider track. Combined with remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the M3 with Competition Package is the best handling production M car ever built.
BMW M3 Competition Package official details revealed originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 30 January 2010 10:50 EST.
Video: The Man and the Porsche
January 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
If you are a Porsche fan this video should keep you entertained for house, even though it’s only six minutes long. Created by Clash Productions, it was directed by Stephane Benini and Biense Dijkstra and features a 911 doing what it does best, going fast on a racing circuit. Filled with all sorts of neat camera angles and exciting on track action that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat every time you watch it.
Enjoy!
Video: The Man and the Porsche originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 30 January 2010 10:00 EST.
Video: Zenvo ST1 vs camels
January 30th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Typicaly when we hear the worlds "sports car vs." the next item to follow is traditionally some sort of extreme machine with an incredible top speed which makes for an incredible race. However when the guys from Top Gear took a trip to the more arid regions of the world with a Zenvo ST1 super car, they had a rare encounter with a group of camels who managed to bring the mighty Stig to a halt.
Video: Zenvo ST1 vs camels originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 30 January 2010 08:00 EST.
Lamborghini new Murcielago rendered by avarvarii
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The fabulous Lamborghini Murcielago will be a decade old soon, and from 2011 another famous bull will share its name with the latest Lamborghini model. Following the trend of the decade, this new top-Lambo will get lighter and more fuel efficient. The origami-style design promoted by the Reventon is refined here and a little toned down. After all this "standard version" needs to leave room for the future LP and SV models. The special wheel design is a tribute to classic Lamborghini models.
Lamborghini new Murcielago rendered by avarvarii originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 15:30 EST.
Matte black Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster, by its very nature the V12 powered Italian super car is a limited edition vehicle, especially with only 50 units of the special edition open air Murcielago in existence around the world. However the owner of of one of these high performance power houses has taken an extra step to ensure that his LP is truly a one of a kind machine.
The Murcielago owner opted to cover the car in a matte black finish complete with gloss black highlights as well as a set of custom GFG three piece forged Narkid wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter, with orange accents to match the massive brake calipers, wrapped in a set of sticky Pirelli tires. Meanwhile the Murcielago’s interior gets a one of a kind custom audiophile sound system from Al & Eds Autosound as well as an Escort SRX "Ticket Avoidance System" to help with the consequences of having 650 HP on tap.
Matte black Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 14:30 EST.
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Despite a revealing sketch, Volvo shoots down rumors about a possible compact electric car
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Volvo has kept mum on a possible future electric car despite the fact that a sketch of the said vehicle was shown at a recent event hosted by EnerDel, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer that’s scheduled to supply Volvo with the electric vehicle platform for the Swedish brand’s new electric Volvo C30.
According to a Volvo spokesperson, the sketch, which was admittedly made by one of their in-house designers, was made as an illustrated example of electric cars in general and not as a specific Volvo model.
The sketch, which features a futuristic-looking hatchback, came with a caption saying “a future Volvo electric car?” eventually leading to rampant speculation that Volvo may be looking into producing a compact electric car in the near future.
We don’t know if this is merely a smokescreen set up by Volvo to divert attention regarding their future plans but for now, we’ll take the company’s word for it. For now.
Despite a revealing sketch, Volvo shoots down rumors about a possible compact electric car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 13:00 EST.
Despite a revealing sketch, Volvo shoots down rumors about a possible compact electric car
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Volvo has kept mum on a possible future electric car despite the fact that a sketch of the said vehicle was shown at a recent event hosted by EnerDel, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer that’s scheduled to supply Volvo with the electric vehicle platform for the Swedish brand’s new electric Volvo C30.
According to a Volvo spokesperson, the sketch, which was admittedly made by one of their in-house designers, was made as an illustrated example of electric cars in general and not as a specific Volvo model.
The sketch, which features a futuristic-looking hatchback, came with a caption saying “a future Volvo electric car?” eventually leading to rampant speculation that Volvo may be looking into producing a compact electric car in the near future.
We don’t know if this is merely a smokescreen set up by Volvo to divert attention regarding their future plans but for now, we’ll take the company’s word for it. For now.
Despite a revealing sketch, Volvo shoots down rumors about a possible compact electric car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 11:00 EST.
Maserati 4200GT by Prior Design
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Maserati Coupé, also known as the 4200GT, was one of the exotic Italian sports car builders premium power houses built between 2002 and 2007. So even if the screaming 390 HP Maserati two door has been out of production for a few years now. it is never too late to give it a fresh new look, and that is exactly what the high end German tuning firm Prior Design had on their minds when they came out with this all new aero package that consists of a new front bumper priced at 1400 euro, an equally as expensive rear unit with integrated diffuser and a set of lower hanging side skirts priced at 900 euro to complete the down force enhancing ground effects package. Add to it a set of Prior Design’s five spoke alloys and some fancy orange accents and you have one very stylish Maserati, even if they did leave the high revving 32 Valve V8 untouched.
Maserati 4200GT by Prior Design originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 11:00 EST.
Saab and Spyker CEOs talk about Saab-Spyker deal
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
With Saab finally being welcomed by Spyker with open arms, the months-long drama surrounding the beleaguered Swedish brand has finally come to an end.
Naturally, the deal is still subject to the approval of a European Commission regarding the €400 million loan Spyker is seeking from the European Investment Bank but barring any unexpected snags, Spyker’s acquisition of Saab is expected to be finalized anytime soon.
With Saab finally out of GM’s hands, the two protagonists behind the deal – Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile and Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars – sat down and gave their insights regarding final details between the two brands and Saab’s future now that they’re in the hands of Spyker.
As far as we’re concerned, we’re just relieved that Saab has finally freed themselves from the chopping block and now we can look forward knowing that a once-proud car manufacturer has lived to see another day.
Saab and Spyker CEOs talk about Saab-Spyker deal originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 10:00 EST.
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera to unveil Bentley based model in Geneva
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Italian specialty coach builder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has announced that they will be bringing a very special vehicle to the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Initial details suggest that the Superleggera special will be based on the top of the line Bentley Continental, this would be fitting considering the design house’s statement that the Geneva show car will be a "fascinating new coach built Bentley, faithful to its long tradition of Italian coach building."
It still isn’t clear as to which version of the factory tuned Bentley Continental the Carrozzeria will be bringing to Geneva, whether it will be a simple drop top GTC or the high performance GTC Speed or even a very exclusive hand built version of the even more powerful GTC Supersports.
Whatever it may be, stay tuned to Top Speed because we will get back to you soon with new details as soon as we get them!
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera to unveil Bentley based model in Geneva originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 07:47 EST.
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Pininfarina concept car based on Alfa Romeo coming to Geneva
January 29th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The design studio Pininfarina has announced that they will unveil a new concept car based on an undetermined Alfa Romeo this March at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show as part of the relationship between the two exotic Italian brands and will commemorate both Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary as well as Alfa Romeo’s centennial.
The Pininfarina Geneva concept will continue the tradition of successful spiders that have gone from simple sketches to road going automobiles thanks to the two automaker’s collaborations of the past. The only details that Pininfarina cared to elaborate on is that the show car will continue the two passenger open air spider theme. While we would expect to see something along the lines of a rebodied 8C super car, Pininfarina may surprise us by chopping the top off of a turbocharged Multiair MiTo before removing the back seat following the fuel efficient future trend towards premium compacts that is becoming all too apparent in the automobile industry. Either way it is sure to make the Quadrifoglio crowd proud.
What would you like to see Pininfarina bring to Geneva?
Press release after the jump.
Pininfarina concept car based on Alfa Romeo coming to Geneva originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 January 2010 07:37 EST.
BMW has big plans for 2011 but no news about a future M5
January 28th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The German automaker BMW has quite a bit in store for the upcoming model year, from the Z4 hard top roadster to the 335is that squeezes into the range right below the factory tuned track day special M3, there is even an all new set of twin scroll turbochargers bolted to the 3.0 Liter straight six that will spool up faster offering even more power off the line as well as improved efficiency. However one member of the Bavarian lineup that the luxury automaker is keeping a bit tight lipped about is the upcoming M5.
With the current trend favoring fuel economy over sheer horse power, automakers around the world are downsizing their engine lineups in order to meet stringent efficiency regulations and that means that the current 500 HP V10 found under the hood of the high performance four door is more than likely to go the way of the dinosaurs. BMW states that “a new M5 Sedan based on the upcoming 6th generation 5 Series is planned but not ready to be unveiled yet,” this means that BMW either has something big in the works or they don’t want to rain on the all new 5 Series GT’s parade.
Continued with press release after the jump.
BMW has big plans for 2011 but no news about a future M5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 28 January 2010 20:00 EST.
