21 century cars

2011 Scion tC Automatic - Short Take Road Test

2011-02-09T20:29:00.000+05:00

hen Scion hit U.S. streets in 2004, it was a quirky little brand that sprouted from its traditionalist parent company, Toyota. Today, the original Scion oddballs—the first-gen xB and xA—are gone, having been replaced by larger, heavier, costlier, and more, well, Toyota-like models. (The xB is in its second generation, and the xD has assumed the xA’s place in the lineup.) Maturity seemingly trumped originality in the Scion showroom, and sales plummeted. The brand may have learned a lesson, though, because the redesigned 2011 Scion tC doesn’t stray from the original’s successful script.

It’s New—Really!

You’re forgiven if the newness of the 2011 tC eludes you. The platform changes little, and the wheelbase and overall length remain the same, at 106.3 and 174.0 inches. Width, however, is up by 1.6 inches, and the track increases by 1.3 inches at the front and 2.1 inches at the rear. Weight is up by 144 pounds to 3160. And although it looks a lot like the previous tC, the new car actually shares no exterior panels with its predecessor. The major changes lie beneath the surface.

A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp replaces the 161-hp, 2.4-liter four. Despite the extra power, fuel economy improves slightly, thanks to a new six-speed manual that replaces a five-speed unit and a six-speed automatic that has two more forward ratios than its predecessor had. Fuel mileage jumps from 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the manual and 21/29 for the automatic to 23/31 for the new car, regardless of transmission. The new engine boasts 11 additional lb-ft of torque for a total of 173. More torque had us expecting easier low-end acceleration, but we instead found ourselves revving toward the 6250-rpm redline to find meaningful thrust. Work the new engine hard, and it sounds a bit strained; although the exhaust barks out a nicely tuned, warm rasp to people outside the car, none of that aural goodness makes it to the pilot, who simply hears a constant buzziness. We recommend driving with the window down to experience what bystanders get to hear. (Click here to hear the 2011 Scion tC.)

Roomier Interior, Super Seats

Put aside the engine noise, and the interior becomes the best part of the tC. The dashboard plastics are hard, but there’s otherwise little evidence of scrimping. The comfortable, grippy, and supportive seats had us looking for a Recaro label. The thick-rimmed steering wheel had us thinking Lexus LF-A. And the 300-watt, eight-speaker sound system had us thinking Mark Levinson. Compared with the spacecraft-inspired dashboards of the Honda CR-Z or Civic, the tC’s looks a bit stark, but the simple design is clean, driver-oriented, and free of overly designed nonsense. And although the overall length remains the same as the 2010 car's, the new model’s extra width translates to a marginally roomier interior that has 1.1 more inches of front shoulder room and more leg, shoulder, and hip room (1.0 inch, 2.1 inches, and 1.2 inches, respectively) in the rear.

As on the first-gen model, a MacPherson-strut front suspension and a multilink rear suspension are used on this second generation. A firm ride is part of the tC experience, and although this Scion is a supremely easy car to drive quickly, it seems too demure to engage in the sort of fleet-footed playfulness that makes the Mazda 3 so much fun. Imagine driving a Corolla with a firm suspension and larger tires, and you won’t be far off. The steering is fairly numb, although not offensively so; it’s simply that some competitors offer more connection with the road. So the tC is not as much fun, but it almost makes up for that deficit with its substantial and refined feel.

Perhaps in keeping with this Scion’s mature attitude, the tC can slow down in a hurry. Stopping from 70 mph took a sports-car-like 166 feet. Our testing revealed a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.4 seconds for the six-speed automatic (we haven’t yet had the opportunity to test a manual version). That exactly matches the time of a five-speed-manual tC that we tested back in August 2004. Although the acceleration is unlikely to result in a trip to the cardiac ward, neither will the as-tested price of $19,995. If you want to shift for yourself, manual-transmission versions cost $1000 less.

It’s clear that, at least as it applies to this car, radical change is out at Scion. (Look toward the upcoming Scion iQ for weirdness.) But the tC never was the radical Scion, hewing closely to a tried-and-true formula of sporty looks, decent price, and reasonable power. Scion’s brand statement might not ever contain “reasonable” or “tried and true,” but those are what the tC has been about from the beginning, and this new car continues that charge.

Ultimate Range Rover revealed!

2011-02-09T20:25:00.000+05:00

British brand unleashes £120k ultimate luxury SUV for Geneva - with upgraded cabin and iPads as standard.
Ultimate Range Rover revealed! static
Auto Express Car Reviews
By Paul Bond
07th February 2011
Meet the ultimate Range Rover – a £120,000 ultra-luxurious off-road limousine with a host of extras, including a pair of Apple iPads!

The Autobiography Ultimate Edition will debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, where potential owners can try out what will be the most luxurious and expensive car the British brand has ever made.

The iPads are integrated into special holders behind the front seats, giving rear passengers access to movies, E-mail and the Internet. Meanwhile, the rear bench has been removed completely. In its place, two standalone heated electric seats have been installed for limousine-like passenger comfort.

Up front, the centre console has been extended to include a machined aluminium laptop table and refrigerated drinks cabinet. And customers will be able to choose from a wide range of bespoke finishes for the palatial interior.

All the major contact points, including the steering wheel, dashboard and door linings, are swathed in soft-touch leather, and there’s a choice of wood veneers to cover the rest of the cabin surfaces.

Not even the boot has escaped the luxury treatment, with the standard carpet floor replaced by a yacht-style teak wood finish with metal handles. To set the Ultimate Edition apart from the rest of the range, there are two unique colour schemes – Roussillon Red and Otago Stone – and the car rides on 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Customers can also choose a Design pack for added visual impact. This includes new side vents and a honeycomb-style grille. You can even opt for deployable side steps to make climbing aboard more dignified!

There are two V8 engines available, one petrol and one diesel, but both come mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The supercharged 5.0-litre petrol takes the Range Rover from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds, while the 4.4-litre oil-burner returns more than 30mpg.

Only 500 of the bespoke Ultimate Editions will be built. Prices haven’t been confirmed, but insiders have told us it will start from around £120,000.

Chicago auto show: Hyundai Veloster has rally ambitions

2011-02-09T20:24:00.000+05:00

the Hyundai Veloster rally car going airborne.
Hyundai released this teaser shot of an airborne Veloster to generate interest in its announcement at the Chicago auto show next week.

The Hyundai Veloster, which just debuted at the Detroit auto show in January, looks to have rally intentions.

Hyundai on Friday released a teaser photo that shows a Veloster, covered in rally livery, catching some air.

The photo promotes Hyundai's media event at the Chicago auto show on Feb. 9 at 10:45 a.m. Eastern. Hyundai says there will be a full video at www.youtube.com/user/HMAUSA at that

First Drive: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

2011-02-09T20:22:00.000+05:00

"Denali" is actually an Athabascan (Eskimo) word for "the High One," and the original name of Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. It's also the "tallest" price point for GMC models like the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali.

Never mind that Mt. McKinley is in Alaska, and "Acadia" was the French name for what is now New England and Canada's Maritime Provinces. Denali means "trim package" now, and an expensive one at that. Such is the case of the new 2011 GMC Acadia Denali that recently rolled into Motor Trend HQ with a $50,125 price tag, a pricey sum considering the Acadia starts at $32,615, and there were still options boxes left unchecked. Sure, ours was good and optioned-up, but the base price for an Acadia Denali is still an eyebrow-raising $43,995.

2011 GMC Acadia Denali Rear Three Quarters
Click to view Gallery
While the Denali package is typically considered a luxury package, on the Acadia it works out to more of a dress-up kit than anything else. Denali models get a unique front fascia that looks like a tame aftermarket addition, and body-color cladding, fascias, fender flares, and rockers. They're simple changes, but they help make the rig look classier than the black plastic-clad regular Acadias.

In addition to the extra paint, Acadia Denalis also get chrome, and lots of it. Twenty-inch chrome wheels are standard, though there are other optional designs if you don't like the six spokes. Drilled chrome grilles are right up front per Denali rules, but that's just the beginning. There's chrome on the doors, on the window sills, on the bumpers, on the trunk, on the exhaust tips, and even the badges. Wear sunglasses.

2011 GMC Acadia Denali Grille
Click to view Gallery
Once you're inside, you'll notice extra accent lighting, new chrome door sills with lighted Denali logos (front doors only, rears are sans logo) and wood grain that doesn't look like wood. You'll also notice how quiet it is, thanks to laminated glass, triple door seals, and extra sound deadening, all borrowed from the Buick Enclave. Standard leather seats with heaters and coolers for the front row, a leather and wood steering wheel, double sunroof, navigation, tri-zone climate control, and a heads-up display are all present as well.

Porsche Panamera gets new brake energy recuperation system

2010-06-19T08:24:00.002+05:00

Porsche has announced that the 2011 Panamera will get a new brake energy recuperation system featured as standard, together with optional 19-inch all-season tires.

The brake energy recuperation system works by allowing the battery to charge while the brake is being applied. This allows for the alternator current to be relieved of charging the battery during acceleration therefore sending more power to the engine. The new system lowers the fuel consumption by 0.9 liters/100 km. The result is a consumption of 25.0 mpg for the 500 HP top model and 27.4 and 26.7 mpg for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S.

The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is now available as an option. PTV Plus optimizes steering behavior by intervening in the brakes on the inner rear wheel in a bend and generating an additional rotational force acting in the same direction as the steering wheel. The result is even more direct and dynamic steering.

Also new for the 2011 model year is a new range of paintwork colors, leather options, and special equipment, including a a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and speed limit indicator.

2010 Audi S5 Sportback by Senner Tuning

2010-06-19T08:23:00.002+05:00

After receiving the modification for the Audi S5 by Senner Tuning a few months ago, the tuning firm has unveiled a new tuning package for the Audi S5 Sportback. The package is called the Grand Prix and includes not only exterior and interior updates, but engine modifications as well.

In its standard version the S5 Sportback is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 engine that delivers 333 hp and a peak torque of 324 lb.-ft. Senner Tuning has managed to obtain more. The tuner added an ECU remap and a high-flow sports air filter, new stainless steel exhaust system with sport catalytic converters, and a four pipe muffler. The result is a maximum output of 375 Hp and a peak torque of 495 Nm. The top speed limiter has also been removed, however, there are no details on the new top speed. Of course, it is safe to say that the top speed will exceed the previous speed of 155mph.

In addition to these modifications Senner Tuning is also offering a lowered suspension, which reduces the front ride height by 40 mm and the rear ride height by 35 mm. The package is finished by 20" two-piece alloy wheels.

The interior received minor changes consisting of some carbon fiber trimmings and some new tachometers.

Pricing for the new Audi S5 Sportback Grand Prix modification kit has yet to be revealed, but we’ll get back to you as soon as it is.

Honda prepares compact roadster for 2014

2010-06-19T08:21:00.002+05:00

Honda will develop a two-seat compact roadster considered to be the successor of models like the Beat and the S800. Previous rumors suggested that the new Beat will be an open-top version of the hybrid CR-Z, but it turns out those rumors weren’t true. The new model will be built on an entirely new platform, will feature a mid-engine configuration, and a rear wheel drive system. Of course it will be offered at a very competitive price.

Produced from May 1991 to February 1996, the old Beat was a model offered exclusively on the Japanese market (where the car qualified for large tax and regulations discounts), however, the new model will be offered all over the world.

The old-generation Beat was powered by a 656 cc engine with a maximum output of 63 HP. However, for the new model Honda will opt for a bigger engine because "sales of the new model are not limited this time just to the domestic market."

The new Beat is expected to go on sale in both Europe and America by the end of 2014.

LeMay Museum finally breaks ground; Will display LeMay’s collection of 3,000 autos

2010-06-19T08:08:00.002+05:00

Ten years in the making and many disputes with developers and state and local governments later, the LeMay Museum has finally broken ground as of last week. Fitted with a budget of about $100 million and a timeline of 18 months until completion, the LeMay Museum will bring to light the astounding collection of Harold E. LeMay, founder of a waste management business in the state of Washington.

Harold E. LeMay was able to collect about 3,000 cars during his lifetime which is deemed the largest collection of its kind by the Guiness Book of World Records. In 1998, LeMay founded the LeMay Museum with the intentions of displaying his marvelous collection for all to see. Unfortunately, Harold LeMay was unable to see the completion, or even the start for that matter, of his museum before his death in 2000. Of course, as they say, behind a great man there is a wonderful woman and following his death, LeMay’s wife, Nancy, took on the project. With her many fundraising efforts, Nancy LeMay was able to allocate $15 million of her own along with $11 million from the state of Washington, and $1.6 million from AAA car club.

The design for the museum consists of a spiraling display ramp and lots of chrome and glass featuring 500 of LeMay’s classic automobiles sitting on nine acres. Retail shops, dining, and entertainment venues will also take up shop on this parcel of land. Developers project a total of about 425,000 visitors and $34 million in revenue per year.

Among his collection of 3,000 automobiles, LeMay has a 1916 Buick Abadal, a 1924 Lincoln L Towncar, a 1929 Ford Model AA, a 1950 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible, a 1959 Chrysler 300E, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, a 1983 DeLorean DMC 12, and just about everything in between.

Aluminum-made replica of Ferrari 250 Testarossa is Ferrari hotness

2010-03-19T09:23:00.001+05:00

This may not be the real deal but as far as we’re concerned, whether it is or not is irrelevant.

We’ve seen our fair share of outrageously lame copycats but this aluminum body of a 250 Testarossa is just about as attention-grabbing as any ‘body-car’ we’ve seen in a while – and that’s a good thing.

It’s a little hard to determine whether this is a real 250. But we respect that model enough to be conservative in throwing around the ‘250 Testarrosa’s’ name too loosely. So we’ll err on the side of caution and say that this is a replica, albeit a pretty awesome one.

All it needs now is a pretty powerful engine – somewhere in the neighbourhood of a 3.0-liter V12 just like what the genuine 250 has – and you’ll have a ride that will have people taking doube-takes at you for the rest of your life.

F1’s BMW Sauber Ferrari team set to drop ’BMW’ name in the near future

2010-03-19T09:22:00.002+05:00

One of the weird things we noticed about Formula One’s season-opening race at Bahrain was how the Sauber Team was still called the BMW Sauber Ferrari F1 Team, despite the fact that BMW has already pretty left the sport.

Now we’ve gotten a clearer picture because, as it turns out, BMW’s name was carried forward into 2010 because Sauber didn’t formally request a change in their team name. Though these are unconfirmed reports, it appears that it was a deliberate move by Sauber to hold on to the BMW name so that it wouldn’t jeopardize its right to BMW’s prize money from last year.

Team boss Peter Sauber has acknowledged that the team is planning on submitting a request for the name change, although the exact time is still up in the air. ”Nevertheless, it will happen some time this season,” he said.

We don’t really foresee any trouble on the horizon for the Sauber team for withholding their name change. It was just a little confusing seeing that there was still a ‘BMW’ team in F1 when in fact the company had already left the sport at the end of the 2009 season.

2010 Lexus LX570

2010-03-19T09:20:00.002+05:00

In 2008, Lexus unveiled the third-generation LX, which was a luxury-based version of the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV. The 2008 LX came with a new body, a new frame and a new engine. Two years later, Lexus is bumping up the 2010 LX 570 with new technological enhancements.

The Lexus LX 570 is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 that delivers a total of 383 hp at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 403 lb.-ft at 3,600 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a clocked 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed that is electronically-limited to 137 mph.

The LX 570 is equipped with 10 standard airbags, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags, Active Front Headrests, dual-swivel Adaptive Front lighting System and Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Wrapped Pagani Zonda

2010-03-19T09:16:00.001+05:00

Even if you’re wealthy enough to buy a supercar like a Pagani Zonda, it still doesn’t excuse you from having poor taste. And as far as we’re concerned, the owner of this Zonda is certainly not lacking in that department. Originally decked in silver, this Zonda was given an unnecessary facelift by the owner when he decided to wrap it in matte black with orange strips.

We’re not big fans of how the color combination captures your attention but the good thing is, the whole wrap is temporary and if we can give the owner a piece of advice, we’d tell him to lose the orange stripes. By itself, the matte black finish is more than enough.

The Light at the End of a Long, Dark Tunnel?

2010-01-06T12:05:00.001+05:00

It's funny how timing and context can affect one's views.

Take, for instance, these two dueling stories: NPR delivers the news that both Ford and Chrysler report double-digit sales drops for 2009, while over at Automotive News, a lead story declares that Ford sees a 33 percent jump in December sales (joined in making gains by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru). So is the company (and the industry at large) hurting or healing? Both -- it just depends on the numbers at which you're looking.It's funny how timing and context can affect one's views.

Take, for instance, these two dueling stories: NPR delivers the news that both Ford and Chrysler report double-digit sales drops for 2009, while over at Automotive News, a lead story declares that Ford sees a 33 percent jump in December sales (joined in making gains by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Subaru). So is the company (and the industry at large) hurting or healing? Both -- it just depends on the numbers at which you're looking.

Megane Renaultsport 250 Cup

2010-01-06T12:03:00.001+05:00

There’s no denying Renault is on a roll when it comes to hot hatches. With its rapid Renaultsport badged models, the French firm has taken the pocket rocket class by storm.

Now bosses are stepping up a gear with the all new Megane RS 250 Cup. Based on rakish coupe version of the company’s family hatch, the newcomer promises driving thrills, style and practicality in equal measure. We go behind the wheel to find out if it measures up on UK roads.

At a glance there’s no mistaking the Renault’s performance potential. A deeper front bumper, chunky wheel arch extensions and wider sills all add muscle to the Megane’s shape.

Inside, the changes are more low key. Apart from yellow stitching for the think rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, gearlever and door panels, the cabin is virtually the same as the standard Megane. There’s space for five adults, although the three-door only layout makes acccess to the rear seats a little tricky. However, for most hot hatch owners practicality takes a back seat to performance - and the Megane doesn’t disappoint.

The 247bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivers blistering performance, catapulting the Renault from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. And while it lacks a stirring soundtrack, the unit is smooth and quick-revving. But it’s the chassis that shines brightest on the 250.

Standard Reanultsport Megane 250 models get uprated suspension, while our entry-level Cup version gets even lower and stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, a limited slip differential and special Michelin Sport tyres. The result is one of the sharpest and most involving hot hatches you can buy. Better still, Renault’s clever front suspension geometery virtually eliminates torque steer, while the standard Brembo brakes serve-up stomach-churning stopping power.

At £21,995, the French flier even represents decent value for money, undercutting the faster but less accomplised Ford Focus RS by a whopping £5,000!

Rival: Ford Focus RS
With 301bhp and the clever RevoKnuckle suspension, the fastest Ford blends pace and thrills. But it’s not as much fun as the stripped-out Renault – plus, it costs £5,000 more.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/246466/megane_renaultsport_250_cup.html#ixzz0boUeIwan

New Meriva: unhinged

2010-01-06T11:59:00.001+05:00

Prepare for a shock. A small shock, admittedly, but a shock nonetheless.

This is the new Vauxhall Meriva. Not a 'concept previewing the new Vauxhall Meriva', but the real, production Vauxhall Meriva. And it has suicide doors!

Actually, Vauxhall doesn't call them suicide doors. They're FlexDoors, apparently, which "allow unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin". That's marketing-speak for ‘make it easier to get in and out of the back'.

We are unashamed suckers for a good suicide door - even on a sensible five-seat family car - so the Meriva is off to a good start. And it should be a tidy all-round specimen when it goes on sale later this year after its debut at the Geneva show in March.

For a start, it looks good, adopting bits of Astra/Insignia design language - check out that ‘sideblade' running down from the front wheel arch - and adding a natty new kink in the window line, which helps to improve visibility from the rear seats but mainly looks rather good.

With a wider track and longer wheelbase than the outgoing Meriva, it should drive better than the old car. It'll be launched with a range of six turbo engines borrowed from the Astra, ranging from 74bhp to 138bhp. Strangely, there's no word on a VXR version yet.

We'll get our first look at the new Meriva in Geneva (poets, know it, etc.) this March.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Hennessey

2009-12-13T20:30:00.001+05:00

New Hyundai Genesis Coupe appears to be the main attraction for participants in this year’s SEMA. A reason for Hennessey to display its “clothes”. So they’ve taken a piece of original Genesis, had taken precise measures and take a cut carbon fiber clothes.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Hennessey
Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Hennessey

Clothes could be another color than black matte to match the image and reputation of “bad boy”, considering that the tuner has operated a few modifications and under the hood.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe now produces 500 hp and 618 Nm torque, because the turbine which has made room in the engine compartment.
Tuner estimates about 3.9 seconds needed to propel from 0 to 100 km, and 12.5 seconds for 402 meters distance.

Mazda 3 – Overview

2009-12-13T20:29:00.002+05:00

Mazda 3 is the model in the compact class with the most pronounced sporting character.
The new generation is presented in two body variants, hatchback and sedan. New forms, new drawing for all tastes. Those who prefer hatchbacks are customers in Western Europe because, in the East, is still looking sedan sites with boxes for all people. Important is that the Japanese were drafted with talent both versions, which is not bad at all for those of Mazda. Design accents in the current sport trends.

mazda3
Mazda 3

The new Japanese model comes with the engine for all customers, with performance, but less fuel consume. Start with 1.6 and ending with the powerful 2.2-liter turbodiesel, which was first on Mazda 6. Two versions of power – 150 and 185 hp. Motor sports rounds very quickly. Among them, 2.0-liter gasoline version, 150 hp generates a torque of 187 Nm and is moving well on the road. It sits securely on the road due to suspension.

Hyundai withdraw from the Japanese market

2009-12-13T20:27:00.001+05:00

If on European market Hyundai is doing very well, just as most markets in the world, in Japan the Korean manufacturer has sales so low that he decided to leave this market, announces Automotive News. Failure is explained by the negative image of Korean cars in Japan.

hyundai-i30
Hyundai withdraw from the Japanese market

In the eight years in Japan, Hyundai has sold only 15,095 units. Very little, if we think that Volkswagen’s most successful foreign trade in the Rising Sun Country has sold just 61,996 cars in 2008! Hyundai announced today that all 46 dealers will withdraw from Japan.

Hyundai will continue with the sale of commercial vehicles in this country, even if no sales in this segment are not at the desired level. Worldwide, Hyundai sales rose 7.2% this year (through October).

First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

2009-12-06T18:34:00.001+05:00

Listen here, sonny, that ex-rally racer known as Evo is all grown up. It goes by MR Touring now, but you'll know that the minute you see it. That ridiculous wing? Gone. A subtle, age-appropriate lip spoiler takes its place so there's no more guessing about the cop pacing behind. Inside, the Recaro racing seats are now lined in leather -- and heated to boot. A full color LCD now rests between the gauges and not only delivers more information (because of higher resolution), it's easier on the eyes. They've even put a powered sunroof in the thing -- a first for an aluminum-roofed Evo.

So this MR Touring definitely looks more mellow and certainly has additional creature comforts, but does this mean the mighty Evolution has gone soft? Limp even?

Not one bit.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring Rear Three Quarters Driver Static
Click to view Gallery
Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs still suspend the MR Touring, so the crisp handling clarity has diminished not one iota -- even with the 30 extra pounds the Touring package adds. And that glass sunroof? Though it puts weight up high, you can't feel the Touring roll any more than a regular Evo -- which ain't much. Steering feel and ride quality have not changed either; the MR Touring still rides on rails without feeling like it's snorted a few too.

It's not as fast though -- it's faster. Running upgrades to the TC-SST six-speed dual-clutch transmission mean all new MR Evos are apparently the fastest of the 10th generation. Mitsubishi claims the MR and Touring will consistently hit 60 mph in under five seconds. A bold claim (and one we'll have to test) since the last dual-clutch Evo we tested (2008 MR) managed only a 5.2-second blast.

What we do know is that, in Sport and Super Sport modes, the Touring we drove still drops rev-matched downshifts like a mechanized Makinen. Even better, TC-SST trans served up quick, yet velvety smooth shifts around town, at low speeds -- something few of these fancy dual-clutches seem to be able to manage. At this price point, the Evo has arguably the best dual clutch on the market.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0911_2010_mitsubishi_lancer_evo_mr_touring_review/index.html#ixzz0YupUcpMc

2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder

2009-12-06T18:32:00.001+05:00

Tossed out the window -- no, out the open cockpit, actually -- are the radio, the air con, conventional door pulls, and more. Porsche says the result is a weight savings of 176 pounds over the Boxster S, making the new Boxster Spyder, at a claimed 2800 pounds, the lightest model in the maker's production-car lineup.

Porsche Boxster Spyder Rear Motion View
Click to view Gallery
Perhaps stung by criticisms of "diluting the brand" (i.e., Porsche sport/utes and the new Panamera four-door), the iconic German speed factory has countered with a sporting piece nearly as pure and purposeful as James Dean's 1955 550 Spyder. As such, this newest, fastest Boxster also qualifies as the most toy-like model in the range, a pricey plaything for perfect days and writhing roads -- and almost exclusively so. How long would the Spyder's charms last, I wonder, without refrigerated air and the diversion of a radio during a long stop-and-go commute on a blistering summer day? (Not to worry: If you're feeling "unpure," you can pile on A/C, radio, nav, and whatever other options you like.)

Porsche Boxster Spyder Rear View
Click to view Gallery
So, no, in basic "stripped" form the Boxster Spyder isn't an ideal daily driver; you'll want to be rich enough to own one as your second or third car. Ah, but for those days that call for a leather jacket and driving gloves...

In addition to the jettisoned A/C and radio, the Spyder features aluminum doors (saving 33 pounds), lightweight sport bucket seats (saving 26 pounds), an aluminum rear deck (saving 6.5 pounds), and the lightest 19-inch alloy wheels in the Porsche catalog. Also changed over conventional Boxsters are the side windows -- they're lighter and lower -- and the soft top, which for Spyder duty is a manually erected affair that's little more than a handkerchief for blocking the sun (the lid, which stows away above the engine, isn't even waterproof; indeed, Porsche admits it won't stand up to a car wash).

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2009/porsche_boxster_spyder/index.html#ixzz0YuoUzXLp

Volkswagen Golf GTI by Wimmer RS

2009-12-06T14:51:00.001+05:00

Wimmer RS was pretty busy lately with preparing customized cars. First a Ferrari F430 and the Porsche GT2 Speed, and now the Golf GTI. For the German hatchback, the tuner has worked on both the exterior and the car’s performance.

While a stock Golf GTI delivers 210 hp, Wimmer RS has added an optimized turbo, a sports CAT, a modified intake system and fuel pump as well as a reprogrammed ECU and managed to increase the output to a total of 386 hp and 455 Nm (332 lb-ft). The top speed is also increased to 166mph.

The tuner also added a sports clutch and a height-adjustable HR sports coilover suspension system. The car sits on either 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Honda Accord Crosstour

2009-12-04T16:53:00.002+05:00

The Crosstour is based on the same platform as the Acura ZDX that we covered at the New York Auto Show when it debuted in near production form earlier this year. Whilst the Acura has a coupe-meets-crossover identity, the Honda has more of a tall fastback identity; it is clearly closely related in name and design to the Accord sedan, just as the BMW 5 GT is clearly related to the 5 Series sedan. This identity is underpinned by quite conservative form language consistent with the Accord sedan and coupe and lacking the assertive quality of the Acura.

But look closely and there are some interesting, if not very exciting, design details. The doors run all the way to the bottom of the car, hiding the rocker, and have small linear indentations that resemble robust separate rocker protectors of some SUVs. The grille is also unique for Honda: it had chrome finish horizontal vanes that fade out beyond the core graphic, more plan shape that corresponds to the creases on the hood, and is far deeper than on other Accord variants. Along with shallower headlamps than on the sedan it makes for a quite imposing DRG. Another unusual feature is an additional lower glazed panel in the tailgate - a Honda design signature we first saw on the ‘80s CRX as well as on the current European Civic and the Insight.

The Crosstour is an innovative package that may appeal to those downsizing from an SUV but for whom a sedan is too serious or business-like in its image. Regrettably, bar the strong DRG this innovative package is cloaked in a conservative design that makes for an ambiguous and not very enticing proposition.

Hyundai Sonata

2009-12-04T16:51:00.001+05:00

The international debut of the new Hyundai Sonata coincided with the North American market introduction of the Tuscan and of the expression ‘fluidic sculpture', which the company is using to describe the new design language of these and forthcoming vehicles from the Korean brand.

The new Sonata follows its predecessor in targeting the Toyota Camry and US market Honda Accord, but differs markedly in having ‘fluidic sculpture': a far more expressive and curvaceous aesthetic. Central to this are the two single sweeping lines that define the top of the DLO and run from the headlamp through the shallow upper shoulder to the rear, a theme reminiscent but distinct from the Mercedes Benz CLS. The lower line innovates in having a chrome seam running from the headlamp through the hood shut line and along the base of the DLO. This sits above an unusually shallow shoulder which itself is defined by a sharp bone line that fades out in the C-pillar. Below this is a similarly sharp bone line that sweeps up from behind the front wheel and takes over from the upper bone line to form a broader shoulder as it runs into the rear. Between these bone lines is a mix of concave and convex surfaces that were impressively well resolved and continued around the front and rear of the car also.

The interior also has some of the ‘fluidic sculpture' of the exterior, notably in the center stack. The use of more matt finish wood appliqué and vertical vanes to air vents are also nice elegant touches, but otherwise the design is quite orthodox.

This new Sonata is a very attractive and distinctive, and a design that despite its complex surfacing has impressive levels of surface refinement. But what we think is most significant is that it shows Hyundai's new found conviction in taking its own route. Whilst its predecessor was a handsomely conservative and quite derivative design, here is a handsomely expressive design with will not be mistaken for any other car on the road.

Honda P-NUT concept

2009-12-04T16:49:00.001+05:00

This design is dominated by its mono-space theme that tapers in plan forwards to reflect its arrow-head three seat configuration. Look inside and the rational for the seating layout is the same as the McLaren F1 that pioneered it: to allow seating for more than two in a short length by putting the passengers' legs and feet to the sides of the driver, while the driver's legs and feet sit between the front wheels. But what you also see when you look inside the P-NUT is a very crude model and a design that appears little developed: there was scant detailing and negligible use of color or materials.

The exterior perhaps also suffers from an apparently rushed and/or under-resourced design process, but there is an appealing uniqueness to the concept, some great details and some impressive resolution also.

The front face is perhaps the least comfortable aspect with an overly literal ‘mean face'. This is made of a low set mouth/grille glazing element (that augments forward visibility) connected to the lamps. Just above the DRG is a visually weak point where the tapering A-pillars form two sharp corners with no supporting ‘mass'. But the dramatic tapering A-pillars is unique and also creates a broad front shoulder that tapers rearwards, which lends an appealing robustness to this small car. The shoulder surface is near horizontal with a sharp crease delineating the sheer body-side that on closer inspection has some subtle surfacing and plan shape. The body side's relationship with the shoulder is complemented by a similar relationship with the rocker that also borrows thinking from last year's Honda FC Sport show car in tapering under the car. At the rear there are hints of the fantastic Honda Bulldog concept from 2001 with an upright narrow rear aspect flanked by deep section shoulders.

The P-NUT is a fun little concept, but like previous Honda concepts from the Southern California studio, we can't help but wish it was a little less superficial in its thinking and execution.

World premiere in Geneva: The legendary Scirocco is back

2009-12-03T12:35:00.006+05:00

Wolfsburg, Geneva, March 2008. It is back: 34 years after the world premiere of the first Scirocco at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen is now presenting the Scirocco of the new era in the same venue. Now as before, the coupé embodies the fascinating strategy of putting a sports car on wheels that is fit for use every day of the year at absolutely affordable prices. That is precisely what the new Scirocco does: high-class technologies merge with low costs of ownership, dynamic driving characteristics merge with a high level of comfort, and a surprisingly spacious interior merges with an uncompromisingly sporty design.

Volkswagen Chief Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn: “In the Scirocco we will be bringing the kind of sports car into the showroom that people dream of. Yet it is a dream that an exceptionally large number of car drivers will be able to afford – despite all of the high-end technologies we have implemented.” The Scirocco will already be entering the market across Europe in late summer, and other countries will follow over the course of the next year.

Avant garde design of the Scirocco
A calling card of the ambitious global concept is the new sports car’s avant-garde design. The fact being that the lines of the Scirocco study presented in August 2006 have been transferred to the production car nearly unchanged. This includes the long wagon/coupé roof whose form here is unique, and which pays tribute to the C-pillar design of the first Scirocco, the car’s athletic side profile, its distinctive engine hood and the entire rear end with its extremely broad shoulder sections. Only the design of the radiator grille has been changed for a more stylish and timeless solution.

With a length of 4.26 meters, the Scirocco is on par with the Golf. However, it is built significantly lower to the ground (1.40 meter) and is nearly as wide as the Passat (1.81 meter). Four adults can be seated with plenty of space inside. Once they are all aboard, the Scirocco provides 292 liters of cargo capacity; when the two seatbacks of the rear individual sport seats are folded down, capacity increases to a considerable 755 liters. This contemporary Scirocco demonstrates unfettered everyday utility, and it can be clearly recommended as a sports car for every day of the year.

Avant-garde technology of the Scirocco
Providing for ample power on the Scirocco – which comes with ESP and sport chassis as standard equipment – are four TDI and TSI engines, all of them charged and therefore just
as torque-strong as they are economical and low in emissions. The three TSIs (gasoline direct-injection) output 90 kW / 122 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The Scirocco’s common rail engine (TDI) develops a power of 103 kW / 140 PS.

Further high-tech elements of the Scirocco: a 7-speed DSG and an “adaptive chassis control system”. Meanwhile, a large panorama vent sunroof – extending from the A pillars to the B pillars – provides for plenty of light in the interior. At the press of a button the transparent panorama roof is raised up to 39 millimeters. When the sun is too intense, a sunshade may be moved into place. But that is seldom likely to be necessary, since the glass of the panorama vent roof reflects 99 percent of UV radiation, 97 percent of infrared radiation (heat) and 80 percent of visible light.

The new Scirocco is one of the most attractive sports cars in the world when it comes to pricing. Nonetheless, the standard equipment package is super. Always there, for example, are 17-inch alloy wheels, height adjustable driver and front passenger seats and steering wheel, leather parking brake grip, sport seats, split folding rear seats, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, speed-dependent power steering, and of course a sport chassis.