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2008-07-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

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Officially Unveiled: Kia Forte

2008-07-02T05:15:00.001-07:00

After a series of teaser pictures, Kia released today the first official pictures of its new Forte sedan. Spectra's successor's appearance is close to the Kia KOUP concept.

The Forte sedan is the first production model to carry Kia’s new corporate look, which includes some new design elements like the new corporate grille and striking side lines. The H-shapped grille is set to become a Kia trademark in the future.

Kia will introduce the Forte with two gasoline engines. When the car hits Korean showrooms in August, it will be available only with the new 1.6L four cylinder rated at 124hp. A more powerful 2.0L engine, will be available soon after the official launch.

Gallery: Kia Forte Sedan

(Thanks to Kia-World for the tip.)

Spy Shots: 2010 Lexus RX

2008-06-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's time for Lexus to introduce the new version of its popular RX crossover. Now the first clear spy shots of the 2010 Lexus RX have surfaced. As we see on the pictures, the new Lexus RX will carry some similar design cues to recently showed LF-Xh Concept.

The new RX won't be so different from the current version. The updated version takes on more of Lexus' L-finesse styling concepts, and from these shots, the most striking revision seems to be in the rear pillar and taillamps.

The new RX carried nearly identical dimensions to the current vehicle. That similar stance disguised a five-inch stretch in wheelbase, so a much more second-row legroom is expected. A V6 will be standard; likely options will include a seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, and the logical hybrid version.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX

Fiat Group Plans New Sports Cars For Abarth, Lancia And Alfa

2008-06-24T12:30:00.001-07:00

Today it is reported by Autoblog that three Italian automakers that are under the Fiat Group umbrella have plans to develop three new sports cars. The Fiat Group controls most of the Italian automotive industry, including Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.

An unique sports car has the biggest possibility. As previously reported Fiat as plans to revive the Abarth performance brand with new cars. It is highly rumored that the Abarth roadster would take an Elise-style approach, and could even borrow underpinnings from Lotus. Power could come from the turbo four in the Punto and 500 Abarth.

There are parallel reports of a new Lancia coupe-cabrio on the horizon. This in addition to the rumored Aurelia flagship, expected to be unveiled in Geneva next March. The Lancia convertible could also have an Alfa Romeo variant.

Picture above: Fulvia concept from Frankfurt 2003

Spy Shots: Production Suzuki A-Star Spotted In India

2008-06-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

The production version of Suzuki's A-Star hatchback spotted in India. Suzuki was pretty fast in preparing the productin ready version. The A-Star Concept showed at the last New Delhi Motor Show just six months ago.

This little car shows how important the emerging countries for the automakers are. - More pictures after the jump...

2010 Camaro SS Spotted In TV Set

2008-06-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend a silver prototype of the upcoming 2010 Camaro SS was spotted on the set of a new NBC televesion program starring Christian Slater. The prototype features the predominantly placed SS badge on the right hand side of the front fascia and another on the rear bumper.

The high-spec model will only get subtle exterior modifications from the regular Camaro like the additional front spoiler we see above and for the first time we get to see a Camaro with a sunroof. - More pictures after the jump...

Seat Confirms New Sedan Will Be Called Exeo

2008-06-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

We've reported before that Seat will be launching a new D-segment model in 2009 that will sit alongside the Toledo and based on the old Audi A4.

Today Seat confirmed in an announcement that the new model will be named Exeo. The new model will be available as both a sedan and as a family version.

The name follows the brand's Mediterranean roots, it comes from the Latin word "Exire" which means “to go beyond” or “to go further”. It differs from the names of the other models in the Seat range but signals a new direction for the automaker.

The new D segment model will be manufactured at the Martorell plant with next year's Geneva Motor Show a likely debut.

Video: Alfa Romeo Mi.To Driving Footage

2008-06-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

After the official pictures, there's a new Alfa Mi.To media: A video launched which shows Alfa's new compact hatch in motion.

We see the Mi.To driving around Italy and even more important some nice shots from it's nice interior.

Honda Develops Revolutionary Rail Car

2008-06-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Honda is a big company which works on cars, planes and even trains. Yes, you read it right. And now Honda develops the Auto-Max railcar.

Today Honda transports 82% of all its soon-to-be-sold autos via rail in the United States. It's for sure that it's more environmentally responsible than using trucks. But the current rail cars can only hold 10 cars and operate for 20 years. So Honda developed the Auto-Max, which will hold 22 cars and run for 50 years. And now its got a fleet of 400 operating in the U.S.

The Japanese automaker also upgraded the rail infrastructure around its Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio assembly plants so trains can pull in and out faster and shipments get on their quicker.

Spy Shots: Seat Ibiza Cupra Spotted On The Ring

2008-06-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

The all new fourth generation SEAT Ibiza was revealed last month at the Madrid Motor Show with the three-door Ibiza sport-coupe version following a week later.

SEAT has already confirmed the sporty FR and Cupra models are on the way and BridgeToGantry.com, have taken some images of the sport coupe wearing a twin-tip exhaust pipe and a cute roof wing. - Continued after the jump...

It is speculated that the petrol engined Cupra will receive VW's 170hp 1.6-liter TSI engine producing 180 to 200hp. The Sport Coupe will make its public debut next month in London while the FR and Cupra models are expected to debut either at Paris this October or Geneva in 2009.

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X Interior Photo

2008-06-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Saab's new 9-4X SUV spotted entering the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The 9-4X shares the same platform with Saturn Vue and Opel Antara but will be revised to fit the premium segment.

Sources have claimed this prototype has a 284 horsepower V6 engine under the hood mated to an automatic gear box. The dimensions of the model stand at a length 495cm and 192cm wide bringing an estimated weight to around 2180kg.

The car carries some similar design cues to the 9-4X BioPower Concept with the aggressive half oval grille. But the overall profile of the vehicle had to be heavily toned down for production.

The car is expected to make its world debut at next year's Detroit Motor Show before production commences at the GM factory in Mexico. - More pictures after the jump...

Brits Get Limited Edition Toyota Hilux Invincible

2008-06-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Toyota launches a new limited edition range topping model of its Hilux pickup truck for the UK market. The model is based on Hilux Invincible 200 Double Cab powered by the 3.0-liter D-4D diesel engine which regularly pumps out 169bhp and 343NM of torque, this new Invincible limited edition model has a Toyota Motor Sport engine performance kit raising maximum power to 194bhp and 430 Nm of torque. Despite the power increase the fuel consumption and emissions remain the same.

Toyota has also made to minor changes to the look of the vehicle, the exterior gets a news stainless steel mesh grille and a black metallic livery with a set of metallic finish alloy wheels. The interior gets a new two-tone leather upholstery with heated front seats and a full-map touch screen satellite navigation.

Production is to be limited to just 500 units of the model with pricing to start from £21,540.

Gallery: Toyota Hilux Invincible Limited Edition

Skoda Yeti Heading For Production

2008-06-18T03:38:00.001-07:00

Skoda's Yeti concept, which has been showed a few years ago, is heading for production. It will be introduced either at the London show or the next Geneva show.

With the new Yeti, Skoda will compete with small crossovers like Fiat Sedici, Suzuki SX4 and the forthcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser.

Officially Unveiled: Subaru Exiga Photos

2008-06-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Japan is a MPV heaven. Unlike US there are a lot of 7-seaters in Japan. And today a new car has added those. The Subaru Exiga 7-seater went on sale in Japan.

The Exiga's power comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.0L engine which outputs 146 hp. The sportier GT model with intercooler and turbocharger makes 221 hp. Passengers are treated to a huge panoramic roof.

There are some wagon lovers in other countries too. Especially in the US. But there's no word in the press release that Subaru will bring the Exiga to USA.

Gallery: Subaru Exiga

Spy Shots: Honda NSX Supercar Prototype

2008-06-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

While both Nissan and Toyota are either have a supercar or working hard for a new one only an idiot would think Honda will let its competitors steal all the thunder in this segment. The spies at KGP Photography have captured the next Acura NSX in its prototype form for the first time. The car photographed under S2000 disguise recently.

Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal against the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LF-A - particularly in the USA. -Continued after the jump...

Gallery: Honda NSX Spy Shots

The engine is still a mystery. There’s talk of a high-revving naturally aspirated V10. An output of 450 hp seems likely. Four-wheel-drive, with rearward bias, is also rumoured, the handling expected to be controlled by a version of Honda’s electronic Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

The Honda NSX is not expected until 2009 and on top of its Japanese rivals it must also compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Japanese Company Makes Water Powered Car

2008-06-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

It was a dream for all people to have a car which can run on water. Especially today, with these kind of gas prices. Well it's not a dream anymore.

Japanese company Genepax claims to have invented a fuel cell system that uses water to obtain hydrogen. It has shown last week two devices, a 120 W fuel cell stack and a 300 W fuel cell system that powered a REVA based minicar. The little car can run at 80 km/h using only a litre of water, but any kind of water, even from the sea. - Continued after the jump...

Gallery: Water Powered Car

But it is just a claim for now. Because critics claim that this is impossible because it contradicts the First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that “the increase in the internal energy of a system is equal to the amount of energy added by heating the system, minus the amount lost as a result of the work done by the system on its surroundings”. In other words, the energy that would be necessary to break the water molecules would be higher than what WES would generate for the car’s electric engine, hence the energy would come from somewhere else. A battery, for example.

So there is a good chance Genepax is a big liar. If not, it will have created something mankind has been seeking for a long time: the perpetual motion engine. Since all the car needs to run is water, and since the product of hydrogen reactions in the fuel cells is also water, the WES system could refuel itself with what it generates and could run forever with the same quantity of water. Hopefully Genepax has had a major breakthrough, but that does not seem to be the case for now.

New Renault Scenic 3 Pictures

2008-06-17T05:11:00.000-07:00

The current Renault Megane lineup is on the market for a long time. We're not away from the Megane 3. And that means a new Scenic too.

I don't know if these pictures are real deal but i think the new Scenic would be as good as current one. - More pictures after the jump...

The Dodge Hornet To Be Built By Nissan

2008-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Dodge Hornet was a compact car concept which had shown a few years ago. Now it's announced that the car getting closer to production.

Chrysler and Nissan haven't officially announced yet the details of the upcoming Nissan Versa-based vehicle they'll develop together. They only said that it'd be available as a 2010 model, but guesses are on a production Hornet. Chrysler vice president of international sales Thomas Hausch recently said that the Pentastar is working hard on a Hornet Study, and that Chrysler would "announce something" in the near future.

The Automotive News' article is further evidence that Nissan will build the production Hornet. Not the Chinese Automaker Chery like rumored before.

Honda FCX Clarity Production Begins

2008-06-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Honda has announced today the start of production for their next-generation, hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle, FCX Clarity. The FCX Clarity is the first fuel cell car to be certified for regular commercial use in the U.S. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui and American Honda EVP John Mendel were also there to watch as the first production FCX Clarity was completed and driven off the line. The first customers of the new car were also there. Through a special three-year lease term at $600 per month which includes maintenance and collision insurance, film producer, Ron Yerxa of Bona Fide Productions, will receive the very first FCX Clarity in July, followed by actress Jamie Lee Curtis and actress Laura Harris, amongst others.

With a new dedicated fuel cell vehicle assembly line, which includes processes unique to fuel cell and hydrogen tank installation, the FCX Clarity is projected to produce a few dozen units within the next year, and approximately 200 units within three years. The FCX Clarity represents Honda's next-generation hydrogen powered fuel cell which produces electricity for an electric motor powering the drive wheels. With a range of up to 280 miles and combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H2 (74 mpg GGE - miles per gallon gasoline gallon equivalent energy), the FCX Clarity produces only clean water vapor as emissions.

Additionally, American Honda has announced three dealerships, Power Honda Costa Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica and Scott Robinson Honda, each within close proximity of hydrogen fueling stations, will act as customer service points while American Honda will actually perform the required service at their specialized fuel cell service facility, in the greater Los Angeles area.

Spy Shots: Citroen C3 MPV

2008-06-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

Citroen is preparing to reveal its new C3 mini MPV. The new car has already spotted testing. The new Nissan Note rival uses the C3 base and aims to compete with Honda Jazz, Renault Modus and upcoming Opel Meriva.

The C3 MPV carries some similar design cues to the C-SportLounge concept. The engine range will include some familiar PSA engines: 1.6 L and 1.4 L gasoline and 1.6 L diesel engines will be mated with a manuel or the SensoDrive automatic transmissions. Citroen plans to use Start-Stop system too.

The C3 MPV is expected to make its debut in Paris Motor Show in October and be on sale early 2009.

Facelifted Subaru Legacy Rendering

2008-06-16T02:23:00.000-07:00

Japanese CarTop magazine released some renderings which show the possible facelifted Subaru Legacy.

These renderings show how the new Legacy will look like. Most notably changes of the facelifted Legacy are the new headlights and redesigned grille.

If this rendering, which CarTop released, really shows the new Legacy, well there's still so much to do because the car looks still old even with the second facelift.

Rumored: VW's iCar

2008-06-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

VW is said to be working with Apple on some new car device similar to Ford's Sync from Microsoft.

And this week German Auto Bild released this picture, which shows a concept car might just be what VW is talking about. The possible iCar might have a touchscreen as a dashboard too.

Well, we have to wait to see.

Rumored: Euro Fords In The US

2008-06-16T01:36:00.000-07:00

It has been rumored that Ford will convert at least three truck/SUV production facilities in North America as soon as possible to produce Ford models currently sold in Europe.

Auto Savant claims that sources at Ford tell that another plan being considered is to keep making the first-generation Ford Focus currently sold here in the States, and also make the second-generation Ford Focus currently sold in the rest of the world and sell the two alongside each other in the US for a while before moving to the second-generation Focus exclusively. The original plan was to wait until the next-generation (third-generation) Focus was released in 2011 or 2012 to accomplish the synchronization of the Ford Focus on a global basis, but it appears that plan has succumbed to defenestration at Dearborn.

Well i think Euro Focus looks much better than the US one. But i'm not sure if they can sell both models side by side. What's your opinion?

Spy Shots: Dacia Mid-Size Sedan Spied

2008-06-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Dacia is working really serious to extend its lineup. They have already confirmed development of a new SUV, but these latest shots taken in Romania reveal the automaker is currently working on an all new mid-size sedan.

A modified version of the Dacia Sandero platform provides the underpinnings of the new model but with an expected length of 4.6 meters, it will be considerably longer whilst maintaining the same wheelbase. The conservative Logan styling remains on the Dacia sedan which will be positioned above the Logan. Although we can only see glimpses of the design cues through the camoflage, we can conclusively say it shows a striking resemblance to the facelifted Logan hatchback that spotted totally uncovered last month.

The new model variant will be launched early next year and will be built in Renault’s renovated factory in Bursa in Turkey.

Gallery: Dacia's Mid-Size Sedan

Video: The New Opel Astra Spied

2008-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Opel is testing the next generation Opel Astra and there's even a video to prove it. The footage above shows a testing prototype on the Nurburgring circuit with heavy disguise.

The five-door prototype caught shows the model’s sloping roof line plus the trapezoidal-shaped c-post resulting a more elegant appearance. The front fascia is to receive a complete overhaul with the grille looking similar to that of the Insignia whereas the rest appears to take more unique appearance. The rear will get a new huge bumper and redesigned taillights.

Other than the 5-door version which is likely to debut at next years Geneva Motor Show, the Astra range will also get an estate, convertible(twin-top) and 3-door (GTC) versions as well. Sales are expected to commence in the summer of 2009 as a 2010 model.