NEW AUTO SHOW

2009 SEMA Show : Widebody Kameleon 350Z

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:42:00 +0000

The sights at SEMA expand well beyond the air conditioned exhibit halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and manage to s----onto the sidewalks and driveways surrounding the enclosed building. One such example of automotive excellence that just didn’t quite make it indoors is this wide body Nissan 350Z. It only takes a quick glance to see what makes this Japanese sports car so special, and as you slowly make your way around the vehicle you can see the color shifting Kameleon paint in action as it changes from an aqua green to a deep purple depending on how the light is reflecting off the Z’s aftermarket bodywork and onto your optic receptors.

While this custom House of Kolor paint is more than enough to make any automobile stand out from the crowd, this 350Z’s owner went a step further with a winged wide body kit and a set of 20 inch Speed Star Rims to fill the now oversized wheel wells. Hidden away inside the multi spoke rollers is a big brake kit from Stoptech, which will come in handy, especially because of the Stillen supercharger bolted to the top of the VQ35.

Chris Rado’s World Racing Time Attack Scion TC at the 2009 SEMA Show

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:42:00 +0000

Another four wheeled wonder that we encountered outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center was one time drag racer turned road course warrior Chris Rado’s time attack Scion TC. While Mr. Rado is better known for his straight line accomplishments and a pair of sideburns that would even make Sir Jackie Stewart jealous, when he decided to give a go at turning the wheel in between the long stretches of tarmac in the Redline Time Attack racing series, he and his crew at World Racing put together this interesting little black and white Scion TC. Now the first thing that should strike you as odd about this sport compact from Japan is the extremely large front wing that has been mounted to the race ready TC’s hood and front bumper, while this isn’t the first attempt by man to manipulate every stream of air flowing around a moving body, it is one of the more memorable ones.

Moto Guzzi V12 Le Mans, V12 Strada and V12 X concepts unveiled

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:42:00 +0000

All three Moto Guzzi concept bikes are impressive, but which one will go into production? We like the red one the best. No, wait, maybe the white one...

It seems Moto Guzzi are hell bent on blowing every other bike manufacturer into the weeds at this year’s EICMA Show in Italy. After the superb V7 Clubman Racer, they’ve now taken the wraps off not one but three new concept bikes – the V12 Le Mans, V12 Strada and V12 X.

Co-designed by Miguel Galluzzi and Pierre Terblanche, all three concept bikes are fitted with Guzzi’s 1,200cc v-twin (the same engine which is fitted on the new Norge GT), and even though each bike has its own distinct persona, each is still very distinctly a Guzzi. ‘There is an impalpable, yet very real force in the history of Moto Guzzi. It lies in the ideas and in the unrelenting research work that led Moto Guzzi to build its tradition on innovation,’ says Miguel Galluzzi, who heads the Piaggio Group’s (which owns Moto Guzzi) styling centre.

‘Keep an eye on Moto Guzzi because this is just the first step. We are back to relying on ideas, and we have plenty of them. This is just the beginning,’ says Galluzzi, who, by the way, has also designed the Aprilia RSV4. Damn right, we admit we’re terribly impressed. Now let’s just wait and see which of these three bikes goes into production.
Source : Faster and Faster

Piaggio Urban Sport Bike USB

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:34:00 +0000

Piaggio have unveiled their Urban Sport Bike (USB) concept at the ongoing EICMA Show in Italy. The prototype vehicle has been designed with multiple configurations in mind – single-seater, two-seater and with a top box for carrying stuff.

The USB’s series hybrid powerplant incorporates a small two-stroke IC engine and an electric motor that’s fed by lithium-polymer batteries. With total torque output of 200Nm (!!), the 130-kilo USB has a ‘cruising’ speed of 60km/h and a top speed of 100km/h. Range, in electric-only mode, is 50km.

Expect your local pizza delivery guy to start using one of these things in the next 2-3 years.

Cosworth at the 2009 SEMA Show

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:34:00 +0000

If you can remember just how excited we were just to get close to an official Formula One race car wheel from Enkie, then you can imagine how tickled we were to be in the presence of a bona fide F1 racing engine from the English racing engineers at Cosworth. However this isn’t just any old exotic high revving open wheel motor, the "CA" is a 2.4 Liter V8 that was introduced back in 2006 when the FIA mandated the switch from the more expensive ten cylinder power plants to an octet of pistons working in harmony on the Grand Prix circuit. This version of the 750 HP racing V8 was originally equipped on the Williams F1 machines and when it made its debut at the 2006 Bahrain GP and during qualifying spun to the tune of 20,000 RPM; a feat that still impresses to today. The F1 V8 wasn’t the only piece of machining art, Cosworth also had a massaged 4B11 from the EVO X complete with cutaways to let us in on what the new turbocharged four cylinder from Mitsubishi looks like on the inside.

Bewerp Saavage Rivale Roadyacht GTS

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:34:00 +0000

If a contest were to be held featuring the world’s most peculiarly-named supercar, the Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS figures to be one of the odds-on favorites. After all, you don’t come across a lot of cars that are called ‘Roadyachts’ these days.

Eccentric names nothwisthanding, the Dutch supercar is a real looker in all aspects. Not only is it four-door, 600 horsepower monster, it actually has a pretty appealing aesthetic look, which helps a great deal considering that you’d need to do a pretty large amount of convincing on someone to purchase a $385,000 supercar on a car that’s not only horribly named, but looks down right hideous to boot.

Fortunately, the Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS is neither of those things (the name’s weird, but we’ve definitely heard worse).

Add that to this recent video of the Dutch supercar showing off its monstrous roar – albeit in a sidewalk – and Bewerp’s crown jewel looks – and sounds – more and more eye-catching by the day.

Source : Topspeed

2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:56:00 +0000

You learn quickly the vernacular of the $286,500 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante.

First, you don’t call the Volante a convertible--it’s a Volante, a cloth-top car that’s reasonably quiet when shut, and because it has a soft lid, one with some useful trunk space that an erstwhile hardtop would’ve vaporized. (Also this is a nominal 2+2, and while not even children would find the backseat space viable there’s room enough in this car for overnight luggage which isn’t the case with many a super-sports GT.)

Second, though it’s equipped with a manual-automatic Touchtronic gearbox (an ordinary six-speed manual is also available), unless you’re stuck in traffic it’s far more pleasurably driven as a paddle shift manual than, say, Audi’s S-tronic, as the shifts are actually smoother when manually called for than in automatic mode. This is because they happen more quickly when under the driver’s control and because you’ve shifted, rather than allowed a computer algorithm to decide when to change gears, you can precisely anticipate when that instant will arrive when the tremendous muscle of the car’s 6.0-liter, 510-hp V-12 will pause, the bootheel of g-forces on your chest will lift for half a heartbeat, and then you’re mashed back into the driver’s seat, resuming the boost-phase mode of the DBS’s haul toward a nearly 200-mph top speed.

Third, should you happen to want to drive the DBS like a sane person, that is to say, calmly and coolly and within the constraints of suburban and even rural constabulary mores—you can do so, even as the V-12 under the hood and the metallic paddles that control the gearbox pretty much beg you to quit forcing the DBS to crawl around town on errands and instead mash the gas and let the car realize its full potential.

Source: Motor Authority

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wins Golden Steering Wheel Award

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:56:00 +0000

The iconic 300SL Gullwing’s spiritual successor, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, won the title of Best Super Sports Car in the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel awards yesterday.

Out of a field of eleven, the SLS AMG triumphed, receiving more than a third of votes from the quarter of a million readers of Bild am Sonntag, Auto Bild and associated publications. No doubt, the styling, gullwing doors and combination of 420kW V8 and rear-wheel-drive had plenty to do with the award, of which Mercedes-Benz has 18 on the shelf.

The SLS AMG’s features include 47:53 front/rear weight distribution, 650Nm, and a top speed of 317km/h – much higher than the current 250km/h limit imposed on MB’s vehicles. Helping its cause is the rear-mounted seven-speed double-clutch transmission, giving the car a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Gigantic 390mm carbon-ceramic front and 360mm rear stoppers round out the imposing package.

Australians can expect to see the SLS AMG on our roads late second quarter 2010 with pricing to be around $500,000.

Source: Car Advice

Mavizen TTX02 unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:56:00 +0000

Instead of a V-twin, there's a lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor under that RC8 bodywork. The TTX02 will be built in limited numbers...

The UK-based Mavizen have unveiled the lithium-ion battery-powered TTX02 electric sportbike at the currently ongoing SEMA Show in the US. With chassis, suspension and bodywork from the KTM RC8, the TTX02 is a high-tech piece of work that weighs 110kg dry (without the batteries, which we’re sure are very heavy) and has a top speed of around 210km/h.

The TTX02’s on-board computer runs on the Linux operating system and features Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. No, you wouldn’t want to check your email at 200km/h, but the bike’s computer can easily be hooked on to your laptop and the accompanying software would then allow you to tweak most performance parameters. We suppose Mavizen would also supply firmware updates, which you would be able to download to the bike via that Wi-Fi connection…

Based on the TTXGP winning Agni X01, the TTX02 will be produced in limited numbers and is expected to cost about £25,000 in race-ready condition. Visit the Mavizen website for more details.

Watch the Mavizen TTX02 in action

2010 BMW R1200GS, R1200RT: First pics and specs

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

The 2010 BMW R1200GS/Adventure and R1200RT feature improvements in all areas, including engine, chassis and suspension performance as well as ergonomics

BMW have released pics and specs of the 2010 R1200GS and R1200RT bikes. Both machines are fitted with an updated version of BMW’s 1,170cc boxer twin, which now produces 110 horsepower at 7,750rpm and 120Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. Engine internals come from the sportier, more aggressive HP2 Sport and include double overhead cams (DOHC), bigger inlet and exhaust valves, lighter, forged aluminium pistons and bigger throttle bodies for the fuel injectors. Also, the revised (slightly lower) gear ratios help improve acceleration.

Both bikes are available with ABS and optional electronic suspension adjustment (ESA II). Both bikes get LED headlamps, while the RT also gets an MP3 audio system with USB connectivity and iPod compatibility, redesigned fairing for improved weather protection and an electrically operated windshield. A lower seat, better suited for shorter riders, is available as an option on the GS/Adventure.

Various new colours are available, including red, white, silver, black and yellow. Prices for both the BMWs will be announced later this month.

Source : Faster and Faster

Renault to produce zero-emissions EV in France

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Renault has today confirmed it will be manufacturing its new zero-emission electric car at the Flins plant in the Paris region.

The Zoé Z.E. Concept, first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a preview of what the new car will look like.

The Flins plant was chosen to manufacture the electric vehicle (EV) because of its expertise in building B segment cars, one of which is the new Clio.

Renault also like to manufacture cars close to markets they will be sold in, Europe being the main target. The manufacturing of all EV components will mainly come from the Flins plant, this includes making and recycling of batteries.

Flins will start manufacturing an urban versatile model in 2012, and is expected to have two-thirds of sales in Europe.

Renault will concentrate on France for its zero-emission strategy and is developing future EVs. A letter of intent has been signed with Nissan and the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), as well as France’s Strategic Investment Fund (FSI). Focusing on a joint venture in battery research from manufacture to recycling.

Renault is committed to producing a range of zero-emission EV cars that will be affordable starting in 2011.

Source: Car Advice

SEMA 2009: Mid-engined Ghepardo is one part Corvette, one part Camaro, 100% SEMA

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Caccia Custom Cars Ghepardo - click above image for high-res gallery

Here's what we know: Caccia Custom Cars took a 2002 Chevy Camaro and a 2002 Chevy Corvette and created the Ghepardo. The car uses the Camaro's frame and the Corvette's motor and suspension. The motor is mounted amidships, albeit backwards (note the throttle body). And the House of Kolor paint is called Pagan Gold. Also, you should not confuse this SEMA all-star Ghepardo with the 2006 Bizzarrini Ghepardo concept.

As for this Ghepadro... it's not that bad looking. In fact, the longer we stare at the exterior, the more we like what we see. Obviously we can't get past the gaudy chainmail armor covering up every single vent and opening. And we'd prefer if the five-slot wheels weren't chromed. That said, in profile, it's a nice looking mid-engine coupe and the rear is quite muscular. The front even has a touch of new Lexus, which while sacriligious for a Chevy-on-Chevy mashup like this, ain't bad at all.

The interior, on the other hand, is a house of horrors. Everything is covered over in prison-grade Alcantara or carbon fiber-look fiberglass. Even the fire extinguisher!! Also, we're pretty sure a 15/16" cutting tool isn't the smartest Dremel attachment to use for a show car. In fact, in this Autoblogger's mind, the Ghepardo is now in the running neck-and-neck with the Masonry Vitesse Rose for having the worst interior ever – quite a distinction! Additionally, the Ghepardo fills our minds with the delightful image of Corvette and Camaro fans/owners beating each other to pulps with giant oversized cartoon hammers. Perhaps that's just the food around here talking.

Source : Autoblog

SEMA 2009 HPP Daytona is one big Hot Wheels toy

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

HPP Daytona - Click above image for high-res gallery

We've been hearing about this car for three days, but we just couldn't find it. Then, just before lunch, one of our intrepid reporters tracked the beast down within the tropical bowels of Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall. Behold: the HPP Daytona!

Yes, it's a new Dodge Challenger wearing a Charger Daytona costume, but updated for today's muscle car aficionados. Under the hood sits a standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8, further proving the point that when it comes to the Daytona/Superbird, it's what's on the outside that counts! Luckily for us, HPP did a pretty decent job on the outside.

The nose cone works, and works well. Here comes the hate mail, but this author thinks the nose actually looks better than the original 1969 Charger Daytona's does. Here's a pic for reference. To be fair, the HPP's schnoz is actually much more like a Plymouth Superbird's than the Dodge. The wheels are great, the fake vents on the door are bad, the stance is right... and then we get to the rear wing.

While we're positive that it's the same dimensions as the mondo-sized Daytona/Superbird wing, the new Challenger's trunk is about half the length of the Sixties/Seventies cars. Meaning it looks... not quite right. Also, this Mopar muscle car has grown so much since forty years ago that the car is just screaming for more wing. But we'll still happily take one, as the HPP Daytona was/is totally worth the hunt.

Source : Autoblog

Renault considers withdrawing from F1

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Hot on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement that Toyota was withdrawing from Formula One comes new rumours that Renault is also seriously considering leaving the championship before next season. It is believed Toyota’s exit sparked an emergency meeting at Renault to decide the French company’s future in the sport.

Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn refused to speculate on the rumours, telling a press conference:

“You will have to be patient. We will make an announcement on our participation in Formula One before the end of the year.”

Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz are the only other manufacturers left in the series after BMW and Honda succumbed to financial pressures earlier this year.

Tyre supplier Bridgestone also will also disappear from F1 after 2010 as it declined to renew its contract.

Last month Renault announced that Robert Kubica would replace two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso as he heads to Ferrari next season.

There was optimism among senior team members for the challenges of the new year, but now it seems time will tell whether they even begin their 11th season since returning to the sport in 2000.

One way or the other, Renault’s decision will have an enormous impact on the immediate and long-term future of F1, which continues to endure perhaps the most calamitous and controversial year in its history.

Source: Car Advice

Ford introduces seatbelt-airbag hybrid

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

These days airbags are expected in all new cars, from dual airbags in the front, front seat side airbags and curtain airbags to cover the side windows. Now Ford has designed an airbag incorporated into the seat belt for passengers in the back seat.

The belt is the same width as a regular belt, but is slightly thicker because the inflatable bag is inside. The seat belt and buckle operate the same as a normal belt does even though the gas travels through the buckle into the belt, this has been patented by Ford.

In an impact of a certain force the bag inflates splitting the belt down the side, the air bag is approximately the size of a loaf of bread.

Ford hasn’t released the price of this optional safety device, or which cars it will be available in. Sue Cischke, Ford vice president of safety engineering, said that it would be affordable and that Ford plan to offer it in Europe and Asia.

The engineers at Ford have spent the last eight years developing this system.

Source: Car Advice

2011 Audi A1 Spy Photos

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:35:00 +0000

Audi’s new A1 premium compact is expected to hit showrooms in late 2010 as a 2011 model but today we have the first spy shots of actual prototypes taken as the car was undergoing testing in Germany. Aimed squarely at other upmarket compact cars, namely the Mini Cooper, the new A1 will be available in several different variants--just like the Mini family.

The lineup is expected to be filled with the regular three-door and five-door hatchback models, but a stylish convertible and a compact MPV are likely to be launched as well.

The latest images clearly show the shape of the grille and LED detailing in the headlights. Powertrain options will range from about 1.2- to 1.6-liters in displacement and output up to 200-horsepower in a performance ‘S’ variant. A mild hybrid model may also be offered, as previewed by the 2008 A1 Sportback Hybrid Concept.

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has reaffirmed on a number of occasions plans to boost the brand’s lineup to 40 models by 2015, as well as expanding its production facilities. Audi has already confirmed it will invest €200 million in its Brussels plant to prepare it for the new A1 range.

Audi was originally planning to build around 100,000 A1s per year but with the new upgrades production can now be boosted closer to 120,000 units annually.

There’s a strong chance the A1 will be arriving in North America. Last month Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales, revealed that the A1’s launch in North America could help the automaker reach its goal of surpassing BMW and Mercedes-Benz in sales in all markets by 2015.

Though the A1's position as a premium compact isn't something U.S. buyers have had much exposure to, the credit crunch and subsequent curtailing of salaries may have opened the door--along with higher average fuel prices--for a feasible, if small, sales market for the car.

Ford and UAW contract changes begin to leak out

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:35:00 +0000

Even before General Motors and Chrysler entered bankruptcy, the two automakers were wheeling and dealing with the United Auto Workers, reworking their contracts signed in 2007. Since Ford wasn't partaking in the billions of dollars handed to the other two automakers by the federal government, the Dearborn, MI-based automaker was seemingly left out in the cold. Those contract changes helped GM and Chrysler emerge as stronger companies, but Ford was left hanging.

Ford and the UAW have finally gotten together to level the all-important labor playing field, as the two agreed to a tentative contract on Monday. While the terms of the deal are always sealed until the rank and file vote on them, they are also seemingly always leaked before ratification takes place. Automotive News is reporting on several of the concessions made by both the UAW and Ford, and if the updates to the 2007 contract hold they should go a long way toward giving Ford parity with its cross-town rivals.

The UAW has reportedly agreed to freeze the wages of entry level workers making $14 per hour until the agreement ends in 2011. The UAW also lifted a cap that limits the amount of low-cost workers in the plants until 2015, when those jobs are limited to 20% of the workforce. Any workers above 20% will be given traditional union wages in order of seniority. The union will also limit the amount of jobs that are classified as a skilled trade and submit the 2007 contract to binding arbitration when the contract expires in 2011. The UAW has also reportedly agreed to not strike over wage and benefit-related issues, a big win for Ford that virtually guarantees that production stoppages won't be labor-related.

The Blue Oval also had to do some bending of its own. If its 41,000 UAW workers approve the contract changes, every worker will receive a $1,000 bonus for their troubles. Perhaps even more importantly, Ford made production guarantees of facilities in Ohio, Kansas, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky. Ford is also reportedly guaranteeing to build hybrid batteries in its Rawsonville, MI facility, adding a new vehicle to its Michigan Assembly plant and adding a vehicle at Louisville Assembly that could be exported to other markets. Ford has also promised to build the Transit Connect in the U.S. if Ford decides to move production to North America to supplement production in Turkey. Ratification of the contract is expected later today or early next week, so we'll soon find out if these contract changes are the real deal.

China building drive-in car museum?

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:35:00 +0000

As much as we like our drive-in movies and drive-through restaurants, could there be anything more appropriate than a drive-in car museum? We think not. Unfortunately, such an obvious and awesome thing isn't on its way to America.

Instead, China, a relatively new player on the world transportation scene, is the country planning to erect a drive-in car museum, meaning most of us will probably never get the chance to visit. Ah well, at least the design is thoughtful and innovative. Francesco Gatti, chief architect at design firm 3GATTI in Italy, is responsible for the unique shape of the museum, which allows drivers to climb to the top in their cars and then walk back down via an inner spiral ramp. It seems the structure can be replicated in origami... and now we have a project for the rest of the day.

MFK Autosport Audi RS6

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:35:00 +0000

MFK Autosport Audi RS6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

While most shops focus on tuning the latest Euro hotness, MFK has put its efforts into modifying the old-school (C5) Audi RS6, dropping the wagon over a set of 20x10.5-inch wheels and stretching some sticky 285/25 Dunlop rubber over each satin black, three-piece hoop.

Unfortunately, MFK hasn't divulged what's been done to the suspension, and there's even less info about the engine mods. All we know is the twin-turbo, 4.2-liter V8's software has been tweaked to coax out 520 horsepower – another 80 hp over the stock, Cosworth-modified mill – and a full sports exhaust is available for the princely sum of 5,999 euros (nearly $9k USD). Or maybe that's a typo in the awkwardly translated press release below the fold.

Acura LMP2 car to campaign at 2010 24 Hours of LeMans

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:35:00 +0000

Lowe's Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Despite having a dominant year with a record-tying eight class wins in the LMP2 category, the Lowe's Fernandez Acura ARX-01b might not be back for the 2010 ALMS season. The Indianapolis-based race team, one of the three original announced by Acura back in 2006, has failed to secure a major sponsor for next year and will cancel its racing program if it fails to find one by the end of the month. As is often the case, however, misfortune can often lead to opportunity. England-based Strakka Racing has made plans to purchase the Acura ARX-01owned by Fernandez Racing and will compete with the car in the European Le Mans Series next year as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The deal has yet to be finalized, but Strakka has already informed the LMS organizers of its intentions and has signed British driver Danny Watts, who previously drove a Panoz Esperante GT-LM in the series. You can see the Fernandez Racing Acura ARX-01b in the high-res gallery below, which features the car during its class win at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca earlier this month.

2010 North American Car of the Year nominees announced

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Here in the car journalism biz, this is that time of year when everyone is evaluating all the recently introduced cars to determine which ones truly stand out. Here in town, the crew from Car and Driver are doing their 10 Best testing this week. Elsewhere other magazines are doing their own evaluations.

The organizers of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have just released the short list of vehicles that they have deemed worthy of consideration for this year's awards. The winning vehicles will be announced in January at the North American International Auto Show. For now, the jury has to evaluate a list of 15 cars that includes the new MK VI Volkswagen Golf, Ford's Fusion and Taurus, and a dozen others. The list includes three cars with hybrid powertrains, two that offer diesels and everything from the Kia Soul to the Porsche Panamera.

On the truck side –which also includes crossovers and tall wagons like the new Honda Accord Crosstour, Acura ZDX and Subaru Outback – there are only 10 nominees. Check out the nominees in our galleries below – who will pick up the mantle after 2009's Ford F-150 and Hyundai Genesis?

Gallery: 2010 North American Car of the Year short list

Gallery: 2010 North American Truck of the Year nominees

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster announced

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:12:00 +0000

The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster is here and it wants to be the baddest bike on the block
Via MCN

Triumph have announced the 2010 Rocket III Roadster, which gets a 15% boost in torque, to 224Nm. Fitted with a tweaked version of the earlier 2.3-litre three-cylinder engine, the new Rocket III ‘moves out of pure cruiser territory and transcends into that of the ultimate muscle streetfighter,’ claim Triumph

Available in black and… er, black (shiny and matt versions), the Rocket III Roadster now also comes with ABS as standard, revised ergonomics, new rear suspension and new silencers. The changes are aimed at providing a more comfortable, better controlled ride.

With a big, fat Rotrex supercharger bolted on (which can boost power to around 250bhp!), the new Rocket III should certainly be the perfect motorcycle for those Sunday morning rides…

Volkswagen releases details on 2010 Volkswagen Golf

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:12:00 +0000

2010 Volkswagen Golf - click above for high-res image gallery

Several weeks ago, a tipster stumbled across the web page for the 2010 Golf buried in Volkswagen's consumer website, giving us a preview of the some of the details of the U.S.-spec MK VI model. VW has now made that information official including pricing, options and EPA mileage numbers.

For 2010, U.S. Golf buyers will be able to choose from two engine options, the old 2.5-liter inline-five carried over from the MK V model and the 2.0-liter TDI that debuted last year in the Jetta. Gas engined Golfs have a starting tab of $17,490, and the better equipped TDI kicks off at $21,990. Why "better equipped," you ask? All TDI Golfs receive a new uplevel touch-screen audio system with Sirius satellite radio and mobile device interface. Diesels also get a special lowered sport suspension as standard fit. Unlike the 2009 Jetta TDI, DSG-equipped Golfs will also get steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

For 2010, Volkswagen has also managed to eek out improved EPA numbers,with the manual gas Golf getting a 22/30 mpg rating. The manual diesel reaches 30/41 mpg while the DSG diesel achieves 31/42 mpg – up 2 mpg from the 2009 Jetta.

2010 Honda CB1100 to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, production plans confirmed

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Back to the future: The Honda CB1100 'Customization Concept' (above) shows what you can do with the production-spec CB1100 (below). The bikes will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October this year

Honda have confirmed production of the CB1100 for 2010. The bike, which will be fitted with an 1,100cc air-cooled inline-four, will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October this year.

In addition to the CB1100, Honda will also unveil the V4-engined VFR1200F, which will come equipped with the world’s first dual clutch transmission for large-displacement sportsbikes.

Finally, Honda will also show the DN-01 Touring Concept, the EVE-neo and EV Cub, their first electric scooters, and the CB1300 Super Four, CB1300 Super Touring and CB1300 Bol d’Or. Of course, there will also be the new VFR1200F, which is due to be officially unveiled on the 8th of this month. Sure looks like the Honda stand at this year’s Tokyo Show will be totally action-packed!

From left: The 2010 Honda CB1300 Super Four, CB1300 Bol d'Or and CB1300 Super Touring

The 2010 Honda DN-01 Touring Concept

The battery-powered Honda EV Cub concept

The Honda EVE-neo electric scooter

Carlsson CK50 based on Mercedes E 500 E-class Coupé (C 207)

pramod.feed@gmail.com (winner) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:25:00 +0000

For the new E-class Coupé (Type C 207) Carlsson introduces an entire individualisation kit on the occasion of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the E 500, the performance is increased to 435 hp with a maximum torque of 600 Newton metres. The sport rear exhaust silencer is made of stainless steel and with its two oval end pipes it guarantees a sportive sound and an extra output of eleven hp. The sport centre exhaust silencer and a sport air filter effectively complete the engine kit.

Carlsson provides optimal road holding with a coilover suspension which offers a stepless adjustment for damping and vehicle height. Carlsson sport springs with a lowering range of 30 millimetres are also available.

Carlsson offers the light alloy rim 1/5 REVO in modern two-colour varnish and in the size 8.5 x 20 inches at the front- and rear axle with Dunlop tyres measuring 235/30. The visual kit includes the Carlsson front spoiler. The Carlsson front spoiler lip RS is delivered optionally in real carbon. The flow line optimised Carlsson rear spoiler concludes the optical refinement.

Also for the interior, Carlsson offers a broad range of accessories: The gearstick is available in leather/ultra suede, for the steering wheel, a leather/ultra suede cover has been engineered and for the pedals, sporty Carlsson aluminium covers. Moreover, the programme also includes floor mats with an illuminated Carlsson logo; especially at night times, they render an impressive ambience without blinding the passengers.