LUXURY CAR BLOG

Mansory has modified

2010-08-16T23:01:00.000+07:00

If your eyes have just recovered from the glaucoma-inducing anguish that is the Mansory Panamera, then look away now. Seriously. Stop looking.
Using a combination of gold, carbon fibre and river blindness, Mansory has modified a single Veyron using its ‘Linea Vincero' range of accessories.

There are modified body panels made from high-strength carbon. There is carbon fabric with inbuilt copper thread. And - if you haven't suddenly developed a cataract - you can see there is gold. Lots of it.
Like it? Well friend, good news! If you own lots of money, a penchant for diamond-encrusted hats and pointy-shoes, you too can ask Mansory to knock you up a ‘Linea Vincero' Veyron. Probably.
If, on the other hand, you share with the rest of mankind a morbid fascination with ugly, click through the gallery. You must.

Ferrari 458 Challenge - 2011 car

2010-08-15T22:32:00.000+07:00

Transmission
The standard transmission is a Getrag dual-clutch 7-speed transmission, similar to the Ferrari California. There is no traditional manual option, making this the second road-car after the Enzo not to be offered with Ferrari's classic gated manual.

Engine
The 458 Italia is powered by a 4,499 cc (4.499 L; 274.5 cu in) V8 engine derived from a shared Ferrari/Maserati design, producing 570 PS (420 kW; 560 hp) at 9,000 rpm (redline) and 540 N·m (400 lb·ft) at 6,000 rpm with 80% torque available at 3,250 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection, which is a first for Ferrari mid-rear engine setups in its road cars.
Handling

The car's suspension will feature double wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear, coupled with E-Diff and F1-Trac traction control systems, designed to improve the car's cornering and longitudinal acceleration by 32% compared to its predecessors.

The brakes include a prefill function whereby the pistons in the calipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has reduced 100–0 km/h (62-0 mph) braking distance to 32.5 metres (107 ft).

The adaptive magnetorheological dampers were co-developed with Delphi.

The 458 Italia will use Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires.

Performance
Ferrari's official 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration is 3.35 seconds, while top speed is over 325 km/h (202 mph), with a fuel consumption in combined cycle (ECE+EUDC) 13.7 L/100 km (20.6 mpg-imp; 17.2 mpg-US) while producing 320g/km of CO2.

Wallpapers

Auto Car's Show : New Models : Automobiles

2010-08-15T22:07:00.001+07:00

Auto Car's Show : New Models : Automobiles

ALFA ROMEO 159 1.75 TBi - 2010

2010-08-15T21:45:00.000+07:00

source: autoevolution
Outside, the Alfa Romeo 159 is a joy to the eye. The design of the car was made by Alfa Romeo Styling Center, but Giorgetto Giugiaro brought his very own touches to the way the car looks. Alfa Romeo 156 on the other hand was designed by Walter de'Silva, whose words are somehow explaining the success registered by the car. "Perfectly balanced," he said after the model was brought to life. The facelifted version however was designed by Giugiaro, hence the similarities between the late 156 and Alfa 159.

The front side is dominated by the large V-shaped grille which, according to Alfa Romeo's marketing department, "underlines the presence of a generous engine". Each headlight is divided into three different circular light clusters, while the fog beams are placed at the bottom of the front bumper. Moving around the car brings the 17-inch alloy wheels in the spotlights alongside the body-colored side mirrors which seem to fit the design perfectly.

The rear side looks like the optimal combination of simple lines with elegant details. The rear taillights follow the same design cues of the headlights, each of them consisting of three rounded clusters that create a nice visual effect especially during the night.

As compared to the car it replaces, the 2005 Alfa 159 is a bit larger. The car measures 183.4x71.9x55.7 inches / 4660x1828x1417 mm (LxWxH), while the 156 was slightly smaller - 174.6x68.6x56.3 inches / 4435x1742x1430mm. The 159 has a wheelbase of 106.2 inches (2700mm), bigger than its predecessor's - 102.2 inches (2596mm).
Overall, Alfa Romeo used chrome or metallic details here and there, increasing both the sportiness and the elegant lines of the car. For example, the front end uses chrome stripes on the grille and near the headlights, especially for a meaner look, while the side profile is further enhanced with what seem to be alloy door handles.

Reva NXR Electric Car

2010-08-15T21:35:00.000+07:00

The 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show isn't only about high-performance cars, luxurious models or revolutionary concepts. Today for example, the REVA Electric Car Company (REVA) revealed the NXR (NeXt Reva), which is an electric car powered by a lithium-ion battery projected to enter production in early 2010. At the Frankfurt Show, the NXR is displayed alongside the NXG (NeXt Generation), REVA's supercar that might be produced starting 2011.
Specifically, the NXR is a three-door, four-seater hatchback that could reach a maximum speed of 104 kph (65 mph) and, thanks to the aforementioned settings, it could travel for 160 km (100 miles) per charge. A depleted battery pack can be recharged in 90 minutes thanks to a special fast charging system, with the normal restoring process lasting around eight hours. The NXR offers an effective range of 320 km per day, the company said.
The NXG on the other hand is a two-door two-seat model with a targa top that has an autonomy of 200 km (125 miles) per charge. Furthermore, maximum speed goes around 130 km/h (80 mph), according to official specs.

"Both vehicles have keyless entry and operation, dual charge ports, intelligent digital display and a range of telematics including REVA's exclusive REVive remote emergency charge. REVive addresses 'range anxiety' where a customer low on charge can telephone or SMS REVA's customer support centre," REVA said in a release.
The company has already released pricing details for the NXR. The car will be priced at 14,995 euros for the Intercity version (lithium-ion batteries) when it will go on sale in Europe while the City version with lead acid batteries will be sold for 9,995 euros.

source:frankfurt

(from Mercedes-Benz Press Release)

2010-08-13T23:34:00.001+07:00

Stuttgart – The new CLS Grand Edition special-edition model sees Mercedes-Benz introducing a new highlight to the segment for four-door premium coupés. A matt designo paint finish lends spectacular definition to the lines of the coupé and makes the CLS Grand Edition really catch the eye. This exclusive style is echoed in the interior with high-grade designo leather and high-quality equipment details. All of which makes the multi-design-award-winning Mercedes-Benz Coupé unmistakable.

Coupés are truly special cars. Not least the Mercedes Coupés, which have always epitomised automotive elegance, exclusivity and refinement at the very highest level. With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz paved the way for four-door coupés. The trend-setting model from Stuttgartinspires coupé enthusiasts with its exciting and muscular styling.

Even more pronounced lines through new paint

The new Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition catches the eye straight away. A unique "designo magno platinum" matt paint finish brings the lines and contours of the premium Coupé fully to the fore and emphasises its multi-award-winning design. As well as being an eye-catching feature, the matt paint finish is highly scratch- and dirt-resistant. In keeping with the avant-garde paintwork, the radiator grille louvres are also painted in "designo magno platinum".

The Grand Edition customers can select from a choice of metallic paint finishes: obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red or flint grey.

The additional exterior equipment for the CLSGrand Edition includes:

-- Bi-xenon headlamps with dark headlamp casings, active light function and cornering light function in the fog lamps, headlamp cleaning system, and dynamic headlamp range adjustment

-- Exclusive, high-sheen AMG18-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with pockets painted in titanium grey, shod with 245/40 R 18 (front) and 275/35 R 18 (rear) tyres

-- A "Grand Edition" insignia on the front wings

designo interior displaying sporty, elegant touches

The no-nonsense elegance continues inside the car. Here a perfectly matched designo interior and a roof lining in anthracite Alcantara, together with the standard-fit tilting/sliding glass roof, define the sporty, elegant style. Special touches are provided by the designo leather upholstery in "marron" – with the option of substituting this shade for sand, black, mystic red, porcelain or chablis.

The trim elements in high-quality laurel wood can be ordered with either a matt or a high-gloss finish. The same material is used for the selector lever and the wood/leather steering wheel. Sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs underline the sporting credentials of the CLSGrand Edition.

The extensive range of equipment includes the sophisticated COMAND APSMultimedia control and display system, comfort telephony, PARKTRONIC and “Grand Edition” velour floor mats.

Pioneering engine technology in the CLS 350 CGI

There are four engine variants available for the CLSGrand Edition, including the V6 unit for the entry-level CLS280 model and, perhaps most impressively of all, the CGIdirect-injection power plant for the CLS350 CGImodel, offering high output and low fuel consumption. This V6 engine with piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion develops 215 kW/292 hp and consumes just 9.1 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).

The Mercedes-Benz CLSGrand Edition can be ordered from January 2, 2009. Prices start at 67,294.50 Euros incl. VAT (CLS280 Grand Edition). The deliveries to customers start in March 2009.

Ford Focus RS (Mark II)

2010-08-13T10:20:00.000+07:00

Come the end of the year, Aussies will be able to take delivery of the wildest ever Focus to land on our shores, the RS, which delivers 224kW/440Nm to the front wheels only and doesn't skimp on creature comforts either.

Kia Sportage SLi (2010)

2010-08-13T10:11:00.001+07:00

Although it's based on the Hyundai ix35, Kia's Sportage comes with a more advanced four-wheel drive system. Features on the SLi include a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and an iPod-friendly sound system.

Lexus LFA (2011) Images

2010-08-13T10:04:00.001+07:00

By Derek Fung on 11 August 2010

Lexus Australia has confirmed that eight of the 500 LFAs to be made will be coming to Australia. With a rumoured price of around AU$750,000, though, you better get saving.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style

2010-08-13T09:54:00.000+07:00

Plug-in hybrid or fuel cell
According to Mercedes-Benz, the F800 Style can accommodate either a plug-in hybrid drivetrain or a hydrogen fuel cell system

Electric V6

When kitted out as a plug-in hybrid, the F800 uses a 220kW petrol V6 mated with an electric motor capable of adding another 80kW. Fuel economy is rated at 2.9L/100km.

Battery power only

The plug-in hybrid F800 can run for up to 30km on Lithium-ion battery power alone. When operating solely on battery power, the F800 can reach a maximum speed of 120km/h.

Togetherness

With the petrol motor up and running, the plug-in hybrid F800's max speed is 250km/h and the zero to 100km/h dash can be done in 4.8 seconds.

Lay it out

As a plug-in hybrid, the V6 petrol engine sits up front, with the electric motor housed within the transmission that feeds power to the rear wheels. The Lithium-ion battery pack sits underneath the rear seats, while the petrol tank is between the passengers and the boot.

Mercedes Benz lance officiellement l’E-Class LWB à Beijing.

2010-08-13T00:17:00.000+07:00

Mercedes Benz s’est récemment servi du Salon de l’Automobile de Beijing comme plateforme médiatique pour le lancement officiel de l’E-Class LWB. Construit localement par Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd (BBAC), l’E-Class L n’est qu’une version plus longue de l’E-Class.

La longueur, l’empattement et les jambes arrière de ce modèle ont été augmentés de 14 cm et les sièges avant peuvent être maintenant contrôlés par derrière (depuis les sièges pour passagers).

The 2008 Ford F-150

2010-08-12T23:47:00.000+07:00

Introduction

For most of the past three decades, the best-selling vehicle line in America has been, strangely enough, not a family sedan or SUV but a pickup. The holder of that prestigious title is Ford's F-Series. Granted, those sales figures include not only the F-150 but also the Super Duty rigs and even commercial-use chassis cabs. However, the half-ton F-150 has always accounted for the lion's share of those figures.
Last revamped for 2004, the F-150 caters to the contemporary pickup consumer. These folks are as (if not more) likely to use a pickup for commuting and family hauling as for lugging lumber or towing trailers. Proof of this can be seen in the overwhelming popularity of crew-cab-style trucks over standard and extended-cab versions.
Of course, this begs the question: Why the F-Series? Chalk up its American Idol status to a smooth ride, quiet user-friendly cab and easy-to-drive demeanor. Oh, and the dizzying variety of body styles, trim levels and options that it offers. Americans love choices, something not lost on Ford's product planners whose efforts have resulted in no fewer than 75 styles of the F-150 and SuperCrew-sized headaches for Edmunds.com's data crunchers.
The 2008 Ford F-150 sees incremental changes. A new Lariat Limited trim debuts, as does a SuperCrew body style for the XL trim and a couple of stress-reducing options. The latter includes the Cargo Management system (a combination of bins, crossbars and adjustable cleats that allows one to secure virtually anything short of the space shuttle in the bed) and a rearview camera mounted inside the rearview mirror that kicks on when the truck is shifted into reverse.
As well-rounded as it is, the F-150 lags behind full-size pickup rivals when it comes to performance. Disregarding the supercharged V8 that's optional in the niche-market Harley-Davidson edition, the F-150's top engine is the 5.4-liter Triton V8 that offers an impressive 11,000-pound maximum tow rating. Still, we have been disappointed by its real-world performance. The 5.4 puts up decent spec-sheet numbers with 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, but compared to similarly heavy models like the Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra, the F-150 is down on power. Having just four gears to work with contributes to the F-150's tepid performance; many competitors have five- and six-speed units, which improve both acceleration and fuel efficiency.
This is not to say that you won't be satisfied with a 2008 Ford F-150 purchase -- as vehicle reviewers we tend to be harsher critics than the typical consumer. For buyers who don't require the quickest rig out there, the F-150 compensates with its civility. This is one of the easiest half-ton pickups to live with on an everyday basis, and with the wide range of available body styles, trim levels and equipment, you're sure to find one that meets your needs. All those people who have made the F-Series the No.1 vehicle for almost 30 years certainly did.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2008 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck is available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab ("SuperCab") and crew cab ("SuperCrew"). Cargo box size choices vary as well: regular cabs come with a 6.5-foot or 8-foot cargo bed, while SuperCabs can have either of those or a garage-friendly 5.5-footer. The SuperCrew can have either the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. Reverse-opening rear doors are standard on regular and SuperCabs for easier cab access, while SuperCrews have four full-size doors.
No fewer than eight trim levels are offered: base XL, sporty STX, popularly equipped XLT, rugged FX2/FX4, luxurious Lariat, plusher Lariat Limited, even fancier King Ranch and black and chrome-bedecked Harley-Davidson edition.
Geared toward commercial use, the bare-bones XL comes with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, AM/FM radio and, apart from air-conditioning in the new SuperCrew version, not much else. The STX is similarly equipped (including the A/C) but adds body-colored bumpers, sportier wheels, a cloth 40/20/40-split bench seat, and an upgraded sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The volume leader XLT features chrome exterior trim, an upgraded cloth interior, cruise control and full power accessories. The FX2 (2WD) and FX4 (4WD) feature 18-inch wheels, a black grille, leather-wrapped steering wheel, bucket seats with console, and on FX4 models, underbody skid plates, retuned springs and heavy-duty shocks.
F-150s with the Lariat trim offer an upscale ambiance with brushed aluminum and wood highlights, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a trip computer. The Limited tops that by featuring a monochrome White Sand paint scheme, 22-inch alloy wheels with body-color accents, polished running boards, smoked taillights, two-tone leather upholstery and unique instrument cluster trim.
The King Ranch and Harley-Davidson trims are available only as SuperCrews. The former adds two-tone exterior paint, exclusive western saddle-like leather upholstery and wood-grain interior accents. The latter specifies monochromatic black or two-tone black and copper paint, 22-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, black and copper leather seating and enough H-D badges and emblems to outfit everybody at the Sturgis meet.
To commemorate the F-150s 60th year, 7,500 trucks will get a special 60th Anniversary edition package, which builds upon the XLT and includes unique F-Series 60 Years badging inside and out, two-tone paint (black with dark gray or dark gray with black) and the Chrome Packages abundant shiny trim.
Key F-150 options include remote starting, a navigation system, a back-up camera, a rear parking sensor, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a sunroof.

Powertrains and Performance

There are three main engine choices in the F-150 line: a 4.2-liter V6, a 4.6-liter V8 and a 5.4-liter V8. Available only on regular cabs, the 4.2-liter V6 makes 202 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6-liter V8 provides 248 hp and 293 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.4-liter V8 produces 300 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. Both V8 engines are matched to four-speed automatic transmissions. The V6 comes with a five-speed manual, with the automatic available as an option. Buyers of the 2WD Harley-Davidson edition can opt for a supercharged 5.4 that makes 450 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
Except for that supercharged Harley version, buyers have a choice between two- and four-wheel drive on all versions of the F-150. Properly equipped, an F-150 with the 5.4-liter V8 can tow up to 11,000 pounds and carry a 3,050-pound payload. However, whether unladen or towing a trailer, the F-150 feels noticeably slower than peers like the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram and GM twins (Silverado and Sierra), an impression borne out by our performance test results.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes are standard across the board. Traction control is optional on 2WD V8 models. Unlike most of its competitors, the F-150 does not offer side airbags or stability control -- the latter a key feature for avoiding accidents in the first place.
That said, frontal-impact testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resulted in a perfect five-star rating. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the F-150 earned a rating of "Good," the highest available.

Interior Design and Special Features

In SuperCrew form, the F-150 can comfortably seat five or six people. Carrying three passengers in the backseat is still possible if you get a SuperCab, though legroom will be noticeably less generous. All versions offer simple controls and solid materials. Most F-150s have a standard 40/20/40-split bench seat with a column shifter, but most trims offer an upgrade to captain's chairs and a console shifter. An optional overhead console features interchangeable modules so owners can customize it as they see fit. Without this console, though, the F-150 is a little short on storage space. Hauling larger items is no problem, however, as the rear seats in SuperCabs and SuperCrews quickly fold up to make way for cargo.

Driving Impressions

Thanks to its stiff frame, double-wishbone front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, the 2008 Ford F-150 delivers impressive ride and handling dynamics for a full-size truck. Unfortunately, the truck's beefy curb weight is too much for the 4.2-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 engines, so the 5.4-liter V8 is strongly recommended for most consumers. The brakes feel solid, with a firm pedal, but stopping distances are still longer than most of the F-150's competition.

2011 Ford Fiesta

2010-08-12T23:40:00.000+07:00

General Photos

Exterior Photos

Interior Photos

Mexico: Fiat Preps for U.S. Comeback With 500

2010-08-12T23:35:00.001+07:00

TOLUCA, Mexico — The Fiat 500 started rolling out of the Toluca assembly plant here this week, the first step in the automaker's return to the U.S. market after a 15-year absence. Fiat President Sergio Marchionne, along with Mexico President Felipe Calder�n, were present as production kicked off on the Cinquecento hatchback.
The 2011 Fiat 500 will be the flagship for the Italian automaker's comeback to the U.S. market. Other Fiat and Lancia vehicles will be re-branded as Chryslers, Dodges or Jeeps. But Fiat intends to push its own brand through the 500 and eventually differentiate its cars from Chrysler's brands.
The challenge will be significant. The 500 is a tiny three-door hatchback with extremely limited space for rear passengers. Although it was clearly not designed for the U.S. market, the model has proven to be a hot seller elsewhere, especially in Europe and Brazil. Its fuel efficiency in a time of rising oil prices should be a selling point, and its retro styling could win it U.S. fans in much the same fashion as the similarly sized Mini Cooper.
Fiat announced it will produce between 100,000 and 130,000 vehicles a year for the U.S. market, as well as Mexico and South America. The Mexican government, through its development banks, Nacional Financiera and Bancomext, loaned $400 million at preferential interest rates so the Toluca facility could be retooled. In addition to the technology and internal resources of the Italian automaker, the assembly plant received a total investment of around $550 million.
Fiat assembled its first car in North America in 1910 at a plant located in Poughkeepsie, New York, which was idled not long afterward with the arrival of World War I. Fiat's footprint in the U.S. for the past century was weak and its distribution network was limited. The automaker pulled out of the U.S. market altogether in the 1980s.
Inside Line says: Whether we're ready or not, Fiat-Chrysler is gearing up to build the 2011 Fiat 500 in Mexico. — Loriana Marietta, Correspondent

First Drive: 2008 Fiat 500

2010-08-12T23:33:00.000+07:00

Add caption

Crack open the Chianti! Fifty years to the day after the original model stole the hearts of motorists the world over, the Fiat 500 is back.

The cultural significance of the Cinquecento, the car that put Italy on wheels in the 1950s, cannot be denied. And when you hear Fiat's Chief Executive Luca De Meo talk about the 2008 Fiat 500, you get the sense that it is not just the future of Fiat that rides on the fortunes of this new car but that of Italy as well.

Judging by the public acclaim at the 2008 Fiat 500's unveiling, the decision to put into production the universally admired Trepiuno concept car from 2004 should pay off for Fiat.

Reliving the Italian Miracle From the 1950s
By resurrecting the 500, Fiat is attempting to relive one of the most successful periods in its history. Some 3,702,078 examples of the Cinquecento were produced between 1957 and 1975, and it is very much regarded as an automotive icon in Italy. Such is its enduring charm that the 500 still forms part of the Italian landscape, even three decades after it ceased production.

The new Fiat 500 manages to pull off the neat trick of both celebrating the classic Cinquecento as well as looking forward, connecting the past with the future.

It goes on sale in Italy in September with a price premium of around $1,000 above the entry-level Fiat Panda, the car upon which it's based. Fiat hopes the 500's unique appeal will support sales to a broad range of buyers. "You don't buy this car because you can't afford a larger one," says Fiat's Luca de Meo. "You buy it because of what it says about you."

Design is clearly the new 500's biggest draw card. Driving through the streets of Turin, our bright red car was mobbed by enthusiastic Italians, all eager to get a closer look. At one stage, we were asked in broken English if we would mind the company of two extra passengers. Everyone seemed to know what it was. As we scooted past, there were shouts of approval and even the odd jump of joy.

Measuring Up to the Past
Despite a fundamental change in the mechanical layout and a significant increase in overall dimensions, the proportions of the 2008 Fiat 500 remain virtually unchanged, the only big change being an extended front overhang thanks to stringent requirements for frontal crash test regulations. Fiat credits the exterior design to Roberto Giolito, an Italian working at its Centro Stile studio, but word on the inside has it that former Fiat design boss Frank Stephenson was the driving force behind the car's retro lines.

Whatever the case, there's no doubting the new 500's broad appeal. At just 139.6 inches in overall length, 64.0 inches in width and 58.6 inches in height, the new 500 is 6.0 inches shorter, 2.2 inches narrower and 3.2 inches higher than the Mini Cooper — dimensions that make it perfectly suited to the narrow lanes and traffic-clogged streets so common across Europe.

With a drag coefficient of just 0.32 Cd, the 500 slips through the air with greater efficiency than just about any rival small car. It is also exceptionally light — the top-of-the-line 1.4 model tested here tips the scales at a modest 2,050 pounds, complete with seven airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver) and a whole load of standard features. By comparison, the Mini Cooper weighs 2,348 pounds.

Along with the initial hatchback driven here, a station wagon that is planned to revive the evocative name of the 500 Giardinetta has also been conceived, and an SUV version based on the all-wheel-drive Panda Cross is also in the works.

Just like Mini, Fiat offers an unprecedented number of ways to customize the 500. Together with a wide range of exterior colors, you can add stripes in the red, white and green of the Italian flag in all sorts of different variations, or alternatively a checkered-flag roof, an oversize bar code or many other motifs dreamed up by Fiat's in-house design team. There's also a wide range of 14-inch, 15-inch or 16-inch wheels.

Underneath It's Cheap and Cheerful
To keep costs down, the new 500 is based around the front-wheel-drive Fiat Panda and it will roll out of Fiat's low-cost factory in Tychy, Poland, at the rate of 120,000 per year. Fiat anticipates nothing less than a maximum five-star Euro-NCAP rating, but officials we spoke to denied that the new car had undergone any National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing. Still, our contacts don't rule out the possibility of the 500 eventually popping up on this side of the Atlantic as part of Fiat's global renaissance.

The shared underpinnings give rise to a familiar lineup of engines from the Panda. On the gasoline side is a 68-horsepower 1.2-liter inline-4 and a muscular 100-hp 1.4-liter. The diesel is a 74-hp 1.3-liter. At the Tokyo auto show, Fiat will pull the wraps off a turbocharged 1.4-liter Abarth engine serving up 135 hp.

We opted to drive the gasoline-fueled 1.4-liter, figuring it would provide a lively drive. Smooth and punchy at low revs, it is impressively responsive around town. At the same time, it will happily rev up to the 6,000 rpm redline without any undue strain. It doesn't quite propel the Fiat 500 into the same performance territory occupied by the Mini Cooper, but manages to pull the 500 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 10.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 113 mph.

Driving It Around
It is the Fiat 500's ride and handling that sets this car apart. The structure is remarkably stiff, giving the 500 a grown-up feel from the driver seat. The wide track and comparatively long wheelbase endow it with a firmly planted sensation and deliver excellent stability at high speeds. Small it may be, but the 500 devours big distances with real aplomb.

Fiat makes bold claims about its new model's dynamics, suggesting it can generate 0.97g on the skid pad. The 500 is certainly entertaining, if not exactly kartlike. The electrically operated power steering lacks real feel even when the sport mode is selected to dial up weightier effort, but it is nevertheless direct, providing the 500 with great agility and a true willingness over winding roads.

For all the visual charm provided by the Fiat 500's exterior, it is the quality of the interior that wins our heart. The love affair starts the moment you draw open the door via a lovely metal handle and slide onto the softly cushioned driver seat. The dashboard recalls that of the Cinquecento, yet plays host to a large instrument pod with futuristic gauges.

Given its compact dimensions, there is ample space and a good deal of seat adjustment. In fact, interior packaging appears to be one of the 500's biggest assets. You sit well back in the chassis in a rather upright position, but it's comfortable all the same, with spongy seat cushions and a high-mounted gearlever well within reach.

Remember the Topolino?
This is Fiat doing what it does best. Since the days of the Fiat Topolino in the 1930s, the Italian carmaker has always excelled at building small cars — truly affordable small cars for the motoring masses, no less. But this time around it appears to have outdone even itself. The Fiat 500 has an iPod-style coolness that everyone responds to.

There is a perceptible maturity to the new 2008 Fiat 500, from the wonderfully cohesive styling to the weighting of its controls. In fact, this newest version of the Cinquecento has a refinement that still has yet to materialize on other models in the Fiat lineup.

Provided there is no big hiccup in quality when production versions begin their run down the assembly line in a month or so, the 2008 Fiat 500 should be Europe's next cult car.

Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.

2008 Woodward Dream Cruise

2010-08-12T23:25:00.000+07:00

Celebrates the cars, music and memories of the fifties and sixties. Includes muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest ...

2010 Chrysler Town & Country — Flash Drive

2010-08-12T23:16:00.000+07:00

The Chrysler Town & Country may be one of the best-selling nameplates in the world, but it looks long in the tooth now. While the T&C still offers impressive people-carrying capacity, its design is antiquated and the interior controls look as if they came from a 1980s parts bin. In addition, the 4-liter engine tested delivered poor gas mileage; I achieved 17.5 mpg in mixed driving. On a positive note, there is good headroom and legroom for passengers, and the patented Stow 'n Go seating system can increase cargo volume substantially and is relatively easy to manipulate. The DVD entertainment system is also first-rate, and truly does help keep youngsters busy during those long road trips. The T&C Limited is pricey ($42,000), which might put this minivan out of the range of most families. Given all of the T&C's minuses, it might make sense to look at other offerings from GM or Ford first. –Joe Chulick
The 2010 Chrysler Town & Country Limited shows just how far minivans have evolved, with innovative features and luxury amenities. I don't find the Town & Country particularly attractive, but minivans are about function, not fashion, and the convenience is highlighted by second-row fold-in floor seats and an optional third-row power folding seat. The Limited includes luxury features such as leather-trimmed first- and second-row seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, optional dual-screen DVD entertainment system and optional Media Center/GPS Navigation with 30-gigabyte hard drive. On the road, the T&C drives great — for a minivan, anyway — with good power from the 4.0-liter V6 engine. I really liked the blind-spot warning system. It is simple, but effective, with a small yellow triangle in the outside mirror that lights up when another car is alongside. –Mike Meredith

Chrysler may be having financial and product issues, but the company still has a handle on the minivan. The Town & Country is one of the best Chrysler vehicles I've driven recently. Exterior styling is not bad, with a bold front end that incorporates the common Chrysler styling cues. The interior is nice, too — this is the top-of-the-line Chrysler minivan — and with wood, leather and other quality materials, it has the feel of a luxury car. Seating is comfortable in all locations, and the dual-screen rear entertainment system is simple to operate. I wouldn't call the Town & Country powerful, but it is adequate for most situations. Transmission shifts seamlessly, and the ride is smooth. If you want to carry the entire family in spacious luxury, the Town & Country is one of the best options on the market. –Perry Stern

American Sedans Living Large 2009 Acura TL

2010-08-12T23:06:00.000+07:00

Looking at the glass half-full, the one Honda prefers to drink from, the current Accord four cylinder — ridiculously roomier, faster and more luxurious than the primitive '70s version — gets only 4 mpg less on the highway.

The glass half-empty argument, of course, asks how much better the mileage could be if automakers made lightness and efficiency the top priority. Today's V6 family sedans can't touch 30 mpg even on a highway cruise. The Altima gets 26 mpg, the Camry 28.

Sure, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison. Today's family sedans are virtual space shuttles, loaded with sophisticated crash structures, safety gear, luxury toys and technology that would have boggled drivers of just a few decades ago. Bottom line, America's across-the-board fuel economy has actually declined over the past 20 years, and it's not all the fault of SUVs.

With federal fuel requirements demanding a 35-mpg average for cars and trucks by 2020, at some point cars — and not just trucks — are going to have to get smaller, or at least lighter and vastly more efficient, to get anywhere near 35 mpg.

Still, there's one welcome development. With people fleeing from SUVs as if they were the latest hurricane, some truck buyers are already trying a sedan on for size — some for the first time in years. These larger sedans should better fit their family lifestyle.

And there's no doubt those same buyers will enjoy vastly better mileage in a big midsize sedan than in the Explorers and other guzzlers they're trading in — especially if they go with the four-cylinder versions. Chevrolet recently rolled out a Malibu sedan that gets 33 mpg on the highway with the combo of a four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

But if you were expecting automakers to trim down their most popular four-doors, forget about it. For knockout mileage, a compact, subcompact or hybrid will have to do. The American family sedan is living large.

A Michigan native raised and forged in Detroit and a former auto critic at the Detroit Free Press, Lawrence Ulrich now lives in Brooklyn, New York. His reviews and features appear regularly in The New York Times, Robb Report, Popular Science and Travel + Leisure Golf.

For commentary on the latest auto industry trends or in-depth analysis of developments affecting consumers, turn to MSN Autos’ Industry Insider for the real story behind the facts and figures. Written by respected veterans in the field, Industry Insider delivers expertise and insight that helps make sense of the automotive world.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

2010-08-12T22:30:00.000+07:00

Toyota FJ Cruiser

2010-08-12T22:26:00.001+07:00

The FJ Cruiser, a retro-style SUV, got a positive reception from reviewers, including Motor Trend, which wrote in 2006, "What's more important, style or substance? The good news is that the FJ offers both." Car buyers were equally enthusiastic early on, but then in 2008 sales dropped off, plummeting by 50 percent. The FJ is still in production, but it's plagued by rumors of discontinuation — it was even included in a 2009 magazine article on the best discontinued cars.

Collector prognosis: The FJ Cruiser's funky styling and high performance rating make it a shoo-in for future collectibility.

Claire Martin has written for The NewYork Times, Los Angeles Times, and Outside magazine. She's the former deputy editor of Men's Journal and currently lives in Los Angeles, where she covers technology, travel and food.

Pontiac Solstice

2010-08-12T22:24:00.001+07:00

Car and Driver deemed the Solstice one of the top 10 most beautiful cars of 2009. The 2-seater convertible enjoyed early popularity, but sales took a turn in 2008. It hit rock bottom as the Solstice's five-year lifespan ended when GM's bankruptcy and restructuring plan called for the closure of its plant in Wilmington, Del., in 2009. "It was a de facto flop because they shut down production," Hagerty says. "But it was an excellent little car."

Collector prognosis: 2-seater convertibles are irresistible to American car buyers. "If someone builds a 2-seater, people want it," Hagerty says. "It's ingrained in our cultural mindset."

Porsche 968

2010-08-12T22:23:00.000+07:00

The 968 is one of the rarest Porsches on the road — just 13,000 rolled off the line during its 1992-1995 production run. With a distinctive bubble-shaped rear and a minimalist interior, it was never a top-selling model. "The 968 is instantly recognizable as a Porsche, but even enthusiasts often aren't sure of the model number or production years," says Ray Starbird, founder of the site 968.net, which has been paying homage to the quirky Porsche since 1999.

Collector prognosis: The enthusiast community is strong, which bodes well for the 968. "Its rarity makes encounters with other owners feel like reunions," Starbird says.

Bing: Porsche 968

Mercury Marauder

2010-08-12T22:20:00.001+07:00

The Marauder's undercover-cop aesthetic didn't appeal to the masses when the car was reintroduced in 2003 after a 30-year hiatus. The original 1960s Marauders were sporty full-size cars, but the new version was anything but sporty. Reviewers gave it credit for being a soft ride despite its 2-ton-plus size, but dinged it for its lackluster pickup. Fewer than 12,000 models made it onto the streets before production halted.

Collector prognosis: Mercury, a division of Ford, has a long history, which bodes well for the Marauder. "There will always be Mercury fans," Hagerty says.

Bing: Mercury Marauder

Lincoln Blackwood

2010-08-12T22:19:00.001+07:00

Conceived in the wake of the success of the Lincoln Navigator, the Blackwood was a luxury pickup truck available exclusively in all black. The bed lifted up with a remote control and had carpeting and LED accent lighting. But the Blackwood was expensive, starting at $52,500, and it was more luxurious than it was utilitarian (it didn't even have 4-wheel drive), ultimately losing out with car buyers to the Cadillac Escalade, which was both plush and practical. The Blackwood survived only for one model year.

Collector prognosis: Rare is good, as far as collectors are concerned. "You still see Blackwoods around in nice neighborhoods," Hagerty says. "People are keeping them up really well."

Bing: Lincoln Blackwood

Ford Thunderbird

2010-08-12T22:18:00.001+07:00

The first Thunderbird came out in 1955, and throughout the 20th century Ford tinkered with it, creating 10 different generations of the 2-door convertible, all of which have caught the attention of collectors on the local, regional and even international level. The 11th generation, which hit the streets in 2002, was considered faithful to the original from a physical standpoint, but it was poorly made. "It had decent looks but it had no power," Hagerty says. "It was a cheap, cheap car. It would shed plastic if you went over a speed bump."

Collector prognosis: Thunderbird collectors have shunned it so far, but if past is prologue, they'll come around soon.