New Ford Ka

The new Ka will replace the original 12-year-old Ka, and shares its underpinnings and engines with the Fiat 500. What’s more, it’s being built alongside the hugely successful Italian model at Fiat’s plant in Tychy, Poland.
But the Ka – which is due to hit showrooms towards the end of 2008 – is much more than a simple re-skin of the 500. Privately, Ford says that its engineers are working hard to ensure that the new Ka can match the current model’s composure and pin-sharp handling, while offering greater refinement.
Initially, there will be a choice of 63bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel. The latter will be good for 75bhp and 145Nm of torque, while returning more than 50mpg.
There’s no official word yet, but Ford is also understood to be planning a hot ST performance flagship to replace the Sportka. This will be powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Fiat 500 Abarth. A chunky bodykit, flared wheelarches and fat 17-inch rims will separate the flagship from lesser models.
The Ka ST is likely to deliver at least 150bhp, will cover the 0-60mph sprint in less than eight seconds and have a top speed of 125mph – ensuring it joins the Abarth as one of the fastest cars in the class.
A series of ‘aftermarket’ extras offered via Ford dealers are likely to boost the model’s appeal even further. The kit will be developed by specialist firm Mountune, which recently produced a tuning pack for the Fiesta ST, and would include suspension and engine upgrades.
The new Ka will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, and is sure to appeal to Ford fans with its attractive styling. Short overhangs, a steeply raked windscreen and arching roofline mean the Ka looks sporty, while being spacious enough for four.
The interior has taken huge strides forward, too, combining improved ergonomics with better quality materials in a bid to create a more refined driving experience. The gearlever has moved higher into the dashboard, and the radio and climate controls are mounted so they are within easy reach of the driver. The steering wheel now features a multifunction control column, too, while a display between the dials provides trip information.
As with the Fiat 500, Ford is promising that the Ka will be among the most luxurious small cars on the market, while there will be a generous optional equipment list.
Ford isn’t planning a direct replacement for the Streetka roadster, although sources indicate that a 2+2 convertible is being developed in conjunction with Fiat. A mild hybrid is also in the pipeline. This promises to mate diesel-beating economy with petrol refinement and low emissions.

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Latest EURONCAP crash test results

Here are latest EURONCAP crash test results :

Lexus LF-A Nürburgring crash

High hopes for Lexus and their yet to be released V10 supercar, the LF-A, at the punishing Nürburgring 24-hour race were quickly buried after an attempt to acclimate themselves to night driving on the eve of the event resulted in a crash. No details are known about how the crash occurred, but photos obtained by KGP caught the wounded LF-A in the pits with damage to the lower left front fender and a missing chunk from the rear body panel exposing a massive radiator. The vehicle was then relocated via flat-bed to Toyota's off-site Nürburgring workshop.

With only two hours of sleep the Lexus team managed to get the LF-A repaired and to the starting grid the following afternoon. However, due to an oil leak and a looming two hour repair time limit the LF-A had little chance of being competitive. In the end the LF-A completed 106 laps with a best lap time of 9:19.757 for 120th place overall.

In a moment of weakness spy photographers were able to get close to the vulnerability LF-A and reveal detailed shots of the interior, horizontally-mounted door handles, engine and a carbon-fiber aerodynamic floor pan. Click Autoblog.com source link below for full size photos including many shots of the interior, crash damage and undercarriage.

Source : wcf

New Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Video

Alfa Romeo has found the time to release a new video of their range-topping sports car.
The 450 hp Alfa sports car is named both after the legendary 8-cylinder sports cars from the '30s and '40s (8C) and the 6C 2500 Competizione model driven by Fangio and Zanardi at the famous "Mille Miglia" races in 1950.

New Promotional Video of the Nissan GT-R

Here is a new video

Lexus IS 250 SR Special Edition (only for UK)

The special edition IS may not have more horsepower, but the styling makes up for the lack of added performance which remains at 204 bhp from the 2.5 liter V6 petrol engine.
For just GBP 1,000 UK customers receive a full body kit (deep skirts in front, rear and side and a boot spoiler), 17 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels or the optional 18-inch Tsuki rims, aluminum sports pedals and scuff plates and heated front seats for when autumn kicks in. The new options are in addition to the usual standard features like 10 airbags, climate control, cruise control, smart keyless entry and engine start, LED interior lighting and Worcester Black interior fabric trim.

Fiat 500 Convertible

The new version of the 500 will have a fabric top, instead of the foldable hard tops that are becoming increasingly popular. Although it was more than expected, due to the small dimensions of the car, but fabric tops are also said to have been considerably improved. If this charming future convertible manages to be as silent and well built as its hardtop version, success is sure to be in its way, whether the top is on or off.

Audi Q7 limousine

This is 14-seat Audi Q7 limousine with colorful purple Disco lighting adorning both the floor and ceiling, and heated alligator/snake upholstery covering the bench seats, the faux fish tank above the simulated flames doesn't seem so out of place. While twin 17-inch flat screens are nothing to brag about, the "jet door" mounted on the side will surely get you the looks you crave. Located in New York, we should mention it comes from the same company who also offers a 14-passenger Range Rover, and a 14-passenger Infiniti QX56. And you thought HUMMERS got all the fun...

Audi will launch Q7 hybrid this year

Audi will beat its German rivals in the hybrid race with the launch of a petrol-electric Q7 SUV due at the end of the year. The announcement was made by Audi board manager Frank Dreves, who revealed today that the hybrid SUV is being developed together with Porsche and that future collaboration on electronic architectures with the sports carmaker was possible.

Dreves also revealed that Audi would increase its modular design practice and standardization of components – a process where a number of different models in different segments are all based on the same platform – in order to reach its target of 1.5 million vehicles by 2015.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Dreves also pointed out that Audi will lift its model range from the current 26 vehicles to 40 all up by 2015. The key will be to improve productivity, shorten the production cycle of each model and increase the level of component sharing.

Audi has ruled out launching the Q7 hybrid in the U.S. because of the weak dollar and low demand for petrol-electric hybrids in general. However, Audi’s U.S. chief Johan de Nysschen revealed that a hybrid Q5 was in the works and would be a likely option for North America.

The new Q7 hybrid due at the end of the year will feature a 34kW electric motor sandwiched between a 280hp (206kW) 3.6L V6 FSI petrol engine and the vehicle’s torque converter. The electric motor provides an additional 285Nm (210lb-ft) of torque to the internal combustion engine’s 375Nm (277lb-ft). From standstill, the concept vehicle reaches 100km/h in 7.6 seconds and can accelerate from 60 to 120km/h in fifth gear in just under 12 seconds. Despite weighing 2,480kg, average fuel-consumption measures 24mpg (9.8L/100km

First photos : Alfa Romeo Mi.To on street

Here are first photos taken on streets of Torino !!



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Ferrari California

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.
In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

source: italiaspeed

Spyed: Opel Insignia Hatchback

Here are a few spyshots of new Opel Insignia Hatchback shown on worldcarfans.com

Renault Megane III

French car magazine Auto Plus has laid their hands on some photos of an undisguised Megane III, or so they make out in the magazine scans dug up in turn by Autoblog.com. The front grille and headlamps are completely new with hints of both the Laguna and Megane Coupe Concept which may be the start of a new design language for the French marque.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 from Delta4x4

The tuners manage to extract an additional 32 hp from the last generation Land Cruiser resulting in 318 hp with 780 Nm of torque and a 218 km/h top speed. Not every driver is at ease with such power under the hood, so Delta4x4 also offer a high performance brake system. This brake system consists of a six-piston caliper, a 396 mm perforated brake disc and a steel wrapped hose providing precise pedal response and extreme stopping power.

The usual aesthetic options are available too, like an EU approved front bar (a bigger front bar is available for export markets), handmade 101 mm stainless steel side and rear bars, stainless steel double pipe exhaust system and 17 to 23 inch wheels.

It all comes at a price though, the brake system costs Euro 6,760, the front, side and rear bars will set you back almost Euro 5,000, the engine managment update almost Euro 2,000 and the exhaust system Euro 700.

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Nissan planning new 240SX

Nissan is planning to unveil an entry-level sports car in 2010 to replace the 240SX.
The company hopes the mini-Z will appeal to younger buyers and will fill a gap in the market for cheap front/rear coupes.
In doing so it will also be taking on the rear-drive sports car Subaru and Toyota are planning to build together.
The Nissan is expected to either have a 2.0-lite naturally aspirated engine, or even a 1.6 or 1.8 turbocharged unit, according to Japans Best Car magazine.
Despite the small size of these turbo engines, thanks to direct-injection and a Variable Compression Ratio System they could produce 220bhp.
The size of the car is said to closely resemble the previous S15 Silvia.

Alfa Romeo announces Collaboration with Prodrive

"Alfa Romeo has teamed up with world-leading motorsport specialist, Prodrive, to evolve the handling of the Alfa Brera coupe, specifically for the British market," read a press release issued by Alfa Romeo UK today. "Following a year’s intensive suspension development programme, including full sign-off from the engineering department in Italy, the result is a bespoke, British-honed, Alfa Brera S."
The press release added that "according to Prodrive Project Leader, Peter Cambridge, the collaboration has 'built on the existing model’s capabilities to deliver outstanding driver feedback and handling.'"
Alfa Romeo UK also announced at the same time that production of the Alfa Brera S will be limited to 500 numbered cars. Details remain sketchy but it will include further unannounced enhancements to the exterior and interior of the car, which are expected to comprise of a performance exhaust rear box, lighter sports seats and some cosmetic detailing. Two existing petrol engines, 2.2 and 3.2-litres in standard specifications will power the special edition Alfa Brera S from its launch next month. Prices and specifications will be revealed at the launch which is scheduled for 19 May 2008.