Thursday, August 18, 2011

aston martin virage wallpaper

2012 aston martin virage wallpaper

At the 2011 New York Auto Show next week, Nissan will debut a motorsport version of the Nissan Leaf. Known as the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC (Racing Competition), the racing model lacks of rear door, a rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities but still keeps its 100 percent zero-emission advanced lithium-ion battery design.
“There’s a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale – which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC,” added Tavares. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid.”

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is Track-Tuned EV

2013 Dodge Viper teasd driving

2013 Dodge Viper teased

The Chevrolet Corvette’s dominance in the U.S. sports car segment has gone unchecked since Dodge dropped the V10-powered Viper last year. But that will all change in 2012 with the re-introduction of the, “icon of the Dodge brand’s performance car lineup.”

2013 Dodge Viper teased

2012 New York Auto Show

2011 New York Auto Show

The 2011 New York Auto Show will kick off next week – April 20th to be exact. We’ll be in the Big Apple covering the show live with a bunch of posts, images and videos.
We’ve put together a little guide for you to give you a little rundown of what you can expect to see. Unfortunately, according to the press conference schedule, Ferrari and Lamborghini will not be attending the show – so it seems like the Ferrari FF and the Lamborghini Aventador will be a no how in New York.

2011 New York Auto Show

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

2011 lexus es pictures

2011 lexus es

For those of us lucky enough to consider buying a just-off-the-production-line car, the UK Government’s new Scrappage Scheme means it’s time to put your foot down and think about buying that new Mercedes, that impressive Range Rover or brand spanking new Lexus.

With a mouth-watering 2000 pounds discount on your dream vehicle, this new scheme, introduced in the UK’s 2009 budget, might well bring the actual purchasing of it significantly closer. The entire fund for UK motorists eyeing up their new BMW, Mini Cooper or new Lexus is 300 million pounds, which translates to the scheme benefitting around 300,000 customers. 1000 pounds is provided by the Government, while the other helpful grand is put up by the manufacturers.
While many a potential car buyer will be gladdened by the prospect of such a deal, the real reason for its introduction is to stimulate the car manufacturing industry, as it has suffered severely from the current financial crisis. The UK car making industry supports a great many jobs and related businesses – so you can feel extra happy about settling into your new Lexus LF AR Roadster, Jaguar XF or Vauxhall Insignia, knowing that you’re helping the economy into the upturn!

2011 lexus es

So what are the pre-requisites for qualifying for your 2 grand discount? Your old car needs to have seen better days – specifically being at least 10 years old. Simple as that – and apart from the financial benefit, you’ll be motoring away in a far cleaner, greener vehicle than you had before. This in turn will help the UK to reduce carbon emissions as outlined in such agreements as Kyoto.
The UK Chancellor, Alistair Darling, hopes the scheme will be as successful as similar schemes across Europe. The only concern he and the Government had was that primarily overseas motor makers would benefit from the proposals – such as new Lexus LF from Japan, or Volkswagen Touareg from Germany. In answer to this the treasury is only stumping up half the cash. However, Britain’s main auto manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Vauxhall will be extremely glad to see the new scheme get taken up – as UK car sales have slumped by 30 percent.
So if you were thinking of trading in your rusting hatchback due to the broken back door lock, ineffective cigarette lighter, chipped windscreen, non-power steering, now’s the time to get rid. Or perhaps you’re simply embarrassed by the filthy cloud of black smoke which billows from the tailpipe every time you start it up. If you’re suffering from one or two of these auto dilemmas, the UK Scrappage Scheme offers a way out. If you’re face is reddened by every single one of these car conundrums, then the 2000 pounds discount on offer is going to be hard to resist!
If you haven’t decided if you want a shiny Mercedes Smart car direct from Germany or a new Lexus straight from Japan – or perhaps a home grown Jaguar or Land Rover, you’ve got until the end of the tax year to make up your mind. The next 12 months are likely to be a popular time to purchase a new vehicle, so you might want to get your driving gloves on and get down to your local dealership!

2011 lexus es

Aston martin rapide interior

From Aston Martin introduced a new special edition model Rapide, called Rapide Luxe. Expect more power or better management compared with the standard version of the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide Luxe will be disappointed, because changes in it relating to equipment and his style. The company offered to the additional choice of colors for the exterior design, upgraded wheels, and more extras. Customers can order and a set of 6 luggage.

Available to potential buyers of the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide Luxe is rich palette choice of colors, including new Concours Blue and Quantum Silver. The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide Luxe is attached to a 20-inch wheels (the same used for standard Rapide), wrapped in tires Bridgestone Potenza. The rims of the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide Luxe however differ in that they are 20 spoke and polished. For the design of almost every element of the interior leather is used, the color is a pleasant contrast to that of the exterior. 2011 Aston Martin Rapide Luxe gets unique sills marked Rapide Luxe, and redesigned the main control buttons.

Aston martin rapide interior

Friday, August 12, 2011

The "Toyobaru" is now a Scion

Scion FR-S Concept

The "Toyobaru" is now a Scion. It's a decision that makes sense for the U.S. market, as Toyota needs to increase enthusiasm and interest in its youth-oriented brand, which has recently flattened out in both sales and product excitement. With the purest enthusiast credentials of any Scion -- production or concept -- to date, the Scion FR-S looks like the just the ticket to help re-ignite enthusiast passion for the brand.

Scion FR-S Concept

The rear-drive AE86 Corolla, a model fondly regarded by sport compact enthusiasts, served as the inspiration during much of the FR-S's development. A key difference is the Subaru-sourced boxer engine, instead of the AE86's purely Toyota inline-four

Scion FR-S Concept

Speaking of the boxer, most of the underpinnings and the 2.0-liter boxer engine for the FR-S were codeveloped with Subaru, which is building its own version of the car. The engine has been updated with both port and direct fuel injection, which Toyota is calling DS-4. Official power figures have not been released, but Toyota claims increased power and torque throughout the operating range without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Reports have suggested the engine could produce as much as 200 horsepower in normally aspirated form.

Scion FR-S Concept

The FR-S will be available with either a six-speed automatic or a short-throw manual transmission. The automatic is not specifically described as being a dual-clutch unit, so it's likely a conventional automatic, although it does feature paddle shifters on the steering wheel. A limited-slip differential ensures power gets to the rear wheels effectively.

Scion FR-S Concept

2012 Chrysler 300S

The performance-tuned, muscle-bound 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 may hog most of the limelight, but it isn't the only variant of the 300 sedan to receive some modification for the 2012 model year. Perhaps the most significant news lies with a new transmission: select V-6-powered cars will now be offered with an eight-speed automatic.

The news isn't all that surprising, considering Chrysler formally announced the gearbox last summer. The eight-speed automatic is licensed from German powertrain supplier ZF, and until Chrysler can fully retool its transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, the automaker will be buying completed transmissions directly from the supplier.
Although the new transmission may ultimately be available on all 300 V-6 models, for now, it's only confirmed for the new 2012 300S -- and only when built with both Chrysler's 3.6-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive (opt for either all-wheel-drive or the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, and you're relegated to the aging, Mercedes-Benz-derived five-speed automatic). The model, available with either V-6 or V-8 power , is much like the new 2012 200S in that it dresses up both the 300's interior and exterior appearance. Cosmetic tweaks include body-colored accents in the front fascia, a unique black chrome grille insert with matching black headlamp bezels, and large 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with black painted accents.

Inside, 300S models are treated to piano black interior trim; a 10-speaker, 522-watt audio system developed by Beats by Dr. Dre; and cloth-trimmed 12-way power sport bucket seats up front. V-6 300S models are also available with the Luxury Package, which adds premium Nappa leather trim, a heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering colum, heated and cooled cup holders, satin chrome door sill accents, LED footwell accent lighting, and programmable memory functions for mirror, seat, and pedal settings. These features are standard on V-8-powered 300S models, as are LED-illuminated gauges, rain-sense windshield wipers, a back-up camera, and Homelink transponder.

Those seeking further luxury from the 300 can opt for the new Executive Series trim, which is available only on the V-8-powered 2012 300C. Chrysler describes the model as its "most luxurious flagship sedan ever," and to that end, packs the car with all sorts of premium goodies. Executive Series cars receive an instrument panel and door panels wrapped in leather, two-tone Nappa leather seating, hand-sanded wood accents, heated and cooled front and rear seats, and berber floor mats with nubuck trim. Outside, Executive Series cars differ from run-of-the-mill 300Cs by way of a unique grille, which plates both the surround and the horizontal blade inserts in a platinum chrome finish.

Look for 2012 300 models, including both the 300S and 300C Executive Series, to roll into Chrysler showrooms nationwide later this fall.

2012 Chrysler 300S

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Following the debut of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it didn't take long before the questions and the rumors started flying: Will Jeep bring back the Cherokee SRT8? Chrysler's Street and Race Technology team remained quiet through all the speculation and waited until the 2011 New York auto show to deliver its answer in the form of its latest uber-Jeep, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
When we tested the first-gen Cherokee SRT8 around California's Willow Springs Raceway back in 2006, we quickly discovered that its 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 -- rated at 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque -- helped make it one of the fastest and most agile sport/utilities we had ever tested, outperforming the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in the skidpad, slalom, and 0-60 mph time (4.8 to 5.1 seconds, respectively).
Not surprisingly, Chrysler's revamped 6.4-liter Hemi has been fitted under hood of the new super Jeep. Both the horsepower and torque figures bump up to 465, 45 more than before. Jeep is still rating the 0-60 mph time at 4.8 seconds, although there's a good chance that Chrysler may be sandbagging. We'll find out soon enough when we get our hands on one.
More power, however, doesn't equate to decreased fuel economy, thanks to Chrysler's Fuel Saver Technology and new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system, which deactivates four cylinders in most cruising situations. That should be good enough for a 13-percent improvement in highway fuel consumption, according to the automaker's estimations.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8