Ferrari will boost power in the F430's 4.3-liter V-8 to 520 hp for the street-legal F430 Challenge Stradale arriving in fall 2007.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
2008 Ferrari Dino
Here is the first proof that Ferrari is working on a new 911 fighter, in the spirit of the Dino. The classic Dino was built between 1968 and 1976, and its name honored founder Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino "Dino" Ferrari, who died in 1956 at age 24 from muscular dystrophy.
These exclusive pictures show a Dino test mule undergoing early tests. Based on an F430 body, the prototype's front fenders are a little wider and the side rocker panels are missing due to a different cooling system. It also looks like the area around gearbox and rear axle is slightly different. Another thing that identifies the test car as a mule for the Dino is the engine sound, or should we say the lack of it. It clearly doesn't sound as sharp as an F430.
While that vintage Dino had a V-6 behind the driver, the new one will be powered by a V-8 with 400 hp. A Coupe will come first, with a Spider version to arrive later. It's likely that Pininfarina will do the design work with input from former Ferrari design boss Frank Stephenson, who now heads Fiat's Centro Stile operation.
Both BMW M6 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage testers were spotted at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, so it seems like they are the main target for the Dino as well, along with the Porsche 911. Insiders expect the Dino to be priced from about $140,000, with estimated production of 4000 units annually, which would double Ferrari production.
The Dino could arrive as early as 2009. Our computer illustration shows an artist's interpretation of the new vehicle's styling direction. -Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image
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2008 Saturn Ion
Our friends in
The Astra has been rumoured in recent weeks to be a stopgap replacement for today's Saturn Ion until a new model with more distinctive sheetmetal can be developed. Indeed, a new Astra is scheduled for the 2010 model year, when it might also be built in
The rebadged Astra could go on sale as soon as next year. Saturn also is prepping a new Vue SUV for 2008, one that shares its essentials with a new Opel compact SUV. -Brenda Priddy
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2008 Jaguar S-Type
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aguar is testing the next generation S-Type in the Californian desert - and some of the latest prototypes are shown in these recent photos.
Code-named X250, the next S-Type will take direct aim at the BMW 5-Series. According to insider information, the new S-Type will adapt styling elements from both the RD6 and R Coupe concept cars and will be getting an oval mesh grille split by a chrome bar with the Jaguar badge. Twin single-unit headlights and a bumper with integrated twin fog lamps are in the offing, too.
Engines come from the current S-Type lineup: a 2.7-liter turbodiesel, a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 300-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 will be carried over. A 420-hp V-8 will be derived from the XKR.
The new S-Type is scheduled for release in 2008. The photos show S-Type prototypes, while two additional computer renderings give an artist's impression of how the new model could look like upon its release. -Hans G. Lehmann/Hidden Image
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2008 Maserati GT Coupe
Is this the new Maserati "Mistral?" Rumors say that Maserati may use one of their old names for their new upcoming Coupe. The current names, Coupe and Spyder, do not really give the cars a true identity like the evocative names from the Sixties and Seventies.
The new Maserati GT/Mistral will come as a coupe and as a two-seater Spyder with a retractable steel top. Its engine is based on the Ferrari-built 4.2-liter V-8, as used in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The new GT's engine will displace 4.5 liters and will deliver about 500 hp, instead of 450 hp as in the Alfa.
The new car will have a double-wishbone suspension with the Skyhook adaptive damping system and also the Cambiocorsa clutchless gearbox mounted in the rear. Another source is talking about a completely new six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters from ZF, but also of a traditional manual gearbox with a clutch.
The design will be a mixture of modern and classic Maserati, as shown in a computer illustration our spies have prepared.
The new Maserati is expected to make its debut at the Geneva motor show in 2007.
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Thursday, January 17, 2008
BMW cars
BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) founded on March 7, 1916 is an independent German Company. This ultimate driving company is the parent company of MINI and Rolls- Royce car bands. It is one of the major automobile manufacture companies in the international market today. BMW caters to all sectors of automobile market, from smaller cars to top range luxury limousines. When you drive it you are piloting a car several classes up.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Barabus TKR takes over as world's fastest car?
The Bugatti Veyron may no longer be the world's fastest car. Today — following a number of teasers and leaks — Barabus officially unveiled the TKR: a new 1005 horsepower supercar the automaker says is capable of doing zero to 60 mph in 1.67 seconds. What's more, the car reportedly has a top speed of 270 mph — nearly 20 more than the Veyron. Power comes from a 6.0 liter V8 twin-turbocharged with dual intercoolers. The car has a full carbon fibre body and chassis. Further details remain sparse, but the automaker says it will sell the car for £360,000, which should translate to around $500,000, using typical automotive market conversion rates.
It's worth noting that Barabus sometimes refers to the car as being able to hit 60 mph in "under 2 seconds," rather than the stated 1.67. Even so, there is still some doubt among enthusiasts if such a figure is even possible. Nonetheless, the car is on display at the 2006 British International Motor Show, and we expect to get more details in the near future. The TKR is said to have been in development for the last 10 years. The car is to be made in Italy and the power plant is built in the United Kingdom. Worldwide volume is projected to be 300-400 cars over the estimated three-year production run.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Delhi auto expo 2008
Bajaj Auto Ltd. managing director Rajiv Bajaj poses with the newly unveiled Lite passenger car that was displayed at the 9th Auto Expo on January 10
Delhi auto expo 2008
Member of the board of sales and marketing of Skoda Auto Thomas Kuhl (left) and chairman of the board of directors Reinhard Jung pose with the newly launched Fabia at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9.
Delhi auto expo 2008
President of BMW India Private Limited Peter Kronschnabi poses next to the BMW M3 Coupe at its launch during the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9. The M3 Coupe is priced at Rs.74,90,000.
Delhi auto expo 2008
Fiat Powertrain Technologies chief executive officer Alfredo Altavilla (left) shakes hands with chairman of Fiat India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. Ravi Kant at the launch of Fiat's new car, Linea, at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9.
Delhi auto expo 2008
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata poses next to the new Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) version of the Indica at its launch at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9. The Indica V2 Dicor is priced at Rs.4,25,000 (US $10897)
The promise of the Rs one-lakh car
The car is supposed to be have a rear engine and will weigh around 600 kg.
It is likely to be powered by a 32-HP engine.
The car will also be Euro 3 compliant.
The world's cheapest car
A promise is a promise," Chairman Ratan Tata said, as he announced a dealer price of 100,000 rupees ($2,500) as pledged five years ago, even though commodity prices have gone up and despite rivals' claims such a knock-down price was impossible.
For its supporters, it will revolutionise ownership in India, by allowing millions of the aspiring middle classes to own a car, and send a shock through the auto world with its cheaper engineering that will be copied across the globe.
For its detractors, it will provoke a nightmare on India's already clogged roads and worsen choking pollution levels.
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