Update: 2009 Toyota Avensis High-Res Photo

As we told you last Friday, Toyota will perform the global debut of its new D-Segment sedan, the 2009 Avensis on 2 October at the Paris International Motor show. The new Avensis is the third generation of the model to be built at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, UK. The Japanese automaker has yet to reveal any specific information on its new European sedan, but Toyota did say that the 2009 Avensis will features a new range of engines that are both more powerful and emit less CO2. The new Avensis is due to go sale in Europe in January 2009, with full details and pricing to be announced later in the year. -Continued

Hyundai Recalling 65,000 Elantras in the States

Hyundai is planning to recall 65,000 MY’08 Elantra models with 2.0 liter beta engines in the Unites Stated. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump motor in these models may not have the proper uniform internal electrical surface contact which cause it to produce less pumping pressure than required to supply the fuel injection system. Hyundai said that this could result to poor engine starting, hesitation and other performance issues. The Korean automaker said that its dealers will replace the fuel pump subassembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in the States during September 2008.

Kicherer Mercedes-Benz C 320CDi 4-Matic Estate

German tuning firm has Kicherer has presented its latest creation based on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate and in particular on the 320 CDI 4 Matic model, On the outside, Kicherer added an AMG bodykit which is further enhanced by the lowered suspension and the new 19-inch RS-1 alloy wheels wrapped around in performance tires. Inside the Germans added a new speedometer, a leather/wood steering wheel and a two-tone leather trim that also covers the dashboard. -Continued

Under the hood, Kicherer performed a series of upgrades on the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine which now develops an output of 265 HP and 600Nm of torque, up from 224 HP and 510Nm respectively. According to Kicherer, the tuned C 320CDi 4-Matic Estate can now go from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds.

Via: Worldcarfans , Source: Kicherer

9ff GT9 in Details

Breaking the 400 km/h (249mph) barrier is no simple task and Porsche specialist tuner, 9ff, from Papenburg Germany have done so with honour. However, despite celebrated claims of breaking the world-record for road-going vehicles at 409 km/h, our research tells us this ain't so.

Regardless, after a couple years of GT9 coverage, 9ff has finally revealed all of the sumptuous technical details, production and pricing of its 400 km/h projectile.

Starting with its powerplant, the 996 Turbo sourced motor has been bored out to 4.0-liters which includes reworked turbos, dry sump oil lubrication system, titanium connecting rods, forged pistons and a 24 carat hard gold plated induction plate. The result is 987 PS / 726 kW at 7,850 rpm. The maximum torque of 964 Nm is reached at 5,970 rpm. Transmission is race prepared sequential unit.

The suspension is electronically adjustable aluminium shock absorbers in connection with double spring rate McPherson front axle and horizontal push-rods at the 5-link rear axle. Brakes disks are ceramic sandwiched by front 6- and rear 4-piston calipers. Special brake pads and an individually engineered race-ABS complete the system.

Lastly, the body is a Frankenstein of sorts, taking the front end of the Porsche GT3 model with a tubular steel-grid and developed a chassis made of very strong yet lightweight carbon and Kevlar fibre.
Vital to reaching speeds over 400 km/h, the under-body casing integrates a wind diffuser which generates additional downforce and stability at high speeds. Additionally, the low height of only 1,180 mm presents an increased aerodynamic profile while giving striking exotic look.

9ff will produce only 20 units of the GT9 for the price of 498,000 Euros.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 goes to 584hp, by IMSA

The Lamborghini LP540-4 was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, it is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine and as the name suggest pumps out 560 ponies and features a 4WD Viscous Traction system. This is the sort of package that puts the it's big brother Murciélago under a lot of pressure to come out with something even more spectacular and Lambo tuning specialists IMSA are hardly doing it any favours.

IMSA have introduced a new sports exhaust system to the model which adds an even stronger melody to the engine and brings total power output to 584hp. The exterior modifications include a new set of lightweight alloys and sports suspension kit along with an aerodynamic enhancing carbon fibre rear wing.

Groovy Slot Car Creation

Now you may wonder why one or in this case, two people would go into all that trouble to build an unwieldy two-piece slot car race track in the… rear end of two Volkswagen Polos. True, it’s stupendously absurd to put so much work into a detailed creation in the back of your car, but on the other hand, that’s what makes it so damn cool; building something like this just for kicks! Follow the jump for a close-up photo of the slot car race track. -Continued

Via: Cardomain , Source: Volksforum

Video: Kia Forte’s Design Explained by Peter Schreyer

Everyone has their own opinion on the Forte’s design but let's hear what the man behind the subcompact sedan’s styling, Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has to say about the Korean carmaker’s latest creation. Schreyer moved to Kia in 2006 after working for more than a decade at Audi and VW. The German designer is best known for his work in Audi and chiefly for establishing the Bauhaus-inspired styling which is still evident in Audi’s line-up. Among the cars he is credited with are the previous generation Audi TT and the Volkswagen Concept-R roadster. Watch the video after the jump and tell us what you think. -Continued

America’s 10 Most Leased Vehicles: It’s All about German Luxury Cars

The easiest way to get behind the wheel of an expensive luxury / sports car if you can’t afford to buy it cash or through a loan is to lease it. Basically, what you do in leasing is that instead of putting a loan for the entire cost of a vehicle, you borrow an amount for the cost of a car brand new minus what it will be worth (estimated value) at the end of the leasing period. This results to lower monthly payments even though you’ll have to pay an extra amount if you want to keep the car.

Even though most automaker’s in the U.S. are beginning to either cut back on leasing like BMW and General Motors or quit it altogether like Chrysler, this form of ownership remains quite popular in the luxury car segment. According to a study from .D. Power & Associates' Power Information Network (PIN) that was published on 'BusinessWeek', the 10 most commonly leased vehicles in the U.S. belong to the luxury segment. -Continued

From the 10 vehicles with the highest lease share, seven belong to German automakers with four of those being BMWs. The 7-Series tops the list with a lease share in 2008 of 85.3% (!) followed by Saab’s 9-7x with an equally mind-blowing, 82.2%.

BMW 7 Series

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 85.3%
Starting price: $77,625
Sales through July 2008: 8,190
Sales through July 2007: 8,634
Percent change: -5.1%

Saab 9-7X

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 82.2%
Starting price: $41,145
Sales through July 2008: 2,321
Sales through July 2007: 3,259
Percent change: -28.8%

Audi A6

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 74.1%
Starting price: $42,950
Sales through July 2008: 6,321
Sales through July 2007: 6,410
Percent change: -1.4%

BMW Z4

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 70.7%
Starting price: $37,525
Sales through July 2008: 4,116
Sales through July 2007: 5,420
Percent change: -24.1%

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 70%
Starting price: $52,775
Sales through July 2008: 25,101
Sales through July 2007: 25,473
Percent change: -1.5%

Land Rover Range Rover

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 69.6%
Starting price: $78,450
Sales through July 2008: 4,775
Sales through July 2007: 6,610
Percent change: -27.8%

BMW 6 Series

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 68.6%
Starting price: $77,425
Sales through July 2008: 4,218
Sales through July 2007: 5,190
Percent change: -18.7%

Audi A4/S4

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 68%
Starting price: $32,700
Sales through July 2008: 26,770
Sales through July 2007: 25,205
Percent change: +6.2%

BMW X3

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 67.3%
Starting price: $39,425
Sales through July 2008: 11,257
Sales through July 2007: 16,926
Percent change: -33.5%

Jaguar XJ Sedan

2008 lease share through Aug. 10: 65.8%
Starting price: $64,500
Sales through July 2008: 1,514
Sales through July 2007: 2,500
Percent change: -39.4%

Via: BusinessWeek , Data: J.D. Power & Associates' Power Information Network

GM Recalling Nearly 1 Million Vehicles Worldwide on Electrical Issue

General Motors will be sending letters to more than 944,000 owners worldwide, 857,735 of which are located in the U.S., due to voluntary recall that affects 16 cars and SUVs from 2006 to 2008. The huge recall involves vehicles fitted with a heated washer fluid system that could short circuit causing other electrical features to malfunction and lead to smoke or even fire. According to GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson, up until now, there have been three reported fires related to the problem. GM said that its dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. See the affected models after the jump. -Continued

MAKE / MODEL - YEAR

• BUICK / ENCLAVE -2008
• BUICK / LUCERNE - 2006-2008
• CADILLAC / DTS - 2006-2008
• CADILLAC / ESCALADE - 2007-2008
• CADILLAC / ESCALADE ESV - 2007-2008
• CADILLAC / ESCALADE EXT - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / AVALANCHE - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / SILVERADO - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / SUBURBAN - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / TAHOE - 2007-2008
• GMC / ACADIA - 2007-2008
• GMC / SIERRA - 2007-2008
• GMC / YUKON - 2007-2008
• GMC / YUKON XL -2007-2008
• HUMMER / H2 - 2006-2008
• SATURN / OUTLOOK - 2007-2008

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX 265HP Priced from $24,995

Today, Subaru announced U.S. pricing on its revised 2009 Impreza line up (see details and photos here) that includes the more powerful WRX that gets a 41 HP bump, now delivering 265 HP and the newly introduced 224 HP 2.5 GT model. The Impreza WRX sedan has a starting price of $24,995 (from $24,350 for the outgoing 224 HP MY’08 WRX) while the hatchback is priced at $25,495 (from $24,850).

Both variants of the WRX are available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, and apart from the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer engine, they also get larger 225/45 R17 lower profile summer performance tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, an Aero Package, STI rear spoiler (only 5-door), WRX upholstery w/red stitching and WRX logo on front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red stitching, and STI type grille w/WRX badge. -Continued

The new Impreza 2.5GT 4 door that’s powered by the MY’08 WRX’s 224 HP boxer engine and teamed exclusively to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission and Active AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has a starting price of $26,995 and is powered by 224-hp intercooled turbo Boxer engine. The all-new 2.5GT model also features Impreza Premium Package equipment, including new power glass moonroof, plus All-Weather Package. The comparatively equipped 5-door version of the Impreza 2.5GT is priced at $27,495.

The Impreza 2.5i 4 door, equipped with manual transmission, will have a starting price of $17,495. While the 2.5i 5 door, also equipped with manual transmission, will have a starting price of $17,995. Pricing for the Outback Sport models remains unchanged starting at $19,995 as does pricing for the Impreza WRX STI model starting at $34,995. According to Subaru, destination and delivery for all 2009 Impreza models is $665 ($815 for dealers in Alaska).

Nismo Launches Club Sport Package for new Nissan GT-R

Nissan’s official motorsports and performance division, NISMO has finally released a new range of performance accessories for the 2009 GT-R under the name ‘Club Sport Package”. Starting with the chassis enhancements, Nissan’s in-house tuner offers a set of race-spec Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers, stiffer front (18.5kg/mm) and rear springs(9.6 kg/mm) and new 20-inch Rays forged aluminum wheels wrapped around in Bridgestone RE070R run-flat tires, sized 225/40 and 285/35, front and rear. -Continued

For those wanting to shave off a few extra pounds, NISMO’s new lightweight exhaust system that comes with a carbon fiber under-tray designed to reduce drag will remove 11 pounds from the GT-R’s overall weight while the carbon fiber backed and leather trimmed bucket seats that retain the side airbags but ditch the electronic adjustments, will save you an extra 13 pounds.

If you go for the full Monty, the Club Sport will cost you ¥5,460,000 or about $50,000 / €34,000. For the time being, the NISMO’s tuning parts for the GT-R are available only in Japan.

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: NISMO

Toyota iQ to be Fully Revealed at Paris Auto Show

Following the iQ concept car at the Frankfurt show in 2007 and the production design version at this year’s Geneva Salon in March, Toyota will fully reveal its new micro car at the Paris Motor Show on October 2. Since we already know what the iQ will look like, what we’re waiting to find out is all the technical details on Toyota’s new micro car that will go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year - early 2009 (depending on the market). At 2,985mm long and 1,500mm high, the iQ is only slightly larger than Mercedes’ Smart Fortwo, but thanks to its comparatively long, 2,000mm wheelbase and smart interior packaging, Toyota says that it can fit three adults plus a child or luggage in comfort. -Continued

According to the Japanese automaker, the iQ has been designed to meet five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety standards. In an earlier announcement, Toyota said that the iQ will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. Full production of the iQ will start during late 2008, with 100,000 units expected worldwide in the microcar’s first full year in the market.

Video: 2010 Chevy Volt & Corvette Concept at Transformers 2 Movie Set

We finally managed to find the amateur video from the ‘Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen’ movie set that we told you about in our previous post. The video shows what appears to be the production version (or pretty damn close to production) of the 2010 Chevrolet Volt along with shots of the Bumblebee Chevrolet Camaro, the Chevrolet Beat, the Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Design Concept and some other Chevys during the filming of a scene for the new TransChevys, err we mean Transformers 2 movie. Watch the video after the jump. -Continued