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Friday, October 31, 2008
NISMO Prepped Nissan 370Z Photo Hits the Web
Lincoln Brings Customized MKS Sedan and MKX Crossover Concepts to SEMA
"Lincoln's newest luxury vehicle, the 2009 MKS, defines the future of luxury with a sleek, road-hugging stance and elegant design that exudes power and luxury. Now, this breakthrough American luxury car gets a touch of European flare and luxury styling courtesy of 3dCarbon's "Euro Series" styling kit.
Outfitted with 3dCarbon's five-piece body kit and NC Forged wheels, this MKS looks ready to drive off the showroom directly onto the autobahn. The dramatic 5-piece "Euro Series" styling kit includes front air dam, side skirts, rear lower skirt, and deck lid spoiler."
2009 Lincoln MKS by Godfather Customs
"Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS is already a vehicle that's in a league of its own. Godfather Customs has moved this singular luxury car even further from the rest of the field with their own version of the MKS.
Building upon the luxurious Lincoln sedan, Godfather added even more refinement to the interior with an OEM integration that allows full control of the audio and video systems. An additional three video screens provide back seat drivers with their own access to state-of-the-art navigation. At the same time the superior audio quality has been further enhanced with the addition of Excelon components. On the outside, signature 22-inch wheels and tires make a statement that can't be ignored. With this edition, Godfather Customs moves the MKS from luxurious elegance to pure extravagance."
"Not all cars are created equal. Designed with crafted precision and intuitive technologies, the 2009 Lincoln MKS offers a unique, personalized driving and ownership experience that represents the ultimate convergence of performance and luxury.
RKSport started with the signature styling and performance powertrain and added a unique look and enhanced performance that make the 2009 Lincoln MKS even more distinctive to own and exciting to drive. Wherever it goes, this car will make a statement about the discerning owner and provide a personalized luxury performance experience second to none."
2008 Lincoln MKX by Street Concepts
"The 2008 Lincoln MKX combines capability with luxury and performance in a head-turning package that gets noticed wherever it goes. The available intelligent all-wheel-drive system helps drivers handle the curves and keep a grip on things in any weather while traveling in style and comfort.
The Street Concepts version adds some serious attitude to the Lincoln MKX with 22-inch MOZ Wheels, Continental Tires, 3DCarbon's body kit and monochrome blackout exterior treatment. On the inside, it entertains and connects with a complete Kenwood audio and video system that includes a Visulogic VMOD unit for wireless internet within the vehicle. For added driving excitement, this proven performer gets a sweet-sounding Magna flow cat back exhaust system and easy breathing K&N air intake system."
2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 Becomes Cheapest New Car in the USA
According to the Japanese manufacturer, the Versa Sedan 1.6's fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic. Although Nissan has not given out any other details, the automaker stated that the Versa Sedan 1.6 will be offered with less basic features than the standard models. The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.
Audi Announces 2009 TTS Coupe and Roadster U.S. Pricing
GM Pulls the Plug Early on Used-Car Incentive Program
The program was supposed to run from October 1 through January 5 but according to GM spokesman John McDonald, it will now be terminated on November 3. It just seems to be getting "better" and "better" each time...
Video: Restored BMW 6-Series Cabrio from Back to the Future Film
Thanks for the link Jeff!
SEMA: Subaru Forester XTI Concept with 315HP STI Turbo Engine
As with the Impreza WRX STI, power is channeled through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive which offers three selectable automatic performance modes in addition to six manual center differential-locking settings.
Subaru technicians borrowed the WRX STI's Brembo brakes with 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers and while they were at it, they also added an adjustable coil-over suspension by STI.
The Forester XTI Concept's styling has been enhanced with a two-shade custom paint scheme, a JDM body kit that includes side skirts, a rear skirt and a gate spoiler and of course, a set of 18-inch STI alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova 255/40R18 performance tires. We dont; have any photos of the interior but Subaru said that the Forester XTI features leather and Alcantara sport seats, a special instrument cluster, front dash and center console and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Bentley to Lay Off up to 300 Workers as Sales Fall
Off-Road Truck Tires - The Truth
A common misconception with regard to offroad tires is that you need them for improved traction on rugged terrain, and naturally, the general consensus suggests that larger tires equate to more traction. While such an assumption makes sense, it is not entirely accurate. True, the right off-road tires can provide some additional traction in off-road conditions, but there are better, more efficient ways to improve traction than simply bulking up the rubber.
If traction is your primary concern, trucks parts like a traction differential (locker) with stock offroad tires are more beneficial for your rig than just adding a set of taller, more aggressive offroad tires. Or for that matter, a winch is probably a smart idea before anything else.
A locker or other 4x4-related truck parts could inspire excessive boldness, causing you to get caught in some real jams and then you’ll wish that you opted for the winch instead. The point is larger off-road tires are meant first and foremost for the purpose of raising the height and ground clearance of your rig to enable steeper ascent and descent in off-road terrain.
Simply put, when driving over boulders, slogging through mud, coasting across the desert, or even just making your way through the occasional forest trail, higher ground clearance facilitates negotiating certain obstacles.
Not to downplay the traction aspect of offroad tires, as a set of mud terrain bias offroad tires will most definitely perform better in the mud than a set of all-season radials.
Rather, improved traction is more of a secondary function that still bears importance, but should not the sole consideration when it comes to buying truck tires, as there are far better truck parts available for meeting that goal.
VW: Europe Will Get New Pickup Truck in 2010, The U.S. Wont
During the Sao Paulo International Auto Show in Brazil, Volkswagen officials confirmed that the firm's forthcoming pickup truck that was revealed in concept form at the IAA commercial vehicle show in Hannover in September will go on sale in Europe in 2010. In an interview with Autonews at the Sao Paulo motorshow, "VW do Brasil" CEO Thomas Schmall said the pickup's main markets will be Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Australia. The German company also said it has no plans to export the pickup truck to the U.S. market. -Continued
The 5,180mm long, 1,900mm wide pickup is based on a new platform and power is expected to be provided from a variety of TDI turbo diesel engines. The vehicle will be built at Volkswagen's Pacheco site in Argentina starting from fall 2009. In Europe the yet to be named pickup truck will compete against the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota HiLux.
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Toyota to Export U.S. Made Sequoia SUV and Tundra Pickup
Thursday, October 30, 2008
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Roadster to Make a Splash at SEMA
The artists renderings reveal that the customized Dodge benefits from a front spoiler, a hood shaker, a redesigned rear bumper that houses new exhaust pipes as well as what appears to be, a set of restyled rear LED lights. For the time being, we're not aware if the Challenger SRT8 Roadster is simply a design study or if Group Five intends to produce it in a limited number of units, but we'll have all the details along with real-life pictures of the car from the SEMA show floor in less than a week's time.
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Porsche Launches Panamera Sports Sedan Teaser Video
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Via: Autoblog.com , Link: eBay
CDC's SEMA Show Widebody 2009 Dodge Challenger
Other styling mods performed by CDC include a stainless wire front grille, an alluminum hood that boasts a cold air "shaker" system and sequential tail lights as well as new alloy wheels.
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Nissan Releases New KIX Mini SUV in Japan
According to Nissan, the 4-seater KIX boasts ample road clearance with an approach angle of 38°, departure angle of 46°, and minimum ground clearance of 195 mm. The Japanese automaker has set a domestic sales target of 300 units per month. Prices for the KIX begin from 1,402,800 yen which comes to about $14,500 at current exchange rates.