It looks like the Nüburgring contest is about to start heating up again. According to an interview with Nissan’s Chief Test Driver Toshio Suzuki on GTRblog.com, the Japnese automaker intends to head back to the Green Hell in search of better times.

The tests of both the 2009 GT-R and GT-R SpecV will take place in April and will be timed events. Suzuki is confident the SpecV will post a better time due to the vehicle’s lighter weight, better brakes and overboost function.

This will also give Nissan a great opportunity to rebut Porsche’s claims that the last GT-R test was done on non DOT tires.

Currently the stock GT-R’s best time is a 7:29, which it set back in April of 2008, resuming everyone’s interest in Nürburgring bragging rights. Since then the GT-R has been eclipsed by several vehicles including the Corvette ZR1, Ferrari Enzo, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Maserati MC12. The current record holder, however, is the Dodge Viper ACR with a 7:22.

Can the added finesse of the GT-R SpecV topple the outrageous horsepower and race car-lie aerodynamics of the ACR? We’ll know in April.

[Source: GTRBlog.com]

GALLERY: Nissan GT-R SpecV

Lexus is reportedly working on a lighter and more powerful version of the IS-F performance sedan. According to a report on 7tune.com, citing Best Car, Lexus is already testing two prototype vehicles.

The high-performance IS-F would make slightly more power, with total output at around 430hp – up from 416hp. This would likely be through some minor changes in the exhaust and intake system – there is certainly no lack of potential in the 5.0-liter V8 powerplant.

The real changes would come in the weight and handling categories with carbon fiber body parts and some larger wheels and tires. The front and rear bumpers would be made of carbon fiber, as would wider fenders to house the new wheels and tires. The new wheels would be 19′s but would be slightly wider and likely lighter than the stock rollers and would be coated in 245/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear rubber.

Carbon ceramic brakes are expected to be offered, to reduce both stopping distances and weight.

As for the interior, it would see carbon leather Recaro seats. Carbon fiber would also be used for the center console. In total, it is expected the weight reduction over the stock vehicle could be as much as 300 lbs.

The reports say the car could come with carbon parts exposed, but we doubt that from Lexus. We also doubt this model would ever make it stateside. If it did, however, the reported (read: rumored) cost would be close to the $100,000 mark for one of the 500 limited edition models.

[Source: Best Car via 7tune.com]

Lotus has just released a long list of details on the upcoming Evora mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, with all the standard equipment and option packs available. This list is technically for Euro-spec models, however, the release clearly states, (and Lotus Cars USA PR Boss Kevin Smith confirmed) that the U.S.-spec model will be very close.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 276hp at 6400 rpm and 252 ft-lbs of torque at 4700 rpm, the Evora will hit 60 mph in just five seconds and go on to a top speed of 160 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 12.4 and 6.5 liters/100 km (city/highway) – which works out to 19/36 mpg. The combined rating is 8.7 liters/100 km or 27 mpg.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels with 225/40/18 and 255/35/19 tires. Cast wheels will be standard with forged models optional.

The brakes will be AP racing four-piston calipers with front 13.8-inch rotors and rear 13.1-inch rotors. ABS and electronic brake distribution will also be standard.

Interior standard equipment includes A/C, adjustable front Recaro black leather seats, a flat-bottom leather and magnesium steering wheel with tilt and telescopic functions; aluminum control knobs and switches; power windows; a leather shift knob and handbrake cover; a 12 volt interior socket and 12 volt trunk socket and a Lotus command center.

Standard entertainment equipment includes a four-speaker Alpine AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability and an auxiliary and iPod hookup.

A Tech Pack will be optional and includes an Alpine Mobile Media Station with a 7-inch touch screen, navigation, a reverse camera and the ability to play DVDs. It will also feature a more powerful amp as well as a separate amp and 150 watt subwoofer. Other items in the Tech Pack include steering-wheel-mounted cruise control buttons; a rear parking sensor, a tire pressure monitoring system and Bluetooth connectivity.

A Premium Pack will include: accent lighting; a choice of leather seat color and an Evora logo on the dash. Also, most of the interior of the car will receive a leather coating including the door panels, door pockets, footwell panels, the armrest and center console.

Finally, for the Lotus-faithful, a Sport Pack will be offered which includes cross drilled brakes, black painted calipers, a sports diffuser, an engine oil cooler, a titanium exhaust pipe and the ability to switch on a “sports mode” that gives better throttle response and a higher rpm limit, as well as a traction control system with higher yaw and slip thresholds.

The Evora will go on sale in Europe in May, with pricing for the U.S. and Canada coming this fall and North American sales to start early 2010.

The Evora will be offered as a 2+2 as well as a just a two-seater, with an automatic transmission to be offered and a convertible model in the works.

GALLERY: 2010 Lotus Evora

Full Evora Details after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Honda has just announced that the starting price for a new 2010 Insight hybrid will be $19,800 – making it the lowest-priced hybrid for sale in the U.S. The Insight is set to go on sale March 24th.

The $19,800 price is for the LX model, which includes front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; an anti-lock braking system; climate control, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); Eco Assist; tilt and telescopic steering; manual driver’s seat height adjustment; power windows; a four-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio input for external digital music players.

For $21,300, Honda will sell the EX model, which includes all the features of the LX as well as alloy wheels; stability control; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters; an upgraded audio system with six speakers; a USB audio interface; a center console with armrest and storage compartment and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. A navigation system will be optional.

All models will receive the same Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which uses a a 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor for a fuel-economy rating of 40 mph city and 43 mpg highway. The Insight also features Honda’s Eco Assist system, which allows for improved fuel-economy by giving feedback to the driver about their driving style with a color changing background. The color changes from blue to green to reflect how “green” the driving style is. This information is also stored with plant-leaf graphics, which can be earned for fuel-efficient driving over time.

The Eco Assist system also includes an ECON button that can further enhance fuel-economy by varying the operation of the throttle and CVT transdmission, as well as the air conditioning and cruise-control settings.

More on the Honda Insight after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Real Life Barbie: Heidi Klum poses with VW’s Barbie-themed New Bettle Convertible

Looking like something from the Hot Import Night’s show circuit, Volkswagen rolled out a hot pink New Beetle Convertible to help celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday.

Made with the help of ABD Racing Werks, Katzkin Leather and FoamMolder, the convertible features a custom white leather interior and white leather roof as well as pink quilted interior details. As for the trunk, it features a motorized vanity with plenty of mirrors and rhinestones. Even the engine bay has been updated with a hot pink engine cover and a pink dipstick.

The car sat just next to the “Pink Carpet” at Barbie’s real-life Malibu Dream House, a 3,500 square foot home in Malibu, where Mattel threw birthday party with plenty of celebrity guests – Heidi Klum included.

GALLERY: Barbie New Beetle Convertible

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

After purchasing Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, and then dumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the two British brands, Indian carmaker Tata is just beginning to see the light – thanks to the Chinese government. According to a report in the Business Standard, the Chinese government has just signed a deal with Tata for the purchase of 13,000 new Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles.

The deal is reportedly worth $850 million – roughly a third of what Tata paid for the two companies just two years ago.

Apparently the division of cars will be be 10,000 Land Rovers and 3,000 Jaguars, although there are not details on which specific models.

A spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said that this deal, “provides us with a solid base on which to further build our presence in this key emerging market and is particularly welcomed at this challenging time for us and the automotive industry.”

No kidding?

JLR is currently undergoing a downsizing operation that will see 450 employees let go – bringing the total to 2,000 since the economic crisis started. Compared to the industry as a whole, however, both companies have fared rather well with Land Rover posting a sales decline of 17 percent in 2008 and Jaguar actually posting an increase of 8 percent over the same period.

The two companies were  expected to take part in the $3.2 billion bailout from the British government and the European Investment Bank, however, that might not be quite so necessary now.

[Source: Business Standard]

Just three months away from the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Aston Martin debuted its team of overall contenders in the LMP1 class during the first test session on Sunday.

Both cars featured the Gulf Oil blue and orange livery as they set out on the world-famous Paul Ricard Circuit. All six drivers from both cars (Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge and Stefan Mücke in the 007 car and Harold Primat, Miguel Ramos and Darren Turner in the 009 car) had a chance behind the wheel.

The tests looked positive with this being not only the first time the drivers have had a chance to pilot the cars, but also the first time the cars have seen track action. The test for the 007 team was, however, cut short when Czech driver Tomas Enge crashed the car. Enge suffered no serious injuries. The same, however, can not be said of the car.

“Unfortunately because of my error the test was compromised, but prior to the accident the car was good,” said Enge, whose co-pilots also praised the 007 car.

“The car was very stable and quick and we didn’t experience any technical difficulties which was great as it is a completely new car,” said Charouz. “I’m looking forward to the first race to see how we compare to the competition.”

As for Mucke, he had this to say: “The engine note from the V12 is fantastic, especially on the long straight here at Paul Ricard. I am looking forward to the first race; it will be interesting to see where we are against the diesel cars.”

As for the 009 team, which had a full session worth of testing, all three drivers were impressed with car and noted the vast difference in potential of an LMP1 car over some of the GT cars they have driven previously.

“The main focus right now is to put miles on the new car and to allow me and my team mates to get up to speed,” said Turner. “For me it is a big step from the DBR9 to LMP1 but I’m happy that after two days of testing I am starting to feel comfortable and I’m really looking forward to the first race in Barcelona and the rest of the year.

Ramos, who has also come from a GT car, was more than impressed with the capabilities of the new car.  “The speed on corning is great,” he said but, ” I’m not yet used to it as I normally drive a GT car. The Paul Ricard circuit is really challenging for someone who is just starting out in LMP1 and the g-force is really tough physically.”

Team Principal George Howard-Chappell was pleased with the effort, stating that, “It’s a credit to the team that both of our cars have run so reliably after such an intense and tiring build period. Obviously the accident has set us back to a degree but as always we will recover and we will be in Barcelona with two race-ready cars.”

The first race of the European Le Mans Series starts in Barcelona at the Circuit de Catalunya on April 5, however, the big race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is scheduled for June 13th and 14th.

GALLERY: Aston Martin LMP1

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Thanks to the folks at KiaWorld.net, we have these photos of the 2010 Kia Sorento. Looking significantly more modern than the old model, the crossover has also grown in size.

The vehicle measures 184.8-inches in length (an increase of 3.9-inches), 74.2-inches in width  (an increase of 1.4-inches), and 67.3-inches in height (a decrease of 0.6-inches). It will also feature a 5mm shorter wheelbase for a total of 2700 mm (or 106.3-inches)

Engine options will include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.8-liter V6 for the U.S. and Europe, with a diesel engine offered in Korea. The new diesel is the first all-new environmentally-friendly “R-diesel” engine from Hyundai/Kia and will get 200hp from a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel with an average fuel-economy rating of 16.7. I twill also meet EURO5 requirements.

Also available in Korea will be a 2.7-liter engine and it is expected that a a six-speed automatic transmission will be offered across the line.

As for the design, as promised the Sorento features Kia’s new corporate face, which the company debuted on the No. 3 Concept car at the Geneva Auto Show.

More info will be available at the Sorento’s official unveiling at the 2009 Seoul International Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2010 Kia Sorento

[Source: KiaWorld]

According to a report in China’s Oriental Morning Post, the Chinese government has, for its part, approved a deal that would see Chinese automaker Chery buy Volvo from Ford.

Neither side has confirmed that a deal is in the works, or even that talks are ongoing, however, Chevy has made their interest in the Swedish automaker public. Ford, for it’s part, has also made it clear that Volvo is up for the taking.

The deal would mean the complete dismantling of Ford’s grouping of luxury brands, which at one point included Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin. The sale of those other companies – with Land Rover and Jaguar going to India’s Tata Motors and Aston Martin going to a collection of companies that includes several Kuwaiti banks – totaled roughly $4 billion and is touted as one of the reasons that Ford has been able to stave-off bailout money.

As no deal has been made public, the Chery-deal could just be yet another rumor, as recently it was reported that China’s Dongfeng Motor Group was looking at the purchase, and earlier the Geely company was named as a potential buyer.

No cash value has been given for Volvo, but it is expected that the Swedish manufacturer could fetch as much as $6 billion.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Saleen’s new owner, MJ Acquisitions, will not be honoring any outstanding warranties on Saleen Inc. products, services, or vehicles.

That’s right, MJ Acquisitions recently sent a letter to all certified Saleen and Racecraft dealers stating that customers will have to pay for any repair costs because Saleen Inc. has ceased operations. It clearly states that, “MJ Acquisitions, Inc. is not responsible or obligated to cover warranties and/or any financial liabilities of Saleen, Inc.” The bad news applies to all Saleen products sold prior to February 2, 2009.

That’s bad news for the customers, but there is also bad news for the retailers. Saleen Inc. will also no longer be able to cover parts or labor on any vehicle with a Saleen warranty – including unsold vehicles currently sitting on showroom floors. This will certainly make those vehicles a lot harder to move.

MJ Acquisitions says in the letter that it feels sorry for the outcome and wants to reassure customers and retailers that the Saleen brand will continue.

Now, we can’t see the future, but it’s not a stretch to predict that Saleen might just fade away after this news. The Mustang community is a tight-knit one and trying to sell Saleen cars and car parts to that same customer base after this news could be damn-near impossible.

[Source: www.soec.org]