MINI released images of their new Coupe concept, what do you think?
Archive for the ‘Automotive News’ Category
MINI Cooper Coupe Concept
Sunday, August 30th, 2009MINI USA’s Rally Edition Clubman
Monday, August 24th, 2009
MINI USA announced tgar they will be releasing a special edition “Rally Edition” Clubman S. Only 70 will be made with each dealer in the US getting only one car each. It will feature a unique “Rally Green” colored mirror caps and side scuttles. It will also include the following features and options:
- Midnight Black (A94),
- Roof in Body Color (381)
- Sport Package (ZSP) – DTC (5DT)
- White Turn Indicators (785)
- Xenon Headlights (522)
- 17” Black Wheels
- Roof Rails (386)
- Anthracite Headliner (ZAH)
- Piano Black Interior (4BD)
- Automatic climate Control (534)
- Leather Steering Wheel w/Multifunction
- Comfort Bluetooth (6NE)
[Source: MotoringFile]
Mazda MX-5 Superlight Speedster Concept
Sunday, August 16th, 2009
Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is no doubt the most raced car in the world and is still going strong. Mazda just released their 20th Anniversary Crystal White Pearl Mica MX-5 to celebrate the occasion. What else is on the way from the Mazda? Well they are set to release a pretty interesting new concept called the MX-5 Superlight Speedster in Frankfurt next month. Not much is known about the interesting looking speedster other than it is suppose to be lighter, have better fuel economy and handle better than the current MX-5. From the images we can see that the windshield, roof and door handles are gone making it ideal for club racers. Will Mazda actually release this concept? We sure hope so!
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Elite Aston Martin Vantage LVM/R
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is pure sex on wheels, while it kicks mucho ass on the track, driving it on the street may be a little difficult. Enter the Elite Aston Martin Vantage LVM/R. The makes extensive use of carbon fiber body panels and interior components to drop weight, it also features widened bespoke fenders and black central hub wheels. No extra power is made, but it already makes enough to spank almost any other car on the street, with looks to kill to boot! Only 30 will be produced at a cost of $173,000 on top of the cost of a Vantage. Check out the press release below.
Vancouver, WA – July 29, 2009 – Final concept images have just been released for the 2010 Aston Martin LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer). Only 30 of these race cars for the street will be produced for the world. Following in the footsteps of the Ferrari Scuderia and Stradale and Lamborghini Superleggera, the Elite LMV/R is lighter than the factory Vantage due to most of the body panels being made from carbon fiber. The Scuderia, Stradale and Superleggera were built for the purists who wanted a race car for the street, a more nimble version of the production street car that they were built from. These cars aren’t for everybody due to their harsher ride and loud exhaust systems. This is the company that the LMV/R will now be amongst but even more rare and special. The Superleggera’s US production was 172 cars, the Ferrari Stradale seen 1,288 examples built and the Scuderia production is supposed to top out at about 1,500 cars. Compare these production numbers to the 30 LMV/R’s that will be built and you can see how special and rare the LMV/R will truly be. To take a Vantage and turn it into an LMV/R, many components are used. Here is a list of what comes standard on the LMV/R:
Carbon fiber body kit consisting of: front bumper with screens, visible carbon canards, visible carbon front splitter, hood, fenders (2″ wider), side skirts, side skirt panels, rear quarter panel extensions (2″ wider), trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing, rear bumper with visible carbon diffuser
Matte black 20″ wheels and tires for wide body kit
Lowering springs
Big Brake kit
Sport muffler with tips
Carbon fiber engine bay kit
Full Alcantara interior
Carbon fiber interior kit
Serial numbered plaque (only 30 cars will be produced)
LMV/R matte black stripes
Installation and full repaint
All LMV/R’s will be assembled in Florida and sent to and from the dealership that sold the car within the US. All LMV/R’s will be based on 2010 Vantage’s and will be very unique. The customer will order a brand new Vantage in any color offered by Aston Martin with any options. The Vantage is then picked up and sent to Florida where the work will be performed. The exterior can be painted the factory color or a custom color at an additional charge. The interior can be assembled in any color of the customers choosing since all the surfaces will be covered in new Alcantara.
Ford Builds AV-X10 ‘Dearborn Doll’ Mustang
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Ford is no stranger to special edition Mustangs, from anniversary editions to Bullitt Mustang. Ford recently built a one-off Mustang for an Experimental Aircraft Association fundraiser. It is not the first time Ford created a special edition Mustang for the EAA, they built a supercharged Mustang for them last year as well. The new Mustang is themed after vintage WWII war birds like the infamous P-51 Mustang and called the AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll.” Using a 2010 Mustang GT with a glass roof as the base, it has a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a Ford Racing supercharger laying down 550 ponies. Also included is a short throw shifter, Handling Pack that includes improved dampers, stiffer springs as well as sway bars. A FR500S exhaust lets you know this war bird inspired beauty is packing some serious power. On the outside the WWII themed Mustang has Shelby GT500 wheels, custom satin silver paint and a yellow “nose cone” as well as period correct “Dearborn Doll” pinup art on the front fenders.
The new AV-X10 “Dearborn Boll” Mustang will be debuted the 2009 Experimental Aircraft Association’s ‘Gathering of Eagles’ fundraiser going on between July 27 to August 2nd. Check it out over at MustangBlog.com. Do you know your Ford Mustang History? Check out AmericanMuscle.com and our information page.
BMW recalls 1-Series and 3-Series over safety concerns
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
It is pretty rare to hear about a recall from a auto maker like BMW, but it happens. BMW recently recalled their 1 and 3 series vehicles because of issues with the crimp connectors that can cause airbags to not properly deploy. 2009 BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are being recalled as well because of rear brake discs that do not properly meet specifications. In some cases it can cause the rear disc brakes to break and fail, which is a very serious issue. Check out the NHTSA bulletin below for more info on the BMW recalls.
NHTSA BULLETIN
Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / 1 SERIES, BMW / 3 SERIES
Model Year(s): 2008Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 01, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V257000
Component: AIR BAGS: FRONTALSummary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
2010 BMW Z4 images leaked
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
The new 2010 BMW Z4 is scheduled to be released on December 15 but images of the new BMW roadster have already been leaked online. These images show a much more smoother Z4 that seem to clean away the Bangle lines and panels. The sexy wide rear arches definitely give the 2010 Z4 a meaner look more worthy of the Z4 name. The rear tail lights and rear end look pretty similar to other models in the BMW line as well. The new Z4 roadster is said to be powered by a naturally aspirated or turbo 3.0L in-line six engine. A hard top convertible is expected for 2009 as well as a soft-top later down the road. This new BMW Z4 definitely has the looks and the muscle to make it a great successor to the current aging Z4.
BMW X1 confirmed for the US
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
THE BMW X1 CONFIRMED FOR UNITED STATES IN 2011
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – July 1, 2009 … It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices, and regulatory standards, elements of the X1’s US launch plan, including engine and drivetrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch.
The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines – one gasoline and three diesels – and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.