Ferrari's new California (internal codename F149) has been exposed. It will be powered by a front-mounted 4.3L V8 producing 460HP connected to 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Price is still unknown however there have been several rumors in the past months that either this will be slotted above the F430 or below it serving as Ferrari's entry level model. And of course, many thought that this will be the new Dino.
The design cues are reminiscent of the classic 1960's Ferrari 250 GTO, pictured below.
PRESS RELEASE: New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.
The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.
In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.
As mentioned in the TAG Heuer Grand CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph post, Ken Okuyama Design and TAG Heuer are using the Grand CARRERA Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept Chronograph in the k.o 7. In case you're wondering about the k.o 7, here is some further information about it and it's sibling, the k.o 8.
The k.o 7 Spider is a cross between a supercar and the ultimate track toy. Fitted with a Toyota sourced 2.0L engine, the k.o 7 produces 250HP and weighs about 1,650 lbs. The body is mostly made of carbon fiber and aluminum.
The k.o 8 Coupe is the hardtop version of the k.o 7 Spider and fitted with a three-phase electric motor making 100kW of power. The lithium ion battery should be good for 100 miles per charge.
Only 99 k.o 7 Spiders will see actual production and each example will cost a cool $150,000. Oh and it will be only available in the Japanese Domestic Market, making it not only the ultimate track toy but the ultimate JDM car as well.
I'm very disappointed with the looks of the new G37S. Looks too bubblicious and not nearly as aggressive as the outgoing G35. I hate to say this but Nissan cheapened the G37S by making it look too much like an Altima.
The new Audi TT is indeed much more of a sports car then the old one.
Fifth Gear:
The next generation Audi TT MK2 has already started its production run and is available for purchase in Europe. We will have to wait until Spring 2007. Thus far the reviews have been mostly positive. Will this be the car for me? Maybe. I absolutly love the design, but its only 250bhp. It definitely deserves a thorough test drive.
Veilside RX-7 Fortune from Fast & Furious 3 Tokyo Drift
Import cars that have appeared in past The Fast and The Furious movies can be usually considered "ricers". From the stickers, NOS, neons to the (gasp) infamous pink S2000. However in the latest version of The Fast and The Furious 3 Tokyo Drift, one car that stands out is the Veilside RX-7 Fortune.
The Veilside RX-7 Fortune is based on the third generation Mazda RX-7, a turbocharged rotary powered, rear wheel drive JDM machine of the 1990's. Veilside transformed this already magnificent automobile into a monster. Besides the obvious wide body kit, the RX-7 Fortune features an HKS T04Z single-turbo conversion kit, front mount intercooler, Veilside Teardrop titanium exhaust, Rotora big brake kit, A'PEXi coilovers, 19" VeilSide Evolution 5 wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxes tires and Veilside D1R seats.
The Veilside RX-7 Fortune is easily one of the best creations to ever come out of Japan.
Yes these are photos from a new Corvette Z06 whose roof decided to come flying off one evening. Poor GM. If they aren't reporting billions in losses, its roofs coming off from their halo car, the Z06.
This is yet another reason why I'm sticking to foreign cars. I don't have to worry about flying roofs at 60MPH.
So we dropped by a local Honda dealer on Saturday and we were impressed with the 2007 Honda Fit. The build quality is excellent, typical of all Honda's. Its a little slow when you're used to driving higher HP cars cars, but its zippy enough to get the job done. Handling, body roll and steering feel are all good. The exterior is decent, I do prefer the JDM bumpers more. Not only is it shorter in length but the design flows a little better. The interior is great, lots of room for a little car and very good quality. For $15K, the Fit is a steal.
Positives - build quality - small on the outside, big on the inside - magic seats are cool - good interior - multiple airbags, very safe - good handling and road feel - great gas mileage - good stereo system - super inexpensive, only $15K for Sport model!!!
Negatives - a little slow - wished for the JDM bumpers instead - not feeling the color matched headlight housings - seat clothe material seem a little cheap - gas door doesn't lock
Audi has finally released official information, specs and photos of its next generation TT Mk2.
It will be available in late 2006 / early 2007. Two variations will initially be produced - an 2.0 liter turbo FSI engine producing 200HP and an 3.2 liter FSI V6 engine producing 250HP. Each can be mated to either an 6-speed manual or DSG transmissions. The 2.0T will be available in FWD, while the 3.2 will receive the quattro AWD treatment. There is no mention of a 2.0T quattro, which is severely disappointing.
The body itself will feature Audi's ASF Space Frame design, which uses 69% aluminum in its superstructure. The result is less weight and chassis rigidity.
I think this is going to have to go on the potential 2007 car list.
Here is the 2006 Mugen Honda Fit spec-D presented at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Salon. Besides the obvious body modifications, 17" GT wheels, HID headlights, LED tail lights, Mugen added a supercharger to the Fit producing 145ps (143HP). This is pretty nice for a small city car.
Here is a CG rendition of the next generation Honda Euro Accord / Acura TSX set to be released in MY2008-2009.
It will be very much based on the Honda Sports Concept 4 that was displayed in the 2005 Toyko Auto Show.
Rumor has it that it may be powered by a V6, a variant of the S2000's 2.2 liter F22C engine or even the turbo motor from the new RDX. It is also expected that it will feature the SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.
The launch of the 2008/2009 Honda Euro Accord / Acura TSX might coincide with the launch of the Acura brand in Japan, the launch of the next generation Ohio built Honda Accord for the North American market and the possible, much rumored, highly anticipated and way overdue launch of the next generation NSX. I can see this Euro Accord / TSX as the main attraction for the 2008 Acura brand launch in Japan as the new IS played a similar role in the launch of the Lexus brand in Japan.
This is a wonderful story of one man and his Corvetter. In 1968, Alan Poster brought a new blue 1968 Corvetter, only to be stolen from a NY garage a few months later.
Fast forward 37 years later, the Corvette, now silver with a replaced engine and red interior, was about to be shipped to a buyer in Sweden. A Customs agent ran the VIN through the system and it came back as stolen. NY detectives were alerted and eventually tracked down its original owner... Alan Poster.
Poster and his 1968 Corvette were reunited yesterday.
Yes, your eyes do not deceive you... $12,988 Markup on the new 2006 Honda Civic Si. Thats about a 65% markup, bringing the total to $34,028. Now who in their right mind would buy a Civic for $34K? For the same price point, you could drive away in an new S2000.
- Nissan showed off its URGE Concept that integrates the new Microsoft Xbox 360 into the car. When parked, owners can play Project Gotham Racing 3 using the car's own steering wheel, gas and brake pedals on a 7" flip-down LCD screen.
- BMW debuted its M Roadster featuring a straight six-cylinder engine producing 343bhp with a 8,000RPM redline. Although I'm not quite sure, I'm believe that this is the same powerplant from the E46 M3. The M Roadster is a great evolution of the Z4 platform and will give the SLK AMG and Boxster S good competition.
- MINI debuted its latest concept, called the Concept Detroit, as a prelude to the next generation MINI Cooper. This, along with the Concept Tokyo and Frankfurt, are hints to the different variants that MINI will offer in its next generation.
Turbocharged Acura RDX Prototype Debuts at North American International Auto Show Sporty SUV features Acura's First-Ever Turbocharged Engine and Super Handling-AWD
DETROIT 01/09/2006 -- The highly anticipated Acura RDX Prototype SUV debuted today at the North American International Auto Show. Combining sport utility with sports sedan handling and performance, RDX features an innovative 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), and is designed to redefine the entry premium SUV segment. This near-production prototype provides an advance preview of the all-new RDX that will go on sale this summer. Related Videos
"The RDX Prototype represents the forward thinking that will be seen in the next generation of Acura light trucks," said John Mendel, senior vice president, Auto Operations. "It is loaded with leading edge technology and it exemplifies what we call intelligent performance: a sporty, luxurious and functional SUV that has outstanding performance yet is also fuel efficient."
RDX features an all-new 2.3-liter i-VTEC(R) four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lbs-ft of torque. This is the first application of forced induction technology in Acura history. The revolutionary i-VTEC Turbo technology uses a variable flow turbocharger, which is exclusive to the RDX, and provides dramatic performance benefits while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. To complement the all-aluminum high-performance engine, the RDX utilizes Acura's steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to manually operate the 5-speed sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission.
Acura's Super Handling-AWD system is tuned specifically for the new RDX platform. SH-AWD's sophisticated electronic controls automatically distribute torque fore and aft, as well as splitting the rear torque left to right. The result is dramatically enhanced handling, traction and stability during sporty driving as well as in inclement weather. A sophisticated chassis with fully independent front and rear suspension complement the SH-AWD. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)) combines with large disc brakes and ABS to enhance control.
The RDX is built on an all-new global light truck platform. Reflecting Acura's commitment to safety through innovation, the RDX is equipped with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure and additional state-of-the-art safety features. The ACE structure helps to disperse collision forces over a larger frontal area. The system also helps to provide enhanced protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time increasing compatibility with other vehicles in a frontal collision. Front, side and side curtain airbags, in addition to rollover sensors add an extra measure of safety.
The chiseled exterior styling combines with a generous greenhouse to provide excellent visibility for driving in city traffic or on twisty mountain roads. RDX employs a compact upper body with an aggressively raked belt line, sporty wheel flares and a substantial hood that flows down from the windshield to an aggressive Acura signature five-sided grill. Custom 19-inch alloy wheels give the RDX Prototype an aggressive stance. Dual exhaust tips, HID headlights, and a rear spoiler add to the sporty appearance of the vehicle.
Inside, the RDX combines richly appointed materials with a sporty, driver-oriented cockpit. The center console features an innovative storage system, which allows for hidden and lockable storage of a briefcase or laptop computer. The prototype's interior features an assortment of leading-edge technologies, such as the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM), AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with real time traffic and HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface. A premium Acura/ELS(TM) DVD-Audio system is tuned to deliver rich surround sound to the cabin.
The RDX offers seating for five and a versatile rear cargo hatch allows for easy load-in and storage. The second row seats split and fold flat into the floor, providing ample cargo space for an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
The RDX will be assembled at Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, Ohio and will go on-sale in the summer of 2006. Pricing has not been determined.
For media inquiries and high-resolution images, please go to www.acuranews.com.
- 2007 Lexus LS460 made its debut in production form. It will be powered by a 4.6 Lite V8 engine delivering 380HP and 370lbs/ft of torque mated to an 8-speed transmission. Inside, it will feature a Mark Levison audio system with 19 speakers and an optional rear right seat recliner with built-in massager. Lexus just redefined the luxury category and leaped lightyears ahead of its competition.
- Infiniti debuted its Coupe Concept as a prototype to the next generation G35 Coupe. The overall design is generally the same, although modernized and made to be more aggressive. The interior is very sleek, however its doubtful that it will roll over into production form.
- Chrysler showed off its faithful reincarnation of a muscle car legend in the form of the Dodge Challenger Concept. If given the green light for production, this retro muscle car could hit showrooms for the 2009 model year and may ignite a modern version of the muscle car wars between the latest generation Mustang and its variants, the next generation Camaro and now the Challenger.
- Lamborghini has joined other brands in remaking/reintroducing classics in retro styling with its Miura Concept. I'm not a big fan of Lambo's most recent designs, but this Miura is looking good, very good. Its the right blend of sport, elegance and class.
2007 Honda Fit Looks Small on the Outside, Delivers Big on the Inside The new subcompact 5-door hatchback will enter the U.S. subcompact market with class-leading content and segment-defining standard safety equipment.
Detroit 01/08/2006 -- The all-new 2007 Honda Fit, a subcompact 5-door hatchback set to go on-sale in the U.S. in April, will make its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Already one of Honda's hottest selling models in Asia and Europe, the Fit is designed to enter the U.S. market as leader in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, refinement, interior functionality, sporty driving demeanor and high levels of standard safety equipment. Related Videos
Built on Honda's legendary foundation for dependability, quality and reliability, the Fit is a premium entry-level vehicle that emphasizes style, technology and value. The Fit features a 109 horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC engine, a 5-speed manual transmission or an available, first in segment, 5-speed automatic transmission, and over 90 cubic feet of passenger volume with multiple seating and cargo configurations. A Fit Sport model offers wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio system. Fit will be supported by a wide variety of Honda Genuine Accessories, including segment exclusive Honda Apple(R) iPod(R) Music Link(R), allowing owners to personalize their Fits inside and out.
"The 2007 Fit provides a new entry point into Honda for consumers considering an attractive and efficient small car," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "The large interior adapts to people or cargo like no other car in its class. It comes standard-equipped with advanced safety technology, and follows in the tradition of Honda's fun-to-drive performance."
Unprecedented Subcompact Seating and Cargo Flexibility
Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides a surprisingly large passenger and cargo space for both maximum comfort and utility. At the foundation is the Fit's Magic Seat(TM), an innovative 60/40 split rear seat that allows the seatbacks to fold down or the seat bottoms to flip up, providing four distinct seating and cargo carrying configurations (refresh mode, tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode) in addition to the standard five passenger mode. With all seats in the upright position, passenger volume measures 90.1 cubic feet (slightly less than an Accord's passenger volume) with 21.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row (slightly less than an Element's cargo volume behind the second row). In order to help maximize Fit's useable interior space, Honda located the fuel tank in a central location towards the middle of the vehicle. This allows the cargo floor in the rear of Fit to be relatively low, thus increasing the interior volume.
Fun to Drive...Past the Pump
The 1.5-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder VTEC engine generates 109 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 105 foot-pounds of torque @ 4800 rpm. The compact and efficient powerplant features Honda's innovative Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM)).The VTEC system's ability to provide highly efficient operation at low engine speeds and extended performance at high engine speeds benefits fuel economy, power and low emissions.
Refinement is further enhanced with electronic Drive-by-Wire throttle control, which provides quick throttle response, smooth automatic transmission shifts (on automatic transmission models) and precise fuel delivery to the engine. Friction reducing technologies include roller bearing tipped rocker arms, a low friction timing chain tensioner, molydebenum coated piston skirts and an offset crankshaft/connecting rod design.
The suspension set up for the Fit is a combination of a front MacPherson strut/rear torsion beam with trailing arm.
The compact front suspension and rear torsion beam were both designed to allow for a large passenger cabin with a low floor to maximize the cargo carrying capacity.
Fit employs a compact, efficient and highly responsive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that also contributes to higher fuel economy since engine power is not needed to operate a hydraulic system. The wheel size measures 14-inches with P175/65R14 tires, and 16-inch wheels with P205/45R16 are available as a dealer-installed option.
Estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 33/38 miles per gallon is expected to be among the highest ratings in the subcompact 5-door hatchback class. Emissions levels are rated as Low Emissions Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Tier 2 / Bin 5 by the Federal government.
Top-of-Class Standard Safety Equipment
Already a leader in vehicle safety as demonstrated by Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, Honda continues to implement leading airbag technology in all vehicles regardless of size or price. The Fit has the most standard safety features in its class with no other subcompact offering as much standard advanced safety technology. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all Fit models. All seating positions have three-point seat belts, while front occupants are further protected by pre-tensioning seat belts. An enhanced knee bolster provides additional protection for passengers.
Standard active safety equipment includes anti-lock braking system (ABS) with ventilated discs in the front and drums in the back, and electronic brake distribution (EBD).
Paddle Shifters, Audio Options Define High Content Sport Model
The Fit Sport model is the only subcompact to offer steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter controls (with automatic transmission). The Sport package includes underbody kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry, cruise control, and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P195/55R15 tires.
The Fit Sport also features a premium 160-watt, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, a five-mode equalizer, and an auxiliary audio jack for input from a portable music player.
Most Standard Subcompact Features, Segment Exclusive Accessories
Fit comes with standard amenities such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, and a two-tone interior.
The 2007 Fit promises to be one of the most customizable vehicles from Honda with approximately 30 accessories available at the dealer. Fit will offer the Honda Apple(R) iPod(R) Music Link(R) as a dealer-installed accessory. The Honda iPod Music Link allows the user's iPod (sold separately) to fully interact with the audio system. A segment exclusive, Music Link will control all the iPod's features via the audio head unit with album/song information shown on the vehicle's audio unit LCD display. It will also charge the iPOD's battery.
Other interior accessories include an ambient lighting, trim panel accents (silver, red and blue), steering wheel covers and shift knobs. Outside, the Fit can be customized with Honda Factory Performance equipment including 16-inch alloy wheels, Sport package underbody kit, sport exhaust, chrome exhaust tip finisher, rear bumper accents and a sport mesh grille.
A consumer preview Web site for the Fit is available at fit.honda.com. Official pricing for the 2007 Honda Fit has not yet been determined.
Finally Honda has decided to give us, in North America, this fantastic little car from its motherland of Japan. In my opinion, Honda has given us the right mix of design, features, power, safety and fuel economy. The USDM 2007 Honda Fit is a perfect budget daily driver. Its safety features are top in its class and its standard feature list make the Fit a great buy. My only gripe is that the USDM version does not offer rear disc brakes, CVT7 transmission and LED rear lights as its JDM sister.
Apparently, not everyone shares my positive opinion of Honda's new little car. Other enthusiasts on other sites, such as fitfreak.net, are criticizing the new Fit over its MPG EPA rating of 33 city / 38 highway while the UK Jazz gets much better fuel economy at 50+ MPG. What these critics are forgetting is that the USDM Fit is slightly larger and heavier due to redesigned front and rear bumpers (necessary to pass US crash testing), addition of side and curtain airbags and drive-by-wire system. The new Fit is also geared differently than its global sisters, allowing for better acceleration for US driving habits. All of these new features have a fuel economy penalty but is it bad? In my opinion, no. I whether have a safer, slightly faster Fit than a 80HP snail on wheels turning a 12-second 0-60 time. Nevertheless, 33/38 for a non-hybrid is impressive and nothing to baulk at.
The 2006 Honda Civic and 2006 Honda Ridgeline have won both the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards establishing the Civic and Ridgeline as the new standards. I wonder what does GM's Chief think about this after his apparent dissing of the Ridgeline several months back?
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is set to start in only just a few days. Some of the highlights of the show, for me personally, include...
- Honda Fit - BMW M Roadster - BMW Z4 Coupe - Ferrari F430 Challenge - Audi S6 - Mini Cooper Traveller - Acura RDX - Lexus LS - Nissan URGE - Nissan Versa - Dodge Challenger
The USDM Honda Fit will debut on 01.08.2006 at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit and will arrive as an MY2007 automobile.
There will be two trim levels - Base and Sport and two transmission offerings - 5 Speed Manual and 5 Speed Automatic.
Model ID GD3747EW - Fit 5 Door Base - 5MT Colors - Nighthawk Black Pearl/Black, Vivid Blue Pearl/Black, Lunar Mist/Beige, Milano Red/Beige, Storm Silver Metallic/Black, Taffeta White/Beige
Model ID GD3767EW - Fit 5 Door Sport - 5MT Colors - Nighthawk Black Pearl/Black, Vivid Blue Pearl/Black, Blaze Orange Metallic/Black, Milano Red/Black, Storm Silver Metallic/Black, Taffeta White/Beige, Taffeta White/Black
Model ID GD3847EW - Fit 5 Door Base - AT Colors - Nighthawk Black Pearl/Black, Vivid Blue Pearl/Black, Lunar Mist/Beige, Milano Red/Beige, Storm Silver Metallic/Black, Taffeta White/Beige
Model ID GD3867EW - Fit 5 Door Sport - AT Colors - Nighthawk Black Pearl/Black, Vivid Blue Pearl/Black, Blaze Orange Metallic/Black, Milano Red/Black, Storm Silver Metallic/Black, Taffeta White/Beige, Taffeta White/Black
Exterior Color Samples from the JDM Honda website...
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Vivid Blue Pearl
Lunar Mist - No sample but my guess is it will be a light silver, similar to Alabaster Silver.
Milano Red
Storm Silver Metallic
Taffeta White
Blaze Orange Metallic - Exclusive color to the Sport trim.
Interior Color Samples from the JDM Honda website...
Beige
Black
Blaze Orange Metallic/Black, Milano Red/Black and Taffeta White/Black are exclusive color combos to the Sport trim.
The Fit is a fantastic entry-level platform, especially in this era of raising high fuel prices, and I'm happy that Honda has finally decided to bring it from Japan. We hope to replace Maria's current car with possibly an orange Honda Fit by this summer.
Mitsubishi's Concept-X is their prototype to the next generation Lancer Evolution X and due to be introduced in the 2006 Toyko Motorshow Event.
Some highlights...
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine - Clutchless six-speed auto-manual transmission with paddle shifters - New all-wheel drive system - Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) - Suspension will be MacPherson strust at the front and a multi-link system at the rear - Heavy use of aluminum throughout the body to reduce weight - On-board multimedia system includes a high-definition liquid crystal monitor
Like the current Evo, this promises to be a performance monster. Too bad the car resembles a riced up Mitsubishi Galant with the face of the Predator.
My God, this car is butt ass ugly but in a good way. I like it.
Here's a photoshopped Honda Fit lowered with bronze 16" Volk Racing CE28N's, tinted windows and front windshield and red H badges by yours truly.
This is pretty close to how I would want my Fit. My only other color choice would probably be Taffeta White with white 16" Work Emotion CR-kai wheels but I already have a white car and the USDM version will probably come with the nasty tan interior.
I have my eye on the new Porsche Cayman S, BMW E90 M3 and Infiniti GT-R as possible new toys in my garage in 2007-08. While the new M3 and GT-R won't be out for another 2 years, the Cayman is launching officially on sale now. Here's my Porsche Cayman S configurations...
Configuration 1
Cayman S $58,900 Atlas Grey Metallic $825 Sea Blue Sport Seats $0 Bi-Xenon Headlamp Package $1,090 Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) $1,090 Short Shifter $765 Sport Chrono Package $920 Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) $8,150 19" Carrera S Wheel $1,550 Foot Rest Aluminum $250 Instrument Dials in Speed Yellow $690 Adaptive Sport Seats $3055 Automatic Climate Control $550 Sport Steering Wheel Leather $740 Bose Surround Sound System $950 Options Sub-Total $21,525 ----------------- Total $80,425
Configuration 2
Cayman S $58,900 Atlas Grey Metallic $825 Black Standard Leather $0 Bi-Xenon Headlamp Package $1,090 Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) $1,090 Short Shifter $765 Sport Chrono Package $920 18" Cayman S Wheel $0 Foot Rest Aluminum $250 Instrument Dials in Guards Red $690 Sport Steering Wheel Leather $740 Options Sub-Total $7,270 ----------------- Total $66,170
The ideal configuration would be config 1 but $80K for a Cayman S? For a little bit more, I can get the 911 Carrera S. I figure I won't need upgraded 19" wheels, since I'll probably upgrade them to 19" BBS LM's anyways. I probably could do without the $8,000 brakes, $3,000 seats, automatic a/c or Bose audio however these options would be nice to have. If I end up deciding on the Cayman S after the new M3 and GT-R are released and test driven, I'll probably end up with a mix of the two configs.
Here's my Porsche Cayman S photoshopped with 19" BBS LM wheels and 30%/75% tint on the windows and front windshield.
The original 1960 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 was a formidable off-roading beast. Utility, not luxury, was the key. The FJ-40 could navigate through most of Earth's various environments and weather conditions. This vehicle put Toyota on the map.
Fast forward half a century, the Land Cruiser FJ-40 has evolved into the ultimate SUV of choice for soccer moms - the Toyota Land Cruiser. A bloated, luxo SUV among Toyota's line of mostly boring cars. However, all hope is not yet gone. A new Supra is rumored to coming back, the Prius has brought hybrid technology to the automotive forefront, the Scions have added a bit of youth into the brand and the new Lexus GS and IS are true competitors in the sport sedan category. And in early 2006, Toyota is bringing back the FJ.
Modernized and renamed as the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, this latest version stays true to its heritage through its design and utilitarian features. Powered by a 4.0 Liter V6 producing 245 HP and 282 lbs/feet torque, the new FJ Cruiser is an all business machine. And priced between only $20,000 to $25,000, Toyota has a winner on its hands.
Just introduced in the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show by MINI is the MINI Concept Frankfurt, which celebrates the past heritage of the 1960's Mini Traveller and gives us a glimpse of the model redesigns set for MY2007.
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