2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante

You learn quickly the vernacular of the $286,500 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante.

First, you don’t call the Volante a convertible--it’s a Volante, a cloth-top car that’s reasonably quiet when shut, and because it has a soft lid, one with some useful trunk space that an erstwhile hardtop would’ve vaporized. (Also this is a nominal 2+2, and while not even children would find the backseat space viable there’s room enough in this car for overnight luggage which isn’t the case with many a super-sports GT.)

Second, though it’s equipped with a manual-automatic Touchtronic gearbox (an ordinary six-speed manual is also available), unless you’re stuck in traffic it’s far more pleasurably driven as a paddle shift manual than, say, Audi’s S-tronic, as the shifts are actually smoother when manually called for than in automatic mode. This is because they happen more quickly when under the driver’s control and because you’ve shifted, rather than allowed a computer algorithm to decide when to change gears, you can precisely anticipate when that instant will arrive when the tremendous muscle of the car’s 6.0-liter, 510-hp V-12 will pause, the bootheel of g-forces on your chest will lift for half a heartbeat, and then you’re mashed back into the driver’s seat, resuming the boost-phase mode of the DBS’s haul toward a nearly 200-mph top speed.

Third, should you happen to want to drive the DBS like a sane person, that is to say, calmly and coolly and within the constraints of suburban and even rural constabulary mores—you can do so, even as the V-12 under the hood and the metallic paddles that control the gearbox pretty much beg you to quit forcing the DBS to crawl around town on errands and instead mash the gas and let the car realize its full potential.

Source: Motor Authority

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wins Golden Steering Wheel Award

The iconic 300SL Gullwing’s spiritual successor, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, won the title of Best Super Sports Car in the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel awards yesterday.

Out of a field of eleven, the SLS AMG triumphed, receiving more than a third of votes from the quarter of a million readers of Bild am Sonntag, Auto Bild and associated publications. No doubt, the styling, gullwing doors and combination of 420kW V8 and rear-wheel-drive had plenty to do with the award, of which Mercedes-Benz has 18 on the shelf.

The SLS AMG’s features include 47:53 front/rear weight distribution, 650Nm, and a top speed of 317km/h – much higher than the current 250km/h limit imposed on MB’s vehicles. Helping its cause is the rear-mounted seven-speed double-clutch transmission, giving the car a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Gigantic 390mm carbon-ceramic front and 360mm rear stoppers round out the imposing package.

Australians can expect to see the SLS AMG on our roads late second quarter 2010 with pricing to be around $500,000.

Source: Car Advice

Mavizen TTX02 unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Instead of a V-twin, there's a lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor under that RC8 bodywork. The TTX02 will be built in limited numbers...

The UK-based Mavizen have unveiled the lithium-ion battery-powered TTX02 electric sportbike at the currently ongoing SEMA Show in the US. With chassis, suspension and bodywork from the KTM RC8, the TTX02 is a high-tech piece of work that weighs 110kg dry (without the batteries, which we’re sure are very heavy) and has a top speed of around 210km/h.

The TTX02’s on-board computer runs on the Linux operating system and features Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. No, you wouldn’t want to check your email at 200km/h, but the bike’s computer can easily be hooked on to your laptop and the accompanying software would then allow you to tweak most performance parameters. We suppose Mavizen would also supply firmware updates, which you would be able to download to the bike via that Wi-Fi connection…

Based on the TTXGP winning Agni X01, the TTX02 will be produced in limited numbers and is expected to cost about £25,000 in race-ready condition. Visit the Mavizen website for more details.

Watch the Mavizen TTX02 in action

Renault to produce zero-emissions EV in France

Renault has today confirmed it will be manufacturing its new zero-emission electric car at the Flins plant in the Paris region.

The Zoé Z.E. Concept, first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a preview of what the new car will look like.

The Flins plant was chosen to manufacture the electric vehicle (EV) because of its expertise in building B segment cars, one of which is the new Clio.

Renault also like to manufacture cars close to markets they will be sold in, Europe being the main target. The manufacturing of all EV components will mainly come from the Flins plant, this includes making and recycling of batteries.

Flins will start manufacturing an urban versatile model in 2012, and is expected to have two-thirds of sales in Europe.

Renault will concentrate on France for its zero-emission strategy and is developing future EVs. A letter of intent has been signed with Nissan and the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), as well as France’s Strategic Investment Fund (FSI). Focusing on a joint venture in battery research from manufacture to recycling.

Renault is committed to producing a range of zero-emission EV cars that will be affordable starting in 2011.

Source: Car Advice

Caccia Custom Cars Ghepardo - click above image for high-res gallery

Here's what we know: Caccia Custom Cars took a 2002 Chevy Camaro and a 2002 Chevy Corvette and created the Ghepardo. The car uses the Camaro's frame and the Corvette's motor and suspension. The motor is mounted amidships, albeit backwards (note the throttle body). And the House of Kolor paint is called Pagan Gold. Also, you should not confuse this SEMA all-star Ghepardo with the 2006 Bizzarrini Ghepardo concept.

As for this Ghepadro... it's not that bad looking. In fact, the longer we stare at the exterior, the more we like what we see. Obviously we can't get past the gaudy chainmail armor covering up every single vent and opening. And we'd prefer if the five-slot wheels weren't chromed. That said, in profile, it's a nice looking mid-engine coupe and the rear is quite muscular. The front even has a touch of new Lexus, which while sacriligious for a Chevy-on-Chevy mashup like this, ain't bad at all.

The interior, on the other hand, is a house of horrors. Everything is covered over in prison-grade Alcantara or carbon fiber-look fiberglass. Even the fire extinguisher!! Also, we're pretty sure a 15/16" cutting tool isn't the smartest Dremel attachment to use for a show car. In fact, in this Autoblogger's mind, the Ghepardo is now in the running neck-and-neck with the Masonry Vitesse Rose for having the worst interior ever – quite a distinction! Additionally, the Ghepardo fills our minds with the delightful image of Corvette and Camaro fans/owners beating each other to pulps with giant oversized cartoon hammers. Perhaps that's just the food around here talking.

Source : Autoblog

SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona is one big Hot Wheels toy

HPP Daytona - Click above image for high-res gallery

We've been hearing about this car for three days, but we just couldn't find it. Then, just before lunch, one of our intrepid reporters tracked the beast down within the tropical bowels of Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall. Behold: the HPP Daytona!

Yes, it's a new Dodge Challenger wearing a Charger Daytona costume, but updated for today's muscle car aficionados. Under the hood sits a standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8, further proving the point that when it comes to the Daytona/Superbird, it's what's on the outside that counts! Luckily for us, HPP did a pretty decent job on the outside.

The nose cone works, and works well. Here comes the hate mail, but this author thinks the nose actually looks better than the original 1969 Charger Daytona's does. Here's a pic for reference. To be fair, the HPP's schnoz is actually much more like a Plymouth Superbird's than the Dodge. The wheels are great, the fake vents on the door are bad, the stance is right... and then we get to the rear wing.

While we're positive that it's the same dimensions as the mondo-sized Daytona/Superbird wing, the new Challenger's trunk is about half the length of the Sixties/Seventies cars. Meaning it looks... not quite right. Also, this Mopar muscle car has grown so much since forty years ago that the car is just screaming for more wing. But we'll still happily take one, as the HPP Daytona was/is totally worth the hunt.

Source : Autoblog

Renault considers withdrawing from F1

Hot on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement that Toyota was withdrawing from Formula One comes new rumours that Renault is also seriously considering leaving the championship before next season. It is believed Toyota’s exit sparked an emergency meeting at Renault to decide the French company’s future in the sport.

Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn refused to speculate on the rumours, telling a press conference:

“You will have to be patient. We will make an announcement on our participation in Formula One before the end of the year.”

Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz are the only other manufacturers left in the series after BMW and Honda succumbed to financial pressures earlier this year.

Tyre supplier Bridgestone also will also disappear from F1 after 2010 as it declined to renew its contract.

Last month Renault announced that Robert Kubica would replace two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso as he heads to Ferrari next season.

There was optimism among senior team members for the challenges of the new year, but now it seems time will tell whether they even begin their 11th season since returning to the sport in 2000.

One way or the other, Renault’s decision will have an enormous impact on the immediate and long-term future of F1, which continues to endure perhaps the most calamitous and controversial year in its history.

Source: Car Advice

2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Green Cars - Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf: There's the Tesla Roadster and several three-wheeled electric vehicles for sale, but so far getting a purely electric-powered car to production with a standard car's features at a price the general public can afford has eluded the industry. Until the Nissan LEAF, that is. Due for launch in the U.S., Japan and Europe by late 2010, the LEAF guarantees a range of over 100-miles on a single charge in a practical mid-size hatchback bodystyle.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: The plans for this first factory-built plug-in Prius are very modest. Only about 500 vehicles will be built, so Toyota can gather real-world data on how drivers actually use plug-in hybrids. The first users will be selected commercial fleets; 150 will go to Europe, and the same number to the U.S. market, with first deliveries starting by the end of this year. Toyota hasn't committed to a date when retail customers will be able to get their hands on a factory plug-in Prius, although 2012 would fit the rough timeline it has discussed in the past.

Source: Motor Authority

2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Concepts - Subaru Hybrid Tourer, Toyota FT-86 Concept, Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, Mazda Kiyora

Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept: Combining environmentally friendly technology and safety, the Subaru’s new concept maintains the automaker’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and horizontally opposed boxer engine but picks up a sporty design not seen previously on any of its vehicles. Under the sheet metal sits a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and turbocharging technologies, as well as a CVT and two electric motors--one on each axle.

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept: After more than a year of rumors, theories and questions, the lovechild of the Toyota-Subaru joint venture has been unveiled. This successor to the rear-wheel drive, drift-legend Corolla AE-86 takes shape with a modified Subaru Impreza chassis and Toyota badges as the FT-86 concept.

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid: Powered by a new proprietary plug-in hybrid system, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in all-electric mode, the 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV promises a fuel economy in excess of 117.6 mpg in a mid-size crossover body. The new plug-in hybrid system also combines differential electric motors with Mitsubishi’s trademark Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system and electronically controlled active yaw control.

Mazda Kiyora

Mazda Kiyora Concept: The ultra-stylish compact is an eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout for the future. Powered by automaker’s new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine that’s also set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Kiyora has an estimated fuel economy of 75 mpg and could go into production very soon.

2009 Tokyo Motor Show: New Cars - Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Lexus LF-A, Toyota Sai Hybrid

Honda CR-Z Hybrid

Honda CR-Z Hybrid: For the uninitiated, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch in the first half of next year. Unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo event, the CR-Z Concept is now a near production-ready version of the compact sports car and we can’t wait for the production car's debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Lexus LF-A

Lexus LF-A: The supercar that almost wasn’t, the 2011 Lexus LF-A, has finally been officially revealed. At $375,000, 552 horsepower and 202 mph, it's a true supercar, and Lexus's first. Only 500 of the hand-built cars will be produced, starting from next December.

Toyota Sai Hybrid

Toyota Sai Hybrid: The Japanese-market version of the Lexus HS 250h launched at the Tokyo show this year. There aren't any plans for the car to head to the United States, though, as it's intended to sit just above the Toyota Prius in Japan--a slot already occupied by the decidedly entry-level-luxury HS here in America.

Mazda SKY

Mazda SKY Family Of Next-Generation Engines: Mazda showcases its next-generation of powertrain technologies, which include two new engines, one gasoline and one diesel, and an advanced automatic transmission. Grouped under the ‘SKY’ family of technologies, the new powertrains and gearbox are part of Mazda’s greater goal of improving its average fuel economy of vehicles 30% by 2015 compared to 2008 levels.

Source: Motor Authority

2009 Malaysian MotoGP: Race results from Sepang

Valentino Rossi, the 2009 MotoGP world champion. Yes!!

Taking third place in the Malaysian GP, Valentino Rossi has won the 2009 MotoGP world championship - his seventh world title in the premier class and ninth world title overall. The Doctor is the only man to have won world championships in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 990cc and 800cc classes. Bravo!!

Race results from the 2009 Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang:

1. Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 47min 24.834 sec
2. Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 47min 39.500 sec
3. Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha Team. 47min 44.219 sec
4. Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Team 47min 50.684 sec
5. Nicky Hayden Ducati Marlboro Team 48min 3.589 sec
6. Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 48min 5.895 sec
7. Toni Elias San Carlo Honda Gresini 48min 13.389 sec
8. Marco Melandri Hayate Racing Team 48min 20.391 sec
9. Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 48min 25.137 sec
10. Mika Kallio Pramac Racing 48min 25.274 sec
11. Aleix Espargaro Pramac Racing 48min 26.489 sec
12. Alex de Angelis San Carlo Honda Gresini 48min 26.681 sec
13. Colin Edwards Monster Yamaha Tech 3 48min 35.612 sec
14. Gabor Talmacsi Scot Racing Team MotoGP 48min 40.685 sec
15. James Toseland Monster Yamaha Tech 3 49min 15.506 sec

Source: Faster and Faster

Valentino Rossi: The winner takes it all

"The old chicken has laid another egg...," says Valentino

With his third place finish in today’s Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang, Valentino Rossi also won the 2009 MotoGP world championship – his seventh premier class world title and ninth world title including his wins in the 125cc and 250cc classes! ‘Nine world championships is a great achievement, I'm so happy! I need to thank everyone, especially Jeremy. I couldn't have done it without Jeremy and he is like my motorcycle father. I also have to thank my family and friends. In order to stay at this level through a whole season, you have to be calm and have the right people around you and this is what I have. We've stayed concentrated and focused even in the bad moments, so we can congratulate ourselves with this ninth title,’ says The Doctor.

‘The T-shirt and the celebration is called the ‘Gallina Vecchia!’ In Italian we say that the old chicken makes good soup but it's no use for laying eggs. I am old now – 30 – but this old hen has made another egg today, and now we have nine! As usual I thought it up at home in Tavullia, together with my fan club, and we had great fun designing the T-shirt and the helmet,’ says the man who is the greatest motorcycle racer of our times.

‘I still feel just as motivated as ever. I still have a great passion to ride better and better, to be on my bike and to win. I enjoy always trying to improve and to work with my team to do this. I am 30, but I still feel great emotion and great satisfaction from success. My passion for motorcycles is what keeps me enjoying every race and helps me to keep pushing even though I am the oldest of these first top guys. I have to train harder and work harder to stay focused now, but I still enjoy the challenge as much as ever,’ says Rossi, making it clear that he isn’t going to stop racing motorcycles anytime soon.

‘I think next year will be very, very hard. We're all on the same bikes and I think it will be between me, Lorenzo, Stoner and Pedrosa again. On Tuesday in Valencia we will try the new model and I am looking forward to working on the new M1, but I have the greatest rival in my team so it won't be easy,’ says Rossi. ‘Every championship is special for different reasons, it's unforgettable every time and this day is no different. I'm World Champion once again and now I want to go and party…!’

Here are some statistics with which you can thrill and amaze (or not…) your mates down at the pub:

Rossi has now matched Mike Hailwood and Carlo Ubbiali with nine titles in all classes. Only Giacomo Agostini, with 15, has more world titles.

Rossi's win in Assen this season made him only the second rider in history to take 100 wins in all classes. Rossi now has 103, 19 less than Agostini's all-time record of 122.

Rossi holds the all-time premier class victories record, having beaten Agostini's tally at Indianapolis in 2008. He now a premier-class win tally of 77.

Rossi's win this season in Brno saw him take the all-time podium record with his 160th podium in all classes. He is also the only rider to have stood on the podium in the premier-class more than 100 times. Today's podium was his 163rd in all classes.

With 44 wins from 102 races since he joined the Japanese factory in 2004, Rossi is the most successful Yamaha rider of all time. He has 21 more wins than Kenny Roberts, Yamaha's next most successful rider.

Today's title means he has now won more titles for Yamaha than for any of the other manufacturers he has ridden for in his career.

His win at Misano, Italy, this year was his 11th win in all classes on home soil.

Rossi is the only rider in history to have won at least one GP in 14 successive seasons.

In 1997, at the age of 18, Rossi became the second youngest ever 125cc World Champion after scoring 321 points and eleven wins.

Two years later, at the age of 20, he became the youngest ever 250cc World Champion with nine wins.

In 2001 Rossi joined Phil Read as one of only two riders ever to win the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc titles.

Rossi's debut victory for Yamaha at the opening race of 2004 in South Africa made him the first rider in history to take back-to-back wins for different manufacturers.

After winning the MotoGP World Championship three times with Honda, Rossi took his fourth premier-class title with Yamaha in 2004 and became the only rider other than Eddie Lawson to win consecutive premier-class titles for different manufacturers.

Rossi remains the only rider to win the premier-class title on four different types of motorcycle: 500cc 4-cylinder two-stroke, 990cc 5-cylinder four-stroke, 990cc 4-cylinder four-stroke and 800cc 4-cylinder four-stroke.

Rossi has never missed a GP since his 125cc debut in 1996. He has started 226 successive races in all classes, 166 of which have been in the premier class. Both of these are records.

We wish The Doctor all the very best - we're sure that for as long as he chooses to race, he will continue to win!

Source: Faster and Faster

Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal

Remember California's "Cool Cars" regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It's the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden State's increasingly severe environmental regulations (and we live there and love it, but still...), the soft-top Jeep Wrangler has reportedly been given an exemption.

Specifically, any flexible plastic window is exempt. Said a CARB representative, "If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year." If not for the flexible-window exemption, Chrysler wouldn't have been allowed to sell the Wrangler in California with the soft top because its plastic windows would have been non-compliant. Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) were also threatened, but are now safe from the regulation as well.

As for the other issue -- radio wave interference that degrades GPS and other signals -- CARB said it hasn't found any such problems in its testing. But who knows, now that the Jeep gets a pass, carmakers might just put flexible windows in every car sold in CA ... and how cool would that be?

Source: Autoblog

Spy Pics: 2011 BMW 5-Series

The 2011 BMW 5-Series is slowly undressing as far as camouflage goes, and its looks are going the "more substantial" route to match its more substantial, modified 7 Series chassis along with a dose of 5 Series Gran Turismo in back. The front end gets a less sculpted treatment while, if the swirls don't deceive us, the rear glasshouse slopes more steeply into the trunk lid. The lower rear fascia gets the same severe angle as that on the 5Series GT.

Inside – at least according to the forms, since everything but the shift lever and iDrive is covered – it is beginning to look like a 7 Series in miniature.

Under the hood will be the usual suspects, with the 550i supposedly getting the brand's eight-speed auto. There are also rumors of a turbocharged four-cylinder and Active Hybrid. The car should make its first public appearance sometime early next year.

Photos from Lamborghini Factory - Lamborghini Murcilago SV.

The entrance to the Lamborghini factory and its newest model, the Lamborghini Murcilago SV. Lamborghinis factory in SantAgata Bolognese, Italy (20 miles north of Bologna) is produce luxury car the Murcielago SV. A curious fact will be made only 350 cars of this model. Cost Murcielago SV is $ 450,000. At the plant, cars produced by hand, including the engine and body. Only 2.7 cars are completed

2010 BMW X5 Facelift Spy Photos

We have seen photos of the facelifted version of the BMW X5 before, but now we can show the vehicle almost completely undisguised ahead of its expected debut by the end of this year. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-cycle update, coming in time for the 2010 model year.

Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers added both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside, such as the addition as BMW’s second-generation iDrive system, and new alloy wheel designs should also make the cut.

The current lineup of engines will carry over largely unchanged but there will be the new hybrid model and U.S. customers will be able to opt for BMW’s brilliant 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine as well. Another new addition will be the xDrive 50i from the X6.

2010 BMW X5 facelift spy shots Gallery

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Bugatti Galibier concept - Frankfurt Auto Show

Frankfurt motor show: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid

TOYOTA UNVEILS AURIS HSD FULL HYBRID* CONCEPTFrankfurt motor show debut for precursor to Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream European production modelKEY POINTS* Concept previews new Auris HSD Full Hybrid, Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream model in Europe* World debut at the Frankfurt motor show* Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, shared with latest generation Prius* Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster - First Details and Images

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster – ultimately openDesigner piece with uncompromising performanceLamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62

Frankfurt Auto Show - BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept.

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.