Elfin's new sportscar in August

Elfin is preparing to unveil a brand new sportscar this coming August, according to the latest reports. The small Australian automaker is known mostly for producing Lotus/Caterham 7-style classic roadsters, with the new model replacing the outgoing Type-3 Clubman kit car and joining the V8-powered MS8 Streamliner (pictured above) in the company's line-up.

The news was revealed by the company's owner Tom Walkinshaw, the Scottish racing driver behind the eponymous Tom Walkinshaw Racing outfit. According to Walkinshaw, the new lightweight sportscar – which has yet to be named – will feature "electrifying performance and go-kart handling" with an atmospheric power-to-weight ratio thanks to a 1500-pound curb weight and 260hp coming out of the turbocharged two-liter four from the Pontiac Soltice GXP. A six-speed manual will round out the package, along with ABS, power steering and traction control. The new vehicle, which will sell for under $60k, is anticipated to be based on a tubular chassis with a composite body that eschews the classic design of the Type 3 in favor of contemporary styling, while still integrating open wheels with cycle-style guards. The new model promises to separate Elfin from the myriad companies churning out Caterham replicas and distinguish the company as a competent sportscar-maker.

source:http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/elfin-to-unveil-all-new-sportscar-in-august/

Honda FC Sport Concept

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  Another drop dead gorgeous concept car by Honda, this FC Sport Hydrogen supercar is more than just a goodlooking thing — it’ll save the planet while making you look like a billionaire!

  Not too much talking — straight on the the beautiful pics I found on the green car site!

  
  Supersleek lines…

  
  Great sexy nose!

  
  Look at that cut in the side. Awww! I love the huge logo on the back too — very nice!

  
  It’s an environmentally-friendly Gallardo!

• The Success of the New Honda Civic

  There are some car manufacturers that rest on their laurels and then there are some who strive to take their successful car to greater heights. They never rest on their laurels and go as far as trying to improve the quality and build of the car by as much as a factor of 10. It takes a lot of courage to even think about this, far less attempt it, but this is exactly what the engineers at Honda have been doing, and doing it quite successfully too.

  

  More than a decade has passed since the Civic manufactured by Honda has made its debut and this car had set the subcompact segment on fire due to its comfortable cabins, driving comfort, efficiency and quality. The Civic is listed among the top five among the best selling cars and this should have satisfied the engineers at Honda, but no. They are determined to make this car even better and keeping this in mind the engineers of Honda in Ohio and at Japan are leaving no stones unturned to improve the quality of the Civic.

  
  

• Honda CR-Z

  This is a concept of a new and upcoming Honda CR-Z which wil actually be yet another Hybrid… I’m not saying I’m not all for alternative car fuels or hybrid cars, but come on guys — not every single new car you guys make HAS to be a Hybrid, is it?

  Oh well, it looks great (just like most of the new Honda’s) and I hope they make a non-hybrid non-diesel version. :p

  

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source:http://www.hondatalk.net/

2009 Honda S2000 – The Last Version!

manufacturer Honda recently disclosed that it will be the end of the line for the Honda S2000 sports car after the production of the 2009 variant.

The S2000 was introduced to the market in 1999 but was marketed as a 2000 model. The S2000 was a hit with car enthusiasts who enjoyed its effective manual transmission and its cool chassis work. Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson was reported being a huge fan of the S2000, and the car always did great in their annual car surveys!

The first release of the Honda sports car was designed to pay homage to the company’s 50th anniversary. The S2000 was well received by consumers that the Japanese car manufacturer decided to produce the car..

The 2000 on its tag was coined from the 2000 cc engine that had an output of 240 horsepower. During that time, the horsepower per liter ratio of 123.5 was record breaking and was considered as very efficient.

source:http://www.hondatalk.net/

2007 Jeep Wrangler

New York Auto Show: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Jeep has released a spate of photos of its new 2007 Wrangler Unlimited four-door, which we should be seeing in the metal within a few hours here in New York. The Unlimited boasts the same modular-style removable top that engenders a lot of added flexibility, functioning as a t-top of sorts, a targa, and full-blown, wind-in-the-hair convertible. Be sure to click on the jump for more views inside and out, and click on each image for suitable-for-framing imagery.

source:http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-jeep-wrangler-unlimited/

SCION IQ CONCEPT

Besides all the motorsport action going on this month, the auto show circuit is rolling on with the New York Auto Show this week. I've been keeping an eye on the news coming out of New York, and one of the cars I thought was worth a post here is the Scion iQ Concept. This concept is of course based on the Toyota iQ which is already on sale in Europe and Japan. There haven't been any details released on a production version of the iQ for the US market, but this particular car is the most heavily modified iQ I've seen yet....
source:http://speedhunters.com/archive/tags/New+Cars/default.aspx

NISMO 370Z & 370Z ROADSTER

Filed under: Nissan, news, Z, Roadster, New Cars, Mike Garrett, Nismo, 370Z, New York

A while back we posted about theparts that Nismo released for the new Z in Japan, but now there's a complete Nismo edition of the 370Z that will be going on sale soon for the US market. Nissan chose to debut both this car and the new 370Z Roadster at this week's New York Auto Show. As you'd expect, the new Nismo Z gets a healthy boost in power, plus chassis and exterior upgrades that set it apart from the normal Z....
source:http://speedhunters.com/archive/tags/New+Cars/default.aspx

RETURN OF THE HONDA BEAT?

Sometimes you just have to love Japanese car magazines and their never ending stream of concept renderings and "insider" information. The guys over at 7Tune.com have just picked up on a Best Car Magazine story that talks about the return of the Honda Beat, the pint-sized kei sports car that was an icon of the early '90s Japanese auto industry. Although the new Beat would be front engined and front drive (unlike the original mid-engined Beat), it would be an interesting to alternative to the Daihatsu Copen. Rumor has it the new Beat could be on sale in 2011, powered by the same 660cc motor from Honda's other kei offerings. Whether or not the new Beat actually reaches production, I wouldn't count on seeing it exported to many countries outside of Japan....

THE 2010 MAZDA SPEED3

Another one of the noteworthy cars being shown under the lights of the New York Auto Show is the new 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the follow-up to the popular hot hatch that hit the market a few years ago. The current Mazdaspeed3 is known as one of the fastest front-drive cars of all time, and the new model simply brings that same formula to the new and improved 2010 Mazda3 chassis

SEAT IBIZA BOCANEGRA

As its VW Group month, I thought I’d show off a new Supermini hot hatch which has just been announced by SEAT, one of the divisions within VW Group. The new SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra made its debut at the Barcelona Motor Show today, less than a year after it received rave reviews as a concept. For North American Speedhunters, who might not be aware of SEAT or the Ibiza, this car is based on the Ibiza SC, which is a 3door hatch (SC stands for Sports Coupe apparently….) in the VW Polo/Ford...

VW SCIROCCO R

Hot on the heels of our Scirocco GT24 post last week, Volkswagen have announced the new 2.0i TSI 265hp 'R' version of the Scirocco for the European market. As with all Volkswagen 'R' products it is presented in their 'Racing' Blue seen on the Golf R32 and GT24 race car. Visually, the car is similar to the GT24 with deeper front bumper and larger air intakes, compared to the standard version. A new gloss black grille with 'R' Insignia sits between the aggressive headlamps...

VW SHOWS GTI & POLO WORTHERSEE CONCEPTS

As you saw during Kevve's post yesterday, the Worthersee event is a huge one among the VW and Audi fans in Europe. In fact, it's big enough that Volkswagen itself has decided to display a pair of new concept cars at the event - the Golf GTI and Polo "Wörthersee '09" editions. It's quite a good idea really. What better place to build some hype for your cars than a big gathering of your most loyal enthusiasts?...

SUBARU IMPREZA STI SPEC C

Here's a fitting new car intro for AWD month - the Subaru Impreza STI Spec C, which has just gone on sale to the Japanese market. Like the Spec C's of the past, Subaru has equipped this limited production model with a number of changes that bring a little more edge to what's already a great driver's car....

THE 2011 INFINITI M REVEALED

At the recent Concourse event in Pebble Beach, Infiniti revealed the first renderings of the all new 2011 M Sedan. Using a clay model with projected with computer images, Infiniti certainly chose a classy place to show off their new flagship. With a bold new styling and more displacement under the hood, the new M should improve on what's already one of the best performing Japanese luxury sedans around....

McLAREN MP4-12C

McLaren Automotive launched their new MP4-12C Supercar earlier this week at their Technical Centre in the UK. The new car will go into production in 2011 and feature a McLaren design and developed Twin Turbo V8 and cost around £150,000 CEO, Ron Dennis' plan is for McLaren to produce a range of sports cars in the coming years and the MP4-12C fits into the Ferrari 458/Lamborghini Gallardo class. Personally, I am somewhat underwhelmed with the styling, but I do understand the reasons for this...

THE MINI COUPE CONCEPT

Just in time for BMW month, here's an interesting bit of news coming out of BMW's Mini division. The newest model coming to the always-expanding is the Mini line is this new coupe model, which will be on display in concept form at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. As the name suggests, this car takes the familiar Mini styling and adds a sweeping coupe treatment to the rear....

M6 COMPETITION LIMITED EDITION

The Frankfurt Auto Show is now in full swing and BMW is one of the manufactures that has a massive stand. One of the cars they have on display is this M6 Competition Limited Edition. It will be an exclusive model because only 100 of them will be built. It will feature a new paintscheme called ‘Frozen Gray Metallic' it has a cool matt finish. Other upgrades include a revised suspension system that lowers the car 10mm in the front and 12mm in the back. The interior has also been upgraded..

MAZDA2 COMING TO THE USA!

It's been a long time coming, but Mazda has finally announced that the Mazda2 (or the Demio as it's known in Japan) is USA-bound. According to Mazda, the 2 will go on sale stateside in late 2010 and will be priced below the Mazda3. The Demio's Euro-like styling always caught my eye on the streets of Japan, and I can't wait to see them over here. The car in the photo above is the Demio tuned by Auto Craft Kyoto at the '08 Tsukuba Super Battle. Hmmm...is it time to make plans for a new daily driver? -Mike Garrett Source: GT Channel ...

HONDA EV-N

With Dino's fantastic Hakosuka feature and our JCCS coverage it seems like we've been on a bit of Nostalgic JDM kick this week. Sticking with that theme for a moment, we have the Honda EV-N Concept, which will be shown at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Although it features a high tech electric drivetrain, the exterior was clearly inspired by the original Honda N360 of the late '60s. Anyone else think this would look awesome dropped on 12 or 13-inch RS Watanabes or SSR's? -Mike Garrett ...

TOYOTA FT86 CONCEPT

After so many rumors I think our prayers have been heard, at least at the design studio of Toyota in France. They designed this successor of the Corolla AE86 that will be debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show. Luckily for us Dino will be covering this show so I'm sure he will get us all the details surrounding this car. I do know that it will be powered by a 2.0 liter boxer engine that has been developed by Subaru and that it will be rear wheel driven. The engine has been placed as far back as possible...

TSX WAGON COMING TO THE STATES

Just a couple weeks ago I posted a photo of a previous gen Accord Wagon from Japan, pondering how cool it would be if Honda decided to bring the new Accord Tourer to North America as the TSX Wagon. Perhaps someone from Honda was reading? Acura has just announced the TSX Sport Wagon will be joining the lineup for 2011. The car most likely will look very similar to the Euro/Japanese market Accord Tourer pictured up above. Hmmm...I wonder if it will be time to replace my daily driver come 2011? -Mike Garrett...
source:http://speedhunters.com/archive/tags/New+Cars/default.aspx

MUSTANG RTR-C: GET SERIOUS!

Here is the sneak peak I promised you all. This is the first-ever public picture of the extremely limited production Mustang RTR-C, the halo of the RTR brand. It is a one-hundred percent dry carbon Mustang for the street, which features in-car adjustable shocks, 550 horsepower, and carbon fiber HRE wheels. Only ten of these cars will be made. The car will first be seen at the SEMA Show this year where it will be on display at the Ford booth all week. I will do a feature on the car here on Speedhunters...
source:http://speedhunters.com/archive/tags/New+Cars/default.aspx

CAR FEATURE MUSTANG RTR: FULLY UNLEASHED

Like a proud father, I am very happy to introduce a new generation of the Ford Mustang - the Mustang RTR. I have dreamt this vision in my head for years; unfortunately, it has taken so much time for me to find the right people to help take the vision from my head to paper, then to the actual prototype phase that you see here. It sounds a lot easier then it really is - trust me! I fell in love with the Mustang in late 2004 and, as most of you know, we have been inseparable since. The Ford Mustang...

Mitsubishi Concept PX MiEV

Mitsubishi announced that it will premiere the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV at Tokyo Auto Show late this October. The concept is motivated by a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and Mitsubishi's all-new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), that utilizes E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) to transfers torque to the rear left and right wheels, with a pair of electric motors (one at each axle) and a battery.

The battery can be replenished either through regenerative breaking, the gasoline engine or via a regular household plug or a high-power quick-charging station.

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV is powered by a hybrid system which includes a 1.6-liter DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine for the front wheels and also works as a generator, and two permanent magnet synchronous motors, one for each axle.

Volvo Plug In Hybrid By 2012

Volvo has announced today that it will introduce its first plug-in hybrid by 2012. Pure electric power from the battery will cover the daily transport needs of 75 percent of European drivers. For longer distances, an efficient diesel hybrid engine automatically takes over. The combined range is about 1200 kilometres. Carbon dioxide emissions will average out at 49 grams per kilometre, with fuel consumption of 1.9 litres per 100 km.

"The new Volvo plug-in will be a truly enjoyable car to drive, featuring Volvo's high safety and comfort standards. At the same time, CO2 levels and fuel consumption will be as low as half that available on the market today." says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation
source:http://www.dieselstation.com/content/index/page:6/sort:Article.created_date/direction:desc

Carlsson CK50 Based On Mercedes E 500 E Class Coupe

German tuner Carlsson has released details previewing its tuning package for the Mercedes E 500 E-Class Coupe (C 207).

The new kit includes a new front lip spoiler, new side sills and a new rear lip with integrated exhaust system and air diffuser.

The kit is completed by the 20-inch 1/5 REVO light alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop tyres measuring 235/30. Under the hood, the V8 engine of the E500 Coupe was boosted from 388 hp and 530 Nm of torque to 435 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. Also, a new coilover suspension and sport springs with a lowering range of 30 millimetres have been added for better handling. Inside, we find new accessories such as a gearstick in leather/ultra suede, a leather/ultra suede steering wheel cover, Carlsson aluminium pedals covers and new floor mats with the Carlsson logo.

Prices of the CK50 are to be released within the next few weeks.

source:http://www.dieselstation.com/content/index/page:6/sort:Article.created_date/direction:desc

Infiniti Confirms M35 HYBRID FOR PRODUCTION

Infiniti has confirmed its first production Hybrid vehicle will form part of the recently announced M range of luxury performance sedans. With its introduction, the Infiniti M35 HYBRID will realise the high performance/low emissions promise of the Essence concept car. The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking. The M35 HYBRID can also run solely on its electric motor in certain driving conditions, furthering fuel efficiency.The M35 HYBRID will join the conventionally-engined M models – including a new high-performance diesel V6 for Western Europe – as the first generation of Infiniti’s luxury performance saloon to be sold across all of its world markets which currently number 33 countries. Depending on market, sales are expected to start from Spring 2010 with the M35 HYBRID arriving around 12 months later.

Ferrari 599 GTB FIORANO CHINA 2009

Ferrari announces the creation of a unique one-off 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition, signed by Chinese artist Lu Hao, which will be auctioned on the 3rd of November at a special Gala Auction Event hosted by Ferrari in Beijing. This exclusive car follows the announcement in September of a small series of specially-designed 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition models which won wide acclaim.

As one of China’s most successful and influential contemporary artists, Lu Hao has exhibited his work in major museums and galleries around the world. For this project he drew inspiration from China's rich cultural heritage, and as a Ferrari owner, he has a particularly intimate connection with the brand.

source:http://www.dieselstation.com/content/index/page:6/sort:Article.created_date/direction:desc

Toyota FT-ET II Concept Car

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces that three concept vehicles are to highlight the Toyota-brand exhibit for the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. One of them is FT-EV II Concept Car. The FT-EV II is a compact EV designed for short distances, and it is based on the idea of a future mobility society in which EVs are common, and means of transport are divided according to purpose, the characteristics of the energy to be used and the status of the supply infrastructure. The FT-EV II features a high-quality package extremely convenient in urban settings.

Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster 2010

Volkswagen presented an innovative lineup of extremely economical and low emissions drive technologies at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS) earlier this year. Featured there from January 11 to 25, 2009 were the carmaker's Clean Diesel engines (TDI). Many experts consider these diesel engines to be the most advanced of our times. The reasons: high fuel efficiency and extremely low emissions combined with maximum performance. It is precisely this formula that has already won over millions of car drivers worldwide, including a growing number of people in America.

source:http://www.dieselstation.com/content/index/page:6/sort:Article.created_date/direction:desc

Volkswagen GTI 2010

Volkswagen GTI 2010

For nearly three decades, the Volkswagen GTI has represented a potent combination of sports car-like finesse and tuned driving excitement in a versatile hatchback design. The all-new 2010 GTI ushers in the sixth generation of Volkswagen’s “hot hatch” lineage.

Under the hood, the latest version of the GTI utilizes the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine, with FSI direct fuel injection and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. Producing 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from 1,800 all the way up to 5,000 rpm, the GTI’s 2.0-liter engine is prepared to take to the road with force. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the GTI can go from a zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and on to an electronically limited 130 mph top speed.

2010 Subaru Legacy Tourer

The 2010 Legacy Tourer exudes on-road presence thanks to a bold front-end design and an increase in overall dimensions: the car is wider (by 50mm), taller (by 65mm) and longer (by 55mm).

The new grille (complete with ‘wing motif’) flanked by elongated headlights is both modern and instantly recognisable as a Subaru. Prominent wheel-arches hint at the impressive power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, while the strong belt line and a chrome-rimmed glass-house give the Legacy Tourer a premium feel.

The luxurious and spacious interior has been completely redesigned to give occupants more room and to improve comfort levels. For example, front headroom has risen by 21mm over the previous model, and legroom for rear-seat passengers increases by 99mm, aided by an 80mm increase in wheelbase.
source:http://www.dieselstation.com/content/index/page:6/sort:Article.created_date/direction:desc

Cheverolet Caprice Police Car 2011

GM will allow U.S. police departments to order a cop-spec Chevrolet Caprice beginning next year, with the first cruisers hitting the road in 2011. The Caprice is built on the Holden platform used for the G8 and which also underpins the new Camaro. Holden calls the car Statesman in Australia, while it is rebadged as a Chevy Caprice for sale in the Middle East.

At 118.5 inches, the Caprice rides on the longest wheelbase of any car using GM’s global rear-drive platform; the G8 was nearly four inches shorter between its wheels. Most of that room is accounted for in the larger back seat—GM claims a four-inch advantage in rear legroom over the Ford Crown Victoria

The All-New 2010 Subaru Outback

The fourth generation of Subaru’s ground-breaking Outback crossover vehicle arrives in showrooms this month and, thanks to a raft of changes, it’s better than ever.

The new Outback is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces. It is also more capable and more engaging to drive on-and off-road, and offers increased space and comfort for all occupants.

The new vehicle comes with the choice of three engines: a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel; a four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol; and six-cylinder 3.6-litre petrol engine.