Simona Alina
Filed in: Nissan | Nissan GT-R

Nissan will offer automotive enthusiasts a vehicle line-up that hits the high notes in performance, luxury and elegant design when the 9th Middle East International Motor Show opens at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre this week.

Nissan will showcase a range of all-new products including the GT-R and the Altima Coupe, while the Infiniti spotlight will be on the all-new EX luxury crossover and G37 Coupe.

Less than one month after its global debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38″ engine. The GT-R is based on the concept of a new multi-dimensional performance machine that delivers “an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime”. The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan.

Source: Internal

Source: Nissan GT-R at Dubai Motor Show

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Chris Tutor
SUVs, Mazda

While Autoblog was busy checking out the new Rogue, Grand Caravan, SRT4 and C30, everybody else at the recent South East Automotive Media Organization ride and drive was apparently loving on Mazda’s CX-9. Out of a possible 100 points, journalists at the event gave the SUV a score of 91, putting it way ahead of the 32 other vehicles from which to choose.

The contenders were rated on attributes that included safety, capacity, accessibility, value, amenities, ergonomics, NVH and styling. Personally, as both a family man and a member of the automotive media, my vote went to the new Dodge Caravan overall. It definitely loses out to the CX-9 on looks, but as a kid-hauler, it obviously ruled in all other categories. So how does a minivan with dual DVD players, seating for seven, a fold-away table, hookups for video games and wireless headphones lose to an SUV with many of the same options, but costs as much as $8,000 more?

After driving each car at the event, journalists were asked to submit their ratings for the vehicle on all the above attributes. We were told by someone in the know that Autoblog’s rating sheet was one of very few submitted for the Caravan. Which means it didn’t get driven a whole lot. We’re not suggesting any wrongdoing, just saying that a bunch of automotive journalists with limited time and miles of twisty roads to drive will rarely choose a relatively slow and ugly minivan over a sleek, luxury-like SUV. Unless their boss, (that’s you, John) asks them to.

Hey, John, next time, dang it, I’m driving the R32 instead of the Rogue and the CX-9 instead of the Caravan.

[Source: Mazda]

Charlotte, NC - The South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO) recently honored the 2008 Mazda CX-9 with the inaugural “Family Car of the Year Award” during the group’s sixth annual media ride and drive event, held at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

“We are honored to receive this inaugural award from journalists in the southeast,” says Dave Sweet, group manager, Product Strategies, Mazda North American Operations. “The CX-9 3.7L is our newest and most exciting vehicle that combines the utility of a family vehicle with seating for seven, and the power and ‘zoom-zoom’ of a sports car. With a new blind spot monitoring system for 2008, we know that families and fun seekers will enjoy the ride while benefiting from the many safety features. Family cars should be a joy to drive and this award demonstrates that fun and functionality make a winning combination.”

Engineered with Mazda’s “Soul of a Sports car” DNA, CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle (SUV) practicality. For 2008, CX-9 reaches a higher level of performance with a new standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, resulting in 10 more horsepower (273) and 21 additional lb-ft of torque (270) compared to 2007.

From among a pool of 33 available test-drive vehicles, attending journalists from the south east region submitted a total of 97 ballots to select the top family-friendly vehicle. Vehicles were judged on family friendliness through eight categories: safety, capacity, accessibility, value, amenities, ergonomics, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and styling. A maximum score of 100 points could be awarded for each ballot.

Tom Kelley, SEAMO’s Executive Director, said “while there are dozens of ‘Car of the Year’ awards out there, the family car segment has yet to gain an appropriate level of attention, so the creation of SEAMO’s ‘Family Car of the Year Award’ was long overdue. The 2008 Mazda CX9 stood out from an impressive field of competitors to exemplify what SEAMO members consider to be the most important attributes of a great family car.”

To determine the vehicle’s final score, points from each ballot cast for the vehicle were averaged and then the average score was weighted with one additional point for each ballot cast for the vehicle. The 2008 Mazda CX-9 took top honors with a final score of 91 points.

Founded in 2001, SEAMO’s membership includes the Southeast’s top automotive journalists, along with regional and national marketing representatives from all of the mainstream automotive brands. In addition to conducting the Family Car of the Year Award program, SEAMO is also the host organization for the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts, accessories and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.Operations in Canada are managed byMazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico byMazdaMotor de México in MexicoCity.

Source: CX-9 wins again: SEAMO Family Car of the Year

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

When Chryslerberus announced their new "lifetime warranty" last July, the fine print revealed that the security blanket only covered the vehicle's original owner. It also stated the hot-to-trot SRT models were exempt. Fair enough; these highly-horsed Hemis are likely experience a bit more than "normal" wear and tear. That said, Chrysler seem to be playing Three Card Monte (Find the Lady for our British audience) with that particular rider. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 sitting on the company's LA Auto Show display stand proudly proclaims its lifetime warrant-age. If you look closely– just below that sticker– there's a line that's so small it looks like a row of dashes. It states "Not available on SRT…" When confronted about this declarative discrepancy, Mr. Lawence Oswald of Chrysler LLC agreed that we'd identified a mysterious automotive anomaly. "That's a good question." So how about a good answer?

Source: Chrysler’s Lifetime Warranty: Always Read the Fine Print

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

During the L.A. Auto Show, Dodge unveiled its 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer). The street-legal racecar is equipped with the 2008 Viper’s 600 Hp V10 engine. According to the American carmaker, the ACR has undergone a diet while it also features sportier suspension settings and an aerodynamic package. Buyers can minimize the car’s weight even more by opting for the “Hard Core” package, which eliminates the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. The SRT10 ACR is expected to rollout in the second quarter of 2008. -Video after the jump

Source: Video: Dodge’s Street Legal 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

The LP640 Roadster may not be the newest supercar on the block but who can resist seeing the car tear up some tarmac. The video is made all the more interesting thanks to Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and his comical criticisms.

Via: Autoblog.it

Source: Video: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster review

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

I think I can already guess what the Dubai Motor Show is going to be about…

Yes: money, money, money. The show could be summed up by the fact that the Maybach Landaulet made its world debut in Dubai. Not the LA Auto Show where everyone else was, but Dubai in the Middle East.

However, the Maybach’s no looker. The Landaulet design study is seriously rotten to look at, even the obligatory dolly birds perched on the car do little to disguise this sheer imposing hulk of it. Unfortunately, it looks like Mercedes will be putting the Landaulet into production in a bid to held boost Maybach sales which have struggled against the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Most will probably be sold in the Middle East, we suspect.

Source: Dubai Motor Show 2007

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

By Jane Nakagawa

Southern California, long hailed as the epicenter of automotive creativity and consumer trends, is home to the world’s largest concentration of automotive design studios, and there are 15 such operations for the major car manufacturers alone.

The Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public  Nov. 17 and extends to Nov. 25,  takes advantage of this regional talent by playing host to an annual conference of automobile design professionals called "Design Los Angeles."

In its fourth year and gaining popularity, the conference is expected to gather over 500 participants. The centerpiece of the conference is the Design Challenge, in which teams compete to create the most innovative concept within a given theme. This year’s theme, Robocar 2057, attracted entries from Audi, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.

An Environmental Approach

Four studios made similar assumptions about the future – a scarcity of open land, major traffic congestion, and unmitigated pollution.

GM’s OnStar ANT takes cues from one of earth’s hardest working and efficient creatures, the ant. Infinitely reconfigurable panels adapt the vehicle’s interior to suit the driver’s needs, while OnStar enables seamless communication with other vehicles to maximize traffic flow.

Honda’s One to the Power of Four specifically addresses the issue of commuting from the suburbs to the city, where a car might break up into four separate modules and give a driver a choice between mass transit and personal transportation.

The VW Slipstream seamlessly adapts its footprint to suit its environment – upright and vertical in the city or long and low for high speeds on the freeways.

The Toyota Biomobile Mecha also adapts vertically and horizontally depending on the environment, but takes the theme one step further. The vehicle is propelled by pollutants in the air, thus restoring balance to the atmosphere.

Car As Object

Audi, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz were less influenced by the environment and instead focused on the car as object.

The Audi Virtuea Quattro is the bouillon-cube expression of its brand – intelligence and beauty. Unflustered by traffic or pollution, the Virtuea transports its owner in a holographic cocoon with grace and style.

Not unlike the SilverSurfer of comic books, the Mercedes Benz SilverFlow ensures that its owner never has to worry about a single dent on his prized possession. The car’s shape can be reshaped at the click of a button, and if that’s not enough, it can completely liquefy and slide its way through traffic.

Mazda’s MotoNari RX pays tribute to an old Japanese warrior while taking cues from the gaming world. Worn like a suit of armor, the MotoNari RX is the ultimate in man-machine interface.

Nissan is the only company that created a concept that went beyond the idea of transportation. The OneOne leaps out of the garage into the home by becoming the ultimate butler/chauffeur/nanny/pet. Naming your car may become a routine right of passage for new car buyers! 

Different Takes, Same Goal - Mobility

All these concepts are as futuristic as a piece of Syd Mead’s set design for "BladeRunner," yet all have promising innovation opportunities for the industry. Even in a futuristic world, car designers recognize that people want to go places without the hassles of traffic. No one likes it that cars pollute. Everyone is attracted to beauty, loves to be exhilarated, and hates a door ding.

The future will change, but the way we value personal mobility will not.

A complete description of these projects can be found at Design Los Angeles.

Source: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: Robocar 2057

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Simona Alina
Filed in: Subaru | 2008 | Detroit Auto Show | Subaru Forester

Subaru will unveil the all-new redesigned 2009 Forester next year at the Detroit Auto Show. As the previous model, the 2009 Forester will be built on the Impreza platform, so it can easily compete with Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V.

The 2009 Forester will be wider than the current model and 2 inches wider than the Outback. Under the hood there will be the same naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter found in the base Impreza.

Source:nasioc

Source: 2009 Subaru Forester to be unveiled at Detroit Motor Show

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Simona Alina
Filed in: | suv | Celebrity Cars | Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln, the resurgent American luxury brand, announced today a multifaceted marketing partnership with a rising star and Grammy Award-winning performer Common to promote the 2008 Lincoln Navigator and other brand initiatives.

“Lincoln is excited to be associated with Common because his success story is gaining momentum at the same time that ours is,” said Mike Richards, general marketing manager for Lincoln. “Common has earned many accolades for his talents, yet he remains grounded and maintains a confident, unique style all his own. Lincoln shares these brand qualities and it makes us proud to have Common represent Lincoln and increase our brand appeal among consumers.”

Through an exclusive partnership with Lincoln, Common will appear in national television broadcast, radio and print advertisements, primarily focused on the all-new 2008 Lincoln Navigator. The first of the ads, titled “Common,” will debut nationwide November 25 during NFL Sunday Night Football on NBC, and later appear on general market and urban schedules. The commercial spotlights the people, places and experiences that shaped his life in his hometown of Chicago. It segues to his present-day life as an enterprising, multitalented individual, continuing to reach higher, yet still deeply rooted in his community. His understated confidence, authenticity, and distinctive sense of style echo the personality of the Lincoln Navigator. The print and radio ads will premiere in 2008.

Lincoln will additionally work with Common in developing other online and offline cross-promotional and marketing programs across his diversified businesses, including the licensing of songs for creative executions for television and the Web, tie-ins with Common’s books and hat lines, as well as alignments with his concert tour. Common will also perform and make personal appearances on behalf of Lincoln at auto shows and dealer events, and be an integral component of the annual multiple-city Lincoln Lounge events.

Lincoln also plans to align itself with Common’s nonprofit organization, the Common Ground Foundation, and will sponsor the first annual Start the Show n’ Bowl fundraising event to be held February 2008 during Grammy weekend.

“I am very enthused and honored to connect with Lincoln,”said Common. “I believe that this union will be creative, fresh, and classic. Most importantly, it’s a way for Lincoln and me to give back to the community and people in need.”

Source: Internal

Source: Common to promote the 2008 Lincoln Navigator

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Jonathon Ramsey
LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Mitsubishi

UPDATE: Another high-res gallery of photos from Frank Filipponio added

click above link for high-res gallery of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi pulled the covers off the US-spec 2008 Lancer Evolution X, and the differences between your red, white, and blue steed and the one from its homeland are: the steering wheel is on the left, versions with the 6-speed SST auto ‘box are called the MR (the 5-speed manual is the GSR), and the seat cushions are longer in order to fit longer American bodies.

The stripper RS model is not on offer here — that’s the one without a radio and power options. The differences between our GSR and the MR aren’t many, but depending on your preferences they might not be minor. The standard GSR has a radio and power accessories, but does not come with a wing — that would get added in the Sight, Sound, and Spoiler package, which throws in HID headlamps and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system. The optional package for the MR is the Technology Package, which adds goodies to the stereo system (like a subwoofer and hard drive), Bluetooth, navigation, and the Fast Key entry system.

When it comes to inner workings, the GS rides on 18-inch Enkeis. The MR gets 18-inch BBS forged alloys, as well as Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs, and 2-piece rotors. Voila. Lancer Evo X pricing according to one source will be around $30,000 for the GSR, and $36,000 for the MR. Follow the jump to read the full press release and options, and check out our live shots of the car’s reveal in the gallery below. Video of the live introduction is also available after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X

PRESS RELEASE

MITSUBISHI INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2008 LANCER EVOLUTION WITH TURBO/INTERCOOLED ENGINE, SUPER-ALL WHEEL CONTROL AND AVAILABLE 6-SPEED AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Mitsubishi Motors is introdu