Lascelles Linton
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, LA Auto Show

The video above is a very good tour of all the green cars at the LA Auto Show in just 3 minutes. The tour guide has great observations and funny lines like the Volt was missing and he hoped this was not “a shadow of things to come.” Below the fold are two more videos from the show and the first is a presentation of GM’s hemi hybrid Chrysler Aspen hybrid and Dodge Durango hybrid. The video begins with a joke that you never expect someone to roll down their window and ask “hey, is that a hybrid?” Ha, ha, once again GM reiterates that their hybrids ARE NOT SMALL. Finally, below the fold is a video all about Toyota’s fuel cell FCHV, which drove 2,300 miles across Canada.

Related:

• 2007 LA Auto Show videos: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro, Honda FCX Clarity, Katie Couric
• 2007 LA Auto Show videos: Porsche Cayenne hybrid, Volkswagen Space Up!, Chevy Silverado hybrid

[Source: YouTube]

Source: 2007 LA Auto Show videos: green cars, Hemi hybrid joke, Toyota FCHV

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With the new C-Class out of the way, next in line for Mercedes is the next-generation E-Class. Although a good two years away from release, we have got our hands on spyshots of the new Merc - code named W212 - testing in the Austrian Alps and in the south-western United States.

After Mercedes-Benz abandoned the Sensotronic braking system of the E-Class in the model’s 2005 facelift the new version is expected to get an impressive list of new braking technologies such as wet-weather disc wiping and wheel-selective cornering brake control. Ceramic-composite discs may also make an appearance on the AMG models.

Mercedes, like other German manufacturers, has a solid policy of how it builds cars. The S-Class gets it all first and then its styling and technology slowly trickles down through the rest of the range. The E-Class is expected to copy the S-Class’s wheel-arch extensions, rising character line below the door handles and the rather larger bumpers.

There is also a good chance other S-Class technologies will make an appearance. Expect lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification (designed for Europe), road-condition sensors and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes, and tyre wear.

As for engine choice, not much is expected to change with the usual V6 and V8 engines and a range of diesels, from German taxi specials to autobahn blasting oil-burners. Of course the new E63 will retain its enormous 6.3-litre V8. Expect official photos closer to the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Next-generation Mercedes-Benz E‑Class (W212) spy photos

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Kia has been busy building a cool and compact SUV - the Kia Soul. Our US-based photographers took these spy photos of the production model undergoing testing.

Initially unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Kia has already confirmed production plans for the US  market.

Under the current circumstances an Australian release seems unlikely for the time being, nonetheless CarAdvice has asked Kia Australia for comment.

The Korean company has built the Soul to appeal to a younger market. With a pimped out stereo and aggressive styling, the Soul is definitely one Kia we we are keen to test.

The car will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. It will see American daylight late next year.

Source: Kia Soul spy photos

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Hyundai’s Concept Genesis Coupe heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Korean carmaker’s lineup in the spring of 2009. The near-to-production concept is powered by 300+ horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine. In this video we’ve combined scenes from the coupe’s LA Show premiere along with Hyundai’s short action film were you get a chance to see the car on the road.

Source: Hyundai RWD Genesis Coupe LA Show Debut & Action Film

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Alex Julian
Filed in: | F1

Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that he has struck a deal with the Indian company JP Associates, who has won a ten-year contract to bring Formula 1 to India from 2010. The race will be held at a purpose-built facility near Greater Noida airport, 50km outside New Delhi, from 2010.

“India has always been known for its love of cricket, but F1 has been growing hugely in popularity in recent years as the viewing figures would suggest," Ecclestone said in a statement on F1’s official website. "Now with Vijay Mallya’s team, Force India, and the news that Karun Chandhok could soon be driving in F1, the announcement of the future Grand Prix in India will spark an explosion of further interest to rival that of the traditional sport.”

Force India

Local authorities have already granted planning permission for work to begin at the site while famed F1 track designer Hermann Tilke recently visited Delhi to consider possible lay-outs. The decision to base the track in Greater Noida was taken after a detailed study of Delhi’s infrastructure, given the city will also host the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

Billionaire businessman Vijay Mallya became the first Indian F1 team owner in the autumn when he bought out Spyker and renamed in Force India, with a vision to promote the sport and national racing talent in his home country.

Source: Internal

Source: India will host its first Grand Prix in New Delhi in 2010

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Simona Alina
Filed in: BMW | 2007 | coupe | Los Angeles Auto Show | BMW 1-Series | $30K-$40K

The BMW 1 Series Coupe made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche created by the legendary BMW 2002. On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Pricing will start from $35,675 for the 135i and $29,375 for the 128i.

Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction-core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.

Source: Internal

Source: BMW 1-Series Coupe makes US debut; pricing announced

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Damon Lavrinc
LA Auto Show, Videos, Supercars, Nissan

click above image to view video of the Nissan GT-R’s display in action

var digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gaming_news/VIDEO_Nissan_GT_R_Gran_Turismo_inspired_video_display_in_action’; Our friends from Fast Lane Daily had the opportunity to get intimate with Nissan’s US-spec GT-R at the 2007 LA Auto Show, and although we’ve gone over every nugget of info about Godzilla’s engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system, we haven’t had the chance to check out all of the techy goodness that awaits the driver and his awe-struck passengers.

As reported before, Mr. Yamauchi and his team of crack UI geeks at Polyphony Digital designed the computer system that keeps track of nearly every facet of the GT-R’s performance and internal systems. Four user-customizable presents display twelve different parameters on the dash-mounted screen, including everything from acceleration, braking and lateral g’s, to oil temperatures, boost levels, torque split, and throttle and brake position. The list goes on, but we’ll let the FLD crew take it from here. Make the jump for the full video and you’ll find an overview of GT-R’s display screen about 2 minutes in.

Car Videos by Veoh.com

Source: VIDEO: Nissan GT-R Gran Turismo-inspired video display in action

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Drew Phillips
Concept Cars, Time Warp, Tuners, Shelby

Nearly four years ago at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, Ford launched a Cobra Concept with a 6.4-liter V10 and a modern design twist of the classic two-seater. While it was cool to see a modernized version of the original, it still lacked the overall aggressive design of the original Cobra that so many people love. There weren’t enough curves, and the front looked somewhat awkward.

Recently, Maltese design and tuning company Racer X Design launched renderings of what they call the KC-427 Concept. It has very similar lines to the original Cobra (especially the rear), but with sharper creases that give a modern appearance. Racer X Design hopes to have a full concept car out within a year, and to eventually produce a run of twenty.

[Source: Racer X Design via Serious Wheels]

Gallery: Racer X Design KC-427 Concept

PRESS RELEASE

A modern interpretation of the legendary Cobra 427, as seen by the Maltese designers at Racer X Design. This is the first time that Racer X Design is showing the sketches of the KC-427 to the public.

Designed to evoke the emotions of the classic cobra, the KC-427 concept captures the beautiful design of the original while adding a more brutal new age twist. The design is dramatic, modern yet with the same lines that made the original an icon, the KC does not try to hide the fact that its insight comes from the 60’s. It looks ready to chew the tarmac even in design phase.

The small dimensions together with a space frame chassis consent to build a car that weighs less than a ton, even with a 7.0L V8 motor as found on the new Corvette Z06. The result would be a car that has a power to weight ratio of around 550 bhp/ton.

The Concept car will be completed within a year, expect it to be a hit. A relatively small Company that builds one off cars for the single enthusiast, the Racer X design team is already known for both the GTV Evoluzione and the RCX, both of which won several awards both in design and construction.

This is also the first time that instead of building a one off, twenty KC-427’s are intended to be sold internationally. “We will start collecting information on who might be interested in this car. The first twenty people who show interest will be offered the opportunity to purchase the KC once the cars are ready and be updated regularly with the progress” said Reuben Zammit – Director and Head of design of Racer X.

Source: Racer X Design KC-427 Concept offers modern interpretation of the Cobra

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Terry

You can always rely on Dan Neil of the LA Times to provide the best in automotive journalism.  He had the pleasure of not only driving the Bentley GT Speed but to write a very informative article with his flare of humor.  Though I find his video interesting watch to see what you think.

“Much of the hardware on the performance-enhanced GT Speed — which makes its North American debut this week at the L.A. Auto Show — is devoted to going fast and quick. The suspension is stiffer, the ride height lower. The radiator grille is more upright, for better cooling. The twin-turbo 6.0-liter engine gets a number of mods to lighten and strengthen the four-cam valvetrain and reciprocating assembly. The technicians have adjusted the engine’s electronic brain to the “insane” setting. Hence the 610 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a six-speed ZF transmission and Torsen center differential. The result, and the net performance gain over the GT, is a 0-60 mph pace of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph (4 mph faster). “

Ok so this beast of a beauty might have 50 hp more than the sniveling runt of a car, the Continental GT (I believe that how Mr. Neil describes the GT in his article) I still enjoy the beautiful and powerful ride the Continental GT provides.

Discover the power of the sniveling runt of a car by renting it for a drive at DFW Elite Auto Rental.

And if this this power isn’t enough try the many other powerful beauties in their exotic garage.  Maybe an Aston Martin or the Dodge Viper of how about the Lamborghini.

Source: A Bentley on steroids

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Terry

As always this lady is a let the wind blow thru her hair girl.  Looky here what Aston Martin is put up for girls like me.

N400 Roadster
Open-Topped Special from Aston Martin

Just two months ago we covered the unveiling of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400, so-named to commemorate the marque’s achievements at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, where it competed with its V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Now, not only is the N400 av