BMW’s 7-Series is expected to undergo a massive style change when the new model arrives late next year. The current shape, best known for its Bangle-butt, has had its share of criticism as far as styling goes.

Reports from Germany suggest the new 7 Series will have a completely new front end, similar to the 6-Series, best of all though, the bangle-butt will be no more.

From what we can gather from these exclusive spy photos, the position of the headlights and turn signals indicate low mounted wrap-around headlights and a wide grille, as well as a sleeker body and a more elegant overall appearance.

To match Lexus, BMW is rumoured to be introducing an eight-speed transmission, as well the next-generation iDrive system.

The new 7-series is expected to hit European showrooms late 2008 as a 2009 model. Australian buyers should see deliveries in mid-late 2009.

Photos copyright to Scoopy and used with permission for CarAdvice.com.au only.

Source: Next-generation BMW 7-Series spy photos

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Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Volvo

Now that Ford is on the verge of off-loading Jaguar and Land Rover they are taking a serious look at moving Volvo upmarket into the void left by the British brands. As part of that move Ford is giving the Swedes engineering responsibility in Europe for hybrid technology. They have already opened a new hybrid engineering center in Gothenburg where Volvo has their headquarters. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Volvo showed off a new series hybrid concept called the Volvo ReCharge. If Ford does move Volvo further upmarket, they would be the logical brand to potentially develop a diesel hybrid since that combination would be fairly expensive.

[Source: Detroit News]

Source: Volvo could lead Ford in developing diesel hybrids

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A new Mazda 5? Looks a bit like the old 5 to me…

Very true, but then the 5 has never looked bad. It’s always been one of Mazda’s best, if underrated cars, and the facelift aims to gently polish it in every area.

The 5 now features electric sliding rear doors - as an option - that open and close in under five seconds, and can be operated from the key fob.

Source: Mazda 5 facelift

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Porsche is updating the 911 Turbo for the 2009 model-year in line with the sport carmaker’s usual practice of changing its models roughly every three to four years. It will be hard to spot the difference between the new and the old as these latest spy images show because most of the changes will be under the sheet-metal.

The facelifted model is expected to get an extra 20hp (15kW) to give it an edge over the new Nissan GT-R and return its supremacy at the Nurburgring. The bump in power is courtesy of a new direct-injection system, which is also expected to improve fuel economy.

Visually, the car is being enhanced with larger front air intakes and new fog-lights in the front bumper, giving a more aggressive look. At the rear are a new set of LED taillights and a new diffuser similar to that on the new GT3.

Source: Spy Shots: 2009 Porsche 911 Turbo facelift

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SafeSpeed reports that Med Hughes, the UK's "top traffic cop," has been disqualified for 42 days at Wrexham magistrates court for driving at 90mph in a 60mph zone. The now former chair of the Association of Chief Police Officers road safety committee has been the locus of particularly virulent anti-speed camera ire since he was hoisted by his own electronic petard. The court case put the Welsh cop in the Mother of All PR binds: if he wasn't banned, it would be a tacit admission that speeding isn't dangerous per se. If he was banned (as he now is), it would show Hughes to be a good old-fashioned English (Welsh?) hypocrite, heaping dishonor on his rep, the police and Hughes' camera-wielding "road safety partnerships." Sensibly enough, at least as far as we've heard, Hughes has said sweet FA about his brush with the law. Predictably enough, SafeSpeed's Paul Smith put the boot in. ""We don't believe for a single second that Mr Hughes was driving dangerously and he must now tell us the truth about the role of speed limits in road safety… The hypocrisy is breathtaking. Mr Hughes should clearly have been preaching what he practices - because clearly he knows that exceeding the speed limit isn't necessarily dangerous."

[Watch a video of Med talking about the importance of speed limits here.]  

Source: UK’s Top Traffic Cop Gets 42-Day Driving Ban

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Anthony Kodack
Filed in: Honda | scooters | Honda FORZA

  Article summary:
Page 1 :  Honda FORZA (ABS)

Page 2 :  Specifications

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will launch full model changes for the FORZA Z and the FORZA Z ABS on Tuesday, December 25. The FORZA scooter series has won Honda many fans with their sporty styling and advanced electronic features, including the Honda S-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmission, and the Honda Smart Card Key System, which allows the rider to start the engine without key operation.

Powered by a newly designed four-valve single-cylinder engine, the next-generation scooter realizes a powerful riding feel while complying with the 2006 Japanese motorcycle emission regulation. The new frame and suspension system ensure a more comfortable ride than before. Refinement of the overall body configuration, which includes modifications to the front meter visor shape and placement, results in an elegant form that realizes both increased aerodynamic performance and comfort. With the development concept "premium and comfortable two-seater," Honda has brought these models even further forward.

For the engine, a newly designed four-valve engine has been adopted rather than the two-valve engine of the previous model. Modification of the combustion chamber configuration, along with the adoption of metal crankshaft bearings and a new dual-core catalyzer have led to higher output in reducing vibration, and further improving environmental performance, including greater fuel efficiency.

The ever-popular Honda S-Matic automatic transmission now features a load sensing control system, the world’s first for a motorcycle, in addition to the seven-speed manual shift mode. By automatically selecting the shift position for optimal driving force to suit the riding conditions,the sensing system provides a powerful riding feel even on uphill roads or during tandem riding.

Since its market launch in 2000, the FORZA series has been well received for its sporty performance and superb utility. The 2004 full model change with the concept "stylish open two-seater" received high evaluation from customers and has been a long-time favorite, being as a top placement for the number of light-weight motorcycle registrations for 37 consecutive months, from May 2004 to May 2007.

Features

2008 Honda FORZA (ABS)

Newly Developed Four-valve Engine

In the new FORZA series, the conventional two-valve engine has been upgraded to a newly designed water-cooled four-stroke four-valve single-cylinder engine. To reduce engine noise, along with metal crankshaft bearings, a sealed compact crankcase was adopted to ensure sufficient lubrication. With this sealed crankcase, it is the first time for Honda to equip a primary balancer shaft. On the environmental side, the engine makes possible one of the lowest fuel consumptions in its class,using a roller rocker arm and an offset cylinder configuration to reduce frictional losses, and adding an O2 sensor for optimized fuel injection control. The use of a newly developed dual-core catalyzer allows clean environmental performance meeting the 2006 Japanese motorcycle emission regulation while also guaranteeing high output, reducing vibration and contributing in superb fuel economy.

Evolved Automatic Transmission

In addition to the seven-speed manual mode, the Honda S-Matic automatic transmission installed in the FORZA Z and FORZA Z ABS now features a load sensing control system, a first for motorcycles. In automatic mode, the mechanism automatically determines the load from the vehicle speed, engine rpm and throttle opening, and automatically selects the gear that provides the optimal driving force for conditions such as uphill roads or tandem riding. This new system realizes a powerful riding feel even on hilly, winding roads.

High-rigidity Frame

The newly designed backbone frame consists of large-diameter, thin-wall, high-tension steel tubes. With the frame weight relatively unchanged, the new structure realizes a 60% higher lateral rigidity and a 30% greater torsional rigidity. Simultaneously tough and flexible, this frame offers improved stability during high-speed and tandem ride, along with comfort on city streets.

Elegant Styling and Design

The concept behind the design was "a solid body and emotional surfaces." The slimmer body and the minimal rear overhang emphasize a compact and sporty feeling. Through an overall review of the body design including changes in the configuration and placement of the front meter visor, the new styling achieves an elegant form with improved aerodynamic performance without compromising comfort. Asserting a sense of presence, the circular tail lamp inherits the image of the previous model, with an even sportier design. And with the instrument panel, the design offers a high level of quality reminiscent of an automobile.

Rich Variety of Body Colors

For new FORZA Z, simple but popular Digital Silver Metallic has been chose from previous model. Also, three new colors have been set for the FORZA Z: Graphite Black, Duke Magenta Metallic and Candy Tahitian Blue. For the FORZA Z ABS, two new colors, Titanium Metallic and Graphite Black, have been set for the body. Along with the body colors, seat and step areas are colored in mocha-beige, creating overall of two-tone colored body. With wheels painted in gold, FORZA Z ABS provides luxurious image.

 1  2
Next pageSpecifications

Source: Internal

Source: Honda FORZA (ABS)

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Aston-Martin | Aston-Martin V8 | car tuning

The newly created Loder1899 wheel Vertigo Viginti has its debut at the Essen Motor Show. The 20 inch wheel in hyper-alloy look has a fascinating design, and hamonizes perfectly with the luxurious form of the British racer.

Aerodynamic real carbon fiber accessories from one of Germany´s leading tuner Loder1899, embellish the latest Aston Martin. These elegant parts: front-lip, rear diffusor and engine cover are extremely light weight and of the highest quality.

In addition, Loder1899 sport exhaust system includes a stainless steel sport catalytic converter. At 4000 rpm the flap control opens, which allows the engine to breathe out more effectively. Thanks to this optimised exhaust system not only does the sound have more substance, but the power also increases from 385 hp to 425 hp. To finish off the look, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante´s beautiful and dynamic lines are displayed to their fullest by Loder1899´s 35mm lowering kit.

Source: Internal

Source: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante by Loder1899

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BMW is expanding. The German luxury maker is working on an even smaller X series, dubbed the X1. Officially announced in late September, the X1 is expected to be about the same size as the new Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4.

Although smaller in size, BMW has not gone for the cheap option, the X1 will still be a full time four-wheel-driver, sharing its all-paw layout, raised ride-height and plastic body cladding with the upcoming Mini off-roader.

No need to rush to BMW showrooms however, the X1 is due in Europe towards the middle of 2010. So Australia will most likely see the car early 2011.

Engines and much of the car’s interior trim is expected to be sourced from the 1-series. Reports from Germany insist that a full hybrid version is unlikely to get the green light on cost grounds.

BMW expects the X1’s core audience to be made up of successful women. Tell us what you think, will it stack up against Audi’s Q3 and the Mini off-roader?

Photos copyright to Scoopy and used with permission for CarAdvice.com.au only.

Source: BMW X1 spy photos

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Following a dramatic 39.6 percent increase in sales this November sparked by the introduction of the all-new Lancer, Mitsubishi has continued the roll-out of its new range with the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Following in the footsteps of the Lancer, Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system has been included as standard on all 2008 Outlander models.

The Outlander range consists of six variants - which vary from the base model LS, the sporty VRX and newly introduced Luxury models - and are now available in a seven seat layout.

Powering the 2008 Outlander is either a 2.4-litre DOHC MIVEC engine which produces 125kW and 226Nm, or a more powerful 162kW 3.0 litre SOHC MIVEC V6 engine with 276Nm on tap.

Aside from the entry model LS which is available with a 5-speed manual transmission to provide a more attractive entry price into the Outlander range, all remaining models feature a CVT (continuous variable transmission) with INVECS III and 6-speed ‘Sport Mode’ tiptronic-style sequential shifting function.

XLS variants receive modest interior upgrades and add standard side and curtain airbags, a new voice activated hands-free Bluetooth telephone system and new sport mesh seat trim. An option pack comprising leather seat trim and power/heated seat with back pocket is available for the first time on XLS.

Finally, XLS Luxury variants now arrive with seven-seat layout only and offer several additional appointments including HID headlamps with auto leveling and headlamp washers, Rockford Fosgate audio package and a dusk-sensing headlamp and rain-sensing wiper combination package.

Pricing begins at $31,490 for the five seat LS Manual with the range topping VRX Luxury rounding out the range at $48,990.

Source: 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Damon Lavrinc
Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, GM

Both Ford and General Motors don’t want to saddle dealers with a glut of products in 2008, so both automakers plan to reduce production in the first quarter of next year.

The General plans to produce around 950,000 vehicles (606k trucks and 344k cars) in the first three months of ‘08, a reduction of around 11-percent from 2007’s output. Ford will be limiting production by 7.4-percent in the same period, reducing manufacturing by some 55,000 units for a total of 685,000 vehicles.

Ford and GM cite the economy and the subprime credit debacle as the primary reasons for the slow down, with both automakers keeping an eye on what’s ahead in ‘08 and adjusting accordingly.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Source: GM and Ford planning production cuts for first quarter of ‘08

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