Simona Alina
Filed in: Mitsubishi | sports cars | Mitsubishi Lancer | $30K-$40K

Mitsubishi announced the MSRP for the 2008 Lancer. The Evolution GSR version powered by a DOHC I4 MIVEC Turbo engine and mated with a 5-Speed Manual will be priced at $32,990.00.

The new-generation Lancer’s standard new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine is among the most powerful standard engines in its segment, with 152 hp at 6,000 rpm (Federal Tier 2, Bin 5 emissions) and 146 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm. (For California, Lancer is PZEV-certified and offers 143 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm.)

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS. The Lancer ES model projects a refined appearance with 5-spoke 16-in. alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome grille surround. The GTS’s styling is even more aggressive than on other Lancer models, with 10-spoke 18-in. alloy wheels, front and side air dams, standard fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe tip.

Options

• Sight, Sound, and Spoiler Package - $2,000.00
• Premium Paint Charge (Phantom Black) - $250.00

Accesories

• Accessory Navigation Package - $1,999.00
• Accessory 6-CD Audio Head Unit - $399.00
• Accessory Aero Kit - Base GSR - $1,999.00
• Accessory Aero Kit - $1,999.00
• Accessory Side Wind Deflectors - $85.00
• Accessory Cargo Organizer - $40.00
• Accessory Wheel Locks - $56.00
• Accessory Interior Sport Package - GSR - $399.00

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Picture Gallery

Source: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X GSR pricing announced

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Simona Alina
Filed in: BMW | coupe | BMW 1-Series | car tuning

In the top 135i version, 306 hp of power and 400 Nm of torque propel the rear wheels of the new 1-series coupé. Sporty spring kits and chassis suspensions from H&R can transform this sheer performance into pure driving fun, not only coming very close to the Carrera in terms of engine performance, but also with regard to the driving experience. The spring kits bring this small coupé some 40 to 60 millimetres closer to the asphalt and are the perfect addition for all available engine sizes.

The same applies for the Cup Kit complete suspension. The spring/damper package makes the car that touch sportier, while retaining sufficient comfort for general daily use.

The adjustable coilover comes recommended for the very sporty and accomplished driver, making it possible to lower the suspension by 40 to 60 millimetres. With this version, you will notice H&R’s many years of motorsport experience in every corner. Combined with everyday driving needs, this provides the best and keenest compromise between the two “worlds”.

Further highlights can be achieved by using TRAK+ wheel spacers, made from a high-strength aluminium alloy, regardless of whether you wish to combine them with factory or aftermarket rims. These allow you to perfect the look of the otherwise usually less-than-attractive recess between the tyre shoulder and wing. Furthermore, the wider contact area of the vehicle improves the driving dynamics.

This comprehensive range is now on offer from H&R-Spezialfedern. Apart from the usual H&R quality, all parts come with TÜV certification or an ABE (vehicle type approval certificate).

Source: BMW 1-Series Coupe by H&R

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First the good news. AFP reports that GM's joint venture Chinese sales rose 18.5 percent in 2007, clocking-in at 1.03m vehicles. That's 548,945 units with SAIC-GM-Wuling and 479,427 vehicles through GM-SAIC. In a written statement, GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale rang-in the glad tidings. "Despite growing competition across the board, demand remained robust for our established products such as the Buick Excelle and LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Lova," Wale said. According to the statement, GM snagged the title of sales leader in the PRC– amongst global automakers– for the third straight year. Yes, well, Dow Jones Market Watch puts a different spin on the story. DJ restricts the stats to '07 passenger cars, and says Volkswagen's Chinese production outstripped GM's by 431,064; putting VW's increase at 28 percent. It also points out that GM's 18.7 percent rise represents slowing growth, when compared to the previous year's 26.8 percent gain, or the overall market's 20.7 percent expansion. Bloomberg fingered the usual reason: product. "GM's expansion in the world's second-largest auto market slowed as customers opted for Volkswagen's Skoda Octavia and the Ford Focus over the Buick Excelle." As China's domestic automakers break free from their foreign "partners," the boom times may soon be at an end. 

AFP »

Source: GM’s China Sales Soar– But Not as Fast as Before or as Much as VW’s

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Think your morning rush-hour commute sucks? Consider the New York Times' description of someone learning to drive in New Delhi:

Amid a cacophony of horns, a blood-red sport utility vehicle weaved between cars, passing Mr. Sharma within a razor's edge on the right. A school bus snuggled close up on his left. No one seemed to care about traffic lanes. Cars bounced in and out of crater-size potholes… Sharing the road with him were a bicyclist with three cooking-gas cylinders strapped to the back of his bike, a pushcart vendor plying guavas, a cycle rickshaw loaded with a photocopy machine (rickshaws often being the preferred mode of delivery for modern appliances)… At one point, a car careered down the wrong side of the road… At least this morning there was no elephant chewing bamboo in the fast lane, as there sometimes is.

As ultra-cheap vehicles allow more and more Indians– many of whom have never driven a car– to take to the road, traffic experts expect the situation to get much worse. And with a driving test that consists of turning on the ignition and driving in a wide circle, you gotta believe they're right.

New York Times »

Source: India: Elephants Have the Right of Way

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Chevrolet has tempted enthusiasts with yet another image of the undisguised pre-production 2009 Camaro Coupe, more than likely captured testing right here in Australia.

In one sense, these images serve only to build hype for the Camaro prior to its release later this year. However accompanying this latest release are GM’s doubts surrounding various design features such as the headlamps, indicating they may be more interested in consumer feedback to ensure the Camaro is the best it can be.

“The new Camaro is quickly evolving into final form, but some of the details you see here (such as the headlamp design) may change before production begins this year.” Alicia Dorset, GM FastLane blog editor.

What are your current thoughts on how the current rendition of the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe is progressing?

Source: Pre-Production Camaro front-end revealed

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We knew this was going to happen the minute that GM released the first image of an uncloaked, pre-production Camaro being tested. This time, the folks at GM decided to give us a peek of the front end, stating however that some of the details seen here (such as the headlamp design) may change before production begins this year. Until GM releases a side view pic (…) click here to check out the rear-end of the upcoming Camaro Coupe.

Source: 2009 Chevy Camaro: Front-End Picture of Pre-Production Model

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Volvo’s Detroit Show stand will host the premier of the XC90 R-Design package which promises to enhance the SUV’s appearance with a range of sports-inspired interior and exterior details. These include sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel, 19-inch alloy wheels as standard with an option to upgrade to 20-inch, dual exhaust pipes, skid-plate, the R-Design badge in the grille and rear view mirror caps in silk matt finish while the car is not fitted with roof rails, although these are still available as an option.

Inside, the R-Design Package adds sports seats with a combination of two different grades of leather, enhanced by contrasting cream-colored leather lining, sport leather-trim steering wheel with R-Design logo, aluminum pedals, aluminum center stack and door inlays, gear selector and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting leather piping. -Details and high-res pics after the jump

Press Release:

Spice up your Volvo XC90 with R-design - the choice for customers with a refined taste

Volvo Cars’ R-design programme - a sporty factory-fitted option package - is now also available for the Volvo XC90. R-design is tailor made for customers who want a car with refined attributes. The package is also available for the Volvo C30, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50.

“The possibility of tailoring one’s car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars,” says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

The R-design package for the Volvo XC90 is an extension of the XC90 Sport version that was introduced in the end of 2006. New R-design features are the optional 20-inch wheels, the dual exhaust pipes, a unique skid-plate and the R-design badges in the grille, on the steering wheel and on the seats as well as rear-view mirror caps in silk matt finish.
Features remaining from the XC90 Sport version are:

• Sport chassis
• Details and trim in a silk-matt finish rather than the standard chrome.
• Unique sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel.
• Sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather and sports seats with additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering.
• Seats with a combination of two different grades of leather, enhanced by décor piping in different colour shades.
• Instrument dials with metal chronograph watch-style faces and a shimmering blue lustre.
• Sport carpets with accent-coloured décor piping.

To accentuate the sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, the vehicle is not fitted with roof rails - although they will be available as an option for customers who need them.

R-design for C30, S40 and V50
The R-design package for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 includes a choice between 10 exterior colours and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.
Exterior features include a silk matt-finish grille, colour co-ordinated bumpers and lower side mouldings, rear or roof spoiler, silk matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminium wheels (17 inches, 18 inches available as option). There is also a deco trim on the trunk lid of the S40 and tailgate on the V50.

Contrasting seats
Inside the car there are seats in off-black Flex-Tec with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-coloured leather. The R-design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the seats’ sporty appearance.
Other R-design interior details include the leather-trim steering wheel with its R-design logo,
the unique combi instrument, aluminium pedals, specially designed aluminium centre stack and door inlays, gear selector with aluminium inlay and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting light leather piping.
A selection of R-design features will also be available as accessories.

Emotional and extrovert
“R-design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models,” says Steve Mattin, Senior Vice President and Design Director at Volvo Cars.

Source: Detroit Show: Volvo Debuts XC90 R-Design Package

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Eric

Every purchase makes a statement about the person for whom the purchase is made.  For example, if a person buys a coat it means that they may want to stay warm.  If my premise holds up, then what does the purchase of a Cruzin Cooler say about its purchaser? 

What is this Cruzin Cooler you ask?  Well it’s just what America, and dare I say the world, needs.  It is a cooler (aka Ice Chest), mounted on top of a scooter-type apparatus such that the passenger sits on top of the cooler while traveling to their destination.  What type of destination is a tricky question. 

Physically speaking, the Cruzin Cooler can haul its load (up to 500+ lbs worth) between 10 and 30 miles depending on the model purchased.  Philosophically speaking, I would guess that the Cruzin Cooler is the express train to obesity, drunkenness, and existential crisis. 

According to the manufacturer’s web site, the Cruzin Cooler “combines two basic necessities of life, the ability to have cold food or a beverage…with the means to get somewhere, without walking.”  No, I’m not making this up.  For some reason the famous advice given to Flounder by Dean Vernon Wormer’s in the best fraternity movie ever made comes to mind: “Fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.” 

Now, for a little more refined combination of your culinary and transportation needs you should consider an exotic car tour.  These tours allow you to drive some of the world’s most exotic cars on beautiful stretches of roadway.  Some even break up the day with a meal.  No Cruzin Cooler required.

Check out DFW Drive Your Dream (www.dfwdriveyourdream.com) for example.  This Fort Worth, TX company allows participants to drive five exotic cars back-to-back on deliciously desolate sections of North Texas Hill Country roadways. You have not lived until you have hit 60 MPH in first gear in a Lamborghini Gallardo. Participants get a turn behind the wheel of each of the cars.  In addition, a complimentary gourmet lunch is included in the full day 250-mile tour.  Tour gift certificates make an excellent gift for sport car enthusiasts and can even be found on eBay from time to time. 

Even dreamed of having your own dream garage? Why not look into joining an exotic car club.  These car sharing clubs are a hot trend in cities across the U.S.  Check out www.exoticcarclubs.com to find a car club near where you live.  DFW Elite Car Club (www.dfwelitecarclub.com) is one such club located in the Dallas, Texas area.  This club spares members the hassle ownership and allows enthusiasts to drive an unparalleled variety of the latest luxury and best classic cars.  Check out this car club video for more on the club’s exclusive collection and benefits of membership in the best exotic car sharing club in Dallas Fort Worth.

Finally, for an exotic car quick hitter, try renting one.  Avis and Alamo aren’t going to cut it in the exotic car department, so check out www.rentexoticcars.net for a directory of exotic car rental organizations.  In Texas, the place to go is DFW Elite Auto Rental (www.dfweliteautorental.com).  With reservations available online, weekly car rental specials, and a huge selection of exotic cars, this is the one-stop shop for your special occasion car needs.

No matter which way you choose to get your exotic car fix, it’s guaranteed to give you a much cooler cruise than a Cruzin Cooler. 

Written by G.D. Gregory.  If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.

Source: CRUZIN COOLER MAKES THE ALMOST PERFECT GIFT

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Xavier Navarro
Filed under: Biodiesel, Vegetable Oil, European Union, South/Latin America, UK

Seriously: what do you do with your leftover cooking oil? Most people just pour it down the drain (not pointing any fingers, here). This is quite bad for a couple of reasons: first because it can affect waste water treatment plants and second because a potential fuel is lost. We have written a lot about how used oils can be made into car fuel before; today we have three more examples about global initiatives to raise awareness about recycling used oil.

Let’s go first to Murcia, Spain. It’s a region where water is scarce and the prospects of using recycled water seems very attractive. But not when it’s got lots of fat in it. Therefore, the concession in charge of waste management has delivered free funnels to all households in the city of Molina de Segura which people can use with empty soda bottles. Once full, the bottles can be brought at any local grocery shop or school to be recycled.

Further north, in Scotland, in Kilmarock County, there’s a project to use recycled oil for local bus transportation. The company exchanges used oil for bus tickets. A grease container has been delivered for free to all houses the bus lines serve.

Finally, Brazil is going large and has announced a network of small local biodiesel plants which would use waste oil from local restaurants and households. This network will be backed up financially by the Brazilian Society for Science Progress (SBPC). Brazil announced this project not only as something that will allow the country to produce enough biodiesel for its B2 introduction plans, but also because it is a positive social effect (involving citizens in recycling and creating local jobs). The plan is expected to be implemented next April but an experimental plant is already working in Indaiatuba (São Paulo). Biodiesel obtained with this procedure costs 40 cents per liter, compared to 90 cents for “all-new” biodiesel.

[Source: Cadena Ser, Agroinformación, Econoticias]

Source: Networks to reuse cooking oil for biodiesel production

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