Ford has unveiled its new look 2008 Focus RS World Rally Car at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham.

Whilst it still retains the previous generation body styling rather than the stunning 2009 facelifted Focus design, fans can still rejoice in the knowledge that beneath the livery lies the foundation of the highly anticipated Ford Focus RS.

The squad will be named the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team for 2008, with Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala forming the driver line-up.

This is also their first full season in partnership with BP and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, reflected in the team’s new name and their prominence on the car.

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This dude I know went out and bought a 2008 Chrysler 300C SRT8. It is the best and most beautiful car in the world, and it cost him $80,000 for all the modifications he had done. He takes it out for a spin and, while doing so, stops for a red light.
An old man on a moped, both looking about 90 years old, pulls up next to him. The old man looks over the sleek, shiny surface of the car and asks, “What kind of car ya got there, sonny?”

The dude replies “A 2008 Chrysler 300C SRT8. it cost $80,000.”

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It’s “Ask MF Week” here at MotoringFile. We’re clearing out some of the better questions we’ve gotten recently from the queue and bringing them to you every day this week. First up, Mike asks:

I wanted to get your thoughts on something.  I’m torn between a R56 with the JCW suspension and engine kit and a GP.  Obviously the R56 has a back seat along with probably being more civil but I just can’t seem to get my old R53 out of my head with its seductive supercharger whine and the burble from the Remus exhaust I had on it.  From a fun to drive perspective and also a speed perspective which one has the edge?

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Anthony Kodack
Filed in: Harley-Davidson | Daytona Bike Week

Harley-Davidson female enthusiasts are encouraged to enter for a chance to win a spot on the Harley-Davidson Women’s Day Ride, held March 4, 2008, and join Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Company’s founders, as well as the six Get Down to Daytona contest winners on the last leg of their ride into Daytona.

To enter, women riders should go to www.harley-davidson.com/womensride by Jan. 23 and fill out a short entry form. There is no purchase necessary, but women are encouraged to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camps (a small donation of $25 or more is greatly appreciated). Women riders must ride a Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle and must be in Daytona on the morning of March 4.

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Bob Lutz sounded the alarm before, during and after Congress passed new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The cost of compliance will add thousands to the prices of new cars and trucks! Investor's Business Daily (via CNNMoney) reckons he's right. They predict that the cost of satisfying the regulators will drive-up the price of new vehicles by an average of $6K or 21.4 percent. And that means unintended consequences. "The higher prices of cars will encourage consumers to keep their older, dirtier but cheaper vehicles for much longer. So the actual benefits will be less than forecast." The paper's eds pronounce Maximum Bob a presumptive prognosticator. "The new CAFE standards, as Lutz suggests, amount to a tax– a rather narrow and inefficient one that will neither reduce our reliance on foreign oil nor curb global warming." Bob Lutz, GM's canary in a coal mine. Of course, that doesn't actually change anything…

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Jeep Renegade Concept – 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Using the same 200 kW electric motor as the Dodge ZEO concept, the renegade has a 64km range powered by lithium ion batteries.

The Renegade concept is slightly unique as it uses a pair of the 200kW electric engines, one on each axle to create a true 4X4.

The Renegade also has low gear mode and a locking differentials. Backing up the two electric engines is a Bluetec diesel “range-extender” engine that together with the electric motors gives it a remarkable fuel economy of 2.14L/100km.

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Nissan's premium Infiniti brand remains without a flagship model following the demise of the Q45 in 2006. The full-size car was positioned against the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class. While Nissan's top executives are undecided on building a new Q, Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is said to be warming up to the idea.

While the CEO is still "not convinced" Infiniti needs a new 7-Series-fighter, Mark Igo, Infiniti North America vice president and general manager, told Automotive News he thinks Ghosn is starting to "feel pretty good about it."

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Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancer – 2008 Detroit Auto Show

 

Images of the Ralliart Lancer.

For more details on the new ralliart click here.

Click on images to enlarge.

Source: Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancer – 2008 Detroit Auto Show

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Toyota Camry TRD – 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Toyota Racing & Development has its way with the humble Toyota Camry.

The end result is basically bigger wheels, leather seats and a sunroof with no power increase. A bit of a disappointment for a car with a TRD badge.

On another note Toyota and Microsoft seem to be having a bad partnership to lead the way…

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Source: Toyota Camry TRD – 2008 Detroit Auto Show

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