Kudos to Novitec for creating one heck of a sleek looking bodykit and a cool set of alloy-wheels for the Alfa Romeo Spider. The tasteful and non intrusive bodykit consists of a new front bumper and rear diffuser cfombined with a new set of oval tailpipes and 20-inch alloy rims wrapped in Pirelli 255/30 R20 tires. Buyers can also opt for a lower-suspension kit to complete the roadster’s looks. Isn’t it a damn shame that Alfa Romeo didn’t use a rear-wheel-drive layout for this gorgeous looking car? –More pics after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

Source: Alfa Romeo Spider by Novitec

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Despite the addition of the Veracruz SUV in its range, Hyundai’s US sales in January recorded a significant plunge. The Korean carmaker sold 21,452 units for the month of January 2008 compared to 27,721 units in January 2007 which translates in a 22.6% drop. With the exclusion of the Accent, every single model in Hyundai’s line-up was down in sales compared to last year.

“We are disappointed with our sales results and recognize this is a challenging sales environment and the industry overall is struggling,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s vice president of national sales. “We are hopeful that the government’s proposed fiscal stimulus package and our newly announced incentives will get us back on track in February.” -Continued

CARLINE January 2008 January 2007

ACCENT 2,941 2,437

SONATA 4,587 7,276

ELANTRA 5,615 6,361

TIBURON 603 777

SANTA FE 3,716 5,635

AZERA 1,143 1,685

TUCSON 1,373 2,769

ENTOURAGE 368 781

VERACRUZ 1,106 0

TOTAL 21,452 27,721

Source: Hyundai’s US Sales Drop By -22.6% in January

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Simona Alina   Source:CarMagazine
Filed in: Mercedes | Spy Shots and Rendering | Supercars / Exotic cars | luxury cars | Mercedes SL-Class | special editions | future cars

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Mercedes will unveil the facelift SL at the Geneva Motor Show, but this is not the end. An even more powerful version is on its way. Called SL65 Black Series and coming with an output of 670 hp, it will compete with Porsche 911 GT2 and Lamborghini Murcielago. It will be launched in autumn 2008. Production will be limited to only 400 units; each priced at £193,000.

Under the hood there will be the same V8 engine as in the SLR. Maximum power will be 670bhp and a maximum torque of 737lb ft, restricted to 555lb ft in first and second gears to protect the drivetrain.

More about SL65 Black Series’ design after the jump.

The SL65 Black Series will feature much wider wings, massive 19/20in (front/rear) wheels, stronger steel brakes and a new Sportshift transmission. Also, compared to the standard SL will feature additional air intakes and a massive adjustable rear wing.

Body panels will be made of carbonfibre, helping weight to reduce by 260kg compared to the SL65.

The 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in just 3.9 seconds and will hit a top speed of 200 mph.

Source:CarMagazine

Source: Mercedes SL65 Black Series spy shots

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Lascelles Linton
Filed under: Etc., Green Daily

Royal Dutch Shell made $27.6 billion in 2007, a European and U.K. annual corporate profit record. Sound familiar? It should. Exxon Mobil was breaking records a year ago when they reported $39.5 billion profit. Everything is not great at Shell because profits for the last few months were actually a little less than expected.

It all has to do with margins. You see, Shell is not discovering as much or refining as much oil as they did even just one year ago. Feel sorry for them? Me neither. Gas prices will probably hit $3.50 a gallon before June. Who knows where it might go after that?

So, you better go green or your green will go.

Related:

• Spring could bring $4 gallons of gas to the U.S.
• US Gov’t: A gallon of gas will cost $3.50 before June
• Oil prices set for highest annual gain this decade

[Source: Telegraph, Herald]

Source: Shell Oil sets European, U.K. annual corporate profit record: $27.6 billion

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Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, Etc.

Engineering consultancy Ricardo has won an award for High Performance Engineering. The prize came from an organization with a name that could only be British, The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London. The award was in recognition of Ricardo’s work on the dual clutch transmission for the 1,001 hp Bugatti Veyron and the engines for the JCB DieselMax. The JCB DieselMax set a land speed record of 350.092mph in 2006. These days Ricardo is working a range of alternative powertrain projects like the transmission for the Tesla Roadster as well as working with companies on ways to meet the new 35mpg CAFE standards.

[Source: Ricardo]

Source: Ricardo gets award for High Performance Engineering

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This site is for one of the finer things in life to we can enjoy. Life was meant to be enjoyed…and part of enjoying life for many people is indulging in the luxury of a beautifully designed automobile like the Chrysler 300C.
We all know that there is more to life than money but the most wonderful things in our lives cost us something.. and there is nothing wrong with rewarding oneself with a little intentional luxury like a new set of wheels. Some people waste their money by traveling to exotic locations, others stay and dine in the most luxurious of hotels, while others like to adorn themselves in jewels. People should go straight for the 300C SRT8.
One of my favorite things in the world is to spoil the people I love with luxury. I love to give generously and enjoy the moments of them experiencing the joy and satisfaction. However I can’t afford to buy all my friends a new car but I can share by giving the unfortunate ones a taste of the luxury of a 300C ride. Or if they all got together they could buy me a new Chrysler 300C SRT8 especially if they wanted to share their good fortunes and it doesn’t have to stop with just family and friends anyone can get that wonderful feeling of giving.
I know there are many people in the world who could benefit more from knowing how special they are as an individual by giving. When you give something to someone else who could not otherwise have enjoyed the experience, that is when you reach a whole new level of living. So when you are looking at what you would like to pamper or reward yourself with, don’t forget it you have the means, share some of life’s luxuries with others.

Tags: 300C Chrysler 300C

Labels: 300c fun

Source: Share the 300C Experience

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In Ford’s new F-Series viral campaign, “Built Ford Tough” (BFT) is a mantra for truck and owner alike, meaning only true men can drive a Ford truck. But what’s the definition of a man? While in our books that might be someone who honors his words or never betrays his beliefs, according to Ford, an (F-series) man is someone who doesn’t carry roller luggage, eat meat substitutes or drink Starbucks coffee…

Dying way of thinking for a dying category of vehicles if you ask us, but nevertheless, we must say that we enjoyed all three videos of the BFT campaign even if we’ll never meet the standards of an F-Series man. All three clips show BFT cops searching for Ford truck owners that have broken one of the F-Series’ “man laws”.

Ford F-Series 10 Amendments

1. NO ROLLER LUGGAGE
2. NO SCOOTERS
3. NO PUNY DOGS
4. NO MEAT SUBSTITUTES
5. NO PINK SHIRTS
6. NO FANCY COFFEE
7. NO FANNY PACKS
8. NO CUTESY CELL PHONE RINGS
9. NO MANICURES
10. NO HAIR PRODUCTS

Source: Videos: Ford Trucks Are Built Tough So Only True Men Allowed

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We’ve already told you about the shocking resemblance between the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL’s Airscarf seats and… E.T. (see here); time to tell you about something else that has been rolling around our mind. Doesn’t the new SL’s revised front-end design with the single bar grille remind you a lot of the Saturn Sky’s European brother, the Opel GT? We certainly think so!

Source: Mercedes-Benz SL Facelift vs Opel GT Front-End Design

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Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Vice President - Jeep/Truck and Advance Interior Design, took his home camera along during durability testing for the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (see here) at the No Problem Raceway Track in Belle Rose, Louisiana. Don’t expect any professional filming, but maybe that’s just for the better. Enjoy the power-slides after the jump. –Continued

Source: Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR: Chrysler VP’s Track Video

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Eager to demonstrate that the VE Sportwagon is just as performance oriented as its sedan and ute siblings, Holden has planned to race its latest addition at this years WPS Bathurst 12 Hour race 8-10 February.

Holden will field a Jack Daniel’s sponsored 6.0-litre V8 Sportwagon SS driven by V8 Supercar drivers Shane Price, Cameron McConville and enduro specialist Nathan Pretty.

“With Sportwagon due in Holden showrooms across the country in the coming months, we saw this as the perfect opportunity to underline the sporting pedigree of the latest model in the VE range whilst highlighting its great style and handling.”

The Bathurst 12 hour is a race for production cars, which Holden has often used to showcase new models. Last year saw an Astra SRi Turbo and CDTi Diesel take to the mountain.

The production version of the VE Sportwagon will be unveiled at the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show, starting 29 February.

Source: GM

Source: Sportwagon tackles Bathurst 12 hour

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