This has to be one of the funniest car accessories we’ve ever heard about; developed by “In.Pro.”, the Virtual-Motor system imitates the sounds of an exotic engine and transmits it through the car’s radio speakers. According to the company, all you have to do is remove the car radio from the slot, insert the sound module of the Virtual-Motor into the ISO plug and run the supplied cables to the engine compartment to pick up the rpm-signal. Then you all you need to do is set the individual idle speed.

The system offers you the choice of four different engine sounds: an Italian-V8, a 6-cylinder boxer, an engine of a rallye car or a… formula car. Imagine the surprise of your friend or date if you fit this system on a car like the Smart Fortwo or a Ford Focus! –Continued

Source: LOL! Virtual V8 Engine Sounds From the Car Hi-Fi System!

GMC has officially unveiled its 2009 Sierra Hybrid pickup truck. The Sierra Hybrid uses the same two-mode hybrid system found in the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and improves the trucks city mileage by 40% and overall fuel economy by 25%, all while keeping with GMC's "Professional Grade" mantra.

Despite its hybrid roots, the new Sierra model manages to retain a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity. Of course, when the truck is not hauling a heavy load, it can operate in an electric-only mode up to 30 mph.

The Sierra Hybrid is built around GM's Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which are teamed to a regular 6.0-liter V8. Like GM's other V8 offerings, the motor features cylinder deactivation, allowing it to operate in a "V4" mode for improved efficiency when traveling at a steady speed.

With GM's two-mode hybrid system, the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

The Sierra Hybrid goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008. It will be offered in the Crew Cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models. Each model is equipped with StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle, and a trailering package. The truck also offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags.

GM says the Sierra Hybrid is especially quiet running, thanks to an exhaust system and resonator, low-rolling resistance tires, a low-vibration power steering system, and a quieter fan for the Energy Storage System.

The truck also promises a smooth ride, thanks in part to its Z85 suspension and a new hydraulic body mount. Located on the passenger side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides improved highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or choppy road surfaces.

With the fuel savings of the hybrid system and Sierra's 26-gallon (98-liter) fuel tank, the Sierra Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

Source: 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid unveiled

[62 live and press images added] Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL sedan today at the Chicago Auto Show. The design, clearly derivative of the previous model, does feature what Acura calls a "new signature look" to the front fascia. A matte-silver finish wide bar across the grille is repeated at the rear end in a lip that goes across the trunk above the license plate.A lighter finish silver trim surrounds the new grille. The tail lamps combine crystal clear lenses with traditional red.

In-dash technology includes an updated version of Acura's AcuraLink satellite navigation system featuring traffic maps and, new for 2009, weather updates via a map. The weather system, called AcuraLink Weather, receives constantly updated weather information from XM. Acura also promises improved voice recognition.

An all-new 3.7 liter V6 engine highlights performance upgrades. The 300-horsepower, 271 lb-ft. of torque SOHC motor features Honda's VTEC system. The new V6 meets ULEV-2 emissions standards. A five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission is standard. It includes new "smart" F1-style steering wheel-mounted paddles and a new straight-gate console-mounted shift lever.

Suspension modifications and steering upgrades are also included. The RL continues to use Acura's SuperHandling all-wheel-drive. Newly standard for 2009 are 18 inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. They replace 17 inch wheels. Acura says that the 2009 RL will "challenge the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans."

The interior again follows the same basic design themes set by the previous model. A new Active Sound Control noise abatement system is standard. Perforated, heated and ventilated seats are standard and, for 2009, both front seats feature 10-way power adjustability.

On the safety front, active head restraints are also newly standard.

Official Images

Live Photos

Source: 2009 Acura RL unveiled