Ferrari Testarossa Crashes Into Wall

Usually, Ferrari owners manage to destroy their cars on a race track or on the highway, but not this one. According to eye-witnesses, the owner of the sexy Ferrari Testarossa was seen speeding on a central road in Colmenarejo, a town located north of Spain’s capital, Madrid. The Testarossa driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and ended up smashing into a brick wall.

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Colmenarejo

Hyundai Genesis V8 Sedan Caught Unmasked

We’re going to agree 100% with the description that our fellow Autobloger Chris Skunk gave in his article for the production version spy pics of the Hyundai Genesis V8 Sedan: a cross between a Lexus LS and a BMW 5-Series sedan. Look at the shape of the headlights and tail-lamps or the lines of the trunk for example. It’s as if Hyundai’s designers took the original Genesis prototype (click here) that was previewed at the New York Show last April and ingrained it with several doses of Lexus and BMW. -Continued after the jump

But on the other hand, when you take in consideration that the rear-wheel-drive Genesis Sedan will be equipped with a 300+ Hp V8 engine at a price starting well under $30,000 (approx. €20,500), we think that the imitative design will be the last thing that buyers will notice.


Via: Autoblog.com , Source: bobaedream

Video: 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover


Continuing with our LA Show car videos here’s Nissan’s all-new 2009 Murano crossover (details & image gallery, click here). The second-generation Murano includes new exterior and interior features like a front fascia design and a push button ignition. The 2009 Murano is powered by a revised 265 Hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. The sporty crossover will be available at Nissan dealerships throughout the U.S. in early January 2008.

Video: Dodge’s Street Legal 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR

During the L.A. Auto Show, Dodge unveiled its 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer). The street-legal racecar is equipped with the 2008 Viper’s 600 Hp V10 engine. According to the American carmaker, the ACR has undergone a diet while it also features sportier suspension settings and an aerodynamic package. Buyers can minimize the car's weight even more by opting for the "Hard Core" package, which eliminates the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. The SRT10 ACR is expected to rollout in the second quarter of 2008. -Video after the jump


Gas Powered AC Schnitzer BMW V10 3er Coupe Breaks Speed Record With 318 km/h

AC Schnitzer’s LPG powered 3-Series Coupe has set a new speed record for liquid gas fuelled vehicles by achieving a top speed of 318 km/h or 198 mph at the Nardo high-speed track in Southern Italy. The gas powered GP3.10 is based on the current BMW 3-series Coupe with a modified M5 V10 engine delivering 552 HP/406 kW. The German tuner had made the public debut of the gas-powered bimmer at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. According to ACS, the GP3.10 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 sec and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 13.9 sec (details and pics here). -More images after the jump

Pre-Orders for Nissan GT-R In Japan Exceed 2,200 Units

Japanese enthusiasts have been blown away by the all-new GT-R as in less than two months since Nissan started accepting pre-orders, 2,282 buyers have signed in for the 473 Hp AWD Coupe, exceeding by a factor of 11 the planned monthly sales total. The GT-R will go on sale in Japan on December 6th. In the States, the GT-R will arrive in June 2008 with a base price of $71,900 (details here).

Breaking down the pre-orders for the new GT-R, Nissan reveals that 60% of the buyers are under 50 years old with the most popular grade series being the Premium edition and the most popular color being Pearl White (27% of all orders) ) with 70% of vehicles being either the 370GT Type S or Type SP grades. -Continued after the jump

But the GT-R isn’t Nissan’s only success in Japan as the all-new Skyline coupe (Infiniti G37 Coupe in the U.S.), which went on sale October 2nd has received more than 2,400 orders against a planned monthly sales total of 200 units.

"It is encouraging to see that Japanese customers have been inspired by these new sports cars from Nissan," said Kaji Yoshimitsu, Marketing Director for Skyline and GT-R. "Nissan is a company with a long heritage of building passionate cars for enthusiasts, and we see the GT-R and Skyline Coupe bringing those customers back to the showroom," continued Yoshimitsu.

Hyundai Genesis RWD Coupe – New Image Gallery

We can’t wait to get our hands on the production version of Hyundai’s first-ever rear-wheel-drive coupe which will be available in the U.S. from spring 2009. We’re not jumping into any premature conclusions –for all we know it might not be worth all the fuss, but we’re definitely curious to see what Hyundai’s engineers can come up with. In this post we’ve added a new gallery with images from the building of the Genesis Coupe prototype. Check them out after the jump. Links: Press Release, Live Image Gallery, Production Version -Continued

Fiat 500 Is The “2008 Car Of The Year”

The all-new Fiat 500 (click here) has been unofficially-officially named “2008 Car Of The Year” by European auto journalists. But wait; what do we mean by “unofficially-officially”? Well, although the results were initially planned to be announced on Monday, November 19, 2007, Dutch car magazine Autovisie, which is one of the founding publications of the “Car of the year” organization, decided to spill the beans earlier by posting the story on there website.

The 500 was awarded with 385 points by the 58 European journalists that participated while in second place we find the Mazda2 with 325 points followed by the new Ford Mondeo with 202 points. -Results after the jump

Model – Points

Fiat 500 - 385
Mazda2 - 325
Ford Mondeo - 202
Kia Cee’d - 166
Nissan Qashqai - 147
Mercedes C-Klasse - 128
Peugeot 308 - 97

2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si Vandalized At Dealership

What a sad sight; here’s what happened to one of the 1,000 Honda Civic Mugen Si’s that are set to go on sale in the U.S. Some @#$%^heads thought for whatever reason they had that they should vandalize the Mugen in a dealer lot. The thieves got away with whatever they could; seats, wheels, shift knob, badges and God knows what else. Honestly, I know this sounds naive but I never understood how one could go and destroy someone else’s property. Damn pity. -More images after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: ephatch

LA Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Starts At $34,995

If you take out a handful of global premiers like the Audi Cross Cabriolet and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, this year’s LA Show was more like the North American Premiere & Price Announcements Show… Anyway, continuing our price briefing today, Subaru announced pricing on the 2008 Impreza WRX STI that’s powered in the U.S. by a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine delivering 305 Hp. The STI will start at $34,995 (€23,900) and begin arriving in Subaru showrooms in early January. -Details after the jump

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pricing

Model-Total MSRP

STI-$35,640

STI BBS Package-$37,640

STI BBS/Navigation Package-$39,440

Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Retail prices shown are suggested prices only and do not include licenses and state or local taxes. Pre-delivery services are included. Destination & Delivery includes handling and inland freight charges to the dealer's location, and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT. Destination & Delivery to dealers in Alaska is $795.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Standard Equipment

Performance

· 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, intercooled/turbocharged: 305 horsepower, 290 lb.-ft. peak torque

· 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter

· 18x8.5-in. cast aluminum-alloy (optional BBS® forged-alloy)

· 245/40R18 93W Dunlop SP Sport 600 summer tires

· Brembo® Performance Brake System with 4-piston front calipers, twin-piston rear calipers, 4-channel /

4-sensor Super Sport Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

· Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) featuring three automatic

modes and manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings

· Engine oil cooler

· Helical-type limited-slip front differential and TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential

· High-performance STI-tuned suspension -- front suspension with inverted struts and forged aluminum

lower A-arms; double-wishbone rear suspension

· High-tension steel reinforcements at key structural and suspension mounting points

· Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

· Quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable power assist and power steering oil cooler

Safety & Security

· 3-point seatbelts for all seats; front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters

and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors

· 4-channel/4-sensor Super Sport Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

· 5-mph impact-absorbing bumpers

· Brake Assist

· Daytime running lights (DRL)

· Engine immobilizer

· Front seat side impact air bags, side-curtain air bags and Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System

(SRS)*

· Incline Start Assist

· LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) uniform child restraint anchorage system

· Security system

· Rear seat headrests, height-adjustable (all positions)

· Remote keyless entry system

· Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement body structure with front and rear crumple zones

· Safety pedal system

· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Design & Functional/Exterior

· Wide-body design with, side ground effects moldings, STI design front and rear bumpers

· Aluminum hood with functional air scoop for intercooler

· Body-color door handles

· Body-color foldable side mirrors

· Clear rear light lenses

· Fog light insert covers (fog lights with optional BBS Package)

· Front lip spoiler

· Functional front brake-cooling air scoops

· Functional side fender engine compartment-cooling air vents

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Standard Equipment / 2

· Gas-damper hood supports

· Green-tinted glass

· High-intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights

· Rear gate spoiler with LED high-mount stop lamp

· Rear roof-mounted antenna

· Right and left side dual tailpipes

Comfort & Convenience

· 12v power outlets: one in front and one in rear of center console

· 24-hour roadside assistance for vehicle limited warranty period

· 3-spoke leather-wrapped STI steering wheel with buttons for cruise control and audio system

· 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback

· Aluminum-alloy pedal covers with rubber grips

· AM/FM premium stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers, MP3/WMA capability,

Satellite Radio Capability, Radio Broadcasting Data System and auxiliary audio input jack

· Automatic climate control system with cabin air filtration

· Bottle holders integrated into door panels

· Cargo area cover

· Cargo area light

· Cargo area tie-down hooks

· Carpeted floor mats

· Chrome interior door handles

· Cruise control

· Cup holders, front: dual in center console

· Dash storage pocket

· Digital clock

· Digital dual-mode trip odometer

· Digital outside temperature gauge

· Dome light with off-delay

· Driver’s footrest

· Dual visor vanity mirrors with sliding lids

· Electroluminescent instrument panel gauges

· Front storage tray with LED illumination

· Graphite Gray Alcantara® upholstery with Carbon Black leather-trimmed bolsters

· Headlights/parking lights automatic-off with ignition switch

· Height-adjustable driver’s seat with pump-type lever

· Illuminated ignition switch ring

· Illuminating STI logo in center console

· Leather-wrapped shift knob and parking brake handle

· Lockable, LED-illuminated glove box

· Passenger assist grips (4)

· Performance-design front seats with integral head restraints

· Power door locks

· Power side mirrors

· Power windows with driver’s auto-down

· Pre-wired for fog lights (fog lights standard with optional BBS Package)

· Pre-wired for XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio

· Rear seat heater duct outlets (4)

· Rear window defroster with timer

· Rear window wiper with washer

Remote fuel door release

Seatback pocket on front passenger seat

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Standard Equipment / 3

Windshield wipers, variable intermittent

Options

18x8.5-in. BBS forged-alloy wheels (silver or gold color)

2008 Opel Zafira Facelit Revealed

While we were paying attention to the LA Show, on the other side of the Atlantic, Opel unwrapped the 2008 Zafira facelift which will be officially unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 7, 2007. The revised Zafira features minor cosmetic enhancements like the redesigned bumpers and the new tail-lamps while inside, the cabin trim and upholstery are improved to give a higher-quality feel. -Continued after the jump

The 2008 Zafira’s engine range is upgraded with the addition of the new weight-optimized 115 Hp 1.6-liter Twinport Ecotec petrol unit and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel units producing 110 Hp and 125 Hp that replace the 1.9 CTDI 100 Hp and 120 Hp versions respectively.

Video: Lexus IS-F vs Audi RS4

On the top left corner we have an all-new contender in the high-performance sedan category, the rear-wheel-drive 2009 Lexus IS-F packed with a 5.0-litre V8 engine pumping out 416 Hp. On the opposite side, we have an old friend who’s just one-step from retirement, the all-wheel-drive Audi RS4 with a 420 Hp 4.2-litre V8. Follow the jump to check out the full comparison test from the folks at Edmunds and see whether the IS-F has that something to throw the RS4 off its throne. -Continued

2008 Infiniti EX35 Prices Start At $31,500

Set to go on sale at Infiniti dealerships on December 21, 2007, the all-new EX35 will be available in four versions - EX35 RWD (rear-wheel drive), EX35 RWD Journey, EX35 AWD (all-wheel drive) and EX35 AWD Journey. Prices start at $31,300 for the basic RWD EX35 while the top spec EX35 AWD Journey will set you back by $36,250.

All models are equipped with
a 290Hp 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Saloon) and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. As for Europeans, they will have to wait until mid 2008 for the EX which will also be offered there with a new V6 diesel engine. -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 -- Infiniti announced pricing on the all-new 2008 EX35 personal luxury crossover SUV today at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Infiniti EX35, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide on December 21, 2007, offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems -- including the debut of the available Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which utilizes four small cameras to give the driver a "top-down view" of the outside of the vehicle while parking.

The new EX also becomes the second Infiniti production vehicle, following the fall introduction of the 2008 Infiniti M, to offer the new Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, and the first to feature "Scratch Shield," a special "self-healing" clear coat designed to maintain its gloss level over time and keep the EX looking new.

The 2008 EX is available in four models - EX35 RWD (rear-wheel drive), EX35 RWD Journey, EX35 AWD (all-wheel drive) and EX35 AWD Journey. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) pricing of each model is:

-- $31,300 for the EX RWD

-- $34,850 for the EX RWD Journey

-- $32,700 for the EX AWD with ATTESA E-TS intelligent all-wheel drive system

-- $36,250 for the EX AWD Journey

The Infiniti EX's sculpted elegance expresses a timeless appeal -- sleek lines that portray speed, grace and finesse, with the look and feel of a luxury coupe and an SUV's interior flexibility.

EX was also conceived to offer a reinvigorating and engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring, with room for four passengers, as well as three golf bags in the cargo area with the rear seat in the upright position.

All 2008 EX models offer a long list of standard equipment, including a 297-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift Mode and Drive Sport Mode (DSM), assisted by Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, aluminum interior trim, 7-inch color monitor display, 8-way power driver's seat and more.

EX35 Journey models add power slide/tilt moonroof with one-touch activation, front and rear leather-appointed seating surfaces, an industry- leading power-folding second row seat, auto-dimming inside mirror with electronic compass, HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, front and rear sonar system and auto on/off headlights.

Available industry-leading EX35 technology features include the Around View Monitor (AVM) system, Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, RearView Monitor, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). For audiophiles, EX offers an available 11-speaker Bose(R) Premium Audio System with Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC, two subwoofers, 6CD in-dash changer and iPod(R) connectivity. Also available is an advanced voice-activated, touch-screen Infiniti Navigation System featuring available XM(R) NavTraffic(TM) with real-time traffic information (requires active XM(R) subscription), which includes a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback.

2008 EX35 equipment packages include the Premium Package ($2,150); Luxe Elite Package ($1,650); Navigation Package ($2,150); Technology Package ($1,950); and Luxe Style Package ($1,250). Also offered is maple wood trim ($450) and roof rails ($200).

"Infiniti customers have created a need for a vehicle like EX personal luxury crossover -- they want the style and performance of a coupe, but need more utility, with the luxury of a sports sedan and the versatility of an SUV, all in a size that makes for easy maneuverability," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "The EX blends all the best attributes of each segment to create a perfect vehicle that appeals to men and women of all ages and family sizes."

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G sports coupe and sedan, the M luxury performance sedan, FX premium crossover SUV, QX full-size luxury SUV, and the EX personal luxury crossover, which goes on sale in December. More information about Infiniti and its total ownership experience can be found at Infiniti.com.

2008 INFINITI EX35

Effective Date: December 21, 2007

Publish Date: November 15, 2007

MODELS:

MODEL ENGINE TRANSMISSION LIST PRICE

EX35 RWD 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $31,300

EX35 RWD Journey 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $34,850

EX35 AWD 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $32,700

EX35 AWD Journey 3.5L DOHC V-6 5-spd auto w/ manual shift $36,250

FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS LIST PRICE

Technology Package $1,950

Roof Rails $200

Premium Package $2,150

Luxe Style Package $1,250

Navigation Package $2,150

Wood Trim $450

Luxe Elite Package $1,650

PORT INSTALLED ACCESSORIES

Splash Guards $140

Roof Rail Crossbars - Silver $250

Moonroof Wind Deflector $100

Cargo Area Protector $70

Cargo Organizer $160

Aerodynamic Kit - Body Color $2,250

17-inch Painted Smoked Wheel $1,800

Seat Leon FR1 Series Limited

VW’s Spanish subsidiary Seat has added a new special version in the Leon’s line-up, the “FR1 Series-Limited” which is powered by a 2.0 TDI (turbo-diesel) unit generating 170 Hp. Compared to the standard FR, the special version includes a series of extras like bucket sport seats, chunky 18-in. alloy rims, an electronic roof and a USB adaptor. Normally, the overall value of the extras would be in excess of €1,500 (approx $2,500) but Seat is in a good mood this period so they’ll charge you a mere €250 (about $365). Btw, the Leon looks mighty sexy in white doesn't it.-More images after the jump

Via: Motorpasion