2009 Nissan Maxima Teaser Shots Appear Ahead of NY Show

About a week before the all-new, 2009 Maxima makes its worldwide debut at the New York Auto Show and Nissan has released a set of teaser images in an attempt to grasp our attention. The pictures reveal only a few details of the mid-size sedan including the headlights, alloy wheels and the rear-end of the car. An interesting detail is the “4DSC – 4 Door Sports Car” tag that appears on all pics and, as a sticker on the rear window. We’ll have more on the 2009 Maxima when Nissan takes off the covers at the NY Show opening on March 19 –that is unless someone decides to lift the curtains earlier… -More pics after the jump

Via: WindingRoad

2011 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck Makes New York Auto Show Debut!

After all those rumors and speculations, it's finally true; the El-Camino is back in the form of the all-new Pontiac G8 Sport Truck that will go on sale in the North American market in late 2009. Just like its G8 sedan sibling, the Sport Truck is based on the corresponding Holden Commodore model, which bears the Ute nametag in Australia.

But don't hurry and call it theSport Truck though because Pontiac has launched an online competition to find a name for its new vehicle. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal", said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director The winning entry will be announced April 15.

Based on the G8 sedan, the Sport Truck has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed (with an available soft tonneau cover). Additionally, there's 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) interior cargo area behind the seats. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer. The cargo bed measures at 73.9-inch (1878 mm) in length and has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of space while it can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Power comes from the same 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT that delivers 361 Hp and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The V8 is matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission and according to Pontiac; it has a 0-to-60 time of 5.4 sec. The G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch alloys with P245/40R19 summer performance tires. (Pics edited by Carscoop) - Details and images after the jump

2011 PONTIAC G8 SPORT TRUCK SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model: -2011 Pontiac G8 sport truck

Body style / driveline: -two-passenger, front engine, rear-wheel drive coupe-based sport truck

Construction: -unitized body frame, 2-side galvanized steel body with high-strength steel in chassis

EPA vehicle class: -truck

Manufacturing location: -Adelaide , Australia

Engine

Type: -6.0L V-8 w / Active Fuel Management (AFM)

Displacement (cu in / cc): -364 / 5967

Bore & stroke (in / mm): -3.99 x 3.62 / 101.3 x 92

Block material: -cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners

Cylinder head material: -aluminum

Valvetrain: -valve-in-head; 2 valves per cylinder; roller lifters

Ignition system: -high-energy distributorless ignition; solid state direct-fire ignition w/ coil near plug and integrated ignition

Fuel delivery: -returnless, multi-port fuel injection

Compression ratio: -10.4:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): -361 / 270 @ 5300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): -385 / 522 @ 4400*

Recommended fuel: -premium unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm): -6000

Emissions controls: -evaporative system, dual exhaust with close-coupled catalytic converters, equal-length exhaust, positive crankcase ventilation, electronic throttle control

Transmission

Type: -Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic

Gear ratios (:1): -

First: -4.03

Second: -2.36

Third: -1.53

Fourth: -1.15

Fifth: -0.85

Sixth: -0.67

Reverse: -3.06

Final drive ratio: -2.92

Chassis/Suspension

Front: -multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar (24-mm dia.); progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe

Rear: -four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; decoupled stabilizer bar (12-mm dia.); higher lateral stiffness for handling through two lateral ball joints per side; fully adjustable camber and toe

Steering type: -variable-ratio rack-and-pinion; rack forward of front axle centerline

Steering ratio: -46-53 mm per revolution

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: -2.8

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): -38.4 / 11.7

Brakes

Type: -four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors; twin-piston front calipers; single piston alloy rear calipers

Rotor diameter (in / mm): -front: 12.64 / 321
rear: 12.76 / 324

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size / type: -18 x 8-inch machine-faced aluminum (std); 19 x 8-inch machine-faced aluminum (w / optional Sports Package)

Tires: -P245/45R18 summer tire (std); all-season tire optional; optional Sports Package includes P245/40R/19 summer tire

Dimensions

Exterior -

Wheelbase (in / mm): -118.5 / 3009

Overall length (in / mm): -201.8 / 5127.8

Overall width (in / mm): -74.8 / 1899

Overall height (in / mm): -58.3 / 1480

Track (in / mm): -front: 62.7 / 1592

rear: 63.3 / 1608

Curb weight (lb / kg): -3995 / 1812

Weight distribution (front / rear) -TBD

-

Cargo box -

Length at floor (in / mm): -73.9 / 1878

Width at floor (in / mm): -TBD

Width between wheelhousings (in / mm): -47.4 / 1206

Tailgate width (in / mm): -TBD

Inside height (in / mm): -TBD

-

Interior -

Seating capacity: -2

Headroom (in / mm): -38.8 / 985

Legroom (in / mm): -42.2 / 1071

Shoulder room (in / mm): -59.0 / 1501

Hip room (in / mm): -56.7 / 1439

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): -TBD

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): -TBD

Cargo volume (cu ft / L): -42.7 / 1208

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): -3500 / 1600

Payload (lb / kg): -1316 / 597

Fuel tank (gal / L): -19.2 / 73

Engine oil (qt / L): -8.9 / 8.5 (dry)
8.8 / 8.3 (w / filter change)

Cooling system (qt / L): -11.4 / 10.8

Nissan GT-R Chosen as the Official “SUPER GT” Safety Car

Nissan’s motorsport department –aka, “NISMO”, announced today that all-new GT-R coupe has been chosen to become the official safety car of the SUPER GT 2008 series, which kicks off this Sunday, March 16, 2008. A handover of the safety car will be held during the opening of the SUPER GT series (Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture) on Sunday, March 16. If you happen to be at the Suzuka Circuit, you’ll be happy to know that a series of previous GT-R racing models like the 2003 Xanavi Nismo GT-R and the 1990 Calsonic Skyline will be on display at the Grand Prix Square adjacent to the main stand.

Avro’s Limited Production 720 Hp Mirage Ford GT

Avro Motor Cars, a Brooklands-based supercar specialist, has joined forces with Roush Technologies in the UK to create a special edition version of the Ford GT that boasts a significant range of engine and mechanical upgrades. The Avro 720 Mirage Ford GT’s production will be limited to just 10 cars – the first of which has just been rolled out of Roush’s Technical Centre in Brentwood, Essex.

The Roush Technologies’ engineering team applied a custom calibration package to the Ford GT’s V8 engine that includes a larger supercharger, an Accufab throttle body and inlet sleeve and an Accufab X pipe exhaust system with ceramic-coated tips. The result is an output of 720 Hp at 6,950rpm and a massive 815Nm (627lb.ft.) of torque available at 4,800rpm. The GT is also derestricted, which gives a top speed capability in excess of 220mph (354km/h). -Continued

To compensate for the power boost, the running gear on the Avro 720 Mirage has been appropriately upgraded. The front and rear track is 5mm wider than the standard car while the suspension has been lowered by 25mm – and uprated to include KW’s Variant 3 fully adjustable coil-over system. Finally, the front brakes use AP Racing 6-pot front callipers with Stillen drilled and slotted rotors – and similar rotors are used also at the rear.

Appearance-wise, the Avro’s 720 Mirage Ford GT is finished in vibrant Arancia Metallica (Italian Metallic Orange) with semi-matt black details and wheels combined with exclusive sill plates and side decals. Additionally, the rear bumper has been removed – partly to save weight – and each car will carry an exclusive numbered Avro plaque on the centre tunnel.

Avro Managing Director, Andy McGrath says, “When we created the highly successful Roush 600RE edition, we recognised the potential in the car to go a step further. The Ford GT is already a rare and sought after motorcar and simply identifying and locating more available untitled vehicles has been a significant challenge for us. The 720 Mirage is available exclusively from Avro – and once these cars are completed, we believe there will be no more. Examples of our 600RE edition are now located in several parts of the world – and we expect the market response to the 720 Mirage to be similarly international.”

Alfa Romeo Mi.To Video – New Italian Sport Hatch Eyes the MINI

Alongside the first details and images (see here), Alfa Romeo also released a teaser video of its all-new Mi.To sport hatch that will be gradually introduced from July in all the major markets. With looks that are obviously inspired from Alfa’s 8C Competizione sports coupe, the Mi.To will be offered with a range of 4 engines, all Turbo (petrol and diesel), delivering between 90 hp up to 155 Hp.

Kia Soul: Production Version Spy Shots... and Photoshops

About a fortnight after the pre-production Kia Soul made its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, a new set of images, allegedly featuring the production version of the compact crossover, made their way into a site called Kia-World. To be precise, the site has three spy shots of the actual production model accompanied by two photoshoped pictures. There's no doubt that the white Soul is nothing more than a so-and-so photoshoped version of the Geneva Show prototype -look at the tire treads for example. As for the spy shots, they allow us to see the final design of the head-and-tail lamps and a first glimpse of the interior. -Thanks for the tip Dino!

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Kia-World

Renault Group Reports 14.8% Sales Increase in February

The Renault Group, which consists of the Renault, Dacia and Samsung Motor brands, saw its global sales in February reach 196,692 units that accounts to a 14.8% increase compared to February 2007. In particular, worldwide sales of the Renault brand increased by 13 %, Dacia expanded by 57.1 %, while Samsung Motors fell by 20.3 %. In Europe, in a market that grew by 7.5%, Renault group sales rose 8.2% to 128,081 thus taking a 9.6% share of the market. Sales of Renault-brand passenger cars rose by 7.8%. Outside Europe, the Renault Group’s sales rose by 29.4%.

Subaru Thinking About a Diesel-Powered Impreza WRX

Having already presented its new 2.0-liter diesel boxer engine in the Legacy Sedan & Outback models, Subaru seems to be looking into developing a more powerful version of the oil-burning motor for the Impreza that will wear the WRX badge. According to Brit magazine Autocar, the information came from an unnamed Subaru senior brand manager. While the standard turbo diesel engine pumps out 150 Hp, the high-output version of the motor is said to deliver around 200 Hp which logically, will be enough to justify the WRX nametag.

Via: Autocar

2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Facelift

Along with the rest of the M-Class range, Mercedes-Benz also revamped the top-of-the-class, ML 63 AMG. Along with the new headlamps, the 2009 ML 63 AMG features a new front apron, a redesigned AMG-specific radiator grille painted in high-gloss black, LED tail-lights with clear-glass look if the optional bi-xenon headlamps are specified, new 20-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels and a new rear apron with integrated reflectors. The larger exterior mirrors as well as the standard-fit aluminium-look roof rails add the finishing touches to the styling modifications. -Continued

The new AMG ergonomic steering wheel with the aluminum shift paddles stands out in the interior of the 2009 ML 63 AMG. Like the rest of the range, the ML 63 AMG also benefits from higher quality materials and a new telematics generation in the cabin.

There are no mechanical changes as the 209 ML 63 AMG continued to be equipped with a 510 Hp 6.3-liter V8 engine matted to a SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. The ML 63 AMG accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 sec while its top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Alfa Romeo Mi.To: Official Images & Details of the Junior

What most of you have become to know as the Junior but what Alfa Romeo decided to call “Mi.To”, was officially unveiled today following a late night leak yesterday (see here). Measuring in at 4.06 metres long, 1.44 metres high and 1.72 metres wide, the Mi.To is a direct hit to BMW’s highly successful MINI hatch that will be introduced in international markets (not the US though..) this July.

Based on the underpinnings of the Fiat Grande Punto, the Mi.To is the first new Alfa Romeo to be built since the 8C Competizione. The latter, clearly inspired the Mi.To’s designers with its rounded body and lights and aggressive lines. In all, the Mi.To is one sexy mini hatch that will definitely win buyers with its styling. We don’t have any images of the interior yet, but we’re pretty certain that Alfa won’t disappoint us.

Alfa Romeo’s initial press release is quite vague in terms of the mechanical details, as the Italians just note that the Mi.To will be powered by a turbocharged range of petrol and diesel engines spanning 90-155 Hp, with more higher powered versions following latter on. –More pics and details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE:

Alfa Mi.To: World Premiere

With the imminent arrival of its new Mi.To, Alfa Romeo will soon be offering a new generation of Alfa aficionados its most compact sporty car to date.

A contemporary and innovative design, with a name redolent of history, the choice of Mi.To has great evocative resonance for Alfa Romeo, since it was chosen as a sign of a deep-seated link between the past and future of the brand: between Milan, the city of design that brought the car’s style into being, and Turin, which will be responsible for its industrial production. This decision highlights the brand’s strong desire to consolidate its Milanese roots.

The Mi.To is the first new Alfa Romeo to be built since the 8C Competizione, Alfa Romeo’s icon of style and technology, from which it borrows certain characteristic traits: the particular shape of the frameless side windows, the distinctive frontal treatment, the shape of the headlights and the LED tail lights. The headlights and tail lights represent a distinctive personalised feature: the front and rear lighting surrounds exhibit different forms of material processing and colours, which will allow customers to create an ultra-stylish ‘eye-liner’ effect that underscores the car’s style and assertiveness.

The highly ‘personal’ dashboard and seats ensure that the interior represents the ultimate expression of Italian style: welcoming yet sporty, with top-quality materials and close attention to detail; all wrapped in a compact and dynamic shape – Mi.To is 4.06 metres long, 1.44 metres high and 1.72 metres wide.

Performance and technology must always be top-of-the-range in an Alfa Romeo. As with all the brand’s models, the Mi.To is able to appeal to the most demanding customers with its exciting driveability, a factor which is determined in part by Alfa’s new DNA system. This driver-operated system acts directly on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox, allowing three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation or the customer’s wishes: sporting (Dynamic), town driving (Normal), maximum safety even in difficult grip conditions (All-Weather). Mi.To is the first car in its segment to offer such innovative technological content.

Strong performance is guaranteed by a turbocharged range of petrol and diesel engines spanning 90-155bhp, with the range due to be extended by higher powered versions.

Performance and handling have been developed and optimised to offer maximum driving satisfaction in complete safety. The Mi.To offers a true Alfa Romeo sporting set-up, featuring contractive suspensions – standard on all specifications and engines – that minimise roll and offer maximum active, passive and preventive safety. Alfa Romeo’s specially developed VDC stability system is fitted as standard, and the vehicle structure is already designed to obtain a top Euro ncap crash safety rating in the future.

The Alfa Mi.To will be introduced to the international press during June and will then be gradually introduced from July in all the major markets.

EuroNCAP: Improved Nissan Navara Pick-Up Gets 3-Star Rating

Today, Euro NCAP released the results for its assessment of the modified Navara which managed to achieve an acceptable three star rating for adult occupant protection. In Euro NCAP’s initial tests, the Navara was awarded a pitiful one-star rating for adult occupant protection partially due to the delayed firing of the airbag in the frontal impact test. Nissan reacted by developing new airbag software to ensure better occupant protection. Production Navaras are now equipped with the improved software and an extensive Service Campaign is underway to upgrade owners’ vehicles produced since 2005.

Moreover, in these new tests, the Navara’s Child Occupant Protection rating has also been improved to four stars due to the additional consumer information Nissan has made available.

2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Facelift

After the debut of the revamped SL, CLS & ML-Class along with the semi-new CLC, Mercedes-Benz is continuing to overhaul its range with the presentation of the facelifted B-Class. The German carmaker tweaked the compact MPV’s appearance by restyling the front end that features a new radiator grille with three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey, redesigned bonnet with a more pronounced arrow shape, and a new bumper.

Changes at the back are similarly subtle and include new tail lamp lens design and a remodeled bumper. Finally, the exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panels are now painted to match the body colour on all model variants. Inside, the 2009 B-Class gets new upholstery fabric, plus a new fabric pattern for the seat cushions along with diagonally brushed aluminium trim in a smoke grey finish.

The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines – two direct-injection diesel units (109 hp and 140 hp) as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to 193 hp. Thanks to a series of detailed improvements, the four-cylinder engines now burn up to seven percent less fuel than previously. -Continued (Pic edited by Carscoop)

For the diesel models, this means that the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI has dropped – depending on tyre size – to 5.2 - 5.4 and 5.4 - 5.6 litres per 100 km, respectively. Depending on the model and engine output, the four petrol variants of the B‑Class return fuel consumption figures of between 6.6 and 8.1 litres per 100 km.

From autumn 2008, Mercedes-Benz will also offer the B 150 and B 170 BlueEFFICIENCY models featuring the ECO start/stop function (optional). According to the German carmaker, fuel savings of up to nine percent can be achieved with the ECO start/stop function, particularly when driving in city traffic with frequent stops at traffic lights or in tailbacks.

2009 Alfa Romeo Mi.To – Official Images?

One of our readers gave us a tip earlier today concerning a batch of pint-sized pictures allegedly featuring Alfa’s new compact mini hatch. While those images were too small to allow any secure assumptions, our research led us to three larger versions of the same pictures, which seem pretty official in our opinion. We also verified that the “Mi.To” nameplate you see in the car is indeed the name that Alfa Romeo chose for its MINI contender that was widely known as the “Junior”.

Apart from the fact that the “Mi.To” looks as sexy as you’d expect from a car bearing the Alfa Romeo badge, we also know that it is based on a modified version of the Fiat Grande Punto platform and that it will be available with a variety of engines, from an entry-level 95Hp unit (Fiat’s 1.4-liter 16v) to a 230Hp turbo version for the GTA. All models will be equipped with a standard 6-speed gearbox while an automatic transmission being offered optionally. We’ll have more on this developing story later on. -Thanks for the tip Miguel! - One more picture after the jump

2009 Camaro Spotted Uncovered... Again

Another day, another fella spots a pre-production 2009 Chevrolet Camaro wandering around without a trace of camouflage. This alpine-white Camaro was captured on film by Camaro5 forum member, BalzOnYer4Head (where do they come up with these names?) who snapped the test vehicle on I-75 just north of Tampa, Florida. –Two more pics after the jump



Thanks for the tip Jon C.! - Source: Camaro5

Porsche Traveller Concept: Luckily, It’s Not Official

A compact crossover model from Porsche wouldn’t be a bad idea at all. What would be bad is if someone at Porsche happened to see Ivan Volkov’s Traveller Concept and liked the design. The independent designer makes a fuzzy referral of a two-part construction in his website, something that can be seen in the sketches after the jump. However, it’s unclear how or where the third set of wheels is hiding. –Click through for more images

Via: Cardomain , Link: conceptsalad