Auto Cars 2011 2012: 2008-12-21

Happy Holidays from Auto Cars 2011!

Auto Cars 2011 would like to wish our readers, fellow bloggers, journalists and associates from all over the world a happy holiday season. We hope Santa parked that new car of your dreams right in your driveway last night. He skipped our house with that this year, but we are still hopeful for next Christmas. We'll be drinking our eggnog and wearing our checkered Christmas sweaters today so we probably won't be writing many posts (and by that we actually mean, no posts...). But we'll be back tomorrow bringing you the latest auto news from around the globe.

Zele to Debut Nissan GT-R R35 'Complete Edition' 550HP at Tokyo Salon

Next month's Tokyo AutoSalon 2009 will see the unveiling of Zele International's first complete car, the 2009 Nissan GT-R based "ZELE R35 GT-R Complete Edition". The heavily modified GT-R comes in a attention-grabbing orange finish and more carbon fiber than a NASA parts cupboard. The aero kit includes carbon fiber bumpers, lip spoiler, side skirts, rear wing, revised air ducts, grille, side mirrors and even a dry carbon rooftop, while the car sits on 20-inch multispoke black-colored alloy wheels. Inside, Zele has added a pair of Recari bucket seats finished in alcantara.

The ZELE R35 GT-R Complete Edition's performance upgrades include among other items, a new ECU program that boosts output from 485HP to 550HP, a height adjustable suspension conversion kit and uprated brake pads

Zele will start taking orders for the R35 GT-R Complete Edition from 9th January, but only eight extremely lucky customers will be able to get the car. The rest will have to be content with creating the car from individual parts that will be available by the Japanese tuner. As for the price of the 'Complete Edition', Zele said that it will be announced Friday morning at Tokyo AutoSalon 2009 on January 9th.

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Zele

Cosmetics

ZELE Customised Paint Program *1
Dry Carbon Fiber Front Aero Bumper *1
Dry Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors *1
Dry Carbon Fiber Roof *1
Dry Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler *1
Carbon Fiber Side Skirts
Carbon Fiber Rear Under Spoiler
Carbon Fiber Bonnet NACA Ducts
Carbon Fiber Front Fender Ducts
Dry Carbon Fiber Front Grille
Dry Carbon Fiber Intake Cover
Dry Carbon Radiator Shroud
Titanium Hood Support Bar

Performance

FZ-ROM ECU (Type3, Maximum Output 550ps)
Titanium Muffler (Type1 or Type2) *3
Rear Differential Oil Cooler Type-2 *3
ZELE Edition RAYS Gramlights R57GT 20"Alloy Wheels
ZELE Edition RAYS Volk Racing TE37G2 Alloy Wheels *2
Height Adjustable Suspensions Conversion Kit
RECARO Bucket Seats TS-G Alcantara
Zele Sports Brake Pads
*1 Exclusive available for ZELE Complete Edition.
*2 Optional
*3 Rear Differential Oil Cooler available only when Titanium Muffler Type1 is selected.

Vauxhall Astra VXR-R / S and Corsa VXR-R / S by Thorney Motorsport

Thorney Motorsport, a UK based tuner that specializes on road and track cars has launched its own range of modified Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXRs (sold in the rest of Europe as the Opel Astra and Corsa OPCs). Both hot hatches are available in two variants, the VXR-S (Sport) and the more heavily modified VXR-R (Race) with Thorney Motorsport announcing that only 25 units of each version will be produced. The entry-level VXR-S models come equipped with a race suspension set up that brings the Astra and Corsa VXRs 30mm closer to the ground, uprated brake pads, lightweight 18-inch black alloy wheels, sport livery, a sport exhaust system and engine upgrades.

In particular, the Astra VXR-S' 2.0-liter turbocharged engine develops an output of 280 bhp for a 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) sprint of 5.2 sec and a maximum speed of 160 mph (257 km/h). The Corsa VXR-S 1.6-liter turbo unit produces 220 bhp accelerating the hot supermini from standstill to 60 mph in 5.8 sec and on to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The more track-focused VXR-R models are further enhanced with a competition developed suspension (40 mm lower), racing brakes with 4 piston callipers and larger discs, a limited slip differential and more extensive engine upgrades. The Astra VXR-R delivers an impressive 300 bhp that allows the 3-door hatchback to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h). Respectively, the Corsa VXR-R's 1.6 Turbo makes 230 bhp for a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).

All four models are only available as new cars from the Thorney Motorsport Performance Centers that are located within Vauxhall's dealer network.

Vauxhall Astra VXR-S
CHASSIS.

TMS Uprated Suspension Springs, 30mm Lower
TMS Fast Road Geometry Setup
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport with unique black tipped exhaust tailpipe.
TMS Stage 2 Engine Remap
BRAKES.

TMS Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
WHEELS & TYRES.

TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Red Lip
225/40YR18 Dunlop SportMaxx Tyres
BODYWORK.

Unique VXR-S Detailing & Badges
Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
PERFORMANCE.

0-60mph: 5.2 Seconds
Top Speed: 160 MPH
Max. BHP: 280 BHP
Max. Torque: 310 ft/lbs
Price: £22,995 OTR
Options:
Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
TMS ATB Competition Differential £999
AP Racing Formula Brake Kit £1599

Vauxhall Astra VXR-R
CHASSIS.

TMS Race Suspension, with Uprated Springs and Dampers, 40mm Lower.
TMS Uprated Fast Road Geometry Setup
TMS Competition Limited Slip Differential
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport with unique black tipped exhaust tailpipe.
TMS Performance Front Mounted Intercooler
TMS Stage 3 Engine Remap
BRAKES.

4 Piston Racing Brake Kit
Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
WHEELS & TYRES.

TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Green Lip
Dunlop SportMaxx Ultra Performance Tyres
BODYWORK.

Unique VXR-R Detailing & Badges
Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
PERFORMANCE.

0-60mph: 4.9 Seconds
Top Speed: 170 MPH
Max. BHP: 300 BHP
Max. Torque: 340 ft/lbs
Price: £26,295 OTR

Options:

Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
Full & Half TMS Roll Cages £1499
Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
Dunlop Direzza 03G Trackday Tyres £499
Recaro Fixed Bucket Seats £1499

Vauxhall Corsa VXR-S
CHASSIS.

TMS Uprated Suspension Springs, 30mm Lower
TMS Fast Road Geometry Setup
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.
TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport
TMS Stage 2 Engine Remap
BRAKES.

TMS Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
WHEELS & TYRES.

TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team
Dynamics with Unique Red Lip
BODYWORK.

Unique VXR-S Detailing & Badges
Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
PERFORMANCE.

0-60mph: 5.8 Seconds
Top Speed: 150 MPH
Max. BHP: 220 BHP
Max. Torque: 250 ft/lbs
Price: £18,295 OTR

Options:

Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
TMS ATB Competition Differential £999
AP Racing Formula Brake Kit £1599

Vauxhall Corsa VXR-R
CHASSIS.

TMS Race Suspension, with Uprated Springs and Dampers, 40mm Lower.
TMS Uprated Fast Road Geometry Setup
TMS Competition Limited Slip Differential
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport
TMS Performance Front Mounted Intercooler
TMS Stage 3 Engine Remap
BRAKES.

4 Piston Racing Brake Kit
Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
WHEELS & TYRES.

TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Green Lip
Dunlop SportMaxx Ultra Performance Tyres
BODYWORK.

Unique VXR-R Detailing & Badges
Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
PERFORMANCE.

0-60mph: 5.4 Seconds
Top Speed: 160 MPH
Max. BHP: 230 BHP
Max. Torque: 260 ft/lbs
Price: £22,495 OTR

Options:

Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
Full & Half TMS Roll Cages £1499
Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
Dunlop Direzza 03G Trackday Tyres £499
Recaro Fixed Bucket Seats £1499

2010 Hyundai Sonata / i40, Tuscon and i30 Facelift Shown on Korean TV

The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), South Korea's premium public broadcaster, recently aired a program that focused on Hyundai's R&D facility located in Namyang, Korea. Among other things, the show revealed a prototype model of the next-generation Hyundai Sonata undergoing testing as well as a camouflaged 2010 Hyundai Tuscon and a designers sketch depicting what appears to be a proposal for facelifted i30 hatchback. The new Sonata that will be called i40 in Europe and other international markets, is due to arrive in Hyundai's dealerships by early-2010.

Based on a newly developed platform, the 2010 Sonata will be offered with an array of engines including Hyundai's new 2.0- and 2.2-liter turbo diesels with outputs of 184HP and 200HP respectively, as well as a 2.0-litre petrol engine available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.

Source: KBS1 , Via: TheCarBlogger

Video: 2010 Cadillac SRX Hits the Snow

GM has released the first official video of its new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK rival, the 2010 Cadillac SRX. The compact crossover-SUV-CUV-we don't know the difference any more, will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January with sales scheduled to start during the second quarter of 2009. Cadillac has not announced any details on the powertrain options -or at least not officially- but expect to see the SRX being offered in most markets with the CTS' duo of 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engines. Hit the 'Read More' button below to watch the SRX pointlessly fooling around in the snow.

Aussie Driver Accidentally Parks Mercedes On Neighbor's Car

Even if you tried, we doubt that you could do what Pauline Grodski from Melbourne, Australia, did with her Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Ms Grodski reportedly lost control of her luxury sedan near her home in Malvern as she was... reaching for her lunchbox. As you can see in the picture above, Ms Grodski's carelessness -and that's an understatement- ended with her car hovering on two wheels astride a neighbor's parked Holden Astra sedan. Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.

Source: Herald Sun , Via: Cardomain

Video: Chinese Trucker Fools Around with Police Car

In this video, a police car attempts to pull over a large truck on a Chinese highway but the trucker constantly keeps swerving around blocking the officers from overtaking him. Even though the trucker's actions threaten not only the life of the police officers, but also the safety of people in other cars that happened to be on the road, the whole scene is deliriously funny. Watch the video below the fold.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Dedicated Hybrid Sedan Confirmed for Detroit Show

We've been hearing rumors about Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model for quite a while now, but today, the Japanese automaker officially confirmed that the all-new HS 250h will make its worldwide debut at next month's 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Lexus has not disclosed any official information whatsoever on the HS 250h, but according to the grapevine, the dedicated hybrid sedan will be similar in size to the company's IS Sedan.

Sources also suggest that the HS 250h will be initially launched in 2009 with conventional nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, but will switch to lithium-ion cells by the end of 2010. Stay tuned on Auto Cars 2011 for more details on the highly anticipated Lexus hybrid model.

Pics: Mag-X

Toyota Could Cut Jobs in the U.S. if Auto Sales Continue to Drop

What would have been unheard of a year ago could now very well become a reality: if auto sales don't rebound by the second half of next year, Toyota may be forced to lay off workers in the U.S. for the first time since it began manufacturing cars in the States in the mid 1980s. Jim Wiseman, vice president of external affairs for Toyota's North American production unit, told Bloomberg News that the company cannot rule out job cuts as sales continue to fall. "We wouldn't anticipate it getting to that point, but we never say never," Wiseman said. Overall, Toyota's North American operations employee some 30,000 workers.

Via: Bloobmberg

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Priced from $18,495

Hyundai has just released U.S. pricing information for its new Elantra Touring five-door compact model which is sold in Europe as the i30 Crossover Wagon. Prices start from $18,495 for the entry-level model and $19,995 for one featuring a Premium-Sport package. In the U.S., the Elantra Touring is offered exclusively with the same 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine found in the Elantra sedan. With a manual transmission, the Elantra Touring's mileage is 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway while with the optional four-speed, automatic transmission, the Hyundai's EPA rating is 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The entry level model's standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a cooled glove box and an integrated 172-Watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, USB input and auxiliary input.

The Premium-Sport package adds a power sunroof with tilt and slide functions, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45VR17 tires. The all-new 2009 Elantra Touring will be available at Hyundai's dealerships in the first quarter of 2009.

2009 Elantra Touring Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing

Touring M/T Standard Equipment Five-Speed M/T with B&M Sport shifter $18,495
Touring A/T Standard Equipment Four-Speed A/T $19,295
Touring M/T Premium-Sport Five-Speed M/T with B&M Sport shifter $19,995
Touring A/T Premium-Sport Four-Speed A/T $20,795

New Saab 9-5 Griffin 260HP Heads to Detroit Auto Show

Unlike wine, cars don't get better as they age, and at 11 years old, the current Saab 9-5 is long overdue for replacement. Still, Saab tries to make the best of it by constantly introducing new editions of its mid-size executive model in a wary attempt to draw buyers into its showrooms. At the Detroit auto show next month, the Swedes will perform the debut of the 9-5 Griffin Edition powered by the firm's 2.3-liter, 260HP four-cylinder engine that can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.

Available in both sedan and station-wagon forms, the 9-5 Griffin Edition is distinguished on the outside by the matte chrome front grill and frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish. A set of five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and Griffin badges on the front fenders complete the look.

On the inside, the 9-5 Griffin comes equipped with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are also foldable and auto-dimming.

Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Swedes have priced the 9-5 Griffin from $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the SportCombi. We're no marketing gurus, but 40+ grand for a outdated car that was designed in the mid-to-late 90s doesn't exactly sound like a deal.

2009 BMW Z4 Roadster: New Wallpaper Gallery

For some reason, BMW believes that most internet users have 15-inch monitors hooked up to their computers so they decided to issue a wallpaper gallery of the 2009 Z4 hardtop roadster that consists exclusively of 1024x768 photographs. Even though many of you won't be able to use the pics to decorate your pc's background, you may want to see how the new Z4 looks in a color other than the champagne beige shown on the first press photos by following the jump below.

Video: Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

Last week Mercedes revealed the SLR Stirling Moss, a final-run, limited-edition speedster version of the SLR supercar named in tribute to British race ace Stirling Moss. The most exclusive variant of the SLR is powered by a supercharged V8 engine with 650HP for a zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in less than 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). Skip the jump below to watch a promo film of the German speedster or click here to check out our initial post that includes 22 high-res photographs.

Chrysler LLC Begins Spending Government Loan with 'Thank You America' Print Ad...

American taxpayers will be glad to know that the folks over at cash-strapped Chrysler LLC thank them for the approved government loan of $4 billion that they received to help bridge the current economic crunch. In fact, Chrysler is so thankful that it created a new "Thank You America" print advertisement.

First of all, if Chrysler wanted to be accurate, it should have thanked the Bush Administration and their political supporters in their decision to offer both Chrysler and GM a bailout loan - we didn't see any American taxpayers vote on the matter, did you? If you ask us, Chrysler LLC's decision to spend money -it doesn't matter how much- on a print ad thanking Americans for bailing them out was an unnecessary move. With so many media outlets of all sorts, a press release is more than adequate these days to get your message out to millions of people. Total waste of money that could have gone into saving a job or two.

Hyundai Reveals New Six-Speed Auto Transmission

Set to be rolled out on selected models in 2009 onwards, Hyundai's new six-speed automatic transmission promises to boosts fuel economy by 12% and is 12kg (26.5 lbs) lighter and has 62 fewer parts than a 5-speed auto transaxle. With the introduction of the new transmission, Hyundai becomes only the third company in the world to develop its own six-speed automatic transaxle after Toyota and a GM/Ford joint venture.

Designed for transverse engine applications in cars and SUVs, the new compact transaxle that went into production in December will be offered in a total of five variants to accommodate a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. Overall, 16 different Hyundai models will get this transmission.

"The strength of our design is its completely unique layout, which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed on the market today," said Hong-Min Kim, the project manager of the transaxle at Hyundai R&D Centre.

The new tranny will make its debut in the new Hyundai Grandeur equipped with a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine. Hyundai said that in this application, the new gearbox delivers a 12.2 percent gain in fuel economy and is 2.5 percent quicker in zero to 62mph (100km/h) acceleration times (7.8sec versus 8.0 sec).It also delivers an 11 percent improvement in 60km/h to 100km/h overtaking performance (4.0 sec versus 4.5 sec).

Original 1965 Lamborghini Miura Turin Salon Chassis Found by Collectors

A one-off 1965 Turin Salon Lamborghini Miura chassis equipped with the Italian company's first-ever transverse mid-mounted V12 engine (0293) has resurfaced thanks to the discovery of a group of unnamed, Los Angeles based, collectors. The historic chassis that was designed by Gian Paolo Dallara, represents the very first mid-engined supercar theme for all marques. The show chassis had been stored for the past 30 years in Cyprus by the country's original Lamborghini concessionaire, Marios Kritikos, who had acquired the historic unit in April 1978.

The original invoice for the chassis survives together with unpublished period photographs of the chassis being built in 1965, on display at the December, 1965 Turin Salon, and at the Lamborghini factory in July, 1966. Mr. Kritikos documented his collection of the car on April 7th, 1978.

A month after its discovery and sale to the LA collectors, the one-off chassis has been imported to the US and now resides in the restoration facility of Miura specialist Gary Bobileff, where it will undergo a complete refurbishment to bring it to its former show glory. According to Lamborghini, the chassis will make its USA debut in the summer of 2009.

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid: New Set of Teaser Photos

Another week, another set of teaser pictures of Toyota's worst kept secret, the 2010 Prius Hybrid. This time, the Japanese automaker has released shots of the new compact hybrid's engine compartment, headlight, the Lexus Hybrid inspired illuminated Toyota logo and what appears to be a door handle. The third generation Prius will make its physical debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. From what we know up until now, the new car is going to be bigger than the outgoing model and it will feature a more powerful yet more fuel efficient and tightly packaged hybrid drivetrain system. Hit the jump for the full image gallery.