TechArt Trickle-Treats Porsche Boxster and Cayman Facelift Models

Just weeks away from the bi-annual Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, Porsche tuning specialist TechArt is unveiling the first of several new upgrades to come for the facelifted versions of the Boxster roadster and Caymane coupe models. Included in the initial package are two different Aerokits, daytime running lights, a set of sport springs, as well as carbon interior packages that subtly transform the looks of the two Porsche models.

TechArt's aero kits that are said to optimize the Boxster and Cayman's drag coefficients comprise of a front spoiler with a spoiler lip that match the body's color and new LED daytime running lights, rear wing, side sills and a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser that houses the twin tailpiped of the more sonorous sport exhaust system.

The bodykit can be rounded off with 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels available in various designs and colors while additional upgrades include TechArt's sport springs and a lowering kit that reduced the ride height by up to 30 mm.

For the interior, TechArt offerings include a variety of options ranging from a full leather treatment with contrasting seams and decorative carbon fiber trim to aluminum sport pedals, a three-spoke sport steering wheel and illuminated entry sills with individual logos.

2010 Chevrolet Agile Official Photos: Fortunately, It's only for South America

Proving once again that for the most part, teaser sketches and concept studies have little if anything in common with the actual production model (cars like the Peugeot RCZ are the exception to the rule), General Motors revealed the first official photos of the 2010 Chevy Agile small car. Despite the promising sketches, the production version of the Agile looks like an Opel Corsa that suffered multiple plastic surgery procedures to make it look like a small Chevy crossover.

Luckily for us, the new Agile that was conceived in Brazil using GM's Viva platform is not the next North American or European market Chevy Aveo as the crossoverish hatch was developed for South American markets.

The Agile will be built at General Motors' Rosario plant in Argentina with series production set to begin this fall.

Chevrolet's official press release did not mention anything on the available powertrain options, but South American buyers can expect a range of four-cylinder engines.

Thanks for the tip Gustavo!

R850i: Russian Audi R8 Sporting BMW Badges!

To be quite frank, the jury is still out on whether or not these photos showing an Audi R8 adorned with BMW badges are bona fide or fabricated by a cunning but nevertheless extremely talented photoshop manipulator. The rebadged Audi R8 with the Russian licenses features the Bavarian automaker's logo up front, at the rear and on the engine cover. True or not, we're pretty sure that these pictures can ignite an... interesting conversation between Audi and Bimmer fans.

Euxaristo for the tip Nikos! Via: WFC and BMWblog

2011 Hyundai Sonata Exposed During Photo Shoot

Unless Hyundai is preparing another mid-size sedan, what you see in these scoop photos is the all-new 2011 Sonata that has been captured without any sort of camouflage (and with its top chopped off...) by the Korean-loving crew over at Hyundai Blog. We've already seen the next Sonata's four-door coupe-like profile and sleek roofline in previous spy pics but these new shots provide an undisguised view of the sedan's front and rear styling as well as of the interior design.

As always, we'd like to see the full picture (or so to say) before we make any conclusions, but there's no doubt that in terms of aesthetics, the new Sonata is a far more adventurous and interesting proposal than the overly-conservative and stylistically boring model it will replace.

The next-generation Sonata that is said to be renamed to i40 in Europe, will most likely go on sale on both sides of the Atlantic sometime during the first half of 2010.

Via: Jalopnik , Source: Hyundai Blog

VIDEO: Clever MINI Cooper S vs the Demon Carts Commercial with a Stephen King Twist

Watching this spot for the MINI Cooper S that was created by agency Butler, Shine, Stern and Partners, the first thing that came to mind was Stephen King's horror novels. The witty commercial tries to show off the crisp and go-kart-like handling of the MINI Cooper S as the driver of the car evades an army of "evil" shopping carts with minds of their own that keep attacking him in a super-market parking lot. Follow the jump to check out the video.

Thanks for the tip Scott!

First Photos of Irmscher's take on the 2010 Opel Astra

The hotly anticipated 2010 Opel Astra is still a couple of months away from showrooms but that hasn't deterred German tuning firm Irmscher, which specializes in Opel products, from being the first tuner to develop a sporty styling package for the compact hatch. There's no official announcement at the time being, but the photos reveal that the initial kit includes a front spoiler lip, side skirts, a new front grille and a rear apron that makes room for four tailpipes.

The German tuner also created specific alloy wheels that are said to be offered in sizes 18- to 20-inches. Buyers should also expect various interior treats such as aluminum pedals and unique mats along with a lowering sport kit.

Irmscher will reveal its styling package for the 2010 Opel Astra at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

Via: Autoblog.nl

New BMW 320d EfficientDynamics: Most Fuel Efficient BMW Returns 57.4mpg - 4.1 lt / 100km

BMW is enhancing its most popular model's range with the introduction of the new 320d EfficientDynamics Edition that will be presented for the first time at next month's 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the 320d, the EfficientDynamics Edition is claimed to be the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW's current model range with a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 lt diesel/100km, which is equal to 57.4mpg US or 68.9 mpg UK, and a CO2 rating of 109g/km in the EU test cycle.

Just to get an idea of how low these figures are, in the EU test cycle, Honda's dedicated mild-hybrid, the smaller-sized Insight, is rated at 4.4 lt petrol/100km (53.5mpg US or 64.2mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 101g/km.

The 320d EfficientDynamics is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with a single turbocharger that develops 163 HP between 3,500rpm to 4,200rpm and 360Nm or 266 lb-ft of torque from 1,750rpm to 3,000rpm.

The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) comes in 8.2 seconds while acceleration in fifth gear from 80km/h to 120km/h (50mph to 75mph) takes 9.6 seconds. The saloon can reach a top speed of 220 km/h or 137mph.

Changes over the standard 320d include improvements to the engine construction, a longer rear axle transmission ratio, lowered suspension and the use of specially designed aerodynamic alloy wheels with Michelin EnergySaver tyres.

The car also comes with a dual mass flywheel with springs between the two parts to help smooth out any engine vibration through the drivetrain as well as new centrifugal pendulum absorbers to further improve smoothness.

Like other BMW models, the 'green' 320d comes fitted with the existing suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering as standard.

According to BMW, despite the numerous upgrades, the new 320d EfficientDynamics Edition model will come at the same price as the "regular" 320d, which is still included in the model range. Sales are expected to begin towards the end of the year.