Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Lamborghini LP560-4 official pics!

We just detailed the changes made to the Lamborghini Gallardo as it evolves into the spectacular LP560-4. And while the name might not be exciting, the car sure is.

Lamborghini LP560-4 Lamborghini LP560-4 -2Lamborghini LP560-4 -3New front and rear fascias give the "baby" Lambo a menacing new look that's backed up by an upgraded 5.2L V10 that reportedly dishes out 560 PS/ 552 HP while tipping the scales at 44 lbs. less than the Gallardo. That's what fast is made of. We'll update the photo gallery (more pics coming as we type) and post the official specs as soon as they're released.

© Source: autoblog
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Monday, March 3, 2008

Volkswagen to become 68.6% voting shareholder in Scania

Volkswagen has reached an agreement with Investor AB and the Wallenberg Foundations regarding the purchase of their stakes in Scania (in total 134,711,900 A-shares or 30.62% of Scania’s voting rights) for a consideration of 200 SEK per A-share in cash. The purchase of the stake will increase Volkswagen’s total votes in Scania to 68.60% (previously 37.98%) which corresponds to 37.73% of the capital (previously 20.89%). This move is an important step towards clarifying the long-term shareholder structure of Scania. The completion of the purchase is subject to merger clearance.

Land Rover LRX: Geneva '08 Preview

Land Rover is quick to remind that the LRX is just a concept, but it's sending a pretty strong message in Geneva, where a second, black-and-silver LRX will join the original white truck that premiered in Detroit. And the new one is even hotter than the original, itself one of the best concepts of the last year. It's supposed to demonstrate how a (potential) production LRX could be personalized, and we would like to have one delivered to our personal garage approximately yesterday.

Land Rover LRXLand Rover LRX-2The rakish shape now features a silver roof fitted with side rails and a removable carbon-composite panel. This beautifully contrasts the black primary finish, and aluminum-accented details do their part to further dress up the exterior. As a subtle reminder to onlookers that this is still a Land Rover despite its elegance, matte-finished protective trim adorns the side sills and wheel flares. Furthermore, carbon-composite skidplates supply underbody protection. Inside, a sumptuous-sounding (LR hasn't released any pictures yet) tan-and-dark chocolate interior awaits. Motivation comes from a 2.0L diesel hybrid that is theoretically capable of 60 mpg on the EU combined cycle.

The Electric Rear Axle Drive can power the SUV on its own up to 20 mph, and it also can be used to supply additional torque when the LRX is playing in 4x4 mode. Like we said earlier, the LRX is still only a concept, but Land Rover will be actively monitoring customer and dealer interest in Geneva. The white one got our attention, but this one closes the deal. Hey Land Rover: white or black, just color us interested.

© Source: autoblog
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Sunday, March 2, 2008

Hummer to the rescue

HUMMER has partnered with Mountain Rescue (England & Wales), to provide a specially modified vehicle for the UK charity. UK Mountain Rescue celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2008 and to commemorate this landmark, the newly launched right-hand drive HUMMER H3 will support the charity’s busiest teams in England and Wales across the year. The hardy on/off road vehicle will carry both equipment and personnel as Mountain Rescue goes about saving hundreds of lives annually.

2008 Kicherer ML 42 Ice based on Mercedes-Benz ML 420

(from Kicherer Press Release) Kicherer now has a tuning kit available for the ML 420 CDI bestowing an extra 56 hp and 200 Nm more torque to an already powerful SUV, thus increasing the effective horsepower from 306 hp in the standard model to a superb 360 hp. At the same time, the maximum torque of 700 Nm is increased to a terrific 900 Nm.

Just as spectacular is the performance of the so-called Kicherer ML 42 ICE. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds, it is a whole half a second quicker than its series counterpart. The maximum speed has been increased to approximately 280 km/h.

2008 Kicherer ML 42 Ice2008 Kicherer ML 42 Ice-2The exceptional performance of the CDI power units tuned by Kicherer are impressive, as are the high degree of elasticity and favourable fuel consumption, which is at a standard level despite the increased power. As with the basic vehicle, Kicherer engines also comply with the Euro 4 exhaust standard and, of course, are just as suitable for any vehicle equipped with diesel particle filters.

But Kicherer has gone even one step further and perfected the details of the ML. Its exterior looks have been adapted to match the increased performance by adding an AMG ML 63 body kit, AMG 20-inch wheels with special varnish, an electronic lowered suspension and a four-pipe sports exhaust. High-performance brakes ensure that fast off-road enthusiasts still have the appropriate deceleration.

The precision of the Kicherer team can also be seen in the interior. The roof interior, dashboard, door trim and other surfaces have been covered with the finest Kicherer leather. Real carbon trim parts add the necessary sporty accentuation to the otherwise luxurious surroundings.

The driver has the pleasure of an ergonomic sporty steering wheel with gear paddles - also finished in carbon.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Hummer to the rescue

HUMMER has partnered with Mountain Rescue (England & Wales), to provide a specially modified vehicle for the UK charity. UK Mountain Rescue celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2008 and to commemorate this landmark, the newly launched right-hand drive HUMMER H3 will support the charity’s busiest teams in England and Wales across the year. The hardy on/off road vehicle will carry both equipment and personnel as Mountain Rescue goes about saving hundreds of lives annually.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Geneva Motor Show 2008: Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta finally revealed in full

Italdesign Giugiaro has been releasing teaser images of its Quaranta concept at an agonizingly slow pace for weeks now, but has finally dropped all its got on the car just days before it will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The Quaranta is actually inspired by the 1968 Bizzarrini Manta concept, and the two take the wedge shape to an extreme. The Quaranta's claim to fame is that it houses a mid-mounted hybrid powertrain supplied by a Toyota. The 3.3L V6 combined with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive produces a combined 268 horsepower and 212 pound feet of torque, which Italdesign claims is good for a 4.05 second run to 62 mph in the lightweight and perfectly balanced Quaranta. At the same time, its pair of fuel tanks integrated into the frame can hold nearly 16 gallons of fuel, good for a 621-mile range. The entire opaque roof is also comprised of solar panels, which run the interior electronics and charge the batteries. The concept can employ two- or all-wheel-drive depending on the conditions, and can also raise its ride height up to a maximum of 9.17 inches. The cockpit of the Quaranta is also a study in far out design, with a 1+3 seating arrangement that places the driver front and center, with two more seats on either side and further back, and a small child seat directly behind the driver.

The Quaranta is a well thought out concept with every aspect of its design backed by a reason and a function. From its shape to its powertrain to its interior ambiance, it will debut in Geneva as a rolling resume for Italdesign's services. And after reading through the lengthy press release that describes every complex system contained in the Quaranta's wedgy shape, we'd be happy to be listed as a reference.
Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept

Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept