Bentley Boys S3 concept

When car designs begin to stagnate, designers go back in time for inspiration, in the case of Arturo Alonso from Bentley Boys USA, he has gone back to the sixties, which has led him to this: The Bentley Boys S3.

Given enough interest, only three cars are expected for production, each taking an enormous eight months to build. The target market is Dubai, New York and Moscow, where image is everything. As far as we can tell the cars will actually be built on original 1960s Bentley S3 bodies, which might explain the 8 month production schedule. Apart from that, there is not much actual Bentley in this car.

The same four-headlamp layout and vertical grille remain, while the original V8 engine has been replaced by a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre engine with around 220kW.The power is put to the ground via 20-inch forged wheels (even if you can only see 10 of that 20 inch) driven through a five-speed ZF automatic transmission.Little else is known about the specifications, except that it will have air conditioning, leather and suede trim and a stainless steel exhaust system.

It will cost the three owners $150,000 USD, which is not that much given the work and effort involved. But when you consider that you’re essentially buying a pimped up 1960s Bentley S3, there might be some hesitation - unless you’re a Russian billionaire.

© Source: caradvice
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2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

The turbocharged coupe carries a wallop with 260 hp, and all that power can be used to propel the Chevy Cobalt SS to 60 in 5.7 seconds or get you around the 'Ring in a very respectable 8:22. Those are very solid performance numbers, and with a starting price of $22,995, the Cobalt SS delivers a pretty strong value statement, as well.

Besides a toned-down rear spoiler and an improved 2.0L turbocharged powerplant, standard features include air conditioning, stability control, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. If you're into Cobalt luxury, you can add a sunroof, high-wing rear spoiler, audio system, and limited-slip differential and still keep the price under $26k. We're looking forward to seeing for ourselves if the Cobalt SS is worthy of the Super Sport name, but at $22,995 we can already say the price of entry is competitive.

© Source: autoblog
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New York Auto Show 2008: Suzuki unveils Kizashi 3 concept, coming in 2010

Suzuki has been teasing us over the last few months with its duo of highly stylized concepts, the Kizashi and Kizashi 2. While it was obvious that cues found on both those concepts are going to inspire the styling of future models, it wasn't clear how Suzuki would implement some of the more extreme features of this design language. Today in New York, Suzuki showed what elements were making the cut with the unveiling of the Kizashi 3 concept.

Sporting a toned-down version of the gaping maw found on the first two concepts, deeply drawn headlights and recessed fog lamps, the fascia has made the successful transition from design exercise to down-to-earth concept. While the profile and rear end is a little less dramatic than the view up front, the 21-inch wheels add a healthy amount of visual weight down below. Underneath the hood is a 300-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that drives all four wheels through Suzuki's intelligent AWD system.

Suzuki made it very clear that the Kizashi 3 is a close representation of the production model that will arrive in the U.S. by 2010. It's a serious step to shore up market share in a segment rife with competition, but if the Kizashi is executed as well as the concept, there could be another serious contender coming out of Japan.

The Volvo C30 – introducing sporty R-DESIGN as standard

Volvo is introducing the striking R-DESIGN Sport as the new entry level specification on the Volvo C30 SportsCoupe. From just £14,995 OTR for the 1.6 petrol R-DESIGN Sport, this desirable model is now within the reach of many more aspiring Volvo owners and is available to order now. Extending the appeal even further, Volvo is also offering 0% APR typical* finance over 3 years with a 30% minimum deposit and 12 months free insurance**.

New York 2008: Ferrari 2008 612 Scaglietti One to One launches in North America

Ferrari previously announced their One to One personalization program back at the Geneva Motor Show a few weeks ago and now it's coming to North America. One to One is for those who just can't settle for an "off the rack" Ferrari, as if there is such a thing, yet the program allows purchasers of the new 2008 612 Scaglietti to have their new toys tailored to their whims.

Beginning with the Park Avenue store in New York this week customers can work with a specialist to select the materials and accessories they want in their 612 to create a truly bespoke Italian exotic. Once the desired combinations have been chosen, the cars will be assembled in a dedicated corner of the Maranello factory. Along with the usual shrieking V-12, the latest edition of the 612 includes Ferrari's new electrochromic roof and SuperFast electro-hydraulic shifted gearbox. If you have to ask the cost... just peruse the gallery and drool.

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

(from General Motors Press Release) PONTIAC UNVEILS 2009 SOLSTICE COUPE: Hardtop Extends Appeal of Classic Design

NEW YORK – Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.

For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.

“Today’s Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving.”

Engineering the design
Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.

“The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering,” said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. “The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure – it’s a great example of building on an already solid foundation.”

Powertrain and suspension
Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).

© Source: seriouswheels
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Hyundai i10

Driving
Light controls ensure the Hyundai is extremely straightforward to drive. With a tight turning circle and excellent visibility, it has all the key attributes a great city car requires. The 1.1-litre engine delivers keen throttle response, making sure the i10 is nippy through traffic. Combine this with responsive steering, progressive brakes and a tidy gearshift, and the Hyundai is fun and easy to drive. Even so, it’s worth pointing out the engine does get a little coarse at higher revs, and the ride tends to be on the firm side. However, the stiff suspension does mean the i10 is stable at motorway speeds.

Marketplace
The i10 replaces Hyundai’s previous city five-door, the Amica. Built in India, links to the old car are clear, particularly in the unattractive side profile. However, the tidy nose and rear are attractive and modern, similar to the bigger i30. Powered by a single 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, Hyundai’s baby comes in three trim lines – Classic, Style and Comfort. Rivals come far and wide, and include the Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107, Citroen C1, Volkswagen Fox and Kia Picanto.

Owning
The dashboard design is modern, while the materials used are impressive for a car in this price range. The high-mounted stereo is excellent, with big buttons and a CD player, as well as compatibility with MP3 players. What’s more, the thin-rimmed steering wheel adjusts for height, and the gearlever is perfectly placed on the dashboard. There’s a decent amount of space, with enough legroom in the rear for adults to sit comfortably. Unlike rivals, the i10’s back seats split and fold, while you get three rear belts and a full complement of headrests. Quoted economy of 56mpg is impressive and the low list prices include very good levels of equipment, plus Hyundai’s five-year warranty.

© Source: autoexpress
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