"Fiat 500C "2010

A worldwide preview of the Fiat 500C presentation will take place at the Geneva Motorshow, before its launch throughout Europe this spring. Evocative of freedom and emotion, this original 'cabriolet' pays homage to the open-top 1957 model whilst offering leading-edge solutions for mechanical units, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic Fiat tradition giving access to higher segment engineering and technology hitherto unheard of.

Featuring an innovative softtop - a fully fledged window to the sky - the new 500C comes in the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m) and the same three powerplants: the 1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission. Providing different features, all three engine types are generously sized, have a brilliant temperament and offer high performance based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include stubborn reliability and environmental friendliness.

Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles commitment to ecology and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the innovative “Start&Stop” system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. To this end, at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.

Created by the Fiat Styling Center and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the 500C is of the “open source” design, implying the addition of new functions to a highly successful existing product. Indeed, the Fiat 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, 4-adult seat habitability and generous luggage space combined with excellent loadability also with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge device.

A highly original exercise in design, the softtop of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass backlight and the built-in center high mounted stop light. Available in three colors (ivory, red and black), this original soft top will be matched with several bodywork color schemes, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car, i.e. a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey typical of sports supercars. Last but not least, thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding softtop combined with a styling concept which retains all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful ride in any season of the year. All told, its many special features make this new car one of the best turned out cabriolet models currently on offer in the city-car segment.

The 500C is further proof of Fiat's undisputed leadership in this vehicle class where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry's standard is maintained. In fact the car sets new levels of in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments whilst maintaining that unique and inimitable Italian style. A new cabriolet is born which gives great excitement and utmost driving pleasure, combining captivating lines with the performance of flexible, environment-friendly engines.

Chevrolet Equinox 2010

The Chevy Equinox was first launched for 2005 as a low-priced compact five-passenger crossover SUV, with a useful MultiFlex rear seat that slides forward and back to optimize passenger space or cargo room. Clumsy road manners and some cut-rate interior materials prevented it from being a hit.

Chevrolet is redesigning the Equinox for 2010. The new model has an interior inspired by the successful Chevrolet Malibu. It shares its architecture, or basic structure, with the Saturn Vue, itself based on GM's German Opel Antara.

The 2010 Equinox has revised styling and two new powertrains, also. The new Equinox is about the same size as the outgoing model, but it has a more angular look and a sleeker profile. Moving the base of the windshield forward three inches makes it more sharply sloped, yielding a sportier look. Wheel sizes will include 17s, 18s, and 19s.

To address the interior, Chevrolet adds a dual-cockpit interior design inspired by the Chevrolet Malibu. However, where the Malibu uses many higher-quality soft-touch materials, the Vue will continue with many hard plastics. More standard and optional features will be available, though. OnStar assistance, XM satellite radio and blue-hued ambient lighting will be standard. Options will include Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio input jack, hard-drive radio, rear-seat DVD entertainment with two headrest-mounted screens. Chevrolet will also offer a class-exclusive power rear liftgate, a rearview camera that displays in the available navigation screen or rearview mirror, and a Smart remote starting system that will also activate the climate system and the optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature.

The MultiFlex rear seat will return. With eight inches of travel, the seat can be set all the way back to make rear passengers more comfortable, or fully forward for 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats. The 2010 Equinox's seats will also recline and fold down to open up 63.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2010 Equinox will replace the previous model's 185-horsepower V6 with a revised version of GM's Ecotec four-cylinder as its base engine. The current Ecotec makes 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque in the 2009 Vue, but in the 2010 Equinox it will add direct injection technology, boosting horsepower to 182 and torque to 174 pound-feet. GM estimates fuel economy numbers of 21/30 mpg (city/hwy) with front-wheel drive and 20/27 with all-wheel drive, a 25-percent highway improvement over the outgoing 3.4-liter V6. GM expects two-thirds of customers to choose this engine, and it will be offered with any trim level.

Also available will be a new engine to the GM stable, a 3.0-liter, direct-injected V6. The new engine is a derivative of the 3.6-liter V6 that it replaces in the Equinox lineup. This engine will produce 255 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, while delivering 18/25 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/24 mpg with all-wheel drive. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.0-liter V6 will also come with a manual shiftgate. There is no word yet if the Equinox will be offered with either of the Vue's two hybrid powertrains.

Chevrolet has announced that LS, LT and LTZ models will return, but has yet to reveal pricing. We expect the starting price to stay in line with the current model, which starts at about $24,000, but fully equipped models may range higher, possibly up to $37,000, due to the new options.


On Sale: Summer 2009

Expected Pricing: Low $20,000s

Bentley Continental Supersports 2010

The wraps are off Bentley’s fastest (204mph) car. The Continental Supersports debuts at the Geneva Salon and will not only be the company’s most powerful Bentley ever, but also its first ‘FlexFuel’ performance car.

FlexFuel means that the 621bhp stripped-out GT will run on either petrol or E85 biofuel (or any combination of the two) and is the first in Bentley’s range to do so, with all cars to be compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. North American Bentleys will be offered with this capability by the summer of 2010, following regulatory approval.

The company states that, "E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis". ‘Well-to-wheel’ is "a measurement of a fuel’s net CO2 contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions... a way of quantifying how much CO2 a fuel emits from its growth or extraction (well) to its combustion or deployment (wheel). It includes refinement, distillation and transport of the fuel".

Named after a 1920s evolution of the 3-litre Speed, the Supersports is 110kg lighter than a regular GT Speed mainly by virtue of the elimination of the rear seats and the use of all-new, lightweight sports seats with carbonfibre ‘clam-shell’ backs. Extensive use of carbonfibre in the cabin helps weight reduction, as do standard-fitment CCM brakes.

Compared to the already mightily fast, standard GT Speed, power is up by 3.5% and torque - now 800Nm, or 590lb ft - by 6.7%. The ZF six-speed automatic gearbox has been uprated to a ‘Quickshift’ version, reducing gearchange times by a half and allowing the 'box to go down two gears at a time. Various software changes allow throttle ‘blipping’ to match road speed, as well as cutting revs much faster on upchanges.

The suspension broadly follows GT Speed practice, although various improvements have been made for the latest Bentley. It will have an electronic stability programme unique to the car.

With its reduced weight, increased power and speedier gearbox, the new car will sprint to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds. Even more impressive, 0-100mph is achieved in only 8.9 seconds. Maximum speed is 204mph.

If the interior, with its carbonfibre, Alcantara and new, ‘Soft Touch’ leather is of an altogether more sporting Bentley, the exterior has been only subtly modified.

The rear wheelarches have been widened to accommodate the wider-offset, unique-to-the-model 9.5J x 20in forged alloy wheels. At the front, two large air intakes now flank the lower central ‘post box’ grille, feeding a greater volume of air to the intercoolers. Small air exits on the bonnet help manage underbonnet heat and airflow. At the rear, a new bumper houses unique elliptical exhaust pipes.

All exterior brightwork is finished in a unique, dark-smoked steel finish. As with any Bentley, personalisation means a customer can order pretty well whatever he or she fancies. However, for launch, the company will be presenting four new exterior colours, all exclusive to the Supersports: pearlescent Ice and Quartzite and - a first for Bentley - two matt finish colours, Light Grey Satin and Dark Grey Satin.

Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive commented:

"The Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley’s engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector."

No prices have been announced. The Bentley Continental Supersports will be available worldwide from Autumn 2009.

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA 2010

While there is an outside chance that Alfa Romeo will return to the U.S. through a deal with Chrysler as early as 2010, it doesn't appear that the 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA is part of that plan. It's a shame, because this diminutive three-door hatchback is primed to give the likes of the Mini John Cooper Works edition a run for its money.

The stylish MiTo looks every inch an Alfa Romeo from its vertical grille shell to the fender vents that echo those found on the 8C Competizione supercar. The rear of the car features a large diffuser and prominent twin tailpipes. That aggressive look is carried over to the front of GTA, which features larger intakes than the stock model. These openings are needed to feed air to the turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine beneath the hood. That powerplant cranks out 240 bhp, which is delivered to the front wheels.

The MiTo GTA also sports a lower ride height and an active suspension featuring real-time adjustment of shock valving to control body roll and oscillation. Another feature is the Alfa D.N.A. system that has three modes: sport, normal and all weather, which adjust the level of stability and traction control intervention as well as steering feel to match driving conditions.

The sporting nature of the GTA is reflected in its interior design that features aluminum-accented pedals and a scuff plate emblazoned with the GTA logo, plus revised instrument graphics, an ergonomically designed sport steering wheel and rubber floor inserts embossed with the same pattern as the tread on the specially designed Pirelli tires.

Bentley Azure T 2010

The Bentley Azure T convertible may well be the last of the big Bentleys powered by the venerable 6-3/4 liter turbocharged engine. The 2010 Azure T combines the prodigious power of the Brooklands Coupe with four-passenger, open-air driving in near incomparable luxury. Traditional Bentley upgrades set the T apart from lesser Azure models, including more elaborate luxury and features, greater performance, and styling details.

Although engine size remains constant, the state of tune is a significant percentage higher, now with 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque on call. That infinite well of mid-range power, which surpasses virtually everything on the road not carrying a V12 AMG or TDI badge, lets the Azure ride a seemingly endless wave of thrust like a Swan sailing yacht surfs large swells. One does hear it, but only in the fore when reaching 60 mph in just more than five seconds and a top speed of nearly three miles per minute.

Driving characteristics are tightened somewhat to match the power but this car is more about surprising grip relative the cosseting ride rather than taut, svelte and tossable sports car. The stability systems have been relaxed to better enjoy the 20-inch tires, monumental brakes and the six-speed automatic's sport or manual modes.

Visual distinctions include dark tinted matrix mesh grilles, front fender LeMans vents, retractable Flying B hood ornament, body-color mirrors, twin tailpipes, and a jewel fuel cap carved from a chunk of aluminum. With 42 paint shades, 25 upholstery colors and eight types of wood, the 8400 permutations far exceed build quantities but "to sample" arrangements can be made through the Mulliner program.

Bentley's embossed logo diamond-quilted leather adorns the cabin, itself large enough to comfortably accommodate four adults. There is more knurling applied to switchgear and the organ-stop pull knobs, while the instrument panel is engine-turned aluminum with black-face gauges inset. Modern concessions include an iPod/USB interface and SD card slot, though original source recordings will reproduce best on the 1.1-kilowatt Naim sound system.

The rigid structure of the Azure, which includes carbon-fiber bracing, is more than capable of handling the extra performance and the multi-layer folding soft top is completely automated and does not reduce trunk room.

An Azure T will likely mark the pinnacle of the Arnage/Azure line, ensuring its potential collectibility, but the Azure T is to be driven and experienced with friends and not relegated to a time capsule.


On Sale:
Fall 2009

Expected Pricing:
$350,000-$375,000

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2010

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is svelt new two-door that goes on sale in early spring 2009 as a 2010 model.

Hyundai's concept coupe was a hit at the greater Los Angeles auto show last year (Fall 2007). It piqued the interest of those looking for a sharp looking rear-drive sports car at an affordable price.

Now, the unveiling of the production version of this car at the April 2008 New York Auto Show was no let down as it grabbed the headlines when two examples slid, with wheels spinning under the expert skills of a couple of stunt drivers, onto a makeshift indoor drifting stadium. Rock music and fireworks added to the razzmatazz. You've got to do something outlandish to make the headlines in the Big Apple and Hyundai did just that.

Judging by the specs, buyers of the car will not be disappointed when it goes on sale early in 2009.

The two-door coupe will be offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 212 hp and a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 306-hp. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard with both engines. A five-speed automatic will be optional with the four-cylinder engine while the V6 gets a stronger ZF six-speed automatic as an option.

The Coupe is based on the same rear-drive platform as found under the upcoming Genesis sedan, but with almost five inches chopped out of the wheelbase. The Coupe features a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. The suspension on the sporty SE model is track-tuned and includes Brembo brakes. All models include electronic stability control and a traction control system. A limited-slip differential is optional with both engines.

In keeping with its positioning as an affordable sport coupe for younger drivers, the Genesis comes with the latest in audio systems including USB and mini-jack inputs. When an iPod or iPhone is connected it recharges the unit as well as allowing the driver to access tracks via the steering wheel controls. An optional Infinity audio system will be offered.

The Genesis Coupe replaces the Tiburon and brings Hyundai directly in competition with the Ford Mustang and the Infiniti G37 Coupe. Pricing, as one expects from Hyundai, will be competitive. We expect the base model to sell in the low $20,000s while the top-of-the range V6-powered version likely in the mid- to high-$20,000s. That's considerably less than its aspirational competitors from Japan and Europe. Hyundai officials like to point out that 20 years ago you had to pay $59,000 to purchase a rear-drive coupe with 300 horsepower: a Porsche 911.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$22,000 to $29,000

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 2010

While America equates station wagons with conservative, almost nerdy designs (and, therefore, drivers), Cadillac is hoping the CTS Sport Wagon will catch on as a cool form of family transportation.

The wagon will be a new body style for the premium midsize CTS lineup. It will also be the first-ever Cadillac wagon, not counting SUVs. The Sport Wagon will be roughly the same size as the CTS sedan.

The CTS Sport Wagon will share the sedan's front end styling, but the roof and rear end will be completely different. The dramatic design offers a compelling alternative to SUVs. The drama of the sedan is amplified in the wagon, as the centerline cue is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.

The wagon's rear end features tall vertical taillights that taper to a point at the top. The roof will be available with a panoramic sunroof, as well as a subtle, integrated roof load management system. Three wheel sizes will be offered: 17s, 18s, and 19s.

The first CTS Sport Wagon off the line will come with GM's 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 engine, which will make 304 horsepower in the wagon. Starting in the summer of 2009, a 3.0-liter version of the 3.6, also with direct injection, will become the base engine. It will produce 255 horsepower, and GM says it will get up to 28 mpg on the highway. Both engines will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability. European and Asian markets will also get a 250-horsepower 2.9-liter turbocharged diesel V6. As is the case with the sedan, the wagon will come with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The CTS Sport Wagon's main advantage will be cargo utility. It will have 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row 60/40-split-folding seats. A power-opening liftgate will be available and drivers will be able to operate it via the key fob. The load floor will also have a cargo management system with adjustable in-floor storage. Otherwise, the CTS Sport Wagon will share the sedan's interior, including the hand-cut-and-sewn upholstery and trim, and the available 40-gigabyte hard-drive radio and pop-up navigation screen.

While pricing hasn't been announced, we expect the Sport Wagon to start in the mid $30,000s and top out in the mid $40,000s just like the sedan.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$35,000-$45,000

Kia Soul 2010

The soon-to-be-released Soul wagon is the Kia for Generation Y.

When the 2010 Kia Soul debuts in the spring of 2009, Kia Motors will move into a market dominated by Japanese manufacturers, competing directly with the Scion xB and xD, the Honda Element and to a lesser extent the Honda Fit. The 2010 Soul is a value-priced, five-passenger five-door geared toward trend-conscious, 20-something buyers. With the typical price advantage Korean brands offer, it promises a lot of youth-oriented transportation for the money.

Like many of its established competitors, the Soul is a twist on basic, two-box automotive design, with a bit more adornment or body jewelry than either the Scion xB or Honda Element. It's appearance can change dramatically, depending on which wheels, color combos and dealer accessories an owner chooses.

By most exterior dimensions, Soul comes within an inch of both the xB and Element. It's built on the same basic underpinnings as the Kia Rio sedan and hatchback, but it's packaged more like Kia's Rondo mini-minivan. It's much taller and bit wider than the typical subcompact sedan, and it delivers an impressive amount of interior volume for the footprint it makes in a parking space.

Soul's back seat provides ample room for six-foot passengers, even when the front seats are positioned for occupants of equal stature. There's decent cargo space behind the back seat, too, and the seat folds flat quickly for expanded hauling capacity, accessible though both the rear side doors and the rear hatch.

Overall, the interior is one of Soul's strengths. The dashboard features a prominent center pod with large knobs for the climate controls and audio system, and there are several storage spots available to front-seat passengers. The finish doesn't seem cheap, either. In general, the plastics and fabrics look good.

The Soul will be offered with two engines. The base model comes with a 1.6-liter inline four generating 122 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque, while three upgrade trim levels feature a 2.0-liter four delivering 142 hp and 137 lb-ft. Both engines have continuously variable valve timing, and they come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. An automatic will be optional with the 2.0-liter engine.

Soul's front suspension applies an independent strut design, like virtually every small, front-drive vehicle built today, while the rear uses a solid, torsion-beam axle. This design keeps the rear suspension mounts from seriously encroaching on interior space, but it typically means at least a slight decrease in ride comfort compared to an independent rear suspension.

A test drive in a pre-production Soul provided some predictive impressions. The 2.0-liter engine is neither the smoothest nor the crudest four-cylinder currently sold. It delivers torque evenly across its rev range and pulls strong up to its 6,000-rpm power peak. The Soul accelerates with as much verve as any of its competitors, at least with the manual transmission, and Kia predicts class-leading EPA mileage ratings.

The test drive didn't include an automatic-equipped Soul, but experience does not bode well. The optional automatic is a four-speed, rather than the five-speed offered in some competitors, and it could work to zap some of the engine's energy. It's no accident that the automatic will not be offered with the smaller Soul engine.

When in goes on sale in March 2009, the base Soul will come with 15-inch steel wheels, plastic wheel covers, a standard USB connection and power points inside. More expensive variants will offer alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter. Specific content for the four trim levels is still being sorted, but Kia says all but the base model will come with features like Bluetooth connectivity and dark-tinted solar glass. The 325-watt audio upgrade sounds like it belongs in a more expensive car.

Exact prices are expected in December 2008. Meantime, Kia executives say the Soul will start in the "low teens," and it "won't break 20" with all the factory options. The company promises a host of dealer-installed accessories, including body kits, stick-on graphics and snazzy, aftermarket-style wheels, as soon as the car debuts.

Nothing about the Soul suggests it can't hold its own with more familiar competitors for even less cash. Considering Kia's lengthy warranty, Soul could hit spot-on its Gen-Y target.


On Sale:
March 2009

Expected Pricing:
$14,500-$19,500

Lincoln MKT 2010

As cumbersome truck-based SUVs fall out of favor, car-type crossovers are gaining in popularity. Lincoln joined the fray in 2006 with the midsize, five-passenger MKX, and now Ford's luxury brand is planning to introduce the full-size, seven-passenger MKT for the 2010 model year. The T stands for Touring.

The MKT crossover shares its architecture with the Ford Flex, but the two vehicles are worlds apart in terms of looks. The Flex is boxy, almost like a giant Mini Cooper, but the MKT is swoopy and rounded, with smooth front and rear bumpers, a full-width taillight, a standard glass Vista Roof, and a Lincoln's signature split-wing grille. Its 207.6-inch length is almost a match for the Lincoln Navigator, but the MKT is not as tall or wide.

When it is released late this summer, the MKT will be offered with two engines. The base engine will be a 3.7-liter V6 making 268 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The MKT will also be among the first vehicles to offer Ford Motor Company's EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. EcoBoost will produce 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque while delivering 22 mpg on the highway.

MKTs equipped with EcoBoost will come standard with all-wheel drive, while the base engine will be offered with front- or all-wheel drive. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, which adds manual shift capability through the shifter or a pair of steering wheel paddles. SelectShift also includes a rev-matching feature to make downshifts smoother for performance driving.

Inside, the MKT will have three seating rows for seven-passenger seating. The second and third seating rows will both fold flat, and a power-folding third row will be optional. The standard 60/40-split second-row bench seat will feature heated seats in the outboard positions. Available power-fold-and-tumble second-row buckets, with heating and cooling, will reduce seating capacity to six. The buckets will be accompanied by a two-row center console.

Lincoln says it benchmarked several competitors for fit and finish in developing the MKT, including Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Toyota. The company also added extra noise insulation, as well as acoustic laminated glass for the windshield and side windows.

All MKTs will be outfitted with a full list of features, including 19-inch wheels (with optional 20s), hard-drive radio, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, Lincoln's Intelligent Access system with push-button starting, and Lincoln's MyKey. MyKey will allow parents and fleet managers to activate a restricted driving mode that keeps all safety systems active and has a persistent Beltminder and an earlier low-fuel warning. It can also be set to limit stop speed to 80 mph and sound warnings at 45, 55 and 65 mph. Other features will include a voice-activated navigation system, Sync, automatic high beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, rear DVD entertainment with screens in the front seat headrests, and Lincoln's new Active Park Assist that can parallel park the vehicle with the driver providing only the brake and throttle inputs.

A full-list of safety features will be offered, including a rear backup camera, Collision Warning with Brake Support, a Blind Spot Information System, and a Cross Traffic Alert system. The Collision Warning system uses the adaptive cruise control's radar to detect if the vehicle is closing too quickly on the car ahead. If so, it warns the driver and pre-charges the brakes to reduce stopping distance when the driver reacts. BLIS uses radar modules in the rear quarter panels that monitor traffic in the blind spot zones. When detected, BLIS alerts the driver with lights in the side mirrors. Cross Traffic Alert uses the same radar modules to monitor traffic crossing behind when the vehicle is backing out of a parking space. It also warns the driver with lights in the side mirrors.

Pricing hasn't been announced for the MKT, but one company official said it should start in the mid $40,000 range, and the EcoBoost engine with all-wheel drive should be about a $5000 premium.


On Sale:
Summer 2009

Expected Pricing:
Mid $40,000s

Lotus Evora 2010

A new sports car called the Lotus Evora is expected to be introduced in U.S. in 2009, likely as a 2010 model. A larger car than the Elise, the Evora will be the first totally new Lotus in nearly 15 years.

To considerable media and public acclaim, Lotus revealed the upcoming Evora sports-GT at the July 2008 London Motor Show. Appearing on the show stand was a deep-silver two-door, 2+2, mid-engine coupe featuring a variety of longstanding Lotus design cues, to the point observers instantly recognized and appreciated Lotus DNA. The family lineage was seen to continue under the skin, where Evora's bonded and riveted aluminum platform, composite body panels and Toyota drivetrain are all trademark Lotus. As with all Loti, Evora extracts the most from the least, with agile dynamics and high performance coming more from advanced structures and weight control than outright engine power.

Evora is the first all-new Lotus in more than a decade, the last all-new model having been Elise Series 1 back in 1995 that spawned the current Elise Series 2, Exige, the 2-Eleven track car, and the non-USA Europa S. The basic Elise platform has also been used for non-USA Opel Speedster and Vauxhall VX220 models, as well as the recently introduced Tesla Roadster pure-electric vehicle.

Evora is larger and significantly more luxurious than other models in the current Lotus lineup. It is also much roomier and more accommodating, as needed for commercial success in today's demanding marketplace. The Evora's size results in higher weight than the Elise-based models. Think of Elise and Exige as pure sportscars, and Evora a (still pure) GT.

Although launched as an enclosed 2+2 coupe, Evora will add at least two model variants in short order, a two-seat coupe with the vestigial rear seats removed and replaced by an open luggage area, and a two-seat soft-top convertible with the open area behind the front seats taken up with a folding top assembly.

Launched with a six-speed manual transmission, Evora will also add some form of automatic transmission during the early part of the build run. The Lotus lineup of four-cylinder engines in the Elise and its derivatives plus the Evora V6 complies with current fleet limits, but will shortly exceed EU limits and require modifications. Don't be too surprised if Evora adopts a hybrid or even all-electric drivetrain during its production run.

Evora is only the fifth vehicle in modern times to combine a 2+2 seating configuration with a mid-engine layout. For those needing to account for the other four, they were the Lamborghini Urraco, Dino (later Ferrari) 308GT4, and Maserati Merak from the 1970s, as well as Ferrari Mondial from the 1980s-90s.

Combining increased cabin space and a certain practicality with the dynamic balance inherent in a mid-engine configuration presents significant design challenges to get proportions right and make the car visually appealing. We think Lotus succeeded, with Evora successfully hiding its 2+2 seating configuration in a vehicle most would initially identify as a two-seater. Of course, the way to get the proportions right was simply to limit the size of the 2+2 seating package. The rear seats are small, and Lotus suggests a passenger height limit of about 5 feet. We suggest short trips only or opting for the upcoming two-seat model with open cargo area.

So why a 2+2 with the design challenges it brings? Getting an answer within Lotus is a little challenging, but the best comes from Evora program chief Roger Becker (yes, the famed Roger Becker, who has been with Lotus since the late-1960s and is the longest-standing continuous Lotus employee with a tenure at, near or perhaps now exceeding 40 years). The answer lies in the evergreen Porsche 911, arguably the best-known and most profitable sportscar in history. For its many faults, the 911 coupe in basic form is a 2+2 with folding rear seats that offers reasonable practicality and utility along with its iconic looks and renowned performance. More important, at least relative to Evora, is the fact the 911 can be used by a wide range of skilled and unskilled drivers as an everyday vehicle, equally adept at commuting and carrying groceries as it is on the autobahn. Need to pick up the kids? One can fit in the front and one or more in back. Need to travel? Throw your luggage in back and off you go. The 911 is even remarkably fuel-efficient given its staggering performance levels.

Whenever the Lotus name arises, there's always the question of performance. Evora is unlikely to disappoint. 0-60 should come up in less than 5 seconds, and a 160-mph top speed is forecast. Handling should meet all expectations, which is to say Evora will be lithe and nimble on its feet. Lotus claims Evora is several seconds quicker around the Nurburgring Nordschleife than the fastest Exiges.

While the rear seating is small, the front seat area is surprisingly accommodating. In fine Lotus tradition, the reasons are somewhat quaint and convoluted, but interesting nonetheless. Lotus cars developed under Colin Chapman in the 1950s-70s had small doors and were pretty small inside. Why? Chapman was very short, he owned the company, and as long as he could fit it didn't matter if others could not. Fast forward a generation and current Lotus chairman Mike Kimberley is 6'5" tall. He can't get in and out of an Elise or (worse yet) Exige, so retains a late-production yellow Esprit for his personal use. Since the Esprit has some years and miles on it now, it was clear from the outset Evora entry/egress and interior room would have to be sufficient to accommodate the now septuagenarian Mr. Kimberley. And so it does. For the rest of us, Lotus claims room for two 99th percentile American males in front, a sight we'd frankly rather not contemplate.

An outgrowth of size is the issue of weight. Evora weighs 2976 pounds, roughly 1000 pounds more than Elise.

Evora's 3.5-liter V6 is from Toyota, a carryover in transverse form from Camry but with ECU software upgrades developed by Lotus Engineering. Sure, the thought of a Camry engine induces yawns, but if you take the engine out of its dull gray suit you have an all-alloy, thin-wall DOHC engine with architecture and execution as modern as any in the industry. It's efficient, elegant, reliable, strong, beautifully made and capable of high power outputs.

Alpine supplies the 7-inch center stack touchscreen assembly controlling audio, communications and satellite navigations functions. The system includes an Imprint multi-EQ function with noise cancellation. Bergstrom supplies the A/C system, and Bosch the ABS, traction control and stability control systems. Springs are from Eibach, shocks from Bilstein, tires from long-time supplier Yokohama. So yes, Evora is an assembled vehicle drawing components from a wide range of worldwide suppliers, but there is no need for apologies as all the suppliers are first-rate and technologies the most modern available. All pretty remarkable for a small manufacturer such as Lotus.

A final note on equipment. Evora is as lavishly equipped with the latest in high-tech appurtenances as Elise and Exige are spare. The interior, designed under the direction of Anthony Bushell, is opulent in ways we've rarely seen from Lotus. Leather is standard, not just on the seats but throughout the cabin. The communications system is Bluetooth compatible. An I-Pod connection is standard. There is a removable/recordable communications system hard-drive. Door mirrors fold via a power mechanism. There is an optional reversing camera with image projected through the I/P center stack screen. Onboard tire pressure monitoring is standard, as are remote control garage and gate-opening functions. The trunk area aft of the engine compartment has outside-air cooling ducts to reduce temperatures and keep contents from wilting or melting. There is metal trim in the interior; real metal trim. So while Elise and Exige may be best described as occasional-use track burners, it is again reasonable to think of Evora as a full-use, all-season GT.

As a hand-made sportscar assembled in limited volumes from a cache of exceptionally fine components, Lotus forecasts Evora being priced in the UK at around L60,000. Using a conventional 2:1 exchange rate, this suggests a U.S. market MSRP approaching $120,000. Lotus pricing, though, rarely reflects a specific 2:1 exchange rate, which leads us to believe Evora will be priced directly opposite 911 Carrera Coupe. Let's assume a starting price around $80,000, with optional equipment raising the price to somewhere just shy of $100,000. And how limited will production be? Lotus is planning 2000 Evoras per year for worldwide consumption, with perhaps 30 percent-40 percent coming to the U.S. It's unlikely you'll see more than one on your block.

Evora production for the UK is scheduled to begin in spring 2009 and at least one U.S. dealer says it's coming to the U.S. summer 2009.


On Sale:
Summer 2009

Expected Pricing:
$80,000-$90,000s

Ford Fusion 2010

The 2010 Ford Fusion gets a major facelift and an expanded lineup that offers something for everyone.

A new range of engines delivers more power and improved fuel efficiency throughout the line. A new Fusion Hybrid model boasts the latest in technology for 47-mph cruising in electric-only mode, nirvana for commuters. Meanwhile, a new Fusion Sport model promises to bring more driving excitement to the line with a powerful 3.5-liter V6. The new Fusion lineup will offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter not available on the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

The 2010 Fusion boasts a bigger, bolder three-bar grille design than that of the current model (2009 and earlier), with freshening on the rear and upgrades to the interior.

Most important are the three engine upgrades: The four-cylinder engine has been enlarged from 2.3 to 2.5 liters, boosting power to 175 horsepower and 172 foot-pounds of torque. The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be available with either a CVT automatic transmission, a six-speed manual transmission, or a new six-speed automatic transmission, each of which yields greater highway fuel economy than the transmissions in the 2008 models. Ford says preliminary testing of the new Fusion shows highway fuel economy in the range of 33 miles per gallon along with quicker 0-60 acceleration performance than that of the four-cylinder competition.

The 3.0-liter V6 engine, the first optional engine for the new model year, has also been given a substantial power and torque upgrade, to 240 horsepower, available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The new V6 has variable intake-valve closing technology and uses electric, not hydraulic power steering to save fuel. The 3.0-liter V6 engine is E85 flex-fuel capable, with a rating of 250 horsepower on E85 ethanol/gasoline, and capable of 0-60 times under eight seconds flat. The SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission features full manual control of shifting and adds a Grade Assist function that blocks out sixth gear, allows better engine braking on downhills, and holds each gear longer.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine adds driving excitement to an upcoming Fusion Sport model. The 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 263 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque and is available only with the six-speed automatic. Ford says the 2010 Fusion Sport will cover the 0-60 sprint in seven seconds flat with equal or better fuel economy than the leading competitors.

The new 2010 Fusion Hybrid features a completely new, all-Ford hybrid gas-electric system designed specifically for the Fusion and Milan. The system is supported by a new 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine making 155 horsepower and 136 foot-pounds of torque.

The electronic continuously variable transmission or eCVT that is at the heart of the Fusion hybrid system has 130 percent higher motor output and 160 percent higher generator output, and is quieter in operation than the hybrid system found on the current Ford Escape. The Fusion Hybrid also has a new feature that decouples the battery voltage from the transmission for higher overall efficiency. Ford says the new system has 14 percent higher output current, 20 percent greater power per cell, yet takes up 27 percent less space in the car and weighs 42 percent less than the previous system. The new system uses 17 percent fewer nickel metal hydride D cells to generate 31 watts more power, and uses cabin air cooling instead of fresh air or air conditioning. It operates at 275 volts instead of 330 volts as in the previous system.

Ford says the new system shuts the engine off automatically at stops and can operate in all-electric mode at speeds up to 47 mph. That means the engine may not have to kick in at all in heavy stop-and-go traffic, which might make commuting slightly less dreadful. Combined city/highway driving is expected to be around 39 miles per gallon.

Ford says that, in addition to the system upgrades, it has changed the braking system on the Fusion to feel more like a conventional hydraulic power brake system. The revised regenerative braking system can now capture 94 percent of the energy normally lost to friction in braking. The new electric air conditioning system can operate with the engine off, and has better low-temperature operation and faster window defogging than the previous system.

The icing on the cake is a completely new SmartGauge reconfigurable instrument cluster with four different EcoGuide display modes that places all charging information directly in front of the driver and can coach the driver to better fuel economy, adding green leaves as driver behavior and fuel economy improves.

The all-new 2010 Mercury Milan will share all of the above with the 2010 Ford Fusion lineup.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$18,000-$26,000

Chevrolet Camaro 2010

The launch of the highly anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is expected in the spring of 2009. It'll feel a bit like back to the future, as GM's iconic pony re-emerges to compete with the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.

The new Camaro will be available with a 3.6-liter V6 aided by a six-speed automatic, a combination expected to be rated at 26 mpg on the highway. Enthusiasts will gravitate to the Camaro SS, equipped with a powerful V8 and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and 20-inch wheels. The Camaro will be built on GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The production version looks essentially identical to the concept first shown at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a remarkable achievement given the demands a modern design must meet. Compared with the retro-styled Mustang and Challenger, the Camaro has a more contemporary and angular appearance that looks more cutting edge.

This is not a reissued '69 Camaro. In fact, some might have wondered if this car was designed in the Chevy studio at all. It's edginess looked Cadillac inspired.

Underneath, it's thoroughly modern, offering the latest in technology.

While the exterior has a modern edge and attitude, the interior has more retro styling cues with two large main gauges and with other gauges located at the front of the center console.

The Camaro SS comes with a 6.2-liter V8 with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Cars with manual transmissions use GM's LS3 V8 expected to produce 422 horspower and 408 pound-feet of torque. The LS3 debuted on the 2008 Corvette and uses high-flow cylinder heads based on the Corvette Z06's LS7 engine for strong low-end torque and high-rpm power. Camaro SS automatics come with a new L99 V8 based on the LS3 that carries all the high-performance design features but also includes GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature, enabling the engine to run on only four cylinders when cruising on the highway to improve fuel economy.

The 3.6-liter V6 standard on the Camaro LS and LT is direct-injected and features variable valve timing. It's expected to generate 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard, a six-speed automatic optional.

The new Camaro rides on a 112-inch wheelbase and will be 190 inches long. The Camaro SS is expected to weigh 3,866 pounds with the manual gearbox.


On Sale:
First Quarter 2009

Expected Pricing:
$20,000-$27,000

Cadillac SRX 2010

Cadillac is repositioning its SRX crossover. Instead of a rear-wheel-drive based seven-passenger vehicle, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is a front-wheel-drive based five-passenger crossover aimed squarely at the leader in the segment, the Lexus RX.

The 2004-2009 SRX used the CTS sedan's rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, but the 2010 model will be based on a new front-wheel-drive premium crossover architecture that will also host the Saab 9-4X.

With the new architecture come new dimensions. Compared with the previous-generation model, the 2010 SRX is 2.4 inches wider but it's 4.8 inches shorter overall, with a 5.5-inch shorter wheelbase.

Exterior styling is also changed, with an evolution of Cadillac's Art and Science design theme. The shield-like front grille is taken from the newest generation of the CTS. The vertical headlights are mirrored at the rear by vertical taillights. The flanks feature raked accent lines emerging from chromed front fender vents and give the 2010 SRX a look of forward motion. Flared wheel arches at all four corners surround 18- or 20-inch wheels.

Both SRX engine choices will also change. The current model's 4.6-liter V8 and 3.6-liter V6 engines won't return. Instead, the 2010 Cadillac SRX will have two smaller, direct-injected V6s. The base engine will be a 3.0-liter version of the 3.6. This 24-valve, dual-overhead cam V6 will produce 260 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque and will be able to run on E85 ethanol. A 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine will be optional. This engine, which is currently offered only in the Saab 9-3, will produce 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Both engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and both will be able to tow up to 3500 pounds.

Front-wheel drive will be standard, but models with the 3.0-liter V6 will be offered with an all-wheel drive system with an electronic limited-slip rear differential (eLSD). The eLSD will allow power to be apportioned side to side along the rear axle, which can aid handling. An adjustable real-time dampening system will also be offered.

Inside, the SRX will use elements of the CTS's interior, including the leather-covered instrument panel, a pop-up navigation system, and hard-drive radio. Bluetooth connectivity will be standard, and available features will include dual-screen rear DVD entertainment, a power rear liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. Safety features will include six airbags, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, trailer stability assist and OnStar. Adaptive front lighting that swivels the headlights to illuminate dark corners will be optional. A parking system that steers the car for you will also be offered, and Cadillac says it will work faster than similar systems from competitors.

Pricing hasn't been announced for the 2010 Cadillac SRX, but we estimate a starting price around $40,000, which is slightly higher than the Lexus RX.


On Sale:
Second Quarter 2009

Expected Pricing:
Starting around $40,000

" Mazda 3" 2010

The 2010 Mazda 3 is an all-new car. The only exception is that the base engine and transmission will be brought forward from the 2009 model. This latest generation of the Mazda3 will debut as a four-door sedan; a new five-door hatchback will arrive later.

Styling of the new Mazda3 follows current Mazda trends with a smiling face, sculpted front fenders and LED taillights, and dual exhaust on top models. There is a decided forward slant to the window line that's doubled in the lower doors, the net effect being a small-scale version of the 2009 Mazda6. It's a little bit larger outside, with a roomier rear seat and trunk. The low-aero-drag bodywork should pay dividends in wind noise; Mazda claims best-in-class for that and road noise.

The 2010 Mazda 3 will be offered in five four-door variants: the 2.0-liter Mazda3i SV, Mazda3i Sport and Touring trim levels, plus the 2.5-liter Mazda3s Sport and Grand Touring models.

The 2.0-liter engine is expected to be rated at 148-horsepower with city/highway fuel economy expected to be about 25/33 miles per gallon. Mazda 3i models offer a choice of five-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic; the automatics allow manual selection in the racing format forward-to-downshift, back for upshift.

A new 167-horsepower 2.5-liter engine goes in the Mazda3s with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The 2.5-liter is expected to get fuel economy around 22/29 mpg city/highway. The 2.5-liter Mazda3s can be identified by its dual exhaust outlets.

The cabin is all new for 2010, with larger, more contoured seats, revamped control gear and a split-layout dashboard that provides engine data and road speed directly ahead of the driver and ancillary information in shaded brow along the top center of the dashboard. We've looked at it and found the materials and finishes to Mazda's contemporary and comfortable standards.

Suspension and steering systems have been refined for 2010 to deliver the agile handling characteristics the previous model was noted for while improving ride comfort and road isolation. Six airbags and active front head restraints are standard across the board.

All models use the same suspension and steering layout and come equipped with antilock disc brakes. All come with power windows and mirrors, split folding rear seat. All come with six airbags.

The base SV model will come with a black cloth interior and five-speed manual gearbox. Top models will come with heated leather seats, electronic stability control, alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, power driver seat with memory, and electroluminescent gauges. A moonroof and 6CD 242-watt Bose surround sound system will be offered on 2.0-liter Touring models, while 2.5-liter models also offer navigation, Sirius satellite radio, and keyless operation. No official word yet on the possibility of a new MazdaSpeed3 performance model.


On Sale:
First Quarter 2009

Expected Pricing:
$15,500-$23,000

CCX - THE SPIRIT OF PERFORMANCE

The record-breaking CCX was developed to deliver superior performance - both on the track and on the road. We also wanted to show a clear lineage from its predecessor and avoid following design trends. So we?ve kept the distinctive CC shape and simply enhanced its unique appearance with tighter lines and a more aggressive stance.

The 806 Bhp Koenigsegg engineered and assembled engine delivers unmatched power in terms of its size and weight. At the same time it complies with the toughest emission regulations worldwide. The engine has been built to last and to be driven to the limit.

The award-winning aerodynamic shape of the CCX is one of strength and flowing motion. It is formed to reach ultimate speeds and efficiencies. Every aspect of this machine serves a fundamental purpose, and nothing else. There are no gadgets or unnecessary features on the car, only what is absolutely vital in the name of efficiency and purity.


Performance
Acceleration:
0-100 km/h (0-62 mp/h) 3.2 seconds
0-200 km/h 9.8 sec, 0-200-0 km/h 14 sec
0-300-0 km/h: 29.2 Sec
Top Speed: 395+ km/h (245+ mph)
Braking distance: 32m (100-0 km/h)
Lateral G-force: 1.3 G

Fuel consumption
Highway travel: 13 l/100km, Combined: 17 l/100km
Weight-to-power ratio: 1.59 kg/hp
Weight distribution: 45% front, 55% rear

Aerodynamics
Cd. 0,32 Frontal area 1.867 m2
Total Downforce at 250 km/h: 100 kg
Flat underside of chassis. Venturi tunnels at rear of chassis/body.

Chassis
Carbon fbre with aluminium honeycomb and integrated fuel tanks for optimal weight distribution and safety. Monocoque torsional rigidity: 58,000 nm/degree.
Weight including tanks: 72 kg.
Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, two-way adjustable VPS gas-hydraulic shock absorbers, pushrod operated. Electronically adjustable ride height.

Front: Cro-Mo subframe with integrated crash members.
Rear: Semi-stressed engine and gearbox with support struts, for optimal rigidity and no engine inertia movements.

Fully machined aircraft aluminium uprights, with SKF LeMans specifcation 150mm angle contact ball bearings.

GKN hollow/gun-drilled driveshafts
Koenigsegg Z-style progressive and lightweight anti-roll bars front and rear.

Engine
Koenigsegg aluminium V8, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Displacement: 4700 cc
Compression: 8.2:1

Sequential, multipoint fuel injection
Twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.4 bar boost pressure.
Dry sump lubrication with oil spray piston cooling.
Power output: 806 Bhp at 7000 rpm

Maximum torque: 920 Nm (693 ft/lb) at 5500 rpm
Carbon fbre intake manifold with optimised intake tracts.
Patented response charge system for optimal engine response.
Tig-welded ceramic-coated stainless steel exhaust manifold with merge collector.
Emission levels: Euro IV and US
Weight: 178 kg

Transmission
Specially developed transversal 6-speed gearbox, with optional paddle-shift.
Torque sensitive limited slip differential.

Clutch: Dual Plate, ? 240 mm (in paddle-shift version without clutch pedal)

Final ratio: 3,364
1st gear: 2,875
2nd gear: 1,773
3rd gear: 1,267
4th gear: 1,000
5th gear: 0,833
6th gear: 0,711
Reverse gear: 3,000

Steering
Rack and pinion power-assisted steering. 2.7 turns lock-to-lock.
Turning circle: 11 metres. TRW electro-hydraulic power-assisted.

Brakes
Front brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs ? 380 mm, 34 mm wide. 8-piston light alloy Brembo monoblock calipers. Power-assisted.

Rear brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs ? 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6-piston light alloy AP Racing callipers. Power-assisted.

Traction Control
F1-style for optimal performance with 5 different handling modes.

Wheels
Koenigsegg forged alloy wheels with centre locking
Front: 19” x 9.5”
Rear: 20” x 12.5”

Tyres
Michelin Pilot Sport 2
Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern
Front: 255/35 – 19” (Y)
Rear: 335/30 – 20” (Y)

Body
Two-door, two seater with removable hardtop stowable under the front hood lid. Body made from pre-impregnated carbon fbre/kevlar and lightweight sandwich reinforcements.

Electrical System
Solid state digital semiconductors - no fuses or relays. Can bus operated and fully programmable functionality.

Equipment
Dual Airbags, detachable storable hardtop with glass roof, power windows, rear wing, adjustable pedals and steering column, adjustable seats in rake and length, carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, hydraulic lifting system, power steering, power brakes, satnav, rear camera, DVD, CD, I-pod connec- tion, sat radio, climate control, digital warning and info system, G sensor, alarm, tyre monitoring system, silver key, leather carpets, roof stowage bag, car cover.

Extra Equipment
Paddle-shift, Chrono instrument cluster, carbon wheels, forged aluminium wheels, ftted luggage, special leather and colour requests, Inconell exhaust system.

Dimensions
Total length: 4293 mm (169”)
Total width: 1996 mm (78.6”)
Total height: 1120 mm (44.1”)

Ground clearance
Rear: 100 mm (3.94”)
Front: 100 mm (3.94”)

Fuel capacity
70 litres (18.5 US gallons)

Luggage compartment
120 litres (31.7 US gallons)

Dry weight
1280 kg (2821 lbs)

Warranty
2 Years

Mini E 2010

Here in the United States, the Mini Cooper comes with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions. In markets outside the U.S., Mini offers a version with a tiny 1.4-liter gasoline engine as well as a version with a diesel engine.

All that is about to change with the introduction of the Mini E, E for electric. It's the first all-electric production car offered to the American buying public by a major manufacturer, beating the rest to the market.

However, it isn't going to be widely available to the public for some time yet. The fast-charging all-electric Mini E is initially only going to be built in a batch of 500 cars, 250 for greater Los Angeles, and 250 for greater New York, so that the company can do a proper job of charging equipment installation and keeping up good communications between the users and the company over time. All of the Mini E cars will be built in Munich, rather than the main plant in Oxford, England.

We say "users" rather than owners because the company will not actually sell the Mini E. Each of the 500 units will be leased to customers, along with the special charging equipment it will require, for a hefty lease payment of $850 a month, about $500 a month more than a conventional Mini lease price, for a 12-month lease, not subject to renewal. Customers will be selected from interested parties living in New York and Los Angeles who have registered on the Mini website. Interested? Read on.

BMW and Mini officials have said that the all-electric Mini E will come with insurance, road service and a free replacement vehicle baked into the monthly lease price. Each car will come with a special wall-mounted 240-volt, 50-amp charging unit that can bring the 570-pound, 35 kilowatt-hour battery in the Mini E up to full charge in about two hours, depending on the type of electric service available at the house, condo or apartment. If the customer uses a charging system away from home, using a typical 110-volt outlet for charging, a full charge may take up to 24 hours, say BMW and Mini officials.

Initially, the Mini E will be offered only in the Mini sedan body style, no Clubman or convertible models. The American-made AC Propulsion system uses 5088 lithium-ion cells in the space normally filled by the rear seats. The 201 horsepower electric motor, which makes 143 foot-pounds of torque, the power control electronics, and the inverter, which turns DC current into AC and back again are under the hood.

BMW says a fully charged Mini E has a driving range of about 160 miles, well within the round-trip commuting range of many American drivers. Top speed is said to be governed to 95 mph and 0-60 acceleration is electronically limited to about eight seconds, to preserve battery power. Regenerative braking charges the battery every time the brakes are applied.

The Mini E dashboard has a battery-charge meter in place of the tachometer and a power meter in the speedometer. There is no conventional transmission in the car, because the torque provided by the electric motor is sufficient without multiplication through a transmission, but there is a conventional reverse-neutral-drive shifter on the floor. The air conditioning system is electric, and all the standard Mini chassis systems, electronic traction and stability control, are included. The 600-pound-heavier Mini E uses a modified Cooper S suspension to cope with the extra weight.

Deliveries to customers should start in the spring of 2009.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$850/month

Ford Shelby GT500 2010

Due to go on sale this spring, the next Ford Shelby GT500 benefit from lessens learned from the ultra high-performance 2008-2009 Ford GT500KR. The next GT500 will also be improved inside thanks to interior developments applied to the updated base models. It'll come in coupe and a convertible versions.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 was developed by Ford's Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in consultation with race car legend Carroll Shelby. The GT500KR's influence starts with the 32-valve, dual overhead cam 5.4-liter V8, which gains 40 horsepower to 540 and 30 pound-feet of torque to 510. The power increase can be traced to a lower restriction exhaust system with four-inch outlets and a new open element cold-air intake ram air system, a version of which debuted on the GT500KR.

SVT officials say the GT500's performance has been improved in every way. A higher numeric rear axle ratio (3.55:1 versus 3.31:1) should aid acceleration. The six-speed manual transmission's twin-disc clutch is larger (250 mm versus 215 mm), and the transmission has revised fifth and sixth gear ratios for better highway fuel economy.

The KR also contributed to the new GT500's suspension. The 2010 GT500 gets new stabilizer bars and shock damping, and the spring rates are 13 percent stiffer up front and seven percent stiffer in the rear. The standard wheels will be cast-aluminum 18s, and forged alloy 19s will be optional. Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control will be standard, and it will come with three settings: on, Sport, and off. Anti-lock brakes will also be standard, as will front and side airbags.

Designers also worked to improve aero balance and therefore improve handling. New designs for the front splitter and rear spoiler increase front downforce and decrease it in the rear. This moves the center of pressure forward and closer to the center of gravity, which aids handling.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 also gets the revised body from the updated 2010 Mustang, as well as a new powerdome hood with a large functional air extractor, a large mouth front end design with hints of Shelby's iconic AC Cobra, and new body side stripes. Inside, the GT500 adds some neat touches and the higher quality interior materials used for the revised base Mustang, including a soft-skin dashboard. Muscle car fans will appreciate the striped cue ball-style shift knob. Also new are satin aluminum trim and suede-like alcantara material for the seat inserts, shift boot, parking brake boot, and steering wheel. The seats and shift knob will also have striping that matches the exterior color. Ford's Sync system and ambient lighting will also be standard. A voice-activated navigation system will be optional.

Pricing and production numbers will likely be announced Spring 2009.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
Low-to-mid $40,000s

Ford Mustang 2010

Other than the roof panel, everything on the 2010 Ford Mustang will be new when it goes on sale this spring. Not just new, all of it will be improved in some way compared to the 2004-2009 version of America's favorite sporty car.

Ford points out that the Mustang has been in continuous production for 45 straight years, and that more than 9 million Mustangs have been built and sold so far. That makes the Mustang the most continuously produced single model in Ford's history.

For 2010, there will be three body styles, a coupe, a convertible, and a glass-roof coupe. All will be available in the V6 Deluxe model and the V8-powered GT versions, with Shelby and other versions to follow.

The 2010 Mustang exterior design is new from end to end. Among the highlights: integrated multi-element headlights replacing the twin round lamps of past Mustangs, a power-dome hood that droops over the grille at its leading edge, completely new side sculpting, and chamfered three-element taillights that house sequential turn signals, blinking from the inside lamp to the outside lamp (a technology first used on the 1964 Thunderbird, reprised 46 years later).

Ford says the new Mustang body yields 23 percent less aerodynamic lift at the front, and is 12 percent quieter in wind noise than the outgoing car, 15 percent in the case of the convertible. Ford also points to a 33 percent reduction in squeak and rattle performance, and a 10 percent improvement in speech intelligibility due to interior noise reductions, especially in the convertible.

The 2010 Mustang coupe and convertible will come standard with an upgraded 4.0-liter V6 engine rated at 210 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque, with standard 17-inch tires and wheels and optional 18-inch tires and wheels. A rear stabilizer bar has been made standard on V6 versions, and the entire suspension system has been retuned for more performance feel.

The 2010 Mustang GT gets an upgraded 4.6-liter 3-valve V8 engine that will be rated at 315 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque, slightly up from the current model. The redline has been raised 250 rpm to 6500 rpm. The engine has two built-in calibrations for regular or premium fuel.

Both engines will be available with a choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

The new V8 engine gets its cold intake air from a system built into the grille, not under the hood, the lowest-restriction air intake system ever on the Mustang, with an air induction sound pipe that goes right into the cockpit to make it more pleasing to the driver. On the exhaust side, the V8 version gets 3.5-inch exhaust pipes versus 3.0-inch pipes on the last Mustang, and the V6 version gets 3.0-inch exhaust pipes instead of 2.5-inch pipes. The standard axle ratio is 3.31:1, with two optional ratios, 3.55:1 or 3.73:1, which automatically comes with larger brakes.

The GT chassis has been upgraded and stiffened using parts and pieces from the 2009 Bullitt Mustang, which means it rides tauter, turns in quicker and has less pitch, dive and body roll than any previous Mustang. Indeed, we were very impressed with the fine-tuning done to the Bullitt.

The 2010 Mustang will ride on 235/50R18 tires, with 245/45R19 tires optional, on several different wheel designs. If the 19-inch tire and wheel option is ordered, the car will automatically be built with a strut tower brace under the hood to connect the two front struts for more strength and better, more accurate handling. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and AdvanceTrac yaw control are standard on all models.

An optional Track Package will include upgraded front brakes, a recalibrated AdvanceTrac system and the 3.73:1 axle ratio. Track Package II will include the Pirelli 19-inch tires and wheels, upgraded front and rear brakes and heavier springs, shock absorbers and brakes along with recalibrated traction and yaw control systems for weekend racing. That sounds like the hot setup for someone who wants a dual-purpose car for street and track. Buy one of these and you instantly have a hobby. At the start of production, Ford will offer a wide array of performance and appearance options for the new Mustang, up to and including a complete bolt-on supercharger kit.

Inside, the 2010 Mustang has a completely new approach to interior design, with throwback instrument design complemented by softer-feeling surfaces throughout. Interior and sill plate lighting colors can be changed through a range of 125 colors with the flip of a switch with the new MyColor system. New features for Mustang include a rear-facing video camera, the Sync hands-free system for the first time in a Mustang, featuring Sirius satellite radio and satellite navigation with Sirius Travel Link information.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$20,000-$32,000

Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro 2010

Audi just unveiled a faster and more powerful R8 at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. This premium sports car is fitted with a potent V-10 engine, and it comes with upgrades such as magnetorheological dampers and minor styling changes that reflect the heightened level of performance.

Inspired by Audi's successes at 24 Hours of Le Mans, the new R8 is powered by a direct-injected 5.2-liter V-10. Instead of injecting fuel into the intake ports, fuel is atomized and sprayed directly into the combustion chambers at over 1700 psi of pressure. This allows for a higher compression ratio and better fuel burn, thus enabling the V-10 to deliver 518 bhp and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The increase in engine efficiency also means better fuel economy. Audi tells us the R8 V-10 will achieve 17.2 mpg.

Built on an all-aluminum chassis supported at all four corners by double-wishbone suspension with Quattro all-wheel-drive, the new R8 V-10 is aided by the aforementioned dampers that automatically adjust to various road conditions. Carbon-ceramic brakes designed to withstand repeated usage with minimal fade are optional.

On the outside, very little sets the R8 V-10 apart from its 8-cylinder sibling. Up front, the crossbraces for the intake have been reduced in number from four to two. The center grille is finished in chrome. The headlight cluster features all-LED lighting. And around the side, the air vents just aft of the doors are more accentuated. The vents at the rear also have two crossbraces, along with oval tailpipes instead of a pair of twin exhausts.

The Audi R8 V-10, fitted with the R Tronic automatic transmission, will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 sec. with a top speed of 196 mph. It will go on sale in Germany in the second quarter of 2009, priced around $182,000. There is no information at this time regarding a U.S. launch date.

You’ll Need the Exoskeleton to Stop Poor People

Because poor people will be throwing their milkshakes at you when you drive this bad mother down the street. It’s called the “Lamborghini Insecta Concept,” and it’s got no real defense against strawberry or vanilla flavoring. The coloring has some sort of nice relationship with mint though, don’t you think? It’s length is the same as a Lamborghini Gallardo, it’s 1k mm tall and 2k mm wide, and it’s got a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Made for super fast power creepin’.

It’s designer, Romania-born Iulian Bumbu, says, “The idea was to create an extreme race-oriented supercar with a style that introduces softer and more organic lines and integrate them into the geometrical style of Lamborghini.”

The aim of this vehicle was to put the Lamborgini brand and a bunch of armored insects in a blender, maybe add some mint flavoring (like I said earlier), and hit the blend button. It is often an excellent idea to call upon the aesthetics of mother nature’s defense systems. What about this bigtime shell?

Designer: Iulian Bumbu [ Via: Car Body Design ]

Italdesign Unveils the World’s Fastest Hybrid 1 "Namir"

Renowned supercar designer Italdesign recently revealed the first images of the Namir, a vehicle that they claim will be the fastest hybrid car in the world. Set to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the vehicle will boast 370hp, a scorching top speed of 187mph, and will be able to travel over 1,200 miles without a refill or a charge.

Italdesign is responsible for an extensive list of cars and has worked with numerous automakers on concepts, production models, prototyping and testing. The Namir hybrid concept, designed with the help of Frazer-Nash, is set to be released to the public at the show! Pictures of the concept car have been leaking out for weeks now in preparation for the show, but the newest pictures released yesterday reveal a car similar in design to last year’s Quaranta concept car.

The press release reveals that hybrid will have a lithium ion battery pack, with overall power of 270 kW, equivalent to 370 hp. They claim the car will get a fuel efficiency of about 39 km/L, which is about 92 miles to the gallon. As far as carbon emissions, Italdesign says the car will release less than 60 g/km of CO2. And with the car’s 50 liter gas tank, the car can travel up to 2,000 km without a refill or a charge.

The top speed of the Namir is 187 mph. Compare that to the last year’s hot hybrid sports car, the Fisker Karma, whose top speed is only 125 mph. Looks like the Karma will be crawling along in comparison. No word on cost of the vehicle, or if it will be available in the US, but by the looks and sound of the concept, this is certainly set to be the new hot car.

Rolls Royce 200EX

Rolls Royce 200EX launched at Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched its a new car - 200EX – at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday. Rolls-Royce says that 200EX is the latest experimental car from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It explores a design direction for a dynamic, modern, four-door Rolls-Royce engineered for the 21st century.

100EX was the first experimental car unveiled after Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was relaunched under BMW Group ownership in 2003. Revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the two-door, four-seat convertible was built to mark 100 years of Rolls-Royce motor car design and engineering. Just two years later, 101EX was presented, which explored modern coupé design. Both of these cars inspired production models that not only closely resemble their EX progenitors but have also redefined luxury motoring in .the modern age.

Following on from this success, the same group of designers and engineers has created 200EX, itself pointing the way to RR4, a new Rolls-Royce model scheduled for production in 2010. The brief for 200EX? To create a modern, lithe and dynamic Rolls-Royce that bears all the hallmarks of the great cars that have gone before it: effortless performance, unparalleled refinement, exquisite quality and confident design

200EX has a dynamic edge to its styling and is noticeably less formal than previous models. Its size, style and expression broaden the appeal of the car, making it more appropriate for a wider range of circumstances. “200EX is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” says Cameron. “What you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give 200EX an air of informal presence — powerful but unobtrusive.

The exterior of 200EX is finished in Darkest Tungsten, which contrasts with the silver satin finish applied to the bonnet and A-pillar. Seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels complete the visual impact of the exterior.

Within 200EX, Interior Designer Alan Sheppard has accomplished a contemporary atmosphere, incorporating the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars principles of fine materials and peerless comfort. The space is filled with natural light, which brings in a real sense of the outside world. However, substantial doors and a high shoulder line ensure that occupants feel cosseted and protected. In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasised by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy.