Car News
Cars that drive themselves can become reality
Volvo announced that a new project called SARTRE is being launched in the European Union that will test technology for cars that can drive themselves. Apparently by having cars that are able to exclude the person behind the wheel from the task of driving then traffic flow and journey times can be improved plus accident rates will be lowered. The study also shows that by having cars that drive themselves an improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will be noticed as well as an increase in the level of comfort for drivers. Volvo says the idea of autonomous driving can be explored when a car joins the motorway and meets with other vehicles that are close to eachother, travelling at normal speed…
Volkswagen will take a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG
Volkswagen announced today that will acquire a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG as a first step towards the merger of Volkswagen AG and Porsche SE. At the initial negociacion in August, Volkswagen intended an initial stake of only 42 percent, but now the 49.9 participation in the operating business of Porsche in on track towards the end of 2009. The complete integration of Porsche is scheduled to take place during the course of 2011 and so far reports indicate both companies are making swift progress. Volkswagen is expected to pay close to 3.9 Billion Euros for the 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG with an increase in Volkswagen’s preferred shared capital planned for the…
Mercedes C63 AMG Performance Package
Daimler released details with a new performance package available for the Mercedes C63 AMG that will offer improved appearance and performance. The Mercedes C63 AMG Performance Package Plus increases the sport sedan’s standard output with 30 HP (22 kW) bringing it to a total 487 HP (487 kW)and enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in 4.4 seconds. The Mercedes C63 AMG Performance Package Plus increases the level of performance bringing it closer to the C-Class DTM vehicles, with no less than 600 Nm of torque developed by the 6.2-litre V8 engine. Also as an interesting fact the Mercedes C63 AMG equipped with the Performance…
Video: Honda EV-N battery electric vehicle
The Honda EV-N Concept present at the Tokyo Motor Show starting from today is an battery electric vehicle that pays a tribute to the N360 model from the 60’s. So far no technical specification regarding the Honda EV-N Concept or statements weather or not the mini car will ever make it into production, have been released. The Honda EV-N Concept features a minimalist interior and exterior design and is intended as a future alternative to daily…
Lexus LF-A review video
The Lexus LF-A was revealed today in Tokyo but it seems the Brits from Autocar got their hands on the Japanese supercar before its official debut. Powered by its 552 BHP V10 engine the Lexus LF-A can accelerate from nought to 100 Km/h in 3.7 seconds and as the Autocar journalist mentioned, the amazing engine sound remind us of the Porsche Carrera GT. The extensive use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) compensates for the heavy V10 powerplant and overall…
Seat Cupra Race game for iPhone
Seat announced they have included the Seat Leon Cupra in the new version Seat Cupra Race game for iPhone. A new City Track has also been added and the Seat Cupra Race now includes features like Nitro and Protection Shield. iPhone users should know this racing game is offered in five different languages with downloads available free of charge through Apple iTunes App Stores starting 26 October. The company’s previous iPhone game, the…
2011 Nissan GT-R enhancements
The Japanese car maker announced today that an updated Nissan GT-R version will hit the company’s home market on December 7th. Among improvements in the updated Nissan GT-R version the automaker mentioned a revised navigation system with HDD-based CARWINGS and enhanced entertainment functions plus a retuned suspension that will offer both comfort and accuracy. The 2011 Nissan GT-R stiffness in the front and rear shock absorbers as well as in the rear suspension rod bushings has been increased, features that were previously available in the Nissan GT-R SpecV variant. New Dunlop tires are now offered as standard on the 2011 Nissan GT-R and on the technical site the newly…
Honda CR-Z Concept 2009 debuts in Tokyo
The highly-anticipated Honda CR-Z Concept 2009 debuted today at the 41st edition Tokyo Motor Show. Even though the Honda CR-Z Concept showcased in Tokyo features a back seat the company says the production version for US will feature a 2 seat configuration. The Honda CR-Z will arrive stateside in the second half of 2010 and will be packaged as a sporty 2-seat hybrid. Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc said “The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand,”. The Honda CR-Z will debut in US in January 2010 at the International Auto Show…
Lexus LF-A official photos and details
Official photos and details with the Lexus LF-A have been released today, along with price information for the latest Japanese supercar that will be produced in a limited edition of 500 units. The Lexus LF-A features a clean-sheet design and is powered by a mid-front mounted 4.8-litres V10 that delivers 552 BHP and 480 Nm of torque through its rear-mounted 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG). Advanced materials like Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) or Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) have been used and performance figure indicate the Lexus LF-A is able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 mph. At the Interior this race-bred…
Jeep Patriot 4×4 Compact SUV of Texas
Chrysler announced today that the company’s Jeep Patriot 4×4 was voted the ‘Compact SUV of Texas’ after the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) had their annual Truck Rodeo gathering in San Antonio. The Jeep Patriot 4×4 Compact SUV of Texas title came as a result of 40 TAWA members testing the 2010 Jeep Patriot and its competitors in various conditions on- and off-road for two days. What set the Jeep Patriot 4×4 apart was its best-in-class capability in the compact SUV segment with a 19:1 Low Ratio for true off-road abilities and a fuel consumption figure of 29 highway mpg…