Comments (0)

If all goes according to plan, the latest lightweight sports car employing a turbocharged power plant will come courtesy of Malaysian automaker Bufori. Called the Bufori CS, it’s said to run with the best in the segment, touting superb performance, comfort, and craftsmanship.

The “compact sports” shape is undoubtedly modern, albeit proportioned a little mysteriously. Hidden by the carbon fiber and kevlar body panels is a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and a lightweight spaceframe chassis. Everything has been completely designed in-house, Bufori says, and will be built in Malaysia early next year.

To quell any doubt of its legitimacy as a sports car, Bufori already has a CS racing version completed that’s set to debut at next week’s Macau Grand Prix. It’s been constructed under the stringent FIA GT3 rule book.

In addition to domestic sales, product planners hope to export the CS primarily to China, India, the Middle East, and other Asian nations. No word on if they plan on entering the U.S. market, but more information, including full specs, should be arriving shortly.

Based on the photos below, what do you think, should the Bufori stay in Asia? via: Motor Trend

Comments (0)

GM’s vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon will indeed become a production reality. Lutz dropped the W-bomb during a recent one-on-one interview while discussing how to prime the market for cool cargo haulers—like a possible Buick Regal wagon—especially among the over-35 set that grew up traumatized by wood-paneled Grand Marquis and Chrysler K-car wagon-trocities. Then Lutz said, “You know what’s really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon.”

“Oh, has the wagon been confirmed?” we asked, already aware that the hot-rod CTS would also be available as a coupe. “Yes,” he replied, “You’ll be able to get the CTS-V any way you want.”

As avowed wagon lovers, we kept an external cool, but inside, we were overjoyed. After all, with its 0–60 time of 3.9 seconds and beefy looks, the CTS-V sedan has been a huge favorite of ours since its debut, and we can’t wait to see how the CTS-V coupe looks and drives when it finally appears next year. But this was the first we’d heard anyone willing to go on record actually confirming the wagon. Speculation and rumors, yes, but nothing official. (Of course, given Maximum Bob’s flair for the dramatic and his claim this summer that the Pontiac G8 would live on as the Chevrolet Caprice—which didn’t happen—we’ll wait to fully exhale until we receive an actual press release on the topic.)

While Lutz didn’t provide a time frame for this most capacious CTS-V’s arrival, we wholeheartedly applaud GM’s decision to give it the green light, as such a powerful wagon can only help the brand build credibility in Europe. (The whole “ridiculously powerful wagons are super kick-ass” thing has us pretty excited, too.) Indeed, Europe is where wagons rule, and once launched on the Continent, the CTS-V wagon—bet on an official name of CTS-V Sport Wagon—would be second only to the 580-hp Audi RS6 Avant in the power wars, and with its 551 lb-ft of torque, the Caddy would be in a class by itself. As for its prospects over here, can you say, “Cult Caddy?”

Comments (1)

Audis plan to expand its range of models from 30 to 42 vehicles by the end of 2015 is clearly under way and official announcements made throughout the year can confirm that. A random range of highly efficient and innovative vehicles are at full throttle at Ingolstadt and some of them have being spotted at Nurburgring racing tracks or in the surrounding areas of Audis headquarters.

From the Detroit Auto Show in January to the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, Audi has presented revolutionary car concept and some exciting new models that raised a lot of eye brows in the Automotive Industry. With some many exciting new Audi models announced, we couldn’t decide which one is our favourite, so we created a list of what we think are the top 5 most anticipated Audi Models for you to vote for your favourite.

And the nominees are…

Audi A1 (model range)

The Audi A1 is based on the 2007 Metroproject, presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in the same year. But recently Audi announced a full range of A1 variants that will include cabriolets, avants and a more sportive version the Audi S1 as well as a hybrid 4×4, do I hear anyone say Audi Q1?

Expected release date: March 2010 (Geneva Motor Show)

Audi RS3

The Audi RS3 will be the icing on the cake on one of Audis most popular line of models, the A3 model range. No tech specs and performance features have being confirmed by Audi but it is believed that the RS3 will be powered by the same 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo unit as in the TT-RS, capable of delivering 335bhp and 450Nm of torque to all four tyres via the quattro 4WD transmission.

Expected release date: March 2010 (Geneva Motor Show)

Audi Q3

Another Q-badged SUVs is on the drawing boards at Ingolstadt. The Audi Q3 will seat the above the proposed Audi Q1 and the recently launched Audi Q5 on Audis SUVs range. Again no tech specs and performance features have being officially announced but we can show you some mouth watering pictures of how the Audi Q3 will look like.

Expected release date: 2011

Audi RS5

Expected to be the second highest revving V8 engine on the market, only losing to the new Ferrari 458 Italia, the RS5 is likely to be labelled with the HDZ concept which translates to high rev concept, which allows a free flowing high revving affair with high torque levels available from 2500rpm. To cope with such power the RS5 will be fitted with the top notch 7-speed S-tronic transmission.

Expected release date: March 2010 (Geneva Motor Show)

Audi R4 with E-tron Concept

The Audi R4 has been the centre of discussion of savvy sports car fans for the past couple of years, it is soon to become a reality and what is more exciting is the recently presented e-tron concept is set to the top the range of the R4. With its 300bhp output and an incredible 4,5000Nm of torque, the Audi R4 is expected to sprint from 0-62 in mere 4.8s, only 0.2 behind the Audi R8 V8; Top speed is likely to be increased to 140mph nearly 20mph more than the original E-tron concept.

Expected release date: 2012 Audi A7

Back in January during the Detroit Auto Show, Audi presented the Sportback Concept Car which strongly indicated that an Audi A7 was on the drawing boards at Ingolstadt. In June official announcements were made regarding suspensions systems, transmissions and a full range of engines that strongly indicate that S7s and RS7 are also in the pipelines at Ingolstadt.

In your opinion which of the Audi models listed above is the most anticipated?

Comments (0)

Mercedes-Benz has taken the knife to the C-Class, and our fearless spy photographers caught the result. While the bandaging doesn’t reveal the changes, it tells us what’s been updated.
The facelift looks to include changes to the headlights, fascia, and hood. Our photographers also reckon small updates are coming to the rear taillights and bumper, and to the interior. Mechanical changes in the pursuit of fuel efficiency were hinted at, too.

The volume player in the M-B stable, the C-Class is currently available with a 228-hp 3.0L V-6, a 268-hp 3.5L V-6, and a monster, 451-hp V-8 in the C63 AMG.

We expect the facelifted 2011 C-Class to go on sale next year, perhaps to get a head start on the next 3 Series. via: Motor Trend

Comments (0)

Introduction:
We all know Citroën, as a French automaker, that pretty much makes compact city cars. In these times, it’s actually the perfect timing for Citroën to shine, as new retro compact city cars are the hit. So, cars like the Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500, are benchmarks. So now, Citroën is competing with this, the 2011 DS3, a retro re-make of the 1960 Citroën DS. The 2011 Citroën DS3 will make its live debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Exterior Design:
Now although Citroën is trying to set the DS3 as a revolutionary re-make of the original ’60s DS, the DS3 in fact, is an identical twin to the 2009 Citroën DS Line Concept, which is always a good thing. So all the Concept’s greats are featured on the DS3, like the front-bumper LED day-time lights, weirdly-shaped rear-windows, and even the cool-looking wheels. In fact, the only notable differences between the prototype and the production car concern the replacement of the concept’s central tailpipe with two outlets and the conventional roof antenna. On the technical side, the production DS3 is relatively the same size as the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper. Unique option on the DS3, is the optional colors for the roof, which include black, white, blue, and red, with various shades as well.

Interior Design:
The DS3′s stylishly aggressive exterior is matched with an equally tasty interior which is shared with the new 2010 C3 hatchback. Being a more upscale model, the DS3 features a more trendy trim decor than its five-door sibling. Citroën also offers customized interior setups for the DS3, like a choice of six finishes for the dashboard strip which encompasses the air vents, instrument cluster, multi-function screens and the scented air-fresher; while there’s also a variety of colored fabrics and leather, and even five different trims for the gear shifter.

Powertrain:
Being European, Citroën has to offer many various engine options, including diesel and petrol engines. Two diesel engines come with CO2-efficient Euro V – certified HDi engines, that develop 90 hp and 110 hp. Whereas three petrol BMW co-developed engines, come in 1.6L of displacement, outputting 95 hp and 120 hp naturally-aspirated, and 150 hp with a turbocharger. Mini and Fiat ought to take notice, as the new DS3 will go on sale in most European markets by early 2010, as a 2011 model year. via: Citroën

Comments (0)

The top 10 most SUV Cars for the year 2010 are the following.

1. 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
2. 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
3. 2010 Cadillac SRX
4. 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
5. 2010 GMC Terrain
6. 2010 Jeep Patriot
7. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
8. 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
9. 2009 Acura MDX
10. 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Comments (0)

Introduction:
Thanks to a leak by in July, Saab couldn’t surprise us with their new 2010 9-5 Sedan. However, now, we got the full details, but more info is to come when the 9-5 makes its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. While this is an all-new Saab, it’s in fact, the last Saab that will ever to come-out of General Motors, as Koenigsegg now has full control and ownership of Saab.

Exterior Design:
The 9-5′s exterior styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car while the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Key feature to this design, is the one-piece roof and c-pillar, that makes the windshield, looks kind of attached to the roof. The back-end is very sharp, as the LED taillights look edgy, and the square exhaust-pipes are futuristic. However, the front-end looks to be lost with character, as the trademark grille is a bit on the soft side, and the bumper grilles look aggressive and mean.

Interior Design:
Inside, Saab owners will feel right at home with the traditional, driver-focused cockpit that features an aircraft-inspired head-up information display. The Swedish maker promises that the choice of materials, the fit and finish and the perceived quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5′s premium character.

Drivetrain:
Beneath that body, lives GM’s Epsilon II platform, that is shared with the Opel Insignia, and Buick LaCrosse, though the 9-5 actually has a longer wheel-base. However, the 9-5 also gets its unique engines as well. Starting with a 160 hp 2.0L turbo-deisel 4-cylinder, and a 220 hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, and the top-of-the-range petrol, with a twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6 making 300 hp. All engines are connected to a 6-speed automatic, via a standard front-wheel-drive, or an optional Haldex all-wheel drive system. However, the 9-5 2.8 V6 Turbo has the Haldex as standard.

Technology:
Adding to the package, Saab claim that they’ve also cracked the latest tech features on this 9-5. Adaptive chassis control with driver settings selected through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive headlights, and adaptive cruise control, are just keys to the full list.

Look for Saab’s 2010 9-5 Sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with Wagon version to come soon. via: Saab

Comments (0)

Volvo S60

Volvo S60

Volvo S60

Volvo S60

Volvo S60

The 2011 Volvo S60 goes on sale this September with a base price of $38,550, including all maintenance, service, and wear and tear for five years or 60,000 miles. Option packages are the $1500 Premium package with a power sunroof, power front-passenger seat, and xenon lights; the $800 Climate package with heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and heated windshield washers; the $2700 Multimedia package with Dolby Pro Logic II and the distortion-canceling MultEQ system, navigation, and a rear camera; and the $2100 Technology package as noted above. There are stand-alone options galore, but we’ve already covered the most significant one, the Four-C chassis. Figure a well-equipped S60 will ring in somewhere in the low-$40,000 range, which is a lot for a Volvo but several grand less than a comparably kitted-out BMW 335i xDrive. CarandDriver

Comments (0)

Introduction:
Although the Audi A5 Sportback didn’t yet make its live debut, the S-Line version is already here, to spice it up against the performance-oriented competitors. This 2010 S5 Sportback will make its debut at Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales starting in spring 2010, coupled with a price-tag of 57,900 euros ($82,761 USD). Audi do it best with their S-Line models, as they promise to pack a lot of performance, with only settle changes compared to its less-powerful siblings.

Powertrain:
Concerning the powertrain, the Audi S5 Sportback similarly underscores its superiority: a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive are standard equipment. Upon request, Audi will also include a sport differential, that variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels. Power comes from Audi’s latest 3.0L supercharged TFSI V6, now packing 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Although it’s actually heavier than either the S5 Coupe or S5 Cabriolet, this S5 Sportback still sprints to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and reaches a limited 155 mph top speed. Plus, this engine will manage 25 mpg fuel-economy, claiming the S5 Sportback as “the best in this power-output category.”

Design:
So how does the S5 Sportback differs from the standard A5 Sportback? Well, first look for the 4 exhaust pipes outback, then extended body-kit, and then of course the classic Audi S-Line trademark cues, like the 18-inch wheels, and S-Line grill, with S5 badges. Inside, sport-bucket seats with two-tone color leather are added, coupled with S5 badgeds around the cabin. via: Audi