Suzuki Kizashi: Not Dead After All

Though news sources suggested yesterday that development of the Suzuki Kizashi was halted for fiscal reasons, we've just heard that's far from the case.According to American Suzuki's Jeff Holland, the midsize sedan hasn't been axed, and will actually debut in production form at the 2009 New York auto show in April. Last year's New York show played host to the Kizashi 3, a revised form of the original Kizashi concept shown at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show.If the production sedan resembles the Kizashi 3 concept, expect power to come from a 300-hp 3.0-liter V-6, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-dri...

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Suzuki Withdraws from World Rally Championship

Albeit it is a relative newcomer to the FIA's World Rally Championship, we've just heard that Suzuki will cease its current and future WRC activities.According to the automaker, the withdrawal is attributed mostly to the current global economic slowdown. "To secure its own business environment for tomorrow," Suzuki said in a release, "the organization reviews every aspect of its operations and decided to focus on the core business functions." Rallying, it seems isn't Suzuki's raison d'etre.While the company blames the current market, we can't help but wonder if the upcoming specification changes for the WRC had something to do with Suzuki's decision. On Friday, the FIA announced that in 2010, the WRC series would shift to Spec 2000 (or S2000)...

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2009 Suzuki Equator Pricing Announced

Although we first drove the 2009 Suzuki Equator earlier this year, the firm hadn't released final pricing figures until now. Having looked them over, they're not too different from its Nissan Frontier cousin.$17,995 will put you into an Equator, though it'll be a two-wheel-drive, base extended cab model with a six-foot bed and a fice-speed manual transmission. That manages to undercut a similar Frontier XE King Cab 4x2 by $245. We'd attribute that cost savings to Suzuki making some equipment (notably the four-speaker CD stereo system) optional, but the Equator does include certain features - side impact airbags, for instance - that are extra cost on the Nissan.Adding features to the Equator adds a considerable amount of cost. Customers...

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Toyota May Cut Jobs for First Time in 59 Years

2008 was undoubtedly a bittersweet year for Toyota. After all, what else can you say about a year when you finally succeed in undisputedly becoming the world's biggest automaker while simultaneously posting your first operating loss in over 70 years? It looks as if Toyota won't have a problem categorizing 2009 as a success or a failure, though: reports are already emerging that Toyota will cut full-time jobs for the first time in almost 60 years.Toyota has been slammed hard in its biggest markets-North America, the United Kingdom, and Japan-as all three struggle through what is being considered the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. Working hard to stave off more losses, Toyota is considering cutting more than 1,000 full-time...

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Toyota is developing Solar-Powered Car

Toyota's Prius is already the runaway leader of hybrid vehicles, but now the automaker is setting its sights on another technology: solar power. A Nikkei newspaper is reporting that Toyota is developing a vehicle that gets some of its power from solar panels, with the ultimate goal of building a car that can be run completely on solar energy.The first of the two vehicles would only be partially solar-powered, and Toyota wants to ensure it can be recharged at homes generating electricity from solar panel roofs. It will be several years before such a vehicle is ready for production. The second car, which Toyota envisions as a completely solar-powered car, is even further off.Toyota will likely gain access to additional solar power technology...

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2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept

The Toyota FT-EV concept was officially revealed yesterday at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The battery-electric vehicle is intended to hint at a mass production model that is coming in 2012.2009 Toyota FT-EV concept sideToyota didn't reveal any specifications about FT-EV or really say much about the concept at all. What it did say is the concept is designed for someone who lives in the city and commutes about 50 miles a day. It also said the FT-EV is built on the same platform as the Toyota iQ city car recently launched in Europe.The FT-EV is part of Toyota's sustainable mobility strategy. Basically, the plan is to produce vehicles with lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. By 2010 the company intends to launch as...

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Toyota Becomes World's Largest Automaker

Toyota can now soundly claim the title of world's largest automaker by sales - whether GM includes sales of its Wuling venture or not.Last year, when Toyota tried to snatch the title from the American automaker - which it had held for 76 years - GM added 500,000 or so Wuling brand vehicles to its sales count, although it only owns 34 percent of the Chinese company. Some publications acknowledged this move, giving GM the title again for 2007 and a 77th consecutive year as the world's largest automaker. For 2008, no such trickery can be done by the General.Despite Toyota's good news, total sales were down for the number one and number two automakers. GM's total sales - including the Wuling brand - were 8.6 million, down 10.8 percent. Toyota's...

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Plans To Build 2010 Toyota Prius in North America Delayed

The 2010 Toyota Prius will make its public debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, but we may have to wait longer to see the hybrid manufactured on our continent.According to Automotive News, Toyota's plans to build the next-generation Prius in North America - specifically, at a new plant in Tupelo, Mississippi - are in limbo. Construction work on the factory has been suspended, and Toyota has no timeframe on resuming construction.The delay comes as Toyota's global profits continue to fall in light of the global economic slowdown. The company, which has more than a dozen factory projects on its to-do list, has adjusted its fiscal year profit forecast to $6.6 billion - less than half of what was originally predicted.The new...

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Investment Firm Looks to Sell Its Half of Aston Martin

What to buy the Aston enthusiast who has everything? If you have the necessary scratch, the answer could simply be Aston Martin itself.DAR, the Kuwaiti investment firm that teamed with Prodrive to purchase Aston from Ford Motor Company in 2007, is reportedly looking to part with ten or twenty percent of its stake in the firm.Amr Abou El-Seoud, vice president of the DAR firm, told Autocar that it wasn't looking to "sell and exit" Aston Martin altogether, but to simply reduce its investment in the company. As it is, Autocar reports DAR is looking to borrow nearly $1 billion to refinance its own debt.El-Seoud noted in the interview that there is a "sixty to seventy percent chance that [DAR] will reach a deal soon." Of course, there's no word...

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2010 Aston Martin Rapide Rear End Rendering Revealed

A new rendering of the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide, the first Aston sedan since the razor-edged Lagonda of the 1970s, has officially hit the web. We're please to confirm the production car will be just as dazzling as the concept.2010 Aston Martin Rapide frontThe stunning profile and rakish roofline of the Rapide make Porsche's Panamera look like a mutant 911. The rear end has changed slightly from the concept and now seems to resemble that of the Vantage. The rear doors fit nicely into the body, proving that this isn't just a stretched DB9. The glass roof flows almost seamlessly into the rear window, which transitions gently into the rear hatch.The nose has a snarling guise that is unmistakably Aston. From the renderings, it appears the Rapide...

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2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4

Given the rapid-fire pace of today's information stream, we're simultaneously mourning the loss of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 while welcoming the 2009 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 to the world.Well, okay; they're more or less the same thing -a stripped-down V8 Vantage built to the FIA's GT4 class rules - but the GT4 includes a few notable improvements. We'll start first underhood, where a 4.7-liter V-8 lurks in lieu of the N24's 4.3-liter unit. The bigger engine produces more torque all around and is more responsive than the outgoing engine. 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4To help channel the increased power, Aston Martin Racing also updated the suspension for better handling, including a modified front upright to allow for more camber,...

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Only Six Aston Martin One-77s Will Come to U.S.

New information on Aston Martin's most expensive car ever, the One-77, has been released, including how many cars will be destined for U.S. buyers."It's a fabulous, hand-built car that's the pinnacle of what Aston Martin can achieve," said Aston Martin boss Ulrich Bez. The One-77 is two meters wide, but according to Bez, still maintains "a very dynamic and elegant shape." Thanks to a carbon fiber tub and aluminum body panels, the One-77 weighs a mere 1500kg.Inside is a 7.0 liter powerplant, deverived from the automaker's 6.0 liter V-12. The car will be able to pump out a healthy 700 hp. Some of the exact specifications for the vehicle are still being decided, which makes estimating the potential top speed pointless, but Bez claims that exceeding...

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Volvo Goes Chrome-Free

Chrome is notoriously used by automakers to dress up today's cars-though usually this is limited to the exterior, with a few interior adornments. A little-known fact, however, is that chrome is used in leather treatment, and can trigger reactions in individuals allergic to the metal. That's why Volvo, in its infinite wisdom regarding all things safety, has opted to stop using chrome in the leather tanning process.According to a press release issued Wednesday, chrome allergies can be triggered simply by touching leather that has been tanned in the material. Contact spurs eczema, a skin rash that can last for several days. The release says avoidance is the only long-term strategy-which is why Volvo is moving away from tanning materials containing...

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Ford Officially Looks at Selling Volvo Brand

Following months of denying it wasn't interested in selling its Swedish luxury brand, Ford Motor Company announced today it is considering selling off the Volvo Car Corporation as a move to restructure itself.The announcement comes as Ford, preparing to face another round of Congressional hearings on a possible automaker aid package, is looking at ways to reduce its operating costs. In a release, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said it is "prudent for Ford to evaluate options for Volvo" as the company continues to implement its "ONE Ford" plan.Similar rumors popped up earlier this year, when Ford sold both its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries to India's Tata Motors. At the time, rumors swirled that Volvo was next on the chopping block, though Ford...

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First exterior preview of Volvo S60 Concept

O.K, so it's not an exact clone of the Jag, but the fast roofline and rear fenders - which Volvo claims are "coupe-like" - remind us of the slinky XF. Though certain cues (i.e. the traditional Volvo grille, "cab-forward" proportions, and strong shoulders created by a high beltline) are distinctively Volvo, this may prove to be one of the strongest re-interpretations of Volvo's design language since the 1992 ECC concept.If you find yourself liking what you see, we've even better news. According to Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars' design director, the concept's exterior, unlike the fanciful interior, gives "a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60." We'll know for sure when that car launches in 2010, but until then, we'll bring...

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First Peek at Volvo S60 Concept for 2009 Detroit Auto Show

It isn't much, but this is our first peek at the Volvo S60 Concept Car, which will debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show.Though the concept is reportedly indicative of the next-generation S60 sedan, Volvo's only showing us a photo of the concept's center console. The floating center stack section isn't surprising (it's used throughout much of Volvo's current line-up), but designers added an interesting touch: it's fabricated entirely of crystal."If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design," said Steve Mattin, director of design at Volvo Cars, "Sweden's glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency."As such, Volvo's...

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Land Rover announces Range Rover Sport 'Stormer Edition'

While the majority of automakers are unveiling new vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, Land Rover is busy at a different venue. The SUV maker is instead on the scene at the London International Boat Show, where it unveiled the Range Rover Sport Stormer Edition.Before you get too excited, note that the 'Stormer Edition' will only be available in the UK. It is mainly an options and appearance package for the base level TDV6 'S' with the 2.7 liter, twin-turbo V-6 diesel - a model that doesn't cross the pond for the U.S. market.The package includes some minor cosmetic upgrades to the exterior namely 20 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, rear spoiler, revised front and rear bumpers (the latter with integrated rectangular exhaust tips),...

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Jaguar Land Rover asks British Government for Loan

Jaguar Land Rover is reportedly seeking a £1 billion ($1.3 billion) loan from the British government. Though the automaker has yet to officially comment on this possibility, the automaker has already submitted the request and the government could make a decision on the matter in the next two weeks.Jaguar Land Rover's CEO, David Smith, has already suggested publicly that British car makers should get government support to help them through the economic crisis. "Unless we introduce further measures to reignite the UK economy, there is significant risk," commented Smith.The automaker, like much of the auto industry right now, has suffered a downturn in sales. Land Rover in particular has been hit hard, suffering a thirty-seven percent drop in...

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Edo Competition Creates the World’s Fastest Lamborghini

Edo competition is responsible for some astonishing cars including a street legal version of the Ferrari FXX and the Maserati MC XX. It has now combined forces with designer Christian Audigier to build the world’s fastest Lamborghini.The ‘basic’ Lamborghini Mucielago LP 640 is an incredible car, but for some it’s not enough. That’s where edo competition steps in and creates the LP 710, yes 710 stands for 710 hp. With 710 hp the LP 710 runs from 0-60 in under 3.2 seconds. The LP 710 starts life as a normal LP 640, but when it gets to edo competition’s headquarters the car is completely disassembled. The engine, aerodynamics, wheels, exhaust, and interior are all redone to the factory (and customer) specifications.2009 edo competition LP...

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Lamborghini Plans to build Estoque for 2012 Model Year

Expect a price around $250,000Lamborghini’s head of research and development said, in an admission of the company’s wish to broaden its product range, that the business case for the Estoque is being made. Lamborghini wishes to have the car in production at the end of 2011 as a 2012 model.If the car is approved by the VW executive board, the Estoque will begin development at Lamborghini’s headquarters early next year. If the car makes it through the business end of the project unchanged, the car will have the same drivetrain as the Gallardo.The Estoque would have all-wheel-drive and a version of the 5.2-liter direct injection engine with about 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It will be tuned to deliver the power and torque at lower RPMs to...

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Reiter Engineering Makes the Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT Street Legal

The factory-backed motorsports company that prepares Lamborghinis for the FIA GT Championships has converted one of its racers for street duty. Reiter Engineering offers a Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT that you can drive to the track and back.Street Legal Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT rearThe Murciélago R-GT was originally introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was lighter than a standard Murciélago, and featured lots of carbon fiber bodywork, aerodynamic accents, and a two-wheel-drive layout to comply with FIA regulations.The road-going version gets the some of the same lightweight aerodynamic treatment as the race car. It sports a unique exhaust mounted between the taillights along with black O.Z. racing wheels and a carbon-fiber front...

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Lamborghini posts Global Sales Increase for 2008

Along with the likes of Jaguar and Audi, Lamborghini was one of the few automakers that witnessed gains in 2008 sales figures. In fact, the Italian supercar company sold a whopping 24 more cars this year raising their global sales to 2430.The 1% increase, albeit small, is still a wonder given the economic and financial conditions. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. market posted the biggest decline where sales fell by 20.3%. Making up for losses in one of Lambo's largest markets, its Middle East and Far Eastern sales jumped by surprising rates. Sales were up 66% to 166 in the Middle East, while China sales were up 157%.The company considers its current line up the most attractive in its 46 year history. Under its current owner, Audi AG, its products...

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Is The Maserati 250F The World’s Greatest Racing Car?

There are plenty of legendary cars in the annals of motorsports history, but is the Maserati 250F the greatest of them all? According to Britian’s Royal Automobile Club and Octane magazine, indeed it is.The title was awarded to the Maserati following a poll of Octane readers, who picked it over legendary rolling stock like the Auto Union Type C, Lotus 49, and Mercedes-Benz W196.That’s not to say the Italian open-wheel GP car isn’t without merit. Between 1954 and 1958, it won an astonishing 55 races, including the 1954 Argentine Grand Prix at the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio. With Sir Sterling Moss at the wheel, the car was victorious at the 1956 Monaco and Italian Grands Prix.Sir Moss is still fond of the Maserati – not only did he nominate...

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Mazda Reduces Precious Metal Usage in Converters by 70 Percent

Mazda issued a press release last week, stating that it has developed a way to reduce the amount of precious metal needed in catalytic converters. The technology will be employed on the upcoming 2010 Mazda3, and Mazda will progressively apply it to all its global markets.Called single-nanocatalyst, the technology requires 70 percent less precious metal in its application on the 2010 Mazda3 compared to the outgoing model. Mazda says the new cayalyst "will enable very efficient purifications with minimal deterioration over time even under the harshest operating conditions." In Japan, the Mazda3 is a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SU-LEV)Thieves have been known to steal catalytic converters and sell them to metal recyclers. Because catalytic...

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2009 Hyundai Genesis named North American Car and of the Year

The Hyundai Genesis was a huge step for the Korean automaker, but it seems like the investment is paying off. The sedan just beat out some stiff competition from the Ford Flex and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI for the 2009 North American Car Year.The Hyundai Genesis also receives the honor of being the first Korean car to ever win the prodigious award. When Hyundai announced its first-ever V-8 engine, its first-ever rear-wheel-drive platform, and its first foray into the luxury car arena, many were skeptical. The award is just further proof that the car's no-holds-barred assault on luxury and near-luxury sedan market is shaping up to be a real threat.The decision was made this morning at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The Genesis replaces last year’s...

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GM May Spin Off Saab

Automotive News reported yesterday that GM is preparing to turn Saab into its own entity, according to an unidentified GM source. The move may be an attempt to make Saab a more viable investment for potential buyers, as GM has been unable to attract any suitors for the flailing subsidiary since its strategic review began in December."Saab has been negotiating with GM and the Swedish government about becoming a more independent company, initially as part of GM," the mystery GM source said. Saab would take control of its own decision-making and finances, according to the source.Pail Akerlund, head of Saab's union, said, "Under this [plan], the Saab board will be more like a normal board, and less dependent on what happens on GM's European strategy...

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Ford Kills Mercury Sable

Mark Schirmer, spokesman for the Lincoln and Mercury brands, told Automotive News yesterday that the end of April will see the last Mercury Sable roll off the assembly line at Ford's Chicago assembly plant. Earlier yesterday, Ford announced that the Taurus X, also produced at the Chicago assembly plant, would end production at the end of February.The current Mercury Sable debuted in 2004 as the Mercury Montego. Current CEO Alan Mulally had the Montego name changed to Sable, a storied Mercury moniker, at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The original Mercury Sable was a huge seller for Ford when it debuted in 1986, but fizzled out when the company moved it to the Taurus platform in 1996 and tried to push it upmarket. It was discontinued in 2005,...

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Pontiac Shrinks to Four Nameplates

The 2009 North American International Auto Show is well underway, with GM unveiling new models for its Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick brands Sunday, and executives spewing news tidbits left and right. Among them: Bob Lutz has confirmed which models will comprise the dwindling Pontiac lineup.According to Lutz, the surviving members of the Pontiac genocide will include the G8 sedan, the G5 coupe, the Vibe hatchback, and the Solstice coupe and convertible. The Torrent SUV, along with G6 convertible, coupe and sedan, which share their underpinnings with the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-3, will be dropped. Plans to bring the G8 ST sport truck to production have been cancelled, and the future of the G3 subcompact is uncertain.Although GM has been...

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Updated 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Revealed

With the recent barrage of new mid-cycle Porsches, the 2009 911 GT3 RSR is the latest 911 variant based on the 997.5 architecture.The 911 GT3 RSR is the most powerful racer model of the 911 GT3 and has been heavily modified for the 2009 GT2 racing season. The new RSR features a completely revised cooling system, which is immediately visible, as the 2009 RSR has extra louvers on the hood. The louvers were added as part of the redesigned radiator ducting.The engine also underwent significant changes for 2009. It now displaces 4.0 liters instead of 3.8 and produces 450 hp at 7800 RPM. In accordance with 2009 GT2 regulations, the size of the engine air restrictors were reduced as well. The engine’s displacement was boosted to help counter...

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2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Launches Just In Time for Christmas!

Still trying to figure out just what gift to give this holiday season? You're in luck - the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is now available for your shopping convenience.2009 Infiniti G37 ConvertibleWe'd like to be kidding, but it's entirely possible to give the gift of a G this holiday season. A special G37 Convertible Premier Edition is available only through Bloomingdale's 2008 Holiday Catalog. Only 200 examples, all wearing a red leather interior, a blacked-out grille, and custom 19-inch alloy wheels, will be built. Place your order now, and you can pick up your 'vert in early 2009.Should you wait until after the holiday rush to place your order, you'll find the G37 - like its coupe and sedan siblings - come in both base and G37S trims....

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New Cadillac Limousine Prepared for Obama Administration

In 1919, Woodrow Wilson was the first American President to be seen in a Cadillac limousine. Ninety years later, President Barack Obama will continue the tradition.With Obama’s inauguration approaching, GM has released photos and information on the new Presidential Limo President Obama will ride in. The new Presidential Limo has been updated to reflect Cadillac’s current design theme and reflect styling seen on the STS and DTS sedans. In addition to adding visual depth to the car, the design updates give the car a more upright profile to help with outward visibility.While most aspects of the car are confidential, Cadillac has pointed out how to identify if the president is in the vehicle and where the presidential seals are located. If...

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Honda Kills Plans for New NSX

The latest victim of the automotive market's vicious downturn may be the next-generation Acura NSX. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui announced in his end of year speech that all development of the supercar has been cancelled as part of a restructuring effort inside the company. Fukui also said the company has abandoned plans to bring the Acura brand to Japan by 2010.Honda was developing a V-10 engine for the NSX, which would have made it the most powerful production car the company had ever made. However, Fukui will now focus on developing hybrid powertrain instead, aiming to achieve mass market penetration as soon as possible.The original NSX was discontinued in 2005, after a 15-year production r...

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Nissan GT-R SpecV Officially Announced

Nissan confirmed the long rumored GT-R SpecV will be offered in a limited production run. If the supercar performance of the regular old GT-R wasn't enough, the company claims the SpecV will offer "race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle."Nissan GT-R SpecV rearThe SpecV will be more nimble than the standard GT-R due in part to its lighter weight. The higher performance model does away with the rear seats and dumps the standard front buckets in favor of a couple carbon-fiber Recaros. Carbon fiber insets also adorn the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.The weight reduction efforts were applied to the wheels as well. The SpecV will wear a set of NISMO forged aluminum wheels. The new wheels offer less unsprung...

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Mitsubishi Won't Show At 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Kid Rock may feel as if there's "no party like a Detroit party," but the folks at Mitsubishi beg to differ. Last week, marketing directors revealed the company will skip the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.It's not the only brand abstaining from the show, either. The same week, Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Suzuki all announced withdrawal from the show as well. Coupled with the 2008 withdrawal of Porsche and Isuzu's departure in 2006, this now means seven brands have abandoned stands at the Detroit show over the past three years.Though automakers have previously expressed their dismay with the limited space available at Detroit's Cobo Hall, the driving factor for all these brands is a lack of sales. Even outside...

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Ford to bring PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission to U.S. in 2010

In a further effort to increase fuel economy, Ford will launch a new PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox in its upcoming small cars. The fresh six-speed transmission will weigh 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic in the current Ford Focus and could increase fuel economy by as much as nine percent.If this strategy sounds familiar, that's because it is. VW has been putting its DSG dual-clutch transmissions in its small cars for years. In Europe, Ford offers a PowerShift transmission option for the Focus. However, this new transmission uses a dry-clutch like a conventional manual transmission, whereas the other two use a wet-clutch. The added benefit of the dry-clutch is durability and efficiency, since it doesn't require either an oil pump...

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Jaguar Sales Rise 8 Percent in 2008

Trouncing the red-ink trends of most automobile makers in 2008, Jaguar posted an 8 percent sales increase for 2008, selling 65,000 vehicles worldwide. Jaguar stopped reporting sales figures earlier this year when it was purchased by Tata Motors, but Managing Director Mike O'Driscoll revealed the good news Tuesday at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.In the United States, sales were down 4 percent, to 15,500 units, O'Driscoll said. According to Automotive News, Jaguar's U.S. sales have dropped 75 percent since peaking at 61,204 units in 2003, when Ford was the luxury carmaker's owner.Gary Temple, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America said the company expects Jaguar sales to be flat this year. Jaguar showed its 2010 XKR and...

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First Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Delivered in the U.S

Five years after the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione's debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, Alfa Romeo delivers the first 8C Competizione to a U.S. customer.The first U.S. bound 8C was shipped to “Miller Motorcars” in Connecticut where Renzo Barbirato, who headed up the Alfa Romeo 8C project, met the owner, James Glickenhaus, for the handover ceremony. After the handover ceremony, Glickenhaus took the 8C out for a test drive to “appreciate the main technical and dynamic features of his Alfa 8C Competizione.” We’re sure Glickenhaus can appreciate his 8C as he also owns the Ferrari Enzo-based Pinifarina P4/5.Glickenhaus says he is particularly proud of being the first American customer to take delivery of an 8C. As this marks Alfa Romeo’s reentry...

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Alfa Romeo Mito GTA to debut at 2009 Geneva Motor Show

Alfa Romeo confirmed that it was preparing a high-powered version Mito back in June. Now, word on the street is the Alfa Romeo Mito GTA will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.The hot hatch is expected to compete with the Mini Cooper JCW. The GTA aims to outperform the Mini with its turbocharged 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that will produce 240 horsepower. The agile Alfa will also benefit from weight reduction achieved through the use of carbon fiber and aluminum.Sources say the GTA will be sharper looking than the current car. It will presumably sit lower, wear a more aggressive body kit, have larger wheels and offer new color schemes.Now that Chrysler has partnered with Fiat, Alfa's parent company, perhaps we are one step...

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Mercedes Benz Adaptive Headlight System Provides Intelligent High Beams

Anyone who spends some time on backroads with moderate traffic will really appreciate the new adaptive high beam assist from Mercedes-Benz. The system automatically adjusts head light output to maximize visibility for the Mercedes driver and also oncoming traffic.Instead of just switching between high and low beams, the system also actively aims the head lights to project the maximum amount of light without blinding other drivers on the road. A camera located in the rearview mirror will detect the head lights of oncoming vehicles or the tail lights of cars you are approaching and adjust the aim of the head lights automatically.The dynamic lighting system will aim the driver's side head light closer to the ground as traffic approaches and then...

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Ron Dennis Steps Down from McLaren F1 Team

Ron Dennis, McLaren Formula One team principal will step down after leading the team (and Lewis Hamilton, especially) to win the 2008 Drivers’ World Championship.This news comes as we earlier reported that the team would be aiming higher with its new 2009 MP4-24 and going for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Last season, McLaren lost the Constructors’ Championship to Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton narrowly beat out Ferrari’s Felipe Massa for the Drivers’ Championship.Dennis says he has stepped down to pursue other interests including his companies upcoming supercar set to be launched in 2010. Dennis will be handing the team over to Martin Whitmarsh on March 1 ahead of the March 29 season start in Melbourne. Dennis will stay...

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