Touareg Gold Edition

So you have money. Lots of money. You want to dress your SUV up, but think shiny plastic or carbon-fibre bits are downright el cheapo. Bling? Surely, but with far more class, more exuberance, more glitter.

Well, how about the Touareg Gold Edition then? Volskwagen have come up with a concept study of the SUV, dressing up select bits with the shiny stuff, plated in 24-carat, no less. The vehicle made its debut in Qatar, surely as good a place as any to do so.

On the outside, the glitter goes on custom-designed 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and parts of the air intake frame, the ‘Touareg V8′ badge and boot sill trim.

Inside, the 24-carat treatment continues with the car’s accents and switches, providing the cabin with lots of suitable distraction. Plenty of craftsmanship to be found in the Walnut Burr accents, with their genuine gold marquetry crafted into an ornamental pattern.

The interior gets a mixture of Nappa leather seats – and Alcantara roofliner – in a shade called Luna and natural brown leather for the dashboard, with contrasting seams for the latter in a Magnolia shade. The Gold Edition’s exterior is finished in what is called Magic Morning.

VW haven’t mucked around with the mechanicals on this one, so it’s pretty practical (!), but you’ve definitely got to be careful where you park it, for sure, not to mention worrying about attracting the wrong kind of attention as you merrily drive along.

Premacy MPV to Nissan

Mazda and Nissan have announced an agreement to expand the scope of Mazda’s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) supply to Nissan – as part of this new accord, Mazda will begin supplying its Premacy MPV to Nissan from May this year.

Mazda will supply a clearly differentiated version of the Premacy – which is of course known as the Mazda5 outside Japan – to Nissan for sale in Japan. It’s certainly not new territory for Nissan; the company’s OEM business involves cross-platform sharing with a large number of automakers across the globe.

The two companies have already been collaborating under an existing mutual OEM agreement – Mazda provides the Bongo Van/Truck to Nissan, which is sold as the Nissan Vanette, while Nissan supplies the AD/AD Expert to Mazda, which Mazda sells as the

Hybrid at the Geneva Motor

Volvo will unveil its V60 Plug-in Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and says that the debutant is virtually production-ready. Developed in close cooperation with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, the vehicle is set to make its market debut in 2012.

The company adds that it will be the first manufacturer to go on the market with a hybrid featuring a turbodiesel pot driving the front wheels and an electric powertrain drivng the rear.

A D5 five-cylinder 2.4 litre turbodiesel, offering 215 hp and a maximum torque of 440 Nm, works the front rubbers of the V60 Plug-In Hybrid, while at the back zip is provided by an Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) system, in the form of an 52 kW electric motor and 12 kW lithium-ion battery pack combination.

The sports wagon, which will ship with a six-speed automatic transmission, will be able to go for up to 50 km on pure electricity.

Touareg Gold Edition

Here’s something that’s bound to get Dakar followers going. Volkswagen has put out a concept study of its Race Touareg 3 – which won the recent 2011 Dakar – at the Qatar Motor Show, alongside the flashy Touareg Gold Edition.

It’s not quite the same car, naturally. The street-legal variant’s two-metre wide body has been slightly modified for road use, and the race car’s 16-inch wheels are replaced with new BBS 18-inch units, finished in a gold shade.

The 305 hp all-wheel drive vehicle does the 0-100 kph sprint in less than six seconds, and features – in case you can’t identify it by its shape – a “Race Touareg” signature pasted along the vehicle’s sides. Like the Gold Edition, the RT 3 Qatar’s exterior is finished in a shade called Magic Morning.

The interior in this one has of course been completely redesigned (all that has remained unmodified is the safety cage) to offer easy controls and good ergonomics. VW’s designers created an interior in so-called ‘Stealth look,’ reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name.

In tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodised aluminium of the centre console, right next to the ‘Race Touareg’ signature. Other interior features include Recaro racing bucket seats – with Nubuk seat side supports and perforated Nappa leather centre seat panels – and trim elements dressed in matt carbon, as well as a Serpentino Grey Metallic finish for the roll cage.

European Accord

Honda will be debuting its facelifted European Accord sedan and Tourer models at the Geneva Motor Show. Both forms will feature a number of minor changes – besides revised exterior styling and detail changes inside the car, engines have been tweaked to offer better emissions and economy, and ride and handling aspects have been improved.

Exterior revisions include small but noticeable changes to the headlights – with the previously amber indicators now in a clear finish – and bumpers. Bi-xenon units, featuring Active Cornering Lights, come as standard on higher-end variants of the form.

The bi-xenon-equipped cars will also feature a High Beam Support system. A CMOS camera fitted to the windscreen in the area of the rear view mirror helps detects oncoming headlights or taillights of a vehicle in front and automatically dips the headlights onto their normal setting if they are on high-beam.

Meanwhile, the grille has been subtly remodelled, and the cooling duct and fog light recesses on all models have been re-profiled, tapered to offer a more aggressive line.

On the sedan, the rear lamps have been subtly enhanced, and a light chrome garnish gets pasted above the rear licence plate; on what’s called the Type S grade models, this garnish is finished in dark chrome. Three new colours join the lineup, these being Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre and Celestial Blue Pearl.

Inside, the changes are again subtle, with new seat materials and door linings leading the way. The Type S models get half leather seats in a dark grey finish and black headlining to further distinguish them. Elsewhere, the metal-look finish interior trim now comes in a darker hue, and the footwells are now illuminated blue when the headlights are on, with Type S’ being red.

Mechanically, low friction wheel bearings and reduced rolling resistance tyres have been introduced, as have underbody aerodynamic aids, including a larger front air dam, underfloor and a rear subframe cover.

Internal revisions to reduce frictional losses are the order of the day for the automatic transmission (which also features re-optimised ratios) and the 150 hp 2.2 litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which of course brings about improved fuel economy and emissions.

Improvements are also to be had with NVH levels, with the adoption of higher density foam in the under bonnet/dashboard areas and revised underfloor noise insulation among the suite of noise reduction techniques.

As for ride and handling, the dual-mode dampers have been refined to offer improvement in both high speed stability for highway driving and a significant improvement in ride quality, even over poor road surfaces.

Mnual Transmission by Alfa Romeo

Designed to offer the best of both manual and automatic worlds, the Selespeed robotized manual transmission by Alfa Romeo wasn’t as perfect as it could have been. The Magneti Marelli developed gearbox, which made its debut in the Alfa 156 back in 1999, is clunky when left in D and requires some footwork for seamless progress in manual, although it can be quite fun in the right mood. VW’s introduction of the double-clutch DSG left Selespeed with nowhere to hide.

Well, Alfa Romeo has finally pensioned off the Selespeed, replacing it with a 6-speed dry twin clutch gearbox called the TCT. The compact MiTo will be the first to get TCT, which will be partnered with the 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp petrol engine with Start&Stop. Now available in RHD in the UK, the TCT MiTo does 13.7 km/l over an urban cycle, 128 g/km of CO2 and 8.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h, compared to the manual’s 13.5 km/l, 129 g/km and 8.4 seconds.

Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, TCT can modify the speed of gear shift, manage torque delivery (on low grip roads for instance), operate completely automatically or as a manual sequential gearbox, and adopt a usage profile which focuses on reducing fuel consumption.

The TCT is also a compact unit, and more efficient because it’s of the dry type, which means that the clutches aren’t bathed in oil, which introduce viscous friction. The 7-speed DSG on the VW Polo and Golf TSI are also dry clutch ‘boxes, and they’re typically suited to lower torque applications.

Autocar reveals first picture of Murray T25

Autocar have published the first picture of Gordon Murray's city car proposition, the T25.

The car has been seen testing in Surrey, and Murray expects the first cars to be ready for production in two years time. The T25 is smaller than a Smart and weighs in at only 650kg.

Judging by the photo it's not the prettiest of vehicles (though you can't go too far wrong with matt black paint...), but if the car lives up to expectations it could bring about a change of thinking in the city car market. We're already starting to see smaller vehicles being put forward for serious production, such as Renault's Twizy, which will form the basis of the next Smart itself.

When old Soviet-bloc vehicles started showing up in Mississippi, mutterings about overthrow plots and secret roads began to spread. Were all these trucks being staged as part of an advance effort? The truth turned out to be far more mundane, but also ironically symbolic of the ignominious end to the U.S.S.R.

Rather than any kind of clandestine military operation, the vehicles had been sold as surplus to a businessman who planned to retrofit them for humanitarian use by the United Nations. That effort didn't quite pan out, and the vehicles (including decrepit Zil trucks similar to the restored one above) weren't suited for road use in the United States. Some went to Mexico, others were used by the Air Force for target practice, but in the end, a huge number of the vehicles patiently decayed in a Biloxi, Mississippi storage lot until Hurricane Katrina, a civil court ruling and continuing lack of interest sealed their fate. Off they've gone, leaving the tall weeds of the storage lot for the towering piles of the scrap yard, destined to be melted down into home appliances and even new automobiles.

And so perishes one of the remaining vestiges of the Cold War. In dying out, the raw materials that once fueled tense stalemate are being transformed into commodities, the raw material of capitalism.

We were smitten with the Coyote 5.0-liter V8 the second we got behind the wheel of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT. We described the 412 horsepower engine as "a pot of pure honey" as well as "intoxicating," and said that the "5.0-liter V8 pulls like a jet airliner." With a curb weight of just over 3,600 pounds, the Mustang GT is not as bloated as the Camaro, but by no means a lightweight. Would we like the 5.0L even more if it had less mass to push around?

That's what Superformance had in mind with its latest creation. The maker of Shelby-licensed Cobra replicas has installed a Coyote 5.0-liter crate motor into one of its MKIII Roadsters, creating a combination of classic styling with the best of Ford's modern powertrains. The engine wedges snugly into the front of the car, and only a custom air intake and headers are all that are needed to make everything fit.

We stopped by Superformance to get a closer look at the car, and came away with some photos and even some video of it in action. Check out the high-res gallery of the car below.

Tank Presidency

Later on 20 January, the president elect Barack Obama will formally appointed as president of the United States. All preparations have been made, including making a "tank" a new presidency.



Tank? Yes, the car is more feasible presidency called tank. Not only because it is designed bulletproof, antimissile, but also because of, according to the designer of the car, there is no "elegant" at all.

"Oh my god ... why Obama is not all just wearing Abrams," so that their comments had to see photos of the car. Abrams tank is a series of powerful United States used in the war in Iraq.

Cars presidency is a Cadillac limousine. Designed for comfort food at a time, because the door is only as thick as 8 inch (20 cm). "With such strength, shooting just will not enjoy break through," said a news agency.

The General Motors, the manufacturer of the Cadillac, ensuring that the model Limo Obama is the original model, not a development model that has been there before. "Cars are made with special specifications, the test has been through various extreme conditions, but in accordance with the principle beauty Cadillac cars," said Joanne Krell K, spokesperson for General Motors.

Of course not opened to the public what is distinctive car, for the security aspects. "What is certain, if the president is in, all the commotion of the world will vanish. He will be in total isolation in the box is a very protected," said Joe Funk, a retired Secret Agency experienced oversee President Bill Clinton.

Said Joe again, although "isolated in the box," but Obama will still be connected with the outside world because all the communication equipment available. How the Internet? There ..! Phone? Do not also asked ... surely available. "Only in a flash, he was able to contact any of the world," said Joe.


Although the car was quite large and heavy, but the engines are made so that the form of energy. The goal clearly is not simply a car that is environmentally friendly. Made energy efficient, because the Secret Department considers the situation worst. For example, should the president was far from the threat, the car still has enough fuel. Not funny, is not it, when the time to secure the president, the car must first drop in gasoline to pom, or Mr. Obama should come out of the car broke down a taxi ago?

Trucks and SUVs

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Aston Martin V-12 Vantage

Aston Martin unveiled the production version of its most potent and focused car at Geneva. This new car combines the V-8 Vantage's compact 2-seat dimensions with the power of the company's 5.9-liter V-12—to the tune of 510 bhp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Aston is predicting a 190 mph top speed, along with 0–62 mph (100 km/h) dispatched in a scant 4.2 seconds.
Although the V-12 engine weighs 220 lb. more than the standard car's V-8, carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter forged aluminium wheels, lightweight inner rear quarter panels and optional lightweight seats have resulted in the overall curb weight that's only 110 lb. heavier than its V-8 sibling's. And the weight distribution is near perfect, at 51/49 front/rear.

"More" has to be taken with a pinch of salt, as Aston only expects to build 300–500 examples a year at its Gaydon factory. Deliveries will begin this fall.

In A meanwhile,Aston Martin will return to the Nurburgring for the fourth year in a row to compete in the 24-hour endurance race. This year the new V12 Vantage will be joining the yellow V8 Vantage - nicknamed 'Rose' - on the grid.

The ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race attracts a variety of entrants from factory backed teams (including Aston Martin, VW and Audi) to private entries in anything from Porsche 911 GT3s and BMW M3 GTS to more modest machinery. The strangest entry in last year's race was probably the Opel Astra Caravan, which finished ahead of a Lamborghini Gallardo!

This year Aston Martin will enter a V12 Vantage, driven by Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez along with members of Aston's engineering team. The car is described as being 'near standard specification', which means about 510bhp from a 6.0-litre V12. Changes include reduced weight, which necessitates re-tuned suspension and Pirelli has provided slick tyres for the race.

honda skydeck concept

When automakers take a concept vehicle to a motor show, they offer all kinds of information about what the future production model would come with. However, every so often a car maker, let’s say Honda shows off a concept vehicle with no details, such as the Honda Skydeck Concept.

The SkyDeck is widely seen as a potential successor to the Odyssey, Honda’s current mini-van.This vehicle was on show at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, but Honda said that this six-seat MPV Hybrid is theoretical.

The interior of the car looks like something from the future, the first two rows are cantilever mounted to a center tunnel, the second row of seats are able to slide forward and can be stored under the front seats.

How far off is the SkyDeck? Who knows. For now, it’s just a concept car – a glimmer in the eye of a few top Honda designers.

200 Convertible

We've already had our first in-depth look at the revised Sebring Convertible, which has been renamed to 200 Convertible, but now, Chrysler has releasing pricing a couple of months ahead of its market launch in the States. The new 200 Convertible is available in three trim levels (Touring, Limited and S), two engine choices including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6, plus the option of a traditional soft top or a retractable metal hard top.

The range begins with the entry-level Touring model powered by a 173HP 2.4-liter four-banger matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, which is priced at $27,195 including a $750 destination fee. That brings the 200 Convertible in the same price range as Ford's 305HP Mustang Convertible V6, which starts at $27,495 (including destination and a $500 cash back).

Ford "Beatnink" Bubbletop

Making its way down to Florida for RM Auction's annual Amelia Island even on March 2, is this 1955 Ford "Beatnink" Bubbletop custom concept inspired by futuristic design studies from the 1950s. Despite its name, the Beatnik is a fairly new creation built by Gary “Chopit” Fioto. It is based on the body of a 1955 Ford model but rides on a modifies chassis of a 1988 Lincoln Town Car and is powered by a Chevrolet 350-cubic inch small-block V8 engine.

2012 Fiat 500

The U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox has received EPA ratings of 38 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city and a combined figure of 33 mpg. American buyers can also opt for a 6-speed automatic, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg combined.

Volkswagen Rabbit

So you want your own limousine? Sure, I can dig that. Who hasn’t thought of trading in their daily commute for something that’s chauffer driven? And what better place to start your search than on eBay, where you’re sure to find something both unique and affordable, if not exactly well built or driveable.

Here’s one such find, based on a 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (Golf for the rest of the world) with a Mercedes-Benz nose piece. The seller’s description reveals that this vehicle has new brakes, struts, a new exhaust, new wheels and tires, new windshield and gas tank. And it still has its original motor and transmission, with a twin barrel carburettor with aluminium intake and header which the seller assures us makes it, “Fast for what it is.”

Fiat Abarth 500

This here is the actual, factual Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition special in the flesh, photographed at the Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because yesterday, we reported on the limited run special and Fiat's photoshoped picture that made the internet rounds. While our friends from Auto55 and Autofans verified the story with the official press release, we were left wondering what the Italian mini with the classic racing-livery would look like in real life.

Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.

MINI Countryman

German tuner AC Schnitzer has launched its first tuning package for the MINI Countryman . The focus is clearly on the wheels, as clients can choose between four different designs in two different sizes (18- or 19-inch) to go with the two-tone white and black exterior paint job. In fact, AC Schnitzer has just broken a personal record: in a company first, it has fitted a MINI with 19-inch rims. As for the interior, the tuning house offers an aluminum pedal set and gear knob or various knobs clad in leather with incorporated, digital gear display unit.

Electric Vehicle

Apart from the humorous articles and the plethora of eBay finds we come up with, Carscoop’s bread and butter is automotive news straight from the manufacturer. And as such, we read a lot of press releases. In all the ones I’ve read, General Motors refuses to call the Chevrolet Volt a hybrid. It’s a range extended electric vehicle.

I speculate that it might have something to do with hybrids being uncool (so sayeth GM CEO Dan Akerson) or to avoid comparisons with that other hybrid. You know, the one made by the world’s other biggest car manufacturer.