Dani Pedrosa Goes Up

Spanish MotoGP pilot Dani Pedrosa of the Honda team speeds up his bike during the free practice session held at the Jerez race track in Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain, on 30 April 2010 ahead of the Spanish motorcycling Grand Prix race to be held in Jerez on 02 May 2010.

Dani Pedrosa returned to his pre-2010 position as Honda's top rider during Friday free practice for his home Spanish Grand Prix.

The #26, who faded from first to seventh in the Qatar season-opener, benefitted from some a new stiffer chassis - designed to counter the stability problems he has been battling - on his way to a competitive fourth place.

“We tried a new chassis today and there is an improvement in some areas which meant we could finish the session not too far from the front,” said Pedrosa, who was within half a second of fastest rider Casey Stoner (Ducati).

“There seemed to be a lack of grip today though and we need to look at the data and work out if the problem is our set-up or just the condition of the track. We haven't found all the solutions we're looking for with the new parts on the bike yet, so we need to work hard in tomorrow's two sessions and try to qualify well.

“Every race is important of course, but because this is my home race I really want to do well on Sunday,” added Pedrosa, who won the 2008 Spanish MotoGP and was second to Valentino Rossi last year.

Cadey StonerFfastest at Spanish GP Practice ‎

Australian MotoGP pilot Casey Stoner of the Ducati team speeds up his bike during the free practice session held at the Jerez race track in Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain, on 30 April 2010 ahead of the Spanish motorcycling Grand Prix race to be held in Jerez on 02 May 2010.

The Australian rider's lap of 1 minute, 39.731 seconds was more than one-tenth of a second faster than Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo, while his American teammate Nicky Hayden was nearly half a second behind in third.

Valentino Rossi of Yamaha, who won the season-opener at Qatar, was six-tenths back in sixth as the Italian braved back pain sustained in a motorcross accident in early April.

The Spanish GP is the season's second race after the Japanese GP was postponed to Oct. 3 due to air travel chaos caused by the volcanic ash two weeks ago.

Alex Debon of Spain was fastest in the Moto2 category while Derbi rider Pol Espargaro led the 125cc practice.

NASCAR: Ford Fusion

Kasey Kahne (9) Richard Petty Motorsports RPM Ford Fusion shows tire marks from side-by-side rubbing in the Aarons 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama.

NASCAR: Chevrolet Impala SS

Jeff Gordon (24) Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Impala SS limps around the track after becoming involved in a crash in the Aarons 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama.

NASCAR Nationwide Series Aaron's 312

Dennis Setzer, driver of the #92 K-Automotive Dodge, goes airborn over Paul Menard, driver of the #98 Tide/Menards Ford, after an incident on track during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2010 in Talladega, Alabama.

2011 BMW X5 to Hit Stores

First uncovered in 2000BMW called the X5 a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), a term which has reportedly grabbed some general currency during the years. However, most consumers still refer to it and similar vehicles as SUVs

The X5 is basically a SUV, though, and the 2011 model year witnessed a model refurbishment that involves a new inline-six cylinder (I6) engine, a V8 engine transplant from the X6.

In addition, it shows an unceasing application of the X5 diesel powerplant, with a new-for-X5 eight-speed automatic transmission system for gasoline-powered models.

The $74,300 BMW X5 xDrive50i, the flagship X5, now comes with the 4.4-litre engine introduced in the X6 in 2008.

Introducing a 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque capacity, horsepower is raised by 14 per cent from 350 hp, and torque is made up by 28 per cent, from 350 lb.-ft. in the outgoing 4.8-litre engine.

Looking form the mechanical prospect; the 2011 X5 is highly better choice than the model it replaces. 2011 BMW X5 models will hit the stores on sale in May, 2010.
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BMW Concept Gran Coupe

BMW has revealed today the first video of their latest concept, the Gran Coupe unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show. The Concept Gran Coupe features a long wheelbase, a vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, a set-back greenhouse, a flat silhouette, and a coupe-style roof line. The front section is defined by the BMW kidney grille formally separated from other BMW icons such as the headlights and air inlets. The entire rear section appears slimmer and lighter at the center, though still exuding power and dynamic performance since the volume is reinforced towards the sides.

2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid

Here are a few spy shots of the upcoming BMW 5-Series Hybrid that bears a striking resemblance to its more conventionally powered sibling. Since the whole world knew what was coming in this new hybrid, BMW’s now-famous swirls act more like thin livery in the shots, rather than the usually intended camouflage.


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Peugeot iOn

French maker Peugeot has made a bee-line for car buyers with a green conscience with the launch of its iOn, a zero-emissions electrically powered car due for launch in autumn this year.

Peugeot has not confirmed a starting price yet. The initial cost of the iOn, according to Peugeot is subject to government subsides.

Power

The car is powered by 330-volt lithium ion battery. This is mounted low in the centre of the vehicle to give a good centre of gravity and maximum passenger protection. It produces 64bhp and is rear-wheel driven, while the range is good for about 80 miles.

Charging

It takes six hours to recharge the iOn when plugging it into a domestic socket. However, plug into a dual-phaser socket (these can be found in Bristol, Gateshead, London, Manchester and Southampton) and the vehicle can be recharged to 80% power in 30 minutes.

Practicality and comfort

The iOn can seat four adults of average size in comfort. With the rear seats in place the iOn has a luggage space of 227 litres and with the seats folded this load space expands to 860 litres. The vehicle is longer than the Peugeot 107 by 50mm and taller by 130mm.

It delivers quite a firm ride but no so much that it become an issue on rough city streets. The seats aren't that supportive, though, and the cabin's a bit bland.

Safety

The iOn is quite impressive in this area. It comes with ESP and six airbags and has a four-star rating from Euro NCAP.
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SLS AMG Black Series

Mercedes-Benz is developing a performance enhanced version of the SLS AMG – an SLS AMG Black Series to be exact. The car is expected to hit the market by 2013, and would be a totally different breed than the current SLS AMG.
Their plan is to increase the engine power and reduce the weight, which as you know is always a good way to increase performance of a vehicle. The current SLS AMG has 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, now compare that with the expected 600 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, which they’ll get by using a larger intake manifold, higher compression ration, high performance camshafts and others things.

The weight reduction will be about 50kg, so if we combine that with the increase in horsepower, we could expect a 0 to 62 mph in about 3.5 seconds, compared to the 3.8 seconds for the SLS AMG. The top speed would be raised from 208 mph, from the current 195mph. You can expect the price tag to be 40 to 50% more than the current SLS AMG, which if we take the announced $183,000 price tag for the SLS AMG, would mean that the Black Series would cost around $274,50
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2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Limousine

These are the first official photos of the E-Class Limousine, a stretch limo built by Mercedes-Benz with partner Binz.

The E-Class Limousine will be offered with varying levels of armoring and equipment to meet safety and comfort standards. This included the dividing leather-covered wall between the driver and the passenger compartment. Buyers of this luxury limousine will have the choice from two gasoline engines and a diesel, namely: the 350 CGI BlueEfficiency, the E500 and the E250 BlueEfficiency.




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2011 Kia Optima

Korean manufacturer Kia took the wraps off of a stylish new Optima sedan at the New York Auto Show.
The Kia Optima shares its platform with the recently introduced Sonata sedan manufactured by its corporate affiliate, Hyundai, and will be offered with same three engine choices.
Riding ona wheelbase three inches longer than the current Optima, the 2011 model has a sleek, coupe-like profile.
When the Optima goes on sale this fall, it will be available with a 2.4-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 2-liter turbocharged, direct-injection, 274-horsepower four-cylinder powerplant. Early next year, Kia will offer a hybrid model that combines the 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor.
Optimas with the standard 2.4-liter engine are expected to return 24 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the open road. Transmission choices will be a six-speed manual on the entry-level LX model and a six-speed automatic on all models.
The more upscale EX and SX models will be available with a variety of luxury and electronic upgrades that include leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and an in-car communications and entertainment system with rear-view camera.

2011 Kia Optima Video


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Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, enjoy the pictures gallery below

2010 Suzuki Equator, Recall?

The recall notice for the 2010 Nissan Frontier, due to under-torqued or missing fasteners in the airbag module and steering shaft applies to the 2010 Suzuki Equator pickup truck as well, since it's based on the Frontier.

Loose or missing fasteners could lead to two different issues. In the event of a crash, the front passenger airbag could deploy incorrectly. The fasteners in the steering column could come loose during driving and increase the risk of a crash.

Suzuki dealers will inspect the steering column and the passenger front airbag fasteners and any missing fasteners will be replaced and all loose fasteners will be retightened to the proper torque specification free of charge.

Suzuki hasn't yet said when it will notify owners. Owners can contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's hot line at 888-327-4236.

2010 Mazda MX-5 Black & Matte Edition Pictures

Mazda’s throwing parties left and right for the 20th birthday of the MX-5 with the party tour heading over to Paris at the Salon du Cabriolet, Coupe & SUV. As part of the festivities, Mazda even unveiled the MX-5 Black & Matte Edition.

The special edition MX-5 Black & Matte Edition was the result of a collaboration between Mazda and local design house LK, which, in addition to being covered in a sexy black matte finish and decked out with some fine and expensive jewelry, including rhinestones, gems, and crystals.


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2011 BMW 5 Series

The redesigned BMW 5 Series has landed at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, competing with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Infiniti M.

It will be launched in June as the 535i and 550i models, packing a 300-horsepower six-cylinder or a 400-hp V-8, respectively. Both engines have twin turbochargers, and the six now sports BMW's Valvetronic technology for lower-end power delivery than last year's 535i.

Later on next year, a 528i will arrive with a 240-hp, non-turbo six-cylinder to slot in at the bottom of the lineup. BMW says it will also offer versions of all three sedans with its xDrive all-wheel drive. There's no word on a Griswold-ready 5 Series wagon; even if one is made it might not be imported into the U.S.

BMW will pair all three 5 Series engines with its new eight-speed automatic, which is also installed on the 5 Series Gran Turismo hatchback and the V-12 760Li. The automaker will also offer a proper six-speed manual on the 535i and 550i.




BMW officials told us the EPA numbers are in for the 2011 5 Series — and they’re not too shabby. The 535i will get an EPA-certified 20/29 mpg city/highway with an automatic transmission. That’s a full 3 mpg better than the outgoing 535i, and it vaults the car to the front of its class for fuel efficiency. Not bad for a car that’s slightly larger and weighs some 100 pounds more than its predecessor. Credit the new eight-speed automatic as well as the single-turbo Valvetronic six-cylinder, which replaces the twin-turbo six-cylinder on the last 535i yet makes the same 300 horsepower and 300 pounds-feet torque. Spokesman Matt Russell said the new 535i hits 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, which is “almost identical” with the outgoing 535i.

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Porsche Boxster Recall 2011

The Boxster Spyder, a stunning car by Porsche, has a defect which is creating a big buzz around. Porsche has notified the government of deficiency in some of the models of Boxster Spyder convertibles. Porsche confirmed all the information to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Problem is with a defective locking hook on the sun shield, which may not connected properly into the lock catch on the windscreen frame of the car. When the car will be in its top speed then there are some chances that the sun shield might get opened as it is not locked in place and create a major safety hazard.

The Porsche Boxter Spyder is a special-edition car with a separable soft-top. The limited run is likely the reason for such a small number of recalled vehicles.

Dealers will replace the locking hook and lock catch with new, redesigned components for the nine vehicles in question and will do so for free. All the owners of Boxter Spyder can contact NHTSA’s vehicle safety online and also on their contact numbers.

Over A Hundred Porsche Vehicles Participate in Peachtree Drive

More than 100 new and old Porsche vehicles made a special trip for the Porsche Peachtree Drive from the Governor's Mansion to the High Museum of Art in downtown Atlanta. Despite a little rain, PCA members, dealer guests and Porsche Cars North America employees gathered outside to help celebrate the public opening of Porsches lead sponsorship of the High Museum of Arts exhibition, The Allure of the Automobile.
Nearly a quarter of a mile long caravan of Porsches, led by a Carrera GT driven by PCNA CEO, Detlev von Platen — made the 6-mile, police-escorted drive down Peachtree street to the museum.

Nissan Land Glider Concept

The electric-powered Land Glider is about half the width of a family car and it has room to transport two people around town. By being narrower, the Land Glider can more easily navigate through busy city streets. With a maximum top speed of 62mph, it should be able to handle most urban transport.
“It is a radical new vehicle that combines the company’s vision for future urban mobility with Nissan’s great driving heritage,” said a Nissan representative.”With four-wheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Land Glider will appeal to both two-wheel and four-wheel driving enthusiasts.”
No word on a launch date, so stay tuned for more.

Toyota and Mazda Agree to Hybrid System Technology License

This is a really good news, Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor announced a deal under which Japan's top automaker will supply its hybrid technology under licence to Mazda, in the latest link-up within the fast-evolving auto industry.

Japan's No.1 and No.5 carmakers have been discussing the possibility behind the scenes since last spring as the popularity of gasoline-electric cars surged in Japan with the help of generous government subsidies.

Hybrid cars, which improve fuel efficiency by twinning internal combustion engines with electric motors, are seen as crucial for automakers to boost sales in coming years as governments introduce stricter environmental regulations.

Gasoline-electric cars have enjoyed a burst of demand especially in Japan over the last year as the government introduced an exemption on certain taxes on gasoline-electric and other next-generation vehicles for a three-year period.

"Hybrids are spreading fast in Japan, and launching a model in the domestic market has become an urgent task," Mazda Executive Vice President Masaharu Yamaki told a joint news conference in Tokyo.

"That is one of the reasons that we decided to seek this agreement with Toyota," he said.

Mazda aims to begin selling a vehicle that combines Toyota's hybrid system with its own next-generation gasoline engine in Japan by 2013.

The agreement underscores the growing need for smaller carmakers to find partners to fill the technology gap without draining their limited resources. Among others, archrivals Daimler AG and BMW AG are also working together on hybrid development.

Mazda Plans Sky-D Direct-Injection Diesel Engines to the United States

Word at the New York auto show has Mazda bringing its Sky-D direct-injection diesel engines to the United States in 2012. The first Mazda oil-burner here will be a Mazda 6-size vehicle, said Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi. He wouldn’t say exactly what car, though. It could be a redone 6 or a midsize SUV.

He said he is fully aware that diesels aren’t exactly a hot commodity in the States, but he added, “There are opportunities to explore.”

Video: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

For the first time in three years, Subaru is offering up a four-door sedan version of their performance icon, the WRX STI. This is the first time that Subaru has ever offered an STI in two body styles. That’s right, you can also buy the five-door STI. And while we love hot little performance wagons, you have to admit the wing is pretty sweet. Or at least admit that the four-door Impreza body is so… awkward looking (we know, we know) that the looks are actually improved by a 14-inch wing.

New for the STI(s) this year is an improved suspension consisting of stiffer bushings, stiffer springs, and thicker anti-roll bars at both ends of the car. The 2011 STI also sports less unsprung weight than the 2010 model due to lighter 18-inch wheels that are a combined 17.6 pounds less heavy. While power is unchanged (305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque), high-speed stability of the four door is greatly improved, as is at the limit handling, by you guessed it that mega wing.

2011 Hyundai Equus

A 4.6-liter V-8 delivers a peak 385 horsepower, just sneaking past the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS, though smallish displacement and a mere 333 pound-feet of torque may pose a challenge against the monsters of this particular midway. But Hyundai did float intriguing plans to lure and pamper customers: Hyundai dealers will pick up Equus models from owners’ homes, drop off a loaner, and return the Equus after service; buyers receive a virtual owner’s manual on an Apple iPad that they can also use to schedule service appointments and operate other applications. “Nobody wants to go to the dealership, not even a Lexus or BMW dealer,” Mr. Krafcik said.

Hyundai says the Equus should start at between $50,000-$60,000 and be extremely well-equipped, meaning the Equus would undercut competitors by roughly $12,000 to $35,000.

As with other Hyundais, the Equus checks off everything and more that a buyer would expect at its price. But the over-tall body and Korean home-market styling makes even a Lexus LS look like a Bentley in comparison. Worst case, the Equus becomes the Volkswagen Phaeton redux: An overreaching and already dated-looking sedan that may finally draw the line on how high the Hyundai name can travel in the market. Best case, Hyundai scores yet another coup by undercutting its rivals’ bloated prices.

Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car Of The Year

Automotive journalists named the Volkswagen Polo as the 2010 World Car of the Year.
The Volkswagen Polo was chosen from an initial entry list of 30 entries nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world.
The top three contenders for 2010 World Car of the Year title were the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen Polo.
Chevrolet Camaro was declared the 2010 World Car Design of the Year, while the Audi R8 V10 was declared the 2010 World Performance Car. The Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo) was named the 2010 World Green Car.
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Volvo S60 In Belgian Touring Car Series

Volvo been a involved in cars racing for a long time, models like Volvo 850 competing successfully in BTCC. Now, the Swedish automaker will return in a touring car championship, but not the the British one (BTCC), but the Belgian BTCS.

The chosen model will be the new Volvo S60, the latest model released. The circuit torpedo will share only a few things with the series model, having a 3.5-liter V6 engine, centrally located, which develops 416 HP and 296 lb-ft of torque. The power will be supplied to the rear axle via a sequential transmission with six gears

The chassis on which Volvo s60 BTCS is built on is a tubular one, and the adjustable suspension is specially designed for track, as well the braking system. The body, is about the only element which is related to the stock model, and its look is highlighted by the new aerodynamic kit called Silhouette S1.

The Swedes chose Belgium to compete with the Volvo S60 model, because the series version is also built at their plant in Ghent, and thus will have the support of the local public.
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