Thursday, September 30, 2010

Paris Show: 2011 VW Passat Sedan and Estate B7 or more like B6.75... [Updated]


[Fresh pics added] What can we expect from the crisp, facelifted B6 Passat? Well, for one thing, it's actually labeled a seventh-generation model even though it's clearly B6-derived. In its defense, VW says "every body panel apart from the roof is new".

Said new panels extend the car by 4 millimeters (4,769 mm for sedan, 4,771 mm Estate), while the width and height remain the same at 1,820 mm and 1,474 mm, respectively.

Up front, the nose gets a more attractive grille / headlight treatment and is more in-line with VW's current styling. On the outer edges of the new, chromey grille reside LED running lights. At the rear, the tail lights get chrome accents and blend nicely with the sharper lines of VW's family saloon.

Read more »

Paris: Lotus Shows off New Elan, Begs the Question: What will Happen to the Evora?


Next up on our Lotus debut circus is the Elan, a small 2-seater (with an optional 2+2 layout) sitting somewhere between the Evora and the Esprit. Looking very similar to the Esprit (and in the rest of the new Lotus coupes), the Elan gets its power from a high-output Toyota-sourced V6 and, also like its new big brother, optional KERS and hybrid systems. Scroll on down for all the Lotus-certified facts.

Read more »

Paris Show: New Lotus Esprit Flagship with 620HP Lexus V8 in the Flesh and on Video


[Updated gallery] Lotus pounced on Paris like a rabid hyena, debuting no less than 6 all-new models. With the new Esprit, a car everyone has been waiting for, Lotus answered some important questions regarding its future mid-engined 2-seat monster. Scroll on down for video, pics, and all the basic info necessary to make a very important decision: to buy an Esprit or not to buy an Esprit?

Using the same supercharged 620-horsepower 5.0-liter Lexus V8 found in the Elite GT we recently showed you, and coming in at 1,450 kg, the Esprit is going to be a bit on the fast side (even in optional hybrid form).

If you're interested in picking up the new Lotus performance flagship, the price of entry will start at a cool £110,000 (about US$175,00 at today's exchange rates) come spring 2013.

Read more »

Ford Ranger Max

Ford Ranger Max Concept




The Ford Ranger Max pushes everyone's expectations of Ranger. Visually bold and muscular, it takes to the stage at the Ford stand with confidence, sophistication and craftsmanship.

Delivering Tough Style
Genuine truck toughness comes from great design and engineering, which means the production Ford Ranger is the ideal foundation for creating Ford Ranger Max Concept. No under-skin modification was needed with Ford Ranger to produce Ranger Max.
The distinctive contrast between Ranger Max's hardcore orange paintwork with matte black accents is inspired by the functional design found in some modern power tools - just like those used by many Ranger owners every day. Ford designers recognize how absolute function and durability inspire these industrial tools and make them more appealing.

Ford Ranger Max is full of details like this, such as the word GRAB‚ imprinted subtly on the bold, black grab handle in the side of the sportsbar linked to the cab. Every letter is precisely shaped in a 'truncated' font that complements the toughness and utility the overall truck design communicates.
Several power tool brands have inspired Ford designers. Other inspirations for Ranger Max have come from active sports, such as rock climbing, and the tough, technical products used by active sportsmen.

Taking Ranger to the Max
With its character as the ultimate power tool, Ford Ranger Max Concept exudes confidence and purpose. It's up for the job - work or fun - and its tough style says so. It features full surfaces that convey the power and strength of its tough-truck backbone. The detail of its design demonstrates this show truck has been designed by people who know trucks and love them.

Dynamic Profile
Ranger Max's high impact establishes a powerful presence wherever it goes.
That bright orange high-energy colour is officially known as Mango Hit. It is the colourful creation of Debbie Pascoe, colour and trim manager, Ranger Max design team.
Its profile exudes power and dominance as well as balanced proportion. The flexed 'power dome' shape of its hood communicates the pulling power and high torque of the engine. The power dome shape carries through to influence the design of the hard tonneau cover at the rear of the vehicle. These two overt muscular design elements give Ford Ranger Max power and solidity. It's enough to scare the typical pickup into the gym for serious weight training.

Self-confident Ranger branding - embossed in the top of the front grille surround - is another proud aspect of the front design.
Two major design elements link together to form the dominant frontal look of Ford Ranger Max Concept. The corporate three-bar grille imbeds itself into the lower enlarge air intake. A distinct line starting from the headlamps follows around the nostril and borders the lower air intake. This signature line unites the major design elements to create the defined face of Ranger Max.

Powerful Pulling Away
Ford Ranger Max has presence on the road. Its bold rear design is the combination of proportion and details such as the pronounced contours of the tonneau cover which emulate the power bulge on the bonnet. The distinctive sportsbar integrates the cabin area with the tonneau cover. Continuing rearward, Ranger Max is neatly finished off with a tailgate cladding embossed with RANGER and a pair of unique tail lamps.



Paris Show: Maserati's 300+ km/h GranTurismo MC Stradale


As we told you in our previous post, the GranTurismo MC Stradale is a racier, sportier version of Maser's big coupe (think the GT3, but from Maserati). According to the Italian sports / luxury carmaker, the MC Stradale didn't budge an inch when it came to comprises in return for performance; it handles better without losing ride quality (that has yet to be tested), it's more powerful without sacrificing fuel economy, and it plants itself harder without adding any drag.

Read more »

Paris Show: Toyota Targets Honda Jazz / Fit with New Verso-S MPV


Toyota is re-entering the European small MPV segment with a new model called the Verso-S, which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show today. Set to go on sale across Europe from February 2011, the Verso-S is a spiritual successor to the Yaris Verso and targets cars like the Honda Jazz / Fit and Kia Venga.

Read more »

Paris Show: Renault ZOE Preview Teases 2012 Production EV and Hints at Next Clio


One or two sizes up from the quirky little Twizy is where Renault's ZOE Preview sits. Following in the vein of last year's ZOE Z.E. coupe, the ZOE Preview is a more realistic look at the production version that will be available in 2012 wearing Renault's newest face. Not only that, but it may just be previewing (ZING!) the next Clio as well.

Read more »

Paris Show: BMW Confirms Smaller than 1-Series FWD Model for the USA

*Opening Photo: 1993 BMW Z13 Concept

Motor shows aren't only about new car and concept model presentations as many carmakers take the opportunity to either announce or detail future projects. And while we already know about BMW's plans to develop a smaller than 1-Series front-wheel drive model, BMW AG board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, told reporters on the sidelines of the Paris Show today that the car will be sold in the United States.

Read more »

Paris Show: Ford Previews New Fiesta RS WRC Prior to 2011 Race Debut


Not one to let Mini's announcement of the new Countryman WRC to go unanswered, Ford has revealed its new soon-to-be-airborne Fiesta RS rally car. Co-developed by Ford of Europe and M-Sport (with a little help from the French Pipo Moteur), the Fiesta RS gets a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine which, like the Mini, has direct injection.

Read more »

Paris Show: Citroën Updates C5 with LEDs and New Engines


Citroën chose the Paris Motor Show today to roll out its updated C5 sedan and estate (Tourer) models. The French firm's VW Passat rival has been refreshed for the 2011 model year with some modest styling changes and technology upgrades.

Read more »

Paris Show: Audi e-tron Spyder Concept puts Porsche's Boxster on Notice


In order to keep its e-high rolling, Audi has created yet another pretty and efficient vehicle for Paris: the e-tron Spyder. Audi's latest plug-in no-top is powered by a 300-horse 3.0-liter V6 TDI outfitted with two turbochargers and two 88-horsepower / 64 kW electric motors; the results are impressive, to say the least.

The e-tron system in this car will help it hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds on its way to a limited 250 km/h (155 mph), provide an all-electric range of 31 miles, return a combined 128.4 mpg, and only pollute your air with 59 g of CO2 per kilometer. Total range is 621 miles for the 1,450-kg car.

Read more »

Paris Show: Lotus Unveils New Esprit, Elan, Elise, Eterne Sports Sedan and Concept City Car


Possibly one of the biggest surprises of the 2010 Paris Motor Show, was the unveiling of six new models from Lotus. Aside from the Elite GT (see here) that we've already told you about, the British sports car maker revealed not one, not two but five more new models and concepts!

Read more »

It's Gettin' Hot in Here

Have y'all seen these photos of Heidi and Seal from US Magazine's exclusive?  They come from Seal's new video, Secret, about which Seal says:  "The song, the movie, it's the story of our love."



I mean, WHOA.  Not only are these pictures so incredibly sensual, but I just think their love story is convincing.  Like, I totally buy it.  I know that relationships aren't usually as perfect as couples make them out to be in the public eye--magazines, blogs, interviews, etc.--but for some reason, I just totally believe that Heidi and Seal are happy.  (And I'd venture to guess that they have an electric sex life).

Heidi says: "My husband is what I've always wanted, and never thought I would have."  

Oh how I want to feel that way.

Isn't it amazing how even supermodels--specifically, one of the prettiest women in the world--ever believed that she wouldn't find true love?  I guess it's something that most human beings share: the fear of never feeling totally completed, balanced; never finding our perfect (or nearly perfect) match.  

Damn, they look hot together.  

Audi Teases Rally Fans with Quattro Concept Model Decked out in Racing Livery


Well surprise, surprise. Do my eyes deceive me or did Audi just take a swing at the WRC? Hidden at corner at Audi's Paris Show stand, is this scale model of the Quattro Concept in rally guise hinting at the possibility of Audi returning to the dirt/snow/tarmac stage that made the four rings what they are today. Who knows, maybe it's just there to look cool (but my fingers and toes are crossed).

Read more »

MODIFIKASI Audi A8 Razor GTR-10

MODIFIKASI Audi A8 Razor GTR-10


Houses Modification to modify the total German PPI Automotive Audi R8 V10 to produce performance and special appearances. The more exclusive because the car is named PPI Razor GTR-10 was produced limited.

R8 exterior look sharper thanks to the package body kit, including front bumper, side skirts, rear fenders, rear bumper, rear spoiler and diffuser. Lined hood carbon fiber material and air intake hole. Including the back-coated carbon fiber.
In fact, such as doors, roof pillars, side skirts and front bumper made of genuine carbon fiber. The use of this material can contribute up to 250 kg weight reduction.

The use of carbon fiber also spread up into the cabin. Look at the handbrake lever, door protector panel, some of the dashboard, door trim and center console. The chair also thanks to the use of lightweight carbon fiber.

Automatic, weight reduction also contributed to improved performance. Standard V10 engine has been improved strength to 601 PS (previously 525 PS) and peak torque of 565 Nm (previously 529 Nm). With modifications to the R-Tronic transmission, the ability to accelerate from 0-100 lm / hour getting cut, from 3.9 seconds to 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed is also increased from 315 km / h to 335 km / hour.

Forward the overflow of energy to the highway, four-wheel mounted MAG11 PPI aluminum alloy wheels measuring 9x19 inches in front and 12x20 inches in the rear. Velg wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2, 245/35 19 (front) and 325/25 20 (rear)



VW Releases Fresh Drawings of New Midsize Sedan, will Replace the Passat in the USA

In an effort to stem the outpouring of criticism aimed directly at the recently-revealed B7 Passat, VW has released some more pics of the upcoming American NMS (New Midsize Sedan). Thankfully, we here in the States won't have to deal with the reskinned Passat and its - according to our readers - "boring" looks. Instead, we'll be getting a production version of the car seen here, Teutonic and built in Tennessee.

Read more »

Roy Wilkins Auditorium Godsmack Tickets

On Tuesday, October 19th, Godsmack will rock Roy Wilkins Auditorium at Rivercentre in Saint Paul.  This rock band from Massachusetts formed in 1995 and since then, Godsmack has released five studio albums, one EP, four DVDs and one greatest hits collection.  They've made themselves one of the most popular rock acts in the U.S., selling nearly 15 million records worldwide and have been nominated for four Grammy Awards. Godsmack has also won one Billboard nomination for Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. Godsmack is currently on tour promoting their latest album, The Oracle. Don't miss out on your chance to see them at Roy Wilkins Auditorium next month!  Check out our supply of Godsmack tickets and get yours now while they're still available!

Paris Show: Jaguar C-X75 Concept in the Flesh Plus First Videos


We've already played 'show and tell' with Jaguar's C-X75 Concept (read full details here), but now we've got real live photos from the pre-show media event as well as from the British firm's Paris Motor Show stand, plus a trio of videos including one from last night's presentation.

Read more »

Paris Show: Mini Unveils Countryman WRC in Preparation for 2011 S2000 Rally Season


Working with Prodrive, Mini has officially re-entered the World Rally Championship after a decades-long hiatus. With its Countryman WRC, which made its world premiere in Paris today, Mini will be ready to compete in the 2011 season with a car driven by Kris Meeke.

Read more »

Paris Show: Renault Debuts Production Twizy, the Electric Scooter Car


Welcome to the Twizy, Renault's third model in its Zero Emissions lineup after the Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E. The little city car pod is an all-electric mix between a scooter and a car, allowing for clean and efficient city driving thanks to its 20-horsepower / 42 lb-ft (57 Nm) electric motor. That helps it reach a top speed of 47 mph after it has charged for 3.5 hours.

Read more »

Paris Show: Mazda2 Facelift Makes Euro Debut


The subtly updated Mazda2 was given its European premiere in Paris today. The Fiesta's brethren enters the 2011 model year with a new face featuring a revised front grille and a re-sculptured front bumper. A fresh choice of exterior colors and alloy wheel designs complete the look.

Read more »

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Unveiled: World Premiere in Los Angeles, on Sale in February from $30,000


Taking a short break from our Paris Motor Show coverage, General Motors surprised us this morning with the release of the first official picture of the production 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

The soft-top iteration of GM's muscle car will make its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 17, and arrive in Chevrolet showrooms in February 2011 with a starting price -yes, we have that too- of $30,000, including $850 destination, for the base V6 model. Full pricing details will be released later this year.

Read more »

First Official Photo of New Range Rover Evoque 5-Door


At the world premiere of the new Range Rover Evoque 3d (see here) at the Paris Motor Show today, Land Rover re-confirmed it will be producing a more practical, five-door version of its new compact SUV model and released the first official photo of the vehicle before its official reveal later this year.

Read more »

Paris Show: Nissan Townpod EV Concept May Hint at Future Cube


Although Nissan didn't mention the Cube in its press release on the new Townpod EV concept, it's not hard to make the connection between the two cars. However, the quirky looking sub-compact study, which made its world premiere today at the Paris Motor Show, makes use of the same zero-emission technology found within Nissan LEAF in a tall van-like body with suicide-style rear doors and split trunk doors.

Read more »

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

VIDEO: Audi's Quattro Concept in Slow Motion and with Techno


Interested in seeing vids of the new 'anniversarious' Audi quattro concept? You know you are, and we aim to please. As a brief recap, you should know that this RS5-based concept is powered by a 408-horsepower inline-five displacing 2.5 liters that spins all four wheels through a 6-speed stick.

Read more »

Paris Preshow: Skoda's All-Electric Octavia Green E Line


[Updated] This year's edition of the Paris show will see the VW Group's successful Skoda brand unveiling its first-ever electric-powered vehicle called the Octavia Green E Line. Skoda says it is planning to create a special test fleet of Octavias Green E Line in 2011 with the goal of obtaining additional information relevant to the further development of the electric drive.

Read more »

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept: Live Photos from Paris Presentation [Updated]


[Updated Gallery] After many teaser shots and leaked images, Lamborghini finally took the wraps off its new Sesto Elemento conceptual supercar during the Volkswagen Group's pre-show event in Paris. We'll have more photos of the car from Lamborghini's Paris Show stand tomorrow, but for now, hit the jump to check out the first batch of real-life pictures from the unveiling.

Read more »

Audi Unveils Quattro Concept to Celebrate its Original Rally Monster's 30th Birthday


Audi has finally revealed its 'quattro concept' in Paris to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original car's 1980 debut. The new quattro, much like the original, gets driven around the rally stages of your dreams by a turbocharged 5-cylinder.

In this case, though, the 2.5-liter unit makes 408-horsepower / 300 kW and uses a 6-speed manual transmission to drive all four 20-inch wheels with 480 Nm / 354 lb-ft. Behind the center-locking dubs are carbon-ceramic discs wearing 6-piston grippers.

With its high-output 5-pot and diet, the new quattro is said to be able to spring to 100 km/h / 62 mph in a scant 3.9 seconds and return a fuel economy of 8.5 liters/100 km (27.67 mpg US).

Read more »

New Focus ST: Ford Releases More Info and Pics of 250HP Hot Hatch


Ford has released some more official info regarding its new GTI-fighting boy racer, the 2012 Focus ST, which will make its world premiere in Paris on September 30th. As we've already told you, the golden catfish will be propelled by a 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine and rides on snazzy 19-inch rims spun by 360 Nm / 265 lb ft of torque. The car also rides a centimeter lower than the standard Focus.

Read more »

Love Letters

The other day, I got the sweetest letter, and it's been on my mind ever since.  It was from this girl, whom I love with my whole heart:

my sweet girl, Marie

Marie and I met when I was 15, which means she was about to turn 10.  My boyfriend was her older brother, Abe.  Abe and I both lived in Georgia, and Marie lived in Florida with their mom.  Marie and her brothers (all Abe's younger siblings) would come up during the summers and stay with their dad in Georgia.  Because their dad worked full-time (and so did Abe, for that matter), and I only worked half days during the summer in my teenage years, I would pick Marie and her brothers up at their dad's house around lunchtime and spend the afternoons with them (usually at the pool!).

Marie and I were so close--she was like my little sister--and I loved her like family.  We've stayed in touch all these years, through many moves and many boyfriends and many major life changes.  She's one of those people I know will always be in my life.  

The Addisons--Marie, her husband Derek, and their precious baby Leina--live in Korea now.  You can imagine how delighted I was to receive this letter in the mail on Monday:


Although the whole letter was incredibly sweet and genuine and lovely, one line in particular stuck out to me:

"You may not have married my brother, but you became my sister all the same."

This girl almost had me in tears!  It was so special because I feel the exact same way about her.  Her brother and I broke up over ten years ago, but she and I will always be a part of each other's lives.  Isn't it so funny how certain people come into our lives, and you just know it's going to be for a lifetime?

I love you, Marie! ♥ ♥

*side note: the only time I've ever gone camping in my entire life was with Marie!

Paris Preshow: Jaguar's Micro-Turbine-Powered C-X75 Supercar Concept


To celebrate the big 7-5, Jaguar has rolled out its XJ220-inspired 780-horsepower C-X75 RE-EV (range-extended electric vehicle) concept. Power for this looker is supplied by electric motors working in conjunction with "micro gas-turbines", which also throw in 1180 lb-ft / 1,600 Nm of torque. Jaguar claims the 6-hour-to-charge plug-in sports car has a range of 560 / 900 km miles and an Lithium-ion-only range of 68 miles with a "potential top speed" of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Read more »

Paris Preshow: Peugeot HR1 Small Crossover Concept


Peugeot has lifted the covers off a second concept model on the eve of the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Billed as an urban crossover, the HR1 study is said to blend together a number of elements from various categories including city cars, coupes and SUVs, and is designed to appeal to young people with active lifestyles.

Read more »

Paris Preshow: Seat IBE Sports Coupe Concept No2


At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, which opens on 30 September, Seat will present a second iteration of its IBE small sports car concept. The first version of the coupe-ish hatchback with the low bonnet and long roofline was introduced at the Geneva Salon this past March (see here).

Since then, the car has gained an interior while its exterior design has been tweaked with a restyled lower fascia and new LED headlamps and tail lights. Furthermore, the car is now finished in a more eye-catching cherry-red color.

The super-compact sports coupe concept with the 2+2 seat layout is around 200 mm shorter than the Ibiza measuring just 3,830 mm in length. However, it is also unusually wide at 1,770 mm with a height of just 1,230 mm.

Read more »

Paris Preshow: Lamborghini's 999kg Sesto Elemento Concept Revealed [Updated]


[Updated with New Images] These are the first full-blown pictures of the concept car Lamborghini has been teasing Ford Explorer-style for a little while now. It's called the Sesto Elemento (Sixth Element) and, according to Carscoop sources, it is powered by the Gallardo Superleggera's 5.2-liter V10.

Riding on center-locking wheels (seen in one of the teasers), the Superleggera's 570-horsepower mill pushes the car to 100km/h (62mph) in 2.5 seconds. That's nearly a second faster than the rocket ship-like Superleggera, all thanks to a massive reduction in weight.

Read more »

Infiniti Announces Pricing on New IPL G Coupe with 348HP


We may not be getting the new 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe until the second week of December, but that's not stopping the Japanese carmaker from announcing prices on the sportiest version of its G37 Coupe.

Read more »

Richard Marx Burnsville Performing Arts Center Tickets

Richard Marx is an adult contemporary and pop/rock singer, songwriter, musician and record producer originally from Chicago, Illinois.  His music career began at the young age of 5, singing jingle commercials written by his jazz musician father Dick Marx.  Richard had a string of hit singles in the late 1980's and 1990's during the height of his career,  with slow ballads making up the majority of his hit songs.  Marx placed himself in the record books by being the first solo artist to have his first seven singles hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.  Richard has released a total of 22 albums, with two released earlier this year.  Don't miss out on your chance to see Richard Marx live at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center - Proscenium Stage on Thursday, Oct. 21st at 7:30 pm.  Ticket King has seats in the 1st or 2nd row of the center orchestra!  Check them out and buy yours before they're gone!

2000 Buick Century

2000 Buick Century
2000 Buick Century
2000 Buick Century
2000 Buick Century
2000 Buick Century