CAR REPAIRE: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Mazda's Flow evolves into the Soul of Motion, Shinari Concept now in Real Life Shots [61 Photos + Video]

[Updated with video from the presentation] While the debate rages on regarding the Mazda Shinari's inspiration (Fisker Karma, Infiniti Essence, or something more sinister?), here are some real life photos of the car outside of the studio. Introducing Mazda's new Japanese-Euro-American Kodo design language, the Shinari shows where Mazda will be zoom-zooming after its Nagare-derived smiley face cars are dead and gone.

Expect the flowing, toned lines to appear on everything from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 to the MX-5 Miata and potential RX-8 successor; on that note, can we get a decent rotary engine around here or what?

Since these "tense" and "organic" designs are becoming more and more common nowadays, how will Mazda emphasize its own unique design elements? As with most unofficial homages (because we all know this isn't a purely original design or layout), the answer is in the details.

Joining the new Verso-S small MPV at Toyota's 2010 Paris Motor Show stand, will be the 2011 model year versions of the iQ and Aygo city cars, both of which benefit from some minor interior revisions.

For the 2011 iQ, which will be sold in the States under the Scion brand, Toyota is increasing the level of perceived quality with the use of higher-grade, soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and the door panels, the introduction of new color schemes and upgraded trim options.

What's the deal with cheesy Pontiac-based replicas? Every time I see one, I ask myself how anyone in their right mind would ever think it's a good idea (unless purely testing one's kit building and car chopping talents). This ebay-situated Firebird-based 308 replica can be yours for the low-low price of $6,500; if you'd like to try your luck with the auction, feel free. We won't judge either way (sinner!).

Volvo will soon welcome two new additional engine options, the T3 and T4, to its 2011 S60 sedan and V60 estate range of models. The pair of 1.6-liter four-cylinder GTDi gasoline units employ both turbocharging and direct injection technology for improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, the two engines come equipped with Volvo's Start/Stop tech (manual gearbox models only) as standard.

Suzuki's UK division has released pricing and specification details for its all-new 2011 Swift supermini, which is available for order now. Priced from £9,995 for the entry-level three door model to £12,245 for the top-spec five door with manual transmission, the 2011 Swift is offered at launch with a new 94HP 1.2-liter petrol unit that returns a combined fuel economy of 56.5 mpg UK. A revised 75HP 1.3-litre diesel engine with a combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg UK will be added to the range next spring.

For more than a year now, the Prius has enjoyed some hefty sales in Japan thanks to the government subsidies for hybrids. But now that the cash-for-clunkers program is coming to an end, sales of Toyota's hybrid model will most likely take a hit, according to automotive analysts.

Under the program, many Japanese buyers flocked to trade in their 13+ year-old car for a Prius. With the subsidy window coming to a close, there will be a need for dealers to readjust their sales strategy.

We're not quite sure what the driver of this dark colored BMW X5 SUV (or at least it looks like an X5) was trying to do here, but something tells us that performing a 180-degree flip and crashing into an electricity / telephone pole wasn't part of the plan / stunt. See the accident for yourself in the video after the jump and don't forget to rate the freestyle flip in the comments section below.

Are you a teenage girl and yearning to make your Beetle just the cutest damn thing on the road? Get some of these Car Lashes. If you're an S-Class owner and want to make your car cuter, how about you take a step back, count to ten, and ask yourself what the heck you're thinking.
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Argentinean Donto wants to battle Ariel and KTM with its P1

Donto Motor Company of Argentina has been working on a competitor to take on some world-class track day stars, the Ariel Atom and the KTM X-Bow. The South American two-seater has apparently been in development for the past 18 months and is called the P1.

Toyota has released the first official images of its new MPV contender in the European B-segment today, the Verso-S, ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile in a few weeks time. Japanese shoppers will eventually come to know the Verso-S as the new Ractis in their own market.

It's officially official; Nissan today confirmed it will be rolling out the long-rumored convertible version of the Murano crossover named CrossCabriolet at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. And that's not the only news coming from Nissan's LA motorshow front as the Japanese automaker added it will also lift the covers off a new concept sedan model called the Ellure as well as the production version of the all-new 2011 Quest minivan, pictures of which have already been released.

European fans of the Lexus IS-F rejoice; this is one sports car that won't be axed on the other side of the pond due to the introduction of the more stringent Euro 5 emissions standards. Unlike the current generations of the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Type R and Mazda RX-8 -just to mention a few, the IS-F will make it to the 2011 model year thanks to its tweaked 5.0-liter V8 that is now fully compliant with the upgraded Euro 5 norms.

Suzuki delays US Swift until at least 2011, getting advice from VW

Those of you waiting for the new Suzuki Swift to get Stateside will have to wait a little bit longer. After the Kizashi didn't exactly make the splash that Suzuki had hoped for, and with Suzuki sales in America crumbling, it appears that the Japanese automaker and 20% stakeholder Volkswagen AG will sit down to form a new battle plan.

Part of that plan includes putting the Swift's US arrival on hold until at least 2011 so that pricing and strategy could be evaluated. Some of the reasoning behind the delay has to do with the rising Japanese yen, which has also dented the company's US marketing division.

The upcoming Orlando minivan, which shares its platform with the Cruze, is another one of Chevrolet's upcoming attempts to rectify its sub-par image as a brand. How has the MPV developed since it debuted as an attractive concept two years ago to woo European car buyers? Well, it still seats seven and will get both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines as promised, but unfortunately, it's put on some flab over the concept's original well-toned lines. While GM has yet to release photos of the interior, expect a modern Chevrolet cabin very similar to the concept.

The 2010 edition of the Los Angeles motor show is still three months away, but since Infiniti doesn't have something that we haven't seen or heard of before, the Japanese automaker decided to end the suspense early by revealing its plans today.

The Chrysler Group today hosted a special event in Detroit for around 400 of its car dealers from targeted markets across the country to tell them what it will take to become a Fiat dealer in the United States. Fiat, which controls 20 percent of Chrysler, plans to unveil the U.S.-spec version of its 500 mini at the Los Angeles auto show in November and begin selling the car by the end of the year.

We finally found someone that makes Lloyd and Harry [that would be the dynamic duo from Dumb & Dumber] look like Mensa candidates. Meet the now unemployed, but as-of-yet unnamed, security guard at the Dallas Auto Auction in Dallas, Texas.

This bright young man not only gave in to his urges upon seeing a brand new $111,000 Corvette ZR1 in the secured parking lot (that, we could try to understand), but also had the brilliant idea to film his joy ride and upload the video that showed his face as well as the car's dealer plate on Youtube.

While we're waiting for Mazda to release some official information on its new Shinari sports sedan concept that we first told you about earlier today, here's a comprehensive gallery with more than 40 photos, renderings and preliminary design sketches of the car. We still don't know for sure if the Shinari is heading to next month's Paris Motor Show - although we would be surprised if it didn't.

Following last week's teaser preview of the current generation 1 M Coupe and more relevantly, spy shots of the next 1-Series hatchback in three-door form, today we bring you pictures of the new five-door variant and for the first time, scoop images of the baby BMW's cabin that give us a flavour of the interior styling.

Our new spy photos reveal a redesigned center console that is slightly angled towards the driver and comes with new controls. As with the current BMW 1-Series, the iDrive / navigation screen is located at the top of the dashboard. We can also see a newly styled three-spoke steering wheel with a chunky girth.

Roush has released its ROUSHcharger kit for the new 5.0-liter Mustang after its debut at the Woodward Dream Cruise, force-feeding performance nuts with enough induction to pump the Mustang GT's output from 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque to a monstrous, semi-warrantied 550HP and "more than 470 lb-ft" of torque. What was once strictly Ford GT and GT500 power has officially become available for the M3-hunting Joe Regular GT, all at a suggested price of $5,999.

[Update: More pictures here] Mazda today took the wraps off a new concept model called the Shinari during a special press event near Milan in Italy. The Shinari is a four-door coupe style sports sedan collaboratively designed by Mazda's styling studios in the United States, Germany and Japan. According to the Japanese firm, the sport sedan's styling previews a future design direction for the Mazda brand.

Your always a winner!

Your always a winnerJ

any time you have a lady

by your side who paddles your

bottom when needed...

Happy Spanks...J

　

Chevrolet continues its reinvention with the Cruze, ups prices in a gamble for profit

US automakers are finally getting on the small car bandwagon with cars like the Fiesta, nex-gen Focus, and Chevy Cruze. While the Focus is already well-established and the Fiesta comes with a lot of Euro-cred, Chevy has some important steps to take with the Cruze (its third compact nameplate in six years after the Cavalier and Cobalt).

The brand needs to reinvent its small car's image for the 21st century to that of a higher quality car and not just the lowest common denominator; quality and reliability, which still have to be proven over time, are a must.

Land Rover Discovery 3

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery 3

Citroën to Debut Production Version of DS4 next week

This just in; a couple of days ago, we told you about Citroën's plans to unveil the first photos of a new model or concept on Monday, August 30th, ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut. We asked around and according to our sources, the French car maker will reveal the DS4, which is the production version of the Geneva Show DS High Rider concept, next week - possibly, as early as Monday.

Most people who make calls to special divisions of manufacturers to purchase unique vehicles tend to prefer anonymity. Thankfully there are people out there like Mark Carson, who got involved with showing people the process of customizing his M6. The other side of that coin is when superstars pick up (or are given) unique cars, at which point companies need to smack you in the face with an announcement.

This purple-highlighted design study is Frederik Tjellesen's view of what a new vehicle for the on-again / off-again De Tomaso brand could look like if he were to be involved. Named the Ghepardo, it's a four-door coupe that draws from former DeTomaso vehicles like the Pantera and Mangusta, as well as the idea that fine Italian automobiles (burning to the ground or not), need to be custom-tailored much like a suit.

=P

I'm going to work now.

On Tuesday or Wednesday... I am posting something. I don't know what yet... but it will definitely be something. I will demand my muse back! =P

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A New Blog is in the Making

I have A New Blog in the Making!!

And I'm Calling it:

D's Female Naughty Butts"

Devoted to all the Beautiful Female Bottoms out there!!

Go check it out!!

@t:

D's Female Naughty Butts

Due to Open 8-29-10

Citroen C3 Royalty

Citroen C3 Picasso 2009

There's no doubt Citroen's pretty C3 was a breath of clean air as soon as it been invented in 2002. Inspired by the 2CV, the five-door super mini seemed to be perfectly geared up and also, thanks to the firm's significant cash bonuses, very affordable, too.

As a result, chosen examples characterize excellent value - although along with so numerous engine and equipment combination's to pick around, what hatch is the best?

The C3 Citroen Pluriel Côte d'

Cheap running costs add to the beauty, still a couple of C3s are not as good to drive as competitors. Patchy build and flimsy trim are other well-known problems, so although the C3 is a lot of vehicle regarding your finances, it's essential you take your time in order to acquire a good one.

Checklist

Fragile trim: in fact on new examples, the interior trim is flimsy and causes plenty of noises, creaks and rattles. The older the car, the worse this is probably to be... so always check not a thing is absent on every potential buy, and assure every little thing works as it preferably should.

Citroen C3

Engine problems: fuel-injection pump failure could ruin 16-valve powerplants. Before you will purchase, assure the engine functions evenly as well as go through the services historical past and receipts to find out if the jobs has been taken out previously.

Air-con: generous levels of standard equipment mean many C3s will have air-conditioning provided. And while this is a necessity for summer, the models can leak. Check the footwells regarding indication of liquid and run the system to make certain it actually cools the air.

Citroen C3 | Auto Express News

Electrics: gremlins are a common base of problems on the little Citroen, so look at pieces such as the remote central lock, power windows and hi-fi system are all working very well. Don't leave any control keys unpressed inside!

Rust: paint protection might be intermittent * mainly upon the roof - so make sure that there's absolutely no mark of corrosion wherever. Get a torch and check under as most efficient you can, too. Thinner body sections, particularly the doorways ( blank ) are as well susceptible to parking marks.

rent car CITROEN C3

Prices

You could bag a low-mileage one-owner 1.4-litre petrol C3 on an 03-plate for 4,000. An equiv-alent HDi can cost you an extra 500, when a 54-reg petrol or diesel engine would set you back about 7,000.

The 1st Pluriels are these days less than 6,000, and SensoDrive automatic vehicles will not fetch a great premium as right now there tend to be quite a lot about. In case you actually want a 1.4 HDi, you'll need to spend for it; rock-bottom is at this time 7,200 via a main vendor.

Precisely what to start looking for

Automobile lovers must test the SensoDrive before they buy. Its clutchless shift gives a stylish frame, yet changes can be time-consuming. The quirky Pluriel will provide a full-length sunroof/drop-top design, but make sure the fiddly set-up is undamaged. Decide on of the variety is the standard C3 1.4 HDi, with its torquey, inexpensive diesel-powered. Even when the Stop & Start works nicely, cutting energy when you appear to a total halt in traffic, then revved up as you release the brake, it truly is not as economical as the oil-burner.

VIDEO: This is what a Ferrari 458 Italia on fire looks like on film

With so many Ferrari 458 Italia super-duper-cars going flambé on their owners, it was just a matter of time when someone would get one roasting on film. This prime example of Italy's hottest model was cooked somewhere in China's eastern coast.

We'll remind you that Ferrari has admitted through its UK spokesperson that it is currently investigating the 458 fires. According to media reports, in the past three months, a total of 11 Ferrari 458 Italia models (including this latest incident in China) have crashed with five of them being ruined by fire. Grab a bag of chips and enjoy the short film "A qualcuno piace caldo" right after the break.

Found on the GT Channel website, are these photos of a Honda CR-Z racer with a widebody mock up and what appears to be a mid-mounted engine. The unfinished project also gets carbon fiber doors. We don't have any information on the mystery car, but chances are it's either being readied to compete in Japan's Super GT racing series or to be displayed as a concept model at an upcoming motor show such as the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2011. More photos after the jump.

Top 3 Most Expensive Cars in the World

There is probably not one person who does not want to drive an expensive car; because everyone wants to. If you always had the imagination of owning the best car in the world, then here is a list of top 3 exclusively most expensive cars in the world. Get any one of them and you would be envied by the whole world.

Expensive Cars in the World

3. Ferrari Enzo

On the third position we have a Ferrari car named Enzo. It is named after Ferrari's owner. This is a car which doesn't lack even a small bit in terms of styling and at the same time has magnificent performance lurking under the hood. Ferrari Enzo's initial cost was $670,000 and only 399 units were produced for the first time. But as a few cars got crashed and as the demand for the car rose, the manufacturers kept increasing the price of the car. Presently it is estimated to be costing over $1,000,000. It has a V12 engine with 5988 cc capacity which can reach a top speed of 217 mph.

Expensive Cars in the World

2. Lamborghini Reventon

This is a recent car that has taken the top 2nd spot in the most expensive cars list. This car was first showcased in the year 2007 in Frankfurt Auto Show. The press release states that Reventon has been designed around the designs of the "fastest airplanes". Other than the exterior styling, the mechanical elements used for the design of the car as such, seems to be very similar to the Murcielago. Reventon possess the most powerful engine that Lamborghini has ever designed. Only 20 models of this car were made and better yet, they were sold before they ever even made. Reventon has a V12 engine and can hit 60 mph in only 3.3 seconds reaching a top speed of 211 mph.

Expensive Cars in the World

1. Bugatti Veyron

Bugatti Veyron is developed by Bugatti Automobiles SAS and Volkswagen in collaboration. This happens to be the most expensive car ever made. The car is named after Pierre Veyron who happens to be a French Racing driver, who won Le Mans in 1939. Veyron comprises of 8 liter W16 engine with 16 cylinders in two rows of 8 cylinders. Four turbochargers feed fuel to this gigantic engine. This car is able to produce huge torque, to the range of 1,250 N-m, and this also gives the car the tag of "fastest accelerating car in the world". The car is able to crack 253.8 mph and costs a hopping $1,700,000.

Friday, August 27, 2010

SCOOP: 2011 Audi A6 Sedan Spied in the wild

Here are some spy shots of Audi's next-generation A6, which is scheduled for launch next year. While it's still pretty well wrapped up in swirls, we can assume that the car will essentially be and a less-"designer" A7 Sportback with a trunk; the student has become the master (and quickly!). Since we already know what the A7 will look like, it doesn't take much imagination to see where the A6 will go from there.

If you're interested in a low-mileage vintage Mustang for your collection, Volo Auto Museum has a few cars that are right up your alley. This one, though, stands out a bit more than the rest.

Technically this 1969 Shelby GT500 represents the last model-year of the original Shelby Mustangs (although '69 models were given new serial numbers and sold as 1970 model-year cars). It's one of 335 GT500 convertibles built, and one of 21 in this color combo according to a Marti report that Volo has.

Suzuki today announced it is brining the not-so-new looking but mostly-new underneath, 2011 Swift supermini and the sport grade of the Kizashi sedan to Paris for their European premieres.

Scheduled to go on sale throughout Europe this autumn, Suzuki's lighter, longer and roomier new Swift will be offered at launch with a new 94-horsepower 1.2-liter petrol and an upgraded 75-horsepower 1.3-liter turbo diesel.

How High Do you Dare 3

... O yeah yo'll be going to the tanning bed like that... remember your agreement it was low rise panties and bra or sheer bra and hi-cut panties. We'll with that attitude you're wearing the v neck white cotton T with the low rise jeans today.

How High Do you Dare 2

it'll also keep you in place...

How High Do you Dare

Remember to keep those panties way up it'll serve as a reminder all day...

First Focus RS500 makes its way to Ford's Heritage Museum

Having finished its motoring press cycle, the first production example of Ford's limited run Focus RS500 hot hatch is heading to the company's museum at Dagenham in east London, UK, joining other famous blue oval models such as the 1970 London to Mexico winning Escort, the RS200 and the 2005 GT supercar.

Ask and yes shall receive! Apparently someone was listening, because just a day after putting up some spy shots of the new upcoming F20 1-Series, BMW has dropped a second teaser video of the 1-Series M Coupe.

While everyone is still waiting breathlessly for final specs and details, it's clear that the baby M is supposed to be something magical. People at Oktoberfest up Wisconsin way may be getting a sneak peak tonight (we told you about that earlier today), so get at us and let us know how that goes.

The only official details are what you've seen so far: quad exhaust tips, big cross-spoke rims, an M fascia, and beefed-up fenders. The car will likely get a tweaked version of the 135i's twin-turbo 6-cylinder, M goodies front to back, a locking diff, and the requisite suspension/steering/brake upgrades.

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Monday, August 30, 2010

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Friday, August 27, 2010