See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 12/01/08

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) today announced that it is introducing the company’s first high-performance performance upgrade system for the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10. Known as the Venom 650R, the engine modifications increase by 78... See more

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) today announced that it is introducing the company’s first high-performance performance upgrade system for the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10. Known as the Venom 650R, the engine modifications increase by 78 horsepower giving the Viper the ability to accelerate from 0 to 150 mph 1.5 seconds quicker (15.5 sec. versus 17.0 sec.) than the already factory-fast 2008 Viper that offers a stout 600 horsepower. The Venom 650R package consists of custom fabricated long tube stainless-steel exhaust headers with 1 7/8-inch primary tubes flowing into 5-to-1 merge collectors. From there, the spent exhaust gases flow through aftermarket catalytic converters before traveling through a full 3-inch stainless-steel exhaust system fit with high-flow stainless-steel mufflers. Other performance upgrades include: K&N high-flow air filter element, 2-piece light-weight cross-drilled brake rotors (saving 8 lbs per corner), professional installation, dyno testing, Hennessey... See less

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

ALPINA look back on a long and successful history in international motorsport. Well-known F1 and Touring Car drivers such as Niki Lauda, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester gripped an ALPINA steering wheel on their way to winning three European... See more

ALPINA look back on a long and successful history in international motorsport. Well-known F1 and Touring Car drivers such as Niki Lauda, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester gripped an ALPINA steering wheel on their way to winning three European Touring Car Championships. ALPINA pilots also won the Nürburgring 24 Hours numerous times, as well as the 24 Hours of Spa in 1970. “We think that the BMW 6 Series – especially with the super-charged, torque-laden 4,4 l V8 ALPINA engine from the B6 S (530 HP, 725 Nm) – provides the ideal basis to challenge pure-bred sportscars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin within the framework of GT3 regulations“, said Andreas Bovensiepen, ALPINA proprietor. After 20 years out of racing, ALPINA will field a factory team, running the B6 GT3 in the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championship, our race car based on the BMW ALPINA B6 S road car. ALPINA will field its this team in the FIA GT3 European Championship, as well as racing in selected important... See less

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa MiTo, will make its UK public debut at this year’s British International Motor Show in ExCeL London, from 23 July – 3 August 2008. Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa... See more

Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa MiTo, will make its UK public debut at this year’s British International Motor Show in ExCeL London, from 23 July – 3 August 2008. Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa MiTo, will make its UK public debut at this year’s British International Motor Show in ExCeL London, from 23 July – 3 August 2008. The first compact Alfa Romeo for more than 35 years, the sporty and agile Alfa MiTo signals the new energy and direction for the Italian sporting marque. Blessed with styling cues from the sublime Alfa 8C Competizione, the Alfa MiTo is expected to win over style-conscious young drivers when it goes on sale here in January 2009. Neat styling touches include the 8C-esque front end, frameless side windows, distinctive headlamps and LED tail lights, flared wheel arches, high waistline and broad C-pillar; all of which combine to give the Alfa MiTo a purposeful stance. Safety is a priority inside the Alfa MiTo, which is... See less

Highlights: Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa MiTo, will make its UK public debut at this year’s British International Motor Show in ExCeL London, from 23 July – 3 August 2008. Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa MiTo, will make its UK public debut at this...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

In celebration of its 2007 MotoGP world championship title win with Australian rider Casey Stoner, Ducati has teamed up with fellow Italian manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, to produce the impressive Alfa 147 Ducati Corse. With both manufacturers steeped in... See more

In celebration of its 2007 MotoGP world championship title win with Australian rider Casey Stoner, Ducati has teamed up with fellow Italian manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, to produce the impressive Alfa 147 Ducati Corse. With both manufacturers steeped in racing history and pedigree, owners can expect something special. Thus the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse comes with Alfa Romeo’s 170 bhp JTDM turbodiesel, enhanced handling courtesy of Alfa Romeo’s Q2 system, a Sport button that varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal to give a notably sporting response, and some distinctive styling additions. The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is available in two versions, the five-door 1.9 JTDM 16V Q2 170 bhp priced at £17,995, and the three-door version priced at £17,495. Exclusive to the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is a unique 18” alloy wheel design with 225/40 R18 tires, red painted brake callipers, satin effect electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, a rear spoiler, and appropriate Ducati badging. Customers... See less

Highlights: In celebration of its 2007 MotoGP world championship title win with Australian rider Casey Stoner, Ducati has teamed up with fellow Italian manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, to produce the impressive Alfa 147 Ducati Corse. With both manufacturers steeped in racing history and pedigree, owners can...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

2008 Fioravanti Hidra Concept Fioravanti, in its twentieth year of activity, continues the research on the new architectures of the next future vehicles that will must face the new alternative sources of energy and their stockpiling. At the next... See more

2008 Fioravanti Hidra Concept Fioravanti, in its twentieth year of activity, continues the research on the new architectures of the next future vehicles that will must face the new alternative sources of energy and their stockpiling. At the next Geneve Motor Show it will be showed Hidra: a proposal of a sporty multifunctional vehicle ( M.P.C. as multi purpose coupe), with 5 doors and 4 seats. The concept is based on a general layout that lets reach notable results in terms of vehicle dynamics, passive safety and flexibility. Hidra marries the Fioravanti’s propensity for the innovation, functionality and elegance. With this concept car Fioravanti will also show in a world premiere a revolutionary patent concerning the transparent surfaces. See less

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

The BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) are considering the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by Friedrich... See more

The BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) are considering the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development, and Alfredo Altavilla, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Fiat Group Automobiles and CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies. “We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE”, Eichiner said in Munich. “The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the... See less

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

Today, Fisker Automotive, Inc. announced that the company is on track for delivery of the Fisker Karma in Q4 2009, and that it will vigorously defend the recent allegations put forth by Tesla. Tesla Motors breached the arbitration agreement in its... See more

Today, Fisker Automotive, Inc. announced that the company is on track for delivery of the Fisker Karma in Q4 2009, and that it will vigorously defend the recent allegations put forth by Tesla. Tesla Motors breached the arbitration agreement in its contract with Fisker by filing these meritless claims in San Mateo County court. “The lawsuit is nonsense,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. “Fisker Coachbuild has non-exclusive design contracts as shown by the cars we have designed for a variety of manufacturers.” Fisker Automotive launched the highly anticipated Fisker Karma, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) premium vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The revolutionary technology incorporated into the powertrain was developed by Quantum Technologies, a public company, which first proved its capability with the launch of a U.S. military vehicle created for U.S. Army Special Operations in 2003. “In January of 2007 I first met Henrik Fisker. Soon thereafter,... See less

Highlights: We are confident that Fisker Automotive continues to be a tremendous investment opportunity,” said Ray Lane, Kleiner Perkins. “The...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go... See more

All-New 2009 TSX to Debut at New York International Auto Show Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura’s popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety. “The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, “The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand.” Acura unveiled the new 2009 RL at the Chicago Auto Show last week and also announced the company will introduce an-all new TL performance luxury sedan later this year. The 2009 Acura TSX will be introduced during the New York International Auto Show media days which occur on March 19th... See less

Highlights: The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, “The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand.” Acura unveiled...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

2008 FPV GT Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has officially unveiled a selection of its highly anticipated new Falcon-based range, lifting the covers off the latest evolutions of its performance GT sedan, F6 sedan and Super Pursuit Ute. “Today we have... See more

2008 FPV GT Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has officially unveiled a selection of its highly anticipated new Falcon-based range, lifting the covers off the latest evolutions of its performance GT sedan, F6 sedan and Super Pursuit Ute. “Today we have given the public a glimpse of the new era in Australian performance motoring,” said Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett. “Our new model range offers performance enthusiasts the ultimate in performance engineering, luxury appointments and sports styling.” For the first time, the Ford badge will not appear on an FPV model. The new-look FPV vehicles will feature FPV badges prominently on the center grille and center boot lid. “Featuring the FPV badge on all our new models is a major repositioning for the FPV brand,” said Barrett. “It signifies the maturing of our brand and the evolution of FPV as Ford’s performance partner.” As with Ford, FPV has repositioned its high performance sedan and Ute model variants, with eight... See less

Highlights: For the first time, the Ford badge will not appear on an FPV model. The new-look FPV vehicles will feature FPV badges prominently on the center grille and center boot lid.

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

Comic Con got underway Thursday in San Diego. The sci-fi convention is a change for many to dress up in costume and get into character. But, it’s also turning into a major marketing machine for producers, movie screenings and TV programs. The... See more

Comic Con got underway Thursday in San Diego. The sci-fi convention is a change for many to dress up in costume and get into character. But, it’s also turning into a major marketing machine for producers, movie screenings and TV programs. The producers of several NBC shows, both returning favorites and new hopefuls, had a chance to show off their shows. Behind the scenes of NBC’s new series “Kings.” The producers call it a contemporary re-imagining of the tale of David and Goliath. “Heroes” actor Greg Grunberg says “it’s got the scope of a feature and it’s gonna be that way every single week. people are gonna freak out. I’m certainly gonna watch the show.” You might recognize Greg Grunberg from “Heroes.” He moderated the “Kings” panel. Producers showed panel attendees a preview of the new show. Initial feedback, positive, albeit a bit nerve racking for one of the actresses in the new series. “Kings” actress Allison Miller says “I’ll believe it when I see it. Really that’s what I feel.... See less

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

2009 Ford KA Revealed 2009 Ford KA - The exciting new Ka, Ford’s fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars.... See more

2009 Ford KA Revealed 2009 Ford KA - The exciting new Ka, Ford’s fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars. Twelve years after the original Ka was launched to great acclaim, its successor captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit. The new model retains all of the qualities which made the Ka so popular – its compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality – but presents them in a fresh new package. See less

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) unveiled the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck at Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition, the first international plug-in conference... See more

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) unveiled the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck at Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition, the first international plug-in conference and expo. Converted with a proprietary adaptive controller and using a scaled-down version of the proprietary drive train HEVT has designed for transit buses, the F-150 has been transformed from a standard combustion engine vehicle getting about 16 MPG to a PHEV getting up to 41 MPG for a typical day’s driving. The HEVT prototype was displayed during today’s keynote address by Dr. Andrew S. Grove, former chairman of Intel Corporation. “Trucks, SUVs and vans are the least-efficient vehicles on the road, so retrofitting them should be a high priority if we want to make a meaningful, near-term difference in oil consumption. Rapid commercialization of prototypes like HEVT’s is the way to go,” Dr. Grove said. The prototype shows how HEVT’s... See less

Highlights: The prototype shows how HEVT’s plug-in hybrid drive train technology can retrofit existing PSVs (pickups, SUVs, and vans), to displace gasoline with electricity, cutting operating costs and harmful emissions and boosting performance. This is an important step toward energy security,...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL employs dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two... See more

The all-new, completely redesigned 2009 Acura TL employs dramatic new styling along with a luxurious interior that includes more driver relevant technology than ever. Featuring the most powerful Acura engine ever, the 2009 TL will be available in two distinctive versions including the first ever application of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) on TL. Available in the fall of 2008, the new TL will deliver a driving experience that achieves new highs within the performance luxury sedan category. See less

Highlights: Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan,...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

Gwinnett County, Georgia. The first vehicle to be launched under the FortuneSport banner will be the Rt.S, a sub-2,000 pound, 350 horsepower sports coupe. Inspired by Group C prototypes, the chassis of this road and track car will feature an aluminum... See more

Gwinnett County, Georgia. The first vehicle to be launched under the FortuneSport banner will be the Rt.S, a sub-2,000 pound, 350 horsepower sports coupe. Inspired by Group C prototypes, the chassis of this road and track car will feature an aluminum semi-monocoque with a mid-mounted V8 and a pushrod suspension. Key weight-saving features are full composite bodywork, seats integrated into the chassis, and rolling gear supplied by BBS. The power to weight ratio of 5.1 lbs per bhp translates into a road car capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 175mph. The target price is $85,000. Teritius Fortune said, “FortuneSport believes that the pleasure of driving is not in the electronics and sixteen speaker stereo systems, but in the driving itself. Especially given the green movement, the best way to engage the driver was to reduce vehicle mass.” Penned by Turkish newcomer Emre Husmen, the Rt.S is a vision of sports cars in the year 2035. Characterized by short... See less

Highlights: Gwinnett County, Georgia. The first vehicle to be launched under the FortuneSport banner will be the Rt.S, a sub-2,000 pound, 350 horsepower sports coupe. Inspired by Group C prototypes, the chassis of this road and track car will feature an aluminum semi-monocoque with a mid-mounted V8...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

General Motors Europe will invest a total of €9 billion into Opel through 2012, thus strengthening its core brand. €6.5 billion alone will be spent on the development of new vehicles and propulsion systems. In addition, the company is investing... See more

General Motors Europe will invest a total of €9 billion into Opel through 2012, thus strengthening its core brand. €6.5 billion alone will be spent on the development of new vehicles and propulsion systems. In addition, the company is investing considerably into its German plants, Rüsselsheim, Bochum, Kaiserslautern and Eisenach. This was announced by GM Europe President Carl-Peter Forster at a press conference in Rüsselsheim today. Forster also referred to the contracts for the future agreed on yesterday evening with the European employee representatives. These contracts guarantee the European Astra plants production capacity and capacity utilization. GM Europe will invest €900 million into its new Rüsselsheim plant, which was put into operation in 2002. As of autumn 2008, Rüsselsheim will build a new generation of upper midsize vehicles, starting with the Opel Insignia. Bochum is granted investments worth €650 million to secure the facility’s long-term competitiveness and getting it... See less

Highlights: General Motors Europe will invest a total of €9 billion into Opel through 2012, thus strengthening its core brand. €6.5 billion alone will be spent on the development of new vehicles and propulsion systems. In addition, the company is investing considerably into its German plants,...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

General Motors today delivered its first hybrid vehicles in the Middle East to the Government of Dubai and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The vehicles, which include the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid and the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid, are part... See more

General Motors today delivered its first hybrid vehicles in the Middle East to the Government of Dubai and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The vehicles, which include the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid and the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid, are part of a ground-breaking project that involves a 12-month trial using the vehicles as public taxis that could eventually lead to one of the largest hybrid fleets in the world. The trial is the first of its kind in the region and firmly places Dubai among the world’s leading cities in pioneering the use of environmentally-friendly public transportation. The agreement between the Government of Dubai and GM is a first step in the RTA’s comprehensive plan to make all taxis in Dubai environmentally-friendly, and is in line with their vision to reduce vehicle pollution and ensure a clean environment for future generations. Terry Johnsson, President of General Motors - Middle East Operations, said “When the Dubai Government decided to investigate the... See less

Highlights: Terry Johnsson, President of General Motors - Middle East Operations, said “When the Dubai Government decided to investigate the feasibility of alternative propulsion systems in the Middle East, GM moved very quickly to support them. Naturally, we are very pleased to be part of such an...

See this at: carlozine.blogspot.c...| Added on 11/30/08

Neiman Marcus Direct announced today that it is partnering with Hennessey Performance Engineering to introduce the 2008 Neiman Marcus Special Edition Hennessey Venom 700NM. The 2008 Special Edition Hennessey Venom will be featured in the spring... See more

Neiman Marcus Direct announced today that it is partnering with Hennessey Performance Engineering to introduce the 2008 Neiman Marcus Special Edition Hennessey Venom 700NM. The 2008 Special Edition Hennessey Venom will be featured in the spring Neiman Marcus Men’s Catalog and will retail for $179.500. See less

Highlights: The 2008 Special Edition Hennessey Venom 700NM features jet black paint with a 200-mph tested rear wing and Venom 700NM badges. Inside, custom details include black and red leather appointments, a numbered limited-edition dash plaque, embroidered floor mats and matching luggage. Underhood,...