The first V8 Suzuki will show its face in New York
Hyundai already proved that V8 engines are no longer a mistery for the low-end Asian manufacturers.And the word is that Suzuki wants to give it a shot.The Kizashi concept revealed in Frankfurt and Tokyo last year received a great response from the public so plans are made for its mass production in 2009-2010.
Another rumor says that the designers can’t decide on the form the production version will take so a 3rd version will be shown at the New York Auto Show in March.And here comes the big surprise:the V6 turbodiesel engine has been replaced by a monster V8 that poweres all 4 wheels.
I guess that we’ll have to wait and see if the rumors will become a reality.Let’s just hope they will….
At last the Q1!
And there it is:the Audi Q1,the ultimate crossover.
Or so says the German manufacturer.Based on the VW Tiguan,the new car aims for the subcompact premium SUV market.Q1 borrows from the Tiguan only the mechanical platform.The looks come from the Steppenwolf concept revealed 7 years ago at the Paris Auto Show.The German designers also have in mind a 5 door version.
By 2015 Audi intends to manufacture no less than 40 models,an unseen offensive in the company’s history.
In the future the engineers from Ingolstadt will introduce an electric motor to replace the diesel one.
Ford wants in on the action!
Ford seems to want o piece of the premium hatch rising profits.The Detroit guys want a car that screems LIFESTYLE!Even though these images are computer generated we can make a good idea of Ford’s intentions.
The designers try to dethrone the Opel Astra GTC,the current king.But I have to say that it won’t be easy.The new Focus,that is due in 2010,will have the same 2,5 litre 260 HP engine from Volvo but it will also have a stop-start system to reduce pollution.
Ford Focus has always been a landmark for handling and reliability and I really hope that the next generation won’t dissapoint.Designers have done their job and all that’s left is for the engineers to come up with a competitive car.
Spy work:BMW 135i
The tii series,not long ago just a promise for the future,materialised now a new car:the 135i.BMW made a true „sporty” car.Most of the components have been borrowed from the concept,including the front portion,wich had been aggressively redesigned,the lowered side skirts,the carbon fibre difusor and the spoiler.
The brakes can easily stop a tank and the engine remained the same.
The steering wheel is the star of the dashboard with its many LEDs that will tell you when it’s best to change gears.
Making Gullwing proud:the new SL
The SL has always been a motive of pride for Mercedes but I must admit that this „new’’ model might just put the German manufacturer back on track.The facelift is dramatic to say the least.The whole front has been replaced with a more agrgessive one.The headlights have been replaced with two one-piece optical blocks from the CLS.The radiator grill has also been tempered with,as well as the lower part of the spoiler.The model shown in these images is fitted with the AMG body kit.
The interior received a plus of refinement and will most likely be available with new confort features.All these informations will be released at the official presentation.The pictures that you see accidentaly leaked from the German’s data base.
The engine choice will also be impressive:a 612 HP biturbo V12 and a 525 HP 6,3 litre V8.
The best present ever:the Lotus Exige Sprint
The Exige Sprint is an anniversary model prodeced by Lotus and takes its inspiration from a ’70’s car,the Elan Sprint.Although the paint scheme might have been a little pleasent for the eyes,that won’t matter if the new car will perform as good as any other Exige.But the big surprise is yet to come:this car comes standard with A/C, Lotus’ Sport Pack and model-specific lightweight alloys to compliment the 243 HP road rocket.I mean,in the past Lotus’ conception of luxury were electric windows.
As I sayd,this will be a limited edition,with only 40 made,each for every year,except 1982,when Colin Chapman,the company founder left the race track and took pole position in the sky.
The price reflects the car’s significance: £42,550.But for the enthusiastics it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
