2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Today General Motors unveiled the final production version of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a true American sports car that has been anticipated by Chevrolet fans now for years, since the last generation Chevrolet Camaro was killed in 2000.

The production 2010 Camaro differs little from the preproduction versions that have been shown for several months now, but small details on the Camaro such as a new retro interior decked out in brushed metal (plastic brushed metal?) trim complete the package. Whetting appetites since 2006 with the Chevrolet Camaro concept, GM has remained remarkably faithful to the original concept car. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS tops the model range, and will be a true muscle car.

Ailing US-based GM is in need of a true sports car hit that is affordable to the masses, just as Chevrolet pulled off with the original Camaro pony car in 1967. Does the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro have the potential to turn around a Chevy brand that, save for the Corvette, has been mostly in the dumps for several years now? As the once-untouchable Chevrolet mark continues to bleed sales to Japanese, European and Korean automakers, the Camaro has the potential to bring excitement back into Chevrolet showrooms.

Look for elements of the Camaro's styling and especially the attractive retro-styled interior to filter their way into Chevrolet's other models. The 2010 Camaro is the American sports car the Holden-derived Pontiac GTO should have been.

Time will tell if the Camaro has the punch to turn Chevrolet's luck around, but having a well-styled and high performance true American sports car that is relatively affordable back in the lineup can't hurt things.

Source: RSportsCars

2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé Aerokit

Porsche has developed a special Aerokit for the 911 Turbo Coupé. It includes a front spoiler lip and an entirely new engine cover design with fixed aerofoil.

The characteristic front lip and the distinctive rear spoiler lend the typical turbo silhouette an even more dynamic appearance. The Porsche development center engineers in Weissach attached the greatest possible importance to aerodynamic functionality. The most important objective among the components refined in the wind tunnel was to improve the handling characteristics, given an unchanged drag coefficient of 0.31 compared with the production version.

This ensures that the Aerokit’s optimized streamlining blends ideally with the 490 PS high performance Coupé’s harmonious overall design and enabled further reductions of the lift coefficients on the front and rear axles. This ensures an even more stable drive at high speed. The aerodynamically coordinated front and rear components may only be fitted together. Compared with the standard 900 Turbo, the door sill trim and the rear skirt are painted in body color as well as the Aerokit’s add-on parts.

The Aerokit costs 4,500 euros (excluding VAT) when ordered at the same time as purchasing a new vehicle from Porsche Exclusive in Germany. If the parts are retrofitted, they can be purchased from Porsche Tequipment at a cost of 4,100 euros (excluding painting and assembly as well as VAT). The Aerokit is available with immediate effect worldwide.

Source: Tuning News

Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008

Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai’s four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda’s latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, it gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover. And in Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales.

Source: Tuning News

The New Distinctive, Mid-engined, 2+2 Sportscar from Lotus: Lotus Project Eagle

Eagerly anticipated and making its official global debut at the British Motorshow in London on July 22nd, the first all-new car from Lotus since the iconic Elise in 1995, will enter the sportscar market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production.

The new car, which is known only by its project name 'Eagle', is a more holistic offering than the Elise and Exige models that have been so massively popular with track day enthusiasts. The car, the name for which will be announced at the British Motorshow on 22nd July at an 11:30 press conference, is designed for people who desire exotic sportscar characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. Project Eagle also offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS, the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure visceral all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. Even in the very early stages of development testing, Lotus ride and handling engineers report that it is considerably faster around the famously demanding Nurburgring circuit than the Elise and more stable at speed than the Exige.

Inside, Project Eagle cocoons occupants with a sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused instrumentation the driver sits in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and accessible.

Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Project Eagle's sleek, sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sportscar whilst belying its internal space. As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a purely two-seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the future, including a convertible and an ultra-high performance version.

Deliveries of Project Eagle will begin in Spring 2009, and with only 2000 of the hand crafted cars planned each year, this exclusive and unique car is creating a real stir with celebrity enthusiasts around the world. Hollywood actor and car enthusiast Patrick Dempsey is just one of the high profile collectors who are on the waiting list for a test drive.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, had this to say about the new model: "Project Eagle is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago. We are currently working at broadening the appeal of the Lotus brand through an aggressive 5-year model plan of which this car represents the first exciting step."

Source: Tuning News

Rolls Royce Silver... Bullitt with 1040 Hp Hemi V8

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that this kitschy Silver Shadow isn’t your typical chauffeur driven Rolls Royce. The custom made limo is equipped with a 592 Hemi V8 that with the help of a dual stage nitrous system pumps out a mouthwatering 1040Hp. Leaving aside the pimp-my-Impala steering wheel, another interesting detail is the roll cage that’s wrapped around with leather and contrast stitching.

Top Gear Finally Test Nissan GT-R

This Sunday, Top Gear will finally get to test the mettle of the Nissan GT-R on the track. Well, "tracks" to be specific. Clarkson's appetite for tail-out antics wasn't satiated by last week's race against the bullet train, so he headed to a track in Japan to get a feel for the GT-R's capabilities at the limit and a chance to wring out Nissan's super coupe past its nanny-imposed 111 mph top speed.

Back in the UK, the Stig finally takes the GT-R around Top Gear's test track and that meant that members of the studio audience got a chance to see the GT-R's lap time. Earlier this morning, we received word that the time had been posted on Wikipedia. We saw it, our jaw dropped and then it disappeared. Wikipedia being, well... Wikipedia, means that we're taking the time with a grain of salt until the show airs on Sunday. While the lap isn't listed any longer, Wikipedia does allow users to view the revisions made to an entry. If you want to spoil it for yourself, feel free, just don't post it in the comments out of respect for the rest of us. We're willing to wait a few more days for confirmation.

Source: Top Gear

2008 Ferrari F250 Concept Design by Idries Omar

"The idea for this car was simple, fast, aerodynamic and beautiful, while taking styling queues from Ferraris old and new. Being a mid-engine rear wheel drive, I had the freedom to give the car a really aggressive stance. Low, pointy front and Muscular rear makes it look like its ready to pounce," - Idries Omar is describing his conception

"I designed this car originally as a Dino concept. But the name didn't compliment the design. So I went for something more Ferrari. Ferrari F250. I think it's works well with the car. The number 250 which comes from the legendary 250 GTO," - said Idries Omar.
Being a small car and very light Ferrari F250 Concept features 2.5L V6 engine (250) that runs on bio-fuel.

British Luxury: The Bentley Azure

The Azure name is most notable for being convertible versions of already present Bentley sedans. Chopping the top, changing the visual look and making the sedan into a two door coupe are what the changes basically represent. From 1995 to 2003, the Bentley Azure was a convertible version of the Continental sedan. In 2006, the name was resurrected for a convertible version of the Arnage sedan. Both cars had 6.7L V-8 engines but with different outputs. The Old Azure made 400 horsepower except the T edition which made 420; the Azure that it currently being produced makes 450 horsepower.

New Lamborghini SUV? Lamborghini LM00X

Lamborghini will be building a SUV based on the same platform as it's sibling Audi’s Audi Q5.

The new SUV is currently known as the LM00X. People will have the option of two engines - a supercharged 400hp 4.2 V8 and a supercharged 500hp 5.0 V10. It’s expected that the Lamborghini SUV will debut in 2008, while the Audi Q5 it’s based on will be released in 2007.

The Lamborghini Story

Sig. Ferruccio Lamborghini didn't start by building high-performance cars, he was actually born into a farmer family, so when World War II was over and Ferruccio returned to Italy, he began converting the military left-over engines into powerfull tractors, which were much needed at that time.With his studies at a technical school, and his assigned during the war in the car park of the army, he was well cabable of building just about anything from scratch, and keep it running afterwards.The tractor business, which he started in an old barn, went extremely well, and soon Ferruccio was able to move into bigger premises in 1949, he built had a completely new factory built in Cento and founded Lamborghini Trattori SpA.

At that time they built just one tractor each day with a rather small group of employees. But things only got better, and by 1958 Lamborghini Trattori SpA built 1500 tractors a year.Lamborghini tractors were considered to be among the very best, in the beginning Ferruccio even organised tractor-pulling contests between his machines and those belonging to nearby farmers, just to show that his tractor was the most powerfull one. The Lamborghini tractors were very reliable and they were built in a very high quality, mainly because over 80 percent of the parts were made inside the factory at Cento, so Ferruccio could asure himself of the best possible quality.

In 1969 production went up to 5000 units a year, which caused Ferruccio to start thinking about moving into even larger premisses again. He moved the factory in 1971, at that time the Lamborghini Trattori SpA was the third best selling tractor manufacturer on the Italian market. But in 1972, after a fatal cancellation of an important order, Ferruccio lost confidence in his tractor business and sold his company to Same Co of Treviglio, but production still continued and by 1979, the former Lamborghini factory produced some 10,000 tractors a year, from which 26 percent was exported all over the world while 8 percent remained in Italy.It should therefore be much easier to find a Lamborghini tractor than a Lamborghini car, because the total production of Automobili Lamborghini is nowhere near 10,000 units.

MUGEN Accessorizes Your All

So you settled for the USDM, factory-built Honda Civic MUGEN Si because: a.) you don't live in Japan and b.) even if you did, you probably wouldn't have gotten your filthy mitts on a limited-edition MUGEN RR anyway. However, if you're still looking to get yourself something related to the RR, you're in luck. MUGEN has found another way to vacuum up fanboy dollars appeal to its enthusiast customers by offering up original artwork. First up in "The Art of MUGEN Power" series is "The Art, MUGEN RR", a 300-piece limited-edition print that shows the car in cutaway form. ¥39,000 ($368) puts one on your wall. Want a numbered plate for the frame? Tack on another ¥2,100 ($19.80). It's art a la carte, courtesy of MUGEN. The company website has all the details (in Japanese, natch -- the English pages are perpetually "under the construction").

Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Cars by Mopar

Mopar is bringing the iconic Dodge Challenger muscle car to National Hot Road Association (NHRA) drag-racing competition. Mopar revealed two Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Cars at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals today before thrilled fans at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the longest-running NHRA sponsorship.

Source: Tuning News

Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 Race Car

The Porsche RS Spyder was designed and built specifically to compete in the the 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans and Le Mans racing series, where it falls under the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class. Sponsored teams include the Penske Racing Porsche RS Spyder, and the Porsche race car continues to notch up wins, both class wins and overall wins, in endurance racing series around the world. As per LMP2 regulations, the Porsche RS Spyder has an engine displacement of just under 3.4 Liters, and runs on 10 percent bioethanol fuel.

The German-sourced race car has had great success in the American Le Mans racing series, taking home more wins in the LMP2 class in recent years than any other competitor. According to official American Le Mans racing series documentation, Porsche is the only manufacturer with an entry in the series which can claim that their Porsche RS Spyder Le Mans cars are built on the same assembly line as the Porsche German sports cars offered to the buying public.

Far from being just about bragging rights and drumming up interest, the Le Mans endurance racing series the Porsche RS Spyder competes in are about testing new technologies which hope to trickle down into Porsche, and other competitors' parent companies, consumer model lines.

Because the LMP2 Porsche Spyder competes in the prototype class, rather than the GT classes, Porsche is not required to produce RS Spyder-spec cars for road use, as is the case with BMW's M3 GT2 endurance racing cars or Porsche's own 911 GT3 Cup Car, for example. Still, prototype endurance racing is an exciting sport, which gives automakers a chance to try out their newest technologies on the world stage.

Source: R-SportsCars

European hunting season cancelled: Cadillac CTS-V not crossing Atlantic

Cadillac's wicked new CTS-V may have the likes of the BMW M5 in its sights, but it appears that it won't be hunting down the best that Munich, Stuttgart and Ingolstadt have to offer on their Autobahn home turf. According to Top Gear, Caddy's U.S. minders don't think the V's blown V8 is good for Europe, so the car apparently won't be making the boat trip across the Atlantic. Unfortunate, as it would have been interesting to see how America's ultimate muscle sedan would have fared when euro journos pitted it against all the hometown favorites. Sure, we'll see comparos done Stateside, but it would have been fun to see Cadillac put on the "away" jersey to try and add some luster to that long-tarnished "Standard of the World" mantle against Europe's top performance machines -- including the ones we don't see here, like the new Audi RS6 .

Source: Top Gear

The Black Ops: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

This is the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.
MB describes it as the 'exclusive high-performance coupe for the discerning motorist'. By 'discerning' we presume they mean 'totally and utterly crazy in the heed'.
The SL Black - the third Black series car after the SLK and sensational CLK - is based on the latest SL 65.

The 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine has been tweaked by AMG to 670bhp and 1000 Nm of torques - that's 737lb/ft in old money or 152lb/ft more than an SLR...
The standard SL 65 AMG has a measly 612bhp.

The SL Black also gets a chunky wide-arch bodykit, modified intake system, two trapezoidal tail pipes and a carbon roof. The SL's trick vario roof folding hardtop has been junked in favour of an integral roll cage.

Composite brakes are fitted, as are 20-inch alloys and a retractable boot spoiler. The Black is 250kg lighter than the SL 65 AMG.

0-62mph comes up in 3.9seconds and top speed is limited to 199mph - figures near identical to the SLR and all for $90,000 less than the bigger Mercedes.

Which begs the question, why spend the extra?

BMW 335i Coupe & Cabriolet Get M3’s 7-Speed Double-Clutch Gearbox

Parallel to the market launch of the facelifted 3 Series sedan and touring models, BMW announced the availability of its new 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox with double-clutch for the 335i Coupe and 335i Convertible models. Named DKG, the new double-clutch transmission was introduced for the first time on the M3 Sedan. It offers the driver the choice of controlling the gearbox changes through a shift lever on the centere console or via paddles on the steering wheel.
Equipped with this gearbox, the 335i Coupe with the 306Hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.4 sec or 0.1 sec faster than the model fitted with the 6-speed manual transmission and 0.3 seconds faster than the 335i Coupe with the previously available 6-speed automatic.

Furthermore, the double-clutch gearbox helps drop consumption in both the 335i Coupe and Cabriolet by up to 5% compared to the equivalent models with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. In particular, the 335i Coupe & Convertible models with the DKG achieve an average fuel consumption in the combined EU test cycle of 8.8lt /100km (26.7 mpg) and 9.1lt/100km (25.9 mpg) respectively.

2010 Honda S2000 Roadster Rendering

While I still haven’t got any official word on the S2000 replacement, Japanese car magazines are at it again drawing up their own renderings of Honda’s next generation rear-wheel-drive roadster. According to T.L. who sent us this latest scan, the unnamed Japanese magazines says that new S2000 is expected to be unveiled in 2010 with worldwide sales starting in 2011. It is stated that Honda’s S2000 will offer buyers more options in terms of powertrains, including two new engines, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder V-TEC unit delivering approximately 250Hp and a 3.5-litre V6 V-TEC unit with about 350Hp.

IMSA Lamborghini Gallardo LP560

Lamborghini and Audi tuning specialist IMSA has launched a new sport package for the recently facelifted Gallardo LP 560. The German firm’s Spartan press release states that the package includes a new set of lightweight alloys (without mentioning the diameter) and a sport suspension set up, than can be combined with a carbon fiber rear-wing spoiler and a new sport exhaust system that not only coddles the driver with acoustic delights but it also increases the Gallardo LP560 V10’s output to 584Hp (+24Hp).

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: One Less Reason to Look at the WRX

Filling a performance hole left between the ho-hum 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and the scorching 2009 Lancer Evolution, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart offers desirable specs in the performance department at a price that fills the sweet spot in Mitsubishi’s lineup and poses the AWD small sports sedan as a direct competitor to the new 2009 Subaru WRX.

The Lancer Ralliart’s engine has quite a pedigree, being the same basic 2.0 liter block and head used in the Lancer Evolution, though detuned, with less boost, for application in the Ralliart. An interesting inclusion at this price point is Mitsubishi’s TC-SST transmission, a paddle shifted, dual clutch sequential manual.

The styling is more Lancer Evolution than Lancer throwaway econobox, and manages to maintain the snarling look of the Evo while staying subdued enough to appeal to compact sports car fans who may be turned off by oversize hood scoops and picnic table rear spoilers.

This is not to say that the Lancer Ralliart is conservative in any way. Think of it as the Lancer Evolution on a diet: plenty of performance, chiseled and eye-catching design, and a price and driving dynamics that anyone can appreciate.

Engine
Power bhp: 237

Torque lb-ft: 253
Type: Turbocharged Inline 4 Cylinder

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.5 Seconds
Fuel Consumption : 17 city /25 highway mpg

BMW Creates a Two-Wheel Drive Off-Road Bike

A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.

With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.

Project Kahn Bentley Continental GTS ‘Black Edition’

Project Kahn is proud to announce the launch of the new Bentley Continental GTS ‘Black Edition’.

The ‘Black Edition’ has an eight-piece body consisting of a three piece rear valance, two side skirts, a two piece front valance and a rear boot spoiler. This kit has been developed by our Project Kahn design team and has undergone many hours of testing not only to ensure safety but also to ensure that a perfect fit is achieved for each car.

The ‘Black Edition’ package contains a full interior styling program which includes a bespoke Project Kahn Luxury Leather upgrade and high gloss piano black interior fascia panels with the optional extras of either a high gloss piano black steering or a carbon fibre finish steering wheel. Each car comes with privacy tinted glass perfectly matched to compliment the cars exterior. To complete the ‘low to the road’ aggressive stance the ‘black edition’ is fitted with a Project Kahn electronic lowering module. As standard the suspension is lowered by 20mm but this can be adjusted according to the customers’ requirements.
Each ‘Black Edition’ is fitted with the Project Kahn GTS sports exhaust system which provides a slight increase in performance whilst accelerating but more importantly emits a unique sound emanating from the car as a deep rumble.

However the most unique feature of the ‘Black Edition’ is the addition of the new ‘Silver Mist’ alloy wheel.

Source: Tuning News

SMS Ford Mustang 25th Anniversary

Even though Steve Saleen and Saleen Inc. parted ways last year, the 59-year-old continues to work on Ford Mustang projects through his newly founded company SMS Limited. The Ford Mustang 25th Anniversary Concept, which was created by Saleen in celebration of his 25th anniversary in the niche manufacturing business, is the company’s first actual vehicle. Though SMS doesn’t intend to put the Mustang concept into production, it demonstrates the company’s capabilities.

The Mustang concept features a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that develops 720Hp at the crank and 612Hp at the rear wheels. Other mechanical upgrades include the cross-drilled brakes and the billet aluminium watts link suspension. Saleen enhanced the Mustang’s looks with an aggressive bodykit as well as with a few unique details like the LED taillight and the induction system on the hood scoop that allows the butterflies to crack open under throttle.

Source: Carscoop

GM Shrinks Volt's Gas Tank

One of the many things General Motors boasted about when it unveiled the Volt concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 was its 600-mile range. This was achieved partially by the battery pack, which could sustain a (theoretical) charge allowing the Volt to run for 40 miles without reverting to the gasoline engine/generator, as well as a 12-gallon fuel tank. According to Kicking Tires, GM has shrunk the size of the tank by an unknown quantity and the result is a reduction in range from 600 to 400 miles – or 360 miles without the aid of battery power.

The General maintains that since most owners don't travel more than 40 miles in one day, it wasn't necessary to fit the Volt with a larger tank. That reduction in capacity will save some weight, but what will it cost in public perception? The hype surrounding GM's supposed savior and game-changer are based on two figures: range and cost. If GM can deliver on both counts, they might have a hit on their hands. If not, the Volt will be DOA the day it hits dealers.

2009 BMW 7-Series: High Res Images & Official Details

Finally got a hold of high resolution images of the new BMW 7-Series and the initial technical details on the Bavarian carmaker’s flagship saloon. From a design standpoint there are few things worth mentioning: the absence of the horrid Bungle booty; the transmission selector has been transferred from the steering column to the center console; the high waistline and the return of both the driver orientated centre console and the classic instrument cluster with four circular instruments, all of which are more than welcome.

Overall, and despite being a tad larger in both height and length than its predecessor, the new 7-Series hides its size well enough and if anything else, the styling is no where near as controversial as the previous 7-Series.

Technically speaking, as one would anticipate, the new 7-Series boasts an array of features and systems, including Active Blind Spot Detection, Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View and Back-up Cameras, Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability and a new Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW’s front Active Steering system.

In terms of power, unfortunately the North American press release refers only to the 750i which is equipped with the recently introduced in the X6, 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 delivering 400 hp and 450lbs-ft of torque. That’s compared to the outgoing 750i’s naturally aspirated 360hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. The twin turbocharged V8 is matted to revised 6-speed automatic transmission. According to BMW, the 750i can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds – not bad for a limo…

We could go on and on about the 7-Series, but we gather it’s better to let those interested to check out the full press release after the image gallery. However we would like to comment on something. BMW says that it now delivers the owner’s manual electronically, via the revised iDrive. According to the Bavarian carmaker’s own words “in just seconds, the user can access information on virtually any detail of the vehicle’s equipment, systems, operation, etc…like a traditional owner’s manual, only better”.

If there was one thing that we could rely on getting us out of trouble with the iDrive, that was the manual….

The 2009 7-Series will make its global debut at the Paris Show in October with the North American premiere following in November at the Los Angeles International Autoshow. U.S. sales are expected to begin by spring 2009.

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

It'd be hard to ask for more than what the spectacular Alfa 8C Competizione already offers, but Alfa Romeo intends to do just that. So after announcing the initial run of 500 coupes, Alfa will begin production of 500 roadsters. But in case that weren't enough, reports have been circulating of two new 8Cs to follow. On the one hand we have the 8C's successor, which Alfa's PR people hope will be based on the Ferrari California. On the other we have the more focused GTA version of the current coupe.

While earlier reports suggested that the new second-generation Ferrari-based 8C could arrive in time for Alfa Romeo's 100 year anniversary in 2010, sources now suggest that it will be the 8C GTA that will arrive for the big celebration. Applying the magic formula of less weight and more power, the GTA is tipped to shed some 150 kg (330 lbs), while power from the 4.7-liter V8 is anticipated to climb from its current 450hp to a nice round 500. (If you remember writing your SATs, think GTA is to 8C as Scuderia is to F430 and you're a shoe-in for your top choice.) Only 100 examples are reportedly on the table, and you can bet they'll sell out faster than a "waste management consultant" with priors.