Bigger, cheaper and more stylish Cars For Future-
New electric cars for 2010 and 2011 include the Chevy Volt, Fisker Karma, Coda, Ford Focus electric, Think City and more.
Pick the right RC Cars or Remote control cars in this Christmas. It will be a big surprise.For 2011, the Dodge brand's ultimate modern American muscle coupe receives a .... Collectors are now preserving many historic 392-powered race cars and hot...
For 2011, the Dodge brand's ultimate modern American muscle coupe receives a big boost in power and performance. And the product story goes beyond the impressive horsepower and torque lurking under the hood.
The new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function, with impressive straight-line acceleration and world-class ride and handling to go along with high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency.
The result is the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge lineup packed with modern amenities and features performance enthusiasts will love.
"For 2011, the Go Green Auto Rally platform should be an ideal fit for racing ... for manufacturers to profile the latest in new green technologies.
BMW X3: the new version has increased space throughout, it has been restyled to be more in line with the X5 and the price has droppedFIRSTDRIVE BMW X3 xDrive 20d: UNLIKE BMW’s X5 SUV – something of an icon of the Celtic Tiger – the original X3 never really appealed to Irish buyers: it was smaller than the X5, but only slightly less expensive. If you could afford one then you could probably afford the other, so why downsize? It’s not as if, in choosing an SUV, it was going to do your green credentials any good. It was the X5-lite, the saccharine choice.
This time they’ve added the sugar and softened the monetary pill. So much so that the X3 might now have the bright future once mapped out for the model when it first came out.
The car has become more spacious: a criticism of the initial X3 was that it was rather cramped. The new car is close to earlier versions of the X5 and BMW claims the X3 has more interior space than cars such as the Volvo XC60.
There’s a noticeable improvement in bootspace, while rear seat legroom is in line with what you get in a current 3-Series. Up front, the interior has been upgraded to give a proper premium feel, encompassing features in the new 5-Series and bigger models.
Overall styling also mimics its big brother, with a multitude of smart sweeping lines and curves in the bodywork, while the handling is improved, offering the sort of dynamics that BMW has claimed for its cars over the years.
It proved a little firm on the US roads we tested it on but it’s not enough to cause too much complaint and the lack of bodyroll in corners is impressive. BMW’s priority has always been to instil on-road agility to the SUV market with its X models and the new X3 is loyal to this ethos. This is an SUV with its sights set on offering sporty on-road performance.
On the technical front, the powertrain comes from the firm’s respected 2-litre four-cylinder diesel, which puts out an impressive 184bhp with 380Nm of torque. Both are more than ample for throwing this car along on both motorways and winding rural roads. There’s plenty of torque on tap even in higher gears, though the engine does emit a diesel rumble at over 3,000rpm and the rattle sometimes intrudes into the cabin. It’s our biggest gripe with the car but compensated for by tax and fuel savings.
The six-speed manual transmission is a nice short-throw box. On a rather tame off-road track the X3 coped with steep inclines and the odd stream crossing, but in reality X3s are unlikely to encounter challenges greater than a muddy back road into a golf course. It features BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive, but its real ability is in on-road grip and cornering in tight bends.
Images for latest cars 2011-
Arguably the greatest boon for this X3 is the timing of its arrival. Where the X5 now seems a little extravagant, the X3 comes across as an SUV symbol of prudence but lacking nothing in practicality.
For those concerned about public scorn from buying a new SUV, the coup de grace is that it registers emissions of only 149g/km; low enough to bring it into band C with a €302 motor tax.
It exemplifies the incredible speed at which car firms are addressing their carbon footprint. It makes something of a mockery of the current tax regime, where premium brands – with their ability to direct higher profit margins towards cutting-edge engineering – can offer luxury flagship models that garner a lower road tax than a three-year-old family saloon. But that’s for the Government to decide on. For now buyers of this latest BMW will reap the benefits of the brand’s engineering.
There’s a financial sweetener for X3: due in part to the lower emissions and VRT tax band, the price is now down €4,170 from the outgoing model to €45,810 (on the road for €46,660) for the 2-litre 184bhp diesel version. That’s the launch version, due in Ireland at the end this month. Two more diesel variants and M Sport versions are scheduled next year but this 2-litre 184bhp diesel will make up 80 per cent of sales.
The new X3 has grown into a proper family SUV that’s no longer the poor relation to the X5. It remains a slightly smaller, softer choice, but where once those attributes were its Achilles heel, now they’re its saving grace.
Latest Car Trends on Display in Las Vegas
Posted: Nov 03, 2010 4:14 AM Updated: Nov 03, 2010 4:50 AM
LAS VEGAS -- The future of the automotive industry is on display in Las Vegas. Nearly 2,000 exhibitors are at the Las Vegas Convention Center to show off the latest in car parts.
Tens of thousands are at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the annual gathering of the specialty equipment market association, or SEMA. These aren't your usual car parts.
"These are all discretionary purchases. SEMA represents everything that you want for your car. Really, nothing you need, but everything you want," said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president.
This industry was hit particularly hard during the recession. Customers found it tough to justify buying car modifications if they barely had enough money to keep their cars running in the first place.
Walking amidst international visitors is Dale Deen who owns a small car modification and restoration shop in Las Vegas.
"We're looking for the latest innovations that we can find. If it's something that we can market and make a profit and bring the business back," said Deen.
The question remains, will customers spend what extra money they have on modifying their cars?
"I think the businesses are trying to move in that direction. As we see the economy hopefully stabilize, but I don't really see anything from the actual consumers themselves, but the businesses are definitely here," said Mike Chase, CARMAX Las Vegas.
Organizers say attendance at the convention is up 11 percent this year.
SEMA distributors picked the Chevy Camero as the 2010 Car of the Year.
LAS VEGAS – Ford has revealed plans to leverage the all-new Focus for motorsport by supporting the development of a next-generation touring car for global competition – the latest indication of the company’s comprehensive approach to exploiting its global product platforms.
The move, announced at the 2010 Speciality Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, extends Ford's reputation for offering race-capable, affordable platforms that can be converted into a racecar, including Escort, Capri, Mustang and most recently, Fiesta. That tradition will continue as the new Focus takes over as Ford’s global touring car, to be developed with private race teams in cooperation with the company’s global motorsport group.
“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world about the new Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Business Development. “Even more, by working with private race teams, we’re ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win.”
The first race appearance for the car is targeted to be in the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. Globally, the racecar has the potential to run in many national and regional Championships like the China Touring Car Championship, as well as 24-hour endurance races including the classic Nürburgring 24-hour race in Germany. Like the new Focus ST road car, the global Focus racecar will feature Ford EcoBoost™ engine technology, extending it to the racetrack.
Private race teams are helping Ford to develop a common technical specification for the racecar, which will conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to wider specifications. The teams are being brought together by Ford to determine their strengths and define roles for the development of the racecar. Ford will also support the race teams by providing data and production parts, resulting in teams racing more competitive cars that are developed with greater efficiency.
Global Customer Benefit
The benefit of the new Focus touring car will stretch beyond the track to customers of the all-new Focus ST road car.
“Ford’s commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will benefit the upcoming Focus ST road car,” said Capito. “It’s very similar to how the Ford Racing Boss 302R brought significant lessons learned to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.”
One common Focus ST performance car is being developed for all global markets, with the vehicle targeted for launch during 2012. This will be the first time that Ford has produced one of its highly regarded high-performance models for a global audience.
The move, announced at the 2010 Speciality Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, extends Ford's reputation for offering race-capable, affordable platforms that can be converted into a racecar, including Escort, Capri, Mustang and most recently, Fiesta. That tradition will continue as the new Focus takes over as Ford’s global touring car, to be developed with private race teams in cooperation with the company’s global motorsport group.
“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world about the new Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Business Development. “Even more, by working with private race teams, we’re ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win.”
The first race appearance for the car is targeted to be in the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. Globally, the racecar has the potential to run in many national and regional Championships like the China Touring Car Championship, as well as 24-hour endurance races including the classic Nürburgring 24-hour race in Germany. Like the new Focus ST road car, the global Focus racecar will feature Ford EcoBoost™ engine technology, extending it to the racetrack.
Private race teams are helping Ford to develop a common technical specification for the racecar, which will conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to wider specifications. The teams are being brought together by Ford to determine their strengths and define roles for the development of the racecar. Ford will also support the race teams by providing data and production parts, resulting in teams racing more competitive cars that are developed with greater efficiency.
Global Customer Benefit
The benefit of the new Focus touring car will stretch beyond the track to customers of the all-new Focus ST road car.
“Ford’s commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will benefit the upcoming Focus ST road car,” said Capito. “It’s very similar to how the Ford Racing Boss 302R brought significant lessons learned to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.”
One common Focus ST performance car is being developed for all global markets, with the vehicle targeted for launch during 2012. This will be the first time that Ford has produced one of its highly regarded high-performance models for a global audience.
The SEMA show in Las Vegas is the latest major motoring event to play host to some exciting green concepts – with Kia leading the line.
The Korean car manufacturer is using the event to showcase the Kia Forte Hybrid Concept which combines a 1.6litre four-cylinder engine fuelled by liquid petroleum gas and a lithium polymer battery with accentuated design characteristics such as body panel enhancements and a lowered stance.
The Kia Forte Hybrid Concept.
It’s not just the engine that makes this exciting concept environmentally friendly, however. It is accentuated by cast aluminium alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tyres which improve fuel economy and reduce road noise. It also includes interior panel treatments with customer enhancements and a 1,200watt Infinity audio system.
McLaren Sportscar Will Beat Hybrids in CO2 per Horsepower-
Published November 2, 2010
McLaren MP4-12C in San Jose, Calif. (Photos by Michael Coates. All rights reserved.)
When you think of vehicle efficiency, perhaps a Toyota Prius comes to mind. But then there’s supercar efficiency.
British high-performance vehicle maker McLaren has a reputation for building fast Formula One racecars and fast street versions of those racecars. Now, with its latest model—the MP4-12C—it declares the car "will have less CO2 per horsepower than a hybrid city car." The company revealed the MP4-12C to automotive journalists in San Jose on Oct. 28.
If the CO2-per-horsepower declaration were not backed up by the technical know-how that has won championships in virtually every major race category—Formula One, Can-Am, ALMS, to name a few—it might be cast aside on the heap of automotive hype. But the claim becomes particularly intriguing when it is attached to a sub-3-second zero-to-60 car powered by a 593-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine. McLaren's North American Sales Manager Peter Freiberger told Hybridcars.com that the statement was no fluke. The green philosophy of the car company—which intends to follow the MP4-12C with a string of new models or variants that will be brought out every 12 months for the next several years— is "good enough is not good."
McLaren MP4-12C in San Jose, Calif. (Photos by Michael Coates. All rights reserved.)
The aim for this world car—one-third of its estimated 1,000 annual production will come to North America—is to best its supercar competitors not only in traditional performance such as acceleration and handling, but also on the environmental front. Its superlight chassis features a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum. The engineers’ work on weight reduction led them to eliminate grams wherever they could, leading to a dry body weight of only 2,866 pounds. To save weight in every possible way, they also replaced the traditional battery with a lighter lithium-ion one. McLaren will build one lightweight aluminum 3.8-liter engine for all world markets—making sure to meet the strict emissions found in California, one of the car's likely top markets.
When the MP4-12C—its complicated name is lost in McLaren lore of history and secret formulas—goes on sale next summer, it will retail for between $225,000 and $250,000. There will be 10 dealers in the U.S., including one in Silicon Valley. To appeal to those technological geeks, the McLaren car also will have an information system that includes a fully integrated PC with Bluetooth, and a voice-controlled media player that also incorporates a navigation system and phone. It has WLAN connectivity to transfer files from other computers. The sound system comes from Meridian and features the latest digital signal processing technology. The company didn’t release a stat for horsepower-to-decibels.
2011 Cars-
Automobile's comprehensive new and future 2011 cars section covers all the news, prices, specifications, photos, and more for every make and model that will be in the showrooms soon including 2011 concept cars. Browse many new 2011 cars, trucks and SUVs to help you decide before you buy a new car today or just wait for tomorrow.
New and Future 2011 Cars-
 | First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG We take Mercedes-Benz's latest gullwing for a flight around Germany's Sachsenring track. | |
 | 2009 Sneak Preview: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee The Grand Cherokee's styling is purely evolutionary, but Chrysler knows not to mess with a good thing - as the company faces extinction, it's Jeep that's most likely to survive. | |
 | 2009 Sneak Preview: New and Future Lexus Cars Did you think that the worldwide economic meltdown meant that Toyota was canceling its long-planned LF-A supercar project? Think again. | |
 | 2009 Sneak Preview: New and Future Chevrolet Cars The Equinox has been languishing on the market due to its second-rate interior and ancient engines. But the Equinox's wallflower phase will end this summer, when a vastly improved-and less expensive-cute-ute hits the dance floor. | |
 | First Look: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ironically, it's only years after the big divorce that the Jeep brand finally benefits from the DaimlerChrysler marriage. | |
 | 2011 Chevy Volt - From Show Car to Showroom Practical considerations reshape the Chevy Volt. | |
 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG SLR you later, McLaren: As the Mercedes SLR McLaren roars off into the sunset, the boys from AMG are readying the next Benz supercar, due out in 2010. | |
 | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid In a press release about Volkswagen's new BlueMotion technologies, the company announced that it would be showing a Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid prototype at the 2009 Geneva motor show. | |
 | First Test: 2010 Audi R8 V10 We've already driven the 2010 Audi R8 V10, but we did not get a chance to test the car until now. Don Sherman spent the day with an R8 and his testing equipment and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. | |
 | 2011 Chevrolet Spark: The Nitty-Gritty The 2011 Chevrolet Spark will debut at the Geneva motor show in March, but we sat down with sources close to the program to learn a little bit more. | |
 | 2011 Suzuki Swift - The Cars We Need Now! It reminds you how much fun we used to have behind the wheel-how satisfying it was to rev the bejeezus out of a willing little four-banger; how exciting it used to be to drive at crazy high speeds like 75 mph; and how much fun it was to go forty miles on a single gallon of gasoline. | |
 | 2011 Ford Kuga - The Cars We Need Now! Stylish and fashionable, the new crossover from Ford of Europe is about the same length as a Ford Escape, but it sits astride a 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase. | |
 | 2011 Ford Fiesta - The Cars We Need Now! Developed in conjunction with the Mazda 2, the new Fiesta is going on sale in Europe this fall as a two- or four-door hatchback. | |
 | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze GM readies its next global small car for a Paris debut. | |
 | 2011 Chevy Volt Revealed After months of speculation, skeptical claims of vaporware, and leaked photography, GM pulled the wraps off the 2011 Chevrolet Volt - its great green hope - at its centennial celebrations in Detroit. | |
Nissan dishes out specs* for the 2011 Leaf-
2011 Nissan Leaf – Click above for high-res image gallery
Speculation surrounding the on-road abilities, battery size, curb weight and other trivial aspects of the 2011 Nissan Leaf should dwindle down soon now that Nissan of Europe has officially released a complete spec sheet for its battery-powered vehicle. Rather than linger on discussing info contained within the automaker's absurdly long press release, we'll move straight to the numbers.
- Battery capacity: Yep, it's still listed at 24 kWh.
- Curb weight: A rather svelte 3,366 pounds dispels rumors suggesting that Leaf would tip the scales at 3,500 to 3,900 pounds.
- Max. engine power: 107 horsepower available from 2,730 to 9,800 rpm (max. rpm listed at 10,390)
- Max. torque: 206.5 pound-feet available from 0-2,730 rpm
- Acceleration run from 0-62 miles per hour: 11.9* seconds
- Top speed: 89* miles per hour
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