Dodge Circuit

This tré chic electric vehicle will be able to travel 150 to 200 miles on a single charge. While a purely battery-powered rear-wheel-drive performance coupe might sound like an oxymoron, the Circuit seems to work — at least on paper. Plus, using a tried and true platform, the Lotus Europa, Chrysler can save money and get this sporty EV on the road fast. The heart and soul of this two-seater is a 200 kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and a sophisticated controller to manage the energy flow. The system develops an impressive 268 horsepower and a neck snapping 480 lb-ft of torque. Now, that’s an environmentally conscious sports car.

2009 Infiniti G Sedan

The 2009 Infiniti G Sedan is powered by a new 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine combined with a new 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching, Drive Sport mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). A 6-speed manual transmission is also offered. New additions include available sport brakes with 4-piston front calipers and 14-inch front discs, new 18-inch wheels and standard Scratch Shield paint. Interior changes include revised interior trim, softer touch lower door panels, brighter aluminum trim color and redesigned seat heater switches.

Hyundai Genesis

The new Hyundai Genesis, the automaker's first foray into premium sports sedan territory, will also be the first Hyundai to offer the XM NavTraffic real-time traffic service as an option.
XM Radio will of course be standard on the Genesis, as it is on nearly all Hyundai vehicles.
XM NavTraffic, which is available in 80 major North American markets, will be made available as part of the Genesis' navigation system. Every 2009 Hyundai Genesis equipped with XM NavTraffic comes standard with a free 3-month subscription of the traffic service (XM Radio also comes with a 3-month trial subscription).
“While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS,” said John Krafcik, VP product development and strategic planning at Hyundai Motor America.
Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive architecture with three powertrains offered, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. The Tau will produce an estimated 375 horsepower using premium fuel (368hp using regular unleaded) leading all competitors in specific output with 79.5 to 81.0 horsepower per liter.
Hyundai's new flagship vehicle will also be the most advanced Hyundai ever. From its 8-inch navigation display (which also sports a 30-gig harddrive), to its Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, and its Lexicon state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology (which, by the way, is only available on the Rolls Royce Phantom in addition to the Genesis). The MSRP is unknown at this time, but I'll make a bet that it will be a big seller for the automaker

2010 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai has released two official sketches of its 2010 Equus sedan. The Equus is a large luxury sedan that is sold in South Korea, Europe, China and the Middle East.
The 2010 Equus is expected to be powered by either a 420 horsepower 5.0L Tau V8 or a 4.6L Tau V8. Both engines will put the power to the ground via the rear wheels. Hyundai's new eight-speed automatic transmission is also expected to be offered.
The next-generation Equus is expected to also feature a Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety Seatbelt System, and LED-equipped headlights and taillights.
The 2010 Hyundai Equus is expected in South Korean dealerships next month. Don't expect it to hit U.S. shores anytime soon, since it could cannibalize Genesis sales.

Honda CR-V

Dynamic styling appeal. Elevated SUV outlook. Premium driving refinement. And an exhilarating yet stable feeling. The new Honda CR-V has all you want, and more. A spacious cabin and utilities, due to packaging innovation. Plus superb i-VTEC response, quietness, and safety. Discover delightful CR-V driving. Now, all roads are exciting.

See how lower-body toughness meets upper-body style. Note the sleek profile — from projector headlights and forward-shifted windshield, to aerodynamic flanks, to the tilted tailgate. Look how dynamic styling enhances cabin space. Just enter and take possession.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage is official. After teasing us with the Vantage V12 concept car previous year, the company has now released the full details of the production version which will make its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The Vantage V12 features a massive 6.0 Litre V12 engine under the hood with a mamoth 510 bhp and 570 nm of torque. The car is expected to sprint from 0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of nearly 305 km/hr.
These number are eminently believable given that the V8 Vantage with 4.7 Litre engine does the 0-100 kph sprint in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 288 km/hr.
The Vantage V12 look like the smaller V8 cousin but not without some subtle very important changes. The front bumper is new with bigger air intakes to feed the V12 powerplant and a lower front spoiler to keep the car glued on the road, the side skirts are more aerodynamic. The car also comes with new design alloy wheels and a ventilated hood. At the back changes are limited to a slightly larger rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, a new dual exhaust system with larger tips and clear tail lights.
Interior changes are minor with piano gloss black trim on the center console, alcantara covered steering wheel and sports seats.
The car will officially debut at the Geneva Motor show and the deliveries of the new V12 Vantage will start from the third quarter of this year. Aston Martin has also announced to limit the production run to just 1,000 units.

Honda Accord

Witness the debut of the astonishing new Honda Accord: the outcome of our all-out pursuit of sedan excellence, successfully uniting all contradictory elements. A bold exterior presence with a luxury air, yet a sporty youthful feeling. An expansive upper-class cabin with comfortable travel space for five adults and panoramic visibility. A larger body with sportier performance than ever before, and powerful i-VTEC engines designed for high fuel economy. A renowned global car with all advanced Honda technologies for driving command, plus eco-performance for increased recyclability. And, Honda's world-leading safety protection, which even extends to pedestrians and those in other vehicles. Experience its overall quality, riding comfort, and details for yourself, and you'll know why the new Accord represents a distinct "status upgrade" for the sedan.

BMW Z4

This neat little roadster will appeal to buyers who want ultimate driving machines. The 2009 Z4 has more power, new styling and a power retractable hardtop that can fold into the trunk in only 20 seconds. While the base model gets a carryover 255-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, performance fans will be happy to hear that BMW’s 300-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder will also be offered.

Fisker Karma S

When the Karma goes on sale in November for $87,900, it will be the first mass-produced plug-in electric vehicle sold in the United States. It will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph. Two electric motors send 408 horsepower and 959 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, and the Karma will go about 300 miles on fully charged batteries and a full gas tank.

Ford Escape 2009

Ford has developed the Escape for 2009 with a new four-cylinder engine -- also now used, in modified form, in the Escape Hybrid -- and enhancements to the 3.0-liter V6 for more power with less fuel. Small aerodynamic modifications also contribute to fuel efficiency and reduce interior noise levels. Anti-lock brakes and the AdvanceTrac¨ with RSC¨ (Roll Stability Control) stability control system are standard equipment in all models. Suspension re-tuning has improved ride and handling characteristics. Green is in in Dearborn, and last year's seat fabrics made from recycled materials are joined by soy-based foam padding. Easy Fuel(tm) capless refueling means no more lost gas caps.
Regular trim levels are XLS, XLT and Limited, with standard equipment levels varying from comfortably middle class to near-luxury, and enough options available to tailor an Escape to nearly every need or desire. For the first time, the Hybrid is offered in two levels, standard and Limited, which is equipped similarly to the gasoline Limited.
I've just finished a week with a 4WD V6 Escape XLT, and if the exterior aero changes were subtle, the functional changes were readily apparent and appreciated. The six-speed transmission and more powerful engine worked together for quick acceleration and reasonable fuel economy. The 21.5 mpg overall I got, with better possible (see below), was an improvement over the 18 to 20 of earlier V6 Escapes I've tested, and the effect of the extra 40 horsepower was welcome in freeway passing and merging situations.
As ever, the Escape strikes a good balance between a small exterior size, easily manageable in parking lots and narrow streets, and interior space. Add the recent drivetrain, suspension, and safety upgrades, and an improved interior, and it has stayed competitive in a tough environment.

Audi R8 5.2 FSI

The R8 5.2 adapts the 5.2-liter V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo, slightly detuned for use in the all-wheel-drive Audi coupe. A nearly identical version of the same engine will power Audi's new $330,000 R8 LMS racing car that's being developed for GT3 events in 2009.
In the R8 5.2, the normally aspirated, direct-injection 10-cylinder engine makes 518 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or an R tronic sequential automatic with steering-wheel-mounted rocker switches.
Audi says the car can zip from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds but will return up to 17 mpg in average fuel economy with the R tronic. Both transmissions come with a launch control program for quick starts with electronically controlled tire-slip reduction.
The R8 5.2 rides on unique 10-spoke 19-inch wheels, shod with 235/35R-19 rubber in front and 295/30R-19s in the rear. High-performance ceramic brakes with composite discs are optional.
Audi has made subtle visual changes to distinguish the V10 variant from the standard eight-cylinder R8. In addition to all-LED headlamps, the R8 5.2 gets wider side sills, matte aluminum exhaust grilles, a larger rear window, chrome single-frame grille, accented side blades, and front air inlets and front apron lip painted in high-gloss black

Chrysler 200C

This EREV Concept promises a 400-mile range, with 40 of those possible on 100 percent electric power. The 200C features goodies like a “panoramic multimedia touch screen,” which takes the place of all switches and levers, and can be customized down to the desktop background. It’s based on a shortened version of Chrysler’s rear-wheel drive platform. Designers tell us that the 200C’s sweptback nose and “wind-cheating shape” make better use of the ENVI drivetrain.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Every 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard; however, our test car came equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Paired with the buttery-smooth seven-speed automatic that features Sport, Comfort and Manual modes, the GLK350 4Matic went from zero to 60 mph at our test track in a tidy 7.2 seconds. That seems just about right for this type of vehicle — respectably quick — and on the open road, the GLK is never wanting for power. In fact, Mercedes could probably pop in the C300's smaller V6 and it wouldn't be significantly worse for wear.
The brakes are also a GLK strong suit, producing a best stop from 60 mph in 119 feet with fade-free subsequent stops of similar length. Pedal feel is solid and trustworthy without any of the nebulous dead travel that some Mercedes exhibit.
While it may not provide the sort of slick handling of a BMW X3 or Infiniti EX35, the GLK350 nevertheless feels capable and confidence-inspiring around corners. The steering can be on the heavy side in parking lots, but at higher speeds is linear in its buildup, with just enough typically German road feel. Whether you're looking for sport sedan-ish handling or just a comfortable cruiser, the GLK should strike a pleasant balance.
According to EPA estimates, fuel economy for the 4Matic-equipped GLK is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. Our test car matched the combined number after two weeks in our lead-footed care. Given the seven-speed transmission, however, we would expect better highway fuel economy.

Toyota Land Cruiser SUV

The current Land Cruiser debuted for the 2008 model year. Wheelbase dimensions haven't changed from the previous model, but the big Toyota has added 2.4 inches of length and an extra inch of width and height. As ever, the Land Cruiser features a traditional body-on-frame design, though it's admirably difficult to discern this from the cabin's coddling confines. Motivation comes exclusively from a 5.7-liter V8 that churns out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, rectifying the relative power shortage that plagued the new Cruiser's predecessor and more than offsetting the new SUV's 265-pound weight gain.
A six-speed automatic channels this output to all four wheels via the Land Cruiser's full-time 4WD system with selectable low-range gearing. "Crawl Control" further enhances the drivetrain's capability by maintaining a fixed ultra-slow velocity for hard-core trail-busting. A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is available for the first time, enabling the front and rear antiroll bars to stiffen or relax automatically as conditions change; the theoretical payoff is both flatter cornering and superior wheel articulation for off-road applications. The only sour note here is that ground clearance and approach, departure and break-over angles have been reduced slightly from the last Land Cruiser.
We're guessing most Land Cruiser buyers won't mind, since this SUV still offers superior off-road capability while raising the level of luxury to new heights. The Cruiser's decadent interior comes standard with leather upholstery, a four-zone climate control system, a 14-speaker audio system, three rows of seating for up to eight people and parking sensors all around. Only one trim level is available, so if you want more than that, you'll have to resort to the options list. Notable add-ons include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a navigation system and wood trim.
In our reviews, we've expressed admiration for the greatly improved on-road performance and composure of the current Land Cruiser, as well as its slightly improved fuel economy and sumptuous accommodations. (The third-row seat is still only for kids, though.) However, we're not convinced that Toyota did the right thing by lowering the default ground clearance without offering a height-adjustable suspension. A vehicle that has staked its reputation on superior off-road performance deserves class-leading ground clearance -- even if you have to press a button to achieve it. We also have our reservations about the Land Cruiser's lofty price, especially with desirable options.

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

The Acura concept sports car is supposed to be the successor to the famous Acura NSX. But this dynamically styled concept car is far more than what would expect. Basically created for the exotic supercar category, the 2007 Acura concept car was designed to house a very powerful V-10 engine. Mounted on the front, the engine is expected to create ripples not only in air the surrounds the engine as it revs to its limit but it will send ripples to the whole high-performance car categories. Manufacturers will further realize that the whole car industry is never sedentary and things always move forward.Aside from that powerful V10, the new Acura also boasts of their new rear wheel driven version of Acura´s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Everything about the 2007 Acura reflects the fusion of advanced technology and passion for absolute performance and quality.Other features of the concept car are ABS, vented disc/vented disc for braking system, tires for the front are 255/40 R19 and for the rear 295/35 R20, and dimensions were measured to be 181.5 × 78.6 × 48.1 feet.Not only does the engine, the braking system and the rear wheel drive technology stop you at your tracks, but the outside appearance of this sports car will give you quivers of anticipation. The outside of the 2007 Acura concept car is a dynamic synthesis of technology and emotions. It´s like watching a drama unfolding before your eyes, or something like that. The long hood of the sports car is filled with deep, sculpted lines and is embossed with air vents, an obvious indication of how powerful the engine is below. The same lines and contours run to the side of the sports car´s body, to the arches of rear wheels which suggest fluidity and aggressiveness. But, even if it looks futuristic some of the features of the supercar were actually taken from the 1st generation Acura NSX.Specs also include a 108.8 inch or 2763mm wheelbase. The concept car will have 19 inch performance front tires and 20 inch ones at the rear. Tires will be mounted on custom made billet-machined, polished wheels made of aluminum that will hide all the power, ventilated disc brakes made of carbon ceramic, as well as the 8-piston calipers.When you turn the concept sports car over and examine the under chassis, you´re supposed to find a carbon fiber underbody. The door handles are flush mounted to maintain that neat, sleek look. Also another reason is to increase or maximize the supercar´s aerodynamic design. The rear is also finished with assertive looking quad exhaust pipes and well integrated (for higher performance) rear diffusers.Everything about this sports car is magnificent. The design, engineering and appearance seems to convey that the future is now. Maybe it is.

The New BMW M6 Convertible

The BMW M6 Convertible is a unique performer featuring the internationally acclaimed engine of the year - the 5.0-liter V10 - which produces an awesome 500 bhp and maximum torque of 383 lb-ft. With a suspension developed for supreme dynamics and a Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) complete with Drivelogic, this ultimate power unit turns the latest product from BMW M into an open sports car able to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.Measuring 190 inches in length, BMW M's new high-performance convertible is about 2 inches longer than the BMW 6 Series Convertible due to its rear air dam, optimized for supreme aerodynamic performance.Typical of BMW's M Cars, the M6 Convertible also features four exhaust tailpipes at the rear.

The roof of the BMW M6 convertible is made of three layers. A special noise and heat insulating layer of polyurethane (PUR) foam comes between the rubberized outer layer and the interior roof lining. Thanks to its unique fin-roof look, the soft top boasts the same dynamic contours as the Coupe. The wide C-pillar is characterised by BMW's famous Hofmeister 'kick'.A vertically positioned rear window can be electrically adjusted to move up or down, regardless of whether the roof itself is open or closed. The roof itself can be opened or closed either by remote control or via a button on the instrument panel with the entire process either way taking less than 25 seconds.

Electronic Damper Control (EDC) offers three control programs, each enabling the driver to set the suspension to the desired mode ranging from sporting and firm to comfortable.The P400 performance program is automatically activated as soon as the engine is started and as its name indicates offers immediate output of 400 bhp output. By pressing the Power Button, the full power and dynamism of the ten-cylinder engine can be called up.

Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon

Hamann, the german tuner has exposed the details on their newest tuned up BMW X6. Named Tycoon, the car is a renovation of a series of Hamann X6 models that were revealed in 2008. To make sweeter the deal, the new BMW X6 Tycoon features a innovative body elements, performance upgrades and an upgraded interior.The designers built a body kit designed to provide the car a more muscular look. The kit has innovative front wings, a rear wing extension, a new apron with big air intakes and LED daytimeHamann as well working on a performance kit for the top-of-the-line BMW X6 xDrive50i. At this time, that car is rated at an remarkable 407 hp and 600 Nm of torque, produced by its 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo.Hamann uses their Design Editio Race Anodized 23-inch rims with 315/325 tires. Special chassis springs enhance light alloys. Ride height is lowered by a maximum of 40mm both at the front and rear axles.The interior of BMW X6 Tycoon is, perhaps, one of favorite parts, stunning aluminum pedelas and carbon fiber elements on the dashboard. The 3-spoke steering wheel gets a innovative shape and it includes carbon fiber elements.

Audi R-Zero

Among the major head turners in 2006 car shows was the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car. Audi has truly outdone itself with this one. The supercar exemplifies the perfect union of the dynamism of sports car designs and the importance and respect it gives for the environment. How's that you might ask? The Audi R-Zero is an electric car.So if you think all environmental friendly hybrids and other cars are boring and attractive, the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car will definitely change your mind. The original concept was a product of the minds of an ingenious group of students hailing from the International School of Design, ISD France. The R-Zero sports car will be equipped with four electric in-wheel motors as its engine. Each engine will be powered by lithium-ion 800 volts batteries that are capable of releasing great mass of power, not less than 450 watts/kg in fact. The supercar will have an estimated weight of 2.2 tons (4,850 lbs), given that the batteries will weigh around 1,200kg and the four engines around 340kg, plus the body weight and accessories. Torque is expected to reach 2,168 lb-ft while horsepower is set at around 1,091 hp at 12,900 rpm. With individual batteries providing power to each individual engine, the sports car is estimated to go at a top speed of 460 km/h (286 mph), with the fast car capable of going from 0-100 km/h in less the 3 seconds. Now, who's going to say that an environmental friendly, electrical-powered car is sissy?The great thing about the R-Zero sports car are the engines themselves. Not only do the engines protect the environment by not consuming fossil fuels, the electrical motorization is able to transmit great power to the engine as well as bring out high reactivity.But the R-Zero has more to offer. Now the Audi R Zero Concept is actually a concept car that has its foundations in the popular two-seater super sports car Audi TT and the Bugatti Veyron. The car itself was made using a superstructure that allows air to flow and cool the motor and the brakes. The airflow creates a steady aerodynamic support as well. These attributes and characteristics, of course, brought forth the supercar's optimum performance.One of the fast car's major attributes is a front latticed grille with a chrome frame where you can find the Audi emblem. The front headlights are made from LED technology and are divided into three separate parts, each made to serve specific purposes. If you look at the R-Zero's curves and design, you will have a Zen like impression of calmness, but at the same time will be affected by the car's voracious nature appeal.The electric car's wheels are also unique. The 5-wide-radial wheel discs are basically massive. They have been set in low-profile Michelin tires. The large air-cooled disc brakes with red colored brake stirrups can be clearly seen from the spokes of the radial wheel.Given its specifications, the 2006 Audi R-Zero Concept car is by far the most revolutionary car that came out in the past years. The technology behind this supercar will be astonishing and accomplishing it will be a great feat, both for man and Mother Nature.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4

With the latest Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini has produced a driving experience like extremely no other, fascinating design, awesome performance and extreme handling characteristics come together with all the sensual power and open-air enjoyment that only a soft top super sports car can bring.“The new LP 560-4 Spyder adds another dimension to the Gallardo’s lineage with extreme design language and class-leading performance,” says President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann.The much predictable Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers a new 5.2 liter engine with 40 added horsepower than its predecessor with an output of 560 hp at 8,000 rpm.; allowing it to sprint from 0-62 mph in only four seconds with a top speed of 201 mph.

e85 Ferrari

Monday, Ferrari revealed a e85 concept car that can run on ethanol. A Ferrari spokesperson said that it showcased the e85 ethanol car because of their engineering experience in Formula One and the bubbling demand for alternative fuel or flex-fuel vehicles in America.

The handsome Ferrari F430 Spider Bio-fuel utilizes E85, a blend of fuel that is comprised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

While at the North American International Auto Show, Amadeo Felisa, Ferrari's chief executive, described Ferrari's commitment to drastically reduce their car's emissions by forty percent by 2012.

According to the executive, Ferrari had prior experience with e85 in Formula one racing. When racing, Formula One has regulations that say all the cars used in races must use fuel that is comprised of 5.75 percent biomass.

On the other hand, The FIA GT and the American Le Mans racing series have somewhat stricter policies. Those races require drivers to use race car's that operate with e10 or ten percent ethanol.

In order for Ferrari to create the F430 Spider Bio-fuel, Ferrari engineers had to do some minor tweaks to the car's engine. The engineers had to make changes to the fuel injection system and they had to change settings in the Ferrari's engine computer. This resulted in lower carbon dioxide emissions - a five percent cut - and as an added bonus, it also increased the car's power output with no changes to the car's weight.