The Demo Site

(from Carlsson Press Release) Now even more dynamic: Noble RS-design kit by Carlsson for the current S-class

* Exclusives tuning kit for the current S-class long version
* More drive and elegance by the Carlsson RS model
* Sport back muffler with four end pipes made of stainless steel
* Light alloy rims in 21" for the current S-class

Carlsson, the Merzig-based automobile manufacturer specialised in refining Mercedes Benz models, impresses with a new high-quality RS-design kit for the S-class in either real carbon, a material which is mainly used in the Formula 1 or in polyurethane (PU). The exclusive overall package gives the S-class long version (internal production name V221) an even more sportive and unforgettable appearance. Using the RS-design and therefore the most precious materials, guarantees an unsurpassable exclusivity and uniqueness of the Carlsson S-class.

The extended carbon kit for the S-class consists of selected components. The integrated front apron and the front spoiler lips enhance the sportive overall appearance. Moreover, the front view stands out for its stylish round Carlsson emblem for the front hood and characteristic grille insert. A set of especially curved side skirts with stainless steel grille inserts give the sides of the Mercedes an even more dynamic and stronger look. For road safety during day and night, there are four additional high-quality lights (fog lights and full beam). The rear section of the S-class is emphasised by its rear apron RS and a rear apron diffuser RS, crowned with a sportive rear spoiler made of real carbon. A four-pipe sport end muffler renders a sportive sound experience; it was especially developed by Carlsson with double-walled, heat-insulated end pipes and has a streamlined design made of stainless steel.

The RS design kits are available for the S-class series S 320 CDI, S350, S 450, S 500, S 600, S 63 and S 65. For more information about the exclusive tuning kits for the Mercedes Benz S-class, please refer either directly to Carlsson in Merzig, the Carlsson distribution network or any Mercedes Benz dealer.

© Source: seriouswheels

At the Chinese Guangzhou motor show, the new Chery M14CC debuted. This is quite an attractive coupè cabriolet, with an unusual style for the Chinese market, that was designed by Italian motorcar design house, Pininfarina.

The Pininfarina cabriolet features a metal folding roof, and was voted the Best New Car concept at the Shanghai show in 2005. The M14CC is only the latest in the Pininfarina-Chery collaboration which started in 2004.

© Source: eurocarblog

CAR just tested the newly updated Farbio GTS 400 and they seem to have enjoyed it. The original Farbio GTS was already available in normally aspirated or supercharged form, but the old engine put out just 384 hp with the blower. This year's new GTS 400 flagship puts ot 410 hp thanks to new pistons and connecting rods, among other things. Former Marcos and Invicta head Chris Marsh is the man behind this V6-powered carbon fiber-bodied supercar. He bought Farboud from its founder Arash Farboud and restructured the company, renamed it Farbio, and moved it to the Cotswolds near Bath.

He has stuck with off-the-rack, treid-and-true components wherever possible to make this lightweight supercar somewhat affordable, reliable and workable. Still, at £94,000 or 110,000 Euro, it's no Hyundai Accent. Some will say that's way too much for a little-known brand, especially when that amount could get you something like an Audi R8, but where's the fun in that? These cars appeal to the person who wants something different.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, know that the GTS 400 will now do the the sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 3.7sec while charging to a top speed of 180 mph. The force-fed V6 is also said to be good for 24 mpg imperial. While many of the details remind us of other supercars on the market, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Knowing these cottage builders still exist is one of the things we are most thankful for this time of year.

© Source: autoblog

Fiat had already decided to launch its low cost brand in emerging markets such as the South American market, but given the current economic crisis, the brand could be considered for the Eastern European market as well.

Sergio Marchionne has announced that three new models will be launched in 2010, which could offset sales problems in the current market. The Fiat low cost brand will be competition for products such as Dacia, which Renault successfully launched in Europe.

Currently the new Fiat brand is without a name, with suggestions ranging between Innocenti and Autobianchi, although something entirely new could come of the venture.

© Source: eurocarblog

Although it is often referred to as compact class, the 2008 Nissan Frontier is truly a mid-size pickup, offering a six-foot bed and two extended cab lengths, including a King Cab and a Crew Cab. Crew Cabs offer the standard five-foot bed, but the six-foot bed is available on the SE and LE models of this size 2008 Nissan Frontier. Automobile observes, "Despite this, the Frontier is at the smallish end of the new mid-size range," while also includes the Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma. The 2008 Frontier is what ConsumerGuide refers to as a "middle-of-the-pack size"; with its design and style, it "carves out a nice niche for itself in the compact-pickup market."

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Frontier. Nissan's style is a good mix of straight struck lines and some carlike curves around the large chrome-bar grille and at the lower edge of the side-rear windows. Grey plastic and orange markings trim the interior, and though the plastics and fabrics look inexpensive, the design is straightforward and logical.

The 2008 Nissan Frontier offers performance that is to be expected of a rough-and-tumble mid-size truck.

The 2008 Nissan Frontier is available with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that creates 152 hp coupled with 171 pound-feet of torque, "making it a decent choice only for those who need a low-cost, light-duty work truck," Edmunds says.

The optional engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that builds up 261 hp and 281 pound-feet of torque. ConsumerGuide makes note of the fact that the automatic V-6 "kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch." Car and Driver says, "the Frontier stands out in its segment, thanks to its excellent 261-hp V-6 engine and its stellar steering and on-road handling." Automobile says the V-6 Frontier "launches the 4x4 Crew Cab from 0 to 60 mph in just over eight seconds."

Fuel economy ranges from 19/23 mpg with the four-cylinder manual versions to 14/19 mpg with the big V-6, automatic Frontier. The V-6 engine is also available in a four-wheel-drive option, and as Edmunds says, "Frontier 4x4s are capable off-road, thanks to a maximum 10.1 inches of ground clearance and plenty of suspension travel."

© Source: thecarconnection

The Toyota RAV4 is Toyota's smallest in their line of SUVs. In its third generation, the RAV4 was one of the first small, car-based SUVs on the market. It's been around since 1996 - a time when gasoline cost around $1.15/gallon and Americans were starting to fall in love with large, truck-based SUVs. My, how the times have changed. People got used to having gobs of room in your every day driver, but now cannot pay over $100 for a tank of gas. This is where the small SUV thrives, and the 2009 Toyota RAV4 has the upper-hand.

New for 2009

The RAV4 has been around for 13 years, which has given Toyota plenty of time to tweak, tune, and refine the RAV4 into perfection, and offer class-leading options and features that competitors don't offer. The changes for the 2009 Toyota RAV4 include a larger, more powerful four-cylinder engine (see below,) a redesigned front grille and bumper, four new colors, and some new options (including a very cool back-up camera located in the rear-view mirror.)

Options and Trims

Trim Levels

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers three trim levels - Base, Sport, and Limited. The Base model comes well-equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System, power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, 16″ wheels, and a six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary jack. Stepping up into the Sport trim gets you 18″ wheels, fog lights, tinted rear glass, heated side mirrors, and a sport suspension which is too rough. The Limited model brings the wheel size back to 17″ (smoother ride,) dual-zone climate, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

If you opt for the AWD V6 Sport trim, you can also get the Appearance package which forgoes the RAV4 signature spare tire in the rear and gives you a new, smoother looking rear hatch door. The spare tire isn't relocated, however, as you now have run-flat tires and won't need the spare.

Options, depending on trim level and region, include heated leather seats, sunroof, a cool backup camera mounted inside the rear-view mirror, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and an upgraded 9-speaker sound system with satellite radio and bluetooth.

Engines and Drivetrain

After choosing the trim, you can opt for the new 179 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, or the 269 hp, 3.5-liter V6. Both engines come with your choice of FWD or AWD layouts. Our review model had the V6, which we thought was a very good engine.

Fuel Economy

MPG (city/hwy)

Our review model was equipped with the AWD V6 and averaged about 24 mpg with mixed driving.

Design

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 wasn't changed much from the 2008 model, which means it keeps its modern but conservative styling. The signature spare tire mounted to the rear door stays except in the Sport AWD V6 model, which gets run-flat tires instead. The front-end has changed a little bit, giving it a slightly more aggressive face.

I love the interior of the RAV4 - the stacked dash design gives a rugged and modern feel while logically separating the audio system and climate control. The sliding storage area above the glovebox gives some welcomed extra room for gadgets, and the large "triangle" door handles make you feel like you're driving a more rugged SUV. The gauges are very nice - not your standard boring orange cluster.

Driving

Our review model was a 2009 RAV4 Sport AWD V6 with the Appearance Package. The 269 horsepower V6 is very capable and smooth. If you think you might need the extra power, go ahead and get the V6 - the fuel economy difference is minimal (see above,) but the power difference is huge.

Overall comfort in the RAV4 is good, with plenty of space for passengers. Tall drivers might be slightly uncomfortable, and the seating position for both driver and passenger is too high, even with the seat height adjustment available on the Premium package. The side-hinged rear door is nice, but I could see it becoming a nuisance in curb-side loading situations.

Our Sport-trimmed review model came with large 18″ wheels and a sport-suspension which gave it a tight-handling but annoyingly bumpy ride. Make sure to go over a bumpy area in your test drive before you buy. That same tight handling gave the RAV4 a surprisingly sporty ability under tight turns and windy roads. It was…dare I say…fun.

Pricing and Warranty

Pricing this year hasn't changed for the Base model, but went up slightly from 2008 for both the Sport and Limited trims. Prices start at $21,500 for the Base FWD 4-cylinder, and go up to $27,800 for the Limited V6 AWD, plus options and packages. You'll pay $1,400 more to go from FWD to AWD on any trim, and upgrading packages (Base to Sport or Sport to Ltd) will cost anywhere from $1,300 to $1,700, depending on other choices.

· 3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty
· 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
· 5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation

Before You Buy

A few things to keep in mind when on your test drive: Options add up quickly, so make sure there's nothing on the car that you don't need. Make sure the high seating position is OK with you, especially if you're tall. Check the center console - it's kind of small, so make sure you don't need a bigger one (but remember the extra storage area above the glovebox.) Finally, if you opted for the Sport trim, make sure the rougher ride will be OK with you every day.

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice for a small SUV, gives you plenty of choices to suit your lifestyle, and gets good fuel economy. However, there are some other players in the game you'll still want to check out:

Nissan Rogue or Murano
Hyundai Santa Fe
Honda CR-V
Ford Escape
Mitsubishi Outlander

© Gearhead Media - Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content.

The South East Automotive Media Organization (SEAMO) has selected the Chevy Traverse as the 2009 Family Car of the Year. The voting took place at the group's seventh annual "Ride and Drive" event, where the media drove a total of 21 cars and casted their vote for the most family-friendly. The cars were rated in eight categories: Safety, Capacity, Accessibility, Value, Amenities, Ergonomics, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness,) and finally Styling.

The award was given at the 2008 Charlotte Auto Show, which took place in Charlotte, NC recently. "The Chevy Traverse being awarded SEAMO's Family Car of the Year is fitting," said Tim Groves, Chevy Zone Manager. "The first crossover in the Chevy family was designed with innovative safety features as well as the ultimate finctionality needed to accommodate virtually ever lifestyle - particularly families."

Congrats to the GM folks for getting it right - the Chevy Traverse is a stylish crossover which came at the right time, and provides good value to a budget-conscious consumer base..

© Gearhead Media - Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content.

"Dodge Challenger SRT10″.

Got a helluva nice ring to it, dontcha think?

The current top-o-the-line Challenger, the SRT8, is a pretty beastly muscle car, one that delivered more than its rabid fans had expected. Quite frankly, its performance statistics are more than enough.

Dodge's high octane SRT team apparently didn't think so. I bet what happened is one day after work one of the SRT boys was a little more depressed than usual: the Viper is getting axed, performance now bows to mileage, the days of the muscle car is ending, etc. So he decided, screw it, if we're going to go out, then we're gonna go out with one hell of a bang.

Which left the question: how? Well I bet that was solved rather quickly, just get a bigger engine, and a bigger engine means only one thing: going to the Viper for its V-10.

Performance info and pics (including that of the Challenger SRT10 chillin' with the Viper) after the jump.

The 8.4 liter V-10 engine boasts 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. No word yet on performance statistics, as this is just a show car. Exterior modifications include a functional carbon fiber shaker hood, a carbon fiber front splitter and rear deck, a new spoiler, Bilstein shocks, larger wheels, bigger brakes, and beastly quad exhaust tips. The interior is decked out in carbon fiber and features the push button engine start found in the Viper as well.

I certainly hope Dodge will consider building this, perhaps as a low-volume competitor to Ford's Shelby GT500 KR.

© Gearhead Media - Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content.

PPI Razor GTR Audi R8

PPI, the crazy German Audi tuners have turned an Audi R8 supercar into madness. They've already heavily tuned an R8 into what they call the PPI R8 Razor - introduced at the Essen Motor Show, but have since went off the deep end, creating the Razor GTR.

The PPI Razor GTR isn't just about the radical styling and aerodynamic improvements (which are significant, as you can see,) but they've increased the engine output to 580 horsepower with the help of a supercharger system, ram air intake, and a stainless steel exhaust system.

In addition to a new widebody skin, PPI redesigned the R8's sideblades, rear bumper, and rear fenders for better airflow, designed a new front bumper and rear spoiler for more downforce, and redesigned the hood and sideskirts for better brake cooling and to route air around the sides for better airflow. Those huge air inlets you see in the rear feed air into the engine, further increasing power as well as help with cooling. All of these parts are made of carbon fiber, of course, which reduces the total weight of the R8 by a significant 551 lbs.

More info and images after the jump:

The wider body isn't just for looks - PPI had to increase the already wide stance of the R8 to accommodate the wider, specially designed wheels which increase grip and stability. A newly designed braking system has also been added, which includes bright orange 6-piston calipers and huge rotors. A new coil-over suspension kit has also been added, allowing for a hydraulic lift system which gives the car a couple more inches of ground clearance (Lambo-style) for those pesky speed bumps and steep driveways.

Nope, we're not done yet. PPI has also changed the R8 interior into what they call a "members-only lounge" by replacing the stock leather with Onyx Nubuck-leather with orange-colored accents and highlights. They've also added a ridiculous amount of carbon fiber trim to the interior, replaced the steering wheel and seats with their own, and added some badging to remind you of this car's exclusivity.

No pricing has been announced, but given the limited production numbers and extensive modifications, expect it to be very…very expensive. The car will officially debut at the 2008 Essen Motor Show in Germany tomorrow.

© Gearhead Media - Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content.

Last year's Motor4Toys event, which collected more than 15,000 toys for needy kids

We started our monthly calendar of events last month and learned almost immediately that we will never be able to make it as comprehensive as everyone would like, but that's where you come in. Take a look at the list we've put together for December after the jump, and if you see changes that need to be made or events you'd like to add, leave a comment with event info and a link. Once again we've used two of our favorite resources: the New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and for local stuff here in Southern California, our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages. Dave's photos from these local events are fantastic.

So check out the December event calendar we put together for you after the jump and start adding to it. And please note the large number of Toys 4 Tots drives being put on by local car clubs. With tough economic times it's important to remember that every child deserves a toy. Happy Holidays everyone!

Continue reading Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events

Click either image to see Valentino Rossi driving the Ferrari F2008 at Mugello in high resolution

The Ferrari World Finals at Mugello finished a few weeks ago. But someone appeared to have forgotten to tell the tifosi, as a loyal garrison of the Scuderia's most loyal fans, thousand-strong, came back out last week to the track. After the Challenge series were decided, the 16M Scuderia Spider unveiled, the FXX program ran its laps and the fans celebrated the Formula One constructors' championship, what exactly were they hoping still to see? How about the prospect of seeing an Italian driver piloting an Italian F1 car around one of Italy's most famous tracks? And not just any driver, but Valentino Rossi, a world champion with credentials to rival Schumacher's.

Valentino Rossi is an unassailable legend in motorbike racing, having taken the titles in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc categories in quick succession before moving up to MotoGP and taking the championship five times... so far. Having achieved dominance on two wheels, Rossi has examined the possibility of switching to four. He's competed in several championship rallies, winning the Monza rally in 2006. He initially tested a Ferrari F1 car at Valencia in 2006, where he embarrassed some of F1's most experienced drivers, prompting him to consider a professional switch to Formula One before ultimately deciding to stay in MotoGP. This past week's test session was just for fun then, but Rossi still proved his mettle. He lapped Mugello at 1:22.550 - just a second and a half behind Kimi Raikkonen's time - on his first drive without traction control. Rain interrupted the second day of testing, but while Rossi showed promise, he admits he'd be too old to start in Formula One at this point. Shame for F1 fans, but reassuring for MotoGP aficionados. Check out the gallery of high-resolution images from Rossi's test by clicking the thumbnails below.

[Source: Ferrari]

Click above for a hi-res gallery. Follow the jump for the vid.

If automaker-produced kitesurfer-in-distress videos are your thing, VW's got your back. While you wait for the production version of the Concept Pickup the automaker unveiled back in September, how about checking out VW's promo film starring the truck, a pair of lifeguards, and yes, a kitesurfer in distress. Will the guys use the in-dash GPS? Yes! Will we see the pickup drive semi-urgently through sand? Yes! Will she make it? Duh! Will we have a demonstration of how well a collapsed kite fits in the bed? Yes again! Am I alone in thinking it's weird that the lifeguards dive into the water wearing helmets? Anyone? In all, a serviceable vanity film for the pickup. Needs more yellow, though. And Hoff. The video's embedded after the jump.

[Source: VW via GlobalMotors.net]

The show must go on! In this case, we're talking about what's arguably the most important auto show in America: Detroit. It'll be a cold day in Hell January for fans of Nissan's finest, as the Japanese automaker has officially pulled out of the proceedings. The event will still attract a huge audience, despite the horrible economic state that many Michiganders find themselves in, and there's no way that the local Nissan and Infiniti dealerships want all that foot traffic ogling every brand but theirs. Thus, none of us should find it too shocking that said dealers will be making their own display in January in Detroit.

Like the recently announced display for the Chicago Auto Show, the Detroit showing is not officially sanctioned by the mothership and it won't be staffed by professionals. At least fans of the marque will get the chance to see Nissan's latest products, sort of. Unfortunately, some of Nissan's biggest attractions won't be there, including the new Cube and the new-for-'09 370Z. Seriously Ghosn, can't you just throw these poor guys a bone by at least shipping out a single, solitary new Z?

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

The preparations have begun for the race formerly known as the Paris-Dakar. The entrants have begun to gather in Le Havre, France, for scrutineering before shipping out to South America for the Dakar's run across Argentina and Chile. Mike Werner was in Normandy and captured in photographs what was going on. If you ever wondered wanted to see what it takes to get ready for a big-deal international race, the words to describe the images are "intense preparation" -- right down to making sure the vehicle sound level doesn't breach 95 decibels. Follow the link to check out all the photos. And get ready to rumble.

[Source: Motorbiker]

Remember the growing movement to caravan a few hundred of Detroit's most fuel efficient vehicles to the automaker's next meeting with Congress? Not happening. Interestingly, it wasn't for lack of support. In fact, it was just the opposite. So many people had voiced their support and announced their intentions to join in that the event's organizers just weren't able to keep up. Talk about a logistical nightmare.

Organizers have not given up on the idea completely, launching a new website called TheEngineofDemocracy.com that's supposed to drum up support for Detroit and fuel efficient cars in general. Along with an outpouring of support via the interwebs, a list of 51 people from various suppliers, dealership workers and Union officials will accompany the CEOs of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler to Washington - one from each state plus one from the capital itself - to prove that the loss of the American auto industry would affect everyone. At this point, we think it's safe to say that Wagoner, Mulally and Nardelli will be, ya know, driving to the proceedings.

[Source: The Detroit News Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty]

The Ford Mustang has always been about affordable performance and that philosphy goes all the way down to prices under $1. Following the official unveiling of the 2010 Mustang last week in Los Angeles comes the introduction of the least expensive variant of all, the Hot Wheels car. Shots of a loose pre-production sample first hit the web via eBay ahead of the L.A. show. Ford apparently shared CAD data for the body of the updated Stang with Mattel, so the die-cast's body proportions are pretty much spot on, but as usual, the wheels are disproportionatly large. The real Mustang won't be available at Ford stores until early next year, but the super lightweight should be appearing at your local Target/K-Mart/Wal-Mart sometime next week. In L.A., Ford handed out a limited number of specially-marked "Auto Show Edition" Hot Wheels Mustangs. Several of those, predictably, are listed on eBay at a substantial markup for those of you who simply cannot wait another 48 hours for it to hit store shelves. Click the image above for a photo gallery.