The Jagura XF is not even out yet and the folks at Jaguar already started testing the Jaguar XF-R, which will be a high performance version of the XF. Here are some spy shots caught by AutoMedia, that reveal a sporty XF (even if they tried hiding it by using the back of the current S-Type) with four exhaust pipes, massive wheels with lo-profile tires and cross-drilled brake disks. The XF-R is expected to be launched in 2009, one year after the XF.
Read More: “Jaguar XF-R Spied”
Here is a couple more photos of the Hyundai i-Blue Concept which will make its debut at Frankfurt. As we said a couple of days ago, the concept is based on Hyundai’s third generation fuel cell technology and is built on a crossover platform. View more pics after the jump.
Read More: “Hyundai i-Blue Concept photo update”
Here are some shots taken on the set of Angelina Jolie’s next movie, Wanted and we can see Angelina doing some stunts on the front hood of a Dodge Viper. Scheduled to be released on March 28, 2008, the movie presents the story of a young man who tries to find out the reasons his father was murdered and track down the assassins. The movie also stars James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman.
Read More: “Angelina’s new movie partner, the Dodge Viper”
Here’s this fine Jaguar XF presentation video I found, featuring Jaguar latest car, plus some words from Jaguar’s head of Design Department, Ian Callum and Mike Cross, Chief Engineer. Enjoy!
Read More: “Jaguar XF presentation video”
On September 1st, the superb SUV, Mazda CX-7 was made available in the UK. With a sportive design, like Mazda got us used to, the CX-7 is powered by Mazda’s 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine developing 260 hp, which takes the SUV from 0 to 60 mph (100km/h) in 8.0 seconds and to a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). The car is also equipped with the “Active Torque” four-wheel drive system and the standard six-speed gearbox. The starting price for the Mazda CX-7 will be £24,396 (EUR 35,500 or $48,363).
The CX-7 certainly offers a generous level of standard equipment, with leather seats, Xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, parking sensors in front and rear, a BOSE premium surround audio system and much more as standard. Available in five different exterior colours and two interior colours, the CX-7 is now on show on Mazda’s UK website.
The Mazda CX-7 is a contestant in our European “Car of the Year” Competition, so check it out and vote for your favourite car.
Read More: “Mazda CX-7 now available in the UK”
It was just last week when Audi announced the new Audi A4 and we already have some other goodies. Here are some leaked photos of the upcoming S-Line for Audi’s next generation A4. Stay tuned, as we’ll offer you more details about this car when an official announcement will be made, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. View more pics after the jump
Read More: “Next generation Audi A4 S-Line photos leaked”
Anyone who heard of Jeremy Clarkson, the producer of the famous British show “Top Gear” knows its passion for powerful cars. Here is a Ford RS Cosworth previously owned by Jeremy, for sale on AutoTrader. The 1993 hatch is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine developing 227 hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in only 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 mph (226 km/h). What’s interesting that, if the spoiler is removed, the car tops 147 mph (236 km/h), but you do that at your own risk.
The exterior is modified, with a sporty bodykit, huge rear spoiler and 18-inch six spoke alloys, and the interior features full black leather seats, electric windows, CD player and an alarm. The Escort comes with ten months MOT and 72,000 mileage.
Read More: “For Sale: Ford Escort RS Cosworth owned by Jeremy Clarkson”
At the Frankfurt Motor Show which will start next week, we’ll enjoy Fiat’s Grande Punto Abarth SS Concept. The concept features an aggressive bodykit called “essesseâ€, which consists of new bumpers, side sills, large twin-exhaust pipes, bigger wheels and a roof spoiler. Lower suspension and brake upgrades are also added to the tuning kit. Under the hood we have a modified version of Fiat’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine which now produces 180 hp (35 hp more than the standard version).
More details will be available when Fiat will officially present the car at Frankfurt, but word on the street is the tuning kit will be available in early 2008. And that’s not all, it seems that Fiat will also present a 270hp version of the Abarth, with a 2.0-liter engine and AWD.
Read More: “Fiat to present Grande Punto Abarth SS Concept at Frankfurt”
Even though the Maybach didn’t have the success Mercedes expected, they are pretty content with how the brand’s going and said it doesn’t cost that much to keep the brand going. But that’s not what the dealers think about it. With $500,000 spent by dealers with creating unique showrooms for the Maybachs, they are not happy with the sales they got. When Mercedes released the Maybach 57 and 62 back in 2003, they hoped to sell 500 units every year, dealers have sold only 778 cars up until July of 2007.
With this situation, it looks like Mercedes is considering absorbing Maybach and rebrand it as it’s top of the line. Word on the street is that Mercedes is considering adding some other models to the Maybach range, like a smaller model, in the S600 range, a Maybach version of the GL-Class and a convertible based on the Ocean Drive Concept.
Read More: “Maybach creating problems for Mercedes?”
Alfa Romeo announced that at the Frankfurt Motor Show it will bring its special edition Alfa Romeo 147 CNC CoSTUME NATIONAL. This will be the first result of the partnership between between Alfa Romeo and italian stylist Ennio Capasa and the customization program will be available for all the Alfa Romeo model range. As for the 147 CNC, it will only be available in a 100 units limited edition, with a 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM engine and a wide range of options including a Bose® Hi-Fi system with subwoofer, low suspension settings, Xenon headlights and satellite navigation.
Read More: “Alfa Romeo 147 CNC Special Edition”
At next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Fiat will present it’s Fiat Aria concept, an environment-friendly project based on the current small Panda. The concept is powered by a new 80 hp 900 cc Turbo twin-cylinder engine, with CO2 emission levels limited to 69 g/km, engine that can run on petrol and CNG (70% methane, 30% hydrogen). The ‘green’ technology features the Multiair system for dual petrol/methane-hydrogen fuel management, MTA gearbox and Stop&Start device.
Eco-compatible materials (recycled, recyclable or of natural origin) were used for both outside and inside. The interior of the Fiat Aria concept is upholstered with natural fibres (cotton and linen), woven coconut fibre and biodegradable elements, while the exterior panelling is made of semi-transparent eco-resin.
Read More: “Environment-friendly Panda Aria concept”
With the Frankfurt Motor Show so close, we’re gonna see a looot of concepts around here. Here is what Citroen is preparing us, the C-Cactus Concept. Measuring in at 4.2 m (165 in), the small hatch concept features a Hybrid HDi drivetrain capable of 69 mpg (3.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle and emissions of 78g/km of CO2 all that used to take the car to a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
I have to say, I don’t really know what to say about the front, with those large air intakes, not really my thing, but overall it’s a cool vehicle from Citroen. And what’s even better is that it looks like the Citroen C-Cactus Concept will be the starting point for Peugeot’s future hybrid hatch, which will compete Toyota’s Prius. View more photos after the jump.
Read More: “Citroen C-Cactus Concept to be presented at Frankfurt”
Just a couple of days ago we announced the 2008 Mercedes C Class Estate and now we have another goodie for wagon fans. Mercedes’ factory tuner, AMG will present at Frankfurt the Mercedes C 63 Estate. The car will be equipped with AMG’s aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 457 Hp and 600 Nm of maximum torque. No official info, but rumors say it will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 sec and to a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph), electronically limited. More pics after the jump.
Read More: “2008 Mercedes C 63 AMG Estate ready for Frankfurt”
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You all know the R8 super car from Audi, but I bet you didn’t imagine this. Here is what’s left of a beautiful Audi R8 after it burst into flames on a street in Germany. While it seems there were some reports of several R8s that burned while in development, this is a production model. It seems that fuel spillage is what caused this, but on R8talk forums there are also some other speculations.
Whatever the reason, I think this affects Audi image pretty bad, because I find this unacceptable to a serious producer like Audi, especially on a super car, which is supposed to be at the highest level of engineering. View more photos after the jump.
Read More: “Creepy! Audi R8 burns on a street in Germany”
Like the buzz that was created recently around the new Jaguar XF wasn’t enough, the British producer thought a little more publicity won’t hurt. So they’ve decided that the first Jaguar XF to be put up for auction on September 7th, at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, UK. The money taken from the lucky guy who will own this car will all be donated to The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
For the money he gives, beside the pride driving the first XF, the new owner will choose the color options for the car with help from Ian Callum, Jaguar’s head of design, plus he or she will be able to visit the Castle Bromwich factory in Birmingham to see his XF being built.
For the rest of the British guys who won’t have the money for this special, here is the Jaguar XF pricing for UK.
Read More: “The first Jaguar XF to be auctioned for charity”
