Alfa Romeo 8C Road Test
Alfa Romeo 8C Road Test
Test Vehicle: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe
The hardest part of this review is knowing where to start. This car is as rare as hen’s teeth.
There are to be only 500 made of the Alfa Romeo 8C, and only about 50 to make it to the US, so the fact that I am about to drive this is not lost on me. Pictures have circulated on the web and their various tubes for a while of this car, but *sigh* good god, it is jaw dropping in the paint.
If there was a naked woman on the 8C’s bonnet, you’d want her to get off it. Honestly, it’s just ridiculous.
Curves everywhere. The body is carbon fiber and is draped over the chassis to create the most delicious shape on the road. Its like Christina Hendricks on wheels, and if you don’t know who that is, Google her (Note by Adnan: Megan Fox on wheels would do the trick too). Christina’s a red head too, so it’s fitting that the red metallic paint accentuates them all, and those wheels look tremendous. Giant circles reminiscent of the wheels on the VW GTi a little.
The way the front centers around the grill is a thing of beauty, with a little circle of white LEDs in the grill.
The rear end reminds me of the old racing Porsches, and the circular rear lights are the perfect touch. I am a little besotted by the looks of this thing as you can probably tell.
It is now my favorite looking car on the road, beating the Aston Martin DB9. I never thought that phrase would ever come out of my mouth…
The interior is also just breathtaking. The leatherwork in the seats alone is something to study, the aluminum on the wheel and the dash, and the long aluminum paddles behind the wheel are in just the right places. The twin cowls on the main gauges separated with a red screen with a number of other supplemental gauges set off the interior beautifully, and the carbon fiber center console just adds to the overall experience. Its a sense of occasion that can barely be explained.
It was the sexiest car I had ever clapped my eyes on…
…and then I started it up.
Holy mother of god, who tuned that exhaust note? That can’t be legal, surely.
A throttle blip rendered me speechless for about a minute. There are loud cars that are just too loud, and then there are cars that you could listen to all day. I’ve never heard a rumble like this outside of a pit lane. It is intoxicating. A low rumble, with the 8 cylinder 4.3 liter engine just bellowing down the exhaust pipes with no regard for public safety.
After some time to compose myself, I put this thing in sport mode, put it in gear, and released the little electric handbrake, and off I went.
It felt a little light to start with, but then I got used to it. Accelerating towards the first corner, the noise is off the charts, but its a beautiful noise. I let my foot off the accelerator for a moment, and the exhaust just cracked and popped in a way that reminded me of the Panoz race cars, crack, pop, rumble…what road car makes that noise?! Oh, this one. I don’t care how many miles to the gallon this thing was getting, that noise had me accelerating and lifting off more times than I should. I was probably waking the dead in nearby cemeteries and people within a 5 mile radius, but it was an orchestra. They probably woke, listened to it, and smiled. How can you not?
Aside from the the noise, the gearbox was great. Changes up and down were smooth, lots of power, great acceleration, not as tight around the corners as the Gallardo, but still a level above virtually all other cars on the road. Its a taller car, even though its still a small car, so there is lots of headroom and shoulder room. Good visibility out all round. Seats were comfortable and held you in place really well as it went over dips and through curves.
The brakes were good too, as you would expect on a car like this, but moving your foot from one pedal to the other caused the thunderclaps out of the exhaust, so I sort of forgot about the brakes to be honest with you. The aural rewards were far outweighing the driving experience.
The team at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo deserve a medal the size of a large dining table for getting this on the road. If this doesn’t get Alfa noticed, then nothing will. An incredible experience. Not the finest drivers car on the road, but if you want to make a statement, this is the one to get, and being one of only 500 will make it an even rarer proposition. I know its basically a Maserati under the skin, but its a totally different animal and improves (if that’s even possible) on the looks of the Gran Turismo.
Hyundai Introduces Equus Long-Wheelbase, Armored Versions
Hyundai Introduces Equus Long-Wheelbase, Armored Versions
The Equus first surfaced around the beginning of this year. At the time, most thought it was a vehicle slated for Hyundai’s home market of South Korea only. Given Hyundai’s relentless drive upward though, it has proved to be much more than that.
Hyundai tested reception of the car in our market by displaying it at the New York Auto Show and placing the car in various Hyundai dealerships around the country.
One thing that should have came through with all the recent vehicles Hyundai has been launching – they aren’t messing around. Most proper luxury sedans in the segment offer two wheelbase lengths available, standard and extended. As such, Hyundai recently let drop images of the the extended wheel-base model of the Equus, dubbed the Equus Limousine, or VL500.
Now the company hasn’t confirmed if it will be coming to the United States or not, but if the past is any guide of the future I’d say there is a good chance. Imagine, it could be like a bargain Maybach! The neat thing though is that Hyundai is even getting into producing armored versions already.
Three armored Hyundai Equus VL500 were built and provided to the Korean Presidential Security Service for use at the G20 summit held in South Korea next year. The three limousines are the first armored cars to be built in the country.
They’re up to snuff too, able to withstand the blast of 15 kilograms of TNT, a level similar to that of Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s armored vehicles. I’m not sure if there will be an armored Equus that is sold to the public, or if they are just made for the country’s leader. Either way, Hyundai is going all-out with the new Equus.
Ferrari announces the F458 Italia Spider
Chrysler Brand to Sell Fiat 500 in U.S.
Ferrari announces the F458 Italia Spider
According to the latest reports, it appears that at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Ferrari president a.k.a. Luca di Montezemolo announced the new F458 Italia Spider. There is a bad news though: the production version of the F458 Italia Spider, which will feature a stylish soft top, will have to wait a couple of years because, according to its CEO, Ferrari has to recover after the financial crisis. Of course, if you can’t wait the convertible you can choose the new F458 Italia Coupe which will go on sale in January 2010.
Chrysler Brand to Sell Fiat 500 in U.S.
Since it's unveiling many people in the U.S. have been hoping that the Fiat 500 would eventually be sold here. Well now that Fiat and Chrysler have hooked up our wish has come true. Its been confirmed that the Fiat 500 will be sold through Chrysler dealerships when it is released and it will be the only Fiat badged model in the U.S.
Chrysler brand CEO and head of sales for all Chrysler Group brands, Peter Fong stated that the Fiat 500 will likely have a dedicated corner in Chrysler showrooms rather than its own retail network like the Mini. Eventually four versions will make it to the U.S., the hatchback, convertible, a wagon and a high-performance version.
The Fiat 500 is expected to be produced at Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico facility in late 2010 or early 2011.
Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger to Live on Until Late 2012
Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger to Live on Until Late 2012
The Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans were pretty much dead under Chrysler's former owner, Cerberus Capital Management, but now that Chrysler has a new owner, the sedans have a new lease on life.
Cerberus had originally planned to kill the Sebring and Avenger at the end of 2010 and close the Sterling Heights, Mich., factory where they are built. The factory could still be closed, but the sedans will continue to be produced until the end of 2012.
The Sebring is slated to get an extensive face-lift in 2011, while the Avenger is slated to get a milder refresh, which may bring it to the market sooner than the Sebring.
Toyota Alphard Best Car Picture
KIA RIO
The 2009 Kia Rio and Rio5 add a few new features. Rio comes as a 4-door sedan in base, LX, and SX trims. Also available is a 4-door hatchback called Rio5; it comes in LX and SX trims. All have a 110-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. A 4-speed automatic is available on LX and SX. Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A digital audio player input jack is newly standard, as is satellite radio. Rio shares its powertrains and basic design with the Accent from Kia's parent company, Hyundai.
The 2009 Kia Rio receives a new AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability and three months of complimentary service, standard on all trim levels. The LX and SX trims also get a USB port alongside the auxiliary audio input jack in the center console.COMPETITION: Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars. Our Best Buys include the Honda Fit and Suzuki SX4. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Scion xD. New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, and Pontiac G3. The Toyota Yaris adds a 4-door hatchback to its model lineup for 2009.
2010 Camry Toyota Aurion: The Car Inspiration
Here is the luxurious car from toyota, a futuristic car, 2010 Toyota Camry Aurion. It is a great car. For those who are interested in automotive, Read the information below:
Toyota's proposition in the large sedan segment in Australia, the Aurion, which is essentially a Camry with a different nose job and rear end, has received a nip and tuck for the 2010 model year. Exterior styling changes for the Japanese firm's front-wheel drive sedan that competes against the Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8) and Ford Falcon include a new front mask, LED stop and tail lamps, and new wheel designs across the range, including ten-spoke alloy wheels on the entry-level AT-X model.
All three versions of the Aurion (Prodigy, Sportivo and Presara) get new grade-specific bumpers, radiator grilles, lower aperture grilles, headlamps and fog-lamp surrounds while Toyota's designers also eliminated the sedan's body-side moldings for a cleaner look.
In the cabin, the new model year Aurions benefit from upgraded instrument panels, audio systems, lighting and in-cabin storage as well as additional standard equipment across the range.
There are no changes under the hood with the new-look Aurion retaining the 3.5-litre Dual VVT-i V6 engine that delivers an output of 200kW / 268HP to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission. The sedan returns an average fuel consumption of 9.9lt/100km that comes to about 23.8mpg US.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Car Wallpaper
2009 Toyota Venza Wallpaper
Audi R8 Spyder
Audi R8 Spyder
A 5.2 litre V10 behind your ears. A massive 386kW (525bhp) at your feet. And the wind rushing through your hair. Does it get any better? Well, yes, if your new R8 Spyder is a more tasteful colour than the one shown in these pics it quite possibly does. Thankfully, there are 10 other colours to choose from. Apart from that, though, this has to be one of the better hardtop to roofless conversions in some time.
The lightweight cloth top opens at the touch of a button in around 19 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h. Despite the lack of a metal roof, Audi reckon the road noise heard inside is only a smidge louder than in the Coupé.
Even with the light roof, the R8 Spyder is still on the porky side, weighing in at 1720kg. That can’t stop rapid progress, however, with 0-100 being dealt with in just 4.1 seconds. Fast!
But, the real beauty in this car is in its styling and details. There’s a big, big photo gallery after the jump, along with everything you wanted to know about the R8 Spyder in Audi’s press release.
Oh yeah, when you get the photo of the seatbelt and you wonder what that’s about, it is showing the seatbelt mounted microphone that supposedly makes phone calls with the top down a breeze, if you’ll pardon the expression.
03-08 Saab 9.3 4 Door Painted OEM Factory Style Spoiler - (Color Code: 268 - Silver Metallic)
"Our spoilers are painted to match factory color with Dupont paint, we apply 3 coats of paint and 2 coats of clearcoat. Made in a state of the art factory that is ISO 9002 and QS 9000 certified. It will not chip or crack like fiberglass. All Damage claims "
Features
* Call us now at (626) 442-0471 for sales assistance.
* Dealer approved distributor 99% of our business is to new car dealerships and installers in the U.S.
* "The spoiler is made of ABS BLOW MOLDED, ONE PIECE plastic with brass inserts and hardware."
* Our spoilers come with installation instructions and hardware if applicable.
* "You will receive a LIFETIME warranty on workmanship and a 3 year/30,000 mile warranty on paint."
Honda Civic Seat Covers with Logo Floor Mats Steering Wheel Cover, CD Visor Organizer and Keychain Set
Product Description 7 pieces Honda Civic Car accessories set. Set includes 2 seat covers with embroidery logo, 2 heavy duty rubber floor mats with embossed Civic logo, Steering wheel cover with embossed Honda logo, CD visor orgainzer and a enamel key chain.
Features
* Officially licensed products
* Universal seat covers fits all cars with regular bucket seats (without arm rest)
* Heavy duty rubber mats with embossed Civic Logo
* Honda Logo Steering Wheel Cover
* Honda logo CD visor organizer and Keychain
JEEP COMMANDER
The Commander is Jeep’s full-size SUV and the first Jeep with 7-passenger seating. Wrapped in an exterior package that looks remarkably like the original Jeep Cherokee, the Commander is two inches longer than the Grand Cherokee but shares the same wheelbase. Characterized by an upright windshield, vertical back glass and straight sides, the Commander’s shape is very square and is capped off with the signature Jeep seven-slot grille. Inside, the Commander offers stadium seating, a stepped roof for adequate headroom and Command-View skylights for additional interior lighting. Also a two-tone instrument panel with four round gauges is unique to the Commander. For 2007 Jeep changed the base Commander name to Commander Sport and added the Overland version to the lineup. Jeep Commander
2009 Citroen GTbyCITROEN Concept
2009 Citroen GTbyCITROEN Concept Car Show
2009 Citroen GTbyCITROEN Concept Rear View
2010 Toyota Sienna Car Images
New 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan
Here is the new 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan shown in Frankfurt Motor Show. It is one of the sedan types presented in this show. The further description of New 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan can be read below
Frankfurt Welcomes All-New 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan: Live Shots Plus Updated High-Res Gallery with 60 Pics
The undisputable star of Saab's Frankfurt Motor Show stand is the all-new 9-5 Sedan that will go on sale worldwide in the beginning of next year. While Saab's proposal in the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 premium segment shares GM's Epsilon 2 platform with the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick LaCrosse, the 9-5 features a longer wheelbase and has its own unique exterior and a interior styling that's influenced by the Aero X concept car as well as by the classic 900.
The new 9-5 Sedan, which will be followed by a load-loving Estate version within the next year or so, will be available at launch with a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, a 2.0-liter unit with 220HP and a range-topping 300HP 2.8-liter V6 that's offered exclusively with Saab's XWD four-wheel drive system, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel that makes 160HP.
Shortly after the market launch, Saab plans to enhance the 9-5 engine range with a small displacement, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo generating 180 horsepower, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed
Technological highlights include the adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab's DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive headlights and intelligent cruise control. The 9-5 will be offered with two different suspension layouts according to engine power while buyers can also opt for sport chassis setting.
source:carscoop