February 28, 2005
Porsche Cayman
No pictures yet. Only some spy-shots and computer generated collages (or “photochops” in net slang).
The Porsche Cayman, named after the little crocodiles, is a small and nimble hardtop coupe derived from the latest Boxster and priced between the big-brother 911 and it’s rag-top sibling.
If you were hoping for an affordable sports-car, 914-like, forget it. That’s not what the “most profitable” car company wants to ever again produce.
Blog This!
General Motors has taken a step toward direct communication to interested end-users by creating a blog named Fastlane.
Well, this may just become interesting to read.
The Smallblock blog (say that 10 times fast), is about the famous “compact” V8s. The most current LS7 “small-block” can push the Z06 Corvette to over 190 Mph.
GM talks … but I wonder who actually moots the articles and posts them …
Skoda Yeti
Much like the WarnerBro’s Hugo the Abominable Snow Man, the Skoda Yeti is unlikely to be sited anywhere in North America … except on TV.
The vehicle is derived from the Skoda Roomster prototype, without the very fancy door and window treatment.
February 21, 2005
A New 4-stroke engine ?
Sometimes you read an article and wonder if it’s true. Then you find the website in question:
February 16, 2005
Street Tuner's Desire
You can see, Honda is “In Tune” with the “Street Crowd”.
The production model of this concept will be “90%” of what you see and be introduced in November @ SEMA. Yes, more ricer heaven, with shark-like-Accord profile.
The Return of the FJ
Another TonkaToy design for adults, this time from Toyota in 2006.
February 08, 2005
Car News
The word on the street is that Hybrid cars may be hitting a plateau soon.
In some cases, the sheer lack of growth and profits have some, like Carlos Ghosn from Nissan, avoid the market so far. The best and brightest are investing in research, but only giant Toyota is building. And Toyota seems ready to amortize their technology across partners and gain valuable in-field expertise. They can afford to.
2005 is going to be a rough year for carmakers and their subcontractors. Dollar versus Yen versus Euro make any deal shaky. Overcapacity is bad and going on worse. Holding the line seems to be the battle cry.
Diesel Liberty
Allpar.com does a hands on review of the Liberty 2005 Diesel
A counter-point from Wards Auto
Is it really a good idea to introduce less-then-perfect Diesel engines in North America ? Hmm. You be the judge, with your pocket-book no less.
February 02, 2005
PM49 Platform
In this world of “platform sharing”, a single engineering design can acommodate multiple car types, even stretching into another size category. Then with the re-skinning by brand, it is no surprise that we get one platform under many company labels from the same family of car corporations.
PM49 is the replacement platform of wide variety of vehicles, especially the Dodge SX. Sharing nothing with the predecessor, this all-new design will carry also:
- Mistubishi Lancer IX & Lancer WRC
- Mitusbishi Outlander
- streched to medium scale, replace the Dodge Stratus & Sebring Convertible
- the new Jeep “Scout” (though name may not be final)
- 2nd generation PT Cruiser
- a 4×4 “small” Dodge, most likely influenced by the Avenger concept
If you thought Daimler-Chrysler’s move to push away Mitsubishi would affect these plans, well, we are both wrong.
More at Channel 4
More at Auto123
More at Autoblog
More at The Car Connection
If DCX rumors are what you seek, then Allpar Forums is the place.
February 01, 2005
Alfa Romeo Brera
In 2002, at Geneva Motor Show, Alfa presented the Brera Concept Car by Giorgetto-Giugiaro and garnered great acclaim.
The 2005 Geneva Motor Show will be the introduction of the Brera production car.
These lines are becoming popular, with the Jaguar R-D6
If you think those front light aren’t angry enough on the Brera, try the new Visconti Prototipo
Information taken from www.babez.de
Alfa Romeo Brera
01-02-2005
The new Alfa Romeo Brera is to make its debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, the venue chosen for the first public appearance in 2002 of the original Giorgetto-Giugiaro designed concept car, which has gone on to gain international acclaim.
Due to go on sale by year’s end, the new Alfa Romeo Brera incapsulates those characteristics most synonymous with the brand - sportiness and elegance - in a unique and exclusive style. The harmony of Brera’s shape and size, allied to the outstanding engineering and driveability of an Alfa Romeo, makes for a car which is beautiful, strong and sturdy, a car which sets the standards for all coupés.
Brera is a 2+2 of generous dimensions: 1830mm wide, 4414mm in length and 1372mm high, although the deeply tapered front and rear styling creates the impression of a very compact car. The interior has an ambience that is both cosy and sophisticated. This comes from the use of high quality materials and the introduction of some novel ideas such as the wide glass fixed roof that creates more natural interior light for passengers adding to the sensation of spaciousness inside while also giving the car a streamlined appearance from the outside.
Available in three levels of trim, Brera also offers customers a choice of a 2.4 JTD 240 bhp turbo-diesel power-unit and two petrol engines (the 185 bhp 2.2 JTS or the 260 bhp 3.2) coupled to either an automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox depending on the version. Together with all the delights one expects in an Alfa Romeo, this new car delivers outstanding dynamic performance thanks to the use of quadrilateral front suspension and Multilink rear suspension.
Along with the excellent driving experience, comfort is further enhanced by the integral ‘Alfa Q4’ traction control system fitted to some versions. Brera offers the most sophisticated electronic systems to monitor and control key dynamic parameters of braking and roadholding to deliver greater driving safety.
This then is the essence of the new Brera, a car that will create enormous interest, a coupé that promises both a great driving experience and outstanding levels of comfort.
Text and photos courtesy of FIAT AUTO S.p.A.
Information taken from www.babez.de