BMW Car

BWM finally showed off its two-mode hybrid system (the first BMW with two-mode hybrid system) at Frankfurt Motorshow, the idea behind this concept car is “merging the athletic aesthetics of a true sports car with the versatility of an SAV resulted in a new vehicle category that so far has not been realised” as stated on the bmw website. Quoted from Chris Bangle as Chief of Design for BMW Group about bmw concept x6 : “a good concept realizes itself in a short amount of time”. There is no official technical statement from BMW about this BMW X6, but the hybrid system expected to improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent. This car was only a concept till now, I believe this is going to be the basic of the next model bmw car.

BYD Electric Cars Slideshow

BYD, China's biggest battery maker, isn't wasting any time carving its niche in the new world of electric cars and plug-in hybrids. It all started with the F6DM plug-in hybrid sedan, followed by the smaller and less expensive F3DM plug-in hybrid compact car.

Now BYD has introduced its E6 electric car at the Beijing International Auto Show. It takes the shape of a crossover, or MPV, and will be built on on the F6's platform (same as the F6DM, which could be sold in Europe by 2010).

New 1.6i 16v engine for the Honda Civic

Although it was just introduced in Japan is very likely that the new mechanics 1.6 liter that has released the Honda Civic also comes to the European market to fill the gap between the 1.4i of 83 hp and 140 hp for the 1.8i.

With the new engine partner in Japan only one automatic change, the Honda Civic is capable of reaching the 192 km / h and accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 10.3 seconds, thanks to that develops 125 hp. The consumption is 6.7 litres/100 approval in half.

With no aesthetic changes whatsoever, except for a sticker on the tailgate with the cylinder capacity of the model, although this element will be optional at no cost. The rest of the vehicle characteristics remain intact.

Argentina: Honda Civic Si

The more sporting version of the Honda Civic Sedan is now available in Argentina, with a more striking appearance, a powerful four-cylinder engine and a complete set of equipment.

Made in Brazil, the new Honda Civic Si delivers a total power of 200 hp, exceeds 210 mph maximum speed and can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in just 7.5 seconds. The change is six-speed manual.

The equipment package includes:

Tires 17-inch alloy
Package foreign aerodinámic
Air conditioning automatic
ABS ESP + + + EBD EBA
Power windows front and rear
Close centralized command
Speed control
Team sound with MP3
Charger 6 CDs
Differential LSD
Fog
Tapestry exclusive
Midfielder leather
Seats sports

The Honda Civic Si is on the market for 32,800 dollars and is offered in two colors, black and gray and warranty of three years or 100,000 km.

New Honda Civic Si Sedan

he division of American Honda has presented the version of its Honda Civic Si Sedan, basically a more spicy version of the model by long work and grace of the mechanics of the current Honda Civic Si Coupe.

The Honda Civic Sedan (no accent) is more attractive than the Coupe, so it's not surprising how well it is aesthetics Yes, details of which takes in the bodywork and the carrier, leaving a sports sedan, which airs not forget forget your vocation of small saloon.

This new variant only weighs 27 kilos more than the Coupe, so that its benefits should remain bold, thanks to its i-VTEC 2.0 engine of 197 horses and 139 lb / ft (188 Nm) paired with a manual six - marches.

Undoubtedly, one of the next best Honda in North America.

Honda Civic Sedan

The 2006 Honda Civic still getting recognition. Yesterday was distinguished in the Salon de l'Automobile Chicago by MotorWeek as the Best Car of the Year. The Civic is quickly becoming the most awarded vehicle so far this year in the United States because it had already been chosen as Car of the Year and as North American Car of the Year by Motor Trend.

The rest of the winners in other categories are after the jump ...

1. Best small car - Honda Civic
2. Best Family Sedan - Hyundai Sonata
3. Best Minivan - Honda Odyssey *
4. Best roadster - Pontiac Solstice
5. Best Luxury Sedan - Infiniti M
6. Best Sports Sedan - BMW 3 Series
7. Best high-performance car - Ford Mustang *
8. Best small sport-utility - Toyota RAV4
9. Best sport-utility family - Ford Explorer / Mercury Mountaineer
10. Best pickup estate - Ford F-150 *
11. Best ecological vehicle - Toyota Highlander Hybrid
12. Best Automobile Imagine - Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, Ferrari F430

New Honda Civic

Although already know, Honda has presented in Estoril, Portugal, to press the new Honda Civic Type S and Honda Civic Type R, both with bodies of three doors and a strong line sports that will be well received among younger followers of the mark.

The Honda Civic Type S will go on sale in Europe with two mechanics, a 1.8i 16v of 140 hp and a 2.2 i-CTDI with 140 hp and manual gearbox six speeds. Despite the three-door, the carrier remains as wide as the Hatch of five, albeit with access to rear seats slightly more limited.

As for the Honda Civic Type R range Civic crown with an engine of two liters and 201 hp power. It reaches the 235 km / h and accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in just 6.6 seconds. In terms of consumption, the average stays at 9.2 l/100.

As for competition, the Honda Civic Type R is kept in step from the previous generation and among the toughest rivals are the VW Golf GTI, the Seat Leon FR 2.0 TFSI, the Opel Astra 2.0 Turbo 200 hp or, in a lowest step, the C4 VTS Citroen and Peugeot 307 2.0 XSI 180-hp. Over all of them are models as the BMW 130I, S3 Audi, VW Golf R32 and SEAT Leon Cupra, all of them with powers far superior to Honda.

At the moment the prices are not known, nor of the Honda Civic Type R or Honda Civic Type S, although seeing rising prices range from the previous Honda Civic, we could say that the Honda Civic Type R around 28,000 € although it is pure speculation, because depend heavily on equipment. According to the country, the new models will be on sale from next March.

Honda Civic Si Sedan

Although not a novelty worldwide, it is for the local market having for the first time in the country the new Honda Civic Si Sedan, the variant that occurs in sports these days in the Automobile Chamber of Sao Paulo.

With an aesthetic very suggestive, the Honda Civic Si aerodynamic package looks very attractive, with bumpers, moldings and spoilers newly designed and painted in full colour of the bodywork. In addition, it has a rear spoiler and 17-inch tires.

In the interior, we find new seats, more enveloping and upholstery with a specific, while the lighting also is unique to this model. As for the engine, uses the Honda 2.0i 16v V-Tec of 192 hp with manual six-speed.

Although it is officially introduced in the Brazilian lounge, it will not be until next February when it starts production this unique version in Brazil. Somewhat earlier, we can give more more data.

2006 ASC McLaren Viper

2006 ASC Diamondback Viper powered by McLaren. This is a one of a kind concept show car. This was a Chrysler Corporation concept show car built for Dodge in 2006 for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

McLaren Performance Technologies built this Viper engine with 615 horsepower. It has a very unique custom in-hood trumpeted air intake system with individual port throttles. Features include custom carbon fiber body panels throughout, special stainless steel quad outlet exhaust, custom carbon fiber racing stripe with “McLaren Orange” and “Viper Blue” accents. This is a one-off factory McLaren Viper that has great upside potential for the right investor.

Source: DodgeVipersForSale.com

2009 Nissan Cube

The Nissan Cube is a mini MPV produced by Nissan and sold only in Japan. It is scheduled to be released in the American and Canadian markets in Spring 2009 and European market in Q4 2009.

In 1998, Nissan introduced the original Cube, an aptly named box-on-wheels, in its Japanese home-market. In 2002, an all-new second generation Nissan Cube followed. More spacious inside, more glass outside, more power under the hood, and, more importantly, a few more angles and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior.

source : jbcarpages.com

Pininfarina Sintesi Concept Car

Turin, December 14, 2007. Pininfarina is proud to announce the unveiling of a new concept at the next Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008. This exciting new car will be named “Sintesi”.

“Sintesi” is the result of the Pininfarina Design Department, under the direction since last August by Lowie Vermeersch, the 33 year old Design Director with almost ten years experience at Pininfarina. Assisting him are Vice Directors Guglielmo Cartia and Fabrizio Valentini and chief designers Jason Castriota, Giovanni Piccardo, Goran Popovic and Giuseppe Randazzo.

“Three years ago we unveiled Birdcage 75th, our last prototype. Together with our new concept Sintesi we would like to anticipate new car design trends” says Andrea Pininfarina, Chairman and CEO Pininfarina S.p.A.

“This concept car is the synthesis of our values, of the love for our work and our passion for innovation, of beauty driven by functionality, of sportiness and elegance. However, Sintesi isn’t only the expression of Pininfarina design; it also embraces innovative technologies that allow us to explore new typologies of mobility, active safety and packaging solutions” states Lowie Vermeersch.

“In Sintesi, we put all our goodwill in looking at the future, first and foremost in resorting to the excellence of our design” underlines Andrea Pininfarina.

Chrysler

In the face of the current shaky state of the auto industry, Chrysler could try to increase profitability and improve stability by retiring some models while adding value to existing mid-range trims. This means a possible realignment of the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring lines. In its plan dubbed ‘Fight Back’, Chrysler might cut the top trim levels of the Avenger and Sebring, while some of their features might be shifted to previously mid-range models.

Some of the key changes in the plan include eschewing the 3.5L V6 for a more efficient four-cylinder. This could improve fuel efficiency by as much as 4 mpg to 30 mpg. That’s hefty savings of up to 15%. Combining better features such as navigation, upholstery and entertainment options with a more efficient powertrain could make a more attractive package with improved value. Still, it remains to be seen whether Chrysler’s vehicle models can improve their competitiveness against other better-selling cars from the likes of Honda, Toyota and Nissan.

2010 Corolla Concept

In what was thought to be an unprecedented move, Toyota and Subaru have teamed up to develop a new sports car inspired by the AE86 Toyota Corolla GT coupe that was popular in the 1980s. This new Toyota-Subaru sports car is set to be released in 2010. While the car doesn’t have an official name, is still in drawing board and is touted to be “top secret”, what has been confirmed is that the Toyota-Subaru sports car will come out in two variants (just like comic books and action figures nowadays): one coming from Toyota and one coming from Subaru.

But despite being developed separately by each company, both versions of the concept car will carry a Subaru engine. This marks the first time that a Toyota car will be powered by a Subaru engine. The concept car will come in two trims with a different set of engines. The standard trim will carry a 2.0-litre flat-four engine capable of producing 175 horsepower, while the turbocharged trim will be given a 2.5-litre engine.

New Altis 2008

Driving the Altis

I've been making quite a big deal about Toyota choosing to retain the old engines in the new Altis. Obviously I would have been much happier with the Dual VVT-i units, but just how bad are the VVT-i engines? Well, the 1.8 I drove was as sweat a unit as you could hope for.

At idle the engine is all but silent. Power is ample for this car, and although I didn't clock the acceleration (such things don't really matter to me) I was happy with the throttle response. The automatic box shifts smoothly too.

Previously I'd been driving a Chevrolet Optra, and there is simply no sense in comparing these cars. But I will anyway. To be perfectly and blatantly straight about it, the Toyota is so far ahead in terms of refinement it is simply not funny. In the Optra, pressing down on the accelerator in the hope of more speed would usually result in a lot of engine noise, and very little in the way of power. The Altis never felt underpowered, and even when I played with the sequential box and tried to make it break a sweat.

The Civic might have more power in its 140 hp 1.8 litre, but I think you would be hard pressed to notice that extra 8 hp, and the refinement in the Altis is impressive.

Taking my attention away from the engine for a while, I started to critically assess the ride quality. Again I'm impressed. The new Altis deals with bumps and potholes very well, and although there is the initial impression that the ride is soft, this doesn't result in any of the usual negative side effects. The car settles quickly after a bump, and deals with minor bumps very well. You feel them, but they don't bother you. Although I didn't spend an extended time in the car, I feel confident to say that it will make a very comfortable vehicle for long trips.

The Lotus Exige

Luxury Cars: The Lotus Exige, the twin brother of the renowned, award-winning Lotus Elise, arrives on America's shores during the first quarter of 2006. Although Lotus prides itself manufacturing vehicles built solely for performance, the Exige comes in 20 exterior colors and offers a Touring Pack that includes leather seats, door panels, full carpeting, additional sound insulation, air conditioning and an upgraded stereo system. However, like a gorilla dressed in a tuxedo, the beastliness prevails. Adrenaline purists even have the option of removing the air-conditioning system to lighten the load. However, we strongly urge you to retain your 'cool'.

The Exige features bodywork that distinguishes it from its rowdy 'brother'. The extra features add approximately 30 pounds of weight, yet the car stills weighs in at approximately 2,000 pounds. Standard equipment includes forged wheels, ultra-high performance tires, a stiffer suspension and twin-oil coolers from the Elise Sport Pack. The bodywork is hand-laid, and the remainder of the car is hand-assembled. The Exige retains an aura of exclusivity as Lotus plans to manufacture only 300 to 350. Not only will this car stop traffic, by comparison, the traffic around you will appear as if it is standing still.

Exotic Car Information

Luxury Cars: Koenigsegg manufactures exclusive super sports cars for a select elite of enthusiasts. Space age materials and uncompromising quality both in finish and function make these cars among the very best in the automotive history. They reach higher top speeds and are more powerful than any other series-produced car today. Three models are currently in production; the CC8S, 806 hp CCR, and now the magnificent CCX which is engineered to comply with US regulations and market demand. Each Koenigsegg models are built to excel on the road or racetrack, yet are still highly comfortable for long distance traveling.

Toyota’s FCHV

To perk up the cruising range of FCHV per charge to 500km, which is on par with that of the gasoline vehicles, Toyota Motor Corp held a lecture titled ‘Development of Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle-Cruising Range’ at EVS23. The company focused on enhancing the fuel tank pressure and improving its fuel efficiency. The pressure in the fuel tank was increased from 35 to 70MPa so that the tank can store about 6kg of fuel, which is 1.9 times that in the existing tank.

Land Rover LRX

The Land Rover LRX is set for a big Detroit debut next month as the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world. The LRX is described as a cross-coupe, and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover stands for. Though smaller than the LR2, the LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of a 4×4 (reflect LRX’s more on-road bias, Terrain Response also gains a new ‘Eco’ mode for lower emission urban driving) and the visual presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package. Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile SUV with the cachet of the Land Rover name. Here are some green elements added to the name - Its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced C02 emissions.

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New Honda S2000

The lid has been lifted on Honda’s green future! The Japanese firm wowed crowds at the British Motor Show with its stunning OSM (Open Study Model) concept.Making its world debut here in London, the rakish two-seater points the way toward an eco-friendly successor to the company’s S2000 roadster.Penned by staff at the manufacturer’s design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, the newcomer claims to offer class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions, thanks to slippery aerodynamics and a lightweight construction. Bosses at the company also hinted that the model could get a powerful hybrid powerplant.Take a look at the OSM, and it’s clear that style is as important as its environmental credentials. The shark-like nose features a gaping grille and slim wraparound headlamps, while the gently rising waistline sweeps up to a high-set tail. Here you’ll find distinctive LED rear lights that run the full width of the car.Climb aboard, and the sporty theme continues to the cabin. The two heavily bolstered seats are low set and trimmed in blue leather. In front of the driver is a cowled binnacle packed with dials that are illuminated with a cool blue light.No official announcements have been made about what’s under the bonnet, although a hybrid powerplant is likely. This would be connected to a semi-auto gearbox operated via a normal lever or paddles behind the steering wheel.

Diesel Power for New Lamborghini Estoque

A new bull is charging in – and here are the pictures to prove it. This spectacular machine is Lamborghini’s ‘family’ supercar, the four-seater Estoque. It opens a new door for the Italian company – not least because it will be the first Lambo in history with a diesel engine!

Revealed at the Paris Motor Show, the four-door saloon will join the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide to form a trio of brand new super saloons. The Estoque takes its name from a type of sword used by bullfighters – although, far from killing the bull, this car will more than double Lambo’s sales by entering the brand into a new niche. And in addition to a V10 engine, the company is planning oil-burning and hybrid powerplants, too.

A modern interpretation of the firm’s original four-seater, the Espada, the Estoque draws on the Gallardo and Murciélago supercars. Its aluminium composite body is full of sharp angles and menacing geometric shapes. Inside, inspiration comes from the Reventón – Lamborghini’s special-edition Murciélago – with a fighter jet-style dashboard. In the back are two seats offering plenty of legroom and a 450-litre boot.

Underneath the skin lies an all-new aluminium and composite chassis, while up front is a 5.2-litre V10 from the Gallardo LP 560-4, which is mounted as far behind the front wheels and as low as possible. A rear differential gives 55:45 weight distribution.

Audi R8

Audi R8 is built by a German automaker Audi and was first introduced in 2006. Audi has brought to the market a mid-engine supercars keeping in line with the company’s history of intelligent design and shared platform. This entry into the luxury sedan market comes in with a big bang for the buck. The R8 is a versatile vehicle and is easily controlled on the road going exactly where it is steered.

The R8 has some of the best advanced features around making it a very unique vehicle. The Audi R8 is built on Audi’s Space Frame making it fairly light-weight vehicle. One of the best features of Audi R8 is the design of the engine. The vehicle has 4.2L v8 engine.

FSI technology is another feature of R8, which allows the car to accelerate in fast velocity. R8 has a capability to run from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just four seconds, when you are driving you can use either of the manual or the automatic transmission. The manual transmission uses six speeds while the automatic transmission uses R-tronic technology for gear reading. The R8 can also work up to 420 horsepower at just 780 Rate per minute. It also comprised of aluminium alloy heads that can make the car more powerful, durable and fuel efficient. You can also choose form trim options such as R8 Quattro or the Quattro with R tronic. You can also get this vehicle with a six speed manual and an automated manual transmission.

Mercedes- Benz SLK

Who does not want a sleek car? With the destinations of man, we all need the cars to help us get to it. We want the best performance there is, not just on the practical reasons alone but it all tell our personality. Car manufacturers have created various styles and designs that has improved until now. Mercedes- Benz is one of the pioneer car manufacturers in the world. One of its models, the Mercedes- Benz SLK, underwent many revisions.

The 2009, SLK was revised focusing on the body and the overall performance. The R171- platform SLK has gained the Best New Convertible Award, Car and Driver Ten Best Award. SLK was one of the firsts to have the convertible model in cars. The team dreamed of having a car that is short, light and sporty and it all came in one car- Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz.

The engine of SLK- class has the perfect smooth sound and tops the class in performance. SLK30’s engine can accelerate to a maximum 100 kilometres per hour in 6.3 seconds. It has a total displacement of 2, 996 cubic centimetres with 228 hp net power. As one of a kind model, it is the only car which can convert from hardtop to open top roadster. With just one press, you can experience the fresh air with the speed. The roof, which is electro- hydraulic, moves sleekly at the back of the car. With the smart design of the roof, the trunk space is not sacrificed. Never think of the glares that the reflection of the sun gives. The tinted glass of the car gives a cooling effect to make a very clear view of the surroundings.

Renntech Smart 722: The 182hp little monster - or April Fool’s Day

RENNTECH’s 722 tuning package for the Mercedes SLR McLaren supercar has been generating a lot of attention recently, as has RENNTECH’s appointment as the American agent for the Mercedes-Benz McLaren 722GT club racer and SLR.Club Trophy USA series.

Building on these runaway successes, RENNTECH has released details of an exciting new project called the 7.22. Based on the new Smart ForTwo, the 7.22 is powered by two (2) 1000cc, 3 cyl. Smart engines, each mated to its own 5-speed, automated transmission.

“One engine drives the front wheels, the other drives the rears,” explains Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH’s president and ex-technical director of AMG North America. “One of my employees, Jo Borras, previously worked with Mosler to build their dual-engined Cadillac TwinStar, and made the magazine rounds a few years later with his own twin-engined Hyundai Tiburon. It seemed like a good idea to try on the Smart, so we went with it.”

Each of the Smart’s drive units exists in its own subframe, complete with its own ECU and electronics, making the process fairly straightforward. Feyhl explained that once the steering mechanism was integrated into the engine’s cradle, the resulting subframe mounted directly to the existing safety cell, using the same mounting points as the original. Feyhl admits “the hardest part was getting the 7.22’s new plastic bodywork ‘right’.”

Interestingly, since each engine and transmission assembly is completely isolated, there is no need to synchronize the two. Feyhl informed us that “each engine and ECU finds its job suddenly easier, and simply acts as if it were going downhill or carrying a lighter load.”

World’s First Electric Sportscar

A new sports car that is every eco-conscious car-lover’s dream arrives in Britain later this month. Powered by 30 electric batteries it can reach speeds of 130mph, accelerate from 0-60mph in four seconds and has a luxury interior to boot - but will it be the vehicle that finally cracks the UK’s eco-car market?

Mitsubishi Concept cX is the new baby Outlander

The Concept-cX will be shown as the new ‘baby Outlander’ combining over 70-years of four wheel drive experience with an innovative global environmental strategy. The Concept-cX, when launched, will be the showcase for the CO² friendly all-new Euro 5 Clean Diesel family of engines to be launched in 2009 as well a number of other green technologies. The new engine is planned to have class-topping power output and Euro 5 emissions performance include a new high-efficiency turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Motors.

Sharp in design and in dynamics, Mitsubishi’s Concept-cX boasts an excellent environmental performance to be seen in the low fuel consumption and emission levels achieved by its 100 kW (136 ps) @ 4,000 rpm / 280 Nm @ 2,000 rpm next generation 1.8-litre Clean Diesel DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder engine. Among other technologies, it features a variable geometry (VG) turbocharger – to generate optimum boost pressure for all engine loads – as well as DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst). The 1.8 liter Clean Diesel engine is mated to Mitsubishi Motors’ Twin Clutch SST technology.

Luxury Cars 2008 Bentley Continental

Modern technology with old-world charm and grace.

The Bentley Continental lineup grows to four models for 2008 with the addition of the Continental GT Speed coupe, a luxurious 600-hp brute named after the classic Speed series that debuted 85 years ago. With a maximum velocity of 202 mph, it is the fastest production Bentley ever constructed.

The remainder of the armada includes the Bentley Continental GTC convertible and GT coupe, both two-door versions, and the Bentley Continental Flying Spur four-door sedan. Each offers unique styling. All are effortlessly propelled by a twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine. All have all-wheel drive and air suspension. All 2008 models feature minor enhancements and detailing to further refine the experience.

Cars 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the sales leader in Boston luxury car sedans for four decades. Indeed, half of all the cars priced over $100,000 sold in the U.S. are still S-Class Benzes. That tells you something about the reputation of Mercedes-Benz's most expensive, most elaborate sedan.

Now, Mercedes has introduced an all-new S-Class. The exterior design, the interior design, and the onboard controls systems are entirely new, and all of the safety systems have been upgraded and even further integrated. Only a few parts and systems carry over from the previous-generation models, such as the air suspension system, the seven-speed automatic transmission, and most of the safety systems.

Luxury Cars 2008 Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is big in every way: in sheer size, in style, in comfort, and in power. This latest Escalade breaks from the customized-Suburban mold of its predecessors to provide a smoother, more integrated, more sculptured look.

The look is no deception. Under its imposing skin, the Escalade offers all the comfort and convenience features of a top-dollar Boston luxury car sedan, including automatic climate control, a premium Bose sound system, ultrasonic parking assist, power adjustable pedals, and heated leather seats. Navigation and DVD entertainment are available, as are a rearview camera and retractable running boards.

A Boston Luxury Car Lover's Paradise

If you love luxury cars then look no further than your nearest Herb Chambers showroom this month. With 44 dealerships, 28 new vehicle manufactures and countless Herb Chambers Certified Pre-Owned models to choose from, you too can be cocooned in leather-lined luxury, relax in multi-functional lounge seats that can heat, cool and sometimes even massage. Imagine listening to concert hall quality music systems and sipping your cappuccino while you sit back and enjoy the smooth ride delivered by your choice from Herb Chambers’ unsurpassed fleet of luxury vehicles. No where else will you find a better choice, “SMART price”, sales experience or service.

Hatchbacks Are Back!

What would the future of cars look like? Think long. Wait. Actually, you need not exert too much effort. Look around. The present will give you a hint about the future…

The AIADA newsletter reported that the next shape in cars comes close to how most people might like to chisel their own bodies - broad shoulders and a shapely rear end. That’s right, the five-door hatchback is back. And hot hatches are here to stay…

USA Today also reported that Nissan’s Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover, a small hatchback that blurs the differences between SUV and sedan, is emblematic of the style. The EX35 stands tall and confident from the front just like an SUV. But the roofline arcs to a slope over the back seat and the cargo area. The five-door vehicle is aimed at attracting more female buyers to Infiniti, the report added.

Modern-day hatchbacks include Volvo’s C30, BMW’s X6, and Hyundai’s Elantra Touring. Sales of five-door vehicles doubled from 2001 to 2006, says Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai’s product planning chief. And from 2008 through 2010, there will be eight new or redesigned crossovers entering the market among all makers.

New Rolls-Royce To Roll Out

Rolls-Royce has always been known as the brand of car that you should buy if you want to rub shoulders, elbows and hips with the rich and famous. Today, Rolls-Royce cars are no longer produced by the same company that started the Rolls tradition for luxury and performance. It is now a subsidiary of BMW and so far, the prestige brand continues to churn out great cars. The newest addition is the 101EX which is based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom-based concept car unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show.

According to the BMW subsidiary, the new addition to their lineup completes the Phantom family. The automaker is confident that the new car which will be manufactured starting next summer will be a success. Ian Robertson, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce said: “The Phantom has the top end of the market all to itself. It has no competitor of any significance in this industry.” This statement was translated by Edmunds to: “Frumpy Maybach is no threat, leaving Rolls-Royce free to expand the Phantom family whenever and however it chooses.”

The leading online source for auto information’s take on the new Rolls-Royce goes like this: “We find the Bentley Continental GT a lot more attractive than this Phantom-based coupe. But in this case, it really doesn’t matter what we think: Rolls-Royce is confident it can sell every Phantom derivative it builds.”

Bugatti

Jeremy Clarkson would be perfect for the job and there was still a 1,000-strong Facebook group calling for him to run the country and the fans of top Gear presenter believe it. But he has ruled himself out of becoming prime minister of Britain because he would be a ‘rubbish leader’. Naturally Jeremy thinks the idea is bloody ridiculous and that he would be a rubbish leader. If I were him I’d think the same right thing in deciding between joining politics or test driving some of the most amazing cars in the world.

Jeremy Clarkson said he hated bureaucracy and over-powering safety rules. Although people say Clarkson would be the perfect for the job and people calling him to run UK, He contradicts himself. No he doesn’t.

Back in August 2007, making Jeremy Clarkson as Prime Minister an e-petition started on the UK government site. At that point in time the petition was signed by 15,489 people with a deadline of April 17th, 2008. And found out a total of 49,442 people had signed the petition on April 17th.

What does Clarkson have to say about all this? He said he enjoyed the thrill of working on Top Gear. ‘I have always said the Government should build park benches and that is it. They should leave us alone,’ he said.

Clarkson also spoke he raced a bullet train in Japan, the upcoming season of Top Gear. Well, it has something to do with the Nissan GT-R? Let’s have to wait and find out.

Volvo

Volvo XC70: (Pricing not available; sales start in October) The redesigned XC70, with a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine, has safety features expected from a Volvo. The carmaker won a safety award at the New York International Auto Show this spring, for the (optional) integrated, height-adjustable booster seat in the XC70's back seat. Higher-tech solutions include more high-strength steel to protect occupants and disperse energy in a side impact, plus bigger side-curtain airbags.

Luxury Cars over the Horizon

To engineer a luxury car of the future, today's designers must first conceive of what luxury will mean in the year 2030. Will it just be about the car's curb appeal? Will drivers -- and passengers -- expect not only to be comfortable in their luxury cars but also pampered? If so, then perhaps future luxury will be delivered through tranquility, speed and control.

Tranquility certainly appears to be on the minds of Barcelona, Spain-based car designers Ficosa International. In 2005, Ficosa re-imagined a car's interior in the Senzai. The designers took their cues from nature, including elements like water and wood and even integrating the perception of wind within the car's cabin. Their ideas were based around Japanese Zen gardens.

An illuminated stream, enclosed in glass, falls from the top of the Senzai's dashboard to the rear floorboards, separating the driver from the passenger. On either side of the stream, the floor consists of Japanese-inspired sand gardens, which extend a warm glow to the interior cabin [source: Car Design News]. Raked sand lends a windswept impression to the interior.

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With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating all-round dynamic performance, innovative chassis technology and high levels of luxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora heralds an exciting new era for Lotus.

The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995, The Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world’s only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great fun to drive - even when clad with the full development disguise that hid the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.

In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Evora offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus’s existing smaller four-cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabin is elegantly trimmed and its equipment list includes contemporary features such as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.

Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is in Lotus’s smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.

The ‘convenience factor’ of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car. For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech aluminium sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.

The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible.

The Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England; capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2000 cars a year, ensuring the dynamic new sports car’s rarity and exclusivity.