Report: Group supervision for Foundation jury says auto bailouts

Congressional Oversight Panel charged with oversight of America's $ 700 billion federal bailout Fund recognizes that it is still not sure if it will be saved in the auto industry in the long term, according to The Detroit News. As you may recall, the $ 700 billion was divvied among banks, insurers and General Motors and Chrysler, among others.
According to the group, the Treasury had no specific goals for $ 85 billion it has given automakers, so it is difficult to assess the success of the loan in the long run. It now appears that the crisis has worked with GM and Chrysler as placing their first profit in years in 2010.
Last year, GM made 6.2 billion profit – his first year in the black since 2004. Chrysler was also able to profit, and Ford, which did not take any money from the Government of 6.6 billion profit.
In its final report 236-page Oversight Group also reduced its estimate of how much money crisis would cost taxpayers $ 40 billion to $ 17 billion.

Review: 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible

 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery
I know you're probably here to read all about how the 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible stacks up against other six-digit luxury sports cars, but I've got a confession to make. Before we get down, dirty and up to our elbows in power figures, you need to know that this is my first real brush with luxury performance of this caliber. As we speak, the ruling houses of auto journalism are likely sending laptop-wielding assassins my way for breaking the seventh sacred tenant of our craft – "Always pretend you know more than you do" – but I can't accurately convey my time with this big cat without first giving you a taste of my perspective.
Get the mouthwash ready, this may be unpleasant.
My office is headquartered in a beautiful part of East Tennessee, where $30,000 will happily buy you seven acres of wooded hill country. Around here, I'm pleased to say that I'm more likely to hear a Massey-Ferguson lumber past my window than a Maserati, and as such, most folk have neither the use for a high-horsepower 2+2 convertible nor the ludicrous kind of coin it takes to call one your very own. As one neighbor remarked, "You can buy a damn nice home for as much as that thing costs."
And for the majority of the country, he's dead right.
Continue reading Review: 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible...
Photos copyright ©2011 Zach Bowman / AOL
Receiving word that you'll be the sole custodian of a 2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible for a week and actually meeting the beast in the sultry flesh are two entirely different things. When the machine arrived, it announced its presence with a low rumble that snaked its way through the pine, gypsum and hardwood of the house and into my ears long before it showed its face in the driveway.
Intrigue, thy name is the 5.0-liter, supercharged V8 planted behind this kitty's headlights.
I mark the third generation of my clan to call this particular house my own, and while there have been some true curiosities parked in this driveway over the past few decades, there's never been anything quite like this topless supercharged wonder. Approaching the XKR Convertible from the rear, you're met with the kind of knee-shaking aesthetics that few vehicles possess. Tall, rounded flanks work their way into a concise aft dominated by LED taillamps, a steep rear deck spoiler and four menacing exhaust outlets. Vast 275-series tires the size of a pair of small continents peek out from below the rear valance, and from this angle, there's no mistaking this convertible's true purpose.

 

Move down the sports car's side and you're introduced to a full 188.7 inches of sprawling bodywork. With a lengthy 108.3-inch wheelbase, Jaguar's designers had plenty of space to ply their art. From the sides, prominent haunches define the XKR Convertible's profile before transitioning easily into a low-slung nose that rolls on for a country mile. It's the kind of look that could induce labor or stop your heart if you aren't prepared for what you're seeing.
Don't be surprised if you leave a trail of newborns and cardiac arrest in your wake.
At least, that's the case with the top down. Crank the soft shell up with a merry push of a convenient, windshield frame-mounted button and the spell's handily broken. Jaguar has done an excellent job of incorporating a smooth top structure, but the mechanism draws undue attention to the massive proportions of the rear deck. While everything looks squared away with the car slinking around topless, you can't help but think there's enough sheetmetal out back to set up a regulation badminton court with the roof in place. Fortunately, the top stows in around 17 seconds, so you don't need to waste any time should the sun start shining.
Jaguar was kind enough to supply the XKR Convertible with a set of heated and cooled ventilated leather seats up front that are fully capable of boiling up a cup of Earl Grey should you become stranded far from a kettle at tea time. With the seats set to incinerate and the heater dialed to blast furnace, mother nature was no match for this kitty's open-air motoring.
In addition to being able to tan your hide, the front seats are also nearly infinitely adjustable. That includes bolsters that can be tweaked to squeeze you tighter than your one true love. That little trick joins the standard portfolio of fore/aft and up/down wizardry to serve up seating custom tailored for nearly every size and shape.
The rest of the cabin swaddles you in no less comfort. The leather dash is double-stitched with contrasting thread, and a lumber yard's worth of polished burlwood accents adorn those surfaces that aren't already covered in hide. It's a beautiful place to spend an hour or three, so long as you don't have to fight the touchscreen infotainment system. Commands to change the radio station are seemingly sent by first-class air mail to an overburdened worker in Coventry where they must be approved before taking effect. Don't expect anything to happen quickly.
The thermometer bobbed at around 40 degrees my first night with the XKR Convertible, but with stars peeking through the bud-laden branches and no clouds in sight, there was no way in this life or the next that I was going to leave this cat in the driveway. I stowed the top and headed for the snaking asphalt of Union County. From the first press of the glowing start button, it was clear I had stumbled into an alternate universe of propulsion. This is no sewing machine, and at no point did I have to check to see if the engine was running.

Jaguar has made damn sure that you feel the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 come to life, and it does so with a bark that serves as a harbinger of all sorts of naughtiness. If the starting sequence is the gateway drug of Jaguar love, the first punch of the accelerator is straight methamphetamine. You can forget fighting this addiction. The automaker's engineers have managed to wring a full 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque from the eight force-fed cylinders, and every dash to 60 miles per hour clicks off in a claimed stammer-inducing 4.6 seconds. That's shorter than the time it took you to read that last sentence, which is an impressive feat given that the XKR Convertible tips the scales at a whisker under two tons.
The six-speed automatic gearbox is a work of art, dispatching upshifts with quicker-than-thou precision and serving up rev-matching downshifts with a click of a paddle. An extra cog or two would likely go a long way toward bettering the vehicle's 15 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway EPA rating, but really, who's counting?

In order to keep all that momentum-building glory in check, Jaguar has bolted on a traction control system that must have been programmed by a panel of ruler-wielding nuns. No matter how desperately you mash buttons or turn dials, get too happy with the accelerator and you'll get your knuckles rapped in a hurry. Even with the gearbox set to Sport, Competition mode on and Dynamic Stability Control off, I was barely able to get a few decent revolutions of wheel-spinning heaven before being made to submit to she-who-rules-all-nannies. I don't even want to talk about attempting to ply the throttle in anger with the parameters adjusted to more sane settings.
Still, the chaperone under the hood wasn't enough to quell my lust for this car. Even with 3,968 pounds of heft to scoot along, the dynamic suspension is perfectly firm for a series of apexes while turning buttery supple to accommodate imperfections in the tarmac. Mix in a brake system fully capable of pulling your eyelids from your face and you're delivered a grand tourer that can go 10 rounds with lighter sports cars all night long. The machine is just as happy to consume mile after mile of rolling highway as it is darting from one mountain corner to the next.
Pulling into the driveway after a full hour of sampling all the talents the XKR Convertible has to offer, I was convinced that Jaguar had managed to build a vehicle that was worth every copper cent of its MSRP.
That was the honeymoon.

With the sun shining after work the next day, I was looking forward to dinner out with the wife followed by a long ride home via some of the area's more desolated roads. We hopped in, I hit the key and was instantly rewarded with a glowing check engine light. Having suffered through the hazing associated with English vehicle ownership in the past, a few dozen Lucas jokes buzzed through my brain before I could so much as mutter a curse.
For the uninitiated, Joseph Lucas founded the company behind nearly all of the electrical components under the hood of hardware from jolly old England. His gear had a reputation for reliability that was about as spotless as a pair of polka dot socks. There's a reason they say the company holds the world's only patent on the short circuit.
Still, check engine lights are nothing new or special, even on a vehicle with 2,200 miles on the clock. We piled back out and the next day I got the pleasure of spending some time with the experts at Harper Jaguar. The problem stemmed from a faulty evaporation system sensor, and in no time the techs at the dealer had the XKR Convertible up and running again. There was much rejoicing.

Or at least there was until two days later, when the light reared its head once again. Having precious few days before having to leave town, I wasn't interested in carving out any more time to have the vehicle addressed. I parked the cat in the driveway and defaulted to the familial fleet for the remainder of my transportation needs.
Jaguar's current owner, Tata, inherited an entire British brand that was on its way up. From beautifully-styled XF, XJ and XK models to vastly improved reliability records, Jaguar is heads and shoulders above its old self. In fact, the automaker routinely scores well in J.D. Power and Associates surveys. Unfortunately, those scores are based largely on the company's previous generation hardware, not the new kit that mostly fills Jag showrooms now.
Granted, the poor vehicles submitted to the vicious hands of the average automotive journalist endure acts banned by the Geneva Convention, but by and large, most automakers manage to serve up products that can at least manage three days without needing attention from a qualified service professional.
I can't help but imagine what would happen if Kia, Toyota or Chrysler began cranking out vehicles with the kind of reliability woes that recent Jaguar models have come to be known for. Whereas the big cat is more or less given a pass for its luxury pedigree and history of foible-ridden vehicles, other brands are held to continuous scrutiny.
Having been completely wowed by an excellent interior and heavenly drivetrain, I'm more than a little soured by my run-in with the ghost of Lucas' past. Until Jaguar can get its reliability house in order, I have to imagine there are better places to spend your $103,375. A nice house on a few dozen acres in Tennessee, perhaps...

Video: Audi sees aluminium as Play-DOH in new ad A6

Audi has just released a new commercial to emphasize commitment to company lighter materials in 2012 A6. In its never-ending quest to improve fuel economy and performance for the automaker supported the aluminum as a material of choice for most of the structure of the unibody sedan. Metal allowed Audi to improve interior room in its products without suffering weight or stiffness of the fine. Of course tries to explain that in such a way that doesn't sound like a boring interpreting chemistry high school class is a bit of a challenge.
That's where the miracle of CGI.
Ad plate of aluminium in turns easily stretched ductile material, and in any form, allowing viewers to easily parallels between sculpture and the automaker's engineers. Course A6, impressive, but we would like to see this guy's work to the giraffe.

Fiat MyLife

FIAT PRESENTS HER RANGE OF CARS MYLIFE
A new collection of well equipped models, high value has to be presented on the Fiat passenger car range.
Called MyLife, new finishing level was launched on 18 February with Fiat Punto MyLife and followed this week with Fiat Panda.  Bravo, Qubo and Doblo MyLife vehicles will be introduced later this year.
Part of the Fiat range, MyLife cars are not limited editions. They focus on the style and technology, with particular attention on the choice and value for money in a car carrying an impressive list of equipment. The original and distinctive MyLife cars, combining design, technology and eco-friendliness in a single product.
"We are very pleased to start this new model strategy which offers customers the best value proposition in the segment of the base of each range of models," says Elena Bernardelli, Director, Fiat Group Automobiles United Kingdom and Ireland of marketing.
"MyLife focuses on the style and technology while offering a proposal that represents considerable value for money." I am sure that this will be of interest to many Fiat new and existing customers.

In terms of style there are several highly visible changes outside of the Punto MyLife, recognized as a special varnish finish (Piano black) for front and rear bumper inserts and the pillars of the door.
As GP and Sporting versions, Punto MyLife has dark tinted headlights and tail lights Bruni to give a sport aspect. The car also gets the body-colour door handles, rims alloy of 15-inch sports style and front fog lamps.
Inside Punto MyLife has improved dashboard soft touch Black with perforated sports inserts. Standard, it has Blue & Me telecommunications and information to the facility for TomTom sat nav, Start Stop & indicator change gear and air conditioning.
Available with Fiat 1.2 litre 8v engine (69bhp), at current prices Punto MyLife is just ? 9,995 (3 doors) and ? 10,595 (5 doors).
Panda MyLife is based on the 1.2 active model (69bhp) litre 8v and comes standard with 14-inch, air conditioning and remote central locking, alloy wheels. It is currently available to only ? compiled.

iX20 5-Star NCAP

HYUNDAI iX20 granted MAXIMUM 5-STAR EURO NCAP rating
New segment B MPV of Hyundai, the ix20, received a rating of five stars by organization independent vehicle assessment, Euro NCAP maximum security.  The result is the ix20 one of the safest vehicles in its segment and one of the very few for a rating of five stars.

The ix20 is the fourth consecutive Hyundai model to achieve the maximum score of five stars in the rigorous assessment of the Euro NCAP programme, following high ratings recently obtained by the urban i20, i30 hatchback and ix35 C-segment SUV.

The b-segment MPV received a score of 85% class advanced in the category "child occupant protection", well in assessments of 18 months and three-year-old.  In the categories "pedestrian" and "adult occupier", the Hyundai reaches competitive scores of 89% and 64% respectively.

Electronic stability program and a seat belt reminder system has contributed to the partition of the ix20 of 71% in the category "security assist."  Comprehensive security program has given maximum points of Hyundai in assessing "impact side of the fence" as well as good protection against the lashes back impacts.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "five-star of the ix20 of scoring more Hyundai demonstrates commitment to the highest level of security for our customers."  Add to this a very generous standard specification, a range of efficient engines and unparalleled our care insurance of Triple year five, and the ix20 becomes a very attractive package.
Since its launch in November 2010, the ix20 has proved very popular in Europe, receiving some 32,000 almost orders at the end of last month.

Video: Drifting BMW i3 proves rear-wheel drive cars have more fun

A Cold-Weather test footage of i3 BMW in Sweden, showing rear-wheel drive platform and propensity to get sideways fully electric city car. It is too early to test how i3 full production is not expected to be ready until 2013.
However, with 150 horsepower on tap with a rear mounted electric lump, BMW could well be a barrel of laughs, as well as environmentally responsible mode of transport. Of course we don't expect a big range with such antics ...

BMW sport aluminum enclosure around i3 reinforced carbon fiber plastic of the passenger compartment and will be considered micro vehicle premium when it hits showrooms. As a premium? Expect the price to creep over $ 40000. See how much fun, power drifting can be in the video after the break.
 

Video: ESPN pokes fun at global using track Championship

Taking a break from the endless barrage of SportsCenter, SportsCenter, and then followed by NFL draft analysis, followed by SportsCenter, ESPN will run a global Rally Championship, this spring and summer.
World Rally Championship will be a number of Sprint style races in last year's summer X-Games, only spread throughout the season and use tracks not l.a. Coliseum
These courses will combine dirt, gravel and pavement stages to keep everything as unpredictable as possible. Cars will be the combination of Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer and Ford Fiesta, which worked at X-Games, which means they sport ridiculous power shapes and should hit 60 in just over two seconds. However, we cannot but doubt the claim made by Street law ESPN announcer in commercials after the jump. Check it out, and then head over to global using track Web site for more information.

Geneva: 2011 Saab concept previews new Swedish Phoenix shape

Phoenix: future concept Saab already here
* ' aeromotional ' design inspired by Saab's aviation roots
* Design and technical features of the formation of the new generation Saab cars
* Minimalist cabin with ground-breaking Saab IQon entertainment system
* Rightsized engine and innovative Saab eXWD for electric rear drive
* Showcases technology in architecture, a new car
Sleek, innovative and highly effective: Saab concept car shows design features and Phoenix technologies that will shape the next generation of cars from Saab.
Based on a new architecture that will enable the next Saab 9-3 models, the Phoenix represents "aeromotional," translating principles of design: Visual design and aerodynamic passion for innovation that inspired the creators of the first car Saab, iconic Ursaab.
Phoenix includes tears, "liquid metal" form and hothouse dome inspired drama jet, which gives a fresh expression to Saab's signature ice block "servodrive and closed and a translucent design themes.
Clean, muscular form allows extremely low drag co-efficient only 0.25 and also explores possibilities for control flow through the use of distinctive, mounted on the side of the wings.
Butterfly door opening provides easy access to 2 + 2 cabin that combines simplicity with technology. It has a minimalist ' stripped ' feel, including a new phrase oriented format driver for Saab and the Saab world debut for innovative IQon entertainment system and communications. In true Saab tradition there is also an amazingly versatile cargo deck.
Phoenix establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design, "said Jason Castriota's CEO, Saab car design. "It symbolizes the rebirth of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab build their first car. Now we take Visual DNA ahead with what we call "aeromotional" design, adding emotion, power, and flexibility. This design aesthetic would define and differentiate future models Saab portfolio ".
In his body There, Saab Phoenix deploys innovative transmission with electrically controlled rear axle coupled complex 200 hp, turbo engine 1.6 liter gasoline. The result is an intelligent all-wheel drive, hybrid, which increases the opportunities driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption. It is anticipated that combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions will be just 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g/km.
Aeromotional design
«Aeromotional» PhoeniX theme design is based on the Saab aviation roots and drew the expression from the Ursaab the prototype developed by engineers of Saab aircraft, which gave rise to the first generation cars.
Seemingly, the entire form of the Phoenix is wind. Tightly wrapped up in the liquid skin, inside a teardrop dark ice block is recalled and raised from the center of the muscle of the body. Two prominent pulsation flow along the hood in hidden glass pillars as if barely able to contain the powerful underneath.
On the back of a dark screen also queues through the outer skin of the back deck, tapering shape hints at Teardrop rear styling Ursaab and sawn off, tail Kamm repeats form with Saab Sonett first Coupe.
Low frontal styling features a stretched interpretation of Saab's signature three-port grille. Wing of the central organ of the currently dominant colors, and, in accordance with minimalist design car led headlights are almost unnoticeable on his advice. New grille and hood shape are among the styling so probably should be considered in future Cars Saab production.
Butterfly open doors provide access to low-slung cabin. There is no visible door handles and mirrors to disrupt the airflow, and small cameras on thin stalks provide eyesight back.
The roof of the "wings" to Phoenix in the most efficient cut. They feed air from the car and put it on the back deck, drag reduction of a lifting force for greater stability without growth.
Minimalist interiors
In true Scandinavian tradition cabin 2 + 2 has a cleaner, minimalist look. It has a ' stripped ' feel competition car shell such places and metalized interiors, imitating the effects of network roll-cage.
Fresh expression to Saab traditional-oriented driver layout tool. Circular pod on the driver, is shaped like a Jet engine Afterburner, presents data in tandem with head-up display.
An angle of 45 ° to the driver, a separate module includes Saab best IQon infotainment and communications systems. Ergonomics for 8-inch touchscreen is as close as possible to the driver's finger tips as a steering wheel.
Saab IQon (see separate release for details) is a ground-breaking platform vehicle communication using Google AndroidTM operating system. Based on the novel "open innovation" with applications and third-party developers, service providers, it includes a built-in computer platform that easily connects to the Internet, when you turn on the ignition of the car. Touch-screen provides access to streaming audio and entertainment, Internet navigation, on-board music store and download applications as Smartphone.
Red illumination for all instruments and ambient light brings a warm cabin and emotions in the Salon. This includes adding, where are the led light tubes, perforations in black carpets. It's all part of the new strategy of design "aeromotional", "fire and ice" effects.
Phoenix curvaceous rear deck conceals opening tailgate. This gives access to a flat cargo deck, including flat rear zvukogrammy and cargo load track for adaptation.
Efficient engines
According to its sculpted hood and under his Saab cargo deck Phoenix achievements selection power strategy. Its propulsion system combines highly effective, 1.6 liter turbo drive engine technology with innovative, electric rear-wheel drive.
Compact, all-aluminum gasoline engine packages 200 hp (147 kW) and includes variable valve timing and lift control, as well as start/stop functionality, minimal losses of parasitic and fuel production. A stainless steel tank which is easier and cheaper than conventional plastic construction.
The engine supports innovative Saab eXWD system. It includes a rear drive housing 25 kW (34 HP) electric motor/generator to a small battery. Regenerative braking is used to preserve battery power.
Currently in the development of next-generation Saab cars, this hybrid drive train allows the advantages of all-wheel drive with a decrease in fuel consumption. With a six speed manual transmission, the projected combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are simply 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g/km.
The driver can choose from three modes of operation eXWD. Eco mode by default provides optimal fuel efficiency and CO2 through nutrition to reduce the load on the gasoline engine at low speeds; Sport mode includes facilitating maximum power to the torque vectoring across the rear axle for more control chassis; and traction mode allows optimal chaining on take-off and slippery.
Inside and out, Saab Phoenix showcases new directions for design and technology, which will be part of the upcoming Saab products.

Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe is the revival of the CLK [w/video]

Current Coupe Mercedes-Benz E-Class might be too large to fairly compete with the likes of the BMW 3 series and Audi A5, but silver arrow, with the new fix for-2012 C-class Coupe-revival of the old CLK, if you will.
In addition to just below the roof and the removal of two doors c Coupe, just like its recently redesigned sedan brothers. There are three dvigatea on tap, including a new 201 HP 1.8 liter turbocharged inline four with C250 and direct-injection, 304-hp V6 range topping C350. Well the range topping now is sure to be a badass C63 AMG Coupe is set to debut in the very near future. Yes we're salivating.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of sales over pedestrians Coupe with class, and we are glad to see modern CLK in production again. Browse our gallery of high-res shots below and take it all, then hop jump on new Benz trailer "drive and search for" mini-movie, the new E-Coupe and some pretty attractive bank robbing women ...

Geneva: 2011 Ferrari FF hatches the plot

European extravagasm as the Geneva Motor Show always provides its fair share of oddities, electric Beach buggies or luxury cars, Pepto Bismol swathed in. They don't come often from companies like Ferrari, but this year in Maranello automaker joined off-beat way with the new ff. is pure blooded Ferrari but his form is very different from anything we've seen so far from the brand.
Ferrari is a four-drive, four-seat shooting brake, the new territories for prancing horse marque. So far we have seen this in red and beige (and limited corners), but the good folks at Pininfarina also displays one in white, which we captured from every angle for your viewing pleasure. We'll tell you this much: he looks equally weird in person, but to replace the car, soft as outgoing 612, unusual might be just what the doctor ordered the proverbial.

Geneva 2010: Toyota Prius + sips fuel with room for seven

- Global sales of multiple award-winning Prius passing 2.1 million units
- Prius Plug-in Hybrid ? 20 km EV mode range and CO2 emissions of only 59 g/km
- Lease project feedback reports Prius Plug-in Hybrid surpasses customer expectations
- Prius+, the first full hybrid seven-seater in Europe
- Prius+ features the first lithium-ion battery to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid
Prius ? The Original Full Hybrid, Ahead of its Time
The world's first mass-produced full hybrid vehicle, the Prius was launched in Japan in 1997, and in Europe in 2000. While rival manufacturers are only now introducing a first hybrid variant to their existing model ranges, the stand-alone Prius has already entered its third generation.
With global sales now passing 2.1 million units, the Prius maintains a peerless reputation for reliability, durability and low cost of ownership.
The Prius has been Japan's top selling car for 20 consecutive months#, and has beaten the country's all-time sales record for any model. The previous record was held by the Toyota Corolla which, in 1990, sold 300,008 units. Exceeding this figure by some margin, Prius 2010 sales totalled 315,669 units.
Prius has been consistently ahead of its time in addressing not only CO2 emissions, but also air quality. Even operating in normal drive mode, it generates significantly lower NOX emissions that any comparable diesel or petrol vehicle. In EV mode, it generates zero CO2, NOX and PM emissions.
Internal Toyota studies performed with the third generation Prius show that during a typical city trip, when the average speed is below 30 km/h, more than 25% of the journey takes place with the engine off, resulting in considerable reductions in average fuel consumption and emissions.
Customer perceptions of full hybrid technology have evolved significantly over the last decade. And Prius, initially appealing through its unique concept, environmentally-friendly credentials and advanced technology, is now widely recognised as a true mainstream vehicle.
With interest in hybrid technology growing fast, a recent Toyota survey shows that hybrid drive is now a clear third choice after conventional petrol and diesel engines. It is no longer seen merely as an 'alternative' power source, but is recognised as an entirely mainstream powertrain option.
Nonetheless, the Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. Each generation has introduced new, high technology features to the segment ahead of their time.
Amongst numerous new technologies showcased in the third generation Prius are a world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning, a head-up display, Touch Tracer switchgear and a pre-crash safety system.
Since being named 2005 Car of the Year by European motoring journalists, the Prius ? and its Hybrid Synergy Drive? powertrain - has gone on to win numerous awards. Most recently, it proved the most reliable car in the 2-3 year age category and was awarded Goldene TUV-Plakette, in the 2011 German Auto Bild TUV Report.
Moreover, in a detailed examination of a new car's winter driving capabilities, it was the winner of the Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma's 2010 Cold Weather test. This award is a clear testament to improvements in the cold weather efficiency of its full hybrid powertrain.
Prius will continue to lead Toyota's European full hybrid deployment strategy. With other Toyota HSD models introducing the benefits of full hybrid drive to a broadening customer base, the Prius will remain a showcase for new technologies and further advances in HSD powertrain design.
Prius Plug-in Hybrid ? The Best of Both Worlds
The further development of electric cars as urban commuters is currently handicapped by a number of factors. On the technical side, inappropriately large, heavy and costly batteries are required to offer a satisfactory range. From the customer perspective, no adequate recharging infrastructure yet exists, and range anxiety remains a concern.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid addresses each of these issues, making it the most feasible short-to mid-term solution to the electrification of powertrains.
It offers customers a seamless transition from the Toyota full hybrid driving experience. Thanks to its alternative, on-board power source, it can be used as a conventional full hybrid beyond the electric driving range, and recharged from a domestic source when convenient.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents a significant expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive? system's capabilities. It fulfils the specific needs of urban-based customers with a significantly extended, fully-electric EV driving range for shorter journeys, while the hybrid powertrain's petrol engine awards the vehicle true long range capability, as in the standard Prius.
Its compact, high energy density lithium-ion battery pack gives the Prius Plug-in Hybrid a range of approximately 20 km at speeds up to 100 km/h when driven in EV mode. Rapid charging is a further lithium-ion asset; the battery pack can be fully recharged from a standard, 230V household outlet in just 1.5 hours.
The vehicle's fuel efficiency is significantly enhanced by its extended EV range. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid returns a remarkably low fuel consumption figure of only 2.6 l/100 km ? a reduction of 30% over that of the Prius. Furthermore, CO2 emissions have also fallen to an unprecedented low of just 59 g/km.
With the goal of bringing the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to the market globally in 2012, some 600 vehicles are already involved in limited lease projects worldwide ?one third of them in 18 European countries. The lease projects are designed to assess every aspect of real-world use, and verify the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid's overall environmental and technological performance before it goes on sale in the second half of 2012.
European lease project customer feedback is very encouraging. A majority of surveyed users have reported that the Prius Plug-in Hybrid exceeds their expectations, in many cases significantly. With the most frequent journeys of 50% of customers being less than 20 km in length, and 82% of them achieving a real life EV range of over 15 km, two thirds of daily users are fully satisfied with the vehicle's EV driving range.
Customers find the car easy to use, regardless of whether or not they have previous experience of full electric drive. 84% of them recharge the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at least once a day, and over 80% of them find the charging process simple, and are happy with the 1.5 hour charging time. Wherever possible, users prefer to charge the vehicle in a private location.
Since the Prius Plug-in Hybrid may be driven as a full hybrid once its maximum EV range has been reached, users report no feelings of range anxiety whatsoever. 75% of them find that they naturally drive in a more eco-friendly manner, 80% comment on the high comfort levels of PHV driving, and every user enjoys the silence and relaxation of driving in EV mode.
Prius+, the First Full Hybrid Seven-seater in Europe
Making its World debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Prius+ represents a further expansion of the Prius family, broadening the appeal of the Toyota full hybrid's environmental credentials and advanced technology to the widest customer base yet.
Meeting the needs of growing, environmentally conscientious European families, the Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of seven seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain.
As its name suggests, the Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation, with three, independent, split/folding second row seats and a
50:50 split/folding third tier. Yet it sacrifices none of the traditional attributes found in the Prius DNA, such as the lowest fuel consumption of any seven-seater on the market.
On sale in the first half of 2012, the Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior design hallmarks it as an evolution, rather than merely an elongated version, of the standard Prius.
The sleek, bold styling features an extended roofline with an integral, panoramic sunroof, retaining the iconic Prius triangle silhouette and awarding the Prius+ a low Cd 0.29 drag coefficient. The trapezoidal front incorporates sharp-edged headlamps, turbulence-minimising aero-corners and an enlarged lower grille for improved aerodynamics and engine cooling. Distinctive rear styling is highlighted by a practical, top hinged tailgate, intricate combination lamp clusters and a roof spoiler to further improve air flow.
The Prius+ showcases the latest generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive? powertrain. It features the first lithium-ion battery pack to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid.
First appearing in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the lithium-ion battery pack's compact dimensions make it ideal for installation underneath the centre console between the driver and the front passenger, offering no compromise to the seven-seat passenger accommodation or loadspace of the MPV-style interior.
As in the standard Prius, the Prius+ features three 'on-demand' drive modes to increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain: An EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and emissions. An ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy. And a POWER mode boosts system performance.
The Prius Family ? Expanding to Meet the Needs of a Broader Customer Base
Maintaining its environmental and technological leadership for over a decade now, the Prius remains the most advanced mass produced full hybrid vehicle on the market.
Having introduced the world to the benefits of Toyota's remarkable Hybrid Synergy Drive? technology, Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range.
The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales; the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of urban-based customers, the Prius+ targeting growing, environmentally conscientious European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle.

Fiat 500 Special Edition for Gucci Milan debut

Fiat and Gucci have join hands and they are ready to make their special edition Fiat 500. The 500 features an exclusive body with chrome accents, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as the Gucci signature stripe on both the sides. Interior of the car has two-tone leather seats, gloss black trim and numerous Gucci branding. The vehicle will be available in white or black tones.

Frida Giannini, Creative Director at Gucci reminded the 1950s in which Fiat and kick started a style revolution.
She said that travel in style in the heart of Guccio Gucci Gucci is since his company as a manufacturer of leather tree trunks, suitcases and handbags, founded in 1921, while the commentary on the new joint venture between Fiat and Gucci.

The Fiat 500 which would be debuted in Milan Fashion Week available for pre-order will be from April 1. The Italian price of the vehicle starts at € 17,000, which seems to be quite expensive.

Ferrari four Concept revealed Via Web (Video)

Prior to her debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari come up with what could be called a web unveiling of the new Ferrari four (FF) concept. We have brought the video for you to look at.

The Ferrari four (FF) has an aggressive front fascia as well as an expressive backend. It is said to have gotten a California-inspired profile. The vehicle exhibits a shooting brake design. It may be 450 liters (15.9 cubic feet) of luggage with the rear seats up and 800 litres (28.3 cubic feet) with the rear seats down.
The car is probably are equipped with a 6.3-liter V12 engine that develops 660 PS (485 kW/651 hp) that buses from 683 Nm (504 lb-ft) of torque under the hood. It is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Power sends to an advanced Ruote Motrici (4RM) four wheel drive system incorporated within. This makes the vehicle stands acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

Amari Range Rover Sport 2010 Windsor Edition soon

Amari design is working on their second conversion kit. Is called the Range Rover Sport 2010 Windsor Edition, it is meant for the iconic British 4 ? 4. The remarkable characteristics of the vehicle are as follows. Range Rover Sport conversion consists of a front bumper and a rear bumper. The one on the front is fitted with CSR.

The vehicle also boasts of wide wheel arches, carbon side vents, door trim, roof spoiler, carbon front grill, rear diffuser of ABS plastic or carbon fiber, carbon hood with exhaust tips as well.
The manufacturer has made it clear that they also have a non-wide variant of the vehicle will launch. The car will also features own line of forged wheels.

The model, namely, the ship in three different wheel concepts deeply concave, monoblock and two-piece.

Amari design of tuning conversion kit, the Lamborghini Gallardo Invidia Edition was two weeks ago on WCF revealed.
Also got the right answer. The company has more details on the Range Rover Sport 2010 not revealed.

Alfa Romeo Concept Charms Geneva 4 C

The Geneva Auto Show is witness to many a beauty making their debut.  Among them as a two-seat vehicle like a rear-wheel drive sports coupe Concept comes of the Alfa Romeo 4 C demonstrated. The car-maker proposes the concept to production without much delay. We hear that the model will go on sale in 2012.

All about 4 feet in length and less than 2.4 metres from the wheelbase, the car is presented as a car that sports a four-cylinder (4 C) 1750 Turbo Multi-Air unit which returns 200 PS (147 kW/197 bhp) of output.
Features include the latest Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch gearbox. The car has opportunities to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds and a top speed of more than 250 km/h (155 mph).
Alfa Romeo comes with a mid-rear mounted 1.8 litre turbocharged power plant and a lightweight chassis with carbon-fiber and aluminum body structures for a total curb weight of less than 850 kg (1874 lbs).

Audi A6 with Abt sportline Tuning shown at Geneva

The new redesigned Audi A6 (C7) has been spruced up with Abt sportline of tuning program that seems to be almost tailor made to make the car look good.  To add to the seductive design, offers the new tuning the car with a new front spoiler and aerodynamic side skirts.

And that's not all. The tuning program has also thrown in things like a trunk-mounted spoiler, a rear bumper insert, and a four-sport exhaust system exhaust.
As if to complete the package, a wide selection of wheels in sizes of 19-to 21-inch also are included.
The revamped Audi A6 sport under the hood a 245 PS (180 kW/241 hp) 3.0-liter TDI engine that can be equipped with two performance packages.
As per the new tuning enhancements, there may be an addition of a "Power" kit for the manufacturing of 282 helps PS (206 kW/280 HP).
Meanwhile, the "Power S" kit ups output 310 PS (306 hp/228 kW) and 610 Nm (450 Nm) of torque.