Stunning Stingray: Convertible Chevy Corvette Stingray Concept Spotted?

Allow us, if you will, to play paparazzo for a moment and show you what may be an up-and-coming movie star. Photos of what appear to be a convertible version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (or Centennial) concept recently appeared online, and we wouldn't be surprised if the car is destined for a career in Hollywood.



You may have seen the coupe version of the Stingray in person at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but there’s a better chance you saw it on the silver screen. GM’s Corvette Centennial concept was tapped by director Michael Bay for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, his 2009 sequel to Transformers.

So, then, what is this? We’ve no idea, other than the fact that someone (GM designers? Bay himself? Robotic alien creatures?) in the Southern California area managed to transform the striking coupe design into an angular roadster. Apart from the stubby wrap-around windshield and the waterfall decklid, we note a few other striking differences between this and the original Stingray concept design:

-a new hood, with two intake nostrils flanking a hood bulge that gives us flashbacks of the C3 ZL1 prototype

-new wheels, which adopt a new five-spoke pattern with deeply offset rims

-deeper front intakes, which appear to house fog/running lamps of some kind in their upper corners. These lamps seem to have replaced the slender, LED lamps that ran up the leading edge of the coupe’s front fenders

The Internet is abuzz with speculation of this car’s origins -- but seeing as Bay is already at work at a Transformers 3 and the car was spotted near a major film industry hotspot, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this ‘Vette gain a supporting role in the upcoming film.

Source: Corvette Blogger, BobsBlitz

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Hybrid Haulers: Ford Announces C-Max Hybrids for European Market

Hybrid Haulers: Ford Announces C-Max Hybrids for European Market

Ford has been producing hybrid vehicles for North America since 2004, but the company hasn't offered one in Europe. This is set to change. Ford announced today it will build both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of its new C-Max people mover.

“Our Valencia plant here in Spain will build these new C-Max five-seat hybrid models exclusively for European customers seeking a practical, efficient, and affordable environmental vehicle, while the export to North America of the new Grand C-Max petrol model in late 2011 opens a new era of production for the team at the plant,” said John Fleming, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe.

Ford is developing two different hybrid C-Max variants. One will function like the company's Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid models, but the plug-in hybrid -- a first for Ford -- may appeal to those living in crowded urban areas.



“The extra benefit of being able to  recharge your batteries at home or other parking locations means that PHEVs might better suit those customers who do the majority of their driving in the city and other urban environments where electric battery power is the preferred powertrain alternative,” Fleming said.

Source: Ford

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Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera The Lightest Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera The Lightest Lamborghini
The fastest Gallardo, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4  Superleggera is officially presented to us  a night before the official disclosure.
LP570-4 Gallardo Superleggera takes very seriously the reputation that it bears and is the lightest road model that Lamborghini is offering at this time. Dropping 154 pounds  Superleggera LP570-4 weighs just 2954 lbs. The diet’s key factor was the use of carbon fiber at exterior and interior elements. The table is arranged under the 43/57 ratio being a prerequisite  of sportiness.


In addition, all the name reveals that it has 10 extra horsepower, 5.2-liter V10 engine developing 570 horsepower. Thus the  mass / power ratio is spectacular, being about 5 lbs per pound. Power is delivered to 30% on the front axle and 70% at the rear. It’s obvious that the performances are high,  Gallardo Superleggera can reach 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The new generation is not only faster but also more efficient, say the Italians,  because it reduced consumption and emissions by 20% compared to previous Gallardo Superleggera.  The average consumption of the new Superleggera is 13.5 liters per 62 miles.
In terms of design, everything was done following the specific aerodynamic directives, but also contributed to the appearances. So the new Gallardo gets a very aggressive bumper and would provide more natural air flow . Aerodynamics is improved  in the rear to, by the prominent rear diffuser and the pronounced solid fin  (but not  standard,  only as optional).
The interior is a kind of  carbon fiber paradise, the center console, door panels and seats  being built of this noble material. Contrary to expectations interior isn’t austere and customers still have air conditioning, electric windows and  Alcantara leather, ie all “‘extra” facilities you need to enjoy a Lamborghini Gallardo.
source by mibz

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Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

The marriage between Chrysler and Lancia may come sooner than later. An Autocar interview with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the two brands could merge their lineups by the end of this year.

"In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full lineup," Marchionne said. "We could see the two converge as early as the end of the year."



Marchionne's statements nearly confirm reports of such platform dating to last October. The first example of such a merger could be the Chrysler-branded Delta that was on hand at the Detroit auto show. While details were nonexistent -- the concept didn't even have a name -- the hatchback provided a pleasant example of how the Fiat's products could appear stateside. We've also heard that Lancia could receive a luxury vehicle underpinned by the next-generation Chrysler 300C.

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First Pictures Of The Extreme Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SV

First Pictures Of The Extreme Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SV
Lamborghini will unveil at Geneva an extreme version of the Gallardo model, named LP570-4 SV, characterized by low weight and increased power.
Last days of 2009 were announcing an important premiere at Lamborghini stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Unofficial sources spoke of a performance version, named LP570-4 SV, of the Gallardo model. It seems that the rumors were true, Italians released today the first two pictures of the new version that will become the star of the Swiss auto salon in March.


Unfortunately for fans of sports brand, the images that appeared in the press today are not accompanied by  the information on power and performances that supercar will be capable of. Unofficial sources say the current 5.2-liter engine unit will provide 10 extra horsepower, power indicated by the name – Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SV – the previous LP560 featuring 560 HP. The resources will be sent to both axles, which will benefit, among others, from a recalibrated suspension for extreme behavior.

 To control the 570 horsepower beast, the driver will have a new set of ceramic carbon brakes, custom made for this car. On the outside, the SV version will have a new aerodynamic package, which includes a new front bumper and a huge carbon fiber rear spoiler.
source by mibz

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Audi and Xbox to Host Forza 3 Tournament in New York City

Audi and Xbox to Host Forza 3 Tournament in New York City

Want to watch the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, but can't make your way to France? Perhaps the AXF 24 Challenge -- a party co-hosted by Audi and Microsoft's Xbox team -- is the second-best way to view the classic enduro.

The event celebrates the Le Mans race and serves as a venue for a digital race challenge. Audi's currently asking gamers to fire up Forza Motorsports 3, pilot a digital 2009 Audi R15 TDI race car around the Circuit de la Sarthe, and submit their best lap times. Those with three best times will be invited to the Audi Forum in New York City on June 12, where they'll compete head-to-head in a four-hour Forza-based endurance race. The winner will receive a one-day program with the R8 at Audi's Driving Experience school in Sonoma, California.

Want to watch the cyber-race in person? Audi's opened the event -- which includes a live feed of the Le Mans race, food, door prizes, and Forza 3 game kiosks-- to those over the age of 21. The festivities will be held from 1-5 p.m., and Audi suggests you preregister.

Source: Audi, Forza

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Audi's Stronghold in China Threatened by BMW, Mercedes-Benz

For the last 20 years, Audi has been top dog in the Chinese luxury auto market. Now its reign could be threatened as BMW and Mercedes-Benz begin to gain traction in the emerging market. 

"Mercedes and BMW have more up side than Audi in emerging markets, so it will be difficult for Audi to achieve its target," London-based automotive analyst Arndt Ellinghorst told Automotive News.

As the world's single largest automotive market, Chinese customers are increasingly important to BMW and Mercedes. As a result, both have crafted vehicles specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Tomorrow at the Beijing auto show, BMW will unveil an extended 5 Series, while Mercedes is set to debut its new longer E Class. The reasoning for extended wheelbases is that the wealthier Chinese population is typically chauffeured. 



Earlier this month, Audi posted its first quarter sales figures. With a strong start to 2010, Audi was able to secure the second place spot in global luxury sales, bumping Mercedes down to third. The Ingolstadt based automaker hasn't fared so well in China lately. Over that last 6 years, Audi's market share has slipped from 66 percent down to 46 percent. BMW has climbed from 16 to 23 percent, while Mercedes more than doubled its share, from 7 to 16 percent.

Audi had 159,000 deliveries in 2009, but has a goal to sell 200,000 this year. On track for that target, it sold 51,449 in the first quarter this year. Last year BMW sold 90,500 vehicles, but is on track to surpass that mark, with 34,179 sold through March. Mercedes sold 24,100 vehicles in the first quarter of 2010, and should meet its 100,000 sales goal. BMW is investing $749 million in a new Chinese factory to double capacity to 100,000 units annually. Mercedes already has a 100,000 unit production capacity in China.  

"The potential of the Chinese market remains enormous, and our targets are correspondingly ambitious," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said last week.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

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Lamborghini Gallardo Twin Turbo “Race Version,” An Incredible 1,875 HP Supercar

Lamborghini Gallardo Twin Turbo “Race Version,” An Incredible 1,875 HP Supercar

We’ve seen some amazing cars so far. Whit a lot of power and the number expressing the horsepower having 3 digits. No, we are not talking about trains, we are talking about cars. You can see them on Youtube instantly, just search for “fast supra with 1400 hp” or “viper twin turbo 1900 hp” or “1300HP GTR 7.92” and the list can continue. But the next car is something I’ve personally never seen before. But, let’s cut the rambling and get to the subject.

Underground Racing presented its latest creation, a Lamborghini Gallardo with a V12 twin turbo 1,875 HP engine, named “Race Version.” The unimaginably powerful vehicle was custom made for a client, Jonah, and runs with a special fuel name VP c16, used in the race cars combustion. The engine of the supercar is helped by a 6-speed transmission. The lucky possessor of this amazing piece of engineering managed to make a quarter mile in less than 10 seconds, with a speed of 162 mph.
We should mention that this was the first time when the Underground Racing’s client drove his car after it was tuned. The first time after more than 10 years.

source by mibz

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