Family Truckster Reborn: 2011 Honda Odyssey Revealed

Just under an hour ago, the 2011 Honda Odyssey was revealed to journalists via an online video presentation.

Earlier this afternoon, Honda engineers explained the key features of the latest Odyssey, using the word "intuitive" to describe the changes that differentiate this model from its forebear. Few details were revealed about the Odyssey's driving dynamics in the presentation, but we know the Odyssey will retain a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and achieve similar EPA fuel economy numbers to the current model.




The engineers' presentation instead focused most on interior features, presumably for potential buyers with young children. Innovative features to the 2011 Odyssey will include a center dash-mounted "cool box," 15 (!) cupholders, and a bevy of interior electronic gadgetry and places to store accessories like iPods and cell phones. The Odyssey has grown in nearly all dimensions to make all three rows of seating more accommodating.

The 2011 Odyssey seems a careful evolution of the last two generations of sliding-door Odysseys -- don't forget the first Odyssey of 1994 with traditional doors. What do you think? Does the latest design strike a chord with your inner minivan fan?

Source: Honda

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Lamborghini Super Trofeo Racing Series Returns for Season Two

Europe is home to some of the finest racing series in the world and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo spec series is gearing up for its second season.

Never heard of the Super Trofeo? These racecars are lightened versions of the Gallardo LP 560-4 dressed in Blancpain livery and prepped for race duty. The Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V-10 puts out 570 horsepower while a retuned six-speed e.gear sends power to the all-wheel-drive system. High-friction steel brakes, “racing” ABS, a special aero package, and 18-inch competition wheels wrapped in Pirelli slicks complement the Super Trofeo’s 2900-pound weight. The chassis has been reworked and launch control has also been eliminated.



This year, the six-round season starts the weekend of April 24-25 at the Hockenheimring in Germany. The first round will support the DTM touring-car series; the remaining events will be paired with venues from FIA GT1 World, Le Mans Series, and Campionato Italiano di Gran Turismo. Each round contains 30 minutes of free practice, a 30-minute qualifying session, and three 40-minute races.

“The second Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season is highly anticipated,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, Lamborghini’s director of brand and design. “We’re excited to see new teams join the Super Trofeo family for 2010, while competitors from last season will return to defend their honours. The on-track battles were extremely close in 2009, and we’re set for another thrilling season ahead.”

2010 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Calendar

April 24-25 -- Hockenheim -- DTM

May 22-23 -- Brno -- GT1 World

July 3-4 -- Paul Ricard -- GT1 World

July 29-31 -- Spa-Francorchamps -- GT1 World

August 21-22 -- Hungaroring -- Le Mans Series

September 24-26 -- Vallelunga -- Campionato Italiano di Gran Turismo (Italian GT Championship)

Source: Lamborghini

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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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