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Popularity: 3% [?]

With hundreds of companies worldwide specializing in the performance tuning and styling upgrades of cars from Japanese auto makers, Wald International is one tuning company going in the opposite direction. Headquartered in Osaka Japan, Wald International is one of the premiere tuning companies from Japan who specializes in tuning cars from Europe. However, the Japanese auto makers are embraced as well. With their latest offering, the Lexus IS, Wald shows off their IS250 / 350 Executive Line consisting of front bumper fascia, side skirts, rear bumper fascia and rear spoiler plus Wald’s own 19-inch Portofino silver polished wheels.

In some cases, extravagant Japanese styling tends not to sit well with western tastes, but that’s not the case with Wald. With a focus on elegance as well as sportiness, Wald has developed numerous styling kits.

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Japanese car manufacturer Honda has announced that its all-new second-generation Honda Fit will go on sale in Japan on Friday, October 26, 2007. The Fit is a five-door hatchback launched in June 2001, that quickly became the first car since 1969 to outsell Toyota’s best-seller, the Corolla, on the Japanese car market. So clearly we’re onto something good!

With Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum philisophy at the heart of the concept, Honda likes to think of the Fit as the “ideal small car for a new age,” where passenger space has been maximized and the “space occupied by mechanical components has been minimized.” So what’s changed since the previous generation? For starters, the new Fit is 20 mm wider and has a longer wheelbase (+50 mm) than its predecessor and the front pillar has been moved forward to create a more spacious interior. Honda claims that the body construction of the second-generation Fit is more rigid and that more sound-absorbing acoustic materials have been fitted. The entry-level model features a 100 hp 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine.

Since we’re all about power, aerodynamics, gadgets and sex appeal, we’re more interested in the Fit RS (signifying Road Sailing) model that will be powered by a new 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, putting out 88 kW (120 hp). It won’t blow your trousers away, but don’t despair, you’ll be riding around 19.6 km on a liter of petrol (45 mpg U.S.). Honda engineers have clearly devoted attention to practicality this time again, as the Fit comes with a rotating passenger seat, a feature that should be welcomed by those struggling with backache!

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Citroën is making business and family motoring even more alluring as it lifts the wraps off the brand new C5 in Paris. Unveiled to the world in both saloon and estate versions, the new C5 benefits from a completely new approach by Citroën’s designers who have combined Teutonic-like levels of quality, styling and handling with the highest standards of comfort, safety and in-car technology for which the Company is already renowned.

The all-new C5 conveys a real sense of prestige, with the state-of-the-art design in a classic thoroughbred saloon. Following the success of the innovative C4 Picasso, Citroën’s new C5 also introduces a range of new features such as a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, a seat back massage function and a choice of suspension set-ups.

Set to arrive in the UK in early 2008, the new C5 embodies the progress that Citroën has made in recent years, and will more than satisfy the requirements of buyers of large cars in terms of both quality and reliability. A powerful addition to the Company’s impressive car line-up, it ensures that Citroën is strongly represented in the large family car sector, one of the UK’s biggest market sectors with over a third of a million sales last year.

With its long, sleek body, sculpted lines and high waist, the new C5’s striking styling gives it a true sense of status. The front end is characterised by the large air-intakes and long incisive headlamps that flank the prominent chrome chevrons and assert the C5’s identity. From the back, the distinctive concave window and two-part boomerang lights give it a purposeful, determined impression.

Longer and wider than the model it replaces, the new C5 has real on-the-road presence, with an aerodynamic profile that alludes to the car’s dynamic qualities and accomplished road handling. Measuring 4.78m long (the estate is 5cm longer), 1.86m wide and 1.45m tall, the new C5 imposes itself at the top end of the large family car segment.

The interior of the new C5 offers occupants an environment that exudes refinement, comfort and style. The same taut, flowing lines seen on the exterior are replicated inside in the detailing around the doors and dashboard, echoing the pursuit of quality throughout the car.

The attractive styling is exemplified by the instrument panel design, where annular needles run around each of the dials, allowing an electronic display unit to be integrated in the centre of each dial. Additionally, a screen on the overhead console displays an illustration on start-up, symbolising the car, its five seats and the seatbelt warnings.

The new C5 introduces a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, with membrane-covered controls, providing easy access to key functions such as the cruise control, radio or telephone. The model can also be specified with Citroën’s new-generation NaviDrive system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation.

Large Citroëns are well known for providing the highest standards of occupant comfort, and the new C5 is no different, with special attention having been paid to the acoustics, suspension and seating.

The new C5 features levels of soundproofing that more than match any of its competitors. Specifically, the measures taken include acoustic barriers on the body and door surrounds, an acoustic windscreen, laminated side windows, reinforced absorbent body and roof linings, and damped mountings as developed for the C6.

With a view to offering the optimum mix of comfort and dynamics, the C5 has been developed to offer a choice of two suspension set-ups based on the running gear of the ultra-smooth C6 executive saloon. The metallicsuspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and road-holding and features a double wishbone layout at the front and multilink set-up at the rear.

Citroën’s acclaimed Hydractive 3 Plusself-levelling suspension features springing and damping that adjusts instantaneously to offer a cosseting ride, whatever the road conditions. A soft mode provides optimum comfort while a firmer mode delivers greater body control. A “Sport” mode can also be selected for an even more dynamic ride.

Further contributing to a relaxed journey, certain versions can be specified with a driver’s seat back massage function. The front seats are fully adjustable, with either manual or electric controls, while rear passengers benefit from generous amounts of legroom - the absence of a central tunnel ensures a flat floor throughout the rear.

Typically for a Citroën, the new C5 is extremely well specified. Cruise control and a speed limiter are fitted as standard, while Hydractive 3 Plus versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. For ease of parking, the C5 is also available with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a parking gap assistance system that determines the size of any available space and informs the driver.

The current C5 is one of the safest cars on the road and its successor is well set to follow in its tracks. New C5 is equipped with the very latest Citroën safety technology, including up to nine airbags, providing the occupants with reassuring levels of protection in the event of an accident. The stiffened body and cabin structure incorporates upper and lower absorbers at the front end to soak up the energy released in the event of impact.

The new C5 is the first in the range to be equipped with a collapsible pedal assembly - in the event of an impact the brake and clutch pedals retract into the floor of the footwell to limit injury to the driver’s legs and feet. A retractable steering column is also fitted.

The driver and passengers are protected by front, side and curtain airbags, together with the option of additional rear side airbags. The fixed central hub of the steering wheel ensures that the optimally-shaped driver’s airbag is always deployed at the right angle, while a knee airbag provides improved protection for the driver’s legs.

Control in difficult conditions is aided by the C5’s advanced braking system - Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Braking Assistance, ABS and ESP are all fitted as standard. Citroën’s much lauded Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is available on some versions, warning drivers when the car unintentionally crosses lane markings.

Improved visibility at night is provided by the C5’s enhanced headlight system. A static AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) function incorporates an additional light source that improves visibility and safety on corners and at junctions. A dynamic AFS option is available on models equipped with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, further improving visibility to 105? at low speeds.

Citroën’s new C5 is a child friendly environment with Isofix anchor points on up to three seats, four one-touch electric windows with an anti-pinch function and an electric child-safety lock for the rear doors and windows, all fitted as standard.

To meet the full range of driver needs and preferences, the new C5 is available with a wide choice of engines. The petrol powerplants include 127bhp 1.8i 16V and 143bhp 2.0i 16V units,while there are four HDi diesel engines – HDi 110, HDi 138, HDi 173 and HDi V6 208 units – each fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System that virtually eliminates particle emissions. A selection of manual or automatic gearboxes is offered.

Source: Citroen

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Popularity: 3% [?]

The all-wheel-drive 2009 Nissan GT-R will be powered by a 3.8-liter twinturbo V6 engine churning out 473 horsepower with capabilities of 434 ft-lb of torque. Driving on a rear-mounted transaxle, the car will only be available with a GR6 dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan will give the driver use the same leather-wrapped aluminum paddle shifters currently used on the G35, according to Edmunds.

The massive engine is alleged to propel the GT-R from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 11.7 seconds. If accurate, that would put the car’s weight at about 3075 lbs., thus having a power-to-weight ration of .154 (339.5 bhp per tonne).

Base price of the Nissan GT-R is expected to be under $80,000, which should make it a prime target for stealing away potential Porsche 911 Turbo buyers.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition, which will be available through Ford Dealers in early 2008, will be among 3dCarbon’s featured show vehicles at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The F-150 Foose Edition is a result of an exciting collaboration between world-renown hot-rod customizer Chip Foose, Ford Design and 3dCarbon. After the limited edition run of 1500 completely customized Foose F-150s, 3dCarbon will offer the 8-piece body kit to consumers who want to customize their ‘06-‘08 vehicles with the attractive styling of the Foose F-150, without purchasing a new vehicle.

During last year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Ford approached Chip Foose to redesign the F-150 for a limited edition run for 2008. Foose created an F-150 that not only had the eye-catching style of a true boulevard cruiser, but due to its 450-hp supercharged Triton V8 engine, it is also the fastest half-ton production truck in production today. The Foose F-150 also comes equipped with customized interior design, as well as several exterior accents, such as the Foose designed grilles and custom paint scheme. As an official licensed manufacturer of Ford body kits and accessories, 3dCarbon was called upon to manufacture the 8-piece body kit. Ford is offering a limited edition run of 1500 fully-equipped 2008 F-150 Foose editions early next year.

After this limited edition run, 3dCarbon will offer the 8-piece body kit featured on the Foose F-150 through Ford Dealers as part of a national 3dCarbon/ Ford Official Licensed Product Program. The 8-piece body kit includes a front air dam, 3-piece side skirts and a rear lower skirt. 3dCarbon will display this body kit at the SEMA Ford booth on a fully equipped 2008 Foose F-150 edition. 3dCarbon’s “Foose designed” styling kit will be available in early 2008.

The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is based on the F-150 FX2 Sport Model. The performance enhancements include an intercooled, supercharged Triton V-8 engine with 450 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. The engine also boasts 500 pounds-foot of torque at 4,000 rpm. The F-150 Foose is lowered with several suspension modifications that include front Eibach coil springs, Sachs dampers and jounce bumper. The rear suspension has been modified with Eibach leaf springs, Sachs dampers and jounce bumper. The wheels are 22-inch forged polished Foose wheels with P275/45R22 tires. The truck also benefits from a Ford Racing exhaust system.

The styling modifications begin primarily with a Foose-designed 8-piece body kit. One of the most attractive design modifications of the Foose-F150 body kit is that it causes the truck to appear to be lower that it actually is. Foose explains that this is due to, “How the vehicle sits and how the wheels are proportioned to the body is the first essence to give it the illusion of something lower than it is”. The Foose F-150 also features a Foose-designed paint scheme, complete with custom racing stripes. The front upper and lower billet grilles have also been re-designed with horizontal bars to contribute to the truck’s “low-riding” appearance. The all-leather interior features embroidered headrests with Chip Foose’s autograph, as well as “Foose” embroidered floormats. The center console has been wrapped in leather and stamped with a personalized build sequence and vehicle identification plate.

The 2008 F-150 Foose Edition taps the growing niche of truck personalization in the aftermarket industry. The Ford F-150 was named the “most accessory friendly pick-up” by SEMA, the trade group that keeps tabs on the aftermarket - an industry that has grown eight to 10 percent the past 10 years. Customers also prefer the Ford F-150 for personalization as they currently spend nearly $1,700 each to customize it - more than double the rate in 2004 and more than any other competitive truck. Due to the offering of the separate body kit by 3dCarbon, these consumers now have the option of customizing their truck without having to buy a new vehicle to enjoy the Foose styling.

3dCarbon’s project SEMA vehicles, including the 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition will be once again featured in the Ford Motor Company’s booth. Ford has not only recognized 3dCarbon as the manufacturer for official licensed Ford body kits, they have also bestowed the SEMA “Best in Show” honors to 3dCarbon for the past 4 years. Beginning in June of 2007, 3dCarbon body kits and accessories became available through Ford Dealers.

The 2008 F-150 Foose Edition, as with all other 3dCarbon body kit parts, are manufactured in durable high-pressure injection molded polyurethane. 3dCarbon products are also backed by 3dCarbon’s factory matching warranty for complete customer satisfaction.

For additional information or images of the 3dCarbon 2008 Foose F-150 styling kit or other 3dCarbon products, contact 3dCarbon at 949-650-1999 or visit www.3dCarbon.com.

Source: World Car Fans

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Popularity: 4% [?]

The 3dCarbon / Funkmaster Flex Special Edition Expedition will make its Las Vegas debut during the 2007 SEMA show while simultaneously making its bow at Ford Dealers across the U.S. Resulting from a collaboration between Ford Design, 3dCarbon and hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex, the fully equipped FMF Expedition features the 3dCarbon’s 4-piece body kit designed for the urban street scene. The fully equipped FMF Expedition is a limited edition of 1000 vehicles that will be available from Ford Dealers in November of 2007. Concurrently, 3dCarbon is offering the Expedition body kit through Ford Dealers as part of the national 3dCarbon/ Ford Official Licensed Product program effective in January 2008.

When Ford Motor Company and Funkmaster Flex decided to collaborate on a limited edition Expedition, they turned to 3dCarbon for their body kit customization needs. Flex noted that, “Quality body kits are essential to any customization. They need to be expressive and distinctive without compromising drivability”. 3dCarbon designed the FMF Expedition body kit to appeal to the urban consumer who wants their vehicle to complement their lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Consumers seeking a bolder look for their Expeditions can take advantage of 3dCarbon’s tradition of innovative award-winning design by accessorizing their vehicles with a 3dCarbon pre-painted Expedition body kit which are available through Ford Dealers starting in November 2007.

3dCarbon designed the 4-piece body kit for the FMF Expedition to seamlessly flow together. The Expedition kit is comprised of an aggressively styled front bumper replacement with integrated factory fog lamps. The 3dCarbon kit also includes side skirts and rear lower with trailer hitch cover which accentuate the Expedition’s lowered, street hugging style. 3dCarbon is also offering fender vents for the Expedition through 3dCarbon dealers and distributors

The 3dCarbon / FMF Expedition show vehicle showcases several styling and performance enhancements which specifically cater to urban consumer preferences. The 2008 FMF Expedition is based on the short wheelbase Limited model with a 5.4L SOHC 3V V8 engine with 6 speed transmission. The vehicle is also equipped with a Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip.

The 3dCarbon SEMA project vehicle will have 24” NC Forged 3-Piece Machined Aluminum wheels complemented with 24” Pirelli Scropion Asymmetrico tires. The chassis has also been lowered with Eibach suspension 1.5”. The body color will be the Ford “White Sand Tri Coat”. The Expedition also has the FMF 4-Piece 3dCarbon body kit. Interior is by Katzkin Leather featuring black leather.

3dCarbon’s project SEMA vehicles will be once again featured in the Ford Motor Company’s booth. Ford has not only recognized 3dCarbon as the manufacturer for official licensed Ford body kits, they have also bestowed the SEMA “Best in Show” honors to 3dCarbon for the past 4 years. Beginning in June of 2007, 3dCarbon body kits and accessories became available through Ford Dealers.

The 2008 Funkmaster Flex Expedition body kit, as with all 3dCarbon body kits and accessories, is manufactured in durable high-pressure injection molded polyurethane. 3dCarbon products are also backed by 3dCarbon’s factory matching warranty for complete customer satisfaction.

For additional information or images of the 3dCarbon 2008 FMF Expedition styling kit or other 3dCarbon products, contact 3dCarbon at 949-650-1999 or visit www.3dCarbon.com.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Want a cheap racing car? Using one of the cheapest cars on the market would be a good place to start. That’s the idea behind the Dacia Logan Cup, a series of racing mods available for the budget automobile.

The Logan Cup clearly draws on the expertise from its parent company’s in-house motorsports and tuning shop Renaultsport, applying the same formula used on hot versions of the Clio and Megane, but to a much smaller scale. The Dacia Cup is available in three different versions for track, road rally and off-road rally racing. The running gear remains stock to keep the ease and cost of acquisition and servicing down to a bare minimum. Depending on the version, the Logan Cup is then fitted with all manner of racing-spec equipment from roll cage to Bilstein shocks and from rear wing to racing harness.

The packages will be available from Renault and Dacia dealerships wherever Logans are sold – that counts out the American market, for one – and can be used in a variety of low-level racing series, and the manufacturer is organizing regional one-make racing series around the world. The idea is so simple, it just might work.

Check out logan-cup.com for more info and gallery below for more small pics of the small racing car.

Source: World Car Fans

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Popularity: 4% [?]

The Dutch Police get their hands on the new E92 M3 Coupe

Source: M3Post

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Popularity: 4% [?]

While a standard New Beetle won’t get you much attention these days, a Limo Bug on the other hand will certainly raise an eyebrow or two. Sure you see Hummer and Lincoln limos every day, but how many times have seen a stretched bug? The specific Bug’a'Limo is based on a 1999 2.0-liter Beetle GLS and it can seat 5 to 6 passengers in the rear (excluding the two seats up front). The rear passengers get all sorts of treats like a cd player, a mini TV and a small bar area along with an electric hatch / divider that seals off the back from the driver.

Source: Carscoop

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Popularity: 3% [?]