Hot Cars

New Volvo XC90 Sport Revealed

In response to customer demand, Volvo Car Corporation is expanding the XC90 range with a new variant – the Volvo XC90 Sport. With a dynamic chassis setting and a unique appearance and specifications, the Volvo XC90 Sport will offer drivers more enjoyable handling and desirability.

“We have had numerous requests for a sportier XC90,” says Karin Falk, head of Special Vehicles at Volvo Cars. “They are from customers who appreciate the versatility and comfort of an SUV but who also want a bit more driving pleasure. We have developed the Volvo XC90 Sport especially for them, with a dynamic sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system, and larger, 19″ wheels,” she continues.

The Volvo XC90 Sport is not only sporty in aesthetic terms. The chassis characteristics have been refined to increase genuine driving pleasure. Both the shock absorbers and the anti-roll bars have been made stiffer to offer a high level of stability when cornering. The steering has also been adapted to offer quick steering response. Furthermore, Volvo’s self-levelling system, Nivomat, is standard in both the five and seven seat models. The system has been fine-tuned to offer great stability and driving control.

“We dare to promise a truly enjoyable experience behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90 Sport,” says Karin Falk. “The driving characteristics are of a calibre that few thought were possible in a Volvo SUV. And we have not had to compromise on riding comfort. We have succeeded in finding a balance between driving stability and the capacity to absorb unevenness in the road.”

The Volvo XC90 Sport will be launched with a colour that is unique for this XC90 variant, Passion Red, plus double chromed exhaust pipes and larger 19″ alloy wheels – available in silver bright or diamond cut with contrasting effect. Wheel arch extenders in the body’s colour help emphasise the large wheels particularly clearly.

Details and trim will have a satin silver finish rather than the standard chrome, and the lower skid plate is also in satin silver. The unique sill mouldings are in brushed stainless steel. To accentuate the car’s sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, it is not fitted with roof rails – although they will be available as an option for those customers who need them.

The interior design is customised with a more sporty character with a sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather plus sports seats with additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering.

The leather in the seats is a combination of two different grades of leather which provide a sporty, exclusive feel. The décor piping in different colour shades also enhances the impression.

The instrument dials have metal chronograph watch-style faces with a shimmering blue lustre. The sport carpets with crème-coloured décor piping complete the picture of a sporty interior with an exciting hi-tech feel.

The range of engines for the Volvo XC90 Sport includes Volvo’s V8 (315 hp) and its new 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engines, plus the latest generation D5 (185 hp) turbodiesel. All three are very powerful and energy-efficient engines that contribute to the sporty driving experience. The engines are extremely compact and are transversely mounted in the engine bay for the best possible safety and a spacious cabin.

2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition

The new model variant SLR “722 Edition” is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which went on sale July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.

The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine in the “722 Edition”, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 478 kW/650 hp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the “722 Edition” accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed (337 km/h) is above the 334 km/h previously achieved by the SLR.

Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a ten-millimetre-lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.

Discreet visual modifications mark the SLR “722 Edition” out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing.

At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolises the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.

Honda Civic Type R GT Announced

Honda’s approach to building performance cars is unlike any other. It’s not just about building the most powerful or fastest car in the world. It’s about creating a well-engineered driving experience.

The 2007 Civic Type R will feature responsive steering, intuitive handling and exhilarating performance in a more sophisticated package.

Under the bonnet, a high-revving 2.0-litre iVTEC engine produces a strong 200PS, and Honda’s tuning specialists have further developed the powerplant to improve efficiency and deliver thrilling acceleration.

The new Type R will also have a GT grade, which will offer extra equipment such as dual zone air conditioning and automatic rain and light sensors.

British fans will get their first chance to see the Type R Concept when the car is displayed at the British International Motor Show in London during July. The Civic Type R goes on sale in the UK in March 2007.

Top 10 Most Expensive Cars In The World

Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. The Veyron features a W16 engine-16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.

Ferrari Enzo $1,000,000

The Enzo Ferrari, sometimes referred to as the the Ferrari Enzo and also F60 is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a maximum downforce of 1709 pounds (775 kg) is reached at 186 mph (301 km/h) the rear spoiler is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

Pagani Zonda C12 F $741,000

The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp). The company promises a 3.2 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 374 km/h (225 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).

Koenigsegg CCX $600,910

The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X. The X commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. The CCX is intended to be more suitable for the U.S. market and thus engineered to comply with US regulations. The CCX is powered by a Koenigsegg designed and assembled, all aluminium, 4700 cm³ DOHC 32-valve V8 based on the Ford Modular engine architecture enhanced with twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.2 bar boost pressure and an 8.2:1 compression ratio. The engine produces 806 hp (601 kW) and 678 lbf.ft (920 Nm) on 91 octane (U.S. rating) gasoline, 850 hp (634 kW) on 96 octane (Euro rating) gasoline and 900 hp (671 kW) on biofuel.

Porsche Carrera GT $484,000

The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar, manufactured by Porsche of Germany. The Carrera GT is powered by an all-new 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 SAE horsepower (450 kW). Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (206 mph), although road tests indicated that in actuality the car could accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and to 0-100 in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 335-340km/h (209-212.5mph).

Mercedes SLR McLaren $455,500

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a sports car and supercar automobile co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars. It is assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Most people presume “SLR” to stand for “Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport” (German for “Sport; Light; Racing”). The car’s base price is £300,000 or $455,500. The SLR has a supercharged 5.5 (5439cc) litre dry sumped 90 degree V8. It produces 466.8 kW at 6500rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm.

Maybach 62 $385,250

The Maybach 57 and 62 were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since the brand’s revival by DaimlerChrysler. They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow (which was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan). DaimlerChrysler attempted to buy the Rolls-Royce/Bentley marque when Vickers offered the company up for sale. When this attempt failed (they were outbid by BMW and Volkswagen respectively) they introduced the Maybach as a direct challenger in 2002. Both models are variants of the same ultra-luxurious automobile. The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The engine is a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, generating 550 hp.

Rolls-Royce Phantom $320,000

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce model made under the ownership of BMW. It has a 6.8 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 hp (338 kW) and 531 ft·lbf (720 N·m) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW’s existing V12 powerplant. It is 1.63 m (63 in) tall, 1.99 m (74.8 in) wide, 5.83 m (228 in) long, and weighs 2485 kg (5478 lb). The body of the car is built on an aluminium spaceframe and the Phantom can accelerate to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 s.

Lamborghini Murcielago $279,900

The Lamborghini Murciélago is a GT and supercar automobile made by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke. It was introduced in 2002 as the successor to the Diablo. The body style is a two door, two seat coupé. The LP640 version was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2006. It features a 6.5 L engine, now producing 640 bhp, improving performance substantially. There were also a few minor external changes, primarily to the low air intakes.

Aston Martin Vanquish $255,000

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is a supercar manufactured by Aston Martin since 2001. It rose to fame after being featured as the official James Bond car in Die Another Day, the twentieth James Bond film. In the film, the Vanquish has the usual Bond film embellishments, including active camouflage which rendered the vehicle virtually invisible. The Vanquish is powered by a 5.9 L (5935 cc) 48-valve 60° V12 engine, which produces 343 kW (460 hp) and 542 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque. It is controlled by a fly-by-wire throttle and a 6 speed ‘paddle shift’ or semi-automatic transmission. A special V12 Vanquish S debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show with the power upped to 388 kW (520 hp) and 577 N·m (426 ft·lbf).

Acura Sets $33,610 Base Price For New RDX ute

LOS ANGELES - Acura’s RDX SUV goes on sale Aug. 10 with a base sticker price of $33,610, including the $615 shipping charge.

The small five-passenger SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 240 hp. It is Acura’s first turbocharged vehicle in this country.

When the RDX is equipped with the optional Technology Package trim, the sticker price rises to $37,110, including shipping. The package includes a 410-watt audio system, navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, wireless telephone capability and a real-time traffic data system.

Acura expects to sell about 13,000 RDXs in 2006 and 40,000 in a full year. The company expects the Technology Package trim will be on about 40 percent of the vehicles.

2006 Abt GTI VS4-R

Abt Sportline is known for creating cars that cause a stir among car enthusiasts. Now the Bavarians are going one step further and have presented the Abt Sportsline GTI VS4-R with 270 HP.

The most powerful GTI from Kempten is a true sports car following the original’s tradition. This is also communicated by the abbreviation »R« that stands for Racing. So therefore it does not come as a surprise that the optical features of the latest GTI model of the Volkswagen specialists express pure motor sport feeling. The aerodynamic kit of the Bavarians tuners comprises a vigorous front spoiler lip, a weight-optimized carbon lip, broad side skirts, a low rear skirt and a marked rear spoiler. The rear muffler with four chrome end pipes does not only highlight the rear but also gives the GTI VS4-R an exciting motor sport sound.

The performance data shows its close relation with motor sport. Below the muscular body of the Abt GTI VS4-R explosive 270 HP and 350 Newtonmetre are waiting to be freed. These dates mean a power boost of 40 HP and 40 Nm compared with Abt’s predecessor. The engineers at Abt Sportsline gained this increase in power for the 2.0 FSI engine by modifying the motor management as well as by developing a new Abt turbocharger. So therefore the top speed of 244 km/h and the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds are no surprise. Abt Sportsline’s Golf GTI VS4-R is fully qualified for bearing its identification »R« standing for Racing.

Besides its optical features and the powerful performance, special Abt sport suspension springs guarantee sporting driving pleasure. With increasing speed the sport springs show tighter spring characteristics and keep the vehicle firmly on the asphalt. Tight corners and sudden shifts in direction cause danger of addiction. Modifications on the body as well as lowering the vehicle by as much as 40 mm contribute to the extremely sporty looks of the Abt GTI VS4-R.

Abt Sportsline’s light alloy wheel SP1 which has been awarded by trade journals several times and the new diamond-machined aluminium wheel AR guarantee optimal roadholding. Both wheels in the classical five-spoke design are equipped with SP SportMaxx tyres of technology partner Dunlop in the dimension 225/35 R19.

The design is also continued in the interior of the current Abt Sportsline Golf GTI VS4-R. The steering wheel, aluminium gear shift knob and floor mats bear the characteristic Abt logo and communicate motor sport feeling.

The new GTI VS4-R by Abt Sportsline with 270 HP is the most powerful GTI model from Kempten and rightly carries the »R«. This power-boosted version definitely is a real race GTI.