auto top cars 2011: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

2008 Ford Kuga crossover to debut in Frankfurt

This one is added to our huge list of European Fords that we want, but we don't get. I think we have enough to start a petition. Ford unveiled the Iosis-X Concept in Paris last fall, which was a preview of Ford's future crossover for the European folks. The Frankfurt Autoshow is right near our door and Ford released some teaser information along with an attractive sketch of the vehicle.

Named the 'Kuga', the crossover will sit on Ford's C1 platform, which also underpins the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volvo S40, and the Land Rover LR2. The Kuga is Ford's attempt to combat the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Qashqai. The name, which distinctly sounds like a British pronounciation of Mercury's Cougar, clears any speculations made like the X-MAX. The design, which derives from the Iosis-X Concept, seems to have stayed intact in the concept to production transition.

The Kuga is slated to go on sale across Europe in early 2008. Folks in North America will have to deal with the Escape for quite a bit more, which still runs on rear drum brakes by the way. Continue reading to view the official tidbits from Ford. Mind you, it's German (we think Google needs to tweak the translator a bit more). Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their large selection of Truck Performance parts.

2008 Ford Kuga crossover to debut in Frankfurt

Kia Coupe to Enter Production in 2009, No Hatchback Version for the U.S.

The production version of the Kia coupe Concept that was previewed earlier this year at the New York Auto Show will go on sale in the States during the third quarter of 2009, according Lee Hyun-soon, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors' R&D division. Kia's first ever Coupe model will be based on the replacement for the Spectra, teaser shots of which have already appeared throughout the web.

The Spectra sedan, that may bear a different name, will be available in the U.S. by mid-2009. According to Lee, the Spectra hatchback will no longer be sold in the U.S. as the Korean automaker believes that the Coupe variant will easily outsell it.source:autonews.com

Kia Coupe to Enter Production in 2009, No Hatchback Version for the U.S.

Bentley Zagato GTZ

What started life as a Bentley GT Speed has been taken and transformed by Zagato into something that has the style and presence to contend with the scion of the best luxury automobiles.

The Bentley, now named the GTZ Zagato, features extensive but subtle bodywork from the famed and legendary design house of Zagato Atelier, and was revealed to the world at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show.

The most obvious changes are the redesigned grill, hood, and overall front, and the paint. Especially the paint, as this car looks even more expensive and luxurious with its mute but metallic two-tone coat of dark green and gray. The back has also been redesigned, with a longer deck and exotic-looking slim, gray tail lights. And, of course, which Zagato creation would be complete without the trademark double-bubble roof? As for the interior, from what I gather, it is even more scrumptious than the GT Speed’s, with a Zagato designed interior redolent with leather, wood, and other exotic materials.

I’d like to give you some performance info, but I can’t, as there is none on this car. The best I can do is give you some estimates. If the GTZ Zagato keeps the technical and engineering aspects of the GT Speed, that means it will have a 6 liter W12 behemoth that produces 600 horses and 553 pound-feet torque, along with a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Now, since Zagato usually tweaks the performance in their creations, expect a slightly better stats for all of the above, including a 200+ mph top speed.

Bentley Zagato GTZ

Burberry Maserati Quattroporte spotted in Saudi Arabia

The unison of Italian manufacturer,Maserati and the British fashion house Burberry could never be this hideous. But some stinky rich loser in Saudi Arabia with awful taste has plastered his Maserati Quattroportein a Burberry plaid gift-wrap paper.

I thought that type of a print only went over fragrance cartons and Burberry handbags, but this dreadful magnum opus seeks to open new gates for future gruesome innovations. The Italian maker shouldn’t turn a blind eye to this horrid attempt at blemishing its scrupulously established reputation.Source: : luxurylaunches

Burberry Maserati Quattroporte spotted in Saudi Arabia

2008 Hamann Porsche 911 Turbo Stallion

(from Hamann Press Release)

A thoroughbred stallion with 630 horse powers: The HAMANN STALLION based on the Porsche 911 Turbo.Like an Arabian stallion collecting its attention for a jump. Concentrated and full of dynamic body tension. This is how the silhouette of the super sports car called STALLION presents itself. But the latest development of the premium refiner HAMANN MOTORSPORT offers far more than a fascinating new aerodynamics concept. The efficiency boost to 630 hp and the HAMANN-sport chassis turn the STALLION into one of the most powerful and fastest sports car in the whole world.The core of the Stallion is its modified engine. The Hamman motor technicians enhance the 3.6 litres Boxer Biturbo motor from standard 480 hp / 353 kW to 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,300 rpm. The upgrade also includes two larger VNT (variable nozzle turbochargers), a sport air strainer, a stainless steel exhaust system with metal catalytic converters and a new motor management.

These are measures which certainly hit their target. The Hamman Stallion accelerates to 100 km/h in only 3.3 seconds and is therefore six tenth of a second faster than its serial counterpart. The new maximum speed tag is sensational. With its efficiency boost and the reduced air resistance by Hamman -Aerodynamics, the Stallion achieves a maximum speed of 359 km/h.

Only the most precious materials can be found in the interior. Stallion The Hamman upholsterers only use selected leather for covering the fittings and sport seats. Aluminum gear shift and aluminum pedals make the cockpit gleam in a noble look and perfectly match with the carbon parts of the interior set. Precisely applied embroideries of the Hamman logo in the floor mats and headrests set further creative accents. All of these features complement one another in a stylish symbioses of motor sports flair and lifestyle.
Source: seriouswheels