Cars Plaza

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2009-01-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is unchanged from last year. Available in two models, the HSE and Supercharged, both are powered by V8 engines: a 4.4-liter, V8 that makes 300-horsepower, and a 4.2-liter, supercharged V8 which develops 390-horsepower.

The muscular style that defines the Sport is evident in the strong lines of this vehicle's shoulders. And, while the Sport does still have the tell-tale Land Rover clamshell hood as well as the classic floating roof, the Sport defines itself with its unique rear spoiler as well as the cleverly styled wheel arches.

Another standard feature in the Sport HSE is the 19-inch alloy wheels. The body of the Range Rover Sport is made of durable aluminum for safety as well as decreased weight. One of the more driver-friendly features of the all-terrain Sport is that it comes standard with heated mirrors.

This feature also extends to the rear window.

2009 Jeep Wrangler

2009-01-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler features three trim levels, seating for up to four passengers, and a five-star frontal crash test rating. As a carryover from the prior model year, the Wrangler maintains the same rugged durability and superior versatility. With the option of a soft or hard top and many other available accessories, the 2009 Wrangler is easily customizable. An affordable intro price, moderate fuel economy, and classic Jeep styling make the Wrangler a good pick for those looking for a model that can easily convert from commuter vehicle to off-road machine.

Under the hood, the Wrangler is fitted with a 202 horsepower 3.8L SMPI V6. With 237 lb-ft of torque, the 2009 Wrangler has more than enough power to get it going in demanding driving conditions.

The model comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission which allows the Wrangler to cruise in a lower rpm to save on fuel consumption. Buyers can opt for a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive if desired as well.

Consumers can also choose from either 2WD or 4WD depending on their driving needs. An Electronic Stability Control Program with Traction Control keeps this Jeep on its intended course and can help prevent rollovers.

Also, the Wrangler comes with on/off-road tires, so drivers will be able to quickly go from pavement to muddy trails without any modifications necessary.

Ford Airstream Concept; Crossover Model of the Future

2009-01-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Ford Airstream Concept is a plug-in electric hybrid hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. With a combined city / highway gas mileage of 41 mpg, the Ford Airstream combines the best of two iconic companies in a crossover vehicle meant to travel the open road.

The Ford Airstream Concept is built with a HySeries Drive system that only runs on electricity from its 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack for the first 25 miles. After the 25 miles, the hydrogen fuel cell then recharges the battery pack and delivers power to the electric motors for another 280 miles, making the vehicle’s travel range of a total 305 miles.

Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept

2009-01-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Pairing a potent hybrid powertrain with essential sports car fundamentals, the FT-HS concept was a joint undertaking of Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and Toyota's California-based Advanced Product Strategy Group. The design team was assigned the task of creating a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question "What is a suitable sports car for the 21st Century?"

"Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast," said Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research. "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility."

The FT-HS incorporates hybrid capability while maintaining sports car essentials, such as a sleek profile, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and an advanced high-output powertrain for revolutionary acceleration and optimal performance. This 21st century sports car is fun-to-drive with eco-friendly benefits such as ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency. The FT-HS appeals to an emerging buyer who grew up eco-conscious and perceives technology as a necessity, not a luxury.

Chevrolet Volt electric car concept

2009-01-27T19:40:00.001-08:00

Chevrolet Volt, the first electric car from the GM stable is at the concept stage. General Motors showcased its electric concept car Chevrolet Volt at the Detroit Auto Show on Sunday. GM, which abandoned its EV-I electric car project has shown to the world that it is capable of doing a one-up on Toyota in the green car department with the Chevrolet Volt.

GM lovingly calls its battery car as a plug-in hybrid, meaning the Volt's power pack can be charged from a wall socket. Also, the Chevrolet Volt sports an E-Flex onboard engine, which can run on hydrogen, petrol, ethanol and biodiesel. The lithium ion battery which will go into the Volt is still not perfect; GM says that it needs more work on the Chevrolet Volt before it can be put out for commercial production.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide - Spy Shots

2009-01-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

The prototype shows that the production model close to the at the Detroit Motor Show presented. Only the ventilation slot Chromspange in the wings at the prototype is not enough to the inside doors, and the headlight receive a slight modification, as well as the rear lights. Overall, the Rapide the lines of his brothers DB9 or Vanquish faithful, only the wheelbase grows by 290 millimeters. Under the hood, the twelve-cylinder with six litre engine capacity and a power of 480 hp, transmission is six-speed automatic to the rear wheels.

2010 Alfa Romeo 8C

2009-01-26T21:35:00.000-08:00

the 2010 Alfa Romeo 8C Spider mirrors the companion Competizione (which, despite the name, is not intended for racing).

That means lightweight carbon-fiber body panels, a shortened version of Maserati’s new Granturismo 2+2 coupe unibody, and a 4.7-liter V8 originated by Ferrari, another member of the Fiat Auto family. (Incidentally, 8C is a historic Alfa designation for otto cylindri--eight cylinders.)

The only transmission is a rear-mounted six-speed automated manual with steering-wheel paddle shifters. Also reprised for the 2010 Alfa Romeo 8C Spider are a four-wheel independent suspension with classic double-wishbone geometry, large four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, standard stability/traction control, limited-slip differential, hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion steering, and 20-inch alloy wheels wearing Y-rated 245/35 tires in front and 285/35s in back. The coupe’s front/rear weight distribution is 49/51 percent, near ideal for a sporty grand touring car. The Spider may end up a touch more tail-heavy, but perhaps not enough to notice on the road.

2010 Acura CDX

2009-01-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Acura CDX has been spied testing in the U.S. and at the demanding Nürburgring track in Germany. The latter venue is interesting because Acura doesn't exist in the European market. That leads some to believe the CDX will be sold there as a much-sportier Honda SUV. In any case, the CDX will evidently slot between the RDX premium-compact SUV and MDX premium-midsize SUV. Prime competitors are said to be sportier 6-cylinder upscale crossovers, particularly the BMW X3 3.0 and Infiniti FX35. While those and other rivals also offer V8 power, the CDX probably won't, partly because its TL platform wouldn't have room for it, and partly because the V8 itself has likely been moved down Honda's to-do list, pending an upturn in the global economy.

Biggest Collection of Ferrari Pictures

2009-01-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1928 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles in 1947 as Ferrari S.p.A.. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has enjoyed great success.

After years of financial struggles, Enzo Ferrari sold the company's sports car division to the Fiat group in 1969 to ensure continued financial backing. Enzo Ferrari retained control of the racing division until his death in 1988 at the age of 90. Earlier that year he had overseen the launch of the Ferrari F40; the last new Ferrari to be launched before his death, and arguably one of the most famous supercars ever made.

Ferrari also has an internally managed merchandising line that licenses many products bearing the Ferrari brand, including eyewear, pens, pencils, electronic goods, perfume, clothing, high-tech bicycles, watches, cell phones, and even laptop computers.

ferrari pictures and wallpapers

Isuzu i-370 larger truck

2009-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Isuzu i-370 is the larger version of the trucks that Isuzu sells. In fact it is one of only three models of vehicle that this company still sells stateside, period. The truck is a compact-midsize vehicle that would be comparable to the GMC Canyon or the Chevy Colorado. This probably shouldn't come as a surprise, because the i-370 was developed jointly with GMC.

The i-370 is the more powerful of the two trucks that Isuzu manufactures and can be purchased in extended or crew cab configurations, and also has an optional Insta-Trac 4wd system. These options play heavily in its favor. The smaller a truck is, the worse it has been selling in recent years, with true compact models sales dipping significantly. They just don't have enough work capability to be a viable truck for most people. However, the option of getting an extended or crew cab, and being able to have four wheel drive make the i-370 more useful on the jobsite.

While this is a lower priced truck and is obviously not a luxury model, you can still get most of the creature comforts you have come to expect in a vehicle for 2008. Air, MP3 stereo, keyless entry, tilt, cruise, and power windows, doors, and mirrors all come standard on the truck. You can also purchase the comfort package which will bring in such items as heated seats and leather. Unfortunately, many are looking to have the interior of their trucks as luxurious as the interior of their SUVs these days, and that just isn't going to happen on this model.

2009 Infiniti FX50

2009-01-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Infiniti FX50, aka the Bionic Cheetah, is a luxury midsize crossover which has been refreshed and now offers proud owners more performance and style than ever before.

It is all-new for 2009 and it offers new choices for engines, transmissions and loads of optional features. The FX50 is so named as to refer to the 5.0L V8 engine. It has been upgraded and serves as a replacement for the FX45.

The FX50 offers passenger room to rival crossovers like the Nissan Murano and has enough rear passenger legroom to compete with the Honda Civic. It can also tow a small watercraft or even a pair of motorcycles or snowmobiles. Sales volumes have never been high and the FX50 always is a great eye catcher. Cargo space is generous, easily accommodating even your large gear, luggage and equipment.

2009 Hyundai Elantra

2009-01-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hyundai may be the most impressive car line in America today, and that certainly includes their compact model, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra, in the United States for more than 15 years now, is the best selling model in the Hyundai line.

Competition comes from everywhere. In America it includes the Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliber and Ford Focus. From Japan the Honda Civic, Mazda Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla. Europe also has a hand in this pie with such cars as the Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen Rabbit. Many are good and some are very good, but all around it would be surprising if any of them were a better deal than the Elantra.

The Elantra body style has not changed since the 2007 model year, but there are some new things for 2009. These include USB for your iPod, a larger audio display, better satellite radio, an enhanced instrument cluster and changes in the suspension that make for better handling and ride. None of these changes are major.

2009 Hummer H3T

2009-01-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Hummer H3T is classified as a sport utility truck - a combination SUV/pickup that features a 5-passenger crew cab with four doors and plenty of interior space. MSRPs range from $30,750 up to $36,015 - surprisingly less than many people expect when discussing the Hummer name. Although not specifically designed for such, the H3T can tow up to 4000 pounds and haul 1090. Fuel efficiency has been improved over the years and now is rated at 14/18 mpg city/highway.

The bed is only 5 feet long, but again, we must remember that these SUTs are not meant for construction work. That doesn't stop it from hauling full plywood sheets though - or 2 separate dirt bikes - or even a snowmobile. They are geared more for style and flash. People definitely like to pimp out their H3Ts - savoring the looks they get when cruising strips across the globe.

There are two trims of Hummer H3T available: the Base and the Alpha - and there's quite a difference between them. The Base trim is powered by a 3.7L 242 hp I5 with a 5-speed manual transmission (optional 4-speed auto) while the Alpha features a 5.7L 300hp V8 with the 4-speed auto transmission standard. The H3T is classified as a mid-sized truck and both trims are all-wheel-driven. In addition, mad traction is derived from standard 32-inch tires, skid shields and even a system for assisting starts on hills. Both front and rear locking differentials accentuate the performance of sport-tuned shock absorbers to deliver a Hummer-smooth ride that is bursting with handling ability.

Alfa Romeo 147

2009-01-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo since 2000. The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001

2010 Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

2009-01-26T08:40:00.001-08:00

The Scuderia Spider is billed as the fastest convertible to come from Ferrari, ever. While the new Ferrari California will be released soon in an attempt to make Ferrari supercars accessible to more drivers, the expensive track-ready Scuderia Spider is for Ferrari customers who crave pure, unbridled speed.

Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo

2009-01-26T08:39:00.004-08:00

The Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo set the new World’s Fastest Production Car record with an average top speed of 255.83 mph.

On a temporarily-closed 2 lane public highway in Washington State, the SSC Ultimate Aero posted a top speed of 257.11 mph (413.83 kph) on its first pass and 254.55 mph (409.71 kph) on its return pass, achieving a new top speed record: a staggering 255.83 mph (411.76 kph).

Ferrari California Sports Car

2009-01-26T08:39:00.003-08:00

Ferrari California features a new 4.3 liter V8 with direct injection and a flat crankshaft that will put out 460HP. The result is a 0-60mph of under 4 seconds

The McLaren F1

2009-01-26T08:39:00.001-08:00

The McLaren F1 was the first production to use a complete carbon fiber chassis and body. Such lightweight construction, combined with the BMW S70/2, 620 horsepower engine, helped the McLaren achieve 240.14mph in its XP5 pre-production trim. The success didn't stop on the road however, with special GTR versions winning Le Mans outright in 1995 and taking two FIA GT World Championships.

Corvette ZR1 Sports Car

2009-01-26T08:38:00.003-08:00

The new 2009 Corvette ZR1 is a fast and powerful sports car. It has a 6.2-liter surpercharged engine with 638hp. The acceleration of 0-60mph time of just 3.4 seconds will make it reach reach 100mph from standstill in 7 seconds flat.

Alfa Romeo 8c

2009-01-26T08:38:00.001-08:00

Reservations that the 8C Competizione will cannibalize Maserati's own range have been taken care of, since the Alfa Romeo will pack more punch and will be offered at higher price tag between 130-150,000 euros. The cost of this Alfa Romeo exotic will therefore be equal,

or slightly higher, to that of the Ferrari F430 Coupé, with 500 units scheduled for initial delivery.

Audi GT3 Sports Car Race Car

2009-01-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Power for the Audi GT3 has been boosted to 500hp and the engineers digged deep into the technics to conform with GT3 standards. The four-wheel-drive system had to be replaced with a more conventional GT rear-wheel drive system and it is also equipped with a newly developed six-speed sports sequential gear box.

McLaren F1 240.14 mph/392 km/h

2009-01-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

The McLaren F1 was the first production to use a complete carbon fiber chassis and body. Such lightweight construction, combined with the BMW S70/2, 620 horsepower engine, helped the McLaren achieve 240.14mph in its XP5 pre-production trim.The engine is a 6.1 litre quad-cam, 48-valve V12 which produces no less than 627 bph and a top speed of 231 mph.