great vehicle

Crazy And Weird Japanese Scooters

2011-04-28T21:17:00.008+07:00

The Most Expensive Police Cars You Don't Even See

2010-12-14T10:23:00.017+07:00

Mustang Police Car

Chevrolet Corvette Police Car

Hummer Police Car

Lamborghini Police Car

Ferrari Police Car
Smart Police Car

BMW Police Car

Porsche Police Car

World’s Most Expensive Military Aircrafts

2010-10-09T13:08:00.004+07:00

B-2 Spirit

The B-2 bomber was so costly that Congress cut its initial 1987 purchase order from 132 to 21. (A 2008 crash leaves the current number at 20.) The B-2 is hard to detect via infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual or radar signals. This stealth capability makes it able to attack enemy targets with less fear of retaliation. In use since 1993, the B-2 has been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cost:

about $2.4 billion

F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor is a stealth fighter aircraft made by the United States. It was originally envisioned as air superiority fighter for use against Soviet aircraft, but the aircraft is equipped for ground attack, electronic warfare and signals intelligence. This aircraft through a long development period, is named the prototype YF-22, three years before it was officially adopted F/A-22 named, and finally given the name of the F-22A when used on the official start in December 2005. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is the prime contractor is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapons, and assembling the F-22. Then his partner, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems provides the wings, avionics equipment, and pilot and maintenance training.

Cost:

about $350 million

Sources http://militeryinfo.blogspot.com

Up and Coming Electric Cars

2010-08-18T12:27:00.003+07:00

Just as the major car companies were crushing their electric car programs in 2004 and 2005, the perfect storm was brewing on the horizon: Hurricane Katrina, growing acceptance of global warming, runaway Prius sales, oil price spikes, green marketing galore…The major auto companies went right back to the drawing board and emerged with big plans for electric cars.

BMW Megacity

BMW is working on a small electric car that could launch in 2012. The Megacity is a low-slung three-door four-seat hatchback coupe. The car is smaller than the Honda Fit, and will have a projected range of 100 miles. The BMW Megacity, which could be sold either as a BMW or Mini, is not much more than a concept at this stage, but pressure on BMW to meet California's zero emissions vehicle requirements might bring the car to life—albeit in small numbers.

BYD E6

If China’s BYD can deliver on its big promises for the E6 all-electric crossover, then it could take the US by storm. (Investment guru Warren Buffet is betting that BYD will come through.) Unlike the small city-oriented electric runabouts on slate from established carmakers, the E6 is a five-passenger wagon capable of carting a typical American family. Moreover, the E6 has a range of 200 to 250 miles and boasts a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 10 seconds. Top speed is 100 mph. The vehicle can be fully charged in about 10 hours by plugging into a standard household outlet. BYD says that it takes only 10 minutes to charge to 50 percent capacity and 15 minutes to the 80 percent level. BYD has been in the battery business only since 1995, and started building cars in 2003. Considering that the company maintains an R&D department with 8,000 engineers, it’s not surprising that the initials BYD stand for “Build Your Dreams.”

BYD showed the E6 at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show along with its F3DM and F6DM plug-in hybrid sedans. It announced plans to sell the F6DM in the US within a few years, although it didn’t set a firm schedule for any of its electric-drive vehicle—probably wise, since the cars have not yet been certified for sale, and face questions on quality, crashworthiness, and equipment.

Coda (Electric Sedan)

Southern California automaker Coda Automotive announced plans to bring a new electric car to the US from China in 2010. The all-electric sedan is based on an existing gas-powered four-door car, known as the Hafei Saibao 3, built in Harbin, China. Re-engineered with a lithium ion battery, the Coda sedan promises a driving range of 100 miles. The MSRP for the Coda sedan will be around $40,000. The scrappy California company may be the first start-up to offer a practical and affordable electric car to mainstream buyers.

Ford Focus EV

The Ford Focus EV, due out in late 2011, is the first electric car designed for the generic aisle of the dealership. Ford’s plans for the Focus EV are not aimed at buzz and sizzle. Instead, the company is focused on addressing the biggest obstacle between EVs and the mainstream: cost. By choosing an existing platform—the Focus—and using technology developed by auto supplier Magna, Ford will save the expense associated with developing a unique design. The Ford Focus EV is targeted to have a range of 100 miles between charges, courtesy of a 23 kWh battery pack.

Ford Transit Connect Electric

With the introduction of the Ford Transit Connect Electric, unveiled at this week’s Chicago Auto Show, Ford may have produced the first green halo truck. When you combine car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity and accessibility with the the built-in marketing opportunities for small businesses to emblazon the large exterior panels with green slogans such as “Zero-Emissions” and “100 percent electric,” it makes for a compelling package. The vehicle has a 75 mile per hour top speed and can drive up to 80 miles on a charge—perfectly fine for the needs of a local delivery cycle.

Mercedes BlueZero

In late 2008, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its BlueZero concept vehicles—the core idea is to build electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel-cell cars on a single platform. Daimler had previously announced that its next generation FCV fuel cell cars will be built on a subcompact (B-class) chassis in 2010. Migrating to the BlueZero would only be a minor adjustment. Daimler’s future electric cars could also shift to the BlueZero—because the guts of its electric cars already fit in the smaller Smart and A-Class. Sharing platforms and technology architectures could allow Daimler to telescope development and production timelines, and save money on rolling out new electric models. At this stage, it’s still a concept.

Mini E

The limited edition Mini E car is based on the Mini Cooper platform. The car's 380-volt battery is comprised of 5,088 individual cells, and can be recharged using a standard 110-volt electrical outlet. The battery pack has a maximum capacity of 35 kilowatt hours. BMW will offer a specialized high-amp wall-mounted device that will allow a full replenishment of the battery in less than three hours. The Mini E will have a cruising range of 150 miles. Approximately 500 cars are slated for production and lease to select customers in Southern California and the New York area. Pricing, as well as production beyond the first 500 units, is not yet determined.

Mitsubishi iMiEV

Mitsubishi began delivering the all-electric iMiev to Japanese customers in 2009. Production numbers are slowly ramping up from the current target of a few thousand per year. The small EV uses a single 47 kW motor and 16 kWh lithium ion batteries—to yield about 75 miles of range and a top speed of 80 miles per hour. The vehicle is a four-seater with a real but cramped back seat.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan is calling its new electric car—the Nissan Leaf—the "world's first affordable, zero-emission car." And they could be right. Unveiled on Aug. 2, 2009, the Leaf is a medium-size all-electric hatchback that seats five adults and has a range of 100 miles. Pricing was not announced (although the company previously hinted at a price around $30,000.) The Nissan Leaf’s closest comparable future all-electric car is the Ford Focus EV. The distinguishing characteristic between the two vehicles could be design—pitting the established look of the Ford Focus against the purpose-built Nissan Leaf, which will go on sale in late 2010.

Pininfarina Blue Car

Legendary Italian sports car designer Pininfarina will begin production of its small all-electric four-seat five-door Blue Car in 2010. The Blue Car is powered by a 50 kW electric motor getting energy from a lithium polymer battery pack with 150 miles of range. The company began accepting reservations from European customers in spring 2009. The lease will be about $500 per month. The body of the car is designed as an elastic shell resting forcefully on the four wheels, providing more room than the average city car. Techno-goodies include solar panels on the roof, and the ability to use a smart phone to monitor battery state-of-charge, and to start AC or heat from a distance. Pininfarina will start slow, only in Europe, and aim to ramp up production up to 60,000 units per year by 2015.

Renault Fluence

Patrick Pelata, executive vice president, said that the all-electric Renault Fluence will launch in 2011, starting with at least 20,000 units in the first year. (The gas-powered Fluence debuts in 2009.) The company will produce a smaller compact electric car in the following year. No more details at this time, although its sister company Nissan will introduce its yet-to-be-named electric-only model also in 2012. That’s probably not a coincidence.

Smart ED

Despite considerable media buzz for Daimler’s Smart ForTwo, microcars have not taken American roads by storm. Perhaps consumers may be more forgiving of the lack of size and power if the Smart is offered with an electric drive. The first models will likely go to Europe in about 2010. Availability in the US is uncertain. The car will provide 70 miles of range and 70 miles per hour on the freeway. Recharge time from 30 to 80 percent capacity is about three and a half hours. The gas version of the Smart ForTwo has earned low marks for handling, especially at higher speeds.

Subaru R1E

The Achilles Heel of electric cars has been the limited range they can travel between charges. The Subaru R1e could help change that. The diminutive two-seater, about 20 inches longer than a Smart ForTwo, has a top speed of 65 miles per hour and a range of 50 miles. More importantly, the time to recharge the 346-volt lithium ion battery pack has been reduced to about 15 minutes. Here’s the hitch: To get the faster charging time, you need a special stationary charger. Using the onboard standard charger puts the electricity refueling time back to about eight hours.

Toyota FT-EV

Toyota introduced the FT-EV electric concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, hinting that it might offer an urban all-electric commuter vehicle in the next few years. The FT-EV concept shares its platform with the company’s Japanese and European minicar, the Toyota iQ. The iQ is larger than the quintessential minicar, the Smart Fortwo, but not by much. Its wheelbase is a little more than five inches longer, and on the whole, the car is only about a foot longer than the Smart—11.4 inches to be exact. The electric version on display at the Detroit Auto Show, the Toyota FT-EV concept, offers driving range of 50 miles, according to Toyota. The company is expected to launch 10 new hybrid gas-electric models globally by 2012, but has not made firm commitments to bring a full battery-electric car to market.

Tesla Model S

What makes the Model S so cool? First of all, the visual design is gorgeous. Second, it seats five—or seven if you count the two side-facing rear seats for small children. There are killer features, like the 17-inch touch screen that provides all of the vehicle’s interface components such as climate control and entertainment, but also offers 3G or wireless connectivity. But most importantly, the Model S is way more affordable than the company’s $109,000 Tesla Roadster. The current price target for the Tesla Model S is $57,900 (minus a $7,500 federal tax credit)—still not in range for most mainstream buyers but moving in the right direction. The Model S is planned for release in late 2011.

The following companies have announced intentions to produce electric vehicles, but have not discussed specific vehicle details: Volkswagen and Peugeot Citroën.

Could Honda CR-Z Be The World's First Sexy Hybrid

2010-08-18T12:21:00.004+07:00

Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid coupe is schedule to hit dealerships in the UK and USA at about the same time this summer. But while the Honda CR-Z has so far remained under the radar in America, the small sporty hybrid is garnering a lot of positive press on the other side of the pond.

We can’t imagine that Honda Motor Europe’s project in group filmmaking, Live Every Litre, is the reason for the extra attention. The marketing effort—hypothetically designed to promote the CR-Z as hip—yielded a set of YouTube road trip vignettes that induce equal parts confusion and boredom. Nonetheless, a trio of British auto reviewers recently reported a much better time from behind the wheel of the CR-Z.

Quentin Willson of The Mirror was nearly ecstatic about the car. He wrote that the CR-Z “is set to become one of the most desirable cars on the planet.” Willson added, “Looking like nothing else on the road, with a wonderful swooping roofline, it's a lulu to drive.”

He praised the CR-Z’s handling and steering. “This is one of Honda's best cars yet, and the world's first truly sporting hybrid coupe…Sustainability never looked sexier.”

Jason Barlow of BBC’s Top Gear—usually no fan of hybrids—agreed with Willson. “By sticking the Insight's hybrid tech into something that doesn't look like a slapped arse,” Barlow quipped, “Honda might finally have made eco motoring sexy.” Barlow also praised the CR-Z for its handling. “It's proper fun to drive,” Barlow wrote.

Andrew English of The Telegraph was generally positive, but not as effusive as the others. English dinged the CR-Z for poor visibility in the corners and through the back, for limited space in the rear seats, for braking that feels “wooden,” and for too much body roll. Yet, he granted the CR-Z as “sporting by hybrid standards” and concluded that it’s “a likeable little car.”

Small and Sexy in America As Well?

Meanwhile back on home turf, American Honda Motor Co.’s John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, said the CR-Z will appeal to tuners, who modify and tweak their rides for maximum performance and individual style. He told Automotive News that Honda research showed that tuners are excited about the CR-Z because it’s reminiscent of the old Honda CR-X, one of the ultimate tuner vehicles.

In other words, the CR-Z might inadvertently create a whole new market of hybrid buyers. Forget about the traditional hybrid puritans, who have expressed disappointment in the CR-Z because it averages merely 37 mpg. The people most likely to buy the car probably won’t give a damn one way or the other if it’s hybrid. It just looks cool and is fun to drive. Full stop.

As far as we're concerned, anything that adds pizzazz and sex appeal to hybrids is a step in the right direction.

2010 Hybrid Cars - The Year Ahead

2010-08-18T12:08:00.003+07:00

The first hybrid gas-electric car in the United States, the original Honda Insight, reported its first 17 sales in December 1999. One decade and 1.5 million hybrids later, the auto industry is ready to embrace hybrids and other green cars like never before.

What are the major trends we expect as hybrid cars boldly move into the first year of their second decade? Read on and prepare for the green car movement to shift into warp speed.

Plug-ins Finally Arrive

In 2010, the Fisker Karma will become the first plug-in hybrid on the market.

The very first plug-in hybrids and mainstream all-electric cars will start to roll out in 2010. The first car out of the gate will be the 2011 Fisker Karma. Originally expected to go into production in late 2009, Fisker is now aiming to produce and sell its first units in mid-2010. The gorgeous sleek Karma is, in many ways, cut from the same expensive cloth as the Tesla Roadster. In other words, it’s pricey at $87,000 and will be produced in low numbers. But like Tesla, Fisker has its eyes on a bigger prize—a second more affordable model still a couple of years away. First things first: Let’s see how Fisker’s first customers respond when they get behind the wheel of the Karma, which promises a unique blend of high-performance, style, and 50 miles of all-electric range.

News of the Fisker Karma will get drowned out by Chevy Volt Mania 2010. Bob Lutz, GM’s Volt executive sponsor for the Volt, promised a media blitz for the company’s green car poster child. In September 2009, Lutz said that once GM has about 200 preproduction Volts in stock, it will “pull out the heavy artillery and get Volt buzz.”’ So, much of 2010 will be an extended drum roll for the Chevy Volt until the first production models roll off the line around November. All indications suggest the Volt will be worth the wait, notwithstanding low production numbers, limited availability mostly in California, and a price tag north of $40,000.

The pre-production Chevrolet Volt engineering test drive along I-80 near Toledo, Ohio Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Not to be undone, expect Nissan to shout the praises of the all-electric Leaf while it prepares five mid-size test markets—Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Nashville, and San Diego—for the first 5,000 models and the accompanying charging infrastructure in late 2010.

Personal Sport Plane U Love To Own

2010-07-02T15:46:00.002+07:00

Offering exceptional reliability and awesome performance, the Hawker Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Personal Sport Plane brings new life to a classic. Powered by a special-edition, 300-hp Teledyne Continental Motor high-performance engine, the Bonanza G36 hits top speeds of 202 mph with a range of about 1,100-statute miles. In the cabin of this Hawker Beechcraft personal sport aircraft you’ll find a Garmin G1000 all-glass integrated avionics suite, complete with twin 10.4-inch high-resolution LCD panels. And you and your passengers will love the fact that you’re surrounded in comfort and style, with a choice of luxe upholstered leather chairs and carpeting.

Scooter Equipped with a multi-function throttle

2010-07-02T15:20:00.002+07:00

All new for 2009, the VX-1E offers all-electric operation, giving you a clean and quiet way to get around. Reaching maximum speeds of 50 mph, this Vectrix scooter has a 20- to 30-mile range, and you can charge up anywhere by plugging into a standard 110/220V outlet. Equipped with a multi-function throttle, all you need to do is twist to speed or slow down. Other features include front and rear disc brakes, motorcycle-spec fork and shocks, and underseat storage. It is available in 3 colors- red, blue & white.

Source: Vectrix.

GEM Peapod Neighborhood Electric Vehicle

2010-07-02T14:55:00.003+07:00

As cute as a pea in a pod, GEM’s Peapod Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) gets its name from its pod-like design. With many of its components made from recycled and recyclable materials, the Peapod runs on six 12-volt batteries that take 6 to 8 hours to recharge, and it gives you a driving range of 30 miles on a single charge. Able to cruise neighborhoods and local streets at top speeds of 25 mph, this GEM NEV seats four passengers and its roof is windowed, so you can let the sun in. Other cool features include an iPod dock, colorful instrumentation and plenty of trunk space. The price is estimated to be around $12,000 when it hits the streets in October.

The Best of 2010 Autos

2010-05-03T13:26:00.002+07:00

Each year, the editors of Automobile Magazine convene to test, evaluate, and debate the performance, significance, and pure enthusiast appeal of the cars that make the biggest impact.

Jaguar XF,XFR

Despite the auto industry coming off its worst year in recent history, "the level of excellence found during our annual All-Stars competition was at an all-time high and the competition was strong" said Jean Jennings, president and editor-in-chief of Automobile Magazine. "We whittled down a list of thirty-nine finalists to the ten All-Stars. The end results produced a list of true standouts, spanning a wide range of the automotive spectrum."
Jaguar XF,XFR
Base price range: $52,000-$80,000

When the XF received significant improvements for 2010, including three new V-8 engines, Jaguar was rewarded for making a good thing even better.

The XF/XFR is both a sports car and a luxury touring sedan, and its uncompromising practicality and refreshed performance establish the Jaguar XF as an All-Star.
Audi S4
Base Price: $46,725

Cheaper than the car it replaces, the sure-footed, all-wheel-drive Audi S4 takes everything from the Audi A4 on which it's based — comfort, safety, and solid build quality — and cranks it up.

Compared with the previous model, the S4 sheds half a second in the 0 to 60 mph run (5.2 seconds with a six speed manual) while managing to increase fuel economy.
Chevrolet Camaro
Base Price Tange: $23,530-$34,595

2009 wasn't a good year for General Motors, but amid all the turmoil there have been glimmers of hope.

One need look no further than the brash, beautiful Chevrolet Camaro — if one can be found on dealer lots, that is — for proof that GM can build great cars. With its old-school charm, the Camaro is a smashing sales success.
Porsche Boxster,Cayman
Base price range: $48,550-$62,450

According to Automobile Magazine, the Porsche Boxster roadster and its hardtop sibling, the Cayman, are as close as a car company can get to the perfect everyday sports car. With fully optioned models climbing to $70K and beyond, the Boxster/Cayman isn't cheap, but buying one will allow you to achieve sports car nirvana.
Mazda 3
Base Price Range: $15,795-$23,945

With three engines and five trim levels, the 3 accounts for nearly half of Mazda's U.S. sales. The 2010 version brings a stiffer unibody, firmer suspension, tauter steering, revised seats, and a larger engine.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Base price: $28,350

Quietly, Ford has put a car on the road that essentially enlists Toyota hybrid technology but uses it more cleverly than the originating company did. It is not a performance machine, but neither does it feel hobbled or inadequate for daily driving. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the LCD color screens, you might never know you're driving a hybrid.
Ford Flex
Base Price Range: $29,325-$43,635

For 2010, Ford has equipped the Flex with its much anticipated EcoBoost engine, thereby addressing the Flex's only weakness — power — and effectively transforming it from a well rounded family hauler into a large sport wagon. The Flex is unique in a market brimming with compromised, look alike utility vehicles and is one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market.
Dodge Ram 1500
Base Price Range: $21,510-$43,550

Dodge engineers created a vehicle that works smarter, drives quieter, uses less fuel, and secures cargo storage better. The Ram sets the standard by living up to the radical idea that the cabin of a $40,000 truck should be as nice as that of a $40,000 car.
BMW Z4
Base Price Range: $46,575-$52,475

The previous Z4 was a little rough and tough, a little unsophisticated, and undeniably masculine. BMW took a good look at its customers' needs and traded racetrack readiness for everyday elegance.

The interior is a marvel of simplicity and elegance, the sheetmetal is at once sexy, sultry, and supremely muscular, and 60 mph can be yours in five to six seconds, depending on the powertrain combination you choose.
BMW 335d
Base price: $44,725

The BMW 335d is the most important car this year to get lost in the crowd. Going from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, the 335d is game for hard driving, but its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel six-cylinder also returns subcompact-like fuel economy. There is no other car that combines performance and fuel economy at this level.

World’s Largest and Expensive Cruise Ship All Set to Hit the Seas

2010-05-03T13:05:00.003+07:00

Ready to take a cruise in a world’s giant cruise ship? But hang on as it hasn’t yet hit the seas. Called the “Project Genesis” cruise liner, Royal Caribbean is engaged in raising this 1,180 feet long water gargantuan.

Weighing 220,000 tones and valued at $1.24 billion, the ship claims to be the world’s priciest ship as well. But if besides the ‘est’ factor, figures do make a difference to you then read further.

Alleged to be 43% wider than Queen Elizabeth II, it can house 5,400 sea lovers and sponge 6,400 under Sardine circumstances. It sports a Central Park, an AquaTheater along with seven different “neighborhoods” offering lodging to people.

This move can be witnessed as another milestone by Royal Caribbean International, courtesy Genesis fall of 2009.

Top 5 Fastest Cars in the World

2010-01-15T10:31:00.004+07:00

Here is the definitive list of the top 5 Fastest Cars in the World! Truly Amazing pieces of engineering, pushing performance to its limits! Relish in the power of the SSC Ultimate Aero, Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCX, Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo & the Mclaren F1!

Rank 1. SSC Ultimate Aero

The SSC Aero is an American-built mid-engine sports car by Shelby Super Cars. Its higher-performance limited production version, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, is currently the fastest production car in the world, with a fastest recorded speed of 413 km/h (257 mph).This speed was reportedly achieved during tests on September 13, 2007 in West Richland, Washington, United States and verified by Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007.

The Aero and the Shelby Super Cars company are the brainchildren of Jerod Shelby, who spent over seven years designing the car. The basic Aero model is no longer produced, while, as of 2008, the Ultimate Aero costs about 620,000 dollars.

Rank 2. Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is a mid-engine sports car produced by Volkswagen Group subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS introduced in 2005. It is currently the fastest accelerating and decelerating production car in the world. It is currently also the most expensive production car available at a price of 1.1 million Euro. It is able to achieve the second highest top speed for a production car, behind the SSC Ultimate Aero TT .

Powered by a 736-kilowatt (1,001 PS/987 hp) W16 engine, it is able to achieve an average top speed of 408.47 km/h (253.81 mph). The car reached full production in September 2005, and is handcrafted in a factory Volkswagen built near the former Bugatti headquarters in Ch?teau St Jean in Molsheim (Alsace, France). It is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. Two examples of the Veyron are known to have been wrecked since production began.

Rank 3. Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is a mid-engined roadster from Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg. The CCX has been engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands and is an evolutionary design that replaced the Koenigsegg CCR. CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X; the X commemorating the 10th anniversary, (being the Roman numeral for ten), of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996.

The CCX was first unveiled on February 28, 2006 at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show although its existence was announced earlier. A derivative known as the CCXR is available, the difference being that CCXR's engine is tuned to run on biofuel. The different fuel and tune allows the CCXR to produce 25% more power than the CCX.

Rank 4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo

The Saleen S7 is a limited production, hand built high-performance automobile developed jointly by Saleen, Hidden Creek Industries, Phil Frank Design, and Ray Mallock Ltd. with RML taking full credit designing and developing the S7 and produced solely by Saleen in Irvine, California. It is the first car produced by Saleen not based on an existing design. The S7 debuted on August 19, 2000 at the Monterey Historic Races. From 2000 until 2004, the S7 featured a naturally aspirated V8 engine with 550 horsepower. In 2005, the S7 was replaced by the S7 Twin Turbo, which featured a more powerful twin-turbo system that boosted engine power to 750 horsepower (760 PS/559 kW) and the top speed to an estimated 250 mph (402 km/h).

Rank 5. McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 was formerly the fastest street legal production car in the world, holding this record from 1994 to 2005, the longest period the record has been held by any street legal or production car in the history of automobiles. It was engineered and produced by McLaren Automotive, a subsidiary of the British McLaren Group that, among others, owns the McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. Today, it is still the fastest naturally aspirated car in the world.

The McLaren F1 was at the time the fastest production car ever built, eclipsing the Jaguar XJ220. A standard version of the McLaren achieved a top speed of 371 km/h (231 mph) in 1994, holding this record for more than 10 years until it was finally eclipsed in 2005 by the Koenigsegg CCR.

Rank 6. Ferrari Enzo

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12-cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It is currently one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production car in the world. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 775 kg (1709 lb) is reached at 300 km/h (186 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

Amphibious Bus Dubai

2010-01-10T20:07:00.005+07:00

With unparalleled excitement, you are transported from land to sea, while seating on same seat. The wonder Bus cruises Dubai Creek in the most beautiful trip you ever dreamed of. In this trip you'll see the beautiful architectures and the historic buildings on the both shores of the creek. The Amphibious Wonder Bus design and build makes your dream come true in magical scenes, with internal air-conditioning and decor that shows our assurance in providing a comfortable surrounding that meets your expectations.

World's 7 Most Expensive Cars

2010-01-10T19:56:00.003+07:00

1933 Delage D8S

Sold for: $3,740,000By: RM AuctionsWhen: Aug. 17, 2007Where: Monterey, Calif.This French car has a one-of-a-kind body. The car was presented at the Salon de Paris, the Paris auto show, in 1933, according to RM Auctions. The car could go from 0 to 60 mph in 15 seconds, which was faster than a supercharged Bentley of the era, the auction house said. Sports Car Market called it a "spectacular car with known ownership since new," which adds greatly to the value.

11935 Duesenberg SJ

Sold for: $4,400,000By: RM AuctionsWhen: Aug. 17, 2007Where: Monterey, Calif.This over-the-top car was a "Doozy for a Floozy"—at least, she played one in the movies. This Duesenberg was supposed to have been designed for Mae West, but she never took delivery. According to RM Auctions, this was one of only 36 cars supercharged by the factory. The passenger compartment is finished in an Art Deco design with burgundy upholstery.

1931 Bentley 4-Liter
Sold for: $4,510,000By: Gooding & Co.When: Aug. 18, 2007Where: Pebble Beach, Calif.This rare find is one out of only 43 remaining examples, out of 50 units of the so-called "Green Hornet," according to Gooding & Co. It sold for just over $4.5 million last summer, despite what Sports Car Market described as a "leaky engine, ripped seat, faded paint, and ratty top." However, such authentic touches in a rare model make it even more desirable than inauthentic restoration.

1966 Shelby Cobra
Sold for: $5.5 millionBy: Barrett-JacksonWhen: Jan. 18, 2007Where: Scottsdale, Ariz.This Shelby Cobra has a supercharged V8 that produces 800 hp, according to Barrett-Jackson. It was originally configured as a competition car, and then retrofitted as a street-legal car. At one point it was used by Carroll Shelby himself, according to the auction house. Sports Car Market said Bill Cosby once owned a similar car, in which a later owner was killed. Sports Car Market called the sale "a crazy price for a crazy car."

1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM
Sold for: $5.7 millionBy: RM AuctionsWhen: May 20, 2007Where: Maranello, ItalyThis Ferrari racer is about as rare as they get. It is one of only two surviving models of its exact type, out of only three ever built, according to RM Auctions. It is restored to look as it did when it was driven in the Carrera Panamericana road race in Mexico. In May, it fetched $1.5 million above the highest pre-auction estimated price, thanks to what Sports Car Market called "potent provenance, rarity, 5-liter V12 power, stunning on-the-button condition, and great beauty."

1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM
Sold for: $9.3 millionBy: RM AuctionsWhen: May 20, 2007Where: Maranello, ItalyThis well-traveled V12 race car was the 1962 Le Mans winner, driven by the legendary Phil Hill and the late Olivier Gendebien. It raced on other circuits like Bridgehampton and Sebring, and crashed at Le Mans in 1963. Believe it or not, it was a daily driver in New York City from 1965 to 1974, according to RM Auctions. Sports Car Market called it "one of most important Ferraris ever to cross the auction block." Ironically, it was offered for $8 million in 2005 and didn't sell.

Think the $1.4 million Bugatti Veyron is the world's most expensive car? Here's a list of 15 cars that sold this year for $2.8 million to $9.3 million each

Most expensive bike

2010-01-10T19:44:00.003+07:00

A gold plated and crystal encrusted bike

$124,888

only 10 bikes will be made

having some money in gold and crystal bikes could be a better investment than having the money in the stock market seeing how things have been lately.

World’s Most Expensive Cars

2010-01-10T19:27:00.002+07:00

What is the most expensive car in the world? The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for $8,700,000 in 1987. However, that car and many alike will not be included in this list because it is not available on the market today. It is hard to imagine someone would actually spend 8 million dollars on a car instead of using it for something more productive. However, if you have the money and the opportunity, you will definitely spend a small fraction of it to place a few of these supercars in your garage. Here is the 10 most expensive cars available on the market.

Bugatti Veyron

1.Bugatti Veyron $1,192,057. This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+. However, the title for the fastest car goes to the SSC Ultimate Aero which exceed 253 mph pushing this car to 2nd place for the fastest car.

2.Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321 Produced by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the 8th fastest car in the world. It promises to delivery a top speed of 215 mph+ and it an reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.

3.SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400 Don’t let the price tag fool you, the 3rd most expensive car is actually fastest street legal car in the world with a top speed of 257 mph+ and reaching 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. This baby cost nearly half as much as the Bugatti Veyron, yet has enough power to top the most expensive car in a speed race. It is estimated that only 25 of this exact model will ever be produced.

4.LeBlanc Mirabeau $645,084 Doesn’t this look like a race car? Yet, with $645k, you can get this car and legally drive to your local supermarket and buy groceries. It has a top speed of 229 mph+ and although it was intentionally made for racing, it may be bought and show off to your neighbors.

5.Saleen S7 Twin Turbo $555,000 The first true American production certified supercar, this cowboy is rank #4 for the fastest car in the world. It has a top speed of 248 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. If you are a true American patriot, you can be proud to show off this car.

6.Koenigsegg CCX $545,568 Swedish made, the Koenigsegg is fighting hard to become the fastest car in the world. Currently the 3rd fastest car in the world with a top speed of 250 mph+, the car manufacture Koenigsegg is not giving up and will continue to try and produce the fastest car.

7.Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren $457,250 A GT supercar, the SLR McLaren is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world with a top speed of 207 mph+ and reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds from stand still point.

8.Porsche Carrera GT $440,000 A supercar with dynamic stability control and a top speed of 209 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Porsche Carrera GT applies the absolute calibers of a true racing car to offer an unprecedented driving feeling on the road.

9.Maybach 62 $385,250 The first 4-doors sedan to make the list, the Maybach 62 includes many luxurious features and it was made for comfort rather than speed.

10.Maybach 57 S $367,000 High-end luxury saloon with sporty handling and top performance technology.

The Cheapest Car in the World - Tata Nano

2010-01-10T19:22:00.003+07:00

Tata Motors, Indian car manufacturer presented a new car model, Tato Nano that costs only about $2,500 that makes it the cheapest car in the world. The low price is justified by the absence of air-conditioner, radio or anything else that can make driving in the car at least a bit more comfortable!

Antonov An-225 - World's Largest Aircraft

2010-01-10T14:37:00.004+07:00

The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a heavy-lift transport. It was designed to carry piggy-back loads which are too big to fit into its fuselage. For example, the Buran Space Shuttle. Mriya means dream. It is the world's largest aircraft in the world. It was derived from the An-124. The An-225 uses 6 engines, whereas, the An-124 has 4 engines.
The An-225 first flew on 21 December, 1988. Only one An-225 was built, however, a second plane may be built

Specifications
Type: Heavy Transport
Powerplants: Six ZMKB Progress Lotarev D-18T turbofans with 229.50kN of thrust each
Max take-Off Weight: 600,000kg
Max Payload (internal or external): 250,000kg - 275, 000kg?
Wingspan: 88.4mLength: 84mSpeed: 800km/h
Height: 18.1mCargo Hold: Length: 35.97m;
Width: 6.4m; Height: 4.39m
Range with Max Payload: 4,500km
Range with Max Fuel: 15,400kmCrew: 7

Queen Mary 2 Overview and Cruise Ship Profile

2010-01-02T16:59:00.009+07:00

The Queen Mary 2 will be the largest, longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive ocean vessel ever built until the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas launches in 2006. The Queen Mary 2 is probably the last of the classic ocean liners. Let's take a look at this marvelous cruise ship.

Overview of the Queen Mary 2 (QM2)

With a passenger capacity of 2,620, QM2's size allows a great variety of passenger amenities. Almost everything you could want on a cruise ship can be found on the QM2. For those who want to be pampered and rejuvenated, the ship features the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®. Athletes can play basketball or virtual reality golf, and a state-of-the-art gym includes a separate weight room. The Cunard ConneXions_SM is almost like a college at sea, taking into account, of course, that you're on vacation. The QM2 even has some features new to cruising such as a planetarium and a look at marine history in the Maritime Quest Exhibit. QM2 even lets you bring your dog along and board him in an onboard kennel.

Nighttime on the QM2 is elegant, and the ship plays host to formal gatherings in the evenings. After dinner entertainment includes dancing in the largest ballroom at sea, jazz in the Commodore Club, a casino, caberet singing in the Chart Room, and West End-caliber shows in the Royal Court Theatre.

Some of the traditional Cunard hallmarks are found throughout the Queen Mary 2 -- sweeping staircases, soaring public rooms, a grand ballroom, and a 360° promenade deck. A space ratio of 57.25 makes her one of the roomiest vessels anywhere, and the ship has 14 decks of sports facilities, shops, bars, lounges, 5 pools and no fewer than 10 restaurants. With one staff member per couple, a very high level of service can be expected. For those who love verandas as I do, three-quarters of the QM2 staterooms have balconies. Some of the lavish two-story duplexes even have their own private exercise equipment. Let's take a look at the details of some of the QM2 features.

First Class Stateroom on the Queen Mary

Let's take a look at the details of some of the QM2 features.

Queen Mary 2 Canyon Ranch SpaClub®
It is not surprising that one of the most luxurious ocean vessels ever built features a Canyon Ranch spa. This highly acclaimed health resort company has elevated the spa experience to an entirely new plane with life-changing programs from stress-relief classes to workshops on diet, healthy aging and disease prevention. Fifty-one Canyon Ranch health and wellness experts work in QM2's 20,000 square foot facility which includes 24 treatment rooms, a thalassotherapy pool with deluge waterfall, a whirlpool, thermal suite with both herbal and Finnish saunas, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.

QM2 Planetarium - Illuminations
Take a virtual ride into outer space, view the stars and other visual spectacles or take a course on celestial navigation in Illuminations, QM2's full-scale planetarium. It also functions as a grand cinema, a 500-seat lecture hall and even a broadcasting studio.

Queen Mary 2 - Cunard ConneXions
_SMQM2's cultural enrichment program includes seven classrooms and a 500-seat auditorium where you can attend workshops, seminars and lectures presenting a fusion of perspectives from the world's premier cultural hotspots: New York and London. Classes range from fashion to foreign languages, watercolor techniques to period furniture. Try film making. Join a discussion of British comedy, or compare MoMA and the Tate.

QM2 History & Art
Renowned international artists were commissioned to produce over 300 original works of art valued at over $5 million. For history buffs, the museum-quality Maritime Quest exhibit is a fascinating tour that takes you back to the golden era of transatlantic cruising.

Queen Mary 2 - Personal Butler and Concierge Service
Concierges attend to guests in all of the Grill Accommodations, while the Queens Grill categories also feature private butler service.

QM2 Interactive TV
You can receive or send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar you might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of your stateroom.

Internet on the QM2
Guests can surf the web, check e-mail or even transmit a video postcard to friends and family back home. They can take classes in the Computer Centre, or bring their own laptop; every stateroom has direct Internet access.

QM2 Play Zone/The Zone
QM2 was designed to accommodate all the ages. For guests who wish to take their children or grandchildren along, The Play Zone is like a well-run camp for children 2 - 7 years old. A separate facility, The Zone, provides hours of supervised entertainment and activities for children 8- 12 years old. The area includes the Minnows splash pool and real English nannies for the toddlers. And it's equipped with an array of toys and activities from board games to computer terminals with all kinds of learning adventures, so that while kids are doing their thing, adults have some quality time alone

Queens Grill Restaurant

Dining has always been a memorable event on any Cunard voyage, a celebration where culinary creations are served by waiters trained in the fine art of Cunard service. Lavish dining is one of the centerpieces of the QM2 experience, as well - with vastly expanded menus and venues.

There are 10 restaurants in all and the celebrated Mediterranean and TV culinary luminary Todd English. As with the custom of ocean liners in the past, each QM2 stateroom is matched with a reserved table at a sea-view restaurant, complemented by the largest wine selection afloat. Of course, you can always make reservations at one of the many optional dining alternatives. Or don't dine out - dine in! Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Britannia Restaurant - Main Dining Room
The stunning 3-story Britannia Restaurant has a grand sweeping staircase that creates a dramatic showcase for those wishing to make the ultimate entrance. This opulent dining room fits the QM2 well.

Princess & Queens Grill Restaurant
The QM2 continues the Cunard tradition of special dining rooms for those in the higher class suites. Passengers in one of the Q categories can savor the delicious creations of the Queens Grill, and the Princess Grill is reserved for P category guests. Cunard's Grill restaurants have been long acclaimed by food critics as the finest dining experience at sea.

Other Dining Alternatives for All Passengers

Todd English
Passengers can make reservations at the Todd English restaurant and enjoy delectable Mediterranean cuisine -- al fresco if they choose. Owner of the internationally famous Olives of Boston among others, Todd English, is one of America's leading chefs. He has been named both "Rising Star Chef" and "Best Chef: Northeast" by the James Beard Foundation, received the Robert Mondavi Award for Culinary Excellence and was named one of the "Top 50 Tastemakers" by Nation's Restaurant News. Chef English has appeared in numerous television shows including his own TV series Cooking in with Todd English. And he's more than a great chef. In 2001, English was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People."

Kings Court
Kings Court is a good choice for a casual breakfast or lunch. At night it is transformed into four intimate dining venues: an Asian restaurant, an Italian trattoria, the Carvery, and the Chef's Galley, where guests experience one of the most unique epicurean adventures anywhere. Here in a festive atmosphere, diners enjoy an interactive experience as the chef reveals his culinary secrets before their very eyes.

Golden Lion Pub
Fine lagers, ales and pub snacks are served in this charming British pub where you can enjoy a pint and watch televised sporting events.

Boardwalk Café
This casual eatery near the pool is good for lunch, and you can eat in your swim suit!

Winter Garden
A proper British afternoon tea can be taken in the Winter Garden or Queens Grill Lounge. Naturally it's served freshly brewed (no tea bags here), complete with scones, clotted cream, fresh pastries, finger sandwiches and white glove service.

Passengers will find rich, traditional furnishings and premium amenities such as a fluffy bathrobe and slippers in their accommodations aboard QM2. They can receive and send e-mails, choose from dozens of movies, review a seminar they might have missed or sign up for shore excursions - right from the comfort of their stateroom through the interactive television. Nearly 80% of staterooms have ocean views and over 94% of these feature spacious balconies.

All staterooms include standard amenities such as interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels, data port outlet, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, a safe and 110/220-volt outlets.

Let's look at the cabins on the QM2.

Queens Grill Accommodations on the Queen Mary 2(Q Categories)
QM2's most lavish Grill accommodations are among the finest at sea. Here the concierge and a personal butler anticipate passenger needs and comply with the utmost speed and efficiency. Lavish amenities include marble baths with whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets, en-suite bars stocked with selected spirits or wine and soft drinks, fresh flowers and pre-dinner canapés.

The enormous Grand Duplexes include large living quarters and an expansive balcony downstairs, a luxurious master bedroom upstairs, two marble baths with seprate whirlpool tub and shower, a guest bathroom with shower, and private exercise equipment. The three Duplex Apartments feature the same amenities with smaller balconies. Choose the Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth Suites located all the way forward and enjoy commanding ocean views, two full baths and even your own private elevator access. And for those in need of even more room, combine these two suites with the adjacent Royal Suites to create magnificent living quarters totaling nearly 3,800 square feet.

Queens Grill Balmoral Suite

Queens Grill Penthouse

Guests in Queens Grill accommodations dine in the renowned Queens Grill. The elegant Queens Grill Lounge and a private sun terrace are also reserved exclusively for their use. The Queen's Grill (Q Categories) include the following:

Balmoral and Sandringham Duplex (Q1) - 2,249 sq. ft.
Holyrood Duplex (Q2) - 1,566 sq. ft.
Windsor and Buckingham Suite (Q2) - 1,471 sq. ft.
Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Suites (Q2) - 1,194 sq. ft.
Royal Suites (Q3) - 796 sq. ft.
Penthouse (Q4) - 758 sq. ft.
Suites (Q5 - Q6) - 506 sq. ft.

Princess Grill Accommodations on the QM2
The QM2 Princess Grill accommodations are all located on Deck 10. These spacious Junior Suites feature a large balcony, bath with tub and shower, sitting area with a full-size sofa, interactive TV, walk-in closet and a concierge in addition to your cabin steward to help ensure flawless service.

Guests in the QM2 Junior Suites enjoy single-seating dining in the elegant Princess Grill. The Junior Suites (P1 - P2) each have 381 sq. ft.

Gracious Accommodations in the Standard Staterooms on the QM2 (B, C, and D Categories)
Standard staterooms are anything but ordinary. They're spacious and gracious. The smallest measuring almost 200 square feet is more like a "deluxe" guestroom on ordinary ships. And they're beautifully decorated with fine prints on the walls, soft colors on the sofas and coverlets and turndown service when it's time to retire.

Art Gallery

Guests in these accommodations have a reserved table in the Britannia Restaurant or they can choose one of the many alternative dining venues.

The standard staterooms include:

Deluxe and Premium Balcony Staterooms (B1 - B7) - 248 sq. ft. with balcony
Oceanview Staterooms (C1 - C4) - 194 sq. ft.
Inside Staterooms with Atrium view (D1) - 194 sq. ft.
Inside Staterooms (D2 - D6) - 194 sq. ft.

Standard amenities include interactive TV with multi-language film and music channels, data port outlet, refrigerator, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, a safe and 110/220-volt outlets.

Here are some facts and comparisons about the Queen Mary 2 from the Cunard Web Site.

Length: 1,132 feet
Beam: 135 feet
Beam at Bridge Wings: 147.5 feet
Draft: 32 feet 10 inches
Height (Keel to Funnel): 236.2 feet
Gross Tonnage: Approximately 150,000 gross tons
Passengers: 2,620
Crew: 1,253
Top Speed: Approximately 30 knots (34.5 mph)
Power: 157,000 horsepower, environmentally friendly, gas turbine/diesel electric plant
Propulsion: Four pods of 21.5 MW each; 2 fixed and 2 azimuthing
Strength: Extra thick steel hull for strength and stability for Atlantic crossings
Stabilizers: Two sets
Cost: Estimated $800 million dollars

Since it is often difficult to picture the size of such a large vessel, here are some comparisons:

QM2 is five times longer than Cunard's first ship, Britannia (230 ft.)
QM2 is 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary
QM2 is more than twice as long as the Washington Monument is tall (550 ft.)
QM2 is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
QM2 is more than 3 ½ times as long as Westminster Tower (Big Ben) is high (310 ft.)
QM2 is only 117 feet shorter than the Empire State Building is tall (1248 ft.)
QM2 is more than three times as long as St. Paul's Cathedral is tall (366 ft.)
QM2 is as long as 41 double-decker London buses (31 ½ ft. each)
QM2's whistle is audible for 10 miles

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

2010-01-02T16:29:00.002+07:00

While America equates station wagons with conservative, almost nerdy designs (and, therefore, drivers), Cadillac is hoping the CTS Sport Wagon will catch on as a cool form of family transportation.

The wagon will be a new body style for the premium midsize CTS lineup. It will also be the first-ever Cadillac wagon, not counting SUVs. The Sport Wagon will be roughly the same size as the CTS sedan.

On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$35,000-$45,000

The CTS Sport Wagon will share the sedan's front end styling, but the roof and rear end will be completely different. The dramatic design offers a compelling alternative to SUVs. The drama of the sedan is amplified in the wagon, as the centerline cue is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle.

The wagon's rear end features tall vertical taillights that taper to a point at the top. The roof will be available with a panoramic sunroof, as well as a subtle, integrated roof load management system. Three wheel sizes will be offered: 17s, 18s, and 19s.

The first CTS Sport Wagon off the line will come with GM's 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 engine, which will make 304 horsepower in the wagon. Starting in the summer of 2009, a 3.0-liter version of the 3.6, also with direct injection, will become the base engine. It will produce 255 horsepower, and GM says it will get up to 28 mpg on the highway. Both engines will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability. European and Asian markets will also get a 250-horsepower 2.9-liter turbocharged diesel V6. As is the case with the sedan, the wagon will come with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The CTS Sport Wagon's main advantage will be cargo utility. It will have 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row 60/40-split-folding seats. A power-opening liftgate will be available and drivers will be able to operate it via the key fob. The load floor will also have a cargo management system with adjustable in-floor storage. Otherwise, the CTS Sport Wagon will share the sedan's interior, including the hand-cut-and-sewn upholstery and trim, and the available 40-gigabyte hard-drive radio and pop-up navigation screen.

While pricing hasn't been announced, we expect the Sport Wagon to start in the mid $30,000s and top out in the mid $40,000s just like the sedan.

Audi TTS Car

2010-01-02T16:23:00.001+07:00

Long anticipated by fans of Audi's S-Line performance cars and by driving enthusiasts in general, the 2009 Audi TTS will finally reach U.S. showrooms by the end of the year.

This will be the first S model for Audi's sports car since the TT was launched in 1998, and at first blush the raw horsepower numbers might disappoint some. The power increase from standard TT models is not as significant as that in other S-Line cars. Yet indicators suggest that the speed and response S buyers expect are here, and thanks to the TTS's light weight, efficient transmission and relatively small turbocharged engine, fuel mileage figures should be impressive. We might think of the TTS as a true high-performance sports car with a green conscience.

Expected Pricing:
$54,000-$58,000

This hot-rod TT will be available as a hard-top Coupe or two-seat, convertible-top Roadster, like the standard TT models. Yet the TTS, which was unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January, sports some subtle appearance tweaks that distinguish it from other TT models.

Its standard lightweight alloy wheels are upgraded from 17 to 18 inches in diameter, and 19-inch rims are optional. The headlights are jewel-like bi-xenon projector beams, with a unique ribbon of LED bulbs running horizontally underneath; the low-energy LEDs operate as the daytime running lights. The front and center portions of the TTS body and frame are manufactured from aluminum, and curb weight for the coupe is 3075 pounds. That's a few hundred pounds lighter than most similarly sized, similarly specified sports cars, even with the TTS's standard quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The most prominent TTS distinction lies under the hood, where a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates the power that makes it go. This inline-4 features direct fuel injection and higher boost pressure than Audi's other turbo engines. The TTS turbo also gets a number of durability enhancements, including heavy-duty pistons and connecting rods. It delivers 272 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or 22 horsepower and 22 pound-feet more than the most powerful engine in current TT models.

While other markets will get a conventional six-speed manual transmission, there will likely be only one choice in the United States: Audi's six-speed, dual-clutch manu-matic. This transmission works like a manual with an automatic clutch system, rather than a conventional automatic. Its paddle-shift feature delivers razor-sharp, race car-style gear changes, but it also has a fully automatic mode. The all-wheel-drive system has been beefed up for even faster response directing power between the front and rear wheels. The TTS will not be offered with front-wheel drive, as the standard TT is.

Audi claims the TTS Coupe goes from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4-seconds, with top speed governed at 155. The acceleration figures roughly match those for a Porsche 911 Carrera. Yet, thanks to the TTS's light weight and other efficiencies, Audi also promises a combined mileage rating greater than 29 mpg. That's impressive in a car of the TTS's anticipated capability.

To complete the performance package, Audi has equipped the TTS with its adaptive magnetic dampening suspension, which uses magnets to almost instantaneously adjust shock-absorber stiffness to optimize handling capability without wrecking ride quality. The electronic stability control features an aggressive track mode that will allow drivers to slide the car in turns. The brake calipers are painted gloss black and prominently visible through the spoked rims.

Inside, the TTS gets heavily bolstered sport seats upholstered with leather and Alcantara. The information display includes a timer to record lap times or acceleration figures.

The Roadster's top opens and closes with the touch of a button.

The Coupe, meanwhile, offers 24.7 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is substantially more than you'll find in the trunk of a large luxury sedan like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and should leave room for a couple of tour-sized golf bags.

Toyota Auris Hybrid (2010): new spyshot

2009-12-29T11:12:00.002+07:00

Toyota showed off its Auris Hybrid Concept at this autumn's 2009 Frankfurt motor show – and here's the finished version testing in Europe ahead of launch in autumn 2010.

This will be Toyota's first mainstream hybrid; the Prius has pioneered the petrol-electric technology in a standalone bodystyle, but now the Japanese want to roll out the Hybrid Synergy Drive across its entire volume model range. So the Auris is first of many more Toyotas to wear the HSD hybrid badge of honour.

The 97bhp 1.8-litre petrol-electric drivetrain of the Auris Hybrid is largely shared with the Prius, giving this five-door hatch sub-100g/km CO2 emissions married to 0-62mph performance in around 10sec.
What's new on the Auris Hybrid?

Like on the Prius and Honda's Insight, there are numerous aero tweaks to make the Auris cleave the air more efficiently. Not surprising, as BMW engineers told us this week that the aero wheels on the new ActiveHybrid 7 alone save 2% off fuel consumption.

So there are changes at the front end, and the rear bumpers visible in this spy picture are flatter. They make the car look wider, but are in fact designed to optimise airflow and reduce turbulence and drag. The car sits 20mm lower, has a new rear spoiler and a drag figure of around 0.28cd.
Is the Auris Hybrid really green then?

It should be compared with conventional Auris models - and because it's a full hybrid, it can run on battery power alone in zero-emissions mode. There will be several driving modes selectable by the driver: Eco for maximum efficiency; Power for more performance; EV mode for full electric running for 2km at up to 31mph.

The Auris Hybrid production car scooped here will be built in the UK's Burnaston factory and go on sale in the second half of 2010.