autos sport

Just because we wouldn’t replace the standard tail-lamps of a E34 BMW 5-Series with a set of taillights with LED technology, it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong if you would do it. The LED tail-lamps from “in.pro” are available it two different designs with red/black or red/clear crystals. According to “in.pro”, thanks to the LED technology used, the brake lights are activated quicker thus allowing the person behind you to react faster in case of an emergency. –More pics after the jump

We can’t say that we weren’t expecting surprise moves from Chrysler LLC’s new owner Cerberus Capital Management LP, but to shut down the entire company for two weeks in July during the period when it usually closes only its assembly plants, is definitely a shocker. Chrysler LLC informed its employees of its shut down plan this morning (Thursday, March 13) in an e-mail that was sent by Chief Executive Officer Robert Nardelli.

This is the first closure for the struggling No. 3 U.S. automaker since its acquisition from Cerberus, as it attempts to cut costs and preserve cash. “This is a drastic cost-cutting step,'' said Dennis Virag, president of Automotive Consulting Group in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “Having the shutdown will be favorable to Chrysler's cash flow, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to what is required to stabilize Chrysler's financial footing.'' (Pic edited by Carscoop)

Via: Bloomberg

With gas prices in the US (and elsewhere) going up and up everyday, modern diesel powered cars are definitely a viable short term solution, especially in the States where buyers continue to show their preference in large SUVs. Mercedes-Benz on its behalf announced today that it is offering three new diesel powered models, the R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC that will initially be available exclusively in America.

All three SUV/Crossovers are powered by a new, clean 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine equipped with AdBlue injection technology. The AdBlue system is an aqueous urea solution carried in an auxiliary tank that’s injected into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gases. It helps reduce the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen when exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides flow through the catalytic converter. As a result the three new SUVs achieve are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. -Continued

We tried our best to find a logical explanation for this semi-conversion of a 1964 VW Beetle into something that kinda looks like a 30’s Ford model up front, but we came up empty handed. Totally pointless if you ask us, but feel free to justify this semi-replica by leaving us a comment below. -Continued

Link: ebay

We’re not supporting that the 2008 XF is the most beautiful or sleek car in its category, but if anything else, the new mid-size Jag’s looks are totally acceptable. That is if you don’t opt for Galpin’s tuning proposition that turns the XF into a race-ricer inspired joke of a luxury car. And to imagine that Galpin is actually the largest Jaguar dealer in the States!

Galpin gave the XF a crude two-tone, black and red paint job combined with color matching 22-inch alloy rims, smoked tail-lamps, tinted glass and a matching two-tone colour scheme for the leather interior. A piece of advice to the fellas at Galpin; just stick to selling and servicing Jags and leave the tuning for someone with a bit of taste… -More pics after the jump

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the covers off its redesigned 2009 MY M-Class SUV that will make its worldwide debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show on March 21. The mildly revamped M-Class features a redesigned front bumper, larger mirrors, recontoured headlamps with a pronounced step in the lower edge and a larger radiator grille. Styling changes in the rear include a new bumper with integrated reflector strips as well as tails lights with a smoked-glass look.

The interior of the 2009 M-Class has been upgraded with new, high-grade materials that promise to be more pleasing to the eye and touch along with a new four-spoke multifunction steering wheel. Moreover, the luxury SUVs standard specification has also been upgraded as it now includes the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO head restraints as well as an all-new, high-performance telematics system developed by Mercedes-Benz.

Finally, the German carmaker’s engineers have tweaked all five V6 and V8 petrol and diesel units that are available for the M-Class (ranging from 190 to 388 hp) resulting to a reduced fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 km compared with the outgoing models. (Opening pic modified by Carscoop) –Details and pics after the jump

Under the guidance of the Volkswagen Group, Bentley reported record sales and profits for the 2007 calendar year that ended on 31 December 2007. The British luxury carmaker increased its net revenue by €36m or 2.7% compared with 2006, to set a new record of €1.37bn. Operating profit increased by €18m or 13.1% to a new operating profit record of €155m.

In terms of car sales, 2007 was the best year ever for Bentley as the company surpassed the 10,000 unit mark for the first time. Global sales increased by 7% in 2007 to reach 10,014 units. Increases were seen in most major markets: +7% in the UK, +4% in North America, +7% in Europe, +18% in the Asia Pacific region, and +93% in China. –Continued

In collaboration the German-based motor racing specialist, Reiter Engineering which has operated Lamborghini racing teams in the FIA GT1, GT2 and GT3, KTM has prepared two racing versions of the X-BOW sportscar to compete in this year’s FIA GT4 European Cup in the newly-created ‘Sport Lights’ class. The opening race at Silverstone on April 20, 2008 will mark the X-BOW’s competition debut prior to the start of series production of the sportscar this summer.

According to KTM, the decision to place the racing premiere of X-Bow in the hands of Reiter, rather than enter the championship under a factory-run operation, was taken to allow KTM to use the GT4 entry as a pilot project to ‘drive’ development of future customer motor sport applications as well as the production model. –Continued

In a move worthwhile mentioning, KIA UK has arranged a long term car loan for the Russian couple, Dmitry Artamkin and his wife Varkara who became parents to five daughters last November - Elizaveta, Alexandra, Nadezhda, Tatiana and Varvara – the first quintuplets to be born in the UK for five years. The Korean carmaker loaned a Sedona to the Russian couple for the remainder of their stay in the country.

Stephen Kitson, Director of Communications for Kia Motors UK, comments: ‘When we heard about Dmitry and Varkana and their new quintuplets, how could we not lend a hand? The Sedona should give them all the room they need for their new family.”

Via: Autoblog.it

Set to reach UK shores in early May, the all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet will be offered in three trims, 160HP & 2.0 Standard, Sport and S line trim with OTR prices ranging from £20,750 to £27,060 or to make that in USD, $41,950 to 55,950. Audi’s new soft-top convertible can be initially equipped with two petrol engines - 1.8 TFSITFSI 200HP, and two diesel units -1.9 TDI 105HP, 2.0 TDI 140HP. These are combined with either a five or six-speed manual gearbox, depending on version, or the option, for all models bar the 1.9 TDI, the S tronic twin-clutch transmission. -Continued

Basic equipment on Standard versions of the A3 Cabriolet include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, powered windows and mirrors, a Chorus radio with single CD drive and semi-automatic hood operation – the hood is attached to and released from the windscreen rail manually but retracts and raises at the touch of a button.

On top of this, the Sport specification, costing an additional £1,850, combines features such as larger 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and sports seats with fully automatic hood operation, which adds automated ‘hands-free’ detachment from, and attachment to, the windscreen rail, plus a wind deflector. The hood also incorporates additional acoustic insulation.

As for the new S line specification, it supplements the Sport equipment list externally with larger 18-inch 7 twin-spoke alloy wheels and S line body styling including exclusive front and rear bumper design. Inside, it adds extras such as leather and Sprint cloth combination upholstery embossed with the S line insignia, an S line multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle shift controls (where automatic transmission is specified), a perforated leather gear knob and matt brushed aluminium inlays. S line specification carries a premium of £1,550 over the price of a Sport model.

Model Transmission Standard Sport S line

1.8 TFSI 6-speed manual £22,300 £24,150 £25,700

2.0 TFSI 6-speed manual £23,660 £25,510 £27,060

1.9 TDI 5-speed manual £20,750 £22,600 £24,150

2.0 TDI 6-speed manual £22,760 £24,610 £26,160