Auto Park

Arash AF10 Prototype Production Debut

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:21:39 GMT

Back in 2006, Arash Farboud was snubbed by Ferrari when he requested a shiny new Enzo. Apparently they didn't feel the inherited fortune made in pharmaceuticals was enough to make him Ferrari material. Undaunted, Arash decided to pull a Deuce-move and thumbed his nose at Ferrari, building his own supercar. He pulled together the Farbio GTS as a proof of concept, and for the British Motor Show unveiled a concept car called the Arash AF10, a carbon fiber, Corvette-powered Enzo killer. Since then, things have been quiet, but according to Car, that doesn't mean nothing's been happening. They report Arash has been scratching away at the project, lining up suppliers and orchestrating development with a plan of introduction and production beginning this fall. The heart of the mid-engined car is a massaged 7.0-liter V8 straight out of the Corvette Z06. The transmission comes from Graziano, supplier of the Enzo's gearbox, though in this case it's a row-your-own instead of a glorified...(read more)

2009 Toyota Hilux

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:17:25 GMT

The Toyota Hilux has seen rapid growth since it was launched in Europe in 2005, sales last year had reached 39000 units bringing its market share up to a massive 22%. Toyota aim to further cement their place at the top of the market with the new facelifted 2009 Hilux sales targets set at 47,000 units for 2009. The rapid growth was also enough to tell Toyota that there isn't much wrong with the current Hilux, modifications for the updated model are subtly done. The front fascia receives a redesigned grille and bumper featuring larger and wider air vents designed to give the impression of a low centre of gravity. Toyota will also offer two new exterior colors for the Hilux: Island Blue and Graphite Grey, and to complete the additional options, new 15inch and 17inch wheels are availabel for the 3.0 D-4D Double Cab HL3 model and Double Cab Invincible model respectively. The interior gets a redesigned steering wheel featuring a four-spoke design with integrated controls for the audio system...(read more)

Brabus C63 AMG

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:13:35 GMT

Got a Mercedes-Benz C63? Wanna go faster? Look no further than the German tuning house BRABUS’s B63 S performance kit. Complete with high flow catalytic converters, a less restrictive air intake and a remapped ECU, the company has managed to rummage up 73 horses from the stock 6.2-liter V8. Not too bad for bolt on modifications, if you ask us. The guys at BRABUS aren’t all about go, either. They’ve paid equal attention the car’s suspension and brakes, dropping huge 12 piston calipers up front to squeeze the sizeable 15-inch discs. The company’s exclusive Monoblock VI alloys are dipped in sticky Pirelli rubber to keep the car planted through the corners. What about the interior, you ask? Nothing but a custom set up per customer. Cruise over to the BRABUS site to get the order going on yours. © Source: autofiends We need your comments below >>...(read more)

Six-Cylinder BMW 3-Series

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:04:16 GMT

The stop/start system already found on four-banger BMW 1-Series and 3-Series cars is expected to make its way onto six-cylinder models sometime within the next year. The system automatically shuts off the engine when the car is at a standstill, restarting the engine automatically when the driver is ready to accelerate again. It's likely only to appear in the 3-Series' six-cylinder models at first, but we wouldn't be too surprised to see it in the 1-Series and 5-Series sooner or later. For that matter, there's no reason why BMW wouldn't put it on their whole range, even the V8 models, eventually. © Source: jalopnik We need your comments below >>...(read more)

2009 Lexus IS first official pics

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:37:56 GMT

Though no official press release has been made, here are the first photos of the facelift for the Lexus IS , that will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show . Like we said, there’s no official info so far, but we can see that the car has a restyled front grille, tail lamp crystals featuring L-shaped back-up lights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and new designs for the alloy wheels, that might also come in 17 and 18 inch sizes. Rumors also say that the car will get new exterior colors and new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system. © Source: autounleashed We need your comments below >>...(read more)

2009 VW Golf VI

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:27:53 GMT

The new VW Golf VI is almost and everyone is curious about the car. With the Golf VI available right after the Paris Motor Show debut, VW launched a special website, where you can customize the car and the guys from Carscoop had the patience to take snapshots of all available exterior colors and interior trims (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline). © Source: seriouswheels We need your comments below >>...(read more)

Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid concept at Paris Auto Show

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:24:45 GMT

Toyota, Honda and nearly every other major manufacturer has beaten Hyundai to market with a hybrid powertrain solution, but the Korean company is making up for lost time as the Paris Motor Show draws near. The latest development, scheduled to make its first appearance at the French show in October, is the Santa Fe petrol-electric hybrid SUV concept. The hybrid Santa Fe (standard model pictured) still remains cloaked in secrecy but the core information has been released: it will feature a 2.4L petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric-assist motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Fuel consumption is claimed at 44mpg (5.35L/100km) and CO2 emissions are similarly good at 148g/km. That’s important for places like the UK, where cars are taxed based on their emissions. More details and information will be revealed in Paris. Already Hyundai has an LPG-hybrid version of its Elantra (known as the Avante in Korea) in the works, due to go on sale in its home...(read more)

2010 Camaro SS 1st official image

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:22:15 GMT

The new Camaro has been a long time coming, with concepts on the scene for the past two years and more than six years since the last Camaro was produced. The hot SS variant is taking even longer than the standard car, though these photos show what appears to be the final version of the fastest Camaro, expected to be powered by an LS3 V8. These photos show what looks to be a final-production Camaro SS despite the fact that it hasn’t officially been revealed. The standard Camaro and its RS appearance package have, however, and apart from a few important distinctions, the SS retains the majority of the new car’s familiar styling. The small opening just below the hood, a slightly reworked front fascia and a different set of badges look to be the primary differences externally. Early rumors had pegged the new Camaro SS as using a slightly detuned version of the LS-series supercharged 6.2L engine found in the Corvette ZR-1 and Cadillac CTS-V, but the official word on the Camaro SS is that it...(read more)

2010 Mazda3 sedan spied

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:19:29 GMT

The new Mazda3 will showcase the new styling direction that will eventually spread to the entire Mazda lineup, Laurens van den Acker, Mazda ’s design chief, said recently. Although still covered in a bit of camo, we can see an impressive pair of projector headlamps up front and angled tail lights in back. Overall, once the camouflage comes off, we expect a much more sporty design to be revealed. From the interior photos, we can see this 3 sedan is packing a 6 speed transmission. That’s one more gear than the current model. We can also see buttons for heated seats, satellite radio and an MP3 hard drive. That probably tells us we’re looking at a Grand Touring sedan prototype. The new Mazda3 will ride on the next-generation global Ford Focus C1 platform and is expected to be longer and wider than the current model. Under the hood, Mazda’s MZR line of motors will get a bump in power and further tweaking for fuel savings. Expect the current 2.3L motor to be bored out to around 2.5L. That should...(read more)

Maybach 62 drifting

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:12:03 GMT

From the ‘disgusting displays of wealth’ files comes the new sport of kings: chauffer driven drifting. Watch as this Maybach 62 goes sideways while not a drop of champagne is spilled. © Source: topspeed We need your comments below >>...(read more)

2009 Jetstream SC250 - video

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:51:01 GMT

(from Jetream Press Release) JETSTREAM'S EXTREME SC250 LIGHTWEIGHT SPORTSCAR REVS INTO PRODUCTION New British sportscar manufacturer Jetstream breaks into the lightweight sportscar market with their SC250 model that couples a totally unique and striking look in terms of styling with substantial performance credentials. The mid-engined, rear wheel drive road-legal two seater SC250 is now in production after completing an extensive testing programme, following the unveiling of the prototype at the Autosport International Show at Birmingham's NEC back in January. Lurking under the engine cover of the SC250 is the same 2.0 litre Ecotec Turbo Twin-Cam 16-valve powerplant and smooth six-speed transmission that appears in the Vauxhall Astra VXR, producing 250bhp as standard. The engine can be run on either unleaded or bio-ethanol – the latter fuel increasing performance by around 10%. With the SC250 weighing in at a mere 700kg (1,550lb), an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 357bhp-per...(read more)

2009 Jetstream SC250 - video

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:51:01 GMT

2008 Ford Focus XR5 Turbo

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:48:04 GMT

A lot of so called sports cars these days comprise of little more than a badge, a spoiler kit and a set of alloy wheels - an anodyne, half baked attempt at attracting the brain dead if you ask me. But if instead you’re the type whose right foot gets a little itchy at the mere idea of pounding down a twisty country road in a no holds barred bona fide hot hatch, then perhaps you’d better take a look at this. The face-lifted LV Focus XR5 Turbo , unlike its LT series South African siblings, is a completely German designed and manufactured five-door, five-seater boasting not only the sporty good looks deserved of wearing the XR badge, but a tremendous and dynamic engine and handling package sure to delight the driver in all of us. The 2.5-litre, in-line five-cylinder, turbocharged engine is the embodiment of all that’s right in forced induction. Strong, linear boost and flat, early torque delivery make the 166kW, 320Nm, at 6000rpm and 1600rpm respectively, offering a lithesome, overtly usable...(read more)

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:45:19 GMT

(from Cadillac Press Release) Amidst the beauty and history of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Cadillac treats car enthusiasts to a world premiere of its latest production-car design. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon makes its debut this weekend on the Monterey Peninsula, showcasing a dramatic design that elevates and updates the classic wagon body style. Not unlike many historic Cadillac designs, the new CTS Sport Wagon is an unmistakable and dynamic presence. The car’s intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into the formerly utilitarian world of wagons. Cadillac’s upcoming wagon offers ample interior space and includes a range of six-cylinder engine choices, making it a compelling alternative to larger utility vehicles. Based on the hot-selling CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac . Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide...(read more)

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:45:19 GMT