2011 Chevrolet Volt charges toward production

Three years ago this December we first walked into a Manhattan meeting room for a backdrop meeting on a new concept being developed by General Motors for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. Earlier that year, the release of a documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car made the then largest automaker in the world the subject of some well deserved criticism for its handling of the end of the EV1 program. The movie and announcement of the all-electric Tesla Roadster lit a fire under GM to get back into the plug-in electric vehicle game.

What we saw that day in NYC was a description of new power train architecture then dubbed E-Flex. GM folk on hand that day built-in vehicle line executive Tony Posawatz and former VP for environmental affairs Beth Lowery. They explained that among the biggest training learned from the EV1 program were that range anxiety and lack of practicality would make a car like EV1 nearly impossible to sell in the mass market. The engineers went back to the drawing board to address those issues and came up with the extended range electric vehicle, or ER-EV. The Volt concept was approved for production mere months after it was revealed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. At this week's LA Auto Show, GM is publicly showing the production intent version of the Volt. Before that, however, we were among the first to drive a Volt with its range extender running. Read all about it after the jump.


We've had two previous in-motion experiences with the Volt. Last April we had the opportunity to drive one of the powertrain mules, which put the renamed Voltec powertrain into the body shell of the Cruze that shares its platform with the Volt. In August we got to ride (not drive) in one of the pre-production Volt integration vehicle engineering release prototypes (IVERs) with now former global chief engineer Frank Weber.


We trekked out to Dodger Stadium on Sunday afternoon before this week's press days for the LA Auto Show for our session with the actual preproduction Volt. Chevrolet set up a driving loop in one of the parking lots where we got to try out a variety of different maneuvers with the car. This time we would get to actually drive the pre-production car from pure battery power to its charge sustaining mode.

The car that GM made available was one of the 80 IVER pre-production prototypes built this past summer. Unlike the other IVERs, this one was cleaned up and finished for auto show display and media drives. Most inner surfaces of these IVERs don't have the proper graining that will be on production cars or the production light clusters, but GM pulled together enough prototype parts to make them look essentially complete. In addition, unlike most of the IVERs that were finished off in primer grey, this car was painted in the same silver-green color that was the subject of GM's color contest. The winner of the contest will be announced on Tuesday here in LA.


Like many modern cars, the Volt doesn't uses a fob instead of a key with a start/stop button on the left side of the center stack next to the shift lever. Pressing the button produces a green glow from within. We shifted into Drive and rolled out silently with the Volt running purely on battery power as we circled the loop trying to run down the battery so we could experience the charge sustaining mode.

Ferrari F70 (2010)

It seems that Ferrari requirements to return at the hyper cars table and according to the international press it's preparing the Ferrari F70, a model that competes with Lamborghini Prevention or even Veyron.

There are already 5 years since Ferrari Enzo left the super cars stage and Ferrari is kind of back footed on this market. But Scuderia is not wasting time and it's preparing the next road and circuit rocket, called Ferrari F70, according to Auto express. The Brits say that this supercar will be the spiritual successor of Ferrari F40. The car will use turbo, just like his grandfather that broke some hearts back in 1987 when he first popped out. Rumor has it the this model will feature a Twin-Turbo V8 engine that develops over 650 HP.

You will say that the F70 stands no chance in front of the Veyron or Reventon with that kind of power under the hood, but the Brits also say that this car will underpin the Ferrari Millechili.

concept (the one shown in the picture), which, you've guessed has exactly 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs). So, Scuderia wants to build a car with the same powerhorse as Enzo, but 40% lighter, which will, of course, be more sporty, but also more restrained when talking about CO2 emissions. For all these, it is expected that the carbon fiber and the aluminium will be the main ingredient. In the same time, we are sure that, in this project, a lot of Formula 1 technology will be involved. The goal is to make a supercar that will hit 60 mph somewhere around the psychological 3 second margin.

Just like the Enzo, it is said that Ferrari F70 will be limited to 399 pieces, meaning it will be very hunted among the wealthy car enthusiasts, so it the price comes to confirm this, over €700,000 (that’s about $1,000,000). It is rumored that this car will hit the market in 2012.

The Super Sonic Car

The BLOODHOUND Project is the World Land Speed Record attempt designed to motivate young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM subjects).

1. Education: 2,410 schools sign up to the BLOODHOUND Education programmed; independent research confirms BLOODHOUND SSC is having a mini "Apollo" effect

2. Car design finalized: BLOODHOUND SSC has gone through ten design evolutions. The design is now set with the EJ200 jet engine from a Euro fighter Typhoon positioned above the prototype hybrid rocket - the largest ever designed in the UK

3. Launch of new BLOODHOUND HQ: New BLOODHOUND Headquarters and build site opens in Bristol Docklands

4. Record attempt: Runs to commence in 2011 on the Hakskeen Pan, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

5. Sponsors: Major sponsors supporting the Project include STP, Lockheed Martin and IT partner Intel

6. Supporters' club: raised over £137,000 in its first year


1. The BLOODHOUND Education Programmer
The Project has over 2,410 primary and secondary schools, 176 further education colleges and 33 universities signed up and using the BLOODHOUND Education resources in their lessons. We have reached our target of 10% of the 25,000 schools in the England and Wales in the first year alone - the Project has even had its first nursery school join this week.

An independent study by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) concluded that the BLOODHOUND Education Programmer provides a genuine hook to get children interested in science and engineering.

Siobain Barns from Harwood Meadows Primary School in Bolton, who uses the resources in her classroom, said: "Our pupils are blown away to be involved in such an exciting project and enthusiasm is equally high from girls as well as boys" she continued: "They're enjoying maths without realizing they're learning."

Speed ART presents the PS9 - based on the new Porsche Panamera. Power kits just for Turbo engine features include: Power kits with 520, 550, 600 and 650 hp up to 890 Nm consist of larger turbo chargers and intercoolers (just 600 + 650 hp), sport tire with sound switch, sport catalysts, sport air filter and ECU update. The 650 hp car accelerates in 3.5 seconds from 0 - 62 mph and the top speed is over 200 mph.


The Speed Art PS9 - 650 feature a Sport brake system with modular 380 mm discs and 6 piston brake calipers, sport tire systems; optional with sound switch control, sport catalyst (OBD2-compliant) for impressive 8 cylinder sound and more power and torque and different design twin tail pipes, polished or matt black.



The Speed Art PS9 - 650 aerodynamic kit comes with a fully CAD designed body kit consists of: front chin spoiler for more down force with integrated brake cooling system, engine hood air outlets, rear diffuser for enhanced down force and a very sportive design, rear bumper with air outlets on the side to give the back a racy look and to interrupt the big curves of the factory-provided back, side skirts for a wide body look, rear spoiler on rear bonnet for optimized down force and an impressive styling.



The Speed Art PS9 - 650 also comes with a speed ART designed three-pieces forged wheel in 22" with 23" center star, type "LSC FORGED" in 9,5 + 11 x 22" with 265/35 and 305/25 ZR22" tires, many colored versions available.

Bentley Azure T Superior luxury

Bentley has got luxury down to a 'T' - meet the Azure T, a new high-performance version of the ultimate money-no-object cabrio.

Under the expansive bonnet is the firm's long-serving 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8. However, power is now wound up to 500bhp - that's 11 per cent more than the standard Azure - and there's 1,000Nm of torque to play with, so speeding up is incredible.

Push your right foot to the thick carpet and, with little more than a whistle from the turbo, you're whisked from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. It's an amazing sensation considering the car's 2.7-ton kerb weight, but you'll pay the price at the pumps. Single-figure economy is more than likely, especially if you cover significant miles in town.

Turn a corner and there's little evidence of chassis flex, thanks to new carbon fiber cross-members at the front and rear. There's no hiding the Azure's size and weight, though. Even with the suspension set to Sport mode, it is best to save the storming performance for when you're pointing straight ahead.

The T's exterior tweaks include a retractable bonnet badge and a tinted front grill, while sumptuous diamond-quilted leather trim and drilled alloy pedals give the cabin an extra dash of opulence.

The electrically power three-layer top folds regally behind the rear seats in 25 second. However we had problems with the roof mechanism of our test model - and that's something you simply wouldn't expect from a car costing a quarter of a million pounds.

2010 Vorsteiner BR9 Bentley Continental GT

The Vorsteiner BR9 Bentley Continental GT body kit includes 5-Piece lightweight aerodynamic package made from dry carbon fiber. The Vorsteiner BR9 Bentley Continental GT comes with a full replacement front bumper cover that houses a larger and taller air inlet ducting in conjunction with a replaceable carbon fiber lower chin spoiler to optimize down force & airflow.


The Vorsteiner BR9 Bentley Continental GT also comes with an optional 22inch Forged Aluminum Monoblock Mesh wheel code named the V-101 is also offered along with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tires.


The wheels are an optional add-on to the BR9 aero package that can be custom painted or powder coated to the customers desired finish specifications.

2010 HEICO SPORTIV Volvo C30 1.6D Drive

Volvo tuner HEICO SPORTIV has unveiled the new tuning program for the new 2010 Volvo C30 1.6D Drive Facelift. The reprogramming of the original engine control unit generates a maximum power of 92 kW/125 bhp (for the 80 kW/109 bhp model) and maximum torque of 280 Nm (240 Nm). As a result, the Volvo C30 1.6D Drive does zero to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds, beating its series-produced complement by 2.1 seconds! A maximum speed of 200 km/h is also within reach, 10 km/h faster than the series version.



The HEICO SPORTIV Volvo C30 1.6D Drive features a remodeled design rudiments at the front and rear. The HEICO SPORTIV front spoiler - which replaces the original lower base section of the bumper - consists of fiber-strengthened polyurethane and is fixed using the existing anchorage points. The same applies to the rear valence which mimics the front spoiler's crossways arranged air vents and has a centrally placed diffuser element. The rear valence serves to accommodate the HEICO SPORTIV four pipe stainless steel exhaust system.


The Volvo C30 1.6D Drive is available from HEICO SPORTIV with a starting price tag of ca. EUR 29,900; the parts will naturally also be deliverable individually from spring 2010.

2010 Fesler-Moss Chevrolet Camaro Rivalry

The Fesler-Moss Chevrolet Camaro Competition provides all the presentation, management and style the hardcore muscle car fan could desire. Features include 30-way adaptable coil over suspension; billet, carbon fiber or black OE replacement taillights; billet, carbon fiber or black OE replacement taillights; billet, carbon fiber or black OE replacement taillights; billet, carbon fiber or black driving light bezels; billet, carbon fiber or black reverse light bezels; stainless steel hood struts; stainless steel trunk struts; carbon fiber grille; carbon fiber body kit; painted racing stripes; carbon fiber interior accents; carbon fiber gauge pod; heat and sound barrier; sound system upgrade; upgraded, deep cycle battery; supercharger; high performance air cleaner; 6-piston Fesler branded brake upgrade; 22-inch Fesler branded wheels and tires; car cover plus and alarm/remote start system.




Fesler-Moss Chevrolet Camaro Competition Options includes: Carbon fiber cowl induction hood; carbon fiber trunk lid; carbon fiber spoiler; custom paint; custom leather seating; sueded headliner; short throw shifter; custom sound system; engine swap (LS7 or LS9); dynotune, exhaust system; extreme Fesler branded, 6-piston brake system upgrade; sway bars; Bondurant driving course.

2009 MTM Audi TTRS

MTM, the German tuning expert presents the MTM Audi TT-RS with the renewal of the 5 cylinders engine as perfect motorization for drivers who like their vehicle being suitable for racing. After the MTM power therapy, the sport car from Audi gets a power of 424 BHP and 560 Nm of torque and shows it with a new aerodynamic which is based on the Ur-Quattro.



The MTM Audi TTRS can be prepared in 3 different stages of power enhancement. moreover the maximal stage of 424 BHP with 84 BHP more as the 340 from the series car, MTM also offer 2 stages with 404 and 408 BHP and 550 Nm. MTM sports rims with the original BIMOTO design in 19 and 20, as well as suitable spacers in 20 mm and 30 mm are available.

2010 Mcchip-Dkr Porsche Panamera

Mcchip-dkr has unveiled a new power upgrade for the Porsche Panamera. The Mcchip-dkr Porsche Panamera provides a performance of 550 hp and vigorous 775 Nm to the new series from Zuffenhausen (series performance 500 hp and 700 Nm). regarding the Sport chrono-Version with 770Nm the torque is even raised up to 845Nm.


The performance is available over the complete rmp-range. The final velocity also increases about 8 km/h. Thus the Panamera achieves 311 km/h. The tuning at mcchip-dkr costs 1499,00 Euro.


The Mcchip-dkr Porsche Panamera features include a wheel set (7.969,00 Euro) in 9×22 and 10,5×22 from Car graphic with high performance tires from Continental labeled 265/30 R22 and 305/25 R22. Otherwise available are Dunlop Sport tires (wheel set with tires from Dunlop 8.089,00 Euro) in size 265/30 R22 and 295/25 R22. The surcharge for the finishing of the rim stars in semi matte is 179, 00 Euro per tire.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Best Bodyshell

The Mercedes E-Class wins the popular "Euro Car Body Award 2009". At Euro Car Body, the world's largest car body benchmarking meeting, a judges made up of about 400 conference delegate and board members voted the E-Class as the car with the best body shell. A total of nine new series-production bodies were presented in detail and scrutinized at the Euro Car Body event held in Bad Nauheim, Germany at the end of October. The candidates included the Jaguar XJ, Audi R8 spyder and BMW 5 Series GT.

"We are charmed to receive this award. Euro Car Body is after all the foremost conference for car body experts worldwide, meaning that it attracts top-ranking delegates," explains Dr. Jorg Langner, who heads the Detachable Front End Body Parts team at Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Plus, it means we have come full circle: seven years ago, the previous E-Class model was crowned the winner of the first ever Euro Car Body Award, which has been presented annually ever since."

The model series owes its success primarily to the top results it secured in the two voting categories "Customer value" and "Innovative process, production and plant concepts". As for all other product characteristics, the body shell forms a foundation here on which the experts from the other specialist disciplines build. Dr. Langner analyses the result as follows: "It wasn't a particular innovation which clinched it, but the harmonious overall concept." In the "Customer value" category, for instance, the jury rewarded the exemplary safety concept and comfort level in the E-Class and its outstanding aerodynamics. For all these qualities the body shell is the most important element.

The active bonnet is just one of many features which show how development of the E-Class body focused on customer value at all times. It reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians as well as offering E-Class owners a further crucial benefit: the active bonnet has a reversible design. So, if it is trigger by a minor parking bump, for example, Mercedes customers can simply return the bonnet to its original position - reactivating the system in the process - then continue with their journey.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen have today released its revise 2010 Jetta range featuring a new range of engines, smart and specification levels - as well as a aggressive decrease in pricing - across the whole Jetta line up.

Car Advice this afternoon joined Volkswagen Group Australia for a drive day in Victoria's picturesque Yarra Valley wine region for a taste of what next year's Jetta has to offer.


The 2010 Jetta range now kicks off with a new entry-level model, the 1.6 77TDI, which as the name suggests, is powered by a 77kW turbo-diesel common-rail engine of just 1.6-litres in capacity.

The base model power plant shares much of its technology with Volkswagen's familiar 2.0-litre (103kW) unit, albeit with a reduced capacity, and although some 6kg lighter, is no light-weight when it comes to providing competent on-road performance.

With 250Nm of torque - delivered from a low 1500rpm - the 1.6 77TDI is mated to a choice of traditional five-speed manual or silky smooth seven-speed DSG transmissions which in both instances deliver a fluid drive with only a hint of turbo lag noticed from the stick-shift offering.

In both instances a standard diesel particulate filter sees particulate emissions reduced keeping hand-in-hand with the 1.6 77TDI's low CO2 emissions of just 127 grams per kilometer.

Frugal fuel consumption figures of just 4.9L and 5.0L per 100km (combined) for the manual and automatic models respectively further highlight the economy on offer from this new budget model.


Inside the quiet cabin new Jetta 1.6 77TDI features a generous standard kit list that includes front and rear acoustic parking sensors (optical parking system available as a cost option), revised instrument cluster with white "driver-centric" illumination, updated seat and decorative trims, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking (with window-down and boot release function), chilled glove box, cruise control, and a single CD tuner with steering wheel mounted remote controls.

Jetta also picks up a new sports routing wheel as first seen on the brand's Mark VI Golf models. The air-conditioning system has also been modified to now offer 'soft' and 'rapid' settings.

Outside, the 1.6 77TDI offers 16-inch 'Toronto' alloy wheels in adding to subtle aesthetic changes that include a chrome V-shaped grille (familiar to pass at) and LED tail lamps.

Standard safety tools, common across the whole 2010 Jetta range, includes ABS with EBA and EBD, ESC with Traction Control, EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), a full-size spare wheel, plus front, side and curtain airbags (six in total). Anti-whiplash, height-adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts are offered in all five seating locations.

2010 AC Cars Cobra MK VI

The UK's oldest car marques have announced that it is structure its new AC MK VI in Germany. The AC MK VI will be launched at the Top Marques car show in Monaco on April 16.

The AC MK VI, a faithful activity of the ultimate sports car icon - the AC Cobra, is now being produced in Germany for worldwide sales. AC has entered into a long term considered alliance with Gullwing GmbH in Heyda, Germany. The AC MK VI is being produced in a modern facility and AC is extremely proud of the quality of the finished product which is due to the skills of the craftsmen at the Heyda facility.

AC's Chairman Alan Lubinsky summarised the main specification of the new AC MK VI:

* " car has fully triangulated, jig welded roundtube spaceframe chassis, with racecar derived suspension, suitably adapted to be road compliant.
* 4-pot Porsche brake calipers with vented discs, 332 mm front-298 mm rear.
* Differential with variable powerlock.
* Corvette V-8 engine, 6.2 Litre, 437 bhp for the GT and 647 bhp for GTS version, both compliant to current emission laws.
* Handmade aluminium-hybrid bodies, handmade to last forever, with increased, air conditioned cabin size for taller drivers.
* Finest German carpets and leather hides, craftsman made to create a luxurious and comfortable interior".


"AC is one of the most admired and respected marques in the world," stated Juergen Mohr, CEO of Gullwing GmbH. "Their sports cars ignited a passion that still burns inside enthusiasts today. For over a century, the company has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship and classic designs. We feel extremely honoured that we can now be part of the future of the brand."

"Every year approximately 1,500 copies of the cars AC built in the 1960s are sold in America," says Alan Lubinsky. "Why would anyone buy a replica when they can own an authentic AC roadster that is lighter and better and has been engineered and built to such demanding standards?"

Weighing only about 1,025 kg, the lightweight AC MK VI GTS sports car can hit 100 kph in approximately 3.3 seconds.


"The AC MK VI is wickedly addictive," says Gullwing's Juergen Mohr. "One drive in this scorchingly fast sports car creates an adrenalin rush that will last a lifetime. The AC MkVI offers heritage, performance and timeless styling that stirs the soul."

The AC chassis has been at the heart of some of the most legendary cars in history. Texan Carroll Shelby imported a number of rolling chassis from AC in the 1960s to build the legendary "Cobras" that dominated international sports car racing. The Shelby American

2010 Jeep Patriot First Drive

Almost driving rain, something if a part of the country can just remember, is pounding the windscreen of the Jeep Patriot as we head off the bitumen road and onto the rain-sodden gravel track.

Despite the rain, the Patriot feels amazingly sure-footed as we hit the dirt. So, ignoring the lever for the full-time 50:50 torque split four-wheel-drive and sticking with the default part-time AWD-setting, we pressed on.

The part-time system detects slip in the front wheels and extent drive to the rear when necessity demands. On the slippery road, it performed well. Chrysler Australia has had a tough time of it this year. Its US parent's struggles with a short-lived bankruptcy before ending up in partnership with Italian car maker Fiat, disrupted supplies as well as leaving a dent in consumer confidence in the products.


With production in the US halted for months, the Australian arm of the company has seen its stocks of vehicles slowly dwindle. Now, with winds of change blowing through Chrysler US, things are slowly getting back to full swing for the Australian operation.

One result is an updated and refreshed Patriot range.The new model Patriot sees some mild changes to the exterior and a much-revised interior. Inside, there is now a much stronger European look than the somewhat challenging over-complicated interior design of the previous model.

Open the door and you will see a simpler and more modern interior - though hardly a style leader. Now in a monotone 'Dark Slate Grey', there is an all-new dashboard, centre stack and instrument panel, new door trim-panels and a center console with split lid for added storage space.


The new interior is pleasing enough to the eye and practical for family buyers (and the ravages of children). Thanks to standard 'Stain Repel' technology, the Patriot's interior will maintain its appearance through all life's little mishaps - or so it is claimed.

The dashboard features a smoother matte look while the new centre stack features chrome accents to brighten the new round air-vents, shift bezel, door spears and cluster rings.


The centre console is all-new and door trim panels are redesigned and with additional padding for improved comfort.

Chrysler Australia Managing Director Gerry Jenkins told The Motor Report that, as supplies of the Patriot had dwindled, sales had dropped to less than 30 a month and recently there were virtually none for sale.


With the revised 2009 model, and supplies back on stream, he said that the company aimed to push sales up to about 150 month.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport first drive

Tesla frequently emphasizes that it works more like a Silicon Valley technology company than a traditional car company. And the company just proved it by delivering a model update to the Tesla Roadster for 2010. Remember, the Roadster has only been in production for one year, but in that time Tesla completely redesigned the interior, while at the same time adding new materials to reduce cabin noise. Model updates from other automakers often take five years.

We spent a day with the 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport, enjoying its unique driving experience and finding these updates made the previous generation car seem like something hacked together in a garage. Where the previous car had a fussy little lever for putting it in drive, the new car uses push buttons. To check battery statistics and change the drive mode, you had to use a touch screen by your left knee. That touch screen has been moved to the center of the dashboard. And in a real step towards convenience, the Tesla Roadster now comes with a glovebox.

Externally, the casual observer won't see much difference. The Tesla Roadster uses the same Lotus-sourced body clad in carbon fiber. But the carbon fiber stands out more, as clear-coat panels make up the hood, spoiler, and even the insets in the rear air intakes. The suspension is now adjustable for comfort or sport, and the all-new Sport version of the Roadster uses an upgraded powertrain that rockets it to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, faster than the standard Roadster's 3.9 second time.