Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept, 2008

Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept, 2008

The opportunity for SRT engineering to "one-up" itself comes to fruition with the Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept. Power for the car comes from the Dodge Viper 8.4-liter, all-aluminum V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque. It's a vehicle that delivers the well-known SRT credo of benchmark performance. 

The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept includes a fresh coat of Tornado Red paint with a carbon-fiber deck lid and hood. The "shaker hood" is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda, giving the 600-hp Viper V-10 engine room to breathe. Brakes have been upgraded and BILSTEIN® shocks at all four corners improve handling balance. The interior boasts sport seats and carbon-fiber accents throughout and, of course, true to the Viper-powered vehicle lineage, a red engine start push-button in the dash.

Dodge EV Concept, 2008

Dodge EV Concept, 2008

The Dodge EV development Electric Vehicle is a two-passenger, rear-wheel-drive sports car that marries high performance with zero tailpipe emissions based on the Lotus Europa.

The electric-drive system consists of three primary components: a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery and an integrated power controller.

The 200 kW electric-drive motor generates 650 N•m (480 lb.-ft.) of torque. The instant high torque of the electric-drive motor delivers outstanding performance, accelerating the Dodge EV to 60 mph in less than five seconds, with quarter-mile times of 13 seconds. The Dodge EV has a top speed of more than 120 mph.

Working with the latest advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge EV has a continuous driving range of 150 to 200 miles - more than triple the average daily commute of most consumers. Recharging the vehicle is a simple one-step process: plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet for eight hours. The recharge time can be cut in half to four hours by using a typical 220-volt household appliance power outlet.

The Dodge EV offers driving enthusiasts a performance sports car that can be driven to work every day - without consuming gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions.

Dodge Challenger Targa Concept, 2008

Dodge Challenger Targa Concept, 2008

The Dodge Challenger Targa is a full-blown competition car that raced and completed the infamous Targa Newfoundland race this year. "Samantha" started life as a Mopar Challenger drag race package car. Many features were borrowed from the Dodge Viper, but the most noticeable is the snakeskin green paint. To keep the front end down, a Mopar chin spoiler "Splats" developed in a full scale wind tunnel, was added to the front of the car. Mopar gauges keep a close eye on the vital signs. 

 

The Mopar hood is equipped with a scoop to make room for the 540-horsepower, 490 lb. ft. of torque, 392 HEMI V-8 Mopar crate motor. Mated to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, the engine blasts power to the rear wheels. An abundance of fade resistant stopping power comes from Stop-Tech brakes. Up front, the six-piston calipers clamp 380-millimetre rotors, while in the rear, four-pot calipers work with 355-mm rotors. Developed by KW, the race suspension and brake upgrades came from a proven hero — the Dodge Viper ACR, which just broke the production car lap record at the world-renown Nurburgring in Germany. With only a few exceptions, the Dodge Challenger Targa was built using parts available through Mopar.

Citroen Hypnos Concept, 2008

Citroen Hypnos Concept, 2008

 

Beautifully proportioned and boldly styled, Citroën Hypnos Concept is a true hybrid in both its technology and appearance. The elegant and distinctive crossover vehicle combines the styling cues of a sporty coupé, the serene comfort of a saloon and the practical space of an SUV. At the same time Citroën Hypnos is powered by Citroën's all-new hybrid drivetrain, HYmotion4, marrying dynamic performance with solid green credentials to give 60+mpg economy despite its 200 horsepower.

The Citroën Hypnos presents an exciting vision for the future of luxury vehicles with innovative and intelligent technology such as a face-recognition system that adjusts the cabin environment to its occupant's emotions, massaging seats, thermo-sensitive ambient lighting, a faceless clock and diamond-shaped instrument clusters.

Eye-catchingly proportioned at 4.90m long, 2.17m wide and 1.58m high, Citroën Hypnos's exterior design is characterised by a tautly drawn bonnet line, raised waistline and pronounced wheel arches that house generous 22-inch wheels - a hint at the concept's sophisticated muscle power.

The deep radiant grey of the bodywork, which varies in intensity under different light environments, has an elegant and prestigious sheen, befitting the Citroën Hypnos's luxury interior. A 'pillarless' roof, appears to 'float' suggesting flowing interior space. Rear hinged back doors provide easy entry into the car's enchanting interior, whilst a cargo tailgate gives unrestricted access to the boot, adding practical functionality to underline Citroën Hypnos's SUV characteristics.

Stepping inside the cabin, passengers are welcomed into an interior embodying the magical qualities of the concept car and begin an unforgettable sensory adventure. The shimmering interior is adorned with premium materials such as leather and brushed aluminium, helping to make the Citroën Hypnos's cabin an environment of exceptional refinement and comfort. The rainbow hues, seen throughout the interior, showcase Citroën's creative flair and daring originality - the unconventional application of bright, vibrant colours in an executive vehicle.

The four morphologically-sculpted seats are made up of prism-shaped components and can be inflated and deflated to give occupants upper and lower back massages. The body-hugging seats are positioned either side of a unique central console offering occupants an astonishing amount of personal space, and arranged in a helix configuration that inspires images of a DNA strand - reflecting the Citroën Hypnos' design focus on human values.
Passengers can also customise their own space using the pivotal blades of the central helix-shaped console, which includes a range of controls such as the air-conditioning settings.

Hypnos showcases Citroën's commitment to making technology more accessible and interactive with a raft of innovative features throughout the cabin including colour therapy for passengers.
The driver's instrument cluster is seen through diamond-like prisms, mounted in metal, with each facet displaying different information. A touch screen is also incorporated into the middle of the console, and air-vents gently diffuse halos of ambient light which varies according to temperature.

A ceiling-mounted camera films the driver's face and regularly measures anthropometric data to gauge emotions and automatically adjusts the cabin lighting and fragrance accordingly for a more bespoke relaxing experience behind the wheel.
Citroën Hypnos also features a strikingly original onboard clock designed by the artist Michel Serviteur. The innovative timepiece, which has no needles or digital display, changes colour depending on the light at different times of the day and emits a succession of rhythmic colour pulses like a breathing organism.

Hypnos confirms Citroën's respect for the environment with its all-new HYmotion4 diesel hybrid drivetrain. The 4-wheel drive system combines a powerful 200bhp 2.0 HDi DPFS engine and an intelligent 6-speed EGS (Electronic Gearbox System). With the engine driving the front wheels and an axle-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, this simple but effective solution shows a possible way ahead for affordable hybrid technology, in line with Citroën thinking.

Capable of a 0-60mph time of around 9-seconds and silent, exhaust-free driving in ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, the Citroën Hypnos's efficient system delivers dynamic green performance and driving pleasure with impressive fuel economy of almost 63mpg on the combined cycle and low CO2 emissions at just 120g/km.
When a burst of acceleration is required, Citroën Hypnos's boost function kicks in to deliver a combination of torque from both the combustion and electric powerplants without increasing fuel consumption.

For safety and accomplished 'green driving', Citroën Hypnos Concept is equipped with Stop & Start technology. This intelligent system also powers the electric motor when the vehicle is in 4x4 mode. For improved safety in difficult driving conditions Citroën Hypnos instinctively switches to four-wheel drive mode when faced with low grip or intense handling.
With the emphasis of the concept being on driving pleasure, Citroën Hypnos delivers a smooth and cosseted ride thanks to Citroen's legendary self-levelling suspension which combines the highest standards of passenger comfort with exceptional road manners.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, 2008

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, 2008

Chrysler's concept for 2008 - the ecoVoyager - marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler's harmonisation of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology
The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager's wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer's typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.
The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender - in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell -- to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager's total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions - besides water vapour -- come from the tailpipe along the way.
With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager's floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Exterior
Expressive details of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include panoramic roof glass bisected by a centre spine, tight body overhangs and a dramatic boat-tail back end. The sinuous shapes of the window graphics, headlamps, tail lamps and grille openings are inspired by Chrysler's storied winged badge.
The curving trapezoidal shape of the ecoVoyager's grille is echoed by the clear lens-covered shadow box that houses the rear license plate. The sloping backlight features a similar shape, emphasizing the repeating harmony of the ecoVoyager's design elements.

Other exterior touches on the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include the elongated, flaring "light catchers" on the lower doors and the front and rear fascias, enhanced by the Polar Ice exterior colour.
Finally, side doors open a wide 90 degrees. Since the rear doors are hinged at the rear and there is no centre B-pillar, entrance into the ecoVoyager is virtually unimpeded.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Interior
By placing the front wheels of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept farther forward than usual, designers were able to create greater interior roominess and increased legroom, especially in the rear seats.
In the ecoVoyager's spacious interior, the size, design and location of all controls have been rethought to provide its four pampered passengers the luxury of having every feature within effortless reach.
The ecoVoyager's windshield defroster and cabin air-conditioning outlets in the instrument panels and doors, for example, are invisible beneath a recessed perforated mesh. This avoids visually-disruptive array sliding vanes and protruding knobs. Even the colour of the interior -- soft Dove Gray with warm cherry wood accents — is designed to promote a relaxed ambiance.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager's unconventional instrument panel features a broad, leather-covered angled surface, slightly V-shaped in plan view and fronted by a full-width display screen set just below the windshield. The left and right outer ends of this non-glare screen contain the side-view mirror image, while a third camera image in front of the driver serves as the rear-view mirror.

Unlike most instrument clusters, only currently-needed information is displayed, designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim rather than through it (and requiring less up-down eye movement and refocusing). The front-seat passenger can view a movie without its moving images disturbing the driver. A slick, slide-out/retractable centre console - fitted with hot-key buttons and a mouse pad - replaces the functions contained in a conventional vertical centre stack.

The ecoVoyager's four individual chairs are contoured for personalised comfort. The seat framing is exposed, with under-seat storage drawers. Front seats have individual cantilevered, adjustable armrests containing the window controls and heat/massage switches, while individual rear-seat armrests fold into the cabin back panel. With the ability to store six 20-ounce bottles, the floor console dividing the rear seats accommodates hot or cold beverages.
A recessed area in the headliner between the two longitudinal skylights contains the "Direct Sound" function. With this feature, the musical entertainment choice of each individual occupant can be directed to him or her without the use of headphones, and without disturbing others in the car.
Sleek, refined, efficient and superbly comfortable, the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle offers a new experience in stress-free travel.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Specifications
Vehicle Type: Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with hydrogen fuel cell range extender), Two-row seating, four-passenger

Weight and Dimensions
    * Weight/GVWR: 2750 lbs./3500 lbs.
    * Length: 191.2 inches/4856mm
    * Width at H-point: 75.4 inches/1915mm
    * Height: 63.0 inches/1600mm
    * Wheelbase: 116.0 inches/2946mm
    * Couple 1-2: 45.4 inches/1154mm
    * Front overhang: 34.0 inches/864mm
    * Rear overhang: 41.2 inhces/1046mm
    * Track front/rear: 65.6 inches/1666mm
    * Approach angle: 15.0 degrees
    * Departure angle: 20.9 degrees
    * Turn circle: 40 feet/12.2m
    * Maximum width: 75.4 inches/1915mm

Powertrain and Suspension
    * Layout : Front wheel drive
    * Motor: Single electric
    * Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
    * Regenerative braking
    * Battery: 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack
    * Range extender: Hydrogen fuel cell, PEM 45kW, 700bar (10,000psi) high pressure tanks
    * Suspension
          o Front - MacPherson Strut
          o Rear - MacPherson Strut

Wheels and Tyres
    * Tyre size front/rear: P235/45R22x8 30.3 inches/770mm
    * Tyre manufacturer: Goodyear

Colour Scheme
    * Exterior: Polar Ice Blue
    * Interior: Dove Gray

Key Performance Attributes
    * 0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
    * Standing ¼ mile: 12.9 seconds
    * Top speed: 115 mph
    * All-electric range: 40 miles
    * Total range: 300 miles

Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version, 2008

Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version, 2008

The Chrysler 300C Touring is simply the most striking estate car on the road today. For 2008 Chrysler will make the 300C stand out even more - with a revised exterior and an updated interior across the range. Chrysler will also launch an entirely new Touring model in the UK - the diesel-powered 'SRT-Design'.

The exterior of the Chrysler 300C has been refreshed for 2008 with changes to the rear fascia and rear light clusters. The interior design has been enhanced with a new instrument panel and centre console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels. Soft touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels add to the comfortable interior while the new dark interior colour adds to the sophisticated feel. A new ignition key with one-touch start-up, a fully adjustable steering wheel as well as LED lighting in the front cup holders and front and rear door pockets all provide additional driver convenience.

The MyGIG infotainment system is a new option that offers owners the very latest integrated onboard systems. There's MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen controlled navigation system featuring outstandingly clear graphical maps as well as the ability to store up to approximately 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive. The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication.

The Chrysler 300C Touring SRT-Design model includes all of these refinements and adds many of the visual enhancements that make the high-performance SRT-8 such a crowd pleaser. The SRT-Design is available as a Saloon or a Touring and features the economical 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. SRT-Design features include SRT 20- inch alloy wheels, wheel arch spats and SRT-8 body kit as well as a chrome mesh grille. Inside, the SRT-Design gets MyGIG satellite navigation as standard as well as an SRT-8 steering wheel, SRT-8 leather sports seats and carbon fibre interior details.

Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version, 2008

Chrysler 300C Touring SRT UK Version, 2008

 

The Chrysler 300C Touring is simply the most striking estate car on the road . For 2008 Chrysler will make the 300C stand out even more - with a revised exterior and an updated interior across the range. Chrysler will also launch an entirely new Touring model in the UK - the diesel-powered 'SRT-Design'.

The exterior of the Chrysler 300C has been refreshed for 2008 with changes to the rear fascia and rear light clusters. The interior design has been enhanced with a new instrument panel and centre console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels. Soft touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels add to the comfortable interior while the new dark interior colour adds to the sophisticated feel. A new ignition key with one-touch start-up, a fully adjustable steering wheel as well as LED lighting in the front cup holders and front and rear door pockets all provide additional driver convenience.

Seat-mounted air bags have been added to the front and side-curtain air bags to the rear for increased driver and passenger safety.

The MyGIG infotainment system is a new option that offers owners the very latest integrated onboard systems. There's MP3 player compatibility, a touch screen controlled navigation system featuring outstandingly clear graphical maps as well as the ability to store up to approximately 1600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive. The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication.

The Chrysler 300C Touring SRT-Design model includes all of these refinements and adds many of the visual enhancements that make the high-performance SRT-8 such a crowd pleaser. The SRT-Design is available as a Saloon or a Touring and features the economical 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. SRT-Design features include SRT 20- inch alloy wheels, wheel arch spats and SRT-8 body kit as well as a chrome mesh grille. Inside, the SRT-Design gets MyGIG satellite navigation as standard as well as an SRT-8 steering wheel, SRT-8 leather sports seats and carbon fibre interior details.

The standard features on the Chrysler 300C Touring include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and an all-speed Traction Control System, front and rear side-curtain air bags, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and a rear park assist system. A leather interior, air-conditioning and heated driver and front passenger seats also come as standard on all vehicles in the range.

The 2008 Chrysler 300C Touring comes with a 3.0-litre V-6 engine that produces 215 bhp at 3800 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. of torque at 1600 rpm.

2008's Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles

Here is the final list of 2008’s best-selling cars, SUVs and trucks in America. Automakers had a rough ride, especially in the December month. Vehicle sales were badly affected by high gas prices for better part of the year and the parting blow was given by the credit crunch that suddenly came up from nowhere. But Ford F-Series Pickup has managed to stay Number 1 on the US Top 10 list for 2008.

The Ford F-Series trucks includes the F-150 and Super Duty models and together their tally for year 08 stands at 515,513. Honda dominates the top ten list with its 3 best seller- Accord, Civic and CR-V while Toyota and Chevrolet follow closely with 2 vehicles each.

The Top 10 Best-Selling Cars of 2008
* Ford F-Series: 515,513
* Chevy Silverado: 465,065
* Toyota Camry: 436,617
* Honda Accord: 372,789
* Toyota Corolla: 351,007
* Honda Civic: 339,289
* Nissan Altima: 269,668
* Chevy Impala: 265,840
* Dodge Ram: 245,840
* Honda CR-V: 197,279

Source: Kicking Tires
Read More On: Cars For 2008

Ford UK Launch Red Fiesta Limited Edition Model

The Fiesta is Fords most selling mid-size vehicle in the UK. And since its due for replacememnt soon, Ford is trying to come out with newer Fiesta limited or special edition models to make most out of this vehicle before its gets dumped. So moving on that line, Ford has now launched the Red edition Fiesta Zetec S. Named 'Red' since this model would be available in, you guessed it, only red color.

The Red edition of Fiesta is based on the Fiesta Zetec S, powered by a 1.6-liter four generating 100hp of power. Only 400 pieces of Fiesta Red edition will be created for sale in UK and will be offered at a price of £13,000. For the guys and gals who need more details about the new Fiesta guise, we have pasted Ford's official press release below.

FORD ADDS STRIKING NEW FIESTA LIMITED EDITION
- New sporty Fiesta Zetec S Red special edition
- Black and white 'chequered flag roof' and Colorado red body paint
- Leather seats and privacy glass
- On sale now priced at £13,000 on-the-road

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 26 June, 2008 – The appeal of the exciting Ford Fiesta line-up continues to expand with the debut of a new sporty, feature-packed special edition – the Zetec S Red. Just 400 new Zetec S Red special editions, representing 10 per cent of all Zetec S models, will be available, priced at £13,000.

The "Red" edition follows the success of the popular radian yellow "Anniversary" and lime green "Celebration" models which sold out within weeks of their launch last year. Ford Fiesta has been in the top three best-selling vehicles in Britain every month this year with 42,895 models sold up to the end of May - almost 20 per cent of the British small car market.

With the zesty yet thrifty1.6-litre, 100PS petrol engine, Zetec S Red features Colorado red paintwork with chequered flag roof decal. Dark privacy glass on the rear windows and panther black features: door mirrors, door handles, bodyside mouldings, roof spoiler and tailgate handle, all add to the stylish look. Also standard are Quickclear® heated front windscreen, ebony leather seats, 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning and heated electrically-operated door mirrors.

Source: Ford
Read More On: Ford Fiesta

Photo Gallery: 2008 Ford Red Edition Fiesta Zetec S High-Res Pictures.

2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro : The New Diesel Concept

Audi has revealed the intial details and pictures of its latest concept car, the 2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept. It will make its debut later this month at the 27th annual Lake Worther Tour in Austria. The 2.0-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the new Audi A3 diesel makes 165 kW (224 hp) of horsepower and musters up 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque – the sort of pulling power normally associated with a sports car.

According to Audi, its A3 TDI clubsport quattro can race from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 240 km/h (149.13 mph). Exterior components such as the large DTM-look rear spoiler and the bolt-on wheel arch extensions give the car a dynamic air, while the racing bucket seats, the open gear lever gate in aluminum and and Audi’s characteristic flat-bottom steering wheel form the highlights of the interior.

The show car is a true high-tech sports car. Already lowered by 1.3 inches, the Clubsport Quattro concept has a mean stance thanks to a widened track (1.3 inches in front; 1.8 inches out back), bolt-on fender flares and 20-inch alloy wheels. Audi has packed the car with a six-speed transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. At the front wheels, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs.

The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary at will the throttle response characteristic, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, as well as the operating mode of the dampers that deploy Audi magnetic ride technology.

08 Model Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept Photos & Pictures


The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro.

Engine
- Four-cylinder TDI with common-rail injection system
- Displacement of 1968 cc, output of 165 kW (224 hp) and torque of 450 Nm
(331.90 lb-ft)
- Optimized exhaust system, sonorous soundtrack
- 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.6 seconds, top speed 240 km/h (149.13 mph)

Power transmission- High-efficiency six-speed manual transmission with a lightweight casing, open gear lever gate made of aluminum
- quattro all-wheel drive with extremely fast-action multi-plate clutch

Chassis
- Four-link rear suspension for dynamic handling and good comfort
- Power steering with highly efficient electric drive
- Wheels measuring 9 J x 20, tire size 265/30
- Six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs at the front wheels
- Audi drive select driving dynamics system with Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control

Body and interior
- Length 4,254 millimeters (167.48 inches), width 1,825 millimeters (71.85
inches), height 1,385 millimeters (54.53 inches)
- Motorsport-look design, large rear spoiler
- Racing bucket seats and extra aluminum components in interior

Mazda Launches New 3door Mazda2 In UK

Mazda is introducing three-door versions of its all-new Mazda2 small car in Europe this month. This is the first time that company has offered a three-door variant of its popular Mazda2 model range. It comes with a starting price of £7,999 on-the-road. The 5-door Mazda2, which was introduced in September 2007, differs from the new 3dr sibling by virtue of 25mm more seat shoulder room and a pair of extra doors.

The Mazda2 3dr will become available on the UK market with a twin version 1.3-litre petrol having power output of 75ps (priced at £7,999) and 86ps (for £9,509) and a 1.4-litre 68ps diesel engines with base price £8,999. The all-powerful 1.5-litre 103ps petrol will be added to the 3dr range in this July with a price tag of £11,399. The Mazda2 5dr achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating last year and the new three-door Mazda2 benefits from the same level of safety design, engineering and equipment. The front doors of the three-door model are 163mm longer than those on the five‑door and the B-Pillar has been moved back by a similar amount.

The generous standard equipment on the new Mazda2 3dr model parallels the Mazda2 5dr specification closely with only four differences. The three-door model features ‘tilt-and-slide’ front seats to allow access to the rear seats, unique side sills in the Sports Styling Kit and the exclusive availability (for a limited period during the launch), of Crystal White Pearlescent exterior paint on all models. Unlike the five-door, the Sport three-door model is not equipped with electric rear windows.

The new Mazda2 3dr models weigh just 5-to-10kg less than the Mazda2 5dr models, so the lively performance (0 to 62mph from 10.4 seconds, top speed up to 117mph), good fuel economy (up to 65.7mpg), low exhaust emissions and modest CO2 levels (from just 114g/km) of the two versions are identical.

Mazda anticipates that up to 50 per cent of new Mazda2 buyers will choose the three-door body style and that a large number will opt for the highly specified ‘Sport’ version. British dealers are offering the Mazda2 3dr with a with typical 6.9% APR finance until 30 June 2008.

Click For 2008 3dr Mazda2 Photos & Pictures


More: Mazda

2008 9ff Tuned Porsche GT9 Beats Bugatti Veyron's Top Speed Record

Porsche 9ff GT9 came very close to breaking world speed record with its top speed of 409km/h (254mph) during official testing in Papenburg last month. Now 409 is a very big number when you see it on a speed-o-meter. And even though its attempt to reach the number one position has not succeeded yet, its celebration time for 9ff's dedicated tuners as their highly modified Porsche GT9 supercar has over taken Bugatti Veyron's 407km/h (252mph) top speed.

The world record for the fastest production car, however, is still held by America’s SSC Ultimate Aero TT, which reached a top speed of 411km/h (255mph) last September. Good times for Aero TT might end sooner if it is not looking over its shoulder. The competition is fast closing in.

The German tuner 9FF’s GT9 is loosely based on the Porsche 911 GT3, with just 2% of common components between them. It has been stretched by 300mm with roof lower by 120mm to maximize downforce at high speeds. Also instead of using the rear engine layout as in 911 GT3, the 9ff engineers tried to get better weight distribution by using a custom designed mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.2L flat-six engine. It is mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine makes 987bhp and 711 lb/ft of torque and the entire car weighs just 1,326kg courtesy of carbon-fibre and Kevlar construction.

There is more work for guys at 9ff as their GT9 is still 1.7 seconds slower than Bugatti Veyron in 0-60 race and 1mph short of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT's record top speed. The production of only 20 examples of the ultra exclusive 9ff Porsche GT9 will be done with each commanding a price tag of $854,000.
Source: 9ff

9ff Tuned Porsche GT9 Photos & Pictures


Video: Chris Harris test drives the Porsche 9FF GT9 at Millbrook
and talks to its creator Jan Fatthauer.


More: Porsche