News
American Suzuki Plays to Win at 2006 Los Angeles Auto ShowBuilt by ASC of Huntington Beach, Calif., and based on the all-new SX4 compact sport X-over, the SXBox is designed for ultimate video game enthusiasts. The Suzuki SX4 concept receives mild performance upgrades, including high-flow airbox/intake, cat-back exhaust, an enhanced suspension and multi-piston alloy brake calipers mated to cross-drilled, vented rotors.
LA Auto ShowIn a shift of emphasis, automakers are planning to conduct more world debuts than ever before at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Earlier dates now make the LA Auto Show the first major North American auto show of the season. A record-breaking 21 world debuts and 12-plus North American introductions are set to occur during press days, Nov. 29, 2006 and 30.
Bolstered by manufacturers' support of the new dates, the LA Auto Show will be the platform for world debuts from automakers looking to gain an early edge for their newest production and concept vehicles.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 RoadsterLamborghini is presenting the new version of the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster benefits from the same extensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640 Coupé, as well as delivering ts own distinct character.
In their re-interpretation of the Roadster, the designers of the Lamborghini Centro Stile have remained true to the original style principles of purism, sportiness and functionality. As with the Coupé it has now assumed a more aggressive appearance, a substantial influence being the new front and rear bumpers. On the latter there is a new rear diffuser, in which the exhaust system is ntegrated within a tailpipe. The rear lights are also new, increasing the distinguishing features and making the Murciélago Roadster as unmistakable at night as in daylight. The asymmetrical design of the sides is particularly striking. Whilst the area behind the air inlet on the right is almost closed, on the left there is a large opening for the ventilation of the oil cooler. This, in addition to the aerodynamic form of the front and rear, is an illustration of how functionality dictates the shape of a Lamborghini.
2008 Chrysler SebringChrysler is raising the roof on the convertible segment, introducing the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. This completely redesigned Sebring Convertible is built on the company's new D-segment platform and offers what no other convertible on the road can offer: Chrysler's sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency, a spacious interior that comfortably sits four adults and enough room in the trunk to hold two golf bags, even when the top is dropped.
The all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible also offers what no other convertible has offered before — three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a first for this new 2008 Sebring Convertible, a body-color painted steel retractable hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob. Top that with a standard power hard tonneau cover on all models, and top up or down, Sebring Convertible provides the benefits of coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprisingly affordable price.
2008 Ford EscapeThe Ford Escape, America's best-selling compact utility vehicle, has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. Escape now makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver impressive fuel economy and agile driving dynamics that belie the Escape's rugged exterior.
'The 2008 Escape offers the capability and styling of a traditional SUV with the benefits of crossover construction – building on the successful formula that has made the Escape America's favorite small utility vehicle for six years,' says Cisco Codina, group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. 'The new Escape offers a more refined ride, go-anywhere capability, impressive fuel economy, up to 3,500 pounds of towing, and a more comfortable interior that is quieter and more versatile.'
Acura 'Advanced Sedan Concept' Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show'The Advanced Sedan Concept illustrates Acura's commitment to modern design and cutting-edge style,' said John Mendel, senior vice president, auto operations.'With our advanced design team taking a significant role in shaping future vehicle design, we can expect upcoming products to reflect this progressive, forward-thinking styling.'
The Advanced Sedan Concept is the purest expression of advanced design, performance and luxury, highlighted by its powerful, wide stance and deeply sculpted surfaces. The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence.
Honda REMIX Concept Shines Brightly at Los Angeles Auto ShowThe Honda REMIX small sport concept vehicle made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on agile and fun-to-drive performance that can also provide exceptional practicality as a daily driver.
Sports car in shape and design, the low-slung REMIX features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fighter jet-feel to the driving experience. The aluminum-color exterior accentuates every line and curve in the geometric, yet fluid styling. Capable of delivering more than just driving performance, the rear storage area supplies generous cargo room.
Mazda to Reveal all-new Design Concept at 2007 Los Angeles International Auto ShowMazda Motor Corporation today announced the global reveal of an all-new concept car, Nagare (pronounced na-gah-reh), at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, during a press conference at 4:05 PM on November 29, 2006. Following on the heels of three very successful and exploratory Mazda design concepts – Kabura, Sassou and Senku – from last year's show season, Nagare is the first indication of Mazda's future design direction.
Stunning Callaway C16 Makes World Debut at 2007 Greater Los Angeles Auto ShowCallaway Cars today unveiled its Callaway C16 – the 16th in an impressive lineup of exclusive, built-to-order Callaway automobiles. Based on the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, the C16 takes
performance and style to the next level, with 616 supercharged bhp and 582 lb-ft of torque. The new sports car incorporates Callaway's race-proven technologies, superlative craftsmanship and arresting style.
'The C16 says exactly what we want to say about the capabilities at Callaway Cars: It's gorgeous, it has class-leading performance—and it's a true daily driver based on one of the best sports car platforms ever made.' says company founder Reeves Callaway.
Tiger Woods Debuts New Buick Crossover By Driving Through A 35-Ft Video WallTiger Woods, the world's top-ranked professional golfer, took a different approach to his drive today. He literally drove Buick's newest product, the 2008 Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV, through a large 35-ft. video wall with GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner passenger side.
Wagoner and Woods introduced the all-new Enclave to a standing-room only crowd of media and Buick dealers at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, one of the world's most prestigious art and design schools. This is the first time Buick has partnered with Woods for a vehicle world introduction. Buick has enjoyed a long partnership with Woods as a product endorser since 2000.
Tough Compact HCD10 Hyundai Hellion Concept Debuts at Los Angeles Auto ShowThe Hyundai Design and Technical Center and Hyundai Motor America presented the world debut of the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. Hellion is a compact three-door sport crossover designed with attitude and independence creating its unmistakable character.
'The HCD10 Hyundai Hellion was designed to appeal to a diverse individualist customer,' said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center. 'Mindset and attitude are becoming the modern way to define new market segments and we feel the Hellion concept will do that. Hellion brings a new attitude to the Hyundai family. It's the sibling who's a bit mischievous and always outspoken.'
Volkswagen Tiguan ConceptThe countdown for the Tiguan has begun: Volkswagen will bring the 'small Touareg' to market at the end of next year – a SUV, a highly variable companion for use on all routes, terrains and in all situations. Some initial signs of just how this Volkswagen – with all-wheel drive in most versions – might appear were offered in early 2006 with the Concept A presented in Berlin. Front grille, headlamps, engine hood, front fenders and wheel arches gave flashing glimpses of the Tiguan and showed where the journey is headed. Now this journey will be continued in Los Angeles: That is because with the exceptionally early world premiere of the Concept Tiguan at the LA Auto Show Volkswagen is now offering another preview of the sport utility vehicle that will arrive at its first customers within twelve months.
Giugiaro Mustang ConceptVIVA LA MUSTANG! GIUGIAROS INTERPRET FORD ICON
The 2005 Ford Mustang captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans and future owners when the all-new model debuted. But the proportions and design of Ford's first purpose-built muscle car in 30-plus years caught the eyes and sparked the imaginations of a pair of the world's leading coachbuilders in Italy as well.
'When we saw the new Mustang, we knew two things: It was the best we'd seen since the original, and we had to get our hands on one,' said Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign – Giugiaro S.P.A. 'We still believe it's important to show the automotive world pure exercises in style that interpret key models reflecting the history and image of important brands.'
Street-Legal Sedan Brabus Rocket betters World Record to 227 mphBRABUS has been building the world's fastest street-legal sedans for several years running. This 'tradition' started in 1996 with the 330-km/h BRABUS E V12 and reached the next level in 2003 in the guise of the 350.2-km/h E V12 Biturbo. In 2006 the BRABUS ROCKET, built in small-series production and based on the Mercedes CLS series, improved the world record to 362.4 km/h. But the BRABUS R&D team wouldn't be the top-notch engineers they are if they were satisfied with that achievement. That's why in mid-October of 2006 they once more made the trek to the world-famous high-speed circular track in Nardo, Southern Italy. Under the keen eyes of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV Süd) the 348,000-Euro ultra-performance automobile improved the world record for street-legal sedans to 365.7 km/h.
Volkswagen Passat R36Volkswagen is set to release its most potent ‘R' model yet – the Passat R36. Joining the Golf R32 and only the second model in the Volkswagen line-up to carry the ‘R' badge the new car will be not only the fastest Passat but also the fastest estate car Volkswagen has ever produced.
The basis for the R36 is a new 3.6-litre FSI V6 engine developing 300 PS. It's mated to an ultra-responsive, six-speed DSG gearbox channelling drive through all four wheels to maximise traction. At each corner are revised springs and dampers linked to uprated brake discs and callipers to add more bite under heavy deceleration.
Worldwide Group Auction at Hilton Head IslandThe Worldwide Group, an Indiana based company which specializes in auctioning significant automobiles, partnered with the Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival for the Hilton Head Auction which took place on the day prior to the Concours.
'The prestige and recognition which The Worldwide Group name brings further establishes our event as being in the top tier of all auto events in the United States,' said Carolyn Vanagel, Executive Director of the Concours. 'Their presence in November will help attract an even more elite list of event participants.'
Of the nearly 100 vehicles offered for auction, there was a very diverse group ranging from pre-World War II American masterpieces, to muscle cars, to European performance, and more. The cars that were expected to bring in the highest sales were the Glockler Porsche, 1954 Chevrolet Roadster, Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ1, Dodge Challenger 440 R/T Convertible, Shelby GT500-KR, Packard 1101 Convertible Coupe, 1969 Shelby GT350 Hertz, 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K with coachwork by Vanden Plas, 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual Windshield Phaeton, Cord L-29 - to name a few. The list goes on. All were expected to sell over $100,000. The Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ, with a lightweight aluminum body designed by Zagato, was sold for an impressive $379,500. The 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K was estimated to sell between $800,000-$950,000. It has a one-of-a-kind body with coachwork by Vanden Plas.
Aston Martin Launches the V8 Vantage RoadsterAston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster is revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday 29th November.
Aston Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: 'The V8 Vantage Roadster is a pure sports car, a car that heightens the senses and provides a dynamically thrilling driving experience. 'The Vantage Roadster adds to the unbeatable thrill of open air motoring and by combining engineering excellence, technological innovation and physical perfection, will ensure every journey is one to remember.'
Hilton Head Island Concours Car Club DisplayThis year was another strong turn-out for the Hilton Head Car Club Display. This took place on the day prior to the Hilton Head Concours and added greatly to the event. Over ten car clubs took part in this opportunity to park their vehicles on the beautiful lawn of Honey Horn, located on Hilton Head Island. The Palmetto Studebaker Driving Club was formed to promote the appreciation for the design and engineering excellence of the products of the Studebaker Corporation. Their participation at the Honey Horn event was very impressive, amassing a large number of Studebakers in one gathering. They were positioned in a very picturesque location surrounded by beautiful landscape. The 1941 Studebaker Champion was the oldest Studebaker example on display. It was flanked by later versions of the Studebaker which featured the bullet-nose grilles. The controversial, love-or-hate design of the Avanti was one of the more-studied vehicle of the day. One viewer stated 'I don't think I've ever heard one nice thing said about this design.' The design may have been questionable but the engine was unmatched. The Avanti R3 was clocked at 171 mph in the Nevada Desert.
Motoring Festival at Roebling Road RacewayThe long straight stretches and challenging turns of Roebling Road Raceway tested both driver and racer. The event was just one of many events held during a busy Hilton Head Concours weekend which included seminars and lectures, dinners, concerts, fashion shows, car club shows, auctions and more.
The race was a new event added by the HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing, Ltd.) and featured the race cars of Indianapolis. In addition to the Indy 500 machinery, B.O.S.S. Formula Series cars (Formula Atlantic, Formula 2, Formula 3000, Formula 5000, IndyLights, Formula 1 and Indy Champ cars, and IRL), and American Muscle Cars all took center stage.
Jaguar XKR GT3Apex Motorsport, led by Richard Lloyd, are pleased to reveal the first images of the recently announced Jaguar XKR GT3 race car.
Richard has already assembled an experienced squad to develop the XKR headed up by Team Manager Dave Ward who has recently returned from two years in Australia where he had been managing one of the top V8 teams.
Dave is joined by another ex Apex team member Howden Haynes who is responsible for all design and development work.