ith the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini has created a driving experience like absolutely no other – fascinating design, breathtaking performance and extreme handling characteristics come together with all the sensual intensity and open-air pleasure that only a soft top super sports car can deliver.

An even more powerful engine, permanent all-wheel drive and an all-new chassis mean that the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers yet another significant increase in performance against its predecessor. With its innovative design, the new LP 560-4 Spyder takes the unique Lamborghini styling ethic to the next level; the Spyder displays this powerful and elegant design language with even greater distinctiveness, making it all the more unmistakable.

The Gallardo LP 560-4 has been on the market since early 2008, as the successor to the most successful Lamborghini of all-time – since 2003, more than 8,500 models bearing the Gallardo name have left the production facility in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

“The LP 560-4 is the next step in a huge success story,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “With the Spyder, we are now unveiling a car that is, quite simply, a new dimension in the latest Gallardo range. It is an entirely new model which builds on the substantial technical and design attributes of the Gallardo LP 560-4 production strategy. The new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is a simply breathtaking automobile – and utterly unparalleled in its commitment to extreme motoring.”

’s taken five years to complete the styling on the Opel Insignia. Now it’s ready, packed with the latest technology such as innovative lighting systems, all-wheel drive with selective power distribution to the rear wheels, and adaptive suspension. Not to mention pedestrian protection. So is there still room for tuning?

he GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. “It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil ,” said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East .

GPiX also combines Chevrolet’s global design “DNA” with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today’s emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, “with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region.”

expanded and upgraded once again for the 2009 model year, adding to its outstanding reputation for luxury and value in the premium sedan segment. Updates to the 2009 Azera include improved steering and suspension for better ride and handling on all models, new blue interior lighting, chrome interior accents, more distinctive chrome grille, redesigned alloy wheels and first-ever standard iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs. Mid-year model changes carried over into the 2009 Azera include an LG in-dash navigation system. This more competitive Azera features no price increase for the GLS or Limited base models.

The MiTo GTA Concept will star at next month’s Geneva motor show boasting not only a more aggressive appearance but also a performance upgrade which prioritises weight reduction rather than brute power.

This is in line with its trademark GTA signature which stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerito – with the final word meaning reduced weight in Italian.

The Mito GTA Concept takes the swoopy little MiTo and cranks up the speed and style. Weight reduction was a priority with a carbon fiber rear hatch, roof, and mirrors with aluminum used throughout. The car is lowered, with high performance tires and upgraded brakes and more aggressive styling all around. Power comes from a direct injection 1.7 liter four cylinder pounding out 240 HP, for those keeping track that’s a ridiculous 137 HP per liter.

mart engineering enhancements toPA highwa MPG EPA highway rating. Smart engineering enhancements toy rating. Smart engineering enhancements toc MPG EPA highway rating. Smart engineering enhancements to the Accent’s engine,c transmission, tire pressure, powertrain management system and power steering pump improve fuel efficiency by up to eight percent. With the addition of a 2008 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Award to the trophy case, the Accent is better equipped than ever to meet the requirements of the entry-segment buyer.

Cruise control also makes its debut on Accent, which helps drivers keep the throttle constant for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions making the Accent an even “greener” option for 2009.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2009

· New and improved EPA fuel economy estimates
· Cruise control and sunroof added to Accent SE Premium Package
· Cruise control added to Popular Equipment Package

Interior space and unexpected features keep Accent a class above the competition. The Accent has more total interior volume than either the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic – both cars that are a size segment above Accent and priced thousands more. Unexpected features include a B&M Racing sport shifter, XM Satellite Radio® with three months of free service and auxiliary input jack for MP3 players.

onnection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

“Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette’s first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. “With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast.”

The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.

“For track use, the Z06 Carbon is the best balanced Corvette yet. It combines the lightweight and naturally-aspirated Z06 engine with the road-holding and braking of the ZR1,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette Chief Engineer. “For technical tracks like Laguna Seca, the Z06 Carbon could shave up to three seconds off the Z06 lap time.”

This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1.  Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car’s Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06’s dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.

The Z06 Carbon’s ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.

An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spo

anding the range of BMW X models.
• Authentic transition of the features and design language typical of a BMW X model into a new class of vehicles. A concept study offering a clear expression of modern style, agility, versatility and premium quality through its design alone.
• As an innovative vehicle concept in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function.
• The BMW Concept X1 offers ample room for spontaneous mobility in many different ways, clearly reflecting the lifestyle of a modern and active target group. Numerous details on the Concept Car provide a clear hint as to the actual production of an appropriate series model within one year.
Exterior design:
• Typical features of a BMW X model combined with elegant, sleek proportions. This alone gives the BMW Concept X1 unique character within the range of BMW X models as a whole.
• The striking frontal view clearly expresses the robust and powerful character of the car by emphasising its sheer width. A floor protection element finished in a different colour gives additional emphasis to the wide track.
• The BMW Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top in the typical style of the BMW brand, complete with a white-coloured horizontal cover at the top edge. The position of the headlights and foglamps brings back the three-eye face of other BMW X models.
• Six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape define the surface design of the engine compartment lid emanating a strong feeling of dynamic performance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side.
• Through its centre of gravity visibly positioned right in the middle, the small distance between the front axle and the steering wheel, and the almost square contours of the wheel cutouts, the side view of the BMW Concept X1 draws a clear parallel to other BMW X models. Black body surrounds made of a special, robust synthetic material highlight the clear orientation towards the wheels. The sturdy, silver-coloured roof railing extends far to the rear, determining the course of the roofline together with the spoiler at the back.
• Characteristic rear end with L-shaped rear light clusters ensuring a homogeneous light effect thanks to LED light tubes. Raked to a low angle, the rear window gives the BMW Concept X1 a truly sporting touch, the horizontal lines emphasising the sheer w

announced at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, the full-blooded sports saloon gains the benefit of a new limited slip differential. Fitted as standard, it gives the IS F significantly better traction and stability in high-speed cornering: Lexus test engineers were able to improve the car’s lap time around the Fuji International Speedway by a full two seconds.

The Torsen unit is robust enough to handle the 505Nm delivered by the IS F’s 5.0-litre V8 engine, automatically directing drive torque to the rear wheel with the most grip. Out-and-out performance is unchanged, with the IS F capable of nought to 62mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds and a top speed (electronically limited) of 168mp

e heart of the G8 GXP is the 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8, currently rated at 402 horsepower (300 kW)* and 402 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm)* pending final SAE certification. This engine is the newest member of GM’s small-block V-8 family. It features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors.

The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance.

New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L76 engines. The larger-capacity, straighter intake port-design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber, an effect augmented by large valves, measuring 2.16 inches (55.0 mm) on the intake side and 1.59 inches (40.4 mm) on the exhaust side.

Pending final testing, the G8 GXP is expected to deliver 0-to-60 mph performance of about 4.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 108 mph.

Six on the floor

A new six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is optional on the G8 GXP. This next-generation manual smoothly transfers the engine’s power and torque to the rear wheels with a reduction in shift throw. The transmission features a host of refinements including premium gear synchronizers; stronger gears, housing, and bell housing; a single-piece counter shaft; and machined gear teeth.

The standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is technologically advanced and robust. It uses a clutch-to-clutch operation and an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The six-speed has a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that enables a “steep” first-gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with “tall” overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise.

A 3.27 final drive ratio comes with automatic-equipped GXP

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