Geneva Preview: Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster Limited Edition

Geneva Preview: Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster Limited Edition

A set of scanned images that appear to have come from an official presentation sheet depicting a limited edition version of the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, have been leaked into the web. Dubbed Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster, the limited run model features a special two-tone paint job as well as a series of exterior and interior changes including alcantara trim, a transparent bonnet and blacked out alloy wheels.

If Lamborghini's naming system is anything to go by, the Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster's V12 engine should produce an output of 650-horsepower. Power will be channeled to all-four wheels through a six-speed robotized manual transmission with Lamborghini's e.gear remote shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. For more detailed information we'll have to wait for the opening of the Geneva Motor Show on March 3.

Source: Kldconcept , Via: Jalopnik, cars-blog.co.cc

Chrysler LLC's 2010 - 2015 Product Plan

Chrysler LLC's 2010 - 2015 Product Plan

In the event that Chrysler LLC makes it alive through this crisis, the company plans to introduce a total 24 vehicles during the next 48 months, or so the American automaker supported in its viability plan submitted to the federal government on Tuesday, February 17. Among the cars that will be launched are the next-generation Chrysler 300 (2010), Dodge Charger (2010), Jeep Grand Cherokee (2010) and Dodge Durango (2010), the all-electric, Lotus-based Dodge EV Roadster (2010), several Hybrids & EVs and a whole bunch of Fiat Group-based small and compact-sized models.

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Blacked Out Scion tC RS 5.0 Priced from $17,000

Blacked Out Scion tC RS 5.0 Priced from $17,000

Those of you that are planning to visit the 2009 Chicago Auto Show (February 13-22), will get the chance to see the latest limited edition version of Scion's tC compact coupe dubbed Release Series 5.0 before it goes on sale across the U.S. in March, 2009. Unlike most limited edition Scion models that are as unique as a grain of sand, the tC RS. 5.0 actually comes equipped with numerous accessories and performance upgrades from TRD (Toyota Racing Development).

Offered exclusively in a glossy black exterior paint finish with matching 18-inch alloy wheels, the Scion tC RS 5.0 is fitted with TRD lowering springs, rear sway bar and sport muffler while the company also offers a black rear lip spoiler priced at $285 (not including installation).

The exterior theme is continued inside with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stitching, black seats with red accents, floor mats with the TRD logo and a plaque with the car's individual number.

Overall, Scion will produce a total of 2,000 units of the tC Release Series 5.0 priced from $17,000 when combined with a manual transmission and $17,800 with an automatic transmission.

Y-Abu Dhabi Doo: Hummer H2 7-Seater Convertible

Y-Abu Dhabi Doo: Hummer H2 7-Seater Convertible

The priceless automotive oddities just keep coming in from the United Arab Emirates. This time someone spotted a ghastly Hummer H2 drop-top conversion parked right outside of the high-class Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. As if chopping the roof off the Hummer wasn't enough of a crime, the owner of the vehicle also added a third row of seats increasing passenger capacity seven and while he was at it, he decorated the H2 with a tribal pattern paint job, a hood scoop with integrated lights and a set of shiny-shiny chrome alloy wheels...

Nissan Releases Teaser Shot of Qazana Small Crossover Concept

Nissan Releases Teaser Shot of Qazana Small Crossover Concept

The undisputed star of the Nissan stand at next month's Geneva Show will be the Qazan Concept which promises to provide a good indication of the, as yet unnamed, small crossover that the Japanese automaker is readying for production at its UK Sunderland plant from 2010. While the first official teaser shot of the car leaves a lot to the imagination, Nissan did reveal that the Qazan is a five-door model with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of 'suicide doors'.

Nissan said that the trial builds of the production version will begin in early 2010 before its introduction on the Micra/Note line. There it will take up manufacturing capacity created when production of the current Micra ends later that same year.

Trevor Mann, Nissan Senior Vice President for Manufacturing in Europe, commented: "The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune. As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year."

Japanese Magazine Spins out New Mazda RX-7 Rendering

Japanese Magazine Spins out New Mazda RX-7 Rendering

Another day, another artist's impression of a fourth-generation Mazda RX-7 model. This time, the speculative rendering comes from Japan's Motor Magazine with the artist taking a more 'wedgy' approach to the design that incorporates all the usual styling cues from Mazda's latest production and concept models like the 'smiley' front grille, the pronounced front wheel arches and the sharp-angled headlights.

It's not our style to create stories out of nowhere, so we must say that both officially and unofficially, our Mazda sources have yet to confirm the return of the RX-7 in the Japanese automaker's car range. Plus, with the current global economic downturn and dire predictions for the near future, we gather that like any other automaker, Mazda will be cautious in its spending preferring to invest in the development of its core models rather than in niche cars like the RX-7.

Via: Motor Magazine - Thanks for the scan JK!

First Subaru Impreza World Rally Car up for Sale by Prodrive

First Subaru Impreza World Rally Car up for Sale by Prodrive

The very first Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (WRC), a 1997 model with chassis number PRO-WRC-97-001 has been put up for sale by the Japanese firm's official partner in the WRC (before its decision to withdraw from the sport late last year, that is), Prodrive. The two-door Impreza WRC was the very first car built under the new WRC regulations introduced in 1997 and during that season, the chassis was used by the late Colin McRae, Pierro Liatti and Kenneth Erikkson before being rebuilt and sold to a Prodrive customer in 1998.

The rally-prepped Impreza has been fully restored to its original condition by McKinstry Motorsport in Ireland and liveried as it was at the Rally of Finland in 1997. And now the answer to the question we're sure that all you Subie fans are dying to know; how much? Well, the car carries a price tag of £85,000 which come to around $123,000 U.S. or €96,500 with today's exchange rates.

And if the '97 Impreza isn't your cup of coffee, Prodrive has also put up for grabs another seven former works Impreza World Rally Cars and 17 Prodrive Impreza Group Ns via its new site. Prices range from £50,000 ($72,000 U.S. or €56,700) for a 2005 Prodrive Impreza Group N to nearly £350,000 ($504,00 U.S. or € 397,000) for an early 2008 specification Impreza WRC.

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ABT Sportsline Readying Modified KTM X-BOW with 300HP

ABT Sportsline Readying Modified KTM X-BOW with 300HP

As well as announcing the availability of KTM's unashamedly sportsbike-inspired X-BOW from its dealerships, VW Group tuning specialist ABT Sportsline, also revealed its plans to develop a more powerful version of the open-top road-racer. In standard form, the X-BOW is powered by a VW-sourced 2.0-liter TFSI engine with 240HP that launches the 790 kg / 1,742 lbs ultra lightweight sportscar from zero to (62 mph) 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

With the performance improvements that ABT Sportsline is working on, the 2.0 TFSI will deliver a hefty 300 HP. The German tuner said that it will provide more detailed information about the technical key data of X-BOW ABT version once the standard tests have been carried out.

In what concerns the availability of the X-BOW from its dealerships, as a large outlet partner, ABT Sportsline said that it will not only take on the sale of the car itself, but also all the service work on the vehicle.

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Photo: Fake or Real?

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Photo: Fake or Real?

Just because someone supports that a photo is official, it doesn't necessarily mean that we're obliged to take their word for granted. Such is the case with this allegedly official picture of the highly-anticipated 230HP 1.8 Turbo Alfa MiTo GTA that appeared on a dedicated Alfa Romeo blog. Even though at first it looks to be the real deal, for one, Alfa has published a similar photograph of the standard MiTo in red.

Plus, there are two details that don't quite sit well with us: the Alfa Romeo logo that has been moved from the grille to the bumper and what appears to be some sort of hood scoop that's positioned behind the right windscreen washer nozzle. Could be that we're totally wrong and this is indeed a leaked official photograph, but until we see something coming out from Alfa, we'll be wary of its authenticity.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Alfablog.nl

Fiat 500C: Convertible Version Unveiled ahead of Geneva Show

Fiat 500C: Convertible Version Unveiled ahead of Geneva Show

These are the first official photos of the new Fiat 500C, a rag-top convertible version of Fiat's highly successful retro-mini that will make if world debut at the at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, before its launch throughout Europe in the spring. The 500C is said to pay homage to the open-top 1957 model, which translates to a sliding back canvas rooftop that stretches out to the rear hatch window.

Available in three colors (ivory, red and black), the soft top will be matched with several body colors, two of which have been designed specifically for the 500C in a Pearl Red and a Warm Grey.

While it may not offer the same open-sky experience as the MINI Convertible, Fiat's solution will help to keep the 500C's price down making it one of the most affordable cabriolets in the European market.

The new 500C is exactly the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m), and as you may have already guessed, it will be offered with the the same three powerplants: 1.3-litre 75HP MultiJet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission, and the two 1.2-litre 69HP and 1.4-litre 100HP petrol engines, available with either manual or robotised Dualogic transmission.