Porsche seems to be on a launch spree. After two major launches in late 2008; new 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 and one already in 2009; the new Targa the Stuttgart based sports car manufacturer will debut the 2010 911 GT3 race bred car at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It has however released details and images of the new 911 GT3. The new 911 GT3 becomes a faster and nimble handler with improved looks too.

The flat-six motor is now bigger at 3.8 litres as against 3.6 litres on the current model. Thus the new engine whips out 435 bhp, 20 bhp more than its predecessor. The increased power coupled with a new VarioCam system with adjustable exhaust valves help the new 911 GT3 sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and reach top speed of 312 km/h. Improvements have been made in handling and braking too with the use of a modified stability management system (PSM) that allows for multiple settings for both stability and traction controls, along with bigger size carbon ceramic brakes for brilliant stopping power. The new 911 GT3 has a new spoiler too which is designed to generate twice as much down force as compared to the current model. This shall aid handling and grip at higher speeds.

The new 911 GT3 looks only a bit new from the outside and that is when you notice its new spoiler, sharper LED tail lights, new bi-xenon headlights, new front spoiler and modified air intakes on the front bumper.

The new model’s price starts at €116,947 in Europe.

Hyundai was never content with being known as a budget car manufacturer, it wanted to prove that it has what it takes to build quality luxury cars and that too at good value for money for buyers. It has managed to do just that with the 2009 Genesis which is the most luxurious sedan to roll out from its stable. Hyundai says it has spent a quarter of a billion dollars in developing this luxo-sedan and it shows. The Genesis which retails between $33,000-$40,000 in the U.S is a bargain considering that it offers the interior space equivalent to an S-Class and the power and luxury quotient of a Lexus.

The Genesis also has enough muscle to stay abreast with its competitors on the open road. The base model comes with a 3.3 litre V6 242 bhp engine which is followed by a 3.8 litre V6 290 bhp motor and finally the range topping 4.6 litre V8 which belts out 375 bhp and is likely to be the best selling model when it is launched here in the Middle East. Hyundai claims that the V8 will propel the Genesis from 0-60 mph in under six seconds making it a sporty performer. All this power is delivered via a 6-speed auto transmission to the rear wheels in this rear-wheel drive sedan.

The Genesis comes packed to the gills with tech-gadgetry enveloped in top quality materials which are used to furnish the interiors. It’s list of conveniences include powered leather seats which can be heated or cooled, a dual-zone auto climate control, advanced adaptive cruise control, HID headlamps with adaptive levelling, proximity sensor, navigation system with backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB auxiliary input jack for iPod, a 600-watt Infinity Discrete Surround Audio system with a 30-gig hard drive and a BMW style shark-fin antennae on the roof. The V8 variant comes shod with 20-inch rims. The Genesis even has its own version of iDrive, placed behind the gearshift, which Hyundai describes as a “user-friendly multimedia system".

In terms of interior quality the Genesis can certainly match a Lexus and even come within striking distance of a BMW or Mercedes. This is a value for money proposition for those who are looking for a proper luxury car but aren’t willing to pay unreasonable big bucks for it.

The British marque, Jaguar has just launched its top of the line XJ ‘Portfolio’ edition in the Middle East. The ‘Portfolio’ range from Jaguar represents custom high luxury cars which are made in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity. The XJ Portfolio made its debut at the 2008 Geneva show and went on sale in the U.S this summer. Out of a global production target of Only 363 cars just 10 are allocated to Middle East! So, if you have an eye on this one, head to the Jag dealership right away. Jaguar has done all that was possible to blend performance with luxury in the Portfolio XJ. It is powered by the American spec supercharged V8 motor which develops a whopping 420bhp capable of a road-shrinking 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds. 20 inch Selena alloys shod with 255/35 profile tyres help put that power on the tarmac.

To make sure you don’t break into a sweat while enjoying the performance of the XJ Portfolio, Jaguar has made the interiors more luxurious with new leather upholstery and custom door casing, individually heated and cooled seats, 7-inch touch screen mated to a premium sound system, JaguarVoice and a new multimedia system with screens for rear passengers. Other distinguishing aspects include the new Celestial Black and Astral Gold paint, milled aluminium side vents (like the XKR Portfolio, they look out of place in a car like this), chrome mirror caps and a Portfolio trunk lid signature badge.

At approximately USD 100,000 a piece, Jaguar will not sell the XJ Portfolio in any significant numbers in the Middle East, but it will add a little appeal to its aging XJ sedan.

Hummer has launched the latest version of it’s H3 dubbed the H3 Sensation in Europe. The H3 Sensation was rolled out on Wednesday by GM Europe in Switzerland. This seems like GM Europe’s last ditch effort to spruce up sales of the gas guzzling SUV by offering customers many goodies at no extra cost, including a high end Monsoon sound system, a unique body-color grille, power glass sunroof, black tubular side steps, black roof crossbars and an in-dash 6 CD changer. Hummer says the goodies are equivalent of about $6,300 and are being given away for free. Europeans are being battered by $6-$9 per gallon as prices yet Hummer is optimistic about their latest offering. The H3 Sensation is not going on sale in U.S.A though and would only be sold across the ocean.

When all the automobile giants are in race to reveal nonpareil automobiles at the Geneva Auto Show, Lotus has plans of its own.
In a bid to combine performance with economy and reduced emissions, Lotus Engineering is all set to roll out the Lotus Exige 270 E Trifuel. As the name suggest, this Trifuel machine runs over three fuels, gasoline, bioethanol and methanol.

The Exige 270 E Trifuel is to be launched within a week and it would be powered by a 1.8 litre 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine with a Roots type supercharger and intercooler capable of accelerating the light weight car from 0-60mph within 3.9 seconds. The engine produces maximum power of 270 bhp at 8000 rpm, with 260 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, when run on standard gasoline. However, its performance is said to increase, when run on alcohol fuels like methanol and bioethanol. Between ethanol and methanol too, the performance differs. The Trifuel Exige provides better performance, when methanol is used as fuel rather than ethanol. The reason being that at high heat methanol vaporizes faster than ethanol, which eventually results in better performance.

The 2ZZ VVTL-i engine, has a twin cam profiles, a high-speed cam and a low speed cam with the switch point between these two cams being completely variable. It is totally dependent upon driving conditions and engine load. This enables the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel deliver seamless performance even at maximum revs of 8500rpm.

What is exciting is that the Lotus can also be run on any combination these three fuels. Being ‘Green’ gets a whole new meaning with this Lotus.

Audi has unveiled the new A4 Avant which is based on its new 2009 A4 ahead of its official debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2008.

On the design front the new A4 Avant looks sharper and sportier thanks to the new headlight cluster, shortened front overhang and flat D posts. The new A4 Avant measures 4.70 meters in length, almost 12 centimeters longer than its forerunner model. Its body is also reported by Audi to be more rigid and safer than the outgoing model, yet is 10 percent lighter. Station wagon lovers will appreciate the 1,430 liters luggage area which can hold 490 liters (129 gallons) even in basic configuration. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats also come with the option of a load through hatch with separate ski and snowboard bag. The new A4 Avant’s capet lined trunk has a reversible cargo floor and a easy to use cargo cover that retracts at a touch. There is also an electro-mechanical drive for the rear tailgate and tie-down eyelets for securing the luggage.

In the European market the A4 Avant will be launched with five engine choces: two gasoline engines and three diesel engines covering a range of 105 kW (143 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp). The engines are reported to being 14% more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. The range topping new 3.2 FSI gasoline engine produces 265 hp and 330 Nm of torque between 3000-5000 rpm. The V6 units also features a valve actuation system called the Audi Valvelift System, which varies the stroke of the intake valves. The 3.2 FSI powers the A4 Avant from 0-62.14 mph in just 6.4 seconds and with a top whack of 155.34 mph. The power would be transfered to the tarmac via 17 inch alloy wheels. The 3.2 FSI and the 3.0 TDI will come equipped with the famed ‘quattro’ permanent all wheel drive system.

The A4 Avant goes on sale in Europe in fall, starting at €27,550 for the 1.8 TSFI variant.

Volvo has release first pictures and details of the new XC60 crossover SUV which is due to debut at Geneva on 4th March’ 08. The freshest and arguably the most exciting product from Volvo after the C30, the XC60 looks great in the pictures released by Volvo. Infact Volvo is targetting owners of the C30 who they feel would like to buy the XC60 as a lifestyle SUV. Being a crossover it blends the styling of a typical SUV inspired by the XC series with a low slung, athletic appearance while maintaining good ground clearance, large dia wheels and offroad capability. The XC60 will be launched three engine choices including a T6 turbo belting out 285 bhp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 bhp. The one to go for would be the T6, which seems adequately powered to move the bulk of this SUV at a reasonable pace. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard fitment across the range. Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp has said that in 2009 a front-wheel driven 2.4 litre diesel variant with 163 bhp on tap will also be offered.

New tech includes a ‘City Safety’ feature which is essentially an auto brake feature saving small impacts which occur in urban traffic. If the XC60 is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, it brakes itself. This feature would be standard on all variants. Volvo’s have always been known for their safety kit and this time they are only building on their reputation.

The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. The company says equal volumes would be allocated for Europe and North America. The XC60 goes on sale in Europe in the second half of 2008 and reaches American shores in early 2009.

The adorable little Smart Fortwo has finally landed on American shores. Smart USA officially set up show by opening their first dealership and corporate headquarters yesterday in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills. Another 67 dealerships are scheduled to open across 31 states within a period of one month to sell the Smart Fortwo city car. If you have been to Europe you wouldn’t have missed the Smart Fortwo’s running along the narrow European city streets and would have wished you could have one of your own to deal with menacing city traffic and parking problems. Well now’s your chance, log on to www.smartusa.com and book yours for only $99 (30,000 people from across 50 US states have already done so!). The site also enables you to customize your Smart Fortwo in a variety of cool ways. The Fortwo’s are being made in France and are being shipped to ports in Maryland, Florida and California. The first car’s already been delivered to a New York buyer on 13 February’ 08.

What does it cost get ‘Smart’ on the road? The base price for the two seat mini car is more than $12000 inclusive of destination charges. For the fully loaded Smart Fortwo Passion convertible you’d have to shell out around $17,000. That’s not small change for such a small car with only two seats and no boot, however customers are likely to appreciate the car’s practicality, fuel economy and fun appeal. The Fortwo weighs only 816 kilogram and gives a mileage of 14 kilometres to the litre in city conditions and 17.5 kilometres per litre on the highway.

The Smart though small is claimed to be safe for city driving and has a steel safety cage and four air bags, including two in front and two on the sides to protect the head and abdomen area. It also comes with electronic stability control as standard. Smart tested the Fortwo in January 2008 when it took the mini car over an unusual long distance from Los Angeles via Chicago to the Detroit Auto Show 2008.

Smart is betting big on it’s USA entry as Smart has never been profitable in Europe and sales have been continually under pressure.

GM has a great news SUV enthusiasts and dreadful news for environmentalists. The 2009 Hummer H3T has been officially launched at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and will go into production in the third quarter of 2008 subsequently rolling into showrooms soon after.

Essentially a sub-military vehicle, the Hummer H3T is very much similar to its predecessor the H3 in design but includes a 22 inch longer wheelbase (now 134.2 inches) that consists of a 5 feet (1.5 m) long cargo bed without sacrificing room for 5 passengers. Like all Hummer models, the H3T’s design is mean and purposeful with consistent styling cues which include a very wide, aggressive stance enhanced by a low roofline and high beltline along with and massive tires meant for offroad jaunts. The wide, seven slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square slots are typical Hummer design elements.

The rear section of the cargo bed is unique for H3T and incorporates an easily removable tailgate and a provision for bed rail accessory system. The bed is designed to carry a variety of popular outdoor recreation equipment that could include motocross or mountain bikes, trekking stuff, foldable gliders, surfpads or whatever catches your fancy. In case you get a flat carrying all that stuff there is a full size spare wheel under the deck, though it would require real muscle to be able to change it. The power mill for the H3T is an inline 5 cylinder Vortec 3.7L I-5 capable of delivering 242 bhp (180 kW) @ 5600 rpm and 328 Nm of torque @ 4600 rpm. This is mated with a five speed manual or four speed automatic gearbox. Also on offer is an optional 5.3L V-8 with a 4 speed automatic transmission producing 300 bhp and 434 Nm of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. Both combinations use regular gasoline, the diesel option is missing. Fuel economy figures have not been released but arent expected to be great anyways.

The H3T’s cabin is meant for 5 passengers and have basic comforts including AC, power locks, remote keyless entry and power windows etc which is likely to be essential while you climb that mountain or sail through the desert.

The H3T’s forte is off road ability and to master this it comes with a full time 4 wheel drive with 33 inch all terrain tires, lockable front and rear differentials, specifically tuned shock absorbers. The H3T can climb 38.7 degrees on approach angle and 30.1 degrees on departure. To make sure you are safe doing this the H3T has dual frontal air bags enabled with GM’s passenger sensing system, head curtains, side-impact air bags enabled with StabiliTrak system and a systemLATCH rear child seat anchors to prevent your little ones from flying out the window!

The Hummer H3T would be manufactured at GM’s production facility at Shreveport, LA and would be sold in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 makes a grand comeback at 2008 Chicago Auto Show after a hiatus of 35 years and just a couple of years after the 2006 Detroit Auto Show where it was featured as a concept car. A muscle car essentially, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers brute American power with mega horsepower, minimal signature lines based on cues from the original and blazing colors and bright graphics (i really like it in the bright orange which was on display, very funky)

Actually, a remix of ‘70s legendary car, SRT8 comes with many obvious and minor changes. To enhance the typical characteristic of muscle cars of having exceptionally wider front and back ends, designers had to increase the front and rear tracks to 64 and 65 inches respectively. Now they have become wider than LX, infact wider than ‘70s model!

The SRT8 sits on a 116 inch wheelbase, about 6 inches longer than it’s predecessor. The signature side view accent line or the ‘thrust line’ is raised to a slightly higher level rising just ahead of the rear wheel. The 20 inch-front and 21-inch rear, 5 spoke chrome wheels are intended to give the car that 70’s perfect muscular stance!

The front end features four headlamps deeply recessed into the car wide cavity. Rear end encompasses a full width neon light bar. Both the front and rear end lamps are surrounded by carbon fiber coatings. Slim rectangular side markers are at the ends of the car, much similar to the original. Finally at the bottom, exhaust outlets are more traditional dual rectangular ones which look fabulous.

The Challenger SRT8 is basically intended for 4 passengers being a 2 door hardtop true to the Challenger heritage while offering modern tech and driver/passenger amenities. The interior gets black leather with satin silver accents and narrow orange ribbons on the seats and a leather wrapped steering with glazed silver plated spokes. The dash is rather spartan true to the retro effect. So, a combination of head spinning performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, improved ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking have made this retro muscle car fit to hit the American streets all over again.

Manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is available at U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995. American Muscle is Back!

General Specifications
Engine: HEMI 90 V 8
Engine Location: Front, Longitudinally mounted
Displacement: 6.059 liter / 369.7 cu in
Gearbox: 6 speed Manual
Drive: Rear Wheel
Weight: 4166.7 lbs

Performance:

Power: 425 bhp / 317 KW @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 569 Nm / 420 ft lbs @ 4800 rpm
BHP/Liter: 70 bhp / liter
Power to weight ratio 220 bhp / ton.