Lexus UK has canned the petrol-engined GS and LS sedans, cutting the range down to hybrid models only. The GS and LS ranges now consist of one model each – the GS450h and L600h – and Lexus will only sell the new RX as a hybrid  (it is available with the petrol V6 in the U.S). A Lexus source described the decision as “a logical move for the company”. The IS range will remain as it is, with petrol and diesel engines available. Read the rest here: Lexus revises line-up (UK) See original here: Lexus revises line-up (UK)

Already for the eights time, HAMANN-Motorsport presents its exclusive refining program at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In hall 5.0, exhibition stand B.32, the renowned BMW specialist and tuner of the most excellent luxury sports cars presents it latest developments. One of the displayed highlights of the 450 square meter large HAMANN stand is the world premiere of the TYCOON EVO which is based on the BMW X6. The revolutionary difference to its predecessor is the newly designed fender extensions and the striking rear. The visual and sonorous highlights of the rear part are the earthy sports exhaust system with the remarkable center double end pipes. The TYCOON EVO- an auto-body pack which sets benchmarks Already the design department at HAMANN-Motorsport ensures that the TYCOON EVO meets the expectations in his name. They designed and developed an impressive broad makeover for this BMW crossover model and ensured that all accessories reflect and perfect the shape of the car. The masculine appearance of the TYCOON EVO is mainly emphasized by its new front wings and back wing extensions made of light composite material. They broaden the body by striking 60 millimeters. The perfectly designed side skirts render the optical connection while the front apron is an outstanding eye-catcher with its large air inlets and the LED daytime running lights under the serial headlights. At the rear of the X6, HAMANN engineers replaced the original skirt with an own development. This makes place for the sporty and earthy exhaust system with the center double end pipes. The back appearance of the TYCOON EVO is enhanced by a rear- and roof spoiler. It goes without saying that all used HAMANN-components do not only convince with their design but also with their aerodynamics. They ensure an optimised air flow over the car silhouette and render an additional downthrust. Perfectly styled from head to toe – the suitable rim in XXL format The suitable rim for the broad makeover of the BMW X6 is the DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED. The ultra-light forged wheel combines both agility and also elegance. The black rim star and the titanium bolting underline the dynamics of the wheel. The highly polished rim flange on the contrary gives the car a noble impression. HAMANN offers the...

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According to MotoringFile, MINI will be announcing in the following days that they will be bumping the sticker price of their cars starting next year. The price changes range from $300 to $400 in increases on current models. A few other changes are also mentioned, including both exclusion and extension of certain colors for cars, and elimination of seat back memory position. Read (MotoringFile) Related Posts Electric Mini E Available for 1-Year Lease at $820/Month MINI Speedster concept sketch spotted Fuel Prices Slowly Rising Again Mini E to be Launched at the LA Auto Show 2010 Mini Crossman No tags for this post. Related posts No related posts. View original post here: MINI to bump prices up next year The rest is here: MINI to bump prices up next year

Kia has unveiled the pricing for their 2010 Forte Koup today, starting form $16,595, plus $695 destination.  The standard model is a manual EX model, although upgrading to automatic will raise the price to $17,595. A five speed auto-plus will bump the price up to $18,695. Other options include a leather interior ($1,000) and sunroof ($600). Related Posts 2010 Kia Forte Koup is Best in Show Pick Kia Forte Koup 2010 Kia Forte Koup Comes Out This Summer All-New Kia Forte Sedan Launched in Seattle Today on CarBuyersNoteBook.com No tags for this post. Related posts No related posts. See original here: 2010 Kia Forte Koup pricing listed Read the original post: 2010 Kia Forte Koup pricing listed

TheCarConnection.com brought you fresh driving impressions of the improved 2010 Mazda CX-7 just this past week. And as part of that report, we were among the first to assess the driving experience in the new, more affordable 2.5-liter CX-7 models designated with an ‘i’–the i SV and i Sport. Those new models, priced starting at $21,550, are .. Original post:  2010 Mazda CX-7 Sport Is A Penny-Pincher With Flair

Whether you’re concerned about national security or have green motivations as well, you might be eagerly awaiting electric cars and plug-ins in hopes of escaping your reliance on OPEC and foreign oil, but as of late there’s been plenty of coverage suggesting that future battery supply could be limited by control of lithium stores. “The Saudi .. Read more from the original source:  ‘Saudi Arabia of Lithium’ To Produce Batteries By 2016

+ We drive the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP and bid farewell to the last muscle-car offering from GM’s excitement brand. [ Car and Driver ] + Ever wonder what a car’s Facebook page would look like? We did, and created one for the Porsche Panamera. [ Car and Driver ] + Only the Italians could make a wagon this sexy. We check out the Alfa Romeo 159 Sport wagon. [ Car and Driver ] + Mitsubishi and PSA have announced a partnership to produce an i MiEV–based electric vehicle. [ Car and Driver ] + The Audi A3 TDI comes to America for the 2010 model year. The EPA rates the car at 30 city/42 highway mpg and it will go on sale in November starting at $30,775. [ Car and Driver ] + Numerous self proclaimed Honda fans shared their opinions of the upcoming 2010 Accord Crosstour’s styling on its Facebook page—most not in favor of it. Honda’s official statement: “Maybe it’s like a bad yearbook photo or something, and we think the new photos will clear things up.” [ Jalopnik ] + GMC communications group manager Dayna Hart said, on her Twitter page, that a Denali version of the Acadia has been approved. We expect an official announcement in the near future. [ Leftlane ] + Yesterday’s Downshift included Audi of America CEO Johan de Nysschen’s comments about the Chevy Volt being “a car for idiots.” Last night he apologized for being unclear on his stance of EVs and says he doesn’t remember using the term “car for idiots.” [ Facebook ] Related posts: Daily Downshift: September 1, 2009 Daily Downshift: September 2, 2009 Daily Downshift: September 3, 2009 Here is the original post: Daily Downshift: September 4, 2009 Here is the original: Daily Downshift: September 4, 2009

WHAT IS IT? The 159 is Alfa Romeo’s rival to the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-class, and BMW 3-series, only it’s cheaper. Base 159s are front-wheel-driven, but the more upscale, 3.2-liter V-6 versions have an optional all-wheel-drive setup. The Sportwagon part of the name is pretty obvious, while the 1750 bit refers to a new, 197-hp, 1742-cc turbo-four that harks back to a storied engine designation from Alfa’s past. The car is also absolutely gorgeous to behold, especially finished in Alfa red; if there’s a better looking car anywhere in the world for less that $50,000, we’d be glad to hear about it. And while the standard interior is a little prosaic, the upscale leather-clad version is very pretty. HOW DOES IT DRIVE? Really well. Unlike vintage Alfa engines, which were rev-tastic, the new 1750 engine delivers its power and torque low down in the rev range—peak torque of 236 lb-ft comes in at 1400 rpm and the 197 horses are made at 5000 revs. It’s unusual to drive an Alfa which runs out of steam at 6000 rpm, but the engine is super flexible, smooth, and sounds very sporty. Alfa claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph. The six-speed manual transmission is pretty slick and the handling is assured and playful. Dynamically, the only weakness is slightly vague steering that masks the nicely balanced chassis. HOW DOES IT STACK UP? Although the 159 has been on sale since 2005 and is going to be replaced in 2011 by a new model (called Giulia), it’s still a competitive proposition, particularly with this engine and various diesel options. Compared with BMW and Mercedes alternatives, the front-drive chassis lacks the finesse of their rear-drive platforms, but the car is a whole lot cheaper and performs better than the comparably priced BMW 318i, Mercedes C180, and Audi A4 1.8. (Fortunately for U.S. buyers, the Germans aren’t foolish enough to import these low-powered versions, which have anywhere from 118 to 156 hp on tap.) Build quality also is now up to German levels. WHERE CAN I GET ONE? Sadly, not in the U.S. (We will get the Giulia replacement, however, if Fiat hasn’t jettisoned Chrysler in the interim.) In the U.K, the 1750 Sportwagon starts at £22,900, which equates to almost $33,000 once shorn of the U.K.’s stiff...

We’re wrapping up our test-drive of the 2010 Mazda3 and that means it’s finally time for some fun facts on Mazda’s new compact sedan. – Starting MSRP is set at $16,045 : Our 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring starts at $22,300 but with a Moonroof and the Bose sound system, the final price tag came in at $24,835 – which we think is a bit steep for a car in this segment. – EPA estimated fuel-economy comes in at 22/29 mpg (city/highway) : During our week long test drive we averaged 25.2 mpg. – Key competitors : 2009 Honda Civic, 2009 Toyota Corolla, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Ford Focus and the 2009 Nissan Sentra. Compared to its rivals, we were very impressed with the 2010 Mazda3 and believe it deserves a lot more attention when shopping in this segment. – Things you probably wouldn’t notice when checking it out in a dealership : At night time, the interior of the Mazda3 glows very bright with ambient blue lighting; push-button start is also available on some models; there is actually a navigation option but we wouldn’t go for it since it appears in that little tiny vehicle information display; there is no air/conditioning or climate control options on the i SV model, so if you’re like us and need your AC you’ll probably start by looking at the i Sport model, which starts at $16,955. Look out for the full review coming out next week. Click through for more pictures . 2010 Mazda3 (Weekly Test-Drive) : – By: Stephen Calogera                         See more here: 2010 Mazda3 Test-Drive Updates: Fun Facts Continued here:  2010 Mazda3 Test-Drive Updates: Fun Facts

Kia has finally released the pricing details on the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, the two-door sibling of the new 2010 Forte Sedan . The two-door Forte Koup will be available in two trims including, EX and SX. Pricing for the Forte Koup EX starts at $16,595 (excluding a $695 destination charge). Power comes from a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 156-hp and 144 lb-ft. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Estimated fuel-economy for the Kia Forte Koup EX comes in at an estimated 25/34 mpg (city/highway). The 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX starts at $17,695 and is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 173-hp and 168 lb-ft. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Fuel-economy is estimated at 22/32 mpg. The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is on sale now at your local Kia dealership. Click through for more detailed pricing information and the high-res image gallery . 2010 Kia Forte Koup : 2010 Kia Forte Koup Pricing Details : EX 2.0L I4 M/T 2.0L I4 A/T Base Price $16,595 $17,595 Leather Package n/a $1,000 Moonroof n/a $600 Carpeted Floor Mats STD STD Cargo Net $40 $40 EC Mirror w/Compass $180 $180 EC Mirror w/Compass & Homelink $250 $250 Wheel Locks $45 $45 Destination Charge $695 $695 SX 2.4L I4 M/T 2.4L I4 A/T Base Price $17,695 $18,695 Leather Package $1,000 $1,000 Moonroof $600 $600 Carpeted Floor Mats STD STD Cargo Net $40 $40 EC Mirror w/Compass $180 $180 EC Mirror w/Compass & Homelink $250 $250 Wheel Locks $45 $45 Destination Charge $695 $695             Here is the original:  2010 Kia Forte Koup prices start at $16,595 Read more here:  2010 Kia Forte Koup prices start at $16,595

Toyota announced today that cumulative sales of its hybrid vehicles topped the 2 million-unit mark last month as it aims to sell 1 million gasoline-hybrid vehicles per year. As of August 9, Toyota sold 2.017 million hybrids worldwide since their debut in 1997, reports Automotive News . The Japanese automaker said that more than half of those sales came from the North American market, with a total of 1.15 million units sold. Japan on the other hand brought in a total of 615,800 units sold. Of course, the Toyota Prius was the champion of the company’s hybrid lineup with a total of 1.49 million sold since it was introduced in 1997. It is indeed the world’s best-selling hybrid. Along with Lexus hybrids, Toyota today sells 13 hybrid vehicle models in about 50 countries. 2010 Toyota Prius : – By: Kap Shah             Continued here:  Toyota hybrid sales top 2 million, 1.49 million Prius hybrids sold See original here:  Toyota hybrid sales top 2 million, 1.49 million Prius hybrids sold

The 2010 Hyundai ix35 (known as the Tucson on the stateside) will be making its European debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in about two weeks. Hyundai says that the new Tucson has moved away from its “two-box off-roader look in favor of a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.” The Hyundai ix35 rides on a 2640mm wheelbase which is 10mm longer than the outgoing Hyundai Tucson. In Europe, the ix35 will be offered with a choice of a diesel or gasoline engine. The 2.0L all-new diesel R will make 184-hp while returning an estimated fuel-economy of 36 mpg. The gasoline model will be powered by Hyundai’s Theta-II engine making 166-hp while returning an estimated fuel-economy of 28 mpg. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson will make its stateside debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Hyundai said it expects sales to hit 300,000 globally. 2010 Hyundai Tucson (ix35) : – By: Omar Rana             See the rest here:  2010 Hyundai Tucson: More details, interior revealed Read the original post: 2010 Hyundai Tucson: More details, interior revealed

Packing up the vehicle for a holiday weekend away? It might be one of the more pleasant times to be out on the crowded highways, relative to recent years. Overall holiday traffic will likely be down a bit this year versus last. But based on research from the American Automobile Association (AAA) and IHS Global Insight, that’s likely to be less .. Read the original here: Late Labor Day Could Mean Fewer Travel Traffic Headaches

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