In what has to be the most random podium finishes of the season, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen became the sixth different victor in six races, and his first for 2009, with a closely-fought success in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, in which his KERS system played a crucial role in the opening stages. Interestingly, regular loser Force-India came in second, after the team’s Giancarlo Fisichella took pole in qualifying. Continue reading »
The BMW Vision concept car is the latest in a string of “EfficientDynamics” ideas by the German automaker. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this concept car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an economical combustion engine and good aerodynamic qualities. Continue reading »
According to the NHTSA, Toyota is recalling this year’s batch of 95,700 Corolla, Matrix and Scion xD cars for a defect that could result in brake failure. Continue reading »
Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B-Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2.0L petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 86.6 mpg in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B-Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year. Continue reading »
The Lotus Exige Cup has developed a cult following and a dedicated fan base since the first Lotus Exige Cup 240 was unveiled in 2006. Over the last 4 model years several hundred Exige Cup Cars have been sold, either specifically for race and track use or for a pure road going driving experience. The latest Exige Cup 260 takes the weight savings introduced in the last years model, combines them with the extensive body and aerodynamic improvements and revisions introduced on the 2010 Exige in March 2009 and tops them off with new components and technologies to produce the most focused and pure Exige yet. Continue reading »
The official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia will be held at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September. Until then, Ferrari has released more details on the 458 Italia, including shots of the complicated interior. Continue reading »
The new version of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup offers its many customers the world over even greater value than ever before. The successor to the best-selling racing car of all time built in a production series of more than 1,400 units is based for the first time on the 911 GT3 RS, with the weight of the racing model reduced significantly versus the lightweight road-going version. Continue reading »
BMW is showing a Mini Coupe Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It might head for production by next year, considering how “complete” it looks, but only if there is enough demand. Continue reading »
The Maserati GranCabrio convertible has debuted just before its public appearance at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Essentially nothing more than a GranTurismo with a chopped-off roof, this is probably the most predictable car to be revealed at the auto show. Continue reading »
Rubens Barrichello finally has a win under the Brawn GP banner, achieving first place at the 2009 European F1 Grand Prix in Valencia with a performance that brought him home just two seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, whose pit-crew’s mistake cost him the win. Continue reading »