Car geeks and motorists are sure to wish that they could be at the second edition of the Barbican Turbo made possible by Barbican and United Business Media. This latest event promises 3 days of high octane, tire-shredding action and festival features.

Barbican Turbo: the Ultimate Auto Fest launched to an attendance of over 19,000 visitors in 2008. This year’s event set to take place from the 8th – 10th of October will aim to be bigger and better.

“Barbican Turbo was a great experience and the biggest custom car show I have ever seen. It gathered car lovers from all over…and that’s what made it so unique…the event was fantastic!” said Antoine Waheed, Winner of the Best on a Budget category of the Top 100 competition, 2008.

This year the Global Tribes AutoZone expects to show custom creations from the U.S., Japan, Australia and Europe alongside the Local Heroes AutoZone which will strive to showcase the best-of-the-best from around the Middle East. For techno junkies and lovers of sound the I.C.E. showcase area will seek the ultimate of in-car entertainment; and the Unbelievable Motorcycle area, two-wheeled works-of-art from around the globe.

Audiences will be thrilled and mesmerised as the organisers set their sights on offering fast and furious driving demonstrations and all action drifting – as last year’s Middle East debut of crowd pleasers Team Orange , the 2006 D1 World Series Drift Champions from Japan was considered by many to be the main highlight of the show.

(Source) Press

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There is no better vehicle today to epitomize the meaning of getting more power from a vehicle other than the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500. Ford’s Special Vehicle Team used the gains made on the Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang as the performance starting point.

The design team, with a nod to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960s, takes those cues even further with nuanced improvements in both the coupe and convertible, each boasting a more-refined interior.

Power comes from a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 2010 Shelby GT500 delivers improved straight-line acceleration, plus fuel savings when cruising on the highway in the top gears.

Gears 1-4 remain the same, but fifth gear changes from .80 to .74 while sixth gear goes from .63 to .50, meaning lower engine RPMs in those gears and improved fuel efficiency. The new final drive ratio, moving from 3.31 to 3.55, enables the improved acceleration in lower gears while complementing the revised fifth and sixth gear ratios.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac, Ford’s stability control system, with several options for performance. The default “on” mode accommodates everyday driving, and a Sport mode delivers for those wanting to put the Shelby GT500 through its paces on the track. When turned off, the anti-lock brake system and other active safety systems remain in place.

Genuine materials such as leather in all seats, aluminum on the instrument panel and Alcantara suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel give the 2010 Shelby GT500 a precisely crafted yet functional feel. Customers can select racing stripes on the seats that match the exterior stripes.

The 2010 Shelby GT500 will be in dealer showrooms in spring.

(Source) Ford

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Rebuilding and restoring old and classic cars is a hobby for most and apparently Karmann USA is ready to aid the people who are into it. Karmann USA is launching a new aftermarket group to rebuild and restore convertible tops for vintage cars in the United States.

Headquartered in Plymouth Township, Karmann Classics will offer a variety of services including: standard roof repair for vehicles in daily service; original or “authentic” restoration for show models, and a wide range of other customization options to suit specific customer needs.

“Karmann’s new aftermarket division initially will focus on restoring VW Karmann Ghias and VW Beetle convertibles,” said Erik Roeren, president and CEO of Karmann USA. “As the original manufacturer of the VW Karmann Ghia and VW Beetle convertible, Karmann is uniquely positioned to rebuild convertible roof systems for these vehicles.”

Karmann Classics initially aims to serve customers in a four-state region of the Midwest, including Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, as well as convertible owners in Ontario, Canada. During its launch phase, Karmann Classics will have the capacity to work on three to four vehicles at a time.

The company plans to expand nationwide and eventually will provide restoration services for all convertibles, in addition to Karmann Ghias and Beetle convertibles. Karmann Classics is partnering with local VW dealerships, which also will handle vehicle restoration.

(Source) Press

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The 2010 Toyota Crown Majesta promises a re-designed full-size premium luxury sedan that will likely feature the Amerigon Climate Control Seat. Sold only in Asia, the flagship Crown Majesta, the Toyota brand’s top sedan, is expected to be in showrooms this summer.

The Crown Majesta is designed with distinctive interior and exterior styling, unparalleled comfort and an ultra-luxurious interior which includes CCS.

CCS, the premier actively heated and cooled seat system in the global automotive seat market, delivers year-round comfort to automotive seat occupants by providing both active heating and cooling. The system is completely independent of the automobile’s heating and air conditioning system and does not reduce power available to the engine. It also emits no CFCs or other gases and is completely friendly to the environment.

CCS, the premier actively heated and cooled seat system in the global automotive seat market, delivers year-round comfort to automotive seat occupants by providing both active heating and cooling. The system is completely independent of the automobile’s heating and air conditioning system and does not reduce power available to the engine. It also emits no CFCs or other gases and is completely friendly to the environment.

(Source) Press

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Subaru will officially unveil the 2010 Legacy sedan at the New York International Auto Show, providing a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy, whose predecessor is renowned for its sporty handling and reliability, now features a longer wheelbase, almost four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic(TM) CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The 2010 Legacy is built on a new platform that increases room and comfort while preserving the agility and fun-to-drive spirit of the previous model. New powertrains and new suspension design combine with proven Subaru safety technology to deliver a unique offering in the midsize segment. As are all Subaru models, every Legacy is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, an invaluable performance- and safety-enhancing system that sets Legacy apart among midsize sedans. All-wheel drive is rare in the midsize segment, and only Legacy makes it standard.

The Legacy line for 2010 will offer three levels of performance. Legacy 2.5i models — 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited — are powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine (with available PZEV rating) and equipped with a new standard 6-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic(TM) CVT. Both transmissions help to improve acceleration, response and fuel economy.

Three new Legacy 3.6R models – the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited – offer a sophisticated blend of performance and comfort. All are powered by a new 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Compared to the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine it replaces, the more powerful 3.6 has the same external size and uses regular-grade fuel, rather than premium as the 3.0 required.

(Source) Press

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The Commercial Vehicle Group was awarded a new contract by Volvo Trucks North America to provide multiple CVG interior products such as headliners, back walls, sidewalls, bunks, tables, ladders and door panels for use on Volvo and Mack branded trucks. The products will be manufactured at CVG’s Dublin, Virginia and Statesville, North Carolina facilities.

The materials will be delivered to Volvo’s New River Valley Assembly Plant (Dublin, Virginia) and to Mack’s Macungie Assembly Plant (Macungie, Pennsylvania). CVG will also send aftermarket and replacement inventory to Volvo & Mack Service Outlets nation-wide. A phased-in start up for the new business is scheduled to begin on March 31, 2009 and expected to be in full production by the end of the June 2009.

Based on current North American Class 8 Truck build rates, CVG anticipates this contract will provide an annualized revenue increase of approximately $8.0 million.

(Source) Press

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With April being tagged as National Car Care Month, Subaru of America has pledged its support for the nationwide month-long program focusing on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. To celebrate the occasion, participating Subaru dealers are offering free vehicle diagnostic inspections to Subaru owners, emphasizing items that affect fuel economy and offering driving tips for optimizing fuel mileage.

“April is always a good time to assess any needed maintenance or repairs resulting from winter driving, and to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer travel,” notes Jim Sinclair, Vice President, Service, Subaru of America, Inc. “And in today’s economy, the increased fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs that come with a well-maintained vehicle are more important than ever.”

To help owners get the best possible fuel mileage, dealers will be performing the “MPG Inspection.” While the vehicles will receive a thorough check-up of all major operating systems, the MPG (”Maintenance Preserves Gas”) Inspection puts extra emphasis on the systems that directly impact fuel mileage. Drivers will receive a written report on the vehicle’s condition plus helpful driving tips for maximizing fuel efficiency.

(Source) Press

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2009 Audi A5 : Review
John Cooper Mini
Acura ZDX
2009 Lincoln MKS : Review
2009 Toyota Corolla : Review
BMW X5 Typhoon
Sigma Motorworks to Unveil Sigma GTE Electric Car
Crystalized Chevrolet Captiva Spotted at 2009 Bangkok Motor Show

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Orange to Launch Vegas Touchscreen Phone
Punisher War Zone Movie Review–Best Punisher Yet
Stormrise Game Review: Tough Times, Tough Timing, Tough Luck
RoadRunner iScooter RR250ZRX

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2009 Audi A5

Out on the road, the 2009 Audi A5 is smooth and quiet boulevard cruiser and freeway commuter, but that is expected. However, when the roads starts to curve, that is when disappointment sets in. The vehicle grips the road well, due to the quattro AWD system, but there is little feedback and none of the distinctness the vehicle’s good looks imply. The car scoots well enough just off center; but then the steering goes oddly light. Generally the A5’s physical steering system takes some getting used to.

At lower speeds, it feels almost too light then as you speed up, so does steering effort. It seems to get too heavy too quickly. Audi does carry on the tradition of classy interiors as there is no debating the quality feel of all the knobs and switches and overall feeling of quality. Those looking for an attention getting, comfortable daily driver can’t go wrong with the new Audi A5

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John Cooper Mini

The John Cooper Works version for Mini returns in coupe or Clubman form but this time it has two fewer HP from the new, twin-scroll turbocharged aluminum 1.6L engine as opposed to the old supercharged iron block. JCW builds the cars at the factory thus eliminating dealer-installation fees.

For under $30K, you can get a JCW Challenge car for the road which features more rugged engine parts, including new pistons. The new turbo housing is made of a stronger material too. The new versions are less edgy than the old JCW without that car’s full-chat supercharger. The big dual exhaust pipes make the new engine’s sound its finest feature.

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Acura ZDX

Acura’s upcoming luxury crossover will bear the ZDX name, the automaker had said Monday. It will reveal a concept version of the ZDX at the New York auto show on April 8. The ZDX will make it into Acura showrooms this fall.

Acura identifies the car as a luxury four-door sport coupe “with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility to define a new luxury category.” It will join the ranks of the small RDX and midsize MDX crossovers in the Acura lineup. Acura has released a series of teaser photos of the ZDX.

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For now, the 2009 Lincoln MKS comes with just one engine: a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. Force from the 3.7-liter V6 is only adequate and this engine doesn’t sound refined enough for a luxury sedan. The handling is borderline sloppy, with noticeable body roll, and steering feel that falls short. The MKS’s raised driving position and curb weight make it feel more like a crossover SUV than a flagship sedan.

The interior design is equal with other cars in this section, featuring standard leather upholstery and an appealing dash layout. Materials quality is a mixed bag, however, with a bit too much chintzy plastic. An beautifully laid out interior and a unusually comfortable backseat the 2009 MKS offers plenty of interior and cargo space while rear passenger space and comfort are particularly impressive. Overall, there are other cars in this class worth taking a look at first.

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Although completely redesigned, the 2009 Toyota Corolla looks very similar to last year’s model but is a shade larger inside and out. Although it’s not any longer or taller than last year’s car, it rides on a wider track which opens up perceptibly more hip- and shoulder room in the cabin.

The improvement of a telescoping steering wheel amends Corolla’s historically awkward driving position and the control layout is as ergonomic as it gets In spite of a 200-pound extra pounds, the 2009 Toyota Corolla is a bit quicker than the ‘08 model. Storage is more than plentiful up front, although the provisions are a bit chintzy in back. In back, the 2009 Corolla offers a good deal of space for children and just enough room for adults. Overall, handling is uninspiring, but expect a smooth and controlled ride.

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The tuning firm G-Power has put out a new Typhoon performance package for the BMW X5 which boasts an aggressive exterior styling kit in addition to the addition of a supercharger. The G-power modifies the 4.8-liter V8 engine’s software, and installs new high flow fuel injectors, and adds a belt driven ASA T1-521 hd supercharger which increases the engine’s output from 355 hp and 475 Nm to 525 hp (386 kW) and 600 Nm of torque.

The company also equips the Typhoon with a two-piece carbon-fiber intake manifold, an aluminum intercooler, and a stainless steel G-Power high-performance exhaust with racing catalysts. G-Power also adds an extended body kit that features a fierce front apron with massive air intakes and extremely stylized fender flares that provide additional clearance for the Silverstone Forged Edition forged wheels. Price yet to be revealed.

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