Hertz Italiana Lotus Elise SC Fleet

Who wouldn’t enjoy taking in the picturesque Mediterranean countryside while driving an exotic sportscar? The Italians have no shortage of sleek automobiles but if you’re looking for something more along the lines of a British model, then car rental company Hertz can probably help. The agency’s Italian locations have just received a fleet of Lotus Elise SC sportscars as part of their Fun Collection.

The Elise SC has a compact Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four cylinder engine with a supercharger producing a humble 218 horsepower, but weighing less than 2000 lbs it can take off doing 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds.

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Automotive aftermarket accessories supplier since 1980, GR Sales, is opening its first retail store, Super Autotoyz, in Stanton, Calif. on June 20, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Super Autotoyz is located in Orange County and will focus on providing car enthusiasts with the widest selection of car accessories, parts, and car audio all under one roof.

Measuring 35,000 square feet, Super Autotoyz store offers brand name merchandise in a price range to fit all lifestyles and budgets. The store also offers 14 installation bays equipped for car maintenance along with specialty and customized installation. Located at 12645 Beach Blvd., Stanton, CA 90680, the store will be open Monday through Friday 10:00am – 9:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am – 7:00pm.

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Willys Auto Parts

Many American auto manufacturers and suppliers are in financial upset currently, but there are exceptions. Kaiser Willys Auto Supply, an online retailer of Willys parts for Willys Jeeps, has enjoyed growing profits over the past two years and continues to see that trend carrying on. With over 7,000 parts, Kaiser Willys Auto Supply offers one of the most extensive collections of Willys Jeep parts as well as parts for Willys Jeepsters, Willys Trucks and other Willys models built between 1941 and 1971.

From wiper blades to axles and everything in between, parts are either NOS (new old stock) or replacement parts. Also currently in stock are Willys decals, manuals, vintage advertisements and more. Go to: www.kaiserwillys.com.

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Haima, Me EV

Haima Auto has brought out its all-new electric concept vehicle, Me EV, at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, as a follow-up to its Fstar EV which was released at last year’s Beijing auto show. According to Haima Fushida, a joint venture between FAW and Mazda, its Me EV comes with a set of high-performance brushless motors and a choice of two lithium-ion battery packs that can power the tangerine EV between 100 and 120 miles with top-speeds of either 50 or 75 mph, respectively.

The 220-volt power supply can reportedly recharge the Me in about four hours, and if it reaches production, this urban two-seater could be credible option for navigating Shanghai’s ever increasing congested roads.

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Consumers may be shying away or are trying to avoid purchasing a new car and most likely, they are exhausting all means to try and improve their current vehicle in tow. April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment. Most motorists would like to add years of reliable life to their vehicle and, during these uncertain economic times, they are looking for the best value when it comes to auto repair, according to the Car Care Council.

“The economy is on everyone’s mind these days and National Car Care month is the perfect time to remind car owners that putting off vehicle maintenance now can lead to more extensive repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

R.L. Polk & Co. recently reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years in 2008. “This trend, coupled with the current economic environment, has led motorists to seek affordable vehicle maintenance to keep their vehicles in safe working order,” said White. “Because value is on the minds of most Americans, many are turning to their local repair shop for maintenance and service.”

According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

(Source) Press

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The Chinese have been known to copy certain products and vehicles are no exception. In fact you may be surprised to note that they have cloned the previous generation Lexus RX350. The S6 has a different grille and revised headlamps/tail lights but its design shamelessly copies that of the RX350.

But what makes this story even more intriguing and apparently quite frustrating for Toyota / Lexus officials, is that believe it or not, we discovered that BYD Auto has actually succeeded in patenting the S6’s design at the European trademark office.

It is scheduled to go on sale in China later on in the year. It makes you wonder how Toyota and Lexus feels about this cloning incident.

(Source) Car Scoop

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The 2010 Toyota Prius has been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show and it does feature those solar panels we were talking about earlier. Unfortunatelly they are just an extra option you can request and their job will be to keep the temperature inside cool.

Here’s a quick specs list for the new Toyota Prius:

From a different point of view the new Prius will be able to go for 50 mpg which is 4 miles more than the previous version and it has a 1.8L four-cylinder engine under the hood. Power and Eco driving modes are available and there’s also an EV Drive mode which will let you run on battery for a mile.

2010 PRUIS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN

1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i

Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor

Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque

Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp

Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV)

Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission

Drive System: Front-wheel-drive

Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride

Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 175.6

Overall Width: 68.7

Overall Height: 58.7

Wheelbase: 106.3

Ground clearance: 5.5

Coefficient of Drag: 0.25

Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels

17-inch alloy wheels (optional)

Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15

17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)

Seating Capacity: 5

EPA class rating: Midsize

* Preliminary figure based on Toyota’s internal testing. Actual mileage will vary.

via Press

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The official announcement for the 2010 Toyota Prius should be made sometime tomorrow. However details about the car have already been leaked so why not take a look at them.

– similar to the power of 2.4l engine – 164 hp?
– 1.2 mil Priuses sold so far
– better mpg than before
– solar ventilation for interior, built into the moon roof
– remote air conditioning activation even when car is off (world first)
– by mid may it should be sold everywhere
– 90% all new hybrid system
– highest fuel efficiency of any sedan
– LED headlights
– hybrid info screen at the combination meter
– S-VSC (small modifications of steering wheel angle done by the VSC)
– precrash (and radar distance control?)

I guess we will return with the official version of the 2010 Toyota Prius soon. In the mean time enjoy the pictures!

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Take a look at that beauty right here. Is it a Volkswagen or is it something else? It sure seems similar to an Audi TT but don’t be fooled! This is Volkswagen’s Concept BlueSport. Given the current economical situation, a new roadster is less likely to be produced by any manufacturer but we do need the concept cars for the future.

The Concept BlueSport has a diesel engine which will get you 177 hp and a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The car can accelerate from 0 to 62 in just 6.6 seconds. Despite being a sports car it will go for 55 mpg which is quite remarkable. The Eco mode has an engine auto-stop feature which will help you save more gas.

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Congressional Representative Barney Frank from MA has introduced legislation that would rework the second half of the $700 billion federal financial bailout to include government help for auto dealers. The provision would help dealers obtain financing for their 2009 auto inventories, and would also help dealers provide financing to customers. Only $350 billion of the total $700 billion package has been released this far, and Congress is now seeing the approval process as a way to reform the original bill.

Dealerships and would-be car buyers both are suffering under the ongoing credit crunch, with neither group able to obtain the financing needed to get car sales moving again. Frank’s dealer provision will almost certainly undergo changes and challenges before the approval of the second chunk of money passes Congress, but so far it looks like buying a car might get a little easier by spring of 2009.

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It’s never to late to take a look at a Jaguar, and Jaguar always has something for car lovers. If you can’t afford one yet, you still get to look at it. And the Detroit Auto Show will let you look at anything. Check out the 2010 Jaguar XKR here. It will offer you an impressive design, an impressive interior and an impressive engine.

The engine has so many horses for you that you will have trouble remembering their names. The new AJ V8 engine comes with direct injection, variable valve timing and a variable-geometry intake manifold which will get you some 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. And there’s no increase in fuel consumption and the carbon emissions are lower. What do you say about that? Too much power? Jaguar also has a 385 hp and 380 lb-ft naturally aspirated version for you. Both models will get the ZF 6-speed automatic transmission bundled with that JaguarDrive Selector.

We’d like to give you an idea about pricing but we have no such details yet. Go ask the official in Detroit, maybe you will be in better luck.

via Press

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Look at the car in the picture here and then think about the Tesla Roadster. Now tell me what do you think they have in common? Yes, they are both cars although one is more of a car than the other. And yes you got it, they are both electric. But Toyota has decided to create a concept electric, the FT-EV which is nowhere near as amazing as the Roadster.

The FT-EV will work on electricity and it will have a 50 mile range. When will it arrive? By 2012. And it will probably have an accessible price too. If it looks similar to the iQ micro-car it’s because it is based on it. Luckily it’s just a concept and things could still be improved by 2012. Toyota hasn’t released any real specs yet so we have no idea what’s inside there. I bet you’re wishing that Chrysler survives and makes that Circuit EV available sometime soon!

via Kicking Tires

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Well look at that marvel. It’s the Dodge Circuit EV. Or is it the Lotus Europa? Well you can always go to Detroit and ask those Chrysler representatives what car they have displayed here. We’re going to call it the Circuit EV and we’ll emphasize the EV part. This Dodge is an electric sports car so lets give Tesla a call and see what they think about this little baby right here. It does 0-60 in under 5 seconds which means the Roadster from Tesla will beat the Circuit from Dodge. The range is estimated from 150-200 miles which is also a little lower than the Tesla’s.

Nobody has tested the Circuit besides Chrysler or Lots so nobody can really tell us exactly what this baby can do other than sitting pretty. Will we see the Circuit EV go on sale from Chrysler or will Chrysler die by the time that happens?

Here’s a little specs sheet from the press release for you:

Dodge Circuit EV – Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Battery Electric Vehicle,
2-passenger performance coupe

Weight and Dimensions
Length 153.5 inches / 3900 mm
Width 67.5 inches / 1714 mm
Height 45.3 inches / 1150 mm
Wheelbase 91.7 inches / 2330 mm
Track front / rear 57.4 inches / 1457 mm 58.7 inches / 1490 mm
Turn circle 38.0 feet / 11.6 m

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Rear-wheel drive
Motor Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
Regenerative braking
Battery Lithium-ion battery
Suspension Front – Independent
Rear – Independent

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front P195 / 45ZR17 23.9 inches / 607 mm
Tire size rear P235 / 40ZR18 25.4 inches / 645 mm

Color Scheme
Exterior Tangoreen
Interior Black Leather with Satin Silver accents

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph (0-100 kph) less than 5 seconds
Standing ¼-mile low-13 seconds
Top speed greater than 120 mph (approximately 193 kph)
All-electric range 150-200 miles (approximately 241-322 km)

via Press

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The Detroit Auto Show starts in only 10 days, and all eyes will be on the Big Three and what they have to offer in the way of alternative vehicles or sneak peeks at alternative concept vehicles.  Ford will debut the new Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion 2009 hybrids, both set to go on sale around the end of March. By all accounts the mileage ratings on these two are expected to blow the competition off the map. The Milan and Fusion hybrids are both expected to come in at 41 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway pr better, easily surpassing the EPA fuel efficiency ratings of Toyota’s comparable hybrids.

The MSRP for the 2009 Milan and Fusion have not yet been announced, but automotive experts are placing the entry level price point for the 2009 hybrid Milan at 27,500, with the 2009 hybrid Fusion several hundred dollars below that. In recent years, Ford has been consistently ahead of the R & D curve when compared to GM and Chrysler, and all the best guesses have them staying there for the near future.

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Barack Obama hasn’t moved in the White House yet but we already know he plans to help out automakers get out. He plans to approve the so much needed $25 billion to save the day. That’s what the President-elect said today in his first press conference. Check out the press conference above and see what the new American President is saying about the Auto industry.

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