In what has been tagged as the most expensive car ever to come out of, the Lexus LFA Supercar took the Tokyo Motor Show by storm and dwarfing other car manufacturers on hand. The Lexus LFA is a limited edition supercar that will retail for a whopping $375,000. It features a lightweight carbon-fiber reinforced polymer body as well as suspensions made of lightweight-aluminum alloy. It also has carbon-ceramic breaks which all comprise its even allocated weight distribution of 48:52.

Other highlights of the Lexus LFA include a 4.8 liter V-10 engine paired with a 6-speed transmission which be sufficient for its boasted top speed of 202 MPH. Production for the limited edition Lexus LFA supercar will start December 10, 2010. Orders are now being taken at the Lexus LFA website.

(Source) New York Times

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Mazda will be among the many car manufacturers at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show on October 24. For their part, Mazda is expected to debut the Mazda Kiyora Concept Car although that is not the only thing they will be unveiling. They will also unveil their next-generation engine and automatic transmissions lineup. This includes the Mazda SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine Mazda SKY-D clean diesel engine and the Mazda SKY Drive high-efficiency automatic transmission.

These new technological advancements are expected to help in the improvement of fuel-efficiency as well as some eco-friendly enhancements and optimized combustion systems. But a lot of the focus is sure to be on the Mazda Kiyora Concept car which highlights the next-generation Mazda SKY concept powertrain technologies and comprehensive advancements in weight reduction for better fuel economy at 32 kilometers per liter.

(Source) Auto Racing

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The technology shown by the Survival Consultants International people may be geared towards the military vehicles but I wouldn’t be surprised it the same technology would soon be applied to commercial and private vehicles. With the world getting to be a dangerous place to live in, it is apparent that advanced modes of safety has become a need with reference to world terrorism.

We are aware of airbags and how they are set off once cars get into accidents or collisions. With this new technology, the airbags were designed to withstands blasts for military personnel which could be typified to the various bombings which has been plaguing the world. No one can tell when such would hit the public but perhaps a safer interior airbag system of the same nature would be suitable.

The key here is the sensor, allowing the system to make use of the light sensors to ignite the airbags to safeguard the vehicle passengers. Leave it to the car manufacturers to pick up a thing or two from this and apply it to the modern day vehicle. It is something that will really be useful.

(Source) Dvice

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Despite losing one of their prized and controversial auto designers in the industry today, the BMW continues to hum. Designs may not necessarily be the marquee of most BMW vehicles today but apparently expect them to continue trying.

Such should be the case of the budding new BMW concept called the BMW S.X. concept, a brainchild of lulian Bimbu, a Milan design student. The BMW S.X. projects a futuristic look, something we see evolving from most cars in the market today.

Racy and certainly something futuristic, this car design may yet pass the BMW standards to make them stand out from the other car manufacturers which ironically seem to be carrying the same design. The only thing is who will come first, a benchmark that erases the tag of a copycat once their new cars come out in the market.

(Source) Luxist

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Who would ever thought that a simple selection of car color could be much trouble? Well as far as car manufacturers are concerned, these are small things that play an integral role in the car manufacturing process. For one, they need the numbers to know which cars (and colors) they have to supply. It is not as simple as overstocking them since with hard times now, business optimization also means wise manufacturing processes.

DuPont take the initiative in tracking the consumer buying behavior to which they attribute everything to social factors. Money, mood, and marketing vary and play an important role on the color preference of potential car buyers. This includes soliciting data from varying regions, determining which color/s are indeed suitable.

Here are some color meanings that should give you an idea of what really drives customers to pick the car color of their choice:

• Red or light violet – passion
• Deep red – security
• Blue – communication
• Blue-green – wholeness
• Indigo – understanding
• Yellow-green – empowered/assertive
• Orange – self-esteem/confidence

(Source) Press

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Hyundai was the first one to honor the cash for clunkers program and it looks like the gamble is paying off. Out of all the cars that were preferred by car buyers after the trade-in, Hyundai Elantra stood tall. The Elantra topped the likes of other cars such as Ford and Dodge. Hyundai accounted for 41% while Ford 32%.

Apparently the price disparity had a bearing here. After the trade-in, they Hyundai Elantra ran a total cost of $8,620. Remember, though many people are hesitant on what car to get after the car rebate program, they will always consider the cost of the new vehicle. Though there will be exceptions such as brand preference, hard times means wiser buying.

Ford ran second but it still had quite a number of buyers. So if other car manufacturers should follow, who knows which other car would make the grade? Again, it depends on the price after discount, something which for now, points motorists to the Hyundai Elantra.

(Source) Press

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Are you familiar with the celebrated Cash for Clunkers deal already? Well if the past posts from companies and groups still leave you out and thinking, here is another company which takes its turn to educate and orient you on the latest car scrappage scheme for your old vehicle.

Saga Car Insurance briefs us this time on what the car scrappage scheme is all about. Areas such as which vehicles are included in the scheme and how much you can get for it are once again enumerated to help people consider the pricing factor and discounts should they decide to get a new vehicle.

How the scheme is funded
Approximately half the cash incentive for each sale will come from the Government, whilst the car manufacturers themselves will pay out the remaining £1,000. The car manufacturers will have to sign up to the scheme to take advantage of the offer, whilst dealers will take care of all the paperwork, as well as arranging for the old car to be scrapped.

The conditions
All scrappage cars must have a valid MOT and be registered with the DVLA. Also, the owner must have a UK address and been the registered keeper for at least a year. The new car must be sold only to the person who is offering the scrappage car and be a brand new UK specification vehicle.

Divided opinions
But it would appear that ‘Bangers for Cash’ is already proving to be controversial. One reason being the fact that you can trade your old car in for any new car or van, not just low pollution models, and the second is that the scrappage allowance will be available on all new cars – not just those built in the UK.

(Source) Press

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For people situated in Dubai, 4WDs and SUVs are the common vehicles we would see. There have been a lot of choices ranging from the leading car manufacturers there but it seems that Mitsubishi’s Pajero is recognized as the best choice that a local would be interested in.

In fact, the Pajero is one of the prime points of sale that banks have considered growing. Now they fund customers who have salaries starting from AED 5,000, likewise offering no down payment and very low interest rates up to 4.99% for a 5-year period. Now that is something worth checking out if you are looking for a great deal in Dubai, particularly for a vehicle in the SUV category.

This amazing never before financial deal coupled with 2 years free insurance and free servicing offers excellent value to the customers who buy the Mitsubishi Pajero. Al Habtoor Motors has seen the local market sales go from strength to strength over the recent months due to the great value, customer care and desirability of the Mitsubishi range. The special Pajero promotion will be running during DSS, from the 11th of June to 14th of August 2009.

(Source) Eye of Dubai

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The issue on up to how much gas prices would increase is still wandering in the minds of many. But thanks to the efforts of Kelley Blue Book, a survey was conducted among the potential new car buyers, the group expected to increase as the summer comes in.

Based on their feedback, it seems that many are bracing for the worst as far as expected price per gallon of gas is concerned. We have been seeing an erratic market and it seems that this is nothing compared to what may happen in the following months. There are a lot of factors but generally, looking out for the worst is not surprising anymore.

Some are speculating a $5 to the gallon and others at $3. Whatever the case may be, it seems that the bottom-line is that they are ready for it even though many fear it. And if there is one factor that one area that will be affected by it, it has to be the fact that car sales will be severely affected.

Actually we are experiencing this now. Seeing these big car manufacturers close or groping for survival is a sign that the consumers are playing it safe. And while crazy discounts are being given, the fact is that people need to be financially wise nowadays. For that aspect alone, the demand and outlook for new cars is not yet established and may even become worse for the time being.

(Source) Press

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To help in the immediate sale and disposal of their new and pre-owned vehicles, iBidMotors has announced that it will give all GM & Chrysler dealers the ability to advertise their inventory at no charge for 60 days. iBidmotors has been going great guns as of late, hitting $100M in sales online and acquiring Monster Motors. This latest move is bound to further bolster their credibility although their main focus is to aid the many dealers who are going to be cut off soon by the two giant car manufacturers from the US.

“iBidMotors’ commitment to GM and Chrysler during these turbulent times is unprecedented,” said Bob Schiff, iBidMotors Founder and CEO. “Over 8,000 car dealers are affected by this bankruptcy, and by offering to advertise their inventory online for free, iBidMotors will help viable dealerships continue to thrive and contribute to saving jobs in communities across the country,” said Schiff.

iBidMotors has hired additional staff to accommodate the influx of new clients that they expect will take advantage of this extraordinary offer. Dealers have until June 30th to sign up for this program.

(Source) Press

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Perhaps Midas knows something that other car manufacturers don’t. Regardless, it is preying on the embattled dealers, employees and customers to try out what they have to offer, promoting their company as the alternative towards the sagging fortunes of companies like GM and Chrysler.

There are a lot of people affected by the debacle hitting the automotive industry and while the cloud of gloom roams over the dealerships, employees and customers, Midas plans to turn all that into brighter days ahead.

“Midas shops provide a full range of services on domestic and foreign vehicles, so there are employment opportunities for auto dealership service staff regardless of their specific vehicle brand or system repair experience,” Feldman said.

Call it taking advantage or not, Midas may have something to offer that auto dealers don’t know. Whatever that may be, you can bet they will get a lion share of these befuddled people. Besides, if you were among the dealers, employees and customers, what have you got to lose by checking out the Midas offer?

(Source) Press

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Everyone wants to turn to electric vehicle technology but look a bit farther and you may find it an innovation far from being the solution to the transportation problems we face today. Easier said than done, electric vehicles still lack the support of being powered, particularly since one time charges can only go to a certain mile.

Further, the cost for getting one vehicle is quite hefty. We all know for a fact that we are in hard times and with that in mind, cash or financing issues related to the purchase of a new car seems to be close to nil. Can you imagine buying a car for 4,599,000 yen, or 2,990,000 yen? You do the conversion but either way, you know it is going to cost you.

Japan-based car manufacturers are excited on the new electric cars set to be released in the market. Mitsubishi (i-Miev), Toyota (Prius), Honda (Insight) and Nissan have ready plans for their electric cars either this year or next. During that time span, the matter of charging stations has to be addressed and though we have seen a lot of sectors coming up with their own charging stations, the matter of determining how many they are is another aspect that needs to be ironed out.

The age of electric cars is coming. That is a fact. But also, the matter of how many can maintain and find resources like charging stations is still in question. In the end, without these requirements met, expect electric cars to encounter turbulence along the roads.

(Source) Bernama

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Whether the intent is just to get a glimpse of the new American muscle made cars or to possible purchase one would not matter at this point but if you think about it, consumers still prefer to check out these American-made cars.

Topping the list was Chevrolet’s all-new 2010 Camaro, up from No. 4 in April of this year. The recently redesigned 2010 Ford Mustang came in at No. 2 on the most-searched new vehicles on AutoTrader.com in May, down from No. 1 in April of this year. Rounding out the top three was the Dodge Challenger, which was introduced last year as a 2009 model.

“The 1-2-3 finish by Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge shows that the U.S. is still in love with the American muscle car and that the U.S. manufacturers are rolling out head-turning products that generate the same kind of buzz you hear for Hondas, Toyotas, BMWs and other foreign makes,” said AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry. “More importantly, the success of the Fusion and the Escape proves that domestic automakers are able to translate the excitement of their halo models into the cars and crossovers that make up the true heart of the American automotive marketplace.”

Not to take anything away from the other car manufacturers, but as mentioned earlier, these figures don’t sum up the intent. Viewership can be based on a lot of things such as merely for glimpses or even a blog review. But then again, who knows if people are simply waiting to get their hands on them when and if the whole recession and economic gloom is lifted.

(Source) Press

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As far as new cars are concerned, it is not surprising that most motorists are turning towards hybrid technology to curb down carbon emissions and better fuel efficient vehicles. This seems to be the trend these days as we see most car manufacturers unveiling their own version of hybrids, potentially to lure a curious market on the ideal car to have today.

The new 2010 automobiles will soon change the future in transportation as conventional vehicles make the switch to hybrid cars. The new cars also qualify for government incentives to use as a 2009 hybrid car tax credit. Hybrid cars can achieve better fuel efficiency and are led by car manufacturers including Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Honda, and General Motors.

The big switch is indeed apparent. We have been seeing various advertisements and promotions for the new breed of hybrids. And this time, it is not just a marketing gimmick. These car giants are really gearing towards the market demand. With due consideration to the two factors, carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, the product is that of having a hybrid or electric car in your lineup, something that we can see in most vehicle showrooms for customers looking for a new vehicle to own.

(Source) News Oxy

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Hitachi has announced the release of a new lithium iron battery, aimed at the new breed of hybrid electric vehicles that are slowly increasing in the market. Boasting of a supposed high power density of 4,500 W/kg, 1.7 times the output of the company’s mass-produced, automotive lithium-ion batteries, this new battery is certain to be a welcome addition to the auto industry.

To reduce internal resistance, the battery employs a new manganese cathode and an original Hitachi battery structure, such as thinner electrodes, power collection method and effective configurations.

With the apparent rise of hybrid electric vehicles, companies are trying to get into the fray by developing battery options to help run these new technological vehicles. Apparently Hitachi has joined the mix, expanding the number of companies that are vying for the preferred lithium iron battery available in the market.

Sampling of the new battery by domestic and overseas car manufacturers will start in the fall.

(Source) Industry Week

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