The ten finalists for the 2009 World Car of the Year Awards announced

Last week, the ten finalists for the 2009 World Car of the Year Awards were announced and here the list of car from which the 59 international automotive journalists will pick the winner, which will be announced on April 9, at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2009 World Car of the Year will be selected from the following cars listed in alphabetical order. Eleven cars are listed as there is a tie.
- Audi A4 / Avant
- BMW 7 Series
- Citroen C5 Sedan / C5 Tourer
- Fiat 500
- Ford Fiesta
- Honda Fit / Jazz
- Jaguar XF
- Mazda Atenza / Mazda6
- Nissan GT-R
- Toyota iQ
- Volkswagen Golf VI

The 2009 World Performance Car, presented by Mobil 1, will be chosen from one of these top ten finalists:

- Audi RS 6 Avant
- BMW 135i Coupe / Cabriolet
- Corvette ZR1
- Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo
- Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
- Mitsubishi Evo X / Evo MR
- Nissan GT-R
- Porsche 911 Carrera
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI

So, what do you think, who’s going to win? Feel free to drop a comment For the World Car of the Year we’d go with the Ford Fiesta and for the World Performance Car award we’d place our bets on the Nissan GT-R.

Tesla customers angry over price increase

According to AutoExpress, a lot of Tesla Roadster buyers are angry at the company’s decision to ask them to pay for a kit that initially came as standard. The kit includes extras like High Performance Charger or alloy wheels and US deposit holders are now required to pay an extra $7,000 (around £4,900). As far as we know, the decision is only available in the US, an UK spokesman saying that prices won’t rise in the Kingdom.

Opel Ampera EV: European Chevy Volt to be Unveiled in Geneva Motor Show

Opel Ampera EV: European Chevy Volt to be Unveiled in Geneva Motor Show

As many anticipated, General Motors announced that it will take the wraps off an extended-range electric concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (March 5-15). The five-door, four-seat Opel Ampera will feature GM's electric propulsion technology, called Voltec, that allows the car to run exclusively on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard 230v outlet for up to 60 km (37 miles). For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by a small internal combustion engine.

"With the Ampera, Opel will be the first European automobile manufacturer to provide customers several hundred kilometers of non-stop electric driving," said Alain Visser, GM Europe Chief Marketing Officer.

While Opel did not make any references to the Chevy Volt, judging by the mechanical and styling similarities between the two cars as seen in this teaser sketch, and taking into consideration a previous statement from GM Europe's president, Carl Peter Forster, who openly admitted that Opel will reveal an electric vehicle derived directly from the Volt, we think that it wouldn't be too farfetched to support that the two cars are if not entirely, heavily related.

Hartge Introduces New Aerodynamic Add-Ons for BMW M3

Hartge Introduces New Aerodynamic Add-Ons for BMW M3

Being one of the top BMW tuners in Germany, Hartge constantly updates its offerings for the Bavarian cars. This time, the German tuner has released a new set of aerodynamic add-ons for the BMW M3 range that consists of sedan, coupe and convertible models. The list contains a carbon-fiber front spoiler lip, side sills for the front and rear, a rear diffuser for the coupe and convertible models, a subtle boot lid spoiler for the sedan and coupe M3 plus a set of carbon casings for the exterior mirrors.

Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione Recalled Along with Maseratis in the US

Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione Recalled Along with Maseratis in the US

A few dozens of extremely fortunate American owners of one of the world's hottest sports cars, the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione, will have to return their Italian beauty for a quick fix after it was discovered that certain models were manufactured with incorrectly torqued front and rear suspension upper and lower ball joint nuts. The recall also affects MY 2008 Maserati Gran Turismo and Quattroporte which share the same platform with the Alfa.

Overall, 7,912 Maseratis and Alfa 8c Competiziones will be recalled in the States. While the Italian automaker did not reveal specific numbers, we do know for a fact that only 84 Alfas were allocated in the U.S.

Maserati said that the incorrectly torqued ball joint nuts may loosen with consequent steering wheel vibration, a growing metallic noise and progressive loss of driving precision in the transients. According to the Italian automaker, continued use of the vehicle in these conditions may lead to damage of the suspension lever, which in the long term and depending on vehicle usage, may cause the ball joint/suspension arm to break.

The firm's dealers will inspect the torque of the front/rear upper and lower ball joint nuts and, if necessary, replace the suspension arms and hub carrier. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009. Concerned U.S. owners may contact Maserati for more information at 1-201-816-2600.

Insider: 2009 Renault Megane Coupe RS with 250HP to bow in Geneva

Insider: 2009 Renault Megane Coupe RS with 250HP to bow in Geneva

Renault's super-hot performance version of the new Megane Coupe that was unleashed at last year's Paris Show will break cover in Geneva on March 3. The Megane Coupe RenaultSport (RS), will be equipped with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the most powerful version of the current Megane RS, the limited edition R26, but according to Carscoop's sources, the French firm's engineers have performed several upgrades boosting output from 230HP to 250HP. That's 40HP more than the new VW Golf GTI, 25HP more than the Ford Focus ST and 10HP more than the Opel Astra OPC which are the RS's chief rivals.

Power will be transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Megane Coupe's chassis and suspension will be enhanced. A limited-slip differential will also be offered as an option on the standard version. Why, will Renault introduce more than one variants of the Megane RS, you ask? The answer is yes, as our insiders said that the French carmaker will reveal more hardcore versions of the RS, just like it did with the current-generation model.

These hardcore variants will focus on weight reduction and improved handling through a series of measures like the addition of a limited-slip differential and the re-calibrating of the suspension settings, instead of increasing the turbocharged engine's output.

Visually, the 2009 Megane Coupe RS will stand out from the crowd thanks to a bodykit that is said to include new front and rear bumpers, spoilers and flared wheel arches. While the RS might not be as dramatic as the race-prepped Megane Trophy seen in the pictures, RenaultSport's people claim that the hot Megane Coupe will definitely capture our attention with its looks.

Ferrari Testarossa (1984 - 1992)

- Ferrari Testarossa became Ferrari's flagship model in 1984
- Testarossa or 'Red Head' refers to the crackle Red cam covers of the late 50's racers of the same name.
- The Ferrari Testarossa's most striking feature is its distinctive side slats.
- The Ferrari Testarossa continued largely unchanged until 1992 when the more powerful, re-styled 512TR was introduced.
- Body type is a Coupe with 2 oors and 2 seats
- 12 Cylinder 4942cc engine producing maximum power of 390 bhp.
- Top speed claimed to be at 180 mph
- Accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds


Videos on Ferrari Testarossa

Porsche Panamera to be Unveiled at China's Shanghai Auto Show in April

Porsche Panamera to be Unveiled at China's Shanghai Auto Show in April

China's growing importance in the global auto market is the reason behind Porsche's decision to perform the world debut of the new Panamera at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show from that runs from April 20 - 28. The five-door sports saloon that will enter the market in late summer will initially be available with a range of V6 and V8 direct-injection petrol engines covering a power range from 300 to 500HP. Depending on the model, power is transmitted to the rear or to all wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox or optionally, the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) (Double-Clutch Gearbox). For more pictures of the Panamera....

2011 Jaguar XFR-S Rendered for your Delight

2011 Jaguar XFR-S Rendered for your Delight

At last year's 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar revealed a limited production version of the XKR called the XKR-S that featured subtle chassis alterations and a series of visual enhancements. While the British firm has not announced any plans for the introduction of a similar version of the new XFR sport saloon that was unveiled at the Detroit Show earlier this month, chances are that Jaguar will most likely give the green light (if it hasn't already) for the development of the XFR-S.

With this in mind, the crew over at Jaguarmania came up with a series of renderings depicting the XFR-S. In their opinion, the 'S' model will gain a set of unique 20-inch alloy wheels, different side sills and a new rear-diffuser incorporating larger tailpipes. We're guessing that if Jaguar goes ahead with the XFR-S, it will most likely get an even more aggressive look with a new front spoiler, blacked-out chrome effects, a larger wing and a lowered suspension.

Source: Jaguarmania - Grazie Giancarlo!

All-Important BMW 730Ld Goes on Sale in the UK

All-Important BMW 730Ld Goes on Sale in the UK

We're guessing that you're wondering what's so special about the long-wheelbase diesel version of BMW's new 7-Series. Well, consider this; according to the Bavarian automaker, the 730d and the 730Ld are predicted to account for a whopping 85 percent of all 7-Series sales in the UK during a full year. The 730Ld is priced in the UK from £56,790 (OTR), or £3,060 more than the standard wheelbase 730d.

Aside from offering an additional 14cm (5.5-in) of legroom for rear seat passengers, the 'L' variant also gets a self-leveling rear suspension, chrome rain channels in the roof, illuminated interior rear vanity mirrors and an electrically-powered sunblind for the rear window.

Optionally, the long-wheelbase specification can be enhanced with multi-adjustable Comfort Seats for both front and rear seat passengers, complemented by individually heated and air-conditioned seats that can also be fitted, in the rear, with a massaging capability.

Like the 730d, the new BMW 730Ld is powered by an all-aluminum 3.0-liter straight-six cylinder diesel engine that produces 245HP at 4,000rpm and a peak torque figure of 540Nm from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm. This results in a 0 to 62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a 153mph top speed while achieving a combined consumption figure of 38.7mpg UK (7.3 lt / 100km or 32.2mpg US).

Mitsubishi to Reveal i MiEV SPORT AIR Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi to Reveal i MiEV SPORT AIR Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Taking pride of place on the Mitsubishi stand at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show will be the i MiEV SPORT 'AIR' concept, a proposal for a miniature-sized, all-electric zero CO2 emission sports car. As its name suggests, the prototype is based on Mitsubishi's i MiEV, an all-electric version of the 'i' minicar. Details are still scarce, but Mitsubishi did note that the sporty concept with the clear removable top will sport a more powerful electric motor than its citycar sibling.

Bugatti Planning to Replace the Veyron in 2012

Bugatti Planning to Replace the Veyron in 2012

You’d think that the VW Group would think twice before developing a worthy successor to the outrageous Bugatti Veyron 16.4 after all the delays and problems that where associated with the development of the current model but as Bugatti’s Bugatti boss Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen pointed out to British car magazine Autocar, the company has already made plans to replace the 1,001 HP supercar around 2012 with another ultra high-end model.

“We will be staying on top of everybody else and we will not be producing a smaller, or cheaper car and we will not be moving volumes up. Bugatti customers are very extreme people,” he told Autocar.

Talking about Bugatti’s future plans, another high-level source said that the company is also considering adding a second model line, quite possibly a high-end luxury sedan based on the next Bentley Arnage that will rival the Rolls Royce Phantom. The supercar maker is also said to develop an even more powerful GT version of the current Veyron that could top 1,200 HP at the end of the current model’s production cycle.

Mirror-Finish Bugatti Veyron 16.4 on Show

Mirror-Finish Bugatti Veyron 16.4 on Show

Though it would have made a great story if someone had actually given his own personal Bugatti Veyron 16.4 a mirror-finish, this particular vehicle is the work of artist Olaf Nicolai and it is on display at Volkswagen Group's redesigned Autostadt pavilion in Wolfsburg, Germany, that reopened on the 31st of October 2008. VW Group's most prized automobile is positioned in a special exhibition area that's covered in mirrors in which the observer sees himself reflected back and infinitum from the mirrors, thus (supposedly) becoming part of the exhibit.

Honda to Present S2000 and Fit / Jazz Modulo Concepts at 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

Honda to Present S2000 and Fit / Jazz Modulo Concepts at 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

Two new concept cars will be the main attraction at Honda's booth at this weekend's Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 that will be held from Friday, January 9, to Sunday, January 11, 2009, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The S2000 and Fit (called Jazz in Europe and other markets) concepts have both been developed by Honda's in-house customization brand, Modulo. The Japanese firm has not released any specific details on the two cars other than that the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept combines 'superior performance' with a 'premium interior finish' and that the Sports Modulo Fit Concept is a compact and practical, yet sporty automobile.

From the official press shots, we see that the S2000 Modulo Concept gains a wider front bumper and a new grille adorned with LED lights, side sills and multispoke alloy wheels. Inside, Modulo has uprated the S2000's cabin with new leather seats and carbon fiber trim.

As for the Sports Modulo Fit Concept, it too features a sportier front bumper with LED lights, side sills and dark alloy wheels. The Fit's two-tone interior has been extensively modified with the addition of bucket seats, an alcantara sport steering wheel, carbon-fiber trim finished in orange and extra gauges around the instrument panel.