2010 Lexus LF-A Rumored For Tokyo Motor Show Debut

Since pretty much everyone is ditching the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, rumor has it Toyota will finally unveil the production 2010 Lexus LF-A, a laughably expensive, V10-powered supercar with only 500 copies available.


If the rumor-mill is on its "A" game, Toyota will finally be trotting out the production version of its Formula 1 inspired super-mega-awesome-car from the land of the rising sun at their Tokyo show stand. The production will be as scarce as the unicorn farts used to carbonize the surface of the cams (the equivalent of 500 copies). It'll reportedly get two models, the pedestrian GT550 and the more raucous SS550, which will inevitably cause consternation amongst the l33t speakers in the supercar market. That banshee of a V10 under the hood should be good for engineering pr0n and produce somewhere around 500 HP, which, seems a bit weak for the expected $310,000 asking price. Since we're pretty sure conspicuous consumption is still the "in" thing among the legally wealthy, we're expecting the super expensive, obnoxiously styled, limited run automobile will find plenty of fine homes in fortified compounds across the world.

Ford Mustang GT

Ford Mustang is one of the greatest cars in terms of sales success of all time. Approximately 50% of all sports cars sold in United States of America are Ford Mustangs. This muscle car model today still remains one of the hottest selling cars in America. It’s also America’s best selling convertible. 2007 Mustang GT is equipped with 4.6 liter, all-aluminum V8 engine that outputs 300 horsepower. That´s more than 50% power increase over the V8 found in the classic 1964 Mustang.

Chrome BMW M3

Tired of the color of your car? May be you can just “chrome” it. One more pic below.

One crazy owner of an E46 M3 was not happy with the way his car drove or looked, so he added a Flossman GTR-style wide body kit, supercharged the inline six motor to the tune of 600hp and then stacked the boot with an audio system that looks like it came out of a flying saucer. Oh yeah, then he decked out the whole thing in chrome.

Porsche Cayenne – the new 2010 4x4 steps out

It's not long now until Porsche replaces the Cayenne SUV, its most controversial model line ever. Probably. The new Cayenne Mk2 will arrive in spring 2010 with a raft of changes to keep buyers and politicians alike happier with the idea of a hulking great sporting SUV.

Our new spy photos reveal how the new 2010 Cayenne will adopt a slightly softer form language. The back lights appear to be less upright, with a more horizontal shape, split between rear panel and tailgate; the rear of the car appears more pinched for improved aerodynamics; and the front grille is now a less fussy design.

As is the wont of designers at the turn of the decade, the Cayenne's face is dripping with LEDs – a 911 Turbo style day-running light bar bisects the outer air intakes. Prepare to be blinded.

It looks a bit like an Infiniti crossover!

Well, the front three-quarters photos certainly suggest the Cayenne has a curvier style. We can indeed see a little bit of Infiniti FX in the more rounded character lines and swoopier glasshouse. Net effect? It makes the new 2010 Cayenne look less aggressive, more crossover inspired, less brutal, which can only be a good thing.

This is exactly what Porsche is aiming for with its second-gen 4x4. The technical changes underline this: engines will be tweaked for marginal power increases but more significant CO2 and mpg gains. Not least the new hybrid.

A hybrid Porsche? It must be their first electric production car

Indeed it is (although don't forget Ferdinand Porsche's extraordinary Lohner-Porsche full EV of 1899). CAR has already driven the prototype Cayenne Hybrid several times, and the latest iteration uses the Audi 3.0-litre V6 petrol mated to sophisticated hybrid hardware twinned with the gear being readied for the new VW Touareg due at the 2010 Detroit auto show.

The new petrol-electric Cayenne will certainly be a political statement for Porsche, and signals a rush of new part-electrified models. Next up is the Panamera Hybrid.

McLaren Super Sports Car

The successor to McLaren F1, the MacLaren MP4-12C is built from years of experience in the supercar and Formula 1 business.
Power comes from the twin-turbo 3.8 liter V8 churning out 600 bhp and 433 lb-ft of torque. McLaren says that their engine is not only powerful, it's environmentally-responsible as well with a low carbon emission rate.
The 0-60 time will be about 3 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph. A total of 1,000 cars will be made and price will be around $265,000.

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

Dodge announced today that the all-new Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR — short for American Club Racer — will make its public debut at next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The latest addition to Chrysler LLC’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) family of performance vehicles, the all-new, 600 horsepower 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is a street-legal Viper engineered to dominate on the race track. Because it is street legal, die-hard Viper and track enthusiasts can drive their car to the race track, run it at top speed on the track and then drive it home.

“With the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, SRT has taken the ultimate American sports car and injected it with an extra dose of racing DNA,” said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing and Communications, Chrysler LLC. “With the Viper SRT10 as the starting point, SRT engineered a combination of reduced weight, race-tuned suspension and aerodynamic improvements to create the ultimate Viper for the street and track.”

Derived from the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, the heart and soul of the all-new 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR is SRT’s new 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR stays true to the five key aspects of SRT: standout powertrain, bold exterior styling, race-inspired interior, benchmark braking and world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range.

Bold Exterior Styling
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR exterior styling cues offer not only bold aesthetics, but functional benefits on the track. These include a variable geometry “fanged” front splitter, an adjustable rear wing sculpted by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and optimized front dive planes. These new aerodynamic devices are formed in high-performance autoclaved carbon-fiber. By using both unidirectional and woven laminates, the aero equipment is optimized for the minimum weight possible.

The splitter and dive planes feature a clear-coated carbon-fiber weave on all Viper SRT10 ACR models. The front splitter includes three removable rub strips that provide protection and wear resistance. Supported by stainless steel tension cables, the splitter is designed to absorb the energy from minor upward deflections.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR aerodynamics are tuned and balanced to maximize downforce and provide increased levels of lateral grip. Each Viper SRT10 ACR also includes a track extension that replaces the center splitter rub strip and fills out the fanged splitter scallop for closed-circuit events. The aerodynamic effect of the track extension is a reduction in overall drag and an increase in front downforce of nearly one-third.

The front fog lamps have been deleted and replaced with lightweight filler panels. The 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR features a signature two-tone paint scheme with a black center section. An optional driver’s stripe is available on a two-tone Viper Red or a Viper Black ACR. The driver’s stripe also features a sewn leather accent on the steering wheel. A clear-coated exposed weave is featured on the rear carbon-fiber wing of all two-tone and driver’s stripe Viper SRT10 ACR models.

A standard Viper SRT10 monotone paint scheme is also available featuring a body-color rear wing and dual painted Viper stripes. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is available in five colors: Viper Red, Viper Black, Viper Violet, Viper Bright Blue Metallic and Viper Very Orange. Lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels are painted gloss black to complete the one-of-a-kind exterior styling.

Race-inspired Interior
Based on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 interior, the Viper SRT10 ACR goes a step further to satisfy what racers want: the least weight possible. An optional “Hard Core” package offers maximum weight savings by deleting the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. The radio is replaced by a lightweight cover that can be configured to mount the included lap timer. The door speakers are replaced by lightweight carbon-fiber panels. The Hard Core package offers a 40 lb. weight savings and provides ultimate street-legal race-ready performance.

World-class Ride and Handling
The all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is specifically modified and tuned for track performance. The ACR suspension includes coil-over racing dampers from KW Suspensions that are adjustable for damping and ride height. The shocks are two-way adjustable without removing the wheels — a timersaver on the track — and they include a large range for compression and rebound. The KW dampers and forks are machined from solid aluminum billet, feature spherical bearing mounts, and are optimized to minimize weight and maximize performance.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR features a new front stabilizer bar for increased roll-stiffness. Lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels are optimized by using Finite Element Analysis to achieve a lower rotating unsprung mass. Finished in gloss black paint, they wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup DOT-approved (street-legal) race tires, providing enhanced grip on the track.

Track performance is maximized in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR via several weight-savings initiatives. The savings were achieved with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires, Sidewinder lightweight wheels and StopTech brake rotors. With the aerodynamic and suspension elements, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the Viper SRT10 coupe. The optional Hard Core package further reduces the weight by another 40 pounds, for a total weight savings of 80 pounds.

Benchmark Braking
The Viper SRT10 benchmark brakes are taken to the next level in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR. StopTech two-piece, slotted lightweight rotors combine with the Viper SRT10’s Brembo calipers to reduce rotating inertia and unsprung mass, improve brake cooling, and significantly reduce fade even under extreme conditions. The StopTech rotors feature a patented curved-fin design, a key element in improving brake cooling. The StopTech brake rotors combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires and Sidewinder lightweight wheels combine to reduce 60 pounds of unsprung, rotating mass. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR stops from 60 mph in less than 100 feet.

Standout Powertrain
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR utilizes the Viper SRT10’s new 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces a ground-shaking 600 horsepower and tire-smoking 560 lb.-ft. of torque. It features a deep-skirted V-10 aluminum engine block, cylinder heads equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers, large valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). VVT Electronically adjusts when the exhaust valves are open and closed according to engine speed and load, allowing the engine to “breathe” cleaner and more efficiently.

The two-piece intake manifold combines cast aluminum lower with smooth runners for better air flow, bolted to a die-cast aluminum upper plenum. A revised air-cleaner box with a low-restriction filter sends air through a dual electronic throttle control into the intake module. The air-fuel mixture in the cylinders is ignited by platinum-tip spark plugs fired by individual plug coils mounted on the cylinder-head covers.

Within the cylinders, pistons are equipped with large-diameter floating pins with bronze bushings for high-load capability. Forged powder-metal connecting rods are secured with aircraft-quality fasteners for increased fatigue strength. Engine lubrication is managed by the large oil pump and a swinging oil pickup adapted from Viper competition engines, to ensure proper oil pressure in high-rpm and hard-cornering conditions.

The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR sports the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission known as the TR6060. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential.

Manufacturing
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will be hand built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of 2008 at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of less than $100,000. Complete pricing information will be released at a later date.

Street and Racing Technology
SRT creates some of Chrysler LLC’s boldest, most distinctive products by single-mindedly following its core vision: Deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price, and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility. Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image, race-inspired interiors, world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range, benchmark braking and standout powertrain.

Volvo S40

Volvo S40

2008 Volvo S40 T5 Sedan Shown

German car companies have long been the dominant players in the entry-level luxury sport sedan market. The Volvo S40, introduced to the North American market in 2000, was the Swedish brand's first stab at stealing some market share. Though it had its shortcomings, the S40 was a decent small sedan that helped redefine Volvo's image. Instead of the standard boxy shape once associated with Volvos, the S40 had a sleeker silhouette and was pretty fun to drive.

Volvo released the improved second-generation S40 midway through 2004. Styling is sportier and more refined, as are the car's ride and handling dynamics. Additionally, there are now two engine choices, including a 218-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder known as the T5. Though it still doesn't have the prestige or athleticism of its German competition, the latest Volvo S40 costs less and still offers plenty of refinement, comfort and style.

The Volvo S40 is available as a compact luxury sport sedan. (A related wagon variant is called the V50.) There are two trim levels for the S40. The front-wheel-drive 2.4i trim comes with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 168 hp, and comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is optional. Those looking for a sportier drive should take a look at the T5 trim, which is powered by a turbocharged 218-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder. The five-speed automatic is standard on the S40 T5. An all-wheel-drive T5 with a standard six-speed manual is also available; it can be equipped with the automatic as an option.

Standard features include an interior air filtration system, a telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, stability control and a full complement of airbags. Leather seating, premium Dolby ProLogic audio, a navigation system and a sport package are just some of the optional luxury features that Volvo offers. Inside the S40, the seats, dash and panels look upscale and classy, and the ultra-slim center stack design makes a fashion statement while adding to functionality. The driving position is snug and comfortable, but adults seated in the rear might find the legroom tight.

In reviews, our editors have found the Volvo S40 to be an entertaining car to drive. The chassis and suspension give the car sharp handling attributes. The optional sport package comes with a revised suspension and bigger wheels and tires, which improves cornering performance at the expense of comfort. For most buyers, the standard suspension setup will provide plenty of thrills while providing more cushioning over potholes. As the base 2.4-liter engine's output is rather unimpressive, going with the T5 probably isn't a bad idea.

Volvo introduced the compact Volvo S40 sport sedan in 2000. The first-generation car came with a turbocharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that made 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, and there was no manual transmission or AWD option. Standard features included ABS, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, and heated mirrors, while features like leather upholstery and a power driver seat were optional.

In 2001, Volvo added safety features to the S40 and made minor styling changes to the headlights and interior. The company also brought out a new five-speed automatic transmission. For 2003, power was increased to 170 hp, and a CD player became standard. In 2004, Volvo added an LSE trim to the lineup to sustain interest in the car until the current generation launched later in the year. Reviews at the time noted that the first-generation S40 was a decent small sedan but a tough sell over the less expensive but equally upscale Volkswagen Jetta. Officially, the completely redesigned Volvo S40 was introduced midyear as a 2004.5 model.