The Germans from Volkswagen have unleashed their latest set of wheels— Golf GTD. This is without a doubt a car that will appeal immensely to those looking for the Volks GTI style clubbed with the economy and efficiency of a diesel engine inside. Shedding some of the speed of the GTI, the GTD is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp turbo diesel engine with 258 lb-ft of torque and a fuel economy rating of 44 mpg. Racing from 0 to 62 mph in a leisurely 8.1 seconds, this is more about saving cash rather than chasing criminals. With a 6-speed manual gearbox, an optional 6-speed DSG, posh interiors styled in black and white and low carbon emissions, the GTI will appeal to the daily city commuter who looks for efficiency, economy and ergonomic design that fits into smaller parking spaces. [via jalopnik]

Tags: Golf GTD, GTD, Volkswagen Golf GTD, vw golf, VW Golf GTD

The revamped Toyota Crown Majesta has been announced for the Japanese market. The new version of the car has some real cool features both in terms of performance improvement and safety. Under the hood will be either a 4.3-litre V8 which is fitted to a four-wheel-drive system with a 6 Super ECT transmission or a 4.6-litre V8 with an 8-speed electronically-controlled gearbox for two wheel drive engines.

On the inside the Majesta comes loaded with HDD navigation system, Toyota sound system with 20 speakers, a camera that detects pedestrians in front of the car, pre-crash seatbacks system, supplemental restraint system and a total of 10 airbags for additional safety. The new Majesta will have a price tag ranging between ¥6,100,000 and ¥6,900,000 ($62,000 to $70,000) and seems to be a perfect balance between, style, performance and safety. [via nihoncar]

Tags: 2009 toyota, 2009 toyota crown majesta, crown majesta, toyota crown

Electric seems to be the way forward with cars and Tesla has just announced that it will start production of their Tesla Model S by the third quarter of 2011. That is great news for auto enthusiasts who would prefer practicality and efficiency over sheer power and pace as the Model S is equipped with a battery pack made up of 8,000 cells, giving it a range of about 300 miles, top speed of 120 mph and 0-60 acceleration in 5.6 seconds. The car has plenty of room for people and for storage with the batteries housed on the floor and it can comfortably accommodate five adults and a couple of kids. With a drag coefficient of just 0.27 and weighing just 1735 Kg, Tesla has tried hard to increase its efficiency with better design and lighter frame. Set to be priced at $49,900, this is a great buy in any way you look at it! [via autoblog.com]

Tags: Model S, Tesla, Tesla Model S

The BatSmart is apparently a cozy little stylish Batmobile that is made just for two people. But looking at the hot Cat woman (who unveiled it), we can’t be sure there’s room for two. Signed by George Barris and made by scissor door kit maker Vertical Doors, it is true to the original design of the Bat mobile in every aspect. Sure, the rear air filter jet engine outlet does not work, but when you are in the company of such sexy curves (meow), crime fighting sure can wait! We just hope that Batman and Robin don’t jump into it to create a Superhero version of Broke back Mountain! [via Jalopnik]

Tags: Batmobile, BatSmart, BatSmart for two, George Barris, Smart for two

Lexus LF-A is a much awaited goody on wheels that the auto enthusiasts have been waiting for. And rumors have it that it could make its grand debut at the Tokyo Auto Show slated for this November. Powered by a 600hp Lexus V10 engine and an acceleration that will help you race from 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds, the LF-A should surely steal the show in an event from which top makers like Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, BMW, Nissan, Lamborghini and Volkswagen have pulled out due to the prevalent economic showdown. Luxury redefined? [via WCF]

Tags: Lexus, Lexus LF-A, LF-A

All set to make its official debut at the Seoul Motor Show, the first few details of the new Hyundai Blue Will Concept are out already. The plug-in petrol/electric hybrid car utilizes a 1.6-liter petrol engine along with an LG li-ion battery-powered 100 kW electric motor for all its power. With dye-sensitized solar cells built into the glass on the roof of the car (just to add juice to the battery), it’s bound to get all the attention of clean-fuel lovers. In addition to solar power, headlight bezels made from a material obtained from recycled plastic soft drink bottles and a biodegradable cover on the engine ad interiors, there is absolutely no doubt who Hyundai is targeting with this one. All set to steal the show come April 2; the Blue Will aims at greener future for automobile industry.

Tags: concept, Hyundai, Hyundai Blue Will Concept

The new Audi Q5 made its world debut, where do you think? At the Beijing Motor Show.

I’m sure Audi knows who they are going to fight with, in the compact crossover niche, because BMW already has the X3 live, Mercedes-Benz have just announced the GLK and Volvo seems pretty active, too. Their ace up the sleeve is the sportier (elegant) looks, or at least the Germans think so.

Beautiful headlights with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights, a large single-frame grille or those big wheels are extremely eye-catching when you take a look at the picture. I wouldn’t expect anything cheaper on the rear: taillights with LED technology or the aluminum wraparound tailgate.

The engine palette is also nice. Three choices that include two diesel versions and a petrol engine, all turbocharged:

• 2.0 TFSI that outputs 211 hp and 350 Nm torque.
  It does o to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 222 km/h. Fuel consumption is 8.5L for 100 km.
• 2.0 TDI that outputs 170 hp and 350 Nm torque.
  It does o to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 204 km/h. Fuel consumption is 6.7L for 100 km.
• 3.0 TDI V6 engine that outputs 240 hp and 500 Nm torque.
  It does o to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.7L for 100 km.

I really like what I see. Waiting for prices now !

Source

The Buick Invicta Concept a midsize premium sedan, debuted a few days ago at the Beijing Auto Show. Inspired from Buick Riviera the four-door is going to be produced for the US and the Chinese markets, but rumors say that it may “visit” other continents if sales figures decides it.

The high belt line and the big 20-inch polished aluminum wheels makes the Buick Invicta seem like a beautiful tank with cat-eye headlamps.

Now comes the interesting part. The engine. It’s powered by a first direct injection turbocharged engine that develops 250 hp from those four-cylinders and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. All these are possible thanks to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that promises fuel efficiency.

“Not bad” is the first thing I could say about the new Corvette ZR1. They called it the American supercar and for a reason because it was supposed to output 620 hp from a hand built LS9 6.2L supercharged V8 engine. Though 620 hp may have been enough, it turned out to be the bad number, because Corvette ZR-1 outputs nothing less than 638 hp (476 kW). This is the most powerful engine that GM ever built.

“The combination of large displacement and the new, four-rotor design broadens the effective range of the supercharger, allowing the engine to make more power at lower rpm and sustain it throughout the power band. The low-end torque is tremendous and the high-rpm charge from the supercharger is simply amazing.” said Sam Winegarden, GM Powertrain Chief Engineer.

I’ve just heard that Peugeot’s General Director, Jean-Philippe Collin, noted during the Lisbon Motor Show that the rumored Peugeot RC-Z Concept is actually going to be produced. Build on the 308 platform, doesn’t yet have a name and the French are expecting to see it reaching dealerships by the spring of 2010.

Rumors say that we will get to see the new Peugeot RC-Z Concept in 2009, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. I really wonder if they will make it hybrid or something !!!

For a good price, they would sell a lot of units with this design. What do you think?

via AutoMill