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With a V8 M Turbo engine of 550 HP, BMW X6 M will become the most powerful 4WD when it goes on sale for the bavarian Crossover.


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The already fancy-looking Lancer Evo X has just received a new tuning kit, this time coming straight from Japan from the Ings tuning company. At first sight, the whole tuning kit consists of a front bumper and a Z-Power Wing but it actually brings more parts improving the appearance of the car. The tuner installed Ings Sports wheels with Bridgestone tires and Endless Suspension plus an enhanced braking system said to bring a bit more braking force to the new Evo.

Highlights

• Ings tunes Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo X
• The Japanese tuner installs new bodykit
• Bridgestone tires and Ings Sport wheels also installed

Unfortunately, there are only a few details available for the time being as the official website of the tuner only mentions the aforementioned tuning parts. However, the Japanese tuner says the kit will become available in the first months of 2009, despite the fact that preorders are already available on various retailers on the Internet.

Mitsubishi's newest Lancer Evolution saw daylight in 2005 under the form of a concept car displayed at the 39th edition of the Tokyo Motor Show. Codenamed Concept X, the prototype was upgraded and showcased in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show, this time using the Prototype-X name. Lancer Evolution X entered production in Autumn 2007 with the first models delivered in October 2007 in Japan.

In terms of technical specifications, the car comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces at least 275 horsepower (the top output varies by market). It comes with a choice of two transmission systems, namely a 6-speed twin-clutch gearbox and a 5-speed manual unit, with Mitsubishi claiming the manual version is mostly chosen for racing purposes. All models, including Japanese and North American variants, come in several packages offering more or less advanced equipment levels.

Source - Autoevolution

The next two weeks will be decisive for Europe’s beleaguered carmakers as they appeal to Brussels for support in the face of tumbling demand and scarce credit.

The carmakers have requested a €40bn ($51bn, £34bn) soft-loan package from the European Investment Bank, the EU’s long-term lending institution. The issue was discussed by the EIB’s board of directors on Tuesday, according to people close to the institution.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Detroit’s executives go cap in hand for $25bn - Nov-19Analysis: Detroit spinners? - Nov-18In depth: Detroit in distress - Nov-19Doubts over €1bn Opel guarantee plan - Nov-19UK carmakers ask for aid as sales drop - Nov-19In depth: Auto crunch - Nov-18The EIB, which already lends about €2bn a year to carmakers, plans to produce a proposal before a December 2 meeting of European finance ministers.

Ivan Hodac, head of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, said: “It is not a bail-out. It is a soft loan to invest in more fuel-efficient technologies.”

Carmakers also hope that the European commission may encourage member states to adopt “scrapping” incentives, in which car owners would be offered tax breaks for turning in older vehicles to buy new ones.

The hope is that such a programme will stir demand after car sales in western Europe fell 15.5 per cent last month. Mr Hodac argued that it would also help to put more fuel-efficient cars on the road at a time when Europe is trying to curb carbon emissions.

Separately, senior EU officials made clear their concern over possible US state aid to the car industry, asserting that one option might be to complain to the World Trade Organisation if this was felt to be unfair. A key consideration could be the extent to which non-US carmakers were entitled to participate in the plan.

José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, said on Friday the package was being analysed.

In terms of the EU’s own assistance to the car industry, this would have to comply with the bloc’s state aid guidelines, EU officials responsible for competition policy said. These started from the principle that governments should not be allowed to distort competition. They also acknowledged that there were certain circumstances in which state aid might be necessary, officials said.

“Neelie Kroes, EU competition commissioner, said: R&D aid, innovation aid, environmental aid ... this is the type of government support that looks to see where our entrepreneurs need help and what government can do to help them.”

Source - Financial Times

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The Swedish car brand has just announced that the 2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.
"With the 9-5 Griffin Edition, Saab reaches a new altitude in terms of premium standard equipment and value," said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

The model will be available in four-door Sedan as well as a five-door SportCombi model. All versions will feature Saab's signature 2.3 liter, 260 horsepower (194 kW) four-cylinder engine that can be matched to a five-speed manual gearbox or to an automatic one.

Exterior styling of the 9-5 Griffin shows influence from the recently revised Saab family, like the use of matte chrome in the front grill and the frames around the xenon lamps. The sedan model will feature a small spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi model will have a roof spoiler and rails in matte chrome finish.

The car will ride on 17 inch alloy wheels. The special edition Saab 9-5 Griffin will be available in six metallic colors, including Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, plus the new Carbon Grey and Glass Grey.

On the inside, every 9-5 Griffin shines with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. This premium stitching also applies to the Aero-inspired leather-appointed sport seats. They are available in two two-tone variations: black with parchment inserts and parchment with black inserts. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are not only power-adjustable and foldable, but also auto-dimming.


The limited edition Saab is expected to arrive in the showrooms in January 2009, with prices starting at $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the SportCombi model. Since the model comes with tons of standard features, the only options consist of metallic paint, ventilated seats and navigation system.

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One way to avoid accidents is by not driving in bad weather. For this, you should monitor the weather and check the forecasts so that you can plan ahead and don’t face unexpected weather conditions on your way, and be prepared by having the necessary equipment with you. Bad weather conditions increase the potential risk on the road, and you should try to reschedule a trip if possible. However, if you do have to make the trip, ensuring that your car is in good mechanical condition is very important.

You should make sure that the tyres, brakes and windshield wipers are properly functional. Your headlights should not be dirty, and the mirrors should be clean. There are some tips that can come in handy in bad weather conditions, and can assist you in avoiding accidents. In bad weather, you should drive slowly and should always plan the trip, and leave extra time so that you don’t have to worry about running late. You could also consider an alternate route that is more suitable, and has less severe weather conditions. In order to avoid skids and accidents, you should drive slowly and keep the space between your vehicle and that ahead of you double than usual. Every car has a different stopping time when brakes are applied. So, the driver should be aware of the time the car takes to come to a stop. In order to prevent the car from slipping, brakes should be applied gently.

Listen to the local radio while driving so that you are informed about the conditions of the road ahead, and you know what to expect and prepare accordingly if required. However, you should make sure that you keep the volume of the radio low, so that your concentration is not affected. You should keep the headlight beams low when there is fog. This does not only improve the driver’s visibility, but also makes it possible for the other drivers on the road to see you. It is good to avoid traffic coming from centre line. In order to do that, you should try to keep your car to the right side of the road.

It is important for the drivers to keep on adjusting their car’s speed as appropriate. When the conditions are bad, whether it is snow, wind or diminished visibility, it is essential for the driver to keep concentrating on the road and not get distracted. As annoying as the bad conditions might be, even a slight distraction can cause serious accidents.

If the visibility grows very poor and you think that you are not able to concentrate on the road and your confusion is increasing, it is always smart to pull the car over to the side, and have a rest while you wait. Your concentration level should be much higher in bad conditions than what it is normally. If there are passengers present in the car, they should make sure that they don’t distract the driver in any way.

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Mercedes is planning to offer a hybrid S-class starting in 2009. The S400 BlueHybrid, a mild hybrid powered by M-B's 3.5-liter V-6, boasts a lithium-ion battery co-developed with supplier Continental and described by Daimler R&D boss Thomas Weber as “a crucial breakthrough.”

Unlike Lexus's LS600hL, the S400 is not aimed at the performance market. Instead, it uses its hybrid drivetrain solely for the traditional aim of fuel efficiency. Mated in the style of a mild hybrid with a 20-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the V-6 will turn off while the car is stationary and kick back on when the driver wants the car to move. Under braking, the batteries are charged. The electric motor can't propel the S400 on its own but assists in acceleration.

The compact lithium-ion battery module is far more powerful than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is integrated in the car's cooling system to ensure optimal operating temperature.

BMW seemed miffed at the announcement, with executives pointing at the joint hybrid-vehicle alliance between BMW and Daimler. But this particular battery is a Mercedes development, and the carmaker holds 25 patents on it.

With internal combustion and electronic wizardry working together to produce 295 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, the S400 is capable of a 0-to-62-mph sprint in a claimed 7.3 seconds and will pull to a governed 155 mph--all while delivering 30 mpg on the European cycle (up from 23 mpg) in S-class comfort. Additionally, the S400 packages all the hybrid equipment under the hood, so neither passenger room nor cargo space suffers for the driver's conscientiousness.

Europe will get this hybrid in 2009, and a Mercedes spokesman confirmed that it will be offered in the U.S. later--we believe in 2010. If 30 mpg is not enough for you, and you can't picture yourself in a Prius, start hoping Mercedes offers the upcoming and even thriftier S300 BlueTec diesel hybrid outside Europe.
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Foolish petrol prices, petrol battles, pollution and global climate change.
You know what I'm referring to.
THE BAD NEWS:
One likely way out, that you may have heard of, is water automobiles. As distinct from water hybrids, water powered automobiles are yet to be rolled out of the assembly plants. You could get a minimum of 10 strategies of water powered automobiles to try out. Regrettably those designs are too costly to put together, are very knotty, and absolutely unpredictable.
THE GOOD NEWS:
Widespread development and experimentation by numerous back yard engineers has proven one method FEASIBLE. With this method you can run your traditional automobiles PARTIALLY ON WATER (that's a "Water Hybrid"?) with little or no modifications.

• You should be able to increase your gas efficiency by as much as 59% (Toyota 99) or even 70% (Cadillac 99).
• You could drastically cut down discharges and help reduce Global Warming.
• You can improve efficient burning of fuel and consequently lessen wear and tear, engine clatter, high temperature in the engine, carbon deposits, etc.

You see, you have just hit upon a unique piece of information. As there is a small number of persons on the World Wide Web who will not sell you products, but rather when you become a member of a group or club, you will will gain knowledge of how to make these stuffs yourself at home. A number of them will even provide you a COMPLIMENTARY HYDROGEN BOOSTER SYSTEM, fully put together set to go into your vehicle, so you can authenticate its practicability and have a copy for replication. Again, this is a COMPLIMENTARY GIFT for you, for becoming a member and a researcher

You could make use of this mock system to switch nearly any vehicle into an trial, wholly functional WATER HYBRID in one slow day, with the aid of simple tools at home. Back in I knew nothing about automobiles, I had no garage and no special tools, yet I installed one un-aided within a quarter of an hour. This was in an era when all I had was half a page of instructions. Nowadays you can obtain complete informational products or ebooks, packed with guidelines and suggestions. There are also support groups to assist you with any mechanical, electrical or tuning trouble. These new groups have labored hard to make it SIMPLE FOR YOU. And it is the influence of the group that makes your path so much easier and smoother.

IT GETS EVEN BETTER:

You will also be skilled in how to become a home manufacturer of numerous models of hydrogen generating system. Again, basic skills and easy tools is all that is need to replicate these systems for your friends, family or clients. PAY NO ROYALTIES OR LICENSE FEE - you keep all the cash!

When you get into one of these exceptional clubs or groups, you can discover answers to your questions:

1. Is this really practical? How come it's so easy?
2. Why didn't anyone tell me about it before?
3. could water technology do for me?
4. Why should I become a member of a group/club?

So you will start to realize why water hybrid (water car / watercar) secrets have been unknown until today.
To get involved in knowing all there is to know and in learning how to POWER YOUR CAR WITH WATER
Read from the original source
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When Jack Frost gives you the icy look, you better be prepared for the worst. Winter-time driving can be a trouble-bringer bigger than trying to cook a full-size Thanksgiving turkey using the heat of a cinnamon-scented holiday candle. Precautions have to be taken depending on road conditions, weather reports and length of trips. In other words, if it's snowing and you're in for a 6-hour drive on both highway and unpaved roads, you had better fitted the car with 2 pairs of tire chains.
Before getting to the mounting part however, its imperious that you check if your vehicle has enough tire-fender clearance to allow the mounting of tire chains. Generally, an inch all around the wheel will be enough, given standard tire size. Larger tires or aggressive threaded ones may make things difficult for you.

Chains come in a variety of sizes an designs so make sure you get the right-sized ones and try fitting them around your car's wheels right as soon as you purchase them. Doing this later, let's say on a remote ice covered back-country path on a blizzard, and seeing they don't actually fit is not quite the award-wining scenario. All chains provide the same grip and stability except maybe the pinned and double-linked ones. The latter have the same ladder-construction as the cable type only that the number of cross links is twice as larger.

If for some reason, getting a pair or two (preferably two) of tire chains isn't a top priority, the following may kick it to the top of your shopping list: they enhance lateral stability, traction, acceleration and negative acceleration (braking). In translation, they help keep the car where it should be at all times: on track.

Snow chains and winter tires make a perfect couple so once you begin noticing snow deposits on your front alley, it's high time you leave summer behind and switch to arctic mode. When mounting your chains, unfold them and place them parallel in the front of the car to match the wheel's trails. Check for lever locks to always face the exterior, get behind the wheel and slowly drive over them. You should leave enough of the chains to pull them across the top of the wheels. Once you have done so, look for the latch in the back-of-the tire chain section, secure it and then close the lever lock to the front. Pull the chain to see if it's secure and check for proper positioning.

As simple as it may seem, it will take you a little time before getting into it. If you find mounting your winter chains difficult, take your car over to a specialized centre or try some easy-mounting chains. Such types usually come as part of a lager kit comprising detailed instructions and supplementary tools for making the job a lot easier.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, chains can be mounted in a variety of configurations, each with distinct strengths and weak. Bottom line is, no matter the drive type (4WD, two-wheel front or rear drive) chains can be mounted on both or one pair of wheels, at your choice.

Full-time four-wheel drive cars equipped with chains all-around are the safest to drive in winter as acceleration, braking, steering and grip are enhanced to the fullest. Front axle mounted ones do about the same except one thing: securing the car's rear. Fishtailing is never fun on icy roads unless you really know what you're doing so keep a low, steady speed and you should be fine. Rear axle chain-mounted 4X4's handle and brake poorly but have good acceleration and reduce the risk of fishtailing.

As for two wheel drive vehicles, chain mounting is strongly linked to the type of drive. While front axle mounted chains on front-wheel drive cars are your best friend, rear-fitting them is a choice even worse than animal-imprint silk underwear. You will eventually find out that the car has very poor acceleration, handling and braking so why bother experimenting?

At the opposite pole, rear-drive cars are even harder to please. No matter the front or rear axle chain placement, the vehicle will still object by fishtailing in the first case and handling/braking/rear-end running in the second.

In conclusion, stick to the figure “4”. Get two set of chains and pretty soon you'll be singing a winter driver's version of “I got 5 on it”. However, don't get to peppy, there's nothing gangsta about tire chains, at least not that we know of.

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Danish manufacturer Zenvo has just presented the ST1, a hand-built supercar which provides at least impressive performance, no matter if we're talking about top speed or 0 to 100 km/h acceleration.
And because technical specifications are the most important attributes of this car, let's review some of the most important.

First of all, the engine and the transmission system. Zenvo ST1 sports a 7.0-liter V8 engine that produces 1101 horsepower at 6900 rpm combined with a maximum torque of 1430 Nm at 4500 rpm. The engine is connected to a high-performance six-speed manual transmission. Sure, that's impressive, but what about the electronically limited top speed of 375 km/h? Does that tickle your fancy? And according to the Danish carmaker, this vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in no less than 3 seconds. Fuel consumption is not available at this time, but it's probably the less important attribute considering the aforementioned figures.
 The ST1 is shoed with 255/35–19” Michelin tires on front and 335/30–20” on rear and sports all-round ventilated brake discs. 

• 7.0-liter V8 engine 1101 horsepower
• Maximum power of 1101 hp 255/35–19”
• Michelin tires on front and 335/30–20” on rear

And above all, the car has an impressive lineup of standard features, including here dual zone automatic climate control, Driver Information Center, driver and passenger airbag, cruise control, power windows, 3-mode driving settings, head-up display and auto dimming rear-view mirror.
 The exterior brings xenon headlamps, hydraulic ride height control, carbon-fiber tinted glass, racing light steel frame structure and polished stainless steel exhaust outlets. In case you're wondering, the ST1 has a total weight of 1376 kg, which is extremely important for such a high-performance car.
 A number of options are also available, including carbon wheels, 394mm ceramic discs with 8 piston calipers, custom color leather interior, custom paint color and roll cage with 4 point Safety Harness.

ProMagazine News, You hear it - first ;)
Contact details:

e-mail: eu.george.ro@gmail.com
phone: +40-730026119
Bucharest, Romania
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