2008 VW Rabbit Tops Affordable Hatchbacks Test

The Volkswagen Rabbit emerged as Consumer Reports' top-rated affordable hatchback following tests of six vehicles for the June issue. The Rabbit outpointed CR's previously top-rated hatchback, the Mazda3.

"With agile handling and a versatile, well-finished interior, the Rabbit feels solid and is a pleasant car to drive," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "The Rabbit has commendable fit and finish, a versatile interior, and agile handling."

The Rabbit was tested against five other versatile small sedans – the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra, Mini Cooper Clubman, and the Scion xD. Prices ranged from $16,620 for the xD to $24,700 for the Clubman.

The Rabbit achieved an "Excellent" overall score in CR's tests, the only vehicle in the group to do so. The Impreza and Matrix were rated "Very Good" overall. The Astra and Mini Cooper scored lower, but still in the "Very Good" range. The xD was the lowest rated vehicle in the group, judged "Good" overall.

Separately, CR's engineers also tested the Toyota Prius with the Touring Package trim line-and ranked it second overall in the ranking of Affordable Hatchbacks, right behind the Rabbit and one point ahead of the Mazda3.
Source: Consumeraffairs

2010 Infiniti Small Car To Rival BMW 1 Series

A recent report published by autocar.co.uk reveal that Infiniti is planning a small vehicle for Europe to compete against the likes of Audi’s A3 and BMW’s 1-series. Being smallest, it will serve as an entry level car in the Infiniti Euro line-up.

According to Autocar, the Infiniti baby will come with a totally unique body style to differentiate it from others in the segment. There are also some speculation that the small car from Infiniti could be an SUV crossover, fitting in below the EX35 SUV which is currently Infiniti’s smallest offering. Whatever it looks like, this entry model would go on sale in 2010 and could cost around £22k.

Hyundai To Phase Out Tiburon & Get Veloster Based Car

This year is the last for the Tiburon two-door hatch as it won't be produced for the 2009 model year. But the rear-wheel drive Genesis is not a replacement for the long-serving (since 1997) Tiburon coupe is what Hyundai points out. New Genesis coupe is due to hit dealerships in early 2009 as 2010 model, a time when Tiburon won't be around.

John Krafcik, product development vice president for Hyundai Motor America said,“We are seriously looking at a small front-wheel-drive coupe to replace the Tiburon, but I can’t say when that will happen,”. Adding further, Krafcik said the replacement likely would be similar to the Veloster coupe concept first shown at the Seoul auto show in April 2007. Bearing a bit of a resemblance to Kia’s Cee’d the fwd Veloster coupe was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.

So now it can be safely concluded that the new Veloster-based car would be the spiritual heir to the Tiburon legacy.

Hyundai Tiburon & Veloster Coupe Concept Photos & pictures

2010 Mustang Could Get 5.0L V8 Engine

In an interview with stuff.co.nz, Bill Osborne, President of Ford Australia, claims that Ford is considering using a 5.0L SOHC V8 for the upcoming Mustang in replacement of the previous 4.6L unit. Hopefullly Mustang owners will once again be able to buy the famed 5.0L Mustang, even if it isn’t the old pushrod engine.

Some reports suggest that this new 5.0L unit could also eventually spawn a modern version of the original Boss 302 in a limited edition Mustang GT with power up around the 350hp level. A smaller 4.6L V8 should also be available. This will be the same unit as found in the current Bullitt-edition cars. Developed using parts from Ford Racing Technology, the Bullitt version features a 315hp 4.6L V8 engine with 440Nm (325lb-ft) of torque.

Ford’s iconic Mustang is only due for an update next year but it appears developers will be completely revising the powertrain lineup in addition to tweaking the car’s sheet metal.

Chrysler Nissan Partnership OEM Agreements Inked

Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co. yesterday announced two new agreements for the supply of products between the two companies. Earlier in January, Nissan agreed to supply Chrysler with a new car based on the Nissan Versa sedan for limited distribution in South America on an OEM basis in 2009. The latest original equipment manufacture (OEM) supply agreement extends the product exchange relationship between the two companies.

PRESS RELEASE

Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. issued the following press release.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich / TOKYO (April 14, 2008) – Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced two new agreements for the supply of products between both companies. In January, Nissan agreed to supply Chrysler with a new car based on the Nissan Versa sedan for limited distribution in South America on an Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) basis in 2009.

This new OEM exchange benefits both companies through range extension and the utilization of global manufacturing capacity. Highlights of the new agreement:

Nissan will manufacture an all-new, fuel-efficient small car based on a unique Chrysler concept and design. This new segment entry for Chrysler will be sold in North America, Europe and other global markets in 2010, and manufactured at Nissan's Oppama Plant in Japan.

Chrysler will manufacture a full-size pickup for Nissan. Based on a Nissan unique design, this truck will be manufactured at Chrysler's Saltillo (Mexico) Assembly Plant. In order to accommodate this product, Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to its U.S.-based assembly plants that produce pickup trucks. Sales of the pickup in North America will start in 2011.

This latest OEM supply agreement extends a long standing product exchange relationship between the two corporations, with Nissan affiliate JATCO already supplying Chrysler with transmissions since 2004.

"Forging the right tactical partnerships is critical to the long-term success of Chrysler," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler LLC President and Vice Chairman. "It also builds on the Company's inherent strengths, including the ability to respond rapidly and creatively to emerging opportunities."

"In January, we said we would continue to look for additional OEM opportunities with Chrysler," said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Company. "This latest agreement builds on Nissan's proven track record to deliver win-win product exchanges with multiple manufacturers around the world," continued Tavares.
Since the signing of the first OEM agreement in January, the two companies have also agreed to maintain an open dialogue to explore further product-sharing opportunities.

2009 Bugatti Veyron Targa Confirmed

Today a small bit of news came through that Volkswagen has confirmed Bugatti is indeed working on a Veyron Targa. Good news for Veyron fans. The drop-top Veyron is due to launch sometime next year. Here's some maths for you. Out of the 300 Veyrons that Bugatti promised, 220 of them have already been spoken for and that leaves only 20 Veyron that will be launched in Targa version. But it’s still unknown if this Targa version will count towards the total figure. More details about 2009 Bugatti Veyron Targa along with its photo can be checked below.

Bugatti Veyron Targa Scheduled for 2009
Bugatti spokes person Georges Keller confirmed that his company is working on a 'convertible'. Bugatti is forced to make it a targa (detachable roof) rather than a convertible (folding roof) because there is no storage space for the roof in the car. The Veyron Spider will have an emergency cloth cover to protect the interior just in case. A former Bugatti executive said, “because there was no other solution which could fit with its safety cage."
source worldcarfans

Bugatti Veyron Targa?
Little else is known about the Veyron convertible, logic would dictate that it will be priced above the standard model but may possibly be slightly slower to 100km, it will also not reach its top speed of 407km/h with the roof on.
source caradvice

BUGATTI VEYRON TARGA CONFIRMED
Webasto (the people responsible for Volkswagen’s Eos roof) are developing a glass roof section. The laminated panel will be too big to store in the targa, so a fabric clip-on roof will be supplied incase owners get caught out in a shower.
source germancarscene

2009 Bugatti Veyron Targa Photo

Authorites Manipulating Traffic Lights For More Challans

Authorities in six US cities were found guilty of shortening the yellow light duration at traffic signals. Short yellow light times at intersections lead to more traffic violations, and thus more challans and more money. Local governments in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Springfield, Missouri; Lubbock, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Union City, California had intentionally cut down the amber signal duration to make more profits. Its wake up time guys.

Next time you hit the road, then don't forget to the time the amber light. It should stay lit for atleast 3.9 seconds. It quite likely that many more cities are following the policy of more challans more money. Raise your voice if you find that you are being fooled into paying for illegal challans.
Update:- The city of Chattanooga was forced refund $8800 in red light cameras tickets issued to motorists trapped by an illegally short yellow time.
And here is the rest of it
source national motorist association

Fiat Preparing For 2010 Budget Car

Fiat is planning to launch a low-cost budget car in 2010 and a micro car in late 2009, according to the firm's head of research and development. The new model would be a low-cost vehicle developed as world car targeting markets in South America, Russia, India and China. It has not yet been disclosed whether the new small car will wear the Fiat-badge or not, as there is a possiblity of a new brand being used. Fiat India had recently entered into an agreement with TATA (maker of Nano)to distributed and market its cars in India. This partnership might be further exploited to develop a budget car for developing countries which could also be a successor for Fiat Palio.
source just-auto