Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Dumb & Dumber: Carjackers Get Hung Up With Manual Gearbox

There’s nothing funnier than two car thieves failing miserably at a theft because they can’t drive a stick shift. Apparently, this is what happened when two young men decided to rob a guy finishing his night shift at the local pizzeria. After they held him at gunpoint and easily took his wallet and car keys the thieves proceeded to the man’s car. The victim ran inside his work to call the police and upon his return found the two hopeless thieves still trying to turn on the car.

"I look out, and the guy's still in his car, trying to start the car, but all he has is the radio on, 'cause you have to keep the clutch down to start the engine," said pizzeria employee J.J. Williamson. The thieves decided to just take off with the wallet and what little dignity they had left. To their detriment, police quickly caught up and arrested the 18 year old and his juvenile side kick

Posted by Dani

Via: 11alive

Toyota Prius tops rankings yet again for FIA's Ecotest

Environmental concerns are growing uncontrollably, especially in this day and age when there is ample technology, brainpower and financial back up to provide us with vehicles that release less pollutants and meet environmentally friendly emission standards.

That is why the organization FIA foundation (Federation Internationale de l' Automobile) has emerged with its EcoTest program which specifies the strengths and weaknesses of passenger cars. Launched in 2003, the EcoTest program has built a profile consisting of the environmental performance of a range of popular car models in the European market. The database is set up by the German automobile club ADAC and sponsored by the FIA Foundation. EcoTest assesses the emissions of pollutants ( HC, CO, NOx and PM) and the emissions of the green house gas carbon dioxide. The star rating is calculated by a sum of rating pollutants and CO2. The outcome is a simple and comprehensible rating of 1 to 5 stars for each car. -Continued: Click "Read More..." below

According to the latest ranking, the Toyota Prius hybrid still holds the first place for the most “environmentally friendly” car in the European market.

On the other hand, natural gas vehicles have taken 2nd and 9th rankings in the FIA EcoTest. The Volvo V70 2.4 Bi-fuel was second within just two points of taking out 1st place indicating that biomass fuels have significant potential for CO2 reduction and are likely to outstrip conventional fuel performance in the future. At the bottom of the table, with the highest pollution rating, was the VW Sharan 2.8 Gasol along with the Kia Rio 1.5 diesel which had a high CO2 emissions rating.

Diesel fuelled cars have made startling progress in overtaking their rivals by cutting emissions and reducing pollution. Diesel technologies such as particle filters and selective catalytic reduction show “very promising results”, according to EcoTest.

Posted By Chris

Chris is a friend of mine who's a professional journalist by day and hopefully, a blogger by night!

2008 Ford Focus Facelift - Will It Be This Dramatic?

See the above CGI, well according to Autoexpress this is how the facelifted Focus will look like when it’s presented later on the year. While we’ll validate the fact that Ford will unveil a revised version of the Focus at the Frankfurt Show –not possibly as Autoexpress notes but definitely as our Ford source told us, we seriously doubt that the car is set for such a dramatic mid-life makeover.

Despite its relatively lacklustre looks, the Focus is selling like hotcakes in Europe. According to JD Power (see chart after the jump), Ford’s C-Segment hatch has found nearly 192.000 new owners in the first five months of 2007, placing it in the second place overall. Also, don’t forget that the third-generation is just two to three years away. What’s the point in proceeding to such a costly makeover if you’re only going to keep it in production for half-a-cycle? Maybe a few changes here and there along with a new set of engines, but nothing more in our humble opinion.

Pic via: Autoexpress , Sales Chart: JD Power

Insiders: Mercedes Officially Names Its Forthcoming Compact SUV, "GLK"

As we reported earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz gave journalists a sneak peek of their upcoming compact SUV that’ll officially go under the name, “GLK”. To everyone’s misfortune and although the SUV was on stage during a presentation that took place a couple of days ago in Austria, MB avoided taking off the black cloak leaving everyone with a bitter taste. What’s worse is that Mercedes showed a couple of final stage CGI’s (Computer Generated Images) to journalists but thanks to a “zelletelefone” embargo and eagle-eyed MB officials, we doubt that anyone managed to snap a shot. Guess we’ll have to wait a few weeks before the public unveiling at the Frankfurt Show in September to get an official glimpse of MB’s X3 adversary. (Pic: Mercedes GL-Class)

Tire Rings: A Guaranteed "No" To A Marriage Proposal

I didn’t know some men’s understanding of romantic gestures was this bad, but if you’re planning on buying your girlfriend or future fiancĂ©e a ring from Tirering and you value your life, please think again. The description on these “tire” rings, which feature different tire designs from motorcycles, mountain bikes and cars, describe these accessories as reminders that you have a passion. It’s a fun idea for the car enthusiast, but we’re sure some nut job will use it to propose to his girl. For the sake of humanity, please refrain from doing so. -Continued after the jump

Posted by Dani

Link: Tirerings

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander: New 2.2 Di-D & 2.4 MiVEC Engines

Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi announced that it will introduce two new engines for the Outlander SUV at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, a 170Hp 2.4-liter petrol engine and a 156Hp 2.2-liter diesel, both of which will be available in Europe from the fourth quarter of 2007. Additionally, the 2008 Outlander will feature minor improvements like the new milled finish 18” alloy wheels and the soft touch paint finish on dashboard. -Check out the press release after the jump

Mitsubishi Motors Europe @ 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

Preview # 1: Outlander 2.2 Di-D and 2.4 MiVEC

- High Power -

Half way through its first year in the market, Outlander has fulfilled its target with over 13,000 units sold across Europe.

Bringing 80% of conquest customers to the Brand across Europe, it provides them with Mitsubishi Motors’ acknowledged expertise in 4-wheel drive technology dressed in a sharp envelope fit for 5+2 passengers (or 2 occupants and up to 1,691 l of cargo) all within a smaller footprint than comparable D-segment wagons.

At the occasion of the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, Outlander will widen its appeal to European customers with the introduction of two additional engines:

  • 2.2 Di-D, Diesel common rail (1)*:
  • 156 PS @ 4,000 rpm and 380 Nm @ 2,000 rpm,
  • All Wheel Control,
  • 6-speed manual gearbox,
  • Launch: fourth quarter of 2007.
  • 2.4 l MIVEC, Petrol (2)* :
  • 170 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 232 Nm @ 4,100 rpm,
  • 2-wheel drive or All Wheel Control (according to markets),
  • 5-speed manual gearbox or stepped Sport Mode 6-speed CVT with optional paddle shift controls,
  • Launch: fourth quarter of 2007.

These two new “high power” engines will then complement the current 2.0 Di-D Diesel pump-jet (140 PS @ 4,000 rpm and 310 Nm @ 1,750 rpm) “mid power” power plant (3).

Further improvements for 2008 include (spec. according to markets):

  • New milled finish 18” alloy wheels (standard on Instyle)
  • Rain sensor and rear parking sensors (standard on Intense+ and Instyle)
  • Soft touch paint finish on dashboard
  • Rear view camera now available in combination with Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (Full-map touch screen Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with music server)

Leaving the role of authentic off-roader to the next generation Pajero, Outlander is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle.

Using the in-built adaptability of MMC’s all-new “Project Global” flexible platform it brings passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure, thanks to its All Wheel Control drive-train, 4-wheel independent suspension, high performance brakes and low centre of gravity. The latter is helped by an aluminium roof panel, using a technology tested with the Lancer Evolution IX.

2008 Lancia Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign

Lancia has introduced a new version to its “le’ chic” mini line-up created in collaboration with MomoDesign. Despite its promising name, the Sport Homo.. err, sorry we mean ,MomoDesign is nothing more than a “pimped-up ala Italia style” version of the fashionista Ypsilon, available with two 1.3-litre diesel engines delivering 90 & 105Hp and a 95Hp 1.4-litre 16v petrol motor.

Offered in four bodywork colors (Black, Grey, Yellow and White combined with an opaque Titanium Grey on the tailgate, the roof and the wing mirrors), the MomoDesign exterior appearance is completed by burnished metalluro finishing details on certain elements, foglights with colour-coded frames, black tone-on-tone ‘MomoDesign’ graphics on the central pillar and 16-inch burnished alloys. Likewise the MomoDesign’s interior is fitted among others with sport seats that can also be upholstered with Leather and Alcantara, with perforations through which a silver ‘MomoDesign’ is visible. -Press Release and image gallery after the jump

Via: Motorpasion , Source: Lancia







Lancia Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign

The model in brief

The Lancia Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign makes its entrance, with the most powerful diesel engine in its class, a new version with a split personality (a dynamic look and innate elegance), which opens a new chapter in the collaboration between two brands that are famous throughout the world for their contribution to Italian industrial design.

Lancia and MomoDesign have created a very personal stylistic language which makes their creations stand out among so many mass-produced products. This is borne out, for example, by the exclusive items of clothing and accessories designed and developed by the MomoDesign Styling Centre: helmets, watches, sunglasses, shoes and leather goods. They are unique products in the fashion world, just as Lancia creations are unique in theirs. In this sense, the new Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign is an example of how an ‘automotive object’ can be reinterpreted from a stylistic viewpoint with another brand, highlighting the expressive features that have always distinguished Lancia: elegance and attitude.

With the new Sport MomoDesign version, the new Ypsilon extends its range to appeal to young drivers who are looking for a sporty car at an accessible price, that provides emotion at the wheel but still maintains all the elegance and distinction that are the reason for the success of Lancia’s compact.

On the outside, the car sports the new Lancia logo and a number of stylistic and chromatic features typical of products from MomoDesign, for example the four bodywork colours (Masaccio Black, Borromini Grey, Casorati Yellow and Raphael White), combined with the exclusive opaque Titanium Grey of the tailgate, the roof and the wing mirrors. The ‘outfit’ of the Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign is completed by burnished metalluro finishing details on certain elements, foglights with colour-coded frames, black tone-on-tone ‘MomoDesign’ graphics on the central pillar and original 16” diamond effect burnished alloy wheels. The same sporty styling is evident inside, where the dark panelling of the passenger compartment sets off the black of the technological Airtex fabric on the seats and the leather of the steering wheel and gear lever knob, and the Ypsilon logo on the head-restraints adds an elegant touch. And for extra sportiness the seats can be upholstered with Leather and Alcantara Starlite, with perforations through which a silver ‘MomoDesign’ is visible.

Whoever loves driving will find that the compact new Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign guarantees sparkling performance on every road, providing great sensations for the driver and passengers, thanks to the low suspension and disc brakes front and rear.

Where the engines are concerned, the most assertive is the sparkling 1.3 Multijet 16V which delivers 105 bhp at 4000 rpm and 200 Nm (20.4 kgm) of torque at 1750 rpm. With this engine and a 5-speed gearbox, the car has a top speed of 177 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. Excellent performance that makes this car the most powerful compact in its class. In spite of which consumption and CO2 emissions are low, as they are on the entire Multijet range: 4.7 l/100 km in the combined cycle and 123 g/km.

The Sport MomoDesign range will include a petrol version with a 1.4 16v engine that delivers 95 bhp, which is more entertaining to drive, thanks to a 6-speed manual gearbox (the sequential, robotised DFN gearbox is also available). And finally, motorists who wish to combine the handling of a sports car with respect for the environment in a compact, are offered the 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet 16v, which fits the DPF particulate filter as standard equipment.

The most striking characteristics of the Lancia Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign are its original styling and excellent performance. But it is also lavishly equipped: climate control, ‘Dual Drive’ electric power steering, Hi-Fi radio-CD player, remote control door opening and closing, Follow me home device, dark rear windows, perforated leather upholstery on the steering wheel and gear lever knob with silver overstitching. On the outside, the car has diamond-effect burnished 16” alloys and colour-coded twin electric wing mirrors. In the safety field, the new Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign is equipped with ABS complete with EBD, front airbags and curtain-bags (sidebags are available as an option) and the sophisticated ESP system with ASR and a Hill Holder. The lavish array of equipment also features electric front windows, a split, folding, tilting rear seat and a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach. And finally, there is a long list of optional equipment that includes the GranLuce sunroof, dual zone automatic climate control, a Bose sound system, a satellite navigator and the Blue&Me system.

At a later date, a rear spoiler will also be available, the ideal solution to make this sporty compact look even more aggressive. The Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign will go on the market in Italy in mid June, and will gradually strengthen the new Ypsilon range on all the other markets.

The new Sport MomoDesign version obviously inherits all the distinction and prestige inherent in the new Ypsilon, a car that combines the excellence of the styling with cutting-edge technology. Just like all the best Italian luxury products, names that are famous throughout the world. The new Ypsilon was designed and developed for a clientele that likes to stand out with exclusive products, and for whom a car must be first and foremost a pleasure to use. And like all the best Italian luxury products, the new Ypsilon exudes stylistic refinement, perfect colour combinations and endless possibilities to customise this ‘pocket flagship’, over 700 in fact, by combining 12 bodywork colours, 4 specifications (Argento, Oro Bianco, Oro Giallo and Platino), 9 new ‘bicolore’ liveries, 9 different interior outfits and 7 types of alloy (including those from Linea Accessori). Whatever the level of customisation, the new Ypsilon is always appealing and original, typical of the Italian good taste that is famous around the world.

So the new Ypsilon demonstrates, yet again, the great versatility of this ‘pocket flagship’, a successful model with which Lancia enters a future in which the product will not be the only ‘premium’ topic that sets it aside from the competition, nor will it be the only motivating factor that stimulates a potential buyer. Which is why the brand has looked at important novelties in terms of sales and after-sales, to meet the desires, needs, tastes and aspirations of so many different customers. For example, in Italy customers are offered the ‘Lancia VYP Service’ which includes roadside assistance and a courtesy service that collects and redelivers the car for periodical maintenance checks. This means that, for two years, in other words for the entire warranty period, the customer does not have to worry about taking the car to the workshop for periodical maintenance because Lancia will deal with it, guaranteeing the customer’s mobility in the meantime. In the event of a breakdown, a puncture, an empty fuel tank, etc, the mobile workshop will intervene to solve the problem rapidly. It is a revolutionary service designed specifically for a ‘premium’ customer.

It’s Alive! VW Golf GTI W12 650Hp Video


Listen to that turbocharged W12 growl like a hungry lion! The more we see and hear of VW’s stunning concept the more we’re drawn into it. This video was shot during a VW presentation of the Golf GTI W12 650Hp Concept in what seems to be a soccer stadium, so don’t expect any crazy stunts. Just pop up your ears and get ready for an acoustic feast.

Via: Le blog auto

Horse Detained By Police Over Stolen Vehicle In South Africa!

"We have apprehended a horse and two suspects for being in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle'' – this unbelievable statement was made by Soweto’s police spokeswoman, Captain Lindiwe Mbatha! According to Mbatha, S. African cops patrolling in Soweto (actually, an acronym for the 26 individual South-Western Townships), pulled over two people in a horse-cart hauling a stripped body of a brand new Toyota Corolla due to suspicions of theft.

Since the police officers were not allowed by law to leave the horse and the Toyota Corolla on the street, the poor animal had to be detained along with the suspects! "The animal had to be taken in with its carriage and the suspects. We couldn't leave the horse on the road because it was carrying a suspected stolen car,'' Mbatha said. Luckily, the 4-legged “suspect” was freed of all charges… and released into the care of animal rights association in Johannesburg.

Via: Daily Telegraph