History of Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra underwent a few minor changes for 1998. The exterior remained the same, except for the removal of the Anniversary emblems on the front fenders. Inside, a new 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 4-spoke wheel, the cloth sport seats had a bolder design, and the radio was redesigned. The Naturally Aspirated I6 got Variable Valve Technology with Intelligence (VVT-i), which lead to an increase of 5 bhp and 10 lb-ft over the year before. The Twin Turbo I6 remained unchanged. The 5-speed manual transmission was dropped, even though the 6-speed manual was still available only on the Twin Turbo. Therefore, the base model was only available with an automatic. Faced with declining sales for Japanese super cars, this would be the last year that the Toyota Supra would be sold in the U.S.
for detail of Toyota Supra history,go to musclecarclub.com

Mercedes Benz Brabus

Mercedes Benz Brabus , as usual, a very nice stand with almost the whole range on show.Several of the cars were equipped with this engine, Brabus´
version of the twin-turbo V12 called SV12, first introduced in the
Maybach but also powering Mercedes´ 600-models. Brabus has increased
the displacement from 5,5 litres to 6,3 litres which is achieved through
the installation of a unique steel-billet crankshaft, larger diameter
lightweight alloy pistons and precision-balanced connecting-rods.
The engine is also fitted with sport camshafts, precision-machined
cylinder heads, a high-performance sport exhaust system and reprogrammed
engine electronics. The engine is amazingly powerful, 640 bhp at 5100
rpm and a maximum torque of 1026 NM from 1750 rpm. This engine is
available for the SL-, CL- and S600 and the upgrade costs 44900 EURO
plus an installation cost of 1980 EURO. But it is also available in
the E-class in a model called EV12. The EV12 is only available as
a complete car, built in exclusive small-series production, which
means that you can´t upgrade your standard E500 with the V12-engine,
you have to buy the EV12 directly from Brabus. It is one of the most
amazing 4-door cars ever built.

Mercedes Benz Brabus

Mercedes-Benz sells 500000th SLK

Chrysler Dodge Jeep

2009 Audi Q5Review : Hot Looks, Sporty Moves

the Audi Q5 as an Audi A4 Avant that can wade through 20 inches of standing water and scramble across a mildly muddy two-track trail. The standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system has the same 40:60, rear-drive biased torque distribution, and the Audi Q5 packs the same sweet 265 hp 3.2-liter V6 with 243 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a ZF six-speed automatic, and Audi estimates the combination will net 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. If we're honest, that is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to the powertrains they'll offer in the homeland. German Audi Q5s can be had with three of Audi's most impressive engines—the four-cylinder gasoline 2.0 TFSI, and two diesels: a thrifty 2.0 TDI or the powerhouse 3.0 TDI V6, which belts out 407 lb.-ft. of torque. Oh yes, they all get better mileage than our V6.

The Audi Q5 cabin is nearly identical to the A4's, which is no bad thing. It is all quite intuitively designed, right to the flip-down rear seats, which are easily actuated from the cargo area. Only leather will be offered, and upscale niceties like a climate-controlled cup holder and ventilated front seats can be optioned. Audi's MMI (Muti-Media Interface) is much improved too, with small pop-up windows sliding onto the screen to note temperature or seat heat adjustments. The navigation system now shows details on buildings, and can be viewed in "bird's eye" format—quite chic, indeed. But we'd still like to have touchscreen controls.

Toyota May Raise Prius, Luxury Vehicle Prices in Japan

Jiji Press reported that Toyota Motor Corp. is considering raising prices in Japan of its Prius gasoline-electric hybrid car and luxury models, company officials said.

The Japanese auto industry leader is expected to raise prices by one to 3 pct on average due to soaring costs of raw materials such as steel, informed sources said.

The company is likely to make a final decision as early as August and start introducing new pricing by the end of this year, the sources said.

It will be the first time for Toyota to raise its vehicle prices without model changes since 1992, when the company increased prices for some commercial vehicles.

Unlike the United States, it is unusual for Japanese automakers to raise prices without remodeling. But other Japanese automakers are highly likely to follow suit as they also struggle with higher costs.

Toyota seems to be finding it easy to raise the prices of the Prius and luxury models because their sales are apparently less vulnerable to a price increase than other lineups including smaller cars.

The Prius is in short supply because of its strong demand. Higher materials prices take a heavier toll on the Prius than on other models because the hybrid car uses a lot of rare metals, of which prices are rising steeply. [ theautochannel.com ]

Land Rover Going Green

The race against the clock is on for Land Rover to adapt itself to a world where CO2 emissions count. Currently Land Rover’s range of heavy, powerful sport utility vehicles puts it in a potentially dangerous spot for the future where the European Union’s impending legislations threaten to wipe out the great off-roader altogether. As such, Land Rover and Jaguar have announced a £700m ($1.4 bn US/CAD) investment into making their vehicles leaner and greener.

The first move was unveiled last week at the Frankfurt auto show, an LR2 with a stop and start system to prevent idling. The system will first debut on the TD4 turbodiesel model with manual transmission, due to its ease of integration. Land Rover says that this change, applicable around the globe to all of its TD4-powered LR2s would save 10 million tons of CO2 per year, based on the annual production of 28,000 units traveling 24,000 km (15,000 mi) apiece. However, you can bet that as a part of the investment, Land Rover will be adding it to its other vehicles, especially those with bigger V8s that drink more fuel.

MINI SUV to be Built by Magna?

MINI has been in the news lately with regards to the forthcoming Clubman model, the much awaited MINI Cooper wagon. Much like the internationally-inspired wagon concepts, the new Clubman will feature a rear-hinged access (suicide) door plus an extended wheelbase for much-needed extra interior room. Undisguised interior and exterior spy shots have already made their way onto the internet and it’s common knowledge that the car will be debuting this September in Frankfurt. But what’s also got MINI in the news is word regarding a forthcoming compact sport utility vehicle, filling in the niche that smart didn’t when the formore compact SUV was canned.
According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, Canadian automotive consortium Magna is in talks with BMW to produce this vehicle, which is rumoured to be called the Colorado (although GM, with its Colorado pickup truck, may have something to say about this… how about Mini Moke instead). The Colorado would utilize the stretched platform of the Clubman, but would feature additional ground clearance plus a new all-wheel drive system. The little SUV is expected to account for 65,000 units per year. Surprisingly, along with this info came news of a scheduled production figure of 20,000 units for a Volkswagen roadster.

Seat Is Displaying The New Ibiza SportCoupe At The London Motor Show

The London Motor Show is the first car showcase where SEAT is publicly displaying the new Ibiza SportCoupe, the vehicle that completes the Spanish brand’s range of this successful model after the launch last May of the five-door version, and whose new exterior design and compact coupé styling greatly increase its sporty appeal.

The Ibiza unit chosen by SEAT is characterised by the addition of customisation elements on the Sport version that heighten the new model’s already good looks, and reflects the strategy introduced at the international trade press presentation of gradually increasing the possibilities of customising the Ibiza SC.

At first sight, the suggestive exterior in Lumina Orange is immediately visible; a colour that perfectly matches the car’s sporty looks. The Ibiza SportCoupe's exclusive colour palette is completed with Galia Blue Limette Green and Furia Grey. The car also features a spectacular black roof, which draws even more attention.

On the inside, the car’s looks are even more personalised with the addition of body colour detailing on elements such as the steering wheel, gearknob, door panels, ventilation nozzles, the area of the softpad, and the area surrounding the air vent located between the steering wheel and the door. Furthermore, the Ibiza SC features attractive, efficient seats upholstered in a combination of leather and black Alcántara with double orange stitching.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin comes to brilliant close with Vivienne Westwood

STUTTGART/BERLIN - July 23, 2008: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2009 was concluded in glamorous style with a splash of eccentricity, with Vivienne Westwood’s show adding the crowning touch. Taking part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin for the first time, the ‘grand dame of punk’ turned to Ancient Greece for inspiration for her latest ‘Anglomania’ line of casual wear. Scores of celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Eva Padberg and Karoline Herfurth were on hand to admire the English fashion queen’s column-like draped jersey robe creations, vine and vase printed t-shirts, as well as dresses that combined antique tailoring with 50s accents.

The audience was equally impressed by the new collection of Kai Kühne, who once again surprised with an astonishing mix of classic lines and avant-garde vision. Shortly before the show, actress Karoline Herfurth and Mercedes-Benz fashion ambassador Eva Padberg had a chance to chat with Kühne backstage about the latest fashion trends and ‘must-haves’ for women next summer. The New York-based German designer revealed to them that architecture is his current source of inspiration, and that he intends to stay in Berlin for two more days. Perhaps Kühne will be inspired by Berlin’s architecture as he designs his next fall/winter collection.

The fashion designers, event organizer IMG and title sponsor are all extremely pleased with how successfully the third Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin unfolded.
read full report at [ theautochannel.com ]

BMW LOGO

Tesla Roadster

Electric cars: the future of personal transportation?

Electric cars: the future of personal transportation

1968 Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet

When it comes to muscle cars, I'm not generally a Ford man--the major exception being the Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet.

The Cyclone Cobra Jet teases my imagination like no other FoMoCo muscle car. For starters, the Cylone Fastback has just the right look for a muscle car--obviously muscular without being too tastelessly overt. It's bluff and tough in front, but with sweeping, elegant flanks terminating in a tasteful rear fascia. The Cyclone was one of the early wave of slightly more aerodynamic muscle cars built to jockey for dominance in NASCAR--a philosophy that led to its ultimate expression in the form of a former Car Lust, the Plymouth Superbird.

Beneath the skin, the Cyclone looks even better. Many Ford engines of the time were simply outgunned by their GM or Mopar counterparts. While the typical 390 big block was a fine engine when considered on its own, it was too small and too tame to compete with the Hemi, 440 Six Pack, or the GM big blocks. Meanwhile, the ruffian of the family, the racing Ford 427, was too raw and uncivilized to allow for acceptable drivability on the road.
[ carlustblog.com ]

Bugatti Veyron

Bugatti Veyron Also has one of the the most slippery aerodynamic body that can slice through air easy, and also he has a wing, which can generate the enormous amount downwards efforts. Even with all carbon fibre body. This is a car still weight more, than most nearly any car there. Veyron Loads beside 4,300 pounds while car can fall into such velocity with which nearly all supercars is left trailing. On caughted by heat that Goliath like machine issue together with 4 turbochargers, Veyron it is necessary at least once 10 radiators. 3 to cool the enormous wing and 7 to cool engine itself. The Talk about overkills and to add more style, this car can stop from 250 mph on 0 for 10 seconds. All this is due to enormous wing and best brake.

All that synthesized together You do the quick car incredibly super. Simply see on its performance figures this car can go from zero before 60 during 2.6 seconds and on your upwards on 250 mph if You keep this apartment of the feet. This car capable to exceed 250 mph, but engineers remained in this velocities because of safe reason. When wing - on, this car nearly better than many supercars that to have less power and less weight. For car, which loads nearly insofar Hummer that is amazed.

VW COMBI-amazing cars

Mazda Kazamai Concept to Premiere at Moscow International Automobile Salon 2008

Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.{theautochannel.com}


Mazda Designers And Contest Winner To Build Concept Car

Classic Auto Insurance

What a different Classic Auto Insurance :

1. Classic Auto Insurance has different mileage plans. These plans include the 1,000, 3,000, and 5,000 miles per year programs. Your policy will reflect the number of miles that you drive your classic car.

2. At the Classic Auto Insurance company there is no vehicle age limitations. Some collectible insurance companies do have an age limit clause added to their policies. What this means to you, the collector, is you can get the insurance coverage you need regardless of how old your classic car is.

3. Classic Auto Insurance you can insure all kinds of collectible cars. Many collectors have several cars to insure. If you own any of the following cars: antiques, street rods, racecar's, replicas, you may have special car insurance needs. The good news is if you do have a special need, Classic Auto Insurance can find the right coverage and policy for you.(carjunky.com)

2009 Suzuki SX4

(NAPSI)-As technology marches forward and new consumer gadgets continue to emerge, auto manufacturers have picked up the pace by providing customers with the latest and greatest devices inside their vehicle.

This is a good thing, since a recent J.D. Power & Associates consumer study ranked interior comfort as the second-most important factor in choosing a vehicle.

With roads more congested and drivers spending a larger amount of time stuck behind the wheel, car buyers are now looking for amenities that make their drive more enjoyable and help simplify their daily routine.

Recognizing this trend, manufacturers have started integrating more entertainment and communication features into their vehicles as standard equipment.

Bluetooth technology, satellite radio and iPod ports are transforming vehicles into mobile technology centers designed to assist and entertain drivers at each step of their journey.

And while many of these features initially were available only in high-end vehicles, a number of advanced technologies are finding their way to vehicles with a lower price point.

An example is navigation. Once the exclusive domain of luxury vehicles, in-dash navigation systems quickly are becoming the next “must-have” amenity.

“Research continues to show that drivers are looking for interior upgrades that enhance their driving experience,” said Steve Younan, Suzuki Auto director of product planning. “That’s why Suzuki decided to include standard navigation in the 2009 Suzuki SX4, making it the only new vehicle priced under $16,000 to include navigation as standard equipment.” (news.carjunky.com)

Toyota hunkers down to hold Texas truck market

Even though full-sized Tundra pick-up trucks won't be rolling off the production line of Toyota Motor Corp.'s factory here next month, the world's biggest automaker is keeping 2,000 plant workers on the payroll while it waits out a downturn in demand for its biggest gas-guzzling models.

While its Big Three U.S. rivals are shutting down truck plants and laying off workers, Toyota is hunkering down to keep its foothold in the heart of U.S. truck country.

Toyota will suspend Tundra production at its sprawling San Antonio factory in early August for three months due to slow sales, which are down nearly 50 per cent for the first six months of 2008 versus a year earlier. Record gasoline prices over $4 a gallon have sent consumers scrambling for smaller, more efficient models.

But that doesn't mean the plant's workers won't be busy.

"Team members will continue to report to work and will continue to work as a two-shift operation, and they will continue to be paid 100 per cent of wages," said Toyota spokesman Mike de la Garza.

But instead of building trucks, workers will spend their time in "training and development, to continue quality improvement activities, and to perform community service work," Toyota said.

The company's decision has built up considerable good will in a state where big trucks are synonymous with blue-collar oilfield roughnecks and cattle ranchers.more on : thestar.com

Vantage N24 Aston Martin

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 whose model designation is named after the classic 24-hour event – has claimed its best-ever finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, with three cars taking the top three positions in the class.A team consisting of Japanese journalist Shin-ichi Katsura, Hong Kong-based writer Matthew Marsh, and German racing driver Oliver Mathai finished 18th out of 220 starters in the endurance classic, clinching the SP8 class victory. This eclipses Aston Martin’s previous best finish at the event of 24th in 2006 using the very same car, nicknamed ‘Rose’.It could very easily have been two Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24 cars in the top 20, as another N24, ‘Kermit’ – fitted with the new 4.7 litre engine and Sportshift™ transmission – was actually running ahead of ‘Rose’ with just three hours to go. Unfortunately, another car failed to notice it coming past, and the result was a broken steering arm and a time loss of more than 20 minutes for the Aston Martin Future Technologies Manager Chris Porritt and development driver Wolfgang Schuhbauer – finished 27th and third in class.Claiming second place in the class, with 26th overall, was the V8 Vantage N24 of customer team Swiss Gentle Racing.Aston Martin Austria also entered a DBRS9 supported by Aston Martin Racing, with a driver line-up of Tomas Enge, Robert Lechner, Stefan Mücke and Karl Wendlinger. The car ran as high as third overall in the early stages of the race, and Enge also set one of the fastest laps of the event. The DBRS9’s chances however were permanently compromised by another competitor driving into it at around the three-hour mark.The car was in the garage for repairs to the rear drivetrain for over an hour, but the impact had a more serious effect than was originally thought. The drivers reported inconsistent handling throughout the remainder of the event, which caused Wendlinger to go off at about 8am on Sunday morning. The resulting cosmetic and mechanical damage took yet more time to fix, and the car subsequently finished down the order. Nonetheless, the team fulfilled its objective of learning more about the DBRS9 in the uniquely challenging conditions of the Nürburgring, which is widely reputed to be the most demanding circuit in the world.Weather forecasts before the start of the race, which got underway at 15:00 on Saturday, predicted heavy overnight rainfall but thankfully this did not entirely materialise. There were several patchy rain showers in the early hours of the morning, which made tyre choice extremely delicate. Despite these tricky conditions, all the Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24s were metronomically reliable throughout the race, with not one single component failure over the 24 hours and approximately 3795 kilometres.Shin-ichi Katsura, competing with Aston Martin for the first time at the Nürburgring, said: “This is the most fun I have ever had in a racing car. I’ve competed at this circuit before with different cars, but this is the most stability I have ever experienced here. The car is actually very easy to drive,

and you can use all of its potential with no problems. I’m very happy and proud to be a member of the class-winning Aston Martin team.”Matthew Marsh, who had to cope with the worst of the wet and dry weather very early on Sunday morning commented: “The driving conditions then were extremely difficult. Often in those marginal situations you go into endurance mode, so I wasn’t willing to risk anything at all. At the time I wondered if we were going too slowly, but this win makes it all worthwhile. It’s been a great fight and an amazing result.”Oliver Mathai, the most experienced racing driver of the winning triumvirate, reported: “I have to say that the car was simply perfect from start to finish. This race went like a dream for us: we didn’t have any problems at all and even the traffic and the weather wasn’t too bad. I drove a lot during the 24 hours, but the time flew past as I was having a lot of fun behind the wheel.”Dr Bez, who himself competed in the race as part of the ‘Kermit’ crew – concluded after finishing his final stint today: “I’m delighted that Aston Martin has finished first, second and third in such a competitive class – where all the entered cars were capable of winning. We’re very pleased to have three cars in the top 30, and I’d like to extend particular congratulations to the Swiss Gentle Racing team. By finishing second, they have proved again that the Vantage N24 can be competitively raced by independent customer teams. We have seen teamwork here throughout the weekend that fully represents the high standard of Aston Martin.”Aston Martin’s next engagement will be even more high-profile, as the team tackles the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours from June 14-15.

Fiat Launches Special Edition Panda

The Panda Mamy is a new limited edition version of Fiat’s city car aimed at young mothers. Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the new Fiat Panda Mamy attempts to allure UK mommies through the use of specific colours and materials as well as its useful standard equipment that includes a second internal rear-view mirror for viewing any children on the rear seat and bag hooks in the boot. -Continued

Moreover, the Mamy gets new front seat covers with pockets at the back, washable front and rear seat upholstery, orange air-vent surrounds and special carpet mats with a high grip mat in the boot.

The newest addition in the Panda range is available in two new exterior colours, aubergine and orange (as well as the existing black and grey) the body-colouring is extended to the door handles, door mirrors and boot handle. Unique Mamy logos also feature under each of the front wing indicators.

Although the Mamy comes with more than £1,000 worth of extra equipment, it costs £8,200 or 5 quid less than the Panda Dynamic Aircon model upon it is based.

Lamborghini Gallardo Limousine

Seems like the chaps over at U.K. based Strechlimousines weren’t put off by Ferrari’s legal threats on the 360 Limousine, as the company is now working on a stretched version of the Lamborghini Gallardo. For the time being, Strechlimousines has uploaded a photoshoped version of the Gallardo Limo but we’ll keep an eye on them and inform you when they release the actual car.

2010 Honda S2000 Roadster Rendering

While we still haven’t received any official word on the S2000 replacement, Japanese car magazines are at it again drawing up their own renderings of Honda’s next generation rear-wheel-drive roadster. According to T.L. who sent us this latest scan, the unnamed Japanese magazines says that new S2000 is expected to be unveiled in 2010 with worldwide sales starting in 2011. It is stated that Honda’s S2000 will offer buyers more options in terms of powertrains, including two new engines, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder V-TEC unit delivering approximately 250Hp and a 3.5-litre V6 V-TEC unit with about 350Hp.

Toyota Unveils Green Sporty Car

Japanese auto making juggernaut Toyota has been the face of the green revolution in the automotive industry. Although the automaker is not the first to offer a hybrid to consumers especially in the United States, its Toyota Prius is what caught the attention of many. But Toyota is not just about green cars.

Recently, the automaker launched a sports car. When you hear the word sports car, you might think that it is one of those fast machines that guzzle gas as it rack up the miles. But this one has a Toyota badge on it so we can safely assume that this is a green car.

The automaker announced that the Future Toyota Hybrid Sports or FT-HS concept will give consumers the best of two worlds. If you want a fast car, this is the one for you. And if you want a car which produces very little emission then, this is for you too.

Doug Soden, manager of product development at Toyota said: "There is a stronger need for hybrid vehicles to be on the market, or much more fuel efficient vehicles. Whichever way you look at it, whether it is a petrol-electric or hydrogen-electric, there needs to be that hybrid interface."

I just hope that this is not a hybrid just for the sake of it being a hybrid. I mean, the FT-HS should be a hybrid not because it's what people with money want. It should be a hybrid because there is a need for vehicles to reduce their greenhouse gas emission. And if the second case is true for this sports car, then Toyota should have designed it to be fast and really "green". Also, it should be as an Acura valve cover gasket.

Mazda MX-5-The Best of Its Class

The Mazda MX-5, still popularly known as the Miata is a sleek and well-engineered convertible. It is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in 8 trims, ranging from the SV to the Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop. It is released as a Special Edition MX-5 with an exclusive Saddle Brown folding top. According to the usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, this car ranks first out of ten Affordable Sports Cars.

“The SV is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 166-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.” It is available with a choice of an automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a five-speed manual transmission.

Edmunds.com says that the new exterior as "a stronger face, more rakish lines and accentuated fender contours." Head and tail lamps are mounted inboard for better compactness. Great designs evolve over time but the door mirrors continue the elliptical theme used in the original MX-5 Miata.

Passenger-side airbags and standard drivers–side airbags provides safety without sacrificing the beauty of the interior. It features an ear-blasting entertainment system which is made up of a BOSE 7-speaker AM/FM/6-CD. Overall, interior quality and appearance are way better than any past MX-5 Miata. The hardtop opens or closes in 12 seconds, and consumes no luggage space.

US Top 20 Best Selling Vehicles in June: Toyota & Honda Take First Four Positions

Not that it comes to a surprise to anyone aware of the dramatic shift in consumer tastes in the U.S. combined with the knowledge of what the former Big Three have to offer, but just as they did in May, Japanese carmakers took the first four positions in Autodata’s U.S. top 20 best selling vehicles list.

The only difference compared to May is the order of the protagonists, as the Toyota Corolla/Matrix dethroned the Honda Civic that fell in third position, right after the Toyota Camry that took second place. Honda’s Accord managed to maintain the fourth position, followed by Ford’s F-Series that saw its sales shrink 40.5% compared to last year. Notably, Hyundai’s not so well received Sonata managed to make it in the top 10 list with an 11.9% gain over last June’s sales. Source: Autodata Corp

DUNE Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 499HP Premieres In Essen

The maroon matt-finished Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 by “Delta4x4” that made its global debut at the Essen Motor Show features a series of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The standard 425 HP 6.1-litre V8 HEMI engine has been enhanced to 499 HP thanks to the new engine control unit, the sport exhaust system with performance manifold and the modified air-feed. Delta says that the 499 HP DUNE project accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mpg) in less than 5 seconds.
Delta4x4 has also fiddled around with the suspension (+100 mm ground clearance) and the tires as the DUNE sits on new custom light wheel elements IV with 11x23in mounted Continental Cross Contact tires in 305/40 R23. Finally, integrated into the new front spoiler is a Warn winch while the stainless steel roof-rack system and the fender extension contain filigree PIAA main-beam headlights that promise to turn night into day.