H2O is not just a futurist fire prevention vehicle produced by the creative people at Peugeot. H2O produces electricity and water using fuel cell battery technology. Hidden underneath the playful and dynamic appearance of a fire engine lies a very innovative propulsion method. H2O, built on a Partner Electric base, uses the fuel cell battery as a source of on-board energy and features a major innovation for this technology: the hydrogen is produced in real time, based on the system’s needs, which means it can overcome the problems associated with storing pressurized hydrogen.

With its generously proportioned air intake, feline-shaped lights and plunging muzzle-like bonnet, the front of the vehicle is strongly identified with the Lion. The rear is reserved for the tank and a telescopic ladder. At the bottom of the rear end panel, instead of the exhaust (no longer needed) there are two connections for the water feed or the branch pipe. Naturally, the colour is “fire engine red”, reflected in the interior with nicely matching touches of metal.

The cabin is designed for 2 firemen and to hold modern command and operating equipment, such as GPS, telephone and a touch screen on the dashboard. A second screen is linked to a PC and shows the map of the buildings.

Base price: $15,000 (est.)
Engine: 1.8-liter four, 132 hp/128 lb-ft; XRS: 2.4-liter four, 158 hp/162 lb-ft
Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic (base models); five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (XRS); front-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 178.7 x 69.3 x 57.7 in
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Curb weight: 2,723-2,965 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 27/35 mpg (1.8-liter); 22/29 mpg (manual 2.4-liter), 22/30 mpg (automatic 2.4-liter)
Safety features: Dual front, side and curtain airbags anti-lock brakes; stability control standard on XRS Major standard features: Air conditioning; power steering; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; 60/40 split folding rear seat; AM/FM/CD (XM satellite ready) radio; outside temperature gauge; two 12-volt power outlets; driver vertical seat height adjuster
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

For starters, we think this new Toyota Corolla is far better looking than the near-invisible car it replaces early next year. And it steps up in power and torque to a 158-hp, 162 lb-ft, 2.4-liter 16-valve VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with “intelligence”) four-cylinder engine…but only in the sportiest XRS model. The other four models, from bargain-basement base through better-equipped LE, XLE and semi-sporty S, make do with a fairly anemic 132-hp (up from the 2008 Corolla’s 126) dual-VVT-i 16-valve four that pumps out just 128 lb-ft of twist (up from 122). That compares to a healthier 140 horses and an identical 128 lb-ft for the Civic’s same-size four and 148 hp and a much stronger 152 lb-ft for the base ‘08 Cobalt’s 2.2-liter four.

These new Toyota Corolla sedans roll on the same 102.4-in.wheelbase as their predecessors but sit 0.4 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower. The added width provides additional shoulder and hip room in front, though (for some reason) a couple inches less rear hip room. Leg room is increased about a half-inch in front and nearly an inch in back, but front head room is down a half-inch due to the lower roofline. The overall result is a slightly roomier, quieter and more comfortable cabin usable for four adults but very tight for five.

VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 0-door roadster
BASE PRICE (U.K.): $68,532
ENGINE TYPE: supercharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 90.6 in Length: 150.5–152.4 in Width: 67.3 in Height: 43.8 in
Curb weight: 1650 lb

We are amazed and mostly delighted by the way Lotus has played so many tunes on the theme of the Elise. Lightweight cars are the thing today, so it is a surprise to learn that this thoroughly modern British sports car dates back 10 years—although it only came to the U.S. officially for 2005.

Milestones in Elise development were the introductions of the Exige coupe, the 2-Eleven-style 340R, and a redesigned roadster, and the replacement of the original Rover engine with the 1.8-liter Toyota VVTL-i (for the U.S. launch) and supercharging that engine for the Exige S. Along the way, the same chassis, made with bonded aluminum extrusions, has been adapted to create the Opel Speedster for GM, the Lotus Europa S, and the electric Tesla roadster, and it will be further modified for Lotus’s Project Eagle, a two-plus-two scheduled to appear by the end of 2008.

2008 Lotus 2-Eleven is an ultra-quick car (0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, claims Lotus) that is also agile, with so much grip and responses so perfect it makes an average driver look heroic. But only on a track, because in the U.S., the Lotus 2-Eleven is not certified for public roads.

© Source: caranddriver

The 2008 Nissan Fuga features two new engines: the VQ35HR and VQ25HR. The 2008 Nissan Fuga is also the first vehicle to be equipped with Nissan’s Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System. The 2008 Nissan Fuga price ranges from 3,969,000 yen to 6,279,000 yen.

The new Fuga features a revised model lineup, a redesigned exterior and interior, Nissan’s new VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines and the world’s first*1 Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System*2, among other refinements, the combination of which further advances the car’s all-around qualities as a premium sports sedan.
Living up to its marketing tagline of “SHIFT_luxury,” Fuga transforms the traditional notion of a luxury car. Fuga is available in three grades (GT, GT Type S and GT Type P) for three engine variations (V6 2.5-liter, V6 3.6-liter and V8 4.5-liter). 4WD version is available for 350GT.

A Responsive Driveline
Fuga showcases the latest in Nissan engine technology with its choice of 3.5-liter VQ35HR and 2.5-liter VQ25HR engines, which combine high levels of power and torque with low fuel consumption, as well as producing sounds that befit its position as a sports luxury machine.

Both powerplants are backed by a standard full-range electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with a DS mode. The DS mode works to provide maximum performance by optimizing gear selection for the applicable driving conditions. Additional control is available through magnesium paddle shifters, which are standard on the GT Type S model. (4.5-liter VK45DE engine is also available for 2WD models.)

The Mazda MX-5 Niseko comes in two version: a 1.8i powered version and a 2.0i. The Mazda MX-5 Niseko soft-top is powered by a 1.8 liter engine and will be available in UK in 240 units at a starting price of 17,995 pounds. The Mazda MX-5 Niseko roadster coupe is powered by a 2.0 liter engine and will be available in 560 units at a price of pounds.

The latest Mazda MX-5 can truly be described as an all-weather, all-year sports car with its enhanced heating and air-conditioning systems.
Now, to celebrate its continuing status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ this winter, Mazda is introducing a pair of special edition ‘Niseko’ models, named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort.

As the latest edition of the world’s best selling roadster, the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 Niseko boasts unrivalled handling and driving dynamics, and represents extremely competitive value for money. Available from £17,995 on-the-road, the Niseko offers up to £2,000 worth of additional or exclusive extras over and above the equivalent standard models.

On sale from 1 January 2008, both the ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Niseko soft-top (126ps, five-speed) and the £19,995 2.0i Niseko roadster coupe (160ps, six-speed) are available in an exclusive new bespoke colour ‘Icy Blue’ metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver metallic – for no additional charge.

As well as adding the special Niseko features, the generous standard equipment of the donor vehicles ensures that buyers can enjoy: driver’s seat height adjustment, electric windows, central locking, MP3-compatible radio/single CD player with six-speaker audio system, climate control air-conditioning, stainless-steel scuff plates, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser. Despite all of the additional specification, both Mazda MX-5 Niseko special editions remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts – 11E (1.8i) and 13E (2.0i).

© Source: zercustoms

Mazda Demio Chiara is the  special edition model with a brilliant custom body color and distinctive seat covers commemorates Mazda Demio’s RJC Car of the Year win

The  Chiara, which means brilliant or bright in Italian, is based on the 13C-V grade Demio (the front-wheel drive (FWD) model which is powered by a 1.3-liter Miller cycle engine and a continuously variable transmission [CVT]) or the electronically controlled four-wheel drive (e-4WD) 13C grade model.

The Mazda Demio Chiara special edition features the exclusive Golden Red Mica — a vivid shade of red sprinkled with gold flakes – as an exterior color choice. The interior includes custom seat covers featuring a multistripe pattern, which enhances the special edition model’s distinctive style. Special equipment for the Mazda Demio Chiara provides improved convenience through an advanced keyless entry and starter system, an auto light system, water-repellent coating for glass surfaces and rain sensing front wipers, which were all originally set as factory-installed options for the standard Demio model.

Base models
Base models are the 13C-V grade Demio (1.3-liter DOHC Miller cycle engine with a continuously variable transmission [CVT], front-wheel drive) or the 13C grade (1.3-liter DOHC engine with four-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled four-wheel drive [e-4WD]).

© Source: zercustoms

The Nissan Serena Highway Star is destined for the Japanese market. The Nissan Serena Highway Star has a very versatile interior with seats that are adjustable to 11 different positions and third-row seats that utilize assist springs. The Nissan Serena Highway Star price range is between 2,131,500 yen to 2,709,000 yen.

Nissan Releases New Serena Minivan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Some days ago announced the release of the new Serena minivan, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers throughout Japan. The new Serena, which has been highly acclaimed by customers for its class-leading interior roominess, excellent outward visibility, flexible seating configurations and driving ease, features revised exterior and interior styling, leading technology features and a new model lineup.

New Exterior Styling
Serena’s exterior styling has been enhanced with a more distinctive and modern front end design, including a new grille, new headlights, front bumper and fenders. The Highway Star model also features more dynamic front-end styling, with even stronger character lines.

Other exterior improvements include remote-controlled power-folding body-colored outside mirrors incorporating turn signal lamps on all models, redesigned wheel covers on the 20S model and the addition of AFS to bi-xenon headlamps as Gallery: Nissan Serena Highway Star
standard on the Highway Star model, and optional on all other models.

These additions improve upon an already highly practical and stylish minivan, with large side sliding doors and low floor height for easy entry and exit, standard sliding door automatic closing feature on both sides of all models and on the 20G model, standard remote-controlled automatic sliding side doors. Eight body colors are available on the new Serena, including three new colors – a metallic Kingfisher Blue, a pearlescent Rose Red and a pearl metallic Cool Iron.

© Source: zercustoms

We were, we must confess, a touch surprised to find the phrase ‘power sliding‘ in the press release for the facelifted Mazda5. Because, while the boxy MPV is a decent, capable family lugger, it’s not the sort of car we’d normally associate with sideways, tyre-smoking action.

‘Power sliding’ it said, though. But before we rushed the new 5 down to the Top Gear test track, we thought we ought to take a closer look at the press release. ‘Power sliding rear doors’, in fact. Ah. The Mazda5 has always had sliding rear doors, but now you can order them in electric powersliding flavour. Mazda5’s one of a whole host of little improvements that should bring the 5 up to date without running the risk of making it genuinely exciting.

Visual refreshments include new front and rear bumpers and light clusters, and a new front grille. Although the engine range of Mazda5 remains the same, consumption and CO2 levels have been improved, while all models now come with a six-speed manual ‘box as standard.

Anything else? Mazda says the new 5 will be quieter on the road, and there’s also an aux jack thrown in. Which is nice. The revised Mazda5 will go on sale in the UK early next year. Don’t expect any powersliding.

© Source: topgear
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A whole slew of photos of the upcoming 2009 Kia Mohave (Borrego) showed up at Carscoop.com.

It’s interesting that the images of 2009 Kia Mohave (Borrego) differ a bit from the image that was posted on Straightline a while back. It could be that what we see here is a Korean-spec Mohave, and that the vehicle we get will have some visual differences, as well as a different name.

© Source: blogs.edmunds
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(from Bulletproof Automotive Press Release) LOS ANGELES, October 29, 2007 – Bulletproof Automotive, LLC unveils their Honda S2000 GT, the company’s flagship complete tuned street legal car. Bulletproof Automotive, recognized as the leading importer of high end Japanese tuning products and consultant to many leading companies in the aftermarket, conceptualized, designed and built the car using original parts as well as parts sourced from the Japanese tuning elite.

Ben Schaffer, President of Bulletproof Automotive and chief designer of the Honda S2000 GT elaborates:
“Since it’s inception in 1999, I’ve been a fan of the Honda S2000’s purity and driving performance. Over those years through Bulletproof Automotive I’ve consulted with thousands of S2000 clients to help build their dream car. With this project I allowed myself to build my own dream car and as a result I hope to inspire others as their cars have inspired me. From the onset of the project I set out to keep the car street legal because I intend for it to be full functioning and well balanced in every aspect. Despite the intention to drive the car weekly, I also wanted to push the envelope to the extreme edge with regards to performance and overall quality design. As I set out on this project earlier this year, I was inspired by what the Honda S2000 CR does and does not do. I hope to leave the world with a representation of what the tuner market can do with a legal tuned S2000 so that people can enjoy comparing and contrasting the aftermarket’s capability to Honda’s tuner car offering, the S2000 CR. I hope people enjoy both the creativity of our S2000’s design and also the performance that results from it.”

The Bulletproof Honda S2000 GT’s objective is to be aggressive but timeless, strongly stating it’s performance capabilities but still with manners and subtlety often overlooked in the tuner industry. The car utilizes two sets of wheels. For the street, it runs Top Secret Gold limited TE37 wheels in 19×9.5 and 19×10.5 size with Toyo Proxes T1R tires.

The engine utilizes a CARB legal Vortech supercharger mated to a built F20C motor capable of spinning past 9000 RPM, managed by an AEM EMS. The exhaust system is fully built by Tracy Sports utilizing their header, high flow catalytic converter and full titanium 70mm dual exhaust. For racing duties, the engine is also equipped with a Tracy Sports baffled oil pan and runs to a 4.44 final drive gear also by Tracy Sports.

© Source: seriouswheels
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