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Renault Zoe Z.E. will launch in 2012

2009-11-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Biotherm, the skin care company in L’Oréal’s Luxury Products division, has joined forces with Renault to develop an all-new 100% electric “spa” concept car, ZOE Z.E.

Aimed at people making daily local trips and looking for a car that brings them health and well-being, ZOE Z.E. concept, with its premium and fully personalizable cabin, is a preview of the Renault production vehicle set for launch in 2012.ZOE Z.E., ZERO EMISSIONS AND MAXIMUM PEACE OF MIND

ZOE Z.E., a 100% electric, zero-emission city car, is for men and women who want to take care of the environment while taking care of themselves – even behind the wheel.The roof has been designed as an intelligent protective membrane that insulates against heat and cold,
optimizes climate control, and recovers energy using honeycomb photovoltaic cells. The car features a
shield of polyurethane gel at the front and the back, acting as a second skin that protects vulnerable parts of the body in the event of mild urban impact.

ZOE Z.E. boasts the finest in air filtration and purification technology to fully protect the health of passengers and keep their skin young-looking.
Drivers can “fill up” in one of three ways:

* Standard charge: in 4 to 8 hours, using a recharge socket outside the car
* Fast charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at special charge stations
* The exclusive “Quickdrop” system, or rapid battery exchange: in 3 minutes at exchange stations

LEADING-EDGE SCIENTIFIC PARTNERSHIP

Biotherm research teams and Renault engineers and designers have combined their expertise in a
co-innovation partnership.

Since the brand was created in 1952, Biotherm research laboratories have developed in-depth knowledge on the cellular mechanisms of the skin, together with proven scientific know-how in the virtues of aromatherapy.

For more than 110 years, Renault has developed recognized expertise in the design and approval of
equipment for comfort and well-being.

Thus, ZOE Z.E. presents all-new benefits for its occupants:

1. Hydrated skin: The air conditioning system, generally optimized to respect temperature settings, has been entirely redesigned to keep passengers’ skin hydrated. Occupants benefit from intelligent climate control that keeps the air in the cabin from drying out.
2. Pollution protection system: Thanks to a toxicity sensor and cabin-mounted particulate filters that
close air vents if required, ZOE Z.E. passengers travel in a clean atmosphere.
3. Active essential oils function: An electric system diffuses essential oils, exclusive active substances adapted to the needs of the driver: dynamic in the morning, relaxing coming home from work, and awakening vigilance while driving at night. Developed by Biotherm, they transform the cabin into a “spa” cocoon and contribute to passenger vigilance.

The electric vehicle is the breakthrough solution for bringing zero-emission mobility to all. It has
already received worldwide political support, in the shape of tax breaks on CO2 emissions and the
development of infrastructures necessary for electric mobility. As early as 2011, Renault will
launch volume production of a range of electric vehicles accessible to all.

DC Auto x Ken Block x Subaru

2009-11-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

DC Shoes Co-founder Ken Block is by no means slowing down with his entry into the rally and gymkhana events and now taking things to a whole new level on various angles. There probably have never been this much cross over between motorsports and extreme sports as Block initiates and produces the world’s fastest cat track operation automobile also known as TRAX STI with a help from Subaru and Vermont SportsCar.

The beastly aesthetics is mated with an incredible competition-ready Subaru WRX STI heart that produces 400 horse power from a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder intercooled turbo charged engine. Couple that with Goup N competition rally dampers made by EXE-TC and KAPS 5 speed close ratio dog leg gearbox for maximum control capabilities. View the teaser video for a louder than words display of mayhem on the snow.

The 2011 Lexus LFA

2009-11-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Lexus finally announced the official launch of the LFA, a two-seat supercar scheduled to go into production at the end of 2010 as the pinnacle of the Lexus “F” premium sports car series. Pre-sales start today. Ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge, the LFA creates a sense of reassurance that opens up a new world of driving emotion, exhilarating the senses to move the driver in more ways than one. The LFA combines high output, superb chassis design and meticulous aerodynamics to achieve instantaneous total-vehicle response characterized by high-rev, seamless acceleration echoed by a self-defining resonance from its 4.8-liter V10.

Only 500 units of the LFA are to be produced and sold worldwide.

A prototype of the LFA is now on display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which is open to the general public from October 24 to November 4 at Makuhari Messe in Makuhari, Chiba Prefecture.

Hyundai Genesis coupé

2009-11-01T08:45:00.001-08:00

The Genesis Coupe debuted last year and has been a huge success, particularly in North America where it has been voted Car of the Year for 2009. There’s no denying it’s a sexy little number, and Hyundai is no doubt doing its homework as to its reception in Europe.

While Hyundai may still have some hurdles to get over in terms of the reputation of the old model, it seems the new Genesis Coupe has wiped the slate clean and has been very convincing, at least elsewhere in the world.

Lexus - LFA

2009-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

In a time when many automotive companies are making hybrids and electronic cars, Lexus has finally unveiled its super car at the Tokyo Motor Show. The rear wheel drive LFA is powerful with its 4.8 litre V10 powerplant pushing 560ps (552bhp) at 354 lb-ft of torque that revs up to 9,000 rpm redline. Mated with six speed sequential gearbox and clocking 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds at top speed of 202 mph. Aesthetically though, it could be divided with a mixture of straight edge and curves creating an aggressive look. One thing that will cause for a consideration is its price point at $375,000 and only 500 units will be produced.

Review: 2009 Audi TT-S, Fast and Good Looking but Not Quite a Sports Car

2009-10-22T11:34:00.001-07:00

When Audi introduced the first generation TT a decade ago, it was largely a case of style over substance. The diminutive coupe and convertible were based on the platform of the Volkswagen Group's compacts which include the Golf and the Audi A3. The original had a clean, spare look that recalled an inverted bowl. While Audi promoted the TT as a sports car, it didn't really drive like one in part because it was rather heavy for its size.

A couple of years ago, Audi brought forth an all-new TT that retained the basic shape of the original while incorporating some of the latest Audi design language. Of course like most new generations of cars, it got bigger than the first model although Audi engineers managed to make the car lighter. The new TT is generally considered to be a much better driver's car than the original. But is it a true sports car? We recently had the opportunity to spend a week with the top of the line TT-S coupe to find out, so read on to for our assessment.

High-performance Buick Regal GS may be coming Cars

2009-10-18T10:53:00.001-07:00

Earlier this week General Motors showed its dealers the new Regal and confirmed that the name and car would be coming back to Buick's lineup soon. GM Inside News has been keeping close tabs on what the dealers are being told, which reportedly includes that two four-cylinder engines will be available at launch, the base a 2.4-liter direct injected engine producing 180 horsepower and up-level turbocharged and direct injected 2.0-liter producing about 220 hp.

The most interesting tid bit of info reportedly told to dealers is that the new Regal will also eventually have a sport model. Rumored to be named the GS, the sport model would reportedly feature the same direct injected 3.6-liter V6 as the LaCrosse. It will also reportedly include 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and be available with all-wheel drive like the rest of the Regal lineup. Unlike those other Regals, however, the GS may also be offered with a six-speed manual transmission.

Based on the Euro-market Opel Insignia, the new Regal GS will have a nice precedent already in the Insignia OPC. The OPC features a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 producing 325 hp, a six-speed manual transmission and a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system borrowed from the Saab Turbo X. In fact, the Opel Insignia OPC Sport Tourer (wagon) unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September was one of the most lust-worthy production cars we came across.

Kia Cadenza unveiled in Korea, ready to replace Amanti

2009-10-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Kia has dropped the first official photos of its new top of the line sedan, which has been officially dubbed the K7 in the Korean Domestic Market and Cadenza outside of South Korea. The Cadenza is essentially identical to the KND-5 concept that debuted at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year, and to our eye that's a good thing after viewing the rather ungainly Amanti for the last several years.

The Cadenza carries forward the design language that we've seen on recent Kia concept and production cars like the Forte and second generation Sorento. The nose gets a bit more sculpting than the compact sedan, and the overall effect is much more upscale than before. The biggest change from other recent Kias is the relocation of the "hockey-stick" contour line from the rocker panel area to just below the beltline. Look for the Cadenza to make it's global debut at motor shows in the Middle East in December. You can see more pics in the gallery below or check out some b-roll video after the jump.

Jaguar - 2010 XJ

2009-10-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

The top of the line model for Jaguar is the XJ which has had extensive history and it’s been six years since the last major model change of the XJ occurred। The obvious change is in its exterior with more aggressive looks making a great first impression. Also on the inside lies the most powerful Jaguar engine which is 5 litre V8 in three versions, naturally aspirated producing 385 horsepower or additional super charged version producing 470 horsepower and if those are not enough then opt for the most powerful version which produces 510 horsepower. The 2010 XJ also boasts alminium and magnesium body and parts constructed by aeronautical technology and revived craftsmanship.

Senner Tuning - Nissan 370Z Whitelady Z

2009-10-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

As far as sports cars are concerned from Nissan, there are only few models that have survived the decades and one of them is the 370Z, although the numbers have changed various times the Z has been around since the 80’s when motorsport was ripe without the worry of expensive fuel prices.

German tuning garage Senner Tuning have given its own interpretation to the ever lasting Nissan classic with some minor tuning and upgrades. Fitted with sports air filter and Invidia exhaust system which makes the vehicle produce 353 horsepowers, extra 21 horses over the standard engine. Add a KW coil over suspension and the handling is sorted. Matched with oversized wheels and tire combination that gives more aggressive stance.

Gemballa - GT Sport Wheels for Porsche Panamera

2009-10-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of things to come from Porsche tuning house Gemballa who recently released their GT Sport wheels suited for Porsche Panamera. There are two sizes to the wheels in 22 inch and 20 inch along with two styles with and without rim bolts. Possibly this could mean that the wheels are two and three piece rims. Both wheels are painted in all black except for the rim bolts which remains silver. While tuning houses are putting effort in developing the tuning packages for Panamera, Gemballa is also working on tuning options for the four door sedan that should be launched soon.

Atlantic Examines Flu Vaccine Antiviral Skepticism

2009-10-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Atlantic Examines Flu Vaccine Antiviral Skepticism

Mitsubishi i-MiEV CARGO EV Commercial Version

2009-10-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

Derived from the production i-MiEV, this concept maximises the outstanding environmental performance and economic efficiency characteristics that define the EV and at the same time adds a generous amount of rear free space to extend the range of uses to which it can be put by corporate users and self-employed operators in particular. The rear space features space-efficient cubic dimensions to allow the user to exercise their imagination fully in adapting it for whatever use he/she chooses. The result is a concept for an EV that meets user needs for a variety of situations: from business use, where maximum payload space is required, to leisure and other individual owner uses.

1. Design
The i-MiEV CARGO’s unique styling was developed around a “joint” design concept as it links the i-MiEV’s curvaceous front section with a square rear end to give the vehicle a distinctive road presence in a wide variety of situations. Inside, the clean and simple styling eliminates extraneous elements and details to improve usability and create an interior space characterised by its free-thinking design and originality.

2. Luggage compartment
Measuring 1350 mm wide by 1180 mm deep and 1100 mm high and having a flat floor, the cube-shaped luggage compartment at the rear of the vehicle allows every inch of available space to be utilised. The height of the compartment floor has been designed to facilitate loading and unloading of luggage and make it more user-friendly.

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi

2009-10-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi is previewing its next generation CUV in the Land of the Rising Sun next month, and like nearly every other concept bound for the Tokyo Motor Show, the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV is packing a number of hybrid technologies to maximize fuel efficiency, decrease emissions and keep performance on par. Plus, the PX-MiEV comes with an added helping of "cocochi" – Japanese for "cozy."

PX is Mitsubishi shorthand for "plug-in hybrid crossover," so a 1.6-liter inline-four powers the front wheels, along with a generator, and a new plug-in system allows users to tap into the grid with either a 100 or 200-volt outlet. The PX-MiEV boasts an EV mode with a 30-mile range which can toggle between front- and all-wheel drive, a series hybrid mode when the juice dries up and a parallel hybrid system when under full load. Mitsu's E-4WD system shuffles power to the rear wheels when needed, using the same S-AWC and E-AYC systems as the Evolution X. The PX-MiEV can send torque left-to-right depending on the conditions, and a new center differential motor (unlike the mutli-plate clutch setup on the Evo) actively tweaks torque output to the rear wheels to increase grip.

Inside, the PX-MiEV sports a spartan interior with a number of technologies to keep occupants happy and healthy, including heat reflective glass and paint, along with individual air conditioners. Active safety systems – ranging from a "Multi-Around Monitor" to a front-facing camera that detects fatigue, then alerts the driver through a series of visual, audio and "vibrational" warnings – are sure to find their way into future Mitsubishi models. All the details are yours for the taking the in press release below the fold.

Toyota FT-EV II concept

2009-10-12T08:20:00.001-07:00

Beside the FT-86 sports car, Toyota will also be revealing the FT-EV II (Future Toyota Electric Vehicle II) concept at the Tokyo motor show. An electrically-propelled four-seat commuter vehicle for urban use, the sustainable concept car focuses on the relationship between cars, people and the society of the future.

The FT-EV II's mechanicals are wrapped in a compact body, designed in accordance with Toyota's 'Vibrant Clarity' brand design philosophy. A low front cowl and an additional window below the windshield give extra forward visibility, while the rear lamp clusters are see-through LED units to improve visibility from all angles. Measuring 2730mm long, 1680mm wide and 1490mm high, the concept features electric sliding doors to provide access to the retro-futuristic interior.

Conscious of the increasing dissociative relationship younger people have with the motor car, Toyota designers have opted to create a vehicle that integrates communications, transforming the concept into an information device. As such, both the steering wheel and foot pedals - symbols of vehicle performance - are absent, replaced instead by a joystick linked to drive-by-wire technology and instrumentation that can collect and store information specifically tailored to the individual's preferences.

Honda CR-Z concept

2009-10-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

The successor to Honda's iconic CR-X is one step closer to its production debut, with the Japanese automaker set to display the latest version of its sporty hybrid concept at the Tokyo motor show. Called the CR-Z Concept 2009, it is the second version of the show car unveiled by the company in as many years.

Honda has been toying with the notion of bringing a hybrid powered sports car to market for a few years now, having displayed the Remix concept in 2006 and following it up with the Small Hybrid Sports concept in 2007. First shown in concept form at the 2007 Tokyo motor show, the CR-Z Concept was closest in form to the CR-X, and this most recent prototype doesn't differ greatly from its precursor. It is still a compact, agile-looking coupe with a forward-lurching DLO, fastback roofline and rear glass panel across the vertical tailgate; the latter design element clearly paying homage to the 20-year old CR-X.

The CR-Z is tipped to employ Honda's IMA technology, with the company gushing that it will be the world's first hybrid sports car and the first ever petrol-electric vehicle to employ a six-speed manual transmission। The production version goes on sale in Japan early in the new year.

Upcoming Jaguar XE Details

2009-10-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

The entry level XE roadster from Jaguar is finally coming to terms with reality. It is now being told that the Jaguar XE will be manufactured and will have a rectangular grille which is found on the XF and XJ sedans. Speculations are that an E-type grille will surface sometime in the future. Also, the design team is still not sure about the size of the latest XK as they believe that a larger model could challenge the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo as a genuine four-seater. Others challenge the change saying that the XK should remain true to its present size. What we affirm is that both models will use XK’s aluminum chassis.

Porsche Panamera CLR 700GT Lumma Design Edition

2009-10-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

German tuning masters Lumma Design are at their best when they take on the likes of the Porsche Panamera। This time around they managed to model a ruby dubbed CLR 700GT. This edition of the Panamera comes with a widebody kit and a fresh front end. Another attractive feature is the wheel arch which has 22-inch rims and upgraded brakes that ride on a suspension lessened by 1.38-inches. An attraction at the rear is the carbon-fiber wing and so is the rear bumper with an aerodynamic diffuser and quad tailpipes. Talk about the engine power and Lumma has unleashed a 700 metric horsepower beast which completes the overall aggressive package.

Ferrari 458 Italia

2009-10-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Coming early 2010 with a price tag of around $240,000, the Ferrari 458 Italia will replace the F430 in the Ferrari line up। The two seat berlinetta is a mid-engine, 4.5-liter V8 pumps out 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, while getting better mileage and producing less emissions than the car it replaces.

Tuners Take On the Porsche Panamera

2009-10-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

Barely two months after Porsche debuted its revolutionary four door Panamera Gran Turismo, auto tuners are already weighing in with their own even more exotic versions. Famed Porsche customizer Gemballa aims to boost the vehicle's power up to a massive 750 hp on their version (above), dubbed the Mistrale. They've also given the car a new front splitter, air scoops on both the bumper and the bonnet, front and rear fender, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, quad exhaust set-up, 22″ forged rims, new performance brakes and a new air suspension system. Another firm, Lumma Design, offers a Panamera CLR 700GT with a kit including a carbon fiber spoiler, side skirts, new hood, 35mm lowered suspension, 22-inch wheels and a power upgrade up to 700 hp.

AVUS Performance - Audi TT-RS Upgrade

2009-10-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

German performance house AVUS Performance have released their Audi TT-RS upgrade package that makes a considerable increase in performance as well as agressive looks to match. The standard TT-RS is by no means a tame beast that pumps out 340hp at 332lb-ft (450Nm) of torque and run from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds at 155mph (250km/h) which can not be exceeded due to electronic limiter.

By comparison to the standard version AVUS have pulled out huge 460bhp out of the 2.5 liter five cyclinder engine at 472lb-ft (639Nm) of torque. This means that the car will do 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and reaching top speeds of 194mph (312 km/h). This is realized by the modification to the normal ECU, overhaul of the turbo and high flow exhaust system with racing catalytic converter. Also adjustable coilover suspension is added with matte black vinyl wrap and gloss black 20 inch Sportec Mono wheels giving it a menacing visual on the street.

Swine Flu May Levy Higher Toll On Minorities

2009-10-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Swine Flu May Levy Higher Toll On Minorities

Retrovirus Linked To Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2009-10-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Retrovirus Linked To Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chinese Health Experts Look To Control Spread Of H1N1 In Country’s Remote Regions

2009-10-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Chinese Health Experts Look To Control Spread Of H1N1 In Country’s Remote Regions

Vacheron Constantin Three Dragons Limited Edition Watches

2009-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Vacheron Constantin Three Dragons Limited Edition Watches

Baguette Diamonds Vacheron & Constantin Watches

2009-10-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Baguette Diamonds Vacheron & Constantin Watches

New Vogue VO3703S Sunglasses

2009-10-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

New Vogue VO3703S Sunglasses

John Hardy Silver coil ring

2009-10-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

John Hardy Silver coil ring

John Hardy Dragon silver cuff

2009-10-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

John Hardy Dragon silver cuff

Nike Zoom ACG Ashiko Boot

2009-10-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Nike Zoom ACG Ashiko Boot

Nike Air Penny 1/2 Half Cent

2009-10-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Nike Air Penny 1/2 Half Cent

Adidas Forum 2009 Winter New Releases

2009-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Adidas Forum 2009 Winter New Releases

Def Jam x Adidas Pack Shoes

2009-10-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Def Jam x Adidas Pack Shoes

South African man sets speed record for blind - in 200 mph SL Black Series!

2009-10-09T07:36:00.000-07:00

Looks like Luc Costermans (a.k.a. the Blind Belgian) is no longer the world's fastest sight-challenged driver. The latest person to snatch the world land speed record for the blind is South Africa's Hein Wagner. Wagner, who has been blind since birth, pushed a borrowed Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series to 322.5 km/h, just a tick over 200 mph. That puts him in the Guinness Book of World Records, ahead of Costermans, and it's not the first record for Wagner, though.

This is the same man who became the first South African to set a world land speed record, sighted or not, back in 2005 when he pushed a Maserati to 167 MPH. The deposed champion, Costermans, can take consolation in being the first blind man to break the 300 km/h barrier. Wagner himself might have to be content with being the first to break 200 mph, as previous record holder Mike Newman hopes to take an 1,800-hp Keating TKR supercar well past that figure later this month. In fact Newman is going after the overall production car speed record of 257 mph currently held by the SSC Ultimate Aero.

For now at least, the record belongs to Wagner. His record run was achieved on the runway at the Upington International Airport in Northern Cape, South Africa, with copilot Ray Wakefield of Speedrecord SA riding shotgun. Wagner has always had an adventurous streak, having previously run the New York Marathon (in 4:27!), skydived (skydove?) from 10,000 feet, completed the Construction du Cap bike race solo, competed in the Cape-to-Rio yacht race, and he has even climbed the ten highest peaks in the Western Cape. Wagner is raising money for his Vision Trust organization, which makes technology more accessible to the blind.

So what's up next for Wagner? He plans to fly a Boeing from London to Johannesburg -- with passengers. It was probably hard enough to find one passenger for the drive in the Benz, getting a full load of passengers for the flight might take a bit more persuading. But what the heck, it's for a good cause, right? Thanks for the tip, Dean!

Mazda2 gets friendly update in Thailand, new fascia to go global?

2009-10-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Mazda has just announced that it has commenced production of the Mazda2 subcompact in Thailand. No big deal, right? Well, not in and of itself, but the Japanese automaker also released three images of the car, and its sporting a revised front fascia that mimics that of its big brother, the Mazda3.

Mazda doesn't specifically indicate that all new 2s worldwide will get the smiley face treatment, but it seems likely that the automaker would want to keep all of its products in line with one another. Presumably, that would include the United States, which is slated to get the subcompact near the end of 2010.

In any case, we're expecting to see the car make its debut in North American-spec later this year at the LA Auto Show, so we'll know for sure if it will sport the new look soon enough. Check out the photo galleries below to compare the new car with the old.

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much

2009-10-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

Performance Icon. That two-word phrase is bandied about so often there's hardly any meaning left in its 15 letters. After all, if a Porsche 911 is rightly referred to as a performance icon, can we call a Honda Civic Si the same? And are we talking any old 911/Civic Si, or just certain years and models? For instance, there is no doubt that the B13 Nissan Sentra SE-R, with its killer SR20DE engine, is a performance icon, but what about the current B17 Sentra SE-R? How about the Spec V? No way – the Versa has a better chassis.

We mention this problem with the Performance Icon label because Volkswagen described the all-new 2010 MkVI GTI to us as the "performance icon of the brand." As you may have noticed, Volkswagen's been delving pretty deeply into its past for marketing purposes as of late. First they tried reintroducing the Rabbit name much to the chagrin of Golf fans nationwide, and now they have Max, the black 1964 Beetle telling you that VW is "Das Auto." On a smaller scale, it's attempting to remind potential GTI buyers that the new model is both a direct descendant of and flag bearer for the original 1983 MkI GTI. Here comes the begged question: is it?

2008 Hyundai Veracruz, Santa Fe crossovers “Best Bets” for 2009

2009-10-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/06/2009 The Hyundai Veracruz and Hyundai Santa Fe were named 2009 “Best Bets” in the SUV and Crossover category by Cars.com, the leading destination for online car shoppers.

“Both the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe are exactly what value car buyers are looking for,” said Mike Hanley, an editor at Cars.com. “They offer stylish features, quiet cabins, leading safety features and are backed by the best warranty in the industry. These are vehicles our editors would love to drive.”

To qualify as a Cars.com “Best Bet,” models must meet three quantified criteria: a “Good” rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests; average or higher reliability ratings; and average or higher gas mileage within their class.

“It’s an honor to have Cars.com editors recognize the Veracruz and Santa Fe on their list of vehicles to buy in 2009,” said Scott Margason, director, Product & Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Both of these models offer industry-leading safety technologies, top-tier quality and a host of luxury and convenience features that offer more value to today’s car shopper than our competitors.”

Source: Hyundai

Toyota - FT-86 Concept Car

2009-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

For any serious Japanese performance car enthusiasts, Toyota AE86 is known as legendary sports car from the 80s. Even after 20 years, it is still very much loved and Toyota is trying to bring back that excitement back into Toyota. The result is the AE86 Corolla inspired FT-86 concept car that we see right here. As it is a concept car, the details are yet to be finalized however it will most likely be powered by a Subaru 2.0 litre boxer engine in a rear wheel drive format. The FT-86 will be a 2+2 and will be shown at the next Tokyo Motor Show with sales beginning around late 2011.

Ferrari 599 China Edition - Cracked Porcelain

2009-10-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

Ferrari’s front-engined super speedster, Ferrari 599, gets a Chinese makeover by contemporary Chinese artist, Lu Hao. Lu Hao is know for creating meticulously painted realistic paintings that come off as photographs at the first glance. His subjects depicted organized displays of everyday items as seen in China such as wall display of socks on sale, shelves of books and so forth. For his work with Ferrari, other than the fire-engine red Ferrari 599 with a new ignition button carved out of jade and inscribed with ancient Chinese script of Xiao Zhuan of “Engine Start”, and rev counter with numerals done up in Chinese characters, there is a special one-off Ferrari 599 hand-painted in style of cracked porcelain by Lu Hao himself.

Also known as Ru ware, cracked porcelain is one of the rarest major porcelain in Chinese ceramic wares. First created for the Chinese Imperial Court back in AD 1086 - 1127, there were only known to be approximately forty surviving pieces up till recently. However, don’t let the Ferrari’s delicate cracked appearance fool you– the model still features the Enzo derived 611bhp, 6.0L V-12 engine that speeds from 0-60 in just 3.7s.

Unfortunately, this is a one-off piece that will be auctioned off at a charity gala auction this month. You might have a better chance of trying to secure one of the dozen samples of the red China Edition Ferrari 599– not that this would be an easy feat either! Check out the pictures and behind the scenes video as this is probably as far as most of us are going to get to the ride.

Subaru - Impreza WRX STI Carbon

2009-09-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Subaru Impreza WRX is a car that have made many historical achievements at motorsport and have gained a cult following around the world. Their highest model STI is not for a the faint at heart and they release various special models time and time again to keep the fans on their toes. This latest news could bring smiles to the faces of WRX fans as the Impreza WRX Carbon is launched.

The main feature of this model is its carbon fibre roof top that is supposed to reduce weight and also lower the center of gravity for better performance. Two versions will be available in 2 litre turbo engine producing 227kW (308hp) at 422Nm of torque and 2.5 litre turbo engine producing 221kW (300hp) at 407Nm of torque. Though the most surprising aspect of this car could be its 5 speed automatic transmission to soften the hardcore image of STI.