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

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

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.

Jaguar - 2010 XJ

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

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

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.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV CARGO EV Commercial Version

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

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.