Import Car Blog

Aston Martin One-77 Wins Design Awards

The Geneva Auto Salon marked the unveiling of Aston Martin’s One-77, its new supercar that will retail for $1.8 million. Only 77 people will be lucky enough to get their hands on the One-77, hence the name. Judging from the pictures, it is indeed a nice-looking car, but you have got to have more than that when you’re talking about spending that much cash.

The One-77 features a 7.3 liter V12 and can run on over 700 Horsepower, with a top speed greater than 200 miles per hour. It also has a carbon fiber and aluminum frame and weighs just 3,308 pounds. What’s more is that this supercar can go from 0-60 in just 3.0 seconds.

"Right from the very beginning of the project the vision for One-77 was very simple: It had to combine high-technology with hand-built craftsmanship, and demonstrate the unique capabilities and passion of our designers, engineers and technical partners,” said Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s CEO. “Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin. As you can now see, we have achieved that goal in magnificent style."

The One-77 has won two design awards so far since it was unveiled early this year. It was given the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes in Lake Como, Italy last April and Best Design at the 2009 Auto Express New Car Awards this month.

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Peugeot introduces the First Production Diesel Hybrids in Frankfurt

While it may not reach US soil, it’s still worthwhile to report about Peugeot’s First Production Diesel Hybrid, which will be revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month along with the RCZ Sports Coupe. The said production models are the RCZ Hybrid 4 and the 3008 Hybrid Crossover. Both of these models will sport a 163 HP 2.0 L diesel engine linked to the front wheels and an electric motor that can power its rear wheels with 27 to 37 HP.

1997 marked the year when the Toyota Prius was launched, which revolutionized the automotive industry. Until now, all the hybrid vehicles have sported gasoline engines. It might be worth noting that most of the highly efficient turbo diesels sold in diesel-dominated Europe will not pass the strict emission requirements the EPA regulates in the US. But now, the brand that has not even released a single (gas) hybrid will be the pioneers of the more eco-friendly diesel hybrid.

The new hybrid system involves the parallel operation of the HDi diesel engine and the electric motor for increased efficiency and performance. This combination will let the vehicle operate a maximum output of 200 HP with only 3.8 L per 100 km consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions to just 99 g per km. Truly impressive, it’s nice to know that automotive companies are still trying to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

They will be launching the RCZ Hybrid 4 depending on how the market receives the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4.

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Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu Unveiled

Because people can’t get enough of the Bugatti Grand Sport, Bugatti showcased the last special edition Veyron they will build, a masterpiece called Sang Bleu. 2009 marks Bugatti Automobiles’ 100th anniversary celebration and in honor of the brand’s heritage, they unveiled the Sang Bleu during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

After the successful special edition Veyrons around, namely the Pur Sang, Fbg by Hermes, Sang Noir, Bleu Centenaire and L’Edition Centenaire, Bugatti has done it yet again. Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu brings a new twist to the two-tone design by combining polished aluminum and royal blue carbon fiber. This innovative mix of materials just adds more oomph to the already eye-catching sports car. The wheels of the Sang Bleu complement its body with the Diamond cut finish and midnight blue trim. Finally, the newly developed Guacho interior just adds the fininishing touch to the car that only a select number of people can own. If you’re curious about what goes on inside, the Sang Bleu sports the same quad-turbo 1,001bhp W16 engine the standard Grand Sport has.

While Bugatti hasn’t made announcement regarding the Sang Bleu’s pricing, a substantial premium on top of the standard Grand Sport’s £1.1 million price tag is expected.

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Porsche to retain its identity, despite VW takeover

Last month, Porsche legend and former CEO Wendelin Weideking stepped down from his position after his failed bid to take over the much larger Volkswagen. For the past few years, Porsche has been gunning for the VW takeover and it seemed to have paid off after gaining 51% of their shares early last year. Unfortunately, Porsche fell short of taking 75% ownership due to the ongoing financial crisis and corresponding credit crunch. Porsche suffered so much from their ambitious plan and ended up with $13.8 Billion in debt. Ironically, the luxury sports automaker sought the help of the company they aspired to takeover, which will now take Porsche as another one of its brands, which includes Bentley and Lamborghini.

Volkswagen’s chairman Ferdinand Piëch, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche who also designed the VW Beetle sealed the deal and fulfilled the goal of merging the two companies earlier this month. The merger seems to be working well for both brands as stock prices increased shortly after the takeover was announced.

Concerns about Porsche losing its identity after being reduced to one of VW’s ten brands were quickly put to rest after VW announced that Porsche will remain a standalone company headquartered in Zuffenhausen and still retain its identity while benefiting from being part of an integrated group, much like their other nine brands. The takeover will give Porsche access to the Volkswagen empire’s technology and systems and allow the luxury sports automaker to do what they do best, making cars.

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The US debut of the all new Porsche Panamera

The 2010 Porsche Panamera, the sports brand's first luxury sedan arrived in the United States early this month. A total of 31 pieces were transported via a 747 jet from Leipzig, Germany and about 6 were showcased at the Monterey Jet Center during Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival.

The four-door, four-passenger Gran Turismo models may not be the best-looking cars in the bunch, but they definitely still created a lot of buzz from the event's visitors. A lot of people loved its styling and the fact that it's got a lot of room at the back. A few people even cited the Mercedes CLS and Quattroporte as some models that come to mind when seeing the Panamera. The 2010 Porsche Panamera are V8 powered gasoline variants, but talks of a V6 and a hybrid may be currently in the works. Guessing from Porsche's excellent track record in making well-engineered cars and people's reaction to it during the event, this new sedan may very well be a sell out when it heads to car dealers on the 17th of October.

As for the prices, the Panamera S will be sold for $89,800++, the AWD 4S will go for $93, 800++ and the flagship Turbo will start at $132,600++.

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The Jaguar XJ: Illegal Entertainment?

The sleek and sophisticated all-new Jaguar XJ has created excitement in the automotive world not just because of its stylish makeover, but also its advanced technology entertainment system that includes the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and for a few more bucks, 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium surround-sound system. Important information such as speed and engine revs, as well as fuel and temperature parameters can be viewed on its state-of-the-art 12.3-inch high definition screen, with warning messages to alert the driver if any critical levels are reached. You can also manage the new XJ’s many functions such as climate control, audio communications and navigation using its 8-inch touch-screen display. Along with these features, a CD/DVD player, HD radio, SIRIUS satellite radio receiver, a media hub that allows you to hook up your iPod, iPhone, laptop or Blackberry and a hard-disc-drive (HDD) system to load CDs for later listening are also included to complete the infotainment package. Impressive, right?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prohibits any entertainment displays to be placed on the center console with the belief that these displays can distract the driver and thereby, cause traffic accidents. However, the idea of the dual-view infotainment display is that the passengers can keep themselves entertained by watching a movie for instance, while limiting the driver’s perspective to just important navigation system information.

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design admits that it’s “technically illegal”, but because the whole point of the dual-view system is to keep the entertainment out of the driver’s view, they are complying with the spirit of the law. Do you think the NHTSA will accommodate the use of dual-view systems? As of date, there’s no news about it yet. But here’s to hoping they do and soon.

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Lexus LF-A: On It's Way To The States!

2011 Lexus LF-A, Toyota's first attempt at a 500-HP supercar is on schedule and headed for the United States. Akio Toyoda, the new president of Toyota Motors has been championing the development of the said supercar, a project that started way back in 2002. It was also reported that he himself drove one of its prototypes during the 2009 Nürburgring race and while they ran into a few mechanical difficulties, which did not allow them to complete the race, they reported that the LF-A ran thirty seconds per lap faster than the already quick Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS, a car which competed in the same category as the LF-A.

Things seem to be looking up for the world's largest automaker with the leadership of the grandson of its founder. Along with the LF-A, Toyoda reconfirmed that another much-awaited vehicle from Toyota, an affordable sportscar which will be made in partnership with Subaru will make its way to the United States in just a few years.

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The Ferrari 458 Italia: What a Beauty

Here's one more thing to look forward to on the next Frankfurt Auto Show on September. Leading luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari will be unveiling their newest eight-cylinder mid-rear engined model 458 Italia. This two-seater beauty results from Ferrari's Formula 1 experience, as well as inputs from superstar driver Michael Schumacher were utilized in its cutting-edge design.

"The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders."

458 Italia's new engine is a 4.5 Liter V8 equipped with direct injection technology, which allows the vehicle to run at up to 425 kW at 9000 RPM. Experience superior precision with up to 398 ft-lbs of torque only with this high power vehicle. With its light aluminum structure, total weight for this sports car is only 3042 pounds. You'll blow everyone's minds with acceleration reaching 100 km/hr in just 3.4 seconds. Another great thing about it is that it's Ferrari's first and only volume production V8 to go over 200 mph with the speed of 202 mph.

With the unveiling of this baby alone, there's already more than enough reason to book your ticket to Frankfurt.

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Audi RS6 Sedan: What Could Have Been

Last year, Audi announced that the RS6 will not be released in the US because of our strict fuel economy and emission requirements. This post is just a sneak peak of what we're missing.

Elegance, sportiness and power are what you’ll be getting with the Audi RS6. This high performance car boasts of a twin-turbo V10 and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive to deliver 580 HP and 479.42 ft-lbs of Torque. After the exciting RS6 Avant, Audi introduces its sedan counterpart. This large business sedan follows the outstanding reputation and prestige of the RS series, which started in 1994 when the Inglostadt citizens mounted the powerful 315 HP five-cylinder to the RS 2, side by side with Porsche. Their dynamic design and powerful engines helped them overcome their otherwise conservative image and emerged as a one of the frontrunners in automotive technology. The Audi RS 6 sports the RS logo on its wide black guards.

You’ll be blown away by its speed and power as it is capable of 0-100 in just 4.5 seconds. Attain the maximum speed of over 250 to 280 kilometers per hour with this supercar. This speed is attributed to the RS6’s superior engineering, with enlarged front inlets, as well as adjustment of the position of the fog lights to increase air flow in the newly designed front apron. Also, to increase agility, the front fenders and the engine hood are both made of aluminum. You’ll never understand how extremely potent this V10 FSI with five liters of displacement, dry sump lubrication and bi-turbo charging unless you take this baby for a ride.

The Audi RS6 is one practical car. With this mean machine, you will not only get a sports car, but a business lounge as well. Bringing in all the nice attributes of the A6, particularly the comfort and spaciousness for both the driver and the front passenger, this car will make you feel like a king. Another great feature is its split folding rear seat to give even more room apart from the already large trunk it has.

The verdict? This high performance vehicle has the makings of a great car. It has both speed and functionality, as well as looks that will make everyone’s jaws drop. With the RS6, you’ll definitely feel like Audi just gets it. Too bad we can't have it.

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