Paris preview: Hyundai ix20

Hyundai will celebrate the world premiere of its new B-segment MPV dubbed ix20 at this year’s Paris Motor Show. A sketch revealed shows a more dynamic, sportier profile than most MPV’s.

Designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the ix20 is the second European car, following the ix35, to adopt Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. The name ix20 reflects the new model’s crossover-like versatility - a vehicle with the ability to simultaneously serve as a functional people-carrier while providing a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience.

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RENM Porsche 997 Turbo with 580 hp

Australian tuner RENM performance has released a new power kit for the Porsche 911 Turbo(997) dubbed RM580.

The RM580 features a stage 2 performance upgrade that increases power output to 580 hp and 800Nm of torque. The modifications enable the RM580 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 325 km/h. The RM580 exhaust system is made from T309 stainless steel and uses sports catalytic converters with sound and performance valve control.

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BMW X6 Widebody by Enco Exclusive

Enco Exclusive has released a new widebody kit for the X6 that costs 15,000 euros, including complete conversion and fresh paintwork.

The new front bumper has three large air intakes to improve cooling of the engine and brakes, as well as integrated LED daytime driving lamps. Full wheel arch surrounds are responsible for a brawny appearance, complemented by a pair of new side skirts.

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Onyx Concept modifies BMW M3 E92

Onyx Concept has released a new styling and performance package for the BMW M3 (E92). Visual upgrades include new bumpers, side skirts and carbon fiber components such as front spoiler, rear diffuser, ventilated hood, boot lid.

Interior upgrades include “buffalo hide” leather upholstery and carbon fiber trim. Power on the 4.0 litre V8 is boosted from 414 hp to 621 hp. No word on the pricing, but we know the package will be launched on October 31st.

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2010 Paris preview: Toyota Verso-S

At the Paris Motor Show in few weeks, Toyota will signal its return to the mini-MPV segment with the world debut of the new Verso-S. It will also celebrate 10 years of full hybrid technology and look to its future development with Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

The Verso-S is anticipated to launch in the UK early in 2011. Small, spacious and smart, Verso-S is an object lesson in space management. Although it has the shortest overall length of any B-segment MPV in Europe - less than four metres - careful attention to detail and a practical, flexible interior design have maximised usable space, comfort and perceived quality.

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Ford is installing Wi-Fi access points on its assembly lines to wirelessly deliver SYNC software

Ford is the first automaker to use Wi-Fi provisioning on the assembly line to wirelessly deliver SYNC software to vehicles equipped with the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology as they are being built.

The Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant, which produces the all-new 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, will be first to have the on-the-assembly-line Wi-Fi capability, with Chicago Assembly, home of the new 2011 Ford Explorer, and other global Ford manufacturing sites soon to follow.

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Senner Tuning does the Audi A1

Senner Tuning offers more power to the little Audi A1 with 1.6 TDI engine. Output can be increased from 105 hp and 250 Nm to 140 hp and 310 Nm of torque thanks to software optimization kit that costs 899 euros.

Senner also offers features for the suspension and wheels program. To bring the increased torque positively on the road, a KW-thread suspension with ascertained adjustment possibilities as well as breathtaking Barracuda Voltec T6 light alloy wheels of 8×18 inch in diameter with 225/35-18 Hankook S1 Evo of modern design are applied.

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Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility unveiled

The new vehicle is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. Combined, the two vehicles provide law enforcement agencies the ultimate in versatility and choice, something no other police vehicle on the road today can match.

“We understand today’s police departments require adaptability,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is committed to remaining the nation’s largest provider of police vehicles, and we’re offering law enforcement officials a complete portfolio of options that are purpose-built, capable and delivered with the safety, technology and performance they need to excel at their jobs.”

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Paris 2010 Preview: Citroen DS4

Citroën has released first details for the new DS4, that they refer to as a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. DS4 is the second model in Citroën’s DS line-up.

DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact design - 4.27m (l), 1.81m (w) & 1.53m (h).

Finely crafted to convey a prestigious presence both inside and out, DS4 offers meticulous detailing from carefully applied chrome touches to premium cabin materials - such as the finest quality leather seats.

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Volvo S60 by HEICO SPORTIV

The front spoiler is mounted on the original bumper and melts seamlessly into the entirety of the Volvo S60’s contours. The design element made of low-weight, flexible polyurethane plastic (PUR-R-RIM) fulfills the latest pedestrian protection guidelines.

At the back is a rear skirt in diffusor look cites the form of a diffusor, faithfully enfolding the left and right oval end-pipes of the quad outlet exhaust system.

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NADA lists the vehicles with the best cost of ownership

Most consumers begin the car shopping process by setting a monthly or overall budget. However, the overall or monthly budget for a new car purchase isn’t the only cost that should be considered when researching cars.

Fees and taxes can be a surprise during a vehicle purchase and depending on the state can typically include sales tax, documentation fees and registration; these can add up quickly. In addition, insurance costs, fuel, maintenance and typical repairs should also be included in the overall cost of the vehicle.

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Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Pebble Beach Special Edition

This year marked the 60th anniversary of the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Carmel, California. To celebrate the occasion, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars developed a bespoke Phantom Drophead Coupé at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing plant, UK.

The car is painted in a one-off Bespoke exterior colour called Stillwater Blue as a tribute to Stillwater Cove on the Monterey Peninsula. It also features a navy blue soft top lined with cashmere and is upholstered in a Crème Light leather interior.

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Talk show host Todd Schnitt to be the first Corvette engine builder

Todd Schnitt’s fifth Corvette will be unlike any he has had before because he will personally help build the 638-horsepower supercharged small block engine for his ZR1 supercar at the General Motors Performance Build Center.

Schnitt, host of a Tampa-based syndicated radio show, purchased the recently announced optional Corvette Engine Build Experience. He will be on the line at the PBC in Wixom, Mich. today.

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Roush supercharger for the 2011 Mustang 5.0 offers up to 550 hp

ROUSH supercharger can boost the horsepower on the 2011 Mustang upwards of 550 horsepower on stock pump gasoline with more than 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit has a suggested retail price of $5,999.00 and is available for shipment now.

Based on the popular TVS2300 ROUSHcharger, the 5.0L ROUSHcharger Tuner Kit comes with a 90mm pulley and generates an estimated seven pounds of boost. Included in the kit are 47 lb. fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails, a high-flow ROUSH air lid, and a twin 60mm throttle body. The heavy-duty ROUSH tensioner is included for the first FEAD belt.

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Toyota recalling 1.13 million Corolla and Matrix models

Toyota has announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 1.13 million 2005-2008 Model Year Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles sold in North America to address some Engine Control Modules that may have been improperly manufactured.

On vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive, there is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on the electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage (varistor), on the ECM’s circuit board.

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