2010 Daewoo Matiz aka the New Chevy Spark Scooped in Korea

What we will get to know as the new Chevrolet Spark in North America and Europe will be sold in South Korea and perhaps other Asian markets as the Daewoo Matiz. Spotted by the crew over at Noticias Automotivas somewhere in Korea without any sort of camouflage whatsoever, the 2010MY Matiz is a carbon-copy of its Spark sibling minus the Chevy grille, side skirts and large alloy wheels which seem to make a big difference in the city car's appearance.

Same goes for the interior which is identical to the Spark, although the Korean market version of the car does get its own unique trim options.

The 2010 Daewoo Matiz will most likely be offered in Korea with a similar engine lineup to the European Chevy Spark that is powered by a choice of 1.0 and 1.2-litre gasoline engines developing 66 and 78HP respectively. European sales of the new Chevy Spark will start towards the end of the year while North American customers will have to wait until the end of 2010 - beginning of 2011.

[Via: Noticias Automotivas]

-->Read More...

New GM Backs out of NUMMI Partnership with Toyota

Following the announcement on the termination of the Pontiac Vibe that was the last remaining project of the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota, the so-called 'New GM' said today that it plans to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection without its 25-year old California tie-up with the Japanese automaker.

"Given that, GM believes it is in the best interest of the 'New GM' and its stakeholders that we place our ownership interest in NUMMI in 'Old GM'," the company said in a prepared statement.

General Motors added that the two sides could not reach an agreement on a future product plan that "made sense for all parties" and that there are no future GM vehicles planned for the joint venture at this time.

-->Read More...

Custom Built Hummer H1 is one Freaky Creation

My eyes, oh my poor eyes... Can't remember for sure if we have seen any custom made vehicle worse than this heavily modified Hummer H1 that's up for grabs on eBay, but it certainly makes the top list. And wait until you see the interior with the ostrich leather dashboard and the number of LCD screens surrounding the driver...

Aside from claiming that the modded H1 "gets more attention than all other exotics" (wonder why...), the seller mentions that more than $185,000 were invested on the vehicle that is powered by a tuned V8 diesel cranking out 195 horsepower and 430 lb-ft (583Nm) of torque.

Still interested? Our condolences for your lost of taste but if you insist, the eBay 'Buy it Now' price for the Hummer H1 is $89,000.

[Link: eBay]

-->Read More...

Mercedes Plant Produces 750,000th A-Class and 500,000th B-Class

The 750,000th A-Class and 500,000th B-Class rolled off the production line at Mercedes-Benz' Rastatt plant in Germany. The two milestone vehicles, a lotus blue A 180 CDI and a horizon blue B 180 NGT with natural-gas drive will be delivered to customers in Germany and Great Britain respectively. Overall, the Stuttgart based automaker has produced a total of more than 2.35 million units of the two model series since the introduction of the first-gen A-Class in 1997 (second-gen model was launched in 2004) and the B-Class in 2005.

After Germany, the largest markets for the A- and B-Class are Italy, France and Great Britain while the biggest market for the two models outside Europe is Japan. At the beginning of 2009, Mercedes-Benz also introduced the B-Class in China.

-->Read More...

BMW X1 Small SUV: More Teaser Photos Including Dashboard Shot

Much to the annoyance of people like ourselves that believe enough is enough, BMW continues to fool around with meaningless teaser shots of its upcoming X1 SUV. Following the release of 140 photos of the X1 in camouflage, a teaser video, four cryptic exterior shots and a blurry photoshoped image of the SUV on the beach, the Bavarian firm has published four more pictures of its small crossover.

The new set of photos provides us with our first (obscure) glimpse of the X1's interior and in particular of the steering-wheel and instrument panel which appears to be hold no surprises.

In case you've been living in Mars or something, the X1 is designed to fit right under the X3 in BMW's SUV range. The first examples of the SUV will arrive in European showrooms this October with the U.S. following sometime in 2011.

[Source: Carscoop]

-->Read More...

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Photo Leakage: New RWD Model with 550HP?

A set of allegedly official photos depicting a more hardcore version of the Lamborghini Gallardo supercar called LP550-2 were leaked into the web today. While we don't have any official information yet on the car from the Italian maker, Lamborghini's naming strategy suggests that the LP550-2 is equipped with a 550 horsepower version of the Gallardo's 5.2-liter V10 engine with power being driven to the rear wheels rather than to all four as on the rest of the Gallardo range.

If true, this means that the elimination of the all-wheel drive system will result in substantial (for this kind of vehicle) weight savings. We'll get back on this story as soon as we find out more. In the meantime enjoy the high-res picture gallery below.

[Via: Autoblog.it]

-->Read More...

2010 Jaguar XF Gains New 470HP 5.0-liter V8: 0-60mph in 4.9sec

In an attempt to close the power and price gap between the $57k XF with the 385HP naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and the M5-challenging $80k XFR that is fitted with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that makes 510HP, Jaguar has introduced a new model to its U.S. market lineup called XF Supercharged. Priced from $68,000, it is powered by a detuned version of the XFR's 5.0L supercharged V8 that delivers 470HP and a peak torque of 424 lb-ft.

With this engine, the XF Supercharged sprints from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, or 0.6 seconds faster than the naturally aspirated XF 5.0L and a mere 0.2sec slower than the 510HP XFR.

Along with the new V8, the XF Supercharged also gains Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics suspension control system and Active Differential Control that electronically controls the rear differential, plus upgraded ventilated disc brakes.

On the outside, the latest model in the XF range is distinguished by the special badges, silver-gray painted brake calipers, chromed exhaust tailpipes and specific 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior features include contrasting stitching on the instrument panel and door top rolls, unique wood trim, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, HD radio, and heated steering wheel.

Sales of the XF Supercharged will begin the States this October. Aside from the XF 5.0L, the XF Supercharged and the XFR, Jaguar's XF lineup in the US also includes an entry-level model priced from $52,000 that is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 with 300HP.

[Source: Carscoop]

-->Read More...

Aston Martin Cygnet: $30k - €25k Mini Based on the Toyota iQ and it's Official!

We know what you're thinking but you couldn't be more wrong; this is not some funky replica kit but an official concept for an Aston Martin mini car! The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and it is expected to go on sale before the end of next year with an estimated base price somewhere around £20,000 or about $30,000 - €25,000. The initial plan is for the Cygnet to be offered only to current and future Aston Martin owners but a general release could follow at a later date.

"Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota's stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

The British automaker did not disclose any specific details, but from the official teaser shots released by Aston Martin it is evident that the Cygnet will feature a new skin while retaining the basic shape of Toyota's iQ citycar. Expect to see a new interior adorned with Aston Martin-esque details.

"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future," said Bez. "This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market."

There's no word on the powertrain options but it is believed that the Cygnet will be us the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol that makes 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. It is possible that Aston Martin's engineers will tweak the iQ's suspension and brake system.

"The offering of a 'Cygnet' with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level," Bez noted.

The Toyota iQ donor cars will be built in Japan and then shipped to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory in the UK where they will be transformed into Cygnets.

And you thought GM's badge engineering was ridiculous...

[Source: Carscoop]

-->Read More...

Toyota Releases iQ3 with New 100HP 1.3-liter Engine and Start&Stop System

For the first time since the IQ's launch, Toyota is extending the mini's range with the introduction to the line-up of a new 1.33-litre gasoline engine (previewed in Geneva). Featuring a Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves, the four pot produces a maximum output of 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm, launching the iQ3 from nought to 62mph (100km/h) in 11.8 seconds when equipped with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and in 11.6 seconds with the optional Multidrive CVT transmission. Top speed is rated at 106mph or 171km/h.

The iQ3 also features Toyota's Stop & Start system that automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt and the gear shift is moved to neutral. The Japanese firm claims that with the manual transmission, the iQ3 returns an official 58.9mpg UK (4.8lt/100km or 49mpg US) in combined cycle driving, and 113g/km of CO2 (120g/km with the CVT).

In the UK, the iQ3 is on sale now with prices starting from £11,495 ($18,650 at today's exchange rates) for the six-speed manual version and £12,495 with Multidrive. Standard equipment features include nine airbags, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a six-speaker sound system.

We remind you that Toyota's Scion division is planning to release a U.S market variant of the iQ in the States in the very near future. Earlier in April, Scion unveiled a tuner-modified version of the 3+1 seater at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

[Via: Carscoop]

-->Read More...

Scion Reveals iQ Concept 'pimped' by Five Axis in New York: Gallery with 70 High-Res Photos

What you see here is in essence a tuner-modified version of Toyota's iQ minicar that is already sold in Japan and Europe, and it officially confirms the Japanese automaker's interest in importing the 3+1 seater in the States under the Scion moniker. Toyota's goal with the presentation of the modified iQ that would seem more fit for a show like SEMA than New York, was of course to demonstrate the vehicle's potential for personalization which is a typical feature of all Scion models.

"We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it's a Scion, you know it'll be easy to personalize."
The concept's design is the work of California-based tuner, Five Axis. Among other things, Five Axis 'decorated' the iQ with a wide bodykit, custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and high-intensity LED driving lamps. Interior upgrades includes illuminated door handles, iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas along with a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface.
For whatever reasons, Toyota decided to hold back on any mechanical upgrades with the iQ concept retaining the production version's 1.3-liter four-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine that produces an output of 100HP.

[Source: Carscoop]

-->Read More...