2008 Land Rover Defender SVX replacing 61-year-old Defender model

There aren't very many vehicles on our blue planet that have soldered on for 61 straight years, but the Land Rover Defender comes up on the short list. The Defender is reason numero uno why Land Rover has the off-road superstar status that it does, but the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the go anywhere SUV may finally be nearing the end of the dirt trail.

Land Rover managing director Phil Popham reportedly told Australian newsletter GoAutoNew that emissions and pedestrian safety laws will force the Tata Motors-owned automaker to either profoundly re-engineer or flat-out replace the Defender by 2013. The iconic Defender, which is also available in the U.S., hasn't even received major body work since 1983, which incidentally was the year Plinko was added to Price is Right. Popham insists that Land Rover won't replace the Defender with a kinder, gentler vehicle, adding that the new vehicle would offer even more on- and off-road capability, and we're guessing that any new model will come standard with more modern aesthetics inside and out.

While it's pretty clear that the Defender as we know it is likely on it's last set of knobby tires, there is still a decent chance that the geriatric SUV's successor could retain the Defender name. After all, you just don't throw away 61 years of name recognition on a whim, right?










[Source: Detroit Free Press]

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2010 Volkswagen launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone

Volkswagen is no stranger to promoting its vehicles using games for the iPhone and iPhone Touch. Witness such forgetables as Volkswagen Polo Challenge 3D [iTunes link] and Volkswagen Scirocco R 24H Challenge 3D [iTunes link], both by developer FISHLABS. Neither game is very fun to play, being on the early end of the curve for racing games on Apple's smart phone. For the launch of the new GTI, however, Volkswagen got smart and instead partnered with developer Firemint, which already has a well received racing game for sale in the App Store called Real Racing [iTunes link]. Together, the two companies have put out Real Racing GTI [iTunes link], a free version of the $6.99 app that exclusively features the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI.

We'll get to the game in a second, but the big news is that VW is putting some promotional muscle behind the app by launching a contest (view rules and regulations here) to give away six brand new, limited edition GTIs just for playing the game. Thankfully, your chances of winning are not tied to your skill level, and entering involves simply registering through the game and completing a race. What's more, you can enter once per day and Volkswagen will pick a winner each week for the next six. The GTI prize cars are limited edition models with numbered dash plaques, special interior and exterior trim and unique 18-inch black wheels.

As for the game, it's pretty solid. While only featuring the GTI and fewer tracks, all the gameplay mechanics are the same as the paid app. The control settings are also extensive allowing you to steer using either the device's accelerometer or a steering wheel on the screen, as well as choosing between auto or manual modes for accelerating and braking. The competition AI, however, is pretty weak, allowing you to pass them all from the back of the grid before the first turn and then hanging on the back of your bumper for the rest of the race.

So here's our advice: DO NOT download Real Racing GTI and DO NOT register for the contest to win one of six limited edition GTIs. We think we have a real shot at winning and don't want you all throwing the curve.















[Source: Volkswagen | iTunes link]

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Mercedes SL 500 by Inden Design

Inden Design has unveiled a new tuning program for the pre-facelifted R230 Mercedes SL 500.

Designed to mimic the SL 65 AMG, the body kit (€5,498) features new front and rear bumpers, aggressive side skirts, and a rear diffuser. Options include new taillights (€548), a carbon fiber rear diffuser (€1,448), unique door handles and mudguards in "lackluster black" (€820) or "pure carbon" (€1,420), and 20-inch Inden Champion wheels (€11,700) with high performance Pirelli tires.

Inside, customers can order a sports steering wheel (€1,059) and carbon fiber trim (€1,998).

In terms of performance, Inden offers an adjustable sport suspension module (€1,398), a stainless steel exhaust system (€2,498), and an engine tuning kit for the M113 E50 engine which increases the output from 306 hp to 330 hp and removes the top speed limiter.

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[Video] Honda EV-N all-electric concept Revealed in Tokyo

Old meets new with the official introduction of the Honda EV-N all-electric concept car. Looking like an odd, futuristic cross between a classic Fiat 500 and a classic Mini Cooper, the EV-N creates a "fun, easygoing relationship between person and car," (whatever that means).

Despite the tiny size, the battery-powered car is a four-seater. Rear seats may be folded down to provide storage space. Helping to keep the battery charged is a solar panel placed in the roof.

The 105-second video shows the close-cropped car from multiple angles, with some focus given to the vehicle's lighting unique. Fabric options range from standard red, to a tartan-plaid blue, and checkered yellow. These can be swapped out whenever, and wherever, the owner feels like it, guaranteed to satisfy any cosplay schoolgirl.

Battery charge information is displayed on the vehicle's "grille," with more information provided to let others on the road know if the car is going to stop, start, or turn. The driver stays up-to-date on the system status thanks to well-placed in-dash screen.

Frighteningly, Honda wants people to drive this car "in the same carefree way they talk to friends on a mobile phone or listen to tunes on a music player." This seems like a very, very bad idea.

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[Video] Lexus LFA Officially Unveiled in Tokyo

Following years of speculation, some extensive spy material and several leaks, Lexus has finally unveiled its very first supercar. A prototype of the two-seat LFA is now on display at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Official details reveal some stunning figures which give meat to recent videos. The sound heard on that video is partly because of equal-length exhaust manifolds mated to an equal-length dual exhaust system and routed through a multistage titanium main muffler. The LFA is indeed powered by a naturally aspirated V10 displacing 4.8 litre (4,805cc). Thanks to its aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy and titanium alloy construction it is actually lighter than a normal V8 engine.

Maximum power is an assuring 412kW (560hp) made at a screaming 8,700rpm while peak torque is 480Nm at 6,800rpm. Ninety percent of torque is available between 3,700rpm and 9,000rpm. It all goes to the rear wheels via a 6-speed ASG transmission featuring heavy-duty synchronizer rings and a newly developed gearshift actuator. A 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds is claimed while top speed is 325km/h (202mph).

The relatively low weight of 1480kg (3,263 lbs) was achieved through measures such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) cabin, said to be 100kg lighter than an equivalent aluminium one. Total vehicle length is 4.51m, width is 1.90m and height is a midget-sized 1.22m. It features a double wishbone front suspension and a multilink system at the rear. Brakes are carbon ceramic material to make stops as quickly as possible. The LFA gets 265/35ZR20 (95Y) front tyres and 305/30ZR20 (99Y) types at the back.

Aerodynamic elements include a flat underbody, a rear diffuser and a speed-controlled rear wing. The interior can be custom-tailored to suit buyers' needs while showing off a very high-tech instrumentation design.

Only 500 units will be sold worldwide between the start of production in December 2010 and when it ends in December 2012. A more race-focused model will be introduced in 2011. Suggested minimum prices are US$375,000 (€250,720). Prices in Japan will be ¥37.5 million a unit.

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