Peugeot SR1 Concept Car

Peugeot has released the first details and images of its stylistic design trends for the future models through the Peugeot SR1 Concept car. The concept make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Peugeot SR1 features a sculpted bonnet, sweeping sides and a chiselled rear design while at the side, the styling line merge into the side windows and the front windscreen.

The carbon skin of the car merges seamlessly with the design of the lights, the air intakes and the shape of the door mirrors. Other features are full LED internal headlamp functions, radiator grille contour hard top and the new Peugeot Lion badge.



Inside, the SR1 features driver seat and all controls that are dedicated to out-and-out enjoyment for the driver, passenger compartment that is designed to provide optimum versatility and new sensations for all its occupants.

The car can accommodate 3 people whereby the third seat located in the middle, behind the two front seats. Entry to the rear seat is via the center console which can slide forward. The SR1 is fitted with patinated leather and different grained wood that mix together seamlessly with high-tech materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.

Other features include combination of analogue and digital read outs instrumentation, two glass crystal gauges that display fuel consumption and vehicle range and an exclusive wristwatch developed together with Bell&Ross that comes with milled inserts of solid aluminum slots perfectly into a dedicated housing on the fascia panel.

The Peugeot SR1 Concept car uses Hybrid4 technology which will be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011 where a 218 bhp (160 kW) 1.6-liter THP petrol engine powering the front wheels while the rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor delivering 95 bhp (70 kW).

The SR1 becomes a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) in electric only mode while its combined cycle fuel consumption is only 4.9 liters/100 km and emits 119 g/km of CO2. The SR1 Concept produces a maximum power of 313 bhp (230 kW) and benefits from 4-wheel drive when the two power trains operate simultaneously.

The suspension system consists of double wishbones with drop links at the front and the rear. The car also features 4-wheel steering while the turning angle of the rear wheels are controlled as a function of the vehicle speed via motorised links on the rear wishbones.

SMS Supercars 620 Camaro

SMS has released the first pictures of the 620 Camaro as it makes its official unveiling at the North American International Auto Show.

Boasting a modest body kit (with a ‘Red Butterfly' side induction hood, revised side skirts, and a new front spoiler), the 620 looks aggressive but restrained. Inside, the car features new gauges and sport seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather.



Power comes from a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 575 hp and 600 ft-lb of torque. It enables the Camaro to accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 4.3 seconds. If that isn't impressive enough, SMS also offers the 620X. Packing 715 hp and 700 ft-lb of toque, the 620X can run from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds or less.

Both models are outfitted with a SMS 296TM Supercharger, a high performance braking system, and a six-speed manual transmission. Options include magneto-rheological semi-active dampers, a torvec isotorque rear differential, a six-speed automatic transmission, and 21-inch rear wheels.

Ford launch nine engines and six transmissions by 2010

2010 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year for Ford's powertrain engineering and manufacturing teams. By the end of this year, the folks in Dearborn will have launched nine engines and six transmissions that are all-new or substantially redesigned. Several of these combinations have already been revealed over the past month and more will be revealed at tomorrow's Detroit Auto Show.

On Friday morning, Barb Samardzich, VP of powertrain engineering, ran down the list at a pre-show preview. Three years ago, Ford set about the process of completely revamping its powertrain lineup, and between 2008 and 2013, a total of 60 powertrain combinations will have been introduced globally, with half of those coming by the end of this year. We already knew about the new 1.6-liter inline-four and the six-speed Powershift dual clutch automatic for the Fiesta. The Mustang is getting new V6 and V8 engines that crank up output significantly while reducing fuel consumption.

Samardzich confirmed on Friday that the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 will land in the F-150 truck later this year. The list presented also includes the previously-announced 2.0-liter inline-four Ecoboost and a new six-speed automatic transmission for transverse applications.

As we reported earlier today, while no one would get specific about exactly which vehicles these would go into, there were smiles and the usual "not ready to announce anything" when we brought up the new unibody Explorer. When the Explorer America concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit show, there was discussion of 2.0-liter and 3.5-liter Ecoboost engines, and it appears that's exactly what it will get.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S

Subaru also released another special edition version of its sport hatchback for Japan, the WRX STI A-Line Type S. But unlike the R205, the Type S isn't about performance or handling improvements, it's about cosmetic upgrades.

Based on the Impreza WRX STI A-Line which was launched in early 2009 and combines Subaru's 300-horsepower 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts, the Type S adds Recaro seats treated in Alcantara and leather.



In addition, the seats, the leather steering wheel and the door panels are accented by contrasting red stitching while the package is rounded off with new lightweight alloy wheels in a gunmetal gray finish and gold-colored brake calipers.

Available for order now in Japan, the Type S is priced from 3,255,000 YEN which comes to around US$34,800 or €24,400 at today's exchange rates.

Vorsteiner V-MS BMW E92 Coupe

Vorsteiner, car tuner from the US, has unveiled its M-Tech aero packages for the BMW E92 Coupe. The V-MS (Vorsteiner M-Tech Series) Aero package is designed to be simple and easily installed onto factory bumpers to enhance the performance and also for the sporty look.

The new V-MS Aero package can be fitted to the BMW E92 Coupe, E93 Cabriolet and E90 sedan models.




At the exterior, the Vorsteiner V-MS BMW E92 features functionally designed 2-piece front and add-on splitters made of pre-preg autoclave carbon fiber, rear bumper with carbon fiber rear diffuser with a centrally placed exhaust ventilation opening to help the exhaust system cooling. To improve the airflow and downforce, the diffuser comes with two integrated aero fins.

The V-MS BMW E92 stands on 19-inch and 20-inch forged 3-Piece and 1-Piece Monoblock wheels. Other feature is the carbon fiber deck lid spoiler.

The V-MS Aero package is available through select authorized Vorsteiner delaers starting in January 10th 2010.

2011 Alpina B7 Announced for North America

BMW has announced that the Alpina B7 will be offered in North America as a 2011 model year. Previously, the E65 based B7 was only available in North America as a limited edition in 2007 and 2008.

The specialty F01 based BMW 7-Series already made its debut in Geneva last year, and then as a long-wheelbase F02 variant in Tokyo just a few months ago.

To refresh your memory the B7 comes with BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter direct injection V8 engine which has been massaged by Alpina from 400hp up to 500hp (373kW) and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque. 0-60 mph arrives in 4.5 seconds.



In the chassis department goodies include electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll bars and 21-inch wheels based on the classic Alpina 20-spoke design.

Interior is typically lavish with Alpina branding seen on the illuminated door sills, upper seatbacks, inlayed into the exclusive wood trim, inner roof panel just in front of the sunroof, instrument cluster and finally the engine cover. Also included is the Switch-tronic steering wheel in hand-stitched Lavalina leather. Optional Alpina Piano Lacquer interior trim with its silver diagonal rhombs is also available.

Sales begin in the spring following a public debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of sales.