In mid 2006 we posted an article featuring images from a scanned brochure that we then believed, was the M sport pack for the E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe. These pictures from the Technorati: BMW+3-Series, M+Sport+pack, bodykit, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Technorati: Youtube, funny, car+buyer, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
The Tokyo Auto Salon (12 to 14 January) isn’t only about supped up Nismo 350Zs and Streams. It’s also about those weird Japanese modifiers like the people working at NAT’s (Nihon Automotive College) who took an early 90’s Honda Beat and turned it into “mini-me” version of the Acura / Honda NSX!
Apart from its looks, the MINI-SX has a mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout just like the NSX. However, that’s about all the similarities between the two Hondas as the Beat was equipped with a teeny-weenie 0.65-litre 3cylinder engine producing 64Hp. Via: WindingRoad
Technorati: Renault, Keyless+entry, accident, Youtube, Video, , auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop
We discovered this photoshoped image of the next generation Maserati Coupe over at our Italian friends at Autoblog.it. Although we didn’t manage to find the artist responsible for the impression, we’ll give him a thumb up for his creation which draws design cues from the beautiful 1954 Maserati A6 GCS by Pininfarina (check out the pics below). Word has it that Maserati will present the new Coupe at the upcoming Geneva Show in March. Like the current version, the new Italian GT will continue to use a Ferrari derived V8 motor. Via: Autoblog.it
Technorati: Maserati+Coupe, Ferrari+V8, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, scoop, Geneva+Motor+Show
Now this is more like it or isn’t it? See, according to Nissan’s press release, which you can check out below, the 350Z –Fairlady Z in 
Anyways, along with the supped up 350Z / Fairlady Z, Nismo also presented the racing version of the car, which goes by the name Fairlady Z NISMO Type 380RS-Competition (image below). Apart from chipping away a few pounds and revising suspension & brakes, NISMO also fiddled around with Nissan’s 3.5 V6 increasing its capacity to 3.8-litres and interfering with the electronics. The upgraded VQ35HR produces 400Hp and 43,0 kgm of torque. -Thanks for the Tip!
PRESS RELEASE: Nissan 350Z / Fairlady Z Nismo: Based on the new Fairlady Z, the Version NISMO fuses NISMO's extensive racing expertise, gained through competing in SUPER GT and other race series as the Nissan works team, with the Autech Japan’s extensive experience in manufacturing completely customized vehicles. The new model provides a heightened dimension of sporty driving pleasure, backed by the Fairlady Z's renowned performance capabilities. The customl Version Nissan can be purchased at Nissan dealers nationwide and receives the same after-sales service as regular Fairlady Z models.
To help enhance driving performance, the Version NISMO’s body stiffness has been improved by increasing the welded area of the body panels and adding additional reinforcement bars and panels, among other measures. High-grip Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires have been adopted to absorb high input forces from the road surface. In addition, the suspension system has been totally retuned to further boost cornering performance. An optimum balance of handling and driving comfort has also been achieved by adopting Performance Dampers that effectively damp force inputs to the body.
The exterior design was developed on the basis of meticulous studies conducted by the Design Group and the Vehicle Performance Testing Group. A supercomputer was used to run design simulations based on aerodynamic data collected with SUPER GT race cars. The distinctive body form obtained as a result provides superior handling and stability, together with aerodynamic characteristics for creating effective downforce. The interior is also distinguished by its unique, premium-quality ambience, resulting from the use of exclusive metallic-looking genuine leather trim. Seats are upholstered with a perforated Alcantara center section that holds the body more firmly during sporty driving.
Technorati: Nissan+350Z, Nissan+350X+Nismo, Nissan+Fairlady+Z+NISMO, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Following the official spy video of Mercedes upcoming C-class (to be unveiled on January the 18th) we now have official spy shots which include pics of the exterior, interior, chassis and... a German mustache man. 
Mercedes is testing the holy god out of the new C-class dragging it trough a series of vigorous test-rig programs in over 24 million test kilometers. Testing of the new C-Class began in the summer of 2003. 280 prototypes completed regular non-stop tests conducted under various terrains and weather conditions.
In other words, the new C-class is being dragged through hell and back to see if it can withstand this new generation of abusive drivers and speed demons -sort of like the eloquent German mustache man pictured here. See how he handles the steering in a gentle yet masculine manner... Posted by Dani
Technorati: Mercedes+C-Class, W204, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, scoop, pictures, images
Saab has its eyes set on a new compact hatch to take on the likes of the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. Swedish car magazine Teknikens Varld took on the assignment of “visualising” the 9-1 in the form of an artist's impression that borrows design cues from the Aero-X concept. Last year, Saab’s Managing Director Jan-Ake Jonsson gave an interview to the Swedish newspaper TT, where he not only confirmed the company’s plans for the 9-1 but he also revealed that it will be based on the same platform as the next-generation Opel Astra. That means the 9-1 will also use Astra’s engine range including the new 180Hp 1.6 Turbo and OPC’s 240Hp 2.0 Turbo. Via: Teknikensvarld
Technorati: Saab+9-1, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images, scoop
For those of you that don’t remember, last October we posted the first uncovered images of the all-new XC70. Now, thanks to a thoughtful and sharing Volvo employee we’ve got another set of pics featuring the upcoming Swedish crossover at its final form. 
The XC70 which will probably be unveiled at the Geneva Show in March is practically a V70 –see it here in another pack of leaked images, with an off-road bodykit and standard AWD system. The engine range will come straight from the new S80 which means that the XC70 will be offered with a 2.5 Turbo, a 3.2 straight six and a 4.2 V8 motor while
Technorati: Volvo+XC70, Volvo+S80, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, scoop, Geneva+Motor+Show
Talk about workaholics; about a month after Honda presented two concepts at the LA Show (Honda Remix & Acura ASC) and another two at the Detroit Show (Honda Accord Coupe & Acura ASCC) the Japanese carmaker announced that it’ll present another three concepts at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2007 (January 12-14, 2007)! Still wondering why they’re so successful…
Press Release - Fit / Jazz Daily Active Concept: A small car designed to respond to the needs of today’s portable telephone and video game-oriented youth and add a touch of excitement to everyone’s lives. Cameras and sensors are fitted on the exterior of the vehicle to help reduce blind spots. LED daytime running lights on the bumpers and lower skirts provide increased visibility from other users on the road. On the inside, welcome lighting and a 3-mode illumination system that allows occupants to select interior lighting color from three choices add to the relaxed atmosphere. The vehicle can also be equipped with a portable, ‘go-anywhere’ AVN entertainment system combining navigation, game, inter-communication and audio-visual functions for use inside and outside the vehicle. This AVN can fit on the instrument panel or on the front seat headrests. An aroma diffuser is also available to add personalized scent to the interior.
Stream Hyper Sport Concept: This medium-sized minivan combines an exciting driving experience with an interior full of entertainment features. Formed around a ”Sculpted by the Wind” theme, the exterior has been designed for optimum aerodynamic performance. The vehicle is also equipped with a mobile communication-compatible AVN driving information system and an individual entertainment system allowing each passenger to enjoy personalized audio and visual entertainment, for even more enjoyable travel (pics bellow)
Stream Exclusive Concept: This medium-sized minivan offers a glimpse of what ‘premium’ could mean in the near future. The exterior has been designed to portray the image of an uptown cruiser. An overall design made of contrasting shapes, the clever use of molds and the play of light on body lines combine to give a modern feeling of refinement and quality. The interior has been designed into an airy lounge space with the rear two rows of seats replaced by a single one for increased space and comfort. LED-illuminated full leather lounge seats, 17-inch-wide screens and a high quality sound system together provide an exceptionally comfortable and stimulating audio and visual experience. (pics bellow)
Technorati: Honda+Fit, Honda+Jazz, Honda+Stream, Tokyo+Auto+Salon, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
