Volkswagen Jetta GLI goes turbo for 2012

The potent 200-hp Volkswagen Jetta GLI is finally here, breaking cover on Tuesday at the Chicago auto show.  More-basic trim levels have been shown, but this model adds the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger that also serves up 207 lb-ft of torque low in the rev band.This new GLI starts at $24,265. The Autobahn package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and interior upgrades, including a

Volkswagen unwraps new Golf convertible

Volkswagen has revealed a new convertible version of the Golf. The car will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show next week before going on sale across Europe in May.North American sales are rumored, but no official time frame for an introduction has been announced.The new Golf convertible retains the familiar front-end styling of the existing hatchback version of Europe's perennial best

2010 Dodge Nitro

2010 Dodge Nitro

2010 Dodge Nitro

2010 Dodge Nitro

INTRODUCTION:The 2010 Dodge Nitro ranks 23 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Nitro, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

HIGHLIGHTS:Instead of a sleek, rounded shape that helps negate wind resistance and improve fuel economy, the Nitro is as squared-off and broad-shouldered as a starting lineman. The Nitro also ups its manly credentials with best-in-class towing abilities and a line-up that only includes V6 engines – no fuel-sipping four-cylinders here.

SPECIFICATIONS:The 2010 Dodge Nitro model lineup is revised. This midsize SUV uses traditional, truck-type construction and shares its basic design with the Jeep Liberty. Nitro comes in base Heat, mid-level Detonator, and top-end Shock trim levels. The SE, SLT, SXT, and R/T have been discontinued. Heat is powered by a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine that pairs with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 260-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic are standard on Detonator and Heat. Newly standard on all is Chrysler's Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off, which is designed to save fuel by shutting off the gasoline supply during deceleration. Also newly standard on all Nitro models are a sport suspension and 20-inch wheels. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available. The 4WD system can't be left engaged on dry pavement and does not include a low-range gear for off-road use. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain-side airbags. Rear-obstacle detection, a wireless cell-phone link, and remote engine start are standard on the Detonator and Shock. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are Shock-exclusive standard features. A navigation system with real-time traffic information and hard drive for storing digital-music files is optional on Detonator and Shock.

2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

Dodge is rolling out three special edition Nitros here at the Detroit Auto Show named Heat, Detonator and Shock. For now, we're focusing on the Detonator, a massively loud yellow mid-size SUV. Aside from the eye-scorching paint, the Nitro Detonator gets standard 20-inch wheels, eight premium speakers hooked into a 368-watt amp plus a nine-inch subwoofer. Tinted glass, too.

The real news, however, is the engine. All three special edition Nitros get an aluminum 4.0-liter V6 that makes 23 percent more horsepower and 12 percent more torque. Specifically, the overhead cam V6 pumps out 260 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. That's some decent grunt, though a 4.0-liter-V6-powered Nissan Pathfinder makes 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. However, the Nitro Detonator has gray stripes on the hood. Costs $25,995, too.

2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

The Super Sport Cars "Extreme" is back! The American creation. The 2000 hp, 300 mph Dagger GT's design objectives are to be the best-looking, fastest Supercar in the world. This  Super Sport Cars is being specially designed, very deliberately and explicitly, to break all world records and to bring back the most popular class of race car: the unlimited class which has been regulated, restricted and compromised into extinction.

 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

”Dagger” meaning in English, dagger, it is clear that the Americans from TranStart Racing have high ambitions. The supercars world is enriched with an American creation: TranStar Racing Dagger GT. Dagger GT concept car is based on the middle of this incredible machine, Cheetah Corvette, made by a brilliant industrial designer, Ivan Luccion. Our lead designer consultation is Phil Frank, the designer of the world record for the Saleen S7 super recently won the 24 hours of LeMans.

 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

While the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Cars has just entered the Guinness Book of Records with an average top speed of 267 mph, a new 2000hp 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing supercar is about to become the fastest supercar in the world. Tom Nelson, from Nelson Racing Engines is an integral part of the “dream team” his company is the top “big horsepower” engine builder in the U.S., 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing has selected Tom’s multi-fuel (petrol/methanol/hydrogen/ethanol), aluminum 572 Twin Turbo as their preferred engine for its combination of streetability and extreme horsepower – 2000 hp on racing fuel.

Expected performance figures are equally astounding: 0-60 mph in 1.5 seconds, quarter mile in less than 6.7 seconds and a top speed of over 483 km/h (300mph). The outer body is made from carbon fibre, while a high-strength 4130 Chromoly Steel chassis forms the inner structure.

From a technical standpoint, the car have under the hood of a General Motors V8 engine in the “big thing” style: 9.4-liters and attention, 2000 HP! There is no mistake, the Americans announced a power worthy of Gargantua. In addition, the engine will be capable of a peak torque of no less than 2000 lb-ft of torque! Again, is not a typing mistake.

2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

Dagger GT’s will be made available in three different ’Race’ models:

    * Dagger GT-R will be their road racing model, with a dynamic, computer-managed split rear wing.

    * Dagger GT-LS will be their land-speed model with 500 mph – rated M/T land-speed tires.

    * Dagger GT-D will be their drag racing model with Goodyear Pro Stock Slicks.

All race models will be convertible to street-legal if desired by owners. 2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing will also continue to offer Sport and Luxury street-legal models:

    * Dagger GT-S will be their “Sport” model, a street-legal version of the GT-R model.

    * Dagger GT-X will be their luxury model with all the interior, exterior and ride-quality luxuries imaginable and specified by the owner.

2011 Dagger GT Super Sport Cars TranStar Racing

Each model will be hand-made and custom-crafted to the owner’s specifications. Custom interiors and paint will be provided by award-winning After FX Customs. Only five will be made in 2011 and two of them have already been booked. Sales will begin during the first half of 2011 and 10 units will be delivered in 2012. Each car is priced at a minimum of US$450,000.

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon

INTRODUCTION:The 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon marks the second generation of the company's off-road-fettled heavy-duty pickup, and Dodge didn't muck with the plot. That's good news for serious truck users, as the Raptor is no substitute for the Power Wagon, and vice versa.

HIGHLIGHTS:Ram Power Wagon starts life as a heavy-duty Ram 2500 configured as a crew cab, short-bed 4x4. A $6,350 option package bearing the innocuous name "Customer Preferred Package 26P" transforms our Ram 2500 test truck into a Power Wagon. Don't be fooled, though, because this off-road package is altogether more comprehensively kitted out than that simple label lets on.

SPECIFICATIONS:The Power Wagon is endowed with a purposeful stance by way of a 2-inch lift in ride height, 32-inch off-road tires, skid plates, a winch and requisite stickers. At the same time, it's the stuff you can't see that gives this big truck true off-road grit: Bilstein dampers; electronically locking front and rear differentials with a shorter 4.56:1 final-drive ratio; a front stabilizer bar that can be deactivated at the touch of a button; plus a high-current alternator and a trailer hitch.

DESIGN:

• To get a flavor for the Power Wagon's off-road chops, we spent a day in Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) located in Gorman, California. A variety of terrain including desert washes, narrow rocky paths, hills and valleys allowed us to sample the Power Wagon's wares.
• Get those glutes ready. There's no step to aid access to the cabin since that would reduce ground clearance, so even drivers 6 feet tall have to grasp the grab handle mounted on the A-pillar and heave themselves up and into the driver seat.
• Once inside, the tall seating position on the bench seat gives a commanding view of the controls at your disposal and the world at large. There's a lever for the low-range transfer case by your right shin. A rotary selector knob on the center console allows you to lock the front, rear or both differentials when you're in 4WD Low, and beneath the knob are the buttons that couple and decouple the front stabilizer bar. To the left of the steering wheel is the integrated trailer brake controller for towing.

2010 Dodge Sprinter

2010 Dodge Sprinter

2010 Dodge Sprinter

INTRODUCTION:The new 2010 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van may look the same as yesteryear's model, but the differences appear when you get under the hood and begin looking at the guts of the machine. With an upgraded engine and other changes, the new Sprinter promises consumers everything they could want in a cargo van.

HIGHLIGHTS:The updated Sprinter van, which will now be branded as a Mercedes, will receive a new 3.0L diesel engine that will reportedly be eligible for sale in all 50 US states. The Daimler dealers will reportedly be able to sell up to 18,000 vans per year, a sizable portion of the van's production quota of 32,000 vehicles per year. The remaining production will be sold as Freightliners. The commercial vehicle company has 45 specialized Sprinter van dealers across the nation.

SPECIFICATIONS:The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van debuted with several gutsy changes, including the elimination of a gasoline engine option, switching entirely to a 154 horse power 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel engine. The diesel engine overall lowered the cost of fuel for drivers. In fact, the 2009 model promised an average of 22 miles to the gallon. Reviewers supported that figure and rated the vehicle well on overall fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the engine could only be described as adequate for the job of moving the large van, and perhaps less than adequate under a heavy load. Still, as a passenger vehicle rather than a concrete truck, it should deliver what the customer requires.

DESIGN:On the other hand, fuel efficiency, one of the strengths of the 2009 model, could suffer due to the upgrade. Getting higher horse power from a similar engine suggests more RPMs or other efficiency damaging changes. Eventually, full professional reviews and road tests will determine whether or how much the fuel efficiency has changed.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

INTRODUCTION: Dodge Viper SRT 10 ACR the street legal track car has completed almost two years. During this phase they have managed to set numerous records at high profile race tracks around the world including the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca circuits.

HIGHLIGHTS:The ACR-X starts with the already formidable ACR and then adds an eight-point roll cage with driver and passenger door bars, a racing seat, and a fuel cell. The 8.4-liter V-10 gets headers and a lower-restriction exhaust for an additional 40 hp, bringing the total up to 640. Weight is down 120 pounds or so from the ACR—which is already 40 pounds lighter than the base Viper—and aerodynamic tweaks result in even more downforce than the 1000 pounds the ACR is said to generate at 150 mph. Sadly, it is not street legal. It did, however, lap Laguna Seca three seconds faster than the ACR used to set the record.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• The power train remains unchanged, but with 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque spewing from its 8.4-liters of displacement, we’re not complaining. This is enough to guarantee a 0-60 mph acceleration time of less than 4 seconds, a quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and a 0-100-0 mph time in 11 seconds flat.
• Compared to the standard production model of the Dodge Viper, the suspension of the SRT10 ACR-X is racing tuned and enhanced with racetrack usage in mind. The SRT10 ACR-X is also lighter than the standard Viper by 160 pounds, weighing in at 3190 lbs, meant for the vehicle to race through the most difficult road courses head on. Aerodynamic features include a front and rear spoiler, monstrous air intakes, and a scooped hood. The package is meant to augment stability and enhance grip during high-speed turns by improving downforce and general airflow.

CONCLUSION:The Dodge Viper ACR-X is also comprised of original safety features including a roll cage, fuel cells and reinforced racing seats. Supplementary racing features will be added to ensure the car’s durability and reliability during professional competitions. This vehicle is meant to race in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events. The car will be on sale at an estimated price of $110,000, and production will begin in Spring 2010.

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design

Concept cars have an unique way to make us dream of the future. Taking cues from the crop of levitating designs that have risen in the last little while, the Astrum Meera is a car concept that uses magnetic technology lighten the entire frame. That's exactly what the Astrum Meera does: puts you in a world where technology and design walked a long path and found perfect balance.

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design

Created by Skyrill Design Studios from Bahrain, the “Astrum Meera” is a car concept that incorporates distinctive features in a rather practical design to offer a safe and sustainable ride in the days to come. Astrum Meera’s frame is essentially suspended slightly above the tires, which continue to stay grounded to the pavement.

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design, the side mirrors are hidden when parked and roll out of the body once the engine starts. The mirrors have a built-in camera system that allows the driver to clearly see outside from inside the vehicle without opening windows in the rain or turning your head around.

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design running on wheel rims that work through magnetic levitation, similar to train wheels, to make it lighter and faster, the futuristic vehicle integrates the exhaust with built-in sensors, which track the level of CO2 emissions and alert the driver as it goes beyond the normal range. As far as futuristic vehicles go, this one is pretty impressive.

Astrum Meera Sport Cars Concept Created by Skyrill Design

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10

INTRODUCTION:New for the 2010 model year is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. This improvement is a direct result of SRT’s experience at the Nurburgring, where during the lap-record run in 2008 it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in a higher speed capability and potentially a shorter elapsed time.

HIGHLIGHTS:The vehicle also gets a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. Furthermore, the rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes result in an increase in top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph).

SPECIFICATIONS:At the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N•m) of torque. Benchmark performance numbers, including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat, and a top speed of 202 mph, continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

DESIGN:

• Body style offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer) package. Approximately 500 vehicles will be built for the 2010 model year.
• With the introduction of two new exterior colors-Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat-Dodge Viper SRT10 is now available in 12 different colors - the most regularly available choices in one model year. And with six stripe options in the new wider configuration, five different interior color combinations, four different wheel choices and three available interior bezels; the 2010 Viper SRT10 will be available in more than 7,600 combinations-the most for any one model year-significantly adding to the exclusivity of each car like never before.

CONCLUSION:New across the Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology team's experience at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time.

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept

"Nike of Samothrace - ancient Greek statue - represents Goddess of victory and sea battle. Conveys a sense of action and triumph as well as portraying artful flowing drapery through its features which the Greeks considered ideal beauty", is the inspiration of the name.

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept

Idea to this Concept car was to reborn the spirit of victory and passion in different way to honor legends which shouldn't be forgotten. Reviving the spirit of victory and passion to honor the classic Formula 1 cars, designer Darko Nikolic has created a supercar concept dubbed the “Wings of Nike” (WON), representing triumph and ideal beauty in Greek mythology, which brings blood quickening and sophisticated of 50s look with seriousness of limousines from 30's was a huge challenge.

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept based off a smorgasbord of 1930s and 1950s era cues, including wings, extended fenders, chrome bumper, suicide doors, and a roadster style rear end. The chassis is formed from lightweight aluminum, and its outer shell from carbon fiber. Capturing the sport heart in the sleek, stylish body of limousine, the futuristic sport sedan flow the lines to connect parts, spreading almost individually, along the whole body for superior aerodynamics.

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept

The power engine of the Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept is a 7.3-liter V-12, generating a comfortable yet potent 750 bhp, delivered by four (all wheel drive) 22-inch dubs, and egged on by a 7-speed dual plate clutch transmission. The brakes are ceramic for superior stopping power, and the black and red exterior finish to symbolize its sporty character, which further is enhanced by a chromed bumper, white circles on tires and doors opening backwards.

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept

Technical specifications:

Class: grand tourer, supercar

Type: 4-door sedan

Body made of: carbon fibre with aluminum sub-frames/ aluminium

Engine: 7.3l V-12 (750 bhp)

Transmission: rear-mid based 7 speed dual clutch/twin plate clutch

Layout: front-engined, all-wheel drive

Breaks: ceramic breaks by Brembo

Design: Darko Nikolić

Rhinoceros 3D modeling: Darko Nikolić

V Ray renderings: Miloš Ličina

Photography director: Darko Nikolić

Post production: Darko Nikolić

Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

2010 Dodge Caliber

INTRODUCTION:Dodge Caliber is a five-door C-§egmènt hatchback that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SÚV. It features an all-new refined interior and Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine to satisfy the needs of discerning international customers.

HIGHLIGHTS:• All-new 2.2-liter Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine delivers 16 percent more power and 3 percent more torque, while reducing fuel consumption by 5 percent and CO2 emissions by 3 percent

• All-new interior design features a cleaner, more refined design theme, highlighted by detailed chromed accents, soft-touch premium materials and additional storage spaces

• Sport Appearance package includes new 18-inch polished aluminum wheels

• Versatile interior featuring innovative Úconnect™ Navigation, MusicGate Power™ articulating liftgate speakers and Chill Zone™ cooled-beverage storage bin

SPECIFICATION:This all-new Euro V capable engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 N•m (236 lb.-ft.), delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine. Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons, and fourth-generation direct-injection system provide durability, weight reduction and performance. Passenger refinement also improves as dual balance shafts and sound-deadening materials reduce the diesel engine's vibration and harshness by 25 percent compared with the previous Dodge Caliber CRD.

Two World Engine offerings (2.0- and 2.4-liter) deliver power and refinement thanks to dual Variable-valve Timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than engines without them. The 2.0-liter World Engine replaces the 1.8-liter engine, delivering 4 percent more power (115 kW /156 hp DIN) and 13 percent more torque (190 N•m / 140 lb.-ft.). For even greater performance, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 220 N•m (162 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Safety and security features include:

• Seat-mounted (thorax) side air bags

• First- and second-row side-curtain air bags

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist and all-speed traction control

• Driver and front-passenger active head restraints

• Úconnect Phone

• Úconnect Navigation with voice commands

• Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM)

2010 Dodge Avenger

2010 Dodge Avenger

2010 Dodge Avenger

2010 Dodge Avenger

2010 Dodge Avenger

INTRODUCTION:Dodge brand's heritage in Avenger's aggressive exterior lines. With traits from the legendary Dodge Charger, the 2010 Dodge Avenger integrates the signature crosshair grille, muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires, rear spoiler and chrome-tipped dual exhausts to communicate the performance capability of the Dodge brand's mid-size sedan. (concept carz).
SPECIFICATION: Dodge Avenger rivals the quickest mid-size sedans in the §egmènt based on 0-60 mph tests. Dodge Avenger offers class-leading performance with an available 3.5-liter engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle producing 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque and achieves 16 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway
• Auto Stick provides a fun-to-drive experience with the 3.5-liter engine

• The 2.4-liter I-4 World Engine produces 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N•m) and achieves 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway
L safety features

• Standard front-seat-mounted (thorax) air bags

• Standard side-curtain air bags

• Standard advanced multi-stage front air bags

• Driver and front-passenger active head restraints

• Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control

• Four-wheel Anti-lock Disc Brakes (ABS)

1919 Dodge Model 30

1919 Dodge Model 30

1919 Dodge Model 30