Monthly Archives: July 2009

Ferrari 599xx

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ferrari-599-xx-2Well, it’s looking more and more likely now that the Ferrari 599XX will eventually make its way down the production pipeline and roar off onto the public roads for us mere mortals to bear witness to and stare at in awe.

Our photographer asserts that Ferrari will indeed be bringing the 599XX to the streets. A confirmation provided by Ferrari while these pics were snatched of the 599XX doing some testing at the Italian car maker’s own Fiorano test track.

Notable differences from the concept version Ferrari unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March include changes to the air inlets and outlets as well as the rear wing.

Details on outright performance remain few but the 599XX will be a top Ferrari performer, no doubt. It will come with a full slate of F1 derived technologies, including something called High Performance Dynamic Concept, which is an electronic control system that maximizes the car’s mechanical potential in achieving lap times on the track.

The 599XX will also come with some highly advanced aerodynamics, including a system Ferrari calls Actiflow, to provide down force on the 599XX at the rate of 280 kg at 200 km/h and 630 kg at 300 km/h.

Horsepower will be in the range of 700 hp with an engine that top-revs at 9000 rpm.

source worldcarfans.com

Bmw 1 series spied with all-wheel xDrive

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bmw-serie-1-8bmw-serie-1-9Our spy photographers have managed to catch a 2011 BMW 1-Series prototype equipped with a wheel force testing apparatus.

These photos, taken near Germany’s famous Nürburgring, show a prototype outfitted with a Kistler RoaDyn wheel force and torque sensor system which is typically used to test four-wheel drive (and all-wheel drive) vehicles. This could indicate that BMW will offer their xDrive system on the 1-Series for the first time, however we cannot confirm this since the equipment can also be used to test two-wheel drive vehicles as well as several other applications.

While little is known about the car’s design, styling should mimic recent BMWs such as the X1 and 5-Series GT. This likely means the 1-Series will receive a larger, more upright twin-kidney grille and a bold set of headlights.

Power will be provided by a variety of petrol engines (both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged) as well as the usual turbo diesels. The petrol engines are expected to boast outputs ranging from 105bhp (78kW) to 326bhp (243kW), while the diesels will likely have outputs of 150bhp (112kW) to 211bhp (157kW). BMW’s recent foray into the world of EfficientDynamics should also result in a “green” 1-Series which will feature low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Look for the redesigned 1-Series five-door to go on sale in mid-2011, with coupe and convertible models expected to follow shortly thereafter.

source www.worldcarfans.com

Mini Crossman spy

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mini-crossmanSpies have picked up the upcoming MINI Countryman and Countryman S during roadside testing, possibly in California.  Some notable differences were spotted when comparing this to the Crossman concept that debuted last year.

First, we see the upcoming crossover with a new frontbumper that appears to keep a wider separation between the top and bottom grille sections.  Also, both halves appear to have taken on new shapes that -when combined with the apparent new angle of the headlights- practically does away with the typical grinning-face we have become accustomed to seeing on the new MINI.

This could be both good and bad for MINI.  On the one hand, they risk alienating their current fan base with the new design.  On the other hand, they may be able to expand their customer base to clients who only want a more “manly” looking vehicle.  We will withold final judgment until we see the machine without camo.

It also appears that this model has indicators built into the side mirrors, and foglights that are a bit more sunken into the bumper.  A carefully timed picture taken from behind shows the SAV with a vertical hatch, as opposed to the horizontal doors that were present on the concept.  This ties the SAV more with the Cooper, and less with the Clubman.

While the concept was called the “Crossman”, BMW has apparently registered the Countryman name.  The alleged final name of the upcoming crossover, along with a production version, should be revealed in Frankfurt this September.

source worldcarfans.com

Kia Rio facelifted

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kia-rioSeveral images of Kia’s facelifted 2010 Rio/Pride have surfaced on the web.

The updated model features a redesigned front end with an aggressive air-intake, more prominent fog lights, and Kia’s new grille. More importantly, the biggest change appears to be the availability of colored body cladding. While we cannot be certain all models will receive a monotone appearance, we can only hope so.

Modest changes also occur in the interior. The biggest difference is a redesigned center stack which houses a new radio and an improved climate control system. Other updates include a new steering, a revised instrument cluster, and stainless steel pedals.

Look for the facelifted Rio to start arriving at Korean dealerships within the next few weeks while US arrival is expected towards the end of this year or early next year.

source worldcarfans.com