Chrysler and Fiat announce merger

Today’s most important news is, no doubt about that, the announcement of Chrysler and Fiat’s merger, a move which might have a lot of influence on the auto market. Chrysler, faced with serious financial problems, still managed to sell about 2 million vehicles last year (most of them in the United States), while Fiat, whose main markets were Europe and Latin America, sold around 2.5 million units. So the result of the merger will be one very important company.

Fiat, who will receive an initial 35 percent equity interest in Chrysler (with an option to raise it to 55 percent at a later date), won’t make a cash investment or funding in Chrysler instead it will share platforms with the Detroit carmaker, including city and compact segment vehicles, fuel efficient powertrain technologies and will also help Chrysler expand their market outside of the United States.

“A Chrysler/Fiat partnership is a great fit as it creates the potential for a powerful, new global competitor, offering Chrysler a number of strategic benefits, including access to products that compliment our current portfolio; a distribution network outside North America; and cost savings in design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and sales and marketing,” said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC.

Source: Chrysler

BMW 320d Winter Concept by Miranda-Series

BMW 320d Winter Concept by Miranda-Series :

Though there’s not much left of this winter, German tuner Miranda-Series announced a very good looking winter sport package for the BMW 320d (the current generation, but the version before the facelift). By optimizing the ECU, the tuner managed to increase the 2.0 liter turbo diesel’s power output up to 199 hp. Handling was improved by equipping the car with Eibach Pro-Street-S coilover suspension and Stop-Tech brakes. Other changes include new 19-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop winter tires and new Recaro seats. However, there’s one small setback. The package, though it looks good, it’s not that impressive, but instead is priced at €13,544 (almost $18,000), which is a lot.

Check out more photo after the jump.

Volvo pulls out of the Tokyo Motor Show

Last week Ford, along with GM and Chrysler, announced that it would skip this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and now, Volvo management has decided to follows it’s parent company and drop out of this year’s edition of the Japanese show. The reason behind the decision was the costs cut, the Swedish carmaker having better things to do with it’s money that to have a stand in Tokyo.

Fearing a lack of participants, JAMA (Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association) even considered, last week, to cancel this year’s edition of the Tokyo Motor Show. However, the decision was that “the show must go on”, especially with the association receiving support from the Japanese companies, who announced they’ll be at the show, scheduled to take place between October 23 and November 8
Source: Automotive News Europe

First Dodge Viper Special Hurst

First Dodge Viper special Hurst edition sold for $275,000

In order to celebrate their 50th anniversary, Hurst Performance Vehicles released a special 50 units limited edition of the Dodge Viper, and the first car was auctioned two days ago at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction for $275,000. The anniversary Hurst/Viper features an unique gold paint finish with gloss black stripes and black chrome Hurst wheels. Also, the car is fitted with the new Hurst HARD-DRIVE gold anodized pistol-grip shifter, 19- and 20-inch Hurst polished aluminum wheels, Corsa exhaust and Moton Club Sport adjustable coil-over suspension with Eibach springs.



The interior was also customized with special Katzkin charcoal leather with Hurst embroided logos, gold thread detailing and perforated leather inserts. For the exterior there are two color combinations available: black with gold stripes and white with gold stripes (the gold with black stripes combination was specially created only for the first auctioned unit).

Check out more photos after the jump.

BS3 based on the Audi S3

O.CT Boehler Concept BS3 based on the Audi S3

German tuning company O.CT Tuning released the first details and photos of another package for the Audi S3. Called Boehler concept BS3, the car is based on the quattro version of the S3, powered by an upgraded engine that delivers 328 hp (241 kW) and a maximum torque of 425 Nm. The power upgrade was made by fitting a a specially developed Engine control unit, deep thorated Sportexhaust with integrated Controlfolds and improved Air Intake System. According to O.CT, the BS3 has a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph) and it goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) “almost a full second quicker than the Stock S3″ (which does the sprint in 5.5 seconds).

Other upgrades include a fully adjustable O.CT Coilover Suspension, 8-piston braking system with 372 mm discs/rotors and O.CT Carbon Fiber Add-ons for the engine, battery and air intake. Last, but not least, the body kit looks very good, with widened fenders and redesigned rear bumper, finished in white and black paint, plus a set of 20 inch MÖZ alloy wheels.

The only downside of this package is its pricing, around 67,000 Euros, but the fact that the car will only be built in a limited run of 100 units, O.CT hopes to find customers for it.

Check out more photos after the jump.

Photo Audi S3 tuning by O.CT

The 505 hp Chevrolet

If you ask someone to name a Chevrolet car that delivers more than 500 hp, we bet they’ll tell you “Corvette!”. But oh boy, they sure would be wrong! Because a team from Fourdin Auto Sport, led by Yves Fourdin, have created this monster, a Chevrolet Matiz powered by a 505 hp 7.0 liter V8 engine from the Corvette Z06 (come to think about it, those people saying Corvette wouldn’t be so wrong). We have no idea how they managed to fit the V8 into the little Matiz or how the car doesn’t take off, but one thing’s for sure, the Matizilla goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.94 seconds and up to a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).

The racing car, which was finished in August 2008, has been homologated and is currently on display at the International Racing Show Liège in Belgium. One more photo and a short video of the car unleashed on the Monza race track in Italy, after the jump.

Photo 505 hp Chevrolet Matiz

Biofuel powered Bentley

Biofuel powered Bentley to debut in Geneva, With a little more than a month left until the Geneva Motor Show starts, Bentley has announced today that one of their stand’s starts will be what they call their fastest and most powerful production car ever. Of course, that’s interesting, but not that interesting, you might say. But that’s not all. The car, named “Extreme Bentley” so far, will run on biofuel. That’s about all the details the British company has released, but considering the current most powerful Bentley is a 600 hp beast, we can only dream about what the Geneva car will be like. And about the biofuel part, the guys from Autoblog expect to see an ethanol adapted version of the twin-turbocharged W12 that powers the most powerful Bentley in production.

And for all our US readers who won’t probably make it to Switzerland to the Geneva Motor Show, don’t worry, the car will be on display at April’s New York Auto Show, so you too will be able to admire the beauty.

Source : Autoblog

Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe

Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe spied in Spain, A couple of days ago we showed you a few leaked photos of the new E Class Coupe, Mercedes’ replacement for the current CLK and now we’ve got the first photos showing the car on the street. The vehicle was photographed in Mallorca, Spain during an internal event for employees, by the guys from Motorpasion and it has minimal camouflage; except for the headlights and tail lights, which are covered, the car is completely undisguised. So, what do you think, will Mercedes be able to compete with the other German luxury coupes, like the 3 Series Coupe or the Audi A5/S5? I think they can, because, like any other Mercedes model, they’ve decided to go for more stylish and less aggressive, which I think will appeal to a lot of customers.

For more photos of the car, check out the complete photo gallery on Motorpasion.

Source: Motorpasion

Tesla customers angry over price increase

According to AutoExpress, a lot of Tesla Roadster buyers are angry at the company’s decision to ask them to pay for a kit that initially came as standard. The kit includes extras like High Performance Charger or alloy wheels and US deposit holders are now required to pay an extra $7,000 (around £4,900). As far as we know, the decision is only available in the US, an UK spokesman saying that prices won’t rise in the Kingdom.

Source: AutoExpress

Chrome platted Mercedes Benz C63 AMG

Chrome platted Mercedes Benz C63 AMG spotted in Dubai :

For someone who like to draw attention to himself, Dubai is one challenging city, because there, everyday you get to see houndreds or thousands of expensive cars. So, what do you do when you have a “modest” Mercedes Benz C63 AMG? You go for chrome. But not for the front grille or the door handles. No, no, you go with chrome for the whole thing. It’s true, you’re gonna get some heads turning your way, but you’re definitely also get some stomachs turned upside down.

Electric Opel Ampera To Debut

Electric Opel Ampera to debut at the Geneva Motor Show :



Today, GM has announced that March’s Geneva Motor Show will mark the debut of the Opel Ampera, an electric five-door, four-seat concept. According to GM, the Ampera, which is based on the Voltec powertrain, will offer 60 km (37 miles) of zero emissions driving, while for longer distances, the car will be powered by the same electric motor, powered by a small internal combustion engine. Opel claims this system suits Europeans perfectly, recent surveys showing that, for example, 80 percent of Germans drive less than 50 km every day.

"With the Ampera, Opel will be the first European automobile manufacturer to provide customers several hundred kilometers of non-stop electric driving," said Alain Visser, GM Europe Chief Marketing Officer. More details on the Ampera will be available closer to its debut.

Source: GM

Lexus IS-F gets Wald

Lexus IS-F gets Wald International tuning treatment :



The Lexus IS-F definitely is one of the most beautiful high performance sedans out there, but Japanese tuning company Wald International decided to give the IS-F a look that truly matches its performance figures. So they came up with this, the Sports Line Black Bison Edition, which debuted earlier this month at the Tokyo Auto Salon. So, what Wald did was design a new carbon fiber body kit which includes new front spoiler, rear wing and rear diffuser with side vents built in, plus a set of 2- inch dark colored Mahora 3-piece allow wheels. As Wald International got us used to, the package is quite extreme, but still, very aggressive and impressive.

Chrysler Build Four Models

Chrysler to build four models based on Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars :



One of last week’s most important news was the merger between the troubled US carmaker Chrysler and the Fiat Group. Like we said then, if the move goes through, several Fiat models will enter the US market, and the Italian carmaker will share some of its existing and future platforms with Chrysler. According to a recent report by Automotive News, the Fiat Group vehicles which will be sold in the United States are the Fiat 500, the recently introduced Alfa Romeo MiTo and the next generation Alfa 147 (most likely named 149). Also, the three models will be the starting point for three Chrysler models, which we assume will be rebadged and slightly restyled Fiat cars. Automotive News also reports that the fourth model will be a five-door hatchback based on the next generation Fiat Panda, which will go on sale with a Chrysler or Dodge badge.

Source: Automotive News

Tuning Program For The BMW M3

The horror: IdingPower’s tuning program for the BMW M3.






The first question that hit us after we saw these photos is “Why?”. This BMW M3 tuning program was created by Japanese company IdingPower and consists of a new body kit with front lip spolier and a huge wing, new alloy wheels, sport exhaust system and new suspension and brake packages. We don’t know about you, but that rear wing is hideous, not to mention useless on the streets. Anyways, we think these guys love the Subaru Impreza WRX STi too much, because their M3 sure looks a lot like it.

Citroen Berlingo Multispace

Seven-seat Citroen Berlingo Multispace available in the UK.
Citroen has announced today that the Berlingo Multispace range just got extended with a new seven-seat version. The new “Family Pack” option will be priced at £800 and will be available for the VTR models powered by the 110hp 1.6i and the 90 hp 1.6HDi engines. The package offers 3 individual, foldable and removable middle row seats and two additional back row seats, completing its seven seat capacity. The new seven-seat Multispace features lateral airbags for the protection of rear passengers as well as a luggage cover, for when the boot is in use, and a handy 12V socket. Might not be the coolest car ever, but for a family car, this sounds very interesting.

Leaked Mercedes Benz E Class

Leaked Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe official images

During the past months we’ve seen a lot of spy photos of the new Mercedes Benz E Class coupe and now, thanks to the guys over at autoblog.nl, we finally have some leaked official images. There was no official reaction from Mercedes, but the E Class coupe is expected to replace the CLK. The new coupe, which grew in size, is also heavily influenced by the new E Class and is expected to debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, in March.

Fastest Electric Cars

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz around electic vehicles, with companies like Tesla or Fisker working on some really beautiful and fast electric coupes and sedans. So who would’ve expected this? One of the world’s fastest street legal electric vehicles is a modified 1972 Datsun 1200 coupe. Using special lightweight lithium ion batteries originally developed for electric hand tools, John Wayland’s White Zombie (that’s the Datsun’s name) can run the 1/4 mile in under 11.5 seconds, with a trap speed of more than 114 miles per hour. Not to mention that the electric motors produce full torque basically at 0 rpm, so John has a lot of fun taking out all sorts of cars with hundreds of ponies under the bonnnet.

A few cars you can see in Chechnya

We’re sure everyone heard of Chechnya. Not much to say about the region, except for the never ending war with Russia. You’d say that there’s nothing interesting about cars going on over there but, oh boy, you sure are wrong. Because if you imagine all you can see there is some third world scenery, you’re making a big mistake. While common in Monte Carlo or Beverly Hills, you wouldn’t expect chechnyans to drive a Lamborghini Reventon, a Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe, a McLaren SLR or an Audi R8. Not to mention those Porsche Cayennes and Mercedes Benz ML AMGs fleets. Of course, we wouldn’t want to know what these guys do for a living, but we’re sure they don’t write for an unleashed car blog or grow corn.


Audi to advertise again in the Super Bowl, this time with Jason Statham

It seems that Audi was pleased with last year’s Super Bowl ad, because this year they’ve decided to go with another ad during one of every year’s most anticipated sports events. This time, they’ve decided to go with an ad featuring Jason Statham (one of the coolest actors around, with movies like Crank, Snatch, Death Race), the actor who became famous after doing all sorts of stunts in a BMW 7 Series, an Audi A8 W12 and an Audi S8, in the Transporter movies (the first one was really good, but still, all three movies were fun to watch). In this year’s ad Audi continues to send warnings to “old luxury”, the spot featuring a high-speed journey through luxury automobiles in American history, sending the message that some things are best left in the past. The ad was created by Audi’s advertising agency, San Francisco based Venables Bell & Partners and it was shot on-location in Los Angeles.



"After an exceptional last two years, the Audi brand has experienced unprecedented growth, not just in sales, but in awareness and excitement," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "Every new model we introduce is making more and more consumers stand up and take notice of the single best line-up in the market. Last year's spot sent the message that Audi was truly redefining luxury. This year's spot will ensure that everyone realizes that Audi is the best choice, period."

"In addition to having had the opportunity to drive Audi models in several of my films, I drive one in my personal life, as well. I have always loved the mix of style and performance they offer," said Statham. "I am thrilled to be affiliated with a company I so believe in on the biggest stage in American television."

Source: Audi

Slow sales cause massive stocks of unsold cars



The current crisis the whole world is facing is not news anymore and we all know it’s bad. However, nothing depicts something more than a picture. Or 13 pictures. UK newspaper Guardian published a set of photos with huge lots of unsold car from around the world. And probably the most disturbing photo is the one with Nissan’s factory test track in Sunderland, UK, flooded with thousands of unsold cars. Another photo that breaks our hearts was taken at the Sheerness open storage area, where huge lots of cars are waiting for dealers to come and pick them up. Make sure you check out the complete gallery, to get an idea of how bad sales are going.

Source: Guardian.co.uk

Audi also reducing work hours for 25,000 workers in Germany

Two days ago we wrote about BMW and Volkswagen planning on reducing work hours for a total of 86,000 workers, Germany. And now, even though last year was one of the best years in Audi’s history, the German giant announced that they also plan on reducing work hours at their Ingolstadt and Neckarslum plants, between February 20 and 27. The decision, which affects around 25,000 employees from the divisions directly associated with the production of automobiles. However, Audi reassured its employees that they workplaces are secure, at least until 2011.

"The overall demand in some major markets has dropped so drastically, especially in the last few weeks, that we've been forced to act," said Dr. Werner Widuckel, Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources at AUDI AG. "This is our way of reacting to the downward trend in demand on worldwide car markets."

"In the agreement on reduced hours compensation allowance, we agreed with the Board of Management on a gross increase in the reduced hours compensation. Through this, remuneration should for the most part be equalized," said Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG.

Source: Audi

EDAG Light Car Concept

EDAG Light Car concept car to debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

EDAG, a well known provider of engineering services, decided to take things a little further and started working on the “Light Car - Open Source” concept which will debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The car’s body, which looks like it’s made out of glass, uses innovative basalt fibre, a 100% recyclable lightweight material. Also, using an all-electric drive system powered by a set of lithium-ion batteries, the car has a driving range of 150 km (93 miles). What’s really cool about the car is the in the glass panes, (O)LED lamps mark out the outlines of the headlights and rear lights, outlines which can be customized by each customers, so basically you can redesign your car every time you want to. The same can be done to the interior, where the driver can individually configure the cockpit.



“We have transferred today’s multimedia and lighting technology standards to the car, and in future want to offer the customer scope for free configuration, as the entire surface of the vehicle functions like the monitor of a multimedia installation, and can be used intelligently and individually,” explains Johannes Barckmann, Head of the EDAG Design Studio.