SPIN 12 Penumpang

Meskipun SUZUKI SPIN 125 bodynya imut tapi mempunyai tenaga yang sangat ruuuar biasa, dibandingkan matik-matik merk lain yang di produksi di Indonesia. Terbukti dalam keadaan standar pabrik SUZUKI SPIN 125 kuat di kendarai oleh 12 penumpang dan rekor yang pernah dipecahkan oleh teman-teman SMC JEMBER adalah 15 penumpang dengan berjalan lurus dan tanpa memodifikasi motor. SUZUKI SPIN : LEBIH IRIT, LEBIH GAYA, LEBIH BERTENAGA

Suzuki Equator

To bolster its versatile and dynamic product line, enhance the company`s bold and adventurous brand identity and further expand the growing line of products marketed by approximately 500 Suzuki dealers nationwide, American Suzuki Motor Corp. debuts its all-new 2009 Equator midsize pickup truck at this year`s Chicago Auto Show. The introduction of the Equator marks Suzuki`s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market and expands the company`s offering of activity-oriented cars and trucks.

Leveraging Suzuki`s credibility as a maker of lifestyle-oriented, fun-to-use products, the Equator offers the perfect blend of style, utility and off-road capability that truck buyers – many of whom are current Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine product owners, loyalists and ambassadors – demand and enjoy. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., and based on the Nissan Frontier, the 2009 Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008. Pricing has not yet been announced.

"Since Suzuki has continued to strengthen its brand equity among outdoor enthusiasts, we thought now was the right time to produce a vehicle that meets the additional needs many of these people have," said Mark Harano, president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Truck buyers are a particularly good fit for Suzuki since they`re likely to participate in motorcycle riding, power boating and other lifestyle-oriented activities that fit with our brand identity and our product portfolio. The Equator provides Suzuki with an opportunity to build an authentic connection with a group of consumers who are familiar with our brand and, in many circumstances, own other Suzuki products."

To introduce the Equator, Suzuki is unveiling three separate representations of the truck during its Chicago Auto Show press conference. The three concepts, coined the RMZ-4 for off-road enthusiasts, Quad for outdoor adventurers and Quay for boating and watersports aficionados, showcase Suzuki`s diverse brand spirit, while illustrating the capability and flexibility of the all-new Suzuki Equator.

In addition to Chicago`s global reveal of the all-new Equator, Suzuki will showcase the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept reinforcing the link between the company`s rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, as well as a range of outdoor and performance-oriented motorcycles and ATVs, including the KingQuad 450, LT-R450 QuadRacer and all-new Hayabusa sportbike, to name a few.

2009 Suzuki Equator Performance and Functionality
Built at Nissan`s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2009 Equator features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equator`s V6 engine incorporates an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, variable valve timing and a silent two-stage timing chain.

The Equator is matched to either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6), five-speed manual transmission (I4) or six-speed manual transmission (V6), and offers an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descent control and hill start assist.

The Equator`s strong, fully boxed frame anchors a long 125.9-inch wheelbase (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed), enhancing driver and passenger comfort and stability, while its overall length of 205.5 inches (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed) provides the perfect balance of utility, maneuverability and composure for a midsize pickup truck. The 2009 Equator features an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 6,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates are still preliminary.

Other Equator powertrain components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.

2009 Volvo XC60

Volvo Press Release

Volvo XC60 2009Here are the first pictures of one of this year's most exciting new car models - the new Volvo XC60! "It's not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it's also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?" says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva on March 4 and the first cars will reach dealers in Europe in autumn 2008.

Volvo Cars' new crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment, boasting an exciting mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, capable XC muscles are pumped up, creating a strong athletic body mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up above, the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

Volvo XC60 2009A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60 model's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision," says Fredrik Arp.

The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

Volvo XC60 2009"One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car. It's as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle," explains Fredrik Arp.

Equal volumes to Europe and North America
The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 hp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.

"During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 rating of around 170 g/km," reveals Fredrik Arp.

The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.

The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.

Jaguar XKR-S

Yet another unveiling at Geneva was the Jaguar XKR-S, which, at 174mph, is the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar of the '90s. The limited-edition version of the supercharged XKR is also the fastest XK ever, thanks to its recalibrated engine management system that ups the top speed from 155mph.

Only 200 cars will be built in both left- and right-hand drive, for sale exclusively in Europe and covered in Ultimate Black.

The same 4.2 liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission as in the XKR are used, with no bump in power, so Jaguar's 0-60mph acceleration remains the same at 4.9 seconds.

Instead, the XKR-S has different springs and shocks that lower the ride height my 0.4 inches, thicker anti-roll bars, a quicker steering rack and a slipperier exterior. The manufacturers' Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is also recalibrated. The faster coupe prances on lightweight 20-inch wheels hiding Alcon R brakes which are optional on the XKR.

The exterior is differentiated thanks to a unique front spoiler, rear fascia and spoiler and side skirts, as well as a small XKR-S badge.

Inside, the S gets a full leather interior, a 525 Watt B&W sound system and various XKR-S badged trim pieces.

JAGUAR XKR-S FEATURES XKR-S FEATURES

• Available in Ultimate Black metallic paint colour with contrasting paint finish to the grille, sills, side power vents and rear splitter and diffuser
• Revised front splitter and side sill extensions
• Revised rear spoiler and rear bumper fitted with unique splitter and diffuser panel
• Vortex 20" forged, 14 spoke lightweight alloy wheels with unique design and red Jaguar "Heritage" centre badge
• Alcon R Performance braking system with red callipers
• Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System
• Luxury Sport interior theme with Warm Charcoal full soft-grain leather and Ivory twin needle contrast stitching - 16 way electrically adjustable seating with adjustable bolsters
• Piano Black interior finish to facia and centre console
• Charcoal Alston headlining
• Alloy and leather gear lever with alloy selector gate surround
• Flint carpets with Flint carpet mats, edged in Charcoal leather with Ivory stitching
• XKR-S badging
• Unique XKR-S logo to the instrument cluster, tread-plate, front seat head-restraints and carpet mats
  

TRANSMISSION, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

• 6-speed electronic automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM
• Unique dampers and CATSTM (Computer Active Technology Suspension) tuning
• Trac DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) – drive-away release
• New steering rack, springs and revised calibrations
• Reduced ride height (10mm)
  

EXTERIOR

• Intelligent Lighting System – automatic headlamps on with windscreen wipers
• Active Front Lighting (dynamic pivoting headlamps)
• Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated cornering lamps, automatic levelling and headlamp washers
• Bonnet louvres
• Quad tailpipes with polished finish
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Heated exterior mirrors with electric adjustment, power folding auto-dimming and memory function
• Heated windscreen with timer and rain sensing windscreen wipers
• Instant Mobility System (IMS) in lieu of space saver spare wheel
  

INTERIOR

• Memory function with 3 settings for driver's and passenger's seat, exterior mirrors and steering column
• Padded leather 3-spoke steering wheel
• Cruise control with active speed limiter
• Automatic air recirculation with 5 setting
• Automatic climate control with humidity control, air particle/odour filtration and dual zone temperature control for driver and front passenger
• Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror
• Electric windows with one-touch open/close and anti-trap
• Glove box with auxiliary power socket
• Interior mood lighting
• Jaguar Smart Key SystemTM with keyless start
• Keyless Entry
• Alloy pedals
  

SECURITY

• Remote control central locking with deadlocks and drive-away locking
• Intrusion and perimetric alarm with passive sounder and battery back-up
• Engine immobiliser
  

AUDIO AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound with 525W Jaguar Premium surround sound
• Navigation system with DVD mapping and 7 inch Touch-screen
• Bluetooth® telephone connectivity
• 6-disc in-dash CD changer
• Windows Media® Audio (WMA) and MP3 disc compatibility
• iPod and USB connectivity
  

SAFETY

• Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTSTM)
• Airbags, front and side (driver and front passenger)
• Belt reminder system (front seats only)
• Front seat whiplash reduction system
• Pedestrian Contact Sensing – automatically deployable bonnet system
• ISOfix anchor points for rear child seat
• Front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners

Exotic Sports Cars

What is it that really defines an exotic car? This is a word that is thrown about by a lot of people and used in describing things as varied as food and even exotic beauty. The naming of a car as an exotic sports car takes a little more consideration.

The sleek and aerodynamic looks of true exotic sports cars are much more than just appearance. The slick look of these beauties also contributes to their speed as they cut through the air with very little resistance or friction. The true high performance exotic sports car is as fast as it looks.

With true exotic sports cars the design is crucial to giving the vehicle that designation and is a must for the serious car enthusiast. The car makers are well aware of this fact and the makers of the high end vehicles pay particular attention to creating standout designs that draw attention and gather crowds of onlookers wherever they are parked.

Car makers such as Ferrari actually outsource the design of their vehicles such as the way that they had Pininfarina design the ’02 ENZO. Another newer model that comes to mind which draws crowds is the new Lotus Elise. We saw one outside of a local restaurant last week and everyone who saw it walked over and stared at it.

While design is what makes the exotic stand out from the mere mortal vehicle it is sheer performance that is what the high end auto enthusiast seeks. The speed and handling while maintaining high speeds and hugging tight curves are the factors that truly set them apart. Think about it, the first thing that comes to mind is how fast the car is, how fast is goes from zero to sixty. Beauty really must be more than skin deep when it comes to a true high performance automobile like the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans which currently holds the record for fastest sports car with a zero to sixty time of 2.6 seconds.

True exotics are limited production automobiles and in many cases there is a waiting list for them. This is another thing that increases the appeal, the fact that you don’t see one at every stop light, except maybe in South Beach.


Even people who don’t consider themselves to be car enthusiasts can easily name some of the more notable makers such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Lotus. Personally, I like the new Lotus Elise since it is a vehicle that is somewhat more affordable at under 50k. If you get a chance to see one up close or you are lucky enough to be able to drive one you will see what I mean. I thought that at 6’3" and 240 pounds I wouldn’t be able to get in one but they are deceptively roomy.

The Battle Between Porsche And Ferrari

The two European automakers, Porsche of Germany and Ferrari of Italy, have a lot of similarities even though the two compete with each other head to head for a niche market of the automotive industry. Both companies have a patriarchal founder, companies honed their skills in racing, are over five decades old, and both have a commitment to the integrity of their styling. If you question whether the two are the dominant force in performance autos just take a street survey and you will find that even a novice who knows nothing about cars knows these names.

For the purposes of this comparison we have chosen to feature the iconoclastic 911 Carrera from Porsche and the gorgeous Ferrari F430 because the two are representative of their respective company�s long standing tradition of marrying style and performance while offering some practicality but in the end are true sports cars though and through.

Both of these cars have the basic requirements of the modern sports car which are the ability to be started easily, handles well in town, takes winding country roads well and has race car performance coupled with safety.

When comparing standing start times the Ferrari is a slight bit faster edging out the Porsche by .8 seconds with a four second time in the zero to 100km/h test which is needless to say lightning fast. With speeds like these it is also imperative that the two speedsters be able to stop equally efficiently and the two do so offering optional cutting edge ceramic braking systems.

Porsche definitely wins in the fuel economy comparison getting nearly twice the mileage that the F430 gets. Both cars transfer the power of their engines through state of the art six speed transmissions.

The interiors of both vehicles offer a great deal of comfort that belies the small space and doesn�t leave the driver feeling cramped or closed in. The overall appearance in style goes to the Porsche hands down though as masters of high quality finish work.

When having to decide between the two, assuming you have the money to do so, the biggest difference is appearance with the Ferrari having the head turning looks but overall we have to give the fight to Porsche as the more well rounded of the two and the one that is less costly to maintain. It was fun to compare them however and maybe you should make a comparison of your own.

How to Detect a Speed Trap

It seems with all of the crime around these days police officers would have better use for their time. However, we have to remember that speeding is still a crime and there are still areas where a speeding ticket is a big deal. One way we can prevent a speeding ticket from falling on us is to learn how to detect a speed trap.

So, what is a speed trap anyway? Well, any area that is a frequent hang out for police and where speeding tickets are generously handed out. Many of these areas have certain common characteristics that can give you a warning of an impending speed trap and a possible speeding ticket.

Small towns, for instance, are often areas where speeding tickets are handed out freely. When a town has one main road it is inevitably where the police officers are going to be. In addition, the low crime rates in these towns may leave police officers with little else to worry about. So, in these cases, a speeding ticket is often a bid deal and a way to pass the time. You may also encounter the occasional small town cop that has his mind made up about big city folk.

In addition to small towns, an area that has a successive number of either raising speed limit signs or falling speed limits signs has the potential to be a speed trap. Often times drivers may miss a sign or they may take longer to slow down than or be faster to speed up than what the signs permit. This is the type of speed trap that really gets under people’s skin.

Just as changes in the speed limit can denote upcoming speed traps, changes in the road may also signal an upcoming speed trap. Areas with sharp turns are often dangerous enough to actually warrant a speed trap, since speeders and innocent people may be in danger. Hills can also be a sign of upcoming speed traps because police cars may not be seen until you come right up on one.

One of the best ways to detect speed traps, or any police radar detection, is a radar or lidar detector. These are great at detecting speed traps where police officers have their radar guns on continuously. This is because radar detectors have time to detect the radar well in advance. However, when a police officer is not waiting for speeders and does not turn on his radar gun until he spots you, this is when a radar detector can fail.

Need for Speed - Malaysia Grand Prix

The 2007 Formula 1 Grand Prix season started off with a bang this year. The second racing event in the circuit was enjoyed in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia hosted the 2007 Grand Prix at its Sepang International Circuit course during the first weekend in April.

Included in the Grand Prix Formula One Racing Championship in 1999, the Malaysia circuit, hosted at the Sepang racecourse near Kuala Lumpur, is fast becoming one of the most popular events in that part of Asia. Since their first year in the F1 racing circuit, the Malaysian course has offered drastic changes in weather to challenge F1 drivers, as well as a 56-lap, 5.54 km racecourse filled with hair-raising turns and straight-aways that beg for speed.


The Sepang racecourse, built in 1998, has become the guiding design of subsequent F1 racetracks around the world, and has led the way to offering a major global event that attracts thousands of visitors every year to this exotic country filled with charm, grace and history. Sepang is known to be one of the most technical circuits in the Grand Prix circuit, and its combinations of tight turns and straight-aways make it one of the most exciting courses for both drivers and spectators.

The racetrack, a mere 3.5 kilometers from the New Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is easily accessible by taxi and can be reached within a ten minute drive. Shuttle services also transport passengers back and forth as well, but most visitors opt to stay at least a few days to enjoy the atmosphere and amenities that Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia have to offer.

This year’s race saw Fernando Alonso crossing the finish line first for the McLaren-Mercedes racing team, and hot new rookie Lewis Hamilton, whose debut in the Australian Grand Prix in March 2007 saw him taking third, followed Alonso across the line to finish second in an exciting, heart-stopping race that had crowds at Sepang on their feet.


The roar of engines and the smell of hot rubber and warm asphalt drifted over the thousands who came to witness the exciting race, which saw Alonso maintaining an almost nine second lead over Hamilton the later half of the race as onlookers watched with wide-eyed excitement and cheered for the efforts of other racers, including Kimi Raikkonen, who finished third for Ferrari.

After Australia, the F1 site at Kuala Lumpur offered racing fans not only a drastic change in temperature, but sights as well. Malaysia, offering a quaint combination of modern amenities and architecture with simple Asian charm, provided domestic and global visitors with a different view of the world as seen by Malaysians. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur welcomed global visitors to the event with open arms and tasty treats that delights the palate.

Keep an eye on the McLaren-Mercedes racing team comprising of Alonso and the rookie fast making a name for himself in the F1 world, Lewis Hamilton, in upcomin Grand Prix as both give fellow racers a fast, exciting run for their money.

The Need for Speed and Car Loans

Cars have become a way of life these days. Even with global warming on the rise, the demand for cars does not seem to be falling. Instead, we are watching as eco-friendly cars come into the market. And people are still rushing to get loans and buy their very own set of wheels. The need for speed has become a necessity today. Snail mail is completely passe as email has taken over from it almost completely. The rise of the Internet has ensured that there is a need for speed. Nobody today would walk if he could fly off instead. The twenty-first century is the age of speed.

The need for speed makes it crucial for everyone to have a vehicle, or at least aspire towards one. Moreover, these days most of us can manage to buy a car. Auto loans have become very easy on the pocket. As a result, more and more potential car buyers are hoping to benefit from the current situation. If you own property or some other valuable asset that can act as collateral, you are fortunate. Secured car loans generally offer much lower interest rates than do unsecured car loans. Thus, if you can avail of a secured loan, your overall costs will be much lower.

Of course, unsecured car loans can be great options sometimes. These days, with the proliferation of loan providers on the Internet, it is certainly quite easy to find the best deals. Even people with a history of bad credit can avail of competitively priced auto loans. The loans that are offered to people with bad credit histories usually come with higher interest rates. But as a result of the great rivalry among loan providers these days, getting a cheap auto loan is fairly easy.

In fact, while purchasing a car, one must look out for the most inexpensive car loans possible. After all, a car will require a good deal of maintenance. You will have to fill fuel and send the car for regular servicing. Moreover, you cannot help but buy some good car insurance. As in the case of loans, cheap car insurance is not too tough to locate these days.

However, you cannot just sit around and expect cheap insurance (or loans for that matter) to drop in from nowhere. Instead, you must do your share of studying the markets before making the final decision on the insurance policy. All that effort will help you find the best one.

Balancing Speed With Safety In Sports Car Racing

Whether it be racing on the streets or racing on the track you should always know how to speed the right way while in a sports car which means driving fast safely. Even though you may know how to race already here are a few things you can do to better your time on the track.

If you are a rookie do not rev it all up at the start because you are probably just going to spin the tires off the line trying to get into 2nd gear. For a more advanced racer you should rev the motor where you like its RPM range at then when the signals come or the arms drop you let the clutch out and throttle it out of the pocket.

On straight- a ways you should be near top speed and should already know how to handle the car at these types of speeds. Starters should always use both hands when trying to reach a top speed or trying to top out a car.

A more advanced racer should know how to accelerate on the throttle and slow down on it around corners. Pulling more on the throttle will throw the car more towards the wall where as slowing down before a turn will allow you to get inside of the turn and maybe take the lead or win. You should only steer when turning. Not saying you shouldn’t have your hands on the wheel just try not to turn the vehicle as that will decrease speed.

There is more than 1 way to turning a corner. Gradual turns will put you to the outside of the track where as pulling inside will shoot you out faster. Starters should get used to this first when running on the track.

If you are trying for a tight turn you might be trying to drift the corner a little bit which could spin you out or put you ahead if you do it right. This kind of cornering is for the more advanced type of racer as it requires you to brake while keeping your foot on the throttle at the same time. Come to the corner slow then pull out of it as fast as you can without spinning the tires and that will get you out ahead of everyone.

Be focused and take note each race how you lost or how you won and how you are going to win next time or how you are going to focus on winning. This is how you become the racer on the track that you want to be.

You should be able to keep your cool at high speeds and not be scared if you get scared then this isn’t the sport or race for you. So you might want to get out of the race before you crash the car and have a really bad day.

2009 BMW X6

Just three months after the official debut of the X6 Concept, BMW has revealed the production version of the X6 coupe-crossover, which it calls a "Sport Activity Coupe." Along with the wild exterior comes an all-new twin-turbo V8 that will find its way into other new BMWs next year.

BMW is the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, although other automakers are said to be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles. Land Rover, for example, recently unveiled its LRX coupe-crossover concept.

Compared with the concept, very little has changed. In fact, you'll have a hard time noticing any differences at all. The only obvious design tweak was made to the crossover's side windows. On the concept, the B- and C-pillars are not visible, but on the production car they clearly divide up the glass.

Even the X6's complex front fender design made it to production. Each front quarter panel surrounds the entire headlamp, creating a very seamless appearance. The X6's aggressive front fascia is also carried over from the concept, with its large air intakes and stylish fog lamps.


Daring design

As the photos show, the X6 is anything but a conservative design.

The X6's roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both compromised.

The new X6 will be longer and lower than the new X5, seating only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating and storage, it is expected gain in performance.

Compared to the X5, the X6 has almost an inch of additional wheelbase length, and two inches of added width. The overall height of the X6 is a whopping 3.3 inches lower than that of the X5.

All-new twin-turbocharged V8

The range-topping X6 xDrive50i is propelled by an all-new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit producing 407 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 446 pound-feet of torque between 1750 rpm and 4500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 5.4 seconds and fuel economy is estimated at around 19 mpg (U.S. gallons).

The engine is designed as a replacement to the company's current 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8. It is expected to filter into other models like the 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series in the near future.

The engine seems to represent the second stage in a shift at BMW from high-displacement naturally-aspirated motors to slightly smaller turbocharged powerplants. BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that powers the 335i and 135i has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and it appears BMW is hoping for similar results with its new V8.

The X6's other engine is also a twin-turbo setup. The xDrive35i will come with the aforementioned 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i, producing 306 horsepower.

A diesel model will be offered in Europe, but it is unlike to come to America.

X6 to be BMW's first hybrid?

BMW has comitted to delivering an X6 hybrid, but official details have not yet been released. Visually the hybrid is identical to the regular X6 but BMW claims that the model is 20 percent more fuel-efficient.

Various reports indicate the X6 will be BMW's first production car offered with the option of a hybrid powertrain.

Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe

2008 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO COUPE: Available in Coupe and Spyder (convertible) forms, the '08 Gallardo is an exotic two-seat Italian super car, smaller and lighter than the V-12 Murciélago. High performance motoring comes by way of the 520 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10 engine. The V-10 is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, or optional six-speed automatic, and permanent four-wheel drive with viscous traction. Optional robotized sequential shift paddles are located on the steering column. From a standing start, the Gallardo hits 62 mph in a mere 4.2-seconds, and achieves a top speed of 196 miles per hour. Fabrizo Giugiaro, son of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, is credited with the car’s striking body shape.

BMW M3 ALMS Race Car

BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."

Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."

Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."

Lotus Elise

The 2008 Lotus Elise continues the tradition of refined motoring with a sublime sports car that handles and performs like a race car. The Elise has numerous improvements installed as standard equipment including a new Lotus Tire Pressure Monitoring System that provides instant warning if there is a puncture or if pressures fall below safe levels.

Other upgrades include a stylish new instrument display with a high-definition LCD message panel, clutter-reducing "hidden until lit" warning and shift lights and customizable display options. An alarm/immobilizer system is also incorporated with central locking functions into a new integrated ignition key design.

Specifications

USA MSRP $46,270 USD CANADA MSRP $54,500 CDN

CHASSIS

· Lotus Designed Lightweight Structure of Epoxy Bonded Aluminum Extrusions · Integral Steel Seatbelt Support Structure and Lightweight Steel Rear Sub-Frame

EXTERIOR

· RTM Composite Fiberglass Body · Black Soft-Top with Stowage Bag · LED Taillights with Integral Reflectors · Daytime Running Lights · Aerodynamic Rear Diffuser with Central Twin Exhaust · Solid Paint - Ardent Red or British Racing Green

SUSPENSION

· Fully Independent Suspension with Unequal Length Wishbones · Bilstein Mono-Tube Gas Damper, Eibach Coaxial Coil Spring · Front Anti-Sway Bar · Cast Alloy 8-Spoke Wheels in Silver Finish · Front Wheels: 5.5J x 16 - 175/50R16 · Rear Wheels: 7.5J x 17 - 225/45R17 · Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS Sports Tires · 4-Wheel Ventilated/Cross-Drilled Disc Brakes · Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo Calipers with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

INTERIOR

· Black Cloth Seats with ProBax™ Anatomical Padding · Air Conditioning, Starter Button, Tinted Glass and Carpet Foot Mats · Airbags - Driver and Passenger (Passenger Airbag Cannot Be Deactivated) · Factory Anti-Theft Alarm System with Engine Immobilizer and Remote Locking · Aluminum Trim - Gear Knob and Handbrake Sleeve · Leather-Trimmed Momo Steering Wheel · Alpine 4-Speaker Stereo with In-Dash CD Player · Intermittent Windshield Wiper

ENGINE

· 189 Horsepower 1.8 Liter, Mid-Mounted 4-Cylinder with DOHC and VVTL-I (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Intelligence) · Multi-Point Fuel Injection System with Electronic Ignition and Throttle Control · Capacity: 1796 cm3 · Bore/Stroke 82.0 mm/85.0 mm · Maximum Power: 189 hp @7800 rpm · Maximum Torque: 133 lb ft @6800 rpm · Compression Ratio: 11.5:1 · Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 Gallons

TRANSMISSION

· 6-Speed Close Ratio

PERFORMANCE

· 0-60 mph 4.9 sec

· 0-100 mph 12.9 sec

· Top Speed 150 mph

· Fuel Consumption 21 City / 27 Highway

· Curb Weight 1984 lbs

WARRANTIES

· 3-YEAR/36,000 Mile Limited Warranty · 8-Year Chassis Corrosion Warranty