Ford will debut a concept version of a high-performance Focus model at the upcoming Paris Auto Show. Calling it an “exciting performance model” it will be a concept and not a production version, but it’s likely to be quite close to reality with Ford already announcing plans to deliver a “global performance model” of the...
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Yes, we are in love with Volkswagen‘s Golf R and every time we see yet another tuner releasing upgrades for it we curse the fact that it isn’t offered here. Mcchipp-DKR is the newest of our interests, with a simple ECU tune that boosts the stock figures of 270-hp and 256 ft-lbs of torque to...
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The Ford Focus RS craze over in Europe is picking up a lot of steam, and British tuner BBR is offering four different upgrade kits for any Focus RS enthusiast. The kits bump up horsepower to anywhere from 342-hp to 404-hp depending on how much you’re willing to spend. The stage one kit is simply...
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Sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. And that’s exactly what happened to Ford. Due to a series of unforeseeable events that were out of Ford’s control, some customers will have to wait a little bit longer to get their new 2011 Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks. You can hardly blame Ford for this – railroads...
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Before small car fans get their hopes up, we’re sorry to tell you that this 2011 Nissan Micra has no chance of coming to North America. Not for the foreseeable future at least. It turns out that Nissan was filming a commercial for the UK Market Micra in Toronto, but had the unfortunate coincidence of...
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Honda will launch the Fit Hybrid at the Paris Auto Show this Fall, expanding the Japanese automaker’s hybrid lineup down-market. The new model will be the first hybrid sub-compact model offered and is possible because of Honda’s low-cost Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid setup. While no official details have been released the car is expected...
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Following reports of a new Focus ST/SVT model that is set to debut at the Paris Auto Show this fall, we’re now hearing the first rumblings regarding the next-generation Ford Focus RS – which may come to market using an hybridized version of the company’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. According to “very senior sources” inside Ford,...
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Ford will unveil a high-performance ST version of its all-new Focus at the Paris Auto Show this Fall, and we’re almost certain to see it hit our shores. Ford product boss Derrick Kuzak already commented that a high-performance version of the 2011 Focus would be “exciting to drive and to look at” and use EcoBoost...
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Fiat has just announced a new special edition matte-black paint scheme for its popular 500 model in Europe. Proving that high-fashion finishes aren’t just for high-priced luxury cars and exotics, Fiat will offer what it calls the Blackjack edition for most 500 models, including the recently-released TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder model. Along with matte-black paint, the...
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OK we just wanted another excuse to mention Volkswagen‘s Golf R in a post. And even though this isn’t even a Golf R, it packs the same punch under the hood. JE Design has come up with a nice little package for the Volkswagen Golf GTI to up the horsepower to 270-hp while adding its...
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With all the rumors that Acura will bring back the RSX, it seems Infiniti might beat them to the punch. According to a new report by AutoCar, Infiniti is planning a new front-drive coupe model. News of a new front-drive model from Nissan’s luxury brand has been around for several months, but this is the...
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Now here’s something we’re digging from bumper to bumper. Sport-Wheels out of Germany has built one real clean and killer looking Volkswagen Golf R that they’ve called “The Bull.” It pushes out 330-hp from the factory 270-hp and backs it up with some simple yet functional modifications on the outside and inside the wheel wells....
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Magazines have a way of glorifying stories in ways we cannot even imagine (trust us, we know). But this story of Jeremy Freedman’s 1997 Volkswagen GTI is surely worth a read. It relates to everyone of us speed addicts with trials, tribulations and a dedication to a family member. Even though most people outside car...
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Hyundai is aiming to achieve an EPA rating of more than 40-mpg with its new Veloster model. The stubby hatchback has already been likened to the Honda CRX of old by Hyundai Motor America president John Krafcik, and now it seems Hyundai is planning to really steal Honda’s thunder, by besting the Japanese automaker’s reborn...
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As we suspected when Fiat first launched the Abarth versions of the 500C and Punt Evo, the Italian automaker will soon deliver higher-performance Esseesse trim levels as well. Both models will get more powerful engines, with the Punto Evo’s 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair increasing from 165-hp to around 180-hp. An even stiffer suspension and more capable...
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Honda‘s new CR-Z hybrid sports car is proving to be a sales success already in its home market of Japan, but not with the crowd you might expect. Inspired by the CRX, the CR-Z would seem to be the modern embodyment of the early Honda hatch, appealing to a younger generation interested in a small...
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In an effort to compete with the impressive Ford Focus RS and Renaultsport Mégane, General Motors is reported to be building a new Vauxhall Astra VXR with as much as 300-hp. So why should you care? Well, because the Astra shares its underpinnings with the Buick Excelle, which recently launched in China and is set...
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The Toyota Yaris was voted as the 2010 Best Overall Value of the Year. V-A-L-U-E, not F-U-N. But hey, who is to stop crazy enthusiasts from turning it into fun? Much like the Honda Civic Hatchback from say 1995, the Yaris wasn’t meant to be turbocharged, or taken down the quarter mile. It was meant...
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We all love those impromptu drives on backroads where you can exceed the post limits just a little, without the action getting too dangerous. Once in a while, you’ll be following someone with a nice car that can actually drive well and set a good pace. The driver of a Mazdaspeed 3 thought it was...
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Is this the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Aveo? Sort of. The photo above is one that has been retouched by the folks at AveoForum.com, using an original spy photo showing the Aveo out testing in its usual black and white camo. Sent to us by AveoForum member Darin Cosgrove, some artistic interpretation has been made. With...
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Mikko Hirvonen has done an admirable job in WRC. Despite never winning a championship, Hirvonen has stepped into the shoes of legendary driver Marcus Gronholm as Ford’s new factory driver, regularly battling the reigning champion, Sebastian Loeb. When Hirvonen isn’t flinging the Ford Focus WRC car through various rally stages, he can be found driving...
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Let’s get ready to ruuuuuuuummmmbbble. Reports from various blogs say that the Nissan Leaf will tip the scales at 3,500 pounds, the same as its arch rival, the Chevrolet Volt. While the Volt is a plug-in hybrid, with a gas engine and battery pack, the Leaf is a true electric car, with no internal combustion...
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Is the Nissan Leaf set to overtake the Toyota Prius as the green-status-symbol of choice? According to market research sponsored by Nissan, a fair number of consumers who have put down deposits on the new Nissan Leaf electric car are current owners of the Toyota Prius hybrid, and are looking to take their outward love...
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After (supposedly) falling behind Ford in the sales race in Europe last month, Volkswagen has reclaimed the lead for April while Ford has slipped to just fourth. In total, VW moved 138,304 units in EU countries, while Ford managed just 87,721 units. Renault and Peugeot placed second and third respectively with 99,642 and 88,721 units....
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