Ferrari 360 Modena

Ferrari 360 Modena was unveiled at the 1999 International Geneva Motor Show. Styled by Pininfarina, the all-aluminium 360 Modena has been designed to represent the ultimate in performance, lightness and advanced engineering and is the result of four years intensive research and design. This 'small' Ferrari incorporates superb handling due to a revised suspension system, excellent interior space with an exceptionally refined cabin layout. Powered by a normally aspirated, 400 hp, 3.6-litre, 40-valve, 8-cylinder engine the 360 Modena was available with the second generation of the highly successful F1-type gearbox as well as the conventional six-speed manual transmission.

This car had a significant part to play in the Ferrari model mix and will sit alongside the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the Ferrari 456M and the Ferrari F355 Spider. Offered as a two-seater sports car, the Ferrari 360 Modena replaced the highly successful and internationally acclaimed Ferrari F355. This addition to the Ferrari range was expected to account for 65% of Ferrari's annual production of around 3500 cars. The Ferrari 360 Modena initially went on sale in some of Ferrari's 42 key markets in Spring 1999. The car was available throughout the international Ferrari sales network by the Summer.
Many of the technical features and the build processes to create the Ferrari 360 Modena are unique to Ferrari and this car promises to be one of the fastest and most powerful GT road cars ever to be produced at Maranello. Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari SpA, said: "In the past six years, Ferrari has launched no less than 10 different models and variants. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects Ferrari's continual efforts to be at the leading edge of technology and engineering design. "The Ferrari 360 Modena again represents a major step forward for us. It incorporates all of the traditional elements of the Ferrari marque but sets new and significant standards for high performance cars. The Ferrari 360 Modena is one of the most technically advanced cars that we have ever produced.".

Equipped with a 400-bhp 90° V8 engine, the Ferrari 360 Modena and the Ferrari 360 Spider are a winning concentration of high technology, style and performance. The extruded aluminum chassis, the special attention paid to detail in ensuring a roomy and comfortable interior and, in the Ferrari 360 Spider, the innovative soft-top opening system are some of the key reasons for the cars' success.

Mutant Opel Astra Station Wagon

Of all the excessive custom creations that we've shown you through these pages over the years, this 1999 Opel Astra Station Wagon from Holland must be one of the most bizarre –and that's an understatement- ever.

While keeping the standard model's…82HP-strong 2.0-liter diesel engine, the owner modified the late 1990s Astra estate with anything he could find including an Audi front end, a wide body kit with excessive wheel arches and more vents than a cheese grater.

But wait, there's more: the Astra SW also features a pair of Lambo-style scissor doors up front and….Gullwing-style doors at the back. Inside, we find four-bucket seats (to keep you in place from all those Gs generated by the 82 stallions under the hood) and a decorative NOS kit.

Perhaps the most ridiculous aspect of this story is that the owner put the car up for sale with an asking price of…€12,000 or about US$17,200!

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2008 Opel Corsa OPC

Opel Corsa OPC kræver 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers and beskedent brændstof Denne klasse i such. Opel is moving full speed with the new Opel Corsa OPC. Following the launch of the exciting market of selling the fourth generation of Opel, the OPC version is now the epitome of the dynamic nature of the Corsa. High level agility and vehicle control ensure pure Corsa driving fun. Its turbocharged 1.6-liter 141 kW/192 hp accelerates the compact three-door from zero to 100 km / h in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km / h. The maximum torque of 230 Nm is delivered to the front wheels through six-speed transmission.

In addition, the system "overboost" standard can temporarily increase torque by 15 percent to 266 Nm when required, a corresponding increase in dynamics. This level of performance provides the newest member of the OPC sports family, which now includes six models, with superb propulsion power in all driving situations. For example, speeds of 80 to 120 km / h in just 6.7 seconds in fifth. The Opel Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class.

The sporty lines of the three-door Corsa are even more striking in the OPC version. The roof spoiler, as well as powerful front and rear platforms with specific gills OPC a real eye-catcher. Elements such as dark contrast integrated diffuser, located in the center of triangular tailpipe and specially designed exterior mirrors are just some examples of how much attention to detail was put into further developing the Corsa Sport fat.

The OPC model range has never been so wide and varied. This gave the design team can design a great car with Opel Corsa OPC. Designer OPC Ulli Hochmuth - responsible for sports training Opel cars since 1999 - said: "The Corsa OPC is designed to target a much younger than most models in the family is what we call the sport d Corsa be more expressive of what we wanted .. to create a unique driving machine. "Apron front and rear powerful with distinctive gills make the compact, sporty bold a position of power, while the rear wing and diffuser contrasts dark in the rear bumper looks good and sure support. The front and back are joined by a sport side sills and modeled in other OPC models, the beam color is a distinctive feature of the grid.

2012 Opel Ampera

The revolutionary Ampera celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 79. General Motors Europe President Carl-Peter Forster, has been presented in extended electric car, and announced plans to put the car into production in late 2011. Ampera also offered the right-hand drive UK sister brand Opel, Vauxhall.

The five-door, four-seat Ampera influenced by the design language of Opel's award-winning sculptural art combined with German precision, which include several elements of innovative style of the Flextreme and GTC Concept show car. Ampera further demonstrates GM's leadership in the electrification of the car, says Carl-Peter Forster. Its revolutionary Voltec electric propulsion is the kind of game-changing technology, the industry needs to address energy and environmental challenges.

Ampera wheels are driven electrically at all times and speeds. For journeys of up to 60 kilometers (MVEG), it runs on electricity stored in its 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits zero CO2. When the battery power is exhausted, power from a motor-generator online Ampera extends over 500 km. There could be no more appropriate way to celebrate 110 years of Opel innovation in the automotive industry by the revelation Ampera explains Alain Visser, Vice President GME Opel.

Ampera can be plugged into any household 230 V to reload. GM Europe is to analyze the requirements of a charging infrastructure for electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain. The revolutionary Ampera will be the first zero-emission electric car powered in Europe is suitable for everyday driving. With its Voltec electric propulsion system that provides strong acceleration and a high degree of sophistication, the five-door Ampera seats four passengers in comfort, offers a useful trunk for luggage, and has a wide range of over 500 km.

2011 Opel Meriva

Innovative, versatile and elegant: The second generation Opel Meriva, at first at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, will set new standards for versatility cars with a host of innovative features designed to enhance the flexible use of space. And that's all packaged in a typical, modern design.

When the innovative self aboard the versatility of a compact seven-seater Zafira in 1999, Opel has created a new market segment for small, affordable people carrier when it launched its first generation Opel Meriva in 2003. Its revolutionary FlexSpace rear seating concept, a high driving position, spacious interior, the Opel Meriva has been a great deal of flexibility are still small. This popular formula has allowed a consistent result in a small SUV segment, with sales in Europe totaling over one million units.

Now the second generation Opel Meriva again raises the level of scope, on-board flexibility. FlexSpace their system was developed to be intuitive and easy to use. It also introduces FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that provide access to the cabin - the first time a volume manufacturer. In addition, the new Meriva has a large storage space in the interior enhanced by a revolutionary concept of flexible center console, and the exclusive FlexFix Opel - integrated rear carrier, which is stored in a drawer under the luggage compartment.

Opel Meriva label to emphasize the flexibility and expressive exterior design, which continues Opel's award-winning new sculptural language. Its silhouette minivan is fluid, elegant and dynamic. Rear window graphics, has a distinctive wave polarize the rear-hinged FlexDoors, to improve the view for rear seat passengers, especially children.

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

New Opel Astra hatchback brings style, practicality and environmentally-friendly technology, compact car segment, where the owners the opportunity to combine professional and private use of a vehicle. Opel parts of the same DNA and Sports Tourer name as its counterpart, the greater the Insignia Sports Tourer Opel Astra will also feature the same attention on a first-class quality and functionality. Sculpted shape encapsulates a cottage, all the acclaimed features of the Astra sedan, but adds a lot of cargo shelf life. The space-saving design of the frame, in which case the load on the volume of 1550 liters, add smart, luxury features, such as a new rear seat FlexFold - the system, which folds behind the seat backs of a button.

Opel Astra sporty looks are backed by a sporty driving experience. The new car is the same innovative rear suspension and Mechatronics FlexRide the beginning of his sedan. Other class-leading features such as Adaptive AFL + lighting and physician-approved ergonomic front seats for maximum comfort and safety of driving experience on offer. Wide transmission choice of nine engines offer bandwidth consumption by 70 kW/95 hp 132 kW/180 hp. Fuel Saver Start / Stop technology will be the first use of the 1.3 CDTI (70 kW/95 hp) early next year, when CO2 emissions to 109 g / km.

In addition to reducing energy bills, Opel engineers are leaders in the industry to minimize the cost of repairing damage in low speed accidents - the most common insurance companies. Consequently, the new Astra owners can expect to pay some of the lowest annual premium segment. Opel was one of the first car manufacturers in Europe to introduce the wagon body style in the early 1950's. The new Astra sedan is now used by more than 50 years of experience in the design and construction of Opel station wagon.

Opel Astra is built on the momentum generated great sales success of its partners sedan, which received nearly 200,000 orders so far. In recent years, about 25 percent of all Astra models sold in Europe were wagons. Designed and developed by the International Centre for Technical Development at Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the Opel Astra sedan built in the company's factory in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom. Deliveries will begin in November this year.

2012 Opel Insignia, With 140HP 1.4 Turbo and 250HP 2.0 Turbo

The Opel Insignia is entering the 2012 model year with some modest upgrades that include the broader availability of the 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines in more markets across Europe and new technology systems.
Even though Opel makes word of a new 1.4-liter Turbo petrol that replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter unit with the same output, as well as a new 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol for the 4x4 model with 30 more horses for a total of 250HP, we know for a fact that both engines were already available in certain market.
That said, we reckon Opel means it will roll out the new engine options to all markets across Europe with the 2012 Insignia.
As a reminder, the 1.4-liter Turbo ecoFLEX offers the Insignia a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 205km/h, while returning a combined fuel efficiency of 5.9lt/100km (39.9mpg US with CO2 emissions of 134g/km.
The 250HP (184kW) 2.0-liter Turbo accelerates the Insignia 4x4 from zero to 100km/h) in 7.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It consumes 8.9 lt/100 km (26.4mpg US) on average with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.
For the new model year, Opel will also enhance the 220HP 2.0-liter Turbo Insignia with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission, with a start/stop system, aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling-resistance-optimized tires, all of which will help reduce fuel consumption by 0.5 to 7.6 liters per 100km and CO2 emissions from 189g/km to 179g/km.
Throughout the range, Buick Regal's European counterpart benefits from the new Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa infotainment systems featuring SD cards, a revised front camera that adds a Following Distance Indication function to the traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning systems, new available leather trims and a new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor" exterior color.
The updated for the 2012 model year Opel Insignia will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Opel Says Second Generation Ampera Will be Cheaper

Even though deliveries of Opel’s extended-range hybrid aren’t expected to begin until early 2012, the company is already planning the successor to the Chevy Volt’s European alter-ego.
According to British magazine Autocar, the second generation of the Opel / Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled for release in 2015 and, if sources from within the company are reliable, it feature a more radical design and a lower starting price than the current model.
In the UK for example, the Vauxhall Ampera, which is already available to order, costs a rather steep £28,995 –and that is after the government’s £5,000 rebate. Opel engineers say that the battery pack alone costs around £7,000 but improvements in technology in the next four years will enable the company to reduce the cost by 50%.
However, that’s not enough. Opel CEO Nick Reilly said the price of the Ampera will be further reduced by economies of scale due to increased demand and more localized production: “We have an education job to do on the technology of the Ampera, but that will come in time. We hope that it will establish itself as a market leader and we’ll be able to capitalize on that with a cheaper, more expressively designed second generation model”.
Economies of scale could also come from fitting the Ampera’s extended-range powertrain in other Opel and Vauxhall models. If this happens, then the cost of tooling and manufacturing would drop significantly further lowering the costs.
Nevertheless, GM has to first assess sales of the model before it goes ahead with any decision, such as manufacturing its next generation in Europe, as it currently builds it alongside the Volt at its Warren, Michigan plant in the US. So far, things are looking good since 7,000 of the 10,000 units allocated for 2012 are already presold, with 75% of the sales going to fleet customers.
Opel would also like to give the next-gen Ampera a more aggressive style that will be more in line with the other models in its range.
The German firm's designers didn’t have a lot of freedom in the first generation because of the restraints forced on them by the car being a rebadged Volt. If they get the green light, the 2015 model will follow the company's new design “language” , recently previewed in the brand-new Opel Zafira Tourer.

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car.
The Chevrolet Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience.

"The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit."
Production of the Chevrolet Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

"Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States," said Perry. "We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America."

2012 Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car with handsome styling and nice lines. It has excellent interior space and standard safety equipment.
The current generation Elantra can seat up to five and has very accommodating trunk space. Two trim levels are offered: GLS and Limited. Both use a 148-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS trim, while a six-speed automatic with Shifttronic is standard on the Limited trim and available on the GLS. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability

control with traction control and six airbags. Available features include a power sunroof, turn signal indicators on exterior mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated leather seating surfaces and Bluetooth.
The 2012 Elantra carries over from 2011.

Irmscher Sports up the New Opel Astra GTC

Well-known Opel tuner, Irmscher, is one of the first to get its hands on the new generation of the Astra GTC revealing details on its customazation program ahead of the car's world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The upgrade starts with a performance package for the Astra GTC with the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. A stage 1 kit lifts output from 180-horses and 230Nm to 212HP and 274 Nm (202 lb-ft).
Exhaust exits through a stainless-steel system with new quad exhaust tips while handling is improved via a sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 30mm.
The Irmscher styling package for all Astra GTCs includes a front apron, new upper and lower grilles, side sills, a larger roof spoiler, and a rear diffuser.
Customer can choose from several alloy wheel designs in sizes up to 21 inches.
As for the interior, the German tuner's offerings include leather upholstery and aluminum trim and pedals.

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