Suzuki today announced pricing on its new XL7 and SX4 crossovers. The XL7 has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899. Meanwhile, the SX4 will start at $14,999 - making it the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle in its class. The XL7 features a 3.6-liter V6 DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with [...]

New details and images have emerged on the 2007 Acura MDX, which features a 300 horsepower V6 engine, three row of seating, active dampers, a rear-view camera, automatic climate control, a 410-watt speaker system, power tailgate, and heated second row seats. Pricing is expected to range from $41,000 to $48,000. [See our full report and [...]

Toyota has released a number of images and details on its 2007 Scion tC Spec Package, aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model. "The tC Spec Package gives the tuner community a 'blank slate' on which to express their own creativity, with the reduction in MSRP helping to [...]

Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has released some stunning new images of its new CCX on the road. The 800+ horsepower coupe was first unveiled in February. The car set a record lap time at the Top Gear track in Britain earlier this year. It has a top speed of 250 mph and a 0-60 mph [...]

Earlier this month, German and Dutch media reports indicated Volkswagen would roll out its powerful R36 Passat in spring 2007 with a 300 horsepower engine and DSG gearbox. The U.K.'s AutoExpress now says Volkswagen has "confirmed" the report, indicating the R36 will be used to do battle with the turbocharged Mazda 6 MPS. The report [...]

Read about the new Audi RS4 featuring a 420 bhp V8 that will rev til 8250 rpm, massive brakes, and Quattro all wheel drive

PopSci.com tries out the 2007 Porsche Turbo

Ouch. A sporting Toyota Yaris TS hatchback is debuting at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. At the heart of the Yaris TS is an all-new 1.8L Dual VVT-i engine developing 132 hp and a top speed of 120 mph. Suspension is retuned, as well as the styling.

Volkswagen openly declared that this IROC concept is their vision of a future Scirocco…The front-wheel-drive hatchback based on the Rabbit platform will have possible engines ranging from a 170 hp 1.4L twincharger four to a 250 hp 3.2L V6.

Greater ability both on-road and off-road plus increased comfort, performance and refinement are among the major improvements introduced for the Land Rover Defender for 2007… A new 2.4L diesel engine, with 120 hp and 265 lb-ft, offers increased torque and improved driveability while the new six-speed gearbox provides a lower first gear ratio, for better off-road control, [...]

The new Lotus Exige 265E is apparently the most powerful road version of the Lotus Exige ever, but is powered by Bio Fuel! Bio Fuel is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, and it powers the supercharged 1.8L Toyota engine to 264 hp and 184 lb-ft. Numbers include 0-60 mph in 3.88 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.2 seconds [...]

Subaru of Australia is releasing the Impreza WRX Club Spec 9, in keeping with its tradition of long names for its WRX models. Features include new 18-inch wheels and tires, STI suspension kit lowering the car by 15 mm, an increased spring rate, an STI front lip spoiler, a short shift gear lever, STI aluminum shift knob, leather trim and an electric [...]

GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden has released initial details on its new 2007 HSV E Series. Three model variants are there, all with the LS2 V8 engine, good for a 0-to-62 mph time of under five seconds… Specs include 412 hp at 6000 rpm and 406 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. Other features include six-speed manual or automatic, 19-inch or 20-inch alloys wheels, magnetic ride [...]

Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Suzuki

Suzuki has finally slapped a price tag on its two newest models, the XL7 and SX4. The XL7 CUV will start at a low $22,899 and come standard with GM's 3.6-liter V6 making 252 hp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. It will be offered in standard, Luxury and Limited trim, the first two of which can be had with either five- or seven-passenger seating and either front- or all-wheel drive. The Limited model gets the third row standard, can also be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, and includes a Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension.

The SX4, which replaces the Aerio, will start at $14,999 and feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 143 horsepower. The SX4 is considered a crossover of sorts and also comes standard with Suzuki's intelligent all-wheel drive system. Two trim levels will be offered, SX4 and SX4 Sport. The Sport model will include TCS and ECS, cruise control, a premium audio system and start at $16,399.

This is an extremely aggressive pricing strategy on the part of Suzuki that should signal to its competitors that the once afterthough automaker in the U.S. is serious about carving out more market share for itself in 2007.

(Check out Suzuki's full press release after the jump)

[Source: Suzuki]

Press release:

AMERICAN SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PRICING
FOR ALL-NEW 2007 XL7 AND SX4

SX4 arriving in dealer showrooms now;
XL7 due later this fall

BREA, Calif., Aug. 29, 2006 - American Suzuki Motor Corporation today announced pricing on its all-new XL7 crossover SUV and SX4 compact sport X-over (crossover). The stylish and versatile Suzuki XL7 has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,899. The highly anticipated, bold and functional SX4 with standard all-wheel drive has a starting MSRP of $14,999 - making it the most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle in its class. The SX4 is arriving in dealer showrooms now and the XL7 is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this fall.

Suzuki XL7
The XL7's 3.6-liter V6 DOHC engine rated at 252 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with manumatic controls. The flagship XL7 has extensive safety features, including four air bags; driver and passenger front airbags and side-curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP)_ including traction control system (TCS).

Additional standard features include remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, two 12-volt accessory outlets, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, satin silver trim, air conditioning with automatic climate control, trip computer, automatic headlamps, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and privacy glass.

Three trim levels will be offered: XL7, Luxury and Limited. XL7 and XL7 Luxury will be offered in both five- and seven-passenger configurations, and each package will be offered in either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive ($1,600). Seven-passenger XL7 vehicles are fitted with Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension.

The XL7 Luxury adds leather-appointed interior, power driver seat, heated front seats, wood trim accents and 17-inch alloy wheels and has a starting MSRP of $24,599. An optional power tilt-and-slide sunroof also is available ($800).

The top-of-the-line XL7 Limited features standard seven-passenger seating and adds fog lamps, rear spoiler, upgraded roof racks with aluminum lower bumper valances, premium XM Satellite Radio-ready audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer), auto-dimming antiglare rearview mirror with compass, remote starter and DVD entertainment system. The feature-packed XL7 Limited carries an MSRP of $27,949.

There are three optional packages to go with the three trim levels: The seven-passenger seating package (available on XL7 and XL7 Luxury) $1,350; the DVD entertainment package (available on three-row Luxury) that features a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and remote starter system for $1,100; and the Platinum Touring package featuring a touch-screen navigation system, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels with unique design and sunroof (in place of DVD entertainment system) for $2,200.


Suzuki SX4
Built in Japan, the all-new 2007 Suzuki SX4 features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, in-line four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine rated at 143 horsepower. SX4 is also fitted with intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) as standard equipment.

The i-AWD system operates in three modes for maximum fuel economy on dry pavement or to facilitate traction in case of snow or mud.

The SX4's standard features include six airbags; front driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags; four-wheel ABS with EBD, TPMS, seatbelt pretentioners, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with four speakers, tilt steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, daytime running lights, fender flares and silver bumper guards. SX4 carries an MSRP of $14,999.

The SX4 comes in two trim levels: SX4 and SX4 Sport. SX4 is available with the Convenience Package, which includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. SX4 Sport includes: TCS and ESP, auto temperature control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium audio with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers (including subwoofer), silver-color roof rails and SmartPass keyless entry and start system. SX4 Sport has an MSRP of $16,399. All trim levels are available in manual or automatic transmission with standard AWD.

The XL7 and SX4 add to what already has been an extraordinary period in Suzuki's history with record sales in 2005 and during the first half of 2006, along with last year's launch of the completely redesigned Grand Vitara. The media acclaimed Grand Vitara brand icon provided consumers with their first look at the next generation of Suzuki vehicles in the United States and exceeded expectations for a responsive, yet affordable compact SUV.

Suzuki's diverse product line now features the XL7 and Grand Vitara SUVs and a variety of cars to match the needs of every lifestyle. The 2007 vehicle line also includes the functional SX4 compact crossover, popular and versatile Forenza sedan and Forenza Wagon, European-styled Reno and sporty, yet fuel-efficient Aerio sedan. The entire vehicle line offers something for everyone and exceeds consumer expectations with standout virtues for toughness, leading-edge style and high-end features at prices well below the competition. All 2007 Suzuki automobiles are backed by America's #1 Warranty: 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

2007 Suzuki XL7 pricing
XL7: $22,899
XL7: Luxury $24,599
XL7: Limited $27,949

Factory options
AWD: $1,600
Three-row seating: (standard on Limited) $1,350
Sunroof (Luxury): $800
DVD (three-row Luxury): $1,100
Platinum Touring (Limited): $2,200

Destination charge $635


2007 Suzuki SX4 pricing
SX4: $14,999
SX4 Sport: $16,399

Factory options
Automatic transmission: $1,000
iAWD: Standard

Destination charge $595

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuner Tuesdays, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Lamborghini

Today, Hamann sent out word of its latest creation: a tuned version of the highly desirable Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Hamann's visual upgrades enhance the musclebound "baby" Lambo's form by giving it a racier look while reportedly providing real aerodynamic benefits. The new front spoiler and side skirts are complemented in back by either a new 3-piece rear spoiler or a race-inspired rear wing.

Performance-wise, Hamann offers two different exhaust upgrades, and can also reprogram the car's ECU to kick peak output up to 520 horsepower. Slowing down a car with that much juice takes a little extra effort, so bigger brakes with 8-piston calipers up front and 6-pots in back can be fitted to make exiting lightspeed a little easier. Naturally, the wheels can be upgraded, too. We favor the turbofan look in the picture above, but the black rims pictured after the jump look just fine as well.

Finally, the most important upgrade Hamann bestows upon the Gallardo is, ironically, the conversion to "Lambo" doors. In a week-long process, the stock doors are modified to open butterfly-style. In the case of the Gallardo, it's actually fitting.

[Source: Hamann]



PRESS RELEASE
August 2006

Open-top driving pleasure:
The HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

o. Sporty aerodynamics suite with racing look
o. Alloy wheels in 19- and 20-inch-design
o. Conversion to in-house developed wing doors

Following up on the Ferrari F430 Spider, with its customized Lamborghini Spyder, HAMANN has now introduced a second top-class, open-top Italian racer into its tuning range. Like its cousin from Maranello, this sports car (with the bull in its logo) also stands out after being revamped at HAMANN with its racing flair and sportier look.

Aerodynamics with racing look

From a visual aspect, HAMANN lends the masculine, angular contours of the Gallardo Spyder an additional shot of testosterone. The extensive aerodynamics suite, which has been perfectly matched to the body of the "compact" Lamborghini, includes a downforce generating front spoiler, which is additionally equipped with an adjustable cup front spoiler lip borrowed from the racing scene. The muscular appearance of the Gallardo Spyder is enhanced by the HAMANN side sills - which also make the car look lower on the road, besides lending it a "fuller" appearance. Further features HAMANN borrows from the racing scene are incorporated into the rear end of the Gallardo. In addition to a three-piece rear spoiler, as an alternative, the Laupheim tuning specialist also offers a racing car-like rear wing, which helps to generate greatly enhanced downforce. The latter is given yet a further boost by being fitted with the HAMANN diffuser. All the components are available both in fiberglass and Carbon-Kevlar. The aerodynamics body-styling kit is rounded off by fiberglass covers, designed as a trim for the HAMANN 4-tailpipe rear muffler.

Wing doors - a real eye-catcher

An even more profound modification to the body involves the fitting of the HAMANN in-house developed wing doors. The objective of the car customizer here was to design a stable, but relatively inconspicuous system. The hinges of the HAMANN wing door conversion are only just about visible, without giving the impression of having been retrofitted. This ensures that the Gallardo still cuts a fine figure when the entrance area is inspected. The conversion is performed at HAMANN and takes about a week. The HAMANN wing doors are characterized by the fact that they open upwards at an angle - as already seen in the models Countach, Diablo and Murciélago on which they are based.

Performance injection

Needless to say, HAMANN also lends the Lamborghini Gallardo more power and performance. The car customizer has obtained this by fitting two types of sports rear mufflers - one version can be used in conjunction with the original tailpipes, thanks to the supplied adaptors, while the other version has four tailpipes each with a 76mm diameter - from V2A stainless steel. When fitted in conjunction with HAMANN sports metal catalysts, they increase both the bhp/kW values and the torque. For the Lamborghini Gallardo, HAMANN is also offering the option of recalibrating the standard ECU coupled with optimized mapping. This leads to an increase in power of 30 bhp / 22kW (series 520 bhp / 382 kW) and a 40 Nm increase in torque for this Italian powerhouse. The top speed increases by 6 to 320 km/h.

Modified deceleration values

Drivers of fast cars are often underestimated by other road users. Precarious situations can often be defused safely by fitting better brakes. Accordingly, for the Gallardo Spyder and its hard-top variant, HAMANN offers sports braking systems both for the front and back. The braking system for the front consists of two slotted and inside-vented HAMANN brake discs in the dimensions 380 x 34 mm and two HAMANN eight-piston fixed caliper brakes in red (other colors optionally available). HAMANN equips the braking system for the rear with two slotted and inside-vented brake discs in the dimension 360 x 32 mm, two six-piston fixed caliper brakes in red and special handbrake linings.
Both sports braking systems are supplied complete with HAMANN special brake pads and HAMANN adapters along with all the fastenings.

Wheel rims in 19- and 20-inch

The stylishly, sporty concept of the HAMANN Lamborghini Gallardo is rounded off by the composite, forged ANNIVERSARY II light alloy wheel. This exclusive wheel in its multi-spoke design conveys a sense of pure, unadulterated motor racing. The silver rim with its mirror-finished rim flange looks both stylish and luxurious. The front axle is fitted with wheels in the dimensions 9 x 19 inches, with size 235/35 Z R19 tires. The rear axle is fitted with the ANNIVERSARY II wheel rims in the dimensions 12 x 19 inches and tires in the size 295/30 Z R19. With this solution, HAMANN enables its customers to continue using the series tires of the original wheel on a new rim. HAMANN also offers the ANNIVERSARY II as a 20-inch version, namely at the front, in 8.5 x 20 dimensions with size 235/30ZR20 tires, and at the rear in 11.5 x 20 dimensions with size 325/25ZR20 tires. A new addition to the range is the HAMANN 20 inch light alloy wheel "Edition Race". This wheel is fitted on the front axle in an 8.5 x 20 dimension with size 235/30ZR20 tires and on the rear axle in an 11.25 x 20 dimension with size 325/25ZR20 tires.

Upon request, HAMANN can also upgrade the vehicle interior. For instance, this car customizer offers an 11-piece kit of decorative carbon-fiber trims. True to the motto of "Nothing's impossible", as you might expect, HAMANN designs the interior entirely to suit the customer's needs.

Further information on the extensive HAMANN tuning range is available on the company's website at www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.de.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuner Tuesdays, Coupes, Scion

Back in May we revealed that Scion would be pricing its tuner-ready 2007 tC Spec Package at $15,000 with a manual transmission and $15,800 with an automatic. Unfortunately it took Toyota until now to furnish some photos of what the tC Spec Package will look like, but it came through today with a bunch.

The idea behind the tC Spec Package is ingenious - instead of sinking millions of development dollars into a super tC like Ford did with the SVT Focus, Dodge with the SRT-4, and other manufacturers continue to do, offer a version of the tC that's ready to be tuned and costs less than the standard tC. Real sport compact enthusiasts want to turn their own wrench, pick their own appearance mods and make their cars truly unique. The sport compact enthusiast scene would be a much different and more creative place today if every manufacturer acknowledged the tuner in this way.

Realizing that new wheels is one of the first mods a tuner may perform, Scion equips the tC Spec Package with smaller 16-inch wheels wearing seven-spoke wheel covers. The new entry-level model gets the fixed glass panoramic roof (that'll get replaced by an articulating sunroof with mounted 42-inch plasma screen), unique upholstery on the seats (that will be ripped out and replaced with Recaros) and a urethane steering wheel (can anybody explain the significance of this last one? Doesn't matter, the MOMO wheel's on its way), as well.

Aside from those changes the Spec Package is loaded with the same equipment as the standard tC, which includes items like a 160-watt Pioneer audio system, four-wheel disc brakes, and the car's 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 161 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque.

Scion has its own catalogue of Toyota Racing Development accessories that includes the normal staple items of a tuner's diet: supercharger, wheels, sport suspension, exhaust, etc. No doubt many tuners will look to the aftermarket, though, where a number of good companies have been producing good Scion performance and appearance accessories.

(Tons of pics after the jump and Toyota's press release)

[Source: Toyota]



Press release:

Sporty Scion The Scion tC Offers Tuner-Ready "Spec Package" For 2007
08/28/2006 Torrance, CA

August 28, 2006 - Torrance, CA - The Scion tC, the best value in the sport coupe market, is offered in a new Spec Package model for 2007, aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model.

"Thanks to its outstanding performance and value, the Scion tC has been a popular model with tuners, and the 2007 tC Spec Package will bolster this model's appeal in that segment," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The tC Spec Package gives the tuner community a 'blank slate' on which to express their own creativity, with the reduction in MSRP helping to get them started."

Since one of the first things a tuner customer changes is a car's wheels, the 2007 Scion tC Spec Package model substitutes steel wheels, P205/55 R16 tires and seven-spoke wheel covers; the standard tC model will continue with 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with P215/45Z R17 Bridgestone Potenza Z-rated all-season tires.

Other changes made on the tC Spec Package include a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, and a urethane steering wheel. This low-volume model will be distinguished by special treatment to the grille and headlight garnish and offered in just four colors (instead of the standard model's seven) - Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic.

Aside from the new Spec Package, the tC carries over for 2007 with a sun visor with a sliding extension, updated seat fabric and direct tire pressure monitoring system.

Complete Performance Package
The sleek Scion tC sits low and wide, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase and an overall width of 69.1 inches. The long wheelbase contributes to the tC's interior roominess and ride comfort, while a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension helps to provide responsive handling.

The tC's high-strength architecture allows the strut-type front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension to help provide an ideal blend of compliance and response. Steering and brake feel have been carefully tuned to provide optimal feedback from the road to the driver.

As expected in a performance car, the Scion tC comes standard with a four-wheel disc brake system. A two-step brake booster increases power assist in proportion to pedal force to provide precise pedal feel. For safety, the tC comes equipped with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking maneuvers, and EBD monitors differences in front- and rear-wheel speeds and distributes optimal braking force to all four wheels.

High-tech Powerplant
The Scion tC serves up fun-to-drive power right from the factory, thanks to its 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four-cylinder engine. This sophisticated powerplant boasts an aluminum cylinder block and head, magnesium cam cover, electronic throttle control and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Tuned specifically for the tC, the engine produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The Scion tC has EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 22/29 mpg with the manual transmission and 23/30 mpg with the automatic.

High-Performance Audio
Scion has been successfully attracting young, first-time new-car buyers in part by getting in tune with their musical preferences, including the migration from
compact disc to digital music formats. Scion was the first brand to offer iPod connectivity and control across its entire lineup.

The tC's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system features a centrally-located volume control knob and a mini-jack port located in the center console compartment that allows for connectivity to most portable music players. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's six speakers.

A Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with Apple iPod control is available as an accessory upgrade for all 2007 Scions. The tC was the first car in its class to integrate track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel buttons. The upgrade unit also features audio display color change illumination.

Both the standard and upgrade head units still retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen and Sound Retouch digital equalization which provides clearer CD sound quality.

Personalization
Owners can enhance performance of the tC with components developed especially for it by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), including performance suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob and sequential shift light kit.

The approximately 40 available accessories make it easy for the customer to take the performance/style factor even higher in the tC and truly personalize the car. Notable highlights include EMX Super seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero P225/40Z R18 all-season tires, polished stainless steel muffler, color-keyed ground effects and a rear lip spoiler.

High-End Interior Without the High Price
The Scion tC interior features materials and content that, like the car's performance, belies its very affordable price. In addition, the tC offers outstanding utility in a spacious cabin, with attention to detail unexpected in this segment. The sport bucket seats are covered in a premium deep-texture fabric for a rich "class-above" feel and appearance.

The driver's seat provides adjustments for both height and thigh support, along with a walk-in function with memory for both the seat and backrest. A simple push of a convenient lever at the top of the seat back yields a wide step-in space for easy access to the rear seats.

Shutter-type flush-closing dash vents complement the overall design of the contrasting metal-tone center console. The genuine cast-aluminum temperature control dial is flanked by soft-touch electronic buttons and an LCD display that shows exterior temperature, seven fan speeds and a clock.

Designers incorporated many high-quality interior details. Extensive use of
sound absorption materials helps maintain low NVH levels to further support the
"class above" feel. The dash and upper door panels are trimmed in a material that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper, and the front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash. Interior moving parts employ dampers for smooth operation.

Further evidence of Scion DNA can be found in the use of amber instrument panel illumination with meters and gauges that spring to attention when the car is started and unique day/night illumination that reverses contrast of the gauges for easier viewing.

The rear 60/40-split seats fold forward for a nearly flat load floor. Unique in this segment, the rear seats also recline to 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. Finally, when both the front and rear passenger seats are folded flat, the Scion tC provides more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo, complete with tie-down hooks in the rear seat and cargo areas.

Storage capacity includes four roomy map pockets, numerous CD, bottle, cup and cell phone holders, bag hooks in side panels and a two-tiered, fabric-covered center console. More storage is provided under the rear floor deck, where a large right-side area is available to secure valuables.

Advanced Safety
In addition to ABS and EBD, safety features for tC include headrests and
three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, front airbags and a standard driver's knee airbag.

Front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags are available as the only factory option. In addition, the Scion tC comes standard with a first aid kit.

Unparalleled Value
Like all Scion models, the tC is offered in well-equipped "mono-spec" trim. The standard equipment is so complete that the customer needs only to choose between manual or automatic transmissions, vehicle color and whether or not to have front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Standard features include the panorama glass power moonroof (a first in this segment), air conditioning, cruise control, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, power door locks and mirrors, rear cargo tonneau cover, auto up/down power windows with jam protection, in-key remote keyless entry, rolling-code engine immobilizer security system, auto-off headlamps, electronic hatch release, chrome-plated exhaust tip and a unique audio unit cover.

All Scion models come with three complimentary oil changes, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

The standard tC model is available in a choice of seven colors: Azure Pearl, Flint Mica, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic and Nautical Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are complemented by a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior in the standard tC model.

Generous Warranty
All Scion models are backed by a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes Benz

Mere words come up wanting when trying to describe an ASMA Design-tuned Mercedes-Benz. These over-the-top customizations have appeared on this page before, including the CLS Shark I and II, the ML Gladiator II, and the company's original attempt to tune the new S-Class. Now ASMA has turned its designers loose on the 2007 S-Class to create the Eagle I, which we suppose can best be described as what the Mercedes-Benz S-Class would like if it were doing a cameo in the Back to the Future II... sans the hover conversion.

The Eagle I features the "traditional" ASMA plunging grille line that Ashely from eMercedesBenz calls "Darth Vader-esque". In addition, ASMA adds a shocking number of vented panels to the S-Class to complement the new front end, side sills and rear bumper. As always, customers can add a new set of wheels, sport exhaust, etc. to complement their Eagle I, although this thing doesn't appear to take compliments very well. You can find more info and high-rez shots of the Eagle I via the eMercedesBenz link below.

[Source: ASMA Design via eMercedesBenz]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan

The Nissan 350Z GT-S is a labor of love for seven engineers at Nissan's European technical facility who built the one-off in their own time. Their only restraint was to keep the Z usable, but beyond that the team went hog wild in crafting a concept that held its own running up the hill at the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The editors of CAR magazine recently took the 350Z GT-S out for a spin and revealed a few things about the concept of which we were unaware. For instance, a switch next to the gear lever can disengage the supercharger used on the Z's 3.5-liter V6. This means that at the flick of a switch, the car transforms from a snarling 380 bhp beast into the same mild-mannered 298 bhp Z coupe everyone else is driving. Very trick.

There's also a butterfly valve on the exhaust that opens up at high revs, which not only allows the engine to breathe better, but also makes for a soul shaking soundtrack at WOT.

While it's unlikely the 350Z GT-S Concept will ever be mass produced, Nissan is exploring whether or to sell its components in various packages that can be retrofitted to any 350Z.

[Source: CAR Magazing]

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Filed under: Etc., Euro, Supercars

"That's one hot Swede." Not sure who said it, but if this phrase conjures up images of the Swedish bikini team, you might be disappointed to learn he was referring to the CCX. Then again, you somehow found your way to Autoblog, so maybe not.

The desert mirage-like air distortion coming off the engine as it pulled into the pits seemed to indicate the car might be struggling with the triple-digit Las Vegas heat. Far from it though. This particular vehicle has seen much harsher treatment. Make the jump for the rest of the story and some desktop-sized clickable pics.
The CCX we had at the track with us is the very same one that has been around the globe, being thrashed within an inch of its driver's life by everybody from Top Gear's Stig to Manny K. Manny might not be as familiar to Autobloggers as The Stig, but he's well known to the staff at Exotic Cars at Caesars Palace, having attended Sunday night's VIP unveiling and joining us at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway today for our first track sessions behind the wheel. You'll all be happy to know that the car is still in one piece. And although there were a couple of sphincter-puckering moments for some of the drivers today, the car performed flawlessly and stayed mainly on the track.

The most common comment we heard from drivers exiting the driver's seat at the end of their laps was something like, "I really expected it to go fast, but the way it brakes and turns!" With Justin Bell helping out with coaching, and assuring the drivers that the car could indeed handle pushing the ludicrous speed button, some of them decided to take up the challenge and hold the loud pedal down as long as Justin said to. Mindful of the line of other customers waiting in the partial shade at trackside, everybody behaved themselves and the car appears to be fine and ready for us to take our turns tomorrow.

First impressions of the car are that it sounds great, it looks very powerful and freaking launches from turn to turn. Can't quite put my finger on what the sound reminds me of, but it is something that lives on a trailer and a track and not in a garage. Interesting to hear Justin bell describe the driving experience to the McLaren F1 and Mercedes-McLaren SLR. He actually likes the SLR because it's so easy to jump in and go fast. And then you start learning where you can push it a little harder to make it go even faster. Compare that to something that is brutal and powerful and nervous and scary and you either jump into the deep end and learn to swim or drown trying. He said the Koenigsegg is somewhere between the two extremes.

That's all we have for today, except some incredible photos (yes, they are mine, but still really cool) and a quick mention of the fact that LVMS is right across the street from Nellis Air Force Base. Apparently somebody mentioned to the guys over at the base that we were running a supercar around the proving grounds course so they showed off a little themselves and treated us to quite a few flybys, even some formation stuff from the Thunderbirds themselves. Must get going for now. We need to mentally prepare for our first drive in an 806 hp supercar. Enjoy and tune in tomorrow night for our first drive impressions!

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