Beijing Auto Show 2008: Geely CE concept makes its debut

Geely car
Ok, the Geely car parade at Beijing is officially in full swing. One of the good-looking renderings we posted during the runup to the show was of the CE concept, a small hatchback that looked like it could just as easily be an Acura that’s slumming in the entry-level class. In the metal, it looks pretty much exactly like the rendering — a well-styled little5-door hatch. Only that’s the Geely badge on that shield-shaped grille.

It It is better-looking than any of Geely’s current market offerings, and that’s about all there is to say, because we have neither interior shots nor technical details to flesh things out any further. As such, we’ll treat it as a styling exercise that’s likely got Honda/Acura designers grumbling under their breath, and Chinese showgoers and (potential car-buyers) nodding approvingly.

Geely car

Geely car

Geely Car

Geely car

Geely car




Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg joins Mercedes GP Petronas for 2010 season

Mercedes GP
Wednesday, December 23rd. All the rumors, all the speculation, the aching and the itching from those of us in the media is finally over. 7-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, will return to Formula One next year.

The Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team announced early today that the world’s most successful Formula One driver will now join them for the 2010 season. It’s been a long time coming and means that Schumacher’s long standing relationship with Ferrari is over.

With seven Drivers' World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.

According to the Mercedes press release, Schumacher’s return to racing with Mercedes GP Petronas sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Program in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM. It also sees him renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships. Schumacher will join his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.

Michael Schumacher: "Mercedes GP Petronas represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Program. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."

Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at Mercedes GP Pertronas. It's a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I'm sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of Mercedes GP Petronas: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our…team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael's outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at [the team] is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport program for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: "It's about time that I got into Formula 1". Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Program, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realized Michael's talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers' World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn't happen in 1995, it didn't happen in 1998 and it didn't happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our 'apprentice' of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."

Mercedes GP

Mercedes GP

Mercedes GP

Mercedes GP

Mercedes GP




Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster
Tesla Roadster, 0 to 100km / h speed 3.9sn 'can reach, and about a special electric motor with 250HP power running. One charge that can go with 300km'ye nearest road vehicles, 160km / h maximum speedboat can reach. Engine volume produce work that is zero during the 160km / h fast even when you do not hear a sound other than the tire volume. Especially strong is the tug of a great experience in terms of driving pleasure is. Personally, a tool that can navigate the world because of what heryerini nor the performance of engine has the sound of weakness.

Each aspect is great tool for people who cut out unaccommodating. Super cars and the price is between $ 80,000 level of free will. Give and receive a $ 200,000 Lamborghini Gallardo and performance given him much more flexible than that to get this tool that will be his wife. From the back and 2 forward gears with pushing the car, you can reach 13.000RPM era. 3.5 hours with fully charged battery of the car with 100,000 miles life is available.

As battery type, mobile phone Li-ion battery that is familiar to. Nearly 100% efficiency of the engine only a portion of electric energy as heat is out. In addition to that the need is not something to oxygen to work, that is only charging enough. Can be used without any problems for years, simple structure with a motor vehicle of the future of automobile technology is seen as a pioneer.

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster




Venturi Fetish

Venturi Fetish
The Venturi Fetish deserves the distinction of being the world's first production twin seated electricity-powered sports car. Considered a symbol of innovation, the Venturi Fetish was unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show in 2002 and did not fail to turn heads. After later being presented at the 200 Paris Motor Show and the 2003 Detroit Motor Show, it was awarded a "Talent du Luxe" plus a "Michelin Challenge Design" award respectively.

The Venturi Fetish concept car gives testimony to the innovation of the carmaker in terms of the core design. Venturi has come a long way since it was created as France's solution to the Ferrari of Italy, in 1984. It was only in 2001 when Gildo Pallanca Pastor purchased Venturi that the decision to concentrate on an electric motor was taken which ultimately led to the Fetish model. Parisian designer Sacha Lakic created the car's futuristic design. The Venturi Fetish made a mockery of the public opinion that an electric car had to be ugly and weak at it turned this preconception on its heels.

The Venturi Fetish can boast of a boatload of technology, engineering and design features that make it one of the most coveted cars worldwide. The engine position is ideal as it is in the rear central part of the automobile. In addition, the presence of a monocoque carbon chassis plus the architecture as a whole make it worthy of comparison to a racing car.

The technical specifications of the car are impressive. The car produces an approximate 250 bhp (nearly 180 KW) peak output making the acceleration of the car comparable to a normal internal combustion engine (ICE) sports car. The capacity of the car to reach 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds is proof to its amazing acceleration just shy of that of a supercar. The Venturi Fetish has a less comparable top speed of 100 mph, a respectable option taking into account the fact that it has only gear.

The Venturi Fetish has a maximum torque of about 220 Nm. The electric motor is responsible for one other significant attraction and that is the availability of the full 220 Nm torque at all speeds as compared to cars that have internal combustion engines, which hit their peaks at different RPMs.

The specifications by the company are for a range of 150 miles. Since lithium-ion accumulators are used as batteries, they offer a very quick overall recharge in only 1 hour. This is made possible due to the Venturi Fetish's onboard charger. Some may see the 1 hour recharge rate as prohibitive for long-distance trips, but past owners of other electric vehicles such as the GM EV1, will see this as a vast improvement from the 6 to 8 hour overnight charge times that they had grown used to having.

Venturi Fetish
Venturi Fetish

Venturi Fetish
Venturi Fetish

Venturi Fetish
Venturi Fetish

Venturi Fetish
Venturi Fetish

Venturi Fetish
Venturi Fetish




Citroen C-Metisse Concept

Citroen C-Metisse Concept
Citroen is unveiling C-Metisse at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Through this concept car, inspired by passion and reason, the Marque is exploring new paths dedicated to automotive pleasure. C-Metisse is a coupe of character, boasting a high level of on-board comfort and performance, while also respecting the environment.

With its elegant proportions, flamboyant bodywork, spectacular door design and extensive chrome, this elegant 4-seater 4-door coupe revives a passion for the most prestigious Grand Touring vehicles.

C-Metisse is not only a car to stir the soul of the onlooker. It also boasts real driving sensations with a driving position featuring the latest technologies, and a specially designed high-performance diesel hybrid drivetrain.

Citroen C-Metisse Concept

Citroen C-Metisse Concept

Citroen C-Metisse Concept

Citroen C-Metisse Concept

Citroen C-Metisse Concept




Toyota Fortuner to be Launched

Toyota Fortuner
Toyota India has finally decided to launch the Fortuner after years of speculation and delays. It is expected to hit Indian Showrooms in March 2009. Part of the reason for its delay may be because Toyota might have wanted to launch the facelifted version rather than the old model and partly because the Bidadi factory lacked enough manpower and hence Toyota has not been concentrating on it all this time.

In addition, since Toyota will assemble the Fortuner at the Bidadi plant from completely-knocked-down or CKD kits, expect it to have a slight price advantage over its rivals. The sole 3.0 D4D from the Innova family will power the Fortuner.

This 1.8 tonne bulk needs enough torque and the 35kgm from this diesel should help a lot. It still makes 163 bhp and comes with 4 wheel drive for that off-road duty. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with the option of four-wheel -drive. In future, a four-speed automatic may also be on the cards.

Expect decent dynamics for a SUV and the interiors will be luxurious with climate control, AC vents for all three rows of seats, and a 2-DIN audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls. Coil-spring suspension at all four corners promises to provide a comfortable ride and sure-footed handling.

The 2009 Fortuner gets clear lens tail lamps while up front, we get a merged Head Lamp-grille combo with chrome surrounds. Indians equate chrome to big bucks so this just adds that extra bit of style.

This massive SUV is expected to retail for around Rs 18 lakh-19lakh and at this price point, it will be competing with the Outlander and the Captiva. Toyota has ambitious plans to sell 5,000 units a year in India, and will it achieve its target at a time when the economy has taken a hit? Only time will tell.

Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner




10 Best Selling Cars of 2009 in The Word

Top 10 Best-Selling Cars
It's no secret that 2009 has been a tough year for the auto industry. Through June, sales are down 35.1 percent from last year, and the market is on track to sell fewer than 10 million cars and light trucks, according to auto-industry trade magazine Automotive News (note: all sales data in this article was sourced from Automotive News).

That's about 3.2 million fewer vehicles than last year, which was down 2.9 million vehicles from the year before that. Despite the tough market, the top 10 best-selling vehicles are virtually unchanged from 2008, a testament to the appeal of these cars, trucks and sport utes. Like the rest of the market, sales for the top 10 vehicles are down, as you will see in the following slides. But they are still moving, which bodes well for their future salability when the market rebounds. Let's take a look at 2009's best-sellers so far and why they continue to resonate with buyers.

10. Honda CR-V
Total sales for 2009 so far: 78,917
Percentage loss from last year: 24.2

Honda CR-V

Honda was among the first companies to offer a car-based SUV, now called a crossover, when it introduced the CR-V for the 1997 model year. With 4-cylinder power and reasonable size and weight, the CR-V provided a great way for families to get around without having the stigma of a station wagon or the waste of a heavy, truck-based SUV. That formula still holds for the CR-V, but the vehicle is larger, more efficient and more refined than ever. It's great for small families or young, active singles, and the easy step-in height makes it a fine choice for seniors as well.

9. Ford Fusion
Total sales for 2009 so far: 85,146
Percentage loss from last year: 3.2

Ford Fusion

The Fusion was reworked but not totally redesigned for 2009, and we think it's one of the best midcycle updates we've seen in quite some time. The car looks better, has a nicer interior and offers several engaging entertainment features. Plus, the available hybrid is one of the best on the market — close to 40 mpg out of a roomy, comfortable midsize sedan is quite an accomplishment. While Fusion sales are down this year, the drop of 3.2 percent is far less than just about any model on the market. That's testament to the effective update of the Fusion and the goodwill Ford seems to be enjoying for not taking government money. If you haven't driven a Ford lately, take a look at the Fusion.

8. Dodge Ram
Total sales for 2009 so far: 94,516
Percentage loss from last year: 26.7

Dodge Ram

Though third in the dog-eat-dog full-size pickup market, the Dodge Ram is the most improved in the class. Redesigned for 2009, the Ram now delivers unsurpassed levels of comfort and refinement. Over the years it has received numerous industry awards, including the North American Truck of the Year, and is the bright spot in a Chrysler Group lineup that is seeing a sales drop of 45.7 percent so far this year. Though sales for the Ram are down by slightly more than 25 percent, they aren't as bad as the 35 to 36 percent losses experienced by Chevrolet and Ford pickups, respectively. Credit this success to Dodge's smooth ride, bold looks, refined interior and innovative features such as the RamBox storage system and under-floor storage bins.

7. Nissan Altima
Total sales for 2009 so far: 96,428
Percentage loss from last year: 39.0

Altima Coupe

Chrysler and General Motors would be wise to follow the path Nissan took early this decade when it rebuilt the brand. Focusing on engaging, quality products, Nissan revamped its lineup starting in 2002 with a powerful, roomy and attractive Altima — and the car has only gotten better since. Improved interiors, increasingly powerful engines, an available hybrid and a sporty character make the Altima an appealing alternative to the Accord and Camry. Like the Accord, the Altima also offers a coupe body style for those who want a reliable midsize car in a sleeker package.

6. Honda Civic
Total sales for 2009 so far: 118,459
Percentage loss from last year: 41.8

Honda Civic

Last summer's sky-high gas prices benefited the Honda Civic. It was one of the few cars to enjoy increased sales in 2008, up 2.5 percent, in a market that was down 18 percent. The return of affordable gas has meant a greater than average sales tumble for the Civic this year. However, buyers would be wise to reconsider this practical car, since gas prices are once again on the rise. The Civic seems to offer more car than its subcompact competition. A fun driving character, useful interior space, frugal fuel economy (especially in the available hybrid) and top-notch engineering are evident. Buyers can also count on an affordable ownership experience, thanks to exceptional reliability and excellent resale values.

5. Toyota Corolla/Matrix
Total sales for 2009 so far: 121,643
Percentage loss from last year: 37.5

Toyota Corolla

Toyota's Bob Carter says the Corolla sedan has the same base values — quality, dependability and reliability — as the Camry but in a smaller package. It doesn't offer the same silky ride or overall refinement as its bigger sibling, but the Corolla is sure to hold its resale value and do an admirable job of getting frugal buyers where they need to go. The Matrix, which shares its platform and powertrains with the Corolla, comes in a more useful hatchback package. Both cars are safe bets for shoppers who like to spend their money wisely.

4. Honda Accord
Total sales for 2009 so far: 131,043
Percentage loss from last year: 35.9

Honda Accord

In the 1980s and '90s, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry redefined the midsize car in America. Quality and reliability were emphasized, efficient 4-cylinder engines emerged, four doors became the norm and back seats grew to be more spacious and useful. The resulting sales success meant the domestic automakers had to follow or get out of the way, and many buyers think the domestics are still playing catch-up. The current Accord boasts the same advantages as the Camry, though with a little less luxury and a bit more sportiness. Rock-solid reliability and outstanding resale value have made the Accord a sure bet for years.

3. Chevrolet Silverado
Total sales for 2009 so far: 149,949
Percentage loss from last year: 35.2

Chevrolet Silverado

The Ford versus Chevy battle for supremacy in the full-size pickup market has been going on for decades, with Ford usually coming out on top. However, if you add in sales of the GMC Sierra, which is essentially the same product as the Silverado, General Motors bests Ford in terms of how many trucks it's moving off dealer lots. The Silverado is appealing as a powerful, capable and comfortable pickup. Recent product updates by Ford and Dodge have garnered more headlines and added unique features that the Silverado lacks, such as Dodge's RamBox and Ford's bed steps. But Chevy trucks are still a big part of the American culture and probably one of the most well-rounded trucks on the market.

2. Toyota Camry
Total sales for 2009 so far: 150,242
Percentage loss from last year: 37.4

Toyota Camry

Pickup trucks and midsize cars traditionally top the best-sellers list. The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling midsize car for seven years, and it still holds that distinction in the first six months of 2009. Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter cites the company's core values of quality, dependability and reliability (QDR) as the reason. "When consumers look at the Camry and evaluate styling, packaging, QDR and value, we've hit the mark," Carter says. We like the Camry for its luxurious ride, capable engines, efficient use of space and, yes, quality, dependability and reliability. High resale value is another reason to buy.

1. Ford F-Series
Total sales for 2009 so far: 179,632
Percentage loss from last year: 36.6

Ford F-Series

The perennial king of the hill is still on top. The F-Series has been America's best-selling pickup truck for 32 years, and it's not giving up the title despite tough competition from Chevrolet, Toyota and a much-improved Dodge Ram. We like the F-150's balance of capability and comfort. It far outmuscles the competition when it comes to pulling power and payload capacity, yet still offers one of the smoother and more refined rides on the market. While full-size trucks may no longer be the choice for everyday transportation, their utility and hauling capacity will always make them popular with contractors, small businesses and families who need to tow, haul and go off-road.



Dodge Ram BFT

Dodge Ram
The Chrysler people claim that BFT does not stand for what you think it does, instead suggesting less profane names like Big Fine Truck or Built For Towing. In fact, it's more built for hauling. At a time when pickup cabs are growing and their cargo beds are shrinking, the BFT reverses that trend, with an extra-long, 10-foot cargo box. Advanced studio designer Scott Krugger's team started with a Ram 3500 HD Mega Cab dualie. They replaced the four-door Mega cab with a standard cab, which is two feet shorter.

They then custom-fabricated a 10-foot box from a standard 8-footer. The engine is a Cummins turbodiesel, naturally, with a prototype air intake and a custom exhaust (horsepower and torque figures are not yet available). The truck features a 6-inch Superlift kit and rolls on 22-inch, 10-lug wheels. Chrome tubular step bars and bed rails complete the look.

Dodge Ram BFT
Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram BFT
Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram BFT
Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram BFT
Dodge Ram

Dodge Ram BFT
Dodge Ram