Recently, Honda unveiled its much anticipated 2009 CR-Z Concept car which is uniquely stylish and sporty hybrid coupe. The company had disclosed details about this car during the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and also previewed a hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch next year.

The vehicles which are displayed at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is still a concept. Honda has confirmed that the production CR-Z will makes its world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto show next January and will be available for sale in North America during the second half of 2010. Honda plans to introduce it as a two seater hybrid car.

It is projected that  the new CR-Z will be the successor of the CRX edition and will be equipped with compact four cylinder engine displacing less than 2.0 liters and teamed to an electric motor to provide better efficiency. The combined out put from the gasoline and electric engine would generate approximately 140 hp.

The cars body styling is impressive and as a coupe like profile along with flavors of the 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept. The new car would feature an upgraded powertrain. The M37 and M37x will be equipped with a 3.7 liter V6 engine which would generate an approximate 330 horsepower. The M56 and M56x would be equipped with a 5.6 liter V8 engine which would produce 400 horsepower. All models will come with a standard seven speed automatic transmission. The M56 was seen sporting a 20 inch wheels and Bridgestone Potenza REO50A tires.

Cadillac is targeting the European section which has a large potential for stylish wagons. To tab this segment the company just needs to build its brand loyalty and encourage its customers to buy their vehicles.

There are reports which mention that these models have not gained much popularity in America. This is one possible reason why renowned companies like BMW and Audi have moved away from the high performance wagon market in the US. There are reports which confirm that the wagon has very poor sales and demand which barely breaks double digit sales each year. Chrysler 300C and Dodges Magnum and SRT-8 have not gained much popularity in the US irrespective of the strong powertrain.

If Cadillac wishes to gain their customer strength it is expected that they would price their wagon at an approximate price of $60,000- $65,000 which is the price of the sedan version. In such an instance they will be able to undercut the Mercedes E63AMG Estate wagon by over 20,000 and which would help them gain more customers.

The images give you an idea about the front of the car which are devoid of hook like headlight which are found on the 370Z and Maxima. The 2010 Altima carries a similar style like the 2009 version but still the 2010 Altima seems to be more bold and elegant.

The designers have styled the body with blacked out fog light that surround the body. The wheels of the edition appear to have a split spoke design instead of the solid spoke that is currently available.

There are rumors that the 2010 Altima will be equipped with six speed manual transmission and stability and traction control on the base trim. The premium models will be equipped with an upgraded 4.3 inch display and USB input. The tech package will include an upgraded 6.5 inch screen along with a 9.3 gigabyte hard disk music or navigation system.

The company has not released the price of this model yet but there are anecdotes that they will start sale sometimes in October. It is assumed that the prices of the coupe and sedan would increase a few hundred dollars.  However, once the prices are disclosed it would be easier to make a decision on this new edition.

The prototypes of this car were seen at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. The production of the Rapide is now complete and there is very little difference between the show car and the produced version. Aston Martin will start sales early next year through its 125 strong dealership network. The price of this model will be confirmed only after its Frankfurt debut, however it is estimated that it will be priced around $200,000.

Aston Martin Rapide Body style:

The new Aston Martin has been designed with its signature element of the four door format rising upwards and outwards as they swing open and which are popularly known as the swan wing doors. The rear end of the car features dual exhaust tips, LED lights and a boat tail style rear decklid spoiler. This model is 197.6-inches in length, 84.3-inches in width and 53.5-inches in height.

Aston Martin Rapide Features:

The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a revised version of the DB9’s 6.0 liter V12 engine which will generate 470horsepower and 442 pound feet of torque. It is also teamed with a six speed ZF automatic transmission.  The new Rapide version will also feature Aston Martin’s new touchtronic control with paddle shifters.

Aston Martin Rapide Performance:

The Rapide will sprint fro, zero to 60mph in 5.3 seconds at a top speed of 188 mph, however the performance is not as exciting if compared to the coupe model. It is a comfortable vehicle and can easily accommodate four passengers.  The Rapide also offers 26.5 cubic feet of storage.

All Aston Martin fans will be able to book their dream car as the company plans to sell them globally through their network of dealers.

There are guesses that along with the mini concept the company plans to display the open top speedster concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The new edition is planned with the whole idea of offering driving pleasure, low weight and high power to the customer. They are calling it a prototype for now.  The Mini Version will be equipped with 1.6 liter turbocharged gasoline engine from the John Cooper Works hatch with 208 horsepower and 192 pound feet of torque with the latter climbing to 206 pound feet of torque via spells of overboost.

The Mini is based on the regular Cooper Hatchback but sports a lower weight and lower centre of gravity which is achieved with the lightweight aluminum roof. This addition also hosts potential chassis modification which brings it vey closer to a sports car.

This model adds pure luxury with good quality leather seats; Alcantara trims, and twin Chronoswiss clocks that are positioned near the rev counters. The designers have been very practical while designing the car and hence they have designed the tail gate opening at the rear spoiler, creating a hefty aperture. The body style has been styled with a difference to make a clear difference between the siblings with body colored grille and similar inserts on wheels and rear diffuser.

There will more information about the Mini once they are displayed at the Frankfurt Auto Show which opens on September 15. We shall offer full coverage of the same one the curtains are raised so be tuned.

The new upgraded version would include options of V6 and a 4 cylinder engine. The 3.5 liter 24 valve engine would generate 271 horsepower. This sedan version would be equipped with Variable Cylinder Management Technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising which would assist in improving fuel economy. This system would offer a better mileage of 19mpg city limits and 29 mpg on highways.

The Honda Accord performance oriented Coupe body style is equipped with 3.5 liter V6 engine and would offer six speed manual transmission. The coupe edition would be available without the cylinder deactivation feature.

However the standard engine included in the Accord sedan EX, EX-Land Accord coupe LX-S, EX and EXL is 2.4 liter 16 valve 4 cylinder engine which would generate 190 horsepower. The Honda Sedan LX and LXP would be equipped with 2.4 liter four cylinder engine which would produce 177 horsepower. It is estimated that when both the engines are teamed with automatic transmission they will achieve an EPA rating of 21 mpg on city levels and 31mpgg on highways.

All four cylinder engines include 5 speed manual transmissions. All V6 powered four cylinder engines include five speed automatic transmissions and the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 is equipped with six speed manual transmissions.

The standard features included in this model are single disc CD player with six speakers and 160 watts for power. Steering wheel based audio controls are standard on all the models. The sedan EX and coupe LX-S model adds a six disc in dash changer.

The Accord EX-L version is equipped with Honda Satellite Navigation System with Voice activation. This feature utilizes an 8 inch screen and an interface dial for user input. This model also includes additional features such as Bluetooth Hands Free Link for connecting compatible mobile phones.

Thumbs up:

Rear wheel drive sport coupe ,6.0litre V8 churns out 304bhp @6400 rpm, light in weight, Active Fuel Management; fantastic design; ergonomic; V6 version is available which gives a good mileage of  26 mpg on the highway; suspension type: four-wheel independent suspension.

Thumbs down:

Chevy could have managed at least 80-100bhp more from a 6.0litre V8, the V6 is decent though.

Inside the trunk:

6.0litre V8 churns out 400bhp while the 3.6litre V6 manages 304@6400 rpm; torque: 273 @ 5200 lb-ft; drivetrain: rear wheel drive; weight: 3700 pounds; RS appearance package is available on LT model, and will include HID headlamps with an integrated halo ring feature, spoiler, specific tail lamps and 20-inch wheels; the 3.6L V6 is mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The Motor-kid speaks:

When chevy announced their arrival of the all new camaro , it has been wet-dreams for most of the Camaro’s fans. It drove everyone insane when it featured in the  movie Transformers as Bumble-bee. Everyone from all  age groups and both sexes where left with jaw dropped expressions when the camaro appeared in style to pick by the lead actors in the tunnel after a rude remark by the actress. Now chevy has turned our dreams into reality, with the launch of the 2010 Camaro. Fantasies aside, let’s see if the Camaro is ready to live up to all the hype.

Razzle- dazzle:

Do I even have to say anything here? …come on!! …look at it!!!!….it’s a brilliant work of art!!. It’s a beautiful blend of lines and curves. Personally I feel Chevy should have standardized the racing stripes on the paint job. The Camaro shows off its meat and muscles at every angle .Chevy has stuck with the 2-door, 4-passenger  coupe concept for the Camaro.

Inside dope:

The camaro has been offered in different versions : A coupe, a convertible, a V8, a V6 and so on.

Leaving its design out of this,  what makes the Camaro actually tick is the engine that delivers an adequate 304 horsepower at 6,400rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 5,200rpm, while the 6.0litre V8 version  puts out 400bhp.

Driving the Camaro was really amazing because of the rear wheel drivetrain and four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with 14 in (36 cm) rotors and four-piston calipers, and 21 in (53 cm) front / 22 in (56 cm) rear wheels covered in huge 275/30R21 front / 305/30R22 rear tires. But when attacking corners it tends to oversteer but the ride was still comfortable because of the independent suspension. Braking on the 20inch tires was  incredible.

And one of the best features of the Chevy is when the engine does not need all of its 400 horsepower, the Active Fuel Management will shut off four of the cylinders , so that you can leave behind a smaller carbon footprint i.e. you save fuel.

The interiors are laden with loads of goodies too like air filtration system with pollen filter ,defogger, telescopic Instrumentation, analog with Driver Information Center display, includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge etc. OnStar is the only navigation option available .

Nitty- Gritty:

So there you have it, the Camaro has landed. The new Camaro excels on all frontiers. This monster of a car that Chevy has built has not just lived up to the hype, it has blasted my bind. But with all the design, power, handling, efficiency, comfort, convenience and safety, there has to be a hefty price to pay….but there isn’t…..the camaro can come in around $22,245.

You saw that right. You want one?…….yeah?…..then get in line.

Besides a few body styling, it is definite that there would be minor mechanical changes and a few changes in the décor. The motive of these changes is to increase the fuel economy and emission averages and boost the sales of this model.

There are chances that the new design would add Blu Tec diesel power train, and engine stop start method and also add more direct injected models.

It is presumed that the new changes would be integrated in the C class range but there are chances that the revamp would be applicable to the C class Cabrio and Coupe

The spokesman at Mercedes has confirmed that there are plans to get 2011E class estate to the US.

The 8C Competizione will be available in the coupe and convertible variant and will be lighter and more powerful compared to the current 8C competizione. The new performance version   will be designed as a lighter version of the new Mi To hatch. They will be known as Alfa Romeo 8 C competizione ‘GTA’ wherein GTA stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerita (Italian for lighter grand tourer).

This powerful engine will not only have a powerful engine but will also offer a stunning style and dynamics to the car. The new 8c GTA will be styled to offer new looks and will feature a vented bonnet, with uniquely styled front bumper and plenty of exposed carbon fiber.   It would be designed with sports bucket seat with carbon fiber trim to assist in making it a low weight car.

The Alfa Romeo 8C GTAis estimated to tip the scales at 1450 kg which would be 150 kg les than the standard coupe and 100 kg more than Ferrari’s hardcore F 430 Scuderia . There are many other modifications done to make it a premium car like stiffer suspensions set up, light weight and rubber wrapped alloy wheels and carbon ceramic brakes.

This will be a limited edition car and the company proposes to restrict them to only a 100 units.