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September 29, 2010

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut

Saab 9-4X
Now that the fate of Saab is in the hands of Spyker Cars, future product plans seem to be moving right along. The new 9-5 is out on the road and the 9-4X crossover is scheduled to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Our friends at Saabs United managed to snag some shots of a pre-production 9-4X, giving us a glimpse of the automaker's new CUV before we see it in person later this year. The 9-4X was initially conceived under Saab's General Motors ownership, meaning its underpinnings are shared with the Cadillac SRX crossover. Word on the street is that the production taillamps will look slightly different than the ones on this early model, but that aside, don't expect things to change much between now and November.

Because the 9-4X is closely related to the SRX, we fully expect the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to be under the hood. Don't rule out the possibility of the 9-5's 2.0-liter turbo four being offered, as well. Both engines will more than likely be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and as the "x" in the name suggests, all-wheel drive will be on hand.

Until we get the official word in Los Angeles later this year, scroll through our gallery of spy shots below, and head over to Saabs United for all things Griffin.-autoblog.




  • Battle over M'sia's Lotus name goes to English court

     A court battle is looming over the Lotus name which has become synonymous with the country's first locally-backed Formula One team.
    On Tuesday, Lotus Racing Chief Executive Officer Riad Asmat denied Proton Holdings Bhd's contention that Lotus Racing had no right to use the name and said Lotus Racing intended to clear the issue.
    "We have, therefore, today issued proceedings in the English High Court for a declaration that Team Lotus Ventures has the rights to use the Team Lotus name and everything associated with that brand in relation to Formula One," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
    "As Tune Group has now bought Team Lotus Ventures it means we can now use the Team Lotus name for 2011 and beyond. We are all delighted we can go into 2011 with total confidence in what we own, and what we can take to the track," he said.
    Proton Holdings Bhd had said Monday its subsidiary, Group Lotus, had terminated its licence to the 1Malaysia Racing Team, effectively barring them from using the 'Lotus Racing' brand or any Lotus brand for the 2011 season and future seasons of Formula One, alleging "flagrant and persistent breaches of the licence".
    The national car company's statement late Monday came in the wake of an announcement by Lotus Racing team principal Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes in Singapore on Friday that his Formula One team would be renamed Team Lotus for the 2011 season.
    It was reported that the team had acquired the 'Team Lotus' brand from owner David Hunt, a former British racing driver who owned Team Lotus Ventures Ltd.
    Malaysia's privately-funded racing team is jointly-owned by Tune Group co-owner Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Naza Group chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin and Fernandes.
    However, Proton claimed that there was no proper legal foundation to those rights and that Hunt's attempt to acquire the name 'Team Lotus' was ineffective.
    Proton Holdings and Group Lotus chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said they were the owners of the Lotus brand and would take all necessary steps to protect it.
    "Tony Fernandes has no right to use the Lotus brand in the 2011 Formula One season and we will strongly resists any attempt by him to use our brand without our permission and will withdraw our sponsorship of the Lotus racing team," he said.
    However, Lotus Racing is not taking the accusations lying down.
    Its chief executive officer Riad Asmat, who was formerly with Proton, said they were confident of their rights, adding that Proton's public statement gave them a chance to reveal the actual situation.
    "We are glad that this has been brought up by Proton in the public. It will give us a chance to show to the shareholders, government and the public the exact situation.
    "We are confident of our rights. I have worked in Proton for many years as the special adviser to the chief executive officer and I am fully conversant on this matter. A full release will follow," he said in a statement Monday night.-tradingmarkets.

    2010 Paris Motor Show: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster


    2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster
    If you thought that Aston Martin had done a great job with the N420 edition coupe, which was originally meant to be a race car for motorsporting at Nürburgring, the British automaker has pushed it one notch higher by revealing a new drop-top version just ahead of the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
    Now the V8 Vantage N420- a successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007- will be offered in both Coupe and Roadster models. The car will use the same 4.7-L V8 engine delivering 420 hp of power and up to 470 Nm of torque, and buyers get to choose from a six-speed manual transmission or a sequential Sportshift gearbox. Upgrades include a new sports exhaust system, which used to be optional last year, plus new wheels and a new aero package. Stiffer suspension, a liberal array of carbon fiber parts to reduce the weight, and Alcantara leather trim are some features to look out for.
    More details will be out when the Roadster makes its Paris debut. Prices can be expected to start from around $145,000.-nitrobahn.

    Lamborghini Reveals Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition Ahead of Paris Auto Show

    Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition

    Ahead of the Paris Auto Show, the Italian automaker Automobili Lamborghini and Blancpain, the Swiss watch maker added a new member to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo racing series. Together they revealed the special super sports car – the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition.
    The all new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition is equipped with Skorplus wheels with yellow-painted brake calipers and discs made from carbon-ceramic composite. The matte black paintwork used to make external components like diffuser and mirror casings, adds a striking visual effect.
    When it comes to the interiors and comfort zone of the passengers, the Blancpain Edition has incorporated the extremely sporty characteristics of the Gallardo. The entire interior is finished in black Alcantara with yellow accents and visible carbon-fiber. The Blancpain logo that is placed on the exterior also features on the seats and cockpit in yellow stitching.
    Under the hoods, the Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition is powered by the V10 power unit with 5.2 liters of displacement that can generate 570 hp. This puts the power-to-weight ratio of the vehicle at only 5.18 lb per hp and guarantees breathtaking performance. This super sports car can dash from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds.
    Finally, this all new super sports car, manufactured from Sant’Agata Bolognese, boasts of a dry weight of no more than 1340 kilograms or 2954 lb. The company says this is the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini’s range.-nitrobahn.

    How To Choose Your Motorcycle GPS System


    A GPS for your motorcycle, you can turn your travels into adventures. Opening a whole new experience, you can discover amazing places in the planning of your trips at home and download your routes to your GPS device. New landscapes, destinations, travel and waiting time as well as security and trust, never be lost.
    A GPS for your motorcycle can also help make your trip more comfortable and stress-free as possible. If you desire to take a break, or if you are short of petrol, your GPS can help. More importantly, it is your GPS guide you to safety if you get lost or accidentally the wrong way. With voice-guided directions, and the software is full of sights (POIs) such as gas stations, restaurants, gas stations and hotels, your GPS can guarantee uninterrupted pleasure trip.
    Sound like the perfect toy? Now, with GPS systems to normal, and new features and models constantly hitting the shelves, it can be a difficult task to decipher what is best GPS device for your needs.
    To help you, it makes sense to the following before further and consider buying your first GPS for your bike.
    What type of GPS you need for your bike?
    Its terminals are tailored to your needs?
    If the battery life of your GPS to your needs?
    How resistant your GPS to vibration software and hardware?
    Want 2-way communication?
    How easy is it to your GPS update?
    How easy is it to your GPS update?

    What is the price reasonable?
    What type of GPS you need your bike?
    There are 3 types of GPS devices for motorcycles, portable outdoor units, GPS units designed specifically for your bike / scooter and GPS / PDA hybrids.
    If you enjoy outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, camping or even a handheld GPS that can be taken anywhere, would be ideal. Since the navigation of your off-road pursuit, versatile navigation device, such as Garmin Quest 2, to operate in any vehicle. In addition to the bike you can in your car, boat or even a map with you.
    GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles offer some very impressive features. Specially designed with you, the motorcyclist in mind have units like the TomTom RIDER hard, weather-resistant housing, the options on the touch screen for gloves and anti-glare screens. One of the newest features of TomTom for effective communication has been introduced is a system that your instructions have an integrated Bluetooth audio system, a helmet that transmits spoken in your helmet.
    The final type of GPS device, you might like is the PDA / GPS hybrid. While these devices have been designed primarily with portability, most come with the added advantage of having a large screen. Just as hand-held GPS devices outdoors would enjoy this type of GPS is ideal for those of you a variety of outdoor activities. PDA with built-on GPS / PDA as the Mio A201 can be useful, for example, for work and play. With features such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, you will be able to work on at any time, anywhere. If you want to play music in movement, games, digital photos or save them to hear, is a GPS device like this an ideal choice
    If the capacity needs of the GPS on the bike?
    If you select a GPS for your bike, it makes sense to think about how accurately your satellite signals to identify your position.
    Many GPS devices available today have an accuracy of 6-8 meters. However, most models of the latest GPS with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) are expanded, the designed in an accuracy of 3-4 meters 95% of the time results. The Garmin Quest 2, for example via an external antenna with a 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver elevator position provides accuracy of up to 9 meters.
    If you like to drive in dense forests and urban areas, it is noted that the integration of the new GPS chip SiRF Star III set the units to be out for are. This high performance, low power consumption chipset has high sensitivity in high foliage environments. It is also interesting to note that the GPS devices are powered with external antennas to a high signal in the deep forests to obtain.
    If the battery life of your motorcycle GPS to your needs?
    Take the freedom everywhere to work with a GPS is the battery life is an important criterion. Most GPS devices use 2, 4 or 6 AA batteries, which up to 6 hours. GPS devices with integrated battery is ideal if you never lose time. With GPS systems like the TomTom RIDER, you can use your battery at home, planning your next route, or keep a constant eye with power, charge your GPS directly from the battery of your bike.
    How resistant your GPS Motorcycle Vibration & Hard Ware?
    Riding with the freedom to go almost anywhere and not lose it, your GPS is guaranteed to get plenty of use (and reverb). It is therefore important to examine how the GPS is durable, to withstand these conditions.
    GPS devices designed exclusively for motorcycles, like the TomTom RIDER have conceived in this sense. Not only weatherproof, its sound and robust resilient to external shocks assembly was designed to absorb any external friction.
    While most GPS devices come with a support, it is absolutely necessary that you use a vibration isolation mount, if your GPS is used regularly on the bike. RAM of NPI, which quickly became the industry standard support for manufacturing anti-vibration ball mounting system allows you to mount practically anything anywhere with protection against vibration and sustainability. It would be a perfect complement for the Garmin Quest 2 GPS, if you were buying this handheld GPS to use on many of your bike.
    You want to have your bike with a GPS-2-way communication?
    Some have introduced the latest GPS systems for motorcycles brought two-way communication to a whole new level.
    If you have a Bluetooth connection to a GPRS phone, you should know that many navigation systems like the TomTom RIDER have integrated Bluetooth receiver, among its many functions. With the ability to connect the phone via Bluetooth and incoming calls through your GPS and Bluetooth headset, you should never respond to your helmet and gloves on your phone.
    You can even wirelessly with your Bluetooth-enabled mobile Internet, and get with some models of GPS in real-time information on traffic conditions.
    Enjoy riding in groups? You should know that the hand held units recently, in the radios that not only allow you to have built with other members of your group communicate made, but also the position of the screen, all on your screen.
    How easy the bike is GPS fix?
    With roads constantly changes, the ability to update your device easily and economically very important factors to consider when choosing your GPS.
    It is important to recognize that any type of GPS will be updated in a different way, and you have to decide which method is best for you.
    Who has a PDA is connected, the Mio A201 for example, tend are usually updated via a PC, during and dedicated vehicle units updated via a CD. These must be purchased from the supplier of map data of the road.
    Some specific software vendors have solutions for preparing maps which can be downloaded to your GPS device. In particular, the operation of the service TomTom PLUS.
    The choice: Budget Considerations
    In essence, your choice can easily: buy the most expensive GPS that you can afford that meets your needs.
    It is important, with my hands up to decide what features are most important to you. If you want to use GPS for your motorcycle the minute, with features such as real-time information on traffic demand, calls hands-free calling, turn by turn with voice guidance via Bluetooth headsets, alerts for radar, and thousands of useful points of interest, such as GPS Syteme TomTom RIDER £ 550 incl start. VAT.
    However, if you are looking for more of a toy to play with, and a GPS is simply from A to B, then a hand-held device may be a better choice. With a range of features such as speech simply compass mode, an MP3 player, and essentially portability, GPS devices like the Mio 268 and the Garmin Quest 2 is ideal for motorcycles, and a range of outdoor activities, air. The Mio 268, and handheld GPS devices with similar functions, about £ 250 inkl. VAT.-ujnshop.

    RIM unveils BlackBerry PlayBook 7-inch tablet

    The front navigation interface of the new BlackBerry Tablet OS on the PlayBook
    The rumors of a tablet from Research In Motion (RIM) have turned out to be true with CEO Mike Lazardis announcing the company’s PlayBook tablet at its annual BlackBerry Developer Conference. Described by RIM as a “professional-grade” tablet, the 7-inch device will be running the new BlackBerry Tablet OS created by the recently acquired QNX. It boasts BlackBerry integration, out-of-the-box BlackBerry Enterprise Server compatibility and security features designed to appeal to businesses as well as true multitasking, gaming and multimedia capabilities.
    The PlayBook is powered by a Cortex A9-based 1GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM and OS support for symmetric multiprocessing. The 7-inch 1024 x 600 resolution capacitive LCD touchscreen display includes full multi-touch and gesture support, while dual HD cameras (3-megapixel front facing and 5-megapixel rear facing) support 1080p HD video recording and video conferencing with both cameras able to record HD video at the same time.
    Connectivity-wise the device sports a microUSB port, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and a microHDMI port for the connection of an external display. It supports H-264, MPEG, DivX and WMV video formats and MP3, AAC and WMA audio playback through the device’s stereo speakers.

    BlackBerry Integration

    BlackBerry smartphone users will be able to pair their device with the PlayBook using a secure Bluetooth connection to allow any content stored on (or accessible through) the smartphone to be viewed on the PayBook’s display. While it is viewable on the Playbook, the content actually remains stored on the phone and is only temporarily cached on the PlayBook. RIM says this approach allows IT departments to deploy the PlayBook to employees out-of-the-box without worrying about all the security and manageability issues that arise when corporate data is stored on yet another device.

    Web browsing and app support

    The PlayBook includes support for HTML-5, Adobe Flash 10.1 and Mobile AIR apps for uncompromised web browsing, while the BlackBerry Tablet OS is fully POSIX compliant enabling easy portability of C-based code, supports Open GL for 2D and 3D graphics intensive applications like gaming, and will run applications built in Adobe Mobile AIR as well as the newly announced BlackBerry WebWorks app platform which will allow apps to be written to run on BlackBerry PlayBook tablets as well as BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry 6. The BlackBerry Tablet OS will also support Java so developers can easily bring their existing BlackBerry 6 Java applications to BlackBerry Tablet OS.
    The BlackBerry PlayBook measures 5.1 x 7.6 x 0.4-inches (130 x 193 x 10mm) and weighs approx. 0.9 lb (400g). RIM hasn’t announced a price for the PlayBook but expects to start shipping the device in the U.S. early in 2011, rolling out to other international markets in the second quarter of the year.-gizmag.

    September 28, 2010

    Fernandes, Proton go to court over Lotus name

    Fernandes, Proton go to court over Lotus name

     Racing team principal Tony Fernandes Tuesday launched legal proceedings in a British court against Malaysian carmaker Proton over the rights to use the iconic Lotus brand name.
    The legal battle erupted after Proton issued a statement Monday that said it had terminated a licence for Fernandes and his 1 Malaysia Racing Team to compete as Lotus Racing in 2011 and future FormulaOne seasons.
    Proton chairman Nadzmi Salleh vowed to stop the Lotus name from being used by Fernandes, an aviation entrepreneur who returned the Lotus marque to the sport in the current season after a 16-year absence.
    "We believe the Lotus brand to be one of the most valuable brands in Formula One today. We are the owners of this brand, and will take all necessary steps to protect it," he said.
    "Tony Fernandes has no rights to use the Lotus brand in the 2011 Formula One season, and we will strongly resist any attempts by him to use our brand without our permission and will withdraw our sponsorship of the Lotus Racing team."
    State-owned Proton bought a controlling stake in the British sports and racing car maker in October 1996.
    Fernandes, the founder of budget carrier AirAsia, said last Friday during the Singapore Grand Prix that Lotus Racing will become Team Lotus from next season as he had bought the rights to the name.
    Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun?s Tune Group have acquired Team Lotus Ventures Ltd, which has been run by David Hunt since cars were last on the grid under that name in 1994.
    "We are absolutely delighted to have completed this transaction," said Fernandes, without going into details.
    Fired up by Proton's opposition to stop Fernandes from using the Lotus name altogether, Lotus Racing chief executive Riad Asmat said they will seek court intervention to assert their rights to the Team Lotus name.
    "Given that this is contested by Group Lotus we think now is the time to clear this matter up so there can be no further arguments," he said in a statement Tuesday.
    "We have therefore today issued proceedings in the English High Court for a declaration that Team Lotus Ventures has the rights to use the Team Lotus name and everything associated with that brand in relation to Formula One."
    Proton said it had decided to terminate its current licence to Fernandes because of "flagrant and persistent breaches of the licence" by 1 Malaysia Racing Team, which it said was harmful to the Lotus brand.
    It dismissed Fernandes' acquisition of Team Lotus Ventures, saying "there is and always has been only one Lotus" and that its Group Lotus was the owner of all rights in the brand, including those relating to Formula One.-AFP.

    1960s Concept Cars $3M Price Tag

    Back to the future is expensive. Peter Chubb of Product-Reviews was stunned when he discovered a 1960's Pininfarina X Concept car online and even more amazed at the price. 

    Motor Show Salon of the Convertible Cars 2010 at the Porte De Versailles.
    Motor Show Salon of the Convertible Cars 2010 at the Porte De Versailles.

    He muses that first the odd design gave him a chuckle and he was even more stunned at the $3 million price tag. 

    The car is almost 'Jetson's" like, but doesn't fly. It has a four-cylinder engine with a four-speed transmission. More details and photos from the review. 

    The future is now at the 2010 Paris Motor Show or specifically the Mondial de l'Automobile 2010 in Paris. Previews are being furiously posted and more photos of concept cars are in from the show to save and mock fifty years from now. 

    Nitrobahn reports that a new electric vehicle concept that Kia has in design is revealed.  

    The Kia Pop EV Concept has a "wide glass roof looks over a purple interior with chrome trim, and a front couch to seat the driver and the front passenger, with the third seat in the rear. The car is charged via a power point fixed at the rear and features LED lights. More word is due from Kia about the Pop's zero-tailpipe emissions." -nationalledger.
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