Lexus HS 250h Detroit Auto Show Unveiling Video.

Essentially what you could consider a hybrid version of the Toyota Avensis, the newLexus HS 250h is not exactly a dedicated hybrid version by that definition but in the Lexus line-up it does come only with a hybrid powertrain, which is what Lexus means by a �dedicated hybrid vehicle�. It is powered by the 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine and electric motor hybrid system from the Camry Hybrid. This is vehicle platform and powertrain sharing at it�s best, one that rivals the Volkswagen Group�s. We�ve previously already taken a look at the HS 250h but for the 99.9% of us that did not get to witness the HS 250h�s unveiling at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, here�s the official launch video from Detroit, along with new photos.

Click here to read the rest of Lexus HS 250h Detroit Auto Show Unveiling Video

Mazda Axela 1.5 Smart Edition.

Mazda Japan has just announced the Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 Smart Edition (the Mazda 3 is called the Axela in Japan), which is over 160,000 yen cheaper than the base Axela 15C model, an obvious sales move to push the last of the Axela stock before the new 2009 Mazda 3 arrives. This version features a 1.5 liter DOHC engine mated to a 4-speed automatic, and the only additional equipment is a rear roof spoiler and an Alcantara case for you to store your vehicle inspection certificate. At 1,498,000 yen and an additional 11,860 yen recycling fee, that�s only slightly over RM 59,000!

New 2009 Ford Focus Rs.

Ford has revealed more information on the powerplant in the Ford Focus RS engine bay. The inline-5 �Duratec RS� engine puts out 305 PS between 6,500rpm to 7,050rpm (redline) and a massive 440Nm of torque between 2,300 and 4,500rpm, a good 40Nm more at the peak than the BMW M3. I believe one of the intentions of the press release are to dispel any talk that Ford simply took the easy way out and �rechipped� the Duratec ST engine to produce more power, as many had expected something more exciting such as maybe a twin turbo version with all-wheel drive.

�There was never an intention to try to �chip� the ST engine. We evaluated several approaches using the ST engine and none gave us the combination of power delivery, character and durability that we wanted, so we opted to create an RS Duratec, using the ST unit as our base,� said Ford Team RS powertrain manager Len Urwin.

The engine gets a revised cylinder head gasket, metal-sprayed cylinder bores that are more durable, new pistons and a bespoke camshaft profile and conrods which allows bigger small-end bearings. The turbo has been uprated to a Borg Warner K16 that peaks out at 1.4 bar, double that of the Focus ST�s 0.7 bar boost. Ford says the turbo size was carefully picked to match the �bottom end responsiveness� of the Focus ST. The integration of the turbo to the exhaust manifold had to be strategically configured to optimise crash performance and minimize revisions to other components such as exhaust system, and oil and water pipes. It also has to take into account the car�s 20mm lower subframe.The engine�s larger intercooler can reduce air temperatures from 160 degrees Celsius at the compressor, to a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius at the intercooler outlet, in ambient temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius.

Urwin adds that Ford wanted to prevent the engine from feeling like it runs out of steam at the top end, something that turbo-ed engines with very flat torque curves sometimes exhibit. There is just so much of rush right from the start that you don�t feel the momentum of things picking up all the way until the end. Ford wanted to �reward� drivers who took the Duratec RS to the redline. In addition, the car�s rev needles can bounce up to 7,050rpm for about 3 seconds before it is rev-limited to 6,500rpm.

The 6-speed manual shares the same ratios as the Focus ST but has modifications to the bearing and clutch housing as well as had its differential strengthened to take the extra power and torque. The overall gearing is 1% longer than the ST thanks to the car�s larger tyres (larger rolling circumference), and this results in the RS being able to touch 100km/h in 2nd gear. To help manage 440Nm to the front wheels which also have to steer the car, Ford has employed the use of a Quaife helical LSD. This LSD is based on the one in the original 5-speed Focus RS from the year 2002, but revised for the new 6-speed 2009 Ford Focus RS. It now has a sixth planet gear and is stronger, with a more subtle intervention and torque transfer.

I�m sure when you look at the RS, you�ll notice the large gaping front bumper intake. This is actually part of the cooling requirement, in fact 80% of the engine�s external cooling is thanks to this front grille aperture, even down to the mesh density. The car also gets a 25% larger radiator, anda lso has a larger 14 plate engine-mounted water-cooled oil cooler. The bonnet louvres are also there for a reason, to help idle cooling especially after a high-speed run.

At the front, Ford uses a RevoKnuckle suspension. While regular suspension knuckles are a one-piece design; RevoKnuckle has instead two separate pieces. In place of the regular, inverted �L�-shaped lower suspension mount, RevoKnuckle features a �C�-shaped mount, connected to both the wheel hub, via two arms and to the strut, which is attached at its top. Apparently this allows greater flexibility in tuning suspension geometry to avoid torque steer. This is sort of a hybrid between a MacPherson strut and double wishbone design, which is good as it is cheaper than a double wishbone design.

Of course, you have to pay for performance not only in the price tag of a car, but naturally more power will burn more fuel so the Focus RS also has a larger fuel tank at 62 liters up from 55 liters in the Focus ST.

New Facelifted Porsche 911 GT3.

The 911 GT3 has been updated and is set to make a public debut at the Geneva show in March, so Porsche has released an initial set of images for those of us hungry to check out the changes made to Porsche�s latest �track car for the road�.

The GT3 is the most powerful normally aspirated Type 997 Porsche 911, as the Turbo and the GT2 are turbocharged. The engine has been upsized to 3.8 liters and peak power is now 435hp, up 20 horses from the pre-facelift model. Porsche VarioCam is now active on both the intake and exhaust valves, as the predecessor only had it on the intake valves. 0 to 100km/h takes 4.1 seconds, if you shift the manual gearbox perfectly.

The new facelifted Type 997 Porsche 911 GT3 now has a sports-oriented variant of the Porsche Stability Management system which offers the driver the choice to deactivate Stability Control and Traction Control in separate steps. If turned off, they won�t kick in even at the most dire of circumstances, only when the driver pushes the necessary buttons to let them kick in again.

The car�s aerodynamics have been improved, and Porsche claims overall air pressure pushing down on the car is more than twice greater than the former model. Both front and rear downforce has been improved. Springs and anti-rollbars are now stiffer, and the wheels are lighter, and all of this improves handling.

Along with the improved VarioCam, the keyword for the updates to the new GT3 seem to be �variable�. The 911 GT3 now has the option of Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings. The PADM recognises when the driver is driving sportily and automatically makes the engine mounts harder and resistant. During normal day to day driving they remain �elastic�, which improves comfort. The front axle can be raised via the active suspension at the touch of a button. It goes up by 30mm to help the car navigate bumpy surfaces and steep gradients.

The 911 GT3 will go on sale in the UK and Ireland for �81,914 and buyers will also receive a complimentary course at the Porsche Driving Experience Centre in Silverstone.

This week in Spanish Class: January 26-29th, 2009

This week I will be challenging all of my students to take their Spanish to a whole different level! We will be embarking on writing in Spanish. This will help the students to improve their overall proficiency.

Monday: Students will begin to brainstorm and organize their ideas for their papers on family.

Tuesday: Students will begin to work on their rough drafts in Spanish.

Wednesday: The students will peer edit each others papers in Spanish.

Thursday: The students will meet with the teacher to discuss their papers.

Friday: The students will begin working on their final drafts.

Question of the week for the week of January 26th

What was the story of Don Quijote about?

Who wrote the story?

Where was the author from?

This week in Spanish Class January 19-23, 2009

Monday: No school

Tuesday: Review Packet-Students will complete a review packet on the material that will be assessed on the chapter test.

Wednesday: We will be going to the language lab to practice and assess speaking in Spanish.

Thursday: We will be playing a review game as a class to help the students prepare for the test on Friday.

Friday: Test on Chapter 5-Family, ser and estar, adjectives, and culture of Spain.

Question of the Week for the week of January 19-23

1. Who was Oscar de la Renta?

2. Where was he from?

3. What was he famous for?

BMW 116i Now Powered By 2.0L N46 Valvetronic.

BMW has phased out its N45 inline-4 engine family, currently used in the BMW 116i. The N45 is a rather basic engine compared to the rest of the BMW line-up, it doesn�t even have Valvetronic, which these days is only absent on turbocharged BMW engines. The only other application has been in the limited edition BMW 320si, which used an N45 engine with displacement increased to 2.0 liters. That one produced 173 PS at 7,000 and 200Nm at 4,250rpm, but the N45B16 in the 116i only produced 122hp at 6,000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.

From this year on, the 116i will be powered by the more advanced N46, which produces the same 122hp, but torque has been upped to 185Nm between 3,000 to 4,250rpm. This is because the new engine is actually the same 2.0 liter engine that�s found in the 118i and the 120i, only with different tuning. This engine also has Valvetronic, which provides variable valve lift and operates without using a throttle plate.

This is also happening with many other BMW models. The numbers on a vehicle�s badge doesn�t necessarily indicate the displacement of the engine under the hood anymore. Alot of the x25i cars around are now running with 3.0 liter engines, tuned to produce the same power and torque as a 2.5 liter but with torque over a wider spread of RPMs, to improve driveability. This would be a problem in Malaysia because of the displacement-tied road tax (as opposed to power output or emissions tied), so expect the 325i to continue to be offered with a 2.5 liter engine for the moment.

Ferrari F60 2009 Formula One Car Officially Unveiled !

The new Ferrari F60 is here, Ferrari�s new contender for the 2009 Formula One racing season, making Scuderia Ferrari the first team to unveil their 2009 race car, showing just how eager they are to wrestle the World title back from McLaren. The F60 name is a homage to Ferrari�s 60th consecutive season competing in the Formula One championship, which is basically right from the start, and is the only team to do so for each and every season.

The car looks bizarre as usual, as will all the 2009 race cars, but the car�s saving grace is its sexy red colour. The odd looks are thanks to the 2009 regulations on aerodynamics. We can spot the 2009 rules on the photos - the long front wheel, a short and high rear wing, sidepod-mounted mirrors, and slick Bridgestone tyres. What�s out of sight is the Kinetic Energy Recovery System developed together with Magneti Marelli, a refined suspension system, and a new Brembo brake system.

The large front wing has a flap that is driver-adjustable to reduce the loss of front downforce when following other cars. Hopefully this will promote overtaking.

�I am excited but also happy to take it onto the track for the first time. With all the new legislation I was expecting a different car, like 10 years ago with the huge spoilers, but I was surprised. I found the new F60 to be nice and small like an F3 car and nice-looking,� said Filipe Massa, Ferrari�s Brazilian driver.

Jaguar XF-R an M5 Killer ?

We definitely don�t know if this new high-powered version of the award-winning XF can trump the BMW M5 as a driver�s car, but it�s definitely got the soon to be outgoing E60 M5 beat in the horsepower and torque department. The new Jaguar XF-R is powered by the new AJ-V8 Gen III engine that supercharges 5.0 liters of displacement in V8 configuration to produce 510 PS and 625Nm of torque.

Now this is definitely less than the twin-turbo RS6, but according to our track tester Harvinder who had a go at the RS6 on Sepang recently, the Audi offering is rather pudgy on the track. What will the new Jaguar XF-R be like? Will it be both nimble and quick or will it be an autobahn cruiser designed to go in straight lines very fast? We already know it does the whole straight line thing very well as Jaguar has officially announced the XF-R as the fastest Jaguar ever, as it can reach a top speed of 225mph, which is approximately 362km/h.

The top speed run was tested at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah using a Jaguar XFR prototype using a a remapped ECU, a modified air intake and exhaust system and revised supercharger settings. No internal engine components were changed and the 6-speed auto was kept standard, including the gear ratios. The standard production car will be limited to 155mph (250km/h), but you can already expect a slew of tuners who will have products to unleash a few horsepowers and Newton meters from the engine as well as get rid of the top speed limiter.

The Jaguar XFR goes from 0 to 100km.h in 4.9 seconds, but more importantly it has some decent overtaking abilities as 80km/h to 110km/h acceleration time only takes 1.9 seconds. The R car is equipped with a quicker steering rack, uprated brakes, and a new electronic Active Differential.

Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 Smart Edition Now Cheaper !!!

Mazda Japan has just announced the Mazda Axela Sport 1.5 Smart Edition (the Mazda 3 is called the Axela in Japan), which is over 160,000 yen cheaper than the base Axela 15C model, an obvious sales move to push the last of the Axela stock before the new 2009 Mazda 3 arrives. This version features a 1.5 liter DOHC engine mated to a 4-speed automatic, and the only additional equipment is a rear roof spoiler and an Alcantara case for you to store your vehicle inspection certificate. At 1,498,000 yen and an additional 11,860 yen recycling fee, that�s only slightly over RM 59,000!

This week in Spanish Class: January 12th-16th

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! This week we will be continuing with our review of material covered in the 1st semester. Can't wait to see all of you in class!

Monday: Review of Ser and Estar

Tuesday: Review of Ser and Estar in Computer lab

Wednesday: Review of the family members and adjectives

Thursday: Review of the ser, estar, and adjectives with DOT game

Friday: Numbers quiz 0-100

Question of the week for January 12th-16th

Who was Dolores Huerta?

What is she famous for?

Where is she from?

Porsche Panamera.

Porsche has released 4 more hi-res images of the Porsche Panamera, together with an official announcement of the car�s debut at the Auto Shanghai 2009 show in China from the 20th of April 2009 to the 28th of April 2009. The 4-door GT will make its showroom debut after that in summer 2009.

Although the China display will only feature the normally aspirated V8 and twin turbocharged V8 models, there will also be an entry level V6 engine producing at least 300 horsepower, and the entire engine range features direct fuel injection. The twin turbocharged Panamera Turbo will come exclusively with Porsche Traction Management with active all-wheel drive, but while the V6 and V8 units come standard with rear wheel drive, PTM is an option.

Another option is the adaptive air suspension system that is an upgrade from the regular steel suspension specified on the Panamera. This air suspension can also adjust ride height on the fly, and lowers the car to the maximum setting in Sport Plus Mode. This provides a lower center of gravity. Also an option is PDCC or Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which from its description in the press release sounds like an active anti-roll bar which auto-adjusts to fight body roll in corners but releases itself for better straight line bumpy road smoothness.

A 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK twin clutch transmission is available, but Porsche did not reveal in this latest press release which transmissions are standard and optional on which models. So we�ll have to wait until the China show for the full details on this new 4-door GT.

Suzuki Kizashi Sedan Is Not Dead !!!

The media blitz about Suzuki canceling its D-segment Suzuki Kizashi earlier this week was fueled by Japanese business daily The Nikkei. Now it appears that the show will go on, and the Kizashi will go on as scheduled to make a production debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April 2009! As for when a showroom debut will happen, that will happen at the show in April.

The Nikkei�s sources must have made a mistake somewhere, but they�re not to blame for believing it�s true! During this time where the market is shifting towards smaller and fuel efficient cars, Suzuki who is an expert at building small cars wants to come up with a large car in a segment that it has absolutely no presence in. Will anyone take a chance to buy something so distant and unfamiliar in that range of cars in this time and day?

Nissan GT-R SpecV.

Well, the eagerly awaited Nissan GT-R SpecV has finally been revealed by Nissan, but details are sparse about how much more powerful it is.

All that Nissan reveals at this point of time is that a �high gear boost control device� increases torque over mid to high rev ranges, but doesn�t go on into detail if this just means the torque curve is much more flatter with peak torque sustaining over more revs, or whether peak torque actually goes up.

The bulk of the changes are in the equipment. The suspension has been upgraded and its settings are exclusive to the Spec V. The Spec V gets lightweight forged aluminium NISMO wheels that have already been sold by NISMO since September 2008, but on the Spec V it�s standard equipment. These wheels have lighter unsprung weight. The brakes have carbon ceramic discs by Brembo. Finally, a titanium-coated exhaust system graces the rear end of the car.

The exterior gets carbon fiber bits such as a spoiler, a grille, and brake ducts. A special colour is available exclusively on the GT-R called Ultimate Black Opal. On the interior, the seats have a carbon fiber frame, and the carbon fiber treatment continues in the rear center box storage, instrument panel and various other trim areas.

The new Nissan GT-R Spec V will go on sale in Japan on the 2nd of February 2009, and later in Europe later in the year. There are no plans for it to be sold in North America yet at the moment. Look after the jump for a hi-res photo gallery and a video clip.

Lotus Evora.

Thanks to Lotus, we now know Toyota�s 3.5 liter V6 can be forced inducted to a nice 350hp and 400Nm of torque without any modifications, as a source in Lotus discovered during the development of an upcoming �Evora SC� and revealed to Auto Uk. The Lotus Evora SC will make at least that amount of power, and will drop 0 to 100km/h acceleration time to below 5 seconds. The Lotus Evora is expected to do in in approximately 5.5 seconds. The Evora SC�s supercharger will be fitted between the V6 engine�s two cylinder banks, so it won�t intrude into rear visibility like the supercharged Elise does. If the Evora goes for �45,000, the supercharged Evora is expected to retail for between 55,000 and �60,000.

Volvo FH16 Is The Most Powerful Truck In The World !!!

Click for enlarged image

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the REAL Mother Trucker! The most powerful truck in the world as of today is the new Volvo FH16, which can proudly display a 700 horsepower badge thanks to its D16G engine, which puts out a massive 700 horsepower and 3,150Nm of torque in its highest state of tune. The 16 liter engine is also Euro 5 compliant, which is important since that regulation will come into force in October this year.

�The Volvo FH16 is intended for the very heaviest and most demanding of transport operations. It is also a highly prestigious truck for the customer who is looking for something truly out of the ordinary. Now, with 700 hp, the Volvo FH16 sets itself apart from everything else in the industry,� says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks, clearly very proud of the new truck.

Despite the power increase, Volvo has rated the new 700 horsepower truck to consume the same amount of fuel as the previous edition which puts out 660hp. The FH16 is also available in 540hp and 600hp versions, which come with 2,650Nm or 2,800Nm of torque respectively.

These kind of trucks are a rare sight in Malaysia. There aren�t that many uses for such a powerful engine, plus it could be that our displacement-tied tax structure forces some people who want to save ob road tax costs to use underpowered trucks for hauling way more than they were designed for. That is why you can see trucks stranded on a slope sometimes, usually thanks to a burned out clutch from the strain they have to pull.

Mitsubishi i MiEV.

2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV

As yet another sign of how small the world is getting, the L.A. appearance of the 2009 Mitsubishi i Miev electric car wasn't to announce that the car had gone on sale in Japan. Rather, it was to test the feasibility of exporting the car to the U.S.

The original concept for the i MiEV is the Mitsubishi i, a diminutive 659-cc 3-cylinder city car, a so-called "kei" car that is quite popular in the Japanese domestic market. The original i MiEV concept employed tiny hub-mounted electric motors to provide propulsion. That has been abandoned in favor of a more traditional electric motor driving the rear wheels. The motor produces 63 horsepower and propels the car to a top speed of 75 mph.

The vehicle is equipped with lithium-ion batteries and Mitsubishi says it is capable of traveling about 100 miles between charges. When it comes to recharging, however, the i MiEV is slow on standard 110-volt household current, taking up to 14 hours for a complete recharge. However, a more industrial 3-phase 208-volt industrial hookup can do an 80-percent charge in about 30 minutes.

While the i MiEV is cute and seats four, this practical city car will have a cost hurdle if it gets the green light for U.S. export. The gas-powered i car in Japan retails for $10,000 to $13,000, while the full electric version will cost double that. Add in American crash standards and the level of creature comforts we've become accustomed to, and the price could go well beyond $30,000.

Audi A1 Sportback Concept.

Audi A1 Sportback Concept

Do you think the world is ready for a premium subcompact car with excellent fuel efficiency? Audi certainly does. That's why the Ingolstadt company has developed the A1 Sportback, a concept plug-in hybrid model just unveiled at the Paris motor show. At 157 inches long, the 4-door 4-seat A1 is about a five inches shorter than a Honda Fit, to give you an idea of its size.

Yes, that's small. And yes, the car is related to the 3-door Audi A1 design study from 2007. But the new 5-door A1 Sportback has a higher body with tauter lines that give it a much more muscular look. The boxy shape translates to loads of interior space, with a sporty dashboard wrapping around to blend attractively into the door panels. The seats, of note, are covered in a clear mesh-like fabric that accentuates the airiness of the interior.

Adding to the A1 Sportback's appeal is an advanced infotainment system that allows a driver to use a commercially available mobile phone as the car's phone, address book, nav system and audio player. It can also be used to control several of the car's numerous vehicle systems. All it takes is some additional software that's downloadable from Audi. The A1 Sportback driver, for example, can now plot a driving route in the comfort of his home, long before he or she even needs to get in the car. On the mechanical side of things, Audi's drive select system allows the driver to pick specially adapted configurations for the drivetrain, twin-clutch transmission and magnetic-ride shock absorbers.

Most important, the A1 Sportback has a super-efficient hybrid powertain, in which a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is aided by a 20-kw (27-hp) electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. As a plug-in full hybrid capable of running at times purely on power provided by the lithium-ion batteries, this compact Audi is 30 percent more efficient than an A1 powered solely by the gasoline engine.

Dodge EV.

Dodge EV

Looking to do your part to help reduce the U.S. expenditure on foreign oil with your next car purchase but hoping to not have to stifle your enthusiast leanings? Dodge may very well have you covered with its new EV sports car.

Based on a lightweight aluminumchassis developed by legendary sports and race-car constructor Lotus, theDodge EV is a highly energy-efficient, all-electric "plug-in" vehicle. It is also a real sports car for the hardcore set, with mid-mounted batteries and electric motor creating a near- 50/50 weight balance and a low center of gravity.

Acceleration and range are impressive. Thanks to a 200-kw (268 hp) electric motor that produces 480 lb.-ft. of torque, the EV rockets from 0�60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, runs the quarter-mile in under 13.0 seconds, and has a top speed of over 120 mph. And, thanks to its lithium-ion batteries and regenerative braking, Dodge claims a true driving range of over 150 miles, making the rear-wheel-drive EV an electric car that everybody can live with in the real world.

But will the Dodge EV see the production light of day? It looks likely, perhaps as early as 2010. Pricing has yet to be determined, but it is this sort of cutting-edge technology doesn't come cheap (nor does the lightweight Lotus chassis that the EV is based on). But with mass-production of lithium-ion batteries ramping up around 2013, the price will likely come down quite a bit, making cars such as the Dodge EV more of a practical reality.

Audi A5 To Spawn New C - Segment 4 - Door Coupe.

Audi is bringing the whole four-door coupe thing to the premium C-segment market with the Audi A5 Sportback. From the official preview sketches released above, the Audi A5 Sportback is essentially a four-door version of the Audi A5, which technically should be the Audi A4, but these days nearly everyone knows you can apparently create totally new cars just by reshaping the roofline, heh. The other A5 variant to be released in the near future is a cabriolet, which should be largely based on the 2-door coupe�s design but with the roof chopped off.

MCCHIP VW Scirocco : 246 hp For 848 euros.

This is probably the cheapest way to get more power out of your Volkswagen without any other fluff. A simple chip thats priced at 849 Euros from MCCHIP brings your Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TFSI up from 200 horsepower to 246 horsepower and 346Nm of torque. These tuners really make tuning up turbo cars sound so easy!

Of course, if you desire anything more then the MCCHIP demo car here also features a stiffer performance suspension from H&R, 19 inch wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 235/35ZZR19 tyres, and a performance exhausts system.

I wonder if Volkswagen Malaysia has any plans to offer the Scirocco here. The 2.0 TFSI Scirocco would priced at a premium above the Golf GTI would probably sell, as considering the amount of Mk5 GTIs running around here it�s starting to look boring.

BTW don�t you find it weird that all the demo kitted up Volkswagens from the tuners have so far all been done up in a white colour scheme? I was in Singapore over the weekend and saw a Volkswagen exhibition at Vivo City and all the cars were white too.

White is still the new black!

Mazda Atenza 2.0 Style Edition In Japan.

Mazda will sell a special �Style Edition� of the Mazda Atenza (we know it as the Mazda 6) in Japan, based on the Atenza 20C model but with various equipment upgrades. These upgrades include LED indicators in the door mirrors, fog lamps, HID headlamps, water-repellent coating for the windows, dark tinted glass for the rear doors and rear window, 17 inch alloys wrapped with 215/50R17 tyres, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, blackout meters, and an audio-less spec which means the speakers are there but a space is left for you to add your own head unit. Some of these features are probably available on the larger displacement model, so this special version is probably for those who do not want the larger engine but want the little gadgets that the big brother has such as the blackout meters (meters that appear black and only turn on when the car is turned on).

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X: side by side comparison photos.

Click for enlarged image

Mitsubishi Motors has commissioned this interesting photoshoot featuring the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and the Mitsubishi Racing Lancer MRX-09 side by side in static and action shots. Both are turbocharged and feature all-wheel drive, but they are totally different machines despite sharing the Lancer nameplate.

The Racing Lancer does not use the Lancer�s chassis, as you would already know looking at how much larger it is, or if you�ve been reading this blog�s previous coverage of the Racing Lancer. It�s actually built on a tube steel frame structure, with carbon fiber �skin� bolted on. It�s a hardcore rally machine that�s used as Mitsubishi�s entry in the Dakar 2009.

Powering it is not a variation of the 4B11T that powers the Lancer Evolution, nope. This one�s an oil burner! A 3.0 liter V6 mated to a Ricardo 5-speed sequential gearbox puts out 260 horsepower and a massive 650Nm of torque over a decent torque curve, or at least that�s what Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart�s driver Hiroshi Masuoka says. According to Hiroshi, the diesel engine outperforms its petrol-powered siblings in terms of controllability on a challenging terrain, and it also rushes faster out of corners and along straights.

2010 Cadillac SRX.

Cadillac has updated its SRX crossover SUV and it is now in its second generation since first introduced in 2004. The mid-sized Caddy SUV now looks more dynamic and in tune with current design trends, unlike the first gen which had a slightly boxy look that reminds you of a Dodge.

Two engines are available - a normally aspirated direct injected V6 and a more powerful turbocharged 2.8 liter V6. No SRX-V yet, but looking at how BMW is rushing to make M versions of their SUVs, I won�t be surprised if we see the introduction of a SRX-V, perhaps with the CTS-V�s 550+ hp LS V8 engine under the hood?

The 3.0 liter V6 is a downsized version of the 3.6 liter unit in the Cadillac CTS, which was named one of the world�s 10 best engines for 2009 according to Ward�s Auto. It�s equipped with the latest fuel-sipping technology such as variable valve timing and direct injection, and is paired to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful engine is the 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 that puts out 300 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, similiar figures to BMW�s turbo inline-6.

To help with fuel economy, all-wheel drive is not a standard feature so customers who do not want or need it can opt for a two wheel drive version that sheds the AWD system�s heavy equipment. But for those who opt for all-wheel drive power, it is also equipped with an eLSD at the rear, which helps with torque distribution for maximum traction. There is also a real-time adjustable damping system which can vary the suspension�s parameters on the fly in response to road conditions.

This week in Spanish Class: January 5-9, 2009

Welcome back chicos! I hope you all had a wonderful vacation! I look forward to starting the second semester fresh!

Monday: I will be testing your Spanish skills! How much have you really learned so far?

Tuesday-Thursday: We will review all the material covered in the first semester; to help you refresh your mind, and prepare you for an outstanding second semester!

Friday: We will be having a guest speaker from Spain! How exciting!

Question of the week for the week on January 5-9, 2009

Where is Uruguay?

What are the colors of its flag?

Name one historic event that took place there?

New Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

While a select group of the world�s rich and famous are looking forward to delivery of their custom Aston Martin One-77, race teams can now look forward to purchasing the new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 racecar, based on the new 4.7 liter V8 Vantage. This model succeeds the previous 4.3L Vantage N24 car.

The new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is built to FIA GT4 specs and can compete in the following races: the FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

Other than the obviously larger engine, the car also gets larger front brake discs with revised cooling design and modified front uprights to give increased camber. The larger 4.7 liter V8 engine has had its ECU tuned for race use, and gets a free-flow exhaust system to let the V8 breathe and exhale without restriction. As the standard engine already has a dry-sump lubrication system to prevent oil surge during sideways motions, that is retained. Either a 6-speed manual or a Sportshift transmission can be specified.

At 1,330kg, the GT4 car is about 300 kilos lighter than the standard car, thanks to a range of weight reduction procedures which include stripping the interior bare of trim except for the fascia mounting which is rewrapped with Alcantara. The door and console casings have been replaced with new lightweight mouldings. Further race preparation include a high-strength steel rollcage, a Sabelt 6-point safety harness with a push-button release, a Lifeline Zero 360 gas fire extinguisher, and Recaro competition seats.

Also, all active safety systems are carried over from the road car - dynamic stability control, traction control, ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution, so that should help to keep the car out of trouble though like the road car, you can switch some of them off.

More images of the car available after the jump.

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Fisker Karma 260hp 2.0L turbo from GM.

The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan, and was also the subject of controversy because Tesla accused Fisker Coachbuild of not doing a good job with the work it was contracted to do with the upcoming (and postponed) Tesla Model S sports sedan. Tesla has since dropped the lawsuit.

The Karma is an extended-range plug-in electric vehicle, which means its sole method of drive is its electric motor, which can take it up to 0 to 100km/h in a rapid-enough 5.8 seconds. But it also has a combustion engine, which was just recently announced this week to be GM�s inline-4 turbocharged direct injection Ecotec engine from the Pontiac Solstice GXP that can produce 260hp.

This engine�s sole purpose is to generate electricity to recharge the Karma�s batteries to extend the car�s 80km battery range. I�m not sure why such a high-powered engine is necessary for this, instead of a small displacement engine like GM�s own extended range plug-in, the Chevrolet Volt. Perhaps its because the li-ion batteries need to be recharged more rapidly because of the high power requirements of the electric motor.

�GM is proud that Fisker has selected one of the world�s best powertrains for installation into the new Karma. The advanced design of this engine offers a superior performance-to-weight ratio that makes it the right choice for the Fisker Karma,� said Tom Stephens, Executive VP of GM Powertrain & Global Quality.

Look after the jump for a gallery of the Fisker Karma.

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2010 Ford Mustang.

The world has much to thank Ford about when it comes to the new Ford Mustang. It�s the car that started the whole �retro-futurism� muscle car trend that gave us beauties like the new Transformers Chevy Camaro and the new Dodge Challenger.

This is the revised fifth generation Mustang, facelifted for the 2010 model year, which will go on sale in early 2009. You can have it in either 4.0 liter V6 or 4.6 liter V8 engines, with the former being from the Cologne engine family featuring an iron block with an aluminium SOHC head, 2 valves per cylinder, and a redline of 6,100rpm. Peak output is 210 horsepower at 5,300rpm and peak torque is 325Nm at 3,500rpm.

The V8 from the Ford Modular family is where it gets just a little more �exciting�: variable valve timing, all-aluminium and 3 valves per cylinder good for 300 horses at 5,750rpm and 434Nm of torque at 4,500rpm up to a redline of 6,250rpm. Both engines can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The special limited edition Mustang Bullit will be continued with this facelift, with an additional 3,000 units planned to be added to the initial 7,700 unit number. This version features a slightly tuned up engine producing 315 horses and 440Nm of torque, and Ford also promises crisper throttle response and a higher redline of 6,500rpm.

The Mustang also gets a new glass-roof option priced at US$1,995 allowing you to enjoy the night sky without actually having to opt for the Convertible model.

Pay a visit to the photo gallery after the jump for high-res Mustang goodness.

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2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback.

A whole new batch of photos and a video with driving footage were released when the 2010 Mazda 3 hatchback was unveiled to the public at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show, so check them out after the jump.

A Bologna show means European specs, which is quite different from the American range which includes large engines such as the new 2.5 liter. The European engine range tops out at 2.0 liters with 150hp and 187Nm for petrol, but the most powerful engine is the 2.2 liter turbodiesel producing 185 horses and a strong 400Nm of torque at 1,800rpm. The baseline diesel is a 1.6 liter with 109 horsepower and 240Nm of torque, while the baseline petrol is also a 1.6 liter but makes less power - only 105 hp and 145Nm of torque.

The new batch of photos also reveal more about the interior. Check out how tiny that colour LCD display for the sat-nav map display is! Our version will probably get a regular monochrome LCD display though, as we always have most of the time.

Ssangyong C200 Concept.

The pretty decent-looking Ssangyong C200 Concept may not see the light of day if things go the way they are

The first manufacturer to hit the dust in this depressing economy could be Chinese-owned South Korean manufacturer Ssangyong. There is a whole list of problems right now happening with the company, which makes trucks and SUVs based on Mercedes-Benz technology, such as the Ssangyong Actyon SUT.

First of all, a huge amount of debt is goin to mature early this year, and Ssangyong needs a cash injection from its Chinese parent SAIC to be able to settle these debts. Things aren�t going that well for Ssangyong financially, as it recently posted its 4th consecutive quarterly loss of US$21 million.

But before SAIC injects any cash into Ssangyong, it wants to make sure the cash will be well-spelt. Ssangyong must restructe its worker union and lower labour costs, which as usual is rejecting any changes, just like their overpaid counterparts in Detroit. Understandable of course, who would want to be paid less in this already tough times, but it�s better to have a job that pays less than no job at all?

The workers union are also asking for the Chinese executives in Ssangyong to resign, obviously oblivious to the fact that a Chinese company owns them. SAIC is obviously not very happy about all of this at all, and there is talk that it may just pull out of Ssangyong and let it sink. Ssangyong has also tried to get aid from the South Korean government, but all it got was a response from the Ministery of Knowledge Economy that the government �is not planning direct financial support� for Ssangyong.

Rather than go into bankruptcy for debt restructuring, an unnamed official from the Korea Development Bank says that it would liquidate the company instead, but no firm decision has been made on this matter.