New Facelifted 2009 BMW 3-Series Fully Revealed...Almost

After seeing loads of BMW 3-Series heavily camouflaged spy photos till now, we finally get to see the true picture behind the covers. Thanks to our reader Samuel, who was kind enough to share these shots with us, everyone gets to taste what the BMW has cooked for its new facelifted version of 3-series.

For starters, car's front facia has been modified with a redesigned bumper that seems to put the foglamps just next to the license plate. Now that would be interesting. Further, some minor updates have been given to the bonnet and the side mirrors which now looks to have the indicators (if not stickers) on them. The refreshments for the rear include new taillamp piece and nothing else. The interiors will also get some minor touch-ups.

When the new facelifted 2009 BMW 3-Series makes its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, you can expected to see it accompanied by some emission-optimised powerplants. Its high time everyone gets environment friendly, atleast those who can afford to.

Read More On: BMW 3-Series

Photos: New 2009 Model BMW 3-Series Spy Pictures

2010 Ford Fusion Photo Renderings

What you see here is what you can expect the new 2010 Ford Fusion to look like. These Fusion image renderings are created by guys at autocosmos and clearly shows the new grill which slightly moves up at the edges towards the redesigned headlamp to create a smile on the face.

Other changes in next generation Ford Fusion includes wider tyres and the grill secondary in the form of honeycomb plus the decent sized air-vents just above the fog lights. The sedans rear is noted for chromium that accompanies the logo and a dual exhaust outlet. The tail lights on production model are expected to be slightly different from what you see in the image here.

Yesterday KGP photographers managed to click some spy photos of the upcoming Ford Fusion prototype. You can see them at autoblog. While checking the spy shots keep in mind that these are of a prototype version and not the final production sedan. The headlights will have to be completely redesigned to adjust to the new broad smile grill. To get a somewhat exact picture of 2010 Ford Fusion you need to merge the spy shots with image renderings you see on this page. If you reach a conclusion, we will love to see it.

Source: AutoCosmos

Read More On: Cars For 2010

VW Launches 2009 Tiguan SUV In Australia

Volkswagen has launched its compact SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan in Australia. With this vehicles VW has maked its entry in the SUV segment of Australian market till now dominated by Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Tiguan will be available in three engine specifications including, two petrol TSI four-cylinder engines developing 125 kW and 147 kW and one diesel 2.0 TDI developing 103 kW.

The 103kW 2.0TDI and 125kW TSI are delivered with six-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. As an option, the Tiguan may be ordered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic, which is standard in the 147kW TSI model.

Volkswagen Tiguan 125TSI
Price: $33,990 (manual), $36,290 (auto).
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo.
Power: 125kW at 4300rpm.
Torque: 280Nm at 1700-4200rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km (manual), 10.1L/100km (auto).
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds (manual), 9.2 seconds (auto).

Volkswagen Tiguan 103TDI
Price: $35,990 (manual), $38,290 (auto).
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel.
Power: 103kW at 4200rpm.
Torque: 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km (manual), 7.9L/100km (auto).
0-100km/h: 10.5 seconds (manual), 10.7L/100km (auto).

Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI
Price: $42,990 (auto only).
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo.
Power: 147kW at 5100rpm.
Torque: 280Nm at 1700-5100rrpm.
Transmission: Six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption: 10.1L/100km.
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds.

Standard Equipment & Features
Even the entry versions of the Tiguan have extensive convenience and safety features. Safety equipment includes a network of six airbags, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program), child seat anchorages on the rear bench and electronic parking brake with AutoHold function.

Standard on-board convenience features also include a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and a Radio/ CD player with MP3 compatibility, Aux input and eight loud speakers, semi-automatic air conditioning system, four electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, Multifunctional Display 'plus' (trip computer), remote central locking and various storage compartments and bins.

Some of the features of the Tiguan with 147kw TSI engine are: 17-inch "Boston" alloy wheels with size 235/55R17 tyres, chrome roof rails, tinted windows starting at the B-pillars (up to 65 percent light absorbing), sport seats with height-adjustable lumbar supports, folding front passenger seat, storage drawers under the front seats, folding table and storage pockets on the rear of the front seats and sports seats in upgraded cloth with Alcantara appliqués, and low tyre pressure indicator.

Options for the Tiguan include an off-road switch, which at the press of a button awakens an entire armada of assistance systems for making all-terrain drives especially safe.

Source: VW

Read More On: Australian Cars

Photos: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV High-res Pictures.

2010 Dodge Charger R/T Concept Renderings

Here we present you with some exqusite renderings of a retro-styled Charger R/T Coupe created by Michael Leonhard. His design study aims to depict what the next Charger model should look like if Chrysler LLC decides to launch a new model. A long time car stylist, Leonhard says that the starting point for his 2010 Dodge Charger Concept was the legendary 1960’s model of Charger .

Photos: 2010 Dodge Charger Coupe Renderings

Via: WCF

Video:Dodge Charger Concept for 2010?


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2009 Ford Ka Revealed: Spy Photos

The guys at Streetfire have posted some detailed shots of the upcoming 2009 Ford Ka. You can check the photos below. New Ka is expected to make its Euro debut at the Paris Auto Show in September, before hitting the showrooms towards the end of 2008.

Ford Ka is based on the Fiat 500 and it will be built alongside the Italian model at Fiat’s Tychy plant in Poland. Some reports suggest that Ford can come out with a partial hybrid variant of Ka along with a 100hp ST sport model.

Looking at the spy pictures of next generation Ford Ka below we just can't ignore how closely it resembles the highly successful Fiat Grande Punto. Interior pics reveal that the gearlever has moved up the dashboard, and the new speedo-dial goes all the way till 200 mark.

Read More On: Ford

Photos: 2009 Ford Ka Pictures.

Update On 2011 Toyota-Subaru RWD Sport Coupe

According to Edmunds the new RWD sports coupe being jointly developed by Subaru and Toyota will be sold in Japan under Toyota badge. While for rest of the world it will be a Subaru model. The coupe will be based on a revised version of the Subaru Impreza's platform and will get its boxer engine and transmission.

Although the Subaru and Toyota versions of this coupé will look different from one another around the front and rear, both will be powered by Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine making about 220 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.

As reported earlier, Toyota was contemplating in-wheel front motors to complete the 4WD package—as opposed to using Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system. The six speed manual transmission is confirmed and on launch new sporty will compete against the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and the Mazda MX5.

Source: Edmunds

Read More On: Subaru , Toyota

Tata Wants $10 Airbag For Small Car Nano

The Indian car maker Tata Motors, is planning on a $10 airbag for its worlds cheapest Nano supermini. Now this seems quite logical if not realistic as a conventional airbag would almost cost 10% of the retail price of $2500 (1lakh) Nano. So to keep prices under control Tata has asked occupant safety systems supplier Autoliv IFB to develop airbags that cost only $10 each. How and when, if ever a dirt-cheap airbag gets developed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain that nobody does cost-cuttings better than Tata Mototrs.

The base variant of Nano will be a no-frill car, thats is no airbags, no air-conditioning, just a five seat skeleton car that moves. But the delux or the high-end version of Nano is expected to have two frontal air bags plus the regular air-conditioning, music system and alloy wheels, all for little more that $2500 (1lakh).

Nobody beleived Ratan Tata, chairman Tata Motors when he disclosed his intent to develop a $2500 small car. Within few years he proved his critics wrong by launching his promised budget car Nano, that will go on sale in India later this year. So when Mr Tata says he plans to get a $10 airbag, you better beleive him. Moreover, Autoliv is the worlds largest manufacturer of air bags, and given the large volumes that Nano is expected to sell, Tata and Autoliv may be able to pull off the deed. Atleast their chances are bright.

Read More On: Cars in India

Brooke Hogan Involved In Florida Multiple Car Crash

Brooke Hogan, the daughter of former WWF wrestler Hulk Hogan had yesterday got involved in a multiple car accident in Clearwater. She was driving in the center lane of the Bayside Bridge when the car in front of her lost control while changing lanes. No one was injured but Brooke Hogan's (real name, Brooke Bollea) Mercedes CLS had severe front-end damage and was towed from the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol officers are still investigating the incident but no charges have been filed till now.

On her MySpace blog, Brooke said:
I don't know if you heard, but my friend and I got into a really bad car accident today ourselves... As I turned on my car I clicked my seatbelt. As we pulled out onto the road, I looked over and realized my friend didn't have her seatbelt on. I reminded her to put it on and the minute she clicked it, a car crashed into us.

According to Brooke's blog, she credits her brother Nick and John Graziano for saving her life as they insisted on her wearing a seat belt while driving the car.

Brooke's parent (Hulk Hogan & Linda Hogan) later reached the scene of accident.
The Hogan's are no strangers to car accidents. A serious car accident in November of 2007 landed the junior Hogan, Nick in jail and left his friend John Graziano critically injured.
Source: TMZ

Read More On: Car Crash , Celebrity

Photos: Brooke Hogan Car Crash Pictures.