2010 Devon GTX sets a New One-Lap Record at Laguna Seca - 1:35.075

Luxury Buyer's Guide
Luxury Prices Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.	Luxury Research • Photos • Videos • Rebates • Specifications • Reviews • Safety Ratings

Search Cars

Year2010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977

Select Make

Select Model

Other Luxury Cars

• 2009 Lincoln Town Car		• 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
• 2009 Infiniti M35		• 2009 Acura RL
• 2009 Lexus IS250		• 2009 Maybach 57

As the new generation of American supercars, Devon GTX shows off what it can do by setting a lap record of 1:35.075 around one of the most famous race tracks in America and indeed the world, Laguna Seca...

Press Release

Devon GTX Sets One-Lap Record at Laguna Seca (August 06, 2009)

- Public, press to see first glimpse of American supercar on hallowed Pebble Beach grounds
- Production to begin in first quarter of 2010

August 5, 2009 (Los Angeles) The all-new Devon GTX supercar has yet to be introduced to the public but that didn’t stop it from making news. In testing at the famed Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, the first vehicle from California-based industrial design house Devon Motorworks (devonmotorworks.com) turned in a production car lap record time of 1:35.075. Already recognized for its breakthrough design, the Devon GTX record lap demonstrates the GTX will stand on its own with the world’s best supercars.

While this testing session was closed t othe public, the rest of the world will see the Devon GTX in person for the first time when it makes its debut at the Pebble Beach Councours d’Elegance on August 15, 2009.

“The Laguna Seca test session showed us just a glimpse of what the Devon GTX is capable of from a performance perspective,” said Devon Motorworks CEO and founder Scott Devon. “Through further validation and testing, we know this car is capable of even greater lap times and making an even stronger statement about the future of the American supercar.”

The test session at Laguna was the most recent in a series of rigorous validation sessions for the Devon GTX as the team builds to its public introduction in mid-August at the famed Pebble Beach event.

“There is no more important event in the world for cars in this class,” Devon added. “We realize that – by introducing the Devon GTX at the Concours d’Elegance – we are asking the world’s automotive elite to bless this car. With its bold design and outstanding performance characteristics, we are quite confident we will earn their approval.”

Two key activities will highlight an exciting weekend for the Devon GTX:

• On Saturday, August, 15, media will get the first live look at the Devon GTX at a press event on the Concours Ramp at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. The event will be hosted by Scott Devon and will feature key members of the Devon Motorworks team. Pricing and specifications will also be revealed at the event.

• The following day, on Sunday, August 16, 2009, visitors to the Concours d’Elegance will see the Devon GTX as it takes its place next to some of the most exciting classic and all-new marks on the famed putting green at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Following an exciting and busy weekend, the Devon Motorworks team will return to its Los Angeles headquarters to prepare the first production vehicles for sale to the public. The first Devon GTX will make its street introduction in the first quarter of 2010.

Volkswagen says Goodbye to 2011 volkswagen Touareg V8 Engine

Volkswagen is preparing a new Touareg SUV for European launch next spring, with U.S. sales months later as a 2011 model. Targets for the new model are better economy -- both through significantly more efficient powertrains and lighter overall weight --

2010 BMW Z4 Review by Jeremy Clarkson

"Which brings me to the BMW Z4. To a racing driver, who is used to slick tyres and fish-sharp reflexes, it’s wallowy and slithery and horrid. But to me it’s brilliant. Mostly because you can drive for more than 10 minutes without your head coming off," says Clarkson of the redesigned 2010 BMW Z4.

Read his full review here. (Admittedly it's more about the experiences of driving an open-wheel race car, or rather, failing at driving it, and a one-paragraph review of the Bimmer, but it's quite a good story. Check it out.)

2010 Subaru Legacy Review by Motor Trend

Subarus have always been a bit peculiar. From their exclusive use of horizontally opposed "boxer" engines and standard all-wheel drive to their trail-friendly wagons and turbo compacts with gigantic hood scoops and rear wings, the vehicles from Fuji Heavy Industries roll to the beat of a different drummer. As the automaker puts it, those characteristics are what make a Subaru a Subaru.

They're also what has helped make the small Japanese brand successful, especially during these current hard times. For 2009, Subaru's year-to-year sales, like all automakers,' are down, but only a scant 1.8 percent. Compare that to losses at Toyota (40.7 percent) and Honda (41.5 percent), and you can see why Subaru is feeling like the healthiest candy bar at the snack shop. With the launch of its all-new fifth-generation Legacy, Subaru is feeling even sweeter, as it finally has a flagship sedan that offers competitive performance, passenger volume, and fuel economy.

2010 Mercedes E250 CDI Review and Test Drive

"I won't parrot the company line about the E-class being the heart and soul of the brand, except that it is. The E-class is a "business saloon," the standard-issue Mercedes -- stout, reliable, comfortable and enduring. This is the stainless-steel Rolex of cars, steadily elegant and appropriate for any occasion, and you have to admire the alacrity with which the E-class can go from being a tan airport taxi drone in Berlin to being a valet-park star in Beverly Hills."

That, along with, "to save you the suspense, I'll tell you now: The new E-class is a fantastic car but for one huge, agonizing, inexcusable error that baffles me like a Rubik's Cube the size of the Seagrams Building. More on that in a moment. For now, consider a short list of some of the more fun safety systems available on the E-class as standard or options...." sum up Pulitzer Prize-winning Automotive journalist, Dan Neil's, review of the new Mercedez-Benz E250 Diesel sedan.

BRABUS again wins Best Brand in Auto Motor Und Sport Tuner Division

If BRABUS ever started a football team (as in FOOTBALL–not that sissy soccer stuff) the word “Dynasty” would be floating around town about now.

For the fourth consecutive year, ‘Auto Motor Und Sport’ (’Auto Motor and Sport” for those who don’t know German) has named the makers of matte-black Mercs the world over the 2009 ‘BEST BRAND’ in the ‘Tuners’ category. Readers were asked to select those tuners whose products they felt were particularly convincing, and after all the ballots were tallied, BRABUS had won more than half of the vote–52.9% to be precise.

This, of course, is nothing new for BRABUS CEO Bodo Buschmann, who took the opportunity, after clearing off a new space in his trophy case, to give the media the ol’ humble acceptance speech shtick, saying this award is, “more than just an honor. It is also the ultimate motivation for us at BRABUS to continue to develop high-performance automobiles and tuning components that meet and exceed the high expectations our customers, the media, and the general public place on us.”

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder: Car Review by Automobile Magazine

At 12,198 feet, Mount Teide might be the highest point in all of the territories that comprise Spain and one of the main tourist sites in the Canary Islands.

But on this particular Thursday in March, at the parking lot of the viewing center nestled in the volcanic rock near its summit, El Teide is definitely a second-string attraction for the tourists milling about. That's because the mountain, which last erupted in 1909, has been upstaged by the fleet of 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyders that just came roaring in. A single example of the ragtop version of the revised Gallardo coupe that debuted last year would garner attention wherever it went, even if it were painted generic silver. But what we have here at the top of Tenerife is a flotilla of more than a dozen Gallardo Spyders painted dayglow yellow, electric lime green, brilliant blue, matte black, and crisp white with black wheels, among other eye-popping shades. The cabins are just as colorful and enticing, every inch of them lined with exquisitely detailed leather. (Our favorite? Pearlescent white paint over rich, dark brown hides. Scrumptious.)

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Cuts Prices to Compete with the 2010 Honda Insight

March 17 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker, may cut the price of its Prius gasoline- electric hybrid car in Japan to match Honda Motor *** Insight.

Toyota spokesman Yuta Kaga declined to confirm or deny a Nikkei newspaper report today that said the starting price of the Prius will be cut to 1.89 million yen ($19,250) from 2.33 million yen. The Insight hybrid, which went on sale in Japan last month, starts at 1.89 million yen.

Toyota later this year plans to introduce a revamped Prius with higher mileage and more power than the current model and the Insight. Both automakers are betting on fuel-efficient models as governments worldwide tighten emission standards

Toyota debuts Scion iQ at New York Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 8, 2009 -- At the New York Auto Show today, Scion unveiled a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car designed to meet the transportation needs of young urban trendsetters.

Scion’s iQ concept is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package that is just over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage. As more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of purpose, energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from the suburbs to embrace new urbanism and are looking for a car that suits their needs and delivers high emotional value.

Scion’s iQ concept is the intelligent answer to this need for highly emotional and efficient urban transportation. The convenience of having work, entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a significant draw to urban centers. The vehicle must be able to navigate narrow, congested streets, park in tight places, have impressive fuel economy, and have compelling design and function.

“Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer.”

The production iQ is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif. took the iQ to the next level with aggressive exterior and interior modifications that show the vehicle’s potential for personalization.

With its 78.7-inch wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. At the same time, its overall length of 126.9-inches, overall width of 71.4-inches, and short front and rear overhangs allow the iQ to fit in virtually any city parking space. The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering rack decrease front end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

Pushing the wheels of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of the body gives the iQ a confident stance. The custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to its surefootedness. The iQ’s custom front air dam, aero headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps signal urban road readiness.

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation,” said Hollis. “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize.”

The iQ’s profile is defined by a strong and high beltline. Smooth lines glide from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept’s geometric beauty. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser, creating a substantial presence. A center-mounted trapezoid exhaust adds to the vehicle’s distinctiveness, while large, matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle visible.

The iQ’s interior fuses function, style and entertainment. Attention to detail and modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of freshness and sophistication. Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers the seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a bright green topstitch for a contemporary finish.

The iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. With the push of a button, the touch-screen articulates to reveal the entertainment hub. The touch screen can also play movies while the vehicle is parked. When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns to make the interior even more unique.

A few quick strokes to the black panel below the entertainment hub, or steering wheel controls, command the audio system to shuffle through a music library. The center cluster also features three control knobs for dual front heating and air conditioning settings. The driver and front passenger each have a knob that displays their desired temperature and controls their temperature and fan settings. The center knob dictates zone control for both occupants.

The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle through the odometer, average speed, temperature and eco lamp. The eco lamp illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel economy.

Comfortable front passenger legroom was achieved with a newly-engineered, compact air conditioning unit located behind the center of the front console. The iQ employs a glove bag, with the same textured, honeycomb fabric as the front and rear seats, that can be easily snapped on and off for storage or additional legroom.

Rear seating can accommodate one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. Extra slim front seat backs provide rear passengers with legroom. The rear seats are 50/50 and fold flat for increased utility. In addition, the rear seat cushion lifts up to reveal a small flat storage space that can be used for pocket-sized portable music players, small books, digital cameras, or slim laptops.

The iQ does not skimp on safety and is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags, which includes the world's first rear window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.
# # #


SCION iQ CONCEPT VEHICLE

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN
Engine:
1.3-liter, four-cylinder, VVT-i

Horsepower:
93 hp

Torque:
89 lb.-ft.

Drivetrain:
Front wheel drive

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length:
126.9

Overall Width:
71.4 without side mirrors
79.3 including side mirrors

Overall Height:
56.9 without antenna
62.5 including antenna

Wheelbase:
78.7

Seating Capacity:
3+1

MODIFICATIONS

Exhaust:
Five Axis custom stainless exhaust

Wheels:
Five:AD S6:F custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by MetalFX
18x8.5 ET03

Tires:
Yokohama S.drive
2.5/40R18

Suspension:
TEIN Super Street coilover suspension

Body:
Five Axis widebody conversion
Burnt nickel accents
Custom accented headlights and taillights


Press release via Toyota/Scion

Toyota A-BAT Concept Aero Truck Not Coming Soon - Toyota Cancels Production

Call it another victim of the economic downturn. When asked if the Toyota A-BAT concept was still under consideration for production, Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales USA vice president and general manager replied "We have a lot of top priorities right now, and A-BAT isn't one of them."

Toyota introduced the A-BAT (Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck) at the 2008 Detroit auto show as a potential design for a compact pickup in the U.S. It featured a unibody construction like the Honda Ridgeline and was powered by a hybrid powertrain. It was believed last year that Toyota had already green-lighted A-BAT production.

No reason was sighted for Toyota's choice to pause the A-BAT program.

2009 Mercedes Benz 300SL Panamericana is the Next Gen Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

Arturo Alonso and his company Gullwing America are working on the ‘rebirth’ of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. Known as the 2009 300 SL Panamericana, the model is based on a reproduction made by Gullwing AG - who produces the closest model you can get to the real 300 SL.

Power comes from a 5.5L V8 M-133-55 engine that is used on the SLR and other AMG models. The engine will be mated to a speedtronic transmission and has been retuned to produce 370-hp with a maximum torque of 391 lb-ft. In 2010 Gullwing America will also offer a V6 M-272-E35 unit that produces 320-hp and a peak torque of 266 lb-ft.

The 2009 SL Panamericana will be painted silver with blue accents.

Best Cars for 2009 (In No Particular Order

Cadillac CTS-V
Coming in great style and power, Cadillac CTS-V is one of the best cars of 2009. A great car on the roads, Cadillac CTS-V is laser fine and has a powerful V8 engine which displays a hose power of 556 hp. It runs 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The genteel look and a super engine make it a top class car of 2009.

Honda Fit
When talking about the best cars of 2009, one cannot miss Honda Fit, which comes in great fuel efficiency. A car of the new generation, Honda Fit gives a comfortable travelling. You can take the car for long drives with all your family members and the luggage, as the Honda Fit is so spacious. Very reasonably priced, the Honda Fit is equipped with a quite powerful engine that gives back fuel economy.

Honda launches Acura Financial Services

TORRANCE, Calif. - 04/23/2009 American Honda Finance Corp. (AHFC) this week launched Acura-branded financial services to better satisfy the needs of Acura dealers and customers.

The creation of Acura Financial Services (AFS) marks a major milestone in Acura history. This is just the first step of a multifaceted effort to further enhance customer service and raise the brand image for Acura, the luxury nameplate that pioneered the launch of Japanese luxury automobiles in the U.S.

"With our most recent ranking in the top two, three and four positions in the luxury lease segment of the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study, the timing is perfect to utilize our years of experience and expertise to create financial services that will meet the needs of Acura clients," said Stephen E. Smith, senior vice president of AHFC. "The creation of separate Acura-branded financial services parallels other moves to strengthen and differentiate the Acura luxury brand."

About American Honda Finance Corporation
American Honda Finance Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor *** Inc., is the captive finance provider of consumer financial products for Honda and Acura automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, minivans, Honda motorcycles, Honda power equipment, and Honda marine products. In addition, AHFC also provides Honda and Acura dealerships with vehicle floorplan programs, real estate, construction and capital loans, revolving lines of credit and inventory insurance.

Audi A6 3.0T Quattro Review by Motor Trend

Try splitting a market segment. That is, encapsulate the positives of both ends with none of the negatives. The Audi A6 does it deftly, bridging the space between the midsize A4 and full-size A8. Naturally, it shares engines with both, a 3.2L V-6 and a 4.2L V-8. But for 2009, it receives something in between: Audi's new supercharged 3.0L V-6.

Underhood the 2009 Audi A6 3.0T, the supercharger provides 11.6psi maximum boost to produce 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Max torque is available from 2500 rpm to 5100 rpm, where max horsepower starts and stays until the 6800 rpm redline. The result is eyebrow-raising acceleration as you pull the six-speed automatic's paddle shifters and watch as the digital speedometer slot-machines into triple digits. And that seat-of-the-pants sensation translates to the hard data: Acceleration to 60 mph takes 5.4 sec, just a tenth off the pace of the outgoing Nissan 350Z Track. Sure, the Z reaches the quarter-mile mark a little over a tenth faster, but this A6 is an inconspicuous, all-wheel-drive, 4139-lb sedan.

Audi is keen on that unassuming nature. The Roots-type blower sits concealed between the cylinder banks of the V-6. Hood popped, there's no indication of a power adder - save for the "TFSI" misnomer. There's no belt whine at speed, either. The engine fires in silenced, but powerful blasts. It's quiet and deceivingly quick -- a good combination for, say, a spy..

Land Rover gets new Armoured Discovery Vehicle Trim for Luxury SUV Protection

07:56 GMT, April, 2009 Gaydon, Warwickshire Land Rover is introducing a new armoured version of its multi award-winning Discovery 4x4 vehicle.

The new Discovery Armoured combines Land Rover’s legendary all-terrain capability with discreet, state-of-the-art protection, whilst providing highly versatile and comfortable transportation for five people and a generous 500kg payload.

Benefiting from Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, including the Range Rover Armoured, the Discovery Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

“The broad range of capabilities provided by the new Discovery Armoured make it the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations,” says John C Wright, Land Rover’s manager, Government and Direct Sales. “The Discovery has been carefully engineered to help enable occupants to travel across challenging terrains with confidence.”

2010 Aston Martin Rapide -- Official First Picture!

Aston Martin's much-anticipated Rapide sedan has finally broken cover with an official pic, and it's gorgeous.

The big sedan will go head-to-head with Porsche's bloated Panamera and try to take some starch out of Mercedes, BMW and Audi as the big sedan war heats up.

"The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world," Dr. Ulrich Bez, company CEO, said in a press release. "It completes the Aston Martin range while conveying our established attributes of power, beauty and soul."

And spectacular styling.

Back before the economy cratered and auto sales tanked, it seemed everyone and his brother was promising a big sedan with power to match. Even companies that really have no business building sedans - coughPorsche coughLamborghini - were arguing they simply must have a four-door high-performance sedan if they are to compete.

2009 Nissan GTR Tuned by Nismo - Ready to Race the FIA 2010 GT1

Unveiled last week in south of France, the Nissan and Nismo unveiled their FIA GT1 ready GT-R, a “little” 600hp modified 5.6l V8 engine (VK56DE) giving not less then an incredible 650Nm of Torque and which achieve a quite honorable 2:05.447 lap time at Paul Ricard…

We hope both Nismo and Nissan to be as successful on the old continent that they are here in Japan !

Media Days and the Official Test Session for the FIA GT were held at Circuit Paul Ricard HTTT (5.842km) in the South of France on the 6th and 7th April.

At the Press Conference of SRO, the official promoter of the FIA GT Championship, which took place at midday on the 6th April, the R35 NISSAN GT-R, built according to the 2010 FIA GT1 regulations was unveiled in front of more than 200 people.

The objectives for NISMO's FIA GT program for 2009 is to develop GT-R race car which shall be available for sale to the privateers who wish to take part in the FIA GT World Championship from 2010 and onwards.