Alfa Romeo 159

The 159 is available in both front and four-wheel drive, configurations. The "Q4" four-wheel drive system utilises a Torsen type C twin differential (front and center differential in the same unit) and is available on the 3.2 litre petrol and 2.4 litre diesel engines. The gearbox is a six-speed manual on most models (1.8 has a five-speed), and a six-speed automatic Q-Tronic gearbox (Aisin AW TF-80SC) is available for the 1.9 diesel, 2.4 diesel and 3.2 petrol models. The Selespeed gearbox is for sale in some countries with the 2.2 petrol engine.

Several levels of trim are available, depending on market. Four trim levels: Progression, Distinctive, Exclusive and Turismo Internazionale (TI). In the UK there are three levels of trim: Turismo, Lusso and Turismo Internazionale (TI). Among other options, the 159 is also available with the Blue&Me infotainment system.

The torsional rigidity of the chassis is one of the best in this category, at 180.000 daNm/rad.^[4]

Nissan Safari

The Nissan Safari is a four-wheel drive vehicle manufactured by Nissan in Japan since 1980. Outside of Japan, it is known as the Nissan Patrol—a name carried over from the Safari's predecessor. The car is available in Australasia, Central and South America, South Africa, parts of Southeast Asia and Western Europe as well as Iran and the middle east. The Safari has been available as either a short-wheelbase (SWB) three-door or a long-wheelbase (LWB) five-door chassis. The LWB version has also been offered in utility and cab chassis variants alongside the wagon. Between 1988 and 1994, Ford of Australia marketed the Safari-based Patrol as the Ford Maverick. The Maverick was available alongside the Nissan-branded Patrol. Also, in some European countries the Safari was for a short while marketed as Ebro Patrol.

The second generation Y60 (GQ) platform is still manufactured as a military vehicle in the countries of Asia and the Middle East, and various versions of the Patrol are widely used by United Nations agencies. These Y60 models are produced alongside the current Y61.

Lexus LX

The Lexus LX is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold by Lexus since 1996. Three generations of the Lexus LX have been produced, all based heavily on Toyota's long-running Land Cruiser series of SUVs. The first generation LX 450 debuted in 1996 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its successor, the LX 470, premiered in 1998 and was produced through 2006. The latest third generation Lexus LX 570 debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007 as a complete redesign for the 2008 model year.

The latest two generations of the Lexus LX have featured a V8 engine powertrain, a welded steel unibody shell combined with a full-size steel ladder frame (body on frame construction), and the capacity to seat eight passengers (LX 470 and LX 570). The first generation LX 450, classified as a mid-size SUV, featured an inline-6 engine and capacity for seven passengers. The second generation LX 470 shared exterior styling with the Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus (トヨタ ランドクルーザー シグナス), sold in Japan. The LX ranks as Lexus' largest and most expensive luxury utility vehicle, sized above the GX and RX series of SUVs. It was Lexus' most expensive offering until the LS 600h.

Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus since 1998. The RX is designed to combine the functional characteristics of an SUV with ride and features of a luxury sedan.^[1] The RX series has comprised multiple V6 and hybrid-powered models (such as the RX 300, RX 330, RX 350, RX 400h, and RX 450h), in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date, in compact or mid-size form.^[2] The Lexus RX has been the best-selling crossover luxury SUV on the US market since its introduction and has ranked as the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States.^[3]

The Lexus RX first premiered in 1997 as a Lexus concept, followed by the debut of the production RX 300 model at the 1998 North American International Auto Show.^[4] In 2003, the second generation RX debuted in the U.S., and the redesigned RX 330 went on sale shortly after. Equivalent versions of the first and second generation models were sold in Japan under the Toyota Harrier (トヨタ・ハリアー) nameplate until 2008. In 2006, the RX line added the world's first luxury hybrid,^[5] the RX 400h. The redesigned third generation Lexus RX 350 went on sale in early 2009,^[6] followed later that year by the second generation Lexus RX Hybrid, the RX 450h.^[6]

As the earliest luxury crossover on the market, the Lexus RX has inspired similar competitors from rival marques.^[7] Its commercial success as Lexus' best-selling model has been attributed to the strong reliability reputation of Lexus and the RX line.^[8] The RX is the only Lexus vehicle to be produced within as well as outside Japan, with North American market RX 350s being made at the Cambridge plant in Canada.^[9] The RX designation, signifies its place in the Lexus lineup next to the larger body-on-frame GX and LX SUVs.

rand Cherokee's origins

The Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors (AMC) engineers were designing a successor to the smaller Jeep Cherokee (XJ).^[1] Three outside (non-AMC) designers — Larry Shinoda, Adam Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro — were under contract with AMC to create and build a clay model of the replacement model, then known as the "XJC" project.^[2] However, the basic design for the Cherokee's replacement was well under way by AMC's in-house designers and the 1989 Jeep Concept 1 show car foretold the basic design.^[3]

The Grand Cherokee was the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. Development work for the new model continued and Chrysler employees (after the 1987 buyout of AMC) were eager for a late-1980s release date; however, then-CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, thus delaying the Grand Cherokee's release until late 1992 as an Explorer competitor.

The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Then-Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan and has remained there since.

Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is a family car built by Volkswagen Passenger Cars through six design generations since 1973. Slotting between the Volkswagen Golf / Volkswagen Jetta, and the Volkswagen Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up, the Passat has been badged variously as Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat. More recently, Volkswagen has extended its range with the launch of the Passat CC, a 4-door "coupé" version of the Passat.

The nameplate Passat derives from the German word for tradewind — and the period in its history when Volkswagen named vehicles after prominent winds, including also Golf (after Gulf Stream), Jetta (after Jet stream), Bora (after Bora) and Scirocco (after Sirocco).

intercooler

An intercooler (original UK term, sometimes aftercooler in US practice), or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged (forced induction) internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric (constant pressure) cooling. A decrease in air intake temperature provides a denser intake charge to the engine and allows more air and fuel to be combusted per engine cycle, increasing the output of the engine.

The inter prefix in the device name originates from historic compressor designs. In the past, aircraft engines were built with charge air coolers that were installed between multiple stages of supercharging,^{[citation needed]} thus the designation of inter. Modern automobile designs are technically designated aftercoolers because of their placement at the end of supercharging chain. This term is now considered archaic in modern automobile terminology since most forced induction vehicles have single-stage superchargers or turbochargers. In a vehicle fitted with two-stage turbocharging, it is possible to have both an intercooler (between the two turbocharger units) and an aftercooler (between the second-stage turbo and the engine). The JCB Dieselmax land speed record-holding car is an example of such a system. In general, an intercooler or aftercooler is said to be a charge air cooler.

Intercoolers can vary dramatically in size, shape, and design, depending on the performance and space requirements of the entire supercharger system. Common spatial designs are front mounted intercoolers (FMIC), top mounted intercoolers (TMIC), hybrid mount intercoolers (HMIC). Each type can be cooled with an air-to-air system, air-to-liquid system, or a combination of both.

Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 V8 saloon,

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, AMG entered the big Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 V8 saloon, affectionately named the "Red Sow", in the 1971 Spa 24 Hours, and the European Touring Car Championship. AMG and Mercedes worked together on Mercedes-Benz W201 cars for the 1988 Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM, German Touring Car Championship). AMG was made the official partner.

When DaimlerChrysler acquired a majority share of AMG in 1999, the motor racing department was divested into HWA GmbH. Their first car was the ill-fated Mercedes-Benz CLR. Since 2000, HWA builds and runs the cars for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), as well as the M271 engine tuned for use in Formula 3.

Six successive lightly modified Mercedes-Benz AMG models (including, most recently, an SL 63 AMG) have acted as the official Safety Cars of the F1 racing series.

Through the early 2000s, AMG focused on supercharged engines (with the exception of the V12 used in the Pagani Zonda), but the company officially abandoned this technology in 2006, with the introduction of the M156 V8. On 16 January 2006, Mercedes-AMG Chairman Volker Mornhinweg told AutoWeek that the company would use turbocharging for higher output rather than supercharging.^[6]

AMG models are typically the most expensive of each nameplate. However, there are exceptions, notably the V12 S600 which was pricier than the S55 AMG and S63 AMG, the latter two powered by V8 engines.

Mitsubishi EVO X.

In fact, Archie was so anxious to get his hands on an EVO VIII upon his return to America that he preordered one online. "As soon as I landed in the U.S. on a Friday evening, the next day I immediately went to the dealership to get my car and signed all the paperwork." Keeping his VIII for four years, Archie installed nothing but top-notch JDM parts on it-from Bride to Voltex to Advan and Ralliart. His EVO was so nicely built that it ended up as a feature on Jtuned.com.

But then in early 2008, Mitsubishi released the EVO X. "At first, I was not really impressed with the X. But when I saw one in person, I was amazed by how it looked. It made my EVO VIII seem outdated with the new body styling and huge improvements to the interior and engine." Unable to resist the X's allure, Archie parted out his VIII, using the money from the parts sold to put a big down payment on his X.

Lexus LF-A Supercar - LF-A

What recession? We have supercars and limited editions coming at us in rapid-fire succession. The latest, according to the JDM gossip lines, is a production version of Lexus' much-hyped LF-A supercar. The core of the rumor hints that Lexus will reveal the car at the '09 Tokyo Motor Show that runs from October 23 to November 8.

Citing inside sources close to the V-10-powered supercar's development team, Japan's Best Car magazine said that the LF-A's production will be limited to only 500 units, with 120 of those being allocated to the Japanese domestic market. The car will certainly sting the wallet, to the tune of $310,000.

Vauxhall VX220

The Vauxhall VX220 (sold as the Opel Speedster in mainland Europe) is a British-built mid engined, targa-topped, 2-seater sports car introduced in the summer of 2000.

It was built for GM Europe in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive versions at the Lotus Cars plant in Hethel, Norfolk, England. The left-hand drive version was badged the Opel Speedster for mainland Europe distribution, the right-hand drive version the Vauxhall VX220 for UK distribution.

The car has a lot in common with the Lotus Elise, yet GM Europe claims few parts are interchangeable. Both cars are characterized by strong performance and superb handling.

Yamaha YZF-R1

Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 after redesigning the Genesis engine to offset the crankshaft, gearbox input and output shafts and this "compacting" of the engine yielded a huge dividend in that the total engine length was now very short. This allowed the wheelbase to be shortened significantly which resulted in much quicker handling and an optimized center of gravity.

The launch model Yamaha YZF-R1 was available in white/red or blue. In Europe the blue proved to be the most popular and was in very short supply, added to by early models being subject to a worldwide recall for a clutch problem. This bike has a compression ratio of 11.8:1. with a 6-speed with a multi-plate clutch transmission. Yamaha today describe the launch R1 as the true value of "Kando"

Ducati Monster 696

The Monster (informally called Il Mostro in Italian) is a motorcycle designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi and produced by Ducati Motor Holding in Bologna, Italy since 1993. It is of the naked bike style, which is characterized by a sport bike with a fully exposed engine and frame. In 2005, Monster sales accounted for over half of Ducati's worldwide sales. Ducati motorcycles are best-known for their L-twin Desmodromic valve engines (also known as a 90° V-Twin) and tubular steel trellis chassis, both features designed by the late Fabio Taglioni (1920–2001).

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11/ZZ-R1100

he Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11/ZZ-R1100 was produced from 1990-2001. It was marketed as the ZX-11 Ninja in North America and the ZZ-R1100 in the rest of the world.

The C-model ran from 1990-1993 while the D-model ran from 1993-2001. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10 was the predecessor of the ZX-11 Ninja.

Now more accurately classified as a sports/tourer, this bike held the crown of "The World's Fastest Production Bike" for close to a decade with a record top speed of 283 km/h (176 mph). When the bike was introduced in 1990, the nearest production bike top speed was 16 km/h (10 mph) slower and it belonged to the ZX-10, the bike that Kawasaki was replacing with the ZX-11. The 11's quarter mile time was clocked at 10.25 seconds at 135 mph (217 km/h) by a popular motorcycle periodical in 1994. The ZX-11 was also the first production bike to be fitted with a ram air induction system. The "worlds fastest production bike" title was lost in 1996 when Honda introduced the Super Blackbird, an 1137cc powered sport/tourer.

In 2000 the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R was introduced. The ZX-12 was designed to be more of a pure sportbike. It was much anticipated since the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa held the title for fastest production bike when it was introduced in 1999. Pre-production ZX-12R models were tested in Japan and were indeed faster than the Hayabusa, but European governments threatened to ban it altogether, leading Kawasaki to de-tune the ZX-12R prior to its release. Consequently the ZX-12R failed to de-throne the Hayabusa as top speed king, though terminal speeds for both models were very close. There are still disputes between the two to this day since all motorcycle manufacturing companies agreed to limit top speed to 300 km/h (186 mph) in the year 2000. In 2002 the Kawasaki ZZR1200 was released which is a sport tourer and more akin to the ZX-11.

streetfighter

A streetfighter is a superbike that is customized by removing the fairing, and making other changes that result in an overall more aggressive look.^[1][2] Beyond simply removing fairings, specific changes that exemplify the streetfighter look are a pair of large, round headlights, tall, upright handlebars such as those on a motocross bike, and short, loud, lightweight mufflers. Completely custom-built one-off frames, originally intended to overcome the weakness of the tubular steel frames of the early 4-cylinder super-bikes of the 70's and 80's, also characterize the streetfighter trend. Many of these frames turned out to be "beautifully crafted pieces of metallurgical art," perhaps only unintentionally.^[3]

It is also possible that the streetfighter came about simply because young stunters of the 80s in the UK couldn't afford to replace their damaged fairings after repeated crashes, so they took them off. Later, more appropriate headlights were added, then high handlebars to aid in wheelies and other stunts.^[4][5]

Made popular by European riders, this type of custom motorcycle is gaining popularity all over the world, and motorcycle manufacturers began responding in the late 1990s by producing factory streetfighters, beginning with the 1998 Triumph Speed Triple^[6] and the 1999 Honda X11^[7], to the up through the 2009 Ducati Streetfighter.

Jaguar XJ

The Jaguar XJ is a luxury saloon sold under the British Jaguar marque. The XJ was launched in 1968 and has served as the Jaguar flagship model for most of its production span which continues through to today. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder.

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German Car maker BMW. If follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, with production of both roadster and coupe forms. When debuted, it won Automobile Magazine "Design of the Year Award". Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 is built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster. In 2009, the BMW Z4 won the Red Dot Design Award.

Monaro 'LS'

A completely new generation body design emerged with the HQ series in July 1971, including the new Monaro 'LS' (commonly believed to mean "Luxury Sports") model. There were no longer any six-cylinder versions of the Monaro GTS, just 253 or optional 308 V8s or the top level GTS350 coupe. The base model Monaro standard engine was enlarged to 173 ci (2.85 L) whilst the Monaro LS had a broad spectrum of engine options from a 202 ci six through to the 350 ci V8. The new coupe design had a much larger rear window and a squarer rear quarter window; it was somehow seen as not as sporty looking compared to the earlier HK-HT-HG series, but is often now considered one of the best looking body designs to come from an Australian producer.

Up until 1973, the HQ Monaro GTS did not wear any body stripe ornamentation and the 350 cubic inch (5.74 L) Chevrolet Small-Block V8 engine was a little less potent than in previous HT/HG versions, especially with the optional Turbo-hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission. This, and the fact that the same 350 engine was also available as on option in the large Statesman luxury sedan, probably contributed to a downgrade of the Monaro GTS range in muscular image terms, as did the replacement of the bigger coupes with the six-cylinder Holden Torana GTR XU-1 as the chosen GM car for Australian touring car racing. The introduction of bonnet and bootlid paint-outs in 1973 coincided with the release of the HQ Monaro GTS in four door sedan configuration. It is generally considered that Holden created the bold contrasting paint-outs in order that the new Monaro GTS sedan would not be mistaken for a humble Kingswood sedan.

The continued erosion of the GTS350 cache was compounded by the deletion of specific '350' decals on the post-1973 cars, with all Monaro GTS coupes and sedans now being externally labelled with the generic HQ series 'V8' bootlid badge. In the final year of HQ production, ie 1974, the manual transmission version of the GTS350 was discontinued and sales of the automatic version were minimal prior to the engine option being quietly and unceremoniously deleted.

Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan Motor Co, LTD. The 350Z is the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line, originally introduced in 1969 (as a 1970 model year) as the Datsun 240Z. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. It was available in several trim packages and is sold as both a coupé and roadster before being succeeded by the 370Z for the 2009 model year.

McLaren F1 LM

In late 1995^[1], five McLaren F1 LM (LM for Le Mans) were built in honour of the five McLaren F1 GTR's which finished the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, including taking the overall win.^[2]

Whereas the standard McLaren F1 was designed to be the ultimate roadcar in the sense that it should be comfortable and usable in everyday conditions despite being a very potent sports car, the LM edition is a lower and stiffer more track machine oriented vehicle, due to i.a. the very stripped down, bare interior, inserting solid aluminium bushings in place of the rubber bushings in the suspension system and omitting the Ground Plane Shear Centre system seen on the standard F1. ^[3][1]

Although only five F1 LMs were sold, a sixth chassis exists in the form of XP1 LM, the prototype for modifications to the existing F1 to form the new F1 LM. This car is also painted Papaya Orange and is retained by McLaren. This car, reportedly worth $4 million, has been promised by McLaren CEO Ron Dennis to his driver Lewis Hamilton if he should win an additional two Formula One World Championship titles.^[4]

The F1 LMs can be identified by their Papaya orange paint. The F1 LM's were painted in this colour in memory and tribute to Bruce McLaren, whose race colour was Papaya orange.^[3]

Although all five (and the prototype) were painted Papaya Orange, not all of them remain that colour, three of them (and the prototype) are still Papaya Orange but the two owned by The Sultan of Brunei are painted black.

Enzo Ferrari

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12 cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It is currently one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production cars.^{[citation needed]} It was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 775 kg (1,709 lb) is reached at 348.8 km/h (217 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm (4.1 in) bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The 2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant.

In 2004, Sports Car International named the Enzo Ferrari number three on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s.

Motor Trend Classic named the Enzo as number four in their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time"

Toyota Sera

The Toyota Sera (model designation EXY10) is a two door, four seat (2+2) coupe built by Toyota from 1990 to 1996. Although produced solely for the Japanese market, it raised interest overseas and has since been imported by car enthusiasts into several countries including Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. It was initially unveiled in 1988 as the Toyota AXV-II concept car in almost production-ready form. The name comes from the French word meaning "will be", indicative of both the overall futuristic design and also the closeness of the concept car to the final production version. The Sera is most notable for its butterfly doors which tilt up and forward when opened, and the canopy constructed largely of glass panels.

Honda Integra DC5

The Honda Integra DC5 (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ DC5) is a Japanese vehicle, which was also known as the Acura RSX in North America. It is available in base and "Type-S" trim levels in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania. However, the "Type R" sold in Oceania is very similar to the "Type-S" sold in North America, and the Integra line naming in Oceania has recently been realigned to be similar with North American conventions.

Canada had three models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S. In other places, (eg. Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia) only the base version is available.

Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a coupe that has been in production since 1989 for left hand drive markets. It was named after an eighteenth century English racehorse which won 26 races,^[1] and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through Mitsubishi Motors' close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors, or DSM, and the vehicle trio were sometimes referred to by the DSM moniker among enthusiast circles.

As of 2009, the Eclipse is officially available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, China, South Korea, the Philippines, and Brazil.

Bentley Continental GT

The four door Continental Flying Spur saloon was first displayed at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The Flying Spur utilises the most of the technical underpinnings of the Bentley Continental GT, and was introduced to European and North American markets in the summer of 2005. Together, the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur have boosted Bentley's annual production from around 1,000 units in 2003 to 9,200 units in 2006.

One notable aspect of the Continental Flying Spur is its grille. Made to look like traditional chromed brass mesh, it is a metal-covered plastic-core. This was fitted as a safety feature; it is designed to break apart upon impact with a pedestrian.

The convertible version of the Continental GT, the Continental GTC, was first presented in September 2005, and was introduced to several world markets in the autumn of 2006. With the second generation Azure, it is the second Bentley convertible released in 2005. The roof is produced by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany.

Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sport/luxury sedan which was first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car and first introduced in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model, becoming North America's first mainstream rear-wheel drive sedan with a V6 engine since the 1995 Mazda 929.

Designed by Ralph Gilles, the new 300 was built as a high performance, sporty sedan. The 300C is also sold in Australia, the first large Chrysler sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981.

The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform which features components derived from the discontinued W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. Such components include the suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic's design, and a derivative of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

2006 Camaro Concept

2006 Camaro Concept

The return of the Camaro name has been anticipated by enthusiasts since fourth generation production ended in 2002. On January 6, 2006, the first official word regarding a fifth generation Camaro from General Motors came at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, where the 2006 Camaro Concept was released.^[5] AutoWeek editors unanimously awarded the Camaro Concept "Best In Show." The concept is based on the new GM Zeta platform and was designed by South Korean-born Sangyup Lee.^[6] Road & Track offered an exclusive first look at the car which had photos as well as a short video on the day the concept was released.^[7]

2006 Camaro Concept

The concept car features the same formula the Camaro has always stuck with: 2-door, 4-passenger, rear-wheel drive coupe. The wheelbase is 110.5 in (281 cm), which is 9 in (23 cm) longer than the previous generation, but an overall length of just 186.2 in (473 cm), 7 in (18 cm) shorter. The Camaro Concept is powered by a 400 hp (298 kW) 6.0 L (366 cu in) LS2 V8 with Active Fuel Management and is equipped with the T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Other features include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with 14 in (36 cm) rotors and four-piston calipers, and 21 in (53 cm) front / 22 in (56 cm) rear wheels covered in huge 275/30R21 front / 305/30R22 rear tires.^[5]

Porsche SE or Porsche

Porsche SE or Porsche (/ˈpɔrʃə/^[1]) is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury high performance automobiles, which is majority-owned by the Piëch and Porsche families. Porsche SE holds two chief assets, the first of which is Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (which stands for Doktor Ingenieur honoris causa Ferdinand Porsche Aktiengesellschaft), often shortened to Porsche AG, manufacturer of the Porsche automobile line. The second asset was until june 2009 a majority stake in Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG), the largest car manufacturer in Europe, and the third largest in the world. The company is headquartered in Zuffenhausen, a city district of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. Porsche AG is by august 2009 a subsidarie of Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG)

It was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, an Austro-Hungarian engineer born in Maffersdorf, Austria-Hungary (today Vratislavice, Czech Republic). Porsche is also known for designing the first Volkswagen, but Béla Barényi is credited with having conceived the basic design five years earlier.^[2] The company currently produces 911 (997), Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles. The latest model line, the four-door Panamera saloon (sedan), was launched on Monday, 20 April 2009.

Mazda6

The Mazda6 or Mazda 6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan) is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002. The Mazda6 has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, hitting that sales milestone faster than previous Mazdas.^[1]

The Mazda6 was the first example of the company's new Stylish', Insightful, and Spirited design philosophy followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006. The Mazda6 is the successor of Mazda 626, also known as Mazda Capella and Mazda Cronos. The 2002 Mazda6 is essentially the 4th generation Mazda 626 as the Mazda6 continues on the G-platform, progressing from the GF-platform 626/Capella to the GG-platform Mazda6.

The Mazda6 is currently raced in the SCCAPro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings.^[2] Mazda6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.^[3]

Audi R8

The Audi R8 is a sports car with a longitudinally mounted mid-engine, and uses Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.^[4] It was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006. The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo.^[5] The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the "Audi Space Frame", and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built around a space frame. The car is built by quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany.

In 2005, Audi announced that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, appearing at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show, and 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The R8 road car was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There was some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP), and also the 1989 Mk2 Rover 200, codenamed R8.

The Audi R8 is used as a safety car in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and British Superbike Championship racing series.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS

The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is a sport compact high performance version of the Chevrolet Cobalt, featuring three inline-4 Ecotec engines, built on the General Motors Delta platform. The car debuted with a 205 hp (153 kW) supercharged 2.0 L engine in late 2004, the only transmission option being the F35 manual of GM Europe. The engine had been first introduced one model year prior on the Saturn Ion Red Line. For 2006, a naturally-aspirated Cobalt SS with both automatic and manual transmission options was one of three Delta cars to carry GM's new 2.4 L,171 hp (128 kW) engine. A second 2.0 L engine exclusively mated to the F35, with power upped to 260 hp (194 kW) by way of a turbocharger, revived the Cobalt SS in the second quarter of 2008 after a brief hiatus (See timeline).

The powertrain of the Cobalt SS has received generally positive reviews, especially the turbocharged version, but the car has been criticized for poor interior quality and exterior styling that is too reminiscent of its predecessor, the Chevrolet Cavalier.^[2] The Super Sport moniker had not been used on the Cavalier, a compact built on the widely used and now obsolete J platform. Though the car was produced until 2005, it saw its most powerful trim, the Z24 featuring a 2.4 L 150 hp (112 kW) engine, cancelled in 2002 as GM prepared to phase out the platform.^[3] Chevrolet will end production of the Cobalt at the conclusion of the 2010 model year and replace it with the European-developed Cruze after producing the two simultaneously for the North American market, but a high performance version to directly replace the Cobalt SS has not yet been announced, nor any possible powertrains.^[4] Reports surfaced in May 2009 that General Motors will be eliminating the Cobalt SS coupe even earlier than expected, possibly as soon as December 2009.^[5][6]