New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

LONDON — MG Motor has begun work on an all-new front-engine, rear-drive open-top sports cars to replace its aging midengine TF roadster, now 15 years old. MG insiders tell Inside Line that the company might consider selling the sports cars in the U.S., given the marque's history in North America, but currently have no solid plans for a return.

2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

MG and SAIC have to provide the Mazda Miata with a little competition which could mean trouble for Mazda. Right now, it seems that Mazda is doing some damage with the Miata and its faithful followers, but one look at this rendering and people might decide to jump ship and cruise with the MG.

Development is at a very early stage and has significantly lower priority than the company's plans to introduce both the new MG6 hatchback, already on sale in China, and a new supermini to its U.K. factory. MG's Chinese owner Shanghai Auto hopes to re-establish mainstream car production in Britain and relaunch the MG brand across Europe.

But the company believes that a new sports cars is essential to the long-term credibility of MG as a sporting brand. Though far from concrete, the aim is to introduce the model during 2014. It would be built at MG's Birmingham, England plant.

That means the sports car manufacturer will not actually be manufacturing any sports cars for at least three years, rather preferring to focus its attention on the new MG6 and a small city car to be built in the UK. MG plans to build the new sports cars in Birmingham, England, as the brand’s Chinese owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), attempts to reintroduce MG throughout Europe. One source close to the project says that MG wants to create a direct rival to the Mazda Miata, which is why a front-engine, rear-drive layout is preferred.

The first rumored model to be offered will be the 2014 MG TF Roadster with a front engine or rear drive layout and a soft-top design. A retactable hadrtop will not be offered due to cost and complexity. Under the hood there will be a GM sourced turbodiesel, a gasoline V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain based on the system in SIAC Rowe 750. Although production is 3 years off, sources close to the project tell us that the early designs for the 2014 MG TF resemble these renderings. Note that the TF will again employ a soft top design.

Sources tell us a midengine layout, as used on today's TF, has been rejected because of the styling and packaging limitations it forces on the car, while front-wheel drive has been eliminated for not being sporty enough. MG does not expect the TF to live much beyond the end of 2010, leaving the brand without a sports cars for at least three years while a new model is developed. The company has not ruled out trying to find a partner with which to share a platform.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520

HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520



HQ Mercedes-Benz Auto Car : 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520

2011 Lincoln Luxury Sports Sedan MKZ Hybrid

NEW YORK, March 31, 2010 – Lincoln today introduces its first hybrid – the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

“Today’s luxury customers do not want to make sacrifices. Lincoln has found a way to deliver a luxury sports sedan with the comforts they expect, the technology they want and the environmental responsibility society demands,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development.

Ford’s latest hybrid sports sedan, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ has finally lifted off its covers at the New York Auto Show. Using its second generation of hybrid technology, the company aims to ‘further broaden its aggressive electrification plan.’ From the Department at Ford Motor Company comes the new hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ hybrid is fitted with the same gasoline-electric system found in the hybrid versions of its corporate twins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid powertrain combines a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 106-hp electric motor for a total system output of 191 hp; it’s rated for 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway in the Fusion and Milan variants. Ford cited its hybrid as “the most fuel-efficient luxury sports sedan in America” as it returns 41  miles per gallon of average fuel consumption.

In pure electric mode, the MKZ Hybrid can reach 47 mph. While we have yet to match those numbers (the Milan hybrid we tested returned 32 mpg combined), Ford says it expects similar EPA ratings for this MKZ. The company goes on to name the car’s Public Enemy No. 1, the Lexus HS250h, and says that the MKZ will offer the best fuel economy of any luxury sports sedan.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model is expected to deliver at least 41mpg (5.7 lt/100km) in the city and reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.

Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme, of course, will be much better equipped than either of its less-expensive brethren. It will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and, of course, a slightly snazzier version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. In the Milan and Fusion hybrids, a screen-based botanical garden grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving; the Lincoln adds pretty flowers!

The loads of standard features in the hybrid include, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Lincoln SYNC, 10-Way Power Passenger Seat, Genuine Wood Trim, Reverse Sensing System, Keyless Entry Keypad, Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler, Personal Safety System, MyKey, Integrated Spotter Mirrors, Acoustic Laminated Windshield and standard Bridge of Weir leather seats.

Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we speculate it will cost around $38,000 to start. Sales will begin later this year.

2010 Audi Sports Cars A1 Worthersee

Audi has announced today that they will unveil no less then seven new custom Audi A1 at Worthersee 2010 - the annual VW GTI meet in Austria. The Audi A1 Worthersee 2010 models include competition kit (Amalfi White) 1.6 TDI, A1 Follow Me (Citrus Yellow) 1.4 TFSI, A1 “Wasserwacht” (Suzuka Gray) 1.4 TFSI, A1 FC Bayern” (Misano Red) 1.6 TDI, A1 Pickerljäger” (Ibis White) 1.6 TDI, A1 Fashion (Aubergine) 1.6 TDI and the A1 Hot Rod (Daytona Gray) 1.4 TFSI. The seven Audi A1 Worthersee 2010 models will be joined on the stand by another six other vehicle from the same manufacturer.

2010 Audi A1 Worthersee

The modifications brought to the various Audi A1 Worthersee 2010 cars are mostly visual and include various new factory and tuner styling part for both the interior and the exterior of the car. The information released by the company regarding the Audi A1 Worthersee 2010 cars so far says nothing about any performance upgrades. Most of the upgrades featured by the Audi A1 Worthersee 2010 cars will be available at in Audi's showrooms.

For the fourth year in a row, AUDI AG will have its own stand at the GTI meet at the Worthersee and is once again expecting Audi fans from throughout Europe. The new Audi A1 is playing a leading role at the 29th Worthersee Tour (May 12 - 15) in Reifnitz (Carinthia), Austria. Innovative adhesive film designs, vibrant paint finishes as well as exterior add-on parts and a matching interior will transform a total of seven models of the new compact car into spectacular motto vehicles. Furthermore, the Audi R8 GT, a limited-production version of the high-performance sports car, will be presented to the general public for the first time at Worthersee shortly after its world premiere.

This compact car has the Number 10 of FC Bayern star Arjen Robben on the roof and on the doors. The adhesive design with through-colored film and digitally printed film makes a very high-quality impression, as this technique shows off reflections to their best advantage. With the large logo of Germany's most successful soccer club on the hood, the restyled front bumper and a modified diffuser in the back, this A1 immediately stands out from the crowd. Another highlight is the sill sporting visual cues from the S line.

Fans from all over the world can gain an appreciation for the high quality of Audi design at the Worthersee. The “Follow Me” design in Citrus Yellow with a black checkerboard pattern resembles airport ground control vehicles and features complex color gradients that extend to the bicolor wheels. The “Hot Rod” model boasts a matt-finish look and extremely low ride height thanks to the air suspension. Complementing this look are steel wheels with white-wall tires in keeping with the classic hot rod style.

Two production models of the Audi A1 are also at the Worthersee, of course. The A1 1.4 TFSI in Misano Red with a dark gray contrast arch is joined at the Audi stand by the A1 1.6 TDI in summery Scuba Blue.

The first thing visitors to the Audi exhibit see is the new Audi R8 GT. The top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car will be presented to the general public for the first time at the Worthersee. The R8 GT is a limited-edition version of its R8 high-performance sports car. Its 5.2-liter V10 has been increased to an output of 412 kW (560 hp). Vehicle weight was reduced by 100 kilograms (220.46 lb). The R8 GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.84 mph). The R8 GT is thus more powerful, even lighter and even faster. The exclusive production run is limited to 333 units. Each R8 GT sports a tag with its number on the gear lever knob.

Because Audi cabriolets are a mandatory part of the program for this event, the R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 is also coming to the GTI meet. Audi Genuine Accessories is also showing a red A3 Cabriolet. With this broad lineup, the brand with the four rings is offering something for every Audi fan at the 29th Worthersee Tour.

A1 customers can order the various “competition kits” for their vehicles upon market launch. The “competition kit Aerodynamic” for the exterior comprises a front spoiler lip, side sills, rear diffuser and – depending on the vehicle configuration – sport exhaust tips. Customers can also order a roof spoiler for their A1.

The “competition kit Aeordynamic” – front spoiler lip, side sills, rear diffuser and, depending on the configuration, chrome sport exhaust tips, can be ordered upon market launch for €1,600. The body-color roof spoiler will also be available immediately for €400, but A1 customers will have to wait a few more months for the “legends” decal set. The "legends" look interior is available immediately, however, and starts at €575. The sporty look can be rounded off with modern wheels from Audi Genuine Accessories.

A1 customers can order the exterior and interior accessory packages from the factory or later through After Sales. All features of the competition kits are also available separately through After Sales.

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

British performance sports car manufacturer Lotus has officially unveiled their 2010 Lotus Exige S240.  While Lotus fans will recognize this as a very subtle update, the grille and rear wing facelift is a step forward for the mark. The exciting new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 enters the United States and Canadian markets in the fall of 2009 with new front styling, a new rear wing and the same rare combination of exceptional performance and high efficiency.

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

The Lotus Exige S240 features a roof integrated air intake scoop feeds air through the air-to-air intercooled and supercharged 1.8 liter Lotus-tuned and Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) to provide 240hp at 8,000 rpm and 170 ft.-lbs. of torque at 5,500.

The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds and the 100 mph barrier sails by in approximately 10 seconds with top speed is 150 mph. The Lotus Exige S240 is equipped with a 6-speed transaxle synchromesh transmission, traction control and launch control. New for 2010, the optional Track Package will include adjustable Ohlins dampers with threaded spring perches and remote oil reservoirs front and rear.

The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation as the choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track. The 2010 Exige S240 introduces a few key enhancements to update the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, low drag rear wing, not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car.

Passing along lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing program, Lotus Sport Cars has contributed another important technology – variable launch control combined with variable traction control. The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design, explains, "For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character."

The new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 is scheduled to launch in the US and Canada in the Fall of 2009. This new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $65,690 and will be available in an upgraded track package with added performance benefits. The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 will hit U.S. and Canadian markets this Autumn.

Ferrari Sports Cars 612 Scaglietti a Sporty Coupé

The 612 Scaglietti is the result of an avant-garde design that continues the great Ferrari 2+2 tradition. Styled by Pininfarina, the 612 Scaglietti is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese stylist and coachbuilder responsible for bodying some of the most beautiful Ferraris Sports Cars of the 1950s and 60s.

Ferrari Sports Cars 612 Scaglietti a Sporty Coupé

The 612 Scaglietti epitomises Ferrari's talent for innovation and design. This exhilaratingly nimble, beautifully balanced sporty front-engined rear-wheel drive berlinetta offers a cockpit capable of accommodating four occupants in unprecedented comfort. The 612 Scaglietti isn't just a 2+2 but a spacious two-door four-seater that's a pleasure to be aboard in any driving conditions.

While the Ferraris Sports Cars 612 Scaglietti has the heart of a sporty coupé, its luxurious dimensions and design are that of a surprisingly roomy Granturismo. Its deft Pininfarina styling is as innovative as its design, underscoring its dynamism and power. The result is an imposingly sculptural car with a long sleek bonnet, strong lines and signature scooped flanks borrowed from the famous Rossellini-Bergman 375 MM.

The 612 Scaglietti was the very first all-aluminium Ferrari 12-cylinder. It's no surprise therefore, that it is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese coachbuilder who worked with Enzo Ferrari in the early years of his great adventure, masterfully sculpting some of the most famous track and road-going Ferraris ever from that very metal (which is just a third of the specific weight of steel). Both the 612 Scaglietti's chassis and bodywork are aluminium.

The 612 Scaglietti's innovative panoramic stratified glass roof extends right across the top of the cockpit from windscreen to rear window, giving all four occupants a drop-top driving sensation of spaciousness and airiness. There are three tint level settings to allow occupants adjust the amount of sunlight allowed into the car.

The 612 Scaglietti's braking system features CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs, making it highly responsive and efficient even in the most intense driving conditions. The 612 Scaglietti's brakes are also exceptionally resistant to fading and thus guarantee effective braking in high-stress driving situations. The use of CCM technology guarantees enhanced ride quality too. The 612 Scaglietti's wheels have been selected for optimal performance and weight reduction.

Ferrari's team of highly-experienced, passionate artisan cockpit trim experts ensure that every 612 Scaglietti leaves Maranello with an elegantly sophisticated and sporty cockpit honed to meet the tastes of its owner. This bespoke quality and exclusivity means that owners can choose from a range of dash panel inserts, seat trims and side panels.

The easy-to-reach main controls for the onboard infotainment system are also steering wheel-mounted. The dual zone climate control automatically adjusts cockpit temperature, humidity levels and ventilation. An 8-channel Surround Sound audio system was developed specifically for the cockpit so that the acoustics are on a par with the best Home Theatre system, in all driving conditions.

The 612 Scaglietti is powered by an imposing 5,748 cm³ 65° V12 that delivers 540 CV at 7,250 rpm, 98 CV more than the 456M's 5,474 cm³ unit. The engine has been worked upon on various levels to optimise performance and improve fluid dynamics. Specifically, it boasts more direct air intake tracts with two ducts from the radiator grille opening on the front bumper, new exhaust system geometries and volumes to reduce back-pressure, a boosted compression ratio (11.2:1), and inlet tracts and exhaust porting with improved fluid dynamic characteristics.

It is controlled by a Bosch Motronic ME7 ECU. Meticulous honing of the 612 Scaglietti's dynamic handling has resulted in prompt yet smooth responsiveness, making it easier to control in all kinds of conditions.