Audi R8. Top cars of 2008

Audi R8. The Audi R8 is top cars of 2008 a mid-engined sports car released by the German automaker Audi. But Audi stopped the production of the first version and substituted it with the 2007 model, using some of lamborghini features. First appearance of the car was in 2005, the first successor. Audi announced in 2005 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, which was based on the earlier Audi RSQ concept vehicle. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006.

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Audi R8. Top cars of 2008

Audi R8. The Audi R8 is top cars of 2008 a mid-engined sports car released by the German automaker Audi. But Audi stopped the production of the first version and substituted it with the 2007 model, using some of lamborghini features. First appearance of the car was in 2005, the first successor. Audi announced in 2005 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, which was based on the earlier Audi RSQ concept vehicle. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006.

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Nissan GT-R. Top cars of 2008

Nissan GT-R one of top new cars of 2008. Next generation 2009 Nissan GT-R performance car, previewed as the GT-R PROTO concept car. At the official Nissan GTR web site, is coming to North America in 2008, previously known as the Skyline GT-R.

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Nissan GT-R. Top cars of 2008

Nissan GT-R one of top new cars of 2008. Next generation 2009 Nissan GT-R performance car, previewed as the GT-R PROTO concept car. At the official Nissan GTR web site, is coming to North America in 2008, previously known as the Skyline GT-R.

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Toyota Celebrates 2,000,000th Certified Used Vehicle Sale

Toyota USA is celebrating its two millionth Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) sold in the U.S. since 1996, a 2004 Sienna MPV bought by Bellevue's Brian Kabat back in May 2007. The Japanese automaker will reimburse Kabat $36,648 for the total purchase price of the vehicle and donate a similar amount to Bellevue's Youth Eastside Services (YES) agency as well as contribute $5000 to Bellevue's Newport High School Band. Kabat’s award also includes a three year Toyota Care Car program from Toyota Financial Services, a Toyota Certified Platinum vehicle service agreement and a $500 American Express gas card from Toyota's Customer Service Division.

Source: Toyota

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Abt Presents Commemorative Sport Package For The VW T5 Mutlivan

Celebrating VW’s Bus 60th birthday, Abt presented the Sport Plus package for the new VW T5 Multivan which is considered a descendant of the Type 2 (or Bus as most know the Beetle based van) which was conceived in 1947. The Abt T5 Sport Plus package offers suspension and power upgrades for the 1.9 and the 2.5 TDI models (1.9 TDi 85Hp is enhanced to 110 hp, the 1.9 TDi 105 hp to 130 hp, the 2.5 TDi 130 hp to 160 hp and the 2.5 TDi 174 hp to 195 hp). The Sport Plus package also comes with a 4-pipe rear muffler and a complete body kit that contains front spoiler, front grille, fog lamp inserts, side skirts, rear skirt and rear wing. -Continued after the jump

Finally, the sport pack comes with Abt’s new BR 19-inch alloy wheels available in diamond or high gloss polish combined with 255/40 ZR19 rubber. The Abt T5 Sport Plus package will be available by Abt until December 31st, 2007.

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Nissan Recalling 372,250 MY 1997-2001 Pathfinder & Infiniti QX4 Models

Nissan USA has announced that it’s recalling 372,250 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 SUV’s from the 1997-2001 model years due to a potential risk of corrosion in the fuel filler tube assembly which could lead to a fire –though no reports of fires or injuries have been reported. The Japanese carmaker stated that, during the coating process of the tube, a sufficient coating may not have been applied at the lower mounting bracket resulting in an opening in the coating which can allow water to enter and make contact with the bare metal of the tube.

While in most states this won’t lead to the perforation of the tube, in the so-called “cold-weather” states, a mixture of snow/water and salt could cause corrosion on the bare metal part of the tube thus allowing fuel to leak.-Continued after the jump

So just to keep on the safe side, Nissan / Infiniti dealers will replace the fuel filler tube assembly with a new one on all Pathfinder & QX4 1997-2001 models originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The recall is scheduled to begin on or about November 26, 2007.

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Video: How Long Would It Take You To Park Here?

Take a close look at the Audi A3 in the picture above. Ok, now that you have checked it out please tell us how long would it take an average driver to park it in the corner; 10, 20, 30 seconds? Yeah right; it took this guy more than 4 minutes and he didn’t even park it correctly for God’s sake! Watch the hilarious video right after the jump, it’ll make your day! -Continued

Via: Motorpasion

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2010 Saab 9-1 Rendering - Hybrid Version To Be Included

Saab will enhance its range in 2010 with the 9-1, a new entry-level model that will compete in the premium hatch segment against the BMW 1-Series and the Audi A3. Swedish car magazine “Teknikens Varld” hosted an interesting rendering of Saab’s forthcoming hatch that’s heavily inspired from the Aero-X concept. While we can’t say for sure that the 9-1 will actually look like the car pictured here, we think that the Swede’s rendering gives a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Available in 5door and 3door versions, the 9-1 will be built on GM’s updated Delta platform sharing many components with the next generation Opel / Saturn Astra. Apart from the usual turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, German newspaper “Automobilwoche” is reporting that the 9-1 will also receive a hybrid version equipped with the GM-Mercedes-BMW co-developed, twin-mode full hybrid system. -Continued after the jump

The later features two electronically controlled electric motors which act on a series of gears to create an infinitely variable drive system. The system fits within the space of a conventional automatic transmission and it’s combined with a battery pack that supplies power to the electric motors and also allows for full-electric propulsion. The hybrid system’s operating parameters include full engine stop at idle and full electric propulsion at launch. The electric motors are also used for deceleration, recuperating kinetic energy during braking and coasting thus charging the battery pack.

Rendering via: Teknikens Varld

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VW Touareg R50: V10 Diesel Powered Sport Version To Debut In Sydney

VW will further broaden its product line of “R” models which consist of the Golf R32 and Passat R36 with the presentation of the Touareg R50 at the Sydney International Auto Show on October 11, 2007. The German carmaker has yet to announce detailed specifications, but they did reveal that R50 will feature a revised version of the Touareg V10 TDi’s 5.0-liter V10 diesel engine that delivers in stock form, 313 Hp and a monstrous 750 Nm or 553.2-lbs/ft of maximum torque. Just to get an idea, the Touareg V10 TDi boasts a top speed of 231 km/h – 143 mph while it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7,4 sec. Engine apart, the R50 will also get chunkier wheels and rims, a tweaked suspension, a bodykit and sporty details in the interior. -Press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

WORLD PREMIERE: VOLKSWAGEN GIVES TOUAREG THE R

In another world premiere for the Australian International Motor Show, Volkswagen has announced it will unveil its new Touareg R50 in Sydney next week (11 October).

Developed by a team of specialists at Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Touareg R50 is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world.

While Volkswagen has yet to announce detailed specifications, it promises the R50 boasts "generous" increases on the 230kW of power and 750Nm of torque produced by the current V10 TDi model on which it is based. Bigger wheels and tyres and tweaked suspension complete the high-performance package.

Volkswagen Individual GmbH has also designed new exterior and interior features to reflect the R philosophy. The R50 is the third model to appear under Volkswagen's sporty R label, following in the footsteps of the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36 - which was launched last month at the Frankfurt motor show. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction.

The Touareg R50's world premiere further boosts a new model launch list at the Sydney show that also features the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, Toyota LandCruiser 200 and Lotus Exige Sport 240. The Australian International Motor Show will also see the Asia-Pacific motor show premieres of the new-generation Audi A4, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Peugeot 308 and new-generation Mazda6.

The new models will be unveiled on the opening day of the motor show, Thursday 11 October, beginning at 8am. The Australian International Motor Show runs until 21 October.

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UK: "West Ham" Soccer Team License Plate Could Break Arsenal’s Record

Arsenal might be leading both the Premier League Soccer race and the… the Premier League of personalised registrations as the beholder of the most expensive football personal registration auctioned to date in the UK, – “AR53 NAL” was sold for £36,000 or $73,330 / €51,870 in 2004, but West Ham United might very well take Arsenal’s unofficial title away. According to DLVA auctioneers, the licence plate reading “WE57 HAM” that will be auctioned by DVLA Personalised Registrations at Down Hall Hotel in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, from October 24 to 26, could very well go over £36,000. -Continued after the jump

Damian Lawson, Marketing Manager for DVLA Personalised Registrations, said: ‘We get huge amounts of interest whenever we release football related registration numbers for auction, but we are particularly excited by this one. We know what a large and passionate support there is for West Ham and because the number reads so well we think it stands a real chance of topping the table of football plates.’

Great Britain's Most Expensive Football Team Related License Plates:

• AR53 NAL - £36,000
• V1 LLA - £35,000
• ALB 10N - £19,000
• DER 8Y - £14,500
• S41 NTS - £11,500
• PRE 570N - £9,400
• 1 WBA - £8,400
• W1 GAN - £7,700
• EVR 70N - £6,400
• S9 URS - £4,600
• CHE 153A - £4,300
• BOL 70N - £4,000
• FOR 35T - £3,100

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'08 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Teaser Image Part 3

Subaru has released the third teaser pic of the forthcoming 2008 Impreza WRX STi but as with the previous set of photos (click here and here), the Japanese folks overlaid the image with a black filter. We tried our best to improve the brightness and contrast of the teaser pic via our beloved photoshop and while it’s not perfect, it gives an idea of what to expect. Follow the jump to see both images. -Continued

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100,000th Kia Cee’d Kia Rolls Off Slovakian Production Line

Kia just saw its 100,000th Cee’d (80,000 5doors & 20,000 SWs) roll off its European production-line in Zilina, Slovakia. The cherry-red Cee’d is destined for a customer in Denmark. Kia’s €1 billion ($1.4 billion) European factory has been open for less than a year and according to Korean officials, it can generate an ultimate capacity of 300,000 units annually. The plant produces one car every minute which is equivalent to 100 cars per employee per year. For the time being, the Zilina plant occupies 2,400 employees in two shifts producing three Kia models – Cee’d five-door hatchback, Ccee’d Sporty Wagon and Sportage SUV. At the end of October Kia will begin production of a fourth model, the Kia pro_cee’d three-door (click here). -Pics after the jump

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2008 Citroen Nemo LCV - The Search Is Over...

Citroen unveiled the Fiat Fiorino LCV’s (click here) twin brother that is set to go on sale in Europe during the first half of 2008. We don’t know if the French did this on purpose but they do point out that the Nemo is set to make a real splash in the compact van sector -Marlin and Dory (Finding Nemo characters) might disagree but that’s another story… Measuring in at just 3.86m (152-inches), the Nemo features an internal load volume of 2.5cu.m and a payload of 610kg -1,344 lbs. The Nemo will make its public debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show (25 October) and it will be launched with a choice of a 75hp 1.4i petrol engine or a 70hp 1.4HDi diesel engine. -Press release and pictures after the jump

CITROËN NEMO

- SET TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH IN THE COMPACT VAN SECTOR

Today (4 October 2007) Citroën announces an important new addition to its light commercial vehicle range - the new Citroën Nemo. Set to make its public debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show (25 October), Citroën’s new, entry level compact van brings innovative solutions to a wide range of business transport applications, and will go on sale in the UK during the second quarter of 2008.

Robert Handyside, Citroën’s commercial vehicles operations manager, comments, “The new Citroën Nemo is set to make a real splash in the ultra-competitive UK lcv sector. It neatly complements our existing UK light commercial vehicle range, expanding it to a five model line-up: C2 Enterprise, Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay. As such the Nemo will enable the company to provide a seamless range of lcvs from 0.84cu.m through to a massive 17cu.m load carrying capacity. No other manufacturer in the UK will be able to offer such a comprehensive choice.”

The Citroën Nemo has been introduced to fulfil a wide range of business transport needs. It is primarily designed for use in urban environments where its compact size, ease of manoeuvrability and low emissions (119g/km CO₂ for the 1.4HDi model) characteristics will be of major benefit.

To suit its urban role the new Nemo is just 3.86m long but has a large internal load volume of 2.5cu.m and a strong payload of 610kg. The Nemo is launched with a choice of a 75hp 1.4i petrol engine or Citroën’s ultra-economical 70hp 1.4HDi diesel engine (63mpg/4.5 l/100 km on the combined cycle).

A Citroën five-speed automated manual transmission will also be optionally available for Nemo vans powered by the 1.4HDi engine. This option combines the benefits of automatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of a manual vehicle, making it ideal for around-town use.

Other Nemo features include the availability of single or twin sliding, side-load doors as well as twin rear doors that can be easily opened to 180o. In addition, the Nemo introduces an Extenso modular passenger seat and a versatile modular bulkhead system, which provide the vehicle with a wide range of passenger and load carrying configurations.

The Extenso passenger seat allows the seatback to fold horizontally onto the seat cushion, or the entire seat to be stored under the floor, adding almost one metre to the load length. With the Extenso seat folded and stored under the floor the available load length is increased to almost 2.50m and the load volume expanded to nearly 2.8cu.m.

The modular mesh bulkhead between the Nemo’s cab and the load bay provides full width/height protection. If long loads are to be carried, the bulkhead section behind the folded Extenso passenger seat can be swung in towards the driver to provide complete protection from the load behind and alongside.

Nemo’s looks are more than skin deep - its cheeky external appearance belying a detailed and practical design approach. Its stylish front end incorporates headlamps positioned high-up to avoid minor knocks and a large wraparound bumper for effective protection. The wide, high windscreen provides the driver with maximum visibility and provides a light and airy working environment.

On its sides Nemo has broad mouldings to provide protection against minor knocks, while at the rear a large door aperture and low floor height makes loading/unloading easy. The high set rear lights are also well protected from accidental damage.

Other useful features of the new Citroën Nemo include:-
- a conveniently-located, high-mounted gear lever, close to the steering wheel
- a range of stowage compartments
- a multi-adjustable driving position
- a high-quality audio system with four loudspeakers
- pre-equipment for a Bluetooth® telephone.

The new Citroën Nemo will offer an impressive range of safety and security equipment, will have a very competitive sales price and will provide the cost-saving benefits of long service intervals, innovative design and robust construction. Price and specification details of Citroën Nemo vans for the UK market will be announced in 2008.

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Video: Audi TT Dropped Into Pool For A Magazine Cover Shoot!

Once upon a time, magazines used Photoshop to create stunning magazine covers. Well actually they still do, but not all of them. Intersection mag, sunk an Audi TT 3.2 V6 into a pool along with a female model for the needs of a photo shoot. And while they were at it, they filmed the whole process in order to create a little buzz about themselves in the net. Check out the cover after the jump and tell us that this couldn’t be done with photoshop… -Continued

Via: Autoblog.nl

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Carscoop’s Gal Tries Out the 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6

The 2008 Cadillac CTS with the new 263 Hp 3.6-liter V6 engine was one of the rides I got to check out while at the GM event this past week. It was, by far, my favorite pick from GM’s 2008 Collection. Fun and sporty, it’s a nasty car to kick around in.

In terms of driving, a car like this will make a trip to the local 7-11 a total blast. It handled well on the curves, the acceleration was intense and I had an over all sense of safety even at the higher speeds. I was so impressed with the driving that it distracted me from everything else. And by everything else, I refer to the lack of sexy edge that would make it competitive with the BMW 5 series which it’s actually intended to do –I know many might disagree, but where is the fun in everyone agreeing? -Continued after the jump

We talked to the Cadillac’s Communication Manager, David Caldwell who set some things straight and let us in on some interesting info. Among other efforts to appeal to the BMW and Mercedes drivers of America, Cadillac created the CTS to compete with the 5 series at a 3 series price. (Many refer to it as a 4, how witty).

For driving quality, it may do just that. In terms of design, Cadillac needs to step up to the plate. I questioned the shiny lining all over the interior of the car. Couldn’t they have done a more matte finish like in many of the European cars I’ve seen? Mr.Caldwell assured me that people actually buy the car for small details like this. “People want to know they are in a Cadillac and the “bling-bling” of the CTS is what people love,” he said. But, the cheesy blingyness of the Cadillac is probably why sales have skipped an entire generation of people in their 30’s and 40’s. Maybe we’d see more Cadillacs around if they toned back on the blings a bit.

Mr.Caldwell also informed us that there’s discussion for Cadillac to design a version of the CTS that’s comparable in size with the BMW 3 series. Hopefully, they’ll work on a sleeker design in the future. It may provide a bridge for the generation gap Cadillac is experiencing and maybe even allow it steal away some BMW fans.

Overall, the CTS provided me with a respectable and fun ride and a blinding shine from all the chrome.

Posted by Daniella

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Lexus IS-F Neiman Marcus - Limited Edition Version

Last time we checked our calendar, it was October but that didn’t deter Lexus from creating a special version of its 400Hp V8 powered IS-F sport sedan for the Neiman Marcus 2007 Christmas catalog of “fantasy gifts”. So, if there’s anyone out there that believes I’ve been a good kid this year, here’s your chance to make me happy for the whole of 2008. It’ll only cost you $68,000 to get me one of the 50 special edition IS-Fs. Plus, even if my neighbor gets an IS-F, my Neiman Marcus will stand out thanks to these exclusive goodies: black with white accent stitching in the cabin; steering wheel with white leather accents; front headrests embossed with an F logo; hand-polished finish on the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge. You know I earned this... -Press release after the jump

Lexus creates the Neiman Marcus IS F Special Build Sedan for Neiman Marcus' 2007 Christmas Book

Torrance CA - October 2, 2007 - The holidays are right around the corner and what better way to ring them in than with the ultimate holiday gift? The Neiman Marcus 2008 Lexus IS F Special Build Sedan debuts as this year's fantasy car in the renowned Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the upscale retailer's wish book featuring the most luxurious gifts for the holidays.

The IS F is the fastest production car Lexus has ever built...so fast that the Neiman Marcus Special Build Sedan includes a personalized half-day of pro-driver training compliments of the Skip Barber Racing School. Owners will have the chance to take the high-performance vehicle to the limit¾learning real racing skills and experiencing what the IS F can do on and off the road.

Delivering more than 400 horsepower from its 5.0-liter V8, the IS F can go from 0 to 60 in under 4.9 seconds. It has the world's first eight-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox and a specially engineered Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system featuring a high-performance sport mode. If the heart-pounding power and speed aren't enough, the Mark Levinson® state-of-the-art CD/DVD Premium Surround Sound Audio System with navigation and Bluetooth® technology will surely get the blood pumping.

Only 50 Neiman Marcus IS F special build sedans will be made. These limited edition vehicles will be among the very first IS Fs off the line and have an exclusive interior design of high-style black with white accent stitching. Each will feature a unique steering wheel with white leather accents, front headrests embossed with an F logo, hand-polished finish on the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge.

To place orders, customers may call toll free 1.888.747.4504, beginning at noon EDT on Oct. 18, 2007. This Neiman Marcus edition is offered exclusively in the Christmas Book and is priced at $68,000

About the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

For millions, the annual launch of the Christmas Book has become the official start of the holiday season. First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers. Building on tradition through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts.

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Renault's Synchronized Crash Commercial

To reflect on its five star European crash test scores, Renault decided to create a commercial which boasts elegance and sophistication while crashing its cars. (And does so nicely might I add.) The cars take on a life of their own in a synchronized ballet of side, rear and mid-air crashes. The European auto ads never seize to amaze me. Via: Motorpasion

Posted by Daniella

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2008 Toyota Tundra – Prices announced, 13 New Model Variations Added

Toyota has released pricing on the 2008 Tundra which features minor revisions, equipment upgrades and a choice of 44 model variations (13 more than the '07 MY) in three cab styles. The biggest change for the 08 MY is the increased availability of Double Cab and CrewMaxn the newly named "Tundra Grade” which is positioned below the SR5. According to Toyota, prices kick off from $22,290 for the Regular Cab 4x2 V6 and go up to $42,070 for the CrewMax Limited grade 4x4 5.7L V8. Just in case you’re wondering, the Tundra pictured above is equipped with the optional Sport Appearance Package that includes color-keyed front and rear bumpers, upper color-keyed grille surround and fog lamps. -Details & high-res images after the jump

Press Release

Toyota Announces 13 More Models And Pricing For 2008 Tundra Lineup

October 2, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS), Inc. expanded the Tundra full-size pickup truck lineup for 2008, adding 13 new model variations and enhancing standard equipment levels to create a greater value. The 2008 Tundra now offers a choice of 44 model variations in three cab styles. Since its introduction in February 2007, Tundra's share of the half-ton full-size pickup truck segment has more than doubled, going from eight to 17 percent.

"Tundra has been an outstanding success for Toyota and its dealers, and additions to the 2008 model line are intended to maintain our momentum," said Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales group vice president and Toyota Division general manager. "Despite tough market conditions, Tundra retail sales were up 57.9 percent through September YTD, and we are on track to achieve our goal of 200,000 unit sales for 2007."

The biggest change for the 2008 Tundra is the increased availability of the two most popular cab styles – Double Cab and CrewMax – in the newly named "Tundra Grade," to increase their appeal to price conscious customers. Previously, these four-door models were available only in the intermediate SR5 and top-line Limited Grades. The new Tundra Grade, positioned just below the SR5, is equipped with all of the key standard features consumers expect in their truck, adding up to a great value.

Toyota is bolstering the value of the Tundra SR5 Grade Double Cab and CrewMax by increasing standard equipment. For 2008, these models include the previously optional power bucket front seats, AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, cold kit, heated mirrors, and mud guards as standard, at a lower price than for a similarly equipped 2007 model.

The Tundra Limited Grade Double Cab and Crew Max models add the formerly optional front and rear parking sonar, cold kit, and mudguards to the standard equipment list, all at a lower price. Finally, the Tundra Grade regular cab model features more rugged work truck styling for 2008, with a new chrome bumper and matte-black grille surround replacing the shiny black front bumper and grille surround.

The Tundra line-up sets a new benchmark in the full-size pickup truck segment for performance, capability, and standard safety features. The 2008 Tundra is available with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains and offers three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and three trim levels.

The Double Cab is the top-selling volume Tundra configuration, accounting for 68-percent of non-fleet sales. The larger CrewMax accounts for 26 percent of Tundra sales. Tundra's available 381-horsepower i-Force 5.7L V8 is one of the most powerful engines available in a half-ton full-size pickup and is chosen by 72 percent of customers.

All Tundra models feature the Toyota STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™ as standard equipment, giving Tundra one of the most comprehensive suites of standard safety technology in the full-size pickup truck category. The system includes ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2008 Tundra Regular Cab ranges from $22,290 for the Tundra grade 4x2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $27,770 for the long-bed 4x4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra Double cab MSRP ranges from $24,715 for the Tundra grade 4x2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $38,770 for the Limited grade 4x4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra CrewMax MSRP ranges from $27,685 for the Tundra grade 4x2 with V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $42,070 for the Limited grade 4x4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

2008 Tundra will begin arriving in dealerships in mid-October. The addition to the Tundra lineup consists of 13 all-new "Tundra grade" models for each of the Tundra SR5 Double Cab and CrewMax models.

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2008 Pontiac G8 Prices: V6 Starts At $27,595, V8 At $29,995 -Cheaper Than The Holden Commodore!

We don’t know how but they did it; GM folks managed to import the Australian made Pontiac G8 to the States with reasonable price tags: the 260Hp 3.6L V6 base G8 kicks off at $27,595 while the 362 Hp 6.0L V8 G8 GT starts off at $29,995. Since the Pontiac G8 (see here) is nothing more than a rebadged Holden Commodore we went on to check Holden’s official site in Australia and get a load of what we found: a Holden Commodore SS V8 with an automatic tranny -the equivalent of the Pontiac G8 GT, costs $54,490 AUD or… $48,200 USD! Now that’s what we’d call “down-under-pricing”. -Press release after the jump

Press Release

DETROIT - Pontiac today confirmed pricing for its new rear-wheel drive G8 performance sedan will start at $27,595 when it hits the streets in early 2008. The V-8 powered G8 GT will be available for.

“The G8 represents the next phase in Pontiac’s commitment to bring seductively designed, high-performance vehicles to the showroom floor,” said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. “Our dealers and customers have been anxiously waiting for this vehicle since we first showed it at the Chicago Auto Show in February, so we’re really excited to get this car on the street early next year.”

The G8 is powered by a 3.6-liter VVT V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission and comes equipped with a number of standard convenience and safety features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control, six airbags and OnStar. The G8 GT ups the ante with a 6.0-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and additional standard equipment.

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2008 Mazda Atenza & Atenza Sport - 2007 Tokyo Preview

The Mazda6’s Japanese alter-ego, the Atenza will make its domestic debut at the Tokyo Show along with the Taiki Coupe Concept and the Premacy Hydrogen Hybrid. True; we’ve already seen the Mazda6 in Frankfurt (see here), but the Japanese “Zoom-Zoom” carmaker also announced that it will introduce a new sportier version of the Mazda6/Atenza with large front and rear aero bumpers, sporty grille and side spoilers. Could it be the Mazdaspeed / MPS version or is it simply a “sport pack”? Honestly, we don’t know but either way we’re quite curious to see what Mazda has in store for us. -Press release and image gallery after the jump

Press Release

All-new Mazda Atenza

All-new Mazda Atenza, scheduled for imminent market introduction, embodies Mazda’s latest car-making philosophy: Zoom-Zoom Evolution. Along with enhanced environmental and safety performance, the new model has a more emphatic Mazda character in its design, dynamic performance, packaging and craftsmanship. It delivers the best high-speed long-distance touring experience, thanks to dynamic high-speed performance with class-leading aerodynamics, supported by leading-edge safety features and excellent driving characteristics.

Three body types are offered: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback (Sport), and station wagon (Sport Wagon). The new MZR2.5L gasoline engine—developed from the current MZR2.3L gasoline unit—yields more torque in the frequently-used range, more linear response and acceleration feel, as well as more economical operation. Exterior and interior design create a sporty character along with an emotion–pleasing, premium feel. At the Tokyo Motor Show, a bold new sportier version with large front and rear aero bumpers, sporty grille and side spoilers is displayed for the first time. The vehicle also features advanced safety technology including an Rear Vehicle Monitoring system, a first for a Japanese vehicle, and CF-Net (Cross Functional-Network) multi-control system which provides integrated control of audio, climate control and other systems through simple, smooth operation that minimizes movement of the driver’s line of sight.

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