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The Mazda stand at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show is greener than ever before. One way Mazda achieved this is to develop unique idle-stop technology that shuts down the engine when stopped in traffic jams and similar situations as a way to reduce fuel consumption.

The Mazda 3 will be powered by the MZR 2.0L DISI engine with green idle-stop technology – Mazda’s unique i-stop system. Developed solely by Mazda, it is the world’s only idle-stop system that restarts the engine using the remaining energy in the pistons (with a quick help of the starter motor) by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder and igniting it to force the piston down. The benefit of combining a DISI engine with i-stop (originally called SISS: Smart Idle Stop System) is that the system restarts the engine about twice as fast, and quieter, than conventional idle-stop systems.

Combining these two Mazda proprietary technologies and further measures like aerodynamic modifications, help the new Mazda 3 achieve approximately 14 percent lower fuel consumption (combined) than the previous Mazda 3.

When the driver stops the vehicle (red light, traffic jam) the engine stops automatically and sets itself to be ready for a prompt restart. As soon as the driver presses the clutch, the engine initiates the restart procedure automatically. This is a totally neutral operation for the driver.

He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world’s most uncompromising sports car brand – Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.

The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most successful model of all time – overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced – boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive.

For several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current Lamborghini Gallardo and Lamborghini Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive of all instincts that connects to the ‘life blood’ of an automobile and defines the soul of a test driver.

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).

The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

This Porsche Cayenne GTS is called the Tornado 750 GTS, made by Gemballa Automobiltechnik. The name Tornado is very apt because it does look like something that has been ravaged by a tornado! Gemballa markets this as the “New striking super sportscar in SUV format” and we agree, but is it a threat to all the sports cars out there? Lets investigate.

They have based the Tornado on the Porsche Cayenne which we think will definitely not worry a supercar. What might scare them though is the 750 bhp and 1050 nm of torque! This comes courtesy of only a 5.0 L bored out Porsche V8 with sports exhausts, racing turbochargers and a 250kg weight reduction. The Tornado does the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.3 seconds and achieves a 186mph max speed which is totally supercar territory!

It reminds of Darth Vader’s Novitec Ferrari F430 Tu Nero with a similar matte black paint that Anthony covered a while ago. The new front bumpers generate more down force and the addition of a wide body kit has increased its dimensions. The body is a work of art and whether it looks good or not is up to our readers to decide. Those massive vents at the front serve the purpose of keeping the temper of the V8 under control. The bonnet now opens from the front and provides easier access to the engine and let me add that the rear styling is completely out of place on such a vehicle.

The interiors receive a complete makeover with carbon fiber, aluminum and hand stitched leather thrown in for luxurious measures. The dashboard has been completely modified with the repositioning of the air-conditioning vents. The LCD screen provides acceleration, deceleration values among others. You can have a look at the interiors in these pictures. The wheels are huge- read forged 22 inches for light weight.

The point is this – the cayenne was the only car in its class that had all the proper stuff of an off-road vehicle while combining it with on-road pace, but with controversial styling. Gemballa have done a good job but if anybody wanted a super SUV, the Cayenne Turbo makes perfect sense and its cheaper as well. If you wanted a full-on performance SUV, we dont find anything wrong with the BMW X5 M or the BMW X6 M or even the Audi Q7 V12 TDi. Its not a supercar beater either, a Ferrari F430 or even a Porsche Carrera GT will guarantee more thrills and more importantly, more bang for your buck.

Coming in at a whopping $522,000 USD is a big amount for the Gemballa Tornado GTS and we feel this is its greatest drawback. However if you like it, and have half a million available you better be quick as only 50 units will be made.

For the first time, there is an AMG Sports package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the CL-Class. With revamped AMG bodystyling, attractive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and special interior details, both top Mercedes-Benz models can now be made more striking than ever in terms of sportiness. The appealing combination of exclusive equipment features, many of which are not available separately, is proving increasingly popular with customers. The AMG Sports package is now available for five Mercedes model types.

New AMG bodystyling, including a front apron with large air intakes, enhances the visual impact of the S-Class and the CL-Class. The rear apron with a striking black insert and integrated, rectangular tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel is also eye-catching. AMG side sill panels round off the AMG bodystyling. 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and wide-base 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres fill the wheel arches perfectly and provide optimum contact with the road. 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are available as an option in a twin-spoke design with 255/35 and 275/35 tyres. Mounted on the front axle there are perforated brake discs and silver-painted brake callipers featuring Mercedes-Benz lettering; the V6 models have a more generously proportioned braking system.

Wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel in black ash give the high-quality vehicle interior a dynamic feel. The AMG Sports package also includes velour floor mats with AMG lettering and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs.

The AMG Sports package is available for all S-Class models with a short or long wheelbase, as well as for the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC. It costs between 5831 and 7973 euros (including 19% VAT); the market launch commences in June 2009. In addition to the S-Class and CL-Class, the E-Class Saloon, the E-Class Coupé and the C-Class can be equipped with the AMG Sports package.

Read the rest of  "Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG Sports Package"»

(From Seat Wallpapers )

The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last April was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan.

We can also add to that list the new Exeo ST wagon, which is scheduled to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Designed to go up against wagon variants of cars like the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Alfa Romeo 159, the Exeo ST is based on the previous generation B7 Audi A4 Avant and will be built at Seat’s factory in Martorell, Spain. Not surprisingly, both the Exeo Sedan and Estate features chassis and mechanical components essentially identical to their Audi donor car, including four-link independent front suspension and trapezoidal rear suspension for solid driving dynamics.

At launch, ST will be available with three petrol-engines ranging from 102hp (75kW) to 200hp (147kW), plus three common rail turbodiesel engines ranging in power from 120hp (88kW) to 170hp (125kW). A range topping V6 model is expected to be added to the lineup soon after the wagon’s sales launch planned for the middle of the year. The only differences between it and the Exeo Sedan, which goes on sale this month, is a longer body, at 4.666 metres in length, and a boot capacity of 442 litres.

Entertainment and electronics features include a navigation system, a new multi-function head unit with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a sun roof with solar cells powering a ventilation system.

Pricing for the Exeo range starts at €21,990.