Exclusive: Watch the Dodge Challenger “Go” Video

You read it (Click here: Dodge Challenger Go), now its time to see the official announcement of the Dodge Challenger going into production in 2008.

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BREAKING NEWS: Renault board of directors approve talks with GM!

A FEW hours after Renault-Nissan gave out a statement (Click here: Carscoop) corroborating rumours concerning Kirk Kerkorian’s offer to sell them his GM stakes (9,9%) and the French group just announced that the Board of Directors approved CEO Carlos Ghosn’s proposition to start potential talks with GM.

RENAULT-NISSAN OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

The Board of Directors of Renault met today to discuss on the events following the initiative taken by Tracinda Corporation regarding General Motors forming a new alliance with Renault and Nissan.

The Board of Directors approved the position proposed by Carlos Ghosn : Exploratory discussions with General Motors, concerning a potential alliance, could start if General Motors Corporation makes the proposal.

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TechArt “pimps up” Porsche’s new baby coupe: the 385 Hp Cayman S based GTsport

Now tell me, isn’t this just plain sexy? A big bravo to TechArt who did quite a good job on the Cayman body which looks so much sexier than the original, especially if you look at it from ¾ behind.

But, appearance isn’t the only thing that changed on the Cayman’s alter ego as the GTsport is as bad as it looks. At the heart of this mid-engine sports car lies the increase in displacement from standard 3,387 cm³ to 3,824 cm³. The increase is facilitated by a bore enlarged to 99 millimeters with the corresponding larger special pistons, and by the installation of a special crankshaft.

The engine conversion further includes sports camshafts. A modified intake manifold with special air filter system and an aluminum header provide ample combustion air. The interaction of all these components including the fully stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with high-performance manifold is orchestrated by new mapping for the engine electronics.

So what do all these conversion sum up too? Maximum power is now 385 hp / 283 kW while peak torque is 407 Nm . According to TechART, the GTsport sprints form 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds while it’s top speed is 285 km/h.

Aerodynamics: The TechArt GTsport front apron is designed to replace the production bumper. With its large air inlets and four auxiliary headlights it lends the two-seater a more dynamic appearance while reducing lift on the front axle at high speeds. The extendable carbon air splitter can further minimize aerodynamic lift.

The TechArt rocker panels were modeled to calm the airstream between front and rear wheel houses. They also give the two-seater a longer, sleeker appearance. Carbon mirror moldings round out the racing look of the TechArt GTsport.

To optimize downforce on the rear axle and for even more striking looks TechArt Automobildesign further equips the GTsport with a rear wing with extendable carbon gurney flap. The rear apron is refined by a carbon diffuser.

Wheels: The especially light-weight one-piece TechArt Formula five-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 8.5Jx20 with ContiSportContact 3 tires in size 235/30 ZR 20. The rear axle features wheels in size 11Jx20 with size 305/25 ZR 20 tires.

Suspension: Specially calibrated to these wheels and tires is the TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension for all vehicles that are factory-equipped with the electronically adjustable PASM damper system. This suspension not only allows adjustable ride-height lowering by up to 25 millimeters, but also manual selection of damper settings “Normal” and “Sport” at the push of a button in the cockpit. The dampers are not limited by the manually selected setting: Sporty driving automatically firms up the dampers in both suspension modes. The result is an optimal symbiosis of excellent ride comfort during normal driving and agile direct response during fast cornering.

Price: The GTsport will be built in small-series production with prices starting in Europe forma 100,000 euros.

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Mitsubishi to present a European concept version of its 2007 Outlander at the 2006 Paris Motor Show

Mitsubishi will use the 2006 Paris Motor Show in September to unveil a concept version of its all new mid-sized SUV, the Outlander that is already sold in the North American and Asian markets. The Outlander Concept will preview the upcoming Euro-spec Outlander which is due go on-sale in Europe, in spring 2007.

The main aesthetic difference between the US / Japan and Euro versions (see pictures bellow) of the Outlander is focused on the front part which has redesigned light clusters and a new twin grilled mask which is borrowed from Mitsubishi’s new L200 pick-up. Apart that, its practically the same car. More important though, is the fact that the Euro-Spec Outlander will get a VolksWagen 2.0 TDI diesel engine that produces 140 hp and it's mated to a 6speed manual gearbox.

Press Release

Design: With its Europe-only “Mount Fuji” grille, the 4.64 m long Outlander-Concept is a further showcase of Mitsubishi Motors’ strong visual identity, while its wide stance, muscular fenders and sharp lines leave no doubt about its dynamic abilities. Lean, Outlander-Concept brings drama without gratuitous effects, its kicked-up window line, piercing headlamps and 20” specific wheels giving the appearance of permanent motion.

It will be presented in a sporty metallic red with silver accents (roof rails, side body strips, door handles, front skid-plate, grille surround).

Technology: ¨Neither an authentic off-roader like Pajero nor a jacked-up station wagon, Outlander-Concept is a no-compromise solution for a different type of recreational vehicle. Using the in-built adaptability of MMC’s new global platform, it brings passenger car-like levels of active safety and driving pleasure, whilst its Mitsubishi “All Wheel Control” drive system allows a smooth progression off the beaten tracks, up to a “Lock 4WD” mode.

Engine: Outlander-Concept is powered by a derivative of the Volkswagen AG-supplied 1,968 cc, turbo-charged w/intercooler, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant Diesel engine fitted to the recent Grandis Di-D. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, in Outlander-Concept it produces an estimated 103kW / 140 ps.

Features: Flexible in essence, Outlander-Concept has been designed as a stylish living space, able to suit all requirements and with features to match, be it entertainment (650W 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system), seating (clever “Hide&Seat” 3rd row for 5+2 accommodation) or utility (split tailgate and auto-folding function for the 2nd row seats).

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The French Connection: Renault-Nissan officially confirm interest in Kerkorian’s stake in GM

Renault-Nissan just publicised its official announcement concerning last week’s rumours of buying Kerkorians’s significant block of GM shares. Las Vegas billionaire Kirk Kerkorian - GM's largest shareholder with 9.9 % of the company's stock, is said to have made this move in order to pressure GM’s CEO, Rick Wagoner to accelerate the company’s turnaround

Renault-Nissan state in the press release that they are open to alliances as long as all parts support the move. So what does the future behold for GM ? That's probably the million dollar question...

RENAULT-NISSAN STATEMENT

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is an open partnership, which has never been restricted to two partners. Under the right circumstances and with the appropriate partners, the Alliance could be expanded further. Such an expansion would only be considered by the Alliance if it were executed in the full spirit of the Alliance, which is founded on trust, transparency, performance and the full respect for individual corporate and brand identity.

Mr.Ghosn, President and CEO of Renault and Nissan was approached by Mr.Kerkorian, Mr.York and representatives of Tracinda Corporation to assess the merits of GM joining the Renault Nissan Alliance.

At this point, it is necessary that GM Board and top management fully support this project in order to start the study of this opportunity after agreement of Renault and Nissan boards.

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Dodge Challenger is a "GO". Coming in 2008

Six months from the unveiling of the Dodge Challenger Concept and Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda and Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour announced that the iconic muscle car will go into production spreading tons of joy to the Dodge fans and not only. The all new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar year '08.

The announcement was made shortly before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Driving out with the Dodge Challenger was Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour.

"We haven't seen this kind of spontaneous, passionate response to a car since we unveiled the Dodge Viper concept in 1989," LaSorda said, "But it's easy to see what people like about he Dodge Challenger. It's bold, powerful and capable. It's a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars and sets a new standard for pure pony car."

“We drew on the rich heritage of the Dodge Challenger, but with contemporary forms and technologies,” said Ridenour. “It’s not just a re-creation; it’s a reinterpretation.”

And a little bit of history: Dodge’s “Pony Car” in the 1970s

The Dodge Challenger made its debut in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. While it shared the “E-body” platform with the Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Challenger’s wheelbase was two inches longer, creating more interior space.

The Dodge Challenger was originally offered as either a two-door hardtop or convertible. And, befitting the brand’s performance heritage, the Dodge Challenger also went racing in its first year, competing most notably in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am series and National Hot Rod Association’s Pro Stock class.

Although it was produced only from 1970 to 1974, the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original “pony cars,” with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.

In its first year, Dodge Challenger was offered in a limited-edition T/A model to meet homologation requirements for SCCA Trans-Am racing. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500 race. New front-end styling in 1972 featured a larger, “egg-crate” grille. In April 1974, Challenger production ceased. Over a five-year span, approximately 188,600 Dodge Challengers were sold.

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Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2007 AMG Sport Package

A reader over Emercedesbenz sent out these pics from the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe brochure. Don’t be fooled by the bodykit cause the car you see here is simply a CL wearing the extra AMG sport package that consists of a front apron, 19’’ five star alloys, side skirts etc. and not the actual AMG model. Nevertheless, these pictures give us a hint of the upcoming CL 65 AMG which will probably be introduced some time next year. via: Emercedesbewnz

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