Chrysler PT Cruiser ending production this summer

Chrysler LLC President Tom LaSorda said that the company will stop building the PT Cruiser this year and is seeking buyers for the equipment it used to make the model. The move comes as Chrysler looks for ways to save cash.
In a phone interview with Bloomberg, LaSorda said that the PT Cruiser will end production this summer. He said that Chrysler currently doesn’t have any offers for the assets used to make the model but is pursuing a buyer.
With the PT Cruiser ending production in the summer, the Chrysler badge will appear only on the Sebring, 300C sedans ad the Town & Country minivan. Chrysler LLC has dropped the Dodge Durango and Magnum, Chrysler Crossfire, Aspen and Pacifica SUVs under Cerberus Capital Management.
Sales of the PT Cruiser fell 49 percent last year to 50,910 units.

2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR Promotional

Jaguar has released two promos for its new high-performance 2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR sedan and coupe. Both models made their debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show earlier this week.
The 510-hp Jaguar XFR will take on rivals such as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG while the XKR will take on the likes of the BMW M6. Both are powered by a 5.4L AJ-V8. That allows the XFR to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the XKR in 4.6 seconds.
The first promo shows the XFR and the XKR in action and the second video shows the XFR prototypes 225.675 mph top speed run at Bonneville.
Both models will arrive in the later part of summer 2009.

Alfa Romeo RIAR MiTo: Only 46 limited-edition models to be made

Alfa Romeo will celebrate RIAR’s (Resitro Italiano Alfa Romeo) 46th year as an Alfa Romeo owners club with a limited-edition version of the MiTo minicar.
The RIAR MiTo will features a black-exterior paint job with satin-finish that replaces the chrome accents on the grille. Alfa Romeo threw on new dark-tint 17-inch wheels that are influenced by the 8C Competizione with red brake calipers. The Italian automaker also added a new rear-spoiler, rear-diffuser, fog-lamps and a reverse parking system. Interior upgrades include sport-seats, black or burgundy leather, dual-zone climate control and carbon fiber trim.
Under the hood of the RIAR MiTo is a 4-cylinder engine that makes a total of 170-hp - 15-hp extra than the standard MiTo.
Alfa will build on 46 units of the limited-edition MiTo with pricing to start at €20,000 ($26,305 USD). Want one? Tough luck - you have to be a member of RIAR to purchase one.

Volvo SC90 Concept: What a Volvo Porsche Panamera rival would look like

It seems like every luxury automakers is gearing up to compete in the ‘four-door-coupe’ segment. Mercedes-Benz already has the CLS, Porsche recently released images and details on the Panamera, Aston Martin is preparing the launch of the Rapide and Lamborghini is planning a production version of the Estoque.
What you see here are renderings designed by Nouphone J. Bansasine of what is known as the Volvo SC90 - a proposal for a futuristic premium Volvo four-door-coupe. Bansasine designed the SC90 during his internship at Volvo in the Summer of 2007 where Volvo asked him to work on a new premium product for the brand.
He said that the sportscar with 4-doors and 4-seats would become Volvo’s new flagship model driving the Swedish brand to a more emotional direction. Will Volvo ever put Banasine’s SC90 into production? We certainly hope so but we don’t see it happening anytime soon.

2009 Honda CBR600RR ABS - First official pictures

Honda has released the full details and pictures for the revised 2009 Honda CBR600RR ABS.
The main news is the addition of Electronically-Controlled Combined ABS – an all-new ABS system using electronic control to not only regulate brake pressure to prevent wheels locking, but also to spread braking force between front and rear brakes to give optimum stopping.

The system was designed specifically with sportsbikes in mind, and as such it won’t interfere until the last possible moment before the rider loses control of the bike and crashes. Pulsing at the lever is also eliminated by electronic pumps operating the calipers.
The rest of the bike is largely unchanged – minor changes to the cylinder head, pistons and exhaust have increased torque from 8000-12,000rpm according to Honda, and the fairing has been slightly redesigned to reduce wind noise and increase stability at speed. New colours include green/black, red/black, white/blue/red or a limited edition white with blue graphics. Price and availability will be announced later this year.

The stunning new 2009 CBR600RR is set once again to stretch the boundaries of dynamic and visual motorcycle performance. Combining peerless speed on the race track with impeccable road-going manners, the supremely compact and potent new machine allows an ever-wider range of riders - from near-novice to expert - to thrive and excel in the saddle. And for 2009, the exciting addition of optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS puts the CBR600RR right at the forefront of enhancing confidence in motorcycle safety.Now in its fourth generation, the 2009 machine builds on the heritage of blistering pace and supreme control set in 2003 by the first CBR600RR - and, like a fine wine made from the purest ingredients, it’s improving with age. Clearly influenced by, and using technology derived from, Honda's MotoGP campaign, the machine benefits from the common DNA it shares with the World Championship winning RC211V and this year's contender, the RC212V. With its twin philosophies of ultra light weight and easy, precise handling, the CBR600RR stands out from the crowd, with every rider able to feel the pleasure of the Super Sport experience, even if they’re not an expert Super Sport rider.With key technical enhancements for 2009, the CBR600RR reasserts its position as the leader in this most competitive of classes, with improved performance both as an accessible road-going machine and a proven race winner. Among the changes for 2009 are updates to the CBR600’s ultra-compact engine which have improved the torque from 8,000 rpm to 12,000 rpm to give even better driveability and flexibility. The fairing has been improved to enhance stability while reducing noise emission levels. And exciting new colour schemes are designed to attract a wider range of image-conscious riders.For 2009, Honda continues to lead the way in the world of high performance sports machinery by introducing the option of electronically-controlled Combined ABS on the CBR600RR for the first time. Proven to be a significant aid in emergency braking situations, the availability of Combined ABS on the 2009 CBR600RR once again demonstrates Honda’s commitment to the continuous improvement of motorcycle confidence, while offering maximum choice to its customers.In order to fit Combined ABS on such a sport-oriented machine, Honda has developed a brand new system suitable for the special demands of Super Sports riding. While not designed to be a performance enhancement for riding at maximum pace on the track, Honda’s electronically-controlled Combined ABS is a huge step forward in motorcycle ABS, which has not been seen before on such a high performance sports motorcycle.With the enhanced security and confidence that go hand in hand with Combined ABS, the riding pleasure of the CBR600RR will now be opened to even more riders.

Rolls-Royce unveils Phantom Sapphire Edition

A special edition Phantom has been made by Rolls-Royce as part of their Bespoke Collection highlighting their wide-ranging customization program. The Phantom Sapphire gets its name from the bodywork’s exceptional shade of Milori Sapphire which is a distinctive shade of navy blue.

The inside comes in an option of two color combinations either navy blue with seashell accents or seashell with navy blue accents, the walnut burr veneer highlighting inlaid diamond pattern decorative designs. Hidden under the rear seats is a cool box together with two diamond motif hand engraved crystal tumblers and champagne flutes. The dash clock is finished with a fine guilloche pattern and highlights a single diamond shaped sapphire at the twelve o’clock gradient.

The Phantom Sapphire gets its name from the bodywork’s navy blue Milori Sapphire paintjob.

The interior has an option of two color combinations: navy blue with seashell accents or seashell with navy blue accents. Walnut burr veneer with inlaid diamond pattern decorative designs are also new.

As is traditional a set of faintly ludicrous extras are included, such as a cool box with engraved crystal tumblers and flutes, hidden under the rear seats.

A dash clock is finished with a diamond-shaped sapphire, for those who like to tell the time with semi-precious stones.

New car news

One less than most...

Top Gear confidently predicts that 2009 will be the year that the three-wheeler returns. If three-wheelers were ever fashionable enough to warrant a return, that is.

The revolution starts with this, the Hodge Hawk – a design concept dreamed up by New Zealander Alex Hodge. Yes, it’s completely fictional, no more than a bunch of pretty renderings, but we like it nonetheless. Especially because we watched The Dark Knight on DVD last night, and it’s not a million miles away from the Batpod. Maybe.

Theoretically powered by a one-litre Honda V-Twin bike engine putting out 120bhp, the Hodge Hawk would certainly be quick – 145mph quick, in fact, which might feel a touch scary when you’re sat approximately four millimetres off the ground.

So go on, Mr Hodge. Build it. And then give us a Reliant Robin for the 21st century. Or even the 20th century…