Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Rendered

While the whole world is waiting with bated breath to catch the first glimpse of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, someone has already come up with some renderings of its roadster version.

They’ve done a pretty good job given the fact that they only had some leaked photos to work on. They have got all the details spot on. Even if you haven’t seen the pictures of the Aventador yet, these renderings give you a good view of that as well. Now if you fancy this car we have to point out it won’t be due in at least three years. That is the case with every new model. First they have to sell enough coupes, only then they drop the roadster to keep things fresh.

That should not be a problem for the Aventador, since it replaces the hugely successful Murcielago and is better than the Murci in almost every aspect. Lamborghini says they already have like 50 orders just from Singapore.

Source: www.motorward.com

The Lambo is not just a supercar

“FLAVOUR is like design: it has to be sexy, simple, intuitive, like a beautiful woman. It should never need to be understood or interpreted, its message is evident and sensual.” says Tonino Lamborghini.

Tonino, whose father Ferruccio introduced the Lamborghini to the auto world, is talking about coffee, or more specifically, the gourmet brew that carries his family name.

While most Malaysians still associate Lamborghini with fast, luxury cars, Lamborghini Caffe is already a household name in Italy and parts of Europe, having made its debut there in the 1990s.

And while his father is famous for creating fast cars and quality wines, Tonino, 63, gets the credit for his special brew of expresso.

Now, Klang Valley folks can have a taste of Tonino’s gourmet coffee that was launched at the Bangsar Shopping Centre on Wednesday.

“Although Italy doesn’t produce coffee beans, we Italians love our espresso. Considering that my father was a producer of high quality wine, we wanted to come up with high quality coffee,” says Tonino, 63, who hails from Bologna, Italy.

“It is a consequential Italian thing – wine, coffee and delicatessen,” he shares during a breakfast session for media members.

He adds that their coffee beans are derived and blended from various regions.

“I can’t tell you where the beans are from ... it’s a secret,” he says, tongue-in-cheek.

The Tonino Lamborghini Group, founded in 1981 by Tonino, is based in Palazzo del Vignola, a renaissance villa nearby Bologna. It was around that time that Tonino designed his first watch, reinterpreting the historic values and symbols which characterised his family.

Half way through the 1990s, Tonino launched his gourmet range that included high quality coffee and wines, pasta and sauces.

“I won’t say that our coffee is superior to other brands. But as the brand carries the luxury symbol of Lamborghini, we guarantee that the product is of the highest quality,” Tonino assures.

Honda Civic CVCC, 1975

Honda Civic CVCC, 1975

The Honda Civic is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door coupe, followed by a 3-door hatchback version that September. With the transverse engine placement of its 1169 cc engine and front wheel drive, like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions.

Early models of the Civic were typically outfitted with a basic AM radio, rudimentary heater, foam cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. The current Civic has become much more luxurious with satellite-linked navigation, a six-speed manual, power locks and power windows available. Still, many regard the Civic as representing a good value for the money, combining good performance, reliability and economy, as well as a very low rate of depreciation.

The Civic evolved from having a 1170 cc engine (1973) to having engines with larger capacities and more creature comforts (air conditioning, power windows, etc.) through the 1980s, 1990s and into the 2000s.

First generation (1973-1979)
The original 1973 Civic had a wheelbase under 87 inches and an overall length of 140 inches

Initially the Civic was sold with either a four-speed manual or a two speed "HondaMatic" model. Later models went to a five-speed manual and a full four-speed automatic transmission. Like the Mini, the transaxle was integrated with the engine unit.

Second generation (1979-1983)
The second generation Civic had a new, sleeker body and increased wheelbase to 88.6 inches for the hatchback and 91.3 inches for the wagon. The two-door sedan was no longer produced. All engines was now of the CVCC design ranging from 1335 cc giving 55 hp to 1488 cc giving 67 hp. The transmission was either a four-speed manual, a five-speed manual or a two-speed automatic. In 1981 a four door sedan was introduced and the two-speed automatic gearbox was replaced by a three speed. In 1982 it was slightly restyled with rectangular headlamps and black bumpers. In 1983 the sportier Civic S replaced the 1500GL.

Third generation (1983-1987)
For the third generation the wheelbase was increased by 5 inches to 96.5 inches. A new 12 valve (three valves per cylinder) 76 hp 1500 cc engine was introduced. The base hatchback still used the 1300 cc engine giving 60 hp. Supension was updated to independent rear suspension. The CRX was a Civic with a slightly different body. In 1985 the CRX Si was introduced. It came with a fuel-injected version of the 1500 cc engine giving 91 horsepower. In 1986 the Civic got flush-mounted headlights. Other news for the year was a four-speed automatic and an Si version of the Civic hatchback.

Fourth generation (1987-1991)
Again the wheelbase was increased to 98.4 inches. The body was designed with lower hood line and more glass giving less drag. The Civics also got a new family of engines. A 1500 cc 16-valve engine giving 92 hp was used in the DX hatchback/sedan, new LX sedan and the wagon. The base hatchback had a 70 hp version of the same engine. All engines were fuel injected. All wheels had double-wishbone suspension. In 1990 the EX trim was introduced.

Fifth generation (1991-1995)
The fifth generation had a more wedge shaped body and the wheelbase was increased to 101.3 inches for the two-door hatchback and 103.2 inches for the four-door sedan. The wagon was also dropped.

Sixth generation (1996-2000)
Beginning in 1997, Honda produced the first iteration of Civic to receive the "Type-R" appellation (applied first to the Integra Type-R), with the EK9 chassis Civic Type-R. The EK9-generation Civic Type-R had a maximum output in the range of 180 PS JIS (177 hp/132 kW), increased over the more common 160 PS (158 hp/118 kW) B16A engine in the SiR/VTi models, and included various alterations to the chassis to improve handling and reduce weight (such as better welding of the frame, and removal of the radio and noise-suppressing materials).

Seventh generation (2001-2005)
In 2001, Honda announced the release of the Civic Type-R for the EP chassis, a more sporty variant of the most recent model of Civic and successor to the EK9 Civic Type-R. Unlike the EK9 version, which was produced solely in Japan, the EP Civic Type-R is produced in the United Kingdom and exported to Japan. The EP Civic Type-R has a specific output of 200 PS (197 hp/147 kW) at 8000 rpm, a six-speed manual transmission, a reworked exterior with a bullet-like hatchback design, aeroform bumpers, spoiler, and 17 in wheels. The interior of the Type-R includes Recaro seats and a Momo steering wheel, and the model also includes Type-R-specific badging, a helical limited-slip differential, and has been reported to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds (6.4 in facelifted model).

The hybrid version became available in 2003, which uses both a small (1.3 L) main gasoline engine and auxiliary electric motors. The electric motors are powered by a battery array which is charged by regenerative braking during deceleration, which reduces exhaust emissions and extends fuel mileage.

The new Sport Hatchback model with futuristic styling was unveiled in August 2005 for the European market only. This model featured from launch a 1.4 L I-DSI and a 1.8 L i-VTEC rated at 83 PS (81 hp/61 kW) and 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) respectively, with 177 and 207 km/h (110 and 129 mph) top speeds and 14.2 and 8.6 sec 0-100 km/h sprint. The Sport Hatchback is also available with a 2.2 L I-CTDI Diesel engine from the Accord, Edix/FR-V and CR-V, rated at 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) and is capable of 205 km/h (127 mph) and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

 

Honda AZ-600, 1971

Honda AZ-600, 1971

Honda AZ-600, 1971

Honda N600, 1967

Honda N600, 1967

 

The N600 was introduced in 1969. It was technologically advanced for its time, with an all alloy engine which could achieve 9000 rpm. Engine output was 36–45 hp (27–34 kW) and the N600 was capable of 81 mph (130 km/h). It delivered surprisingly peppy performance because of its light weight (around 550 kg/1100 pounds), due to compact dimensions and some plastic parts (like the boot lid). The first brakes were very weak. Rear suspension was a torsion bar and leaf springs. Production was stopped in 1972, after the sportier Honda Z600 (or Z-Act, depending on country) was introduced.

The Electric Lamborghini Minotauro – Pictures + Video

Lamborghini are famous for being the “other” Italian supercar manufacturer, having produced infamous vehicles like the Miura, the Countach and the recent Sesto Elemento, Lamborghini are yet to build an electric car. Design student Andrei Avarvarii decided to put that right and set about designing the Lamborghini Minotauro, a 100% electric Lamborghini supercar that seats 3 and can dash from 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

Avarvarii gave the Minotauro 30-70 weight distrubution, favouring the rear wheels, to maintain the spirit of the older rear wheel drive only Lambo’s and he used a Li-Tec flat-cell battery mounted in the floor to give the car a low centre of gravity.

With electric motors at each wheel and a KERS system feeding the front motors the Minotauro has 500hp and a staggering 2,000Nm of torque (the 1,001hp Bugatti Veyron has just 730Nm).

The Minotauro has seating for three, a side-by-side arrangement in the front plus on seat in the centre-rear (where the V10 would have been in a gasoline car).

Lamborghini have been rumoured to be working on a hybrid super car for some time now, many “purists” are adamantly against any form of electric power, we’re not sure what they plan on using for fuel once the oil runs out but we’ll keep you posted.

It’s also rumoured that Lamborghini is working with parent company Audi on the production of a show-stopping electric concept car for release at the 2011 Paris Motorshow, the car is said to use the same running gear as the Audi e-Tron but the composite carbon body will more closely resemble the Sesto Elemento.

Lamborghini Minotauro - student design project from Andrei Avarvarii on Vimeo.

Source: http://electrovelocity.com

Preview: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera

Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy • It’s called the Terra Dei Motori (Land of Motors) because of the storied marques that produce some of the most exotic vehicles the world has to offer — Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati and Lamborghini. The last came to fruition because Ferruccio Lamborghini did not like the clutch on his Ferrari, nor the fact that Enzo Ferrari rebuffed his ideas for a fix. Lamborghini’s response? He opened his own factory in 1963 and started building the perfection he envisioned. The rest is, as they say, history.

Over the years, the company’s outré style and pronounced wedge profile has been applied to many vehicles. My introduction to the brand came in the form of the LM 002, a truck (a term used advisedly) more commonly referred to as the “Rambo” Lambo — only 301 were ever built. To this day, thinking about driving that 440-horsepower all-wheel-drive monster makes me shudder: In anything other than a straight line, it just did not sit well. It was such that one did not steer; one pointed it in the general direction in much the same way as one points a rowboat. However, find a straightaway, nail the gas and the acceleration was, given the mass the 5.2-litre V12 was motivating, stunning. The LM 002’s ability to pick up its oversized rocker panels and run like the wind defied logic, but it sure was fun.

My second dalliance with Lamborghini came this week, in the form of the silky and oh-so-sexy Gallardo — an LP 570-4 Superleggera to be exact. This car is all about speed and its ability to enhance one’s manhood. The starting point is the 5.2L V10 engine. This thing develops 570 hp at a stratospheric 8,000 rpm and twists out 398.3 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The stallions are relayed to the road through a six-speed automated manual transmission (it is a clutchless manual called e-gear in Lamborghini-speak), all four wheels (70% of the power going rearward, which gives it a sportier feel) and enormous P235/35R19 front and P295/30R19 rear tires. The combination ensures the power is put to pavement without melting the rubber. Pull away with alacrity and it just bolts off the line like a thoroughbred. No muss; no fuss.

Beyond the V10 engine, it’s the use of lightweight materials and a power-to-weight ratio that’s to die for that defines this car. With a curb weight of just 1,340 kilograms, each of the stampeding stallions only has to move 2.35 kilograms of supercar! Of course, the sound it makes when worked is a siren so sweet it encourages the driver to drop a cog or two, stand on the gas and listen to the 10 pistons thrash away as the exhaust note howls like some deranged banshee. In the real world — the roads around the Lamborghini factory seem to be devoid of speed limits — my licence would last five minutes … or less!

The driving sensation is mechanical in nature, but with a softer edge. It’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer in a velvet bag. Mash the gas pedal and the baby Bull gallops to 100 kilometres an hour in 3.4 seconds. Stay with it, which takes considerable nerve, and it rockets to 200 km/h in less than 10.2 seconds. My first car took longer than that to reach 100 km/h, and that was pretty darned near flat out! The Gallardo has a posted top speed of 325 km/h. Enough said.

Remarkably, the ride comfort is surprisingly good. Even over the often rough roads around the Lamborghini factory, the Gallardo remained flat and unflustered. Likewise, the garbage can-sized, two-piece rotors and anti-lock braking system eased the car to a halt.

Gripes? I have but one minor one. The automated manual box is a bit cantankerous — it shifts well enough at low speeds, but it bangs its way up through the box at full chat. The fact I could not figure out how to put it into gear (one of those dreaded “duh!” moments) did not help my love affair with it.

Did I back the Gallardo up? Not! The sightlines to the rear are more or less non-existent, although the backup camera does ease things somewhat. Ditto the side-view mirrors — they’re as much for decoration as they are for function.

By the time I wheeled back into the Lamborghini factory at the end of the test drive, neither really mattered. Nothing is going to pass this thing, so what’s behind it is a moot point. Ditto reversing into a confined space — you just find somewhere large enough to accommodate the 12-metre turning circle. Besides, the adrenalin rush makes all the rational things one normally deems so important seem rather trivial.

The cabin is decked out in a manner befitting a supercar. In the tester’s case, it was wrapped in plush black Alcantara with orange sticking and accented with carbon-fibre inserts. The bucket seats, complete with four-point racing harnesses, proved to be as comfortable as they were practical — they hug without confining.

The drive was all too brief, but the impression it left will be lasting. This is a serious car that’s not for the faint of heart. That stated, it proved to be far less temperamental when idling its way through town than I expected.

Source: www.nationalpost.com

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Interior Revealed

Just when we were about to say we'll see nothing new about the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 before the Geneva Auto Show (and aside for the images already shown this past week), somebody from the auto maker's PR department succeeds in proving us wrong.

So far, without revealing the model per se, Lamborghini managed to show us both the front end and the side view of its newest creation. Until now, however, we had no photo of the interior. That problem has been solved today, with the release of the first photo showing the interior, accompanied by a mugshot of the engine and a detailed look at the door.

As we repeatedly and obsessively told you the past few months, the new Lambo on the block will come packing a 6.5l V12 engine, capable of developing 700 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque. The engine and all its power is kept at bay with the help of a Graziano ISR 7-speed automatic transmission.

Being a pure-breed Lamborghini, the Aventador LP700-4 comes equipped with everything that makes a hyper car great. Words like Haldex all-wheel drive system aluminum double wishbone suspension, or carbon ceramic brakes fit the model as a well crafted glove.

And so do the performance figures: the model is capable of a naught to sixty acceleration in only 2.9 seconds, with the top speed going to as much as 217 mph (350 Km/h).

Source: www.autoevolution.com

Lamborghini Shows Chassis Of Its Next Supercar

Automobili Lamborghini SpA unveiled the rolling chassis of the new V-12-powered super sports car it plans to launch at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The revelation of the car’s carbon-fiber monocoque “tub” earlier this month.

With the rollout of the chassis we can see more of the cars’s parts and how they are put together, including racy-looking transverse coil-over springs and shock absorbers that look like they were plucked from a racing prototype at Le Mans.

You may be wondering piece of the new car Lamborghini will show next. Will we see the headlights, seats or carpeting?

While the suspense may seem a bit ridiculous, it is a way for Lamborghini to get the most mileage out of the pending introduction. Once the new car, which replaces the Murcielago, hits the market it will probably have the difficult job of holding car fans’ attention for many years before a new model comes along.

The company brings out a new flagship only about once every decade. The 1960s had the Miura, the ’70s saw the Countach emerge and — well, the Countach was around for almost 20 years before the Diablo showed up. Of course the company had a number of bouts with seemingly certain death during those years.

Now as a unit of Volkswagen AG, Lamborghini has the resources to turn out cars that are more advanced and reliable than past models. They are also taken more seriously by customers and competing exotic-car makers like Ferrari and Porsche.

We’ll see the new Lambo in less than a week. Until then, picture something like the Sesto Elemento concept car the company showed at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

Source: blogs.wsj.com

Lamborghini Reveals Singapore Limited Edition Vehicle

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Lamborghini Singapore showcased its line-up of limited edition of supercars at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore. The company said that these limited edition cars are specially commissioned exclusively for the Singapore market.

The Singapore Limited Edition Lamborghini 5.2, which will are available only in two colors, black and white, can be easily recognized with the red stripes on the sides and a Merlion logo that’s labeled on the exterior of each car. The company manufactured the Singapore-themed Gallardo in partnership between the factory and its Singapore importer.

This vehicle will be powered by a 10 cylinders V90, DOHC 4 valves engine that has a displacement of 5,200cc. This engine can generate a maximum power of 550 bhp at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 540 Nm at 6500 rpm.

The Limited Edition vehicle from Lamborghini can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.9 seconds and can achieve a maximum speed of 320 kmph.

Apart from announcing the limited edition for Singapore, Lamborghini Singapore will donate S$20,000 from the sale of each of the ten special 10th Anniversary limited edition Lamborghini cars to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. This fund will be used for helping the less fortunate students in Singapore.

The Italian automaker also said that for Lamborghini Singapore‘s 10th anniversary celebration, the brand will continue with its line-up of Community Service Responsibility activities in 2011 in a bid to share the spirit of caring and giving.

Edo Competition LP750 Is World’s Fastest Lamborghini Murcielago

Germany’s Edo Competition is an expert when it comes to modifying ultra-rare exotics so who better to tune one of Lamborghini’s most hardcore cars ever produced--the limited edition Murcielago LP640. About one and a half years ago the tuning firm’s engineers laid hands on a LP640 and turned it into the fastest and most powerful Murcielago in the world--no small task with monsters like this one from America's Underground Racing.

Back then, the Edo Competition team managed to extract 710 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from the car’s 6.5 liter V12 engine. The end result was a top speed of 219 mph on the Papenburg high speed test track in Germany, a mark that remains unmatched to this day.

Now, with Lamborghini’s Murcielago successor, the highly anticipated ‘Aventador’ LP700-4 due out in just a week, Edo has decided to work over the Murcielago one more time. And thus, the Edo Competition LP750 was born.

The engine’s output has been increased to an impressive 750 horsepower and the torque now stands at 546 pound-feet. This is enough to see the modified Lambo hit 62 mph from rest in just 3.1 seconds, pass 124 mph in 9.7 seconds and reach 186 mph in 24.5 seconds.

However, the guys at Edo were determined to beat their old record and as such the car is now capable of a top speed of 227 mph.

Modifications include custom cylinder heads, high flow intake and exhaust systems, more aggressive camshafts, bucket tappets, and a reprogrammed ECU.

Complementing the engine mods is an optimized aerodynamics package which improves high-speed stability and adds to the car’s already aggressive look. One special feature is an adjustable lip spoiler.

Source: motorauthority.com

Lamborghini to Reveal Flagship Supercar in Geneva

Lamborghini said it plans to unveil a flagship supercar which will carry a price tag of more than $370,000. The company said the vehicle, which will be called the Aventador, is its most powerful series production vehicle ever.

The Aventador LP 700-4 is equipped with a V12 engine that can generate a power of 700-hp. With the help of this engine, this vehicle can sprint to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.9 seconds. As reported by autonews, the vehicle is excepted to be revealed on March 1 at the Geneva Motor Show.

A person from the company who refused to reveal his identity said autonews that the Aventador, which replaces the Volkswagen AG brand’s top-of-the-line Murcielago model, is already sold for the first year of production. Lamborghini, which is competing with Fiat’s Ferrari, will decide over the next year whether to add a third model to its portfolio to complement the Aventador and Gallardo lines.

The company expects that the launch of the Aventador will help it to help capitalize on a recovering market for luxury autos costing more than $200,000. The report from IHS, the supercar sales in the U.S. may surge 146% this year for vehicles costing from $200,000 to $400,000 after plunging 40%in 2010, gives hope to this Italian automaker.

With an expected boom in the automobile sector, Lamborghini is increasing the production of the Aventador. By March 1, it is expected that the output will be expanded to build around 100 cars. The company has already started to take orders for the vehicle which has a top speed of 350 kilometers per hour. The sales of Aventador will begin in the second quarter of this year.

Source: nitrobahn.com

2011 Edo Competition LP750

Back in 2006, Lamborghini unveiled the Murcielago LP640, a model powered by a 6.5 liter V12 engine with an output of 640 HP. Shortly after, EDO Competition unveiled the LP710 /2 based off of that same model. This Murcielago became the world’s fastest with a bump up from 640hp to 710hp, but that stay at the top was bound to be limited. Now, the German tuner has prepared an even powerful version of the Murcielago LP640.

The V12 engine found in the Lamborghini has been updated to deliver a total of 750 HP and 546 ft-lb of torque, while the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in 3.1 seconds. It’s top speed goes up to an impressive 226 mph which is a considerable improvement over the LP710’s top speed of 219 mph achieved on the Papenburg high speed test track.

Source: origin.topspeed.com

VW Polo, 1975

VW Polo, 1975

 

The Mk I Polo, a rebadged version of the Audi 50, was introduced in 1975. The differences between the Audi and VW models were minor, with the Polo being cheaper and much more basic. The two cars were initially sold along side each other, but the Audi 50 never sold as well, and was withdrawn in 1978. The Polo was manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg. In 1977, the Derby sedan was released, which was simply a Polo, identical to the hatchback from the C-pillar forward, with a large boot attached (an old Audi proposal, but never sold by this brand).

When first on sale the range topping car, the LS model, featured the 50 PS (37 kW) 1043 cc engine found in the Audi 50. Other specifications included parking lights, rear wash wipe, sun visors, chromed bumpers and 4.5J X 13" wheels. The N model was the basic starting spec lacking many of the features of the LS. In 1979 the GLS was introduced, replacing the LS as the range-topping car; specification upgrades included chrome headlight and grill surrounds, sunroof, a cigarette lighter and chrome wheel trims.

895 cc, 1093 cc and 1272 cc engines were used, with the smaller one used only in the Polo hatchback, and the 1272 cc only in the Derby, Audi 50, and the rare Polo GT. Different levels of compression were used on each size to achieve different power outputs, and the variations are numerous, often differing depending on the country of sale, ranging from 35 to 60 PS (26 to 44 kW).

Mk IF (1979-1981)
The Mk I Polo and Derby were facelifted in 1979 (Mk IF) with plastic bumpers, a different front grille and a revised dashboard. The round headlights of the Derby were replaced with square ones, bringing it inline with the similar Golf-based Jetta sedan.

Further models were added including CLS, S and an out run LX model. The Mk I's production run finally ended in October 1981 with over 500,000 Polos sold worldwide.

VW Golf I, 1974

VW Golf I, 1974

 

The first Golf began production in 1974. Marketed in the United States and Canada from 1975 to 1984 as the Volkswagen Rabbit and in Latin America as the Volkswagen Caribe, it featured the water-cooled, front wheel drive design pioneered by the Citroën Traction Avant in 1934 with the addition of a hatchback pioneered by the Renault 4 in 1961. The Golf was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1975. The name is short for Golf-Strom, German for Gulf Stream; it was named for that oceanic current to reflect its international character. It was originally named the Rabbit in North America and the Caribe in Latin America, ironically, because marketers decided that no one in the Western Hemisphere would understand the European name.

While the Golf was not the first design with this layout (earlier examples being the Austin and Morris Mini of 1959, the Austin Maxi in the late 1960s and the Fiat 128 3P of the early 1970s), it was very successful, especially since it married these features with Volkswagen's reputation for solid build-quality and reliable engineering.

The Golf was designed by Italian automobile architect / designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, of the ItalDesign design studio. A version of this original Golf model, known as the Volkswagen CitiGolf, is still produced in South Africa as an entry level car.

In 1978, Volkswagen commenced producing the Rabbit version of the Mk1 Golf in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, thus becoming the first European car manufacturer in modern times to produce a vehicle in the United States. Former Chevrolet executive James McLernon was chosen to run the factory, which was built to lower the cost of the Rabbit in North America by producing it locally. Unfortunately, McLernon tried to "Americanize" the Rabbit by softening the suspension and using cheaper materials for the interior. VW purists in America and company executives in Germany were displeased, and for the 1983 model year the Pennsylvania plant went back to using stiffer shocks and suspension with higher-quality interior trim. The plant also began producing the GTI for the North American market. (Rabbits were built in Pennsylvania through 1984.) The first VW Caddy pick-up, based on the Mk1 Golf, was also created at the Pennsylvania plant.

The GTI version, launched in Europe in 1976 and in the US in 1983, virtually created the hot hatch genre overnight, and many other manufacturers since have created special sports models of their regular volume selling small hatchbacks. It was one of the first small cars to adopt fuel injection for its sports version, which raised power output of the 1588 cc engine to 110 PS (81 kW/108 hp). In 2004, Sports Car International announced the GTI Mk I as the 3rd best car of the 1980s. In the United States, the Mk1 Golf GTI was known as the Rabbit GTI.

There was a minor facelift in 1980 for North American versions only, which saw the adoption of larger rear lamp clusters (more in line with Guigiaro's original concepts), larger bumpers, square headlights and a new dashboard with a more modern-looking instrument display.

The convertible version, named the Cabriolet, was sold from 1980 to 1993 (a convertible version of the Golf II was not made, so the Mk1 cabrio with slight modification was produced until the introduction of the Mk III cabrio). It had a reinforced body, transverse roll bar, and a high level of trim. The A1 Volkswagen convertible is of unibody construction built entirely at the factory of Karmann, from stamping to final assembly; Volkswagen supplied the engine, suspension, interior, etc. for Karmann to install. The vinyl tops were insulated and manually operated, with a glass rear window.

As of 2006, Volkswagen of South Africa still manufactures two first generation Golfs, the four-door "Citi" Golf and the "Pickup".

VW Passat Variant, 1973

VW Passat Variant, 1973

The original VW Passat was launched in 1973. The body types offered originally were 2- and 4-door sedans and similar looking three- and five-door versions. Externally all four shared a modern fastback style design, styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro). All the versions sharing the same external design was unusual, since two of the models were traditional sedans with a separate trunk. A five-door station wagon was introduced in 1974. Passat was effectively a less expensive version of the Audi 80 (Fox) sedan which had been introduced a year earlier and which had a more conservative body style, so that the Audi and Volkswagen models had distinct body styles and image. In Europe, Passat was equipped with hexagonal or single round or double round headlights depending on specification.

In North America, the car was called the Dasher, and was only available with round DOT-spec lights. The three-door hatchback model was launched in North America in 1975.

VW Passat was one of the most modern European family cars at the time, and was intended as a replacement for the ageing Volkswagen Type 3, and as a contemporary rival for popular Ford Taunus/Cortina) and Opel Ascona/Vauxhall Cavalier. The Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1974 and its sister model Audi 80 was nominated car of the year by the European motor press a year earlier. The platform was named B1.

The Passat used the 4 cylinder OHC 1.3 L, 1.5 L, and 1.6 L petrol engines, also used in the Audi 80—longitudinally mounted with front wheel drive, in Audi tradition, with either a 4-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup in back.

The SOHC 1.5 produced 75 PS (55 kW) and was enlarged to 1.6 L for 1975. The larger engine included tighter emissions controls, so power output dropped to 70 PS (52 kW). Bosch fuel injection on the 1.6 was introduced in 1976 and brought power up to 78 PS (57 kW).

The whole range received a facelift in 1977 (launched 1978 outside Europe), featuring an interior upgrade and subtly revised styling including repositioned indicators and quad (round) headlights on all models. This generation was sold in Brazil well into the 1980s and extensively exported to Iraq, where many are still on the road. It was also assembled in Nigeria.

1979 saw the introduction of the Volkswagen Golf's 1.5 L Diesel engine, which produced just 48 PS (35 kW) in the 1130 kg (2500 lb) car. 0–100 km/h time for the Diesel was 19.4 seconds, 6.2 seconds slower than the gasoline (petrol) engine. Still, all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in 1981 in preparation for the next generation car the next year.

Lamborghini Aventador to be priced more than $370,000

We are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the new flagship Lamborghini – the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, which will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. With all the excitement built around the new Murcielago replacement, Lamborghini is hoping to capitalize on a recovering market for luxury supercars costing more than $200,000.

Supercars sales in the United States may increase 146 percent in 2011 for vehicles costing between $200,000 to $400,000, according to IHS Automotive. The supermarket took a 40 percent hit in 2010.

So how much will the Lamborghini Aventador cost? Well, the first figures are in, courtesy of Automotive News, and it looks like prices will start just over $370,000.

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Video

The Gallardo is Lamborghini’s best-selling model partly because it’s the marquee’s more affordable entry – with a low, low base price of $187,900. If close to $200,000 sounds too plebian for your taste, you can always opt for the even more exotic, even more super, Superleggera trim. “Superleggera” means “super light,” a feat partially achieved by gobs of carbon fiber, inside and out.

More Than a Boat -- The Mauro Lecci Lamborghini Yacht

How cutting edge can you get? If you've got the bucks, there's a world of awe-inspiring gadgets and goodies out there for you. From hundred thousand dollar watches to speakers that sound so good they'll make an audiophile weak in the knees, The Big Ticket is your weekly peek into the best goods gobs of money can buy.

File this one in the "if you have to ask..." category. The Mauro Lecci Lamborghini Yacht ($TBA) began as a dream but has become a ridiculously rich reality.

Powered by dual high-performance engines and employing Kevlar/carbon construction to keep the weight low, the design is inspired by Lamborghini's legendary rides, offering large windows that recall the air vents of the cars, a pair of rear decks, a large forward deck, a double sofa bed, bar, and entertainment center in the cockpit, a bed and bath with separate shower for the owner, and another for guests.

Average lifetime car insurance costs estimated at $84,000

by Jeff Glucker

Unless you live in New Hampshire, here in the States, you're required to have some form of car insurance covering your vehicle. The annual cost to insure a car depends on an array of factors ranging from the type of vehicle to where you live to your driving record. You undoubtedly know what you pay for insurance on an annual or monthly basis, but do you know how much you will end up paying over the course of your driving life? According to Insurance.com, the average person will spend $84,388.

What does 'average' mean in the context of this study? In this case, researchers assume that you first insure your own vehicle at 21 years old, get married at 27, insure two teenagers for a few years and then stop driving when you turn 75. That passage of time is filled with a variety of claims, including accidents and other incidents that get sent across your insurance agent's desk.

Predictably, Insurance.com offers up a few suggestions for cutting your overall coverage expenses. Some are easier said than done (avoid traffic tickets) while others might actually be fun (defensive driving course). Check out the company's press release for the full details after the jump.

The Lamborghini Yacht

In the world of luxury mash-ups, we have seen the Porsche Kitchen, the Hermes Helicopter and the Versace private jet.

Now comes the Lamborghini yacht.

Fenice Milano, the auto aftermarket specialists, and Mauro Lecchie, the Italian designer known for producing cars, have teamed up to create a prototype of a yacht inspired by Lamborghini. As you can see from the pictures, the wedge-shaped hull has all the sinister-looking details we have come to expect from Lambos–the sloping nose, the angled vents, the roaring engines.

With giant twin engines and body made of wood and Kevlar, the Lambo boat “combines high performance and low power consumption,” according to its makers. The company hasn’t given out the exact engine specs or speed.

Driving a Lambo boat is likely to be far more comfy than squeezing behind the wheel of its namesake. The cockpit has two outside stern decks, a double sofa bed, a bar and entertainment center with large windows. The interior also has a bathroom and separate shower, in addition to a guest bedroom with bathroom on the bow. (Unlike another new yacht, which will spray champagne from its showers, the Lambo shower appears to be limited to water).

There is no information yet on the boat’s price or availability. But it is likely that the buyers will similar to the Lambo demographic–young, male and loaded.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with Supercharged V8 Poster Snagged at Chicago Show

All those rumors about Chevrolet readying the Camaro ZL1 for a debut at the Chicago Auto Show turned out to be true as the guys from the Camaro5 forums snapped these pictures of GM's poster signs from the show floor. It won't be long before Chevrolet presentation starts, but you can get an idea of what to expect in the preliminary details posted after the jump.

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VW Addresses Jetta Complaints with New GLI Model that gets 200HP and Euro Suspension

When American buyers learned that the European market version of the Jetta came with better and more modern engines, improved materials and a four-link rear suspension system similar to that fitted to the Golf, they felt somewhat let down - even though these changes came with a hefty price increase for European consumers. Now, VW is trying to address some of these concerns with the presentation of the new Jetta GLI, which debuts today at the Chicago Auto Show.

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Suzuki to Preview Hot Hatchback in Geneva with Swift S-Concept

Ever since Suzuki presented the latest generation of the Swift in the summer of 2010, we were wondering if the Japanese automaker had any plans to add a sportier version to its supermini's range. Well, it appears that Suzuki does have something in mind as the company will be exhibiting a new concept car named the SWIFT S-CONCEPT at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Read more »

Dodge Unveils Sporty R/T Versions of Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan

The Chicago Auto Show is the stage for the world premiere of an entire lineup of new R/T performance models from Dodge. The brand's performance moniker, which stands for Road & Track and has been in use since the 1960s, has now been applied on the latest iterations of the Charger saloon, Challenger Coupe, Journey crossover, Durango SUV and the Dodge Caravan minivan. Every R/T model receives exclusive exterior and interior design cues plus performance enhancements including special exhaust tuning and a sport suspension.

“Our Dodge R/T models give buyers the chance to stoke their love of driving while still taking care of their families and responsibilities. Driving these R/T models will absolutely leave a smile on their face,” said Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles.

Beginning with the 2011 Charger R/T, the sports sedan comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology returning 370 horsepower and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance in less than 6 seconds. It is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The MSRP for the 2011 Charger R/T is $30,170 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

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Video: Lamborghini Countach QuattroValvole drive from Sant’Agata to UK

Do you want to know what it’s like to drive a Lamborghini Countach QuattroValvole from the glamorous shores of Monaco to the heart of the UK? EVO magazine has just done it and posted a video of the drive on YouTube.

Harry Metcalfe of EVO says the car is very powerful but after a long drive it is apparent just how much hard work is involved in driving it. He also mentions the brakes, which he says are nothing like today’s standards. He says the brake pedal needs to be pushed fairly hard and that there is little confidence in them.

Apart from the speedo that stopped working on the way, the classic Lamborghini Countach made the journey in one piece. It uses a 5.2-litre V12 engine, with four valves per cylinder – hence the QuattroValvole name – producing 339kW of power. It’ll manage the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds too, so even to this day the retro supercar is a very quick bit of gear.

Check out the video below to hear the awesome sound of the V12, and a more details of the journey.

SCOOP: Opel's New Corsa-Based Small SUV is GM's Answer to the Nissan Juke

General Motor's Opel / Vauxhall division is preparing its own proposal in the small crossover segment to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke as well as the forthcoming Fiesta Fiesta-based CUV, and here are some spy shots of what will soon slot into Opel's crossover lineup below the Antara.

Under all the camo is GM's new compact crossover, and it's expected to ride on an modified version of the upcoming Sonic/Spark's Gamma II platform, which will also be used on the next Corsa. Anyone want to photoshop a 4-door Corsa high rider? If not, just imagine it.

Power should come from Opel's current lineup of 1.4-liter and possibly 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline units as well as a choice of turbo diesel engines, while both front- or all-wheel drive configurations will likely be available when the Corsa crossover debuts.

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Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica injured in rally crash

Government Probe Finds no Link Between Electronics and Unintended Acceleration in Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

A 10-month long probe done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and NASA found no link between software-driven throttles and unintended acceleration in Toyota Motor Corp vehicles. The investigation concluded that the previously suspected sticking accelerator pedals and loose floor mats are to blame for the unfortunate incidents, which allegedly caused some 89 deaths.

“There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas”, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.

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Is the Cougatti Just the Purtiest 2002 Mercury Cougar you ever did see?

Sure, most people would love to have a Bugatti Veyron; sadly, at over a million bucks a pop we're talking a vehicle that's slightly out of reach for most consumers. Thankfully, one man and eBay have rectified this issue with something we'll call a Cougatti (or Bougar).

Based on a 112,000-mile 2002 Mercury Cougar with a V6 and automatic transmission, this one-of-one Cougatti has a starting bid of $89,000 and no takers as of this writing. Potential buyers get all the body work, 20-inch wheels, angel eye HID headlights, LED tails, two gas caps (one functional), and power windows/mirrors.

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New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Comes to the States, will Debut in Chicago

Earlier today, we told you about the Australian market Mazda MX-5 Special Edition featuring a sports suspension kit and some exclusive styling touches. Well, we now learn that the same model will be offered in the States in a limited run of 750 units, albeit at a much lower price as the U.S. version starts at $30,925 with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when equipped with the six-speed Sport AT automatic. That's compared to US$47,800 for the Aussie market model.

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