MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.

[Source: Mini]

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It never fails. With the first cold snap of the season, comes plenty of vehicle breakdowns and crashes. BCAA Road Assist has experienced double the normal call volumes since the cold weather streak hit the province, and is asking drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in cold, icy and snowy conditions.
To avoid falling victim to “old man winter”, BCAA urges you to fully prepare your vehicle and learn the essentials of good winter driving — that is, to stay alert, slow down and stay in control.
BCAA’s top ten winter driving and vehicle prep tips include:

1.  Give your vehicle a winter check-up. Check fluids, tire tread and
inflation, lights, wipers, brakes and check your battery to ensure
the power is there when you need it.

2.  Install four matching winter tires. Don’t mix tires with different
tread patterns, internal construction and size, as it diminishes
vehicle handling.

3.  If you’re heading out on a long trip, pack an emergency kit including
a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel-
line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear, and
a first-aid kit.

4.  Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them. If
you have tire chains, make sure you have practiced installing them
before you’re standing knee-deep in snow.

5.  Plan ahead, check road and weather conditions. If driving is risky,
stay home if you can. If not, proceed with caution and keep your
radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
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Subaru of America, Inc. is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Available in an initial limited run of 125 units, the WRX STI Special Edition features upgraded performance suspension (derived from the Japanese domestic market spec C), unique Aspen White paint and custom spec C wheels. Pricing will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Also at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru is introducing the 2010 Impreza WRX Limited model, which adds a leather interior, standard moonroof and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio over the feature content of the Impreza WRX Premium model. Turbocharged excitement remains courtesy of the 265 HP, 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine powering Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system through a five-speed manual gearbox.

 [Source: Subaru]
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Subaru announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback. The fourth-generation of the World’s First Sport Utility Wagon is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Capability is enhanced with a segment-first roof rail and integrated crossbar design, 18.5 gallon fuel tank and an improved 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Interior volume increases 7 percent compared to the previous generation yet the overall length is almost one-inch shorter than the ‘09 model. Rear legroom increases almost 4 inches and total cargo capacity is now an impressive 71.3 cubic feet — an increase of 6 cubic feet. Despite the larger size, fuel economy is estimated to increase by 1 MPG in both City and Highway modes with CVT.

As with all Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, which helps driving performance by enhancing traction regardless of weather conditions.

Model Pricing Highlights:

The 2.5i is powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine and is available with either a new standard 6-speed manual transmission for $22,995 (the same price as the outgoing model) or the Lineartronic™ CVT for $23,995.

This base model comes complete with 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 8 cup holders, 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, floor mats, cargo tray, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder® system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), AM/FM Stereo with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, updated gauge cluster with ‘eco’ gauge, multi-function display with outside temperature, overhead console with sunglass holder and remote keyless entry system.
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After 15 years of top automobile motorsport, five years ago GTA Motor decided to go one step forward and make director Domingo Ochoa´s dream come true; build a super sports car that combines all the automobile technology with perfect, sportsmanship, elegance and exclusivity. So, Ochoa, with more that 30 year´s experience in the automobile sector, Ochoa set the basis to accomplish his project, a leading Spanish super sport car in an attempt to combine the select and reduced club of handicraft constructors. The technological experience and the development of applied innovations, became the basic factor of this project, and contributed revolutionary technical solutions in the automobile sector.

The use of new technologies in several components led to a more ecological product than other, similar products presently in the market. GTA intends to convert this technological transfer into a launching point for a new pioneeering automobile industry in Spain. Designed by GTA Motor´s engineering director, Valencian-born Sento Pallardó, the GTA Spano boasts the most advanced technology, innovative aesthetics, studied aerodynamics and a good number of solutions for the future, all of wich are capable of competing with international prestigious brands in terms of image and performance. As a sign of its exclusivity, only 99 models of this extraordinay super sport car will be built to order and several world patents have been obtained. Indeed it is a car that is the beginning of an industry wich leads to job creation and also to the transfer of the resulting technology to other sectors of society.

Jacques Villeneuve and ICAR are proud to announce a new strategic partnership. Together, they are launching the Jacques Villeneuve Academy.

“Setting up my own, high-performance driving school is a great opportunity to give back to racing, mentions Jacques Villeneuve. I chose ICAR because of its ultramodern infrastructures and because their vision and their values perfectly aligned with my own. Along with ICAR, my goal is to transmit my passion for racing and to increase the quality of experience for all the racing fans from around the world, whether they are beginners or experienced professionals. The Jacques Villeneuve Academy will offer a wide range of programmes and packages for all budgets.

From novice race driving programmes to advanced high-performance driving courses as well as advanced defensive driving “Roadsafe” programmes.” “We are thrilled that Jacques Villeneuve chose to associate himself with ICAR to create the Jacques Villeneuve Academy. This partnership only confirms the key role ICAR plays in the development of motorsports in Québec,” says ICAR’s president, Marc Arseneau. “This partnership is key in establishing an internationally recognized high performance driving school.

With such a widely respected name as Jacques Villeneuve attached to our driving school, it is a source of pride and honour for our company,” explained Louis-Philippe Gélinas, ICAR vice president. Saturday May 2nd, ICAR will inaugurate its iKART center with its 1km karting track which was designed by Jacques Villeneuve and will also announce a series of major improvement to the facilities.

[Source: ICAR]

With the SLR “Desire”, FAB Design has once more demonstrated its competence in the field of high-end luxury car customisation.

From the FAB Design high-performance engine which generates an unbelievable performance of 750hp and a maximum torque of 1,080Nm to the perfectly designed FAB Design interior - nearly any relevant part of the Mercedes super sports car has been customised and brought to perfection with the highest level of technical expertise by the FAB Design specialists.

The FAB Design body which has been redesigned by the Swiss specialist for this very exquisite masterpiece is made of ultra sturdy but extremely light and precious carbon which is produced in an autoclave - as is the case in aerospace industry and in Formula 1 - and in accordance with highest quality standards. At several exposed spots, the material is even visible since it has been clear-varnished in order to set spectacular accents.

Apart from the front and rear fenders, it also comprises new and exclusive FAB Design side skirts with special recesses for the FAB Design high-performance sports exhaust system whose pipes come out on the vehicle’s sides as is the case with the standard SLR.

The completely redesigned motor sports front apron as well as the reshaped bonnet which is adapted to the style of the new front side and to the wider fenders are further exclusive FAB Design highlights.

[Source: FAB Design]

Subaru announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Legacy® sedan. Pricing will start at $19,995 – $800 lower than the previous generation Legacy sedan – which set a sales record in 2008.

The new Subaru Legacy provides for a bolder design language in a larger midsize package. The 2010 Legacy, whose predecessor is renowned for its sporty handling and reliability, now has a longer wheelbase, four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new powertrain lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic™ CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). All Legacy models now feature an all-new front McPherson strut, rear double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars for improved ride & handling. Additionally, all Legacy models are upgraded with a much larger 18.5 gallon fuel tank for better operating range. As with all Subaru vehicles, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, which helps driving performance by enhancing traction regardless of weather conditions.

The 2.5i is equipped with a either the 6-speed manual transmission with a starting price of $19,995 or the all-new Lineartronic CVT as an option with a starting price of $20,995. This base model comes complete with 4-wheel disc brakes, quick-ratio power steering, tilt and telescope steering column, 8 cup holders, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder® system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), AM/FM Stereo with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, overhead console with sunglasses holder and remote keyless entry system.

[Source: Subaru]

There is only a little connection left between the GEMBALLA TORNADO 750 GTS and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. At the most, the Porsche SUV is the master model for the latest development by the automobile manufacturer from Leonberg near Stuttgart. Already at first glance, the targeted goal of the technicians at GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG can be clearly defined: away from the SUV and more to an uncompromising sports car. The reason for the performed metamorphosis was the large amount of requests for a high performance sports car with the dimensions and the spacious interior of an SUV. 25 years of experience with innovative products based on Porsche sports cars contributed to the development of this new automobile. The unique signature of owner Uwe Gemballa is also clearly visible with the TORNADO 750 GTS: 750 hp and a vehicle weight reduced by 250 kg are only two unique selling points of this superb automobile. Once again, the company confirms its expertise when it comes to striking design and an especially powerful engine technology.

In order to meet the sports car´s increased requirements in terms of light construction and torsional stiffness, Uwe Gemballa´s team optimised nearly the entire auto body. For this reason, the ultra-strength and especially light material carbon is mainly used. A front apron extended by 60 millimetres with integrated aero lip generates more downthrust at the front axle and in connection with the also extended rear section it renders the typical elongated sports car look. Extensive air inlets suck in additional fresh air for the engine, oil- and air intercooler; and moreover, an air duct system even brings the air to the front brakes. On the other hand, the engine heat is effectively diverted by air ducts in the also newly designed bonnet. The special highlight of the bonnet is its fusion with the front wings and the new, converse opening mechanism. Compared to the serial Cayenne, the one-part bonnet-wing-unit now opens forward and therefore allows a better access to the engine.

The outstanding eye-catchers of the TORNADO flanks are the body extensions which are fitted all the way from the front to the rear. They make space for the extremely broad 12-inch rims and in connection with the new side skirts they render a dynamic look.

[Source: Gemballa]

The new BMW 7 Series already sets the benchmark in luxury performance motoring – and now BMW is moving up the standard of maximum exclusivity and supremacy in this supreme class to an even higher level, following a completely new definition: The new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li are taking over the top position within BMW’s model portfolio, representing the highest level of motoring refinement in their segment.

The heart and foundation of this exceptional new standard comes from the twelve-cylinder power unit featured in both top models in the BMW 7 Series. Developed as a completely new engine from the ground up, the V12 is a master¬piece of modern engine technology. Superior power of 400 kW/544 hp comes at an engine speed of 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres (553 lb-ft) from just 1,500 rpm.

Combined with the likewise brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission, this twelve-cylinder offers not only unparalleled motoring refinement, but also supreme driving dynamics through its ability to convert seemingly unlimited power reserves spontaneously and with precise control at all times into supreme driving dynamics.

[Source: BMW]