The Jaguar Portfolio is a two-seat convertible sports car that was designed after the well-known E-Type. Its main competitors are BMW 650i, Mercedes Benz SL550 and Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. It’s a tough competition but Jaguar isn’t quite the stray cat. On the contrary, with its new 5.0-liter V8 engine it can wipe out any car off the road. Also it seems that the Jaguar J-gate gear lever is history, but that isn’t quite the bad news for most of us.

The interior of the car is said to be exquisite. It features a gray dash alongside a door panel area with double-needle stitching. The seats offer ventilation and heating and infinite adjusting possibilities. You CAN’T feel uncomfortable in this car. If you like music a 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system awaits you. That’s pretty awesome, but Jaguar also offers for this model a complete HD audio solution for an optional $300.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is available in 4 modes: Trac DSC, DSC off (to completely disable DSC), Normal and Winter. The driving experience is total, at least that is what the manufacturers promise us, and although you can only bring one passenger with you, that’s not really the reason the Jaguar Portfolio was designed in the first place.

The new model from Jaguar offers great improvements over its predecessors, which shows that Jaguar is an experienced player on the auto market, that can provide quality merchandise. The starting price for the Jaguar Portfolio will be $88,150, but with HD audio system and custom paint it can take you around $90,000.

The new Capri seems to be a mix between the company’s latest designs in innovations.

The new, upgraded three door version of Ford Focus is said to be a top-notch family car for 2010.
Ford’s approach with the Capri reminds of what Volkswagen did with the Scirocco in terms of reinventing an old model and the expectations concerning this vehicle are high. Yet, as far as an affordable coupe the Capri is not short of competition: there are Audi with A5, Volkswagen with Scirocco, Peugeot with 308 RC Z etc.

The concept of the new Capri is to be brought at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September and to be produced in 2010. In what concerns the aspect of the new Capri the automobile is inspired from the Max concept whose premiere was at the Geneva Motor Show (if you’ve seen it you know it’s saying something). The car has a hatchback, a tail-heavy stance, C-shaped rear windows and thick pillars. Rumor has it that the Capri will be set up on the Focus platform. Capri could have a 3,2 litre six-cylinder motor with a four wheel drive or a  2,5 litre five-cylinder turbocharged. In the interior it has a 2+2 seating and could be inspired by Mondeo.

All things considered I should say that the Capri has to face some very high expectations since Volkswagen’s reinventing the Scirocco was a success and since the Capri itself was a success back in the day. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see if it rises to the expectations.

Conceived as the F-430’s replacement, the new Ferrari is considered by its makers to be a totally unique car from every point of view, which will bring a revolution to the industry.

What are the features of the Ferrari 458 Italia?

As you all expected, this car is a two-seater berlinetta, that brings you closer to the Formula 1 experience. The driving wheel, the dashboard and the driving environment, all seem prepared for top-speed racing. This may be because Michael Schumacher has contributed from beginning to the end, playing an essential role in the way this car was conceived.

When talking about technical aspects, the first fact that we notice is the mid-rear 4499 cc V8 direct injection engine. It seems that the 458 Italia will be the first Ferrari model fitted with a mid-rear engine. The engine is capable of delivering 570 CV at 9000 rpm and a power output of 127 CV/litre. These kind of spectacular specifications make this model destined to enter the history of the company and the auto industry in general. However it seems that the team at Ferrari thought about the environment too, and although their new engine is significantly powerful than any predecessor, is actually more eco-friendly releasing only 320 g/km of CO2 and having an average consumption of 13.7 l/100 km.

There is no car that can compete with these numbers in the whole market segment.

Although the 458 Italia can be used in day-to-day driving, it seems that the manufacturers at Maranello created this model for owners that have as priority top-speed driving, racing passions and want their car to have track capabilities.

The technical facts are quite outstanding. The engine capacity is with about 0,2 liter over its predecessor. The complete package is the following: a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine capable of developing 450 bhp (331 kW), 450 HP. Combine this with the fact that the car is equipped with a sequential six-speed manual gearbox ,weights 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) and the result will be a complete racing car. In addition to this an exhaust system with a   catalytic converter decreases the CO2 emissions to an acceptable minimum.

It is clear that the makers of this car put a lot of effort into the looks of the new Porsche 911 GT3. The front spoiler, the daytime lights, the body panels make this car easily recognisable. The model will be available only in Carrara White as most of the 911 models. It’s also good to know that the new Porsche 911 GT3 has borrowed the rear air vent openings, as well as the rear lights from the road model.

The interior of the car offers even more features dedicated to professional drivers. An additional vent has been mounted in the cockpit to provide the needed fresh air to the driver. The controls have been positioned directly on the steering wheel and in addition the wheel is also height adjustable.

The new model will participate in no less than 7 races in the upcoming season in Germany, Asia, Japan, Italy as well as in USA and the Middle East. You might want to know that the base price for this model is 149,850 (without taxes), but it will depend from country to country.

RMC’s Scorpion was introduced to the public eye at the 2008 SEMA Show as a bold, green project which caused quite a stir. For those of you who don’t know, RMC (Ronn Motor Company) is an American manufacturer from Texas who wants to build Eco friendly, handcrafted automobiles and Scorpion is its first project.

RMC’s goal with this car was to “blend the world of exotic cars with eco-friendly solutions” and make the myth of  boring green cars disappear.

The Scorpion runs on a hydrogen internal combustion engine system. For the engine of the Scorpion, RMC chose to use Acura’s latest technology: new aluminum and magnesium V-Tech, S V6 motor as well as a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The engine produces up to 300 horsepower stock and has a capacity of 450 horsepower with the twin turbo option. The new Hydrogen Fuel Injection system is used exclusively by the Scorpion and what it does actually is to supply hydrogen on demand that it’s injected into the engine. This system allows the Scorpion to increase the fuel mileage by 20-40% and

to reduce the CO2 emissions to nearly zero.

The American Scorpion, which looks like an upgraded version of the batmobile, is said to be a hybrid that runs on hydrogen. It actually runs on a blend of 30 – 40% hydrogen/gasoline, so it’s arguable whether it is a hybrid or just a blend of hybrid/regular car.

The two-seater has a light-weight carbon fibre body and can go from 0 to 60mph in about 3.5 seconds. Not bad, really.

The production in the first year is limited to 200 automobiles and was scheduled for early this year. The price for the Scorpion is around $USD 175,000 and for the Limited Edition Scorpion around $USD 250,000.

So, let’s see what the guys at Hamann have prepared for us.

Currently there are 2 versions available. You can choose for a gentle upgrade of 35 HP or go for the complete pack: a 5.4 Liter engine with a blower to produce 600 HP and 576 lb-ft, a top speed of 162 MPH, and a 5.1 seconds from 0 to 60 MPH performance. Pretty impressive, but that’s not all that there is to it. The engine modification also includes an optimised gear control and a gear oil cooling system.

On the outside Hamann have done a lot of changes. Firstly, they added a sporty look to this all-terrain vehicle by providing a front low spoiler. But what catches the eye are the rims, measuring in at 24 inches in diameter. Huge to say the least, but they were also designed perfectly. Also, there are 2 integrated led lights on the front spoiler, which give the car a dynamic look but also increase the passive safety.

Aside the few carbon fiber trim pieces and the red colour that was chosen, the interior of the car resembles quite a lot with the original Mercedes wagon. But that can only mean good news for the fans of this well-known model. Other accessories include non-slip aluminium pedals and colour-matched floor mats. The steering wheel has been re-designed, offers you the impression that you are in a sports car rather than in an all terrain vehicle and has been equipped with an airbag, to point out a safety plus.

All in all I believe that Hamann have done a good job with tuning this model, and if you have an old G wagon in your garage why not give a call to the guys at Hamann and see whether they can fix up your car as well.

So, what are the things we should know about the new MINI Coupe?

Well, to begin with the model has been conceived as a sporty two-seater, having to compete with other models like: Audi TT or Mazda MX-5 Coupe. It’s a tough competition and we shall see if the new MINI has what it takes to emerge.

The main strong points of the model are its low centre of gravity and light weight, which promise us a great driving experience. Having a lot of unique features to distinguish it from its predecessors, it seems that the new coupe from MINI will still borrow the front from the well-known four-seater hatchback of the same company.

The surprise comes from the top of the car, where the manufacturers promise us a “floating” roof. The effect is the fact that the top panel seems to sit unsupported, but helps also with a greater aerodynamic efficiency.Moving on, let’s talk a bit about some technical issues. Let’s see what this car really has for us under the hood. The model will be equipped with a 1.6-litre turbo engine, capable of reaching 208bhp and 260Nm, maybe a little more with the help of the overboost function. Taking that into consideration and the light weight we can expect some pretty awesome performance from this car on the road.

To finish with, I will bring the practical aspect into consideration. It can’t be just fun and speed so the new MINI so the car will be fitted with 250 litres of load capacity. That’s a decent amount of space, however with 40 litres less than its competitor Audi TT.

The car is set to be released in 2010, so until then we have all the time to look at the new features that Ford has prepared for us.

So, what are these great features?

Well, to begin with, if you want to have an idea of how the new model will look like, it is good to know that the new Focus will be similar in appearance with the Ford Max that was presented last month at the Geneva Motor Show. Be prepared to be surprised by the panoramic glass roof that will be available from the manufacturers as well as the awaited improved version of the Human Machine Interface control system designed by Ford. It is said that a reversing camera could be also included optional.

When it comes to the engine part, early models will come equipped with an 1.0-litre four-cylinder unit capable of producing 89bhp or 108bhp, while most models are probably going to get a 1.6-litre turbo, which can go up to 148bhp or 178bhp. The standard will be manual boxes, but Ford is also prepared to offer its Powershift twin-clutch transmission for those who are interested.

It seems that Ford will be launching its newest model of Focus alongside the new C-Max. Germany will be the manufacturing place for Ford Focus, while the new model of C-Max is set to be produced in Valencia, Spain.

Until we can get ourselves a test-drive with this model, we’ll just have to be patient and settle with whatever news we have about the new Ford Focus

PERFORMANCE

Grand Vitara’s is a 2,4 liter four cylinder engine – available in 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic -  replacing the old 1,6 and 2 liter units whereas Grand Vitara Prestige’s is a 3,2 liter V6 engine. Both new petrol engines for the Grand Vitara, making them both smoother and more quiet automobiles. The 2,4 liter engine has a consumption of 8,8L/100km whereas the 3,2 engine has a 10,5L/100km consumption.

COMFORT AND SAFETY

Suzuki has come up with some other changes regarding comfort and safety while driving the Grand Vitara. These include an Anti-lock Brake System as well as an Electronic Stability Program with traction control which is meant to help the driver maintain control, an automatic lighting system which means that the Grand Vitara has a sensor on the dash that detects when it gets too dark and switches to full beam or adjusts the lights for better visibility. In addition I must mention the fact that the Grand Vitara has a roomy interior especially taking into consideration the fact that the rear seats of the Grand Vitara are tumble fold in case of extra storing space needed. Concerning safety I should also mention the fact that Grand Vitara has as standard equipment side and curtain airbag.

Suzuki Grand Vitara is available in four trims Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury.

PRICE

The updated 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara boasts about being in the top 10 most affordable SUVs at a starting price of  $18,800 (a price which does no include tax, title or destination taxes so you won’t get the Grand Vitara with just $18,800 taking into consideration also the fact that some of the equipment and accessories are optional).

The car has a an engine that engages 231 horsepower, the same from the old version but with little improvements. The old engine that has 192 horsepower is not available any more on Rx-8. From official date we find out that the car has a top speed of 234kmh, can reach 100kmh in just 6.4 seconds and the average consumption is 11,5 liters at 100km.