The all-classic Mercedes G55 wagon is celebrating 30 years in 2009 so Hamann thought of doing something special. Their birthday present was tuning the Mercedes model on the inside, on the outside and under the hood.

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.

Yes, you’ve heard it right. The British firm have announced the debut of their latest product, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in September. A coincidence or not, the news comes just a few days before the celebration of the first MINI model ever made, 50 years ago, on 26 August 1959.

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 new Ford Focus is set to be a futuristic family car with great tech features and outstanding looks. This car was made to rewrite the auto industry rules. Call it a hatchback, a family car, however you may like it, this automobile has been created using state of the art technology and stunning design. Be prepared to welcome the new generation of Ford Focus.

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

The new 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara brings improvement in terms of a safer, more powerful and more economic automobile as well as a retouch in its appearance.

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).

Mazda will begins to sell the new Rx-8 on the late of 2009. For his profile, Mazda Rx-8 is an coupe, but it has four doors and four seats. The doors are Rolls style and is more easy to open them.

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.