Ford Denies Talks With BMW Aiming At Volvo Sale

"Ford Motor Company is not in discussions with BMW or any other company regarding an interest in the Volvo Car Corporation. We have seen this kind of speculation for the past year, as Ford Motor Company has been assessing our operations and portfolio -- as any good business does and we will continue to do."

A Ford spokesman issued this denial statement following several media reports that BMW was in talks with FoMoCo aiming at a sale of Volvo. The rumors started out from an article posted on Autocar magazine a few weeks ago and climaxed last week with reports from Swedish newspaper Goteborgs Posten and the Financial Times.

Theoretically and according to Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy, Ford could raise around $8 billion for Volvo which is FoMoCo’s strongest asset in the PAG Group after the sale of Aston Martin for $925 million back in March, 2007. Comparatively, Murphy estimated that a combined sale of both could bring back to Ford around $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion. So, is it a case of “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” or simply a case of creative imagination on the behalf of journos? Guess we wont find out... Via: Reuters

Technorati: Ford, BMW, Volvo, cars, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

ACS3 3.5i Convertible: AC Schnitzer fixates on BMW’s CC Looks

Nop, there’s no larger twin-turbos or chip swaps here, just an exterior body-kit consisting of front/rear spoilers, side skirts, tailpipes and 19-inch rims in 245/30R20 and 295/25R20 tyres or 20-inch in 225/35R19 and 255/30R19 rubber. And oh yeah, that red “Turbo” logo on the bimmer’s butt. Jeez, the last time I saw one of those it must have been on a Zastava… That aside and while aesthetic criteria’s are somewhat subjective, to be honest, we can’t help but preferring BMW’s own individual (without the boot spoiler) or "M" styling packs for the 3-Series Convertible.

As for horsepower lovers, AC Schnitzer hasn’t forgotten you since the German tuner announced that it is currently developing a performance kit for the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight six that packs 306 HP/225 kW. Via: Autoblog.it -Press Release and images after the jump

Technorati: BMW, BMW+335i+Convertible, BMW+3-Series, AC+Schnitzer, cars, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

AC Schnitzer ACS3 3.5i Convertible

A Convertible provides the ultimate for the senses: Where can you experience driving more directly than in an open car, with the wind gently emphasising the acceleration, the acoustic muscle play of the engine teasing your ears, and a breathtaking silhouette reflected in every shop window. The new BMW 3-series Convertible, a complete car with folding hard top, stimulates the automotive pleasure centre without setting reason aside. When you've had one taste, you soon long for more - for example the ACS3 3.5i Convertible.

In designing the bodykit, the objective for AC Schnitzer was not to hide the body contours under excessive bulges, but to emphasise the natural characteristics of the vehicle in a structured way. So the front skirt, which simultaneously increases downforce, in its basic design follows the three-piece original but it is substantially softer, more facetted and more energetic. Like the AC Schnitzer side skirts which aesthetically highlight the side crease of the Convertible body and with their asymmetric lines, rising towards the back, emphasise the sporting abilities of the vehicle even when stopped. Its charm is enhanced with the clearly marked AC Schnitzer Racing rims type IV in silver, which at the front measure 9.0Jx20" and at the rear 10.0Jx20" (tyres 245/30R20 and 295/25R20). As an alternative, the dark Type IV BiColor wheels in 8.5Jx19" at the front and 9.5Jx19" at the rear give the BMW a hint of Badboy (tyres 225/35R19 and 255/30R19).

Although the classic rear view of the new 3-series Convertible is already eyecatching, the AC Schnitzer design language with its more strongly contoured rear skirt expresses extra sporting ambitions with no loss of credibility or coherence. The twin flow left/right tailpipes of the AC Schnitzer exhaust contribute to the neat overall impression not just visually but, with the gas pedal pressed, also acoustically with a unique crescendo. The twin sports rear silencer is enhanced by tailpipe trims in "Racing" design, which visually suggest a stylised horizontal figure eight, the mathematical symbol for "infinity".

A reference to the enormous power reserves of the vehicle, expressed above all in the superb BMW six cylinder twin turbo, a power plant which has been praised unanimously by the trade press, and which with its 306 HP/225 kW has caused worries for many competitors. The duel would be even more difficult for them with the AC Schnitzer performance kit which is currently in development. The 335d will also soon undergo a power make-over at Aachen. For the Convertible with the 3.0 litre diesel (standard 231 HP/170 kW) the tuners already offer a superb Power-Plus pack that increases the power to 265 HP/195 kW. Power reserves which the chassis can handle easily thanks to fine tuning by AC Schnitzer.

A special antiroll bar kit for the rear axle is already available, and the complete suspension with race technology is just completing its final test laps on the Nürburgring. A multipiece AC Schnitzer alloy strut brace divides asymmetric forces evenly over the entire front of the car and provides not only a purely functional aspect but a high level of unobtrusive aesthetics. An image which can naturally also be expected in the interior, where high quality decor and controls give the driver the visual and tactile impression of driving a true AC Schnitzer at every moment.

Honda NSX: Europe’s Largest NSX Gathering At Castle Combe, UK

Saying largest, don’t go thinking any outrageous numbers; in all, 43 NSX’s were brought together at last weekend’s JapFest show at Castle Combe in the UK. James Taylor, from the online-based NSX Club Britain, said: "This was our first ever stand at a large event and everyone was blown away by the sheer number of cars that turned up. Some people had traveled all the way down from Scotland and Northern Ireland to be there."

Honda’s UK arm contributed to the pack of NSXs with its own, rare version of the car; a G-plate NSX, registered in 1990, which is thought to be the second NSX ever brought to the UK. However, the specific car’s most important claim is that it was once driven by the one and only, Ayrton Senna on a visit to Honda UK. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

FAQs

The NSX made its debut in 1990 as a genuine mid-engine sports car with an all-aluminium monocoque body – a world’s first for a production vehicle at the time. The NSX continued to evolve, with performance improvements including increased displacement, a 6-speed manual transmission, enhanced aerodynamic performance, and different tyre sizes, along with the addition of the NSX-T open-top model and the NSX-R sports model with further enhanced driving performance. One of the first true sports cars to adopt clean emissions measures, the NSX succeeded in combining exhilarating driving performance with superior environmental performance. As a result, the NSX achieved total worldwide sales of over 18,000 units during the 15 years it was in production.

The History of the NSX

• Feb. 1989 NS-X mid-engine sports car prototype introduced at the Chicago Auto Show
• Oct. 1989 NS-X exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show
• Aug. 1990 Acura NSX went on sale in the US
• Sept. 1990 NSX went on sale in Japan
• 1991 “Owners’ Meetings”, designed to enhance driving skills, inaugurated
• Jan. 1992 Custom order interior and body colour plan introduced; its range later expanded.
• Nov. 1992 Pure sports model Type-R added to the line-up
• Feb. 1993 Minor model change (addition of passenger-side SRS airbags, other enhanced equipment)
• 1993 “Refresh Plan” introduced as premium service for maturing vehicles
• Feb. 1994 Minor model change (16/17-inch aluminium wheels, reinforced brake pads)
• Mar. 1995 Minor model change (Drive-By-Wire electronic control, F-Matic manual-feel automatic transmission, open-top Type-T added to line-up)
• Feb. 1997 Minor model change (3.2-litre manual transmission model, 6-speed manual transmission, introduction of Type-S)
• Sept. 1999 Minor model change (reduced exhaust emissions, enhanced equipment)
• Dec. 2001 Minor model change (exterior design changes, 17-inch tyres front and back)
• May 2002 New NSX Type-R model introduced
• Oct. 2003 Minor model change (Immobiliser, new body colours)
• Sept. 2005 Production of European model ends

Technorati: Honda, Honda+NS-X, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Tweaked Toyota Prius gets 125 mpg - 1.9 litres/100km !

Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC), a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions unveiled a retrofitted Toyota Prius, with plug-in capabilities that promises to deliver a whopping 125+ miles per gallon fuel efficiency, or to make that in liters, less than 1.9 l/100 km –vs 55 mpg or 4.3 l/100 km of the standard Prius (combined).

But how did LTC manage to achieve such an impressive figure? Concisely, LTC switched the Prius’ NiMH (Nickel metal hydride) batteries with a new type of lithium based batteries -lithium iron phosphate cells or LiFePO4 to be exact. Additionally, while the standard Prius’ relies on the petrol engine or the brakes to charge the batteries, LTC has added a charging system allowing charging by plugging into a standard outlet. And at what price? Well, your guess is as good as ours is since LTC avoided any money-talk. Via: AutoblogGreen -Full Press Release after the jump

Press Release: Breakthrough Technology Drives the World Forward

Lithium Technology Corporation Demonstrates Power Solutions Leadership

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (BUSINESS WIRE) Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") (OTC: LTHU) hosted yesterday an exposition of the Companys breadth of power solutions and unveiled a retrofitted Toyota Prius, with plug-in capabilities allowing for 125+ miles per gallon fuel efficiency, which is powered by the Company’s unique battery technology. The battery for the Prius utilizes LTC’s new product line of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, the largest cells of their kind in the world, which are considered to be the technology of choice for the American car manufacturers.

“We are delighted to demonstrate and deliver the technology that the automotive industry has been searching for today," commented Dr. Klaus Brandt, chief executive officer of LTC. “While others have estimated up to a year to deliver the technology, we are proud to show the world that we have the technology and are committed to making hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles a reality for all consumers in the safest way.”

The 7 kWh battery comprised of 63 of LTC’s iron phosphate cells has achieved 125+ MPG. LTC’s large format technology allows for more reliable battery systems with a significantly lower number of cells. The battery management system (BMS) is more precise monitoring fewer cells, keeping them in balance for best performance and preventing damage to the battery due to over voltage, under voltage, over temperature and short circuit.

From our highways, to the depths of the ocean and up into space, LTC is powering the world in extraordinary ways. Key partners and customers joined in the event to demonstrate a range of vehicles from the automotive and military markets. Phoenix International representatives were on hand with one of the xBot Remote Operated Vehicles used on to explore the RMS TITANIC. The batteries powering the vehicles are amongst the safest lithium-ion batteries in the world for their energy density

“We are proud of our strategic partnerships which continue to afford us the opportunity to explore and develop new technologies and to break new ground,” remarks Brandt. “Through partners including Phoenix International, Penn State, Phostech and University of Delph, we have made great strides in the military and automotive markets.’

Covering the event were representatives from the Associated Press and the BBC, which later broadcasted parts of the event on their American and global networks. LTC will present at the Wall Street Analyst Forum this morning at 9am.

LTC, a global provider of large lithium-ion rechargeable power solutions has focused solely on the development and production of large format lithium-ion batteries for more than twenty years. The Company manufactures a range of cells with two different types of chemistries. Both chemistries coupled with the company’s innovative end-to-end manufacturing processes and proprietary design and assembly techniques, allow LTC to provide large high performance cells unmatched by any other product.

About Lithium Technology Corporation:

Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) is a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions for diverse applications, and offers the largest lithium-ion cells with the highest power of any standard commercial lithium ion cell produced in the western hemisphere. With more than 20 years of experience, LTC leverages its extensive expertise in high power and large battery assemblies to commercialize advanced lithium batteries as a new power source in the military and national security systems, transportation and stationary power markets.

LTC manufactures the GAIA product line of large, high power hermetically sealed rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries. The Company's product portfolio includes large cells and batteries from 10 times the capacity of a standard laptop computer battery to 100,000 times greater. LTC manufactures a variety of standard cells that are assembled into custom large batteries complete with electronics (battery management systems) and electronics to communicate with other components of the system for performance monitoring.

LTC headquarters are located in Plymouth Meeting, PA and R&D in Nordhausen, Germany. LTC sales for the U.S. and European markets are managed out of each of the offices. For more information about LTC,its technology and products, please visit http://www.lithiumtech.com

Technorati: Toyota+Prius, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Lindsey Lohan Calling Paris Hilton: Caught DUI After Crash

Seems like its all about the DUI’s these days as now Lindsey Lohan, or favorite blond/brunette/red-head of Hollywood was caught red handed by paparazzi crashing her Mercedes and fleeing the scene, on foot! Sources say she might be off to the “big-house” to join her pal Paris for the same offense. Unfortunately their big contracts can’t get them out of this pickle. Can NBC please place a camera in these jail-cells. I have no doubt that these girls will find some way to get some cash out of this situation. -One more video after the jump

Via: Motorpasion , Source: spynbuy

2007 Hyundai H1-Van / Starex

A couple of months after its Seoul Show debut, Hyundai introduced its all-new full size van to the members of the press on May 25th in Kyungju, South Korea. Available in commercial (cargo) and passenger versions (8seater) and offered either with a 100Hp 2.5-liter Common Rail Diesel or a 175Hp 2.4-liter Theta petrol engine, the H1-Van, also know as the Starex in the domestic market, will primarily target vans like the VW Transporter, Ford Transit and Mercedes Vito. Production of the diesel edition starts this August while the petrol version will be available after November 2007. -Press release and high-res image gallery after the jump

Technorati: Hyundai+H1, Starex, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive,

All-New Hyundai H-1 Van (pictures below)

With its sophisticated lines, the all-new H-1 (project codename TQ) improves on its predecessor in every measurable respect. More spacious, more comfortable and more convenient, the new H-1 reinvigorates Hyundai competitiveness in this hotly contested segment. The new H-1 comes in passenger van and commercial van versions. The people mover is available in a variety of seating layouts: eight, nine, 11 or 12 passenger while the commercial van comes in two, three, five and six seater versions for a a high degree of versatility.

Engines: For all markets outside of Korea and the EU, power for the new H-1 is provided by a 2.5-liter turbocharged intercooled engine (4D56). Euro-III emissions-compliant, the 4D56 delivers 100ps of horsepower and 23kg m of torque whilst delivering 9.4km per litre of fuel. It's mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or the optional four-speed automatic. For the EU and Korean markets, the new H-1 gets the A 2.5 CRDi, a Euro-IV compliant engine which with the assistance of a Variable Geometry Turbocharger delivers 170ps and 40kg m of torque.

The base gearbox is a five-speed manual but an automatic is available as an option, in either four- or five-speed versions, depending on local market requirements. For markets requiring gasoline propulsion, the 2.4-liter Theta engine is a new offering to the range. Delivering 170ps and 22.8kg m of torque, the Theta can propel the new H-1 to a maximum speed of 185km/h and has a fuel economy rating of 7.1km per litre. Key new exterior features include the addition of dual sliding side doors, twin swing rear doors (commercial van only), enlarged wheels and tires (205/70R15 -> 215/70R16), back-up warning system (passenger van only) and a sliding side window (wagon only).

New touches to the interior include the mounting of the transmission gear shift lever to the center fascia for obstructionless movement between the driver seat and front passenger seat and the addition of an overhead storage console. The new H-1 is also fitted with an electro-chromic rear view mirror and new roof-mounted air vents for improved cooling and heating throughout the cabin. The new H-1 gets 16-inch front disc brakes providing better braking power than the H-1's 15-inch discs. And for improved handling, it's fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension. Production of the new H-1 diesel edition starts in August 2007 while the petrol version won't be available until after November 2007.

World's First Production Air-Powered Car, Fill It Up With 2$ Of Air!

With gas hitting record prices all over the world any wacko idea is welcome, but a car running on air? Yes and despite what you may think, the folks at MDI aren’t full of hot air. Developed by ex-F1 engineer, Guy Nègre for MDI a small, family-controlled company located at Carros, near Nice (Southern France), the Air Car uses compressed air to push its engine’s pistons emitting… 0 to sub-zero Celsius (30 F and under) air!

All it takes is €1.5 -$2.0 and around 2 to 3 minutes at a gas station to fill the car’s carbon-fibre tanks with 90 cubic meters of air compressed to 300 bars. Alternatively, you can plug the car into an electrical grid and use the built-in compressor to refill the tanks which takes approximately 4 hours. Of course, electricity=emissions, but hey, no one’s perfect. According to MDI, the Air Car can go up to 110km/h - 68 mph and has a range of 200-300km or 125-190 miles. MDI has developed four versions of the Air Car: Family, Van, Taxi & Pick-Up.

While there are no plans to import the Air Car to the US, India’s largest automaker, Tata Motors, signed an agreement with MDI in February to build the Air Car. Tata expects some 6.000 units to hit Indian streets in August of 2008. Apart from India, MDI has also signed deals to bring the Air Car to a dozen or so countries, including Germany, Israel and South Africa. We’re not endorsing the Air Car as a true alternative to petrol cars –who knows how many faults it may have, but in our opinion, the only viable way to drastically improve consumption and emissions, will be an array of solutions: diesels, hybrids (petrol/electric & diesel/electric), bio-fuels, air cars etc. All together, they may very well do the trick until some wacko scientist finds a way to power our vehicles with a super clean and efficient energy that’ll last for ever and ever. Sweet dreams… -Click “Read More…” below for a high-res image gallery and a Video

Via: Le blog auto , Source: MDI