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Detroit man with marathon walking commute surprised with new car "A Detroit factory worker who has walked more than 20 miles (32 km) during his daily commute to work for a decade was surprised on Friday with a brand new car, donated by a suburban car dealership. ... Leedy told Reuters he was initially quoted a $15,000-a-year premium, a quote that illustrates Detroit's notoriously high insurance rates." http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/06/us-usa-michigan-walkingman-idUSKBN0LA2E420150206

The Toyota FT-1 is a daring design study that will be unveiled in Detroit, U.S.A, which signals the direction of Toyota's future sports car designs. The FT-1 aims to show what can be achieved when the focus is creating a sports car design that will truly excite. The FT in the FT-1 stands for 'Future Toyota' while the number 1 in the nameplate represents the ultimate. The project started nearly two years ago at Calty Design Research, Inc. (Calty), Toyota's design centre in California, U.S.A. The team was inspired by history - with the team, referencing several sports car in Toyota's sports car heritage - going as far back as the 2000GT coupe, released in 1967. In addition, the concept draws inspiration from Calty's more recent sports car concept work such as the FT-HS and the Lexus LF-LC. The bold and sharply styled face suggests powerful performance while dynamic air-intakes, exhaust ports and a McLaren P1 like - retractable wing at the rear - give physical form to the Toyota FT-1's optimum aerodynamic performance. Meanwhile, the cockpit's wraparound windshield and side glass openings are a distinct nod to the design of the legendary Toyota 2000GT. Furthermore, the A-pillars have been positioned as far back as possible to provide increased cornering visibility. The interior is highlighted with an ergonomic cockpit that aims to solely focus on the driver and enhance his/her driving experience. A delta-shaped display zone surrounds and integrates the driver to provide an exhilarating feeling of connectedness with the vehicle. An F1 inspired steering wheel and a colour heads-up display keeps the driver's attention at bay to what he should be doing best - driving. Apparently Toyota's new approach to design will see the marque trying to produce cars that connects more deeply with customers, generating a more satisfying ownership experience that complements the firms legendary reputation for quality, dependability and reliability. Having said all that, ,lets be honest here for a minute. Toyota - being Toyota - can pen concepts that rival the likes of masterpieces from Italy, but their actual production car would resemble nothing like their penned artwork. Remember what happened to the 86, or even the latest Corolla (American spec) ? Having said so, the mildly anime like FT-1 looks drop dead incredible and Toyota will have a global best seller if they can materialise this vision.

Wow! That is news! Tenasek can buy over?

Just to refresh your memory, at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, the German automaker Volkswagen (VW) displayed its BlueSport roadster concept. Unfortunately, not long afterwards, VW postponed the project. Some early reports mentioned that the reason production of the roadster was postponed was because the German automaker didn't see a business opportunity for the model while I would say otherwise. The car looks attractive and that, alone, should be able to attract quite a few customers already. Add that with quite an affordable price tag for a roadster, you may be surprised by the number of people interested in spending their cash on the model. Yet, rumours have been swirling on the internet with some still believing that the roadster will finally come to life. I, for one, would like to see the open-top model comes into production. Despite the various rumours on the World Wide Web, there's now a bigger chance that the VW BlueSport will actually hit our showrooms within the near future. At least, this seems to be what Walter de Silva is trying to tell us, although not so explicitly. The VW Design Chief told AMS, "I'm not the only one in our company who is convinced that a small roadster wouldn't be the worst thing for Volkswagen. This is a vehicle that we particularly like, and we always have in mind." Well, I agree with you, de Silva, I like the open-top very much, too. Therefore, it's nice to know that there're still some insiders in VW that would like to move on with this particular project. Moreover, it was confirmed by one of the German automaker's spokesperson. Just in case you can't really recall, the VW BlueSport roadster concept carried a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine when it debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The engine is good enough to spit out 177bhp in addition to 349Nm of torque. Volkswagen claimed that the fuel consumption of the roadster could reach 23.2km/L, which is quite efficient in my opinion. The company also mentioned that the car would need only 6.6 seconds to reach 100km/h from a complete standstill. Also, expect no less than 225km/h when it comes to the top speed of the car. Given its model and engine specifications, I'd say the BlueSport concept may well be slotted under such brands as Porsche and Audi. Yet again, perhaps it doesn't really matter as both the brands belong to VW as well. Now that the VW BlueSport roadster may finally come to life, here's hoping that VW won't forget to ship the model to the showrooms here in Singapore as well. By the way, the roadster is estimated to cost around USD$30,000 (around S$37,000). As I said earlier, it's quite affordable for a roadster, isn't it? The only drawback so far that I can think of about this roadster is probably its roof. I think it would have been better if VW applied a hardtop, but perhaps, the softtop is a better solution for the current estimated price tag of the roadster.

This Acura NSX is a updated version for Detroit Auto Show , this updated version will be more ''similiar'' to the production version. The production version is set to get a direct-injected, mid-mounted V6 engine working together with Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, a new dual clutch transmission featuring a built-in high-efficiency motor, and two electric motors driving the front wheels independently. This car will cost more then the GTR. Similiar Models : Lexus LFA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpi2IAec9Ho The above displayed Fiat 500 Abarth 'Seduction' commercial was named 'Best TV Commercial' at this year's D Show held on 28th Nov in Detroit. The D Show is an annual event hosted by the Adcraft Club of Detroit dedicated to judging and awarding creativity in Detroit. Entries are submitted by advertising agencies and reviewed by judges from within the advertising industry. "It is great to see a video that was created on a shoestring budget and not intended to be shown on television, receive prestigious accolades like the D Show 'Best TV Commercial' honor," says Olivier Francois, Head of Fiat Brand Worldwide and Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat Group Automobiles Chief Marketing Officer. Seduction was created in partnership with the Dallas-based 'The Richards Group' and stars supermodel Catrinel Menghia. In the US, the mini hatchback is offered with a 1.4-litre Multi-Air turbocharged four-cylinder that is rated at 160bhp and 230Nm of torque.

[extract] I was visiting my friend in Tampines and chanced upon this set of rims fitted on a Kia Picanto. It looked somewhat familiar to me and after pondering for a few seconds, ah har! The design elements are derived from the

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While we get all excited about the new Focus, VW NCC concept, Audi e-Tron etc, let's not forget the lovely ladies that graced the event. They are like the decorative flowers beside the maincourse that makes a meal look more appealing. The job of a motorshow girl seemed easy but it is really not so. Imagine standing on stiletto-like heels for hours and trying to maintain balance. Not only that, they need to wear a permanent smile on their face no matter how strained their kulf muscles are. In addition, they need to keep a lookout for men who are up to no good, if you know what I mean. Without further ado, I present to you the beautiful maidens of the 2010 Detroit Motorshow:

Car of the year Go go Hyundai.

Read the above from Straits Times Interactive.... Aid won't save carmakers !!! DARK days lie ahead for the US auto industry even if executives from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler manage to convince skeptical lawmakers to fund a massive bailout package, analysts warned. And if Republicans manage to block the multi-billion dollar aid package, as they appeared set to do on Thursday, it is likely that at least one of the Detroit Three will simply be liquidated. So which one will up the lorry first????

What car do you like at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show? Photos http://automen.blogspot.com/ I like Lincoln MKT and Mazda Taiki concept

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit...iart-were-sold/ Mitsubishi has made up for the crimes it perpetrated on enthusiasts with the last two generations of the Lancer Ralliart. In atonement for its sins, it's fitted the new Ralliart with a detuned version of the 4B11T pulled from the Evolution X, producing 235 hp and an unknown amount of torque. Additionally, Mitsubishi has decided to fit the Twin Clutch-SST transmission, pulled from the high-power and high-priced Evo X MR. The TC-SST clicks off the shifts through a set of steering wheel mounted paddles and sends power to a full-time all-wheel-drive system equipped with Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The exterior is so reminiscent of the Ralliart's big Evolved brother that we're sure it'll be mistaken for the X and in addition to the absolutely boss Recaro buckets, the interior materials and amenities seem several notches above its base brethren. On a personal note: As the guy that berated the Lancer ES in our recent Garage review, when the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart goes on sale this summer, I'll be one of the first ones in line. It's obvious that the Ralliart is aimed squarely at Subaru's WRX and if they can keep the price around the Subie's (about $25k), the Ralliart stands as one of the performance bargains of the decade. And just think of the mods.... Check Mitsubishi's full press release after the jump and our gallery of live and press shots below. RELEASE The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer's rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive. Mechanical Lancer Ralliart is powered by the new 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine (also used in the Lancer Evolution) that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's efficient Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that helps enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle by allowing the driver to execute lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts. The TC-SST transmission also operates in fully automatic modes for Normal and Sport driving conditions. The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow surfaces. Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with front helical limited slip differential and a rear differential mechanical limited slip differential. Design Elaborating on the basic sporty design and proportions of the Lancer, the Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger. The interior design places greater emphasis on function and vehicle control. Lancer Ralliart is equipped with FAST key, Bluetooth

Excellent exhibition, almost 3 times bigger than Sillypore auto show. I had to walk 6hours continuously and I didn't get to see all the cars Here are some pics of the fine cars present in NAIAS

Internal announcement from my company ... decided to share with all ... using our own technology :-P ------------------- Here are the links to the TrueLook cameras that can be found on Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler in the 2003 Auto Show section: http://live8.truelook.com/organic/chrysler http://live8.truelook.com/organic/dodge http://live8.truelook.com/organic/jeep Please forward for everyone to enjoy! -------------------