2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Article file under http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/
rabbit/2009/review.html




The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is like soccer: huge in Europe, not so much in America. Of course, the Rabbit is known as the Golf across the pond, but the fact remains that Europeans have a keener affinity for VW's iconic hatchback, to the tune of making it the second-best-selling car in Europe last year. In America, sedans are king -- sorta like the NFL. Yet supposedly unfashionable hatchbacks like the Rabbit are interesting alternatives for those who recognize the inherent practicality of this design.




VW relaunched the Rabbit name midway through 2006 in an effort to make Americans remember a time when they didn't hate hatchbacks. Sold in the U.S. from 1975-'84, the original Rabbit was cute, nimble and practical, just like its quivering-nosed namesake -- well, except for the practical part, as you can't exactly fit a bicycle inside a small furry creature. This new-generation Rabbit isn't quite as cute or nimble, but as the largest Golf/Rabbit yet, it certainly has the practical bit down. Interior space is impressive for a compact car, with a large backseat and trunk.




For those looking for that certain je ne sais quoi that sets European cars apart from the pack in terms of driving feel and interior quality, the Rabbit has it in spades. A stiff body structure and multilink rear suspension combine to help deliver a commendably compliant ride. Solid handling is also part of the package-- on a twisty road, the Rabbit is quite happy to scamper. With 170 horsepower, this VW is one of the most powerful cars in the class, and feels like it. The cabin is also top-notch, as it offers loads of features and build quality that would put more than a few pricier vehicles to shame.

Of course, the 2009 VW Rabbit isn't alone in the compact hatchback game. Perhaps the vehicle closest in nature is the Saturn Astra, which was designed and built in Europe, although the VW does have a significant power advantage. Another car worthy of consideration is the Mazda 3, which boasts good looks, even better feature content and a decidedly European fun-to-drive character. A slew of traditional compact sedans like the Honda Civic could be considered (especially given their better fuel economy and potentially lower price). But like soccer, the enjoyable little VW Rabbit is definitely worth checking out -- perhaps you'll find something good in what you've been missing.

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a compact hatchback available with two or four doors, each with a single trim level (known as S). The two-door Rabbit S comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 10-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The four-door Rabbit S adds upgraded exterior trim, heated windshield washer nozzles, front and rear center armrests, velour upholstery, an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat with power recline and adjustable lumbar, heated front seats, rear air vents and an upgraded sound system with in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio.

The heated seats and windshield washer nozzles are optional on the two-door. All Rabbits can be optioned with 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and an iPod adapter.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces a healthy 170 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard on the Rabbit two-door, with a six-speed automatic optional -- the Rabbit four-door comes only with the auto. Although the engine's ample power is unusual for a compact car, it does have an effect on fuel economy. EPA estimates for an automatic-equipped Rabbit are 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, which is near the bottom among economy cars. Rabbits bred for California-emissions states are classified as partial-zero-emission vehicles (PZEV).

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon premieres at Pebble Beach

By Myles Kornblatt
Article file under http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/
-2010-cadillac-cts-sport-wagon-premieres-at-pebble-beach-ar62444.html



Cadillac is getting serious about the European market, and that’s evident with the premiere of the CTS Sport Wagon today at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. While wagons have not always been the preference for North American customers, the extra space finds favor with European customers. The wagon was a natural evolution for Cadillac considering the CTS was designed to compete with sedans from Germany such as the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-Series. The more aggressive lines suggest that the CTS Sport Wagon is going after A4 Avant customers.







The base engine in North America will be the 3.6-liter 263 horsepower V-6. Optional will be a the 3.6-liter with added direct injection, which increases output to 304 horsepower. There is also a 2.9-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine option making 250 horsepower for the European and Asian markets. The gas engine V-6 Sport Wagon’s fuel economy is expected to be similar to the peak rating of the sedan’s 26 mpg highway rating. All will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission as well as all-wheel drive.

Arden AJ 21 based on the Jaguar XF

By Panait
Article file under http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/
-arden-aj-21-based-on-the-jaguar-xf-ar62479.html





After few months of waiting for someone to give Jaguar’s newest cat a meaner growl, Arden, the British tuning company specialized in Jaguar cars, finally unveiled its customized AJ 21 based on the Jaguar XF. As you can see from the photos the new vehicle features a new body kit consisting in a completely re-designed front bumper with integrated daytime running LED’s in the Audi style, new side sills, a trunk spoiler and a re-designed rear spoiler with integrated exhaust system and rear air diffuser.


Under the hood, the 4.2 liter supercharged V8 engine was replaced by a much stronger 4.5-liter engine capable to develop 550 hp. The 2.7-liter V6 engine offers now 250 hp, with 43 hp more than the standard version. Also a new suspension was added in order to improve the stability of the car, together with new 21-inch alloy wheels. No words about the price yet.

Chevrolet Volt Concept

File picture under http://www.worldcarfans.com/3070108.001/
chevrolet-volt-concept

Press Release

As automakers look to curb fuel consumption, the North American International Auto Show saw the unveiling of a new electric-powered concept car by General Motors (GM) -Chevy Volt.




The Chevy Volt is a battery-powered electric vehicle that uses a gas engine to create additional electricity. The Volt can also run on E85 to deliver 150 miles-per-gallon (mpg).









During the show, GM also introduced a new family of propulsion systems - the E-flex System - which is a series of vehicles that will produce energy from gasoline, ethanol, bio-diesel or hydrogen. The Volt is the first vehicle in the E-flex system.

Veno - Supercar from Poland

By Clinton Deacon
Article file under http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080815.007/
veno-supercar-from-poland




Polish company Veno Automotive have set out to create Poland's first supercar. They claim this is a unique car that wouldn't look out of place in Batman's garage, but the true reality of the model is that it is a KNOCKOFF. Do you really need me identify which model it reminds me of?




The chassis has been designed to handle power of up to 1000hp and lightweight material such as carbon fibre and aluminum will be used for the model's panels and components to keep the overall dry weight down to a minimum. Few Driving aids will be found in the model maximising the driving experience, it will feature ABS but there is no mention of traction control.



In keeping with it's knockoff theme, the Veno supercar will source it's engines through Audi, three versions of the 4.2-liter V8 power unit will be available ranging 350hp up to 700hp. From 2009, Vento also claims they will begin to use the array of engines available for the Corvette C6 including the Z1’s LS9 6.2-liter supercharged V8.

A production of 50 units is planned for the model which will be available in both coupe and roadster body styles, an annual capacity of around 10 -12 models is already achievable. We don't actually believe this will realistically ever get that far at this point but we aren't about to knock them for trying