World Auto News & Reviews

New Jaguar XFR is a bit hotter than the normal version XF. Large 20-inch wheels and a noticeably lower ride height suggest a more aggressive suspension set-up, in keeping with Jag’s usual formula for their R-spec cars. Any changes to the front fascia of this XFR prototype are very subtle, and may be limited to this car’s blacked-out grille mesh.

Jaguar’s supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 produces about 500 horsepower in the XFR, basically matching some of the hottest metal from BMW, Audi and Mercedes AMG.

The long-rumored, range-topping XFR-plus (for lack of a better name) may employ a new 5.0-liter engine, and could push power ratings closer to 600 hp. But that car is a good way’s off, while this XFR prototype is now running the streets of Coventry, being readied for launch sometime in the next 12-15 months.

Earlier this summer, some mules appeared that hinted that an XFR was in the works. Based on previous-generation S-Type bodies with XF noses grafted on, those mules also had cross-drilled rotors, the same wheels, and a makeshift quad-pipe exhaust configuration. This latest prototype takes those same details, and applies them to a complete XF package, suggesting that the XFR is now in the home stretch.

It seems to me that Chrysler group always has problems. And this is not a new, that Chrysler LLC is still looking for more cost savings.

The company decided to reduce its bill for materials by almost $400 million and to rely on consultants provided by Cerberus Capital Management, Chrysler’s parent company, for advice on purchasing matters. Besides there are some changes in company’s management and replacement between directors.

The Chrysler claimed, that they spends more than $40 billion annually on purchased material, but it is still unwelcome news for suppliers, who are struggling with chronic financial problems. As the company has spent millions of dollars to help supplier companies such as Collins & Aikman.

The Chrysler is a very friendly group. Over the years it has developed a productive working relationship with many suppliers, whether they are large and small, having benefited from innovations promoted by suppliers.

The company’s cost-cutting also concerned Chrysler’s efforts to bolster the overall image and quality of its vehicles. Vehicle reviews have consistently noted that the interiors of cars such as the new Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger have been hurt by the company’s push for the least expensive material solution.

Performance enthusiasts have witnessed the devolution of the Mitsubishi Eclipse from the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive thrill ride it once was to the V6-powered, front-wheel-drive highway cruiser it is today. Perhaps the Concept-RA that Mitsubishi will unveil at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January heralds a return to that original Eclipse. The concept certainly has the look of those first-gen cars, with a low slung body and perfectly arching roof line. The rear even has a bit of Boxster to it. The fender flares and what we hope are functional extraction vents give purpose to the design, which is backed up by the use of lightweight materials and an eco-friendly though potent powerplant.

The Concept-RA is built on an aluminum space frame and most of its body panels, including the hood and fenders, are made from a recyclable plastic resin that’s impact resistant. That brings the weight down so that the 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel doesn’t have to work as hard to make the car go. The diesel features Mitsu’s MIVEC valve timing technology, as well as direct injection and piezoelectric injectors. It requires no urea injection to meet our strict emissions standards for diesels, instead relying on a smorgasbord of traps, filters and catalytic converters. Despite its formidable green cred, the 2.2L mill produces just over 200 HP and 310 ft-lbs. of torque. Like the best Eclipses of old, it sends power to all four wheels, though through a more modern Twin Clutch SST transmission. Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) also keeps the car planted by coordinating the efforts of a variety of systems, including the brakes, stability control, steering and damping.

The Concept-RA should to be one of the most exciting concepts in Detroit this year, not just because it looks sharp, but also because Mitsubishi took the time to fit it with a workable drivetrain and cutting edge powerplant that could make it to market. As for whether or not the Concept-RA has any official ties to the first-generation Eclipse, that was our own wishful thinking… but you can’t deny the resemblance.

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If you haven’t seen the movie Bullitt, or it has been awhile since you experienced that now-famous seven-minute chase scene between Steve McQueen in his 1968 Ford Mustang GT and a Dodge Charger, then drop by your local video store for a refresher between now and January. That’s when Ford will start building a limited run of 2008 Mustang Bullitts for sale in the U.S. and Canada.

The 7700 Mustang Bullitts are expected to sell out within a month or two of going on sale—every 2001 Mustang Bullitt (5000 were built) was spoken for within about 60 days. The 2008 model, which is being serialized, will sell for $31,075. It will be formally unveiled at November’s L.A. auto show.

This latest take on the car made famous by the movie—or was it vice versa?—is deliberately understated. No shiny bits, scoops, or spoilers, and little badging or nomenclature. Like the original ’68 and the reprised 2001 Mustang Bullitt, the ’08 marks the return of the exclusive Dark Highland Green paint. The only other choice: black.

The Bullitt name appears in the metal sill plates, in the center of the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and in the gun-sight graphic centered in the faux gas cap on the decklid.

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Arguably, most Hummer owners have no idea what their vehicle is really capable of. It’s no big secret that many buyers of these squared-off suburban tanks do so for one primary reason: status. The Hummer’s status-symbol status no doubt comes from its off-road ability, but you can bet the majority of them have no plans to ever leave the smooth pavement to go rough-riding in the hills. The truth is, it just feels cool to tool around town behind the wheel of one of these things. After all, a Hummer is pretty much as exotic as an SUV gets.

Nonetheless, it would be a kick to see the look on the faces of these urban cowboys (and girls) if they did indeed venture out into the wild. They would be more than pleasantly surprised… they would be flat-out impressed. We certainly were we when we took to the mountainous rock gardens of northern New Mexico with Hummer’s smallest offering, the 2008 H3 Alpha.

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