The first official shot of the Volvo S60 concept has been revealed ahead of it's official unveiling in January 2009 and the North American International Auto Show.

The image leaves a lot to the imagination, but the S60 is definitely coupe inspired. "The concept car's design gives a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 will deliver a sporty drive like no Volvo before," says Stephen Odell, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.

Popularity: 6% [?]

You may remember him from his tennis career, or you may remember him for his star turn in the romance 'reality' series, Age of Love, but personally, I remember Mark Philippoussis due to his exotic car collection.

Well if you want to own a little Philippoussis history, the Scud's metallic blue Hummer H1 is being auctioned off at Shannons Melbourne Summer Auction on November 24, with no reserve price.

The ‘Scud’ fell in love with the Hummer at the Melbourne International Motor Show and purchased it on the spot, keeping it in Australia while he played the International tennis circuit.

Two owners and an indicated 29,900km later, Shannons say the Hummer’s good condition and low mileage suggest that it has spent most of its life as an urban, rather than a desert stormer. However it remains well suited for serious off-road work, with its equipment including the factory-fitted Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), which enables the driver to vary tyre air pressure on the fly.

Shannons are offering the Hummer for sale as a ‘project’, as some easily replaceable exterior hardware and cabin trim has been removed.

It is expected to sell in the $40-$50,000 price range at the November 24 auction - around a quarter of its original new price - and is expected to appeal to both collectors and those seeking a seriously capable vehicle for off-road travel and exploration.

The Scud's Hummer is perfect for anyone wanting to hunt down a few cougars.

Hummer H2 SUT 4X4LEATHERMOONROOFDVDNAVIGATIONBOSELOADEDCLEAN

22 Bids

US $21,600.00

9m

Hummer H3 4dr 4WD SUV 2006 HUMMER H3 4dr 4WD SUV Low Miles 4x4

15 Bids

US $12,600.00

54m

Hummer H2 4dr Wgn 2003 HUMMER H2 4dr Wgn

US $17,900.00

58m

Edit: The metallic blue Hummer H1 originally owned by Mark Philippoussis sold unreserved for $69,000 at Shannons Melbourne Summer Auction on November 24.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Here's a nice little offer I received in my inbox today, particularly if you are looking at getting some quotes for some car insurance. Famous Insurance are offering people the chance to win a $1,000 fuel voucher with every quote from Famous Insurance.

It's pretty simple, click the link below, and you'll head off to their offer page. Request a quote, and you're in with a chance.

Chance to win $1,000 fuel with every quote from Famous Insurance. Click Here Now

Good luck!

Popularity: 13% [?]

Nissan has released the first official pictures of their 2009 370Z Coupe, which is set to make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19.

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style and value.

As the images below show, it's a car with a strong look, that's sure to win over a lot of people. As you can also see from the photos, the Nissan marketing team love a 'wet down' for their photo shoots. Don't cars just look better on a wet track?

Nissan 350Z TourngRdster NISSAN 350Z TOURING ROADSTER 28K MI ONE OWNER FLA

2 Bids

US $10,223.95

10m

Nissan 350Z Roadster 2006 Nissan 350Z Roadster Tour Accessories No Res

0 Bid

US $23,900.00

28m

Nissan 350Z TOURING CONV 2004 NISSAN GRAND TOURING CONVERTIBLE ONLY 22386 MILES

10 Bids

US $16,001.00

1h 29m

Popularity: 13% [?]

It's been a little while now since I got my drivers licence. To be honest, I couldn't tell you how well (or badly) I went in my learners test. All I do know is that I passed it the first time. That's why I found this new online practice learners test interesting.

I was breezing my way through it, heading for 100%. Then I got cocky. Maybe it was over confidence, maybe I just didn't read the question properly... whatever... long story short, I got one wrong.

So there you have it, 97% the practice learners. Go do the test and come back and tell us how well you went... unless you're too scared...

If you've got a learner driver in your house, and you're freaking out about the whole "getting your L plates" thing, check out the L Site, you may even learn something.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Perhaps it's just me, but I find that, in general, the design of Le Mans cars is just plain weird. I'm sure they look they way they do due to aero dynamics and all that sort of thing, but they don't strike me as visually appealing.

Case in point, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP Hybrid Race Car. There's no doubt that the technology behind it is impressive, but it looks alien, in a bad way.

The 908 HDi FAP’s “HY” technology enables a proportion of the kinetic energy produced under braking to be either recovered or stored. In the case of a non-hybrid car, this energy is lost and simply dissipated in the form of heat via the brakes. However, when harnessed, it enables the vehicle’s efficiency to be improved either by reduced fuel consumption for the same level of performance, or enhanced performance with no increase in the amount of energy consumed, thanks to the combination of the stored mechanical energy and the energy produced by the internal combustion engine. Continue Reading »

Popularity: 38% [?]

Mitsubishi’s the Lancer sedan has received a series of updates across all model variants, including the entry level ES, mid-range VR and sporty VRX sedan, as part of the company’s 2009 model year line-up. Most importantly, Mitsubishi have announced a major upgrade to the Lancer range's top range, with the announcement of the Aspire, an all new 2.4 litre premium Lancer variant.

Clearly aimed at the 'aspirational' market, the Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire includes a range of internal and external upgrades, with Mitsubishi targeting those customers looking to down size from larger passenger cars without losing any of the performance or 'prestige' that they've grown accustomed to.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire's 2.4 litre MIVEC four cylinder engine generates 125 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm @ 4,100 rpm. For those after improved fuel economy the most important statistic is the fuel consumption figures, with the Aspire returning a frugal 8.5-litres per 100km. Continue Reading »

Popularity: 41% [?]

BMW's first ever V8 twin turbo production engine will be available from showrooms in December, under the bonnet of the X6 xDrive50i Sports Activity Coupé.

The 4.4 litre V8 engine boasts 300kW and 600 Nm of torque but is said to be relatively fuel efficient in comparison to its competition. BMW are a big rap for the X6 xDrive50i Sports Activity Coupé, suggesting that its output is close to that of a V12 powered unit, with the X6 capable of going from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.

The X6 features a high level of standard specification that include special 20-inch light alloy wheels, Adaptive Drive, Self-levelling Pneumatic Suspension, Comfort Access, electrically adjustable front Comfort Seats, Head-Up Display, four-zone Automatic Climate Control, 16-speaker Hi-Fi system, gear-shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel for the six-speed automatic gearbox and interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.

The new twin turbo V8 engine X6 xDrive50i’s is priced from $145,000 plus dealer delivery and on road costs, and will be available from December 2008 from BMW dealers Australia wide.
Continue Reading »

Popularity: 48% [?]

The petrol FG Falcon sedan range was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating with a total score of 34.6 points (out of a possible 37 points), giving it the highest score ever recorded by a locally-produced car in Australia by a significant margin.

The FG Falcon's five-star score places it in the top seven per cent of all published ANCAP results, as well as in the top 24 per cent of published ANCAP five-star results.

ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, congratulated Ford and said that this is a significant milestone for an Australian made car.

"The Ford Falcon now leads the pack in safety for the large Australian made family car."

"ANCAP has high expectations that this achievement will encourage other manufacturers to
build 5 star cars."

The vehicle tested was a base model Falcon XT which has dual front airbags and front-seat head-protecting side airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. ESC is a requirement for a 5 star rating.

With this result fresh in the minds of other Australian manufacturers, you can be sure that the race will be on to match Ford's result.

15BHP Power Mod Chip Ford Falcon EA EB AU XR6 XR8 VT

US $11.92

30m

FORD 302 WINDSOR XR8 POLISHED CAST ALLOY ROCKER COVERS

US $106.31

2h 52m

Popularity: 69% [?]

Surprisingly, the newly launched Lotus Evora is the first all new Lotus to be released since the Elise made its debut back in 1995.

Lotus have released a vehicle that a lot of other big name manufacturers will struggle to match. The Lotus Evora is unique in that not only is it capable of blistering performance, but it's also relatively fuel efficient.

The Lotus Evora is capable of producing 206kW with the modest fuel consumption figures of 7.8l/100km. The Evora is powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine.

The Evora's engine is a modified Toyota all-alloy 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 DOHC, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing). Lotus have developed their own T6e engine management software for this engine to optimise its compatibility with the unique requirements of the Evora to give a peak power output to 206kW at 6400 rpm, while boosting maximum torque to 342Nm at 4700rpm (prototype figures).

Continue Reading »

Popularity: 72% [?]