Lotus Exige Stealth makes debut at Tokyo 2009

The only recently unveiled Lotus Exige Scura was at the Tokyo Motorshow 2009 with the name Exige Stealth, which will be its name for the Japanese market. The Lotus stand was one of the very very few non-Japanese stands at this year’s Tokyo Motorshow and they displayed the Exige Scura/Stealth and the new Lotus Evora.

The Lotus Exige Stealth looks pretty good in real life. The matte black paint made it look like a military stealth vehicle of sorts. Lotus managed to execute the whole mini Reventon look kind of thing well. Look after the jump for the rest of the photos.

Electric cars to be big draw

		This file picture, taken on September 18, 2009 shows Japanese auto giant Honda Motor's concept vehicle the "EV-N" battery electric vehicle for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show at a press preview in Tokyo.

TOKYO - MOVE over hybrids - the biggest buzz at this year's Tokyo Motor Show looks set to come from electric cars as the dream of affordable zero-emission vehicles moves closer to reality.

Japanese automakers, pioneers in hybrid cars powered by a mixture of petrol and electricity, are now looking to take fuel-efficient motoring to the next level with vehicles that run on rechargeable batteries.

Nissan will put its electric car, the Leaf, on display to the public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show, which kicks off on Wednesday with press previews and opens to general visitors on Saturday.

The mid-sized hatchback, which will go on sale in late 2010 in Japan, is billed by Nissan as 'the world's first affordable, zero-emission car.' It can travel more than 160 kilometres on a single charge, at a top speed of 140 kilometres per hour.

The world's largest automaker Toyota, which has said it aims to launch an electric vehicle by 2012, will display a new version of its electric concept car - the FT-EV II - at the show.

'We think the time is almost ripe for cost levels, batteries and performance to evolve one step further,' said Toyota's Akihiro Yanaka, who oversees the project. -- AFP

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Photo © Aaron Gold

This may look like an ordinary Jetta, but under the hood is Volkswagen's new 50-state compliant turbodiesel engine. The Jetta TDI is quicker to 60 than the gasoline-powered Jetta and gets significantly better fuel economy -- around 40 MPG.

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Photo © Volkswagen

The CC is what VW calls a four-door coupe, similar in shape to the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Engine options echo those of the Passat, with a 200 horsepower 2.0 liter engine as standard and 280 hp 3.6 liter narrow-angle V6 optional; the is available with 4Motion all-wheel-drive. The car will slot in above the top-of-the-line Passat 3.6, with prices starting at $27,480 for the CC Sport with a manual transmissin and topping out at $43,255 for a fully-loaded CC VR6 4Motion.

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Photo © Aaron Gold

911 Carrera and Targa models (the Carrera S is shown here) get updated headlights and taillights, improved entertainment/navigation systems, new engines with direct fuel injection, and a new twin-clutch automatic transmission.

2009 Pontiac Vibe

Photo © Aaron Gold

The Vibe is Pontiac's version of the Toyota Matrix. All new for 2009, the second-generation Vibe features unique styling and a choice of three models: 1.8 liter Base, 2.4 liter AWD (All Wheel Drive) and 2.4 liter GT.

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Photo © General Motors

A new fastback coupe version of the Solstice makes its debut in 2009. The Solstice coupe features a removable transparent roof similar to the one found in the Corvette coupe.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Photo © General Motors

A new G8 GXP model debuts for 2009 with a 402 horsepower verison of the 6.2 liter V8 found in the Corvette, which will drive the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A racy body kit and 19" wheels differentiate the GXP from the 361 hp G8 GT.

2009 Nissan 370Z

Photo © Aaron Gold

The all-new Nissan Z features a 3.7 liter engine and a shorter body than the outgoing 350Z, with a shape that recalls the classic Z cars of the 1970s and 80s.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Photo © Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has always been right on the heels Subaru's Impreza WRX STI with its own Lancer Evolution, but the Subaru Impreza WRX has always been pretty much unchallenged. Well, that's about to change. The new Lancer Ralliart gets a 237-horsepower version of the Evo's 2.0 liter engine along with all-wheel-drive and a twin-clutch automatic transmission. As for the old Lancer Ralliart's formula, no, it's not dead -- the "big-block" Lancer lives on in the 2009 Lancer GTS.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant

Photo © Mitsubishi

Though it's a decent car all around, success has eluded Mitsubishi's big Galant sedan. 2009 sees a thorough restyling with the hopes of boosting sales.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

Photo © Mitsubishi

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

Photo © Aaron Gold

Like other SLK models, the hot-rod SLK55 AMG gets updated styling inside and out.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Photo © Basem Wasef

Mercedes' retractable-hardtop roadster gets a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior and interior styling. But the biggest news is the mid-line SLK350, which gets bumped up to an even 300 horsepower; it's bookended by the SLK300 and the SLK55 AMG.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

Photo © Mercedes

The limited-production SL65 Black Series is a lightweight version of the SL65 AMG with a more powerful (670 hp) version of the SL65's twin-turbo V12 engine.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Photo © Aaron Gold

Mercedes' big two-seat retractable-hardtop roadster gets updated styling, glass roof, parking assist system, and Airscarf, which blows warm air on the back of the passenger's neck. The V12-powered SL65 AMG is joined by the SL63 AMG, shown here, which is powered by a 518 hp version of AMG's 6.2 liter V8 backed by the new Multi Clutch Transmission (Mercedes' usual 7-speed automatic with an electronically-controlled clutch in place of the usual torque converter).

2009 Mazda RX-8

Photo © Mazda

The RX-8 gets its first major update since its 2003 introduction. 2009 will see revised styling and a new R3 version with a stiffer suspension, extra body bits and additional interior ameneties.

2009 Lincoln MKS

Photo © Aaron Gold

The all-new 2009 MKS is slated to take over as Lincoln's flagship sedan. The MKS will initially be offered with a 270 hp 3.7 liter V6 and choice of front- or all-wheel-drive; a twin-turbo direct injection V6 is scheduled to join the options list about a year after the MKS' introduction. Lincoln will use the MKS to introduce several new (or, at the very least, new to Lincoln) technologies, including a capless fuel filler, keyless ignition, adaptive cruise control, and the much-vaunted SYNC system.

2009 Lexus LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition

Photo © Lexus

The LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition will be a limited-run model (just 50 to be built) with Truffle Mica paint, unique wheels and interior trim, and additional standard equipment.

2009 Jaguar XF

Photo © Aaron Gold

The 2009 Jaguar XF marks a radical departure from the S-Type it replaces. Styling is unique for Jaguar, though the new XF bears a passing resemblance to the XK sport coupe. Power comes from a 4.2 liter V8, with both naturally -aspirated (300 hp) and supercharged (420 horsepower) versions available. The six-speed automatic transmission gets an industry-first dial selector as well as steering-wheel-mounted shifter paddles.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE

Photo © Aaron Gold

The SE is to be the entry-level Challenger, with a 250 hp 3.5 liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Photo © Aaron Gold

The Challenger R/T is the mid-level model of the Challenger, with a 5.7 liter HEMI V8 and choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Photo © Aaron Gold

This is the Corvette that Chevrolet says will take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 features a 638 hp supercharged engine, huge carbon-ceramic brakes, and a specially-tuned magnetic-ride suspension; 0-60 comes up in3.4 seconds, 0-100 in 7 flat, and top speed is 205 MPH.

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS sedan

Photo © General Motors

The turbocharged Cobalt SS, introduced last year as a coupe, will be available as a 4-door sedan for the 2009 model year.

2009 Cadillac XLR

Photo © General Motors

Cadillac's "Corvette-in-a-tux" gets tweaked styling inside and out.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Photo © Aaron Gold

The hot-rod version of the new-for-2008 CTS is powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 putting out 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. While the previous CTS-V was only available with a manual transmission, the new CTS-V offers the buyer a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The specially-tuned suspension features Magnetic Ride Control, a brilliant technology (already in use on the Chevrolet Corvette and Buick Lucerne) that allows near-instant changes in shock absorber behavior.

2009 BMW X6

Photo © BMW

BMW is calling the 2009 X6 a Sports Activity Coupe, and calling it the first vehicle of its kind. (Some might argue that the X6 is a four-door sedan, and that it looks an awful lot like now-defunct Subaru's Outback SUS (Sport Utility Sedan)). Semantics aside, the X6 will be available in two versions, the X6 xDrive35i (3.0 liter twin-turbo inline six, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft) and the X6 xDrive50i (4.4 liter V8, 400 hp, 450 lb-ft), both with a six-speed automatic and all wheel drive.

2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series

Photo © Bentley

Bentley will commemorate the end of Arnage production with the Arnage Final Series, of which 150 will be built. The Arnage Final Series features the Arnage T's 500 horsepower twin-turbo engine, dark-tinted radiator grille, 20" wheels, body-color trim, upgraded interior, and "Final Series" badging inside and out.

2009 Bentley Brooklands

Photo © Bentley

The all-new Bentley Brooklands is scheduled to go on sale in early 2008 as a 2009 model. Did you get yours? If not, I'm afraid you're out of luck -- the 550 examples that Bentley will build are already spoken for. Among the features of the $340,990 four-seat Brooklands: All-leather interior, special 20" wheels, and a 6.75 liter V8 (530 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque; the latter is, according to Bentley, the highest torque rating of any automotive engine ever produced) that whisks the Brooklands to 60 MPH in five seconds flat.

Acura's largest car gets a makeover for 2009. No, the RL still doesn't have a V8, but it does get a bigger V6 (3.7 liters and 300 horsepower) coupled to a standard all-wheel-drive system. The exterior has been updated and the interior gets a once-over, with more room for back seat passengers and -- I'm quoting from the press release -- "easier-to-use front seat belts".

LOCAL NEWS Police get Lancer Evo December 07, 2008 09:07 PM Author:

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has acquired 25 units of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (with manual transmission) which will be used alongside the Proton Wajas and Iswaras as patrolcars. The purchase was rumoured for some time but the PDRM did not officially comment on it and it was thought that the cars might be used for undercover purposes. High-performance models are nothing new to the PDRM and even as far back as the 1970s, the force had a fleet of 2-litre Alfa Romeo Alfettas, the first police force outside Italy to use the Italian cars. Marketed by City Motors at that time, they were assembled at the Swedish Motor Assemblies plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. Later on, during the 1980s, the police also purchased a small fleet of Ford TX3s which were used for undercover operations. The cars were unmarked and little was known about them other than that they existed. Around that time, other government agencies like the Customs also used models like the Citroen BX and BMW 318i in order to pursue criminals who had fast machines. Alfa Romeo Alfetta was first high-performance patrolcar used by the PDRM in 1970s Ford TX3 was known to be used for undercover operations Volvo 850 T5 was used by Highway Patrol for many years The Highway Patrol also uses some Proton Satria GTIs In the 1990s, the Highway Patrol got the powerful Volvo 850 T5 stationwagons which were ideal for use on the North-South Highway. The stationwagons served for some time but today, the Highway Patrol uses Mitsubishi Pajeros, Nissan X-Trails and some Proton Satria GTIs. The PDRM will be sending its Evo drivers for special training courses so that they will be able to make full use of the car’s performance so illegal racers had better think twice before trying to accelerate away when they see flashing blue lights behind them. The police also say that the cars may have other roles that require high-speed escorts. As these are government vehicles, the cost would be about half the showroom price of RM324,000 since they are purchased tax-free. Also, the Evo's 295 bhp engine is a thirsty powerplant but since the police also get tax-free petrol, that should not be a worry either!