Family Ties: Audi Owner Rebadges TT Coupe as a Volkswagen

At a first glance, few would guess that the first generation Audi TT shares a platform, engine and most of its mechanics with parent company Volkswagen's Golf as well as the VW Jetta, New Beetle, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia etc., etc.

Call it down right honesty, call it stupid, you know, call it whatever, but the owner of this 2000 model year Audi TT Coupe, which is up for sale on eBay, had no problem at all replacing Ingolstadt's four-ring logos with the VW badge. He even went as far as adding a couple of VW emblems on the seats.

"I just added Volkswagen logos around to make it look different, since they are the same company," said the eBay with a sincerity that could do with a good a dose of self-irony. More pics for your enjoyment after the jump.

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Family Ties: Audi Owner Rebadges TT Coupe as a Volkswagen

At a first glance, few would guess that the first generation Audi TT shares a platform, engine and most of its mechanics with parent company Volkswagen's Golf as well as the VW Jetta, New Beetle, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia etc., etc.

Call it down right honesty, call it stupid, you know, call it whatever, but the owner of this 2000 model year Audi TT Coupe, which is up for sale on eBay, had no problem at all replacing Ingolstadt's four-ring logos with the VW badge. He even went as far as adding a couple of VW emblems on the seats.

"I just added Volkswagen logos around to make it look different, since they are the same company," said the eBay with a sincerity that could do with a good a dose of self-irony. More pics for your enjoyment after the jump.

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Volvo Preparing "Naughty" S60 for Geneva Show

Once a maker of some of the most boring to drive and mundane-looking bricks on wheels cars in the industry, Volvo has managed to turn up some pretty interesting proposals over the past few years - no thanks to FoMoCo's involvement.

Their latest and most likely last vehicle to be developed under the "loving" arms of Ford before the Swedish company falls into the hands of China's Geely Motors, is the all-new Volvo S60 sedan that will premiere at the Geneva Salon on March 2.

That we already knew. What we didn't know is that Volvo may surprise us with a sporty version(s) of the S60 as this blurred teaser image and a series of videos titled "Naught Volvos Are Coming" suggest.

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Volvo Preparing "Naughty" S60 for Geneva Show

Once a maker of some of the most boring to drive and mundane-looking bricks on wheels cars in the industry, Volvo has managed to turn up some pretty interesting proposals over the past few years - no thanks to FoMoCo's involvement.

Their latest and most likely last vehicle to be developed under the "loving" arms of Ford before the Swedish company falls into the hands of China's Geely Motors, is the all-new Volvo S60 sedan that will premiere at the Geneva Salon on March 2.

That we already knew. What we didn't know is that Volvo may surprise us with a sporty version(s) of the S60 as this blurred teaser image and a series of videos titled "Naught Volvos Are Coming" suggest.

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Ford to Unveil New Focus Station Wagon at the Geneva Motor Show

At next week's Geneva Motor Show, Ford will stage the world premiere of the fifth member of its Focus family after the five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX minivans, the station wagon model.

According to our sources, the more practical and roomy Focus SW (also known as the Estate in some countries) will initially be launched in Europe. However, if there's enough interest by buyers in other international markets, Ford will add the station wagon variant to its global range of Focus models in the very near future.

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Ford to Unveil New Focus Station Wagon at the Geneva Motor Show

At next week's Geneva Motor Show, Ford will stage the world premiere of the fifth member of its Focus family after the five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX minivans, the station wagon model.

According to our sources, the more practical and roomy Focus SW (also known as the Estate in some countries) will initially be launched in Europe. However, if there's enough interest by buyers in other international markets, Ford will add the station wagon variant to its global range of Focus models in the very near future.

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Photo Galore: 2011 Audi RS5 Coupe 450HP V8

Audi is now ready to show us a lot more of its Geneva Motor Show-bound RS5 as the Ingolstadt automaker published a slew of high-resolution images of the high-performance coupe that will take on the BMW M3 and its ilk. Like all RS models, the hottest A5 has been fully developed by Quattro, Audi's in-house performance division.

Under the bonnet of the sleek-looking coupe is a subtly tweaked version of the same naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine found in the old RS4 and the R8. In the RS5, the high-revving V8 churns out 450HP at 8,250 rpm along with 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of peak torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.

Those ponies are sent to all four-wheels through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission with Audi announcing a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.6 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph. Hit the jump for the 55 new photos of the RS5 or click here to read the full details.

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Photo Galore: 2011 Audi RS5 Coupe 450HP V8

Audi is now ready to show us a lot more of its Geneva Motor Show-bound RS5 as the Ingolstadt automaker published a slew of high-resolution images of the high-performance coupe that will take on the BMW M3 and its ilk. Like all RS models, the hottest A5 has been fully developed by Quattro, Audi's in-house performance division.

Under the bonnet of the sleek-looking coupe is a subtly tweaked version of the same naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine found in the old RS4 and the R8. In the RS5, the high-revving V8 churns out 450HP at 8,250 rpm along with 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of peak torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.

Those ponies are sent to all four-wheels through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission with Audi announcing a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.6 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph. Hit the jump for the 55 new photos of the RS5 or click here to read the full details.

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Lawmaker Accuses Toyota of Withholding Crash Evidence

Toyota may just have been caught with its hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Corporate blower of whistles and former Toyota Motor Sales USA (a "product liability group") managing counsel Dimitrios Biller has apparently brought a few documents to light - documents the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee finds "troubling".

According to panel chairman Ed Towns (D-NY), the documents "indicate Toyota deliberately withheld records that it was legally required to produce in response to discovery orders in litigation... [The] documents concern 'rollover' cases in which a driver or passenger was injured, including cases where victims were paralyzed."

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Lawmaker Accuses Toyota of Withholding Crash Evidence

Toyota may just have been caught with its hand in the proverbial cookie jar. Corporate blower of whistles and former Toyota Motor Sales USA (a "product liability group") managing counsel Dimitrios Biller has apparently brought a few documents to light - documents the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee finds "troubling".

According to panel chairman Ed Towns (D-NY), the documents "indicate Toyota deliberately withheld records that it was legally required to produce in response to discovery orders in litigation... [The] documents concern 'rollover' cases in which a driver or passenger was injured, including cases where victims were paralyzed."

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I.DE.A Institute Teases 'Sofia' Sports Sedan Concept Ahead of Geneva Show

Three computer generated images and a name is just about all we have on the I.DE.A. Institute 'Sofia' hybrid sports sedan that will be officially unwrapped at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2. The famous design house stated that the four-seater concept model will be instantly recognized by its "Italian styling and beauty".

Last year, I.DE.A made its first appearance at the Swiss international auto show after a decade-long hiatus with the ERA roadster.

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I.DE.A Institute Teases 'Sofia' Sports Sedan Concept Ahead of Geneva Show

Three computer generated images and a name is just about all we have on the I.DE.A. Institute 'Sofia' hybrid sports sedan that will be officially unwrapped at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2. The famous design house stated that the four-seater concept model will be instantly recognized by its "Italian styling and beauty".

Last year, I.DE.A made its first appearance at the Swiss international auto show after a decade-long hiatus with the ERA roadster.

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Geneva Pre-Gaming: Techart's Reptilian Porsche Panamera Concept One

It's one of the cars representing German tuner Techart in Geneva this year: the Concept One, a Porsche Panamera meant to showcase the firm's "second individualization level". And individual it is.

We'll start with the "unusual" interior, which is where this car really shines (although most will probably disagree): cocoa over white with "Phosphor" green stitching and detailing accented by tasty Cerbero trim - which must be the gator-skin stuff - on the dash, consoles, and seats.

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Geneva Pre-Gaming: Techart's Reptilian Porsche Panamera Concept One

It's one of the cars representing German tuner Techart in Geneva this year: the Concept One, a Porsche Panamera meant to showcase the firm's "second individualization level". And individual it is.

We'll start with the "unusual" interior, which is where this car really shines (although most will probably disagree): cocoa over white with "Phosphor" green stitching and detailing accented by tasty Cerbero trim - which must be the gator-skin stuff - on the dash, consoles, and seats.

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Ferrari 599 Hybrid Concept: First Photos Leak on the Web

We've been hearing a lot about Ferrari's Geneva-bound 599 Hybrid concept model for quite some time now, but the Italian supercar maker apparently can't keep it under wraps anymore as the first photos of the prototype model made it onto the web today.

Photos aside, we asked around and our sources gave us some inside information on the hybrid system featured on the 'green' 599 concept model.

The system comprises of an electric motor producing somewhere around 100 horsepower and 137Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque that is attached on the back-end of the rear-mounted transmission, and a battery pack located under the floor.

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Ferrari 599 Hybrid Concept: First Photos Leak on the Web

We've been hearing a lot about Ferrari's Geneva-bound 599 Hybrid concept model for quite some time now, but the Italian supercar maker apparently can't keep it under wraps anymore as the first photos of the prototype model made it onto the web today.

Photos aside, we asked around and our sources gave us some inside information on the hybrid system featured on the 'green' 599 concept model.

The system comprises of an electric motor producing somewhere around 100 horsepower and 137Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque that is attached on the back-end of the rear-mounted transmission, and a battery pack located under the floor.

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2011 Audi A8 Receives its First Tuning Job by Hofele Design

The new generation of Audi's A8 limo, codenamed D4, was only just presented at the end of 2009, but the tuning industry has already started cranking out performance and styling mods for the German automaker's flagship sedan.

One of the first (if not the first) tuners to launch a dedicated programme for the 2011 A8 sedan is Germany's Hofele Design that will present its proposal to the public at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

Hofele Design has readied power kits for both engines that will be available at the new A8's launch. The 4.2-liter V8 petrol gets a jump from 372HP and 445Nm to 400HP and 475Nm, reducing the 0-100km/h sprint time from 5.7 seconds to 5.3 seconds.

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2011 Audi A8 Receives its First Tuning Job by Hofele Design

The new generation of Audi's A8 limo, codenamed D4, was only just presented at the end of 2009, but the tuning industry has already started cranking out performance and styling mods for the German automaker's flagship sedan.

One of the first (if not the first) tuners to launch a dedicated programme for the 2011 A8 sedan is Germany's Hofele Design that will present its proposal to the public at next week's Geneva Motor Show.

Hofele Design has readied power kits for both engines that will be available at the new A8's launch. The 4.2-liter V8 petrol gets a jump from 372HP and 445Nm to 400HP and 475Nm, reducing the 0-100km/h sprint time from 5.7 seconds to 5.3 seconds.

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Get Litigious: Bumblebee's gone all Mustang

Coming straight out of San Antonio, Texas is this... let's call it interesting... Transformers-inspired Mustang. Some people wouldn't be so kind, and one of those people happens to be Mr. Marton; he had the cajones to get close enough to grab the pics. Marton threw out the phrase "Wrong Car Fail", and while I secretly agree, hey, it's not my car.

However, as a Mustang fan, allow me to say this: Mustangs never look good in yellow (or gold, for that matter). Want to prove me wrong? Send in some pics of your yellow Mustangs and we'll see what passes for good-looking these days.

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Get Litigious: Bumblebee's gone all Mustang

Coming straight out of San Antonio, Texas is this... let's call it interesting... Transformers-inspired Mustang. Some people wouldn't be so kind, and one of those people happens to be Mr. Marton; he had the cajones to get close enough to grab the pics. Marton threw out the phrase "Wrong Car Fail", and while I secretly agree, hey, it's not my car.

However, as a Mustang fan, allow me to say this: Mustangs never look good in yellow (or gold, for that matter). Want to prove me wrong? Send in some pics of your yellow Mustangs and we'll see what passes for good-looking these days.

Read more »

Geneva Preview: Infiniti's Diesel-Powered EX30d in Detail, Expected to Account for 80% of European Sales

Having already provided us with general information on its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that was developed in cooperation with Renault, Infiniti has now released the first photographs and more details on the European market EX30d crossover that will debut in Geneva next week.

The EX30d will be the second model of the Infiniti range to get the new diesel V6 after the FX series, and will be followed by the M30d sedan. The diesel-powered EX crossover will go on sale this summer at prices to be announced closer to the launch date. Not surprisingly, Infiniti said it is expecting that, throughout Europe, eight out of every 10 EXs will be the new EX30d.

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Geneva Preview: Infiniti's Diesel-Powered EX30d in Detail, Expected to Account for 80% of European Sales

Having already provided us with general information on its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that was developed in cooperation with Renault, Infiniti has now released the first photographs and more details on the European market EX30d crossover that will debut in Geneva next week.

The EX30d will be the second model of the Infiniti range to get the new diesel V6 after the FX series, and will be followed by the M30d sedan. The diesel-powered EX crossover will go on sale this summer at prices to be announced closer to the launch date. Not surprisingly, Infiniti said it is expecting that, throughout Europe, eight out of every 10 EXs will be the new EX30d.

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Geneva Preview: BMW'S Activehybrid5 Sedan Concept is way too Smart... [with Video]

The ActiveHybrid 5 is (officially now) the newest concept from BMW's Efficient Dynamics division, and ED has shaken things up a bit in the power train department. Instead of going with a V8-based mild hybrid setup a la the 7-Series and X6 hybrids, BMW decided to try the system out with their award-winning TwinPower Turbo'd 6-cylinder with Start/Stop tech running the show.

The system is fairly straightforward: up front is the engine, followed by the electric motor which is connected via an automatic clutch, and the 8-speed automatic transmission is the caboose. BMW placed the battery pack somewhere around the rear axle in order to improve weight distribution.

The battery pack, which provides 40kW or 54HP of power, gets recharged by an advanced Regenerative Brake system that works in conjunction with the electric motor. That same battery pack also "delivers electric power to the car's on-board network".

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Geneva Preview: BMW'S Activehybrid5 Sedan Concept is way too Smart... [with Video]

The ActiveHybrid 5 is (officially now) the newest concept from BMW's Efficient Dynamics division, and ED has shaken things up a bit in the power train department. Instead of going with a V8-based mild hybrid setup a la the 7-Series and X6 hybrids, BMW decided to try the system out with their award-winning TwinPower Turbo'd 6-cylinder with Start/Stop tech running the show.

The system is fairly straightforward: up front is the engine, followed by the electric motor which is connected via an automatic clutch, and the 8-speed automatic transmission is the caboose. BMW placed the battery pack somewhere around the rear axle in order to improve weight distribution.

The battery pack, which provides 40kW or 54HP of power, gets recharged by an advanced Regenerative Brake system that works in conjunction with the electric motor. That same battery pack also "delivers electric power to the car's on-board network".

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Geneva Preview: Lancia Delta Special Series Finished in Matte Black

For the first time ever, Lancia will share its display with Chrysler at the Geneva Motor Show, demonstrating the Fiat Group's vision for a common future for the two brands.

But while the Detroit Show earlier this year gave us a Chrysler-badged Delta prototype, the Italian firm's press release did not mention any plans for a Lancia-badged Chrysler model, simply noting that two Delta hatchbacks and two 300C sedans will be hosted on a common platform.

The Italian company added that it will show off a special edition version of the Delta finished in dark matte color called "Hard Black" that is further enhanced with chrome-plated mirror frames and new 18-inch burnished alloy wheels.

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Geneva Preview: Lancia Delta Special Series Finished in Matte Black

For the first time ever, Lancia will share its display with Chrysler at the Geneva Motor Show, demonstrating the Fiat Group's vision for a common future for the two brands.

But while the Detroit Show earlier this year gave us a Chrysler-badged Delta prototype, the Italian firm's press release did not mention any plans for a Lancia-badged Chrysler model, simply noting that two Delta hatchbacks and two 300C sedans will be hosted on a common platform.

The Italian company added that it will show off a special edition version of the Delta finished in dark matte color called "Hard Black" that is further enhanced with chrome-plated mirror frames and new 18-inch burnished alloy wheels.

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Pagani's Three-Color Wonder: The One-Off Zonda Tricolore

Pagani's Zonda has had more than a few iterations; it's like the Mustang of the über-supercar set. The latest is called the Tricolore, and it's most likely the last special edition Zonda ever as its replacement, the all-new C9 is on its way.

Built for a Spanish importer and debuting in Geneva next week, the Zonda Tricolore is based on the uniquely-bodied Cinque, carbon fiber body and all (we're assuming the power train is a carryover).

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Pagani's Three-Color Wonder: The One-Off Zonda Tricolore

Pagani's Zonda has had more than a few iterations; it's like the Mustang of the über-supercar set. The latest is called the Tricolore, and it's most likely the last special edition Zonda ever as its replacement, the all-new C9 is on its way.

Built for a Spanish importer and debuting in Geneva next week, the Zonda Tricolore is based on the uniquely-bodied Cinque, carbon fiber body and all (we're assuming the power train is a carryover).

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Mitsubishi ASX Crossover: New Gallery and Details on Euro-Spec Model

Mitsubishi's European arm has released a new batch of photos and additional information on its market-specific ASX Crossover that will premiere at this year's edition of the Geneva Salon. The European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which went on sale in Japan earlier this month, will land in showrooms this summer.

With the exception of a few details such the black finish on the ASX's front and rear bumper inserts, grille and rocker panels as well as the addition of turning signals on the exterior mirrors, the European does not differ in any other way from the JDM version.

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Mitsubishi ASX Crossover: New Gallery and Details on Euro-Spec Model

Mitsubishi's European arm has released a new batch of photos and additional information on its market-specific ASX Crossover that will premiere at this year's edition of the Geneva Salon. The European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which went on sale in Japan earlier this month, will land in showrooms this summer.

With the exception of a few details such the black finish on the ASX's front and rear bumper inserts, grille and rocker panels as well as the addition of turning signals on the exterior mirrors, the European does not differ in any other way from the JDM version.

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VIDEO: DTM Pilot Takes Audi's A1 Mini for a Spin on the Track

Wondering what a professional driver has to say about the new 2011 Audi A1? Well, here's your chance to find out as Audi invited DTM (or German Touring Car Championship) pilot Markus Winkelhock to take the premium supermini for a quick spin around the firm's Neustadt test track.

"The car is very well sprung. It swallows up bumps of almost any size without any amplification of the motions," said Winkelhock when describing his impressions. "After driving the Audi A1 for the first time, my opinion is clear: It's the benchmark in the small compact class," Winkelhock concluded.

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VIDEO: DTM Pilot Takes Audi's A1 Mini for a Spin on the Track

Wondering what a professional driver has to say about the new 2011 Audi A1? Well, here's your chance to find out as Audi invited DTM (or German Touring Car Championship) pilot Markus Winkelhock to take the premium supermini for a quick spin around the firm's Neustadt test track.

"The car is very well sprung. It swallows up bumps of almost any size without any amplification of the motions," said Winkelhock when describing his impressions. "After driving the Audi A1 for the first time, my opinion is clear: It's the benchmark in the small compact class," Winkelhock concluded.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Official F1 Safety Car for 2010 Season

The first race of the 2010 Formula-1 season in Bahrain on March 12 will mark the debut of the most powerful official F1 safety car of all time, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing, which replaces the firm's SL 63 AMG roadster that was used in the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Being a supercar and all, there was no need for Mercedes to fiddle around with the mechanical recipe so the new F1 safety car features the same 571HP V8 engine, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG but gets an all-new rear silencer, that is said to allow the naturally aspirated V8 to breathe more easily and offer improved acoustics.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing Official F1 Safety Car for 2010 Season

The first race of the 2010 Formula-1 season in Bahrain on March 12 will mark the debut of the most powerful official F1 safety car of all time, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing, which replaces the firm's SL 63 AMG roadster that was used in the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Being a supercar and all, there was no need for Mercedes to fiddle around with the mechanical recipe so the new F1 safety car features the same 571HP V8 engine, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG but gets an all-new rear silencer, that is said to allow the naturally aspirated V8 to breathe more easily and offer improved acoustics.

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Lexus CT 200h: Official Information and Photos on Compact Hybrid Out And About

Official information for Lexus's Euro-fighting hybrid, the CT 200h, has just come out of the Press Release closet. Riding on 17-inch wheels mounted to a newly-developed front-wheel drive platform, the smallest Lexus ever is powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine mated to an electric motor with power (no performance figures have been released) going through an E-CVT transmission with, surprise surprise, settings that include ECO, SPORT, and NORMAL. But these are all facts we already know.

Spacially, the CT comes in at 4,320 mm long and 1,765 mm wide, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase. That helps Lexus' Audi A3-fighter provide owners with 345 liters (12.2 cubic feet) of cargo room with the rear seats up, or 700 liters (24.7 cubic feet) with them folded down.

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Lexus CT 200h: Official Information and Photos on Compact Hybrid Out And About

Official information for Lexus's Euro-fighting hybrid, the CT 200h, has just come out of the Press Release closet. Riding on 17-inch wheels mounted to a newly-developed front-wheel drive platform, the smallest Lexus ever is powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine mated to an electric motor with power (no performance figures have been released) going through an E-CVT transmission with, surprise surprise, settings that include ECO, SPORT, and NORMAL. But these are all facts we already know.

Spacially, the CT comes in at 4,320 mm long and 1,765 mm wide, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase. That helps Lexus' Audi A3-fighter provide owners with 345 liters (12.2 cubic feet) of cargo room with the rear seats up, or 700 liters (24.7 cubic feet) with them folded down.

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Honda's CR-Z Hybrid drops into the JDM, Modulo Version and All [with High Res Gallery]

Honda's desperate-to-be-sporty hybrid, the CR-Z (or Compact Renaissance Zero... what?) will be going on sale, Friday, February 26th in its domestic market with a local sales goal of 1000 units per month. For those not in the know, that would be Japan, aka the JDM.

Just a recap: according to Honda, this the CR-Z will be the world's first hybrid vehicle with a 6-speed manual transmission, and it's also the manufacturer's first vehicle to feature a three-mode system which allows the drive to choose among Sport, Normal, or Econ settings.

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Honda's CR-Z Hybrid drops into the JDM, Modulo Version and All [with High Res Gallery]

Honda's desperate-to-be-sporty hybrid, the CR-Z (or Compact Renaissance Zero... what?) will be going on sale, Friday, February 26th in its domestic market with a local sales goal of 1000 units per month. For those not in the know, that would be Japan, aka the JDM.

Just a recap: according to Honda, this the CR-Z will be the world's first hybrid vehicle with a 6-speed manual transmission, and it's also the manufacturer's first vehicle to feature a three-mode system which allows the drive to choose among Sport, Normal, or Econ settings.

Read more »