The US automobile giant Ford Motor Co proposes to launch its small car for the Indian market by 2010 and will set up a new unit soon to manufacture engines, top officials said on Thursday.

“Small car segment holds 75 per cent in Indian market and when we launch the small car that’s when the real volumes will come in,” Ford India managing director and president Michael Boneham told media at the launch of the company’s new car.

He also said Ford’s new engine manufacturing facility will be set up in 2009-10 with a capacity of 250,000 units per year. “The plant will fulfill the entire domestic demand and will also cater to the needs for ford in the Asia Pacific region.”

The company also launched a new sports variant of the mid-sized sedan here Thursday - the Ford Fiesta S that clocks 0-100 km in 11 seconds. Also launched was an upgraded SXI variant of the Fiesta featuring new front grille and head lamps.

Now this is a fantastic idea.

Mean and green, that’s how I like it, and this car delivers.

Called the Scorpion, it is a car made by the Ronn Motor Company (RMC), and it is scheduled to be in production this fall— around October or so. Visually, it is a stunning car with the looks to compete with any exotic, but it’s the mechanics that are the real beauty.

This is proof that environmentally friendly cars don’t have to be slow and ugly. This car is a hybrid, but more than that, it runs on hydrogen. Actually, it runs on a 30-40% hydrogen/gasoline blend, but the important thing is the system used by RMC.

Most hydrogen cars use fuel cells, a fantastic but costly system that should be further explored. In this method, hydrogen goes to the fuel cell, where it is electrochemically converted to electricity, which then powers the car. This system should be seriously looked into, as it is the perfect system—no complicated moving parts, no combustion, hydrogen is eternally renewable, and the only emissions are water vapor.

The Scorpion, however, runs on a less attractive but fantastic nonetheless hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) system. This system is much like modified gas engine, only it uses gaseous hydrogen rather than liquid gas. Since the hydrogen is mixed with gasoline, it means there is combustion involved, but there are almost no emissions, due to the fact that there is no carbon in hydrogen. The hydrogen is provided via the Scorpion’s hydrogen on demand system, which uses dual computer processing controls to deliver the good stuff in real time, and it is then blended with gasoline.

Performance numbers are enticing— over 200 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, yep, there’s no doubt that this is indeed a supercar. Anticipated horsepower is 450, nothing to sniff at, as well as 302 pound-feet of torque. However, these numbers aren’t concrete, the official details have not been out yet.

The look of the car itself is fantastic, with its menacing, snake-like front, beautiful curves, and of course, the air scoop along the side. Chromed skirt edges are a nice touch, though they might disappear for the production model. It is sensual, curvacious, and oh-so-sexy. All in all, a smooth, clean, and simple but good-looking green supercar.

So basically, put it all together and you get over 40 mpg, no emissions, and one hell of a sexy ride. I wish it got more mpg, but considering what it has already accomplished, it’s a win-win. And you can’t go wrong with that.

Specs

Price: $150,000 (estimate)

Engine: 3.5 liter V-6

Top Speed: 200+ mph

Horsepower: 450

Torque: 302 lb-ft.

0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

Mileage: 40+ mpg

Brabus offers its 6.1 S displacement engine for SLK55 AMG. It has a power output of 438 hp and produces a peak torque of 468 lb. per ft. It reaches 0 to 60 mph at 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 191 mph.

The installation of the Brabus stainless steel sport exhaust system is helpful not only for tuned engines. Its four chrome plated tail pipes give the 2008 Brabus SLK55 AMG a more unique appearance and produce an even more sonorous exhaust sound on all SLK engines.

The striking Brabus front spoiler lowers lift on the front axle at high speeds. The rear of the SLK is upgraded by the Brabus apron with cut outs for the quad sport exhaust and the understated Brabus spoiler lip on the trunk lid. Brabus light alloy wheels are available for the Mercedes SLK in one piece or multi piece designs with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches.

The available Brabus suspension modifications for the SLK are specifically calibrated to the use with sporty wide tires. Engine specific Brabus sport springs lower the ride height of the roadster by 30 millimeters. Brabus sport suspensions combine this lowered center of gravity with a stronger and comfortable damper setup. To reduce body roll even more in fast corners Brabus offers stronger sway bars.

Brabus also offers various versions of high performance brake systems for the new SLK. The largest version features six piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355 mm (14 inches) vented and slotted discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 300 mm (11.8 inches) discs and four piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex steel brake lines ensure continuous high brake pressure.

Premier4509 has added the Lamborghini Gallardo to their list of aero kits for exotic vehicles. The latest press release from the company describes aerodynamic enhancing redesigns for the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and rear spoiler. Stainless steel exhaust tips will be offered with the package as an additional option. The pieces are being hand made in Japan and will be built using a mix of Carbon Fiber and FRP. “We’ve been in this business for twenty years now and we’ve always been known for our quality. We’ve gone a step up for our Premier line up and these parts will be flawless. For this line up we have assembled our best teams of craftsmen in Japan to hand build these parts.” said Hironoa Yokomaku, president of Premier4509. “For example, the rear diffuser on our Gallardo kit is larger than the raw sheets of supplied carbon fiber. To ensure there are no seam lines from the adjoining sheets, we have a technician whose sole responsibility is to line up the individual rows of carbon fiber with a needle.”

The design of the kit will help the aerodynamic efficiency and will direct the airflow towards crucial components on the vehicle. “The design is reminiscent of where Lamborghini is headed in design. I wanted to capture that essence while offering a dramatic option to Gallardo owners,” said Yokomaku. The Premier4509 collection is expanding its line up and has included the introduction of a wide body kit for the Bentley Continental GT and the Lamborghini Murcielago. The line will also expand to include more products for Bentley, Maserati and Aston Martin later.

Alpina will try to polish its image and its motor sports pride when it enters its 6 series based B6 GT3 in the 2009 FIA European Championship next year fielding its own team, along with participating in a handful of high profile endurance races. The Alpina B6 S road car is the basis for the 2008 Alpina B6 GT3, and comes with a supercharged 4.4 liter V8 dolling out 530 hp, 725Nm and 535 lb. ft. of torque. That is more than enough to make it competitive with the rest of the field like Aston Martins, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The B6 GT3 is not exclusively for Alpina’s own works team. They plan to sell race ready versions to private teams and collectors who can afford the price tag.

Well known F1 and Touring Car drivers such as Niki Lauda, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester were behind an Alpina steering wheel on their winning three European Touring Car Championships. Alpina pilots also won the Nurburgring 24 Hours many a times and the 24 Hours of Spa in 1970. “We think that the BMW 6 Series, especially with the super charged, torque laden 4.4 liter V8 Alpina engine from the B6 S (530 HP, 725 Nm) provides the ideal basis to challenge pure bred sports cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin within the framework of GT3 regulations”, said Andreas Bovensiepen, Alpina proprietor. After 20 years staying out of racing, Alpina will field a factory team, running the 2008 Alpina B6 GT3 in the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championship.

The 2008 Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes features an array of impressive characteristics: the innovative alliance of a technologically advanced engine, delivering 1001 horsepower, with an understated yet uncompromising silhouette reflecting the performance capacities of state-of-the-art engineering and design.

The sports coupe can reach 407 km/h. The 16-cylinder “W” configuration engine is fed by four turbochargers and features 64 valves, generating 1001 horse power at 6000 rpm. The engine draws on its 8 liter displacement to deliver a maximum torque of 1250 Newton-meters between 2200 and 5500 rpm. With full time all wheel drive, the car’s phenomenal power produces exceptional handling, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.5 seconds. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 benefits from aeronautical and aerospace technologies, making it the fastest production car ever made.

The car also features a braking system designed to deliver unprecedented powers of deceleration, establishing a new industry benchmark. The carbon fiber discs provide brake pressure of up to 180 bars, combined with eight-piston mono bloc calipers and titanium pistons fitted with fine steel heads and ceramic heat protectors. Apply the brakes at speeds above 200 km/h, and the rear wing acts as an airbrake, positioning itself at an angle of 113 degrees in less than 0.4 seconds, further improving the Bugatti Veyron’s already impressive stopping power. The airbrake increases negative lift at the rear of the car to 300 kg, enhancing the braking torque on the rear axle. At 400 km/h, emergency braking will bring the sports car to a complete halt in less than 10 seconds. This exceptional model is priced at 1.55 million euros (not including tax), available at the end of 2008.

Now on sale, the 2009 Acura RDX brings a 1 percent price increase and minor equipment tweak for the new model year.

The compact luxury crossover vehicle starts at $33,695. Stepping up to an RDX with the Technology Package reaches $36,995. Factor another $760 for either version to cover destination charges.

The near non-existent changes for 2009 include a standard four-way adjustable power-activated passenger front seat and four new exterior colors: Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Grigio Metallic and Palladium Metallic. In addition, Technology Package includes expanded AcuraLink real-time traffic coverage.

As before, all RDX’s include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, SH-AWD (super-handling), and an exhaustive list of safety and convenience equipment commonly associated with larger, pricier luxury vehicles, like the MDX.

In keeping with its size, and reflecting the current fuel crisis, we hope to one day see a non-turbo RDX.

BMW has unveiled a fabric-covered roadster that can change its shape at the flick of a switch - and it’s the inspiration for propeller-badged cars both current and future.

BMW has revealed a radical shape-shifting roadster concept that has been the inspiration behind its controversial car designs - and will also influence the German brand’s future vehicles.

The Gina Light Visionary Model is a dramatic-looking two-seater sports car that swaps traditional sheetmetal for a near-seamless, stretchable fabric that can contort into different shapes.

The special waterproof and temperature-resistant “hybrid” fabric is draped over a high-strength metal wire structure that features a series of carbonfibre and steel-mesh struts in various locations. The driver can change the roadster’s exterior design by using switches to activate these electro-hydraulically controlled sections.

The headlights, for example, are hidden until switched on, when the fabric at the front of the car prises apart on either side of the signature double-kidney grille to reveal the double lamps.

Indicator and tail-lights simply shine through the translucent fabric cover.

If the engine needs to be accessed, the bonnet can be unzipped down the middle to create a half-metre-wide gap.

Some body changes are automatic. For improved aerodynamics at higher speeds, the Gina roadster will generate extra downforce by deploying a rear spoiler.

The two-seater research car isn’t just responsible for BMW’s controversial convex-concave (’flame surfacing’) design language on current models. The two-seater’s minimalist interior also led to the polarising iDrive menu controller system.

BMW says iDrive was spawned from one of the Gina’s principles - of “displaying only functions to the driver that are relevant to the individual driving situation”.

The Gina roadster’s steering wheel and instruments are even tucked away to allow the driver easier access. Only once the driver is ensconced do the steering wheel and instruments move outwards and the seat (and headrest) adjust automatically for the optimum driving position.

While pictures and details of the two-seater concept have only just been released, the car actually dates back to 2001 - according to overseas media invited to the car’s unveiling. It’s also reported that the Gina research concept sits on the platform of the Z8 roadster that last graced roads in 2003 (sold only in limited numbers as a left-hand-drive collector’s car in Australia).

The Gina’s shape-shifting exterior can certainly be seen in BMW’s 2001 X Coupe concept car - which debuted designer Chris Bangle’s polarising ‘flame surfacing’ design language - as well as current production models such as the Z4 (most obviously) and 1-Series.

The Gina Light Visionary Model is effectively a concept car behind a concept car. BMW calls it an “object of research”, saying that GINA is an abbreviation for “Geometry and Functions in ‘N’ Adaptions”.

Chris Bangle, talking in a promotional video for the Gina research roadster, says the car exists to encourage thinking outside the box not just about how future cars could look but also how they could be built.

“This [roadster] started a whole chain of ideas in the company [to the point] that Gina became not just a model, a shape, or just [an issue] about cloth as a [vehicle] skin … it became a real thinking process about doing things differently,” says Bangle.

“Does [a car’s outer skin] always have to be made out of metal? Do we always have to make it in the same manner?

“In reality, the aspects of crash [safety], [body] stiffness, and ride and handling capabilities can be handled in a spaceframe-type vehicle without the [metal] skin.

Bangle says the Gina philosophy is about being flexible and also creating a greater emotional bond between car and driver.

“Emotion is really the added function to this [concept],” he says. “Really, we want to achieve a higher emotional plain out of this. Gina should be about the human in the loop.”

The research car has now been wheeled into the BMW Museum in Munich for display, although the company says the guiding principles of Gina will continue to influence BMW’s designs a long way into the future.

Hybrid cars can perhaps turn the entire scene of vehicle sales. For many car owners, the higher price of hybrid vehicles as compared to traditional cars stops them from buying the hybrid ones. While many others think that tax breaks and the saving money on gas consumption are good reasons to switch over to hybrid versions. The environmental- friendly nature of hybrid cars is in fact the reason why they score more on their gasoline counterparts. The following are the reasons why hybrid proves to be beneficial for you and the whole planet:

Lower Emissions: Hybrids rely on electricity for a portion of their power output and that is why they have better mileage than the traditional gasoline versions. Using less gas results in less chemical emissions such as dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

Health matters: The human body is now fully vulnerable to various health issues because, the use of gasoline has already contributed to breathing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other poisonous chemicals released into the atmosphere.

Money matters: People are taking a step backwards in choosing hybrid cars because of the high cost of hybrid versions. Of course, everybody wants to save as much dollars as they can. But, you are actually paying heavier price by filling your cars with gasoline. Not to mention the health hazards caused by the traditional fuel.

Thanks to the scientists who have done their job of finding an alternate way to save the world from the harmful effects caused by the emissions of gasoline. Now it is in our hands whether we want to continue using gasoline or rely on hybrid powered cars.

Mazda is treating its RX-8 four-door sports car to a midlife freshening for 2009, updating its appearance and extending the powertrain warranty.

The exterior is features restyle front fascia, headlamps, rear bumper, and exhaust outlets. A new five-spoke wheel features a symbolic design reminiscent of the rotary engine.

Inside, the center instrument panel design is update, and the tachometer has a variable red zone to indicate engine operating temperature. The cabin is further transformed with a new steering wheel and redesigned front and rear seats.

On the performance front, a new R3 sport package delivers enhanced handling reminiscent of the R1 and R2 packages offered on the third-generation RX-7. Key to the performance gains is a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. (Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, reduced NVH, and greater suspension control.)

The R3 package declares its potent ability with a unique front bumper, fog lamps, side sills, rear bumper, and 19-inch wheels. It also includes a 300-watt Bose audio system with surround sound and noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle, and Mazda keyless entry and start system.

All 2009 Mazda RX-8s have eight years/100,000 miles warranty protection on the Renesis rotary engine, with the balance of the powertrain warranty remains at five years/60,000 miles. Additionally, Mazda will apply this extended eight year/100,000 mile warranty retroactively to all existing 2004-2008 model year RX-8s. This coverage helps offset concerns for an engine with a less-than-sterling reliability reputation. The basic bumper-to-bumper warranty remains at three years/36,000 miles.