Last Auto Reviews Blog

Geneva 09' Preview: Nissan NV200 Small Van Unveiled

Nissan is planning on entering the small van market with the introduction of the NV200 at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

The NV200 will be offered in three configurations: cargo van, 7-passenger van and a Combi version for people and cargo.

The NV200 is built on a modified version of Nissan's B Platform and will be powered by either a 1.6L gas engine or a Renault-sourced 1.5L diesel engine. It will launch in Japan this summer and Europe this fall.

2010 Mercury Milan Spy Shots Reveal Mercury’s New Design Direction

Ford believes the future of the automobile industry lies in the compact, crossover market and to prepare, they’ll be introducing two new vehicles to the Mercury line up in 2010. First on the list is a redesigned Mercury Milan sedan, which spy shots pictured above captured recently wearing heavy camouflage. Tentatively planned to be introduced in both standard and hybrid versions, the new 2010 Milan will be based on Ford’s already existing small car line up and sit on the redesigned FWD Ford Focus platform.

Mercury’s second new introduction will be a crossover version of the Mercury Mariner, but isn’t schedule to begin production until 2011. Along with the two new additions to the family, Ford also says that consumers can expect more distinctive styling from Mercury in the future. “You can expect similar differentiation to what we have today,” Auto News quoted Ford’s product chief, Derrick Kuzak as saying, “It has been reasonably successful.”

No word yet on what projected buyer response will be, but Mercury’s current clientele, which is largely comprised of the design department’s supportive mothers, is reportedly very excited.

[Photo Cred: AutoNews.com]

Crazy Japanese Tuners Combine 3-Series With S2000, Rocks Our World [Engine Swap Of The Day]

Japanese chicks, E36 3-Series, cowboy hats, 9,500 RPM, 250 HP Honda S2000 engines, short skirts, race drivers. All of those things appear in this video.

After watching it, we’re inexplicably happy, but aren’t quite sure what just happened to us. Somehow, a tuned S2000 motor has found its way into a modified E36, which then found its way into the hands of a rubber-glove wearing driving god with a sexy sidekick. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the cameraman for combining our new favorite things — upskirt and massively over-revving tachometers — into the same shots. I think we’ve found our new heroes, the good men of Best Motoring.

[via Streetfire]

Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Time Warp, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

For the most part, the lineup at the Chrysler stand here in Detroit is like an advertisement for Zoloft. There are a few exceptions, however. The blue Ram R/T is one, and here's another: the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic. As appearance packages go, this one's a winner. 20-inch Torq-Thrust replicas fill the wheel wells, old-school R/T stripes run down the flanks, and best of all, the classic script Challenger badge adorns each fender. Hey Chrysler -- they should all get this treatment. As you can see, the one parked on the Detroit floor is painted HEMI Orange. We'd order the B5 Blue. Ultimately, it's cool either way.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic

Detroit 2009: Dodge Challenger R/T Classic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

| |

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited sports J. Crew colors

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Volkswagen, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for a high-res gallery of the VW Touareg Lux Limited Edition

The VW Touareg Lux Limited Edition is a 'ute that's been on a shopping spree to J. Crew and High Street, or at least a mainstream, aftermarket shop. Available on either the gasoline- or diesel-engined SUVs - and only in America - the Lux Limited gets side skirts and slightly tweaked front and rear aprons to differentiate it from the run-o-the-mill Touareg. The wheel selection is called Ayer's Rock (not "Uluru"?) and only available in the 20-inch variety.

VW took the color wheel out one night and got it drunk. Exterior hues for the Lux Limited are Biscay Blue, Campanella White, Galapagos Gray, and Black Magic Pearl Effect. The interior cricket leather is done up in one of two duo-tone color choices with complementary accents - like Latte Macchiato and St. Tropez white with poplar grain decor. And if anyone can tell us what "Engine Spin dark" decor looks like, we are all... eyes. So put on the Hootie, order some chablis and brie, have a look at the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited sports J. Crew colors

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited sports J. Crew colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

| |

Car Art: Benedict Radcliffe’s Wire Frame Toyota Corolla

This is actually not a wireframe CGI or any type of cell shaded animation. It’s a real life actual, tangible scale model of a Toyota Corolla made out of heavy gauge wire. It was created by artist Benedict Radcliffe and was commissioned by Japan’s Densu Inc. for an advertising campaign in the Middle East.

Radcliffe just used the silhouette of a Toyota Corolla as his guide and formed a perfect skeleton of wire. He then painted it with a reflective white paint, and that was that.

Check out the other pics after the jump:

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV

On 41^st Tokyo Motor Show, Japan automaker, Mitsubishi will be unwrapping one of its EV-themed mobiles which is the PX-MiEV. With the concept’s all-new Super All Wheel Control, it has an integrated plug-in hybrid system. Its 1.6-liter petrol engine accelerates up to 116-hp and its battery can be recharged using a normal domestic power supply system. Inside is a four-seater upholstery that deactivates allergens and LED lighting for the instrument panel as well as door trims. Stay updated for the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV’s progress through its production.