As far as performance goes we will have to wait until the official unveiling on June 17th. Subaru will more then likely market this super-wagon as a luxury alternative to traditional cross-overs and wagons. The Exiga is expect to go on the market in Japan by the end of the summer, in Europe by the end of the year and in America, well nothing has been said for the United States yet, but we can expect to see this vehicle sooner or later.

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Post tags: 2009, Exiga, Spy Photos, Subaru

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Production of the Donkervoort D8 GT commenced last week in The Netherlands based factory. The Dutch specialty automaker is looking to produce 50 D8 GTs each year with an estimated entry cost of 90,000 euros. The D8 GT was originally unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show and has been in final development stages since. The car itself is an interesting car based upon the open-top D8 roadster but with significant improvements.

The D8 GT weighs only 1,400 lbs. thanks to its extensive use of aluminum, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. It also is equipped with a 265 horsepower 1.8 liter turbocharged Audi engine that is capable of pushing this light weight car from zero to 60 in under 4 seconds. With a weight to power ratio better then a Viper we can only expect this car to be pretty quick.

Of course the first thing you notice about the aggressive styling is the hardtop, the first one in the marques 30 year history to be exact. The D8 GT also has integrated headlights, an overhauled front fascia and larger air intakes. The wheel base has also been stretched 8 cm over the D8, and now incorporates a redesigned suspension system. The suspension includes double wishbones mated to adjustable shocks that can be adjusted for perfect handling.

Donkervoort expects the D8 GT will come very close if not break the Nurburgring record for street-legal cars. The first D8 GT will be ready to hit the market by late summer. Lotus and Caterham will have some serious competition with this new little minimalistic coupe.

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Post tags: D8 GT, Donkervoort, Dutch, Production

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Known as one of the most demanding races in the world, the Nurburgring 24 is the perfect place to test both man and machine, or if your Volkswagen, make a name for your latest sports coupe. Last Thursday, May 22nd, Volkswagen introduced the Scirocco GT24 at the legendary GTI Meet at Worther Lake. As Chairman for Development Dr. Ulric Hackenberg put it, “This car doesn’t need to be driven to look fast.”

The power for this little beast comes from a 2-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine putting out 321 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen decided to put there trademark six-speed DSG transmission in the GT24 as well as deciding to leave it front wheel drive. The GT24 is also a little bigger then the production Scirocco measuring 227mm longer 61mm wider and sitting 75mm lower.

Though this car was not as powerful as many of the other competitors at the race, it did have quite a few big names behind the wheel. The Volkswagen works team managed to get a hold of legendary drives such as Carlos Sainz, two-times rally world champion, and Hans-Joachim Stuck. These duo helped pilot two of the three Scirocco to a 1-2 finish in there class as well as an 11th place and 14th place overall finish. The third Scirocco was piloted by Dr. Hackenberg and his team, coming in 5th in class and 32nd overall.

“We gave the Volkswagen Scirocco a really fantastic debut with the class victory,” said Stuck after the race. “It was an extraordinary experience shared with extraordinary team-mates.” Hopefully after the Sciroccos great success at the race, Volkswagen of America will guarantee bringing the car to America, but there are no promises.

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Post tags: Carlos Sainz, Dr. Ulric Hackenberg, GT24, GTI Meet, Hans-Joachim Stuck, May 22nd, Nurburgring, Scirocco, Volkswagen, Worther Lake.

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“The most radically different Subaru World Rally Car in 15 years!” That’s how Subaru World Rally Team principal David Richards would describe the new WRC2008, and we couldn’t agree less. Just the other day Subaru decided that it was time to unveil the new WRC2008, and even better, enter it in next weeks Acropolis Rally in Greece. The event will be marked by an official launch on the evening of Wednesday, May 28th.

The new car is based on the latest road going Subaru Impreza which was introduced in June 2007. The WRC2008 will also be sporting a new livery created around the Subaru corporate identity while preserving the iconic blue that has been familiar to rally fans world wide. The rally Impreza will retain the horizontally-opposed turbocharged engine combined with the Symmetric All Wheel Drive system.

“Just as the latest Impreza road car represents a new era for Subaru so the WRC2008 represents a new era for all of us at the Subaru World Rally Team” said David Richards. “We are confident that introducing the car in Greece will enable the team to be highly competitive in the second half of the season and give Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson the best opportunity to win in 2008.”

Keep an eye out for specifications on the WRC2008, Subaru plans on releasing them on the 28th in conjunction with there official unveiling. Trust me, a poster of this new machine will find a home on my wall, right between the S402 and the R8.

WRC2008 Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show in September wearing old livery.

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Post tags: Acropolis Rally, Chris Atkinson, David Richards, Greece, Impreza, Petter Solberg, Rally, Subaru, WRC, WRC2008

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Acura has done a good job of keeping the all-new TL out of the spotlight, but they couldn’t keep it hidden forever. We finally got our first few spy shots of the new TL just a few days ago from loyal followers of this four-door. Despite not having an exact release date this car is causing a lot of hype.

The TL is expected to have a 3.5L engine producing at least 280 horsepower. Transmission options haven’t been specified as of yet, but this car will still remain a front wheel drive platform. Many have speculated that when Acura produces the Type-S it will come with a 3.7L out of the MDX and could possibly include the SH-AWD system and a six-speed DSG transmission.

As far as looks go for this car, many have stated that it has a “transformer-like” look to it. From the side the TL is quite sleek looking, a sharp contrast to the front and rear of this car which appear very high tech futuristic look. The front and rear of this car share a pentagon shaped styling cues that is both sharp and attractive.

We hope to see this car unveiled by September when Acura plans to start distribution. We also might be lucky enough to see a Type-S follow it a couple of months later. As for me, I cannot wait to see a TL without a garbage bag on the front.

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Post tags: 2009 Acura TL, Acura, Honda, Temple of Vtec, TL, Type-s

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