2007 Land Rover Freelander 2 features the world's first automotive application of Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1

Land Rover's new 2007 Freelander 2 is getting some pretty cool or should I say, "icy", attention as its the first car in the world that will be fitted with a Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 surround sound technology system from Alpine. Up to now, this technology was commonly seen in high-end home cinema and entertainment systems.

Alpine promises to reward Freelander owners with its premium sound system that consists of a new sonorous 440 watt amplifier and a comprehensive 14 speaker system that has been specifically created for the latest Land Rover SUV.

Press Release

What is Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 technology? It works by processing any stereo (two-channel) audio into seven playback channels of surround sound plus a subwoofer channel for low frequency sounds. By detecting the directional cues that occur naturally in stereo content, Dolby uses these elements to create a surround sound playback experience. The technology has been developed specifically to suit the unique listening environment of a vehicle, enabling all passengers to experience enveloping and exciting audio regardless of their position within the car.

Surround Sound Speakers Technical Overview

Centre Fill: Powered directly by the amplifier, the 2 Ohm, 100mm centre fill provides the surround experience for front occupants. As the name suggests the speaker fills the void between front occupants, enhancing the impression of the concert being played out right in front of you. Responsiveness is assured through the use of lightweight neodymium magnet materials. Lightweight materials at the top of the dashboard have the added advantage of lowering the centre of gravity, significant for an SUV.

Tweeters: Neodymium tweeters are used to increase responsiveness. Ideally located in the front and rear doors the tweeters ensure faithful reproduction of the higher frequencies. Highly specified, the 4 Ohm units are fitted in both the front and rear of the cabin ensuring audio excellence wherever you are seated.

Bass Woofer: For faithful reproduction of lower frequencies, a powerful and substantial bass unit was developed. Fed by separate 40 watt audio channels, these units have the ability to move large volumes of air. With a distinct mid unit in the premium system, the bass unit can be tuned to focus purely on deep, crisp and accurate bass reproduction.

Mid: For more accurate mid range reproduction, the Freelander 2 has new mid range speakers. With most of what we hear being in this range, the performance of this speaker is critical. With rapid response, the mid speaker can perform in harmony with the mid bass and tweeter arrangement.

Subwoofer: The substantial subwoofer is driven by two 40 watt amplifier channels to accurately reproduce the lowest frequencies. A substantial ferrite magnet system is used to move the air that creates not only the sound but the deep feeling. Strong and light, the enclosure has been designed specifically for the Freelander 2 creating an environment that permits Alpine’s audio engineers to tune the system for the best bass response across the range.

Rear Surrounds: For the true surround sound experience, the new Freelander 2 has a further two mid units in the rear of the vehicle. Providing scale and depth to performances, they are ideally suited for concert or live music reproduction.

Technorati: Land+Rover+Freelander, 2007, Dolby+Pro+Logic+II+7.1, surround, sound+system, ice, Alpine, gadgets, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Great Balls of Fire: 1211 Hp Holden Commodore VX R8 Clubsport goes with a bang !

Sometimes it's better to go down with a blast and that's exactly what Craig Munro's Holden Commodore VX Clubsport R8 did. Watch what happens to this 1211 Hp Turbocharged V8 from down-under when it undergoes a dyno test...

Technorati Tags: Holden+Commodore, VX, Clubsport+R8, dyno, test, tuning+news, Australia, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Exclusive Paris-Blaster: Volkswagen ScIROCco Concept pictures !

Update: The concept is officialy named IROC, check out the official press release &pictures here: IROC Concept

You probably saw a lot of scanned pictures from the internet this morning concerning VW's ScIROCco concept, but these look a bit more convincing don't you think?

The ScIROCco concept, which will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September practically previews the product edition that is going to go on sale in 2008. That's about 16 years after the last Scirocco rolled out of VW's production line in 1992 to be substituted by the not so successful, Corrado -remember the one with the "very reliable" G60 engines...

The decision to go ahead with the Scirocco was approved just a few months ago. That approval led to this sleek 3door prototype that is very reminiscent of last year's Audi Shooting Brake concept.

Like the concept, the Scirocco will be built on the PQ35 platform -yes, the same one that's found in the Golf V, or Rabbit for the US market. Although VW sources have previously stated that the Scirocco may adopt some lightweight aluminum parts from the 2007 Audi TT, I find that very difficult to beleive as VW's model will be aiming at lower budgets.

Expect the line up to include all the latest TFSI engines from VW's stable like the 1.4 TSI (140 & 170 Hp), the 2.0 TFSI (200 & 220-260 Hp) as well as the 3.2 FSI and of course, the hefty VW diesel line up.

According to VW officials, the 3door Scirocco will be built at the company's Setubal plant near Lisbon in Portugal Setubal plant near Lisbon in Portugal -the same line as the 2007 Eos Coupe-Convertible.

PS: These are the scanned photos I previously mentioned:

Technorati: Volkswagen+ScIROCco, concept, prototype, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Transformers Update: Megatron, Bedouin Village & Barricade (Saleen Mustang) pictures

Its been quite a day for Transformer fans today as more and more pictures of the upcoming movie are finding their way onto the net. After the Bedouin Village and the Barricade Deceptecon (Sallen Mustang) pictures that my friends over at Jalopnik revealed, Aintitcool site came out with the fearsome Megatron -although they where quickly removed from that site. Anyway's, here they are in all their glory: (via: Jalopnik & Aintitcool)

PS: Check out these previous posts that consist of pictures, clips, official trailer and behind the scenes videos of the Transformer Movie by clicking on the links:

Pictures of Bumblebee (2009 Chevy Camaro), Barricade (Saleen Mustang) & Videos

Behind the Scene Video footage, Pictures of Incinerator, Blackout etc and the official list of Autobots & Deceptecons

The official Movie Trailer plus a picture of Bumblebee (Chevy Camaro) in all his robot glory

Technorati: Transformers, Movie, Entertainment, Autobots, Deceptecons, Megatron, Bumblebee, Chevrolet+Camaro, Saleen+Mustang, Optimus+Prime, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive,

Officially unveiled: The Volkswagen IROC Concept -or in other words, the 2008 VW Scirocco

Following this mornings early revelation (Click Here: VW ScIROCco) , VW was "forced" to an early unveiling of its Scirocco Concept -oops, sorry, to be exact, the IROC Concept, as only this part of the word is boldly highlighted on the license plate. The deutsch "green avenger" comes equipped with VW's 1.4 TSI engine -seen in the Euro Spec Golf & Touran models, but its upgraded posing an astonishing (for a 1.4 litre engine) 210 Hp. As I reported earlier, the word is that the IROC will go in production with a Scirocco nameplate in 2008.

Press Release

New VW sports car design: Like the first Scirocco with its visual straightforwardness the Iroc also marks a stylistic turning point through its progressively designed radiator grill and a distinctive sensuality of forms. The concept of both Volkswagens is closely related, even though the vehicles are separated by over three decades: The first generation Scirocco was an attainable dream car for many people. Because the Scirocco was an automotive superstar of the 70's, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro and equipped with four full-fledged seats, a proper trunk, large hatchback and a lot of self-esteem. The Iroc concept takes up this fascinating idea again.

Purebred sports car instead of a classic coupe: However, in contrast to the original Scirocco the Iroc is no classic coupe, but a progressively designed sports car with an extremely long roof and a comparatively steep rear end. This has two advantages. Firstly: The Iroc features sharp proportions. Especially when viewed from behind it becomes immediately apparent that this long roof together with side window sections is situated on very broad and powerful shoulders. The Iroc thus achieves a waist of flawless sports car theory. Secondly: The Iroc also has room in back for two adults and ample luggage. On balance the provocatively designed Iroc combines a high degree of suitability for daily use, pure driving fun and expressive design into a Volkswagen that as a possible series-production vehicle will also be very attractively positioned in terms of price.

Viper green meets dark carbon: The Iroc concept exhibits numerous subtleties in detail. Paint example: Although anything but retro styled, the green used is an homage to the first generation Scirocco for which this exact shade of color was especially typical starting with the 1976 model. Then as now it's called "viper green metallic". This glaring green of the Iroc is especially effective in combination with the high contrast black shades of the concept. Carbon example: The central roof element is composed of dark tinted glass; this element is supported by a structure covered with carbon. An integrated lengthwise support is also a part of these materials. The side sills of the Iroc also have a carbon surface. The structure of the sill visible from outside continues seamlessly into the interior.

Sexy dimensions:­ With its short overhangs the Iroc efficiently utilizes a wheelbase of 2,680 mm for the space provided inside. The concept is 1,400 mm high, 4,240 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. ­The light-alloy rims specially designed for the Iroc and 235 tires are implemented in 19 inch size.

Twincharger and DSG: The Iroc is powered by a TSI engine, referred to in-house as a Twincharger. Shifting tasks are handled by the DSG direct shift gearbox. About the Twincharger: First employed in the Golf GT in 2006, TSI engines are currently the most efficient four-cylinder gasoline engines in the world. The combination of compressor and turbocharger shows the path to the future. The compressor compensates for the typical powering up weaknesses of turbo-only gasoline engines at low rpms. The turbocharger in contrast packs a mighty punch at higher revs. The combination of both superchargers in large-volume production engines is the only one of its kind in the world. The TSI version used in the concept achieves 155 kW / 210 hp. In principle, a large range of supercharged engines are conceivable for the Iroc that could start significantly under 110 kW / 150 hp. But there's one thing every engine theoretically employed in the Iroc has to guarantee: Driving fun.

Technorati: Volkswagen+Scirocco, 2008, IROC, concept, prototype, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive, press+release

Fiat goes crossover: 2007 Idea Adventure

Fiat's South American arm released first photos of Idea Adventure compact-MPV, which now joins the Palio, Strada and Doblo models Adventure line. Aside from the two exterior and one interior picture, Fiat hasn't released any technical details on its new crossover which is very reminiscent of the Idea 5Terre concept, previewd a few years ago. For now, the Idea Adventure will be available only at the South American market.

Technorati Tags: Fiat+Idea+Adventure, South+America, autos, crossover, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Video-Time: Volkswagen IROC Concept

Well this seems kind of premature as VW just released the official pictures a few hours ago, but we sure don't have a problem. Click at the two following videos bellow and take a closer look at Wolfsburgs new Scirocco -oops, I'm sorry, I mean IROC... concept!

Part-1


Part-2

Technorati: Volkswagen+IROC, Scirocco, 2008, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, crossover, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive, video, clip

Video: 2008 BMW M3 E92 caught on tape -Plus Spec & Price Info

Bimmer lovers over at M3Post got a hold of a spy video of the upcoming E92 M3. The long awaited top spec 3 Series was caught on tape during tests in the desert. Too bad though that the video was uploaded in 16:9 and not in 4:3 format, bad get a load of that new 4.0 V8 engine that produces 419 Hp and 420 Nm of torque, rumble !

Now, you may ask how do we know the exact specs of the engine? Well, the boys over M3post have done their best to please our bimmer-hungry appetite as they have got their hands on a leaked paper that features the US base price, extras and specs of the 2008 BMW M3. Check them out after you look at the video. via: M3post

Major Standard Equipment

• 4.0L V8 307kW 420Nm (bi-VANOS 3rd gen.) engine
• Adaptive Xenon Headlights
• Carbon Fiber Roof
• SMG III 7-Speed transmission with DRIVELOGIC
• 18" M Double Spoke Alloy Wheel
• 18x8F/18x9R with P235/45ZR18 Front, P265/40ZR18 Rear Performance tires

Invoice: $49,117
Base Price USA Port of Entry: $53,975
Vehicle Options List

• Metallic paint $475
• Napa leather $1,450
• Carbon fiber trim $300
• Aluminum trim NC
• Comfort Access $500
• M Multifunction Seats with Active Width Adjustment $1,900
• Front Heated Seats $500 / ZCW
• Power Rear Sunshade $350
• Head-Up Display $1,000
• Navigation System w/I-Drive $2,100
• Power Rear Sunshade $350
• Rear Park Distance Control $350
• 19" M Double Spoke alloy wheel $1,750
• 19x8.5F/19x9.5R with P235/40ZR19 Front, P265/35ZR19 Rear Performance tires
• Logic 7 sound system $1,200
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio $595
• High Definition Radio $500
• Premium Package (ZPP) $3,100
• Cold Weather Package (ZCW) $750
• 6-speed manual transmission NC
• Rear Spoiler Deletion NC

Technorati Tags: BMW+M3, E92, video, clips, , 2007spy, autos, crossover, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

2007 Mitsubishi Pajero / Monterey / Shogun

Following a teaser that was released a few days ago (Click here: 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero), some new pictures -scanned from a Japanese magazine, have submerged to the net revealing the 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero (in some countries its called Monterey or Shogun). According to sources, the upgraded Pajero will make its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and among others, it will also feature a new 3.8 litre V6 petrol engine. As its predecessor, it will be available in three or five door versions. via Jalopnik & nihoncarandbike

Technorati: Mitsubishi+Pajero, Monterey, Shogun, 2007, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

2007 Hyundai Veracruz SUV Picture Update

Oh, boy, those "annoying" camera-phones did it again: they caught the 2007 Hyundai Veracruz with its pant's down... showing off its interior beauties. Too be honest though, I can't say that I’m aroused by the looks of it. Looks too simple, too Korean for me, but hey, who'd expect something different anyway.

In case you've missed it, here's the official Hyundai press release on the 2007 Veracruz plus a few exterior pictures:

The ninth vehicle to join Hyundai's 2007 model year lineup, the midsize Veracruz will be larger than Honda Pilot, have more cargo volume than the full-size Mercedes-Benz GL and offer sleek styling, a car-like ride and premium features.

Veracruz will also feature as standard equipment the Hyundai HideawayTM third-row seat, a simple-to-use 50/50 split fold-into-the-floor seat, offering flexibility for up to seven passengers.

Equipped with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, Veracruz will offer an unprecedented combination of styling, safety, comfort and convenience including available all-wheel drive, standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), standard side-airbags, as well as side-curtain airbags for all three rows of passengers. Veracruz will compete primarily with upper midsize crossovers including Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca and Lexus RX350.

Technorati: Hyundai+Veracruz, SUV, 2007, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars

Crash Video: Mini takes a maxi-beating

During the Mini Challenge support race for the 24 hours of Nurburgring in June, race-driver Tommy Winkelhock got an anti-athletic shove by one of the competing Mini's (the black one) which resulted to a frightening, but nevertheless spectacular series of rollovers. Astonishingly as it may seem, he walked out of his Mini with minor physical injuries but major bruises to his ego... via: Autoblog.com

Technorati Tags: Mini, Mini+Challenge, Nurbugring, video, clip, accident, Race, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Funny Video: Woman vs London Taxi Cab

I know that a alot of woman aren't very fond of cars and can't look at the time to completely exit them -especially if there's shopping to be done, but this "gal" went overdrive. What did she do ? Well, let me put it this way: she remembered all of her belongings except one very, very personal... via: TheFashionBeat

Technorati: Video, funny, humor, taxi, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Transformers Rumors: Jazz to "transform" from a Porsche to a Pontiac Solstice ?

The boyz over at TFW2005 have obtained information that Autobot character, Jazz, will wear a Pontiac Solstice uniform in the upcoming Transformer film. Additionally, the report say's that his snazzy outfit will include the following:

• Grey Body
• Visor over eyes
• Claw like fingers
• Design is similar to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in that it has exposed gears, similar feet
• Pontiac Solstice
• Front end of the car becomes his chest

I don't know if TWF2005's information is true -although they seem like a reliable source up till now, but to be honest, I'd prefer to see the original Jazz as I remembered him when I was a kid, a Martini Porsche 935 turbo racing car. via: twf2005

Technorati: Transformers, 2007, Movie, entertainment, toys, Jazz, Pontiac+Solstice, Porsche+, 935+turbo, racing+car, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive

Honda Releases Info on its 2007 CR-V

Although it's kind of strange as official pictures have leaked by the dozen over the net the past few day's, Honda is sticking to its September 1st release date for the 2007 CR-V. Anyway, the Japanese automaker decided to give us a few clues concerning its 3rd generation compact SUV by revealing a few specs, the most important of which concern the engine line-up.

According to Honda, the CR-V will be offered with two engines, a brand new 2.0 petrol and the 140 Hp 2.2 i-CTDi diesel which of course, will probably only be available at the European and Japanese markets. CR-V's new 2.0 i-VTEC petrol engine is based on the 1.8 i-VTEC engine that the new Civic wears, producing 150 Hp/6.200 rpm and 190 Nm/4.200 rpm of torque. Power will be driven to the wheels through a 6speed manual or a 5speed gear automatic. The manual CR-V will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 10,2 sec while the auto will need 2 sec more.

Press Release: The brand-new, third generation CR-V combines SUV practicality with more car-like driving dynamics, sportier styling and a more luxurious, generously equipped interior to take it into premium SUV territory. Uniquely within the sector, it is also available with the advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), two cutting-edge technologies that deliver added driver convenience and much enhanced safety.

A brand new 2.0-litre petrol engine, together with the 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel engine, ensures that the CR-V continues to offer class-leading fuel consumption and performance.

Technorati: Honda+CR-V, Paris+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PRESS RELEASE: 2007 HONDA CR-V

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OFFICIAL PICTURES: 2007 HONDA CR-V PICTURES

Magnum PI: Ferrari 308 GTS vs Dodge Challenger

All I can say is just read Tom Selleck's (aka, Magnum) self-dialogue during the chase! "About the time my hart started to pump again, I realised that whoever was on my tale didn't have enough car to catch me so I started worrying about wrecking the Ferrari. I know its crazy but that's what was going through my head. How could I pay for a total 60.000$ Ferrari ? via: Jalopnik

Technorati: Magnum+PI, Ferrari+308+GTS, Dodge+Challenger, video, entertainment, , autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive

2007 Honda CR-V: US vs EURO EDITION

CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: 2007 Honda CR-V

Wondering what's the difference between the US (left-hand photos) and Euro (right-hand photos) 2007 Honda CR-V ? Although there's no official info yet on technical specifications concerning the American edition of Honda's new CR-V, these photos (3/4 front and interior) reveal the aesthetic differences between the two versions.

Starting from the exterior the two models get a different set of alloys & logo badges, the Euro model has bigger mirrors with integrated turning signals while the American CR-V gets coloured turning signals on the front lights. Finally, the Euro spec CR-V features a centre license plate holder. To be honest though, most people won't even notice the exterior differences between the two versions. As for the interior, Honda seems to believe that there was no need for differentiations as the two vehicles share the exact same dash.

Technorati: Honda+CR-V, Paris+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release