When I suddenly met my old pal John in Brooklyn last Saturday I could not believe my eyes! Something happened to the “ugly Johny” as mates called him back in high school. Johny was driving a new BMW 7-series with all the features included and though I do not understand much about cars and related stuff like tuning I could definitely say that this vehicle especially taking in account that this was a long version (750i) cost more than $100k! To be frank, I was amazed and moreover I was shocked! “Ugly Johny” has been working as a simple employee in a tourist agency and he simple could not afford buying such a vehicle! When he approached me he could catch this question as it was clearly written on my face. But the answer I got was even more shocking than the first moment I saw him in this posh car: this was a leased car – it means that he actually did not possess it completely – he payed a fixed sum each month, the sum that is affordable even to those who live on state benefit – about $250 per month. New car leasing in New York has finally become accessible to anyone with any income! Even “ugly Johny” became a successful man and in several months he was promoted to the senior manager of the department! And he has already got invitations to join NYC moving firm as a co-founder!

Spread by Ford pictures and information about the most recent modification of the Focus, which is called the RS500. It is the most powerful model, as it will produce 500 units and the price starts from 34 000 pounds sterling. The car is equipped with 2.5-liter engine of the standard Focus RS, which, however, has received a number of improvements led to an increase in its power 40 h.p. to 345 h.p. and its maximum torque of 460 Nm already reached. Ford Focus RS500 is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h. for 5.6sek. and a top speed of 265 km/h. For comparison, these parameters in the standard Focus RS 5.9 sec respectively and 263 km/h. In addition, the company’s chief engineer, Matthias tone, said that the car has done over 500 laps without interruption Nurburgring track in Germany as it is able to go for one lap less than 8 minutes. Focus RS500 has also received limited slip differential, more sports suspension and powerful brakes.
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The exhibition in Geneva in March will host the world premiere of the all-new Kia Sportage, which should appear in the company’s European dealers during the summer. Kia has already spread by the official pictures of the new Sportage, which confirms the aspiration of the Korean company to provide a more attractive design of its models. Perhaps you’ve noticed that the Sportage has acquired a European look and that I don accidental. Kia did not hide from its ambitions to enter more deeply on the market in Europe, and for this purpose even hired former designer of the Audi, Peter Shtrayer. Exactly under his leadership created the car and model Cadenza, whose sales started early this year. The new Sportage is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, thanks to which the interior space is enhanced, while aerodynamics is improved significantly. The car now offers more comfort, because its wheelbase has been extended. By Kia currently does not disclose details of the engine models, but suggest that they are more economical and efficient than the older generation.
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Volvo spread of information and multiple photos of the new generation of its hit model S60. The world premiere of the car will be held at the exhibition in Geneva, and its sales in Europe will start in summer, with an expected price of around 25 000. Sedan has received a very attractive design, it looks very similar to the form of a coupe. The interior is purged of any unnecessary items such as Volvo’s designers have lots of masterly every detail. Dimensions of the new S60 has increased, providing more space for passengers. Customers can order a car with two types of suspension – Dynamic and Comfort, as the difference between them is only in the shock absorbers. The first thing is solid, will be the standard for Europe and the comfort will be offered as an option, while in Asia and the U.S. will be just the opposite. Regardless of its kind, it has a system adaptive Four-C. Volvo S60 has become safer than ever, in its standard equipment includes multiple safety systems, including Advanced Stability Control, Corner Traction Control and Pedestrian Detection, pedestrian cross-activated by sensors and, if necessary brakes instead of the driver. Sedan will be initially available with two diesel and two petrol engines, and subsequently will be introduced one diesel and three petrol. The most powerful is the 3.0 T6, which is a combined speed automatic transmission with Geartronic, transferring to four-wheel drive. It accelerates the car from 0-100 km/h for 6.5 sec. Another petrol is 2.0 GTDi, a power 203 h.p. and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. This modification to the mechanical gearbox accelerates from 0-100 km/h for 7.7 sec and a top speed of 235 kilometers per hour, but with automatic transmission and 8.2 sec indicators. and 230 kilometers per hour
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Last week the American concern General Motors officially presented the new generation of Buick Regal, which will appear in the showroom of the brand in the spring of 2010th. Actually the car is a copy of the well known Opel Insignia, and as with him at a later stage will be introduced and wagon versions liftback. The only external features are a Buick Regal radiator grille and emblem, but the interior is seen minor changes. For difference of Insignia, which offers a wide range of engines for Buick Regal, they are only two. These are the 2.4-liter Ecotec (182 h.p.) and turbo-aggregate 2.0 Ecotec (220 h.p.), which, however, will be introduced in the summer of next year. According to data from GM, and alterations in both six-speed gearbox is automatic, and the average fuel consumption is 7.2 liters for 100 km mileage. Standard equipment includes a new Buick Regal 18-inch wheels, leather interior with heated front seats and satellite navigation, in the version with the integrated system turbo-aggregate Interactive Drive Control (IDCS), allowing tuning of the suspension mode Normal, Tour and Sport.
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On the 41th exhibition in Tokyo, Daihatsu introduced four cars. These are renewed Tanto Exe three concepts with which the Japanese company wants to show in what direction will develop in future models. Tanto Exe, which is available only to the domestic market has become easier and more efficient, and Custom modification is already providing more high comfort and luxury. The 5-door MPV model has a redesigned interior, the manufacture of which have been used better quality materials and now offers a greater selection of colors for it.
The first concept, which showed Daihatsu in Tokyo, is called e: S. It is a compact city car, holding a 660-cc petrol engine and fear / Stop system. The weight of the car is only 700 kilograms. And according to the company, fuel consumption is about 3L. 100km. run.
Daihatsu Basket Concept obodurvan is the same 660-cc unit, such as e: S, but it is transmitted to drive four wheels. In parallel with this vehicle is convertible, which makes it a perfect choice for summer trips in mountainous areas.
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Although many global automaker refused to participate in this year’s exhibition in Tokyo, Japanese companies can not miss event at which to present their new models. One of the cars that will adorn the Toyota booth at Tokyo’s new generation of the Mark X. The model is available only in Asian markets and is among the most popular mid-size sedans from Japan. The new Toyota Mark X is quite altered appearance and interior, and giving more modern look. The car has received some technology from the Lexus models and will now be available with 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine with a power 314 h.p. known to us by the Lexus GS350. Another unit, which will be offered petrol model is also, but he has a working volume of 2.5 liters and power 200k.s. With its acceleration from 0-100km / h. for 8.4sec but fuel consumption is 7.7l/100km. Both engines are combined with six-speed automatic transmission.
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By Mitsubishi will introduce the 41st exhibition in Tokyo, which will be held at the end of the month, an entirely new concept compact SUV. The so-called PX-MiEV is equipped with hybrid technologies that increase fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. Mitsubishi PX-MiEV is shorter but wider and higher than the model Outlander, as its dimensions are 4 510 mm length, 1 830 mm wide and 1655 mm height and the distance between the two axes is 2 630 mm. The concept is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, uniting 1.6-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors located on each axle, and battery pack that can be loaded in both household contact and in fast-rechargable stations with high voltage. PX-MiEV traveling 30 miles (50 kilometers around) With a fully charged battery in electric only mode. At low speeds only works the front electric motor, which transmits drive to the front landing gear, but in rain, snow and other situations that create less friction, automatically include the rear unit and electric mode 4×4. When energy in the batteries decreases, help comes petrol engine that generates electricity in the case.
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Revealed by Opel OPC versions of the Insignia Sports Tourer, since a month ago and showed hot sedan Insignia OPC. Powerful estate will appear in the company’s European dealers in autumn, together with the standard modifications. Insignia OPC Sports Tourer is distinguished by the serial model with a more aggressive appearance, achieved thanks to new bumpers, side aprons, ends of the exhaust system and 19-inch wheels that can be replaced by 20-inch custom. The interior of the sport wagon has received minor modifications to the devices on the dashboard, seats Recaro, sports steering wheel and gear lever, aluminum pedals and insoles with logo OPC. The engine on Insignia OPC Sports Tourer is a 2.8-liter, a power 325 h.p. and maximum torque 400Nm. It allows the car accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers / hr for 6.3sec. and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometers / hr
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The Spanish company Seat announced that its car is a new world record for the economy. Austrian driver with long experience in driving economic Gerhard Platner was able to pass 1 562 kilometers. fully loaded and sealed container of Seat Ibiza ECOMOTIVE. The engine is a modification of the 1.4-liter TDI, a power 80 h.p. and the estimated average fuel consumption, which Platner was able to achieve is 2.9l/100km. This is a feat, given that at times the car had to travel 110 kilometers by / h, not to prevent other road users. Platner Gerhard began his journey on April 27th from the factory of the Seat, located in the city Martorel, not far from Barcelona. Austrian has undergone throughout Spain, France and Germany and finished his journey in the city of Goettingen.
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