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Loading…First Look: Volvo C30 Calls Plastic Surgeon, Schedules Facelift For 2010
September 08, 2009
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, bringing one back from the dead can become a pricey endeavor. Typical used car shopping guidelines apply, but also be acutely aware of items unique to the 1987-1988 Turbo Coupe, such as hoods, front clips, rear brake calipers, red-trimmed molding, and the like. The rear calipers especially can be a bit finicky, and replacing these items is an experience more akin to restoring a classic car than fixing up an older, used one. Even small TC-specific sensors can cost a bundle, so dont automatically sign on to a cheap sale without first checking some of the restoration costs.\nOr, you can just dig around for a car thats already in good shape. Theyre not exactly common, but a patient shopper will have options and the pricing still wont break the bank, such as this good looking eBay bird with just over 100,000 miles (pictured above in our gallery.) Whether purchasing a restored example or a fixer-upper, learn about the vehicle history if at all possible. Following cool-down procedures such as letting the car idle for a minute or so before shutting it off are vital to the health of the turbo, and a compression check can help determine whether or not a previous owner upped the boost enough to pop the head gasket, both of which occur more often than not. Should you come across a perfect, turn-key Turbo Coupe, it may be possible to drive it home for just $5000, making these cars one of the best kept, inexpensive motoring secrets around. In fact, now may be the time for TC fans to snatch these cars up, because theres at least a decent possibility that prices will go up in a hurry in the next few years, as 1987-1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupes inch ever closer to the magic 25-year mark; the official age at which a vehicle becomes a classic.\nThe Turbo Coupe community is next on the roster, and the NextAutos Forumsas alwaysare open for discussion.+ NextAutos Forums: Thunderbird Turbo Coupe \n+ eBay Find: 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe + Keepers: Thunderbird Turbo Coupe \n+ Keepers: Subaru Impreza WRX \n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/17730/0/0/All/Keepers-Thunderbird-Turbo-CoupeShopping-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/17955'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
were deadened by the roadsters added weight and lack of added stiffness. Bah, humbug! Nissan made it very clear that the new Z Roadster would be a big departure from the last car, especially since the 370 Coupe was designed and engineered with the droptop in mind. We were told, Itll be exactly like driving the coupesans the roof, of course.\nCLICK HERE to continue reading this review. \n\nEven before we had the chance to go out and drive the car, Nissan bombarded us with numbers and facts about how theyve worked so hard to make the Z Roadsters driving feel more akin to the hardtop. Versus the 350, the new cars body stiffness enhancements are impressive. Front body torsion is up by 40 percent, rear torsion by 45; and body lateral bending stiffness is up by 10 percent, and 60 percent, respectively. Whats more, all of this was done in a way that still saves weightthe 370 Roadster is actually 150 pounds lighter than the outgoing 350.\nAnd then theres the style. Its no big secret that the 350Z Roadster looks painfully tragic with the top up, and even with the top removed, the lines just didnt do it for us. The long, flat back end and oddly shaped butt were not really fitting for the sexy Z line. The new car, however, is really pretty. Nissan moved the latching point for the roof more towards the rear, which gives the car a more coupe-like shape with the top up. On top of that, the Zs hind quarters have a nice arch, and when combined with the wide stance and flared-our rear wheel wells, it looks very good.\nSo, the styling has been fixed, and the dynamics look good on paperyou can only imagine our excitement to put this baby through its paces.\n\nOur syllabus of activities involved maneuvering the 370 through some of mid-Californias finest mountain roads and then shooting down the Pacific Coast Highway. We pummeled our way through the forests in a fashion that the Z would be accustomed to, running through second, third, and fourth gears; chirping a tire every once in a while on a particularly tight bend. It is on these roads that chassis flexibility really shows itself, and the 370Z Roadster was nothing short of solid through and through. The added weight of the convertible (about 200 pounds over the coupe) never made the car feel portly or hard to maneuver through the tough turns, and because most of this added weight falls just behind the driver compartment, the go-wheels have a bit more stability built on top of them. Theres much less of a tendency for the back end to come out when youre really pushing the car through a corner, but the rear wheels are still lively and eager to spin when provoked, especially with the traction control turned off. This car really hugs corners in a way that Z Coupe drivers will appreciate. Its not skittish or unwilling to be pushed hard, the wide track and sticky tires make for lots of available grip, and though the suspension is a bit stiff over rough pavement, its bedroom antics through the twisties are confident, playful, and downright fun.\nAll of the standard 370Z characteristics are still on hand. The engine loves to rev high in order to get the full 332 horsepower sent to the back tires, but we still think the mill sounds a bit coarse in the upper range of each gear. However, having an open roof allows us to better hear the exhaust note, and its a very pleasing sound. The turning is crisp and gives the driver a good feeling of confidence. The wheel itself is easy to shufflea Godsend on our drive where we literally had no time to straighten out the wheel before the next tight bend approachedand the front/side sight lines are good. We like the low-sunk yet high-feeling driver position, as it allows us to see nearly all the way down the Zs snout, and the windshield top is high enough that the A-pillar was never directly in our line of view. (Your author, only measuring up at five feet, seven inches, rarely encounters this problem. Thankfully, Nissan invited plenty of Sasquatch journalists to act as co-drivers, and they didnt whine too much.)\nThe one fault that comes up each and every time we talk about the 370Z is the awful tire noise at speed. Sure, its a bit more muffled in the case of the roadster, since top-down driving allows for a whole nother slew of sounds to pour into the cabin; but the tire harshness is still there. The worst part, too, is when you are forced to drive with the roof in placetheres quite a bit of wind noise inside the cabin (as is expected with most convertibles), and combined with the tires, it gets very loud. Youll have to use your outdoor voice to talk with your passenger.\n\nBut lets talk about that roof for a minute. Its a fully automatic operationno latches or levers, and the top is neatly stowed in just under twenty seconds. In addition, Nissan ditched the vinyl for 2010 and the new cloth top is made out of honest-to-goodness fabric, giving it a much more upscale appearance.\nInterior amenities are nothing too drastically different from the coupe, save the perforated leather seats (available on Touring models) with optional heating and cooling. Like the coupe, storage space is extremely lacking, but the Zs interior proves to be a rather nice place to spend time.\nIn the end, the little differences between the 370Z Roadster and Coupe are so minimal that it isnt worth grinding your teeth over. Nissan has built a very strong sports coupe, and for an additional $7000 ($36,970 starting price), a wonderful roadster. The 350Z Roadster accounted for about 30 percent of all last-generation Z sales, and we think that the new roadster will command an even higher percentage. Its safe to buy a sporting convertible againwith the 370Z, theres no sacrifice.\n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/17643/0/0/All/Driven-2010-Nissan-370Z-Roadster-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/17862'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
![Share on Facebook](javascript:callPublish('',{'name':'First-Look-Volvo-C30-Calls-Plastic-Surgeon-Schedules-Facelift-For-2010','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/17818','description':'Just like the larger C70 convertible, Volvo's funky C30 hatchback will receive a funky new front end for the 2010 model year. The revised hatch will make its official debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but we've got the official images and details ahead of time.\nObviously, the new nose takes its design cues from Volvo's new styling language first seen on the XC60 crossover. The larger headlamps, more curvy grille, and larger foglamp surrounds give it a more robust appearance, though as with the XC60 and C70, we think it'll only prove to be a love/hate relationship with enthusiasts.\nWhat else is new for 2010? Not much. The rear styling stays the same, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and we can look forward to seeing a few more paint options, as well as a sport package which lowers the C30's ride height by ten millimeters, quickens the steering ratio, and offers stiffened brushings, dampers, and stabilizer bars.\nClick through the post for the official press release.\n\nTHE NEW VOLVO C30 SPORTSCOUPE\n* New front and rear design* Introduction of the new Sports chassis* New accessory styling kit* Extensive range of options, bold colours and accessories\nVolvo Car UK has announced first details of the new Volvo C30 SportsCoupe. Offering a radical new frontal and rear appearance and available with an all-new Sports chassis, the new C30 looks set to capitalise on the success of its predecessor. The new Volvo C30 will be unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go into production this November.\nMajor exterior changesThe front of the Volvo C30 has been redesigned giving the car a radical new appearance. Body panel changes, including the wings and bonnet, create a distinctive personality whilst closely aligning it to the S60 Concept and recently announced new C70.\n"The front of the Volvo C30 has become more dramatic and expressive. The angled lines of the front bumper together with the new headlamps, which are drawn offset and up, reinforce the impression of speed and sportiness," says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.\nIn the grille sits the new, larger iron mark, as seen in the rest of the Volvo range. The air intake has also been enlarged and resembles the intake in the XC60. The grille also has a new honeycomb pattern, unique to the C30.\nAlthough the biggest design changes have taken place at the front, the rear also sports a similar range of updates, including a new colour-coded rear valance that is available in body colour or, to add a dramatic twist, in a contrasting colour.\nOther new exterior features include the introduction of a vibrant Orange Flame Metallic colour, visible exhaust tailpipes in the T5 and D5 models, two new wheel options, including a striking white wheel alternative and the choice of five different colours on the lower trim from the new C30 Contrast Colour Collection, such as Blackcurrant, Java and Shadow Blue.\nNew expressive accessory styling kitA new accessory styling kit has been introduced to give the Volvo C30 even more sporting attitude. The kit includes foglamp décor, a front skidplate, side scuff plates and a rear skidplate with an aluminium look. For D5 and T5 variants, two 90 mm tail pipes in polished stainless steel are added to highlight the powerful engine.\nMatching interior updatesThe new Volvo C30 also offers a range of new interior options. There is now an all-new colour combination, Espresso/Blond, consisting of a dark brown upper section and a blond, fresh shade on the lower door sides. The blond tone is a grey/beige colour and is an expression of Volvo's strong Scandinavian design tradition. The Espresso/Blond interior gives customers the opportunity to specify the new, bright accent colours which include orange, green and blue in the fabrics, as well as a new Cranberry colour for leather upholstery.\n"We want to give customers the opportunity to decide for themselves what their car looks like. The new C30 gives them a range of fresh, modern style cues in terms of colour and fabric to choose between," explains Maria Uggla, Program Chief Designer Colour & Trim at Volvo Cars.\nNew Sport chassisTo compliment the Volvo C30's new dynamic style, an optional Sports chassis will be available which gives the C30 a significantly sharper ride. The introduction of the Sports chassis means the car is lowered by 10 millimetres, resulting in a lower centre of gravity enhancing the driving characteristics. The steering is more precise owing to the installation of stiffer bushings. The steering ratio is lower, giving a 10 percent faster response to steering wheel input. Spring stiffness has been increased by 30 percent to deliver a more dynamic ride. The dampers too are stiffer and are designed to build up pressure more quickly. The roll stabilizers are also stiffer to reduce any leaning tendency when cornering. The new sport chassis is available as an option in all C30 variants except with the 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop. (More information on the new Sport chassis to follow).\nDrivelinesThe new Volvo C30 will be available with a wide range of drivelines, including the new 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop which offers impressively low fuel consumption.\nFurther pricing and specification detailsFull details, including prices and specification, will be released closer to the on-sale date. First vehicles are expected to be in showrooms and delivered to customers in early 2010.\n \n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/17609/0/0/All/First-Look-Volvo-C30-Calls-Plastic-Surgeon-Schedules-Facelift-For-2010-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/17818'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
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\nMTM plans to build (15) A3 to S3 conversions by MTM for the US market\n$55,000 MSRP based on a reasonably equipped A3 S-Line model\n\n+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 MTM Audi A3 \n\n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/16408/0/0/All/Ask-It-2009-MTM-Audi-A3-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/16561'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
:A3 TDI clean diesel with S tronic front wheel drive $29,950\nAudi launched its first TDI clean diesel model, the Q7 TDI, earlier this year. The Audi Q7 TDI built awareness with American luxury car consumers that modern clean diesel technology is markedly improved in emissions, quietness, ride comfort and overall performance. Both the A3 TDI and Q7 TDI clean diesel vehicles share several common attributes that include 50-state clean diesel technology, 30% better fuel economy and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas than gasoline engines of comparable size.\nIn fact, the EPA calculated that if only one-third of the vehicles on American roads ran on clean diesel, the U.S. would use 1.5 million fewer barrels of oil each day. Audi was the first German car manufacturer to combine turbocharging with diesel engine technology in 1989, and has continued to evolve its technology ever since. Audi Sport has helped prepare the way for TDI clean diesel in the United States by racing the R10 TDI sports car from 2006-2008 in the American Le Mans Series and sweeping the major endurance races at the 12 Hours of Sebring (Sebring, Fla.) and the 10-hour Petit Le Mans (Atlanta, Ga.). In addition, the R10 TDI won all three 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance races in which it competed from 2006-2008. The R15 TDI continued the TDI clean diesel performance tradition by winning the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in March 2009.\nThe Audi A3 TDI offers the same sophistication, styling, operating efficiency and ride comfort that has distinguished Audi throughout its model range. Standard amenities include lighted vanity mirrors for drivers and front passengers within the sun visors, leather seating surfaces, cargo nets behind front seats, split folding 40/60 rear seats, rear seat arm rest with dual cup holders. Distinctive options include Audi Navigation plus with RDS traffic, Bluetooth® hands-free phone preparation, Audi music interface (integration for iPod® and related technology), BOSE® premium sound, the Titanium package with dark grey wheels and black grille, leather/alcantara seating, wood trim, rain/light sensors, auto-dimming exterior and interior rear-view mirror with integrated compass, and LED daytime running lights.\nThe pulling power of torque is the signature performance feature in all diesel models, and the A3 TDI clean diesel is no different. Offering 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, this model performs briskly and efficiently with unmatched performance with its EPA-estimated 30/42 city/highway fuel efficiency.\nThe competitive set for the A3 TDI clean diesel is unique. Only one competitor is currently playing in the field of fuel-efficient compact luxury vehicles, but does not offer the driving experience or the 5-door flexibility that includes 40/60 split rear-folding seats. The Lexus HS 250h offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range. The A3 TDI offers more superlatives in value, including a standard S line exterior sport appearance for 2010, a tighter steering turning circle, a top speed of 130 mph, as well as a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion.\nThe Audi approach toward efficiency is not only catered toward TDI clean diesel vehicles. Audi is also the first car company in the United States to equip 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in 2000 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and American Le Mans Series with the R8 FSI prototype racing sports car. Once this technology first became available for U.S. Audi customers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI quattro, the list of Audi vehicles sold in the U.S. with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.\n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/2750/0/0/All/Audi-Prices-2010-A3-TDI-at-30750-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/2798'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
 is getting nearer everyday to its alleged 2009 Q4 release date, so its no surprise that the slow burn of promotion would start to heat up. \nSony has released a new set of screen shots to that effect, some static treats to follow up on the exciting game trailer it showed at this years E3 event. The in-game images profile a Nissan GT-R in full Japanese Super GT racing specification, hanging out in what would appear to be one of GT5s main menu screens. Good stuff. \nConsider our appetite further whet, Sony, though we wont be completely satisfied until the above version of Godzilla is resting comfortably in our own GT5 garage. Well expect our demo copy any day now, thank you. \nScroll down below to read the brief GT5 update from Sony, or check out the screen caps in our gallery above. Start Your Engines!!!\nGran Turismo 5 will soon roar onto PS3 and we wanted to share with you the first set of screenshots from the game, courtesy of Sony and world-renowned development studio Polyphony Digital. GT5 features a total of 1000 vehicles, more than twice its closest racing competitor along with all the stunningly realistic tracks that fans have come to expect from the Gran Turismo franchise. In addition, Gran Turismo 5 delivers vehicle damage and rollover crashes and takes full advantage of the online capabilities of the PlayStation 3 and PSN, featuring online racing with voice chat, fully customizable race events and the ability to export replays to YouTube.\n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/2389/0/0/All/New-Gran-Turismo-5-Screenshots-Surface-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/2439'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
 \n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/2188/0/0/All/Report-2011-Ford-Mustang-Details-Leak-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/2253'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
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 just like the big boys. \nNot big is the 125cc water-cooled, 15 brake horsepower engine that is powering the thing, nor the guestimated 275 pound dry curb weight, nor the anemic rear tire. Probably just dont need a lot of rubber to keep that power down. \n+ Hell For Leather: Suzuki GSX-R125 official shot leaks \n','media':[{'type':'image','src':'www.spectives.com/967/0/0/All/Leaked-Images-of-Suzuki-GSX-R125-main.jpg','href':'http://www.spectives.com/posts/979'}]},[{'text':'Powered by Spectives','href':'http://www.spectives.com'}]);){kind=link}
September 08, 2009
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