Porsche wants to buy Tesla Roadster

Porsche is not just known for performance cars, but also for a crack team of engineers (how else do you expect to get that kind of performance from six-cylinders?) So it’s no surprise that Porsche is in line to pick up a Tesla Roadster. Inside Line got the scoop from a Tesla spokesperson, "A Porsche senior engineer actually came over a few weeks back, and he was seriously analyzing the car in every detail."

Porsche is reportedly working on its own lithium-ion car, possibly to use on its own cars or offer to other makers through its engineering arm. One of the easiest ways to understand any technology is testing and reverse engineering successful technology, so there no telling what Porsche may do when its Tesla arrives.

Tuner Ruf has actually already assembled a 911 with ithium-ion battery power, but Porsche is doesn’t seem to be impressed with that car. Instead the German car company went shopping in California. But just like GM’s and Toyota’s Hyundai Genesis purchase, Porsche isn’t getting any special treatment. Tesla said Porsche is "pretty far down on the list of current orders."


[Source:Inside Line]

Toyota iQ convertible

If the new Toyota iQ is going to compete against the smart fortwo, an open-top version is going to be a necessity. We've already heard rumblings of a possible roadster based on the iQ's underpinnings, so a convertible option certainly seems possible. If renderings from Japan's Best Car are to be believed (we're not convinced), the Japanese automaker could mimic the fortwo's cabriolet style by removing the front and rear roof sections, fitting an integrated roll bar and adding a set of soft-tops.

The main advantage for the iQ has over the fortwo is the city car's extra passenger seats. Unlike the smart, Toyota's microcar manages to cram four belts into its tiny frame and a drop-top variant would make the iQ the world's smallest-ever four-seat convertible. While a credible contender to the fortwo cabrio is surely in the cards, we're still waiting to see the iQ rebadged a Scion and brought to the U.S. to truly give smart a run for its money.

[Source: Best Car via Carscoop]

Jaguar XF Coupe breaks cover

Hello Kitty, we've been expecting you. According to Auto Express, what you see here is slated to hit showrooms in 2010 and will go up against such luxury and performance stalwarts as the Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupe, BMW's 3 Series Coupe and the Audi A5. It's definitely got the looks to compete on equal footing, with the trendy high belt-line and minimal glass surface area. Where the XF sedan features slinky lines, this XF bulges in an exaggerated show of power, making the new Coupe a much more aggressive design overall.

Jaguar's latest leaper is also expected to showcase the automaker's newest V8 engine, now displacing 5.0L and generating 500 supercharged horses. This engine will also make an appearance in the XFR and allow Jaguar to offer a British alternative to the BMW M cars, MB AMGs and Audi Rs, not to mention the latest Cadillac CTS V-Series, which is soon to lose two of its doors, as well. We don't know when and where this car will debut, but UK pricing is expected to be about £35,000 (about $53K in US dollars).

[Source: Auto Express]

Morgan Aero 8 review by Harry Wise

Harry Wise weighs in with his thoughts about the SCX Morgan Aero 8, read his full review at this link.

From the review:
"Perhaps one of the most anticipated releases from SCX has arrived here for review. Ever since the first announcement of the Morgan Aero 8, enthusiasts have been commenting on how much they were looking forward to it and felt this was a great choice by SCX to produce. So let us take a close look at this all new hot rod shall we?

Not everyone will appreciate the looks of this model but we certainly do here. This car has the look and feel of an older roadster but in reality it is a modern race car through and through.

It appears SCX has really done a great job all around with this model. Colors and markings are very accurate and they are very crisp and opaque. The very fine white lettering will draw you in and it is very clear to read. A very adequate clear coat seals all of this in place."

Please read his full review at this link.

Volvo S60

Volvo S60, originally uploaded by jarapet.

Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera, originally uploaded by jarapet.

Hamann Volcano Based on Mercedes Mclaren SLR

How much torque does a volcanic eruption have? Well, it does indeed take a lot of steam to melt rocks and push the lava straight up through the earth's crust and Hamann-Motorsport does a good job of rivaling that with their own Volcano.

The Hamann Volcano is a supersized version of what is already one of the world's most renowned supercars - the Mercedes McClaren SLR. Hamann technicians were able to boost the Mercedes Benz 5.4 liter, 626 hp, 780 Nm V8 and take its performance to 700 hp and 830 Nm of torque at 3,300 rpms; giving the Hamann a 0-100 km/h time of only 3.6 seconds.

But performance is also improved by aerodynamics, with the addition of new lift-reducing wing extensions in both the front and the rear as well as new side skirt attachments and sheathings.

Interiors also get yet another luxurious do-over. It includes aluminium pedals, foot-rests, door sills, head-rests and floomats with the Hamann logo and the use of the top-quality material Alcantara for custom center console and dashboard parts.