Automobile Blog

The new Alfa Romeo Brera made its international public debut at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show in March, the same venue that was chosen for the first public appearance in 2002 of the original Giorgetto Giugiaro designed concept car, which went on to gain international acclaim.

Brera is a 2+2 of generous dimensions: 71.4 inches wide, 172.1 inch in length and 53.5 inches high, although the deeply tapered front and rear styling creates the impression of a very compact car. The interior has an ambience that is both intimate and sophisticated. This comes from the use of high quality materials and the introduction of some novel ideas such as the wide fixed glass roof that creates more natural interior light for passengers, adding to the sensation of spaciousness inside, while also giving the car a streamlined exterior appearance.

Together with all the features one expects in an Alfa Romeo, this new car delivers dynamic performance thanks to the use of quadrilateral front suspension and Multilink rear suspension. Comfort is enhanced by the integral Alfa Q4 traction control system installed in some versions. Brera offers electronic systems to monitor and control key dynamic parameters of braking and roadholding to deliver greater driving safety.

This then is the essence of the new Brera, a car that Alfa Romeo expects to create much interest, a coupe that promises both a great driving experience and comfort.

The Volvo S40 enters 2006 with a revised model line-up: 2.4i, T5, and the new T5 AWD. Other revisions include redesigned alloy wheels, improved cup holders, and a “pushdown” reverse function on T5 models with the six-speed manual transmission.

Simplified package and option choices round out the list of changes for this year. The optional Sport Package features dynamic sport suspension, fog lights, a leather gearshift knob, and 17-inch premium alloy wheels.

A Climate Package can also be selected, offering heated seats, headlight washers, and rainsensor wipers. Other extra cost amenities include metallic paint, dual integrated rear child seats, a DVD-based navigation system, an air quality system, and bi-xenon HID headlights.

The third-generation Miata features a much stiffer chassis with a lower center of gravity and a 50/50 weight balance and the car is slightly longer (0.8 in.), wider (1.6 in.) and taller (0.8 in.) than the car it replaces. And despite the increased size, the new MX-5 is said to only be around 22 lbs. heavier.

Power comes from a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. The block, head and oil pan are aluminum. Horsepower has been provisionally rated at around 158. There’s also a vastly improved dual exhaust that flows more freely and sounds more sporting.

Register early for your SKY roadster!: The all-new 2007 Saturn SKY is the collective result of the best GM design and performance engineering from around the world, and it offers a glimpse into our future design philosophy.

With dynamic styling, quick performance and agile handling, the Saturn Sky Roadster signals a new direction for this General Motors division. The bold new design features pronounced fender peaks, a wide stance with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels pushed to the corners.

Easy fold convertible top stores out of sight beneath the rear compartment. Just as stylish as the exterior, the 2-place cockpit uses piano black and chrome finishes combined with leather seats. Under the clamshell hood waits a 2.4L, 170-horsepower Ecotec inline 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. It is connected to a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short throw shifter.

A 5-speed automatic will be optional. By utilizing structural tunnel design and hydroformed longitudinal rails, the Sky Roadster is assured a stiffer body and greater vehicle responsiveness. Other technical highlights include rear wheel drive, four-wheel independent short/long arm suspension for optimal handling and stability, and coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks for excellent wheel control and road isolation.

Toyota revealed the new 2007 FJ-Cruiser bridging the gap between the concept and production and Toyota has kept much of the original shape. The new FJ Cruiser was inspired by the legendary FJ 40, available from the 1960s into the 1980s. For the latest version, power will be supplied by a 4.0-liter V-6, generating 245 hp and 282 lb-ft. of torque.

The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic on both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and an available six speed manual on 4×4 models. Based on a modified 4Runner platform, the FJ Cruiser will come with 17 inch steel wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a locking rear differential and traction control. Interior features a multi-function meter that includes compass, temperature gauge, inclinometer and altimeter. Expect the FJ Cruiser to reach Toyota dealerships in early 2006.

Dodge Introduces the Largest Pickup Cab Ever. All-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Offers Best-in-class Interior Room and Comfort. In the quest to make pickup truck cabs more spacious, more comfortable and more practical, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab extends beyond the competition with the largest pickup cab ever. With class-leading interior room and comfort for six adult passengers and their gear, the Dodge Ram Mega Cab is in a class all its own.

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After a 27-year hiatus, Dodge Charger returns to the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Speedweeks with the introduction of a new limited-production 2006 Charger Daytona R/T model.

Significant hardware upgrades are includes on the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. It includes a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that makes 10 extra horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension package with self-leveling rear shock absorbers, faster steering, and 235/55 performance tires.

Painted in “Go Man Go!” metallic orange paint or, later in 2005, “Top Banana” yellow, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T also includes a blacked-out honeycomb grille, a flat-black hood, a front chin spoiler, a black decklid spoiler, special decals, and heritage “R/T” badges. Polished aluminum wheels measuring 18 inches and chrome dual exhaust tips complete the exterior modifications.

Inside, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T gets sport seats with suede inserts and embroidered “Daytona” logos, body-colored accent stitching and dashboard trim, and a sequentially numbered plaque on the dashboard. Other features include power adjustable pedals, heated front seats, a dual-zone automatic climate system, and stability control.