World Concept Cars

Jaguar will use the upcoming "World Mobility Forum" exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany (April 15-18), to show off its XJ "Limo Green" hybrid study that was teased for the first time last September.

The 2011 XJ-based Limo Green makes use of a Chevy Volt-like hybrid powertrain with a range extending gasoline engine that was developed in conjunction with Lotus, MIRA and Caparo.

The vehicle uses an electric motor producing 145kW and 295 lb-ft of torque for propulsion. A lithium battery pack offers about 30 miles or close to 50 kilometers driving range with a full charge.

Once the battery is depleted, a Lotus-developed 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit kicks-in to produce enough energy to power it for another 600 miles or about 970 kilometers.

The XJ Limo Green prototype is said to return a combined fuel economy of 5.0lt/100 km (equal to 57mpg UK and 47mpg US) with CO2 emissions of juts 120 g/km.

Even though the study is billed as a one-off concept, it is believed that Jaguar will use the technology on its future production models.

Source: Carscoop

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There's something about the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz's timeless G-Class that makes tuners go haywire. This time, it's Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, Vath, that has presented a fully tricked-out G55 AMG.

In stock form, the über G-Class is powered by a 5.5-liter supercharged V8 churning out a completely respectable 500HP and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. After Vath gets its way with the V8 engine, output is lifted to 680HP and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) allowing the G55 AMG to reach a top speed of 265km/h or 165mph.

The German tuner has also fiddled around with the suspension adding new shock absorbers and lowering the 4x4's ride height by 35mm.

A new sports braking system with 390 mm discs and 22-inch alloy wheels shod in 295/35R22 Yokohama ADV ST tires round off the performance upgrades.

On the outside, Vath modified the G55 AMGH's looks by adding a hood scoop, a new front bumper with larger air-intakes, LED daylight lamps and Xenon units, a roof spoiler and a new pair of exhaust pipes under the rocker panels.

The vehicle's interior has been decked-out with leather, alcantara and carbon fiber applications along with a new sports steering wheel and revised instrument gauges.

Source: Carscoop

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Dodge's Viper SRT10 will be going out with a bang, or in this case, a limited run of 50 "Final Edition" models starting production this summer.

The Final Edition package will be available on all three variations of the Viper (Coupe, Roadster, ACR) and will consist of the body painted in a Graphite Clear Coat with a center-mounted black racing stripe highlighted in red.

The coupes and ACRs will get a "black windshield surround" and all models will get the oh-so-expected "unique side sill badges" proclaiming that YOU, sir, are more unique than every other Viper owner.

Not only that, but there's a dash plaque in case people didn't get the memo on those sill badges. The rest of the interior gets the Darth Maul treatment with red stitching, red halos painted on the gauge cluster, and other shiny bits here and there. Coupes and Roadsters will roll on anthracite 6-spoke rollers, while ACRs will get black 5-spoke Sidewinders.

Number breakdowns for the 8.4 liter, 600-horsepower Final Edition beasts are like this: 20 Coupes, 18 Roadsters, and 12 ACRs. Get 'em while they're hot.

Source: Carscoop

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As a possible precursor of things to come, Toyota displayed a customized version of the all-new 2011 Scion iQ prepared by Five Axis at the New York International Auto Show.

The car's exterior appearance has been beefed up with an aero kit that includes front and rear aprons, side skirts and fender extensions that allow the use of eye-catching 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/40R18 Yokohama tires.

Inside, the special iQ show car gets custom leather-trimmed seats and door inserts and an Ultrasuede EcoDesign headliner.

As for the performance upgrades, Five Axis installed a TRD Custom Big Brake Kit and a Tein sports suspension.

Source: Carscoop

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