ALFA Romeo Australia has confirmed that its all-new MiTo hatchback range will be headlined by two turbo-petrol variants when it effectively replaces three of the-door 147 ($36,990) as Alfa’s entry-level model here from July.

The midrange 88kW/206Nm MiTo 1.4 TB manual, which Alfa says sprints to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds, will likely be priced from about $32,000, while the flagship 114kW/230Nm 1.4TB, which sprints to 100km/h in a claimed eight seconds, will also undercut Alfa Romeo’s 147 five-door hatch, which is currently priced from $38,990 into two.-litre petrol guise.

Both turbo-petrol versions from the Fiat Punto-based MiTo is going to be available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.

Three trim levels will probably be available in Europe, though just two will likely be offered around australia – both equipped as standard with Alfa’s Q2 electronic differential, 16×7.-inch alloy wheels, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic stability control (ESC), seven airbags, such as a driver’s knee airbag, air-power and conditioning windows/mirrors. Foglights will probably be an option on all but the top-spec 1.4TB, while other options includes Xenon headlights, daytime running lights and 18 and 17-inch wheels.

Alfa Romeo Australia general manager Edward Butler said car buyers would be pleasantly surprised by MiTo pricing and specifications whenever they were announced in July.

Alfa Romeo2009 MiTo center image“I think anyone seeking a car that offers the combination of style, performance and luxury that sets all Italian cars besides the rivals should wait until to July for MiTo,” he said.

Ateco Automotive also has homologated the 66kW 1.3 and 88kW 1.6 JTDM turbo-diesel versions, which could become available at a later date, though the naturally-aspirated 1.4 16V variant will not be available here, and New Zealand officially will receive merely the high-output 1.4-litre engine.

The 147, which will soon be replaced by an all-new five-door model named the Milano, comes in manual 1.9 JTD Monza from ($41,990).

A higher-performance GTA-badged version of the MiTo – which happens to be “text-speak” for a combination of the two Italian cities Alfa Romeo calls Turin, Milan and home – will join the range during 2010. Previewed last year by the MiTo GTA Concept and powered by Fiat’s all-new direct-injection 1.7-litre turbo four, which offers up to 180kW, it can rival the likes of Mini’s circa-$40,000 Cooper S.

“The MiTo is enormously important to Alfa Romeo mainly because it takes us into a new market sector,” said Mr Butler.

“Although Alfa Romeo has experienced small cars, starting with the legendary AlfaSud through to its modern successor, the Alfa Romeo 147, the Alfa MiTo is not just in the sector below the 147, it is focused totally on being a style and satisfaction driven mini-coupe, not compromised by things like having to have a five door-version.

“This has enabled Alfa Romeo’s acclaimed stylists to produce a car that as a purity of shape that has not been seen before. Which means that MiTo is really as much a pure Alfa Romeo since the Spider or Brera – something that has never been seen before in the class in which it will compete.”

We are living at a critical crossroads in the course of human history. I know that every generation says that, but as far as I can tell, global warming is the single greatest obstacle mankind has ever been up against. While many people consider themselves climate change skeptics, there is literally no evidence to support such an idea. Whether or not you believe the rising temperatures to be manmade or not, one cannot deny the fact that the temperatures are rising and that we need to work together in order to slow that rise and perhaps, eventually reverse it.

Fortunately, there are countless ways in which we can modify our own lives to diminish our carbon emissions. The scientific community agrees that carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases are the root cause of global warming, so anything we can do to limit our own is helpful. Raising cattle and the consumption of meat is among the greatest contributors to global warming in the world. More so than even the burning of fossil fuels. If you were to reduce your meat intake, you would reduce your carbon footprint. In no way am I arguing that you become a vegetarian, lord knows that I’m not, but ever since I’ve become hyper conscious of my own carbon footprint, I’ve definitely cut back on my carnivorous indulgences. There are many exciting alternatives to eating meat that are almost as delicious. If you are curious about reducing your carbon footprint based on how much meat you consume, then you can look online for some great alternatives that will keep your mouth watering and your dinner guests longing for another invitation.

Our cars are also infamous for being huge contributors to green house gases. That’s why hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are becoming so popular. A few years ago, there were only a few models of hybrids on the road, but now you can find dozens. Nissan is leading the way in this regard. The new armada of 2015 Nissan vehicles proudly presents a hybrid Pathfinder and the adorable and practical and all electric Leaf. While the hybrid Pathfinder allows you all the ruggedness you’d expect, it also offers you a vastly improved fuel efficiency that will save you money at the pumps and contribute to minimizing your carbon footprint. If you want to minimize it even more, the Nissan Leaf doesn’t ever need to stop at a gas station. Not ever. You can plug it in at home or at the office and you’ve probably noticed that many parking lots now have spaces with plugs specifically for electric cars. If you’re ready to take the plunge into cleaner living, go online to either Valencia Nissan or Downtown Nissan and peruse the exciting selection of environmentally friendly Nissan cars and trucks.

CLOSE your eyes and imagine a Jaguar, any Jaguar.

Skinny wirewheels under wide curvaceous arches and two seats, then you are not in the minority, because the E-Type is probably the most recognisable car to ever wear the roaring-cat badge, when you are thinking of a virtually endless bonnet.

And therein lies an issue for the Indian-owned English car-maker: how do you follow up an act that is certainly widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest sportscars?

Enter the F-Type.

The long bonnet has returned, and so are the knee-weakening looks with more than a coincidental nod to the past.

It has two seats, a soft-top and – with just one stick missing from a capital E – including the name looks similar, but is this 3.-litre supercharged cat really the spiritual successor on the E-Type?

And competition from its own past wasn’t enough, the F-Type has to go visit head with a handful of other accomplished sports brands – all because of their own reputation and history – Porsche and its Boxster and 911 convertible models first of all.

Hello, and thanks for visiting another great segment of Gearheads.org. Within this segment we’re going review a few cars that seem to have the world dizzy with excitement. In my personal opinion, they are the types of cars that have been made as a symbol of status, and manage to defeat the overall purpose of a being car.

First up is a Dubai native that made it’s appearance about two months ago, or so throughout the 2013 Dubai Motor Show, and right off top it was making some really strong statements about it’s prowess so to speak. The Devel Sixteen can be a car seems like itGearheads.org was put together from left over parts that were pillaged from the Lamborghini, and Pagani factories. To start, the front end is clearly borrowed in the Lamborghini Veneno (Our 2nd contender), and so the body is reminiscent of a Pagani Huayra with it’s very rounded, and damn near bubble roof line. The display piece is definitely that, a display, and unfortunately didn’t come to the show to thrill any of those car guys who can appreciate real craftsmanship. The Devel 16 provides the appeal of a Carbon Fiber laced, plastic kit car that came from Ertl, and was sold at FAO Schwartz. This would be the closest thing to a Veneno you could get without having to be sued for copyright infringement. The front end looked unfinished, the engine cover had been a glossy looking piece of plastic that couldn’t find the time to honor a Big Block V8 of a Corvette. The back 50 % of the Devel is straight out of a knock off Speed Racer movie. Hey Devel, Racer X called, and needs his car back. LOL! To create matters worse, this “Car” brags which it has 5000Hp that is being produced from it’s V16 engine. Added to which is a proclaimed 1.8 second zero to 60mph time. Really? Being that this really is a display item, and not an actual concept, there wasn’t any real information about how the engine works, let alone how it’s even set up behind the flimsy looking cabin that some poor unfortunate soul would have to drive in someday. And talking about the interior, are we able to say knockoff. I’ve seen better interiors inside of your dog house. Between your diamond stitched red velor like material, to the awkward looking, back breaking seats with the huge metal rings in them, all the way to the 1986 circular push button phone set-up that seems to illuminate for shits & giggles. This interior lacks innovation, heart and enthusiasm and soul. To put it differently, it’s as lifeless as Pauly Shore’s career. So, this car has as much of a potential for being made, as the us has in bringing back both the dollar bill, as you can clearly see.

As I hinted earlier, our next contender is the apparent inspiration for the Devel Sixteen, and this car is none other than the Lamborghini Veneno. Now, for what it’s worth the Veneno is a well-made car. Made of the finest, and a lot expensive Carbon Fiber in the world, the Veneno’s monocoque framework is nothing more than an exquisite piece of motorized artwork that begs to get stared at.

Well you may look, but after a while you’re going to get charged for it. At a heart stopping, Bill Gates left testicle value of 4.3 million dollars, this show stopper has won the hearts of men, and women alike. The power plant that lies behind the driver’s seat is that of one among Lamborghini’s prime light weight all Aluminum V12 engines that pumps out a ground pounding 750Hp, and gobs of unrelenting torque through it’s AWD system. There’s nothing far more that can be said about the Veneno, other than that it’s something that was created to honor, and cherish the company which is Lamborghini. Only a few auto manufacturers take the time, and energy to commit to making a car for the sole purpose of celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary. The Veneno is among one of those cars that will be worth millions in approximately the next thirty years whenever we cease to get a solid use for roads any more.

Nevertheless it really is still an automobile that needs to be mentioned, although lamborghini-Veneno_Roadster_2014 Now, that you can clearly see, my disdain for the first car was as evident as the day is long. Hopefully the creators in the Devel Sixteen take the time to further study the standard everyday practicalities of what is required to make a car that not only looks original, but actually works. As far as the Veneno is concerned, I don’t think I would have broke my neck to get one of the 3 that had been made into my garage. There are plenty of other cars on the planet that deserve my money. Besides dropping $4.3 million on a car is a bit much, but to every his own. I congratulate the guy in Miami who got his Veneno yesterday. Bravo Dude! ! I just hope that wherever you drive, doesn’t have the need for him to support anywhere. No cup holder, no CD player, no MP3 player, no Blue-tooth, no Iphone connectivity, no hands free calling, with out back window, simply because he paid over $4M for a car that has no radio. Sweet. Funny thing is, the normal successful CEO can get himself a 2013 GTR, dump $40K into it, to make it out perform Veneno, and for less than $160K total. Well, to every single his own.

The San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect setting for an off-road adventure boasting more than 100 miles of fabulous off-road routes suitable for different types of vehicle – some of them are certainly only suitable for the most rugged contender.

Off-road driving, it has been said, is the greatest adrenalin rush you can have while traveling at 5 miles per hour and some of these trails can certainly get and keep your blood pumping.

In the San Bernardino National Forest there are almost 170 miles of forest trails which are suitable for OHV, 900 beautiful miles perfect for SUV and 4×4 vehicles and more than 100 miles which are definitely only suitable for the more experienced off-road drivers who really relish a challenge.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the finest off-road trails in the Big Bear Lake area of the forest starting out from the fabulous Big Bear Discovery Center – they’ll tell you all you need to know (and where to go).

Gold Fever Trail – the clue is in the name, this is one of the original trails used in the Gold Rush which started in 1860. The trail goes through the beautiful Holcomb Valley and is only around a 10 mile round trip, 10 beautiful miles of glorious countryside which can be thoroughly enjoyed at the slower, exciting pace of off road driving. There are some great photo opportunities along the way and some fabulous places of interest where you can stop and learn a little bit of history – check out Gold Mountain, the Original Digging Site and Hangman’s Tree . . . it’s okay, I don’t think it’s been used for quite a while.

White Mountain Trail – this one is definitely not for the faint hearted and is classified as “most difficult” which means just that. This 6 mile trail is one long, exciting white knuckle ride with rocks to maneuver around and over, the steepest of hills to climb and remember, what goes up must come down. If you don’t fancy the hill climbs its okay – there’s a chicken route, I mean a series of by-pass roads for those who aren’t quite up to the challenge. Hey, there’s no shame in that at all. If you can’t manage those hills then this next one is certainly not for you, the most difficult trail in the entire San Bernardino Forest – 5 nerve wracking miles of rock gardens, gate keepers and other almighty obstacles.

Big Bear itself is a great community town with hotels, eateries, RV parks, camp grounds, stores, gas stations and more – everything you need to make your off road adventure complete. The skiing is pretty awesome in the winter time too.

If you want to experience any of these superb trails then you’ve got to make sure that you’ve got the right vehicle which is well equipped for the job and the roughest terrain. At Fairview Ford there’s a great selection of new and used vehicles which will be perfect for the more “driver friendly” tracks in and around the San Bernardino Forest where you can enjoy a leisurely forest drive, stop for a photo opportunity and generally have a fabulous, relaxing time in the great outdoors. If you fancy having a crack at some of the more difficult terrain however make sure that you have a specially adapted vehicle.

When it comes to Used Cars San Bernardino has some of the finest facilities in California. Road cars, SUV’s, hatchbacks, 4×4’s and more – they’ve got them all.

What are you waiting for?

When you build a car for speed, what factors come to mind? The average guy would probably say, it needs to be low to the ground, nice sized spoiler, huge air ducts for cooling the engine, and some sticky rubber for grip. That for all intents, and purposes that’s a pretty good answer, but what about wind resistance, aerodynamics, air funneling, and cooling parameters? This is how a car designer from Koenigsegg thinks when he wants to make a car that will go insanely fast, whilst looking like the meanest thing on the street.

Introducing the Koenigsegg One: 1, a car that, by the designer’s line of thinking, has no Gearheads.orgequal. At this year’s Geneva Auto Show, there have been many reveals, and debuts for various types of cars. There’s the One, although some big, some colorful, some exotic, and some very practical: 1. This vehicle far surpasses the common notation of the word car, and as a matter of fact, I’m going to stop calling it that, because it’s simply more than that. When you look at the Koenigsegg One: 1, you will see that it has the same construct of the Agera R, and you wouldn’t think too much into it. That’s where the mistake would be made. The One: 1 is something of a project that it’s sole purpose on this planet is too bring the likes of the Veneno, the 918, the P1, and the LaFerrari to their proverbial knees.

For what we know now, the Koenigsegg One: 1 has an unknown power plant, but it’s Koenigsegg-One-1_2014_sidebuilders have already started bragging about top speeds of 280Mph, or 450 km/h. The Veyron will definitely need to stay in the Artsy Farsty department, because this car is more than ready to decimate any, and all who step forth with a challenge. Under the silky smooth lines of the One: 1 lies a labyrinth of carbonfiber and titanium, and aluminum, that allow this beast to perform the way it does. Upgraded Carbon Fiber springs, active shock absorbers, self adjusting ride height, Michelin Cup tires, active under-trim air management, and a roof scoop to help in the support of creating the 1 Megawatt of power. Add to that, an 8250 RPM rev limit, and a set of all carbon fiber Koenigsegg Aircore wheels, and your track car for the street is ready Mr. Wayne.

Koenigsegg-One-1_2014_inside So of course, there’s isn’t any hardcore evidence of what’s under the hood, or what types of engines lie underneath that overly aggressive body. All we know is that there will be six (6) of these made this year, so you’re going to have to expect a vary large price tag to be slapped on it. So with that said, pricing for this amazing looking vehicle won’t be announced anytime soon, but I will say this. You know you’re doing something big, if the same day your vehicle is debuted at the Geneva Auto Show, it also pops up as a free download for the Need For Speed Rivals video game. And yes folks, I’ve downloaded it, and I’m enjoying every minute of game time, I take using the One: 1. Stay tuned for more updates on the Koenigsegg One: 1.

German carmaker BMW is teaming with Real Goods Solar to offer BMW ActiveE drivers a price reduction on solar power panels to charge their electric cars.

Real Goods Solar, based in Louisville, Colo., will install the solar panels at the homes of ActiveE drivers at a 35 percent discount in a number of states around the East and West coasts, BMW said.

The deal is an element of BMW’s strategy to offer a holistic strategy to sustainability that goes well beyond the automobile itself, BMW said.

Nissan Qashqai – Originally launched back in 2006 the Nissan Qashqai was the motor which kick-started the revolution to cross-over vehicles and makes the perfect vehicle for Moms (and Dads too) with 4 x 4 styling and space yet the impressive economy of a much smaller vehicle. This motor comes top of the class when it comes to styling, driving, reliability, practicality and running costs. Los Angeles Nissan dealers with fabulous deals on this and many other new and used motors include Metro Nissan Redlands– why not pay them a visit to find out more.

BMW X3 – with great styling both inside and out, plenty of passenger space and cargo room in the trunk – the rear seats have been voted as some of the most comfortable available by . . . people who sit in the rear seats a lot (with long legs). The X3 is also great fun to drive with many safety features available including parking cameras. Sounds like a great cool car for even the coolest Mom to me.
Kia Soul – is cheerful, spunky, sporty and definitely quirky (just like some Moms). Its unusual design provides lots of head room and leg room with a generous amount of trunk space. A comprehensive list of safety features is available including rearview cameras.

Porsche Cayenne – fun, functional and incredibly stylish, Porsche lovers who also happen to be parents were incredibly happy when the Cayenne arrived on the scene, a truly family friendly motor perfect for the most elegant of Moms. The motor is in the mid-size luxury range and exudes styles and class plus all of the performance you would expect from such an iconic brand of motor. The Porsche Cayenne handles like a dream – an SUV with perfect handling and driver engagement. Come to think of it I think a lot of Moms will have to hide their car keys from Dad.
Volvo XC60 – Volvos are renowned the world over for their superb safety features but that certainly doesn’t make them boring – on the contrary this well crafted vehicle cuts a rather stylish figure on the highway with maximum comfort, drivability and an incredibly spacious cabin. The list of safety features is of course extremely comprehensive – there’s even the option of having a pedestrian detection device fitted which actually applies the brakes when needed to avoid collisions with cyclists and pedestrians. This fabulous family car can do just about everything except help with the kids homework.
Ford Flex – this rather unique and striking vehicle with its angular design provides everything you could possibly need from a family motor and more. The high, greenhouse like cabin provides perfect panoramic visibility and lots of safety features. Moms of teenagers may be particularly interested in the innovative “MyKey” feature which sets safety parameters for when your newly qualified teenager sits behind the wheel.

Mercedes Benz E Class Wagon – this cuts a wholly different figure on the highway – low, lean and sleek with a surprisingly roomy cabin and the unique configuration of rear facing seats in the third row. The impressive list of available safety features includes adaptive cruise control and a feature which monitors the drowsiness of the driver.
With such an impressive collection of motors available on the road these days there really is no need for Mom to stick to the same old minivan style – stylish Moms can enjoy a smooth, comfortable and fabulous driving experience whilst going on the school run, to work, the super market, soccer practice, dance classes and weekend trips to the beach, in fact these cars are so super cool that Dads will love to drive them too.