Car Moon

Toyota’s SEMA show stand in Las Vegas this November will host the debut of two customized versions of the Venza crossover. Beginning with Five Axis’ Venza AS V, it features a complete bodykit with new front and rear bumpers as well as slightly wider fenders and 20-inch alloy wheels. One of the most prominent features on the Venza AS V will be the integrated stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport a variety of items like bicycles and skis. -Continued

Second up is the SportLux Venza by Street Image that sports a bodykit and new alloy wheels. Interior modifications include the upgraded black/burgundy leather treatment and an upscale navigation unit that is equipped with a full entertainment system. Furthermore, Street Image says that it will also upgrade the engine as well as the braking and suspension systems.

One of the three Genesis Coupes set to make a splash at Hyundai’s 2008 SEMA show booth in late-November is the so-called “Art of Speed” by Rhys Millen Racing (RMR). Back in July, RMR and Hyundai produced a teaser sketch of the vehicle so we could get a taste of what to expect in Las Vegas. Now, the folks over at Rhys Millen have released real-life images of the Genesis Coupe striped down to pieces in their workshop. -Continued

The “Art of Speed” that will be based on the base 4-cylinder Genesis Coupe will benefit among other things from a new turbo kit for the 2.0-liter engine which will be matted to a HKS sequential race transmission, sport suspension, larger Brembo brakes, Enkei alloy wheels, an eight-point roll cage and a RMR wide body kit.

Even though the official presentation of the new economical sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 hatch, S40 Sedan and V50 SportWagon called “DRIVe” is scheduled for the Paris motorshow at the end of the week, Volvo UK today announced preliminary prices for all three models. The new DRIVe range will start at £15,410 OTR for the C30 and £17,260 and £18,660 for the S40 and V50 respectively. Production of the new DRIVe models that are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January 2. -Continued

Along with unveiling of the new California coupe-cabriolet, Ferrari’s stand at the Paris Auto Show will also host the official announcement on the extension of the company’s customaziation program called “One To One” which debuted last March on the 612 Scaglietti, to the 599 GTB Fiorano. With the new program 599 GTB Fiorano clients will be able to visit a dedicated atelier in Maranello to create their own bespoke version by adding special touches like unique leather colors and trim options as well as one-of-a-kind paint schemes. -Continued

There is a saying, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, chances are it is a duck. Same goes for this allegedly leaked teaser image of the X1 that not only looks like an X5, but it is in fact an X5. To be precise, someone digitally manipulated a picture of the latest generation X5 with an M Package. Nuff said.

In celebration of the first ever Formula 1 night race at Singapore that saw Fernando Alonso taking his first win of the season for Renault, TAG Heuer created a commemorative Grand Carrera watch that will be produced in a limited run of 150 pieces, all of which will be exclusively available at TAG Heuer boutiques and Grand Carrera authorized retailers in Singapore only. -Continued

To be precise, there are only 149 watches left as the Limited Edition Grand Carrera Singapore timepiece numbered 1 of 150 that was autographed by TAG Heuer ambassador and defending world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, was auctioned at the MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) Charity Gala at Shangri-La Hotel on the same night for S$40,000 or about US$ 28,000.

Marking the celebrations for the 20 years of the Vitara and Grand Vitara models, Suzuki launched the facelifted version of its latest generation compact SUV in Europe this week. The 2009 Grand Vitara which is available in both three and five-door body styles, features subtle styling tweaks and most importantly, a new 2.4-litre petrol engine matted to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission that replaces the 2.0-liter unit. -Continued

Both the exterior and interior of the 2009 Grand Vitara have been given a mild facelift that includes a slightly revised front end treatment with and new door mirrors with integrated turn indicators. Inside the cabin sports new chrome and wood-effect inlays, together with improvements to the design and operation of some of the dashboard controls, including a new multi-information display and revised air conditioning control panel.

The new flagship model in the European Grand Vitara range is equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine developed from the 140 HP 2.0-litre petrol unit that it replaces. In the 3-door model, the 2.4L engine delivers an output of 166 HP while in the five-door model, 169 HP. When matted to the standard five-speed manual gearbox, the three-door Grand Vitara 2.4 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 11.2 sec (5d: 11.7 sec) and goes on to a top speed of 180 km/h or 112 mph.

Though standard equipment differs from country to country, the Grand Vitara 2.4 will be offered in most markets with ESP, 17 (3d) or 18 (5d) inch alloy wheels, electrically-operated glass sun-roof (5d), in-dash 6CD player with MP3 compatibility, and leather seats (5d) as standard.