Mystery Kia spy shots

Every once in a while, a set of spy photos comes through that makes us stare at our computer screens like we're looking for the secret image inside of a Magic Eye stereogram picture. This is one of those cases, as we simply aren't sure what to make of this diminutive Kia prototype.

Our best guess is that this is a new kei car for the Japanese market, as its uber-boxy dimensions and teeny-tiny wheels are fitting of the small MPVs that roam the streets of Japan. However, because we can't get a good feeling for how big this car actually is, there's a chance that Kia could be working on a sub-Soul two-box. But from where we sit, those wheels simply way look too small for consumption here in the United States (imagine hitting a Detroit-spec pothole with those tiny tires), so we're thinking that whatever this prototype blossoms into, we likely won't see it on our shores.

car will be available starting in 2012

Smart, GmbH greets the fall with a distinctive model that portrays a lot of high quality equipment, including an exclusive paint color of chocolate brown metallic and new 12 spoke 15" alloy wheels. The interior comes with a mix of fabric and leather. The car itself comes with (MHD) micro hybrid drive technology as standard plus the automatic start/stop system that shuts down the engine when the smart car is motionless, reducing fuel consumption.
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Smart GmbH the manufacture of the smart fortwo electric drive will roll off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France, starting this November. The second generation smart fortwo will be equipped with a ground-breaking and cost-effective lithium-ion battery manufactured by Tesla. Media.daimler.com states the car will be available starting in 2012 to anyone? According to D. Schembri, President, smart USA smart USA will have 300 full electric vehicles available in late 2010 and will go into full series production in 2011. He also adds “haven't figured out exactly how to do the distribution, but they will be for general consumer use.”


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ev-brabus-fortwoA German automotive tuning company Brabus launched their second electric car, this time created from a Smart Fortwo and at this year's Auto Show in Geneva, smart brand and BRABUS celebrated the world debut of an electric Smart Fortwo Brabus, powered by state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. Telling the world when being environmentally friendly you don't have to ride a bike! The Smart Fortwo ED electric drive brings in a zenn era (zero emission and no noise) driving with lithium-ion battery-driven vehicles and will have a very small series production of the Smart Fortwo electric drive for 2009 in Europe and 2010 for the U.S.A. While the Smart Brabus ED may be an electric car that runs silently, Smart engineers have fitted a sound generator in the car that imitates the sound of a souped up sports car engine whenever you floor the car, giving you the impression that your driving much faster.
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2010-smart-fortwo-edDid you know the pursuit for the ideal electric plug in car may be over, and it just could be the all new Smart ED Fortwo electric drive edition, which is a zero emission town and city car, which is touted to be in the United States in 2010? The ED Smart Fortwo electric drive has all the features that made the Smart Fortwo the most sought after car of 2008, and with reported sales for 2009, it appears the Smart and smart USA, is headed for another record sales year. Oh yes, the Smart Fortwo ED edition is minus one thing, a gas combustion engine and at long last the United States may have a zero carbon emissions car.

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2010-smart-blackNow America can realize why the modified Brabus Smart car became a top seller in Europe and countries around the world. First launched in early 2001, as a BRABUS Smart City-Coupe and later made available in the Cabriolet version, the BRABUS offers absolute individuality. Soon you too can leap into a Smart Brabus and rocket down the street with safety, comfort and speed to spare. New for 2009 will be the availability of the BRABUS version, a special limited edition version of the standard model, and prices for the Brabus start at $20,000.


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mhd-smart.jpgReports out of Stuttgart, Germany claim the 2009 Micro Hybrid Drive Smart Fortwo is the least inexpensive way of operating a vehicle. Smart's automatic start/stop electronics system shuts down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the Smart's speed falls below 5mph. The Micro Hybrid Drive is Germany's cheapest car to drive.They confirm previous cost calculations by numerous trade magazines and the ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club. Owners of a Smart mhd can save around €2,500 in running costs compared with other model in this class. Sorry, no word if or when these cars will be available in the U.S.!
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smart-2009-limited.jpgProduction on the 2009 Smart Fortwo started this past September, at the Smartville, eco-friendly plant in Hambach, France. The Smart ForTwo for 2009 received no major changes and is fundamentally untouched since it was introduce in early 2008. Its fuel efficient, very safe and cost of ownership is low. If you want a car solution for a short commute, then this is the answer.

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smart_statue.jpg Intelligent American's wanting fuel efficiency and environmental compatibility can immediately get a price quote on the Smart vehicle of their dreams.

Qualified dealers are waiting to vie for your business and will provide you with free up-front and competitive smart car prices.

These network partners will give you a fast cost quote on that new Smart Fortwo or other hard-to-find car. Be sure to ask your quote specialist about any rebates or smart buyer incentives.
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white-smart-hybridA special version of the fuel stingy Smart Fortwo was first shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. It was called the Smart Fortwo Edition Micro Hybrid Drive. Like other Smart limited edition models, this exclusive MHD edition can be purchased now. However, as with the other Smart drive variants and limited edition Smart models it is not for sale in the United States. Daimler has introduced their Micro Hybrid Drive version with three engine options: two petrol versions at 61hp and 71hp, and a diesel version at 45hp - each more economic than the other.

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For years “Special Edition Cars” have been available for our driving pleasures. Special edition products are used to motivate us to buy a variety of goods. In 1999 smart GmbH created the first MCC Smart Limited edition Smart car. Now for 2008 they have created the Smart “Edition Limited One”The newest “Edition Limited One” Smart's are available for Canadian Smart fans. They come in a coupé or cabriolet model, this “Edition Limited One” is the latest in a long line of special edition Smarts created by the manufacture smart GmbH, and prices start at $20,900 for the coupe and $23,900 for the cabriolet model. No word if this or any special edition Smart will be for sale in the States
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The Smart Pure

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The Smart Fortwo Pure comes with a standard black cloth interior trim and a black safety shell, and are available in six colors.

Standard equipment includes remote-locking management, leather steering wheel, five-speed transmission, and a radio-ready console.

People love the Smart Pure for many reasons, including its ability to park almost anywhere, its economical fuel consumption, its cost, and, of course, its knockout looks.

The basic Smart Pure model starts at under $12,000. For detail Click Here .
Smart ForTwo Passion

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The all new 2008 Smart Fortwo has been transformed and revolutionized on several fronts.



The Smart Passion Fortwo is one of the most distinctive vehicles on the road – electrifying to drive, with impressive appointments, and as reactive in its handling as it is responsible to the ecosystem.



The new Smart Car offers more power, more options, more safety features, and a distinctive interior.



This Smart is available in several wonderful interior trims and six color choices, and comes as a coupé or cabriolet. For detail Click Here .
The Smart Cabriolet

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The 2008 Smart Cabriolet is larger than its predecessor, but it's still outrageously small, some 40 inches shorter than a Mini.

The Smart Cabriolet offers all the rewards of a Smart Passion ForTwo coupé, but with impressive styling that radiates sunshine and fresh air.

Now, for the first time, the newly revised Smart ForTwo Cabriolet is available in America. For detail Click Here

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At the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva, Smart presented their a new limited edition model of the Smart Fortwo called Smart "edition limited two". The Smart limited two will be produced in 2000 units and an exclusive paint finish. The Smart limited two is available both as a coupe and a cabriolet. At the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva a further special edition of the successful smart fortwo is celebrating its world premiere.The "edition limited two" will be produced as a limited series of 2000 vehicles and is characterised by exclusive colouring and a high quality mix of materials - on both the outside and the inside.
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brabus-smart-fortwo-2008.jpg Brabus loved the first smart fortwo Ultimate 112 that they decided it was a good idea to create another one. This time they decided to pair it with the Mercedes SLR as well! Still no word if we will be lucky enough to see any Brabus parts here in the US but by the sounds of it, us Smarties are in love with tunning our cars and Brabus would surely do well if they made the swim across the water! Complete Press Release after the jump or visit the Smart Car of America Gallery for all the photos.
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Here you will find prices for the Smart car models, including option packages. These prices do not include any tax, freight, PDI (Pre-Delivery and Inspection) or any additional dealer charges. If you wanted to purchase a Smart car without delay, you can! One method is a secondary market place that has started up on eBay. The other method is buying an “orphan.”
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The Smart Fortwo ED will have a 41hp electric motor that can reach speeds up to 70 mph and have a range of 70 miles for now. With the improvements being made in the battery development this range will surely increase. The Smart totally electric ED emits no carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons or any harmful substance – in fact it emits nothing. The Smart totally electric ED emits no carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons or any harmful substance – in fact it emits nothing. The car maintains all the safety equipment you find in a regular Smart, including ESP, ABS brakes 4 airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

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Several years ago the Tom Tailor clothing company dressed out a special edition Smart Fortwo Cabriolet for the TRIBUTE TO BAMBI charity. The car was a Smart Fortwo Cabriolet, came with a 101HP engine and was auctioned off on EBay. It had special paint and gold leaf.

Subaru introduces "New EyeSight" system

Volvo may have been one of the first car companies to bring an automatic braking system to the street, but it certainly won't be the last. Subaru just announced it's the New EyeSight – a system that uses two cameras to detect potential collision hazards and stop the vehicle if necessary. The cameras work in conjunction with something Subaru is calling pre-collision braking control. If the cameras detect an object like a pedestrian or car in the vehicle's path, an alarm will sound to alert the driver. If the driver still takes no action, the car will stop itself, potentially avoiding a collision or reducing damage from the impact.

Subaru says that the system will only stop the car if the difference in speed between the two objects is less than 18.5 mph. If the difference is any faster than that, and the New EyeSight system will simply slow the vehicle.

The company also announced a new brake assist system. When the driver applies the brakes in a panic situation, brake-assist equipped cars will add an extra boost to the brake system, hopefully stopping the vehicle before an impact.

Finally, New EyeSight equipped vehicles will also feature adaptive cruise control. Like similar systems from other manufacturers, the Subaru cars will be able to detect the speed of vehicles ahead of it in traffic, and adjust its speed accordingly when the cruise control is active. So far there's no word on how much the New EyeSight system will cost when it hits the market. Japanese customers should be able to order it on Legacy models starting next month. Full details in the press release after the jump.

2011 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System

2011 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has just announced that the next-generation Explorer will benefit from all-wheel drive coupled to a Land Rover-like terrain management system. According to Ford, the company's researchers found that Explorer owners were somewhat befuddled by when to use which four-wheel drive mode, and has since simplified the process significantly. Instead of having to decide whether two-high, four-high or four-low is best for the current trail conditions, owners will simply have to select from an easy to use console mounted knob.

Drivers simply pick between normal, mud, sand or snow modes and allow the Explorer's all-wheel drive setup to do the rest. The vehicle's software then uses various vehicle sensors to help provide the most traction possible. Each mode is also usable with a new hill-decent assist feature borrowed from the company's full-sized pickups. Push the button and the Explorer will automatically try to itself down any slope, no matter the condition.

Ford is hoping that by leaving the traditional transfer case behind, it can save a few pounds and up the model's efficiency at the same time. Coupled to the truck's new unibody construction (yes, the Explorer is going all crossover on us), Ford is estimating that the V6 model will benefit from a 25 percent increase in fuel-efficiency compared to current models. Hit the jump to see a video of the new all-wheel drive system in action.

2011 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System

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New cars from Porsche

Let us find you the best new car prices for new Porsche models including:

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 has defined the Porsche range for many years and, as the flagship of the Porsche brand, has truly stood the test of time. The 911 is now available in a range of bodystyles including:

911 Carrera	2 + 2 coupe or cabriolet; 3.6L engine; 325 bhp at 6,800 rpm
911 Carrera S	2 + 2 coupe or cabriolet; 3.8L engine; 355 bhp at 6,600 rpm
911 Carrera 4	2 + 2 coupe or cabriolet; 3.6L engine; 325 bhp at 6,800 rpm
911 Carrera 4S	2 + 2 coupe or cabriolet; 3.8L engine; 355 bhp at 6,600 rpm
911 Turbo	2 + 2 coupe; 3.6L engine; 480 bhp at 6,000 rpm
911 GT3	2-seater coupe; 3.6L engine; 415 bhp at 7,600 rpm
911 GT3 RS	2-seater coupe; 3.6L engine; 415 bhp at 7,600 rpm

Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster is a convertible two-seater roadster with rear wheel drive and 245 bhp driven by a mid-mounted 2.7 litre engine. The Boxster S is the “sportier” version of the Boxster, with a powerful 3.4 litre 6 cylinder engine providing 295 bhp.

Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is a five-seater sports utility vehicle (SUV) with all-wheel drive and a 3.2 litre V6 engine. For those wanting extra performance, the Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne Turbo S are also available, the latter having a 4.5 litre V8 engine at its heart.

Porsche Cayman

The Porsche Cayman is a two-seater coupe with rear wheel drive and, similar to the Boxster, has 245 bhp driven by a mid-mounted 2.7 litre engine. The Cayman S offers enhanced performance, powered by a 3.4 litre engine providing 295 bhp.

2010 Ford Mustang convertible

2010 Ford Mustang convertible

The road to Hana, Maui is a narrow serpentine path through some of the most magnificent scenery on Earth. A two-lane band of asphalt, it would be impossible to border the edge of paradise more precisely than with the Hana Highway.

At times such as these, there is only one response a driving enthusiast can offer - time put on the shades, drop the top and rev up an all-American engine for a romp to remember under the Hawaiian sun.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible comes equipped with a potent 4.0-litre SOHC V6 engine. Horsepower is rated as 210 @ 5,300 rpm with torque coming in at 240 lb.-ft @ 3,500 rpm.

Fitted with sequential multi-port fuel injection, the V6 runs on regular unleaded fuel. Our vehicle is equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. Shifting between second, third and fourth gear dozens of times while driving the Hana Highway, fuel usage proves better than expected. Over the course of a fun-filled week, we top up only once.
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Sunlight glistens sporadically through the dense growth trees as 235/ 50WR18.0 rear rubber hooks up on the rain slick highway. It is impossible to tell from one moment to the next if the road ahead is wet or dry. Water bounces off a rock face to my immediate right, plunging downward with a violent roar to the ocean 300 metres below.

Inside, the Mustang Convertible surrounds our passing with 21st century trimmings wrapped in a 70’s retro shell. Chrome dials tally our excessive bursts of speed, retreating equally fast as we move between gears.

Power front bucket seats make near infinite adjustment possible. They hold us securely in place as we roll the steering wheel back and forth in tune with the changing landscape. Our time to Hana from the unofficial start of the highway is one hour and twenty five minutes.

Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa resides at the farthest edge of paradise. Not far down the road, world-renowned Hamoa Beach awaits. Here, a private lounge and change area are reserved for hotel guests. Celebrated author James Michener once referred to the beaches of Hana as heavenly. He had good reason to do so; the scenery is flawless.

Time stands still at Hotel Hana-Maui. Any yearning you may still have for the busyness of everyday life quickly evaporates with the soulful rush of ocean waves crashing against lava rock and sand. All rooms are television and radio free. A total of 47 suites and cottages define this luxurious destination. Our Deluxe Ocean View suite with hot tub offers spectacular views of the surrounding lush countryside.

Standard amenities include a kitchen with seating for six, couch and chair overlooking the deck plus a king-size bed. The double sink bathroom adjacent to the main room features a reclining tub, separate shower and dressing area. Floors are immersed in warm hardwood, with oversized ceiling fans adding to the tropical appeal.

Dining takes place in one of three extraordinary locations. The Paniolo Bar quenches with casual fare, while across the highway; Hana Ranch is a favourite among hotel guests. A consistent Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient, Ka’uiki restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner. Looking outwards toward Hana Bay, it provides the perfect setting to enjoy our five-course dining extravaganza topped off with a traditional Hawaiian dance.

The Honua Spa at Hotel Hana-Maui, a perennial Condé Nast Traveler Gold List winner, invites guests to embrace balance and health. Organic massage therapies include the Hawaiian Lomilomi and Lokahi Four-handed massage. Body wraps and facials round out a spectacular menu of treatments available in a truly unique spa setting.

Relaxed, rejuvenated and revved up once again, we are determined to improve on our original time driving the Hana Highway. Anything over one hour is considered mediocre by the locals. With roads fairly slick from the previous evening’s thunderstorm, I salivate at the impending challenge.

Pointing the Ford Mustang Convertible due west, I push hard on the accelerator, revelling in the sweet rhythm of tight corners and split-second vehicle control. Fifty-nine minutes later we’re back where it all began three days earlier. A little American muscle and a good pair of sunglasses go a long way toward building a lifetime of memories.

Where to Stay
Hotel Hana Maui
5031 Hana Hwy
Hana, Maui, HI 96713
www.hotelhanamaui.com

INTRODUCING THE NEW 2010 HONDA CIVIC

From only 13k, you will not find a cheaper new Honda Civic - ANYWHERE!

SEE THE BUYACAR HONDA CIVIC DEALS

INTRODUCING THE NEW 2010 HONDA CIVIC

Honda's British-built Civic range has undergone a refresh, and is finally rolling off the newly re-opened Swindon production line. The changes include a new 1.4-litre engine, conventional automatic transmission and subtle exterior and interior changes that will enhance the Civic's modern styling.

The new Civic has been a huge success in the UK since its launch in 2006, proving critics wrong with a stylish design that still looks as good now as it did then. Honda say that only minor changes, such as premium plastics, restyled rear light clusters and new trims materials, have been required to bring the car bang up to date.

Most importantly a new 1.4-litre engine has been introduced on both 5-door and Type S models providing a more affordable option for younger customers or those looking to downsize. For the first time a conventional automatic transmission is now available on the Civic 5-door model, while a revised i-SHIFT automated manual transmission is available across both body shapes.

Buyacar.co.uk is pleased to announce huge savings on not only the 2010 model Civic but also the new Accord, Jazz and CR-V.