Vauxhall Astra CC (TwinTop) NAKED!

We at COTF have the first ever glimpse of the 2006 Astra CC NAKED on the roads. Spotted in Germany, outside Nurburgring free of disguise and with the roof down! Our own spy Hanjo took these sensational pictures. This coupe/convertible will have a 2 piece top. Front & rear face will be the same as the 3/5 door Astra. Not too sure wether this will be sold in Australia. If it does go to Australia it will be named as Holden and could arrive six months later than its launch date

Pontiac Solstice Turbo

Pontiac engineers ventured to the N�rburgring to take some hot laps in the hot version of the Solstice roadster. Several styling differences set this prototype apart as the turbocharged version of Pontiac's halo car. The high-performance additions to the Solstice clearly require more breathing ability. The large round lights set into the Solstice's bumper fascia - surrounded by bodywork on the standard 170-hp model - are set within additional honeycomb grillework on this prototype. Sharply sculpted edges outline the added grilles, giving more definition to the Solstice's face. The Turbo Solstice's more chiseled look is furthered by a deeper, squared-off jawline, which incorporates another thin air-intake slit at the bottom.
The changes at the rear are less pronounced: a subtle lip spoiler sets this more muscled model apart from the standard version. By applying a turbocharger to GM's 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, this Solstice will generate at least 240 horsepower, and rumors suggest it may even exceed 250 horses. Regardless of the final output numbers, this car should give serious competition to the likes of Mazda's new Miata, as long as the Solstice's final execution manages to live up to the promise of the car's sexy lines.

But why are they testing this sports car in Germany when its not sold in Europe?

Jaguar S-Type mule hiding a replacement?

Prototypes of heavily disguised Jaguar S-Types have been sighted in Germany. Since the S-Type isn't selling too well due to its retro styling, maybe a replacement is due soon?

Judging by the mule, the twin headlamp design seem smaller than usual and the front air-intake are larger than the current S-Type.

If it is getting replaced, expect the same engines to be carried over.

2007 Volkswagen Crossover (Sfero)

Along with the "next" Polo Volkswagen is also planning a croosover.

To fill the gap between the Passat and the Phaeton sedans, Volkswagen is expected to introduce a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive crossover. Expected to arrive in concept form in 2005, the actual production version should to be ready to launch in 2007.The name "Sfero" was registered by Volkswagen in June of 2003. Insiders have told us that the Sfero will be a crossover between a wagon and an SUV, although all-wheel drive will not be offeredTo lessen the development costs, Bernd Pischetsrieder and Ferrari-boss Luca di Montezemolo are said to be in agreement for a unique technology transfer: While Maserati will deliver the chassis of their brand-new Quattroporte sedan as a base for the new VW Sfero, Volkswagen will deliver the 4x4 chassis of its Touareg off-roader for the future Maserati Kubang SUV. This deal is actually quite interesting for both parties: while the Touareg's 4x4-chassis is regarded to be the best currently available, the Quattroporte's transaxle chassis allows an excellent weight-balance and therefore promises superb handling for the Sfero.Another advantage of the Maserati chassis is the compatibility with Audi's V-8 engines. They are too large to be fitted under the hood of the next Passat - but they are said to fit perfectly in the Sfero, with the top-of-the line engine expected to offer as much as 450 horsepower. Other luxury features include a new active steering system, a wide track and long wheelbase (114.2 inches), an electrically operated rear door, air suspension and LED taillights, and an adaptive brake light.Lots of information has been leaking out about the Sfero, but apparently no decision has been made as to if the Sfero will be a four-, six- or even seven-passenger vehicle.

2007 Smart ForTwo

Smart is expected to build a 2007 Smart ForTwo. Smart is already going down the tiolet due to not selling enough cars. They already lost �600,000,000 so there might not be a next ForTwo. Smart CrossTown is suggested to strongly hint this city car. Smart is also ready to launch a pink version of the current car pricing at �6,650. Smart were also planning to biuld a 4x4 called the ForMore but that had to be stopped because of the problems they've had

2006 Ferrari F430 GT

Ferrari is already testing it fast F430 GT. The F430 replaced the 360 in 2005. Theres hardly any infomation about this yet, but the side,front air vents suggest that this 4.3 litre engine could be injected with something.

Hyundai SUV spied in California

Caught undergoing very hot-weather testing in California, Hyundai is preparing a replacement for the aging and dated Terracan SUV.

Although Hyundai has remained very tight-lipped about this SUV, judging by the size of this, we can expect 7 seats to be fitted as standard. Peeking out back are dual exhaust pipes which hint at a powerful petrol engine at the front, maybe a 3.8 litre V6 engine. This engine is likely to kick out 260bhp through a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual-mode. Inside, Hyundai is set to use much better materials to offer the newcomer some quality.

Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models will be available, along with a host of options and accessories. For a car-like drive, the chassis will be a unibody with a OLD lock-up torque converter.

Slotting above the Santa Fe in the line-up, the Terracan replacement should hit dealers in mid-2007 with prices starting under $30,000, but be warned, the new SUV will only be available in the U.S, South Korea, Brazil, Canada and the Middle East.

Top-secret C-Segment Kia spied

A Korean car manufacture, possibly Kia seems to be out testing an all-new model which will arrive in Europe sometime in 2007. According to spies, the vehicle appears to measure roughly the same size as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

Details of the newcomer are very sketchy but it's codename "ED" is understood to stand for "European Design". Other details include a name registered by Kia, engine sizes and possible future models. Although the name Cerato is still valid, it maybe replaced with the nameplate "Cee'd". As for engines, sizes are reported to range from 1.4 - 2.0 litre according to our insider. Our insider also stated the the "ED" will be accompanied by a coupe, estate, MPV and cabriolet sometime within the next 5 years.

The car will replace the slow-selling Cerato when it arrives in showrooms in 2007 will prices starting from as low as �11,000.

Renault Espace facelift spied testing

Renault is testing the facelifted Espace in Europe.

As you can see from this image, the Espace will sport revised lights, bumpers and grille. Inside, the interior will be reworked to keep it up to date. Engines will be tweaked to offer better performance and lower emissions.

Sales start next year.

2006 BMW 3/4 Series

The camo on front of this test mule won't be as heavy as it is. These 3/4 Sreies prototypes are wearing very lights disguise but these pictures are a little older. Not sure wether BMW is going to call it 3 or 4 Series. When the Coupe/Cabriolet reaches England this sports car should be a big hit like the current car. Prices should be similar but alittle bit more than the current price. The older car only came in two versions Coupe and cabroilet. This however will be both so not as much money coming in as before.

Chery "Crossover"

Chery first showed a concept version of their upcoming "New Crossover" in Beijing in 2004, and Malcolm Bricklin made some momentous announcements regarding the brand at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show. These are the very first pictures of the New Crossover that's heading to the States sometime in 2007, according to the latest plan from Bricklin's Visionary Vehicles.
These exclusive images were shot as the New Crossover was being transported from a supplier in Germany to a Ford Transmission facility in Cologne.
This seven-seat crossover is expected to be one of three Chery vehicles launched in the United States as early as 2007. However, Bricklin recently said that he won't use the Chery name in the States, due to legal pressure from General Motors, owners of the Chevy brand.

As you see light tape disguising means its not really a top secret model. This looks very similar to its concept. This will take on the likes of the Renault Scenic, Ford C-max et which are sold in Europe and the UK. But Chery better watch out because Ford is bringing out it D-Max/Galaxy in 2006 or 2007 which itself is stylish and roomy.

BMW X5 caught in Germany

These are the newest pictures of the next BMW X5. Caught in Germany, the next generation X5 will be a completely new model and still underpin the 5 Series.

Sources stated that the new X5 will arrive in both 5 seater and 7 seater layouts. Two petrol engines; 3.0 litre V6 and 4.8 litre V8 will be available, alongside a 3.0 litre V6 diesel. The default choice in Europe will be the diesel, accounting for 80% of sales. The 3.0 V6 petrol will produce 272bhp, 355bhp will be reserved for the 4.8 litre V8 and the 3.0 litre V6 diesel will get 235bhp.

UK prices should start from �40,000. While the 4.8 litre V8 petrol will be the current flagship engine, look-out for a 500bhp+, turbo-charged 4.4 litre V8.

Artist rendering of the next Fiat Stilo

The Fiat Stilo is now due a redesign. Launching back in 2000, the Stilo wasn't a hit with customers, especially in the UK. Poor packaging and reliability saw it lose out to rivals like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall/Opel Astra.

While this rendering may look like the current Grande Punto, reports suggest the G.Punto will influence the forthcoming Stilo, especially on exterior styling.

A coupe like roofline and raising waistline will give the newcomer a sleeker look, while the C-pillar based rear-lights blend seamlessly into the roof. The large panoramic glass sunroof will make the interior feel more roomy alongside the big windscreen.

Unlike the current Stilo, the muscular wheelarches and huge alloy wheels will give the car an athletic look. Up front, the small headlights, rectangular radiator grilles and small foglamps inserts echoe the Grande Punto's classy styling.

Look out for an introduction in 2007.

Alfa Romeo 159 GTA?

We're not sure what this actually is but it seems to be an Alfa 156 GTA but people on web forums are saying that this car is in fact a 159 GTA. Snapped in Italy and wearing a factory plate this could be a 159 GTA. Our spy even said it sounded like a Ferrari. If it sounds like a Fezza it must be powerful. Alfa even taped/card-boarded the smile in between the exhausts. So WHAT could it actually be? We'll leave it upto you to decide.

Next generation Land Rover Freelander spied

These are the latest pictures of the next generation LR Freelander II. Caught undergoing high-speed testing around the Nurburgring race-track by our spy photographer, the camo doesn't exactly hide everything. The overall SUV will be larger than the model it replaces and it will be similarly styled to the outgoing model. Although the current model was a huge success in Europe and Asia, it was too small for the American liking.

Power is expected to come from a 3.2 litre V6 petrol and a 2.2 litre diesel engine. Both engines will get a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. Prices kick off at around �20,800.

Initial D RC Car - Trueno AE86 Project D

The Initial D story has sold over 39 million copies of the manga, has a long running series of anime on TV, and now has a full length movie feature.

I have been a fan of Initial D, and here is my tribute, a 1/10 scale remote control replica of the Trueno AE86 driven by Takumi in Stage 4 - Project D.

Click here for more photos...

Mini Nitro RC Cars

This model will simply blow you away. Imagine stuffing a nitro engine into a 1/18 4wd touring car... and you get the soon to be released XRAY NT18. Simply awesome.

The must buy rc product for Christmas 2005!

Photo credit: teamxray.com

Yokomo MB-4, Initial D Car, Racing RC Cars

CONTENTS

* Yokomo MB-4
* Initial D Car
* Racing RC Cars

car-evolutioncars #62 contains review of the new Yokomo MB-4 electric buggy, project building of the Initial D AE86 rc car, and photos of equipment for racing rc cars. Visit www.car-evolutioncars.com for more info.

RC Car Bodies

I went into my local hobby shop today looking to buy a classic rc car body, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA. And before I was to inquire about it, a fully painting Lancia Delta rally car body caught my eye.

So, I bought both bodies. In the coming weeks I hope to complete the Lancia rc rally car on a TL-01 chassis and the classic Alfa Romeo GTA on a Tamiya M04 chassis.

Can't wait to finish and run these beauties.

CEN Genesis, HPI Savage Monster Trucks

Here is a review contributed by Brando about his CEN Genesis 46 and HPI Savage nitro powered rc monster trucks. There is also a side by side photo of the two models, you can see the size difference.

RCCarAction Reader's Choice, RC Community, New Cars and Trucks

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Vol 1, Issue 61 Subscribers: 3,617+ July 31, 2005
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CONTENTS

* RCCarAction Reader's Choice 2005
* CEN Genesis and HPI Savage - RC Community
* New RC Cars and Trucks

car-evolutioncars newsletter 61 is about what reader's like (Car of the Year 2005, Electric Rc Buggy, electric truck, touring cars, nitro buggy, nitro trucks, transmitter, fuel, engine, and more).

car-evolutioncars.com is also an r/c community, where subscriber reviews, articles and r/c photos are submitted and posted on the site. Feel free to join the community of rc enthusiasts.

And as always, links to recommended online hobby shops and more resources.

New RC Cars and Trucks List

Hello. With new rc cars and trucks coming out almost every month, it is sometimes hard to know what to buy. Here is a listing of 6 popular manufacturers and their newest remote control models.

About RC Cars, 2005 Mustang GTR, R/C News

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Vol 1, Issue 60 Subscribers: 3,584+ July 2, 2005
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CONTENTS

* About car-evolutioncars
* 2005 Ford Mustang GTR - Real vs. R/C
* RC News and Headlines
* Where to Buy

========================================================

ABOUT car-evolutioncars

Hi,

car-evolutioncars.com is a website created by a single person,
myself. Started in Jan 2003, I still continue to update it. I'm
happy it has been visited so many times, thanks for making this
one of the more popular rc cars website on the internet. Below
are statistics from Jan 2003 - June 2005.

Page views: 2,232,862
eBook downloads: 6,892
Subscribers: 3,584
Tips: 100+

http://www.car-evolutioncars.com/about-car-evolutioncars.htm

So again, thanks for being a loyal reader, and hope you can
help spread the word about car-evolutioncars.com. Feel free to
forward this email to your friends or post on your own
website

Best Nitro RC Trucks for 2005

car-evolutioncars.com Newsletter / Ezine

Reading Time ~ 3 minutes

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Vol 1, Issue 59 Subscribers: 3,576+ June 22, 2005
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CONTENTS

* Nitro RC Trucks - Best for 2005
* Traxxas Nitro Jato - 55+ mph!
* Where to Buy

========================================================

NITRO RC TRUCKS - BEST FOR 2005

For a change, here is a guide for buying 2wd nitro rc trucks, also
popularly known as nitro stadium trucks.

For 2005, there seems to be one nitro rc truck that stands out
from the competition, both in acceleration and top speed. It also
has one of the best looking bodies I've seen among stadium trucks.

Here are some of the popular models top speed:

Traxxas Jato - 55mph
Traxxas Nitro Rustler - 47mph
Team Losi XXX-NT Sport RTR - 45mph
Duratrax Nitro Evader ST RTR - 37.3mph
Associated RC10GT RTR - 36mph

And time to reach top speed (i.e. acceleration):

Traxxas Jato -5.8sec
Traxxas Nitro Rustler - 5.25sec
Team Losi XXX-NT Sport RTR - 5.41sec
Duratrax Nitro Evader ST RTR - 4.29sec
Associated RC10GT RTR - 5.76sec

Website About RC Cars

Hi, not a day goes by that I do not think about r/c cars. Since 1978 till today, I still enjoy them. Whether it is building a new kit, to club or racing in other countries, or to simply bash around, I still have fun.

And lately I've enjoyed building and maintaining a website about the hobby I've enjoyed for over 2 decades. I find it so enjoyable to own an rc car website that is read worldwide and has had over 1 million page views.

The website is called car-evolutioncars.com, and it is my pleasure to write about anything related to radio control cars and trucks. I invite you to take a look and hopefully learn more about the hobby.

Father's Day Gift... a Remote Control Car

What to give your dad or husband this father's day? How about something different and fun, such as a remote control car? Guys love cars, and the hobby of r/c cars fulfill the fantasy of owning and racing exotic cars. Imagine the look on his face when he opens your father's day gift and finds a nitro rc car or big monster truck!

So what are you waiting for? Here is a website to help you choose and order remote controlled cars and trucks online.

More at www.car-evolutioncars.com

Remote Control Cars

Remote control cars come in many sizes such as 1/24, 1/18, 1/12, 1/10, 1/8 and 1/5. The 1/24th scale is small, the 1/5th scale is large.

1/24 - Kyosho Mini Z, Tamiya Tamtech
1/18 - HPI Micro RS4
1/12 - Associated 12i, HPI Mini RS4
1/10 - Associated Nitro TC3 and RC10GT, HPI Dash and Nitro RS4, OFNA OB4, Traxxas Nitro T-Maxx and Nitro 4-Tec.
1/8 - HPI Nitro Savage 21, OFNA Titan and Ultra MBX, Tamiya Terra Crusher.

Read more at www.car-evolutioncars.com.

Tamiya Remote Control Cars

Here is a page listing all Tamiya remote control cars, from their first model (Porsche 943 Turbo) to their latest product releases. Tamiya is synonymous with rc cars and trucks and is one of the biggest model companies in the world today. Besides radio control, Tamiya also produces scale models such as wartime figures, tanks, airplanes and static display models.

Indoor Helis - Aerohawk, Hummingbird, Piccolo, ESky4ch

One of the thrills of buying rc helicopters is the ability to fly and hover indoors. Imagine the fun of flying a radio controlled heli inside your home or office cubicle to relieve stress and have some fun.

Popular indoor helis are the Aerohawk, Hummingbird, Piccolo and ESky4ch. If you visit forums, lots of hobbyists give good feedback on the Hummingbird and Piccolo.

Secrets of Nitro RC Cars

You can also download the free ebook "Secrets of Nitro RC Cars." Currently 4,954+ downloads.

Gas RC cars are actually simpler and require less equipment than electric RC cars. All you need to buy are the following:

1. Car 2. 2-stroke engine 3. Radio control system 4. Glow plug igniter 5. Glow plug (included in the engine) 6. Fuel 7. Fuel bottle 8. AA-size batteries

The best part is companies are now selling ready-to-run (rtr) gas RC cars that come complete with all the equipment mentioned above. Simply open the box, put fuel, start the engine, and enjoy playing!

RC Helicopters - Megatech, Kyosho, Raptor

Here is a new webpage about rc helicopters, from those you can buy from department stores to radio control models that can fly hundreds of feet in the air, do loops and fly upside down. From electric indoor flight to gas outdoor acrobatic flyers, there is an rc helicopter model for everyone.

Intro to RC Cars

Updated is the rc cars page on www.car-evolutioncars.com. If you're new or a beginner, take a visit, you'll find a lot of useful information about radio control cars. From the cheapest to expensive, this rc cars website will help you become an expert.

Go take a visit and start having fun!

Radio Control Car Tips #58

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Vol 1, Issue 58 Subscribers: 3,560+ June 6, 2005
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CONTENTS

* RC Car Reviews and Photos
* Best Radio Control Touring Cars
* Tips for a Faster R/C Touring Car

Traxxas Nitro Jato RTR RC Truck

Traxxas is well known for two things: 1) RC Trucks and 2) Ready to Run RTR model kits. And now comes the 55mph Traxxas Nitro Jato RTR, a 2wd stadium truck that is simply one of the fastest in it's category.

RTR RC Trucks... Electric and Nitro

If your new to the hobby, you're in luck. Buying is so easy with rtr rc trucks. For electric rc trucks, rtr models usually include the truck, radio control system, batteries, and charger. For nitro rc trucks, rtr models usually come with the truck, radio control system, gas engine, fuel, glow starter, and batteries.

Tamiya TNX RTR (Gas Powered)

Being a fan of Tamiya rc cars and trucks for over 25 years, I can honestly recommend buying the Tamiya TNX RTR. Excellent instruction manual and easy to handle design makes the Tamiya TNX a good choice for those getting started into nitro rc trucks.

Tamiya RC Cars

Tamiya is one of the biggest rc car company, producing high quality kits for both beginners and experienced racers. Parts support and hop ups make Tamiya rc cars a joy to play, race, or display.

Mini RC Cars from 1/28 - 1/18 Scale

Cheap mini rc cars are the current rage, mainly because their small size allows you to play and race anywhere, even indoors.

Guide to Nitro RC Cars

Gas powered rc cars are the fastest models in the hobby, pushing speeds in excess of 50, 60, 70+ miles per hour! If you're looking for the ultimate in realism and excitement, then you need to buy nitro rc cars!

RTR RC Cars

A new and simple website to help beginners get started into the hobby of rc cars. Nitro, mini, rtr and more.

RC Monster Trucks Forum Topics

You can learn more about rc monster trucks by reading thru popular online discussion forums. You will find tips, news on latest models, and guide/recommendations to buying online.

Nitro RC Cars Forum Topics

What is happening the world of nitro rc cars? What brands and models are the most popular? What cars are best and fastest for nitro rc car racing? Here are some of the more popular topics of discussion and tips as posted on forums.

Tips for Tuning RC Cars

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Vol 1, Issue 57 Subscribers: 3,500+ April 16, 2005
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CONTENTS

* Tips for Tuning Touring Cars from Tamiya
* Suspension Tuning Tips from Serpent
* Pro Secrets - RC Tires

Traxxas Revo

One of the newest and fastest nitro powered rc monster truck is the Traxxas Revo. This nitro monster truck is one of the best production rc racing truck you can buy.

Remote Control Cars

Buy remote control cars at fantastic discounted prices. From eletric micro remote control cars to fast gas powered rc cars.

RC Cars

Over 250+ pages of information about rc cars, also called remote control cars or radio control cars. Reviews, images, comparisons, specs and buying recommendations to help you choose and buy.

For truck lovers, a big section on remote controlled rc trucks, such as electric, nitro, monster and mini r/c trucks.