The sub-compact Mazda 2, a long-running staple of the Mazda line in Europe and Japan, has been launched for the first time in the United States as a 2011 model at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. There have also been vague rumblings that the Mazda 2 is set to go worldwide, and might eventually come to the GCC.
The redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata has finally had its first reveal outside Korea, at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. After years of producing boring clones of existing Japanese models, the new Sonata is so far “out there” that it makes even premium brands look cheap in comparison, even if it ultimately looks bulkier than its intended “four-door coupe” styling target.
The 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan has received a moderate facelift, featuring reshaped headlights, grille, bumpers and wheels, while leaving the rest of the car unchanged. It was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this week.
The Association of German Car Tuners, as illegal as it may sound, has unveiled their latest concept car creation for their “TUNE IT! SAFE!” initiative, designed by BMW tuners AC Schnitzer. The 1-Series diesel coupe police car is intended to promote safe tuning, as opposed to the outright banning of modified cars, like in some countries.
A niche manufacturer claims to have created the world’s fastest street bike. Calling it the “Asphaltfighters STORMBRINGER powered by WARM UP,” it will have its world debut at the 2009 Essen Motor Show.
The 1st DriveArabia Meet was held last weekend, on Friday the 13th no less. Two of us organised it, and ironically enough, 13 people showed up for an event that was conceived just a couple of days prior this November. The turn-out was relatively great, considering it was competing for time with the Diabetes Walk, the Motorsports Festival and some Pakistan cricket match, all on the same day in Dubai. Also, we kept the meet intentionally low-key, so a smaller number of people could interact without getting lost in the crowd. These peeps are now in our inner circle.
Volvo has released the first photos of the all-new 2011 S60 sedan, further defining the corporate styling that first started with the XC60 crossover last year. It is interesting, but not really a breakthrough with that droopy nose.
The all-new Renault Fluence, a sedan designed especially for developing countries, will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2009 Dubai Motor Show which takes place from December 16 to 20, 2009.
Celebrating its 50th year in America, Honda kicked off its week at the 2009 SEMA tuner show in Las Vegas with a variety of accessorised Honda models, including an official reveal of a 2010 Accord Sedan fitted with Mugen extras.
Weighing in at 1278 kg, the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available. This new mid-engined roadster attempts to be a true purist form of the quintessential open-top sports car. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 2, 2009.