Hot News: Ferrari Confirms 4x4 System

Ferrari has been working on an electrically driven 4x4 system for its future models, senior company sources have confirmed.

The various alternatives for the hybrid system were first revealed on the Autocar website earlier this year but Ferrari says the final hybrid design will be used for front engined GT models and will drive the front wheels.

However, the source says that the first models equipped with the system will not appear before 2014. The aim of the 4x4 system – which will use motors mounted inboard of the front wheels – will be to improve handling rather than improve fuel economy.

Insiders say that using torquey electric motors to power the front wheels will offer significant improvements in acceleration and much improved cornering prowess, because the torque delivery to each front wheel can be carefully controlled.

Although this new drivetrain won’t be available from launch, it will eventually become an option on the replacement for the 612, which has been caught testing here at high altitude in Europe.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2010 Kia Soul Tempest

Here's another special edition Kia to stir the Soul! This is the Tempest – a limited run model which comes in Titanium Silver paintwork with black high-gloss bumpers and door mirrors. It also gets rather nifty black 18-inch alloy wheels too.

Inside, there's a host of shiny new trim pieces, with a metallic fascia and chrome inserts for the dashboard and instrument binnacle. But that's not it, though – you also get a reversing camera, a punchier stereo (complete with a speaker mounted in the centre of the dashboad), a sub-woofer in the back and an amplifier too.

The Soul Tempest is available now with the choice of a 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine. Prices kick-off at £12,845. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Recall Roundup

Around 13,000 rear-drive Chryslers could lose their wheels, 53,000 GM Delta platform cars might be leaking fuel, and 40,000 Mazda B-Series trucks might catch fire. Must be time for another recall roundup.

Chrysler is recalling 12,674 rear-drive LX platform cars that were manufactured between 2009 and 2010. Some 300Cs, Challengers, and Chargers rolled off the assembly line without a wheel spindle nut, resulting in potential wheel loss while driving. Chrysler will notify dealers to inspect and repair the wheel assembly, if necessary, for free.

Meanwhile, across town, GM is recalling 52,937 Chevrolet Cobalts, Pontiac G5s, and Saturn IONs. The recall affects model year 2006 vehicles sold or currently registered in Arizona or Nevada, and model year 2007 vehicles sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas. The problem? Cracks may develop in the fuel system and grow large enough to leak gasoline, with the potential of starting a fire. Some cracks can grow large enough that "Fuel may be observed dripping on to the ground," says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To fix, dealers will replace the fuel pump of affected vehicles for free. GM will implement coverage for states not immediately affected by the recall, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Owners can contact Chevrolet at 800-620-7668, Saturn at 800-972-8876, and Pontiac at 800-620-7668.

And finally, Mazda is recalling model year 1995 through 1997 and 2001 through 2003 B-Series trucks for a faulty component in the cruise control system. Some 40,000 trucks produced between these years came with a switch provided by Texas Instruments that may deteriorate, causing an electrical current leak. Per the NHTSA, "This occurrence could cause the switch to overheat, smoke or burn, which could result in an under hood fire."

Mazda will notify owners to visit their dealers for a free repair. The fix involves installing a universal fused jumper harness on the potentially faulty switch. Owners can contact Mazda at 800-222-5500.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Theme Park

If you happened to watch this weekend's Formula 1 race set in Abu Dhabi, you probably saw it amongst the bevy of super-sized yachts. It's practically unmistakable thanks to its rosso corsa paintjob, and many staffers here at MT headquarters agree, it's one of the most futuristic looking and aesthetically dominating buildings in the world.

It's called Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and as you can guess, is an engineering and architectural masterpiece dedicated to the wondrous world of all things Ferrari. Why Abu Dhabi? Given the region's deep attraction -- and investments -- in Maranello, mixed in with its bountiful wealth, the location for the world's largest indoor amusement park makes perfect sense. Set atop the manmade Yas Island in the Persian Gulf, Ferrari World is hoped to be one of the main attractions of the United Arab Emirates when it opens early next year.

Ferrari World's size is gigantic. The Benoy-designed structure stands 147.6 ft tall and boasts a roof edge circumference of 7,217.8 ft. Inside, there's 1,076,391 sq ft of space, while outside a surrounding area of 4,843,759 sq ft has been landscaped impeccably. Around 35,000 tons of steel bolster the building that was designed to resemble the curved side profile of a Ferrari GT body.

Twenty different state-of-the-art attractions entertain you once inside. There's a 124-mph rollercoaster that is claimed to be the world's fastest, a slew of racing simulators, professionally taught driving schools, and the one that caught our attention most, a virtual journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine. You can grab your dinner at a pair of top-tier Italian cuisine restaurants for the full Maranello experience and once you're full, can stroll over to the many shops selling Ferrari-badged memorabilia.

We can't even fathom the costs involved to build Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, but the automaker and its investors are hoping that with the newly inaugurated Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix taking its place on the F1 calendar, the car fans they seek will never overlook Abu Dhabi as a must-see automotive location.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Miranda Kerr Wears 2010 Fashion Trends in CS Magazine November 2009 Issue

Miranda Kerr sported some of the most popular fashion trends for 2010. See her project those thigh high boots and bold shoulders.

Vogue Germany November 2009 Features Fashion Trends for 2010

The November issue of Vogue Germany features the most anticipated fashion trends for 2010 that includes thigh high boots, big shoulders, and leather coats.

Would you wear these trends?






Source: fashionising.com

Celebrities in Their Halloween Costumes 2009

Here are some the most amazing Halloween costumes worn by celebrities last October 31, 2009.


Left: "Twilight" stars Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene in Robin and peacock costumes.
Right: Seal and Heidi Klum in black bird feathers.


Left: Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey in Angel Halloween Costume.
Right: Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt Angel Halloween Costume also.


Left: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt in Jon/Kate Gosselin looks.
Right: Jessica Alba as Dora the Explorer


Left: Audrina Patridge in a Genie Halloween costume.
Right: Gwen Stefani dressed as a cow girl.

Source: OMG