Celebrities and Their Luxury Ride

Hollywood – For most people vehicles are one indicator of the degree of a person. That’s why a high-paying celebrity or celebrities are easy choosing his dream vehicle.

But it turns out, though many have chosen to use a luxury car such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Hummer or Bentley for the day-to-day activities, there are Hollywood celebrities who are still using older cars for daily activity.

Celebrities and cars

Call it Good Charlotte guitarist, Benji Madden, who still chose Ford Shoebox year 1950 as a favorite vehicle, or even a super model Kate Moss who still keeps his vintage MG and the most unique is the flamboyant actor, George Clooney, who prefer to use a two seated electric car Tango 600.

However, with the financial ability above the average we present a list of just a few of the collections they own cars.

New Cars 2010

Probably Not The 2010 Mazda3, But It Sure Is Pretty

The enigmatic and strange man who runs the Burlapp Car Page has a couple shots of what he claims is the next Mazda3. While we know we're expecting a new 2010 Mazda3, these shots look more concept than production, so we're assuming that's not what we're seeing here. While not as way-out-there as the 2018 Mazda3 design contest, could these be accurate renderings of what to expect from a concept of the next generation of Mazda's zoom-zoomin' C-segment hatchback? Mazda should hope their new car actually ends up looking like this, because it'd totally be a winner. One more shot below the jump.

Jaguar XFR 2010

Jaguar claims that ADC offers increased traction while avoiding the negatives of a fully mechanical differential such as increased understeer. Jaguar says that in dynamic mode, the dampers are stiffened and with the stability control switched off, ADC allows controllable power oversteer and improved off-throttle stability. We can't wait to see how these new systems work on the road.

Visually, the XFR gets the logical upgrades. Twenty-inch, twin seven-spoke alloy wheels are standard. The front fascia gains a larger lower grill and chrome outboard air intakes. The hood also features louvers. The XFR also features sill extensions and a new rear lower valence. Finally, a new exterior mirror design with integrated LED blinkers is used. Inside, new leather and 18-way adjustable sport seats (14-way for the front passenger) are fitted. Unique dark oak veneer with dark mesh aluminum trim is also standard.

We're excited to drive the new XFR. Orders begin in Europe in February and we expect to see cars on sale in the U.S. this summer. But the XFR isn't the only change in the XF model line for 2010. Replacing the 4.2-liter supercharged engine is a normally-aspirated version of the XFR's 5.0-liter V-8. This 385 hp, 380 lb-ft engine utilizes direct-injection as well and fits in nicely between the XFR's 510-hp powerplant and the carryover 300 hp, 4.2-liter V8. Other notable changes include the availability of a Portfolio model with more luxurious interior appointments and an upgraded navigation system available on all XF models that now includes turn-by-turn instructions in the message center between the speedometer and the tachometer. It's nice that Jaguar isn't leaving one of our favorite mid-size luxury cars alone despite it being only a year old.

The big news for the 2010 Jaguar XFR is its engine, the snappy sedan gets a new 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 with a BMW M5-conquering 510 hp. Read the full story on the 2010 Jaguar XFR sedan featured at the 2009 NAIAS Detroit Auto show at Automobile Magazine online.

To read more about the 2010 Jaguar XFR, go to our 2009 Detroit auto show blogs coverage. All the latest blogs from the Editors of Automobile Magazine can be found HERE. We've got our whole staff wandering the floor at Cobo Hall bringing back live photos and more information about all the new debuts from Detroit.

For complete coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show, click HERE.

Ford Fiesta RS 2010

Once again, Ford is teasing us with a new car in the UK. According to Auto Express, Ford will make a Fiesta RS. The RS will be a slight upgrade from the ST model, taking the 1.6-liter direct-injection EcoBoost turbo to bring power to 200hp. This should make the Fiesta RS good from zip-to-60mph in 6 seconds dead and 140mph top speed. Rumor round it also could include six-speed twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox (man, that’s a lot of words for saying semi-auto tranny) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Once again, Ford is building something exciting for the UK/Euro market like the Mondeo, Focus ST with over 200 hp and now the little Fiesta RS. When will Ford get a clue and bring some of these cars to the US!

New Cars - Skoda reveals new Octavia vRS & Scout

Skoda has today released the first official images of its facelifted Octavia vRS and Octavia Scout.

Following the launch of the new Octavia late last year, the vRS and Scout have now also been updated to bring them into line with the current range and family face of Škoda.

The facelifted vRS has a redesigned front grille featuring the vRS logo and bold headlamps, which for the first time can be fitted with xenon headlights combined with the adaptive front lighting system.

The car has two more completely new features: front fog lamps with optional cornering function and LED lamps for daytime lighting. The rear lights have also been redesigned to look more attractive and new 18-inch Neptune alloy wheels are available.

Other changes to the vRS include a new metallic paint, Anthracite, and a lowered (now 127mm) sports-tuned chassis. The car is also lighter – the petrol version by 20kg and the diesel by 15kg. With reduced air resistance the maximum speed of the vRS is now higher and the car’s responsiveness and acceleration have also been improved.

The vRS is available with a choice of two powerplants, a 2.0-litre TFSI 150kW (petrol) or a 2.0-litre TDI 126kW (diesel) engine both of which are available with a six-speed manual twin-clutch DSG transmission.

The new Scout has a redesigned front grille, bold headlamps and body-coloured side mouldings. The front fog lights can be fitted with the optional cornering function and the large front bumper emphasises the car’s rugged appearance. A new metallic paint, Rosso Brunello, is also available across the Octavia range.

With 179mm ground clearance and efficient chassis protection, the Octavia Scout can also handle itself off-road. The all-wheel drive system features the fourth-generation Haldex clutch, which can transfer as much as 86 per cent of the torque to a single wheel.

The Scout is available with two engine choice, a 1.8-litre TSI 119kW (petrol) and 2.0-litre TDI 104kW (diesel) combined with a six-speed mechanical transmission.

Honda New CR-Z

Honda's new CR-Z has only been on sale in Japan for a couple of weeks now, and already tuners are jumping into the fray to see what they can do with the "Sports Hybrid". Spoon's CR-Z has already been outfitted with uprgaded brakes, suspension, wheels, an exhaust system and an ECU tune. Seems quite promising so far. Spotted over at Autoblog . -Mike Garrett

New Paris Cars Show

In our second post we will look at the Asian and North American manufactures launched products at the show. Hyundai Genesis Coupe- Hyundai showed this body kitted version of their soon to be launched Genesis Coupe which has been seen in North America. The Kia-Hyundai group continue to launch massively improved cars.I can't get use to that rear quarter window! Honda Insight- Looks like a well designed Prius a bit doesn't it? Well, the similarities do not end there. This is Honda's...

New CarsMugen Insight

Filed under: Japan, Honda, New Cars, Mike Garrett, Compact, Hybrid, Insight

Ah yes, hybrid cars. When thinking about Speedhunters content, hybrids are probably one of the last things that come to mind, but there's no way you can ignore these things. The idea of hybrid "tuning" may seem a bit strange right now, but there was time not too long ago when using an "economy car" like a Honda Civic for anything but basic transportation would get you some strange reactions. Toyota's Prius may the most popular hybrid right now, but Honda has been in the game for a while, with the original Honda Insight being one of the world's first hybrid production cars. Now Honda has just released an all new Insight, and the guys at Mugen have already started tweaking it....

The All-New Jaguar XF is Revealed in Toronto

Jaguar Canada unveiled the new XF at a special unveiling today at Toronto’s Liberty Grand. The new Jaguar XF is a bold new design for Jaguar and it’s a car that is relaxed confident, with outstanding ability and control.

True to the Jaguars philosophy of creating distinguished fast cars, the XF goes further. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior that is contemporary in style, yet uniquely Jaguar.

“This is the New Jaguar” said Gary Moyer president, Jaguar Canada, “The well-equipped 2009 XF sedan will go on sale March 1, 2008 at an MSRP under $60,000 with a standard V8 engine.”

XF pricing is very aggressive for this type of luxury and comes with a range of options despite the standard feature specifications and extensive use of advanced technologies.

“The 2009 XF showcases Jaguar’s leadership in automotive design, with stunning craftsmanship, quality and dynamic refinement, while offering exceptional standard equipment and exciting advanced technology,” adds Moyer. “This groundbreaking sedan is proof that Jaguar is moving boldly into the future with seductively-designed cars that are head-turning and of the highest quality.”

The introduction of the XF signals a dramatic new design and engineering direction for Jaguar. Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a modern luxury sedan.

The 2009 XF will be priced starting at $59,800 MSRP for the V8 Luxury model. The V8 Premium Luxury XF will have a base MSRP of $65,800. A Supercharged XF with its 420 horsepower engine will retail for $77,800 MSRP. All prices do not include a $1,195 destination and delivery charge. Tax, title, and registration fees not included.

NEW JAGUAR XF KEY POINTS -

- Three trim levels will be offered in the North American market - Luxury, Premium Luxury and the 420hp Supercharged model.

- The XF is a four door Jaguar that combines the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury sedan.

- Class-leading torsional stiffness delivers refinement and dynamic performance - underpinning the driver-focused yet remarkably comfortable driving experience.

- The XF will be available at launch in the North America with two different engines - 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and 4.2-liter supercharged V8 - all featuring Jaguar’s proven six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles as standard in the XK sports car.

- With its dramatic styling, powerful yet beautiful lines and a distinctive face, the XF is the first sedan to exemplify Jaguar’s new design language.

- Using only the finest materials, which are applied in a very contemporary way, the XF’s interior is crafted to create a truly warm and bespoke environment

- Challenging convention, the XF offers sophisticated instrumentation and intuitive technologies. Upon entry, the start button pulses, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive Selector^TM rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, ‘parked’ position to their functional open position.

- The coupe-like lines of the XF (which are similar to the XK’s) belie the amount of space inside: there is room for five adults in comfort, generous interior stowage and a trunk capacity of 17.7 cu. ft., plus the opportunity to fold down the rear seats and add a further 14.8 cu. ft.

- Key driver aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.

- Jaguar-exclusive Bowers & Wilkins 440-watt Surround Sound System is available on Premium Luxury and Supercharged trim levels.

- The first cars will be delivered to Canadian customers in March 2008.