BMW has a fight on its hands as it tries to defend its record-breaking fifth consecutive International Engine of the Year Title.

The German brand name, which has scooped more trophies for green engine excellence than any other auto company in the 11^th year history of the Awards, faces tough competition from over 60 new entrants to the International Engine of the Year Awards 2009.

Expected entrants are the brand-new hybrid entries of Toyota’s 1.8-litre Prius and Honda’s 1.3-litre Insight. Previous generations of both engines have won the International Engine of the Year Title in past years. These green candidates will be battling with Porsche’s mighty new direct-injection engines as well as Jaguar’s advanced 5-litre supercharged V8.

BMW’s strongest contenders are its chief rival Daimler with its new Mercedes diesel engines and small capacity, supercharged petrol units of which have already received praises from the world’s motoring press and car critics. The other contenders are Renault’s smooth, powerful and frugal new 3-litre V6 diesel and from the US, GM’s 6-litre Cadillac hybrid.

2009 is indeed a tight fight for BMW, however with its new engine, the powerful 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo that powers the 750i, the German marque expresses its certainty to win the title this year. The question is, can it really help BMW retain the title?

Results of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2009 will be decided by a panel of 65 renowned automotive journalists from 32 countries including Russia, New Zealand, Germany, France, UK & USA. The winners will be announced at the Stuttgart Engine Expo on June 16, 17 & 18, 2009.

In the world of luxury cars, “sexy” and “social responsible” rarely fit in the same garage.Henrik Fisher had changed that. The former BMW and Aston Martin designer created Fisker Karma sedan - the new face of luxury cars. Fisker Karma sedan is a plug-in hybrid car with Hollywood movie-star looks, sports car performance and a 100 mpg engine.

The first mode of Fisker Karma is Stealth Drive, which is the economy mode for relaxed and efficient driving. However, flipping the second paddle behind the steering wheel, the car will switch to Sport Drive, which will access the full power of the vehicle.

Performance and Dynamics:

• 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds
• Top speed can reach over 125mph
• Brakes: regenerative brakes to recapture braking energy
• Innovation: lightweight body and structure
• Stance: optimal sport vehicle driving dynamics

Fisker is not alone. Mercedes, Porche and Cadillac, the world’s luxury automakers are riding the green car bandwagon.

In late 2010, Porche will bring to the market its first hybrid powertrain, Cayenne SUV. “If you want to grow, you have to enter new segments,” said Klaus-Gerhard Wolpert, Porsche’s director of Cayenne Operations. “We are strongly convinced we can reach a business case with this system.” Though the company is turning to “green”, it will continue to make nimble machines to match sportcar enthusiasts driving pleasure.

Mercedes will offer the S400 BlueHybrid this fall; a mild hybrid version of its flagship S-Class luxury sedan. The S400 claims to deliver 30 mpg with its V6 gasoline engine and small electric motor. Mercedes will also market a full hybrid version of its ML-Class sport car, using the “two mode” hybrid system developed by General Motors, BMW and the former DaimlerChrysler.

“Every automaker faces an incredibly uncertain future in fuel economy, in regulation and in market demand,” says analyst Jim Hossack of AutoPacific. “If you are not looking at every available technology, you risk your business getting caught off base.”

Whether the luxury car companies are driven by pure hearts or pure business necessity to develop green sport cars, the results would be the same: a new breed of luxury car or sports car that makes high mileage and reduced emissions will become key selling points.

It is never easy to purchase something so costly and possibly life-changing— like a car. Aside from the price, you may worry about possible car scams or technicalities in the transaction.

So as to make a smart car purchase, follow 2 basic car-purchasing tips:

The first tip is to decide if you want to buy a new or used car. Buying a used car can save you a lot of money, as opposed to buying a new one. Since new cars generally depreciate 10 to 35% during the first two years, it is a good idea to check the depreciation rate on the car you are interested in. On the other hand, many of the factory incentives are on new models, so you may get a better deal with a new car right now, depending on your current financial standing.

The second tip is to weigh Luxury against economy and calculate how much you can afford. Before you decide that a car is right for you, it is a good idea to check your balance of debts and assets to see how much you can really afford. Through this, you can also determine if you have a trade-in or down payment to help you pay for the car you want.

When time comes for you to decide on a which car to buy, you will find these two tips to be beyond helpful as it will help clear your mind and set your options before diving into a deal.

This article is meant to raise people’s awareness regarding the popular new scam called “Car Cloning” as it happens much more often that you would think it would.

We are all constantly worried about our cars being stolen or our valuable car gadgets being taken apart. What we usually forget is the importance of keeping our license plate safe.

A scam known as Car Cloning uses a vehicle license plate from a legally registered car to mask the identity of a stolen one. Car thieves simply swipe the plate number from vehicles sitting at dealerships or in parking lots. They then forge new documents to sell with the vehicle. Why this should worry you is because these stolen vehicles often end up in the hands of unsuspecting consumers, like you.

The best way to make sure your car is legitimate is with thorough research. A vehicle history report can be part of the solution to help car buyers avoid becoming victims. Other helpful tips would be: ask the seller to provide the title, service receipts and any other documents for the vehicle, check if the mileage readings on all documents are consistent with the current odometer display and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted, professional mechanic prior to purchase.

Remember that if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

The World’s Most Advanced Human/Hybrid Vehicle

HumanCar LMV Imagine is street-legal dual electric motor/human hybrid vehicle in production, ” it represents the entry point to the great change” says Chuck Greenwood CEO of HumanCar Inc. ” people globally will be able to solve critical resource problems locally and create individual efforts to reduce and regenerate their own power.”

The open topped car can accommodate up to four people and each seat has an oar-like handle. The occupants can “row” the car for a bit to generate energy that can be stored in the cells and used later. It has a standard A/C outlets and may be used a home power back up system.

The human car features an exoskeletal safety cage chasis, dual electri motors, variable human power input , body steering patented chasis and SyncGuideway compatibility as a standard equipment.It is made of aluminum like an airplane and has regenerative brakes,dual electric motors and an advanced chassis design patented by HumanCar Inc.

HumanCar has posted an “Open invite for a demonstration to President Obama” on YouTube and other portals.

The Imagine_PS retails for $15k.

If you missed the opportunity to grab the limited-edition of C4-era Corvette Grand Sport back in 1996, GM is giving you a second chance to get your hands on one.

Last April 24, 2009 GM Motors announces the return of the most storied monikers in Corvette’s illustrious racing heritage - the new 2010 Corvette Grand Sport model.

The announcement was made at the 12^th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Grand Sport Package will replace 2009’s Z51 package offering better performance with revised damper, stabilizer bar and spring specifications, wider wheels and drives as well as revised gearing.

The new Grand Sport model combines the LS3-based powertrain with a unique Z06 bodykit. It has a coupe and convertible body styles and racing-bred suspension for a distinct model that delivers a great balance of road and track performance.

The 2010 Grand Sport model has a 6.2L engine rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque with the standard exhaust system and an optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the output to 436 horses and 428 lb-ft of torque.  The LS3 can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic.

The Grand Sport other features include Z06-style front splitter and rear spoiler, Z06-sized brakes, 18-inch front and 19-inch wheels, functional brake duct and requisite Grand Sport badging.

2010 Corvette Grand Sport model is offered in a new Heritage package and has four color options for its exterior, front fender hash marks and two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery.  The new Grand Sport package can be paired with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages as well.

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.

Pricing, availability and release date have not been announced yet.

This month of April, Ford and GM Motors want to break the ice that freezes their sales chart. Ford has introduced the Ford Advantage Plan, which will make up to twelve payments for a buyer who loses their job. GM’s Total Confidence Program will make nine payments in the first 24 months and under some circumstances, will let you trade in your new GM vehicle on another GM car. The GM Total Confidence Program also includes payment and negative equity protection.

Other methods are being used by other car-makers to encourage buyers into action as well. GMAC has lowered its credit standards, lending to subprime borrowers for the first time in months. Even the US government has stepped in, offering to guarantee warranties if a major American automaker should fail.

Below, is a profile of the most impressive offers on impressive vehicles you can find for the month of April.

Some of these offers last only until the end of April. So if you are planning on buying a new car, then today is the right time to visit the nearest Auto dealer shop.

Carmakers from all over the world have met in Geneva, showcasing environmental and economical cars amid the crisis that the auto industry is currently facing. The Geneva Motor Show featured more than 130 world premiere presentations of green autos, not just those with lower fuel consumption but with cars having newer technologies from hybrid to battery operated autos.

“I think it is particularly important for the car industry to show what they are able to do even in financial crisis,” said Rolf Studer, General Manager of the Geneva motor show “They must show to their customers that they are still here, that they are doing research and that they are making presentations to the market at this very important show.”

Greener technology is taking a prominent place at the show. General Motors Corporation’s European Adam Opel GmbH subsidiary will display the new Ampera. Ampera is the European relative of the North American Volt, a plug-in hybrid with a gas engine to create more electricity on board.

GM envisions getting a 960-kilometre range with the technology it calls an electric vehicle range extender. “It is the future not only of the Opel brand but also Opel technology,” GM Europe and Opel spokesman Frank Klaas said at the Opel stand Monday. “It is a symbol of how GM can support the Opel brand in the future.”

Volvo unveiled the C30, a car that can run with four different kinds of fuel, while the Swiss design firm Protoscar has presented an electric concept car called Lampo, Italian for “electrical current.”

Detroit-based General Motors of which is struggling to prevent bankruptcy in the United States, nearly halved the floor space in the convention of which has presented the Chevrolet Spark.

“The whole theme of the press conference is on the environment. We’ll talk about the aspects that fit that bill. Certainly, the Opel Ampera is a key element,” said Detroit-based Opel spokesman Stefan Weinmann.

Fiat will show the convertible version of the iconic 500, one of the cars it plans to launch in the United States through its partnership with Chrysler. Fiat Group Autos also showed a prototype of its Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, a three-door small car. Alfa Romeo is another brand it wants to launch, this time in North America.

Aston Martin, as expected, showed its DBS Volante convertible while Continental Supersports and Bentley has launched a high-performance two-seat car that can run on ethanol-based E85 biofuel.

Japan’s Toyota presented Verso, a seven-seat minivan, manufactured in Turkey that will compete directly with the Mazda5 and Opel Zafira.

Geneva remains attractive to many automakers, suppliers and design firms because it is in neutral Switzerland, which does not have an automaker of its own.

ACCORD

Last year, 2008 Honda accord was the second best selling car. To keep all Honda car fanatics updated Honda releases the 2009 Honda Accord. The Accord 08’s V6 engine has been re-rated to 271 horsepower from 268 hp, with torque ratings of 254 lb-ft for automatic cars and 251 lb-ft for manuals both up from 248 lb-ft. Actual engine output has not changed. Other than that, the Accord is unchanged.

The finished product is still a sport-oriented car with better attributes.

CIVIC

The front Honda Civic fascia has been redesigned and the taillights now have clear turn-signal lenses with amber bulbs. A new DX-VP model (sedan only) was added with air conditioning and a CD player. The LX-S was added with alloy wheels, sport-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trunk spoiler and a chrome exhaust pipe tip. New standard equipment for Civic models are a three-spoke steering wheel featured in all models, electronic stability control found on EX-L, Hybrid only, USB audio jack in EX, EX-L, Si, Hybrid , fog lights on Si models, and new alloy wheels on EX, EX-L, Si Civic models. The optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth phone connectivity and Hybrid models can have an optional leather package similar to the 2008 Civic EX-L. Comfortable, smartly designed and available in wide-array of configurations, the 2009 Honda Civic sets the bar for the small car segment.

CR-V

The 2009 Honda CR-V is unchanged and still has the same features. Trim levels include LX, EX, and top-line EX-L with leather upholstery. All CR-V models have a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features are ABS, antiskid system, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Power driver seat, navigation system and dual-zone automatic climate controls are standard on EX-L. CR-V was not change instead introduces new three colors: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Urban Titanium Metallic.

PILOT

Honda Pilot gets a complete redesign for 2009, with Element-inspired exterior styling, roomier interior I that can accommodate 8 persons. This midsize crossover has 60/40 split folding benches in the 2nd and 3rd rows. The 2009 Pilot grows one inch wider and three inches in length and wheelbase. The LX, EX, EX-L, and upscale Touring models are offered with front-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. All Pilots get a Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation which shuts down cylinders while cruising to save fuel. AWD models have a switch that can lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split. Standard safety features are ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Power tailgate, front and rear obstacle detection, wireless cell-phone link are available on all models however, navigation system with rearview camera are exclusive to Touring models.

Honda Cars had absolutely delighted us with these new babies. So if you are on top of this quicksilver industry, ride the new wave.