BMW 1-Series M Coupe new teaser video released

It's 10pm on a Friday night and just as we're ready to call it a day/week, BMW sends us this glorious strip tease video for the hotly anticipated 1-Series M Coupe.  As the first "unveiling" video in a series, the 1er M lifts it's black puritan covering to reveal a little leg.

Earlier this month BMW released a video of the 1-Series M Coupe driving around the Ascari race track in Spain, and a few weeks before that released this video.

It was previously reported that the 1er M would be unveiled in December prior to its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January.  Considering the pace of these teaser videos, it seems Paris in late September might be a more realistic unveiling point.

As previously reported, motivation will likely be provided by a twin-turbo N54 inline-six with at least 350 PS (257 kW / 345 bhp). It will be mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission, which should allow the 1-Series M to accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds.

The Government Can Track Your Car's Location by GPS Without Cause or Warrant

 If Onstar and its constant monitoring gets your tinfoil hat in a knot, get ready to spring for the double-layered, name-brand stuff.
A decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has, by way of not hearing this case-- it failed to get a majority vote -- that you have no reasonable expectation of privacy in your driveway. Thus, remotely tracking someone via sneaking onto their property, affixing a GPS transmitter and then watching their every movement without a warrant is totally cool.

Except that the courts have already that a driveway is part of the home and thus, privilege to curtilage (the area of the property that can be considered private). But this time the courts decided to say that the defendant needed to prove why he should expect privacy in the driveway of his own home.

 It's a mess of a case and, now with eight states adopting the same thinking, we should see an appeal to the Supreme Court to clarify and right our rights.

As tends to happen, the Bureaucracy is a few steps behind the technology and say all you want, "I didn't do anything bad, what do I care?" freedom is freedom and wrong is wrong. And this is wrong. 
I'm going to leave it in the hands of the dissenting Judges:  "I don't think that most people in the United States would agree with the panel that someone who leaves his car parked in his driveway outside the door of his home invites people to crawl under it and attach a device that will track the vehicle's every movement and transmit that information to total strangers. There is something creepy and un-American about such clandestine and underhanded behavior."

source

Specs: Lotus Evora S, IPS Automatic

 
While the reveal of the Lotus Evora S and Evora Automatic isn't scheduled until next month's Paris Auto Show, Lotus has released specifications and some photos of the two newest members of the Lotus family.
For the S model Lotus has massaged 345 horsepower and 295 lb-feet from the Toyota sourced 3.5-liter V6. The new Evora S rides on Bilstein gas dampers and Eibach coil springs. Total weight is 3,168 lbs. The six-speed manual Evora S is estimated to reach 60 in 4.6 seconds and has a max speed of 172 mph.
More photos and specs for the automatic-equipped Evora IPS after the jump.

 
In an effort to attract a wider audience in China, the United States and the Middle East, Lotus is caving in to the money-having masses and offering an automatic transmission on the new Evora. The unit is a six-speed sourced from Toyota and tweaked by Lotus.
Shifts are done via paddles on the steering wheel or a fully automatic mode. There is also a sport mode for when manual is too tricky, but automatic is too comfortable.
The automatic equipped Evora tips the scales at 3,166 lbs-- two lbs less than the Evora S. Top speed is 155 mph and 60 shows up in 5.3 seconds with the slushbox. 


 





 

source 

2012 Nissan GT-R leaked image emerges

After months of spy photographs, the 2012 Nissan GT-R has been unmasked thanks to this leaked image.
As you can see, styling changes are minor but include LED daytime running lights, lighter wheels, a modified grille, a revised rear diffuser (which reportedly increases downforce by 10%), and two new color choices: Aurora Flare Blue Pearl and Nebula Opal Black.

Under the hood, we can expect some minor modifications which should enable the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine to produce more than 485 hp (492 PS / 362 kW) and 434 lb-ft (588 Nm) of torque. The car is expected to be unveiled later this year, so stay tuned to WCF for continuing coverage.

source

McLaren MP4-12C embarks on North American tour

McLaren has announced details regarding the MP4-12C North American Tour.

Over the next few months, the company will display the supercar at eight dealers across the United States and Canada. Guests will be invited to a cocktail reception, a Q&A session with McLaren representatives, and a private showing of the MP4-12C. The first event, at McLaren Beverly Hills, was a smashing success as nearly 300 people attended.

According to Tony Joseph, McLaren Automotive's Regional Director for North America, "Each retailer on this tour will be registering customer interest in the 12C and it's clear from the feedback at the McLaren Beverly Hills event that our prospects in North America really understand our brand and are looking forward to the launch of McLaren Automotive."

Set go to sale (in the U.S) next summer, the MP4-12C will carry a base price of $225,000 to $250,000.

video

source

2011 Ford Mondeo facelift unveiled in Moscow

Ford has officially unveiled the facelifted 2011 Mondeo at the Moscow Motor Show.
On the styling front, the updated model features a revised grille, a modified hood, LED daytime running lights, chrome window surrounds (high end models only), and LED taillights.

Inside, potential customers will find higher grade materials, a redesigned center console, satin chrome trim, and a new overhead console with LED ambient lighting. New options include Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam, a Blind Spot Information System, a Speed Limiter, and a rear view camera.

Under the hood, a variety of engines will be offered. Petrol choices include a 1.6-liter Duratec with 120 PS (88 kW / 118 hp), a 2.0-liter Duratec with 145 PS (107 kW / 143 hp), and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 203 PS (149 kW / 200 hp) or 240 PS (177 kW / 237 hp). Diesel fans get to choose between a 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi with 115 PS (85 kW / 113 hp), 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp), or 163 PS (120 kW / 161 hp) and a 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi with 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp).

To maximize fuel efficiency, Ford installed regenerative braking, an 'Eco Mode' driver information system, and an Active Grille Shutter system which "...regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment, reducing aerodynamic drag and benefitting engine heating characteristics to improve fuel economy and warm-up performance, particularly in cold climates."

Set to arrive in dealerships in late September, the 2011 Mondeo will be priced from £17,295 in the UK.
video
source

2011 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit Vehicle - first image released

Dodge has released new information about the 2011 Charger Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV).

Designed to compete with the Chevy Caprice PPV and the Ford Taurus Interceptor, the Charger PPV is a crook's worst nightmare. The rear-wheel drive cop car features a heavy duty suspension, vented-disc brakes, and a two-mode Electronic Stability Control system. Other goodies include a Police Interface Module, a column-mounted shifter, and red/white LED interior lighting (which doesn't affect night-vision equipment).

While the company didn't release performance specifications, they stated engine options include a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. In the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, these engines produce 290 hp (216 kW / 294 PS) and 360 hp (268 kW / 365 PS) respectively.

Police departments can start ordering the Charger PPV in September, so keep an eye on the rearview mirror.

source

Hyundai RB concept revealed at Moscow Motor Show

Hyundai has unveiled the RB sub-compact family sedan concept for the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.  Basically a repackaged Verna / Accent with redesigned bumpers, grille, hood and headlights, the RB is virtually production ready for the Russian market.

The RB will be built at Hyundai's first full-cycle plant in Saint Petersburg, Russia starting in January 2011 followed by the market launch in spring of 2011.

The sub-compact sedan will be available with Hyundai's new 1.6-liter or 1.4-liter Gamma petrol engines with an estimated 124 PS (91 kW / 122 bhp) and 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) and 107 PS (79 kW / 106 bhp) and 135 Nm (100 lb-ft), respectively. A four-speed automatic transmission or a standard five-speed manual will be available for both engines.

source

Honda Fit / Jazz Hybrid first photos released - debut in Paris

With the Paris Motor Show just around the corner, Honda has released new information about the Fit / Jazz Hybrid.

On the styling front, the car features a new grille, revised bumpers, modified lighting units, and additional chrome trim. Inside, the cabin has a darker dashboard, blue instrument lighting, and optional leather upholstery.
Under the hood, the Fit uses the same petrol-electric IMA system as the Honda Insight.

It consists of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, a CVT transmission, and an electric motor sandwiched between them. More information will be released next month, so stay tuned for details.

source

2011 Nissan Murano facelift revealed

Nissan has unveiled the 2011 Murano for the North American market.

The facelifted Murano now features a new grille, bumpers and LED taillights in addition to 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in a fresh design and some interior upgrades as well. The Murano will also be offered in two new configurations - the SV FWD and SV AWD editions. Nissan offers the Murano in a total of 8 sub-models.

The Nissan Murano will still come standard with the VQ-series 3.5 liter V6 with 260 hp (194 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque coupled to the Xtronic CVT gearbox.

For the interior, Nissan is using new center console colors and a new white meter color. The new SV models feature such technical goodies as power lumbar support on the driver's seat, a rear-view monitor as well as a 7-inch color screen for the dash and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity for smart phones and other devices.
The 2011 Nissan Murano goes on sale in North America in October.

Fisker Karma first promo [video]

Fisker has released a new promotional video for the Karma plug-in hybrid.
The sexy sedan features two electric motors that produce 300 kW (402 hp / 408 PS) and 1,300 Nm (959 lb/ft) of torque. They are powered by a 200kW lithium-ion battery pack, which allows the car to travel up to 80.5 km (50 miles) before a GM-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine kicks in to recharge it.
In terms of performance, the car accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in approximately six seconds, hits a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph) and as an estimated combined fuel consumption rating of 2L/100km (117.6 mpg US).
The Karma was scheduled to go on sale last year, but it was delayed for unspecified reasons. It is now expected to launch in 2011.

video
source

Peugeot Begins Building 408 Sedan in Argentina

Just the Facts:

• Peugeot will start assembly of the 408 sedan at its Palomar, Argentina plant.
• The midsize 408 sedan was initially developed for China.
• Peugeot plans to sell the 408 throughout Latin America.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Peugeot has begun assembling the 408 sedan in Argentina. The midsize four-door sedan will be marketed throughout Latin America.
Developed initially for the China market and launched there earlier this year, the Peugeot 408 has been further refined for Latin American audiences. The French automaker said the 408 has been put through more than 620,000 miles of on-road testing ahead of its production launch in Argentina.
The 408 will be assembled at the PSA Peugeot Citroen factory in Palomar, Argentina, outside Buenos Aires.

source

Honda Future Vehicles

Honda Accord

• 2011 Honda Accord: The upgrades on the 2011 Honda Accord coupe and sedan are a little more sedate than we expected. There's no six-speed transmission as we had hoped. Instead, Honda changed the gearing of the five-speed automatic to improve mileage. The four-cylinder models are now expected to get EPA ratings of 23 city and 34 highway mpg when equipped with the automatic transmission. The V6 automatic is expected to get 19 city and 30 highway mpg. The rest of the 2011 Accord's changes are styling updates on the exterior and some minor changes to the interior. On the outside there's a new grille, revised bumper, updated wheel design and a new trunk lid. Interior upgrades include shift paddles for V6 coupes and USB ports on all coupes and some sedans. Revised climate controls are also part of this year's upgrades.
• 2014 Honda Accord: A full redesign of the Honda Accord will most likely arrive in the 2013 calendar year.

Honda Accord Crosstour

• 2013 Honda Accord Crosstour: Honda's version of the Accord wagon should be ready for a refresh by 2012.

Honda CR-V

• 2013 Honda CR-V: After some minor upgrades in 2010, expect to see a full redesign of the CR-V in 2012. Honda delayed work on the CR-V's underlying platform in 2009, so this redesign could come as late as 2013.

Honda CR-Z

• 2011 Honda CR-Z: This hybrid sport coupe is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2010. It features a 122-horsepower hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed manual gearbox. Its EPA mileage estimates are 31 city and 37 highway.

Honda Civic

• 2012 Honda Civic: The full redesign of the Honda Civic is not expected to arrive until early 2011 after some last-minute changes to the design of the platform. Unlike most Civic redesigns of the last couple decades, this Civic will actually be smaller on the outside compared to its predecessor. So far, the only prototypes spotted in public have been four-door hatchbacks, a body style sold in Europe but not in the U.S.

Honda Element

• 2012 Honda Element: After mediocre sales, the Element was expected to die off when the current model was ready to retire, but Honda says it is now planning to release a full redesign in the next couple of years.

Honda FCX Clarity

• 2017 Honda FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen-powered sedan is currently being offered to a select group of consumers as a demonstration vehicle. If an actual production version ever makes it to market, it's not likely to happen until 2016 at the earliest.

Honda Fit

• 2011 Honda Fit: A hybrid version of the Fit was planned for release in late 2010. Honda officials have said publicly, however, that the company is struggling to deliver the car at an affordable price.

Honda Insight

• 2012 Honda Insight: This hybrid hatchback has struggled in the marketplace so expect to see a midcycle refresh sooner than usual. Honda officials have said publicly that the car is too small for American tastes, but that's not likely to change until a full redesign arrives in the 2017-'18 timeframe.

Honda Odyssey

• 2011 Honda Odyssey: A fully redesigned Honda Odyssey is scheduled to arrive in late 2010. The new Odyssey is roughly the same size as the current model and uses the same engine. Most of the changes were reserved for the interior that features seats that slide sideways, an onboard refrigerator and the latest in electronic connectivity.

Honda Pilot

• 2012 Honda Pilot: Given that the Pilot just had a full redesign in 2009, a midcycle refresh probably won't arrive until 2011 at the earliest.

Honda Ridgeline

• 2013 Honda Ridgeline: After a mild refresh in 2009, the Ridgeline should get a full redesign by 2012.

source

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Debuts at Pebble, Paces Lap at Rolex Motorsports Reunion

Remember the orange and black Bugatti Veyron that broke the production car speed record when it reached 267.86 mph on Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien proving ground last month? The one that will show up on a future episode of Top Gear? Right, that's the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport.

Last weekend the Super Sport showed up at Carmel Valley's Quail Lodge and Pebble's Concours d'Elegance in an outrageous shade of blue -- the better to draw the attention of the hoity-toitiest of all the hoity-toity who were gulping down free bubbly as fast as the Quail staff could bring it out.

The actual record-setting Veyron 16.4 Super Sport made a cameo on Saturday at Laguna Seca, pacing a lap of vintage (read: really old) Bugatti racecars during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. There's a video of that after the jump.

Neither of the carbon-fiber-bodied cars got any faster during the flight to California. Bugatti bills them as 1,200-horsepower Veyrons, though their 882-kW rating really only works out to 1,183 hp. The Super Sport also makes 1,102 pound-feet of torque, and would be unimaginably traction-deprived if it were anything other than all-wheel-drive. Accelerating to 60 mph would take 2.4-2.5 seconds, the company claims.

Top speed on the production car that Bugatti will sell you will still be limited to 258 mph "to protect the tyres," says Bugatti. Tires, schmires, we say. If you can afford to spend $2.5 million on a car, you can afford a set of tires for every day of the year. Specs as a downloadable PDF are below.
Technical_specifications_Super_Sport_EN.pdf

source

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 First Look

Not much around Ford counts as sacred, but the name "Boss 302" may well be. There have been Mustang Mach 1s that didn't come with V8s, Mustang Cobras that only had 120 horsepower aboard, and the company even sold a "GT350" during the 1984 model year that wasn't much more than some tape stripes. But Ford hasn't used the name Boss 302 since way back in 1970 when the original left production. And Ford hasn't built a Boss Mustang of any sort since the 1971 Boss 351. Until, that is, the all-new 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302.

Built around a fortified version of the Mustang GT's new 5.0-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 that can twist and shout all the way to 7,500 rpm and knock out 440 hp, the revived Boss 302 seems a more-than-worthy successor to its namesake. The new 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 will be (by factory rating) the most powerful Mustang Ford has ever sold without forced induction. With an engine like that, the old Boss 302 is lucky to be mentioned in the same naturally aspirated breath as the new one. Racing Back in the Day The reason there was a Boss 302 back then is racing. And the reason (but surely not the only reason) there's a new Boss 302 today is racing. This time, however, Ford isn't playing catch-up. In order to compete effectively in the SCCA's Trans Am road racing series, in 1967 Chevrolet had created the Camaro Z/28 and its high-revving, short-stroke "DZ302" 302-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) small-block V8. In the hands of team owner Roger Penske and under the whip of driver Mark Donohue, the Z/28 won three of the 12 Trans Am races run during 1967. Then during 1968, in one of the most dominant professional road racing performances ever, Penske and Donohue won an incredible 10 of the 13 races, including an unfathomable eight in a row. The Boss 302 was engineered specifically as a response to the ludicrously successful Z/28 and as a way of rearming Ford teams competing in Trans Am. And the essential element of the Boss 302 car was the Boss 302 V8 engine. Combining a fortified "Windsor" block with the relatively free-breathing cylinder heads from the then-new "Cleveland" 351-cubic-inch V8 was the major trick of the Boss 302. Throw in some solid lifters for precise (and loud) activation of the oversize valves, a sewer pipe-size four-barrel carburetor and the result was a 302-cubic-inch engine underrated at 290 hp while screaming at 5,800 rpm. That engine would help make the Mustang Boss 302 competitive in the Trans Am series during 1969 and earn it a championship in 1970. Racing Today Conceptually, Ford's 2012 version of the Boss 302 V8 follows a similar developmental path. Starting with the new "Coyote" DOHC 5.0-liter V8, the engineering team concentrated on improving its talents for use in the Boss 302R road race Mustang. The Boss 302 engine is more powerful, but it's not a radical revision of the Mustang GT's V8. As with the old Boss 302 the decision was made to concentrate on high-rpm power production by optimizing engine respiration. To that end a new set of cylinder heads was developed with CNC-machined ports that allow better breathing at high rpm. More aggressive camshafts were also fitted to take advantage of the increased air flow. The valvetrain components were lightened to better survive those higher engine speeds and new sodium-filled exhaust valves dissipate heat more effectively. New forged aluminum pistons and sinter-forged steel connecting rods were also added to solidify this 302's bottom end. All that's inside the engine. The more obvious change from the outside is the adoption of a new short-runner composite intake manifold sitting in the valley between the cylinder heads. "The effect of the new intake design is dramatic," said Mike Harrison, Ford V8 program manager in a release. "When I took the prototype car to Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak, he took a short drive, tossed me the keys and said 'Book it...it's in the program.' He knew what we were onto, and that's really the point where the Boss 302 was born." Minor Changes That Make a Big Difference The new 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 engine packs a 150-hp (rated) greater wallop than the old Boss 302, but Harrison asserts, in character they're similar beasts. "The first Boss 302 was a specially built, free-breathing, high-revving small-block V8 that gave it certain characteristics on a race course — and we capture that essence in the new engine," he said. "In keeping with the spirit of the original, the new Boss 302 achieves its maximum power output at speeds at or above 7,500 rpm. Unlike the original engine, however, low-speed torque and drivability are uncompromised thanks to twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology and computer-aided engineering design tools." In fact, the biggest difference between the Mustang GT engine and the Boss 302's is an increase in the red line from 7,000 to 7,500 rpm. Despite all those modifications, what's most interesting is what doesn't change. Compared to the Mustang GT's standard version of the 5.0-liter V8, the Boss 302's compression ratio is apparently unchanged at 11.0:1 (and still "estimated" according to Ford). Valve diameters stay at 37mm on the intake side and 32mm on the exhaust, and valve lift specs remain at 12mm intake and 11mm exhaust. The Boss 302 engine is more powerful, but it's not a radical revision of the Mustang GT version of the same engine. Ford isn't even claiming a change from the manual-transmission-equipped Mustang GT's 17 mpg in the city/26 mpg on the highway EPA mileage ratings despite the Boss 302's standard 3.73:1 final-drive ratio. But the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 won't be for everyone. For instance, while the Mustang GT's engine is rated at 390 pound-feet of peak torque at 4,250 rpm, the Boss 302 V8 loses 10 lb-ft somewhere along the line — peaking at 380 lb-ft. While the GT can get by on 86-octane swill, the Boss 302 demands 91-octane fuel or better. And the Mustang GT is available with an automatic transmission. The Boss 302 is manual only. The Car Around That Engine Back in 1969 and 1970 the Boss 302 came with a stiffer suspension, reinforced shock towers, larger front and rear anti-sway bars and standard front disc brakes. Those were all significant improvements back when high tech in a car still meant a "transistorized ignition."The changes to the new Boss 302 are more extensive. Aesthetically the new 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 grabs a few cues from the original, but it isn't a clone. Yeah, there's the C-stripe along the car's flanks. And the "Boss 302" lettering is familiar. But the standard rear spoiler doesn't stand above the deck lid on posts and the vertical rear window slats that destroyed rearward vision in the first car are missing from this one. Also, the front spoiler is a splitter this time instead of a deep scoop, and the flat black hood has given way to a flat black center section on the hood and flat black on the roof (variations will also be available). About the sweetest twist in the looks is the blocked-off holes for the GT's driving lights. It looks tough and racelike, even if it is a theatrical embellishment. Naturally, all Boss 302s get a heavily revised suspension. The stiffer springs result in a slightly lower ride height (11mm in front, 1mm in back) while firmer bushings and a thicker rear sway bar further stiffen the ride. Five-way-adjustable dampers are also part of the package, along with an adjustable electric steering box. The tires are summer-spec 255/40ZR19 front and 285/35ZR19 rear Pirelli P Zeros on special alloy wheels. The Brembo front disc brakes have four-piston calipers clamping down on a 14-inch disc, and the rear disc pads have a special compound. The ratios in the Getrag gearbox are shared with the GT, with 5th a direct drive and 6th an overdrive. Oddly, the Boss is 26 pounds heavier than a standard GT, according to Ford's stated 3,631-pound curb weight. Inside the cockpit there's some specific trim and Recaro seats are available, but otherwise it's a Mustang in there. And that's no bad thing. How Does It All Work? No one outside Ford has driven a 2012 Mustang Boss 302 yet. But it's conceivable this Boss 302 will run well into the 12s through the quarter-mile and rip from zero to 60 mph in the low 4-second range. If Ford is to be believed, a full 1.0g orbit around the skid pad isn't inconceivable. But we're in a time-will-tell holding pattern until we're closer to the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302's on-sale date — next spring. That gives us some time to save up the $40-or-so large it will take to buy one. source

Photos of 2011 Infiniti IPL G coupe

Infiniti is launching a range of athletic gear for its luxury cars, called Infiniti Performance Line. The first car will be a reworked version of the G coupe, packing 348 hp when it arrives in December.

source

Audi Q3 rendered

This is an artist's rendering of what the upcoming Audi Q3 may look like. The Q3 is an SUV, previously spied here, due for a debut in 2011. It is Audi's answer to the BMW X1, a compact SUV released late last year which is now Europe's biggest selling SUV overall.

But Audi is not far behind, since its mid-sized Q5 SUV, a direct competitor to the BMW X3, fell just 407 units shy of the X1 in sales figures for the first six-months of 2010 - 44,067 X1 units sold compared to 43,660 units of the Q5. A successful Q3 model could help Audi's total SUV lineup sales considerably.

The Q3 will be built at a SEAT plant in Martorell, Spain, with a capacity to make 80,000 units a year of the model. VW Group has invested €300 million in the development of the Q3. The compact SUV will likely be fitted with an array of Audi/VW Group engines including the 2.0 liter TFSI and the 2.0 liter TDI diesels.

Competition may be also heating up, though, given the success of the X1. Range Rover already has the Evoque and other premium brands, including Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Saab, are already set to get into this new premium compact SUV segment too.

source

Supercharged Lotus Evora S spied out in the open

Spies hanging around the paddocks at the Nurburgring managed to get some fantastic shots of the Lotus Evora S.  The car will undertake a full load of testing in the coming weeks as it prepares for a debut in Paris on Sept. 30.

As we told you earlier in the week, the supercharged 2+2 will be shown off alongside an automatic version of the Evora with a dual-clutch gearbox.  The two cars were "unintentionally" confirmed to automotive media in an e-mail from Lotus PR head Alastair Florance.

"[Both the] Evora S and Evora Auto will be on the stand in Paris alongside the new car(s) not yet announced (let's maintain the mystery for now!)," said Florance.  No word yet what "the mystery" could be, or if it is a bluff altogether, but our hunch is that it is the 2012 Lotus Esprit.

The Lotus Evora S was photographed wearing a massive rear diffuser, and what appears to be high performance tires on lightweight wheels.  The car's supercharger will add an unknown increase in performance to the 3.5-liter V6 engine that kicks out 276 horsepower (206 kW, 280 PS).

source:worldcarfans

2011 Jeep Wrangler gets all-new interior, body-color hard top

Jeep has unveiled the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited.

On the styling front, there isn't much to report. The updated model features larger rear windows, a body-color hard top (on the Sahara) and several new color choices (Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White).

Inside, the interior is vastly improved with new components and improved materials. Highlights include a new steering wheel, a redesigned instrument panel, a revised center stack, silver trim and soft-touch door armrests.
New options include heated power mirrors, a 110-volt outlet, and a Media Center with USB / Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2011 Wranglers went into production earlier this week, so expect them to start hitting dealerships shortly.
Source: Jeep

2012 Porsche Boxster grows to make way for new entry level model

Porsche will be putting the Boxster on growth hormones.

According to a report by Autocar, the German sports car maker will be making a larger Boxster for 2012 to accommodate a smaller entry-level vehicle in its lineup based on the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept. The Boxster's length will grow to around 4.4 meters, up from its current 4.369 m, while sporting a stretched wheelbase too.

The Boxster will remain a 2-seater, while offering more passenger room and luggage capacity. Porsche will also be moving production of the Boxster and Cayman models to its Stuttgart facilities in 2012, ending a contract with Finland's Valmet Automotive to build the models in that country.

The VW BlueSport is a compact roadster which measures around 4 meters in length. According to Autocar, incoming Porsche chief Matthias Muller, a product planning expert, will want the new entry-level Porsche ready by the time the new Boxster is released in 2012.

Muller is said to be a supporter of the three-brand strategy for the BlueSport model at VW Group - meaning that it will serve as the underpinning of a Porsche and a possible SEAT or Audi variant too.

But it may still be up to VW Group executives as to whether the project is worth going forward with as the business case for a viable production means a total of 100,000 units per year would have to be made of the three versions of the car.

Source: autocar

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class official photos and details released

Mercedes-Benz has officially released photos and details on the upcoming 2012 CLS-Class which will make its debut at the Paris motor show in October.

In these official photos we now get to see the design of the 2012 CLS-Class in its entirety. The flared wheel arches along with the broad shoulder lines and a flattened nose give the CLS a far more muscular look than its sleeker predecessor.

New technology on the CLS-Class includes the LED headlamps, which feature a total of 71 individual lights. The lights are split into three sections, with the upper set forming the turn indicator, the middle serving as a low beam side light which also works when the high beams are on. There are the headlights themselves which do the night lighting.

Inside is an interior finish done with some human touches. The wrap-around dash goes from door to door and holds the instrument panel and display screen. There are also matte galvanized vents and an analogue clock. The handcraft is featured in the stitched seat covers as well as in the dashboard and Mercedes-Benz has gone through the trouble of preshrinking the leather it uses on the CLS so it won't tighten up in the heat.
High-gloss wood panels are also embedded inside the cabin - on the dash, center console and door linings. Buyers have a choice of brown burl walnut or black ash.

What Mercedes-Benz hasn't yet announced is which power plants will make it under the bonnet of the CLS. But we can expect the usual suspects - a 250 CDI with 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp), a 350 CDI with 265 PS (195 kW / 261 hp), a 3.5-liter V6 with 306 PS (225 kW / 301 hp) and a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 with 435 PS (320 kW / 429 hp). Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic all-wheel drive system will likely be made available on most of the torque-ier models.

We can expect those engine details to be made public once the 2012 CLS-Class debuts at the Paris motor show which runs October 2 - 17, 2010.

video

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series by MKB packs over 1000hp

MKB has unveiled a new performance package for the Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series.

Dubbed the P 1000, the package includes new air intakes, larger turbochargers, improved cooling systems, a revised ECU, and high performance camshafts. The company also modifies the automatic transmission and offers a variety of limited slip differentials.

Thanks to these modifications, the 6.0-liter V12 engine produces 1,000 bhp (746 kW / 1015 PS) and an electronically limited 1,300 Nm (959 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds, and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 21.5 seconds. MKB hasn't determined the top speed, but estimates it will be approximately 370 km/h (230 mph).

Priced at €116,800 (including 19% VAT), the engine transformation takes up to three months to perform.
Source: MKB

Izaro GT-E supercar - first renderings released

Perhaps it is the view of the Bentley dealership out his window, but something has inspired Gregorio Peña to dream big.  From an apartment building in Madrid, Peña wants to create Spain's answer to both Tesla and Venturi.

Seen here in renderings, the Izaro GT-E would be available as either an all-electric car or a hybrid, capable of sprinting to 100 km/h in under four seconds.  If all goes according to plan, the car would have a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).  This would be thanks to nearly 500 horsepower (373 kW) in electric motors, or a 416 hp (310 kW) hybrid powerplant.

Helping with the sprint time is the weight, which Peña says is just over 1,000 kilos.  The weight would be kept low due to the use of aluminum, magnesium and aerospace-capable steel.  As an electric, the batteries would allow for a 250 km range, but the hybrid would go 690 km without a pit stop.

If the car's specs aren't enough to acuse Peña of having a poor grasp on reality, his proposed price tag is even less grounded.  In a press release, Izaro Motors says the car could be priced from €55,000 to €60,000.  We'll believe it when we see it. Until then, it's nice to dream.

Source: izaromotors.com

BMW Megacity further construction details

More details on the upcoming BMW Megacity (MCV) have emerged, courtesy of Autocar.
The MCV will be an all-electric car sold under a new, as of yet unnamed, sub-brand by BMW Group. The model is scheduled to be introduced in 2013 and features a new construction paradigm for BMW, consisting of a carbon fiber passenger cell coupled to an aluminum chassis.

That chassis is made of aluminium castings and twin extrusions which run front to back on the car and can be extended to make a longer wheelbase and larger versions (even a 7-seater) of the same vehicle. At the front end, the chassis also serves as a frame to attach the front suspension and steering and at the rear a cast aluminum box holds the electric motor and single-speed transmission which will power the rear wheels.
BMW may also provide a range-extended version of the MCV with a 1.0 liter, two-cylinder engine fitted under the front nose of the car.

Underneath the cabin floor is where the flat battery will be mounted, keeping it out of the way and helping distribute weight while maintaining a safer center of gravity.

There will also be no B-pillar. Instead, the MCV will have rear-hinged doors, similar to the Mini Clubman, taking advantage of the stiffer monocoque carbon fiber passenger cell and the aluminum chassis.
And since painting onto carbon fiber isn't easy, BMW is experimenting with such measures as fitting thin layers of polished aluminum to the door skins.

BMW X4, X3 35iS, X3M rumors

BMW Blog has the scoop on some possible new BMW models, as per the reporting of an apparent inside source who goes by the moniker Scott26.  Scott26 has an impressive track record of divulging correct information before release.

Still taken with a healthy does of skepticism, Scott26 reports that BMW is, at the very least, considering the following models: An X4, an X3 M and an X3 35iS.

The most enticing of these is, of course, the X4, which would be an entirely new model. It would basically be a baby take on the X6. Stylistically, it would resemble the X6's sport coupe/SUV design, while the car would share much of its make up of engines and technology, probably even its platform, with the X3 range.
"BMW are keen to capitalize on the success of the X6 by offering a "downsized" version of [it]," writes Scott26 on BMW Blog.

Also on the table is an X3 35iS, sharing the same powerplant from the Z4 35iS as well as the U.S.-market 335iS. That engine is a twin-turbo straight six with 335 bhp (340 PS/250 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.

But that is not to exclude a possible X3 M variant. "An X3M using the powerplant from the upcoming 1M is on the table also," writes Scott26, although, he says, no final decision has been made.

Such reports are difficult to verify but one thing is certain, BMW has built its success over the last decade by introducing new, sometimes niche models, into its lineup, that have been very effective at expanding sales of the brand.

Source: bmwblog.com

Arash AF-10 full specs and new pics released

English automakers Arash Motor Company, has released a new set of images featuring the Arash AF-10.  The car, under development for over five years in a small Cambridge office facility, has finally been pushed through a 3D modelling programme.

The car is said to use the 550-horsepower seven-liter LS7 V8 engine from GM.  For this car, the engine would crank out up to 475 ft-lb of torque.  The engine would be mated to a six-speed Graziano GT-ME1 transmission.
The car would ride on custom two-piece aluminum wheels measuring 9.5x19 inches in the front, and 12.5x20 inches in the rear.  They would be wrapped in Michelin Pilot tires measuring 265/35Z in front, and 335/30Z in the rear.  Behind the wheels lie ventilated ceramic discs and AP Racing brake calipers (eight-piston front, six-piston rear).

To keep the weight down, the car would have a carbon fiber body with panels meshed with aluminum honeycomb.  Similar materials are also used for the alleged "Formula 1" engineer-designed chassis, with a roll cage made of steel.  Plastic windows are used at the back, while front and side windows are laminated glass.
There is no telling if or when this car would be made, but it would be nice to see the Arash AF-10 on the road.
See specs list in attached photos album image.

Source: Arash

Gemballa relaunches under new CEO

According to a recent report, Gemballa has scheduled a Monday press conference where they will announce plans to relaunch the company.

While details are limited, the German tuner will be headed by CEO Andreas Schwarz who has acquired the rights to the Gemballa name. Financing will be provided by Steffen Korbach and possibly several dealers (maybe that's why Gemballa North America is selling the first production McLaren F1).

Speaking with Prestige Cars magazine, Schwarz stated "The design guidelines should continue on the basis of previous works and we are already working on concepts for the Porsche Panamera, the new Cayenne and the Ferrari Enzo. The know-how in terms of finance provided by Korbach as (the) investor should also enable the company to access the capital market more easily in the future." He added the first new products will be introduced at Top Marques Abu Dhabi in January 2011.

As we have previously reported, Uwe Gemballa mysteriously disappeared in South Africa on February 9th. His company was eventually shut down, in May, and he remains missing.
 
Source: gtspirit.com

VW Phaeton to Return to U.S. Market

Despite previous abyssmal sales of the saloon in North America, VW plans to bring the Volkswagen Phaeton back to the United States.  Only 2,253 units of the luxury level car sold in the States from 2004-2006, leading to Volkswagen's failed annual sales target of 20,000 units globally.

Selling $85,000 cars to Americans may encounter strong resistance as the original U.S. offering substantially depreciated.  Used models typically range in price from $25,000 to $35,000.

Still, it is Volkswagen's goal to triple their share in the United States by 2018.  "We have our eyes firmly set on the U.S. market," said VW Dresden factory director Juergen Borrman in an interview with Bloomberg.  Borrman, who oversees assembly of the Phaeton, said the U.S.-spec Phaeton will get a complete overhaul.
A facelifted version of the car is already on sale in parts of Europe.  Changes include a higher quality interior, and a renewed front and rear.  The U.S. car could also get new engine choices, as it will coincide with the launch of the second generation of the car.

The current Phaeton has been on sale since 2002.  It is currently sold with four petrol engine choices, including two versions of the 6.0-liter W12, and two diesel models.  The car's horsepower output ranges from 221 to 444 hp (165 to 331 kW).

The question still remains, if the Phaeton sold so poorly in the U.S. before the economic crash, why try again now?

Source: autonews.com (sub req)