Porsche Cayman R - Los Angeles Auto Show

While we were expecting the North American launches of the 911 Carrera GTS and the 911 Speedster at the Los Angeles Auto Show, we’re happy to report that Porsche also took the wraps off the hopped-up Cayman R, which is very much in the same vein as the Boxster Spyder but is intended to please hardtop purists.

Porsche’s mid-engine sports coupe, the Cayman, already comes as a spicier Cayman S. It has 320 bhp, 55 more than a standard Cayman, and it has 273 lb.-ft. of torque versus 221. The new 2012 Cayman R notches it up a bit higher with 330 bhp at 7400 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque at 4750 rpm. The boost in power comes from a revised tune of the direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6 engine. Porsche claims the R hits 60 mph in 4.7 seconds when equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission and 4.4 sec with the 7-speed automated gearbox.

Even more noticeable than the power, though, is the weight-reduction program. Dropping an incredible 121 lb., the Cayman R comes in at a reported 2849 lb. Getting the car’s weight down that low means that compromises and sacrifices were made, and we’re not sure that every driver would be willing to make them.

Take, for example, the air conditioning and radio; they’re gone. Serious track-day fiends certainly will appreciate those efforts, which are complemented by aluminum door skins and carbon-fiber interior panels and seatbacks from the 911 GT3. The beautiful 19 in wheels may look familiar—they’re from the Boxster Spyder.

There are changes that add performance, too. The suspension is lowered by 20mm and the Cayman’s optional limited-slip differential, a must-have option in our opinion, is standard on the R, as are the front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit. Sport Chrono is optional, although we feel this should be standard.

Visually, there’s a large black Porsche graphic just above the rocker panels and black surrounds on the headlights and windows. What’s more, the side mirrors and vents in front of the rear wheels are blacked-out.

Altogether, we like what we see—a lightweight pure sports car that’s a modern-day hardtop interpretation of the 550 from the 1950s and the 904 from the 1960s. The 2012 Porsche Cayman R will be available in February for a starting price of $66,300.

Lexus GS - First Drive

Armed with better looks and a sportier demeanor, the new GS takes direct aim at BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

In the last decade, Lexus has mainly been relying on its SUVs to post big sales numbers; however, with the national focus shifting toward being “greener” and improving fuel economy, Toyota’s luxury division is now channeling its efforts back to passenger cars. In fact, the company is planning a new brand strategy, injecting the same basic design theme into every one of its vehicles.

This plan starts with the all-new GS. Beginning with this popular mid-size luxury sedan, all Lexus vehicles will feature the “spindle” grille, shaped like a stretched-out hourglass. Whether this treatment will work with vehicles like the LS, IS or LX remains to be seen, but with the GS, the result is a classy-yet-aggressive face that’ll prompt a second look.

The base GS, the GS350, will come powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 with VVT-I (Toyota’s valve timing technology) that produces 306 bhp at 6400 rpm and 276 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800. It comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode, and although the hardware is basically carryover from the current model, new features have been added to make the driving experience sportier. Some of the features from the Lexus IS F have been adopted, including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips. Also, it can be switched among four driving modes by a control on the center console: ECO, for better fuel economy (in this mode the instrument panel turns blue); SPORT S mode for better acceleration (here the instrument panel turns red), SPORT S+ mode (available with F SPORT and Luxury packages) that not only changes the shift points, but also automatically engages the sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system; and VDIM (Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management). An all-wheel-drive version will also be offered. 

If this is not enough, there will also be the GS F Sport, which adds retuned suspension with firmer springs, an adaptive variable damping system, thicker anti-roll bars, a variable gear ratio steering system, bushing changes, and larger front brakes with high friction brake pads. Lexus estimates that this car will run from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. 

The model that most impressed me was the GS450h. Equipped with a hybrid system that mates an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor, the GS450h produces a combined 338 hp. While boasting a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.6 seconds (according to Lexus), the GS450h gets an amazing 29/34 mpg, and 31 mpg combined. This is about 7 percent better than the current GS450h.

The new GS will be available in February 2013, and although prices have yet to be announced, you can expect a slightly higher MSRP than the current model, but one that’s still in the same ballpark.

Mercedes SLC the R190 baby SLS

The gestation process was slow and tricky, but we can now announce that Mercedes has at last signed off the SLC - a baby SLS supercar the AMG boys had up their sleeves for over two years. The new Merc SLC is now due in 2015 when the SLS comes in for its final pit stop. The new, slightly smaller supercar will be available in coupe and roadster guise, and it is front-engined after an earlier brief dalliance with a mid-engined set-up.

This is one area where we were wrong. The SLC will not accommodate the expected new AMG-tuned twin-turbo V6, as CAR reported earlier, but the faithful V8 which is mated to the familiar dual-clutch transmission. 

It's still early days for this programme, but the Affalterbach grapevine suggests that instead of the big-bore 5.4- or 6.3-litre V8 units, project R190 (the official codename) will in fact feature a brand-new downsized 4.0-litre V8. 

How come? Because after BMW and VW/Audi, MB is also about to switch to a new engine generation with a standardised 500cc-per-cylinder displacement. As a result, there will soon only be 2.0-litre fours, 3.0-litre sixes and 4.0-litre V8s. Heaven knows how they will be badged, though, Merc labels having long since lost much bearing on the actual capacity under bonnet.

The V12 and the old-school three-cylinder will eventually be phased out, and the all-new three for Smart and the A-class will be supplied by Renault-Nissan. 

What is the new Mercedes SLC (2015) made out of?

Since R190 does after a brief overlap effectively replace the SLS, we can expect a similar aluminium-intensive engineering layout, a lighter kerb weight, even better handling qualities and exceptional performance. 

The SLC puts an end to the dream of a mid-engined Mercedes sports car, but at the same time it fuels speculation about a complete range of emphatically dynamic two-seaters. 

Merc's supercar plan

On one side of the SLC, we may thus eventually find a lightweight V6-engined spin-off of the next SLK. On the other side, we may find a carbonfibre supercar which could take the friendly rivalry with McLaren to the next stage. 

Unfortunately none of these emotional newcomers can answer such truly urgent questions facing parent firm Daimler. Such as the future of Smart, how to plug the gap between Smart and the A-/B-class, and which alternatives to BMW i and Audi E-tron Mercedes should offer.

Mercedes MLC - it's Merc's X6 crossover

Mercedes is going chasing after the cult success of the BMW X6 with a new, sleeker (read less practical) M-class. Dubbed informally the MLC, we'll see this new sporty SUV in 2014. 

Project C166 - the codename for the 2014 Merc MLC - was approved at a Daimler board meeting in July 2011. This is no mere fantasy: it has been assigned to the Alabama plant in the US with a firm start-of-production date of March 2014. 

Why is Mercedes building the MLC sporty SUV?

The real driving force behind the five-door M-class coupe was of course the BMW X6. Initially ridiculed because of its compromised packaging and villainous stance, the widebody lowrider BMW SUV turned out to be a surprise smash hit which still sells between 40,000 and 60,000 units a year.

After the confirmed Audi Q6 and Porsche Cajun and tentative Jaguar crossover, the Mercedes MLC is already the fourth premium model that targets the same niche as the X6.

Like its rivals, C166 gets a bespoke body which shares no exterior panels with the M-class donor vehicle. Those who have seen the final proposal describe it as sporty and quite aggressive with CLC and T-model estate car overtones.

So will the Merc MLC just be an impractical 4x4 coupe?

Although it is quantifiably lower than the M-class, the MLC does not compromise rear leg- and headroom like the X6, according to CAR's sources. Means to this end include sufficiently wide rear doors, a less radical roofline, adjustable rear seats and a full-length console. 

The luggage compartment may struggle to haul tall XXL cubes like refrigerators, but it is commendably flexible, easy to load thanks to a low lip and available with a clever divide-and–tie–down system.

Launching in 2014: MLC and a facelifted M-class

The MLC is due to go on sale in the summer of 2014, only weeks before the faclifted M-class becomes available. It therefore incorporates all the upgrades under preparation for the sister model, like the latest in infotainment, lighting and driver aids. 

Characteristic styling elements include bespoke headlights, taillights and indicators; a meaner-looking and more upright trademark grille with enough holes to accommodate additional cameras and sensors required to monitor the road, traffic and the parking environment; and a sportier interior with additional comfort features. 

What you cannot specify for the on-road-biased M coupe are the off-road package, a BMW-style active steering and a humble four-cylinder engine. Instead, Mercedes is promoting the so-called Active Curve System which is quite similar to the Dynamic Drive option offered on the X6. The Airmatic air suspension and adaptive damping are standard. 

Engines in the Merc MLC

Enginewise, the MLC wants to be sportier and more upmarket than the M-class which is more of an all-rounder. The range starts with a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 which develops 333bhp and 354lb ft. One step up, we find the blown 5.4-litre V8 which is good for 435bhp and 516lb ft. The brawny AMG edition, complete with bespoke bad boy make-up, is rated at 544bhp and 590lb ft. 

The only diesel is a 3.0-litre V6 which musters 265bhp and 460lb ft. Also on the cards is a plug-in hybrid which combines either 3.0-litre V6 (diesel or petrol) with a 50bhp electric motor and a 8kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The MLC price premium over the base model is expected to be in the region of €4000.

Suzuki Swift Sport CAR

In an age when Clios and Minis have 200bhp, Golfs and Meganes sport 250bhp, and the hottest A3 and 1-series offer up over 300bhp, Suzuki’s new Mk2 Swift Sport is a breath of (modest) fresh air.

The four-cylinder engine remains at a mere 1.6 litres (naturally aspirated, of course), and despite it gaining a variable intake system and tweaked variable valve timing over its predecessor, as the Mk1 SS boasted just 121bhp, a 10% increase in peak power equates to a modest 134bhp. Peak torque is up too, but by just 9lb ft. 

Meek numbers, but then the first Swift Sport was magnificent despite its lack of headline figures. Does the new car match up? Read on for our first drive review of the new Suzuki Swift Sport.There’s stiffer front and rear suspension, new 17in alloys save a /kilo/ per corner, and there’s now a gearbox with a sixth gear. First through five remain tightly stacked, but the extra cog cuts emissions (from 165 to 147g/km), improves fuel economy (39.8 become 44.1mpg), and mean less frenetic cruising. At least that’s the theory; the reality is that acceleration still isn’t stellar, and you will still be pulling 3000rpm at 70mph.

The standard Swift’s design subtlety improved by a subtle bodykit, there’s room in the back for tall people (and the headrests actually extend high enough to support your head), and the boot’s not bad either. Add in improvements in motorway refinement (short gearing notwithstanding), loads of standard equipment (air-con, cruise control, electric door mirrors, Bluetooth, MP3 and USB connectivity, and seven airbags), and you’ve got a decent little hot hatch

Our test route took us through mountains near Barcelona, the first heavy downpour in months leaving the roads rather slippery. There’s the tiniest hint of torque steer in first gear, but thereafter you can pin the throttle without fear of repercussions. Then shift, fast as you can, through the slick gearbox, right foot flat on the right pedal again just as soon as the cogs mesh, up to 7000rpm, engine happy to sing to the red, and roaring along nicely. Lift slightly for a blind crest or bend, or hard on the progressive, positive brakes, and then flat again. 

The steering’s accurate, quick and direct, it’s nimble, there’s good chassis balance, but it’s a bit more comfortable and composed than the first Swift Sport. Still fun, though. Great fun. What broken Tarmac we could find revealed little wrong with the ride, there being just a slight patter from the secondary ride. Turn the ESP off and the hints of mild understeer mature in the atrocious conditions, but a mid-corner lift won’t see you spinning backwards off the road.

GM's Chevy Volt faces safety probe after damaged batteries catch fire

WASHINGTON -- General Motors Co.'s electric plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt is the subject of a U.S. safety probe after its lithium-ion batteries, supplied by LG Chem Ltd., caught fire in crash tests.

A Volt caught fire three weeks after a side-impact crash test May 12 while parked at a testing center in Wisconsin, leading regulators to conduct more tests. Volt battery packs were damaged in three more tests last week, causing two fires, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday in a statement on its website.

"The agency is concerned that damage to the Volt's batteries as part of three tests that are explicitly designed to replicate real-world crash scenarios have resulted in fire," NHTSA said in the statement.

The U.S. regulator said it doesn't know of any crashes outside of testing that have led to battery-related fires in Volts or other cars powered by lithium-ion batteries. Chevy Volt owners whose vehicles have not been in a serious crash don't need to be concerned, the agency said.

GM maintains that the car is safe. The automaker and NHTSA have been working for months to replicate the fire in the car's lithium-ion battery that occurred three weeks after the May collision test, Greg Martin, a GM spokesman, said by telephone.

Inducing battery failure

The testing, which involved a stand-alone battery assembly, "is part of a broader program over the last six months to induce battery failure under extreme conditions," Martin said.

LG Chem, South Korea's biggest chemical maker, is the Volt's battery vendor. Dick Pacini, a spokesman with the Millerschin Group, which works for LG Chem, said he couldn't immediately provide comment. On Nov. 22, LG Chem said in a statement that it was cooperating with NHTSA and GM.

NHTSA, which said it's working with the U.S. Defense and Energy departments to analyze the fires, conducted its first new test on Nov. 16 without a fire. The second test on Nov. 17 saw an initial temporary increase in battery temperature after the crash, and the battery pack caught fire at the test facility on Nov. 24. In a third test on Nov. 18, the battery was rotated hours after the crash and "began to smoke and emit sparks shortly after," NHTSA said.

At this stage of Volt marketing, the NHTSA investigation will probably not hurt sales, said Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc., a consulting firm in Birmingham, Mich.

The car has been on sale for a year as the manufacturer ramps up production. Most Volt owners are early adopters with an interest in the technology, and won't be deterred by the post-collision fires, Hall said.

"If they were selling to the mass market, it would be a bigger problem," he said.

GM started selling the car in seven states and began offering the Volt in all 50 states in October, Martin said.

Chevrolet sold 5,003 Volts this year through October, according to Autodata Corp., a research firm in Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

GM will push production to a rate of 60,000 a year starting in January. Of the 60,000 GM plans to build next year, 45,000 are earmarked for the U.S., and the rest will be exported, the company has said.

New Ford Mondeo revealed

We reveal the dramatic new look of the next Ford Mondeo, set to feature a hi-tech cabin and efficient enginesFord is gearing up to unveil the most desirable Mondeo ever. With a look inspired by the stylish four-door Evos concept car, plus a host of hi-tech kit, the saloon will hope to shift its everyday image.

Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, the car will hit the road next summer.

Our exclusive illustrations – based on insider information and recent spy shots – show the Mondeo gets the latest Kinetic 2 design language.

This includes the large, inverted trapezoidal grille from the Fiesta, Focus and C-MAX, yet more pronounced and mounted higher up. Another key feature is the narrow headlights. 

But the look is about much more than simply the blue oval’s family face. Two boldly defined feature lines adorn the sides, while bulging rear wheelarches and a steeply raked roofline reveal the car’s sporty intentions.

It’s not only the looks that will be inspired by the Evos; the Mondeo will also lift its powertrain from the concept. The range-extending 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motors won’t be offered from launch, but will follow. This will allow for an electric-only range of around 50 miles and about 500 miles between fill-ups. 

More conventional engines will make up the rest of the range, including Ford’s 1.6 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol turbos. In the current car, the latter produces 200bhp and returns 36mpg economy, while the 1.6 – as found in the C-MAX – will offer 150bhp and 180bhp outputs. Also available will be a range of diesel models, including a 112bhp 1.6-litre TDCi and a 2.0 TDCi with 137bhp or 163bhp.

Even the traditional engines will be among the most efficient on the road thanks to eco tweaks currently used in the latest models, such as the Focus. These include stop-start, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics that close the grille at high speeds to improve fuel efficiency.

Under the skin will be a modified version of the current Mondeo’s front-wheel-drive chassis, which will include torque vectoring for the first time. This helps to shuffle power between the front wheels in corners to prevent understeer. 

Inside, the impressive fit and finish and high-quality materials used in recent Fords will help the Mondeo bridge the gap to more expensive rivals from Audi and BMW. A range of hi-tech gadgets will make the newcomer one of the most advanced models on the road.

This includes the SYNC entertainment system, which can play audio, read text messages and deal with voice commands through wirelessly connected smartphones. In addition, the Mondeo will get features such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and parking assistance.

Honda CR-V unveiled

Honda takes the wraps off its updated compact SUV, which is more roomy and efficientThis is the new Honda CR-V, which has made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show. It is a rival for the Ford Kuga, which was also revealed at the US show.

It's set to go on sale in the UK in Autumn 2012, and has been updated with a mildly facelifted body. Despite being a bit shorter and lower than the car it replaces, Honda says there is actually more space inside, as the windscreen has been moved forward and the floor lowered. 

As well as being more practical, the CR-V has also moved upmarket, with a redesigned dashboard that features better quality materials.

Honda has stripped some weight from the CR-V, and along with improved aerodynamics, electric power steering and taller gearing, the car is expected to be slightly more economical and have lower emissions.

For the UK, engines will be carried over from the current model. This includes a 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol and 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel, with the latter returning around 45mpg. There are currently no plans for a hybrid version. 

Variable four-wheel drive is carried over from the current car. This is capable of sending up to 100 per cent of the power to the front or rear wheels, depending on which have the most grip. 

Gadgets include Bluetooth, a rear parking camera, USB connectivity and a system that allows the driver to text from Blackberry phone. 

Honda says a version 'developed and designed specifically for the European market' will arrive later next year. Expect Honda to tweak steering and suspension settings, while the new CR-V will also be built at Honda's Swindon plant. 

The US market is crucial for the CR-V, where Honda aims to sell around 200,000 models every year.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

After clawing its way back to relevancy once again, Jaguar will unleash the new XKR-S Convertible during the 2012 model year. Making its debut on the show floors of L.A. Auto Show, the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible features the same 5.0-liter V8 engine as the coupe, with 550 horsepower at the ready. Along with 502 lb/ft of torque, the drop-top is able to achieve 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Subtle additions like carbon fiber splitter, side nacelles, a rear wing with carbon fiber inlays, and more, all to increase its aerodynamic. Equally speedy is its powered-convertible top, which opens and stow in just 18 seconds. Quipped with 16-way adjustable, heated seats with an exclusive carbon leather appointments on its interior, the new convertible extrudes luxury and comfort. Available in a range of six colors, including the iconic British Racing Green, a nod to Jaguar’s racing heritage. Also available are seven additional color options for the convertible top. The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible is set to pounce on road middle of next year.

The XKR-S Convertible embodies all the characteristics that have always defined legendary Jaguar GTs – explosive performance, involving handling, relaxed comfort and discreet luxury – while taking Jaguar into a new performance echelon. The new XKR-S model line-up sits at the pinnacle of the XK range, which now consists of XK, XKR and XKR-S derivatives in coupe and convertible format.

The XKR-S Convertible takes the raft of performance, dynamics, design and interior upgrades already introduced to much acclaim on its coupe sibling to create Jaguar’s fastest ever open-topped GT.

Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director, says the new XKR-S Convertible represents the pinnacle of performance and glamour in motoring:
“There is nothing as liberating as life behind the wheel of an open-topped Jaguar and the new XKR-S Convertible takes the Jaguar GT experience to new heights.”

The building block for the car’s explosive performance is an uprated version of the 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 engine, which produces 550PS (405kW) and 502lb/ft (680Nm) of torque. These figures represent a power increase of 8 percent and torque increase of 9 percent over the Jaguar XKR. Driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox with Active Differential, this propels the XKR-S Convertible to 60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).
Underpinning this potent performance is a comprehensive package of suspension upgrades which refine the XK’s dynamic abilities still further, creating an intimate connection between the car, the driver and the road, enhanced still further in this open-topped GT.

The lightweight aluminium structure of the XK has huge torsional rigidity, allowing the fitment of suspension components such as a redesigned aluminium front steering knuckle and revised rear geometry, stiffer springs and dampers. Allied to lightweight forged wheels and recalibrated steering settings this has allowed Jaguar’s vehicle dynamics experts to create a supremely agile, connected driving experience with no loss in refinement.

Reflecting the car’s uprated dynamic abilities are interior and exterior styling changes. Externally the XKR-S Convertible is dramatically differentiated from other XK models with carefully calibrated aerodynamic aids that allow it to perform flawlessly at very high speeds.

This sense of drama is continued inside the car with Jaguar Performance seats that feature increased support for driver and passenger during high-speed cornering. The seats are finished in carbon leather and feature 16-way adjustment and heating while carbon is also used to trim the cabin and emphasise the car’s assertive nature.

Subaru to show sleek wagon concept in Tokyo

Subaru is revealing its vision of an athletic, modern sports wagon with the Advanced Tourer concept, which melds slinky styling with a lithium-ion hybrid powertrain. It debuts on Nov. 30 at the Tokyo motor show.

The setup highlights the company's signature technologies, including Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, a 1.6-liter horizontally opposed boxer-engine trade and a CVT gearbox. The engine is direct-injection and turbocharged.
Other design features include a glass roof, and the interior uses wood and metal elements. There's a large monitor built into the steering wheel to display maps, television and Internet services.

Subaru
A side view of Subaru's wagon concept.
Subaru says the wagon is the size of a C-segment vehicle, and it previews design direction for the future

2013 Mazda CX-5

Actually, a better question is, "What isn't it?" Over an In-N-Out burger, my Mazda PR maven hammered home the fact that the Mazda CX-5 is not a Tribute, nor is it a new Ford Escape under the skin. In fact, not a single aspect of the CX-5 is shared with Ford's new crossover, a fact that Mazda engineers were adamant about during the model's U.S. debut at the Los Angeles auto show.

Instead, the 2013 CX-5 is Mazda's homegrown entry in the burgeoning compact-crossover class. It also marks the first appearance of the brand's "Kodo" design language, as well as the first vehicle to feature fully integrated Skyactiv technology.
What is Skyactiv? That's a better question, and one answered most ambiguously by CX-5 program manager Hideaki Tanaka, who claims it's "sustainable zoom-zoom." Translated, Skyactiv is a suite of engineering advances centered on making the chassis lighter and stiffer, then combining it with ultra-efficient gasoline and diesel powertrains.
Take, for example, the Skyactiv-G engine that will be standard on the 2013 CX-5: It's a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct injection, a 13.0:1 compression ratio, variable valve timing and an exotic (for a crossover, anyway) 4-2-1 exhaust header design. The result is an engine that is 10 percent lighter, 15 percent more fuel efficient and produces 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions than its predecessor.

About that diesel: In some markets, the CX-5 will get a 2.2-liter Skyactiv diesel four-cylinder engine with 170 hp. Mazda has confirmed that the engine will come to North America during the 2013 calendar year, but it hasn't said in which vehicle. Current rumors have it arriving under the hood of the company's next midsize sedan.

Six-speed Skyactiv manual and automatic transmissions have been designed for smoother and quicker shifts while helping to improve fuel efficiency, thanks to weight savings and friction reduction.

Thanks to an all-new chassis incorporating 61 percent high-tensile steel, Mazda engineers were able to cut weight in the structure while improving stiffness by 30 percent over the current structure underpinning the Mazda 3. Continuous high-strength ring structures are said to boost crashworthiness, also serving as suspension mounting points because of their inherent stiffness.

Finally, the 2013 CX-5 is the first vehicle to wear Mazda's new Kodo design language, which is said to translate to "the motion of living creatures." We're not sure a cheetah is going to confuse its mate with this particular compact crossover, but the CX-5 does have a sense of rear weight bias not unlike the Infiniti FX, and the overall effect is attractive if not groundbreaking.

2013 Mazda CX-5
On Sale: February
Base Price: $19,975 (est)
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4, 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 150 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm; FWD/AWD, six-speed manual or automatic transmission
Curb Weight: 3,300 lb (est)
Fuel Economy: FWD: 26/33 mpg (manual); 26/32 mpg (automatic); AWD: 25/30 mpg (automatic only)

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco gets $25,995

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco sedan will start at just $25,995, including destination, General Motors said on Tuesday.

The redesigned Malibu Eco, which we drove in September, will be the first Chevy car to feature GM's new eAssist battery-electric/gas propulsion system. The Buick LaCrosse hybrid also will have the same system. It employs a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor while saving fuel with regenerative braking, electric assist and a stop/start function. Chevy says the new Malibu will return 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The Malibu Eco comes in at about $3,000 less than the Ford Fusion hybrid and $2,000 less than the new Volkswagen Passat TDI SE. It lands within $1,000 of the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Hyundai Sonata hybrid.
The Malibu gets a decent roster of standard features in addition to the 182-hp, 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Some of the highlights include projector headlights, Chevy MyLink, keyless entry, power windows and locks and a few other bits and pieces.

The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco will hit dealerships in early 2012.

New Peugeot 208

In spite of Peugeot’s rich history in the small car market, the 208 is the company’s most radical reinvention of the supermini ever. The new car is smaller, lighter, cleaner and more stylish than the 207, bringing improvements in every possible way. And we have the first official pictures and 
all the details that matter.

Since the SR1 concept debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot has set about pursuing a new design direction, improving quality and reintroducing the sporty driving experience of old back into its products. And the clean sheet approach to the 208 is the 
culmination of that process.
From launch, the car will be offered as a three and five-door, and it has been styled to stand out from its competitors. Both 
versions are more sophisticated than the Fiesta and more
distinctive than the VW Polo, and are packed with intricate details.
For example, there’s an indent scored into the bonnet which is continued with a small protrusion at the top of the windscreen and finishes with an unmistakable dip in the roof spoiler at the rear.
Although the three and five-door are based on the same mechanicals, they have been designed from the outset as 
separate entities. In profile, 
the scallop taken from the side 
of the three-door begins at the tail-lights and curves down along the side of the car.
The five-door uses a less dramatic feature line that runs along the sill and turns upwards behind the front wheel.
Other differences include 
bars in the three-door’s grille – the five-door gets mesh – and 
a continuation of the chrome 
window trim into the C-pillar, which is a nod to the 205.
Both cars get the floating 
grille treatment already 
seen on the 508, as well 
as foglamps set flush into the 
front bumper and boomerang rear lights complete with 
claw-like graphics.
Inside, the revolution 
continues. A large central 
touchscreen dominates the 
interior on all but the entry-
level 208. This controls the 
entertainment and navigation functions, plus the vehicle dynamics. Owners wanting to personalise their car can get the screen trimmed in different ‘skins’.
According to Peugeot boss Vincent Rambaud, the 208 is the “values of the brand incarnate in a modern look”. He added: “Retro is not at all what we want to do.”
So it’s no surprise that the 
layout and materials bear no resemblance to the past, with a glossy finish on the console and soft-touch materials throughout. The steering wheel has shrunk, too, and you view the instrument cluster over the top of it, instead of through it, which Peugeot says helps drivers focus on the road.
It’s not only the steering wheel that’s smaller, either – the whole car is. It’s 7cm shorter and 1cm lower, but the wheelbase is the same as the 207’s. Incredibly, the cabin is more spacious, with 5cm extra legroom, plus the boot is 15 litres bigger, at 285 litres – that’s still 10 litres less than in a Fiesta.
The more compact dimensions mean dramatic weight savings. On average, the 208 is 110kg lighter than the 207, with the base car weighing only 975kg. Plus, the shape, optimised in the wind 
tunnel, is more aerodynamic 
than ever – and fuel economy 
will be impressive as a result.
Full engine details have yet to be released, but CO2 emissions have fallen by 34g/km on average compared to the 207. And none of the five diesels, which range from 89bhp to 108bhp, emits more than 99g/km.
The most efficient HDi has 87g/km emissions – on a par with the new Fiesta ECOnetic. The petrol line-up includes a 
new family of three-cylinder engines, the most efficient of which claims 99g/km of CO2.
The three and five-door 208 
go on sale in the UK next June. There’s no word on prices yet, but expect them to be similar to the Fiesta and Polo – so the range could start at around £10,000.

New Saab 9-3

Saab is flying high on news of a rescue deal worth £88million. A further cash injection, totalling nearly £300million, is also on the table – and now we’ve got the first image of the car hoping to keep the Swedish firm’s fortunes on the up: the new Saab 9-3.

The financial lifeline has come from Chinese car makers Pang Da and Youngman, and follows months of wrangling.
The news has kick-started long-dormant plans to replace the top-selling 9-3 and launch a new 9-1, aimed at the MINI and Audi A1.
According to official company documents, there are plans for three and five-door versions of the 9-1. Saab also wants to build a large SUV called the 9-7, and plans to bring the 9-4X SUV to the UK have also been revived.

Our image of the new 9-3 shows what owners can expect from the model that’s tipped to become a top seller for the brand. It first surfaced on a Swedish website that had intercepted a copy of Saab’s business presentation to the European Investment Bank in January this year.
The new 9-3 is expected to launch towards the end of next year and will come with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, as well as a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes. At least one of the planned engines – a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol – will come from BMW.
The newcomer is based on an all-new chassis, which was developed independently of Saab’s previous owner General Motors. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive hybrid versions will be available.
Inside, Saab will debut its advanced IQon infotainment system, which uses Google’s Android operating software to provide sat-nav and audio.
This system will also allow users to access their E-mails and download apps that deliver online content on the move.
The new 9-3’s striking looks are clearly inspired by the PhoeniX concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, but also take cues from the larger 9-5.

That means there’s a greater focus on giving the car a sporty look, with boldly defined wheel arches, turbine-style alloy wheels and a coupe-like roofline.
The biggest changes can be seen at the rear of the car, which gets a curvier design than its predecessors, with stylish, narrow tail-lamps.

Designed by American Jason Castriota, the 9-3 is described by insiders as a “sportcombi”. Auto Express understands this means the car will be a five-door hatchback, rather than a four-door saloon.
It will offer seating for five adults, plus a practical boot and spacious cabin. Previously, Saab has admitted it was planning estate and convertible versions, and it’s understood that these are still under development.
For an alternative review of the latest Saab 9-3 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

New Audi TT sketch

The new Audi TT could be set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of November, according to the latest rumours.

The story has been given a further boost by the appearance of a single sketch on a Dutch blog website that claims to show the car’s rear.
Our exclusive main image is based on that picture, and shows more clearly what TT fans can expect from the new coupe.
If the original image proves accurate, the rear of the car will combine shapes from the acclaimed 2010 Audi quattro concept, mixed in with more up-to-date detailing from the recent e-tron electric concepts.

Audi is denying that it knows anything about the car, hinting that the focus at Tokyo will be on a five-door version of the A1. Yet Audi chose the Japanese show to reveal a previous TT concept, the Shooting Brake, in 2005.
Under the latest plan, the TT is set to move upmarket. While the current car uses chassis and engine components from the VW Golf, the new model is expected to feature an advanced mixed steel and aluminium chassis.
The original’s front-engined, four-wheel-drive layout would remain, but this move would develop the TT as a Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK rival.
Bigger, more powerful engines are planned, including a twin-charged 2.0-litre, offering up to 300bhp. A fully electric version is also under development.
Moving the TT upmarket would allow the VW Group to develop a smaller two-seat roadster, based on the BlueSport concept, which could eventually wear Skoda, SEAT, VW and Audi badges.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 V.S. 2011 BMW M3

The first photos of the facelifted 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG leaked on the interwebs today way ahead of its official unveiling at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. As the BMW M3 Sedan received a design facelift in 2009, the 2012 C63 AMG goes through a series of cosmetic changes.

On the outside, the C63 AMG gets a set of SL-inspired headlamps. Car’s front fascia is new with rectangular daytime running lights, a wider center opening, a reduction in vertical gill count to one per side—and includes a grille with one fewer horizontal bar.

At the rear-end, LED taillights match the flashy front-end. The C63 AMG leaked features one of the Development Package models, which is visually differentiated by its carbon-fiber trunklid spoiler and two-piece front brake rotors with red calipers all around. The rear fascia also features a black diffuser portion now extending a little more up the bumper.

The standard car will wear a new twin-five-spoke 18-inch wheel design. Inside, the C63 gets the same updates as the C-Class models: a reworked dash with a 5.8-inch central display running a new interface and a crisp 4.5-inch color display in the gauge pod. AMG opted to retain the 6.2-liter V8 instead of fitting its new 5.5-liter biturbo mill, so output remains at 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The Development Package will reportedly stick around for 2012, raising output to 481 hp and nixing the 155 mph limiter to allow the C63 to top out at 174 mph.
The 2012 C63 AMG will go on sale this fall. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but car magazines speculate a price point around $61,000.
As with any new Mercedes or other competitors’ cars, we put together a comparison against its counterpart in the BMW lineup, in this case, the 2011 BMW M3 Sedan, E90 bodystyle.
In our opinion, the C63 AMG facelift is quite successful with design lines close to the SL model. The front-end is more aggressive and imposing. Inside, the new interior is a step-up from the previous iteration

Porsche Panamera Overview 2012

Porsche purists were thrown into disarray when the Porsche Panamera made its debut at the 2009 Shanghai auto show. Fans, already reeling from the (highly successfully) Porsche Cayenne SUV, could not believe their favorite sports car company was building a sedan. The continued success of the Porsche Panamera among critics and the public illustrates a Porsche is a Porsche regardless of the number of doors on the vehicle.

The 2012 Porsche Panamera is actually a hatchback that can seat a driver and up to three passengers. Originally offered in Porsche Panamera S, Panamera 4S, and Panamera Turbo, the lineup has expanded to include the Porsche Panamera and Panamera 4 in 2010.
Unlike its 911, Boxster, and -- especially -- Cayman offerings, Porsche designed the spacious Panamera as a luxury cruiser as well as a sports car, albeit with four doors and a usable rear seat. A standard equipped Porsche Panamera is luxuriously equipped with an interior design, materials, and styling borrowed from the Cayenne SUV. Options are numerous and include full leather interior, air suspension system, and two premium music systems to choose from. The four engine options offered all move the two-ton Porsche Panamera fast.
What's New

There are two changes to the Porsche Panamera for 2012 and they are big ones. The first is the addition of the 2012 Porsche Panamera Hybrid. Equipped with supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and electric motor drivetrain, the Panamera Hybrid generates roughly the same amount of power as the Panamera S (375 horsepower). The hybrid's fuel economy is considerably better at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. (The Porsche Panamera S gets 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway).
The second change is the addition of the more powerful 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S. While fuel economy is the same between both turbo models (15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway), the Porsche Panamera Turbo S' turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 rates 50 horsepower more than the Turbo's 500 horsepower for breathtaking acceleration.
Performance & Handling

Porsche silenced critics of the Panamera who quickly discovered the sedan is nearly as quick and nimble as it 911 siblings on the track, yet still manages to be a comfortable luxury cruiser on America's long roads and freeways. Steering is responsive and the suspension makes the Porsche Panamera feel smaller than its size. The Porsche Panamera's acceleration in the Turbo, Turbo S, and even the hybrid are near mindboggling.
EPA Fuel Economy

Porsche Panamera with 3.6-liter V-6 engine: 18 mpg city / 26-27 mpg highway
Porsche Panamera 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 + electric motor engine: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
Porsche Panamera 4.8-liter V-8 engine: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
Porsche Panamera 4.8-liter twin turbo V-8 engine: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway

Jaguar’s new Porsche 911 rival unveiled

Next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show will see Jaguar take the wraps of a new two-seater hybrid sports car concept, the C-X16.

Is this, the new Jaguar C-X16 concept, going to be the star car of next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show? And perhaps more importantly, will it go into production?
At a first glance the answer to both of those questions is almost certainly “yes”. This is a two-seater sports car that evokes the spirit of the famous E-type and would cost in the region of £50,000: not a replacement for the XK then, but an all-new model to sit underneath it.
Power for the concept comes from a new petrol V6 which, thanks to a supercharger, generates 375bhp and 332lb ft of torque. It is joined by a 95bhp electric motor to form a hybrid sports car that can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds yet returns 165g/km of CO2 in EU tests.

Power is delivered through the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox in what Jaguar boasts is its smallest car since the 1954 XK120. At 4,445mm in length, 2,048mm in width and 1,297mm in height, and with just those two seats it is close to a Porsche Cayman in terms of size and concept, although many will see it as a more natural rival for the 911.
The job of the car’s electric motor is two-fold: it enables electric only running up to speeds of 50mph, and also provides an additional slug of acceleration when the driver presses a steering wheel-mounted “push-to-pass” type button. The 1.6kWh battery is charged through a brake energy regeneration system and mounted behind the front seats to ensure the C-X16 has 50:50 weight distribution.

2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC vs. 2011 Volkswagen CC

Another segment in our “Luxury without the price tag” series – 2011 Volkswagen CC vs. 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC.

With new cars, you get what you pay for right? Well – kind of. Sometimes you get more than you pay for…or even bargained for. Volkswagen is one of those manufacturers that consistently provides more bang for the proverbial buck. The VW CC is a shining example of that value standard in providing best-in class features at a “how’d they do that?” price point.
The new 2011 Volkswagen CC is a luxury performance European sedan. The 2011 VW CC is an incredible bargain considering value, and an even greater value when considering its rivals. This time we’ll compare and contrast the 2011 Mercedes E350.
The two models we’ll be pitting against each other for this comparison will be the 2011 Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION vs. 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC. While the spec sheets look similar, and they’re definitely in the same class…only one shines clearly above the other when you consider what you get for the dollars that you spend.
The technical data:

	Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION	Mercedes Benz E350 4MATIC
Engine	3.6L DOHC V6	3.5L DOHC V6
Horsepower	280 HP	268 HP
Torque	265 lb/ft	258 lb/ft
Valves	4 per cylinder	4 per cylinder
Displacement	3599 CC	3498 CC
Compression Ratio	12.0:1	10.7:1
Transmission	6 speed TipTronic	7 speed Automatic
Fuel Economy	17 city – 25 hwy	16 city – 24 hwy
0-60 Times	6.2 seconds (Est.)	6.5 seconds (Est.)
MSRP	$40,390	$51,900

The 2011 Volkswagen CC bests the Mercedes Benz in just about every category…well – besides price. A full $11,500 less expensive than the Mercedes, the Volkswagen CC certainly doesn’t compromise in any category. It’s more powerful, quicker to 60 MPH, and better with fuel economy. All the while saving you enough money to take give the whole family iPads – on a beach in Hawaii – while your new LED Flatscreen is being installed at home.
Come drive and compare the 2011 VW CC at Rusty Wallis Volkswagen. We even have some 2012 VW CCs in stock. What model(s) should we compare next? Comment and give us your suggestions.

Mercedes-Benz Planning CLC Small Sedan for 2013

Mercedes-Benz Planning CLC Small Sedan for 2013, All-Wheel-Drive AMG Version

Mercedes-Benz will soon expand upon its small-car lineup with compact sedan called the CLC. Styled after the swooping, coupe-like CLS, the front-wheel-drive CLC should debut by late 2013. According to Autocar, we can also expect a high-performance AMG version of the new CLC.
The CLC will be built on the same platform as the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive could be made available on select models. It’s expected that the CLC four-door coupe will be around the same size as a Toyota Corolla, and only a few inches smaller than a Mercedes C-Class sedan. A CLC hatchback might also be in the cards.
Autocar reports that powertrain choices for Europe will comprise 1.6- and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines with power from 121 hp to 207 hp, plus 1.8- and 2.1-liter turbodiesel engines with 108 hp to 201 hp.
Go-fast experts AMG are expected to get their hands on the CLC, creating a CLC AMG with anywhere from 292 hp to 340 hp on tap. Power will come from a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive will be standard to harness the power. Autocar says the CLC AMG will serve as direct competition with the Volkswagen Golf R.

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

The 2012 BMW 6 Series has been fully redesigned. Highlights for the coupe and convertible include sharper looks, larger wheels and a pair of turbocharged engines.
Now in its third generation, the BMW 6 Series occupies a special niche in the automaker's lineup. It's alternately been the company's flagship GT platform and an experimental canvas, the latter for former design chief Chris Bangle's polarizing exteriors.

With this year's full redesign, the 2012 BMW 6 Series largely shakes off the Bangle legacy looking a little longer, wider, shorter and sharper. The larger dimensions are attributed to a new aluminum-intensive rear-wheel-drive architecture that BMW says is 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor.

And the chassis needs that extra rigidity given the engines underhood. The old V8 wasn't exactly a slouch, but its acceleration is now matched by the more fuel-efficient turbocharged six-cylinder found in the new 640i model. For those wanting even more, the new V8 in the 650i will definitely get the job done. Slightly smaller than its predecessor, the twin-turbo 4.4-liter makes more horsepower and nearly 100 pound-feet more low-end torque. It makes for a 650i that accelerates to 60 mph just a few tenths shy of the former V10-powered M6.

Inside, the 6 Series has a beautifully sculpted cabin with a more driver-focused dashboard than that of the old model. Along with the new 10.2-inch navigation display, it's clearly evident through the attention to detail lavished on the instruments, controls and overall design that BMW has taken a good deal more time developing the interior than it did with its predecessor. As for the convertible, it continues to feature the clever rear window that's separate from the folding top and can be lowered to allow the breeze in while still keeping the sun off.

Taken all together, the 2012 BMW 6 Series shapes up to be a very impressive grand touring coupe and convertible. There are a couple of competing models to also consider, of course. With classic curves and a lightweight aluminum structure, the Jaguar XK is a competitor with character and performance in equal measures, while the Mercedes-Benz E550 offers comparable luxury for less, plus actual room for rear seat passengers. But imbued with new style and strength, the 6 Series is one of the most exhilarating luxury experiences you can have behind the wheel.

The New Mercedes B-Class

Our journey through the colour spectrum continues. Cherry Chimes is the latest Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape to feature ten fabulous tracks by some of the world’s most talented new musical artists. What’s more, you can download it for free.

Available online for eight weeks only, this exclusive mp3 compilation showcases an eclectic mix of genres. With tunes ranging from folk rap and rock ballad to gypsy jazz and Balkan beats, there’s something to get every hand tapping on the wheel.


Each Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape also comes with a specially commissioned cover designed by a select newcomer from either illustration, fine arts, graphic design, photography or installation. So not only do you get superb sounds to listen to – but a dose of visual genius to boot!

Suzuki Kizashi review

What is it? The Kizashi is Suzuki's answer to family saloons such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. However, unlike most its rivals – the Mondeo and Passat included – it comes with four-wheel drive.

At launch, the only engine option is a 176bhp 2.4-litre petrol that’s linked to a CVT automatic gearbox. Suzuki says it has no plans to offer a diesel.

What’s it like to drive? The Kizashi grips strongly in corners and resists body roll well. Unfortunately, you pay for this composure with a ride that thumps over urban potholes and generally feels unsettled at all speeds.
To make matters worse, your confidence in the car’s agility is undermined by inconsistently weighted steering.
Then there’s the engine. This is short on low-down torque, so the CVT automatic gearbox is forced to send the revs skyrocketing whenever you come to an incline or ask for a burst of acceleration.
You also have to put up with considerable wind noise at motorway speeds and some road noise over coarse surfaces.

What’s it like inside? The Kizashi is smaller than most its rivals, and this is reflected inside. Six-footers will wish there was more headroom upfront, and while things are better in the rear, you can’t stretch out in the way that you can in a Mondeo or Skoda Superb.
It’s a similar story when it comes to the boot. The Kizashi’s can swallow 461 litres of luggage, which is a decent amount, but the best cars in the class offer more than 500 litres of space, and there’s a big step in the Kizashis’s load floor when you fold down the rear seats.
The dashboard layout is harder to fault because most of the controls are logically positioned and clearly labelled. It’s just a pity the plastics are more robust than classy.
Should I buy one? Every Kizashi comes with a long list of standard equipment that includes leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth and seven airbags. However, we can’t think of many other reasons to choose one.
There are a host of front-wheel drive, diesel-engined family cars that are better to drive, more practical and much cheaper to run.

New 2012 Toyota Innova Unveiled; Launch in India by mid-2012

For a while now, pictures of facelifted Toyota Innova’s test mule have been popping out here and there. And now we finaly get to see what the new 2012 Toyota Innova will look like as Toyota has unveiled the refreshed MPV at the Indonesian Motor Show.

From the looks of it, Toyota has given the Innova a major facelift, with new lights and a new grille and the profile has been altered a bit as well. The upright grille sits more vertically than the current car and this means the bonnet looks less van like. The new headlights have been stretched over the fenders, and the fogs and chin are new as well. It also gets new alloy wheels. The styling updates at the rear include a new bumper, re-styled number-plate housing and re-profiled tail lamps.

Interior changes will include the manual A/C control getting a bigger knob and the centre console with a wood-trim surround, and there is an all-new steering wheel which seems to be borrowed from the Corolla Altis.
The facelifted Toyota Innova will feature the same 2.5 Liter D-4D diesel engine and the 2 Liter VVT-i petrol engine. While the variants of the Innova abroad come with an automatic transmission, considering the higher price that the Innova will sell for if it comes with an automatic option, Toyota Kirloskar India isn’t likely to bring the automatic gearbox for the facelifted Innova.

As for launch plans, expect the new 2012 Toyota Innova to be out on Indian roads by mid-2012 as a half career product facelift . The 2012 Indian Auto Expo might probably be the occasion where Toyota unveils these facelifts for India. What remains to be seen however with this car is whether Toyota maintains the current price strategy.

Small but perfectly warmed: The Volkswagen GT up! concept

Just as the new up! compresses all the virtues of a Volkswagen into a compact city-friendly package, the GT up! concept promises to distil the driving pleasure of the seminal hot hatch, the GTI, into a powerful yet petite package.

Following in the wheel tracks of another sporty small car – the original Golf GTI – the GT up! exudes sporting style, from its wide-mouthed honeycomb grille to its two chromed tailpipes – one either side.
The wide central grille is distinctly larger than that on the standard up!, to allow plenty of air to the engine, which could potentially pack 100 PS or more. Either side of this, the broad bumper includes ducts to provide cooling airflow to the front brakes, these ducts also containing the wing-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The sporting theme continues along the flanks, which feature extended sills and black gloss-painted door mirrors. The wheels are arch-filling 17-inch alloys with wide
195-section tyres. At the rear, a deep roof spoiler helps reduce lift over the rear axle, while a black diffuser at the bottom is framed by an exhaust pipe on either side.
In the cabin, the GT up! is no less sporty. Beneath a black roof lining are anthracite-coloured seats offset by central panels with a blue chequered pattern that has more than a hint of GTI about it. The gloss-black dashboard and upper door trim panels are similarly offset by blue rings around the air vent nozzles, while the driver gets to grip a chunky leather-bound three-spoke wheel.

The GT up! remains a concept for now but certainly received a favourable reception when it was shown at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show.
Order books for the standard three-door up! are already open, and first customer deliveries are expected in spring 2012.

New Volkswagen CC to make debut at Los Angeles Auto show

Volkswagen has today released the first images of its new CC, which will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16. If it looks familiar, don’t be surprised: over 270,000 people across the world have been won over by its predecessor the Passat CC’s blend of four-door practicality and sleek coupé-like styling.

At the front, the new radiator grille has strong horizontal lines that represent Volkswagen’s new design DNA, flanked by new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured ‘winglets’ that frame the fog lights.
Along the side, the frameless doors are carried over from the previous model, but more sculpted sills, revised bumpers and the new bonnet add up to create a subtly updated silhouette.
The rear bumper has also been completely redesigned, with more emphasis on horizontal lines and a reworking of the characteristic chrome strip. The tail lights are new as well, not just in their more dramatic design, but in their use of LEDs. The numberplate lights are also now LED. As before, the Volkswagen logo doubles as the handle for the boot, and it can now optionally contain a rear-view camera.
There’s one last change at the rear, too: ‘Passat’ has been dropped from the name.
While the name may have changed, a comprehensive list of standard equipment remains and expands to include features such as the standard driver alert system, as found on the Passat, and front head restraints with four-way adjustment, to reduce the risk of whiplash. New options include High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.
From launch, the UK engine range will comprise 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS or 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS petrols and a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel with either 140 or 170 PS. All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.
The CC will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale in the US in early 2012. Retailers in the UK will start taking orders for the new car around the same time with first deliveries due in March. More details including pricing will be available nearer the launch date.

Brabus to Show 800 Horsepower CL600 Coupe in Dubai

Renowned Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus will debut its latest and greatest creation at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show – the Brabus 800 Coupe. Based on the full-size Mercedes CL600 personal coupe, the Brabus 800 Coupe has been heavily massaged at the tuner’s state-of-the-art shop.

Brabus engineers tore the CL600’s 5.5-liter V-12 apart and fitted it with a longer-stroke crankshaft and larger pistons sitting in enlarged cylinder bores. Displacement has grown to 6.3-liters. The cylinder heads have been massaged to optimize air flow and fuel mixture. The engine is finished with a set of special-grind camshafts.
The factory turbochargers have been replaced with two larger units on custom exhaust manifolds designed by Brabus engineers. The turbine housings are integrated into the custom exhaust manifolds. To most efficiently cool the intake charge, four water-to-air intercoolers are used. Intake air is picked up by carbon-fiber ram-air intake integrated into the hood. Spent gas is expelled through a high-performance stainless-steel exhaust system with high-flow catalytic converters.
The engine and turbo orchestration is controlled by a precision-tuned engine management system for maximum power and emissions compliance – the engine meets current EURO V standards. ARAL supplies the high-performance powertrain’s lubricants. The engine cranks out 800 horsepower at a low 5500 rpm and a massive 1047 pound-feet of torque at 2100 rpm. When fitted in the car, torque is electronically limited to 811 pound-feet.
The engine is backed by a beefed-up old-school five-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a Brabus high-performance limited-slip differential. The factory Mercedes vehicle stability systems remain, but can be switched off with the touch of a button.
So what is 800 horse and 811 pound-feet good for? Brabus claims the 800 Coupe will rip to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and to 124 mph in a mere 10.3. Top speed is governed at a ridiculous 217 mph.

The German tuner didn’t neglect its stopping ability either. The 800 Coupe has been fitted with vented and drilled 16-inch front rotors and 15-inch rear rotors squeezed by six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, respectively. The Brabus high-performance brake system hides behind the tuner’s Monoblock wheels in a choice of 18- to 22-inch sizes. The car hunkers down on the rims thanks to the Brabus ride-height lowering module that is tuned for the extreme low-profile rubber and lowers the coupe one inch.

The car has been fitted with several aerodynamic aides including a front spoiler, rear deck-lid spoiler, and rear lower fascia insert that features a central reflector and cutouts for the quad exhaust tips. Body add-ons were tested in a wind tunnel.

The 800 Coupe is painted Diamond-White Metallic. Inside the luxury coupe’s white leather and black Alcantara have contrasting seams and diamond-pattern topstitching. A new ergonomic sport steering wheel join Brabus scuff plates with backlit logo, aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter. Carbon-fiber pieces and “checkered flag” matte surfaces finish off the interior upgrades.

The Brabus 800 Coupe can be ordered complete or you can have you current-generation CL600 retrofitted with the complete treatment. The price for this upgrade was not officially announced, but you can expect a hefty premium over the “standard” CL 600’s approximately $160,000 sticker.
Source: BRABUS

2012 Audi A7 3.0 TFSI

Prestige is a beautiful car with stunning lines that had strangers walking up to me asking what it was. Guess those four big rings in the grille were missed by the admirers. And inside, the car is just as sweet, with supple leather, beautiful wood inlays and satin metal finishes. The car is stunning inside and out.

And there's nothing to quibble about with what's under the hood, either. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 was packed with enough motivation to keep my commuting interesting. But this clearly is a cruiser rather than any sort of sports car. But that's OK, as this is one car that is just fine getting by on its great looks.

A couple of minor annoyances that we've seen before on Audis include a brake pedal that didn't engage until it was nearly to the floor. That's not a secure feeling when you need some instant stopping power. And at times, the throttle was touchy with an almost light-switch-like feel: either on or off. But overall, this car is a gem.

ART DIRECTOR TARA KLEIN: Where do I begin? The Audi A7 is a simply gorgeous car that breaks boundaries and oozes luxury. I was lucky enough to spend a weekend with this beauty and I came away impressed, to say the least.

First off, the streamlined nature of this car creates contours that disguise the typical sedanlike qualities. The rear is so tapered that at first glance, most would deem this a coupe. This seems to be a growing trend, and the A7 is one of the best at achieving this look. 

The interior puts just as much emphasis on form and function, resulting in a modern, impeccably designed cabin that is also inviting and easy to utilize. The mixture of the beige leather seats, wood trim, and black and silver accents separated by swooping lines create a dynamic yet clean layout. 

The trunk is button controlled and provides ample space for an average amount of storage. I moved some more boxes to my house this weekend, and the A7's capacity worked out just fine. Obviously this car isn't catered toward moving a large amount of stuff, but it easily accommodates everyday needs.

As far as technology goes, this A7 is chock-full of it. The hidden display that pops up when started features navigation with satellite imagery from Google Earth, which is a huge bonus for the directionally challenged such as myself. The front and rear sensors with notification graphics that pop up onscreen are also accommodating, as is the blind-spot assist and the backup camera. While driving a friend to our favorite flea market, she wondered why her seat felt chilled and was amazed by the seat-cooler function, as well as a slew of other bells and whistles housed in the A7--including the bold look of the LED running lights and the spiral-shaped taillights. 

To put it simply, this car handles extremely well. The rate of acceleration and braking was spot on, and passing in both expressway and two-lane situations was effortless. I encountered my parents' dirt roads this weekend, as well as many pockmarked rural Michigan paved roads, and I was slightly bummed with how this thing absorbed the bumps. Don't get me wrong, road blemishes were not met with violent reactions, but most, if not all of them were indeed felt. As I turned back onto smooth pavement, however, the ride quality quickly turned back to butter status.

Honestly, while writing this review, I had to take time to think of loads of positive descriptors and phrases to use to describe this car, and many of them don't do it justice. The A7 is not only a stunning car inside and out, it is inspiring and treads a modernized direction that I can only hope gives foresight into what we can see more of in years to come.

Volvo plans to polish its image with styling high-tech engines

Volvo's brand image is stuck somewhere between "premium" and "luxury," but the Swedish automaker aims to move further upscale with a fresh design language and a new generation of vehicles powered by more fuel-efficient engines.

New mid-sized and large models will begin arriving in 2014 based on Volvo's lightweight SPA platform.

The vehicles will use Volvo's coming generation of smaller four-cylinder engines. Executives say turbocharging and plug-in hybrids will give the vehicles more power even as the automaker phases out its five- and six-cylinder engines.

Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volvo Car Corp., says that with the price of gasoline and coming fuel economy regulations, engine displacement no longer will be linked to luxury--at least in Volvo's world.

Rather, he says, high-tech fuel-saving technology that produces neck-snapping performance will be Volvo's recipe.

"The time for counting cylinders is over," Jacoby says.

He says a diesel plug-in hybrid in development will achieve an EPA rating of 123 mpg and have 440 pounds-feet of torque. The electric-only mode will have a range of 30 miles. Drivers will be able to choose when to activate the EV mode. The powertrain will be shown at January's Detroit auto show.

Volvo also is dialing back on electronic control units because Jacoby says they take the driver out of the driving equation. He says Volvo wants more man-machine interface--other than when active-safety intervention is needed.

Executives say they are repositioning the brand since Volvo's acquisition last year by the Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. They say Volvo's luxury competitors have made technology--rather than the customer--the starting point for vehicle development.

But Volvo will seek customers who desire "cultivated luxury," said Richard Monturo, Volvo's vice president for global marketing.

"We will unabashedly be a luxury player all around the world," said Monturo, an American executive, who joined Volvo in February after heading the Miami- and Buenos Aires-based advertising agency La Comunidad. At the agency he worked on campaigns for Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, among others.

"Customers have shown a willingness to pay us more money for our cars," he said. "We will go upmarket if the market will bear it. A lot of our customers are highly affluent but buy a more discreet luxury. For us, the back story behind a product is the status. It's not just 'Look at me.'"

Volvo last week allowed journalists inside the inner sanctum of its styling studio in Camarillo, Calif. Executives and designers showed renderings of a series of Volvos that will replace the S60 and S80 sedans and the XC90 crossover.

Those vehicles--and other possible derivatives--will ride on the new SPA technology, which stands for "Scalable Platform Architecture." The automaker claims the new platform, which will handle all of Volvo's mid-sized and large vehicles, weighs 320 pounds less than comparable platforms from other manufacturers.

The XC90 replacement will arrive in 2014. The design freeze is now six months away. The S80 will be redesigned in 2015.

The various exterior shapes being considered suggest a brand still searching for its design language. Some of the renderings evoke the current Maserati Quattroporte, while others suggest the original Volvo Amazon, a mid-sized car that debuted in the mid-1950s. One even paid homage to the teardrop shoulder lines of vintage Talbot Lagos.

"We are exploring the full range of possibilities," said Chris Benjamin, design director at the Camarillo studio. "SPA allows us to create more sleek, more luxurious proportions. The focus is not about having a product you use. It is more of an experience."

But the broad, rounded shoulders that have been a part of Volvo since the late 1990s will remain. And while there may be some sharp creases and character lines, Volvo will not return to the "brick" look that Volvo 240 traditionalists love.

"Design is a subjective thing," Benjamin said. "We are free to do whatever we want."

Although the Concept You unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show displayed more streamlined, fluidic styling than current Volvos, Benjamin said Volvo doesn't want to create too slippery a car. He said: "The better the aerodynamics, the worse the car looks."

Source By: Mark Rechtin, Automotive News