Ford Ka 1.3 TDCI Zetec

With its cheeky looks and fun handling the original Ford Ka has been the favourite small car of a whole generation of drivers. And as we found in our exclusive drive of the 1.2-litre petrol last week (Issue 1036) the all-new model looks set to continue the success story.

This time around, the Ka has another string to its bow – it's available with a diesel. The 1.3-litre unit is the same as the unit which is fitted to its sister car, the Fiat 500, and on the road its 74bhp output means the little oil burner delivers punchier acceleration than 1.2-litre petrol versions.

It’s also smooth enough around town to compliment the light controls. Only available in top spec Zetec trim the diesel commands a £700 premium over the equivalent petrol so it’s the only Ka to break the £10,000 barrier.

Nevertheless, emissions drop to 112g/km, while claimed economy is an impressive 67.3mpg. While diesels currently account for just four per cent of the UK city car market, CO2-based taxation means their popularity is sure to grow. And with Ford expecting 40 per cent of Ka sales to be Zetec models the little diesel should be a big seller.

With new bushes the front axle has been tightened too and with the help of retuned dampers this has allowed Ford to soften the springs by 30 per cent. And the end result is less body roll, a better ride and far more engaging handling. The electric power steering has been reworked too and it’s sharper, better weighted and more communicative than the 500’s.

© Source: autoexpress
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Audi TT-S starts at $45,500

Audi announced today that pricing for its U.S.-spec TT-S will begin at $45,500 for the Coupe model and $47,500 for the open-air Roadster. The TT-S joins the TT 2.0T and TT 3.2 in Audi's lineup, settling atop the range with a turbocharged, direct-inject 2.0L TFSI engine producing 265 hp @ 6,000 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's 15 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque than the TT with Audi's 3.2L V6.

The TT-S Coupe also manages to hit 60 mph in an impressive 4.9 seconds while achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg. Top speed for both the Coupe and Roadster, however, will be electronically limited to 155 mph. For their money, buyers will also get Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission, magnetic ride suspension and the brand's trademark quattro all-wheel-drive system.

If the TT-S is still not fast enough for you, the TT-RS is on its way. While it may not make it to U.S. shores, the TT-RS will pack a 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder producing 340 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, which will be mated to a six-speed manual and quattro all-wheel-drive. 0-60 times for the TT-RS are expected to drop even further down to 4.5 seconds. Expect the price to also go up even further in turn.

© Source: autoblog
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Kizashi concept spied

Suzuki’s Kizashi 3 concept has hit the road and our spies have managed to get the best pictures yet of the Mondeo-rivalling newcomer.


Not set to go on sale until 2010 this is the first time the concept has been spied in the metal testing since it made its debut in New York earlier this year.

Despite the confusing disguise on this test model, it’s clear to see the road car will keep most of the concepts original styling. The main exterior changes have been made to the roofline which is not as raked and now looks more conventional. The swirling alloy wheels have also been dropped and the lights and air-intakes have been replaced leaving a less dramatic looking car.

Engine details are still unconfirmed but it is rumoured the Kizashi will either be getting either an all-wheel-drive 300bhp, 3.6-litre V6 or a front-wheel-driven 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit.

The Kizashi is likely to be manufactured in Suzuki’s new Indian manufacturing plant in Delhi before being shipped around the world. Expect a competitive price tag too.

© Source: autoexpress
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2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Roadster to debut at SEMA

SEMA Show will be all about going retro with the Camaro and Challenger, and here’s more proof: the Challenger SRT8 Roadster concept by Group Five.

The car features chopped windscreen and seats only for two with the rear passenger area being hidden by a tonneau cover. On the exterior the roadster concept will feature a front spoiler, a hood shaker, a redesigned rear bumper with new exhaust pipes and a set of restyled rear LED lights.

Group Five aims to put the car into limited production.

© Source: topspeed
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Rinspeed Xtreme Porsche Cayenne by Toyo Tires

Toyo revealed the vehicle that will be presented at the SEMA Show: the Rinspeed Xtreme Porsche Cayenne. The new vehicle will be fitted with Toyo (of course) Proxes SR II tires and will feature a new suspension kit in order to improve the stability of the SUV.

It doesn’t seem that there are any engine modifications. It would make sense if it this Cayenne just came for the Toyo Tire guys, but because Rinspeed is attached too, we were hoping for a cool scuba mod or at least a few more horses.

© Source: topspeed
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Bugatti plans Sang Noir version of the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Bugatti is going from ultra-exclusive to uber-exclusive with the Veyron Grand Sport. The company has promised to make only 150 examples of the open top Veyron, and yet it feels the need to make a speciality version. According to Car the Veryon 16.4 Grand Sport will have a Sang Noir edition limited to only 15 units (like the coupe version) and will be launched after the "normal" 987bhp Grand Sport becomes available to customers in April.

It’s likely that the Grand Sport version will carry similar traits to the coupe. This means a redesigned front grille, a black background for the headlights, side mirrors featuring same color as the front grille, deep black exterior paint and custom alloy wheels in black.

© Source: topspeed
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McLaren F1 sold for £2.5 million

RM Auctions sold a 1997 McLaren F1 for £2.530.000 (about $4.12 million at current rates). Although this does not come close to the all time record set by a Ferrari GTO for $28.5 million, it does set a new record for McLaren F1 prices and is about four times the origional sales price a little over a decade ago.

The McLaren F1 is powered by a BMW sourced 6.1-liter V12 engine that delivers 627 hp at 7,400 rpm. In March 1998, the F1 hit a record speed of 240.14 mph. It held this record until February 2005 when it was broken by a Koenigsegg CCR going 242.2 mph.

The F1 wasn’t the only high dollar car of the day. The auctions sold a 1965 Ferrari 250 LM Berlinetta and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France each for a price of £2,255,000. A 1938 Horch 853 Special Roadster was sold for £1,127,500 and a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante for £660,000.

© Source: topspeed
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Infiniti G37 S

Meet Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series. Nissan’s luxury brand launches next spring, and the G37 is being billed as an alternative saloon for buyers wanting something distinctive on their drive.

All models in the Infiniti range use a 3.7-litre V6 engine with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed auto gearboxes, as well as four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. Standard equipment is generous, too, with only top-end goodies such as intelligent cruise control, brake assist and a Bose stereo system as options.

Infiniti has been firmly established in the US since 1989, and with its wide grille, odd-shaped lights and jutting rear bumper, the G37’s American influence is clear to see. Inside, the cabin is well built, but the dash and steering wheel plastics feel cheap and can’t match the standards of rivals. Another niggle is with the boot. There’s plenty of space inside, but there’s no external release on the bootlid – you have to push a button on the dash even if the whole car is unlocked.

Fiddly technology aside, the G37 delivers some old-school fun. With its 316bhp petrol V6, it is certainly big on power. Blip the throttle and the twin oval tailpipes emit a growl which is more to the tune of a V8 than a six. On smooth roads, the G37 is a superb cruiser, and overtaking is instant, thanks to the 360Nm of torque on offer.

Meaty steering, wide tyres and the four-wheel-steer system on our test car made for a grippy and engaging drive. However, the suspension is too firm for anything other than motorways, and the ride is harsh, considering this is supposed to be a luxury car. It might be generously specced, but the Infiniti can’t match the likes of BMW in terms of ride, economy or practicality.

© Source: autoexpress
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BMW 6 Series Prototype Spied

BMW’s next-generation 6 Series coupe and convertible, expected to be introduced in 2011, have been spied in early testing. Though heavily camouflaged, the convertible in our photos looks to be longer and lower than the current car, with considerably tighter overhangs front and rear. It’s hard to see the exact lines of course, but the new 6 Series has a smoother, more streamlined look.

The vehicle spotted testing in Germany has a cloth soft top, but closer examination suggests that this may also be part of the camouflage. The wrapped decklid gives the impression that this is a convertible, so the next 6’er just might sport a retractable hardtop, to compete with Mercedes’ SL.

© Source: worldcarfans
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2009 LSE Coupe

At first glance, the 2009 LSE Coupe partly resembles a Range Rover Sport, but if you take a closer look, you’ll notice that instead of four doors, there’s only two—that’s exactly what LSE Design UK CEO Andrew Green wanted you to think. “We designed the car to look like it just rolled out of the manufacturer’s factory; not as if a tuning firm got their hands on it,” he describes. “We wanted it to look natural, so that when people look at it, they wouldn’t be able to see the differences compared to a regular Range Rover Sport.”


For the past 18 months, LSE Design UK designers have been hard at work creating the LSE Coupe to officially unveil at this year’s SEMA Show. Green also raced the Coupe in this past summer’s 10th Anniversary of the Gumball 3000 Rally. Though official specs haven’t been released yet, Green did mention that all the body panels on the LSE Coupe have been redesigned, creating a subtle, but unique look from its original platform. LED lights surrounding the exterior give it a dramatic look, while its panoramic sunroof, 2+2 seating and light performance upgrades definitely sets it apart.

Starting at a base price of $250,000, LSE Coupe owners can fully customize their ride with additional upgrades that allow you to personalize it to your specifications. Under the hood, the standard engine revs out about 500 horsepower, but those who want an extra boost can opt for numerous performance upgrades, such as an ECU enhancement. LSE Design UK is also currently working on building different engine options and a twin-turbo variant.

Additional amenity extras include: shades from a never-ending palate of choices offered from House of Kolor paints; aluminum and metal interior accessories (LSE is working with manufacturers who also do the interior for Bentley, Bugatti and Rolls-Royce); diamond-studded accessories like the speedometer with an individual jewel for each 10 mph increment on the dial; leather, Alacantra and suede interior; tunable exhaust system; performance brake upgrades and so much more. Basically, you pick out what you want your LSE to have, and they’ll ship it to you just the way you want it!

While they are in a partnership with Land Rover, LSE worked out a deal that would allow them to sell the coachbuilt SUV through selected Land Rover dealerships across the country and even provide service under an LSE warranty. While specs are still being announced, Green did mention that LSE will hopefully be coming out with electric variants of the LSE Coupe in the future, as well as a long wheel base Range Rover and maybe even their own coachbuilt SUT.

© Source: dubmag
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2009 Hyundai Grandeur

The 2009 model Grandeur, still based on the Sonata platform, has received minor revisions to the styling and trim both inside and out but the really significant changes are a below $40,000 base price for the V6 petrol engine car and the introduction of a new 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel, first seen in the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.

Hyundai is certainly hoping the price drop will help it shift the Grandeur at a better rate than has been the case to date. Having opened sales in 2006 with 541 leaving dealers, by last year this figure was back to 267 and up to September this year just 90 Grandeurs had been sold.

The problem is that any large car is a hard prospect to shift in the current economic climate, and that’s even harder when you are a company that has made a name by selling small cars cheaply. Hyundai hopes the reposition of its price and simplifying the model to just one specification with a choice of engines will make it more appealing to buyers.

In addition to the 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, which has been the standard fare in the Grandeur to date, the 2009 model will be offered with a 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine. The diesel engine develops 114kW of power at 4000rpm and 343Nm of torque between 1800rpm and 2500rpm.

Both engines use a five-speed automatic gearbox with Selectronic manual shifting and claimed fuel consumption for the diesel is a reasonable, for a large car, 7.9 litres per 100km, while the petrol car claims 10.8 litres per 100km. There is no change in the performance specifications of the 3.8-litre V6 with 194kW of power at 6000rpm and 348Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

The petrol engined car has been reduced in price from $42,990 to $39,990, while the diesel powered Grandeur is priced at $41,990. The only option is metallic/mica paint at $375. Changes to the exterior include a new radiator grille, chrome inserts in the front and rear bumpers, indicators in the door mirrors and new style 17-inch alloy wheels.

© Source: caradvice
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2009 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Bentley Continental GT Speed weighs a staggering 2350kg and can travel at an obscenely fast 326km/h (that’s 202mph) the first Bentley production car to hit the crash through the 200mph barrier. Acceleration from 0-100km/h will take you just 4.5 seconds or quicker than BMW’s M5. Not only that, the Speed can match the M5 in the S-bends too.

Although the engine is essentially the same as in the standard Continental GT, its been tuned to deliver more grunt. Step on the drilled alloy accelerator pedal and get ready for a serious g-force assault. Initially – it feels like the Bugatti Veyron boosting up, as the torque driven acceleration for a car of these proportions, seems positively unnatural.

Power is up nine percent to 449kW and torque has jumped by 15 percent to a huge 750Nm. Despite the substantial increase though, the Speed is only marginally quicker than its GT sibling. Either way, life at full throttle in any Bentley Continental GT, is just a blur.

The Speed’s extra wide 20-inch, 26-spoke forged alloys (the GT gets 19-inch wheels) would have to rate as the word’s best looking wheels, and shod with specially made Pirelli 275/30ZR20 P-ZERO rubber, grip levels through tight bends mean that the laws of physics as I know them, have been re-written by the Bentley boys.

However, when you are dealing in the over $420,000 league, standard is never enough, and optional carbon ceramics are all but mandatory, despite the $30,000 price tag. As always, you get what you pay for, try 420mm x 40mm cross-drilled front discs and 356mm on the rear with eight-piston callipers! With over $450,000 worth of car sitting in your driveway its hard not to feel better than the bloke next door with his unwashed diesel powered VW Polo, but at least he owns his!

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Aston Martin DBS Touchtronic

It’s the pinnacle of the Aston Martin line up and the car of choice for James Bond. And now for the first time the stunning DBS can be ordered with the British firm's Touchtronic gearbox.

The transmission of choice on 90 per cent of standard DB9’s the automatic gearbox has been reworked to suit the sporty nature of the DBS. Aston Martin’s engineers contemplated using the automated manual Sportshift unit from the smaller Vantage but decided that despite its more traditional torque converter set up the automatic Touchtronic could offer the right blend of usability and involvement to keep DBS customers happy.

And the end result is very impressive – when driven in conventional auto mode the gearbox makes the DBS easy to live with in traffic and it copes with low speed manoeuvring better than the automated manual in the Vantage. But given the DBS’s power and focused handling, plenty of driver interaction is crucial and thankfully the steering wheel mounted paddles offer excellent control and a lovely throttle blip on the downshift. The upshifts are 15 per cent faster than in the standard DB9 and if you press the Sport button they are 25 per cent quicker. In addition to making up changes faster the Sport button also gives you a sportier throttle response.

Crucially, if you change up a gear at half throttle the changes are smoother than the Vantage’s Sportshift transmission too and with a shorter final drive ratio, despite being 30kg heavier, the Touchtronic DBS matches the manual’s 0-100mph performance.

Not only that, emissions drop from 388g/km to 367g/km, while claimed combined economy rises from 17.2mpg to a still scary 18.2mpg. But then fuel costs are not high on the list of super car owners concerns and even with its £3,000 price premium over the manual it’s no surprise that Aston Martin predict that the Touchtronic will account for 75 per cent of future DBS orders.

© Source: autoexpress
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2010 Porsche BoxsterCayman leakage

The team at Autoweek.nl supposedly snatched a few images of the facelifted Boxster and Cayman from Porsche's configuration page, revealing a slightly revised set of headlamps and air intakes, along with restyled LED taillights inspired by the 2009 911. But what's mounted amidships is far more important.

The 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman will go on sale next year, rumored to be powered by a new 2.9-liter engine. The standard models will be putting out approximately 265 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque, while the S-equipped line will feature the same engine equipped with direct injection. Output is reported to swell to 320 hp and 274 lb.-ft. of torque, with power being sent to either a six-speed manual or Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

© Source: autoblog
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Hyundai i20

Hitting the big time in small cars has become the holy grail for motor makers desperate to survive our current cash-strapped climate. Hyundai didn’t manage that with its pedestrian Getz. Now it’s hoping that car’s successor, the i20, will be able to take the fight to big guns such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.

The i20 is longer, lower and wider than the Getz, so while its predecessor was instantly forgettable, the newcomer is rather stylish. There’s neat detailing around the front and pronounced lines that run the length of the doors. In terms of looks, the i20 is not unlike a cross between a Mazda 2 and the Corsa.

The five-door that we drove will be in showrooms in January, while the three-door – which is simply shorter, rather than a different shape – comes four months later. Inside, Hyundai has played it safe. The design is functional and clear, and looks stylish without resorting to gimmicks. And as with the exterior, it’s all very well put together with tight, accurate lines around panels.

Boot space is a handy 295 litres, which is bigger than either the Corsa or new Fiesta. And while the rear seats don’t perform the one-touch folding tricks of the Honda Jazz, they do split and fold flat, although the seat backs are slightly higher than the boot floor. Put them back up, and there’s space for a six-footer to sit behind another six-footer. Headroom is generous for rear seat passengers, as is foot space, while legroom is the only constraint.

Where the i20 really scores is with standard kit. Even the entry-level Classic gets air-con, CD player, MP3 socket and electric windows. Owners of the i20 will also get six airbags as standard and active head restraints which move forwards to cushion against whiplash injuries. These are measures Hyundai believes will lead to the car winning five stars in Euro NCAP’s safety tests. The firm estimates the i20 will be priced around £1,000 less than the equivalent Fiesta, so the range should start at about £8,000.

The Korean firm is further appealing to our rediscovered thriftiness with the engines on offer. The range includes the 1.2-litre petrol used in the i10, plus the i30’s 1.4-litre unit. But the headline grabbers will be the 75bhp and 90bhp 1.4-litre diesels that both return 64.2mpg and 116g/km of CO2. The 90bhp oil-burner is a relaxed cruiser, although you have to work it surprisingly hard for any turn of speed. The i20’s new chassis is a big step forward over the lacklustre Getz. It corners with composure, and the electric power-steering is responsive and accurate.

© Source: autoexpress
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2009 Nissan 370Z official images

Following the mass hype surrounding spy shots of the prototype car around the Nürburgring, Nissan has released the first official images of its highly anticipated 370Z Coupe. These official images confirm what many suspected regarding the design of the new coupe, including the Maxima-inspired headlamps and tail lights.

However Nissan has now also indirectly confirmed that the new Z car will use the 3.7-litre VQ37VHR V6 engine by officially referring to the new model as the 370Z for the first time.

This same engine is currently used in the Infiniti G37 Coupe where it develops around 246kW; however this is speculated to have jumped by as much as 15kW for the 370Z. Nissan has boasted that this new model would target the German sports coupes, having used the BMW Z4 M and Porsche Cayman S as benchmarks during development.

This also supports current speculation which suggests the 370Z could eventually be offered with an optional DSG transmission, given its recent inclusion in the Porsche range as well as the success of Nissan’s own DSG transmission in the GT-R.

The all-new 370Z will go on sale in Europe from early 2009. Full details and specifications are set to be released on to coincide with its global debut on November 19.

© Source: caradvice
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Superformance MKIII-R roadster

Another car from the ’refuses to die’ file is the Shelby Cobra. Official replica maker Superformance is one of the largest makers of the Cobra kit, and they also add improvements to the spartan racer. The latest evolution of the fiberglass kit is the Special Edition MKIII-R developed in collaboration with Roush.

Customers can choose from a variety of Roush crate motors including the 427 IR V8 that is dyno tested at 576 horsepower and comes with a 2-year/24,000 mile warranty. The MKIII features custom Cobra seats with four-point harnesses, black chrome trim, Roush floor mats and short throw shifter, custom Roush-engraved wind wings, and a unique Monza Red paint scheme with silver stripes and black pin stripes.

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Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet spied

While at first this may appear to be the new CLK Coupe, a second glance reveals this latest prototype from Mercedes boasts a folding hard top roof.

While the camouflage for the most part disguises the roofline, a joint between the windshield and roof clearly indicates this is the next-generation CLK Cabriolet.

Other subtle revisions support this inference such as the heavily disguised C-pillar and longer boot lid.

The new CLK twins will be based on the current C-Class saloon, with predictable revisions to the chassis in order to meet its performance expectations.

The engine line-up will be largely carried over from the C-Class range, including a V8 power plant for the CLK 500.

The CLK Coupe version is expected to arrive in Europe by summer 2009, with the Cabriolet version following a few months later.

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Subaru Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary Edition

Subaru is celebrating the Impreza WRX STI's 20th birthday with the launch of a special edition model that will be available only in Japan, with production limited to only 300 vehicles. The Impreza WRX STI 20th Anniversary gets a sportier suspension setup with new coilover dampers, while exterior upgrades include the addition of a flat black front lip spoiler and rear wing, as well as special decals and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

The commemorative edition’s interior is enhanced with a set of Recaro bucket seats decorated with cherry-red stitching, and an STI leather gearbox knob. Prices are set in Japan at 4,126,500 Yen, which comes to around $42,000 US with the current exchange rates.

© Source: dubmag
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Audi S4 Avant

It has been 76 years since Audi last used a supercharged engine in one of its cars. Instead, it has favoured compact turbos for some its most famous sporting models, including the legendary Quattro coupé.

But the blower is back in fashion at Audi, and there’s one under the bonnet of the latest S4. The new 328bhp 3.0-litre V6 is smaller and slightly less powerful than the 339bhp 4.2-litre V8 of the previous S4, but more importantly, it packs more torque – another 30Nm at 440Nm. And with 90 per cent of that thrust available from 2,200rpm, it promises to be a responsive drive. On paper, the figures are certainly impressive, with a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Thanks to the engine’s smaller capacity, there are improvements in efficiency, too, so the new S4 returns 29.4mpg combined and emits 224g/km of CO2.

Once on the road, all thoughts of economy vanish as you explore the engine’s power. The quad exhaust pipes emit a pleasing growl as the rev counter sweeps around the dial, and that torque really makes itself known – no matter what gear you’re in. Only a faint whine from the supercharger reminds you how it manages this feat.

But this car is about so much more than just a big engine. For a start, the S4 is available with Audi’s new seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission, which debuted on the Q5 compact SUV (see Issue 1,025), as well as a bespoke six-speed manual. The company expects the former to be the biggest seller in the UK, and we can see why. Full throttle upshifts are executed quickly, while the downshifts are accompanied by a pleasing blip of the throttle to smooth out the changes. Steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters complete the set-up.

While the standard A4 is a handsome car, the flagship adds some trademark S-style muscle. There are aluminium-look mirror housings, 18-inch alloys, two pairs of chrome exhaust tips and subtle badging. Overall it looks purposeful, but restrained, particularly in Avant estate form driven here, although it may not be aggressive enough for some buyers.

© Source: autoexpress
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2012 BMW 8 Series CGI

The first of our computer generated images through this morning show BMW’s stunning new saloon car, the 8 Series, as a longer, more sleek rival to the Mercedes Benz CLS.

Though information is scarce at this point, the pics draw strong resemblance to the Concept CS seen at Shanghai Motor Show last year.

We predict the 8 Series will be based on the underpinnings of the new 7 Series (due late this year) and will be a four seat luxury rival to challenge the likes of Mercedes Benz’s aforementioned CLS as well as the forth coming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

It is likely the 8 Series will be of aluminium and carbon fibre construction to reduce weight and is rumoured to be powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine that will be manufactured by adding two cylinders to BMW’s existing V10 engine as found in the M5.

We’ll be sure to bring you more news on the 8 Series as it comes to hand.

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2011 Mercedes Benz CLS CGI

Perhaps not to be outdone by the news of BMW’s 8 Series this morning, our graphic artist has come out with a first look at Mercedes-Benz’s revised CLS model due here in 2011.

The stunning saloon will be the second of its kind from the iconic brand to be offered with a hybrid powertrain, which will be shared with the forthcoming S400 due for release here mid next year.

The elegant four door coupe will retain much of the current CLS traits sharing existing power plants and underpinnings though with revised sheet metal for a fresher, more flowing appeal than that of the existing model which was first seen here in 2005.

CLS II and S400 Hybrid models will make use of Lithium-Ion batteries to save weight with pre-production testing said to be well underway.

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Bentley Continental GTC Speed spied

These are the first images of what will become the convertible version of the Bentley GT Speed - likely to be named the GTC Speed.

Spied here at the Nurburgring, it will become the fastest drop-top Bentley has built in its 90-year long history.

Power is likely to be on par with its hard-top sibling, developing around 550kW from its twin-turbocharged W12 engine.

From a standstill, the GTC Speed should take just 4.5 seconds to reach 100km/h and keep going to a top speed beyond 320km/h.

As with its ‘Speed’ spec coupe sibling, the GTC Speed will boast wider wheels compared to the standard GT and more prominent exhaust pipes.

However to accommodate its folding roof, it seems the rear spoiler has shrunk slightly.

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Renault Sand’up Concept

Renault unveiled at the Sao Paolo auto salon from Brazil, the Sand’up Concept based on the Sandero Stepway. The Sand’up is a 2+2 modular model: it can be either a coupe, but can also be converted into a convertible pick-up.

The Sand’up is the perfect car for four-passengers who wants to enjoy a trip into a convertible pick-up. The car sits on 18 inches wheels.

The Concept is powered by a 1.6 liter 16V Hi-Flex engine that delivers 107 hp when run on petrol and 112 hp when working on ethanol. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 10,6 s (petrol) /10,5 s (ethanol).

© Source: topspeed
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2009 Mazda3 MPS spied at Nürburgring

Crowned by most as the performance-hatch king, the hotly anticipated successor to the Mazda3 MPS has been spied lapping the Nürburgring.

To ensure there is no mistaking this hot-hatch for its naturally-aspirated siblings, Mazda has included a seemingly WRX-inspired hood scoop and oversized spoiler.

Sources confirm that the new model will again be powered by the current 2.3-litre turbocharged unit expected to produce an identical 190kW.

This leads to question if this is strictly a make-over or whether Mazda has thrown in a few additional performance goodies.

This next-generation MPS certainly has a rather impressive twin from which to borrow inspiration - namely the new Ford Focus RS and its highly acclaimed RevoKnuckle suspension system which apparently eliminates the need for all-wheel drive.

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Kahn Rexton R

Last time we covered SsangYong we noted with concern the Koreans’ lack of new hot products to sizzle the market and get people interested in the brand. Not sure if they listened, but Project Kahn certainly did, well, after a fair amount of convincing from SsangYong. With very little to work from, admitted Afzal Kahn himself, they didn’t underestimate the task at hand concerning this Rexton tune-up, now called Kahn Rexton R-Line post-makeover.

Six months later the results are there for all to see, and Kahn is rightly proud of the work done. He was heard to say: “I believe we have delivered an outstanding product that proves there we know exactly what we are doing and can add our touch to any car. I challenge anyone to bring me any car and I will give it that unique edge.”

Work involved lowering the 7-seater SUV’s all-round independent suspension, inserting a bespoke Kahn exhaust system, 22-inch Kahn Design alloy wheels and Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic gearbox to run that 4x4 arrangement. Laziness-boosters include parking sensors, hill descent control, heatable (is that a real word?) seats and an optional Kenwood nav system. The latter plus a rear spoiler happen to be the only options for this £29,995 package.

© Source: worldcarfans
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