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The Fiat 500 Abarth has officially made its debut at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.  Fiat’s Chief Marketing Officer, Olivier Francois, was on hand for the unveiling of the new model and gave insight into the heritage of the Abarth name.   The Abarth brand is synonymous with the successful racing cars of the 1960s piloted by Karl Abarth.  Like the racing models of the past, the 2012 Fiat Abarth will be fit for the track with a number of performance upgrades.  Based on the current Fiat 500 Sport, the Abarth gets a tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, a spo...]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:55:45 -0500
Meet the Subaru BRZ concept STI, one of the highlights of this weekend’s Los Angeles Auto Show and a step into uncharted territory for the Subaru brand.  Wednesday’s unveiling was the first showing of the concept in actual sheet metal after a month or so of artist’s renderings floating around the web.   Styling for the sexy new BRZ is that of a true 2+2 sports coupe with a low, wide stance, flared rear fenders, and a large spoiler mounted on the trunk lid.  The proportions are far more reminiscent of the bygone Toyota Supra than that of any Subaru we&rsqu...]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:38:08 -0500
Porsche made its mark on the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show with the unveiling of two new vehicles as well as plans to build a fifth Porsche Performance Center located in the heart of sunny Southern California.  Members of the press bore witness to the North American debut of the stunning, new seventh generation of the hallowed 911 as well as the world premier of the Panamera GTS sports sedan.   2012 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S   Carrera-philes should be thrilled to know that Porsche has, once again, managed to vastly improve its flagship model, the 911, while staying t...]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:07:11 -0500
Jaguar has just unveiled the concept for what will become their next generation sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  Dubbed the C-X16, the new two-seater is the smallest Jag built since 1954 and seems to be aimed directly at the heart of the Porsche 911 Carrera.   The handsome production concept represents a new design direction for the Jaguar marque.  Global Brand Director, Adrian Hallmark, stated, "The C-X16 embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a c...]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:11:37 -0400
In just a couple of weeks, Audi will be unveiling its new line of S models at this year’s Frankfurt International Auto Show.  The S6, S6 Avant, S7 Sportback, and the S8 will debut featuring an all-new smaller displacement, fuel-efficient twin-turbo V8 replacing the thirsty 5.2-liter V10 from the previous models.   The new 4.0-liter TFSI V8 is part of Audi’s engine downsizing strategy that is drastically reducing fuel consumption while improving performance.  The improved efficiency is accomplished through the advent of new technologies including an engine start-st...]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:03:31 -0400
Bentley is giving back by partnering with other businesses across England to raise 1 million pounds for charity.  Various craftspeople and designers from Bentley have been charged with the task of engineering a series of unique collector’s items that will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting the Prince’s Trust.   The handcrafted items that will go to auction are based on the materials and processes that go into developing a Bentley vehicle itself.  The list of approximately 20 one-off items includes a chess set with pieces milled from aluminum, a coffee ...]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:48:00 -0400
As part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebration, Acura is introducing a special edition model of their entry-level sedan, the TSX.  For the 2012 model year, the TSX SE will receive exterior and interior upgrades giving the car a sportier look and feel.   On the outside, the 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition gets a more youthful appearance thanks to an exclusive body kit that includes a front spoiler, rear fascia, and new side sills.  The 17-inch 5-spoke rims at the corners receive a polished finish with a gunmetal background.  Finally, a “Special Edition&...]]> Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:17:33 -0400
The long-awaited seventh-generation of the iconic Porsche 911 Carrera will be officially unveiled in Frankfurt this coming September.  In the meantime, the company has given us a sampling of the official specifications as well as a baker’s dozen high-res photos to sate our appetites until then.   Porsche’s “evolution, not revolution” design strategy is apparent as the new model is unmistakably a 911 Carrera.  Updates include a wheelbase extended by 3.9 inches and a noticeably lowered overall height.  A new front fascia featuring 911 turbo-esque in...]]> Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:46:49 -0400
 Although all we have now is an artist’s rough sketch, we will soon be given an up close and personal look at the next generation Jaguar sports car with the C-X16 production concept.  Next month, the exciting concept will be unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The vehicle has been engineered by the same team, under the supervision of Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum, which brought us the newest renditions of the XJ, XF, and XK models that have rejuvenated the Jaguar brand.  Callum said of the C-X16, ”Great Jaguars have always bee...]]> Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:21:07 -0400
Meet the Cadillac Ciel concept, a four-door, four-seat convertible inspired by the California coast.  The Ciel, which means sky in French, was, fittingly, unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California this past weekend.  Built as a grand-touring car for top-down cruising, the elegant Caddy is a celebration of the journey rather than the destination.    Measuring in at about 12 inches longer than the CTS sedan, the Ciel is a rather grand gesture of Cadillac’s Art and Science design language with proportions reminiscent of the classi...]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:56:36 -0400
After releasing the third generation of their popular SLK roadster this past June, Mercedes-Benz is expanding said lineup with the 2012 SLK55 AMG.  The most powerful SLK of all time will feature unique styling, improved power and performance, reduced fuel consumption, and new driver assistance and safety technology.  The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster is decidedly more masculine than its predecessors, featuring a long sloped hood, rear-biased cockpit, and a relatively short rear end, which combine to give the 2-seater a “ready to pounce” stance.  Up front the car...]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:30:06 -0400
Infiniti has taken the wraps off their new full-size luxury crossover concept, the JX.   Thursday, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Infiniti Senior Vice President, Shiro Nakamura, lifted the veil from the concept, which has been teased over the past couple of months through the company’s Facebook page.  The concept shown at Pebble Beach is said to be very similar to the production model of the 3-row, 7-passenger vehicle that will join Infiniti’s lineup in the spring of 2012.   Implementing styling cues borrowed from the Infiniti Essence concept...]]> Sun, 21 Aug 2011 04:37:55 -0400
Yesterday, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Lexus finally unveiled the all-new 2013 GS 350 sedan that they have been teasing for the last few months or so.  The debut of the 4th generation of the highly acclaimed mid-size luxury sedan was the highlight of Thursday’s press events and Toyota Motor Company president, Akio Toyoda was on the scene to help present the new model.   A new, aggressive design, spacious high-tech interior, and more driver-oriented performance were the main talking points of the press conference.  Lexus group VP and general manag...]]> Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:19:24 -0400
The creative minds at the Bespoke customization division of Rolls Royce are expanding their offerings with an exclusive collection built to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon.  Representing power and prosperity, the dragon is a symbol revered in the Chinese culture.     The Year of the Dragon Collection includes luxurious styling cues available on both the Rolls Royce Phantom and the Phantom Extended Wheelbase.  On the exterior, a twin coachline featuring a hand-painted gold dragon lines the side of the vehicle always facing forward to maintain symmetry. &n...]]> Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:32:07 -0400
Mercedes Benz USA is giving away a chance to attend the one-day Intensive Basic Course at the AMG Driving Academy.  Via the company’s Facebook page, fans may now view 10 newly released “AMG Performance Series Videos” as well as register for a chance to get behind the wheel of various AMG vehicles on prestigious tracks such as Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, and Lime Rock Park.   Professional race driver Tommy Kendall hosts the “AMG Performance Series Videos,” which educate viewers on the fundamentals of race driving.  The 10-part series provides &lsqu...]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:48:40 -0400
Ford is now offering a unique “Track Attack” experience to purchasers of the high performance 2012 Mustang Boss 302.  Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah will host new Boss owners who register for the complimentary program within one year of receiving their vehicle.  Guests attending the Boss Track Attack will receive extensive time on the track as well as professional instruction from the experts at Ford High Performance Driving School.    The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is the best handling and fastest production Mustang to date.  Outfitted for tr...]]> Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:13:35 -0400
Honda is expanding their North American vehicle production with a new plant in Guanajuato, Mexico.  An $800 million investment from Honda will fund the production of new fuel-efficient subcompact vehicles beginning in 2014.   The new plant will cover a 5.66 million square meter plot of land and is expected to provide 3,200 jobs.  At full capacity, 200,000 subcompact vehicles will be produced annually.  This increase will bump up total North American Honda production from the current 1.63 million units to 1.83 million.   As with their other plants, Honda is committ...]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:19:41 -0400
Ford is expanding their truck lineup with the special edition 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150.  Continuing a collaboration with the American motorcycle builder, the 2012 model will represent the 10th Harley-Davidson F-150 produced by Ford since the brands first teamed up in 1999.   The 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 receives distinctive new styling cues including a modern new front fascia and horizontal billet-style grill.  Deployable running boards and 22-inch machined alloy rims with painted accents add to the lowered appearance of the truck.   Two paint colors are a...]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:08:47 -0400
Audi has upgraded their base-line engine, the 1.8-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder.  The new powerplant, now with more power and improved efficiency, will debut in the 2012 Audi A5.   Despite its diminutive stature, the 4-pot packs quite a punch with just over 236 lb-ft of torque available as low as 1,400 rpm.  Maximum output is rated at 170 horsepower at 3,800 rpm.   When under the hood of the A5 coupe outfitted with a manual transmission, the 1.8-liter accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.9 seconds.  Keep the pedal down and the speedo will climb to an electro...]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:19:44 -0400
Infiniti is refreshing their popular FX luxury crossover for the 2012 model year with a facelift as well as a new Limited Edition model.  Going on sale this coming October, the FX35 and FX50 get a bold new front fascia with a large, polished horizontal grill.  New 20-inch ten spoke wheels will grace the four corners as standard equipment as well.   Pricing has been modified slightly to reflect the upgrade in equipment.  The base model Infiniti FX35 starts at $43,450 and ranges up to $51,550 for the FX35 Limited Edition.  The FX50 now starts at $59,350.   A 3....]]> Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:41:38 -0400
General Motors is spicing up the Cadillac lineup with two new models set to launch in 2012.  A large, luxury sedan, called the XTS, and a compact luxury sports sedan, codenamed the ATS will join the already successful CTS family.  The new vehicles will target a broader demographic for Cadillac, highlighted in part by a marketing partnership with MTV.   Two sizable investments from GM are allowing the aggressive expansion of the Cadillac brand.  First, $190 million was allocated to the Lansing, Michigan plant creating 600 dedicated jobs for the production of the new ATS....]]> Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:52:51 -0400
Lexus has given us a single photo to tease the unveiling of the new fourth-generation GS 350 luxury sport sedan.  The car has received a complete redesign for the interior and the exterior and will be revealed to the World at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18th.   Though the teaser photo itself isn’t very revealing we can make out a couple of new details, namely the bold new front fascia with an oversized grill, which Lexus claims will be making its way onto their entire next generation of vehicles.  Sleek new angular headlights, rem...]]> Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:07:58 -0400
Next month at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mazda will debut its all-new CX-5 crossover SUV.  The new model, which will begin hitting global markets in early 2012, will be the first vehicle to showcase Mazda’s new design theme as well as a line of new gasoline and diesel powerplants.   Dynamic lines and a more prominent front end highlight the new design theme, dubbed “KODO – Soul of Motion”.  The new look first appeared on Mazda’s SHINARI and MINAGI concept vehicles and will soon make its way into the next generation of Mazda vehicles.   ...]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:23:19 -0400
Toyota has announced pricing for the 2012 model year FJ Cruiser, Highlander, and Land Cruiser SUV’s.  The MSRP has increased marginally for both the FJ and the Land Cruiser while the Highlander, unchanged from the 2011 model year, does not see an increase in price.   With a base price of $28,090 for a two-wheel drive automatic four-cylinder model, the Highlander lineup ranges up to $37,045 for a Limited model with V6 power and four-wheel drive.  The Highlander Hybrid ranges from $38,140 for the base model to $43,795 in Limited form.   The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser s...]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:30:16 -0400
I wanted to love the American version of Top Gear, and I told myself I could give it a fair shot without comparing every aspect to the much loved British version, of which I’ve always been a huge fan.  Well, for the most part, I’ve failed miserably.  Though I found the American show compelling in many ways, I couldn’t help but think to myself how much more I’d enjoy hearing the soothing voice of Jeremy Clarkson or how much faster the British Stig could pilot that Lambo around the test track.  That being said, the new version is unique as well as redeem...]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:31:42 -0400
Let’s just say you’ve got the six figures lying around to buy that new Ferrari you’ve been salivating over.  So what’s stopping you? Perhaps the sky-high maintenance costs it requires to keep the Italian prancing horse on the road?  Prospective buyers can now set their minds at ease as Ferrari North America has announced a new free seven-year scheduled maintenance program.   On the heels of the most profitable six months in the company’s history, Ferrari is waiving the cost of all scheduled maintenance including labor, replacement parts, and lubr...]]> Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:43:37 -0400
This morning in Frankfurt, BMW unveiled two new concept vehicles that preview the company’s upcoming “i” sub-brand.  The BMW i3, set to launch in 2013, and the i8, coming in 2014, will be the first models in a lineup of electrically powered, super efficient i vehicles.  The subcompact i3 will debut first featuring a 100% emission free drivetrain powered by a 167-horespower electric motor.  With a body comprised largely of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), the 4-seat city car achieves an impressively low curb weight of just 1,250 kg.  The low weig...]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:39:41 -0400
Infiniti has sought out the assistance of local community college students in Nashville, Tennessee for a unique project involving their luxury full-size SUV, the QX56.  The focus of the one-off project is on the powerful yet efficient engine that lies beneath the hood, and the versatility thereof.    With 400 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque and a 5,800-pound towing capacity, the 5.6-liter V8 of the Infiniti QX56 is the perfect powerplant for hauling the boat up to the lake for the weekend.  But, is it fit to power the boat itself?   With assistance from Infiniti ...]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:22:28 -0400
Honda has given us a glimpse of the 2012 CR-V Concept that will go on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year.  The 4th generation of the best selling SUV will feature bold styling, improved efficiency, and more versatility.   The styling for the new CR-V concept is highlighted by a more masculine front end with a more SUV-like upswept front bar, a large 3-bar grill, and smoked angular headlights.  The small SUV sits more aggressively as well with a broader stance and flared fenders covering large 5-spoke alloy rims.  The bulbous rear-end of the small SUV will retai...]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:59:48 -0400
Here comes the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series, looking like it drove straight off the DTM circuit.  The 4th installment in the lineage of limited edition Black Series vehicles is the most powerful C-Class to date and brings a potpourri of track-ready technology to the public roads.   Ready to live up to AMG’s new mantra of “Driving Performance”, the 2012 C63 Coupe Black Series is powered by a high-tech, high-revving 6.3-liter V8 with forged innards borrowed from the über-luxe Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.  With a maximum output of 510 horsepower...]]> Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:51:45 -0400