Auto Mobiles Updates

CARSCOOP

2012-02-15T04:05:00.001-08:00

CARSCOOP

The Story Behind Joe, the Man who Excavated his Basement Using Only R/C Scale Models
Evoms Tuned Porsche 997 Turbo with 610HP is No Match for Godzilla SPE750
Saab Dealers Abandoning Ship as Liquidation Looks Inevitable
All-New Audi RS4 Avant with 450PS V8 Makes Official Debut [38 Photos]
Mitt Romney Attacks Obama for how he Handled the 2009 Bailout of U.S. Auto Industry
EVO Pits Porsche Boxster Spyder Against Audi’s R8 Spyder
Meet Stryker, the 2013 SRT Viper's New Venomous Logo
New Hyundai Azera Starts from $32,000*, a $6,605 Premium Over its Predecessor
Video Animation Walk us Around the New B-MAX
SPY SHOTS: 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Begins Testing
New Audi RS4 Avant Photos Leaked, gets 4.2-liter V8 Delivering 450-Horses
Hammer UTV Racer Comes to a Very Abrupt Stop [NSFW]
Refreshed and More Powerful 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Priced from $24,250*
2013 Porsche 911 GT3 to Ditch Manual Gearbox in Favor of PDK?
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Tori Praver Spreads Out for New 2013 Lexus GS
BMW Wins Another Contract to Supply Munich's Police with Patrol Cars
Dodge Recalling Close to 10,000 Charger Police Cars to Fix Electronic Glitches
BMW DesignworksUSA's New Síragon All-in-one Computer
Caterham Readying All-New Sports Car for 2015, But it's Not for U.S.
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe and Convertible Come to the UK, Prices Start from £34,995
Ford Drops Another Picture of B-MAX, Says it will Debut the MPV at the Mobile World Congress
Mazda Releases UK Pricing and Specifications on New CX-5

The Story Behind Joe, the Man who Excavated his Basement Using Only R/C Scale Models

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 06:45 PM PST

We don't know what's more astounding; the fact that for the past seven years, someone had the patience and the know-how to dig his basement using only radio controlled scale models, or that his feat went by unnoticed by the viewing masses for such a long time.

Whatever the case, we were surely amazed by Joe, who prefers to be known by his first name only, and his devotion to his favorite hobby.

After we published the story last week, Joe, who is from Saskatchewan, Canada, came into contact with Carscoop to give us an insight on his incredible hobby and how it became to be.

Here's hoping that after reading his story that follows below, some readers will rethink their assumptions about Joe and his work.

Evoms Tuned Porsche 997 Turbo with 610HP is No Match for Godzilla SPE750

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:59 PM PST

Remember a video of an SP Engineering-tuned Nissan GT-R 750 being chased on a twisty road by a Ferrari 458 Italia that we showed you last November?

Well, the same person that uploaded the aforementioned clip has released a fresh video with the 750-horsepower Godzilla playing around with an Evoms Porsche 997 Turbo with 610HP on a straight line.

See how it plays out in the video that follows after the jump.

Saab Dealers Abandoning Ship as Liquidation Looks Inevitable

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 04:30 PM PST

Three weeks ago, the receivers that handle Saab's assets after the company was officially declared bankrupt confirmed that there are many parties interested in acquiring the Swedish carmaker, or whatever is left of it.

Up until now, no offer has materialized and with each passing day, the chances of the Trolhattan-based company becoming history are increasing. Therefore, Saab's 900 dealers around the globe are looking for alternatives.

All-New Audi RS4 Avant with 450PS V8 Makes Official Debut [38 Photos]

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 03:59 PM PST

After we got our first-taste of the new RS4 through a handful of leaked images earlier today, Audi has now officially pulled the sheets off the flagship model of its A4 series.

The RS4 makes its comeback as a station wagon featuring the same 4.2-liter V8 engine found in the RS5 models. The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder unit is good for 450PS (444bhp) at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm. That's a 30bhp improvement over the previous RS4.

Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear with a default 40:60 ratio, transfer power to the road.

According to the German automaker, the RS4 Avant can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.7 seconds and reach a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155mph), which can be increased to 280 km/h (174mph) upon request, while consuming less than 11lt/100km on average (21.4mpg US).

Mitt Romney Attacks Obama for how he Handled the 2009 Bailout of U.S. Auto Industry

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 03:01 PM PST

The automotive industry is once again involved in politics and more specifically, this year's presidential elections. This time it's Republican candidate former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney, who attacked President Barack Obama's handling of the 2009 bailout.

In an op-ed published today at the Detroit News, Romney criticizes Obama of "instead of doing the right thing and standing up to union bosses, he rewarded them".

Romney stated that the companies should have entered and then exited bankruptcy, but that "by the spring of 2009, instead of the free market doing what it does best, we got a major taste of crony capitalism, Obama-style."

EVO Pits Porsche Boxster Spyder Against Audi’s R8 Spyder

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 02:08 PM PST

The second-generation of Porsche's Boxster roadster has been superseded by a brand-new model, which will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Porsche's tradition of rolling out special editions of its standard models is legendary, but understandably, it's too early for anything other than the standard Boxster and Boxster S in its range.

Likewise, the Audi R8 is expected to get a mild facelift this year, with the most significant change being the replacement of the so-last-year single clutch semi-automatic gearbox by a modern twin-clutch transmission.

Despite all this, EVO magazine has decided to compare the 2009 Boxster Spyder against the V8 version of Audi's R8 Spyder. The two cars have certain things in common: they are both open-top, mid-engined sports cars made by German premium manufacturers and they were launched in 2009.

Meet Stryker, the 2013 SRT Viper's New Venomous Logo

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 01:45 PM PST

With each new generation of the Chrysler Group's Viper sports car comes a new interpretation of the snake logo and the same holds true for the next model that will be officially unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April.

Following last month's release of the black and white teaser of the new Viper, which will be marketed under the SRT brand instead of Dodge, the Detroit automaker has now revealed the new and more sinister looking "venomous" logo nicknamed "Stryker".

New Hyundai Azera Starts from $32,000*, a $6,605 Premium Over its Predecessor

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 01:46 PM PST

More often than not, building better vehicles comes at a price but Hyundai's clientele may not be very happy about the company's pricing strategy with the brand-new 2012 Azera that starts at $32,000 (€24,500), not including an $875 delivery and handling fee that pushes the price to $32,875.

Granted, the redesigned Azera costs $4,725 less than the 2012 Lexus ES350 ($36,725), but it's also $6,605 more expensive than its predecessor and only $2,400 cheaper than Hyundai's more upscale and powerful Genesis V6 sedan, which features a 333HP 3.3-liter engine linked to an 8-speed auto.

Video Animation Walk us Around the New B-MAX

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 12:36 PM PST

Ford's teaser train of the new B-MAX continues to roll down the track with the release of the first animated video of the car. The short clip walks us around the small MPV and shows the regular front and sliding rear doors in action.

You can read more about the B-MAX in our previous posts; we'll just remind you that the Fiesta-based minivan will make its first appearance at the 2012 Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain on February 27 before it heads to the Geneva Motor Show in March.

SPY SHOTS: 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Begins Testing

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 12:06 PM PST

What we have here are the first scoop pictures of the next generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan caught while undergoing preliminary tests in Europe. The C-Class is a very important model for the German automaker as it's one of Mercedes' top sellers worldwide.

Parent company Daimler has already revealed that the new iteration will arrive in the market in 2014 and that for the first time ever, it will be built on North American soil at its Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama. Currently, the C-Class is manufactured at Mercedes plants in Germany, China and South Africa.

These first photos of the 2014 model suggest that the new C-Class will get sportier proportions with a shorter tail and front overhangs, and a swoopier roofline. Like the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz's BMW 3-Series rival will adopt many styling cues from the F800 study showcased at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

New Audi RS4 Avant Photos Leaked, gets 4.2-liter V8 Delivering 450-Horses

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 11:26 AM PST

The all-new Audi RS4 Avant is not much of a secret anymore as the first official pictures along with some initial details leaked onto the web today.

As we reported in our scoop story on Monday, the 2013 Audi RS4 adopts the RS5's improved 4.2-liter V8 engine rated at 450PS (444bhp) and 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft), channeled to the road through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system.

We also learn today that the new RS4 Avant allegedly completes the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.7 seconds, a tenth of a second slower than the lighter but also far less practical and roomy RS5 Coupe.

Audi's engineers also made changes to the suspension setup and fitted the RS4 with a more potent braking system and 19-inch wheels shod in low profile, high-performance tires.

Hammer UTV Racer Comes to a Very Abrupt Stop [NSFW]

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 11:33 AM PST

Just because you can go faster than other participants at some point in a race, doesn't necessarily mean that you should (at least not always) because you might be in for a very nasty surprise as Matt Messer and his co-driver found out during the 2012 King Of The Hammers UTV race last week. Read more »

Refreshed and More Powerful 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Priced from $24,250*

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 10:33 AM PST

We get our first look at the updated Hyundai Genesis Coupe for the North American market at last month's Detroit Motor Show and now the South Korean automaker has released details on pricing and specifications before it goes on sale in March.

The 2013 model continues to be available with two engine options, but the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four now produces 274-horses (+64hp) and 275 lb.-ft. (+52 lb-ft) of peak torque, while the 3.8-liter V6 gains direct-injection technology pushing output to 348-horsepower (+42hp) and 295 lb.-ft (+29 lb-ft).

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 to Ditch Manual Gearbox in Favor of PDK?

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 10:08 AM PST

When the all-new 911 broke cover right before the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show, it was hailed as an important step in the evolution of Porsche's rear-engined sports car.

The 991 combines the signature 911 shape updated for the 21st century with a longer wheelbase and a wider front track for extra stability while it's also more powerful yet more frugal.

What's not to like about the 991, then – apart, of course, from the little detail that it's out of reach for many of us? Well, the electromechanical steering that replaced the hydraulic unit in the name of reducing fuel consumption, was received with mixed feelings.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Tori Praver Spreads Out for New 2013 Lexus GS

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 09:27 AM PST

Lexus is playing the curvalicious card of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Tori Praver in its latest campaign for the all-new 2013 GS sedan.

As the official automotive marketing partner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit property, the Japanese company is taking advantage (or so to speak…) of Praver and using her in a multi-faceted campaign called TORI 500, showcasing an actual racetrack designed around her body.

BMW Wins Another Contract to Supply Munich's Police with Patrol Cars

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 08:58 AM PST

For the past 50 years, the BMW Group has been providing patrol cars to the German city of Munich and this tradition continues with a new contract that will see the automaker supplying several hundred vehicles a year to the Bavarian Police.

Under the new deal, BMW will produce specially modified versions of its new 2012 3-Series sedan and its upcoming Touring sibling, along with the 5-Series sedan and Touring models, and for the first time ever, the X3 crossover as well.

Dodge Recalling Close to 10,000 Charger Police Cars to Fix Electronic Glitches

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 08:27 AM PST

The Chrysler Group has issued a recall on certain Dodge Charger police vehicles from the 2011-2012 model years to address two electronic problems. The recall affects 9,688 patrol cars in the U.S.

The Detroit automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that in some cars, the low beam headlamps could fail due to an overheated bulb harness connector, while in other vehicles, the ABS/ESC systems may stop functioning due to an overheated power distribution center.

BMW DesignworksUSA's New Síragon All-in-one Computer

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 07:44 AM PST

Thermaltake isn't the only company in the broader computer industry that has tapped the styling expertise of the BMW Group subsidiary DesignworksUSA for its products.

Síragon, which is a Venezuelan manufacturer and assembler of personal computing products and consumer electronics such as cameras and LCD television sets, has also enlisted the help of DesignworksUSA for the creation of its flagship AIO 9000 Series all-in-one computer.

Caterham Readying All-New Sports Car for 2015, But it's Not for U.S.

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 07:16 AM PST

Buying a car company, especially a small one is not that hard, provided you have the cash of course. Building new models from the ground up is a much more demanding endeavor.

In the case of Caterham, which has been relying solely on the Seven (the 1994 "21" was essentially a rebodied and stiffer Seven), it's a task that's practically been undertaken for the first time.

Launching Caterham Technology and Innovation, a standalone engineering company responsible for developing new models, was proof that new owner Tony Fernandes was serious about expanding Caterham's range.

Chevrolet Camaro Coupe and Convertible Come to the UK, Prices Start from £34,995

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 06:39 AM PST

America's favorite modern muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro, has made the trip across the Atlantic and has arrived on UK shores where it will go on sale this spring available exclusively with GM's 6.2-liter V8 and a choice of two body styles, coupe and convertible.

On-the-road prices for the Camaro SS Coupe start at £34,995 (US$55,100 or €42,300), which brings it in the same price range as the BMW 330i Coupe (£35,045) and fairly close to the Nissan 370Z coupe that costs £29,950 (US$47,200 or €36,200).

Ford Drops Another Picture of B-MAX, Says it will Debut the MPV at the Mobile World Congress

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 06:03 AM PST

While the all-new B-MAX will be introduced to the automotive world at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on March 6, its actual world premiere will take place at a very different event at the end of this month.

Ford revealed today that the company's executive chairman Bill Ford will unveil the sub-compact MPV on February 27 at the 2012 Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain.

The Blue Oval notes that it is the first automaker ever to present a new car at the leading mobile industry event, and all for good reason – or so it claims – as the B-MAX will debut feature several mobile technologies.

Mazda Releases UK Pricing and Specifications on New CX-5

Posted: 14 Feb 2012 05:46 AM PST

Following its launch in several markets around the world, the new Mazda CX-5 is now available for pre-order in Britain with first deliveries to take place this spring.

The compact crossover model, which is Mazda's first production model embody its SKYACTIV technology, will be offered with a choice of three engines including a 2.0-liter petrol producing 165PS (163bhp), and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with either 150PS (148bhp) or 175PS (173bhp).

CARSCOOP

2012-02-14T04:04:00.001-08:00

CARSCOOP

Video: 2013 Nissan GT-R Versus 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition
Vintage Japanese Cars Gaining a Strong Following in the U.S.
Swiss Volvo Driver Keeps Warm the Traditional Way – with a Wood Burning Stove…
SCOOP: New Photos Reveal Production BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe's Scissor Doors
Mazda CX-5 gets New Smart City Brake Support Safety System
SPIED: 2013 Audi RS4 Avant Snagged, will Debut at the Geneva Salon
Birds on a Wire: Volvo's Teaser for the New V40 Hatchback
WRC Round Two: Rally Sweden Results and Videos
New Ford Focus with 1.0-liter Turbo Available for Order in Europe
Spy Shots: New Kia K9 RWD Sedan Completes Tests, U.S. Rep says it's Still Evaluating Plans
You Know You're Higher than a Kite When… [NSFW]
BMW Announces New X3 Drive28i with 2.0L Turbo, X5 M Sport Edition and More for 2012
U.S. Dealers Revved up About 2012 Sales Prospect, Expect a 10 Percent Increase
First Videos of New BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible on the Move
Infiniti's Emerge-E Pure Electric Supercar Concept Uncovered in Patent Designs
Rally Legend Walter Röhrl Drives the Porsche Panamera GTS on the Track
New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring with Integrated Sat-Nav to Debut in Geneva
UK Police Demonstrates Crime-Fighting Vauxhall Ampera
New SsangYong XIV-2 Convertible Concept Crossover Heading to Geneva
Mazda Takeri Concept to Make European Debut in Geneva – New Mega Gallery with 82 Photos
Kia Teases New "K9" Rear-Wheel Drive Flagship Sedan with Official Renderings

Video: 2013 Nissan GT-R Versus 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 05:32 PM PST

Perhaps the greatest achievement for Nissan and its GT-R is that it has become a benchmark for all types of sports cars.

And there's no better proof for this than the fact that in February alone, we've seen at least three publications comparing the Godzilla against a variety of new sports cars including the 2012 M5 sedan, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 and now, the Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition from Insideline.

So, before you watch the video test, let's do a quick rundown on the numbers:

Vintage Japanese Cars Gaining a Strong Following in the U.S.

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:38 PM PST

When you hear the term "classic" car, you surely think of something old but rare and most likely expensive, like an Aston Martin, a Ferrari or perhaps even some good ol' American iron.

The sole Japanese model that fetches serious money in the classic car market is Japan's first supercar, the Toyota 2000GT. Collectors pay more than US$400,000 for the road versions while a 2000GT racer is currently being offered for US$1.7 million.

Whatever you think about the insane prices that some people are willing to pay for them, you would never apply this term to 30-year-old run-of-the-mill Japanese compact cars.

Swiss Volvo Driver Keeps Warm the Traditional Way – with a Wood Burning Stove…

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:05 PM PST

Here's a quick question. Who do you think is zanier: Pascal Prokop that replaced the passenger seat of his 1990 Volvo 240 station wagon with a… wood-burning stove or the Swiss authorities that approved the car and allow Prokop to use it on public roads?

While you think about it we'll tell you that Prokop told news reporters that he opted for the stove over an electric heater because he could keep former burning long after he turned off the car.

SCOOP: New Photos Reveal Production BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe's Scissor Doors

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 02:59 PM PST

Up until now, we weren't sure if BMW would keep the supercar-like scissor doors seen on the original Vision EfficientDynamics concept and the evolved i8 study on the production model as the company's engineers avoided opening up the car in front of our scoop photographers.

However, being the diligent spy shooters that they are, they managed to snag the first pictures of the final production prototype with the passenger-side door wide open, and as you can see from the pictures, the i8 will indeed keep the concept's swiveling doors fixed to the A-pillars.

Mazda CX-5 gets New Smart City Brake Support Safety System

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 02:10 PM PST

There was a time when ABS and a couple of airbags was all a car needed to be considered safe. Today, however, things have changed radically: not only have Euro NCAP and NHTSA crash tests forced manufacturers to create much safer vehicles, but they've also resulted in the addition of not just passive, but active safety systems as well.

Mazda for example, had developed a new system that helps distracted drivers avoid frontal collisions at slow speeds. It's called called the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and it will be available in the new CX-5 compact crossover.

SPIED: 2013 Audi RS4 Avant Snagged, will Debut at the Geneva Salon

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 02:32 PM PST

These will likely be the last spy shots we bring you of the next generation Audi RS4 Avant, as according to our sources, the high-performance station wagon will make its world premiere at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

There had been a debate on whether or not the 2013 RS4 Avant would use Audi's new 4.0-liter turbocharged unit launched in the S6 and S7 with 420HP, and the S8 with 520HP, but our insiders tell us that Ingolstadt finally chose the RS5's 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 delivering 450PS (444bhp) and 430Nm (317.15 lb-ft).

Birds on a Wire: Volvo's Teaser for the New V40 Hatchback

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 01:07 PM PST

While Volvo is not quite ready yet to lift the covers off the all-new V40 compact hatch, the Swedish automaker has published a new 30-second clip called "Birds on a wire" to promote the individuality of the five-door hatchback model, without actually showing the car itself.

The V40 is set to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. It will rival the five-door versions of the BMW 1-Series and the Audi A3 Sportsback. Volvo has not yet clarified if it will also present a replacement for the three-door C30.

WRC Round Two: Rally Sweden Results and Videos

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 12:40 PM PST

The second round of the 2012 World Rally Championship after the opening race at Monte Carlo is the only event held on snow, which means that making predictions about the outcome of Rally Sweden is almost impossible.

In tests carried out before the race, some teams experienced freezing temperatures and most expected heavy snowfall during the event. However, during the race, there was much less snow than initially anticipated – and that was a game changer for most teams.

New Ford Focus with 1.0-liter Turbo Available for Order in Europe

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 12:19 PM PST

Ford has opened the order books in Europe for its new Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost that is offered in two guises with 100PS (99HP) and 125PS (123HP).

The Blue Oval says that the three-cylinder turbocharged engine is its most fuel efficient petrol engine ever delivering a fuel economy of 4.8lt/100km (58.9mpg UK)and CO2 emissions of 109g/km and 5.0lt/100km (56.5mpg UK) with CO2 of 114g/km, for the 100PS and 125PS versions respectively.

Spy Shots: New Kia K9 RWD Sedan Completes Tests, U.S. Rep says it's Still Evaluating Plans

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 11:46 AM PST

Earlier today, Kia dropped the first official renderings of its new rear-wheel drive flagship sedan that will launch in the Korean market in the second quarter of 2012, and these are spy shots of the production model, codenamed "KH", that was captured while completing the test phase in northern Sweden.

Even though Kia is trying out the full-size sedan in Europe, the South Korean automaker made it clear in a press statement today that the flagship model is "not coming to mainland European markets or the UK".

You Know You're Higher than a Kite When… [NSFW]

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 11:06 AM PST

While there's no way of being absolutely sure about the state the driver and passenger of this pickup truck are in at the time they were filming this video, something tells us that they weren't exactly sober either…

I mean, unless you're Ranger Smith, who in their right mind would see a 600-pound (maybe even more) grizzly bear jumping into their pickup truck bed and laugh it off? Video follows after the break.

BMW Announces New X3 Drive28i with 2.0L Turbo, X5 M Sport Edition and More for 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 10:37 AM PST

It seems that BMW has entered a non-stop process either revealing completely new models or updating its existing portfolio.

Just to get an idea of what we're talking about, in the last 30 days alone, BMW has introduced these new models: 320i Turbo plus the 316d and 318d; the 125i Turbo, 125d, 116d ED and 1-Series M Sport Packages; the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d; the X6 and X6M Facelift, the market launch of the ActiveHybrid 5; and of course, the M6 Coupe and Convertible.

U.S. Dealers Revved up About 2012 Sales Prospect, Expect a 10 Percent Increase

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:57 AM PST

After the 27-year low 10.43 million sales of 2009, last year American dealerships delivered 12.8 million units, which accounts to a 10 percent increase over 2010.

A recent survey released by Ally Financial reveals that the vast majority of dealers expect to increase their sales even more this year. More specifically, almost all of them (92 percent) said they believe deliveries will rise compared to last year and more than 75 percent estimate that their sales will increase by at least 10 percent in 2012.

First Videos of New BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible on the Move

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:19 AM PST

BMW officially revealed the new generation of its M6 range this past Saturday and now we have the first video footage of both the Coupe and Convertible variants, courtesy of the folks over at the m5board forums.

Before you make the jump to watch the two clips though, we should tell you that you won't have the chance to hear the sounds of the new M6's twin-turbocharged V8 engine just yet as both videos come with a background music.

Infiniti's Emerge-E Pure Electric Supercar Concept Uncovered in Patent Designs

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 08:42 AM PST

Looks like we won't have to wait for Infiniti to stop the teasing and drop the full blown pictures of its all-new Emerge E sports car concept to get out first view of the electric-powered model after all as the patent designs made their way onto the internet today.

Though rough around the edges and lacking certain details such as the wheel designs, the greyscale computer generated images outline the shape of the Japanese carmaker's concept for a high-end performance model with the unique characteristic of featuring a range-extender drivetrain mounted in a mid-ship position.

Rally Legend Walter Röhrl Drives the Porsche Panamera GTS on the Track

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 08:07 AM PST

Walter Röhrl is 65 years old but he is not a pensioner yet. The famous German driver began racing when he was 16 years old and won two world rally championships during the most dangerous era of the sport: the 1980s.

One of his most memorable quotes is about the extremely high-powered cars, like the 600HP Audi Quattro S1 that he and his colleagues were driving under minimal safety regulations: "WRC is for boys – Group B was for men".

New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring with Integrated Sat-Nav to Debut in Geneva

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 07:32 AM PST

There's unquestionably no shortage of special-edition MX-5s for those that want a more unique version of the world's best-selling roadster model. In fact, only just last week, Mazda displayed the black-top "Special Edition" for the U.S. market at the Chicago Auto Show.

However, in Mazda's books, there's always a niche to fill with the MX-5. Today, the Japanese automaker announced another special edition designed exclusively for the European market that will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

UK Police Demonstrates Crime-Fighting Vauxhall Ampera

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 07:00 AM PST

This is what a Vauxhall Ampera patrol car would look like if the UK police were to use the Chevrolet Volt's European cousin for its daily services.

Vauxhall displayed the Ampera in Police livery featuring the latest policing equipment on the Home Office's Centre of Applied Science & Technology (CAST) stand at the Police & Security Conference after it won a competition run by the Association of Chief Police Officers Intelligent Transport Systems (ACPO ITS).

New SsangYong XIV-2 Convertible Concept Crossover Heading to Geneva

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 06:32 AM PST

At last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, SsangYong displayed the XIV-1 Concept for a compact crossover in the likes of the Range Rover Evoque.

Now, the South Korean automaker has announced plans to showcase a second body style of the study called the XIV-2 'convertible' concept at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon in March.

Whereas the XIV-1 was a five-door model with "suicide style" rear doors, the XIV-2, (which stands for eXciting User Interface Vehicle 2), is a three-door crossover featuring a one-touch automatic opening soft-top roof that incorporates the rear window and rolls back in a similar way to Fiat's 500C.

Mazda Takeri Concept to Make European Debut in Geneva – New Mega Gallery with 82 Photos

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 06:07 AM PST

We saw the new Mazda Takeri concept for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon last December and now the mid-size sedan will be making its European debut at at next month's Geneva International Motor Show.

What's special about the Takeri is that it isn't one of those fantasy concept models that will go away after hitting the motor show scene as it previews the styling of the next Mazda6 range, expected in 2013.

The Takeri is the latest Mazda concept to adopt the Japanese firm's "KODO – Soul of Motion' design theme after the production CX-5 SUV and the Shinari sports sedan study showcased at Geneva last year.

Kia Teases New "K9" Rear-Wheel Drive Flagship Sedan with Official Renderings

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 05:24 AM PST

It's been known for a while now that Kia is planning to enhance its range with a flagship sedan model, which most refer to as the K9.

While the South Korean automaker has yet to confirm the name, what it did do is drop the first official sketches and details on its upcoming proposal in the in the large sedan segment.

For the time being, Kia tells us that the car known by its internal designation "KH" will be the company's first ever rear-wheel drive sedan and it will go on sale in Korea by June this year with launch timings for other markets including North America to be confirmed at a later date.

CARSCOOP

2012-02-12T04:03:00.001-08:00

CARSCOOP

BMW Reveals 2013 M6 Coupe and Convertible with 560HP Bi-Turbo V8 [30 Photos]
2013 Lexus RX Facelift gets Spindle Grille and New F Sport Variant
Polish Woman Fails Miserably in Driving Lesson, but was it Really her Fault?
NHTSA Drops a $3 Million Fine on BMW for Untimely Reporting of Recalls

BMW Reveals 2013 M6 Coupe and Convertible with 560HP Bi-Turbo V8 [30 Photos]

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 04:36 PM PST

The famous M badge returns to BMW's 6-Series range with the official unveiling of the new M6 Coupe and Convertible models ahead of their world premieres at the Geneva Salon in March and the New York Auto Show in April respectively.

Not surprisingly, at the heart of the M6 lies the same 4.4-liter V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers found in the latest M5 sedan with the internal designation S63Tü.

Just as it does in the M5 saloon, the eight-cylinder unit produces an output of 560-horses (412kW) between 5,750 and 7,000 rpm, and a peak torque of 680Nm (502lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. BMW also tells us that the rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm.

All that power is transferred to the road through a standard 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) and BMW's Active M Differential which optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels. Down the line, the Bavarian automaker may also offers a 6-speed manual gearbox in the United States like it did with the new M5.

2013 Lexus RX Facelift gets Spindle Grille and New F Sport Variant

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 04:34 PM PST

The photos you see here are scans from a leaked brochure of the Japanese market 2012 Lexus RX that has received a mid-life facelift, three years after its market launch in early 2009. The updated RX will be available in North America as a 2013 model.

Following in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the 2013 Lexus LX 570 that was introduced in January, the refreshed RX gains a new fascia featuring Lexus's new trademark spindle grille along with revised headlamps sporting LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper.

Also new are the tail lamp graphics and the alloy wheel designs.

The interior gets a news steering wheel design and refreshed trim options while as Carscoop tipster Leopaul pointed out; Lexus will also be offering a new optional rear-seat entertainment system on high-range models.

Polish Woman Fails Miserably in Driving Lesson, but was it Really her Fault?

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 11:16 AM PST

Taking your first driving lessons is kinda like taking your first baby steps; it can be a nerve-wracking experience and you're bound to make mistakes. However, some mistakes can be more costly and far more dangerous than others...

A woman from Częstochowa, Poland, got herself into a life-threatening situation during a driving lesson in an enclosed area when she accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake driving the Suzuki Swift hatchback right into a concrete barrier and out to a main freeway!

Luckily, there were no cars crossing the road at the time.

NHTSA Drops a $3 Million Fine on BMW for Untimely Reporting of Recalls

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 08:55 AM PST

U.S. federal safety regulators have slapped a $3 million (€2.3 million) fine on BMW North America for delays in reporting and not providing enough information on its safety defects and recalls. The fine will be paid into the Treasury Department's General Fund.

Automakers are required by law to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) within five business days of identifying a safety defect or noncompliance and to promptly conduct a recall.

CARSCOOP

2012-02-11T04:04:00.001-08:00

CARSCOOP

SCOOP: BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe Poses on Film for us
USW Says New Record U.S. Trade Deficit with China Threatens Auto Jobs
Subaru to Debut European BRZ and Impreza Hatchback in Geneva
Japan Opens New 1.6 Mile-Long “Dinosaur Bridge” to Reduce Tokyo’s Traffic Jams
BMW to Reveal New M6 Coupe in Geneva and M6 Cabrio in New York
George W. Bush Says he Would Bail Out U.S. Carmakers Again if he had to
Bertone Returns to Geneva to Celebrate its 100th Anniversary with Nuccio Concept
Russia's Got Talent: Karate Girl Takes a Fit and Attacks SUV
SPIED: New Citroën C4 Saloon Trots out to Scandinavia for Some Winter Tests
A Whole Lotta Supercars Crammed Together in a Swiss Showroom
Elia Dresses Up Renault Wind in F1 Colors
Kia Ramps up Optima's U.S. Production as it Expects it to Become its Best-Seller in 2012
Bentley Continental GT V8 Literally Goes Airborne Above Munich
NHTSA Investigating 830,000 Toyota Camrys and RAV4s Over Door Fires
Maruti Suzuki Sells its 10 Millionth Vehicle in India
Canadian Digs Out Basement Using Only Radio Controlled Scale Tractors and Trucks...Since 1997!
Opel Launches New Corsa “Kaleidoscope” Edition in Europe
Pininfarina Video Teases its Geneva Motor Show-Bound Cambiano Coupe Concept
Only in Japan: New Stripped Down Toyota 86 RC and Subaru BRZ RA
Tesla Unveils New Model X CUV with Falcon Wings and Seating for Seven
New FT-Bh Affordable City Car Concept Leads Toyota’s Geneva Motor Show Lineup

SCOOP: BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe Poses on Film for us

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 06:55 PM PST

BMW aims to establish itself as a manufacturer of premium green vehicles through its new "i" sub-brand starting with the i3 hatchback in pure EV and extended-range EV flavors in 2013 and shortly after the i8 hybrid sports car, which is obviously the more interesting proposal of the two.

Following up on the spy pictures of the camouflaged production version of the i8 that we showed earlier in the week, our scoopsters also snagged a video of the test car quietly (perhaps too quietly for a BMW coupe) running around on the snow which you can watch after the break.

USW Says New Record U.S. Trade Deficit with China Threatens Auto Jobs

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 06:27 PM PST

In 2011, U.S exports rose by 14.4 percent to a record US$2.1 trillion That's the good news. The bad news is that imports also set an all-time high record of US$2.7 trillion, a 13.8 percent increase over 2010. It's really not that hard to realize that the result is a deficit of 0.6 trillion – or US$558 billion, to be exact.

More than half of this trade deficit is with China, a startling US$295.4 billion. Even though U.S. exports to world's most populated country rose by 13.1 percent to US$103.9 billion, it was offset by a 9.4 percent increase to a record US$399.3 billion in imports from China.

The auto industry was amongst those sectors that set new deficit records: last December alone marked an increase of US$1.8 billion in imported vehicles, parts and engines.

Subaru to Debut European BRZ and Impreza Hatchback in Geneva

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 04:38 PM PST

The upcoming 82nd Geneva International Motor Show in March will host the European debuts of two new Subaru models, the BRZ sports coupe and the latest generation of the Impreza hatchback.

The BRZ, which recently went on sale in Japan after its world premiere at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, is expected to reach European showrooms this summer, with more detailed information including pricing to be released in Geneva.

Japan Opens New 1.6 Mile-Long “Dinosaur Bridge” to Reduce Tokyo’s Traffic Jams

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 03:52 PM PST

Tokyo was one of the cities bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics. It eventually lost to Rio de Janeiro, yet the infrastructure that was created in order to boost its chances of hosting the Games is proving worth the investment.

One such example is the four-lane, 1.6-mile (2.6 km) Tokyo Gate Bridge. Nicknamed "Dinosaur Bridge" due to its unusual shape, it will open this weekend to vehicles after a decade of construction.

According to Bloomberg News, the so-called Dino Bridge cost 113 billion yen (US$1.45 billion), but the Japanese government expects it to yield 19 billion yen (US$246 million) annually, carrying 32,000 vehicles each day between the capital and a man-made island where a new container terminal is being built.

BMW to Reveal New M6 Coupe in Geneva and M6 Cabrio in New York

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 02:54 PM PST

For the past couple of years, we've been following the development of the next generation BMW M6 in both coupe and convertible guises but now the time has come to begin the final countdown for their reveal

According to sources, the new M6 Coupe will make its grand premiere at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon in early March with the Convertible to break cover about a month later at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in April.

George W. Bush Says he Would Bail Out U.S. Carmakers Again if he had to

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 02:10 PM PST

You'd be hard-pressed to find any similarities between the current and the former presidents of the United States. Yet, Barack Obama and George W. Bush actually do have one thing in common: they both agree that bailing out the bankrupt U.S. car industry was the right thing to do.

Bush, whose extension of bridge loans to U.S. automakers was one of the last decisions before he left office, gave the closing address to the annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention.

The former President said Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned him that, unless the administration took drastic measures, a new depression was imminent.

Bertone Returns to Geneva to Celebrate its 100th Anniversary with Nuccio Concept

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 01:49 PM PST

One of Italy's great coachbuilders, Bertone, will celebrate its centennial at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show with the world premiere of a new sports coupe concept called the Nuccio.

For the time being, all we get from Bertone are two sketchy renderings that hint at an edgy design, possibly inspired from the Italian company's wedge-shaped supercars of the 1970s.

Russia's Got Talent: Karate Girl Takes a Fit and Attacks SUV

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 01:02 PM PST

Just a warning; if you ever happen to travel to Russia, you'd better be on the lookout for a black Mazda6 sedan with a hefty blonde passenger. She's trained to kill your vehicle if you ever cross paths with her, so watch out… Amuse yourself for about a minute in the video that follows below the jump. Read more »

SPIED: New Citroën C4 Saloon Trots out to Scandinavia for Some Winter Tests

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 12:25 PM PST

The PSA Citroën-Peugeot may be facing some troubles in Europe due to the financial and budgetary crisis, but life goes on and Citroën is looking for ways to increase its sales with the presentation of new models in the mainstream categories.

After the introduction of the new generation of the C4 compact hatchback in 2010, the sub-premium DS4 last year and more recently, the Mitsubishi-based C4 Aircross, the French carmaker is now preparing another proposal for the popular C-segment, the C4 sedan.

A Whole Lotta Supercars Crammed Together in a Swiss Showroom

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 11:49 AM PST

Belinda Carlisle was right: Heaven is a place on earth. And we think we've just found it. The automotive heaven is located in Switzerland, in a showroom full of so many supercars that we lost track of the number.

The place is packed with both modern and classic exotics. Lamborghini fans would be most delighted as there are quite a few Aventadors, many versions of the Gallardo, Murcielago and Diablo from standard models to racing cars, as well as three rare Miuras and an LM002 SUV.

Elia Dresses Up Renault Wind in F1 Colors

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 11:34 AM PST

Albeit a little late to the party as Renault and Lotus parted ways in F1 at the end of 2011, German tuning firm of all things related to the Renault Group, Elia, has presented a Formula 1-themed version of the Renault Wind.

The small French roadster is dressed in the former Lotus Renault GP team's colors with decorative livery placed throughout the body of the car.

Kia Ramps up Optima's U.S. Production as it Expects it to Become its Best-Seller in 2012

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 11:30 AM PST

Ironically, increased demand can prove to be quite a problem for car manufacturers. Kia knows this well: despite posting a 37 percent increase in sales last year, it reckons it could have done even better if only it had the capacity to produce more vehicles.

Its all-new Optima mid-size sedan has proved to be a big hit in the U.S. in its first year, tripling its sales compared to 2010 to 84,590 units.

Bentley Continental GT V8 Literally Goes Airborne Above Munich

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:38 AM PST

First we had the Bentley Continental GT W12 taking up snow sports and more specifically ski joring by lugging around world champion Franco Moro, and now, the British premium carmaker has pulled off another stunt, this time far more impressive.

Bentley celebrated the arrival of the new 4.0-liter V8-powered Continental GT Coupe in Germany in a dramatic way by suspending the car under a helicopter and taking it for a ride or rather a flight above downtown Munich.

NHTSA Investigating 830,000 Toyota Camrys and RAV4s Over Door Fires

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:19 AM PST

Federal safety regulators have opened a preliminary investigation into a possible fire risk in approximately 830,000 Toyota Camry sedans, Camry Solara coupes and cabriolets and RAV4 SUVs from the 2007 model year.

The U.S National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that it has received six consumer complaints, and other manufacturer reports supplied through Early Warning Reporting data submissions, all of which allege a fire in the driver's side door.

Maruti Suzuki Sells its 10 Millionth Vehicle in India

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 09:53 AM PST

Suzuki's local Indian affiliate, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, reached an important landmark this week with the production of its 10 millionth vehicle in the Indian domestic market.

The milestone model was a red Suzuki Swift that was delivered to customer in Coimbatore from the company's Manesar assembly plant near New Delhi. The automaker has been active in India since December 1993 and attained 5 million domestic sales in February of 2006.

Canadian Digs Out Basement Using Only Radio Controlled Scale Tractors and Trucks...Since 1997!

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 09:01 AM PST

Excavating a basement using professional machinery is nothing new but doing it with radio controlled (RC) scaled models is something unheard of. Welcome to the little big world of Joe, from Saskatchewan, Canada.

For the past 15 years (!), Joe has been digging out his basement at an average annual rate of 8 to 9 cubic feet using nothing more than RC tractors and trucks!

And we're talking about the whole nine yards here - he starts by transporting the excavator on an RC truck to the basement, unloads it, digs and uses other trucks to transfer the dirt up to the ground through a spiral ramp! He even has a miniature rock crusher!

"I feel quite fortunate to have stumbled onto this basement excavation idea, it's been a great past time to date dreaming up new ideas to tackle different projects along the way," Joe wrote on the Scale4x4rc forums where he also posted pictures and videos of his feat.

Opel Launches New Corsa “Kaleidoscope” Edition in Europe

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:49 AM PST

With the fourth generation of the Opel Corsa entering its sixth year in the market, the German automaker is trying to beef up interest in the supermini with the release of another special edition version.

This one is called "Kaleidoscope" and it affords a more individualized look to the Corsa.

The Kaleidoscope is available with a choice of two special metallic exterior colors called "pepperdust" and "technical grey", which are combined with glossy black roof, black mirror housings and for the first time, a black grille frame. It also rides on dark 17-inch wheels and gets chrome exhaust pipes.

Pininfarina Video Teases its Geneva Motor Show-Bound Cambiano Coupe Concept

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:17 AM PST

There's a new teaser out for Pininfarina's Cambiano concept coupe, only this time, the Italian design house opted to release a video that incorporates all the previous renderings and then some more.

While there's a lack of information from Pininfarina, the video shows a two door coupe concept with seating for four and a unique glass roof housing. The official presentation of the Cambiano will take place at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon in March. Hop over the break to watch the short clip.

Only in Japan: New Stripped Down Toyota 86 RC and Subaru BRZ RA

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 06:59 AM PST

The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ go hand in hand, in whatever they do. The two brands have launched stripped down variants of their respective models in Japan offering a low cost solution for those buyers looking to use the coupes for track racing, as a blank canvas to create their own project or simply to own the most affordable variant.

The Toyota 86 RC and the Subaru BRZ RA are very similar, the only main difference being that the Toyota model gets unpainted front and rear bumpers. From there on, on the outside, both models come with unpainted door handles and mirror caps, 16-inch steel wheels, while there are no fog lights up front.

Tesla Unveils New Model X CUV with Falcon Wings and Seating for Seven

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 05:59 AM PST

The electric carmaker named after one of the most original and greatest inventors and thinkers of all time introduced a brand new CUV called the Model X, which is based on the running gear and chassis of the Model S sedan.

Tesla says its latest creation fuses the utility of MPVs with the style of SUVs offering an available all-wheel drive option and seating for seven in three rows of seats.

New FT-Bh Affordable City Car Concept Leads Toyota’s Geneva Motor Show Lineup

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 05:24 AM PST

In the aftermath of Toyota's below-par performance in 2011 due to natural disasters and the strength of the yen, the Japanese automaker decided to focus its efforts for a comeback mainly on hybrid models such as the Prius family.

Therefore, today's announcement that five out of the six Toyota models that will make their world or European premieres at the Geneva Motor Show in March will be hybrids, comes to no surprise.

CARSCOOP

2012-02-10T04:07:00.001-08:00

CARSCOOP

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spotted Again in Detroit
New 2012 Ford B-MAX Opens Up to Us, Shows its Sliding Doors
Powerplay: Audi Unleashes New TT RS Plus Coupe and Roadster with 360-Horses
Opel and Vauxhall Refute Wall Street Report as “Speculation”
SCOOP: The Not so New Opel Astra Sedan Takes Shape
Mazda Records US$1.3 Billion Loss, “Actively” Seeks Partner
Infiniti Brings us a Behind the Scenes Video of the M Hybrid vs Porsche Panamera Spot
New Vauxhall Combo Goes on Sale in the UK, will Come to North America as a Ram
Karma is, Indeed, a Bitch: Toyota Yaris Driver gets what he Deserves
Aston Martin Cygnet: Project Kahn Tries to Make Something Out of Nothing
Facelifted 2012 Seat Exeo Sedan and ST Arrive in the UK
2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe Priced at $76,895 in the States, See How it Compares against its Rivals
New Smart Fortwo Edition Sharpred Brings Out its Darker Side
Nissan SUV Slams Stationary Honda Civic that was Getting Ready to Street Race [NSFW]
Toyota Ramps up Production of Highlander SUV and Corolla at its U.S. Plants
Nissan Asks Fans to Help Tune the Ultimate 370Z Coupe; How Would You Upgrade it?
New 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Edition adds Some Bling
Cadillac's CTS-V Coupe Racecar Enters the Virtual World as it Joins iRacing
Meet the Final Production Version of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato
This is it: The New Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon
All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Breaks Cover, Lineup will Include a Plug-in Hybrid Variant

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spotted Again in Detroit

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 06:18 PM PST

An associate of one of our spy photographers stumbled upon a camouflaged Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback at a gas station in Detroit on Wednesday morning.

The Italian compact model was covered in what looks like a matte black vinyl wrap with all Alfa Romeo logos hidden. Now, before you jump to the wrong conclusions, let us tell you that this isn't the first time we've seen the Giulietta in the States.

In fact, back in 2010, a whole truckload of Giuliettas was snagged on a Michigan freeway heading towards the Chrysler Group's headquarters in Auburn Hills. For all we know, this may be one of the leftovers.

New 2012 Ford B-MAX Opens Up to Us, Shows its Sliding Doors

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 04:55 PM PST

Ford continues the slow strip tease of its all-new B-MAX small MPV prior to the production model's grand premier at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon in the beginning of March.

This time we get a full-blown photo of the B-MAX's innovative hinged front doors and sliding rear doors that integrate the central body pillars, which Ford called "Easy Access Doors".

The design allows for 1.5-metre (close to 5 feet) wide unobstructed openings on either side of the B-segment multi-activity vehicle.

Powerplay: Audi Unleashes New TT RS Plus Coupe and Roadster with 360-Horses

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 04:23 PM PST

Evidently, every little bit of power matters for Audi, which has just lifted the covers off a new version of the TT RS featuring some subtle mechanical and styling upgrades. The new model is called the TT RS Plus and will be available in both Coupe and Roadster formats.

At the heart of the new flagship TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.

Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Opel and Vauxhall Refute Wall Street Report as “Speculation”

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 03:37 PM PST

GM regained the title of the world's number one automotive group in 2011, but its European division losses must have surely dampened the celebrations.

In fact, the Wall Street Journal reported this week that General Motors is losing its patience with Opel and Vauxhall after their fourth quarter losses and wants to make deeper cuts – and fast. The newspaper cited an unnamed GM source as saying that "if Opel is going to get fixed, it is going to get fixed now and cuts are going to get deep."

SCOOP: The Not so New Opel Astra Sedan Takes Shape

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:45 PM PST

Opel may have been responsible for the development of the Astra being the first to launch the five-door hatchback, Sports Tourer station wagon and three-door GTC variants amongst GM's global brands, but there's one body style it will be the last to get and that's the four-door sedan model.

The Astra sedan essentially made its debut as the new Buick Excelle GT in China back in the summer of 2010 followed by the North American 2012 Buick Verano at last year's Detroit Motor Show.

Now, our spies bring us pictures of the Opel Astra model while testing in Germany. There's no camouflage up front so we can see that the Opel-flavored version sports the same fascia as the European Astra.

The automaker's engineers covered the rear end, but from what we can tell, the only differences with the Buick models concern the tail lamp graphics and possibly the removal of the chrome eyebrows to create a more three-dimensional look, along with a differen license plate holder and the incorporation of a spoiler lip to the boot.

Mazda Records US$1.3 Billion Loss, “Actively” Seeks Partner

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:06 PM PST

Last week, Mazda forecast a net loss of 100 billion yen (US$1.29 billion) for the fiscal year that ends March 31 and a 2 percent drop in its global sales, to 1.25 million units.

This is the fourth year in a row than Mazda records negative results and it's also the company's second biggest loss in the last 11 years after the US$2.0 billion damage it posted in the previous fiscal year that ended in March 2011.

Infiniti Brings us a Behind the Scenes Video of the M Hybrid vs Porsche Panamera Spot

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 01:30 PM PST

Remember how Infiniti's M Hybrid beat the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid in a quarter mile duel for a new commercial that aired last month? Well now, the Japanese carmaker is gining a behind-the-scenes look at what went on during the filming of the spot.

Aside from seeing the M Hybrid burning some rubber the only other interesting bit in this video is the blacked out Mercedes-Benz ML film car - which, of course, goes unmentioned by Infiniti. Watch the two-and-a-half minute long clip after the break.

New Vauxhall Combo Goes on Sale in the UK, will Come to North America as a Ram

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 01:05 PM PST

The latest generation of the Fiat Doblo van has the fairly unique (but not sole) distinction of being offered more or less unchanged by several different auto brands. These include Opel and its sister company in the UK, Vauxhall, and starting from early 2013, the Chrysler Group's Ram Truck division will also offer the van in North America.

For the time being though, Vauxhall has launched sales of the New Combo in Britain. The light commercial vehicle is available with a choice of four diesel units ranging from a 1.3-liter CDTi with 89bhp (90PS) to a 2.0-liter CDTi delivering 133bhp (135PS).

Karma is, Indeed, a Bitch: Toyota Yaris Driver gets what he Deserves

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 12:31 PM PST

Don't you just hate it when another driver won't let you merge into traffic or cross a road even though he or she won't move on more than a car's length? Of course you do which is why we're going to assume that you'll find the following video staring the driver of a previous generation Toyota Yaris hatchback extremely rewarding...

Aston Martin Cygnet: Project Kahn Tries to Make Something Out of Nothing

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 12:08 PM PST

There are plenty of reasons not to buy into Aston Martin's cover up of the Toyota iQ, but if you have already paid twice or perhaps even three times as much for a cooler grille and a luxed up interior and still aren't happy about the way the Cygnet looks and sounds, Project Kahn has some select upgrades for you.

On the outside, the British tuner fits the Cygnet with its own alloy wheels that are available in various colors (size 17-in. up front and 18-in. at the back), a new set of brake calipers finished in heat resistant paint, again in whatever color the customer wants, and bespoke exhaust tail pipes.

Facelifted 2012 Seat Exeo Sedan and ST Arrive in the UK

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 11:32 AM PST

We first saw the mildly updated for 2012, Seat Exeo, at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show and now both the sedan and ST station wagon variants of the previous generation Audi A4-based model are available for order in the United Kingdom.

Prices start from £19,480 RRP (recommended price on the road) for the base sedan model fitted with an 118bhp (120PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Other engine options include two more 2.0-liter TDI diesels with 141bhp (143PS) or 168bhp (170PS) and a 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged petrol with 208bhp (211PS).

2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe Priced at $76,895 in the States, See How it Compares against its Rivals

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 01:07 PM PST

Have US$76,895 to spare? For that coin, you can get in the brand new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which is the initial model of the Bavarian firm's sports saloon that arrives in the U.S. showrooms early this summer.

The 640i Gran Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six gasoline engine delivering 315hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 330 lb-ft of peak torque on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Power channeled to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

New Smart Fortwo Edition Sharpred Brings Out its Darker Side

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:06 AM PST

"Sharpred" is the name of the latest special edition model from Smart and will be available this May in a limited run of 1,800 examples as a Coupé and as a Cabrio with either a 70bhp (52kW) mhd petrol engine or an 82bhp (62kW) petrol unit.

What separates the Sharpred from its lesser Fortwo siblings is the two-tone color theme with the main body and 15-inch alloy wheels painted in black and the Tridion safety cell and door mirror housings finished in a contrasting red color.

Nissan SUV Slams Stationary Honda Civic that was Getting Ready to Street Race [NSFW]

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 08:59 AM PST

We're not saying it can't happen, but the last thing you expect to see on an open road at night is two motionless vehicles occupying both regular lanes. Is it that difficult to see that this is something extremely dangerous for all parties involved? Apparently, the answer is yes…

Too bad these drivers had to find out the hard way when an unrelated Nissan SUV slammed into a Honda Civic hatchback that was standing still revving its engine as the owner was preparing to race another Civic on an unnamed road in Tampa, Florida.

The person who uploaded the video said that despite the severity of the crash, -fortunately- no one was hurt. You can watch the accident as it happened in the clip that follows after the break (beware; foul language).

Toyota Ramps up Production of Highlander SUV and Corolla at its US. Plants

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 08:36 AM PST

After the natural disasters that crippled its production in 2011, Toyota is pulling ahead with a new plan to make up for the lost ground. This week, the number one Japanese automaker announced that it will increase production of the Highlander mid-size SUV at its Princeton, Indiana plant from late 2013. Read more »

Nissan Asks Fans to Help Tune the Ultimate 370Z Coupe; How Would You Upgrade it?

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 08:12 AM PST

For the past decade or so, the 350Z and its successor, the 370Z, have offered mainstream buyers with a regular budget in many markets around the world the opportunity to own a fine-tuned and powerful rear-wheel drive sports car without breaking the bank.

Nissan is now reaching over to the same crowd to help create the ultimate Z car with the launch of "Project Z" that was announced today at the Chicago Auto Show where the Japanese company also unveiled the de-fanged 2013MY 370Z facelift.

And how will Nissan do that, we hear you ask? The answer is through its Facebook channel where fans will propose and vote on potential modifications while following the progress of the tuned 370Z online

"Together we'll create a vehicle that expands on the already outstanding performance and style of the Nissan 370Z with a balance of street and track ready modification," said Jon Brancheau, vice president of Nissan Marketing, NNA.

New 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Edition adds Some Bling

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 07:41 AM PST

Along with the snazzy Track'ster concept study, Kia also revealed a new range-topping version of its Optima sedan called the SX Limited at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The SX Limited, which as you may recall was teased through Kia's Super Bowl XLVI commercial this past Sunday, is based on the 274-horsepower turbocharged Optima SX adding a little bling to the mix with new 18-inch chromed alloy wheels, a chrome-accented rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights and red front-brake calipers.

Cadillac's CTS-V Coupe Racecar Enters the Virtual World as it Joins iRacing

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 07:01 AM PST

More and more automakers are looking to promote their vehicles to a younger and typically affluent crowd through popular racing games.

Today we learn that GM's Team Cadillac Racing has collaborated with iRacing.com, which is one of the most popular online motorsports games, offering players the chance to drive a virtual version of the CTS-V Coupe racer.

Meet the Final Production Version of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 06:34 AM PST

Aston Martin has released the first official images of the final production version of its new limited run V12 Zagato that we first laid eyes on as a concept in both road going and racing flavors at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy

The new V12 Zagato will make its world premiere at the 2012 Kuwait Concours d' Elegance next week with its European debut to take place at the Geneva Salon in early March.

As the name suggest, it was designed as the ultimate Vantage by Italian coachbuilder Zagato to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first partnership with Aston Martin, the 1962 DB4GT Zagato.

This is it: The New Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 05:56 AM PST

We've been hearing rumors about the possibility of GM adding a third body style to the range of its Chevrolet Cruze for quite some time now.

Well, there's no need to speculate any longer as this morning, the Detroit automaker officially revealed the all-new Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon ahead of its global premiere at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show early next month.

All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Breaks Cover, Lineup will Include a Plug-in Hybrid Variant

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 05:33 AM PST

Just a little over two months after Mitsubishi teased the new Outlander with the second iteration of its Concept PX-MiEV at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese company lifted the wraps off the production model that will make its world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Even though we only get a single picture from Mitsubishi, it's easy to see that the all-new Outlander is almost a carbon copy of the PX-MiEV II right down to the design of the alloy wheels.

This doesn't mean that there aren't differences over the study but that they are limited to details such as the conventional headlamp units, exterior mirrors and door handles while Mitsubishi also added a pair of fog lamps up front.

Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

2012-02-09T05:15:00.001-08:00

Car Buying Tips To Save You Money

Car Buying Tip; Beware Of The Switch!

Posted: 08 Feb 2012 11:15 PM PST

Buying a Car can be a taxing ordeal, but make sure you are aware of the Car Salesman offering you the Switch!

When you buy a Car, you probably go to a dealership looking for a specific Vehicle. Has a Car Salesman ever had you look at a totally different Car? The Car Salesman is going to try and sway you to a Car that he/she is going to make the most money on, speaking from experience. You may be looking at a New Car and the Salesman tells you that he has one with a few miles on it that you can save some money on.

This tactic is set up for several reasons. If you are asking for a discount on the new Car or it is slightly out of your budget, there is usually a Program Car with a few miles on it that will fit your budget. Number one, this takes the New Car away from you instead of discounting the car to your offer. This tactic works well because you either buy the used one that the dealership and Salesman make more money on, or, you bring your offer up on the New Car. Either way, beware of the switch and what is really going down.