Video: A ride in downtown Chicago on a Red Bull Nascar taxi with Scott Speed

Nascar

Public transportation in Chicago can be a time-consuming experience, especially during rush hour traffic. Never fear, Scott Speed is here. The Red Bull Racing Team Nascar driver took his race car to the Windy City recently and, for one day, used it as a licensed taxi. Yup, it even had its own city permit and driver’s ID. Speed played the role of taxi driver and picked up unsuspecting passengers and took them for the ride of their lives, including Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler.

Imagine that, huh? You’re late for work so you flag a cab, but instead of a regular taxi showing up, a Red Bull Nascar racer shows up with Speed, a former Formula One driver, behind the wheel. You’d be stupid not to take him up on his offer in taking you where you need to go, even if it means a few detours, a couple of burnouts, and racing around the streets of the Windy City at speeds that would make you scream to high heavens.

And as you can imagine by the looks on the faces of those who hopped on board, they probably didn’t regret sitting shotgun to Speed and the Red Bull Nascar race car.

. Source:Red Bull

2011 Volkswagen Passat headed to the Paris Motor Show

video

For those of you who have been waiting for the facelifted 2011 Volkswagen Passat to be unveiled, you’ll be happy to know that the Paris Motor Show organizers have confirmed the car’s attendance at this year’s event.

Even better, Volkswagen is bringing a sedan and an estate version of the Passat, which should bode even better for those who have been pining to see the re-tooled version of the car for a quite some time now.

While we haven’t seen the new Passat in all its glory, we’re expecting to see a wholesale of changes on the model, including some modifications to the front and rear end, a new hood grille, and redesigned front and tail lights that should give the facelifted Passat a refreshed aesthetic appeal. In addition to the exterior upgrades, the new Passat model will also undergo an interior metamorphosis that includes a newly installed navigation system.

We expect more information from Volkswagen and the new Passat on the days leading up to the Paris Motor Show so until then, sit tight, kids, we’ll send along new developments as soon as they come out.

. Source:You Tube

Rumor: Porsche prepares GT3 RS Limited Edition

The rumor mills are spinning again, and this time they are moving in the direction of another Porsche special edition. Adding to the countless number of special editions Porsche has given us recently - such as the 911 Carrera GTS - the Stud from Germany will also be introducing a special edition GT3 RS at the Paris Motor Show. No official details have been released yet, but we do know, that if these rumors are true, the GT3 RS will only get to be appreciated by 500 Porsche lovers.

While a standard Porsche GT3 RS develops a total of 450 HP, this limited edition is said to go up to 500 HP, going a bit closer to the turbocharged GT2 RS that develops 620 HP. We expect a top speed closer to the 200 mph barrier (up from the standard 193 mph) and a sprint from 0 to 60 mph made in less than 3.8 seconds.

Next to the engine upgrade, Porsche will also be making aerodynamic improvements and adding a series of features specific for this limited edition.

Stay tuned for more details!

. Source:TeamSpeed

Citroen Lacoste Concept

What would a major international motor show be without a quirky concept vehicle in attendance attracting a strong following?

And given that this is the Paris Motor Show, we shouldn’t be surprised that Citroen is bringing with them a concept vehicle that they collaborated with French clothing brand Lacoste. Predictably enough, the concept is being called the

2012 Dodge Viper can double as an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

As you already know Dodge has already showed a concept version of the next generation Viper to selected dealers about a week ago and, although previous statements were devoid of any criticism, rumors are now flying that the next Dodge Viper may be looking into its Italian heritage. Okay, so Dodge doesn’t exactly have an Italian background, but rumors have stated that the concept looks to have shared a face with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Apparently, the future Viper will not only share design elements with the Italian model, but it will also be built on the same platform.

Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO said when talking about the 2012 Viper: "We had been debating this particular nameplate for a long time, and every time I just could not get there. And then one morning the product committee went into the dome and saw it, and we all knew we were in front of something magic, unique. It took less than five minutes for the committee to fund the initiative. Not a negative comment, not a remark, not a single question. And so I leave you with this. The 17th car in the lineup, in select dealers in 2012." . Source:Autoweek

Dodge Challenger

We have to hand it to those successfully clumsy or disloyal auto execs. Every time we need some juicy information on a car that hasn’t exactly been fully unveiled, one of those guys always comes through to provide us with information that we would have to have waited to see. A leaked document from Dodge revealed a few more details on the 2011 Challenger. Apparently, the muscle car will be offered in four trim levels: Challenger, Rallye, R/T, and SRT version.

The standard version will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 engine that develops 305 HP. It will get touring suspension, dual exhaust, leather on the interior, and a 6 speaker audio system. The Rallye version will add heated front seats, Satellite Radio, and more.

The R/T version is powered by a 5.7 HEMI engine with 379 HP and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque. This version will hit a top speed of 160 mph. Of course, the most powerful version will be the SRT. It is powered by a 6.4 liter HEMI engine with 475 HP and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque.

Dodge will be also offering a 392 Inaugural Edition that will be limited to only 1000 units. It will get unique exterior colors, SRT wheels, a four-tailpipe exhaust system, leather seats, brushed metal trim, and a serialized dash plaque.

Sales will begin at the end of 2010.

. Source:Ontario Street Car

Video: 1005 HP Switzer R1K Nissan R35 GTR

car tuning

One dyno test wasn’t enough for the gearheads over at Switzer Performance. They are back to the drawing board and bringing us yet another dyno test for the Nissan GT-R R35 R1K. While a standard GT-R develops 473 HP, the tuner managed to squeeze an impressive 1005 HP out of their little plaything.

To achieve such incredible horsepower, Switzer started off with a base P700 or P800 and then added giant turbochargers and intercoolers, new injectors, ECU, cooling system, new exhaust system, and a new transmission. The tuner didn’t mention how these additions affected the performance times, but they should be a whole lot better than the 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds and the top speed of 193mph for the standard Nissan GT-R!

At the dyno test the tuner said: "Vehicle drove from our shop 20 miles to independent Mustang Dyno, made 1005awhp and drove back to the shop with A/C on and cruise control set. The goal of this combination was to generate 1000whp while maintaining a dual personality. We wanted to have a GTR that would cruise around as comfortably as our milder upgrade cars, but be a terror when at full boost in kill mode."

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Porsche Design P6930 Chronograph

Porsche Design has unveiled the P’6930 Chronograph, a watch that was inspired by the Porsche Carrera GT and the legendary P’6910 Indicator. The chronograph is made from titanium, and will be available in two versions; one painted in a blend of self-colored and black PVD-coated titanium and one in an all-black finish.

Now, back to the Carrera GT inspiration. The two push-pieces of the P’6930 are modeled after the pedals from the Carrera and it features a natural caoutchouc strap that folllows a tire-tread design. The folding clasp for the wristwatch is made from PVD-coated titanium and the automatic Valjoux 7750 movement features an energy-optimized rotor system that was designed to look like the wheel rim of the Carrera GT. Adding design to sporty appeal, the P’6930 also features a sapphire crystal caseback.

The P’6930 comes with a 48-hour power reserve and 25 jewels, as well as an hours, minutes, and seconds indicator and a day and date indication.

The P’6930 Chronograph will go on sale at specialty shops in the autumn of 2010.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Porsche Design presents the P’6930 Chronograph. The styling of the new timepiece deliberately takes its cue form the design of the legendary P’6910 Indicator. The Porsche Design Chronograph offers a compellingly technical look and innovative material combinations. Fashioned from self-coloured or black PVD-coated titanium, the P’6930 Chronograph is powered by a highly accurate COSC-certified automatic movement. It is scheduled for launch in autumn 2010.

Purity of form with technical stylingThe P’6930 Chronograph’s impressive-looking case measures 47 millimetres in diameter and is fashioned from titanium. Particularly light and corrosion resistant, the material is characteristic of Porsche Design. The bezel and sapphire crystal caseback envelop the titanium case in a rugged grip. Four screws ensure the integrity of the case and underscore the watch’s masculine appeal. One version of the chronograph features a blend of self-coloured and black PVD-coated titanium. Another version comes in an all-black finish. The resilient black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating is the outcome of a vacuum-based process that creates a condensate which leaves a protective matt-black deposit of metal nitrides on the watch.

Like the P’6910 Indicator, the styling of the P’6930 Chronograph takes its inspiration from design elements of the Porsche Carrera GT. Built between 2005 and 2006, this high-powered sports car is a demonstration of advanced engineering and represents the distilled essence of 60 years of motor racing history. The Porsche Design P’6920 Rattrapante from the Indicator collection is a recipient of the Red Dot Award.

Uncompromisingly functionalThe two push-pieces of the P’6930 Chronograph are modelled on the pedals of the Carrera GT and offer superb grip. The same goes for the Clous-de-Paris screwdown crown finished in black PVD-coated titanium. The interior profile of the natural caoutchouc strap sports a tyre-tread design, allowing air to reach the skin; it comes with a folding clasp fashioned from PVD-coated titanium. The automatic Valjoux 7750 movement features an energy-optimised rotor system designed to evoke a Carrera GT wheel rim; it can be glimpsed through the sapphire crystal caseback. Characteristic of all Porsche Design watches is the purist design, typography and colour of the dial, which facilitate crystal-clear legibility in all conditions. The main hands are partially skeletonised to prevent any obstruction of the indications. The coating of green and white luminous material on the main hands, numerals and indices ensures optimum legibility at all times.

The Porsche Design P’6930 Chronograph is powered by an ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement and is furnished with a certificate of accuracy issued by the independent Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Preview

Mercedes-Benz has finally shown us some skin on the new SLK-Class for 2012. It seems the biggest changes took place on the front of the a-pillar, where the SLK’s SLS-inspired hood and nose details are very noticeable. We can also see that the headlights and front grille will be more upright, like most of the new Mercedes vehicles. The car will also be losing that Formula One nose.

The SLK will feature a metal-folding roof that might feature much more glass. We’re not sure if the glass heavy roof will be an option or not. The side mirrors have been moved down and the rear antenna has been moved to the trunk lid.

The base SLK should have around 230 horsepower from a six-cylinder motor, while the higher end versions could get a 3.5-liter. There were rumors about a turbocharged four-cylinder, but that doesn’t seem likely.

The AMG version will probably have the new 5.5-liter turbocharged V8. We can’t wait to get our hands on one.

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BMW 5-Series Sedan by AC Schnitzer

The German tuner, AC Schnitzer, has unveiled a new tuning package for the latest BMW 5-Series. For starters, the tuner worked on updating the 530d, but the rest of the models on the 5-Series lineup will be getting their modifications soon!

All models will receive an aerodynamic kit that includes a new front spoiler, chromed grille, rear skirt insert with integrated sports exhaust, rear roof spoiler, and rear spoiler and side skirts with chromed design elements.

The interior gets an AC Schnitzer "Evo" sports airbag steering wheel with optional AC Schnitzer carbon steering wheel insert, a carbon interior trim, and a carbon sill trim set, all in black "Exclusiv". The models will also receive an aluminum cover for the i-Drive System Controller, aluminum foot rests and pedal set, as well as gear knobs in leather and aluminum (black anodized), with leather and illumination or digital gear display.

The package also includes an 8-piston high performance brake system, an AC Schnitzer spring kit, and 19 or 20-inch Type IV wheels in BiColor or silver.

This tuning kit for the BMW 5-Series by AC Schnitzer actually reminds us a lot of the kit provided for the sedan by Hamann. Hit the jump to compare some photos!

Press release after the jump.

Press release

"Dynamics in its most beautiful form" - the new BMW 5-series saloon has been in the showrooms of BMW dealers since May 2010.

Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer gives the new dynamic BMW extra wings with its extensive range of special accessories. Thanks to the AC Schnitzer performance upgrade on the 530d, the driver behind the wheel can enjoy 286 HP instead of the standard 245 HP. Optimizations for the BMW 520d, 525d and 535d are also in development. Whatever the model, all 5-series can be improved with the AC Schnitzer engine styling with capacity logo.

Hennessey VelociRaptor APV

Ford has just unveiled the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, but Hennessey has one-upped Ford by adding a few components to juice it up. The juiced up version of the truck will be called the VelociRaptor APV (Armored Performance Vehicles) and will be part of a long list of tuned up trucks by Hennessey. This first vehicle will be based on the new Ford Raptor Super Crew.

The VelociRaptor APV is powered by a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine, with output between 450 and 800 HP (up from 411 HP), and offers the ultimate combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort, safety, acceleration, braking and handling performance.

The new SUV will offer seating options for six, seven, or eight passengers and will be available with a full line of electronic upgrades including: Satellite TV, high-speed internet, entertainment systems and mobile office systems.

Hennessey will offer the same APV package for a series of other SUVs, all of them offering output of up to 1000 HP (see list below).

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Having a vehicle that can safely and quickly get you out of harm’s way is just as important as having armored protection. Introducing Hennessey Armored Performance Vehicles (APV) ™. Hennessey APV ™will apply the company’s go-fast know-how to help improve the acceleration, braking and handling performance on late-model armored vehicles.

The company’s 2012 , based on the new Ford Raptor Super Crew, will offer the ultimate combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort and safety. Powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8, the VelociRaptor APV will have the performance capability to drive away from, through or over obstacles both on the road as well as off-road.

Hennessey Performance will also be offering a non-armored version of the VelociRaptor APV which will offer off-road enthusiasts the same level of utility and off-road capability that the Ford Raptor has become known for. Hennessey will offer the VelociRaptor SUV with the same supercharged 6.2L V8 producing 575 bhp. There will be seating options for six, seven or eight seats. A full line of electronic upgrades will also be available, including: Satellite TV, high-speed internet, entertainment systems and mobile office systems.

Hennessey APV™ offers a complete line of high-performance upgrade systems for the following the following armored vehicles, both for new vehicles as well as ones that are already in service:

Cadillac Escalade – 500 to 1000 hp Chevrolet Suburban – 500 to 1000 hp Chevrolet Truck – 500 to 1000 hp Ford Raptor Truck – 450 to 800 hp GMC Denali – 500 to 1000 hp Jeep – Up to 800 hp Land Rover – Up to 550 hp Lexus LX570 – Up to 500 hp Nissan Patrol – Up to 1000 hp Range Rover – Up to 550 hp Toyota Sequoia – Up to 650 hp Toyota Land Cruiser – Up to 650 hp

BMW M3 Agitator by RENM

First we had the R8 Enigma, then the LP640 Axiom, and now we have the M3 Agitator. All of these amazing vehicles were created by the same tuner: RENM. The Agitator package includes both appearance and performance improvements.

The exterior of the BMW gets new customized T6 forged 3 piece wheels, adjustable coilover suspension, hallmark-designed 76mm diameter tail pipes, aero carbon fiber front spoiler, boot lid, and rear diffuser.

As for the engine, RENM modified the ECU, added an inconel high-performance exhaust, carbon fiber air-intake, sports air filters, and adjustable ride height/dampening suspension. The result is an impressive 450HP (up from 420 HP) and 440NM of torque. The inconel Formula 1 exhaust technology brings stability and heat resistance to the BMW while the rear silencer carries 12 kilograms less in the weight category. This makes the tuned vehicle weigh 40% less than the standard model.

We are excited to see what other beautiful vehicles RENM has up their sleeves. If all of their other creations come out as beautiful as these last three models, then we are sure to be pleased.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

RENM performance has released a visually striking performance upgrade for the BMW E92 M3 called the ‘Agitator’. According to most definitions, an agitator stirs up others in order to upset the status quo, or put more simply, is an apparatus that shakes or stirs. Based on both the appearance and performance improvements of the RENM Agitator, the transformation achieves the desired effect.

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class Preview

We have seen photos of the 2012 ML-Class before, but we now have some photos with most of the camouflage removed, giving us a clear view of what the new Mercedes-Benz ML will look like.

The wheelbase seems about the same as the current version, but we do know that the car went on a diet. The chassis will be shared with the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Dodge Durango.

The doors have new looks with two bold character lines. We can also see new side mirrors and a large angular grille with chrome bars running horizontal. The headlights appear to be nearly the same as we see on the CL-Class.

Under the hood will be a few motor options. Base models should get a 3.5-liter V6, while a 5.5-liter V8 and a 6.2-liter V8 will likely be on offer. A 3.0-liter diesel should also be available, as well as a hybrid model.

Expect the new ML-Class to be around $45,000 when it hits the showrooms in 2011.

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Arash AF10 supercar at MPH

620,000 and will come with modular carbon-fiber chassis and a 550bhp 7-liter V8 engine under the hood.

"We wanted to bring something different to the supercar table, and felt that the industry needed a new and invigorating face and hopefully this is something we have achieved. Combining perfect design, without compromising on power, plus having one of the best emissions levels in the world, the AF10 is set to be a fantastic new car for the market."

The AF10 supercar will be joined by models from Aston Martin, Bentley, Caparo, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Pagani, Porsche, and Spyker. So, if you happen to be around London during November 11-14th, the MPH Show is the perfect place to be!

Press release after the jump.

Press release

This year’s MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live will see the world premiere of the AF10 supercar from British sportscar maker, Arash Motor Company.

The long-awaited, AF10, valued at £620,000, with its modular carbon-fibre chassis boasts 550bhp from its 7-litre V8 block and delivers 475lbs-ft of torque as it seeks to challenge many of the established high performance cars.

Company founder, Arash Faroud commented: “The AF10 has been four years in the making and we feel it is now time to introduce it to the world.”

“We wanted to bring something different to the supercar table, and felt that the industry needed a new and invigorating face and hopefully this is something we have achieved. Combining perfect design, without compromising on power, plus having one of the best emissions levels in the world, the AF10 is set to be a fantastic new car for the market.” 

The Show continues to attract the world’s most exciting and expensive cars and the 2010 instalment is set to be no different.

Just some of the iconic names joining Arash at this year’s MPH Show include Aston Martin, Bentley, Caparo, Ferrari, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Maserati, McLaren, Pagani, Porsche and Spyker.

MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live will take place at Earls Court, London from November 4-7th and the NEC in Birmingham between November 11-14th.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Preview

Mercedes-Benz has long said that a C-Class coupe was coming, and now TopSpeed has seen it on the road. The car will be made at the Breman plant on the same assembly line as the three other variants.

Under the hood will likely be the same motors as you currently find in the sedan. A 3.0-liter 229 horsepower V6 with rear-wheel drive is the standard model, while a 3.5-liter 268 horsepower V6 is offered.

We expect an AMG version to arrive sometime after the coupe goes on sale. The AMG C-Class coupe could be powered by the new 5.5-liter V8 or a 6.3-liter V8 from the C63 AMG sedan. We have no official word on which will be used.

The new C-Class will be put up against the BMW 3-Series coupe and the Infiniti G37 Coupe. Both are sensational vehicles, so the Merc has a lot to live up too.

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TVR prepares new Corvette V8-engined roadster

Ownership of TVR has changed hands a couple of times, with the future of the company changing with each signature placed on the dotted line. Recently, sometime in June 2010, it was announced that TVR would be working together with Gullwing - a specialist German firm - to prepare a new model that would start production in September 2010. Well, here we are in September, and we haven’t heard a thing about the new model.

Turns out, Jurgen Mohr

Audi S5 Cabrio by HS Motorsport

Here we go; it’s that time again when a German tuner - HS Motorsport to be exact - takes the little plaything that is the Audi S5 Cabrio and transforms it into a better machine. We’ve visited this type of project before with the kits from CarGraphic and MTM where we found that MTM’s tuning kit had a clear advantage over CarGraphic’s package. Now that HS Motorsport has entered the picture, whose kit will come out on top as the best for the open-topped sports car? Let’s delve a little deeper and make that decision.

HS Motorsport is on the same page as was CarGraphic when they skipped over making any exterior modifications to the already exquisite ride. Instead, their focus was aimed at the engine’s output. This focus produced a total of 375hp (up from a total of 333 HP) and 525 NM of torque (up from 440 NM of torque). HS Motorsport also removed the top speed limiter so the S5 will now hit a top speed of 180mph (the standard model was able to hit a top speed of 155 mph).

Hit the jump for the rest of the story plus the press release.

The package also includes an exhaust silencer from Cargraphic with four round inclined rolled-in 89 mm exhaust pipes, a set of 21" wheels, and a brake system from Brembo with double 380x32 mm brake disks and 6-piston monoblock saddle for the front axle. It’s not surprising that CarGraphic had a hand in this little project considering HS Motorsports version of the Audi S5 looks exactly like CarGraphic’s version provided back in May.

Although both kits by CarGraphic and HS Motorsports will tickle the fancy of some Audi enthusiasts, we will have to stick to MTM as our favorite kit for the sports car. Their package not only brought the total horsepower to a mouth-watering 430hp, but they also paid attention to the interior of the vehicle with some upgrades fitting for the Audi. Sorry guys, but MTM still has our vote on this one.

Press release

The customers fairly expect over and over again something extraordinary from the HS Motorsport company from Eching, located near Munich, the more so the perfection for a valuable client is the highest precept for Bavaria’s tuner. This time Audi S5 must be exposed to intensive care of the team from Eching.

Attack of the British: The McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

Get the Flash Player to see the videos. Too long have we been under the German and Italian wave of performance cars. Too long have we been forced to drive, in Germany’s case, their perfectly engineered soulless rocket ships. Too long have we had to drive gorgeous cars that catch fire from Italy. We want something fast, hardcore, and from an Allied nation. Britain and team McLaren to the rescue.

Let’s start with the name shall we. It might sound stupid, like BMW’s constant use of numbers that mean nothing to the normal person. Is the 750i better than a 760 or a 740? In this case though, the name has some serious weight behind it. The MP4 should ring a mental bell for those of you who love and follow Formula One. Every Vodafone McLaren racing car carries the name MP4 along with it. That should give us some sort of understanding as to how the new car performs.

The 12C aspect of the car isn’t that historical. In fact, it’s not very exciting at all. The C stands for carbon and the 12 for to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance Index. See, pretty boring stuff. Despite this, we are about as excited as a child during Christmas to learn more about this new McLaren.

Hit the jump to keep reading.

To try and make things a bit easier, let’s just call this new car the 12C. This is a truly monumental car that has been a tad overshadowed of late. Not anymore; we aim to put it on the highest pedestal.

Mercedes C63 AMG Dunlop-Performance by Wimmer RS

It’s one thing for tuners to get their hands on a sweet ride and convert it to an even tastier treat, but it’s quite another when they decide to splatter stickers all over the car to advertise whose project it was. If you haven’t guessed from the picture of the Mercedes C63 AMG shown above, Wimmer RS has created a tuning package for the sedan called Dunlop Performance. The reason behind the sticker extravaganza is that this modified C63AMG took part in this year’s Tuner’s Grand Prix on the Hockenheimring and managed to end up with a runner-up finish. Okay, so we forgive the stickers for now.

Thanks to a modified electronic engine command, a new exhaust manifold, improved suction tubes, and the K&N sports air filter, the engine now delivers a total of 540 HP (up from 487HP). The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 12.6 seconds, and a top speed of 190 mph. The package also includes a KW3 Club sports coilover chassis and a new set of wheels wrapped in 235/35-19 on the front and 265/35-19 on the rear axis.

It’s unfortunate that Wimmer RS has stopped at 540hp when Wheelsandmore were able to squeeze out 570hp out of the luxury sedan, and they didn’t have to brand it with a bunch of stickers. Nonetheless, the Wimmer C63 AMG Dunlop-Performance has been invited to the big acceleration and breaking tests

2011 Bentley Continental GT Shown In Video

Bentley Continental GT

Get the Flash Player to see the videos. The all-new 2011 Bentley Continental GT was just recently shown online. We got to see some pretty pictures and all that, but nothing shows us a car’s true looks and sound than a good video, and that’s just what we have.

There isn’t a whole lot of action in the video, but we do get to see the car up close and personal. The car will be making its first official debut at the Paris Motor Show, which we will be covering. Under the hood will be a W12 with 567 horsepower. Floor the fast pedal and you will be able to hit 198 miles per hour, but if you go down a hill you might hit the magic 200.

Some of the features include climate-controlled seats and a touchscreen for all the car’s toys and gizmos. Chances are the new GT will be pretty sensational, but we will have to wait and see.

Hit the jump to see the video.

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No Further Punishments Handed To Ferrari

Ferrari needs to thank its lucky stars after a meeting with the FIA World Motor Sport Council today in Paris. The meeting was held to discuss whether Ferrari should face further punishments after team orders allowed Fernando Alonso to overtake Felipe Massa.

The team was already fined $100,000 for the incident, but no further sanctions would be imposed on the Italian race team. Did you expect anything less? Ferrari is obviously very important to Formula One and we never expected them to be forced to sit out a race, especially with Monza, a home race for the team, coming up next week.

Ferrari claimed that Massa decided to move over and allow Alonso by, even though the radio transmission, stating that Alonso was faster and if he understood the message was quite clear. Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley apologized to Massa after he lost the lead. We can’t image how that could have been taken as anything, but team orders.

. Source:Autocar

Mercedes C63 AMG by MEC Design

Just a couple of hours ago we brought you the 2010 Mercedes C63 AMG Dunlop-Performance by Wimmer RS, and we’ve already found another tuning kit for the luxury sedan. This one is done by MEC Design and pumps up the horsepower found in the V8 engine from 457 HP at 6,800 rpm and 442 lbs-ft of torque to a dramatic 600 HP and 700 NM of torque. The tuner has not only worked on the car’s engine, but they have also spiffed up the interior of the C63 AMG.

The exterior package includes a front spoiler lip, new air intakes on the sides of the car and the front bumper, rear spoiler and diffuser; all made in carbon fiber. For the interior, the tuner is offering a sports steering wheel, seat shells, and carbon fiber inserts. The whole package is finished by 20 inch mecxtreme III alloy wheels.

Of course, the biggest changes were made under the hood. After adding a sports air filter and a V-MAX unit, the V8 engine delivers a total of 600 HP and 700 NM of torque as we have previously mentioned. The tuner is also offering a new stainless steel exhaust system with Sport/Racing catalytic converters.

Before this package was unearthed, we had thought that the package by Wheelsandmore was the one that was able to tweak the most horsepower out of the Mercedes. Now we see that MEC Design was successful in pushing it 30hp more than they were. Anyone else think they could do better?

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Subaru plans to expand its line-up by 2012

We already know a little about Subaru’s future because of the highly anticipated FT-86 that Subaru has developed with Toyota. However, that is not the only card in Subaru’s hand. Subaru will be unveiling the sports coupe in 2012, but will also be bringing out a hybrid version of the Impreza and improved versions of almost all of their models.

The first, and most awaited model, is the two-door coupe developed in cooperation with Toyota. The exterior of Subaru’s version will differ from the Toyota and will be powered by either Subaru’s 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine or the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine from the Impreza STI. The sports car developed by Toyota is a RWD model, and the buzz says that Subaru’s version will also be FWD. This is a little surprising for some considering all of Subaru’s vehicles are all-wheel drive, but for cost reasons, this feature just wasn’t practical.

The Impreza will be redesigned for the 2012 model year with bodies created by new design chief Osamu Namba. There are reports that the Impreza will have a hybrid variant, with Subaru getting hybrid technology from Toyota.

As for the other models in the line-up, a new-generation Forester will be revealed this November, the Tribeca will be refreshed in 2012. The Outback and Legacy won’t be seeing a facelift until 2014. . Source:Automotive News

Chevrolet Aveo

After the Aveo RS concept unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet has unveiled the first details on the new Aveo hatchabck. The official debut will be made at the Paris Auto Show and sales will begin in 2011. The hatchback version will be followed by a sedan next summer.

The new Aveo features a new aggressive looking front with exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, and ’hidden’ rear door handles. The interior features a motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle which features an analogue tachometer combined with a digital speedo and warning lights.

Under the hood Chevrolet will place a wide range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines, including two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp) and two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

There is no shortage of world firsts for Chevrolet at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, and joining the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback show car will be the eagerly awaited 5-door, which like the Orlando makes its world production debut.

The Aveo RS show car was displayed at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows earlier in 2010, and with the final production-ready model, Chevrolet has a car that looks every bit as good as the earlier concept.

Entering the highly competitive global small car segment, striking design elements of the new include the aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille, compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs, the ’hidden’ rear door handles which now feature in the c-pillar and a ’body in, wheels out’ profile which is now very much part of the new Chevrolet design language.

Reminiscent of the recently introduced Spark, the new Aveo is unquestionably a car that will appeal to younger customers with its sporty hot-hatch look. A four-door sedan variant will launch alongside the hatch next summer. Both hatch and sedan are practical small cars with good interior space and Chevrolet expects the new Aveo also to appeal to families, for whom the current model has been a popular purchase.

The new has benefited from an extensive development program, resulting in a small car that will meet European drivers’ tastes both in terms of design and dynamics. Final specifications of the new Aveo will be carefully tailored to each European market.

Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe says: "It’s just such an exciting time to be at Chevrolet; not only do we have new entries into the MPV and compact classes, in Aveo we have a car which is ready to compete against the best in the small car segment, which is also Europe’s largest segment."

The new Aveo is longer and wider than the current model, giving it a spacious interior and cargo volume that is among best in class. The interior design perhaps holds even more surprises than the outside, in particular the motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle which features an analogue tachometer combined with a digital speedo and warning lights.

Up-market blue backlighting features on the center console while the whole of the front cabin is enveloped in a wrap-round fascia. This can be color-coded and flows from the dash into both the driver’s and front passenger’s doors. Aveo customers will appreciate the quality materials used in the interior as well as multiple storage spaces in the center stack and the modern audio system with USB, aux-in and Bluetooth functionality.

Reflecting the little Chevrolet’s sporty personality, Aveo has been engineered to provide involving handling, a characteristic which stems partly from its tight body frame integral (BFI) structure where high torsional rigidity has been achieved - among the stiffest in the small car segment.

The new Aveo’s chassis has been fine tuned to satisfy European tastes with a ride and handling ratio that combines comfort with responsiveness. Electronic power steering (EPS), Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS brakes will be standard.

A comprehensive range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be available in the new , incorporating the latest technologies such as variable valve timing, double continuous variable cam phasing and common rail fuel injection for the diesels.

The petrol engine range includes two 1.2 liter versions (at 70 hp and at 86hp), a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter (115hp). For the first time, Aveo will be offered with two versions of a 1.3 liter diesel engine (at 75 hp and at 95 hp) featuring Start/Stop technology.

Chevrolet’s first 6-speed automatic transmission on a small car will feature on the Aveo 1.4 and 1.6 as an option in most markets; manual transmissions are of 5 or 6 speed depending on engine choice.