Lexus shows off glut of SEMA hardware

Lexus is headed to SEMA in Las Vegas with an arsenal of custom vehicles. A total of nine Lexus products will be in attendance, tuned by the likes of Five Axis, VIP Auto Salon and JT Grey Racing in addition to a line of factory-customized F-Sport offerings.

Five Axis plans to bring along both the CT 200h that the company unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show this year as well as a new GS F Sport project (seen above). The latter vehicle wears a full widebody conversion as well as custom paint, brake hardware from StopTech and a full AirRunner TC-5 air suspension.

VIP Auto Salon, meanwhile, plans to show off a special IS 350C with custom carbon fiber aero work, a Power Enterprise Rotex supercharger kit for a little bit more speed and a TOMS upper shock tower brace.

But we're most taken with the idea of the Lexus LX 570 by JT Grey Racing. Sadly, there aren't yet any pictures of that beast, but Lexus says it has been built to be a full-blown off-road racer with 37-inch BF Goodrich Baja TA tires, 17-inch custom wheels, lots of off road lighting and Sparco race seats inside. We're always fans of airborne luxury SUVs.

Women at greater risk of injury in crashes

The American Journal of Public Health has published a new study on the role of gender in auto accidents. The results indicate that women are more likely to be injured than men when involved in comparable crashes. Researchers say that when wearing seat belts, female drivers have a higher risk of chest and spinal injuries.

A combination of relatively smaller stature and differences in preferred seating positions make women more vulnerable, according to the study. Their chances of being injured while wearing a seatbelt are 47 percent higher than men.

But not everyone is buying the research. Clarence Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety told ABC News that the researchers used out-of-date data. The study looked at crash statistics going back as far as 1998. Many cars on the road then would be almost 20 years old by now, meaning they would not incorporate the most modern crash protection technology.

"The study would have a lot more value if it were limited to 2000 and later model year vehicles to make sure all vehicles had female friendly airbags," Ditlow said.

Mopar rolling in to SEMA with Challenger ACR, Ram 392 and more

Since the Chrysler Group joined up with Fiat, its brand portfolio has grown to include Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Fiat vehicles. And you know what that means: more stuff for Mopar to tinker with. That's just what Auburn Hills has got in store for the upcoming SEMA show in Vegas, with a whole slew of show cars to demonstrate just what the group's performance parts division can do.

The Chrysler brand itself will be represented by the 300 SF6, dedicated to the Spring Festival of Chrysler 300 owners in Southern California. It's distinguished by 22-inch alloys, a KW coil-over suspension and upgraded brakes, intake, headers and exhaust – all from the Mopar parts bin – plus special trim inside and out.

Over at Dodge, the Challenger SRT8 gets the ACR treatment with upgraded suspension, shifter, front splitter, exhaust and 20-inch wheels, capped by a paint job evocative of the much-loved Viper ACR. It's joined by the Durango Tow Hook, decked out in orange and black with 22-inch rolling stock on a dropped suspension.

Fiat continues to make the most of the 500 with two specials called Titanium and Carbon. The former takes its name from the matte-finish brightwork and 16-inch wheels that contrast with the black paint, with enlarged grilles feeding the upgraded intake and exhaust systems. The latter, meanwhile, decks out a 500 Sport in deep blue with carbon-fiber accents and blacked-out trim and 17-inch alloys, riding on a lowered suspension.

Finally, the Ram division is represented by the 392 Quick Silver, dropping a 470-horsepower Hemi V8 into the Ram R/T's engine bay. 22-inch wheels on a lowered suspension house 15-inch Brembo brakes to keep it under control, with a body glazed in silver with red accents and a black roof to do the talking.

Grand Prix of America bringing F1 to New Jersey in 2013

That things happen fast in Formula One is a given. But just how fast things can turn around is also liable to twist your head around at breakneck speeds.

While the United States has not hosted a Formula One grand prix since 2007, within two years' time it will once again host two. The first we already know about: the United States Grand Prix will join the calendar next season in Austin, Texas (of all places) at the purpose-built Circuit of the Americas. But after much anticipation, officials today announced a second grand prix to be held here in the U.S. along the banks of the Hudson River.

The race, officially to be known as the Grand Prix of America, will be held on a new 3.2-mile street course being carved out of the New Jersey towns of West New York and Weehawken, offering the New York skyline as a panoramic backdrop. The grand prix is currently scheduled for June 2013, when it is expected to draw upwards of 100,000 race fans.

Edo Competition tricks out the Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera doesn't need much help in the performance department. Styling may be another matter, however. German tuning house Edo Competition has tackled both with its latest tuning kit.

Starting with the Panamera S, the package called Hellboy takes output from the 4.8-liter V8 up from 395 horsepower to 459 for a 4.6-second sprint to 62 and a 191-mile-per-hour top end. The rest of the package is rounded out with 21-inch alloys mounted to a suspension that's been lowered by 30mm, plus a full carbon fiber aero kit and a retrofitted interior.

We're not sure it helps the Panamera in the areas it needs it most, but juxtaposed to the, um, rather "decorated" girl with which it's photographed in the high-res image gallery (pay special attention to the text on her legs), it's suddenly looking quite tasteful by comparison.

Lexus unveils 2013 GS 350 F Sport ahead of SEMA

Over at Lexus, F stands for performance. Think F as in LFA. Think F as in IS-F. And think F as in F Sport, the series of kits that ever so subtly change a Toyota luxury vehicle's attitude from sedate to sporty. So if you thought the new Lexus GS sedan could use a shot of adrenaline, we've got good news for you, as Lexus has just revealed a new F Sport package for the GS 350 that will make its debut next week at SEMA.

The package encompasses a new set of 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned adaptive suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, new bushing, and bigger brakes up front. Variable steering is also included for rear-drive models, while the interior gets a new driver's seat, unique trim and available red leather.

Cap that off with a more aggressive aero kit and the GS is transformed, if not into an outright performance sedan – the 3.5-liter V6 remains unchanged, after all, at 306 horsepower – then into something a little more aggressive than what you'd expect to see in the local diner parking lot at five p.m. Check it out in the press release after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery for a closer look.

Kia prices 2012 Rio sedan at $13,400

We're not exactly surprised, but Kia will be selling the sedan version of the Rio for $200 less than the five-door hatchback. The five-door is on sale now, while the $13,400 sedan won't hit dealers until January 2012.

An automatic-equipped Rio sedan will set you back $14,500, while the high-end SX trim starts at $17,500. None of those prices include the $750 destination charge.

While we found a lot to like about the all-new Rio five-door in our First Drive, we remain disappointed that yet another automaker has decided to charge a premium for the hatchback version. If we had a nickel for every time we've heard automakers say Americans don't want to buy hatchbacks, we'd all be able to retire to Bora Bora.

From where we sit, hatchbacks are not only easier on the eyes, but easier to live with, too. Of course, the bias against hatches seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy when there's no equity in pricing.

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2011 is quickly nearing its end (already!), which means it's time for big awards to be given out to the best new cars to hit the market over the past twelve months. First up, Motor Trend has officially announced that the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is its SUV of the Year, stating that the compact crossover "transcends conventional perceptions of a sport/utility vehicle; seamlessly combining sporty styling and agility, with off-road prowess and utility."

During its testing, Motor Trend found the Evoque to be ahead of the pack in terms of style, engineering and refinement. Specific areas of praise include the sloping roofline that still allows for plenty of headroom, as well as the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the well-sorted, adaptable suspension.

The Evoque is also a candidate for the North American Truck of the Year award, which will be presented at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.

2012 Buick Verano

Every six months or so, we drive a car that exceeds our expectations. Such is the case with the all-new 2012 Buick Verano, the American automaker's fresh new entrant into the $25,000 compact luxury segment.

Wait a minute – what's this so-called "$25,000 compact luxury" segment?

Buick explains that there is a window of opportunity for a small luxury sedan priced below the Audi A3, Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX sedan, but above the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze. After identifying the void, Buick's objective was to develop a vehicle that was quieter, more luxurious and better equipped than anything close to its $23,470 cost of entry. Even loaded with every option, the Verano won't exceed $29,000, a figure which cleanly undercuts all of the aforementioned luxury imports by several thousand dollars.

Buick flew us up to Portland, Oregon, last week for an opportunity to put more than 250 miles on its new Verano in the spectacularly scenic Northwest. We arrived intrigued, and left very impressed.

Buick's third new model in as many years debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Its first compact since the Buick Skylark was dropped in 1999, the Verano (Spanish for "summer") is built on General Motors' Delta II platform, an architecture shared with the Chevrolet Cruze. But don't be mistaken that this is just another one of GM's ill-advised exercises in badge engineering – it isn't. The Verano shares some suspension underpinnings with its economy-oriented cousin, but the powertrain and cabin appointments scream upmarket Regal - or even baby LaCrosse.

Audi developing lighter

What's better than a 360-horsepower Audi TT RS? Well, not a whole heck of a lot, as we recently found while test-driving the pint-sized beast on American soil. But how about a TT RS Plus with more power and less weight? Now that's the ticket.

Rumors pouring in from overseas suggest that Audi is preparing to upgrade the coupe's 2.5-liter turbo five to 385 horsepower and removing some 130 pounds worth of extra weight – like the rear seats, for a start. Given that the current version already runs the 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, dropping that time into the threes wouldn't be out of the question.

Nissan releases first photo of completed Juke-R

The unveiling of the Nissan Juke-R prototype has been as slow and painstaking as the car's actual build. First we received initial details, a rendering and video of the project under way. Over the course of the following few weeks, Nissan continued keeping us on our toes with a series of videos showing the project coming together. Now that the vehicle has finally reached completion, the Japanese automaker has released a solitary image of the finished product.

Those unfamiliar ought to be impressed: Nissan took the drivetrain from its top-of-the-line GT-R – including its advanced all-wheel-drive system, twin-clutch transmission and 3.8-liter twin-turbo 480-horsepower V6 – and shoehorned it into one of its smallest vehicles, the Juke crossover. Of course, it wasn't as simple as all that, as the Juke had to be completely gutted down to its frame and rebuilt from the ground up to accommodate an engine more than twice the size of what it was designed for.

In the end, Nissan will build two of these prototypes: one in right-hand drive (for its own roads back in Japan and those where it was built in England) and one in left-hand drive (for the rest of the civilized world). The release of this solitary photo follows a surprise unveiling in front of members of the press at a demo event in Spain.

Mazda Takeri concept to debut at Tokyo Motor Show

With the Mazda6 sedan on its last legs, the Zoom-Zoom automaker is rolling into its home exhibition at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with the Takeri concept you see here.

The midsize sedan concept adopts Mazda's latest Kodo design language in a conventional three-box shape that could provide a preview of what to expect from the next 6. The show car packs the company's SkyActiv-D diesel engine (a 2.2-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder with a lowered compression ratio for a 20% improvement in efficiency over a conventional oil-burner) with stop-start engine management and regenerative braking – a new feature for Mazda.

The Takeri show car will be officially unveiled (along with the CX-5 and Shinari concept that make their Japanese debuts) when the doors open at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center on November 30.

2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000

Suzuki has pulled the covers off of its 2012 GSX-R1000, and the bike brings a smattering of mechanical improvements to an already capable platform. All told, the machine is just under 4.5 pounds lighter than last year. Part of that savings comes from specially-developed pistons that are 11 percent lighter than those found in the previous-generation GSX-R1000. Suzuki says the components were developed using technology borrowed from its MotoGP efforts. The same goes for the engine tappets, which are 2.5 grams lighter than the old pieces. The new hardware means that the 2012 GSX-R1000 can use a revised exhaust cam profile for reduced valve overlap.

Engineers also turned up the compression from 12.8:1 to 12.9:1, and a lightweight 4-2-1 exhaust system caps off engine modifications. Suzuki turned to a set of Brembo Monoblock calipers for 2012 for increased braking performance, as well a lighter wheel and tire combination. Suzuki isn't saying exactly how much horsepower the engine produces with its new internals, nor has the company released any performance specifications, but we imagine improvements all around.

Maserati claims title in Superstars Series with Quattroporte Evo

We'll forgive you if you haven't heard of the Superstars Series. It's only been around since 2004 (the International category since 2007) and all of the races take place in Europe – in fact over half took place this season in Italy. But similar to other national touring car championships – Germany's DTM, Japan's Super GT and Australia's V8 Supercars come to mind – the Superstars Series packs some serious racing machinery.

Take the Maserati Quattroporte EVO, for example. If that sounds badass to you, just look at the thing, because it is. It's based, of course, on the Trident marque's four-door model, which is already desirable enough on its own, but has been race prepped with an extreme wide-body kit and all the trimmings. It's the car with which Andrea Bertolini – a long-time Ferrari and Maserati factory driver who took the FIA GT1 championship in the MC12 he helped develop – and his Swiss Team just clinched the championship.

It's the first time that a Maserati has won the series title, previous champions having raced cars based on the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Jaguar S-Type R. The formula calls for V8 engines, no turbos, based on four-seaters with two doors or four, and the rest of the field is made up of everything from the Chevy Lumina (a rebadged Holden) and Cadillac CTS-V to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Porsche Panamera S. All in all, ten marques are represented, but this year Maserati was crowned champion of them all.

Marchionne aims Maserati at Porsche and Bentley

Expanding an automotive empire is tricky business. You can either pit one brand within the group against another, or you have to differentiate them significantly. Volkswagen has opted for the former, with numerous competitors from different group brands in the same segments, but the Fiat/Chrysler group over which Sergio Marchionne presides is going the other route.

As a result, Marchionne insists that Ferrari isn't after the same market that the likes of Porsche and Bentley – both part of the Volkswagen group – currently pursue. Ferrari, he says, is in a league of its own, but in fact it plays against the likes of Lamborghini and Bugatti. So what is Marchionne pitting against Porsche and Bentley? Maserati.

Reiterating that Ferrari will never build an SUV or a four-door sedan, Marchionne points to Maserati to fill those niches. In order to get there, as we know, the Trident marque is launching a pair of sedans – one larger and one smaller – to succeed the current Quattroporte, and the SUV currently known as the Kubang, previewed in concept form at the Frankfurt show last month.

Together with the GranTurismo range – the convertible version of which Marchionne is pictured with above – the new models are pegged to boost Maserati's sales up tenfold over the course of the coming years, from the 5,675 units it sold last year up to 55,000 or even 60,000 units. Ferrari's sales, meanwhile, will be limited to 10,000 units from the 6,573 it sold last year in markets around the world.

Fox Marketing prepping special Honda Civic Si for SEMA

SEMA is only a few weeks away, and it seems like all the little fish are being let out of the pond first. We've heard about visitations from Focuses and Fiestas, Genesis Coupes and Velosters and classic Ford racers, now add the 2012 Honda Civic Si by Fox Marketing to the roll call. And full disclosure: Autoblog will have a sticker on this car.

You know the drill by now: start with an economy car, change everything, voila, SEMA here we come. Among these changes are a turbocharged 450-horsepower engine, and not just any turbo, but that from Honda's LMP1/LMP2 and IndyCar engines. An ECU from a 2006 Civic Si controls the action, and with all hope, 10.5-inch tires will control the grip.

Sonic and Cruze headlining for Chevy at SEMA

The Chevrolet Sonic and its big sister, the Cruze, have proven to the world that General Motors is once again capable of building class-leading small cars. To showcase these cars in a new light, Chevrolet will be bringing a smattering of Sonics and Cruzes to the upcoming SEMA show, with these models accounting for 60 percent of the brand's show cars. (Don't worry, there will still be plenty of Corvettes, Camaros and Silverados, and we'll have details on those in the coming days.)

Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec IIThe 2012 Sonic is the latest and greatest of the Chevrolet small car portfolio, and GM will have 20 different Sonics on display. Here, we see the Sonic Z-Spec I (above) and Z-Spec II (right), showing the different aftermarket options that will be available for the Sonic hatchback. The Z-Spec I wears a lower aero kit that will be available to order starting this December, while the extra body work of the Z-Spec II is still purely conceptual right now.

Not pictured, a sedan version of the Z-Spec I will also be on display, as well as the Sonic Dusk concept, which wears a new Berlin Blue exterior finish, Z-Spec aero kit and a two-tone Mojave leather interior. All the SEMA Sonics are equipped with GM's 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, ride on special 18-inch wheels and are fitted with upgraded suspension bits, as well as Brembo brakes.

Both the Z-Spec and Dusk treatments make their way to the Cruze sedan in a similar fashion. In terms of design, the Cruze models look very similar to their Sonic counterparts, though the upsized dimensions of Chevy's C-segment sedan allow for larger wheels – 19-inch sets on both vehicles.

Harley-Davidson recalling over 300,000 motorcycles

Harley-Davidson has announced that it is recalling 308,474 motorcycles and trikes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear brake switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system. If this happens, the rear brake light may fail to illuminate. It's also possible that the rear brake system could leak fluid, causing a brake failure. NHTSA says either condition could lead to an accident. Harley-Davidson will replace the brake light switch free of charge, though it's unclear what will be done to prevent the same condition from reoccurring in the future.

The recall covers 25 different Harley-Davidson models manufactured between 2009 and 2012. Around 250,000 of the motorcycles were sold in the U.S. while the remaining 50,000 were sold elsewhere. Reuters reports that the recall is expected to cost Harley-Davidson between $10 million and $12 million.

China's BYD opening U.S. headquarters today

Chinese automaker BYD is set to open its North American headquarters in Los Angeles today. The company says that the office will add around 150 jobs to the area, including engineering and management positions. In addition, the manufacturer has announced a partnership with Hertz that will see BYD electric shuttles transport rental car customers to and from their vehicles at the Los Angeles International Airport. BYD is hoping to position itself as an EV specialist here in the States, but Edmunds Auto Observer reports that the automaker has seen its fair share of problems over the past year.

In 2010, BYD sold 519,800 vehicles, which is a far cry from the 800,000 units the company forecast earlier in the year. Likewise, 2011 hasn't been any kinder to the automaker, with 232,400 vehicles sold from January through July. In addition, labor, research and administrative costs have all increased as the company's profits have slid off among weak consumer confidence.

Ford Mustang Boss 302

Word has it that the Ford TracKey feature available on the Mustang Boss 302 will come with some interesting fine print. According to Mustangs Daily, owners who opt to have TracKey installed at their local Ford dealer will have to endure a three-year, 36,000-mile powertrain warranty. That's noticeably shorter than the five-year, 60,000-mile warranty that comes standard on the Mustang Boss 302. In addition, owners who decide to bolt on any extra performance modifications in conjunction with TracKey will see their warranty completely voided. Ford says that aftermarket modifications could cause severe engine damage.

Despite the shortened warranty, Mustangs Daily reports that Ford doesn't expect any reliability issues with TracKey. The company says that its engineers have done all of the necessary homework on the system.

From the sound of things, Ford is simply protecting itself from abusive owners who may seek to take advantage of a race car with a warranty. We'll learn more once Ford officially debuts TracKey at SEMA in Las Vegas in a few weeks.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 specs divulged

General Motors has been noticeably tight-lipped about the specifications for its 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, leaving enthusiasts to salivate and daydream over the sorts of possibilities that can arise from a supercharged, all-aluminum V8. Now we can wonder no more. According to a post in the Camaro5 forums, dealers already have the skinny on the meanest Camaro of them all. The model will reportedly arrive with a blistering 580 horsepower and 556 pound-feet of torque under its wide hood. Those figures are good enough to hustle the 4,120-pound muscle car around the fabled Nürburgring in a skinny seven minutes and 41 seconds, though something tells us that has as much to do with the car's 51/49 weight balance.

Two wheel options will be available, including a five-spoke and a 10-spoke design, and buyers can pick from a total of nine colors. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard equipment, though a six-speed automatic will also be available for those buyers who wish to leave the cog-swapping to the car. The Camaro ZL1 will also come with the same four-pack console gauges as the SS model, though a boost gauge is now part of the party. Head over to the Camaro5 for a full look at the vehicle's specifications.

Ford Focus and Fiesta to be well represented at SEMA

Ford is hitting SEMA with a volley of modified Focus and Fiesta models this year. The company says that the aftermarket show is the perfect venue for showing off just how customizable both vehicles can be, and with creations from the likes of Roush, Cobb Tuning and Gold Coast Automotive among others, there should be a hatch or sedan on hand in Las Vegas for everyone. Roush is doing what the company does best: plopping an R900 TVS Supercharger on top of the four-cylinder engine in the Focus for a substantial bump in power, and a full Roush exhaust ensures that the engine will breathe easy.

Cobb Tuning, meanwhile, will be going the turbocharging route with its Focus. The car will boast forged pistons, a custom turbo kit and front-mounted intercooler, as well as a unique air box, intake and exhaust manifold. No one's saying just how much power the Focus will make, but a StopTech Trophy big brake kit should ensure the car can be brought down from speed in a hurry.

BMW product head says M division would like to develop own car

Inside Line reports that BMW's M division wants to play with the other kids and develop its own car, but it's got to wait on parent BMW to say Alles klar. This isn't new; they've been public about the desire for at least two years. The holdup, naturally, is that bean-and-spreadsheet wielding boogeyman named The Business Case: any in-house M offering has to feed the profit motive before getting the okay.

Sure, Audi has its R8, but that was made easier because of the Lamborghini link. The real template for this is Mercedes-Benz's AMG, which created the SLS on its own, and on its own chassis. The sales success of that car must surely have the folks at M anxious to fabricate a proper challenger.

When we talked to former M Division head Dr. Kay Segler, he spoke about pushing the 1 Series M through without dilution in spite of frequent reservations about its business case. We haven't heard the same talk yet from the department's current head, so, using a different template, it could be time for M engineers to start turning wrenches in their spare time: the IS-F began as an after-hours project, and in effect so did the Pagani Zonda.

India's exotic car market booms as economy births more millionaires

Demand for supercars in India has exotic automakers scrambling, with Lamborghini on the verge of opening its second dealership in India this year, and Ferrari planning to open four more by the end of 2012.

Ferrari opened its first Indian dealership in May as the country's blossoming economy continues to spit out millionaires left and right. The number of India's millionaires is expected to double by 2015.

Despite climbing numbers of millionaires and increased demand for exotic rides, a chilling fact remains: World Bank estimates that 75 percent of Indians live on less than $2 a day.

MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli dies in race accident

Bad news, it seems, does come in threes, as we're grieved to report the passing of Marco Simoncelli. The MotoGP rider succumbed to injuries sustained this weekend at the Malaysian Grand Prix, his death coming barely a week after those of Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon and Baja racer Rick Huseman.

A promising Italian rider, Simoncelli advanced just last year to the top-tier MotoGP series after making a name for himself in the feeder classes. He was a force to be reckoned with in the Italian Minimoto Championship in the late 90s, won the European championship (as well as several World Championship races) in the 125cc class for Aprilia and took the 250cc World Championship for Gilera in 2008. He advanced to the MotoGP series last season, riding for the Gresini Honda team, for whom he took a second-place finish just last week in Australia.

2012 BMW ActiveE

For over a year, I've been looking for a way to get into an electric vehicle, but my options have been decidedly limited. I'm either lacking the funds (Tesla Roadster) or the alternatives have lacked character (Mitsubishi i, Focus Electric).

But now there's this: The 2012 BMW ActiveE. It's the next step for BMW in electrification – a bridge between the Mini E and the forthcoming i3 – that takes a standard 1 Series Coupe and adds a brace of batteries and electric motor to create a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a 100-mile range. Even better, the price is right.

Unlike the Mini E that required owners to plunk down a hefty chunk of change each month, the ActiveE's outlay is far more palatable: $2,250 down and $499 a month for a 24-month lease – well below what you'd drop on a new (or even used) gas-powered 1 Series.

Now I'm the first to admit to being an early-adopting sucker, but could it be worth my hard-earned Blogger Bucks to become a beta tester for BMW's electrification efforts? I flew 5,800 miles to Munich to find out.

The kit fitted to the ActiveE is set to power both the i3 city car and i8 hybrid-electric flagship. Specifically, the 125 kW electric synchronous motor integrated into the E's rear axle will find a home in the back of the i3, powering the rear wheels, while the i8's application will provide a boost of torque to the front wheels. The motor puts out 168 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and weighs in at a relatively insignificant 200 pounds.

VW execs want Bulli to compliment Beetle in Heritage Collection

If it's a vehicle that can really challenge the Volkswagen Beetle in historical records, the transporter. Microbus or more commonly called simply the bus was born in 1950 as the real original minivan type 2 (the Beetle, of course, was the type 1).

As with the Beetle is the first model, that butterflies perform most air-cooled VW enthusiasts in the heart, although the machines were up in the 1990s to collect. And when the leader of the Volkswagen go their way, the new iconic bus to go into production.

Preview through the concept of the 2011 Geneva Salon de Bulli, would probably climb to the production model at the top of the same platform as the last VW Beetle and sport seats for five passengers and freight. If so, expect a series of four-cylinder engines (maybe even five ...) to power the front wheels to send.

If coach is to believe, the next Microbus be ready for the road in 2014, and it would probably come to the States. We start passing the finger today.

Chevrolet Spark Z Spec – Mini-Car Concept

Small hatchback Chevrolet Spark has a bright orange and white line as the figure of a fish. the car was from 2012. at least the car is a fun concept. Orange Metallic Orange vehicle is equipped with the addition of front grille and rear spoiler. The car also has gears and aluminum pedal covers made? from a mixture. Spark mini-car concept-Z - Spec combines interior and exterior design of the development of the Chevrolet and BBS rims.

Honda CR-Z – Alpha Black Edition 2011

Honda CR-Z Alpha Black Label launches 20th edition July 2011. Honda CR-Z output of the Alpha Black Label Edition is a special edition that is sold in limited quantities to the model, the CR-Z hybrid sports car is finished in first in the world. Honda CR-Z Output Alpha Black Label has a hint of being dominated on its aluminum wheels with black and uses the new color variant of Premium Pearl Yellow paint the body as a new variant on the outside. For indoor CR-Z Output Alpha Black Label for a touch of black from the front seats, door panels, bumpers, feet, and the bellows. In addition to the accelerator, brake and clutch pedal is a hint of color, such as cash bonuses to the CR-Z JCOTY issue.

BMW 520d – BMW Entry Level

BMW 520d is the first in a BMW sedan, which carries diesel engines. 520d can be considered as an entry-level model for BMW-5. From the outside, there is almost no difference. The biggest difference is the 520d that remember the emblem on the trunk, but when I hear his voice, then we are made ​​aware that the diesel sedan lovers. 520d diesel engine with a diesel engine with an advanced concept that claim to be cleaner, more efficient, but still powerful. 520d engine has a displacement of 1995 cc with a maximum output of 184 hp at 4,000 revolutions per minute. And appropriate diesel cars, making some pretty awful: 380 Nm, which appears at 1750 revolutions per minute to 2750 revolutions per minute. But the most interesting is that it only generates CO2 emissions 137 g / km. These emissions are the lowest compared to other colleagues-5-series, the F10 code. Even BMW X1 with the same 1995 cc engine was still producing emissions of 139 g / km. At 520d, no sunroof, paddle gearbox, the adjustment of the seat position was done manually. Although the interior is still felt with a high-quality leather, power seats with settings, cruise control, and the Board remains with the dual zone feature. In addition, as a "brother" on the other hand, there is also a 7-inch screen and iDrive functions. The functions that are part of BMW EfficientDynamics is still there, also Brake Energy Regeneration. Safety device is probably still support the presence of airbags in the front, side, curtain airbags, as well as measures to ensure the stability of the vehicle training.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of trends, which currently contains the first company, the technologies we take for granted as develop traction control, airbags and ABS brakes. He also provided the trend for the propulsion of motor vehicles, having built and sold the first automobile in 1885. But this is not for general trends in the way, that's exactly what the company, when it was revived in 2004, the CLS-Class is known.

Despite four-door that you look into the eyes of a Mercedes CLS was officially called off due to the elegant cut of the car-like roofline. Semantics aside, it started a whole new segment of four-door transport with its new artistic approach to four people. As an emerging industry, followed by the arrival of the Benz Patent Motor Car in 1885, the arrival of the CLS has created a new class of vehicle.

After starting the trend, Mercedes comes to show us how it will evolve, and the 2012 CLS550 is here for. This work is not only to expel this trend does not become a fashion, but also to a growing number of automakers, who first thought they want.

The first generation of the CLS is widely recognized as a beautiful design, to report almost shocking how the brand has been developing a four-door in 2004. If you are a fan of the original concept, you probably would not have minded if Mercedes Left Outside Alone. Unfortunately, seven years is a long product life, and Mercedes can not be held responsible for the implementation of paper. The question is whether the designers have succeeded in the new CLS even more attractive than the first.

Renault rolls out full details on new Samsung SM7

You may recognize the name of Samsung Electronics. Maybe even some devices. But cars? The Korean industrial giant produced a range of vehicles for domestic consumption in collaboration with Renault. Together they form a line of limousines, sedans and crossovers, and it is later.

Called the SM7, the new sedan has been spotted a couple of months, but now he is ready to come to the Korean market, Renault / Samsung has released a small batch of new pictures with all details.

The product of about 32 months and more than 300 million development is greater than the SM7, the new Nissan Maxima-based model it replaces. Two V6 engines from the family of third-generation VQ are available - a 2.5-liter engine with 190 hp or more 3.5-liter 258 hp - both with a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission paired.

Cabin (relatively) ordered luxurious and good for this flagship sedan, now offers the aviation head restraints, very comfortable look for the passengers, but inspiration for the look of the driver (a) as if they hold their heads high when the tax fall asleep, and (b) us as a terrible idea.

Mercedes-Benz confirms second shooting brake model

Wagon lovers happy. Last year, Mercedes-Benz CLS confirms that its curves Shooting Brake concept (image) has been approved for production, and now, Automotive News reported that a smaller version in the works, as well.

Recently, we showed you spy shots of upcoming Mercedes CLC - a four-door coupe on the platform that the automaker A and Class B vehicles will support. As the standard four doors of the CTC, the shooting brake with a direct injection four-cylinder engines (probably with a turbocharger) is offered, and are available in front-and four-wheel drive. Logically, since the large five-door CLS is the same powertrain in the CLS-Class sedan to use, it's on, including the delicious CLS63 AMG version.

Search arrive after the shooting brake CTC in North America later in 2014. CTC sedan will go on sale later in 2013.

Chrysler adding 1,100 jobs at Toledo plant

New manufacturing jobs are always nice to hear, and this time it is providing Chrysler headlines. Automotive News reports that the automaker is a second shift at its Toledo assembly complex, which could result in 1,100 new jobs added.

Chrysler has not officially announced (as the incentives are not completed), but the Toledo Blade says that investment will be $ 365 million in 1050 to lead workers, with wages of from $ 55 14.65/hour and other administrative tasks, valued at about $ 90 000 each.

Chrysler has not (officially) a word about what new products come to fill the need for a second layer, but analysts say that seven new and redesigned vehicles could make their way into the mill. The Toledo plant expansion would be ready for prime time in the course of 2013. Currently, both the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro are made ​​at this facility.

Top Gear going Dutch with new series in Holland

Spin is not usually a good thing if you do a show about cars, unless the mill in question refers to the series itself and not driving the car. And while Clarkson, Stig, et al, certainly enough cars on and behind the camera have turned their mishaps are the number of spin-off shows that have resulted from the original BBC program overwhelmed.

Apart from the other shows that Hammond and May to show in particular host and magazines, and the road and everything else, Top Gear has spread to other series in Australia, Russia, the USA, China and South Korea led. And those are just the ones we know. Now a word on the street is that another series is planned for the Netherlands.

The latest spin-off is being developed by the editors of the magazine Autoweek Holland and producers of Veronica, a local television station, which already British and Australian versions of the show in Holland.

The formula will naturally follow the tried and true format as the original was so successful and been replicated worldwide. As for the Stig, well ... We have always thought his name sounded mysterious Dutch. And now it is.

Audi USA opens up the palette with R8 Exclusive

Driving an Audi R8 and you're likely to turn heads everywhere you go. Unless you are in an area where the four rings super sports car is already running down. Next, you need to find a way to differentiate themselves from everyone else. Fortunately, the answer to the Audi exclusive hot new R8.

The program, announced in the U.S. Audi's Facebook page, customers can order their personal R8, and give you a series of options for special color. Besides the selection of colors that can be specified for the exterior and the side blade, Audi exclusive offers a number of special interior trim. In this way you can get your car covered in brown leather with red stitching. Or red leather with white stitching. Or how about black with brown leather inserts and piping? Maybe brown with white stitching and piping is your thing.

The possibilities are endless, but we have published a picture of half a dozen configurations of Audi to give you an idea of ​​what is in store for 'em check out.

2012 Toyota Camry leaked in Canadian auto guide

Try a closed valve is not an easy task. Just ask any car manufacturer embargo release images from a new car. If there is something so productive as a new Toyota Camry, it's bound to come, like water through the cracked concrete. And in this case it is in the French-Canadian neighbors from the north.

While Toyota already released has teaser images of the well-ras family sedan new bread and butter, which came just over the head and tail lights, the annual guide to new cars in Quebec, with a full outline plans for the new Camry for all-siphon poutine, hockey-watching world to see.

One could go on the concise style of the latter interpretation of the long top-selling vehicle in America, but soon we had to let himself be seen. Then click on the scans in this book in our high-resolution image gallery, thank courtesy of an attentive reader James, whom we see for the tip.

GM wants to build Chevys in Europe, move Opel upmarket

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson plans to conquer Europe, and brings with him Chevrolet. Of course, the Bowtie brand has been available across the pond since 2005, but his cars are not just selling in droves. The head of GM has big plans for his coming means European car umbrella, which changes.

General Motors' production of Euro-market Chevrolet vehicles will start in Europe. This is not the case tomorrow, but it must happen in the near future and knows Akerson. This step will help you ship products, stimulate the European and thus to win the GM assembly plant in momentum with the Chevrolet brand in Europe.

In addition to changes in production, GM will begin to go further exclusive Opel. Opel is positioned as a premium brand to be more ideal head-to-head with Volkswagen, Chevrolet will be the entry-level brand for General Motors Europe.