2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate spy shots

The next-generation Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate has again been spotted in testing but this time the prototype is for the high-performance AMG version of the executive wagon. The images were taken as the test vehicle was testing near Germany’s Nurburgring circuit and reveal the final shape of the car, with only the finer details being masked by the black camouflage material.

A giveaway that this is the AMG version is the exposed rear bumper with quad tailpipes. Other details include perforated brake discs with oversized calipers.

Mercedes-Benz and its AMG engineers have been testing prototypes for the E-Class extensively--even recruiting former McLaren F1 ace Mika Häkkinen and race driver Klaus Ludwig to fine tune the upcoming car.

Despite current concerns about global warming and a possible end to the horsepower war between Germany’s in-house tuners, the new E63 Estate will continue with the potent hand-built 6.2-liter V-8, as well as the same mechanical upgrades offered in the E63 Sedan. This means an output of 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with all that thrust funneled through a 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission.

This should ensure a 0-60 mph time of around 4.4 seconds but top speed will still be limited to 155mph.

Highlights of the exterior include 17mm wider fenders, unique LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, and 19 inch alloy wheels shod with 285 mm rubber in the rear (18 inch wheels come standard).

So far Mercedes-Benz has only confirmed the E350 Estate model for the U.S., however, if demand is strong enough hopefully the high-performance E63 family hauler will come too. Expect to see the vehicle make its debut in the first half of next year.

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320

The argument for more diesels coming to America continues to fall on deaf ears.

People have told me: They don't like the fuel's smell. They worry about breathing particulates. Diesel costs more than gasoline (sometimes). There are a host of other excuses why America shouldn't have diesel cars and trucks. (There are some diesel trucks available.) American auto executives will offer another set of excuses, such as exhaust treatment kits, diesel powertrain markups and lack of consumer interest.

I'm a consumer. I'm interested, and I firmly believe America should have more diesel vehicles.

They are the best internal combustion engine made. They're tough, durable and can do the job better than any supercharged turbo-boosted gas-only engine. But facts have no place in arguments today -- they haven't changed people's entrenched minds about national health care, so why should they on diesels.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Spied

The SLK roadster has served Mercedes-Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, spotted on numerous occasions testing in Germany and previewed in our renderings below. A new report today tips the roadster for introduction in early 2011, after going on a strict diet and gaining some cargo space - and possibly gaining a sporty new engine.

According to a new report from Automobile, the next-gen SLK will drop 200 pounds in weight while adding a bit of space to the smallish trunk, increasing capacity to 11.2 cubic feet. That will definitely make the vehicle more useful, both for trips to the golf course and weekend getaways.

A new engine may also be in the mix, with a 300-350 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 tipped for release some time after the car's official debut. The launch engines will stick with the current tried-and-true lineup of gasoline engines, with evolutionary developments expected. There is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-8 generating over 470 horsepower for the AMG version once the standard 6.2-liter V-8 is replaced, though neither of the twin-turbo reports has yet been confirmed by any Mercedes or AMG officials.

There is also the possibility that the 2011 SLK will get the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in its C-Class application, the engine would be sporty, but whether Americans would find it palatable is an open question. Mercedes has discussed bringing diesels to the U.S., but in the GLK and C-Class, not a sporty model like the SLK.

Aside from the next-gen car's general proportions not much is clear due to generous slabs of camouflage cladding in the spy photos captured so far. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the car with the top up seem to reflect a longer hood and more rearward seating position.

2010 Ford Focus: Overview

The 2010 Ford Focus lineup gains some newly standard safety features but is otherwise largely unchanged. Focus comes as a 4-door sedan in S, SE, SES, and SEL trim levels. A 2-door coupe is available as the SE and SES. The only engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 140 hp in sedans and 143 hp in coupes. Both body styles offer a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Previously optional, the ABS, traction control, and antiskid system are now standard on all 2010 Focus models. Also available is Ford's Sync. Sync provides voice control of certain cell phone and MP3 player functions. Sync is standard on SES and SEL and available on SE. Other available features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and remote engine start.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Z71 Crew Cab Truck - Bed Accessories

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Z71 Crew Cab Pickup Truck

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Crew Cab Pickup Truck

2010 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Extra Cab Pickup Truck

2010 Chevy Volt Hybrid

GM says that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric drive unit helps the Volt produce produces 150-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque allowing it to hit a top speed of 100 mph.

Earlier today during a live chat with Jon Lauckner, GM’s Vice President of Global Program Management, and one of the Chevy Volt’s founding fathers,

2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible

With GM's problems far from solved even after the company's exit from bankruptcy, the convertible version of the new Camaro is if not under question, definitely not a top priority at this moment.

But for those Chevy fans that just can't wait, the chopsters of all four-wheel models at California's Newport Convertible Engineering (NCE) are readying a soft-top variant of the 2010 Camaro

Hot Girls on Bike

Girls on Bike

Mitsubishi Launches New Cedia Sports

Mitsubishi has launched a new variant of its slow selling Cedia saloon christened the Cedia Sports in the Indian market today.

As you must have guessed by now, the new Cedia Sports is no EVO and comes with the same 2.0 Litre four cylinder engine. The interiors have been spruced up with sporty themed trim, a MOMO steering wheel, alloy pedals and an advanced touch screen navigation system.

On the outside the Cedia Sports comes with chequered flag graphics called Ralliart graphics on the sides, OZ alloys wheels, restyled front grille and a spoiler at the back to complete the sporty look.

The Cedia Sports also comes with dual front air bags and ABS + EBD and has been launched in five very interestingly named colors: Rally Red, White Speed, Black Flash, Cyclone Yellow and Blue Streak.

2009 Ford Transit SportVan Limited Edition

Ford Transit SportVan limited edition is created for customers who want to make a bold statement. The model is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase Transit with front wheel drive, the 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission.

The exterior features: frozen white paintwork, Le Mans-style blue bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18-inch ’snowflake pattern’ alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches.

The interior of the Transit SportVan is equipped with: velour trim, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote ’steering-column’-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm.

The Ford Transit SportVan limited edition is available in few different color combinations:

White with blue stripes
Panther Black with silver stripes
Sea Grey with silver stripes

The Audi A5 Cabriolet – the joy of open-top driving

Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new A5 Cabriolet is a real Audi, and an especially exciting one at that. The four-seater with the fabric top combines a sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort, and great everyday utility. Seven powerful engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi model the most attractive mid-range convertible. Delivery of the first A5 Cabriolet models will begin in the second quarter of 2009.

Like all open-top Audi models, the new A5 Cabriolet too has a classic fabric top – which endows it with a striking silhouette of dynamic elegance. The lightweight softtop opens in 15 seconds – and closes in 17 seconds. The fully automatic open/close drive comes as standard. An acoustic top is optionally available, which reduces wind noise almost to the hardtop level.

When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up – leaving 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The softtop compartment lowers itself automatically when the top is opened.

Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest with the large pass-through between the luggage space and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cu. ft.).

Automatic seat belt extenders round out the comfort in the interior. Neck-level heating is optionally available for the front seats. The optional leather seats are coated with a special layer to reduce solar heating. There is comfortable room for four persons. The refined ambience combines with exemplary ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure maximal rigidity and crash safety.

The A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 132 kW (180 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp). All five powerplants are fueled via direct injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available power trains include a six-speed manual transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic.

In addition to front-wheel drive, Audi also offers quattro permanent all-wheel drive for the higher-power engines. The innovative sport differential, which variably distributes the propulsive power between the rear wheels, is optionally available to make quattro even more dynamic and even safer.

Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic and multitronic, and the mode of operation of the servotronic steering system. If the MMI operating system is installed, a fourth, freely programmable level is also available.

Audi drive select is only available in combination with one or more of three additional technologies – the sport differential, the adaptive control for the shock absorbers, and dynamic steering. This is an additional high-tech solution: Its superposition gear varies the gear ratio as a function of the driving speed by up to 100 percent.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, and an audio system with a CD player. One of the highlights among the optional equipment is the third-generation MMI operating system, which provides many attractive navigation and entertainment functions.

The exterior design
The Audi A5 Cabriolet combines Audi's progressive styling with the fascination of an open-top car. The long engine hood, the sharp lines, the sweep of the shoulder contour, the elegantly curved surfaces, the large wheels, the distinctive front end, and the expressive tail all interact to create a sculptural, sensuous whole. The A5 Cabriolet is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide, but only 1.38 meters (4.53 ft) tall: the sportiest proportions in its class.

The styling of the front end is dominated by the single-frame grille, which is flanked by large air intakes. The exquisite design of the headlights makes them look like technical jewels. The daytime running lights of the optional xenon plus headlights consist of LEDs. An aluminum molding lends high gloss to the windshield frame.

The looks of the tail end are sharpened by horizontal lines, broad tail lights, straight tailpipes, and a distinctly colored diffuser insert. The trunk lid bears an unobtrusive spoiler lip. The xenon plus headlight option comes complete with LED taillights, which create a distinctive light pattern.

The convertible top
The fabric top with the large glass rear window fits smoothly into the design profile. This is one of several reasons why Audi preferred it to a folding steel roof. What's more, its construction is much lighter in weight, which reduces the overall weight of the Cabriolet and lowers its center of gravity. The outer skin of the top is available in a choice of four colors, the inside in three.

The softtop consists of three layers. The intermediate layer is a cushioning pad. In the optional acoustic top, which reduces wind noise almost to hardtop level, this is replaced by a foam layer up to 15 millimeters (0.59 in) in thickness. The acoustic top comes with a ceiling light for the rear seat – a solution usually only found in the topmost convertible luxury segment.

In both versions, a hydraulic pump and four operating cylinders that move the top are actuated when a pushbutton on the central console or on the optional remote access assistant is depressed. It takes 15 seconds to open the top, 17 seconds to close it. Both actions can also be actuated while driving at up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph) – which makes driving much more comfortable.

When opened, the top is retracted underneath a fixed cover, where it is folded down into an extremely compact shape. Its storage compartment, which automatically lowers itself into the trunk space, only takes up a few centimeters in height – and only 60 liters (2.12 cu ft) of the 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) of luggage space. The remaining 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) with the top open are by far the best value among comparable vehicles. What's more, the low position of the loading lip makes loading and unloading easier. The wind deflector, which is supplied as standard, can be stored in the spare-wheel well to save space.

A very convenient feature in the Audi A5 Cabriolet are the split folding rear seat backrests. They can be easily unlocked by actuating levers in the trunk and drop automatically onto the seat cushions. The standard pass-though is 70 centimeters (27.56 in) wide. The loading space behind the front seatback is 1.76 meters (69.29 in) long, providing a total storage volume of 750 liters (26.49 cu ft).

The body
As is typical of Audi models, the A5 Cabriolet has an extremely rigid body. This is a prime reason for its precise driving performance, its high comfort level, and its maximized crash safety.

In the construction of the body-in-white, several innovative technologies are used. A prime example are the ultra-high-strength steels with their extremely high tensile strength, which Audi manufactures in-house using hot forming. The front fenders of the A5 Cabriolet are made of aluminum to lower the weight and to optimize axle load distribution. An enclosed underbody improves the airflow and thereby the fuel efficiency.

A whole array of additional reinforcement parts compensates for the absence of a solid roof. They are located in the front section, in the side skirts, in the windshield frame, and in the rear section. Located between the interior and the luggage section is the rollover protection. When a rollover threatens, spring-loaded aluminum braces are raised behind the rear seat headrests. Door-mounted head and chest sidebags provide protection in the event of a lateral impact.

The interior
With its generous wheelbase of 2.75 meters (9.02 ft) and the longest interior in its class, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has plenty of room for longer trips. That's also true for the rear seats, which can be optionally divided by a center console with two cup holders.

Elegance in flowing lines, functional ergonomics, and top-quality craftsmanship are the principal characteristics of the interior – and this too is typically Audi. The teardrop-shaped settings of the instruments have already become modern classics. The centrally mounted onboard monitor is standard equipment. The formed-plastic console focuses on the driver. Flowing lines link it to the central tunnel and the door linings. If the customer has ordered either one of the two navigation systems it comes with the highly convenient MMI operating system – the best solution on the market.

The low standard seats provide excellent control and support. Using seatbelts is facilitated by electric seat belt extenders. Special solutions are available as alternatives: firm sport seats, electric seat adjustment and heating – as a separate option also for the back seats.

In the climate-controlled comfort seats, small fans and an automatic auxiliary heater ensure luxurious comfort. This option provides neck-level heating – ducts on the topside of the seatback emit warm air that keeps the back of the head and neck warm. With its three-level control, the headroom heater is also available for sport seats. It prolongs the open-air season in the Audi A5 Cabriolet.

Another special feature is provided in the optional leather upholstery: a special coating inhibits solar heating while the Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This coating reflects infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius. Audi offers a choice of several seat coverings up to and including Fine Nappa leather. Inlays come as standard in Micrometallic platinum; aluminum and three different kinds of wood are available as options.

The engines
In the propulsion system of the A5 Cabriolet too Audi has consistently relied on innovative technologies: All five engines – the two TDIs and the three gasoline engines – use direct injection. They are impressive evidence that, at Audi, efficiency and dynamics go together and are interdependent.

The most powerful gasoline engine in the Audi A5 Cabriolet is the 3.2-liter FSI. It operates with the innovative Audi valvelift system, which varies the lift of the intake valves in two stages. As a result, the gas exchange improves and the throttle can be left open more often, minimizing throttling losses – which in turn boosts the torque and the power output while reducing fuel consumption. The V6 delivers up to 195 kW (265 hp) as well as 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and multitronic it accelerates the A5 Cabriolet in 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) – and up to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.86 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 8.6 liters/100 km (27.35 US mpg). An optional alternative is quattro all-wheel drive, combined with the new seven-speed S tronic.

The 2.0 TFSI likewise attests to Audi's leadership position in engine design. This four-cylinder engine also uses the Audi valvelift system – but here it acts on the exhaust valves, with similar advantages as in the V6. Audi sells the two-liter turbo in two versions. In the entry-level version, which comes with front-wheel drive and multitronic, it delivers up to 132 kW (180 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. This version completes the standard sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 219 km/h (136.08 mph). Average fuel efficiency is an excellent 7.4 liters per 100 km (31.79 US mpg).

The more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp) as well as 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. It is available with three powertrain versions: with the quattro drive package and the seven-speed S tronic, and with front-wheel drive and either multitronic or manual transmission. In the latter version the A5 Cabriolet reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 241 km/h (149.75 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 6.8 liters per 100 km (34.59 US mpg).

The two V6 TDIs also set the standards in their class. With their enormous torque and consistent running smoothness they represent the leading-edge sportiness of Audi TDI technology. The three-liter engine generates 176 kW (240 hp) and applies 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes 6.4 seconds. Top speed is 247 km/h (153.48 mph). This top-of-the-line diesel, which powers all four wheels via the seven-speed S tronic, is content with an impressive average of 6.8 liters/100 km (34.59 US mpg).

The second TDI in the program is even thriftier. The 2.7-liter powerplant with 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) between 1,400 and 3,500 rpm consumes a mere 6.3 liters/100 km (37.34 US mpg)*. The smaller V6 diesel comes with front-wheel drive and manual transmission. It goes from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds; 230 km/h (142.92 mph) is its top speed (preliminary values).

The transmission
Audi provides a choice of three different transmissions for the A5 Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, which excels in its short shifting travels and high operating precision. Both the two-liter engine and the 3.2 FSI are available with the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission as an option, which combines smooth operation with high efficiency and a fuel-saving transmission ratio. For a dynamic driving style the multitronic is available with a sport program and a manual mode with eight fixed speeds.

For the more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI and for the 3.2 FSI, the seven-speed S tronic is available as an option; in the 3.0 TDI it is standard equipment. This new high-tech dual-clutch transmission changes gears in a few hundredths of a second, and so smoothly that the driver hardly notices it. What's more, it is highly efficient and fuel-saving. The driver can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or interact, if desired, via rocker switches on the steering wheel.

The seven-speed S tronic has been designed for use with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. It is optionally available for the high-end diesel series and for the two powerful gasoline engines. The quattro drive system is dynamically designed – during normal driving it distributes the forces in a 40:60 ratio between the front and the rear. If one wheel skids, a center differential that operates purely mechanically transfers most of the power to the axle with the better traction.

Lotus Elise Amazing Price and Specs

The Lotus Elise is a two-seater with rear-wheel-drive mid-engine roadster conceived in early 1994 and published in September 1996 by the English manufacturer Lotus Cars. The car has a hand on her hull in fiberglass and extruded aluminum chassis with a binder a rigid platform for the suspension, the burden of costs of production and maintenance to a minimum. The Roadster is capable of speeds up to 240 km / h (150 mph). The Elise is the name of "Elisa" Romano Artioli his niece, the chairman of the Lotus car at the time of launch.
Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

Fiat Grande Punto facelift revealed

One of our favorite Fiats, the Grande Punto, has got an adorable face lift, an almost different front end and a few more changes on the rear (visible in the images). We have been having a watchful eye on the face lifted model for the last few months.

This model is not yet reached the production, it will come only after its debut at the Frankfurt show in September.

The hugely successful Grande Punto was launched almost four years go in 2005 in Europe and has proved to be one of the best in the segment. It was launched very recently in India with petrol and diesel engines.

The earlier design was also admired and appreciated a lot, so changing it would have been a bit of a challenge.

Ferrari 458 Italia color variations

Ferrari 458 Italia color variations - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Although most Ferrari owners prefer their prancing horses in red, others maintain few things are more boring than another Maranello masterwork tinted scarlet. Ferrari will likely build you its latest 458 Italia in whatever color you chose, provided you're willing to pay for it, but it stands to reason that when a model is introduced, it's rolled out in Ferrari's traditional Rosso Corsa.

Ferrarichat user JimF is apparently afflicted with a heavy case of Red-Ferrari-Ennui. Rather than just complain about the lack of chromatic variation, Jim fired up Photoshop and set about using the power of paths and transfer modes to show the new Italian in a variety of alternative hues. His work is nicely done, and the unexpected colors better show off the Italia's sculpting. Hit the gallery and hunt down your favorite color below.