Luxgen7 SUV

The vehicle is 4.8 meters long, 1.93 meters wide and 1.76 meters in height, placing it among the largest in its class.

Visual highlights include a wing-shaped chrome nose trim and cascading grille and is the only one in its segment to be equipped with the intelligent power actuated tailgate as standard equipment.

In terms of performance, the Luxgen7 SUV comes equipped with an intelligent 10-mode, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting function. Moreover, the 3-mode 4WD system can actively adjust engine torque depending on the road condition and driver input.

Another important standard feature is the anti-theft sport seat. “When drivers press the button on the anti-theft seat for three seconds before locking the doors with the remote control, the anti-theft system will activate by sliding itself forward and leaning against the steering wheel to deny unauthorised access of the vehicle,” a company statement reads.

Inside, the Luxgen7 SUV uses premium leather seat available with heating, ventilation, electronic massage and lumbar support adjustment, as well as Hi-end Clarion audio system and JBL speakers.

Safety wise, standard equipment includes dual front SRS airbags, ABS Antilock Braking System, BAS Braking Assistance System, EBD Electronic Brake Distribution system. Furthermore, dual side protection airbags, dual side curtain airbags, ESC Electronic Stability Control, TCS Traction Control System are also available options.

As the MPV, the SUV is also fitted with the Think+ onboard computer system which offers video and audio entertainment, telecommunication, GPS navigation, as well as four advanced visual assistance systems including Eagle View+ (a 360 degree surveillance system), Side View+ (Blind Spot Monitoring System), LDWS+(Lane Departure Warning System) and Night vision+ (high sensitivity night vision enhancement system).

Renault DeZir RWD Concept Previews New Design Language

Renault has released the first photos of its latest concept car, the all-electric DeZir ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010. What's important about this new concept is its styling as it heralds the firm's new design direction. Its aim is to get people talking about Renault's styling again.
The DeZir project is the first to have been led by Renault's new chief designer Laurens van den Acker who took over from Patrick le Quement in 2009. Before joining Renault, the Dutch designer worked for Mazda where he was responsible for many projects including the Nagara, Ryuga and Hakaze concepts, while he has also spent time at Ford and Audi.
One of the most important design features of the DeZir is the front-end styling as according to the company, it previews the new front-end identity that is set to become a feature of all Renault models in the near future.

Volvo unveils new V60 estate

Arrives late this year
Priced from around £24k
Fills gap between V50 and V70

Volvo has unveiled the new V60 estate which goes on sale in the UK towards the end of this year.

The V60 is based on the same architecture as the S60, and will be trying to steal sales from the likes of the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. It will sit between the existing V50 and V70 estates.

With the rear seats in place, the V60 has 430 litres of space, which is up to 60 litres less than the Audi and BMW. There's no figure yet for the loadbay when the 40/20/40 split-fold seats are folded down, although Volvo says the car has a perfectly flat loadbay. The front passenger seat also folds flat to accommodate long loads.

A 1.6-litre petrol will be available with 150bhp or 180bhp while a 2.0-litre develops 240bhp and a 3.0-litre 304bhp. Diesel power comes from a 114bhp 1.6-litre, a 163bhp 2.0-litre or a 205bhp 2.4-litre.

City Safety with Pedestrian Detection will be standard in all cars and can fully brake the V60 to avoid collisions with other cars from speeds of 18mph, and pedestrians from speeds of up to 21mph.

Other equipment is likely to be the same as that in the saloon, with every car in the range getting climate and cruise controls, alloy wheels, and leather trim on the steering wheel and gear lever.

A step up from ES to SE is likely to add smarter trim, an upgraded stereo and larger alloy wheels, while SE Lux will probably get an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, leather-faced upholstery and active bending headlights.

2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5

The electric sports car gets updated with new wheels, more-comfortable seats, and a redesigned front end.

Electric-car maker Tesla has updated its Roadster for 2011, quelling rumors that the two-seater would disappear next year. The revised car, called Roadster 2.5, has freshened styling and equipment changes to make it more livable for electro enthusiasts. The company says the modifications were driven by feedback from owners of the 1200 Roadsters already sold.
The Roadster 2.5 wears a new front fascia with a revised grille opening, aerodynamic winglets, and extra vents ahead of the front wheels, as well as a restyled rear diffuser. New seven-spoke forged wheels are available in black or silver for $2900. Tesla says the updated look previews future styling from the brand; indeed, this Roadster evolution does bring it more in line with the upcoming Model S.
Additional cockpit sound insulation and linings in the front fenders are meant to keep road noise out of the cabin, something that’s more noticeable, in our experience, because of the Roadster’s quiet powertrain. Tesla says a revision to the power-control hardware will improve hot-weather performance, but doesn’t elaborate any further on how that is achieved. Otherwise, the car’s mechanicals are the same as last year.
Inside, the Tesla earns retouched interior trim and new seats that the company claims are more comfortable, with bigger bolsters and more lumbar support. The new Electronics Bundle, comprising a seven-inch touch-screen navigation system with back-up camera, costs a cool $4500. Along with the improved sound deadening, the updates should make it easier to live with the Roadster on a daily basis.
Tesla is taking orders for the revised Roadster 2.5 now with deliveries to begin soon. The entry price is unchanged at $109,000. Owners of older Roadsters will be able to buy some of the upgrades from Tesla dealerships to retrofit their cars.

Jeep Grand Cheeroke

Chrysler's first all-new product to be released post-restructuring is the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. This all-new model has been upgraded to be more luxurious and capable than the outgoing model.
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 starts at $32,995 (including a $780 destination charge) with the up-level Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 model commanding $39,995. The range-topping Overland 4x4 model carries a sticker price of $42,995.
The entry-level 2011 Grand Cherokee 4x2 lists from $30,995 -- $495 less than the outgoing model.
The launch of the new Grand Cherokee marks the first application of company's new, flexible fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which features Variable-Valve Timing, 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Also available is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, generating 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. The Hemi features VVT and fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology with dual exhaust to maximize efficiency.
Torsional stiffness is 146 percent more than the previous Grand Cherokee, and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander, according to Chrysler. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system delivers off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver better on-road handling and comfort, the company claims. Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.
The interior has been revamped with better materials and overall aesthetics. An available all-new CommandView dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel can be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.
The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is also 3 inches wider. The front doors have larger openings -- by about two inches in height and width -- while the rear doors open wider-- 78 degrees versus 67 degrees -- for improved access to the interior.
For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline 12 degrees. There's also a 12-degree forward angle to allow 24 degrees of variation. Cargo volume behind the second-row has increased by 6.8 cubic feet, to 36.3 cubic feet total. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat provides even more cargo storage room. An all-new power rear liftgate is available, controlled via the key fob.
Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and deliver off-road capability, while optional 18-inch and 20-inch wheels can be ordered.
The standard UConnect Guardian will automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident. Other features include remote door unlocking, roadside assistance, a stolen vehicle locator, and an emergency call feature. UConnect Web mobile internet will also be on offer.
Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, and the four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS). Other safety features include full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee also features SIRIUS Travel Link, offering up-to-the minute information about gas prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings. In addition, Grand Cherokee features SIRIUS Traffic, which monitors traffic in 78 markets across the U.S.

New Smart range revealed

Smart has tweaked the ForTwo coupe and cabriolet with some subtle optional styling changes, a revised interior and more economical petrol engines as part of a mid-life refreshing for the second-generation city car.
The changes are prior to the arrival of an all-new successor on a heavily reworked rear-engined/rear-wheel drive platform presently being developed in co-operation with Renault in 2013.
See the official pics of the new Smart range
Due to reach the UK in October following a public unveiling at the Paris motor show, the facelifted ForTwo is differentiated from the existing model on sale here since 2006 by optional Brabus style day time running lights and the choice of three new 15-inch alloy wheels.
At the same time, Smart has also added a new light green matt finish to the list of seven exterior colour choices for the new two seater. Buyers can now also specify the Fortwo with a white steel safety cell with matching grille and door mirror surrounds. Previously they were restricted to silver or black.
Inside, the ForTwo receives a new instruments and redesigned dashboard capable of housing a 16.5 inch colour monitor for the optional communication and entertainment systems. Also available are optional USB and auxiliary ports, an interface for the Apple iPod and a surround sound system with eight 40 watt speakers.
As part of a push to lift the perceived quality, Smart is now also offering the ForTwo with a new optional steering wheel, redesigned centre armrest and LED interior lighting.
On the engine front, the existing Mitsubishi sourced 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct injection petrol engine has been upgraded with new software in a move that lowers its average consumption in 60bhp and 70bhp versions to 57.7mpg on the combined European cycle – a figure corresponding to 97g/km of CO2 emissions.
The power output of the top-of-the-line Brabus version’s 1.0-litre petrol engine has also been increased incrementally from 98bhp to 101bhp.

Last Dodge Viper Rolls Off the Production Line [with Video]

It's the end of the line [at least for now] for one of the most recognizable and iconic American sports cars of the past two decades as the last of the current-generation Dodge Vipers "slithered" its way out of the firm's Conner Avenue plant in Detroit.
The final example of the 2010 Dodge Viper is a customized coupe model for D'Ann Rauh (second from right in the picture), who along with her husband Wayne from Arp, Texas, own more than 40 Dodge Vipers. The Texas couple own the largest personal collection of Vipers in the world.
Rauh's Viper is finished in a custom bronzed gold exterior paint supplied by House of Kolor, while unique interior features include various leather appointments crafted by Tony Spampinito from Venzano. The dark graphite five-spoke forged-aluminum wheels complete the package.
Production of the V10-powered Dodge Viper started in 1992. A next generation model has been rumored but not officially confirmed.

LATEST SPY SHOTS!!!

New 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML

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2011 Peugeot 508 SW latest spyphotos

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2012 RR LRX 3 door and the 5 door versions spied

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2011 VW Amarok single cab on the Ring

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2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Spyder??

Verdict: MASERATI GRANTURISMO

DESIGN | 9 |
PERFORMANCE | 7 |
HANDLING | 8 |
COMFORT | 7 |
PRICE & VALUE | 6 |
VERDICT | 7.4 |
 

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Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport hits 430 km/h

Bugatti says the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport weighs 110 pounds less than the standard-issue Veyron.

Bugatti is claiming a new production car top speed record with a combined two-run average of 267.9 mph (431.072 kph) with a new Veyron 16.4 Super Sport model, smashing the 253.76 mph record set by a standard Veyron 16.4 in 2005.
It also betters the existing world record mark of 256.23 mph (412.28 kph) established by Shelby SuperCars with its Ultimate Aero on a 12-mile stretch of road in Nevada in 2007.
Confirming details of the attempt run under tight security at parent company Volkswagen's 13-mile Ehra-Lessien test track in late June, Bugatti says the new Super Sport set the record in the hands of its test driver, Pierre-Henri Raphanel, and under the auspices of officials from the Guinness Book of Records.
In the first round of the attempt running counter-clockwise against a prevailing wind, the Super Sport hit 265.96 mph. It then went on to reach a wind-assisted 269.86 mph in a clockwise direction, giving the powered up Veyron 16.4 a combined average of 267.91 mph.
The new Super Sport, which Bugatti plans to produce in a limited run of no more than 30 units, is set to be the last hurrah for the Veyron 16.4, taking overall production of the flamboyant, quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter 16-cylinder supercar to 300 units since its introduction in 2005.
Using a lightweight carbon-fiber body created using a new fiber construction and clear finish, the four-wheel-drive Super Sport is claimed to weigh 110 pounds less than the standard Veyron 16.4 at 4,057 pounds. Bugatti has also worked on the Veyron 16.4's engine, taking its peak power from 987 hp to 1,183 hp. Torque increases from 921 lb-ft to 1,106 lb-ft.
Details provided by Bugatti claim the 0-to-62-mph time remains at 2.5 seconds. However, the Super Sport's 0 to 124 mph and 0 to 186 mph times are said to have been lowered to just 7.3 seconds and 15.0 seconds, respectively.
The styling changes made to the Veyron 16.4 to bring it up to Sport Sport specification revolve around its need for added cooling and to control turbulence within the wheel arches at high speed. At the front, Bugatti has reworked the lower air ducts, bringing them out closer to the sides where they continue up along the leading edge of the front wheel arches. They are complimented by new ducts behind the front wheel arches designed to relieve pressure build up.
The roof also sports two new NACA-style ducts. They replace the Veyron 16.4's traditional engine ducts set further back above the engine. Further aerodynamic modifications include a double diffuser at the rear, incorporating a reworked double tailpipe.
Suspension upgrades, including firmer springs, larger diameter roll bars and uprated dampers, are also claimed to raise the Super Sport's maximum lateral acceleration to 1.4g.
Bugatti has built 260 copies of the Veyron 16.4 at its boutique assembly plant at Molsheim, France, and 249 have been delivered to customers.

edo competition turns an Aston Martin DB9 into a DBS

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Within the space of six months, edo competition, located in the Westphalian Ahlen, has transformed a 5 year old DB9 into an Aston Martin DBS. And that’s exactly what a Russian customer asked for: Turn a DB9 into a DBS.

This not so trivial conversion involved replacing steel body panels with carbon fiber pieces and increasing the engine output from 470 to a staggering 550 horsepower. That’s why it will now do 320 km/h (199 mph) when the old car topped out at 295 km/h (183 mph). Its new 20 inch wheels and wider body contribute to a more muscular appearance, and numerous aerodynamic parts, such as a carbon fiber front skirt as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser, underline the car’s sporting credentials.
The custom interior presented a unique challenge: The dashboard, center console, headliner, door panels and seats were refinished with utmost precision. The choice of materials and colors was left to the customer, who, in this case, opted for an Alcantara/leather interior with carbon fiber inserts and metal accents.
An additional highlight is the high-end audio system that was installed in the car, promising pure auditory bliss. No corners were cut in trying to extract the best possible sound from the new high-end speakers. In order to be able to enjoy the new entertainment system, a new exhaust system featuring butterfly valves was fitted, allowing the driver to change the sound from ferocious to unobtrusive and quiet.
But that’s not the only function. This high-performance exhaust system which was specially developed for the DB9/DBS also helps the engine produce more power and torque. A programmable control unit monitors exhaust backpressure and opens 70 mm butterfly valves when the pressure exceeds a selected threshold. The exhaust is made from stainless steel and the chrome exhaust tips round off its classy appearance.
A new edo competition sport suspension system makes the revitalized DB9 more athletic. To accommodate different driving styles, the suspension is adjustable in ride height, stiffness, as well as compression and rebound damping. After the DB9 received a considerable boost in output and handling performance, there was one more area that needed to be addressed: safety. This is why edo competition developed a new braking system for the Aston. 405 mm rotors and 6 piston monobloc calipers act on the front wheels, while the rear axle is fitted with 380 mm rotors and 4 piston monobloc calipers. High-performance brake pads and braided stainless steel brake lines are used on all four corners.
This marked the end of the transformation and the work was completed. The DB9 had been turned into a DBS. Rather than just performing cosmetic changes, edo competition had also refined the mechanicals and customized the car according to the wishes of its owner.
The result: A happy, very satisfied customer and a big thanks to the entire edo competition Motorsport team.

2012 Nissan GT-R has lost some of its cammo

The Nissan GT-R that where running around here at the Ring have lost some of the cammo now. Still covered in thin tape is what appears to be air intakes in the front bumper. Also easy to see now the air outlets in the rear bumper as well as the new diffuser. Is this a facelift of yet another Spec-? version. Well, time will tell.

Classic 911 speeds into action

Top-secret Porsche Speedster due to return for first time in 18 years.

TALK about a speed hump! A leaked document detailing Porsche’s product plans until the end of 2012 has revealed that the 911 Speedster is set to make a comeback. And our exclusive image shows how the style-
conscious two-seater could look.
Following hot on the heels of other recent retro-inspired special editions, such as the 911 Sport Classic and Boxster Spyder, the Speedster resurrects a legendary name not seen since the early Nineties. That model was the 964 Speedster which appeared in 1989 – a low-roof cabrio with unusual rear bodywork inspired by the
356 Speedster of the Fifties. Exactly 936 examples were built in standard and wide-body styles – a relatively short production run – and the modern incarnation will be an even rarer beast. Only 100 units will be produced, making it one of the most exclusive and distinctive Porsches ever to turn a wheel.
As you can see from our picture, the classic Speedster silhouette will be retained, albeit with a modern twist. The cut-down windscreen and wider bodywork add to the 911’s already low-slung appearance, while the oversize rear humps give the Speedster its signature shape and ensure it’s strictly a two-seater. Much like the Boxster Spyder’s tent-like canvas roof, a semi-permanent fabric hood is likely to be available – hence the red hoops you can see protruding from the bodywork.
Power will come from the same 3.8-litre flat-six as is used in the 911 Sport Classic. It’s based on the Carrera S unit, but engineers will liberate an extra 17bhp to take peak power to 402bhp. Performance-wise, expect the Speedster to live up to its name: 0-62mph will take around 4.5 seconds while a maximum of 190mph is possible. Rear-wheel drive and a limited-slip differential will ensure traditional Porsche handling, too.
However, exclusivity, excitement and a slice of the marque’s heritage won’t come cheap. Our sources say the Speedster is likely to nudge £200,000 when it goes on sale later this year.
And it’s not the only limited-edition model that Porsche is cooking up. A wide-bodied GTS version of the 911 is also due to go on sale next year. Featuring the Speedster’s more powerful 402bhp engine, it will come in both coupé and cabriolet variants costing around £80,000 and £90,000 respectively.

2011 Jaguar XKR 75 To Debut at Goodwood

Jaguar is to unveil the limited edition Jaguar XKR 75 at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 2 in celebration of Jaguar’s 75th anniversary! Jaguar Cars Ltd.

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model’s top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the XKR 75’s 0—60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

New Bentley Supersports

Just arrived in Denver in the US in preparation for the Bentley SuperSports Convertible launch. Quite a long way from the UK for Bentley to launch a car, but the weather is probably necessary to premiere Bentley's fastest, most hardcore drop top. I mean it: this is a rug-top that hits 202mph and gets to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds - even though the Convertible droops the scales at a not-inconsiderable 2395kg.

That 621bhp motor is pretty epic though: 590lb ft, biturbo, 6.0-litre. Bentley reckon that the Convertible will do just under 17mpg on the combined cycle.