Audi A5 Sheds Two Cylinders in Midcycle Refresh

As part of a midcycle refresh for its A5 coupe and convertible range, Audi announced Wednesday that the high-performance S5 model would lose its normally aspirated 354-horsepower V-8 in a trade for the brand’s 333-horsepower supercharged V-6, similar to the one used in the S4 sedan. The 6, Audi says, is about 20 percent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing 8.

The 2012 RS5, however, is expected to retain a 4.2-liter V-8 when it goes on sale in North America next year.

The 2013 models, which are to be shown at the Frankfurt auto show in September, feature new grilles, front fascias and headlamp designs, and a shift from hydraulic steering to electric power. The basic A5 coupe will carry on with the workhorse VW Group turbocharged 2-liter in-line 4 that makes 211 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. Subtle cosmetic tweaks include new steering wheel designs, a new selector for automatic transmissions and a revised finish for the instrument panel and center console.

NYPD to get first Chevy Volt police cars

New York City has bought 50 Chevrolet Volts that will go to the NYPD, as well as to the fire and sanitation departments.

The 50 Volts were among 70 EVs in NYC's latest round of buying under green Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a big fan of electrics. Also bought were 10 electric Ford Transit Connect vans and 10 electric Navistar eStar utility trucks. The 70 bring New York City's fleet of EVs to 430 and were paid for in part with U.S. Department of Energy and New York Power Authority grants.

"This is the latest and largest-ever addition of electric vehicles to the city's fleet, which is already the largest municipal clean-air vehicle fleet in the nation," Bloomberg said in a press statement. "We will continue to lead by example."

The NYPD already has electric scooters and golf cars, so the Volt is maybe a step up from those rather than a step down from a Ford Crown Vic. The department also has hybrids, including Prius.

BMW unveils London 2012 Olympics vehicles

Electric vehicles will make up part of BMW's fleet during London 2012'

BMW has unveiled a range of cars, motorcycles and bicycles that will be used during the 2012 Olympics in London.

The main automotive sponsor of the Games wants to use the event to showcase its green technology.

Some 4,000 BMW vehicles will roam the streets of the UK capital next summer, with many of them electric or petrol-electric hybrids.

In addition, conventional diesel-powered cars will be used, BMW said.

Maruti Suzuki to launch new Swift next month

Maruti Suzuki India Pvt. Ltd (MSIL) is all set to introduce the new Swift, one of India's best-selling cars that have always been “wait-listed” since its launch in 2005 due to its high demand. The next generation premium hatchback, to be launched next month, will be based on a new platform, making it much bigger and roomier that the existing Swift besides having innovative design, safety and luxury features.

To be priced a bit higher that the existing Swift, MSIL has asked all its dealers to start advance bookings for the new car and also give option to those who have current bookings to own the new Swift. The new Swift, which is already available in the European market, is aimed at consolidating the MSIL's position in the premium hatchback market that is now in the radar of all major carmakers.

“The new Swift is bigger with more leg room, premium interiors with new dashboard design, best-in-class fit-finish and high-end stereo. It will come with many new features, a new VVT petrol engine and better output for improved performance. The new Swift will be more efficient on fuel consumption, while the hot-selling diesel option will continue to be offered with more variants,” said a senior MSIL official.

Twingo Renault sport R1

Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2 Trophy Front Angle View - 1

Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2 Trophy

Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2 Trophy

ABT 2012 Beetle Customization Project

ABT Sportsline has now announced that they are currently working hard on new version of the VW Beetle Kempten. This is huge, as ABT is the world’s largest tuner for VW group and the guys take their work very seriously.

The tuner has more than a lot of experience, what is happening under the hood of the 2012 bug and has distributed Estimative performance levels for the project: the 1.2 TSI will be increased from 105 hp standard and 140 hp, while growing 1.4 TSI from 160 hp 201 is PS. “Offers the two liter turbocharged VW 200 hp or 147 kW, and we expect that the ABT 230 / 240 PS version has to offer,” said Dept.

Meanwhile, get the diesel, the 125 hp 1.6 TDI with 105 hp instead of 170 hp and 2.0 TDI 140 hp instead of the usual.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV M and i-MiEV G Versions

Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi has decided that two new versions of the electric i-MiEV, the competition, like the Nissan Leaf to appoint in their domestic release. The company has set up a new budget version called i-MiEV M and a model with a longer driving range and higher spec trim called i-MiEV announced G.

In addition to the M-budget version of the Japanese showrooms comes on 25 July carry a price tag of 2.6 million yen (about $ 32,000) to 3.8 million ($ 46.900).

Moreover, the price has continued to only 1.88 million yen ($ 23,200) after government grants are reduced, so that they compete with the Nissan Leaf (2.99 million yen / $ 36,900).

But there is a catch. The price of the model that many had to reduce, Mitsubishi reduced lighting on the driving range to about 75 miles of 100 miles for the previous model compromise.

Ford Fiesta Sport Special Edition

The Ford Fiesta Sport Edition includes a complete styling kit, lowered side sills complete with a distinctive spoiler for the front apron and tailgate. The new model is only available as a three-door model, a fact that makes it more sporty, and will be equipped with Panther 17-inch aluminum wheels, the Sport Edition Fiesta anniversary package complete.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage – originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 – is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car’s position as one of the world’s most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.

While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the V8 Vantage is retained, the car benefits from a number of technical changes which include significantly up-rated engine performance from a new 4.7 litre power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.

2011 Volvo S60 Photos

2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe Photos

BMW 1 Series M Coupe


BMW 1 Series M Coupe


BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2011 BMW X3 Recalled

In a small, but significant action, BMW is recalling 50 2011 X3s because a control module in the electric power-steering unit could malfunction, resulting in a sudden loss of power-steering assistance, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
BMW dealers will replace the electric power-steering unit in the X3.
The recall is expected to begin sometime this month.


2011 BMW X3

2011 BMW X3

2011 BMW X3

2011 BMW X3

2011 BMW X3

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase

At the Shanghai Auto Show, the Rolls-Royce released the long-sedan model that is the Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase Edition (LWB). Rolls-Royce Ghost LWB Edition is intended for customers who require increased space and comfort without sacrificing the unique balance of dynamism and serenity. The version of Rolls-Royce Ghost LWB Edition adds a wheelbase of 170 mm for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, with Rolls Royce declared legroom is significantly enhanced by knee-space more than doubled compared with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and there is also a new panoramic sunroof.

2011 AC Schnitzer BMW X3 F25

German tuner AC Schnitzer released a package of accessories and performance for the BMW X3 F25. AC Schnitzer BMW X3 xDrive20d give a decent bump in horsepower 184-218 PS (160 kW / 215 bhp), while performance upgrades for the BMW X3 xDrive30d is currently under development by AC Schnitzer. Also being developed AC Schnitzer Steel is a steel sport exhaust system for 6-cylinder model 2.8i and 3.5i petrol. For styling kit, which has been crash tested, the AC Schnitzer front spoiler added, rear roof spoiler and a protective film for the AC Schnitzer rear skirt. As seen in the video, the front spoiler to maintain good form while allowing for the absorption of pedestrian collisions.

2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition

The 2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition. The BMW has released new car with which 3-series with more Stylish elegance or heart-pounding dynamics available in Europe. Customers can also select the exclusive exterior paint shade Mineral Grey as an option, or any one of the other colour variants offered as standard or as an option. Exterior mirror caps in Oxide Silver add further colour accents.

The seats can be ordered in the exclusive colour Pearl Grey with grey contrast stitching, or in Black with white contrast stitching. Floor mats with colour-coordinated piping make the perfect complement. And finally, Edition Exclusive specification also includes interior trim strips in Bamboo Grain Anthracite.

2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition adds another layer to the athletic capability of the BMW 3 Series Coupé and BMW 3 Series Convertible. M Sport suspension joins forces with other interior and exterior equipment features to inject even greater intensity into the dynamic driving experience. The exclusive Silverstone paint finish familiar from the BMW M3 and 18-inch Ferric Grey light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design lend the car’s sporting credentials visual impact.

Also playing their part in refining the car’s exclusive appearance are the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line window recess finishers and the black-painted exterior mirrors. The rear apron with integrated sports diffuser painted in body colour, which further optimises the car’s aerodynamic properties, provides an additional sporting touch. The BMW 3 Series Coupé can also be specified with an M rear spoiler as an option.

Inside the 2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition, sports seats with M detailing, an M Sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and an M aluminium driver’s footrest point to the exclusiveness of the Edition model. Dakota leather seat covers with blue contrast stitching and special “M” piping are also included. Model-specific interior strips in Aluminium Glacier Silver dark and floor mats with blue piping set the seal on the 2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport Edition package.

2011 Audi Q7 3.0T quattro Tiptronic Specification

2011 Audi Q7
Model: 2011 Audi Q7 3.0T quattro Tiptronic
Engine: 3.0-liter supercharged V6
Horsepower/Torque: 272 hp @ 4,750 rpm/295 lb.-ft. @ 2,200 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Wheelbase: 118.2 in.
Length/Width/Height: 200.3 x 85.7 x 68.4 in.
Tires: P255/55R18
Cargo volume: 10.9/42.0/72.5 cu. ft. (3rd row seats up/3rd row seats down/2nd row seats down)
Fuel economy: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18.8 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 26.4 gal.
Curb weight: 5,192 lbs.
Sticker: $53,075 (includes $875 destination charge, $6,500 in options)