Voluntary Recall of 778,000 Toyota RAV4 SUVs and Lexus HS 250h Sedans

The Toyota group is initiating a voluntary recall of 760,000 Toyota RAV4 SUVs from the 2006 to early 2011 model years and 18,000 Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan from the 2010 model year to repair a suspension problem that could lead to a crash. The Japanese carmaker said that its engineers determined that if the nuts on the rear suspension are not tightened properly after a rear wheel alignment service, the suspension arms might rust and possibly even separate.
The company reported nine crashes and three minor injuries related to this problem.
"Toyota is currently developing a remedy," the automaker said in a statement. "Once the remedy is available, we will send a notification letter by first class mail advising owners to make an appointment with an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer to have the remedy performed at no charge."

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Upcoming Ghost Coupe Rumored to be the Fastest Production Rolls Royce Ever

The Ghost Coupe that our spies recently captured testing in Germany will be much more than a two-door version of the premium brand's entry-level model as company sources claim it will also be the fastest production model to ever wear a Rolls Royce badge. The news comes via a report from Autocar magazine, which says that the Ghost Coupe is being developed as a response to the newest, high-powered models from Bentley and to a lesser extent, Aston Martin.
While the two-door model will use the same platform and 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that underpin the Ghost sedan, both will be tweaked and modified accordingly.
The British magazine reports that output rises from the Ghost’s "standard 531bhp to an estimated 600bhp" – though a quick check on the Rolls Royce website reveals that the V12 in both the regular and LWB versions of the sedan is rated at 563bhp (570PS).
The suspension, brakes, steering and tires will be upgraded to improve handling, while the Coupe's slightly more compact dimensions may help the car shed some pounds over the sedan model.
As we previously reported, Rolls Royce has yet to decide on the final name of the luxury coupe, which is expected to arrive next year.

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Chevrolet Buyers Shunning New 2013 Malibu Eco for Incentive-Laden 2012 Malibu

General Motors wanted to get ahead of the competition in the mid-size segment by launching the all-new 2013 Malibu in Eco trim with a 37mpg highway 2.4-liter eAssist engine in March, six months before the arrival of the regular 2.5-liter base engine and the 2.0-liter turbo flagship. However, GM's dealers had plenty of 2012 Malibu sedans sitting on their lots and as surprising as it may sound to some, up until now, the older model is heavily outselling its successor.
According to data obtained by Autonews, from the March launch through June, GM sold about 7,000 examples of the 2013MY Malibu Eco, compared with around 100,000 units of the 2012MY Malibu.
Nevertheless, there's a completely reasonable explanation for this disparity in sales: the 2012 model comes with special incentives that can drop its price to about $6,000 less than the 2013 Malibu Eco, which starts at $22,390 (excluding a $760 destination and handling fee), to around $16,400 (€13,350).
And as is the case with most mainstream buyers looking for a new ride, money talks…

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Kahn Gives the Classic Land Rover Defender a Thorough Makeover

British design house Kahn has presented a new take on the original Land Rover Defender under the guise of the Chelsea Truck Company, which is one of Kahn's sub-brands for off-road vehicles. Aptly named the XS 90, the revamped three-door Defender is finished in an Orkney Grey color with contrasting satin black details that include the mesh headlamp and front grille protectors, side steps, bumpers, mirror caps and the Kahn design 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tires.
A lot more work went into the interior that was refashioned from top to bottom sporting front and rear racing car seats in quilted red leather and contrast stitching, with the same material also used on the door panels, the padded armrest, gear lever, roof lining, sun visors and sections of the dashboard.
The steering wheel rim is dressed in grey Alcantara while Kahn added a red fascia to the speedometer and rev counter.
There are no upgrades under the hood with the XS 90 offered with the stock 2.2-liter turbo diesel rated at 120hp (122PS) and 265 lb-ft (360Nm), coupled to a six-speed manual transmission.

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Fox Marketing Putting Together Supercharged Takata Racing FR-S

Weeks back, we saw Fox Marketing throw up an image on their Facebook page regarding a Yonaka Motorports built Scion FR-S for this year's upcoming SEMA show. Today, Fox Marketing has announced that a second build is in the works. This time it will carry the Takata Racing apparel and a not so orange paint job.
As for now, the tuning brand says that more details will be released in the upcoming weeks, but from what we can see, the Yonaka version will carry a similar body kit including new front grille, side splitters and massive rear racing wing. This car will also feature the only HKS powered supercharger in the U.S.
Fox says that this FR-S will debut in the Toyo Tires booth at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, as soon as they "find a white six-speed to build."
More to come, so stay tuned…
By Jeff Perez

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BBM Motorsport-Tuned VW Golf GTI All Wrapped Up and Boosted to 271-Horses

Even though a replacement is due in less than a year, the Volkswagen Golf GTI remains a darling of the tuning industry. This latest proposal comes from Germany's BBM Motorsport, which has combined forces with other aftermarket brands to create the car you see pictured here.
By reconfiguring the ECU and adding a custom exhaust system, BBM Motorsport was able to pump an extra 63 ponies and 100Nm (74 lb-ft) out of the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, with total output now standing at 271Hp (275PS) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft).
A new braking system with four piston calipers painted in red from StopTech along with tauter suspension parts from KW and new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in tires size 235/30R20 provide an upgraded ride and handling.
CFC-Styling station covered the car in a matte-blue foil wrap while the mirror caps, bonnet and rear diffuser are made out of carbon fiber.

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New Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 TDI ABT Souped up by ABT Sportsline

The minds at ABT Sportsline have turned their tuning guns on the diesel version of the new Volkswagen Beetle that benefits from a power upgrade as well as the usual cosmetic and chassis improvements. "It is really the right engine for this car," says Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO and founder of ABT Sportsline. "Particularly people who use their car quite a lot will really value how economical but also torquey it is," he added.
The German firm tweaks the 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit to increase power from 138hp (140PS) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) to 168hp (170PS) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) and as a result, acceleration to 100km/h (62mph) drops from 9.4 seconds to 8.8 seconds.
ABT then fits the Beetle 2.0 TDI with a lowered sports suspension and a larger brake kit for the front axle with black painted calipers.
An available styling kit includes a front spoiler, a rear apron that encompasses a diffuser and the new twin oval exhaust pipes, head- and tail-lamp covers and a license plate insert.
Customers also can select from a variety of alloy wheels, in diameters from 18 to 20 inches shod in performance tires. 

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Anderson Germany gets Jiggy with Porsche Panamera GTS Sports Saloon

Created by Porsche to fill the gap between the 394hp (400PS) 4S and 493hp (500PS) Turbo Panamera models, the GTS comes with a mildly tuned naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine delivering 424hp (430PS) and upgraded chassis components and looks. According to Porsche's own words, the Panamera GTS is the "sportiest model in the range", but that did not deter Anderson Germany from making a few changes of its own to allegedly improve the sports saloon.
The German tuner's engineers started off with the V8 engine that gains a software upgrade and a three-stage adjustable sports exhaust system that boost output to 501-horsepower (508PS).
A new electronic module allows the driver to drop the Panamera GTS's height-adjustable suspension by an additional 30mm, while the car now rides on massive 22-inch alloys wrapped in 265/30-22 tires at the front axle and 295/25-22 at the rear.
The exterior is then dressed in a new body kit that includes a restyled front bumper with an apron, headlamp surrounds, side skirts, new rear bumper trim, a rear apron housing a diffuser and tail light décor.
For the final touch, Anderson Germany takes on the interior, which is redone in a combination of leather and Alcantara with white diamond stitching.
Other upgrades include the white carbon trim package, new entry sills on the doors, footwell lighting in the front and the back with a dimming function and a high-end sound system with amplifier, subwoofer and a number of speakers.

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S.W.A.T. Volkswagen CC is Not What You Think

What does acronym S.W.A.T. stand for? Well, for most people it's the short form for 'Special Weapons And Tactics' used to describe an elite tactical unit in various law enforcement agencies. In this case, however, S.W.A.T. stands for 'Special Wagons And Tuning', which is the name of a German tuning group comprising the KBR Motorsport, Cover EFX, SH CarCare and CFX companies with the Volkswagen CC being one of its newest projects.
S.W.A.T. says that it crafted the CC to "act natural" through the use of a special camouflage-themed matte foil wrap.
In our book, camouflage means that a vehicle is dressed up in way that it remains unnoticed by blending with the environment, but unless we are living in a monochromatic jungle and we don't know it, we can't see the tuning firm's CC staying under the radar, quite the opposite actually...
Besides the new wrap, the Volkswagen saloon rides on a lowered sport suspension with shortened coilovers and colored 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in tires size 225/30ZR20 on all four corners.
As a final touch, the German tuner says it upgraded the (unidentified) engine and exhaust system to lift output to 276hp (280PS).

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Superchips Electronically Boosts Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost Petrol Engine

Through the use of new software for the engine control unit (commonly known as ECU), UK's Superchips has been able to improve the performance of Ford's new 1.0-liter three-cylinder, direct injection turbocharged Ecoboost engine found on several European market models such as the Focus and the B-MAX. In stock trim, the three-cylinder gasoline unit is officially rated at 123hp (125PS) and 169Nm (125 lb-ft) or 200Nm (149 lb-ft) with the overboost function. On the dyno, Superchips found that the engine is slightly more powerful delivering 127hp.
After the company's engineers updated the ECU, the 1.0-liter engine was dyno-tested at 145hp (147PS) at 6,169 rpm and 227Nm (167 lb-ft) at 2,656 rpm.
The British tuning firm claims that the remap doesn’t detract from the standard Focus 125PS Ecoboost’s 56 mpg UK (46.6 mpg US or 5.0lt/100km) average fuel consumption, just as long as the car is driven in a "like for like" manner.
Superchip's ECU upgrade is priced at £455 (about US$713 or €580) including VAT and can be fitted on all arch 2012 onwards variants of the 125 PS (123 bhp) Ford Focus 1.0-litre Ecoboost models. 

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MR Car Design Spends €130,000 to Turn Rare BMW M3 CSL into a Racecar

Among the numerous limited edition M3s produced by BMW over the model's 26-year long history, the 2004 M3 CSL (for Coupé Sport Leichtbau, which translates to Lightweight Sport Coupe) holds a special place in the hearts of bimmer fans. Only 1,383 cars were produced for its 2004 model year run, with the emphasis being put on reducing weight over the regular model. The CSL had a curb weight of 1,385 kg (3,050 lb) making it 110 kg (240 lb) lighter than the normal M3, while other enhancements included a more powerful engine and a re-tuned suspension.
One of the M3 CSLs landed into the hands of German tuning firm MR Car Design, which turned the Bavarian sports coupe into a track racer for the REIL Performance racing team.
After gutting out the CSL's interior, the German crew began work to further lower the car's weight by replacing the side and rear windows with Plexiglas.
The CSL's bootlid was replaced by a carbon fiber version modeled after the regular model's boot as the tuner added a huge wing sourced from a Porsche GT3 racer.
MR Car Design then proceeded to upgrade the engine and exhaust boosting output to 386hp (392PS). Changes were made to the suspension and the braking system as well.
The car rides on a new set of BBS Motorsport alloy wheels wrapped in special Yokohama tires, while the tuner added quick release mechanisms for the hood and boot and finished off the exterior with a new wrap and livery.
The stripped interior of the M3 CSL was fitted with race-spec bucket seat, steering wheel and roll cage.
All told, the MR Car Design M3 CSL tips the scales at 1,260 kg (2,778 pounds) and according to the tuner, it can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:43 minutes, or seven seconds faster than the time recorded by German car magazine Sport Auto in a stock M3 CSL.
The cost of the conversion is €130,000 or about US$160,000 at today's exchange rates.

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MINI Remembers 12 Concept Models Created Under the Ownership of the BMW Group

For most people in the northern hemisphere, August is the last summer month of relaxation and freedom before the new season kicks in and we all return to reality.
What this means for most industries and especially the automotive sector, is that there is not a lot going on, which could explain why MINI chose this month to reminisce about its past concepts, from the moment it was acquired by the BMW Group in the mid-1990s to the present day.
All in all, MINI chose to remind us of a dozen design studies, from the 1997 Concept Monte Carlo Rallye to the updated version of the Rocketman hatch, some of which were destined for production like the Paceman, while others like the 2009 Beachcomber, simply to arouse interest at motorshow floors.
If you follow the jump, you will find pictures and a description of each model by MINI. If you feel up to it, you can tell us which concept is your favorite in the comments section below.

2012.
MINI Rocketman Concept.
This new edition of the MINI Rocketman Concept was conceived in 2012 and combines innovative ideas for personal mobility in major cities with classical, unmistakably British design features for the interior and exterior.
Decked out in the colours of the British national flag, the concept car features eye-catching details such as a distinctive lighting design for the Union Jack in the roof area. The MINI Rocketman Concept embodies sporting elegance in typical British form.


2011.
MINI Rocketman Concept.
This well received concept car fused traditional values with innovative technology to redefine MINI’s core principle of the creative use of space. As a 3+1-seater with 3 doors, an exterior length of just over 3 metres (approx. 10 ft.) and a unique space utilisation concept up its sleeve, this concept car shone a spotlight into the future.
Its visionary character was defined by the systematic application of lightweight design principles on a carbon spaceframe canvas.


2010.
MINI Paceman Concept.
MINI positioned this concept car – a classical crossover concept based on the MINI Countryman – as the first Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) in the premium segment.
The study’s dynamic and powerful, yet at the same time luxurious, appearance sent out a message of exclusive sportiness. Visually it had an air of the muscle car about it, showing off its dynamic credentials impressively from every angle.
MINI Beachcomber Concept.
This precursor to the MINI Countryman focused on maximising driving fun and boasted a radical, open-air body concept. A very masculine concept, it referenced the legendary Mini Moke from the 1960s and focused on highlighting various interior design features. At the heart of the action was the versatile Centre Rail, to which a MP3 player, mobile phone, additional light sources, a cool box, a laptop or GPS tracker, a stopwatch, a glasses case, a bottle holder or a food box could be attached.
MINI Scooter E Concept.
This electrically driven study took cues from the MINI E, a Germany-wide test project for emission-free driving. The MINI Scooter E Concept saw MINI Design transferring the brand’s central design language from four wheels to two for the first time, demonstrating in the process the potential of MINI.
Hallmark MINI details were reflected in three different design variants: one focused on “Britishness”, another on the Mod movement which is such an important part of scooter culture, and the third model adopted the appearance of the MINI E.



2009.
MINI Roadster Concept and MINI Coupé Concept.
In their own distinctive ways, the “Oxford Twins” showcased a wealth of exciting features offering a fresh interpretation of the traditional values, individual style and innovative character of MINI. The Coupé delivered undiluted driving fun wrapped up in an ultra-sporty coupé skin, while the unadulterated, elegant Roadster positively exuded stylish open-top motoring.



2008.
MINI Crossover Concept.
A model variant without any historical reference points and measuring over four metres (13 ft.) in length, this taster concept for the MINI Countryman offered plentiful space for rear passengers and unprecedented load capacity for a MINI.
The flexible interior layout and an innovative stowage system similar to the Centre Rail allowed the interior to be adapted widely to individual requirements.


2005/2006.
MINI Concept Frankfurt / Tokyo / Detroit / Geneva.
This series of four concept cars was shown at the world’s most important motor shows over a two-year period, each variant tailored to the venue for its presentation. The four variations on the theme acted as previews for the upcoming MINI Clubman and each borrowed cues from MINI history.
The Concept unveiled in Frankfurt was billed “Travel in style” and played the elegance card to resounding effect, while in Tokyo the car’s British origins were brought to the fore.
A winter sport theme highlighted the versatility of the “Sports Equipment Carrier” shown in Detroit, and in Geneva the MINI Concept reprised the role of the service car in the Monte Carlo Rally, thus recalling the brand’s legendary sporting exploits.
All four versions impressed most prominently with an innovative door concept that revolutionised the utilisation potential of the interior. The split rear doors offered extremely generous access to the luggage area of the MINI Concept – and would soon do likewise in series-produced MINI models, starting with the Clubman.


1997.
MINI Concept Monte Carlo Rallye.
This right-hand-drive two-seater recalled the victory of the classic Mini in the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally. Design icons such as the hexagonal radiator grille and circular headlights were given a fresh interpretation for this concept car for the 21st century, MINI design having remained pretty much unchanged since 1959. This concept car was followed in 2001 by the arrival of the first MINI of the modern generation.

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Color Me Orange: Dave Doetsch's Jeep Wrangler Unlimited "Crush Recovery"

We still have a long way to go before the 2012 edition of the SEMA Motor Show, which runs from October 30 to November 2, but OMIX-ADA, an independent manufacturer and wholesaler of Jeep parts and accessories, is trying to grab our attention with a new concept model scheduled to debut at the Las Vegas show. Named "Crush Recovery", the project car is based on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4. It is the work of Jeep builder Dave Doetsch and will be displayed at the OMIX/Rugged Ridge Off-Road Success Center.
Doetsch says he designed the Crush Recovery to be ultimate off-road vehicle to recover 4x4s stuck in the toughest terrain.
The go-anywhere Jeep Wrangler will be outfitted with more than 60 of the latest products from OMIX’s family of brands including, Alloy USA's high-strength chromoly axle shafts and Rugged Ridge's XHD Modular Aluminum Bumpers and new half doors.
A CGI of the 'Crush Recovery' concept follows below the jump.

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The Mini-Me MINI of the BMW Group's London Olympic and Paralympic Games Fleet

After the 160 BMW 1-Series ActiveE coupes and 40 MINI E hatchbacks, the Bavarian automotive group today presented its third pure-electric vehicle to the London Olympic and Paralympic fleet: the Mini MINI. Evidently, and unlike the other two models, the Mini MINI was not designed to shuttle athletes and officials within the Olympic Park and surrounding Games sites.
Instead, the radio-controlled (RC) model, which is roughly a quarter scale of the real-life car, will be used on the field of play in the Olympic Stadium to ferry javelins, discuses, hammers and shots back from the field to the throwing area.
"The MINI team was thrilled to be given this challenge to develop a vehicle with such an important and high profile role during the Olympic and Paralympic Games," commented Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford.
The BMW Group created three Mini MINIs that will be operated by Games Makers assigned and trained for this duty.
The scale models measure 1,100mm (43.3 inches) long and can carry up to 8kg (18 pounds) of athletic equipment such as a single hammer, discus or shot or two javelins in their interior, which is accessible through the adapted sunroof.
A 10hp electric motor drives the Mini MINIs that can sustain 35 minutes of continuous usage with a radio control range of approximately 100 metres (3218 feet) and be fully re-charged in 80 minutes.

Mini MINI

• Number in fleet: 3
• 10hp / Zero emissions
• Usage: Field of play vehicle to retrieve javelins, discuses, hammers and shot from the field to the throwing area.
• MINI Hatch design in 1/4 scale
• Lightweight composite bodyshell (Vehicle weight 25kg)
• True Blue paintwork with orange London 2012 Games livery and white roof
• Detailed exterior design including door handles, mirrors, wheel arch finishers, number plates, windscreen wipers and functioning headlights
• Removable sunroof panel for access to the equipment storage area
• Waterproof equipment storage area
• Electric engine, throttled
• Duel vented disc brake
• Heavy duty shock absorbers
• Grass tyres front and rear

Specification of Mini MINI:
Mini MINI dimensions:

• Length: 1100mm
• Width: 500mm
• Height: 400mm

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Nagel Dakkar is the Dartz of all SUVs…and Then Some More

Dartz, the Latvia-based company that will be forever remembered for the Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition with its true- and then faux-whale penis leather dressed interior, has returned with an announcement for a new future product. The firm's new model is named Nagel Dakkar after Russian racing driver Andrew Nagel who the 1912 Monte Carlo Rally.
Always up for a joke (we assume…), Dartz has this to say about the Nagel Dakkar: "This won't be just new car model - will be new class of cars we call it B.N.U.D.S."
And since you're surely wondering what B.N.U.D.S. stands for, we will allow Dartz's unedited press release to do the explaining:

Bespoke - as every car will be made specially for You
Noble - as this car will be sold under world one of the oldest car labels
Urban - as will be excellent for city ride - and doesn't matter narrows streets of Monaco, of wide highway in LA.
Desert - car will be bsed on tubular frame and designed by famous SAM - Saxon Automobile Manufactur which is wellknown with their rally car with all perfomance issues
Safety - using titanium tubular farme in new car will be achieved unseen before safety for "civil" cars."

The Latvian company released two different renderings of the Nagel Dakkar, a pencil sketch by its own Alex Isaev and a more professional looking CGI made by German designer Pochwatta.
Dartz says the body and the interior of the SUV will be customizable while the underpinnings will remain the same and include a 650hp Mercedes-Benz AMG 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine.
Production will start in 2013 with prices for the base model ranging from €250,000 to €300,000 when it comes to Euro notes and $390,000 to $468,000 if you pay in good ol' US dollars – we have no idea why there's a difference between the two currencies.
For more things that don't make much sense, hop over the break to read the rest of the press release from Dartz.
Story References: Dartz via Autoblog.nl

Dartz Press Release:
Attached - scetches from two car designers we are working with - DARTZ stuff designer Alex Isaev (pencil pictures) and German designer Pochwatta.
Our joint team now are in discussion how will look future, and - as we are bespoke car builders - may be it will have different bodies.
That's for sure, as our customers must have choise.
As all we know no ladie will come to party in same dress as other.
But, yes, they always come to this party in same cars.
yes, expensive, yes luxury - but - YES - similar.
DARTZ-SAM car will solve that issue, as on titanium frame we can put on "dress' or car body you want, you choose, you dream.
DARTZ-SAM will world one&only unique car which will mix highest quality of german engeneering and car building traditions with insane russian luxury.
DARTZ-SAM will be favorite car in Your garage - as when you will wake up don't knowing what's your plans for today, you can easy jump in in DARTZ-SAM - you can go off-road, all-road, or any-road.
DARTZ-SAM - car where you can make billions, like in business-pullman, and non-stop go to win rally.
WHY NOT? You work hard - You deserve it!
DARTZ-SAM plans is to get as minimum 1,3% of world luxury SUV market, but that's minimum, DARTZ already get request from Chinese government company which they signed contract at 2011.
As uniting of such out-of-box thinking teams look very promising.
Wealthy people need personalized cars and there are ten's of bespoke sportcars makers - but there are zero bespoke SUV makers.
That make people to buy regular SUV's and invest hundred's of thousands to upgrade them.
But anycase this are just regular cars, with expensive, but regular upgrade.

DARTZ-SAM sales plan on nearest years:
2013 10 units
2014 20 units
2015 40 units
2016 40 units
2017 40 units

Car price is planned Eur 250,000 - 300,000 for base model.
$390,000-$468,000

car specifications:Engine
8 cylinder AMG Mercedes V8 Bi-turbo
Capacity 5.5L
Performance 650 HP, 850 Nm (626 lb ft)
Top speed 250 km/h
Drive train
Gearbox 7
gear double clutch gearbox
Clutch AP Racing
Sinter metallic Differentials Sadev
Body
Titanium tubular frame chassis Base for all the vehicles
Carbon Kevlar chassis Extremely light
Dimensions
Length 4620 mm (4-door / 4920mm)
Width 2000 mm Height 1700 mm (250 mm clearance)
Unloaded weight 1890 kgs / 1990 kgs
Wheel base 2910 mm (4-door / 3210mm)

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Porsche Rumored to Debut Panamera Shooting Brake Concept at Paris Motor Show

Earlier this month, we told you that aside from the upcoming Macan crossover and the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid, Porsche is plotting a second supercar model with a conventional powertrain and a smaller version of the Panamera sedan, internally known as the Pajun. As it turns out, these aren’t the only new models under consideration at Porsche's Stuttgart headquarters as Car&Driver is reporting that the German firm will unveil a station wagon concept of the Panamera with a "shooting brake" moniker at the Paris Motor Show in late September.
An unidentified Porsche source told the magazine that the design study will gauge showgoers' reaction to the vehicle before committing to it, while also hinting at the styling of the facelifted as well as the next Panamera notchback models.
"The concept stands somewhere between the face-lifted current-generation car and the next one," the insider told C&D adding that if the concept receives the green light, it will become part of the range of the next generation Panamera.
The design study is also said to showcase a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

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What Do You Say About this Cadillac ATS Hatchback Prototype Model?

We know for a fact that any new car's design goes through several phases before reaching its final production form and that in the process, designers experiment with various prototypes that usually don't see the light of day. Every once in a very rare while, though, we get the opportunity to take a look at early prototypes that either inspired or led to the finished product.
Such is the case with this scale model of a design prototype that was created by the team responsible for the styling of the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS compact saloon, which goes on sale in the U.S. this month.
The model car features a sleek looking, five-door hatchback body style with a very short rear overhang, pronounced front fenders and a sweeping roofline. It also appears that it may have been designed to sport suicide style rear doors.
While we understand that this is a concept from the early development phase, we came in contact with Cadillac just to make sure.
"We have lots of artifacts from the car's [ATS] design and development that we pulled out to show how it was authentically created," a Cadillac spokesman told Carscoop.
"So some of the sketches and models are things that literally led to the final car, and some are naturally going to be things that hit the cutting room floor. That model simply shows some of the concept-oriented work. It's not intended to spark expectations of a certain new body style," he added.
One thing to keep in mind is that with a few exceptions, premium automakers don't believe that there's a big market for hatchbacks in North America – which is why you won't see the new BMW 1-Series and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches.
On the other hand, if Cadillac wants to expand its sales in overseas markets such as China and Europe, at some point it will need to enhance its range with a lower priced and smaller sized hatchback model that will be available with both gasoline and diesel engines.
On a side note, if you would like to see more of the prototype, tell us in the comments section and we will shoot an email to GM and see if they can send us more photos. 

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2015 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Design Study: What do Think?

There is a debate going on right now, as to whether Chevrolet designers should make the next Camaro coupe, expected to be introduced in 2015, look more like a first-generation model (1967-1969) or the second-generation version built from 1970 to 1981. But what if GM and Chevrolet were to take a different path and create something with very few, if any, retro touches?
This is where 22-year-old automotive design graduate from Lawrence Tech in Michigan, Tyler Bame, steps into the picture.
The young designer, who we first heard about back in April through a conceptual study for a new Ford Taurus sedan, has come up with a futuristic looking concept of the next Chevrolet Camaro coupe.
We'll let you check the two renderings of the exterior and interior of the car before you hit the comments section to tell us what you think about the design.

  
Design Credits: Tyler Bame

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BMW Presents New C Evolution Electric Scooter Prototype at London Olympics [w/Video]

Not to be outshone by the BMW car brand and its upcoming "i" series of pure-electric models, BMW Motorrad, which is the German company's motorcycle division, is also gearing up for the presentation of its first zero emissions model. Following the original E-Scooter concept at the BMW Motorrad Innovation Day 2011 and the Concept e at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has now introduced a near-production prototype of the electric scooter named the C Evolution.
The electric-powered scooter was presented in the U.K. capital today with BMW to allow selected London Olympics visitors to drive the prototypes during the games.
The C Evolution features a hybrid composite structure upon which it fits an electric motor producing a continuous output of 11kW (15hp) and a peak output of 35kW (47hp) allowing for an electronically limited top speed of 120km/h (75mph).
According to BMW, in terms of acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h (37mph), the C Evolution "comfortably holds its own against current maxi scooters a capacity of 600 cc or more".
The C Evolution is powered via a drivetrain swing arm. The alternator is positioned behind the battery casing and integrated in the swing arm.
The 8kWh battery provides a range of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) and can be recharged through an integrated charging device via a regular household socket or a charging station in less than three hours.
Moreover, the C Evolution features a 'smart' recuperation system that regains energy during coasting or braking, and which BMW says can extend the range of the two-wheeler by 10 to 20 per cent, depending on riding style.
The Bavarian company believes that it can have the production model ready for sale by 2014.

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2014 Renault Megane Coupé IV Design Concept

It may be a bit early to be talking about a new Renault Megane - given that the current iteration of the compact model has been with us only since late 2008 having received some mild updates earlier this year, but we have discovered some interesting renderings from designer Clavet Thomas that we thought we'd share with you. The designs are for a replacement of the sportier looking Megane Coupé, which is essentially a three-door hatchback with a coupe-ish roofline, much in the likes of the VW Scirocco and Opel / Vauxhall Astra GTC.
Judging by the wheels, the lowered stance and the rear diffuser, Thomas was looking to emulate the look of the range-topping RenaultSport edition.
You can view the pictures in more detail in our gallery after the jump. Once you're done, tell us what you think about the Megane Coupe IV study in the comments section below.
Photo Credits: Clavet Thomas

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BMW Bringing M8 Prototype and Zagato Coupe Study to The Legends of the Autobahn

A blast from the past and the most recent concept study to wear the blue and white roundel will highlight BMW's presence at The Legends of the Autobahn 2012, which takes place on Friday, August 17, at the Rancho Canada Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California. The fourth annual all-German brand Concours, which is hosted by the BMW Car Club of America, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, the Porsche Club of America and the Audi Club of North America, will play host to the North American premiere of the BMW M8 prototype and the Z4 Zagato Coupe.
The M8 Coupe project was never displayed at a show and many believed it had been destroyed until the Bavarian automaker opened the gates of its M-brand's vault in 2009 revealing it along with other gems such as the E34 M5 Cabriolet and E36 M3 Compact.
The proposed flagship model of the E31 8-Series Coupe featured extensive use of carbon fiber to save weight and a special 5.6-liter V12 engine created out of two M3 straight-six engines delivering an estimated 580-horsepower, and which later on found its way under the hood of the fabled McLaren F1.
BMW, however, pulled the plug on the project and decided to develop a much milder performance version named the 850CSi with a 380hp V12.
The Zagato Coupe study made its world premiere at this year's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. The hand-built, one-off concept is based on the Z4 roadster and as its name implies, it has been stylized by famed Italian design house and coachbuilder Zagato.

Video Courtesy of M5Board & Bimmerblog

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Scoop: 2014 BMW M3 Sedan Speculatively Rendered

We know that the next BMW M3 sedan is coming and we have a general idea of what it will look like thanks to an abundance of spy shots over the past year, but if you are still having a hard time visualizing the sportiest model in the F30 3-Series range, photoshop artist Wildspeed has put together these renderings. The CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) propose a wider body with bloated front and rear wheel arches housing larger wheels in beefier tires, a vented hood, double-slat grilles, side skirts and a typical M-style front bumper with enlarged air inlets.
What do you don't see here is the rear end of the car that will sport a redesigned bumper with a diffuser flanked by twin tailpipes on either side and possibly a boot lid spoiler.
The F30 M3 sedan (along with the coupe model) will mark a return to a straight-six engine, but this time it will be turbocharged with an output of around 450-horses, up from the current unforced-induction V8's 414hp (420PS).
A six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission will power the rear wheels.
We expect that the new M3 will be lighter than the current generation, possibly losing as much as 100kg (220 pounds) with significant benefits in handling, performance as well as fuel economy and greenhouse emissions. 

 

 
Design Credits: Wildspeed for F30Post
Thanks for the shout Tom!

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