De Tomaso sells Deauville production rights to China

We all got a little excited when news emerged that De Tomaso was being reborn. After all, what could it hurt to have another storied Italian exotic automaker in the world, right? But then came the Deauville.

Though the Pininfarina-penned shape wasn't exactly hate-worthy, the emergence of a crossover to revive the De Tomaso marque was rather disappointing. The architect of the company's revival, veteran auto exec Gian Mario Rossignolo, promised more exciting products to come, but nearly a year later we've yet to see anything more.

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[w/ video] Traveling across Australia's Outback by Mercedes-Benz G-Class

If you've ever taken a good long look at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and wondered just how tough the leather-lined SUVs are compared to their military-grade counterparts, Inside Line has the answer for you. Corespondent Alistair Weaver joined up with a Mercedes-Benz convoy in a G of his own as the company took off across Australia's infamous stock route. The trail is little more than a dusty path scrawled across the outback. Weaver braved vicious washboard roads, insects, snakes, dead camels and heinous heat to make the trek. How did his G Wagen handle the rough roads and deep sands? Let's just say there were a few issues.

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2012 Volkswagen Passat Best-in-class Rear Legroom Outstanding 43 mpg Fuel Efficiency with Priced from $19,995

2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: ENGINEERED IN GERMANY, BORN IN THE U.S.A.
Best-in-class rear legroom, outstanding 43 mpg fuel efficiency, priced from $19,995. Here is the new gold standard.
* Designed in Germany, built in Chattanooga, Tenn., adhering to strict measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including a painting process without any filler, which cuts CO2 emissions by about 20 percent
* Only mid-size sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price
* Only Clean Diesel option in segment with manufacturer estimated best-in-class 43 mpg highway and range of nearly 800 miles
* Choice of 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI® Clean Diesel, 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas, or 3.6-liter VR6 engines
* Class-leading rear seat legroom
* Highly contented with standard premium features such as automatic dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth®
* No-charge three-year/36,000-mile scheduled Care free Maintenance® program

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2012 Volvo XC70 Top-class Flexibility & Expressive Design Features Active Chassis with Four-C & AWD with Instant Traction

Volvo XC70 – model year 2012
The third generation Volvo XC70 is more refined than ever. A comfortable and luxurious appearance has been combined with top-class flexibility and an expressive design. The XC70 is a sophisticated and elegant car for an active urban life. Come the weekend and it transforms into a rugged partner for all kinds of exciting adventures.
The XC70 has been upgraded with a number of features including the latest user-friendly Volvo Sensus infotainment system, enhanced technology that makes driving even safer and more comfortable, and refined drivelines that offer higher performance and lower fuel consumption.

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Honda begins scrapping vehicles claimed by Thai flooding

Thailand's worst flood in 50 years claimed the lives of 610 people and caused billions in damage, but with the waters slowly receding, the extent of the damage is coming into focus.

Among the tens of thousands of businesses affected by the disaster, Honda hasn't been spared – its factory in the Ayutthaya province was hit hard, and in an effort to assure that damaged vehicles never make it to consumers, the Japanese automaker has begun to scrap over 1,000 vehicles damaged during the flood.

Honda workers have begun disposing of row upon row of Brio and City subcompacts submerged during the flooding using construction equipment and vehicle crushers to demolish the 1,055 vehicles. The tragic yet oddly beautiful gallery above chronicles the aftermath and resulting destruction.


Source: Autoblog

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2012 Ferrari FF Revolutionary 4-seater FWD V12 Exceptional Performance & Versatility with Maximum Power 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Type 65-degree V12
Overall displacement 6,262 cc
Maximum power 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length 4907 mm
Width 1953 mm
Height 1379 mm
Dry weight* 1790 kg
Weight distribution 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/power ratio 2.7 kg/CV

Performance
Maximum speed 335 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.7 sec
Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)
Fuel consumption** 15,4 l/100 km
Emissions** 360 g/km
* European market version
** With HELE system

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[w/vid] How (not) to wash your car with only one bucket of water

Water is a pretty amazing substance. It coats our planet, makes up the vast majority of our bodies, and – most importantly – proves to be an endless source of YouTube hijinks. You remember, of course, the cretins-in-a-carwash video, in which water's destructive powers were just hinted at. But in all seriousness, water is not to be messed with. Whether leaking into your basement, sweeping away cars in a flash flood, or unleashing hell in the form of a tsunami, water's capacity for violence and disaster is as great as anything dreamed up by man.

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Kurt Busch lands ride with Phoenix Racing for 2012

Kurt Busch has landed with Phoenix Racing after parting ways with Penske following a particularly rough season, even by Busch family standards. Busch drew the ire of fans, teammates and team leaders alike this year after cursing at an ESPN reporter and making a habit of demeaning his crew over the radio during races. Busch's long-time crew chief Steve Addington left the Penske team after the end of the season, reportedly thanks in part to Busch's toxic attitude. While Addington is headed to a new position with series champion Tony Stewart, Busch has joined forces with Phoenix Racing.

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2011 Mazda6 The 4 Doors 5 Passenger Seating Features Expressive Exterior Styling & New 17 Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheel Design

2011 MAZDA6: SPORTY APPEARANCE, UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, INSIGHTFUL PACKAGE
The MAZDA6 is a mid-size sedan that offers all the standards in its class like four-doors, five-passenger seating, interior roominess, comfort and convenience features and lots of cargo space. However, the MAZDA6 goes one step further by adding style, performance, technology and passion that no other vehicle in class can offer. Mazda simply calls that “Zoom-Zoom”.

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2011 Lightning GT Twin Inboard-mounted Electric Motors 400 bhp

 The Lightning Car Company, the British developer of The Lightning electric Grand Tourer supercar, today announces its intention to raise approximately £15.5 million (before expenses). The funds will be invested in completing the final two phases of the Company’s evolution, programme development and technical validation, taking the Lightning to full production as early as Spring 2012.

TLCC was founded in early 2007 to brand, design and build a luxury electric supercar in the high margin, lower volume Grand Tourer (“GT”) segment, currently overlooked by major manufacturers. The Lightning GT was conceived to bring together classic British styling with world leading engineering under an evocative “made in Britain” brand that sets a new benchmark for luxurious design, build and performance. Once fully established, the Company will be the first new British prestige automotive marque for mainstream production in Britain since the 1940’s.

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2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec New Tau V8 Engine Producing 429 hp at 6,400 rpm & 376 lb. ft. of Torque at 5,000 rpm

NEW 5.0 R-SPEC: MOST POWERFUL HYUNDAI V8 ENGINE EVER
The heart of the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec model is a new Tau V8 engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. This new Tau V8 represents the most powerful Hyundai engine ever, with a higher specific output (85.8 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors. For 2011, the Tau V8 engine family has again been named to the prestigious Ward’s Ten Best Engines for the third consecutive time.

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2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Features Compact Tire Repair Kit Allows For Significantly Larger Underfloor Storage Area

Acura today announced pricing for the 2012 TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon. Increasing $200 (or 0.6%) across the line-up, the 2012 Acura TSX continues to offer exceptional value and serves as the entry-point into the Acura brand. In addition, a new Special Edition model delivers added sportiness in the form of unique interior and exterior enhancements.
“With a sub-$30,000 starting point, the Acura TSX represents a great value for customers entering the luxury market,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Recently named US News and World Report’s Best Upscale Small Car for Families, the TSX is great for families and with a sporty new Special Edition, it now has even more appeal for youthful, performance-minded buyers.”

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2012 Volvo V60 Sports Wagon Can be Specified with Choice of Two Chassis Smoother Ride on Poorer Road Surfaces

The Volvo V60 makes its entry onto the car market with its sights firmly set on giving the all-new S60 sedan model a tough match over the title of “The Most Dynamic Volvo Model Ever”.
No less than 90 percent of the annual V60 production will find European buyers. It is produced at the Volvo Cars Torslanda plant.
EXTERIOR
Coupe rather than estate car
From the design viewpoint the focus was on making the car as close to a coupe as possible, while retaining that handy extra space at the rear. The sports wagon does not aim to compete with the traditional estate car. For the customer who wants a lot of load space, there is our V70 or XC70.
The pronounced wedge shape and the slim coupe-like roof line of the new V60 are accompanied by the shoulder profile along the car’s sides, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.
The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel.

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2012 Cadillac Escalade EXT Unique Sport Utility Truck Full-time AWD 6.2 L V8 Engine 403 hp 565 Nm Dual-zone Climate Control

An icon among luxury SUVs, the Cadillac Escalade continues to offer the most complete lineup in its segment, with three distinct body styles and the Platinum models. The model range includes the Escalade, the extended-length Escalade ESV and the reconfigurable Escalade EXT.
The Escalade and Escalade ESV are available in AWD and RWD configurations. The Escalade EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD. All models are powered by a 6.2L V-8 with efficiency-enhancing continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management technology.
Escalade Platinum is the highest expression of the brand’s dramatic design, luxury and technology. With features including segment-first LED headlamps and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-acting suspension, it’s one of the most technically advanced vehicles in the segment. Platinum models are available on Escalade and Escalade ESV.

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic with Standard Ecotec 1.8 L Engine 5 Speed Manual or 6 Speed Automatic Transmissions & Available Ecotec 1.4 L Turbo Engine

* Available Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) that delivers competitive fuel economy.
* Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions
* Ecotec 1.4L turbo available with a six-speed manual transmission
* Standard electric power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing
* Sedan model offers outstanding trunk capacity, larger than many vehicles one class larger
* Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB, Bluetooth for phone, and wireless Audio streaming functionality
* MyChevrolet mobile application with vehicle connectivity
* Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof available
* Safety features include 6 standard air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, Hill Hold Assist, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response

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2012 Volkswagen Up!

Engine:
1.0L Inline-3
Power:
74 HP / 70 LB-FT
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
0-60 Time:
13.0 Seconds
Top Speed:
107 MPH
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:
2,072 LBS
Seating:
2+2
Cargo:
8.9 / 33.6 CU-FT
MPG:
54.7 MPG (converted)

Big old Volkswagen is back to thinking small, and it's finally doing it right. After two frankly awful attempts at supplying the rest of the world with cheap tin boxes called Fox and Lupo, company bosses have done some soul searching and this is the result: a tiny road warrior that's absolutely worthy of the 6.3-inch wide emblem on its grill.

It might seem like only yesterday, but the Up! was first shown as a concept back in the pre-crisis days of 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Talk about fortuitous timing, because this 2+2 three-door minicar is exactly the sort of car that much of economically stunned Europe is craving nowadays. We all, Euro or Yank, want as much premium feel in our cars as cheaply as possible, and this is exactly why the little Up! is destined to clobber The Continent's vast field of city cars.

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2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 New 4.7 L V8 Engined Racing Car Aerodynamics & Increased Downforce Levels of Power & Torque

Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Revised for 2011
Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce. It also has a remapped 4.7 litre engine offering increased levels of power and torque.
As with the current 4.7 litre Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension design. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can, for the first time, choose a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system. This system has been specifically optimised by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4 to provide race-enhanced performance in both wet and dry conditions.

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2012 BMW Active E Emission Free with Powerful Electric Synchronous Motor 170 hp 184 lb-ft Torque & ECO PRO Mode

BMW ActiveE Electric Vehicle
The second phase of BMW Group’s electro-mobility development is ready to take to the road
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – The introduction of the BMW ActiveE marks the launch of the second phase of the BMW Group’s electro-mobility development strategy. Like the MINI E before it, the BMW ActiveE will be available for lease in select markets beginning in Fall 2011.
project i – research and development of tomorrow’s mobility.
The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The ultimate goal is the concept of a Megacity Vehicle (MCV) that meets the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the MCV are being tested in the BMW ActiveE.

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2012 Citroen DS3 Ultra Prestige Available in a Choice of 3 Engine of which 2 Petrol (VTi 120 Automatic & THP 155 6 Speed Manual) & 1 Diesel (e-HDi 110 Airdream 6 Speed Manual)

CITROËN DS3 Ultra Prestige: an object of desire!
Faithful to the spirit of the DS line, the Citroën DS3 is reasserting all its daring and style by adding a new, sophisticated version to the line-up: the CITROËN DS3 Ultra Prestige. Starting at €25,700, it comes in a range of original colours and materials that make a nod to haute couture and even serve as a source of inspiration for the current CITROËN Créative Awards!

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2012 BMW Alpina B6 Biturbo Coupe All-aluminium V8 Power Plant 540 hp WITCH-TRONIC 8 Speed Sport Automatic Transmission

Alpina BMW B6 Bi-Turbo Coupe
For Alpina, a technology driven company, standstill is a foreign word. Since the introduction of the B7 Bi-Turbo, the engineers from Buchloe, Germany, have been continuously working on the details of the turbo charging and intercooler system.
Consequently, the all-aluminium V8 power plant now produces 540hp (397kW) at a moderate 5500rpm, with a maximum torque of 700Nm from 3000rpm. Two turbo-chargers configured in parallel, each feeding one of the two cylinder banks, with specially developed large diameter exhaust-turbines allow this engine configuration to provide both exceptional power output and an abundance of torque over an especially broad rpm range while maintaining excellent throttle response at low rpm.

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2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works

Engine:
Turbo 1.6L I4
Power:
223 HP / 207 LB-FT
Transmission:
6-Speed Manual
0-60 Time:
6.9 Seconds
Top Speed:
130 MPH
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel drive
Curb Weight:
3,200 LBS
Seating:
2+2
Cargo:
16.5 / 41.3 CU-FT
MPG:
25 Comb.
MSRP:
$34,000 (est. base)


As part of the ongoing master plan at Mini to attract distinction-seeking buyers who still have some disposable income left, we present the Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 John Cooper Works: the Mini CUV with the mighty long name.

This latest Mini JCW will get its world premiere at this March's Geneva Motor Show, but we've just enjoyed a pre-holiday drive in the remote mountain lair of Kühtai, 6,600 feet up in the Austrian Alps. As you'd expect, there was snow and rocks and animal skin sweat lodges and hot wine, but the Countryman All4 JCW got us out of there and back to our families in the flatlands. Our drive consisted of a two-lane road loop with plenty of overtaking chances and a decently long off-road parcours etched into a local abandoned ski hill.

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2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Creator of Minivan Continues to Innovate with Industry-exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go Seating

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: America’s Best-selling Minivan Is now the Most Affordable With New American Value Package and a Starting U.S. MSRP of $20,995
* New Dodge Grand Caravan offers the most affordable minivan in America – starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of only $20,995 (excluding destination)
* Creator of the minivan continues to innovate with industry-exclusive Super Stow ‘n Go seating, which can be easily operated with one hand in a matter of seconds
* Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 provides best-in-class 283 horsepower without a penalty at the gas pump
* More than 40 safety and technology features consumers expect and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provide peace of mind
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2011 -
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to lead the segment it created. New for 2012, Dodge is offering a new American Value Package (AVP), which makes the best-selling minivan ever the most affordable minivan with a starting U.S. Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,995 (all prices exclude destination).

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2012 Volvo C70 Two Cars in One, Elegant Coupe as a Sporty Convertible & has a Smart Three-piece Steel Roof

The Volvo C70 has a smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety. With a refined design and elevated premium feel, the C70 also delivers an “I want” aura of absolute world class.
The C70 is two cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions.
EXTERIOR
Modernised, self-assured front
The Volvo C70 reveals traces of the S60 that was unveiled in early 2010. This brings the C70 more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range.
The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The headlamps and the décor around the fog lamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

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2012 Volkswagen CC First 4 Door Coupé in the 30,000 to 40,000 Euro Class with New Styling & Innovative Side Assist Plus

New Volkswagen CC crosses over to luxury class
* CC has new styling and innovative Side Assist Plus
* Fatigue detection and bi-xenon headlights are standard
Wolfsburg, 03 November 2011 – When the Volkswagen CC made its debut four years ago, it was the first four-door coupé in the 30,000 to 40,000 euro class. From this niche, a new segment quickly developed – to date, nearly 270,000 people around the globe have chosen the sedan with the stylish lines of a sports car. They are car drivers who love the charm of a coupé but also value space for at least 4 persons and 4 doors. Now, Volkswagen is presenting a technically and visually updated version of the popular business vehicle.

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2012 Audi Q3 Premium SUV in Compact Form 2.0 L 4 Cylinder Engines Deliver Great Output & Terrific Torque from 280 to 380 Nm

The Audi Q3 – A Premium SUV in Compact Form
The new Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. This genuine Audi sets standards in all aspects of engineering – from its body through drivetrains and chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. The Audi Q3 is a versatile companion for everyday life – with an urbane character.
The design of the Q3 is classic Audi: its coupe-like styling is one-of-a-kind among SUVs and symbolizes its sporty identity. Distinctive lights add a striking touch and the very flat-set rear window emphasize the sporty nature of the Audi Q3.
Thanks to systematic lightweight design, the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,307 lb). Its engine hood and wraparound tailgate, which houses the taillights, are made of aluminum; the safe and solid passenger compartment features a great many ultra-high-strength steels. Its low drag coefficient of just 0.32 also enhances fuel efficiency considerably.

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2012 Volvo Concept You Luxurious Scandinavian Design with Intuitive Smart Pad Technology & Pure Craftsmanship

Concept You from Volvo Car Corporation:


Luxurious Scandinavian design with intuitive smart pad technology
The Volvo Car Corporation now takes the next bold step in the evolution of the company’s upcoming large luxury sedan.
The Concept You, revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, combines a sleek coupe-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology.
The Concept You picks up where the Concept Universe, revealed at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, left off. It gives the global car buying public another exciting glimpse of the Volvo Car Corporation’s future.
With a full interior, Concept You allows luxury sedan customers to fully experience the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos.
“The new Concept You roofline stretches all the way back to the tail lamps – creating that dynamic fastback look that is very much in vogue among European car buyers at the moment,” says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at the Volvo Car Corporation.

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2012 Subaru Impreza

Engine:
2.0L Boxer-Four
Power:
148 HP / 145 LB-FT
Transmission:
CVT
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:
3,099 LBS
Seating:
2+3
Cargo:
12.0 CU-FT
MPG:
27 City / 36 HWY
MSRP:
$19,545 as tested

Subaru found itself in an interesting position when the North American auto market imploded back in 2009. While most manufacturers were busily darting about trying to stop their sales from bleeding out, the quirky Japanese automaker actually posted gains in both market share and earnings during the recession.

It was a dark time for most dealers. Salesmen began eying the fairest compacts on their lot for sacrifice in an attempt to appease the sales gods that had abandoned them, and showrooms began devolving into tribal law in earnest. Meanwhile, we're guessing many Subaru dealers watched through gold-rimmed monocles from across the street with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

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2013 Chevrolet Impala caught testing

After languishing in mediocrity for far too long, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala can't come soon enough, and our shooters managed to snag a camouflaged prototype – both inside and out – for the first time.

Based on the long-wheelbase version of the Epsilon 2 platform, the reimagined Impala is set to be powered by a choice of either GM's 3.6-liter V6 or its recently revealed 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. An eAssist version is also likely to be offered soon after its debut.

Inside, we get a glimpse of a reworked interior that's more plush than the current model, complete with leather dash and trim, tasteful aluminum accents and a sizable nav screen front-and-center.

The exterior is harder to gauge, but the ride height is noticeably lower, the roof and windshield more raked and the front fascia has taken on a pointed, Camaro-esque shape. We should know more in the coming months before Chevy takes the wraps off in the first half of the year.

Source: Autoblog

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2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe New 3.6 L V6 Engine with SAE-certified 318 hp (237 kW) & New Grille Design

* New 3.6L V-6 with SAE-certified 318 horsepower (237 kW), which is 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter and helps maintain fuel economy of up to 27 mpg highway
* New grille design
* Side blind zone alert
* CTS Touring Package available on Premium Collection
* Bluetooth phone connectivity is now standard on all models
* Black Diamond Tricoat, Opulent Blue Metallic and Mocha Steel Metallic (late availability) exterior colors

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2012 Volvo C70 Inscription Engine Options Available with Turbocharged 5 Cylinder Petrol-Powered T5 & Two 6 Cylinder Turbodiesels

Volvo Car Corporation presents C70 Inscription – unique look for convertible connoisseurs
The Volvo C70 convertible reappears in the sunlight in a new Inscription version with a number of unique and desirable features.
The Inscription blends distinctive exterior details such as the painted grille and black 18-inch wheels with exclusive interior features, including Sovereign Hide upholstery and a leather-covered dashboard.
“The C70 is a true icon in our model range. The Inscription is based on our human-centric Designed Around You philosophy, offering those who love convertibles and coupes a beautifully detailed version with a lot of kerb appeal,” says Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at the Volvo Car Corporation.

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2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe makes its debut [UPDATE]

We're now on the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the luxury sedan that kicked off the whole "four-door coupe" craze. Since then, Volkswagen countered with the CC, Porsche launched the Panamera, and Audi won us over with its A7. So what about BMW? Now that the big 6 Series coupe has taken hold, the German automaker has added a proper back seat and two additional doors to create this, the 2013 6 Series Gran Coupe.

The first version of the Gran Coupe to arrive Stateside will be the 640i, powered by BMW's N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six, good for 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque in this application. Shortly thereafter, the 650i Gran Coupe will arrive, available with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, boasting a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 tuned to 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with BMW's ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL brochure leaks ahead of Detroit reveal

It's getting darn near impossible for automakers to keep their latest wares hidden from view until they are good and ready to show them. Such is the case with Mercedes-Benz, who's latest SL has leaked to the internet courtesy of the crew at Autoblog.nl.

If we had to guess, we'd say these images come from a brochure of some sort, and they show the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL from the front and rear, along with the top up and down. We also get a lone shot of the interior, and though it's all in various shades of black and white, everything looks just as polished and stately as we'd expect from M-B's range-topping non-AMG machine.

We know that the 2013 SL will be a few hundred pounds lighter than its predecessor, but we don't yet know what range of engines will be in the "S-Class of Roadsters." We'd guess a few V8 options with the vestigial V12 hanging around for at least one more generation.

We'll just have to wait until the 2012 Detroit Auto Show to find out all the details, but in the meantime, have a gander at the pics in our high-res image gallery.

Source: Autoblog

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2013 Dodge Dart interior details revealed

We're just a few weeks away from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show where, among other things, we'll see the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart for the first time. Parent company Chrysler has already released a few teasers of the compact sedan's exterior, and now, we're getting our first look inside the new C-segment offering.

Dodge says that the 2013 Dart's interior is all about customization, and that's immediately noticeable with the gauge cluster. As you can see above, the Dart will have offer seven-inch color TFT display in the middle of the instrument panel, allowing the driver to switch between different display modes with a standard analog tachometer and fuel gauge/PRNDL flanking either side. That red glow you see around the IP? That's an available ambient "racetrack" lighting system that not only outlines the cluster, but works its way over to the center stack, as well. Ambient lighting can also be had in the foot wells, door handles, map pockets, glove box, center console storage and cup holders.

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Lexus previews new design direction with Detroit-bound concept

The Detroit Auto Show is right around the corner, now just a few weeks away. And with each approaching day, we get a clearer picture of what to expect when the doors open at Motown's Cobo Hall on January 9.

Here we have our first glimpse at a new concept car which Lexus will be unveiling at the show. All we have to go on so far is the teaser image you see above (which you can click to view in high resolution) and a brief statement (after the jump), but from what we can tell it looks very aggressive, and rather sportscar-like.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Develops to be The Sportiest Electric Car Ever & Can Boasting a Power Output of 392 kW

SLS AMG E-CELL

Max. output:

392 kW

Torque:

880 Nm

-0 – 100 km/h:

4.0 s

Rated capacity:

40 Ah (at 400 V)

Energy content:

-3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

Mercedes-Benz at the 2011 Detroit Autoshow
Detroit, Jan 10, 2011
Development goal: the sportiest electric car ever: SLS AMG E-CELL: the high-voltage gullwing
Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is accepting the challenges of motoring of the future: the SLS AMG E-CELL is evidence of the state-of-the-art development of an exciting super sports car featuring a zero-emission high-tech drive. Boasting a power output of 392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, the technology vehicle from AMG is able to offer exceptional performance. The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled “AMG Performance 2015″ which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

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2012 Toyota Yaris Available with Choice of 3 Engines; 1.0 & 1.33 Le VVT-i Petrol Engines & 1.4 L D-4D Turbodiesel

The launch of the third generation Toyota Yaris adds a new chapter to the model’s ongoing European success story. Over the last decade, the Yaris has consistently enjoyed a segment share of more than 5%. It has been a strong contributor to the increase in Toyota sales throughout Europe, boosting the brand image and becoming a key pillar of the company’s European manufacturing operations.
The new Toyota Yaris will compete in the B-segment which – with a 26% share of the total market, equating to some 4 million sales per annum – remains the most important sales arena of the European automotive market. This segment is currently dominated by petrolengined vehicles, which represent more than two thirds of the mix.

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2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Supercharged 6.2 L V8 Engine 556 hp & Backed by Either 6 Speed Manual or Automatic Transmission

* Side blind zone alert
* Two new exterior colors: Black Diamond Tricoat and Opulent Blue Metallic
Highlights
The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is the most dramatic model in the V-Series range of high-performance luxury models, blending a personal 2+2 layout with a drivetrain vetted on Germany’s famed Nürburgring.
Like the Sedan model that established the CTS-V legacy, the V-Series Coupe is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V-8 that delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) and is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. A collection of technical and performance elements complement the powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

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Getting wet with the McLaren MP4-12C at The Stig's stomping grounds

We can officially consider this drive of the McLaren MP4-12C our second go at it. In brief, Mother Nature conspired with UK tradition and made our second crack at this British super coupe pretty much a total wash. It didn't matter how many times the McLaren folks reminded us just how "perfect" and "dry" the previous two days had been; we were swimming and freezing, but the proceedings forced us to switch quickly from crybaby into lemonade-from-lemons mode.

One big attraction was conducting our drive on a circuit laid out on the World War II-era Canadian Air Force field at Dunsfold Park, better known as the Top Gear test track – The Stig's stomping grounds.

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Nissan Pathfinder prepares to cross over

If automakers have learned anything from the 2011 Ford Explorer, it's that changing a popular SUV nameplate to a crossover platform won't necessarily hurt the vehicle's image (or sales numbers). Nissan is hoping to capture that same sort of magic with its Pathfinder – judging by these spy shots, the traditionally body-on-frame SUV stalwart appears to be crossing over for its next generation.

The next-gen Pathfinder will likely be based on Nissan's FF-L platform that currently underpins vehicles like the Murano crossover and Quest minivan. Our best guess is that this Pathfinder, which will still remain a seven-passenger vehicle, could share many of its bits with the recently revealed Infiniti JX. Either way, whatever Nissan has planned for the new Pathfinder will surely be better than the aging, Titan-based model that's currently on sale.

The new Pathfinder appears to be pretty far along in its development, so we'll likely see its new CUV shape at the Detroit Auto Show in January. For now, scroll through our gallery of spy shots to get a better glimpse at the Pathfinder's new look.

Source: Autoblog

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First pics of the Grand-Am Rolex Series Audi R8 LMS

Audi of America recently took delivery of a U.S.-customer-spec R8 LMS Ultra meant for testing next month, and the gents at Quattroworld were able to get a picture of it. Being lighter, safer, and better balanced, the V10-powered racer with up to 570 horsepower is expected to outdo its multiple-title-winning predecessor.

It will be campaigned by APR racing in 2012. Although the stars-and-stripes outerwear doesn't look nearly as mean as just plain silver, the patriotic paint scheme could be good for shaving off a few tenths per lap when the winged coupe officially rolls out at the Grand-Am test days in January.

Head on over to Quattroworld for more details on this car and some tidbits on Audi's racing program, including the outrageous revelation offered by an Audi engineer when asked how often they had to overhaul the engines: "I don't know, we never have had to rebuild one."

Source: Autoblog

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Chinese military truck shows off its all-terrain chops

The Chinese automotive industry is an emerging force. Never mind all the foreign automakers setting up joint ventures in the world's most populous country, or the recognized European marques being gobbled up by Chinese conglomerates. The Chinese domestic brands are also capable of making serious vehicles with serious capabilities. Like this off-road military truck, for example.

Built by Wuhan-based Xiaolong Automotive, the XLW2090 is one of a dozen or so configurations the company builds on an adaptable chassis. The three-axle off-road truck packs a 4.5-liter Cummins four-cylinder diesel engine, over 17 inches of ground clearance, a 55.5-degree approach angle and a claimed 7,700-pound payload. That's all well and fine, but what really impresses us is what it can do when the road gets more than a little bumpy.

Source: Autoblog

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2013 Dodge Dart aims for center of compact sedan segment

Don't call it a Hornet. Dodge has released a slew of shadowy teasers for its new compact sedan, the 2013 Dodge Dart. The company is planning a slow reveal, with snippets of the four-door's exterior and interior trickling out between now and the vehicle's full unveil at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Specifics are still murky at the moment, though we do know Dodge will grace the 2013 Dart with a variety of engine options, including a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter four-cylinder Multiair engine found in the Fiat 500. If the Fiat 500 Abarth is any indication, that means we're looking at somewhere around 160 horsepower.

The 2013 Dodge Dart makes use of the same bones as the beautiful Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though the chassis has been both stretched and widened to accommodate the wider britches of American buyers. Chrysler says that a full 68 percent of the vehicle's architecture is comprised of high-strength steel, which means the 2013 Dart should retain much of the rigidity that's made the Giulietta a favorite among buyers and critics alike in the EU.

We're plenty excited to get our hands on the 2013 Dodge Dart to see how it stacks up against the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra among other winners in the segment.

Source: Autoblog

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2013 Subaru BRZ

Engine:
2.0L Boxer-Four
Power:
200 HP / 150 LB-FT
Transmission:
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:
2,676 LBS
Seating:
2+2
Cargo:
6.9 CU-FT
MPG:
30 HWY (est.)
MSRP:
NA

A couple of years ago we passed the point at which there were no more truly bad cars. If someone asked us, "Which car should we definitely avoid," it was hard to give a categorical answer. Sure, there were cars we didn't (and still don't) like, but no matter how personally averse we might be to even some current cars, we can't name one that's objectively awful.


Naturally, then, if everything is decent then the only place to go is... better. That's how you get to a brand like Subaru deciding to make a sports car and using, as a guide, the Porsche Cayman. And we do mean literal guide. During testing, Subaru engineers took a white Cayman on their international travels. We don't blame them. When the brief is to build "a pure handling sports car," where better to start than with the company that practically wrote and constantly revises the bible of handling, Porsche?

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Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes

This is going to be painful, so we'll break it down quickly. Trust us, it will be like pulling off a Band-Aid.

[translated from Japanese]

"So, want to caravan to the car show? I'm excited to drive my Ferrari F355 there."
"Sure. I will be driving my Lamborghini. Let me call my six other friends who also own Ferraris."
"If other marques are welcome, I will invite my two friends who drive Mercedes-Benzes."

Crash!

[sounds of crying]

In all seriousness, we were glad to learn that nobody was seriously injured in the wreck. According to the Associated Press, a group of car enthusiasts were on their way to a driver's gathering in Hiroshima when one Ferrari swerved into the median barrier, likely pinballing into the other cars. Police said a total of 14 cars were caught in the wreck, including eight Ferraris, two Lambos, and a trio of Mercs. The AP report says total damage is likely over $1 million.

Source: Autoblog

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2012 BMW 3 Series priced from $35,795*

Have you been waiting for the new BMW 3 Series to come around? Well the wait is over. The sixth generation of the quintessential sport sedan is upon us, and now we've got the pricing to go with it.

BMW of North America has placed the base MSRP for the four-cylinder 328i at $35,795, and the six-cylinder 335i at $43,295 – inclusive of destination charges(*). While these prices represent a $320 and $370 respective increase over the models they replace, BMW is adamant that the jump is worth it.

Not only has the 3 Series sedan been substantially redesigned, it also packs a higher level of equipment. That includes cabin gadgets like a 6.5-inch dashboard display screen for the iDrive system, as well as Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, but also the latest enviro-tech like regenerative braking and stop/start engine management

Source: Autoblog

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Mercedes-Benz killing Maybach in 2013, replacing with S600 Pullman

According to an unnamed Mercedes-Benz source speaking with AutoWeek, the German automaker is killing off its Maybach line in 2013.

The unsurprising news comes after the brand was resurrected in 2002, but failed to meet sales expectations with its two core models, the Maybach 57 and 62. Further solidifying its fate, a deal with Aston Martin to aid in the development of future Maybachs fell through earlier this year.

According to the AutoWeek insider, the plan is to continue to sell both Maybach models through the end of 2013, after which the fifth-generation S-Class will go on sale. When that happens, three new variants of the S-Class will be available, including an all-new, range-topping S600 that brings back the Pullman moniker and may be better suited to competing with the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Source: Autoblog

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2013 Lexus GS 350

Engine:
3.5L V6

Power:
306 HP / 277 LB-FT
Transmission:
6-Speed Auto
0-60 Time:
5.7 Seconds (est.)
Top Speed:
142 MPH (limited)
Drivetrain:
Rear- or AWD
Curb Weight:
3,795 LBS
Seating:
2+3
Cargo:
14.3 CU-FT
MPG:
19 City / 28 HWY
MSRP:
N/A


So Lexus wants to be taken seriously now. Certainly the brand is a heavyweight – and has been since the moment it launched 22 years ago, changing the luxury market almost overnight. It's just had trouble garnering the respect of the cognoscenti, the car enthusiast types, the sorts of people who can see a pair of taillights flash by and identify year, make and model.

Lexus representatives are not shy about the issue, in part because it's hard to ignore years of critics calling your cars bland and soulless, while smirking, self-avowed "car guys" trade their BMW sedans in on new BMW sedans, even as they grumble about electronic nannies, iDrive and Chris Bangle.

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Europe's Toyota GT 86 sports car revealed

It's no secret that the Toyota FT-86 will finally make its production-spec debut next week in Tokyo, and ahead of that, the automaker's UK office has released the first official photos and some initial specs. In Europe, the car will officially be called the Toyota GT 86.

Cutting right to the chase, here are the specs that are now official, from the Toyota UK announcement. Obviously, there's more to come:
2.0-liter boxer with D4-S injection (direct and port injected)
197 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) @6,600 rpm
6-speed manual or automatic transmissions
17-inch wheel/tire package standard
4,240mm (167 in.) long, 1285mm (50.6 in.) high, 2,570mm (101 in.) wide
53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution
475mm (18.7 in.) center of gravity
As demonstrated in the photos, everything is basically in line with what we've seen so far in the various leaked materials. So, start getting excited. In addition to the sharp styling outside, the interior looks the business, and the "86" fender logo is just plain cool. The GT 86 goes on sale in the UK next June.

Source: Autoblog

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2012 Shelby GTS

The Shelby name doesn't come cheap. Vintage Shelby Mustangs and Cobras can command six or sometimes even seven figure sums. The current Shelby offerings are much cheaper – the GT350 is priced around $70,000 while the Ford-built GT500 is a little less expensive with a base price just short of $50,000 – although we still wouldn't consider them attainable to the average guy with a mortgage and 2.5 kids.

Shelby sees that as a problem. The majority of its customers are the people who craved a GT500 or Cobra back when they were kids in the 1960s. Those customers are getting older, and like many other automakers, Shelby has decided to reach out to younger buyers. At the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Shelby announced the GTS, a new model designed to be attainable to the masses. The GTS would be available in both V6 and V8 form and, with a package price of $9,995, could be had for less than $33,000 in base form. "It's a car that reaches a younger buyer while acknowledging the economic realities of our times," said Shelby American president John Luft at the time.

We have to wonder, though. Are younger buyers interested in buying a Shelby Mustang? Will people actually buy a Shelby with a V6? We aimed to find out for ourselves and picked up a V6 model in Race Red with White Le Mans stripes at Shelby's facility in Gardena, CA for a week-long test.

Source: Autoblog

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Chevrolet shares a bit of its tunnel vision for Camaro ZL1

The engineers behind the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 are our kind of people. They were the ones who stepped up to the immeasurable task of transmuting the Camaro from its current state as a straight-line princess into a a hairpin street fighter. While America has typically fallen back on the old "no replacement for displacement" adage when it came time to win races, the engineers responsible for the ZL1 left no stone unturned. Suspension, brake performance and weight balance all played a huge role in the vehicle's development, and, as the company's latest video on the sports car reveals, so did aerodynamics.

Every piece of aero equipment on the ZL1, from the front splitter to the under-belly trays, rockers, rear spoiler and wheel spats are all functional pieces. The company says that there's over 100 hours of wind tunnel development on the ZL1, and the result is the first vehicle in General Motors history to boast neutral or negative lift.

If GM can pull this sort of magic off on the porkly Camaro, we can't wait to see what the company has in store for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette.

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