Custom turbocharged Hyundai Veloster to bow at SEMA

After our first drive of the Hyundai Veloster, we described the three-door hatch as an 'eco-sport' rather than an 'all-out performance car'. The 1.6-liter four-pot under the hood produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet torque, which provided 'adequately entertaining' acceleration. In other words, we wouldn't mind one bit if the Veloster got an extra dose of power. The folks over at ARK Performance were thinking the same thing, and are set to debut a custom Veloster at SEMA in November with...

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2012 Lotus Exige S squares off for The Duel

Lotus has rolled out a new trailer for the company's Exige S. Those who are easily tired by flashy cuts and metaphor may want to skip this one, as it pits the supercharged V6 hellion against a boxer. No, not a Porsche or Subaru boxer engine. An actual boxer, as in, a pugilist. Our brows may be a bit too low to understand the concept at work here, but we appreciate a good advertisement when we see one. With plenty of tire smoke, lots of doughnuts and dramatic shots of the black body work on...

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Bentley considering new LMP1 race car

In 2001, Bentley returned to Le Mans after an absence of more than 70 years with a machine known as the Speed 8 (pictured above), eventually winning the 24-hour race in 2003. Bentley hasn't been involved in motorsports since, although a new report indicates that could change soon. In a recent interview with Autocar, Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer stated that a new LMP1 race car could be in the works to compete against Audi and the upcoming Porsche LMP1 racer. Interestingly, all three automakers...

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Toyota unveils Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series Limited Edition in Texas

Ford took everyone by surprised when it unveiled the F-150 SVT Raptor back in 2008, not only with the truck's capability but by the fact that they had the guts to produce it at all. The success of the Raptor left other automakers scrambling to produce something similar, although everything yet has fallen short in one way or another. Chrysler unveiled the Ram Runner Concept at SEMA last year, although you have to build it yourself if you want one, and GM has merely teased the idea of producing...

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Fifth Gear remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special

Compiling a list of automotive legends is a task that could force all enthusiasts into a debate of epic proportions. Opinions will differ, feelings will be hurt and some deserving vehicles might wind up off the ultimate list. There is one vehicle, however, that should create little debate as to its place in the annals of all-time greats. We're talking about the original Audi Quattro, and it's clear that the folks from the UK's Fifth Gear agree. The Fifth Gear crew managed to snag the keys...

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Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012

Team Lotus of Formula One confirmed it will extend its F1 engine deal with Renault through the end of 2013. The team, headed by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, announced at the Singapore Grand Prix that it will employ a Red Bull-developed KERS system starting in 2012. Fernandes said the Team Lotus-Renault-Red Bull deal will put the team on a more even playing field: We have done the very best job we can this year but without that extra power we are always competing on a different level to the...

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2011 Chrysler 300 with World-class Craftsmanship and Refinement

December 20, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – With its iconic rear-wheel drive proportions, elegantly sculptured bodyside, world-class craftsmanship and refinement, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series proudly delivers the distinction, innovation and premium large sedan features at a legendary value, while setting a new course for the American brand. With more than 55 years of elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 delivers contemporary styling with design details...

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2012 Opel Ampera Up to 60 Kilometers of Pure Electric Driving

Opel Ampera Passes Production Milestone Warren, Mich./Rüsselsheim – The Opel Ampera passed an important milestone Friday, April 23, when the first pre-production Model Year 2012 Ampera rolled off the line at GM’s Pre-Production Operations assembly line in Warren, Michiga...

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2012 Mini Cooper Coupe JCW

Human beings can be a fickle bunch, especially Americans. Case in point: The five-door hatchback is unarguably one of the best arrangements for an automobile, providing ample room for adult-size occupants and their random detritus without being so large as to significantly impact fuel efficiency or make it difficult to fit into tight places. And yet we consistently flock to ever-larger vehicles with the biggest, most powerful engines available. We opt for SUVs and crossovers in lieu of wagons...

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10-speed automatic coming from Hyundai?

Motor Trend is reporting that Hyundai and Kia are working on creating a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The dual-headed Korean automaker unveiled a new eight-speed automatic gearbox in the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan. Along with revisions to the 3.8-liter V6 engine, the transmission helped the model generate up to two miles per gallon better on the highway than its predecessor. According to Motor Trend, news of the 10-speed transmission comes courtesy of unnamed sources inside Bloomberg,...

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2011 Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break 3.5 L 306 hp V6 Petrol Engine

THE SHOOTING BREAK CONCEPT CAR: TAKING THE COUPÉ DESIGN TO NEW HEIGHTS 20 April 2010 World premiere at “Auto China 2010″ * Innovation four-door Coupé with sloping tail end * World premiere: dynamic full LED headlamps * Forerunner: new V6 petrol engine with direct injection In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz established a new market segment with the four-door Coupé CLS. In September 2008, the brand revealed a fresh and exciting interpretation of the emotionally-appealing Coupé-based design in the...

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2012 Kia Soul Delivers More Power and Improved Fuel Economy

Popular Urban Passenger Vehicle Builds on Successful Formula with Updated Styling, New Technologies, More Power and Improved Fuel Economy * New six-speed transmissions and direct injection help Soul deliver up to 34 miles per gallon * Award-winning Soul receives stylish updates and new technologies such as gasoline direct injection and a new Infinity premium audio system NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 – The product that began Kia Motors’ design-led transformation returns to New York with a fresh...

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2011 Nissan Navara Direct Injection 3.0 L dCi Engine V6 Turbodiesel Touch-screen Satellite Navigation System Premium Bose Sound System

Europe’s best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling since its launch – the Nissan Navara and Pathfinder – have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep them at the top. Among the changes are the arrival of a new and technically advanced 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; important improvements to the popular 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; new equipment including the availability of a state-of-the-art Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen...

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2011 Dodge Charger R/T Contemporary Fastback 4-door Coupe Proportions

Dodge Brand Product Onslaught Continues: Introducing The All-new 2011 Dodge Charger World-class Performance And Precision With An Iconic Soul October 5, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand’s flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible...

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2012 Toyota Hilux proves it's as tough and unbreakable as ever

Top Gear showed us just how sturdy the Toyota Hilux pickup truck can be. The plucky Brit trio put one poor truck through a series of increasingly harder challenges until they finally strapped it to the roof of a building destined to be demolished. After pulling it off the pile of rubble that used to be an apartment building, the Hilux was eventually started up, and later driven into the Top Gear studio. Needless to say, this is one tough truck we're talking about here. Toyota knows its latest...

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Dodge releases official video of Viper ACR reclaiming 'Ring title

When Dodge first made waves about the company's Viper ACR whipping around the Nürburgring in 7:12, the world immediately began clamoring to see video of the lap in action. Well, clamor no more. SRT has officially released a video of the mighty Mopar doing the deed around the infamous German track. As you may recall, Tomball Dodge in Texas provided a set of brand-new 2010 Viper ACR models just for the task, as the Viper has been discontinued, and the trio was prepared for Nürburgring duty by...

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Lexus

Lexus IS The Lexus IS is a series of entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars sold by Lexus since 1998. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model slotted below the ES in the Lexus lineup (and outside of North America, the Lexus GS). The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan (the word "altezza" is Italian for "highness") until the introduction of the Lexus brand and the second generation Lexus...

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What can Hyundai do silently and inexpensively that Volkswagen and BMW can't?

Someone at the Frankfurt Motor Show caught Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn investigating a Hyundai i30 as if he was just like one would expect from an intrigued engineer at a rival company. It might be too much to infer that the Herr Doctor is impressed by what he finds, but there is no doubt that he's got some questions that will need answering when he leaves...

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2010 Mazda RX-8 1.3 L Engine 232 hp "High Quality Cars"

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won 48 global vehicle awards since its release including 2003 Japanese Car of the Year, Australia’s Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. In addition, the RENESIS Rotary Engine has won...

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2011 Lamborghini Murcielago 6.5 L V12 Engine 670 hp LP 670-4 SuperVeloce Highly Exclusive Edition

Italian super sports carmaker Lamborghini surprised audiences at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show with a highly exclusive edition of the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The Chinese Edition is limited to not more than ten numbered cars and will be offered to the growing group of sports cars collectors in China only. Furthermore the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera celebrated its Asian premiere on the Beijing auto show. “Automobili Lamborghini’s strong performance at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show and its...

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2011 Nissan Qashqai Highest Ranking China Automobile Technology & Research Center Awarded 5 Stars

Yokohama, Japan, Feb. 28, 2011 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that global sales of the Qashqai has surpassed one million units as of January 31. The Qashqai is also known as the Dualis in Japan and in other markets. Launched in the European market in March 2007, Qashqai made its debut during the same year in Japan followed by Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, Asia, and Latin America. Without exception, all regions have praised Nissan’s new model for its high quality and strong performance. Starting...

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2011 Peugeot 508 SW HYbrid4 Technology Provide 200 bhp AWD

2011 Peugeot 508 SW - Front Side The Peugeot 508 introduces the Marque’s new design look which has evolved from the stylistic codes first unveiled on the SR1 Concept Car. Combining both a stylish and strong design with cutting-edge technology; quality, purity and efficiency have been the watchwords that have guided the Peugeot designers and engineers during the creation of the 50...

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2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster 6.5 L 12 Cylinder Generates 493 kW Top Speed of 330 KM/h

Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has...

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New Yorkers have longest commutes, also use public transport most

According to the American Community Survey conducted by the Census Bureau, "The New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area had the longest averagecommute, at 34.6 minutes."We think that maybe more New Yorkers filled in the survey than anyone else. We can't help but think there are thousands of people in the Los Angeles metro area who would laugh at a 34.6-minute commute. Los Angeles, in fact, didn't even make the top five, even though it's a city so impervious to normal driving...

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2011 Lexus CT200h

The CT 200h is the new gateway into Lexus. It introduces the company’s unique synthesis of quality, sophistication and high technology to the premium compact segment for the first time, and will bring a younger group of customers to the brand. Specifically designed and developed with the European market in mind, the all-new CT 200h’s size, packaging, full hybrid technology and ultra-low emissions perfectly meet the requirements of a young, highly discerning, environmentally-conscientious customer...

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2011 Lexus RX 3.5 L V6 275 hp with New Smart Stop Technology

The third-generation RX 350 continues to raise the bar for design, engineering and luxury innovation in the luxury crossover segment it created in 1998. After introducing the all-new RX 350 for the 2010 model year, the RX coasts into 2011 with new Smart Stop Technology and additional exterior colors. The RX 350 receives standard Smart Stop Technology as an additional measure of consumer confidence. The braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and...

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2011 Chevrolet Camaro XM Accessory Appearance Package 3.6 L

The new Chevrolet Camaro is a major hit with consumers because of its blend of desirable power, efficiency and design. Another important part of the Camaro formula is value. Chevrolet developed the XM/Accessory Appearance Package to provide new accessory and appearance options customized for the popular and affordable Camaro 1LT model. A production version of this package will be offered in the spring of 2011. “The XM Accessory Appearance Package is all about affordable style,” said Russ Clark,...

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca 440 hp

•Laguna Seca package pares the race-inspired 2012 Mustang Boss 302 down to its essential elements, with aggressive suspension, chassis and aerodynamic tuning creating a ready-for-racing Boss •Ford Mustang team members developed the package to provide weekend racers with a factory track car that could be driven to the course, take the win, then driven back home again •R-compound tires, rear seat-delete, aggressive front splitter for track use, and rear spoiler and rear cross-car bracing shave...

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2011 Infiniti G Sedan Best-selling Model with G37 Limited Edition

Never a brand content to rest on its laurels, Infiniti has kept its best-selling model, the G Sedan, fresh throughout the years with continuous refinement and enhancements. Just last year, the G Sedan was refreshed with revised exterior styling, an enhanced interior treatment and upgraded technology features – resulting in renewed consumer interest and record sales. Yet up until now, Infiniti has been competing as one of the only luxury brands offering just one engine in the G Sedan’s class....

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