30th Jun2011

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

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McLaren is making its way back into the GT sports car racing scene with a limited number of GT3 racing cars based on the MP4-12C sports car. These models will be designed and developed by McLaren and CRS Racing, and should make their first racing debut in the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series.

“The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-performance and ease of maintenance – two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist development experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012.”

McLaren is confident that the MP4-12C’s revolutionary lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis, high levels of downforce and aerodynamic performance, and focus on form and function make it an obvious choice to bring back racing success to the McLaren name. The last win McLaren had was in the McLaren F1 GTR when it won the Lemans Series 15 years ago. The MP4-12C GT3 will be the first McLaren car built for FIA GT series racing since the McLaren F1 GTR finished production in 1997.

UPDATE 05/05/2011: At yesterday’s official launch of the new MP4-12C GT3 race car, managing Director Antony Sheriff talked about the company’s future plans and we like what we heard. Turns out, the company has plans to offer a road legal version of the GT3. It will be limited to about 20 units and will be put on sale at a price higher than $500K.

In an interview with Inside Line Sheriff also said that McLaren doesn’t have any plans to “over-egg it” with the MP4-12C. A roadgoing McLaren is in the works, but the car will not get various models like Porsche did with the 911.

UPDATE 06/30/2011: The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will make its world debut at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, held from June 30, 2011 – July 3, 2011. The model has received a front radiator, which increases the maximum ambient temperature at which the car can run, along with a new gearbox cooler mounted on the rear Aerodeck. Check out the modified racer in the 16 new high res images that have been added to our picture gallery!

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30th Jun2011

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Berzerk by SR Auto Group

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The dog days of summer are just about here and SR Auto Group is preparing for the heat with a cool new “LP560-4 Berzerk” package based on the Lamborghini Gallardo.

A car such as the Gallardo cannot be trusted to just about anybody, but SR Auto Group has consistently prepared dominating packages for the super car and their latest project is certainly no different. Being a natural beauty to begin with, the LP560-4’s body was accentuated with the use of clean, sophisticated lines provided by a two-tone finish front bumper, carbon fiber side skirts, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. The polished look was then capped off with an Ocean Blue paint job and new set of Monotec T04 wheels offered in size 20″ and painted in a gloss black finish.

No updates were provided for the supercar’s 5.2 liter 560 HP V10 engine, but the sounds reverberating from the vehicle get a deeper, more defined tone with a new RSC performance exhaust system. This does nothing for the 3.7 sec 0-60 mph sprint time, but it’ll surely get you noticed.

 

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30th Jun2011

2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

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2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

An ox is a domesticated bovine whose primary purpose is to pull heavy loads. Tipping the scales at more than a ton, the hefty animals are not considered quick workers, especially when compared to horses, but they’re steadfast in their actions and respond well to trained commands. Rarely spooked or unsettled, oxen deliver a long, dependable and rather unassuming service life.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser is the ox’s four-wheeled equivalent. While the full-size sport utility vehicle is one of the automaker’s slowest-selling vehicles on U.S. shores – and one of its most expensive – those who’ve owned one tend to become very loyal fans. We recently spent a week with the current “200 Series,” the latest generation of the venerable ‘ute that has been in production since the 1950s. What has given the Land Cruiser such longevity and how does it compare to the Lexus LX570, its nearly identical twin? Most importantly, did we become loyal Land Cruiser devotees in the process?

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30th Jun2011

Porsche 911 / 991

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The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. Moreover, the sixth one is already under intense testings and will make its official debut in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 998, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.

UPDATE 06/01/2011: According to new details offered by Car And Driver, the next generation Porsche 911 will drop the current 6-speed manual gearbox and replace it with a seven-speed manual that will help to improve fuel-economy and reduce engine noise. The new gearbox will be derived from Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic and will deliver the same shifting experience as the current tranny.

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29th Jun2011

Nissan GT-R Agent Orange

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AMS Performance’s version of Godzilla is back and still dressed up in the Agent Orange garbs found on their previous model – the Nissan GTR Alpha 9. The Alpha 9 was packing over 900 HP and could complete the quarter mile in the mid-9 second range, but a change of ownership and a new Alpha 10 package later and the GTR can now boast of 1,000HP!

The new Alpha 10 conversion kit features an AMS Alpha 10 Turbo System, a balanced and blueprinted VR38 AMS Race Engine, and an AMS Alpha 10 transmission by Sheptrans, among other things. These additions take the sports car to 1,000 HP and 679 lb-ft of torque running on 93 octane fuel. AMS Performance has already tested this monster and has earned an official quarter mile time of 9.1 seconds at 163 mph.

The Nissan GTR Agent Orange’s fiery growl can now be heard from miles away with a new AMS 90mm downpipes (catalytic converters available), an AMS 90mm resonated mid-pipe (race version available), and an AMS 90mm race exhaust upgrade.

There’s enough additions to the Nissan GTR Agent Orange to make any car enthusiast drool.

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29th Jun2011

Review: 2011 Jeep Compass Latitude

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In something of an ironic twist for an off-road brand, Jeep has had trouble figuring out which path to take lately. Jeep was late to the soft-roader party last decade, and got off to an “interesting” start when a focus group (allegedly) indicated the need for a Patriot to appeal to men and a Compass for the ladies. Most companies would have simply picked one, but the temptation to attract female shoppers to an overtly masculine brand proved too strong and Jeep decided to make both. The result is a product line that offers two similarly-priced and similarly-capable vehicles. This might have been a passable set of circumstances, had the Compass not been saddled with both a cartoonish exterior and interior plastics that even Rubbermaid would have rejected. Instead, the Compass became a symbol of how lost the go-anywhere brand had become. But after a Fiat-led makeover, an updated 2011 Compass is making a bid to rescue Jeep’s small CUV reputation… is it up to the task?

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29th Jun2011

Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet

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The Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet is one of the most exclusive models Aston Martin has ever built. Out of the 565 units built between October 1953 and October 1955, only 12 were built in rolling chassis form for independent coachbuilders. If that isn’t exclusive enough, only eight of those 12 units were sent over to Carrozzoria Bertone where the Italian luxury coachbuilder smoothed on the body. The vehicle seen in this image is the fifth (Chassis number LML506) of the original eight and will be auctioned off at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 1, 2011.

Its original owner was high society elite, Edith C. Field, who succeeded in winning third place at the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours. Since the mid 1950s, this particular Aston Martin has been through the hands of four owners, including its current owner. As of late, the Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been fully restored to its Concours state with over £200,000 – or $288,000 at the current rates – invested in its complete restoration. Bonhams expects the ultra exclusive sports car to sell for £500,000 – 700,000, or $721,000 – $1,000,000 at the current rates.

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29th Jun2011

Peugeot RCZ Asphalt LE

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Following last year’s Peugeot RCZ Asphalt, the company has now opened its ordering books for the 2011 RCZ Asphalt LE. What’s the difference? This new model is limited to just 75 right-hand-drive units for the UK as opposed to the 500 units offered last year. Each model will be priced at £29,995 – or around $48,000 at the current exchange rates.

The new Asphalt LE edition will be distinguished by a special matte Telluric – that’s fancy for gray – body and can be ordered only with the top-of-the-range GT trim version. The Asphalt package also includes a black roof, “Asphalt’ badging, and 19″ Solstice black alloy wheels complimented by matching black brake calipers. For the interior, the package adds bespoke “Asphalt” branded and stitched Nappa leather trim, an Alcantara / leather steering wheel and gear stick, and bespoke “Asphalt” sill covers and floor mats. The list of standard equipment includes front and rear parking aids, auto lighting (with approach and follow me home modes), Peugeot Connect Media Navigation, and a top-of-the-range JBL sound system.

The RCZ Asphalt LE will be powered by the standard 1.6-liter THP petrol engine producing 200 HP and 188 lb-ft of torque. This power is good for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 7.6 seconds.

 

 

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29th Jun2011

Audi A1 by ABT Sportsline

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ABT Sportsline has made tuning projects of the Audi A1 in the past, but their latest program for the German automaker’s sports hatch figures to be one of the most powerful A1’s this side of Audi’s out of this world, 500-horsepower A1 Clubsport Quattro.

Dressed in three unique color schemes – the Aloha, Klecks, and High Voltage – the 2011 iteration of their A1 package also comes with a prominent engine upgrade. Incidentally, these three color schemes also came with the 2010 ABT program, but that’s not the important thing. What’s new and different about the 2011 version is the powerful engine upgrade the A1 received that saw its output increase past the 200-horsepower mark.

All that was possible when ABT Sportsline gave the A1’s 1.4-liter TFSI engine an ECU remap, while also adding a dual-pipe exhaust system and a new sports muffler. All these modifications and changes bumped up the A1’s output all the way to 210 horsepower – a rarity for an A1 – while also giving it performance numbers that include a 0-62 mph time of just 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph.

Other aerodynamic components added to the Audi A1 include a new aluminum brushed front lip, side skirts, rear wing insets, rear skirt inset, a new rear spoiler, and a set of 17″ or 18″ ABT ZTitan wheels.

 

 

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29th Jun2011

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

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Euro Accord Makes A Great Estate

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Station wagons are a bit like free dinners. Your parents appreciate them, auto journalists love them and nobody buys them. It’s that last trait that’s led to the near extinction of the family wagon, save for a few luxury rigs, a Volkswagen and a Subaru. And why not? Who needs a station wagon when a crossover is just as roomy, not as efficient and generally more expensive?

Given the current state of the wagon in the U.S., we were resigned to the fact that the stubby two-box was on its way to oblivion. But that hasn’t stopped Honda from turning the European Accord into the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. And putting our auto-journo biases aside for the moment, we’re damn glad they did.

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29th Jun2011

BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition

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BMW is readying yet another X1 variant for this year’s Fall lineup with the new X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition. This new model will be powered by a four cylinder engine that delivers a total of 163 HP and delivers an average fuel consumption of 4.5 liters/100 km with a CO2 emission of only 119 grams per kilometer. With these numbers, the new model will become the most fuel efficient X model yet.

The engine for the new X1 has been optimized with a centrifugal force pendulum in the dual-mass flywheel, which compensates vibration experienced at low engine speeds, thus providing more riding comfort when the vehicle is driven within the economic low engine speed range. The gear-shift point indicator fitted as standard has been adapted to suit the new engine characteristics.

The new engine will also be combined with brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function, electromechanical power steering, a disengageable air-conditioning compressor, and tires with reduced rolling resistance.

All told, the BMW X1 lineup will include three petrol and four diesel power units with power ranging from 143 to 245 HP.

 

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29th Jun2011

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edtion

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Automakers are constantly looking for a sales edge wherever they can get one and with a big tenth victory in this month’s grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans now sitting in their fruitful laps, Audi is prepared to cash in. In celebration of their marathon win, Audi UK has prepared the R8 V8 Limited Edition with only 100 units being offered to UK customers. Each model will be priced at £93,935 – or around $150,000 at the current exchange rates – and the first deliveries will be made in October 2011.

The R8 V8 Limited may be seeing a £7,000 (about $10,000 at the current rates) increase in price, but it benefits from an array of features worthy of the hike. The sports car will have an exclusive titanium effect paint finish and R8 GT-inspired titanium-look alloy wheels with red brake calipers, as well as carbon fiber options. The interior is dressed up with Black Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered seats and headrests and highlighted by crimson red accents on just about everything. From the flat bottomed, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel to the instrument cowl, leather finish monoposto, knee pads, and passenger door handle, red streams throughout the interior like blood coursing through its veins. Other additions include stainless steel pedals and illuminated door sills with bright aluminum inserts carrying the R8 logo. Power will come from the standard 4.2 liter 424 HP V8 FSI engine and can be mated to either a manual or R-tronic transmission.

The limited edition R8 also comes with equipment that isn’t standard for the regular R8, but gets thrown in the mix at no extra charge for the special edition. This equipment consists of the Audi magnetic ride, satellite navigation, the Audi Music Interface (AMI), interior light package, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with integrated seat-belt microphones.

 

 

 

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29th Jun2011

Audi TT-RS Limited Edition S Tronic

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Audi has just unveiled the special edition TT-RS S-Tronic on the Australian market. This model is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which is usually priced at $8,460, but is being offered at no extra charge for the limited edition. So, basically, if you were thinking of buying the upgrade and you live in Australia, better make that purchase fast and save yourself the money because there will only be 45 units produced.

For some extra bang to your buck, Audi is also offering the TT-RS S-Tronic with a variety of add-ons, including a black exterior styling package, metallic paint, and 19-inch 5-arm Rotor design wheels in titanium finish. Other additions include a sports exhaust system, adaptive headlights, a BOSE sound system, an extended leather interior package, and an LED interior lighting package.

Under the hood, Audi has placed the usual 2.5-liter five-cylinder equipped with turbocharging and FSI direct injection. This engine will dish out 335 HP between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 331 lbs-ft between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. The engine will be combined with Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis.

The S-Tronic transmission will also allow the driver to choose between two fully automatic shift modes, and a manual mode in which gears are changed using either the shift paddles on the steering wheel or with the selector lever.

 

 

 

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28th Jun2011

DeltaWing Concept Sportscar

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Fresh off of what arguably was one of the most exciting Le Mans races in recent time, a new sportscar concept that has its sticker stamped for the the 2012 installment of the race is already taking shape.

This car is the DeltaWing Concept Sportscar, a creation that was born from the collective minds of DeltaWing Racing Cars LLC and back-to-back American Le Mans Series championship winning racing team, Highcroft Racing. Described as a new and experimental race car, the DeltaWing Concept Sportscar aims to introduce a new approach to competitive racing, one that strives for increased performance through increased horsepower and aerodynamic downforce. Rather than the traditional set-up of today’s racers, the DeltaWing concept concentrates on taking advantage of efficiency gains that are found outside the parameters of standard regulations to reduce fuel consumption without cutting down on performance performance.

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28th Jun2011

Rolls-Royce Phantom TB Gold Edition Design Study

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In the world of high-end luxury, very few automakers can match the esteem and reverence attached to the Rolls-Royce brand. So when you’re on the drawing board for a design study of a Rolls, the first thing that immediately pops in your head is how you can take the luxury to a whole new level.

Turkish designer, Timur Bozca, understands that and his latest study all but confirms the route to take when dressing up a Rolls-Royce Phantom: add as many expensive materials – like say, gold, for example – on the car to drive up the extravagance. The first thing he did was use the aforementioned gold material to cover some of the car’s exterior, including the grille, the rims, the outline on the lights, the badging, and even the plate casing.

Even the Phantom’s interior wasn’t spared from the luxury overload with plenty of gold to go around, showering the occupants with enough bling to make Mr. T blush with envy. Nothing looks better in gold than a dressed up Rolls-Royce Phantom, right?

The car is definitely a call to luxury, whether some people think it’s excessive or not. The only downside to having all this gold on your car is that it immediately becomes a target for those with kleptic hands.

 

 

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