Audi RS5 by SKN Tuning

As we are all patiently waiting for the Audi RS5 to head on over to the US, tuners are already giving us the goods to want the RS5 even more. The Audi RS5’s V8 engine already develops a total of 450 HP, but the tuners from SKN didn’t seem to think that was enough for the little sports coupe. They managed to increase the power to an amazing 500 HP by adding a SKN Power Tuning Stage 2 and a Milltek stainless steel exhaust system "Hockenheim Edition" with throttle control, including motor sports Cat/Cat replacement pipe.

Not only did they recalibrate the ECU unit, but the tuners from SKN are also offering a SKN optimized BILSTEIN PSS10 suspension system that is teamed up with 20-inch BBS CH-R wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires. The tuner is also offering Light Alloy Wheel Spacers.

However, despite the power increase, the tuner revealed nothing about the car’s new performance numbers. We know the standard Audi RS5 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed that is limited to 155 mph, but can be increased to 173 mph. We can only expect that the SKN RS5 will receive even better numbers.

Video and press release after the jump.

Press release

With more than 500 HP the SKN RS 5 ² finally produces the joy of riding on the road, which was promised by the manufacturer. The SKN tuning package is exactly the approach to the vulnerability of the original RS 5 and mutates it into a Powercar with extreme properties!

Tuning package consisting of:

SKN Power Tuning Stage 2 Milltek stainless steel exhaust system “Hockenheim Edition” with throttle control, including motor sports Cat / Cat replacement pipe SKN optimized BILSTEIN PSS10 suspension system – adjustable in height & damping Rims: BBS CH-R 10.5 x 20 ” Tires: Pirelli P-Zero in 285/30 ZR 20 ” SKN Light Alloy Wheel Spacers SKN Tuning warranty – MotorProtect36

Bentley Supersports by Wheelsboutique

With an incredible look and 621 HP under the hood, the Bentley Continental Supersports seems to be the car that needs no improvements. Of course, now that it has been written and spoken, you know there will always be a tuner that will kick it up a notch and take the Supersports to the next level. American tuner, Wheelsboutique, seems to be that tuner and, while they did not make any major changes to the car’s look, they have added some small details that should make a difference.

The package includes a set of 22" HRE 940R wheels painted in gloss black with a color matched lip and color matched inner. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli PZero tires.

For the Bentley’s engine, the tuners offered up an Evo MS Tune system and Mansory Air Filter, as well as an RSC exhaust system. The whole package is finished by a Renntech lowering module.

The tuner said nothing on how the car’s performances have been improved, but for us, a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph is more than enough. Not to mention that the white exterior looks amazing!

The overall look of the car sort of reminds us of the Supersports tuning kit provided by Wheelsandmore back in April. Not that the tuning kits are identical, but this package looks to be the classier, more upscale version of the Supersports, while the kit by Wheelsandmore was the hip, young, and trendy version. Basically, these two kits would be the perfect solution for a father/son purchase.

. Source:Luxury4Play

Lotus Evora S

Lotus unveiled today the official details on the hottest version of the Evora sports car. The new S version is set to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, next to the new Esprit.

The Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a

Victoria Beckham's TVR Cerbera For Sale On eBay

Who remembers the Spice Girls? We know we do, but while most of the girls have gone on to live normal lives after the band, Posh Spice, also known as Victoria Beckham, has gone on to more glamorous things.

Over on that auctioning giant eBay, there is a new car for sale that once belonged to the wife of English football superstar David Beckham. The car is a TVR Cerbera that was built to the personal specifications of Mr. Beckham.

The English built sports car has been in dry storage as a part of a private collection for the last six years and wears the number VRM: W8 TVR. The body is covered in Crystal Topaz, which is a very rare pearlescent blue that was picked out by Victoria. The interior is covered in magnolia leather with Royal Blue Stitching.

Some of the options include a six-disc CD auto-changer, 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, privacy glass and an ice detector. Under the hood is a 4.5-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 380 pound feet of torque. When pushed to the limit, the car can hit 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds and on to 195 mph.

So, hop on over to eBay to place your bid on this very precious ride.

. Source:ebay

Audi TT-RS 501 HP by ABT

ABT Sportsline’s tuning packages for the Audi TT-RS consisted of just one; the Power Package. This package debuted back in September 2009 and brought the sports coupe to a worthy 420hp and a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds. This was much better than the standard 340hp, but ABT knew they could do better. Now, the tuning firm has increased the number of packages by one more to include the Power S package.

The new "Power S" tuning package not only includes chip tuning and an ABT intercooler, but also gets an upgraded ABT turbocharger. The result is a total output of 501 HP and a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat. Don’t worry, they’ve thought about the appearance too. ABT will also be offering a variety of wheels as an aesthetic upgrade.

In the first tuning kit provided for the TT-RS, ABT Sportsline set the top speed limiter to 175mph, but this time, the tuner revealed nothing about the top speed limiter. Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t expect it to be bumped up anyway.

Stay tuned for more details!

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Audi S1 coming in front-wheel drive only

After many stories about whether or not the Audi A1 will be coming to the US, we finally get some news on the S version of the smallest model in the lineup: the S1. The new Audi S1 is expected to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and will come to compete with models like the Mini Cooper S and the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA.

The S version will be distinguished by chrome door mirrors, a gloss black diffuser, S1 badges, and, of course, a new set of 18-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels.

However, the most distinguished thing about the upcoming S1 is the fact that it will be the first Audi S model to be offered in front-wheel drive only. That’s right, no quattro 4WD for the Audi. Instead, this hatchback will be sending the power to just the front two wheels.

Under the hood there will be a tuned version of the 1.4-liter supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine already available in the A1. The result is an output of 200 HP, a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, and a top speed of 140 mph.

. Source:Autoexpress

Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Pebble Beach 60th anniversary edition

Abu Dhabi is not the only country to get special edition Rolls Royce Phantoms, the UK has also received a special Drophead Coupe that celebrates Pebble Beach’s 60th anniversary.

The new 60th Anniversary Special Edition will be distinguished by a Stillwater Blue exterior paint that was chosen as a tribute to Stillwater Cove on the Monterey Peninsula. It will also receive a navy blue soft top lined with cashmere and a Crème Light leather interior. The interior of the Phantom will also get wood fittings outfitted in cross-banded Santos Pallisander veneer and a silver pinstripe inlay. The luxury doesn’t end there though. Other quality materials include hand-crafted oiled teak decking found in the roof cover and luggage compartment. The teak extends over to the picnic deck that comes with a set of crystal flutes.

"This 60th Anniversary Special Edition is the embodiment of our Bespoke capabilities in Goodwood," explains Torsten Müller-Ötvös, "It demonstrates the ability of our designers and artisans to create something absolutely appropriate for an occasion and ultimately, something exceptional to cherish forever."

Press release after the jump.

Press release

This year marked the 60th anniversary of the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Carmel, California. To celebrate the occasion, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars developed a bespoke Phantom Drophead Coupé at the company’s Goodwood manufacturing plant, UK. The car was unveiled at the event by Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös and Chief Designer Ian Cameron, and was sold within minutes.

Next BMW 1-Series will get new engines

Patiently waiting for the next generation BMW 1-Series to debut, we know we probably won’t be seeing it over on this side of the pond. However, that won’t stop us from taking notice of the interesting changes the BMW will undergo.

The first, and most obvious changes, will appear on the exterior of the vehicle. Well, we probably shouldn’t say "most obvious" considering the redesigned bodystyle is anything, but extravagant. The biggest changes will be made under the hood as BMW will be offering a wide range of engines, including turbo-petrol engines with three or four cylinders. However, the BMW 1-Series will remain a RWD vehicle built on the same L7 platform as the 3-Series.

The entry level models will get 1.2 and 1.5 liter engines with power outputs ranging from 70 to 184 HP. Next to it there will be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 204 HP and 238 HP and a range of three-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 95 to 177 HP. The top version will still get the six-cylinder N55 Twin-Scroll engine.

The first hatchback version will be revealed in early 2011, and it will be followed by both coupe and convertible versions.

. Source:BMW Blog

Honda Jazz Hybrid

It’s time to jazz it up a bit with the new Honda Jazz. The hybrid hatchback will make its first debut at the Paris Motor Show and will be going on sale in the UK in early 2011.

Under the hood there is the same powertrain as in the Insight hybrid; a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, with an electric motor smack dab in the middle of the two to create a parallel hybrid system.

The hybrid version will be distinguished from the standard Jazz by revised headlights with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers, and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colors plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic. On the interior it will get a darker single color dashboard with blue lighting on the dials and dashboard instruments. Honda will also offer an optional leather trim.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

The introduction of Honda’s petrol-electric IMA system to the Jazz, makes the car the world’s first B-segment hybrid.

Featuring the practicality and flexibility of the current Jazz, but with reduced CO2 emissions and improvements to fuel economy, the hybrid version will go on sale in the UK in early 2011.

The car will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid; a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. The hybrid Jazz – like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models – will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.

Much of the Jazz’s practicality is derived from its height, but despite being taller than the current Honda Insight, the hybrid version of Jazz manages to maintain fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on comparable levels.

Video: Juan Pablo Montoya runs a Corvette ZR1 roughshod

Chevrolet Corvette

Former Formula One driver and, now NASCAR driver, Juan Pablo Montoya has never been one to hold his tongue on matters of his opinion. Whether it’s his well-documented rivalry with Michael Schumacher or his penchant for saying and doing the craziest of things at the most inopportune times, Montoya isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and that wasn’t any more evident than during his time with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

The Columbian driver recently paid a visit to General Motor’s Milford Proving Grounds and got a chance to drive a number of Chevrolet vehicles, including the Cruze and the Camaro. But no car caught his attention more than the Corvette ZR1.

Talking to the cameras after his run with the ZR1, Montoya was quick to pay the American sports car a few compliments, saying that,

Supercar World Cup: ZR1, DBS, GTR, 911 Turbo

With the real World Cup far behind us, we thought we would host our own world challenge, minus the annoying horns. Okay, yes, the cars do have horns in them, but none of them could be worse than those vuvuzelas.

We took four cars from four different countries in a serious attempt to see which country produced the best performance machine, and to give some self esteem back to the countries that were knocked out of the football tournament. We gave it our all to get four vehicles that were similar in mostly every way. Performance, power, styling, driving dynamics, and build quality inside and out were all examined with a fine tooth comb.

So, it was off to the car dealers to grab our wheels for the test. From the good old United States we have the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, America’s most powerful and most ostentatious sports car. From the fatherland, we have the classic Porsche 911, but this one has a turbo up its backside. From the land of the rising sun, we have the technical wonder, the Nissan GTR. Finally, from our home land, the United Kingdom, we have James Bond’s preferred choice, the Aston Martin DBS.

Let the games begin.

This test won’t be an easy one and we’re not going to be tackling that track either. Like taking a defensive back and having him play as the main striker, we will be taking these cars out of their element and putting them on the real roads, full of more dips and bumps than a teenager’s face. Believe us, it won’t be as fun as power sliding around a corner, but in the name of science, we are willing to make that sacrifice.

McLaren announces MP4-12C US prices and launch tour locations

McLaren MP4-12C

Get the Flash Player to see the videos. Forget any concert tours heading your way, the tour everyone should try to attend is the launch tour being presented by McLaren for their new MP4-12C. This news comes to us after McLaren presented their supercar for the first time to the North American market at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

During this tour, which kicks off on September 1st and 2nd in Toronto, Ontario, the MP4-12C will be presented at key dealerships throughout the States to allow prospective buyers to see the MP4-12C and get a chance to talk to the people the people behind the supercar.

The new MP4-12C will be presented at the following locations: McLaren Chicago: Lake Forest Sportscars; McLaren Dallas: Park Place; McLaren Greenwich (McLaren’s representative in the New York Tri-State area): Miller Motorcars; McLaren San Francisco: Price Family Dealerships; McLaren Tampa Bay: Dew Luxury Motor Cars and The Collection McLaren (representing the Miami market). Two more presentations will be made in Orange County and Philadelphia, but those dates have not been scheduled yet.

The McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower and 433 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled to a McLaren seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of more than 200mph. The car will go on sale in the summer of 2011 with prices starting between $225,000 and $250,000.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Following the successful North American debut of the McLaren MP4-12C at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, McLaren Automotive will begin a launch tour of its selected North America dealership locations. Prospective customers will have the opportunity to see the 12C in the metal and speak to the team responsible for groundbreaking newcomer.

A Supernova Silver 12C, Titanium Silver 12C and the XP13 rolling chassis were presented to over 1,000 guests at the Pebble Beach event by a McLaren Automotive team including Managing Director Antony Sheriff and Design Director Frank Stephenson. Visitors to the McLaren Automotive display included Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger and world-famous car collector, Jay Leno.

McLaren Automotive subsequently moved on to Beverly Hills and presented the 12C to prospective customers at its future McLaren Beverly Hills location on Wilshire Boulevard. On Thursday evening the dealership hosted a cocktail reception for approximately 300 guests followed by private viewings of the vehicle throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. Guests were able to get close to the 12C and the positive feedback from sports car owners in California can be seen in a short film entitled “McLaren MP4-12C: The North American Debut”. This video can be viewed on McLaren Automotive’s official You Tube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v

BMW M3 E92 Coupe by ARKYM

A California based tuner by the name of ARKYM revealed a new tuning kit for the BMW M3 Coupe. So, what do you think, can Americans tune German cars? We say, not this time, as this is one of the ugliest vehicles we have seen. That begin said, ARKYM did an excellent job with the M3 Aero, but this overall look is just wrinkled-up nose disgusting. For the sake of information, let’s go over some of the changes.

What ARKYM typically likes doing with its projects is combine quality products and unique ideas to create "original, brand name, products at a fair and competitive market value." This particular package includes an Aerorace Hood ($1,999), Aerorace trunk boot lid (a single side carbon priced at $1249 and a double side carbon priced at $1699), Aerosport front lip ($549), and Aerosport rear diffuser ($449). As expected, carbon fiber is used all around with each piece being 100% form fitting.

That’s all we know so far on this tuning kit for the BMW M3 E92 as the tuner has not announced if the kit allows for any performance upgrades. We don’t expect any, however, because the last BMW M3 ARKYM worked on was devoid of any performance enhancements.

. Source:BMW Blog

The electric Buckeye Bullet from Ohio State breaks the world speed record...again

Back in 2009, the Venturi Buckeye Bullet broke the world speed record with a speed of 300 mph. Being the overachievers that they are, the students from Ohio State went back to the lab and came out with a speedier Bullet to attack Bonnevile Salt Flats, Utah for this year’s races. However, this time, OSU and Venturi have collaborated on this vehicle as a starting point for an all new car in 2011.

And, believe it or not, the Venturi Buckeye Bullet (AKA Venturi Jamais Contente) was caught clocking in an average of over 307mph over 0.62 miles in both directions. The Bullet officially recorded a top speed of 310mph. The Venturi Jamais Contente is powered by an 800 HP electric motor and lithium Ion batteries. Target is to hit a top speed of 320 mph.

Venturi’s President, Gildo Pallanca Pastor, says that this project is an important milestone in the history of automobiles : "From the Camille Jenatzi "Jamais Contente" to the "Venturi Jamais Contente", it has taken 111 years to go from 100 to 500 km/hr in an electric vehicle. It is thus with enormous satisfaction that Venturi has been able to demonstrate its technological progress in the field of electric propulsion by setting this historic record".

The Venturi will be back in Bonneville in 2011 and 2012 in an attempt to hit a top speed of 350 mph.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Fitted with an 800 HP electric motor and lithium Ion batteries, the VENTURI JAMAIS CONTENTE has set a new world record at an average of over 495 km/hr over 1 km in both directions

Video: Lexus LF-A gets ticket for going 103 mph in a 35 mph zone

stupid

There’s no question that the Lexus LF-A is one of the fastest cars you can get your hands on. Unfortunately, the supercar’s speed also makes it a magnet for law enforcement authorities and, as this video will show you, the LF-A can now be associated with a different kind of fast: how fast it can get a speeding ticket.

In this video, Claus Ettensberger of CEC gets behind the wheel of a Lexus LF-A and takes it for a quick ride around the block. Twenty minutes later, Ettensberger returns to the dealership, but when he came back, there was a piece of paper sticking inside his windshield. Yes, dear friends, that piece of paper was a speeding ticket.

Turns out, during Ettensberger’s quick run with the supercar, he got flagged by local authorities for going 103 mph in a 35 mph zone. We don’t know what this dude was thinking, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that going three times over the speed limit is like heaving a stack of pancakes at a hungry man. The radar guns will take advantage of it.

The best part? The Lexus LF-A hasn’t even been released yet, so getting a ticket with a car that has yet to hit the streets is another feather you can add on Ettensberger’s cap.

. Source:ZerCustoms

Full Photos Of Lancia Stratos

Until now, we have only seen a few photos here and there of the one-off Lancia Stratos, but those haven’t showed many details on the car. That being said, we have been hoping that the car would be made into a production machine, and there have even been rumors that it would happen, but for now, we are unsure.

This Lancia is a one-off build for a rich German businessman by Pininfarina. There haven’t been any new details released on the car, but this is the first time we have seen large photos. Under the hood is a 483-horsepower motor that came from the Ferrari 430. The body is carbon fiber and the chassis is shorter than the 430’s. The only questions that we still have revolve around the interior and the performance figures.

After seeing the photos of this car, we can only hope that the company decides to put a few into production. We would be happy with 25 examples.

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Chevrolet Corvette Redline HTR-GS640/SC

Howard Tanner from Redline Motorsports and Dan Carlton from DeNooyer Performance are officially a pair of geniuses. They have taken a 2010 Corvette Grand Sport loaded with a 3LT package in cyber gray metallic with a red interior and transformed it into a luscious Redline HTR-GS640/SC. Yeah, we know that’s a lot of letters, but broken down, the car’s name is simply the "Howard Tanner Redline

More pictures of the next Ford Mondeo

Ford will be unveiling the next Mondeo model at the Paris Auto Show in October. It will be getting a fresh, restyled exterior and an enhanced interior, plus new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains.

The new Mondeo will be featuring a larger lower trapezoidal and slimmer upper grilles, plus a revised bonnet profile and integral new LED day running lights, a new, full chrome window surround for the higher series models, and larger, re-designed, LED tail lamps. The interior gets a re-designed center console and new high quality interior trim materials.

Changes were also made under the hood in the form of a more powerful 240 HP version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost power unit, a significantly re-engineered version of the 2.2-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that now delivers 200 HP, and new 1.6-liter engines from the Ford EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq TDCi diesel.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Ford of Europe is launching the most stylish and technologically advanced Mondeo model ever. With a fresh, restyled exterior, an enhanced interior, plus new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains and a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies, the new Mondeo completes the rejuvenation of Ford’s large car range, and takes its position as the flagship model in the company’s European portfolio.

Following significant updates to the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models earlier this year, the new Mondeo is the latest Ford car to benefit from the continuing evolution of Ford kinetic design, with subtle visual differences incorporated into key areas such as the front and
rear end.

Chevrolet Orlando

Chevrolet unveiled the Orlando concept at the 2008 Paris Auto Show two years ago. This concept was their first seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and now, at the same show, the company will unveil the production version Orlando. Sales in Europe will begin in early 2011.

The production version will receive a lower roofline and a crossover inspired silhouette, but it will also get a recognizable Chevrolet ’face’ that is illustrated by the split radiator grille and bow-tie badge. The interior of the car will also feature a Corvette inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting in the center console.

Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet’s latest fuel efficient engines: a 1.8 liter gasoline engine with power output of 141 hp and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet’s 2.0 liter engine with outputs of 131hp (low output) or 163 hp (high output).

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Chevrolet’s first entrant into the European MPV/family van segment, the Orlando, will be one of the star attractions at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris on September 30, when the full production model makes its world debut. It will be one of four Chevrolet world premieres at the show.

Based on the show car concept first seen at Paris in 2008, the is a true family car for the times, combining 7-seater practicality and interior flexibility with striking crossover style design.

Chevrolet’s new compact MPV eschews the bland designs sometimes seen in the segment, and instead adopts a bolder look with its low roofline and crossover inspired silhouette, while retaining the distinctive and recognizable Chevrolet ’face’ depicted by the split radiator grille and bow-tie badge.

The Orlando’s low swept roof line is complemented by the muscular, protruding wheel-arches, housing 16, 17 or 18 inch wheels.

The new Orlando MPV has a key role to play in Chevrolet’s continued product offensive in Europe, as Wayne Brannon, president and managing director for Chevrolet Europe explains. "The new Orlando MPV kicks off an ambitious seven-product launch program over the next 15 months.

"We’re confident the Orlando not only brings great value for money to the MPV class but also something fresh - function with attitude if you like - and the opportunity for us to continue building our volume across Europe. I believe it will also bring more new customers to the Chevrolet brand."

While the exterior of the new Orlando is sure to draw plenty of attention, the interior too features the latest design cues from Chevrolet such as the Corvette inspired dual cockpit and ambient blue backlighting to the centre console. However, it’s the theatre style seating arrangement of the Orlando’s three rows of seats, the generous load area and the numerous storage solutions that will also grab the attention of family motorists.

In spite of the sweeping roof-line, the designers have succeeded in raising the second and third row of seats, which means Orlando’s occupants get an even better view both forwards and to the side. And with a wide variety of seating configurations possible, the Orlando can be quickly transformed into one of the most voluminous vans in the class when it comes to carrying loads.

Any hard working family car needs plenty of interior storage space for all the ’paraphernalia’ that builds up. Like the Orlando concept car, the Orlando obliges with a range of compartments of different shapes and sizes situated in the center console, front and rear doors, rear cargo area and even the roof.

However, perhaps the most ingenious is a storage area hidden behind front fascia of the audio, and within easy reach of the both the driver and passenger. Seen originally on the Orlando concept car, the designers have been able to integrate a usefully large area which is revealed by flipping up the face of the audio, and large enough for such items as an MP3 player, sunglasses and wallets. Within the space itself, there is also a USB port – ideal for re-charging the MP3 or iPod when on the move.

The Orlando is based on Chevrolet’s successful and award winning Cruze sedan, already proven to offer excellent ride and handling. Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet’s latest fuel efficient engines: one gasoline engine will be available, a 1.8 liter with power output of 141 hp and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet’s 2.0 liter engine with outputs of 131hp (low output) or 163 hp (high output).

Customers will also be able to choose from three trim levels with standard equipment on all cars including electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and power mirrors.

Full production of the starts in October with the car going on sale across Europe in early 2011.

Video: Ken Block's Gymkhana 3, Part 1

drifting

After announcing it’s official debut yesterday, and months of built up anticipation, AFDC and Ken Block have unveiled the first video of their new free-wheeling joy ride, the Gymkhana III. Part one of the video is called the The Music Video Infomercial (feat. The Cool Kids).

This music video features Ken, his Gymkhana Three 2011 Ford Fiesta, Gymkhana style driving, and the new DC and Ken Block product. These aspects are placed in the video and set to the beat of an original track "Clicking (Gymkhana THREE)" that was written and produced by hip-hop duo The Cool Kids.

The Gymkhana and the Gymkhana II, became Internet sensations for the way Block performed a variety of driving styles that incorporated elements of drifting and rally racing all while being produced in such a way that incorporates a unique visual artistry that has catapulted Block to mainstream popularity. Did the Gymkhana III live up to the paint-splattered, wheel-spinning extravaganza as did the first two? Yeah, we have to go with no.

Let’s just hope part 2 will be all about driving skills.

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Video: 2011 Ford Mustang GT vs 2011 BMW M3 Coupe

BMW M3

We love when fast cars get put together with other fast cars to battle it out to the finish line in an attempt to prove which is the better machine. Of course, we love sharing these experiences with our readers just as much. Today, we have the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and the 2011 BMW M3 Coupe as pitted against each other by Motor Trend. These fellow speedchasers set out to compare the two models during time attack trials and a drag race.

The 2011 Mustang GT is powered by an all new 302 cubic inch 32 valve V8 that makes 412 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque. The M3 Coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter, 414 HP V8 engine equipped with BMW’s M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) which lowers the 0-60mph acceleration time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7.

So, which of the two models would you buy? The Mustang or the M3? Check out the video to see what MotorTrend thinks of the two models.

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Audi To Bring A3 Sedan To U.S

It’s taken a while for Americans to smarten up, but it seems they are taking to the versatility of the hatchback more and more. The new Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit, and the Nissan Versa are just a few examples of hot selling hatches in the United States. Yet, even we aren’t sure if the Audi A3 is worth the expense, when you can just get a GTI.

To try and solve this sales issue, Audi might be bringing the A3 sedan to the U.S. That would give the German automaker an entry-level sedan below the A4. We don’t have any details on the A3 sedan yet, but there should be some coming soon.

If these rumors are true, an A3 sedan would compete with the BMW 1-Series and possibly the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. That is, if it comes stateside. We should expect to see the A3 sedan around 2013 if not later.

. Source:Financial Times

Volkswagen Scirocco Rally Car

The Touareg isn’t the only Volkswagen getting a little bit of rally flavor. The Volkswagen Scirocco has also received a rally car makeover in the form of the new Scirocco R Bio Power Rally Car. This new rally car was used as an opening car for the 2010 Germany Rally and was driven by WRC returnee Carlos Sainz (Spain) and Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) and the co-drivers Lucas Cruz (Spain) and Timo Gottschalk (Germany).

While the standard version Scirocco R is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0 l TSI engine that delivers 265 PS and 350 NM of torque, the rally car is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that delivers a total of 275 hp and emits 80% less CO2 in comparison to a standard car. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph will be made in about 6.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. The rally car also features a roll cage, racing tires, and a larger rear wing. In addition to these modifications, underbody protection was fitted for rally use.

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Lexus releases exclusive LF-A luggage collection

Prospective owners of the new Lexus LF-A will have something to cheer about as the company, in collaboration with US-based travel bag and suitcase manufacturer Tumi, is set to release a line of travel cases exclusively for the supercar.

The two-piece luggage set is set to come with the LF-A in a number of select markets, including Europe and America.

The two Tumi cases were created using materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, two materials that are predominantly used in the actual supercar. What’s more, the cases will also carry the corresponding vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car that comes with it. The two cases, a smaller case that could be used for light travel and a bigger case that can be used for longer travels, were also designed to snuggly fit into the trunk of the LF-A.

All 500 models will be produced 20-at-a-time per month with the supercar, together with the cases, set to be delivered to its customers beginning at the early part of next year.

. Source:Lexus

Dodge Charger Pursuit

Here’s some more bad news for the bad guys out there: Chrysler has unveiled the 2011 Charger Pursuit and will begin taking orders for them in September. The new car combines tactical technology, safety, power, efficiency, and an iconic design.

The 2011 Charger Pursuit comes with performance suspension tuning, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels, and two-mode police-specific Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The interior will get a Police Interface Module for easy equipment integration, police-duty front seats, column-mounted automatic transmission with Auto Stick, red/white LED interior lighting for night-vision equipment, and more. Adding to the safety of the vehicle will be multistage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers, driver’s knee bag, tire-pressure monitoring, and more.

The 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit is powered by an all-new standard E-85 capable 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with variable-valve timing (VVT) and available legendary 5.7-liter HEMI

Video: Man sells $200 raffle ticket only to see the buyer win a 2011 Shelby GT500

car tuning

A man who held a ticket for a chance to win a 2011 Shelby GT500 sold it for $200 to another dude who ended up winning the car. Ridiculous? Yeah.

Unbelievably enough, it’s also true.

In a scene straight out of a Hollywood script, an attendee at this year’s QuakeCon Gaming Festival that was held in Dallas sold a raffle ticket

Cadillac CTS Coupe Convertible by Droptop Customs

Cadillac may have decided that the CTS-V Coupe will be the last CTS version to be offered, but High Springs, Florida based Droptop Customs has a different idea. Droptop Customs specializes in developing open-top versions of hard-top production cars, and their latest project is a coupe-convertible version for the CTS-V. Its official debut will be made in November at the SEMA Show. According to Droptop Customs, the new Cadillac CTS Coupe-Convertible comes as a replacement for their Eldorado model and the company has big expectations for it. Their hopes are to sell around 3000 units a year.

The convertible version comes with a fabric soft-top which retracts in a space above the luggage compartment. The tuner said that despite modifications made to the car, the aerodynamics have not been modified.

No word yet on if the tuner has opted to modify the car’s engine, but we expect to see the same 304 HP 3.6 liter V6 as found in the hard-top version of the Cadillac CTS-V.

More details are to be announced closer to the official launch.

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Contagiri 8C Competizione Watch

Giuliano Mazzuoli has unveiled a special edition Contagiri Watch inspired by the legendary Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione model. It comes in white gold and carbon fiber and will be limited to 500 units. But, before you buy, you should know that they are exclusively reserved for the fortunate owners of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

This watch is like no other in which the number setup is quite unorthodox. It is setup up to look like a gauge in a car where the zero is at the southernmost point of the watch with the one-hand moving in an arc of 270