Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

In conjunction with Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. 100th anniversary celebrations, the company will present a one-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport known as Sang Bleu at Pebble Beach.

Instead of applying two paint colors, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu comes with two different bodywork materials, i.e. carbon fiber and aluminum. The Pebble Beach version features blue carbon fiber with polished aluminum.

The visual carbon fiber is tinted in royal blue while the rear airscoops are tinted in nightblue.

The Sang Bleu stands on a Midnight Blue and Diamond Cut two tone finish rims which are inspired by the Grand Sport Roadster.

Inside, the Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu for the Pebble Beach version features Gaucho leather.

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2011 Steeda Q Series Mustang

Steeda carries a strong reputation within the Ford community as a builder and innovator of original custom parts and equipment. Nowhere is that rep stronger than amongst the Mustang crowd. Earlier this year the company showed a teaser for its latest high performance Mustang–now, in advance of its upcoming official debut at the 2009 SEMA auto show, Steeda has revealed the 2010 Steeda Q Mustang Series. 

Based on the 2010 Ford Mustang, the new Q Series tradition with computer-designed and track-proven parts. Some of the key pieces include Steeda underdrive pulleys, sport springs, billet lower control arms, Steeda Spyder wheels in 20×9.9-inch front and 20×11-inch rear, sport shifter and Nitto NT-05 high-performance tires. Aesthetically, the car also gets a special Steeda hood paint treatment and sidewinder stripes.

Steeda says it is working to make the car the best Steeda Mustang that’s ever hit the road, however, we’ll have to wait until the upcoming SEMA event to see what kind of performance mods the company has in store.

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2011 Audi A3 TDI Clean Diesel

Audi has announced plans to introduce an engine start-stop system on A3 models equipped with the S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Available on the A3 1.6 TDI and A3 1.4 TFSI, the start/stop system improves fuel efficiency and decreases CO2 emissions. The 1.6 TDI will be rated at 4.2L/100km (56.00 US mpg) and 109 grams of CO2 per kilometer (175.42 g/mile). Likewise, the 1.4 TFSI comes in at 5.3L/100km (44.38 US mpg) and 124 grams of CO2 per kilometer (199.56 g/mile).

In terms of performance, 1.6 TDI produces 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the three-door A3 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 11.7 seconds, before topping out at 194 km/h (120.55 mph). On the other hand, the 1.4 TFSI packs 92 kW (125 hp) and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque. The dash from 0-100 km/h takes 9.3 seconds, while the top speed is 203 km/h (126.14 mph).

Both A3s are also equipped with an on-board energy-recovery system, which “intelligently controls the alternator to recover energy” during braking and coasting.

Set to be launched this November, German pricing starts at €23,700 (3-door) and €24,600 (Sportback) for the 1.4 TFSI and €25,500 (3-door) and €26,400 (Sportback) for the 1.6 TDI.

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2011 Acura RDX Facelift Revealed

Acura has released details of the redesigned 2010 RDX. Though these official details have not been released to the motoring media, Acura has regardless gone ahead and posted them on its official website.

art of the upgrade is the new Acura corporate front grille with a new front bumper. New alloy wheels are fitted and the rear bumper sports new trim too. The vehicle measures 4.635m in length, 1.870m and stands 1.655m tall. It also has a minimum ground clearance of 15.87cm.

Acura is now giving buyers the option of FWD (front-wheel-drive) with their 2010 RDX. That model becomes the baseline model and sells at US$32,520, US$2,000 less than the AWD version. The latter comes equipped with Acura’s Super-Handling AWD system.

Powering the two vehicles is the 2.3-litre turbo motor that develops some 177kW (240hp) and torque of 260 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. Mated to the engine is a 5-speed automatic shift transmission with paddles for semi-automatic changes. The estimated fuel economy figures for the RDX are 19 and 24mpg for city and highway driving respectively, and 17 and 22mpg for the RDX with SH-AWD.

Safety systems fitted include ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist. Standard wheels are 18″ x 7.5″ aluminium-alloys running on P235/55 R18 tyres.

The inside features automatic dual-zone, humidity control and air filtration, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB audio and iPod interface as well as a 6-CD in-dash changer.

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2011 McLaren MP4-12C

The McLaren MP4-12C is meant to make its dramatic appearance on the supercar stage in 2011. The MP4-12C looks like any other midengine car until you notice the details.The C-pillar location delivers aero efficiency; the rear overhang is notably short.

McLaren says the dihedral doors improve access; they certainly provide visual drama. Although the basic look had already been decided, ex-Ferrari designer Frank Stephenson finalized the details. From its twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 to its carbon-fiber chassis, this car is all McLaren. The twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 makes 600 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

The cockpit’s simplicity is distinctive. Twin instrument pods flank the driver; an analog tachometer is the key instrument. Since the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is operated by a paddle attached to the steering wheel, there’s neither a shift lever nor a clutch pedal. The driver is protected by the carbon-fiber MonoCell.

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Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

With Mercedes and McLaren battling for supercar supremacy at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the long-rumored Lamborghini Reventón Roadster had become a bit of an afterthought – until now.

Like the original Reventón coupe, which debuted in Frankfurt two years ago, the roadster redefines style, elegance, and insanity. Designed to be a stealth fighter for the road, the Reventón boasts jet-inspired carbon fiber body panels and aggressive 18-inch wheels. Inside, the roadster is decked out in alcantara upholstery and carbon fiber trim.

While details are limited, the roadster will likely be powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine with 650 HP (478 kW) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque. Backed up by a six-speed e-gear transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Reventón will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. If you keep your foot planted, the roadster will top out somewhere in the neighborhood of 340 km/h (211 mph).

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Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Front Angle View

General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the Cadillac CTS-V coupe has gotten the greenlight. Lutz, a longtime auto executive now in charge of marketing at GM, made the announcement during a web-chat on the automaker’s FastLane website.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Side Angle View

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Rear Angle View

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Interior View

“As of now the V package is planned only for the sedan and coupe,” Lutz wrote. He also left the door open for additions to the product lineup. A sport-wagon variant of the CTS is due out in 2010, which will certainly spur some requests for a V version of the model. To this, Lutz said that if the demand exists, “there is no reason why we couldn’t do a V-Series wagon, and I would be standing in line for one, just ahead of you.”

The V package gives the CTS the same 6.2-liter V8 engine found on the Corvette ZR1. Using the 556 horsepower engine that produces up to 551 ft-lb of torque, the CTS-V sedan managed a blistering 7:59.32 lap on the ‘Ring. Helping out the driver is the Vette’s six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission. The V-packaged sedan was introduced alongside the CTS coupe at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. This coupe should hit the market in summer, 2010.

Aside from Cadillac, Lutz was also talking Pontiac. The company has given thought to rebranding the Pontiac G8 as the new Chevy Caprice. Lutz told fans that the company is “studying the feasibility of bringing [the G8] in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public.”

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2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Front Angle View

Following a lrecent report that GM’s plans for a high-performance Camaro Z28 had been canceled and the Camaro Convertible was on hold, comes a little good news but also some bad. The good news is that the Convertible is back on track for a March 2011 launch, while the bad news – you guessed it – is that the Z28 is looking less and less likely to ever come to fruition.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Side Angle View

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Rear Angle View

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Interior View

Cost cutting at GM and fears that the German supplier of the Camaro Convertible’s roof mechanism was about to go under led to last week’s claims that the car was put on hold indefinitely. However, the supplier in question is still in business and has a new agreement signed with GM.

Furthermore, GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan has confirmed to Automotive News that production of the highly anticipated drop-top is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2011. He went on to concede that this will be a few months later than the originally planned late 2010 launch.

“We always thought it would be one year after the coupe,” he said. “Instead we are going two.”

As for the Z28, GM was planning to add the 550hp (410kW) 6.2L V8 engine from the Cadillac CTS-V to the Camaro’s engine bay in an effort to destroy any chances of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Shelby Mustang GT claiming the title of ‘modern-day muscle car king’. Sadly, the Z28’s expected $50 million development price tag, impending 35.5mpg CAFE implications, and niche status meant it was virtually dead from the start.

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2012 Corvette C7 Next Generation

Corvette C7 Front Angle View

GM has announced that C7 Corvette production will begin in April 2012, for the 2013 model year. While details are limited, the company stated that the C7 would retain a front-engine layout. This contradicts earlier rumors that suggested the next generation Corvette could adopt a mid-engine setup

.

Corvette C7 Rear Angle View

Corvette C7 Side Angle View

Styling could be influenced by the Stingray Concept that was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show and featured in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Regardless of what it looks like, the new Corvette is expected to be smaller, more lightweight, and more advanced than the car it replaces.

With the arrival of the $30,245 426 hp Camaro SS, the $48,565 430 hp base Corvette started to look obsolete. This will likely be rectified when the C7 begins production, as the base engine should produce at least 450 hp to help justify its premium status.

Since the C7 will be launched in a few years, look for prototypes to start appearing in the coming months.

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Toyota Prius and Honda Insight

Toyota Prius by Kenstyle - Front Angle View

Consumption, emissions, the planet, it’s all very nice, but not because you have a Prius or ideas that one is obliged to be serious, responsible and full of flavor. Preparers Japanese, who see the curves of sale of these two models definitively oriented in a very soft market, have understood this and go one after the other versions of the Prius more extravagant and 3 / Insight, or according to their allegiance traditional.

Toyota Prius by Kenstyle - Rear Angle View

Honda Insight by Kenstyle - Front Angle View

Honda Insight by Kenstyle - Rear Angle View

Kenstyle, glue dispenser ecumenical plastic components on anything that rolls, chose not to choose and offer an interpretation to the equivalent of two cars.

As there is no question of the moment to touch the clock of complex hybrid systems hidden under the bodywork, wheels Kenstyle just great, lowered suspension you (the tires for those who want) and parts of the body that has not even, contrary to what Mugen example, the excuse for an aerodynamic wind tunnel carved. Everything for the look!

The movement of tuning hybrid call it as it had already started tentatively with the Prius 2 but really took off with the first two hybrids popular. Clubs magazine dedicated machine is started. German preparations and endless stream of big cars have to behave.

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Lotus Exige Scura Special Edition

Lotus Exige Scura Front Angle View

Lotus Cars unveils its latest special edition – the Exige Scura, so called due to its dramatic matt black and carbon fibre theme, at the Tokyo International Motorshow on 21st of October 2009.

Lotus Exige Scura Side Angle View

Lotus Exige Scura Rear Angle View

Lotus Exige Scura Interior View

Contrasting high gloss ‘Phantom Black’ triple stripes run the length of the car and a carbon fibre front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side airscoops and rear spoiler enhance the stunning distinction between the different textures and exaggerate the tactile quality of the velvety touch to the matt black paint finish. Continuing the dark ‘Scura’ appearance into the interior, carbon fibre is used extensively to compliment the exterior theme and reduce weight. The seats and centre console are crafted from carbon fibre and the handbrake and gear knob have a special anodized treatment which leaves the metal with an anthracite colour finish. All carbon fibre components have been beautifully finished in high-gloss clear lacquer allowing the weave to remain exposed which gives the cabin a raw and racy ambiance.

Whilst there is no doubt that this is a visually stunning car, the Exige Scura is not just about its looks – it begs to be taken on track, and its racing character encompasses poise, power and technology to make it a serious contender. Equipped with the most powerful engine in the Exige range and generating 260PS, the Exige Scura achieves a top speed of around 245 km/h and reaches 0-100 kmh in just 4.1 seconds.

Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director, highlighted the performance of the Exige Scura, “There are very few cars in the world that turn in the performance of the Exige Scura without the penalty of very high fuel consumption and emissions. As with all Lotus sportscars we offer the best of both worlds – a zero to 100 km/h time of just over 4 seconds and a CO2 figure of 199 g/km; all this is down to light weight and a strict adherence to Lotus’ core brand values.”

Orders for the ‘Lotus Exige Scura’ will be accepted from 21 October 2009 in Europe, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. This special edition will be available on the same basis in Japan known as the ‘Lotus Exige Stealth’.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Front Angle View

The new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class is now official, and like the new C it is significantly cleaner and more beautiful than its predecessor. Available with everything from hyper efficient diesels to monster V8 engine choices, the 2010 E Class should please the whole spectrum of the Benz devout.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Side Angle View

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rear Angle View

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior View

The early years of the 21st century brought increasingly complicated designs from all the German luxury car marques, but BMW, Audi, Merc and VW are all going back to nice clean lines coming together in cohesive designs.

With the 2010 E63 AMG available in showrooms this November, the most exciting bread-and-butter Mercedes-Benz motor available in the 2010 E produces an M5-besting 525 bhp from an all new AMG-built V8. Previous E Class models, even those from AMG, have been universally praised for their effortless power, while not exactly winning high marks for handling prowess when compared to competing Bahnstormers from BMW and Audi.

Mercedes-Benz seeks to up the ante in the new E with a 30 percent more rigid chassis and a completely redesigned available air suspension with automatically adjusting shocks and available AWD.

The only transmission choice is a 7 speed conventional automatic, albiet with manual shift controls. Drivers who prefer the feel and control of a conventional manual should look elsewhere.

New luxury features are led by a brand new tired driver nanny system, which will sound an alarm and display a coffee cup in-dash when more than 70 parameters suggest the driver is too tired to continue. Those driving a $60,000 machine with more than 500 horses on tap would do well to maintain maximum alertness and caffeination before stepping behind the wheel in the first place.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe

LONDON, England (29 October 2009) – Preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, concluded its 2009 auction season on a high note in London last night, posting £10.9 million in total sales with a strong 87% of all lots sold at the third-annual ‘Automobiles of London’ event.

Held in association with Sotheby’s, the single-day auction presented some 84 motor cars, consigned from 11 countries around the world, and 40 lots of automobilia, attracting strong international interest from bidders in the room, on the phone and over the internet.

A 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car ‘VMF 64′with Le Mans and Mille Miglia provenance, offered for the first time in 52 years, set a new auction world record for an Aston Martin DB2, achieving £550,000, whilst 13 lots exceeded their original high estimates. Most notably, an original 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet surpassed its pre-sale high estimate of £60,000 to achieve the remarkable sum of £308,000.

“This sale wraps up another fantastic year for RM globally,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe.

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Street Concepts Hyundai Genesis sedan

Street Concepts Hyundai Genesis sedan - 2009 SEMA

Hyundai Motor America and Street Concepts, one of the leading developers of auto show vehicles, bring custom vehicle design live to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with a paint demonstration on a Genesis sedan. Detroit-based illustrator and graphic designer Courtney Mason will paint a one-of-a-kind graphic on a Pearl White Street Concepts Genesis sedan in Hyundai’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3-6, 2009 (booth #24387). This marks the eighth consecutive year Hyundai has partnered with Street Concepts.

Using special paint pens, Mason will place her signature stamp on a “blank canvas” Genesis sedan. Mason’s illustrations are typically figurative and inspired by organic forms found throughout nature. As the co-founder of Studio Jellyfish (http://www.studiojellyfish.com), Mason has worked with clients such as Nokia, Motorola, Sony BMG, VH1 and Rockstar Games.

In addition to the graphic, the Street Concepts Genesis exterior will be outfitted with 3M carbon fiber roof panels, black chrome accents by Chrome Tech, and upper and lower spoilers from RKSport. The vehicle will boast upper and lower E&G front mesh grilles also finished in black chrome by Chrome Tech. Interior features include custom suede and piano black detailing as well as carbon fiber dash accents.

“The Genesis sedan serves as the perfect platform for a one-of-a-kind high-performance vehicle at SEMA,” said Shawn Williams, owner, Street Concepts. “We were able to capitalize on what the Genesis already has to offer – smooth lines, luxurious interior features and a world-class Tau V8 engine – to create a customized vehicle sure to inspire the tuner crowd.”

The custom Genesis will showcase Nutek Series 530 22-inch wheels featuring Chrome Tech black chrome wheel centers with black lips and General Exclaim UHP tires. Eibach lowering springs, Brembo brakes and a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust will further enhance the performance of the standard 4.6-liter V8 engine, improving on the impressive 375 horsepower pumped out by the factory engine.

Audio and video enhancements will include a custom Harman International audio system, Nav-TV interface and Vizualogic headrest monitors.

“Matching the sophisticated design of the Genesis sedan with the artistic ability of Courtney Mason and the show-car experience of Shawn Williams created a ‘dream team’ for SEMA,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Inspired by the creative minds involved in the project, we decided to showcase the final design of the vehicle live on the showroom floor to involve the SEMA crowd in the experience.

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The 2011 Nissan GT-R

Narrows the 2011 Nissan GT-R lineup and all models get a slightly revised suspension. Long known as the Skyline GT-R in Japan, the GT-R is Nissan’s flagship sports car. It comes in a premium trim level. The base was abandoned. The only engine is a 485-horsepower turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. He teams with a 6-speed transmission with double clutch automated manual that acts like an automatic. It also includes change of steering-wheel paddle for manual operation.

All wheel drive as standard are a sport suspension and 20-inch wheels with run-flat tires. available safety features include ABS, traction control, traction control, side curtain airbags, front-side airbags. A navigation system with hard drive for storing digital music files is the norm. New for 2011, the navigation system includes real time traffic and weather alerts. Heated front seats are standard. A toll cold weather package includes coolant and special rims and tires.

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