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Porsche is making a more powerful, lower-riding version of the Cayenne. Called the GTS, it's based on the 4.8-litre V8-engined Cayenne S but its power output has been boosted by 20bhp to 405bhp. It's the first Cayenne to be fitted with Porsche's electronically controlled PASM damping system and steel springs, making it 24mm lower.
The Cayenne GTS has a manual gearbox, with a shorter final drive ratio than the Cayenne S, which cuts the 0-62mph time by 0.5 seconds to 6.1 seconds. The GTS also features anti-roll and traction management technology, as well as permanent four-wheel drive.
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Subaru's new 227bhp WRX will be priced from just £19,995 when it joins the new Impreza range in November. More than £1,100 cheaper than the outgoing model, this turbocharged 2.5-litre model does 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and comes with 17" alloy wheels, a serious bodykit, a limited-slip rear differential, 10-speaker audio system and xenon headlamps.
The non-turbo Impreza is priced from £12,495, and comes with climate control, foglamps, front and rear electric windows and 15" alloy wheels.
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The next wave of Seats could look like this concept car, the Tribu, which goes on show in Frankfurt next week. Expect elements of its design to reappear in the new Ibiza, set to be at next spring's Geneva Motor Show, plus a new family car and other future products from Volkswagen's Spanish division.
It's the work of ex-Audi, ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke. VW has recently made a large investment in Seat, enabling it to expand and update its model line-up, and we can expect more eye-catching models from the brand to follow.
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In addition to the F700, DiesOtto-powered concept and eight Bluetec models, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting a pair of hybrid vehicles next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show -- the S 300 Bluetec Hybrid and ML450 Hybrid.
The ML450 Hybrid, which will be launched in 2009, features an innovative two-mode hybrid system (developed in conjunction with GM) that enables the SUV to achieve 30.5 mpg and emit 0.65 lb/mile of CO2 while making 340 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it far more economical than even the diesel-powered ML320 CDI without sacrificing any performance or the additional headaches involved in manufacturing a 50-state compliant diesel engine
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Chrysler is abandoning the Jeep Cherokee's current curvy look in favour of a back-to-basics return to straight lines for the 2008 car, which will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The 4x4, which arrives in the UK next May, also gains new independent front suspension, five-link rear suspension and modified rack-and-pinion steering to address criticisms of its ride comfort and handling. The full-time four-wheel drive system has also been updated, and there's a choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox to go with the updated 2.8-litre diesel engine.
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In addition to its much-anticipated DBS, Aston Martin will be unveiling a pair of special edition models next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicles celebrate the automaker's recent on-track success at LeMans and the Nurburging.
First up is a tarted-up DB9 called the DB9 LM -- LM standing simply for Le Mans. Produced as a commemoration of Aston Martin's victory in the GT1 class in June at the 24 hours of Le Mans, the DB9 LM is offered in coupe form with Aston's "Touchtronic" automatic transmission the only gearbox choice.
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Mitsubishi will be launching the world premiere of two more concept vehicles at this year's Tokyo show, both based on the themes of driving pleasure, safety, and environmental responsibility.
The i MiEV Sport is a two-door, four-seat electric vehicle that features a mid-mounted battery for optimal weight distribution and a low center of gravity -- two key components to a superior-handling vehicle. The design is almost reminiscent of the classic Fiat Multipla and the car is said to feature Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), a dynamics control system that will be found on the upcoming Lancer Evolution X, the production version of which will also be on the automaker's stand. Mitsu's ASC (Active Stability Control), anti-lock brakes, and E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) are also a part of the concept's packaging.
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Porsche has decided to bolt on more of its sports car DNA into the Cayenne in the form of a new performance-oriented variant called the GTS. Based on the Cayenne S, the GTS sits nearly an inch lower and is equipped with the advanced Porsche Active Suspension Management system in combination with steel springs -- a suspension setup previously reserved for Porsche's cars only. Handling can be further enhanced by opting for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control active anti-roll system and optional air suspension. The S' direct injected 4.8-liter V-8 gets a massage to the tune of an extra 20 horsepower, bringing its output to 405. Torque remains unchanged at 369 lb-ft. Most interesting is the choice of gearbox. The GTS comes standard with a six-speed manual, with a Tiptronic automatic optional. Read the rest of this entry »
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Audi has announced U.S. pricing for its 2008 A5 and S5 sport coupes, which are slated to hit showrooms stateside this November. The A5 and S5 with six-speed manual transmissions will start at $39,900 and $50,500 respectively, plus a $775 destination charge. For a six-speed Tiptronic semi-automatic variant, add $1,300 to the price and expect to wait until early next year.
The standard features list of both cars is rather high, with leather covered power front seats, automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer with satellite radio, rain and light sensors, leather covered steering wheel, and a driver info display. Standard wheels are 18-inchers on the A5 and 19-inchers on the S5, and both come shod with performance-oriented rubber.
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With Frankfurt looming on the horizon, photos of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 have been leaked by media across the pond -- and it looks pretty good.
Decidedly more upscale and aggressive in appearance than the current model, Mazda's updated midsized sedan entry is coming to Frankfurt in a matter of days. While we'll have to wait for Mazda to give us the official details, but the Japanese automaker has promised that the new Mazda6 will be both lighter and more fuel efficient than the version it replaces.
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Jim Press, first non-Japanese person to serve on Toyota's board of directors and be named president and COO of Toyota Motors in North America Inc., is the latest high-profile hire of the new Chrysler. Press, who was sixth on this year's Motor Trend Power List of industry movers and shakers, has been named vice chairman and president of the reshaped company and will report to CEO Robert Nardelli. Press will share the same title with DaimlerChrysler holdover Tom LaSorda, who is probably dusting off his resume as you read this. Press will be responsible for North American Sales, International Sales, Global Marketing, Product Strategy, and Service and Parts. Lasorda will reportedly be responsible for manufacturing, purchasing, labor and Global Business Development and Alliances. Read the rest of this entry »
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Pricing information has officially been released for the Smart Fortwo, the pint-size city car that'll be coming to the U.S. as early as January of next year. Three different trim levels will be available, each with its own price point.
The entry-level Fortwo, dubbed Pure Coupe, will start at $11,590 and will include a five-speed gearbox with automatic and manual modes, central locking, and a two-spoke leather steering wheel. Or, for a base price of $13,590, the Passion Coupe model is available with a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air-conditioning with climate control, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric, heated side mirrors, and a CD player and AM/FM radio.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has adopted new regulations that'll require automakers to equip vehicles with additional front-passenger side-impact protection for the head and torso by 2013, effectively mandating the use of side-impact airbags. Alongside the new regulations, NHTSA will introduce a new side -impact test that simulates a collision with a narrow object such as a tree or utility pole using a pair of advanced crash-test dummies. One of the dummies is the size of an average size man, while the other is the size of a petite woman. According to the government, 34 percent of serious and fatal injuries in side-impact tests are suffered by occupants under 5'4" in height.
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Volvo's green concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a petrol-electric C30 that can be plugged in to recharge its batteries.
The ReCharge concept has an electric motor at each wheel, designed to be powered by the lithium-polymer battery pack in the boot. The car can run for more than 60 miles using the battery alone, but when 70% of its charge has been used the battery gets a boost from the C30's 1.6-litre Flexifuel engine, which fires up automatically.
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With the C63 AMG Estate, Mercedes-Benz lets you bring along additional guests to enjoy the blurred sights and muscular sounds of what lurks beneath the two power domes on the hood: the AMG-designed 6.2-liter V-8 engine, though Mercedes insists on calling it a 6.3-liter, despite its 6208 cc displacement. The smile-inducing powerplant reaches 457 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 442 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. After you kick everyone out of the car, they'll watch you hit 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) from a standing start in 4.6 seconds and an electronically limited 155 mph. The C63 comes with the usual list of impressive body add-ons to complement a seven-speed automatic with steering-wheel gearshift paddles and three driving modes. 18-inch five-spoke AMG light-allow wheels are standard, but if you've got the money for a C63, you'll probably want to upgrade to the stunning 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-allow wheels pictured here. Chromed twin tailpipes, an AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert and flared wheel arches complete the package on the outside, while AMG sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an AMG-specific instrument cluster and aluminum trim remind owners they're piloting a particularly special Benz. Read the rest of this entry »
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