New Car: 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG

Mercedes has taken the wraps off the new range-topping E-class: the E63 AMG.
Despite talk from within AMG about ending the horsepower war between German car makers, this new model has more power than the car it replaces — although at 11bhp, it’s a modest gain.
But thanks to a number of efficiency-enhancing measures, the 518bhp Mercedes E63 AMG drinks 12 per cent less fuel than its predecessor. It now returns 22.4mpg.
The 6208cc V8 produces the same power and 465lb ft of torque as the SL63’s unit. Performance is practically the same as the old E63, but still impressive, with a 0-62mph time of 4.5sec and a top speed limited to 155mph.
The new car gains the SL63’s Speedshift MCT seven-speed ’box with a wet start-up clutch. The unit is lighter and more efficient than the old torque converter, as well as giving better response.
The transmission has four driving modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual. In Manual the system will switch cogs in 100 milliseconds, while in Controlled Efficiency there are early upshifts to keep revs low and optimise efficiency.
To improve handling, the E63 AMG has been fitted with a newly developed front axle with more negative camber, a 56mm wider track, new control arms, a tubular stabiliser and revised wheel bearings. The rear axle also has extra negative camber and a new subframe mounting for greater stability on the limit.
New front spring struts improve responsiveness, while the rear air struts have automatic level control to keep the rear at the same height irrespective of the load.
Mercedes claims that its ‘AMG Ride Control’ system, which automatically varies the damping characteristics, ensures that the car is equally at home on a race track or the autobahn.
Visually, the car gains 18in AMG alloys with 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres, while 19-inch items feature on the options list. The front wings are 17mm wider than a regular E-class’s and feature ‘6.3 AMG’ lettering.
The car also gets LED daytime running lights and a more aggressive front spoiler, while a rear diffuser and quad tailpipes feature at the back.
The E63 will be on sale in September, although UK prices and specs are yet to be confirmed.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2011 Volkswagen Golf R20

The MkVI Golf GTI has only just hit the road, but already its crown is under threat! These are the best pictures yet of an even hotter variant, likely to be badged the Golf R20. We broke the story here in February, and these photos help to confirm the car’s existence. Gone is the V6 engine from the last-generation R32, instead a tweaked version of VW’s 2.0-litre turbocharged unit, also used in the Audi S3, producing in the region of 270bhp will be used. And with a similar kerbweight to the less powerful GTI, plus four-wheel drive to help traction off the line, 0-60mph should take little more than five seconds.Expect similar styling cues to the GTI, but with a deeper and more aggressive bodykit and chunkier wheels. As this test mule, disguised with a 2.0 TDI badge, demonstrates, trademark centrally mounted twin exhausts will also distinguish the ‘R’ car from the GTI.If rumours are to be believed the finished article will make its debut at the Nurburgring 24hr race in May – hosted on the same track that these photos were taken.Prices should start from around £25,00 for the three-door when the R20 goes on sale early next year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2010 Audi RS5

Meet the performance coupe that’s got BMW’s M3 worried. These are the best shots yet of Audi’s upcoming RS5 flagship, which we’ve spied testing at high speed on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Powered by a 450bhp 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8, it’s more powerful than the 414bhp 4.0-litre V8-engined M3 and boasts a Quattro four-wheel drive system too, available with a choice of both six-speed manual and seven-speed twin-clutch gearboxes. Performance will be epic with 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. The RS5 will be a match for the M3 in the corners too with stiffened and lowered suspension, a wider track and stickier rubber. In addition to four-wheel drive, it will also boast Audi’s new active rear differential – as used by the latest S4 – which helps distribute torque to different wheels, aiding agility and traction. Expect to the see the new RS5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with UK sales starting before the end of the year. A price tag of £48,000 is mooted. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2010 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia OPC/VXR

Take a look at the best pictures yet of Vauxhall's hottest ever Insignia! This is the high performance VXR version, which goes on sale before the end of the year packing a 300bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbocharged engine. This prototype was caught testing just outside of the Nurburgring circuit in Germany where General Motors engineers have been putting the newcomer through its paces. With the gutsy engine driving all four wheels, straight line pace will be very strong – expect 0-60mph in six seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Completing the dynamic changes are adaptive dampers hooked up to stiffened suspension and uprated brakes with wide, sticky tyres. And, as you can see, the VXR has got the show to match its go too, with a muscular bodykit, 19-inch alloy wheels and, of course, bright blue VXR paint. Inside, expect the range-topping model to be loaded with standard equipment including leather upholstery and satnav. In addition to the saloon shown here, there will be a Sports Tourer estate version too. Prices will start at around £25,000. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Infiniti's Plan for Next 3 Years Revealed

The Nissan GT-R may be stealing much of the industry limelight these days, but sister brand Infiniti is no wallflower itself. Recently, Infiniti's short-term plans have come to light that could gain the premium automaker a little more stage presence.
U.K.-based Autocar has gotten word of Infiniti's plans for the next three years and they have revealed plans for new powertrains and new models to wage war against competing luxury brands from Japan, Europe and the U.S.Infiniti's most immediate plans call for a new M-series midsize model to debut next year at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show carrying Infiniti's 3.7L V-6. The car will also be engineered to accept the company's upcoming 3.0L V-6 turbodiesel, which will make its debut in the EX and FX SUVs before it climbs under the hood of the new M. A gasoline-electric hybrid is also planned, but there is no V-8 option. The hybrid has not been confirmed for Europe, nor have the diesels been confirmed for the U.S.After Nissan announced it would switch production at its Mississippi plant to its new light commercial vehicle line, we worried that the Infiniti QX56 was a goner. That doesn't appear to be the case, though, as Infiniti's plans call for a new model in 2011. Plans also suggest that a smaller, sportier seven-seat vehicle is in the pipeline and could hit the road by 2015 if it's approved.In 2006, Infiniti's Q45 luxury sedan quietly retired, taking the flagship Q-line with it. Future plans see it revived, though, with a new model debuting in 2012. That year will also reportedly see the debut of the next G-model, which could carry the aforementioned 3.0L diesel V-6. The diesel will not find its way into the G-series before then and may not come to the U.S.Beyond 2012, Infiniti's plans get a bit more vague. At the moment, they call for a compact battery-powered electric car, but little is known about the model. For now, it appears to be more of an idea than an actual product plan, but more information will inevitably come to light in the future.

New Concept Car: Kia KND-5

According to Kia-World.net, the Kia has lifted the curtain on the latest concept car coming out of Seoul called the KND-5 just ahead of the city's anticipated motor show. A few shots of the model's highly camo'd preproduction variant -- codenamed VG sedan -- have been around for a bit (check out our shots HERE), but no other images have given us such a clear indication of what to expect on the upcoming production sedan.

Few details are known as of yet, but the KND-5 show car rolls on 20-in. wheels and sports advanced LED head and taillight clusters. The exterior mirrors too feature the advance lighting. Inside, passengers are coddled in a luxury cabin never really before seen from the likes of Kia. Adding more exclusivity is a panorama roof. No word on if any of these features will make it into the VG production plans.
Highly likely to be powering the sedan is a 3.5L Lambda series V-6 powerplant. It's expected to share its front-wheel drive platform with the next generation Azera and serve as the replacement to the long-in-tooth Amanti. An all-wheel drive edition is rumored to be included in the range, with Haldex supplying the drive system. Kia-World.net reports the KND-5's dimensions as being 195-in. long, 73-in. wide, 58-in. high and with a wheelbase of 112-in. In essence, its about the same size as the current Amanti.Expect more info and images of the KND-5 next week as it makes its debut. Production VG models are said to debut in September -- possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

New Car: 2010 Subaru Legacy

Subaru has a new strategy: going mainstream. Company officials are convinced that if its vehicles are competitive on price, size, and fuel economy (i.e. if there’s no penalty for the extra weight and friction of Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive), customers will cross-shop Subarus against big guns Honda and Toyota. The recently redesigned Forester is a perfect example. It’s slightly larger and significantly taller than the previous model with a much more spacious back seat, and the latest Forester now has a distinct SUV-like look and competes directly with big sellers in its category such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 The payoff? Sales of the new model have nearly doubled despite a nationwide collapse of car buying.

The next model that gets a mainstream overhaul is the fifth-generation 2010 Legacy sedan, which debuts at the New York auto show and goes on sale in August. Looks wise, the Legacy isn’t all that different; the new front end is slightly more aggressive with Infiniti G37–like headlights that extend further up the hood. More pronounced fender flares are meant to hint at the Legacy’s all-wheel drive, while the rear end is much flatter than before.
But the biggest changes are inside, including a redesigned interior that looks like an edgier version of the layout in the Tribeca. The look is upscale, although many of the materials are hard plastics, which is par for the segment. Overall length is increased by 1.4 inches and curb weight is up just 50 pounds, while the wheelbase has been extended by 3.2 inches creating a vastly larger interior. Front-seat space is up by four cubic feet to 56, and the back seat, at 46 cubic feet, is 21 percent larger with a gain of 3.9 inches of legroom. We sampled the Legacy’s back seat—a weak point on the previous car—and impressively, six-foot, five-inch males will now fit comfortably, even sitting behind themselves, putting the Legacy squarely in Honda Accord territory. A revised multilink rear suspension—now similar to the rest of Subaru’s lineup—helps to free up four cubic feet of additional trunk space, and Subaru says it will now hold four full-size golf bags. For more details click here.

Seoul Preview: Hyundai Genesis PRADA

Hyundai Motor has released the first official images of the Genesis PRADA, a collaborative work between the Korean automaker and the European fashion marque, PRADA. Scheduled to debut at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show this week, the Genesis PRADA receives many luxurious and exquisite upgrades from the conventional Genesis. It is the result of over four months of development between Hyundai's R&D Center in Namyang, Korea and PRADA's Design Center in Milan, Italy.

The exterior of the Genesis PRADA receives exclusive items such as matte-finish "dark-blue" paint, front grille, badges, and door handles. The Genesis PRADA also wears exclusive 20-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels and is fitted with a shark-fin antenna. The interior of the Genesis PRADA is trimmed in white "Saffiano" leather and includes upgrades including illuminated flooring and door trims.

In addition to the show car, Hyundai will craft only two more examples of the limited-edition Genesis PRADA. All proceeds will go to charity.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view an interior image.

Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport

The Renault Clio is a supermini produced by the French automaker Renault. Originally launched in 1990, it is currently in its third generation. The Clio has seen substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch, and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s.

The Clio has been sold as the Renault Lutecia in Japan. A four-door sedan was developed for certain markets where sedans are traditionally preferred over hatchbacks and was sold under names Renault Clio Symbol, Renault Clio Sedan and Renault Thalia. It is also sold under the Nissan nameplate in some Latin American markets as the Nissan Platina.

The all-new second generation of the Clio was launched in the spring of 1998, with considerably more rounded and bulbous styling than its predecessor. Part of the radical concept of the new Clio were many components made of unusual materials to save in weight and repair costs. For instance, the front fenders were made of plastic and the material of the hood was aluminium in some versions. Originally the engine lineup was similar to before, with 1.2 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L gasoline engines and a 1.9 L diesel. In early 1999, a sportive 16V version equipped with a new 1.6 L 16-valve engine was introduced, and eventually, all the older gasoline engines were upgraded to more powerful and more economical 16-valve versions.

In 1999, Renault launched the 172 hp Clio RS (short for Renault Sport), named Clio Renault Sport 172, with a 2.0 L 16-valve engine and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). But in this form, the car is capable of surprisingly good handling and performance. The top-of-the-range Clio however was the exotic mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Clio V6 Renault Sport, which placed a 166 kW (230 hp) 3.0 L V6 engine sourced from the Renault Laguna behind the front seats, with a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).

Clio II facelift

A facelift in the spring of 2001 saw the exterior restyled, the interior quality improved and a 1.5 L direct-injection diesel engine added. The Clio 172 was also facelifted and a lightened more focused version was also added to the range, known as the 172 Cup. The 172 later received a further upgrade to 182 bhp, becoming the Renaultsport Clio 182, the Clio 182 Cup, and finally a top-of-the-range ultimate eversion called the Clio 182 Trophy. The Trophy has been heralded as one of the best hot hatches of all time. Only 500 were made for the UK (and a handful for Switzerland). The main difference between the Trophy and the normal 182 and 182 Cup is the race-engineered suspension that affords the Trophy handling unparalled in its market. Renault also produced the Clio v6, which looks like its on steroids compared to the 182, the V6 has a 255bhp 24v 3.0 liter enginer with a 0 - 62.5 speed of 5.8sec and a top speed of 153mph. Renault decided to keep selling the Clio II until 2008; the Clio II is sold alongside with the Clio III; but with a smaller price and known as the Clio Campus. In 2006 this model was facelifted with a restyled front and rear. The number plate moves from boot (or trunk) to bumber.

More pictures and wallpapers of Renault Clio V6

Renault Clio v6 Wallpapers

See full article....

Renault Clio v6

Twenty years after the onset of the R5 Turbo, the Clio V6 tip the tip of its hood as a concept car in 1999. Developed by Tom Walkinshaw, it was marketed in 2000.
At the time, only 1630 copies were sold in 20 months. His lack of success was due to a behavior and a gearbox unconvincing.

In 2003, a second version corrects many defects of the first draft. Its engine was developed in collaboration with Porsche. With a price of 39 700 €, only 800 copies were sold despite an impressive 3-liter V6 instead of the rear seat. Coupled with a 6 speed box and developing 255 horsepower, against 226 the previous version, the engine of the Renault Sport Clio V6 enables the 0 to 100 km / h in 5.8 seconds.











More wallpapers and pictures of Renault Clio V6

Hot News: No Star for Brilliance

The Brilliance BS4, a Chinese saloon, has been given a zero-star rating in a recent crash test.
ADAC, Germany’s largest automobile club, tested the car under the new EuroNCAP’s stricter rules, which require a car to have electronic stability control (ESC) to gain five stars and take into account the presence of a speed limiter on the car.
Under the old rules it is reported that the car would have received three stars for adult protection, but under the new system it failed to gain even one.
Some of the criticisms from the test were that the driver’s airbag was incorrectly placed, that sharp metal parts were not covered or padded, and that the clutch and brake pedals could damage the driver’s feet.
The ADAC said the car was not on a par with those produced by European manufacturers and insisted that the safety cell be improved.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: MG Confirms Two New Models

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) has confirmed it will release two new MG models in the UK based on its Roewe 550 platform.
Both models will be based on a cut down version of the Rover 75 platform.
An MG spokesman confirmed that a four-door saloon and fiver-door hatchback were being developed, but declined to name a launch date.
The five-door hatchback will be badged as an MG6 and will be powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, available with automatic and manual gearboxes..
Both cars will first be sold by SAIC in China, with UK and Ireland set to follow. The spokesman said that both models may also be sold in other European markets.
MG currently has one model on sale in the UK, the TF. The company revealed that 129 TFs were sold last year.

Thanks to: Autocar

Ferrari 612 widebody by Imola Racing

It takes a special kind of confidence to modify a new Ferrari. After all, who wants to mess with what many people regard as perfection. However, Imola Racing, a member of the DIMEX Group of Wiesbaden, Germany, specializes in doing exactly that. We've got some photos (but unfortunately, not many details) of the latest tuned Ferrari to roll out of Imola Racing's garages in Germany. This widebody 612 Scaglietti sports a full body kit, monster wheels and a unique paint job.

The body kit includes a new front spoiler and rear diffuser, as well as widened fenders and a tiny rear spoiler. The two-tone paint uses a contrasting color in the body scallops and is reminiscent of a classic Corvette. The lighter gray is also used on the roof panel. Blackout wheels with ultra-low profile tires complete the tuned look. The Imola Racing 612 Scaglietti also includes an upgraded interior, though we don't know if the powertrain or suspension have been modified at all. Imola's mechanical upgrades have generally been exhaust- and suspension-based, so it's a good guess that this 612 Scaglietti has benefitted from some of the shop's expertise in that regard.

Nissan GT-R COBRA N+ Tuning Concept

One of Germany's foremost Nissan tuners COBRA N+ has been working on one of their most prized projects, the Nissan GT-R. It's a well known fact that the GT-R's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 develops a potent dose of 485hp / 357kW in standard form, pushed along by a 4WD system.

COBRA N+ believes power can only be substituted with more power, and therefore during the first tuning stage the brand expects to yield a more meaningful 550 hp / 410kW. Torque will go up to a maximum of 680Nm. At these levels the car will sprint from 0 - 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, with a top velocity of 320km/h. The second stage at some point will see the GT-R producing 620hp / 462kW and peak torque of about 800Nm. Then they will call it RACE PERFORMANCE.

COBRA N+ reckons it will achieve these first stage performance numbers through reprogramming of the electronics, boost pressure of 0.15 bar and modified air intakes fitted with sport air filters.

Other performance enhancing features are 21-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, 8-piston brake calipers, front end lift reduction mechanisms through an aerodynamic part and an integrated diffuser.

Inside the car is layered with carbon fiber bits and pieces, leather/ Alcantara materials and a roll cage. COBRA N+ will offer their modified GT-R as soon as the European market launch happens in 2009.

Porsche 9ff GTT 900 based on Carrera GT

9ff is a specialist Porsche tuner, so if anyone knows how to work a Porsche engine it is these guys. The Porsche Carrera GT is one of the most accomplished, if severely undermarketed road cars built in the past few years. That 5.7-litre V10 produces 612hp/ 456kW and 590Nm of torque, both of which can whirl the car from standstill to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds topping off at a limited 334km/h (207mph).

The tuner 9ff thought this might not be enough. Luckily they had got themselves one of the 1,270 units of the Carrera GT sold and modified it to 900hp/ 671kW. A carbon fibre rear wing was fitted, an electronic suspension system that lowers the car, 19-inch magnesium wheels and a ceramic dual-disk clutch were all added.

Performance improvements are evident in that the car's 0 - 100km/h spring time now sits at 3.2 seconds with top speed upped to 390 km/h (242 mph).

You can get this car from 9ff for 452,000 Euros or 635,000 USD.

Nissan GT-R 600hp Godzilla Package by Hennessey

Hennessey Performance Engineering has just made us even bigger fans of the Nissan GT-R. The Texas-based tuner released a 600 hp (441 kW) upgrade to the car just in time for the holidays.

Called the Godzilla 600, the tuning package also provides up to 570 ft-lb (773 Nm) of torque.

This is not the first GT-R specific upgrade from the company. They have a tweek to the on-board computer software that adds 65 hp (48 kW) and 75 lb-ft (102 Nm) of torque after only 10 minutes.

The Godzilla 600 is not as simple. This package includes an upgrade to the air induction system, electronic boost control, an improved wastegate actuator, and front-mount intercooler system. Also included are turbo down pipes, mid-pipe exhaust, and rear section exhaust all in stainless steel.

Hennessey will install the package for $14,500, or ship the items to you for $11,500.

We wonder how soon you will notice the difference as you try to outrun Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol as you race down I-10 away from HPE headquarters.