The new Porsche 911 GT3 made its debut last year at the Geneva Motor Show and it is now on sale at a price of $112,200. beside a few exterior changes, the 911 GT3 comes for the first time, with a particularly sporting variant of PSM Porsche Stability Management, offering the option to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps.
The 911 GT3 is powered by a 3.8-liter six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine that develops maximum output of 435 bhp, up 20 bhp over its predecessor. It offers even better grip and stability also at high speeds, specific modifications of the car’s aerodynamics increasing down-forces both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down the car is more than twice as great as on the former model. At the same time the new Aerodynamics Package gives the GT3 a brand-new look further accentuated by the new bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters, as well as modified air intakes and outlets.
The GT3 holds an interesting place in the lineup because it is the fastest naturally-aspired car Porsche makes (aside from the track-only GT3 RSR), and some drivers prefer the GT3 over turbo models. This GT3 makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in four seconds and has a top speed of 194 mph. This represents only 0.3 of a second slower to 60 mph and is one mile per hour faster than the current 911 Turbo. Some of Porsche’s professional drivers have felt that the marginal power loss was worth the predictability that was gained by having a non-turbo engine.
UPDATE 12/28/2010: Want to catch over 16 minutes of awesome rally car action? Check out the video after the jump to see Pro rally team Olaf Dobberkau and Alexandra König drift, slip, and slide through the track while enjoying the glorious sounds of the 911 GT3’s beautiful engine and exhaust. Enjoy!
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The German automaker Volkswagen has just unveiled official details about the all new Golf R - "the strongest Golf produced". The new turbocharged Golf R will replace the Golf R32 and be placed above the Golf GTI in Volkswagen’s lineup.
The exterior the new Golf R features a set of Talladega wheels and upgraded brakes as well as a more aggressive front bumper complete with large air intakes, standard LED strips, a new designed R logo, Bi-Xenon headlights and the rest of the exterior benefits from color matched side skirt extensions and mirror housings painted in a high gloss black paint. On the inside, the Golf R is distinguished by fine leather contrasting with piano black and chrome surfaces, the new “Top Sport seat system”, R gearshift knob, specific floor mats and aluminum kick plates featuring the new R logo along with a set of stainless steel sport pedals as well as an R specific instrument cluster.
Under the hood, Volkswagen placed a 2.0 Liter turbocharged four cylinder engine that delivers 270 HP at 6,000 RPM and sends the new Golf R from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.7 seconds thanks in part to the car’s all wheel drive system. This is almost a full second faster than the old R32’s 6.5 second 60 MPH sprint time, while Golf R’s top speed is still electronically limited to 155 MPH.
Updated 01/25/10: Volkswagen revealed a new image gallery for the new Golf R. Check it out!
Updated 12/09/2010: Volkswagen has officially confirmed today that the Golf R will be available on the US market starting 2012. It will be offered in both two and four door version and will feature upgraded sport tuned suspension, 18" alloy wheels, different R elements and the most important part: manual transmission only. The US version will make its world debut in January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show.
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Chevrolet will bring the production version of the 2011 Cruze at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week. The new compact sedan will be offered in three different trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ and will go on sale in the third quarter of 2010.
The Cruze’s exterior is characterized by a a two-tier grille with Chevy logo, prominent headlamps, a sculpted hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sports coupes. On the interior Chevrolet opted for a Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit matched with high-quality materials.
The new sedan will be offered with a Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine standard on the LT and LTZ models and an Ecotec 1.8L four-cylinder one for the LS models. Both engines can be coupled to a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Updated 06/03/2010: Chevrolet today announced prices for the 2011 Cruze that will go on sale in September. The new mid-size sedan will be offered in four trim levels: Cruze LS starting at $16,995, Cruze LT starting at $18,895, Cruze Eco starting at $18,895 and Cruze LTZ starting at $22,695. Depending on the trim level, standard equipment list includes: cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and remote vehicle start.
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The luxury arm of General Motors, Cadillac has added a sportier new model to their CTS lineup of midsize vehicles. Cadillac showed off the CTS Coupe Concept back in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show and following much of the same lines, the new model is set to go on sale in the spring of 2010, with a more powerful V-Series version later on in the year.
The Cadillac CTS Coupe is powered by a direct injected 3.6 Liter V6 gas burning engine and is mated to a six speed manual transmission standard with a Driver Shift Control automatic as an option. The combination is good for a total of 304 HP sent either directly to the rear wheel or routed through an all wheel drive system. Depending on how you want your CTS Coupe Cadillac is offering first the Performance Package that comes complete with a set of 18 inch wheels wrapped in all season tires and is available for both the RWD and AWD versions as well as the all out Summer Tire Performance Package that upgrades your rollers to a set of 19 inch units as well as stickier rubber for a higher level of road holding. No matter which you choose, you are sure to have BMW 3 Series drivers gawking at you wherever you go.
Updated 05/20/2010: Cadillac today announced prices for the all-new 2011 CTS Coupe that will go on sale in early August. The CTS Coupe will be offered in a range of four packages:
Standard ($38,990 RWD, $40,890 AWD): Six-speed automatic with tap up/down shifting, 18-inch wheels, performance suspension, rear park assist, Bose audio, MP3 input, EZ Key, remote start, power driver and front passenger seats.
Performance Collection ($43,430 RWD, $45,330 AWD): HID Xenon headlamps, adaptive forward lighting, 10-way power leather seats, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound, USB integration, 40GB hard drive.
Premium Collection ($47,835 RWD, $49,735 AWD): Interior ambient lighting, rear-view camera, heated/vented front seats, heated steering wheel, wood trim, Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with navigation, sunroof.
V-Series ($62,990): 6.2L Supercharged V8, paddle shift controls, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, 19-inch wheels with performance tires.
UPDATE 07/06/2010: GM announced that their new flagship coupe is already being produced at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant and, on top of that, they’ve bumped the vehicle’s expected shipping schedule sooner than the expected August dealership date.
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The look is unmistakably Jeep, but everything else on the 2011 Grand Cherokee is a departure from the old. Outside Jeep ditched the body cladding look of the previous three generations, and has gone for a more unified appearance. It’s a combination of smooth and sharp lines that’s further accented by the reduction of the grille and headlight area. It looks almost like how Toyota would design a Jeep.
Jeep wants to up play the premium SUV elements of the new Grand Cherokee. For starters, Jeep is being very vocal about the new Grand Cherokee sharing a platform with the Mercedes M-Class. Inside the layout has not changed greatly, but the materials quality has been given a big upgrade.
The engine choices have now gone from five to two. The bread ’n butter engine will be the new flex-fuel flexible 3.6-liter V-6 engine that delivers 280 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm. Second one is a reworked version of the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. It now delivers 360 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (up 3 hp and 1 lb.-ft.).
Updated 05/12/2010: Jeep today announced prices for the 2011 Grand Cherokee that will be available in showrooms in June. The SUV will be offered in three trim levels: Laredo priced at $32,995, Limited priced at $39,995 and Overland that is priced at $42,995. The SUV will be offered with: standard Active Head Restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, and Trailer-sway Control. A Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning.
UPDATE 05/19/2010</i>: Chrysler is getting an early jump on the upcoming market launch of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee next month by releasing a new video of the luxury SUV. Click on the picture above to check it out!
UPDATE 06/11/2010: Check out the first commercial for the all new 2011 Jeep Cherokee after the jump.
UPDATE 06/21/2010: Jeep has unleashed an online configurator for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Check it out to personalize your ride before heading down to the dealer.
UPDATE 06/28/2010: Recently, Jeep’s Bob Hegbloom took some time to talk with Pentastar Video to discuss the painstaking process behind the creation of the Grand Cherokee. Among the finer points of the interview include Hegbloom laying the groundwork for how Jeep can maintain its brand image as a rugged SUV that puts a premium on customer satisfaction.
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The new Saab 9-5 Sedan marks an all-new era for Saab. It is not only the first model revealed after the Swedish brand went under Koenigsegg’s ownership, but it also comes with a new design, inspired by both Aero X and Saab heritage. The all-new Saab 9-5 Sedan will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to start later in model year 2010.
For the new 9-5 sedan, the front is inspired by the Aero-X Concept of a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
The car comes with a variety of engine options with the base model having a 1.6-lite engine that can produce up to 180 hp. On the other end of the spectrum, is a 9-5 that comes with a 2.8-liter turbo V6 engine that puts out approximately 300 hp. While engines may differ depending on which version of the car you get, all 9-5 sedans do come with the same six-speed tranny in either stick-shift or semi-automatic.
The interior comes with all the neat trinkets – including a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system that can be configured and controlled through the touch screen display - that befit a car of this stature.
Updated 04/21/2010: Saab today announced the US prices for the new 9-5 sedan set to arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms in July. The 2.8-liter V6 turbo version is priced at $49,990, while for the 2.0-liter turbo variant customers will have to pay less than $40,000 (this version will be added at a later date). The new 9-5 will be offered with: leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, power front seats with memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a cooled glove box, front and rear interior reading lamps, and 12V outlets in the front console and trunk.
UPDATE 06/03/2010: Check out the new commercial released by Saab for the 2010 9-5 by clicking on the picture above.
UPDATE 06/10/2010: Here’s the next commercial in a series of commercials made to show customers the capabilities and active features of the brand’s new flagship sedan. Check out the next commercial after the jump.
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The North American version of the Mazda2 compact car made its debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The model will be launched into North American market in late summer, 2010 and will have a very serious competitor in the new 2011 Ford Fiesta.
The new Mazda2 is characterized by a combination of dynamic performance, sportiness and simplicity. The car’s exterior is characterized by a sporty wedge shape that conveys a strong sense of forward motion; a deeply sculpted form in which the body is drawn inward fore and aft of the A-pillars; and distinctive character lines that extend from the front fender arches to the body shoulders.
There is one thing Mazda did not reveal about their new model: the engine line-up. But they did announced the Mazda2 will feature an improved steering and braking systems and a highly regarded suspension system, which has MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam axle at the rear.
Updated 03/31/2010: Mazda announced today at the NY Auto Show prices for the new Mazda2 that will go on sale in June. Mazda2 will be offered in two trim levels – the entry level Sport and top grade Touring, and prices will start at $13,980 and $15,435 respectively (or $16,235 for a Touring version with four-speed automatic transmission).
UPDATE 08/23/2010: Mazda’s lightweight, entry level hatchback will be getting an upgrade for 2011 with the same focus on low fuel consumption and reduced emissions as other models in the lineup. This focus is thanks to the Euro 5 standards for cars that have many automakers changing things up to progressively move forward. The Mazda2 will be unveiled at this year’s Paris Auto Show and will come with a bit of a facelift.
The facelift Mazda2 will get new front styling featuring Mazda’s unique family face, a new interior, upgraded Euro V compliant powertrain line-up, and an upgraded chassis for even better ride comfort. An automatic transmission will also be offered for the very first time.
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The Porsche Boxster lineup saw the addition of a new member last December at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Boxster Spyder will tip the scales at 2,811 pounds becoming the lightest model in the entire Porsche range with sales beginning in February 2010, starting at $61,200. The Porsche Boxster Spyder is inspired by the legendary 550 Spyder, the first sports car from Stuttgart developed specifically with racing in mind that was also homologated for road use. The new sports car features a lightweight soft top, has a lower center of gravity for enhanced as well as an all new sport tuned suspension.
Mounted in the midship position, Porsche has placed a 3.4 Liter direct injected flat six ahead of the rear axle that delivers a total of 320 HP, 10 HP more than the current top of the line model in the Boxster lineup, the Boxster S, while still getting as much as 30.4 MPG. Like all the other current Porsche models, the Boxster Spyder comes equipped with a seven speed PDK gearbox and a Sports Chrono Package. This allows the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 166 MPH.
Updated 01/29/10: Porsche revealed the official promotional video for the Boxster Spyder that will go on sale next week. Enjoy it!
Updated 03/24/2010: Porsche USA announced prices for the new Boxster Spyder: $62,150 including destination charge. Option list includes: Bi-Xenon lighting system with dynamic cornering lights for $1,560; 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) $3,420, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) $8,150; Sport Exhaust System $2,500 and PCM 3.0 including Extended Navigation $3,110.
UPDATE 08/08/2011: Check out our review of the Porsche Boxster Spyder by clicking here!
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The Japanese luxury automaker Lexus will reveal their replacement for the GX470 luxury SUV at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show with a model called the GX460. The new full size SUV is based on the European model of Toyota’s Land Cruiser and will go on sale sometime in early 2010.
The main difference between the Land Cruiser and the GX460 is the front end appearance of the Lexus with its new grille, redesigned headlamps, new bumpers and chrome trim on the side windows and lower door moldings. Not to mention the Lexus’ luxurious interior.
Under the hood of the all new GX460, Toyota’s the current 4.7 Liter V8 is being replaced by a more efficient 4.6 Liter unit that delivers a maximum output of 310 HP and 327 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a new fuel saving six speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. One thing is certain with the all new Lexus GX460, not only will it be able to transport an entire soccer team and all their gear, but it will do it with unparalleled refinement.
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The highly anticipated Audi R8 Spider has made its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The drop top R8 will only be available with the 5.2 Liter FSI V10 (with a V8 version announced as a possibility in the future) connected to Audi’s patented quattro all wheel drive system. Sales in Europe will begin in the first quarter of 2010 and retail starting at $227,000. Details for the U.S. market version will be announced at a later date.
The 5.2 Liter FSI V10 in the R8 Spider delivers a maximum output of 525 HP at 8,000 RPM and has a rather high compression ratio of 12.5:1 in order to get the most out of the high revving naturally aspirated power plant. With a weight of only 3,792 pounds, the R8 Spider is able to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in under 4.1 seconds; go from 0 to 125 MPH in a little over 12.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 194.49 MPH, all while consuming 15.79 MPG in the manual transmission version, or 16.92 MPG in the R-tronic variant.
The all new Audi R8 Spider is being offered with a cloth top that weighs only 66.14 pounds; chosen as a solution by Audi to keep the rag top’s total weight and center of gravity lower in the vehicle. The electro hydraulic soft top opens and closes in 19 seconds, and operates even while driving at speeds of up to 31.07 MPH.
Audi will offer the unit in three different colors, while the car will be available with eleven different paint options, with metallic and pearl effect finishes standard. Like all of Audi’s luxurious convertibles, the reinforced windshield frame is covered with anodized aluminum.
UPDATE 03/29/2011: Audi has unveiled a new commercial promoting their Audi R8 V10 Spyder. Enjoy!
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