With just one day before its official debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Ford Mustang has been fully unveiled. It will be offered in four different packages: V6, GT, Boss 302, and Shelby GT500. All models will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan with sales beginning in Spring 2012.
Changes for the 2013 MY include a more aggressive design with a more prominent grille, a new hood, and new LED signature lighting. There is also an optional GT Track Package that brings an engine cooler, an upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads, and the same Torsen differential found on the Mustang Boss 302.
Power for the 2013 Mustang will comes from a 5.0-liter V6 that delivers a total of 420 HP - a 8 HP increase over the previous 412 HP.
"The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes the refinement to the next level," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience."
UPDATE 02/06/2012: The new year comes with some bad news for those planning to buy a Mustang GT. Ford has announced prices for their 2013 Mustang line-up and most of the models come with a price increase. For example, the GT coupe and GT Convertible have both received a $1,100 increase over last year’s prices, with the Coupe coming in at $31,095 and the Convertible at $36,095. Premium versions of the Coupe and Convertible are priced at $35,095 and $40,095, respectively, which is an increase of $200 and $1,200. (MustangDaily)
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Mustang GT.
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Jaguar made a sensational decision in producing the XKR-S Coupe and they have decided it’s time to expand the impressive line-up with the addition of a new Convertible model. The new XKR-S Convertible made its world debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and is the most powerful and fastest open-topped GT Jaguar has ever built.
The convertible uses the same 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 engine as the coupe version. It delivers a total of 543 HP and a peak torque of 502 lbs-ft; enough power to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way up to a top speed of 186 mph.
Just like the coupe version, the XKR-S Convertible received an impressive aerodynamic package that helps maintain stability in an open-topped car capable of speeds as high as 186mph. More than that, all the exterior changes make the XKR-S look more aggressive and sportier than ever.
Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director says, "There is nothing as liberating as life behind the wheel of an open-topped Jaguar and the new XKR-S Convertible takes the Jaguar GT experience to new heights."
UPDATE 02/02/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a new video showing the XKR-S Convertible as it plays in the snow somewhere in Finland. Enjoy!
More details on the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S after the jump.
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The highlight of the 2011 Chicago Auto Show was the beautifully seductive Camaro ZL1 Coupe, and the ZL1 Convertible is getting ready to follow in its footsteps. Chevrolet will be unveiling the brand’s most-powerful convertible ever in November at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales will begin in late 2012.
"The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas."
As with the coupe model, the ZL1 Convertible is powered by a
6.2 liter "LSA" engine that delivers a total of 580 HP and 556 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be combined with chassis technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance on the road or track. The ZL1 Convertible will also be offered with the third-generation Magnetic Ride and Performance Traction Management.
UPDATE 01/17/12: Just like its coupe counterpart, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible has fresh new photos straight out of the Chevrolet oven. You can browse through all of them in the gallery below!
Hit the jump to read more about the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ZL1.
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Back in 2009, Lamborghini unveiled the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni - a 550 HP special edition limited to only 250 units. This model was only offered in a coupe version, but at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Lamborghini has brought out a Spyder version to offer a "stunning level of open-air driving fun that can come only from a super sports car with a folding roof and an unbelievably agile and spontaneous handling." The new roadster model has dropped the "Valentino Balboni" name and is simply called the "Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder."
"With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open-air driving," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive."
Just like the coupe model, the Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder uses a 5.2-liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 542 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. With a total weight of 3,351 lbs, the roadster will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way up to a top speed of 198 mph.
UPDATE 01/16/2012: Lamborghini has announced that the new Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder will go on sale this March at a starting price of $209,000, excluding the $2,995 delivery and gas-guzzler charge.
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Following the 500 (Cinquecento) and the 500 Cabrio, Fiat has also brought the 500 Abarth - otherwise known as the most powerful 500 currently available - to the American market. The American 500 Abarth made its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It brings world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, and high power-to-weight ratio. The model will be offered in a limited edition.
The new Fiat 500 Abarth still maintains all of the elements from its European version, designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving-purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic. It is powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that delivers a total of 135 HP and a peak torque of 152 lb-ft of torque. The list of standard equipment includes an Abarth-tuned suspension and brake system, a race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car.
"Bringing the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to the U.S. enables us to reach out to driving enthusiasts who want Italian performance at an attainable price," said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand and Chief Marketing Officer — Chrysler Group LLC. "With its lightweight, track-tuned handling and purpose-built design, the Fiat 500 Abarth brings to life the legendary racing heritage of the brand and becomes the Italian high-performance car for everyday driving."
UPDATE 12/06/2011: Before its official market launch, the new 500 Abarth made its first stop at Jay Leno’s Garage. Find out what he thinks about the car by watching the video after the jump!
UPDATE 01/12/2012: Chrysler has announced prices for the American version of the Fiat 500 Abarth. The model will go on sale at a starting price of $22,000 (not including destination). Full story
