Luxury cars are expensive and come in all shapes: sedan, coupe or convertible. They offer all the comfort, luxury and performance but you will have to pay premium price. German cars like BMW or Mercedes are the first brand that come to our mind but nowadays nearly all car makers offer nice and comfortable models that enter in the luxury car category.
Audi currently offers a Q3, a Q5, and a Q7 SUV in their line-up, with a Q6 in the pipeline to serve as a competitor for the BMW X6. Now new rumors suggest that the company is already working on a new baby SUV that will be sportier than the five-door Q3.
The future Audi Q2 will be built on the MQB Group architecture and will be closer in design to the A1. Rumors say that the new Q2 will introduce advanced LED headlight technology never before seen in small cars and that Audi will offer customers the chance to personalize the Q2 in any way they see fit.
The Q2 will be a two-door SUV featuring a front-wheel drive system as standard, but quattro four-wheel drive will be offered for the most powerful versions. Under the hood, we will see the same engines as in the A1 including a 1.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo and an efficient 1.6-liter diesel engine.
A concept version of the Audi Q2 should debut in about a year’s time, with a production version set to arrive in 2014.
On the back of an extremely ambitious plan for the future, Porsche recently recorded revenue and sales for the first quarter of 2012 on the back of the extremely successful 991 911 sales which were dramatically up on its predecessor, the 997.
For starters, Porsche increased worldwide sales by 29% up to 30,231 vehicles over the same period as last year, thus boosting revenue by 32.4% to just over 3 billion euro. Additionally, and arguably most importantly, the German company took on an additional 725 employees across the globe in the first quarter of the year with 16,032 employees now working for the company on the 31st of March.
Lutz Meschke, the Chief Financial Officer for Porsche said, “We are extremely satisfied with the first quarter 2012 results. We will keep this momentum going – exactly in line with our growth strategy. We can fund both the significant increase in investment and the development expenditure for expanding our model range out of our strong cash flow. And both of those things with a return on sales of 17.5 per cent, which is significantly in excess of our strategic target value of a minimum of 15 per cent.”
Although the Porsche 911 cannot be solely blamed for this influx of sales, it did play a major role with sales of the 911 alone increasing by 37.6 per cent over its predecessor, so it’s clear that the controversial electric-power steering isn’t putting prospecting buyers off. What’s more, Porsche also confirmed that it would be adding a further nine models or variants to its line-up this year with the majority expected to be derivatives of the 911.
The CEO of Porsche, Matthias Muller concluded by saying “Behind these extremely gratifying figures is a clearly defined line: we focus systematically on solid, sustainable and high-quality growth. The youngest and most efficient model range of all time gives us an outstanding platform on which to sustain this course throughout 2012.”
After the XF, it was just a matter of time until we’ll have seen all the models in Jaguar’s line-up receiving the same treatment. And the first to get it was the luxury sedan XJ. While the old generation XJ is an old and unattractive car, the new one features a young, attractive and aggressive design. For the US market the luxury XJ is offered in six different versions with prices starting at $72,500.
The newest generation XJ - ranging from the 2010 to 2012 models - are the first Jaguar models built on Jaguar’s aerospace-inspired aluminum body technology. The US customers will only get the 5.0-liter V8 engine, in both naturally aspirated and supercharged version. Output will range from 385 hp to 510 hp. The European customers however will also get a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine.
Jaguar will also offer both standard and long-wheelbase versions for the XJ, with the latter adding an extra 125mm of legroom. Also all the latest Jaguar technologies will make their way into the new model: air suspension, Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control and quick-ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from a Jaguar.
UPDATE 05/07/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a new video for their flagship XJ. Called simply "Innovations," the video displays new details on the car’s intuitive technology and innovative thinking. Enjoy!
Find out more about the 2010-2012 Jaguar XJ after the jump
Believe it or not, Bugatti actually had a rather long and roller-coaster-like lifespan before the Veyron was ever a glimmer in Volkswagen AG’s eyes. In fact, Bugatti outdates its ownership group by roughly 28 years, as VW was founded in 1937 and Bugatti in 1909. Unlike VW, though, Bugatti never fully recovered from WWII, and fizzled away into automotive has-been in the 1950s, despite a few ailed comebacks in the late-`50s and early `60s.
When Romano Artioli bought the rights to the Bugatti name, his first release under the newly acquired name was the extremely advanced 1991 Bugatti EB110 GT. Unfortunately, the EB110 GT, despite its advancements, never really took off, which was mostly attributed to the global recession at the time taking its toll on the automotive industry.
The EB110 GT lasted through the 1995 model year, but only a total of 84 of them were ever built within those five model years. In addition to the 84 completed models, there were 11 incomplete models that were purchased by B Engineering during Bugatti’s bankruptcy proceedings, which later became the basis for the Edonis sports car.
As you can see, the EB110 GT had a storied and tragically short life that was chock-full of unrealized potential, due to economic woes. Well, RM Auctions is giving you a chance to own a piece of Bugatti history by offering up a 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT in Monaco from May 11th to 12th, 2012.
How does this one technical marvel stand up to today’s supercars and is it really worth picking up with all of the supercars available?
Click past the jump for the answers in our complete review.
The most awaited BMW of the time its finally out! As a response to models like the Mercedes CLS-Class and the Porsche Panamera, BMW has launched the 6-Series Gran Coupe - a production version of the Gran Coupe concept unveiled at the beginning of 2010. On the US market, the new 6-Series Gran Coupe will be offered in a 640i version first, but a 650i and a 650i xDrive version will join the line-up later in the summer of 2012.
The new Gran Coupe will be immediately recognized as a 6-Series, but adding a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design, and luxurious touring comfort. However, compared to a standard 6-Series coupe, the new Gran Coupe version was built on a wheelbase that is 4.5 inches longer and its distinctive profile is dominated by its four-door, elegantly stretched roof line.
The 640i - the first to be offered on the US market - is powered by a TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lbs-ft delivered between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.
UPDATE 12/12/2011: After making its official debut during the week-end, BMW is now offering an online configurator for the new 6-Series Gran Coupe. This will give you the chance to play a bit with the car’s exterior colors, list of wheels, interior colors, but also to add the options from the M-Sport package. Enjoy!
UPDATE 05/07/2012: Here are 100 new high res images for the 6-Series Grand Coupe, plus a new video showing the car in action. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe.
After being rumored for quite some time, the new Cadillac ATS compact sedan has officially been unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The car was built to challenge some of the world’s best premium cars like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class. It will go on sale in Summer 2012.
The new 2013 Cadillac ATS will be distinguished by its active shutter grille, LED-infused headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome trim, vertical taillights, and integrated trunk spoiler. It is also the first Cadillac model to carry the CUE infotainment system - an eight-inch LCD multi-touch sensitive screen that is integrated into the top of the center instrument panel.
Customers will have the possibility to choose between three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 200 HP, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 270 HP, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 318 HP. All three engines can be combined with either a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission, as well as an optional all-wheel drive system.
"Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment," said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. "For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment’s status quo."
UPDATE 05/07/2012: Cadillac has announced that the 2013 ATS will go on sale at a base price of $33,990, including destination charges. The 2.0L turbocharged version will cost $35,795, while the V6 version comes with a price of $42,090.
UPDATE 05/11/2012: Cadillac has unveiled a new image gallery and we have to admit the ATS looks great in black! Check the picture gallery to see all the new pictures!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Cadillac ATS.
It goes without saying that Porsche has extremely ambitious plans for the future. Not only does Porsche want to almost double annual sales to over 200,000 in the next 6 years, it also plans to rapidly expand its current line-up with the addition of the 918 Spyder, junior-Cayenne or Cajun, a new sports car to compete with the Ferrari 458 Italia, and possibly a baby-Boxster and baby-Panamera. And if Automobile Magazine is to be believed, the expansion won’t stop there.
According to rumors ignited by Automobile Magazine, Porsche is currently working on a brand new four-door coupe to rival the Ferrari FF, currently codenamed the “FeFi,” or ‘Ferrari Fighter’. If these reports hold water, the possible Porsche 960 would be mid-engined and feature a fuel-efficient yet extremely powerful twin-turbo flat-six motor delivering upwards of 650HP if Porsche really wants to rival the 670HP Ferrari FF.
Very little else is known about this car, except for the remarkable fact that it could be built around the new universal MSB platform being developed by the Volkswagen group which would also underpin any possible VW BlueSport spin-offs, the Lamborghini Aventador’s successor, and possibly even the next-generation Porsche Cayman.
One curious thing to note about the Porsche 960 is that it’s being strictly called a coupe and a mid-engined sports car, so how Porsche plans to fit a flat-six engine in the middle of the car while keeping coupe proportions and adding two additional seats is anyone’s guess, but it’s definitely an intriguing concept.
If this car does in fact make it to production, don’t expect to see it in showrooms until late 2015.
This isn’t Kahn’s first go-around with the Vesuvius package - earlier this year, they announced the 2012 Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition - but this new rendition is just as striking. The tuning firm has applied the same Vesuvius package to the scintillating Evoque, which means the luxury SUV has been painted in a very cool Vesuvius orange to give that striking appearance that screams for attention.
Next to this amazing color, the Evoque has also received a full conversion kit for both the exterior and interior. For the exterior, the new Evoque Vesuvius Edition features a new front bumper, rear diffuser and side vents, all in matte pearl gray. These subtle features are highlighted by Vesuvius Orange brake calipers. The car sits on a new set of 21" unique RSXF wheels combined with a lowering sports suspension system.
For the interior, Kahn covered the door panel tops in quilted and perforated leather with orange stitching interior, while a combination of black quilted and perforated leather with alcantara inserts and Vesuvius orange leather was used for the entire car.
If you are interested, you can have the car for a total of £48,875, or about $79,000 at the current exchange rates.
Many years ago, you may recall hopping in grandpap’s Eldorado, Fleetwood, or Deville and taking a nice cushiony ride on the highway. When the Northstar engine came about in the mid-1990s we all started to see Cadillacs actually putting out some respectable performance numbers to go along with their couch-like ride. The lid started coming off of the Cadillac performance sedans in 2003, when the automaker released the CTS. In 2004, when the 400-horsepower CTS-V came out, all hell broke loose.
By the 2012 model year, the CTS-V had morphed into a 556-horsepower, supercharged sub-supercar. For some people, however, 556 horsepower just isn’t quite enough. This is where the Cadillac tuners at D3 come into play, literally. They took two CTS-Vs and converted them into 1,500-horsepower supercars that are primed to bring havoc upon any road they are on.
So what does D3 do? They hand the keys to INDY Car driver J.R. Hildebrand and Formula D driver Tyler McQuarrie, of course! These two racers took these 1,500 horsepower luxury cars down to the Long Beach street circuit and stretched out these Caddy’s legs a little.
By stretching their legs we mean smoldering the tires to oblivion and getting it on video (above). The tire smoldering and supercharger whining is aplenty in these videos, but there is one thing that is slightly more impressive. An amateur video was also released that showed the cameramen filming these two Caddys and watching these dudes put their bodies at risk just to get a good shot. That takes a rather big brass set, if you ask us; an even bigger set than playing with a few CTS-Vs on ‘roids.
Click past the jump to see the amateur video of the cameramen.
Brought onto the market in the mid of 2011, the Range Rover Evoque shortly became one of the most successful models offered by Land Rover. So, as no surprise, the company will try to diversify the list of versions offered and after the previously rumored Grand Evoque and Evoque Cabrio, new details suggest that the company will also be offering a Sport version for the SUV.
In an interview with the British magazine AutoExpress, design director Gerry McGovern has suggested that such a model is being considered. Could this be a reaction to the recently announced Audi RS Q3 concept? We are not sure, but we really like the idea of seeing a sporty Evoque out there.
As for the engines to be used in the new models, rumors are talking about an updated version of the current 240bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, tuned to deliver more than 300 HP. But a 2.2-litre SD4 engine will also be offered for the diesel fans out there, also with an output increased from the current 190 HP to at least 210 HP.
However, do not get to excited, the Range Rover Evoque Sport will make its debut late in 2013.
