It seems that somewhere in Aston Martin‘s corporate structure a failure to communicate has happened, as the company revealed, at the reveal of the Cygnet, that it will be offered to its existing customers as a new way to get around town, and to get them to spend quite a lot of money on basically a revamped Toyota iQ.
But this new promotional video for the Aston Martin Cygnet doesn’t really appeal to those existing Aston owners, as it shows a couple of free runners (parkour) doing some crazy things to reach the Cygnet first. Do I even have to tell you that they pass other existing Aston models without noticing them?!
Hit the jump to see this baffling video.
Read More: “Video: Aston Martin promotes Cygnet city car with free runners?!”
A few years ago, in case you wanted a coupe from Mercedes-Benz, the default solution was the CLK, which combined the C Class with an E Class price (not the best combo). Now, the new E has its own coupe variant, larger than the CLK, which has been phased out of production.
This leaves an interesting niche which, according to some reports, Mercedes is preparing to occupy with a rival to the successful BMW 1 Series coupe. The new model will be based on the C Class, and will sport a variety of engines, including some direct injected V6 units, a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter one, and even a twin-turbo power plant, which will take on the current top of the range BMW 135i. Bear in mind that it might also take on the bigger 3 Series, but MB is speculated to target the 1 specifically.
Also, according to the same rumors, an AMG version is also a possibility if the bet pays off, and we might see the speculated twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, which might rival the possible 1 Series M-car, which is also highly debated.
Frankly, I’m not that confident that Mercedes-Benz might pull off a C Class Coupe which will battle the BMW 1 Series. What do you think? Share your thoughts below.
Read More: “Future 2011 Mercedes-Benz C Class Coupe to rival BMW 1 Series?”
While all of the current “new age” muscle cars try to evoke the appearance of the iconic models, none of them achieve it quite like the Dodge Challenger, which keeps a wide stance, huge size and aggressive design, just like its granddaddy.
But in order to make the muscle car look even more the part, the guys at Mopar have just revealed the special accessories from their 2010 Performance Appearance Package. Bear in mind, these things won’t make it go any faster, but will certainly make the Challenger look like it can.
The exterior kit includes a body color hood scoop, but no word on its functionality, and a body color Go-Wing rear spoiler complete with strobe stripe. The interior package will include a special T-shaped shifter, a “bright” (chrome-finished presumably) pedal kit, just for the automatic version, new door sill guards, premium carpets and a car cover.
The exterior package will cost $1,995 while the interior one will be $945 for the automatic and $780 for the manual one.
Read More: “Make your Dodge Challenger look faster with the Mopar Performance Appearance Package”
You would think that with such a large and heavy car like the BMW X5 M, with its wide stance and all-wheel drive system, would have no trouble on a snowy road.
But not for this driver at least, which managed to flip the steroid-enhanced Bavarian behemoth on a road to a mountain resort in Europe. It seems that due to black ice, he hit a guard rail which apparently turned the big old SUV on its back.
Other details are scarce, but it’s not everyday that you see such a thing. Luckily the car protected its inhabitants, which came out with just a scare.
Read More: “BMW X5 M flips due to snow in mountain resort”
Volvo is definitely in the process of redefining itself and its design line, and judging from the new models which were already launched, things are going great. The new S60 will continue this trend through a very attractive design which will appeal to many people.
Sadly, until the Geneva Motor Show in March, fans of the Swedish carmaker need to wait. To make it more bearable, the company has just released a short video of the new S60, which is set to feature cutting edge safety technology.
Hit the jump to see the video!
Read More: “Video: First footage of new Volvo S60 appears”
Before the new year, Cadillac released a teaser image, alongside the confirmation that it will unveiled the CTS-V coupe edition at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Speculations ran rampant, with everything from a new ATS to other such rumors.
But thanks to Chris Preuss from General Motors, the newest concept showcased by Cadillac will be the XTS, which is set to replace the aging DTS in a short amount of time. According to him, other brands form under GM will be showcasing some new vehicles, including a performance-oriented Buick Regal, which will borrow quite a few features from the Opel Insignia OPC, and even a Chevrolet Aveo RS, which promises to bring performance to the B segment.
Overall, with the promise of even some test drives at the convention, the Detroit Auto Show is looking quite attractive.
Read More: “Cadillac confirms mystery Detroit concept to be the new XTS”
In order to satisfy many of its customers who want to flaunt their BMW‘s performance figures to friends, the Bavarian company has just launched the M Power Meter app for the iPhone.
It basically uses the built-in accelerometer of the iPhone which can accurately measure the movement of the device. It then translates it to things like a 0 to 50 km/h time (which can be taken up to 200 km/h if you like), and even show you how much forward or lateral G is your body subjected while in your own BMW, M badged or otherwise. Those of you who want to try out this free application can check this iTunes link.
There are plenty of other such apps on the iTunes App store, but you can’t really beat the price of free. In case you have an iPhone and a car to test it out with (safely, mind you), be sure to come back and share your thoughts.
Read More: “BMW launches free M Power Meter iPhone app”
Love the six-cylinder Boxer engines in the Porsche Boxster model? Well you should get one while you can, as the German company is rumored to be considering smaller power units for its entry level model in order to comply with the stricter CO2 emissions standards which will be adopted in the European Union by the end of 2012.
Hans-Jürgen Wöhler, the Boxster product director, revealed that smaller engines like a four-cylinder or even a turbocharged three-cylinder one might reach the Boxster’s middle section sooner rather than later, as they will generate around 180-200 HP with a CO2 output of just 180 g/km, something which will improve the average of the German company.
But there are a few variables in Porsche’s strategy, as it might be given a free pass from the EU, seeing as how it doesn’t sell more than 300,000 units each year. But once Volkswagen will hold a majority stake, things might change.
Would you agree with smaller engines in the Boxster? Leave your comment below.
Read More: “Porsche thinking about two smaller engines for the Boxster”
While most of us are freezing in our cars during the winter season, Renault has been busy testing out the convertible CC version of its newest generation Megane model, and is getting ready to unveil it to the world at the Geneva Motor Show, in March this year.
But before it will reveal it in Spring, a bit of teasing is in order, at least according to Renault, which has released this new image with the model being covered by a tight cloth, revealing only the general lines of the future convertible from the French company.
There isn’t much that can be observed, as it will probably have the same front end as the regular coupe, and a rather angular boot will be added in order to store the folding roof. Don’t forget that the car will also be the first to benefit from Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch automatic gearbox, when it will be released in Spring.
Read More: “Renault starts teasing the Megane CC ahead of its Geneva debut”
The BMW 1 Series isn’t really the most popular model for the Bavarian manufacturer, as most people tend to go that extra mile and just buy a 3 Series to get a bigger boot, more space, and bigger engines range. Before I drove the 116d, I used to agree with them, but for someone who doesn’t need a sedan, the 1 Series is perfect and can more than make up with its lighter weight the relatively small engine.
The new 116d offers the smallest amount of power, taken from the very popular 2.0-liter diesel, but is also the most economical and efficient version available, when coupled with the Auto StartStop function. Even though it isn’t the most powerful, as I have learned, it is more than capable of wearing the BMW badge with honor.
In what is the first episode in 2010 and the last of the current season 14, Top Gear has went all out and tested quite a few interesting vehicles, besides some rather awkward ones.
Until the summer of 2010 though, this is the final bang of the popular TV series. Did it do alright or did it disappoint? Hit the jump to read our review and watch some snippets of video.
Read More: “Top Gear Season 14 Episode 7 review”
A few weeks ago we showed you the impressive 9ff GT9-R, which promises to output around 1120 HP, and reach speeds of 414 km/h (257.2 mph). Sadly, in the quest for speed, the 9ff team modified it so much that it isn’t even considered a Porsche 911 anymore.
In order to make things right, the team has now presented the 9ff TR 1000, which after a “few” modifications, like an improved intercooler, sport camshafts, a new crankshaft, a sport air filter, a revised ECU and a new performance exhaust system, will squeeze 1000 HP and 1040 Nm of torque from its flat-six engine.
The performance figures, you ask? Why 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and will be able to reach an astonishing 391 km/h (243 mph), which was achieved on the ATP test track in Papenburg, Germany. But besides the whopping figures, what’s more mind boggling is that it will be a one-off creation, which was reportedly commissioned by a Greek millionaire for his 25-year-old girlfriend. Just let that sink in a little before hitting the jump to see a video of the performance model.
Read More: “Video: 9ff TR 1000 is the world’s fastest Porsche 911 at 391 km/h (243 mph)”
I think we can officially call the Honda CR-Z one of the world’s worst kept secrets. Set to be revealed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show which will begin next week, the model has been appearing in leaked photos since last month, when brochure scans flooded the Internet.
Now, new leaked pics have appeared, this time from a presumed video, which showcase the CR-Z on the road, in its full hybrid glory. The new pictures showcase just a slightly tweaked design of the concept that has been shown at various conventions up until now, with slight touches being added to the front fascia.
We already previewed the inside thanks to another brochure, and the overall feeling of this new model is quite good. For those of you who have forgotten, it will use a 1.5-liter gasoline engine in tandem with an electric motor, resulting in a combined 126 HP.
Read More: “New Honda CR-Z leaked photos showcase the hybrid in action, no more brochures”
As we revealed a few months ago, rally car driver Travis Pastrana was preparing to welcome 2010 with a huge bang, and planned to attempt a record-breaking jump in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car.
While confidence was high, previous practice jumps didn’t really go according to plan. Did he make it? You’re going to have to hit the jump to find out, and then ponder on how your New Year’s experience compared to Pastrana’s.
Read More: “Video: See Travis Pastrana’s record-breaking New Year’s jump in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI”
The upcoming Audi A7 is the company’s answer to things like the BMW 5 Series GT or the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but what it will actually offer for existing Audi consumers is a blend of the flagship’s A8 quality with a more reasonable price tag, closer to the A6.
Audi’s head of exterior design, Achim Badstubner, has talked with Autocar and revealed that currently, there is a considerable price gap between a fully decked out A6 and the base A8, a gap which the A7 will gladly occupy.
The A7 will use the platform of the A6, sharing the same wheelbase, but will still use engines from both lineups, and the interior will be closer to the A8. Badstubner also highlighted that a two-door A7 won’t be made, saying that coupes of such size aren’t the way his company wants to go.
If it will be marketed properly, I think the A7 has quite a lot of potential. What do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
Read More: “Future Audi A7 to offer A8 quality for slightly higher A6 price”
