“Like its sedan brother the M5, the new M6 models are high-performance sports cars whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely towards the demands of track use,” BMW said in a statement. “At the same time, the M6 sets new benchmarks in daily driving comfort, innovative features and fuel efficiency.”

The four-seat 2013 BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible are both powered by the 4.4 liter high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology making 560 hp at 5,750 – 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 500 lb-ft (680 Nm) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter comes in at 7,200 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, 0 to 62 mph comes in at 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.3 seconds for the convertible. 0 to 124 mph takes just 12.6 seconds for the coupe and 13.1 seconds for the drop-top M6. Top speed on both models is limited to 155 mph.

While the output and performance of the 2013 BMW M6 has been pumped up over its predecessors, the new model consumers roughly 30 percent less fuel due to the introduction of new BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration and the Auto Start-Stop function.

The BMW M6 Convertible will hit dealerships in June 2012 as a 2012 model year, while the M6 Coupe will arrive in dealerships in the late summer of 2012 as a 2013 model year. Pricing, EPA fuel-economy ratings, standard and optional equipment will be announced at a later date.

- By: Omar Rana

Lamborghini won’t be the only luxury supercar company that will be showing a concept SUV within the next couple of months. According to reports, another Volkswagen Group brand, Bentley Motors, may also debut a concept version of an SUV next month in Geneva.

“We are exploring the potential, but the vehicle has not been approved,” said Christophe Georges, Bentley Motors president and COO said. Word has it that Bentley is quickly putting together something for Geneva next month.

If all this is to be believed, Bentley’s new SUV will ride on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and will feature its W12 engine along with its new V8 that debuted in the Bentley Continental GT V8.

Lamborghini has already confirmed that a concept SUV will debut very soon.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Opel has dropped some new images and details on the new Astra OPC, that will make its public debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the new Opel Astra GTC hatchback, the Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine making 276-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that pushes power two the front wheels, top speed goes until 155 mph.

The Astra OPC is fitted with a sport-tuned suspension, including high-performance front struts. But the coolest thing provided to the fastest Astra ever are the high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the art technology.

“Opel is the world’s first auto manufacturer to use this material in the shell of a production car seat,” says Armin Rossmann, the leader of the OPC seat development team. “The most powerful Astra ever deserves the best technology in all areas, including seating.”

The seats in the Opel Astra OPC feature an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is then filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new material is both agile and strong and because of its strength.

Stay tuned for more details from Geneva.

- By: Omar Rana

Buick got the attention of classic car insurance firm Hagerty Insurance with its latest Regal GS model, which made the insurer’s “2012 Hot List”, receiving special recognition.

The Hot List is a list of mass market classic cars priced under $100,000. ”In order to be included on the annual Hagerty Hot List, the vehicle must be geared toward the driving enthusiast beyond just being a form of transportation,” said Hagerty.” Like the other Buick classics listed here, the 2012 Regal GS will be remembered more than most of its peers for many years down the road.”

Given Hagerty’s strong opinion of the Buick, it was placed on the Hot List amongst all classic cars. One of the outstanding factors of the model is the manual transmission, which they commented “at a time when allegedly more sporting makes don’t offer real three-pedal manual transmissions, Buick is doing it with the Regal GS.”

“The Regal GS is a unique and thrilling vehicle for the Buick brand,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “As someone who drove a classic Skylark to prom and owned other incredible Buicks like an ’87 GNX, I can say it deserves to be viewed among the best Buick has built.”

Along with the Hot List, Hagerty put together a list in collaboration with Buick of the Top 10 most-collectable Buick models. The list is as follows:

•  2012 Buick Regal GS
•  1932 Model 90 sport phaeton
•  1937 66C Century convertible coupe
•  1940 Super Model 59 Woody Estate Wagon
•  1947 Roadmaster Woody Wagon
•  1949 Roadmaster Convertible
•  1953 Skylark
•  1963 Riviera
•  1970 GSX Stage 1 Hardtop Coupe
•  1987 GNX

While the Hot List includes models under $100,000, this Buick list includes some valued well over that mark.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Toyota has released a teaser of a new concept called the FT-Bh Concept. The concept is an “ultra-lightweight, full hybrid vehicle study, designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework.”

Toyota wasn’t afraid to say that the process and the main concept behind the FT-Bh was to avoid the use of expensive materials or complex development and use only those materials that are commonplace in the automotive industry.

THe Toyota FT-Bh Concept will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month.

- By: Omar Rana

Kelly Blue Book has just released an all new set of awards called the Total Cost of Ownership Awards for current model-year vehicles and brands.

The awards are based on the initial five years of ownership costs, and go to those brands and models with the lowest figures. Costs included are finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, expected fuel costs, depreciation and state fees.

Kia and Audi topped the list with the lowest cost of ownership for the brand and luxury brand categories, respectively. Notable wins include Audi, receiving recognition for fuel economy and low depreciation, while Kia got noticed for its improvement in quality. The Chevy Volt managed to beat out the Nissan Leaf in the Electric car category, while the Nissan Versa just edged out the Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris for supcompacts. Honda competed against itself in the hybrid category, with the Insight beating the Civic Hybrid and the CR-Z.

All of the category winners are as follows:

2012 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: BRAND
KIA

2012 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: LUXURY BRAND
AUDI

2012 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY

SUBCOMPACT CAR:
Nissan Versa

COMPACT CROSSOVER:
Nissan JUKE

COMPACT CAR:
Kia Soul

CROSSOVER:
Hyundai Santa Fe

MID-SIZE CAR:
Hyundai Sonata

LUXURY CROSSOVER:
Lexus RX 350

FULL-SIZE CAR:
Chevrolet Impala

MID-SIZE SPORT UTILITY:
Jeep Wrangler

ENTRY-LEVEL LUXURY CAR:
Volvo C30

FULL-SIZE SPORT UTILITY:
Ford Expedition

LUXURY CAR:
Audi A5

LUXURY SPORT UTILITY:
Audi Q7

HIGH-END LUXURY CAR:
Lexus LS 460

HYBRID UTILITY:
Ford Escape

SPORTS CAR:
Mazda MX-5 Miata

MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK:
Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR:
Lexus IS F

FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab

HYBRID CAR:
Honda Insight

MINIVAN:
Mazda MAZDA5

ELECTRIC CAR:
Chevrolet Volt

- By: Alexandra Koken

Based on the same vehicle platform as the Tesla Model S sedan, the TVP (Tesla Vehicle Platform), the Model X actually turns out to be sport crossover with a low center of gravity and nimble tight handling. Obviously, the torque from the electric power train helps assist in some aggressive lane changes.

Check out more news on the Tesla Model X.

The 7-passenger Tesla Model X comes standard in rear-wheel-drive but the company does offer an optional Dual Motor all-wheel-drive architecture. The second motor increases torque by 50% and allows for all-road and all-weather capability. With AWD, the Tesla Model X Performance version can run from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds – that’s sports car performance right there.

The Tesla Model X will be available with two battery pack versions including a 60 or 85 kWh battery allowing for a range of up to 300 miles (for the 85 kWh model).

Before you get inside the Tesla Model X, it’s the way you open the rear passenger doors that will probably turn some heads. Known as ‘Falcon Doors’ the doors open up and out (even in tight parking spots) allowing you ample room to just step inside the all-electric crossover. Once you’re inside there easy third-row access and quite a bit of room for a total of 7-passengers. The driver seat is the most stylish with a Tesla Touchscreen 17-inch, high-res, multi-touch display and a high-res speedometer right in front.

The Tesla Model X will enter production in late 2013 and will start being delivered in early 2014. When you can order yours? Today, if you’re sold on it. The Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S but the company will give out more details as production nears.

- By: Omar Rana

The Audi TT RS Plus is powered a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine pumping out 360-hp an increase of 20-hp and a maximum torque of 343 lb-ft. Mated to a manual 6-speed transmission and the 7-speed S tronic automatic – the Audi TT RS Plus runs from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with the S tronic (4.4 seconds with the manual. Top speed of the car is limited to 174 mph in both Coupe and Roadster forms.

Stopping power comes from a 4-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle.

What sets the Audi TT RS Plus apart from the TT RS is mostly visual upgrades including a Singleframe radiator grille, diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, a frame with a matt aluminum-look finish, housings of the exterior mirrors made of carbon fiber, dual-branch sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipe trims, sound flap that beefs up the sound of the engine, 19-inch cast wheels wrapped in 255/35 tires and a large rear wing.

No word on whether the Audi TT RS Plus will come to the United States. Sales in German start alter this year with prices for the manual TT RS Plus Coupe carrying a price tag of €60,650 ($80,579 USD) or €62,800 ($83,436 USD) with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a starting price of €63,500 ($84,366) or €65,650 ($87,222 USD).

- By: Omar Rana

FoMoCo announced today that two key executives at the company will be hanging up their hats. Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, have elected to retire effective April 1. Each individual has served the Dearborn automaker for more than 30 years.

“Lewis Booth and Derrick Kuzak represent the very best of Ford and our culture and built a legacy of leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence that will benefit us for years to come,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “Lewis and Derrick were absolutely integral to the comeback of Ford and they are retiring with our deepest respect and gratitude.”

Booth will be succeeded by Bob Shanks, who is currently vice president and Controller. Kuzak will be succeeded by Raj Nair, who is currently vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development.

A world from Mulally on both Booth and Derrick:

“Bob is a terrific leader,” Mulally said. “He has been a wonderful partner to the leadership team in the implementation and institutionalization of the One Ford plan. His deep experience in finance, combined with his global perspective will allow us to continue to deliver an exciting profitably growing Ford.”

“Derrick’s commitment to product excellence and continuous improvement has allowed Ford to deliver to our customers the industry’s freshest showroom with a complete family of best-in-class products,” said Mulally. “At the same time, he prioritized the development of the next generation of talented, experienced product leaders who will continue to deliver for our global customers.”

- By: Omar Rana

The outside also features a front apron and rear trim panel that are grained and the side skirts boast a high-gloss black finish. Wheels consist of 15-inch 3-double-spoke alloy wheels in a brilliant black finish wrapped in 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear).

The inside gets contrast red double stitching on the black leather seats and instrument panel. The standard equipment includes the audio system basic and exclusive floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is based on the passion line so that means you get a softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers and the smart audio system navigation/multimedia.

Those interested can order the Smart ForTwo Sharpred now from their dealers and can expect delivery by May 2012. Only 1,800 units will be produced.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW of North America has announced pricing details of the new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which will hit dealerships early summer. The 2013 640i Gran Coupe will set you back a total of $76,895.

The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Later in the summer the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel-drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Prices of those model will be announced closer to launch date.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

Refresher: The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be available in the United States in three models including the 640i Gran Coupe, which will be available early summer 2012. The 650i Gran Coupe and the 650i Gran Coupe xDrive will join the range later in the summer. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. The 650i Gran Coupe models will be powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 making  445-hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

“Our relationship with Zagato stretches back more than 50 years,” said Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez. “Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.”

Check out more news on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato.

After an overwhelming response to the concept, Aston decided to build a strictly limited run of V12 Zagatos – and by strict we mean only 150 units will be produced. starting Q3 2012 (first deliveries Q4 2012). Why only 150? Because creating each Aston Martin V12 Zagato takes about 2,000 man-hours to complete and just like the One-77, it is built from a combination of hand crafted aluminum and carbon fiber. The hood, signature ‘double-bubble’ roof and doors are hand-crafted aluminum, while the front and rear fenders, door sills and trunk lid surrounds are made from carbon fiber.

Power for the production Aston V12 Zagato will come from a 6.0 liter V12 engine making 510-hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Fitted to a 6-speed manual transmission, the V12 Zagato will go form 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph.

Pricing for the Aston Martin V12 Zagato will start at £330,000 ($522,652 USD) in the UK.

- By: Omar Rana

What you’re looking at above is the first and only image of the new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. The redesigned model will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Moor Show and will go on sale in Russia this summer followed by all of Europe, Japan, China and North America.

Mitsubishi also confirmed that it will offer an EV-based Outlander model which uses a plug-in hybrid system later this year.

Besides a redesigned exterior, the 2013 Outlander features an upgraded interior with better quality, comfortable second- and third-row seats that can be easily configured to provide a number of seating patterns and also a long luggage space with a flat floor and a power-operated tailgate.

In Europe, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The gasoline engine will be a 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, and the diesel will be a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder turbo MIVEC engine.

- By: Omar Rana

While we won’t be getting it in the United States, General Motors has just released a picture of the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon that will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month. The station wagon variant will be joining the sedan and the hatchback (another trim we wish we got in the U.S. but don’t) in the Cruze’s European lineup.

Check out more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

“The Cruze station wagon caters to an important market segment. It ticks all the boxes for European drivers in terms of distinctive design, dynamic driving, space and economy,” said Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director Susan Docherty.

GM even goes out of its way to rub it in the face of Americans in the press release stating: “The new station wagon, which is not planned for sale in North America, features generous storage space and a choice of powerful and efficient engines as well as the state-of-the-art Chevrolet MyLink onboard infotainment system.” – Of course, us Americans hate space, efficiency and state-of-the-art infotainment systems.

Power for the Chevrolet Cruze Station wagon will come from a range go engine when it goes on sale in Euro later this summer. The power train lineup will include a 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines, a new 1.4L turbo gasoline, a new 1.7L diesel and an improved 2.0L diesel engine.

- By: Omar Rana

The Ford SYNC system is now available on more than 4 million vehicles on the road. The feature is available either as an option or standard equipment on every new Ford model sold in North America. Ford now says that it will go ahead and offer the SYNC system as standard equipment on the new Ford Fusion and Flex.

Check out our original post on the Ford Fusion.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Every new 2013 Ford Fusion model and Flex model will come with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or FoMoCo’s MyFord Touch infotainment system. Those with compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

- By: Omar Rana

Maybach has announced that seven years into its run, the ultra-luxury automaker will be closing its doors for good in 2013.

Several factors have contributed to the brand’s demise. Hyper-focused on aesthetics and refinement, Maybach used its price tag to represent status, not the ground-breaking technology, stellar engineering, or ahead-of-the-curve releases like one might expect from a vehicle in this segment.

Exceptional service at Maybach dealers was not enough to keep models rolling off their lots, as yearly sales consistently averaged between 150 and 300 units, with a lifetime total of 3,000 units sold.

Daimler also gave more of its attention to other brands, making the decision to drop Maybach a quick one. Another contributing factor to the end of Maybach is the estimated $438,000 the brand lost on each unit sold.

There were also proposals that never came to be that might have given the brand a boost in sales, such as a luxury SUV with sleeper seats, a smaller entry-level model, and a convertible. There were talks of releasing a line up with five different all new models that never made it to production, either.

With the end of the Maybach will come seven new luxury Mercedes-Benz models based on the upcoming S-class, set for release in 2013.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CAR

A $400 million investment is being made by Toyota Motor Corp to move production of its Highlander crossover from Japan to Princeton, Indiana, where the Highlander is currently made.

“This project allows for better utilization of the Indiana plant and will help Toyota capitalize on the improving North American and global auto market,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. “In addition to new jobs at the Indiana plant, this project will increase opportunities and jobs for our North American supply base.”

Toyota is anticipating the hybrid variant to boost Highlander sales overall by 50,000 units before 2014. Last year, 101,868 models rolled off the production line in Indiana, while hybrid sales hit 5,000.

Units produced in the Princeton factory will be exported globally, says President Yoshshimi Inaba, Toyota Motor North America President.

The addition of the Highlander hybrid will also be creating 400 additional jobs.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Volvo dealers are saying that sales numbers for the automaker are being hindered by a lack of inventory. To meet consumer demands, Volvo is now providing retailers with up to 6,000 additional XC60 models thanks to a production increase in Europe.

The production increase is a result of an investment made by Volvo last year which created 200 jobs and 12,000 additional vehicles.

“The XC60 is product that’s been in the market for three years that has been over demand and undersupplied,” John Maloney, Volvo Cars North America CEO said today on the sidelines of the Chicago Auto Show. “So this year, our supply goes go up, which our dealers will welcome. It’s a hot product.”

Volvo also has a plant in China under construction that will supply its local market, and increase availability in the U.S.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews