In an extreme aim to prevent distracted driving, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended a ban on text messaging or using a mobile phone while driving – that includes headsets or portable speakers, aka Bluetooth powered solutions as well.

“Too many people are texting, talking and driving at the same time,” NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said. “It’s time to put a stop to distraction. No call, no text, no update is worth a human life.”

Kelly Nantel, an NTSB spokeswoman, said that system built into cars like GM’s OnStar system or Ford’s SYNC would not be affected by the ban.

Your thoughts? Have your say in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

While there is no word of official production, Mazda is likely testing public reaction to see if the company can make a business case for a high-performance Mazda2.

Click here for more news on the Mazda2.

The Mazda Turbo2 is fitted with the 2.3 liter MZR Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine from the MazdaSpeed3. In the 3, the engine is good for 263-hp at 5,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 280 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm.

The Mazda Turbo2 also gets an HR coil over suspension kit, Corksport sway bars and customized Brembo front brakes with 13-inch ventilated and slotted rotors.  The rear brakes remain Mazda stock parts. It rides on 17-inch OZ Racing Wheels wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN Neova 215/40R17 performance tires.

Of course, we’re going to help out Mazda here and ask you guys what your thoughts are – should Mazda produce a Mazdaspeed2? Let us know in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

The first is the Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder, which features a single-panel grenadine-red soft-top made by Haartz Corporation. Its design, a collaborative effort between MNAO Design and Magna Car Top Systems, offers an even lower slung stance of the MX-5 without sacrificing headroom – or whatever little there was in the first place.

The exterior of the Mazda MX-5 Spyder is painted Stratosphere White with 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama AO48 225/45R17 performance tires.

Click here for more news on the Mazda MX-5.

Power for the Mazda MX-5 Spyder comes from the same 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The concept is fueled by BP’s isobutanol – a biofuel that offers top notch performance with little impact on the environment. The concept also features a lightweight lithium-ion racing battery made by Braille Battery.  It also features a Racing Beat header, intake and exhaust muffler as well as a MazdaSpeed coil over kit and Brembo brakes.

Do you think Mazda should do a production MX-5 Spyder? Let us know by casting your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Dan Neil is a renowned automobile journalist working for The Wall Street Journal. And in one of his more recent reviews, he went out and called the new BMW 1-Series M-Coupe a rather butt-ugly car. What is he smoking?

In his review, he write: “So what could possibly be wrong? Well, for one thing, the 1M Coupe is a total buttaface, one of the ugliest, most disturbingly wrong car designs in modern history. The addition of all the massive wheel arches, lip spoilers, aero mods and the so-called Air Curtain front spoiler helps not at all. This car is the last revenge of former BMW styling head Chris Bangle. Jeez, put a flag over its head and drive for glory.”

Click here for our review of the 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

Now, instead of making a poll trying to figure out what hallucinogen or psychedelic he was on at the time of his review, we’re going to ask you egmCarTech’ers. BMW has been known to make some aesthetically challenged and controversial designs. Remember the 2002 E65 7-Series? However, over time, I personally have grown to love BMW’s new design language, even from the Bangle era. That said, we here at egmCarTech would all agree to say that we think the 1-Series M-Coupe is one drop-dead sexy car.

What do you egmCarTecher’s think? Cast your vote and give us your two cents in the comments section below.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: WSJ

The new Takeri concept embodies Mazda’s new design language known as ‘Kodo’ (Soul of Motion).

“The Takeri features the full array of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, including the efficient and powerful new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, to deliver vigorous performance and a comfortable ride desired in a sedan,” Mazda said in a statement. “The combination of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and electric devices – such as Mazda’s idling stop system, i-stop, and a new regenerative braking system – enable the Mazda Takeri to achieve excellent fuel economy.”

Along with the Takeri, Mazda will also show the new CX-5 crossover, new technologies and other production models.

What are your thoughts on the new Mazda Takeri Concept aka the new Mazda6?

- By: Omar Rana

The Nissan LEAF, according to the EPA’s fuel-economy testing, lets owners drive a total of 73 miles. Nissan’s own internal test using the LA-4 cycle, shows the LEAF’s driving range to come in at 100 miles on a single charge.

While driver’s who have range-anxiety want at least 200 to 300 miles between charges, Nissan think it’s unnecessary.

According to Mark Perry, director of product planning and strategy for Nissan North America, ‘there’s no market need’ for an EV that gets hundreds of miles between charges.

Click here for more news on the Nissan LEAF.

Nissan’s data shows that a typical LEAF owner driver travels about 37 miles a day, meaning LEAF owners on average use only half the juice of a fully charged battery. That’s pretty consistent with a study conducted by other organizations that found that Americans drive less than 40 miles a day.

What are your thoughts? Have your say in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoObserver

It’s been less then a week since the 2012 BMW 3 Series made its world debut and already photo rendering artists are dreaming of the next-generation BMW M3 Sedan.

The BMW M3 Sedan, when it made its comeback with the last generation model, became one of our favorite M3 models ever. However, it’s been previously reported that BMW is thinking against even doing a sedan M3 variant with the new generation model.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan will be followed by the coupe and convertible models in 2013. The BMW M3 Coupe will follow in 2014 and that in turn will be followed by the M3 Sedan – that is if BMW has made up its mind.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to see the BMW M3 sedan live on or not? Let us know in the comments section or cast your vote in the poll below.

Check out the updated high-res gallery above and visit our Facebook page for other pictures of the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

Photo Renderings: 2014 BMW M3 Sedan:

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Dan Buzdugan, Theophilus Chin

Whether or not you love it or hate it, Lincoln’s waterfall grille is on its way out. Sources familiar with the plans for the updated MKS sedan and MKT crossover due next spring, said that the models will no longer feature the waterfall grille.

One source said that both models will get a ‘completely different’ grille from the current grille, which has been quite controversial. The source said that the new grill is ‘more elegant’ and ‘not as pronounced’ as the waterfall grille.

When will we see this new grille on the MKS and MKT? Most likely at the 2011 LA Auto Show in November.

Do you agree with Lincoln’s decision to drop the waterfall grille? Let us know by casting your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

For the past couple of days, many have been seeing spy shots of a beefed up Lexus LS hanging around the Nurburgring. We now have a video of what is known as the Lexus LS TMG edition circling the Nurburgring along with some new details.

Apparently, the Lexus LS TMG Edition is a project car by Lexus of Germany. No word on what’s going on this model but Lexus will release more details as time goes on.

For now, we know that the Lexus LS TMG Edition is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 pumping out 641-hp and a peak torque of 524 lb-ft. That enables it to run from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. The Lexus LS TMG Edition weighs a heft 4,563 pounds.

More details to come shortly. For now hit the jump for the video.

Do you think Lexus should do a high-performance LS sedan? Let us know your answer by casting your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

While the model became a global concept for Infiniti, this tricked out V8 FX50S Premium is very much Sebastian’s car.

“I drive a lot in Germany on motorways that have no speed limits and have enjoyed my FX around the Nurburgring Nordschleife,” Vettel said. “Driving at high speed where safe and legal is part of my life. As well as a higher top speed I wanted even better stability in my FX, and that meant work on the aerodynamics. It is a tribute to the excellence of the standard FX that achieving all my targets required so few changes. This is the first road car I have helped develop. Usually I have hundreds of engineers building one car just for me. So it is fantastic for me to contribute to the design of a car. The result is an Infiniti I am very proud to have my name on. It is all I hoped for: 300km/h, plenty of downforce – and I can still fit my mountain bike in the back. Plus it is totally exclusive – and as an Infiniti driver, that’s important.”

Following all the design and other modifications the 4,517 pound FX Sebastian Vettel version weighs 101 pounds less than a standard FX50S Premium. Power comes from the same 5.0 V8  in the FX50S Premium – but that has been upgraded to make an extra 32-hp for a total of 414-hp. That gives the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph.

Infiniti also added stiffer springs and re-rated dampers for better control and handling.

So, will Infiniti make a production model for its customers? Nothing has been confirmed yet but if the concept generates enough positive reaction – we don’t see why the company wouldn’t. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts by casting your vote in the poll below.

Follow the break for the press release and check out the high-res images above.

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Press Release:

INFINITI FX SEBASTIAN VETTEL VERSION: THE CROSSOVER FIT FOR A CHAMPION

Just six months after the idea first surfaced, the Infiniti FX designed for reigning Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. What began as a chat between the Red Bull Racing driver and Infiniti’s Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, at the Geneva Show in March was revealed, in concept form, as Infiniti’s fastest car yet and, probably, the most exclusive crossover ever made.

With its sophisticated technology, lightweight components and features such as Rear Active Steering for maximum agility, the V8 FX50S Premium – Infiniti’s flagship as well as its best-selling model in some markets – provides the ideal starting point for the FX Sebastian Vettel version. Changes including increased power, lower weight, derestricted top speed, longer gearing, increased downforce and lowered and stiffer suspension turn what is already a sports car among crossovers into a crossover supercar – the 300km/h reality of the World Champion’s vision.

Infiniti’s Corporate Vice President Toru Saito said: “The FX Sebastian Vettel version is unique and very much Sebastian’s car. But at the same time it is a concept car for Infiniti globally.”

Design and aerodynamics

As Sebastian says, the first priority for his ultimate FX was to give it more performance. However, whether on the racetrack or the road, speed is just one part of the mix that goes to make a world-beater. All the car’s systems, and in particular the aerodynamics, must be up to the task. In the FX Sebastian Vettel version they are.

The car’s revised aerodynamics profile is the result of changes made by Infiniti designers and engineers after meetings involving Sebastian and Red Bull Racing personnel. A Red Bull Racing RB7 was even shipped to Japan to provide real life inspiration for the team bringing the World Champion’s road car dream to life.

Riding 20mm lower than standard and featuring a more aerodynamic, as well as more distinctive, Essence-inspired grille, the most obvious change is the addition of a carbon rear wing. Tests show that it delivers everything that its looks promise – and Sebastian sought – in terms of increased downforce, and stability, at the 300km/h speeds of which the FX Sebastian Vettel version is capable.

As well as a 30 per cent improvement in the coefficient of lift (Cl), the special FX boasts a 5 per cent lower coefficient of drag (Cd). Boosting downforce while simultaneously cutting drag is one of the concept’s major claims to fame. Even the door mirror housings have been shaped to increase downforce.

Carbon is used for the splitter, sills, front grille, mirror covers and rear diffuser, trimming the weight of what is already one of the lighter SUVs in its size class. Design of the splitter and diffuser is inspired by the F1 car, as is the central rear fog light – just like an F1 car’s rain light.

The wheels are 21-inch black multispoke alloys with silver rims, designed exclusively for this car; they don’t just look the part but also save weight over the standard 21-inch FX50 wheel. At 2049kg, the FX Sebastian Vettel version weighs 46kg less than a standard FX50S Premium.

Lower and even more distinctive with new LED daytime running lights set just below the front bumper section, the concept FX exudes dynamic power. The new look enhances the sports car-like proportions and makes the flowing profile even more seductive. Dark smoke lights back and front complete the look – along with Vettel logos on both sides and at the rear.

Shiro Nakamura, Infiniti Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer

“We are always keen to listen to what our customers have to say about our cars, whoever they are. Equally we are always keen to show how individual our cars are, and how personalization can subtly alter their character. Making the perfect FX for Sebastian was the ideal demonstration of this.

“It was at this year’s Geneva Show that Sebastian first suggested to me that we collaborate on making his perfect FX. So we haven’t had long, but with very clear objectives we have been able to realize his ideas in a very satisfying manner.”

Mechanical changes

With an already potent 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet, relatively little needed to be done to enable the world’s most special FX to hit Sebastian Vettel’s maximum speed target of 300km/h.

The first job was to free the car of its speed limiter which electronically restricts all other FXs to 250km/h. Even in standard form, with the VVEL V8 producing 390PS at 6500rpm, the car has plenty of performance beyond its artificial top speed, but even so more power had to be found to deliver 300km/h.

No radical engine reworking was necessary to gain the extra 30PS that takes the FX Vettel concept’s power output to 420PS. A new exhaust system liberates some of the extra horsepower while a reprogrammed engine ECU takes care of the rest, with no discernible difference to the V8’s response or efficiency. And it sounds better than ever.

In addition to the extra power is a longer final drive ratio to deliver 300km/h Autobahn speed without any detrimental effects on refinement. The longer overall gearing means the car is not as quick off the line as it could be – but at 5.6 seconds for 0-100km/h, two tenths of a second ahead of the standard car, no one is complaining. Least of all Sebastian Vettel.

Stiffer springs and re-rated dampers take the FX50’s already highly focused sports chassis into a new area of precision control for the smooth-surface, high-speed driving for which the car exists. Essentially, however, making an FX to the World Champion’s specification required no major changes. Like any FX in sporting S guise, the concept features dual-flow path (DFP) dampers with continuous damping control (CDC); the same wishbone front/multilink rear suspension, much of it constructed out of aluminium; opposed 4-piston (front), 2-piston (rear) calipers for the 355/350mm brake discs; and vehicle-speed variable rack and pinion steering.

Rear Active Steering, an important ingredient in any FX S’s blend of agility with stability, plays a key role in ensuring handling fulfils the World Champion’s requirements for a road car.

Interior

The bespoke carbon fibre exterior detailing is echoed in the FX’s cabin by tailored panels of black carbon – real, not appliqué – on the doors and centre console. Highlights that would normally be silver chrome are treated to a special black chrome finish, while in true F1 style, Alcantara is used on the steering wheel and gearshift paddles. Special seats, with extra support, are covered in black quilted suede cloth finished with purple stitching and special “SV” logos. The material also features on the pillars, roof lining and sun visors.

A metal plate on the centre console featuring the World Champion’s signature provides the unique finishing touch.

The luxury fittings, comprehensive features including Connectiviti+, one of the car world’s most complete and easily understood infotainment systems, and the FX’s award-winning range of safety technologies are all included. As standard of course. Infiniti believes that no one should be forced to pay for expensive extras.

Not even World Champions.

- By: Omar Rana

Apparently, the Volvo You Concept is an evolution of the Volvo Universe Concept. Why is it called the You? After unveiling the Volvo Universe Concept, Volvo went out to collect global feedback through surveys and social media platforms – hence the name You.

“The most valuable input has been used in the development of the Volvo You Concept. This car features a more daring, coupe-like profile than the Universe Concept, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look,” said Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation. ”The fastback profile mirrors a strong trend among European buyers. With growing signs that Chinese “taste buds” are moving rapidly in the same direction, our main aim is to explore how daring our next large sedan should be in order to be a global success. We are very eager to hear what people think about the Volvo You Concept.”

Either way, the Volvo You Concept hints at the next large sedan from Volvo. When will we see the new sedan and what kind of performance we can expect from it is anyone’s guess as of right now.

Since the Volvo You Concept is all about you – we’d like to hear from YOU on what YOU think about the design. Let us know by casting your vote in the poll below and leaving a comment in the comments section after the jump.

Hit the jump for the press release for more details and check out the high-res gallery by clicking one of the thumbnails above.

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Press Release:

Following on from the reveal of the Volvo Universe Concept earlier in 2011, the Frankfurt Motorshow marks the debut of an evolution to the Universe Concept - Volvo You Concept – and gives another insight into Volvo Cars future. Both concept cars are being used as design studies to obtain input from the global car buying public to find the ultimate design of the next large sedan from Volvo.

“Volvo You Concept gives a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan. The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The Volvo You Concept, combines a sleek coupé-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology. Volvo You Concept’s luxurious interior gives luxury sedan customers a full experience of the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos.

Cars Designed Around People

Volvo Car Corporation’s strategy is to achieve profitable growth by being a truly global company with products designed around customers’ needs and lifestyle.

“With our hearts in Sweden and our eyes and ears all over the world, we intend to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want,” says Stefan Jacoby. He adds:

“The Volvo You Concept reflects how people’s perception of luxury is moving beyond the traditional perspective. There is a growing appreciation for the ingenious blend of elegant design, superior craftsmanship and smart technology.”

Several aspects of the new strategy

The Volvo You Concept radiates several aspects of Volvo Car Corporation’s new, customer focused “Designed Around You” strategy:

• It is a large, luxurious sedan with a new, sculpted Scandinavian form language that also honours the sweeping, elegant lines of classic Volvo models.
• The inspiration from – and cooperation with – a number of world famous brands demonstrates the level of exquisite craftsmanship customers can expect from future Volvo models.
• The concept car reveals how Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) opens up dynamic design possibilities – on top of the technological and industrial advantages.
• By bringing the latest intuitive smart pad technology into the car, Volvo Car Corporation emphasises its ambition to lead the development of super-functional connectivity features in cars.

Volvo makes life less complicated and more enjoyable

Volvo Car Corporation aims to make people’s lives less complicated and more enjoyable while strengthening the company’s established commitment to safety and the environment.

“We will compete with the best with our special kind of luxury. Volvo’s cars are intuitive and uncomplicated. Our customers don’t have to give away driving pleasure to drive safely. They can be environmentally conscious and still indulge the pure joy of owning a luxury car,” Stefan Jacoby concludes

Touch-control cockpit and pure craftsmanship

The luxurious interior of the Volvo You Concept features a blend of intuitive smart pad technology and first-class craftsmanship.

“The Volvo You Concept explores new territories in our search for the ultimate intuitive car that makes the owners manual a thing of the past. Smart phones and smart pads have brought mobile infotainment into a new era. Here, we use a number of touch-screens to replace buttons and controls in order to make the driver totally connected, totally in control. The technology also helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior,” explains Peter Horbury.

The Volvo You Concept control centre consists of four main areas; a digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM), a head-up display on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats. The wood/leather steering wheel has aluminium and glass paddles with integrated touch-screens.

The touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleep mode until the driver looks at it. A hidden infrared camera registers the eye movements and information is displayed on the screen.

Another sensor registers hand movements and triggers the Infotainment system’s control mode. The possibilities vary depending on whether the screen is approached by the driver or by the front passenger.

“Certain functions, such as surfing the Web, are only accessible from the passenger side while the car is rolling. The technology knows who is the present operator and adapts itself automatically,” says Peter Horbury.

The driver can “flip” data from the central touch-screen to the head-up display and can exchange data with the rear passengers. A light guide in the free-floating centre console indicates file transfer.

Unique air-powered sound system

The Infotainment system also integrates a high-end sound system from Alpine. It features the unique “FreshAir” subwoofer – a not yet released technology that uses the air outside the car to create the ultimate listening experience.

The sound system consists of small, optimised units that considerably cut weight – while still producing a better sound than today’s systems.

Comfortable and cultivated

The interior is dedicated to offer design-driven customers a comfortable, cultivated, Scandinavian inspired environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. Every detail has been chosen with the customer experience in focus.

The interior is driver-orientated at the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear. The dark colour scheme in the front seats fades seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seating area. The interior moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment.

Volvo Car Corporation has partnered with several other famous brands in order to create a genuine feeling of luxury with the right Scandinavian touch.

Leather, suede and suit fabric

The four individual seats blend chrome-free leather from Bridge of Wear with Dinamica ecological suede. The off-black front seats have suede in the centre to create optimal grip. The soft beige rear seats are designed for pure comfort with leather in the centre and suede on the sides.

The Volvo You Concept design also integrates the luxurious qualities of a tailor made suit into the car. The back of the front seats and the door panels feature exclusive Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson.

The designers have also been generous with large, handcrafted pieces of walnut – accompanied by leather panels, Dinamica suede roof lining and carefully chosen aluminium details.

Hand-tufted wool carpets

The wooden floor, which echoes Scandinavian homes, is covered with a specially designed hand-tufted carpet from world-famous Swedish brand Kasthall. Just like the rest of the interior, it fades from dark in the front to light in the rear. The front texture has a sporty firmness, while the rear part of the carpet is luxuriously soft.

Inspiration from Georg Jensen

The Volvo You Concept is finished in a light blue, liquid metal paint from DuPont. The ventilated disc brakes are developed by Volvo’s racing specialists Polestar.

The car’s fastback silhouette is emphasised by the 21-inch polished aluminium wheels with a twisted twin-spoke design and tyres from Pirelli (275/30/21).

Up front, the Volvo You Concept grille – which has a more classic appearance than the Universe Concept – features details with the same beautifully polished craftsmanship.

“The design of the wheels, the grille and details in the innovative headlamps have been inspired by the exquisite works of world-famous Danish design house Georg Jensen. Their precious items capture the essence of Scandinavian design. Uncluttered, organic surfaces and superb craftsmanship that radiate timeless luxury,” says Peter Horbury. He adds:

“This eternal beauty of Georg Jensen design is what we are aiming for with the whole concept car. Just like the finest luxury goods, this design should feel handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time.”

- By: Omar Rana

When you think of top-tier luxury automobiles a couple of brands come to mind including BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus – Volvo is never really one of them. Well, the company is out to change that. After Zhejiang Geely Holding Group acquired Volvo last year from Ford, the Chinese company’s chairman had a little battle with Volvo’s management about the brand’s image.

Li has always wanted Volvo to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, but admitted that Volvo’s executives in Sweden had a pretty good reason to avoid taking on those juggernauts.

New reports and marketing initiatives by Volvo now suggest that Li has finally gotten his way. Last week, the brand announced its new global brand tag line: “Designed Around You” with the message ”summarizes our approach to understanding people, giving them a luxury experience that is a little more human-oriented … ” said Richard Monturo, Volvo’s global marketing chief.

Volvo Senior Vice President Freeman Shen was clear about the company’s direction. He said that Volvo plans to become a top-tier luxury brand and that is one of the company’s five goals to achieve by 2020. The most important is to increase annual sales to 800,000 by that time.

Do you think Volvo can do it? Let us know by casting your vote in the poll below.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

“Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “With the all-new GS, we’re giving them what they asked for, and more.”

Totally redesigned for the 2013 model year, the new Lexus GS features aggressive and dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior – or so Lexus says. The new GS measures 190.9 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, 57.3 inches in height and sits on a wheelbase measuring 112.2 inches.

Click here for more news on the Lexus GS.

The interior of the 2013 Lexus GS has also been revamped along with new technological features including a next-generation Lexus multimedia with DVD audio and video compatibility, MP3 sound enhancement, 5.1 Surround Sound, and a high-resolution eight-inch central control display centrally located high up in the instrument panel. Adding the optional navigation system will give you the industry’s first 12.3 inch split-screen high-resolution multi-media display.

Power for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 comes from a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 306-hp at 6,400 rpm with a maximum torque of 277 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed sequential-shift transmission, the Lexus GS sprints from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph. Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph takes just 3 seconds.

The new 2013 Lexus GS 350 also debuts the new Lexus Drive Mode selector, which offers 3 driving modes including ECO, Sport S and Sport S+. Of course we’re concerned with the Sport S+ and we’re pretty sure you are too. The model enhances handling by switching up the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode.

Prices and other details on the 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be announced closer to launch date.

Hit the jump for the high-res gallery and the press release.

Press Release:

Lexus Reveals All-New 2013 GS 350 at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

• A Sport Sedan with World-Class Luxury and Evocative Design Shows New Identity of Lexus
• Outstanding Driving Dynamics and Innovative Technology Combined
• Spacious Interior With Open, Modern Architecture

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., August 18, 2011 – Lexus today unveiled the all-new GS 350 at a press conference in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The new 2013 GS combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior. In addition to the GS 350, other 2013 GS models that will be launched in early 2012 include hybrid and F Sport versions, with further details to be announced later this year.

“Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “With the all-new GS, we’re giving them what they asked for, and more.”

Along with a new Lexus signature spindle grille, the GS is a car that conveys a tangible sense of driver confidence, with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling.

GS engineers challenged themselves to develop a more spacious interior environment. While leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged, they dramatically increased cabin and trunk space to create an interior that can easily transport passengers and their luggage in luxury and style regardless of distance.

Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance-enhancing technology that makes it more than just a luxury car. The driver and front passenger will enjoy the clean appearance of the new high-resolution central control display.

A New Personality and An Invitation To Drive
Designing the new GS 350 to be both strong and agile was a key focus of the engineering team. They looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration and carried over some key elements to provide a more engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body; a completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure; a transmission with quicker shifts; distinctive engine sound and exhaust notes; and better seat support.

The new platform is more rigid compared to the current model. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance.

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly.

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers are endowed with the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and control.

Customized Driving Experience
The new GS is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the GS from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, fuel economy has been improved.

Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions as standard equipment.

The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the following settings let the driver customize the driving experience:

• ECO mode revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy. In ECO mode, meter lighting changes to blue.
• SPORT S mode revises throttle mapping and transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In SPORT S mode, meter lighting changes to red.
• SPORT S+ mode (available on some models) engages handling enhancements via a sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode.

An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.

Innovative Lexus Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for class-leading coefficient of drag.

The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car firmly planted on the ground. Finally, air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts.

The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours evolved from current Lexus styling and fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled appearance and excellent illumination.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches adds an athletic stance enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic presence.

The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS 350 will feature three colors that are new to the Lexus color palette: Riviera Red, Meteor Blue Metallic and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.

Spacious Interior with Premium Upgrades
The GS provides more overall space for all occupants. With these changes, the new GS offers comfortable space for front and rear passengers.

Upgraded accommodations start with the driver. The entire cabin was created around the driver and the driving experience. A horizontal-themed instrument panel emphasizes the spaciousness through its wide layout. A redesigned seat frame and changes to steering column architecture enable an improved driver seating position for increased comfort, better forward visibility and overall command of the road. Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers, adding headroom, legroom, knee room and improved foot space compared to the current generation GS.

Door openings have also been revised for easier ingress and egress. Trunk space has been increased by almost 25 percent, and trunk access is improved with a wider, deeper opening.

Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin as well to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and emotional design. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean center stack and new, large high-resolution center control display placed deep near the front windshield. Most of the comfort and convenience controls such as audio and climate were relocated to provide a cleaner and more sophisticated dash layout.

The interior includes a number of embedded premium upgrades as standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operations control.

The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out. Remote touch also reduces eye movement and helps users operate functions with reduced effort and distraction. A standard rear back-up camera helps add security and convenience.

The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented further by ambient lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, center console and footwells. A new analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot, adds a unique touch, at once both modern and traditional.

Cabin materials include three types of wood specially chosen to highlight the unique flavors of the model variations. Meticulously detailed contrast stitching is used as a visual accent on the instrument panel, door trim, center console, shift knob and steering wheel to create a rich, tailored interior space.

Seamless Connectivity
Next-generation Lexus multimedia brings a host of standard entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

GS buyers will get DVD audio and video compatibility, MP3 sound enhancement, 5.1 Surround Sound, and a high-resolution eight-inch central control display centrally located high up in the instrument panel. An SMS text-to-speech feature allows the driver to be read text messages and send preset responses with a compatible smart phone. HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio are standard. The Gracenote Media management system creates dynamic music playlists and a voice recognition solution recognizes nicknames for music artists and even some mispronunciations.

By adding the optional navigation system, GS owners can get an industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. The split-screen ultra-large display enhances visibility through the use of advanced, high-definition graphics that are easy to read and easy to use. The 12.3-inch screen is large enough to support simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a large map display, plus audio, climate or other vehicle information.

GS buyers will also have access to next-generation Lexus Enform®, the system that leverages mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Local searches can be conducted through Bing, or use voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com or tap into internet radio, including Pandora® or iHeartRadio.

They will also appreciate the ability to check-in on Facebook, and search for restaurant reviews on Yelp. SiriusXM data services offer information on stocks, traffic, weather, sports and fuel prices. The system is updatable and upgradeable through over-the-air downloads, so new apps and content can be readily added.

For audiophiles who insist on the ultimate in audio performance, an 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available. The system provides 7.1 Surround Sound through 10 channels using a new class D Digital amplifier and luxury-first Green Edge™ speakers that are lighter, more energy-efficient and have less distortion. The new system produces almost three times as many watts per channel over the previous generation.

Integrated Safety Systems
In addition to enhanced braking systems and an impact-absorbing body structure, the new GS offers significant advances in both passive and active safety systems as standard equipment.

There are a class-leading 10 airbags in the new GS, including a knee airbag for both front driver and passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags.

New Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats increases the likelihood that occupants will be in optimum position at the moment of impact, enhancing the protective effect of the seatbelt system. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses a first-in-class infrared camera to monitor the driver’s eyes to check on driver status. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to two seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide a small amount to assist in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

“The new GS 350 combines luxury, outstanding driving dynamics and world-class technology features in a new and bold design,” said Templin. “We expect this car to occupy a key position both at the core of the Lexus brand and at the heart of the mid-luxury sedan segment.”

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 350

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance today, Infiniti unveiled the new 7-passenger/3-row 2012 Infiniti JX. The new model will join Infiniti’s lineup in speing 2012.

“The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover,” said Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. “From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment.”

Click here for more news on the Infiniti JX.

No word on complete technical details abut Infiniti says that the 2012 Infiniti JX will be available with a powerful V6 engine and all-wheel or front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted to the wheels through a sport-tuned, but fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission.

Compete details of the 2013 Infiniti JX will be released at the debut of the production version model at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011.

What are your thoughts on the new Infiniti JX? Let us know by casting your vote in the poll below.

Press Release:

INFINITI JX CONCEPT MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

– Innovative 7-Passenger, 3-Row Luxury Crossover Concept Previews Latest Addition to Infiniti “Inspired Performance” Lineup, Set for Spring 2012 On Sale –

The Infiniti JX Concept, a preview of an innovative new 7-passenger/3-row luxury crossover that joins the Infiniti lineup in spring 2012, made its world debut today at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The JX Concept was unveiled by Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura prior to its display throughout the weekend’s activities at the famed Lodge at Pebble Beach.

Beyond its stunning exterior, the new Infiniti JX Concept is designed to excel in three areas where luxury crossover buyers put an emphasis – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and innovative hospitality features.

“The three-row luxury crossover segment is one of the fastest growing among all luxury vehicle segments, providing a huge opportunity for Infiniti,” explained Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “And like every segment Infiniti enters, we plan to shake up the status quo – with a vehicle that is guaranteed to instantly become the new benchmark for style, hospitality, roominess, advanced telematics and safety technologies.”

In the interior, for example, the production Infiniti JX will offer what is expected to be class-leading roominess, along with a 2nd row seat design that tilts and slides forward providing exceptionally easy 3rd row access.

“With the JX, you will even be able to leave a child seat latched to the 2nd row while getting in or out of the 3rd row – just one example of the vehicle’s inspired flexibility and versatility,” added Poore. “The 3rd row isn’t the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of 2nd row forward-back adjustability.”

The Infiniti JX continues Infiniti’s tradition of developing world’s first technologies, offering the currently available Blind Spot Intervention and adding a new feature, Backup Collision Intervention. With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing objects behind the vehicle and, if necessary, the system will automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

The Infiniti JX will also offer technologies designed to make owners lives a bit easier and more efficient, such as a 14-speaker Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with Waveguide bass technology and an advanced Infiniti Connection Telematics system that can automatically synch the owner’s calendar and provide navigation guidance to appointments. It will also feature the Infiniti Personal Assistant, Infiniti’s new personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants. The Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is now offered free-of-charge with every 2012 Infiniti vehicle purchase.

And, in keeping with Infiniti’s “Inspired Performance,” the Infiniti JX will offer a balance of driving exhilaration and fuel efficiency through a combination of a powerful V6 engine and all-wheel or front-wheel drive. The Infiniti JX will also be the first Infiniti to utilize a sport-tuned, but fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission. The CVT will mimic a step transmission when the Sport mode of the Infiniti drive selector is engaged. Additional information regarding the drivetrain and other systems will be provided at the debut of the production version of the all-new Infiniti JX at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011.

“As a premium crossover with a real 3rd row – along with Infiniti levels of hospitality and driving pleasure, the new JX is another breakthrough design from the brand that has been breaking new ground for more than 20 years,” Nakamura added. “We will continue to challenge conventional thinking.”

In addition, in conjunction with the global reveal of the Infiniti JX, Infiniti is launching the JX Concept “Power of 7” Challenge on Facebook. The challenge invites fans to submit inspiring creations relating to seven Infiniti JX categories: Epicurean, Art & Fashion, Film, Interior Design, Music, Athletics and Technology & Science. The community will vote on the submissions, and winners in each category will receive a cash prize and compete to win trip to 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. More information, including official rules, is available atwww.facebook.com/infiniti.

- By: Omar Rana

A couple weeks ago, pictures of an Audi Q7 pickup started popping up around the internet. We purposely chose to ignore those pictures as they seemed like a photoshop. Well, now some new images have been put out to clarify that potentially fabricated photo from late last month.

A version of the Audi Q7 gone pick up, diamond plated bed and all, has been spotted. Unfortunately, there are no details as to who is responsible for the creation. Presently, the two distinct possibilities of either it being an interesting tuner, or a concept Audi is working on, are both equally likely.

Remember the BMW M3 Pickup?

More is to come, but what do you think? Is there any market for an Audi pickup, or any other luxury German brands? Let us know in the poll below.

Audi Q7 Pickup:

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoGuide

The images were leaked on China Car Times before the sedan’s official launch.

Click here for more news on the Lexus GS.

“The fourth-generation GS has been completely redesigned, inside and out, and will feature the brand’s new design philosophy, with styling cues such as a distinctive new front grille, that will soon be seen on all future Lexus vehicles,” Lexus previously said in a statement.

Based on these first pictures, what are your thoughts on the new 2012 Lexus GS? Have your say in the poll below.

2012 Lexus GS (Leaked):

2012 Lexus GS 350 (Teaser):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: China Car Times

A new report is out by Fortune magazine that surveyed a select number of automobile journalists. And that survey says reviewers found Nissan’s unusual Murano CrossCabriolet as one of the oddest cars on the road.

“Not since the Mercedes R-class, and, before that, the Pontiac Aztek has the overall verdict been so bruisingly negative. The CrossCabrio has been tarred for being lumpy, dumpy, shaky and sluggish,” Fortune said in a statement. It goes on to describe it as “an artichoke on wheels.”

If that’s not enough for you, just based on aesthetics alone, I myself would say that the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is our new generation’s Pontiac Aztec.

Click here for more news on the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.

Nissan themselves recognize that the CrossCabriolet is a bit challenging on the eyes and even said themselves that they were expecting it to struggle. And despite the positive notes on the refined interior and nice appointments, that’s not much to sway people towards the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet because General Motors said their Pontiac Aztec had nice appointments and a refined interior. Ha, ok.

Have your say in the poll below and in the comments section after the jump.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet comes from a 3.5L 24-valve DOHC V6 making 265-hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is comes mated as standard to Nissan’s second-gen Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control transmission. Prices for the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet start at $46,390.

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: USAToday

We’ve held off on doing a Let’s Talk Number face-off for a while but it’s battle time again. This time we’re pinning the new 2012 Infiniti FX against the new 2012 BMW X6. Both of these crossovers have aggressive styling, lots of power and a lot of technology but this battle is all about the numbers – so let’s get started.

Click here to check out our previous Let’s Talk Number wars.

2012 BMW X6:

• Style: Crossover.
• Drive Type: All-wheel-drive.
• Power:

• BMW X6 xDrive35i: 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6 / 300-hp at 5,800 rpm – 300 lb-ft of torque between 1,300 – 5,000 rpm.
• BMW X6 xDrive50i: 4.4 liter TwinPower Turbo V8 / 400-hp at 5,500 rpm – 450 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 – 4,500 rpm.

• BMW X6 xDrive35i: 6.3 seconds.
• BMW X6 xDrive50i: 5.2 seconds.

• BMW X6 xDrive35i: 4,784 lbs.
• BMW X6 xDrive50i: 5,225 lbs.

• BMW X6 xDrive35i: 16/23 mpg (city/highway).
• BMW X6 xDrive50i: 14/20 mpg (city/highway).

• BMW X6 xDrive35i: $58,900.
• BMW X6 xDrive50i: $69,500.

2012 Infiniti FX:

• Style: Crossover.
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel and All-wheel-drive.
• Power:

• 2012 Infiniti FX35: 3.5 liter V6 / 303-hp at 6,800 rpm – 272 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
• 2012 Infiniti FX50: 5.0 liter V8 / 390-hp at 6,500 rpm – 369 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.

• 2012 Infiniti FX35: 6.6 seconds.
• 2012 Infiniti FX50: 5.5 seconds.

• 2012 Infiniti FX35 AWD: 4,279 lbs.
• 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD: 4,546 lbs.

• 2012 Infiniti FX35 AWD: 16/21 mpg (city/highway).
• 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD: 14/20 mpg (city/highway).

• 2012 Infiniti FX35 AWS: $44,900 ($43,450 w/o AWD)
• 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD: $59,350.

2012 BMW X6:

2012 Infiniti FX:

2012 BMW X6:

2012 Infiniti FX:

- By: Omar Rana