2010 Cadillac CTS

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, General Motors is recalling 44,117 units of the 2009 – 2010 Cadillac CTS for a loose joint condition that could cause the rear-wheel to become unstable. GM said it has no reports of any injuries or fatalities related to the issue.

The Detroit automaker has been studying the issue since May when it received four complaints. Most consumers complained of metal clanging sound coming from the rear of CTS.

GM said that it will start notifying customers to bring in their CTS to Cadillac dealers. Once inspection is completed dealers will clean the rear suspension toe link, replace the jam nuts and replace the rear toe link if needed.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2011 Ford F-150

Ford is recalling around 281,000 units of the F-150 pickup in the United States due to a potential problem with the door handles, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall involves model years 2009 and 2010 F-150 pickups that were produced from January 2008 to November 2009.

The NHTSA said that in an event of a crash, ‘the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open.’ Ford said that as of Jan. 21, there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to the recall.

The NHTSA filing by Ford said that customers are being asked to bring their F-150 trucks to dealerships for inspection. Once parts are available, dealerships will replace them free of charge.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

2009 Mazda5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that Mazda is recalling 16,200 units of the 2009 and 2010 Mazda5 minivans due to a defective fuel pump connector that could lead to the engine stalling and the possibility of the engine not restarting.

“Water may not have been removed completely from the harness connector of the fuel pump due to variations in the fuel tank leak check process performed before vehicle assembly,” the NHTSA said. “The connector pin may corrode, potentially causing the pin to break. This could lead to an inoperative fuel pump, engine stall and the inability to restart the engine, increasing the risk of a crash.”

NHTSA said that the defective models were built from June 29, 2009 through April 28, 2010. Mazda dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump connector if necessary free of charge. Owners can get in touch with Mazda at (800) 222-5500.

2010 Chevrolet Impala

General Motors said today it is recalling 322,409 units of the Chevrolet Impala from the 2009 and 2010 model year to inspect for a small number of vehicles whose front seat belt webbing may not have been properly secured to the lap belt anchor pretensioner mounted to the side of the seat nearest the door.

“Vehicles with this condition may have an anchor that can separate in a crash, and therefore may not meet the anchor strength requirements of the U.S. and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that covers seat belt assembly anchorages” GM said in a statement.

“The safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, which could result in a injury to the occupant,” said the NHTSA on its website.

To fix the issue dealers will inspect both front seat belts for proper installation of anchors to pretensioners and, if necessary, reinstall the anchors. Customers will be notified on or around Oct. 25 by mail to bring their vehicles in free inspection. Any fixes will be done for free. Customers can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or visit www.gmownercenter.com

- By: Omar Rana

2010 Nissan Cube

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today that Nissan is recalling 46,000 units of the 2009-2010 Cube due to fuel leakage.

“These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, ‘fuel system integrity,’” said NHTSA in its recalls summary. “When the vehicle was rotated following a rear moving barrier crash test as required, the amount of fuel leakage exceeded the allowable limits. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.”

To fix the issue Nissan dealers will attach a special protector to the gasoline recirculation tube at the location of the filler neck connector. The safety recall is expected to begin on August 30. Owners can contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.

2009 Nissan Cube:

- By: Stephen Calogera

2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

When the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 made its comeback in 2009, dealers were able to bank off of exorbitant markups since the demand for the supercar was so high. However, two years later, demand for the ZR1 has dropped and General Motors is now offering incentives to help dealers move them off the lots. The incentives are available for both the 2009 and the 2010 model years.

For the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, GM is offering a $5,000 cash back and zero percent financing for 72 months. That would bring monthly payments on a fully loaded 2009 ZR1 to $1,700.

For the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, GM is offering buyers $3,000 cash back or zero percent financing for 60 months. If you finance the car, your monthly payments should come in just under $2,000 for a fully loaded model.

2009 Chevrolet Corvettte ZR1:

- By: Omar Rana

Known by many as “˜The Poor Man”s Porsche”, the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, Porsche Cayman was introduced in 2006. Derived from the Stuttgart automaker”s second-generation Boxster convertible, the 2-seater Cayman is the third-most affordable option to those who long to own a Porsche; only the Boxster and Cayenne are more modestly priced. So when it comes to buying a more affordable Porsche coupe than the 911, the Cayman is your choice.

We were able to test-drive the Cayman for a week, though our test-car was only modestly equipped. We were not afforded amenities like Porsche”s Active Suspension Management (PASM), Sport Chrono Package, or Sport Chrono Package Plus. We did however, get to experience Porsche”s new 7-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, which did have us a little excited and allowed us to have a better time with the car than anticipated.

Make the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2009 Porsche Cayman PDK:

2009 Porsche Cayman Specifications:

Base Price: $51,400.
Price as Tested: $54,295.
Engine: 2.9L inline 6-cylinder – 265-hp / 221 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed PDK automatic.
Curb Weight: 3,104 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 5.4 seconds.
Top Speed: 165 mph.
Fuel-Economy: 20/29 mpg (city/highway).

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Exterior:

As is typical of Porsche, there has been no dramatic aesthetic change between the current model and the out-going, but some subtle details do serve as to distinguish the car. The air-intake is accented on either end by positioning lights and fog-lamps, and although the headlamps maintain the typical Porsche aesthetics, the fog-lamps stay separate and positioned low and away from the car”s centerline.

The rear tail and brake lights boast LEDs, which Porsche says improve safety due to instantaneous response time and improved clarity, and are segmented into three distinct pieces on either side of the rear.

Optionally available are BI-XENON headlights which feature an integral daytime running light function, dynamic curve lights, headlight washing system, and automatic headlight range control. Wheels options on the Cayman are strangely configured; 17-inch Boxster III wheels can be had for an additional $390, while 19-inch Carrera Sport Wheels will run about $3,620. Colored wheels are available and come in black, yellow, white, and red. A metallic paint option (our test-car was Metallic Macadamia) is also available for $710 with special colors and costs a whopping $3,140.

Interior:

Our test-car was extremely standard equipped; manually adjustable seats, no iPod connectivity (AUX input only), no navigation, non-heated/cooled seats, and no ambient lighting. We expected more from a car that carries a starting MSRP of $51,400. In fact just to convert the seats to fake-leather power seats one will have to pay $1,550, and real-leather will bring that figure to $3,935. Heated seats can be had for $510 while cooled seats will run you an extra $800. A Bose surround system, Bluetooth functionality, and Navigation will run an extra $1,690, $695, and $3,110 respectively. Five minutes in the Cayman was all it took for us to realize that Porsche pays little concern to the convenient standard features expected by many in a luxury sports car.

Performance:

The 2009 Cayman derives its power from a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine that puts out 265-hp at 7,200 rpm and attains a maximum of 221 lb-ft of torque from 4,400-6,000 rpm. When mated to the standard 7-speed manual these numbers equate to 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph. The PDK transmission (a $3,420 option) will drop the 0-60 time to 5.4 seconds, and the Sports Chrono Package (a $960 option) will drop the time to 5.2 seconds. The top test-track speed for a Cayman equipped with PDK is 163 mph.

Whatever you do, do not purchase this car if you live in a snowbound area; we were barely able to move an inch during a snowstorm. That being said, the Cayman is a great sports car as performance goes; it handles well, accelerates hard, and brakes on a dime.

The biggest upside to the Cayman is the fuel-efficiency that it offers for a sports car. The “09 Cayman delivers an EPA estimated 19/27 mpg (city/highway) with a manual transmission and 20/29 with the optional PDK transmission.

Overall:

After all is said and done, there are much better uses of $51,400 than spending on a bare-bones Cayman and not even having the ability to use it as an everyday car. If you absolutely must have a 2-seat rear-wheel-drive sports car, we advise that you look into the 332-hp Nissan 370Z. It is a much better option given that it reaches 60 mph in 5 seconds flat, handles impeccably, comes loaded with options , and demands a starting MSRP of $29,990. If you were so inclined the 350-hp NISMO 370Z could be had for $39,190 and leave any Porsche Cayman owner regretting their waste of $51,400.

Review: 2009 Porsche Cayman:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Seems likes Toyota isn’t the only one having recall issues. The 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo and the 2009-2010 BMW 7-Series are both being recalled by the German automaker, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It’s nothing as serious as Toyota’s pedal and brake issues so don’t get scared if you own either of the BMW vehicles.

Basically, the recall is due to a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard No. 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” The tire pressure label on the vehicles incorrectly indicates the vehicle”s seating capacity as five passengers when its actual seating capacity is four. In the 7-Series the recall refers only to the luxury package that adds the option of “rear comfort seats,” which adds power seats and reduces rear-seating capacity from three to two.

BMW hasn’t set a date on when the recall will begin but owners can call BMW at 800-831-1117 for more information.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: KickingTires

There is nothing we don’t like about the Audi RS6 and what is there not to like with a top speed of 188 mph, a neck-snapping 580-hp and a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The only thing we really don’t like is the fact that the Audi RS6 is not offered in the United States.

If that didn’t have you feeling angered enough as is, Audi announced today that it is offering two new limited-edition equipment packages for the RS6.

The two limited edition packages, limited to 500 units, will add a Carbon design package for the engine compartment, 20-inch wheels with a 5-spoke design and a sports tuned suspension.

Yes, we’re pretty jealous.

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

2009 Audi RS6 Sedan:

Press Release:

Audi RS 6 ““ two new equipment packages

- Limited to 500 units: RS 6 plus Sport and RS 6 plus Audi exclusive

Audi is offering two new limited-edition equipment packages for the RS 6 ““ restricted to just 500 units. With a top speed of 303 km/h (188.28 mph), a Carbon design package for the engine compartment, 20-inch wheels bearing a 5 segment-spoke design, and the sports suspension plus, each of these RS 6 models will be truly unique. In fact, each of them will be a one-of-a-kind thanks to a numbered badge in the interior. Customers can opt for one of two packages: RS 6 plus Sport or RS 6 plus Audi exclusive.

The Sport version features an instrument-panel hood and center console covered in leather; an RS 6 logo adorns the front floor mats. Concerning the Audi exclusive package, customers can also specify a custom paint job by choosing from the color range of quattro GmbH. In addition, the seat upholstery, controls, door trim inserts, front center armrest, and the armrests in the door trims are covered in leather of an attractive color from the Audi exclusive program. Seat add-on parts are adapted to match the color of leather in question.

Thanks to FSI direct gasoline injection, twin-turbo supercharging, and dry sump lubrication, the high-performance V10 delivers 426 kW (580 hp) and maximum torque of 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 6,250 rpm. This sedan mirrors the performance of a high-performance sports car: from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in just 4.5 seconds and it exceeds the 200 km/h threshold (124.27 mph) after just 14.5 seconds. The sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) reduces pitch and roll by purely mechanical means. The driver can switch among the three operating modes of the MMI operating terminal”s shock-absorber control system: comfort, dynamic, and sport.

The RS 6 offers all the comfort of the A6 line of business models and is in the hands of quattro GmbH, a fully-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG. High-quality materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, leather, and Alcantara create a cultivated and dynamic atmosphere in the interior. And intelligent assistance systems grant drivers yet more control. Audi lane assist warns the driver should the car inadvertently veer out of its lane.

Audi side assist alerts the driver to possible critical situations during lane changes. Audi adaptive cruise control maintains proper speed and following distance. In addition to three-dimensional road maps, the MMI navigation plus offers a DVD player for navigation/audio/video DVDs as well as a radio with dual tuner and a 40 GB hard disk drive which can store up to 3,000 musical tracks in addition to navigation data.

The RS 6 plus Sport and RS 6 plus Audi exclusive equipment packages are available now. The Sport version costs 3,250 euros; the Audi exclusive package 8,310 euros. This equates to savings of about 50 percent compared to purchasing the items individually.

- By: Omar Rana

Let’s take a break from all the recall news and introduce you to the latest ride in egmCarTech’s garage – the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V sedan. That’s right we’re test-driving the fastest sedan to circle the famous Nurburgring in Germany and we’re loving every second of it.

First Impressions: Forget first impressions, the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V sedan creates a lasting impression and makes you realize that Detroit is capable of some very amazing things. Power comes from 6.2L Supercharged V8 based on the LS9 V8 from the recently released Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. The engine makes a neck-snapping 556-hp with a maximum torque of 551 lb-ft. Mated to a Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L90 6-speed automatic, the 0-60 mph run is rated at 3.9 seconds (we’ve managed to achieve 4.2 so far).

For the first time in a long time, we have a car in our garage that gives us a punched in the stomach feeling and a feeling that we’ll get in trouble with the authorities.

Prices start at $62,020 and we think it’s worth every penny taking into consideration build quality, performance and overall look, feel and appeal.

Stay tuned for our full review due out later this week. In the mean time, ask us all the questions you want answered about the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V in comments section below. We’ll do our best to answer everyone we can.

2010 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan (Weekly Test-Drive):

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

Toyota announced today that it is temporarily suspending sales of eight models that are involved in the recall for a sticking accelerator pedal. The vehicles include the 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla, 2007-2010 Toyota Camry, 2010 Toyota Highlander and others.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We”re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

Toyota said that it will recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models.

Click through for the list of 8 vehicles that will be discontinued.

Toyota”s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia

- By: Omar Rana

As 2009 winds down and 2010 rears its head around the corner, we thought it appropriate to reminisce about our favorite drives of ’09. Of course it only makes sense to compare apples to apples, so we picked our favorite test-car in each of seven categories. The consensus of our staff is below – click through to read the original review for each and see how the specs measure up.

Sedan: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Crossover: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Sports Car (Coupe): 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Hatchback: 2010 Volkswagen GTI
Compact Car: 2010 Mazda3
Hybrid: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Convertible: 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible

- By: Stephen Calogera

The new Kia Borrego SUV will not see any upgrades for the 2010 model year. A Kia spokesman tells TheCarConnection that the Borrego “won’t be sold as a 2010 model” and that “the company could not rule out a future return–leaving its fate ‘TBD.’”

The Kia Borrego, which arrived in the U.S. market in 2008, was expected to sell up to 20,000 units annually. However, high gas-prices and the financial crisis have hurt sales. Through the first 11 months of 2009, Kia sold a total of 9,510 Borrego units in the United States. In November 2009, Kia sold 825 units of the SUV.

Prices for the 2009 Kia Borrego start at $26,245. It is available with two engine choices including a 3.8L V6 making 276-hp and a 4.6L V8 making 337-hp.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: TCC

Want to be teased early in the morning? Volkswagen is here to help. The automaker just dropped more than a dozen pictures of the new 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R to make us jealous since we won’t be getting the sexy hatch in the U.S. anytime soon (if ever).

Refresher: Power for the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R comes from a 2.0L TSI 4-cylinder making 265-hp with a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph time in less than 6.4 seconds.

Click through for the updated high-res image gallery.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R:

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz announced today that it is building the last examples of the SLR Stirling Moss as it prepares to end the era of the SLR supercars from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. The two started in 2004 to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s.

Five variants later – two coupes, two roadsters and the exclusive SLR Stirling Moss edition – the SLR days will come to an end. Mercedes-Benz will only produce 75 units of the Stirling Moss bring the total of SLR models produced to 2,000, which is more than any other supercar in its category.

Follow the jump for an SLR history lesson.

2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss:

Press Release:

The end of a great era: Mercedes-Benz is building the last examples of the SLR

Stuttgart/Woking ““ The last examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are currently being built, bringing the active era of the SLR super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to an end. In 2004, with the swing-wing Coupé, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren jointly set out to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s. Five exciting variants in the SLR family have been produced ““ two coupés, two roadster versions and finally the uncompromisingly purist SLR Stirling Moss. This breathtaking, high-speed racer is a limited edition of 75 examples, and is the final chapter in the modern SLR story. Overall 2000 SLR models have been produced ““ substantially more than any other sports car in this elite category. An SLR also represents a membership ticket to the SLR. CLUB. The spirit of the SLR will live on in this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers even after production ceases.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans go into raptures: SLR. On paper, the legendary name simply stands for “sporty”, “light” and “raceworthy”. But, for connoisseurs, this magical combination of letters designates a dream car of special standing, promising unequalled driving enjoyment ““ a unique symbiosis of outstanding dynamics, superior performance and exceptional comfort.

In January 2009 Mercedes-Benz presented the most spectacular and uncompromising version of the reinterpreted 300 SLR as the last model in the SLR family – the SLR Stirling Moss. With neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and front passenger from nature, allowing them to enjoy sheer high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. Further attributes of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss include highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provides a new take on the SLR legend. A V8 supercharged engine developing 478 kW (650 hp) accelerates the SLR Stirling Moss from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and is good for a top speed of 350 km/h ““ performance that no other standard-production car can match. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a worthy and legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, who piloted the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars to a succession of victories in the 1950s.The SLR Stirling Moss accompanied by the 300 SLR and members of the SLR. CLUB celebrated its maiden journey at this year’s Mille Miglia, in the hands of the former Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Sir Stirling Moss himself had even made a return to Brescia to be an eye-witness to this historic event. The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition of 75 examples, and production of the SLR series will then cease at the end of 2009.

The SLR spirit lives on

The SLR project was conceived for a limited period, and as a limited edition, from the very start, and is now coming to a magnificent, entirely fitting end with the SLR Stirling Moss. The SLR spirit lives on, however, and will be perpetuated by the enthusiastic members of the SLR. CLUB. In addition to a passion for driving, the members of this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers, all of whom have an SLR model in their garages, share a discerning, sophisticated lifestyle and the enjoyment of encounters with like-minded enthusiasts. The high-quality event calendar of the SLR. CLUB includes driving events on the most demanding race circuits, participation in the Mille Miglia and tours covering the most picturesque routes in Europe. Individual, long-term backup and care at the very highest level for SLR. CLUB members is assured by dedicated Mercedes-Benz personnel well beyond the end of production.

The birth of a legend

The SLR legend was born in 1955, when Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then head of passenger-car testing and in charge of racing-car development at Mercedes-Benz, transformed a fascinating idea into reality. He combined the design and technology of the spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” model produced since 1954 with the outstanding characteristics of the 300 SLR, one of the most successful racing machines of all time, which at that time dominated all the major road races ““ above all the notorious Tourist Trophy in Northern Ireland and the two Italian classics: Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. Here Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson piloted the racing Mercedes to victory in a record time that still stands to this very day. But the Brits were not the only ones to achieve success in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Juan Manuel Fangio, who went on to become Formula-1 World Champion five times, and the speedy Karl Kling drove the sports car from Untertürkheim to many a place on the rostrum.The road-going Coupé version of this legendary racing machine ““ better known as the “Uhlenhaut Coupé” among automotive aficionados ““ was at the heart of the passionate affection for the SLR held by automotive enthusiasts.

High-class synthesis of legend, performance and comfort

The models in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren family, which have been rolling off the assembly lines at the world championship-winning team’s headquarters in Woking since 2004, are the most emphatic reminders of the glory years of the SLR during the 1950s. They have brought the core values of the historic SLR models into the modern era ““ an exciting design featuring many details reminiscent of its predecessors, innovative technology and carefully hand-crafted, high-grade materials. They also continue the tradition of the high-class Gran Turismo models in time-honoured fashion. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models offer a beguiling mix of optimum handling, extremely high speed and outstanding acceleration, not to mention a wealth of exquisite appointments, all of which makes for a truly unique driving experience.

To keep faith with the traditionally unique standing of the SLR, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive pooled all of their extensive motor-racing know-how to produce the super sports car. By way of example, the SLR models set the very highest of standards in terms of handling, rigidity and safety for high-performance cars thanks to the extremely widespread use of exceptionally lightweight yet very strong carbon-fibre materials, including the carbon-fibre front structures based on Formula 1 monocoque constructions, which optimise the car’s crashworthiness.

Outstanding powerplant for the front-mid-engine concept

In addition to this, the front-mid-engine concept allows the masses to be concentrated near the centre of the car, which makes for a low mass moment of inertia and consequently exceptional agility and handling dynamics. This concept, together with a chassis configuration born on the racetrack, forms the basis for optimum handling and peerless driving enjoyment.Here an important part is also played by the powerful high-tech engine with motor-racing genes, which was developed at Mercedes-AMG and provides power in abundance. In the Coupé and Roadster models, the driver can call upon 460 kW (626 hp) from the eight-cylinder powerplant with a displacement of 5.5 litres, while the “722″ models develop 478 kW (650 hp), ranking the SLR engines among the most powerful units for road-going production sports cars.

Exciting design and exquisite interior

The design of the SLR high-performance sports cars generates sheer excitement by virtue of the stretched bonnet, taut waistline, rear-set passenger cell and short rear end of the Coupé and Roadster ““ making the thrill of high-speed performance visible as well. Features born on the racetrack include the downforce-enhancing aerodynamic concept incorporating a diffuser, an enclosed underbody, a spoiler and the AIRBRAKE.

As for the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models, the designers have created a synthesis of puristic sports-car feeling and extraordinary luxury. Exquisite materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and leather developed exclusively for the SLR are of the highest quality and exclusivity. They dominate the passenger area of the Gran Turismo and further emphasise the unique nature of the car.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW showed off its 2009 7-Series M Sports Package. The package adds additional chrome trim on the front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim, BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, exclusive Carbon Black Metallic paintwork, 19 to 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive and an M leather steering wheel.

European Auto Source didn’t seem too satisfied with BMW’s M Sports Package and decided to add their own touches. Their conversion includes OEM M-sport front bumper conversion with matte black trim, OEM BMW 21-inch wheels in matte black, matte black side grilles and kidney grilles, body color door handles, body color trunk trim and a matte black rear diffuser.

Worth it? You decide.

EAS 2009 BMW 7-Series M Sport Package with Matte-Black Trim:

- By: Kap Shah

Source BMWBlog

General Motors built the last Pontiac for the U.S. market on Wednesday, reports The Detroit News. The white Pontiac G6 sedan rolled off the assembly line around 12:45 p.m and there was no celebration, GM officials or media on hand. The only people allowed in the facility were a group of “final process” workers to oversee the last 100 G6 models assembled.

Some workers stopped to pose for photos as the last units made their way down the assembly line, turning out to be a subdued goodbye for the 82-year-old Pontiac that debuted in 1926 at the New York Auto Show.

General Motors announced in April that it would kill the Pontiac brand as part of a bailout funded by the U.S. government.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Detroit News

When Ford first introduced the new Focus RS to the European market, it had planned to produce only 1,200 units. However, due to high-demand, Ford of Europe has decided to build an additional 400 units of the 305-hp Ford hatchback – exclusively for sale in Germany.

Ford said that this is the final decision and that there won’t be any more Focus RS units build after the 400 units are completed.  If you live in Germany and you’re interested, you can order the car now and expect delivery in the early part of 2010.

Click here for more news on the Focus RS.

Refresher: Power comes from a 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine with a large Borg Warner K16 turbocharger. That makes a total of 300-hp and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft.

2009 Ford Focus RS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Ford (via CarScoop)