New Car Collection Blog's

Following in the footsteps of nearly every other luxury automaker, Infiniti is introducing a sub-brand of sportier, factory-tuned vehicles. Its version of BMW’s M or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG is called Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL. The first vehicle to get the IPL treatment will be the G coupe, but Infiniti promises that eventually IPL will spread to a number of cars in the lineup. Likely IPL candidates are the M and G sedans, and maybe even the FX. We’d call chances slim that there will ever be an IPL version of the QX56 full-size SUV.

To merit the IPL badge, the G gets a number of modifications. Under the hood of the IPL G Coupe is a 348-hp version of Infiniti’s high-revving 3.7-liter V-6. Regular G37 coupes get by with 330. In terms of output, the IPL engine is nearly identical to the 350-hp V-6 from Nissan’s NISMO 370Z—both engines make an identical 276 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. A true dual exhaust is fitted (each cylinder bank gets its own exhaust path) that Infiniti claims reduces back pressure some 30 percent over the normal Y-pipe configuration. As in the regular G coupe, buyers can choose a six-speed manual—with a short-throw shifter in the IPL—or a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters mounted to the steering column.

Chassis tweaks involve 20-percent stiffer springs in front, 10-percent firmer springs in back, new shocks, and a sportier steering rack. A mechanical-type limited-slip differential is also included in the deal, as are what Infiniti calls “sport brakes” consisting of four-piston calipers in the front and two-piston binders in back. The brakes appear to be identical to those of the current G37 Sport.

Letting the world know that this is no ordinary G Coupe is an aggressive new body kit, a unique rear spoiler, IPL badges, and fourteen-spoke 19-inch wheels painted dark grey. Two exterior colors will be offered, Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black, which will pair with either a grey or red interior accented by aluminum trim and pedals. Red stitching on the steering wheel and grey leather seats gives a sporty and unique feel to the interior.

Other standard interior equipment includes a Bose stereo, satellite navigation, rear-view camera, and a sunroof. No pricing information has been released for the IPL G Coupe, but we’ve got a pretty good idea what it will cost. The closest G to the IPL in today’s lineup is the G37 Sport, which comes similarly equipped to the new IPL G Coupe and starts at $41,275 with a manual transmission. The IPL has more standard features and the more powerful engine, which leads us to believe that it will wear a price tag just north of $46,000 when it goes on sale in December.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Bullitt. Cobra. Shelby. Mach 1. Ford’s charismatic Mustang has taken on many roles, many forms, and many names during its 46-year history, and the company’s modern marketing machine has pillaged pretty much all of them in the past decade. Boss, however, has stayed largely in the shadows, adorning a few track-only specials sold in extremely limited quantities.

The Boss Mustang is hitting the streets once again in the form of the track-oriented Boss 302 unveiled at the Rolex Historic Races at Laguna Seca. According to the company, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is the “quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford.” It pays homage to its track-star forebears by lightening and strengthening key components, juicing up the engine, and wrapping it all in the vintage color schemes that Boss Mustangs are known for still today.

Aerodynamic changes include a deeper front air dam and a rear spoiler. Not accidentally, the changes stylistically connect the new car to its predecessor, right down to the livery, including Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue, Yellow Blaze, or Race Red. These are offset by white or black C-stripes and a matching roof.

Inside, however, the 2012 Boss 302 couldn’t be less like the original—today’s UPS trucks come with more creature comforts than most track-oriented muscle cars from the late 1960s. The new Boss models receive an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, dark metallic dash and door panels, a black shift knob, and cloth seats with “suede-like” center inserts. The GT500’s Recaro front bucket seats are optional. Eleven pounds of sound-deadening material are missing, to allow more of the engine’s uniquely tuned exhaust sound to fill the cabin.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Toyota will introduce its smallest hybrid to date with a variant of the next-generation Yaris, which has recently been spied testing in Europe.

The Japanese manufacturer intends to ‘roll down’ hybrid technology from the Prius to bread-and-butter models, and it recently started this with the Auris.

The next Yaris is designed as a mild refresh, as it makes extensive use of the current car’s bodywork.

But as Toyota is working on a hybrid addition to the range, it will be bringing the technology to the Fiesta and Polo sector for the first time.

It’s unlikely that the Yaris will be able to accommodate the 1.8-litre petrol engine from the Prius and Auris powertrains. But Toyota does have 1.33 and 1.0-litre motors at its disposal.

The Yaris and Auris hybrids will give Toyota a two-pronged defence against new opposition in the market from Honda, which is set to launch a petrol-electric version of the next Jazz.

The forthcoming Yaris is likely to mark a split in small-car policy between Europe and the US. Toyota North America is said to have been lobbying for the car to move up in size, but this has been resisted.

Instead, the US arm will unveil its own concept at January’s Detroit motor show, pointing towards a slightly larger B-segment model. It’s also unlikely to be a hybrid car.

The new Yaris could appear in Japanese showrooms as the Vitz by early next year, but confusingly, a small concept pointing to the European version of the car is due at next spring’s Geneva motor show. Sales of the Yaris will then begin here late next summer; the hybrid should appear in 2012.

Toyota is also lining up a Yaris-based rival for the Vauxhall Meriva at the Paris show in October. The mini-MPV is said to contain some styling cues that will feature on the next Yaris.

Thanks to: Autocar

MiTo buyers are quids in. Alfa has announced a new special model that crams £1,610-worth of extras into the Turismo-spec car. Called the Turismo Sport, buyers will have the choice of three colours - Solid Black, Biancospino White or the new Alfa Metallic Red – and two engines, the 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol or 95bhp 1.3-litre diesel.

In addition to the air conditioning, seven airbags and MP3-compatible stereo that come with the standard Turismo, Sport buyers get 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Blue & Me technology, fog lights and a leather steering wheel thrown in.

On sale now, the Turismo Sport 1.4 petrol starts at £12,895, and the 1.3-litre diesel costs £14,410. Both cars can be bought using Alfa’s special finance deal, which costs £199 a month for the petrol or £219 for the diesel, plus a £1,000 deposit. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Jaguar is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year in style, thanks in part to special edition models such as this year's XKR 75. As the year-long party continues, the British marque is taking the wraps off its latest anniversary-themed creation -- the 2011 XKR175 -- at this weekend's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Porsche will reveal a new incarnation of the iconic 911 at next year’s Frankfurt motor show. The company is hoping to win back traditional customers in the face of tough supercar competition and reaffirm its future under the guise of parent company Volkswagen.

Codenamed 991, the heavily re-engineered coupé and cabriolet are set to go on sale in the UK in October 2011. They will get freshened exterior styling, a higher-quality interior, more powerful yet highly fuel-efficient six-cylinder boxer engines, sharpened dynamics and a greater list of high-end options.

The new 911 will head further upmarket from its current positioning and allow Porsche to reshuffle its model line-up in readiness for the introduction of a new entry-level mode, to be developed in partnership with VW.

Porsche has traditionally made big changes to the 911 every second generation, so while today’s 997 is regarded as a heavily facelifted version of its predecessor, the new 991 — seen here in Autocar’s exclusive illustration — has been developed from a clean sheet of paper.

Weissach engineers are hopeful that its features will allow it to continue through to the next model, due in 2017, without any significant or costly modifications.

Thanks to: Autocar

Morgan is committed to launching a new car every two years, beginning in 2010. And that process begins with the EvaGT, which will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California on Sunday.

This teaser is the only image released by the Malvern-based company so far, but we do know that the newcomer will be “a four-seater Coupe aimed at young families.”

And while Morgan’s cars may look like they’re stuck in a timewarp, the technology that underpins them is increasingly cutting edge.

The EvaGT is no exception. It’s based on the bonded aluminium chassis of the Aero SuperSports, and features a superformed aluminium body. This process involves heating aluminium to around 500 degrees and using air pressure to blast the hot metal onto a mould.

The process gives great precision, allowing for tiny panel gaps in the bodywork, while the panels themselves can be moulded into dramatic shapes and creases to improve aerodynamics.

Under the bonnet is a BMW-sourced twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six which develops 306bhp. That allows the car to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.5sec and hit a top speed of 170mph. A six speed auto or manual is available, and the car will feature electronic dampers for a choice of comfort or sport oriented driving.

Efficiency is key to the EvaGT project. As well as optimised aerodynamics, including hidden wipers and flush door handles, weight has been kept to 1,250kg. That means it’s capable of 40mpg and has CO2 emissions of around 200g/km.

The EvaGT gets its debut at Pebble Beach, where potential buyers will be asked for a £5000 deposit to secure their car. The first 100 of a limited production run will begin production in mid-2012.

Morgan is also investing in the next generation of young engineers. Involved in the technical team are five engineers working towards PHDs, using the facilities at Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City Universities.

As well as the EvaGT, this group is creating an electric motor which is twice as powerful as others of the same weight and size and a powerful lithium phosphate battery with a higher charge density to achieve the most efficient performance for weight so far.

Check autoexpress.co.uk on Sunday when we'll be bringing you the latest information on the latest addition to the Morgan range. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Bentley has unveiled two new Continental models for the Middle East market that will form the ‘Arabia’ range.

Only 50 units each will be made of the Continental Flying Spur Arabia and the Continental Flying Spur Speed Arabia.

Both cars boast a range of additional extras over the standard cars, mainly focused on the visual elements of the car. They are distinguished by exterior and interior ‘Arabia’ motifs that appear on the front bumper, the tread plate and ashtray lid badge.

The Flying Spur comes with 14-spoke diamond alloy wheels and the Flying Spur Speed has bright silver, 10-spoke, 20-inch wheels. Both wheel choices are compatible with the optional carbon ceramic brakes.

Inside, there are ventilated fluted seats, veneered picnic tables with inset vanity mirrors to the rear of the front seats and deep-pile carpet mats with hide trimming.

The Flying Spur Speed comes with a more powerful 600bhp version of Bentley’s W12 engine, which also puts out 553lb ft of torque. This allows it to achieve a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds.

The Flying Spur is powered by a 552bhp version of the W12 engine and has a top speed of 194mph, getting from 0-62mph in 4.9sec.

Other options include Adaptive Cruise Control with ‘follow to stop feature’, a rear-view camera and privacy phone handsets in both the front and rear of the car.

An additional valet key that allows the car to be driven without giving access to the boot or glovebox is offered, providing secure storage of personal belongings when using valet parking services.

The Middle East market now represents 10 per cent of Bentley retail sales globally and has doubled its contribution to worldwide sales over the last five years.

Bentley now has nine dealers in the Middle East including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Jeddah, Riyadh, Al Khobar as well as the state of Kuwait and Bahrain. The special edition cars are built at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters.

Thanks to: Autocar

Meet the new Audi A6. Spied out in the open for the very first time, these spy shots show the saloon version of the car that has a lot of catching up to do. Newer rivals like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class have outclassed the current A6.

But that means the newcomer will be packed with even more groundbreaking tech to bring it right back into contention when it arrives next year.

Set to debut in the second half of 2011, the new A6 shares its underpinnings with the new A7. The chassis features 20 per cent aluminium to reduce weight, while the rest is made from steel to keep costs in check.

The chassis has been engineered to take Audi’s 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines, front- and quattro four-wheel drive and six-speed manual, seven-speed S Tronic and eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The A6 will also get the A7’s electric power steering which helps save fuel.

Engine choices are likely to begin with 2.0-litre petrol and TDI diesel units, while six-cylinder 2.8 FSI and 3.0-litre TFSI petrols and two versions of the 3.0-litre TDI will also be offered. Stop start systems are likely. An Avant estate, and S6 version and a hybrid will join the range later, while an 8-cylinder RS6 could make production.

Technology shared with the A7 includes sat nav with a touch pad input, a parking system which automatically parks the car in a bay or a parallel space, and an active lane keeping assistant. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

If there was a bright spot during the last, bleak decade of Chrysler’s history, it is the success of the handsome, full-size Chrysler 300 sedan. From the moment it went on sale in 2004, the 300 proved wildly popular with ballers, enthusiasts, businessmen, and family guys alike. Now the time has come for the 2011 Chrysler 300 to relieve its successful predecessor, and we were able to catch one out on an R&D jog as it prepares, reinvigorated, to reenter the full-size-sedan fray.

Still swaddled in cladding, the 300 prototype leaves much yet to the imagination, although everything we can see agrees with the rendering of the 2011 Chrysler 300 we posted back in February of 2009. The car’s thick-waisted proportions haven’t changed much, even as the new grille is canted back much more than before and the lower hoodline leads into a body that rises slightly from nose to tail. No one should be surprised that the gangsta-chopped beltline continues, but the fixed quarter windows in the rear doors are new for 2011. Chrysler has said in the past that one of the goals for the redesign was to address visibility issues, and so this new car has more glass and thinner pillars. Rear fender flares match the bulging front wheel arches that carry over from the current model, and the 300’s designers have cleaned up the tail, which now integrates exhaust finishers. Finally, from certain angles, portions of the lighting elements can be seen; the headlamps contain integrated HID bulbs, while stacked taillamps similar to those of today’s 300 will be lit by LEDs (at least on some models).

The most welcome improvements, however, likely will appear inside the car. Indeed, the weakest aspect of the current 300 is the low-rent interior, and although our images don’t capture the new car’s interior, more recent Chrysler products—the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram being the prime examples—have been blessed with cabins that can handily hold their own within their segments. We have no reason to believe that as Chrysler’s flagship, the 300 won’t boast equally massive improvements in quality and design. (Check out the new Charger’s interior for an idea of the 300’s appointments.) No word yet on the bulk of innovations or interior features for 2011—we do know the car will feature a seven-inch touch screen in the center console—but we expect the environment to remain cushy and conservatively styled, with the most luxe models boasting leather and genuine wood trim, and a wicked SRT model bringing sportier detailing and aggressively bolstered seats.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

The trigger’s been pulled on a new niche model at BMW! Product development chief Dr Klaus Draeger has let slip that the firm’s board is considering a Shooting Brake version of the next 6-Series.

He confirmed that a concept – styled by design boss Adrian van Hooydonk – has already been built, and is likely to be unveiled at October’s Paris Motor Show. BMW could recycle its Gran Turismo name for the concept, and will use the event to gauge public reaction before deciding whether to give the car the production green light.

Based on the Gran Coupé four-door displayed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, the Shooting Brake forms part of the brand’s plans to widen the appeal of the next-generation 6-Series.

The two-door coupé and convertible arrive next year, while Draeger confirmed that the Gran Coupé will also be built. This four-door Mercedes CLS rival will arrive in 2012, and be positioned in the range close to the new 6-Series. It will be aimed at customers wanting a more practical version of the 6-Series two-door, or 7-Series fans who prefer to drive themselves.

The Gran Coupé doesn’t have a hatchback tailgate like the Audi A7 or Porsche Panamera. Instead, BMW has opted for a saloon bodystyle, which is preferred in the Chinese market.

It will use the same engines as the new 6-Series – this means power will come from BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, as well as a range-topping 4.4-litre V8. “Since we use the same drive architecture as the 5, 6 and 7-Series, we are [also] able to bring a hybrid version,” Draeger added. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Ford isn’t afraid of looking forwards! The Paris Motor Show is on the horizon, but reports have emerged that the Blue Oval is readying two new models which will debut at next year’s Swiss expo.

While this year’s Paris event will see the debut of the European-spec new Focus in full production trim, including a hot ST model, next year’s Geneva event will see for pull the wraps off its tweaked Fiesta.

Styling changes are set to be minimal, with the car gaining revised bumpers and striking LED daytime running lights which follow the design of the revised S-MAX and Mondeo which have also been unveiled this year.

Under the bonnet, the car will debut the latest of Ford’s impressive direct injection, turbocharged EcoBoost engine range. The Fiesta will get the 90bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit that debuted in the Start concept car which was shown in China earlier this year. Ford is still considering a performance version, powered by the 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit too.

But the most striking model to bow next March will be the replacement for the Fusion. Set to be called B-MAX, the Fiesta-based small MPV will be shown in concept form, and is set to take on the Honda Jazz and the car we voted our supermini MPV of the year, the Kia Venga.

The design will be more conservative than the Fiesta, featuring a toned-down five-door body and interior that will appeal to buyers who like the current Fusion’s simple, functional aesthetic. However, the newcomer will major on practicality, getting a Jazz-rivalling seating layout. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

The branding alliance between Ford and Harley-Davidson—barring Lee Greenwood marrying a bald eagle, possibly the most American alliance in history—has yielded eight F-150s and seven Super Duties to date. The latest Ford to roll out for the H-D crowd is the 2011 F-150 Harley-Davidson. Like its predecessors, the 2011 Harley F-150 is festooned with a healthy dose of unique interior and exterior modifications.

The biggest news for the 2011 H-D F-150 is that it’s the second F-150 to receive the company’s brawny new 6.2-liter V-8. Output in the Harley truck matches that of the F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2, at a stout 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, and, as with previous Harley F-150s, the exhaust has been tuned to deliver extra rumble. A six-speed automatic is standard, but a version of the gearbox that offers manual gear selection is available.

Painted only in silver or black, the 2011 H-D F-150 wears a billet-style six-bar grille with headlamps trimmed in black. The body graphics are meant to evoke engine-turned aluminum and “speed scallops” on hot rods. The chunky, satin-finished wheels are sufficiently huge at 22 inches in diameter. Power-deployable running boards are once again included and a power sunroof has been made standard for 2011.

The interior is basically that of the F-150 at full specification; no surprise there, as Harley folks are really sybarites at heart. Black leather upholstery is standard, of course, and the seats are adorned with Harley-Davidson cloisonné badges, as is the center armrest, which states the truck’s VIN and production number. Also standard for 2011 are a navigation system, a 4.2-inch LCD within the instrument cluster, ambient lighting, heated rear seats, and remote start. A rearview camera is again included, helpful when hooking up a trailer with, say, a Harley or two on it. And that trailer can now weigh more; since the Harley truck no longer rides on a lowered suspension, it retains a respectable 9300-pound towing capacity. We’re glad to see that the Harley F-150’s relative towing weakness, which we pointed out in our review of the 2010 H-D F-150, has been corrected.

Pricing is still being finalized, but we expect Harley lovers will have to pay 50 grand or so for this gem when it hits dealers this winter.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

The Stratos is back! These pictures show an all-new version of Lancia’s legendary supercar from the 1970s reimagined for 2010.

Not only does the new Stratos bear a striking resemblance to the original car, it shares the same angular headlights and wheels as the Fenomenon NewStratos concept which was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005.

The 2005 concept was designed by a consultancy to prove its capabilities, and the firm, based in London, actually owns the rights to the Stratos name after Fiat let its claim on the name lapse. And given the similarity between this mule and the concept, it’s likely that the Fenomenon firm is involved, and thus the finished car is likely to wear the Stratos badge.

The original car used a Ferrari engine, and that’s true of the newcomer too. It shares the same V8 engine and sequential gearbox as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, and uses that car’s aluminium chassis too, albeit shortened to fit the Stratos’ small wheelbase.

Sadly, the car is a pet project of a wealthy collector, and not something that’ll be appearing in your local Fiat dealership any time soon.

But the car seen here was pictured on test at Fiat Group’s Balocco test track neat Milan, indicating that the Italian firm does at least have some involvement in the project. This could mean that small-scale production could follow, giving Lancia a retro-inspired halo model, like the 8C Competizione did for Alfa Romeo. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Now that the rest of the Land Rover lineup has received visual and mechanical updates for 2010, the LR2 sees a few visual enhancements for 2011 that will at least bring its styling more in line with the rest of the family. A fresh front bumper with revised fog-light surrounds and the new two-bar grille strengthen the stylistic connection between the LR2 and the larger LR4. Other exterior modifications include new taillights, new wheels, and additional body-colored parts like the mirror caps, door handles, and rear bumper.

It’s also worth our noting—because it would otherwise probably go unnoticed—that the LR2 is debuting the new Land Rover logo. Wishing to be a bit more contemporary, the company has done away with the classic gold-over-green logo, favoring bright silver over green for its new badge. Not a hugely dramatic change, but a small evolution nonetheless.

Inside, the changes are limited to new trim and seat appointments, and a revised instrument cluster.

While the LR2 is actually quite capable off-road, our biggest complaint has always been with the thirsty yet still underpowered 230-hp, 3.2-liter inline-6. Sadly, Land Rover has left the engine unchanged during the freshening, but hopefully the new Evoque will bring a better powerplant to share with the LR2. The 2011 LR2 goes on sale this fall.

Thanks to: Car and Driver