2011 BMW X3 SUV Scooped: Grows in Size, Could get a Hybrid Version

New X1 SUV, BMW's engineers are now busy preparing the second-generation X3 which is due to arrive in international markets in 2011. Based on the next 3-Series platform architecture, the new X3 bears the codename F25 and will come with all-wheel drive or as BMW calls it, xDrive. It is possible though that just like the smaller X1, the Bavarian automaker may also offer rear-wheel drive only variants of its compact SUV.


The introduction of the X1 in BMW's SUV range should result in an increase of the X3's exterior dimensions in order to further differentiate the two models. As it stands now, the Bavarian SUVs are similar in size, with the X1 being just 4.5 inches (114 mm) shorter, 2.2 inches (55 mm) narrower and 5.1 inches (130 mm) lower than the current X3.

While the prototype model's funky disguise does not reveal much about the design, it is expected that the new X3 will do away with the current model's flame-surface styling adopting many design cues from BMW's latest vehicles such as the 7-Series as well as the Concept CS. As for the interior, buyers should look forward to higher quality materials and a more contemporary design for the dashboard.


There'll be a wide engine range to choose from, with gasolines ranging from the 170HP 2.0-litre four-banger to a range-topping 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six while the diesel line-up will include numerous four- and six-cylinder engines.

It has also been reported that the next-generation X3 will gain a hybrid variant featuring a gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor that will allow the vehicle to to be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units.

Whereas the current X3 is built under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria, the new compact SUV will be manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina alongside the X5 and X6 models.
Source:carscoop

2011 BMW X3 SUV Scooped: Grows in Size, Could get a Hybrid Version

New X1 SUV, BMW's engineers are now busy preparing the second-generation X3 which is due to arrive in international markets in 2011. Based on the next 3-Series platform architecture, the new X3 bears the codename F25 and will come with all-wheel drive or as BMW calls it, xDrive. It is possible though that just like the smaller X1, the Bavarian automaker may also offer rear-wheel drive only variants of its compact SUV.


The introduction of the X1 in BMW's SUV range should result in an increase of the X3's exterior dimensions in order to further differentiate the two models. As it stands now, the Bavarian SUVs are similar in size, with the X1 being just 4.5 inches (114 mm) shorter, 2.2 inches (55 mm) narrower and 5.1 inches (130 mm) lower than the current X3.

While the prototype model's funky disguise does not reveal much about the design, it is expected that the new X3 will do away with the current model's flame-surface styling adopting many design cues from BMW's latest vehicles such as the 7-Series as well as the Concept CS. As for the interior, buyers should look forward to higher quality materials and a more contemporary design for the dashboard.


There'll be a wide engine range to choose from, with gasolines ranging from the 170HP 2.0-litre four-banger to a range-topping 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six while the diesel line-up will include numerous four- and six-cylinder engines.

It has also been reported that the next-generation X3 will gain a hybrid variant featuring a gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor that will allow the vehicle to to be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units.

Whereas the current X3 is built under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria, the new compact SUV will be manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina alongside the X5 and X6 models.
Source:carscoop

Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition based on Porsche Carrera GT

GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik are amazing tuners which specialty is to build exclusive sports cars which are based on the Porsche models. The very last exotic addition to their range is called MIRAGE GT GOLD EDITION. The words ”MIRAGE GT” in the model name reminds us for a few other GEMBALLA creations, but ”GOLD EDITION” speaks for a Midas touch in that particular one.


The MIRAGE GT GOLD EDITION super sports car is based on the Porsche 980 Carrera GT and for sure will conquer lots of motor sport hearts. It is an extremely attractive version of the MIRAGE GT and the eye-catching main evolutionary characteristic are the GEMBALLA body details finished in golden paint and golden carbon fibre.


But the GEMBALLA improvements are not over yet: ultra-light aerodynamics components, power engine with powerful 670 hp and a top speed of 335 km/h which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.


A ground-breaking, hydraulic, height-adjustable coilover kit especially adjusted to the GEMBALLA wheel-tyre combination GT SPORT Forged provides perfect road handling. Also the interior is stylishly arranged from the floor to the roof lining with carbon fibre and elements painted in golden color.
Source:GEMBALLA

Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition based on Porsche Carrera GT

GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik are amazing tuners which specialty is to build exclusive sports cars which are based on the Porsche models. The very last exotic addition to their range is called MIRAGE GT GOLD EDITION. The words ”MIRAGE GT” in the model name reminds us for a few other GEMBALLA creations, but ”GOLD EDITION” speaks for a Midas touch in that particular one.


The MIRAGE GT GOLD EDITION super sports car is based on the Porsche 980 Carrera GT and for sure will conquer lots of motor sport hearts. It is an extremely attractive version of the MIRAGE GT and the eye-catching main evolutionary characteristic are the GEMBALLA body details finished in golden paint and golden carbon fibre.


But the GEMBALLA improvements are not over yet: ultra-light aerodynamics components, power engine with powerful 670 hp and a top speed of 335 km/h which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.


A ground-breaking, hydraulic, height-adjustable coilover kit especially adjusted to the GEMBALLA wheel-tyre combination GT SPORT Forged provides perfect road handling. Also the interior is stylishly arranged from the floor to the roof lining with carbon fibre and elements painted in golden color.
Source:GEMBALLA

Frankfurt Motor Show:: Audi to Unveil R8 ePerformance Electric Vehicle Concept

For a number of years now major automakers' favourite flavour at international motor shows has been the hybrid system. Now a new dawn is upon us and it is the dawn of full electric power. Rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while are suggesting that Audi will be one of those who unveil an electric sports car concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will take the form of an R8.

Supposedly the car will be called the R8 ePerformance. Power is to come from large powerful batteries and an electric motor to drive the wheels, so it will not be a hybrid but a complete electric-powered car.
more detail. ...

Frankfurt Motor Show:: Audi to Unveil R8 ePerformance Electric Vehicle Concept

For a number of years now major automakers' favourite flavour at international motor shows has been the hybrid system. Now a new dawn is upon us and it is the dawn of full electric power. Rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while are suggesting that Audi will be one of those who unveil an electric sports car concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will take the form of an R8.

Supposedly the car will be called the R8 ePerformance. Power is to come from large powerful batteries and an electric motor to drive the wheels, so it will not be a hybrid but a complete electric-powered car.
more detail. ...

Videos: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan Officially Revealed

The Kizashi, Japanese for "something great is coming", was designed to mix European styling with Japanese quality. While the latter remains to be seen, the car features an interesting appearance with a bold grille, shapely headlights, and a dynamic rear end. Other styling highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, an attractive dual exhaust system, and a short front overhang.


Suzuki has officially pulled the wraps of their new Kizashi mid-size sedan.


The car offers an extensive list of standard safety equipment which includes eight airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlights, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Owners can also equip their Kizashi with an intelligent all-wheel drive system which sends power to the rear wheels as soon as the driver hints a dash-mounted switch.


Power comes from a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine which has an output that is "more potent ... than many competitive best-sellers." This is backed up by a standard six-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was designed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency. Eventually, the company plans on introducing a hybrid model but no details were released.



Riding on a 107-inch wheelbase, the Kizashi features a rigid steel unibody with a reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that uses several aluminum components. The company promises this setup will ensure "crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability."


While the exterior screams style, the interior says blah. The materials seem nice enough, but any hint of a design effort is lacking. Regardless, the car comes nicely equipped with standard sport seats and iPod connectivity. Options include leather upholstery, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.
More Photos

Videos: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan Officially Revealed

The Kizashi, Japanese for "something great is coming", was designed to mix European styling with Japanese quality. While the latter remains to be seen, the car features an interesting appearance with a bold grille, shapely headlights, and a dynamic rear end. Other styling highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, an attractive dual exhaust system, and a short front overhang.


Suzuki has officially pulled the wraps of their new Kizashi mid-size sedan.


The car offers an extensive list of standard safety equipment which includes eight airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlights, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Owners can also equip their Kizashi with an intelligent all-wheel drive system which sends power to the rear wheels as soon as the driver hints a dash-mounted switch.


Power comes from a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine which has an output that is "more potent ... than many competitive best-sellers." This is backed up by a standard six-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was designed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency. Eventually, the company plans on introducing a hybrid model but no details were released.



Riding on a 107-inch wheelbase, the Kizashi features a rigid steel unibody with a reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that uses several aluminum components. The company promises this setup will ensure "crisp, nimble handling with excellent stability."


While the exterior screams style, the interior says blah. The materials seem nice enough, but any hint of a design effort is lacking. Regardless, the car comes nicely equipped with standard sport seats and iPod connectivity. Options include leather upholstery, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.
More Photos

Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 Tuning Gone Bad

The Merc's front and rear ends have been completely deformed with the grotesque creation featuring an ASMA inspired front grille flanked by a pair of CLK-style headlamps while at the back, Dr. Frankenstein incorporated a set of... SLK tail lamps.


The vehicle also gets a variety of air vents on the hood and the front panels plus a triple exhaust pipes on each side of the bumper.


After looking at these photos, we've reached to the conclusion that we've been extremely harsh on ASMA. Don't get us wrong, we still find the German tuner's proposals hideous, but few will disagree that there's a new king in town.


Even though there's a badge with the name 'Arturos' at the rear, we're not sure who's responsible for this freakishly modded Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 that was apparently photographed somewhere in Russia.


via:carscoop

Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 Tuning Gone Bad

The Merc's front and rear ends have been completely deformed with the grotesque creation featuring an ASMA inspired front grille flanked by a pair of CLK-style headlamps while at the back, Dr. Frankenstein incorporated a set of... SLK tail lamps.


The vehicle also gets a variety of air vents on the hood and the front panels plus a triple exhaust pipes on each side of the bumper.


After looking at these photos, we've reached to the conclusion that we've been extremely harsh on ASMA. Don't get us wrong, we still find the German tuner's proposals hideous, but few will disagree that there's a new king in town.


Even though there's a badge with the name 'Arturos' at the rear, we're not sure who's responsible for this freakishly modded Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 that was apparently photographed somewhere in Russia.


via:carscoop

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG Facelift Scooped

Almost three years after its debut at the 2006 Paris Show and Mercedes is readying a subtle mid-life facelift for the CL-Class that may be re-designated as the S-Coupe when the car arrives at Merc's showrooms sometime during the first quarter of 2010. Our spies captured the range-topping AMG version of the CL that will once again be available in two guises, the V8-powered CL63 AMG and the V12-powered CL65 AMG or, S63 and S65 AMG Coupe respectively if Mercedes decides to change the coupe's name as it did with the CLK's replacement, the E-Class Coupe.


Like the recently updated S63 and S65 AMG sedans, while the CL63 and C65 AMG coupes won't have more muscle than before, they will boast slightly improved fuel economy and decreased CO2 emission figures thanks to the retuning of their engine management systems.


As with the rest of the range, the AMG variants will benefit from a mildly redesigned nose complete with a more pointed front grille and a new bumper incorporating a pair of LED daytime running lights. Though the test mule seen in these spy photos featured the same bodykit with the current CL AMGs, expect to see new side skirts and a different rear diffuser plus restyled alloy wheels.


With the exception of the Mercedes' new split view central monitor that allows the passenger and driver to see different pictures on the same screen and quite possibly, new trim options, the interior of the refreshed CL will remain untouched.


This means that the CL63 AMG's 6.3-litre V8 will make 525-horsepower and a maximum torque of 630Nm or 465 lb/ft while the CL65 AMG's 6.0-litre bi-turbocharged V12 will deliver an output of 612HP and 1000Nm or 737 lb/ft of torque.


Aside from the engine management updates, AMG engineers are also expected to tweak the coupes' Active Body Control air suspension and braking systems.
via:carscoop

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG Facelift Scooped

Almost three years after its debut at the 2006 Paris Show and Mercedes is readying a subtle mid-life facelift for the CL-Class that may be re-designated as the S-Coupe when the car arrives at Merc's showrooms sometime during the first quarter of 2010. Our spies captured the range-topping AMG version of the CL that will once again be available in two guises, the V8-powered CL63 AMG and the V12-powered CL65 AMG or, S63 and S65 AMG Coupe respectively if Mercedes decides to change the coupe's name as it did with the CLK's replacement, the E-Class Coupe.


Like the recently updated S63 and S65 AMG sedans, while the CL63 and C65 AMG coupes won't have more muscle than before, they will boast slightly improved fuel economy and decreased CO2 emission figures thanks to the retuning of their engine management systems.


As with the rest of the range, the AMG variants will benefit from a mildly redesigned nose complete with a more pointed front grille and a new bumper incorporating a pair of LED daytime running lights. Though the test mule seen in these spy photos featured the same bodykit with the current CL AMGs, expect to see new side skirts and a different rear diffuser plus restyled alloy wheels.


With the exception of the Mercedes' new split view central monitor that allows the passenger and driver to see different pictures on the same screen and quite possibly, new trim options, the interior of the refreshed CL will remain untouched.


This means that the CL63 AMG's 6.3-litre V8 will make 525-horsepower and a maximum torque of 630Nm or 465 lb/ft while the CL65 AMG's 6.0-litre bi-turbocharged V12 will deliver an output of 612HP and 1000Nm or 737 lb/ft of torque.


Aside from the engine management updates, AMG engineers are also expected to tweak the coupes' Active Body Control air suspension and braking systems.
via:carscoop

Auction: Gooding tests the market with Phil Hill's Packard and a prince's Duesenberg

If you dig classic auctions and can't make it to Pebble, there will be a live webcast on the Gooding site at www.goodingco.com. Yet even though David Gooding said "Today's records become tomorrow's bargains," we don't expect to see any bargains at this year's show.


Pebble Beach regular Gooding & Company will be bringing three special cars to this year's auction and the vintage rides are said to carry not only the requisite pedigree, but are expected to be barometers of the classic car market at a time when values are, at best, variable.


Included are a 1927 Packard 343 Convertible Sedan owned and restored by the late, great racer Phil Hill and being auctioned by his estate. It won Best of Pebble in 1977 and has never been auctioned before. Joining it will be a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Roadster (pictured) that was a gift from an heiress to a Georgian nobleman (Soviet Georgia, that is). Finally there's a car we can't help but love: a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. We don't care if it has a story or not. We want it. Desperately.


More Photos


PRESS RELEASE

A Triumph in Duesenberg Design:
Crowning the cover of Gooding & Company's 2009 Pebble Beach catalogue, the regal 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Roadster with coachwork by Bohman & Schwartz will be an exciting highlight offered at Gooding & Company's Sunday evening auction. One of 36 SJs created in 1935 and later described to be the most successful Bohman & Schwartz design ever created for Duesenberg, Chassis 2596 was originally an extravagant gift passed from Woolworth heiress, Barbara Hutton, to her very close friend Prince Serge M'Divani, of the Soviet Georgian Noble family. The car was later purchased during the 1950s by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club's then President Jerry Gebby of Dayton, Ohio, who took the wheel on its historic drive from Dayton to Tucson in 1960, traveling 129 miles at an average of 103 mph. Collectors and enthusiasts alike may also recognize this car from this year's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, where it won First in Class.

"The Champion's Champion" -- Phil Hill's Purple Packard:
For the first time ever at auction, this 1927 Packard 343 Convertible Sedan, once owned and personally restored by Racing Legend Phil Hill, is a car to watch at the Gooding & Company Sunday evening auction. The only Murphy-bodied 343 believed to exist, this car left the Detroit plant as a bare chassis in 1927 and landed in the Pasadena workshop of the famed Walter M. Murphy Company, where it was custom fit with luxurious coachwork and later sold in Santa Monica. Purchased by Phil Hill in 1967, the car was later restored to immaculate condition in the original Packard lilac color combination by Phil Hill himself together with renowned partner Ken Vaughn and first employee Bob Mosier. With this car, Phil Hill won his second Best of Show trophy at the 1977 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Summary on Pebble Beach Auction:
The Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction is located at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. Preview days will be from Wednesday, August 12 through Sunday, August 16, 2009. The Saturday evening auction will commence at 5:00 PM and the Sunday evening auction will commence at 6:00 PM. Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction catalogues are available for $100 and admit two to the viewing and the auction. General admission to the viewing and the auction can be purchased at the tent for $40 per person. Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are available at www.goodingco.com.