2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Specs, News, and Review...

The all-new Charger will once again receive a slight makeover later this fall, although this time it'll get musclecar mascara from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team. Not only is the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 more powerful than the last go-fast rendition, but according to preliminary test data, it's more efficient, too.

The new SRT8 Charger's improved efficiency is achieved in part by the addition of Chrysler's adaptive valve exhaust system and Fuel Saver technology. The latter switches the all-new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 into a four-cylinder mode that's activated over a wider rpm range, thus minimizing consumption. By exactly how much has yet to be announced, but for a reference point, the last Challenger SRT8 powered by the 6.1-liter V-8 was rated 13/19 mpg city/highway. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft on the 2012 Charger SRT8 optimize low-end grunt for even more speed when you want it.

Each of the SRT8's 465 horses and 465 pound-feet of torque are routed to sticky 20-inch rear rubber through the brand's well worn W5A580 AutoStick five-speed automatic. Yes, we know, it's no pistol-grip six-speed manual (say, from the Challenger SRT8 392), or even a six-speed slushbox, but SRT has included a first-ever paddle shifting function to make the aging tranny more entertaining.

Even with the questionable gearbox in place, Chrysler reckons the SRT8 can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in the high-4 second range, achieve 0.88 g on the skidpad, and top out at an estimated 175 mph. Quarter-mile times should be in the high-12 second range, Chrysler says.

Good thing there are four-piston Brembos to clamp down hard on 14.2-inch front/13.8-inch rear slotted rotors. The massive binders utilize Chrysler's Ready Alert Braking system that positions pads closer to the rotors when a collision is anticipated by onboard telemetry. Each corner also gets redesigned 20-inch forged aluminum wheels that sport black accents to emphasize their mirror-like faces.

An SRT first, the adaptive damping suspension adjusts stiffness levels based on driver inputs and road conditions. When left in Auto mode, the suspension's ECU calibrates all four corners to a softer level; toggle to Sport for a tauter road feel. Engineers installed a beefier power steering system for direct, yet livable communication.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Specs, News,and Review...

Jaguar will launch  Jaguar XKR-S at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, with an uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension and a new aerodynamically-driven design, the Jaguar XKR-S is the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s long held duality of purpose: GT luxury with incredible performance.

The all-new Jaguar XKR-S will significantly broaden the appeal of the XK range, offering enthusiastic drivers a compelling, fresh choice in the luxury GT class. The products offer a peerless blend of performance, comfort, cutting-edge technology and award-winning design.

“The Jaguar XKR-S is a bold and exciting new model for Jaguar,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s new Global Brand Director. “We expect to attract both loyal and new Jaguar driving enthusiasts who still want the comfort, opulence and class only a Jaguar can offer, combined with inspirational performance.”

Alongside the exciting new Jaguar XKR-S, Jaguar will be marking the 50th anniversary of the E-Type with the first in a series of celebrations that take place during 2011. Jaguar will be hosting E-Type drives at the Parc des Eaux Vives in Geneva, where the original car was launched by the marque’s founder Sir William Lyons half a century ago.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S produces 550PS and 680Nm of torque, enough power to offer a top speed of 186mph (300km/h). Its performance credentials speak for themselves: 0-60mph takes 4.2 seconds, with 0-100mph dismissed in just 8.6 seconds.

This is Jaguar’s fastest, most agile, responsive and driver-focused. Jaguar XKR-S is the only car in its class that emits less than 300g/km CO2. It exploits the XK’s strong, lightweight aluminium body architecture to maximise both handling and economy.

2012 Daihatsu Charade Specs, News,and Review...

Japanese firm will introduce one more model to its range, the new Daihatsu Charade. The “new” Daihatsu Charade is in fact a Daihatsu-badged version of the outgoing Toyota Yaris, the successor of which, has already been introduced in Japan and will be showcased through a hybrid study in Geneva.

The current generation of Toyota Yaris (XP90) hatchback will be replaced with the new generation of Toyota Yaris (XP120). In Japan, the new Yaris was launched on December 22, 2010 and we sent one of our journalists to check out the new compact passenger car in Tokyo.

According to AutoEvolution, Daihatsu (Toyota’s subsidiary) which specialised in smaller vehicles will uses the current generation of Toyota Yaris (XP90) to rebadged and market it as Daihatsu Charade in Europe. This model is set to introduce in May 2011 for the European auto market.

The differences between the Yaris and the new  Daihatsu Charade will be its engine which running on 99hp 1.3-litre gasoline engine mated with either 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Plus, it is limited in 5-door configuration.

2012 Acura TL Sedan Specs, News, and Review...

Japanese automaker decided to drop pricing details along with a slew of new photos of 2012 Acura TL Sedan and than the car will launch on March 18. There was little change in the style of the car. Please jump to view more photos and info!

The most significant changes for the 2012 Acura TL Sedan concern the new front and rear styling, while Acura also added a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and made the cabin quieter.

For 2012 Acura TL Sedan model, base front-wheel drive fitted a 280HP V6 hooked up to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic, starts at $35,605, while the available Technology Package that includes a navigation system and a 440-watt premium audio System, increases the price to $39,335. Opt for the Advance Package that incorporates ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information (BSI) system, and the price goes up to $41,535.

While the Acura TL SH-AWD comes with features a 305HP V6 linked to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, has an MSRP of $39,155. The MSRP for models equipped with the Technology Package is $42,885, and with the Advance Package, it’s $45,085.

Japanese automaker set prices for 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD with a six-speed manual gearbox and the Technology Package has an MSRP of $42,885.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Specs, New, and Review...

The long-awaited replacement for the top end Lamborghini Murcielago has finally broken cover. Introducing the even more vicious and beautiful Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Carrying over several significant design elements from the limited edition Reventon, the all-carbon fiber bodied Aventador boasts a ferocious 6500cc V12 engine that snorts out 700 hp and 479 lb feet of torque. That colossal power is sent to all four wheels, allowing the bull to reach 60 in less than 3 seconds and max out at a face-warping 217 mph.

Power is nothing, though, without adequate middle management. To this end, the V12 is connected to an all-new seven speed automated manual, known as the Lamborghini Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) that moves from one gear to the next nearly simultaneously, providing lightning fast 50 millisecond shifts. Stopping is bolstered by massive 380mm carbon ceramic brakes, six-piston fronts and four-piston rears. This range topper also benefits from a 500 pound weight drop over its predecessor due to a carbon fiber chassis and an increased rigidity of 70%, which should prove a boon for the handling. One feature that we feel should show up on every low-slung supercar isLamborghini Aventador LP700-4's unique hydraulic chin-lifter, raising the front of the car by 40mm at the touch of a button, so you don’t embarrass yourself next time you exit the drive-thru at Bob’s Big Boy. With the Aventador, the carmaker from Sant’Agata effectively takes its flagship into the 21st century of supercars. The technology, design and the performance should be nothing short of astounding. Estimated price? A whopping $350,000.

Before the Geneva Motor Show press conference on Tuesday, Lamborghini let us in on a private Bologna-area photography studio so that we could get our own sex-machine shots of their raging new V12 firestarter, the 691-horsepower Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

First off, we're glad they didn't call it 'Jota' as some were peas-and-carroting about because it's just a silly and unpronounceable name. It probably belonged to some wimpy minor league bull, too. Only one true Jota was ever built in 1970, and it was a just an amped-up and flared Miura (we prefer not to think about the mid-90s Diablo anniversary upgrade kits).

"Aventador" was, according to the best detective work we can muster, a bull whose career peaked in 1993 in the town of Saragozza, Spain, when he and the torero had a particularly spirited encounter prior to ol' Aventador's inevitable skewering. This particular beastie belonged to the breeding stables of the sons of Don Celestino Cuadri Vides and, for unknown reasons surely banal, he bore the number 32 singed on his hide. And now he gets the strongest Lamborghini ever built named after him. And about damned time! The British were getting tired of mispronouncing "Murcièlago" over the past ten years and now they have a new proper name to mutilate.

2012 Lotus ELISE Club Racer Specs, News, and Review...

With its roomier cabin and wider and taller door openings with narrower doorsills designed for the easier egress/ingress of the American public, the Lotus Evora was a step in the more practical direction. It was also the heaviest Lotus in the lineup. But don’t let that fool you into thinking the Lotus brand is moving away from its performance-through-lightweight mentality.

2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer is designed to prove that the brand still knows how to keep a vehicle’s weight down. The Lotus Elise Club Racer weighs 53 pounds less than the already light Lotus Elise. It was able to accomplish this task through many small detail changes. Some of the techniques employed include the addition of a lightweight battery and lightweight rims, the deletion of noise insulation, and even painting on the Lotus logo instead of using real emblems.

2012 Lotus Elise Club Sport will also come with a Sport setting for the stability control software that will sit between the previous On and Off settings. The Sport mode will allow less experienced drivers push the limits of their cars without worry or looking foolish, while the ability to switch it off completely will please the more established track-orientated buyers. 2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer will also come with an adjustable front anti-roll bar.

Because 2012 Lotus Elise Club Racer is based on the base European model, a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated Toyota-derived four-cylinder engine powers the car. The car will be available for €34,450, or approximately $45,000, in one of six color choices: Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt(e) Black and Carbon Grey.

2012 Lotus ELISE Club Racer Specs :

Base Price

€34,450

Engine

1.6-liter I-4

Horsepower

136 hp @ 6,800 rpm

Torque

122 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Transmission

6-speed manual

0–60 mph

6.0 seconds

Top Speed

127 mph

Weight

1,875 lb

Length

149 inches

Tires

Front: 175/55R-16, Rear: 22/45R-17 (estimated)

FOR

The lightweight Elise drops an additional 53 pounds

AGAINST

Exclusive to Europe

New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited Edition Specs, News, and Review...

More and more carmakers are quietly abandoning their gentleman’s agreement of limiting top speed of their production models to 250 km/h (155 mph), despite the fact that the only place in Europe to legally drive that fast is on certain sections of the German autobahn. The latest company to do so is Opel which has released a new version of its high-performance New Opel Insignia OPC called ‘Unlimited’ without an electronically-restricted top speed.

“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”

By eliminating the 250km/h electronic speed limiter, the New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited in sedan form with a manual gearbox can now reach a maximum velocity of 270km/h (168 mph). The New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited model is available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission in all body styles including a four-door saloon, a five-door fastback, and the Sports Tourer station wagon.

The only other changes on the New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited concern the blue Brembo logo and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer, while Opel said that it is also preparing a special edition with a matt black wrapping.

Other than that, it’s business as usual with power coming from a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 producing 325HP and 400Nm of torque channeled to all four wheels. Depending on the bodystyle and transmission choice, the Insignia OPC can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 to 6.6 seconds, while combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions range from 10.6 lt/100 km [22.2 mpg US] and 249 g/km to 11.0 lt/100 km [21.4 mpg US] and 259 g/km.

GM offers a similar version of the Insignia OPC in the US under the Buick Regal GS nameplate. However, instead of the 2.8-liter Turbo V6 and AWD system, the American version gets a much less potent setup with a 255HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and FWD.

Subaru ISIS AM01 Specs, News, and Review...

This odd-looking creation is the ISIS AM01 and it’s the work of a Dutch company named Isis Cars that is led by Anton van Nunen and Max Alting Siberg. In an even stranger twist, the ISIS AM01 is based on another coachbuilt sports car from the Netherlands called the Saker.  Underneath the composite body shell lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine sourced from a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The four-cylinder unit churns out 275HP and a peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), with power being transferred to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. 

Given that the ISIS AM01 weighs just 850kg or 1,874 pounds, it shouldn’t come to a surprise that the Dutch sports car manages to return a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 260km/h (162mph).  What may come as a surprise though is the asking price that is set at €120,000, which comes to around US$174,000 at the current exchange rates.  The Dutch builder said that it is also readying a second model called the AM02, which will be powered by a 400HP 3.0-liter engine of an unknown origin and priced at around €140,000 (US$203,000).

2012 Aston Martin Virage Specs, News, and Review...

This time, Aston Martin has resurrected the Virage name for a new coupe and cabriolet that sit between the DBS and DB9. According to the company, the Virage “capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide”.

The Aston Martin Virage coupe will be available as a 2+2 or a strictly two seater as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf, while also reducing weight. The car will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale shortly after.

The Aston Martin Virage coupe powered by the company’s familiar 6.0-liter V12 engine. Given that the same poweplant produces 477HP and 443 lb-ft in the DB9 and 517HP and 420 lb-ft in the DBS, it’s only natural that the Virage’s V12 would fit in between in terms of output delivering 497HP and 420 lb-ft of peak torque. The V12 is matched to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle.

The  Aston Martin Virage can continue up to a top speed of 299 km/h (188 mph) when 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 4.6 seconds. While the numbers for the 477HP DB9 are 4.8″ and 306 km/h (190 mph), and for the 510HP DBS, 4.3″ and 307 km/h (191mph), respectively.

2012 Aston Martin Virage is equipped a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with a specific tune, as well as a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system with bespoke settings, and standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes.

The exterior of  Aston Martin Virage sports there are new aluminium metal front grille with five horizontal vanes that’s inspired by the One-77, along with a redesigned front bumper, a fresh interpretation of Aston’s side strake with six LEDs on the front wings, different side sills and a re-profiled rear bumper.

At full leather interior complete with colored piping and several standard features such as cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integration.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada Limited Edition Specs, News,and Review...

Technically, this is not the first time the Hyundai Genesis will be wearing Prada, but it seems that people enjoyed the whole collaboration between the Korean automaker and the Italian fashion house.

For this installment, Hyundai used a 2012 Genesis and is positioning it as one of the most luxurious models the company has ever built. Aesthetically, the Genesis Prada will be offered in three colors – Black Nero, Blue Baltico, and Brown Moro – and will include a host of other items, including distinguishable dark chrome accents, a new “shark-fin” antenna, a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada Limited Editiona badge and GP500 emblem, and a set of 19” alloy wheels. Inside, the Genesis Prada will be dressed with “Saffiano” leather – Prada’s signature top quality leather - upholstery with a piano black trim and a new rear entertainment system.

As for performance, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada Limited Edition will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 424 horsepower and 376 lb/ft of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai will be offering the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada Limited Edition through customized personal orders. The initial plan is to have only 1,200 units of the car, distributed mostly in the Korean market with a limited number of models headed to the rest of Asia and the Middle East.

2012 Pininfarina Coupe Concept, News, and Review...

While Pininfarina is busy designing models for Ferrari, concept designer Peter Norris is taking a break from his job in the video games and entertainment industry to design a future luxury sports car concept that is "clean, unfussy, elegant and fast." These attributes led him to the Pininfarina Coupe Concept, a front engined model combined with a rear wheel drive system.

Norris’ design inspiration for the Pininfarina Coupe Concept came from the love of his very own Fiat Coupe 16v Turbo with some Ferrari lines thrown in to polish it over. ThePininfarina Coupe Concept’s look is characterized by the ultra low roofline and the accentuated front and rear fenders. The sleek profile is exaggerated further with large wheels that visually shorten the height of the sports car. At the back of the Pininfarina are a set of C-shaped LED taillights.

When talking about his concept, Peter Norris said: "much of my work is focused strongly on science fiction and the distant future, but with this project I wanted to create an elegant and unfussy design with classic lines that could be on the road today."

“The Pininfarina Coupe Concept styling inside as much as outside just oozes with Italian flair and really was, and still is different to anything else on the road. Some people have referred to it as a “baby Ferrari”.

Somehow we don’t see a luxury sports car like this toting around the 190 HP 2.0L 16V Turbo engine as seen on the Fiat Coupe, but since the Pininfarina Coupe Concept was also inspired by Ferrari, we’d love to see something along the lines of the 458 Italia’s 570 HP 4,499 cc V8 engine. Not a likely scenario, but we can dream.

2012 Lamborghini LP760-2 Aventador by Oakley Design News, and Review...

Following international acclaim for their finely honed Ferrari 458, Porsche GT2, GT3 and Panamera conversions, Oakley Design is now proud to announce their tuning programme for the 2012 Lamborghini LP760-2 Aventador.

Production of the Oakley Design 2012 Lamborghini LP760-2 Aventador will be limited to just five cars, each bearing a unique numbered plaque. Three of these are already sold. Outside of this Limited Edition model, individual parts will be available for clients who do not require the complete package.

Chassis

A new ultra-light, forged alloy wheel is being developed in conjunction with our partner HRE. Weighing around 4.0kg less per corner than the factory alloys, this is the distinctive Oakley Design P40 design used on our Ferrari and Porsche based models.

We retain the factory 255/35ZR19 front and 355/30ZR20 Pirelli PZero tyres, but increase wheel width from 9.0J to 9.5 inch in front, and from 12.0J to 13.0J at the rear. This gives the car a wider footprint, and endows the rear wheels with more mechanical grip in ‘corsa’ mode.

Although the majority of owners will purchase just the carbon-fibre parts, sports exhaust and re-mapped ECU, a few hard-core clients are interested in a rear-drive only option for further weight saving and increased performance.

After our success tuning the Ferrari 458 Italia to 640bhp, and also having driven the Underground Racing twin-turbo F458 with 880bhp, we feel that the 2012 Lamborghini LP760-2 Aventador, with its very stiff full carbon monocoque and advanced suspension design, should also be able to handle this level of power with just rear-wheel-drive.

We are developing several suspension upgrade alternatives with our partner Intrax, and the removal of the front differential, drive shafts and associated front drivetrain parts will reduce kerb weight by around 85kgs.

Performance

Lamborghini’s claimed outputs of 690bhp and 690Nm (508 lb/ft) of torque, will be increased by around 10% with an ECU remap optimising a larger airbox, intake feed pipe diameter and a titanium exhaust system that will also save over 30kg. Our target is 760bhp with 745Nm (550 lb/ft) of torque. The angular cover surrounding the four exhaust outlet pipes will feature the Oakley Design logo and signature burnt blue tip look.

Aerodynamics

Despite having a carbon-fibre bodyshell, the 2012 Lamborghini LP760-2 Aventador has many gloss black plastic parts. The two plastic front bumper and two rear bumper trims will be extended to aid cooling, as will the side air intakes located behind the doors. The new parts will be made from carbon-fibre, as will the new side sills with their slightly larger vents. The sills can either be colour-coded to the bodywork, with the air vents picked out in carbon, or left completely in exposed carbon finish for a more aggressive look.

Developed in the MIRA wind tunnel, the rear Gurney flap, matched to a deeper rear diffuser with longer, deeper boundary layer fences, helps high-speed stability and grip on both two and four-wheel-drive versions. The carbon-fibre door mirrors and engine bay covers are direct replacement parts. Along with the black carbon roof, they give this very special 2012 Lamborghini LP760-2 Aventador its distinctive Oakley Design look.

2012 Audi A6 Avant Specs, News, and REview...

Audi has just revealed the 2012 Audi A6 Avant in Berlin. The Avant is the most successful business-class station wagon in Europe and the new model will be offered with a choice of six engines with an 18% fuel consumption, a lightweight body, and many additional innovations.

The base version will be offered with a 177 HP 2.0 TDI engine, while the top model gets a 313 HP 3.0 TDI engine. The 2.0L TDI version is the most impressive when it comes to fuel economy with a total of 47 mpg on the highway.

Like with all the other models, the 2012 Audi A6 Avant will also get a S-Line sports package that will lower the body by 30 millimeters and includes large wheels, appearance modifications, and many special details for the all-black interior.

The seventh generation Audi A6 Avant will go on sale on the European markets in late summer 2011 with a base price of 40,850 euros - or about $58,000 at the current exchange rates.

The car’s interior is defined by a high-quality and functional impression. While entering the car, the driver will notice a decorative inlay known as the "wrap-around" that encircles the driver and the front-seat passenger, while the back seat offers ample passenger room. There are plenty of storage options and cup holders in the front and the rear with an additional storage package available as an option.

The decorative inlays are available in aluminum and three types of wood, including a very modern, novel veneer of alternating layers of light and dark oak. As an option, customers can opt for a piano lacquer variant and a range of leathers, including exclusive Valcona.

The top models will be offered with comfortable and sporty front seats featuring ventilation and massage functions. There is also a wide range of options when it comes to the steering wheels: three or four spokes, power-adjustable steering column, heated rim, and paddles for the automatic transmission.

The 2012 Audi A6 Avant will be offered with a choice of six engines featuring direct fuel injection: one four-cylinder unit and five V6 units. The base version will be powered by a 2.0 TDI engine that delivers 177 HP and a fuel economy of 47.04 US mpg. The next engine is a 3.0 TDI engine offered in three variants: 204 HP, 245 HP, and, the top version, 313 HP. The 313 HP version delivers a reported 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.

The gasoline line-up starts with a 2.8 FSI engine with 204 hp, while the top version is a 3.0 TFSI producing 300 hp.

All of the engines in the 2012 Audi A6 Avant use the technologies of the Audi modular efficiency platform, including the start-stop system, the recuperation system and the innovative thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and motor oil up to their operating temperatures. Depending on the model, the A6 will be offered with a six-speed manual, the continuously variable multitronic, or the sporty S tronic with seven speeds.

The 2012 Audi A6 Avant will go on sale on the European markets in late summer 2011 at a base price of 40,850 euros - or about $58,000 at the current exchange rates.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Specs, News, and Review

2012 Mercedes C63 AMG  Review

Mercedes has already released the first official details for the 2012 C-Class model, so it seems fitting that the first details and images of the new AMG version have popped up on the web. The new model is expected to go on sale by the summer of 2011. Like with the standard C-Class, the AMG version has also received an updated exterior and interior, but the engine will remain faithful to the 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG packaging.

The exterior gets redesigned bumpers, slimmer headlights with LED lights, revised mirrors, and a new grille with one horizontal bar instead of two, as found in the SLS AMG. There is also a new set of sportier wheels, chrome elements, and an AMG logo in order to differentiate it from the standard C-Class. A sporty exhaust system with four end pipes has also been added to the back oft he vehicle.

2012 Mercedes C63 AMG  Review

For the facelift C-Class, Mercedes is offering a redesigned front apron that offers a more dynamic appearance, a new grille with one horizontal bar instead of two, a more muscular bonnet, LED daytime running lights at the bottom of the bumper, and a new aluminum hood. Slimmer headlights with LED lights have also been added, as well as revised mirrors. For the back of the car, the C-Class gets a new bumper, revised LED tail lights, and a sporty exhaust system with four end pipes. Topping the whole thing off is sportier wheels, revised mirrors, chrome elements, and an AMG logo.

2012 Mercedes C63 AMG  interior Review

Under the hood, Mercedes has kept the usual 6.2 liter V8 engine producing 457 HP. This power output can be increased to 487 when equipped with the AMG performance package. There is also a new turbo 5.5 liter V8 engine available, but it is being reserved for the next generation Mercedes C63 AMG. The engine is mated to a new MCT seven-speed automatic transmission that helps reduce fuel consumption.

The new transmission of 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG offers four driving modes and double-declutching and RACE START functions it is as compatible with a relaxed, fuel-saving driving style as it is with high-speed laps on a closed racing circuit and extremely dynamic overtaking manoeuvres. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode is programmed to provide early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed to help the driver keep fuel consumption down. The "S", "S+" and "M" modes deliver increased agility through fast, responsive gear changes and higher revs. Gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 milliseconds.

The facelift version of the C-Class, both standard and AMG versions, were revealed in January 2011 at the Detroit Auto Show. Both models will go on sale in the summer of 2011.

In Europe, the new 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG is priced at 71,340 euro ($97,841 at the current rates) for the sedan and at 73,899 euro ($101,351 at the current rates) for the station wagon version. The 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Performance package adds an extra 7166 euro (9,828 at the current rates).

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio Review...

2013 VW Beetle Cabrio. The new generation Volkswagen Beetle made its debut this April at the New York Auto Show and a cabrio version it is expected to be unveiled at the end of 2012. However, long before a first image of the car has surface on the internet. You will easily notice a design language similar to the coupe version, while, compared to the previous generation the fabric roof folds into the back into a much discreet way.

2012 New Beetle, the car Oprah Winfrey gave away to his audience back in november, is finally ready to show themselves in public. But what about the Cabrio version? Well take a good look at the picture – is the 2013 VW Beetle Cabrio.

As with the coupe version, convertible will feature a new design line from the front bumper and front air intake, straight lines of the hood edges and new bi-xenon headlights.

2013 VW Beetle Cabrio will be available with three engine choices: a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter diesel engine.

Fuel economy for the 2013 VW Beetle Cabrio has improved by around 10%. The non-turbo petrol engine is estimated to get 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in town with a six-speed manual gearbox. The diesel Beetles gets 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg in the city.

Locking differential called XDS in the Golf GTi is also a likely starter in the new Beetle. Fuel saving and emissions reducing BlueMotion technology will be fitted to some models (including stop / start system and battery reclamation).