Tag: preview

Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Brabus CLS

2012 Brabus CLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Brabus has released its tuning package for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS range ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. As with all things Brabus, the package for the CLS leaves no stone unturned, from an aero and appearance package to the suspension and, finally, the engine.

Outside, the car gets a revised front bumper with bigger air intakes, new LED daytime running lights and a front splitter. There’s also a set of gilled fenders sporting the Brabus logo and side skirts that give the car the appearance of an even lower stance and helpful entry lights so you don’t bash a shin at night.

Keeping things stuck to the ground is a Bilstein suspension supporting your choice of six styles of Brabus rollers, ranging from 8.5x17s to monster 10.5×20-inch trash-can lids. In a bid for the eco vote, Brabus has focused its tuning efforts on the Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency diesel engines. The CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency gets a 31-horsepower bump and an astonishing 413 pound feet of torque.

On the higher-spec CLS 350 CDI, the engine mods are dual-mode. In eco mode, the car gets pushed to 509 lb-ft from 457, while horsepower stays the same. Hit the sport mode button, and you’re looking at climbing to 309 hp from 261. That translates into a 5.9-second 0-60 sprint and the inevitable 155 mile per hour top speed. Want more? See the complete press release after the break and be sure to peruse our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Brabus CLS

2012 Brabus CLS front three quarter2012 Brabus CLS rear three quarter2012 Brabus CLS profile2012 Brabus CLS front close2012 Brabus CLS fender

[Source: Brabus]

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Geneva Preview: 2012 Brabus CLS adds dose of sport, economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: G4 gives us a sneak preview of DiRT 3

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

DiRT 3

Codemasters’ DiRT 3 – Click above to watch the video after the jump

For pure, unadulterated rally action from the comfort of your living room, there’s nothing quite like DiRT. The video game franchise from Codemasters is about as realistic as they come, and now they’ve got their third installment coming in the form of DiRT 3.

Not only is the game promised to be more accurate in its execution and feel, but it incorporates a whole new slew of features. There are more cars and more stages, of course, but that’s hardly the end of it: DiRT 3 also incorporates two new kinds of rally action – Gymkhana and hillclimb. The former, of course, was popularized by Ken Block who’s now crossed over to professional rally competition, while the latter brings events like Pikes Peak into the fold to really get that dirt kicking. But don’t take our word for it, follow the jump to watch the video preview from G4, including an interview with the studio’s lead game developer and gameplay footage from what is shaping up as the new benchmark in rally action.

[Source: G4]

Continue reading Video: G4 gives us a sneak preview of DiRT 3

Video: G4 gives us a sneak preview of DiRT 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Lotus Evora by Mansory

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Evora by Mansory

Lotus Evora by Mansory – Click above for high-res image gallery

With a whole raft of new models in the pipeline, Lotus has some very big plans for the future. But what does that mean for its existing lineup – most notably the Evora, the newest among them? Earlier reports indicated that Lotus was working on a substantial facelift for the mid-engined 2+2 to bring it in line with its more aggressive new design language. And it very well might be still. But that’s not what Lotus has in store for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Instead, Lotus is asking the public, “Is it always wise to customize?” Well from our point of view, it’s certainly not always prudent, but it can be sometimes. From our perspective, precious few of those times, unfortunately, are realized when Mansory is involved, as the tuner dubiously improves on production vehicles as it typically does with outlandish paint jobs and garish interiors. But every once in a while, Mansory gives an existing car a re-skin – usually in carbon fiber – that makes us stop and take another look. Like the Aston Martin DB9 Cyrus and the Bugatti Veyron Vincero. And so it appears to have done with the Lotus Evora.

Commissioned by the factory, Mansory’s take on the Evora is meant to demonstrate what’s possible in the aftermarket. It looks kitted-out with enough carbon to make an F1 car jealous, but we’ll reserve final judgment for when we see it in person at the fast-approaching show. In the meantime, you’re invited (lucky you) to follow the jump for the official statement and check out the pair of images released in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lotus Evora by Mansory

[Source: Lotus]

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Geneva Preview: Lotus Evora by Mansory originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Preview: Lexus bringing tuned… CT 200h?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus CT200h by Five Axis

If you just can’t wait for SEMA 2011, head to this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Lexus is bringing a little Las Vegas to the Windy City with a version of the company’s CT 200h hybrid hatchback tuned by the go-fast gurus at Five Axis. The car wears a custom widebody kit, unique paint and a lower suspension courtesy of Tein.

Stoptech hardware handles braking duties, and the interior has been saddled with enough tech to put a man on the moon. The Five Axis CT 200h will be joined by the crowd of tuned Lexus vehicles that we saw at SEMA 2010 too, including cars by VIP auto salon and Paul Tolson.

Lexus says the vast majority of the company’s 20,000-square-foot booth will be devoted to the company’s performance aims and that the luscious LFA will make an appearance as well. Something tells us that machine just might overshadow the widebody CT 200h. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Lexus]

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Chicago Preview: Lexus bringing tuned… CT 200h? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Fiat

Moparized 2012 Fiat 500

Mopar gets frisky with Chrysler’s newest vehicles – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler loves to show off its Mopar-accessorized vehicles, and the 2011 Detroit Auto Show provides the perfect stage to reveal some new ones. Two vehicles slated to make an appearance are the 2011 Chrysler 200 Super S and 2012 Fiat 500.

The Chrysler 200 Super S is dropped three inches and sports a black and tungsten paint scheme. The bodywork gets updated with a slew of parts including lower chin and rear decklid spoilers. Riding on a set of 19-inch wheels, the 200 Super S gets a major shot in the style department… for better of for worse.

Mopar is also turning to its new Italian cousin, the 2012 Fiat 500, and offering styling treatments in the same vein as the 200 Super S. Chrome trim sets off the blacked-out exterior while the black and blue leather interior features various carbon fiber accents. Underneath the skin sits a Mopar strut tower brace to add a bit of stiffness.

Be sure to hop the jump and read the full press release for even more Mopar goodies making an appearance in Detroit.

Gallery: Mopar for the Chrysler 200 and Fiat 500

Moparized Chrysler 200Moparized Fiat 500Moparized Fiat 500Moparized Fiat 500Moparized Fiat 500

[Source: Chrysler]

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Detroit Preview: Fiat 500, Chrysler 200 to get Mopar treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Cadillac releases images of CTS-V Coupe SCCA race car ahead of official debut

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Cadillac, GM, Racing

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month, General Motors announced that Cadillac would be returning to the SCCA World Challenge with an all-new, menacing version of the CTS-V Coupe. The race car will officially debut on January 10 at the Detroit Auto Show, but GM has released this first set of photos early, showing the hot new Caddy that’s set to storm the SCCA circuit starting in March.

Two CTS-V Coupe race cars will be commissioned for SCCA duty, driven by Johnny O’Connel and Andy Pilgrim. The first race is set to take place on March 25 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and we’re eager to see what these new CTS-V Coupes look like flying around the track. We’ll have live impressions of the race car live from Cobo Hall next week, but in the meantime, scroll through our high-res gallery of stock shots below. GM’s official press release is available after the jump, as well.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA Race Car

[Source: General Motors]

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Detroit Preview: Cadillac releases images of CTS-V Coupe SCCA race car ahead of official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2011 Chrysler 300

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Chrysler 300 – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been endlessly teased and occasionally spied, and now it’s official: the 2011 Chrysler 300 has arrived ahead of its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

As we’ve seen before, the exterior of the 300 is even more audacious than its predecessor, thanks to the liberal application of chrome below the headlamps, on the grille, coating the side mirrors and partially framing the tail lights and trunk. New LEDs are fitted up front, and while Chrysler hasn’t released interior shots just yet, judging by what we’ve already spied and recently sampled in the automaker’s latest offerings, the insides should be significantly improved.

Power will come from the same engines we’ve been familiarizing ourselves with over the last year, specifically Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter V8, with power sent to either the rear wheels or all four depending on spec. Sales should begin in the first quarter of 2011, and expect pricing to hit closer to the 300’s debut in Detroit.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 300

[Source: Chrysler]

Detroit Preview: 2011 Chrysler 300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Mini Paceman concept relieves Countryman of extra doors

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Crossover, Mini

Mini Paceman

Mini Paceman concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

How many Minis is too many? Mini’s about to find out as its product portfolio expands faster than a jilted lover’s waistline. The hatchback that (re)started it all and the cabrio that followed shortly thereafter have since been joined by the Clubman wagon and the Countryman crossover, with WRC and Dakar rally versions, speedsters and coupes and more in the production pipeline. But that doesn’t even take into account some of the concept derivatives that haven’t (yet) made it to production, and this is the latest.

Called the Paceman, it’s essentially a Countryman minus a couple of doors. It’s set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January as a concept car, but could very well make it to production as well. Taking a page out of its parent company’s BMW’s playbook, Mini calls the Paceman a “Sports Activity Coupe” (sort of like the BMW X6) and insists it’s the first of its kind in the small premium segment. A “first” is pretty easy to achieve when you define the category yourself, but to our eyes the Paceman, with its sloping white roof, looks set to take on the likes of the three-door Range Rover Evoque, only smaller.

Under the hood, Mini’s fitted the JCW turbo four with 211 horsepower, mated to the same ALL4 all-wheel drive system used in the Countryman. More details are available in the press release after the jump, along with the initial images in the gallery below. We’ll be on hand at Cobo Hall to bring you live impressions from NAIAS, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Mini Paceman Concept

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Mini Paceman concept relieves Countryman of extra doors

Detroit Preview: Mini Paceman concept relieves Countryman of extra doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is ready for off-road action

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Truck, GM, GMC, Off-Road

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you think the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is too hot yet the Dodge Ram Power Wagon is too cold, General Motors’ latest concept might strike you as “just right.” This, the GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept, looks to bridge the gap between the two hardcore pickups from GM’s crosstown rivals, while still offering top-notch levels of power, refinement and technology.

The four-door 2011 Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain concept, and power comes from The General’s 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8. A six-speed automatic sends the 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Versus a normal Sierra HD, ground clearance has been increased by about three inches, width has been bumped up to 73 inches (four more than normal) and the whole package rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich KM2 mud terrain tires. Off-road performance is enhanced with the addition of Fox off-road shocks (just like the Ford Raptor).

Inside, GM has fitted the All Terrain concept with a Denali-spec interior with additional satin metal finishes and a leather-wrapped dash. What’s more, a next-generation stereo system with an 80-gigabyte hard drive has been fitted inside this concept, and we’ll soon be seeing this new system across the full GM product range.

Currently, there are no plans to create a production version of the All Terrain HD concept, though word is that if a road-ready version of this ultra-tough Sierra is produced, it probably wouldn’t come off of a GM line – it would likely be crafted with the assistance of a second-tier firm (think: Roush). We’ll be seeing the All Terrain concept in person at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, but for now, click through our high-res image gallery below, or follow the jump for the official release.

Gallery: GMC Sierra HD Concept

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is ready for off-road action

Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is ready for off-road action originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Hyundai i40/Sonata wagon gets officially rendered

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hyundai

Hyundai i40 wagon renderings – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is preparing to launch a new European D-segment model at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March that will compete against such vehicles as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, and it’s released a slew of advance renderings of what we might expect.

Filling the slot in the Korean automaker’s European line-up that’s filled in North America by the Sonata (with which it is a very close twin), the i40 has been designed and developed in Germany by the company’s European R&D center in Rüsselsheim. The design closely follows those of recent Hyundai design studies, the Genus concept most closely.

The i40 is slated to go on sale shortly after its debut in Geneva in wagon form, with a sedan version expected to follow. The engine range is expected to include a 2.0-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and a 1.7-liter turbodiesel with outputs ranging from 115 horsepower to 136, with more powerful versions to follow. In the meantime, take a stroll through the image gallery below for a closer look, as the i40 is almost certainly what a Sonata wagon would look like were Hyundai ever to launch it in the States.

Gallery: Hyundai i40 wagon sketches

[Source: Hyundai-blog]

Geneva Preview: Hyundai i40/Sonata wagon gets officially rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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