Cadillac Escalade Hybrid gets the Platinum Touch

If you are in the market for a larger than life luxury SUV with a hypocritical drop of eco-friendliness, then you may want to take a look at the latest edition of Cadillac's 2009 Escalade Hybrid, called Platinum. It combines the luxury appointments of the Platinum model with the two-mode hybrid powertrain of the Escalade Hybrid that delivers 20mpg in city driving and 21mpg on the highway.

Among the special features included on the Platinum edition are a distinctive front fascia and grille, unique 22-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, LED headlamps and a DVD entertainment system with screens integrated in front-seat headrests.

Furthermore, the Platinum model's interior is upgraded with unique door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders, a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button as well as special Aniline leather trim with contrasting-color stitching.

The 2009 Escalade Platinum Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations with prices starting from $84,935.

Vorsteiner Dresses the BMW M3 Sedan with Dry Carbon Aero Kit

Oddly enough, Vorsteiner has released a new dry carbon aero kit for the 2008 BMW M3 E90 Sedan, a model that was in the market only for a few months as the Bavarian automaker replaced it shortly after its market introduction in early 2008 with the facelifted 2009MY M3 sedan. But anyway, the California-based tuner's proposal include various lightweight dry carbon components such as a trunk lid, a front-lip spoiler and a rear diffuser with integrated fins.

New York Auto Show Debut: All New Subaru Legacy Sedan

Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model next week at the New York Auto Show. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided.


But some of the familiar stuff includes boxer engines and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. For the US market, which introduces the Legacy at dealer level soon after the show, three engines will be available. The first is a naturally-aspirated 2.5i. It produces 170hp (125kW) and 170 lb-ft (230Nm) of torque. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual and the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT. Up ahead is a 2.5GT turbo with 265hp (195kW) and 258 lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. Only the 6-speed manual is available on the GT. Subaru says this transmission is 25kg lighter than the previous one. Lastly the 3.6R with a 5-speed automatic replaces the old 3.0-litre. It makes 256hp (188kW) and 247 lb-ft (335Nm) maximum torque.


A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy is intended to be 'bold and powerful'. The cabin's dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle what Subaru calls 'a sporty appeal', while the size and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, which is rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights.


The base Legacy engine is 2.5L unit, which is rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, and this is followed by a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT. Filling out the range is the Legacy 3.6R model, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine.


Some of the interior features available are an electronic parking brake, a 10-way driver's seat and a new three-spoke steering wheel. Safety features installed include ABS with EBD, an electronic hill holder system and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
via:motorauthority




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Next Generation Porshe Boxster Spy Photos

Late last year Porsche unveiled its updated Boxster and Cayman range and there are still several other models based on the same Boxster/Cayman platform in the works. One of these is a high-performance RS model, recently seen testing at Germany’s Nurburgring, and another is a chopped 'Speedster' model.


However, development of the next-generation model is also well underway and images of a prototype for the car have once again surfaced. This time the prototype has been spotted on its way to Germany’s Nurburging circuit for some high-speed testing.


It's hard to tell if this is a subtly changed design or if, as with previously-spied 2011 Boxsters, this prototype wears the sheet metal of the current car to disguise its new lines. The mismatched taillights reveal that there's something different going under the surface. These clear-weather photos hint at revised bumper contours, but as with the previous shots of this car there's not much to go on.


A rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds.
via:motorauthority




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2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan released official photos

Mercedes has taken the wraps off the new range-topping E-class: the E63 AMG.

Despite talk from within AMG about ending the horsepower war between German car makers, this new model has more power than the car it replaces — although at 11bhp, it’s a modest gain.

The standard car comes wearing 18-inch AMG alloys with size 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres. There is an optional 19-inch rim available. In terms of exterior cosmetics the big AMG gets LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front spoiler, a rear diffuser and four tailpipes as per current AMG standard issue.

To improve handling, the E63 AMG has been fitted with a newly developed front axle with more negative camber, a 56mm wider track, new control arms, a tubular stabiliser and revised wheel bearings. The rear axle also has extra negative camber and a new subframe mounting for greater stability on the limit.

It is expected that the new E63 AMG sedan will go on sale in the UK in September. It is also expected that the public will get first live glimpse at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week.




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Giant Car Eating Pothole Swallows VW Golf in Ukraine

Talk about massive pot holes... What you see pictured above is most likely the result of a broken water pipe that caused this road which is located somewhere in Ukraine, to collapse and literally 'swallow' a bypassing VW Golf. Luckily, the passengers of the German hatchback managed to escape through the rear window. No word if anyone was injured or not in this bizarre accident.

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Source: drugasmuga , Via: Englishrussia

Nürburgring: Audi RS3 Mule First Spy Photos

According to a recent report, Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board of management for technical development has stated that the company is considering building a new RS3 – and here’s the first pictures that prove the car is in fact rolling. We snapped a mule of Audi’s future pocket-rocket testing at the Nürburgring.


First unveiled in the upcoming TT-RS, the RS3's 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine utilises a turbo to force out 250kW (340hp) and 450Nm of torque through the quattro AWD system. Anticipating that the RS3's weight will be almost the same as the TT-RS, we think it's safe to use the TT-RS's performance specs as the standard of comparisson here. The 0 - 100km/h dash should be achieved in about 4.6 seconds and an optional unlimited top speed will be 280 km/h (173.98 mph). This kind of performance is approaching RS4 territory but at a considerably lower price.


The car spotted has S3 badges, but we can already see larger air intakes in the front bumper.

Power will very likely come from Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, that develops 340 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.

Same engine is under the new TT RS. We expect RS3 to hit 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 4.6 seconds while the top speed is around 288 km/h (179 mph)

Stay tuned, as we will be seeing more test mules with new details in the near future.
via:evo.co.uk



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Hyundai Concept Car with Gullwing Doors Scooped ahead of NY Show

As a rule, scoops come from professionals but once in a while, the goddess of luck smiles to ordinary readers such as Aaron who was fortunate enough to be in the right place, at the right time. The Autoblog reader snapped what is said to be a new Hyundai prototype model, parked on the road. In two of the shots, we get the chance to see the concept study's gullwing doors in action. We don't have any information on the prototype other than it will most likely make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show that runs from April 10 to 19.

Via: Autoblog.com

My Two Dents on BMW's Fuzzy Logic Model Range

BMW's latest releases are a Family Guy episode on four wheels. If anyone has seen the episode of South Park parodying Family Guy's plot developments, you'll know what I mean; it's manatees in a tank fetching random idea balls and throwing them together. The manufacturer of vehicles touted as the "Ultimate Driving Machine" has gone off the deep end. People thought Mercedes was doing the same when they made the CLS for style-conscious consumers; Mercedes had the last laugh, though, walking away having created a totally new market. Will BMW have the same success? Me thinks not.

BMW, in a poor attempt to emulate Mercedes, has strayed from the beaten path in an attempt to capitalize on original ideas. The last few attempts by the Bavarians make me wonder exactly how much money they have in order to waste so much on ugly, redundant products in these trying times.

Take, for example their sport utility (oh, I'm sorry, activity) lineup. God forbid buyers confuse these vehicles with something having utility. Other than the X5, these vehicles are highly questionable. Large and midsize SAVs; ok, I understand these markets exist. "Slightly-smaller-than-midsize" and "coupe"; you lost me.

While the X5 and X3 move up in size, apparently a "slightly smaller than midsize" SAV is needed to fill the gap left by the hardly successful X3. The upcoming X1 (basically a less manly version of the X3, if that's possible) is a "Sport Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment". Jesus, now they're just making things up. Premium Compact Sport Activity Vehicles? Let's just call it what it is: pointless, and fugly to boot.

What about the X6? It's a Sports Activity Coupe. That doesn't even start to make sense, considering the fact that it's a four-door SUV. What do you get for your $55,900 entry price? Room for four, minimal cargo space, and a cramping roofline, not to mention one ugly mother. What's worse, Acura (in yet another attempt to reach top-tier status) has decided to copy it. I'll chalk that one up as a wasted effort, guys.

What is the X6's purpose? Well, no doubt it'll do a great job of rubbing pointless excess in everyone's face, but that's about all. I recall one commenter on the web thanking BMW for creating a new class of douche with the X6. Nail on the head, sir, nail on the head.

And BMW's cars? Well, time was BMW sedans could do no wrong. Alas, ladies and gentlemen, you must not have noticed the latest eyesore brought about by dropping the X6 a few centimeters: the 5-Series GT. The only nifty part about the whole shebang is the rear hatch; that's where it ends. The GT is apparently targeting the three people who want a sedan with just a little bit more space, but who don't want to go all out for the wagon for fear they might appear too practical.

All is not lost, though. At least most of the cars and car concepts in BMW's future look promising. The 7 has gotten some of its elegance back and the new Z4 is a looker. Then we have the latest rumor of the Z2, which makes green look damn sexy. If BMW keeps up with ideas like this, perhaps I can look past the absurdity of their utility-lacking activity vehicles.

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel since he was a wee lad. He currently resides a stone's throw from Japan's international airport in Narita. All of this can be seen on Facebook, so check it out. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded.

Chevrolet Captiva Videos

Exterior view with the sporty and dynamic appearance Captiva'nın Sports sub-cover, the mirror can be folded and 18 "alloy wheels complete the look as strong.

Captiva 5 and 7 seats as internal hardware option is offered. This is a great advantage for large families. Even more than the 7 seat option in the price does not change. Also 2 different hardware level Captiva LT LT Medium and High options to the customer is presented with style and comfort. A nice view of the car in the sun light is green phosphorous. Leather seats and steering wheel offers customers a high comfort.

Vehicle noise level is too low. Stop your vehicle is waiting at a red light may think. Adequate viewing angle and the mirror. Using this tool instead of a long journey to the hotel if you might want to sleep in the car.

Volume 1991 cc 150 hp engine power and maximum torque is 320 nm. 0-100 km / h 12.4 seconds to accelerate the Captiva completed 100 km 11 lt. fuel is consumed. In normal use the front drive wheels to the back of the Captiva is needed to transmit power.

Photo Galleria: Alfa Romeo's Turbocharged 159 1750 TBi

At the recent Geneva Salon, Alfa Romeo introduced a new 1.75-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for its 159 sports saloon and Sportwagon models that adopt the same designation as one of the most well known sedans ever made by the Italian firm, the 1750 Berlina that was launched in the late 1960s. With the new engine that develops 200HP, the front-wheel drive 159 1750 TBi accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.7 while its top speed is 235km/h or 146mph. If you follow the jump, you can check out the new, wallpaper-sized gallery of the 159 1750 TBi as well as photos of its equally seductive 1960s predecessor, the 1750 Berlina.