Seven SLS AMG GT3 s will start the 24 Hours of Spa on July 30th. But only one will be done up to resemble the Röte Sau (“Red Sow”), the 6.8-liter 300SEL that put a small operation from Burgstall an der Murr on the map back in 1971. Later on, the company responsible for the car moved to Affalterbach, built a lunatic sedan called the Hammer out of an unsuspecting E-class, and were eventually absorbed as Mercedes-Benz’s performance arm. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Röte Sau’s class-winning finish at Spa (which also was second overall), Black Falcon Racing is entering a tribute-liveried Gullwing driven by Thomas Jäger, Stéphane Lémeret, and Kenneth Heyer. The latter pilot is the son of Hans Heyer, who, along with Clemens Schickentanz, piloted that 300SEL, which basically amounted to a Teutonic Winston Grand National car 40 years ago. Although there was a substantial difference between the AMG-prepared Benz and Richard Petty’s Road Runner of the era: The Mercedes competed with most of its interior intact. It also retained a version of the road car’s air suspension. Take that , Bill France! All those years on, the overall appearance of the Neue Sau more resembles a Gullwing run through a PlayStation than a 6.3 that’s been sent off to Holman-Moody. Still, the red paint is there, and the car wears the number 35 on the side. It’s a stretch to say—as Daimler PR does—that the retro scheme “almost gives the two AMG racing cars the appearance of twins,” but we applaud the homage nonetheless. After all, one fronts upon the Sau at one’s own peril. [Show as slideshow] [View with PicLens] See the rest here: Retro-Liveried SLS AMG GT3 Honors Legendary Red Sow, Will Compete at 24 Hours of Spa Originally posted here: Retro-Liveried SLS AMG GT3 Honors Legendary Red Sow, Will Compete at 24 Hours of Spa

More Volt demand than supplies. Buick and Cadillac versions shelved for now As soon as January, GM will increase Chevy Volt production to 5,000 units per month to meet pent up demand for the plug-in hybrid according to Bloomberg; however, Buick and Cadillac versions of the Volt have been “shelved,” at least for now. Of the 60,000 Volts to be produced next year, 45,000 will be for the US, while the other 15,000 will be for foreign markets, including the Opel Ampera. According to IHS analyst Chris Hopson, GM should sell between 35,000 – 50,000 Volts in 2012, followed by 67,000 units in 2013. However, it will probably be 5 or 6 years before GM is selling at least 100,000 Volts per year, and such sales will largely be dependent upon on what happens after pent up demand and early adopters have made their purchases. Other long term issues include declining tax credits and incentives, competition and whether GM can scale down production costs. Similarly, Nissan is expected to sell 35,000 Leaf s next year, followed by 54,000 in 2013. Source: Bloomberg Excerpt from: GM to start producing 5,000 Chevy Volts per month by January

The 2012 Toyota Camry has been accidentally revealed in an assembly plant video. [TheCarConnection] According to the EPA, the Toyota Prius is no longer the most fuel-efficient vehicle. [GreenCarReports] A Lamborghini Gallardo has gone up in flames in Scotland. [MotorAuthority] The 2012 Cadillac SRX has been priced at $36,060. [FamilyCarGuide] Ford… More: 2012 Toyota Camry, Saab Woes, Toyota Prius: Car News Headlines

Luxury trucks can be quite lovely, if you have the means and the need. And premium speedboats, well, those are even better. But what about combining the two? Infiniti has just announced a one-off project that will answer that very question by the start of next year’s boating season. So far, the company has only confirmed a few details, but the final product—a boat powered by a 400-hp, 5.6-liter QX56 V-8—seems promising. Infiniti further promises more QX and brand hallmarks will find their way into the boat, including semi-aniline leather, a Bose stereo system, XM weather-report functionality, and an analog clock. Infiniti has made the project a group effort, recruiting students from Nashville State Community College and the Tennessee Technical Center-Nashville to extract the engine, remove parts that can’t be repurposed like the power steering pump, and prepare it for marine duty. The rest of the donor QX will be left behind for further tinkering by students. (Can we suggest a fender-vent delete?) The 5.6-liter engine is built down the road from Infiniti’s headquarters in Decherd, Tennessee, and engineers from that facility have joined the team to help solve any issues that may arise. Further information is being saved for later updates, but the company did release a sketch of a QX lugging a boat shape, with the pair rendered in matching “Dark Currant” paint. (The trailer also has wheels that match the QX’s.) The boat’s shape and fin detail at the rear seem to suggest a vintage Chris-Craft, but the fact that it’s painted and not exposed wood suggests one slightly on the newer side, maybe something from the 1960s or ’70s. You can follow the project on Infiniti’s Twitter and Facebook pages, but we’ll be sure to report any important updates here. And, yes, we’re already arranging to strap our testing equipment to the boat once it’s ready to float. Make sure that thing has a 12-volt outlet for our VBox, okay guys? View original post here: Infiniti Building Luxury Boat Powered By 400-Horse QX56 V8 See the rest here:  Infiniti Building Luxury Boat Powered By 400-Horse QX56 V8

Advertising and just about most media from Australia have always proven to be different, unique, and dare I say, risqué. But Australians have always told it like it is, they tend not to beat around the bush. Heck, look at their most notorious export after those Paul Hogan movies, Mr. Rupert Murdoch, not a man to mince words. But Australians… Excerpt from:  PSA: Lose Your License in Australia and You’re…

Chevrolet pulled the sheets off of its 2013 Malibu sedan at this past April’s New York auto show , but it wasn’t until yesterday that we were able to examine the car’s insides. Chevrolet had previously supplied a few press shots of the interior, and the production-intent version is largely the same, with the placement of a few buttons being the only significant change. Our first impressions of the final interior design and materials are positive. Relative to the current-gen Malibu (one was on hand at the press event), the shapes and forms flow together more cohesively and it’s a little more geometric in design. The window sills and upper portions of the doors and dashboard are crafted from nicely grained soft-touch material, while the padded armrests and styled door inserts come in stitched leather or cloth—the final coverings weren’t on hand for our judgment, however. As for spaciousness, the 2013 Malibu’s rear-seat legroom does seem to have taken a hit relative to the current model’s as a result of the 2013 ‘Bu’s 4.5-inch reduction in wheelbase, but it’s still fairly roomy. The fake wood lining the armrests, center stack, and steering wheel is rendered in what Chevy calls a “more modern” pattern, eschewing traditional wood graining and burling, but it really just looks like faux zebra hide slathered in several coats of shellac. It’s the only major misstep, and is standard on LT and LTZ trims; only the base LS is spared. A Chevy representative acknowledged that the design team would have preferred a low-gloss finish, but customer feedback indicated Malibu buyers liked shiny better. Too bad. Moving beyond the chintzy “wood,” the Malibu’s interior features classy, blue ambient lighting and sparingly applied chromed plastic. The plastics are all nicely finished, and panel gaps are tight and consistent—bearing in mind that these were specially prepped prototypes—and the switchgear moved with well-damped precision. The Chevrolet MyLink touch screen had sharp graphics and a quick-reacting interface, and a brief demo showed that it appears to be much more straightforward than Ford’s fussy MyFord Touch system. Chevrolet laid out what to expect from the three trim levels at launch,...

America has a budget crisis on its hands: simply put, it can’t pay its bills. This is already affecting our economy and the market for new cars. Some consumers may consider rushing out to buy a vehicle before August 2, while others think it will be better to wait it out and see how everything ends up. Used car prices are creeping up again, and… View original post here: Can You Afford To Buy A Car? #YouTellUs

With elevated gas prices that continue to hover near $4 in some markets, the automotive industry, consumer groups, and government continue to debate new standards that could bring fuel economy targets well above the 50-mpg mark by 2025. As the industry has been waging a public relations campaign against this effort, we have joined with other consumer groups to push back. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has launched a radio campaign railing against the proposed higher standards in Washington, D.C., and in some influential automotive states. They claim that making such an aggressive increase to the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) targets will cost consumers an exorbitant amount, compromise safety, and risk jobs. We disagree. In fact, Consumers Union (CU), publisher of Consumer Reports, has launched a radio ad campaign promoting higher fuel economy standards in cooperation with the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a collective that represents 300 consumer groups. Listen to our radio ad . Better yet, download it and share it online. We feel the initial proposal to require 56.2 mpg was good and after reviewing many technical reports, we feel a higher figure would be achievable . “Improving fuel economy standards is one of the most effective ways to save consumers money at the pump,” says Consumer Reports President Jim Guest. “We believe that an aggressive standard with a long lead time for auto manufacturers will foster the development of better cars that use less gas at an affordable price.” A key sticking point in negotiations has been the cost of adding new fuel-efficient technology to cars, and whether consumers will bear that cost. In a recent survey of car owners by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, 62 percent of respondents said they expected their next vehicle to be more fuel efficient than their current one and 58 percent said that they would be willing to pay extra for that performance. With an expected payback well within the average ownership period for a new car (about half those years, according to some estimates), we feel consumers will welcome highly efficient vehicle choices. Currently, vehicles from each automaker must average 27.3 mpg to avoid hefty fines, but that requirement is scheduled...

There are over 78 million dogs living in American homes, and chances are pretty good (around 40%) that your household includes at least one canine companion. But if you’re among the millions of people taking Fido out for a drive in the family car, a new study indicates that you’re doing a terrible job of keeping him (and yourself) safe on the… Here is the original:  Have A Dog? Survey Says You’re Probably A Distracted Driver

BMW releases new videos of the 2012 BMW M5. The new M5 goes on sale later this year and will join a competitive segment with the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V. With the new super sporty sedan, BMW has moved on from from naturally aspirated engines to a TwinPower turbocharged V8. The high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged uses the BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold that guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle. The engine outputs 560 horsepower from 5,750-7,000 rpm and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque from only 1500rpm. The high-rev unit should rocket the M5 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and under 4 seconds using BMW’s new Launch Control. BMW offers a 7-speed DCT and manual transmission in the new M5. The M5 is limited to a top speed of 155 mph, or 190 mph with the M Driver’s Package. To see the new M5 in action, including rolling footage and engine bay shots, have a look at the videos below. Read more: Official Videos: 2012 BMW M5

Sweet sixteen signified not only the end of a phase for most teenagers but also mean a grand birthday party, pretty dresses and of course a car (or a bike)! These are the items that most parents hope to bargain for, but most of them will be unsuccessful; especially when it is a car or any other vehicles. Well, here is a real bargain- car insurance! Yup, you read it right. Most insurance companies do provide insurance for teen drivers and not to mention it is also cheaper. The cheap auto insurance policy for teens are adequately designed to suit both the parents and also the teen’s needs. Thus, parents do not need to worry about not being able to have full coverage. Companies that offer such service sometimes requires parents to decide the type of vehicle the child is allowed to drive; the vehicle must fulfil criteria such as must have air bags, good safety rating, and also easy manoeuvre. Parents are also required to decide on car care factors such as tire pressure, regular maintenance, oil changes and also cleanliness of the car. By having parents to decide on the matter above, parents are able to monitor their child better and teach them responsibilities of being a good and responsible driver. In addition, teen drivers are also expected to sign a contract which emphasises on safe and responsible driving skills such as always obey traffic rules and speed limits, always use seat belts (and that includes the passengers), never drive if the teen had been drinking and never allow unskilled or underage friends to drive his or her vehicle. It is also stated in the contract that teen drivers are obligated to inform their parents of their whereabouts. Thus, with this parents can ensure the risk of their child to be involved in an accident will be decreased. For a cheaper price, you may want to consider adding your teenage child into your current auto insurance policy as it cost much less than buying your child his or her own auto insurance policy. In addition, if your child do well in school; at least an average B, or in college (on the Dean’s list or makes honour roll), then he or she is eligible for a good student discount. Companies offer good student discount based on the principle that good students are better and responsible drivers.

Details of the upcoming BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé have been leaked. The large executive coupé will premier at an forthcoming motor show later this year. According to reports out of the U.S, the 6-Series Gran Coupé will share the same wheelbase as the 5-Series at 2,967mm (117”) but will be shorter by 89mm (3.5”) and wider at 1,902mm (74.9”). Like the regular 6-Series Coupé and cabriolet, the Gran Coupé will sport a squat stance. This is help further by a 5,006mm (197.1”) bodyshell, making it 51mm (2”) longer than the Mercedes CLS coupé. Like its direct competitor, frameless windows will feature, alongside a B-pillar. The doors and bonnet will be constructed from aluminium, while the front wheelarches and rear bootlid will be made from special plastics, to lower kerb weight and reduce repair costs. Like its siblings, xDrive variants will be available, in addition to rear-wheel-drive. Here is the original: BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé information leaked See the rest here:  BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé information leaked

Resulting from the Ducati-AMG agreement inked last year, the Goldenport International Circuit in Beijing was one of the venues where a combined AMG and Ducati Driving /Riding Experience was recently held. Using Ducati’s latest model Diavel, Gianluca Lozzi of the Go Pro Riding School toured several media riders on laps of the circuit, using other Ducati motorbikes such as the Hypermotard 796, Monster 796, Streefighter and Diavel. On display only were Ducati’s superstar bikes, such as the Diavel Carbon, Superbike 1198 SP and Multistrada 1200 S Touring. Further collaboration between the Ducati and AMG brands was announced by Evan Mak, General Manager of Ducati China, who said that “With the same core values of exclusivity, passion and high-performance racing, Ducati and Mercedes AMG perfectly complement each other. We are honored to be part of the AMG Driving Academy, and we hope that this first AMG-Ducati Riding Experience will become a regular activity for media and racing enthusiasts all over Asia.” Around 37 journalists were present in the Experience and all were provided with Ducati riding jackets and Ducati full-face helmets as they lapped the track. Read more:  Ducati-AMG Experience Held In Beijing Racetrack

The usual suspect, Scott27, creates more controversy in the BMW world. In a long manifesto , the BMW insider talks about the 2001 BMW X-Coupe Concept. The X-Coupe was a concept car that made its debut at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based upon the BMW X5 chassis, the X-Coupe featured an aluminium body and a 3.0 litre turbo-diesel engine. The X-Coupe is said to have served as a foundation for the niche BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe and it remain till today, one of the most admired concepts in the BMW Museum in Munich. So why are we bringing up the X-Coupe ten years later? According to Scott27, and unverified with other sources, the X-Coupe might serve as an inspiration for four study designs, two of them being the rumored X4 and a new X2 Sports Activity Vehicle. Without any further ado, let’s jump into this new highly speculative report. — Want to know the next big thing in the Premium market? Three factors – All Wheel Drive , 3dr Coupe body and a Commanding driving position. BMW have now initiated a brief for a potential sportier 3dr in the mold of the original Xcoupe Concept car. Porsche are moving quickly on their Cajun , Range Rover have the Evoque and now BMW are looking into the potential of a model which was first shown ten years ago… Back in 2001 it was the uncharted territory , some received the concept as innovative , creative and employing fresh-thinking. Others used it as ammo as hate against BMW’s then design boss Chris Bangle. Even though the Anders Warming designed body led to the BMW E85 Z4 a car that still looks good today even with it’s origami surfaces and original appearance. Xcoupe was created as a “Sport Activity Coupe” The project initially begun before the current X6 was conceived. As the original prototype looked more like a high-riding 6er Coupe , Before the morphing into the X6 as we know it. Xcoupe used the X5′s platform and drivetrain but on a 3dr body , unfortunately testing clinics made BMW revert the car to more standard luxury fare therefore making the car more conventional and with four doors to reflect the potential Xcoupe customer. The logical naming was deived from the fact that it is X5 based that it is the next step-up from the X5 therefore...

Fiat’s reentry into the American automotive market continues apace. Even though Alfa is delayed (again) Fiat’s diminutive 500 is already here, in both coupe and convertible form. And even better news for the performance minded among us gearheads is that the Abarth addition of the toaster-sized 500 will be rolling out in the City of The Angels. Fiat, trying to be everso hip, made the announcement via twitter that its U.S. spec 500 Abarth performance model will take a bow before the klieg lights at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November. Sure, we knew the Abarth variant was coming anyway, but confirmation like this is still nice to have. The 500 is aimed squarely at BMW’s Mini line of sub-compacts (and, by extension, the upcoming Scion iQ ), so, if Mini gets the John Cooper Works performance package, then Fiat better have something to answer with in that department as well. Enter the Abarth package. Of course Fiat would go with the venerable and respected Turin tuning firm of Abarth in much the same way that Mini going with John Cooper’s outfit made sense. Both firms, back in the 60s, took unassuming commuter cars and turned them into full-blown track terrors. Abarth, with the original 500 and Cooper with the original Mini. Abarth took the first 500 and doubled the horsepower output (which is sort of damning with faint praise, since the original 500′s plant put out something frighteningly low like 32 ponies) and made it into a terror in its class. And Cooper turned the original Mini into one of the most successful and well remembered rally cars of all time. Fast forward 45 or 50 years, and here we go again. Although we here in the good ol’ U. S. of A. won’t get a lot of the real cool goodies, like the sequential semi-auto gearbox (sniff-sniff), we will get the more powerful 1.4-liter turbo with Multiair technology that cranks out around 175 horsepower. Which is not bad for a car as small and light as the 500. Yes, yes I know that’s not as much as the JCW package on the Mini puts to the tarmac, but then again, the 500 weighs a lot less – as in the order of hundreds of pounds. And why is it, by the way, that Germans still can’t figure out how to make something lightweight? Seriously, they’ve...