A new video commercial of the new 2012 BMW 650i Coupe was filmed during the U.S. press launch of the high-end coupe. The video features a Vermillion Red 650i Coupe with the aggressive and imposing M-Sport package. The second addition to the new 6 Series family will make its debut this fall with two models: the entry-level six-cylinder 640i and the upper-class 650i. Both cars are offered with the typical rear-wheel drive platform, but for the first time in the 6 Series, an xDrive option will be offered to US customers. To enhance even more its already aggressive stance, an M Sport package will be part of the options catalog as well. The M package, as seen in the photos below, brings visual refinements to the 6 Series Coupe in order to ensure an even sportier and more masculine appearance. The front air dam, side skirts and rear apron include M specific design cues increasing the dynamics and looks of the 6er Coupe. The M package also includes chrome tailpipes along with exclusive light allow wheels in 19 and 20 inches. Let’s have a look. Here is the original:  Video: 2012 BMW 650i Coupe with M-Sport Package

Even though the current Forte/Cerato hit the South Korean market in late 2008, second-quarter of 2009 for the U.S, it seems that the next incarnation is on the horizon as Kia has started testing the new model in the U.S. This pre-production prototype was snapped by spy photographers in Death Valley, CA, wearing a moderate amount of disguise. Departed is the Audi-inspired lines and shape of the current model, in favour for something more clinical, appearing to be an exaggerated Rio sedan.   The new Forte/Cerato will feature multilink rear suspension whereas the current model uses a torsion-beam set up. New design details include wraparound headlights, a front-quarter A-pillar window, and revised C-pillar. Although sitting on a new platform that’s shared with the new Elantra , the newcomer seems to retain its high bootlid. Oddly, Kia seems to be testing the new Forte/Cerato will the smaller Ford Fiesta , as oppose to the larger Focus . Although there are no interior or engine shots, the cabin will mimic the brand’s larger vehicles and power is likely to come from a 1.6 GDI 4-cylinder petrol engine. Expect the new Forte/Cerato to launch sometime in 2013.   Via InsideLine.com Original post: Kia developing new Forte/Cerato sedan, spied in U.S See original here: Kia developing new Forte/Cerato sedan, spied in U.S

At Laguna Seca, BMW introduced to the US market the new 2012 BMW M5 . While no test drives were scheduled this week in the M5, a few lucky BMW personnel had the unique opportunity to drive the new M5 on race track during a commercial shoot. With the 2012 BMW M5, the Garching-based sporty division replaces the naturally aspirated engine with 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. 2012 BMW M5 outputs 560 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 501 lb-ft of torque (680 Nm) at 1,500 rpm. The F10 M5 will make its market debut in Spring 2012. An xDrive version is rumored to launch as an option in the future. Read the original post: Video: 2012 BMW M5 on track at Laguna Seca

Although a third consecutive GT victory at Road America was not to be, BMW Team RLL ended today’s American Le Mans Series Road Race Showcase with a double podium finish. In what was a very exciting race both M3 GTs took their turn leading the four hour contest. At the end, the No. 55 of Bill Auberlen and Dirk Werner finished second for the duos third consecutive podium finish. The No. 56 of Joey Hand and Dirk Muller came home third to extend their lead at the top of the GT driver points. BMW Team RLL maintains its lead in the team points and BMW stays at the front of the Manufacturers standings. The race was slowed and ultimately determined by four caution periods that brought both good luck and a bit of bad luck to all four BMW team RLL drivers. At the green flag Hand, from the pole, led the 15-car GT field into turn one, holding the lead until lap 23 when he fell to third after being held up by a slower class car. Auberlen pitted during the first yellow on lap seven to begin a different fuel strategy for the No. 55 M3 GT. Hand pitted under green on lap 28 and a fast pit stop gained him one position. Auberlen handed off to Werner on lap 36 during the second caution period dropping the car to the rear of the field. As the race reached the half-way point the battle at the front of the GT field intensified with Hand holding second place. All the lead pack of cars, including the No. 56 machine pitted on lap 58. As the cars exited the pit lane, Muller had regained the lead of the pack thanks to excellent work by the BMW Team RLL pit crew. After being slowed by another caution period, the third hour of the race saw the No. 55 M3 GT dive for the pits for its final pit stop and the No. 56 M3 GT circulating in second. Five minutes later the races final yellow flag slowed the field and put the No. 55 machine in the cat bird seat. As the balance of the field pitted Werner stayed out and went to the front. MÏuller pitted on lap 81 and returned to the race in fifth. Werner was passed for the lead with 30 minutes remaining, ultimately finishing second. With two strong passes in the final laps of the race Muller moved up two spots to finish third and return the No. 56 M3 GT to the podium. “We come to win every race,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. “We tried hard...

Subaru has released prices of the new Impreza line-up. The Impreza 2.0i sedan with a 5-speed manual gearbox will start from $17,495 before topping out at $22,095 for the flagship 2.0i Limited hatchback. With four grades on offer, the lower mid-spec Premium sedan comes in at $18,795, with the hatchback starting at $19,295. Upper mid-spec Sport Premium weights in at $20,295 for the hatchback. Opting for the Limited hatchback will cost you $22,095, while the sedan sits at a more reasonable $21,595. Unlike most new cars, which receive a power boost, the Impreza now has 148bhp (146PS/110kW), down from 170bhp (168PS/127kW), in order to improve fuel economy. Figures now stand at 26mpg (9l/100km) city and 36mpg (6.5l/100km) highway. The new Impreza will hit retailers this November. See the original post here: Subaru Impreza pricing announced (U.S) Excerpt from: Subaru Impreza pricing announced (U.S)

A new V8 for the most powerful SLK ever. The third-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-class just went on sale, and it offers a more dynamically and aesthetically satisfying experience than ever before. There’s no better way, though, to crank those attributes up than to pass the new model to the AMG werks. Keep Reading: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG – Official Photos and Info Excerpt from: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG Official Photos and Info: A New V8 for the Most Powerful SLK Ever Excerpt from: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG Official Photos and Info: A New V8 for the Most Powerful SLK Ever

At the Geneva motor show in March, Lancia revealed three rebadged Chrysler’s to fill huge gaps in Lancia’s line-up, the 200 based Flavia , 300C based Thema , and the Grand Voyager . With many thought all three with reach production, it seems that the Flavia won’t. Rumours suggest that’s because Lancia didn’t see the car being profitable enough. Critics said because the Chrysler 200 is an evolution from the Sebring, a model that never caught on amongst European customers, putting a Lancia badge thereon won’t change anything. With the next-generation Chrysler 200 due in 2013, a Lancia variant will be drawn and developed in Italy to charm European customers. View original post here: Lancia may terminate Flavia Continued here:  Lancia may terminate Flavia

VW hopes to redraw the map of the small-car segment. Finally, here’s a production car that looks like the concept from which it was derived. The Volkswagen Up! (yes, it includes the exclamation point) doesn’t deviate much at all from the show car that surprised the industry four years ago—at least not visually. Like that original, this final version will debut at the Frankfurt auto show . Keep Reading: Volkswagen Up! Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Read more: 2012 Volkswagen Up! Official Photos and Info: How VW Hopes to Realign the Small-Car Segment See the original post here:  2012 Volkswagen Up! Official Photos and Info: How VW Hopes to Realign the Small-Car Segment

Kia has announced prices for the heavily revised Soul crossover. Starting at $13,900, the Soul, with manual transmission, has the lowest entry-price in its class. Adding an automatic gearbox pushes the price upto $15,700, with the Soul! range-topper slotting in at under $20,000. Three trim-levels are offered; Soul, Soul+, and Soul!, with two petrol engines, a 1.6 litre GDI or a 2.0 litre, both linked to either a 6-speed manual or automatic. Standard equipment for the Soul! Includes 18” alloy wheels, projector headlights w/LED lighting, UVO infotainment system w/4.3” touchscreen and reversing camera, and a 350w 7-speaker Infinity sound system. The latter is optional of the Soul+. More: Kia Soul facelift pricing announced (U.S) Read the original here:  Kia Soul facelift pricing announced (U.S)

Nissan has released the Juke Kuro special edition for the British market. ‘Kuro’ translates to black in Japanese and supplies the strictly limited edition a new, dark look to the funky Juke . Based upon the top-of-the-line Tekna, Juke Kuro just adds gloss-finished, 10-spoke, 17” alloy wheels, black door mirrors, and handles. The special edition is available in two metallic tones, Pearl Black or Force Red, with all models boasting a numbered plaque fitted to the centre console. Only 700 units will be available with all engine options. Pricing starts at £17,395 for the 1.6 litre petrol, rising to the range-topping turbocharged DIG-T model at £18,995. Order books are open now with first deliveries expected to begin on 1st October 2011. Go here to see the original: Nissan launches special-edition Juke Kuro (UK) Here is the original:  Nissan launches special-edition Juke Kuro (UK)

2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport sketch In a interview, Bugatti has revealed that it has no intention of losing its crown for the world’s quickest production vehicle. CEO Wolfgang Durheimer said the title is “vital” to the brand’s image and will react if a vehicle is released that tops the Super Sport record 268mph (431 km/h). Durheimer continued: “It’s in human nature, we are always going to want to find out who runs the 100m the fastest. It’s the same with cars.” Rival’s SSC Tuatara is rumoured to be being developing a vehicle that will hit 275mph (443 km/h). Original post: Bugatti may produce Veyron replacement Here is the original: Bugatti may produce Veyron replacement

Cadillac recently bowed the Ciel concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. The Ciel – pronounced  “C-L”, the French translation for sky – is a four door, four passenger “open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the Californian coast,” according to the brand. The Ciel is 300mm longer than the CTS with power coming from an 425bhp (431PS/317kW) 3.6 litre twin-turbo V6, that linked to a hybrid system. With drive going to all four wheels, the total torque output is 583Nm (430lb-ft). “Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey.” The Ciel Concept cabin features Italian Olive wood, LED lights, chrome highlights, and rides on 22” brushed nickel-plate, milled-billet aluminium wheels. Press Release: PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Cadillac today unveiled the Ciel. Cadillac Ciel Concept Celebrates the Journey concept, an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast. The Ciel – pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky – is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac’s design and product ascent, pushing the brand’s Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum. Ciel is a new expression of Cadillac’s historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring. “Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future,” said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. “Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey.” The spacious and elegant Ciel is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac’s explorations into range-topping flagship luxury. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. Coastal inspiration: Driving California’s...

Oregon’s Coast Range doesn’t get very high, but near the top its peaks and ridgelines are so steep and boulder-strewn that all the highways and paved roads follow lower passes. Yep, to get to the great viewpoints, you either have to huff it, or you need a serious off-roader—like a Jeep. This past week, Jeep allowed us to clamber to one of… View post: 2012 Jeep Wrangler: First Drive

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is to date the most powerful SLK of all time with 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft See the original post here:  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG World Premiere

Style as only the Italians can do it. Concorso Italiano is one of the most popular events during the Pebble weekend, showcasing the finest in Italian machinery from all eras. Held at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, this year’s event highlighted original-condition and barn-find cars and was sponsored by Fiat North America, so there were plenty of shiny, new cinquecentos on hand, too. But it certainly wasn’t those—or even the several dozen Lamborghini Gallardos and Ferrari 308s on hand—that made the show worth the $130 admission. Read on for several notable entrants, and click through to the gallery to see what else the 2011 Concorso had to offer. Keep Reading: 2011 Concorso Italiano – Auto Shows View original post here: 2011 Concorso Italiano Photo Gallery: Ferraris and Lancias and Fiats and… Here is the original:  2011 Concorso Italiano Photo Gallery: Ferraris and Lancias and Fiats and…