Famed Italian styling house Bertone has taken it upon itself to pen a special Jaguar sedan, called the B99, for the upcoming  Geneva auto show . Bertone says it is pitching the car as a design proposal to Jaguar, with an eye toward the British company re-entering the D-segment against the BMW 3-series and Audi A4. (You may recall that the last Jag  in that segment was the far-from-great X-type.) That said, while Jaguar gave Bertone the blessing to build the B99, it’s nowhere near approval for series production. The design itself of the B99 is a departure from current Jaguar models, and looks more like an evolution of the XJC coupe of the 1970s—were it being reinterpreted as a mid-1990s concept car. Coming from Bertone, which can lay claim to such forward-looking beauty queens as the Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos, this is a disappointment. Attractive? Sorta. But it’ doesn’t represent any radical shifts, as did Jaguar’s XF, and we hope the B99 looks better in the metal at the Geneva show. We’ll know soon enough—the Geneva press days are March 1 and 2, at which point we’ll bring you photos and info live from the show floor. Related posts: Bertone’s Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept Headed to Geneva Infiniti Etherea Concept Debuting at Geneva Auto Show Rinspeed Previews BamBoo Concept Ahead of Geneva Auto Show Here is the original: Bertone Creates Special Jaguar Concept for Geneva Auto Show Here is the original:  Bertone Creates Special Jaguar Concept for Geneva Auto Show

Photo Credit: UggBoy♥UggGirl on Flickr As much as we would all like to buy a brand new Audi, sometimes it makes more economical sense for you to purchase a used Audi instead. After all, you’re still buying an Audi, right? There are some important things to think about before you go out and buy a used car. If you’re an expert in this, I’d love for you to share a comment and offer your own thoughts or tips. Here are my 5 tips: 1. If you’re buying from a private seller, ask to see receipts for any repairs that were done to the vehicle. This will give you an idea of how much maintenance has gone into the car and the costs involved. 2. Do your due diligence and compare prices online. You can use sites like www.buyacar.co.uk to find out if there are other people selling the particular model you’re interested in and what it’s being valued at. 3. Read online reviews of the model you’re interested. Audi cars come with a wide variety of features that you may be able to do without if you’re on a budget. Don’t just read reviews published by car magazines. Make sure to check out Audi forums and blogs as well. 4. If your concern is the reliability of the car, you may want to consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Audi from a dealership. This means that you will have a car that has passed a 300+ inspection, plus you’ll get a limited warranty and any other bonuses the dealership wants to throw in. Keep in mind that you may pay a little more than if you were to buy from a private seller, but at least you’ll have some peace of mind. 5. If you do decide to buy an Audi from a private seller, have your mechanic do a thorough check of the car. Also, take an extended test drive on various roadways and highways. When buying a used Audi, the more thorough you are with your research, the more confident and empowered you will feel when it comes to making the actual purchase. See the rest here:  5 Tips For Buying a Used Audi

Update One: The Q7 remains satisfying, and it even earned us a free haircut. (If only the service stops were free, too.) Date: February 2011 Months in Fleet: 5 months Current Mileage: 15,179 miles Average Fuel Economy: 22 mpg Average Range : 581 miles Service: $599.25 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0 Unscheduled Urea-Solution Additions: $13.77 Damage and Destruction: $67.16 It’s been since the fall that we last reported on our Audi Q7 TDI. We said then that we were “living large and loving it,” and little has happened in the past four months to harsh our high. Keep Reading: 2011 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro – Long-Term Road Test Update Related posts: 2011 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro – Long-Term Road Test Intro 2008 Audi A5 3.0 TDI Quattro Diesel – Short Take Road Test 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – Long-Term Road Test Update Originally posted here: 2011 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro – Long-Term Road Test Update Read the original post: 2011 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro – Long-Term Road Test Update

Just a little over two years ago I talked about how Audi was not taking advantage of social media and missing out on connecting with their customers. Well, the company has come a long way just this past year alone. Considering how innovative and forward thinking the company is, it was only a matter of time that they would begin using social media. In the following video filmed at the Chicago Auto Show, Douglas Clark, General Manager Customer Strategy & Engagement, talks about the different ways Audi is using social networking sites to interact with people… Connect with Audi and follow on: Twitter Facebook Flickr YouTube Likewise, you can follow The Unofficial Audi Blog on: Twitter Facebook Flickr YouTube Here is the original:  Audi’s Social Media Strategy Has Come A Long Way

Audi has unveiled an all-new A8 L variant, called Security that has been designed to meet the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles. At 5,270mm (207”/17.29ft), the A8 L Security was deliberately styled to look like a regular A8 L and possesses polycarbonate-coated multilayer glass, hot-formed armoured steel, reinforced side sills, and loads of aramide fabric. Combined, the interior armouring weighs around 720kg (1,587lbs), while the door and window alterations add a further 660kg (1,455lbs). Optional electromechanical window openers operate the side windows, allowing them to be lowered nearly all the way. The excess weight of the windows amounts to just over 300kg (661.39lbs). All the revisions means the A8 L Security is certified for VR 7 class ballistic protection. That means it can cope with AK-47s to military hand grenades, and everything in between. On the options list, apart from the electromechanical window openers are a fire extinguishing system (drenches underbody, wheels, fuel tank, and in flame retardant foam), emergency exit system (uses a pyrotechnic charges to blast open the doors), LED signalling system (for fleet travel), siren w/flashing lights, flag holder, permanently integrated telephone, accident data recorder, additional rear-view camera and a heated windscreen w/partially heated side windows, two-way communication system, and a emergency fresh-air system (uses pressured oxygen to guarantee passengers can escape chemical and gas attacks). Standard equipment includes BOSE sound system, four-zone climate control, electric rear sunblinds, electrically adjustable individual rear seats, and a TV tuner. At extra cost, customers can order a full-length centre console, refrigerator, rear seat entertainment system, telephone headsets, and a “relaxation seat” w/heating & massage, and electrically adjustable rear footrests. Powering the car will be one engine, at launch anyway, a 6.3 litre W12 powerplant developing 495bhp (500PS/368kW) and 625Nm (461lb-ft) of torque. With an electronically limited top speed of 130mph (210km/h), the car can sprint of 0mph – 62mph (100km/h) in 7.3 seconds. The 6.3 W12 petrol engine returns 20.9mpg (13.5l/100km/17.4mpg US), which is an 18% improvement over the outgoing model. Next year...

This Porsche hybrid has an Audi heart. Volkswagen’s corporate parts bin is a great resource, and every brand gets to borrow from it. This includes Porsche, which took the easy route of adding a gas-electric version to the Panamera lineup by performing a little hybrid-transplant surgery. The result, the 2012 Panamera S hybrid, makes its debut at the 2011 Geneva show. Keep Reading: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Related posts: 2011 Porsche Panamera / Panamera 4 – Official Photos and Info 2012 Toyota Prius v Hybrid Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2010 Porsche Panamera – Official Photos and Info – Car News Read the original: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Originally posted here: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

Being Valentine’s day, some of us seek to honour those true loves in our lives. Those lucky enough to find their special peer to share this time are given a great gift in humanity. While automobiles are not human, there are many who associate those same loving emotions to sheetmetal and wheels sensing that an automobile is in essence a living being. Breathing air, requiring food to function and benefiting from proper care, an automobile is believed to return emotions. Spotlighting a few examples, let us examine the rich personality in the 2011 auto industry. Chevrolet Camaro Like that old high school crush you have met at a reunion, the Chevrolet Camaro presence was reasserted in 2009 bringing back old memories while wearing modern skin. Seven years away from the showroom sees the newest Camaro launch clearly invigorated. Emotions were strong enough for 129,405 units to be produced in 2010 meeting up with the hearts of eager owners. Showing appreciation to V-6 buyers, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro performance is bumped up to 312-horsepower . The Camero SS still reigns as a more enchanting yet obtainable experience making drivers fall in love with V-8 power. Including a convertible Camaro and a newly-announced 550-horsepower ZL1 model , look for 2011 and 2012 roads to be livened by the classic, American beauty. Ford Mustang Just mentioning the Chevrolet Camaro’s celebrated return, some automotive lovers are still hurting by the jilted feeling the General Motors pony car’s disappearance brought. Looking for a tried and true pony car that his attracted car fans through 47 continuous years, the Ford Mustang remains a fixture of American performance and the very best of the Blue Oval brand. Even when Ford tried to identify themselves with the GT supercar, very pure Mustang fans refused to be tempted by the more untouchable mid-engined car. Into 2011, the Ford Mustang continues to serve up a broad taste of affectionate models. Starting with a respectable 305 horsepower V-6, the convertible and 5.0 liter V-8 producing up to 412 horsepower provides more alluring eye-candy. Of course, those who are willing to handle a ride like no other Ford Mustang, the Shelby GT500 can be a fun-loving ride a select few can handle. Ferrari 458 Italia Whenever Ferrari sports...

2011 has started with a bang for the German luxury automakers and BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz reported record sales in the first month of the year. All three premium automakers have a raise in sales in the two digits range and the forecast shows an ascending graph for their automotive sales in the upcoming months. US magazine Bloomberg reports that BMW, Audi and Mercedes have long waiting lines for some of their new vehicles. Audi buyers must wait an average of three to four months for cars like the $52,700 A6 sedan as the company runs factories at full steam in an effort to keep pace with record demand. The compact Audi A3 has long waiting times as well up to ten weeks from the moment the order was placed. In our opinion, the new BMW X3 is the vehicle that can take the Munich-based automaker to the next level in 2011. The new compact SAV will account for a large portion of the overall sales and we predict BMW will overtake Lexus as the biggest automaker in the US. Bloomberg seems to agree with us. The demand for the 2011 X3 is strong and Birgit Hiller, a spokeswoman for BMW says customers must wait as many as three months for some models and as long as six months for the new X3. If the first generation X3 was built in Graz, Austria, the F25 X3 moved its production lines to the Spartanbug plant which recently received a $750 million investment for expansion and renovation, including new paint and body shops. Waiting times at Mercedes-Benz, which ranks second to BMW in global sales, are at close to the pre-recession levels of 2007, with most vehicles ordered now scheduled for delivery at the beginning of the second quarter. With the Chinese market continuing its ascending and accelerated growth, we anticipate additional wait times for some other luxury models from the three German automakers. Read the rest here: Buyers waiting months for some luxury vehicles – up to 6 months for new BMW X3

From the moment we first laid our eyes on the Audi A7, we knew there was something special about this particular model. It definitely had a Je ne sais quoi element that drew you in. So, it comes as no surprise that the A7 was selected the winner of the “Auto Bild” Design Summit. Out of ten cars, it was voted number one by a wide margin for its outstanding design. Watch a video review of the A7 courtesy of Auto Express… The new 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) will be available for order at a later date, and the multitronic transmission use an average of just 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg); the CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per km (223.70 g/mile) is groundbreaking. What do you think about the A7′s design? View original post here: Audi A7 Winner of “Auto Bild” Design Summit + Video Review

AutoWeek challenges all of us to vote on the best sporty coupe under $50,000 in the U.S. The automotive publication places head-to-head some of the most remarkable coupes available for sale in the United States and the poll is announcing to be a close one. BMW Groups is represented by three vehicles. First, the BMW-branded 1 Series and 3 Series Coupe. Second, the front-wheel drive, yet still exciting to drive, MINI Cooper. Aud is well represented as well with two vehicles that have been challenging BMW coupes around the world: Audi A5 and TT Coupe. Mercedes throws into the fight its Mercedes-Benz E350 coupe, a vehicle slightly larger than the other contestants. Other worthy mentions include the Cadillac CTS Coupe, Hyundai Genesis coupe, Infiniti G37 coupe or the Chevrolet Camaro. In the U.S., the 2012 BMW 3 Series starts at $37,650 for the base 328i Coupe, while the 3.0 liter Twin-Scroll turbocharged 335i Coupe sells for $44,100. While slight more expensive than in 2011, the two vehicles include the automatic transmission at no-charge. The entry-level coupe, 128i, has a base price of $30,950 while the 135i Coupe begins at $39,050. From a competitors standpoint, the Audi A5 starts at $36,900 for the 2.0T model. To cast your vote, head over to AutoWeek . Read more: AutoWeek Poll: Who has the best best sporty coupe in the US?

Last month, the 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe was spotted in Munich and surprisingly, the prototype was fully unveiled . Even though the 6er Coupe isn’t due out until later this year, BMW has already begun testing the M Sport package for the new high-end coupe. The spy photo below reveals some design cues for the M Sport bumper with the typical aggressive and imposing design characteristic to all the M Sport package. BMW’s line of M Sports Package upgrades typically include exterior modifications to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades that enhance the sportier look and feel. Inside, the package should include an M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest, an anthracite BMW Individual roof lining and M aluminum hexagon interior trim strips. Carbon fiber trim is usually included in the package as well. All the recent M packs include an exclusive paint job and M-specific wheels. Sports seats featuring Alcantara / fabric upholstery are most likely to be developed specifically for the 6 Series Coupe M Sport Package. [Source: MotorAuthority ] View original here: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe with M Sports Package

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental. Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne is getting tired of the talk surrounding the VW Group’s interest in the Alfa Romeo brand. VW overlord Ferdinand Piëch and CEO Martin Winterkorn have repeatedly spoken about their esteem for the tradition-steeped Italian brand, which was formerly owned by the Italian government and is currently part of Fiat. According to Automotive News , while speaking at a J.D. Power conference in San Francisco, Marchionne snubbed Piëch, announcing that “as long as I am CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, Mr. Piëch will never have Alfa Romeo.” That’s bad news for the Alfa brand, which has been coasting on its reputation for years. The mid-size 159 is a heavy and outdated front-driver; the small MiTo and the compact Giulietta are burdened by an inelegant, retro-style snout. The upcoming Jeep-based Alfa SUV won’t do miracles for the brand’s image, either. Alfa styling is marginalized within the company. Marchionne, however, prefers to lecture Piëch on SEAT, which he curiously brings up in the context of Alfa: “I’m not the one who bought SEAT. He’s the one who bought it. I don’t know if he can (fix it), but he needs to try.” Fiat Uno From the times of Generalissimo Franco, SEAT built licensed Fiat models, until the decade-long, cordial relationship broke up in the 1980s with SEAT’s growing independence; Fiat wanted to keep them confined to Spain. And as Giugiaro, the designer of iconic models such as the Fiat Panda and Uno or the Lancia Thema, kept working on a few SEAT projects, Fiat decided to mete out punishment by cutting all ties with the styling house—with (arguably) devastating consequences. Now Marchionne informs the world on Alfa: “It’s hands-off. I told him. I will call him and I will e-mail him.” Good luck getting past Piëch’s secretariat. More Electric Plans Porsche is rolling out electric Boxsters —three of them. The Boxster E makes 245 hp from two electric motors and is supposed to match the performance of a Boxster S....

Hyundai has confirmed that it will build a coupe version of its new Elantra compact car. Previous reports suggested that this model would be hitting showroom floors as soon as April, but we can now report that Hyundai is planning—indeed, has planned all along—for a launch sometime in the fall or early winter of 2011. The front-wheel-drive Elantra sedan comes with a 138-hp, 1.8-liter inline-four, and is available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. We expect the Elantra coupe to offer the same powertrain options, although it wouldn’t be shocking if Hyundai borrows one or both of the Kia Forte Koup ’s four-cylinders: a 156-hp 2.0-liter and a 173-hp 2.4-liter. With Hyundai’s somewhat-odd  Veloster filling the sporty coupe role, we anticipate that the two-door Elantra will have a more traditional design, aiming it directly at the Honda Civic coupe . Given the fourth-quarter launch, it’s likely that the new body style will be unveiled at either the New York or Los Angeles auto show later this year. Related posts: 2009 Hyundai Elantra / Elantra Touring – Review 2011 Hyundai Elantra Priced from $15,550 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited – Short Take Road Test More here: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Confirmed for Fourth Quarter of 2011 See more here:  2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Confirmed for Fourth Quarter of 2011

Last fall, after an outcry from enthusiasts, Audi confirmed it would bring its top-spec TT coupe to the U.S. But so far, we’ve heard little about what content our version of the TT RS will have. We cornered an Audi spokesperson at the 2011 Chicago auto show , where the TT RS made its quiet U.S. debut, and forced them to cough up some details. (Okay, it was a little easier than that.) The European version that we sampled almost two years ago made 340 hp from its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Much to our surprise and thrill, Audi says it’s pushing for U.S. cars to make about 20 more ponies for a total of around 360 hp. We asked where the extra power is coming from and were told it’s mainly from ECU tuning, so presumably the Euro cars could be updated as well. Our RS will also come equipped only with a six-speed manual transmission, and little else is changed from the overseas edition. We won’t, however, be getting the available Recaro seats. No big surprise there. Only a few options will be offered on the limited run of less than 1000 cars. As of now, an exterior package featuring silver accents on the lower front and rear valance (matching the mirror caps) is planned, as is a Titanium pack bundling a blacked-out grille and trim with titanium-colored wheels, much like what is currently available on the A4, A5, S4, and S5 . A sport exhaust option will provide a rowdier note from that already sweet sounding five. Those not in favor of the RS’s rear spoiler can opt for a factory delete. The TT RS coupe will arrive by the end of this summer as a 2012 model. Like many of these details, pricing is yet to be finalized, but expect to pay a base price “in the low-$60K range,” that is if you can get your hands on one. [View with PicLens] Related posts: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Pricing, R-Spec Details Announced – Auto Shows 2010 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 Priced Audi R8 V10 Priced From $147,200 Read the original here: More Details on U.S.-Spec 2012 Audi TT RS: 360 HP (Maybe), Priced Around $60K Go here to see the original:  More Details on U.S.-Spec 2012 Audi TT RS: 360 HP (Maybe), Priced Around $60K

BMW builds a roadster concept with layers. (We didn’t get it at first, either.) BMW’s history is littered with roadsters, from the pre-war 328 and the beautiful 507, to the futuristic Z1 and the more recent Z3 and Z4 models. So it’s perhaps no wonder that the Bavarians are using the body style to give us a glimpse of its possible future in terms of technology and style. Keep Reading: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept – Auto Shows No related posts. Read more from the original source: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept – Auto Shows See more here: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept – Auto Shows