Filed under: Consumer Audi has updated the surprising disappointment that is the RS 5 coupé. Obviously any family-type coupé with a 4.2-litre V8 sourced from the Audi R8 is going to stir up a couple of endorphins, but, to be honest, the RS 5 was always less than the sum of its parts. ( This plus this .) But that could change, because Audi has mechanically updated the RS 5 so that…its steering rack is more efficient. Hmm. Economy is improved, therefore, to 26.9mpg combined, with 246g/km average emissions, from an engine that’s essentially from the R8 V10 with two cylinders lopped off. Those economy figures are improved from 26.2mpg and 252g/km. It has 444bhp at 8,250rpm, and it’s driven through a seven-speed S tronic twin clutch automatic gearbox. The 0-62mph time has reduced from 4.6 seconds to 4.5 seconds, while top speed is still limited to 155mph. The nuts and bolts of the drivetrain remain the same, meaning it has quattro permanent four-wheel drive with a centre differential that can send up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels. A sport differential is on the options list, which can shift power across the rear axle during cornering, ensuring the car pulls around even at silly speed. Mostly, the changes are cosmetic and trim-based. The grille is slightly altered, but it’s not clear how. More obvious are the new LED light strips around the headlamps, while the bumpers are re-profiled, and the design of the 19-inch alloy wheels changed. The RS5 now gets Bluetooth, DVD sat nav, and a iPod connection as standard, and you may notice that the steering wheel is a new three-spoke design. First deliveries begin in April, with customers asked to hand over £58,725.   View post: Audi updates the storming RS 5 coupé Excerpt from: Audi updates the storming RS 5 coupé

Fresh new spy photos of the 2014 BMW X5 emerge on the web. Wearing the typical psychedelic camouflage combined with plastic fake body parts, the prototypes are far from revealing their true design. We have learned recently that the new 2014 BMW X5 is said to feature more flowing character lines and sculpted surfaces that will broaden the design of the X family. At the front end, the new X5 will feature a more imposing kidney grille, larger and wider than in the current model. The headlights will get the LED treatment and the shape will follow the design seen on some of the recently unveiled models. The F15 platform is rumored to feature a modular design, a common trend in future BMWs, that allows the company to achieve significant savings across its lineup. Our sources say the new X5 is built on an extended platform of the new 5 Series and will have a lower weight than the current model. The spy photos below show the test mules with different tailpipe configurations, including the round design seen on six-cylinder models and the trapezoid model seen on the high-end xDrive50i with its V8 engine. Inside, BMW will completely rework the design, offering a combination of premium, sportiness and luxury. We expect to see the Black Panel technology, Head-Up Display, Night Vision and other gadgetry now available in the higher end models, like the 6 or 7 Series. Thanks to its technical proximity to the 5 Series, it is possible to see the Integrated Active Steering as an option for the X5 as well. We anticipate a world premiere to take place in 2013 with sales beginning the same year as a 2014 model. [Images: Pixner /  BimmerParts-Online.com via BimmerToday ) See original here: Spy Photos: 2014 BMW X5 F15

This week, we have heard that the 2014 Mercedes C-Class was caught by the spy photographers. It was heavily camouflaged with black plastic, so the design of the car is really hard to figure out. But what you can see is a longer and wider C-Class that has head lights that look like the one found in the F800. Meanwhile, the engine is now being debated on still. They say that it might have a 3 cylinder engine, but nothing is sure as of this moment. Perhaps, there will be something concrete late this year or early next year, as it is scheduled to be released in late 2013 or early 2014. Photo source: AutoEvolution. Read more here:  2014 Mercedes C-Class Spied on its First Winter Testing

Last May the Aston Martin V12 Zagato debuted at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. It went on to win best of show – and for good reason. We’ll admit, we have a soft spot in our hearts for Aston Martins (like many auto enthusiasts), but this car is a particularly stunning example. After a very favorable reception at the show and by Aston buyers around the world, two months later the decision was made to produce the car. The V12 Zagato marks the return of the coach builder, and the ensuing relationship between it and the manufacturer. They have made a comeback thanks to modern technologies that make limited production feasible, and even profitable. The V12 Zagato is a result of that. The car makes the transition from one-off to production vehicle looking just as beautiful the day it was introduced. That means a familiar Aston Martin front end, but a unique twist on the rest of the design, with singular round taillights and a rakish rear end. The narrowing window line, flowing rear haunches – this has future classic written all over it. Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez says the car is a celebration of “both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future…..our relationship with Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.” Indeed. Aston says the car will be built in a limited run, with only 150 examples. It is a hand-built project, completed in the special operations center setup for the One-77. Pricing starts at about $520,000 USD at current exchanges. Word is that nearly the entire run has already been spoken for. Related posts: Stunning: Aston Martin Releases V12 Zagato Ahead of Villa d’Este Aston Martin Officially Confirms V12 Zagato for Production Run Aston Martin DBS Wallpapers Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Go here to read the rest:  Aston Martin V12 Zagato Is a Hand-Built Stunner

Like lots of car guys, I have a very specific weakness for one particular class of automobile. For many, that weakness is for fast, powerful, luxurious, high-end exotics; for me, as a side effect of a condition known medically as “being a bit of a moron,” it’s cars at the extreme low end of the spectrum. More » See more here: An Insanely Intense Look At The World’s Cheapest Car [Car Design] Read the original post: An Insanely Intense Look At The World’s Cheapest Car [Car Design]

Fuel During a discussion of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 recently, the subject of energy density came up. Batteries have so much lower energy density than gasoline or diesel that even with the efficiency superiority of an electric motor over an internal combustion engine, it still can’t deliver the range of an IC powered car. The current ‘best’ battery tech, Lithium Ion, has a theoretical maximum denisty of about two times current energy density. That would bring a 100 mile ranged car up to about 200 miles, or it could increase significantly the performance of the vehicle and leave the range the same, or the vehicle weight could be reduced and the range and performance remain the same. Until battery energy density improves by a factor of four or five, battery powered electric vehicles will continue to be considered ‘urban mobility’ solutions. That may have to wait on breakthroughs in nanotechnology to transform the storage capacity of the battery cells. Here is an interesting tidbit – that you may be able to win a bar bit from a total geek on – and a hat tip to a BMWBLOG reader for mentioning this in the comments from a previous article. The energy density per unit of mass of gasoline is higher than diesel. Where people get tripped up is that given equivalent volumes (US gallons for example) of diesel and gasoline, a gallon of diesel weighs more and actually has a higher energy density per given volume than gasoline. Design There was an online article, Technology Review’s, “Automobile Design for the Connected Age – Technology Review” (URL here: http://www.technologyreview. com/business/39483/?p1=BI ) that included an interview with BMW’s chief designer, Adrian van Hooydonk. During the interview van Hooydonk stated that he begine his design career as an industrial designer and that was revealing (and brought a smile to my face). Industrial design was a creation of the third and fourth decades of the 20th Century (1920-30s). Industrial design brought styling and ergonomics to consumer goods. The best written account of industrial design was done by a husband and wife team of designers, the Cheney’s. Their book, “Art and the Machine”, is a sought after classic. Industrial design has given us some greats, Raymond...

Thanks to our reader Wouter, here is a photo gallery of the new BMW 3 Series from the 2012 Brussels Auto Show. The new F30 3er made its North American debut earlier this month at the Detroit Auto Show and it is now being shown at other venues around the world. The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image. BMW has also redesigned the interior of the new 3 Series. The future model combines luxury with sportiness and different combinations of interior trim can be seen across the three lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern. The driver-focused cockpit is even more emphasized in the F30 3 Series being angled towards the driver by seven degrees As seen in some of the photos below, an M Sport package is also available for the new 3 Series. The super sporty pack adds 18-inch or 19-inch lightweight wheels as an option. Included in the M Sport pack is an M-tuned suspension which lowers the car by ten millimeters and offers stiffer spring rates and damper settings as well as stronger stabilizer bars. BMW says the decision to include M Sport brakes as standard has yet to be determined. BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim gives the car the typical M look. An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue, as well as M Sport brakes with contrasting blue paint finish. Special aerodynamics cues, front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body color and a striking diffuser insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail, and chromium exhaust pipe finishers underline the sporting character of the M Sport package. BMW says will offer the M Sport package starting September 2012. Read more:  2012 Brussells Auto Show: New BMW 3 Series Photo Gallery

Swiss Tuner, FAB Design, unveiled their tuning package for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Read the original here:  FAB Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Next generation BMW X5 is due out in 2013 and the first spy photos have just hit the interwebs. Belgian magazine Vroom spied the F40 X5 during a testing session in Germany. Wearing the typical psychedelic camouflage combined with plastic fake body parts, the prototypes are far from revealing their true design. We learned recently that the new 2013 BMW X5 is said to feature more flowing character lines and sculpted surfaces that will broaden the design of the X family. At the front end, the new X5 will feature a more imposing kidney grille, larger and wider than in the current model. The headlights will get the LED treatment and the shape will follow the design seen on some of the recently unveiled models. The taillights will be slightly redesigned as well. Using the layering concept seen on the Vision concepts, the T-shaped taillights add more depth to surfaces and are less wrapped around the body. On the side, the character line is being enhanced, as we have seen on the new X3 as well. Expect to see more convex/concave shapes with 3D layering enhancing its masculine look. According to sources, the new X5 will feature for the first time the ActiveHybrid technology with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The internal combustion engine is aided by a 15 kilowatt electric motor that ads another 17 horsepower on top of the 204 already delivered by the diesel power unit. Furthermore, the new X5 Hybrid is said to use two parallel vehicle electrical systems, a conventional 12 volt system supplied by the AGM starter battery and an additional 120 volt system that’s supplied by a generator and lithium-ion battery pack located in the luggage compartment. Rather than a conventional engine-driven generator, a compact generator is integrated in the aluminum crankcase housing. The high-power electronic system is flange-mounted directly onto the gearbox for a more compact design. Brake Energy Regeneration helps recharging the battery. The F40 platform is rumored to feature a modular design, a common trend in future BMWs, that allows the company to achieve significant savings across its lineup. We anticipate a world premiere to take place in 2013 with sales beginning late in the year. See the rest here: First Spy Photo: New BMW X5 F40

Tata's eMO – The future of emerging markets? And that’s before tax credits So, I’m crazy. Pod cars. Autodrive. Why not just add flying capabilities to my vision of the near automotive future? Unfortunately, I believe that the world is headed towards auto-drive and pod cars whether consumers want them or not. Natural forces, such as fossil fuel supply disruptions and shortages, pollution, congestion, innovation etc. will force the move. Interestingly, however, I don’t believe it would be that hard to sell such a concept to millenials and emerging markets even today. And the new Tata eMO plug-in electric car demonstrates just how close we really are to the future. The Tata eMO was featured at the Michelin Challenge Design display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a working study to prove the viability of a $20,000 — before tax credits — 4 seat electric car. Utilizing a 18.4 kWh battery, the eMO offers 100 miles of range and a top speed of 65 mph. Possibly even more interesting, the entire idea was conceptualized, engineered and plans for an assembly plant were all completed in just over a year. Automotive change has the potential to evolve much faster than it does today and has through the past, especially as new materials and ideas are worked into the process. For instance, couple the eMO with Gordon Murray’s iStream auto production system and the revolutionary reality of a totally re-engineered auto industry is within grasp, even already afoot some might claim. Couple that with Continental Automotive’s near term plans for mainstream use of autonomous software to create the safest cars ever, as well as Google’s self-driving cars, not to mention the infotainment systems becoming ever more important to automotive success, and the foundation for revolution has already been laid. Congestion, global warming, declining resources, emerging markets, connectivity, etc. Take your pick, but it’s obvious that the days of the automotive status quo are numbered. And once change is inevitable, especially in today’s technology at the speed of light world, change can happen far faster than most can imagine. Of course, such change often unfolds in ways most can’t imagine either....

BMW Director of Design, Adrian Van Hooydonk, attended the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and went on camera to explain the design of the new BMW 3 Series. BMWBLOG also sat down with Van Hooydonk for an exclusive interview and our footage will be live shortly. The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is considered to be an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image. The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. Here is the original: Video: Adrian Van Hooydonk talks about the new 3 Series

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, BMW confirmed that the F31 BMW 3 Series wagon will join the U.S. lineup. Paul Ferraiolo, Product Planning & Strategy manager, says the new generation F31 Wagon makes a comeback and will be offered along the sedan, coupe and convertible models. There are no news on when the F31 3 Series will hit the dealerships’ floors, but we expect it to be a 2013 model year. The new 3 Series Wagon will debut at the Leipzig Auto Show this spring. The engine range will be imported from the sedan and will include both petrol and diesel engines, in four or six-cylinder configuration. Just as for the 3 Series sedan, BMW will offer the Touring with three lines: Modern, Luxury and Sport. The aggressive M sports package will come to enhance the sporty allure of the touring.   Here is the original post: F31 BMW 3 Series Wagon coming to U.S.

It is finally here – a car we’ve been waiting a long time for. Last night the wraps were taken off the Cadillac ATS at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The ATS is a hugely important product for the Cadillac brand in many ways. It is the first product aimed squarely at the BMW 3-Series, and has been developed with an uncompromising approach. It is part of Cadillac’s “bookend” strategy for 2012, introducing products at the top (XTS) and bottom ends (ATS) of the market. While there is a lot of marketing hyperbole about new most products, with the ATS it really can’t be stressed enough at what it really means for Cadillac going forward. Keep reading on to see why. Cadillac = edgy. That pretty much has been the brand’s ethos ever since it debuted its Art & Science design language on the original CTS in 2003. The most recent CTS, introduced in 2008, had even sharper and more defined creases in the sheet metal. The ATS, like the XTS that came before it, shows a more refined and mature take on A&S. Lines are a bit softer and more organic, while still remaining uniquely Cadillac. The ATS is a looker – it could have been edgier and pushed the envelope. Cadillac chose to offer a very handsome design with traditional proportions, one that we think they have pulled off brilliantly. The focus with the ATS isn’t on design either. It is what is underneath – in fact Cadillac worked on the project for two and half years before ever sketching out the design. It wasn’t a car built to a design proposal – it was a set of objectives underneath and the design fit in around it. The ATS uses an all-new platform for GM – Alpha. It is scalable rear-wheel drive architecture that will underpin the next-generation CTS as well as other RWD products in the GM stable such as the Chevrolet Camaro. For the ATS though, it was purpose built for performance in this application. To compete with the 3-Series though requires nothing less than this kind of an effort. Size wise, the ATS is squarely in the compact category. Cadillac engineers wanted the car similar to the size of the E46 generation 3-Series. That helps the car to be lightweight and nimble. Apparently the benchmark for handling was the E46...

The Tru 140s eAssist hybrid Is GM taking the cost-effective hybrid approach, or refusing to admit failure? In a weird way, I believe that mild hybrid technologies, such as GM’s eAssist could make a lot of sense. As battery costs decline, eAssist — at least it seems to me — could simply become GM’s base powertrain. In fact, GM has even suggested the possibility of such an eAssisted future. And that makes concepts like the Tru 140S and the Code 130R potentially interesting steps forward for GM. So then, why do I feel like these new concepts demonstrate that GM is simply confused when it comes to the future of powertrains? Let me cut straight to the chase on these two concept cars. The 140s is an interesting design, but I’ve always been a fan of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The 130R; however (see below), kill it now. Seriously. GM should be embarrassed for even suggesting such a concept. In fact, GM better get Bob Lutz back in the design conversation if the 130R has anything to do with future of GM’s design languages. I mean big time YUCK! Nevertheless, lets move beyond design. The point of both the S and R concepts is to appeal to young buyers. Connectivity, good fuel economy, and kid-loving designs. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that GM hit any of their goals. In terms of connectivity, I haven’t yet seen enough details. However, since GM’s OnStar is so great, I’ll give GM the telematic benefit of the doubt. In terms of design, GM might be breaking some ground for GM products with the 140S, but not compared to the industry. Chrysler already threw a Dart through these two concepts today at NAIAS, and let’s not even bring up the Hyundai Elantra. And, in terms of fuel economy, I’m really worried that eAssist just doesn’t make sense. GM claims both of these concepts would achieve 40 mpg, ON THE HIGHWAY, if pushed into production. Big deal. If that’s the best eAssist offers, then I’m confident that eAssist needs to be squashed. Now. If it were 40 mpg, combined. Then I’d see the point. However, what really bothers me regarding eAssist is that it just doesn’t jive with GM’s halo hybrid product, the Chevy Volt. In my opinion, you can’t have both. Either you believe...

This year’s North American International Auto Show is in full swing, and it is one of the best auto shows we’ve seen in a long time. So many debuts are going on, pivotal new vehicles for their manufacturers. And you know what else? There has been very few leaks ahead of time – making it even more exciting. This morning Chevrolet has debuted two new concepts aimed squarely at the youth market. They are the Code 130R and Tru 140S, each aimed at offering enthusiasts an small, engaging performance offering. They are designed to compete with cars like the new Scion FR-S and each has an entirely different approaches in doing that. We’ll start with the 130R. The 130R is a rear-wheel drive offering, which makes us excited. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder working in concert with an eAssist mild hybrid system. The setup makes 150 horsepower and 148 pound feet of torque. Given its weight, that wouldn’t provide bad performance. Stylistically, the 130R has retro proportions, with an upright design and aggressive front end. It somehow manages to be a bit throwback. Anyhow, we love it – and more than the styling, just the concept and confidence behind it. Underneath the car could be a mainstream version of the Alpha platform that underpins the Cadillac ATS – General Motors isn’t saying anything about that though. Inexpensive, rear-wheel drive and fun – we like the sounds of that! The 140S is very modern in its styling, with a low-slung, cab forward design that is somewhat like the most recent Mitsubishi Eclipse. Better though, definitely better. The 140S has muscular lines, and elongated doors. It is very dramatic, and the 140S seems to be the styling favorite of the two concepts. Funnily enough, underneath the 140S is based on the Delta platform underpinning the Cruze. This is the Cruze coupe everyone has been wanting – and its a whole lot better than Cruze sans two-doors. We’re glad to see Chevrolet making an effort, and we could really see this car doing well if it is produced. Remember what we said about same targets, different approaches? Well the 140S has the same engine setup, making 10 more hp. In addition, it would be priced at the same point – about $25,000 – if produced....