It’s high time we take a light-hearted look at the world of posers, who hope to impress but usually end up disappointing on so many levels. How many of you have been walking or driving along, minding your own business when all of a sudden, your car radar goes off and your “spider sense” tingles? You know, that feeling that something special might be close? It’s quite interesting and difficult to explain with words, but if you are a car person, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. How many of you, at least at first glance, have been duped into believing that the e39 528i in front of you that sports replica M5 wheels and has an M badge is a poser and not a real M5? How about an E320 masked to look like an E55 AMG? An A6 with an RS badge on the back perhaps? German cars aren’t the only ones butchered either. We see normal Integra’s badged as Type-R’s and standard Lancer’s made to look like Evolutions and in the States I even saw a regular Ford Taurus with a SHO badge! But one cannot speak of faux cars and not mention the famous Pontiac Fiero bodykit that made it look like a Ferrari. Almost. Now, if you’re like me, you get irked a bit followed immediately by this thought “you’re not fooling me.” It is at this point that most people stop and continue about their business. But what about the percentage of people, myself included, that actually take it a step further and have the urge to see the guy/gal that would try to pull off such a masquerade and perhaps, just perhaps, just maybe, yell out “poser!” and then drive/walk away feeling like you did the right thing and that somehow, somewhere, a “1UP” should be recorded next to your name in the sacred records of Automobilus Justificus. Anyone else out there? The following is a true story and aims to point out yet another type of driver. I have yet to classify such a driver, so if you are feeling creative, please feel free to provide some ideas in the comments below. Now, the story. The year was 2007 and it was a hot July afternoon. I was in Romania on a road trip with my wife and three other good friends who decided to tag along. As the driver, I had at my disposal a silver, four-door Ford Focus…which was rented. It wasn’t fast, but it did the job well and I was...

US magazine Car and Driver reviews the all-new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible. Yours truly had the chance to drive the high-end convertible in Cabo, Mexico and the full review can be found here . The redesigned and highly acclaimed luxury cabriolet went on sale this June with a base price starting at $91,375, including Destination & Handling. Targeting a demographic group that includes 65% female buyers, the redesigned convertible is longer, wider and offers more room than its predecessor. The car comes equipped with BMW’s latest technology, from safety to comfort and performance. Without any further ado, let’s have a look at the review by Car and Driver. “We cried foul after the company fitted the 5-series with a new electric power-steering system, as it deprives the driver of any feel through that most important of automotive interfaces. Now BMW has fitted the 6er with this system. It’s like there’s a rogue faction within Bayerische Motoren Werke that is trying to scuttle the mothership. We’re particularly disappointed because the setup otherwise has everything we want in really good steering: immediacy and satisfying weight. The steering effort is variable via the 6’s standard Driving Dynamics Control system, but none of the settings (Comfort, Normal, Sport or Sport+) results in any communication. Fortunately, although Driving Dynamics Control adjusts the damping, too, the Bavarians have yet to make an electric power chassis. Even if you can’t feel what the front tires are doing, this 4569-pound convertible’s balance will widen eyes and restore some of the confidence sapped by the lifeless tiller. At the ragged edge, though, this ragtop loses its poise a bit, getting a little squirrelly. After the skidpad test—in which the 650i scored an impressive 0.89 g—our test driver called it a “drift machine.” A 167-foot stop from 70 mph also nurses courage, as does the brake pedal’s firm, predictable feel. Its travel might be long for some, but it’s hard to fault BMW for making the brakes easy to modulate.” Full review Read the original:  Car and Driver: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible Test Drive

NADAguides , the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, announces the all-new 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE as the Car of the Month for September – offering consumers a completely redesigned hybrid vehicle with class-leading upgrades at a price lower than the 2011 model. The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling vehicle in the country for the past nine years and the analysts at NADAguides feel this reign will continue with the help of the all-new 2012 model. With a newly redesigned interior, improvements in handling and performance, and class-leading safety, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE has been awarded the NADAguides Car of the Month for September. The analysts also noted improved fuel economy, lower price and Entune™, Toyota's new multimedia system, as differentiating factors that set the Camry apart from the competition. NADAguides analysts took notice of the large growth in consumer interest for the 2011 model year Camry when it grew by 67 percent from February to March 2011 . The consumer interest growth continued from March through July for the 2011 Toyota Camry on NADAguides.com increasing month-over-month by nearly 10 percent. The recent non-conventional reveal of the 2012 Toyota Camry was followed by tremendous industry buzz and, after the analysts at NADAguides were able to experience first-hand the tremendous changes to the vehicle, it was unanimous that the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE be named the NADAguides Car of the Month for September. The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE has a starting MSRP of $27,400, while the Hybrid LE has a starting MSRP of $25,900. For non-hybrid models, the Camry L has a starting MSRP of $21,955, while the Camry XLE V6 model will start at $29,845. Key Quotes * Troy Snyder, Director of Product Development at NADAguides: "From the moment you sit inside the all-new 2012 Camry it is clear to see that Toyota rethought every detail of the interior – ensuring it was comfortable, instinctive for the driver to navigate and overall appealing in design. While behind the wheel of the 2012 Camry XLE Hybrid I had to actually remind myself that it was a hybrid – the usual motor change and braking feel that comes with hybrid models disappears in the 2012 model. This is definitely a vehicle...

Like much of the American Northeast, Car and Driver ‘s HQ in Ann Arbor has been absolutely drenched by unrelenting skies this week—so to pass the time a bit, we decided to see what Jaguar’s C-X16 concept would look like without a roof. You can read all about the Jaguar’s Frankfurt auto show -bound concept here , but we know that when the C-X16 coupe goes into production—possibly with the XE name—eventually it will be followed by a convertible variant. When that car bows, we imagine it won’t look terribly different from the above rendering. The resulting roadster’s look may be predictable, but that certainly doesn’t take anything away from its sleek good looks. Illustration by Schulte Design. Read more here: Peeling Back the Jaguar C-X16 Concept’s Lid: Next Jag Roadster Rendered See original here:  Peeling Back the Jaguar C-X16 Concept’s Lid: Next Jag Roadster Rendered

Image via Wikipedia For the first time, Daimler’s head and chairman Dieter Zetsche will deliver a keynote address at the 2012 CES. This address will be done in an effort to bring more automotive companies into the consumer electronic show. This is not the first time for a car company to do a keynote in CES though, as Ford did it three years ago. The Las Vegas expo will show an electric vehicle pavilion and “SafeDriverTechZone” to showcase everything from text-to-voice developments and collision avoidance. Zetsche will deliver his keynote on January 10 at 11am at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. Here’s the press release: Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche to Deliver Keynote Address at 2012 International CES Zetsche’s CES Keynote to Address the Future of Automobiles in the Digital Realm The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced today that Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will deliver a keynote address at the 2012 International CES®. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, will be held January 10-13, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Zetsche’s keynote address is slated for 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. The 2012 show marks Mercedes-Benz’ first International CES keynote address. All 2012 CES keynotes will take place in The Venetian and The Las Vegas Hilton Theater. “Dieter Zetsche is an iconic and instrumental leader in the automotive sector, where innovative technology unveiled each year at CES is a vital component of today’s driving experience,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “We are thrilled to welcome the innovation leader Mercedes-Benz to the 2012 CES keynote program and look forward to hearing Dieter’s vision on the interplay between automotive innovation and the digital realm.” Automotive technology will be a major focus at the 2012 CES. Electric vehicle technologies, products and services will be featured in the GoElectricDrive TechZone. In addition, the Location Based Services TechZone will return to the CES show floor as the premier location for providers of current location-based custom technologies in both...

Back in July, we reported on a story about two rear-wheel drive concept cars coming from Kia . The first would debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the second at the North American International Auto Show. It appears that story, via What Car? is correct. New images of a rear-wheel drive Kia sedan have leaked on the internet, courtesy of Car & Driver . Thanks to the image leaks, we know the car’s name too: GT. Hyundai and Kia are under one roof, and while both have made extremely impressive gains in sales and in product development, Kia hasn’t followed Hyundai down the RWD path. Not yet, that is. The Genesis, Genesis Coupe and Equus sedan are as-of-yet the only cars in Hyundai’s platform to be RWD. The first concept set to debut is a four-door sedan – Kia aims to gauge public reaction for a production model (referred to as “K7″ or “K9″ in the media) to follow. Hyundai’s styling is dubbed fluidic sculpture. Kia’s new models tack an entirely opposite tack than Hyundai, with edgy lines and highly modern surfaces the order of the day. The Optima demonstrates this very well. The looks finds its best home yet on the GT Concept. We really like it, because the GT manages to look unique, without elements copied wholesale from other cars. The greenhouse is distinct, and there’s a lack of a B-pillar thanks to suicide doors. Overall, there is something just right about the proportions. If there was an area we’re not as keen on it would have to be the front end; it is quite busy. The question is how much of the GT Concept is able to translate to production. The interior definitely isn’t at this stage. The GT Concept is a reaction concept, showing Kia testing the waters of a high-end sedan and a further evolution of its design language. “I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: We are ready to fast forward to an all-new chapter,” says the Kia’s head of design Peter Schreyer. Kia aims to tackle the performance side, and this car is suitably more aggressive-looking than its Hyundai counterparts. Reports say it will slot in between the Genesis and Equus when it arrives. Couldn’t they have thought of a more inspired name for a concept though? Related posts: Kia Unveils...

Even though vehicle fatalities are down to their lowest levels ever, there is still more work to be done to prevent the over 32,000 motor vehicle deaths we’re still seeing. One area is through new safety technologies that can help avoid a crash altogether. Automakers have been touting these new car safety features, but some are better than others. One interesting system is an expanded-field rear-view camera that offers 360 degrees of visibility, allowing the driver to see all around the vehicle. It is helpful especially if you have children, who may be hard to see or leave toys around your driveway. On the road, blind-spot alert systems can be useful in letting the driver know a vehicle is in their blind spot and to not change lanes. We have found these increasingly available blind-spot systems helpful, but not foolproof, as they can give false positives from objects along the road. Pre-crash avoidance systems have the potential to help avoid crashes by detecting a potential impact and applying the brakes automatically, while preparing the car for a collision. In our experience, we found many such systems to be overly sensitive. It seems, many technologies have promise, but their current performance varies. Check out our video for our take on more of these new safety systems and which ones to consider for your next vehicle purchase. For more information on car safety, see our special section . More:  Video: Some car safety features are better than others

Back to the Lab: We’re constantly pursuing new methods to unlock performance-related secrets. When performed properly, instrumented car testing has the ability to measure and report on truths that are impossible to acquire from the seat of your pants. During a half-century of testing, Car and Driver has developed a portfolio of measurements that reveals most facets of vehicle performance. These secrets, coupled with our trenchant analysis, make you an expert on any car’s entertainment potential, giving you the tools you need to settle any bar bet. Keep Reading: New C/D Center-of-Gravity-Height and Variable-Slalom Tests – Tech Dept. View original post here: New C/D Center-of-Gravity-Height and Variable-Slalom Tests More: New C/D Center-of-Gravity-Height and Variable-Slalom Tests

The rear-drive FT-86 II concept that Toyota will bring to the 2011 Frankfurt auto show may share its name and basic shape with the FT-86 II and FT-86 concepts shown at this year’s Geneva auto show and 2009′s Tokyo auto show , but will apparently be a new iteration. To amp up FT-86 fans, Toyota has released a teaser video of the “new” FT-86 II concept that shows people designing and painting the car. From the glimpses of the car in the clip, it doesn’t look radically different from the last FT concept, but then that car wasn’t a massive departure from the one before it, either. We think the alleged newness of this concept warrants a name change to FT-86 III , but we’ll have to wait and see just how different it is from the previous FT concepts—and the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ , for that matter. Eventually—at the Tokyo auto show later this year—we will finally see a production version. Read the original post: Toyota Teases its “New” Frankfurt-Bound FT-86 II Concept in New Video Here is the original post: Toyota Teases its “New” Frankfurt-Bound FT-86 II Concept in New Video

Citroën is calling its Frankfurt-auto-show concept the Tubik, and describes it as a “high-tech executive shuttle.” On the outside, the Tubik looks like a cargo van with a rather rodent-like face. The inside is a different—very different —story. Citroën is playing up the Tubik’s pampering and functional passenger compartment much more than the car’s exterior, and it takes only a glance to see why. The Tubik can hold nine passengers in a number of configurations among three rows of seating. Passengers in the first row can sit facing forward or backward, and the middle row can both lower to become a sort of ottoman for the third row or fold out of the way entirely. The interior is said to evoke a cocoon in the interest of rest and relaxation, and to further insulate you from the pestering world outside there is a huge screen and a surround sound speaker array. The Tubik may look like a panel van from the outside, but the rear panels are transparent to those inside the van. The driver sits behind a head-up display in what Citroën refers to as the “cyclotron,” which is a large vertical hoop that contains the driver’s seat, pedals, and steering wheel. The cyclotron looks a lot like a Star Wars pod racer, so perhaps the fact that the driver’s seat looks like a vehicle itself makes its presence within a vehicle seem so strange. The Tubik’s running gear is all Peugeot/Citroen Hybrid4 technology, meaning it is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid drive system. Just like the Peugeot HX1 concept that will also be at Frankfurt, the Tubik’s front wheels are driven by its diesel engine, and its rears by an electric motor. Finally, Citroën’s Hydractive active suspension helps keep the concept riding as smoothly as a French politician would demand (it rides on very narrow 22-inch wheels). Here is the original post: Citroën’s Tubik Concept is the Psychedelic French Love Van You Expect it to Be Read more: Citroën’s Tubik Concept is the Psychedelic French Love Van You Expect it to Be

Fisker Automotive—which just recently began shipping the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan to customers—has released a rendering on the company’s Flickr page of a hatchback concept car that the company is calling the Surf. Fisker says the Surf will be an EV with a range-extending combustion engine, like the Karma, and promises to release more specifics when the car is revealed at the Frankfurt auto show. In profile, the sketched Surf looks a lot like a Hyundai Veloster wearing the swoopy, pumped-out fenders of a Karma. We will bring you more details when they become available. Continued here: Fisker Releases Teaser of Frankfurt-Bound Surf Hatchback See the rest here:  Fisker Releases Teaser of Frankfurt-Bound Surf Hatchback

Starting right now, you can combine your loves of Car Town and C/D : We’re in the game. (A quick Car Town primer for the unfamiliar: It’s the top-rated social game on Facebook , in which millions of users collect super-cute renditions of actual cars—a few of which include the Ferrari 599GTO, Honda Accord, BMW 3.0CSL, and Ford GT—and build their dream garages in which to house them. You can also race friends, customize your rides, complete challenges, and more. Learn more over at Car Town’s site .) We’ll be hosting monthly Car Town design contests through next summer on our Facebook page ; you submit customized vehicles around a theme, with editors selecting our favorites—even Phillips, once he figures out how to get the internet on his typewriter—for virtual Car and Driver 10Best awards. We’ll then open things up to our Facebook fans to vote on the very best submission, whose creator will receive a C/D -liveried Mazda Furai for their Car Town collection. The other 10Best winners will get a unique vehicle, too. The first contest starts on September 13. You can head over to our Facebook page now for all the details, but don’t forget to go back next Tuesday to enter. You should also look for Car Town in the magazine; November’s issue has a code to redeem for a special RX-7. You’ll find us elsewhere in the game, as well. You can customize your Car Town garage with our logo and posters featuring classic covers, and all game news and new-car releases will be presented under our banner. So you can get your fix of your favorite car rag while you’re making your BMW M1 or Lambo Aventador or— gulp —Toyota Yaris totally sweet. See original here: Car and Driver and Car Town Join Forces for Total Facebook Game Domination More here: Car and Driver and Car Town Join Forces for Total Facebook Game Domination

Back in August, the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan made its world debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The new GS 350 brings out a an all-new sheet design, a much roomier cabin and the cutting-ede technology from Lexus, and competes in a segment with the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The model introduced to journalists at Pebble beach is the five-passenger, rear-wheel-drive GS 350. The 2013 GS looks much more aggressive than the previous model. The car has a wider track and aggressive wheel arches, a significant improve over the “soft design” in the previous generation. The automaker has indicated that the 2013 GS 350 will serve as a preview of things to come from Lexus. A series of aerodynamics features dominate the exterior design, starting with the L-shaped taillights, as well trunk lid and fully functional front air inlets. The redesigned front-end stands out with the twin blade-like chrome strips that flank the trapezoidal grille. Taking a play from BMW, the interior design focuses much more on the driving experience and the driver. Lexus said it changed the driver’s seating position providing “increased comfort, better forward visibility, and overall command of the road.” The GS 350 features added leg and knee room. To successfully complete in a segment where premium features are combined with practicality, the trunk space is increased by 25 percent, with a wider trunk opening. The cabin’s most impressive feature is the massive 12.3-inch screen. The screen is capable of supporting high-definition graphics, and can be split to show both a large map, audio or climate control information, similar to the big screen offered in many BMWs. Additionally, a second high-resolution 8-inch display is located in the instrument panel. This second display can be used with Lexus’ Remote Touch system, which allows the driver to operate climate, audio, navigation and phone controls from steering wheel-mounted buttons. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is powered the same 306-horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 mated to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a multimode selector. All-wheel drive is optional. The power gets a bump to 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque....

The BMW 730Ld Saloon has been crowned Car of the Year at the Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards 2011, while also taking the title of Chauffer Car of the Year. Not to be outdone, the BMW 530d Gran Turismo retained its title of Executive Car of the Year for the second year in a row. The BMW 7 Series was commended for its unrivalled mix of passenger luxury, low running cost and driver satisfaction making it the ideal chauffer car both for the driver and the driven. Its exceptional quality and improved fuel consumption, along with an excellent manufacturer-backed chauffer programme clinched the title. The 5 Series Gran Turismo was praised for its abundance of rear leg room, command driving position, its sheer versatility and high quality. Its unique interior packaging matched with the choice of powerful yet economic drivetrains and an outstanding satellite navigation system, earned the 5 Series Gran Turismo its title as the judges applauded it as a car made for chauffeuring. Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver magazine and chair of the judging panel, said: “The BMW 730Ld offers an exceptional mix of comfort, rear-seat luxury and driveability. Since 2009, the 7 Series has been improved, with better fuel economy now above 40mpg combined. And crucially, it’s part of a beefed-up manufacturer-backed chauffeur programme that makes it much more affordable for chauffeurs on a lease basis than either the Jaguar XJL or the Mercedes S-class” Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to win these awards showing the 7 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo to be class leading competitors in the chauffeur market. They highlight everything that BMW believe in; building cars of the highest quality that, thanks to EfficientDynamics, are amongst the most efficient in their sector.” A total of 33 cars were entered for the Professional Driver Magazine Car of the Year Awards, which were judged by more than thirty judges from the chauffeuring and private hire sector and the motoring media. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW 7 Series are available on the BMW Chauffeur Programme, offering competitive contract hire rates, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs. To make these vehicles appeal to the driver...

The No. 56 BMW Team RLL M3 GT of Joey Hand and Dirk Müller finished second at the inaugural American Le Mans Series Baltimore Grand Prix to extend the team’s lead in Manufacturer, Driver and Team GT class championships. Starting from the third position the duo completed 70 laps in the two-hour race at the 2.1-mile, 12-turn temporary circuit running though the streets of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The race ended in heartbreak for the polesitting No. 55 M3 GT of Bill Auberlen and Dirk Werner after an overzealous passing attempt by a competitor spun Auberlen from the lead 22 minutes into the second hour of the contest. Up to that point the car had never been further back than second with Werner leading the first 18 laps of the race. A well-timed pit stop just before the race’s first caution period put Auberlen in the perfect position for their first win of the season, but it was not to be. The BMW ace battled back from eighth, ultimately finishing fifth, to remain third in the driver point standings. “Obviously we are happy with a second place finish for the No. 56 M3 GT, but the Corvettes certainly did not help our day,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. “I am sorry that Dirk and Bill got punted from what would have been a great finish. Overall we have been consistently on the podium and that means good things for the Driver, Team and Manufacturer Championships! Onward to Laguna Seca Raceway.” Round Eight of the American Le Mans Series will be held on September 17 at Laguna Seca Raceway. Read more:  AMLS 2011: BMW RLL Finishes Second and Fifth at Baltimore Grand Prix