When a 23 year old introduces an electric super car to the world with a claimed 1,088 hp, 2,802 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 189 MPH, people are going to listen—very suspiciously. That is exactly what Croatian designer Mate Rimac did at the Frankfurt Auto Show when he introduced the “Concept One”. More » The rest is here: See the 1,088 hp electric "Concept One" on the move [Video] Read the original:  See the 1,088 hp electric "Concept One" on the move [Video]

We don’t claim to be zombie apocalypse experts, but we do know if it happens prop guns and an old Isuzu probably isn’t going to be a very helpful combination. That certainly isn’t what the seller of this 1994 Amigo would have you believe. It’s currently listed on Ebay as a vehicle that will “have you ready for the impending zombie apocalypse”. More » Read the original post: Get ready for the fake zombie apocalypse with this 1994 Isuzu Amigo [Found On EBay] The rest is here: Get ready for the fake zombie apocalypse with this 1994 Isuzu Amigo [Found On EBay]

Yesterday in New York City, BMW offered an exclusive preview of the upcoming BMW i3 and i8 vehicles. The new BMW i3 and BMW i8 plan to disrupt the electric and hybrids segment delivering not only high-efficiency, but also performance. The i3, previously known as Megacity Vehicle, is based around a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The i3 produces 168 horsepower and 184lb ft of torque, and it has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 s. At 349 horsepower and nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption, the BMW i8 will set a benchmark in the performance segment. BMW says the i8 runs a 0-62mph in just 4.6 sec. BMW i3 and i8 made their world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. BMW will launch the i3 in 2013, followed by the i8 performance hybrid in 2014. [Video: Drivestv.com ] Here is the original:  Video: BMW i3 and i8 Revealed in New York City

Uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque – that’s counting up to five in Italian. Most have some familiarity with those numbers spoken in Italian, given their commonality with other languages like Spanish. Maserati has always pushed the envelope in the exotic industry, being the first to produce a four-door sedan. Aston Martin has dabbled with four-door sedans throughout the years, introducing the Rapide a few years ago. Most enthusiasts know that the Quattroporte’s name quite simply means four-door. Italian website AlVolante.it reports that Maserati has registered the name “Cinqueporte” in Italy. Given the new SUV’s five-door lift gate, that makes sense. It has cachet, and fits in with the rest of the lineup. Will that be the name used on the new SUV though? No one knows for sure. The upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee-based (purists gasp!) SUV was previewed Frankfurt Auto Show under the Kubang Concept banner , a reprise of the Kubang SUV Concept from 2003. Clearly Maserati likes the name. Italian website AlVolante.it reports that Maserati executives told them the Kubang name hasn’t been decided upon however. The new SUV is going to be powered by a new generation of engines developed in Modena, Italy and produced by none other than Ferrari. The project is being led by Paolo Martinelli, the Head of Powertrain at Maserati. Before his stint at Maserati, Martinelli served as engine development chief for Ferrari’s Formula One racing team. The Fiat Group has big plans for Maserati, planning to push global sales up to the 50,000 a year mark. For a brand focused on sports cars and selling just over 5,000 vehicles globally last year, that will take a much-expanded lineup. Another model slated to arrive along with the SUV is a new sedan under the Quattroporte. We’re wondering where Maserati will decided to price and position the new SUV. Head-to-head with the Porsche Cayenne, or starting more at the top end around $95-$115,000. It all depends how much volume Maserati needs to get out of it. Just watch though; we have a hunch it will quickly become the best-selling Maserati in the U.S. Related posts: Frankfurt: Maserati Kubang Arrives; Looks Nothing Like a Jeep Maserati Set to Gain Larger Lineup in Bid to Grow in China New Entry-Level Model...

Inspired by the C63 AMG that was shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, this rendering by a Mercedes enthusiast shows what a possible C63 convertible would look like with its top down.  User Tuvra at the Pistonheads forum is apparently artistic and proficient at Photoshop as the image above shows. If some of the elements of the design look familiar, it’s because the artist took inspiration from the rare Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM. Which is where the rear spoiler now apparently comes from. But being a C63, it would certainly have the 6.3-liter V8 developed by AMG with an output of  almost 520 horsepower. That would certainly be more than enough to blow dry your hair on a sunny Sunday morning, with the 7-speed DCT transmission allowing you to just poke on the accelerator or do some fancy shifting yourself. Variants like these are a very real possibility, as a possible C63 sedan was recently seen testing, and who can forget the SLS convertible launched just a few months ago? Read the rest here: C63 AMG Convertible Rendered By Enthusiast

World debuts for new concept and production models typically happen at premier auto shows, like the North American International Auto Show, the Tokyo Motor Show or even the IAA (more commonly known as the Frankfurt Auto Show). The Orange County International Auto Show, held annually in Anaheim, California, isn’t where most automakers would… Here is the original post:  2012 Honda CR-V Concept Debuts In Anaheim

Along with the BMW 6 Series Cabriolet , German tuner specialists at Hamann brought out the X6 Tycoon EVO M at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. As seen in the past, their program consists of changes in usually four areas: aerodynamics, suspension, exhaust system and accessories(e.g wheels, interior elements). Aerodynamics include upgrades to the front spoiler, bumper moldings with led-daytime running lights, side skirts, rear spoiler and roof spoiler. The X6 Tycoon EVO M produces 670 hp, 700 pound-feet of torque and has a top speed limit of 186 mph (300 km/h), making it one of the fastest tuned up X6 M on the market. Some of the modifications include upgraded turbochargers, a high-flow titanium exhaust system and a remapped ECU. The tuned up Sports Activity Coupe will sprint from 0-62 mph in just 4.2 seconds The TYCOON EVO M also showcases the impressive power with a striking design. The widebody kit is comprised mostly of carbon fiber parts with an imposing front-end where the tuner also added four striking LED daytime running lights. The body set does not only emphasize the appearance, enlarged air inlets in the front and the carbon bonnet allow an optimized air ventilation of the engine compartment. A 40 mm lowering kit, wide low-profile tires, upgraded brakes and reworked suspension ensure the X6 Tycoon EVO M makes good use of the impressive performance.   Go here to read the rest:  IAA 2011: Hamann X6 Tycoon EVO M

As with every major auto show, BMWBLOG team walked the floors to see the latest and greatest vehicles in the automotive industry. The 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is most likely the largest European car show of the year, with carmakers from around the world and tuners showcasing their latest products. So what are some of the interesting cars we have seen there? First, Mercedes-Benz brought out the F125!, a plug-in hydrogen supercar in a concept form. The F-125! uses lithium-sulphur batteries, a body comprised of several metals and composites, and a series of high-tech gadgets like “touch, speech and hand gestures,” semi-autonomous driving and three-dimensional display. Audi introduced the A2 Concept, an all-electric vehicle with a 31-kWh lithium-ion battery. The concept includes a built-in internet connection, steering and braking by-wire systems and a rear fog light laser. Ford Evos is another interesting concept unveiled in Frankfurt which was called by J Mays, the company’s chief designer as the “new face of Ford” and is expected to influence styling on all upcoming Ford models. The Evos is a four-door coupe with an aggressive front fascia, large, imposing grille and LED headlights.The space-age cabin has four individual seats and an advanced infotainment system. Enjoy the photo gallery and stay tuned for more articles from Frankfurt! Original post: IAA 2011: Ultimate Photo Gallery

Here are some ad-hoc videos from the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. For two days, one of the biggest auto shows of the year hosted thousands of journalists from around the world and the German automakers put up impressive displays. The stars at the BMW stand this year were the new 2012 BMW M5, the i8 sportscar, i3 city car and the controversial 1 Series . We have included in the compilation also the experimental Rolls Royce Phantom with V16 engine and the all-new MINI Coupe. View post:  Videos from 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

As we announced earlier this week, BMW unveiled the 1 Series Performance Studie vehicle at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. To showcase some of the latest and greatest performance accessories, BMW chose the 120d as the floor model. The super potent diesel features a full aerodynamic package with several BMW performance parts. The sporty package includes a front and rear aprons, side skirts and a modified rear spoiler, black grilles and carbon fiber mirror covers. Black decorative stripes add a sporty touch to the white paint and fit well with the dark gray painted alloy wheels in 19 inch format. Inside, the 120d showcases a BMW performance steering wheel with the yellow market at the top, alcantara trim, a shift knob dressed up in carbon fiber as well as sportier pedals. Performance brakes were also fitted to the car. Original post:  IAA 2011: Video BMW 1 Series Performance Studie

Expectedly, German automakers like Mercedes will use the Frankfurt Auto Show to present and announce their upcoming products and technologies that are in the pipeline. One of these is a B-Class vehicle that’s been converted into an E-Cell, which is Mercedes-speak for an EV. But this B-Class E-Cell is unique in that it’s been fitted with a range-extending internal combustion engine that will allow the vehicle to recharge its batteries when they run out. Prime motivation for this electric B-Class is a 100 kilowatt electric motor getting its juice from a lithium ion array. With this arrangement, range is limited to 100 kilometers but by using the 1000cc turbo engine, range is extended to 600 km. This kind of range makes it eminently practical as a car that’s not limited by range. In addition, the B-Class E-Cell features a raft of safety features like Attention Assist, Blind Spot and Lane Keep Assist, Active Parking Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Brake Hold and Hill Hold functions, a reversing camera as well as other passive safety systems. See the original post:  B-Class E-Cell Becomes A Practical Daily Driver

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, smart presented its Forvision concept car that could be a glimpse into the next-generation Fortwo. As befits a concept for the future, innovative new design and material concepts are explored in the Forvision, such as the use of carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy resins, which was used for the passenger cell and the doors. Also explored in the concept was the use of plastic wheels, which also offer significant weight savings like the carbon fiber passenger cell. All these materials provide 50% weight savings compared to traditional materials. For these innovations, Mercedes collaborated with BASF, the German chemical giant. The concept car is powered by an electric motor, and the solar panel mounted on the roof section will help provide current to drive the plug-in EV. Originally posted here: smart Presents ForVision Concept For The Future

German tuner AC Schnitzer bring their own version of the BMW 1M to the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The complete package includes both visual and power upgrades. Under the vented bonnet, AC Schnitzer gives the 1M a significant power upgrade from 340 to 400 horsepower. It also gets AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed “Racing” tailpipe that increases the acoustics. To cope with the added power, AC has fitted the car with a high performance brake system with 6piston caliper at front and 4piston caliper at the rear. It also gets fully adjustable AC Schnitzer racing suspension. The exterior design gets a makeover as well. The aggressive body kit consist of carbon front spoiler, chromed front grille, carbon rear diffuser and a trunk lid spoiler. As with all the previous offerings, the company offers a wide range of 19 and 20-inch wheels to choose from: Type VIII and Type V forged alloy wheels in BiColor, Type VIII and Type IV wheels in BiColor and Type IV in silver. The interior is painted with the same Valencia Orange color as seen on the outside, including the center console. The gear knob, iDrive and pedals also get the AC Schnitzer treatment. Enjoy the photo gallery! View original post here: IAA 2011: AC Schnitzer BMW 1M

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-cell Plus plug-in hybrid Might Nissan consider plug-in hybrids? Daimler is set to share its Merecedes-Benz MFA small car platform with its alliance partner Renault-Nissan for a new B-class Infiniti crossover that is due out in 2014 according to AutoWeek. Interestingly, that’s the same platform that Mercedes Benz used to debut a new plug-in hybrid, the E-cell Plus plug-in hybrid, at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Already, Daimler and Renault-Nissan are planning to co-develop 4-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for the vehicles in this segment. Might plug-in technologies be next, such as the plug-in hybrid technology already set to power the E-Cell plug-in set for a 2013 launch? The E-cell Plus is propelled by a 136-hp electric motor/lithium battery combo that enables up to 62 miles of EV range, although a 67-hp, turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine can help power the front wheels at speeds above 37 mph. Total range is 370 miles. Might Nissan want a taste of this plug-in hybrid drive? Or, maybe Nissan could upgrade their new proprietary hybrid drive into a similar plug-in hybrid architecture that could, for instance, share the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine to be used in the E-cell plug-in? Sure, that’s all speculation for now, but if you’re going to share everything else in the B-segment, why not at least some aspects of a plug-in hybrid drive as well? Source: AutoWeek Go here to read the rest:  Daimler, Nissan B-Class tie up could have interesting plug-in ramifications

The 2012 Mazda CX-5 crossover made its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. [TheCarConnection] Are car buyers more willing to pay for convenience than safety? [TheCarConnection] Honda’s CEO says work on a new Acura NSX is underway. [MotorAuthority] Infiniti commits to an electric sedan by 2015. [GreenCarReports] Are you ready for the invasion of… Excerpt from: New Acura NSX, 2012 Mazda CX-5, Electric Infiniti Sedan: Car News Headlines