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

After years of a development and a careful rollout that included extensive media background briefings over the past two years,, the McLaren MP4-12C recently went into production in England. The first models are being built in McLaren’s small McLaren Technical Center (MTC) while the full production facility, the McLaren Production Center (MPC) goes online in May. The new supercar is the result of a a strong effort by McLaren to enter the volume exotic car segment. McLaren Automotive is spearheading the effort, an entity split off from McLaren Racing. In addition to the MP4-12C, new models are slated to be coming up and down the range, including a new range-topping supercar as well as a competitor in high-end 911 territory. For now, the MP4-12C is aimed straight at the heart of the exotic segment, gunning for competition like the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560. Members of the automotive media were recently invited out to England to experience the MP4-12C, and the company has released a video showing some of their reactions. There is also two other releases that focus on the car’s stunning (especially for the price) specifications as well as the company’s high-tech driving simulation system. The McLaren MP4-12C’s official pricetag is $231,400, and while it certainly a high figure, it’s looking like a comparatively good deal to us. Check out the company’s new videos below to help decide for yourself. Related posts: Video of Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Hamann Volcano Video: McLaren F1 vs. Ferrari Enzo History of McLaren F1 Video View original here:  Video: McLaren Highlights MP4-12C

F-150 – it is the name of Ford’s iconic best-selling pickup, and also happens to be the name of Ferrari’s latest F1 racing car. The new race car was introduced last month, and the name caused many to do a double take. The choice of the name was curious, but not without reason. The car’s F150 nameplate comes from 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. It isn’t often that Ferraris and Fords are confused, but that is exactly what Ford has claimed in its in a lawsuit. Following introduction of the racing car, Ford contacted Ferrari about a name change. Ferrari declined and Ford resorted to legal action. Ford issued the following statement: “F-150® is an established and important Ford trademark and the name of the best-seller in Ford’s F-Series, America’s best-selling trucks for 34 years and best-selling vehicles for 29 years. Through extensive sales and advertising and exclusive use, Ford has earned invaluable goodwill in the F-150® trademark. That hard-won goodwill is seriously threatened by Ferrari’s adoption of “F150.” When Ferrari announced the name of its race car as “F150,” Ford asked Ferrari to change the name. Ferrari did not respond in a timely manner, leaving Ford no choice but to take legal action to protect its important brand and trademark rights.” In response, Ferrari released its own statement, outlining a change to the car’s name. “On the subject of the name of the new Ferrari Formula 1 car, the Maranello company wishes to point out that it has sent a letter of reply to Ford, underlining the fact that the F150 designation (used as the abbreviated version of the complete name, which is Ferrari F150th Italia) never has, nor ever will be used as the name of a commercially available product – indeed there will definitely not be a production run of single-seaters. In fact, it has always been the case in the history of Scuderia names, that they represent the nomenclature of a racing car project and are linked to a chronological order with a technical basis, or in exceptional cases, to special occasions. This year, the decision was taken to dedicate the car name to a particularly significant event, the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy,...

Acura’s styling language has taken lot of flak in the automotive press – and there have been studies out that point to sales being negatively affected. While the mid-size TL has traditionally been a hot seller for Acura , in recent years it has fallen behind. 2005 marked the sales high water mark for the model, selling 78,218 units,. Last year just 34,049 units were sold, less than half. Clearly Acura needs to update the car to better reflect the market’s tastes. The updated model debuting at the Chicago Auto Show is Acura’s attempt to do just that. Introduced in 2009, the TL is still a relatively new model, so it isn’t receiving a full redesign. Instead, the car gets a mild freshening. One of the big points of contention on the TL has been the prominent V-shaped “beak” grille and very large Acura “Power Plenum” grille insert. The 2012 model is fixing this with a redesigned front fascia that eliminates the V-shaped grille and tones down the silver insert. The grille is now aligned with the headlights, which have received a dark tint. The result is a much cleaner and more balanced front end. It is a definite admission the TL’s styling language was ill-received by consumers, but Acura still seems intent on sticking with the same grille design as a defining brand trait. Out back there is a repositioned license plate, smaller reflectors, updated taillights and thinner trim on the edge of the trunk. New 17 inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels are now standard as well. Exciting stuff? Not exactly, it’s an improvement. The biggest change underneath the skin is upgrading to Acura’s six-speed Sequential Sport Shift automatic transmission, up from last year’s five-speed auto. Honda is well-behind the pace of the industry in moving to 6-speed automatics. The transmission helps increase the TL’s fuel economy to 20/29, adding 3 mpg to the highway driving figure versus the 2011 TL. Inside, the TL adds a larger hard drive based navigation system, with capacity at 60 gigabytes. The new system also offers more map coverage, a faster USB connection and upgraded VGA monitor. The car’s Advance Package adds ventilated seats and a new blind spot information (BSI) system. The division clearly lost its...

The five-door Smart created specifically for sale in the United States is on track for a summer reveal, according to a spokesperson for Smart’s American operation. The model, to be built by Nissan, will be a B-segment vehicle that will compete with stuff like the Honda Fit, Mazda 2, and Ford Fiesta. As it did when this car was first announced in October, Smart denies that this new vehicle will be a Nissan Micra with Smart styling cues, despite striking similarities between the two. ( See our previous post for more details .) We’ll see who’s right this summer. Related posts: Smart to Launch New Nissan-Based Five-Door for U.S. Smart Launches Leasing Program in U.S. 2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus – Auto Shows See original here: Smart’s Nissan-Based Five-Door Still On Track for Summer See the original post: Smart’s Nissan-Based Five-Door Still On Track for Summer

Mazda recently announced that its beloved MX-5 roadster had crossed the 900,000 unit mark . That’s a lot of roadsters, and the milestone was reached over 22 years since the original launched in 1989. The MX-5 is the world’s best-selling two-seater, a record it has held since 2000. With the Chicago Auto Show in full-swing, Mazda has released a new special edition model, apparently to celebrate the occasion. Introduced as a 2006 model, the current MX-5 is likely to set to get replaced in the near future, a possible reason for Mazda’s introduction of a special edition. The special edition MX-5 gets a really clever name (not) – it is dubbed simply the MX-5 Miata Special Edition. The model is limited to just 750 units and is differentiated primarily by its black and gray interior color scheme, chrome air vents and instrument colors along with aluminum pedals on the manual transmission model. There is your choice of two colors, Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica. New 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels are standard. The Special Edition comes standard with Mazda’s Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) and will include all the features of a fully-equipped Grand Touring model with Premium package. This means added equipment like Bluetooth®, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a six-month complimentary subscription, Xenon headlights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), an alarm and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System. In addition, the Special Edition adds the Suspension package which includes Bilstein shock absorbers, a limited slip differential (LSD) and stiffer suspension tuning. The 2011 MX-5 Miata Special Edition is exclusive to North America and starts at $30,925 when equipped with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when opting for a six-speed automatic. Related posts: Mazda Introduces the Special Edition Miata Miyako in the UK Mazda Miata, 20 Years On, & Another Special Edition Model 20th Anniversary Edition Mazda MX-5 to Premiere in Geneva Read the original:  Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition Bows at Chicago

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

You do check to make sure you’re getting the best deal on financing and car insurance every year, right? If not, shame on you. Finance and insurance rates are always changing, and if you’re not staying on top of it (checking at least once a year,) you could easily be losing out on hard-earned cash. Your first step – check out this cool infographic giving car insurance stats state-by-state so you can get a good idea of what you should be paying in your state: C’mon, New Jersey, get with the program From FatWallet.com Next up, forget your commission-based insurance agent and use the power of the internet to find the insurance best for you. No one insurance is better for everybody but make sure to look for reviews from current (or former) customers and check out the JD Power ratings for the insurance company you want to go with. Depending on what you find, either buy new car insurance or modify your existing terms if you find a way to save some cash. It’s also helpful to get an idea of how much it will cost to insure your specific car, since insurance rates vary greatly depending on the car you drive. The five least expensive new cars to insure in 2010, according to Insure.com: #5: Toyota Sienna #4: Dodge Grand Caravan #3: Chrysler Town & Country #2: Honda Odyssey #1: Mazda Tribute So, it’s safe to say if you own a slow, boring car, you’re safe. The five most expensive? #5: Mercedes CL600 #4: Porsche Panamera Turbo #3: Dodge Viper SRT-10 #2: Mercedes S65 AMG #1: Porsche 911 Carrera GT2 Mercedes and Porsche pretty much dominated the rest of the list, too. Luckily, if you’re buying a Mercedes or Porsche, you probably aren’t too concerned with the insurance premiums. In addition to checking insurance, make sure to shop around for financing rates as well. Your credit may have improved since last year, or maybe that financing plan the dealership set you up with isn’t such a deal after all. Either way, shop around your local credit unions (they often have the best deals,) or if you (or your parent) were ever a member of the military, don’t forget to look into USAA. Make sure not to fall into the trap that many car buyers do, however, and extend your term. If you have a five-year with three years left,...

For the Z28 fans eagerly awaiting the high-performance Camaro meant to revive the famous moniker, the 2011 Chicago Auto Show debut of Chevrolet’s newest pony car is a bittersweet unveiling. Fulfilling the desires for a Chevrolet Camaro performing above the current top of the line SS trim, it’s apparent that the spied prototype many identify as the Camaro Z28 was working under assumed name. Launching in 2012, the 550-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro is named the ZL1. While some bowtie fans hold the Z28 name in the highest of esteem, many of those same Chevrolet enthusiasts recognize the ZL1 with significance. In 1969, only 69 examples special-ordered Chevrolet Camaro vehicles were produced as a meticulously hand-built, all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch Big Block V-8 estimated to producing 550 horsepower. Devoted for drag racing competition, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early application of lightweight technology and rarity makes the car a hot commodity at classic car auctions. During the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, one bidder paid $880,000 for a white Camaro ZL1 coupe. Intended for a higher production number and more widely available, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will again bring high-performance to the General Motors pony car. Exemplifying the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe, the primary exterior detail is the aluminum hood featuring a raised carbon fiber insert within the center. Incorporating special vents GM call air extractors, excess airflow is allowed to escape through the hood over top of the Camaro ZL1 inspiring improved aerodynamics. Front end look of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 casts an exotic street performance appearance with an unique fascia integrating a lower splitter. Standard HID headlamps, fog lights and 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels centered within specially-developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires accomplishes the ZL1 outer character. Inside the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a black, leather interior decorated with specific microfiber suede inserts is found with a full-array of standard features. Heated, six-way power-adjustable bucket seats with ‘ZL1′ embroidered on the front headrests. Other interior equipment on the Camaro ZL1 includes Boston Acoustics premium sound system, rear camera system and Bluetooth connectivity livening...

Hyundai isn’t a brand that is content to sit back and rest while the competition passes it by. In fact, the company has just completed a blitzkreig of new product introductions as part of its 24/7 product initiative. The initiative 24/7 means seven new models in 24 months, and the company has delivered on that promise. In 24 months, the company has introduced all-new and redesigned models like the Tuscon, Sonata, Equus, Elantra, Veloster and Accent. The high-end Equus builds off a luxury foundation that started with the rear-wheel drive Genesis that arrived in 2009 as a 2010 model. Now, just two model years later the Genesis is getting a mid-cycle enhancement that includes some important changes. If Genesis styling looks a little more sophisticated and defined up front – it is. The Genesis has always been a handsome looking vehicle, if a bit understated. For 2012, Hyundai helps enhance its luxury appeal with a key element being redesigned headlights, adding LED elements and daytime running lights. The fascia and grille have been reworked for a more aggressive and refined appearance. There is also new rocker panels, power-folding mirrors with puddle lighting and a side window surround finished in brushed aluminum. Out back, the taillights are all-new and the rear fascia has been redesigned with dual asymmetrical exhaust tips. While we’re not big fans of the asymmetrical exhaust tips, overall we like the updates to the car’s exterior. Now to the even more impressive part – the engine lineup. The Genesis now has three engine options, starting with a new top-level R-Spec model. The centerpiece is the R-Spec’s 5.0-liter V-8, an all-new direct-injected unit making 429 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque. This engine makes the Genesis R-Spec the most powerful vehicle Hyundai has ever produced. The 5.0-liter stands as a shining example of Hyundai’s engine expertise and development prowess. Also entirely new is an in-house eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4.8-liter V-8 that has formed the top-level model for the Genesis gets a bump in horsepower to 385, and increased efficiency to boot, now returning 26 mph on the highway, up one mpg from 25. The base model 3.8-liter V-6 adds 43 hp and 27 lb-feet, now returning 333 hp...

Dodge updates the Challenger muscle car, and unveils two bright-green special editions. Last fall, Dodge introduced the high-performance 2011 Challenger SRT8 392, a substantial update that brought with it a new, 6.4-liter Hemi. While it’s certainly the quickest Challenger to date—the car we tested pulled off a 12.9-second quarter-mile run—it does run $44,410, and some customers might prefer a less expensive Dodge muscle car. Fortunately for those on a budget or in less of a hurry, the rest of the 2011 lineup has been tweaked, too. Dodge supplied full details on the range and unveiled two special-edition Challengers at this year’s Chicago auto show. Keep Reading: 2011 Dodge Challenger Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Related posts: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 – Official Photos and Info 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Original post: 2011 Dodge Challenger Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows View post: 2011 Dodge Challenger Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

The new 5.0-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission introduced for the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec will become the sole powertrain for the 2012 Equus. It replaces a 4.6-liter V-8, which continues as the base V-8 in the Genesis sedan lineup. The 5.0-liter Tau engine produces 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, a healthy increase over the 4.6-liter version’s 385 hp and 333 lb-ft. Hyundai’s in-house-designed eight-speed transmission replaces a six-speed unit from ZF. The larger engine and new transmission return 16 city/25 mpg highway in the Genesis R-spec; fuel economy for the heavier Equus equipped with the 5.0-liter hasn’t been released, but in the current car, the 4.6 is 1 mpg less efficient in the city and 2 down on the highway cycle compared to the Genesis, so we expect Equus 5.0 economy to be down a similar amount. The Equus recently won a comparison test against lux-sedan mainstay Lexus LS460L, and this horsepower bump will only improve the Hyundai’s appeal. We expect a slight hastening of the current Equus’s 0-to-60-mph run of 6.1 seconds and quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 99 mph. But Equus early adopters shouldn’t be too disappointed. With Hyundai’s modest sales goals for the car—2000 to 3000 per year, with 254 sold in January of this year—the 4.6-liter Equus will be a rare car indeed. The 5.0-equipped 2012 Equus goes on sale this summer. Related posts: Take that Mustang? Hyundai Develops 429-hp, 5.0-Liter Tau V-8, Will Hook It To Eight-Speed Auto Hyundai Veloster Headed for Detroit: 1.6-Liter Four, Dual-Clutch Transmission, 40 MPG [UPDATE 2: 210-HP Turbo, Crazy Doors Confirmed] ZF Announces Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission for Front-Drivers Original post: 2012 Hyundai Equus Gains Standard 5.0-liter V-8, Eight-Speed Transmission View original post here:  2012 Hyundai Equus Gains Standard 5.0-liter V-8, Eight-Speed Transmission

With the Chinese market being highly important for luxury manufacturers the world over, it makes sense that auto shows in the country would become an increasingly popular place for debuts. Last year, the Gran Coupe Concept was shown off at the Beijing Auto Show, and BMW debuted a production model extended-wheel base 5-Series at the show. In addition, Mercedes-Benz showed off its “Shooting Break” CLS preview concept. This year the debuts in the country promise to continue, with reports about BMW showing off two high-end models at the Shanghai Auto Show. BMW has a penchant for very lightly-veiled preview concepts. As such, when it showed off the 6-Series Coupe at the Paris Auto Show last year, everyone took it as a preview for what was coming next – the 6-Series Coupe. It was – but oddly, the 6-Series Convertible debuted first at the North American International Auto Show. Traditionally, a coupe model is always launched before the convertible. We guess BMW wanted to change things up on us. AutoWeek is reporting that the production coupe 6-Series will be making an appearance at the Shanghai show, in April. That’s not all though – a concept preview of the M5 could be coming as well. With a new-generation of the 5-Series going on sale last year, the V-10 powered previous generation M5 has been phased out. As an important model for the M Division, it can’t come soon enough. According to German automobile magazine AutoTelegraaf.nl , the new car is said to be powered by the 5.5-liter V-8 used in the X5 M and X6 M. The twin-turbocharged unit would make a startling 600-horsepower in the M5. Could it unseat the Cadillac CTS-V as the world’s fastest production sedan 0-60? Time will tell. With a potential preview at Shanghai to tide us over, the production model BMW M5 is slated to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. Related posts: Buick Debuts Regal eAssist at Chicago Auto Show 9th Generation Honda Civic Debuting at Detroit Auto Show 2007 Chicago Auto Show Disappointments Original post:  Reports Point to Two BMW Introductions at Shanghai Auto Show

A favorite turbo four, now in a new, underwhelming wrapper. Throughout its history, the Volkswagen Jetta has been basically the sedan version of VW’s Golf. Not so anymore. While they still share some parts underneath, they’ve largely diverged. At the behest of the American market, the latest Jetta is larger and less expensive than before, which leaves the Golf to fill orders for an extra-German alternative. And so it is with those cars’ respective performance variants, the GLI and GTI , although those models will continue to share perhaps their most important component: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Keep Reading: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Official Photos and Info Related posts: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2011 Volkswagen Jetta – Official Photos and Info Originally posted here: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows More here:  2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows