Spied: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Take the fastest Gallardo available, remove the roof, and you have a LP570-4 Superleggera Spyder. Or is it?

The process appears to be making sense to Lamborghini, as the surrounding pictures indicate. Our spy photographers have caught what looks to be a drop-top version of the 562-horsepwer, all-wheel drive LP570-4 Superleggera as it briefly lapped the Nürburgring. On the other hand, it could very well be a 542-horsepower, two wheel-drive LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, sans roof.

Either way, the right bits are there; a large fascia, the big rear diffuser, and all the lines match up. The coupe's rear spoiler is absent, leading us to believe that a lower top speed is in store. Regardless of whether it's a Superleggera Spyder or a Valentino Balboni Spyder, we'll know more soon: Our photographer expects the car to debut at the Paris auto show in October.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: GMC Granite Gets Green Light

UPDATE: GM has contacted us and refuted this report. General Motors is hosting its first annual Global Business conference today at its Warren, Mich., technical center, where its senior leadership is outlining the near-term strategy for GM’s worldwide operations. One of the biggest product tidbits from the conference came from GM North America VP Tom Stephens, who confirmed the existence of a production intent vehicle based on the GMC Granite concept while outlining GM's future product portfolio for financial analysts.


Introduced at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the Granite “urban utility vehicle” is reportedly underpinned by a version of GM's global Delta architecture also used by the Orlando small crossover. At 161.3 inches long, by 70.3 inches wide by 60.5 inches tall, the Granite concept is too wide, squat and short in length to be a minivan; too short in the nose and close to the ground to be an SUV.

The best bet at this point to propel the new vehicle is GM's new 1.4-liter turbo mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. We suspect the Granite concept’s B-pillarless coach-style "carriage doors" are not likely to survive, but the overall size and shape of the vehicle should remain fairly close to that of the concept.

No word yet on when to expect a production version of the vehicle. In other product news from the event, GM also reportedly showed off an image of its new Impala and offered further confirmation of its coming new small Buick crossover. It also revealed that the next Chevy Traverse crossover will have a "Camaro inspired" grille.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2012 Hyundai i40 Estate

Hyundai’s new i40 estate has been caught testing for the first time ahead of its official launch next March.

The i40, which will replace the Sonata, was previewed in saloon form with the i-flow concept at the Geneva motor show. That car, along with the ix35 crossover, showcased Hyundai’s striking new design language.

The heavy disguise of this test car covers up the i40’s hexagonal grille and sweeping lines over the front wheels.

The photos also show the i40 estate’s rakish roofline, indicating that some practicality may be sacrificed for style.

The i40 will sit on a new platform that will also underpin the upcoming Kia Magentis. Engines are expected to include 1.7, 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesel motors, plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrols.

Hyundai has used the Mazda 6 as a benchmark in developing the i40. The estate is likely to undercut that car at around £18,000. The saloon version will follow six months later, but a hatchback version has already been ruled out.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 Mini Cooper

It’s time for a MINI facelift. To keep its premium small car range on terms with the new Audi A1 and the Fiat 500, the MINI Clubman, Convertible and hatch have all been given a mild refresh.



Headline news is the addition of a new 1.6-litre diesel engine, which replaces the old PSA-sourced unit. The engine is effectively the same as that used in the 116d, and features BMW’s latest common rail injection and variable vane turbo.

There are two version of the same unit: In the Cooper D hatch, it produces 110bhp and 270Nm, and in the One D hatch, 89bhp and 215Nm. Both engines emit 74.3mpg and 99g/km of carbon dioxide, thanks to stop start, on-demand use of the alternator and regenerative brakes.



The engines will be fitted in the Clubman and, for the first time, the Convertible. BMW claims that the latter’s 70mpg and 105g/km make it the most efficient full convertible in the UK.



Despite the efficiency gains, performance remains impressive – the Cooper D accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.7 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 123mph, while the One D sprints from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds and hits 115 mph flat out.



To compliment the technical changes, there are new bumpers, lights and wheels on the outside, and revisions to the centre console on the inside to make it easier to use.



All cars except the MINI First get DAB digital radios as standard, and buyers can now opt for MINI’s improved Connected system. It lets iPhone owners stream web radio, which allows you to listen to any radio station that has a web address. The system can also receive RSS news feeds and use the on-dash screen to display their latest messages on Facebook and Twitter.



The revised MINI range goes on sale on 18th September with prices expected to be close to the current model, to take the fight to the Audi A1which arrives in the UK at a similar time. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin’s long-awaited update to the DB9, a car many consider to be as close to aesthetic perfection as any coupe or convertible can get these days, brings almost no changes to the exterior. How can we complain about that without sounding bratty? Although timelessness counts for a lot in this business, so does freshness.

So we sort of wish that the 2011 model changes, the most significant since the DB9’s 2004 introduction, went a little further than a new front fascia, brighter grillework, subtly reshaped side sills, and “new” headlamp bezels that we’re still struggling to see as different. (Where are the LED turn signals or DRLs, à la Rapide and Vantage, guys?) Diamond-turned 20-inch wheels, like those available on Aston’s other offerings, become DB9-isms for 2011 as well.

Under the skin, the only update of note is the fitment of Aston’s Active Damping System, which features Comfort and Sport settings, in place of last year’s passive (but hardly sloppy) system. Tire-pressure monitoring and Bluetooth connectivity have found their way into the DB9 for next year, and the options list has grown to include a new “Double Apex” alloy trim treatment and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, the latter also previously available throughout the rest of the Aston lineup. There are no changes to the sonorous, 470-hp, 5.9-liter V-12 under the hood, nor the six-speed manual or automatic transaxles. The engine and ZF automatic saw upgrades for the 2009 model year.

While the changes are limited in our eyes, Aston did have its hands full with development of the Rapide and One-77, so we’re willing to cut it some slack. Now, whether customers will bear that in mind as Aston asks them to hand over roughly $200K for a brand-new car that, while still aesthetically brilliant, nonetheless appears virtually identical to the last seven years of DB9s is a tougher call.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

ABT Treats New Audi A8 with 385-Diesel

A choice of 20- or 21-inch ABT CR alloy wheels wrapped in sport tires and an available matte black foil complete the upgrades to the AS8.



The new ABT AS8 – data and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
Engine: 4.2 TDI, 4134 ccm capacity
Performance tuning: ABT Power
Performance: 385 HP/283 kW (standard: 350 HP/257 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front wing
ABT side skirts
ABT rear wing (three-part)
ABT rear skirt with exhaust covers

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY
ABT CR wheel in 20 and 21 inches
Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires

Alfa Romeo with Disco Volante Sculpture

Designed by the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo with the accord of artisan Agostino Bonalumi, the carve is aggressive by the acclaimed Alfa Romeo 1900 Disco Volante (Flying Saucer).

As a badge of appreciation, Alfa Romeo had the names of all those who contributed in the conception accounting in a appropriate applique beneath the art piece. In addition, anybody will accept a 1/43 calibration archetypal of the sculpture.

New Car: 2011 Ford Mondeo

Ford has put the Mondeo under the knife! With styling updates, a more luxurious interior, new engines and technology, the blue oval’s family saloon – set to debut at the Moscow motor show in August – has been completely overhauled.

On the outside, the Mondeo gets new front and rear bumpers, a gaping lower trapezoid grille with chrome highlights and LED daytime running lights.

Ford is aiming for a premium feel on the inside, with new trim materials across the range, a new centre console design and LED courtesy lights. The Mondeo gets a new sat-nav system and a new sound system option with a 265-watt, eight-channel amp and 17-litre subwoofer.

There are big changes under the bonnet too, with Ford introducing new petrol and diesel engines. A 237bhp version of its 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit with CO2 emissions kept down to 179g/km and a tuned-up version of its 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi – with power up 12 per cent to 197bhp.

On top of those, there is Ford’s 200bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a range of 2.0-litre TDCi diesels available with 112, 137 or 160bhp. The firm’s dual-clutch Powershift transmission will come as standard on EcoBoost models and as an option for the 137 and 160bhp oil burners.

Too boost efficiency Ford is offering Smart Regenerative Breaking, Ford Eco Mode and an Active Grille Shutter System – which regulates airflow through the radiator and the engine compartment to reduce drag and help warm the engine up quicker.
A range of new driver assistance features will also be available, including Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam, Blind Sport Information System and Rear View Camera.

UK specs, trim levels and pricing have yet to be confirmed but the new Mondeo is due to go on sale here in October. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works

It's a Countryman, but with added attitude! The jury's still out on the MINI 4x4's challenging styling, but that hasn't stopped BMW from developing a sporty styling pack for its compact SUV. These images were leaked onto the web and clearly show an agressive new look for the Countryman and suggest a high-performance 4x4 variant is on the way.

Besides a more agressive splitter the front remains unchanged. Lower side sills with a trademark vent ahead of the rear wheel arch pump up the profile, while a lower rear bumper completely surround the twin exhausts.

And the kit's not all for show either. These leaked photos were taken in a wind tunnel during testing, suggesting the new bodywork has a positive effect on the car's aerodynamic performance.

The new look is virtually a carbon copy of the bodykit fitted to high-performance JCW versions of the hatch, cabriolet and Clubman - particularly the distinctive side sills. Larger diameter twin exhausts, and a taped-over 'ALL4' badge on the front wing - suggesting that this Countryman has some serious performance potential.

Expect the Countryman JCW to use the same 208bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as other models in the range, and to hit 62mph from a standstill in under seven seconds. The sporty styling pack is also likely to be offered as an optional extra on the other models in the range. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

It’s official. These are the first pictures of Mercedes’ electric-powered supercar, based on the SLS AMG. Resplendent in a lurid yellow paint scheme called AMG lumilectric magno, the SLS was always conceived with electric power in mind.

In order to make the switch from petrol to electric, AMG’s engineers haven’t had to make any changes to the SLS’s aluminium spaceframe chassis. However, the front suspension has been redesigned to accommodate the electric motors. The electric SLS is four-wheel drive, with a motor driving each wheel.

These are powered by lithium ion polymer batteries, developed especially for the car by Mercedes, located where the engine would be, and between and behind the seats.

Performance is impressive. The SLS E-Cell boasts 526bhp and 880Nm of torque available as soon as you press the throttle. Mercedes claims that the car will sprint from 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds, will hit 125mph in 11.0 seconds and will reach a top speed of 186mph. Range is currently at 100 miles, and charging takes an hour.

The car uses the optional ceramic brakes, which are 40 per cent lighter than the standard stoppers. The exterior design has been tweaked to include more vents, a different diffuser to account for the lack of exhausts, and a front splitter which extends at speeds of over 70mph, or can be controlled by the driver at any time.

On the inside, there’s a huge 10-inch touch screen on the centre console, which operates audio, climate, and navigation functions. There are new park, reverse, and drive buttons for selecting gears. The dash dials are changed too.

The car has been built as a halo model for AMG’s Performance Strategy 2015 which sees all the cars it produces go up in performance, but with reduced emissions. It will be built in limited numbers from 2013, where it will compete with the likes of the Audi R8 E-tron. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Mercedes SLS AMG Kicherer Blacks Out

This actuality is the Mercedes SLS AMG Atramentous Edition by German affability close Kicherer. The adapted Gullwing archetypal gets a abounding anatomy matte atramentous antithesis blanket accumulated with some bright capacity such as the center-section of the awning and the new advanced and rear aprons. The German tuner additionally puts on a set of 20-inch blacked-out rims with a able lip.


Performance modifications accommodate a recalibrated ECU and a custom action bankrupt arrangement that advice access the front/mid army 6.3-liter V8's achievement from 571HP to 620HP, as able-bodied as an adjustable sports suspension.

2010 Toyota MR2 Gumpert Apollo

Gumpert Apollo replica that's based on a additional bearing Toyota MR2 (1990-1999) on eBay. While the aboriginal mid-engined Apollo supercar gets an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 650HP or an batty 800HP in Sport form, the Toyota-based replica makes do with a adapted adaptation of the Japanese sports car's four-cylinder turbo engine, with the agent claiming it yields "255 WHP at 15psi and 303 WHP at about 19psi" on the dyno. Hit the 'read more' button beneath for the abounding angel gallery.

2012 New VW Beetle Retro Design

This actuality architecture abstraction for a New Beetle MkII was bound by our Brazilian acquaintance Eduardo Oliveira, who you may bethink from antecedent concepts like the 2012 Jetta, Hyundai i30 Sedan and Ford Thunderbird CC. Unlike David Cordoso's futuristic-looking angle (see here) that we showed you aback in May, Oliveira's architecture for the New/New Beetle is far added retro.2012 New VW Beetle Retro Design

Follow the jump to analysis the abounding angel arcade and acquaint us what you anticipate about it in the comments area below.

2011 Ford Mondeo Facelift with 240HP 2.0 -liter EcoBoost and 200HP Diesel

New autogenous appearance accommodate the addition of LED address lights, a new accessory aeronautics arrangement and a Premium Sound Arrangement advantage which incorporates a 265-watt, eight-channel amplifier unit.



Under the bonnet, the afresh launched 203HP 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo petrol will be abutting by the aboriginal appliance of a college achievement 240-horsepower adaptation and a assiduously revised 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi agent engine.

Ford said that the 240HP adaptation of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbo petrol will acknowledgment the aforementioned C02 emissions (179g/km) as the 203HP unit, behindhand of bodystyle.

For the 2011MY, the revised 2.2-liter turbo agent assemblage boasts a 12 per cent ability access to 200-horsepower, authoritative it the best able Duratorq agent agent to date.

The Mondeo additionally allowances from a newer adaptation of Ford's six-speed PowerShift bifold wet-clutch manual arrangement that comes as accepted for all EcoBoost petrol engines, and will be accessible as an advantage for the 140PS and 163PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesels.