The rumor mill has started spinning once more, this time with help from the guys at Autocar, who cite inside sources claiming that a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is set to arrive at the end of 2011.

According to the them, the impending launch of the C Class Coupe model will also extend to the performance version, the C63 AMG.

The car is set to use the same naturally aspirated 450 HP 6.2-liter V8 engine, but it might offer the AMG Performance package, which will improve its output to around 480 HP.

As you can clearly guess, the C63 AMG Coupe will rival other performance coupes like the BMW M3 or the Audi RS5.

No other details were given, but you can expect pretty much the same things the current sedan and estate versions of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG offer.

Source: Autocar

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Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe set to arrive in 2011

Land Rover isn’t just busy preparing the Range Rover Evoque for its formal debut next year, but has also taken time to present the refreshed 2011 Land Rover LR2 or Freelander 2, as Europeans know it.

As you can see, not a lot of things were changed on the outside. The fog lamps have been repositioned, while a new finish is present on the front grille as well as a revised bumper. On the inside, changes are even more scarce, with just the gauges, seats and mats being revised.

By far the biggest changes were made under the bonnet though. The 2011 Land Rover LR2/Freelander 2 will be the first model to be offered with a front-wheel drive option, reserved only for the 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, capable of 150 HP. When fitted to a manual transmission, such a setup can achieve around 38 mpg US. If you want four-wheel drive, the figure drops to 33 mpg.

US consumers won’t be getting this combination though, as a 190 HP gasoline engine will be present, mated to an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. No efficiency figures were revealed, but don’t expect anything mind blowing.

The new 2011 Land Rover LR2/Freenlander 2 will be arriving into dealerships by the end of the year.

Source: Land Rover

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2011 Land Rover LR2/Freelander 2 refresh revealed

While the ink has barely dried on the sale of Volvo from Ford to Geely, future plans are already being made by the Swedish automaker’s new chairman, Li Shufu.

The Chinese executive, who is also the founder and co-chair of Geely, has revealed that Volvo needs a flagship limousine, in order to rival German models like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S Class or the Audi A8.

According to Shufu, Volvo had a tough time developing such a model under Ford ownership, as such a car would have rivaled another Ford brand, Jaguar (now owned by India’s Tata Motors). Geely, on the other hand, definitely wants such a limousine to be produced, and will slot it in above the current S80 (pictured above).

Why does the new ownership want this? Because its native Chinese market always loves a big sedan, as highlighted by the massive sales models like the BMW 7 or 5 Series, Volkswagen Phaeton or the Audi A8 record in that territory. As such, Volvo should definitely get in on the action as soon as possible.

Li Shufu does admit that this is currently just his idea, and the new board of Volvo needs to be convinced of the benefits such a car would bring.

Source: Financial Times via Autoblog

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New Volvo chairman wants limousine to rival BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S Class

Back in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata gained a huge amount of fans thanks to its lightweight design, great performance and by offering the best value for your money.

Now, with the current MX-5 Miata still selling pretty strong, Mazda has decided that for the next generation model, set to arrive around 2012, a back to basics approach is needed.

As such, the Japanese company wants to shave off weight left and right, with a target of just 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg). This should once again reaffirm the company’s position of offering a cheap, light, reliable roadster for a fair price.

Besides the reduced weight, the next Mazda MX-5 Miata will definitely boast some cues from the Nagare design language, especially on the sides, in the vein of the new Mazda5 MPV. Power is expected to arrive from a new SKY-G engine, which delivers adequate power with low emissions and a great fuel average. Previously we heard that a rotary engine might sit under the bonnet of the 2012 roadster.

Overall, the next Mazda MX-5 is looking extremely good. Are you confident it will return to its original roots? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Autocar

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Next gen Mazda MX-5 has target weight of 2,200 pounds

The Paris Motor Show is slowly approaching, and even though there are still a couple of months between us and the start of the convention, Opel has decided to showcase some of its plans for the Paris gathering.

First off, Opel has revealed that it will debut a very special concept in the French capital, entitled GTC Paris. The model will combine speed and beauty, according to the German company, and will certainly preview a hotter version of the new Astra hatchback.

Besides that concept, Opel will also reveal a brand new model, the 2011 Astra Sports Tourer, and the 2011 Meriva, with its new diesel engine range.

The first, as its name suggests, is basically the wagon version of the new Astra hatchback. It will boast practically the same engines as the regular hatch, but with a longer roof line and more space in the trunk. The new Meriva compact MPV will also be showcased, alongside its new and improved diesel range, promising adequate amounts of power combined with minimal CO2 emissions and a great fuel average.

Overall, Opel is definitely promising a mix of both emotion and practicality for the Paris Motor Show. Stay tuned for more news as we approach the October 2 start date of the French show.

Source: Opel

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Opel reveals the Astra Sports Tourer, plans GTC Paris concept for the Paris Motor Show

Volkswagen is starting to slowly hype up its next generation Beetle model, and has revealed that the new car will boast a ‘radical design’.

According to Autocar, the next generation Volkswagen Beetle, set to be revealed at next year’s Detroit Auto Show, has been thoroughly upgraded by the German engineers.

Besides the new design, which might borrow cues from the older VW Ragster concept (pictured above), the new Beetle will benefit from the same front-wheel drive platform as the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan. This means that the next car will grow in size but handle much better.

A wide array of engines are expected in Europe and other territories, while the USA will get a 170 HP 2.5-liter engine. Expect a hybrid assembly, like the one we saw in the New Compact Coupe concept, to appear. Specifically, a 1.4-liter twin-charged gasoline engine coupled with a 27 HP electric motor.

Expect the next generation Volkswagen Beetle to appear on the global market at the beginning of next year, with a convertible model set to arrive in 2012.

Source: Autocar

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Volkswagen says the next generation Beetle will boast ‘radical design’

If you can count on one car brand to have great ads, it’s Mini.

As further testament to its quirky ad strategy, the Mini Countryman stars in a very interesting billboard installed in Milan, Italy.

As you can see above, what might look like an ad for a surfing brand quickly shows off the actual billboard of the Mini Countryman, highlighting the crossover’s slogan of offering a getaway from the rest of the world.

What do you think? Share your thoughts about the ad in the comment section below.

Source: Copyranter via Jalopnik

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Mini Countryman gets clever billboard in Italy

Continuing the gaming theme we had all week, this time we’re talking about what might be the game to beat in the racing genre this year: Gran Turismo 5.

After checking out the special GT5 Collector’s Edition at this year’s E3 conference in Los Angeles, the development team at Polyphony Digital has just revealed an even more exclusive Gran Turismo 5 Signature Edition.

So, what will you be getting with this special edition? Besides the actual game, you’ll get your hands on things like:

Metal sculpted box finished in SLS AMG Obsidian Black

Exclusive GT branded SLS AMG 1:43 model car

GT leather wallet containing Signature Edition competition entry card

Branded USB key with Polyphony/Mercedes-Benz trailer

GT branded metal key fob

Signature Edition coffee table book featuring the beautiful cars and locations of Gran Turismo 5

200 page Apex drivers magazine with hints on driving technique, car tuning, future technologies and more

The price for the Gran Turismo 5 Signature Edition? ‘Just’ €179.99 ($240). While that may be a bit too expensive for some, Sony is adding a special type of competition for all those who purchase this version of the game.

Sony, Polyphony Digital and Mercedes-Benz will organize specific in-game and real-life challenges, at the end of which one lucky gamer will walk away with an all-new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar. To enter the competition, all participants need to be over 18 and have a full driving license.

In case this version is a bit too rich for your taste, a more tamed Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Edition will also be offered. It will boast the game, the Apex driver magazine, as well as five collectible artcards and special downloadable cars. The price is more decent €79.99.

Both the Signature and the Collector’s editions will be available in these countries: UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Czech Republic, Russia, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Source: PlayStation Blog

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Gran Turismo 5 offers real life Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG if you buy the Signature Edition

After the failed attempt at adding mild hybrids to its range, with the Chevrolet Malibu, the Saturn Vue and the Saturn Aura, General Motors has just announced that it will once again pursue this goal.

According to the company’s director of hybrid and electric powertrain engineering, Larry Nitz, GM will launch at least one mild hybrid model in the USA and one in China. As you can imagine, it’s quite likely that the model will be from the Buick range, given the Tri-Shield’s popularity in Asia and its improving image in America.

As we mentioned above, GM gambled before on mild hybrid tech, with the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Vue and Saturn Aura getting such systems. Sadly, when the Saturn brand was shut down, mild hybrid research was deemed too risky, and efforts went to the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle.

Unlike full hybrids, mild ones just use the electric motor to offer a boost to the internal combustion engine, as well as facilitate a stop-start system.

Expect more details about what car will receive the technology to appear in the near future.

Source: AutoWeek

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General Motors promises new mild hybrid models in 2011

It seems that the old generation Volkswagen Passat wasn’t exactly built up to the strict regulations of the German carmaker. That’s why the model has been recalled several times, either due to a bad heat shield, which lead to a fire in the engine bay, or because of faulty fuel lines.

Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced that it is opening up a brand new investigation into specific Volkswagen Passat models manufactured between 2000 and 2003.

This new inquiry will focus on the ignition coils, which might not work properly after a certain amount of time. As such, the parts could lead to either engine stalling or a fire in the engine bay. Up until now, around 88 complaints have been filled about the faulty ignition coils.

If a recall will be made, expect around 199,000 vehicles to be brought back to dealerships. We will keep you updated as the investigation unfolds.

Source: Automotive News

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NHTSA starts investigating 2000-2003 Volkswagen Passat models over engine fire worries