Fiat 500 US-Spec

After launching the standard version of the Fiat 500 in the United States, the Italian automaker has decided to bring the sporty 500 Abarth along with the Cabrio and an EV version to complete the lineup. This announcement is a major step for Fiat as they are not only expanding their sales in North America, but also the manufacturing infrastructure.

Fiat 500 US-Spec

Just like the standard version, these new models will be assembled in Mexico unlike in the past when they shipped the cars from Italy to the US. The North American-spec models will be geared for the local consumer. The 1.4-liter Multi-Air engine of the standard 500 is built in the US, at a Chrysler plant located in Michigan.

The 500 Abarth and the 500C Abarth will have a 1.4-liter turbocharged power unit that produces 138 hp (140 PS / 103 kW) and 152 lb.-ft (206 Nm) of torque.

The price for the 500 Abarth will start from approximately $19,000.

We'll let you know once we find out more about these three new Fiat 500s.

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Fiat 500 Lineup Heading Stateside

Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition

The Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition (long name, isn't it?) was revealed first  at the Tokyo Auto Salon that was organized a couple of weeks ago, but now the luxury tuner has published a few pictures with this mean-looking black machine. A year ago they launched a styling package for the facelifted Lexus LS460 (the 2010 model) and due to the high demand; they're back with this Black Bison design template.

Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition

As you can easily see from these images, the car has been heavily stylized, offering a new front bumper that features vertical LED DLRs along with an awesome blacked out grill, side skirts with louvre design accents, a new roof spoiler, fenders with chrome vent molding, an updated rear bumper fascia that has a diffuser and a deck lid spoiler.

Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition

This Lexus LS600h rolls on Wald's Mahor multi-piece rims that are available in either 8.5-11.5×22 or 7.5-13×24 with a matte black finish.

Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition

In these pictures you see the LS600h, but Wald said that the Black Bison Edition will be available for the LS460, along with the LWB (long wheelbase) version.

Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition

Source: Wald International via WorldCarFans

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Wald International Lexus LS600h Black Bison Edition

Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion

I've always liked Bertone as they designed some of my favorite cars and the Alfa Romeo Pandion looks awesome in my opinion. This commercial was shot last year but the 5 minute behind the scenes clip has just been released.

Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion

Zyclotron was in charge with making the commercial and in my opinion they did a very good job. I was surprised to find out how much work goes into a commercial, I always thought that it is relatively easy to make one, I was wrong.

Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion

The Pandion concept had its official debut last year at Geneva and was created by Mike Robinson, Bertone's Design and Brand chief. The idea behind this very sexy design was inspired by the Pandion Haliaetus which is a predatory bird. The design's theme is "skin and frame".

Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion

The car is powered by a V8 4.7-liter engine that produces 444 hp (450 PS / 331 kW) and 347 lb.-ft (470 Nm) of torque. If these figures sound familiar to you, the engine was borrowed from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The car has a curb weight of only 2205 lbs (1000 kg). This beautiful concept was created as part of Alfa's 100^th anniversary celebration and there are many reasons to believe that some of its elements will be found in the upcoming 159 replacement.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Behind The Scenes – Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Commercial

Ferrari FF

If you haven't heard of the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance that is organized on an annual basis in Florida, you should know that they have become a high-profile, national automotive event and for its 5^th edition, it should be the best one. Why? Because up for auction there are going to be two cool cars: the Ferrari FF and the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster.

What is even more special is that these will be the first units that rolled out the assembly line so they should go for a pretty good sum. This isn't the first time when they auction off first examples of some great cars as in the last two years, they managed to sell the very first 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Quattro, 2010 Ferrari California, 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Cabriolet Convertible, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia, 2011 Hyundai Equus and a 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG.

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

The tradition will continue this year with the first Ferrari FF and the first Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster. In addition, there are going to by other cool cars auctioned off, like the first Audi R8 GT and a Mercedes CLS63 AMG "C" Limited Edition (only 30 units planned to be produced). Last but not least, up for grabs is going to be a tour of Jay Leno's extensive garage that has some of the rarest and most expensive cars ever made.

The event will be held this month on the 26^th.

Source: DupontRegistry via GTSpirit via MotorAuthority

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Up For Auction – Ferrari FF And Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Rinspeed BamBoo Concept

No, this isn't a golf cart; it is a real car, sort of. Rinspeed will be taking this hideous thing to Geneva where it will probably be the ugliest car this year. The BamBoo was created as a "sun and fun" showcase for future technologies by Frank M. Rinderknecht, the company chief. He was helped by pop artist James Rizzi, known for his exuberant 3D creations.

Rinspeed BamBoo Concept

The interior fabric of this monstrosity was made by one of Switzerland's finest mills, using threads of bamboo fiber. On the dash there is a HTC tablet, the question is – why? The BamBoo comes with low rolling resistance rubber offered by Goodyear (God knows why) and the German high-efficiency heater will keep the unfortunate occupants warm on those cold nights. It also has an inflatable roof that can be considered as a go-anywhere mattress.

Rinspeed BamBoo Concept

Out in the back there is a folding back, in case you need one, making this the most accessorized car I've ever seen in my entire life.

Rinspeed BamBoo Concept

In front of our regular cars we have a grille, right? Well, this one hasn't! Because it has been replaced by an "identiface" – whatever that is. Rinspeed says that it is a display screen that shows whether the driver is single, "in a party mood" or "need a break"; pretty pathetic in my opinion but whom am I to judge, right?

The only decent thing about this car are those 17-inch three-spoke AEZ rims with painted inserts, other than that, it's awful from every angle.

I forgot to mention that is an EV, like it matters anyway.

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Why I Don’t Like The Rinspeed BamBoo

We all know in what kind of trouble was SAAB just over a year ago when General Motors was looking for a potential buyer for them and they even thought to close down the plant in Trollhattan. There weren't many investors that were willing to buy the company, but on February 23^rd last year, GM sold SAAB to Spyker Cars, thus saving not only decades of tradition, but most important, thousands of jobs.

In order to celebrate one year since that event, the Swedish automaker will organize a big party on February 23^rd, turning the Trollhattan unit into an entertainment venue. All of the 3,800 people that work at the factory will have the day off and they will be joined by suppliers, dealers, media and VIPs in celebrating the company's rebirth as an independent carmaker – although you can't say that they are fully independent.

The highlight of this event will be the unveiling of a special edition SAAB model, most likely the 9-3 Cabriolet "Independence Edition". In addition, the employees might get to see the concept car which SAAB will be bringing next month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This concept will be the foundation for a future compact hatchback, which will most likely be positioned under the 9-3 lineup.

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February 23rd – SAAB's Independence Day

Here is something that I never thought I would see, Vauxhall has built the world's first fashion catwalk out of cars. They did it in order to celebrate the 10^th season of their Fashion Scout. This rather odd catwalk was built out of three new Corsas and the models hovered 1.5 meters above the ground.

This installation featured a 3-hour show as part of London's Fashion Week and the models you see in these pictures spent a week "testing" the high-rise podium, prior to showing off the carefully choreographed moment.

If you didn't know, the aforementioned Vauxhall Fashion Scout is a common presence at London's Fashion Week and its main purpose is to give less popular designers the chance to have their own catwalk show, exhibition or presentation during the Fashion Week.

Over its history, this event has given UK some of the most important fashion designers of the country, like Bodyamr, Prophetik or William Tempest who went to work for Daisy Lowe, Emma Watson and the very beautiful Cheryl Cole.

Source: Carscoop

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World's First Fashion Catwalk Out Of Cars

2012 Proton Exora

We don't hear that much often about Proton, do we? The guys over at WorldCarFans managed to grab a few photos of the 2012 Exora facelift which is an MPV. Design-wise, the refreshed model will sport a larger grille, updated taillights and new doors.

2012 Proton Exora

Inside the cabin there aren't any modifications but our guess is that the production model will certainly come with some updates.

2012 Proton Exora

Most likely, under the hood of the Exora we will find the same engines as the current version along with a new turbocharged P3 CFE that will be mated to a CVT – continuously variable transmission.

2012 Proton Exora

There isn't any info regarding when will the model be launched but we'll keep you posted.

2012 Proton Exora

Source: WorldCarFans

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Proton Exora Spied

MG 6

First I would like to say that I always liked MG cars and it is good to hear that after three long years of kit building the archaic TF Roadster, they have officially re-launched themselves in their homeland, United Kingdom. To come back with a "boom", they've announced that they will start making the European version of the MG 6 which was first revealed in 2009 at the Shanghai Auto Show.

MG 6

Although both cars are virtually identical, the European-spec model is going to offer a much nicer interior and will be built in Birmingham, England. The car will be available in three different trim levels and even the entry-level one will have AC, power windows and locks as well as keyless ignition. For extra money, customers can get cruise control, GPS, rear view camera or leather seats.

MG 6

Under its hood, the MG 6 will have a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 158 hp (160 PS / 118 kW). The car will be available for sale starting with this April and in early 2012 a new 1.9-liter diesel engine will be available.

MG 6

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MG Is Back In Business

2011 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Brad Paisley Hero Edition

Chevrolet is really not joking about these limited editions and they roll out one very often, maybe too often in my opinion. I can't complain about this one as it will be sold at a fund-raising event for a charity – Kids Wish Network HERO program. What is special about this Corvette ZR1 is that it was tuned by Lingenfelter so it should be really fast.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Brad Paisley Hero Edition

This one-off Corvette features a massive LS9 V8 6.2-liter supercharged engine that received a Lingenfelter performance upgrade system, allowing the V8 to output more than 700 hp, which is a lot more taking into consideration that the normal version produces 638 ponies. This incredible engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with a twin-disc clutch.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Brad Paisley Hero Edition

Aside from this extra power, the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Brad Paisley Hero Edition comes with a signature under its hood, you've guessed it, Brad Paisley's.  The car you see in these pictures is a part of the 2010 Corvette Dream Giveaway, along with a fully-restored 427 Corvette Roadster from 1967.

Source: TopSpeed

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Up For Auction – 2011 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Brad Paisley Hero Edition