2012 Saab 9-3

We've talked about the facelift version of the Saab 9-3 almost two weeks ago when the 81^st edition of the Geneva Motor Show started. Yesterday the Swedish automaker announced the prices and the specifications of the model, ahead of its UK launch that will occur next month.

2012 Saab 9-3

The 2012MY 9-3 comes with very subtle exterior changes like the updated front bumper, the new grille, "ice block" headlamps, a "Saab" word mark that replaces badging on the chrome trim at the rear end, along with the addition of a boot-mounted spoiler available for the sedan version.

2012 Saab 9-3

As far as the cabin is concerned, the entire 9-3 lineup has been distinguished by the titanium metallic-effect trim around the instrument panel, doors, glove box and gearshift molding. If you opt for the SE model, you'll get leather seats and if you prefer the Aero trim, you'll find a new graphite-fiber surface around the instrument panel, doors, glove box and gearshift molding, along with leather sport seats with contrast stitching.

2012 Saab 9-3

The entire 9-3 range benefits from automatic dimming mirrors inside and outside the car, automatic rain sensor wipers and electric folding mirrors as standard. You also get as standard, alloy wheels, park assist, heated front seats and Bluetooth phone integration system, along with ESP, six airbags and Active Head Restraints.

2012 Saab 9-3

For the United Kingdom market, the 2012 Saab 9-3 will be available with an all-new turbo 2.0-liter engine with direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging and variable valve timing (VVT), available in two states of tune, with 163 hp and a more powerful 220 hp version. If you prefer diesels, you can opt for a 1.9-liter TTiD that can produce 130 hp or 160 hp.

2012 Saab 9-3

The facelift version of the 9-3 has a base price of 21,495 pounds for the model fitted with the aforementioned 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 163 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Source: Saab

Post published on Rpmgo.com

2012 Saab 9-3 UK Pricing & Specs Revealed

Suzuki SX4 Limited

I have to admit that although I'd never buy a Suzuki, I always thought that the SX4 model is pretty cool and very cheap for what it offers. For the German market, it will get a new special edition that features a number of discreet styling modifications, like the gunmetal paint for the front grille, 16-inch alloy rims and roof rails, along with the choice of four metallic finishes for the body including "Smoky Green Metallic", "Sunlight Copper Pearl Metallic", "Silky Silver Metallic" and "Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic".

Suzuki SX4 Limited

Inside the cabin, the SX4 Limited comes with an Alcantara seat trim in a two-tone finish, bespoke floor mats, a leather steering wheel plus additional standard features like automatic climate control, heated front seats, keyless start system and upgraded audio system with steering wheel controls.

Suzuki SX4 Limited

For the German market, the Suzuki SX4 is offered with a choice of two engines, a 1.6-liter gas unit that cranks out 120 hp and does 37.9 mpg (6.2 liters / 100 km) and a more powerful and economical 2.0-liter turbo diesel that produces 135 hp and can do 44.3 mpg (5.3 liters / 100 km).

Suzuki SX4 Limited

If you opt for the gasoline engine you will have to pay 18,490 Euros and you'll get as standard front-wheel drive and optional AWD. Choosing the diesel engine, SX4 comes as standard with an all-wheel drive system and costs from 21,990 Euros.

Source: Suzuki

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Germany Gets Suzuki SX4 Limited

Vintage GT

You probably haven't heard about Panzani Design before. Well, it is a relatively unknown Italian tuning company and their latest project is based on the Jaguar S-Type R, which back in the day was the flagship version of the series and it packed a V8 supercharged 4.2-liter that produced 400 hp.

Vintage GT

Dubbed Vintage GT, you either hate it or love, but you definitely cannot ignore it. The first modification that they did to this Jag is to install a new wide body kit with prominent wheel arches that house those big 20-inch alloy rims that are wrapped around in 255/35 R20 tires for the front wheels and 305/30 R20 rubber for the wheels in the back.

Vintage GT

The car's front end has been updated by adding a carbon fiber hood and bumper trim, along with side air vents borrowed from the sexy XKR. They've remove the rear bumper and installed a huge diffuser, new Ferrari California-inspired LED tail lamps, along with a carbon fiber boot that incorporates a spoiler. Rounding up the exterior changes are the exposed fuel cap, race-spec mirrors, the updated side skirts and the matte grey finish.

Vintage GT

They've also modified the interior look of this Jaguar S-Type R by using a lot of leather and Alcantara with contrasting seams. The car's standard seats were removed and Panzani Design installed a pair of sports seats. Other significant interior changes include the use of a carbon fiber trim and a new three-spoke sports steering wheel.

Vintage GT

Unfortunately, there is no information regarding the changes in the engine compartment (if there are any). Panzani Design did not reveal any pricing info on the Vintage GT.

Source: Panzani Design via Autoblog.nl via Carscoop

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Jaguar S-Type R By Panzani Design

Audi R8 Hyper Black Edition by Anderson Germany

This has to be one of the coolest tuning programs launched for the exquisite Audi R8. Dubbed R8 Hyper Black Edition, the engineers over at Anderson Germany described their masterpiece as a road-going UFO. It features a new carbon fiber body kit that includes a front lip spoiler, a very aggressive rear diffuser, and a huge rear wing.

Audi R8 Hyper Black Edition by Anderson Germany

As you can see, they've tinted the windows, smoked the taillights, painted the brake calipers in orange and installed a new set of 19-inch alloy rims that have carbon fiber accents. This exclusive paint color applied to the R8 V10 5.2 has been called "Hyper Black".

Audi R8 Hyper Black Edition by Anderson Germany

Inside the cabin, you'll see the continuation of the same carbon fiber theme as they've applied this lightweight material almost everywhere, including here the door panels, center console, handbrake and steering wheel. I would have preferred that they chose another color instead of orange, but the leather seats still look exquisite. The addition of Alcantara accents rounds up the interior changes of this R8.

Audi R8 Hyper Black Edition by Anderson Germany

No tuning program would be complete without adding a little more muscles to the engine and so they did as thanks to the revised ECU and the sport exhaust system that has remote-controlled sound control valves, the R8's massive V10 5.2-liter engine cranks out a whopping 581 hp (589 PS / 433 kW), which is 63 hp (64 PS / 47 kW) more than the standard power plant installed by Audi.

Source: Anderson Germany

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Audi R8 Hyper Black Edition by Anderson Germany

During the company's annual press conference, Skoda confirmed that they will introduce two new models. Although there aren't many info available at this moment regarding these two new cars, one of them will be most likely a city car that will have its debut later on this year. Nothing is official at the moment, but our bet is on a rebadged Volkswagen Lupo / Up! with updated grille, headlights and bumpers.

This city car will most likely be offered with a choice of a 1.0-liter gasoline engine and a 1.2-liter diesel that develops 74 hp (75 PS / 55 kW), as well as a more powerful 1.2-liter TSI that outputs 84 hp (86 PS / 63 kW). Rumors say that Skoda will also roll out later on, a EV variant of this city car that will be fitted with an electric motor that churns 80 hp (82 PS / 60 kW) and 155 lb.-ft (210 Nm) of torque.

Next year, the Czech automaker will introduce a new compact to its lineup, which will be slot between the Fabia and the Octavia models. It has been described as a high-volume car that will be practical, spacious and will have an "outstanding price to value ratio." We don't know if this new car will replace the current Roomster.

Source: Skoda

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Skoda To Add Two New Models To Its Lineup

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The facelift version of the Porsche 911 will be unveiled later this year, but the German automaker didn't forgot the current model and they've launched many special editions for the outgoing model. Rumors say that this growing lineup of 911s will get a new member, dubbed 911 GT3 RS Limited Edition, which will carry more horsepower.

We don't know the details for sure but according to various sources, this new model will be fitted with a new 6-cylinder 4.0-liter engine that cranks out 493 hp (500 PS / 368 kW) which is 49 hp (50 PS / 37 kW) more in comparison to the standard model. This engine might be mated to Porsche's new PDK-S transmission that promises to deliver almost instantaneous gear shifts.

The same sources say that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Limited Edition will have its official debut on April 7^th, so new info will most likely surface the Internet in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

Source: Team Speed via Motor Authority via WCF

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Limited Edition, Out This April

2011 Chevrolet WTCC Cruze

Last year was a huge success for Chevrolet as they managed to win both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' championship with the Cruze. They're back for this year with the evolution of that car, which meets the new FIA rules that have been created in order to reflect the reality of today's smaller and more efficient turbocharged engines. This means that the 2011 model ditched the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine and has been fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-liter power plant.

2011 Chevrolet WTCC Cruze

This new engine under the bonnet produces 306 hp (310 PS / 228 kW) and 247 lb.-ft (335 Nm) of torque. They had to make a couple of changes to the car in order to adapt it for the new engine. For this purpose, they've redesigned the cooling and ancillary engine systems, the brakes, front suspension, weight distribution and aerodynamics.

As far as the driver lineup for this year is concerned, nothing has changes as world champion Yvan Muller will continue to drive the car, along with Rob Huff in the number 2 Cruze. For this season, Chevrolet will have a third and a fourth car in the competition. The car will have its official debut the next weekend at the Curitiba race in Brazil.

Source: Chevrolet

Post published on Rpmgo.com

2011 Chevrolet WTCC Cruze Unveiled

Porsche Cayenne II By FAB-Design

FAB-Design, a Swiss tuning company, has revealed its latest tuning package for the Porsche Cayenne II. One of the many changes they've made is to install carbon fiber panels on the widened fenders, wheel arches, along with an updated front end look and more generous air intakes. Rounding up the SUV's new look are the modified side skirts, and a rear skirt that has been fitted with an integrated diffuser for the trapezoidal quad tailpipes.

Porsche Cayenne II By FAB-Design

Four tailpipes at the back means that the Cayenne got extra muscles under the bonnet and indeed it did as FAB-Design raised the output of the engine to 542 hp (550 PS / 405 kW) and 590 lb.-ft (800 Nm), which means that it packs 50 PS and 100 Nm more in comparison to the standard output of the V8 turbocharged 4.8-liter power plant.

Porsche Cayenne II By FAB-Design

They've fitted this big SUV with a new set of 22-inch wheels and installed a suspension lowering module, but they didn't say by how much it can lower the Cayenne. The cabin has been finished in Alcantara and leather, along with plenty of carbon fiber inserts and aluminum panel for the trimming touches.

Porsche Cayenne II By FAB-Design

No matter how many tuning programs are revealed for the Porsche Cayenne II, it still is an ugly car from every angle. Even worse than that is FAB-Design has managed to make the car even uglier, which frankly I did not think that it was possible.

Source: FAB-Design

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Porsche Cayenne II By FAB-Design

Inden Design Mercedes S-Class

The German tuners over at Inden Design have just released their latest tuning program for the Mercedes S500 (W221) and they wanted to bring the car closer to the S65 AMG, at least in the design compartment. They've installed a new spoiler in the front, along with updated side sills and a rear diffuser that has integrated quad exhaust pipes. In addition, they have fitted the car with daytime running lights and a new look for the side mirrors. The entire car has been covered by a charcoal-gray matte film which frankly I don't really think that it is suitable for such an elegant car.

Inden Design Mercedes S-Class

As far as the engine upgrade is concerned, they've upped the output of the power unit to 414 hp (420 PS / 309 kW) from the standard 383 hp (388 PS / 285 kW) delivered by the car's V8 5.5-liter engine. This extra oomph is now available thanks to the installation of a new stainless steel exhaust system that has AMG pipes.

Inden Design Mercedes S-Class

More muscle under the hood requires a bigger stopping force and for this reason they've installed a braking system that can be found on the S600 V12 Biturbo, which feature 6-piston calipers for the front wheels and 4-piston calipers out in the back. The car is now 50 mm lower thanks to the installation of a new suspension and the S-Class sits on a brand new set of 20-inch rims, wrapped around in 265/30/20 tires for the front wheels and 275/30/20 rubber for the back rims.

Inden Design Mercedes S-Class

Inside the cabin, Inden Design applied a two-tone leather and Alcantara finish for the headliner, door panels and all three pillars The wood trims have been replaced by carbon inserts and the new speedometer reads up to 360 km/h.

Source: Inden Design

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Inden Design Mercedes S-Class

The 2011 Lotus Cup USA season debuted last weekend at the Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California, where Jack Fried took the overall and 2-Eleven class victory in a battle that came down to the last lap of the feature race.

In the time attack event, Andy Kern won with 1:29.472 in another Lotus 2-Eleven, but he had to retire from the feature due to mechanical problems. In second place came Jack Fried.

Another Lotus-based competition that kicked off last weekend at Willow Springs is the Lotus Evora Experience, which gives 12 VIPs seat time in the beautiful Evora, including track sessions. The next stage of the Lotus Cup USA will be at the Firebrid International Raceway in Chandler, Arizona the weekend of 9-10 April.

Source: Autoblog

Post published on Rpmgo.com

Lotus Cup USA Season Opener At Willow Springs