TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake
- Jaguar XJ_e plug-in hybrid
- Report: NEVS Having Issues Securing the Rights to Use the "Saab" Name
- Lamborghini Cabrera
- Lexus GS 450h
- McLaren drops first teaser on the future 12C Spider
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
- Audi R8 e-tron becomes fastest electric vehicle around the Nurburgring
- Pagani Zonda R Evolution makes official debut at Goodwood 2012
- Video: Why Californian drivers need to learn how to drive Mulholland
| Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Posted: 04 Jun 2012 01:00 AM PDT
Welcome to the most beautiful wagon in the world. We know that might be hard to read as wagons are seldom thought of as beautiful, but with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, those thoughts might need some additional pondering. Unlike the old wagons, or even the current ones for that matter, the CLS Shooting Brake takes some of the four-door coupe design elements and translates them for wagon use. It might seem like an odd concept at first, but perhaps it’s genius. Wagons have long provided practicality, but that hasn’t exactly helped them fly out the door now has it? So, instead of pushing cargo space, Mercedes will be pushing style and that seems to work well in the automotive market place, just look at those terrible creations from BMW called the X6 and the future X1. These two are as useless as just about everything, but they’re going to sell. UPDATE 06/04/2012: While the official debut will be made next month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a series of patent images are offering us the final look of the upcoming Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake. The car’s front is clearly similar to the CLS sedan version, but the rear is quite unique: the roofline, rear window and tailgate are sharply raked for a sleek profile. (AutoCar) Hit the jump for the full review of the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake. Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 4 June 2012 08:00 EST.
| ||
| Posted: 29 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT
Jaguar and Land Rover showed up to the Goodwood Festival of Speed ready to tackle naysayers with an ultra-low carbon XJ_e plug-in hybrid engineering research project. The goals of these automakers was to demonstrate how an advanced parallel plug-in hybrid design can deliver reductions in CO2 emissions of over 70% without impacting the car’s performance. The new XJ_e research vehicle is powered by an advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system that combines an efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, with a 92 HP generator and a 12.8kWh Lithium Ion battery pack. It offers an electric-only range of 25 miles, and, in hybrid mode, can travel up to 679 miles with a fuel consumption of 87mpg. This can all be achieved while still hitting the 0-60 mph mark in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). Bob Joyce, Engineering Director, JLR, commented: "The XJ_e investigates how a 5.0-litre V8 engine could be replaced by an advanced 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain to deliver similar performance and refinement, but with CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km. While the XJ_e is an experimental project, it highlights that JLR customers can expect some exciting low-carbon products in the future." Jaguar XJ_e plug-in hybrid originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 15:00 EST.
| ||
| Report: NEVS Having Issues Securing the Rights to Use the "Saab" Name Posted: 29 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT
  Just when we thought that the Saab saga was reaching its closure, a new wrench gets thrown into the mix. When NEVS purchased Saab's assets a little while ago, we were under the impression that this sale included the rights to the "Saab" name and logo. According to reports coming out now, this is not the case. Apparently, the sale of Saab only covered the failed Swedish automaker's physical assets. The truck-building company, Scania, and Saab AB still own the rights to the Logo and the "Saab" name. For NEVS to legally use the name, both Scania and Saab AB will need to sign off on the usage, and the companies are reportedly in talks about how to handle this. We would assume that Scania has no issues at all and just wants a piece of that Saab resurrection pie. Saab AB, on the other hand, still runs Saab's line of parts, which was not included in the bankruptcy. Saab AB could benefit by using this opportunity to negotiate their way into new dealerships when NEVS starts rolling out new electric-powered Saabs. Saab AB also has to consider protecting its brand image, and it NEVS completely botches this revival, it will make Saab AB look bad as well. We're confident that a deal will be struck between the three companies to allow NEVS the rights to the name and logo, but Saab AB will likely have a heavy hand in how the name is used. As always, we'll keep you updated as additional information comes to the surface on this seemingly endless Saab saga. Report: NEVS Having Issues Securing the Rights to Use the "Saab" Name originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 14:00 EST.
| ||
| Posted: 29 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT
All good things must come to an end, so the Gallardo is packing things up and moving out of Lamborghini’s top spot to make room for a brand new baby. The Italian brand has yet to confirm the name of the future supercar, but convincing data is calling it the Cabrera, a likely possibility considering the Cabrera is the name of a famous Spanish fighting bull. The new Cabrera is expected to make its debut in 2013 and should follow the same evolutionary path as the Aventador, meaning fiercer lines and a more powerful engine. The future Cabrera will be made from a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque, the same used on the new Aventador. This will decrease the weight of the future supercar making it easier for the supercharged V10 the Cabrera will feature. This V10 engine is the same one found in the Gallardo, but it has been given a supercharger to crank the 552 HP up to 600 HP. With the task of taking on Ferrari's current 458 Italia, the Lamborghini Cabrera will surely need the 600 powerful bulls charging under the hood. Four wheel drive is also still being considered. Expect the new Lamborghini Cabrera to show up sometime next year, just in time for the 2013 model year. UPDATE 06/29/2012: Automobile Magazine is reporting that the Cabrera is being pegged to be at Frankfurt next year and will come with a number of new features, highlighted by a drop in weight (66 pounds) that results in a new 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds and an improved top speed of 203 mph. The range of the third generation Gallardo could also give birth to a number of variants in the years thereafter, including the Spyder, the Superleggera, and potentially, the Performante. Lamborghini Cabrera originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 13:30 EST.
| ||
| Posted: 29 Jun 2012 06:00 AM PDT
It’s only been a few weeks since Lexus unveiled the new generation Lexus GS350, and now they are rounding up the crowd again with the debut of the GS 450h at the Frankfurt Motor Show. A relatively young model on the market - it was first unveiled in 2007 - the GS 450H is now the world's first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system. The hybrid system combines an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration. They both deliver a total of 338 HP and will sprint the GS 450h from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy has also been improved by 30%. The model will be equipped with a Drive Mode selector that will allow the driver to choose between Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes. UPDATE 06/29/2012: Lexus has unveiled a new video presenting the technology behind the new GS 450h. Enjoy! Hit the jump to read more about the new Lexus GS 450h. Lexus GS 450h originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 13:00 EST.
| ||
| McLaren drops first teaser on the future 12C Spider Posted: 29 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT
 When Ferrari was putting together the finishing touches on the 458 Italia Spyder, we knew it would just be a matter of time before the rumored MP4-12C Spyder would come to fruition. Finally, we can say that this gorgeous drop-top sports car is getting ready to bust out into the automotive scene. McLaren has just dropped the first teaser image for the second model in its line-up, with a promise that the official details will be released on July 3rd, 2012. The future McLaren MP4-12C Spider will be built on the same super stiff carbon fiber MonoCell chassis as its hardtop sibling, making it just as dynamic to drive. The model will obviously be offered with a retractable hard-top, but it will still "dial up the sensations experienced, the emotions felt and the noise heard. And true to McLaren's ethos of offering high performance without compromise, the 12C Spider will be more usable than any car this exciting has a right to be." Under the hood, McLaren kept the same twin-turbo V8-engine featured in the updated version of the MP4-12C coupestandard MP4-12C: a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 207 mph. McLaren drops first teaser on the future 12C Spider originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 12:00 EST.
| ||
| Posted: 26 Jun 2012 10:00 AM PDT
After the first details on the 2013 GT350 accidentally surfaced online, Shelby has decided that the time has come to reveal the official details on the sports car. The model will be built in limited numbers and will be offered in both coupe and convertible versions. Prices will start from $26,995.00 (normally aspirated) and $33,995.00 (supercharged). The Shelby GT350 was released onto the market in 2011 and since then, has been improved upon every year. In 2011, it only came as a coupe painted in white with blue stripes and for the 2012 model year, Shelby also added a convertible version with three more colors. For the 2013 model year, the GT350 will receive new color options, visual styling cues, and optional performance enhancements. The 2013 Shelby GT350 is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine offered in either a 430 HP normally aspirated version, a Ford Racing supercharged 525 HP, or a Ford Racing supercharged 624 HP version. UPDATE 06/28/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. Hit the jump to read more about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 26 June 2012 17:00 EST.
| ||
| Audi R8 e-tron becomes fastest electric vehicle around the Nurburgring Posted: 29 Jun 2012 03:00 AM PDT
Even though the Audi R8 e-tron hasn’t officially been launched yet, it is already a world record breaker. With a lap time of 8:09.099 minutes, the R8 e-tron has just become the fastest production vehicle with an electric drive system around the Nurburgring. The car was driven to success by racing driver Markus Winkelhock. The R8 e-tron is powered by electric motors that deliver an output of 375 HP and a peak torque of 604 lbs-ft. The electric car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 124 mph (electronically limited). To achieve the record-setting lap, the electronic speed limiter was removed so that the top speed could go up to 155 mph. "The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world," said Michael Dick, Audi AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: "The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure." The Audi R8 e-tron will grace the market with its presence by the end of 2012. Audi R8 e-tron becomes fastest electric vehicle around the Nurburgring originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 10:00 EST.
| ||
| Pagani Zonda R Evolution makes official debut at Goodwood 2012 Posted: 29 Jun 2012 02:00 AM PDT
Just a few days ago, we released a video courtesy of Marchettino which was claimed to capture the Pagani Zonda R Evolution, or 'Evo'. Now that the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012 has come around however, we can officially confirm that that particular car was not the Evolution, but the car in the video above is. After looking at both, we're glad that Marchettino got it wrong this time. The Pagani Zonda R Evolution is basically an even more extreme version of the already-insane R, and promises to be substantially faster than the standard car, meaning a possible Nordschleife run could see the new car eclipse the regular R's record-breaking lap of 6:47. Taking a leaf out of the book of the Zonda 760 RS and 760 LH, the new Zonda R Evolution delivers, you guessed it, 760BHP from its modified 6.0-liter AMG-sourced V12 engine. Additional changes have been implemented throughout the suspension set up, although Pagani has yet to reveal any official details about these changes. What we can confirm however, is that the Zonda R Evolution features a dramatically re-designed body with various new aerodynamic aids now being featured on the car. These include additional vents at the front end, including a more aggressively-styled splitter and larger winglets. Furthermore, the rear also features aerodynamic improvements with a second small wing now situated below the larger rear wing, which has also been improved. Follow the jump to check out an awesome video of the car revving, and stay tuned for the official release of the Zonda R Evolution in the coming days. Pagani Zonda R Evolution makes official debut at Goodwood 2012 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 09:00 EST.
| ||
| Video: Why Californian drivers need to learn how to drive Mulholland Posted: 28 Jun 2012 09:00 PM PDT
For all those keen motorcyclists out there, you'll be all too aware of the fact that whilst riding, the almost laughable lack of skill you're likely to witness from car drivers will always capture your attention. This fact is exemplified in the following video courtesy of rnickeymouse on YouTube. Rnickeymouse generally films motorcycles carving through Mulholland Drive, specifically around the legendary roads infamous hairpin bend. But bucking this trend is the following video where he gathered together a selection of poor driving over the past six months for our viewer pleasure. Or perhaps it should be viewing displeasure? Either way, the video depicts idiotic drivers crossing double-yellow lines into oncoming traffic, as well as some amusing attempts at power sliding which go wrong. Despite this, rnickeymouse is quick to point out that the vast majority of people drive responsibly along Mulholland but nevertheless, this video does raise some interesting points. First off, the video highlights the fact that many mountain roads across the world are not patrolled by police heavily, or lack speed cameras to nab irresponsible drivers like there are in the cities. Secondly, the lack of driving skills also show that perhaps governments across the world should make advanced driving courses free or at least, promote them extensively to help increase the abilities of drivers. Leave us your thoughts below! Video: Why Californian drivers need to learn how to drive Mulholland originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 29 June 2012 04:00 EST.
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from Top Speed To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
Tag: