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Ford Falcon GT Panther

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT


Australia has become a unique market for American automaker Ford and it’s no more evident than in the growing popularity of the Falcon GT (the Mustang representative in the Land Down Under).

Now it appears that Ford has a surprise for its Australian customers because the fastest Ford Falcon GT ever created is set to debut at the upcoming Australian International Motor Show in October.

No technical details have been officially announced, but it’s expected that the car, which has been codenamed as "Panther," will carry a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces an impressive 449 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 420 lb/ft of torque at 2,200 rpm. This allows the car to hit 0-62 mph in just five seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The Falcon GT Panther is also looking at carrying a set of 19" wheels to go with tuning work done on the suspension to make it sportier, as well as stability control systems, and an upgraded transmission to improve its overall handling.

Expect more details of the Ford Falcon GT "Panther" when it makes its debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October 2012.

Note: Photo is of the Ford Performance Vehicle GT Black Limited Edition

Ford Falcon GT Panther originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 16:00 EST.

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MV Agusta F3 675

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT


Since MV Agusta is synonymous with excellence, style, and technology, the new F3 will apply these principles to the middle weight super sport category.

The new F3 has exceeded previous expectations of what a supersport motorcycle should be, so much so that it’s redefining an entirely new category. Its light weight frame, unmatched power, and state-of-the-art electronics all work together on this bike to push the concept of supersport to the extreme and provide a powerful, hyper-light, and more compact motorcycle than any other in existence.

This bike is a true MV Agusta that boasts an ultra-advance chassis, vehicle dynamics control, and the new MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System).

When judged and compared to the rest of its competitors, the F3 is setting the new standard by which all other supersport motorcycles will be measured against. True to its looks and capabilities, this sports bike is truly in a class of its own.

Find out more about the MV Augusta F3 675 after the jump.

MV Agusta F3 675 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 16:00 EST.

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Mitsubishi Evo X discontinued; company focusing on its successor

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT

1.

We’ve already heard that Mitsubishi is working on a new generation Lancer Evo, but it looks like its actual production may happen earlier than expected. Mitsubishi UK has announced that once the last 10 units left in stock are sold, the current Evo X will officially be discontinued because of the strength of the Japanese yen. According to Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi UK's Managing Director, the price would have to double for the Evo X to continue being produced: "We used to sell the Evo for £30k; now we would have to charge £60k."

Instead, Mitsubishi UK will focus on the successor for the Evo X because of the Lancer Evo’s importance on the UK market. The problem with that is, while the standard Lancer is set to arrive in 2014, the Evo performance version is still not signed off for production.

Aside from confirming the discontinuation of the EVO X, Bradley also confirmed that the next Lancer Evo will drop the current high-revving turbo petrol engine in favor of a hybrid drivetrain combined with a diesel engine. The model will remain a four-door sedan and not turn into a hatchback as previously rumored.

Mitsubishi Evo X discontinued; company focusing on its successor originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 15:00 EST.

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Ducati 250 Scrambler

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT


The Ducati 250 Scrambler was the third model in Ducati’s line-up to use wide engine crankcases. Packed with a 249 cc SOHC single engine and mated to a five-speed transmission, the 1972 250 Scrambler became one of the most sought-after bikes of its time.

The 250-cc engine is often considered to be the smoothest of the entire Ducati Scrambler range, despite not carrying a decompression lever to assist in starting.

This dark yellow and black example, which was up for bidding at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco, is described as a very nice original with good paint and chrome and would complete the set for a buyer seeking one of the most favored Ducati models of the 70’s.

Expected price for the 1972 Ducati 250 Scrambler hits between €4,000 - €6,000, which is around $5,000 - $7,500 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was right in the middle at $6,818.

Ducati 250 Scrambler originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 15:00 EST.

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Viking Delivery

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 07:49 AM PDT

Viking Delivery originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 14:49 EST.

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Renault Megane RS Red Bull Racing Edition

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 07:00 AM PDT


Shortly after releasing the Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7 and the Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7, Renault is continuing to expand its Red Bull Racing Edition line-up with a new special edition, this time based on the Megane RS. Sales for the Renault Megane RS Red Bull Racing Edition will be available in 24 countries across Europe and will begin in late Summer 2012.

The special racing edition of the Renault Megane is painted in a very cool Etoile Black exterior color combined with the contrasting use of Renault's Sport’s emblematic Sirius Yellow for the F1-style front blade, door mirror housings, and diffuser. There is also a black checkered flag pattern decal on the roof and a Red Bull Racing logo on the sides.

For the interior, Renault is offering Recaro bucket seats, a specific gear lever knob, and a numbered plaque. The special edition will also come with a Cup chassis, a limited slip differential, and red brake calipers as standard, as well as an R.S. Monitor that takes its inspiration from the on-board telemetry systems seen in motor racing. This system allows purists to adjust the parameters of the driver aids and benefit from the display of data on the dashboard.

Renault Megane RS Red Bull Racing Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 14:00 EST.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

Posted: 02 Jul 2012 05:00 AM PDT


After being rumored for about three years now, the new V12 Vantage Roadster is finally here! Aston Martin hasn’t released any details on it just yet, but the first official images and specs have already surfaced the web. Before you get too excited, we have to tell you that this news comes with a dark side: the new V12 Vantage Roadster will be limited to only 101 units making it almost as exclusive as the One-77 and the V12 Zagato supercars.

Just like the coupe version, the V12 Vantage Roadster will be powered by a 6.0 liter V12 engine that delivers an amazing 510 HP and 420 lbs-ft of torque. Unlike the coupe, however, the new roadster has received a few updates: a revised rear deck lid with a re-designed spoiler, a redesigned front air gurney, and modified front and rear suspensions. These changes were made in order to ensure that the open-top version would have the same aerodynamic results as the coupe.

UPDATE 07/02/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster.

Hit the jump for the full review on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 2 July 2012 12:00 EST.

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2014 Maserati Quattroporte revealed in patent drawings

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 05:00 AM PDT


The many spy shots we have seen for the next generation Maserati Quattroporte have all been heavily camouflaged, leaving us completely unsatisfied. Thankfully, some internet ninjas have found a series of patent drawings registered at the European Patent Office of the new Maserati Quattroporte, so we can get a somewhat clearer view of the future luxury sedan.

The patent drawings reveal that the next Quattroporte will get a new exterior design language, just as Maserati already promised we’d see. There will be a much sharper front-styling inspired by the Kubang concept car unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and the same tail-light design as revealed by the spy shots.

As for what we already know, the new Quattroporte will be moved to an entirely new rear-wheel drive platform that will use lightweight aluminum extensively to reduce the total weight by about 330 lbs. Under the hood, we will see a supercharged V6 and a twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

The new Maserati Quattroporte will be making its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, so stay tuned!

2014 Maserati Quattroporte revealed in patent drawings originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 12:00 EST.

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Ducati 250 Mark 3

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 05:00 AM PDT


The Ducati 250 Mark 3 first made its appearance at the 1967 Cologne show and it only took a year before the bike was being prepared for production duty.

Before receiving Taglioni’s celebrated Desmo engine, the 1967 250 Mark 3 featured a 249 cc SOHC single engine that’s mated to a five-speed transmission. In addition, the 250 Mark 3 also featured a host of other features, including a 10-to-one compression ratio and a Dell'Orto SS1 29D carburetor, allowing the bike to hit an impressive top speed of about 89 mph.

As far as the model is concerned, the one that was offered at the RM Auctions came with its original blue and gold paint. Some signs of fading have appeared on the bike, but not enough to warrant any concern. Finally, the bike also has a set of attractive Borrani alloy rims, Marzocchi forks, and Smiths gauges.

Put them all together and you have an estimated bid price for the bike at around €3,000 - €4,000, which is around $3,800 - $5,200 based on current exchange rates. Actual selling price was $3,788.

Ducati 250 Mark 3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 12:00 EST.

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TVS Scooty Teenz

Posted: 11 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT


Indian bike maker TVS has a product for all kinds of consumers. Yes, that even counts the ladies. Their latest offering to the female market is called the TVS Scooty Teenz, an electric scooter that’s fixing to get some lady love in the Indian market.

In an effort to attract the market, TVS went with a style over substance approach, opting to dress up the Scotty Teenz in a number of color options and aesthetic refinements, including new body panels, rear view mirrors, grab rails, and plenty of other comfort features. The e-scooter also has puncture resistance tires and an auto choke system that allows the bike to start effortlessly in less than ideal weather conditions.

More than just the design details, the Scooty Teenz is also a scooter that performs pretty well relative to its market. The bike’s class-leading suspension system and the twin telescopic forks in the front side increases the already comfortable ride. There’s also a single shocker that has been added at the rear side so as to gain better rigidity of chassis and riding comfort.

With power not being all that of a necessity, TVS went with an approach that highlights looks and comfortable riding for the Scooty Teenz, two qualities that women hold in high order in their list of scooter requirements.

Hit the jump to read more about the TVS Scooty Teenz.

TVS Scooty Teenz originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 11:00 EST.

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