Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Audi RS Q3 Concept

The Audi Q3 RS shows Audi "exploring the potential" of a high-performance SUV. It has been unveiled at the Beijing motor show ahead of the standard Q3's launch into China later this year.The concept is the first time Audi’s RS skunkworks has developed anything other than a conventional hatchback, saloon or estate. Mercedes’ AMG performance arm has long been producing high-performance SUVs,

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Lamborghini Urus Concept

The Lamborghini 4x4, previewed at the Beijing motor show today as the Urus concept and set to go into production in 2016, is crucial to the firm’s goal of nearly tripling sales and securing its future, according to boss Stephan Winkelmann.Lamborghini is targeting annual sales of 3000 luxury 4x4s, on top of around 1500 to 2000 Aventador and Gallardo models. “Lamborghini needs a third model

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Ford Ecosport

Ford has pulled the wraps off four new models, including three SUVs, at the Beijing motor show. The move is part of the brand’s commitment to introduce 15 new vehicles to China by 2015.Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa said: “We are ready to demonstrate aggressive growth this year in China, the most exciting car market in the world."Centre stage in Beijing is the Ford

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 JAC Heyue SC

The JAC Heyue SC, one of the homegrown stars of Beijing, is China’s latest attempt at creating a credible sports car. JAC has confirmed the car will go on sale in China priced from 200,000 Yuan (£19,700).The Heyue SC is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 162bhp and 160lb ft of torque, and mated to a manual gearbox. Previous Chinese attempts at sports coupés haven’t fared

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Honda Concept S

When it makes production, the Concept S will be sold in global emerging markets. It’s mainly targeted at China however, hence its Beijing launch. The S stands for “stylish, smart and surprise”.It is powered by an unspecified hybrid powertrain.Honda has also confirmed it will launch its Acura ILX and RX models in the Chinese market later this year. The new NSX will also be launched in the

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Honda Concept C

Honda has revealed two new concept cars at the Beijing motor show. The Honda Concept C previews a new budget saloon for the Chinese market and the Honda Concept S trails a new global compact car.The Concept C, the C standing for “cool, challenge and China”, features angular styling inspired by a dragon. Honda’s operations in China completely led the product planning for the car, while the

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: BYD-Daimler Denza Concept

Daimler and Chinese car maker BYD (Build Your Dreams) have revealed the Denza concept at the Beijing motor show. Prototypes of the production model are already at large in major cities across China prior to a market launch next year.The venture aims to combine BYD’s battery technology (its original business was making batteries) with the manufacturing, technological and design clout of

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Renault Talisman

The Renault Talisman saloon has been unveiled at the Beijing motor show. The Talisman is a Chinese market version of the Samsung SM7.The Talisman, formerly known as the Safrane, will be built alongside the SM7 in South Korea. Both cars use the Renault-Nissan Alliance J31 platform, which is also seen in China underneath the Dongfeng-Nissan Teana joint venture saloon for the Chinese market.

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Aston Martin Dragon 88

Aston Martin has taken the wraps off three ‘Year of the Dragon’ special edition models at the Beijing motor show. Available on DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S Coupe models, the Dragon 88 Limited Edition-spec cars (of which there are 88 in total) are finished in one of three colours - Amethyst Red, Volcano Red and Champagne Gold - and feature 24-carat gold wing badges.Each car's

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Jeep Wrangler Dragon Design Concept

Also on Chrysler Group’s Beijing stand is the Jeep Wrangler Dragon Design Concept. Based on a China-market Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the Dragon design concept adds matte black 18-inch five-spoke alloys clad in 35-inch off-road rubber. Bronze-gold details also feature on the concept, a colour associated with the dragon. Inside, for example, the Jeep’s cabin gets a laser-etched dragon

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Chrysler 300 Ruyi Concept

Chrysler is marking its return to the Chinese market with a Chrysler 300 Ruyi design concept, which “blends modern American design and technology with tradition-rich Chinese symbols”, according to the marque.Based on the 3.0-litre V6-powered Chrysler 300C saloon, the 300 Ruyi (meaning ‘as one wishes’) is finished in ‘Maximum Steel’ paint and features dark chrome touches to the door handles,

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Chery TX Concept

The stylish Chery TX SUV concept, on of the stars of the Beijing motor show, previews a replacement for the Tiggo SUV in Chery’s line-up and is perhaps the most credible car yet seen from a Chinese domestic manufacturer.Chery, China’s fourth-largest car maker that recently confirmed a joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover, also plans to use the TX as a blueprint for its future designs. The

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Volkswagen E-Bugster Cabriolet Concept

Volkswagen is previewing the look of its new Beetle cabriolet with an open-top version of its electric-powered E-Bugster concept at the Beijing motor show.The latest E-Bugster retains the earlier concept’s bold look, but it swaps its speedster-style roof structure for a roofless profile that insiders suggest provides clues to the look of the new Beetle cabriolet.Unlike the previous Beetle

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Fiat Viaggio

Fiat has turned the US market Dodge Dart into a new Fiat-badged saloon for China. The Fiat Viaggio is at the Beijing motor show and will go on sale there in the third quarter.The four-door, five-seat Viaggio will be the first model to built in a new plant in China as part of a joint venture between GAC and Fiat.Changes over the Dart are minimal, and focus on giving the new Italian-designed

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Mercedes G63 AMG

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has been revealed at the Beijing motor show in China, with company bosses predicting a surge in sales for the the iconic car, which is expected to now cost around £110,000 in the UK."At present 40-50% of G-class sales are AMG models, and we expect that figure to grow with the arrival of the new-look model," said AMG boss Ola Kaellenius in Beijing. "The

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 BMW 3-Series Li

BMW has showcased its new BMW 3-series long-wheelbase saloon at the Beijing motor show.The new 3-series variant - available for the Chinese market only – has its wheelbase extended by 110mm compared with the standard car to substantially increase rear legroom. The long-wheelbase model is available in BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li guises and will be built in China’s new Shenyang

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Citroen Numero 9 Concept

This new Citroën Numero 9 concept is the first in a new wave of DS models. Revealed at the Beijing motor show, the Numero 9 previews the styling direction that the next three DS models - a VW Jetta sized premium saloon, an SUV and a BMW 5-series sized executive saloon flagship - will take.The Beijing launch of the new concept coincides with the introduction to China of the existing DS3, DS4 and

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Mercedes CSC Concept

The Mercedes Concept Style Coupé (CSC) has received its debut at the Beijing motor show. The model previews the forthcoming Mercedes CLA compact saloon, which was confirmed for production at the show today by Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche.He described the CLA junior saloon, inspired by the success of the CLS and due on sale next year, as the"rebel"."It is the avant-garde sibling that strives

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: BMW i8 Spyder Concept

This open-top BMW i8 Spyder concept will be turned into a production variant of the petrol-electric hybrid supercar in 2015, BMW sources have told Autocar.The i8 Spyder is the third pre-production version of the revolutionary 90mpg-plus, 155mph supercar. It’s received its first public airing at the Beijing motor show today.This concept is said to give extra clues to the production coupé,

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Toyota Dear Qin Concept

Toyota has revealed three new concept cars at the Beijing motor show. They star among a vast Toyota show stand that’s home to 38 vehicles, and are designed to boost Toyota’s presence in the country by launching locally-developed models.The Toyota Dear Qin concept is at Beijing in both saloon and hatchback guises. It previews a new compact global car that will be launched next year.The model

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: Toyota Yungdong Shuangqing Concept

Toyota has revealed three new concept cars at the Beijing motor show. They star among a vast Toyota show stand that’s home to 38 vehicles, and are designed to boost Toyota’s presence in the country by launching locally-developed models.The Toyota Yungdong Shuangqing is a sleek hybrid saloon concept that was developed at Toyota’s Chinese R&D centre.The concept previews Toyota’s latest

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Nissan Sylphy

The Nissan Sylphy New-G is described as an-all new global saloon, but really it's the next generation Sylphy. The car, which received its debut at today's Beijing motor show will spearhead the firm's assualt on emerging markets. Nissan says 'New G' means 'New Generation' as it is a new take on the car, and a big step on from the old Sylphy.It is aimed at emerging markets and tagged as one

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Range Rover Evoque Victoria Beckham Edition

The long-awaited Victoria Beckham-designed Range Rover Evoque has been revealed at the Beijing motor show today. Just 200 units will be produced, with a price tag insiders hint will be around £80,000.When the Evoque was first previewed in London in summer 2010, it was announced that Beckham had joined the Land Rover design team and would work with design chief Gerry McGovern on an exclusive

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition

Bentley will make 60 unique special edition versions of the Bentley Mulsanne to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Each car represents a year of her reign, the first of which is on show at the Beijing motor show.Each model boasts a series of royal-inspired features over standard Mulsannes and have been created by Bentley’s exclusive Mulliner division. Mulliner created the Queen’s state

Beijing Show 2012 Highlights: 2012 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

The new Jaguar XJ Ultimate is the most luxurious – and expensive – version of Jaguar’s big saloon ever launched. Revealed at today’s Beijing motor show, the XJ Ultimate takes inspiration from stablemate Land Rover’s Range Rover Ultimate Edition, which was a sell-out success in 2011 in spite of its £125,000 price tag.Jaguar has yet to officially price the XJ Ultimate, but sources indicate it

New Car: 2012 Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition

Bentley is celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years on the throne with the Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition. Only 60 will be made – one for each year of Her Majesty’s reign – with each inspired by the Bentley State Limousine presented to the Queen in 2002. That means bespoke gold stitching on the headrests, veneered tables in the rear with a logo depicting the royal carriage and a set of

New Car: 2013 BMW 3 Series Li

Making its debut at the Beijing Motor Show next week will be a stretched version of the new BMW 3 Series. Built specifically for the Chinese market, the BMW 3 Series Li is 11cm longer than the standard car and will be produced at BMW's new plant in Shenyang. It will be offered with a choice of three petrol engines. This includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 181bhp and 270Nm of

New Cars: 2012 Mini Cooper Green Park & Hyde Park

While some consider the Mini Cooper sporty and economical transportation, just as many view it as more of a fashion statement. The brand’s latest creations, the Mini Hyde Park and Mini Green Park, draw inspiration from two of London’s most famous public venues, and are meant to appeal to the more style-conscious Mini’s customers.Named after two famous parks in London, the Hyde Park and Green

Spied: 2015 McLaren F1

What It Is: A prototype of McLaren’s sequel to the legendary F1 supercar. The original F1, produced in the 1990s, was an exotic among exotics. It featured a 618-hp BMW V-12, lots of carbon fiber, and a $1,000,000 price tag. This F1 successor, due for 2015, is expected to deliver performance on par with the mightiest supercars out there, including the Bugatti Veyron and the Lamborghini

Unofficial Picture: Lamborghini Urus Concept

Photos of Lamborghini’s much-anticipated Urus SUV concept have leaked out ahead of its official unveil at the Beijing auto show. Once the Urus reaches production a few years from now, it will ride on a platform shared with the next-generation VW Touareg, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne, as well as the production version of Bentley’s forthcoming SUV. The VW Group’s powertrain parts bin is deep

New Car: 2013 Mercedes Citan

The Mercedes-Benz Citan compact commercial van has come to life online in advance of the RAI commercial vehicles show in Amsterdam. The Citan small commercial van, teased a couple months ago, is the first joint product to come from the Daimler and Renault-Nissan partnership and will join the Sprinter and Vito in the German automaker’s commercial van range. Based on the Renault Kangoo, the

Spied: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP II Coupe

A Mini John Cooper Works Coupe that’s been given the GP treatment, caught wearing very little camouflage. It’s already been confirmed that the high-performance Mini JCW GP II hatchback model is coming to the U.S. by the end of the year—we’ve even spotted one out testing—but this is the first time we’ve caught wind of a Mini JCW Coupe GP II. The Mini is wearing a few GP hallmarks, namely a set

Unofficial Picture: Mercedes Concept Style Coupe

It’s rare when a model shifts as radically from generation to generation as has the Mercedes-Benz A-class. In this case, though, such shifts shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: The A has always been a bit radical, ever since its introduction in 1997 as competition for the perennially popular VW Golf. The Merc’s seating position was higher than in typical compacts, in the fashion of wildly

Hot News: Holden to Make New Car for Chinese Market

Holden announced earlier today that it had signed an agreement with Shanghai-GM, to assist in the development of two new cars specifically for the Chinese market. Holden will work hand in hand with GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) to develop the new vehicles which will be based on GM’s world platforms but tailored specifically for the Chinese auto market. The models and the

Unofficial Picture: 2013 Mercedes G63 AMG

Official photographs of the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG have been published on the internet ahead of the performance SUV’s planned public debut at the Beijing motor show in China.Flaunting a deep new front bumper with large cooling ducts, a double slat grille, side mounted exhaust pipes exiting ahead of the rear wheels and characteristic five spoke AMG alloy wheels, the G63 AMG enters the

First Sketch: MG Icon Concept

MG Motor will be unveiling the Icon at the Beijing Motor Show this month; a Juke-rivalling SUV concept thought to hint at a production model for the brand. These sketches are our first look at the five-door model and they reveal the MGB-inspired design, including the wide-mouth grille and round pontoon-mounted headlights. Underneath, the Icon is expected to ride on the same chassis as the

Hot News: Is McLaren Working on Super Estate?

McLaren is working on a top-secret shooting brake estate, Auto Express has learned – and we’ve produced these exclusive images to show how it could look. The new model will be based on the MP4-12C and will be similar in concept to the Ferrari FF – although it won’t have the Ferrari’s £230,000 price tag. Instead, McLaren will position the car as a more practical alternative to range-topping

New Concept Car: Audi RS Q3

When Audi released the Q3 into the premium small-ute segment to mingle with the likes of the BMW X1 and Acura RDX, it wasted no time in confirming a 314-hp version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five developed for the TT RS. Audi confirmed the turbo five would be offered in the U.S.-spec Q3, an announcement made after the company unveiled the winter-sports-themed Q3 Vail concept at this

New Car: 2013 Chang'an Raeton

Chang’an Automotive has released the first pic of the Chang’an Raeton, formerly known as Chang’an CD101. The Reaton is Chang’an biggest car so far, it will debut next week at the Beijing Auto Show and it will be listed on the China car market near the end of this year.Earlier spy shots from the interior. Power comes from Chang’an’s own 2.0 ‘JL486Q’ engine, good for 152hp and 192nm. There will

First Sketch: Chery TX Concept

Chery has released two official pictures of the Chery TX SUV concept that will debut at the Beijing Auto Show next week. At the show it will sport a techy green engine that will disappear as soon as serious development starts. The TX SUV is expected to hit the China car market within two years.By that time power will come from 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 gasoline engines. The TX will likely be

New Car: 2013 Proton Preve

The wait is over. Proton has officially introduced its latest addition to the fold with the arrival of the Prevé. The car was launched an hour ago by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at the Mines Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan. It’s a huge car for the company, as its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin stated at the launch. “The

New Car: 2013 Toyota Aurion

The wraps have come off the locally-made second generation Toyota Aurion, revealing a new take on the large car which is bigger than its predecessor but lighter, more efficient and with more standard features. Toyota is using the "attainable luxury" catch-cry for the new Aurion, which launches this month and comprises five models, starting at $36,490 for the AT-X which undercuts its Holden

Spied: 2014 Lexus IS

Our spies have spotted the next generation Lexus IS testing. The new BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class rival has been seen with a modified version of the current car’s body. This version has been in showrooms since 2005, so is substantially older then its competitors. Lexus has confirmed that the next IS will look more like a shrunken version of the new GS, which goes on sale in June.

Spied: 2014 Ferrari Enzo

The new Ferrari Enzo has broken cover for the first time. It was spotted testing in the grounds of a high-speed test track in Germany, and the rival to the Porsche 918 Spyder and upcoming replacement for the McLaren F1 sports very heavy camouflage. Underneath lies a dramatic carbon body, carbon chassis and a new mid-mounted V12 engine. There are clear visual clues that it's a Ferrari,

Spied: 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia

A facelifted Vauxhall Insignia has been spotted testing. The masked Insignia in these images shows the current car – which was introduced in 2008 – with a taped up nose disguising the revisions.There’s a new nose treatment, likely with a new grille and revised headlamps. A similar facelift will take place at the rear, with tail-lights and surrounding fascia tweaked to sharpen up the

Spied: 2014 Mercedes A25 AMG

The formula for building a modern Mercedes-Benz AMG model usually starts with a turbocharged engine sending all that tire-scorching power to the rear wheels. That’s why the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG is such a departure for Affalterbach, as it’s its first front-drive based model in pretty much ever. Our European-based automotive paparazzo recently caught an A25 AMG mule wearing very

Time to say goodbye to blogger: New website!!

As promised: a new website.The name BMW Cafe Blog doesn't cover the content of my blog anymore, as far as I'm concerned. Furthermore I feel the blogspot-templates don't offer what I want. So it was time to take the plunge and start my own website under a new name.Shit Built Bikes was already taken by Harley Davidson, so please welcome:Shedbuiltbikes.comFrom now on I will post my blog updates

Spied: 2013 Audi R8

The facelifted and significantly re-engineered Audi R8 that goes on sale this autumn has been scooped for the first time.Spotted testing at night in non-reflective paintwork, this otherwise undisguised R8 Spyder gives away the visual changes of the facelifted supercar, due to be revealed at the Moscow show this August.But the substantial changes are under the skin. There’s a new seven-speed,

New Car: 2012 Mazda 6 Venture Edition

The new Mazda 6 Venture Edition has been announced, hot on the heels of the Mazda 2 Venture Edition. The special 6 is based on the TS model, but adds a sports grille, 17-inch gunmetal alloy wheels and privacy glass, while Dolphin Grey Mica paint is available exclusively to the Venture Edition. Inside, there’s a TomTom satellite-navigation system, an integrated Bluetooth system, plus heated

Unofficial Picture: 2013 Fiat Viaggio

As is often the case, a new car has leaked online before it is scheduled to be shown at a major auto show. This time the car in question is the Fiat Viaggio sedan, which is supposed to debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. The Viaggio is a restyled and rebadged version of the 2013 Dodge Dart sedan.As we’ve previously heard, the Viaggio will go on sale in China under the Fiat-Guangzhou brand.

Recall Up Date: 2012 GM's Full-Size Crossover

Roughly 50,000 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave SUVs are being recalled by General Motors for windshield wiper arms that could fail due to snow and ice in northern states. The Problem: Due to snow and ice buildup that can occur on the windshield of the GM crossovers during winter months that can restrict the movement of the wiper arm, the arm may become loose and, eventually,

New Concept Car: Citroen Numero 9

This stylish concept car is the Citroën Numéro 9, and it debuts at the Beijing Motor Show as a way for the French automaker to celebrate the launch of its DS line of cars — the DS3, DS4, and DS5 — in China. Citroën reveals that this sultry concept previews the design of future DS-line sedan, SUV, and executive sedan models. The Numéro 9′s squat proportions initially remind us of the Volkswagen

New Car: 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Black Diamond

The Chevrolet Avalanche will soon be headed to the big ski slope in the sky: General Motors will axe the model at the end of the 2013 model year. The Chevrolet Avalanche was arguably groundbreaking when it first took to the streets in 2002, thanks to its half-and-half philosophy. The Avalanche had four doors and five seats, but also a pickup truck bed. The party trick, however, was the

New Car: 2013 Mercedes G-Class

Mercedes-Benz has updated the seriously old-school G-class SUV for 2013, but you’d never know it by looking at the rig’s exterior. That’s because almost nothing changes outside; this is a good thing. The rest of the G-class’s upgrades reside under its hood and behind its bank-vault-solid doors: A new interior, more modern amenities, and a new engine for the AMG model. Last year Mercedes sold

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Toyota Venza

The yin to the Honda Crosstour’s yang, Toyota’s Venza enters 2013 with mildly revised exterior styling, several new standard convenience features, and a smattering of updated option packages.Up front, the Venza’s grille is a bolder, cleaner interpretation of its original chrome arrangement. The lower inlet trades egg-crate mesh for a more traditional crosshatch pattern and is now ringed in

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Toyota Avalon

In the past, we’ve characterized this biggest of all Toyota passenger cars as more Buick than Buick. It was a tribute—if you can call it that—to the Avalon’s quiet, competent operation, anonymous styling, and generally unobtrusive character. However, Buick has begun to shed its dowdy image, leaving the Avalon as perhaps the de facto ruler of a class definable as premium conservative large

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Nissan Altima

The 2013 Nissan Altima, introduced at the New York auto show, is being pitched into a mid-size family-sedan market that has never had as many new, competitive models. By the end of 2012, all of the traditional big sellers in the segment (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford Fusion) will be either new-for-2013 or freshly launched in the last year or two. And that list doesn’t

NY Show 2012 Highlights: Honda Accord Crosstour Concept

Honda’s Crosstour has been a lightning rod for controversy since the first images of the crossover appeared on social networking sites back in September of 2009. Almost immediately, commenters began hurling insults towards the mid-size CUV, many disappointed that the (then called) Accord Crosstour was less wagon—as rumored early on in the model’s development— and more, uh, giant four-door

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Ford Explorer Sport

Ford is adding a new, sportier model to the 2013 Explorer lineup called, appropriately, the Sport. (Blue Oval utility freaks should note that this is still based on the regular four-door, three-row body style, and isn’t a revival of the old two-door Explorer of the ’90s and 2000s.) After scanning the Sport’s particulars, however, we’re thinking a SHO badge might have been appropriate, as

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave is built on the same GM Lambda platform as the GMC Acadia and the Chevrolet Traverse three-row crossovers, and with more than 58,000 examples sold last year, has managed to carve out a lucrative niche in its segment. But all good things must be refreshed—the Enclave was introduced as a 2008 model—so all three Lambdas are being reworked this year, with this 2013 Enclave

NY Show 2012 Highlights: Acura RLX Concept

Who says Honda—and by extension its luxury arm, Acura—is off the pace technologically? A big pile of evidence, for starters, among it the late adoption of direct injection and six-speed automatics, as well as decade-old infotainment systems. Attempting to push that pile into the dustbin is the Acura RLX concept, which makes its debut at the 2012 New York auto show.Per Honda/Acura practice,

NY Show 2012 Highlights: Infiniti LE Concept

The Nissan Leaf is getting a sportier sibling, the Japanese maker’s upscale Infiniti division finally pulling the wraps off a long-promised battery-electric vehicle at the New York motor show.The Infiniti LE Concept battery car shares most of the same underpinnings as the mainstream Leaf battery-electric vehicle, or BEV, but will be “more aggressive” in terms of both looks and performance,

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 SRT Viper

The new Dodge SRT Viper has been revealed at the New York motor show. The new American performance icon is lighter, more powerful and features a much more premium interior that borrows some materials from SRT's Chrysler Group siblings Ferrari and Maserati.SRT boss Ralph Gilles said that using a Ferrari or Maserati platform was considered for the new Viper, but the right proportions could not

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai has revealed more details about the next Hyundai Santa Fe at its debut at the New York motor show.The new car is codenamed DM internally, but insiders have confirmed it will keep the Santa Fe name as it is considered Hyundai's icon - it is twice as well known as any other Hyundai. It is expected to target improvements in refinement, design and practicality over the current model. The

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Lexus ES

The wraps have been pulled off of the Lexus ES at the New York motor show. Lexus has revealed that it plans to build the executive saloon in left and right-hand drive configurations to be sold in all major markets globally.Lexus says it plans to market the ES as a rival to the Mercedes E-class but at a lower price.The new model will be available as a hybrid for the first time. The Lexus ES

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Lincoln MKZ

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ saloon has made its debut at the New York motor show today. Lincoln claims the D-segment saloon marks a key milestone in the reinvention of the Lincoln brand. “The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance, said Jim Farley, Lincoln’s group vice president. “It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 BMW X1

The facelifted BMW X1 has been shown at today's New York motor show. The revisions come just two and half years after its entry level SUV was first revealed in production guise.The strong selling X1 receives a host of subtle exterior styling tweaks in a move that rids it of cheap looking black plastic cladding and attempts to provide it with a more up-market appearance.Changes include the

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Mercedes GLK-Class

Despite assurances from its head of research and development Thomas Weber at the time of launch back in 2008, Mercedes-Benz has failed to deliver on the promise of finding an “engineering solution” to allow the first-generation GLK, pictured here officially in facelifted form for the first time, to be sold in right-hand drive – even with basic rear wheel drive.The BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Land

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Fisker Atlantic

This is the Fisker Atlantic luxury saloon, which will spearhead the company’s ambition to produce a four-door, £40,000 electric rival to the BMW 5-series. It has been revealed today at the New York motor show.The car, known as Project Nina during most of its development, is angled as a model with more widespread appeal than Fisker’s first offering, the £80,000 Karma.Company chief Henrik

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 BMW M6 Convertible

The bmw M6 convertible is on display at the New York motor show.The convertible, which costs £98,995 when it goes on sale in the UK in September, shares the M5's potent twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine and seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox.With 552bhp and 502lb ft of torque, the engine develops 52bhp and 122lb ft more than the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 of the

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2014 Chevrolet Impala

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala has been revealed at today’s New York motor show. The all-new model is the tenth generation of the model, which was introduced in 1958.The styling is a huge leap forward over the current model, and is an effort to push the model upmarket.The saloon, which is based on the Vauxhall Insignia’s Epsilon II platform, has a sweeping profile and high-spec models are fitted

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Mercedes SL65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has followed up the unveiling of the new SL63 AMG with a first look at its big brother, the mighty Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG at the New York motor show.The new range topping SL model adopts the aluminium body shell and other weight saving measures of its lesser-engined siblings in a move that has seen its kerb weight slashed by a considerable 170kg to 1950kg.Under the bonnet

NY Show 2012 Highlights: 2013 Mercedes GL-Class

Mercedes is promising ‘S-class levels’ of ride comfort from the second-generation Mercedes GL luxury off-roader, which has been unveiled at the New York motor show.The seven-seater has been re-engineered in a bid to raise its competitiveness against the likes of Range Rover and Bentley’s forthcoming SUV.The new GL is 5120mm long, 2141mm wide and 1850mm high, making it slightly larger than its

Unofficial Picture: 2013 Mercedes GL-Class

The seven-seater Mercedes GL wasn't scheduled to be revealed until the New York Motor Show press day on Wednesday, but a Czech website has leaked these official images. The new GL comes with a more upright grille, flanked by LED daytime running lamps and chrome surrounds. The sump and rear underbody protection also get dashes of chrome, and completing the makeover at the rear are revised

New Car: 2013 BMW X1

A facelifted BMW X1 is set to be revealed at the New York Motor Show. The new car is due in dealers in September, with a number of styling changes. More of the car is now painted in the body colour, with BMW’s designers doing away with much of the rugged black bumper trim of the outgoing model. While the changes aren’t exactly radical, they make the nose appear sleeker and smoother. A new

New Car: 2013 Toyota Venza

We knew a revised 2013 Toyota Venza was in the works following last month’s sneak peak photo of its headlight. Today, the automaker showed off the updated crossover in its entirety. As expected, the most dramatic changes take place up front where the multi-slated grille has been replaced by a more simple, three-bar look—the waterfall effect, however, still remains. The headlights have been

New Car: 2013 Nissan Altima

The 2013 Nissan Altima, introduced at the New York auto show, is being pitched into a mid-size family-sedan market that has never had as many new, competitive models. By the end of 2012, all of the traditional big sellers in the segment (Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford Fusion) will be either new-for-2013 or freshly launched in the last year or two. And that list doesn’t

Hot News: 2014 Range Rover

This is the final look for the all-new Range Rover, which is undergoing its last few months of testing before an expected showroom debut early next year.The launch of the fourth-generation model brings with it the biggest technical leap yet in the Range Rover’s 42-year history as it switches to an all-new aluminium monocoque platform.The new Range Rover will be heading further upmarket, with

New Car: 2012 Kia Soul Inferno

Kia has introduced a new range-topping model to the Soul range called the Inferno, and it costs £18,695. The Soul Inferno gets red paint, ‘dragon’ decals, a rear spoiler and black 18-inch alloy wheels. Gloss black mirror housings, bumper inserts and headlight surrounds complete the look. Meanwhile, the interior gets full black leather upholstery, a red gearstick and mood lighting hidden in

New Car: 2012 Suzuki Swift Attitude

The Suzuki Swift Attitude has been announced, and it's limited to 500 models in total. As with the last Attitude special edition, it adds racy styling similar to the Suzuki Swift Sport to the standard SZ3 model. Unlike the Sport it's available in both three and five-door body styles, and uses the 93bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the standard Swift. This returns 56.5mpg

Unofficial Picture: 2013 Fisker Atlantic

We knew Fisker had another model in the works designed to be more affordable than its six-figure Karma sedan. Although there had been some teasers up until now, we hadn’t seen full pictures of the car. Well, here they are. Previously referred to as the “Project Nina” the rear license plate on the car clearly shows the name “Atlantic.” In the midst of election year politics, and the sudden

Sneak Peek Up Date: 2013 Dodge Viper

The hotly anticipated 2013 SRT Viper is nearly ready for its New York Auto Show debut, so its automaker is — what else? — posting another teaser on Facebook. We’ve already seen the car’s badge, what appears to be the front end, a Hot Wheels model, and the gear shifter. This time SRT has taken to Facebook and posted the last of its teasers, a head-on view of the car. We can see the front end,

Hot News: BYD & Daimler Release 'Denza' Brand

Daimler and BYD are one step closer to EV reality with the announcement of Denza, the official brand for the Chinese market electric car. The two companies formed a partnership in 2010 to build an all-electric vehicle. Details on the EV developed from BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd (BDNT) are not yet available, though a Denza concept car is expected to debut at the Beijing auto show next

New Car: 2013 Lincoln MKZ

With Mercury consigned to history, and Ford on a roll, all eyes at FoMoCo headquarters are on the Lincoln division and its struggle to attain a little more r-e-s-p-e-c-t. That’s the mission of this new Fusion-based sedan, the 2013 MKZ displayed at last January’s Detroit show as a concept, and in the New York show spotlight in production duds.There’s not a lot of difference between the

New Concept Car: BMW i8 Spyder

This open-top BMW i8 Spyder concept will be turned into a production variant of the petrol-electric hybrid supercar in 2015, BMW sources have told Autocar.The i8 Spyder is the third pre-production version of the revolutionary 90mpg-plus, 155mph supercar. It’s set for its first public airing at the Beijing motor show later this month.This concept is said to give extra clues to the production

Hot News: Fiat to Release 500 Crossover by Next Year

Fiat is lining up a replacement for the Fiat Sedici. The new model will become the fourth variant of the Fiat 500 range, and is expected to be called 500X. Jeep will launch a sister car targeted at North American and European markets.A Fiat source told Automotive News Europe that the new model will have a blend of SUV and hatchback styling. Its wheelbase of around 4200mm will make it the

Hot News: Baby Lexus RX is on Way

Lexus is planning a rival to the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5, Auto Express understands. The Toyota luxury brand has enjoyed huge success with the RX range, particularly in the US, but Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe, wants to focus on the class below. “We have been very slow to come to the market with a downsized SUV,” he told us. “This is an area of our range that you

Hot News: Subaru Plans to Release BRZ STi

Subaru has given the biggest hint yet that it is developing a hot STI version of its BRZ sports car – and there's a roadster on the way too. Talking to Auto Express at the launch of the new rear-wheel drive coupe, global marketing manager Atoshi Atake, said: "We have already had many requests from interested customers regarding a faster version. Let me say this - we will certainly satisfy

New Cars: 2013 Subaru Legacy & Outback

Two updated Subaru models, the 2013 Outback and 2013 Legacy, will make their public debut at next week’s New York auto show. The Subaru sedan and wagon each receive a more powerful engine, a more efficient transmission, and several other minor tweaks. The base engine in the Outback 2.5i and Legacy 2.5i is updated to the FB-series 2.5-liter boxer-four, which has dual overhead cams and produces

Recall Up Date: 2002 - 2004 Honda SUVs

Honda says it will recall certain 2002-2004 Honda CR-V and 2003 Honda Pilot SUVs to inspect and replace headlight wiring components.The Problem: The wiring of the headlight switch could potentially fail, causing the low beam headlights to malfunction, which could increase the risk of a crash at night. The automaker says no crashes or injuries due to loss of headlights have been reported. The

Hot News: 2015 Chrysler TD

What It Is: Fiat’s inadequate quid to Chrysler’s pro quo. In exchange for building the Jeep Grand Cherokee–based Maserati Kubang crossover—as well as the 200 and 300 sold as Lancias in Europe—Chrysler got Italian help with the styling, as well as the fluffing and tufting of  this compact folding-hardtop convertible. Why It Matters: Chrysler refuses to let go of its pseudo-luxury

The king isn't dead, but there's a new king :)

For the last three or four years I have been using a second hand Canon EOS400D DSLR for my photography. It's an excellent camera and I enjoyed using it hugely. I know it is nearing the end of it's life. Canon designed it for something like 40.000 photo's and it is way past that point, but still going strong!Last Friday, if they don't find a way to screw me again, I finally got the very last grade