Babes of Detroit Auto Show No comments yet
Brabus GL 63 Biturbo Pumps Out 650hp No comments yet
German tuners Brabus released their version of the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class last month at the Dubai Motor Show. The Brabus GL 63 Biturbo has been fitted with the Mercedes eight cylinder engine from the ML 63 AMG, tuned to deliver 650 horsepower and up to 850 Nm of torque.
If that number sounds familiar for Brabus, it is because the company used the same engine and tuning package on their ML 63 Biturbo. That SUV debuted in Geneva a year ago with a top speed of 310 km/h (192.6 mph).
The GL 63 is a bit slower, with a top speed of 300 km/h (186.4 mph), and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.7 seconds. The engine is mated to a modified version of the Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. It includes a customized, and more responsive twin turbo system, large water-to-air intercooler, with other upgrades to the intake and exhaust, brakes, suspension, and tires. The vehicle now rides on forged 23-inch wheels. 21- and 22-inch wheels are also offered.
GM Reaches Agreement to Sell Saab to Spyker No comments yet
DETROIT - General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today confirmed that they have reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB.
“Today’s announcement is great news for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, great news for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide, and great news for GM,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances.
“General Motors, Spyker Cars, and the Swedish government worked very hard and creatively for a deal that would secure a sustainable future for this unique and iconic brand, and we’re all happy for the positive outcome,” Smith said.
Lorinser Treats Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe with Acura-esque Beak No comments yet
Take that you devilish Acura-grille haters; with or without knowing it, famous Mercedes-Benz tuner, Lorinser, has followed in the footsteps of Honda’s luxury arm crafting a beak-like grille on the 2010 E-Class Coupe. The new radiator grille is part of Lorinser’s most recent package for the two-door German model.
Acura beak aside, body changes include a redesigned front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, new side skirts, a trunk lid spoiler, a rear bumper with a diffuser and a four pipe exhaust system.
2010 Nissan GT-R New FIA GT1 Race Car 1 comment
Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) has announced that it has signed a deal with two teams for the FIA GT1 World Championship series in which the R35 GT-R will compete in 2010.
The R35 Nissan GT-R will be raced by the Sumo Power GT team from the UK as well as the Swiss Racing Team. Further details, such as the driver lineup, will be released later on.
The GT-R is a rear-wheel drive GT1 racer and comes with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter VK56DE V8 engine tuned to 600 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a 6-speed transmission from Ricardo by way of a carbon triple-plate clutch and grips the ground with 18-inch x 13-inch forged wheels by Rays.
Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market No comments yet
For some, driving a Mercedes-Benz roadster is special enough. But when the local high-end mall is surrounded by row upon row of the Three-Pointed Star, some look for a little something extra special. For such European customers, Mercedes has launched a pair of special editions.
The SL Night Edition comes in black with 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, silver brake calipers and darkened light housings front and rear. The interior gets black nappa leather with arrow-shaped, silver-tone stitching, as well as a special steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining and special touches to the Airscarf ventilation system.
Honda show Insight Sports Modulo Concept, more at Tokyo Auto Salon No comments yet
For the aftermarket scene, SEMA isn’t the only show in town. Well, in that particular town – Las Vegas, that is – maybe, but not in the world. Europe’s got Essen, and Japan’s got the Tokyo Auto Salon. With the latter fast approaching, Honda has revealed what they’ve got up their sleeves for this year.
First is the Insight Sports Modulo Concept you see above. Based on the Insight hybrid, the concept demonstrates what Honda’s Modulo customization range can do for the company’s Toyota Prius rival. And if the idea of tricking out a hybrid seems strange to you, remember that this is the automaker that just gave us the CR-Z.
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept No comments yet
Are you ready for the year of the Volkswagen? The German giant is planning to release more cars in 2010 that it has in any single year in its history, and it’ll start things off with a bang in Detroit. Meet the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept, the latest in a new trend of sporty hybrids.
Sporty hybrids? Indeed. The trade-off for stellar fuel economy has long been lackluster performance and a boring drive, but today’s automakers are looking to change that inequity. Not to be upstaged by Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid, Volkswagen has unwrapped its own sport-oriented hybrid coupe, called the NCC for short.
Volkswagen says the NCC is meant to slot between Europe’s sporty Scirocco and the larger CC, a position currently held by the Jetta. At 178.5 in. long, 70.1 in. wide, 55.6 in. tall, and riding on a 104.4-in. wheelbase, the NCC is within 3 inches or less of the Jetta in every dimension. It has a stretched wheelbase, identical width, and lower roof. Is this the next-generation Jetta coupe Volkswagen enthusiasts have pined after? Perhaps.
