Carsfresh

Amazing Garage in Saigon, Vietnam

2012-05-18T00:39:00.001-07:00

On May 16, Tan Sy, our photographer, has visited a garage in Saigon, Vietnam. And as you can see from the images, there are many supercars in this amazing garage, such as the Lamborghini LP670-4 SV, BMW Serie 6 Coupe, Rolls-Royce Ghost and the Mercedes C63 AMG. He also said that all will be maintained to prepare for the 2012 Car&Passion in August.

BMW M6 MotoGP Safety Car revealed

2012-05-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

BMW has just announced plans to present the M6 MotoGP safety car at this weekend's M Festival at the Nurburgring 24 Hour endurance race.

The German carmaker declined to release details, but the car will come with plenty of lightweight carbon fiber parts, such as a front splitter, a gloss black grille, side mirrors and a prominent rear wing. There's also a light bar, BMW M livery and a special lightweight titanium race exhaust system from Akrapovic providing a combination between weight saving and a captivating sound.

No infomation about performance modifications, but we want to reminder you that the standard M6 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 552 hp and 680 Nm of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, allowing the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan confirmed

2012-05-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

GM has finally confirmed plans to offer the next Holden Commodore to the U.S. as the Chevrolet SS performance sedan.

According to the Detroit carmaker, the model will be rear-wheel drive and is possibly offered with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine with 426 hp and 569 Nm of torque.

The production model will go on sale in late 2013 as a limited production 2014 model and the NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar variant will debut at the 2013 Daytona 500.

"As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it."

The Chevrolet SS performance sedan will most likely be shown as a production version at next year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Ferrari 458 Spider Monaco Edition by Mansory

2012-05-17T07:18:00.001-07:00

German tuner Mansory has revealed an upgrade package for the Ferrari 458 Spider.

Named the Monaco Edition, it's basically the same Siracusa 458 package which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The supercar is equipped with a carbon fiber bodywork which includes a restyled front apron with air inlets for the front coolers, a new hood and modified side skirts with integrated ducts. There's also an integrated diffuser, a rear wing and carbon blades to replace the rear window for an additional 60 kg saved in weight.

For added performance, thanks a reprogrammed ECU, sports air filer and a sport exhaust system, the standard engine is now produces 582 hp and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the Italian supercar to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 330 km/h.

To handle the extra power, Mansory installed a set of 21 inch forged wheels wrapped in Michelin PS2 tires, new shock absorbers and 20 mm lowering springs.

Only three examples of this Ferrari 458 Spider Monaco Edition will be made.

Mercedes Concept Style Coupe promo released

2012-05-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has recently released the first promotional video for the all-new Concept Style Coupe.

According to the German carmaker, the model is based on the MFA platform and measures 4,637 mm long, 1,891 mm wide and 1,398 mm tall. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 208 hp. The engine is mated to the company' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

The final production version is expected to be hit the market in 2013.

VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron vs Lamborghini Aventador vs Lexus LFA vs McLaren MP4-12C

2012-05-17T06:46:00.001-07:00

MotorTrend has just released their latest Head 2 Head featuring four supercars in a drag race battle. We have the Lexus LFA from Japan, the Lamborghini Aventador from Italy, the McLaren Mp4-12C from United Kingdom and the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

The result is visible below.

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Stealth by GSC

2012-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

German Special Customs (GSC) has recently introduced a new tuning package for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG.

Called the Stealth, the package features an aerodynamic body kit with new bumpers with an integrated LED daytime running light, revised side skirts, a front apron with massive air intakes and a ventilated hood. There's also a blacked grille with the GSC emblem, a carbon fiber rear diffuser and a rear spoiler.

Under the hood, thanks to an additional water cooler, a sports exhaust system and larger turbochargers, the 5.5-liter V8 engine is now produces 740 hp and 1,150 Nm of torque from the standard 550 hp and 800 Nm. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of approximately 350 km/h.

To handle the extra power, the tuner offers a KW coilover with adjustable suspensions on the front axle and a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with Continental tires.

Volvo S60L under development

2012-05-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

According to a recent report from China Car Times, the Swedish carmaker Volvo is developing a long-wheelbase version of the S60 for the Chinese market.

Expected to be called the S60L, the model will be produced at the company's Chengdu plant later this year, with an estimated 200,000 cars per year.

The S60L will apparently be sold alongside the S80L which has reportedly found little success. The S80L could not compete with the Audi A6L, BMW 5-Series Li and the Mercedes E-Class L.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione by Wheelsandmore

2012-05-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Wheelsandmore has recently released a tuning package for the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

According to the German tuner, the supercar is equipped with a foil wrap, matte black accents, a special coilover kit with adjustable compression and rebound, and a set of 6 Sporz² forged alloy wheels with Hankook S1 Evo tires.

In terms of power, Wheelsandmore offers two stages of engine upgrades. The first stage ($2,138) features a revised ECU which enables the 4.7-liter V8 engine to produce 463 hp and 500 Nm of torque - an increase of 19 hp and 30 Nm. The second stage ($8,552) adds a sports exhaust system which enables the engine to develop 478 hp and 520 Nm of torque.

McLaren MP4-12C crashed in Germany

2012-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

A McLaren MP4-12C has recently crashed in Kirchheim, Germany.

According to Wreckedexotics, besides the McLaren MP4-12C, in just a few hours, a Corvette, Maserati GranTurismo and a Dodge Viper ACR have also crashed on the same stretch of German motorway. The McLaren supercar in question was only 2 months old.

As we have previously reported, the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 592 hp at 7,000 rpm and 443 lb-ft of torque between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm. This allows it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 mph.

BMW 5-Series Touring by Kelleners Sport

2012-05-16T05:53:00.001-07:00

Kelleners Sport has recently released a comprehensive upgrade package for the BMW 5-Series Touring F11.

According to the German tuner, the tuning package offers a new front bumper fascia with lower lip spoiler, new side skirts, three piece polished stainless steel air vents and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.

Inside, the cabin comes with pedal sets and footrests made from polished aluminum, a leather trim with contrasting seams and stitched seat cushions.

Under the hood, Kelleners provides a performance increase of approximately twenty percent for the petrol as well as the diesel engines. The 535d will get 376 hp instead of 313 hp and 756 Nm of torque instead of 630 Nm, while the 550i reaches 490 hp (standard 407hp) and 720 Nm of torque instead of 600 Nm.

To handle the extra power, the car would be equipped with a 30 mm lowered suspension and a choice of two lightweight alloy wheels, Hamburg and Berlin, which come in a 19- or 20-inch size, available in silver, platinum of matt black finish.

Skoda Citigo Rally concept teased for Worthersee Tour

2012-05-16T05:23:00.001-07:00

Skoda has recently released the first teaser image of the Citigo Rally concept, ahead of its official debut at the 2012 Worthersee Tour.

According to the Czech carmaker, the Rally concept is based on the three-door hatchback and features an aggressive front bumper with large air intakes, a ventilated hood, extended side skirts and a roof scoop. There's also a prominent spoiler, a center-mounted exhaust system, a fresh set of 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires and a race-spec interior.

Besides the rally car, Volkswagen’s sub-brand will unveil the Citigo DJ. The company says that the model will open up to reveal a stage and a mixing station. It is equipped with a strong sound system to keep visitors entertained throughout the event.

2013 BMW 135is coupe and convertible revealed

2012-05-16T04:11:00.001-07:00

Only a few days after the introduction of the M135i, BMW has officially revealed the 135is Coupe and Convertible.

Set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall, the models are distinguished by gloss black accents, a high-gloss black grille, a sport-tuned suspension and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin comes with sport seats with M-blue contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals and special badging.

According to the German carmaker, the 135is also features a new differential with an electronic rear brake management system, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), better brakes and a performance exhaust system.

Power comes from a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (N55) with 320 hp and 429 Nm of torque - an increase of 20 hp and 23 Nm. It can be mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission.

The 2013 BMW 135is coupe will start at $44,145, while the convertible costs $48,845, including the $895 destination and handling charge.

McLaren MP4-12C Spyder coming this year

2012-05-15T19:36:00.002-07:00

According to a report from Car and Driver, McLaren will unveil the roadster version of the MP4-12C supercar later this year, which will most likely be called the MP4-12C Spider.

Accordingly, the sports car will feature a retractable carbon fiber roof and is powered by a 3.8-liter V8 engine with 592 hp at 7,000 rpm and 600 Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

We expect that the McLaren MP4-12C Spider will be revealed at the 2012 Paris Auto Show in September.

Marussia B2 sports car sold out

2012-05-15T19:05:00.001-07:00

According to a report by Dutch site De Telegraaf, the Russian-designed and Finnish-built Marussia B2 sports car has already been sold out with all 500 pre-orders have been taken.

The second model in the Marussia lineup was first shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 1,100 kg supercar is powered by a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 414 hp and 600 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.

The Marussia B2 will go into production in Spring 2013.

2013 Renault Espace facelift previewed

2012-05-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Renault has released the first pictures of the Espace facelift, ahead of its debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

According to the French carmaker, this is the second facelift of the fourth generation MPV after it was originally updated for a first time in 2006. As you can see from the images, the model has a single frame grille with a larger and better integrated logo compared to its predecessor, along with revised headlamp and a newly designed front bumper. There's also some changes at the back, mainly the tail light graphics and the bumper.

In an official press release, the company said "Four generations on, the Renault Espace success story continues, and all the strengths that have helped forge the model’s popularity have been carried over to the latest version, including its trademark cabin space, modular layout, comfort and safety for all occupants."

More details about the 2013 Espace will be revealed in the beginning of July.

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype revealed

2012-05-15T18:12:00.002-07:00

Porsche has recently released the first official images and details of the all-new 918 Spyder.

Developed to rival the Ferrari Enzo successor, the pre-production prototype is powered with a hybrid powertrain which includes a 562 hp 4.6-liter V8 engine, a 107 hp electric motor on the front axle and a 121 hp electric motor on the rear axle. As such, the supercar has a combined output in excess of 770 hp.

According to the German carmaker, the 918 Spyder can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 325 km/h. In terms of efficiency, the car will return 3.0-liter per 100 km (78.4 mpg) with CO2 emissions of roughly 70 g/km. In full electric mode, it can travel at least 25 km.

The Porsche 918 Spyder will enter production in September 2013 and the first deliverers are expected to commence before the year ends. The model will start at $845,000 in the U.S. and costs €645,000 in Europe.

New Infiniti G37 to launch Spring 2013

2012-05-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

In a recent interview with Inside Line, Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan and Infiniti's Global Business Unit, has confirmed plans to launch the new generation G37 in spring 2013.

The executive also said the new G37 will use engine made in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and will also ride on the same platform with the future C-Class.

As planned, the first car of the G-series will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January next year.

2013 Audi RS4 Avant promo released

2012-05-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Audi has just released a new promotional video for the new generation RS4 Avant.

According to the German carmaker, the model comes with the large hexagonal grille with aluminum style finish, a set of LED daytime running lights, the large air inlets, front splitter, which gives it the look of a race car, a dual oval exhaust and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with 265/35-series tires.

Inside, the cabin has a pair of sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals and a carbon fiber trim.

Under the hood, the 2013 RS4 Avant is powered by a hand built 4.2-liter V8 engine with 444 hp at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of torque between 4,000 to 6,000 rpm. The power is send to the Quattro all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. This can be increased to 280 km/h upon request.

Hybrid Ferrari Enzo successor to be introduced later this year

2012-05-14T19:16:00.001-07:00

In a recent press release on the company's first quarter results, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed plans to introduce the Enzo successor later this year.

"We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average," said di Montezemolo. "At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

The Ferrari Enzo successor is expected to use a hybrid powertrain which includes a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V12 engine and two electric motors. This could enable the 1,134 kg supercar to have a combined output of approximately 920 hp.

Opel and Vauxhall to launch three new engines next year

2012-05-14T18:53:00.003-07:00

Opel and Vauxhall have just announced plans to introduce three new engines within the next year to replace most of their current petrol and diesel engines.

While two of them still remain a mystery, the first new engine will be a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol with direct injection and Start/Stop technology. Dubbed the SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC, it can produce up to 297 hp at 4,700 rpm and 300 Nm of torque 1,700 rpm. According to the German carmaker, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 13 percent over the current turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol.

Opel / Vauxhall's director of gasoline engines, Thomas Johnen, explained "Our new 1.6-liter direct injection engine is a real giant in terms of torque. Power builds up very smoothly and quietly."

Production of the 1.6-liter Turbo will begin at GM's Szentgotthardt facility in Hungary later this year. Of course, the unit will be offered on a wide range of models.

Lamborghini Gallardo Toro by DMC

2012-05-14T18:23:00.001-07:00

DMC Design has recently introduced their latest styling and performance package for the Lamborghini Gallardo, dubbed the Toro.

According to the German tuner, the supercar is equipped with a carbon fiber body kit that includes a new front lip spoiler, rocker panels, aerodynamic side skirts, side mirrors, a bigger rear diffuser and a prominent wing. There's also a set of 20-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped around tires size 9.5Jx20 (235/30ZR20) on the front axle and 13xJ20 (325/25ZR20) on the rear.

For added performance, thanks to a revised ECU and a titanium sports exhaust system (aka straight pipes), the 5.2-liter V10 engine is now produces 592 hp and 575 Nm of torque.

MINI John Cooper Works GP II revealed

2012-05-14T17:59:00.001-07:00

MINI has recently revealed a new special version of the John Cooper Works, called the GP II.

Dubbed as the fastest production Mini in history, the GP II version has managed to achieve a Nurburgring lap time of 8 minutes 23 seconds which is a full 19 seconds quicker than the previous generation JCW GP which had a supercharged 1.6-liter with 210 hp and 244 Nm of peak torque.

According to the British carmaker, the model comes with a new aerodynamic body kit that includes large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts, a bespoke roof spoiler and a rear diffuser with central tailpipes. Inside, the rear seats have been removed and rearranged dashboard that focuses on the driver.

Other racing features include an adjustable sports suspension, high performance brakes, four-spoke lightweight alloys and race-spec tires.

Engine options were not announced, but rumor says that it will have around 220 to 230 hp.

The John Cooper Works GP II will be unveiled at the MINI United festival in Le Castellet, France on May 13. Production is scheduled to begin later this year with a total of 2000 units.

2013 Chevrolet Trax coming to Paris

2012-05-14T16:01:00.004-07:00

Chevrolet has recently announced plans to introduce the 2013 Trax at the Paris Motor Show this autumn.

According to the North American carmaker, the crossover is the third car to be built based on Buick Encore, but unlike the sibling, it features a revised front fascia with new headlamps and a prominent grille.

Engine options remain a mystery, but we can expect a 1.6-liter petrol with 113 hp, a turbocharged 1.4-liter petrol with 138 hp and a 1.7-liter CDTI diesel with 128 hp.

The 2013 Chevrolet Trax will be offered in more than 140 countries across the worlds with Mexico to be the first market to launch the model later this year. However, the company has no plans to offer the car in the United States.

Tesla Model S launch ahead of schedule

2012-05-14T07:22:00.003-07:00

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently revealed his intentions to launch the Model S ahead of its initial schedule.

Accordingly, the company plans to begin initial deliveries in June - one month ahead of schedule. Later 5,000 Model S units will be delivered by the end of this year.

In an official press release, Tesla Motors said, "Dear Fellow Shareholders, we are pleased to report that we have nearly completed all regulatory approvals and certifications required to begin delivery of Model S to our customers in the United States. Thus, we anticipate that initial deliveries will begin in June, ahead of our announced schedule of July".

As a reminder, the Model S will be available at three power levels: 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh. The top version can accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 4.4 seconds and has an extended range of 483 km. The base model will start at $ 57,000, but thanks to a $ 7,500 tax credit the total price will be lowered to just $ 49,500.