Carsfresh

Ferrari 599XX Evo to be auctioned for earthquake victims

2012-05-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

To raise funds and help the families affected by three earthquakes in northern Italy this month, Ferrari will open an international on-line auction through its www.ferraristore.com website next week.

According to the Maranello based sports carmaker, the auction will see a €1.3 million 599XX Evo being sold and all proceeds will be donated for the people who need to rebuild their lives.

In addition, the auction will also include a Formula 1 V8 engine, along with racing suits and helmets donated by the Scuderia’s drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, as well as other racing memorabilia like prancing horse watches.

Lexus RX270 to be launched in Australia next month

2012-05-31T06:18:00.001-07:00

Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has recently announced plans to offer the RX270 in Australia.

Set to go on sale next month, the entry-level SUV is powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 hp at 5,800 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. It will be offered exclusively with front-wheel drive instead of AWD system to improve the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

In this market, the Lexus RX270 will be priced at around $70,000 Australian (US$69,000) and will compete with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.

Diesel-Powered Maseratis to get fake engine noises

2012-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

According to a recent report, Maserati is considering fake engine noises for its diesel models.

Speaking with What Car, Maserati's vice president of product development, Roberto Corradi said diesel-powered models could be equipped with a sports exhaust system and a device that emits an artificial engine sound through the car's speakers. This way at least, it will deliver a sportier sound experience for people inside the car.

The report also says that the system could debut on the production version of the Kubang concept in 2014.

2013 Mercedes GL63 AMG officially revealed

2012-05-31T05:04:00.001-07:00

Mercedes-Benz has just officially revealed the 2013 GL63 AMG, which will compete with the BMW X5M, Toyota Land Cruiser and the Range Rover Supercharged.

According to the German carmaker, the model marks a historical moment in the brand’s lineup, because this is the first official AMG-induced version for the GL-Class. It will be launched in Europe in November, but US customers will have to wait until the first quarter of 2013.

As you can see from the images, the GL63 AMG is distinguished by its larger air intakes on the front fascia and the quad exhaust layout at the rear. In addition, the car also features a sports grille, flared arches, a cool rear diffuser and 21-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood, the high-performance model is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine with 550 hp and 760 Nm of torque. The power is transmitted to the permanent four-wheel drive system via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G Tronic, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. In terms of efficiency, economy figures are 12.3-liter per 100 km with CO2 emissions of 288 g/km.

Abarth Punto SuperSport revealed

2012-05-30T20:06:00.001-07:00

Abarth has recently released new details of the Punto SuperSport, which has been unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Accordingly, the most powerful version of the Punto is distinguished by matte black accents, Grey Campovolo body stripes and a fresh set of 17-inch alloy wheels. In addition, the high-performance model also features a modified exhaust system, a high performance braking system, Koni shock absorbers and a low ride height.

Inside, the cabin comes with sport leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the Blue&Me connectivity system. There's also automatic climate control, stainless steel pedals and unique floor mats.

Power comes from a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with 178 hp at 5,750 rpm and 270 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 216 km/h. In terms of efficiency, it returns 6.1-liter per 100 km (46.3 mpg UK / 38.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 142 g/km.

Only 199 units will be produced and Italian pricing starts at €21,900.

Puritalia 427 teased

2012-05-30T19:29:00.002-07:00

The Italian carmaker Puritalia has recently released the first teaser image of their 427 supercar, which will be officially unveiled on July 1.

Described as having Italian design and American muscle, the sports car is based on the American Shelby Cobra and features a lightweight body.

Additional information is limited, but the 1,000 kg car will reportedly be powered by either a 445 hp V8 engine or a supercharged V8 producing up to 605 hp.

Source: Autoblog.nl

Chrysler 300C to be launched in China in June

2012-05-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

The North American carmaker Chrysler has recently announced plans to offer the new generation 300C in China.

Set to go on sale on June 25, the car will have a starting price of 500,000 yuan ($78,000 / €63,000) and is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine with 236 hp and 540 Nm of torque. This allows it to achieve 7.2-liter per 100 km in a combined cycle. Depending on the wheel size, this engine has a corresponding CO2 figure of 185 to 191 g/km.

The first generation 300C in China costs around 300,000 yuan ($47,000 / €37,000), but its lower price also did not bring good sales.

BMW M6 with six-speed manual transmission confirmed

2012-05-30T08:00:00.003-07:00

BMW has recently revealed the M5 with a manual transmission, and now the 2013 M6 Coupe and Convertible will also get a six-speed manual transmission, though could be delayed until 2014.

Reports have stated only one in every 100 M5 buyers in the U.S. wants a manual transmission, but the German carmaker is still hoping that demand will increase for the M6.

As we have previously reported, the 2012 M6 is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 560 hp, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This allows the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, while the convertible is 4.3 seconds. Both have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, but that can be increased to 305 km/h with the M Driver's Package.

VIDEO: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta hits the road

2012-05-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta has recently been caught on the road for the first time in Maranello, a little town in Italy. This car is allegedly a demo car for interested buyers.

Developed in the collaboration between Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, the most powerful Ferrari road car is powered by a 6.3-liter V12 engine with 730 hp and 690 Nm of torque. It is mated to a dual-clutch transmission, allowing the 1,525 kg supercar to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 340 km/h.

According to a new report from the Italian carmaker, the F12 Berlinetta will also be presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.

Ferrari and Maserati closed after second earthquake

2012-05-29T19:19:00.001-07:00

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake has rocked northern Italy this morning, hit the Modena province at approximately 9am local time.

The quake kills 10 people and another 200 injured. According to the Italian Civil Protection Agency, it has almost destroyed the small towns of Cavezzo, Medolla and Mirandola, and was severe enough to temporarily halt production at automakers Ferrari and Maserati.

Fiat Chairman John Elkann confirmed the company has suspended operations. Ducati also shut its factory, but with no clear date when production is set to resume.

This is the second earthquake this month in the region, the previous earthquake centered near Finale Emilia, killing 7 people on May 20.

Lamborghini LP550-2 Balboni crashed in France

2012-05-29T18:50:00.004-07:00

A Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni has recently been crashed in Vienne, France.

According to Leprogres.fr, the driver of the rear-wheel drive supercar attempted to pass a Renault Express, lost control at speed, hit the car and a fire hydrant before landed on the grass. Two people in the French vehicle were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries. Meanwhile, the driver and passenger of the Italian supercar, which were two sisters, fled the scene of the accident in a Fiat 500.

As a quick reminder, the $219,800 LP550-2 Balboni is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine with 542 hp, allowing the 1,380 kg car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 360 km/h.

Mercedes CLS tuned by Vitt Performance

2012-05-29T18:19:00.002-07:00

Vitt Performance has reccently introduced a new styling package for the second-generation Mercedes CLS.

As you can see from the images, the four-door coupe has been equipped with a wide body kit (€11,573) which includes an AMG-inspired front fascia with generously-sized air intakes, a set of front and rear fender extensions, revised side skirts and door panels. There's also a new rear bumper with an interesting rear diffuser and vents for the rear wheel wells.

The Japanese tuner also offers a large rear spoiler (€1,348) and a four-tailpipe exhaust system with oval RS-style tips.

2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line revealed

2012-05-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen has recently revealed the first photos of the 2013 CC R-Line, which will be officially unveiled at the Auto Mobil International Show in Leipzig on June 1.

Set to go on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year, the model comes with a new front bumper with a larger lower air intake, bigger fog lights, redesigned side skirts, a chrome grille with the R logo, shaded taillights and a set of unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin features heated 12-way power front seats, stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates, rain-sensing windshield and a multifunction steering wheel for the DSG-equipped model has paddle shifters.

Under the hood, the car is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine with 200 hp, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe starts at £61,390 in the UK

2012-05-29T06:41:00.001-07:00

BMW has just announced the pricing for the 6-Series Gran Coupe in the UK.

Set to go on sale this June, the 6-Series Gran Coupe will have a starting price of £61,390 for the 640i, £63,900 for the 640d and £70,650 for the 650i.

According to the German carmaker, the entry-level 640i is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine with 316 hp and 35.8 mpg combined. Next, the 640d has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine with 309 hp and 50 mpg combined. Lastly, the top of the range 650i features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with 444 hp and 31 mpg combined. All engines are mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features include alloy wheels (18-inch on the 640i/640d, 19-inch on the 650i), Dakota leather upholstery, BMW Professional Navigation with a 10.2-inch high-resolution display, front and rear Park Distance Control, Keyless Go, two-zone climate control, electronic two-way steering adjustment and heated front seats.

Mercedes SLS AMG crashed in Poland

2012-05-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

A Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been recently crashed at the intersection of the streets Beethoven and Sobieski in the capital of Warsaw, Poland.

According to Wreckedexotics, the German supercar has collided with a Ford Mondeo at an intersection and the Mondeo driver was at fault. As you can see from the images, the damage to the SLS looks severe but fortunately no one was seriously injured in the crash.

McLaren MP4-12C memoR by Hamann

2012-05-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hamann has recently released a new series of official pictures of their memoR package, which has been unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

According to the German tuner, the memoR is a special package for the McLaren MP4-12C. It features a new front bumper with integrated LED lights, a roof scoop, new side skirts, a redesigned hood with integrated air vents, a large rear wing and an extensively redesigned rear end with a three-way exhaust pipe and a massive new diffuser.

The exterior design is completed with a glossy black finish with a red racing stripe running along the center and 21-inch alloy wheels, covering the yellow brake calipers.

Jaguar XF Alive Edition to be launched in Italy

2012-05-29T05:21:00.001-07:00

A special edition of the Jaguar XF, called the Alive Edition, will be launched in Italy in the near future.

According to the British carmaker, the special edition will come with new bumpers, low air intakes, a redesigned rear spoiler and 19-inch Eagle wheels. Inside, the cabin has six-way electrically adjustable front sports seats, aluminum sports pedals and a standard satellite navigation system.

Under the hood, engine options include a 2.2-liter and a 3.0-liter engine, but detailed specifications haven't been announced. Jaguar says that the 2.2 model will have a starting price of €47,000, while the 3.0 version will cost €57,550

More details will be announced soon. Stay tuned!!!

Ferrari FF on fire in Poland

2012-05-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

On May 27, a Ferrari FF supercar has caught fire while driving near Krakow, Poland.

According to autokult.pl, the fire started spontaneously near the engine bay and burst into the cockpit through the cars pedals. The driver attempted to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful until firefighters arrived. The blaze destroyed the whole engine bay and interior. Fortunately he managed to escape unharmed.

While the cause remains a mystery, this is the third Ferrari FF wrecked by fire, after similar incidents in Germany and China.

Top Car Cayenne Vantage 2 Lemon introduced

2012-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Russian tuner TopCar has recently introduced the Vantage 2 Lemon.

Based on the Porsche Cayenne (958), the model has a two-tone body color with citreous lemon and lime accents. It features a complete Vantage 2 body kit which includes modified bumpers, TopCar Vantage front grille, revised side skirts, kicker plates and wheel arch extenders. There's also a ventilated bonnet, a rear diffuser, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a set of quad exhaust tips designed in the style of the iconic Carrera GT.

Inside, the cabin was equipped with black perforated leather, lime-colored piping and special floor mats.

2013 Ford Focus ST UK pricing announced

2012-05-28T19:06:00.002-07:00

Ford has just announced the pricing for the 2013 Focus ST in the United Kingdom.

Set to arrive in UK dealerships this Friday, the five-door hatchback will start at £21,995 while the estate version costs £23,095.

Standard features include Ford Power keyless start, Recaro sport seats, DAB radio, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the range-topping ST3 model adds heated, leather seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and keyless entry.

Available options include rado-grey alloys wheels, red brake callipers and illuminated scuff plates.

Under the hood, the performance car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine with 247 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The power is send to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission system, allowing the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 6.5 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, while returning 39.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.

Porsche 911 Club Coupe Special Edition

2012-05-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

To mark the 60th anniversary of the first Porsche Club, Porsche has recently announced a new limited edition of the 911, named the Club Coupe.

Based on the 911 Carrera S, the special version comes with the new Powerkit upgrade which provides an extra 30 hp to 430 hp, the SportDesign package which adds a new front fascia and a duck tail rear spoiler, and an Espresso interior. There's also a "Brewster Green" body color, 20-inch SportTechno alloy wheels and the PASM package with suspension lowered by 20 mm.

Production will be limited to 13 units with each car will also get the lettering "911 Club Coupe" on the door, but the German carmaker will keep one for itself. So only 12 examples of the 911 Club Coupe are available exclusively to Porsche Club members, when it goes on sale on July 16. Pricing in Germany is €142,831 excluding VAT.

First Aston Martin One-77 crashed in Hong Kong

2012-05-28T17:58:00.001-07:00

An Aston Martin One-77 has been recently crashed in Hong Kong.

According to Wreckedexotics, the British supercar has been driven into a kerb at high speed and this image reveals the car on a low loader being taken away from the scene of the accident. Reports have stated the super exotic has been recently delivered to its customer.

There were no other cars involved in the crash and fortunately no one was injured. This is the first known wreck of the One-77.

As a small reminder, the Aston Martin One-77 is powered by a 7.3-liter V12 engine with 750 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission, allowing the $1.9 million car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 200 mph.

2013 Toyota Venza pricing announced

2012-05-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Toyota has recently announced the 2013 Venza will start at $28,510, including the $810 destination charge.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the facelifted crossover is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited. The entry-level LE has a starting price of $28,510, while the Limited edition costs $39,780.

Standard features include: an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, integrated turn signals in the side mirrors, a blind-spot mirror, rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps, three 12-volt power outlets, dual-zone climate control and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with integrated audio controls. In addition, new on the 2013 model is the Toyota Entune multimedia system.

Under the hood, the LE and XLE versions are powered by a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 23 mpg combined (FWD), while the Limited model features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 268 horsepower and 22 mpg (FWD) combined. Both are mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, while All-wheel drive is offered as an option.

Car insurance and winter driving

2012-05-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Car insurance can protect you against loss or damage that is common while driving in the winter months. While car insurance is essential all year round, in winter your car can be particularly at risk because of adverse weather conditions.

Car insurance could protect you financially if you are involved in an accident. In winter, with slippery roads and limited visibility, car accidents are a greater risk on the road. If you have an accident, your car insurance policy could help cover the costs and third party cover will mean that anyone else involved may also be covered, if the accident is shown to be your fault.

In 2010 there were 209,000 casualties on British roads, according to the British parliament’s Reported Road Accident Statistics 2011 briefing paper1 - danger on the road is therefore a real concern. But what can you do to drive safely during the winter months?

Keep car in garage: this will keep your car warmer when the temperature drops, and you shouldn’t have to defrost your windscreen either. As an added bonus, cars are usually safer in a garage than being left out on the driveway, as there can be a reduced risk of theft.

Drive slowly: take your time when driving in wintry conditions. You may not be able to see clearly in snow or heavy fog for example, so you may have to drive below the usual speed limit.

Check your tyres: tyres without sufficient tread or grip could cause poor braking or cause an accident. Change your tyres regularly, and consider snow chains for your tyres if you live in a particularly snowy area.

Defrost glass: defrost your car windows and window screen so you can see clearly.

Don't drive at all: if the weather is really bad, only make absolutely necessary trips. It's safer not to drive at all.

You could experience bad weather abroad - so you should ensure that your car insurance policy covers you whilst driving in the EU too. Good car insurance will usually cover your legal liability to others while using your car within the European Union - this means you don't need an International Motor Insurance Card to drive in these countries. You may also receive the same level of cover given in your Policy Schedule while holidaying in Europe if you take out a good car insurance policy. This is particularly useful if you’re travelling to European countries with a colder climate, where you might encounter difficult winter driving conditions.

By taking care when driving in the winter, and ensuring you have the best car insurance policy, you will feel safer whatever the weather.

[1] - www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN02198.pdf

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Nissan e-NV200 electric van confirmed for production

2012-05-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

Nissan has recently announced that the production version of the e-NV200 concept will go on sale in 2013.

Based on the NV200, the all-electric van will be built at the company's plant in Barcelona, Spain and will be the second EV in the companies fleet, joining the Leaf.

The final production version will have a functional and roomy interior as well as class-leading running and class-leading running costs.

Nissan Executive Vice President, Andy Palmer said "e-NV200 represents a genuine breakthrough in commercial vehicles and further underlines Nissan’s leadership within the electric vehicle segment. The new model will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditionally powered compact van, but with zero CO2 emission at the point of use and provides outstanding driving experience that is unique to EV’s".

The Japanese carmaker expects more than 700 jobs to be created due to the production.