Cosworth Boosts Hyundai Genesis Coupe to 389-Horses for 2012 SEMA Show

Famed British engineering design andmanufacturer Cosworth has collaborated with Hyundai to develop the "ultimate" Genesis Coupe in the form of the Cosworth Genesis Racing Series (CGRS) Concept, to be displayed for the first time ever at the upcoming 2012 SEMA showat the end of October.

As with any other Cosworth-prepped model, the highlight of the Genesis Racing Series study is the power lurking under the hood.

The British brand's engineers were able to squeeze another 41-horsepower and 30 lb-ft of peak torque from the standard 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 lifting output to 389Hp at 6,400 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. at 5,100 rpm, all while keeping the car street legal.

The SEMA Show model is also fitted with Cosworth brakes and sports suspension to improve handling.

The teaser renderings of the CGRS Concept reveal a series of exterior modifications, including a unique satin-gloss blue finish for the body, an aero front splitter, gunmetal-finish lightweight racing wheels, integrated rear spoiler, and blackout rear diffuser.

Hyundai also makes word of a race-like interior environment with bespoke seats, gear shifter, steering wheel and trims.

"The rear-drive Genesis Coupe is simply a great platform from which to build our ultimate Cosworth Genesis Racing Series street model," said Nicole Armbrustmacher, director of marketing, Cosworth Americas. "The Cosworth Genesis Racing Series Coupe truly demonstrates the purpose-built performance potential of the affordable Genesis Coupe line. We’re proud to partner with Hyundai for this ultimate racing series model," she added.

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BMW X1 Concept K2 Power Ride and X1 Power Ride Special Edition to Debut at LA Auto Show

At the same time the new X1 compact crossoverbegins to arrive in U.S. showrooms, BMW announced the development of two special variants named the Concept K2 Power Ride and X1 Power Ride Edition, both of which will receive their world premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November.

The X1-based Concept K2 Powder Ride was created by BMW in collaboration with winter sport equipment supplier K2 in celebration of their partnership that began in 2009. It blends bespoke exterior and interior features with an exclusive roof structure.

The latter is made from milled aluminum and has an asymmetric structure that incorporates two luggage boxes and a ski carrier, plus three LED spotlights.

The conceptual model is finished in a Valencia Orange metallic paintwork complemented by a distinctive graphic inspired from a limited-edition K2 ski. The premium crossover rides on an extra 8mm (0.3 inches) of suspension travel over the standard model and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey with polished spokes.

Other features found on the LA Auto Show study are the dark tinted side windows with matt Black surrounds and roof rails.

In the cabin, the X1concept sports Black Nappa leather with orange-colored contrast stitching for the seats and door trim, interior trim strips in Fineline Bay wood trim, K2 logos and an upgraded sound system from Harman Kardon.

The X1 Power Ride Edition is the limited production version of the concept and it will be available in the U.S. this winter only. BMW says that the car has been "especially tailored for those who make the most of winter on the slopes".

To this extent, the special edition is fitted as standard with a 460 roof box, a ski and snowboard bag in a design specifically created for this model and an exclusively designed pair of K2 LTD Powder Ride skis, available only in conjunction with the X1 Powder Ride Edition.

Also included in the package is the xLine option, which adds exterior elements in matt Glacier Silver, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and doorsill strips, a sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, fabric/leather upholstery for the seats, trim strips in dark copper and ambient lighting.

The all-weather floor mats, a fitted luggage compartment mat and a special decal on the doors and wheel arches round out the upgrades over the standard model.

The X1 Powder Ride Edition can be ordered in the non-metallic paint shades Black and Alpine White, as well as in Valencia Orange, Mineral White, Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Black Sapphire metallic finishes.

BMW plans to launch the X1 Powder Ride Edition in November 2012 in both X1 xDrive28i (2.0-liter turbo with 240hp) and X1 xDrive35i (3.0-liter turbocharged six with 300hp) guises, with pricing to be announced.

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2013 Lexus CT 200h Gains New 87g/km CO2 Base Model and Added Features in the UK

The 2013 model year brings a new lower priced and with less CO2 emissions entry-point S trim along with a revised grade naming and extra standard equipment features for the UK marketCT 200h.

The Lexus hybrid compact hatchback is now offered with a total of five model grades in Britain starting with the new S that is fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels and a larger rear spoiler, which help it return lower CO2 emissions of 87g/km compared to 94 g/km of the next model in the range.

The 2013 CT 200h S starts at £21,995, or £1,791 less than the previous SE-I entry-level grade of the outgoing 2012 CT 200h.

The Japanese carmaker has also made changes to the rest of the range. The SE replaces the SE-I and benefits from power-folding door mirrors, while the Luxury takes the place of the SE-L adding power-folding door mirrors and Smart Entry and Start.

The F Sport keeps its name but adds an electric passenger seat control plus Smart Entry and Start to its standard equipment, while SE-L Premiere is replaced by the Premier that gains a DAB digital tuner, single-disc DVD player and electric front passenger seat adjustment.

All models come with a revised front armrest with additional soft padding.

More details on pricing follow below.

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AC Schnitzer Launches Tuning Program for BMW 3-Series F30 Sedan [w/Video]

The BMW tuning specialists at AC Schnitzer first showed us their new bag of tricks for the latest 3-Series (F30) sedan at the Geneva Motor Showthis past March and now, the Aachen-based company has launched its performance and styling components onto the market.

Beginning with the power kits, AC Schnitzer helps the diesel-powered 318d achieve 169Hp (126kW / 171PS), up from the stock model's 141Hp (105kW / 143PS), and the 320d, 215Hp (160kW / 218PS) up from 181Hp (135kW / 184PS).

The performance upgrades for the petrol-engine 328i and 335i will boost their output to 290Hp (216kW / 294PS) and 355Hp (265kW / 360PS) respectively, with AC Schnitzer noting that both of these packages are still in the final development stage and will be released later this year.

Other mechanical components offered for the F30 range include a sports suspension spring kit that brings the car 25mm lower to the ground and a selection of sport exhaust systems with different tailpipe trims.

Customers have a wide choice of alloy wheel designs in sizes 18-, 19- and 20-inches wrapped around in performance tires.

Aerodynamic and exterior styling components include a front spoiler, chromed front grille, rear roof spoiler, boot lid spoiler and rear skirt extension, complemented by design stripes.

Inside, several elements of the F30's cockpit such as the "i-Drive“ system controller, handbrake handle, the aluminium pedal set and foot rest can be trimmed in aluminum.

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New BMW 3-Series Touring F31 Mollycoddled by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer's rapid attack on the new BMW 3-Series continues with the release of a plethora of visual and performance upgrades for the Touring (estate or station wagon in regular terms) similar to the ones it offers for the F30 sedan.

Exterior dress-up items include a front spoiler, a chrome front double-kidney grille, a rear roof spoiler, a rear skirt and design stripes by AC Schnitzer.

The aftermarket company also offers several interior upgrades and accessories for the 3-Series Touring, notably aluminum pedals and trims, a gear knob with digital display and custom floor mats.

Increased performance comes via the German tuner's engine kits that push the 318d's diesel unit to 169Hp (126kW / 171PS), up from 141Hp (105kW / 143PS), and the 320d's oil burner from 181Hp (135kW / 184PS) to 215Hp (160kW / 218PS).

Before the end of the year, AC Schnitzer will release its tuning take for the petrol-powered 328i that gets 290Hp (216kW / 294PS) and the 335i that achieves 355Hp (265kW / 360PS).

The mechanical upgrades continue with a spring kit combined with a lower suspension setting of 25mm and AC Schnitzer's usual mix of alloy wheels designs up to 20-inches in diameter.

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Audi Reportedly Kills Quattro Sports Car in Favor of an Evoque-like Coupe Crossover

Audi's automobiles have long been praised for their immaculate interior quality and ultra-safe road manners, but they have also been labeled as too clinical.

The R8 supercar changed all that mixing everyday usability with supercar-like performance and entertaining driving dynamics, but it is far too expensive for most buyers.

Having celebrated the original Quattro rally car’s 30th anniversary at the 2010 Paris Auto Show with the Quattro Concept, Audi fans hoped that a production version of the prototype would eventually hit the streets.

Despite the fact that Quattro GmbH boss Stephan Reil was optimistic about the chances of the concept being produced in limited numbers of around 500-1,000 units per year, the project is now dead, according to a report from the UK's Car Magazine.

The reason is because the automaker is more interested in the booming SUV and crossover segments, and believes a modern reincarnation of the original Quattro Coupe is a niche not worth pursuing.

If the magazine's report proves to be true, the coupe has been killed off in favor of a coupe-like crossover based on the upcoming Q2, which was previewed at the Paris Auto Show by the Crosslane Coupe.

While the Q2 will be a five-door, five-seater, the Q-Coupe is said to follow the lines of theCrosslane Coupe more closely since Audi is aiming at creating a rival to the successful three- and five-door Range Rover Evoque.

Both the Q2 and the Q-Coupe will be built on the VW Group’s brand-new MQB modular platform. The Q-Coupe will reportedly be powered by a version of the latest EA555 five-cylinder turbocharged unit, which in the current TT RS, has an output of 355-horsepower.

The other news is that, despite Audi abandoning plans for a sub-R8 sports model and VW doing the same with its Bluesport roadster, Car says that Porsche has decided to go at it alone, developing a “551” sub-Boxster that’s scheduled for launch in 2017.

Weissach has been quite ambivalent about the project until now. Sports car fans are surely hoping that with the Boxster having grown in size, Porsche will finally roll out a "baby Boxster" – though we wouldn’t rush to make plans just yet…

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Lamborghini Aventador LP900-4 Molto Veloce by DMC

Not that you really need to, but if you musthave a Lamborghini Aventador that stands out from its siblings both inside and out, you may be interested to know that German tuning brand DMC has presented its take on the Sant'Agata's wildest bull.

Basically, DMC offers two packages, the "Molto Veloce" styling kit and the "LP900" performance upgrade.

"The Molto Veloce's Body Kit aims at Aventador owners that seek to add a little more exclusivity to their LP700," stats Thorsten Grebers, Marketing Manager at DMC Germany. "The LP900 engine upgrade clearly targets speed enthusiasts."

On the styling front, the tuner straps on several new carbon fiber bits such as a bulging front lip spoiler, bumper trims, side skirts, a gigantic rear wing, and a rear apron complete with a diffuser and new exhaust pipes.

The Aventador also rolls on a new set of wheels with the rim painted in matte black and the spokes in the same color as the rest of the car.

The LP900 performance kit replaces the stock V12's overhead throttle valves per cylinder bank with 12 unique single intake throttle plates, one for each cylinder, and adds new pumps and lines, a reprogrammed ECU and a featherweight, titanium exhaust system said to weigh only 3.45 kg (7.6 pounds) or 1/10th of the regular exhaust (34kg).

DMC is keeping the performance numbers to itself, but we assume the LP900 moniker means the V12 now produces 900PS or 888hp.

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Porsche CEO Says Sport Turismo to Influence Future Models’ Design, Hints at New 'Ring Record Time

Talk to most people about the current Porsche Panamera's biggest flaw, and they are very likely to point towards its exterior design. Porsche’s foray in the segment may be a fine sports saloon featuring a nicely crafted interior, but its bodywork is unexciting to some, ugly to most.

Company CEO Matthias Muller talked to Motor Trend at the Paris Auto Show and said some very interesting things about the company's future models.

First of all, Muller revealed that the head- and taillights of the Panamera Sport Turismo concept, which was displayed in Paris, will gradually be applied to all Porsche models, starting with the Macan compact luxury SUV that’s due next year.

"These headlights will be the next generation of lights within Porsche, as with the rear. These three dimensional rear lights you will find with the Macan," said Müller. "And in the front, with the four ‘eyes’, this is also our idea for the future…Across the brand."

Muller continued saying that hybrids, and not all-electric cars, is the path chosen for Porsche’s low emission cars in the next decade.

“In Europe, as well as in America, we have had a huge discussion about battery electric vehicles”, he admits. “But from our point of view, such premium and huge cars are not prepared for only electric motors. We are convinced that the plug-in hybrid is the right answer in the next 5-10 years in that segment.”

With Porsche making quite a fuss about its upcoming 918 Spyder hypercar, MT naturally asked the company’s boss about the recent 7:14 Nordschleife lap.

“One year ago, we had a target of 7:20-7:22 or something. Last week one of our engineers drove one lap in 7:14. The record (ed’s note: for production cars) is 7:11”, noted Muller, adding that “I suppose by the end of the year we will have a new record at the Nürburgring.”

He even went as far as saying that the hybrid-powered supercar could set a sensational time: “If we’re lucky, it will be under 7 minutes… but, I don’t know, we’ll see.”

A sub-7-minute lap at the Nordschleife? Now, that would really work miracles for Porsche’s marketing department.

Even if the 918 makes the headlines, Muller insists that the 911 will always be Porsche’s flagship: “It’s the flagship model like the Carrera GT was 10 years ago,” he told the magazine. “We will have a limited edition, 918 cars, not one more. Of course, that is the flagship, but in serious production, the 911 is the flagship. The 911 is the icon of the brand.”

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Fostla Wants to Make Your Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster Look Like This

For the paltry sum of €30,000 or about $38,900 / GBP24,100, German tuning brand Fostla can take your stock, previous generation Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG from the R230 series, and rework it inside and out to give it a more unique look and at the same time, boost its performance credentials. Interested? Read on then.

Fostla begins with a wide body kit sourced from PRIOR-Design from their PD-Series that muscles up the SL55 AMG's wheel arches, side skirts and bumpers, while also adding black front grilles in a honeycomb design, mirrors, air vents and a rear diffuser with new powder-coated, quad tailpipes.

The side windows, headlamps and taillights are all tinted. The roadster model is then dressed in a matte yellow foil wrap and fitted with matching, two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels shod in appropriate tires in the dimensions of 265/30-20 on the front and 325/25-20 on the rear axle.

The suspension has been lowered with the tune finishing up under the hood where Fostla upgrades the V8 engine's ECU bumping output to 548-horses.

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VW Favoring Mexico Plant for North American Golf Mk7, Expected to go on Sale at the End of 2014

One of the reasons why Volkswagen hasn't officially mentioned anything about the North American availability of the new, seventh generation Golf that was presented at the Paris Motor Show last week, is because it hasn't reached a final decision on where it will produce the compact hatchback for the local market.

Nevertheless, that may change soon as VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told German magazine Automobilwoche, a sister publication of Autonews, that the company is leaning towards its factory in Puebla, Mexico, for the North American production of the new Golf. The same plant also builds the Jetta saloon.

Asked about the possibility of manufacturing the compact hatch at VW's new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which currently builds the American Passat, Winterkorn was negative.

"Chattanooga has exhausted its capacity," he said. "If we expand there, an SUV that ends up roomier than the Tiguan would have a good shot."

Winterkorn added that the automaker will have decided on the production site "in a matter of just a few weeks" and will be able to announce a sales date before the end of the year, with Automobilwoche stating that the Golf Mk7 should arrive in the United States at the end of 2014 or in early 2015 at the latest.

Currently, the new Golf is built exclusively at VW's German factories in Wolfsburg and Zwickau, with VW having made plans to produce the car in China as well starting from next year.

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ABT Sportsline Drops New Details on Upcoming 2013 Audi A3 Tune

As ABT Sportsline is nearing the end of the development phase of its new aftermarket parts for the 2013 Audi A3 hatchback, the German tuning brand of all things related to the Volkswagen Group wants to share new details on the performance and styling packages that will be bundled under the AS3 moniker.

According to ABT, the performance kits under development concern four engines at this time: the not yet released 2.0-liter TSI petrol that is said to be boosted from 217hp (220PS) to around 276hp (280PS); the 1.4-liter TFSI from 138hp (140PS) to 168hp (170PS); the 2.0-liter TDI diesel from 148hp (150PS) to 178hp (180PS) and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel from 181hp (184PS) to 207hp (210PS).

Other available upgrades will include new suspension kits and sports exhaust systems.

On the outside, the exterior of the new A3 hatchback is dressed in a body kit that includes ABT's version of the classic Audi grille, a front apron with a lip spoiler, side skirts, front fender air-vent trims, a larger roof spoiler and a rear apron incorporating a diffuser.

The package can be completed by a selection of lightweight alloy wheels available in both 18- and 19-inch sizes.

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Jaguar Boss Says F-Type is the Brand’s “Orientation Point”, Small Saloon and SUV May Come Next

The on-again, off-again “E-Type successor” saga that’s been dragging on for more than a decade finally ended with the launch of the F-Type roadster at this year’s Paris Auto Show.

Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark stated to Autocar magazine that the without the F-Type “our heritage would not be complete” and that the new sports car will form the core around which the rest of the brand’s future range will be built.

“From now on, the F-Type is our orientation point”, he said. “Without a sports car in our range, it has been possible for people to lose orientation about what Jaguar stands for. Other manufacturers who have strayed successfully from their core range have only done so if they have continued to invest in that model.”

Hallmark didn’t mention names, but a certain Stuttgart-based auto maker comes to mind…

He also dismissed criticism that the F-Type is priced too high, especially in the UK, saying that it offers Porsche 911 or Aston Martin Vantage performance “at prices well below them”.

British publication Autocar says Jaguar's boss conceded that the company’s next models will most likely be an SUV and a small premium saloon: “Whatever we do will be driven by the three pillars of our brand: innovation, design and performance leadership. Those three can be applied to different degrees in different cars, but they must always be present.”

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DMC Supercharges Maserati GranCabrio to New Horsepower Heights

After the GranTurismo coupe, it's time for German luxury and sports car tuner DMC to unleash a conversion kit of the convertible model of the Maserati series, named GranCabrio.

The comprehensive tune includes engine and suspension upgrades, along with new rims and several carbon fiber exterior parts for the soft-top beauty from Modena.

For performance purposes, DMC strapped a supercharger driven by a cogged-tooth belt tothe GranCabrio's 4.7-liter V8 engine, boosting output by 148hp (150PS) and peak torque by 82Nm (60 lb-ft) for a total of 582Hp (590PS) at 7,300rpm and 472Nm (348 lb-ft) of torque at 5,400rpm.

A sport suspension for both the front and rear axles lowers the vehicle’s ride height by around 30 millimeters (1.2 inches).

The exterior of the Italian sports car is upgraded as well, with a newly designed front bumper sporting a lip spoiler, side skirts with "zig-zag" end panels, and a new rear diffuser, all made from carbon fiber.

The looks is completed with the new color-matched 20-inch wheels wrapped around in tires size 255/30 R 20 at the front and 305/30 R 21 at the back.

As of the GranCabrio's interior, DMC uses leather with a chequered stitch and plenty of carbon fiber trims, along with aluminum pedals and a new steering wheel with a carbon fiber outer rim.

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Along Came a Spyder: Jay Leno Gets to Drive the World’s Only Open-Top Lexus LFA

We probably don’t need to tell you that comedian/TV host Jay Leno is a car nut who has his own show called, Jay Leno’s Garage; but we will, just for the sake of those few who may not have never heard of him.

Being a triple-A-list celebrity with his own series means that Leno is frequently invited by carmakers to drive their latest and greatest vehicles. Occasionally, he may even go ahead and buy one of them to add to his collection.

This time, the 62-year old TV host was invited to Toyota City in Japan to witness firsthand the construction methods of the Lexus LFA.

Watching the carbon fibers being loomed and Lexus’ employees slowly but methodically, assembling the V10-engined supercar is, in itself, quite interesting.

However, Leno didn’t fly to Japan just to watch the LFA’s assembly line at Toyota’s Motomachi plant. Having already driven the supercar a couple of months ago, he had the chance to drivethe only open-top LFA in the world.

It’s a white-colored, right-hand drive model built for a customer who, naturally, is not named. At all times, it remains an open-top since car, as it doesn’t come with any type of roof cover, not even a canvas-style like the old Murcielago.

Lexus has said that the Spyder is a one-off model and has no plans to build another one.

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New Crosslane Coupe Hybrid Points to the Design Language of Future Audi SUVs

A new concept that gives us a glimpse of Audi’s design language for its future crossovers was revealed today at the German automaker’s stand at the Paris Auto Show.

The Crosslane Coupe (which may or may not preview a Q2 production model), is built around an innovative Multimaterial Space Frame made from aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP).

The occupant cell is made of aluminum, as are the beams beneath the front lid that act as supporting members and join the single-frame grill to the passenger cell.

CFRP is used for the construction of the front and rear crash structures as well as the inner sills, the center tunnel, the bulkhead and the floor cross-members. The rest of the bodywork is made of GFRP reinforced, in part, with CFRP.

The use of lightweight materials results in a total weight of about 1,390 kg (3,064 pounds), including the large lithium-ion battery pack.

The Crosslane Coupe is a plug-in, dual-mode hybrid that combines an internal combustion engines, two electric motors, a battery pack and a single-stage transmission.

The combustion engine is a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter TSFI with an output of 130PS (128HP) and 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque. The TFSI engine is coupled to an electric motor, labeled EM1, with 68PS (67HP) and 210 Nm (154.9 lb-ft) of torque. The EM2 functions primarily as a starter and alternator and is coupled to the internal combustion engine via a claw clutch.

A second electric motor, the EM2, which has an output of 116PS (114HP) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque, provides electrical traction.

The concept's hybrid system has two different operating modes (hence the dual-mode moniker). From standstill to 55 km/h (34mph), it is driven solely by the EM2, which is powered by the 17.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. In serial mode, the three-cylinder and the EM1 produce electrical energy that charges the battery.

At speeds above 55 km/h (34 mph), the system allows the internal combustion engine and the EM1 to engage in the drivetrain, while above 128 km/h (80 mph) the internal combustion engine is the primary source of power and, if needed, can be aided by the EM1.

Total combined output is 177PS (174HP), with the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint being completed in 6.8 seconds in dual-mode and 9.8 seconds in pure electric mode. Top speed is 181 km/h (113 mph), electric driving range is around 85 km (53 miles) and fuel consumption can be as low as 1.1 lt/100 km (256.8 mpg Imperial, 213.8 mpg US) and CO2 emissions just 26 g/km.

The driver can choose between two settings: in “cruise” mode the drivetrain operates as efficiently as possible, while in “race” it produces maximum performance.

The two-door Crosslane Coupe is 4.21 m (164.2 inches) long, 1.88 m (73.3 inches) wide and 1.51 m (58.9 inches) high, has a 2.56 m (99.8-inch) wheelbase and a 2+2 seat configuration.

Its bodywork sports a single-frame grille that is divided by struts, LED trapezoidal headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and two narrow openings in the bonnet that let outsiders take a peek at the upper members of the aluminum Multimaterial Space Frame.

The Crosslane Coupe has an ultralight CFRP roof that weighs less than 10 kg (22 pounds) and can be released electrically and stored over the boot’s load area.

The side doors extend down thanks to the very low sills and when they open they reveal aluminum members of the chassis. At the rear, the flat C-pillar and the low glasshouse emphasize the “coupe” moniker in Audi’s concept moniker and the taillights, which are divided in two sections by the boot lid, are similar in design to the headlamps.

An aluminum diffuser is incorporated in the CFRP rear bumper and the boot, which forms a separate shell within the space frame, can be extended about 40 cm forwards by the push of a button. In this position, when the roof is removed it protects the luggage while at the same time an extra storage space under the boot becomes accessible.

The interior is mostly made out of CFRP with aluminum elements and the floor is made of GFRP. The low dashboard is driver-oriented, the instrument panel includes virtual displays and the air conditioning controls incorporate very small displays.

Both driver and front passenger seats feature integrated head restraints, part leather upholstery and are electrically adjusted, while the center console incorporates a large touchpad that controls most functions and a large selector lever that sprouts out electrically when the car is started.

You can scroll down to view the image gallery and the official Audi Crossover Coupe video right after the break.

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Mercedes-Benz's Striking Blue SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive Priced Close to Half a Million Euros

The pure-electric version of Mercedes-Benz's SLS AMG Gullwing supercar was revealed earlier than anticipated, no thanks to Germanpublication AMS that leaked the first photos of the production model ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show.

The new SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is the second model in the brand's range after the B-Class concept to incorporate the “Electric Drive” designation, which will be used on all battery-powered electric passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Smart.

The high-tech SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive utilizes four electric motors positioned close to the wheels, and which produce a combined output of 740Hp (552kW or 751PS) and a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft), making it the most powerful production AMG model of all time.

The battery-powered SLS AMG is said to accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.9 seconds with its top speed electronically governed at 250km/h (155mph).

First deliveries of the limited run SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive will begin in July of 2013 with prices in Germany starting at a whopping €416,500 (US$536,200 at the current exchange rates), or more than twice the cost of the petrol engine-powered SLS AMG GT (€204,680).

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2013 VW Golf GTI Study Officially Revealed in Paris, European Sales Begin Next Summer

Who are we kidding; it may be billed as a concept, but even VW doesn’t make much effort into hiding the fact that the "design study" that made its debut alongside the rest of the seventh-generation Golf models at the 2012 Paris Auto Show is actually the production version of the Mk7 Golf GTI .

The German automaker even released a launch date: the new Golf GTI in both three- and five-door body styles will go on sale in mainland Europe in early 2013 and in the UK next summer (no word yet on when it will arrive in North America).

The new GTI stands out from lesser versions of the Golf thanks to its honeycomb grille (first introduced in the Mk5) with double red-stipe accents, the smoked LED rear lights and license plate illumination, the red brake calipers behind the five-spoke alloy wheels and the 80 mm diameter tailpipes with a chrome finish.

Traditional GTI themes, such as the golf ball-shaped gear lever, the tartan cloth upholstery and the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel confirm that this is a production-ready car.

Like all Mk7 Golfs, the GTI rides on VW’s all-new MQB platform. It gets a variable-ratio steering system, which in theory at least, makes driving easier at low speeds while providing the necessary feedback when the driver is pressing on.

The big news is that the GTI’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder, direct injection turbocharged engine, not only is more powerful that its predecessor, but it will also be offered in two outputs, with buyers having the choice of two six-speed gearboxes, a standard manual and an optional dual-clutch DSG.

In standard spec, output is 220PS (217HP) and maximum torque 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) – 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) more than the previous model and equal to the Mk6 Golf R. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes 6.6 seconds and top speed is 246 km/h (153 mph).

Thanks to VW’s technology, which includes direct injection and a standard auto stop/start system, the manual gearbox-equipped GTI has an average fuel consumption of 6.0 lt/100 km (47.1 mpg Imperial, 39.2 mpg US) and emits 140 g of CO2 per km. Thus, it fulfills not only current emission regulations but also the stricter EU-6 standards that will come into effect in 2014.

For the first time ever, VW offers a factory-prepared “performance pack”. Those expecting huge power gains will be disappointed: output is increased by just 10PS (10HP), the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time drops by a mere 0.1 seconds to 6.5" and top speed is barely higher at 250 km/h (155 mph).

In fact, the “performance pack” seems like a misnomer; calling it the “handling pack” would probably be more fitting. That's because, despite the modest increase in performance figures, it also includes a differential lock that reduces power understeer and larger diameter front discs.

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Renault Shifts Into Sport Mode with New Clio R.S. 200 EDC Powered by 197HP 1.6L Turbo

Hold on to your hats because Renault has just yanked the covers off the most dynamic version of its fourth generation Clio at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the 2013 Clio RenaultSport (RS) 200 EDC.

While the French carmaker continues a long tradition of sport hatches, the new Clio RS differs in many ways from its predecessors. For starters, like the rest of the range, it will be offered exclusively as a five-door model.

However, the big differences are under the hood as Renault replaced the previous Clio RS' rev-happy 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that was connected to a six-speed manual gearbox with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol that will available exclusively with the firm's EDC dual clutch, six-speed transmission.

This 1.6-liter unit delivers the same horsepower as before at 197hp (200PS) at 6,000 rpm, but has a higher peak torque at 240Nm (+25Nm) delivered from 1,750 rpm.

Renault has not announced acceleration figures, but it did divulge that the Clio RS 200 EDC "will use two liters/100km less fuel for an equivalent power output, plus 25Nm of extra torque compared with Clio III R.S.’s normally-aspirated 2.0 powerplant".

European buyers will have a choice of two different chassis including, the Sport version that is said to offer "an optimum balance of sportiness and comfort in everyday motoring", and the Cup chassis designed for track day enthusiasts, thanks to stiffer suspension that also rides 5mm closer to the ground.

On the styling front, the new Clio RS 200 gains an F1-style front blade, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler that are said to help generate 80 percent and 20 percent extra downforce respectively.

Also exclusive to this model are the unique grille and spoiler, front and rear bumper, LED daytime running lights, sill extensions, dual tail pipes and 17-inch wheels, with 18-inch rims available as an option.

As for the cabin, there are red accents used throughout, a sports steering wheel flanked by the two gearshift paddles, a dedicated instrument package and aluminium-capped pedals.

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Hyundai Announces Return to World Rally Championship With New i20-based Racer

If at first you don’t succeed, then try again. It took Hyundai almost nine years, but the South Korean automaker announced its return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the Paris Motor Show.

Hyundai’s previews attempt with the Accent WRC did not yield the results that the team expected, so it withdrew in 2003. However, it had a long-term goal of setting up an in-house racing team in Europe and competing in the world’s top rally championship.

This resulted in the WRC i20 that made its premiere today in Paris and will battle the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Citroen DS3, VW Polo and Mini Countryman in special stages around the world.

“The World Rally Championship is recognized as one of the most dramatic sporting series on Earth”, said Hyundai Motor Europe marketing director Mark Hall. “It’s a spectacle filled with excitement and dynamism − the perfect embodiment of the Hyundai brand.”

Although the company didn’t divulge any details of the i20 WRC, FIA regulations stipulate that entrants must be based on a production car and feature 1.6-liter turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive transmissions, sequential gearboxes and aerodynamic parts.

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Maserati Sports Up GranCabrio Drop Top with New MC Edition

Italian sports car manufacturer Maserati chose the 2012 Paris motor show to reveal its new GranCabrio MC. The company says it was inspired by the "considerable success of the GranTurismo MC Stradale" coupe and wanted to apply a similar – but not identical, treatment to its soft-top sports car.

The MC utilizes the same 4.7-litre V8 engine, which delivers 453hp (338kW / 460PS) and peak torque of 520Nm at 4,750 rpm, found on the GranTurismo MC Stradale as well as the recent GranTurismo Sport models.

However, instead of the Stradale's more aggressive robotized manual gearbox, the MC sticks to the milder-mannered and slower Auto Shift transmission. Maserati quotes a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 289km/h (180mph).

The GranCabrio MC gains a stiffer suspension setup with single-rate dampers and Brembo brakes with one-piece aluminium alloy brake calipers, said to bring the car to a full stop from a speed of 100km/h (62mph) in 35 meters (114.9 feet).

The exterior styling package for the MC includes a new front bumper, air outlets on the hood, headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a large rear boot-lid spoiler (available in carbon fiber), a new rear bumper with a diffuser and twin tailpipes, plus 20-inch alloy wheels in glossy Titanio or matt Graphite.

Inside, the MC features a new set of front sport seats with a redesigned frame that frees more space for the rear passengers, a flat-bottom steering wheel with Trofeo-design paddles, aluminum pedal unit and carbon fiber trim décor.

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Refreshed Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Makes its Debut at the Paris Auto Show

It may not look like it, but when the Gallardo was first launched in 2003, its direct rival was the Ferrari 360.

While Maranello has since launched two new models to compete with the "raging bull", the Sant’ Agata-based supercar maker has simply responded by refreshing the Gallardo and presenting numerous special edition versions.

This practice proved quite successful, as with nearly 13,000 units sold to date, the "baby Lambo" is the brand's best-selling model ever.

At the 2012 Paris Auto Show, Lamborghini displayed the facelifted version of its Gallardo LP 560-4 and a new edition called LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica .

All versions are powered by a V10 and besides the rear-wheel drive Gallardo LP 550-2 in Coupe and Spyder guise, feature permanent all-wheel drive.

The new Gallardo LP 560-4 features a reshaped front and rear end, with triangular and trapezoid shapes defining its more aggressive character. Customers also get matte black “Apollo polished” 19-inch alloys.

If they wish, they can opt for the new Styling Package which consists of high-gloss paintwork on the underside of the spoiler, front and rear grilles and the transverse element of the rear trim.

The more powerful Superleggera and its open-top “cousin”, the Spyder Performante, are now available in the Edizione Tecnica version that includes a fixed rear wing, standard ceramic brakes and three unique optional paint schemes with the roof arches and front air intakes in a contrasting color.

Lamborghini announced that sales of the new Gallardo will begin in November. 

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