New Beetle less than $20k

The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle carries a base price of $19,765, including shipping charges, a minimal increase over the base price of the current version.
The base VW Beetle, known as the 2.5L, is powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is an option.
Buyers seeking more performance will look at the 2.0L TSI model, which wears a sticker price of $24,165, including the $770 in shipping charges. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission optional.
Volkswagen says a diesel-powered version of the redesigned Beetle goes on sale in 2012. It will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel rated at 140 hp. VW did not release a price for this version.
The 2012 Beetle, which is reaching dealer showrooms now, is six inches longer and 3.3 inches wider than the car it replaces.
Read the full VW press release below:
PRESS RELEASE: THE ICONIC VOLKWAGEN BEETLE HITS THE MARKET WITH A BASE PRICE OF JUST $18,995
The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude
" Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged Engines at Launch
" Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an Estimated 40 mpg Highway
" Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle
" Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels, Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats
" Available Premium Features include Bluetooth® technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights
" No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree Maintenance® Program
Herndon, VA Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people's car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle's past yet looks to the future.
The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.
The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.
The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen's critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.
The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen's DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals.
In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen's highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.
The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.
The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.
The Beetle includes Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110607/CARNEWS/110609896#ixzz1Pv5pd2W3

Nelly’s 2011 Ford Mustang GT!!!

Take a look at Nelly’s custom wide body 2011 Ford Mustang GT. 

Today´s favorite

Tesla Sedan nearing production

Tesla Releases New Photos of Model S Sedan as Production Nears

Although initially slated to go on sale this year, the Tesla Model S seems to be inching closer to production. The electric car maker has just released new pictures of its Model S Alpha pre-production test vehicle, and, at least on styling alone, it looks ready to take on the competition in the midsize luxury market. Looking similar to the silver Alpha test car Tesla showed us a while back, this sinewy black model sharpens its sheetmetal with sleek headlamps, chrome detailing, and smoked taillights. Compared to the original concept car we first saw back in early 2009, the latest rendition of the Model S has exchanged many of its rounded edges for taught creases and a more aggressive front clip. More traditional air inlets on the lower front fascia, wheels that look production-ready, and squarer side mirrors help to better bring into focus what the final car will look like.
The Model S won’t go on sale until late next year, starting at $57,000 before a $7500 federal tax credit. That is for the 160-mile range battery pack – a 230-mile pack will run buyers $67,000, and the 300-mile range Model S will start at a cool $77,000. The first cars to roll off of the Freemont, California assembly line will all be limited-edition Model S Signature versions with the 300-mile range pack, each of which required a $40,000 refundable deposit from prospective customers; all other Model S versions require $5000 down to save a spot. As of May 2009, Tesla already had over 1000 orders for the car.
According to Tesla’s website, the second phase of the testing for the Model S — called Beta — will begin this fall with will be production-intent vehicles built at the factory, and full series production will begin in the middle of 2012.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/tesla-model-takes-step-closer-production-84303.html#ixzz1Pv5QTNJi

CLS 350

Mercedes CLS350 CDI BlueEfficiency (2011) CAR review

By Jethro Bovingdon

Mercedes-Benz is rightly proud of the outgoing CLS and the market for ‘four-door coupes’ that it pioneered. That car was a real shock when it was unveiled, a radical departure not just from the E class, but the entire Benz range. Some people hated it, but that was kind of the point. And those who loved it really, really loved it. The £15,000 or so premium over an E class just didn’t matter… except to Merc’s bottom line. No wonder they’re so keen to get the new generation right.
Although the new CLS range starts with a humble CLS250 and goes all the way to the CLS63 AMG, the CLS350 CDI BlueEfficiencyY will be the big seller in the UK (over 90 percent!). The new car is 21 percent more efficient than its predecessor. The turbocharged V6 thumps out 265bhp and 457lb ft from just 1600rpm, whilst returning 47mpg.

Mercedes CLS 350 CDI: the new exterior styling

I’m not so sure that the styling is a step in the right direction. It’s less shocking, more clearly related to the E class. With a dash of CL here and SLS there you can’t argue with its road presence and the new CLS does look like an expensive object, but to me it’s also less dynamic and a touch heavier handed. A shame as with extensive use of aluminium for things like the doors, bonnet, front wings and many of the suspension components it’s actually as light as the smaller original CLS and with a Cd figure of just 0.26 it’s more slippery, too. Furthermore the engineers have been given more freedom to differentiate it dynamically from the E class and they’re rather pleased with the result. The say it epitomises ‘refined sportiness’, whatever that means…

Inside the Mercedes CLS 350 CDI

The interior is exquisite. Again it’s not quite as out there as the old CLS's cabin with its huge plank of curved wood, but it retains the driver-focussed themes that worked so well in the old car and has much better materials, a cleverly integrated infotainment system (sorry, horrible word) and permeates a general sense that all is right with the world. The driving position is great and endlessly adjustable and should you be speccing a CLS anytime soon make sure you tick the box for the Dynamic Multi-contour seats with massage function. Bloody marvellous, I tell you.

Driving the Mercedes CLS 350 CDI

So let’s assume you’re one of the 20 percent of customers who want to know what the CLS drives like. You’ll want to know about the electric power steering because it really informs the car’s entire dynamic make-up. At just a smidge over two turns lock-to-lock you might assume it makes the CLS a little nervous. However, by designing the rack so that it’s quite sedate around the neutral position it actually feels rock solid at motorway speeds. The ratio speeds up aggressively as you add steering input (it’s 30 percent faster past 90 degress than at the straight ahead position), aiding agility and reducing your wheel twirling on tighter roads. If the set-up sounds slightly freaky, the reality is rather intuitive. I’d say the steering is too light at parking speeds (like they’ve borrowed the system from a Rolls Silver Shadow) but once past about 20mph, the weighting and the way the front end responds to your inputs feels entirely natural.

Mercedes CLS 350 CDI: power and performance

The 3-litre turbocharged turbodiesel engine is quiet and creamy. A BMW in-line oil-burner is smoother still, but few would complain about the refinement or the power on offer here. The torque is instant and pleasingly insistent, the claimed 0-62mph in 6.2-seconds entirely believable. The revised 7G-Tronic Plus automatic is impressive, too. In ‘E’ mode it slips quietly between gears and optimises the shift pattern for economy, in ‘S’ for Sport it’s more eager to serve-up the full hit of torque, but it’s not one of those ‘boxes that is forever downchanging in search of qualifying-lap performance. Don’t bother using the paddles on the steering wheel though, they don’t seem to correspond with what the ‘box is doing even in Manual mode.

Mercedes CLS 350 CDI: ride and handling

On the Airmatic suspension in Comfort mode the low speed ride is pillowy soft. For those obsessed with that magic carpet glide, this is pretty enticing. However, I always find that air suspension in Mercs feels incredible for about 10-minutes and then you notice how rapid fire bumps make the wheels patter and skip. Sport mode is much better and actually the ride quality is still superb. Up the pace a bit and the quick steering and good body control combine to make the CLS feel pretty keen. The balance is more neutral than an E class but the car still understeers just a little earlier and a bit more determinedly than you’d hope. There’s no disguising 1815kg, it seems. The ESP system is overly keen to tidy-up your excesses, but in so doing actually chips away at the car’s inherently smooth edges. Switch the ESP off (although it’s really just having 40-winks and ready to wake-up quickly should you get silly) and the car feels more fluent and just as safe. So far, so unremarkable. Refined, yes. Sporty? Not really. 

Verdict

All of this info might just be irrelevant, given that the majority of previous-generation CLS buyers chose the car for its looks alone. Good to know that the CLS really is a well resolved product with its own character, though. And we should applaud anybody who can serve up this level of refinement and performance and yet achieve staggeringly good fuel consumption figures. Even the new CLS500 manages 31.3mpg – an 1890kg car that can dip below 5-seconds from 0-60mph, remember. No matter what the figures say this is no sportscar at the moment, but it’s a useful improvement over an E class and a lovely place to spend time.

Today´s favorite

Today´s favorite

BMW 1 series hatchback? What do you think?

The magic of the Internet meant that photos of BMW’s second-generation 1 Series appeared online late last week, and now BMW has given in and released full official information. The new 1 Series five-door hatchback will be offered only in Europe, as is the case with the current 1 Series hatch.
The basic DNA remains a rear-drive layout, premium cabin, and smart exterior styling. For the new model year, the 1 Series hatch grows 3.3 inches longer and 0.7 inch wider, with commensurate increases in wheelbase and track. The redesigned front fascia makes a significant break from prior 1 Series styling, with enlarged kidney grilles and new angular headlights. The design means there’s more exposed paint between the headlights and grille, making the nose appear wider than on its predecessor.
In profile, the 1 Series retains its long-hood and set-back cabin. BMW hopes the sloping rear-door glass and the C-pillar’s Hofmeister kink help to make the hatchback look more like a coupe. We’re not convinced about the new, 7 Series-esque beak, but this new 1 Series is still one of the sharpest compact cars on the market.
The overall design of the interior has been evolved rather than totally redesigned. The climate and audio controls now perch higher on the center stack and have a new, more upscale look. The passenger-side of the dashboard is now separate from the center stack and wears an upswept-curve styling flourish. BMW says rear passengers have more legroom, all passengers have more side-to-side space, and that trunk capacity is up almost 10 percent over the current 1 Series hatchback.
European markets have a choice of five updated four-cylinder engines, three diesels displacing 2.0 liters and two gasoline-fired mills displacing 1.6 liters. The 120d turbodiesel offers 184 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, and returns a claimed 52 mpg in the European combined cycle; the 118d offers 143 hp and 236 lb-ft, and is good for a claimed 53 mpg combined; the thrifty 116d provides only 116 hp and 192 lb-ft, but ekes out an impressive 55 mpg in European testing. The weaker gasoline engine, the 116i, touts 126 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 42 mpg combined, with the 118i offering 170 hp and 185 lb-ft while returning a claimed 41 mpg.
Each of the engines comes with engine stop-start technology, and can be mated either to a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new 1 Series also features an Eco Pro mode, which tailors the engine, transmission, and throttle response for better economy. At a later date, a special 116d EfficientDynamics trim will debut with up to 62 mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 99 grams per kilometer.
The new 1 Series hatchback goes on sale in Europe later this year. BMW has already unveiled a mildly refreshed 2012 1 Series coupe and convertible for our shores, so we probably won’t see any of these visual updates until a later date. And as ever, the hatchback version of BMW’s smallest model is unlikely to ever go on sale in the U.S. market.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-bmw-1-series-hatchback-unveiled-europe-84155.html#ixzz1Pv4yFNPK

Kyle Busch clocked @128 mph in Lexus

Kyle Busch has apologized for getting a speeding ticket, he was caught doing 128mph. Hit the jump to read the rest of the story.
Funk Flex

Kyle Busch just issued a sort-of apology for his 128 mph speeding ticket — chalking up his ridiculous speed to a test drive gone wrong, and the blatantly obvious … “I got carried away.”
In his statement Busch says , “I was test driving a new sports car and I got carried away. I went beyond the speed I should have been going on a public road. I apologize to the public, my fans, sponsors, and race teams for my lack of judgment.”
The NASCAR bad boy was driving a Lexus LFA when cops in Troutman, NC pulled him over today … doing 128 mph in a 45 mph zone. BTW … the LFA packs about 552 horses!
Busch added, “I take responsibility for my actions and I can assure you that something like this will never happen again.”
TMZ

Chrysler 300 & Dr. Dre commercial

Dr. Dre Featured in 2012 Chrysler 300S Commercial

Sunday night, during the NBA Championship, Dr. Dre appeared in the commercial for the Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ sound system featured in the all-new 2012 Chrysler 300S.

In the Chrysler 300 commercial, “Good Things,” Dr. Dre is seen driving through the streets of Los Angeles in a Beats by Dr. Dre equipped 2012 Chrysler 300. As a voice over explains that “good things” don’t necessarily come to those who wait, but instead to those who work to make it happen.

As he drives through the streets, people respond to the music pouring out of his car. Eventually Dr. Dre reaches his destination, a hip-hop club, where he exits the vehicle and delivers a line reminiscent of the one delivered in the Chrysler brand Super Bowl commercial, “Born of Fire,” but, this time, for a different audience, “This is L.A. and this is what we do.”

As a prolific and acclaimed artist, producer, label head and entrepreneur, Dr. Dre has revolutionized music throughout his career. His work as an artist includes some of the most influential and essential music in hip hop. He is also considered to be one of the greatest music producers of the past quarter century and has also discovered and nurtured incredible talent (Eminem, Snoop Dogg).

Currently, he is working to improve the quality of sound with his most recent venture, Beats by Dr. Dre, while he also finishes his long-awaited and much anticipated final solo album, Detox.

Behind the world’s first integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology, the 2012 Chrysler 300S features a high-performance 10-speaker Beats Audio system:

• It delivers the mid- to high-range needed for studio-quality sound with three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel and two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors.
• Two 6-inch x 9-inch front-door woofers provide bass
• Two 6-inch x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio

Chrysler brand’s national advertising campaign was created in partnership with Wieden+Kennedy of Portland, Ore. and launched the first week of May. All of the Chrysler 300 advertising can be viewed on the Chrysler brand Facebook Page at  and on the Chrysler brand You Tube Channel.

MBZ A class

Mercedes' A-Class has historically been a four-door hatchback more concerned with environmentally friendly utilitarian duties than making a statement about style. For the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, Mercedes intends to change that frumpy image with an aggressively styled concept that looks more performance hot-hatch than green hipster-hauler, taking the A-Class in an entirely new direction. Thought it is just a concept, it might show the direction the front-wheel drive platform is headed-one that will appeal to a more youthful and enthusiastic buyer.

Looking ready to go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the A-Class Concept is powered by a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged I-4 mated to a dual-clutch transmission. In hot-hatch tradition, this powertrain is splayed out transversely across the front of the car.The design language seen on this new A-Class first appeared on another concept, the F800 Style shown at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The body consists of free-flowing surfaces accented with sharp creases. Mercedes states that the styling was influenced by wind and waves and reflects aviation engineering. This theme is reflected in the interior, with see-through fabric stretched over a skeletal structure. The vents, instrumentation, and shifter all reflect avionic controls, looking minimalist and very futuristic at the same time.

The A-Class Concept is stuffed with technology. Mercedes boasts of being the first in the compact segment to offer a radar-based collision avoidance system and adaptive brake technology. The system audibly and visually warns inattentive drivers about possible collisions while preparing the braking system for an immediate and powerful stop. Infotainment details are handled by a fully integrated smartphone and use a three-dimensional dash display formed of magenta-colored laser lines. The interior seats four in separate buckets, and one long center console is shared by both the front and rear seats.

Rumors of Mercedes bringing the A-Class to the American market have been brewing for years. It looks like we may be one step closer, but in an entirely unexpected form. Instead of a smallish people-mover, it may very well end up being an upscale performance hatchback. There is even a possibility it may turn into multiple A-Class vehicles. We will get our first look at the concept in New York later this month. Maybe Mercedes will have more information about future plans then.

Read more: http://m.motortrend.com/future/concept_vehicles/1104_2012_mercedes_benz_a_class_concept/index.html#ixzz1Puh8jJh8

Today´s favorite

The superbowl hit Volkswagen ad The Force wins Gold at Cannes Lions too. Good going!

VERSACE for H&M Announcement

Following up on its highly successful projects with designers like Lanvin, Karl Lagerfeld, and Comme des Garçons, H&M has just announced that its next designer collaboration will be with the legendary house of Versace. Designed by creative director Donatella Versace, the collection will channel the legacy and heritage of the Italian luxury label by incorporating leather, prints and (of course) a lot of color. The collection, which will include items designed for men, women and home, will be available starting November 17, 2011 at nearly 300 H&M stores worldwide and online. Versace has also agreed to design an exclusive pre-spring collection for H&M that’s expected to launch online on January 19, 2012. Watch the video above to see the official announcement by Donatella Versace.

E63 Wagon - After 2 years, it's back!

A forum member over at BenzBoost.com claims to have obtained a leaked copy of the model year 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class dealer ordering guide, revealing a few surprises.

Not only does the guide confirm the updated E350 and E550 engines we reported on last week, but it appears that after a two-year absence from the States, the E63 AMG wagon will join the already confirmed E63 sedan for the 2012 model year. The wagon will also receive AMG’s new 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 rated at 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The addition of the AMG Performance Package boosts the numbers to a CTS-V rivaling 550 hp/590 lb-ft.
And not only will the new AMG wagon haul more cargo than the sedan, but it should haul it faster; our past 0-60 mph tests of previous-generation AMG E-classes reveal that the wagon is usually 0.1 to 0.2 seconds faster than the sedan. How? Because the wagon has just enough additional weight in the rear to help the tires grip better and transfer all that power to the ground. The ordering guide estimates a 4.1 second 0-60 time for the sedan and 4.3 for the wagon, but OEM test results tend to be on the conservative side.
The ordering guide also states that the E550 will only be available in a 4Matic (four-wheel drive) variant for both the sedan and wagon. We’re not sure why, but we expect to get an explanation closer to its launch this coming fall 2011 (same goes for the E63 wagon).
Source: BenzBoost

Today´s favorite

New Jaguar xkr-s

We’re still eagerly waiting for our chance behind the wheel of the upcoming 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, but until then we’ll settle for this video. Chief engineer Mike Cross takes a spin in Jaguar’s latest supercar around a new racetrack in Algarve, Portugal and the electric French Racing blue XKR-S sounds just as good as it looks.
The sweet exhaust note comes courtesy of the supercharged, direct injection V-8 engine rated at 542 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque, which is 32 hp and 40 lb-ft more than the previous XKR-S. The automaker points out that this will be the fastest mass-produced Jaguar ever with a top speed of 189 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds (though that’s likely a conservative estimate). The XKR-S is also equipped with a new four-tip exhaust system. Depending on how heavy your right foot is, bypass valves will adjust to take full advantage of the sound and power from the supercharged engine.
Matching the loud horsepower are not-so-subtle exterior visual clues. The video begins by focusing in on the vertical air vents located on the front fender, arguably the most striking feature on the XKR-S (aside from the blue paint job, of course). The front fascia features a sporty mesh grill, a carbon-fiber splitter and two air slits on the hood. Red brake calipers are stuffed inside 20-inch rims, while a carbon-fiber spoiler and diffuser round off the Jag’s rear.
Now that it has the looks and the brawn, the XKR-S could prove to be a serious competitor to other high-powered grand tourers like the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and the Maserati Gran Turismo. Expect a hefty price tag well north of $100,000 when it goes on sale this fall.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/video-find-2012-jaguar-xkr-unleashes-542-hp-racetrack-83455.html#ixzz1Pv0u851K

Bugatti Speedboat

The mastermind behind the Cadillac Converj Concept is at it again, this time taking his ideas to the next level beyond pavement and conquering the seas, much like what Mercedes-Benz AMG did with its SLS-inspired speedboat.
Ben Walsh, interior designer for PSA Peugeot Citroën, transforms a custom Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport into its marine counterpart to bring us the Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu speedboat. The automaker stunned spectators with its “Sang Bleu” edition at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance back in 2009, so Walsh capitalized on the design and created a 30-foot speedboat that sports the same polished aluminum and royal blue carbon fiber construction, with the same Gaucho leather gracing the interior as the motorcar.
Walsh’s superyacht “concept” remains just that, but back in the 1920s, company founder Ettore Bugatti also had the same vision of developing an exclusive high-powered motorboat, making this idea not so far out of reach…beside the price.
Source: Driven

2012 Audi A7: Don’t Call It A Crosscar

I have a confession to make.  I was cautiously optimistic with the idea of the A7 when I first heard that Audi had green lighted the program.  Yes, I am fond of hatchbacks but one image was burned into my brain: Accord Crosstour.  The Crosstour was a great idea on paper and a gave people who worship at the church of hatchback another option.  Sadly, the final product hasn’t been much of a sales success as Americans shun hatchbacks.  I won’t mention the fact that many crossovers today are actually hatchbacks but calling them that would be a marketing faux pas.  The Crosstour is looking like another nail in the coffin of slow selling hatchback designs for the US market.  Could the company that brought us the R8 strike out like the Crosstour or hit a home run to change the hearts and minds of hatchback haters?  Read on to find out.

If I said I was going shopping for a new car and I was looking for a four-seater, you might think it was a sporty convertible or maybe a B-segment car around the size of a Fiesta.  How about a hatchback with four doors and the overall length is only an inch and a half shorter than a 2011 Ford Explorer?  Yeah, hatchbacks have never been popular in America…until now.  The 2012 Audi A7 will change the minds of people who think hatchbacks are for young consumers or cheap econoboxes.  The A7 has some of the cleanest lines on the road today.  The front fenders are folded over to start a shoulder line that draws your eyes to the flare of the side of the car.  The A7 dazzles your eyes in direct sunlight.  The tops of the doors contrast the lower part of the door to give the exterior a unique profile on the road as the sun reflects off of the broad shoulders.

The interior is tasteful, well-constructed, with the bar set high once again for interior fit and finish.  The door windows are frameless which had me ready for wind noise or even the occasional rattle over Michigan’s moon crater potholes.  This car is quieter than a tomb.  No windnoise.  No rattles.  Just smooth cruisin’.   The best part of the interior is the display which folds out to greet you and then asks you if you’d like to connect to T-Mobile’s 3G network for data service.  Say what?  Yup.  The A7 is the first car with an embedded SIM that connects to a 3G GSM network.  The subscription is an all-you-can-eat plan for around $25-$35 a month. You might be thinking that is a lot of cheddar for ANOTHER internet connection when you already have one on your phone.  True, but many smart phones have capped data plans now and your phone wouldn’t be capable of handling the stream of data needed to download Google Earth.  Google fans, unite!  This is the coup d’état of navigation systems.

The A7 is the first vehicle on the road with Google Earth as the navigation system.  Your searches for POIs are all done over the air.  You’re getting the latest info downloaded as you drive.  Even when I hit the 2G EDGE network at 70 MPH, the navigation system had no problem keeping up.  Imagine never needing a map update ever again.  I know I can get something similar on a smart phone but if you’re shelling out $66,000 or more for an Audi you really don’t want a smartphone Band-Aided to your instrument panel.  Another benefit is a rolling WiFi hotspot which can let you listen to Pandora over your iPod Touch, allow passengers to play Words With Friends, or even watch a quick YouTube video.  I was able to listen to Pandora over the A7′s hot spot and then broadcast it over Bluetooth streaming audio.  It was flawless, even while downloading Google Earth images.  I used just over 300 MB of data for the week.

The most overlooked feature is the * (asterisk) button on the steering wheel.  At first I thought it was the road rage button but it was missing a few characters like #@!% for certain four letter words.  Actually, this button is something I’ve been asking for!  It’s a configurable button…a jack of all trades button.  It can be configured to do one of the following tasks: turn voice guidance on or off, flip the navi map between day and night mode, change the radio/media source, or the next track/station/channel.  Yes, the boys in Ingolstadt have outdone themselves again in an effort to reduce the amount of steering wheel buttons and make better use of the ones that are there.

All of these gizmos and entertainment are great but let’s look behind the driver’s seat for a minute.  The two rear seats have decent legroom and were also heated.  But the fun starts when you fold the seats down and the A7 transforms into something that would resemble a crossover.  The interior goes from comfortable to cavernous.  For those people who don’t need a crossover but do need some occasional room, the A7 is your answer.  SUVs have been getting more like cars for years.  How about a car that is more like an SUV?  It has quattro all-wheel drive and loads of room.  Yeah, you could sleep in there.

The supercharged 3.0L V6 is mated to an eight-speed automatic.  My A7 had issues with the transmission clunking between 15-25 MPH while coasting.  In a vehicle this smooth it was very noticeable.  Acceleration was more than acceptable and handling was more comfort cruiser than sporty hatch.  Wait for the S7 if this is too tame for your liking.

If the amount of people stopping to look at the A7 in parking lots or the thumbs up on the highway is any indication of the public acceptance of the A7, Audi better crank up the overtime at the assembly plant.  The A7 has restored hope and reignited lust for hatchback fans everywhere after Accord Crosstours scarred us for life.  A usable and fashionable crosscar, err, SportBack.

The A7 that I test drove rang in at a cool $66,000.  A fully-loaded A7 can top $80,000, but keeping in mind that an A8 starts at $78,000, the thought of an A8 becomes rather enticing…for three seconds.  The A8 has been my favorite car in the Audi lineup, but the interior and exterior design of the A7 is so radically different that I might have to go with the lucky 7.

Lowrider Coloring Book

Impalas, Cadillacs and Rivieras. In the Lowrider Coloring Book, you will color the classic and most popular Lowrider models. Lowrider culture reaches back to 1930s Los Angeles, where it became popular for style-conscious Latino-Americans to load their cars with sandbags to bring it closer to the road. Style was everything, and when lowered cars were banned in California in the 1950s, it became necessary to find a way to raise and lower the car simply to avoid fines. The solution was to use hydraulics from old fighter planes left over from World War II. The rapper Kid Frost showcased lowriding in the early ’90s hit “Lowrider,” and since then, the cars are closely associated with hip-hop culture. Today, lowriding is bigger than ever with thousands of enthusiasts in most parts of the world. All strive to outdo each other with the most elegant varnish, interior, hydraulics, chrome and rims. The custom cars you’ll be coloring in the Lowrider coloring book were converted by some of the best and most legendary enthusiasts.

Today´s favorite

Great weekend activities

It's officially the first weekend of summer and somehow, the Atlanta social scene knew it had to be a wild one. Go ahead and get crazy; use the season as your excuse.

Drink Up For Diabetes: Fox 5's Road Warrior Stacey Elgin is hosting what promises to be a "stupid fun night" at East Andrews in the name of supporting the American Diabetes Association. Your $10 donation includes complimentary bites, a Sinless 'rita and the rest of the shenanigans (hula hooping contest,
live music, photo booth, margarita popsicles, the usual).
Tonight, June 23; 7-9pm; $10 minimum donation
56 East Andrews Dr.; 404-869-1132

Grady Health Foundation's Rock-N-Ride: Motorcyclists will gather at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell to kick off this benefit for Grady Health Foundation and Gold Shield Atlanta. They'll end up in downtown Atlanta with a MusicFest open to the public (and free)! Rock out to The Pelvis Breastlies, Yacht Rock and more, while Peachtree Street is shut down for the occasion.
Sat., June 25; 11am-10pm; $40 to ride (register online), festival is free
Festival, Peachtree St. between Harris St. and Ellis St.; 404-489-1550

99x Mockapalooza: It's just like Mitch-a-palooza from "Old School" -- minus Snoop Dogg and naked Will Ferrell, but with U2, Smashing Pumpkins and 311 cover bands. The rager is going down at Ri Ra Irish Pub. Streaking is optional (and may get you arrested).
Sat., June 25; 2-11pm; $15 in advance online, $20 at the door
1080 Peachtree St.; 404-477-1700

World's Most Dangerous Party Ever: The professional partiers of A Social Mess are throwing a real doozy to benefit the Navy SEALs (proceeds benefit Wounded Wear and Navy SEAL Foundation) at The Ivy. Think real Navy SEALs in attendance, '80s band, DJ spinning dangerous tunes, Kill Cliff drinks and some sort of fire display, we're sure.
Sat., June 25; 8pm-2:30am; $11 online
3717 Roswell Rd.; 404-941-3081

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest: Do beer fests with kick-ass live music ever get old? We didn't think so. This particular one boasts more than 200 kegs of 100-plus beers (Terrapin, Dogfish Head, Brooklyn Brewing, Jailhouse, O'Dempsey's, etc.), plus Ocean Street on the main stage at the Masquerade Music Park.
Sat., June 25; 5-10pm; $35 in advance online, $40 at the door
695 North Ave.; 404-577-8178

Lambo aventador roadster

Supercars are supposed to be loud, fast and flashy. And what says flashy more than a convertible? The king of flashy supercars, Lamborghini has made it a habit to produce a convertible version of its flagship cars for years now—usually announcing them with great fanfare. That’s why it might be surprising to some that information on the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster got leaked the way it did, by the Environmental Protection Agency, no less.
Recently, the EPA’s fuel economy database (fueleconomy.gov) was updated to include the 2012 model year since many 2012 model-year cars are starting to roll off dealer’s lots and into consumers hands. Under the 2012 model year is where the discovery of the 11/17 mpg Aventador Roadster was made before Lamborghini even confirms its existence.
Speaking of fuel economy, like its roadster sibling, the Aventador Coupe also obtains 11/17 mpg out of its 6.5-liter 691 hp V-12. That’s pretty impressive when you compare the Aventador to its Murcielago predecessor. In 2002, its first year on the market, the 6.2-liter 572 hp V-12-powered Murcielago could only obtain 8/12 mpg on the EPA test cycle. That’s a dramatic improvement.
Starting with the Diablo, Lamborghini has made it a point to offer a roadster version of its flagship supercar.  The Diablo, which debuted in 1990, had its convertible version, the VT Roadster released in 1995. The Diablo’s successor, the Murcielago was released in 2002 and its convertible version, the Murcielago Roadster, was released two years after that in 2004, likely because Lamborghini was trying to keep its HALO car fresh.
That’s why it’s somewhat unexpected for the Aventador Roadster to show up so soon. The hard-top Aventador goes on sale this summer as a 2012 model and so it would seem somewhat premature for the Aventador Roadster to make its debut now. But alas, the EPA doesn’t lie. Official confirmation of the Aventador Roadster could come as soon as this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/epa-spills-secrets-new-2012-lamborghini-aventador-roadster-83111.html#ixzz1Puui0ytP

Today´s favorite

Mercedes Benz - The History of AMG

Mercedes-Benz run through its storied history involving its relationship with tuner AMG with the following video. With a history dating back to 1967, the dramatic video chronicles both the initial racing-based exploits between the two German companies. The foundation of a co-partnered company in 1999 effectively carried on the legacy of the brands which has yielded some of the world’s greatest driving experiences.

Celica Name May Be Used Outside U.S. for New Toyota Coupe

Toyota’s FT-86, set to (finally) go on sale in early 2012, will be sold in the U.S. under the Scion label, but the Celica name may be resurrected in Europe and Japan according to Autocar.
Toyota would like to retain 86 in the name somehow, as the compact rear-wheel-drive car is more of a tribute to the AE86 Corolla than the early rear-wheel-drive and more recent front-wheel-drive Celicas. The Scion version will likely stick to its alphabetic naming system and be known as the FR-S. FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Sport.
The styling of the production model likely won’t be as aggressive as the three concept cars were. Even though the FT-86 will be using Subaru’s lightweight and compact boxer flat-four the low overall height won’t be enough for Toyota designers to retain the concept cars’ super-low nose while still passing pedestrian impact regulations.
Toyota maintains that the camouflaged FT-86 seen testing at the Nüurburgring is not a high-performance version, but rather there will be optional aerodynamic pieces available for the car. The production version of the FT-86 is expected to make its appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of this year before it finally goes on sale in 2012.
We found this on fellow British Buff Book Car‘s YouTube channel. It’s video of the FT-86 returning home from testing at the Nurburgring. Did you notice the Supra in the driveway right before the FT-86 pulls into the garage?

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/celica-be-resurrected-82943.html#ixzz1PutrjuWI