Porsche introduces the new 918 Spyder in Frankfurt

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as Porsche unveiled the much-anticipated 918 Spyder supercar. As you can see it’s a beautiful vehicle, but the real story here involves the plug-in hybrid engine and performance elements.

This concept was designed to be a high-performance hybrid, with 887 horsepower and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds. Like the Ferrari supercar announced earlier this year, the 918 Spyder features a combustion engine combined with an electric motor-based drive to optimize the dynamic performance of the vehicle. The electric motor allows for the faster acceleration from zero and then the gas motor kicks in.

This is the new reality of supercars. They are obviously becoming much more exotic, and in a way we’re seeing a real departure from traditional sports cars with a traditional stick shift. For that reason, cars like the new Corvette that still embrace the stick shift and powerful gas engine will probably still command a legion of fans.

But for sheer performance, these new hybrid supercars will be a beast on the track.

Posted by Gerardo Orlando (09/17/2013 @ 9:07 am)

Chevy shows Silverado Black Ops, Volunteer Firefighter concepts in Texas

 With the introduction of its new 2015 Silverado HD out of the way, Chevrolet unveiled two concept vehicles at the State Fair of Texas: the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept nor the Silverado Black Ops concept. Interestingly, both Silverado concepts were originally developed for SEMA, but the timeframe for their unveiling was moved up to appeal to truck-happy Texans.

The aptly named Volunteer Firefighter concept is a tribute to volunteer firefighters, while the Black Ops concept seems more like a zombie apocalypse truck with a cargo bed filled with survival gear... including Twinkies and Ramen noodles. While the images for concept trucks are limited, we're sure we'll still be seeing both again in November at SEMA.

PRESS RELEASE -

Silverado Concepts Target Extremes of Preparedness Specialty trucks dedicated to volunteer first responders and ultimate survival
2013-09-27

DALLAS – Chevrolet is using the 2014 Silverado full-size pickup to explore the extremes of preparedness with the Volunteer Firefighter and Black Ops concepts shown publicly for the first time Friday at the State Fair of Texas.

Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept truck, which honors the service of grassroots first responders, with input from the National Volunteer Fire Council. The concept vehicle features a full complement of rescue equipment incorporated on a new Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off Road suspension.

The sinister-looking Black Ops concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4, building on its strength, performance and safety with features designed to turn the wasteland into an oasis, including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military First Aid Kit, folding shovel and rope.

Silverado Black Ops Concept is the Ultimate Survival Truck

 "Luck favors the prepared and the Silverado Black Ops concept is a survival kit on four wheels," said Chevrolet design manager Dave Ross. "This concept truck showcases the stronger, smarter and more capable elements of the 2014 Silverado and how accessories can enhance them to suit any lifestyle."

The sinister-looking concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4, building on its strength, performance and safety with features designed to turn the wasteland into an oasis, including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar

 A generator, fuel can and water can are mounted atop the storage unit, as well as a crate stocked with food. The Silverado's available CornerStep bumper makes it easier to reach into the bed to retrieve the survival gear, while the available locking tailgate with EZ-Lift-and Lower feature enables easier operation. An internal torsion bar reduces the effort to raise and lower it while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion.

A powerful, front-mounted winch can help the Silverado Black Ops in most any catastrophe-induced predicament, while a custom cover around the winch has a bright, light-emitting diode, or LED, spot light and integrated tow hooks. The truck also has a raised suspension that provides extra ground clearance. Additional exterior concept equipment includes custom bed rails and a light bridge – equipped with forward- and rearward-facing light bars, Chevrolet Accessories bolt-on fender flares and four-inch tubular assist steps, and off-road tires mounted on custom-painted versions of the production Z71 18-inch wheels.

Inside, custom-trimmed black seats with yellow piping are complemented by additional yellow trim throughout the cabin, designed to be a comfortable and well-connected environment. It includes Silverado's MyLink system with available navigation – displayed on an eight-inch color touch screen. Standard USB and other accessory inputs make it easy to upload favorite songs from a smartphone or other media source.

New, triple-sealed doors that are inlaid in the body sides and improved aerodynamics contribute to a quieter driving experience in the 2014 Silverado.

As with all 2014 Silverado 1500 models, a fully boxed, hydroformed frame is the foundation for the Black Op concept's strength and capability, with the main rails and major cross members formed from high-strength steel, providing a rigid base for maximum hauling capability.

Additional Silverado factory features include:
-All-new EcoTec3 5.3L engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, delivering the best V-8 fuel economy in the segment – EPA-estimated 23 mpg highway
-Maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds with an available 6.2L V-8 and Max Towing Package
-Six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control for easier, more controlled driving on grades
-Revised front and rear suspensions and wider wheels that enhance the ride and handling
-Fuel-saving electric power steering
-Four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors that can double rotor life, reducing maintenance costs
-StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control and hill start assist to enhance vehicle control
-Two available, segment-first active safety technologies: forward collision alert and lane departure warning. They use a forward-mounted camera to identify and warn drivers when they are at risk of colliding with another vehicle or leaving their lane. GM's Safety Alert Seat and a rear-vision camera are also available.

"Silverado Black Ops is built upon the stronger, smarter and more capable 2014 Chevrolet Silverado," said Ross. "It's ready for whatever you need it for – work, recreation or challenging conditions."
Silverado Volunteer Firefighter Concept Can Take the Heat

With input from the National Volunteer Fire Council, Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept to honor the service of grassroots first responders and share a vision of how the all-new, more capable 2014 Silverado can be pressed into duty.

The concept vehicle features a full complement of rescue equipment incorporated on a new Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off Road suspension.

"We wanted to pay tribute to these important men and women in communities everywhere," said Chris Perry,

Approximately 90 percent of the fire departments in the United States are entirely or mostly volunteer – and 75 percent of all firefighters are volunteers. The volunteer fire council is made up of firefighter associations from 49 states and advocates policies, standards and programs to keep those firefighters safe.

Earlier this year, the fire council and Chevrolet began a partnership to raise awareness for volunteer emergency services, and support volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel nationwide.

 The Silverado Volunteer Firefighter concept has plenty of room for personal gear such as a turnout coat and pants, firefighter helmet, air pack and gloves. It's also outfitted with the tools and safety equipment needed in a support vehicle, including:
-Chevrolet Accessory six-spoke 22-inch Wheels (part number 2095180) with custom painted finish
-Emergency roof light bar and additional light-emitting diode, or LED, perimeter lighting
-Chevrolet Accessory four-inch chrome assist steps (part number

-Chevrolet Accessory chrome package: door handles (part number 22940647) and mirror caps (part number 22913965)
-Chevrolet Accessory molded hood protector (part number 19302745)
-Red and Silver Paint Scheme with Custom Graphics
-Emergency siren and PA system
-Chrome fire extinguishers and mounting hardware
-Chevrolet Accessory gull-wing tool box (part number 19260344)
-Custom billet aluminum front brush guard and billet aluminum bed rails
-Axe and Halligan tool
-CornerStep rear bumper
-Cantilever cab-over TracRac (part number 19299113) with custom brushed aluminum finish.

Inside, the front seats are re-trimmed with 3M reflective bolster material and Torch Red stitching, which complements additional chrome-plated accents throughout the cab.

From the factory, the Silverado Double Cab Z71 was engineered with performance features and safety technologies firefighters can count on in every situation:
-Powerful, all-new EcoTec3 5.3L engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque
-Six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control for easier, more controlled driving on grades
-Revised front and rear suspensions and wider wheels that enhance ride and handling
-Fuel-saving electric power steering
-Four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors that can double rotor life, reducing maintenance costs
-StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control and hill start assist that enhances vehicle control in a variety emergency driving conditions
-CornerStep rear bumper that makes it easier to reach equipment in the bed
-Available safety features, including lane departure warning, front and rear park assist and a rear-vision camera, enhance occupant safety when driving to or maneuvering around a call site
-Available spray-on, chemically bonded and textured bedliner.



"The team that designed the new Silverado went to extremes to design a new truck that would exceed the demands of these customers," said Perry. "The new Silverado was part of a development program that saw more than 13 million miles of testing. It was an unprecedented regimen for Chevrolet and the result is the strongest, smartest and most capable truck in our history."

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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A fully boxed frame is the foundation for the truck's strength and capability, with the main rails and major cross members formed from high-strength steel, providing a rigid base for maximum hauling capability.

vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "They are the kind of hard-working Americans for whom we design and build the Silverado, making sure it delivers the capability and dependability they expect."

power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military First Aid Kit, folding shovel and rope.

Whether it's a hurricane the likes of which only Hollywood special effects artists could dream up or other unforeseen emergency, the Chevrolet Silverado Black Ops concept is ready for anything.

New American muscle car company launches retro modern coupe

By Gary Gastelu

Published September 26, 2013

FoxNews.com

It’s retro American muscle from an all new company.
Michigan startup Equus Automotive has unveiled the production version of its Bass770, a slick coupe that features late-1960’s style wrapped around modern mechanicals.
Equus manager Mike Oualid tells FoxNews.com that the company was started by a group of auto enthusiasts with a penchant for classic fastback pony cars who sensed a market for a high performance, 21st Century take on the genre among like-minded collectors around the world.

While the aluminum and carbon fiber-bodied two-door strongly resembles Frank Bullitt’s 1968 Mustang GT, it’s powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, tuned here to pump out 640 hp and 602 lb-ft of torque that’s channeled to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transaxle with a twin-plate clutch.

Equus claims the Boss770 can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and hit a top speed of over 200 mph.

According to Oualid, the Bass770 is built on an aluminum racing chassis that has been modified for street use with a four-seat interior and a suspension that uses General Motors’ acclaimed Magnetic Selective Ride Control damping system. Fade-free carbon ceramic brakes also come as standard equipment.

The price for the Bass770 is $250,000 to start, but that can be optioned up to $290,000 with available bespoke accessories and interior finishes. Equus says each car takes about four months to build, and its already gotten orders from customers in the Middle East, Germany, India, and, of course, the USA.

 

Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept is One Mean-looking Hybrid

Lexus' pugnacious hybrid crossover concept debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

By Karla Sanchez of Motor Trend

 

 

Lexus unveiled the LF-NX at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show this week, showcasing what a smaller and meaner RX would look like. The concept certainly looks pugnacious with that gaping grille, and Lexus says that its performance will be on par with other conventional crossovers of the same size, despite being a hybrid.

The Japanese automaker says the LF-NX's hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle I-4 and electric motor, is "tuned for SUV performance." Lexus also says that at lower speeds, the LF-NX can operate under electric motor power alone. Official power ratings haven't been revealed, but if Lexus says the LF-NX will be able to keep up with gasoline-powered rivals including BMW X1, Audi Q3, and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA, we can expect it to put out north of 200 hp, but well below the RX 450h's 295 hp. Measuring 182.7 inches long, the LF-NX is about 5 inches shorter in length compared to the best-selling RX, and may be based on the Toyota RAV4.

While the LF-NX exterior styling may be exaggerated, the production version will likely be toned down to appear more like the IS F Sport. As with the new IS, the LF-NX separates the LED lights from the main headlight unit, but the LED light accents themselves are also cut into two pieces by a sheetmetal fold. The headlights are also comprised of three diamond-shaped LED units, which reminds us of what we've seen on the Acura NSX.

The bold styling continues around back, where giant rear wheel well flares give the hybrid crossover a commanding presence. The rising side window line is a styling cue taken from the existing RX, while the droopy taillights are transferred over from the LFA supercar, though they're a bit overdone as sheetmetal folds extend all the way down to the rear bumper as if they've melted.

Yellow leather with contrast stitching defines the LF-NX's cabin, while it also has a new version of Lexus' Remote Touch Interface controller, which utilizes even more touch-sensitive electrostatic switches. The IS F Sport is the first in the lineup to come equipped with such switches, though they're only used for automatic climate control.

Carroll Shelby: King of the Road -- Mustang Countdown

We’re counting down the months to the launch of the new Ford Mustang, an all-new model that promises to have global appeal yet still retain the very essence of what made people like and buy the cars in the first place.
Part of that essence is down to Carol Shelby’s contribution to Ford and the subsequent creation of many hot Mustangs, and now the company has put out a video to honor his name yet again. It would have been nice if he had the opportunity to view the new car, soon to be the sixth-gen model, and see if it stood up to his expectations and standards of what it’s supposed to be… Perhaps Shelby would not have approved of the four-pot turbo that is expected to be used in some models, but he definitely would not have minded the extra dash of modernity that it promises. Nevertheless, even with Shelby no longer around, the upcoming Mustang is easily one of the most anticipated cars of the coming months – expect to begin to see increasingly revealing photos early next year, before it’s announced to be fully revealed in spring.

By Andrei Nedelea

2014 Acura TSX Sedan and Sport Wagon Blend Luxury and Sporting Performance

TSX offers a winning combination of technology, features, functionality and value

09/17/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

With engaging, athletic handling, the 2014 Acura TSX Sedan and Sport Wagon continue a well-established sporting streak. And with comfortable space for five passengers coupled with compact exterior dimensions, the TSX also hits the sweet spot for drivers with an enthusiast's mindset.

The TSX model lineup carries over for 2014, starting with the 4-cylinder TSX Sedan with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $30,635¹, including a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. An available Technology Package adds a range of desirable features.

The TSX Special Edition Sedan is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, and adds an ebony interior with red stitching, red instrument illumination and other upgrades. The TSX V-6 with Technology Package tops the sedan lineup. The TSX Sport Wagon is powered exclusively by the TSX Sedan's 4-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, and has a MSRP of $31,985¹. The Technology Package is the sole available upgrade to the TSX Sport Wagon.

The TSX Sedan goes on-sale today; the TSX Sport Wagon goes on-sale September 27. View, build and price a 2014 Acura TSX at http://www.acura.com/TSXLanding.aspx.

TRIM	MSRP1	EPA Fuel Economy Rating2 (city/highway/combined)
TSX	$30,635	22/31/26
TSX Special Edition	$31,635	22/31/26
TSX Special Edition with 6-Speed Manual	$31,635	21/29/24
TSX with Technology Package	$33,735	22/31/26
TSX V-6 with Technology Package	$39,275	19/28/23
TSX Sport Wagon	$31,985	22/30/25
TSX Sport Wagon with Technology Package	$35,635	22/30/25

Exterior
The TSX fully looks the part of a sport sedan, with bold lines and a wide, powerful stance. The 2014 TSX comes well equipped with standard features such as Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and a glass moonroof. With the TSX Sport Wagon model, sport-sedan styling and added

utility join to create a perfect mix for those who lead an active lifestyle.

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models (Sedan and Sport Wagon) feature standard 17-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, while split 5-spoke, 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard on the TSX Sedan with 3.5-liter V-6 engine.

The TSX Special Edition Sedan augments the exterior with sport-minded front, side and rear underbody spoilers.

Interior
Inside, the TSX blends sport sedan style with inviting comfort, with standard leather seating highlighted by handsome contrasting-color stitching. An 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and a passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment are standard.

For those who are considering the purchase of a compact SUV - but who value the higher fuel efficiency and dynamic performance of a sports sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon offers a generous 66.2 cubic feet of rear cargo area (with rear seats folded down; 31.5 cu. ft. with the seats up), allowing the

Sport Wagon to accommodate bulky items such as large boxes, furniture, bicycles, four full-size golf bags or surfboards.

Acura is known for its powerful, intuitive technology, and the 2014 TSX delivers on this concept. The TSX with the available Technology Package includes an LED backlit full VGA navigation screen, rearview camera, Song By Voice (SBV) user interface, and the ability to download 15-gigabytes of personal music (more than 3,500 songs) to the TSX's hard disk drive (HDD). Grammy® award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner helped design the Acura/ELS Surround®³ Premium 10-speaker Sound System to reproduce music the way it is heard in the recording studio.

Powertrain
The 2014 TSX Sedan model range offers two powerful engine choices: a responsive 201-horsepower 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine⁴ and a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6⁵. Both engines are paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The 4-cylinder TSX Special Edition Sedan offers the alternate choice of a 6-speed close-ratio manual

transmission as a no-cost option.

Safety
Standard safety equipment on all Acura models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, ABS, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The 2013 TSX earned the top-level rating of GOOD in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) moderate overlap frontal barrier crash test, side impact crash test and roof strength test. It was also named a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

About Acura

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 275 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RLX luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sedan and Sport Wagon, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle.

Along with every new Acura, the 2014 TSX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care® (TLC®), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

For More Information
Consumer information is available at http://www.acura.com/TSXLanding.aspx. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/Acura. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2014 Acura TSX is available at http://hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles-tsx.
¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, vehicle options and destination charge of $895.00. Dealer prices may vary.
² Based on 2014 EPA fuel economy ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage
³ ELS Surround® is a registered trademark of Panasonic Corporation of North America. All rights reserved.
⁴ 201hp @ 7,000 rpm (SAE net).
⁵ 280hp @ 6,200 rpm (SAE net).
will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

 

A Closer Look at the E-Golf and E-Up! Debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Electric Golf likely to head to U.S. as VW joins electric-car wars.

By Zach Gale of Motor Trend 

 

 

The Volkswagen e-Golf and e-up! (yes, that's the car's name) are debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Though both fully electric four-door hatchbacks are geared toward European buyers, we should eventually get the electric Golf in the U.S.

The front-drive Volkswagen e-Golf has a 114-hp electric motor with 199 lb-ft of torque available from 0 rpm. Top speed is limited to 87 mph, while overall driving range at more reasonable speeds is limited to 118 miles, and Volkswagen says the claimed figures are "driving ranges that make sense." Both cars have two driving modes — Eco and Eco+,while there are four levels of regenerative braking sensitivity. Volkswagen says the motors, gearboxes, and lithium-ion batteries were developed in-house and built in the company's German plants.

On the Volkswagen e-Golf, Acceleration from 0-62 mph comes in a slow but respectable 10.4 seconds. As with other new electric cars, the e-Golf and e-up! can gain back 80 percent of its capacity with a 30-minute charge. We've known about Volkswagen's plans to build an electric Golf for years; the debut of the e-Golf suggests the car is well on its way to arriving in dealer showrooms around the world. The e-Golf is also the first Golf to use full LED headlights — potentially a feature we may see on future high-end Golfs in the U.S. Visually, the e-Golf is marked by blue trim in the grille that extends through the headlights. The wheels have an aerodynamically optimized five-spoke design.

As for the little e-up!, that four-door has an 80-hp electric motor with 155 lb-ft, and a manufacturer-estimated 0-62 mph time of 12.4 seconds. Top speed — for all those subcompact electric car speed demons out there — is said to be 81 mph. The overall driving range is about 99 miles.

VW's Battery-Powered e-Golf to Arrive in the U.S. in 2015

Volkswagen will bring its first electric vehicle to the United States in two years. A company official told the NY Times that the e-Golf will go on sale in 2015 as VW is accelerating development of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs.
According to Marc Trahan, executive vice president for Volkswagen of America, the e-Golf may be followed by more electrified models if demand increased. “We want to be the leader in the global context, but other manufacturers have gotten a little ahead of the curve,” Trahan said. VW has so far relied on diesel technology in the U.S. as a fuel-saving alternative to conventional gasoline engines. It has been quite successful, as more than 70 percent of the diesel vehicles sold this year in the U.S. have been Volkswagens. However, the carmaker’s entry into the electric market shows that VW wants to catch up the delay it has compared to other automakers in this segment. Trahan said future mainstream models could be adapted for alternative-fuel variants. “We don’t have to have totally different platforms for hybrid or gas or electric models. Whether it’s the Passat or the Beetle, we can react to what the market wants,” he said. The VW e-Golf is powered by an electric motor developing 85 kW (114hp/115PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and has a driving range between 130 km (81 miles) and 190 km (118 miles) on a single charge. The EV can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in 10.4 seconds (0-60 km/h in 4.2 seconds).

Electric Vehicles, New Cars, Reports, VW, VW Golf |
By Dan Mihalascu

2013 Frankfurt Motor Show: 10 cars we want in the US

By Matthew de Paula of MSN Autos

 

The Frankfurt Motor Show is as torturous as it is exciting. Many of the cars that debut here never make it to the United States. Most of the show cars fall into three categories that are generally shunned by Americans: wagons, diesels and microcars, all of which are popular in Europe. But there are occasional gems we wish were coming stateside but will probably never make it. Click through to discover these new vehicles from the Frankfurt show that we'd love to see on U.S. roads — soon.

Alpina B3 BiTurbo

German performance-tuner Alpina has been augmenting BMWs since the 1960s, but few of its masterpieces have made it to the United States. Neither will this one, which is based on the BMW 3-Series. Two turbochargers boost output of its 6-cylinder engine to 410 horsepower. The adaptive suspension and 8-speed transmission are also recipients of Alpina's magic touch. Zero to 62 mph goes by in 4.2 seconds; top speed is 190 mph.

 

Audi RS 6 Avant

Wagons are the ultimate stealth vehicle and hugely popular in Europe. The Audi RS 6 Avant can obliterate unsuspecting sports cars with ease, thanks to its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 553 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Twenty- or 21-inch wheels fill flared fenders, while gaping air ducts in the front bumper look large enough to suck in a scooter. The car is over 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor, which was even more extreme, having a Lamborghini V10 under its hood.

 

 

BMW M135i

BMW has long offered a hatchback version of its small 1-Series, but a coupe is the only version available in the U.S. That's too bad, because it is a hot little hatch, particularly the top M135i version with its 320-horsepower inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine. Its performance shames many larger cars with bigger engines: zero to 62 mph in 4.9 secs, and a top speed of 155 mph.

 

Ford Mondeo / Fusion wagon

In Frankfurt, Ford announced plans to launch a line of exclusive paint and trim options called Vignale. It showcased examples of the high-end treatments on the Mondeo, aka the Fusion. The Vignale line, which debuts on the Mondeo in early 2015, is all well and good, but it's the wagon version of the Mondeo/Fusion Ford used to show off the concept that really piques our interest. It's a looker that we think would be a worthy addition to Ford's U.S. lineup.

Honda Civic Tourer

This little wagon is an exercise in brilliant packaging that only Honda can do. The cargo area holds two mountain bikes or three full-size Samsonite suitcases. Underfloor storage adds even more space and can accommodate taller items with the floor folded up. The Civic Tourer goes on sale in Europe in early 2014 with a choice of two 4-cylinder engines paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Another sexy wagon that Americans are being unfairly denied is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake. It is less than a half-inch longer and 154 pounds heavier than the sedan, but it has a much larger cargo capacity. Added headroom in the rear seat is a welcome side effect of the extended roofline that transforms the cramped quarters of the sedan into a space comfortable for adults. Best of all, the XF Sportbrake looks fantastic. It comes with 4- and 6-cylinder engines. There are currently no plans to bring it to the U.S.

Jeep Wrangler Polar Edition Diesel

To be honest, it isn't the Hydro Blue paint, unique front grille, 18-inch wheels and other embellishments that make us wish Jeep would bring this new special-edition Wrangler to America. What we like is that it can be ordered with a 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine that deploys an impressive 339 lb-ft of torque, yet remains considerably more efficient than an equivalent gasoline engine. The Jeep Wrangler Polar goes on sale in Europe early next year.

Land Rover Range Rover Diesel Hybrid

Here's another diesel-powered SUV that is not coming to the U.S. in the foreseeable future. But this one adds a hybrid powertrain to boost efficiency even further. It's no slowpoke, either, producing 355 horsepower and a stunning 516 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine mated to an electric motor. Based on European fuel-economy estimates, the Range Rover Diesel Hybrid could average more than 35 mpg. Land Rover is considering bringing this model to the United States, but currently there are no plans to do so.

Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

The Opel Insignia is the same car as the Buick Regal sold in the U.S. Like the Regal, the Insignia gets a host of minor updates for the 2014 model year, including styling tweaks, streamlined interior controls and improvements to the available all-wheel-drive system. But the sleek-looking OPC Sports Tourer is the object of our envy. It packs a 325-horsepower twin-turbo V6 powerplant, which enables it to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 156 mph.

Volkswagen e-Up!

The whimsically named Up! is Volkswagen's smallest car. Although it's not much bigger than a smart fortwo, it can seat four instead of just two, making it much more practical. A new electric version called the e-Up! debuted in Frankfurt alongside a new e-Golf. The e-Up! uses a 60-kilowatt electric motor built in-house by Volkswagen. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor. The motor produces around 80 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. The VW e-Up! can go about 100 miles on a single charge.

Matthew de Paula wanted to be an automotive journalist ever since reading his first car magazine in grade school. After a brief stint writing about finance, he helped launch ForbesAutos.com and became the site's editor in 2006. Matthew now freelances for various outlets.

GM claims most powerful pickup crown

 

Published September 13, 2013

FoxNews.com

 

Maybe they should call it the Silverado Stingray.
General Motors is claiming the light-duty pickup truck power crown for the upcoming 6.2-liter V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin.
Available in top trim levels of the trucks, the all-new 6.2-liter V8 is based on the one in the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and officially rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The top motors from rivals Ram and Ford put out 395 hp and 411 hp, respectively, and both offer less torque than the GM engine.
Fuel economy for the General’s trucks hasn’t been announced, but they have a maximum tow rating of 12,000 pounds.
Pricing will be revealed when the trucks officially go on sale later this year.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/09/13/gm-claims-most-powerful-pickup-truck-crown/?intcmp=features#ixzz2eosSD6FL