2014 Audi A3

The A3 will be the Volkswagen Group’s first model on its new platform, and the A3 sedan is designed with the U.S. market in mind. Audi hopes the tidy, sporty A3 will grow its market share significantly. The latest A3 goes on sale in Europe later this year, it isn’t expected to hit U.S. showrooms until the 2014 model year, which means an earliest arrival date in the summer of 2013.The good news is that by the time it arrives this sporty S3 version should be ready for launch, along with several other variants including an A3 Sedan and A3 Sportback (a five-door hatchback).

2014 Audi A3 has a distinct bodykit with larger intakes in the front bumper, chunky side sills, bigger wheels and a quad exhaust tailpipe arrangement. Aluminum side mirror housing and quattro all-wheel drive should also feature. 

The U.S. market will get a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 140 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine with roughly 200 horsepower. A gasoline hybrid and a fully electric version are possibilities. Meanwhile, enthusiasts may want to hold out for the S3. Waiting for an RS3 with the Audi TT RS’s 360-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder likely will prove fruitless. The price will plays around $30,000 for the 2014 model year, possibly followed by the convertible.

2015 Ford Mustang

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport confirms that the 2015 Mustang is being built under the “One Ford” global strategy, which means the car will need to meet European standards for things like pedestrian impact protection, as well as meeting U.S. safety standards. That seems to be confirmation that the car will officially be sold in Europe. 

The engine lineup for the 2015 Ford Mustang will not differ much from the current V6 and V8 configurations. Expect to see the 3.6L V6 producing 305 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque and the 5.0L V8 delivering 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, except that the V8 may be getting direct injection. Rumors have also been circulating about a new 2.3L to 2.5L engine with some sort of power boost for the base model. These engines will more than likely still be mated to the standard six-speed manual and available fuel efficient six speed automatic transmission. 

The future model will still look like a Mustang and will keep its familiar shark-nosed grille and round headlights, but it will be the most European-friendly version of the coupe ever. The sixth generation Ford Mustang will be unveiled in 2014 in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang line.

McLaren F1 Successor

The boss of McLaren Ron Dennis given us some inside information on the McLaren F1 successor due for launch in May this year. He went on to say that this new car will have many technologies ‘unseen’ in today’s hypercars and will be produced in very limited numbers. It will have some resemblance to the F1 but won’t have a central driver seating position like it’s predecessor. This is a very early prototype for the new car, which carries the code-name P12. The P12 is significantly wider and longer than the MP4-12C with which it shares a platform, but it sits much lower. The car we're talking about is the long-awaited successor to the legendary McLaren F1. 

McLaren will be installing an advanced hybrid setup based around the MP4-12C’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 and featuring a Formula 1-inspired Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Not much is known about the system although it is expected to feature an energy-boost button and combined output of around 800 horsepower or more. 

We can see some distinctive common stylistic elements to the existing MP4-12C, tempered with some references to the original McLaren F1 – particularly in the shape of the greenhouse that packs a windshield that looks like it was lifted from a glass-bottom boat.

The styling is expected to take greater advantage of the skills of one Frank Stephenson, father of the modern Mini Cooper, BMW X5, Fiat 500 and countless Ferrari and Maserati models. Pricing for the P12 is expected to top the $950,000 mark, making it near enough a million dollars.

2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder

From Hennessey comes the announcement of a new supercar called the Venom GT Spyder, which is an open-air version of its Venom GT. The original Venom GT had the price tag of $950,000 while this Spyder version ups the ante with a lofty price of $1.1 million. 

The Venom GT Spyder will be powered by the same Chevrolet sourced V8 engine found in the Coupe with an output of 1,200 HP at 6,500 rpm and 1,155 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Because of the added weight from the removable roof, performance numbers should be a tad bit slower than the Coupe, which sprints from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and to 200 mph in 15.9 seconds, on its way up to a top speed of 275 mph. The engine will more than likely send its power to the rear wheels via a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox and handling will be facilitated by a KW variant three-adjustable coilover suspension. 

Another great thing about this new 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is that it comes with removable hardtop, which is surprisingly can be done quiet fast and easily. The aim for such feature is to provide new and exciting driving experience that will boost users’ satisfaction to the top level. The sound of the powerful engine added with the blowing wind gust will surely give memorable experience that everyone will like and enjoy. 

"With the hardtop in place, the Venom GT offers a very visceral, raw, driving experience," said Hennessey CEO, Don Goldman. "With the hardtop removed, the wind and the growl of the twin turbo V8 will offer our clients an even greater driving sensation." 

2012 Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe

Before the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe was introduced at the Beijing Motor Show, famous pop star Jessie J took to the stage to perform her hit song “Domino.” What's the connection? Well, an “avant garde” artist was appropriate to introduce an “avant garde” concept car, says Dieter Zetsche- Mercedes Chairman of the Board. “I hope you’ll agree that was a tremendous performance for a tremendous car,” Zestche said before embracing the pop star.

The Concept Style Coupe gives us an early look at the new Mercedes compact four-door coupe. Zetsche confirmed today that the new model, previously referred to as the “baby CLS”, will be called the CLA-Class when it reaches production in the not-to-distant future.

Engine: 2 liter 4-cylinder

HP: 211 hp

HP/Liter: 105.5 hp per liter

The Powerful 2.0-litre version petrol engine generation with 155 kW combined with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission. Among the highlights of the four-cylinder engine are its direct-injection system with exhaust gas turbocharging, an enhanced combustion system and extended stratification ranges for lean-burn operation using fast-acting injectors for the multiple fuel injections, and multi-spark ignition according to need. 

“This Concept Style Coupe is expressive and powerful in its design. We are staking our claim very clearly here. This is the model against which sporty vehicles in the executive segment will have to measure themselves in future. The almost production-standard Concept Style Coupe sets a new benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment”, emphasized Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. “Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom.” - Dr Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Audi R18 Le Mans Prototype

The race car itself is constructed of a single-piece carbon fiber monocoque but is truly highlighted by Audi’s all-LED headlights, a first in Le Mans. Audis have really made a name for themselves with the integration of their LEDs in their standard vehicles, and now we must say we’re in love with the R18′s headlights.

Powering the R18 will be a 3.7L TDI V6 powerplant that will be mated to an all new six-speed transmission.

The R18 was first tested at the end of November with Allan McNish behind the wheel. Audi plans on debuting the R18 at the Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours in Belgium this coming May 2012. The prototype will be tested this day April 24th at Le Mans official test day.

The Audi R18 has been designed for progressive electrification, which Audi Sport is planning to drive forward step by step. “But efficiency is always the crucial factor for us,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “No matter which form of energy recovery we may choose the key aspect for Audi – in motorsport as well as on the production side of the house – is that it provides a true advantage.” 

Audi also planning a modular customer sport concept that will include an endurance version of the TT RS and a GT4 version of the Audi TT. Concept of the TT GT4 was presented at the DTM race meeting in Shanghai. Delivery of the first customer vehicles is planned this year 2012. 

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is based on the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world’s fastest single-make series. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship brings professional racers and gentlemen drivers face-to-face in fiercely fought battles on Europe’s most challenging racetracks such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim. It is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load – reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving.

Torque @ RPM: 398@6500

Engine: V10

Horse Power @ RPM: 570@8000

Curb Weight: 2954 lbs.

0-60 time: 3.4 sec.

Top Speed: 198 mph

Like the race car, the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale offers the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission controlled by steering wheel paddles as standard equipment. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any human being could.

2012 Audi A3

The 2012 A3 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 2.0T Premium Manual to the 2.0T Premium quattro S tronic. 

Upon introduction, the 2.0T Premium Manual is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2.0T Premium quattro S tronic is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 200-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2012 A3 is a carryover from 2011.

British Auto Industry is heading for a revival: Brit car marquees at their finest

Though the Japanese and German auto manufacturers rate high on the scale of global car manufacturers, it is the British that still hold the key. Auto companies like MINI and Rolls Royce which were representations of true blue British companies are now taken over by the BMW Group.

The ongoing Geneva Motor Show has seen a host of Japanese, Italian, German, French,  and Indian cars on display but British auto manufacturers are conspicuously not so popular. All major British auto companies are now being bought over and very few iconic British auto companies now remain.

Atlanta Motors is one of the classic British manufacturers while Lagonda, the once iconic brand now owned by Aston Martin has a number of cars under development. Eternity Motors is also planning a line of luxury cars in the coming years and TVR may also be contemplating a relaunch though it is not clear if they will be a complete UK based company. All this make it look like the British Auto Industry is heading for a revival. 

Honda to show off NSX Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

The Honda NSX Concept is essentially the same vehicle we saw at Detroit, except now it’s sporting the Honda “H” badge on its hood and trunk, rather than the American Acura “A”. Europeans were able to get a closer look at the upcoming supercar that will feature a Sport Hybrid V6 SH-AWD powertrain with all-wheel drive. 

It utilizes a unique twin electric motor drive unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system. This is coupled to a VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection and a dual-clutch transmission. Two versions of the NSX will go on sale in 2015, one by Honda and one by Acura.

Audi launches refreshed A5 across the Middle East

German car manufacturer Audi has introduced in the Middle East its refreshed A5 model series including the Sportback, the Coupé and the Cabriolet. Extended its engine lineup with the launch of the entry-level 1.8 TFSI multitronic, a 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic and a 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic for the aforementioned variants.

The 3.0 TFSI outputs 272 hp and represents the first time Audi represents a supercharged V6 in the A5 Sportback and Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI A5 Cabriolet now features quattro four-wheel drive as a standard.

The infotainment system gets its share of upgrades with the latest generation of the MMI navigation plus, an optional extra which plays DVDs and provides 3D navigation through a seven-inch monitor. 

Cosmetic revisions to the A5 include a high-gloss, redesigned fog lights as well as xenon plus headlights, LED-infused rear lights and day time running lights, black single-frame grille and bumper. Upgraded interiors with a new steering wheel, colors and highlights, refreshed gear selector, leather upholstery, chrome garnish on controls and overhauled switch-gear, center console and instrument binnacle. Advanced with the break suggestion function which kicks in if the car senses a fatigued driver. The adaptive cruise control is bettered as well.

2012 Audi A7

2012 Audi A7 Features:

• Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Heated, twelve-way, power front seats with driver memory
• Key-less start
• 18" 7-spoke wheels with 255/45 all-season tires
• Audi drive select
• LED taillights
• Audi music interface with iPod®/iPhone® integration
• HomeLink® remote transmitter

Power and Performance:

• Fuel Estimates 18/28 mpg
• Top Speed 130 MPH
• 0-60 MPH 5.4 sec.
• Horsepower 310 hp @ 5500-6500 RPM
• Torque 325 lb-ft. @ 2900-4500 RPM

Engine Specification:

• Cylinder Block Aluminum alloy
• Bore 3.33 in. [84.5 mm]
• Stroke 3.50 in [89 mm]
• Displacement 3.0 liter [182.8 cu. in., 2995 cc]
• Fuel Requirement Premium unleaded

The 2012 Audi A7 was named as the 2011 "Esquire Car of the Year".