Cadillac LTS
After years, of patent leaks, spy shots, and endless rumors about its feasibility, the Cadillac LTS flagship sedan may finally become a reality. That’s the sentiment within the ranks at Cadillac after a high-level source told Autoblog that the RWD, flagship, luxury sedan is being developed in time to make its debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2015. That’s still a long ways away, so it should give Cadillac enough time to prepare its long-awaited answer to the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, the Audi A8, and the BMW 7 Series.
Autoblog is also reporting certain design elements of the Elmiraj Coupe Concept we saw at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance will make their way to the LTS sedan. That’s a great way to establish a luxury identity for the LTS, because the Elmiraj is everything we hoped a Cadillac flagship sedan would be. While we don’t expect the LTS to be identical to the Elmiraj, we’re looking forward to seeing what Cadillac has in store for the model.
If anything, the company needs to be on its A game in developing the LTS. Last we checked, the S-Class, A8, and 7 Series were all heavyweights of the luxury sedan market. The 2015 S-Class, in particular, was a dramatic improvement from its own predecessor, re-validating Mercedes’ place in the pecking order of the segment. Cadillac will definitely have a lot of pressure on its hands, although the Caddy source did tell Autoblog that the company is prepared to embrace the challenge.
At this point, we’re holding our judgment on that one, at least not until we see the LTS in the flesh in April 2015. You still have time on your hands, Cadillac. You better make the most out of it if the LTS wants to live up to the hype.
Note: Cadillac Elmiraj Concept pictured here.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Cadillac LTS.
Cadillac LTS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 7 August 2014 10:00 EST.
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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
At the 2013 Auto Shanghai, Mercedes unveiled the GLA Concept – the initial preview for the company’s fifth SUV. Just a few months after, the production GLA will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The production GLA-Class is built on the same front-wheel-drive architecture that features transversely mounted engines as the new-generation A-Class and B-Class. From the A-Class, the new GLA also borrows its engine lineup, but U.S. customers will only have one variant, the GLA250, which is offered in standard front-wheel drive and optional 4MATIC.
On the U.S. market, the model will be put on sale in the fall of 2014.
Updated 08/14/2013: The production Mercedes GLA will make its world debut in September at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, but Mercedes just released the first official details on the production version GLA.
Updated 07/29/2014: Mercedes announced that the all-new GLA-Class will be put on sale at a starting price of $32,225, while when equipped with the 4MATIC system, the price will raise to $34,225.
Hit the jump to read more about the production version Mercedes GLA-Class.
Gallery 2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 July 2014 09:30 EST.
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Spy Shots: 2017 Mercedes E-Class Mule Caught Testing
It’s been only a month since the first report about the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class surfaced the Interwebz, and it appears the Germans have already began working on the redesigned sedan. The big news comes via our spy photographers stationed in Germany, who have spotted a strange-looking mule near the Nurburgring track.
We say “strange-looking” because the vehicle depicted in the images we just received in our inbox is a half-camouflaged C-Class that’s not exactly the compact sedan we’re already familiar with. It might look like a regular C-Class at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals the body is longer and wider than it should be. What’s more, the engine is stuffed under a longer hood and the wheel arches hidden under the swirly wrap are slightly beefier.
This leads us to believe we’re actually looking at the next-generation E-Class, which we expect to arrive for the 2017 model year. Although it’s at least two years away, we’re not at all surprised to see it on public streets already. The sedan is in for a brand-new platform and a host of new technologies, all of which require months, if not years, of development and testing.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Mercedes E-Class.
Spy Shots: 2017 Mercedes E-Class Mule Caught Testing originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 26 June 2014 16:00 EST.
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Video: Bentley Presents "Intelligent Details"
It certainly goes without saying that there are few automakers in this world that can compete with Bentley’s status as a premier luxury brand. But being identified with luxury isn’t the only thing that Bentley is proud of; the company also has this goal of combining all that class and elegance with technology. So the company developed a new four-minute short film, titled “Intelligent Details,” to specifically showcase how it has achieved blending luxury and technology in one package.
The short film is told through the words of Bentley Director of Design Luc Donckerwolke and Head of Exterior Design Sang Yup Lee. While riding the Mulsanne in the streets of New York, the two describe the company’s goal of offering
“performance that’s compatible with luxury”, something Donckerwolke proudly claims no other auto brand in the world can claim.
The two also talk about a new goal for the company to turn the interior of its vehicles into its own living space that’s largely attributed to a renewed sense of empowering it with interior infotainment technology. This is where the short film comes circle in a really cool way. We’re not going to spoil you the ending of the video, but what Bentley used to develop, create, and edit this four-minute short film certainly may shock you, given its professional quality.
Video: Bentley Presents “Intelligent Details” originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 20 May 2014 11:00 EST.
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Kia Cadenza
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Posted on 07.18.2013 15:00 by |
Kia unveiled the all-new Cadenza sedan – the model that marks Kia’s entering into the premium-sedan segment – at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The new Cadenza will join Kia’s current lineup of sedan models that includes: Forte, Optima and Rio, and will go on sale in the second quarter of this year.
The model is offered only in one equipment trim level and will feature a design language inspired by Kia’s European models. As a result, the new Cadenza will be distinguished by a “Tiger Nose” front fascia, quad headlamps and taillights with LED technology and a new exhaust system with twin oval tail pipes. Interior features will include equipment like leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 12-speaker Infinity audio system. For those customers wishing to further customize the look of their car, Kia is also offering two optional packages: Premium package and Technology package.
The 2014 Cadenza will be equipped with only one engine: 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
UPDATED 7/18/2013: Kia has released the pricing details on the 2014 Cadenza luxury sedan. See more after the jump.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Kia Cadenza.
Kia Cadenza originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 18 July 2013 15:00 EST.
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Porsche Panamera by Gemballa Becomes the Fastest Sedan Over 2 Tonnes
| Posted on 12.16.2013 15:00 by Simona |
When Gemballa unveiled the GTP 700 tuning kit for the Porsche Panamera we didn’t payed much attention to it, as we saw it as just another kit for the luxury German sedan. After all, other than the 700 horsepower on tap, the kit did offer much else.
Well, it looks like Gemballa decided to prove us wrong in thinking this was “just another kit, as the new GTP 700 just became the fastest sedan in the world to weight over two metric tonnes (4,400 pounds).
After making its world debut at the 2013 Essen Motor Show, the new GTP700 was taken to the Nardo high-speed track for a test drive. Gemballa said that the record was an accident, because the car was not prepared in advanced for this achievement. It was just a customer-ready GTP 700, equipped with 22-inch wheels and checking in at 2,045 kg (4.508 pounds) – 2,225 kg (4,905 pounds) with the driver and the fuel included.
With this “equipment,” the Panamera GTP 700 hit a top speed of 338.8 km/h (210.5 mph). Additionally. the GTP 700 can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, from 0 to 124 mph in 9.6 seconds and from 0 to 186 mph in 26.5 seconds.
Click past the jump for the video.
Porsche Panamera by Gemballa Becomes the Fastest Sedan Over 2 Tonnes originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 16 December 2013 15:00 EST.
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Rolls-Royce Ghost Cantor Glory Edition
| Posted on 12.16.2013 16:00 by Kirby Garlitos |
There’s a reason why Rolls-Royce is rolling out all these special edition models in China. The market is fast becoming the largest one for luxury automakers and what better way to stake a significant chunk of it than to entice customers with vehicles no other country in the world will carry.
Sounds like a smart plan, right?
Rolls-Royce seems to think so, and that’s why its been busy the past couple of months launching special-edition Ghost models, including its latest creation, the Ghost Cantor Glory Edition.
Recently introduced at Auto Guangzhou, the Ghost Cantor Glory Edition pays homage to Guangzhou with a number of design elements attributed to the south Chinese city, including drawing inspiration from the iconic Canton Tower, while also adding touches of Guangzhou, no more distinct than the addition of the city’s Five Rams emblem in the coachline, veneer panels, headrests and dashboard.
A two-tone color scheme also points to the uniqueness of the Ghost Cantor Glory Edition with RR opting to use a Madeira Red for a glorious regal history and Cassiopeia Silver or Carrera White for the bright and modern present. The contrasting colors offer a touch of balance between the colors of the night sky with the metallic body of the aforementioned Canton Tower.
The finer details, including customer options to give this special-edition ride more distinct styling, can be accomplished through its Bespoke Atelier program, which is coming to China for the first time, and offering a range of customization options for all those deep-pocketed Chinese buyers.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost
Rolls-Royce Ghost Cantor Glory Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 16 December 2013 16:00 EST.
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Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
| Posted on 08.22.2013 13:00 by Justin Cupler |
The Range Rover Evoque has quickly become the hottest-selling model in Land Rover’s lineup and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down for 2014, thanks to a new release from the automaker. While all of the specifics of the 2014 Evoque are still unknown, Land Rover UK has outlined some of the technological advancements the model will carry into 2014 – we assume these will be a part of the 2014 U.S.-spec Evoque too.
The global Evoque lineup will carry three different engines: a 150 horsepower 2.2-liter diesel, a 190-horsepower 2.2-litrer diesel and a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 240 horsepower. The U.S. market will certainly receive the 2.0-liter engine, but it may also gain one of the two diesel offerings in 2014. These engines all link up to an all-new nine-speed ZF-sourced transmission, which has unperceivable shifts and wide spread of gear ratios to make for smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy.
Also new for 2014 is the Active Driveline, which according to Land Rover is an “on-demand” four-wheel drive system that enhances agility and improves fuel economy, thanks to it deactivating the rear wheels at speeds over 22 mph. However, should the Evoque need that extra grip over 22 mph, the system takes less than 300 milliseconds to activate the rear wheels. Additionally, an E-Diff on the rear delivers Torque Biasing between the rear wheels for optimal traction and control.
Safety features also take center stage in 2014, as the Evoque will feature Park Exit to help you pull out of parallel parking spots; Perpendicular Park to automatically center the SUV in a parking bay; Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection to warn the driver of traffic behind the vehicle; Lane Departure Warning; Traffic Sign Recognition; and Wade Sensing. Also included will be Land Rover InControl Remote to contact emergency services in the event of an accident or Land Rover Assist in the event of technical issues, and Land Rover InControl Secure to track the vehicle in the event of a theft.
And finally, there are a few aesthetic changes that include minor detail changes on the exterior, new colors for the interior, four new alloy wheels and revised :and Rover badges.
More details will come as we get closer to the model’s release in Europe in the third quarter of 2013.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Range Rover Evoque
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 22 August 2013 13:00 EST.
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Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera Facelift Caught Without Cammo
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Posted on 03.8.2013 11:00 by |
Porsche is already preparing a facelift for the Panamera luxury sedan. The car has been caught testing many times, but this time the car was caught testing with almost no camouflage. Our spy photographers caught both standard and Turbo version, so you can easily see the changes featured on both models.
As you can see, the revised Panamera will receive new headlamps and taillights, plus redesigned front and rear bumpers. Porsche will also redesign the interior with improved materials and new technologies.
We expect some upgrades regarding the engine and transmission, so you can expect the new Panamera to deliver improved fuel economy and better performance. Rumors suggest that the 4S version will drop the current V-8 engine in favor of a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine that will deliver about 420 horsepower – an increase of 20 horsepower over the current model.
We expect the new Porsche Panamera to be unveiled in April 2013.
Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera Facelift Caught Without Cammo originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 March 2013 11:00 EST.
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Aston Martin Rapide S
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Posted on 03.7.2013 09:30 by |
People are talking about a more powerful version of the Aston Martin Rapide ever since the standard model was dropped onto the market in 2010. In the past few months, the new Rapide S has been caught testing a few times, and now it has finally made its world debut.
The new Rapide S replaces the old Rapide in the company’s lineup and has been described as “the most powerful four-door Aston Martin to date.” The model is powered by an improved version of the new AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V-12 powerplant that adds in some extra ponies.
Along with the engine improvement, the Rapide S will receive a revised front grille and rear lip spoiler. There is also an optional Carbon Exterior Pack that further improves the sporty appearance of the luxury sedan.
The new Aston Martin Rapide S will be put on sale next month.
Updated 01/23/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
Updated 03/07/2013: Aston Martin has unveiled a new promo video and new images for its latest Rapide S – a model it describes as the most beautiful four-door in the world. Enjoy!
Hit the jump to read more about the new Aston Martin Rapide S.
Aston Martin Rapide S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 7 March 2013 09:30 EST.
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Land Rover Freelander 3
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Posted on 02.21.2013 08:00 by |
The next-generation Land Rover Freelander has been caught testing for the first time. At a first look, it seems to be an XL version of the Range Rover Evoque, but actually it is a mule for the all new Land Rover Freelander.
Why are we so sure that this is not just another Evoque? Because this mule is a little bit different: the area around the fuel cap is a little bit different, front and the wheel arches are slightly changed.
Up to this point we have no idea what engines will be used in the next Freelander, but we are pretty certain that the new 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will still be offered.
The new Freelander 3 will be unveiled sometime in 2015 and hopefully we will soon see prototypes wearing the correct body. It has been rumored that the new Freelander 3 will come in three different body styles this time.
Land Rover Freelander 3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 21 February 2013 08:00 EST.
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Spy Shots: Mercedes S-Class Coupe Spied for the First Time
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Posted on 02.18.2013 09:00 by |
We have known that Mercedes was preparing a coupe version for the next generation S-Class for quite some time now, but this is the first time we have actually caught the car out for a testing session. The car was spotted at a Mercedes facility, and as you can see, it is in a stage of camouflage that we normally never see on a Mercedes prototype.
With this kind of camouflage, Mercedes is trying to hide the stunning shape of the new car, but it is pretty clear the body will look wide and muscular. Also, you can see the rear lights are placed horizontally, giving the impression of an even wider body. When viewed from the side, the future S-Class looks a little like a Chevrolet Camaro, very powerful but still very timeless.
The next S-Class Coupe will share platform and drivetrains with the upcoming S-Class and will, of course, be stuffed with all the new technical features already announced for the S-Class.
Expect the new S-Class Coupe to be unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and hit the market for the 2015 model year.
Spy Shots: Mercedes S-Class Coupe Spied for the First Time originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 18 February 2013 09:00 EST.
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Range Rover RS300 Vesuvius Edition by Kahn Design
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Posted on 10.5.2012 18:00 by |
Another Friday, another cool tuning package offered by the guys over at Kahn Design. Their latest RangeRover package drapes the SUV’s body with Santorini black metallic paint combined with Vesuvius orange accents, including but not limited to the roof and a thick stripe on the hood. It also throws in an aerodynamic package and new interior modifications.
The aerodynamic package includes a lower front bumper lip extension, an RS front grille with 3D mesh, a grille insert in Vesuvius orange, exhaust side vents in matte pearl grey and body color, and Kahn enamel wing shields. Additional features include brake calipers finished in Vesuvius orange, RS vented front wheel arches with integrated front air dams, front wheel arch LED light strips, and door handles in matte grey. Then there’s the aforementioned painted floating roof and bonnet stripe.
For the interior, the tuner added RS Vesuvius style diamond quilted and perforated black leather with a Vesuvius orange trim. The package also includes vented food pedals in machined aluminum and a Kahn Vesuvius speedometer, as well as a new clock bezel surround finished with Swarovski diamonds, door panel tops in quilted and perforated leather with orange stitching, and plenty of carbon fiber.
The package is offered with a 3.0 SDV6 engine that delivers a total of 256 HP at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 442 lbs-ft at 2,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a new ZF 8HP70, eight-speed automatic gearbox and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds.
BMW 1M G1 V8 Hurricane RS by G-Power
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Posted on 09.25.2012 16:00 by |
The last time we saw a G-Powered BMW it was the M5 Hurricane RR, which ended up being the world’s fastest LPG-powered vehicle. Well, G-Power is back for a little bit more, but this time in a much smaller package: the 1M.
If the 1M and its 335-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine just isn’t enough for you, the BMW 1M G1 V8 Hurricane RS by G-Power just might be the ticket. G-Power took special care of this 1M coupe and brought it to a point that just about any auto enthusiast could be both impressed and scared to death of it at the same time.
What’s awesome, though, is the amount of careful planning that BMW put into the 1M straight from the factory had a direct relationship with the amount of power G-Power was able to crank out. BMW fitted the 1M with the front and rear axles of its M3 counterpart, giving it the clean and stout base that the 1M needs to handle more intense power output.
So, did G-Power earn another gold star with its latest BMW modification or did it fall a little short of the precedent it set with the M5 Hurricane RR?
Click past the jump to find out.
BMW 1M G1 V8 Hurricane RS by G-Power originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 25 September 2012 16:00 EST.
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Aston Martin Vanquish
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Posted on 09.11.2012 21:00 by |
Here we go, folks. The 2012 model year was the last for the current Aston Martin DBS, but Aston Martin fans will be kept busy with the 2013 DBS Ultimate, which is little more than a slightly upgraded version of the Carbon Black model, but a limited edition nonetheless. Once the novelty of that model wears out, the newly redesigned Vanquish will be here and ready to soak up the spotlight. In the past few months, we have seen plenty of spy shots of the new supercar, but Aston Martin has finally decided it was time to offer full details on the new Vanquish. As you probably know, the new DBS successor not only received a completely new design, but it also revived a legendary name: Vanquish.
The reasoning behind the name choice was explained by Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, himself: “Today’s Vanquish is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability. It offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability and pure driving excitement without compromise. Bearing the same name as the iconic original Vanquish that did so much to cement Aston Martin’s reputation as a maker of great GT cars in the modern era, I believe the car unveiled today once again puts this great British brand at the top of its class.”
Did the British brand overshoot, or did it just find a way to catapult sales? Hit the jump to read more about the new Aston Martin Vanquish and decide for yourself.
UPDATE 06/22/2012: Aston Martin has finally released the online configurator for its much-anticipated sports car, the Vanquish, which is a true sign that the wait is finally over. The first thing that absolutely will blow your mind is the “Paint Colour” section, as there are 32 different colors to choose from. The palate you have to choose from is so full of varying colors that it looks like the paint card displayed in the paint department at Home Depot.
In addition to the paint colors, you get seven different rim styles to choose from and even five brake caliper colors. That’s just about as custom as you can get in a mass-produced car.
On the bottom of the configurator, you get a little wheel that allows you to rotate the car to get a good look at all sides of it. Our only complaint about that feature is that it is not very smooth and sometimes it has a mind of its own. There are far better ones out there that move the car more accurately and smoothly.
UPDATE 09/11/2012: Aston Martin has unveiled a new set of images, as well as a very cool video for their latest Vanquish supercar. Enjoy!
Aston Martin Vanquish originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 11 September 2012 21:00 EST.
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icarzone 