Modified Toyota Le Mans MR2 1996 Pictures

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K3 Projekt VW Golf GTI 2008 Pictures

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Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept And New 1.6 Boxer Heading To Tokyo

Subaru has confirmed it will bring a new take on 2009 s Hybrid Tourer Concept to next month's Tokyo Motor Show, this time dubbed Advanced Tourer Concept (ATC). A pair of teaser images released today by Subaru reveal a version of the earlier concept that looks near production-ready; the wide gullwing doors and slim wing-mirrors of the earlier concept having been replaced by more conventional items. The headlights and front bumper have also been transformed: there's a new... Read more

Subaru’s Advanced Tourer Concept for Tokyo

Subaru's biggest announcement for next month's Tokyo Motor Show was expected to be the BRZ sports car, but now news has arrived that it will also show an "Advanced Tourer Concept" powered by its trademark horizontally-opposed engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but with turbocharging and direct fuel injection, plus a single-motor hybrid system, all driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Paradoxically Subaru has fitted the car with its EyeSight driver assist system, and a steering wheel which incorporates a "large monitor" for access to "maps, television and internet services." Perhaps news about the carnage resulting from distracted driving hasn't reached Japan yet.

Subaru says the direct fuel injection turbo engine is "one of the main technologies that will guide Subaru's future engine strategy", noting its quick, smooth acceleration and environmental friendliness.

The turbocharged 1600cc engine and single electric motor are combined into a hybrid system that offers continuous all-wheel-drive even when it is in electric-only mode and manages to use all four wheels to regenerate electricity during deceleration.

Subaru's proprietary EyeSight driver assist system will be showcased on the vehicle, with the system now offering greater range and width. The steering wheel monitor will also be interesting to see. Distracted driving is one of the major trends associated with new technology, and putting it on the steering wheel seems like a recipe for encouraging taking your eyes off the road, but we don't know the full story just yet.

Peugeot 301 (308 replacement) spy shots

Peugeot has been spotted testing a prototype version of the upcoming Peugeot 301, the replacement for the Peugeot 308. Despite this prototype wearing the current 308 body, underneath it features the new driveline, chassis and suspension layout.

The new Peugeot 301 will be pitched directly at the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, sharing a similar design and engineering philosophy as seen on the recently revealed Peugeot 208 and certain elements of the Peugeot SR1 Concept.

It is understood Peugeot won't be re-adopting the '309 badge due to the less than favourable reviews the original Peugeot 309 received, so it gets a fresh '301 badge. It will also be built on a new platform, shared with the upcoming Citroen DS4.

Like the Peugeot 208, the new Peugeot 301 will feature slightly larger cabin dimensions than the current model, particularly in width, offering more interior room. The new model is also expected to be lighter in weight and more fun to drive than the predecessor.

As for the powerplants, Peugeot is said to be planning a range of new petrol and diesel engine options, including super-fuel-efficient units potentially shared with the 208. These could include a 1.0-litre with around 56kW and a 1.2-litre with around 75kW. A hybrid version will likely join the line-up as well.

The Peugeot 301 is expected to the unveiled sometime in 2012, with sales starting shortly after.

Ford Upgrades MyFord Touch: New Version Simpler, Faster, Easier To Navigate

MyFord Touch made simpler for 2013

If you're one of the many Ford buyers who purchased your vehicle with the MyFord Touch system, but then became disenchanted with it due to slowness, freezing, difficult navigation and other complaints, Ford listened and has made some major changes.

The updated MyFord Touch debuts next week on the all-new 2013 Ford Escape small crossover that will be revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, as well as the 2013 Ford Flex crossover and the Taurus sedan.

What's involved in the upgrade

In essence, Ford took to heart all the customer complaints, as well as the stinging downgrade from the latest Consumer Reports magazine reliability survey, and made the following changes:

• Made display screens simpler, featuring larger type, fewer options and less clutter
• Overhauled the graphics on more than 1,000 screens
• Added a 3-D display for map data, realistic-looking display of road signs and freeway exits
• Faster response for touch-screen inputs, better voice recognition
• Faster phone connection when entering the vehicle
• Improved echo and noise cancellation for calls made through MyFord Touch using a Bluetooth connection

There's more to the changes, of course. These are just the highlights. For more information, see coverage in TheCarConnection. Also, check out the video below which walks you through some of the ways Ford wants to make your life simpler and easier to navigate on the road using MyFord Touch.

And the good news is that the upgrade will soon be available free of charge to existing MyFord Touch customers. The automaker plans to mail out a USB drive so consumers can self-perform the upgrade, or Ford dealers can do it.

Separately, and announced last month, Ford has upgraded SYNC to be able to read text messages aloud. Consumers can find out if their vehicle is eligible for the upgrade by going to the SyncMyRide website and entering their vehicle identification number.

Both the MyFord Touch and SYNC upgrades should go a long way toward helping to reduce distracted driving, as well as calm the frazzled nerves of existing MyFord Touch and SYNC customers.

Ford Updates Flex For 2013

When a vehicle is crucial to an automaker's success, usually big risks aren't taken. Playing it safe is a lot more common of a plan. Witness, Toyota's redesign of the 2012 Camry. With the Ford Flex, playing it safe wasn't in the plan. From the outset, the Flex has been a polarizing design. Despite that though, Ford had lofty ambitions. It originally was shooting for 100,000 units of the Flex per year.

The Flex has sold a lot less than that, but in a different way than Ford intended. Ford primarily sells high-end models of the Flex for those looking for something different. The Flex has a small, loyal customer base. Looking for increased volume, Ford recently brought out the Explorer to, which has performed brilliantly. Thanks to platform sharing, the Flex still has a place in Ford's lineup. For 2013, the Flex gets an update that focuses on technology and making it further stand out from the pack.

When it debuted, the Flex was meant to be one of the first products that showed Ford was really "getting it". That meant a design that featured the company's bold, American face with a three-bar grille. Ford is starting to move away from that now with a new "One Ford" look that is more international in approach. That new design language was shown by the Evos Concept.

The Flex is not an international product, but it has ditched the three-bar grille as well. It now has a singular chrome bar that stretches across the front end, helping to visually increases the width of the Flex. It makes a strong statement, with a post-modern look. You'll notice the Ford blue oval is gone, replaced by large "FLEX" badging that sits above the grille.

The Flex's technology package has gotten a significant upgrade. The seven-seat crossover adopts MyFord Touch (which includes an all-new instrument cluster), as well as collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers and Ford's industry-first seatbelt airbag system. The base 3.5-liter V-6 engine now makes 285 horsepower, up 20 from last year's 265. Mileage is increased by 1 mpg, and the EcoBoost V-6 s power output is carried over. Post-modern best describes the Flex's look; it is thoroughly modern with a nod to the past. Somehow we think if you didn't like the Flex before, you still won't now though - and for Ford, that's OK.

All new Kia Ray

Which was being called the Tam for a while.
All we know so far is that it is powered by a small 3 cylinder engine, and that it will probably not make it to the US. As it is even smaller than the Soul. An all electric version has been spotted testing as well.

Porsche Cayenne 3.0 Diesel V6 Supersport Wide Track 2013 Pictures

Kahn Design`s new style and sound package for the Porsche Cayenne 3.0 Diesel V6. Kahn`s cross hair exhaust system promises to sweeten the note of Porsche`s Cayenne 3.0 Diesel V6 while the red `Carmine` paintwork, lowered suspension, wide wheel arches, 22" RS600 rims and liquid gold brake calipers provide the unique style. Additions such as privacy glass, black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, vented foot pedals and a `Kahn Investing in British Industry` Logo continue the tuner`s execution of luxury. .

Peugeot RCZ R 2014 Pictures

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2013 Hyundai ix35 pricing announced (UK)

2013 Hyundai ix35 (UK-spec) 23.08.2013

Starts at 16,995 GBP

Hyundai has disclosed pricing information for the UK-spec facelifted ix35 crossover.

The entry-level S version has a starting price of 16,995 GBP and comes with 16-inch alloys, USB/AUX connections, remote central locking with alarm, downhill brake control, hill start assist, trip computer and air conditioning.

The SE trim level kicks off at 18,495 GBP and adds goodies such as 17-inch wheels, cruise control, heated front/rear seats, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, LED taillights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. For an extra 1,000 GBP you can get the SE Nav version equipped with satellite-navigation, sharkfin antenna, uprated seven-speaker sound system and rearview parking camera.

For the refreshed model Hyundai is offering a Premium trim with bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch rims, leather seats, privacy glass, keyless entry, headlamp washers, chrome door handles, along with electric tilt and slide panoramic sunroof for the Premium Panorama model.

Engine lineup is carried over so the 2013 Hyundai ix35 can be equipped with a 1.6-liter GDi gasoline engine, as well as 1.7- and a 2.0-liter CRDi engines. The smaller diesel is optionally available with ISG, while the larger one can be mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission.

More info is available in the press release area.

Ferrari-themed Renault Estafette from 'Rush' up for auction

1979 Renault Estafette with Ferrari livery from Rush 23.08.2013 / silverstoneauctions.com

Movie airs Sep 27

A 1979 Renault Estafette decked in a Ferrari livery from Ron Howard's "Rush" movie will be auctioned.

This particular vehicle was used its entire life as a fire van in a small town on the French/Swiss border. More importantly, the Estafette travelled to UK in 2012 to star in "Rush" and was restored in the correct factory paint with period-correct decals, while on the roof there are Avon racing tires from that era. The van was turned into a replica of an original Estafette that Ferrari had during Niki Lauda's period.

The Ferrari-themed Estafette is expected to fetch anywhere between 15,000 GBP (23,360 USD) and 20,000 GBP (31,200 USD) when it will go under the hammer on Sunday at the CarFest South Sale at Laverstoke Farm in UK.

Tata Tuff Truck concept unveiled in Australia

Tata Tuff Truck concept 23.8.2013

Based on the Xenon

Tata Motors has officially unveiled the Tuff Truck concept at the National 4×4 & Outdoors Show in Australia.

Jointly-developed with Australian distributor Fusion Automotive, the Tuff Truck was designed by Julian Quincey who also happens to be the chief designer at Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).

The concept is based on the Xenon and features an aggressive front bumper with LED daytime running lights, a winch and tow hooks. The model has also been equipped with an LED light bar, a snorkel and 20-inch billet aluminum wheels which are shod in off-road tires.

Tata declined to say what powers the model but the Australian-spec Xenon has a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that develops 150 HP (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a five-speed manual transmission and a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Plus spied up close

2014 Volkswagen Golf Plus spy photo 23.8.2013 / SB-Medien

Could be launched next spring

Development work continues on the 2014 Volkswagen Golf Plus as our spies have caught the model undergoing testing in Germany.

Designed to appeal to growing families, the hatchback will be heavily based on the Golf VII and is expected to be significantly larger than its predecessor. Nothing is official but previous reports have indicated the model could 5cm longer, 15cm taller and ride on a wheelbase that has been stretched by approximately 6cm.

Regardless of the final dimensions, the Golf Plus is expected to be offered with a variety of familiar engines. Possible candidates include:

• A 1.2-liter TSI with outputs of 85 HP (63 kW) and 105 HP (77 kW)


• A 1.4-liter TSI with outputs of 122 HP (90 kW) and 140 HP (103 kW)


• A 1.6-liter TDI with 105 PS (77 kW)


• A 2.0-liter TDI with 150 PS (110 kW)

Audi A8L 2014

Luxury car manufacturer from Germany, Audi has revealed the facelift versions of the 2014 Audi A8L, A8 and S8 range, ahead of their global debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The styling of both models looks evolutionary as they sport new technological features, powerful engines, a new assistance system and the innovative Matrix LED headlights that have 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Also introduced is the sequentially illuminated turn signals, revised front bumper, new grille, slightly tweaked bonnet and exhaust finishers.

On the rear the LED lamps become flatter, the redesigned bumper houses two rhomboid tailpipes (except for the S8). New chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames complete the list of exterior changes. There is a choice of twelve colors, including five new ones. Wheels are available in sizes up to 21 inches.

On the performance side, Germany buyers will have a choice with two petrol and two diesel engines. The 3.0-liter TFSI delivering 310 HP (228 kW), a V8 twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI with 435 HP (320 kW), along with a 3.0-liter TDI outputting 258 HP (190 kW) and a 4.2-liter TDI rated at 385 HP (283 kW). The A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-liter will deliver 500 HP (368 kW) and the S8 from its 4.0-liter TFSI will deliver 520 HP (380 kW).

The Audi A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and electric motor to produce a system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The engine's power flows to the front wheels via a modified tiptronic.

The 4.0 TFSI when paired with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. The S8 accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds. The hybrid model can run for about 1.86 miles (3km) solely on electric power and hit a top speed of 62 mph.

Audi A8 2014

Luxury car manufacturer from Germany, Audi has revealed the facelift versions of the 2014 Audi A8 and S8 range, ahead of their global debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The styling of both models looks evolutionary as they sport new technological features, powerful engines, a new assistance system and the innovative Matrix LED headlights that have 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit which can be switched on/off individually depending on road conditions. Also introduced is the sequentially illuminated turn signals, revised front bumper, new grille, slightly tweaked bonnet and exhaust finishers.

On the rear the LED lamps become flatter, the redesigned bumper houses two rhomboid tailpipes (except for the S8). New chrome strips and high-gloss black window frames complete the list of exterior changes. There is a choice of twelve colors, including five new ones. Wheels are available in sizes up to 21 inches.

On the performance side, Germany buyers will have a choice with two petrol and two diesel engines. The 3.0-liter TFSI delivering 310 HP (228 kW), a V8 twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI with 435 HP (320 kW), along with a 3.0-liter TDI outputting 258 HP (190 kW) and a 4.2-liter TDI rated at 385 HP (283 kW). The A8 L W12 quattro with its 6.3-liter will deliver 500 HP (368 kW) and the S8 from its 4.0-liter TFSI will deliver 520 HP (380 kW).

The Audi A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and electric motor to produce a system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The engine's power flows to the front wheels via a modified tiptronic.

The 4.0 TFSI when paired with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. The S8 accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds. The hybrid model can run for about 1.86 miles (3km) solely on electric power and hit a top speed of 62 mph.

Toyota FCV-R – bringing hydrogen a step closer to reality

Toyota's third concept for Tokyo will be the FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle - Reality & Revolution), which it says is a practical, family-sized vehicle fuelled by hydrogen. The 4.7 metre-long sedan features seating for four and impressive luggage space, made possible by housing the fuel-cell beneath the specially-designed bodyshell.

Minimal details about it, but Toyota says the fuel cell stack, which includes a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, is capable of giving the FCV-R a cruising range of approximately 692 km, measured under a Japanese JC08 test cycle. The company adds it expects to commercially launch a fuel cell vehicle by 2015.

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth: 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

The U.S. will soon get to enjoy one of the most stylish and fun-packed hot hatches the rest of the world has been lapping up since 2008.

We are of course talking about the sporty new Fiat 500 Abarth, which makes its debut next month at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show before hitting local showrooms early in the new year.

For anyone not familiar with the Abarth brand, it is an Italian race car manufacturer that's now responsible for not only Fiat's motorsports efforts but also for the tuning of some of its cars. You'll recognize an Abarth by the menacing scorpion logo adorned to many of the cars.

The new Fiat 500 Abarth, pictured here in U.S. trim for the first time, will arrive as a 2012 model and with it will come a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with MultiAir technology and standard six-speed manual. Chrysler hasn't announced power levels for its new 500 Abarth but expect something similar to the 135 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque offered in its European equivalent.

What we do know is that it will come with track-tuned suspension and brakes, a sporty bodykit, and an aggressive rear diffuser with integrated exhaust tips. This should ensure the car behaves itself on bends, making it safer and more thrilling when the pedal is pushed to the floor. In other words, it should be faithful to the phrase coined by Abarth founder Karl Abarth for the sporty Fiats of the 1960s: "small but wicked".

Inside, there's a blend of clean lines and functional performance appointments. An Abarth-designed steering wheel features a thick rim, perforated leather and flat bottom to provide the look, feel and increased roominess desired by performance drivers. For easier operation, and to keep the driver's eyes on the road ahead, the steering wheel also includes cruise, audio and BLUE&ME connectivity features.

Behind the steering wheel, the Fiat 500 Abarth features a large concentric instrument cluster with 160-mph speedometer, tachometer and trip computer. Other unique additions to this model are an analog turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift-light in the center, as well as Abarth sport seats. GPS navigation from TomTom is available as an option.

No word on pricing but expect a hike over the $15,500 asking price of the regular 2012 Fiat 500.

Look out for the debut of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, press days for which kick off on November 16.

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Review

Suzuki may not be the most popular or well known automaker in the US, but that should not keep you from taking a look at their newest product. Introduced in 2010, the Kizashi is now available in four trim levels: The base S, SE, Sport GTS, and Sport SLS. All trim levels can be had with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). However, if you choose AWD, you can only get the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The FWD manual starts at $18,999 and the top trim level Sport SLS AWD w/NAV is $28, 948. After reading this in Motor Trend, I knew this car could be a game-changer for them. I had to drive one to find out.

I drove the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD, with the CVT and paddle shifters. This model is loaded with a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo with Bluetooth, heated leather seats with memory, heated side mirrors, power sunroof, auto headlights, auto rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension and sport steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The only additional available option on my test car was navigation. Standard on all Kizashi's is Keyless push-button ignition, USB port, front and rear side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, dual zone climate control, and led interior lighting.

The exterior of the car is very nice for the price point with tight body gaps and a quality appearance. The chrome add-ons, aggressive stance, and sporty trunk lid lip are all complimentary to the main body lines of the car. Inside the car has an even higher quality look and feel. The doors have a solid 'thunk' when closing them and the fit and finish inside is top notch for the price. My first impression was, "Wow, I can't believe this is a Suzuki!". The front seats are among the most comfortable I've experienced, with eight-way power adjustments, power lumbar, and the aforementioned memory. Entry into the backseat is a less than perfect requiring one to duck inside due to the low roof line, but once in the back, the seats are extremely comfortable and average-sized adults will fit just fine. Overall the interior feels like you are in a much more expensive car.

After pressing the push-button ignition to start it, the engine runs very smoothly and sounded more like a V-6 than a four-cylinder at idle. The initial acceleration does not feel as powerful as 180 horsepower would suggest with the CVT modulating the power to optimize fuel economy of EPA 22 city/29 highway. Not until you mash the gas do you realize this is not a slow car. The Kizashi takes off with a shiftless surge of power that will keep up with if not best much of the competition in zero to 60 and the quarter mile. Be careful though, since you don't experience shifts with a CVT, speed climbs deceptively quick. Braking is firm and controlled. The ride is firm and sporty, yet did not jar me when I hit a few rough railroad crossings and an occasional pothole during my drive. Overall, the car has a nice balance between sport and comfort.

The Suzuki Kizashi Sport SLS AWD is a solid, well-built, and impressive car for the money. It provides a lot of value with excellent, comfortable seating and equipment normally found on cars at higher price-points. It would have been an even better car with a manual transmission (a six-speed manual is only available on front wheel drive models), though shifting with the paddle shifters was somewhat of a happy medium. It could be that I am just not used to a CVT and how different it behaves. If you are looking for a mid-size car with sport-touring intentions, this should be on your list.

2012 Toyota Prius C Superior Review

2012 Toyota Prius C Side

2012 Toyota Prius C Superior Review - Auto Europe Car.2012 Toyota Prius C is new car from Toyota which will make its US. Toyota Prius c joins the Prius Family of vehicles in the spring of 2012. Positioned as an entry into the Prius Family appealing to youthful shoppers seeking fuel efficiency, technology, and spirited driving dynamics in the subcompact segment, the Toyota Prius c will offer:

2012 Toyota Prius C Review

• Expected class-leading fuel economy better than 50 mpg in the city, which is the highest city mpg of any non-plug-in vehicle.
• Proven hybrid technology, with 14 years of heritage, available at a more accessible price.
• A high degree of convenience features and premium in-car electronics, uncommon in a five-door configuration, creating a less compromised compact-car experience.

2012 Toyota Prius C combined to achieve its revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive with excellent aerodynamic exceptional fuel economy. The new Prius Prius c is unique in the family with an expression of youth and sports a dynamic, offering a fun to drive. The vehicle with five doors and flexible packaging format will suit a wide range of needs of the owner.

2012 Toyota Prius C provides an unexpected level of comfort, functionality and technology in a compact hybrid-electric power at an attractive price. Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, and nine airbags are available as standard on c. 2012 Prius will be

Toyota Entune provides one of the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iheartradio 750 + stations and Pandora Internet Radio customized music. In addition to songs from the driver's personal portable media players and iPods (via USB or Bluetooth streaming audio), and more than 170 stations SiriusXM Satellite Radio .

Create premium technology available to buyers of compact cars offer fuel economy than the Toyota Prius c in an elegant and friendly.

2012 Toyota Prius C Rear

2012 Toyota Prius C Interior

2012 Toyota Prius C Back

2013 Toyota Avalon Teaser ‎

Toyota is claiming that the new 2013 Avalon will be a sporty large car. Don't expect the 2013 Avalon to run with an M5, but a 240-hp 528i or even a 300-hp 535i is certainly within its grasp. In fact,the Avalon will definitely beat the 528i on power and should at least come very close to matching the 535i. Toyota hasn't released power figures for the 2013 Avalon, but the 2012 model gets 268-hp so it's not out of the realm of possibility for Toyota to bump that to the magic 300-hp number.

The body structure gains improvements in torsional rigidity thanks to additional welds, improved body bracing, and high-strength steel in key, while the suspension benefits from a retuned MacPherson strut setup with advanced valving and rebound springs. Coil spring rate and front and rear sway bar stiffness was increased from the current model to help improve body control and body roll.

The Avalon will have adjustable driving dynamics, paddle shifters and be powered by a six-cylinder powerplant. I think it's safe to say that Toyota is making moves here and would be more than happy to sell a vehicle with a lower barrier of entry than the $59,000 mark upheld by the Audi.

On the interior, it's all about comfort, refinement, quietness, luxury, convenience and technology. While that sounds like a tall order, the specifics seem to point to the Avalon's being able to deliver on the promise.

Leather interior, smoked-chrome metallic accents throughout, available soft-white ambient lighting, new front power seat design with increased side bolstering, more front headroom and a larger trunk (16.0 cubic feet of capacity) are highlights.

One area that distinguishes certain premium and luxury sedans is how quiet the cabin is. With the 2013 Avalon, designers and engineers took left nothing to chance, adding sound-absorbing materials, acoustic glass, optimizing exterior shape and minimizing exterior gaps. The result, says Toyota, is an interior that is "significantly quieter" than the current Avalon.

Not surprisingly, attempted answers to the riddle led to rumors that Carter was teasing the all-new Avalon. In addition to a more swoopy body style, rumors also state that Toyota's flagship sedan will get hybrid a powertrain, which would likely be needed to beat the Fiat 500's fuel economy of 30/38 mpg city/highway. Regardless, the new sedan is set to debut in a little over a week, so expect more teaser images from Toyota.

Think of it like this. When Mercedes-Benz introduced the very sexy Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class way back when, it was soon followed up by Volkswagen's Passat CC. If you couldn't spring the cash for the proper CLS, you made do with the CC AND you had one helluva product on your hands.

More Pictures of 2013 Toyota Avalon :

2013 Porsche Boxster challenges the Porsche 911 ‎

Model-year 2013 brings lots of change for Porsche's roadster. The Boxster gets longer, wider and lighter for 2013, with all-new engines, a fully automated top and an updated interior.

However, the less-expensive Boxster has never been able to overcome the 911's three-decade head start in the minds of Porsche buyers.

In fact, the much pricier 911 outsold its Boxster/Cayman siblings two-to-one in Canada in 2011. But that sales ratio may change with the arrival of the all-new 2013 Boxster here this June.

Prices start at $56,500 for the base Boxster, and an additional $13,000 for the more powerful Boxster S. That's right in line with the likes of the Audi TT, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz SLK, but substantially less than the base $106,900 911 Carrera Cabriolet convertible.

The Boxster also gets a redesigned interior that follows in the footsteps of other recent Porsches by adopting upscale materials befitting the car's premium price. (The new Boxster starts at $49,500 plus destination.) The padded dashboard looks good, and a slimmer version of Porsche's button-centric center console separates the bucket seats.

For power, the Boxster S gets the direct-injection, 3.4-litre, H-6 shared with far pricier base 911. Detuned for Boxster duty, it produces 315 horsepower, an increase of five horsepower. Porsche says the 0-100 km/h times comes in at less than 5 seconds.

The Boxster and Boxster S are powered by direct-injection flat-6 engines with auto start/stop function. The Boxster gets 265 hp from 2.7 litres, up 10 from the previous generation in spite of slightly smaller displacement, with 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.8 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual; 5.7 with Porsche's unpronounceable, optional PDK 7-speed transmission. Fuel economy is a pretty impressive 8.2L/100km with the manual, and 7.7 with the PDK.

The windscreen is flatter and set about 10 cm further forward, and the convertible topline extends further back for a more elegant silhouette; plus, the body is slightly longer and the front overhang reduced.

More Pictures of 2013 Porsche Boxster :

DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition 2013 Pictures

Predatory response: Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition ready to pounce on prey. You`d think that as the Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition already has 740PS that DMC may decide that`s well enough? Wrong - they had to pump up the performance to 766PS territory by tweaking the ECU and adding a titanium exhaust system which also improves the sound. The Middle East Edition is now also able to top 220mph thanks to the German tuner`s tampering. As well as more power there`s a combo of new Virgin gold/brushed alloy/black forged rims (21-inches at the front and 22-inches at the rear) wrapped in Pirelli sport tyres. Some carefully selected sport springs also provide that wonderful predatory stance while a full carbon fibre body kit ensures its high class appeal. .

Modified Chrysler 300 2011 Pictures

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Modified Mitsubishi Eclipse GST 1995 Pictures

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Modified MG ZR Trophy SE 2005 Pictures

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