2011 Audi A5 Coupe Sport Project Kahn

Afzal Kahn has made it a point to stretch the boundaries of innovation. With every venture Project Kahn makes, it will always challenge the status quo, to produce an extraordinary concept out of a seemingly ordinary one. The company boasts bragging rights of having added flavor twists to brands like Ferrari, Bentley and Mercedes. With its latest undertaking, Project Kahn sets its eyes on the Audi and makes irresistibly better out of something that’s already dubbed one of the best.
The 2011 Project Kahn Audi A5 Coupe Sport is the irresistible concoction of elegance and strength. The obvious add-in are the front and rear bumper units with facet blades, rear boot spoiler and a stainless steel sports quad exhaust system. The 21-inch RSL lightweight wheels in black and red stripes make for some eye candy.The interior of the Audi A5 Coupe is coated with the signature Project Kahn Bespoke Touch. The leather covering the components are made from perforated nappa. Additional features include stainless steel kick plates, aluminum pedals, pearl front and read diffuser and suspension lowered to 35mm. The new materials makes way for better wheel-handling and a more comfortable and secure driving experience with a car that’s under your very control.

2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

Saab Motors recently celebrated their first year as an independent company by launching the 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition. The latter is among the company’s 366 convertible vehicles available in the market today.
Formally released in the company’s main assembly plant in Trollhattan, The Independence Edition car is inspired by “Griffin Aero”, a specification feature made from Amber orange metallic paint finishes. The Griffin Aero is thoroughly etched in the car’s side window frames. The Independence Edition’s overall design is distinguished by the following:
•Orange-colored steering wheel made from stitched leather finishes.
• An 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels covered with black satin chrome.
• A computerized “Welcome” message and unique turbo gauging capabilities.
• Orange-colored glove box and leather seats made from trimmed beiges.
• The door handles, gearshifts, handbrakes and leather finishes made from carbon and fiber components. The Independence Edition has a “Powertrain” feature which is a combination of 2.0 liters of gasoline, 220 horsepower, 1.9 liters of turbo diesel and additional 180 horsepower. The “Biopower” feature allows valve timing and direct injection using combined E85 engine fuels or gasoline. Aside from the Independence Edition, Biopowers are also found in many manual and six-speed automatic transmission vehicles.

2011 Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric

The 2011 Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric is the world’s first-ever battery electric car made by the Rolls-Royce motors. Also known as the “Phantom EE (Experimental Electric)” car, the 102EX is considered as Rolls-Royce’s vastly improved model since its launch last year.
The Phantom EE has ground-breaking features such as “Aluminum Spaceframe” which is crucial in regulating the overall quiet ride of the car. Aside from the spaceframe, the Phantom EE also has distinct features such as a “6-Speed Gearbox” and “V12 Patrol Engine”. The gearbox was recently replaced with two electric motors and lithium battery packs to tightly mount the car’s rare side frames. The Phantom EE’s battery packs are made from combined cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The battery holds an average density of 230Wh/kg which is crucial in regulating battery recharges.
According to Ian Cameron, Chief Designer for Rolls-Royce motors, the Phantom EE’s overall concept and design complements well with the natural essence of the car in terms of light, space and other engine materials. Rolls-Royce Chairman and CEO Torsten Otvos spearheaded the official launching of the Phantom EE in Europe. The launching coincided with the “Global Driving Awareness” program in Asia, Middle East and North and South America.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

The New Beetle took the design community by storm when it popped into being in 1998, and once it went on sale, buyers immediately took to the car’s cute and friendly look. It was chipper and cheerful, with a flower vase on the dash, but it was utterly lacking in anything that suggested aggression or speed.
This approach nevertheless sparked a cult following, particularly in the U.S., where dealers got away with charging way over sticker price, at least at first. But a mid-term face lift didn't help the model look much more serious, and the overpriced, limited-edition European RSi model with its VR6 engine simply flopped. Nevertheless, the New Beetle stayed in production for an unusually long time, with the final 2010-model-year cars still utilizing the PQ34 platform, the basis for the Golf IV—in case you’ve stopped counting, the Golf VII will arrive in 2013.
With this new Beetle—note that the car no longer carries the capitalized “New” in its name—VW set out to vastly broaden the model’s appeal. The design brief was simple: Make it look sportier and more purposeful than the New Beetle. So instead of evolving the previous version, Klaus Bischoff's design team went back to the original design conceived in the 1930s. What they came up with is a car that’s six inches longer, 3.3 inches wider, and 0.5 inch lower than the New Beetle, and one that truly looks more aggressive. The new proportions imply motion, whereas the previous one always looked like it was standing still. There is some pronounced angularity around the daylight opening and the hood and bumper, and the taillights are wider. From some angles, the Beetle looks almost-sort-of Porsche-like. Daytime running lamps rendered in LEDs underscore the round shape of the headlights, making them resemble a glitzy Chopard watch.
A three-engine lineup provides the power. The smooth 2.5-liter five-cylinder is the base engine. It produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque; output is routed through a five-speed manual or a six-speed slushbox. It’s here that we’ll note that the Beetle is based on the latest Jetta, and as such, the base Bug will have that car’s simple and inexpensive twist-beam rear suspension. We will say that, in the Jetta, the setup performs well enough in all but the most aggressive driving. If more-sophisticated mechanicals are your bag, though, you’re better off with the Beetle 2.0 TSI, which gets 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbo four. It comes with a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch-transmission, and the rear suspension is upgraded to a multilink arrangement (likely very similar to the forthcoming Jetta GLI’s). The TSI is visually distinguished by a rear spoiler and red brake calipers, and it also gets VW's XDS, a brake-based system that approximates a limited-slip differential.

2011 Hamann Hawk Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Are you ready for one of the fastest vehicles of the year? It is the 2011 Hamann Hawk Mercedes Benz SLS AMG – hugging the asphalt at 320km/h. Under the hood is an amazing 6.2 liter V8 engine. If the design of this explosive vehicle will not amaze you, better go around it to see the following.
two seater
side skirts for added height reduction
21 inch wheels
 Leather with ultra suede interiors
That is just on the outside but wait when you look inside. There are new improvements to the Hamann Hawk SLS. For starters, power up with its torque at 502 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm. This is such a powerful vehicle topped with a top maximum speed of 190 mph. No matter how fast a car can go, it all depends on the horsepower it can kick in. The SLS can achieve 3.6 seconds from 0-62 mph.
Exhaust mechanisms allow air to pass through the entire vehicle thus allowing it to increase its torque. The SLS has now the improved high performance exhaust system that is made in titanium. The hood scoop is
nowhere to see found but a larger air inlet is set up.

Mercedes-Benz A-class 2011

Benz’s first preview of its next-gen small cars came via the F800 Style concept, and this A-class concept moves the design language one step closer to reality. Still, despite this car’s connection to an actual future product, don’t expect everything from the concept on the stand in New York to be duplicated in production.
Among the A-class’s pure auto-show fantasies: the LED-lit turn signals delicately integrated into the sliver of a mount for the side-view mirrors and the “star-filled sky” pattern on the grill and lower air dam. The same can be said for the wheels—very cool, but very much not happening.
Other aspects of the concept’s design are no less bold—but more realistic. The prominent strake starting behind the front wheel and sweeping up to the top of the rear fender is abrupt; it could be toned down for the real deal, and the same goes for the AMG-esque hood strakes. The elegant side-window profile recalls those on several Mercedes coupes, and the ginormous headlights, which here are illuminated by LEDs and integrate fiber-optic daytime running lights, are straight outta the CLS.
Both the current, second-gen A-class and its predecessor were front-wheel drive, and the next A will be no different. The concept packs a transversely mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood—it’s turbocharged and direct-injected, and Mercedes says it’s good for 210 hp. The engine is from the automaker’s newest family of four-bangers. It’s hooked to a new dual-clutch transmission, and though the company is mum on its number of gears or provenance, we’d guess that it has at least seven cogs.
Unlike previous A-classes, however, this model and its spin-offs—more on those below—will sit much closer to the ground. The first two A-class generations had a “sandwich” floor meant to accommodate the batteries for an electric-drive system. It never happened in much volume—some 500 A-class E-cells were leased—but the layout meant that even the conventionally powered cars looked like mini MPVs. As the new A-class concept demonstrates, the dorky upright look will be reserved for the B-class, while the A is more reminiscent of Volkswagen’s racy Euro-market Scirocco.

Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid

The Lexus GS sedan can be considered the Jan Brady of luxury sedans.
Capable, but generally unremarkable and hardly a segment-smasher.
Evidently, Lexus’s middle child is ready to shake things up, and will
strut its stuff as the LF-Gh hybrid concept on the show stand at the 2011
New York auto show.

Lexus claims to have started with a clean sheet of paper, but from the
side it looks a lot like a scaled-up version of the IS sedan, while the
body-side contouring appears virtually identical to that of the big LS.
The LF-Gh measures 192.5 inches long by 73.6 inches wide, making it about
2.5 inches longer and almost two inches wider than today’s GS450h. However
derivative of its production siblings the car may be, it should be noted
that the LF-Gh’s more-conventional sedan shape represents a shift from the
fast profile of GS generation three. But don’t rule out the introduction
of a sexy five-door fastback to the GS lineup, to counter the likes of the
Audi A7; it’s possible that the Japanese company could jump on that
German-led bandwagon.

Among the immediately noticeable stylistic elements are LED headlamps
rendered in funky bubbled glass; an attractive rear end with razor-sharp
taillamps that wrap around the side; and of course, the massive, pinched
“spindle-shaped” grille, which shows there’s a pulse at the Lexus design
studio—it’s bound to stir up some controversy. Also worth noting are the
separate L-shaped banks of LED running lamps up front and the sharp
sheetmetal-to-bumper cutline at the rear. Lexus says that the LF-Gh
concept “explores a minimization of traditional features such as side
mirrors and door handles,” the result of which looks pretty cool here but
definitely won’t make production.

The company was short on details regarding the interior other than to
mention it will be driver-oriented—a sharp departure from the current
GS—and will feature a clock with a three-dimensional face. (So, uh, a
regular clock?) Lexus also declined to say much about what’s under the
skin of the concept, other than to mention the 20-inch wheels are turned
by one of its hybrid powertrains; presumably, this means a V-6/electric
combo that will beat the current GS450h’s 292 hp, 267 lb-ft of torque, and
EPA city/highway ratings of 22/25 mpg. Production models will certainly
also have six- and possibly eight-cylinder gas-only options.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera R

The Koenigsegg Agera is the best-performing Koenigsegg super car ever. Not anymore, at least since the Agera R was unveiled in the 2011 Geneva Car Show. The Royal Family of Oman knew that ahead of time, only because they got one even before Agera R made its world debut in Geneva.

The Agera R uses a skeleton made of carbon fiber monocoque. It is very strong and lightweight. It also comes with VGR wheels that have spokes serving as turbine vanes which helps maximize the overall downward force generated by the sports car. The car in general is made up of very high quality materials befitting a car of its stature. The car is expected to cost somewhere in the vicinity of $1.6 million.
The Agera R features a 5-liter V8 powerful engine producing a mind-boggling 1,115 hp, much more powerful than the 910 hp engine of Agera. It also utilizes a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Imagine what happens when it unleashes all that power on the track.
The Agera R is being touted as the super car that can finally dethrone the Veyron Super Sport as the fastest production car in the planet. This is in spite of the fact that its engine is 100 hp less powerful than the Super Sport. This is because the Agera R is much lighter.

2011 Weismann Spyder Design Study

The 2011 Weismann Spyder Design Study was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Sports Show, showing off a classic design combined with state-of-the-art technology that is typical of Weismann sports cars. The convertible sports machine features the best qualities of the manufacturer’s early designs, incorporating many years of sports car building experience with current trends as perceived by the Weismann brothers.
The Spyder can reach a speed of 100 kph (62 mph) from rest in no more than 4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 290 kph (180 mph). Weighing less than 1000 kg (2205 lbs), it is ultra-light weight, yet very powerful. The 4 liter V8 engine can produce energy relay output of 420 hp.
Touted to be the most extreme Weismann-built car ever in terms of design innovation, the 2-seater purist Spyder model is designed without doors or window screens. Like all other Weismann cars that are individually manufactured since 1988, the Spyder is manually crafted and carefully assembled by hand – every piece, every detail.
Each Weismann car is unique and like no other because each one is specifically designed depending on the customers’ personal preferences. This is why each car provides a unique driving experience for the owner.

2011 Spyker C8 Aileron

The 2011 Spyker C8 Aileron was initially launched as a “concept vehicle” during the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The C8 Aileron was among the few European cars built months before its launch in May 2009. The car is powered by two transmission types: The “6-Speed Getrag” manual gearbox and “ZF 6 Speed” automatic gearbox. The 6-Speed Getrag comprises of ratios matched with the engine output while the ZF 6 Speed has standardized paddle shifters attached behind the steering wheel for automatic transmission.

As of February 2011, the latest C8 Aileron cars are available in the market after a series of delays caused hundreds of Spyker fans to turn down the company’s formal launch. According to Spyker Cars, the 2011 Spyker C8 Aileron will be officially launched during the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.
Since 2000, Spyker Cars continues to gain regard in manufacturing premium sports cars. In 2008, the company marked their 8th year in the business by presenting a prototype of the C8 Aileron in the Geneva Motor Show. The unveiling of the C8 Aileron’s prototype was spearheaded by Victor Muller, Founder and CEO of Spyker Cars.

2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 700 Biturbo

Powerful, breathtaking, sporty and elegant – this is what best describes the 2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 700 Biturbo that made its grand world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

With the new 700hp twin-turbo Brabus engine dressed up in a wide body version Widestar, this car defines a new phase in the roster of automobiles under the super sports category. The 8-cylinder, 4-valve biturbo engine is highly advanced and specifically designed for a lightning fast rev. Aesthetically designed with dedicated development in its refinement by elite interiors, this car can reach 340 kph as its top speed.
The 7-speed transmission Speedshift DCT results to quite an awesome performance. In merely 3.7 seconds, this sports car can sprint from 0 to 100 kph and can reach 200 kph in 10.2 seconds. This places this automobile at par with the most powerful super sports cars in the world.
The ultra-modern Brabus components work perfectly together with its engine management system that was recently developed and incorporated in to the system. The ultra-modern engine delivers tremendous power smoothly and complies with the stringent emission restrictions set by Euro V standards.
The interiors are all custom-tailored, masterfully crafted exclusively and individually in any desired leather. This has been a special Brabus tradition for more than 30 years.

2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class 800 Widestar

Powered by a 12-cylinder biturbo engine, the 2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class 800 Widestar is capable of producing a rated energy outlay of 800hp. Its Widestar wide-body on 23-inch Platinum Edition Brabus forged wheels sets this powerful off-road vehicle visually apart from other cars in its class, literally.
Like other Mercedes G-Class cars, this 5-door beauty is masterfully crafted by hand. All the high-tech components are carefully put together manually, piece by piece. And as in other special models made by Brabus, the 800Widestar is available with a package-full of luxurious apparatus.
The 4-wheel drive 800 Widestar, with its reinforced 5-speed involuntary delivery transmission, can sprint to 62 mph from 0 in 4.0 seconds. With a limiter, the top speed is 149 mph but without a limiter, this off-roader can reach 168 mph.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz Brabus 800 Widestar comes equipped with the highly-advanced Brabus Ride Control stable cessation for that pure sporty handling and smooth sailing. The magnificent Brabus cessation system involuntarily checks adjustments. When the automated car sensors detect a possible road mishap based on parameters such as speed, parallel acceleration and steering angles, the car automatically switches to a safe driving mode in a matter of milliseconds.

2011 StarTech Jaguar XJ

The 2011 Startech Jaguar XJ made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The show car featured a breathtaking black exterior perfectly contrasted by the cream all-leather interior specially made in soft, breathable leather. The four-door luxury sedan received some stunning aesthetic upgrades with the Startech front attachment mounted to the bumper.
The luxury sedan with a very sophisticated shape now exudes a sportier look. It also comes with a full range of fancy accessories, from high quality leather floor mats to sporty headlights.The XJ features an ultra-modern multimedia system that revolves on an Apple iPad. Jaguar XJ owners have the option to be online at all times or just sit back, relax and be entertained. Tables are electrically deployed and are snuggly attached to the back of the front seats with leather-clad monitors that are perfect for the Bluetooth Apple keyboard.
A GSM/WLAN modem with a concealed integrated antenna provides seamless internet access through HSDPA/UMTS technology or local WLAN network. This car truly brings all the functionalities of a virtual office and the easy and comfortable ambience home entertainment brings. Beauty, elegance, functionality and comfort, this sedan has it all. What else can you ask for in a luxury car? There is probably none.

2011 Jaguar XKR-S

The 2011 Jaguar XKR-S, which was launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is a better version than the one launched three years ago. As promised the all-new 2011 version is more powerful and looks more intimidating than its predecessor.
Upgrades were made on the exteriors from top to bottom including a large lower air intake and front corners with sweeping scoops. The engine was also upgraded and can now produce 542 hp from the previous 510 hp. Torque also improved by 40 lb-feet from 461 to 501 lb-feet. This was boosted by the souped up direct-injection 5-liter V8 engine. Unique suspension modifications were also made on both ends and the stability system was recalibrated for more high speed driving safety.
The XKR-S embodies Jaguar’s long-standing tradition of duality of purpose - GT luxury with awesome performance. Billed as the quickest Jaguar ever, it takes only 4.2 seconds to speed from 0 to 60 mph and 8.6 seconds to dispose of 100 mph from rest. With a top speed of 186 mph (300 kph), the XKR-S is also very agile, responsive and driver-friendly.
The strong but lightweight aluminum frame is engineered to maximize both handling efficiency and economy. No other car in its class can emit less than 300 g/km C02.

2011 MWDesign BMW Z4 White Flame

The 2011 MWDesign BMW Z4 White Flame, just like its predecessor, the BMW Z4 Slingshot, is inspired by another golf club. This time it is the Taylor-made R-11 driver that lent its color theme to the new Z4 although in a slightly subtle fashion, thus maintaining the car’s clean and sleek exteriors.
MWDesign fitted the Z4 White Flame with a new polyester front lip spoiler and 20” Forgester F10 wheels. These come in silver with polished outer lips and center caps of carbon fiber.
In terms of performance, a handsome upgrade was made by including a MIlltek 2x100mm Catback Exhaust System that was powder-coated for a ceramic-like finish. This perfectly complements the extensive aesthetic job on the Z4. Aside from the exhaust system upgrade, the power output was boosted from 300hp to 400hp making it a lot more powerful than the Slingshot. However, the Slingshot can be fitted with STETT’s FMIC intercooler that can considerably increase its power to 620hp.
The BMW Z4 White Flame is a one-off car which means that it was manufactured exclusively for one client only. This particular car was made for a friend of the company. As such, no pricing is provided. Suffice it to say, not too many people can afford a one-off car.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sport

The 2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sport features a 450 HP and 4.7 liter V8 engine. The model is specially made to be fuel-efficient with an approximate 6% reduction in the user’s fuel consumption. The Maserati also comes with the Friction Reduction Program that is meant to make it easier for the driver to control the machine with just the slightest effort on your part.
Another feature of the Maserati GranCabrio is its six-speed transmission boasting of the ultra-fast MC Auto Shift that makes for smooth and seamless gearshift response for the driver. With a top speed reaching 285 km/h, the model boasts of a forceful look with the signature nose, black grille and red accents. Headlights have also been changed to reflect a black look along with white side marks for additional distinction.
Burning as much as 95.7 horse power per liter, this Maserati now has better handling with the upgraded Skyhook active-suspension system.
All in all, the 2011 Maserati GranCabrio is a combination of the old Maserati design sculpted for a more dynamic look plus technological advances that makes this powerful machine even easier to handle than ever.
This Maserati model will be on sale starting in the Summer of 2011.

Audi A1 Hatchback

The A1 is available with three turbo engines – 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol units and a 1.6 diesel. The 1.2 is best as a town car, but the 1.4 and the diesel are fast and flexible, and make excellent cruisers. They all have a long top gear to keep the revs down - and the economy up - at higher speed. The 1.4 is available with a twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox. There are three trim levels, each one bringing firmer suspension and bigger wheels as you step up the range. The standard car is firm-ish, and while Sport models are edgier, they’re still comfortable. S line models take it a little far, though. True, the A1 isn’t as alert in corners as a Mini, but it's still great fun. The A1 is the quietest premium supermini there is. The diesel engine can rattle when pulling away, but the petrols are always smooth and quiet, and you’re always well insulated from wind- and road noise. An engine stop-start system is standard across the range and it works quickly and unobtrusively.

2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition

The 2012 Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition is the answer to your dreams most especially if you are track-focused. There are only a few units that will come out by 2012 nevertheless it will be one great ride. Just imagine how you can rev up a 4.8 liter V10 engine up to 9500rpm? Fuel efficiency might not be in the corner since this piece of metal inferno has a 560 PS monster sleeping under its hood.
Lexus is all about power, style, comfort and class that is why when the LFA Nurburgring Edition will debut in a couple of months you will get the first-hand experience of driving 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Coming from the previous model, the downforce, front spoil, fin-type side spoiler, as well as a rear wing, is already fixed and locked to perfection.
Indulge in the exterior colors that will make jaws drop with envy – matter black, black, white or orange. However, wait till you enter the cabin since an explosion of funky colors awaits you like black and red, black and purple or all black. Speaking of dropping, there is a height reduction of 10mm making this remarkable sports car go zoom past any tall looking SUV.

2011 Xenatec Maybach 57 S

The 2011 Xenatec Mayback 57 S Coupe weighs around 6050 lbs and comes with a 6 liter V12 engine. Horse power of the model is 604 hp at 4800 rpm, 100.7 hp per liter and 737 lb/ft for torque.
This coupe goes from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds with a top speed of 171 mph.
The vehicles interior has a combination of several materials including buffalo hide and dark nappa leather, with the foot wells lined with Alcantara. The combination is a stunning design that stimulates relaxation within the vehicle.
As for the exterior, the Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe comes with a brand new air diffuser plus an exhaust system. The roof is made of glass material and an armored body to increase protection for the passengers. The model is capable of providing extra space when the B-pillar is moved a few inches towards the rear of the car.
The Xenatec Maybach 57 S Coupe is on display at the “La Reserve” and customized by designer Fredrik Burchhardt. The car is painted with a two-tone matte finish. Production of the car is limited to 100 units and would be priced at $929,000.

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S

 
                 
Since the beginnings of the Porsche dynasty, one constant has ruled supreme—continuous development. Porsche latches onto a concept and tinkers with it and tinkers with it and tinkers with it, in an unending quest for perfection. One need only witness the evolution of the evergreen Porsche 911 model to see the benefits of this approach.
That process has now been applied to the company’s Panamera luxury sedan with the introduction of the new Porsche Panamera Turbo S. The S model of Porsche’s Panamera Turbo employs an updated engine spec to produce 550 horsepower (up from 500) and as much as 590 ft-lbs of torque in brief spurts, in overboost mode. Under normal circumstances, the engine produces 553 ft-lbs of torque (up from 516).
The Turbo S gets a new pair of turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine blades, a revised engine control unit and a freer flowing exhaust system. The new blades are lighter, so they spin up faster and produce more boost. With them, the Panamera Turbo S can claim a 3.6-second 60 and a 190 top.
To keep the Panamera Turbo S a balanced package, handling is improved with a wider rear track and a set of 20-inch wheels as standard equipment. The Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system is included in the package as well. Transferring torque to the outside rear wheel in cornering situations, PTV Plus makes the sedan turn in more sharply. The Turbo S will also emit a louder bark of an engine note, thanks to the inclusion of the sport exhaust system as standard equipment.
To be introduced at the New York Auto Show in April, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S will go on sale in late spring with a starting price of $174,155

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

                            

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a front-wheel-drive hatchback Coupe or convertible Spyder that's been around in its current form since the 2006 model year.Though it's not very refined and is quite large for a sporty car--unlike the first Eclipse that bowed in 1989--the current Mitsu Eclipse can be entertaining to drive, particularly when it's equipped with the V-6 engine, in either body style.The Eclipse's soft, organic styling hasn't held up as well in the field of crisply drawn coupes, but it has been touched up over the years with new front and rear ends. Last year, even the GS versions of the Eclipse took on some of the GT's deeper dams and skirts. The interior is a bit more straightforward, and it's well fitted if a little plain.There's a base four-cylinder engine with 162 horsepower in the Eclipse GS and GS Sport, but it's overtaxed by the car's hefty curb weight, particularly in the apple-bottomed Spyder. The 265-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 found in the GT models is what you'd expect from an Eclipse, with ample torque giving it an almost musclecar flavor. The four-cylinder GS comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, but the GS Sport paradoxically only offers the four-speed automatic. The V-6 coupes come only with a five-speed automatic nowadays. The Spyder is offered with either engine, but only with four- or five-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder model ranges up to 20 mpg city, 28 highway, but the V-6 rates at just 16/24 mpg with automatic in the Spyder.Since it's based on the same platform as the Galant sedan and Endeavor crossover, the Eclipse can feel a bit big and clumsy compared to its true sports car rivals. On the upside, the Eclipse exhibits excellent ride quality.Though it's constructed to above-average standards, the interior doesn't have as much vertical space as you might need, and the rear seats are simply too small for adults.Stability control is standard on the Eclipse, as are anti-lock disc brakes, side impact airbags, and side-curtain bags (except on the roofless Spyder).For the 2011 model year, the coupe models can be specified with a blacked-out roof; the ride height has been lowered by more than a half an inch, and 18-inch wheels are now available. The Spyder adds standard leather seating, heated front seats and side mirrors, and a power driver seat.For more information on this coupe and convertible duo, read our most recent full review of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder.
This 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Review originally appeared at TheCarConnection.com where you can see more photos and news on the Mitsubishi Eclipse

2012 Audi TT RS

We invite you to consider the following postulate: the Audi TT RS is a backwards Porsche 911 Turbo. We submit the following evidence: Each one comes with all-wheel drive and turbocharging, both offer two-plus-two seating, and in the case of our Euro-spec TT RS, both can be had with seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes with launch control. Launch control is largely responsible for the 911 Turbo’s and the TT RS’s stupefying, almost unbelievable 0-to-60 times.
Stupefying and unbelievable applies not just to the times posted by these cars, but to the experience of launching them as well. A violent jolt occurs as the power is delivered to each tire, and then they shoot forward so quickly that your vision becomes slightly hazy. At the track, a 911 Turbo can clip off 2.9-second 0-to-60 times (2.7 seconds for the Turbo S). The TT RS isn’t far behind, at 3.6 seconds—nearly as quick as the 3.5-second time posted by the previous-generation 911 Turbo and just 0.2 second behind the best time we’ve seen from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. So how is the TT RS backwards? The 911 Turbo dangles its flat-six behind the rear wheels, while the TT’s five cylinders hang over the front wheels. Look, one of these cars is backwards; you decide which one.
Viewed as an alternative to the $136,450 911 Turbo, the TT RS’s estimated base price of $60,000 actually looks like a bit of a bargain. But if you consider the TT RS as the most powerful version of the $19,765 Volkswagen Golf upon which it is loosely based, that price may strike you as less so. Either way, when the TT RS arrives in the U.S. this fall, there won’t be many of them. Audi is planning on shipping fewer than 1000 to us over two years.
A Tough Decision
None of the U.S. cars will have the dual-clutch transmission. Because of the tiny volume being imported, Audi’s American arm had to choose only one transmission: either a six-speed manual or the seven-speed dual-clutch. They went with the manual, which doesn’t have launch control. But, our TT RS will have 25 more horsepower than the base European version, for a total of 360. (Europe is likely to get an option package that will boost its car to our horsepower total.) We anticipate that the extra horses won’t make up for the launch control’s advantage, and predict a 0-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds with the manual.
According to the Audi folk, software tuning is responsible for the additional power. All of the hardware on the 2.5-liter inline-five and the turbocharger remains identical to the European version. The engine emits a characteristic five-cylinder thrum, but it revs easily and builds power so quickly that it had us thinking ’80s Audi Quattro rally car, not Volkswagen Jetta. From outside the car, the large oval-shaped exhaust tips discharge a brutal and deep sound that also recalls Audi’s rally-car heritage.
Although the TT RS won’t hang its tail out the way Audi’s rally cars would, the TT RS is supremely adept at unwinding corners. Pushed to its limits, the TT RS will eventually understeer, but up to that point there’s just grip. Magnetorheological shocks offer excellent wheel control, there’s very little body roll, and the car wears a wide 255/35-19 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tire at every corner. Turns are taken with such ease and drama-free competence that it’s possible to fly over even unfamiliar roads; just point and shoot. The steering effort is high, but the wheel lacks the lively feel of a Porsche Cayman’s, a car that costs about $8000 less than the TT RS likely will.
A Temperamental Maniac
Put this Audi on a boring stretch of straight road and it will make its discontent known—loudly. The large wheels hum, the exhaust drones, and the engine buzzes. It managed a respectable 69 decibels at 70 mph, but it was 69 decibels of pure annoyance.

It might not be the easiest car to live with on a freeway, but take the TT RS to a twisted road and it suddenly becomes very easy to live with. Come to think of it, 911 Turbos are pretty noisy too. Apparently making one go backwards doesn’t make it any quieter.

Suzuki Kizashi GTS

Average Fuel Economy: 27 mpg

If a great mid-size sedan falls into the showrooms of a small brand that few people know about, will anybody hear it? That’s the question posed by the Suzuki Kizashi, a hidden gem that has been mostly charming the staff as it heads into its home stretch with a swing through our Los Angeles office.
Before it ever leaves its Japanese factory, a Kizashi already has two strikes against it. Size-wise, it’s a neither-nor, wedged between mid-size stalwarts such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and compacts such as the Mazda 3, which it most closely resembles in personality. Such “tweener” vehicles always struggle to win buyers who, for about the same money, can buy a larger car with fewer amenities or a smaller car with more frills.
The second strike is Suzuki’s paucity of dealers. Suzuki doesn’t have a captive lender such as Ford Motor Credit, so the credit meltdown tore a hole in the company’s U.S. distribution network. Dealers gave up their franchises, owing to a lack of available credit for buyers and floor-plan expenses. In Los Angeles, for example, where imports own the roads, Suzuki has no dealers in the trendier areas west of downtown and only six in the sprawling county, which measures roughly 100 miles by 100 miles and has a population of 10 million. In contrast, Honda has 15 dealers within 17 miles of downtown.
Like an Italian Car in One Way
Ferrari doesn’t have a lot of dealers, either, so a low dealer count isn’t necessarily indicative of product desirability. Our Kizashi has been running squeak-free and mostly without flaws since it arrived 14 months ago. It’s eager and flexible, able to go from a relaxed commuting capsule in the rush-hour stampede to a bratty little hole jumper when the driver’s blood pressure is up. The 185-hp, 2.4-liter four has real urge and puts cars in the rearview quicker than its paper stats or test specs (7.5 seconds to 60) would indicate, and it has returned an average of 27 mpg so far in our driving.
The seats, too, have been getting lots of happy thoughts, wearing like second skins over the long haul. A 900-mile run from L.A. to Reno, Nevada, and on to Monterey, California—a substantial day by anybody’s measure—left us relaxed and ache-free. Why can’t all cars have seats this comfortable? Also surprising is the Kizashi’s paint quality. Recently, we parked our platinum-silver Suzuki next to a similarly silver-hued $90,000-plus Mercedes-Benz S-class and noticed that the Kizashi’s metallic coat (a $130 option) was equally lustrous, with no obvious orange peel.
Drawing Fire
The biggest lightning rod for complaints is the six-speed manual’s shifter, which was never very tight or snick-snickity to begin with. Now it’s even looser and less fulfilling, and the reverse engagement feels as though you’re forcing the stick against a wad of rubber bands. Often we think reverse is engaged, only to hear the nauseating zzzzing! of a not-quite-meshed dog clutch. The start/stop button needs to be pushed twice or held down to stop the engine; that gets old. Finally, the brakes have seen their best days. Although there was still a safe amount of meat on the pads at the 30,000-mile checkup, the pedal is getting softer with time, and some judder makes its way up the steering column during harder stops.
The 22,500-mile service passed with a $105 bill, and the 30,000-mile service landed with a $376 thud, mainly because that is the service in which the coolant and various filters are replaced, including the $114 (!) cabin-air filter. For that kind of money, the air should be bottle-able as a health elixir.
The nearest dealer to our L.A. bureau raises the distribution-network issue. It is more than 30 miles away, and it’s hardly the gleaming retail center you find selling Hondas or Toyotas. It appears to be a former used-car lot, with a ratty little showroom and a service department located down a weedy back alley. It could be the best dealer in all of cardom, but in an era of dealerships seemingly made of chrome and stainless steel with klieg lights blazing in the night, this kind of brand representation won’t lift Suzuki’s image

2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT35

2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Recently Shelby released the much anticipated specs for its 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. With initial hopes of 500hp being tossed around, Shelby have passed this marker with the supercharged version of the car developing 525hp, and totally blown the marker away with a special ‘R’ version of the model, set to produce 624hp.
The standard supercharged model is expected to hit 60mph in an incredibly rapid 3.7 seconds, and run the quarter in 12 seconds dead at just over 121mph.
There is a normally aspirated version for those who cant stomach the cost, or speed, of the supercharged models, though even this version will still be developing 440hp, still enough to see you get to 60mph in around 5 seconds.
We don’t have performance figures for the special ‘R’ version of the 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, but with the extra 100 horses, and possibly a drop in weight, we have no problem imagining the car being able to hit 60mph in little over 3 seconds.
All versions feature uprated suspension and braking components, ensuring the Shelby GT350 will go around corners as well as it goes along the straights, and of course with so much power on tap, and rear wheel drive, its fair to say an over-zealous right foot (where allowed) will induce huge tail slides guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Coming in at $27k for the normally aspirated version, and $34k for the 525hp supercharged version, on top of the price of the base car, its likely there wont be many spots available to pick one up, obviously Shelby has limited production capacity and there is little doubt demand will be strong for the model, and for those with the cash to spare, there can be fewer better ways to spend it.