Mercedes

Mercedes was a brand that began under the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in 1900. The very first Mercedes car was built by Wilhelm Maybach according to the specifications given by Emil Jellinek and was released in 1900, the Mercedes 35 hp which sported the then newly-designed engine called Daimler-Mercedes.

When the DMG merged with another company known as Benz and Cie, the name Mercedes was changed to what most people recognize today as the Mercedes-Benz, first coined in 1926. As of late, the Mercedes-Benz line of vehicles is composed of passenger cars, trucks, buses and vans. Notable models include the 260 D, the world’s first diesel production car, the SL73 AMG whose 7.3 V12 engine is the biggest ever put in a Mercedes-Benz, and of course, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren which has been conquering lists of fast cars since 2004. The latest unit is the SLS AMG, a luxury grand tourist produced in 2010 to replace the SLR McLaren. It was first shown in the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2009, and although production has just begun this year, the car is already booked for many ‘upcoming shows.’ It will be the car featured in the Gran Turismo 5, a PlayStation 3 racing game, and the safety car of the 2010 Formula One season.

Ferrari

Ferrari is a sports car producer that started in Maranello, Italy. Started as Scuderia Ferrari in the year 1929 by Enzo Ferrari, the corporation subsidised produced race cars and drivers prior to moving into manufacture of cars that are legal on the street in year 1947. All through its historical account, the corporation has been remembered for its constant partaking in racing, particularly in Formula One, wherein it has taken pleasure in wonderful success.

The Ferrari racing team’s popular symbol is called the Cavallino Rampant, which means prancing horse. The symbol shows a black cavorting horse on a shield of yellow colour, typically with letters S and F for Scuderia Ferrari, and with 3 stripes of red, white and green at the top. Road automobiles have a rectangle symbol set on the hood, and, if preferred, the race logo shaped like a shield on both sides of the front wings.

Audi

The Audi AG Company is a German production firm of cars traded under the brand of Audi. The corporation is based in Ingolstadt, Germany. Since the year 1964, Audi has been an entirely owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG or also the Volkswagen Group. The Volkswagen Group commenced the Audi brand once again through the 1965 entrance of the line of Audi 60. Soon after that, the name was obtained as a part of the purchase of Auto Union assets by Volkswagen from Daimler-Benz, the past owner.

The company’s name is derived from the family name of the originator August Horch, whose name itself is an English equivalent of the English word which is ‘hark’. Hark means listen, and when you translate then into Latin, it becomes Audi.

The Audi Company manufactures 100% electrified automobiles in order to avoid corrosion, which made them the first mass market car to do so.

BMW

The BMW Company, which means Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German engine, motorcycle and automobile manufacturing corporation founded in the year 1916. It possesses and manufactures the MINI brand name as well, and is the parent corporation of the Rolls Royce Motor Cars. BMW manufactures motorcycle vehicles under BMW Husqvarna and Motorrad brands. BMW is popular for its quality and luxury cars.

The New Class was a series of coupes and compact sedans beginning with the 1500 in year 1962 and going on through the final 2002s in the year 1977. Powered by the 4-cyl M10 engine, which is BMW’s pride, the New Class vehicles featured an entirely self-regulating suspension, front disc brakes, and MacPherson struts in the front. Originally, a group of 2-door coupes and 4-door sedans, the New Class series was widened to 2-door sports sedan when they added the 02 Series 2002 and 1600 in year 1966.

Lexus

Comfort and smoothness matched with style, Lexus line cannot help but be one of the most sought after luxury cars on the planet.
Lexus is a division of the Toyota Motor Company, an automaker located in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. It was founded by Eji Toyoda as a secret sedan project in 1983 which led to the introduction in 1989 of the first vehicle to sport the Lexus marque, the Lexus LS.

Lexus vehicles mainly include five sedans and two convertibles. The sedans are the compact IS and HS, midsize GS and Es, and the full size LS. The convertibles, meanwhile, are the IS C and SC. SUVs then resulted from the crossovers of models namely the RX, GX and LX. Hybrid models, such as the CT Hatchback and HS Sedan, also added to the list. Lexus afterwards developed the F marque, a division in charge with the production of an IS sedan variant and the LFA super car.

Lexus cars are marketed to over 68 countries, and the company has large operational centers in five countries. The marque is also included in Japan’s top ten global brads in terms of market value, and is now Japan’s biggest name for luxury vehicles.

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

The 2012 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid incorporates several of Lotus's new developments.

The car features the latest technology in long-range electric propulsion.

It also uses the very latest technology innovations in electronics to assist the driver and has a totally new roof system and brand new interior design.

Performance

The drivetrain system has been developed in-house by Lotus Engineering. The two engines have been limited to delivering 207hp and 295lb-ft of torque to each wheel. This means the car can deliver different torque levels to each wheel and leads to higher stability without sacrificing response.

Part of the design concept for the Evora 414E Hybrid is to make the transition from standard internal combustion engines to hybrids as seamless as possible. The car is fitted with a simulated paddle shift that allows for lightning-quick gear changes and helps make the car feel like a standard sports car.

When the paddle shift, which is mounted on the steering column, is used to change gears, the synthesized engine sound also changes and modulated torque is used to create the sensation of a gearshift jolt.

Braking

Lamborghini Aventador J

The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador J is designed to set a new standard in super sports vehicles due to the power and performance that it unleashes from the moment it starts.

Performance

Boasting an incredible 700 HP from the 6.5 liter V12 engine, this beast is simply unstoppable. The appearance of this vehicle is purely Lamborghini with some minor changes to the lines and curves to offer an updated and more futuristic visual. The body is made of a new form of carbon fiber called Carbon skin and considering the expertise that Lamborghini has shown in this area over the years you are assured it is a lightweight and durable as anything on the market. The seats themselves are even designed with carbon materials for an entirely different experience than most aficionados are accustomed to. The entire interior is flocked with this material for a completely different look than can be expected in high end sports cars.  

Exterior

The exterior is a sight to behold and available in a chrome red finish thanks to the Carbon skin body that allows for colors in this range. The wheels and fan are also in this shade of red with the chrome tint effect.

The rear view mirror is mounted in periscope fashion on an arm and support bars between the seats. There is no windshield in this monster and at high speeds the air is deflected by air dams that are strategically located, however you will feel the force on your body as you drive.

The Real Deal

Porsche Panamera GTS

The new 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS enters the year with more power, an upgraded braking system, and lowered body, this car is fit for the racing circuit.

Modifications 

The technical modifications have made it fast, safe, and efficient, so that you can have speed, without sacrificing the practicality of a four-passenger vehicle.
All Performance

 This Sedan could fool you by its looks. With its V8, 4.8 liter engine and great design features, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 178 miles per hour. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) – offers 7-speed sports performance in manual, and automatic mode. The PDK allows rapid change in gears with no interruption of power flow. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – all-wheel drive and electronic and map controlled clutch with automatic brake differential and anti-slip regulation. Direct Fuel Injection – DFI injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber for more effective combustion, improving internal cooling, and ensuring engine efficiency

Interactive Features

Auto Start and Stop Function – the system will automatically turn the engine off at a stop light, saving fuel, and then restart the engine, as soon as you release the brake pedal. This can be activated or deactivated with the push of a button. VarioCam Plus – automatically alters the intake camshafts, and changes the lift of the intake valves for acceleration power, and low fuel consumption. Exhaust System – the tailpipes are made of long lasting stainless-steel alloys, and painted in matte black. The catalytic converters heat rapidly, delivering more effective emissions control

More Upgrades

Audi E-tron Spyder Concept

Audi unveiled its E-tron Spyder concept at the 2010 Paris motor show. The Audi E-tron Spyder concept is a two-seater, open top, hybrid sports car. The car is powered by both a 3 liter V6 TDI in the rear axle and two electric motors (64kW) for the front axle.
  
Features

The Audi E-tron concept design is the evolution of the existing Audi design language and at the same time presents the elements which hint towards future Audi cars. The car also borrows some design elements from the sportiest Audi vehicle, the R8. The Audi design team managed to build a light weight car (1,450Kgs) with a perfect front to rear weight ratio of 50:50, giving it excellent handling capabilities. Also, the intelligent distribution of power to the front wheels help improve the dynamic handling of the vehicle. This along with the cars design ensures high degree of precision while cornering at high speeds.

Performance

Audi e-tron concept is equipped with a 3 liter, six cylinder TDI engine breathes through twin turbochargers and produces 300hp. The diesel engine pumps out a massive amount of torque of 479 ft lbs. The TDI engine powers the rear wheels. In a smart innovation, apart from the TDI engine, the front wheels are driven by two electric motors.

Each of these electric motors produces 88 hp and a combined torque of 259 ft lbs. The E-tron Spyder combines the torque produced by diesel and electric motors during acceleration through a process called 'boosting', resulting in a massive supercar type performance.

Ram Dakota

The 2011 Ram Dakota is an efficient and durable pickup truck. The color styles for the exterior are available in 9 shades, and in the Laramie or Bighorn models.

Performance

This pickup truck is powered by a Magnum V6 engine. The Magnum V6 uses a 4-speed automatic transmission and has 3.7 liters of engine displacement. It produces 210 horsepower and a torque force of 235 pound-foot. The Dakota’s maximum towing capacity is rated at 4950 pounds with a payload capacity of approximately 1810 pounds.

Exterior & Interior

The body is built using fully galvanized steel material. There are 4 doors on this truck. The exhaust tip and the side steps are made from chrome material. It is equipped with halogen headlights, fog and driving lights, along with cargo box lights. Other add-ons include the Dakota being equipped with a control feature for external light, a daytime running light, and Light-Emitting Diode brake lights. The wheels are available in 16, 17, and 18 inch diameter rims. The wheels are in styled steel, cast-aluminum, painted cast-aluminum, and chrome-clad aluminum materials.

The steering wheel on the Ram Dakota is made of plastic and vinyl material. The rear and front floors of this truck is covered in carpeted floor mats. Front and rear head restraints can be easily adjusted and has room for 5 passengers. The seats are made of cloth, vinyl, and leather materials and are carefully manipulated to prevent static electricity, stains, and the absorption of bad odor. Rear seats have built-in storage containers under them. An am/fm radio, mp3 player, and CD player provide the audio entertainment using 4 standard speakers.

Safety & Reliability

Porsche Cayenne Turbo The Giant

The 2012 ASMA Porsche Cayenne Turbo "The Giant" body kit, by Erturul ASMA, is the latest offering to come out of the controversial tuning house in Germany, ASMA design.

Erturul ASMA is naturally claiming this design is perfection, but with no power upgrades made available with this Porsche Cayenne body kit, what makes the kit stand out?

Exterior Makeover

The visual impact of the Turbo 'The Giant' body kit is something that you really can’t miss - the wide body kit increases the Porsche Cayenne's width to over 2 meters wide! Nicknamed 'The Giant' for obvious reasons, this body kit would definitely get you noticed when you're on the road.

The body kit that makes up this Porsche Cayenne Turbo comes from genuine carbon fiber and does more than just increase the width of the Cayenne. It also redesigns the rear, adds a modified front bumper that comes with LED daytime lights, includes a new hood, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, tailgates, and low front/rear spoilers.

The rear bumper has been changed so that it now features two center fitted tailpipes and the front end has also been modified so that it contains a larger, more aggressive looking grill/air intake vents.

Also worthy of note are the added 22 inch black alloy wheels, which some say are the only worthy part of the body kit. Since the ASMA Porsche Cayenne Turbo kit has done nothing to the power output/performance aspect of the vehicle, we're left to decide whether the extremely wide, aerodynamic, body kit by itself is enough to impress.

Italdesign Brivido concept is part car, part hybrid Italian spaceship

Hidden among the nooks and crannies of the Volkswagen Group is the Italdesign-Giugiaro design house, where founder Giorgetto Guigiaro has overseen the styling of everything from VW Golfs to the DeLorean. This is his newest concept from the Geneva Motor Show: the Italdesign Brivido, a hyrbrid-powered grand tourer that has just enough out-there touches to intrigue us.

When a design house does a concept, the least important part of the car lies under the hood. While Giugiaro touts the 3-liter, 360-hp V6 that can hit 60 mph in five seconds or so, the real job of the Brivido is to advertise Italdesign's styling abilities, which generate $100 million a year for the accountants in Wolfsberg.

Giugiaro says the Brivido -- Italian for "thrill -- was designed as a realistic touring car, with only a set of gullwing doors as the bow to auto show drama. While the front end looks vaguely related to the Ferrari 458 Italia, the car becomes more distinctive towards the back, from the glass cut-outs in the doors to the screens for the rear-view cameras that float like wings around the steering wheel. There's also an interior that's full of touch screens and a toaster-like slot for an iPad.

The Brivido will remain an auto show queen, but it's conventional enough that a few ideas, such as the LED headlamps/turning signal combination, will be folded into real vehicles. Then again, Giugiaro did bring another copy of the Brivido to Geneva in a Martini racing livery...

Toyota Prius hybrid demand rises as gas heads toward $5/gallon

As gas prices across the U.S. continue an upward march towards $5 per gallon, demand for Toyota Hybrids is now the highest it has been for nearly four years.

On Thursday last week, Toyota reported that sales of all Prius brand hybrids -- including the new 2012 Toyota Prius V wagon -- were up 52 percent in February, driven in part by the ever-increasing gas price.

In fact, as consumers look towards more fuel efficient cars of all types, sales of all Toyota cars -- including its Lexus luxury car and Scion youth-oriented brands -- rose by 12 percent last month.

As Bloomberg reports, this beats the 8.2 percent average sales increase predicted by seven analysts at the start of the year.

But with gas prices now an average of 14 percent higher than this time last year, Toyota is preparing for continued high sales volume.

In fact, demand is now so high that Toyota has more than 25,000 cars already on the way to dealers to help cope with high demand.

That’s before it even considers the impact of its two new Prius models going on sale this week -- the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and the 2012 Prius C subcompact.

But although the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid might be the car of choice for those looking for a plug-in hybrid alternative to the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, its high ticket price of $32,500-$40,000 is likely to put many buyers off.

Not so for the 2012 Prius C subcompact, which offers over 50 mpg gas mileage from just $19,900. $18,950

While that’s still more expensive than other subcompacts like the 2012 Toyota Yaris , those driving around 15,000 miles a year could stand to save more than $500 a year on fuel at current gas prices.

Bertone Barchetta Concept

Geneva heats again the spirit in auto world. A series of producers have already announced the models and concepts that will be revealed with this occasion, and others intend to do so. Geneva is the place where show up series cars, popular cars, but also a series of "weird" stuff or superexclusivist concepts. Some of these never reach the level of finished product and only some of the components are integrated in other models. We still do not know how the story of Bertone Roadster Concept will be finalised, but the car definitely manages in a natural way to capture ones imagination.
The model is a very refined, futuristic and aggressive one and it represents Bertone's gift at its 95Th anniversary. The car has "pocket" sizes and it is built on FIAT Panda's platform and the latter's propeller of 100 HP is enough to get considerable appreciation. The Roadster can have on board 2 persons in an interior as extravagant as the exterior. The main design features come from Fiat 500 with Barchetta bodywork created by Nuccio Bertone (1947).
Why Fiat? Because there is a very strong link between the two companies, their relationship having lasted for more than eighty ears and having generated over fifty successful models concept cars (ex: 850 Spider to the X1/9, Ritmo Cabrio to the Punto Cabrio).
The result of this latest collaboration is a completely above fashion, futuristic car which although shows Bertone traditions (clean cut lines), also projects the concept of Barchetta into the future through great elegance and sophisticated irony.
Master panel beaters (still working for Bertone today) have entirely hand beaten the upper shell and the single piece of aluminium extends from the front tip of the bonnet to embrace the upper part of the sides and rear arches, terminating in the tail. Another patent of Bertone brand, the opening scissors doors are a proof of the company's attention to the specific issue of accessibility.

Audi Le Mans Quattro Concept

The Audi Le Mans Quattro is a concept sports car which was say to inherit the genes of an R8, 3-times winner of the Le-Mans 24-hours race.

The body of the Audi Le Mans is made of aluminum and carbon fiber and as a result, the car is of less weight. The car is finished in Jet Blue Paint and it features a powerful rear, double wishbone suspensions and shock absorbers for comfort driving.

The Audi Le Mans consists of a 5.0 L Twin-Turbo V10 engine with FSI petrol injection that generates more power and efficiency at higher speeds. The capacity of the engine is about 5000 cc and it delivers an output power of 610 bhp at 6800 rpm and 554 lb-ft torque at 5800 rpm. The Audi Le Mans reaches the speed of 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

The Audi Le Mans features 6-speed Tiptronic transmission and the gear shifts can be performed easily and smoothly even at higher loads.

The exteriors feature the LED headlights with glass covers and exterior mirrors. The interiors feature the leather seats, sporty steering wheel and the air conditioning system.

Specifications

Cadillac CTS Sport Concept

The 2007 Cadillac CTS Sport Concept is a four door high performance luxury car.

The Cadillac CTS Sport features newly designed body, rear spoilers and carbon fiber trimplates, OnStar antenna and Corsa cat-black exhaust system.

The Cadillac CTS Sport features a 3.6 L Direct Injection V6 engine with Corsa cat-black exhaust system. The capacity of the engine is 3600 cc, and it delivers an output power of 304 bhp at 6400 rpm and 273 lb-ft torque at 5200 rpm. The Cadillac CTS Sport features six speed manual transmission and the gear shifts can be performed easily at higher speeds.

The Cadillac CTS Sport features 20-inch wheels with painted calipers and high performance brakes that ensure safety handling of the car at higher speeds.

The exteriors feature the LED lights, headlamps and OnStar antenna. The interiors are mostly finished with carbon fibre and it features the leather sport seats, sporty steering wheel and Bluetooth.

Specifications

Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept

If you are in the market for a car like no other that will grab the attention of everyone along the strip, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow is the perfect vehicle for you.

This car debuted during the 2011 Los Angeles Design Challenge that attempted to find the best film car to use in movies. This sleek vehicle includes a unique body, fast speed and futuristic features.

Future from the Past

Innovative designers from Germany and the United States collaborated to create this model. This vehicle is more of a work of art than a common mode of transportation. The body is a combination of the 1930s Silberpfeil racecar and the 1950s Uhlenhaut SLR.

Mercedes-Benz also relied on its Formula 1 racing history to influence the design of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept. The car is long and loaded with plenty of curves. It also adds pieces of current designs that help to identify the Mercedes-Benz line, such as the noticeable front grille.

The diagonal hubless roller track provides for steering in every direction, called omni-directional driving. The vehicle also features a Mag-Tech roof system that consists of a lightweight magnetic surface. The roof can be dropped to form a convertible or raised for a solid surface.">

Sci-Fi?

This vehicle blends utility and adventure. The car is easy to handle, while featuring an appearance straight out of sci-fi movies. The vehicle was made to commemorate Mercedes-Benz's 125th anniversary and is a testament to the innovation that the company provides.

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

Following up on its commitment to lowering CO2 emissions and boosting fuel economy, Bentley is introducing the 2013 Continental GT V8.

Combining a new 4-liter V8 engine and a power train that Bentley says requires 40% less fuel with no power sacrifice, the Continental GT promises to attain excellent benchmarks for power-to-emissions within the high luxury performance car marketplace.

This is going to translate into a high end luxury sports-car that will be able to travel in excess of 500 miles on a single tank of gas, Bentley says.

Performance

The lower fuel consumption of the Continental GT is achieved by means of a sophisticated cylinder deactivation system, providing a smooth transition from V8 to V4 modes while undergoing low throttle work-loads.

The Continental GT V8 engine features cutting edge technology, such as high pressure direct injection, ultra-low friction bearings, a superior thermal management system, energy retrieval by way of the charging system, and a revolutionary turbo charger housing for increased overall performance.

The Bentley GT will be capable of delivering 500 hp and 487 ft-lbs torque, and combined with a brand new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission it will reach 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Exterior & Interior

The new Bentley V8 will be available in two models, the Continental GT or the Continental GTC. Both are easy to recognized by their black glossy matrix grill, chrome frame and center bar, a red Bentley "B" logo, plus a black matrix three-segment front bumper which is divided into unique body-colored strakes.

Kia GT Concept

Kia launched the new GT concept at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. The transformation at Kia has led to the company's strong sales growth in recent times and the creative design is apparent in the new offerings as well.

The Kia GT concept is the company's first ever rear-wheel drive sedan. Kia though about putting out a high-performance front-engine rear-drive car in 2010 and in 10 months it rolled out the GT concept, which says a lot about the company's commitment towards the project.

Unique Design

At first look, the GT concept makes you feel that it belongs to some marquee European sports brand. The aggressive design of the GT concept suggests that the car is roaring with energy and is poised to take-off. The design theme for GT concept revolves around aeronautics.

The elongated bonnet, potent rear shoulders and the truncated rear, exudes seminal strength and energy which was never seen before from Kia. Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer has been instrumental in turning around the way Kia vehicles look and is giving Kia cars an identity of its own. GT concept does reflect how some of the future Kia models would be styled.

Mastretta MXT

The 2011 Mastretta MXT, the first high performance, two-seat sports car created by Mastretta out of Toluca, Mexico has been engineered to deliver outstanding performance at all levels.

Regardless of whether you're an average road user or a performance driver, this car has everything that makes

Exterior & Interior Features

The Mastretta MXT comes from a new automotive manufacturer that hopes to make a name for itself by producing lightweight sports cars. The MXT itself is an extremely compact car that has outstanding driving dynamics, a sleek design, high efficiency, a spacious interior and also comes equipped with several of the latest gadgets (GPS, DVD player, Bluetooth/iPod connectivity) - more than enough to help Mastretta make a good name for itself in the sports car market!

The Mastretta MXT sits low on the road, like most high performance sports cars, and features a typical mid engine configuration which allows drivers to experience optimum stability and a good handling response.

The MXT has relatively small dimensions and weighs in at only 930 kg make it an ultra-light two seater coupe. Despite the small dimensions of the car and the light weight, it handles surprisingly well in a range of environments and comfortably seats two adults.

Performance

2012 A Kahn Design Ferrari 458 Italia

A. Kahn Design begins 2012 with the launch of a new customization program for the Ferrari 458 Italia. The British tuner is known for its luxurious upgrades and their attention to detail and the upgrade packages for Ferrari 458 Italia.

An A Kahn Design upgrade package for 458 Italia includes either Rossa Corsa Red or Triple Pearl White exterior paint options, with different combinations of exterior and interior components.

Exterior

In Rossa Corsa Red, the Ferrari 458 Italia is accompanied by a matte pearl grey finish for the roof, front and rear bumpers and side skirts. The Triple Pearl White comes with a more uniform color scheme for exteriors and is well complemented by wheels and bumpers with matte pearl grey finish.

The Kahn Design 458 Italia comes with a modified suspension system, making it slightly low set and stiffer for better handling at high speeds. The vehicle also comes with a custom diffuser and painted brake calipers - red for Triple white Ferrari and yellow for Rosso Corsa Red Ferrari. A Kahn has put custom wheels in these cars, measuring 21-inches for the front and 22-inches for the rear, and they come with matte pearl grey finish.

Interior

The Rosso Corsa Red Kahn Design 458 Italia is finished with leather interiors. Some of the main features include Leather central tunnel, Leather headlining and stitching and carpets in Bordeaux, yellow rev counter, Cream Daytona lights, Electro chromatic exterior and interior mirrors.

2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Black & Yellow

Bugatti has launched a special edition Veyron Grand Sport at the Qatar motor show in January 2012.

This special edition is a convertible and is no doubt the fastest convertible produced in the world with a top speed of 253 mph (407km/h) with speeds up to 217 mph (350km/h) achieved without the roof.

The Veyron Grand Sport features a catchy yellow and black theme for its exterior. This edition of the Grand Sport is the last of the Veyron’s to be built.

Exterior & Interior

The man behind Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti has always experimented with different color schemes and materials for his extreme cars. He has always preferred painting his cars in two color combinations. The Veyron Grand Sport is no exception and is colored in yellow and black. This interesting combination of yellow and black color is said to be one his all time favorite.

The two colors are split horizontally, with bright yellow covering the top part of the car with black carbon underneath it. The yellow and black theme is not only limited to exteriors, but also runs into the interiors with seats finished in yellow leather and black stitching.

The central console is colored in carbon black. The dashboard, gearshift and steering wheels are covered with black leather and yellow stitching.

Performance

Veyron Grand Sport's internal largely remains the same. The car is powered by the quad-turbocharged 8-litre W-16 engine which churns out whopping 1001-horsepower. The car can do 0 to 60 in 2.7 seconds.

2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Chevrolet launched the 2012 Corvette Centennial Edition Z06, which comes in a special Centennial Edition package.

The major changes in the 2012 Centennial Edition are almost purely cosmetic while most of the driving dynamics remain the same.

Exterior & Interior

The major changes in the 2012 Centennial Edition Z06 are more cosmetic which makes this Z06 strikingly different. The new Z06 gets the Centennial Edition package that includes exclusive Carbon Flash Metallic exteriors, car graphics in satin black color and characteristic Centennial wheels in Satin Black with Red outline and Red colored brake calipers.

Special badges including images of Louis Chevrolet have been placed at the B-pillar, Steering Wheel and Wheel Centre caps.

The wheels of the Centennial Z06 have been specially built with light weight Aluminum. The front wheels get 19-inch alloys while the rear wheels get 20-inch. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires have been used in the 2012 Z06, and these have been a significant performance enhancer for the car.

The black color scheme runs in the interiors as well. The instrument panel, doors, seats and gear-shift knob are wrapped with black leather with red stitching.

2013 Porsche Boxster

Porsche has introduced its all new 2013 Boxster, which has undergone significant changes and is looking pretty fresh.

The open-top entry level Boxster has been given a whole new platform and body work, which has helped the car shed some weight resulting in better fuel efficiency and power to weight ratio.

The car is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March, but Porsche has given out some preliminary details before unveiling the car.

Design Upgrade

Changes in design are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Still Porsche has managed to dish out a handsome design. The new square shaped headlamps, the wider stance and shorter overhangs, add to the character of the car. The new design seamlessly masks the increased length and width of the platform.

The new Boxster would be equipped with larger 20-inch alloys. The interior of the 2013 Boxster is inspired from the 2012 911. A fully electric top would close the cabin space and the company suggests that the cabin space for driver and passenger has increased in the new design.

Performance

Boxsters are known for their performance and the new model certainly won't disappoint. The standard Boxster will be powered by a 2.7 liter flat-six engine with direct fuel injection that churns out 265 horsepower, 10 hp higher than previous model.

The more powerful Boxster S would be powered by a 3.4 liter six cylinder engine generating 315 hp, which is a marginal increase over the previous model (by 5hp). The engine is available with a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual transmission.

Fisker Karma deliveries still parked at zero

When U.S. automakers reported sales for November, one name was missing from the roster: Fisker, the California start-up selling the $96,000 Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. That's because despite what's been said elsewhere, Fisker hadn't officially completed a sale to a customer yet.

The launch of the Fisker Karma has been delayed repeatedly, blowing several deadlines set by the automaker which is backed by a $529 million federal loan. Earlier this year, Fisker announced a couple dozen buyers were getting their Karmas, but it later turned out those cars still technically belonged to Fisker, since the Karma hadn't been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency or California emissions officials.

Both those certifications came in October, and Fisker has said it was delivering keys to customers soon. Then just before Thanksgiving, Fisker's battery supplier laid off 125 workers in Michigan, citing a deep cut in orders from Fisker for the next few quarters.

A Fisker spokesman told Motoramic last week that while the company had shipped Karmas to dealers, it had not yet completed a sale to a customer, but expected to do so this month. We asked for clarification on what exactly kept sales from going through, but haven't heard back. Two months ago, Fisker was vowing to deliver Karmas by the end of the year to the 3,000 people who had put down deposits. Many of those would-be customers might have to make other plans for the holidays.

Tommy Hilfiger Owns The Most Expensive Car In Greenwich

My colleague Ashlea Ebeling just wrote about the most expensive vehicles subject to personal property tax in Greenwich, Conn. Topping the list is a 2003 Ferrari Enzo owned by none other than Tommy Hilfiger.

Hilfiger's coupe was assessed at $633,360--roughly 70% of its estimated fair market value--and costs $6,300 annually in taxes. (William S. Pepe owns one, too.)

The native New Yorker known for his American-classic aesthetic also owns a 2010 Bentley Continental sedan assessed at $126,280, which requires roughly $1,260 in taxes each year.

That Hilfiger tops this list is interesting in light of the fact that arch rival Ralph Lauren is an avid car enthusiast as well. Lauren recently threw a show at the Louvre showing off the splendors of his collection (think Bentley Blower, Mercedes-Benz SSK). His 1938 Bugatti Atlantic won the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2003. Photos of the tuxedoed designer flanked by some of the world's most iconic cars comprise a significant part of his image.

Lauren, who is worth $6.1 billion, lives primarily in New York City, so he didn't appear on this list. If he did, he'd do well--vintage cars in Connecticut get a pass on the motor vehicle personal property tax. Anything 20 years or older automatically gets an "antique" distinction with the Department of Motor Vehicles and an assessment reduction to $500. (Recent legislative efforts to raise the amount to $2,500 have failed.)

That means even a vintage Ferrari worth $1 million appears on paperwork like it's worth $500 bucks--and requires taxes of just $5 a year. Call it a sweet deal for a sweet ride.

Mercedes A-Class invites Apple’s Siri behind the wheel, heads for America

One of the lesser-known secrets of the automotive industry is that most "all-new" models are anything but; making money requires reusing as many parts as often as possible. Mercedes-Benz says that's not the case with the new A-Class hatchbacks unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, which started with a blank screen and ended with a front-wheel-drive hatchback that lets the driver talk to Siri from behind the wheel -- and it's coming to America.Mercedes hasn't imported a front-wheel-drive hatchback before because of the clash it would cause with its luxury image here. But in Europe, small hatchbacks rank among the few types of cars still in high demand, with Audi, BMW and others rushing out new models, thanks to a need for fuel efficiency in countries where gasoline approaches $7 a gallon, and lower taxes on diesel fuel make it the preferred motive choice.

In typical continental fashion, Mercedes offers at least six engine choices, from 115 hp up to 211 hp, all routed through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. Every engine comes with start-stop, turbocharging and the other roster of efficiency tricks now standard on new models. Unlike the cheaper beam suspension in lower-end hatches, Mercedes used a more-expensive four-link setup so that it could offer all-wheel-drive versions -- and potentially an AMG-designed edition as well.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: Faster to 60 mph than you can read this headline

Last week's sneak peek at Ferrari's replacement for the 599 GTO didn't spoil all the surprises. Here are the first official pics of what Ferrari will call the F12 Berlinetta, a V-12 powered coupe that can hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and ranks as the fastest road-going Ferrari built to date.

Using tricks learned from its Formula 1 cars, Ferrari claims the F12 burns less fuel and goes faster than its predecessors thanks to combination of high-tech machinery, wickedly complex weight loss schemes and a bit of black magic aerodynamics. The 6.3-liter V-12 shared with the Ferrari FF has been boosted to 730 hp and 509 ft-lbs of torque, yet can get nearly 19 mpg under Euro testing with an optional stop-start system. That power goes through a seven-speed gearbox and electric differential, both resized to shrink the car's footprint. That gap you see at the top of the hood is what Ferrari calls an "aero bridge" -- a tunnel that shunts air out the vents behind the front wheel arches, helping reduce the car's drag.

With just 3,362 lbs. to haul around -- thanks to a chassis with 20 different alloys of aluminum -- Ferrari says the F12's top speed lies north of 211 mph, and that its lapped Ferrari's Fiorano test track in 1 minute, 23 seconds, a record for any car Ferrari puts on public roads. The company will start taking orders in Geneva, and at first glance, Ferrari won't lack for shoppers.

Bentley EXP 9 F, just your everyday 600-hp ultra luxury SUV concept

After months of rumors, Bentley revealed today a concept for its first sport utility vehicle ever: the 600-hp Bentley EXP 9 F. When it comes to vehicles for the wealthiest people in the world, restraint is so last century.

This year's Geneva Motor Show kicking off today comes stuffed like a Toblerone with nutty luxury SUV ideas, and given the success of Porsche and BMW in selling taller, car-like off-roaders, many of the world's luxury automakers simply can't resist — even when they should. Bentley isn't committing to building a version of the EXP 9 F, and it doesn't necessarily need a new model beyond the Mulsanne and Continental cars. Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Geneva.But with ultra-luxury vehicle sales rising on strong demand from China and the Middle East, the SUV would make the most financial sense as an addition. Given that the Continental starts around $190,000 and the Mulsanne around $280,000, it's easy to imagine a Bentley SUV with a sticker of about $250,000.

Powered by a twin-turbo W-12 capable of 600 hp and 590 ft-lbs. of torque, Bentley says the EXP 9 would rank among the fastest vehicles of its kind. All that motive force gets to the ground through an 8-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system turning 23-inch chrome wheels that are as bling-y as anything from Tire Rack. Inside lies the usual assortment of hand-stitched leathers, wood veneers and one-percentery touches like a split tailgate that folds down to reveal a custom dining set.

Having never built an SUV before, Bentley says its designers felt free to take a few risks, but how that lead to a vehicle which resembles the results of a one-night stand between a Land Rover Discovery and a London cab isn't clear. The concept sketches show the designers sought a lower, more raked windshield that would have resembled models like the Range Rover Evoque, but from the front the massive grille, circular intakes/driving lights and square profile seem much too much. Then again, if you're worried about excessive displays of wealth, you're clearly not in the market for a Bentley.

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Fendi A

After the marriage of Gucci and Fiat, comes another fashion house/car collaboration, Maserati and Fendi.

Popular Italian car maker, Maserati, has teamed up with the Italian fashion design company Silvia Venturini Fendi and produced a special edition of the famous GranCabrio model.

Interior

Maserati's GranCabrio special edition is instantly recognizable due to the unique Grigio Fiamma paint job it has received. The paint job is actually 3 layers of color: two dark gray coats followed by a layer of iridescent gold.

The unique paint job isn't the only aspect of the special edition GranCabrio to drool over, however. The effect of the Fendi/Maserati collaboration is clearly visible throughout the exterior and the interior of the GranCabrio Fendi.

Exterior

Outside the car, the sleek design of Maserati's GranCabrio finished with the Fendi fashion house paint job says pretty much all you need to know. Inside the car, you'll find a specially crafted logo that features the Maserati Trident, Fendi logo plus the five digit series number located in several places.

The silver oval plaque bearing the specially designed collaboration logo is found on the dashboard, near the passenger’s seat plus on each side of the folding roof. Further marking the collaboration, is the presence of the Fendi double F logo on the seats, while the Maserati Trident is featured on each of the headrests.

Fendi's high quality leather adorns a lot of the interior, interspersed with wood trims around the doors, dashboard, gear lever and even the floor mats.

2011 Wiesmann GT MF5

The Wiesmann GT MF5 is no doubt a trendsetter in the world of sports cars, with its slick and clever design, who would ever think that this coupe is geared with a 4.4 liter V8 Twinscroll turbo with 555HP and 680 Nm Torque? Unbelievably, this car can sprint from 0 to 100 in a stunning 3.9 seconds.

The truth behind its speed, GT MF5 has an extreme ratio when it comes to power over weight, with its 2.5 kg/HP helps in hitting this coupe’s speed of up to 311 km/h, not to mention its lightweight feature of only 3097 lbs. gives a more advantage on the road.

Exterior


It’s a creation made to perfection, it’s just what Wiesmann thought about after making the GT MF5, a sports car that has everything, a sheltered aluminum monocoque and a composite body panel, its hybrid engine and is exceptionally lightweight for a pure superb driving experience.

Many can attest to its BMW sourced five-liter V10 powered engine, supported by a nineteen inch wheels in all four corners and how about its comfortable fitted carbon fiber seats that gives a subtle feeling of elegance and comfort. Making it more conventional, it added a seven-speed sequential gearbox with a 245/40ZR19 tires upfront and a 275/30ZR19s watching from the back.

You will surely fall in love with the GT MF5, where no other sports car comes close to its dynamic and astonishing design that sets the mood for a more amplified and for a feel of a three-dimensional driving satisfaction.