The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a unique model with distinctive yet stealthy exterior cues designed to attract new Jeep Grand Cherokee enthusiasts and customers.

With the Laredo X package as its starting point, the new production-intent concept Jeep Grand Cherokee combines a variety of exterior design changes to create a unique model with an aggressive, chrome and “blacked-out” look.

The vehicle’s grille surround appears in Black, and mesh grille texture in Platinum Chrome. A Platinum Chrome lower fascia applique completes the unique front-end appearance. Black headlamp bezels and a Black liftgate light-bar continues the “blacked-out” theme throughout the vehicle’s exterior.

The production-intent concept rides on 20-inch tires that surround one-of-a-kind Black-gloss aluminum wheels for Jeep.

Based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package, the production-intent concept model includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9-speaker 506 watt amp sound system with subwoofer, iPod/MP3 connectivity, Parkview™ rear back-up camera, ParkSense® rear-park assist system, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Chrysler Group’s Uconnect hands-free communications system, and more than 50 advanced safety and security features.

Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee here

Today BMW unveils details about BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. The third model in the BMW 6 Series is the first four-door Coupe in the history of the brand.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comes with 4+1 seats, while a 113-millimetre longer wheelbase than the BMW 6 Series Coupe allows it to offer a noticeable increase in legroom for the rear passengers. Plus, a through-loading facility and folding rear seat backrests give a further boost to practicality and increase boot capacity from 460 litres to 1,265 litres.

The line-up of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive includes BMW Parking Assistant, Surround View, Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control), Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, the anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition and the BMW Head-Up Display.

Exclusively appointed interior with driver-focused cockpit; door panels flow into one another seamlessly, providing a harmonious connection all the way from the instrument panel to the rear compartment; flatscreen Control Display; comfort-oriented rear seat backrest angle; seating position slightly higher than in the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology; BMW 640i Gran Coupe with six-cylinder in-line petrol engine (235 kW/320 hp), twin-scroll turbocharging, direct injection and VALVETRONIC, and BMW 640d Gran Coupe (230 kW/313 hp) with variable sequential turbocharging and common-rail direct injection available from launch; flagship BMW 650i Gran Coupe with new eight-cylinder engine (330 kW/450 hp), two turbochargers, direct injection and VALVETRONIC to be added to the line-up; all model variants fitted as standard with an eight-speed sports automatic transmission and Driving Experience Control switch; BMW EfficientDynamics measures unmatched in the segment – including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode – come as standard with all engine variants.

Intelligent lightweight design mirroring that of the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible: aluminium doors with frameless side windows, aluminium bonnet, chassis technology including spring supports made largely from aluminium, thermoplastic front side panels, glass fibre composite boot lid.

High-quality and extensive standard equipment includes eight-speed sports automatic transmission, Auto Start-Stop function, Dynamic Damper Control, Servotronic, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running light rings, cruise control with braking function, electrically operated, automatically folding and heated exterior mirrors, Dakota leather upholstery and heated front seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver and front passenger, 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, electric steering wheel adjustment, and the Radio Professional with HiFi loudspeaker system and USB audio interface.

Unrivalled range of BMW ConnectedDrive products, including BMW Parking Assistant, Speed Limit Info, camera-based Collision Warning with braking function (in conjunction with Active Cruise Control) and latest-generation BMW Head-Up Display; exclusive options list includes a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System, comfort seats and sports seats, active seats, seat ventilation, Exclusive Nappa leather, ceramic applications, heated rear seats and 4-zone automatic climate control; extensive range of model-specific BMW Individual features and M Sport package available from launch.

Powerful six-cylinder in-line and V8 engines with latest-generation BMW TwinPower Turbo technology give all model versions of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe their sporty potential. All of the engines embody the hallmark BMW brand characteristics: fast-revving performance, effortless power delivery and refinement, plus efficiency. In the BMW 640i Gran Coupe, the multi-award-winning six-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and VALVTETRONIC produces maximum power of 235 kW/320 hp, while the six-cylinder BMW 640d Gran Coupe diesel model offer a combination of power and fuel efficiency which would be unusual even outside the luxury class. Maximum output is 230 kW/313 hp and average fuel consumption between 5.6 and 5.7 litres per 100 km (49.6 – 50.4 mpg imp) (figures acc. to EU test cycle and depending on tyre format). This is achieved by combining the six-cylinder diesel engine with latest-generation variable two-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection. Completing the line-up is the BMW 650i Gran Coupe, whose new V8 engine now features VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and develops maximum power of 330 kW/450 hp.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe dimensions

Model variants:
BMW 650i Gran Coupe (BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe) :
V8 petrol engine, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two turbochargers and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 330 kW/450 hp at 5,500 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 650 Nm / 479 lb-ft at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 4.6 seconds (4.5 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h /155 mph.
Average fuel consumption*: 8.6 – 8.8 (9.2 – 9.4) litres per 100 kilometres / 32.1 – 32.9 (30.1 – 30.7) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 199 – 206 g/km (215 – 219 g/km), exhaust standard: EU5.
BMW 640i Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging,
High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC.
Displacement: 2,979 cc, output: 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 – 6 000 rpm,
max. torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 7.7 – 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (35.8 –
36.2 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 179 – 183 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

BMW 640d Gran Coupe: Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine,
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with two-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection.
Displacement: 2,993 cc, output: 230 kW/313 hp at 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.4 seconds,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Average fuel consumption*: 5.5 – 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres (49.6 –
50.4 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions*: 146 – 149 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

Toyota unveiled Toyota Fun-Vii concept car, “a smartphone on four wheels” as Akio Toyoda said during the presentation.

New 2012 Panda boasts an improvement over the present model in terms of the main internal vertical (front +7 mm and rear + 4 mm) and side (front +26 mm and rear +5 mm) dimensions, placing it at the top of its class. Also thanks to the slim front seats that improve accessibilty (front + 23 mm, rear + 6 mm), the practicality of the longitudinal space increases (+20 mm) to provide rear passengers with greater comfort.

The new Panda is a surprisingly big car. Among other things, this result was achieved without jeopardising the boot capacity, which is 225 litres (with fixed rear seat), which become 260 with the sliding seat in the fully forward position, gaining an additional 16 cm. Furthermore, 870 litres are reached with the rear seat backrest folded down. Compared to the second generation Panda, the boot volume is 10 litres larger (normal configuration), which becomes 36 litres when the rear seat is folded down.

The Fiat Panda offers maximum freedom of use with its roomy, functional and comfortable passenger compartment that is in no way inferior to that of cars of a higher class. Besides, flexibility has always been one of the model’s strong points, as the new dashboard, large number of storage compartments and various seat configurations demonstrate.

The new dashboard is designed as a practical multipurpose shell containing a roomy storage “bin”, just like that of the first series of the model, which becomes the perfect place for stowing everything you want in total freedom… even in “cheerful and democratic” untidiness. Added to that is the more classic glovebox located in the lower part of the dashboard. The dashboard is enclosed by a colourful frame, without interruptions, which serves as a single perimeter to the steering wheel, radio and main controls, and that houses the vents. There is also a return to the first generation Panda, where the elements were attached to a cloth-covered “pouch”, which constituted the main part of the dashboard.

The 14 storage compartments in the Panda are not just abundant and capacious but are designed and conceived according to those who use the Panda every day for everyday items. There are open compartments which are easy to reach into for frequent use and closed, more concealed compartments for objects that are usually left in the car. One new feature is the glasses holder located above the driver’s window.

There is also something new for the seats, which confirm the flexibility of the model. The driver’s seat is also available with height adjustment, whereas the front passenger seat can be fitted with a backrest that folds down to form a table. The table function provides a surface for placing both objects such as a bag or laptop, and for oversize loads. If the rear seats are also lowered, the driver can get a flat boot platform extending over then entire length of the passenger compartment (over 2 metres) so that the interior space is used to the utmost.

The rear seat ensures the same versatility. It is available in the standard 2-seater version with fold-down backrest or, upon request, in the following configurations: 2 seats sliding longitudinally with fold-down 50/50 split backrest, 3 seats with fold-down backrest and 3 seats with fold-down 60/40 split backrest. It can all be made even more functional if combined with the handy and useful cargo box that when placed in the boot can both hold several objects inside and offer an all but flat loading space.

Two modern interpretations of the iconic Land Rover will make their debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both concepts capture the adventurous, daring, and indomitable spirit of Land Rover. This spirit came to fruition in 1948 with the launch of the Land Rover Series 1, which swiftly earned a global reputation for capability and created the legend surrounding the Land Rover name.

Replacing an automotive icon is a tremendous challenge. These two concepts explore design possibilities that take the honest character and timeless simplicity of the Defender into the 21st Century.

Design

As the names of the DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts suggest, their inspiration stems from iconic Land Rover models, and are intended to generate discussion about the future of one of the most recognized automotive designs in the world.

The shape and stance of the DC100 concept captures the inherent simplicity and confidence of the original Land Rover. The DC100 design undeniably demonstrates that it has the capability to embark on journeys to places few other vehicles dare tread.

The DC100 Sport captures the adventurous, into-the-wild ethos typified by the early Defender models. With canvas roofs and fold-down windshields, these vehicles allowed a total connection with the exciting landscapes they traversed. Reinterpreted for a new generation of adventurers, DC100 Sport features a streamlined, cut-down windshield and side windows

Interior

Both concepts feature three across front seating for increased versatility. The middle seat lifts to reveal a secure stowage area, while the outboard passenger seat can be folded away to increase carrying capacity.

Both interiors feature rugged, durable and sustainable modern materials that offer comfort levels undreamt of by early Land Rover owners. Those chosen for the DC100 are the latest in high-tech, tough, fabrics that will survive a lifetime of the roughest treatment. In the DC100 Sport, the materials are more luxurious, featuring leather with a subtle Tribal Tech pattern, referencing a legacy of exploration.

continue reading "Land Rover Defender"

With the electric-only powertrain of the A2 concept, Audi is offering another peek into the future of electric mobility at the 64th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The technical study features a classic, premium-standard space concept that offers plenty of room for four people.

The Audi A2 concept is just 3.80 meters (12.47 ft) long, 1.69 meters (5.54 ft) wide and 1.49 meters (4.89 ft) high; even so, it makes an elegant, powerful and sporty impression on the street. Its clean appearance concentrates on the essentials; all details are subtle but shaped for visual impact. The dark glass roof of the white-painted show car switches to transparency with the push of a button.

With its headlights, Audi is presenting the next phase in LED technology, known as matrix beam. A package of LEDs and microreflectors generate a high-resolution and non-glaring high-beam light. Delicate daytime running light fibers frame the highly efficient LED low-beam light module. Intelligent tail lights adapt their illumination to the visibility conditions. The rear fog light, produced by laser diodes, is seen as a beam of light in fog and projects a red triangle onto the road as a warning.

Audi A2 gallery photos:

Lancia Ypsilon Diamond represents the ultimate in luxury, typified by prestigious interior materials and a refined body finish created by a unique paint treatment and finish. The Diamond is no mere exercise in styling but a genuine experiment by Lancia to identify luxury content for a possible production model.

The Diamond’s colour scheme features Lancia’s new “eco-chrome” finish, which achieves a chrome effect by means of a special paint rather than by conventional chrome plating. Tinged with a warm, “white gold” nuance, this unique new eco-chrome finish has been applied to various parts of the body, including the sun roof, mirror covers, grille, headlight surrounds, pillar and tailgate logos, door handles, bonnet, spoiler, exhaust terminal and alloy wheels. The rest of the body is finished in an elegant soft-touch effect colour called “Chiffon White”.

The team at the Lancia Style Centre has paid special attention to the Ypsilon Diamond’s refined colour scheme. After all, colour has never been simply a matter of aesthetics for the Ypsilon. On the contrary, it is an integral part of a product philosophy based on elegance, glamour, personality, play, creativity, style and the widest array of customisation options.

The Ypsilon Diamond’s fascinating and original exterior finish is backed up by an interior that achieves a perfect blend of elegance and refinement. The upholstery is characterised by Lancia’s trademark attention to detail and by the use of superior quality materials, from luxurious, bronze-black galuchat hide on the central sections of the seats and on the head rests with the Ypsilon logo, to glittering, soft, embossed nabuk hide on the seat sides, dashboard and door panels.

This two-tone theme extends to the rest of the interior too. The roof is covered in a light Alcantara fabric that matches the paint finish of the door pillars and sun visors, while the bottom section of the dashboard is finished in a contrasting dark shade. The steering wheel, instrument cowl, and handbrake and gear lever boots are in sumptuous black leather. The connotation of sartorial craftsmanship is reinforced by double stitching and embroidering in both contrasting and matching colours.

Finally, in perfect harmony with the outside of the car, the special eco-chrome finish reoccurs inside on the air vent surrounds, glove compartment handle, door handles, steering wheel spokes and gear lever surround. The gear lever is made even more exclusive by a crystal effect, methacrylate gear lever knob made to look like a gem stone, reminding occupants of the name of this Lancia show-car.

Audi is once again opening up new horizons: the Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study being presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt does not fit under any of the conventional categories – the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept. In addition to a Sportback model, Audi is also presenting a Spyder variant.

The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion.

The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights. The highly concentrated look of the technical study, with its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional – it lends Audi’s design language a completely new impetus.

On board there is room for two people, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction in order to ensure that the sensory experience they convey is unique and compelling. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals to his own body measurements. Characteristic features of the Spyder include its low, continuous window area and its doors that open diagonally to the top.

The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which integrates the undercarriage of both seats. The Audi urban concept rolls on wheels with a 21-inch diameter.

Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy – ideal for extended city tours.

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency bar yet another notch. All versions get by with significantly less than 10 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (official U.S. EPA fuel mileage estimates are TBD) and fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 percent lower in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) when compared with the predecessor. This is achieved through systems such as the Automatic

The 100 mm or 3.9 inch longer wheelbase and reduced overall height underpin the fresh, athletic yet elegant appearance. When viewed from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911′s trademark wide-arched fenders, emphasizing the wider front track. The side mirrors are now mounted on the upper edge of the door, which also helps highlight the new design line and gives the visual impression of width.

The new lightweight body is an aluminum-steel composite construction and contributes greatly to the 45 kg or about 100 lbs weight reduction when compared to the previous 911 body. When combined with the greater structural rigidity and optimized aerodynamics – including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler – the new 911 Carrera’s front and rear lift has been reduced to near zero while retaining the Cd value of 0.29.

To complement the modern exterior design, Porsche designers created an interior reminiscent of the Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated within the cockpit thanks to the rising center console and high-mounted shift lever or gear selector located close to the steering wheel. As with the exterior, classic Porsche elements abound inside. Present is the instrument cluster with five round gauges – one of them a high resolution multifunction screen, and of course the central tachometer and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Start Stop function, engine and transmission thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and – in conjunction with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – the ability to ‘sail’ or coast. The new electro-mechanical power steering offers not only Porsche’s typical precision and feedback but also helps increase efficiency and reduce fuel-consumption.

For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp, 3.4-liter boxer engine and optional PDK consumes 8.2 l/100 km based on the NEDC – 1.6 l/100 km less than its predecessor.

The 911 Carrera S with its 400 hp, 3.8-liter boxer engine – 15 hp more than before – achieves 8.7 l/100 km in the NEDC when paired with the optional PDK transmission. This represents a fuel consumption decrease of 14 percent or 1.5 l/100 km.

At the same time there are performance improvements in both models. The 911 Carrera S with PDK accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. Using the Launch Control function of the optional Sport Chrono Package cuts that to 3.9 seconds. The 911 Carrera with PDK needs only 4.4 seconds to sprint from a standing start to 60 mph (4.2 seconds when using the optional Sport Chrono Package’s Launch Control function). Top-track speed for the 911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera is 188 mph and 179 mph, respectively.

The new 911 offers both better longitudinal dynamics and unprecedented top performance in terms of transverse dynamics. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, the new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available that can help further enhance the overall driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilization system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The system helps reduce lateral roll when cornering and helps keep the tires in the optimal position relative to the road surface.

The new 911 further extends the span of seemingly contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and every day practicality that have always typified the Porsche 911. That makes the 911 Carrera more of a 911 than ever. The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The first new 911 models will arrive in U.S. dealerships beginning in February of 2012. The new 911 Carrera Coupe will have a base MSRP of $82,100, while the 911 Carrera S Coupe’s base MSRP will be $96,400 (excluding destination). Both models will include substantial additional equipment when compared to the previous models.

Infiniti today announced that it will double its Infiniti Performance Line lineup of premium performance vehicles in spring 2012 with the addition of a new 2013 IPL G Convertible. More than just focusing on engine power and acceleration, the Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, product design philosophy focuses on “total vehicle performance,” including unique driving attributes and exclusive exterior and interior features at highly attractive price points.

The IPL G Convertible announcement was made by Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where the IPL G Convertible Concept is currently on display. The IPL G Convertible Concept features unique aerodynamic styling, the dynamic performance of an IPL-tuned V6, exhaust and suspension, 19-inch IPL aluminum-alloy wheels, three-piece retractable hardtop and a unique red leather-appointed interior set against a Malbec Black exterior – a level of equipment and performance modification expected to be shared with the production IPL G Convertible.

The new IPL G Convertible is based on the foundation of the Infiniti G37 Convertible, which features an advanced 3.7-liter V6 and three-piece power retractable hardtop that’s designed to look as good with the top up as it does down.

Additional information on the 2013 IPL G Convertible will be available during the production version debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.