Rolls-Royce has unveiled the new Wraith coupe and most dynamic model at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The mighty Rolls-Royce Wraith might be a two-door fastback version of the Ghost, and comes with attributes of luxury, refinement and hand‑craftsmanship, but the new model, from the world's leading super-luxury marque, also presents a unique character defined by power, style and drama.

The Wraith is the most powerful car in the Goodwood-based maker's history - the monster powered by V12 turbo engine that with 624 bhp/465kW and 800 Nm of torque. That ginormous torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, which means this huge automobile can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds and will cost a hefty £250,000.

Described by its maker as ‘the ultimate gentlemen’s gran turismo’, the Wraith can be seen between Hillclimbs in the Supercar Paddock.

In addition, Rolls-Royce will have a significant presence at this year's Festival of speed, including: Centenary Alpine Trial 'Works Team'.

A saloon version of the new Mazda3 Fastback Sedan will be joining the lineup of models on offer later this year, include two bodystyles - hatchback and fastback (saloon).

Both body styles are wider and lower than the current model, with the saloon features a different roof, rear window, rear wings. While the Fastback is 120mm longer than the already large hatch, contributing to an increase in boot space of 69 litres compared to the hatchback. Like the Mazda3 hatchback, the saloon has the 2,700mm wheelbase.

Buyers will be offered a choice of three naturally-aspirated high compression petrol powerplants or one turbocharged diesel engine, all of which are fitted as standard with a start-stop system.

The basic engine is the 100ps SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine; delivering up to 56.4mpg (combined cycle) paired with the six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual gearbox. When fitted with the standard six-speed manual transmission the Mazda3 Fastback emits only 118 grams per km of CO2.

Next up is the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter petrol develops 118bhp and 162bhp petrol engines. The 118bhp engine averages 55.3mpg while emits 119g/km of CO2 and the 162bhp unit is rated at 48.7mpg and 135g/km of CO2.

Lastly,  the 150ps Skyactiv-D clean 2.2-litre diesel, 380Nm of torque at 1,800rpm. While its emissions are stated to be an equally thrifty 104g/km of CO2. The car available with a manual or automatic gearbox and returns up to 72.5mpg.

Lastly, there's the most frugal of the bunch adn Pricing for the new Mazda 3 Fastback will be announced in September.

Source: Mazda

As we’re approaching the launch event for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, is due to be officially unveiled next Wednesday evening in Germany. But today a new promotional brochure has surfaced online.

We have already discussed the exterior design of the new S-Class in detail, but the German-language brochure scans provide a clearer look at the new S-Class’ more chiseled.

Inside, it boasts a retro-modern look with two large TFT screens and infotainment system to a sophisticated climate control system with active perfuming and filtering of the air while the classic round air vents and the big steering wheel which is inspired by the older models.

It has already been confirmed that the new S-class will be codenamed W222 and it confirms the model will be offered with at least three different engines.

From what the scans reveal, the S-Class’ launch engine range for the European market will include S350 fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel rated for 255hp (258PS), a hybrid powertrain consisting of an electric motor and a 306 hp 3.5-liter V6 (S400 Hybrid) and the S500 will reward buyers with a 4.7-liter turbocharged gasoline V8 with 449hp (455PS).

General Motors has disclosed additional information about the standard 4.3L EcoTec V-6 for the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra will go on sale later this year with a suggested starting price of $25,085.

Buyers will choose from three new, advanced EcoTec3 engines – a 5.3L available at launch, followed by the 4.3L and 6.2L versions available later this year. EPA fuel economy estimates will be released later.

“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every EcoTec3 engines, for every customer,” said Jordan Lee, GM Powertrain chief engineer. “It is a standard feature, so our drivers get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”

The 2014 Sierra half-ton pickup boasts all-new powertrains and design, and the Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks ever built by GMC.

By the end of this year, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be the second-oldest nameplate in its segment here in the States, complete with a new face, even more safety features, and a brand-new four-cylinder diesel base engine.

The new Sprinter continues to set standards, boasting five new safety systems, engines that meet the future Euro VI emissions standard, and a striking appearance. The Sprinter's standard engine is a diesel-powered 2.1-liter 4-cylinder, which delivers 161-hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,400 to 2,400 rpm.

Although the European fuel economy test is and the Sprinter is officially exempt from EPA testing by virtue of its over-8600 GVWR, Mercedes-Benz claims an eye-popping fuel economy rating of 37.34 mpg.

The new Sprinter’s appearance has also been substantially enhanced and made more striking. In line with Mercedes-Benz’ current design, the van’s radiator grille is now more vertical and confident. The grille’s three slats are perforated and wedge-shaped. Not only does this change create a more dynamic impression, it also increases the airflow. In addition, a frame surrounds the brand’s distinctive radiator grille, making it more prominent.

Another change involves the headlights, which are now more angular. The covers on the reflector housings are particularly striking, dividing the headlights into separate segments. The new hood is higher and the more distinctly shaped bumpers have finely worked lower edges similar to those found on SUVs. The new Sprinter is immediately recognizable from the rear, due to its double-segmented taillights.

The widely acknowledged exemplary interior has also been further enhanced. Comfort has been boosted by the new upholstery and seat coverings, the thicker steering wheel makes gripping easier, and the fresh air nozzles boast chrome applications if the customer opts for a multifunctional steering wheel. The knob of the gearshift lever has been redesigned as well.

The Sprinter is also fitted with a new-generation radio system that equips the van not only with state-of-the-art electronic entertainment features and Bluetooth telephone equipment (including a telephone keypad and phonebook), but also the Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.

New safety systems in this sector will include Crosswind Assist as standard, while Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist will be optional.

The 2014 Sprinter will go on-sale in the U.S. later this fall.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (9 pictures) [/alert]

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Italian automaker Alfa Romeo has announced plans to introduce an SUV by the end of 2015, Damien Dally, head of the Alfa Romeo brand in the UK, speaking to The Telegraph.

Dally said “There will certainly be an SUV in the next two or three years.” He said that the Fiat Group’s ownership of Jeep gives Alfa Romeo access to a “whole portfolio of technologies.”

While no other details have been released, the Alfa Romeo crossover is expected to be based on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee that recently debuted at the New York Motor Show.

Despite its shared origins, Dally says the new Spider will be “absolutely, 100 per cent an Alfa Romeo” and that it will allow them to sell an open-top model at a lower price than recent Alfa Romeo convertibles.

Most likely, the vehicle will be offered in both front and four-wheel-drive versions, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground for more on any potential new Alfa SUVs or crossovers.

CODA announced today that it is focusing its business strategy on the growing energy storage market. CODA plans to implement the restructuring of its business through a voluntary filing under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The voluntary petition was filed today in the District of Delaware. This process is intended to enable the Company to complete a sale, confirm a Plan and emerge from bankruptcy in a stronger position to execute its new business plan. The Company expects the sale process to take 45 days to complete.

FCO MA CODA Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, is leading a consortium of lenders intending to provide debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to enable the Company’s energy storage business to remain fully operational during the restructuring process. The Company has filed a motion with the bankruptcy court for approval of the consortium, or its designee, as the stalking horse bidder in the sale process to acquire the Company post-bankruptcy. In addition, the Company will seek to monetize value of its existing automotive business assets.

“After concluding a comprehensive review of our strategic options, the Board of Directors, management team and senior lending group have concluded that focusing on the Company’s energy storage business presents the best opportunity moving forward,” said Phil Murtaugh, Chief Executive Officer, CODA Holdings, Inc. “We believe the restructuring process that we have entered into today will enable the Company to complete a sale and confirm a Plan that maximizes the value of its assets, serving the best interests of our stakeholders.”

CODA diversified its business and formed CODA Energy two years ago. CODA Energy’s products are based on the same core technology, which includes its proprietary battery management and thermal management systems, found in CODA’s vehicles adapted for stationary energy storage applications. The Company designs and builds scalable, custom energy storage solutions optimized for generation, distribution and behind-the-meter applications for commercial, residential and industrial end users. The Company is currently shipping product, and has a robust pipeline of new customers and existing installations in the field.

CODA’s legal advisor in connection with the restructuring is White & Case LLP. Emerald Capital Advisors serves as its Chief Restructuring Officer and restructuring advisor, and Houlihan Lokey serves as its investment banker for the restructuring. Sidley Austin LLP is serving as FCO MA CODA Holdings LLC’s legal advisor.