This is the 2013 Audi RS Q3, a 306bhp compact SUV which will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.


Inspired by a concept that bowed in Beijing last year, the super-SUV variant has an aggressive appearance with new bumpers, 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels, a high-gloss black honeycomb grille insert, more prominent spoiler atop the tailgate, revised side skirts and there's a rear diffuser with oval tailpipes.

Audi has lowered the suspension on the RS Q3 and given it stiffer springs and an electro-mechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are also standard.

On the inside, you get a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, sport seats upholstered in a combination of black Alcantra and leather, an RS-specific MMI infotainment system and piano black, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and aluminum race or carbon fiber trim.

Power is provided by a 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine that develops 310 HP (228 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected through a standard seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox offering three drive modes: D (drive), S (sport) and M (manual).

The engine powers the RS Q3 to 62 mph in 5.5sec, and to 155mph flat out - which means the Q3 series returns a combined figure of 8.8lt/100 km (26.73 US mpg or 32.1 UK mpg).

In Germany, the base price is €54,600, and deliveries begin in fall 2013.

Source: Audi

 

Volkswagen has unveiled details of a new four-wheel-drive Golf 4Motion, the car will employ permanent four-wheel drive thanks to a fifth-generation Haldex coupling system.

Volkswagen Golf 4Motion launches with two common rail four-cylinder engines: a 104bhp 1.6-litre or a 2.0-litre TDI producing 148bhp. But both of these units are fitted with Stop/Start system and battery regeneration.

Arriving just in time for winter, the system is described as one of "most modern and efficient" all-wheel drive systems in the world.

Other standard features including battery regeneration; a TFT display with touchscreen operation; the electronic stabilisation programme; a multi-function display; plus the four-wheel EDS; air conditioning; seven airbags; electric windows front and back; an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System; the XDS front and rear axle transverse lock.

The new Golf 4Motion hasn’t arrived here in the States yet, while Wolkswagen has already started a countdown on its German website with costs an additional €1,800 for the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Volkswagen Golf 4Motion (13 pictures) [/alert]

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Four-door Aston Martin Rapide S has received a considerable power hike as part of a comprehensive mid-life refresh ahead of its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

The attractive four-door saloon has received the "S" moniker to match a 5.9-liter V12 engine that churns out 550 horsepower and 457 lb-ft, representing an 81 HP (59 kW) increase over the pre-facelift variant.

As a result the 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, onto a top speed of 190 mph. To keep the extra power in check, the S packs the latest generation of Aston Martin's Adaptive Damping System. The system now offers three distinct settings: 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track'.

Exterior styling changes are minimal, with a more imposing front grille. There's also a few other exterior styling tweaks throughout, including the rear decklid and an optional Carbon Exterior Pack.

On the inside it gets new piano black trim, Duotone perforated red and black leather seats. The rear seats can be folded flat to almost treble the load volume to just shy of 900 litres.

The Aston Martin Rapide S will be heading to North American dealerships in mid-2013 and official pricing hasn't been announced but expect a starting price of around £150,000.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S (17 pictures) [/alert]

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Designed especially for United States and Canada, the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept big six-seat SUV will enter production in 2015.

It will replace the elderly and slow-selling Routan MPV with a plug-in diesel electric hybrid drivetrain, the hulking five-door.

The VW CrossBlue makes use of a hybrid powertrain consisting of a TDI Clean Diesel Engine that develops 190 hp (142 kW) and 54-hp front along with DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system.

When the 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged, the car can store about 14 miles of all-electric range at a maximum speed of 75 mph although top speed is reduced from 127 mph (204 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h).

Inside, a 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system controls all audio functions, leather and wood are also used to finish the interior, climate-control system and iPad® mini devices are integrated as monitors in the front-row head restraints.

If the CrossBlue concept receives the green light, Volkswagen will price the SUV above some of its competitors, starting at $32,000 (£19,800).

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Volkswagen CrossBlue concept (pictures) [/alert]

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The new 2013 Opel Cascada is now available to order with prices starting at 25,945 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

At market launch ten exterior colors are available, and they can be combined with three roof colors. There are also generation homogeneous LED technology and wheels are available in ten different designs and sizes from 17 to 20 inches.

The base mid-size convertible is offered with a 1.4-liter gasoline Turbo unit with 88 kW/120 hp connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. For a base price of €28,245, the Opel Cascada can be ordered with a more powerful 1.6-liter SIDI turbo delivering 125 kW/170 hp and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) with overboost.

“Following the compact Mokka SUV and the small lifestyle ADAM, the Cascada is the next highlight in our product offensive. Our new mid-size class convertible boasts open-air driving fun in premium quality – from design to its technologies and equipment – all at an extremely attractive price,” says Opel Management Board Member for Strategy Dr. Thomas Sedran.

The car also boasts very comfortable and easy operation features such as the FlexFold system that electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seat back rests. The Opel Cascada also offers luggage compartment load volume of 280 liters with the roof open and up to 380 liters when the soft top is closed.

For an extra €3,600, the soft-top convertible can be ordered in the INNOVATION variant offer additional standard equipment such as the exceptional premium soft top with superb acoustic insulation. In addition, the interior is equipped with electric seat belt presenters, adaptive forward lightning system, dual-zone ECC (Electronic Climate Control) and elegant Morrocana seat upholstery with contrast stitching.

The adaptive chassis system FlexRide costs an extra €980 along with front camera with many new functions €800 and the premium ergonomic AGR certified seat for driver and front passenger €685. Other available options include power Easy Entry system; heated steering wheel; electric seat adjustment and ventilation and electrical auxiliary heater.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2013 Opel Cascada (pictures) [/alert]

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Source: Opel

 

After numerous leaks and teasers, Chevrolet has finally unveiled the all-new, seventh-generation (C7) Corvette Stingray.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with GM's newly developed 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine featuring direct injection. This will enable the mill to develop approximately 450 bhp (336 kW) and 450 lb-ft (609 Nm) of torque.

A big improvements is said to be offered to the steering through a variable ratio electric power steering system and supporting technologies.

Chevrolet says that output is enough to empower the C7 Corvette to sprint from 0-60 mph in under four seconds. Two active exhaust systems are available; the base setup uses its active valves to tame noise during four-cylinder cruising.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn't use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”

From what we gather, the 2014 Corvette has an evolutionary design with the front fenders are designed to reduce drag, while a long ventilated hood that is constructed out of carbon fiber.

The styling changes carryover to the cabin where the model has a significantly improved interior. Among other highlights is aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials; infotainment screens; two new seat choices and the new 8-inch screen in the center of the instrument panel flanked by regular gauges.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, and will hit the market in the second half of 2013.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (pictures) [/alert]

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Renault wished everybody a happy New Year today after release a lone computer-generated teaser image that previews the upcoming 2013 Renault Captur crossover.

They didn't go into detail at all, but the crossover's front end is heavily inspired by the fourth-generation Clio hatchback. We find the new Captur has more in common with another new the Peugeot 2008 revealed yesterday.

The 2013 Renault Captur crossover's precise dimensions are unknown but the idea of this car was that each person could be its hero.

According to a report says the crossover can be equipped with the dCi 130 used by Megan and Nissan Qashqai along with a five-speed manual or the optional six-speed EDC double-clutch automatic.

Renault will present it to the public for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show next March.

 

During a private event, the McLaren P1 production version will stay true to the concept car’s looks - scheduled to come out sometime next year.

During the show the P1 was said to be "97-percent final," will be retained for the production model. Including full carbon fiber discs with a mirror finish, vents in the fenders ahead of the front wheels, superaluminum wheels and at the back it will feature a tighter mesh design.

At the presentation, a McLaren spokesperson said: "This car is a production car. This is 97 percent of the car that you will be able to order. The only thing that we will add are some vents to the bumper to get some of the warm air from the radiator coming out from the side."

 

Toyota will show a new saloon sports sedan concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Dubbed the Toyota Furia concept, the four-door up for a redesign is the company's mainstream Corolla.

Described as being "an exciting new sedan concept", we can shows glimpses and close ups of the bodywork.

The Toyota also offers orange paint, trapezoidal headlights, a neat lip spoiler on the bootlid, a front honeycomb grille, stylish taillights and carbonfibre detailing.

Unfortunately, Toyota doesn’t provide much information regarding the Furia Concept. Mark your calendar for 2:25 pm Eastern on January 14, when the concept will be officially revealed in Detroit.

 

Chrysler has revealed a new special edition version of its 300 Motown dedicated, a new model that pays tribute to "the Motor City's resurgence and determination through Detroit-born style and world-class ingenuity."

The carmaker also released a new 60-second commercial for the 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition titled “Who We Are” will make a broadcast debut on Thurs., Dec. 20.

The 300 Motown Edition starts with a stock 300, with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops 292 bhp (218 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque, mated to Chrysler's eight-speed automatic transmission.

To give the Motown soul to the 300, the car available exclusively in four colors include: Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, Gloss Black or Jazz Blue. The wheels 20-inch polished aluminum match the grille, door handle, daylight-opening surround, rear fascia accents and mirror caps.

Inside, the new Motown 300 shows off a white and black color scheme, along with 100 pre-loaded Motown tracks on the stereo. Pearl White Nappa leather seats that have perforated inserts and accent stripes, the center stack, gauge cluster, instrument panel, steering wheel and Black Olive Ash wood trim and satin silver finished accents.

"The Chrysler brand's imagination moved the world, while our rhythms forever changed music adding a sound and uplifting spirit that could only be from the Motor City. And our new Chrysler 300 Motown is a tribute to both," said Saad Chehab, president and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

There are also the segment's touchscreen display (8.4-inch) and mobile infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features, the 10-speaker Beats Audio system with 12-channel amplifier and proprietary Beats Audio algorithm.

The 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition will go on sale next spring with an MSRP of $32,995, excluding $995 destination charge.

[alert style="green"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition (18 pictures) [/alert]

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The all new 2014 Chevy Corvette has been a first look through a new teaser video - the third of which was released online today.

The latest clip doesn't reveal much about the car, but GM will be packing the interior of the new Corvette with more upscale features.

The exterior excites you, it draws you in, but the interior where you exactly experience the car from - it's literally the connection we have to the car so it has to be perfect," Ryan Vaughan, Performance Car Interior Design Manager.

According to Chevrolet, the car is equipped with a new 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine, and is expected to put out an estimated 450 horsepower with 450 lb-ft of torque.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette will be unveiled on January 13th.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Chevrolet Corvette photos [/alert]

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Porsche recently presented the Panamera Sport Turismo concept car that previews a production e-hybrid drivetrain - this car will be on sale by 2015.

The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo drips with desirability with a quick look of the concept that has a clean and elegant design; with an attractive Liquid Metal Blue paint, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED headlights, tapered glasshouse, ventilated front fenders and the wheels are 20-inch up front and 21-inch at the rear.

In the clip we also get to see the Sport Turismo works well as an estate, with roughly 100 litres more luggage space than the saloon, at around 550 litres and at 4950mm long, 1990mm wide and 1401mm high.

The exquisite detailing stands out: the digital instrument cluster which is being flanked by displays, two cameras are mounted in the side vents, door mirrors have been replaced by cameras within the air ducts and a slider to engage drive.

The car has a hybrid powertrain consisting of a V6 3.0-liter supercharged engine producing 333 hp combined with a 95 hp electric motor. That's enough to propel it from 0-62mph in under six seconds, while providing combined fuel consumption of “better than” 80.7mpg and CO2 emissions below 82g/km.

[alert style="green"] Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo photos [/alert]

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The crew at Hennessey has released a new video to showing the world just how quick the Venom GT really with ability run from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-200 mph in 15.3 seconds.

While this wouldn't be terribly exciting with most cars, the Hennessey Venom GT will be powered by a 7.0L twin turbo V8 with 1500 hp (1118 kW) - stick a top speed of 272 mph (440 km/h).

In the quick video of the Venom GT, the car easily rockets to 0-230 mph in 19.96 seconds, that's the kind of speed that will peal your eyelids back if you aren't careful.

As a reminder, the power source is linked to a new seven-speed paddle shift transmission or the six-speed Ricardo manual transaxle along with an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1:2.2.

[alert style="green"] Hennessey Venom GT photos [/alert]

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The  2013 Porsche Macan prototype was spied while being tested on public roads near the company’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

The car will borrow most of its styling cues from its bigger brother with engines borrowed from Audi and styling borrowed from the Cayenne.

As it uses the skeleton of the 2013 Audi Q5, so it's engine lineup will be made out of both petrol and diesel engines. A turbocharged four-cylinder, 2.0-liter that produces 220 hp (164 kW) and the 3.6 liter V6 naturally aspirated with 370 hp (276 kW) for the Turbo variant.

Diesel options will include a 2.0 liter TDI engine producing 190 hp (142 kW) and a beefier V6 3.0-liter TDI generating 250 hp (186 kW).

The new Porsche Macan is expected to hit the market in 2013 as a 2014 model year.

 

Mercedes-Benz has released a short teaser video for its updated 2014 E-Class lineup before the new model launches at the Detroit auto show in January.

The video focuses primarily on the headlights of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class that the brand’s adaptive headlights moving and a full LED treatment.

The new headlights will be accompanied by a redrawn front bumper and adaptive high and low beams. While the hood, fascia and grille will all be redesigned. The E-Class will also get redesigned rear doors and new exterior colors will be part of the package.

Mercedes-Benz did not mention when the new E-Class range will bow, but rumors circulating around the media claim that it will not be the L.A. Auto Show later this month.

 

As expected, the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabriolet will be making its North American under the lights of the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.

Scuderia Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa put the new Fiat 500 Abarth Cabriolet to the test in Austin, Texas in anticipation of its North American debut at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show.

In this video you see the convertible features an aggressive body kit with new bumpers, unique wheels, an aggressive exhaust and revised side skirts.

There's a lot to love about the Fiat 500 Abarth - like the coupe , the convertible will be powered by a 1.4-liter, turbocharged engine that produces 160 bhp (119 kW) and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque.

Autoreviewblog have all of the details and live photos for you fresh from the show floor, and stay tuned for the full details as part of the LA Auto Show festivities.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio photos [/alert]

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A fake two-door Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG with Brabus wheels in the Dubai Mall VIP parking.

The car has “6.3 AMG” badges on both sides, a new ride control system and a bespoke exhaust system with valve control. But the car is actually a fake, even though no such engine was ever was ever put in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

YouTube user Patrick3331 uploaded this clip mentions in one of the comments on the site that the owner wasn't aware it was fake.

But despite being a fake, the two-door Mercedes-Benz G-Class is equipped headlights, mirrors and some of the other details are taken from an earlier model year.

 

They have revealed the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series public debut later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

With suspension and engine upgrades complemented by lighter weight materials, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG brings more power. As such, it will deliver 622 horsepower and 468 lb-ft with V8 6.2-liter engine, from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0.2 of a second quicker than the standard car.

Modifications include a new air intake, engine changes center on the exhaust system, additional pressure tweaks, water cooling, camshafts and improved oil.

Exterior elements include a deeper front spoiler with carbon-fiber splitter, flared fenders, rear and side skirts, black high-gloss wing, a large central duct, the black trim on the headlights and taillights, side mirrors and enlarged air intakes.

Other changes include matte black forged alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design shod with 275/35 and 325/30 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

In addition, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is designed to handle curves with 20mm and 24mm wider front. Curb weight is down to 3417 pounds, a good 154 pounds less than the regular SLS AMG GT.

Inside, designers have removed the COMAND interface, the flat-bottomed steering wheel, a carbon center console, a strip of Alcantara, lightweight sports seats (15 kg lighter) and saving more weight.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series hasn't been priced yet, but expect a starting price of more than 200,000 pounds. The first customer deliveries are planned to get underway in June 2013.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series photos [/alert]

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The 2013 Renault Symbol that will be given its first public airing on Friday at the Istanbul Motor Show in Turkey, which they sell in markets like Algeria and Tunisia.

Essentially a rebadged the 2013 Dacia Logan, the Renault Symbol features a unique front bumper which in combination with Renault's signature grille, a new bumper, distinctive taillights and blacked out B-pillars.

Engine options include a TCe 90, dCi 75 and dCi 90. The 2013 Renault Symbol 0.9-liter TCe turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 90 HP (66 kW) and 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) of torque that returns 5.3 liters/100km. Likewise, the dCi 75PS and dCi 90PS that returns 3.9 liters/100km and 103g/km respectively while equivalent to 122g of CO2/km.

Interior pictures were not released, but the 2013 Renault Symbol comes with Renault Media Nav multimedia navigation system complete, seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen color display, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and a 60/40-split folding rear bench seat.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Renault Symbol photos [/alert]

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Fiat has just released a new teaser video of their Cafe Racer, but unlike almost all other car makers at the SEMA auto show. The Fiat 500 Cafe Racer is under wraps until the very last second.

The clip doesn't reveal much about the car, but the Cafe Racer is describe certain types of motorcycles that have been modified to reduce weight and improve performance.

The Fiat 500 Cafe Racer will have a low-profile feel, the door handles have been removed, a lowered suspension, the mechanical are all tweaked, side-exiting exhaust and lightweight Lexan windows.

Check out AutoReviewBlog's coverage of the 2012 SEMA auto show here in next week.