Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Upgrade your High-Performance Driving Skills at the AMG Driving Academy]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/10/upgrade-your-high-performance-driving-skills-at-the-amg-driving/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/10/upgrade-your-high-performance-driving-skills-at-the-amg-driving/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/10/upgrade-your-high-performance-driving-skills-at-the-amg-driving/#comments
AMG Driving Academy - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you are going to spend some serious dollars on a high-performance car from Mercedes-Benz AMG, then you should probably spend a few more bucks to really learn how to get the most out of that new ride. Thankfully, AMG has you covered with its Driving Academy. The AMG Driving Academy offers classes at a variety of skill levels and at race tracks including the Nurburgring Nordschliefe, Spa-Francorchamps, Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca.

Instructors for the programs include the likes of racing champions Bernd Schneider and Bernd Maylander. The class cars are fully instrumented with race car styling data logging so the instructors can review student's performance in detail. Students can bring their own cars, use the standard school cars or upgrade all the way up to the gull-wing SLS coupe.

The basic two-day training class starts at €990 and prices go up to and beyond €2,690 for the three-day advanced course. For those that want to hone their all-weather driving skills, AMG also offers a winter academy in Arjeplog, Sweden, home of Mercedes-Benz' winter test center. The four day package includes three days of training plus a fourth day for an optional snowmobile tour in the region for €3,590. The full brochure and registration forms are available at http://www.mercedes-amg.com/driving-academy/.


Gallery: AMG Driving Academy


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Upgrade your High-Performance Driving Skills at the AMG Driving Academy

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Upgrade your High-Performance Driving Skills at the AMG Driving Academy originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amgamg driving academyMercedes Benzmercedes benz amgmercedes-benz Sam Abuelsamid Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[V10-Powered BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible Reach the End of the Line]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/07/v10-powered-bmw-m6-coupe-and-convertible-reach-the-end-of-the-li/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/07/v10-powered-bmw-m6-coupe-and-convertible-reach-the-end-of-the-li/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/07/v10-powered-bmw-m6-coupe-and-convertible-reach-the-end-of-the-li/#comments
BMW M6 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone hoping to acquire one of BMW's 5.0-liter V10-powered M6s had better snap one up quickly because production has now ceased. The M6 was the last remaining application for the 507 horsepower V10 which also powered the M5 that went out of production earlier this summer. A total of 14,152 units were built since the 2005 debut of the M6 coupe and the 2006 launch the convertible.

The 5.0-liter V10 would happily rev to 8,250 rpm producing 500 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque along the way. The sound produced by the 10 cylinders through the quad exhaust pipes was absolutely magnificent, especially when driving the convertible with the top down. Although the V10 had a lofty red-line, it was short of low-end torque, something that won't be a problem when the next-generation M6 arrives.

The new 6 Series is expected to debut sometime in 2011 with an M6 to follow. Both the M5 and M6 are expected to use a version of the 555 hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 already used in the X6 M. That engine develops a massive 500 lb-ft at just 1,500 rpm.


Gallery: BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible


[Source: BMW]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading V10-Powered BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible Reach the End of the Line

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V10-Powered BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible Reach the End of the Line originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwbmw 5.0-liter v10BMW M6BMW M6 ConvertibleBMW M6 Coupebmw v10bmw v10 canceledbmw v10 discontinuedm6m6 convertible Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Video: Cadillac Takes the CTS-V Back to the Nurburgring for New Commercial]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/07/video-cadillac-takes-the-cts-v-back-to-the-nurburgring-for-new/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/07/video-cadillac-takes-the-cts-v-back-to-the-nurburgring-for-new/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/07/video-cadillac-takes-the-cts-v-back-to-the-nurburgring-for-new/#comments
Cadillac CTS-V Nurburgring commercial - Click above to view video

Cadillac's new advertising agency has apparently decided that the CTS-V will be the focus of its initial marketing efforts for General Motors' premium brand and started off by going back to the Nurburgring to kick things off. Prior to the launching the second generation CTS-V two years ago, Cadillac engineers set the fastest time ever for a production sedan, lapping the legendary, 13-mile long German track in seven minutes 59 seconds.

Race driver and photographer Jeff Zwart directed the new spot which ends with Cadillac's new/old tag-line, "The New Standard of the World." A century ago after founder Henry Leland debut a number of engineering innovations, Cadillac became known as the standard of the world, a line that eventually faded into obscurity as Cadillac was overtaken by competitors from Germany and then Japan. Expect to see more Cadillac marketing and promotional events featuring the CTS-V in sedan, coupe and wagon in the coming months until the brand is ready to debut the new smaller ATS and flagship XTS sometime next year. The ad and a behind the scenes video can be seen after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS-V


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Video: Cadillac Takes the CTS-V Back to the Nurburgring for New Commercial

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Video: Cadillac Takes the CTS-V Back to the Nurburgring for New Commercial originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillaccadillac advertisingCadillac CTSCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v adcadillac cts-v commercialcadillac cts-v videocadillac video Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Lamborghini Teases Murcielago Replacement for Paris Motor Show]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/06/lamborghini-teases-murcielago-replacement-for-paris-motor-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/06/lamborghini-teases-murcielago-replacement-for-paris-motor-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/06/lamborghini-teases-murcielago-replacement-for-paris-motor-show/#comments
Lamborghini teaser - Click above to enlarge

Lamborghini has just pushed out the first teaser image for the new car that it will debut at the Paris Motor Show in a few weeks. The new sports car which is expected to badged as the Jota will replace the Murcielago that debuted in 2001. Not much detail is known about the Jota, but the rumors floating around the net indicate that it will be powered by an all-new V12 engine with direct injection and over 700 horsepower. The V12 in the Murcielago is an evolution of the unit that first appeared in the 3500 GT in the mid-1960s and subsequently powered the Countach, Diablo and Reventon as well.

[Source: Lamborghini]

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Lamborghini Teases Murcielago Replacement for Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Lamborghinilamborghini jotaLamborghini Jota Murciélago replacementlamborghini murcielagoparis motor showparis motor show 2010 Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz Launches mbrace Concierge iPhone App]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/04/mercedes-benz-launches-mbrace-concierge-iphone-app/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/04/mercedes-benz-launches-mbrace-concierge-iphone-app/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/04/mercedes-benz-launches-mbrace-concierge-iphone-app/#comments Mercedes-Benz has just launched a significantly enhanced version of its mbrace iPhone application. Mbrace is a package of services similar to General Motors' OnStar that provides automatic 911 calls in the event of an accident, remote unlocking and other services. When it was first introduced last year the mbrace application was the first to actually integrate with the vehicle telematics system to enable many of those same services such as the remote locking/unlocking, plus vehicle and dealer location.

The new version adds instant access to Mercedes-Benz Concierge services. A tap of the screen gives the Mercedes driver instant access to an advisor to help find restaurants or hotels and send directions straight to the phone and car. When calling roadside assistance through the application, the location information is automatically transmitted to the help center. Subscribers to the mbrace service can download the application from the iTunes app store.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Mercedes-Benz Launches mbrace Concierge iPhone App originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> conciergeiphone appiPhone app storeiPhone ApplicationiPhone ApplicationsiPhone AppsmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz mbrace iphone appmercedes-benzmercedes-benz mbraceMercedesBenz Sam Abuelsamid Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Become a Ferrari F1 Driver at the Ferrari Virtual Academy [w/Video]]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/02/become-a-ferrari-f1-driver-at-the-ferrari-virtual-academy-w-vid/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/02/become-a-ferrari-f1-driver-at-the-ferrari-virtual-academy-w-vid/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/02/become-a-ferrari-f1-driver-at-the-ferrari-virtual-academy-w-vid/#comments

Moreso than any other automaker, the Ferrari legend has been built on its success in motorsports, particularly in Formula One. No team has won more F1 races and more championships than Ferrari and what Ferrari fan hasn't dreamed of someday driving one of the scarlet race cars? Given that the number of new F1 cars the team builds every year is in the single digits, even if you have the financial resources to buy one of the used cars after the season, the opportunities to do so will be extremely limited.

To make things easier for the rest of us, next week the Italian sports car maker will release the Ferrari Virtual Academy. The Virtual Academy driving simulator will be available for download beginning September 9 with the current F10 racer along with the Fiorano, Mugello and Nurburgring circuits included in the package for €15. Ferrari hasn't listed any system requirements so this might be a Flash application that runs on every platform (except of course iPhones and iPads). Check out the video trailer after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Become a Ferrari F1 Driver at the Ferrari Virtual Academy [w/Video]

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Become a Ferrari F1 Driver at the Ferrari Virtual Academy [w/Video] originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ferrariFerrari F1ferrari f10ferrari formula 1ferrari videoferrari video gameferrari virtual academy Sam Abuelsamid Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Report: Ferrari to Recall 458 Italia in Europe to Address Fire Concerns]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/01/report-ferrari-to-recall-458-italia-in-europe-to-address-fire-c/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/01/report-ferrari-to-recall-458-italia-in-europe-to-address-fire-c/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/09/01/report-ferrari-to-recall-458-italia-in-europe-to-address-fire-c/#comments
Ferrari 458 Italia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari has reportedly responded to a recent spate of fires in its new 458 Italia with a recall in Europe. At least five fires have been reported since deliveries began earlier this year which Ferrari has been investigating. Apparently when the 458 is driven hard (the way a Ferrari is supposed to be driven) in high ambient temperatures an adhesive that holds the rear wheel arch in place, can overheat and essentially melt. This allows the wheel arch and heat shields to come loose. Either the glue or the heat shields can then smoke and potentially ignite. So far 1,248 Italias have been delivered in Europe and those cars will be retrofitted with a more secure fastening system that keeps the arches and shields in place. New cars still in process at the factory will be retrofitted before delivery and the manufacturing process will be updated with the new fasteners.


Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia

458yellowtrack1458yellowtrack205-italia03-italia04-italia

[Source: AutoCar]

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Report: Ferrari to Recall 458 Italia in Europe to Address Fire Concerns originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Ferrariferrari 458 firesFerrari 458 Italiaferrari 458 recallferrari recall Sam Abuelsamid Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[New Bentley Continental GT to be Revealed Online Next Week]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/31/new-bentley-continental-gt-to-be-revealed-online-next-week/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/31/new-bentley-continental-gt-to-be-revealed-online-next-week/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/31/new-bentley-continental-gt-to-be-revealed-online-next-week/#comments

The 2003 Introduction of the Continental GT coupe marked the beginning of the rebirth of Bentley as a stand-alone luxury brand after its separation from Rolls-Royce. Since then Bentley has introduced a range of new models including the GTC convertible, Flying Spur and Mulsanne that have given the brand a distinct character despite sharing some underpinnings with less Audis.

Next week, Bentley will unveil the new next generation Continental GT in a special online event before it shows up at the Paris Motor Show. Judging from the teaser video Bentley has posted at www.ContinentalGT.com the coupe won't be breaking any significant new ground stylistically. Instead it will be an evolution of current design. The most noticeable exterior change is the adoption of LED headlamps at the front for better lighting that uses less energy. The new Continental GT will be revealed at 10am EDT on September 7.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading New Bentley Continental GT to be Revealed Online Next Week

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New Bentley Continental GT to be Revealed Online Next Week originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bentleybentley continentalBentley Continental GTnew bentley continental gtonline reveal Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Infiniti to Launch M35 Hybrid at Los Angeles Auto Show]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/31/infiniti-to-launch-m35-hybrid-at-los-angeles-auto-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/31/infiniti-to-launch-m35-hybrid-at-los-angeles-auto-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/31/infiniti-to-launch-m35-hybrid-at-los-angeles-auto-show/#comments
2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The highlight of the Infiniti stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November will be the brand's first gas-electric model, the new M35 hybrid. The M35 uses an all-new hybrid powertrain developed in-house by Nissan, unlike the Toyota-sourced system currently used in the Altima hybrid.

Since Nissan doesn't use the Infiniti brand in Japan, the M35 is sold as the Nissan Fuga hybrid in its home market where it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall. The hybrid uses the popular 3.5-liter V6 found in several Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in combination with a 50 kilowatt motor that can drive the M35 electrically at speeds up to 62 mph. The M35 also uses a smaller capacity version of the same lithium ion battery used in the new Leaf battery electric vehicle. The M35 hybrid will go on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model.


Gallery: Infiniti M35 hybrid


[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti to Launch M35 Hybrid at Los Angeles Auto Show

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Infiniti to Launch M35 Hybrid at Los Angeles Auto Show originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20122012 infiniti g2012 infiniti m35 hybridInfiniti MInfiniti M35infiniti m35 hybridla auto showlos angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2010M35 Hybrid Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Rumormill: Lotus Esprit Successor Could Debut at Paris with Lexus LFA engine]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/30/rumormill-lotus-esprit-successor-could-debut-at-paris-with-lexu/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/30/rumormill-lotus-esprit-successor-could-debut-at-paris-with-lexu/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/30/rumormill-lotus-esprit-successor-could-debut-at-paris-with-lexu/#comments \

On September 30 at 4:45 pm CET, Lotus will hold its biggest auto show press conference in many years at the Paris Motor Show. In addition to the new Evora S and automatic transmission versions, Lotus is expected to finally unveil the oft-delayed successor to the Esprit. For several years in the mid-2000s, there were rumors that Lotus would use a V8 from either Audi or BMW to power the new Esprit.

However, in recent years, Lotus has used Toyota engines exclusively in the Elise, Exige and now the Evora. It just so happens that Toyota has a new engine in its arsenal that would be ideally suited to a new supercar, the 552 horsepower 4.8-liter V10 from the recently launched Lexus LFA.

According to Inside Line, the V10 would power the premium version of the Esprit while base versions would use a variant of the 416 hp 5.0-liter V8 from the Lexus IS-F. Regardless of the engine choice the new Esprit and the Lotus brand as a whole are expected to move upmarket to compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.

[Source: Inside Line]





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Rumormill: Lotus Esprit Successor Could Debut at Paris with Lexus LFA engine originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> lotuslotus espritlotus esprit lexus enginelotus esprit lexus lfa v10lotus esprit lfa v10parisparis motor showParis2010ParisMotorShow Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Video: BMW Teases the New 1 Series M Coupe]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/28/video-bmw-teases-the-new-1-series-m-coupe/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/28/video-bmw-teases-the-new-1-series-m-coupe/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/28/video-bmw-teases-the-new-1-series-m-coupe/#comments
BMW 1 Series M coupe - Click above for teaser video

For months now we've been seeing spy photos of a beefed up version of BMW's 1 Series coupe and until recently there was much speculation as to whether it would get the vaunted M badge of simply be something like a 135is. We now know that it will in fact be the 1 Series M (since M1 will likely forever be reserved for the mid-engine progenitor of the M line from the late-1970s).

We still don't know any technical details although the 1 Series M will almost certainly be powered by a high-output version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six found in the 135i. The wheel arches have been inflated to enclose the larger wheels that wrap around the massive cross-drilled brakes. In typical M fashion the front air dam extends much closer to the ground and features large air intakes to feed the engine and brake cooling ducts. With BMW now officially teasing the 1 Series M, it will likely be revealed in full next month at the Paris Motor Show. Check out the new teaser video and the first track test video after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Teases the New 1 Series M Coupe

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Video: BMW Teases the New 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwBMW 1 Seriesbmw 1 series mbmw 1-seriesparisparis motor showparis motor show 2010paris motorshowvideo Sam Abuelsamid Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[High-Output Lotus Evora S and Automatic to Debut at Paris Motor Show]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/28/high-output-lotus-evora-s-and-automatic-to-debut-at-paris-motor/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/28/high-output-lotus-evora-s-and-automatic-to-debut-at-paris-motor/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/28/high-output-lotus-evora-s-and-automatic-to-debut-at-paris-motor/#comments
Lotus Evora S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Next month's Paris Motor Show will be one of the busiest events for Lotus in many years as it unveils two new variants of the Evora and at least one other car expected to be the all-new Esprit. Lotus has revealed details of the new S and IPS versions of the Evora ahead of the show. The Evora S is a higher-performance version of the recently introduced mid-engine sports car that bumps the 3.5-liter Toyota-built V6 from 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque up to 345 hp and 295 lb-ft.

In addition to the extra power, the S also gets an upgraded suspension for more precise handling and larger cross-drilled brake rotors to scrub off the speed when needed. A sport pack includes a driver controlled button to manage a bypass valve in the exhaust system and speed up the throttle response.

Anyone that's been paying attention to Lotus is undoubtedly aware that it mostly builds hard-car sports cars. Automatic transmissions have not been part of the Lotus lineup since the Elite was discontinued in 1982. The Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS) option adds a Toyota six-speed automatic modified with a Lotus-developed control system to the base Evora. Steering wheel mounted paddles provide the driver with full-manual control of the gearbox.


Gallery: Lotus Evora S and IPS


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading High-Output Lotus Evora S and Automatic to Debut at Paris Motor Show

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High-Output Lotus Evora S and Automatic to Debut at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> LotusLotus Evoralotus evora ipslotus evora sparisparis motor showParis2010 Sam Abuelsamid Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Officially, Official: 2nd-Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door Coupe]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/22/officially-official-2nd-generation-mercedes-benz-cls-4-door-co/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/22/officially-official-2nd-generation-mercedes-benz-cls-4-door-co/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/22/officially-official-2nd-generation-mercedes-benz-cls-4-door-co/#comments
style="text-align: center;"> 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 2004, Mercedes-Benz kick-started a whole new automotive genre with the debut of the CLS. Now that the CLS has inspired a whole slew of competitors including the Audi A7 and the upcoming BMW Gran Coupe. Next month at the Paris Motor Show, Mercedes will launch the second generation of the four-door coupe that retains the basic roof profile while changing everything else.

The look of the new CLS was previewed last April at the Beijing Motor Show in the form of the sporty-wagon Shooting Break concept. Up front, the CLS has a adopted the more upright grille design that we first saw last year on the gull-wing SLS AMG. Like most other recent premium cars, the CLS has strings of LEDs for running lamps and turn signals. However, even the headlamps are now comprised of the low-power, long-life lighting. The flanks of the CLS now have a much more sculpted and muscular look than before with arched rear fenders that are similar to the new E-Class.

Inside, the CLS features a further evolution of other recent Mercedes designs and like the E-Class features an LCD display in the center of the speedometer to provide a variety of information to the driver. So far Mercedes hasn't announced any powertrain information but we can expect to see the latest direct injected V6 and V8 engines in the U.S. with European models also getting a variety of diesels.


Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially, Official: 2nd-Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door Coupe

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Officially, Official: 2nd-Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door Coupe originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2011 Mercedes-Benz2011 mercedes-benz cls2011FordMustangCLScls classClsClassMercedes Benzmercedes benz clsmercedes-benzMercedesBenzparis mondialparis motor showparis motor show 2010paris motorshow Sam Abuelsamid Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Leakage Alert: Audi A7 Slips Out Ahead of Official Reveal]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/25/leakage-alert-audi-a7-slips-out-ahead-of-official-reveal/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/25/leakage-alert-audi-a7-slips-out-ahead-of-official-reveal/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/07/25/leakage-alert-audi-a7-slips-out-ahead-of-official-reveal/#comments
Audi A7 Sportback - Click above for high-res image gallery

Photos of the new Audi A7 Sportback have leaked out a day ahead of its official reveal on Monday and as expected it's pretty much unchanged from the Sportback concept that Audi showed at the Detroit Auto Show last year. The platform is believed to be shared with the next generation A6 sedan and unlike BMW's 5 Series Gran Turismo it has a similar height to sedan siblings giving it much more attractive proportions.

Power will come from the usual Audi array of gas and diesel powerplants including a new 3.0-liter normally aspirated V6 with 290 horsepower and the latest generation clean-diesel V6. The A7 wouldn't be an Audi without Quattro all-wheel-drive and we'd expect the 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox that we loved so much in the S5 Cabrio to be part of the mix as well.

The A7 gets a similar new interior style to the recently introduced A8 sedan with a pop-up navigation screen that drops into the dashboard when not in use. The A7 will be unveiled live online from Munich on Monday.


Gallery: Audi A7 Sportback


[Source: CarScoop]

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Leakage Alert: Audi A7 Slips Out Ahead of Official Reveal originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audiAudi A7Audi A7 SportbackAudi A7 Sportback Concept Sam Abuelsamid Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[McLaren Celebrates 20 years from the Conception of the F1 Supercar]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/28/mclaren-celebrates-20-years-from-the-conception-of-the-f1-superc/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/28/mclaren-celebrates-20-years-from-the-conception-of-the-f1-superc/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/28/mclaren-celebrates-20-years-from-the-conception-of-the-f1-superc/#comments
McLaren F1s gather for a party - click above for high-res image gallery

Twenty years ago this spring what is considered by many to be the greatest supercar of all time was conceived. The McLaren F1 may not have the shear power and technological prowess of the more recent Bugatti Veyron, but the product of ex-formula one designer Gordon Murray's fertile mind was vastly more elegant from a pure engineering standpoint. While the Veyron throws in everything but the kitchen sink with four turbochargers on its V16 engine, all-wheel-drive and active aerodynamics, the F1 relied on a lightweight carbon fiber chassis and a highly tuned normally aspirated V12.

Engineering and design work began in March of 1990 and the first prototypes rolled out of the McLaren factory two years later. The first production example was delivered to a customer in late 1993. Customers soon decided they wanted to race the F1 and the factory prepared five cars for the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aside from a front splitter, rear wing, and requisite racing safety gear, the F1 GTR was almost stock and the engine was actually restricted compared to the road version. Those five cars finished 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th first time out.

Ultimately, McLaren built 100 F1s including 72 for the street and 28 race cars along with six prototypes. Of those 21 returned to the factory last month for a celebration to mark 20 years as well as the launch of the new MP4-12C.


Gallery: McLaren F1 20th Anniversary


[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren Celebrates 20 years from the Conception of the F1 Supercar

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McLaren Celebrates 20 years from the Conception of the F1 Supercar originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 May 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren F1mclaren f1 20th anniversaryMcLaren MP4-12C Sam Abuelsamid Fri, 28 May 2010 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo, Ultimate Riding Machine]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/28/review-2010-bmw-550i-gran-turismo-ultimate-riding-machine/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/28/review-2010-bmw-550i-gran-turismo-ultimate-riding-machine/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/28/review-2010-bmw-550i-gran-turismo-ultimate-riding-machine/#comments
2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year's introduction of the BMW 5 series Gran Turismo marked the entrance into yet another mark segment for the Munich based automaker. It was immediately apparent that this machine was quite unlike anything ever to carry the blue and white roundel before and most observers were not immediately impressed when they first laid eyes on it.

However like Porsche's Panamera, this machines shape was driven more by function than style. While BMW's tag-line since the mid-1970s has been "The Ultimate Driving Machine" the new Gran Turismo is more like the ultimate driven machine. This is a car shaped more for the passengers than the person sitting behind the wheel. It's also a machine with no shortage of technology throughout. With this change in emphasis, is it now less of a driving machine?


Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo, Ultimate Riding Machine originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 May 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20102010 bmw2010 bmw 5 series gran turismo2010 bmw 5 series gtbmw 5 series gran turismobmw 5 series gtbmw 550i gran turismoBMW 550i GTbwmfeaturedfeaturesluxist reviewsreview Sam Abuelsamid Fri, 28 May 2010 09:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2010 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/11/review-2010-bmw-335i-xdrive-coupe/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/11/review-2010-bmw-335i-xdrive-coupe/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/11/review-2010-bmw-335i-xdrive-coupe/#comments
2010 BMW 335i xDrive coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

White space. It's a term product planners like to use in describing a new product that doesn't fit any existing segment and doesn't have any direct competitors. Some white space products end up being successful in the marketplace while others end up being duds like the Subaru Baja. Perhaps the most successful white space vehicle of the past four decades is the BMW 3 series.

BMW is generally credited with having invented the modern compact to mid-size sport sedan segment with the mid-1970s launch of the original 3 series. Since that time the dynamic driving characteristics of the 3 series have kept it ranked at the top of the segment while at the same time inspiring every premium brand in the business to create their own competitors. We spent a week with the latest 335i xDrive coupe trying to determine if it still ranks at the top of the heap.


Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 335i xDrive


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2010 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 11 May 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20102010 bmw2010 bmw 3 series2010 bmw 3 series coupe2010 bmw 335i2010 bmw 335i xdrive coupefeaturereview Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 11 May 2010 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Luxist Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/04/luxist-review-2010-mercedes-benz-e350-4matic/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/04/luxist-review-2010-mercedes-benz-e350-4matic/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/05/04/luxist-review-2010-mercedes-benz-e350-4matic/#comments
2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic - Click above for high-res image gallery

For nearly six decades the mid-size sedan has been the mainstay of the Mercedes-Benz car lineup. Known as the E-Class since 1994, the ninth generation of that platform debuted a year ago at the Geneva Motor Show and is currently available in North America in four door sedan, two door coupe and convertible body styles.

On its home turf in Europe the E-Class, like other many other German cars that are exported to the U.S. is available with a wide range of four, six and eight cylinder engines. Over the course of its history the E-Class has built a reputation for ruggedness and reliability which has made it the the equivalent of the Ford Crown Victoria for German taxi drivers and police. Here in the U.S. tough emissions rules and even tougher currency exchange rates mean that we only get the more premium editions of Mercedes models with a more limited V6 and V8 engine lineup.

We had the chance to spend a week with a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic. Read on to see if this is just an expensive cab or something worthy of the three pointed star.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Luxist Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic

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Luxist Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 04 May 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2010 mercedes benz e-class2010 mercedes benz e3502010 mercedes-benz e class2010 mercedes-benz e-classfeaturedmercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz E350mercedes-benzMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedesBenzreivew Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 04 May 2010 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS-V, King of the Super-sedans]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/12/review-2010-cadillac-cts-v-king-of-the-super-sedans/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/12/review-2010-cadillac-cts-v-king-of-the-super-sedans/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/12/review-2010-cadillac-cts-v-king-of-the-super-sedans/#comments cadillac cts-v
2010 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW launched the era of the modern high-performance luxury sedan a quarter century ago with the M5. Blending the twin-cam 3.5-liter inline-six from the defunct M1 supercar with the mid-size 5 series body shell created a whole new segment. Since then numerous other automakers have joined the fray with the likes of the Jaguar XFR, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and Audi RS6.

When Cadillac introduced the original CTS it was meant to directly take on the likes of the E-Class and 5 series. In order to be taken completely seriously it was decided to create a similar high performance variant which was dubbed the CTS-V. The first generation CTS-V featured a 400 horsepower small-block V8 from the Corvette. This car was quick but still not as sophisticated as its European counterparts. This is a market segment that doesn't stand still and the European incumbents were approaching 500 hp and beyond with their entries. For its second generation, Cadillac intended to place the CTS-V firmly at the top of the super-sedan heap. Read on to find out if they succeeded.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS-V


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS-V, King of the Super-sedans originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20102010 Cadillac2010 cadillac cts-vcadillacCadillac CTS-Vfeaturefeaturedfeaturesreviewreview 2010 cadillac cts-v Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[2011 Lotus Elise Officially Rated 46.7 mpg, 149 g/km CO2]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/09/2011-lotus-elise-officially-rated-46-7-mpg-149-g-km-co2/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/09/2011-lotus-elise-officially-rated-46-7-mpg-149-g-km-co2/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/09/2011-lotus-elise-officially-rated-46-7-mpg-149-g-km-co2/#comments
2011 Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery

For those that want a fast, great handling sports car that also has great fuel efficiency, the 2011 Lotus Elise S should be at the top of the consideration list. Heading into the new model year, Lotus has refreshed its evergreen roadster with a new slicker face and a new 1.6-liter inline-four base engine.

The new styling draws on the looks of the recently launched Lotus Evora and cuts aerodynamic drag by four percent compared to the 2010 model. The 1.6-liter produces the same 136 horsepower as the outgoing 1.8-liter. While 136 hp may not sound like much, in a car that only weighs 1,931 pounds it produces serious performance. The new Elise sprints from 0-60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.

Thanks to the efficient engine and light weight, the Elise S is officially rated at 46.7 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the EU test cycle and emits just 149 grams / kilometer of CO2.

Gallery: 2011 Lotus Elise


[Source: Lotus]

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2011 Lotus Elise Officially Rated 46.7 mpg, 149 g/km CO2 originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20112011 lotus2011 lotus elise2011 lotus elise slotus elise sroadster Sam Abuelsamid Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[2011 Audi Q7 gets Upgraded Engines and New 8-speed Transmission]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/08/2011-audi-q7-gets-upgraded-engines-and-new-8-speed-transmission/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/08/2011-audi-q7-gets-upgraded-engines-and-new-8-speed-transmission/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/04/08/2011-audi-q7-gets-upgraded-engines-and-new-8-speed-transmission/#comments
2011 Audi Q7 (Germany) - click above for high-res image gallery

At the Leipzig Motor Show in Germany this week, Audi is launching a thoroughly revamped powertrain lineup for its big Q7 SUV that should improve performance and fuel efficiency. As usual both gas and diesel engines are available but for the first time since it launched no gasoline V8 engine will be available. Instead the lovely supercharged and direct injected 3.0-liter TFSI V6 that debuted in the S4 will be available in two power levels. A base version with 272 horsepower can be optioned up to the full 333 hp unit found in the S4.

Drivers that want a big SUV will probably prefer the upgraded 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel. With its 240 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque, it can easily tow 6,600 pounds while getting real world fuel economy of 25 mpg or more. The U.S. version stays at 225 hp when it arrives this fall. European drivers that want performance and fuel efficiency can also opt for a 4.2-liter V8 TDI diesel. All Q7s get a new eight-speed automatic transmission for 2011. The new powertrains are expected reduce fuel consumption by up to 19 percent. The 2011 Q7 V6 TDI arrives in the U.S. in September while the gasoline TFSI V6 arrives in November.


Gallery: 2011 Audi Q7


[Source: Audi]

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2011 Audi Q7 gets Upgraded Engines and New 8-speed Transmission originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20112011 audi2011 Audi Q7audi q7Audi Q7 3.0 TDIAudi Q7 DieselAudi Q7 TDI Sam Abuelsamid Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[McLaren Automotive Officially Launches Itself into the Automotive Stratosphere [w/Video]]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/18/mclaren-automotive-officially-launches-itself-into-the-automotiv/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/18/mclaren-automotive-officially-launches-itself-into-the-automotiv/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/18/mclaren-automotive-officially-launches-itself-into-the-automotiv/#comments mclaren mp4-12c
McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning McLaren Automotive held a press conference at its technology center outside London England to officially unveil itself and its first new product to the world. An off-shoot of the McLaren Formula One team, the new automaker picks up where the previous efforts that produced the F1 of the mid-1990s and the more recent Mercedes-McLaren SLR left off.

Chairman Ron Dennis discussed the philosophy of passion behind the new enterprise while Managing Director Anthony Sherriff went over the MP4-12C in some detail. The over-arching design goal was performance through efficiency. By keeping size and weight down, the car is able to achieve extraordinary levels of performance. McLaren has developed an all-new bespoke powertrain consisting of a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 with 600 horsepower and a lightning fast dual clutch transmission.

Sherriff promises a compliant ride for everyday driving with handling that will top anything in the world. McLaren is currently in the process of appointing 35 dealers in 19 countries to sell its cars when they start production in 2011. First year production is pegged at 1,000 cars with that number rising to 4,000 annually by 2015 as at least two additional models are added. Pricing and final performance figures will be announced later this year. Check out Autoblog for more technical details on the McLaren MP4-12C. There is a video of McLaren formula one drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton testing the 12C after the jump.



[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren Automotive Officially Launches Itself into the Automotive Stratosphere [w/Video]

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McLaren Automotive Officially Launches Itself into the Automotive Stratosphere [w/Video] originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> mclarenmclaren automotiveMcLaren MP4-12Cmclaren-mercedes Sam Abuelsamid Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Video: Watch the Launch of the New McLaren MP4-12C Live]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/17/video-watch-the-launch-of-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c-live/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/17/video-watch-the-launch-of-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c-live/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/17/video-watch-the-launch-of-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c-live/#comments mclaren mp4-12c
McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery
On Thursday March 18, 2010 McLaren Automotive will officially launch itself into the realm of road going supercar builders at an event in London. The official launch event will be webcast live at 10:30 am GMT (6:30 am EDT, 3:30am PDT) and you can watch it right here after the jump.

McLaren Automotive chairman Ron Dennis and his team will discuss details of the car including its design and technology as well as provide manufacturing details and more information about the company. Check out the video to hear all about the successor to the legendary F1 right here.


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

mp4_12c_001_2mp4_12c_002_2mp4_12c_003_2mp4_12c_004_2mp4_12c_005_2

[Source: McLaren Automotive]

Continue reading Video: Watch the Launch of the New McLaren MP4-12C Live

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Video: Watch the Launch of the New McLaren MP4-12C Live originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren automotive webcastMcLaren MP4-12Cwebcast Sam Abuelsamid Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/01/quick-spin-2011-bmw-activehybrid-7/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/01/quick-spin-2011-bmw-activehybrid-7/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/01/quick-spin-2011-bmw-activehybrid-7/#comments
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW used the most recent Los Angeles Auto Show to display the production version of its new Activehybrid 7, the first product of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz to produce a new mild hybrid system. While BMW and Mercedes partnered with Chrysler and General Motors on the more sophisticated two-mode hybrid that is now launching in the X6, the German's have also created an alternative lower cost and modular system. This mild hybrid will likely become the primary type used going forward for both of the German companies.

According to BMW, the point of the mild hybrid system was to create a balance between performance, weight and efficiency. A typical strong hybrid system adds about 300-400 pounds on to the mass of the base vehicle, much of it attributable to the battery pack as well as the complex power-split transmission. The mild hybrid 7 weighs just 165 pounds more than a 750i. We had a chance to take a short drive around downtown Los Angeles in an ActiveHybrid 7 and you can read about it after the jump.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Quick Spin: 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwbmw active hybirdbmw active hybridBMW Active Hybrid 7bmw activehybridbmw activehybrid 7BmwActiveHybirdBmwActiveHybridBmwActivehybrid7quick spinQuickSpin Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Audi S5 Quattro Coupe]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/22/review-2010-audi-s5-quattro-coupe/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/22/review-2010-audi-s5-quattro-coupe/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/22/review-2010-audi-s5-quattro-coupe/#comments
2010 Audi S5 Quattro Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thirty years ago at the Geneva Motor Show Audi launched itself in a new direction when unveiled a new coupe based on its then current 80/4000 mid-size model. The Quattro coupe took its name from the innovative new all-wheel-drive system that propelled it. Up until the Quattro vehicles that spun all four wheels were typically about off-road traction not performance enhancement. Audi created a system that sent power to all the wheels, all the time without having the kind of jacked up appearance of Jeep. Three decades of winning rally stages and road races have proven conclusively that Quattro works.

In 2007 Audi launched the closest thing there is to a direct successor to the Ur-Quattro as the lead vehicle for its B8 mid-size platform. The coupe is now known as the A5 and like most other cars wearing the four-ring badge, it is available in both front wheel drive and all-wheel-drive Quattro forms. We recently got to spend several days with the hottest currently available version of Audi's coupe, the V8 powered S5 Quattro in the vicinity of LaJolla, California. Read on after the jump to learn if the S5 lives up to the heritage of the original Quattro.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S5 Quattro 6MT


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2010 Audi S5 Quattro Coupe originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20102010 Audi2010 audi s52010 audi s5 coupe2010Audi2010AudiS52010AudiS5Coupeaudi s5 coupeAudiS5Coupefeaturefeaturedfeaturesquatroreview Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged, A Worthy Leaping Cat]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/08/review-2010-jaguar-xf-supercharged-a-worthy-leaping-cat/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/08/review-2010-jaguar-xf-supercharged-a-worthy-leaping-cat/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/08/review-2010-jaguar-xf-supercharged-a-worthy-leaping-cat/#comments
2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Jaguar launched the new XF in 2008, it marked the first significant change to the brand's overall design direction since the 1960s (except for the mid-70s XJ-S which never inspired anything else). Elements of the new design language began appearing in concepts like the RD6 earlier in the decade, but it truly took the XF to break the stranglehold of retro design in Coventry. The XF set in motion a movement that continued with the introduction of the all-new XJ and will likely inspire additional models in the future.

At its launch, the XF was powered by engines that were largely carried over from its predecessor the S-Type which were by no means bad, but they were starting to fall behind the German competition. Two years into its life-cycle, the XF (along with the rest of the Jaguar and Land Rover lineup) has received a heart transplant to go along with its still fresh looking duds. We recently got to spend a week living with a 2010 XF Supercharged and you can read all about it after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Review: 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged, A Worthy Leaping Cat originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20102010 jaguar2010 jaguar xf supercharged2010Jaguar2010JaguarXfSuperchargedfeaturefeaturedfeaturesreview Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i sedan, Returning to its Design Roots]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/25/first-drive-2011-bmw-535i-sedan-returning-to-its-design-roots/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/25/first-drive-2011-bmw-535i-sedan-returning-to-its-design-roots/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/25/first-drive-2011-bmw-535i-sedan-returning-to-its-design-roots/#comments
2011 BMW 5 series sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no small matter when the time comes for an automaker to replace one of its top selling models and BMW is no exception. For the Munich based automaker the mid-size 5 series is second only to the compact 3 series in sales volume so they can't afford to mess it up. The 5 series competes in one of the most sought after segments for premium cars, going up against the likes of the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Jaguar XF and Cadillac CTS.

In the coming months an all-new 5 series sedan will go on sale around the world. Before that happens, BMW invited automotive media from around the world to Portugal to spend a couple of days sampling the new sedan. We drove the 5 on the roads south and west of Lisbon as well as on the Estoril race track that formerly hosted the Portugese Grand Prix. Follow the jump for our driving impressions.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i sedan, Returning to its Design Roots originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20112011 bmw2011 bmw 5 series2011 BMW 5-Series2011 bmw 530d2011 bmw 535i2011Bmw2011Bmw5-series2011Bmw530d2011Bmw535i2011Bmw5Series5 series530d535i5Seriesbmwbmw 5 seriesBmw5Seriesfirst driveFirstDrive Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Detroit 2010: Detroit show car Audi E-tron, Bluesport Goes Electric]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/14/detroit-2010-detroit-show-car-audi-e-tron-bluesport-goes-elect/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/14/detroit-2010-detroit-show-car-audi-e-tron-bluesport-goes-elect/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/14/detroit-2010-detroit-show-car-audi-e-tron-bluesport-goes-elect/#comments
Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Right now Audi is heavily pushing diesel as the answer to reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions but down the road we'll be seeing both hybrid and electric options from the German brand as well. Last fall at Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi debuted a battery powered supercar based on the R8 and dubbed E-tron. For this weeks Detroit Auto Show, the E-tron name is back as is the lithium ion battery pack.

This time around the sports car is significantly smaller and only features two electric motors driving the rear wheels instead of four like the last concept. The new concept is almost the same size as last year's Volkswagen Bluesport roadster concept and may be based on the same platform. The concept again demonstrates that a car doesn't have to be dull to be green. The new E-tron gets to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds from a standing start and is claimed to be able to about 155 miles on a full charge of its battery. While Audi plans to build some production examples of the original R8 based E-tron in 2012, there has been no announcement about this smaller model.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Detroit show car Audi E-tron, Bluesport Goes Electric

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Detroit 2010: Detroit show car Audi E-tron, Bluesport Goes Electric originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audiaudi detroit showcar e-tronAudi E-TronAudi e-tron ConceptAudiDetroitShowcarE-tronAudiE-tronAudiE-tronConceptDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowelectric sports carelectric sportscarElectricSportsCar Sam Abuelsamid Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Plug-in Hybrid Concept Previews New Flagship]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/14/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-plug-in-hybrid-concept-previ/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/14/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-plug-in-hybrid-concept-previ/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/14/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-plug-in-hybrid-concept-previ/#comments
Cadillac XTS Platinum PHEV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past decade the effort to remake Cadillac into a modern luxury brand to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz has only been partially successful. The Escalade and CTS have been hits but the Cadillac has no smaller high volume model to compete with the 3 series and the larger STS and DTS are on their way out. The first phase of Cadillac's effort to flesh out the lineup debuts in Detroit today in the shape of the XTS concept.

The XTS is currently a concept but it's expected to go into production as a flagship in early 2012. Its front styling draws heavily on the 2003 Sixteen concept but instead of a massive V16 engine, the new car gets a direct injected V6 and a plug-in hybrid system. The hybrid system is based on the two-mode hybrid technology available in GM's full-size SUVs and pickup trucks but modified for installation in a car. The nickel metal hydride battery is replaced by a lithium ion pack that allows more electric-only or electrically boosted hybrid driving. The plug-in hybrid was originally planned to debut in the now canceled Saturn Vue in 2011 but will now instead go into one of GM's premium vehicles. The most likely candidates are either the XTS or the SRX crossover from Cadillac.

Gallery: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Plug-in Hybrid Concept Previews New Flagship

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Plug-in Hybrid Concept Previews New Flagship originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillaccadillac xtscadillac xts platinum conceptCadillacXtsCadillacXtsPlatinumConceptDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShow Sam Abuelsamid Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, serious speed and style]]> http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/06/detroit-2010-cadillac-cts-v-coupe-serious-speed-and-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/06/detroit-2010-cadillac-cts-v-coupe-serious-speed-and-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/06/detroit-2010-cadillac-cts-v-coupe-serious-speed-and-style/#comments
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Cadillac debuted the production version of its sexy new CTS coupe. That version will be quick thanks to its 305 horsepower direct injected V6 but it will be left in the dust when the CTS-V coupe arrives next week. The new V melds the fastback two-door body shell with the immense LSA V8 engine from the existing CTS-V sedan. The supercharged 6.2-liter produces 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. Those of the kind of numbers that will help CTS-V run away and hide from the likes of the BMW M6 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG E63.

Any car that can get to 60 mph in the 4 second range and hit 190 mph needs serious stopping power and suspension capabilities. The CTS-V coupe features the same kind of Brembo brakes you'll find on a Ferrari, serious grip courtesy of Michelin and seating by Recaro. The CTS-V goes on sale this summer.



[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, serious speed and style

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Detroit 2010: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, serious speed and style originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillacCadillac CTScadillac cts coupeCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v coupeCadillac CTS-V motor LSACadillac CTS-V V8 LSACadillacCtsCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vCoupeCadillacCts-vMotorLsaCadillacCts-vV8LsaCadillacCtsCoupeDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShow Sam Abuelsamid Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Cadillac To Reveal New Flagship and CTS-V coupe at Detroit]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/23/cadillac-to-reveal-new-flagship-and-cts-v-coupe-at-detroit/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/23/cadillac-to-reveal-new-flagship-and-cts-v-coupe-at-detroit/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/23/cadillac-to-reveal-new-flagship-and-cts-v-coupe-at-detroit/#comments

Next month at the Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac will be showing off two new cars, a high performance coupe and a new flagship. The new CTS-V coupe is the only publicly confirmed for production. The standard V6 powered CTS coupe debuted earlier this month at the LA Auto Show and the V adds the fabulous 556 hp supercharged V8 from the CTS-V sedan.

The second car which is billed as a concept for now will likely become a production reality in 2011. Cadillac showed the flagship concept dubbed XTS to media last August after GM emerged from bankruptcy. The teaser photo above provides a look at the front corner. The rest of the car is inspired by the Sixteen concept of several years ago. The hood of the XTS is much shorter than the Sixteen which is concieved around a proposed new V16 engine. GM has not said what engine will be in the XTS although a turbocharged and direct injected V6 is much more likely given current economic realities. The XTS is expected to sport all wheel drive.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Cadillac To Reveal New Flagship and CTS-V coupe at Detroit

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Cadillac To Reveal New Flagship and CTS-V coupe at Detroit originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillacCadillac CTScadillac cts coupeCadillac CTS-Vcadillac cts-v coupecadillac xtsCadillacCtsCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vCoupeCadillacCtsCoupeCadillacXtsDetroitDetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShow Sam Abuelsamid Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari Builds a One Off P540 Superfast Aperta For a Very Special Client]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/12/ferrari-builds-a-one-off-p540-superfast-aperta-for-a-very-specia/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/12/ferrari-builds-a-one-off-p540-superfast-aperta-for-a-very-specia/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/12/12/ferrari-builds-a-one-off-p540-superfast-aperta-for-a-very-specia/#comments
Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta - click above for high res image gallery

Throughout its sixty-two year history, Ferrari has always been willing to give special treatment to certain customers. What does it take to be considered such a special customer? First off you must have an exceptionally fat checkbook. That much is a given since large wads of cash at just the entry point even for a standard Ferrari. However, if you are a long-time customer that has bought numerous examples over the years, the mechanical chefs at Maranello are willing to produce dishes not found on the menu. Over the years the Sultan of Brunei has purchased a array of Ferraris found nowhere else in nature.

Another such special customer is Edward Walson whose father John invented cable TV. Walson was infatuated with a previous custom Ferrari built for the 1968 Fellini film, Toby Dammit. The Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta is based on the chassis of a 599 GTB Fiorano and took 14 months to complete. The P540 is completely road legal and is powered by a 612 hp 6.0-liter V12 engine. Extensive use of carbon fiber allowed the Special Projects engineers to keep weight gain down to only 44 pounds in spite of having to strengthen the open top car. No mention is made of cost, but if you have to ask ...

Gallery: Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta


[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari Builds a One Off P540 Superfast Aperta For a Very Special Client

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Ferrari Builds a One Off P540 Superfast Aperta For a Very Special Client originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> custom ferrariCustomFerrariferarri P540 Superfast ApertaFerarriP540SuperfastApertaferrariferrari one offFerrariOneOff Sam Abuelsamid Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Audi S4 sedan, Fast and Practical]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/30/review-2010-audi-s4-sedan-fast-and-practical/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/30/review-2010-audi-s4-sedan-fast-and-practical/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/30/review-2010-audi-s4-sedan-fast-and-practical/#comments
2010 Audi S4 - click above for high res image gallery

Among the big 3 German premium carmakers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz each has its own in-house department dedicated solely to creating faster, better handling versions of their parent's mainstream cars. Of course none of those three automakers would actually want their everyday products referred to as mainstream since that would neutralize the cache that allows them to charge a premium tariff. That however is a story for another day.

BMW has its M Division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG and Audi has Quattro GmbH. Quattro of course draws its name from the all-wheel-drive system that has been a staple of Audis since the early 1980s. The Quattro group based in Neckarsulm, Germany creates two levels improved Audis which are distinguished by the model names, these being S and RS. The pinnacle of Audi performance is defined by models like the RS6, TT-RS and of course the mighty R8. Many of these models are not offered here in the US market. However, we do get all of the S models such as the TT-S that we drove recently, the S5 coupe and the latest addition, the S4 sedan. Follow the jump to read about our time with the latest S4.

Gallery: 2010 Audi S4 sedan


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi S4 sedan, Fast and Practical

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Review: 2010 Audi S4 sedan, Fast and Practical originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 20102010 Audi2010 audi s42010Audi2010AudiS4audi s4AudiS4featurefeaturedfeaturesreviewreviewedreviews Sam Abuelsamid Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10, An Everyday Supercar]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/17/review-2009-audi-r8-5-2-fsi-v10-an-everyday-supercar/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/17/review-2009-audi-r8-5-2-fsi-v10-an-everyday-supercar/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/17/review-2009-audi-r8-5-2-fsi-v10-an-everyday-supercar/#comments
2009 Audi R8 V10 - click above for high res image gallery

Not so many years ago, driving a exotic supercar while clearly demonstrating the owner's financial wherewithal to own such a vehicle was not always such a pleasant experience. Such cars were typically built by small financially shaky companies that didn't have the resources necessary to properly develop the vehicles to be reliable and robust. The interiors were often poorly built and outfitted and were afflicted by assorted mechanical and electrical glitches.

Then in 1990 things suddenly changed when Honda rolled out the NSX. Instantly people realized that there was no reason why a high performance, mid-engine exotic sports car couldn't be just as a reliable and hospitable as an Accord. By the end of the 1990s exotic car builders like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin had all come under the wing of major automakers like Fiat, Volkswagen Group and Ford and the engineers began tapping into the parents resources to improve their cars.

Lamborghini in particular took advantage of its relationship with Audi to help develop the Gallardo, the best selling Lambo ever. Audi in turn decided to reverse the process with a supercar of its own to celebrate its decade long dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and used the Gallardo as the jumping off point for the R8. We recently got to spend some quality time with the fastest R8, the 5.2 FSI V10 and you can read about it after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10, An Everyday Supercar

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Review: 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10, An Everyday Supercar originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2009 audi r8 v102009AudiR8V10audiaudi r8audi r8 v10AudiR8AudiR8V10r8R8 V10R8 V10 5.2 FSI QuattroR8V10R8V105.2FsiQuattroreviewreviewedreviews Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Audi TT-S, Fast and Good Looking but Not Quite a Sports Car]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/review-2009-audi-tt-s-fast-and-good-looking-but-not-quite-a-sp/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/review-2009-audi-tt-s-fast-and-good-looking-but-not-quite-a-sp/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/21/review-2009-audi-tt-s-fast-and-good-looking-but-not-quite-a-sp/#comments
2009 Audi TT-S Coupe - click above for a high res image gallery

When Audi introduced the first generation TT a decade ago, it was largely a case of style over substance. The diminutive coupe and convertible were based on the platform of the Volkswagen Group's compacts which include the Golf and the Audi A3. The original had a clean, spare look that recalled an inverted bowl. While Audi promoted the TT as a sports car, it didn't really drive like one in part because it was rather heavy for its size.

A couple of years ago, Audi brought forth an all-new TT that retained the basic shape of the original while incorporating some of the latest Audi design language. Of course like most new generations of cars, it got bigger than the first model although Audi engineers managed to make the car lighter. The new TT is generally considered to be a much better driver's car than the original. But is it a true sports car? We recently had the opportunity to spend a week with the top of the line TT-S coupe to find out, so read on to for our assessment.

Gallery: 2009 Audi TT-S


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi TT-S, Fast and Good Looking but Not Quite a Sports Car

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Review: 2009 Audi TT-S, Fast and Good Looking but Not Quite a Sports Car originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2009 Audi TTS2009AudiTtsaudi ttsaudi tts coupeAudiTtAudiTtsAudiTtsCoupereview Sam Abuelsamid Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2009 BMW 335d, Performance and Fuel Economy]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/08/review-2009-bmw-335d-performance-and-fuel-economy/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/08/review-2009-bmw-335d-performance-and-fuel-economy/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/08/review-2009-bmw-335d-performance-and-fuel-economy/#comments
2009 BMW 335d - click above for a high res image gallery

Over the last two years BMW has started making a major push for its new EfficientDynamics technology in Europe and more recently in North America. The premise is that the company that has long promoted itself as the "Ultimate Driving Machine" can retain all the qualities that made it so ultimate while drastically cutting fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe, BMW offers a suite of technologies like automatic start-stop for engines, brake energy regeneration and smaller four cylinder engines. The most important near term technology however is diesel engines.

Late in 2008, BMW launched its first two new clean diesel vehicles here in the United States, the X5 xDrive35d SUV and the 335d sedan. We recently had a chance to spend a week with the 335d to determine if it truly can provide the driving experience that customers expect of a BMW with better fuel efficiency. Read on to find out if the automaker succeeded.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 BMW 335d, Performance and Fuel Economy

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Review: 2009 BMW 335d, Performance and Fuel Economy originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2009 bmw 335d2009Bmw335dbmwbmw 335dbmw dieselbmw dieselsBmw335dBmwDieselBmwDieselsreview Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Officially, official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/06/officially-official-2011-rolls-royce-ghost-w-video/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/06/officially-official-2011-rolls-royce-ghost-w-video/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/09/06/officially-official-2011-rolls-royce-ghost-w-video/#comments
Rolls-Royce Ghost - click above for a high res image gallery

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost serves to demonstrate that everything is relative. While the Ghost is less large and massive then the Phantom, at 17.7 feet long it is by no means small. In spite a slightly smaller displacement at 6.6-liters, the Ghost's all-new V12 engine takes advantage of the latest technology that it afforded to it by being part of the BMW family to produce far more power than the Phantom. Two turbochargers and direct fuel injection allow the new engine to produce 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque.

A look inside tells that unlike the Phantom this is a car meant to appeal as much to the driver as the rear seat passengers. The more supportive front seats and thicker rimmed steering wheel imply a driver might actually want to take advantage of the 4.7 second 0-60 acceleration.

But this is of course a Rolls so rear seat occupants are still coddled in a lounge style seat with power closing coach doors. Within the doors themselves, the Ghost retains the umbrellas found in the Phantom so that no one ever has to get wet. The Ghost is expected to be priced between €200,000 and €300,000 before taxes when it goes on sale.

The full press release is after the jump.


[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Officially, official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost [w/VIDEO]

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Officially, official: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowghostrollsrolls roycerolls royce 200exrolls royce ghostrolls royce rr4rolls-royceRollsRoycerollsroyce ghostRollsRoyce200exRollsRoyceGhostRollsRoyceRr4 Sam Abuelsamid Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/28/review-2009-cadillac-escalade-hybrid-platinum-edition/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/28/review-2009-cadillac-escalade-hybrid-platinum-edition/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/28/review-2009-cadillac-escalade-hybrid-platinum-edition/#comments
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition - click above for a high res image gallery

Since General Motors debuted its two mode hybrid system two years ago on the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon it has gradually been expanding availability to other examples of its GMT900 full size truck family. One of the newest examples is also by far the most luxurious and most expensive version yet. In fact the Cadillac Escalade hybrid Platinum Edition is the second priciest hybrid available today after the Lexus LS600h.

The base Escalade hybrid is built on the same platform and powertrain bits as its more pedestrian siblings. However, Cadillac has outfitted its version with appearance and equipment that customers of the "wreath and crest" brand expect. For the new Platinum, Cadillac has taken the Escalade several steps beyond that. We were able to spend a week with the big platinum on the South Carolina coast recently and you can find out if it lives up to expectations after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition

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Review: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum Edition originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillaccadillac escaladecadillac escalade hybridcadillac escalade hybrid platinum editionCadillacEscaladeCadillacEscaladeHybridCadillacEscaladeHybridPlatinumEditionfeaturefeaturedfeaturesreview Sam Abuelsamid Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bentley Introduces the all-new 2011 Mulsanne]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/16/bentley-introduces-the-all-new-2011-mulsanne/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/16/bentley-introduces-the-all-new-2011-mulsanne/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/08/16/bentley-introduces-the-all-new-2011-mulsanne/#comments
2011 Bentley Mulsanne -- Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's not often that Bentley introduces an all-new model, especially for its flagship line. Today the Pebble Beach Concours de'Elegance, CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen unveiled the all-new Mulsanne. Named for the legendary straightaway at Le Mans, It's a fitting appellation for the top of the line Bentley. Bentleys won the 24 hour endurance classic four times in a row between 1927 and 1930 ensuring Bentley's reputation for high speed touring for the remainder of century into this century.

The Mulsanne is 11 inches longer than the Flying Spur sedan and gets an all new platform. So far Bentley is only saying that the Mulsanne will use a V8 engine, the same configuration as the outgoing Arnage. Aside from that other details will have to wait until the car is shown again next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Mulsanne goes on sale about a year from now at a price yet to be revealed, although if you have to ask...

Gallery: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne


[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley Introduces the all-new 2011 Mulsanne

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Bentley Introduces the all-new 2011 Mulsanne originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bentleybentley mulsanneBentleyMulsannepebble beachpebble beach 2009pebble beach concours delegancepebblebeachPebbleBeach2009pebblebeachconcoursdelegance Sam Abuelsamid Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Review: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/review-2009-mini-cooper-convertible/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/review-2009-mini-cooper-convertible/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/28/review-2009-mini-cooper-convertible/#comments
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible - click above for a high res image gallery

In these troubling economic times, the 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible could be viewed in a couple of different ways. Loaded up with lots of goodies, it could be seen as an entry point into the world of luxury open-top motoring. Alternatively, when times are tough it could be seen as a way to be more financially responsible without giving up all of the amenities you might have come to expect. Either way, the MINI is designed to put a smile on the face of those who drive one.

If your brand is going to be called MINI, you would certainly expect the products to have diminutive dimensions. BMW's British outpost is dedicated to building cars sized commensurate with the brand's name. This August marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of iconic original and while MINIs today are much larger than the originals, they are still among the smallest cars on the road. The second generation of the modern MINI convertible debuted in January at the Detroit Auto Show and went on sale in the spring. We had the opportunity to spend a week in a trimmed out MINI. Read on to find out if it inspires smiles or frowns.

Gallery: Review: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

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Review: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featurefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeaturesmini coopermini cooper cabriomini cooper convertibleMiniCooperMiniCooperCabrioMiniCooperConvertiblereview Sam Abuelsamid Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST Luxist