Joss Development’s JP1 Supercar

The production model will be motivated by a V8 engine of unknown displacement and origin pushing out more than 500 ponies, with power sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Joss Developments claims that the carbon-fiber bodied JP1 will be capable of running the 0-100km/h sprint in under 3.0 seconds, the ¼ mile in less than 11.0 seconds while topping out at 340 km/h (211 mph).

The estimated price tag for the V8-powered supercar from Down Under is said to be over AU$500,000 (equal to US$530,000+ or €373,000+).

VW Prices the Passat from $20,675 in the U.S.

Volkswagen has announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Passat, the firm’s midsize sedan design to meet the needs of U.S. consumers. The four-door saloon will have a starting MSRP of $19,995 (€14,110), not including a $770 destination charge that increased the price to $20,675.

Cadillac CTS-V Range gains New Black Diamond Editions

Porsche isn't the only automaker launching limited edition versions of its cars built around a black-color theme these days as Cadillac has also jumped on the bandwagon by introducing its own special series for the CTS-V range. The Black Diamond Edition, available in the CTS-V Sedan, Coupe and Wagon models, will hit Cadillac showrooms in March.

Mitsubishi Releases

--- GALLERY --

ABT Sportsline Readying New Audi Models for 2011 Geneva Motor Show

VW Group specialist ABT Sportsline will bring several Audi models to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, including the eye-catching R8 GTR with a chrome finish pictured above, as well as its newest tuning proposals for the A7 Sportback and 2012MY A6 sedan.

Alongside the R8 GT-R, A7 Sportback and A6, the German tuner will also be presenting a fourth model, which is being kept a secret for now. “We will be bringing along a sports car which I personally like a lot. For it shows our technical capabilities and offers a maximum level of driving enjoyment. I am looking forward to seeing how it is received by the public in Geneva," said the ABT general manager, Hans-Jürgen.

GM to Drop Daewoo Name and Replace it with Chevrolet in South Korea

What started a few years back with the re-branding of Daewoo's portfolio to Chevrolets in select markets including Europe, is now being rolled out globally with the replacement of the nameplate in South Korea. From now on, all of the company’s new product introductions will be under the Chevrolet badge, while GM Daewoo Auto & Technology will change its company name to GM Korea Co. The Detroit automaker said the name change is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter this year.

"This important new brand strategy is designed to strengthen our commitment to the Korean market, recognizing it as one of the strongest-performing countries within GM’s global operations," said Mike Arcamone, President and CEO of GM Daewoo. “We cannot afford to sit still, and instead, choose to make a bold move with the launch of Chevrolet in Korea."

GM noted that three Daewoo models including the Alpheon (a re-badged Buick LaCrosse) sedan and the Labo and Damas mini cars, will not carry the Chevrolet nameplate and will be marketed under independent brands.

Outside the U.S., Chevrolet is planning an aggressive vehicle launch plan this year with the introduction of eight new models including the Camaro, Orlando MPV, Aveo sub-compact, plus an unnamed new SUV model and a new premium midsize sedan.


The Detroit automaker said that GM Daewoo has "played a lead role" in the design, engineering and manufacturing of the Chevrolet Cruze global compact sedan, the new Chevrolet Spark global mini-car, and the new Chevrolet Aveo global small car, adding that currently one out of every four Chevrolet vehicles is manufactured in Korea.

“Chevrolet has enjoyed success in mature markets in North America and Europe, as well as in emerging markets in Asia Pacific, CIS countries, and Latin America,” said Arcamone. “We are confident our customers in Korea will embrace Chevrolet as well.”

Infiniti Launches Limited Edition EX30d Black Premium in Europe, Throws in Special VIP Pass

A new special edition version of the diesel-powered EX30d crossover has joined Infiniti's European lineup. Production of the EX30d Black Premium will be limited to 150 units to be shared among all of the firm's European markets, with all buyers receiving a special VIP membership to a selection of high-class hotels and restaurants, usually available only by invitation.

All examples are finished in an exclusive for the EX Malbec Black paint. Other features include 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, polished aluminium roof rails, Bose sound system, graphite leather interior and, aluminium and black lacquer trims.

The EX30d Black Premium is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel delivering 238-horsepower and 550Nm or 405 lb-ft of peak torque. Matted to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission, the V6 turbo diesel propels the EX30d to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and returns a combined fuel economy of 8.4 lt/100km (28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK) with 224 g/km of CO2.

As part of the package, all buyers will receive a two-year membership in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux Club 5C. According to the company, with this VIP pass owners will be "looked after more like house guests than hotel customers." In addition, each of the special EXs comes with a Lys d'Argent, valid for a double room for one night, dinner with drinks and breakfast for two people in one of more than 200 Relais & Châteaux hotels around the world.

The EX Black Premium is available to order now, with pricing in the UK starting from £45,671.

Aston Martin Launches Cygnet with Two Special Editions, Priced from $49,600 / €36,700

To celebrate the start of production of its new Toyota iQ-based Cygnet city car, Aston Martin has announced two special launch edition models called White and Black.

Set to go on sale in April, both are offered with the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 98HP, matched to either standard 6-speed manual gearbox or optional CVT automated transmission, and each will be produced for a strictly limited run.

The British automaker says the Cygnet with the manual gearbox completes the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 11.6 seconds while returning an estimated combined fuel economy of 56.5 mpg UK, equal to 47 mpg US and 5.0 lt/100km.

The White edition is finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. Inside, it features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome.

The opposite Black edition of the Cygnet comes with a Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. The seats and dash are clad in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern, while dark chrome accents adorn the cabin.

Both launch edition come with a bespoke and tailored made Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set in a combination of black leather with technical fabric, comprised of a glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

The new Cygnet goes on sale now through Aston Martin’s European dealership network, with the company stating that it is "actively working on expanding market availability by 2012".

Prices for Aston Martin's new entry-level model start from £30,995 (equal to US$49,600 and €36,700 at current exchange rates), or some £19,000 ($30,800 / €22,500) more than Toyota's iQ 1.33.

VIA : CARSCOOP

VIDEO: More Track Action with James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione

We’ve already seen car collector James Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione on the racetrack in Turin, but the video footage wasn’t that impressive. Luckily, Youtube user Marchettino has caught the one-off special on tape (or so to speak) while running some tests on the Franciacorta circuit, near Brescia in Italy. Despite the foggy conditions, this video provides a....clearer picture of what the endurance racer is capable of. Hit the jump to see the clip.




By Csaba Daradics

Via: Youtube,CarScoop

Tesla Model S Road Testing Underway [with Video]

It has been a long journey, but it looks like the Tesla Model S all-electric sport sedan is one step closer to series production as the California-based automaker announced it is moving on to the final road tests. The first phase called Alpha, which began in 2010, includes both computer simulations and test-drives of prototype vehicles. There will be a Beta phase as well.

“The first Alpha is amazingly agile for a car of its size. It has great handling balance and poised ride with communicative steering. Just goes to show what combining a low center of gravity with a very stiff body structure can achieve”, said test drive Graham Sutherland.

According to Tesla, Alpha cars will be tested in the coming months in all sorts of climatic conditions, which should help engineers improve the EV’s driving dynamics.

Tesla’s second model after the Roadster offers seating for five adults and two children. The Model-S' drivetrain consists of an electric motor coupled to a single-speed transmission and a floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. Customers will be able to specify their cars with one of three available battery packs offering a driving range of up to 160, 230 or 300 miles (258, 370 or 483 kilometers).

Roughly the same size as a BMW 5-Series, the Model S sprints to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Production is set to begin in 2012 and Tesla is currently taking orders, with the base price set at US$49,000, including a US$7,500 Federal tax credit.

By Csaba Daradics

VIA : CARSCOOP

Saab Releases First Official Photo of 2011 9-5 SportCombi

Following a preliminary release earlier today, Saab has issued the first official photograph of its 9-5 SportCombi. The estate version of the 9-5, which will carry the SportWagon moniker in certain markets including the UK, will get its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Saab has not yet released detailed information on the engine lineup, but buyers should expect to see a similar mix of turbocharged diesel and gasoline motors (depending on the market of course) to the sedan variant when it arrives in the market this Fall.

For the time being we only have a single official picture of the 9-5 SportCombi / SportWagon, but Carscoop reader Torben just sent in several renderings of the car sourced from the patent drawings filled in the U.S., which you can check out after the jump.

Hat tip to Torben for the drawings!

VIA : CARSCOOP

Luxgen Unveils New Special Edition

Launched onto the market in late 2009, Luxgen is Taiwan's first passenger carmaker and a subsidiary of Yulon Motor Co., a company mostly known for building Nissan models under license. Following last year's release of its first models, the 'LUXGEN7 SUV' and the 'LUXGEN MPV', the newly formed auto brand today unwrapped two special edition versions at the 2011 Taipei Automobile & Accessories Exhibition.

Both the LUXGEN7 SUV Sports+ and LUXGEN7 MPV Elegance+ build on their standard siblings adding special styling cues and extra features.

Starting with the LUXGEN7 SUV Sports+, the special edition model gains a black paintwork with red detailing on the bumpers, side skirts, mirrors and roof rails, plus smoked lights, carbon fiber trim on the front grille and rear hatch and quad exhaust outlets.

The newly styled 20-inch alloy wheels round off the exterior upgrades. We don't have any pictures of the interior but Luxgen says that the black and red two-tone theme is continued on the suede seats and steering wheel, with other touches include the carbon fiber decorative trim on the center console and aluminum pedals.

The firm's second special edition model is the LUXGEN7 MPV Elegance+, which combines a black finish with chrome detailing and new 20-inch alloy wheels on the outside. The interior of MPV Elegance+ is said to offer increased luxury over the standard model boasting diamond quilted two-tone suede seats, brown leather steering wheel, classic walnut wood trim and upgraded features.


GALLERY

A Chrysler Sebring-Based Bentley Replica

Here’s a scary admission for you: I actually don’t mind the first generation Chrysler Sebring. It was sort of “Mustang-lite” in the styling department and is still a lot better looking than the latest incarnation of America’s middle-age spread, the almost universally despised third generation Sebring. And, as you no doubt know by now, here at Carscoop we love us some eBay-found Euro reskins of fifteen plus year old American cars.

Today’s entrant is this, dare I say it, rather convincing replica of a 2009 Bentley Continental GT convertible or GTC based on a ’96Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Fashioned in ghetto / Saudi Arabian sheik white with the typical, so-not-a-Bentley blinger rims that’d make even Lil’ Jon a lil ill, our wanna-B (you see what I did there?) comes complete with 175,000 miles on the clock and a full fibreglass body.
Before it leaves the seller’s hands, he or she claims to be fitting new carpet, a new windscreen, new door mirrors and a custom dual exhaust with genuine Bentley tips. All the buyer needs to do, we are told, is reupholster the seats, install a Bentley dash and centre console and fit a new convertible top, a new sound system and a sat nav system. And et voilà, your very own Bentley - sort of.
You have to admit, US$21,100 (€16,302) isn’t half bad for something that looks this good. Youcould get a ’96 Sebring for a lot less, but who wants one of those? You certainly can’t pick up asecond-hand Bentley for this sort of money, that’s for sure. So, what’s the verdict? Would you or wouldn’t you? Let us know in the comments.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spider for $310,000

Found hidden amongst a bunch of used, older generation Alfa Romeo models in Autotrader's used car listings, is this extremely rare 8C Competizione Spider. The 450HP V8 Italian exotic has been put up for sale by Connecticut-based Miller Motorcars, with the dealer stating it is a one-owner example driven a mere 825 miles since new and that it's one of 20 cars made for the U.S. market out of a total run of 500 examples (we must note that to our knowledge, Alfa Romeo built 35 Spiders for the USA).

The dealer adds that the original sticker was $328,477, with the price of this white-colored example set at $310,000. So what do you say; is this Ferrari/ Maserati-derived, Alfa Romeo-badged exotic worth its price tag or would you look elsewhere if you were lucky enough to have this kind of cash laying around in your bank account?

Source: Autotrader via VWvortex

2011 BMW Alpina B7

Last November, at the 2010 Los Angeles Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unwrapped the most potent member of its new sports sedan family, the 2012 CLS 63 AMG. Now, the Stuttgart-based firm has released a slew of new photos depicting the aggressively styled four-door sedan in all sorts of poses, which you can check out right after the jump.

The new top dog of the CLS clan is equipped with the newly developed AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, featuring a peak output of up to 557-horsepower and 800 Nm of torque (with the optional performance package), as well as the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. According to Mercedes, the standard 525HP model completes the 0-60mph sprint in 4.4 seconds while the 557HP variant, in just 4.3 seconds.

The new 2012 CLS63 AMG goes on sale in the US in the summer of 2011.

Subaru to Finally Present its RWD Coupe Concept at Geneva Motor Show

It's been a long time in the making but we're finally going to get our first glimpse of Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 RWD Coupe, which is a joint project from the two companies, at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March. The somewhat blandly named “Subaru Rear Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept” will share the spotlight with the Impreza Concept (pictured above) and the Trezio mini MPV, both of which will receive their European premiere at the Swiss motorshow.

Despite rumors suggesting that Subaru may present an all-wheel drive version of the coupe project, the Japanese carmaker is keeping the rear-wheel drive setup, at least for now.

Not surprisingly, the Subaru coupe will be powered by a boxer engine, possibly the same four-cylinder unit lent to Toyota for the FT-86. Subaru did not release any photos nor any additional information on the Coupe concept model.

As for the company's two European premieres, the Impreza Concept was first shown in LA last November and previews a new design direction for the production model, while the Trezio is a re-badged version of the Toyota Verso-S mini MPV, which will be offered in Europe with a 1.3-liter gasoline and 1.4-liter turbo diesel engines.

Ford Debuts 2012 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid at Detroit Show

Ford is certainly going “green” at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show with the world premiere of its first ever production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the C-MAX Energi, and the more conventional C-MAX Hybrid. Both models are based on the European market five-seater C-MAX and not the longer, seven-seater Grand C-MAX with the rear sliding doors to be offered in the States.

“[The] C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will be perfect for families looking to maximize their hybrid car experience”, said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “Thanks to the versatile interior, these cars are going to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who need room to grow”.

The C-MAX Energi is targeting an AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status, by pairing a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric motor with an Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. Ford says that this setup allows the eco-friendly people carrier to run in electric mode before using the internal combustion powerplant.

The Energi is said to offer more than 500 miles (800 km) of overall driving range, which is nothing short of impressive, and better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt.Other advantages include potential savings on energy and fuel costs and increased energy independence, just to name a few.

“A plug-in hybrid owner may make fewer trips to the pump to refuel because of its all-electric mode capability”, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford vice president of Global Product Development. “Conveniently, they’ll be able to recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And they’ll never have to think about the vehicle’s electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to fuel power when needed”.

The C-MAX Hybrid’s primary target is to achieve better mileage compared to the Fusion Hybrid’s 41 mpg. For this it relies on Ford’s powersplit architecture, allowing it to operate in fuel-saving electric mode beyond 47 mph (76 km/h).

The electric motor provides power in low-speed and low-load conditions and works together with the gasoline engine at higher speeds. The latter also can operate independently, charging the batteries or powering the driven wheels as needed.

Both cars use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries developed in-house by Ford, packing a number of advantages over nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) solutions. They are smaller, lighter and can be tuned to offer either more power for better acceleration or increased energy to improve driving range.

According to Ford, the Energi’s battery pack “easily” recharges overnight on a 120-volt outlet.

The Energi and Hybrid will come with advanced information systems, which will help drivers to better manage the recharging process and route planning, monitor battery charge and maximize energy efficiency. Together with Microsoft, Ford also developed a value-charging feature that will help North American Energi customers to optimize their household’s energy use and vehicle recharging practices.

The new models will hit U.S. showrooms in 2012, while European sales are set to start in 2013.

By Csaba Daradics

Honda Germany Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Edition Models

Honda has launched a new series of special edition models in Germany to celebrated the company's 50th anniversary in Europe. The first Honda store in Germany opened in 1961 in the city of Hamburg. The lineup of special edition models includes the CR-Z hybrid sport hatch, the Civic, the CR-V, the Accord and the Jazz, all of which feature additional standard equipment such as larger alloy wheels and upgraded audio systems (depending on the model) without a price increase. More details on the 50th Anniversary specials can be found on Honda's German website.

New Honda Fit Shuttle: Leaked Brochure Reveals Station Wagon-Like Model

A bonanza of allegedly official brochure photos showing a new, station-wagon-like variant of the Japanese domestic market [JDM] Fit have leaked onto the internet. Named the Fit Shuttle, the car appears to be based on the recently refreshed Fit (Honda uses the Jazz nameplate in Europe, Australia and other international markets) featuring a longer body with taller roofline and a redesigned rear end.

As you can see in the brochure shots, the Fit Shuttle will be offered in two flavors, a Hybrid version powered by the same IMA system with a 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine featured on the five-door hatchback model, and a more powerful variant with a regular 1.5-liter gasoline unit.

According to the Japanese media, the Fit Shuttle will be introduced in its home market within the next few weeks with sales to start around March. We'll follow the story and keep you posted on any updates.

Kudos to J.F. for the tip!

Sources: Ryuji & Mincara

Honda Dealer Memo Says 4-Cylinder CrossTour and 2012 CR-V on their Way Along with New Civic

The Honda fan-boys over at the Temple of VTEC claim to have intercepted an internal memo with details on the firm's upcoming models, which was sent out today to dealers. The email reportedly states that Honda will be releasing a lower-priced based version of the Accord CrossTour equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, with sales to start in "mid-summer". We'll remind you that that CrossTour is currently offered exclusively with a 275HP 3.5-liter V6 and available four-wheel drive.

The website notes the memo also mentions the 2012 Civic, which will arrive in "late April" (this has already been officially confirmed by Honda that will show a pre-production study at the Detroit Show next week), as well as the 2012 CR-V and the Pilot SUV, without, however, getting into any more details.

Source: Temple of VTEC