The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms this March with a starting price of $95,865, which includes an $875 destination charge. The base model features a 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine rated at 518HP and 516 lb-ft. Even though these numbers represent an increase of 15HP and 44 lb-ft over its predecessor, the new ML63 AMG's combined fuel economy of 16 mpg is 33 percent lower. If you need more power, Mercedes offers an optional AMG Performance Package that boosts output to 550HP and maximum torque to 560 lb-ft.
We are inclined to disagree with Edo Competition's claims that its new Porsche Panamera Turbo S tune with 700-horsepower is the most powerful version of the saloon ever as a quick look at our archive proves otherwise; the tuner itself had presented a 750HP version of the car called "Moby Dick" back in January 2011� That's not to say the Edo Competition's Panamera Turbo S isn't fast. On the contrary, thanks to a series of modifications ncluding new exhaust manifolds and turbochargers, high-flow catalytic converters and air filters plus an ECU tweak, the V8 gains 150HP and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) of torque for a total of 700 horsepower and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft).
These are the first official sketches of Mercedes-Benz's all-new Citan, which the German automaker describes as an 'urban delivery van'. The Citan will make its world premiere at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover this September and go on sale before the end of the year. In spite of the fact that Mercedes-Benz does not mention it in its press release, the automaker had previously revealed that the small van was developed in partnership with the Renault-Nissan alliance as part of their strategic collaboration, which includes several more projects such as the Twingo/Smart platform and powertrain cross-supply. 
The Citan broadens Mercedes-Benz's offerings in in the lower weight classes of the van market, which include the Vito (2.77 to 3.2 tons), Sprinter (3.0 to 5.0 tons) and Vario (6.0 to 8.2 tons). The German company said that the small van segment has picked up in sales these past couple of decades and has now grown to around 700,000 units in Europe alone. It added that it plans to gain a market share of four to five percent in this segment with the Citan, which equals to 28,000 to 35,000 units a year in Europe.
One of the most strongly anticipated sports cars of the year has been priced in Britain. Toyota revealed today that the new GT 86 coupe will carry an on-the-road price of �24,995 (equal to �30,206 or US$39,550) when sales start in June. This puts the GT 86 between two other popular Japanese sports cars in terms of pricing, the Mazda MX-5 that starts from �17,990 for the 124bhp 1.8-liter soft-top model, and the Nissan 370Z that begins at �29,950 for the 324bhp 3.5L V6 Coupe. For the record, the base GT 86 is �2,000 more expensive than the Mazda MX-5 with a retractable hardtop and the 158bhp 2.0-liter engine.
Honda is getting ready to put on its racing suit for the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), in which it will participate with the new European Civic hatchback. �We have made a decision to enter into the WTCC with the European Civic," said Honda CEO, Takanobu Ito, on the announcement. "We will develop a totally new engine for this project and we are all excited about starting this new challenge." The Japanese automaker revealed that its Research and Development division will design a bespoke 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder racing engine with direct-injection in accordance with FIA�s Super 2000 regulations.
We don't know if we should laugh or cry with this strange story that took place in South Carolina on January 18 and was captured on film by a police trooper's dashboard camera. It all started when an unnamed South Carolina police trooper stopped the Mayor of Norway, Jim Preacher, for driving 70mph in a 50mph zone in an unmarked Dodge Charger police car. Let us note that the Charger previously belonged to the town's police chief before the division was disbanded in August 2011 due to lack of funds. 
The trooped handed a four-point, $185 fine to Preacher, who wasn't pleased at all and decided to return the favor� The Mayor immediately made a U-turn and turned on his lights and sirens to stop the trooper! "Can I see your driver's license," Preacher asked the trooper. The police officer gave him his license and asked the Mayor why he stopped him. "Are you familiar with interfering with a police officer?" asked Preacher.
Leave it to Mini to present a special edition model every two weeks. After the "Baker Street" and "Bayswater" hatchbacks, it's the convertible model's turn to gain a new moniker. This one is called is called "Highgate" and is offered with four engine variants including the 122HP Cooper, 184HP Cooper S, and for those markets that get diesel versions, the 112HP Cooper D and 143HP Cooper SD.
On Tuesday, January 31, U.S. President Barack Obama�s schedule included a visit to the 2012 Washington Auto Show. The White House informed automakers on a two days� notice to bring their most fuel-efficient models to the show. Naturally, they obliged. For example, Honda flew in the FCX Clarity from California, Kia brought the Optima hybrid and Mercedes-Benz a fuel-cell car. Carmakers also brought along their top brass to discuss green technologies with the President. 
As Bloomberg reports, the problem is that Obama, who had half an hour in his disposal, ignored foreign manufacturers. Instead, he spent most of his time with domestic brands, posing for the press with the Dodge Dart, the Chevrolet Malibu, the Ford C-MAX Energi, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (not pretty fuel efficient those two, by the way�).
Only a few days left for the big game, so Kia released the full version of its 2012 Super Bowl ad titled "Drive the Dream" for the new Optima Limited Edition featuring a slew of stars including Victoria's Secret super model Angel Adriana Lima, the Motley Crew, martial arts champ Chuck Liddell and bull rider Judd Leffew. Out of all those stars, we all know who will capture the attention of most viewers. Kia's marketing division came to the same conclusion as us and so it created a five-hour long looped version of the hot Brazilian model repeatedly waving her chequered flag. You can watch both videos after the jump.
These days, downsizing doesn't occur only to engine displacement but also to engine outputs. Case in point, the introduction of two new entry-level diesel engines for Audi's A5 Sportback and A5 Coupe models. The new 136PS (134bhp) and 163PS (161bhp) 2.0-liter TDIe diesels will be offered in parallel to the existing 143PS (141bhp) and 177PS (175bhp) 2.0-liter TDI units, the difference being that the 'e' engines are less powerful but more fuel-efficient. The 2.0-litre TDIe 163PS is available on both the A5 models, linked exclusively to six-speed manual transmission.
Do you remember the MX-5 Sport Black Edition launched in Britain last summer or perhaps its twin from Japan, the MX-5 Black Tune Edition released this past October? If the answer is yes, we would like to congratulate you on your excellent memory and tell you that the 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition that will be unveiled at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show is more or less the U.S. market version of those two models � hence the RHD pictures released by Mazda.
At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen will reveal the most fuel-efficient version of the new Beetle in the States, the TDI, which is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of peak torque. The same powerplant is offered on the North American Jetta and Passat TDI models. The diesel engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or VW�s dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic, with the German automaker predicting a fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. 
That's a significant improvement over the base 170HP 2.5-liter gasoline engine that returns an estimated 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with a five-speed manual, and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the optional six-speed auto.
True, accidents can happen any time and at virtually any place, but we think the driver of the small truck seen in this video from Taiwan is unforgivably careless. How on earth can you not see the police officer with the distinctive yellow markings in broad daylight? Even though he was literally hit by a truck, the officer managed to get up by himself and trot to the sidewalk before another motorist had the chance to finish the job. And yes, that's definitely going to hurt for a while�
Citro�n has revealed the facelifted versions of its Berlingo and Jumpy (called Dispatch in Britain) minivans. Depending on the market, the Berlingo and the larger Jumpy/Dispatch are offered in both passenger and commercial variants. In Britain, Citro�n has provided initial details on the Berlingo Multispace and the Dispatch Combi, which are the passenger models of the series. Starting with the smaller Berlingo Multispace, which is available in five- and seven-seat variants, the French firm's minivan gains a wider and more defined grille, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement that can optionally include LEDs.
GM's Chevrolet division will have a huge presence at this year's Super Bowl game as it plans to air no less than five commercials focusing on the Camaro, the Sonic and the Volt. These include the "Needing Getting" music video for the Sonic from the band OK Go that will air during the pregame program, the "Aliens" spot showcasing the Volt, the "Chevy Happy Grand" with the Camaro Convertible, the "Sonic Anthem" that chronicles the sub-compact's stunts, and the "Joy", again with the Sonic.
After Fiat, it's the Chrysler Group's turn to make use of the biggest asset in the alliance, which is none other than the Ferrari brand. You may remember that in 2010, Fiat promoted its 500 city car by giving an Abarth 695 Tributo to each of Ferrari's F1 drivers, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso. This year, the Fiat-Chrysler group is handing over the keys of two specially-prepped versions of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to the Scuderia Ferrari drivers. 
The two models are based on the regular Grand Cherokee SRT8, which sports a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 465HP and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque for a zero to 60mph (96km/h) time of 4.8 seconds and a maximum top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).
They may be different as night and day in most aspects, but we shouldn't forget that both the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the latest 2013 Nissan GT-R are aimed at the sports car enthusiast. Nevertheless, we do find the pairing from Road & Track for its latest test a tad odd for one specific reason: pricing. You see, Camaro ZL1 with its 580HP 6.2L supercharged V8 will retail for $54,995 (�41,800) when it arrives in dealerships this spring, whereas the 2013 edition of the 545HP Nissan GT-R starts from $96,820 (�73,500) not including destination and handling fees. This means there's more $40,000 difference between the two cars.
It's been three years since Kia pulled the wraps off its conceptual Soul'ster convertible truck at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show. Kia fueled some rumors at the time that it was considering a production version of the car but never followed up on it. Until today, that is. Unexpectedly, in the press statement on the Track'ster Concept that's scheduled to debut at the Chicago Auto Show next week, Kia dropped the ball saying that the Soul�ster convertible is "currently under final assessment for production". 
The Korean maker did not elaborate further but we assume that if it receives the green light, the Soul'ster should be on its way to the market very soon. The original concept is a two-door mixture of convertible and pickup models with seating for four passengers. It features a shortened windshield for a more hunkered down appearance and is equipped with a two-piece removable top residing on a roll bar that provides additional protections for the occupants.
Last weekend, we showed you Suzuki's new Super Bowl commercial for the Kizashi sedan title "Sled". As it turns out, it wasn't the final version that will air during the big game on Sunday, February 5, but a preview clip with music from Ben Kahle. However, the only change made to the commercial is the addition of rapper 50 Cent's "Movin' On Up" song. Other than that, it's the same ad showing an Eskimo swapping his dog sled for a Kizashi all-wheel drive saloon.
Infiniti has been trickling out information on the new sports car concept it plans to reveal at the 2012 Geneva Salon bit by bit these past couple of months. Today we learn that the electric sports car model will be called the "Emerge E". "The INFINITI EMERG-E will be the first car from the brand to have not only a range-extender drivetrain offering vivid performance with zero emissions capability but also one mounted in a mid-ship package for optimal handling," the company said in a short statement.
On Wednesday, an official source from within the VW Group more or less confirmed the debut of a luxury SUV concept from Lamborghini at the Beijing Auto Show in China in April. Today we learn that the Sant'Agata sports car maker has yet another "surprise" in store for us, this time at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. The news comes from an email statement from a Lamborghini spokesperson after the crew over at GT Spirit asked the company about the rumors circulating around the web. Here's what the press representative answered
This is the first official teaser rendering of Kia's latest concept based on the Soul crossover. It's called the Track'ster and it will make its first public appearance at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show next week. Penned in Kia's California design studio, the Track'ster shows how a more sporty, three-door version of the Soul could look like, though the South Korean automaker is quick to point out that currently, there are no plans for a production version.
With close to 7 million views on YouTube in just three days after it launched, Acura's first ever Super Bowl commercial titled "Transactions" with Jerry Seinfeld trying to be the first in line to take delivery on the upcoming NSX, is one of the most watched ads of this year's game. Therefore, it only makes sense that Acura will bet heavily on the commercial to create more buzz around its name. Following the extended version of the original ad, Acura has released a second commercial with Jerry Seinfeld, who once again attempts to convince the man who secured the first NSX to give him his place through bribery, which in this case involves a Munchkin.
South Korean carmaker SsangYong is welcoming the new year with a limited edition version of its Italdesign-penned Korando crossover for the British market. On the outside, the new Korando LE is distinguished by its bespoke 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass, while interior goods include some additional standard amenities such as heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, plus cruise control and rear parking sensors.
There's a lot going on at BMW these days but no project is bound to be more divisive than the firm's first front-wheel drive model, the upcoming 1-Series Grand Turismo, which was previously known by the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for Family Activity Sports Tourer. Citing inside sources, the crew over at the BMW Blog reported that the 1-Series GT would make its world premiere at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show this fall.
Fiat couldn't wait until the Geneva Motor Show to reveal its all-new 500L so it is giving us an early preview of its all-new sub-compact model. As you may have already guessed, the "L" in the name stands for "Large", with the 500L being the latest addition to the 500 range after the three-door hatch, the Cabrio and the Abarth models. While the name and the styling (to some extent) refer to the 500 mini, the five-door 500L is based on the platform of the B-segment Punto measuring 4,140mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,660mm tall. It is 594mm longer, 153mm wider and 175mm taller than the three-door 500. 
The Italian company says the 500L offers "MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car" and that it's an alternative to the traditional B and C segments.
A bicyclist �no, we didn't make a mistake- captured footage of the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback while riding with his team from El Golfo to Playa Blanca on the Spanish island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. It seems that the German premium carmaker was at the island to shoot video and pictures of the luxury compact model for its press material. The A-Class seen here is the five-door hatchback model, which will be the first body style to be launched onto the market. Mercedes has already confirmed that the 5-door version will make its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show in early March. A sportier looking three-door model will follow, possibly withing the next year.
Volkswagen is no stranger to the art of designing snow sleds as the German carmaker has marketed some nifty pieces modeled after its automobiles over the past few years. For 2012, the Wolfsburg-based company has released two new sleds that are currently available for order exclusively from its official German website.
You know you have no idea how to park � wait, actually scratch that - drive a car when you're having an extremely hard time fitting a Smart Fortwo into a spot big enough for a Cadillac Escalade and probably then some� Hop over the break to view video that lasts close to five minutes (!) before the young woman manages to park her Lilliputian Fortwo.
We received word today than Nissan will debut a "revised" version of its 370Z sports car series at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show via an invitation to a press event that will take place next Thursday. Unfortunately, the invite does not detail the changes on the 2013 model year 370Z so we don't know if it's a full facelift or a minor nip and tuck with very subtle updates here and there.
We have another round of spy shots of the all-new 2013 Land Rover Range Rover. While the exterior of the British firm's luxury SUV continues to wear plenty of camouflage, our scoopsters were able to snag the first photos of the Range Rover's interior. 
If you pay close attention to the pictures, you'll notice several changes including the repositioned main air-vents that are mounted on the same level as the audio and navigation screen on the current model. Right below we find a massive screen for the infotainment system that takes plenty of real estate on the center stack. The lower console is also new and seems to be positioned slightly higher than before.
Following an earlier announcement in January, Nissan has released UK pricing of a new top-of-the-range version of the Juke named Shiro, which is Japanese for white. The Shiro replaces the limited edition Kuro, which was named after the Japanese word for black, as the flagship model of the series. However, don't go looking for any white shades on the outside as the Juke's Shiro name refers to the interior trim bits and more specifically, the center console, door panels and window switch surrounds.
After the presentation of the other three Chrysler Group vehicle customized by Mopar for its 75th anniversary, we bring you the first real life photos of the brand's fourth creation, named the Jeep Compass �True North�. Beginning with the exterior, the Compass has been customized with a matte black finish on the roof, wheel flares, lower fascia, door cladding and black grille, while it also features tinted lights, front and rear brush bars and custom rock rails.
The most exclusive and powerful version of the Audi R8 Spyder has arrived in the States. All in all, the Ingolstadt-based automaker will hand-build 333 examples of the R8 GT Spyder, 50 of which are destined for the U.S., each carrying an MSRP of $210,000 (�163,300), not including a $1,200 destination and delivery fee or local taxes. What you get for the price of a family house in some states such as Ohio, is a lighter and more powerful version of the R8 V10 Spyder.
Did you ever have one of those days that everything seems to go wrong? We don't know how the rest of the day went for the Toyota Camry taxi cab driver seen in the video but in this act everything that could go wrong did. It all started when he abruptly stopped to let a pedestrian cross the road. We don't know who said what first but the short story is that the pedestrian punched the cab driver a couple of times in the face as he exited the taxi. However, before he could do anything, his Camry started rolling by itself and hit the SUV that was in front of him! Watch the incident in the video that follows.
