New 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG with up to 550HP Priced from $95,865

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.

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Mercedes-Benz Sketches New Citan Deliver Van Co-Developed with Renault-Nissan

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.

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New Toyota GT 86 Priced from �24,995 in the UK, Puts it Between the MX-5 and the 370Z

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.

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MINI Introduces New Convertible Highgate Special Edition

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.

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Audi Expands A5 Range with 134HP and 161HP TDIe Diesel Engines in Europe

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.

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New Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition Unwrapped Ahead of Chicago Auto Show

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.

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Citro�n Facelifts Berlingo and Jumpy/Dispatch Vans for 2012

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.

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SsangYong Launches New Limited Edition Korando for the UK

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.

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Official: Fiat Unveils Larger and More Versatile 500L Ahead of its Geneva Debut

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.

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Nissan to Unveil "Revised" 2013MY 370Z at the Chicago Auto Show

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.

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New Range-Topping Nissan Juke Shiro Arrives in the UK

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.

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Limited Run Audi R8 GT Spyder Priced at $210,000*, Only 50 Coming to the States

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.

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2011 Smart Fortwo Receives Minor Upgrades

The Smart Fortwo is entering the 2011 model year with an almost invisible change here and there complemented by the introduction of more economical engines.

In addition to the new range of available exterior colors that now include a matt finish and the availability of a red or blue colored soft-top for the cabrio models, the updated Fortwo gets fresh fabric and color options for the interior while the tridion safety cell is now optionally available in white.

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Fiat 500 and 500C get New TwinAir 85HP Two-Cylinder Turbo Engine

Fiat has rolled out the production version of its long-awaited two-cylinder gasoline engine family called TwinAir that's has been developed by FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies). The first car to receive the new turbocharged engine is the Fiat 500, in both three-door and convertible forms, with sales to begin from September, 2010.

The innovative 0.9-liter two-cylinder gasoline unit implements several technologies, including a small-sized turbine, start and stop and the firm's MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption and emissions by controlling air directly via the inlet valves, without using the throttle.

Fiat says that compared with a medium-sized four-cylinder of equal performance, the new Twinair engine is significantly shorter (-23%) and lighter (-10%), while returning 30% lower fuel consumption.

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Suzuki Cooks Up New Alto SZ-L Special Edition for UK Buyers

A new special edition version of the Suzuki Alto has been released in Britain. Featuring various cosmetic and equipment upgrades, the SZ-L model is available in a limited number of 500 units, priced at �8,170 a piece.

Offered in either Superior White or Bright Red non metallic colours, the Alto SZ-L is based on the SZ3 mid grade model with air conditioning, pollen filter and side airbags fitted as standard equipment. Exterior upgrades include unique wheel caps, black fog lamp surrounds and black 'B' pillar trims as well as SZ-L embossed tailgate trim and black side mouldings.

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New Volvo V60 Sports Wagon: 2011 S60 gets Practical

Revealed ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut, the all-new Volvo V60 is the estate version of the recently launched 2011 S60 sedan. Aimed almost squarely at European buyers as Volvo projects that "no less than 90 percent" of the annual V60 production of 50,000 cars will find a home in Europe, the sporty-looking estate model will go on sale this fall.

Volvo describes the low slung V60 as a sports wagon with a coupe-like roofline. "The typical sports wagon customer is an S60 buyer who would like some extra space and flexibility, but without the slightest compromise on sporty design and exciting driving properties," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

However, Volvo's focus on looks come with a cost as the V60's boot space is a mere 430 liters with the rear seats up. That's compared to 460lt of the BMW 3-Series Touring, 485lt of the Mercedes C-Class Estate and 490lt of the Audi A4 Avant. The car will come equipped with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and the fold-flat front passenger seat.

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Photo Gallery from 2011 VW Jetta Presentation with Katy Perry at Times Square

Instead of taking the usual route of an international presentation at a major car show, Volkswagen chose to organize a special happening at Times Square New York to lift the wraps off the all-new 2011 Jetta sedan.

And being a NYC party, Volkswagen brought along hot singer Katy Perry to help out with the presentation and draw some extra attention to the car. Dressed in a pastel rubber-like outfit, Perry sang her hits 'I Kissed A Girl' (and she liked it) and 'California Gurls' dancing barefooted on top of the Jetta's hood. Obviously, she likes that too.

The new Jetta will go on sale in most parts of the world this fall. Larger and better looking than its predecessor, VW's Chevy Cruze and Honda Civic rival, will be offered with a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, with prices in the U.S. to start from $15,995 for the entry-level model.

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New Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Based on 2011 5-Series Coming to Goodwood

Independent BMW customizer Alpina has published the first official sketch of its upcoming B5 Bi-Turbo ahead of the sports saloon world premiere at next month's 'Goodwood Festival of Speed' event in the UK.

As the car's name suggests, the B5 Bi-Turbo is based on the new 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan. So far, Alpina is keeping a tight lid on details about the car, but if the company's previous and current models are anything to go by, then the B5 Bi-Turbo could be all the M5 you'll ever want.

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Subaru Maintains Pricing of 2011MY Impreza at 2010MY Levels

Subaru of America announced pricing for the non-turbo, 2011MY Impreza models. Apart from the addition of some new colors and equipment upgrades on certain versions, there are no other changes for the 2011 model year Impreza, which is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in July. Pricing for the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and Impreza Outback Sport are held to 2010 model year levels.

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Mercedes-Benz Presents Special Edition ML 63 AMG Models

Marking the 10th anniversary from the introduction of the first generation ML 55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz has revealed a pair of special edition ML 63 AMGs named "10th Anniversary" and "Performance Studio". While both models retain the factory 6.3-liter V8 engine that produces a hefty 510HP shooting them from naught to 100km/h (62mph) in just 5.0 seconds and on to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155mph), Mercedes-Benz's AMG division has garnished them with distinctive bodywork details and an array of accessories.



The ML 63 AMG "10th Anniversary" which pays a direct tribute to Merc's first-ever high-performance SUV, the 347HP ML 55 AMG that was launched in 1999, features new engine bonnet design with power domes, radiator grille and Himalaya grey underseal for the front and rear end along with a set of 21-inch high-sheen light alloy wheels and shaded Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination

Moving into the interior, the anniversary model boasts a two-tone nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats and AMG sports steering wheel in black / Alpaca green or black / light brown, while the upper part of the dashboard clad is in black designo leather. The black roof lining and the charcoal wood trim complete the changes.

The second special edition version of the ML 63 AMG was developed by Merc's in-house "AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO" division that caters the wishes of individual customers. On the outside, the ML 63 AMG "Performance Studio" sports a metallic "Peridot brown" paintwork combined with 21" AMG high-sheen light alloy wheels painted in the same color as the car and a high-gloss trim strip on the belt line .

The full nappa leather upholstery with a diamond pattern in a porcelain shade with black cording, together with the leather-wrapped dashboard, centre console and door trim in black and porcelain, the charcoal alcantara roof lining and wood trim finished in high-gloss black piano lacquer sum up the interior upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG "10th Anniversary"

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG "Performance Studio"

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