2012 Citroen Numero 9

Citroen has announced the new Numero 9 concept - a new vehicle that will join the current DSline-up, including the DS3, DS4, and DS5. The Numero 9 previews the styling cues of the next three models in the line: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV,nd a D-segment executive saloon.

The new Numero 9 is a plug-in full-hybrid vehicle that combines a 225 HP 1.6 liter petrol engine powering the front wheels with a lithium-ion powered electric motor that is positioned on the rear axle and adds another 70 HP. In pure electric mode, the new Numero 9 has a autonomy of 31 miles. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 152 mph.

Citroen will be unveiling their new Numero 9 concept at the end of April at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show.

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2013 Aston Martin Vantage

The history of the Aston Martin Vantage began back in 2005 with the unveiling of the V8 version. Then in 2009, the model expanded with the addition of a V12 version. After a series of technological updates received in 2008, the model has now been revised once again. The updated Vantage will be displayed this year at the Geneva Motor Show next to the recently announced Zagato version.

Most changes have been made to the V8 version, while the V12 model continues unchanged. For the V8 model Aston Martin has replaced the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission with a new seven-speed Sportshift one. Also, a series of updates have been made to the car’s chassis and a new braking system has also been added.

As for the exterior and the interior updates, most changes have been inspired by the Vantage Sand N400 limited edition and make the car looking more aerodynamic and sportier.

UPDATE 03/23/2012: Aston Martin has unveiled the first promo video for their new V8 Vantage. "With its combination of sensational design, exquisite craftsmanship and phenomenal performance, agility and dynamism, the New 2012 V8 Vantage is the aspirational choice for the discerning driver." So, what do you think, is Aston Martin right?

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2012 Infiniti LE

 

Infiniti unveiled the new LE Concept at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The concept was built as a luxury version of the already very successful Nissan Leaf and previews a production version that is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years as Infiniti’s first zero emission luxury sedan.

The concept was designed as a luxury car rather than an electric vehicle. It features the usual Infiniti design cues, such as its double-arch grille and crescent-cut rear-pillar, and is about the same size as the Infiniti G Sedan. This was done to illustrate that just because it’s an electric car, doesn’t mean that it has to be small.

"In a future that holds an increasing consumption of natural resources, we will advance our sustainable mobility leadership and expand our EV market penetration with new electric vehicles such as the Infiniti LE Concept," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Infiniti is well positioned to deliver the objectives for a sustainable future, relying on our capable, hard-working and motivated team members around the world. We are a challenger."

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2013 Mercedes GL-Class

The Mercedes GL-Class entered production in 2006 and six years later, is still rolling around in its first generation. However, for 2013, Mercedes is launching a new generation of the SUV, with an improved exterior look and new, more fuel efficient engines. The new GL-Class made its world debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show and will go on sale in the U.S. in September 2012.

The new GL-Class has a more powerful and sporty appearance, thanks to its new upright radiator grille with a central star and new headlamps with LED technology. The daytime running lamps also feature LED technology and are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, while chrome insertions have been placed under the radiator grille.

The new GL-Class will be offered in three models: GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, and GL550. The base version is powered by a 240 HP V6, while the other two models are powered by V8 engines, with 362 HP and 429 HP.

UPDATE 04/05/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images of the Mercedes GL-Class.

Exterior

The new Mercedes GL measures 5120 mm in length, 2141 mm in width, and 1850 mm in height. The SUV has received a new upright radiator grille with central star and new headlamps with LED lights. The daytime running lamps also feature LED technology and are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front end.

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2013 Fisker Atlantic

One of the auto industry’s highly anticipated secrets is finally ready to break cover at the 2012New York Auto Show.

For the fine folks of Fisker, the debut of the Fisker Atlantic - ’twas once codenamed "Project Nina" - marks as a celebration in its own right, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

And now that it’s ready for its world premier, Fisker has come out with the first official details of the car, as well as photos that finally gives us a good look at what they’ve been working on all this time.

Judging by its looks, the Atlantic looks like a bigger version of the Karma, albeit with a more pronounced stance that’s typical of its sedan form. The unmistakable Karma grille is also present, which we’ve never been fans of from the beginning.

All in all, though, the Atlantic looks pretty neat and when matched with a hybrid powertrain should make for a model that would draw the interest of a lot of people.

Find out more about the Fisker Atlantic after the jump.

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2013 BMW X1

Just like with the BMW X5 and X6, the smallest version in the X-Series - the X1 - will be also receiving an update version by the end of 2012. These will be the last changes for the X1 before BMW will be unveiled the new generation sometime in 2014-2015.

Also, just like with the recently announced X6, do not expect to see big changes. The facelift X1 will receive a midlife refresh that includes new designed bumpers at front and rear as well as new headlights. There will be no changes to the sheet metal and therefor the shape of the lights will not change, but only the graphics. There will some upgrades at the interior with improved materials and some of the latest technologies.

It is believed that some minor changes will also be made under the hood. Nothing big however, just the addition of a few extra HP and of course the improvement of the fuel economy.

UPDATE 03/18/2012: BMW will officially unveil the 2013 X1 next month at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The US market will only get the X1 xDrive28i, a version powered by the new N20 2.0 liter four-cylinder TwinPower turbocharged engine with 245 HP and 258 lb of torque. This engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The new X1 will go on sale on the U.S. market in September of 2012. (BMWBlog)

gallery:2013 BMW X1

 

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2013 Acura RLX

Much like the Accord has been for sister company, Honda, the Acura RL has been the flagship sedan for the luxury automaker for what seems like forever. Acura has just made it official that the RL’s 16-year run at the top of its lineup will end in 2013, but its replacement will bear a similar name, RLX. In a press release, Acura announced that the RLX will make its anticipated debut on April 4th at 1:50 p.m. at the 2012 New York Auto Show.

As with most Honda Motor Co. releases, Acura has remained very quiet on this upcoming release, so the facts and specifications are not yet known. We do know that it will bear Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, an electric four-wheel drive system similar to that of theNSX Concept. This new RLX will include an all-new V-6 engine, per Inside Line’s report. Acura claims that the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system and V-6 engine will give the RLX V-8-like acceleration with a four-cylinder’s fuel efficiency.

Also reported is that the 2013 RLX will include a seven-speed transmission, which replaces the six-speed transmission on the 2012 RL. None of the aforementioned reports have been corroborated by Acura, so it remains just speculation. Don’t be surprised if the new RLX actually ends up being a slightly larger and redesigned version of its predecessor.

Regardless of speculation, the RLX is arriving in a crowded market that is overflowing with redesigned and restyled vehicles. Its main competition will come from the 2013 Lexus ES and the new 2013 Toyota yet-to-be-revealed sedan, both of which we will learn more about at the N.Y. Auto Show.

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