2013 Porsche Carrera

 2013 Porsche Carrera 4 And 4S

After testing the all-wheel drive version of the new generation Porsche 911 Carrera for quite some time, Porsche has finally dropped the official details on the new Carrera 4 and 4S models. The new models will make their world debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and will be put on sale at the end of the year. Prices for the German market will start from 97,557 euro ($122,300 at the current rates) for the coupe and 110,290 euro ($138,200 at the current rates) for the convertible model.

The new Carrera 4 is powered by a 3.4-liter flat-six engine that delivers a total of 350 HP, while the 4S version gets a 3.8 liter engine that produces 400 HP. The standard version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, while the 4S will do the sprint in 4.1 seconds. Top speed for the 4S coupe version goes up to an impressive 185 mph.

Next to being more powerful than the previous generation, the new Carrera 4 and 4S models are about 143 lbs lighter. The two models have also been equipped with the AWD Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and feature 22mm wider rear wheel arches when compared to the standard Carrera.

UPDATE 09/06/2012: Porsche has unveiled a new series of six videos featuring the latest Carrera 4 and 4S models. Enjoy!

UPDATE 11/06/2012: Porsche has unveiled a promo video for their new Carrera 4 model. The video is called "Two impressive red lines" and it is the first in a series of films introducing the UK launch of the new 911 all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models.

Exterior

In June 2012, we busted the 2013 Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S models whipping around the Nürburgring in an effort to work out the kinks in this upcoming revamp. The Carrera was bearing very little clothing, but still had enough on to leave a little bit to the imagination.

Like a tough game of Where’s Waldo, it takes a keen eye to spot the differences between the front end of the 2013 model and the 2012 model. The first thing we notice is that the nose is ever-so-slightly wedged more so than the 2012 model. Porsche also scrapped the all-too-typical boring Porsche front fascia and installed a new one. This new fascia boasts wider side air inlets and a slightly narrower mouth without the two side bars that we had on the 2012 model. Also changed up are the turn signals, as the 2013 model boast harder-angled, hockey-stick-style turn signals up front.

The mirrors have also moved from being A-pillar mounted to sitting on the top of the door – a trend gaining steam in the auto industry as of late. As you approach the back end of this AWD Porsche, you’re going to find a backside that is slightly more voluptuous than the RWD 911, as there’s an extra 44 mm of cushion to make room for the AWD system and the wider tires.

From the rear, you’re going to find the same illuminated taillight bar that was shown off on the 2013 911. You also get one fewer engine cooling louver, making the count three instead of four. Porsche also scrapped the old and fat looking taillights on the 2012 Carrera and replaced them with more triangular and thinner units.

As you reach the redesigned integrated rear diffuser, you will also find two large oval exhaust exits, as opposed to the four smaller units found in the previous generation.

In all, the redesigned 2013 Carrera 4 and 4S look pretty much as expected, as we have already seen the redesigned 911 and we knew it wouldn’t stray too far from its roots. Still, this is a great job building onto a legend, as opposed to tearing it down and starting over.

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Audi SQ5 TDI 2013

Audi is currently showcasing its SQ5 TDI exclusive concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The SQ5 TDI is the top model of the Q5 model series and is the first S model in Audi’s history to feature a diesel engine. The SQ5 TDI exclusive concept showcases new interior and exterior design solutions and a limited run of only 50 vehicles will be made available to the market, with production due in the first quarter of 2013. Exterior and Interior Styling When the SQ5 TDI exclusive concept goes into limited production next year, it will feature the exclusive Aral Blue crystal effect exterior finish. Like any S model Audi, the exterior mirrors are finished in aluminium and xenon plus headlights and LED Daytime Running Light (DRLs) are fitted as standard. Four exhaust tailpipes dominate the rear-end. The interior incorporates contrasting materials. The multifunction sports steering wheel and gear lever gaiter are finished in black fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in white, including the centre armrest and dashboard cover. The seats are also covered in fine Nappa leather with white stitching and woven leather is used on the centre section of the seats, a first for a production vehicle. The Alcantara headlining, sunroof blind, inlays and door applications are finished in white. The inlays, with open-pored veneer, are natural grain ash while the door trims and entry sills feature exclusive Audi badges.

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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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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 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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2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Subaru has always made good use of this market and has a nice following of customers. Lately, though, it seems like Subaru is really attempting to gain an edge in new markets. First, it releases the BRZ, the Japanese automaker’s first true sports car since the SVX thankfully vanished in 1997, and now it is prepared to unveil the 2013 XV Crosstek, a compact crossover SUV, at the 2012 New York Auto Show starting April 4th.

Subaru is not shy in releasing some details about this long overdue SUV, as it has released images and basic specifications prior to its debut. The 2013 XV Crosstrek, which also falls in the crossover market, will bear styling similar to the 2013 Ford Escape, 2012 Honda CR-V, and the 2012 Hyundai Tucson – all of which will be direct competitors with the XV Crosstrek.

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2013 Porsche Panamera

Spy Shots: 2013 Porsche Panamera gets a New Face

Oh the Porsche Panamera. Love it or hate it, it is here to stay and our spy photographers have confirmed that with some new images showing a minor facelift for the sports sedan. The new Porsche Panamera should be showing its new face in time for the 2013 model year and is apparently taking some design cues from the new Porsche 911/991 to dazzle the crowd.

The term facelift is rather appropriate for the future Panamera because as of right now, the vehicle’s "face" is exactly what has received some changes. These images show Porsche’s attempt to hide the new headlights, bumpers, and rearlights that will be showcased on the future Panamera. The front end looks to have taken a page from the new 911’s book, but the rear end is still holding on to the old design...for now. We expect that prototypes displaying the full changes for the facelift will arrive shortly.

As for the engine lineup, we anticipate the current line to carry over, maybe with some performance enhancements for good measure. This will mean a 3.6-liter V6 engine that may be slightly more powerful than the 300hp at 6,200rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,750rpm it currently delivers. Direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, and “VarioCam Plus” will also carry over, as will the 7-speed PDK transmission.

gallery:2013 Porsche Panamera

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