2011 Ford Escape

2011 Ford Escape

                                                It’s a wonder how the Ford Escape has been running for the better part of the decade now and yet there hasn’t been a whole lot to talk about as far as dramatic changes on the SUV are concerned. And, the 2011 model looks to be no different, either. Sure, it’s had a some changes here and there over the years, but for the better part of its lifetime, the Escape seems to have been a vehicle that Ford continuously pays little attention to. The growing concern that the Escape is already showing its age must be one reason why Ford has bared plans of releasing the next-generation Escape in 2012.

For now, the 2011 Escape hasn’t changed much from the previous years’ models, although it does come with some new technological features, including a new HD Radio that syncs in fantastically with the brand’s SYNC entertainment system. It’s hard not to dismiss the Escape, but given the fact that not a whole has changed, we’re thinking that we’ll all be better off to just wait for the next-gen model coming out next year.

First Glimpse: New Ford Territory

Ford Australia today fired the first big shot in its 2011 new-model assault.

The company has revealed the first official image of its new-look Territory SUV, set for release next year. The eagerly awaited preview signals what will be an unprecedented new-model onslaught Ford has planned for 2011.

With more than 90,000 Territory SUV customers curious for a glimpse of the new model, Ford Australia has responded with a sneak preview. The multi-award-winning SUV is dressed to impress wearing a stylish suit based on Ford’s kinetic design language, making it instantly recognisable as a member of the Ford vehicle family. It also provides a glimpse into the future of Ford’s global SUV styling.

New Territory’s design overhaul is significant both inside and out. Its fresh new look will include a major interior update and boast a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power, details of which will be communicated in 2011.

For Ford Australia, the next 18-month period is set to be one of the company’s busiest in its 85-year history. Approximately 85 percent of the entire Ford Australia new-model catalogue will either be replaced or updated during this time.

The Blue Oval bolstered its line-up this month when the new WT Fiesta hatch and sedan ranges hit Australian roads. Immediately following this has been the arrival of the updated MC Mondeo range.

Next year will see the arrival of the stunning new Territory SUV as well as the all-new Ford Focus, which made its world premiere earlier this year. In addition, Ford’s iconic Falcon will be even further enhanced with a stylish new look and new powertrain options, including the introduction of Ford’s global EcoBoost engine and ultra-efficient LPI (Liquid Phase Injection) technology.

BMW 2011

BMW 2011
                               Arkym has heard our cries and have brought forth yet another tuning kit for the BMW 3-series that doesn’t have us choking on last night’s dinner as did their AeroRace One. Fit for any 2010+ BMW 335is LCI, the M-Sport MC Edition package is just the right amount of sporty appeal without the head-scratching mods that appeared on that other model.

Typically when we come across a beautiful rendition of a car, we assume that the idea behind it was thought up by a man, since the auto industry is chock full of testosterone. This car, however, was the brain child of Maureen Chen, a woman who wanted to stand in front of her own car and not stand to the side of someone else’s ride in a scantily clad bikini.

Arkym’s press release sums it up the best stating: "And thus what was coincidentally manifested from this perfectly timed request was the Arkym E92 3-Series M-Sport MC Edition, 3-piece AeroSport kit for the 2010+ BMW 335is LCIs. A good relationship between individuals in the same automotive scene, man or woman, is absolutely key no matter where they come from as neighbors in our world. Given the opportunity for us at Arkym to explore the 335is lineup with Maureen Chen provided us with refreshing insight on how her personality and professionalism in wanting to be a part of her own project translates directly toward the look and feel of her car: sporty, classy, “avant garde”, and not afraid to bite."

No exact details were given on the different components added to the BMW E92 3-Series, but we’re staying on top of this one and bringing those details as soon as we have them. Until then, check out the gallery to see what happens when a woman decides that average just isn’t enough.

With the new generation 6-Series, BMW will start offering the famous Individual range for this unique convertible. It will be available starting the autumn of 2011 with unique options for paintwork, alloy rims and interior fittings.

The Individual range only includes optimizations made to the car’s exterior and interior. Everything else remains untouched. Meaning that customers will enjoy the performance of the same 4,4 liter V8 engine, but in a better looking car.

As an exterior option, the 650i Individual Convertible can be ordered in an exclusive Tansanite Blue metallic, which is available for the first time, bit also colors like Brilliant White metallic and Agate Brown metallic. No matter what color you will choose, all the paint will be applied in up to seven layers offering this way fascinating iridescent effects, an extraordinary brilliance and exceptional depth.

The exterior and the interior

Next to the impressive exterior color combination, customers can also opt for BMW Individual rear lettering and BMW Individual 19" V-spoke light-alloy wheels. On request 20" are also available. All body paint variants can be combined with the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line or BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminum satinated.

For the interior, the Individual range adds full leather trim in fine-grain Merino stems available for the seats, door trim panels, center console and instrument panel. It can be ordered in Platinum, Champagne, Amaro Brown, Cohiba Brown or Opal White version.

Any option of leather can be combined with three variants of BMW Individual interior trim strips, Piano Finish Black or Plane Auburn dark wood.

 The engine

Under the hood everything remains unchanged: the usual 4.4-liter V8 engine with a direct injection and turbo-charging technology will deliver a total of 400 HP between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm with 450 lb/ft of peak torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The engine can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or the BMW’s new eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission. Either way, the top speed remains limited to 155 mph.

The competition

This new package will help the 650i Convertible staying on top of its competitors even more. Models like Mercedes SL-Class, Jaguar XK Convertible or Porsche 911 Cabriolet will have lots of reason to fear. Maybe expect the Porsche who has always been more powerful that the 650i.

 

Mazda 2011

Mazda 2011

                                Mazda is primed and ready to go to the Geneva Motor Show with their latest concept, the Minagi. This new concept car previews the next generation CX5-SUV.

As seen in the Shinary Concept, the design of the Mazda Minagi jumps out at us with that big smiling face and those flowing lines. The new, much more aggressive and sporty design will make the future CX-5 a very important competitor for models like the Audi-Q5, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the recently launched Kia Sportage.

According to the first details offered by Mazda, Minagi is a compact crossover SUV concept that combines Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies – which represent the harmony between driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance – with emotional Kodo design that communicates pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape. Fully introducing SkyActiv technologies throughout, Minagi is equipped with a SkyActiv engine and SkyActiv transmission fitted to a SkyActiv-Body and chassis that merge comprehensive weight reduction with the assurance of ample safety features.

Exterior and Interior

The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 will feature a large five-point grille and fluid lines, just like the Shinari concept. Headlamps will get LED lights technology and everything will be a combination of sportiness and elegance. The interior will get sports seats and different aluminum insertions. The latest technologies will also appear in the future MX5.

The Engine

Under the hood of the future Mazda MX-5 there will be a newly developed four-cylinder engine with up to 160 hp. It will be a direct injection engine and will come with a start-stop system. These two features are new for the MX-5 and will help in improving the car’s fuel consumption. The standard gearbox will be a six-speed manual, but buyers who don’t want to use this car to it’s full potential can get a dual-clutch semi-automatic.

2011 Mercedes SLR

2011 Mercedes SLR 

 

Earlier today we brought news of a Wheelsandmore tuning package for theMercedes SLS AMG, now it’s time for its ancestor to get our attention. Well, actually, it got the attention of the very same tuner, who seems to show the same interest for the old McLaren SLR, both the standard and the SLR 722 S.

Wheelsandmore is known for adding a bit of brawn to vehicles with owners looking to brighten up their day with a little custom to their car. The tuner doesn’t really add any exterior or interior changes other than the obvious addition of new wheels, but then again, this tuner doesn’t necessarily tune vehicles that need any extra help in the looks department. A couple of months ago they fixed up the Mercedes SL65 AMG with a boost and some new wheels and now they are revealing a package for the Mercedes SLS AMG. The kit for this sports car adds the usual engine mods and wheels, but it also includes some other minor additions.

 

The Mercedes SLS AMG was designed as a response to McLaren’s MP4-12C, but while Mercedes is still deciding on whether or not to build a Black Series version that will come closer to the horsepower provided by the MP4-12C, German tuner Kicherer is busy creating an even faster version of the Mercedessupercar. The Mercedes SLS 63 Supersport was developed in cooperation with KW Automotive and improves both the car’s aerodynamics and performance.

 

One of the important events that happens at the LA Auto Show that we are all excited about is the Los Angeles Design Challenge, an annual competition at the LA Auto Show that provides up-and-coming designers with the opportunity to collaborate with an automaker to design a futuristic concept vehicle using a few set requirements. This year, the theme of the challenge is to build a safe and comfortable 2+2 compact car that comes with excellent handling and cutting-edge design and weighs in at no more than 1,000 lbs.

Back in 2008 Mercedes was looking to expand its market to include the younger population and they decided that the best way to do that was to offer a C-Class Coupe alternative. That project led to the birth of the CLC whose success in the market was more lackluster than bedazzled. Now, Mercedes is at it again with a much more simple approach to meeting the needs of the younger generation. This simple - in the best sense of the word - vehicle is theC-Class Coupe, and Mercedes is even taking a stab at an AMG version. This is certainly a good thing because, well, the BMW M3 Coupe needs a real competitor, right?

 

  

Ferrari 2011

Ferrari-f599

Now that a GT version of the Ferrari 458 Italia is expected to take the reigns from the Ferrari 430 GT in the upcoming ALMS season, a lot of people in the automotive and racing industry have been waiting for quite some time to see a glimpse of the GT-spec 458 Italia in action. Jon Sibal even gave us a very detailed rendering of what he thought the 458 GT would look like when Ferrari finally lifts the covers off of the race car.

 

While most tuners are focusing on the new Ferrari 458 Italia, Premier 4509 is looking to bring inspiration towards an older model. The Japanese tuner has previously unveiled a Veilside tuning kit for the old F430 and now Wheels Boutique has upgraded that very same model with, wait for it, a new set of wheels. The full package will still be limited to just 300 units.

 

Typically, we tend to believe that Ferrari models are just about perfect straight from the factory, and that any changes made by any experienced tuners would strip away the beauty of the vehicle. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and today’s exception comes in the form of a Ferrari 458 Italia tuned by the very same guys that brought us the modified F430 earlier. Wheelsandmore have taken the Italian sports car and have done what they do best: add just a little something to spice it up.

 

Wheelsandmore’s focus has shifted from Mercedes SLR and SLS AMG to a brand with a bit more speed: Ferrari. For the Maranello-based automaker, the German tuner has chosen the F430 to dazzle us with their exterior mods and engine updates.

The idea of developing a unique Ferrari 550 GTZ begun when Yoshiyuki Hayashi, the famous Japanese collector, asked for a special body for his Ferrari 575M, in the style of the famous 250GTZ Berlinetta of 1956. When Zagato received his request they informed Ferrari of the project, and they considered it an ideal opportunity to celebrate that model’s 50th anniversary. This chain of events is what led to the creation of a Ferrari that harkens back to the 250GTZ with aFerrari 575 base. The car was great as a coupe model, but Zagato wanted to create a special roadster version, and so they did.

Nissan GTR

 Nissan GTR 7 Hennessey has already created what was once the fastest Nissan GT-R in the world, but not everyone can handle 800 kicking horses in one sports car. So, for those with not enough gusto to handle the beast, but who are not satisfied with the tame 473 HP found in the standard GT-R, Hennessey has a package for you. It is called the GTR650, and the name pretty much says it all.

Nissan has unveiled a new idea for a sustainable zero emission society and an electric vehicle (EV). Nissan’s new Mobility Concept is defined by four essential keywords: innovative, easy, safe and clean.

The Nismo 370Z is still a child in terms of lifespan with the first model coming into the picture in 2009, so the idea of the 370Z strolling into the 2011MY with an abundance of additions is pretty naive. Instead, and not unexpected, the Nismo 370Z comes back with next to nothing altered. It still carries the same 350 HP V6 engine, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension, and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. However, Nissan is offering one new exterior color: Gun Metallic.

The new generation Nissan Z Roadster entered the market a year later than its coupe brother, so with such a short history, the 370Z Roadster enters the 2011 model year with no major updates. Changes for 2011 are limited to the addition of RearView Monitor to the optional Navigation Package and one new exterior color, Gun Metallic. The Roadster model is offered in two versions: 370Z Roadster priced at $37,520 and 370Z Touring Roadster priced at $41,070.

 

Senner Tuning just might have a thing for white cars. Last year they came out with a vehicle which they are now famous for called the Whitelady Z and they also introduced the "White Power" RS6, which wasn’t exactly a treat for the eyes. Both were tuned by Senner and both were sparkling white. Now, Senner Tuning is bringing on yet another white model packaged up in a Nissan 370Z. It’s called the Asphalt Surfer and is capable of producing an impressive 365 HP. 

 

In the world of import sport cars, or as some would call it sport compact cars, many enthusiasts can say that they have seen many models that would cater to their lifestyle come and go from various automakers. We have seen makes like the Toyota Supra come and evolve into a force not to be trifled with on and off the tracks. The same can be said for the earlier versions of the Mazda RX7and the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. The problem with all of these Japanese powerhouses, who ran strong and were very popular in their prime, was that they started fading away leaving the sports compact consumer in wait for the next best thing.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia GT2  

Now that a GT version of the Ferrari 458 Italia is expected to take the reigns from the Ferrari 430 GT in the upcoming ALMS season, a lot of people in the automotive and racing industry have been waiting for quite some time to see a glimpse of the GT-spec 458 Italia in action. Jon Sibal even gave us a very detailed rendering of what he thought the 458 GT would look like when Ferrari finally lifts the covers off of the race car.

But after months of waiting, we can finally let out a little exhale as a prototype version of the 458 GT was spotted recently doing some test runs inside Ferrari’s Fiorano race track in Maranello, Italy.

Not that we care about the timeline of development for the 458 GT. As far as we’re concerned, we’re just happy to see visual proof of the car – prototype or not – playing in its natural habitat: the race track.

Updated 12/14/2010: Someone who goes by the name ILikeFastCars1 - yeah, us too - has just added a new video showing the 458 Italia GT2 testing around the Fiorano test track. Exterior and Interior:                                            

                                                                    As far as initial reactions go, we couldn’t help but notice just how bad-ass the 458 GT prototype looks, especially those angry yellow endurance-racing headlights that seem to look meaner and more and more menacing every time we look at them. Other pertinent features of the prototype that caught our attention are the flared fenders, as well as the vented hood that looks to be – at least from this angle – a little more rounded than the standard version. We also noticed that the car’s front splitter is still noticeably absent, proving that this prototype could very well still be in its early ages. Lastly, there’s also three-piece racing wheels on the prototype 458 GT2. Can’t forget about that.

Performance: 

                                   As per ACO regulations, the 458 Italia GT2 will only be limited to 470 horsepower, which is about 100 less than the road-going 458 Italia and about 30 horsepower down on its predecessor, the F430 GT2. The 458 Italia GT2 also has a six-speed paddle-shift transmission.