Hey Audi! All those A8s and S8s you’ve been selling from under us haven’t gone un-noticed. At least that’s what I imagine the board of directors at BMW has been thinking for the last 10 years. Whereas a brand like Mercedes always holds a certain elite cache with the S-class sedan, BMW, Audi and Jaguar continue to fight for drivers in search of a more sporting ride. Jaguar and BMW have held the rear wheel drive trophy and Audi has taken the sub-set of those buyers who were either living in Colorado, Alaska or wanted the extra safety of the Audi quattro system. Well, no longer will BMW let Audi steal all those cars without a fight.

The xDrive system has been in use (at least under that moniker) for a few years now and is now as robust as any other system out there (4Motion, 4Matic, etc.). It’s transition to the 7 series is an obvious evolution from the 3, 5 and X series cars. As such, the offering will be available in both short-wheel base and of course, long-wheel base, but it will not be available in the low-end petrol and diesel models.

With a 30:70 front:rear bias, the typical RWD driving feeling will stay, while the xDrive contributes to better traction & handling in slippery conditions. The new 7 Series is showing that in areas of design, engineering and innovation that will show evolution above and beyond most other full sized luxury sedans. It’s design goes back towards the mainstream with a lack of such dramatic “flame surfaces” in the previous model and a more agressive look and stance. No doubt, this will be the best 7er we’ve seen from BMW.

The 750i xDrive will be available at the Frankfur Auto Show next year. See below for pictures of the new 7 series chassis as well as pictures of the 4wd version thrashing around some snow banks.

With an EPA rating of 41 MPG in the city and 36 MPG in the hightway, the 2010 Ford Fusion is now the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan in the USA. The previous title holder, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, was bested by 8 MPG and 2 MPG in city and highway driving (respectively). Maybe this is one of the reasons Ford isn’t in as bad shape as the rest of the domestic car makers. While GM is glitzing all over the Volt and Chrysler is busying taking out full page ads in the Wall Street Journal, Ford is actually building cars Americans want. The Prius is proof there is demand for these cars when gas prices go up. Right now, it may be a little harder to push these cars as gas (at least here in GA) is around $1.44 a gallon. However, for those who are looking at a mid-sized car and wants to be buy a domestic hybrid, the choice is simple (and when gas moves its way back up, the rest of the population will have a good reason to ask themselves, “Have I driven a Ford lately?”)

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2008 – The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is now officially America’s most fuel efficient mid-size car with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

“The new Ford Fusion Hybrid not only significantly exceeds the competition but also embodies Ford’s 100 percent commitment to fuel efficiency leadership, quality, innovation and advanced technology,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Ford team set the bar high – to develop America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – and that’s what they delivered.”

The 2010 Ford Fusion’s final fuel economy certification was completed this week at Ford’s testing laboratories in Allen Park, Mich., and the vehicle will carry an EPA label of 41 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale this spring. The Fusion Hybrid, which beats even the much smaller Honda Civic hybrid by 1 mpg in city driving, can travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

To deliver the class leading fuel economy performance, Ford’s engineers spent the past three years developing in-house the vehicle’s next-generation hybrid propulsion system. It allows the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid to travel up to 47 miles per hour in pure electric mode, faster than the Toyota Camry and all other hybrids currently on the road. In addition, the system’s Advanced Intake Variable Cam Timing allows the Fusion and Milan hybrids to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa.

“The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations,” said Praveen Cherian, Fusion Hybrid program leader. “For example, this would allow drivers to travel around their subdivision and parking areas in all-electric mode.”

Fusion’s advanced hybrid system features:

* Smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery, which produces 20 percent more power than Ford’s previous hybrid system. The battery’s improved chemistry allows it to be run at a higher temperature and cooled using cabin air.
* New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower / 136 lb.-ft. of torque), which is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
* Enhanced electronic throttle control, which reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
* Smart climate control system, which monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin. It also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
* Regenerative brake system, which captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by delivering full regenerative braking, which means only 6 percent of braking is through traditional friction brakes

SmartGauge Teaches Eco-Driving
The new Fusion Hybrid literally teaches drivers how to make the most out of their vehicle, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide. SmartGauge is a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display screens on either side of the vehicle’s speedometer. The screens can be configured to show different levels of driver information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles-per-gallon.

When set in tutorial mode, the instrument panel “grows” leaves and vines on-screen to reward fuel-efficient driving. The more leaves and vines that appear, the more efficient the driving behavior is and the more fuel is being saved. In some recent tests, automotive journalists have reported exceeding 50 mpg with the Fusion Hybrid.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid also is distinct on the outside with Ford’s “road and leaf” badges on both sides and the rear, unique 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels, and a unique engine cover. On the inside, Fusion Hybrid features eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

Fusion Gasoline Model Also a Fuel Leader
In addition to the hybrid, Fusion will be offered with three fuel-efficient gasoline engines – the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The new Fusion will be building off the strong quality reputation of the current model, which has gained important third-party accolades, and will offer class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC™, SIRIUS® TravelLink™, BLIS™ (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony-branded audio.

In addition to the Fusion, several other Ford vehicles are fuel-economy standouts on the road today. They include:

* The Ford Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission delivers 35 mpg on the highway, 5 mpg better than the Toyota Corolla’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 2 mpg better than the Honda Fit’s 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, both also with manual transmissions.
* The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 – which just recently was named Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year – achieves 3 mpg more than the Toyota Tundra pickup on the highway and 1 mpg better in the city with its 4.6-liter V-8 engine, compared to Toyota’s 4.7-liter V-8. The F-150’s larger 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 2 mpg better on the highway than the Tundra’s larger engine.
* The 2009 Ford Escape with new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 28 mpg on the highway, the same as Toyota’s RAV4 and 1 mpg better than the Honda CR-V, both with 4-cylinder engines, too.
* The Ford Expedition achieves 20 mpg on the highway, beating Toyota Sequoia’s 4.7-liter V-8 engine by 3 mpg and its 5.7-liter V-8 by 1 mpg.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company:
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

 

Source: Ford

The Maserati Quattroporte set the bar for performance 4-doors back in 2004 and has been updated with a new Sport GTS line just in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Maserati’s first Indianapolis 500 win. As one of the few sedans that can beat a BMW M5 around the Nurburgring (if you care about those sorts of thing) is back with an even more powerful 433HP 4.7L V8 engine.

Masaratti has created one of the best looking sedans in the Quattroporte, but the GTS brings it to a new height with it’s dark styling and black accents. Where as Mercedes and Porsche have been trying to make sedans look like coupes in the CLS and Panamera (respectively), there’s no doubt this Italian stallion beats them hands down. From any angle, the Maserati looks the business and the sound from that V8 is going give anyone in earshot good bumps.

The Quattroporte Sport GTS will officially be released next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

Maserati Press Release

Modena – December 22nd, 2008 - The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sedan segment of the automotive market . Conceived and developed as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan ”, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness in the Quattroporte range. The technical changes to the new Quattroporte Sport GT S in respect to the Quattroporte S concern four areas:
• the mapping of the V8 4.7 liter engine, with power increased to 323kW (433 HP);
• the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment;
• the front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height;
• the sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound.

The sportier and more aggressive look is evident also by virtue of the interior and exterior stylistic choices:
• the new black grill with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models;
• the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish;
• the side and rear “shadow line”, which includes black finishing around the doors, body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes,
• the new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara® and leather upholstery;
• the standard trim in Titantex, a “titanium colored” composite material.

For anyone who thought the previous AMG SL just wasn’t fast enough, good looking enough or just cool enough, Mercedes has now released a 518HP/460TQ 6.2L naturally aspirated version that sounds like the roar of a lion when  you put the loud pedal down. The first Mercedes to use a Mercedes new SpeedShift MCT 7-speed double clutch, the SL63 now has one-upped the likes of Aston-Martin, Bentley and Ferrari. Do you want a car that will take you cross country in complete comfort, offer all the features of your house and does it at 155MPH the whole way, the new Mercedes-Bezn SL63 AMG is the car for you. Check out Jay Leno’s review below for more great video and (more importantly) audio…

OPEC

Apparently the decrease global demand for oil and the lowered price has finally struck a nerve with OPEC. Slashing output, OPEC will now reduce its output by 2.2 million barrels a day.  While the Saudi’s are looking to sell barrels of oil at a healthy $75 a barrel, the global economic crisis simply will not support that in the short term - and we’re not anxious to get back to that point any time soon.

Here’s an idea, instead of building the next tallest monument that reaches into space, why not help out the big-3 in Detroit by offering incentives for Americans and others to buy gas guzzlers?  No, it’s not the most environmentally friendly solution but the point is you have the opportunity to do something to help save your market.  Plus, it would show some good faith for many Americans who already have a negative view of OPEC.

It’s obvious the world is trying really hard to get off of the oil drug.  If you can’t lend a hand to the companies that help make your products a necessity, what will you do when they fail?

Well, it seems that BMW has officiall released their specifications, pictures and information about the redesigned 2009 Z4. The pictures show a beautiful retractable aluminum hard top, the same roadster proportions we know and love as well as slightly more agressive design than the first generation. The body also has noticibly less “flame surface” design that stood out in the first generation. Check out more about the car below:

THE NEW BMW Z4 ROADSTER
MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

First BMW Roadster with a retractable hardtop. The new model is the successor to both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 Coupe. Two-piece electrohydraulically retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminum shell construction. The hardtop opens and closes fully automatically in each case within 20 seconds; the roof elements coming to rest in the roof compartment to give the car a low-slung rear-end design reflecting the traditional proportions of a roadster as well as a large luggage compartment. The high-quality interior lining finished in an extra-light color as well as large windows including the heated glass window at the rear ensure an exclusive ambience and optimized all-round visibility.

Long hood, large wheel arches, long wheelbase and small overhangs.

Head and elbow room as well as the degree of comfort in entering the car have been significantly enhanced over the former model. The low seating position near the rear axle guarantees the driving experience typical of a BMW Roadster. High-quality materials, first-class quality of finish and driver-oriented design of both the instrument panel and the center console guarantee an emotional driving experience in a particularly refined ambience.

Wide range of storage options within the passenger compartment including a spacious crosswise storage compartment behind the seats. First use of the BMW iDrive control system in the BMW Roadster. In conjunction with the optional navigation system the new generation of BMW iDrive comprises an ergonomically optimized Controller for the selection and control of functions by turning, pressing and tipping the Controller, function buttons on the Controller for direct menu entry, freely programmable favorite buttons for even easier operation, as well as a folding 8.8-inch display with high-resolution graphic presentation and an optimized menu structure. Enhanced navigation system with an even wider range of functions in entering destinations, planning trips and presenting maps. Optional audio system with hard disc memory.

Introduction of the new BMW Z4 with a choice of straight-six power units ranging in output from 255 hp to 300 hp. Both versions offering an optimum combination of acceleration and fuel economy in their respective classes. BMW EfficientDynamics featured as standard with specific highlights tailored to each model: variable VALVETRONIC valve management or, respectively, High Precision Injection direct petrol injection technology, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand management of ancillary units, variable oil pump, gearshift point indicator, all-aluminum or, respectively, composite magnesium/aluminum crankcase, optimized aerodynamics, and s with reduced rolling resistance. Both engine variants fulfilll the future EU 5 emission standard.

Seven-speed sport automatic with double clutch as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. Shifting gears without the slightest interruption of power, the transmission provides a unique combination of the extra comfort of a BMW automatic transmission with maximum performance. Acceleration and efficiency improved over the manual gearbox models. Six-speed sport automatic with optimized gearshift dynamics, direct connection to the engine and minimized converter slip available as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i. Both sport automatic transmissions feature gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

Outstanding driving dynamics thanks to near 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive and lightweight aluminum suspension with a double-joint tiebar front axle and centrally guided rear axle. Electromechanical power steering, high-performance brakes, latest generation of Dynamic Stability Control. Dynamic Drive Control featured as standard allows the driver to set up the car in three stages at the touch of a button. Dynamic Drive Control acts on the gas pedal control map, engine management, DSC response, the power steering control map, the dynamic gearshift on the optional sport automatic transmission and, on cars fitted with the optional Adaptive M Suspension, the control map for Electronic Damper Control.

Comprehensive safety concept with extremely stiff body structures, defined load paths, specific use of high-strength steel and special deformation elements, head/thorax airbags integrated at the front and at the side in the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with new belt tightening technology, massively reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests, runflat tires and a Tire Pressure Monitor fitted as standard, headlights with standard bi-xenon adaptive light technology.

Engines:
BMW Z4 sDrive35i: 
Straight-six gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) 
Capacity: 2,979 cc, max output: 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, 
Max torque: 300 lb-ft from 1,400–5,000 rpm
Acceleration 0–60 mph: 5.1 sec 
(seven-speed sport automatic with double clutch: 5.0 sec) 
Top speed: 130 mph (150 mph with Sport Package) (electronically limited)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 219 g (210 g)/km.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i: 
Straight-six gasoline engine with magnesium/aluminum composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS
Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 255 hp at 6,600 rpm, 
Max torque: 220 lb-ft at 2,600 rpm
Acceleration 0–60 mph: 5.6 sec (sport automatic: 6.0 sec) 
Top speed: 150 mph (with Sport Package) (electronically limited)
 CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (195 g)/km.

Source: BMW Press

If there’s one thing GM has done right in the last 5 years, it’s fund Zora Arkus-Duntov’s and his dream to turn the docile Corvette into a full-fledged sports car that could compete with the likes of Ferrari and Aston-Martin. Well, 50 years later, with a 628HP car that has the same brakes as a Ferrari Enzo, the 2008 Corvette ZR-1 has redefined high perfomance American cars and revolutionized the term bargain supercar. With a ripping LS9 supercharged engine sound, this is one of the best reviews Jay has done of a new car.

Congradulations to Jay and his Corvette ZR-1 #0001!

Audi has decided to officially release pictures of its new halo car ahead of the Detroit auto show. The 5.2L, V10 version of the R8 is 525HP of four wheel drive goodness, assuming you can afford the $180,000 price tag. Compared to it’s more athletic brother, the R8 LMS, the V10 uses the standard quattro four wheel system we all know and love. The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the “World Car of the Year Awards 2008″. In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more. Known for it aggresive styling, LED only external lighting and obscene performance, Audi has finally put together a car that challenges more than just the entry level Porsche 911 and Ferrari F430. The V8 R8 was always a little more on par with the M3 and the basic 911 carrera, but now with proper power we’ll see what it can do against the big boys from Stuttgart and Maranello. With it’s new engine (using dry sump lubrication, FSI gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing) the new R8 weighs around 68lbs more than it’s little brother but is propelled to 100mph in just over 8 seconds. In addition to the crazy performance numbers, you still get all the stylish bits on the interior you’d expect like Nappa leather and a spiffy Audi GPS. However, the one thing that still remains is the sound. Will this car be a miniature Lamborghini Gallardo or a whole other engine sound? The stats have placed this car slightly lowed on the totem pole than the Gallardo in terms of performance (can you blame Audi?). However, considering the speed limits we’re constrained with, as long as this car sounds as fast as the Lamborghini, a lot of people might take the cheaper version. After all, it looks the same from the cockpit!

The new R8 will go on sale in Germany second quarter 2009. That means it should make it to the states by the end of next year. Click on the pictures below for larger pictures.

WHITE

For the second year in a row American’s have proven they like their cars like they like their washers and dryers, clean and crisp. 20% of the poll performed by DuPont paints favored white over any other color (with a combination of 17% plain white and 4% white pearl effects). Coming in a close second was a tie between the old trusty dust hider Silver and the venerable black, both with 16%.

DuPont also reports other favorites come in at the following percentages: Blue: 13%, Gray: 12%, Red: 11%, Beige/Brown: 5%, Green: 3% and Yellow/Gold at 2%. Also noted was blue’s comeback in more than one way, with many manufacturers using the “blue” title for hyper-economical diesel cars (BlueTec, BluMotion, etc).

Though many will chastise white for it’s incredibly monotone-monotony, I have to applaud the choice, as white cars with dark tint and black accents really make a sleek and eye catching ride. Consider most race cars’s base is white and you’re left with quite a few good reasons to own a car that’s the same color as your toaster. Here are a few favorites of mine:

Source: DuPont via LeftLaneNews

After a long history of being very uncouth to drive, diesel cars are starting to make a comeback for more than just their economy and “green” association. Many Hollywood stars previously seen in cars like the Toyota Prius are now moving back towards their large, ostentatious SUVs. However, at least they are using diesel SUVs with “BlueTEC” technology that allows for the ultra-low sulfer diesel to burn extra clean. Back in th 70s and 80s, diesels were known for their putrid smell, ultra-loud clatter and less than consistent cranking in the cold. However, the newest crop of direct injection and common rail diesel engines are as good (if not better) than their petrol counterparts. As cool as it is to be “green,” with the likes of Alanis Morissette, Gwen Stefani, Katherine Heigel, and Naomi Watts driving the newest Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC, it’s much cooler to be “blue.”

More from the official press release below:

Hollywood drives BlueTEC: Stars from Motion Pictures, Television and Music Go Green with Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC

When Academy Award Nominee Naomi Watts celebrated her 40th birthday in Los Angeles this fall, her partner Liev Schreiber (”X-Men,” “The Manchurian Candidate”) surprised her with a spectacular present; a Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC. Liev and Naomi are among the actors and musicians to discover the exceptional performance, efficiency, and high cruising range of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC models, the world’s cleanest and most advanced diesels.

In addition to Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, fellow BlueTEC drivers from motion pictures and television include “Desperate Housewives” star Kyle MacLachlan, “Sex and the City” siren Kim Cattrall, Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Gary Oldman, and “Phantom of the Opera” star and singer Emmy Rossum. “My ML320 BlueTEC has all the power and luxury you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz, plus the efficiency and low environmental impact of an economy or even hybrid vehicle,” says Emmy Rossum. “BlueTEC really is the best of both worlds.” Also from the world of music, pop superstar Gwen Stefani and her husband, musician Gavin Rossdale, have a BlueTEC parked in their driveway, as does singer Josh Kelley (husband of “Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl).

Seven-time Grammy winning artist Alanis Morissette chose the fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC for the video of “Underneath”, the first single and video from her latest album, “Flavors of Entanglement.” In the video, Alanis is sitting at a bus stop wearing a “Save the Earth” t-shirt and distributing fliers to encourage concern for the environment. When a Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC passes by, Alanis salutes the Mercedes driver in appreciation for their environmentally aware choice. “Making green choices on a local level is important in creating global change,” says Alanis. “I’m glad that Mercedes-Benz has introduced a great option with BlueTEC.”

BlueTEC have also starred in some of the hottest television shows and series this season, including “90210″ (CW), “The Amazing Race” (CBS), “Privileged” (CW), “Starter Wife” (USA Network), and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (NBC).

About Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC

The BlueTEC wave began in October 2006 when Mercedes-Benz introduced the E320 BlueTEC sedan; it immediately captured accolades from consumers and critics alike and was voted “2007 World Green Car of the Year.” Now Mercedes-Benz has expanded the BlueTEC product range with the introduction of three new SUV’s - the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC - the first diesel SUV’s to meet the stringent emissions standards of all 50 States. The term “BlueTEC” is derived from the revolutionary AdBlue process that injects a reducing agent in the vehicle’s exhaust line, thereby clearly reducing emissions.