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…

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.

Ward’s Auto has released its annual list of the Ten Best Engines for the new year. There are a lot of great engines in here, however there’s something missing. Let’s see if you can guess:

• Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
• BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
• BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
• Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
• Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
• General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
• Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
• Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
• Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

It seems as though all the new cars have very useful, reliable and efficient engines, all the performance engines to come out of BMW, VW and Mercedes are nowhere to be found. The only traditional performance based engine that remains on the list is the venerable Hemi. Despite this, we are seeing engines that offer a unique combination of efficiency and performance (BMW’s 3.0L turbodiesel, 3,0L petrol, VW’s 2.0L turbodiesel and Audi’s 2.0L TFSI petrol engine). These engines mark the very peak of efficiency, yet sit in inside of cars that are known for being spunky (VW Jetta), handle very well (BMW 335d) and are known for their race car attitude (BMW 135i). It seems though the high performance engines likely to be in your M3 or GT-R aren’t on this list, Ward’s hasn’t gone completely boring and given the Toyota Prius Hybrid Drive the top 10 spots. However, whether you’re a weekend racer or a discerning traveler looking for something that’s going to get you far and not break on the way there, buying a new car is going to yeild some of the best engines we’ve seen in cars yet!

Press Release:

Ward’s Announces 2009 10 Best Engines Winners

SOUTHFIELD, MI – Amid plummeting vehicle sales, thousands of job losses, an economy officially in recession and pleas for federal assistance, a handful of auto makers have cause to celebrate.

Ward’s Automotive Group announces its 2009 10 Best Engines list, which reflects the diversity of powertrains that will play a role in reshaping America’s automotive landscape.

Selected by Ward’s editors, the 2009 list marks the 15th year for the Ward’s 10 Best Engines program, the North American auto industry’s only awards honoring powertrain excellence and considered by many to be the “Oscars” for automotive engines.

The winners for 2008 (engine and tested vehicle):

* Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
* BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
* BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
* Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
* Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
* General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
* Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
* Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
* Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
* Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

Awards to be presented during Detroit auto show in January.

“A decade ago, few consumers in the U.S. paid serious attention to hybrids or diesels. This year, they have to, if they don’t want to be pinched the next time fuel hits $4 a gallon,” says Tom Murphy, executive editor of Ward’s AutoWorld magazine.”The diesels from VW and BMW and the Ford Escape Hybrid all got better than 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) during our testing, and often they topped 40 mpg (5.8 L/100 km),” he says. “And the diesels meet the strictest emissions regulations in the world. If Americans want to find a vehicle that consumes less fuel and is fun to drive, our list is a great place to start.”

Among the winners is Ford Motor Co.’s redesigned 2.5L 4-cyl. hybrid-electric powertrain, which motivated President and CEO Alan Mulally’s Escape Hybrid cross/utility vehicle to and from Washington D.C. for federal-aid talks, makes the cut.

During Ward’s testing, the front-wheel-drive HEV managed to easily surpass the federal fuel-economy rating of 34/31 city/highway mpg (6.9-7.5 L/100 km).

BMW AG’s new 3.0L inline 6-cyl. turbodiesel scores a slot on the list in its first year available in the U.S. Joined by the auto maker’s twin-turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline I-6 engine, which returns for the third year, the diesel employs a sequential twin-turbocharger system that provides the 335d sedan with impressive fuel economy and a stunning 425 lb.-ft. (576 Nm) of torque.

Volkswagen AG joins the clean-diesel party this year, as well, with its new 2.0L 4-cyl. turbodiesel powering the Jetta TDI sedan. Fun to drive and frugal at the pump, the TDI is an affordable and entertaining alternative to many larger gasoline and hybrid-electric powertrains.

Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. appears for the first time on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list with its all-new Tau 4.6L DOHC V-8. Introduced in the new Genesis luxury sedan, the engine’s velvety power delivery, competitive performance and attainable price epitomize the Korean auto maker’s drive for world-class engineering.
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Ward’s 10 Best Engines

Chrysler LLC’s venerable 5.7L Hemi V-8 returns to the rankings with added refinement, power and variable-valvetrain and induction technology. Its guttural roar and low-end grunt serves double duty this year in the all-new Dodge Challenger R/T and Ram pickup.

Toyota Motor Corp. scores its fourth consecutive 10 Best Engines win with its Lexus 3.5L DOHC V-6, a brilliant design that employs a unique, combination direct- and port-injection fueling system that helps generate 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. (376 Nm) of torque.

General Motors Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. also make return appearances with their high-volume V-6 engines exemplifying practicality balanced with precision engineering.

GM’s high-feature 3.6L V-6 with direct-gasoline injection returns for the second time. Tested in the Cadillac CTS, yet flexible enough to proliferate through the auto maker’s CUVs, the advanced V-6 makes a hardy 304 hp on regular gasoline.

Honda underscores its longstanding reputation for great engines with the encore performance of its 3.5L SOHC V-6 in the Accord lineup. Merging exceptional performance with reasonable fuel economy, the engine employs advanced cylinder deactivation in the sedan and engaging power delivery in the coupe.

Audi AG’s 2.0L TFSI turbocharged 4-cyl., freshly revamped with 211 hp and a mighty 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque for the all-new A4, rounds out the list with a fourth-consecutive 10 Best Engines placing as one of the best all-around turbo-4s on the market.

This year, six Ward’s editors nominated 32 different engines for the Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition. The nominee list consists of the 2008 winners as well as all-new or significantly improved engines.

Over a nearly 2-month period, the editors evaluated and scored each engine against all others in a number of objective and subjective parameters. Each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2009, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.

The awards will be given at a Jan. 14 ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.

Complete stories about the 10 Best Engines will be featured soon on WardsAuto.com and in upcoming issues of Ward’s AutoWorld magazine and Ward’s Engine & Vehicle Technology Update newsletter.

Ward’s 10 Best Engines is a copyright of Penton Media Inc. Commercial references to the program and/or awards are prohibited without prior permission of Ward’s Automotive Group.

Yesterday Toyota released their November sales numbers. As you can expect, most models were down heavily in sales from a year ago. However, one in particular stood out as decidedly up, the Toyota Sequoia which was up in sales by over 50% (1,873 in 2008 vs 1,233 in 2007). On a year-to-date scale, the numbers look a little better for the rest of the brand. Yaris sales are up over 23%, the Scion xB has seen almost a 3% gain and Scion xD has seen a vast 186% sales increase vs. the same time in 2007 (though there were only 9300 sold by this time last year due to it being a new model). Land Cruisers and Sequoia were both up around 36% since last year and even at that time they saw significant sales numbers. In total, Toyota has seen a 8.4% drop in new car sales compared to the same time last year. Considering the doom and gloom GM, Chrysler and Ford are espousing, you’d think it’s the end of the world. However, Toyota’s innovative production facilities, excellent product offerings and excellent quality (not to mention their lack of labor and pension overhead) have kept them chugging along at a steady pace only slowing down because of the consumer’s lack of cash. However, their range of inexpensive Scions, Yarises and other sub-compact cars have kept American’s hankering for a new car well supplied.

Source: Toyota

The December 15 unveiling of the all-new BMW Z4 can’t come soon enough. However, as we get closer to the day, more teaser pictures seem to emerge from the internet. This more aggressive version of the super popular roadster deviates from the “flare surface” design of the previous Z4, but don’t think for a second Chris Bangle has stopped designing BMWs. He’s still in control of BMW design, and this just shows the evolution of his design into the next, more aggressive step.
Personally, I think it looks like the old Z8. The front grill accents and parallel door section have that BMW 507 look. As most car companies seem to be harking back to the days of yore (Mustang, Charger), perhaps even BMW isn’t immune to nostalgia.

The version in the picture is a retractable hard-top (no rag top this time, at least not until later).
Until we see official pictures it’s hard to make a judgment, but it looks pretty good thus far in our book.  Maybe we just have a thing for “Z” cars?

Here’s a rendition of the rear for good measure: