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Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 History: 1994 – 2010

Posted by: JDavis  /  Category: David Coulthard, F1, Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton, Mika Hakkinen, Motorsports, Team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, formula 1, history

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eMercedesBenz

Mercedes-Benz saw world championship victories in 1998, 1999 and 2008, Mercedes-Benz returned with its own works team in 2010


Volkswagen rolls out quirky print ad for the Fox city car

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Volkswagen, Volkswagen Fox, hatchback

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Top Speed Cars Car News

The Volkswagen Fox may not get a lot of publicity in this neck of the woods, but Volkswagen seems to think highly enough of the city car to release an ingenious way to advertise the next-generation model’s newly redesigned interior without actually showing the inside of the car.

So how does one accomplish such a task? For starters, you need a highly creative ad agency to come up with the idea, which Volkswagen already has in Brazilian ad agency AlmapBBDO. Then you need someone from AlmapBBDO to have a good set of Photoshop skills, which, as this ad clearly shows, they do.

So with both requirements crossed out, the only thing left is to do make this advertisement as attention grabbing as possible. And wouldn’t you know it, they had that one completely covered too.

So what if the little VW Fox isn’t sold here? At the very least, we’re fans of genius advertising and this little ad for the VW Fox hit it right on the spot, too.

Volkswagen rolls out quirky print ad for the Fox city car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 26 July 2010 23:00 EST.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID and ML450 HYBRID SUV Overview

Posted by: JClark  /  Category: Hybrid, Lithium-ion, ML450 Hybrid, S-Class, S400 Hybrid

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eMercedesBenz

Mercedes-Benz offers two hybrid models for the 2011 model year, the S400 HYBRID sedan and the ML450 HYBRID SUV


Lamborghini Working On SUV And Entry-Level Model

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Lamborghini, future cars, rumors, suv

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It seems another great sports automaker is falling into the SUV craze. First Porsche developed the horrid Cayenne and now Lamborghini might be creating an SUV as well. Car and Driver’s German correspondent is reporting that Lamborghini is considering a hardcore SUV.

The machine is just a rumor, but if it does wind up on the planning table, reports indicate that it will be based on the Volkswagen Touareg or the Porsche Cayenne. We hope that because this is a Lamborghini, some sort of massive motor will live under the hood.

Lamborghini is also interested in entering the entry-level sports car segment, according to reports. The model would be underneath the Gallardo. This wouldn’t be the first time the Italian automaker has created an entry-level model, as its Urraco, Silhouette, and Jalpa of the 1970s and 1980s were in the same market.

We are sad to report that the Estoque concept sedan will not be produced. We loved this gorgeous machine and we had hoped to see it compete with the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera.

Lamborghini Working On SUV And Entry-Level Model originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 08:00 EST.

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The President meets the Chevrolet Volt

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Celebrity Cars, Chevrolet Volt, USA, electric cars, industry news

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The Chevrolet Volt got an unexpected visit from no less than US President Barack Obama when the Commanding Officer took a trip to Chevrolet’s production facility in Holland, Michigan. Yeah, and we’re all lucky enough to have the President himself knock on our front doors and ask to have a round of beer with us in our backyards.

President Obama’s visit came during the ground-breaking ceremony of Compact Power’s new facility in the area. Incidentally, Compact Power, which is owned by LG-Chem, will be a key supplier to the Chevrolet Volt. Likewise, the new facility is expected to be of the key sites that will spur further growth of the country’s high-tech industry, a sentiment echoed by the President during his visit at the facility.

As for the Chevrolet Volt, President Obama seemed to be eager to get behind the driver’s seat of the car and was optimistic that the electric car, which is capable of running 40 all-electric miles and can travel for up to 340 miles on single full tank, would set a new standard in fuel-efficient vehicles and would pave the way to a future where automobiles wouldn’t be as dependent on fuel as they are today.

Press Release after the jump

The President meets the Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 19 July 2010 08:00 EST.

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Alfa Romo Vittorio Jano Concept

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Alfa-Romeo, concept cars, sedan

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Alfa Romeo has already announced plans to unveil a replacement for the 159 sedan, but it will take a few more years until we see the final product. Until then, the Italian studio MPcardesign has unveiled a new concept study that is believed to be a preview version for the future model.

The concept is called Alfa Romeo Vittorio Jano and was named after the famous racing car designer Vittorio Jano (1891-1965). Its design takes a different direction than the latest Alfa Romeo models which tend to take their cues from the 8C Competizione. Instead, this design is modeled more after the Alfa Romeo 156 and 159 sedans. This is evident in the front-end modeled around the V-shaped badge and the convex surfaces.

The Vittorio Jano was created taking into consideration the actual feasibility, and was designed for a large series production. It will be followed by other virtual models from the same designer which will range from a compact sporty coupe to a sport wagon and a supercar concept.

Alfa Romo Vittorio Jano Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 18 July 2010 06:00 EST.

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Toyota prepares Electric RAV4

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Toyota, Toyota RAv4, electric cars, suv

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Back in May, Toyota and Tesla announced that they would be working together on the development of electric vehicles. Their partnership in the advancement of this technology would come together by the sharing of Toyota’s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise. As a result of the recent agreement between Tesla and Toyota, the company has announced plans to reveal an electric version of the RAV4 crossover. The new prototypes will be revealed on the US market in 2012 and will combine the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain. Tesla plans to produce and deliver a fleet of prototypes to Toyota for evaluation within this year. The first prototype has already been built and is now undergoing testing.

We have to remind you that earlier today we also reported that Toyota is preparing an all-electric supercar so it seems that this agreement between the two companies has already seen a lot of legway and should prove to be rather interesting. We’ll keep you posted to see how they do.

Press release after the jump.

Toyota prepares Electric RAV4 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 17 July 2010 06:00 EST.

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Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Now More Refined and More Efficient

Posted by: JClark  /  Category: AMG, E-Class, E63 AMG, E63 AMG Estate, Interior

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The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG, the dynamic sports saloon from Mercedes-Benz, is now available with higher quality standard appointments


Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Honda, TopSpeed Garage, USA, crossover, honda Accord

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The Honda Accord has been the Iron Man of the midsize sedan market for generations. Now, with the great Accord name on the back, Honda has created an all-new version of the family sedan. Meet the Accord Crosstour, which adds a touch of modern versatility and a premium ride to the Accord lineup.

The Crosstour is Honda’s take on the swoopy five-door coupe-like crossover that seems to be making its rounds in the automotive world. So, is the new Crosstour good enough to be called an Accord?

If you think this design is new then you would be quite mistaken. The 2010 Accord Crosstour is just another five-door utility in the market. BMW has the X6, Toyota has the Venza, and Acura has the ZDX.

Amazingly, despite being nearly the same company, the Acura ZDX is not at all similar to the Crosstour. The ZDX is based on a truck chassis, while the Crosstour is pure Accord.

Hit the jump to keep reading.

Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 15 July 2010 08:00 EST.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Chevrolet, Chevrolet Malibu, TopSpeed Garage, midsize cars, sedan

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The Honda Accord is a wonderful car, but every once in a while you get tired of seeing it all over the road. Everybody knows somebody who owns a Honda Accord. We know that was a line used by Toyota, but it works in this situation as well.

In order to avoid being just another Accord driver, we have been having some fun in the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ and, too be honest, there aren’t many on the road.

In our opinion, the name is a big reason why this car won’t sell. When one thinks of the Malibu they think of the bland and stylistically uninteresting previous generation Malibu and no matter how many commercials Howie Long stars in, that opinion isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

On looks alone, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ isn’t that bad looking and shows a giant step in the right direction.

The exterior is sleek, handsome, and much fitter and hipper than the old Malibu. Even the Cobalt looks like an unattractive mongrel next to the Malibu. While not as good looking as the Accord, Civic, or Mazda3, the Malibu isn’t an ugly duckling.

Hit the jump for the rest of the review.

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 08:00 EST.

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Mercedes-Benz Emergency Service Vehicles Relied on by the Federal Agency for Technical Relief

Posted by: JDavis  /  Category: Sprinter, Sprinter 316 NGT

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The Federal Agency for Technical Relief in Germany is set to receive new Mercedes-Benz emergency service vehicles


MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: F1 British Grand Prix Race Facts

Posted by: CDanielson  /  Category: F1, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, Michael Schumacher, Motorsports, Nico Rosberg, Norbert Haug, Ross Brawn, formula 1

SuperTunes

THE MERCEDES GP PETRONAS TEAM IS HEADED TO SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT IN NORTHHAMPTONSHIRE FOR THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX


Chevrolet Camaro SS gets LSD gull-wing doors

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Chevrolet, car tuning, chevrolet Camaro, coupe, muscle cars

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The Chevrolet Camaro is a muscle car that should have nothing to do with gull-wing doors. That kind of stuff is for sports cars right? Apparently not. The tuner LSD is offering you the chance to customize your Camaro SS with a cool set of gull-wing doors. That if is, of course, if you are interested! The price for the set is 1599 Euro.

It’s probably a little scary to think about putting a set of these doors on the Camaro, but, don’t worry, the doors were tested by the Federal German Transport Authority who confirmed in a side crash-test that the LSD-doors were as safe as any serially fitted door.

The LSD plates are fitted to the original door attachment points of the dismantled original plates. After the assembly the otherwise unchanged original door opens outwards first and then is securely guided and damped upwards. Adjustable plates stop doors from opening too far or from falling inwards or downwards when opened. And it also only takes one grip to close the doors.

Press release after the jump.

Chevrolet Camaro SS gets LSD gull-wing doors originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 8 July 2010 08:00 EST.

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Infiniti M hybrid aimed for double mileage

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Infiniti, hybrid cars, infiniti M, sedan

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Infiniti’s new M35 Hybrid is about to go on sale and it seems that Nissan is pretty confident about their new hybrid system. The company expects the new model to deliver nearly double the mileage of the gasoline-engine version.

“Typically, carmakers say the fuel economy improvement on their cars using a ’strong’ or ’full’ hybrid system is roughly 30 percent, while for ’mild’ hybrids (like Honda’s), it’s 15 percent,” said Koichi Hayasaki, chief engineer of Nissan’s rear-wheel-drive hybrid system. “We’re aiming for an improvement of 60 to 90 percent,” meaning the future M hybrid will have the same fuel economy of a compact car.”

The M35 Hybrid is powered by a gas/electric power train system that combines a naturally aspirated 3.5 Liter V6 and an efficient electric motor. The electric motor acts as both a propulsion unit, boosting the V6 with a “power assist” mode when the pedal is pushed to the metal and also as a generator to power the vehicle’s accessories and improve the engine’s efficiency. However, the combination of electrically charged wound wires and powerful magnets is not the only item that charges the hybrid’s next generation Lithium ion battery pack, but it is also recharged by the luxury sedans deceleration and braking.

Infiniti M hybrid aimed for double mileage originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 7 July 2010 21:00 EST.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Is Versatility at Its Best

Posted by: JDavis  /  Category: 4MATIC, 7G-TRONIC, BlueEFFICIENCY, R-Class, R300 CDI, R500 4MATIC

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In addition to the new exterior, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Class also impresses with interior features


Apple iPad Giveaway

Posted by: MBloom  /  Category: Apple, iPad, technology

SuperTunes

We're giving away one 32 GB, Wi-fi and 3G enabled Apple iPad valued at $729 in our latest eMercedesBenz Giveaway


Video: Dodge Viper vs. Mitsubishi Evo 9

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Mitsubishi Lancer, dodge viper, video

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You might believe that a race between a Dodge Viper and a Mitsubishi Evo 9 is not exactly the most appropriate match-up, but you will be surprised to find out that the Evo 9 did quite well at the Blackhawk farms raceway.

The Dodge Viper is powered by an 8.4 Liter V10 power plant that produces 600 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque that rocket the engine with wheels from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 4 seconds, run the quarter mile in the mid 11 second range before hitting a top speed of 202 MPH.

The Mitsubishi Evo 9 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine that produces a measly 291hp at 6,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm.

Looking at the statistics on paper, one couldn’t even call this a contest. What could the Mitsubishi possibly have on the Viper? Well, we are happy to say that the EVO 9 actually held its own and the race was pretty interesting. Of course, we don’t know what kind of modifications took place under the hood of either one of the two cars, but the race was still fun to watch. We were even treated to some Viper sideways action and a little off course action by the EVO 9. Want to know how the race turned out? Check out the seven minute long video to find out!

Video: Dodge Viper vs. Mitsubishi Evo 9 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 10:00 EST.

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Video: Porsche turns down MINI challenge

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Mini, Porsche, car racing, industry news

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Porsche heard MINI’s challenge loud and clear and the Stuttgart-based automaker has turned it down. Whether it’s a case of taking the high road or a fear of being exposed - depends on which side of the fence you’re on - Porsche gave a pretty quick and firm reply to MINI USA president Jim McDowell’s challenge of having a MINI Cooper S take on a Porsche 911 Carrera S in some sort of racing rumble at Road Atlanta.

Porsche boss Detlev Von Platen only had to say a few words to get his point across. "While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we’ll stick to racing the way we have over the decades," he said. "We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces."

In the words of today’s generation, "Porsche FTW!

Detlev Von Platen’s letter to Jim McDowell after the jump

Video: Porsche turns down MINI challenge originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 10:00 EST.

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No BMW 5-Series Touring for the U.S market

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: BMW, BMW 5-Series, Station-Wagon / Estate, industry news

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Well it seems that another great car won’t make it to our shores. Is it because we have a weird obsession with SUVs or another strange reason? Who knows, but the truth of the matter is this; no BMW 5-Series Touring for you. So, in its place, we get a completely pointless Gran Turismo. Oh joy.

"The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance,” BMW said about the new wagon.

The BMW 5-Series Touring is offered with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder, and a six-cylinder diesel. The base version, BMW 523i Touring is powered by a straight-six engine developing a total of 204 bhp, while in the 535i Touring, the output is raised to 306 hp. As for the diesel versions, the 520d Touring is powered by a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that develops 184 hp and the 530d Touring features a straight six-cylinder diesel with a 245 hp output. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

If you want one of these, you’re not alone. We can only hope that in the future, BMW will think about sending the 5-Series Touring to this country. A fast, great looking, and fun to drive car that can haul the whole family and even a dog.

Hit the jump for the press release.

No BMW 5-Series Touring for the U.S market originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 09:42 EST.

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The first commercial for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is out

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Jeep, Jeep Grand Cherokee, suv, video

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The new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very important car for Chrysler. It will be their first production car launch since Fiat took the reigns. The new Jeep also needs to show the world that Chrysler is capable of making good cars that people actually want to own.

With this need to rebuild their image, Jeep’s first ad is coming over all patriotic. These ads usually work well and in this commercial, Chrysler is telling us that America is coming back to its industrial roots and Jeep is working hard to build the best products on the road.

We look forward to driving the new Grand Cherokee and giving you a full report. Based on looks alone, it doesn’t look that bad. Yet, if priced in the same ballpark, we would still rather have a Land Rover. That’s just us though.

Hit the jump to watch the video.

The first commercial for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is out originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 09:38 EST.

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Volvo C30 Electric ready for delivery

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Volvo, electric cars, hatchback, volvo C30

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Volvo announced today that the C30 Electric is ready for delivery and that the first deliveries will be made this autumn. This is a fleet of ten experimental cars that are equipped with advanced measuring instruments. The selected users of this test fleet will drive the vehicles for a two year period to provide Volvo with the details of their driving experience. This is the next step in Volvo’s ongoing attempt for a production version of the Recharge Concept that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.

The Volvo C30 Electric is powered by a lithium-ion battery that is charged from a regular mains power socket. A completely depleted battery takes about eight hours to recharge. With the batteries topped off, the Electric C30 can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in 11 seconds while the BEV’s top speed is up around 81 MPH. If the car is recharged using electricity from renewable sources, travel is virtually free from carbon dioxide emissions. The electrified C30 has a range of 94 miles and has no gears which means that the motor’s power is delivered seamlessly. And because of the electric motors, gobs of torque are available instantaneously.

Press release after the jump.

Volvo C30 Electric ready for delivery originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 09:00 EST.

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Facelift Aston Martin DB9 caught testing

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Aston-Martin, Aston-Martin DB9, Spy Shots and Rendering, coupe, sports cars

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Yesterday we reported that Aston Martin would bring a new generation DB9 sometime in 2013-2014. However, until then, the British company is preparing a facelift version that will be revealed at the Paris Auto Show. And spy photographers caught it almost completely undisguised.

The facelift version includes a new front bumper with revised intakes, a new side sill design, new wheels, new wing mirrors, and redesigned taillights. The new DB9 will also get new exterior colors and a few new wheel options.

A facelift version for the Volante version will be revealed in a few months after the coupe version.

Facelift Aston Martin DB9 caught testing originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 09:00 EST.

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Nissan LEAF caught unmasked in Arizona

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Nissan, Nissan Leaf, Spy Shots and Rendering, electric cars

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It’s amazing what people can do with a camera. A Nissan LEAF fan has captured images of the electric car driving on the streets of Arizona. This time, there is none of that spy photo tape and garbage that obscures the view of the car. Here is the LEAF in black with all the bits showing.

The photos were posted on a Nissan LEAF fansite and show the cars five-spoke alloy wheels and thin LED taillights. The only bit of tape on the car is on the Nissan badge/charge port access panel.

It actually looks very good, much better than the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. If you want one and haven’t already reserved one, you may be out of luck. Reservations have already exceeded the number they are going to make in the first year, but Hertz has them for you if you want to rent one.

The LEAF will run about $25,280 after all the tax credits. The car has a range of 100 miles and a 107 horsepower output and 206 pound-feet of torque. A great city car than for people who want to help save the world.

Nissan LEAF caught unmasked in Arizona originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 08:00 EST.

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Video: Saab 9-5 sedan goes to the track for a little performance test

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Saab, Saab 9-5, sedan, video

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The upcoming release of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan is fast approaching and as such, Saab is also gearing up its efforts in promoting the car, complete with a series of videos that are made to show customers the capabilities and active features of the brand’s new flagship sedan, which is also the very first 9-5 to be built under Saab’s new owner, Spyker.

In this particular video, Stefan Runquist, the 9-5 sedan’s Vehicle Dynamics manager, gets behind the wheel of the 9-5 and takes it out for a nice little joyride on a Swedish race track, all while informing and educating all of us with regards to the 9-5’s new features and overall characteristics. This should be a good one to play back, especially if you’ve got your eye on purchasing the new 9-5 sedan as soon as it comes out.

Video: Saab 9-5 sedan goes to the track for a little performance test originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 June 2010 06:00 EST.

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2011 Nissan Versa prices announced

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Nissan, Nissan Versa

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Nissan announced today prices for the 2011 Versa, both sedan and hatchback. For 2011, Versa will be offered in a range of nine models, including a choice of 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engines and four available transmissions. Prices will start at $9,990 and will go up to $16,900.

Standard equipment includes: Nissan Navigation System, Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately). And for a few extra dollars customers can also get a Navigation/Satellite Package with a 5-inch LCD touch screen monitor, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information.

Press release after the jump.

2011 Nissan Versa prices announced originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 10 June 2010 23:43 EST.

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Video: Mercedes SLS AMG UK version

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Mercedes, Mercedes SLS-Class, UK, video

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Mercedes UK has revealed a new commercial for the new SLS AMG sports car. In the UK the car is priced at £157,500. The SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine located front-mid that develops 571 hp and up to 650 Nm of torque. The engine will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 3.7 seconds, while top speed goes up to 197 mph.

Video: Mercedes SLS AMG UK version originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 10 June 2010 22:00 EST.

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Video: Audi teases Le Mans series

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Audi, Audi R15 TDI, video

SuperTunes

While everyone is waiting for the big Le Mans weekend, Audi has decided to tease us with a few images that give us an idea of the show that is in store for all of us. Audi will enter the race with a R15 TDI powered by a V10 TDI engine. To keep it in line and make it a little bit more competitive, Audi tweaked the R15 TDI’s body shape in addition to giving it a modified cooling and fuel tank system. The V10 TDI engine gets smaller air restrictors yet still delivers a staggering 590 horsepower. The car features a new radical design that features more red. In addition, large areas of the Le Mans race sports car that is internally designated as "R15 plus" will be kept in a purist black carbon-fiber look.

Video: Audi teases Le Mans series originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 10 June 2010 21:00 EST.

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Mercedes-Benz DTM Driver Susie Stoddart Races the E63 AMG Estate

Posted by: CDanielson  /  Category: DTM, E-Class Estate, E63 AMG, E63 AMG Estate, Estate, Motorsports, Susie Stoddart

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Susie Stoddart gets behind the wheel of the 525 horsepower E63 AMG and spends some time on the race track


The new MINI V8 muscle car, sort of

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Mini, car tuning, hatchback

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Have you ever thought that, despite their great looks and handling, the MINI never sounded like a man’s car? Well, worry no more, as MINI has developed a fun new toy for their product range.

BMW engineers have developed a technique to make us perceive sound differently. This means that a diesel MINI can sound like a Mustang GT.

The German automaker has two built two prototypes, a 635d and a MINI Clubman with the option of four engine notes, including one that will make people think you have a big V8 under the hood.

BMW has called the system, ‘Active Sound Design’ and it utilizes the car’s own sound-system so, well, that test drivers thought they were performing better than the standard vehicles with identical performance.

The 635d prototype uses ‘acoustic lightweight construction’ techniques that use new lightweight sound and vibration deadening in the engine bay and under the car. Add that to an engine that is “partially encompassed by an acoustic capsule” and the engine noise is very low.

Hit the jump to see the rest of the story and a video

The new MINI V8 muscle car, sort of originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 10 June 2010 19:00 EST.

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Video: Watch and listen to the Pagani Zonda Cinque

Posted by: topspeed.com  /  Category: Pagani, Pagani Zonda, Supercars / Exotic cars, special editions, video

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We don’t often get the chance to catch videos of the ultra exclusive Pagani Zonda Cinque out on the streets so when our friends over at Marchettino sent us this video of the Zonda Cinque - #2 of 5, so they say - we wasted little time in watching the video. Just remember that when you watch it, be sure to turn your speakers up and make sure that everything’s quiet around you. Similar to how people drink wine or smoke their cubans, there’s an art that comes with listening to the piercing roar of a monstrous engine and the Zonda Cinque’s V12 678 horsepower certainly qualifies as one.

Remember, make sure it’s quiet around you, dim the lights, and turn up the volume. It certainly doesn’t get any better than this.

Video: Watch and listen to the Pagani Zonda Cinque originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 10 June 2010 18:00 EST.

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