6:06 PM
TIGER PRODUCTIONS
With the demand of commercial vehicles declining in the past few months, the stars of Tata Motors also seem to face darkness as steadily lessening demand has forced car maker to announce another block closure for three days at its Jamshedpur plant, after two production halt earlier, one of which was recently undertaken from November 12-14.
Validating the plan, a Tata spokeperson remarked that the block closure is planned due to pitiable demands of commercial vehicles. Company wishes to regulate its productions according to demands instead of accumulating inventory at dealer’s end, he added.
Commenting on the issue, Chandrabhan Singh, general secretary of Telco Workers Union said that after November 26, there has not been any production at the plant. Auto group had 5,000 units of vehicles production last month, figures of which in general is 10,000 units per month. Production halt is the cost-control measure, which company has undertaken due to droop in demands driven by the existing slow-down.
The Jamshedpur plant of Tata Motors manufactures heavy commercial vehicles, along with engine cab and cowl.
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Identical outside to the RLX concept car shown earlier this year, the production model follows much of the same design language seen in the least expensive Acura, the ILX. Whether that will appeal to buyers seeking a sedan in the $45,000-50,000 range remains to be seen, however. The RLX includes dynamic-looking new "Jewel Eye" all LED headlamps, which give it both a distinctive face and, Acura says, excellent nighttime drivability. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on both the base front-drive and late-introduction all-wheel-drive RLX. Regardless of driven wheels, both RLX models start with a 310-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The all-wheel-drive model adds a pair of electric motors at the rear of the car to power the rear wheels exclusively, which brings total output up to 370 horsepower while reducing fuel economy to 30 mpg in the city and on the highway. Just what is Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system? In the NSX concept car that debuted in Detroit, it uses twin electric motors to send power to the front wheels, while the rear wheels use the gas engine. In the RLX, the opposite is the case: The rear wheels will be motivated by the electric motors, while the front wheels will be powered by the gas engine. The system provides all-wheel-drive traction and also works as a torque vectoring system by instantaneously transfering torque between the electrified wheels for improved traction. Uniquely, the motors can provide positive or negative torque automatically to create what Acura calls an "on-the-rails" feel. The setup eliminates the need for a more complex differential to achieve the same handling-improving effect. Front-wheel-drive RLXs will feature the automaker's new All Wheel Steer system, which independently adjusts the toe angle of the rear wheels by working with the car's stability control and its variable gear ratio electric power steering. All Wheel Steer is designed to both make the RLX more nimble in urban situations and to make its handling faster, more stable and more direct at highway speeds. All RLXs send power to their wheels via a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Leftlane recently sampled a pair of prototypes clad in last-generation Honda Accord bodywork to test out the RLX's hybrid powertrain and All Wheel Steer system. Read about our experience here. The inside story Again stylistically derivative of Acura's other models, the dual cowl-style dashboard is covered in far more premium materials. Two LCD screens - a seven-incher and a larger eight-inch display - will show off infotainment and navigation functions with single-touch access to regularly-used functions. In addition, a new AcuraLink communication system that connects the car to an operator in the event of an emergency or for concierge services, will also debut on the RLX. In addition, three audio systems are available depending on specification level. Acura says that the RLX's rear seat is more spacious than any of its rivals, including the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS and Audi A6. On the safety front, the RLX will feature Acura's first application of lane keeping assist to reel the car back in if the driver begins to drift, as well as standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning. A driver's knee airbag will also be standard. The front-wheel-drive RLX should hit dealers early next year, while the all-wheel-drive variant will follow a few months later. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The next Infiniti G will ride on the same rear-wheel drive platform as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, an arrangement that is made possible thanks to Renault- Nissan's partnership with Daimler. Infiniti engineers will also raid the German firm's parts bin to give the G more efficient gasoline- and diesel-burning powerplants. In an interview with England's Autocar, Infiniti chief designer Shiro Nakamura explained that the next-generation 3-Series-fighter will be "much sportier and more dynamic than the current car." Like the current model, the next G will be offered as a sedan, a coupe and a convertible, though only the sedan will be on hand at the Detroit show. The two-door models are expected to bow later next year or in early 2014. The new G range is expected to bear a proper M3 rival. Branded under Infiniti's IPL label, the high-performance G could use a twin-turbocharged V6 rated at well over 400 horsepower. Following the G's official debut, Infiniti is expected to reveal an updated version of the M sedan and a production version of the LE concept. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The company's so-called Kodo design language that first entered production with the Mazda CX-5 is clearly visible in this car's front fascia and rear end, but the swoopy side profile and certain details are almost Alfa Romeo-esque to our eyes. Though the current Mazda3 was the automaker's first model to receive its much-ballyhooed high-mpg Skyactiv engine and transmission in the United States, the 2012 model year introduction of that powertrain was essentially a stopgap measure. Under the automaker's Skyactiv philosophy, issues such as vehicle weight and aerodynamics are factored into creating an altogether more efficient, yet still performance-oriented package. The CX-5 was the first full-scale application of Skyactiv and the company's all-new 2014 Mazda6 unveiled earlier this year should also preview the higher-volume Mazda3. We should learn more about the next-generation Mazda3 over the next few months as the current car's production cycle begins to come to a close. As the 3 is Mazda's highest-volume model in many of its largest markets - including North America - it is undeniably a crucial product for the Japanese automaker. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
Similar to Chrysler's existing S-badged 200 and 300 sedans, the Town and Country S is characterized by boatloads of sinister black trim. The grille, badges and headlights surrounds are all rendered in black, and black-trimmed 17-inch wheels fill the dark voids of the wheel wells. While the van can also be had in Deep Cherry Red, Stone White or Billet Silver, Brilliant Black seems like the most appropriate hue for the exterior. There are no color choices inside : Black Torino leather seats with Ballistic Black cloth inserts, Piano Black trim and a black headliner are all standard. "S" logos adorn the seatbacks and gauge cluster, and dark grey stitching completes the treatment. In addition to the style-focused upgrades, there's a "performance" suspension setup similar to that of the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T "Man Van." Chrysler's new Blu-Ray dual-screen DVD system, which is optional on other T & C trims, is standard on the S. Chrysler has yet to announce pricing info or an on-sale date for the Town & Country S, but the automaker will likely release those when the van makes its official debut later this week at the L.A. Auto Show. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The first phase of the plant's construction is scheduled to begin next year and wrap up in 2015. When finished, the roughly $1 billion (6.6 billion yuan) plant will have an annual capacity of 400,000 cars and engines. The partners said that they will pick which vehicles to build there closer to the plant's inauguration. Although the plant will be used by GM, SAIC and Wuling, it will exclusively run GM's global manufacturing processes and operate under its quality standards. Before work on the factory can begin, the companies must obtain the Chinese governments' nod of approval, a process which can take up to several months. GM, SAIC and Wuling are on a quest to build 2 million cars and trucks a year in China by the year 2015. The third assembly plant will complement the existing two and help them reach their ambitious goal. Photo by Ronan Glon. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
For 2013, the biggest member of the Mazda lineup gets a new front end that is clearly inspired by the KODO " Soul of Motion" design language that was introduced on the smaller CX-5 crossover. The CX-9's overall silhouette remains roughly the same, however. The CX-9's interior is largely carried over from the previous model year, but Mazda says higher quality materials result in a more up-sclae feel. The 2013 CX-9 will usher in Mazda's latest infotainment system and a speech-recognition device that is based on the Human Machine Interface (HMI). Mazda has packed the CX-9 with all of the latest high-tech safety features such as a lane departure warning system and a high beam control system. The CX-9's 2013 refresh didn't quite reach the engine bay, so the CUV will continue to use Mazda's 273 horsepower 3.7L V6. Front-wheel drive versions of the CX-9 are capable of hitting 24mpg on the highway, but all-wheel drive reduces that figure to 22mpg. The 2013 Mazda CX-9, which will soon arrive on dealer lots, will carry a base price of $29,785. Live images by Andrew Ganz. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
Underneath the 2014 Sorento's admittedly familiar exterior looks resides a heavily updated body shell made of 25 percent high-strength steel. Kia has also added front, side and rear structures, resulting in an 18 percent increase in torsional stiffness. The 2014 Sorento's length and width remains unchanged from last year's model, but the revised SUV sits 10mm lower, which Kia says translates into a better on-road feel. Kia has also totally revamped the Sorento steering and suspension systems for a better driving experience. Although not radically different that the last-generation of the car, the new Sorento sports an updated front fascia with a new bumper and standard projection headlights and LED daytime running lamps. Out back the Sorento gets an all-new tailgate design. Intended to give the SUV a more up-scale look, the Sorento's rear end features new-look taillights and a bumper designed to match the look of the SUV's front-end. Under the Sorento's new hood is a direct injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. of torque. Optional on the LX and EX and standard on the SX and SX Limited is a 3.3-liter, 290-horsepower, 252 lb-ft. of torque direct injected V6. Regardless of mill, all Sorentos come standard with a six-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive remains optional, but for 2014 it includes torque vectoring to more quickly apportion power between the wheels. A new electric power steering includes a button to adjust steering stiffness between comfort, normal and sport modes. Inside the Sorento lies a refreshed interior with options like a 7-inch TFT display for the gauge cluster and ventilated front seats. A blind spot monitor is newly optional. Topping the range for the 2014 model year is a new Sorento SX Limited, which will hit the market a few months after the rest of the lineup arrives. Just three colors - white, black and silver - are available for this top-of-the-line model, which includes HID headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, painted brake calipers and a few interior upgrades like a revised headliner and a heated, wood steering wheel. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
Audi's U.S. diesel lineup currently consists of the A3 compact and Q7 SUV, but the German automaker will soon offer its 3.0L diesel V6 in its A8, A7, A6 and Q5 models. The diesel mill promises to boost the fuel economy of each vehicle by about 30 percent. "Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "And, TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance." The 3.0L oil-burning V6 will first land in the A8 in early 2013. Under the hood of the A8 the 3.0 TDI engine will produce 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds. The new A8 TDI model will return 24mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway. The same 3.0 TDI engine will power the A7, A6 and Q5, but Audi's hasn't released specific performance or fuel economy figures for those vehicles. The A7 TDI, A6 TDI and Q5 TDI will hit dealer lots during the fall of 2013. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
Called the Veloster C3 Roll Top, the concept is highlighted by a versatile convertible roof that Hyundai says was created from a repurposed billboard truck tarp. For a wind-in-you-hair convertible experience, it can be folded back; should there be a need to carry bulky items like bikes or surfboards, extra cargo space can be freed up by folding the rear seats, popping open the tailgate (fitted in place of the normal car's hatch) and rolling the top forward. Hyundai says the C3 Roll Top was inspired by colorful, low-cost fixed gear bikes, with that influence taking the form of mismatched front and rear wheels in addition to other unique elements such as interior floor tiles constructed from recycled skate board decks. Providing power for the concept is the Veloster Turbo's direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Don't expect to see the Veloster C3 Roll Top at your local Hyundai dealership any time soon. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The Concept K2 Powder Ride is easily distinguishable from the standard X1 thanks to a vibrant Valencia Orange metallic paint job and a unique graphics package inspired by one of K2's limited edition snow skis. Avid skiers will also appreciate the concept's unique roof structure, which incorporates two luggage boxes : complete with a Harman Kardon sound system : and a ski carrier. In order to ensure the Concept K2 Powder Ride makes it to the top of the mountain, the X1 show car boasts BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system and an extra 8 millimeters of suspension travel. The concept also features unique 19-inch wheels finished in Ferric Grey. Inside the X1 concept is covered in Black Nappa leather with contrasting orange stitching. The X1's standard trim is replaced with Fineline Bay wood, which BMW says gives an "ambience imbued with quality and individual sophistication." Although BMW has no current plans to put the Concept K2 Powder Ride into production, the show car has inspired a new limited edition of the X1, which is also making its world debut at the LA show. Dubbed the BMW X1 Powder Ride Edition, the limited edition X1 will come standard with BMW's roof rail and storage package, a bespoke ski and snowboard bag, all-weather floor mats and a fitted luggage compartment mat. As a bonus, BMW will throw in a set of exclusively designed K2 LTD Powder Ride skis with the purchase of every X1 Powder Ride Edition. BMW hasn't announced how many units of the X1 Powder Ride Edition it plans to produce, but says the package will only be available this winter. Set to hit U.S. showrooms in November, the X1 Powder Ride Edition will be available in both xDrive28i and xDrive35i guises. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
Scott, whose eccentric creations are favored by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham, elected to build the concept around oversized examples of one of his signature design elements - wings. Constructed from transparent fiberglass, the stylized pinions are mounted where the quarter windows and taillights were previously located and feature sweeping red accents that double as brake lamps. "For me, wings mean freedom, a sense of weightlessness," Scott said. "Because of this, I definitely wanted to have them for the smart electric drive in order to convey the way it frees the environment of noxious emissions and symbolizes the new lightness of mobility," Other special touches include bespoke wheels, which were modeled after airplane propellers, and, above the headlights, curved "eyebrows" that Scott says were designed to convey a sense of "untamed curiosity and unbridled joy." Inside, the instrument panel, seats and door are upholstered in Nappa leather, while diamond stitching adorns the seat inserts and center panels. Jet engine-shaped air inlets finished in chrome complete the interior treatment. Despite the forjeremy's outrlandish details, smart says that it will actually produce a limited edition variant of the concept next year. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
"Through this unique collaboration with Gran Turismo, Chevrolet is able, for the first time, to give performance car enthusiasts access to such an exclusive driving experience," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing. The real-life production car will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show on January 13, 2013. While the Gran Turismo franchise is well known to be a simulator, the C7 Prototype won't drive exactly as the production car, but rather reflect the handling characteristics of the development mule instead. All six previous generations of the Corvette are featured in Gran Turismo 5 as well, and it's more than likely that the production version of the C7 will also be digitized and offered as Downloadable Content in the future, after the actual car's debut. Naturally, we couldn't resist jumping on the bandwagon and moseyed on over to the virtual store for our own taste. First impressions include a distinctly non-V8 burble upon fire-up, while the rated horsepower of the virtual car is 441 at 6,000RPM and 452lb-ft at 4, 500RPM, before an oil change. Other specs revealed in the game include a 3,307lbs weight and 521 Performance Points. Whether the power and weight numbers translate over to the production car remains to be seen, though the power numbers roughly match up to those already revealed for the recently unveiled 6.2-liter small-block LT1. A drive reveals the game developers programmed in a virtual cockpit as well, though the gauges are blacked out and there is camouflage covering the dashboard. The virtual engine has a 6,500RPM redline and doesn't make typical, muscle car noises. We managed to hit a top speed of 190mph on Daytona during our brief "wheel time," though more was left over. Whether the standard production C7 can do the same remains to be seen, but isn't likely. The exterior camouflage hides what appears to be a hood vent or window, like on the current ZR1, along with projector headlamps, a stepped rear deck, and the double bubble roof. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The result of widespread complaints about the Civic's styling and generally cheap-feeling interior, the 2013 Civic will begin arriving in dealers immediately. The Civic sedan adopts new front-end styling for 2013 (the coupe remains unchanged), with the compact sporting an updated lower bumper with chrome accents, black honeycomb mesh grille, clear-lens corner lights and a more sculpted hood. Upper-trim versions of the 2013 Civic receive new integrated fog lights. The Civic Si also gains revised fascias and a larger rear spoiler, plus a side-mounted VTEC sticker. Out back, the 2013 Civic gets a new-look bumper as well as a lower diffuser panel with a honeycomb mesh vent. The biggest changes come inside, however. A new dashboard is visually similar to the outgoing model's, but it is covered in soft-touch materials. The door panels have also been revised and are covered in similarly upgraded trim. Honda says the interior is quieter than before thanks to a raft of NVH-related tweaks, including thicker windshield and front-side window glass, a stiffer subframe and more sound-deading materials in the trunk, doors and floor. Underneath its revised sheetmetal, the Civic features numerous handling-focused modifications. The suspension has been reworked with stiffer springs and rear bushings along with thicker roll bars front and rear, while the body structure benefits from a number of strengthened components. A retuned electric steering setup is also among the changes, and non-Si Civics get upsized 11.1-inch front brake rotors. While the Civic and Civic Si's powertrains are unchanged, Honda did see fit to add a fair ammount of new standard kit. All models are fitted with a rearview camera, a color LCD screen, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, a USB port and redundant steering-wheel controls, among other goodies. Newly optional safety tech includes a lane departure warning system and a forward collision alert system. Pricing is up $160 across the line, with the LX sedan now listing from $18,165. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
These tidbits were revealed at the launch of the 2014 VW Beetle Convertible by VW's head of design Klaus Bischoff. Speaking to AutoCar, Bischoff said his team is working on 100 design studies for such a vehicle. "Retractable hardtops are disappearing from the market now, and to be honest that's not something I mind," Bischoff said. He went on to say room for a larger convertible exists in VW's lineup, but admitted there is an issue with where to produce it, since all of the carmaker's current factories are running at full capacity. Discontinuing the Eos makes sense, as sales are down 17.8 percent during the first 10 months of 2012 compared to the same period last year, at 5,529 sales. What's more, there is some overlap with the Beetle, as both are four-seaters and similarly sized, with only styling and the hardtop distinguishing them. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The new upgrade motor is a SkyActiv 2.5-liter four-cylinder borrowed from the redesigned Mazda6 sedan, according to an Automobile report. In the CX-5, the powerplant will produce 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque : figures that represent gains of 29 ponies and 35 lb-ft over the 2.0-liter. While that output isn't enough to match the competition's top-level turbocharged motors, the 2.5-liter will outmuscle nearly all the standard engines found in the CX-5's rivals. Surprisingly, the new 2.5L won't have much of an adverse effect on fuel economy: FWD, automatic-transmission 2014 CX-5 models will be rated at 32 mpg on the highway regardless of which engine is equipped. The mileage champ in the CX-5 lineup will remain the 2.0L, six-speed manual model, which returns 35 mpg on the highway. Unlike the smaller motor, the 2.5-liter will not be available with a manual transmission; a six-speed automatic will be the only gearbox. Mazda has yet to release pricing details for the 2.5-liter, which will be optional on the CX-5's Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
The studio was previously located in Pasadena, California, but Honda's North American R&D design chief, David Marek, says that it will have a larger role within the automaker's operations by moving downtown. Spanning about 6, 500 square feet, the facility will help the automaker's Torrance, California, operations design and build full-size models and prototypes. The building features unique design elements like a conference room made from a repurposed shipping container and a number of high tech computers. Honda says that the facility will take on a "lead role" within the automaker's global research and development department, which is headquartered a few hours outside of Tokyo. The facility will not, however, be the primary design studio for North American models - that responsibility remains near the automaker's North American headquarters in Torrance. div.post-content1 ul li { list-style:disc !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } div.post-content1 ol li { list-style-type: decimal !important; margin-left:20px; color:#000000; } #editorial_graph ul li { list-style:none !important; margin-left:0px; } 
Following the 500C Abarth, 500L Trekking and a raft of other EVs, Fiat takes the wraps off its electric Cinquecento in LA. The 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show has been packed with nothing if not Fiat 500s and electric cars. Now the two have come together with the unveiling of the new Fiat 500e, which follows the 500C Abarth and 500L Trekking, and the Chevy Spark EV, BMW i3 Coupe Concept and Smart ForJeremy Electric Drive at this year's Californian motor expo. Underneath the unique Electrico Arancione optional paintjob sits an electric motor with 111 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque to give the 500e a claimed range of more than 100 miles. 
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Boxster gets a roof and a new name to replace the old Cayman with a swoopier new model. Porsche is an automaker that's constantly tweaking its models, but what we have here is an all-new vehicle. Well, almost. The new Cayman has just made its global debut at the LA Auto Show, standing essentially as the fixed-roof counterpart to the new Boxster. Considering that the latter has been met with rave reviews, though, the new Cayman is bound to be a hit. Like the Boxster, the new Cayman is a mid-engined, two-door sportscar available in two trims. The base Cayman (pictured here in white) starts out with a 2.7-liter flat-six with 275 horsepower. 
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A model which got off to a somewhat rocky start, but would evolve into greatness. The 348 was also a Ferrari. That's really about all there is to say about it. It was a car which made big improvements to how Ferrari's sports cars were built, but still came up seriously short on power. But the 348 would give birth to the F355, considered one of the greatest sports cars built by marque. The transition from 328 to 348 to F355 shows how hard Ferrari had to work to bring itself up after the success of the mid-eighties gave way to the slump of the early Nineties. As the car's name implies, the 348 used a 3.4-liter V8. 
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Want to drive the new Corvette C7? Boot up the PS3 and pop in GT5. Pick up a racing game like Gran Turismo 5 and you'll find an endless array of cars to drive. The majority are digitally-recreated versions of cars that actually exist, but once in a while the developers will throw in something out of the ordinary. While the world awaits the release of the next-generation C7 Corvette, Chevrolet and Polyphony Digital have teamed up to put a camouflaged prototype of the upcoming American sportscar into Gran Turismo 5 for gamers to enjoy just like a factory test driver or engineer would - only in digital form. When rendering a car for a game like this, the developers painstakingly recreate every detail. But since the new C7 remains under wraps, they meticulously rendered every crease in the camouflage. The C7 prototype joins the full array of Corvettes past and present in the GT5 garage as we wait for the new Vette's debut in January at the Detroit show. 
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Firesand orange F-Type showcases Design pack and two Black packs to transform the Jaguar roadster into a sportier machine. Alongside the global debut of the new XFR-S performance sedan, Jaguar has rolled in to LA with the North American debut of the F-Type roadster. But rather than simply bring one of the models that already debuted in Paris, the British automaker brought a new F-Type decked out in a series of new option packs. The Design pack for features body-colored side sills, splitter and a glossy black rear valance, while the exterior Black pack adds gloss black trim to the front grille, side vents and roll hoops. 
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Honda's luxury division ups its game with a new sedan to rival the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and Lexus GS. If you're looking for a full-size luxury sedan, your choices are mostly limited to Europeans. Japan's sole contender is the Lexus LS. But one step down from there, the market is thick with competitors. Challenging the German benchmarks are Japanese rivals like the Lexus GS, Infiniti M and the Acura RL. The latter has stood as a technologically advanced but rather lackluster entry in the segment, but now Honda's luxury division has stepped in with the new RLX that could be a real game-changer for Acura. 
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The BMW 1 Series coupe and cabrio as we know it will soon transform into the 2 Series when the next-gen model arrives. In case anyone hasn't gotten the memo, BMW is in the midst of making changes to its numerical naming scheme for several models in its lineup. The changes affect both existing and upcoming new models, an example of which is that the former 3 Series Coupe/Cabrio will become the 4 Series. The car we know as the 1 Series Coupe and Cabrio will soon morph into the 2 Series, which has been spotted for the first time by our intrepid spy photographers. 
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Check out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series in the metal as it debuts at the LA Auto Show. Mercedes' fifth and most potent Black Series model was revealed a few weeks ago, but these are the first images of the SLS AMG Black Series in the metal making its public debut at the LA Auto Show. The ultimate Silver Star to date boasts a glut of superior upgrades, including a revised 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out 622 horsepower instead of 563. That translates to a 0-62 mph sprint time of 3.6 seconds and enables it to hit a top speed of 196 mph. 
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Hyundai�s latest Veloster concept demonstrates an innovative dual-function roll top. Jeremy Clarkson calls the stock Veloster "an accountant in a clown suit," so we wonder what he'd make of Hyundai's latest C3 Roll Top concept that debuted at the LA Auto Show. Finished in comical mix of red, white, black and teal, the convertible Veloster is the work of US designers from Hyundai Design North America who have created a split-personality Veloster by removing the glass top and adding a dual-function canvas roof that can be opened to the rear or the windshield, not unlike the Fiat 500C Abarth that debuted across the hall. 
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These tuning jobs prove it's possible to make Toyota/Subaru�s new sports coupe even more awesome. Conventional wisdom states that if something aint broke, don't fix it. However, gearheads know that even the best cars can benefit from a new body kit and an engine upgrade. The Toyobarus featured here have all gone under the tuning knife, emerging with more horsepower and more aerodynamic bodies as a result. If you're someone who wishes the BRZ/GT 86/FR-S had just a bit more power and a meaner-looking exterior, then you'll want to continue below. As you'll discover, putting a tuned Supra engine into a GT 86 is an absolute stroke of genius. more at CarBuzz: 5 Surprisingly Sporty Opel AstrasMcLaren P1 Spotted on the RoadNissan 240SX May Return as a GT86 Rival The aptly named Australian tuner "Tunehouse" is behind this souped-up BRZ. The tune job is designed to handle better and be more powerful. The tuner swapped the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine for a 2.6-liter Cosworth crate engine complete with an HKS GT-grade turbocharger, a front-mounted intercooler and an EcuTek ECU and lightweight billet flywheel; the new engine brings total horsepower to 330. Handling upgrades include a KW Variant 3 coil-over suspension, an alignment kit, a 1.5-way Tunehouse limited-slip-differential and Whiteline anti-roll bars. 
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Spy shots of production-ready McLaren P1 confirm new hypercar will stay true to concept unveiled in Paris. When the McLaren P1 debuted at the Paris show in September, the concept was described as being more than 95 percent in likeness to the production car. These latest spy shots of the all-new hypercar with just some basic camo and no body cladding seem to back that up. A full production-ready model is expected to appear at next year's Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in a limited-production run late in 2013 coinciding with McLaren's 50th anniversary. It will carry a price tag in the region of £700k - 800k, and come in left-hand drive only. 
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All it takes is an extensive exterior makeover and engine tune to turn the Astra into a true hot hatch. Not many Americans know about the Opel Astra. But that's okay. You don't need to know anything about Opel's hot hatch in order to enjoy these topnotch tune jobs. The Astra isn't the sportiest or fastest European hatchback. That said, it is possible to put lipstick on a pig, so to speak. These tuned hatchbacks both look and perform a 100 times better than their stock counterparts, which is good news for Opel fanboys (there have to be a few out there). Calling anything a 100 times better than something else may sound like an exaggeration, but you'll see that it's the truth when you continue below. more at CarBuzz: Ferrari's V8: 360/F430The Dark Knight Rises with a Juke NismoVivid Racing Presents M5 Aero Kit JMS made the Opel Astra a little easier on the eyes with its Racelook body kit. Highlights from the body kit include a front lip spoiler, a rear diffuser with cutouts for the new stainless steel exhaust system and 19-inch Schmidt Revolution CC wheels. A coilover suspension that drops the front of the Astra by 60mm and the rear by 50mm was also added. 
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NASCAR-spec SS hints at new halo model for Chevrolet, taking GM's new rear-drive sedan from the race track to the road and back again. Chevrolet has taken the wraps off its latest NASCAR racer, replacing the Impala that has served as the Bowtie brand's oval-racing contender since 2007 with a new shape. But there's more to the new Chevy SS stock car than just racing. The NASCAR-spec SS previews a new performance flagship for Chevrolet that will debut in February as the first new rear-drive Chevy sedan in 17 years. The new SS will serve as something of a halo model for the brand, debuting simultaneously alongside the new Holden Commodore in Australia. 
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Carbon-fiber accessories for the F10 M5 by Agency Power are now available via Vivid Racing. Arizona-based tuning house Vivid Racing has introduced some new carbon-fiber aero upgrades created for the BMW M5 (F10) by Agency Power, giving the twin-turbo V8-powered Bimmer some added aggression. Good for 560 horsepower and capable of sprinting from standstill to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, the F10 M5 is one rapid sedan. And with this new lightweight aerokit it now has even more potential. The design package consists of two carbon-fiber hoods, a carbon-fiber CSL-style trunk and carbon-fiber finned diffuser. 
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The affordable sports coupe segment is hot right now and Nissan very much wants to cash in with a potential GT86 fighter. A reborn 240SX could be the answer. Since the launch of the hugely successful Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ, competing automakers have clearly taken notice that the market is still hot for affordable, back-to-basics sports cars. With the exception of Mazda's MX-5 Miata, Japanese automakers such as Nissan have long backed out of this segment by turning their focus to more conventional sedans, SUVs and CUVs. But things are different now and Nissan is reportedly looking to get back into the game by reviving the old 240SX coupe. 
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Check out the first images of the upcoming 2014 Volkswagen Golf Variant/Estate/Wagon. Our spy photographers have just sent us these snaps of a wagon version of the new VW Golf. Volkswagen is currently working on extending the Golf Mk VII family, and these images of the first test prototype show that the station wagon is next on the list. Called the Golf Variant in certain markets, the wagon will be based on the redesigned hatchback, sharing its platform, drivetrain and styling cues, and will reportedly accommodate an extra 120 liters of luggage space in its larger boot, and still more on the roof rack. 
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Japanese tuner adopts a military theme for this custom Lamborghini Murcielago. Specializing in aftermarket programs for Lamborghinis, Japanese tuning house LB Performance has an impressive array of body kits for the Raging Bull, and its latest program for the Murcielago is a particularly striking piece of work. The T-02 aero kit consists of a front bumper, spoiler and diffuser, side skirts and rear diffuser, a choice of carbon-fiber and FRP rear wing and a rear bumper spoiler. Custom finished LB Forged alloys, 19-inches up front and 20 inches at the back, round out the package. 
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