12:31 PM
TIGER PRODUCTIONS
Shared with corporate partner Jaguar, the newly opened visitor center will be used to deliver vehicles to customers directly from the factory. To go along with that plush treatment, Jaguar Land Rover designed the center to resemble a "high-quality boutique hotel." The keys to the first 2013 Range Rover were handed over to Denys Shortt, who has owned Range Rovers for the past 25 years, and his wife Debbie. "My wife and I have really enjoyed our day here, the unveil was spectacular and it's a very special place to be handed the keys and have an introduction to our new cars," Shortt said. Mark Cameron, Jaguar Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, added: "This facility has been designed to provide customers with the opportunity to come into direct contact with our brand. It offers an intimate setting while delivering bespoke and premium experiences using the latest technologies to offer the very highest levels of customer service." The new Land Rover, which will arrive in U.S. dealers later this year, weighs 700 pounds less than the outgoing model, improving fuel economy and overall performance. In the U.S., the Range Rover will be available with two V8s, both of which will be mated to an eight-speed automatic. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Prices for the 2014 Nissan GT-R Premium will start from $99,590, representing a $2,770 price hike over the outgoing model. The up-level GT-R Black Edition will carry a price tag of $109,300, marking a $2,980 premium over the 2013 model. The 2014 GT-R makes use of the same 545 horsepower, 463 lb-ft of torque twin-turbocharged V6 that powered the 2013 GT-R, but Nissan updated the car's fuel injectors for better mid-range punch. The 2014 GT-R's oil pan has also been updated to better stabilize oil pressure during high-speed driving. On the handling front, the 2014 GT-R comes equipped with new shock absorbers, revised front stabilizer and a new hub bearing design. Nissan even went as far as to add reinforcements to the GT-R's dash panel bar to increase overall rigidity. Look for the 2014 GT-R to arrive in Nissan showrooms in the coming weeks. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
To sweeten Focus Electric lease deals, the blue oval is offering $10,750 cash back on a 36-month lease. Monthly payments total just $285, with $930 due at signing and a 10,500-mile annual cap. Those interested in buying the electrified Focus outright will benefit from a $2,000 cash discount that brings the price down to $37,995. Ford is also offering 1.9-percent financing if the EV is purchased through Ford Motor Credit. The news comes less than two weeks after Nissan effectively trimmed $6,000 from the bottom line of its Leaf EV by adding a new, decontented entry-level trim level. "We certainly are not in a situation where we have to completely discount,, but we do have to respond to competitive pressures," Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood told The Detroit News. "We're not anywhere close to where Nissan has gone with the Leaf." /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
With the won appreciating nearly five percent against the dollar in the final three months of 2012, Hyundai's quarterly income totaled 1.89 trillion won ($1.8 billion), a decline from $2 trillion won during the same period in 2011. Should the value of the won continue to climb, it could pose significant problems for Hyundai, especially as the weakening yen gives Japanese competitors the opportunity to pursue lower pricing strategies. "The magnitude of the won's appreciation will probably intensify toward the second half of this year," Hyundai Chief Financial Officer Lee Won Hee said. "The weak yen will allow Japanese automakers to aggressively market products, especially in places where we are intensely competing against them, such as Australia and Russia." Also hurting Hyundai's balance sheet is the $255 million it announced today that it will commit to reimbursing buyers affected by its overstated mileage claims. Last November, Hyundai and Kia acknowledged that a testing error had led to inflated mileage ratings for about 900,000 vehicles, and the company subsequently pledged to reimburse owners for the difference between the claimed and actual fuel economy. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 ![McLaren previews production P1 supercar [Video]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vW6gyJB5vdV_XocX209lV3rterxSIonBNPZVbJ2uHdZoDZYPpXqng8M7iBLSJ9MBzz2Nur7B8HAoBrY16WWdqnQbiNOxrBEVhLoz5HTWBpr2lghADfAdAWtwxh_qGRg8ii7pVNTlnsJETIvaT6_v5v8gyecuOYXYjwxb0=s0-d)
Since the P1's debut, McLaren has been working feverishly to transform it from a concept into a showroom-ready ride, and now the automaker is showing off the fruits of its labor in a new preview video. Although the development cars in the film are covered in camouflage, little seems to have changed in the transition to production, with the P1's controversial but aerodynamically-efficient lines carried over intact. Notably, that camo is adorned with line drawings of famous race tracks : likely some of the same circuits that the P1 is being tested on. While McLaren has yet to release any concrete technical specifications for the P1, we do know that it will use a version of the MP4-12C's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 along with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System for a total output of around 800 horsepower. To keep things light, the car will make use of carbon fiber construction, while hydraulic anti-roll control, adaptive dampers and a pushrod suspension like that of the Lamborghini Aventador should help ensure extremely nimble handling. The production McLaren P1 is expected to debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show, after which it will hit the market near the end of the summer. Just 500 examples will be built, each carrying a price tag estimated to be in the neighborhood of $1.1 million. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
The 2014 edition of the Murano CrossCabriolet will start from $41,995 (not including destination), or $2,545 less than a 2012 model with no options. This is the second consecutive year that Nissan has trimmed the convertible's MSRP : the automaker also lopped $1,850 from the bottom line of the 2012 by shifting the previously standard navigation system to the options list. Other revisions for the 2014 model year are limited to two new colors - Midnight Garnet and Gun Metallic : in addition to redesigned 20-inch wheels. The 265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable transmission will solider on with no changes. Nissan doesn't break down Murano sales between the standard five-door model and the CrossCabriolet, but it's likely that the convertible's lower price of entry comes in response to tepid demand. Significantly, Nissan seems to be skipping from 2012 to 2014 for the latest model year of the CrossCabriolet, suggesting that there is too much leftover 2012 inventory to justify creating a 2013 version. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
The third-generation version of Toyota's full-size pickup truck will undoubtedly headline the Windy City's show, which is sandwiched particularly closely between the Detroit and Geneva shows this year. Not much is known about the new Tundra, which is expected to be a pretty substantial redesign. The outgoing Tundra received much fanfare at its 2006 Chicago show debut, but it has seen few updates since going on sale as a 2007 model. However, the full-size pickup segment has become significantly more competitive in the last several years. A heavily-revised Ram with a segment-leading (in terms of fuel efficiency) V6 hit the market late last year, while General Motors' all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra go on sale this summer. Sales leader Ford has also continuously updated its F-150 range. It's anticipated that the Tundra will continue to be built alongside the smaller Tacoma at Toyota's San Antonio, Texas, assembly plant. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Recognizing that an extensive model range is the way to boost volume and attract a broad spectrum of full-size pickup buyers, Nissan won't make the same mistake again with the second-generation truck. The automaker plans to launch the new Titan with a larger assortment of engine and trim level choices, Pierre Loing, vice president of product and advanced planning and strategy for Nissan North America, revealed in an interview with Edmunds. Loing indicated that fuel economy will be a major focus of the Titan redesign, which means that a new entry-level V6, and possibly a turbocharged V6 modeled after the Ford F-150's EcoBoost mill, could be in the cards. While the current Titan is offered only in relatively well-equipped trims, Nissan plans to offer lower-priced versions of the pickup : including a regular-cab model : as well. At present, "the plumber, the carpenter wouldn't buy a Titan. We want to attract some of those people," Loing said. Nissan is hopeful that the new Titan, which will likely launch in 2014 as a 2015 model, will be able to win over 100,000 buyers a year. The volume peak for the existing model came in 2005, when it sold almost 87,000 units; last year, just 21,576 Titans found new homes. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Witness: Its new entry-level ATS sports sedan is, at least on the spec sheet, a near carbon copy of a certain default German, the BMW 3-Series. Cadillac's former "base model" was its brand-redefining CTS, a terrific sedan by all accounts, but one that offered size up accommodations and power for the price of a 3. This shift in Cadillac's lineup couldn't have been possible without the original, sharply-chiseled CTS that, on its own, recast an American icon in a decidedly Teutonic mold. The high value concept worked wonders, but is Cadillac finally prepared to take Audi and BMW head on? What is it? Riding on a new rear-wheel-drive platform, the ATS was designed with one goal: To be a better BMW 3-Series than the BMW 3-Series itself. That's a lofty goal since the 3 has dominated both its segment's sales charts and critical reviews for three decades thanks to its combination of goes-where-you-point-it handling, lusty powertrains and just-right sizing. Strip away the ATS' softened angles and its inspiration is obvious. Power goes to either the rear or all four wheels (on ATS4 models) via a choice of six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes and a trio of engines ranging from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a 2.0-liter turbo four up to our tester's 3.6-liter V6. That V6 is a popular unit at GM : it's available in virtually all of the automaker's larger and more expensive models - from the Chevrolet Camaro to the Buick Enclave. ATS is the second Cadillac to offer the brand's new CUE infotainment system, a touchscreen-based system standard on all but some of the lowest-rung models. Designed to emulate an iPad, at least conceptually, CUE replaces virtually every traditional button or knob with a flat surface ready to be tapped. Steering wheel controls and voice commands offer some control duplication. Cadillac-exclusive CUE differs from the infotainment systems used on other GM products. ATSs can be loaded up with base, Luxury, Performance and Premium trim levels, depending on the engine chosen. The latter two include a sports suspension, though Performance models like our tester ride on 17-inch wheels rather than the Premium trim's 18s. What's it up against? The aforementioned BMW 3-Series : in 335i guise : is the ATS' chief rival, but the Audi S4, Mercedes-Benz C350, Volvo S60 T6 and Infiniti G37 offer serious competition. What's it look like? Very much an evolution of Cadillac's current, edgy design language, the ATS breaks little ground yet appears fresher and simpler than any model that preceded it. Perhaps more importantly, we think its cleaner look will age better than the more complex CTS. Taut metal with a minimum of excess bulbousness gives the ATS an almost reptilian look further magnified by its swept-back headlamps. At the rear, tall lamps and a chrome garnish below the license plate put the ATS more in line with its ancestors, although the closely-spaced dual tailpipes clearly indicate that this is not an Eldorado. On the detail front, we liked the way our test car's standard 17-inch alloy wheels rode and handled, but they look a bit dinky inside the big wheel wells. And on the inside? Clean and elegant, our test ATS' business-like interior could have been plucked from any German car company's parts bin. If the almost stark decor isn't enough to convince you, the firm and well-bolstered driver's seat darn well should. This is a driver's car done up for those who want their local interstate to feel like a German autobahn. Functionally, we found little reason to fault the ATS' interior until we wanted to start pressing buttons. The captain's chair and meaty three-spoke steering wheel are perfectly aligned for driving and outward visibility is top notch thanks to a low belt line and thin roof pillars. Rear seat space won't remind you of the big DeVille the octegenarian down the street owns, but what's there is well-finished and certainly class-competitive. So to is the trunk with its large opening aside from a narrow well and curiously non-folding rear seatback. But then we wanted to change the radio station. Or adjust the climate control. Traditional push-in buttons for the latter have been replaced by touch-sensitive lights. Though they might look nifty in the showroom, they lack the eyes-off-the-road usability of old school buttons : in other words, you might not realize you've turned down the temperature until it's rather chilly in the cabin. The big, beautiful screen at the top of the dashboard was the subject of much ire during our evaluation. Its simple Apple iPad-style icon-based screens, which present only the most necessary information most of the time, but the system is far from perfect. Despite recalibrating our tester's screen several times, we had a hard time navigating the screen's icons. Instead of seeking, we wound up on preset number three even though our finger looked like it was on the seek icon. Moreover, CUE offers an odd haptic feedback : tap the screen and it vibrates harshly. We likened it to the tactile version of hearing fingernails screeching across a chalkboard. And the screen collected fingerprints : our photos show it after limited use. The flat climate control panel proved similarly frustrating. Requiring deliberate, specific taps and an often lengthy glance away from the road, the panel is as attractive as it is challenging to operate. The ATS' redundant steering wheel switches work mostly as intended, but they aren't perfectly ergonomic and their back lighting got rather toasty on extended drives. The voice controls were a highlight, though, since they allow for essentially natural language commands rather than hierarchical menuing like the much-maligned MyFord Touch system. In short, CUE is elegant and generally a step in the right direction, but it's rather lacking in distraction-free real-world functionality. It's standard on most higher-spec ATS models. We wish it was optional. But does it go? The pint-size Cadillac is the perfect home for this 3.6-liter V6. Saddled with an acceptably lithe 3,500 lbs. to tote around, the 3.6-liter makes the most of its 321 horsepower and 274 lb-ft. of torque. The six-speed automatic gearbox might be down a gear or two compared to some rivals, but it is well-suited to the V6. Acceleration is brisk from any speed and perhaps the most overriding sensation is the engine's utter refinement. Silent at idle and possessing only a muted growl as the tachometer needle works its way counterclockwise, the V6 has a genuinely world-class feel. Though it lacks the thunderous torque curve of the boosted six-cylinder units seen in BMW and Volvo's offerings, the ATS' V6 does have the added advantage of being able to run on regular fuel. Officially, Cadillac rates the rear-drive model at 21/28 mpg, but we saw upwards of 30 mpg on a highway jaunt and never saw below 22 mpg in urban slogging. Credit a smooth-shifting six-speed that generally keeps engine revs low unless the gear lever is popped into sport mode. And it's sport mode that allows drivers to get the most out of the ATS' highly-capable chassis. The little 17-inch Michelins might not be cheap at $200 a pop according to the Tire Rack, but they supply terrific cornering grip. Moreover, they do so without undue impact harshness over rutted terrain despite their run-flat design that gives them particularly stiff sidewalls. ATS' firm ride proved exceedingly well controlled, resulting in neither the thumping that plagues the Volvo S60 nor the wallowy feel seen in the BMW 3-Series. The ATS' communicative steering isn't quite up to the benchmark-setting previous generation BMW 3-Series, but it is arguably the most enjoyable setup currently offered in the midsize sedan segment. Heft builds progressively, even if we wish there was a bit more feel to the steering to give drivers an idea of what's going on up front. And when it comes time to bring things to a halt, the Brembo front brakes included on the Performance trim are strong and easy to modulate. Simply put, the ATS relishes sporty driving. It's clear that Cadillac's substantial efforts tuning the ATS on the challenging Nurburgring race track in Germany have paid off. In fact, the recently-softened BMW 3-Series makes us really wonder if the Cadillac is out German-ing the German Leftlane's bottom line Cadillac is more than ready to take on the big boys. If the crested wreath brand can draw buyers into its showrooms, we think they'll be smitten with what is absolutely the most thoroughly entertaining Cadillac ever built (aside from the honking CTS-V). Its brilliant chassis and robust V6 work together to make it a sports sedan that requires no excuses. The only black mark on the ATS is its CUE infotainment system. CUE is beautiful, ponderous and distracting all at once, making us lament the death of the traditional button and knob. 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6 Performance base price, $43,695. As tested, $46,980 Crystal Red paint, $995; Cold weather package, $600; Navigation, $795; Destination, $895. Words and photos by Andrew Ganz. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Speaking with WardsAuto on the sidelines of the Detroit show, Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer recalled that Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn once contemplated shutting down the brand. "Mr. Ghosn challenged me and said, �We don't have to do Infiniti, you can cancel it if you want," Palmer said. Ultimately, Palmer made the decision to stick with Infiniti, but decided to eliminate the high-volume focus that had plagued the brand since its inception. "(Infiniti has) nice premium cars, but frankly, (they're) kind of discount," he says. "And we've been selling those cars over a period of 23 years with a Nissan-push mentality." Palmer stated that the company looks at Audi as a model for how a luxury brand can enjoy success while maintaining a healthy distance from the volume goals of a mass-market parent company. For that reason, Nissan recently hired former Audi of American president Johan de Nysschen as Infiniti's Senior Vice President. De Nysschen has pledged to help reinvent Infiniti as a quality-first tier-one premium brand, with one of his first decisions since signing on being to push back a previous goal of selling 500,000 worldwide from 2016 to 2017. Rather than chasing sales targets, de Nysschen wants to make certain that Infiniti develops the "brand metrics which entrench Infiniti as an unquestioned member of the club of premium automotive brands." Over the next four years, Infiniti will begin put its new strategy into action by releasing four new models : a compact hatchback derived from the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, a production version of the LE electric concept and two mystery vehicles. De Nyscchen has hinted that the Essence supercar concept may still make it showrooms, as could a non-traditional model positioned above the M sedan. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Located in London's West End, Bond Street is notable for its exclusive shopping and sky-high real estate prices. Swathed in a unique Midnight Black metallic paint scheme, the MINI Clubman Bond Street includes Cool Champagne-finished accents on its roof, mirror skull caps and hood stripes. Similarly, its 17-inch alloy wheels are painted in both Midnight Black and Cool Champagne. Bond Street script badging is found around the side repeater lamps on the front fenders. The theme continues inside, where carbon black leather contrasts with Deep Champagne-painted trim bits. Normally optional bits like a Chrome Line interior and exterior trim package are standard on the Bond Street model. In addition, the model includes as standard automatic climate control, a trip computer, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers and a leather steering wheel. The MINI Clubman Bond Street heads to U.K.-market showrooms shortly after it goes into production in March with a choice of four engines (two gas, two diesel) and either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission options. The special edition isn't likely to be sold in North America. In the U.K., it will list from £20,275. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Officially announced today at an event at Toyota's headquarters in Toyota City, Japan, the long-term partnership will see BMW and Toyota combining their existing fuel cell resources and knowledge to develop a complete fuel-cell vehicle system, including a fuel stack, hydrogen tank, motor and battery, by 2020. Also planned is research into advanced battery technologies such as lithium-air batteries, as well as lightweight technologies : including reinforced composites like carbon fiber - for vehicle bodies. Perhaps most intriguing is BMW and Toyota's decision to collaborate on a new sports car platform development project, which will begin with a feasibility study that's scheduled to conclude at the end of this year. While no further details have been officially announced just yet, it's possible that the project could follow in the footsteps of the Scion FR-S/ Subaru BRZ program and result in one sports car for each brand. "It is just over a year since we signed our collaborative memorandum of understanding, and with each day as our relationship strengthens, we feel acutely that we are making steadfast progress," said Toyota president Akio Toyoda in a statement. "Now, we are entering the phase that promises the fruit. While placing importance on what we learn from the joint development, we will work hard together in reaching our common goal of making ever-better cars." /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 ![Aston Martin puts 2014 Rapide S in motion [Video]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_v9fHU-EIpXohjTjKfKYVlick9tBbn6OYx8_kpuCRXT2fryF7qTXs9jacj_qTaDCIvj0sQeYAva_R-4fyP6GYN4q4wKAAluQeE6zV5wwCsDmuVdHTFD-AyI4GhQHhbCjtrWB7PrOg26l36S-yteMh3odgeFThRFvfiwlDc=s0-d)
The Rapide S' front end gains minor visual upgrades that include a new hood, a bigger grille and a revamped bumper. The new parts were designed to comply with the European Union's latest pedestrian safety regulations without resorting to fitting the car with a plastic grille and a protruding bumper. Inside, the Rapide retains its four-seater configuration and its dashboard remains largely unchanged. The sedan can be ordered with a host of luxury and sport-oriented option packages that add a healthy dose of either carbon fiber or wood trim. The major changes are found by popping the hood. Aston's big sedan is powered by a 5.9-liter V12 engine that churns out 550 horsepower and 457 lb-ft. of torque, a noticeable improvement of 80 ponies and 14 lb-ft. over the regular Rapide. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed Touchtronic 2 transmission and a limited-slip differential. With more power comes more speed, and the Rapide S sprints to 60 mph from a stop in 4.7 seconds, 0.4 quicker than the Rapide. It reaches an Autobahn-worthy top speed of 190 mph and returns 19 mpg in a mixed European cycle when driven conservatively. To keep the extra power in check, the Rapide S packs the latest generation of Aston Martin's Adaptive Damping System. It features Normal, Sport and Track modes, enabling the driver to change the car's handling characteristics at the flick of a switch. Pricing information will be released closer to the car's on-sale date. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Last year, GM and PSA - the maker of Peugeot and Citroen - entered into a joint venture to design and produce subcompact cars and small people carriers primarily aimed at the European market. The highest-volume model expected to emerge from the two automakers is a subcompact to replace the Opel Corsa and Citroen C3, although subcompact and compact MPV-style people carriers to replace the Peugeot 3008 and Opel Zafira (compact) and Opel Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Peugeot 2008 (subcompact) are also on the drawing board. None of the models the two automakers will build are expected to be sold in the United States, although the Zafira uses GM's Delta II platform, the same underpinnings seen in the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Cruze. The move to consolidate platforms is a major cost-saver for the two automakers, but today's announcement that PSA will supply platforms comes as something of a surprise. GM and PSA's major partnership aims to boost the efforts of both automakers, which are suffering in Europe in light of a struggling market and stiff competition from rivals. Additional joint-venture vehicles are under consideration, GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky told reporters at the announcement yesterday in Brussels. High on the to-do list is an expansion of the brands' collaboration to apply to cars sold in emerging markets like South America and Russia. GM also again reiterated that it has no plans to sell off its loss-making Opel division. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Likely offered as a costly option, the electronic co-pilot will primarily control the car during traffic jams. Audi expects that its most popular markets will be Japan and the United States because European drivers are more interested in seeing autonomous technology applied to freeway driving. The system is being developed jointly with Germany's Ibeo Automotive Systems and French component builder Valeo. It will use a host of lasers, cameras and sensors to scope out the road ahead and automatically move the car along in dense traffic. How much the self-driving option will cost is not known but the system can reportedly be fitted to the A8 without making major modifications to its steering and braking components, saving Audi a considerable amount of money. Engineers involved with the project say that the upcoming autonomous system is very promising. "So far, our test car has logged 37,000 kilometers (about 23,000 miles) without requiring human input," said Audi engineer Björn Giesler in an interview with Germany's Auto, Motor Und Sport. After debuting in the A8, the autonomous driving system will gradually be applied to other members of Audi's lineup. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Resembling a downsized Pathfinder, the concept's rugged appearance has been noticeably toned down for production but the overall styling changes very little. The Hi-Cross falls in line with Nissan's latest design language thanks to a V-shaped grille and angular headlights. The Japanese automaker has yet to release any details about the Hi-Cross and precisely where it will be positioned remains a mystery. Rumors circulating around the European auto industry indicate that it might replace the slow-selling X-Trail, an aging RAV4-sized SUV that is not offered in the United States. Another plausible possibility is that the Hi-Cross will fill the gap between the Qashqai +2 and the Murano, two vehicles that are about €30,000 (roughly $40,000) apart. Regardless, the Hi-Cross will be offered with a wide range of gasoline- and diesel-burning four-cylinder engines that will include a Renault-sourced 1.5-liter dCi turbodiesel. Both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available. More details about Nissan's enigmatic Hi-Cross will be released in the weeks leading up to the Geneva show. Whether or not the SUV will cross the Atlantic and land in U.S. dealerships is not currently known. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
A spokesman for the CFE-CGC, a union that represents white collar workers, told radio station France Info that Renault has threatened to close two factories located in the north of France if its workforce does not accept the deal that was proposed during a meeting that took place last Tuesday. Some of the deal's more controversial terms include making it mandatory for workers to relocate from one factory to another if requested, and making all employees work a total of 1,603 hours a year. Renault employees organized a nationwide strike yesterday to protest the so-called blackmail. In an uncommon display of solidarity, about 300 employees from equally-troubled PSA Peugeot-Citroën joined the movement. Ghosn strikes back Speaking with television station France 2, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn adamantly denied the blackmail accusations. "This is not an easy situation and all sides need to make an effort," explained Ghosn. "However, we are by no means blackmailing anyone. If every time we try to have a discussion with our unions people call it blackmail we will never get anywhere." Renault will meet with its trade unions again on January 29th. /* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 
Beirut-based W Motors will debut the Arab World's first supercar at the Qatar Motor Show. Just seven will be built, each with a $3.4 million price tag. Beirut-based W Motors is set to unveil its LykanHypersport on 29 January at the Qatar Motor Show. Just seven units are going to be built each priced at $3.4 million. The car has been in development for six years with companies such as RUF Automobile, Viotti, Studiotorino, Magna Steyr Italia and ID4MOTION all having a hand in its creation. Power is said to come from a mid-mounted twin-turbo flat-six engine that produces 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. 
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Hartge has not only increased the power output of the BMW M5 but it's also removed that pesky speed limiter. German tuning firm Hartge has been responsible for some of the most powerfully-tuned BMWs on the planet. And now it has released details on its tuning program for the ultimate sports sedan, the M5. The most vital upgrade in the package is the engine remap and the removal of the speed limiter. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 now produces 642 horsepower and 597 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 82 hp and 96 lb-ft. Because of this, the car can now go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph. 
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