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Posted on 05.15.2012 22:00 by Simona Filed under: BMW | USA | coupe | convertible | BMW 1-Series | sports cars | Cars | Car Reviews | BMW

The past few days have been pretty busy for BMW. First they unveiled the 3-Series Station Wagon and after it the 1-Series three-door and the M135i. And now the US market has received a new model to its 1-Series line-up: 135is offered in both coupe and convertible version. Prices will start from $44,145 for the coupe model and $48,845 for the convertible and sales are scheduled to begin this fall.

The BMW 135is is powered by a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers a total of 320 hp (+20 hp increase compared to the 135i) and 317 lb-ft of torque (+17 lb.ft). The engine features Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger and has been combined with a standard 6-Speed manual transmission or an optional 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission, but also with a Performance exhaust system.

The new 135is will be distinguished by exclusive 18″ wheels, unique high-gloss black kidney grill, black mirror caps and special exterior badges in additional to the standard M Sport Package components. For the interior BMW will add stainless steel pedals, special interior badges and optional black leather seats with blue stitching for the standard sport seats.

BMW 135is originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 15 May 2012 22:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.15.2012 20:00 by Simona Filed under: Lexus | sedan | industry news | rumors | Lexus IS | sports cars | future cars | Cars | Car Reviews | Lexus

Lexus is already preparing the next generation IS and with the standard version will come a new IS-F model. The first details we have on the upcoming IS-F suggest that it will be offered with a 5.0 liter V8 engine that will deliver a total of 470 HP, making it a serious competitor for the BMW M3.

The Lexus IS-F will measure 4,680 millimeters in length, 1,820 millimeters in width, and 1,400 millimeters in height. The new 5.0 liter V8 engine will deliver a total of 470 HP at 7,000 rpm and a fuel economy of 23.5mpg. It has been rumored that the IS-F will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of about 170 mph.

Rumors are also floating around that the future IS-F will be offered for the first time in coupe and convertible versions, but we’ll have to get more than a whiff of that rumor to believe it. Stay tuned!

Lexus IS-F originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 15 May 2012 20:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.14.2012 19:00 by Simona Filed under: Mercedes | AMG | Station-Wagon / Estate | Mercedes C-Class | car tuning | Cars | Car Reviews | Mercedes

Who said that station wagon models aren’t any fun? Edo Competition has released its newest tuning package that takes the Mercedes C63 AMG Station Wagon to new levels of awesome by increasing its output to a total of 600 HP. Top speed also gets a boost up to an impressive 211 mph.

The package includes a new high-performance exhaust system, exhaust headers, high-flow catalytic converters, new air filters, revised engine electronics, and a removal of the top speed governor. As a result, the engine will deliver a total of 600 HP and 501 lbs-ft of torque. Next to the modifications made to the engine, the tuner also added a high-performance exhaust system made entirely from stainless steel.

The Mercedes C63 AMG has also received a new set of 19″ wheels combined with Michelin high-performance tires. The package continues on the interior where the tuner added leather, cloth, fine woods or lacquer, high-quality metal applications, and carbon fiber.

Mercedes C 63 AMG T-Model by Edo Competition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 May 2012 19:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.14.2012 17:00 by Simona Filed under: Chevrolet | suv | Paris Motor Show | 2012 | Chevrolet Trax | Cars | Car Reviews | Chevrolet

Chevrolet has announced it will unveil a new global SUV in September at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. The new model, called Trax, will be offered in more than 140 markets, with Mexico and Canada being the first ones privy to it. As of right now, there are no plans to introduce it in the U.S. market.

The future Trax will feature the same pioneering spirit and expressive design that defines each new Chevrolet, but it will be distinguished by a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. Chevrolet states that the interior will come with standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require,” said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development. “After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.”

Chevrolet Trax originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 May 2012 17:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.2.2012 12:00 by Justin Cupler Filed under: Aston-Martin | coupe | industry news | sports cars | roadster | Aston-Martin DBS | future cars | cool fast cars | Cars | Car Reviews | Aston Martin

For the 2013 model year, Aston Martin is producing an all new DBS, which means the current lineup is, of course, on its way out the door. Recently, an inside sat down with Car and Driver, and discussed what the British automaker’s plans are with the current DBS.

According to the source, the final 100 models of the DBS will be dubbed the DBS Ultimate Edition and will feature a nice array of extra goodies. The source didn’t offer too much about what the Ultimate Edition will include, but said to look to the differences between the 2010 DBS and the 2010 DBS Carbon Black for a good idea of what’s to come with this model.

This would first off mean that there are likely not going to be any mechanical modifications. Then again, 12-cylinder monster pumping out 510 ponies, there is really no need for any mechanical changes. For the most part, the changes will be extra features and a few mild visual changes.

The vast majority of the additions to the 2010 DBS Carbon Black Special Edition was making everything black on the inside and outside, except for a few splashes of silver on the inside. The rims were a polished alloy with its inserts painted, you guessed it, black! You also had the option of alloy or carbon black doorsill plates – woo hoo a choice other than black. The 2010 Carbon Black Special edition also added in an upgraded 1,000-watt stereo system.

To wrap this all up, we can anticipate a new paint job for the Ultimate Edition, something not already a part of the DBS line. A set of upgraded rims to mimic the paintjob should be expected. Plus, we should anticipate an upgraded stereo system from the already impressive 1,000 watt system on the existing DBS.

This is all we know at this point, we will keep you up to date as more info comes out.

UPDATE 05/08/12: Itching to see what the Aston Martin DBS Ultimate Edition looks like? Fret no longer because the British automaker recently dropped the covers off of their final DBS models with some catalog photos online! Check it out in all its sleek and spankin’ sexiness.

Aston Martin DBS Ultimate Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 2 May 2012 12:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.14.2012 15:00 by Kirby Filed under: Audi | suv | concept cars | car tuning | special editions | Audi Q3 | Wörthersee | Cars | Car Reviews | Audi

Remember the Audi Q3 Jinlong Yufeng Concept that was revealed at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show? Well, it turns out the German automaker has another Q3 concept SUV in the pipeline: the Red Track Concept.

Taken from its name, the Q3 Red Track Concept has been finished with a fiery piece of Energy Red color, an ironic color choice considering that the concept SUV is being pegged as a winter vehicle. How else do you explain the carbon fiber skis on its roof?

But more than just its supposed purpose, the Q3 Red Track Concept actually looks a whole lot like the Q3 Vail Concept, except that the former has some added aesthetic touches. Either way, the SUV looks all sorts of spicy in that aforementioned Energy Red color.

Too bad there’s been no official indication as to whether the Q3 Red Track Concept is bound for production. Whatever the case may be, expect to see the concept at the 2012 Wörthersee Tour, where it is expected to be one of the front and center models in Audi’s booth.

Find out more about the Audi Q3 Red Track Concept after the jump.

Audi Q3 Red Track Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 May 2012 15:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.13.2012 18:00 by Kirby Filed under: | rally cars | Celebrity Cars | video | Ford Fiesta | drifting | Cars | Car News

When you put Ken Block and Motley Crue legend Tommy Lee in the same room, you can expect that something crazy is about to go down. And true to their respective reputations, a lot of things did go down…and up again…and sideways…and, well, you get the idea.

The two icons of their respective industries decided to do a little seat swap with Lee getting to ride shotgun on Block’s MWRT Ford Fiesta Gymkhana World Tour Car and Block getting a seat on Lee’s “unique” – to say the least – 360-degree Drum Roller Coaster.

The ensuing video prepared by Monster Energy shows us exactly how the whole seat swap transpired, complete with shots of Lee getting his shriek on as Block went all Gymkhana on him and Block getting the treat of watching Lee do his drum solo upside down.

Trust us, we’re not making these things up. Check out the video and watch how the two managed to put new meaning to the phrase “bro-tastic!”

Video: Ken Block and Tommy Lee exchange rides originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 13 May 2012 18:00 EST.

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Posted on 05.13.2012 12:00 by Justin Cupler Filed under: Chrysler Dodge Ford Shelby | Dodge Charger | Ford GT | Ford Mustang | classic cars | Ford Mustang Shelby | hall of fame | Cars | Car News

The name Carroll Shelby may not be quite as familiar to new automotive enthusiasts as it is for older generations, but his creations are no stranger to anyone that follows and loves performance automobiles. Mr. Shelby was not only a genius when it came to building high-performance American muscle, but he was also an accomplished racecar driver.

Carroll managed to parlay his racing roots into a partnership with Ford that spanned over 50 years. However, that partnership almost never happened, as his first choice in partners was Chevrolet. Imagine that, a “Shelby Camaro” or “Shelby Corvette,” it just doesn’t quite sound as good as “Shelby Mustang,” does it?

Carroll Shelby lived a full life, as he graced this world with 89 years of his presence and nearly 60 of those years he was providing us gearheads with examples of his automotive skill, be it winning races or designing hot rods. Carroll Shelby will be missed dearly by everyone in the automotive world, but we are not here to mourn the passing of this legend. Nope, we feel that the right way to send off this legend is by celebrating his long and legendary life.

Click past the jump to read the complete life history of Mr. Carroll Shelby

Carroll Shelby: The Life of a Legend originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 13 May 2012 12:00 EST.

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Posted on 12.2.2011 15:30 by Simona Filed under: Ferrari | coupe | race cars | Ferrari 599 | sports cars | 2012 | Cars | Car Reviews | Ferrari

There’s no better way to mark the end of production for the most extreme Ferrari 599 ever built then to give it a kickass special edition, and Ferrari is doing just that with the 599XX Evolution. The new Evolution package boasts of aerodynamic advancements, as well as a boost in power, and will be available to clients participating in the track-based research and development program for the 2012-2013 seasons.

The new 599XX Evolution features improved chassis dynamics thanks to an active aerodynamic package integrated with the vehicles’ electronic control systems and the adoption of new Pirelli tires. The new aero package uses an active rear wing that features two flaps, with profiles similar to those used in Formula 1, which rotate electronically to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles in function of vehicle speed and the maneuver being effected.

The most impressive feature, however, is the addition of an extra 50 HP for the 599XX’s 6.3L V12 engine. This addition brings the 599XX’s total power up to 750 HP at 7000 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque. Helping the engine along is a weight reduction of 77 lbs compared to the standard model.

UPDATE 12/02/2011: Thanks to Marchettino, we now have a video of the 599XX Evo when it debuted at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show. Hit the jump to check it out!

UPDATE 05/11/2012: Ferrari has just dropped a new set of images featuring the 599XX at the opening round to the European Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli at Monza. Its next stop will be at California’s Laguna Seca circuit, a few miles from the attractions of Monterey, which will host the third Ferrari Racing Days of the season on May 20, 2012.

Ferrari 599XX Evolution originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 2 December 2011 15:30 EST.

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Posted on 05.12.2012 23:30 by B4rad Filed under: Ferrari | coupe | sedan | Supercars / Exotic cars | news | Ferrari 458 | Cars | Car News

After Porsche recently released its sale and revenue figures for the first quarter of 2012, Ferrari has also joined in by proudly releasing its figures with all the crucial numbers going up also, suggesting that economies across the globe are beginning to make their way out of the Global Financial Crisis of late 2008 and 2009.

In just the first three months of this year, Ferrari managed to deliver 1,733 new vehicles to its ever-expanding dealership network, and sales in the United Kingdom led the pack achieving a 31% rise of sales this time last year. In a similar vein, sales in the U.S. were up by 16%, Germany up by 12% and unsurprisingly sales in the Middle East also grew by 23%.

What’s more exciting is the fact that all new cars ordered from Ferrari this year have all been completely custom, with buyers now offered the chance to personalize their machines to a whole new level with the Tailor Made programme. It’s important to note at this stage also, that the recently launched F12 Berlinetta played no role in this sale spikes as deliveries of it won’t begin until the second half of the year.

In line with this impressive sale figures, Ferrari managed to rake in 42.1 million Euros of profit, a dramatic increase of 17.2% from last year prompting Ferrari’s chairman, Luca di Montezemolo to state, “After an extraordinary 2011, starting the year with all the economic indicators on the rise is very satisfying indeed. We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average.” He continued: “At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.”

Now have a look at that last sentence very closely. We already knew Ferrari was planning to unveil the new Enzo late this year, with new hybrid technology also being previewed, but as for the new ‘limited series model’, we simply have no idea what that could be.

Perhaps the Ferrari 458 Scuderia will come earlier than expected?

Ferrari kicks off 2012 with impressive sales figures originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 12 May 2012 23:30 EST.

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