The beetle is out of the bag, Volkswagen unveils the latest update to their famous Beetle. Inspired by the original, the 2012 edition of the automobile gives way to a longer and wider design, in addition to four seats with a reclining back to accommodate more storage. VW will offer both a turbocharged TDI Clean Diesel and gas powered engines with options up to 200 hp in the top of the line model. (more…)
Ford has scrapped the gas tank, welcomed the future, and went completely electric creating an electric version of their new Focus model. Ford’s new EV is expected to have a range 100 miles and capable of charging to full capacity on 240v in just 3 to 4 hours. Release date for the Ford Focus Electric is expected at the end of this year.
Coming this February, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R ($66,000-$91,000) will arrive with 10 more horsepower (330 total) and 120 less pounds. Achieved through aluminum door skins, lighter 19″ alloy wheels, fixed spoiler, carbon fiber seats and tossing out extras like air conditioning and sound systems and you have yourself a 4.4 second 0-60 mph Porsche Cayman.
United Cruiser, a new bike brand was founded in 2007 by Fine Arts graduate and rally driver Helen Ramy and Renaud Poutot. Having been in charge of the exclusive distribution of famous Californian bicycle brand Electra, the French set out to represent North America and blend European technology. United Cruiser’s current lineup includes 14 cruises, 2 fixies and a folding bicycle dubbed CUBIKE.
Local Motors unleashes a vehicle straight out of a dirty dream. The Rally Fighter ($59,000) is a custom-designed off-roader that mixes sports car looks with Baja utility. Wrapped in vinyl to reduce weight and cost, the Fighter features a tubular steel chassis and space frame, nose, rear, underbelly and floor pans made from carbon fiber, a 6.2 Liter, V8 Engine paired to an automatic transmission, rear wheel drive, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, as well as 18 inches of suspension to help you roam wherever the hearts desire. Did we mention its street legal?
Video after the jump. (more…)
Your addiction for speed is officially resolved with Ferrari’s new 599 GTO. In fact, the Ferrari 599 GTO ($480,000) is the company’s fastest road car ever. Powered by a 6.0-liter V12, this road demon will give you 670 hp, a top speed over 208 mph, and 0-60 time of 3.35 seconds. The 599 GTO weights in at only 3,295 lbs, making handling and acceleration crazier than a video game. (more…)
A mash product of a traditional track racer and a BMX ride, the Giant Bowery FMX Bike ($750) is a healthy mix of old and new features. A lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame, a BMX custom ‘no rail’ saddle, a CroMo 3-piece tubular crankset, alloy high-rise handlebars, and the option to go fixie or freewheel.
The FX Mountain Moto ($4995) has a 125cc 9-horsepower Honda-Jialing engine, available in auto or manual, that gets a reported 100mpg. While it’s mostly a motorcycle, it does have some mountain bike parts, including a Marzocchi Monster fork, a Mavic 26-inch front rim, and a Kenda MTB front tire. It’s similar in some ways to a trials bike, but is designed more for general-purpose, comfortable off-road riding. (more…)
Compact, sleek and efficient looks to be the trend most automakers are following this year. The latest would be from Audi with their A1 city car. Designed to compete with the Mini Cooper, the A1 will be available in two gas and two diesel powered models with the 1.6 liter TDI version outputting 90 horsepower/169 lb-ft of torque or 105 horses/184 lb-ft torque. The gas models will have either an 86 horsepower 1.2 or a 122 horsepower 1.4. As of now Audi has announced availability in Europe only and no word yet for release in United States.
The contemporary interpretation of the classic gran turismo: the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the stylish elegance of a luxury limousine with the flexibility of a station wagon and the versatility of an SAV. With its generous spaciousness, its luxurious ambiance and its efficient engines: It is the first of its kind. Following on the heels of the X6, which got a lukewarm reception, the 5 Series Gran Turismo promises a lot of power and a unique cargo area. Like the X6, the Gran Turismo comes with a twin-turbo V-8 engine good for 400 hp. Also unlike the X6, this is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, which means the 550i Gran Turismo will be more of a performance machine. BMW expects it to start at about $55,000.
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