2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.
The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
Upgrades to interior are limited to the redesigned leather steering wheel and the revised upholstery options.
From a technical standpoint, Seat said improvements made to all diesel-powered engines see CO2 emissions cut by around 7 grams per kilometer, with the 120HP and 143HP TDI saloon models fitted with manual transmission now dipping below the 130 g/km mark.
The Spanish automaker added that economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of returning up to 57.6 mpg UK (4.9lt/100km or 48mpg US) on the EU’s combined cycle.
These latest updates come only a year after Seat introduced some minor changes to the Exeo including revised tail lamps with LED technology, reshaped seats that improved rear passenger space and a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel model.

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Lexus Teases the New GS F-Sport and GS 450h

We only just got our first taste of the next generation of Lexus's executive sedan with thepresentation of the 2013 GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in Monterey last week, but the Japanese automaker has already moved along and is now getting ready for the world premieres of the GS F-Sport and GS 450h.

Teased in these cropped images are the new additions to the GS range. First up is the GS 450h, which as the name implies, will feature a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 gasoline unit with an electric motor.

The hybrid version of Lexus' Audi A6 challenger will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt auto show in September with sales to follow early next year.

The GS F-Sport, which we get a sneak peek through a single photo, is a sportier version of the GS 350 featuring an aero package that includes among other parts, a redesigned front bumper and honeycomb-style grille, plus larger alloy wheels and according to Lexus, a suspension kit to improve handling.

Though we could see the GS F-Sport in Germany, there's a strong possibility that Lexus may hold back and show it at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in November in Las Vegas.

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New Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo with 507HP

For more than four decades now, German tuning house Alpina has been modifying BMWs cars. The Bavarian luxury carmaker has a tight relationship with the tuner going as far distributing the high-performance models through its official network.
Alpina's newest creation is the B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio based on the latest 6-Series Convertible, which will make its world premiere at the rapidly approaching Frankfurt auto show on September 13.
At the heart of the Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio is specially modified 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of delivering 507-horsepower and a monstrous 700Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of peak torque delivered between 3,000 and 4,750 rpm.
Power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic Switch Tronic transmission, with Alpina claiming 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 311km/h (193mph) with a combined fuel consumption of 10.9lt/100km (21.6mpg US) for the Convertible model.
In comparison, the factory 650i Convertible features a 4.4-liter turbo V8 producing 407HP and 600Nm / 443 lb-ft. It completes the standard sprint in 5.0 seconds while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), and returning an average fuel consumption of 10.7lt/100km.
Along with the powertrain modifications, the Alpina flavored 6-Series Convertible gains the tuner's trademark multispoke alloy wheels plus carbon fibre trim bits, front apron and rear spoiler as well as bespoke interior parts.
The B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio model will soon be followed up by the coupe derivative.

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Video: 2012 Ford Focus ST Hot Hatch

Unless Ford is preparing an even bigger surprise for us, the company's recent announcement on the unveiling of the "next performance Focus" at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show strongly suggests that we will see the final production version of the Focus ST in Germany.
But until then, Ford has unleashed yet another media campaign on the internet that marks the final (or at least we hope it’s the final…) countdown for the release of the new Focus ST, which we saw in showcar form in Paris last year.
The campaign, which will also run on social media sites like facebook, will see Ford sharing both exclusive video and photography guiding us through the development of the model.
"This is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST’s technical specifications,” said Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport
The front-wheel drive-only 2012 Focus ST is equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine churning out approximately 250-horsepower.
“We are determined that the new Focus ST will meet the very high expectations of our fans around the world,” said Capito. “Focus ST will deliver on the promise of great technology, exciting driving dynamics and high levels of refinement – making it as enjoyable to use for everyday driving as it will be on exciting and challenging roads we performance enthusiasts deliberately seek out," he added.

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2012 Toyota Camry Appears in Different Form in Ukraine

After this week's world premiere of the North American market 2012 Camry, Toyota is now preparing the debuts of its mid-size sedan in other regions of the world. First up is the Ukrainian version, which will most likely be offered in the same form in other surrounding markets including Russia.

While both iterations of the 2012 Toyota Camry share the same body and platform, the Ukrainian model sports a different and more prominent front-end design with bespoke headlamp units, bumper, hood, grille and front fenders.

The profile remains the same while at the rear Toyota's designers extended the tail lamps and restyled the deck lid that now features a subtle lip.

Inside, the changes seem to be limited to the region-specific trim and color options plus a different glove box design.

Toyota Ukraine said the new 2012 Camry will be offered locally with a choice of 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter six-cylinder gasoline engines, and prices starting from US$33,050, with more details to be available before the end of the year.

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Audi Reveals New A8 Hybrid At 2012

A little over a year after the presentation of its A8 Hybrid Concept at the 2010 edition of the Geneva Salon, Audi is introducing the final production version of its frugal four-cylinder limousine, which goes on sale in 2012.Confirming our suspicions that the concept label was misleading, Audi made very few changes to the production model such as the smaller (18" instead of 21") but same design alloy wheels and the more conventional looking engine cover.
There are no changes under the hood with the car featuring a parallel hybrid powertrain that combines a modified 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI gasoline engine delivering 211HP and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, with a disc-shaped electric motor that develops 40 kW (54HP) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft).
Audi says the short-term system output is rated at 245-horsepower and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque.
The electric motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which guides power to the front wheels. Electric energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kilograms (80.9 lb) and is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk.
In terms of performance, the A8 Hybrid goes from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).
Its fuel consumption in the EU cycle is said to be under 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.8mpg US or 44.1mpg UK), and CO2 emissions below 148 grams per km (238.2 g/mile).
In addition, the A8 Hybrid can travel on electric power alone at speeds of up to 100km/h (62mph) and for a distance of up to three kilometers or 1.86 miles at a constant 60km/h (37 mph).
The driver can choose from three different modes including "EV", in which priority is given to the electric drive, "D" where the system controls both the engine and the electric motor, and finally the "S" mode for a sportier driving style.
Visually, the A8 Hybrid sports some subtle differences over the standard model including the turbine rotor-style alloy wheels (18-inch standard, 19-inch optional), special badges on the outside, an available, exclusive Arctic Silver finish and a bespoke instrument panel.
Pricing and availability are expected to be announced at next month's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Mercedes Benz E63 AMG With 5.500 cc machine Bi Turbo

German luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes Benz introduced a new engine for Mercedes Benz E63 AMG variant. Engine capacity of 5500 cc which has been used by a variant of the CLS 63 AMG bi-turbo-equipped devices.

"This machine produces great energy but still fuel efficient,"the statement from mercedes benz.

The manufacturer claims the new engine power reaches 525 horsepower at 5250-5750 rpm and torque of 700 Newton meters (Nm) at 1750-5000 rpm. The fuel consumption of 9.8 liters for 100 kilometers.

"The level of fuel consumption was 20 percent lower than the same model with the old machine, which is 6300 cc naturally aspirated V8,"said an official Mercedes.

Power and torque is channeled to the wheels by using the automatic transmission device AMG Sport Speedshift seven levels of acceleration. Thanks to the distribution of power that goes smoothly, this car accelerates from speed of 000-100 kilometers per hour in just 4.3 seconds. "This car is also capable of racing up to 250 kilometers per hour," said the official.

Engine performance that reflects the style of a sports car that matched the look on the exterior. Rim of light alloy material with special design of reinforce sporty impression. Such an impression is also reflected in the cabin thanks to the use of three-bar steering wheel wrapped in leather sheet. Especially in the E-Select the device with the AMG logo is made with the same style device which has been used sports car.

About the price, the Mercedes sedan version membanderol claimed 105,971 euros, or about USD 1.36 billion and Estate 108 409 euros, or about USD 1.39 billion. If a buyer wants additional special package AMG quite add 8306 euros or about USD 105 million.