2012 Audi S5

Along with the introduction of the regular versions of its refreshed A5 series, Audi also presented the updated S5 range. The most important change concerns the S5 Coupe in which the outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine with 354-horses and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft) is replaced with the same 3.0-liter supercharged V6 found in the Sportback and Convertible S5s.

The 3.0 TSI makes 333-horses and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft), accelerating the S5 Coupe from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than the V8-powered model, while its top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h (155mph).

Audi says the supercharged V6 not only offers improved performance over the naturally aspirated V8 unit, but also consumes on average 20 percent less fuel per 100 kilometers returning 8.1 liters (29.04 US mpg) on the combined cycle.

Across the range, Audi updated the S5’s quattro all-wheel drive system with the crown-gear center differential and electromechanical power steering, while visual changes include the new front lights, modified body details and new crystal-effect paint finishes on the outside, and refreshed trim and material options on the inside.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Porsche Mulling Modern-Day 928 GT Replacement

It’s been a while since Porsche had a front-engined GT in its range. Most car enthusiasts will remember the 928 that was launched in 1979 with the aim to replace the 911 by offering improved drivability and increased passenger and luggage space.

Even though it was named “Car of the Year” in 1978, and was continuously evolved until production ended in 1995, it failed in its original mission since the 911, despite its shortcomings, far outlived it.

Now, according to information obtained by Autocar magazine, Porsche is once again planning a two-door, front engine GT, essentially a spiritual successor to the 928. The new model, which could be named 929, will be based on the second generation of the Panamera and is believed to arrive sometime in 2014 or 2015.

The reason why Porsche has decided to build a 928 successor is the increasing popularity of the GT sector, which has grown to more than 10,000 sales a year. A modern-day 928 would provide the Stuttgart carmaker with a credible alternative to rival the likes of the Ferrari California andAston Martin DB9.

The 929, if it gets the green light, will use a shortened version of the Panamera platform and share some parts with the third generation Bentley Continental GT.

Porsche has already announced a big investment at its Leipzig plant, where the Cayenne is produced, in order to increase capacity in anticipation for the smaller Cajun SUV. But it could also indicate that the increased capacity is also planned for the second-gen Panamera derivatives.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Mercedes Keeps 2012 M-Class SUV Prices Unchanged

Good news for those looking to shop Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation M-Class SUV as the German firm has kept pricing for the two available models at launch unchanged over the respective versions of the outgoing ML, despite the new design, improved engines and upgraded standard equipment.

The new 2012 ML350 4MATIC, which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 302HP and 273 lb.-ft.), with an estimated fuel economy of 17mpg city and 22mpg highway, starts at $49,865..

The 2012 ML350 BlueTec 4Matic that comes with a V6 diesel engine delivering 240-horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque, and returning 20mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway, starts at $51,365. Both Prices include an $875 destination charge.

All 2012 M-Class models feature a power glass sunroof, a drowsiness warning system, eight-way power heated front seats, power windows, power liftgate, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and an integrated garage door opener as standard equipment.

For more information on the standard and the cost of the optional equipment features, scroll down to check out the respective spec sheets.

SPEC SHEET

Read more In Cars

2012 Toyota Yaris Price

Toyota today announced prices for its next generation Yaris hatchback in Europe including the UK where the supermini is available for order now with first customer deliveries to take place in September.

The new Yaris is available in three- and five-door body styles with British buyers offered a choice of four grades (T2, TR, SR and T Spirit) and three engines including 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel. On-the-road prices start from £11,700.

The entry-level engine for the range is Toyota’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol that generates 68bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 93Nm at 3,600rpm. Toyota says fuel consumption has been improved by four per cent over the outgoing model to 58.9mpg UK (4.8 lt/100km or 49mpg US), while CO2 emissions are down by seven per cent to 111g/km.

Those looking for a bit more oomph can opt for the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine rated at 98bhp at 6,000rpm and 125Nm at 4,000rpm. When linked to the firm’s latest Multidrive S (CVT) transmission, fuel economy is 56.5mpg UK (5.0lt/100km or 47mpg US) and CO2 emissions are 118g/km.

Diesel options are limited to the 1.4-litre D-4D engine fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-pot delivers an output of 89bhp at 3,800rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm between 1,800 and 2,800rpm.

According to Toyota, the diesel-powered Yaris’ combined cycle fuel economy has been improved by seven per cent to 72.4mpg UK (3.9lt/100km or 60.2mpg US) and CO2 emissions are six per cent lower at 104g/km.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Sir Stirling Moss Buys an Aston Martin Cygnet

You would never think that an Aston Martin would need any sort of marketing push from a personality like Sir Stirling Moss, but to play around with our own words, up until recently, you would never think that Aston Martin would actually try to sell a hugely overpriced city carthat’s a rebadged Toyota model…

In any case, the British racing legend is one of the first customers to receive the Aston Martin Cygnet, which he purchased as a birthday gift to his wife, Lady Moss. Appropriately, there was a photographer in hand to capture the gift-wrapped Cygnet.

Sir Stirling Moss specified the car with an Aston Martin Racing Green hue on the outside while for the interior he chose an Obsidian Black leather treatment with a contrasting coarse silver stitch.

During the handover at the Royal Automobile Club last night, Sir Stirling Moss said: “My greatest partner in everything that I do, Susie is an amazing person and frankly the best wife a man could have. Since seeing a pre-production Cygnet in January I knew that it was the perfect car for Susie; a proper little piece of British luxury and perfect for our life in town.”

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars