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.

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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.

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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.

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2014 BMW FWD 1-Series GT

*2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback Pictured above

It’s no secret that BMW is getting ready to adopta front-wheel drive layout for its smaller modelsincluding certain versions of the next generation of the 1-Series. BMW’s decision has already sparked a lot of discussions whether its front-wheel drive products will remain true to the brand’s “ultimate driving machine” motto or an insult to the company’s heritage.

Now it seems that the day we will see the first front-wheel drive BMW is closer than we thought. According to Autocar magazine, the 1-Series GT, which is said to be a more practical version featuring a high-rising tail like the 5-Series GT, will be the first BMW to adopt front-wheel drive. Its launch is scheduled for 2014.

The 1-Series GT will be based on the BMW Group’s new UKL1 platform, which will first be used on the next-gen Mini, due in late 2012, and in 2018 by the third generation of the 1-Series range.

The all-new platform will use MacPherson struts and the traditional Z-axle multilink rear suspension, while four-wheel drive will probably be an option, opening the road for a small crossover that will sit under the X3 in BMW’s range.

The German brand has big plans indeed for the UKL1, as it will underpin as many as 20 BMW and Mini models. BMW’s head of development, Klaus Draeger, estimated that the Munich-based automaker could manufacture as much as 600,000-800,000 FWD cars annually without the need to cooperate with another manufacturer.

If the report proves accurate, the only models in the 1-Series lineup to stick with RWD will most likely be the Coupe and Convertible and possibly a small four-door sedan.

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VW Record First Half Year Car Sales with More than 2.5 Million Units

Volkswagen announced today that it set a first half-year record in passenger car sales, with more than 2.5 vehicles delivered globally. This represents an increase of 11.8% compared to the same period of 2010 (2.26 million).

“The positive trend for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand in the first half of the year is very encouraging,” said Christian Klingler, Board Member for Sales and Marketing for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. “It would be a major success if we could keep up this momentum during the second six months”.

VW more than doubled its sales in Russia with 45,500 units compared to 22,400 in 2010. It also increased its deliveries in Central and Eastern Europe by 42.2% and by 16.4% in the Asia-Pacific region, with China being the biggest market with 852,800 units sold (+12.9%).

In North America, the German brand sold 237,700 cars representing a 21.8% increase over the same period in 2010.

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