BMW i8 CONCEPT

While the i3 is an everyday city car - albeit a very sophisticated one at that, the second member of BMW’s new i series that made its way to Frankfurt is an altogether different concept. Derived from the 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics study, the futuristic-looking i8 will enter production in 2013.

Hiding under the lightweight CFRP for skin is an extended range hybrid drivetrain comprising of a front-mounted electric motor sourced from the i3 and a rear-mounted 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit. The gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels.

Combined maximum output of the two drive systems is 349HP and 550 Nm (405.6 lb-ft) of torque, which makes it more powerful than the previous-generation M3. The sprint to 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 4.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

According to BMW, the 2+2-seater i8 returns an average fuel consumption of just 2.7 lt/100 km (87mpg US).

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BMW ALPINA D3 BITURBO: POWER DIESEL 2013

BMW tuner Alpina shows at the Frankfurt Motor Show a new diesel power for the middle class. The turbo brings it to 350 hp.

The middle-class offerings in Munich must be in the diesel area not hide: No other car maker in this class offers such a strong diesel as Bavaria. But even if the new BMW 335d xDrive with 313 hp does not meet the requirements, there is still a solution of the environment by BMW: The world and based in Buchloe Alpina has estimated finishers for the 2013 IAA announced a new power diesel.

BMW ALPINA D3 BITURBO: POWER DIESEL AT THE IAA 2013
The upcoming BMW Alpina D3 Biturbo uses a six-cylinder with 3.0 liter displacement and twin turbochargers, as it is already known from Alpina Alpina D5 and XD3. Also in the 3 powerhouse will mobilize around 350 hp and 700 Nm of torque and thus almost on par with the Alpina B3 Biturbo move its petrol engine offers 410 hp. Just as in the case of B3, it may also give the D3 2013 Alpina both rear-wheel drive as well.

Who would not necessarily need the ability to accelerate with just a middle-class diesel in under five seconds to 100 km / h later could even get an alternative from Buchloe: A Alpina D3 Biturbo with four-cylinder is possible. Based on the BMW 325d, such a model could combine superior performance with a pleasantly low-consumption - and last but not least, such a D3 would be achievable as the big brother, thanks to the lower entry price.

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Audi A3 Cabriolet 2013

Audi A3 Cabrio undresses clothes from hatchback sedan and take the car body of the sedan, forming an updated car deeply against the outgoing generation. It proves in fact longer than 18 centimeters (4.42 meters), wider than 2 inches (1.79 meters) and lower than 1.5 inches (1.41 meters), while the step reaches 2.60 meters (+2 cm). In a context also increases the volume of the luggage compartment of 287 liters now. The convertible top (fabric) is operated by an electro-hydraulic system in steel and magnesium, the latter operates up to 50 km / h and completes its movement of opening / closing in 18 seconds. The rear window is made ​​of glass.

The use of the MQB modular platform has proven essential to contain the masses, if it is true that the only body ensures a saving of 30 pounds in comparison with the previous year. L ' Audi A3 Cabriolet weighs a minimum of 1,365 pounds, 50 pounds less than the outgoing car. The color palette includes 16 colors, while the soft top is available in gray, brown or black. In option also a convertible top coated with a greater quantity of insulating material, as in option the system to heat the neck of the front passengers. The interior maintains the same elements of the hatchback and sedan, with the exception of the rear bench.

The engine range will initially be composed of the 1.4 TFSI petrol (140 hp) and 1.8 TFSI (180 hp) and diesel 2.0 TDI (150 hp). They will follow the 1.6 TDI (110 hp) and above the S, with 2.0 TFSI engine with 300 hp and already credited with a 0-100 km / h in 5.4 seconds. All are combined with the Start & Stop, while the six-speed manual transmission may be replaced by a six-speed DSG. Among the options the most interesting - as well as various safety systems and driver assistance - should be reported to the WLAN hotspot, Bang & Olufsen audio system and MMI Navigation plus, while the screen is standard depending on grade Environment . Will be on sale from early 2014, with strike price set at € 31,700 in Germany (1.4 TFSI). Will be exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10 to 22).

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Honda Odyssey Earn Top Safety Pick+

Honda Odyssey managed to get the Top Safety Pick + in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These results make the Honda Odyssey became the first MPV earned the highest safety ratings from the IIHS.

"This achievement is a testament of our commitment to safety," said Art St.. Cyr, Vice President of Product Planning and Logistics Honda America. This result was achieved after applying the latest generation of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that makes the collision energy distribution is wider.

These results make the Honda Odyssey Honda successfully reconcile with the Honda Civic and Honda Accord as the first vehicle in the automotive industry ranks highest in + 2013 Top Safety Pick from IIHS. "Security is the main thing for people when choosing a vehicle for the family," said Adrian Lund, IIHS president.

In the new roof strength test, the 2011 Honda Odyssey successfully withstood a force more than 5 times the minivan’s weight. Richmond Honda Dealership said that standard active safety features on the Odyssey include the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), which helps the driver retain steering control when braking hard, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, which helps to detect and correct oversteer and understeer.

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9-speed Transmission from ZF

9HP transmission is one of the latest technology developed ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Currently, the 9HP is the number of transmission gears in the world. Nine teeth for possible commercial car casual. But for the medium-sized passenger cars, this very special achievement.

"Compared to a 6-speed transmission on the same car, the 9HP transmission could save fuel consumption by up to two digits, or rather at the rate of 16%," said Michael Hankel, Board of Management, Corporate Productions, Car Powertrain Technology Car Chassis Technology, Electronic Systems, ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

Gearbox ZF 9HP is designed specifically for front -engined car with a transverse or transverse layout. Whereas before 9HP come, only the highest gear transmission with up to 8 - speed, the engine is in the car position lengthwise ( longitudinal ) such as BMW and Lexus.

ZF 9HP developed with its British manufacturer, Land Rover. Line - up of products that are used as the first transmission this car is a Range Rover Evoque. Although the number of teeth a lot more, but the displacement is mounted on a smooth New Land Rover Evoque at the Geneva Motor Show this year.

When we tried to directly Evoque vehicle development in Schlusselfeld ZF, Germany in mid-June, almost imperceptible difference to most outstanding transmission now. It dispelled fears that the more teeth will be more uncomfortable as bothered by the frequent shifting process occurs.

The transmission is able to move quickly and smooth. In fact, almost imperceptible tugs if cruising speeds because the engine speed is relatively lower.

Although the concept has been introduced since 2009 in the event the ZF internationalen Automobil - Ausstellung ( IAA ) 2009, Frankfurt, but 9HP new Evoque was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show 2013.

ZF gear is designed to de - passenger car with 2 wheel motion and 4 wheels. ZF to develop not only for cars but also being compact cars that are increasingly popular in the world. It means that a wide scale, 9HP can be installed in nearly 75 % of total vehicles worldwide.

Dog Clutch
One of the biggest challenges is the dimension 9HP. Classic problem of transverse -engined cars are very limited transmission space width of the car. To that end, ZF outsmart by placing the gear set is not in the longitudinal axis, but rather put in it.

While the multi- disc clutch models often result in power loss, using the clutch 9HP rotator models are more efficient. Coupling is also often called the dog clutch pplications. Why were the workings of interference, and not friction as the model of multi disc. 16 % better frugality could occur due to a smaller gear ratio. At a speed of 120 km / h - using gear 9th - engine speed 2,170 rpm only, while the 6-speed transmission takes 2,890 rpm for the same speed.

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Citroën Cactus Concept

As car has no side windows, no rear, a continuous bench seat forward and is faintly eminiscent of the Mehari. This was in response to the in the sixties France VW Buggy, the legendary beach-swing with duck technique that supposedly envisioned the designers when they recorded the "Cactus". As simple and casual as the ILO study should look like future serial Citroën. "A manifesto of simplicity," said Jean-Pierre Ploué, chief designer of the PSA Group.

Actually owns the Citroën Cactus the spirit of a hammock, so relaxed he is. Instead there are simple strikes lever, the rear roof pillar is no more than a hint of metal. And the seats wear a mix of cognac leather and natural gray wool. All gadgets that will surely not be included in the series, but the basic shape could already be in the summer of 2014 at dealers: a 4.21 meter long four-door with a raised roof.

Because one has deeply relaxed since the sixties, when it lightly into the open beach mobile jumped in, guarantees modified: Today Feel-cars must be higher, so that one goes bad back, because with the late hippies their discs are aged. But today, the monitor so-crazy? Cactus wait the two plate-sized displays, which have the advantage that they make a flood of redundant switches - so the new simplicity looks in the cockpit. On the other hand, one wonders what ever is still working at Cactus when the monitors turn times.

Since we are the bleating: The flat roof of the study allows little space above the head, however, the production car is safely practical. How it would look, the roof rails suggests sent. As a motor, so the story Jean-Pierre Ploué, is the new hybrid Air by PSA installed. The stores energy from the gasoline engine in a compressed air tank and to allow consumption of 3.0 liters per 100 kilometers - a cost-effective approach to follow the French so far exclusive.

It is already clear, however, that the Cactus uses the same platform as the Peugeot 2008. During this four-seater clearly belongs to the new wave SUV, the Cactus plays more of the crossover - these are cars that fit formally into any category. But the Mehari has even started.

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Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R

Toyota will develop Yaris with hybrid technology after gaining a foothold in major racing disciplines like Formula 1 and endurance racing, Toyota is exploring its use on performance road cars as well. This is what the Yaris Hybrid-R concept is all about. 

Based on the Yaris 3-door, the study is powered by a highly tuned 1.6-liter gasoline engine combined with two electric motors to provide an “intelligent electric four-wheel drive capability,” according to Toyota.

The 300hp direct-injected turbocharged gasoline engine was specifically developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) according to FIA rules for a Global Race Engine and will be used in different motorsport competitions.

While the combustion engine drives the front wheels, each rear wheel is individually powered by a 60hp electric motor – the same as the one used in the standard Yaris Hybrid. Overall, the hybrid powertrain develops a system output of 420 hp.

Toyota says that the energy recovered during braking is stored in a super capacitor, just like in the TS030 Hybrid endurance racecar. In the Yaris, the capacitor is located under the rear seat, where the Yaris Hybrid's battery is usually positioned. The super capacitor has a higher power density and a fast power charge/discharge speed compared to the battery and is therefore better suited to sporty driving on track.

There’s even a third 60hp electric motor, located between the engine and the 6-speed sequential gearbox, that operates as a generator during deceleration to feed the super capacitor and during acceleration to directly power the rear electric motors.

The design of the car reflects its performance, with the Yaris Hybrid-R featuring a more aggressive look thanks to newly designed headlights, a wider front grille and black and blue details contrasting with the white body color. The front bumper includes two large air intakes and blue LED DRLs, while the flared fenders house unique 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres with an asymmetrical tread design.

The study features grooved and perforated brake discs with six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. The racing theme continues with the quick opening fuel cap located on the rear pillar. The LED taillights, roof-mounted spoiler, large diffuser and central exhaust pipe complete the styling package.

On the inside, the concept features dual tone Recaro bucket seats with black leather side bolsters and blue Alcantara. The latter is also used to cover parts of the door panels and the dashboard. The sport steering wheel is also wrapped in Alcantara, while the shift lever is located high and close to the driver’s right hand, just like in a racing car. 

The steering wheel features a button used to select the “Track” or “Road” mode at rest, or the "Boost" function while driving. Since the current Yaris lacks a hot-hatch variant, we can only hope Toyota will decide to build a limited production version of the Hybrid-R.

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Hyundai i20 2014

Sebuah Blog Otomotif Jerman, Autobild.de, telah menerbitkan beberapa rendering spekulatif 2014 Hyundai i20 berdasarkan semua spyshots yang telah dipotong pada interweb sampai sekarang dan ada banyak dari mereka!

Pergi dengan semua spyshots sebelumnya, 2014 Hyundai i20 ini sedang menjalani tes berjalan di banyak bagian dunia. Ini juga telah tertangkap pengujian di India. Masih dalam tahap pengetesan berpakaian kamuflase, dan karenanya tidak memberikan banyak tentang spesifik dari tema desain.

Namun, satu hal telah muncul jelas bahwa 2014 Hyundai i20 tampaknya secara signifikan lebih besar dalam proporsi dibandingkan dengan versi terdahulu dari Hyundai i20 .

Rendering proyek pengamatan itu. Mereka juga menyarankan bahwa 2014 Hyundai i20 adalah sporty dibanding i20 saat ini sudah muda. Ada hampir probabilitas tertentu 2014 Hyundai i20 yang menyerahkan Lengkap Fluidic tema desain.

Mobil ini memiliki merek dagang Hexagonal Hyundai Grille. Perubahan rendering dibandingkan dengan edisi saat ini termasuk air dam lebih besar dan lampu kabut yang lebih besar. Lampu depan yang lebih tajam, dan penampakan mobil menjadi jauh lebih mengancam.

Dalam profil, kita bisa melihat lebih 'sleekness' daripada otot. Ada sedikit lengkungan roda, meskipun hanya di atas roda depan. Ada beberapa lipatan definitif yang menonjolkan windowline meningkat. Fitur lain kelas pinjaman adalah garis atap jatuh disertai dengan tebal, pilar C yang gelap.

Terlihat di bagian belakang juga, berkat bumerang - seperti ekor - lampu cluster dengan LED yang terintegrasi. Diharapkan bahwa interior akan lebih futuristik dibandingkan dengan i20 saat ini.

Kita tidak bisa berhenti tercurah atas desain pelek, mereka sporty! Hyundai mengatakan mereka adalah diamond-cut paduan pola desain roda. Dikawal oleh rem cakram yang mumpuni di roda depan dan roda belakang.

Namun, pilihan mesin bisa tetap sama. Mereka mungkin kembali lagi untuk efisiensi yang lebih baik dan meningkatkan driveability sekalipun. Hyundai i20 diharapkan akan diluncurkan tahun 2014 mendatang.

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VW Golf VII R 2014

Volkswagen presented at the IAA 2013 the 300 hp strong and at least 38,325 euros expensive VW Golf R - and thus the strongest and most expensive production Golf ever. Compared with the up to 230-hp Golf GTI puts the Golf VII R again it all of 70 hp. To its predecessor, based on the Golf VI , he distances himself by as much as 30 hp.The drive will continue the two-liter turbo gasoline engine is used.

However, the four-cylinder has been extensively revised and with additional refinements. This Golf has a 70 hp more power, the cylinder head exhaust valves together, valve seat inserts and valve springs has been redesigned, also other pistons are used. Thus, with more fuel and oxygen pressure can be injected into the combustion chambers, the technician also stored at the injectors and on the turbocharger hand.

The maximum power of 300 hp is at 5500-6200 tours. Also, the torque increases compared to the GTI by 30 to 380 Newton meters - that even in a wide speed range 1800-5500 rpm. Despite all the performance-enhancing measures promises VW less consumption: a fully electronic coolant regulation allows a more efficient thermal management with shorter warm-up.

The exhaust passage for water-cooled turbocharger is now integrated into the cylinder head. In addition, the engine with dual variable valve timing, variable valve timing and two-way adjustable valve on the outlet works with a dual injection (direct and manifold injection). The wages of Technology Fireworks are 7.1 liters fuel consumption, about one and a half liters less than the 270-hp predecessor. With DSG, the value drops further to 6.9 liters.

To save this golf course was not designed to reveal the driving performance of the ever: With a manual transmission the standard sprint to 100 km is to be completed after 5.3 seconds with DSG, it takes only 4.9 seconds. Without 4Motion all-wheel drive, these values ​​would certainly not possible. The revised system sends when required almost 100 percent to the rear axle. Depending on driving conditions, Gaspdeal and steering wheel position, the Haldex coupling distributes the torque instantaneously between the front and rear axle.

At low load or shear the adhesion occurs primarily via the front axle to save fuel. In order to increase the cornering dynamics and bring the power effectively to the road, the XDS system simulates elktronische + by braking the individual wheels, the function of a differential lock on both axles. The performance measures go further: For the optimal slope capability allows the two-stage ESC (Electronic Stability Control) also completely disable. VW says that this feature is available exclusively in the Golf R.

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Honda Urban SUV Concept

An all-new Honda concept vehicle made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show 2013 (NAIAS) in Detroit. The concept hints at a dynamic, fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational styling and next-generation connectivity. Its clean character lines are complemented by hidden rear door handles, giving the SUV a coupe-like presence.

Honda is busy making good on its promise to produce sedan and small-crossover variants of its next-generation Fit subcompact; this Urban SUV concept debuting at the 2013 Detroit auto show previews the latter. The new, Mexican-built Fit arrives next year, but the production Urban SUV (which will be built at the same facility) won’t hit the U.S. for another year after that. Given how cool the crossover concept looks, we hope it comes with a less snore-geric name.


In terms of size and price, the Urban SUV will slot beneath the cash-cow CR-V in Honda’s crossover lineup, putting it in the same league as the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul. Among this competition, the Honda definitely hews closer to the Juke’s sporty brand than the Kia’s urban funkiness. The concept gets aggressive yet sophisticated styling and a semi-circular, coupe-like roofline. Honda exaggerates the faux two-door appearance with door handles hidden in the C-pillar trim. Even though the roofline likely won’t be as sexy on the production car, it probably won’t be drastically less so—look close and you can see how the designers cleverly broke the side-window shape from that of the roof’s (presumably) to eke out more rear headroom.

Up front, the Urban SUV wears an adaptation of the same grille and fascia treatment found on the newest Accord, while the sides of the vehicle are minimally adorned with two sharp character lines that sweep from the front and rear fender bulges. Taken overall, the Urban SUV concept looks a lot like an Acura-ified Juke, minus the Nissan’s, er, character, and it’s darn attractive.


Honda purists concerned that the automaker has skewed too far toward the form side of the form/function scale with the new crossover shouldn’t be worried. The littlest Honda SUV will ride on the Fit’s Global Compact Series architecture, complete with the Fit’s signature centrally located fuel tank, which lives beneath the driver’s seat to free up floor space in back. As a result, the Urban SUV will get the Fit’s clever folding/flipping/flattening Magic Seat rear bench, which should afford more cargo-carrying configurations than you’ll ever need.


Details regarding the Urban SUV’s interior and powertrain will be forthcoming, but Honda’s fuel-efficient (and still-hilariously named) Earth Dreams technology will be part of the mix. Expect a small-displacement four-cylinder engine and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Honda promises “next-generation telematics and a modern interior.” Whew—for a second there we were worried that Honda was planning to fit its newest small car with a cassette player, a brick-sized car phone, and the dashboard from a first-generation CR-V.


The tiny Fit is the best-driving car in its segment—one of the many reasons we’ve elected it to our 10Best cars list every year it’s been on sale in the U.S. If Honda can deliver the Fit’s basic dynamic and packaging goodness into the Urban SUV’s taller package, we see no reason why it couldn’t expand on the small hatchback’s success. This is especially so if the production model is even three-quarters as attractive as the Urban SUV concept.

The good news is that Honda’s concepts usually don’t change much before reaching consumers. But may we suggest a better name? We’re thinking a cheeky spinoff of the Fit’s pun-inviting moniker (this car can Fit a ton of stuff!) like “FitAll” (tall Fit) or “Fitbyfour” (do you really need this one spelled out?) might be appropriate.


The new concept is shorter than the CR-V, making it an ideal size for both city streets and mountain roads. It's poised to join the Honda light-truck lineup, with the Honda-original center-tank layout and a configurable Magic Seat® for a host of cargo and passenger options.

This vehicle is slated to launch in Japan later this year, with expansion to the U.S. market in 2014. Be sure to sign up for our emails to receive the latest information and updates.


Video Review :

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Maserati Quattroporte Limited Edition By Ermenegildo Zegna

What The Meaning of a Name, if i could call this car. Some may say that it's too soon for Maserati to be floating an idea of special edition version of the new Quattroporte, but the Italians think otherwise and will be presenting a concept model of sorts at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

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The Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept car was created in cooperation with Italian luxury fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna and will lead to a production version in 2014.

Special touches include a bespoke exterior paint finish that Maserati says, "simulates the fluidity and purity of metal, by using  ultra-fine aluminium pigments", while inside, the Italian design house chose warm hues like moka and greige.

The seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in a combination of soft leather and "velvet-smooth" bright fabric that mimics the design of Zegna's latest men's fashion collections.

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The Power of Mazda6

The new generation of the Mazda6 has recently scored a 5-star safety rating during the crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP. I called it The Power of Zoom-Zoom.

According to the safety specialists from the Old Continent, the new generation of the Mazda6 has scored a maximum 5-star safety rating. The model in question received 92 percent in Adult Occupant protection, 77 percent in Child Occupant protection, 66 percent in Pedestrian Safety and 81 percent in the Safety Assist.

In the Adult Occupant protection, on the frontal impact test, the dummy indicators showed good protection on the knees and femurs of both the driver and the front passenger. In the side barrier test, the dummy readings indicated good protection on all body areas, but the driver’s side door was found not to be fully latched when the vehicle was inspected and this meant the car was penalized. In the event of a rear-end collision, the head restraint and the seat provided good protection against whiplash injury.

In the Child Occupant protection the new Mazda6 scored maximum points for the 1 ½ year infant and the 3 year dummy’s head contacted the rear head restraint on rebound. The pedestrian safety scored maximum points on the bumper for the pedestrian’s legs but the front edge of the bonnet is offering poor protection for the pelvis. The standard ESC meant that the car scored good points in the Safety Assist. The model tested was a Mazda6, 2.2DE Wagon, Core Grade, from the 2013 model year.

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New Lexus GS-F

The new Lexus GS-F performance vehicle has been recently spied on the track where the model was being tested.

Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has big plans for its future models and after unveiling the brand new 2014 IS sedan, time has come to develop a performance version of the model, which will probably be named the RC F, and it will be aimed towards the new BMW M3, M4 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Audi RS4. But besides the development of such a vehicle, Lexus is also planning a larger performance sedan, which will be aimed at models like the BMW M5, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG or the Audi RS6 / RS7.

The model in question will be named the GS-F and it has been recently caught on camera by our spy photographers while it was being test on a track, in Germany. The new Lexus GS-F is expected to make its way onto the market over the following months and this should become the most powerful sedan currently produced by the company. Additional details on the new Lexus GS-F are limited for the moment and will be announced close to its unveil. Meanwhile, you can check out the spy photos posted below.

The new Lexus GS F performance sedan has been spied during testing in Germany - an apt location, given a production model would finally give the Toyota-owned brand a competitor to the likes of BMW’s M5, Audi’s RS6 and Mercedes-Benz’s E63 AMG.

The car is expected to be powered by the same engine as is seen in the current-generation IS F, but with extra push from its 5.0-litre V8 producing more than 340kW and 550Nm - up from 311kW/505Nm in its current state.

If those figures are correct, the Lexus would be down on power on all of its turbocharged rivals - the M5 has 423kW/680Nm, the RS6 has 412kW/700Nm, and the E63 AMG S sold here has 430kW/800Nm. The Jaguar XFR-S is also up there, with 404kW/680Nm.

But Lexus has presented a hyped-up V8 in The LS TMG Edition, which has twin turbo chargers to boost power outputs to 468kW and 765Nm.

Other obvious modifications on the GS F prototype include revised suspension, larger brakes, revised interior trim and those telltale quad exhaust pipes.

Drive has attempted to contact Lexus Australia for comment. Given the popularity of the sportier models offered by the brand locally, it would seem certain that a GS F would be offered if it were made available.

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Porsche Macan On Track

The upcoming Porsche Macan has been spied once again, this time on the track, where the company’s test drivers were testing its performance.

The Porsche Macan is no longer a surprise for anyone as the model has been spied numerous times with no camouflage on its body, over these past few months, but until it will be officially presented, and launched, the model keeps making its way into our news. The newest images with the Porsche Macan have been provided by our spy photographers and they have been taken on a secret location in Germany, where the crossover has been tested on the track.

The new Porsche Macan is using the same platform as the Audi Q5 and the future Audi Q6, but the differences will come, of course, in the luxury department, where the model will be more expensive than its brothers. The Porsche Macan will not be so different in terms of styling with the larger Cayenne, and it will be more affordable. The engine lineup is believed to be borrowed from the Cayenne and from other models in the company’s lineup. Additional details on the Porsche Macan are limited for the moment and will be announced close to its official presentation.

The Porsche Macan has been spied once again while being tested in cold weather and the models in the footage posted below don’t have any camouflage on their bodies.

Porsche is currently testing the brand new Macan, which is a crossover waiting to enter the lineup probably sometimes this year. The video posted below is showing several units of the Porsche Macan with no camouflage on their bodies, which have managed to attract the attention once more. Rumors are saying that the final production version of the Porsche Macan will make its way to the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but the carmaker still has to make an official announcement.

The German based automaker might offer the Porsche Macan with both petrol and diesel engines, including the turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder unit with 220 HP, the 3.6 liter V6 naturally aspirated with 296 HP or the 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 with 370 HP which will be known as the Macan Turbo. Diesel options will include a 2.0 liter TDI engine producing 190 HP and a larger 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 250 HP. A hybrid powertrain is also expected to make its way into the Porsche Macan, which will be probably “borrowed” from the Audi Q5 Hybrid. More details on the model remain unknown for the moment.

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KIA Pro_cee'd GT

Kia Pro_ cee'd GT set a benchmark for hot hatch should a like. The Kia Pro_cee'd GT is the South Korean carmaker's first 'warm' hatch - a move that's set to help distinguish 'sporty' Kia from its 'luxury' stablemate Hyundai. First to arrive in the UK is the three-door Pro_cee'd GT, which will be followed by the five-door Cee'd GT early in 2014. As befits the pinnacle of the range the GT gets a range of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades and is also the first to use the brand's 201bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. Designed, developed and built in Europe, the GT will be sold exclusively here too and is further proof of Kia's ambition to take on big-hitters like Ford and Volkswagen who have traditionally dominated this class. The GT's biggest problem, though, is set to be its price. When you can get a SEAT Leon SC 1.8 TFSI for the same price – if not a little less – then it has to be seriously good. 

One of the most important aspects for any three-door car is the way it looks. And the Pro_cee'd GT sets itself apart with a really striking exterior design. Details like the red pinstripe across the front splitter and honeycomb grille may have been pinched from more well-known rivals, but the design is cohesive and strikes a good balance between sportiness and style. The quad-LED lights either side of the front grille and dual exhausts at the rear look great and, inside, the grippy Recaro sports seats are superb. The driving position is excellent and, apart from a small C-pillar blind spot, visibility is good too. The interior is well made and fun details like the 'GT' colour TFT display between the dials help it feel special from behind the wheel. Equipment levels are good even on entry-level cars and goodies like leather trim, brushed alloy pedals and Bluetooth are all standard fit.

Fitting a twin-scroll turbo to the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine has boosted the power output by almost half and it now produces 201bhp and 265Nm of torque. Those figures put it some way behind the new Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST but on a par with three-door rivals like the 1.8 TFSI SEAT Leon SC and Volkswagen Scirocco. It sprints from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and runs to a top speed of 143mph. On the road it feels quick, but without quite pinning you back in your seat like the best hot hatches around. The engine sounds louder than the standard car but the exhaust note is a little flat and characterless. The handling is good though as the Pro_cee'd GT gets stiffer springs and dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and stickier tyres. It grips well through corners and body roll is well controlled but the brakes fade quickly and the weighty steering is a little inconsistent in feel around the straight ahead. It is not a match for the best hot hatches dynamically but the GT feels well suited to reasonably fast on-road driving rather than a track day special.

The Pro_cee'd GT comes with a seven-year manufacturer warranty as standard, giving you peace of mind for the first 100,000 miles of motoring as any major mechanical issues will be covered. Although it is a high performance model, which uses a number of bespoke new parts, the standard range has proved reliable with no major recalls reported. If you drive hard. the GT will use its brakes and tyres faster than lesser models in the range, but the interior build quality feels robust and like it will stand the test of time well. The Pro_cee'd is based on the Cee'd - which gets a full five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP and Kia as a brand finished seventh in our 2013 Driver Power satisfaction survey.

For a svelte three-door there is a surprising amount of space inside the Pro_cee'd GT. The rear bench is wide enough to seat three adults in comfort and a flat floor means there is a lot of legroom as well. The big glovebox and a variety of other cubbies mean storing loose items is simple and the boot will swallow an impressive 380 litres of luggage. If you need more room, the back seats are split 60:40 and, although the loading lip is higher than the five-door model, it is easy enough to lug heavy items on board. Access to the rear seats is reasonable and there is a button to slide the front seat forward to make it easy to climb inside. All-round visibility is quite good for a sporty model and the suspension is soft enough to make long journeys stress free. Unwanted boom from the exhaust is kept to a minimum when cruising the motorway.

autoexpress.co.uk

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