High-res photos: www.worldcarfans.com The highly-anticipated Maserati Kubang concept has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Designed in-house, the Jeep Grand Cherokee-based model has a prominent grille, front fender vents and LED headlights. Further back, a sloping roofline leads to a uniquely styled tailgate which will undoubtedly cause visceral reactions. The company declined to release specifications, but said the production model will be “100% Maserati” with a next-generation engine produced by Ferrari. It will be paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission which promises to deliver an engaging driving experience. Additionally, the suspension, brakes and steering system will be unique to the luxurious sport crossover.
gtchannel.com presents with great honor a tribute video of Lexus’ chief test driver Hiromu Naruse, who helped inspire and develop nearly every iconic racing vehicle created by Toyota. Naruse Just as he guided Lexus in our relentless pursuit of perfection … we thank him for allowing us to be part of his.
High-res photos: Porsche has unveiled the 2012 911 (991) at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Built to usher in a new era of performance, the model has an evolutionary design that is instantly recognizable. Déjà vu aside, the car has a wider track and a wheelbase that has been stretched 100mm (3.9 inches). Inside, the cabin is significantly improved with higher quality materials and a design that mimics the Panamera. Notable highlights include a sloping center console, additional trim and updated switchgear. The entry-level Carrera has a 350 PS (257 kW / 345 hp) 3.4-liter engine which enables it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (4.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and hit a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h). On the other hand, the Carrera S features a 3.8-liter engine with 400 PS (294 kW / 394 hp). It dashes from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the SC package) and tops out at 188 mph (302 km/h). The 2012 Porsche 911 will go on sale later this year and pricing starts at €88038 (£71449 / 100).
China is the market for extended-wheelbase variants and Rolls-Royce has introduced the new Ghost Extended Wheelbase edition at Auto Shanghai today. The wheelbase of this stretched Ghost is 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer than on the standard model and good for twice as much knee room, says Rolls-Royce. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase will be built to order and is available only in limited numbers for this year until Rolls-Royce can ramp up production in 2012. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by a 6.6 liter twin-turbo V12 with an output of 563 PS (414 kW / 555 bhp) and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft). The extended-wheelbase Ghost does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5 seconds flat. “This is the first time we have undertaken a world launch of a Rolls-Royce car in China, underscoring the strategic significance of this market and the Asia Pacific region,” says Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. At the Auto Shanghai event, Rolls-Royce has also introduced several bespoke editions exclusive to the Chinese market. The Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon comes in a Rhapsody Black exterior with an interior finish in Ardent Red and Seashell with a Piano Black veneer. There’s also a Phantom Drophead Coupé in a Maiden Blue exterior with a Navy Blue and Seashell interior complimented by Straight Grained Oak and Ebony. Also on the Rolls-Royce stand at Auto Shanghai is the China Edition Ghost which comes with a red interior contrasted with gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy badging and …
A few days ago the Lexus LFA was at Monticello for its debut in New York and I had the opportunity to go. Unfortunately I was unable to go in the car around the track but I shot some video of it revving which has an insane exhaust note and really cool instrument cluster. Enjoy!
