2012 Honda Pilot is The Best Buy Minivan

The 2012 Honda Pilot's new grille and front fascia replace the prior model's six-sided grille insert with a distinctive three-bar horizontal design. Reconfigured multi-reflector halogen headlights and turn signals contribute to the new look with a layout that relocates the turn signal from an outboard position to an inboard position within the headlight housing. A new front air dam and optimized strakes (the rectangular air deflector in front of the wheels) help reduce frontal area and unwanted air turbulence, both of which impact fuel economy. Rounding out the exterior design changes, Pilot EX and above models receive an all-new five-spoke, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel design (plus 1-inch compared to the previous model). Honda Pilot Touring alloy wheels feature an exclusive six-spoke design with a high-contrast machined surface. Pilot LX models are equipped with 17-inch styled-steel wheels.

Key interior dimensions are identical to the previous Pilot model, including front headroom (40.0 in. for Pilot LX and EX, 39.3 in. for moonroof-equipped Pilot EX-L and Touring), second-row headroom (39.8 in.) and rear headroom (38.2 in.), legroom (front 41.4 in., second-row 38.5 in., and third-row 32.1 in.). Passenger volumes are likewise identical (153.7 cu-ft. for Pilot LX and EX, 152.7 cu-ft. for Pilot EX-L and Touring), as are cargo volumes (87.0 cu-ft. total, 47.7 cu-ft. behind second-row seats, and 18.0 cu-ft. behind third-row seats).

The Honda Pilot power comes from an advanced 24-valve, all-aluminum engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) technology with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The VCM system allows the V-6 engine to operate in six-cylinder mode for power and four- or three-cylinder modes for efficiency. Fuel economy improves for 2012 with an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 17/24/20 mpg on 4-wheel-drive models and 18/25/21 mpg on 2-wheel-drive models. Representing a 1-mpg increase in City, a 2-mpg increase in Highway and a 2-mpg increase in Combined, this gives the 2012 Pilot 2WD the highest fuel economy of any 8-passenger SUV and the Honda Pilot 4WD the highest fuel economy for any mid-size 4WD SUV.

As with the prior model year, the 2012 Pilot is available in four model choices (Pilot LX, EX, EX-L and Touring), and each is offered in either 2-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive configuration.

More Pictures of 2012 Honda Pilot

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Review

Subaru car maker has announced new car with called 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.Subaru based the new Subaru XV Crosstrek on the Impreza platform, making significant changes to the chassis and body and configuring interior standard equipment and options specifically for this new model. All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, teamed to Symmetrical All- Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Subaru based the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek on the Impreza platform, making significant changes to the chassis and body and configuring interior standard equipment and options specifically for this new model. All 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, teamed to Symmetrical All- Wheel Drive via a five-speed manual transmission or available second-generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Subaru offers two different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek models. With the five-speed manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either set of wheels will send more power to the opposite set.

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TopSpeed Podcast Episode 022 LIVE

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Don't forget! This week's show is Wednesday!!! Show starts at Noon (12:00 EDT). This week will be a fun one, I think. Justin doesn't have any weekly wheels, but Mark and I have a pair of awesome machines. Mark was in the new Cadillac CTS and I have been bombing around in a Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid.

When we finally get done with that, there is a whole pile of news we need to cover. Hot Wheels has made a real Darth Vader car, the ATS-V has been spied bombing around the Green Hell, the VW Eos is dead, we have new info on the Polaris Slingshot, there is a new SVT Mustang coming and BMW has made a one-off version of the new i8. If we have time, there is also news about a new supercharged and turbocharged Ferrari engine, a new Mad Max movie is coming, and I want to talk about my time with 4K gaming.

Yeah, it's a jam-packed show and I can't wait.

Of course, it wouldn't be a TopSpeed Podcast without some viewer questions and a round of Own, Drive Burn. If you join us for the live show, we will happily give you a shout out, and we will answer any live questions we get as well.

I'll see you all tomorrow.

TopSpeed Podcast Episode 022 LIVE originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 July 2014 12:00 EST.

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Ferrari Considers Supercharged Engine With Electric Turbocharger

If you thought the new era of F1 with small, hybrid, turbocharged cars was a bad idea, listen up. Not only have Mercedes and Audi revealed new engines and cars that are using an electrified turbo system similar in function to the new F1 cars, Ferrari has jumped into the mix now too. According to a new report from 4 Wheel News, Ferrari is working on a new engine that features both a supercharger and an electronic turbo.

Now if you are a Ferrari purist, please put down the gun/torch/big stick and listen. The report clearly states that Ferrari's high-end, V-12 cars will remain, and that the V-12 engines powering them will also remain naturally aspirated.

The supercharger will help provide lots of power with a small footprint, and the instant torque and boost from the electric turbocharger will reduce lag in the forced-induction system and help cut emissions and increase fuel economy.

We don't have any information on what size or configuration the engine will come in, but considering the main goal of this engine is to cut emissions, I wouldn't be surprised to see smaller V-8. A de-bored version of the California T's 3.8-liter down to 3.6-liter wouldn't be improbable. Ferrari could also go for a V-6 configuration. Whatever it chooses, expect power outputs to still be well above the 500-horsepower mark.

It is still a Ferrari after all.

Click past the jump to read more about Ferrari's future supercharged engine.

Ferrari Considers Supercharged Engine With Electric Turbocharger originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 July 2014 12:00 EST.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Sedan

Before the 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe burst onto the scene last month, its predecessor, the 2012 C63 AMG Sedan - was a doozy in its own right.

How awesome was it? It gave tuners like HMS Tuning free reign to give it some serious performance and exterior modifications.

Starting with the latter, HMS Tuning gave the C63 AMG a few added goodies, including a redesigned carbon fiber front bumper with integrated LED lights, flared wheel arches, a new boot lid spoiler, and a rear diffuser. All these items, incidentally, are made out of carbon fiber. Rounding out the exterior mods are a new set of 19 Jade R HMS-Edition black rims.

Now, for the performance upgrade. With the C63 AMG already carrying one of the best 6.2-liter V8 engines in the world, the Mercedes sports sedan is capable of belting out 457 horsepower. Now, add a three-stage supercharger kit and you've got a variety of increased outputs to choose from. Stage I develops 625 horsepower and 593 lb/ft of torque, Stage 2 produces 640 horsepower and 620 lb/ft of torque, and finally, Stage 3 peaks at 690 horsepower and 646 lb/ft of torque.

Not too bad for the 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG, right?

Talking about pricing, the top-end Stage 3 supercharger kit is priced at a steady 24,419, which is around $31,700 based on current exchange rates.

More Pictures of 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Sedan

2012 Acura RL Review

Despite debuting over seven years ago, extensively refreshed in 2009 and nip/tucked again in 2011, the Acura RL remains a mystery. Flagship products usually sell in small numbers, but the RL is one of the rarest sedans in America. This isn't exactly been a badge of honor for Acura. Overlooked by shoppers who flock to the cheaper Acura TL and largely forgotten by the automotive press (after all these years, TTAC has never fully reviewed the RL) With a full replacement due next year in the form of the RLX concept, I hit Acura up for an RL for a week to see how a flagship product from a major brand could manage to sell just 56 vehicles in Canada and 1,096 in the USA in 2011. For those who like statistics, the TL outsold the RL by 2,850%.

Beating "sideways" under the hood of the RL is Acura's ubiquitous 3.7L V6, good for 300HP and 271lb-ft of twist at a lofty 5,000RPM. 300HP may have been a selling point back in 2005, but in today's luxury market, 300 is where things start, not end. The 3.7 s 271lb-ft is practically meager when pitted against the 350lb-ft cranked out by Lincoln's Ecoboost V6, not to mention BMW's twin turbo V8. Rubbing some salt on the wound, the TL's optional 3.7L engine cranks out 5 more ponies. Ouch. Still, the MKS Ecoboost and S80 T6 are on the high-end of the competition's scale which, more realistically, includes the GS350 AWD and the Cadillac XTS.

For 2011 Acura updated the RL with a new 6-speed transmission. The extra cog cut the RL's dash to 60 by almost a full half second vs the 2010 model (5.9 as tested.) Mercedes may advertise a 7-speed automatic and BMW and Audi tout their ZF 8-speed, but let's be honest here - the E350, 535xi or A6 3.0T don't compete head-on with the RL. When you scale back the competition to the more natural competitors of the S80, MKS, GS350 and XTS, the right number of gears for this crowd is six. The 2012 RL is now rated for 17/24MPG (City/Highway) which is 1MPG better than before. Over our 745 miles with the RL we averaged a middling 19MPG. In comparison, Cadillac's XTS promises to be the most efficient AWD sedan in this size class at 17/28MPG.

The RL is perhaps one of the most forgotten and misunderstood vehicles of our time. Looking at the sales numbers, you'd think there was something horribly wrong with the RL. In 2011 only 1,096 RLs found a home meaning even the unloved Volvo S80 outsold it nearly 5:1 and the MKS bested it by 12:1. However, the problem with the RL isn't that the Volvo, Lexus and Lincoln competition is more modern. The problem is the new TL with SH-AWD. With a thoroughly modern interior and electronics, the TL might have a less capable AWD system, but with a lower price tag it is no wonder it outsells the RL 31:1. Still, if you're shopping for a $50,000 luxury sedan, the RL isn't a bad choice, but the new RL couldn't come any sooner.

More Pictures of 2012 Acura RL

2012 VW Beetle Turbo Review

Like the fat kid from Math Club who came to the high school reunion with something to prove, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo wants everyone to do a double take and notice that it's no longer the archetypal chick car. The new VW wants it to be OK for a guy to purchase it and visit the Starbucks drive thru. It wants it known the latest version of the Beetle has a turbo in it, and it means business.

Doesn't the now-flattened roofline says "I drink more beers than wine coolers" to you? After almost a decade of the New Beetle, VW has decided enough is enough. Cuteness overload has worn thin. The latest Beetle has visual cues that distinguish it from its predecessor. And it has the driving dynamics to make it feel more masculine. So, is the 2.0-liter turbo four mated to a double clutch automatic six-speed enough to propel this bug to a new dawn?

The new Beetle Turbo features the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine as the Eos I drove previously. The 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,800-5,000 RPM make driving this Beetle quite fun. Passing cars on the freeway was a breeze in S mode. It's a full second quicker to 60 mph than the VW Eos Lux (6.3 seconds vs. 7.3) thanks to lower curb weigh. And it's also half-second quicker than the new Jetta GLI, which also has the same engine but is heavier.

The six-speed DSG (double clutch auto) transmission optimizes for MPG, and constantly upshifts in short bursts. The best way to get the most out of the engine is to simply floor the accelerator from a complete stop and drop the transmission in S mode. Keep your foot planted. The new Beetle has a multilink rear suspension tuned for more comfort than driving dynamics. The car feels light in the back, which sudden turns and driving in loose gravel will communicate.

More Pictures of 2012 VW Beetle Turbo

2012 Ferrari 458 Spider Perfetto with 4.5-liter V8 engine

The Perfetto is Wheelsandmore's latest tuning kit it developed for the Ferrari 458 Spider, which includes body and power mods.

Out of the factory, the 458 Italia boasts a 4.5-liter v8 engine. To this, Wheelsandmore remapped the ECU, added a sports exhaust system and a carbon fiber air box. Combined, these mods add 76-hp and 70 lb-ft of torque, making the total output 638-hp and 468 lb-ft of torque.

Carbon fiber parts have replaced the mirrors and rear diffuser, while the trunk, engine compartment and interior also have the option of being swapped out for carbon, well. All together, they save about 66lbs from the original weight.

The whole package rests on a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels, with Hankook providing the rubber with four S1Evo tires.

Finally, 4.5-liter V8 engine has a new manifold, sports bankrupt system, ECU mapped and carbon cilia air box. It is accessible to aftermath 647 PS (476 kW / 638 hp) and 635 Nm (468 lb-ft) of torque - an access of 77 PS (57 kW / 76 hp) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque. 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider, done that and afflicted the name Perfetto end. Almost perfect?. All types of carbon-decorated tuner 458. Mirrors, air clarify box, luchtinlaatjes, luchtuitlaatjes and as icing on the cake, some apparatus are still functional. A baby acclimation in the computer, accumulated with the new bankrupt makes 656 hp best is Fri

With the acclimation and the 'extra' ability in any case accomplish the complete added than the accepted 2012 Ferrari 458.

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2013 Honda Accord Unveiled

We've yet to officially see the 2013 Honda Accord other than the Accord Coupe Concept that was unveiled earlier this year. The all-new 2013 Accord is slated to arrive this fall, but a leaked dealer order sheet gives away a few more details. The 2013 Accord equipped with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine can be order with either a CVT transmission or six-speed manual. Unlike Hyundai, Chevy and Ford, Honda's midsize sedan will continue to be offered with a six-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord V6 sedan only comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Accord V6 Coupe gets either a six-speed manual or automatic.

The order sheet also reveals that Honda will offer "sport" and "touring" trim levels on the Accord sedan.

The powertrains are also evolving, and at a pace that's less glacial than the styling. The next Accord will feature the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC direct-injection four-cylinder, producing 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque while promising an increase in fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V6 returns with more power, as well.

A plug-in hybrid system is also planned, albeit a less ambitious version than some of its rivals. It'll only propel you electric-only for 15 miles on a single four-hour charge, but they'll let you choose those 15 miles. Progress!

More Pictures of 2013 Honda Accord

Audi Q7 V12 TDI by Fostla

The top of the range Q7 is before your eyes ... and it is indeed a diesel! The V12 TDI sits proudly above all other engines and if the oil overpowered plot we must admit he impressed when installed behind the wheel! Aesthetically, it's 100% Audi and therefore virtually no surprise there then the sacred Single Frame grille (chrome-highlighted!), The all-too-important daytime driving light-emitting diodes (12 in number block), but that's not all.

The exhaust ends with two big releases ovaloid, receives the front air intakes while the specific routes have been expanded to harness the power of the beast (discussed). Also, the beast is based on five wheels imposing arms installed 21 inches. Finally, the black livery is particularly highlighted the rod and chrome mirror caps designed aluminum. The interior on the other hand is simple in its configuration but just like "bling-bling" of the machine. On closer inspection one will notice a mixture of carbon inserts, leather and Alcantara fully assembled.

The Q7 is one of the most impressive models Audi has ever offered, and the V12 TDI is the most powerful version offered. These two facts about this SUV is why German tuner, Fostla, decided this would be the car to receive one of their tuning kits. Their latest package jumps the Q7's output to an amazing 600 HP, as well as tweaks its look to match.For 3500 euro ($4,500 at the current rates), Fostla will cover a customer's Q7 in a cool PWF foil in diamond black matte, tint the front and back lights, and tone the discs to between 55% and 85%. For an extra 6000 euro ($7700 at the current rates), customers will get a new set of 11 23 inch matte powder coated side Mansory C5 wheels with 315/25R23 tires in combination with 15 mm front and 30 mm back track plates.To take care of the Audi Q7's standard 500 HP, Fostla tricked out the 6.0-liter V12 engine with an ECU upgrade to allow it to push out 600 HP and 737 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph sprint will now be made in 5.5 seconds. This added bonus will set customers back an additional $4,500.

More Pictures of Audi Q7 V12 TDI

2012 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn 4×4 Launches New Luxury Model

In a market segment as lucrative as the full-size pickup category, we shouldn't be surprised to see manufacturers' strategies consisting of offering several trim lines to suit all tastes. At Chrysler, the multiplication of trims and special editions seems to work out for them, as sales are increasing.

In addition to the ST, SXT and SLT, the Ram offers Tradesman, Express, Outdoorsman, Big Horn, Sport, Laramie, Power Wagon and - the subject of our test today - Laramie Longhorn, the most lavishly equipped of the vast line-up.

Let's just say that luxury takes on a peculiar meaning within the Ram brand. Its cockpit dressed in brown leather, livestock horns and Western-style design patterns makes us wanna jump in a pair of cowboy boots, put on a Stetson and hit the road all the way to Texas.

The 5.7L HEMI V8 is standard in the Ram 2500/3500. Despite a premium of $11,245, or roughly the price of a brand-new Nissan Versa Sedan, many buyers are instead choosing the 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel inline-6, which is saddled with a 6-speed automatic. A manual gearbox is also offered.

Down two pistons compared to the diesel engines in the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, the Cummins lump develops 350 horsepower, and a colossal 800 lb-ft of torque at a low 1,500 rpm. Thanks to this prodigious twisting force, this Crew Cab, long-bed Ram 2500 can tow up to 14,300 lbs (6,486 kg), while its payload capacity is 2,030 lbs (921 kg).

Certain versions of the Ram can pull up to 22,750 lbs, which seems unreal. We're a little short, however, of the maximum towing ratings of GM (23,000 lbs) and Ford (24,500 lbs). Still, you get a diesel exhaust brake, very useful for controlling truck and trailer speed, and making you feel as if you were driving an 18-wheeler.

As for fuel economy, the Laramie Longhorn used up only 17L/100km in our hands. The last Ram 2500 we tested with a HEMI engine guzzled down more than 20L/100km.

The Ram 2500 starts at $35,345 for a Regular Cab, short bed 4 2 model. However, our Laramie Longhorn 4 4 equipped with the turbodiesel engine and the longer bed costs more than $70,000, which isn't within reach of every cowboy. But cheer up - the Ford F-350 King Ranch is even more expensive.

Muscular, luxurious and utterly enormous, the Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn is one of the best ways to show off at the country fair. As a workhorse, you can't ask for much more, but personally, I'd go for a less-expensive trim line of the Ram that's just as hard-working.

More Pictures of 2012 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn 4 4

2013 BMW 135is First Look

In the long standing tradition of high performance BMW "is" models, BMW today announced an enhanced performance version of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible called the BMW 135is. The 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible focus the qualities that made the 135i such a success amongst driving enthusiasts - with more performance, enhanced sound and dynamic design details. Both the new 135is Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44,145 and $48,845 respectively (including $895 destination and handling).

Both models are equipped with BMW's award winning TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine (N55) featuring Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For the 135is, the engine has been tuned to increase peak horsepower to 320 hp (+20 hp increase) and 317 lb-ft of torque (+17 lb.ft) while maintaining the same emissions level and MPG ratings of the 135i. A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator.

Both BMW 135is models will be offered with either a standard 6-Speed manual transmission or an optional 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission.

The 135is is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.

The exterior of the new 135is Coupe / Convertible will be clearly identified by exclusive 18" wheels, unique high-gloss black kidney grill, black mirror caps and special exterior badges in additional to the standard M Sport Package components. Interior highlights include stainless steel pedals, special interior badges and optional black leather seats with blue stitching for the standard sport seats.

The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.

More Pictures of 2013 BMW 135is

AC Schnitzer sells its BMW E92 335i-based GP 3.10

German-based third-party car tuning company AC Schnitzer has put its BMW E92 335i-based GP 3.10 up for sale. The car was registered on 09/2006 and you can buy the car from eBay.de for 25,100 ( 19,840.8). The nice Mineral-Gr n paint-finished car shows 27,000 km (16,780 miles) on the clock and comes with several styling and performance...

Gold chrome Jaguar F-Type and Land Rover will stir up mixed reactions!

While the Jaguar F-Type Coupe and Land Rover you see here may not be very popular in the Western World, they are sure to be a big hit in China as well as some Middle Eastern countries. But what would be equally liked in the east and the west is the performance specs of these...

2015 Volvo XC90 safety equipment previewed [videos]

Debuts next month

Volvo has released extensive details about the numerous safety features incorporated in the upcoming all-new XC90.

Promising to be "one of the safest cars in the world", the 2015 XC90 will be the first vehicle in the world to offer run-off road protection. The car will automatically detect an accident causing the car to go off the road and the system will react by tightening the front safety belts in order to keep the occupants in position. The belts will remain firm until the car comes to a full stop while Safe Positioning will prevent spine injuries by reducing vertical occupant forces up to 33 percent as the energy is absorbed between the seat and seat frame cushions.

Volvo is also offering systems to avoid run-off scenarios by implementing Lane Keeping Aid which applies additional steering torque if the XC90 is about to exit the lane unintentionally. There's also Driver Alert Control detecting and warning inattentive or tired drivers while Rest Stop Guidance provides info about the nearest rest area.

Moreover, the all-new Volvo XC90 features an auto brake function activated in an intersection if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. The system can detect a potential crash and it automatically brakes to avoid an impact.

The list of safety and assistance system continues with extended road sign information, blind spot information and queue assist which in slow-moving queues automatically accelerates, brakes and steers the car according to the vehicle in front.

We remind you about a year ago Volvo provided details about the XC90's safety tech saying it will come with animal detection, adaptive cruise control (with steer assist), as well as road edge and barrier detection (with steer assist). They also talked about pedestrian detection in darkness and Car 2 Car Communication (available from 2016) which will work based on communication between transmitters fitted in cars and the road infrastructure (road signs, traffic lights).

Volvo has already announced a full reveal is scheduled for August.

Additional details can be found in the attached press release.

Opel planning Dacia-like range of low-cost models - report

2015 Vauxhall Corsa

Targeting customers who used to buy Chevrolet models

A new report indicates Opel is analyzing the prospects of launching a series of low-end models in Europe.

After Volkswagen, it now seems Opel wants to imitate Renault's success with its Dacia sub-brand of low-cost models as Automotive News is citing a source close to Rüsselsheim who says Opel is considering a range of entry-level cars. It is believed these vehicles will target customers who up until now used to buy Chevrolets, a brand which will be phased out from Europe by the end of 2015.

The decision has apparently been a long time in the making and now the management is looking for ways to expand Opel's lineup. It's only one of the plans part of a more extensive rethink of Opel's presence in Europe, turning responsibility of the brand to a newly established organizational entity called Opel Group GmbH which has approximately 100 employees. The Opel Group will also be responsible for Cadillac's European activity as well as Chevrolet's operations in Russia.

If the low-cost sub-range plan will eventually be green-lighted, expect the first models to come out before the end of the decade.

Audi confirms plans to discontinue the multitronic CVT

Audi multitronic CVT

To be replaced with a 7-speed DCT

Audi has announced plans to terminate its continuously variable transmission (CVT) which won't be offered on next-gen models.

Speaking to Motoring, Audi's senior driving behavior engineer Ralph Riegger said development of the multitronic CVT has ended and it will not be offered on next generation models. This wasn't a trouble-free gearbox as Audi had to face a class-action lawsuit involving 2002-2006MY A4 and A6 models which was settled in 2013. Besides these two models, Audi is also offering the continuously variable transmission in the A5 and A7 but their successors won't get it.

Riegger says the multitronic (offered only on FWD models) is going to be replaced on next-gen Audis with an evolution of the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and it is believed the first model of this kind will be all-new A4 (B9) set to go on sale in the first half of 2015 so it could be unveiled before this year's end.

Facelifted Mercedes-Benz GL spied testing in the Death Valley

2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class facelift spy photo / S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

To feature a redesigned front fascia

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GL has been caught on camera once again while undergoing testing in the Death Valley, United States.

Set to come out shortly after the 2015/2016 ML facelift, the larger GL is bound to receive a modestly updated front fascia with a fresh grille and a different bumper. The prototype spotted testing in the Death Valley had the dashboard covered in order to hide the standalone screen seen on most recent Mercedes-Benz products which will also find its way inside the facelifted GL.

These are probably the only changes planned for the full-size SUV since the engine lineup is expected to be carried over, including the 333 PS twin-turbo V6 3.0-liter in the recently introduced GL400 which sprints to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 149 mph (240 km/h), not too shabby for a vehicle that weighs almost 2.5 tons.

The facelifted GL will probably be offered for three model years since an all-new model is expected around 2017 as a 2018MY and is rumored to get a high-end Maybach derivative, a treatment which will likely be applied onto the S-Class Coupe and the ML Coupe / MLC.

Prepare For The Ferrari Enzo Hybrid

There have been rumors circulating for some time that Ferrari was looking to introduce a hybrid. Now, Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo has indeed confirmed that such a car is on its way, scheduled for introduction by the end of this year.

Using a version of Ferrari's HY-KERS Kinetic Energy Recovery System, the most recent iteration of which was seen at the Beijing Motor Show this year, the new car will be Ferrari's next generation flagship and carry the name Enzo.

"We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations," Di Montezemolo recently said. "At the end of the year we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

Sporting a mid-mounted V12 gasoline engine - not front mounted like the 599 Fiorano HY-KERS test mule shown above - seven-speed transmission and dual electric motors the new Ferrari flagship promises to deliver a whopping 920 horsepower.

As other hi-performance vehicle manufacturers are finding out, hybridization is becoming like the new turbo or super charging. Instead of force-feeding more fuel for more power, electric motors elegantly create more power without the need for any fuel. Ferrari's two motors in this car will consist of a main unit mounted behind the gearbox and auxiliary power unit on the side of the engine.

In order to achieve the best possible power-to-weight-ratio, the new Enzo will feature extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction and as a result, likely dizzying levels of acceleration, braking and handling.here have been rumors circulating for some time that Ferrari was looking to introduce a hybrid. Now, Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo has indeed confirmed that such a car is on its way, scheduled for introduction by the end of this year.

Using a version of Ferrari's HY-KERS Kinetic Energy Recovery System, the most recent iteration of which was seen at the Beijing Motor Show this year, the new car will be Ferrari's next generation flagship and carry the name Enzo.

"We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations," Di Montezemolo recently said. "At the end of the year we'll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car."

Sporting a mid-mounted V12 gasoline engine - not front mounted like the 599 Fiorano HY-KERS test mule shown above - seven-speed transmission and dual electric motors the new Ferrari flagship promises to deliver a whopping 920 horsepower.

As other hi-performance vehicle manufacturers are finding out, hybridization is becoming like the new turbo or super charging. Instead of force-feeding more fuel for more power, electric motors elegantly create more power without the need for any fuel. Ferrari's two motors in this car will consist of a main unit mounted behind the gearbox and auxiliary power unit on the side of the engine.

In order to achieve the best possible power-to-weight-ratio, the new Enzo will feature extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction and as a result, likely dizzying levels of acceleration, braking and handling.

More Pictures of Ferrari Enzo Hybrid