2012 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI is a five-passenger midsize SUV with a rich relative-the Porsche Cayenne. The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is available in four models: Sport, Lux, Executive, and Hybrid. Sport and Lux models offer a choice between a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine or a 225-horsepower, 3.0-liter TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) V6, Executive models are powered by the 3.6-liter V6, and Hybrid models feature a supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 paired with a 47-hp electric motor for a combined power output of 380 horsepower. All Volkswagen Touareg powertrains are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI range includes four engines, but at 60k apiece, the thirsty 3.0 V6 hybrid and 4.2 TDI V8, are of minor interest. For most UK buyers, it's a choice between two 3.0-litre diesels. The basic motor produces 201bhp and does 62mph in 9sec but we splashed out 1615 on the 242bhp version that lops 1.2sec from that standing start time for a meagre 1mpg penalty. And speaking of mpg, its claimed 39mpg combined fuel figure is nearly 10mpg better than my old Range Rover Sport diesel's, thanks to a kerbweight some 400kg lower.

Common sense suggests we should have gone for the basic SE spec: heated leather trim, navigation, Bluetooth and an eight-speed 'box are all standard for 40,155. There's an off-road-themed Escape version too, but to sample the version most UK buyers will choose, we stumped up another 2525 for the sporty Altitude. The colour palette is about as varied as food choices in a 1970s Warsaw supermarket, but the metal-look dash trim does differentiate it from the warmer wood decoration of the SE.

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Jaguar XJ Supersport V8 New Nürburgring Taxi

If you have strolled around the N rburgringin BMW's famous 'Ring Taxi and are looking for something with a different flavor, you will be pleased to know that Jaguar has launched its own service.
The British marque's very first 'Ring cab is based on the latest long wheelbase XJ Supersport limo equipped with Sport and Speed Pack options. Power comes from a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that is good for 503hp (510PS) offering a top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

"We've been running a successful N rburgring driving programme from our Nordschleife engineering test centre now for some time, as it's the very best place to demonstrate the dynamic abilities of the current Jaguar XF, XJ and XK models," said Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications for Jaguar Land Rover.

"Of these models, we found it's the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car," he added.

Jaguar's N rburgring Taxi is finished in a non-standard matt grey paint. For safety reasons, inside, the British firm has replaced standard leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats with four race seats, each equipped with four-point harnesses, while a roll cage completes the changes.

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Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

Looks like Toyota and Gazoo Racing will be bringing more than just the Lexus LF-A to the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race this week. In a surprising announcement, the Japanese automaker will also bring their new mid-engine convertible hybrid concept to Nurburgring, which they've christened as the Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II.

An updated version of the first concept that was introduced at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II is an MR2-based hybrid concept that features plenty of styling cues from the fabled MR2 sports car. It was also designed in a far more aggressive detail befitting of its status as a new-age hybrid concept car.

In addition to the advanced convertible design language of the car, Toyota and GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN2) also improved on the car's mid-engine sports-hybrid AWD system that now carries a 3.5-liter Type 2GR-FXE V6 engine that produces 249 horsepower to go with a front electric motor that bumps up the output to 299 horsepower.

So far, these are the only details we have of the new Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, but rest assured, we'll have more details when the car makes its official debut at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring this weekend.

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The latest Arrinera Supercar official pictures released

Arrinera is a British-Polish supercar, which in terms of driving parameters, quality of workmanship and performance can compete with other cars from the same market segment.

The management of Arrinera Automotive has signed an exclusive deal for negotiations to buy a 50% stake in Fenix Automotive Ltd from Great Britain, which is involved in the construction project of the Fenix sports car. Arrinera plans to complete the transaction by the end of the third quarter of 2011. This investment will enable Arrinera to carry out the strategy for building a group of companies with a very strong position in the world market of low-volume production of supercars and sports cars, gaining access to foreign markets and technology/know-how while operating in a prestigious
and elite market. Fenix Automotive is controlled by Lee Noble.

Arrinera Automotive plans to commence production of cars in Poland. Instead of creating its own manufacturing facilities, the company is concentrating on finding suitable subcontractors in our country and talks with
potential partners having necessary expertise in car manufacturing are well advanced.

Arrinera Automotive expects the target volume of production will be from 600-700 cars a year. Arrinera Automotive S.A. is preparing for its first quotation of shares at the New Connect market. The majority shareholder of Arrinera Automotive is the VENO S.A. venture capital fund, listed on the New Connect market for 3 years.

An 8-cylinder 6.2-litre engine with a maximum power of 650HP and 820 Nm torque. 19-inch wheels create
additional space for an expanded braking system. Light-alloy wheels with 255/35 R19 tyres (front) and 335/30 R19 (rear). Front wheels are equipped with 6-piston callipers and 350 mm brake discs. Rear wheels with 4-piston callipers and 330 mm brake discs.

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Rolls-Royce Confirms a New Model for 2016

Forget about the endless rumors and speculation; Rolls-Royce has officially confirmed the arrival of a new model by mid-2016. The announcement came by the tried-and-tested method of a press release, which is about as direct and clear-cut as you can get. The British automaker didn't dive into the specifics of the model with Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten M ller- tv s opting only to say that the new model will be an "exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer."

Based on that statement, you can rule out the rumored Rolls-Royce SUV as the model M ller- tv s is describing. Our best bet is that this model will be the Wraith Drophead, which not only fits the description, but has also been spotted in recent months doing some test runs while dressed in heavy camouflage.

The press release also said that the new car is undergoing prototype testing as it "enters its next stage of development."

It's hard not to get excited about this announcement because we've been waiting for Rolls-Royce to expand its lineup for years, and the arrival of the Wraith in 2013 began that process. Hopefully, this new car will continue this trend.

Click past the jump to read more about Rolls-Royce's future model.

Rolls-Royce Confirms a New Model for 2016 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 August 2014 17:00 EST.

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Lexus ES Crafted Line Edition

Just because the Lexus ES falls below the segment classifications of the LS, GS, and IS models, that doesn't mean it can't get the same amount of attention from the Crafted Line collection as the others received. On the contrary, the ES received more "love" than any other model in the Lexus lineup outside of the RX 350 F Sport.

Even with its standing in the lineup, the ES received the same level of customization and attention-to-detail as its big brothers. That begins with the Ultra White color of the sedan, and is accented by a contrasting Obsidian splashes on various sections of the body.

Like the rest of the Crafted Line collection, the Lexus ES Crafted Line Edition will be on display at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance before its launch in November 2014.

Don't underestimate the selling power of the ES, especially when you're looking at one of just 1,500 examples of the Crafted Line Edition. It's still one of the cheapest models in the entire lineup line, so expect those who won't be able to afford the GS 350 F Sport and the LS 460 F Sport to turn their attention to the ES 350 Crafted Line Edition.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lexus ES Crafted Line Edition.

Lexus ES Crafted Line Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 August 2014 19:00 EST.

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Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design at Beijing Motor Show

Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design was one of the concept cars the American car maker unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show to celebrate its return to the Chinese market. The Ruyi 300 is quite a remarkable car because of its exquisite details. Normally, a special car to the Americans is one that's bigger, has more chrome than others, and big wheels. But this one is inspired by culture. It pays homage to the Chinese symbol of Ruyi.

The side sills were lowered, and the rear fascia for a more aggressive and sporty look. Dual exhaust tip was added to complement. Special 22-inch concept wheels ensure that the concept's kicks. The interiors also get some new treatment, and that black chrome trim, brushed pattern trim in center console, unique light-tone leather with French seams, and more.

On the outside, ready-made designer Bill Zheng mid-size since the maximum steel shade and added to the dark chrome exterior door handles, grille surround and lower grille element.

Other highlights include 22-inch wheels concept alloy wheels, a custom grille with dark chrome stems, bluish steel-gray tinted windows, a Ruyi Chinese character mark on the tailgate and a translucent velocity stripe running along the sides. Inside the interior Wolwod Wen chose to mix light tone leather seating surfaces with suede inserts and center side support and contrasted with black tubes.

The vents and navigation screen, ring gauges, steering wheel and door handles are finished in black chrome, while the machined metal accent trim is around the shift gate, both the center console storage areas, on the door and on the steering wheel spokes.

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