Move over Bugatti Veyron and watch out SSC Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo, there’s a new supercar on the block promising to be the top speed king. British sports car manufacturer Keating unveiled two new supercars today, one of which could very easily overthrow the SSC Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo as the world’s fastest car.

Keating took the wraps off its race-ready TKR and more streetable SKR at an event on Wednesday in the UK. Both cars will use the steel spaceframe — with a carbon fiber design optional — and will be motivated by either a 6.0L or 7.0L GM-sourced V8. Power will be sent to the cars’ rear-wheels via a Porsche five-speed gearbox.

A fiberglass body will be standard on the TKR and SKR, but buyers can also opt for a carbon fiber shell to help reduce weight.

In SKR-guise, the 6.0L and 7.0L mills will produce between 404 and 656 horsepower, based on whether customers choose a naturally aspirated or supercharged setup.

Keating is still putting the final touches on the TKR, but sources say the TKR will be available with a twin-turbocharged engine rated at a mind-numbing 1,500 horsepower — besting the mighty Bugatti Veyron by a Corvette Z06. With that kind of power on tap, the TKR should be capable of speeds approaching 270 mph.

Audi used the Beijing Motor Show on Saturday to launch its all-new Q5 crossover. Building on the success of its larger Q7, Audi hopes the Q5 will allow it to capitalize on the growing demand for more compact SUVs.

Nearly a year ago, Audi announced it would build the Q5, following a 300 million euro investment in the Ingolstadt production facility. The crossover is Audi’s answer to the X3 from BMW and Mercedes’ upcoming GLK.  

At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment – creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high, giving it a sporty appearance. 19-inch wheels further bolster this look.

The Q5 shares a platform with the A4 and A5. The platform’s layout will make it possible for Audi to offer a full range of engines, meaning that the brand’s various FSI-equipped four and six-cylinder engines, plus some high efficiency diesel models will be offered. It’s even possible that the 4.2 litre V8 will find its way under the hood for an S-line version.

Current global engine choices include: a 2.0 TFSI (211 hp / 258 lb-ft), a 2.0 TDI (170 hp / 258 lb-ft), and a 3.0 TDI (240 hp / 369 lb-ft). It’s not know which engines will be offered in the U.S. market.

The Q5 has an updated version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system with a six-speed manual or the new seven-speed DSG gearbox. It comes equipped stahdard with hill-descent control and an adjustable air suspension. The Q5 is a five-seater, unlike the seven-person Q7.

Despite being a car-based crossover, the Q5 is still capable off-road. Its climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is very respectable. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 7.87 inches, with a fording depth of up to 19.69 inches when driving through water.

The Q5 can be ordered with a number of luxury features. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated.

Credit to Leftlane news

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Mitsubishi’s Prototype S wasn’t supposed to make its world debut until next month’s Geneva Motor Show, but, thanks to an internet leak, we have our first glimpses at the Sportback. Although the Prototype S is currently listed as a concept, a production version is expected to be announced in the coming months.

Based on the Mitsubishi Concept Sportback first shown two years ago at the Frankfurt auto show, the production car will join the new Lancer Sedan and Lancer Evolution, but probably only at European dealerships. Mitsubishi hasn’t officially announced that the production version of the Prototype-S will be for Euro consumption only, but one press release indicated that will likely be the case.

The Prototype-S is powered by the same 235 horsepower 2.0L turbo-four found in the Lancer Ralliart, first shown at the Detroit Auto Show. That power is sent to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST transmission. The concept also uses Mitsubishi’s Active Center Differential to split power between the front and rear wheels.

Check back for more details and live images after the concept’s official unveiling.

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2009 Ford Flex

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First the good news: The Ford Flex looks as good as a production version of the Fairlane concept could have looked. We still have to go check it out up close, but from the shots below it looks nice. The bad news? The 2009 Ford Flex won’t go on sale until the summer of 2008. That’s more than a year after its debut here in New York, and Ford could use a hit long before then.

It’s powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Edge crossover and many others in the Ford family. Here it’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission; Ford says it will have more than 260 hp.

There are side airbags and curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, as well as standard stability control. Ford is touting the Flex as a safe family transport with style. For now, we’ll agree. We just have to wait a while to make a final judgment. More photos below.

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So far, the only 2011 Jaguar XJ prototypes spy photographers have spotted are for mechanical testing only, using old XJ bodies instead of the much-rumored redesigned exterior. However, based on what we’ve been hearing from sources, our artists were able to create an illustration of how the finished car could look.

Jaguar has reportedly previewed the car — codenamed X351 — to VIPs in the dealer world and elsewhere. One source who has seen a preview of the new XJ described it as similar to the Aston Martin Rapide in appearance. Larger than the coupe-like Mercedes CLS, the new XJ has a sloping roofline and very sleek exterior overall, sources say.  

Jaguar’s design chief Ian Callum has even openly stated the new XJ will be a fair bit more daring than the new XF, since it’s a lower volume model. We’re expecting to see sleeker headlamps like those on the popular C-XF concept, plus an especially low-slung profile.

The new XJ will continue to use its predecessor’s all-aluminum chassis — and that’s a good thing. We might see a concept previewing the new XJ in the next year, but the production is still 18 to 24 months away.

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In late January, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the 2009 SL-Class roadster. Since then, photos of the high-performance SL 63 AMG leaked online, and today images of the even more powerful SL 65 surfaced on the web.

While the old SL55 has been replaced by the more powerful SL63, the SL65 offers the same V12 twin-turbo motor as its predecessor by the same name. Peak output is 604 horsepower at 4800 rpm. Peak torque is 738 pound-feet between 2000 rpm and 4000 rpm — an obvious benefit of turbocharging.

 Further details are not yet available, but more information on the SL 63 and SL 65 should be available soon.

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[Update: Live auto show images added.] Hyundai has unveiled its 2009 Elantra Touring at the Montreal International Auto Show. We first got a glimpse at what the Touring would look like in the form of the Elantra Touring “Beach Cruiser” Concept shown at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

The production model stays true to the styling of the concept — if you focus on what is underneath the two-tone paint — and is reminiscent of the Mazda3 hatchback. In Europe, the Elantra Touring is sold under the i30 CW nameplate.

The interior appears to be well appoint and of the quality we have come to expect in a Hyundai. The Elantra Touring also features plenty of connectivity for iPods and other electronic devices.

Power for the wagon is sourced from Hyundai’s 2.0L four-cylinder, making 141 horsepower. That power is shift through either a five-speed manual transmission of a four-speed automatic.

Hyundai failed to releasing pricing of availability for the Elantra Touring, but it should hit dealer showrooms later this year.

 

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[Update: Live auto show images added.]
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe and Spyder have received a modest facelift for the 2009 model year. Showcased this week at Chicago Auto Show, the car has a new look reminiscent of the company’s Lancer Evolution. Last week images of the car leaked online, and today we’re happy to bring you 38 high-resolution photos.

While the front has been augmented by a blacked-out trapezoidal grille/air intake, the rear now has a black insert on the lower part of the rear apron.

The 3.8 liter V6 has been improved somewhat, now deliver 265 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Customers can chose from a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The GT model includes stability control, HID headlights, larger rear disc brakes, and a new spoiler. All Eclipse variants now come standard with electronic brakeforce distribution as part of the ABS system, which helps keep the vehicle under control during heavy braking.

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Eclipse Coupe

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January26

 

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its CLC-Class sports coupe, which is a replacement to the vehicle formerly known as the C-Class Coupe. It is styled to look like the company’s new C-Class sedan and wagon, despite still being based on the previous-generation model.

About 1,100 components were either specially made for the CLC or refined from the previous model. The new CLC was given a direct steering system for increased handling and the coupe will also feature a new infotainment system.  

The model shown s equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s sport package, which adds 18 inch wheels, headlights with black painted inner frames, a sports suspension with lowered bodywork and chrome trim.

The basic CLC180 Kompressor and CLC200 Kompressor are powered by four-cylinder engines, delivering 143 horsepower and 184 horsepower, respectively.

The more powerful CLC230 delivers 204 horsepower from a 2.4-liter V6, and the range-topping CLC350 offers 272 horsepower from a larger 3.5-liter V6. The 350 model will sprint to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Diesel variants include the CLC200 CDI and CLC220 CDI, which deliver 122 horsepower and 150 horsepower, respectively. Basic transmission choices include a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The V6 models are available with a seven-speed automatic, featuring paddle shifting.

January24

 

If subtracting two doors from the Audi A4 makes an A5, what does adding two doors back give you? Still an A5, apparently. According to a new report out of Germany, Audi is planning to launch a four-door A5 to join the growing segment of so-called four-door coupes.

Inspired by the success of the the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, it seems every automaker wants to get in on the four-door coupe party. Audi’s parent company recently launched the Passat CC, and BMW is working on its low-slung Gran Turismo. Other automakers are also rumored to be mulling such cars.

According to Germany’s Autobild the car will be called the A5 Sportback. Long gone are the days of simple model line from Audi, or any German automaker for that matter.

The car is expected to launch in early 2009, the report claims. Audi is also widely expected to launch its CLS-like A7 “Sportback” in 2010, but this is the first we’ve heard of an A5 of similar description.

Below are a few illustrations of how the car might look.

Below are a few illustrations of how the car might look.