Friday, February 11, 2011

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

BMW has revealed a new concept car in the form of the Vision ConnectedDrive. The car is meant to showcase BMW's ConnectedDrive technologies. These technologies will be utilized across a broad range of BMW's products as well as the BMW Vision ED production model and MegaCity vehicle.

BMW hasn't revealed any specifics about the car, but it is evident that it represents a revolutionary step in car-driver-internet connectivity and experience, with a driver oriented interior layout. Expect to see the car at the Geneva Auto Show this year.

Source: Bimmerpost

Pictured: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept via Bimmerpost

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

2012 Acura TL Gets a Facelift

The Acura TL's front fascia has been the butt of many jokes ever since Acura introduced the infamous "beak" to its design catalog. All that is no more. The 2012 TL gets a facelift that leaves it looking like a very desirable luxury car. Gone is the awkward "beak" design, and in its place is an aggressive but subtle look fit for a luxury sedan like the TL. The TL will get two engine options for 2012- a 280hp 3.5 V6 for the front wheel drive model, and a 305hp 3.7 V6 for the SH-AWD (Super Handling AWD) model. Fortunately the SH-AWD model retains a 6-speed manual option, which should make this luxury sedan very fun to drive.

Source: Autoblog

Pictured: 2012 Acura TL at the Chicago Auto Show via Jalopnik

Camaro ZL1 - The Definition of "Muscle Car"

Rumors have spread since the first Camaro concept was revealed of a high-performance Z/28 model, but GM has decided to call the top of the line Camaro the ZL1 instead- a legendary designation. The original Camaro ZL-1 was made for the 1969 model year, and had a 427ci V8 under the hood. The engine was rated at around 400hp but in reality it was believed to have around 550hp, making it the most powerful production Camaro ever- until now. The new ZL-1 has a detuned version of the Corvette's supercharged LS9 motor- in this case the LSA- putting out 550 hp. The ZL1 gets a variety of handling and performance upgrades to make it a truly capable track car, as well as a new body kit inspired by the Camaro in Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon. We'll have to wait and see how competitors Ford and Dodge respond to this new car.

Source: Jalopnik

Photo Credit: Sam Smith, Jonathan Quinn via Jalopnik

Dodge Charger SRT8 Returns for 2012 Model Year

Dodge has revealed the 2012 Charger SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show today with a radical redesign of the front end. Reminiscent of cars such as the Nissan GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, the Charger takes on an even more aggressive look that screams performance. And it doesn't disappoint- the SRT8 model gets a new 6.4 liter Hemi putting out 465hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 is speculated to be in the low to mid 4-second area, not surprising considering the monster under the hood. The SRT8 package adds a Brembo big brake kit and a cylinder deactivation system that allows the car to run on 4 cylinders to save fuel, along with paddle shifters and 20" wheels. This car truly represents the progress that Chrysler has made in vehicle design.

Source: AutoGuide

Pictured: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 at Chicago Auto Show, courtesy of Dodge