2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation

Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Toyota Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies. Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Toyota Avalon at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The third generation Toyota Avalon was introduced in four models: the standard XL, the sport Touring, the XLS, and the luxury Limited. Each combined generous interior room with powerful engine performance. 
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
Designed at Toyota’s Calty Design Research in California, and assembled at Toyota’s Georgetown Kentucky manufacturing plant, the third-generation Avalons all have front grilles with horizontal chrome bars, large tail lamps, distinctive trunks, and dual exhaust outlets.
Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Toyota Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and "Traveling Avalon Class" is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
The new Toyota Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon's excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
"The Toyota Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we."
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Toyota Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a "zero landfill" facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich. For 2011, Calty restyled Toyota Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Toyota Avalon's wide stance.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear. Toyota Avalon's exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Toyota Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.
2011 Redesigned Toyota Avalon Third Generation 
The 2011 Toyota Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver's seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Toyota Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica.

2011 ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan

Both short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010. Bmw announced today the prices for the 2011 Alpina B7 for US - $122,875 (standard wheelbase) and $126,775 (extended wheelbase). BMW of North America announced that the BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW’s North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity. However, Alpina B7 is slightly less powerful that the 760i, but it looks very very sporty and aggressive.
2011 ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan 

Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21” ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
ALPINA – a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs, though not yet so well-known in North America. BMW – a name famous all over the world for motor vehicles of performance, quality, luxury and safety.
The two companies, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better.
2011 ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan 

By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA’s contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company – ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG – that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW’s headquarters city and the capital of Bavaria.
 2011 ALPINA B7 BMW luxury Sport Sedan 

The B7 is the newest manifestation of the unique BMW-ALPINA synergy – once again based on the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. Currently, BMW offers ultra-performance models of its 3, 5, 6, X5 and X6 Series developed by BMW M, BMW’s own performance subsidiary. For an ultra-performance version of the 7 Series – a vehicle defined by luxury and generous interior space – something other than “M” performance character was called for. In recent models, ALPINA has concentrated on delivering very high levels of performance with moderate rpm ranges and automatic transmission. Most appropriately, the new BMW ALPINA B7 applies this philosophy to the newest 7 Series to produce a luxury sedan of stunning performance. “A 7 Series Beyond,” one might say.

2011 Next-Gen Kia Optima Sports Sedan

The next generation Kia Optima is set to make its world premiere at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. "The next generation of Kia Optima possesses the power to surprise," says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It's a car that people will simply not expect from Kia - and that's exactly what we set out to achieve." Kia has officially unveiled the next Optima four-door coupe, ahead of the full reveal set to take place at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Kia’s new flagship sedan/coupe looks to be a far more attractive and far more worthy of a flagship designation.
2011 Kia Optima
Just weeks ago Kia released new sketches of the upcoming 2011 Magentis four-door coupe – currently known as the Optima sedan in America. The sketches look to be very true to the now official images that have been released ahead of the full reveal set for the upcoming 2010 New York Auto Show. The saloon exudes an athletic confidence from every angle - its raked roofline, high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculpted flanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by flared wheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with a muscular, self-assured stance. The striking visage of the car features a new interpretation of Kia's bold 'tiger' family face that's edged by piercing projector headlamps.
2011 Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is currently the flagship sedan for the automaker and the next model gains considerable changes in the exterior cosmetics department. The outgoing Optima is a fairly tame sedan, but Kia is replacing its sedan with a much sportier silhouette – much more akin to a coupe, than a sedan. So much so, Kia says the 2011 Optima will be labeled as a 4-door coupe, rather than a sedan. Following the theme of recent model revisions, new Kia Optima is longer, lower and wider than before, the Kia's coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, a distinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still and enhances its cab-backwards proportions.
2011 Kia Optima
In addition to significantly overhauling the overall styling direction of the Magentis/Optima, Kia says that it will be bringing its next flagship sedan/coupe closer to the ground with a lower stance, in addition to giving it a wider and more stable stance to go long with its longer wheelbase. Kia says the end result is a four-door coupe that has more room for its occupants and cargo alike, as well as a more planted driving dynamic. "For this car we started with a clean sheet and worked to achieve an exterior design with a European feeling and stance," explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe. To help achieve this, the exterior was designed by his team in Frankfurt. The interior was created by the design team in California.
2011 Kia Optima
Power-wise, the Optima will use the same engines as the 2011 Sonata and will be offered in four and six-cylinder versions. The four-cylinder offering, should it come from the 2011 Sonata, will be a 2.4-liter good for 200 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque – all the while getting as much as 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The new D-segment offering is spacious, and with class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment, the intelligently configured and driver-oriented cabin underlines a newfound poise and presence. "This new model embodies Kia's confident new design direction," says Schreyer. "It's a global car with individual appeal."
The 2011 Kia Optima is expected to hit the market in the fall of 2010, with a hybrid version possibly available at lunch, or relatively soon after.

Mercedes-Benz Launches Two New Sports Car SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition Specials

Mercedes-Benz Launches for European market two new special edition roadster models. For some, driving a Mercedes-Benz roadster is special enough. But when the local high-end mall is surrounded by row upon row of the Three-Pointed Star, some look for a little something extra special. For such European customers, Mercedes has launched a pair of special editions. Two new special edition roadster models have been added to Mercedes-Benz's European range. Both the SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition gain numerous interior and exterior features, and are available for order now.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition

The Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition features a special magno night black matt paint finish, 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels with a two-tone, high-gloss finish and silver-painted front brake callipers. The Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition comes with darkened headlamps and tail lights and a badge on the front wings.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition

For the interior, the Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition features a black nappa leather and shining chrome trim, newly designed seats and black sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining. The Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition is also equipped with the AIRSCARF system that has silver-colored vents. The Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition price is between 3700 and 5200 Euros more than the standard car.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition 

The Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition comes with a designo graphite paint finish, 18-inch light-alloy wheels with five triple spokes, silver-colored fins on the bonnet. The front of the Mercedes SLK Grand Edition also features headlamps that match the exterior paint finish and a third brake light.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition 

For the interior, the Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition comes with the AIRSCARF system, the newly designed seats are upholstered in basalt grey nappy leather, with arrow-shaped seams and designo pearl leather on the side bolsters. Basalt grey nappa leather is also used for the door linings, with a harmonious contrast provided by the designo pearl leather armrests. 
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Grand Edition

The Mercedes SLK Grand Edition price is between 2300 and 3500 Euros over the standard car’s price. The special paint finishes cost an additional 3640 Euro for designo magno night black and 1800 Euro for designo graphite.

Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Nissan announced its new sports car design and performance, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The 370Z Roadster offers everything the hardtop 370Z Coupe does and more. 370Z Roadster comes with more classic open-air sports car driving excitement and more refinement than any Z convertible that has ever come before, including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent KeyTM. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models – 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. Nissan Nissan 370Z Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009.
2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

The wait is over, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan’s much loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version. Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels – the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z. Now compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations, the V6 packs a 328 PS punch to go with its glorious engine note.
2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps. Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8 speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control. Every inch the understudy to the mighty GT-R supercar, the 370Z’s performance is far from diluted in Roadster form.
2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The Roadster’s black hood not only gives an authentic convertible look and feel, but its shape has been styled to look great up or down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed.
2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Prices start at £29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to £36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with Sat Nav. A full price list can be found below.
2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

The launch of the 370Z Roadster also marks the arrival of the 2010 model year Coupe. In addition to the engine tweaks bringing its V6 powerplant in line with the latest environmental regulations, the Z is now available with Uphill Start Support to make getting the best out of the sporty Nissan even more stress-free (not fitted on the standard model).

Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

The hard top echoes the feel of this intense, high-tech assembly: It uses preformed profile technology derived from the world of sailing. It blends with the body, creating the illusion of a Coupé. The Peugeot SR1, however, radiates the same visual strength, with or without the hard top. Finally, the Peugeot SR1 Concept displays the new Peugeot Lion badge. Redesigned, finely worked and sculpted, it mirrors perfectly the perception of the vehicle as a whole.
2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

Overall the Peugeot SR1 concept car gives the impression it has been carved from a solid block of material, monolithic, protective, sculptural and dynamic. At every moment it makes a great play on contrasts: purity and technological sophistication, authenticity and advanced technologies, expressiveness and understatement. making it a car that is quite simply. desirable!
2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

The interior ambience blends colours and materials, with strong references to "a past motoring era" combined with "the latest advanced technology". Inside the vehicle, patinated leather and different grained wood are examples of the use of authentic and natural materials, warm, sensual and charged with history, that blend seamlessly with, "high tech" materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.
2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

The Peugeot SR1 Concept also blends styles in terms of its technical characteristics. For example, it incorporates HYbrid4 technology, which will be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011. In the Peugeot SR1, at the front, a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with a power of 160 kW (218 bhp), is combined with a rear electric motor developing 70 kW (95 bhp). In electric only mode, the car becomes a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), while its combined cycle fuel consumption is only 4.9 litres/100 km or 119 g/km of CO2. When the two powertrains operate simultaneously, the SR1 develops a potential maximum power of 230 kW (313 bhp) and also benefits from 4-wheel drive.
2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

Using HYbrid4 technology, which will eventually become available on different models in the Peugeot range, the SR1 concept offers convincing proof that driving pleasure can be combined with environmental friendliness.
The vehicle’s dynamic efficiency is enhanced by the use of a rigid, lightweight structure comprising of a one-piece body and a tubular chassis onto which are mounted the mechanical components and suspension, which consists of double wishbones with drop links both at the front and the rear.
2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

For even greater driving precision, the Peugeot SR1 Concept benefits from the adoption of 4-wheel steering. The turning angle of the rear wheels is controlled as a function of the vehicle speed, via motorised links on the rear wishbones, giving the vehicle superb agility under all circumstances.
The Peugeot SR1 Concept car will be unveiled to the general public at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars.
2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.
2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"
2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

Each Shelby GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14″ ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.
2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The 2011 Shelby GT350 also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.
2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.
2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car