Luxury Cars
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• What is it: The logical convertible version of Aston Martin's DBS sportscar • Key facts: 6.0-liter V-12 with 510 horsepower; 191-mph top speed; six-speed manual or automatic transmission • On sale: Now • Price: $300,000 (est.) The last piece in the Aston Martin DBS puzzle is about to be fitted in place, with the arrival of the 2010 DBS Volante convertible. Previewed at the Geneva motor show and in spy shots aplenty here at Motor Authority, the new aluminum-bodied roadster arrives in the U.S. later this year as a 2010 model. And, since we'll be driving the new...
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Audi A5 Sportback set for 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Audi will be releasing a host of models in coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version...
James Martinez -
Spy Shots: Grand Bentley Arnage Replacement
Today's Arnage is showing its age against modern ultra-luxury rivals like the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach saloons, but testing of a new model is well underway. Despite the head start of its rivals, Bentley is planning to pause almost a full year from this September before going into production...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Acura’s MDX SUV gets a new look and powertrain for 2010
Joining the updated RDX for the 2010 model year is a revised MDX SUV, which like its smaller sibling gets a series of styling, performance, and technology updates. For 2010, the MDX features a fresh new exterior look, a revised powertrain that includes a new 6-speed automatic, chassis refinements...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Acura releases full specs for facelifted RDX crossover
Acura has finally released details for its facelifted RDX, which for 2010 gets a fresh new exterior look, a more luxurious interior, and a host of new technology features. For 2010, the RDX is also available with a two-wheel drive option which offers improved fuel economy and a lower price point...
Martin Padgett -
First look at Ferrari's all-new 458 Italia supercar
Ferrari has released the first details of its newest supercar, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which represents one of the largest leaps forward in technology, performance and emissions ever seen from the legendary Italian automaker. Its new 4.5-liter V8 engine produces 570hp (425kW) and 400lb-ft (540Nm)...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
It's the most powerful passenger car on the planet. Also, one of the fastest. And the most likely to bankrupt small South American nations forced to decide between it and, say, a military. It's the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Or, rather, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the targa-topped version of the singular two-seat coupe that's been around since 2005 with its 987-horsepower, quad-turbocharged, W-16 engine, dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. It's also the most expensive car ever tested by the scribes here at MotorAuthority. We had the special opportunity last week to drive the Grand Sport...
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Audi and Lamborghini predicting market turnaround
Accurate crystal balls were in short supply a year ago, but this year predictions of recovery are flying. The latest to join the side of the optimists are Audi and Lamborghini, predicting the market to reach its lowest point this year and start recovery in 2010. The Volkswagen Group's luxury and...
Kenneth Hall -
Preview: Audi Working On New E1 Minicar
Even as fuel prices slide back down to pre-crunch levels, the automotive industry knows it's only a temporary respite and continues its up-shift for a new layer of premium small cars. On the German front, BMW is thought to be working on a sub-1-series mini car, Daimler already has its Smart, and...
Nelson Ireson -
Lexus prices the 2010 HS 250h dedicated luxury hybrid
Already selling strongly in Japan in pre-order sales, Lexus today announced U.S. pricing for the 2010 HS 250h dedicated luxury sedan. Starting at a mere $34,200, the hybrid is firmly positioned at the entry-level sector of the luxury sedan market. The carmaker hopes to hit 25,000 sales in the HS...
Nelson Ireson -
8C Spider: Alfa Romeo’s Most Expensive Model Ever
Our love affair with Alfa Romeo's beautiful 8C Competizione continues with news today that the even more stylish Spider convertible will be available for U.S. deliveries by January, 2010. Like the hardtop, Alfa Romeo will build just 500 examples of the 8C Spider and only 35 are scheduled to arrive...
Ralph Hanson -
Aston Martin joins Ferrari and Nissan with Nürburgring store
The Nürburgring has long been a must-do pilgrimage for the hardest-core fans of motorsport, but its rapidly becoming a retail destination for fans of the world's top marques as well, with Aston Martin joining the retail fold with its new store at the 'Ring. It's all part of the track complex's...
Kenneth Hall -
Poor unloved Jaguar X-Type--the memorial service won't be the media circus of some other recent farewells, will it? The compact luxury sedan has finally met its maker. Production will end in December, reports Autocar, and there will end the massive experiment that probably signaled the end of Ford's long involvement with the brand. Hopes were high in 2002 when Ford added a reworked Mondeo to the Jaguar lineup. With all-wheel drive, goggle-eyed styling and a chintzy interior by brand standards, the Jaguar X-Type won positive reviews for its handling--but not much more. At a time when Lexus...
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Callum: Jaguar XJ Coupe On the Boards
Last week's gala introduction of the 2010 Jaguar XJ will have a follow-up act--or two. Jaguar's already acknowledged it's working on hybrid versions of its new range-topping sedan. During interviews for the introduction of the aluminum-bodied, sleek new XJ, Jaguar design director Ian Callum also...
Martin Padgett -
BMW M Division Boss: No M7 In The Works
Fresh off our experience with BMW's X6 M and discussions of future products with the M Division chief Dr Kay Segler, more news about the future of the M brand has emerged. Once again it's Segler spreading the news, but this time it's not so good: there is no M7 in the works. Instead, the twin-turbo...
Nelson Ireson -
2011 Jaguar XJ preview
Though the current Jaguar XJ is only about 7 years old - a pretty typical vehicle lifespan - the body styling is derivative of the same basic shape that's been around since the 1970s, causing many to think the car lacked technical sophistication despite an all-aluminum chassis and an impressive...
Nelson Ireson -
Live Shots Of Aston Martin’s One-77 Supercar
The era of epic supercars is certainly not over at Aston Martin, with the carmaker confirming the development of a brand new flagship model late last year. A life-size mock up was then put on display at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to tease the public and start building interest for the car, which is...
Kenneth Hall -
Spy Shots: First Ferrari F450 Prototypes
The first examples of Ferrari’s latest model, the California convertible, are still arriving in showrooms around the world but already development on several all-new models is well underway. Late last year we saw images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that Ferrari may be...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
BMW's controversially styled new 5-Series GT will be heading to U.S. showrooms later this year. When it does, it could take the place of the current 5-Series Wagon altogether. According to BMW's Martin Birkmann, head of product planning, "it's possible" that the hatchback 5-Series could be the replacement for the more traditional wagon. The new body style hasn't won many fans online in BMW forums, but it does give BMW a more visually distinctive vehicle to sell against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, which also arrives in the U.S. in the next nine months. BMW plans to launch the...
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Pebble Beach Concours Debut For New 'Grand Bentley' Arnage Replacement
Today's Arnage is showing its age against modern ultra-luxury rivals like the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach saloons, but testing of a new model is well underway. Despite the head start of its rivals, Bentley is planning to pause almost a full year from this September before going into production...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M
Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid...
Nelson Ireson -
Range Rover, HUMMER H2, other luxury cars costly to insure
That luxury sport-utility vehicle you're eyeing could come with lots of street credentials - as well as a hefty insurance bill. It's no surprise that expensive rides can cost a lot at the showroom, but a new study by Insure.com drops the other shoe on costs of ownership for the finest, most capable...
Martin Padgett -
Report: Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the works
The new 2010 Buick Lacrosse has made waves with its attractive design and overall build quality since its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Soon after that General Motors increased the appeal of the car by announcing that it will be available with not only a 3.0L and 3.6L V6, but also...
James Martinez -
BMW confirms plans for 3-Series GT
BMW has just taken the wraps off its new 5-series GT, which goes on sale early next year and shares its design with the next-generation 5-series sedan, also due next year. The concept of the vehicle has proven so popular – at least to BMW’s management - that a smaller version based on...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran