In the past, if you wanted a hopped-up version of an A-Class Mercedes you’d have to talk to one of the many German tuners, like Brabus. But according to a new report Mercedes will develop its own high-performance version of the upcoming A-Class under the AMG brand. Targeting the Volkswagen Golf R, this new model is part of a larger plan by Mercedes to challenge VW’s dominance in the lower end of the segment, with several new A and B-Class models including hatchbacks, sedans and even a possible compact or sub-compact crossover.

According to AutoCar, the A-Class AMG model will use all-wheel drive (a new system being developed for the GLC crossover) as well as a supercharged 4-cylinder to make as much as 270-hp and even feature a dual-clutch transmission. That AWD system will reportedly have a rear-bias to deliver a more sporting feel to the small performance car.

AMG’s new boss, Ola Källenius, says the car will mark, “the beginning of a new direction for the company and will expose AMG to a whole new, younger and more dynamic customer base.”

Due out around 2012, Mercedes is expected to deliver the AMG version of its new A-Class first as a 5-door hatchback and later as a four-door coupe, possibly called the CLC and designed to mimic the style of the larger CLS. This mode would then be brought to North America to slot in underneath the C-Class in Mercedes’ lineup.

[Source: AutoCar]

We recently reported on rumors that Chevrolet is planning to bring back the Caprice full-sized sedan, based on the RWD Holden Statesman. This, however, is being denied by the folks at Holden, with Emily Perry, the Australian automaker’s communications director, commenting that “We have no plans to export that vehicle as a civilian car at this stage.”

GM had already announced a police interceptor based on the Statesman and sold as a Caprice to police agencies in North America, and recently even added the Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) Detective Package to the list.

Interestingly, Perry wasn’t as unequivocal when it came to the question of the Commodore returning to the U.S. (sold in North America as the Pontiac G8 from 2008-09). Former Holden marketing director Mark Reuss had commented in the past that the company was looking for ways to salvage something from the G8 program and it has been suggested that GM may be looking to build a small prestige brand of RWD cars within the larger Chevy brand, much like what Hyundai has done with the Genesis.

The entire return of the G8/Commodore seems extremely unlikely however, with an all new platform due out in 2012, meaning that GM would have to act soon in bringing a rear-drive Holden back to the U.S., before the architecture becomes obsolete.

[Source: Carpoint]

Ford will unveil a high-performance ST version of its all-new Focus at the Paris Auto Show this Fall, and we’re almost certain to see it hit our shores. Ford product boss Derrick Kuzak already commented that a high-performance version of the 2011 Focus would be “exciting to drive and to look at” and use EcoBoost technology. It’s not yet clear if Ford is planning to use it’s EcoBoost 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which currently makes around 200-hp in the S-Max, or if Ford will continue its engine down-sizing by using a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with closer to 180-hp. The car is expected to have a 0-60 time of roughly 6 seconds.

When Kuzak unveiled the Focus at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year, he confirmed that a high-performance EcoBoost model would be sold globally.

Along with the new ST model, Ford is expected to unveil full production models of the Focus sedan and wagon.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Recently we reported that Porsche was none-too-pleased with Nissan‘s new and aggressive marketing campaign in the UK, eventually challenging the legality of the ads because they used Porsche’s logo without authorization. That’s not what’s really bugging Porsche though, as Nissan put up billboards with slogans like “The Winner Hans Down,” and another with a simulated “kill count”, similar to a WWII fighter plane, showing how many “kills” the Nissan vehicles have recorded on the Nurburgring. Yikes.

Well if you thought that was a bit much (actually the WWII reference is probably a LOT much), Nissan has now taken its campaign to the next level, with a guerrilla
marketing stunt where a team drove a Nissan 370Z, Audi TTS and Porsche Cayman through the streets on London. On the side of the Cayman are the words, “I dream of being as fast as a Nissan 370Z,” while the Audi’s decal reads, “More expensive, slower and less powerful than a Nissan 370Z.”

And Nissan isn’t making any apologies. Steve McLennan, Nissan Marketing Director in the UK commented that the ads are simply designed to challenge, “the convention of German sportscars being the only benchmark for performance and quality.”

“Nissan is confident in the ability of 370Z and GT-R to eclipse our comparable German rivals in terms of outright performance and accessibility and it’s now time to shout about it.”

If the goal of an ad is to get noticed, then Nissan’s marketing company is certainly doing its job.

[Source: MotorTorque]

Check out a video of Nissan’s guerilla marketing after the jump:

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If you thought MINI’s challenge to Porsche was a bold move, then get a load of this. Legendary racer Hans-Joachim Stuck has challenged two-time DTM Champion Timo Scheider to a one lap race of the Nurburgring. Scheider will be piloting his Audi A4 DTM race car and Stuck will be driving… a MAN race truck?

Yup, while racing trucks has never caught on on this side of the Atlantic, it’s growing in popularity over in Europe. But don’t think this will be an equal fight, with Scheider prepared to give Stuck a 10 second lead.

The whole event is really just a cleverly designed marketing stunt with both the MAN truck brand and Audi falling under the Volkswagen umbrella of companies. And guess who heads up VW’s motorsport department? That’s right, Hans-Joachim Stuck.

Still, it should make for some excellent entertainment when the two vehicles take to the track this Sunday, July 25th.

[Source: Truck Grand Prix]

Gurcharn Sahota details cars. Although the term “detail” is used loosely in this case. What’s the most you’ve ever paid someone for a detail? $200? $300? Maybe $1,000, if you’ve got an Aston Martin DB4GT that you’re entering in a Concours event? Well, if you take advantage of Sahota’s services, be prepared to spend up to $10,000 for one of his trademark “supercar baths.”

Far more than a standard detail, Sahota’s services include a pre-wash with precisely measured, pH balanced water, a micrometer to measure paint thickness for just the right amount of buffing and/or wet-sanding, and Brazilian wax that costs more per tin than many compact cars. But if your vehicle of choice is a Zonda, Enzo or a Bugatti SuperSport, one of Sahota’s Baths can be worth far more than the asking price.

“If one of my customers wants to respray a million pound car it could cost them up to £100,000. Give it to me for a couple of weeks, I’ll charge a fraction of the price and it will look even better.”

Sahota adds that his services aren’t just for cars exhibiting wear-and-tear from being used:

“If you give me a new car I can make it look better.”

Hit the jump for a video of the master at work.

[Source: BBC]

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If you’re going to hit the red carpet, you’d better be dressed by a designer. And not just any designer will do – it has to be household names. It’s a good thing MINI kept this in mind as it strutted its stuff down the red carpet in Vienna.

Making a fabulous debut at the 2010 Life Ball in Vienna on July 17, three MINIs outfitted by celebrity designers Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein Collection’s Francisco Costa made their way down the red carpet. The style icons accompanied their personalized cars at the annual AIDS charity event. And after their appearance, these MINIs were auctioned off for charity.

Each MINI boasted its own unique style. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg’s creation featured colorful lips on a bright red MINI, accented with mother-of-pearl white on the wheel rims, mirror caps and roof of the car.

New York fashion icon Kenneth Cole sprinkled his gleaming silver MINI convertible with about 8,000 studs that were all applied by hand. Attention to detail in the interior was evident – you could see it on the fine-leather seats, piped with Swarovski crystals, stud appliqués and embossed logos.

Calvin Klein Collection’s Francisco Costa designed his MINI Countryman in matte black paintwork, embellished with a reflective logo on each of the front doors. Finishing the look was its smoky tinted windows, which lent the car an aura of mystery.

Costa’s MINI sold for 40,000 Euros, while the other two will be auctioned off at upcoming  amfAR events. Total proceeds will go to amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

Famed BMW tuner Will Turner (of Turner Motorsports) has just been the first to waste money take delivery of the first Frozen Gray M3 coupe in the U.S. The $77,600 sports car, hardly different from a standard M3 except for the color, wheels, and mild suspension tune, is one of just 30 production Frozen Gray M3′s planned for production. In the Photo Gallery, you can see several other special touches that come with the FG package, including a body-colored license plate frame, special ID tag, and the paint care warning sticker. Either Will is going to keep this one for life or flip it in a week, so lets keep our eyes on Ebay.

For the record, you could buy a used M3 coupe, put these wheels on it, and paint it this color for significantly less.

[Source: Bimmerfest]

To honor John Lingenfelter and all of the company’s valued customers, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering hosted a memorial track day at Muncie Dragway where all Lingenfelter customers were treated to a free day at the drag strip. While we’re sure all of them had a ton of fun (we’re a bit jealous we didn’t get to attend), the highlight of the event had to have been Lingenfelter’s 2010 LS9 Chevy Camaro breaking into the 9 second mark.

Now obviously since this is Lingenfelter’s own demo vehicle, it’s been overhauled inside and out. It has been built with JE Pistons and stock GM LS9 crankshaft and titanium rods. Lingenfelter’s own CNC ported LS9 cylinder heads, camshaft, intercooler assembly and more helped take the supercharged Camaro to new heights.

The details on the passes as mentioned by Tim at Lingenfelter were 88 degrees Fahrenheit and around 75% humidity. In other words, not the best or ideal situations to go taking the car down the quarter mile, but not the worst either. Their quickest pass of the day was a 9.974 at 141.64 mph and backed it up with two additional 9 second passes.

So now it’s clear that more and more of today’s vehicles are very capable of hitting 9′s down the quarter mile while maintaining a great possibility in staying a reliable daily driver.

Make sure to check out the video after the break!

[Source: Lingenfelter Forums]

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One of the funkiest kids’ shows on TV and Korean automaker Kia are hitting the road for a cross-country tour. Nickelodeon’s “Yo Gabba Gabba” is pairing up once again with Kia (the first time being the Super Bowl commercial collaboration that aired this year). The ad featured Yo Gabba Gabba character Muno and an assortment of toys taking a Kia Sorento out for a joy ride.

Kia is the main sponsor of Yo Gabba Gabba’s 60-city live performance tour. The idea behind the pairing is that the two brands cross-pollinate each other: fans (and their parents) of “Yo Gabba Gabba” will get exposed to the Kia line of cars, while Kia drivers and prospective buyers will be exposed to the show.

So far, the ads have proven to be a great success for Kia. “I had someone tell me – who had just gone to buy a Kia, a Sorento, believe it or not – that people are going into the Kia dealership and asking for the car that Muno drives,” said Michael Polis, CEO of Wildbrain Entertainment and executive producer of “Yo Gabba Gabba.”

For the spot dedicated to the new Sorento SUV, Kia decided to work with Yo Gabba Gabba for their first Super Bowl ad in order to make a big splash, said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia.

The tour starts on August 27 and runs through December 12. Appearing on stage will be DJ Lance, Muno, Brobee and the rest of the Gabba gang, as well as rapper Biz Markie.

[Source: Orange County Register]