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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

06/10/2011 | By: Derek Kreindler

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Kia‘s heart-stoppingly cool GT concept was was powered by a 3.3L turbo V6 packing 400 horsepower – but the production version might not get such an exotic powertrain.

Speaking with Auto Express, Kia styling boss Peter Schreyer said that “I think done in the right way, with a smaller engine or hybrid technology, it would work,” he said. “It would still be fast, but return good fuel economy, too.”

Screyer said that the GT is aiming for the German coupe set, which we can assume as being the BMW 3-Series and Audi A5. Schreyer also described the GT as Kia’s “halo car”.

[Source: AutoExpress]

28/09/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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We crowned it as the number one car in our Top 10 Frankfurt Motor Show list and apparently we weren’t alone, with the 2012 Porsche 911 generating more online buzz than any other vehicle unveiled.

According to a study by UK-based Kantar Media Precis, which tracked all news stories from the show, as well as the two weeks leading up to it, the new 911 generated the most articles, tweets and blog posts. The runner up was the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, while the BMW i3 Concept rounded out the top three. If the trend isn’t obvious, all of the top three spots belonged to German automakers, as did fourth, with the Audi Urban Concept. In fifth spot was Ford with the stunning Evos concept.

Giving a glimpse into what online outlets and readers are interested in, the study should be taken in context, with a German auto show certain to have a higher number of local German media covering their domestic auto industry. As well, it’s no coincidence that German automakers planned years in advance to debut major cars on their home turf.

GALLERY: 2012 Porsche 911

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[Source: AutoNews]

23/09/2011 | By: Huw Evans

It’s fair to say that any ‘ordinary’ Maybach is a decidedly rare beast. So it comes as no surprise that this, the Edition 125 ranks as absolute hen’s teeth.

Currently on display at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, this one-off special was conceived to celebrate parent company Daimler AG’s 125 years of making automobiles as well as the legacy of legendary stylist Wilhelm Maybach.

In addition, it showcases just what’s possible in the world of ultra high-end bespoke luxury sedans, as a result it employs such indulgences as contour lighting and a laser engraved lit motif incorporating Maybach’s famous ‘Double M’ logo in the front seat armrest, as well as glovebox lid embroidered with Wilhelm’s signature, along with silver colored topstitching.

Exterior ‘enhancements’ include high contrast 20-inch alloy wheels, a re-profiled hood, special grille, and Tahiti Black and Patagonia Silver paint, the last two of which have been added to the regular Maybach range.

Under the hood of this one-of-a-kind beast, is the standard Maybach V12, a 630 horsepower twin-turbocharged  monster that actually meets EU5 emissions requirements. Who says you can’t be extravagant and environmentally conscious at the same time?

19/09/2011 | By: Amy Tokic

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Take care of business on the go. Busy executives will be able to multitask while being driven to their next meeting, thanks to the Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept.

Premiering last week at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mulsanne Executive Interior is a multimedia connectivity concept that was showcased in the hand-crafted cabin of the Bentley Mulsanne. Boasting an impressive array of bespoke business, comfort and entertainment features, this interior took over 170 hours to create.

If you’re sitting in the back seat, you can take advantage of individual Apple iPad workstations with full internet access that sit on integrated retractable picnic tables. If you want to take a break from work, watch a movie on the large, drop-down LED screen.

Feeling a little thirsty? You’ll find a bespoke bottle cooler in rear center console that comes equipped with an illuminated, double-glazed frosted glass door. In the way of lighting, there are multi-directional reading lights for each rear passenger that can be operated with Apple devices, and mood lighting in the rear center console keeps stowage areas well lit. Even the  docking station and cupholders are illuminated for extra brightness.

As for the stylish interior, the Mulsanne showcases a distinctive Yachting-style veneer, blending light and dark contrasting tones. And for one of its many finishing touches, Bentley commissioned a Tibaldi fountain pen (found in the center armrest) that takes its cues from the Mulsanne’s knurled-metal rotary switchgear.

Although it’s just a concept, it’s amazing to see the next generation of conveniences that will hopefully be available in vehicles in the near future.

GALLERY: Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept

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See all the cars from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show here

17/09/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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It’s over for another two years, but in case you missed any of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, check out our video coverage below. Plus, don’t forget about our even more extensive traditional coverage here. Major debuts for 2011 included the all-new 2012 Porsche 911, Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series, Mazda CX-5 and Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale, not to mention amazing concepts like the Jaguar C-X16 Concept, BMW i3 & i8 Concepts and the Kia GT Concept.

Watch all the videos from Frankfurt after the jump:

Continue Reading…

16/09/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Unveiled for the first time in all its widebody glory at the Frankfurt Auto Show this week, the Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is undeniably a car on steroids. Transformed on every level the car is 3-inches wider overall, with flared fenders and a wider track. Plus, it gains an upgraded AMG brake package and suspension setup, light weight wheels, some racing style seats and can even be ordered with an optional aerodynamics package (shown here). On top of all this, the Black Series model comes fitted with the same engine as found in the Mercedes SLS.

GALLERY: Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe

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Find out more about the car from AutoGuide’s first look at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the video after the jump:

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15/09/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Unlike American auto shows where where tuners are segregated off into some basement hall, at the Frankfurt Auto Show they’re invited to join in on the action. Sharing hall space with the likes of Land Rover, Lotus and Jaguar, tuners such as Brabus, Mansory and TechArt. Highlights include the new Brabus 800 ‘Rocket’, the TechArt GTStreet RS based on the new GT2RS and of course there’s always the selection of ridiculously modified Mansory machines. Check out all the modified luxury and exotic models in the gallery below.

GALLERY: Tuner Cars of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

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Click here to see all of AutoGuide’s 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show Coverage

15/09/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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When it comes to bizarre concept cars, the Tokyo Auto Show might be the traditional winner, but when it comes to production time, often things end up looking like a Camry. Not so for those baguette-loving Frenchmen (and women). From Citroen, to Renault, to Peugeot, their production cars are plenty strange and the concepts that inspire them look straight out of science fiction.

Just back from the Frankfurt Auto Show, we’ve assembled a gallery of snap shots of some of the strange and very strange production and concept cars on display by French automakers there. Enjoy the originality, scratch your head or just have a good chuckle at the pictures below.

GALLERY: French Cars of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

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15/09/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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After having showcased numerous new concept cars at the past several auto shows, one might expect that Lotus had dried up its reserve of new car news. Not so. At the Frankfurt Auto Show the British manufacturer had on display six new or newish models. Many won’t make their way to North America, but some will – including one particularly exciting sports car.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora GTE

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To find out more, watch the video after the jump:

Continue Reading…

14/09/2011 | By: Huw Evans

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BMW has been teasing us with video clips and tidbits of information, now the latest F-10 M5 has been revealed in full production form. And it seems, most of the rumors were true. The car is indeed powered by a twin-turbo charged 4.4-liter V8 engine, rated at 560 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque, providing drive to the rear-wheels through a seven-speed double clutch transmission with BMW’s M drivelogic.

In order to help get the substantial amount of power and torque effectively to the monster rear tires, an active differential is standard; just as well really, for this two ton Autobahn burner will reportedly do the 0-62 mph (0-100 km) dash in 4.4 seconds. Although top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, with the optional M Driver’s Package, up to 190 mph is reportedly possible!

BMW says that the 2012 M5 delivers 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.75 mpg US) in the EU combined fuel economy test cycle, a gain of some 30 percent over the old and much lamented E60 chassis, V10 powered version.

The new M5 will go on sale in Europe in Spring 2012, at press time, there was no word on when North American deliveries would begin nor feature content for stateside models. We’ll keep you posted of any developments.

GALLERY: 2012 BMW M5

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