Carlsson have been making tuning package for Mercedes-Benz for more than fifteen years. Now, it is turn to Mercedes-Benz GL Grand Edition, which received styling and performance upgrades. The name of the project is CGL45.
The wide-body kit includes a new front spoiler with integrated LED day time running lights, a chrome grille, flared wheel arches, a new rear apron, which houses quad-pipes from the stainless-steel sport exhaust system.
The vehicle ride is lowered with 30 mm with an intelligent suspension-lowering system. CGL45 stands on enormous 22” alloy wheels fitted with 305/35 ZR22 high-performance tires.
Performance packages are available for the 3.0 liter V6 diesel, which is pumped up to 310PS (228 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque and the powerful GL500 featuring V8 engine, which produces 435PS (320 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft).
The interior boasts leather and Alcantara upholstery, wood or stainless-steel trims, aluminum foot pedals, door sills with Carlsson logo as well as the headrests.
Lexus will exhibit the new 2012 GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18th. Until then, they have released a teaser image, where we can see that the car looks rather like LF-Gh Concept.
The fourth-generation GS has been completely redesigned – exterior and interior. It will feature the brand’s new design philosophy, with styling cues such as a distinctive new front grille, that will soon be seen on all future Lexus vehicles. The new GS will also lead the rest of the Lexus lineup in an entirely new direction of driving dynamics.
Although there are no further information, probably the GS 350 will be powered by the well-known 3.5 liter V6.
“Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package,” commented Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager.
“With the all-new GS, we’re giving them what they asked for, and more.”, he finished.
GMC will expand Cadillac’s model lineup in 2012 with the new ATS. The vehicle will get directly in compact luxury segment. 2013 Cadillac ATS is set to be launched next summer and it will compete against Audi A4,Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series.
“The car we codenamed ATS is being developed to be a driver’s car on an all-new Cadillac-specific RWD-AWD architecture”, said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss.
“We have extensively and exhaustively studied the competitive segment, and we have benchmarked the best. And when this car comes out, that will be readily apparent.”, he added.
The vehicle will be produced in Lansing Grand River assembly plant, which has received a $190 million investment and 600 jobs for the new model.
The new 2012 Infiniti FX boasts new front grille and fascia design, Iridium Blue exterior color, 21” 10-spoke aluminum-alloy graphite finish wheels with P265/45 R21 V-rated all-season tires, dark tinted headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and auto-leveling, and dark tinted side air vents and lower door trim
Limited Edition features include aluminum roof rails and roof rail crossbars with graphite finish, aluminum pedals, graphite floor mats with unique blue piping, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View Monitor (AVM) and much more.
There are also a new exterior color, Graphite Shadow (replaces Platinum Graphite), a new 20” wheel design for the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package, and a shift of the quilted leather climate-controlled front seats to the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package from the Premium Package.
2012 Infiniti FX Facelift Front
The new FX is available with a choice of a 5.0 liter 32-valve DOHC V8 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) delivering 390PS or a 3.5 liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine with hefty 303PS. Both engines come with a standard 7-speed automatic gearbox featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Solid magnesium paddle shifters are available on the FX50.
The FX is also offered with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (standard on FX50), double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension and large 4-wheel disc brakes, along with available Continuous Damping Control (CDC®), Rear Active Steer, and Intelligent Brake Assist.
The interior boasts a driver-oriented cockpit with intuitive controls, available sport seating and advanced audio, navigation and technology.
Among the options list, you will find Bose 11-speaker Premium Audio system,Infiniti Intelligent Key, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range) and Around View® Monitor system.
The FX again offers an array of available advanced technology systems, including Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Warning LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
2012 Infiniti FX Facelift Interior
The 2012 FX is offered in four models: FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8, FX35 AWD with 3.5-liter V6, FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6, and FX Limited Edition with 3.5-liter V6. Also offered is a range of special equipment packages, Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, Technology Package and Sport Package.
2012 Infiniti FX Facelift:
Body
Revised front grille and fascia design for 2012
A fusion of luxury, performance and SUV utility, with short front and rear overhangs, aggressive stance and available 21-inch wheels and tires
Polished, assertive styling, featuring a new grille design, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moonroof
Standard automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights and integrated front fog lights; aerodynamically designed rear LED taillights
Available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights
Distinctive functional side air vents, which reduce front end lift by five percent
Lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors
Standard power rear liftgate
Chrome window moldings and door handles; available aluminum roof rails
Power folding, heated outside mirrors with courtesy lights and available reverse tilt-down feature
Speed-sensitive windshield wipers with aerodynamic flat blade wiper design, low-profile wiper arms; available rain-sensing function
Dual outlet exhaust with chrome tailpipe finishers
Offered in eight exterior colors: Graphite Shadow (new for 2012), Malbec Black, Umbria Twilight, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Midnight Mocha, Moonlight White and exclusive Iridium Blue (FX35 Limited Edition only)
0.35 coefficient of drag on FX35, 0.36 on FX50
Engine, Driveline and Platform
Front engine/rear-wheel drive (FX35 RWD) or all-wheel drive (FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD, FX Limited Edition)
VK50VE 32-valve 5.0-liter DOHC V8 with advanced Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, producing 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (FX50)
VQ35HR 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6, producing 303-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque (FX35)
Refined 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and Downshift Rev Matching
Available solid magnesium paddle shifters (FX50)
Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD)
Snow-Mode function (shifts throttle input algorithm once activated by driver for enhanced traction in low-speed slippery road conditions)
Built on Infiniti’s FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, specially designed and configured for use on FX
Suspension, Steering and Braking
4-wheel independent suspension with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link designs, extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, lightweight compact steel rear subframe
Dual Flow PathTM shock absorbers with rebound springs
Available Continuous Damping Control (CDC®) with driver-selectable “Auto” and “Sport” settings (FX50 Sport Package)
Available Rear Active Steer for increased responsiveness and handling (FX50 Sport Package)
4-wheel power-assisted vented brakes; 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA), available Preview Braking
Standard 18-inch split-5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 all-season tires (FX35)
Standard 21-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/45R21 all-season tires (FX50)
Available 20-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/50R20 all-season tires (FX35 Deluxe Touring Package)
Available 21-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/45R21 all-season tires (FX35 AWD Limited Edition)
Interior Features
Cockpit-like styling with standard leather-appointed seating
Available quilted leather-appointed seating (standard FX50, available FX35 Deluxe Touring Package)
Personalized driver and passenger comfort zones with dual-zone front climate control HVAC system
10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat including 2-way power lumbar support; available manual thigh support with power bolster adjustment (FX50 Sport Package)
8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, available manual thigh support (FX50 Sport Package)
Available dual-occupant memory system (standard FX50, available FX35 Premium Package)
Standard heated front seats
Available climate-controlled front seats (standard FX50, available FX35 Deluxe Touring Package)
Three-spoke, perforated leather-wrapped, sport-style steering wheel with integrated cruise control and audio controls, available power tilt/telescopic feature (standard FX50, available FX35 Deluxe Touring Package)
60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat
Sequential Welcome Lighting illuminated entry system
Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges with revised meter illumination
7.0-inch (FX35) or 8.0-inch WVGA (FX50) color information display
Infiniti signature analog clock
Standard black lacquer trim
Available Maple interior accents
Available aluminum pedal accents
Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto-recirculation, Grape Polyphenol Filter and PlasmaclusterTM air purifier (FX50)
Power windows with front one-touch auto-up/down with auto-reverse feature
Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
Available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range)
Available Distance Control Assist (DCA)
Bose 11-speaker Premium Audio system with single CD, mp3-CD playback, auxiliary input jacks, steering wheel audio controls and USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices
XM Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
Available Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and XM NavWeatherTM with Real-Time Weather Information (requires active XM® subscription, sold separately), Zagat Survey® restaurant guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, and Voice Recognition system (standard FX50, available FX35 Premium Package)
RearView Monitor
Available innovative Around View® Monitor system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras, which provide a virtual 360-degree view of the vehicle to help when parking
Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
Available tonneau cover (standard on FX50)
Four 12-volt power points, dual front and rear cupholders, locking glove compartment
Three available interior colors: Wheat, Graphite, Java
Safety and Security
Available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning
Available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems
Available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights
Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
Dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters; ALR/ELR in all passenger seating positions (driver ELR only)
Available Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts
Seat belt reminder system (front)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system
Front-seat Active Head Restraints
Child safety rear door locks and power window lock-out button
Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure display
Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System and Vehicle Security System
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
Models and Manufacturing
Available in four well-equipped models: FX50 AWD, FX Limited Edition, FX35 AWD and FX35 RWD
Assembled by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in Tochigi, Japan
Bentley Continental GT has received another tuning package, but this time from vehicle personalisation specialists IMPERIUM.
The aerodynamics package includes new front and rear bumpers, aggressive carbon exposed side skirts, subtle boot lip spoiler and rear carbon fibre diffuser. All new bespoke designed bodywork components are manufactured in the UK to the highest possible standards from ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre to create a perfect surface finish and factory fit to the vehicle.
The interior boasts refinement package using the client’s individual choice of specially hand selected luxurious leathers, tailor made carbon fibre, refined wood trim, ultra suede or classic black piano finishes. Finally, the tuner fitted a beautiful individually built and designed ergonomic sports steering wheel.
IMPERIUM Continental GT stands on bespoke one-off designed and manufactured ultra light fully forged alloy wheels.
Last, but not least, the tuning company installed a lowered sport suspension, optimized braking system and an ECU remap for some additional horsepower.
GMC has announced the pricelist for 2012 Cadillac SRX. The SUV will start at $36 060 including $875 destination charge.
The vehicle is powered by a new 3.6 litre direct-injected V6 with 308PS (226 kW). It boasts FlexFuel capability and wider RPM range for its maximum torque, which gives the driver more power across a wider range of speeds and driving conditions .
Among the standard extras for 2012 SRX you will find Bluetooth on all models. The options list is huge, but some of the interesting features are an optional heated steering wheel, a xenon Blue Metallic exterior paint, an all-ebony interior option with contrasting stitching and a new 20” wheels.
2012 Cadillac SRX features an advanced AWD system with with electronic limited slip rear differential that moves power front-to-rear as well as distributes power across the rear axle depending on driving conditions and traction. Adaptive Real-Time damping technology provides exceptional ride control.
The other highlights of the SRX include HID headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting, Bose 5.1 surround sound, SAT NAV system, a full-color LCD Driver Info Center and a rear-view camera system.
Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC is now fitted with ECO start/stop as standard making it even more efficient than before. To be more precise – 10%, which means 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 7% to 164 g/km.
So, the S 350 BlueTEC is the first model, which meets EU 6 regulations, which will come into effect in the UK until 2014.
S 350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with hefty 258PS (190 kW) and 620Nm of torque. 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
“The Mercedes still reigns supreme…what sets it apart is the astonishingly comfortable ride, it is the most relaxing saloon in the business. Nothing can match the S-Class’s imperious refinement and the array of gadgets help make this car one of the safest and most hi-tech models money can buy,” commented Auto Express, Acting Editor, Graham Hope.
In addition to its BlueTEC technology, the S 350 BlueTEC also enjoys the full benefits of Mercedes-Benz innovative range of bespoke BlueEFFICIENCY economy-boosting measures.
The S 350 BlueTEC rides on low rolling resistance tires having a 10% improvement, while still retaining good handling and braking characteristics.
The vehicle also comes with a smooth under body panelling, allowing the car to cleave cleanly through the air at speed thanks to reduced aerodynamic drag and lower wind resistance.
Maserati Great Britain has announced the new Sport Pack for its best selling model in the UK, the GranTurismo S Automatic.
The Sport pack includes the super-fast MC Auto Shift software and a revised exhaust system. There are also a lot sports styling features like body coloured side skirts and front winglets, a stylish black grille featuring the Maserati Trident logo with red accents, black mesh side grilles, black look headlights, an integrated rear boot lid spoiler and oval exhaust pipes, along with Grigio Mercury Neptune-design alloy wheels.
Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 with 440PS (323 kW) at 7000RPM and 490Nm (363 lb-ft) of torque at just 4750RPM. 0 to 100 km in 5 seconds and top speed of whopping 295 km/h (183 mph).
The Sport pack is priced at £3 840. The total price of GranTurismo S Automatic Sport Pack is £92 480 OTR, including 3 years/unlimited mileage warranty.
Superchips now offer a high performance ECU remap for the 1.6-litre Ford Fiesta Zetec S. The petrol engine received 10BHP at 5986RPM and 13Nm at 4390RPM.
The Superchips conversion makes the Fiesta Zetec S feel more exciting, sportier and more responsive right through the rev range, making everyday driving more pleasurable.
No technical skills are required as Superchips’ customers plug the Bluefin handset into the Fiesta’s OBDII diagnostic port and then follow the simple on-screen instructions, a process which takes a matter of minutes.
As part of this process, the original factory Fiesta Zetec S ECU map settings are stored within the Bluefin handset for future use, which means converting the car back to standard is a swift and simple ‘plug and go’ DIY task.
Alternatively, customers can visit one of approximately 80 UK wide Superchips performance centres, where trained technicians can undertake the remapping procedure.
The upgrade is suitable for all Mk7 1.6-litre 120 PS Fiesta Zetec S models produced from 1st October 2008 onwards.
The Superchips performance upgrade is priced at just £249.00 including VAT @ 20%, which is a great value for money.
Also the Superchips’ Ford Fiesta Zetec S conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary full vehicle warranty.
Mercedes-Benz USA has released a nice video, where the sports coupe – 2012 C63 AMG makes some “Figure Eight Drift” around two cars of the same model.
Seems not that difficult with its 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 delivering 457PS (336 kW) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed SpeedShift MCT gearbox, which delivers all power to the rear wheels. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Still, the car is capable of returning 24 mpg on combined cycle (12 litres per 100 km).
The car stands on new 18” AMG alloy wheels painted titanium gray with 235/40 R18 front tires and 255/35 R18 rears.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is priced at £57 000.
How to make Fiat 500C more exciting? Just add Gucci to its name and it will become something special … and more expensive, of course. The convertible follows the 500 by Gucci, which was introduced several months, ago.
Orders for 2011 Fiat 500C by Gucci will start in August and the car will be distributed worldwide and from September will be on display in selected Italian Fiat showrooms. The price tag is €20 000.
For this amount of money you’ll get a unique soft top with the Gucci green-red-green pattern, some chrome accents, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the Blue&Me infotainment system. 500C by Gucci will be available only in white with matte chrome-plated elements or glossy black with shiny chrome-plated accents.
Like the saloon version before, an original advertising campaign has been created for the Fiat “500C by Gucci” in which the car features next to model Natasha Poly. The selected Fiat dealerships that will be displaying the “500C by Gucci” will receive copies of an exclusive lifestyle brochure created as a fashion catalogue and designed to bring out the class and one-of-a-kind nature of this extraordinary interpretation of the glamorous world of 500 in artistic photographs.
Toyota has announced the price list for the 2012 Highlander SUV. The manufacturer didn’t make any improvements or upgrades to the vehicle except the slightly lower price for the entry level.
The 2011 Highlander is available in three trim levels – Base, SE and Limited grades. There are two petrol engines – four and six-cylinder, which can be mated to a 5-speed or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) are also available on all trim levels. However, the E-CVT gearbox is available only on the 2012 Highlander Hybrid.
The Hybrid version comes with 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine plus electric motor with overall power of 280PS.
2012 Toyota Highlander starts at $28 090 for the entry level with 2WD and goes up to $35 595 for the 2WD Limited V6 5-speed Automatic model. The 4WD vehicles start at $30 695 and go up to $37 045.
Toyota offers 36-month or 36 000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Carlsson have been making tuning package for Mercedes-Benz for more than fifteen years. Now, it is turn to Mercedes-Benz GL Grand Edition, which received styling and performance upgrades. The name of the project is CGL45.
Lexus will exhibit the new 2012 GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18th. Until then, they have released a teaser image, where we can see that the car looks rather like LF-Gh Concept.![2012 Lexus GS [teaser] Front](http://www.automobilesreview.com/uploads/2011/08/2012-Lexus-GS-teaser.jpg)
Source: Lexus
GMC will expand Cadillac’s model lineup in 2012 with the new ATS. The vehicle will get directly in compact luxury segment. 2013 Cadillac ATS is set to be launched next summer and it will compete against Audi A4,Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series.![2013 Cadillac ATS [teaser] Side](http://www.automobilesreview.com/uploads/2011/08/2013-Cadillac-ATS-teaser.jpg "2013 Cadillac ATS [teaser]")
Source: GMC
The new 2012 Infiniti FX boasts new front grille and fascia design, Iridium Blue exterior color, 21” 10-spoke aluminum-alloy graphite finish wheels with P265/45 R21 V-rated all-season tires, dark tinted headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and auto-leveling, and dark tinted side air vents and lower door trim
Bentley Continental GT has received another tuning package, but this time from vehicle personalisation specialists IMPERIUM.
GMC has announced the pricelist for 2012 Cadillac SRX. The SUV will start at $36 060 including $875 destination charge.
Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC is now fitted with ECO start/stop as standard making it even more efficient than before. To be more precise – 10%, which means 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 7% to 164 g/km.
Maserati Great Britain has announced the new Sport Pack for its best selling model in the UK, the GranTurismo S Automatic.
Superchips now offer a high performance ECU remap for the 1.6-litre Ford Fiesta Zetec S. The petrol engine received 10BHP at 5986RPM and 13Nm at 4390RPM.
Mercedes-Benz USA has released a nice video, where the sports coupe – 2012 C63 AMG makes some “Figure Eight Drift” around two cars of the same model.
How to make Fiat 500C more exciting? Just add Gucci to its name and it will become something special … and more expensive, of course. The convertible follows the 500 by Gucci, which was introduced several months, ago.
Toyota has announced the price list for the 2012 Highlander SUV. The manufacturer didn’t make any improvements or upgrades to the vehicle except the slightly lower price for the entry level.
