LEXUS' MOST POWERFUL V8Behold the Lexus RC F, equipped with the marque's most powerful V8 engine to date, generating in excess of 450bhp to help manage all that power going to the rear wheels - a first for Lexus.儲存 The 5-litre front-mounted engine is mated to a newly calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission that promises to be sporty as well as efficient.BEETLE WITH A DIFFERENCEA crossover version of the Beetle? Volkswagen teases with the Beetle Dune concept, which somehow manages not to look as ridiculous as it sounds. With a chassis raised by 50mm, wider tracks and shod with rugged 19-inch wheels with fat tyres, the Dune concept is an interesting take on the iconic model. In fact, it is an improvement on the design of the latest Beetle. The concept has a rear-mounted ski-rack (reminiscent of those fitted on the original Beetle). Alas, VW says that no decision has been made to produce it.MERC S600 ROLLED OUTDaimler has wasted no time in rolling out the Mercedes-Benz S600, just months after launching the new limo line. The new 5,980cc V12 bi-turbo boasts 530bhp and 830Nm of torque. Its long equipment list includes a touchpad and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which makes the top-of-the-line S-class almost accident- proof.911 TARGA GETS MOTORISED ROOFThe new Porsche 911 Targa has a surprise: a motorised roof, at long last. Ever since the first version appeared in the late-1960s, the 911 Targa has had a manual (and sometimes unwieldy) roof that can be removed. The new model still has the characteristic wide bar in place of the B-pillars aft of the doors, a moveable roof section above the driver and passenger, and a wrap-around rear window - with no C-pillar. But unlike its predecessors, the roof segment of the new Targa can be opened and closed at the push of a button. When open, the roof top is stowed behind the rear seats.SPORTY AND ROOMY HYBRIDMitsubishi's Concept AR is a next generation compact people mover which combines SUV sportiness with MPV roominess. It uses a lightweight mild hybrid Belt Start Generator system which comprises a 1.1-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged Mivec engine mated to a low-output motor powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. It looks set to be a crowd-pleaser - if it makes it to showrooms, that is.BOLD COUPE CONCEPT FROM TOYOTAIt seems Toyota is bent on changing its dependable but dull image. It has unveiled a bold coupe concept: the FT-1 concept, a modern interpretation of the 2000GT of the mid-1960s. The迷你倉front engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration allows the cockpit to be set further towards the rear of the car, helping to improve weight distribution and create classic sports car proportions. The concept may well be heading for production.NEW JOHN COOPER WORKSMini has practically launched the John Cooper Works version of its latest Cooper. The JCW "concept" boasts large air intakes - filling the space reserved for fog lights in the "normal" models - and a black surround for the front grille. The car has a slew of other aerodynamic aids and is equipped with LED headlights. But Mini has not revealed details of its drivetrain.MORE VERSATILE, ROOMIER MPVThe new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso seven-seat MPV is more versatile, roomier and yet up to 110kg lighter than its predecessor. It has also clinched a five-star rating on the European New Car Assessment Programme. What else would you want in a family carrier?FIRST GLOBAL HYBRID FROM BYDChina's BYD has launched its first global hybrid - the Qin. The car, which hits 100kmh in 5.9 seconds and supposedly sips 1.6 litres of fuel per 100km, will be exported from early next year. The plug-in hybrid can be driven in pure electric mode for up to 70km (twice the range of competitor models). For long-distance journeys, the car uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine.NEW DIESEL MODELS FROM BMWBMW has brought in the 320d Sport, BMW 520d and 520d Luxury, in a move that ups its diesel programme in the showroom in Singapore. The cars follow the recently unveiled X5 xDrive30d. A key feature of BMW's turbodiesel engines is a high-pressure fuel injection system that works at pressure of up to 2,000 bars. The BMW 520d Luxury is said to be able to cover 20km on a litre of fuel, and over 1,500km on a full tank. The 320d Sport, 520d and 520d Luxury qualify for up to $15,000 in CEVS rebates.POWER-PACKED STINGERKia's GT4 Stinger concept is a 2+2 turbocharged sportscar powered by a 315bhp engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Weighing only 1,304kg, the rear-wheel-drive will set performance standards, not to mention turn heads - if it is produced.AUDI'S PORTABLE TABLETFuture Audis may well come with a portable tablet. The Audi Smart Display was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It links seamlessly to systems both in and out of Audi models, using ultra-fast WLAN connection. With a 10.2-inch full-HD display encased in brushed aluminium, the tablet can facilitate access to, and operation of, the car's infotainment system.儲存倉
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