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Daimler may not be able to sell very many Maybachs, but there’s a flip-side to that equation: Rarity. Exclusivity. Qualities which a Maybach has in spades. But if every tycoon and magnate in your elite neighborhood already has one, and you want to stand out a bit (but not too much) from the crowd, you’re going to want something even more exclusive. Like the Edition 125!

That exclamation mark – like the concept currently on display in Frankfurt – is part of the name, not added emphasis on our part, and helps underscore the claim which Daimler lays on the origins of the automobile which it now celebrates a century and a quarter later.

The party starts off with the 57 S model, that being the (relatively) shorter-wheelbase sedan with the twin-turbo V12 that’s just had its output increased to 630 horsepower. That’s power that’d make many a supercar blush, but Maybach didn’t stop there: for the special edition, the automaker gave the 57 a new front grille, a set of high-contrast 20-inch alloys and the signature of Wilheml Maybach (he who helped Gottlieb Daimler invent the automobile) embroidered into the glovebox lid.

The Edition 125! also gets special Tahiti Black and Patagonia Silver color options, part of an expanded catalog of color swatches available for the exterior and interior of the elite Mercs which you can read more about in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Maybach celebrates Daimler’s 125th with special edition 57 S

Maybach celebrates Daimler’s 125th with special edition 57 S

The difference between an artist and any other person is not about skill or ability to wield whatever instruments are required to render their work, it’s about how an artist perceives things around them. So while most of us may look at, say, the front hood of a Porsche and see a hood, an artist may see it as a canvas.

That was, at least, evidently the case with a group of 19 Latin American artists who, curated by Argentinean painter Jorge Gómez, turned 24 hoods from the 911 GT2 into works of art. Their media included materials ranging from acrylic to vulcanized rubber, and the results are being displayed from now until January 8th at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. If your plans don’t include a trip to Deutschland, though, you can take a virtual trip through the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Where some see the hood of a Porsche 911 GT2, others see a canvas

Where some see the hood of a Porsche 911 GT2, others see a canvas

The roles of the automaker and the car magazine are well delineated: The former makes the cars, and the latter reports on them. Once in a while, though, we see the two changing hats, as automakers produce their own brand magazines and magazines build their own kit cars and whatnot. But this collaboration, for better or worse, brings the two that much closer. And if any publication was going to break the mold, we suppose it would have to be Intersection.

For those not familiar, Intersection is a different kind of car magazine from what you typically pick up at the news stand – more for fashion-forward hipsters than for grease-monkeys and gearheads. The publication typically features spreads featuring skinny models in skinny jeans next to Nissan Cubes and vintage Volvos – or an Audi submerged in a swimming pool – but for their latest project, the French edition of the magazine teamed up with Honda for the special-edition CR-Z you see here.

The unique hybrid coupe is distinguished by a matte beige paint job with orange steel wheels riding on matching orange tires for the summer, and black wheels with black tires for the winter. Eley Kishimoto outfitted the interior. It was unveiled just the other day at the Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt in Paris, and while it looks to be a one-off for the time being, Honda France is reportedly considering a limited run for public consumption. Follow the jump for a video (in French) on the paint selection process and check out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Intersection magazine decks out a special edition Honda CR-Z [w/video]

Intersection magazine decks out a special edition Honda CR-Z [w/video]

General Motors has a reason to preen over the results of the Michigan State Police vehicle evaluations. The Chevrolet Caprice PPV managed to eclipse its competition in top speed and braking tests. The Caprice PPV managed to scoot down from 60 miles per hour in just 125.8 feet, which is a full four feet shorter than the equivalent Ford Interceptor Sedan. Likewise, with a top speed of 154 mph, the protect-and-serve Bowtie boasts a top speed that’s 6 mph faster than the 148-mph Interceptor. While that’s impressive, we’re more terrified by the fact that the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV managed to ratchet up an astonishing 139 mph. That’s what we call a flying brick.

The Chevrolet PPV Sedan gets its power from the company’s 3.6-liter V6 engine and lays it to the pavement by the miracle of good, old-fashioned rear-wheel drive. While Ford claims that the company’s forced-induction V6 garners better fuel economy with equivalent performance, it will be hard for most law enforcement agencies to brush past the PPV’s taller top end and shorter stopping distance. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Chevy boasts about Caprice PPV performance in Michigan State Police test

Chevy boasts about Caprice PPV performance in Michigan State Police test

BMW X4 production confirmed

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is on its way to a dealership near you, and you can pick one up starting in November. Should you prefer to go with something wearing a WRX or STI badge, you don’t have to wait, but you’ll just have to be happy with the current version, as Subaru is reportedly holding off on bringing revised examples of the hi-po Impreza sedans and wagons to market.

According to Car and Driver, Subaru plans to continue building the same well-liked Impreza WRX and STI until the new cars are ready, likely in a couple of years. The idea is to allow the revised Impreza to gain some traction before launching the furiously fast versions. Hopefully, the lag time between models will give Subaru boffins time to produce models worthy of wearing those special badges.

Current Subaru WRX and STI to stick around for a couple of years

Mitsubishi owners and car enthusiasts may recall a model called the Diamante. It was the Japanese automaker’s flagship luxury sedan until it was discontinued in 2004. But now the time appears ripe to bring it back – in the Japanese domestic market, at least.

Rather than develop its own model, however, reports confirm earlier rumors indicating that Mitsubishi will rebadge a version of the Fuga produced by Nissan – a model better known to North American buyers as the Infiniti M. Nissan offers the Fuga/M with V6, V8, hybrid and diesel powertrains. It remains to be seen, however, which engines will find their way under the hood of the Mitsubishi version.

The arrangement is only the latest development in an ongoing partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan that also includes a rebadged version of the Nissan NV200 Vanette, along with other models. However these exercises in badge engineering aren’t expected, for the time being at least, to make it to the North American market.

Mitsubishi to borrow Diamante successor from Nissan

Lose Two Cylinders, Gain Two Turbos, Take No Prisoners

The first BMW M5, the humble E28 of 1984, had little idea of the performance bloodline it would sire. Its equally humble sales figures proved it: just 2,241 were built. Previous to the 2004 arrival of the E60 M5, the ‘84 original and the much better-selling E34 that succeeded it in 1988 both carried excellent inline sixes that offered between 256 SAE horsepower in the first-generation’s North American trim and 340 European DIN horses by the end of its run in 1995. Good for their time. The E39 M5, however, was the first model in the franchise that BMW really set loose, running an almost 5.0-liter V8 from 1998 until 2003 that offered up 400 hp in European trim. This generation did very well, finding its way into more than 20,000 driveways.

Beginning in July of 2004, BMW Motorsport went nuts, tying the entire M5 project to its famously costly Formula 1 involvement. Many racing fans would note that BMW’s F1 program was not only costly, it achieved dismal results. At least their misadventure gifted us the E60 and its “holy crap!” all-aluminum 5.0-liter V10 engine. Compared to the three preceding M5s dressed in civilian clothing, the flared Chris Bangle-era M5 and its free-revving 500-horsepower S85 engine was a sequined Miss Universe contestant belting out power ballads. Again, over 20,000 were sold, almost all sedans, and, man, have we ever done a lot of impressively useless burn outs and hammering Launch Control starts ever since. By far, the United States has been the Number One market for E60s, with over 8,000 sold here before the building stopped in March of last year.

Then BMW left the F1 circus, F1 abandoned V10s, and Munich focused hard on a greener Efficient Dynamics gospel. The tear-jerking S85 was retired without fanfare.

['Scuse the long preamble, but with a new M5, it's crucial to remember from whence we've come.]

Continue reading 2012 BMW M5 [w/video]

2012 BMW M5 [w/video]

The Volkswagen Group had a whole lot and then more to show off at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. There were about a dozen vehicles rolled out at the pre-show VW Group evening, and then more once the show opened the following morning. For the Volkswagen brand itself, the new production Up! was the main focus, sharing the stage with the Nils concept, the Beetle R showcar and the Polo rally car. But there was, according to the UK’s CAR magazine, to be one more major debut.

That additional concept car would have been a preview of the next-generation Phaeton, but apparently VW’s corporate strategists opted to hold it back so as not to detract from the Up! runabout. Instead, it will likely show off the concept second-generation luxury sedan at another show in the near future, but the production model isn’t expected to come until 2015.

When it does, we’ll find out what strategy the Phaeton will have switched to. Insiders suggest it will be downsized to slot in between the Audi A6 and A8 (rather than compete directly with the latter) and could include one or several less traditional (and more practical) bodystyles in addition to a traditional four-door sedan.

We’re also likely to be looking at smaller engines than the eight, ten and twelve-cylinder mills currently on offer, all in an effort to sell the new Phaeton to more customers than the current model, one in two of which reportedly stay in Volkswagen’s hands as VIP shuttles.

Volkswagen passes on showing Phaeton concept in Frankfurt, new car expected for 2015

The Michigan State Police have officially graced the Ford Police Interceptor line with a Pursuit-Rated designation after a volley of tests. Both the Interceptor Sedan and Utility withstood the organization’s battery of 0-60, braking and handling evaluations over a period of two days. And, the results?

According to Ford, both vehicles offer increased fuel economy and performance compared to the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor thanks to the use of the company’s 3.5-liter turbocharged Ecoboost V6. With 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the engine offers more grunt than the old 4.6-liter V8 with a smaller appetite for fuel.

The addition of a larger alternator and radiator means that the forced-induction six-pot can now handle the abuse that patrol duty can wreak on a vehicle. In addition, Ford says that its offerings are the only law-enforcement-specification options on the market right now specifically engineered to protect occupants from a 75 mph rear-end collision.

While both the Sedan and Utility have received the thumbs up from the Mitten State, the Los Angeles Police Department will also put the vehicles through the ringer in November. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptors earn official pursuit ratings

Ford Police Interceptors earn official pursuit ratings

You now live in a world in which the Hyundai Veloster is actively being sold. The first example has just been delivered, and the owner, one Daniel Jenkins, picked up his new Veloster at a Henderson, Nevada Hyundai dealership as soon as it rolled of the truck. You’ll surely soon be spotting examples of the 138-horsepower four-door hatchback on a road near you in the near future.

We recently spent a bit of time behind the wheel of the 2012 Veloster, and based on our observations, we’re confident that Mr. Jenkins will be getting a load of stares on his daily commute – after all, the Veloster is a rather unique looking beast, no matter what exterior shade you opt for.

2012 Hyundai Veloster deliveries underway

You diehard Honda CR-V fans out there can finally get a glimpse of what the Japanese automaker has planned for its CUV. A rash of patent drawings has cropped up showing the new face of the next-generation vehicle ahead of its debut at the 2011 Orange County Auto Show. As expected, the basic shape of the 2012 CR-V has stuck fairly close to the lines of the concept image that debuted back in July. Design cues like the wide upper grille, swept headlights and stylized d-pillar have all stayed on while flashy bits like the concept’s massive wheels have been scrapped for more civilized pieces.

Under the hood, we still expect to see a variant of the current 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. While tweaks to the final power and fuel consumptions may rear their heads at the unveil, we don’t expect any dramatic changes. Buyers can look forward to a new six-speed automatic transmission that puts power to either the front or all four wheels depending on trim. The final unanswered question is whether or not Honda has managed to cram a third row of seats in the back…

2012 Honda CR-V final design leaks out

General Motors wowed the crowds in Monterey this year with the Cadillac Ciel Concept. In addition to being a larger-than life convertible, the vehicle featured a level of attention to detail that hasn’t been seen from the Wreath and Crest in over a century. That includes the beautiful olive wood interior. The good people at Cool Hunting recently sat down with GM Design to discover exactly what went into crafting the intricate pieces. Their story is more interesting than we thought the assembly of an interior could be, so interesting in fact that we went back to GM to get some more images of the process.

As it turns out, the interior wood trim was hewn from a 300-year-old olive tree that fell in a storm just outside of Naples, Italy. The tree was shipped to a Pennsylvania woodyard where it was then sectioned and kiln-dried. That’s where the designers from General Motors caught up with it and sent the 30-inch wide planks through a planer from the 1940s, then sanded and arranged them on a gantry, and then photographed the planks so that their unique grains could be recreated in a special computer program. From there, the chunks were sent to 3D Mass Design and Engineering, where they were cut to GM specifications and glued into their final configurations. Then, Metalcrafters in Fountain Valley, California took on the task of test-fitting and applying the final stain and finish.

How’s that for craftsmanship?

Meet the tree Cadillac used to make the Ciel Concept’s gorgeous wood interior

The Porsche Panamera has been around for a few years now, and that means it’s about ready for the standard mid-cycle nip and tuck. Our spy photographers caught the German sports sedan wearing a dab of camouflage to cover up a few of the updated facial features, especially around the forward lighting areas.

The updated Panamera should wear a face in line with the new 991 Porsche 911. That means you’re sure to see updated headlamps and new LED daytime running lamps, and the lower fascia will get a minor workout as well. Out back, this test car wears the standard Panamera rear end, however, we believe a camo-covered version should arrive in the coming weeks.

Porsche Panamera facelift already spotted out and about

Audi has grown its share of the U.S. luxury market with the help of a steady stream of new products. But while Audi has been on a product rampage, not all of its latest designs take up residence in U.S. showrooms.

Included in that group of vehicles is the Q3, but AutoWeek reports that Audi’s North American CEO Johan de Nysschen is at least considering bringing the diminutive CUV to America. That’s not a lot to go on, and de Nysschen tells AW that the Q3 will need to “overcome certain challenges” in order for Audi to introduce the model to U.S. customers.

In other words, the Q3 will need to be cheap enough for U.S. consumers to want to buy it, yet expensive enough for Audi to turn a tidy profit. What’s more, the Four-Ringed crossover will need to sell at a decent clip even if the price is right, or Audi could still lose money. If the stars align and the Q3 gets the green light, de Nysschen says it’ll likely happen in time for the model’s mid-cycle refresh.

De Nysschen says Audi still debating Q3 for U.S.

Audi apparently has a mind to turn out a convertible version of the RS5. A slew of patent drawings depicting the high-performance drop-top have made their way to the internet via our Spanish-speaking sister site.

Judging by the drawings, we can tell that the vehicle will have room for four occupants and use the same power electric folding soft top as both the A5 and S5. The rest of the vehicle wears the same facelifted garb as the new S5 unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Under the hood, chances are buyers will see the same naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 found in the RS5 coupe. The kicking eight pot is good for 450 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and will likely be mated to the company’s S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox. As you may have guessed, all-wheel drive will be standard.

Thus far, Audi hasn’t made mention of where the vehicle will debut or exactly which markets will get to enjoy the convertible heathen. Stay tuned.

Trademark filings suggests Audi RS5 Convertible imminent

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Gullwing America was all about the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and its modern-day successor, the SLS AMG. But disregarding the name, the company has stepped out of Stuttgart’s shadow for its latest classic recreation.

GWA calls it the Ferrari 340 Competizione, as it pays tribute to the original 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico. Only three of those racers were made, and they were designed specifically
to tackle the legendary Carrera Panamericana where, fittingly, Mercedes’ 300 SL dominated.

The modern interpretation takes a Ferrari 456 GT as its starting point, retaining its 470-horsepower 5.4-liter V12 and six-speed manual transmission, but upgrading the aerodynamics, suspension and brakes, draping fresh aluminum bodywork over the mechanicals. The interior likewise pays homage to the 340 Mexico, but packs modern touches like carbon fiber seats.

It’s a work in progress, and only one example is reportedly set to be built. Which is just as well, because knowing how keenly Ferrari likes to protect its property, any prospects of serial production – however limited – would likely be kiboshed by Maranello. We’ll look forward to watching the project unfold, but for now, you can check out the renderings in our image gallery for a closer look.

GWA spreads its wings to Mexico with Ferrari 340 Competizione project

Spy shots and see-through body treatments are all we have to go on when it comes to the upcoming Subaru BRZ. We’ve had enough of that, however, and it seems Subaru is finally ready to show us a bit more of what’s in store for the future sports coupe. The automaker will unveil a concept version of the BRZ at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it will be wearing real sheetmetal this time.

The BRZ will make its official debut later on at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it will join its FT-86/FRS siblings. All three versions of the car will wear similar body panels with the exception of the face. Subaru will apply its own mug, while the Toyota and Scion versions will be identical minus the badging.

Subaru will be responsible for production of all three versions, and the sporty coupe will be built at the Japanese automaker’s Gunma, Japan facility. There the cars will be fitted with 2.0-liter boxer motors, and paired with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.

Subaru BRZ concept headed for Los Angeles as new details leak out

We’re completely smitten with Chrysler’s latest hi-po Hemi, which displaces 6.4 liters and offers up to 470 horsepower and a matching 470 pound-feet of torque in the engine bay of such vehicles as the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Of course, not everyone can manage a two-door with limited space inside for passengers and cargo, which is why Chrysler has placed the massive lump under the hood of the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as well.

Inside Line cites “a source close to the project” as saying the Grand Cherokee’s platform sibling, the Dodge Durango, may also be in line for a 470-hp power infusion for 2013. It only makes sense, since the Jeep and the Dodge share major assemblies between them and both offer the same V6 and V8 engines (besides the range-topping SRT8, for now…) and since Dodge has historically been Chrysler’s performance division.

Possibly tipping the scales in the opposite direction, though, is the fact that the Durango R/T, which features a 370-horse version of the Hemi mill, has reportedly not been selling up to expectations. IL also cites pricing as a possible roadblock, since the Jeep SRT8 already tops $50,000 and the Durango SRT8 would likely hit that figure as well, since it would use the same engine, all-wheel-drive system, adjustable suspension and massive Brembo brakes.

As for us, we can think of few better ways to shuffle yourself plus six passengers and their luggage than in a 470-horsepower Durango. And so we ask you: Should Chrysler offer a Dodge Durango SRT8?

View Poll

Dodge Durango SRT8 may happen for 2013 [w/poll]

Lexus fans are abuzz over the sight of a potential new LS-based super sedan, and details about the mystery machine are leaking out across the intertubes. The folks at AutoGuide have somehow managed to get shots of the Nürburgring-running prototype parked in a garage along witha a conveniently displayed spec sheet which gives us a lot more information about the sporty four door shown testing on the ‘Ring.

According to their information it’s called the Lexus LS TMG Edition, and the TMG stands for Toyota Motorsport GmbH. That would be the European motorsports branch for the Japanese automaker, which helps to explain the Cologne plates spotted on the car. According to the spied spec sheet, the LS TMG boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 641 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque. That should be enough to push the large luxo rocket from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed that’s a hair under 200 miles per hour.

While we have no idea whether this is a production prototype, a one-off exercise or something else entirely, the very existence of a 641-horsepower, 200 mile-per-hour Lexus LS suggests that the crew behind the LFA are holding increasing sway over the Toyota luxury asylum. Needless to say, we’re okay with that.

Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition