Mercedes GLK Coupe to Arrive in 2016

The Mercedes GLK has been met with increasing enthusiasm ever since it came to the market in 2009 and now after the facelift it’s time to look into the compact crossover’s future. It seems that Mercedes is planing to introduce a coupe version of the GLK with the second generation of the car.

The next GLK will be underpinned by a new rear-wheel drive Mercedes platform, the MRA. Entry-level models will be available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option, while the superior ones will include this in the standard equipment.

The model is expected to trade the current boxy look for a more refined one, which would serve as a good starting point for a three-door version. The coupe, which should arrive in 2016, is expected to use the GLC designation. As for the engine range, this will start with 2.0 or 2.2-liter petrol and diesel units, but the company is also considering an AMG version, which would be powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8.

Via: Car Magazine

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Aston Martin Rapide S adds an extra consonant worth 550 hp

Goodbye Aston Martin Rapide. Hello Aston Martin Rapide S. That's right, Aston Martin has unveiled an updated version of its famously beautiful four-door and given its name a new consonant to boot.

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Auctions: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT sells for over $8 million in record-setting RM auction weekend

Although the vast majority of eyeballs were tuned to the madness at Barrett-Jackson this past weekend, that televised car auction wasn't the only high-dollar game in Arizona. RM Auctions brought its usual gaggle of exotic wares to the desert, and the car that came out on top sold for much more than Barrett-Jackson's highest sale, the Batmobile.

Coming out on top at RM last weekend was Lot 164, a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' that sold for a massive $8,140,000 – the buyer could've nearly bought two Barris Batmobiles for that chunk of change. Lot 122, a 1967 Shelby 427 'Semi-Competition' Cobra, stood at $2,007,500 in second place, just in front of Lot 145, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, which sold for $1,842,500.

After all said and done, RM reported $36.4 million in sales. That's a record for RM in Arizona, even though the total number of lots for 2013 was reduced significantly.

RM AUCTIONS REALIZES SPECTACULAR $36.4 MILLION AT SINGLE-DAY ARIZONA BILTMORE SALE

- RM generates more than $36.4 million in sales with 89 percent of all lots sold at its 14th annual Arizona sale

- Single-day sale features selective, handpicked offering of blue-chip automobiles, eclipses 2012 Arizona sale tally by more than 42 percent

- Eight automobiles achieve million-dollar plus results with multiple new auction records set

- Top-seller: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' sells for record $8,140,000

- RM continues its 2013 auction calendar with the presentation of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum and a return to Amelia Island, Florida

PHOENIX, Arizona (January 19, 2013) – RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, kicked off its 2013 auction season on a strong note yesterday, realizing an impressive $36.4 million in sales* with a strong 89 percent of all lots sold at its single-day Phoenix, Arizona sale.

Held at the prestigious Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, the impressive results represent an all-time high for the international auction house in Arizona, and more significantly, a more than 42 percent increase over the Company's 2012 sale, generated no less by a smaller, more elite offering as RM continued to focus on the top tier of the market.

Headlined by the record-setting sale of the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione', as many as eight automobiles achieved million-dollar-plus results, with numerous new auction records set. Reflecting RM's international clientele, bidders hailed from 17 countries around the world, with a strong showing of European enthusiasts as well as collectors from as far afield as Brazil, Argentina and Australia.

"Our fourteenth foray into Arizona this year was as exciting as ever – our clients from around the world were joined by our equally international team of specialists, from California to the UK and it made for a spectacular, history-making event," says Shelby Myers, Managing Director, RM Auctions – California.

"We are very pleased with the results. We strategically limited our sale this year to a smaller, more exclusive offering than previous years, yet the sales tally for our single-day event was up on our 2012 total by more than 42 percent, a significant increase that reflects not only the exceptional quality of the automobiles presented, but also illustrates the continued strength of the market for 'best of category' examples. The Arizona auction week is widely regarded as a barometer for the new collector car season; the results from our Biltmore sale paint a very positive forecast for 2013 and we look forward to continuing the momentum at our upcoming sales in Georgia and Florida," adds Myers.

Top sales honors at the January 18 auction went to the sale's catalogue cover car - the alloy-bodied 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione', chassis 1905 GT. Widely revered by collectors as one of Ferrari's most prized berlinettas, 1905 GT spurred a fierce bidding war between multiple collectors in the room and on the phones, eventually selling to its fifth owner for a remarkable $8,140,000. The outstanding sales price represents a new world record for a Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta sold at auction. Continuing RM's strong track record for Ferraris in Arizona, the single-day auction presented no less than 11 examples from the famed Italian marque. Among a long list of additional highlights were a truly stunning, Ferrari Classiche certified 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 for $1,842,500 and a magnificently restored, concours-quality 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe for $1,017,500.

American-built automobiles also attracted strong attention at RM's Arizona sale. Headlining this group was a genuine and fully documented 1967 Shelby 427 'Semi-Competition' Cobra, one of just 29 S/C Cobras built, which well-exceeded its pre-sale estimate to garner a final sales price of $2,007,500. A 1931 Duesenberg Model J Derham Tourster, offered for the first time in more than 40 years, was also hotly contested, realizing a strong $1,320,000.

RM Arizona: Million-Dollar-Plus Sales:
1. Lot 164: 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 'Competizione' - $8,140,000
2. Lot 122: 1967 Shelby 427 'Semi-Competition' Cobra - $2,007,500
3. Lot 145: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 - $1,842,500
4. Lot 125: 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe - $1,540,000
5. Lot 152: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB - $1,320,000
6. Lot 167: 2003 Ferrari Enzo - $1,320,000
7. Lot 141: 1931 Duesenberg Model J Derham Tourster - $1,320,000
8. Lot 133: 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe - $1,017,500

Beyond the group of million-dollar-plus sales, other highlights included a rare 1953 Allard JR 'Le Mans' Roadster, one of just seven built, for $605,000 - a world record for an Allard sold at auction, and a stunning 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S America Spider, arguably the most desirable post-war Lancia, for $825,000 - a world record for a Lancia Aurelia B24S sold at auction. Full results from the Arizona sale will be posted online at rmauctions.com.

RM Auctions continues its 2013 calendar of events, February 15-16 with the highly anticipated presentation of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum, the world's largest collection of the world's smallest cars, in Madison, Georgia (www.handlewithfun.com), closely followed by its annual Amelia Island, Florida sale, March 9, held in conjunction with the renowned Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

News Source: RM Auctions

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Report: Nissan Juke to get higher-performance Nismo RC model

It's hard to find more giggles for your crossover dollar than the Juke – regardless of how you feel about the way it looks, the singularly styled nichemobile from Nissan is very entertaining to drive. Yet we've always felt that the platform had more in it, and evidently its Japanese parent agrees, having recently bracketed the googly-eyed turbocharged CUV with a new Nismo model and the barking mad built-to-order Juke R. At present, neither the Juke Nismo or the GT-R-powered Juke R are sold in North America, but the former has already been confirmed for sale here.

Even when it does reach our shores, there will still be a heck of a lot of whitespace between the mild performance upgrades of the standard Nismo and the half-mill R model, and to hear the UK's Car tell it, Nissan has plans to plug that gap, too. According to its report, the automaker will shortly offer a Juke Nismo RC that will have roughly 20 horsepower more than the basic Nismo (which itself has 197 hp, nine more than the base Juke). The RC will apparently feature a lower, stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes and a unique exhaust and intake for a snarlier soundtrack. Both front-and all-wheel drive models are planned, as are manual and CVT transmission choices.

No word yet on the RC's pricing or even North American availability, but the regular-strength Juke Nismo is expected to arrive shortly, and Nissan is also said to have big plans for its performance nameplate, so we wouldn't rule it out.

News Source: Car UK

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Video: Lamborghini Presents One-Off Aventador LP720-4 at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

At the upcoming 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the stand of Lamborghini will have one major theme, their 50th anniversary of the Italian car brand, which they will celebrate with a pretty unique model.

Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, announced that a one-off design of the Aventador will be unveiled to mark this event.

According to new information, it will get an unique color and some carbon fiber features. The model will be called Aventador LP720-4, which indicates that its V10 engine will deliver an extra 20 horsepower over the standard supercar.

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Batman Tumbler and Bespoke Supercar for Gumball 3000

Team Galag, Gumball 3000 veterans of two years, have announced that they will be bringing a replica version of the Batman Tumbler to the 2013 Gumball 3000 Rally. The Tumbler will be joined with an intriguing bespoke supercar design. 

Having brought a Porsche 911 Turbo to the 2011 rally along with a Lamborghini Aventador and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster duo for the 2012 rally, the Saudi Arabian team will be upping their game further this year.

Details are scarce at the moment. Team Galag’s blog states that the Tumbler design has been relatively easy in comparison to the headaches the bespoke supercar is causing. The car is current being built by Parker Brothers Concepts of the SyFy channel’s Dream Machines programme. It’s named TG1 for the time being.

Both cars will tackle the entire rally from Copenhagen, Denmark on 18 May 2012. Check points will be Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Riga, Warsaw, Krakow, Vienna and the Monaco Grand Prix.

News Source: gtspirit

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Report: Lotus pondering 'fake shifting' for Evora 414E plug-in hybrid

Some would say Lotus has some credibility among the green-car set since it supplied the body for the Tesla Roadster and has always been obsessed with extracting maximum performance from light weight. Now, our friends at Green Car Reports are suggesting that the UK boutique sportscar operation could lose that reputation by simulating the acceleration of a conventional geared transmission for its Evora 414E extended-range plug-in.

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2013 Ford Fiesta ST Pricing for UK Market Announced

Affordable and fast motoring is always on our mind, and we have to admit that the arrival of the new Ford Fiesta ST is one of the most eagerly anticipated events for us. The previous generation that came in 2005 had a very limited life and with only 150 PS at its disposal, it always played second fiddle to the Clio RS versions of the time, the 172 and 182.

But times have changed, and Ford seems to be bang up to date with this one. Even though the Fiesta architecture is just an update, and will probably only last for four more years, that’s a very welcomed four years of hot Ford supermini.

The old Fiesta ST would have been a rival for the current Twingo RS. But the 2013 model has all the right moves. It offers a 1.6-liter turbo engine, just like the new Clio RS. And even though it’s only got 182 PS, compared to the 200 of the French car, power only counts on paper.

Right, that’s enough of an introduction. Time to tell you what’s what in Britain, where the regular Fiesta is a best-seller. In March, the first examples of the 2013 Fiesta ST will arrive at dealerships, caring a price of £16,995.

For that you get the ST1 trim that carries 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, Ford DAB radio and cloth Recaro sport seats. It’s all you need really, but if you want more, you can get pay £17,995 for the Fiesta ST2 that gets LED daytime runners, privacy glass, partial leather for the same seats, the improved DUB Sony Radio, keyless entry and a starter button.

Honestly, only the power button sounds interesting, but you’ll have the final say in what hot Fiesta you want. Also, remember that Ford, in their excitement, have forgotten to mention what the cooler paint options costs.

We’ve saved the best till last: the final confirmation of the official performance figures for a 2013 Ford Fiesta ST, the production car, not the concepts we’ve been teased with. It has a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with an all-aluminum block, direct injection, low inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing.

The engine delivers 182 PS at… we still don’t know how many revs and 290 Nm of torque. Ford says this is enough to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds. Needless to say, that’s in line or better than its competitors. Top speed is 137 mph (220 km/h), which is also in line with its rivals.

Unique suspension and steering tuning and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) combines with a 15mm lower ride-height to deliver significant dynamic improvements.

We’re huge fans of the Clio RS, but even we have to take note that unlike the VW trio (Polo GTI, Fabia vRS and Ibiza Cupra), and the next-gen Clio RS 200 EDC, the Fiesta has a manual gearbox. The only real downside we can see on paper is that the Fiesta ST is only available in Britain as a three-door. But considering that, you’d have to be crazy to buy a MINI Cooper for the same sort of money.

News Source: autoevolution

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Office: Hennessey Venom GT officially sets 0-300 km/h world record

We're happy there's a John Hennessey who walks the Earth. While any number of humans may have had the idea of marrying a stretched Lotus with a twin-turbocharged ZR1 engine, only Hennessey had the wherewithal to make the Venom GT. And because he has, we bring you the news that the Venom GT has officially broken the world record for a car traveling from 0 to 300 kilometers per hour.

The deed was done on January 10th and officially certified by Guinness World Records. Conducted at Ellington Airport near Houston, Texas, the certified time of 13.63 seconds is actually the average of two separate runs going the opposite direction. The first run, with a 4-mile-per-hour tailwind, was achieved in 13.18 seconds, and the second, with a 6-mph headwind, happened in 14.08 seconds.

Guinness only recognizes deeds done in kilometers per hour, but you may be interested to know that the 1,244-horsepower Venom GT also reached 200 mph on that day in a record 14.51 seconds. According to Hennessey, the previous record for that achievement was 17.68 seconds by the Koenigsegg Agera R and the 1,200-hp Bugatti Veyron Sport requires a positively glacial 22.2 seconds.

There are more numerically significant accomplishments in Hennessey's press release below, but what you'll really want to do is check out the video replay, as well as flip through these photo galleries of the world record run and glamour shots of the car in question.

 News Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering

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Report: Auto journalist ordered to pay big money for blowing up Porsche 917 engine

Racecars blow engines all the time, but a Porsche 917 isn't just a run-of-the-mill racecar. British automotive writer Mark Hales reportedly borrowed a 917 from 82-year-old former Formula One racer David Piper for a magazine article, and mechanical tragedy ensued. Nobody is arguing that the engine failed after being spun to 8,200 rpm. However, Hales was warned not to exceed 7,000 rpm, says owner Piper, and the affair landed in English courts with Piper seeking £50,000 – over $79,000 US – in reimbursement funds for an engine rebuild and loss of use of the car while it was being repaired. Judge Simon Brown ruled in favor of car owner Piper, putting Hales on the hook for £110,000 ($174,000) including legal fees – a whole lot of money in any language.

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