The tuned Panamera captivates with its exterior kept entirely in matt black. From the TECHART Aerodynamic Kit I to the multifunctional TECHART daytime running light system in black and the TECHART exhaust system, all exterior components across the board merge equally seamlessly into the matt black design. Just the red TECHART logotype gleaming through the spokes of the sporty TECHART 22-inch Formula II light alloy wheels provides a point of contrast in the deep black and powerful appearance of the four-seater.

Actually, by mid-morning, it was being officially called the Chrysler Design Study, but the confusion only adds to our point: it was a rush job, a surprise to many even inside the company. Chrysler’s strategy for such a car isn’t yet fully developed.

But it makes for a strange kind of logic. Fiat Auto and Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne has already said that Lancia is the Fiat Group brand that most closely aligns with Chrysler’s semi-upmarket positioning. (We’d say they’re far better aligned than Alfa Romeo and Dodge, and he has linked those two.)

Furthermore, the new boss of the Chrysler brand is Olivier Francois, who in mid-2008 launched the Delta when he was running Lancia.

The Delta is a kind of compact car that could, with a little sensitive modification, play well in the U.S. That’s because in many ways it isn’t compact. It’s built on a standard Euro-sized platform — think VW Golf dimensions — but with a 4-inch wheelbase stretch.

The longer wheelbase gives the car greater heft, could improve the ride, and offers more space. The back seat is a sliding/reclining affair that affords club-class room for two rear passengers when it’s slid back. Sliding the bench forwards adds 3 cubic feet to the trunk volume, taking it to 16.4 cu ft.

The Delta was designed by Frank Stephenson, a man with a record. He set out the original concepts for the Mini while he was at BMW, then moved to Fiat Auto and did the Delta and influenced the Fiat 500, then went to Maserati/Ferrari. He’s now design director at McLaren Automotive.

The shield grille is an old Lancia feature, and sure enough, it’s not a shape that adapts immediately to a Chrysler. But many other features are intriguing. The roof (black whatever the body color and optionally in panoramic class) is visually suspended a fraction above the top of the C-post, and the tail end wears a darkened windshield like a pair of shades, framed by slim LED lamp clusters. Inside, plush materials are deployed. The seats are clothed in throne-lik

It’s only been five years since the Tucson first went on sale, but a lot has happened since then. The crossover segment has exploded, now with dozens of vehicles to choose from, while the traditional SUV segment is on the wane. The Tucson went on sale in the middle of this transition, as a crossover with boxy traditional SUV-like styling. It remained basically unchanged as competitors underwent major redesigns, such as the Toyota RAV4 (in 2006), Honda CR-V (2007), Ford Escape (2008), and Subaru Forester (2009), and the new Nissan Rogue came on the scene (2008). Now, the Tucson has shed its conservative exterior and comes to market with a sportier, more carlike attitude.

There’s no mistaking the 2010 for the previous Tucson, as the styling has now gone far more curvaceous, as part of what Hyundai refers to as “fluidic sculpture design.” Its angles and side profile are reminiscent of the Nissan Murano and Rogue, as well as the Subaru Tribeca, which is about as far as you can get from the first-gen. It comes on 17-inch wheels with 18s optional. The GLS and Limited we drove were shod with Kumho Solus KL21s, 225/60R17 (GLS) and 225/55R18 (Limited), both of which are mud and snow rated.

While it’s based loosely on the new Elantra’s platform, the Tucson’s chassis is much stiffer. According to Hyundai, the Tucson’s bending rigidity is 38 percent greater than that of the Rogue. Wheelbase is 0.4 inch longer than in 2009, and the crossover is 2.9 inches longer, an inch wider, and 0.9 inch lower. The fully independent suspension uses struts in front with coil springs, plus a 19 percent larger, hollow stabilizer bar (it’s more lightweight). Rear suspension is a multilink design with a 29 percent larger stabilizer bar. Track is about two inches wider, and its turning circle is seven inches tighter.

RABUS builds the five-door by hand based on the latest Mercedes G-Class. Like all special models from BRABUS, accepted by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) as an automobile manufacturer, the BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo WIDESTAR is available with an extensive list of luxury appointments. The ultra-powerful 4×4 starts at 394,900 Euros MSRP.

As the model designation indicates, the engine bay of the G-Class vehicle houses the BRABUS SV12 S engine originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET with a top speed of 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph). The high-performance engine is based on the V12 Biturbo engine from the latest Mercedes S 600 model. In the state-of-the-artBRABUS engine shop displacement of the three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) with the help of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and larger pistons. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with special camshafts.

The engine peripherals were upgraded with larger turbochargers, an optimized intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. The exhaust was custom-developed for the G-Class and features dual chrome-plated tailpipes that exit in front of the rear wheels on either side. New precision mapping for the engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components. The result is an exemplary smooth-running engine with maximum power yield that meets the strict limits set by the EURO IV emission norm.

In the G-Class the BRABUS S V12 S displacement engine produces 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW at 5,100 rpm. The turbocharged twelve-cylinder engine delivers its peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo offers acceleration performance almost unimaginable for a true off-roader: Combined with a special five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the exclusive SUV catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h (150 mph). Without the self-imposed limit the high-tech G-Class model could reach 260 km/h (163 mph).

With the new BRABUS WIDESTAR version the designers have managed to lend the classic G-Class body an even more striking and dynamic profile. Powerfully shaped fender flares add 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) to the width of the body and optimize venting of front and rear wheel houses thanks to integrated air vents. Strikingly styledBRABUS door moldings give the 4×4 a highly distinctive appearance even when viewed from the side. Sturdy stainless-steel running boards facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle during the day and at night. LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the running boards

Following its unveiling at last month’s Geneva Motor Show, the new Monaco GP limited edition version of Renault Laguna Coupé is due to hit the French market this month when it goes on display at the Coupé-Cabriolet & SUV Motor Show in Paris. The newcomer’s fluid, elegant lines are emphasized by its stunning, sporty styling which features a black roof, black exterior mirror housings and ‘black shadow’ wheels which contrast with the car’s striking pearlescent white finish. Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP’s performance credentials match its looks, too, thanks to its exclusive 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering which is standard equipment, as well as a range of particularly efficient powerplants

lAfter years of living separateives, the European and North American Focuses will finally become one. For 2011, we, too, get a Focus based on the European C1 platform. The Iosis Max concept from this year’s Geneva motor show might have been a funky people mover, but Ford says that much of its design language will appear in the production Focus. The engine underneath the “kinetic” skin is also likely to reach the showroom. The direct-injection 1.6-liter turbocharged four not only fits into Ford’s growing range of EcoBoost engines, but it also appeared in the Lincoln C concept shown earlier this year at the Detroit auto show. Both concepts also sported six-speed dual-clutch transmissions, which already are offered across Ford’s European portfolio.11 Ford Mustang GT An all-new, 5.0-liter V-8 for 2011 should exceed 400 hp and 400 lb-ft. It’s mated to a six-speed stick.ord Transit Connect The Turkish-built van is practical, versatile, and compact-ideal for commercial use. With a 2.0-liter four and an

s welcoming visitors to Techno Classica 2010 with three special themes that will take them back through an exciting period of automotive history.First theme: Under the motto “Volkswagens off the beaten path,” Europe’s largest automobile producer has brought along a diverse collection of off-road highlights to the Ruhr region. They include the Dakar race vehicle, the Tarek, the legendary Iltis (winner of the 1980 Paris-Dakar), an Apal Buggy, the Type 181 (”Kübel” car), the Golf Country (crossover trendsetter) and the3 syncro aka the Bulli.Second theme: “Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of front-wheel drive.” Background: The K70 debuted in 1970; this sedan took active safety to a new era. And of course that is why the K70 will be in Essen as well.Third theme: “25 years of the Volkswagen AutoMuseum Foundation.” To commemorate its milestone anniversary, the museum has opened its treasure vaults wider than ever before: Along with a special anniversary Beetle (50 year old special edition) the VW 30 – a 1937 prototype of the Beetle – has been pulled out as well. A fitting way to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Beetle in 2010. To mark the occasion, the Classic Parts Centre will be showing an air-cooled engine Beetle by the name of “Erbse” (English: “Pea”). This 57 year old Beetle travelled the Panamericana from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. And so, for Volkswagen fans and friends of “the Dakar”, the Techno Classica is a “must

is building a limited edition 2010 Viper SRT10 “Final Edition” models with a production run limited to only 50 Dodge Vipers. The Final Edition Viper models will be available in Coupe, Roadster and ACR (American Club Racer) model configurations and each will feature a Graphite Clear Coat body with a painted black center stripe traced in red. Viper Coupe and ACR Final Edition models include a black windshield surround. All Final Edition models carry unique side sill badges.The black interior features custom red accent stitching, red painted halo surrounds on the gauge cluster and bright stainless steel screws in center stack bezel. A numbered dash plaque (1-50) is located on the shifter bezel just above the unique Viper Final Edition floor mats.

is built on Nissan’s rugged F-Alpha pickup platform, featuring a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 engine rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Titan features a standard 5-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds for King Cab and 9,400 pounds for Crew Cab (when properly equipped). Similar to the 2010 Nissan Frontier, the 2010 Titan is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles with a choice of 4×4 and 4×2 drive configurations.

The Mustang FR500CJ, known simply as the Cobra Jet, was officially unveiled on Nov. 4 at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. “The Cobra Jet is the newest offspring of the Ford Racing lineup of race cars,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group.

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