Auto News - Audi A6 2.0T to get eight-speed auto and Quattro for 2013

Auto News - Audi A6 2.0T to get eight-speed auto and Quattro for 2013. Not much gets written about the Audi A6, which is a shame because we have found it one of the most enjoyable models in German automaker's lineup to drive. A report in Car and Driver as to the future of the A6 2.0-liter turbo might not get the model much more press, but could get it more sales. The 211-horsepower four-cylinder has only been available with a CVT and front-wheel drive; now an eight-speed automatic and Quattro appear on the option sheet.

C/D says will be a surprisingly modest $2,200 premium to move up from the FWD model to the Quattro, with $45,295 needed for the 2.0's base Premium trim – but since the front-drive CVT model will continue to be offered, we're not sure if the eight-speed Tiptronic will be a cost option as well. Even if so, there should still be a healthy stack of Benjamins between it and its German competition, and the addition of Quattro isn't expected to knock it from the top spot in fuel economy among its luxury foes. The upspec'd A6 should appear in dealerships this August.

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Auto News - Jeep Grand Cherokee to have short 2013 model year ahead of major updates

Auto News - Jeep Grand Cherokee to have short 2013 model year ahead of major updates. Jeep is planning an upgraded Grand Cherokee for the 2014 model year, and since the automaker is anxious to get the freshened model out to customers, the popular sport utility will have a shortened 2013 model year. According to Automotive News, dealers are just now ordering the 2013 models, and they are scheduled to start production in August.

The biggest change for 2014 will be the availability of a 3.0-liter diesel V6, which we previewed just over one year ago. In the European Grand Cherokee, this engine produces 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque – seriously good power numbers for Jeep's stalwart utility vehicle.

Additionally, Automotive News reports that a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is on deck for 2014. Details are scarce right now, but this transmission will likely be paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, just like in the 2013 Ram 1500 and the current Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee is slated to debut in January, likely at the Detroit Auto Show, with sales to start shortly thereafter.

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Auto News - Mazda to debut MX-5 Miata GT Concept, looking for feedback

Auto News - Mazda to debut MX-5 Miata GT Concept, looking for feedback. Does the idea of a Mazda MX-5 Miata with 205 horsepower – a useful bump over the stocker's 167 ponies – sound like a good idea? How about one with an upgraded suspension, carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler?

Still not good enough for you? Fine. Throw in a free-flowing exhaust with single center-mounted tailpipe, body-color roll hoops, sticky tires and a pair of Recaro seats. If we're describing the Miata of your dreams, we suggest you tell Mazda how you feel – this exact machine, dubbed the MX-5 Miata GT Concept, will be on display at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will make a run up the hill.

Mazda says it's "seeking customer reaction" to the hotted-up sports car, which it says is inspired by its MX-5 GT race car. Mazda: We speak for all when we say, "If you build it, we will come." Also on display at Goodwood will be the Mazda Takeri Concept and the company's new CX-5 crossover.

See for yourself in the image gallery and the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

MAZDA MX-5 GT CONCEPT TO DEBUT AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept to run at Goodwood Festival Speed
Mazda seeks customer reaction to 205bhp Mazda MX-5 GT Concept
Mazda Takeri sedan concept and all-new CX-5 feature on the Mazda stand

Mazda will debut its road legal 205bhp MX-5 GT Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 28 June – 1 July. The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept will be on display throughout the festival on Mazda's stand, as well as taking part in the hillclimb in the 'First Glance' category.

The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept has been inspired by Mazda's podium winning MX-5 GT race programme and its debut at Goodwood is to test customer reaction to a high performance version of the iconic sportscar. Built by race specialists Jota Sport, the MX-5 GT Concept produces 205bhp from a normally aspirated 2.0-litre Mazda petrol engine which is mated to the car's standard manual gearbox. Suspension has been uprated to improve handling and is adjustable for different track conditions, aerodynamic assistance comes from a carbon front splitter, a rear diffuser and boot spoiler. The exhaust note has been enhanced with a sports exhaust system with a central tailpipe. Recaro seats enhance the driver stability and the interior features a number of carbon enhancements that help reduce weight. For customers who want to acquire the car for track use, it comes equipped with road slicks and body-coloured roll hoops behind the seats.

Joining the MX-5 GT Concept on the stand will be the Mazda Takeri sedan concept, a close indication of the design direction of the future Mazda6, along with the recently launched all-new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV, the first car to adopt Mazda's revolutionary SKYACTIV technology which improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment.

Mazda has also entered the World's fastest and most powerful MX-5 in the Goodwood hillclimb. Sponsored by SMH Fleet Solutions, Jota Aviation, Total Lubricants and Mazda Financial Services, the Jota Sport Mazda MX-5 GT4 is currently contesting the 2012 British GT Championship and took third in class at Brands Hatch this weekend. Competing against Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Ferrari racecars, the MX-5 GT boasts a top speed of 160mph and a 0-60 time of just three seconds, making this a very special MX-5.

Drivers for the Goodwood Festival of Speed are regular Mazda racers Mark Ticehurst and Owen Mildenhall and kart racer Jade Paveley, who at just 19 years-old, is one of the youngest drivers at the festival.

"This year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed we have a number of significant cars on the stand and contesting the hillclimb," said Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda UK. "The MX-5 has been our best known car for 22 years and with the GT4 and GT Concept on show, we are demonstrating that this car can compete with the more expensive race and performance cars but still remain true to its roots of affordable motoring with a strong focus on the driving experience.

"The Mazda Takeri gives a clear guide as to how the next Mazda6 will look. It will be the second car to use Mazda's new SKYACTIV technology following on from the Mazda CX-5 which we launched in May. SKYACTIV technology reduces vehicle weight, improves fuel consumption and reduces CO2, it takes our cars into the realm of environmentally friendly emissions but with no compromise on the fun to drive attributes that are typical of our brand.

"So come over and say hello during the weekend, we are also giving away a limited number of Le Mans books to visitors to the stand each day – so visit early."

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Auto News - Citroen launches C4 L and C-Elysée sedans for emerging markets

Auto News - Citroen launches C4 L and C-Elysée sedans for emerging markets. French automakers Citroen and Peugeot are flip sides of the same coin. So with few exceptions, when one introduces a new product, you can expect the other to follow with a version of its own.

That's what we have here with the new Citroen C-Elysée, a rebadged version of the 301 sedan that sister company Peugeot recently announced for developing markets. The 72-horsepower sedan will be manufactured in Spain and marketed in places like Central Europe, Turkey and North Africa by year's end.

Joining the C-Elysee is the new C4 L, a sedan version of Citroen's mainstream hatchback. With a larger rear seating area and a proper trunk, the C4 L will offer three engines ranging from 150 to 170 horsepower mated to a six-speed transmission. The first production vehicle to be penned at the company's new design studio in Shanghai, the C4 L is targeted at the Russian and Chinese markets and will be produced locally in both countries.

PRESS RELEASE

CITROËN STEPS UP ITS STRATEGY FOR INTERNATIONAL GROWTH WITH TWO NEW MODELS: CITROËN C- ELYSÉE & CITROËN C4 L

- Citroën introduces two new models as part of its global brand strategy
- Citroën C-Elysée& Citroën C4 L to be launched in selected international markets
- Citroën launches DS line in China on 28 June 2012

Citroën is stepping up its worldwide development and consolidating its standing as a global brand.

Already introduced in Europe, Russia and Latin America, the DS line will be launched in China on 28 June. The brand is also extending and strengthening its product offering, specifically in the C segment, with two new models for high growth international markets, such as the Mediterranean basin, China and Russia.

Citroën is extending its C range with the new Citroën C-Elysée and C4 L, a 'lounge' version of the C4. With more than 20 million vehicle registrations in 2011, the compact saloon market is the biggest automotive segment in the world, representing almost one third of all worldwide passenger car sales.

With highly specific personalities designed to suit their respective market positioning, both new models embody Citroën's trademark flair for style, technology, innovation and quality.

CITROËN C-ELYSÉE

Developed to meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers and passengers, the new Citroën C-Elysée is both stylish and readily accessible to customers in its target markets. With harmonious, prestigious and robust styling, the model's innovative design offers a roomy interior that is ideal for families. The rear compartment is befitting of a saloon in the category above and the large boot offers 506-litres VDA - thanks to a 2.65m wheelbase, the longest in its category.

A broad range of comfort-enhancing equipment is also available, from air conditioning with digital readout, to an MP3 audio system with Bluetooth®.

Depending on the market, the Citroën C-Elysée will be available with the latest generation VTi 72 petrol engine, boasting technology that combines rewarding performance with economical fuel consumption and durability.

The model also benefits from Citroën's knowledge and know-how, from chassis and suspension development to quality assurance. The car's design, including specific suspension clearance and protective guards, was tested all over the world under a full range of driving conditions. As a result, the Citroën C-Elysée offers reliability on the most demanding roads - fundamental for prospective customers who view their car as a long-term investment.

The Citroën C-Elysée will be manufactured in Spain and will be launched in Turkey, Spain, Central Europe and Algeria at the end of 2012.

CITROËN C4 L

The first production Citroën from the Shanghai style centre, the Citroën C4 L is positioned at the top of the C segment. Exuding positive energy, just like the Citroën C4, this visibly prestigious and elegant car offers all of the brand's characteristic qualities including a range-topping finish, an exceptionally relaxing ride and standard-setting onboard comfort.

With elegant and dynamic lines, highlighted by light signatures at the front and rear, all occupants can enjoy the pleasures of first-class travel, thanks to a quiet and refined interior. The lounge-like rear compartment is the direct result of model's long wheelbase, with wraparound seats, backrests inclined to 29° and headrests designed for added comfort. Innovative technologies include hands-free access and start, touch-screen GPS, reversing camera, fully heated windscreen and air ioniser.

The Citroën C4 L is fitted with the latest generation petrol engines - the THP 150 & 170 (according to country), developed in partnership with the BMW Group, and the VTi 135. All three engines can be mated to a new automatic and sequential 6-speed gearbox.

The Citroën C4 L will be manufactured in each of the zones where it will be sold; Wuhan, China by the end of 2012 and Kaluga, Russia in the first half of 2013.

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Auto News - Custom Toyota Tundra pickup raises $100,000 for charity at Barrett-Jackson

Auto News - Custom Toyota Tundra pickup raises $100,000 for charity at Barrett-Jackson. If you take just a quick glance at this 2011 Toyota Tundra you might think that it's had a pretty hard life, but a closer look reveals that the rusty appearance is actually a custom paint job from Sherwin-Williams. Built by NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer as a tribute to America's Heartland, the truck features many classic design cues including a vertical bar grille, a wood bed floor and vintage looking 20-inch wheels. Much of the paint job is hand-painted including the white pinstripe to the lettering on the doors, and the interior has a vintage appearance as well, with a set of custom cloth seats.

Toyota graciously donated the truck for the auction here at Barrett-Jackson in Orange County with the goal of raising money for the Emporia Community Foundation, a charity that benefits the citizens of Emporia, KS. Bidding for the truck started out slowly, sticking at $30,000, but after Bowyer added a driver suit and a trip to next year's Daytona 500 the price tag skyrocketed to a final price of $100,000.

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Auto News - First production 2013 SRT Viper nets $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson

Auto News - First production 2013 SRT Viper nets $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson. It's become customary for automakers to offer up the first production example of collectible cars, so it was no surprise that SRT announced earlier this year that 2013 Viper GTS VIN #1 would be selling at Barrett-Jackson's Orange County auction. Adding to the auction's appeal, proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Austin Hatcher Foundation, an organization that helps children and families dealing with issues resulting from pediatric cancer.

With the Viper's 640 horsepower V10 and beautiful carbon fiber bodywork shining under the lights, bidding for the red snake rose quickly past the six figure sticker price to a quarter of a million dollars. At this point an SRT Track Experience and a trip to this year's Petit Le Mans were thrown in as a bonus to go with the car, but it couldn't entice any bidders to go much higher and the hammer fell at $300,000.

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Auto News - Vilner breathes new life into classic Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda

Auto News - Vilner breathes new life into classic Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda. Now that we're familiar with Bulgarian tuner Vilner Studio, we shouldn't be surprised by the generous application of quilted leather in its latest project, the Mercedes-Benz W113 Gentle Pagoda.

A comprehensive luxification of a Pagoda-roofed SL, two-tone leather in cafe and latte hues are cross-stitched throughout the cabin, and set off with chrome, aluminum and a mahogany-rimmed steering wheel. Incredibly, the nicest part of the car could be the trunk, which is so well turned out you'd need to think about which valuables are worthy of putting in it. Take a closer look at it in the photo gallery above.

PRESS RELEASE

Gentle Pagoda by Vilner Studio

To be born in 1963. In the times when the cars were only for the chosen ones. When they were produced only for the chosen ones. When the speed was not the same as nowadays and when the fashion was different. In the times when 300 SL (W 198) and 190 SL (W121 BII) were modern, but not yet legendary.

Getting on in years like a real man, in order to turn into a classic – deserving attention and admiration. Based on Studio Vilner's novel – with Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda as the protagonist.

Typically for Vilner's style: the legendary automobile got some light exterior interventions und complete renewing of the interior. The colors are warm and vintage – café and latte.

Every element and small detail has been taken care of. The workmanship is precise; the material is high-quality leather in two colors with a plenty of decorative and light seams. The dashboard is upholstered; the chromed elements and mahogany steering wheel are renewed. Even the trunk is now luxuriously made like a boutique jewellry box. The eponymous hard car roof of "Pagoda" – as a part of the interior – received the necessary dosage luxury and stile.

Tenderly embroidered Gentle Pagoda labels adorn the car interior, and are also present in the cabin. Those are also engraved on the door ledges – in aluminum and artificially made to look older.

Studio Vilner touches the classic and revives it – with the necessary attention and endeavor!

Like in the old times... when the cars were only for the chosen ones.

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