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2011 chevy cobalt reviews
Chevrolet gives on of its well known compact car series a redesign to deliver better performance and fuel economy. The current Cobalt will be taking a switch from Delta to a Gamma platform with the arrival of the Chevrolet Cobalt 2011 model. When it comes to the driving performance and power, the "2011 Chevrolet Cobalt" will run on a four-cylinder engine with a front-wheel drive system. A non-turbo version can only produce up to 90 horsepower, which should represent the engine performance for base models in the European market. The pricing for the base 2011 chevy cobalt model is expected to stay at around $16,000 and the loaded versions of the same model could go up to as high as $21,500.

The redesign approach incorporated into the 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt initially appears to be too ambitious.

We’ve had our share of Daewoo-engineered cars in North America. Unfazed by criticism of previous Daewoo-designed cars, GM gave the Koreans design leadership for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact car. Moreover, the Cruze is the first iteration of GM’s Delta II platform, which will host a number of new, global vehicles, including the Chevrolet Orlando MPV, the next-gen Opel/Vauxhall Astra, and an upcoming Buick version of the Astra.

Europe gets the Cruze first; we’ll have to wait another year. In Europe, the Cruze merely replaces the Daewoo Lacetti and Nubira—two inexpensive and nondescript entries sold here as the Suzuki Reno and Forenza, respectively.

In Europe, the Cruze launches with two gasoline four-cylinders—a 1.6-liter that makes 111 hp and a 1.8-liter producing 139 hp—and a 148-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-diesel that likely will spawn a 123-hp variant in the future. We’ll see the 1.8-liter gasoline engine here, as well as a 140-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder—expected to return at least 40 mpg combined—that will debut as the car hits the North American market. Solidly Built and Drives Well

The Cruze is low on breakthrough technologies, but it is a thoroughly well-engineered car, with an ultra-strong structure and low center of gravity.

In charity-oriented news, Gotham Dream Cars recently assisted Pascack Valley, New Jersey's Meals on Wheels program in delivering food to some of the area's age- and hunger-impaired citizens. Edibles were brought door-side via cars like a Viper SRT-10, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Maserati Quattroporte, among others. The best part? Well, that depends.

Most people would say it's feeding those in need. Normal, right? Unfortunately, the press seems to think the story is the cars. That's right; instead of people who require help, the exotic transportation became the story. It's insane.

While the U.S. car market is still underachieving compared to the best results of the last decade, December sales are expected to significantly contribute to the annual forecast of about 12 million sold vehicles, as 2010 is clearly ending with an uphill trend, according to industry analysts.

“That's a long way from the 16 million and 17 million sales rates that we experienced for the better part of this decade. But we're coming out of 2010 on an upswing and I think this bodes well for 2011”, said Ford Motor Co. sales analyst George Pipas.

While looking for the designs of the Smart Roadster model we showed you in our previous post, we stumbled upon these drawings of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK used for trademark filings. Being that an official video of the 2012 SLK has already been leaked online (you can watch it after the jump if you missed out), these pictures simply offer some additional -and unobstructed- views of the roadster model with the retractable hardtop.

As far as hooning goes, one would think that a simple burnout should get you in the least amount of trouble. However, the owner of this Honda Civic almost lost his car while dazzling the crowd [...], as after about 40 seconds the tires suddenly burst into flames.

So, what have we learned today? Well, first of all, avoid overdoing the burnout if your car is tied to a block of concrete. Also, always keep a fire extinguisher at hand, because it turns out that putting out flames with some refreshments isn’t very effective. Who would of thought it? Watch the video after the jump.

Japanese tuner Noblesse has been steadily releasing numerous aftermarket bits and pieces for the new CR-Z ever since Honda launched its hybrid sport hatch . Among other parts, the company has developed a ground aero-kit with front and rear bumper aprons, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a large roof wing. These can be complemented by a lightweight carbon fiber hood, underbody aero parts, larger alloy wheels and a sport exhaust system. You can check out photos of Noblesse's Honda CR-Z offerings along with a video of a test car doing a circuit round right after the jump.

Even though the 2011 Chrysler 200 is set to debut in the U.S. at the end of January, many facts on the mid-size sedan remain unclear. The company hasn’t officially (…) released interior pictures yet, only a video, and mpg figures were also unknown. However, as some isolated reports about EPA ratings hit the internet today, we decided to investigate. We found out that Chrysler’s sedan won’t establish any records in the segment and that, ironically, the automaker can’t decide which is the correct EPA estimated mpg.

According to one page on Chrysler.com, the 200 sedan equipped with the 173 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine returns 21/30 mpg city/highway, with both the 4-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions. This is kind of strange to begin with, as you’d expect the more modern gearbox to have better numbers for the sake of marketing, if nothing else.

Back in 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show, Smart introduced a quirky roadster concept with no doors, no roof and no windscreen called the Crossblade. The Fortwo Cabrio-based concept eventually went into a limited series production the following year with Smart offering a total of 2,000 cars.

Fast-forward to today, and Smart appears to be readying a spiritual successor to the Crossblade as the firm's parent company Mercedes-Benz has trademarked these designs drawings of a two-seater roadster model.

Unlike the original Crossblade, which came without doors featuring instead steel safety bars at passenger shoulder height that swing upwards with the help of a gas-operated struts, the roadster model seen in these pictures gets a conventional set of doors. It also features a larger wind deflector surrounding the driver and passenger as well as Smart's trademark Tridion Safety Cell - albeit redesigned to look like separate safety bars.

With the 2011 Mazda CX-9, the "zoom-zoom" gang has cooked up a large SUV that won't disappoint drivers with sporty intentions.

This seven-seat SUV is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and comes in three flavors: Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring. The tester that graced my presence was a Grand Touring with all-wheel drive.

That base price does include 20-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats in the first and second rows, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, a roof spoiler, blind-spot monitoring, ABS, roll stability control, fog lamps, an antiskid system, traction control, an auxiliary jack, a wireless cell phone link, keyless entry and starting, and a trip computer.
The 2011 Mazda CX-9 ranks 1 out of 24 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda CX-9, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers say the "2011 Mazda CX-9" manages to thread the needle: it’s a seven-seat SUV that’s actually fun to drive.
The major downside to the "Mazda CX-9" is its price: even among seven-seat SUVs, it’s a little high. Other seven-seat crossovers stand out by offering features the CX-9 can’t match.

The Mazda CX-9 is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The "base" CX-9 comes well equipped with standard 18-inch wheels, power moonroof, heated mirrors, three-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, Bluetooth compatibility, side-impact air bags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Upgrading to the Mazda CX-9 Touring trim level yields available power opening and closing rear liftgate, advanced keyless entry, 4-way power adjustable front seats, Bose audio and a backup camera.
The premium trim level designated by the Grand Touring moniker delivers upgraded 20-inch wheels, Xenon headlamps, halogen fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, driver's seat memory and available rear-entertainment system, DVD-based navigation and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System.
FWD is standard and yields 16 city, 22 highway estimated MPG.

Like Saab and countless other brands before, Alfa Romeo is at a tipping point. The famed Italian automaker, which once stunned the world with its gorgeous styling and motorsport victories, is now losing an estimate €200 million (US$265 million) per annum. It’s hard to believe that the company that brought us cars like the GTA, the Spider and the 158/159 Alfetta could be reduced to such a sad state of affairs.

Sergio Marchionne, the unwavering CEO of Fiat and its subsidiaries, is determined to turn the ailing automaker around. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is sniffing around for more brands and smells a potential winner in the Milanese company.

Here at Carscoop, we love us some Corvette design studies. Heck, if we wanted to we could probably serve up a new one every day of the week.

Today’s CAD mock up comes from transportation design student James Robbins. Think of it as a C6.5, a stopgap measure between the current gen Corvette and a future C7 model. The design brief required Mr. Robbins to use the basic proportions of the C6, which limited what could be done with the design.

The Grand Cherokee-like nose job and the upgraded standard equipment have had a negative impact on the 2011 Jeep Compass' sticker price as the refreshed crossover model will reach showrooms next month with a starting price of $19,295, not including a (*) $700 destination fee. That's close to $4,000 more than the pre-facelift 2010MY Compass, which retailed for $15,365.

According to a research done by Autoquake, 54% of Britain’s drivers have made out in a car and for 22% of those, it was a fantastic experience. Nevertheless, fooling around in a car presents some, let’s say, technical issues, like being cramped and the possibility of getting caught, so 32 percent think that the experience is overrated.

The Audi R8 is still a newcomer on the supercar market, despite the fact that the coupe version of the car has been around since 2007
Here’s what Lowe Roche created for the R8 Spyder: a car cover with the appearance of an R8 Spyder.

The latest in the Audi advertisement campaign against the other German brands is this car cover aimed at BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners who are disappointed with their vehicles, as well as the rest of us who can’t afford one really.

Here are the words, straight from Lowe Roche: "Don’t have an Audi R8 Spyder? Trick your neighbors, and best of all, trick yourself into thinking you have the car of your dreams. Perfect for the BMW or Mercedes owner in your life filled with regret."


[source:autospies]

Nearly 15,000 Ford trucks and crossovers are being recalled in the States because of problems with electrical systems that can short and create a fire. The recall concerns certain 2011MY Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

One would expect an action-filled teaser for a supercar like the upcoming Pagani C9, which will replace the aging Zonda, but the Italian maker approached the task in a more laid-back manner, choosing to show us a man enjoying some coffee and the written news. And then, at the end of the clip, he picks up something that resembles a scale model of the new supercar incorporating what appears to be the engine key. Now, is this the best way to start your day or what? Video after the jump.

The Chrysler Group is recalling certain Dodge Journey crossovers and Ram trucks in three separate actions to repair defective steering wheels, airbags and noisy rear axles.

The largest of Chrysler's recalls involves 65,180 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2007, through September 7, 2008. According to a posting on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], the wires within the front door wire harnesses may fatigue and break. If this happens, the side-impact sensors may not work resulting in inoperative side airbags. Chrysler said it will replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge.

So here's how this 'fail' story goes: A female driver gets stuck on a patch of ice / snow in her automatic BMW 1-Series. After a few unsuccessful attempts of trying to free the Bavarian hatch from behind the steering wheel, she decides to leave it in gear and give it a push herself. While the BMW driver eventually managed to clear out of the slippery part of the road, she ended up in another mess [...]. See what happens next in the video after the break.

It's only been a few weeks since Topcar presented its most recent Porsche Cayenne package called the Vantage GTR2, yet the Russian firm has launched another tuning proposal for the second generation of the German automaker's luxury SUV. The new package is named Vantage 2 and it comes with a wide body kit and a choice of performance upgrades.

As crude oil reached $91 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange last week, U.S. gasoline prices started going up reaching an average value of $3.05 per gallon. That’s about half a dollar more than what Americans had to pay a year ago and the highest level since October 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Diesel prices have also increased to an average of $3.29 a gallon.

If the trend continues, we might see owners of large SUVs going for more fuel-efficient crossover models and trade-in values could plummet as well.

Hyundai Motor Co., Korea’s top carmaker, has completed the development of a new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, advancing its entry into the green car market. The model, Tucson ix hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, will be tested next year, the company said Sunday.

Hyundai Tucson ix FCEV is the latest in the firm’s green car lineup following the first-generation Santa Fe FCEV introduced in 2000 and second-generation Tucson hybrid FCEV in 2008.

Improvements also include a 15 percent higher fuel efficiency, which enables the car to run 31 kilometers per liter.Hyundai Motor Group, which owns Hyundai and Kia Motors Corp., has introduced various electric vehicles including the Elec-City, BlueOn and i10 and other hydrogen cars such as Kia’s Mohave.

In March, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Mohave fuel-cell vehicles finished a 2,655-kilometer course in the Hydrogen Road Tour organized by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Caught in the green fuels frenzy which has engulfed the automotive industry, South Korean manufacturer Hyundai announced today the start of a trial program for a "Hyundai Tucson" model fitted with a fuel cell drive train.

Officially, the model is called Tucson ix FCEV. According to Hyundai, the model, whose drivetrain comprises a 100kW fuel cell system and two hydrogen storage tanks, can operate at temperatures of minus 25 degrees Celsius.

Fuel cells are probably one of the most effective ways to build an electric vehicle.
The Hyundai Tucson ix FCEV is the latest in the firm’s green car line-up following the first-generation Santa Fe FCEV introduced in 2000 and second-generation Tucson hybrid FCEV in 2008.
The fuel-cell system has been modularised, reducing the size 20% from the previous version to match conventional petrol engines. Hyundai and affiliate Kia have been testing 66 hydrogen-based vehicles in Korea and abroad. In March, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Mohave fuel-cell vehicles finished a 2,655km course in a hydrogen road tour organised by the US department of energy.

Some 20 million vehicles were recalled in 2010, according to a study of preliminary federal data conducted by the Associated Press. It was the highest recall level in the U.S. since 2004, when a record number of 30.8 million vehicles were recalled.

Nissan wants drivers of its new Leaf - which didn't seem to take as much time or PR mumbo-jumbo to reach the pavement as Chevy's Volt - to know everything there is to know about their cars and the trips being made in them.

In Nissan's case, trip transparency is provided by a handy-dandy system called CARWING. The program gives drivers a bucket o'information ranging from travel time to electricity consumption and "average energy economy" on daily, weekly, monthly or annual scales.

You can also compete with other owners for best efficiency levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) thanks to some in-car "gaming". Thanks to MyNissanLeaf member gudy, we've got some screen shots of what the program looks like and some of the info available.

To commemorate its "Japanese Car of the Year" award, Honda will release a limited edition of its CR-Z sport-hybrid hatch in Japan. Billed as a "Memorial Award Edition", the car will be coated in a hue called Pearl Deep Sapphire Blue and will roll on unique Dark Pewter Gray 16-inch rims.

In 2006, American car collector James Glickenhaus took the world by surprise with his Enzo-based one-off Ferrari P4/5, built by Pininfarina. In the meantime, Mr. Glickenhaus decided to build a race version, too, dubbed P4/5 Competizione, which, initially, was scheduled to make its racing debut at this year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Unfortunately, that never happened.

However, we're happy to report that the build is still underway. And there’s more: thanks to an update on a dedicated Facebook page, we can show you pictures depicting key moments of the assembly, available after the jump.

In 1980, the world lost a cultural icon. Steve McQueen, the star of such films as Bullitt and Le Mans, had died. Metastatic cancer had claimed the life of the King of Cool.

Still, the legacy lives on. The actor’s love of cars and motorcycles was well known. McQueen competed in many motor races including the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Baja 1000. He also owned several semi-unique vehicles including a Jaguar XKSS, a Porsche 356 Speedster and a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. Here was a man who loved his cars almost as much as we loved his movies.

For drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles who were hoping to hear good news about the future state of fuel prices, here's something to rain on your parade. Former Shell President John Hofmeister recently indicated that he foresees gas prices hitting a very European $5 a gallon by 2012.

The question everyone wants answered is this: will vehicle manufacturers be ready? Hopefully they learned their lesson last time, but there's really no telling; after all, cars like the absurd Chrysler Aspen came out at a time when all signs said "Don't do this".

Photos of the mildly refreshed Kia Pro_cee'd are making the internet rounds before the car's scheduled world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in early March. The most obvious visual changes concern the restyled front end that brings the three-door version of the European market Cee'd more in line with Kia's latest offerings.

Along with the new H-shaped front grille finished in black, the 2011 Pro_cee'd also gains restyled headlamps and a reworked bumper. It is also possible that Kia may have upgraded the three-door model's interior as well as its engine line-up, but we won't know for sure until we get the official press release in our hands. Until then, follow the break to check out the rest of the pictures.

While we’re thrilled to have the new 2011 WRX STI on sale here, as usual, Subaru Japan has one-upped the U.S. offering with the new 2011 WRX STI Spec C. The Spec C packs 304-hp and 317 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0L powerplant thanks to a revamped ECU and ball-bearing twin-scroll turbocharger.

Subaru Tecnica International (STI, President Hiroyuki Karamatsu) announces “WRX STI tS” and “WRX STI A-Line tS” special specifications vehicle that are based on 4-door SUBARU WRX STI and WRX STI A-Line (AT model) featuring the unique equipment and tasting.

The “WRX STI tS” and the “WRX STI A-Line tS” based on 4-door SUBARU WRX STI models are STI complete cars adopting STI’s unique specifications equipment to exterior, interior and chassis, and give drivers even more satisfaction to own and drive the vehicle. Other features include Front Under Spoiler, newly designed STI 18 inch alloy Wheel, side sill plates with the “tS” logo, special tS front and rear Ornaments, special STI rear Ornament, Steering Wheel with the “tS” logo, and Push Engine Switch.

Last year we saw the first iteration of the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C, a lighter and more hardcore version of the then-new Impreza WRX STI that was built in a limited run of just 900 cars. The car essentially featured enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as the aforementioned lighter body, which was derived from Subaru motorsports program.

The adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further refines the model’s driving performance. Additionally, thanks to its specially tuned front and rear suspension, the chassis offers improved handling, especially in the wet.

Even if you know your winter driving ABCs and have properly equipped your car, sometimes there’s no way to avoid getting snowed in. Should that happen in a thriving metropolis, chances are that the sanitation “cavalry” will have your back covered. However, this wasn’t the case in New York, as a Sanitation Department loader got stuck and, in what can only be described as a very poor effort of trying to free it, the on-the-scene personnel seriously damaged a city owned - ah, the irony - Ford Explorer parked nearby.

Check out the video after the jump to see dumb and dumber at work.

Back in September, we reported on the custom-built Porsche Cayenne 902 Coupe that lost two-doors, courtesy of Merdad. Now, the UK-based tuning firm brought to our attention some real life shots of the SUV, which had its world premiere at last month's MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show in London.

The 2012 Focus will be available with a new vehicle stability control system, which uses torque vectoring to improve the car’s handling. According to Ford, the system was inspired from downhill skiing and snowboarding techniques.

Mercedes-Benz may have wanted to keep the C63 AMG under covers for now, but photos of the high-performance model of the recently revealed 2012 C-Class facelift have already hit the web.

The pictures, which appear to be legit, show that the C63 AMG gains a restyled fascia with new headlamps, a single-bar grille and a new bumper design. There's also a single shot of the interior, which features the same basic upgrades as the rest of the C-Class range including the newly designed center console.

The 2011 BMW Z4’s specs are as follows
BMW has added a few new paint finishes to the mix, however, as well as the optional M Sports Package. The sDrive35is model will offer features like 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke pattern as standard equipment. The 2011 BMW Z4 comes in three trim levels: the sDrive30i, the sDrive35i, and the sDrive35is.

Standard interior features on the base models of the two-seat roadster include leatherette vinyl upholstery, HD radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and six-way manually adjustable seats.
A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on all trims but the sDrive35is, which offers BMW’s dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. Remarkably, the high-performance version of the 2011 BMW Z4 is not as thirsty as one would expect because of its sophisticated BMW EfficientDynamics technology--As with all luxury sports cars, car insurance premiums on the 2011 Z4 are likely to be high.

For the 2010 Detroit show, BMW is bringing along a new range-topping Z4, one with a massaged engine, subtly modified looks, and a load of M Sport touches.

Transmission options number one; the sDrive35is will be available only with BMW’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission. BMW estimates a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds—we’ve seen 4.8-second runs from a standard sDrive35i and wouldn’t be surprised if the sDrive35is can manage the task in something closer to 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. What’s more, BMW expects the 35is car to match the EPA mileage rating of the 35i with dual-clutch transmission—17 mpg city/24 highway. The Z4 35is gets unique, sporty programming for its electric power steering system. We’ve derided this system in the standard car, calling it vague and lacking in feedback. Standard wheels are 18-inch five-spokes, with 19s available as an option. Interior trim is done in what BMW calls Aluminum Carbon, which supposedly renders the look of a carbon-fiber weave in aluminum.

The "2011 BMW Z4" is a two-seat retractable-hardtop luxury roadster available in three trim levels that correspond with engine choice: sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
Standard equipment on the sDrive30i includes 17-inch wheels, adjustable sport driving settings (steering, throttle and automatic transmission if applicable), automatic adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, a fully powered retractable hardtop, cruise control, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, six-way manually adjustable seats and a sound system that includes a single-CD player, auxiliary audio jack and HD radio. This package includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, an aerodynamic body kit, increased top speed, a thicker M steering wheel and 10-way manually adjustable sport seats with power bolster adjustment.
The Cold Weather package adds to all models heated seats, a heated steering wheel, retractable headlight washers and a trunk pass-through. The Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, power-adjustable seats, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth and on the 30i, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a traditional six-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy with both transmissions is 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual is optional. The dual-clutch automated manual is standard. BMW estimates a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 17/24/19.

Side impact airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and stability control are all standard on the 2011 BMW Z4. BMW Assist emergency telematics is optional.
The 2011 BMW Z4's cabin is sleek and upscale.

Even the base "2011 BMW Z4" sDrive30i is an entertaining drive thanks to its willing and exceptionally smooth 255-hp inline-6.

Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp., commonly known by the acronym BAIC, is one of Mercedes-Benz's partners in China. However, that didn't stop the Chinese automaker, which has acquired the intellectual rights for Saab's older 9-5 and certain 9-3 models, to rip off the design of Mercedes' B-Class for its new BC301Z five-door hatchback and to a lesser extent, the BC302Z sedan.

Yep, that’s not a typo: BMW did actually build an E23 735i Touring and it showed it at the 1980 Frankfurt Auto Show to gauge the public’s reaction. Unfortunately (or not), the car didn’t make it into production and was slowly forgotten, up until ten years ago. That’s when this example, one of only two custom built prototypes, first surfaced on eBay with 8,179 miles (13,163 km) on the odometer. Now, it has been posted on the auction site once again, for an opening bid of US $7,000.

The collector who originally imported it to the U.S. sold it three years later and the current owner bought it last November. At that point the car had clocked up 9,002 miles (14,487 km) but wasn’t running.

However, this ultra-rare 7-Series, boasting an interesting green paintjob, tan cloth interior, manual sunroof, roof rack, alloy wheels and automatic transmission, wasn’t in a disastrous condition. A quick service brought it back to life and onto the road and, according to the seller, it has a Massachusetts December 2011 inspection sticker and was driven for only 40 extra miles (64 km).

Beijing is a city in crisis. It is, more or less, a microcosm of the world at large: smog and traffic congestion are choking China’s capital. This year, 4.7 million cars were sold in Beijing alone; nearly twice the number sold just five years ago. Despite a new subway system, the roads remain gridlocked, and the Beijing municipal government has had enough. From 2011, radical changes will be introduced to the city’s traffic and vehicle registration laws to make it the city that bit more livable.

This year, roughly 720,000 new vehicle registrations were issued for microvans and cars. In 2011, this number will be slashed to a third. Only registered Beijing residents will be able to purchase a license, and only Beijing registered vehicles will be allowed in the city during rush hour. Parking fees are also set to increase.

While a twisty road and a good sports car are a match made in heaven, public hooning is never a good idea, especially if you don’t possess adequate driving skills. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about the consequences and repeatedly act out in high traffic areas, such as California’s Mulholland Drive (or at least that's the road listed on Youtube).

Seeing these amateurs almost bite the dust might be temporarily amusing, but on second thought, imagine being involved in an accident caused by this kind of reckless driving. Yeah, it’s not funny anymore. Video after the jump.

The very first example of the Xenatec Maybach 57S Coupe has been put up for sale by Saudi-Arabian-based luxury car dealer, AutoKingdom, which is one of two companies outside of Germany listed as an official dealer of the limited production model, the other being the ArmorTech Group from Russia.

The Maybach-endorsed coupe, which carries the 'Cruiserio' nametag, is priced by AutoKingdom at €715,000, or about US$943,000 at the current exchange rates, according to Jameslist. Previously, Xenatec had announced that the über-luxurious coupe will be offered at an ex-works price of €675,000 (US$890,000) excluding local taxes.

Germany’s car market has definitely seen better days, as sales in the first 11 months of 2010 are down 25.2% compared to the same period last year. However, strong demand for luxury cars in the U.S. and China is keeping premium automakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz busy during the holiday season and, most importantly, profitable.

“2010 was expected to be a tough year all round” John Lawson, a London-based analyst at Citi Investment Research, wrote in a report. “But rich China sales have leapt (and) foreign exchange has been very supportive”.

From the makers of the redone Hennessey Jeep SRT600 Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Camaro V6, comes our next tune. Vilner, a relatively new company in the aftermarket industry based in Bulgaria, has prepared a styling proposal for the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG.

The package is called "Shadow Line" and it treats the hardtop roadster's cabin with handmade leather goods starting from the seats and door panels and finishing up with the steering wheel, which is also upgraded with a thicker rim featuring a more flattened bottom area. The colors of choice for the leather seats and door panels are red and black with contrasting silver stitching completing the look.

While Vilner did not release pricing for the customized interior, the Bulgarian company did publish a neat video showing us the work that goes into the creation of the tailor-trimmed steering wheel. You can watch it right after the break.

On Monday, December 27, the Signature Edition Challenge for Playstation 3 went live, offering European gamers the chance to win a brand-new, real-life Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG worth €180,000. In order to participate, owners of the Signature Edition game pack will need to redeem their voucher code via the Playstation Store and register their details on gran-turismo.com.

The challenge takes place in the game’s B-spec mode, where players take the role of a team director with AI drivers doing the racing over a series of five, five-lap races held on different circuits. On January 31, 2011, at 23:59 GMT, 15 regional winners from 22 countries will advance to the next stage, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Event, based on the fastest total times recorded for each region.

It’s not been a good year for Japan. China has recently overtaken the Land of the Rising Sun as the world’s second biggest economic power and a recall of over ten million vehicles by one of the nation’s biggest and most respectable companies, Toyota, kicked off a global PR debacle that some analysts predict will take years to recover from.

Add to that Japan’s aging population, its growing national debt and heavy reliance on manufacturing, all of which are effectively killing what was once thought destined to be the world’s leading economic superpower. The departure of its fourth Prime Minister in three years and a nasty diplomatic row with China over the detention of a trawler captain by the Japanese Coast Guard is also hurting.

In what could very well be one of the most amusing automotive-related ads we've seen this year, this Volkswagen commercial from The Netherlands puts a surprisingly wild twist on the belief that old ladies take good care of their cars. The 50 second-long clip finishes with the tagline "Not every old lady is reliable as a Golf". Watch the video after the break. Read more »