Audi takes A1 clubsport quattro concept to Wörthersee

What do you get when you combine a premium sub-compact and a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with turbocharging and direct-injection that creates a whopping 503 hp and 487 lb./ft. of torque? Besides an invitation to get lots of tickets, you get the Audi A1 clubsport quattro concept that the automaker is showing at the Wörthersee Tour 2011. The A1 CSQ showcases technologies that will show up on production cars in the future. The A1 CSQ uses lots of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) to achieve a vehicle that weighs just over 3,000 lbs for improved performance, handling, and fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter in-line five sees duty in numerous vehicles today but this state of tune shows that you can get lots of power out of smaller engines, and the move to smaller engines is a trend that is already underway. This is supercar power from a 2.5-liter engine! BTW, the A1 CSQ hits 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds on the way to a top speed that is limited to 155 mph. The power hits the pavement using a six-speed manual transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. The exterior features a body kit and bi-plane rear spoiler along with carbon-fiber accents and R8-style mirrors. The turbine-look alloy wheels are 19 inchers that are covered in low-profile performance rubber. Braking duties are handled by perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs with six-piston calipers up front and large steel discs that are mounted on the rear axle. The interior features loads of dark gray leather with minimal red accents (seat harnesses, door pulls, etc.). Why do we care in the US? Again, some of the good stuff may see production and can be added later or at the time you purchase your new Audi. While we won't see this A1, the second-generation car is said to be US-bound. For more info and specifics, check out the press release after the jump.

Source: Audi - Press release and pics (4) after the jump.

Top Five Posts as of 5-29

 

This week we have a few new entries in the Top Five-a-thon, so let's start at the back end with the newbies. Coming in at #5 we have the Mercedes Benz AMG SLS Roadster (above) debuts post.

The #4 spot goes to the little Korean that could, the Hyundai adds a little spice to the new Accent entry.

At #3 we have some "Red Mudder" lovin with DSquared unveils Mini Cooper S (right) for 2011 Life Ball. Mini popularity almost unseated the previous winners (by page view) and beat the Accent posting by a three to one margin. Dig some red mini...

The #2 posting is the 2012 Honda Civic shown entry that has been rated highly for weeks now.

And the top spot again this week goes to 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style.

Recent posts at sister site
uautoknow.net GenNews:

Chrysler 300 gets new grille options,

The zero-emission, two-wheeled Mini,

Georgia Tech and Ford work on Eco school bus (right) options,

It isn't easy being "greener" says Ford EV engineers,

TRW introduces roof airbag,

RR Spirit of Ecstasy uses art to celebrate 100th.

Don't forget to visit the uautoknownet Channel on YouTube with more than 50 automaker videos.

Fiat Doblo Cargo named "International Van of the Year"

Looking like the "love child" of a Ford Transit Connect and a Kia Soul, The Fiat Doblo Cargo has won the "International Van of the Year" award for 2011. Commercial vehicle trade journalists from 24 countries made the selection. The jury selected the new Doblo as their "winner" due to the large number of powertrains available (3 diesels, 1 gas, 1 gas/CNG, 1 electric), the large number and variety of models available (including a long wheelbase, chassis-cab with flatbed, and passenger versions), high levels of comfort and safety, and the lowest emissions and most advanced technology in this category. The Doblo was developed as a small commercial van and wasn't based on a car platform. Why do we care in the US? The new Doblo, along with other Fiat commercial vans, has been rumored to be coming to our market to fill the holes in the Dodge (or maybe Ram) van line-up and with the relative success of the Ford Transit Connect, it only makes sense to give the Ford TC a little competition, And it's better looking than the Ford and reportedly drives better. For more info, check out the press release after the jump and check out the numerous pics in the slide show below.

Source: Fiat - Press release after the jump.

Mercedes Benz AMG SLS Roadster debuts

Well sports fans, it's officially here. Mercedes Benz has let the AMG SLS Roadster loose upon what should be an admiring world. The two-seat drop top supercar uses the same 6.3-liter V8 (571 hp) and 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle as the gull-wing coupe, but adds an adjustable suspension, AMG Ride Control, as standard equipment that isn't available in the coupe, yet. But the Roadster uses the same lightweight materials, double wishbone suspension, passive and active safety equipment, power everything, and pretty much everything Mercedes has to offer as standard equipment. Black Designo leather is standard and two-tone interior trim will be available to complement the three automatic power-soft-top color choices (black, red, beige) and the nine exterior colors. Also standard are AMG sports seats with heating, a slot-in glass draught-stop, COMAND APS with DVD player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitoring, THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control and the KEYLESS-GO starting function. The optionally available AIRSCARF® system exclusive to Mercedes-Benz acts like an invisible scarf warming the head and neck areas of the occupants utilizing seat vents. Another option is the available Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, which is added to the AMG Performance Media system (AMG Performance Media combines numerous telemetric displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap times, as well as providing high-speed mobile internet access when stopped). Ceramic brakes are also optionally available.In other words, it's got it all and then some. Now that the production version is out there, I feel that the proportions of the Roadster are less front heavy than the gull-winged coupe and that the AMG SLS Roadster looks pretty good. What do you think? There is an extensive press release after the jump and numerous pics in the slideshow. Mercedes will start taking orders on June 1st with deliveries beginning in the Fall (the release doesn't mention when US deliveries begin). Oh and the "base" SLS Roadster will set you back more than 195,000 Euros (almost $280,000 in today's semolians) which includes Europe's 19 % value-added tax. What, 300 grand and no premium sound? If you've got the money and the drive, get thee to you local Mercedes dealer if you want to be the first on your block to have this lovely convertible supercar. Remember these cars usually sell out fast, at least at first, and there could be a waiting list.

Source: Mercedes Benz - Extensive press release after the jump.

Giugiaro Go! shown at Villa D'Este Concorso D'Eleganza

The ItalDesign Giugiaro GO! debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show along with the Giugiaro Tex and the design firm displayed the EMPV (electric multi-purpose vehicle) at the Concorso d’Eleganza in Villa d’Este (Italy) earlier this month. The GO! is an electric-powered vehicle (EV) that utilizes ItalDesign parent Volkswagen's Blue e-Motion system and modular platform that places the battery packs beneath the front and rear seats. To enter the rear seats of the Go!, an electronically driven system pushes the door outwards and pulls it back parallel to the vehicle body for access to the rear seats. This mechanism offers the practicality of sliding doors, increases interior space (room is found inside for a comfortable armrest), and does away with the unattractive tracks on the body typical of vehicles with sliding doors. The Go! uses glass to great effect providing a light and airy interior with great outward visibility. The Go! is instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen but it's unique shape is compact in size, but has more room inside than a full-size SUV. For even more info, go to the company's website at www.italdesign.it. And like most Giugiaro designs, it's good-lookiing too. It's the details like the short overhangs, the floating spoiler in the rear (right) and on the doors that give the concept more visual punch. Kinda makes you want to go out and get a people and stuff hauler, doesn't it?

Source: ItalDesign - Press release after the jump.

Closer Look: Audi quattro concept

The Audi quattro concept gets around.  It debuted at the Paris Motor Show and was shown at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last year. Recently, Audi entered the sportster in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este competition in the Concept Cars and Prototypes category. The quattro concept is based on an Audi A5 platform that has been shortened (by almost 6 inches), had the roof lowered (by more than 1.5 inches), and had the rear seats removed. The body is made of aluminum and many components are made of carbon-fiber (hood, doors, etc.) for a total weight of less than 3,000 pounds. The quattro concept is powered by a 2.5-liter, turbocharged in-line five that creates 408 hp. Combine the light weight, powerful engine, and quattro all-wheel drive and you have one quick (if not fast) rally racer. It would be fun to drive on the street too. While no official word has been given about production, Audi has made limited-edition rally cars before, like this car's forebear, the Audi Sport quattro of 1984. When a concept is this well finished and looks ready to drive off the showroom floor, something's up. The good news is that if the quattro concept doesn't see production, many of the components and processes used to develop the concept may make their way to other Audi vehicles. Or is this a peek at the next A5? Hmmm...

Source: Audi - Press releases after the jump. Video post.

Just For Fun: Audi quattro Concept

Source: Audi

2011 Kia Hamstar Soul edition rollin' into showrooms - Update

Kia has released the latest in a long line of Soul special editions, the 2011 HamStar Soul. Kia's Soul Specials have been very popular and allow the automaker to offer a variety of equipment and packages to a varied group of consumers. The latest edition is inspired by Kia's popular Soul spokeshamsters, the Hamstars. The 2011 Hamstar Soul is based on the Soul+ trim and is fitted with a black star graphic with the signature Hamstar script logo on the hood and off-black matte finish stripes on the vehicle's sides over Molten Red paint. The exterior also features body-colored bumpers with a rear bumper applique, power sunroof, fog lights, a rear sport spoiler, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black fender vents with turn signal indicator and a matte black alloy fuel door. Iside the Hamstar Soul gets unique Hamstar floor mats, black leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, push button start with smart key, automatic climate control, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an an Audio Upgrade Package that includes a center speaker, subwoofer, 315-watt external amplifier, and speaker lights that pulse or simply add mood lighting. The Hamstar Soul is arriving at Kia dealerships with a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,295 (plus tax, license, fees, options) with a 4-speed automatic transmission. More pics to come...

Update:  Since Kia has not released any more shots of the production Hamstar Soul, I've posted pics (hood, rear 3/4) of the SEMA Hamstar Soul concept.

Source: Kia - Press Release after the jump.

Nissan NV200 chosen as New York's Taxi of Tomorrow

When Ford announced the cancellation of the Crown Victoria, taxi companies everywhere grew concerned. What would we use now? Previously, NYC allowed Escape hybrids and Honda Odysseys to see taxi duty, but the Crown Vics made up the majority of the city's taxi fleet. In 2009, New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) sent out requests to automakers for proposals for the "Taxi of Tomorrow." (BTW: the TLC must approve any vehicle that is used as a taxi in NYC.) The three finalists were the Ford Transit Connect Taxi, a taxi built by Turkish manufacturer Karsan, and the eventual winner, the Nissan NV200. Initially, I wondered about the choice of the Nissan, because the Transit Connect and Karsan taxis seemed a more logical choice, but the NV200 will be more comfortable and still be fuel efficient with Nissan's 2.0-liter four under the hood. As the winner, Nissan will become the exclusive provider for NYC taxi companies for ten years. The NV200 taxi will have a panoramic-view roof (with sunshade), infotainment availability for passengers (up to four), navigation and telematics for drivers, sliding doors on both sides, loads of cargo room, an independently controlled rear air conditioning system with filters, overhead reading and floor lights for passengers, a passenger mobile charging station, and more. You can start dodging these yellow Nissans in 2013. Nissan is also providing the TLC with a few Nissan Leaf EVs for taxi-duty evaluation.

Source: Nissan - Press release after the jump. Video post.

Just For Fun: NYC Taxi of Tomorrow - Nissan NV200

Source: Nissan

New Lancia Ypsilon goes on sale in Europe

Lancia has officially introduced its "flagship" mini car, the Ypsilon, after the new car's debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Ypsilon has a unique appearance that looks like a PT Cruiser on acid (especially in two-tone paint - above) more than anything else. What the pics don't show however, is the size of the new Lancia mini. The car is several inches smaller than a Ford Fiesta for example, but still manages to have five useable doors. I like how the rear doors disappear, due to the hidden handles, making the car look like a coupe. The Ypsilon shares the Fiat 500 platform as well as its engines. This means that the Ypsilon won't be terribly fast, but it should be lots of fun to drive. In keeping with the new wave of "luxury" or premium mini cars, the Ypsilon can be customized to death with numerous paints, leathers, audio and naviagation systems, trim levels (silver, gold, platinum), and more allowing you to get just the right car and to spend as much money as you want. Why do we care in the US, you ask? Well, Fiat is tailoring some of its cars for the US market and the Ypsilon, with a few changes (like a squared off Chrysler grille, etc.), would make an interesting Chrysler premium mini car, a market niche that US manufacturers have missed so far. I like the two-tone red interior too (see slideshow). We shall see. For lots of info, check out the press releases after the jump.

Source: Lancia - Press release(s) after the jump.

Mercedes GL Grand Edition unveiled

The Mercedes GL-Class is an interesting beast. You don't realize just how large it is until you see it in the flesh. And what we have here is the ultimate GL-Class vehicle. Sort of an S-Class for the "go-everywhere" set. Generally automakers roll out special editions when a model is about to be replaced, but you can think of this model as a sort of Germanic Range Rover. This GL has everything Mercedes could throw at the platform plus a few distinctive touches, especially in the visual department. In the front, the headlights get the dark-tint treatment with special LED daytime running lights, black chrome grille slats, and a revised bumper. Special light alloy 20-inch wheels, aluminum-look running boards, metallic paint finishes, and heat-insulating and infrared-reflecting laminated glass finish off the exterior adornments. The interior is equally "breathed on" with Black Ash wood accents (dash, steering wheel, console, doors), special two-tone leather in black/porcelain or black/maroon (with special Nappa leather optional), velour floor mats with "Grand Edition" lettering (in case you forgot), and aluminum pedals with rubber studs. Engine choices run the gamut from the GL350 Bluetec turbo-diesel V6 (211 or 256 hp) to the GL500 with the 5.5-liter V8 (388 hp). Mercedes' Airmatic air suspension system, 4Matic all-wheel drive, ADS adaptive damping system, and more are all included. Now the pricing. The GL350 Bluetec Grand Edition (with the less-powerful turbo-diesel) will set you back more than $110,000 using current exchange rates with the top-of-the-line GL500 Grand Edition costing you almost $140,000. Definitely Range Rover territory. Prices do not include options, license, fees, etc. but does include a 19% value added tax (VAT) in Europe. Will we see the GL-Class Grand Editions in the US? Don't know, but if enough of you call you dealer, you just might get one. Especially since the stuff that is altered doesn't seem to affect any regulated parts. Enjoy the extra pics (especially of the interior in the slide show).

Source: Mercedes Benz - Press Release after the jump.

Renault Twizy pricing announced in Barcelona

Here's another one for the we won't get it here files... Renault announced the pricing of the Twizy two-seat electric runabout at the Barcelona motor show. The base Twizy 45 comes with a five hp motor and is priced at 6,990 Euros ($9,850 in today's dollars). The Twizy Urban (right) moves up to a seventeen hp motor (20 hp max) and starts at 7,690 Euros ($10,925) with the Twizy Technic (top) setting you back 8,490 Euros ($11,950). The lease for the lithium-ion battery pack costs 45 Euros ($65) per month for 36 months. Vehicle pricing is subject to local taxation rates and incentives. Twizy offers tandem seating and a range of 60 miles. The li-ion batteries can be recharged in 3.5 hours with standard home current (voltage higher in Europe) and the cord is stored under the front flap (see pics). The seats are covered in waterproof material (remember no doors). Options include various colors, a transparent roof, rear parking sensors, extra protection against the cold and the elements, a semi-rigid all-purpose bag, a Parrot audio system, and scissor doors (see the Twizy Technic top pic). The Twizy has a top speed of 60 mph and would make a kinda cool alternative for the daily commute and to run errands. The Twizy won't make it across the Atlantic, but Renault is in an alliance with Nissan so you never know. For more info, check out the press release and spec charts or go to www.renault.ze.com. Oh and you can reserve your Twizy right now if you live in a country where the EV runabout will be sold.

Source: Renault - Press release after the jump.

Top Five Posts as of 5-22

Actually, it should read Top Seven Posts since there was a three-way tie for the last position. First up is last week's winner, the 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style.

The second most popular post by page view, is the mega-popular 2012 Honda Civic shown post which is followed by the Quick Look: 2012 Ford Focus. The number four spot is held by the Audi A7 Sportback (above) Quick Look.

The number five spot is held by three posts:
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 defines SUV performance,

Mercedes Benz AMG SLS supercar (right) drops its top.

and 2011 Auto Shanghai and New York Auto Show posts - Update (32).

And don't forget to visit the uautoknownet channel at YouTube and our sister site:
uautoknow.net GenNews.

2012 Camaro V6 gets improved power and mileage

The model year 2012 is shaping up to be very good for Camaro fans. First, Chevy announced the hyper-performance Camaro ZL-1 and now even the "base" V6 is getting a power boost. By utilizing a new one-piece exhaust manifold/cylinder head (right) that reduces engine weight by 13 lbs., the Camaro's 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 now creates 323 hp and pushes the Camaro Coupe to 30 mpg in the highway cycle. The one-piece design also reduces the number of parts required which will improve quality (see pic of old and new designs after the jump). Lower emissions, narrower engine size, and noise reduction round out the list of benefits for the new head design. Imagine, more power and better mileage. Sounds like a winner to me.

Source: Chevrolet - Press release after the jump.

Audi unveils new A6 Avant for Europe

The Audi A6 line-up adds a new model just in time for summertime vacationing, the A6 Avant (read station wagon), for Europe. The A6 Avant will be available with all of the A6 grab bag of goodies including quattro all-wheel drive, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, up to 20-inch wheels, four transmission choices (including the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic and a six-speed manual), Audi's Uconnect with MMI interface, available Wi-Fi, available S-Line trim, and more. The A6 Avant will have six engine options in Europe starting with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel that makes 177 hp and gets over 47 mpg (US estimated), a gas supercharged V6 (300 hp), with the top option being the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel that makes 313 hp and hits 60 in just over 5 seconds. The A6 Avant will be rolled out in other markets after the European launch. But US consumers better not hold their collective breath, cuz the A6 Avant is not scheduled to take to US roads. This is a shame since the new A6 station wagon (yes, I said the sw words) is a nice piece and good-looking too. Station Wagons were popular in the US until the 70s-80s when minivans came on the scene. Then minivans got the "soccer-mom" stigma and folks switched to SUVs and crossovers. Maybe US consumers would switch back to wagons if they were as nice as this one. For lots of info, check out the comprehensive press release after the jump.

Source: Audi - Press release and pics (5) after the jump. Video post.

Just For Fun: Audi A6 Avant intro video

Source: Audi

DSquared unveils Mini Cooper S for 2011 Life Ball

Twin brothers Dan and Dean Caten, who are the principals of the Canadian design house DSquared, have taken the wraps off of their custom Mini Cooper S for the 2011 Life Ball. For the last eleven years, Mini has tapped designers to create one-off Mini designs to support the Life Ball, which generates money for HIV/Aids research around the world. The custom Mini will be auctioned at the event. What's cool for us normal folk, is that these designs show consumers various ways that they can customize their own Minis. The DSquared Mini, which is called "Red Mudder" is a take on a rally car with a front guard with rally headlamps, over-sized deep tread rally tires with blacked-out custom wheels, raised suspension, mesh guards on the headlights and rear windows, the spare tire mounted on the tailgate, a roof rack with rally lights, blacked-out trim, and rally stripes that include the Canadian Maple Leaf on the doors. All in all, a good looking package.

Source: Mini - Press Release after the jump.

BMW 328 Hommage recalls early sports car

According to Dictionary.com, an homage is a noun that means, "respect or reverence paid or rendered." And yes, BMW has rendered an homage to the 328 Touring Coupé sports car of the 30s with the all-new 328 Hommage (see pic in the slideshow). The new 328 H is a featherweight racer that utilizes CRFP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic) extensively for the body and chassis along with aluminum and other light-weight materials. Add in BMW's inline-six, a special suspension package, a stripped-down cockpit, and advanced aerodynamics, and you end up with a sports car that will leave most in the dust, especially at the track. The cockpit thrusts the driver slightly ahead of the passenger and features only what's needed (gotta watch the weight). In fact, the 328 H comes fitted with two iPhones that are used as auxiliary displays. When you first look at the pics, the stripped-down nature of the car is evident, but further review reveals the car's sinewy beauty. And the exposed carbon-fiber looks good here. Will this car see production? Doubtful, but you never know. Many of the features developed for this concept may see eventual use on a car coming to your town (and hopefully your driveway). Check out the 20+ high-res pics in the slideshow and review the intelligently written press release after the jump (how many releases use the word whilst?). Cool car, don'tcha think? Don't forget that BMW made a sports car years ago that had sliding side doors (with a cut out) that looks similar look to the 328 H's door-less sides.

Source: BMW - Press release after the jump.

Aston Martin shows new V12 Zagato

Aston Martin has unveiled the V12 Zagato endurance racer concept at the Villa D’Este Concours in  Lake Como, Italy. The hand-crafted aluminum racer will enter several races in Europe including the Nürburgring 24 hour race in June. The AM V12 Z celebrates Aston's first collaboration with the Zagato design house more than 50 years ago. The AM V12 Z features Aston's 6.0-liter V12 that produces 510 hp and 420 lb./ft. of torque which when matched to the light-weight body, should provide blistering performance. The design includes many touches the design house is known for including the twin-bubble roof (more room to accommodate racing helmets - in theory), yet the racer is still recognizable as a modern Aston Martin. AM is gauging consumer interest in the concept with an eye towards eventual limited production. The AM V12 Z is just this side of beautiful and with a cleaned up rear end and a little ground clearance (public roads aren't as clean and level as "the Ring"), it could be quite stunning. If you're interested and you've got the bucks. let Aston Martin know of your interest.

Source: Aston Martin - Press release and pics (3) after the jump.

Quick Look: 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Nissan's Murano CrossCabriolet is an interesting beast. The recipe for this genre-bending drop top is to take one Murano crossover, remove the rear doors, add two longer front doors, chop off the top, reinforce the body/chassis, add new rear fenders, add a trunk (with lid) and two rear bucket seats, add safety pop-up rollbars, all the Murano goodies, and voila, you have the latest convertible cruiser. Granted, there is more to it than that, but you get the idea. The CrossCab is an all-wheel-drive soft top convertible that will take you just about anywhere in style. The CrossCab is completely equipped for one suggested price of $46,390 (plus destination - $800, license, fees, options) with a special Cashmere interior and light brown top package as the only manufacturer option ($500). Of course your dealer can add floormats, etc. You get Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 (265 hp), a continuously-variable automatic (CVT), all-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes (with EBD and four-channel ABS), and more. Features include power everything (doors, mirrors, driver's seat, top, etc.), dual-zone climate control, Bose premium audio, leather, wood trim, navigation system, and the list goes on and on, but what do you expect for 50 large? The Murano CrossCabriolet is available now at your local Nissan dealer (quantities may be limited, initially, due to the earthquake in Japan). Personally, I like it. My dealer has an all-black one and it looks great. For lots of info, check out the four press releases (which include spec charts) after the jump.

Source: Nissan - Press releases (4) after the jump.

Classic gone, GenNews in

I've heard from many folks that the title of uautoknow.net's sister site was misleading. The name was developed from the old New Coke vs. Coke Classic advertising idea (debacle ?). I forgot about classic cars. I admit it, I blew it with that one. So the sister site has been renamed something a bit more appropriate:

uautoknow.net - GenNews.

Hope this clears things up. Thanks.

Porsche offers largest 911 engine ever in new 2011 GT3 RS 4.0

Porsche loyalists love the 911 and its history of continual product development and the new 2011 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is the latest in a long line of performance 911s. The GT3 RS 4.0 uses all of Porsche's make-it-light-tricks like the extensive use of carbon-fiber (seats, body panels, etc.) and throws in the largest production 911 engine ever. The naturally-aspirated (no turbo) 4.0-liter flat six produces 500 hp and puts the power to the pavement through a six-speed manual transmission. Let's put this in perspective shall we. The standard 8.0-liter V-10 in the Viper also makes 500 hp. Porsche accomplishes this with engineering prowess, refinement, and precision, but let's be honest, the engine in this latest 911 probably costs as much as a complete Viper. What this gets you is zero to sixty in 3.8 seconds on the way to a top speed that is just under 200 mph. Remember though that this Porsche is a track car and not a straight-line racer having lapped the "Ring" in just 7 minutes and 27 seconds. This limited-edition 911 is painted Carrara White as standard and emphasizes its links to motor racing by its wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing with side plates, central twin tailpipe, and the aerodynamically-optimized body, which includes air deflection vanes mounted on either side of the front bumper. Yes, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is going into limited production (only 600 will be built worldwide - which includes the US) with a suggested retail price of $185,000 (plus destination, taxes, fees, options). Given the exclusivity, if you wnat one you better hurry.

Source: Porsche - Press release after the jump.

Top Five Posts as of 5-15

After weeks of almosts, the 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style (above) post takes the number one spot followed by the previous reigning champ, the 2012 Honda Civic shown post (which had been number one for weeks).

The number three spot is taken this week by the Quick Look: 2012 Ford Focus (right) post.

Coming in at number four is the BMW Vision is a go post. The Vision concept will see production as the BMW i8 Hybrid supercar.

Rounding out the Top Five is the Volkswagen XL1 concept (below) may see production in 2013 post. VW announced this week that the German auto giant would begin rolling out plug-in hybrids in 2013. Coincidence?

Check out sister site uautoknow.net - Classic.