Discovered by one of our regulars on Youtube is this walk-around video of a Bugatti Veyron replica. Even though we've seen a ton of Ferrari and Lamborghini replicas, for some reason, the VW Group's flagship supercar hasn't been a hit among enthusiasts of the sort, so it's not very often that we stumble upon generic Veyrons.
The poster of the video claims that this faux Bugatti is based on the BMW 6-Series Coupe. While we can't be 100 per cent sure about the claim due to the low quality of the video, the interior of the replica does indeed look like its sourced from the Bavarian model. Watch the video right after the jump.
This just in; We have the first official photograph of Nissan's all-new Murano CrossCabriolet, which has not only lost the standard model's top, but also the rear doors. The four-seater model will have its world premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show later this week and go on sale in the U.S. early next year. For the time being, we don't have much in the way of information on technical specs or prices, but we'll definitely keep you updated if anything new pops up. Follow the jump for a higher resolution picture and the official statement from Nissan.
Statement from Nissan:
"The world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design. Set to go on sale in early 2011."
Putting to rest the various rumors of the past few months, Lamborghini today announced that next year's Murcielago replacement will get an all-new V12 power plant matched to also new automated manual gearbox.
The new V12 engine was developed from a clean sheet of paper entirely in-house by Lamborghini at company headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognes. The goal was to create a higher-output yet lighter and with lower emissions replacement to the firm's venerable V12. The result is a 6.5-liter unit that tips the scales at just 235kg or 518 pounds, while producing an output of 700-horsepower at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 690 Nm (479.4 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.
Lamborghini has not yet released full technical specs on the V12, but among the details announced are that the crankcase and the four-valve cylinder heads are made from aluminum-silicon alloy, and that the new exhaust system not only delivers the lowest emission levels, but also what the company describes as "a spine-tingling Lamborghini sound."
"This new power unit is not only the crowning glory of our product range, it is also part of our enormous investment in the future of the Lamborghini brand," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
"With this new V12, we are heralding a technological leap that encompasses all areas of the company and our future model lineup. With a unique package of innovations, Lamborghini will redefine the future of the super sports car. This 700 hp engine, together with an all-new concept gearbox, will be the strong heart of the Murciélago successor next year."
Completing the powertrain setup is Sant'Agata's new "Lamborghini ISR" automated manual gearbox. It's a single clutch gearbox with Lamborghini claiming that it combines fast shift times – approximately 50 percent shorter than with a dual-clutch transmission – with the benefits of manual shifting when it comes to low weight and compact dimensions.
And if you're wondering, ISR is an acronym for Independent Shifting Rod. According to the company, instead of taking place in series like a conventional gearbox, shifting can occur virtually in parallel. While one shifting rod is moving out of one gear, the second shifting rod can already engage the next. Furthermore, Sant'Agata says the transmission weighs in at only 79 kilograms (174 pounds), making it considerably lighter than a comparable DSG transmission.
Both the new V12 engine and ISR gearbox will be manufactured at Lamborghini's headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognes. The Murcielago's replacement with the new powertrain will make its world premiere next year, most likely at the Geneva Salon in March.
We're still waiting for the Chrysler Group to release some decent photo galleries of its newest models - and in particular, of the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 200 - but until then, here are two group shots, one including all of the 2011MY Dodge models such as the Avenger, Charger, Challenger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan, and the other, the updated Chrysler 200 sedan and Town & Country.
So, you bought your first Porsche 911 GT3. Good for you, but can you handle this beast? The Germans refined their rear-engine setup for decades, making each generation of the iconic 911 better than before. Still, there are moments when Stuttgart's best can be a handful.
To avoid this, you can take the GT3 to the Porsche Experience Center at Silverstone and learn from chief driving consultant Gordon Robertson how to tackle tight bends, low friction surfaces and, overall, significantly improve your driving skills. Check out the video after the break to see what Mr. Robertson can teach you. For more information visit "porsche.co.uk/experiencshop".
Hyundai has let out a comprehensive photo gallery of the North American version of the new Elantra sedan in advance of the sedan's debut at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show. As anticipated, aside from some barely visible alterations here and there including the modified digital display in the instrument panel and tail light crystals, there are no other styling changes over the South Korean market model that was introduced locally in July.
However, unlike its KDM counterpart that's powered by a 140HP 1.6-liter unit with direct-injection, the U.S-spec model gets a larger displacement 1.8-liter gasoline unit with conventional port fuel injection rated at 148-horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai estimates that the U.S. model will return a highway efficiency of around 40mpg.
We'll have more on the new Elantra from the LA Show floor, but for now, follow the jump to check out our high-resolution photo gallery.
