Over the past year or so most of the buzz surrounding Jaguar’s future sports car lineup has centered on a new roadster model dubbed the XE, which is expected to arrive in the next couple of years. However, around the same time, a replacement for the stunning XK is also due.

We now have the first solid details on the next-generation XK, which is due to go on sale in 2013 and be available with a new, high-performance turbodiesel variant for the first time.

The new XK will be based on the same platform as the current model and is expected to grow in size despite the addition of the not-so-much smaller XE roadster. Both Coupe and Convertible models will be offered, the latter continuing with an automated folding soft-top for packaging, performance and cost reasons.

A 2+2 seating configuration will also remain. This is mostly due to the fact that the current model’s rivet-bonded platform of alloy extrusions will carry over largely unchanged, as will the front and rear axles and adaptive suspension set-up.

While the mechanicals might be a little familiar, the exterior styling will be a radical departure from the current model. Gone will be the oval shaped grille, instead replaced with a new rectangular design similar to the one on the XF and XJ though with its own unique twist. Expect sharper lines and a more contoured appearance for the rest of the body.

In terms of powertrains, most of the supercharged and naturally aspirated V-8 units of the current model will carry over but with minor revisions for emissions regulations and possibly more power. However, the big news is that the potent 3.0-liter turbodiesel from the European Jaguar XF S will be available in a new XK D model. In the XF the engine develops 271 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque but in the XK it could deliver even more juice. Sadly, this particular model is unlikely to be sold in the U.S. but the car’s 2013 release date is still some time away and a lot could change between now and then–namely, a rise in the popularity of diesels.

Pictured above is the new 2011 Jaguar XKR, which has been decked out in the new Speed and Black Packs and is due to make its world debut next month at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Source:motorauthority.com

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz is currently working on a new C-Class Coupe model to replace the ungainly CLC and provide genuine competition for BMW’s 1-Series and 3-Series range of Coupes, and to do so the automaker is planning to offer a range of advanced powertrains.

Despite coming in towards the end of the current C-Class model’s life-cycle, the new C-Class Coupe, which is expected to bow in late this year or early next, will benefit from Mercedes-Benz’ next-generation powertrain technology.

Dubbed “MoVe” for modular V-6 and V-8s, the new engines will comprise of smaller but more powerful turbocharged and direct-injected units.

The C-Class Coupe will feature a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V-6, plus a smaller twin-turbocharged unit outputting as much as 300 horsepower. A high-performance AMG unit is also expected, featuring a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8.

The story doesn’t end there as there’s speculation that Mercedes-Benz will also launch a hybrid model consisting of an electric motor matched to a naturally-aspirated V-6. For more information on the C-Class Coupe, check out our previous story by clicking here.

Source:motorauthority.com

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

• Specs: Direct-injected 3.8-liter boxer six-cylinder, 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet torque; seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or six-speed manual
• Speeds: 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds; top speed, 194 mph (estimated by Porsche)
• Price: $132,800 (Coupe) and $143,800 (Cabriolet)
• On sale: January 2010

You’ve been teased for too long: first by Porsche, then by High Gear Media’s previews from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Finally, this week, we’re overdosing you on the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo with a live drive from Lisbon, Portugal and the famed Estoril race track.

Both the 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet arrive early next year in the U.S. with a staggering new powertrain stuffed into the latest generation of the 911 body shell. The engine’s been upsized 0.2 liters, but it’s still a flat six; with variable turbocharger vanes, direct injection and a new performance intake manifold, the Turbo’s 3.8-liter six fires up 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (peak, with the optional Sport Chrono package). It’s an entirely new engine for the Turbo, a first in the 35-year-history of the Turbo, Porsche says.

With the new seven-speed Porsche “PDK” dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual, the stout new engine’s enough to propel the 911 Turbo to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, Porsche also says. Top speed is a promised 194 mph for either Coupe or Cabriolet models. And despite adding 20 hp and a near 200-mph top end, the 2010 911 Turbo also checks in with carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 18 percent and with better fuel economy, though the official EPA figures aren’t available yet.

The other important drivetrain add-on is the optional Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which combines with the standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive and Porsche Stability Management (PSM) to pair electronic and mechanical controls to put power to individual wheels where needed, for the utmost traction. It’s similar to the system pioneered by the Acura RL, and is installed on the 2010 Porsche Panamera to brilliant success.

Inside, the 911 Turbo wears a new optional steering wheel that changes the buttons controlling the PDK transmission. On other Porsches, the left and right buttons each can control upshifts and downshifts. With the new wheel, the left paddle downshifts the PDK gearbox and the right triggers an upshift. The rest of the 911 Turbo’s already impressive and capable feature set carries over from the previous model.

There’s much more to come. Stay tuned at High Gear Media for our first drive of the Porsche 911 Turbo this week – we’re feeding you the latest starting Tuesday via CoverItLive, with Twitter-ized updates from our road and track drives in and around Lisbon and Estoril. Follow our trail at @therealma #911turbo or bookmark this page for updates.

Source:motorauthority.com

2009 Mini Coupe Concept

Mini has been celebrating its 50th anniversary for most of 2009, with special editions–even a Rolls-Royce custom Mini–multiplying like rabbits. But the next few weeks are set to be very busy for Mini as the company is set to showcase a pair of all-new concepts, the first of which has just been revealed in the form of the 2009 Mini Coupe Concept.

August 26 is the actual 50th anniversary of the Mini brand, and to celebrate the occasion, the company has unveiled the startling ‘Coupe Concept’ which is set to go on display next month at the Frankfurt Auto Show alongside a rumored open-top speedster concept. Furthermore, the new Coupe Concept previews what could possibly be the next Mini variant destined for production and the by the looks of it we sure do hope so.

Mini is calling it a prototype for now but its John Cooper Works-tuned 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 211 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque (206 pound-feet with overboost) is entirely plausible for a production model.

It’s based on the regular Cooper Hatchback but sports a lightweight aluminum roof to help lower its center of gravity. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car. Other unique elements include a body colored grille and matching inserts on the wheels and rear diffuser.

The muscular stance of the car is a result of carefully calculated exterior dimensions. The Mini Coupe Concept is 1,356 mm high and the steep rake of the A-pillars is accentuated by the high waistline common to every Mini. Sat on 18-inch triple-tone finish light alloy wheels, the concept is 3,714 mm in length and 1,683 mm wide.

Inside, sports seats with strongly contoured side supports feature, as does a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with multi-function controls. Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter provide a close link to earlier concept cars by Mini, bridging the gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age of new Mini. One acts as a stop watch and the other a standard clock.

A luggage capacity of 250 liters is offered and can be accessed at the rear by a tailgate which is hinged above the roof spoiler, meaning easy access to goods stowed in the rear. The bulkhead between the passenger and luggage compartments comes with a lockable opening, giving passengers access to the rear section at any time.

With a Crossover model in the final stages of development and Hatch, Clubman and Convertible models currently on the roads in nearly 80 countries worldwide, Mini aims to offer a varied range of compact premium cars in the coming years. Hinting that the latest Coupe Concept may eventually enter production, Mini states that it offers a “vision” of how the company’s lineup may continue to grow.

Source:motorauthority.com

Source:motorauthority.com