Atelier Valdeig Attempts to Bring the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster into the 21st Century

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 |

The W198 300 SL Gullwing and its Roadster counterpart are probably the most iconic Mercedes-Benz models ever made. They are also some the most expensive classic cars on the market today, so the simple fact of owning one is something special. Why would anyone try to “improve” on what is one of Mercedes’ most beautiful cars is a mystery to us.

Nevertheless, German design studio Atelier Valdeig thinks it can make the 300 SL Roadster look better with a concept for a widebody package. Before getting into details, we should tell you that for the moment, Atelier Valdeig has only done computer renderings, with no real 300 SL being harmed so far.

Valdeig’s idea of a better 300 SL Roadster was originally planned for a replica automaker, but the deal fell through. Unfortunately, this didn’t stop the company from continuing its work to develop a new look for the 300 SL. Atelier Valdeig came up with wider fenders to accommodate modern 16-inch Revolution wheels with white wall tires. However, the project allows for even bigger rims from Carlsson or wire wheels from muscle cars.

Speaking of muscle cars, you’ve probably noticed by now the Corvette C1-style side panels painted in a different color from the body. Another of Valdeig’s ideas is to offer the car with two types of headlights: vertical ones that we all know from the 300 SL Roadster or round ones taken from the 300 SL Gullwing.

Valdeig also offers different types of taillights and side pipes for the exhaust system. So there you have it, the 300 SL Roadster brought into the 21st century (against its own will, we should add). We're dying to hear your opinion on this tuning proposal.

By Dan Mihalascu

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BMW USA Launches M Performance Kit for the 335i from 2012 Onward

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013 |

BMW USA has just announced that they are now offering an M Performance Kit for the 335i and 335i xDrive sedan models, from the 2012 model year on. It is available through all authorized dealers, and includes upgrades to the car's chassis, aerodynamic and exhaust. The kit also adds M-badged trim pieces inside, and it does not affect the cars' warranty in any way.

It costs $1,100 plus installation, but it does offers a 0.2-second quicker 0-60 (0-96 km/h) sprint, over the standard model. This performance gain comes courtesy of an increase in power output, from 300hp up to 320 hp. Torque is also boosted by 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) for automatic models, while cars equipped with a manual gearbox get a more modest increase of 17 lb-ft (23 Nm). In stock form, the engine is rated at 300 lb-ft (406 Nm).

The throttle pedal is also remapped, and BMW says the response to pressure is improved. Furthermore, with the modified exhaust system, the car gets "highly-emotional" exhaust burble on the overrun. It must compliment the engine sound coming from the speakers very well indeed…

Last but not least, the modifications don't, in any way, alter the claimed efficiency and emissions figures stated by the manufacturer, so if you already own a 335i or are thinking of getting one, this seems like $1,100 worth spending to make your car a bit more special.

By Andrei Nedelea

Note: European version of F30 335i with M Performance kit pictured.

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Suzuki Foretells Arrival of Authentics Sedan Concept via Teaser Ahead of Shanghai Show

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SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013 |

Despite having pulled out of the US market, due to poor sales, Suzuki is still looking to expand its operation elsewhere. Now, they are aiming to boost their sales in China, with a new C-segment sedan designed to appeal specifically for buyers from the People's Republic. It's called the "Authentics" concept.

Described as "Sporty x Elegant", it has a long wheelbase and a sleek low profile, but aside from that, it's really hard to tell anything else from the dark teaser photos which the manufacturer released to tease it.

We will know more once the concept makes its official debut at the 2013 Shanghai motor show, which takes place between 20 – 29 April.

To us, this looks like a rethink of the the not-so-successful Kizashi, which will first try and impress the Chinese automotive market, and then perhaps be sent elsewhere around the world. Suzuki has not specified if this is a replacement for the Kizashi, or if the production car it will spawn will be sold outside the country. All will be revealed towards the end of April.

By Andrei Nedelea

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GM Talks About and Shows Running Footage of the New 2014 Cadillac CTS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 |

This week's 2013 New York Auto Show turned out to be a big event for General Motors as it has no less than five world premieres, the most important of which are the new generation of the Cadillac CTS and the revamped 2014 Chevrolet Camaro.

With the CTS series being for Cadillac what the 3-Series is for BMW, it's no wonder that GM paid so much attention to the new model that has been designed from the ground up to look at the German competition (think BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class) straight in the eyes.

The first impressions are positive, be that in terms of design - sans the flavorless rear end that looks like it was cobbled up at the last minute and lacks the character of the front, or the technical specifications and the welcome addition of two modern turbocharged powerplants, a 272hp 2.0-liter inline-four, and a 420hp 3.6-liter V6, plus the fact that it's bigger but lighter (by up to 200lbs or 90kg) than its predecessor.

In the HD videos that follow below the break, you can watch GM's people talk about the CTS as well as to see the car on the road.

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In and Out in 007 Minutes: Daniel Craig Pockets $1Million for Range Rover Gig

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 |

As you’ve probably seen from one of our earlier reports, actor Daniel Craig (better known as the face of James Bond), was the surprise celebrity that unveiled the new Range Rover Sport at a VIP event in Midtown Manhattan on the eve of the 2013 New York Auto Show.

You will say that this is just another PR exercise in which an automaker uses a celebrity to unveil a new model. Well, yes and no. Yes, it is a PR stunt, but it’s not “just another” endorsement.

This was special not only because we’re talking about the man who plays James Bond in movies, but also because of the reported $1 million (€780,300) Daniel Craig was paid for…paying a quick visit to the event, according to the New York Post.

Basically, all Craig had to do for this huge amount of money was to drive the new Range Rover Sport through Midtown Manhattan and onto the stage set in the hall where the event was held. He then got out of the car, posed for what was probably a minute, gave a short interview for Land Rover and left the event.

That’s all it took Craig to transfer his “coolness” to the Range Rover Sport. The rest is history – and a fatter bank account. Obviously, Land Rover elegantly avoided the fee topic.

“We won’t comment on our relationship with Mr. Craig beyond confirming that Land Rover supports the charity S.A.F.E., of which the actor is a patron, and will continue its charitable efforts with a vehicle donation later this year,” a Land Rover representative told New York Post.

S.A.F.E. is a Kenya- and UK-based charity that fights HIV/AIDS, election violence and the issue of female circumcision in Kenya.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Buick Says 40 Percent of First-Generation Enclave Owners Choose the New Model

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 |

Buick’s redesigned 2013 Enclave luxury crossover is the brand’s best-selling model in the first quarter of this year, with retail sales almost 40 percent up. According to GM, many of the new model’s buyers are former owners of the previous-generation Enclave, with statistics showing that four in 10 owners trade-in their first-generation Enclave for the new model.

Buick says the Enclave is not only building loyalty for the brand, it is also attracting first-time Buick buyers. "In previous years we’ve talked about the new, younger, luxury-minded buyers coming to Buick for the first time," explains Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. "With the redesigned Enclave, we’re still seeing those new buyers, but we’re now also seeing the buyers who gave us a try with the first Enclave stay with us."

According to the company, when the first-generation Enclave launched in 2007, customer surveys revealed that the main reasons for which buyers were choosing Buick were “value/price” and “familiarity with dealer”. However, Buick says Enclave owners consistently list things like “overall quality of the vehicle”, “ride comfort” and “overall exterior styling” as their top reasons for purchase.

According to DiSalle, “If you want a bellwether for the where the Buick brand is heading, look no further than the Enclave. It’s a very modern, very smart crossover that delivers what our luxury-minded customers want.”

Since the new model landed in dealerships in November, Enclave had its best retail sales month on record in December, with retail growth in January and February standing at 57 percent and 22 percent respectively.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Renault's New Zoe Electric Hatch Video Reviewed

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 |

The two main downsides of buying and owning anelectric vehicle are still the high acquisition cost and limited range, and while the Renault Zoe is not a perfect car, it at least crosses one of those negatives off the list. We are talking about the price, which, at least in the UK, is very reasonable, and after factoring in the hefty government rebate, the all-electric Zoe is yours from £13,650 (€16,040).

One of the first video test drives that we currently know of was done by UK-based Honest-John, who has tried out the little French EV, and his verdict is rather encouraging.

The Zoe makes sense for many reasons: it's relatively inexpensive, it is decently quick with 87hp and 220 Nm, roomy inside, with enough space for five, it has a big boot and it also looks particularly smart, especially in black.

It looks funky enough to feel new and modern, but it isn't too futuristic, as that would ward away the more conservative of buyers. It also comes decently equipped from the get-go, and there are three levels of trim to choose from (Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens).

If you look at the Renault Zoe with a strictly logical and cost-calculating eye, then it will not really make sense, as it needs an optional charger for you to charge the car at home (that costs extra), while the monthly battery lease fee of £70 in the UK means running costs are comparable to those of the regular Clio diesel.

Check out the full review below, and give us your thoughts on the Renault Zoe's chance of achieving sales success.

By Andrei Nedelea

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