Alfa Romeo Shows Concept Designer Bags Inspired by MiTo

In what could be seen by many as further proof that Alfa Romeo is steadily losing sight of its core values (whatever is left of them, that is...), the firm's UK division unveiled two concept designer bags for its MiTo subcompact as part of the company’s centenary year celebrations and to help support young British fashion talent. We might be wrong, but we think it would have been more appropriate for the Italian firm to show its support to young British car designers...

Read more »

Porsche's Detroit Motor Show World Premiere Rumored to be 918 Coupe Racer

We already know that Porsche plans to debut a new model at the rapidly approaching North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week, but the problem is that the German sports car maker is keeping its cards close to its chest about the type of vehicle it will unveil.

Adding to the many rumors already circulating on the internet, Bloomberg today reported that the model in question will be a racing coupe version of the 918 Spyder hybrid concept that was first shown at last year's Geneva Show.

Read more »

Mercedes Celebrates 25 Years of 4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive and Other Vehicle Dynamics Systems

In 1986, Mercedes launched the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system on a test ground in Rovaniemi, Finland, alongside two other, equally important vehicle dynamics components: the automatic locking differential (ASD) and acceleration skid control (ASR), which used the sensory technology made available through the anti-lock braking system (ABS), first introduced by the German maker in 1978.

Read more »

2012 Volkswagen NMS Teaser Shows Up on Official Site, Confirms Detroit Debut

It's no secret Volkswagen is developing a new mid-size sedan (hence the NMS codename) to replace the Passat in the North American market, but today the German automaker posted a teaser on its website ahead of the car's world premiere which will take place at next week's Detroit motorshow.

Read more »

Ford Releases List with the Top 10 Ways Our Cars Changed Over the Past Decade

The first decade of the new millennia brought an unprecedented amount of change to the automotive industry. While ten years ago having cupholders in the cabin was a big thing, today fast mobile communications, fuel efficient engines and complicated active safety features are just some of the technologies that have made their way into cars.

“Cars have become more like brains on wheels”, said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trends manager. “Consumers today want to stay connected and they want the drive to be an experience, especially since the amount of time Americans spend in the car has nearly doubled in the last 10 years”.

Check out Ford's list with the Top 10 ways the automotive industry changed since 2000 right after the break.

Read more »

German Dealer Offers Upcoming Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 for Sale

From the same German car dealer that listed the production version of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento concept for sale comes our next story on future models up for grabs. This time, exotic car dealer Auto Salon Singen is advertising the sale of the upcoming successor to the Lamborghini Murcielago, which the company names Aventador LP700-4. The forthcoming Italian supercar is listed on the site at a net price of €260,420 (US$346,500) or €309,900 (US$412,300) with 19% tax. There's even a list with performance specs and standard equipment features. Read more »

First Details of Underground Racing’s Twin Turbocharged Ferrari 458 Italia

While Underground Racing admits that Ferrari has done a great job with the 458 Italia, the North Carolina-based tuner wants to spice up the Italian supercar as “something’s missing” from the stock setup. And what may that "something" be, we hear you ask? Why a turbo kit, or even better, how about two? Underground Racing will develop a Stage 1 system that will be fitted to the stock engine, while the Stage 2 conversion will be a more comprehensive update, including a custom built powerplant and force induction. More photos and videos alongside with performance numbers are said to follow soon.

Read more »