German tuners Prior Design has come up with a new Carbon Limited Edition body kit for the Audi R8, with new styling upgrades.

With no additional tuning, the modifications are mostly cosmetic with Prior Design choosing to keep the engine intact. Most of the performance improvement comes as a result of upgraded aerodynamics, with the new body kit.

The most obvious change is the Audi R8’s trademark sideblade, which has been painted in the body colour of the car instead of black. Other modifications include a new lower lip spoiler with a centre fin and two smaller air intakes on the sides.

There is also a new, more rounded hood with carbon fibre inlets, as well as new side skirts. The redesigned rear bumper has been constructed from carbon fibre, and contains a new diffuser. The interior has also been given a makeover by Kamp-Lintfort, and includes carbon fibre trim on the centre console and handbrake.

Auto Tune: Audi R8 Carbon Limited Edition offered by Prior Design is a post from: Auto Source Media

Skoda has given its Fabia and Roomster models a facelift for 2010, adding new petrol and diesel engines to the range.

The facelift applies to the Fabia hatchback, the Fabia Combi station wagon, as well as the Roomster mini-MPV. Minor cosmetic to the cars include a restyled grille, a new bumper design and revised headlights, as well as new alloy wheel and hub cap designs and an expanded choice of body colors.

Under the hood, the biggest changes happen with new 1.2-litre 12-valve and 1.2-litre TSI engines from the Volkswagen Group that replaces the naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol units. There are also new 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre TDI units that replace the 1.4-litre and 1.9-litre TDI diesel engines.

The 1.2-litre 12-valve petrol engine produces 86bhp, with a 70bhp version also available, while the turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI unit gives out 105bhp, and can be specified with Volkswagen’s 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

The 1.2-litre TDI diesel meanwhile delivers 75bhp, while the 1.6-litre TDI comes with either 90bhp or 105bhp. Skoda is expected to release more details about the facelifted Fabia and Roomster at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Auto 2010: Skoda facelifts the Fabia and Roomster is a post from: Auto Source Media

Volkswagen Beetle Black-Orange Special Edition

Volkswagen has revealed a new special edition for their Beetle models, called the Black-Orange Special Edition.

Black-Orange Special Edition from Volkswagen is available for both the Beetle hardtop and Beetle Cabriolet variants, and features two colour schemes; a black paintjob with contrasting white stripes on the sides, or an orange paintwork with black stripes.

Volkswagen Beetle Black-Orange Special Edition

Besides, the Beetle Black-Orange Special Edition gets a set of 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels. According to Volkswagen, the Black-Orange Special Edition have a new three-spoke leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and sport seats with a unique design plus floor mats and gear leather trim with contrasting orange stitching.

On the Beetle, it is in addition to the standard equipment that already found on it. It includes air conditioning, an upgraded audio system, centre armrest and electric windows.

The Beetle Black-Orange Special Edition is available with a number of engines, including the 102bhp 1.6 litre petrol unit.

Auto Launch: Volkswagen reveals the Beetle Black-Orange Special Edition is a post from: Auto Source Media

The Sole distributor of Land Rover vehicles in Singapore, Vantage Automotive is introducing two exciting new limited edition models of the iconic Defender 4×4- the Defender Fire and Defender Ice.

Defenders, who have earned their reputation for rugged dependability, have been inspired by the world’s most challenging landscapes- the Fire & Ice models blend classic Land Rover functionality with a stunning new style.

Defender’s limited edition features striking two-tone colour schemes. Defender Fire combines a scorching metallic ‘Vesuvius’ orange with metallic ‘Santorini’ black roof, bonnet, centre grille and wheel arches.

Defender Ice contrasts the cooler shade of ‘Alaska’ white with the same bold black panels.

With some eye-catching details, the exterior includes ‘diamond turned’ five spoke alloy wheels, black side runners, LED rear lamps with clear lenses, and a unique front light treatment.

Inside the Fire & Ice models, the cabins feature superior materials and special interior treatments to complement the style and functionality of the exterior. The seats combine black leather borders with attractive grey Alcantara centre panels, and head restraints with an embossed Land Rover logo.

And the splashes of the bold colors have brought the additional life to the interior design. The centre switch panels use the same orange or white paint finish as the exterior, while contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats, centre cubby box and carpet mats is coordinated to match.

For that extra degree of personalisation, a range of tough optional accessories is available including an A-frame protection bar, a raised air intake, a ribbed aluminium undershield, aluminium wing top protectors and a chequer plate protection kit in black, a luggage rack or a roof sports bar system. The Fire & Ice limited editions are available with the 90 or 110 Station Wagon bodystyles.

Prices- start at SGD$218,888.

In Singapore, Just 6 Defender Fire and Defender Ice models will be offered, with a total of 850 vehicles planned to be sold worldwide.

Auto Launch: Land Rover launches exciting ‘Fire & Ice’ Defender limited editions is a post from: Auto Source Media

Current Mileage/Months in Fleet: 3218 miles/2 months
Average Fuel Economy/Range: 24 mpg/316 miles
Service: $0
Normal Wear: $0
Repair: $0

Mini, the BMW’s British division proved people will pay real money for small cars, and companies that previously claimed small cars had to be cheap are changing tack.

The competition with Ford brings the Mini John Cooper Works convertible. With a $34,950 base price, it’s the most expensive Mini of the nine models on offer in the U.S. and easily the most expensive tiny car on sale in the States.

The Mini car got $3600 worth of factory equipment including xenon lights ($500), white turn-signal lenses ($100), connectivity for Bluetooth devices and iPods ($500), a cold-weather package ($500; includes folding mirrors plus heated mirrors, seats, and washer jets), dark silver metallic paint ($500), dark gray interior trim ($250), and the Premium package ($1250; includes a multifunction steering wheel, an alarm system, chrome interior and exterior accents, and automatic climate control).

It seems to be the most expensive Mini on the planet. The accessories catalog also includes: a rubber trunk mat ($64.50), twin black center exterior stripes ($92), checkered floor mats ($147.75), an electric cool bag ($175.95), an LED shift indicator ($303.95), a lateral-g gauge ($390.45), a leather-and-Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel ($521), Sirius satellite radio ($599), two-tone polished and painted 18-inch wheels ($3200.25), and the Cooper Works body kit ($2199).

The Mini snorts, cracks, and pops like a DTM car’s. The aggressive sound coming from such a cute car nearly forces everyone within the earshot to crack a grin. The car goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Auto News: Mini John Cooper Works Convertible is a post from: Auto Source Media

Brad Pitt with his new Camaro SS

While celebrity gossip usually concerns romances with members of the opposite sex, Hollywood residents do some crazy things from time to time. For instance the big screen actor, the most famous celebrity alive, Brad Pitt, has just been spotted with a new love interest. Just the other day he ran into a little snag with his custom chopper and it now seems that he is finding happiness on four wheels with something that has orange accents and a bowtie.

The award winning actor’s affection is not what you are thinking. Neither Angelina should be too jealous, because Brad was recently seen stepping into a brand new Camaro SS.

Like all of GM’s 2010 pony cars, the Branjamaro is powered by an extremely efficient modern day small block V8. The LS3 power plant displaces 6.2 Liters and can make as much as 422 HP and 408 lb-ft of torque when equipped with a fuel saving six speed manual transmissions.

The Branjamaro has no doubt an octet of cylinders because it is an SS model. But the question remains does Brad Pitt’s new lady take full control or does she let him bang the gears.

This is huge brand recognition for the Camaro SS and will surely increase interest in the vehicle. Like it or not, celebrities are the trendsetters.

Auto Stuff: Brad Pitt and his brand new Camaro SS is a post from: Auto Source Media

On the eve of the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, Toyota has launched its new SAI, a sister car to the Lexus HS 250h in Japan. The 2009 Toyota SAI is a more affordable version of the Lexus hybrid sedan.

Toyota SAI with the four-door looks the same and the 2.4-liter hybrid system is identical. The SAI has a simpler interior and hits the streets for thousands less.

Toyota SAI is almost 4 inches shorter than the HS. It has changed new extensive sheet metal changes, including new lights front and rear, although these are so subtle that few will notice at first glance.

The SAI is being powered with the 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain with nickel-metal hydride battery pack mounted beneath the trunk floor, which is a straight carryover from the Lexus, making 187 horsepower.

Hybrids means green and the SAI turns in a useful 47-54 mpg in Japan’s economy cycle, exactly the same as the HS 250h, even though it’s smaller and up to 154 pounds lighter.

Japan gets the SAI because there is no Camry hybrid in the domestic market and its smaller body is better suited to Japanese driving conditions. For that reason, the SAI will not be crossing the Pacific to the U.S.

The Toyota SAI is a reasonable value at the equivalent of $37,600, but the top-spec model is of $47,370.

The Toyota SAI seems to be a smart move, but with the HS 250h on which it’s based selling out in Japan.

2009 Tokyo Auto Show: Toyota SAI Hybrid is a post from: Auto Source Media

At the Tokyo Auto Show, Toyota’s FT-86 Concept has stolen the spotlight in the lead at its debut. Japan’s Holiday Auto has had a go at sketching Subaru’s sibling to the AE86 successor.

Subaru’s STI RWD Coupe rendered speculations, showing a potential flagship STI variant which should up the power stakes by employing Subaru’s 186kW normally aspirated EJ25 2.5-litre boxer engine.

It seems that any notion of a turbocharged boxer engine finding its way into either of the AE86 derivatives, which is being avoided for the sake of purity – although not entirely ruled out.

Much of the design and engineering elements have been borrowed from the WRX STI, providing the platform, including wider front and rear guards to accommodate more rubber and give the car a more aggressive stance.

Insiders expect the Subaru counterpart to appear at next year’s Tokyo Motor Show, or shortly after at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Auto Speculation: Subaru STI RWD Coupe rendered speculation is a post from: Auto Source Media

Infiniti, which remain absent from the luxury hybrid market, announced on Wednesday to roll out its first hybrid for the 2012 model year.

Infiniti has decided to take the plunge, including M35 version- the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid in spring 2011.

The powertrain will include an electric motor that works with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. The electric motor works for propulsion and as a generator.

The 2012 Infiniti Hybrid vehicle has a “laminated” lithium-ion battery pack, and the lamination enhances cooling performance.

All-new hybrid car for the 2012 model year, it is expected that the M35 will compete with the 340-horsepower Lexus GS 450h, which starts at $57,425, including an $875 destination charge. The 2010 Lexus GS 450h returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway.

The specifications for the M35 Hybrid includes rear-wheel drive and come with a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor. And the car features strikes new metal sheet, with a long hood and flared fenders.

The Laminated lithium-ion battery pack is offered as the new technologies. It is same in the size as conventional batteries, but the power supply is twice of it. The battery pack offers “exceptional reliability.”

The M35 Hybrid is based on the new M and takes its styling cues from the Infiniti Essence , which debuted at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

Auto Design: Infiniti hybrid 2012 M35 is a post from: Auto Source Media

Cadillac, the America’s luxury car maker, is inviting the public to join for some test drives of its new 2010 SRX.

The 2010 SRX has been completely redesigned and features a chassis that is unique to the luxury crossover. The designers have incorporated enough bold body lines and creases to make it look muscular.

The rear tail lamps of SRX make one feel that Cadillac is bringing back the tailfins.

Current SRX models are available with either two or all wheel drive and are powered by a 3.0 liter VVT DOHC direct injection V6 that gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while a 300 hp turbocharged 2.7 liter V6 is scheduled to arrive soon.

The SRX has a standard Cadillac interior; everything from the brightly illuminated gauges to one of the most comfortable steering wheels on the market, the Cadillac of crossovers is top notch.

The dash is finished in leather with accented stitching, the doors are adorned with elegant wood trim and the seat mounted video screens look wonderful. One of the best features of the new SRX is the oversized sunroof that can trick you into thinking that you are behind the wheel of a convertible when it is open all the way.

Cadillac is also offering a dealer installed wireless router that has room for up to 5 internet connections and works up to 125 feet away from the vehicle.

Cadillac and General Motors are giving new car shoppers a reassuring taste of automotive excellence via the new Cadillac SRX.

Auto News: GM invites everyone to the Cadillac of Crossovers Test Drive Event is a post from: Auto Source Media