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It’s Convertible brethren will join in later in the summer as a 2013 model with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date, though if Chevrolet keeps the same pricing policy as the regular open-top versions, buyers should expect a $5,000 to $6,000 premium over the coupe model.
Both the Coupe and Convertible variants of the ZL1 get a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 SAE-rated at 580HP (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm), which makes it the most powerful engine ever to be offered on a series production Camaro.
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe with the 6sp manual hits 60mph from a rolling start in 4.0 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 119mph (191km/h) before it tops out at 180mph (290 km/h). The automatic model is slightly faster at 3.9 seconds, 12.0 seconds and 184mph (296 km/h) respectively.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 |

In less than 9 hours from now, at 7:30 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) to be precise, Land Rover will host an invitation-only event in New York City to reveal the all-new, second generation of its Range Rover Sport, on the eve of its first public appearance at the New York Auto Show that begins on Wednesday.We've already seen the new Range Rover's exterior through unofficial and (leaked) official photos, but Land Rover continues the release of teaser images with a new set of photos, which appear to be screen shots from a video that will reportedly star English actor Daniel Craig, best known for playing the role of British secret agent James Bond since 2006.
If you want to watch the short movie of the new Range Rover Sport, you will have to register on www.newrangeroversport.com to receive an invitation.
"Those tuning into the live broadcast will be treated to 'the best seats in the house' and be able to select a range of camera angles and viewing points from which to watch the reveal," said Land Rover in a statement. "There will also be extra exclusive content available on the site including a special live broadcast post the reveal.  This programme will feature interviews with those responsible for the Range Rover Sport's driving dynamics, innovative technology and design."

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 |

The unveiling of the 2014 LaCrosse on Monday was followed today by the release of the first pictures and details of Buick's second world premiere for the New York International Auto Show, the 2014 Regal in both regular and GS trims.Perhaps the most interesting and at the same time, somewhat disappointing news for the Opel / Vauxhal Insignia's American counterpart, is the replacement of the outgoing Regal GS' 2.0-liter turbocharged unit that produces 270hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm), with a new 2.0-liter force fed four-cylinder rated at 259hp and 295 lb-ft (400Nm).
On the bright side, the same 259hp engine is shared with the Regal Turbo, which in the 2013 model delivered 220hp. The 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology that makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque continues for the 2014 model.
As before, six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with all engines, while the GS is offered with a six-speed manual as well. Electric power steering is now featured on all models. A new Haldex all-wheel-drive system that incorporates electronic limited-slip differential to help optimize traction in all driving conditions is optionally available on the Turbo and GS models with automatic transmission.
Buick's designers made some mild styling tweaks to the exterior of the sedan, including a revised grille, new headlights with LED daytime running lamps, restyled front and rear bumpers, and a new set of LED tail lamps together with a full-width chrome strip at the back.
Key interior changes concern the refreshed instrument panel and the redesigned center console with fewer buttons and a customizable 8-inch screen for the latest version of Buick's infotainment system.
For 2014, the Regal also introduces new radar- and camera-based safety features – including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 |

Jaguar has lifted the veil off the first “R” model of the latest generation XJ flagship sedan. With a bespoke chassis and aerodynamic improvements, the XJR is “the most focused, agile and responsive member of the XJ family,” according to the British firm.Like the XKR-S GT, which will also premiere at the New York Auto Show, the XJR is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that develops 542hp (550PS) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. Mated to an 8-speed transmission, the V8 pushes the XJR from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h).
Even if it’s not that relevant for a performance sedan, the XJR’s average fuel economy is rated at 18 US mpg (24.4 UK mpg, 11.6 liters/100 km), partially thanks to the standard stop-start system.
The XJR can be recognized from subtle exterior styling cues, including a front splitter, “R” side sills, boot-lid spoiler, quad tailpipes and special “R” bonnet louvres, meant to make it stand out from the plain XJ models. Other distinctive elements are the 20-inch lightweight forged alloy “Farallon” wheels shod in specially developed Pirelli tires.
On the inside, the flagship Jaguar features semi-aniline leather upholstery with contrasting color stitching, and veneers in either Carbon Fiber of Piano Black. Entertainment is assured by a standard 380W, 12-speaker surround-sound system made by Meridian.
Tuned dampers and spring rates optimize the XJR’s handling and stability, while the settings for the active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control system have been specially calibrated for this model. Jaguar says the suspension has been tuned on the Nürburgring, the high-speed Rockingham UK circuit, an on the roads in north Wales and around the brand's Gaydon Research and Development center.
According to the automaker, the transmission suits fast driving as when in automatic mode, it is able to detect a more enthusiastic driving style, making more aggressive gearshifts and moving the shift-up point higher in the rev range. For manual shifts, the car is fitted with steering wheel-mounted paddles. Stopping power comes from a high performance braking system, consisting of 380mm front and 376mm rear internally ventilated discs.
The standard wheelbase XJR will start from $116,000 (€90,200) in the U.S., with the long-wheelbase version to cost an extra $3,000.

By Dan Mihalascu

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 |

Following the Geneva debut of its three-doorLeon SC model, Seat has released 60 new high-resolution photos and in-depth details of its compact model.

The Leon SC compensates for the 35-mm (1.38 in) shorter wheelbase compared to its five-door sibling with a sportier profile. It is the first time that Seat has offered a three-door version of the Leon, with the five-door model giving up on thehidden rear door handles as a consequence.

While rear passengers may suffer from less legroom and a more difficult access, the boot volume of the Leon SC is identical with the five-door variant – 380 liters. Just like the new VW Golf, Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and many more upcoming models, the Leon SC rides on VW Group’s MQB platform.

On engine versions up to 150 PS (148hp), the rear of the new SEAT Leon SC is equipped with a torsion bar suspension, while the more powerful variants come with a multi-link set-up.

The engines available for the Leon SC are all turbocharged, direct-injection units, both gasoline TSIs and diesel TDIs, spanning from 1.2 to 2.0-liters in displacement. Power ranges from 86 PS (85 hp) to 184 PS (181 hp), at least until the new Leon Cupra is launched.

The most frugal engine is the 1.6 TDI (105 PS – 104 HP) fitted with a start-stop system, which averages 3.8 liters/100 km (61.9 US mpg), equivalent to a CO2 figure of just 99 grams per kilometer. Just like the five-door Leon, the SC variant is offered in three equipment lines – Leon, Reference and Style, as well as the sporty FR.

Equipment-wise, the Leon SC comes as standard with full-LED headlights and is available with optional extras including a 5.8-inch navigation and infotainment system, a drowsiness detection system, Full Beam Assist (automatically switches between full and dipped beam) and Heading Control, a lane-keeping assistant system.

By Dan Mihalascu

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