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Affalterbach Additions Tranform Benz's Heavy-Hitting Droptop



Saint-Tropez is a charming town in southeastern France nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. Internationally recognized as a summer playground for the wealthy and famous, it is also famed for its "clothing optional" beaches where more than just noses and shoulders get burned in hot weather. While still a couple months shy of warm weather and the influx of tourists, Mercedes-Benz chose to get an early start on the topless party by flying us to the Côte d'Azur for some seat time in its newest high-performance droptop, the 2013 SL63 AMG Roadster.

Our first taste of the new SL-Class was behind the wheel of the standard SL550 in Spain less than two months ago. The two-seater impressed us with its stout chassis, strong engine and lavish appointments - but it failed to stir our emotions. The base SL long ago steered away from being a driver's car, and its latest incarnation proved no different. It was, in effect, just a very capable and posh GT.

But the SL63 AMG, boasting upwards of 557 horsepower thanks to a burly twin-turbocharged V8, still seems promising. Its luxury appointments are nearly identical, yet it wears AMG attire and its entire powertrain has been upgraded to appease warm-blooded automotive enthusiasts. Do fresh duds and a new muscular system make a more compelling athlete? We roughed in the French Riviera to find out.

Boiled Down, But Still Delectable



It is nearly impossible to avoid reminiscing about the 1983 Volkswagen GTI while driving the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R. As you may recall, "the original hot hatch" arrived on our shores seemingly eons ago with a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four spitting out just 90 horsepower. While hardly brawny, even in an era of wheezy outputs (the 1983 Mustang GT 5.0L generated just 175 horsepower), its low curb weight of 952.5 kilograms (2,100 pounds) and a base price of under $10-grand made the range-topping Rabbit not only light, tossable and reasonably quick, but very affordable.

Fast forward nearly three decades to the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R, a direct descendant of that first-generation GTI. Thoroughly modernized, and riding on a sixth-generation chassis, the new two- or four-door range-topping Golf boasts a bit more displacement and gobs more horsepower. But that is not all today's hot hatch has gained. With innovation and refinement come mass and cost – both of which have risen dramatically over the past three decades.

After falling head-over-heels for the 2012 Golf R after our first drive of the Euro-spec model in Switzerland last spring (taking it sideways at the Arctic Circle was pretty fun too), it was time to put one in our garage for a longer run on this side of the pond. With an eager and open mind, we welcomed the Golf R into our lives for a week. While we didn't have a chance to toss it around a closed racing circuit, we did put in several hundred kilometres on the highway, wrung it out on Mulholland and frolicked in wet Southern California mountain snow. In the process, we not only learned plenty about Volkswagen's hot hatch, but we met several other Golf R drivers who were more than willing to talk to us about their own experiences.

A Small-Scripted S Delivers Power, Performance And Pomposity



Porsche offers its Panamera to North American buyers in no fewer than eight models with six different engine choices, including a hybrid. There's even an oil-burning diesel model available across the Pond. At one end of the spectrum is the entry-level Panamera with a very capable 300-horsepower V6. At the other end, and at the top of the pecking order, is the Panamera Turbo S, boasting a 550-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8. Not only is it the most powerful street-legal Porsche on offer, but it is the world's quickest four-door sedan. Err... hatchback.

So others are aware of the Panamera's potential, Porsche reserves its coveted 'Turbo' script only for its most capable vehicles. It is indeed a badge of honor. However, the ante is upped even further when a small scripted 'S' is adhered as a suffix. Its addition indicates to all others that the overall performance has been boosted to flagship levels – it is a tiny yet bold badge of bravado.

To help us solve the riddle of whether or not the Panamera Turbo S is more than just an exercise in demonstrating masculine superiority within ones social circle, Porsche deposited a stunning Aqua Blue Metallic example in our driveway for a week. It was our job to put the CAD$200,300, four-passenger neck-snapper to the test and somehow avoid filling its glovebox with citations in the process.

We Finally Sample Scion's Irresistible Lightweight on North American soil



Five months ago, we flew countless hours to spend a fleeting afternoon with the highly anticipated Scion FR-S at Japan's Sodegaura Forest Raceway, a track located just outside of Tokyo. Last week, we were in the air for far less en route to Las Vegas to spend a much longer day with the production sports coupe.

The FR-S impressed us during our first drive in Japan, but the weather turned lousy and we didn't have a chance to drive it on public roads at legal speeds. This time, Scion scheduled plenty of seat time on public roads and on a racing circuit, while Mother Nature provided us with excellent weather.

Driving the coupe again in proper left-hand drive on relatively familiar roads (and under much more favourable conditions) gave us better insight into the naturally aspirated four-seater. Not only did we learn a lot more about the engine, chassis and its driving dynamics, but we were able to finally interact with the FR-S as a daily driver.

It was, in effect, an interesting and informative second date.

In the wake of images leaking earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz rolled out its Concept Style Coupe at the Transmission LA:AV CLUB at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), yesterday. The "CSC" is expected to officially make its world debut at the Beijing Motor Show next week, but the sneak preview gave us an early look at the stunning four-door in the flesh.

Expected to ride atop Mercedes' new MFA platform, the CSC is a close-to-production glimpse at the automaker's long-awaited compact sedan (expected to be called CLA when it arrives). Styled like a smaller version of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the CSC features sleek and aggressive bodywork over 20-inch turbine-style wheels. The roof features a large panoramic glass panel allowing plenty of light to spill into the four-place cabin. Under the hood of the concept is a turbocharged four-cylinder, rated at 211 horsepower, sending its power to the automaker's 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The art exhibit, open free of charge through May 6, is an interesting audio visual experience curated by Mike D of the Beastie Boys. The Mercedes-Benz CSC is shown in a dark room under banks of halogen lights that are choreographed to illuminate to the music (only audible by wearing headsets hung from the rafters). It was nearly impossible to take pictures, but we have updated our gallery with some supplied photography. Don't forget to check out the video clip below with Mike D describing the concept.

News Source: Mercedes-Benz

We last saw the Aston Martin V12 Zagato on the floor at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It was hardly an opportune moment to relish the automaker's stunning new two-seater, however, as we were forced to dodge the crowds while shooting images for our live gallery. Wanting to get a closer second look at the exceedingly rare exotic and shoot a more detailed photo montage, we visited Galpin Aston Martin in Southern California for a private viewing (astute readers may recall that several years ago we visted Galpin's exclusive "vault room" to check out the Aston Martin One-77).

Beneath this example's glossy Diavolo Red paint, mounted within the all-alloy aluminum monocoque platform, is the powerful running gear of a V12 Vantage (a car we called "an intoxicating machine masterfully engineered to gratify every emotion in a car enthusiast's soul" in our V12 Vantage review). In a nutshell, the rear-wheel drive V12 Zagato features a naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 (rated at 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque), a rear mid-mounted transaxle and a traditional six-speed manual gearbox. Ever so slightly lighter than the V12 Vantage, the V12 Zagato will crack the 60 mph (96.5 km/h) benchmark in about four seconds and not run out of steam until about 305 km/h. Scroll down to continue reading.

While it doesn't even appear as a bad pixel on most enthusiasts' radar, the Toyota Venza serves legions of mainstream consumers perfectly well. To keep the unassuming family hauler from lagging behind its advancing competition, the automaker has introduced a refreshed and tweaked 2013 Toyota Venza at the New York Auto Show.

Look carefully on the exterior and you may notice the freshened fog lamps or redesigned grille on the front fascia. Out back, there are restyled taillamps. Three new colors join the pallete (Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica). Under the hood, the engines are carried over from last year (2.7-litre four-cylinder or a 3.5-litre V6, depending on trim level, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission).

With the exception of the new interior color (black leather or black cloth upholstery) and new buttons on the steering wheel, the cabin appears virtually identical. However, there are more standard features on the LE trim (blind spot mirror, eight-way power-operated driver's seat, puddle lamps, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and more) and the range-topping Limited receives LED running lights and a premium navigation system with Entune connectivity. Most of the new features are offered across the model range, but at an additional cost. The updated 2013 Toyota Venza goes on sale in late May.

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

BMW has treated its high-performance X6 M to a refresh for the 2013 model year, rolling the controversial bad boy out during the New York Auto Show for its first official appearance. Unfortunately, the changes are so subtle that we required an official BMW tour guide to point them out. In lieu of such a service for each of our readers, the next paragraph will have to suffice.

Most obvious is the new 'power bulge' hood, borrowed from the now-defunct BMW X6 Active Hybrid. Less visible are the cosmetic changes to the BMW-signature kidney grill and the new optional LED headlights (active HID bulbs remain standard). Peer inside the 20-inch wheels to spot the painted calipers, now in a distinguished "M" blue (vehicles with optional carbon/ceramic brakes have gold calipers). Lastly, inside the cabin, BMW's active sport seats are now standard.

Unchanged – and rightly so – is the gobsmacking twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 boasting 555 hp and 501 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed paddleshift automatic and permanent all-wheel drive, the hunchbacked hero will easily crack nearly 100 km/h in under than five seconds. By the way, you'll have to make your own arrangements to get the gaudy Olympic sponsorship graphics seen on the vehicle above.

News Source: BMW

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

Visitors to the New York Auto Show will be able to take a closer look at the Terrafugia Transition 'Flying Car,' just days after the company's prototype made its first flight. The two-place airworthy machine is perhaps best considered a roadgoing low-wing aircraft (not a 'flying car'), as its technical specifications are anything but earthly.

For starters, the curb weight of the composite and aluminum Transition is just 970 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 pounds (useful load is 460 pounds). It is powered by a 1.4-litre Rotax 912ULS, a water-cooled flat-four developing 100 horsepower.

In aircraft mode, the thick automated electromechanical folding wings open and a gearbox transfers power to a four-bladed pusher propeller just behind the cockpit. Top speed in the non-pressurized Transition is about 185 km/h (115 mph), with a flying range of just over 640 kilometers (400 miles). In terrestrial mode, with the wings folded and a license plate hanging in the slipstream, power is sent to the rear wheels and the top speed falls to just 105 km/h (65 mph). Fuel economy is about 6.7L/100km (35 mpg), with an on-road range in excess of 965 kilometers (600 miles).

According to Woburn, Massachusetts-based Terrafugia, the company has more than 100 reservations for this novel contraption. If you have Popular Science dreams, get out your thickest checkbook, as the current anticipated base purchase price is a lofty US$279,000.

Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

Lacking the fanfare of a flashy press conference, the 2012 Lotus Evora S arrived at the New York Auto Show sporting an upgraded interior and new wheel options (Lotus is one of the few automakers still following the actual calendar when it comes to model year introductions, meaning 2012 models are just now flowing into the North American marketplace).

While hardly lacking lavishness, the Evora's cockpit has been further enhanced with additional leather on the door panels and lower sills. There is a new trim ring around the transmission shifter, the standard Recaro seats have been re-upholstered with upgraded leather (with contrasting piping and woven fabric inserts) and the bright brushed metal dashboard has a new dark finish for better contrast. Rounding up the interior alterations, the loathed Alpine audio/navigation system has been replaced with a superior system from Pioneer.

The standard alloy wheel package remains a staggered 18- and 19-inch setup, but Lotus is also offering a new 19- and 20-inch wheel package with several different finishes including a gorgeous matte anthracite (the wheels shown in our gallery). The 2012 Lotus Evora / Evora S is rolling into showrooms today!

Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2012 Michael Harley / AOL

North Americans are going to get their first taste of an oil-burning Porsche this September when the German automaker releases its 2013 Cayenne Diesel. Europeans have been enjoying the Cayenne Diesel since 2009 – it is one of the most popular engine choices for the SUV on the other side of the Pond – but its tailpipe emissions have kept it out of our grasp, until now.

The updated engine is a second-generation turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, rated at 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the automaker says it will run to over 96 km/h (60 mph) in 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). The Cayenne Diesel is rated to tow a segment-leading 7,716 pounds and boasts a highway range of 1190 km (740 miles) thanks to its 8.4L/100km (28 mpg) highway rating.

While Autoblog has enjoyed the European Cayenne Diesel extensively overseas (we have done 225 km/h on the German Autobahn without breaking a sweat), North Americans are getting a new diesel-powered V6 that has been engineered to meet Tier 2 BIN5 emissions standards for our domestic marketplace – the engine utilizes a urea solution (diesel exhaust fluid, trademarked as AdBlue) to satisfy the EPA. (We expect the second-generation engine to find its way under the hood of the Volkswagen Touareg TDI in the very near future.)

Arriving later this year, the Cayenne Diesel will carry a base sticker price of US$55,750, not including a US$975 destination charge. We'll update any Canadian pricing once available. To see more visit the photo gallery above.

Image Credit: Live images copyright 2012 Drew Phillips / AOL

For The Enthusiast Who Isn't Ready To Embrace The Future



The 328i is better than the 335i.

We are not the only ones claiming that the entry-level BMW 3 Series, fitted with a clamorous lightweight turbocharged four-cylinder engine, is more agile and tossable than its twin turbocharged six-cylinder sibling – it appears to many that the segment leader has been displaced by its weaker brother.

Well, maybe.

That big 'maybe,' and a whole bunch of its little 'maybe' associates, are what convinced us to grab the keys to a brand-new six-cylinder BMW and take it home for a week. Our objective was to determine why the muscular 335i, long the performance benchmark of compact sport sedans, was getting its tailpipes handed to it by its four-banger kin.

To solve the riddle, we put more than 3500 kilometres on a brand-new 335i Sport configured with a six-speed manual transmission. Of course, we liked much of what we experienced, as the redesign fits the 3 Series very well. But we also exposed a few holes in its once-impenetrable armour – some big enough to let two fewer cylinders slip by. Has the quickest and highest-performing of the non-M 3 Series models really lost its top spot on the palace throne? If so, why would someone still want a 335i?

Plugging A Hole With A Seven-Passenger Synthetic Cork



Consumers looking for a sports coupe, sports sedan, sporty five-passenger crossover, luxury five-passenger crossover, trailer-capable SUV, sporty convertible or hybrid luxury sedan have been able to drive out of Infiniti showrooms very satisfied. The automaker offers a well-curated family of vehicles for each of these genres, without question.

However, affluent families seeking an import luxury seven-passenger crossover – without a traditional truck lineage – have been forced to shop elsewhere. Many of Infiniti's missed opportunities end up holding keys to an Acura MDX, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90. Aiming to close a gaping leak in its product range, Infiniti officially introduced the world to its all-new JX crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show just a few months ago.

The new arrival has been engineered to "excel in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features," says Infiniti. But to us, some of those qualities seem to stray from the company's 'Inspired Performance' tagline. Intrigued by the new arrival, we climbed aboard an airliner and flew to Charleston, South Carolina, for an introduction and test drive of the JX crossover.