2007 Audi RS 4 Flips at Willow Springs: Video

The 2007 Audi RS4 is a great car and Willow Springs Raceway is one heck of a track, but both can get even experienced drivers into a heap of trouble fast. This lesson was learned by Tim Bucklin, who lost his RS4 during a recent track day event. Now, I'm definitely not here to poke fun at this guy's misfortune. Not only do I respect him for facing the harsh criticism of YouTube commenters, but the best part about this video is the driver's breakdown of what he did wrong - perhaps sparing others from the same fate.

It isn't clear how fast Bucklin was going when he entered Turn 9, but after turning into the apex early, the car understeers and gets too wide on the exit resulting in both left side tires getting off the track. With the steering wheel still turned to the right, the car shoots back across the track sliding into what looks like soft, deep sand, which sheers off the left front wheel and sends the car into a barrel roll where the car flips over at least two times.

Now, I've driven on plenty of racetracks, but, unfortunately, Willow Springs is not among them, but that final turn does seem extremely challenging. Bucklin describes the right-hand corner as having a late apex and decreasing radius, and the amount of skid marks exiting the turn are proof of just how tricky the turn is.

Although the RS4 received heavy damage, the passenger compartment held up impressively well. In fact, Bucklin said that he escaped the wreck with only a bruised arm, stiff neck and mild concussion.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2007 Audi RS 4.

2007 Audi RS 4 Flips at Willow Springs: Video originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 March 2015 14:00 EST.

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Toyota Camry - Driven

It hadn't been long since my first drive experience with the revised 2015 Toyota Camry. I spent a couple days along the northeastern edge of Florida's sunny coastline driving every trim level the Camry had to offer. But recently a Camry showed up at my door, ready for a weeklong stint. Remembering back to my first drive experience, I knew the week would be full of pleasant, uneventful driving. This would especially be the case since the week's loaner was fitted with the swanky XLE trim with near-Lexus levels of luxury.

The car also came loaded with options, including the 3.5-liter V-6, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, the Entune infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, the Technology Package, illuminated door sills, and the rear spoiler.

The Camry proved to be a great fit for the week's activities that including tooling around town, hauling kids in car seats, and taking a short two-hour road trip for a wedding. So how'd it do? Click past the jump for the rundown.

Click past the jump for more on the 2015 Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry - Driven originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 5 December 2014 13:00 EST.

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Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept

Audi is pushing deeper and deeper into alternative propulsion every year. Recent concepts have seen a push towards electric power with the e-tron lineup, the racing division is pushing hybrid tech with diesel engines, and of course, we have Audi's large lineup of TDI models. Now though, we have the next step towards a gasoline-free future with the A7 Sportback h-tron Quattro. This new car is based on the sporting and attractive A7 Sportback, but instead of the standard gasoline or diesel engines that Audi sells it with, this new car comes packed with a fuel cell combined to a plug-in hybrid system.

Audi promises outstanding speed and performance, with a hydrogen-only range of more than 300 miles. A unique and capable new electric Quattro AWD system makes its debut and it should give the A7 h-tron a level of handling prowess never before seen on a hydrogen car. Once you add in the fact that the A7 is a stunning looking car with plenty of room for five people, lots of luggage space and class-leading levels of luxury and the h-tron looks like a real winner.

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept.

Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 21 November 2014 10:00 EST.

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Acura Looking Into Offering Standard AWD on All Models

Acura remains a brand trying to find its way, as many luxury buyers simply don't see it as a premium enough brand to warrant a high entry fee. With Acura's sales falling well behind Lexus, BMW and Mercedes as of September 2014, Honda's luxury arm needs to do something to boost sales. Acura is working on solutions to this issue, and one answer is to do what many other brands are doing these days, steal a page from a successful brand's book.

Specifically, Acura is considering offering all of its models with standard all-wheel drive, according to Automotive News. The hope in moving to standard all-wheel drive is to develop a brand image that keeps buyers coming back for more. Acura head, Koichi Fukuo, says he looks to the recent success of Subaru and Audi, in building their brands around selling almost exclusively AWD vehicles. Fukuo feels Acura may be able to tap into the same market and build more customer loyalty.

Currently, Acura offers at least one form of all-wheel drive on all of its models, sans the Civic-based ILX, and roughly 50 percent of its sales include all-wheel-drive. Additionally, with Acura's two next-generation all-wheel drive systems - a revised SH-AWD and the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD - this take rate will likely increase. Despite this trending toward all four wheels getting power, all Acura models, including its crossovers, come standard with front-wheel drive.

According to Fukuo, this idea is currently under consideration and a final decision isn't ready to be made. While I love the idea of standard AWD in every Acura model, the brand also needs to continue separating itself from Honda like other luxury brands have in recent years. Sure, the all-new TLX is a nice step in the right direction, but it is still easily identifiable as a redone, albeit a very well-redone, Accord.

Click past the jump to read more about Acura's future move to AWD.

Acura Looking Into Offering Standard AWD on All Models originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 14 October 2014 15:00 EST.

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Rolls Royce Ghost by Novitec Spofec

The Rolls-Royce Ghost usually isn't the type of vehicle Novitec turns its attention to. It's not a Ferrari; it's not a Maserati; and last I checked, it's not a Lamborghini either. But the Novitec Group now has a new tuning arm devoted exclusively to Rolls-Royce models. This new tuning arm is called Novitec Sporfec, which shouldn't be confused with Novitec Rosso (Ferrari), Novitec Tridente (Maserati), and Novitec Torado (Lamborghini). It's relatively new compared to the others, so it's easy to see why some people were surprised to see this Rolls-Royce Ghost program.

Admittedly, I was one of those people but once my own surprise wore off, I looked a little closer at the new Ghost program and realized that Novitec Sporfec isn't all that different from its brothers. For one, it goes to great lengths to develop in-house technology for its programs. It also uses these advancements to develop unique programs that provides across-the-board improvements on the vehicles it works on.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a perfect example of that. The list of upgrades are comprehensive with new components for every element of the British luxury sedan. This meticulous attention-to-detail has earned Novitec our praise in the past. With this new Sporfec division for Rolls-Royce models, I can't see that changing anytime soon.

Click past the jump to read more about the Rolls Royce Ghost By Novitec Spofec.

Rolls Royce Ghost by Novitec Spofec originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 27 September 2014 12:00 EST.

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Video: Chris Harris Reviews the New BMW M3

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BMW M3s have always been about high-revving, naturally aspirated engine and lightweight, nimble handling. In fact, that was the case for all M cars until the M5 came along with a twin-turbocharged V-8, which then made its way into the M6 as well. The E92 generation M3 was the last M car to have a free-breathing engine. The new one, chassis code F80, gets forced induction - much to the dismay of many M car fans. With the help of two turbochargers, the new, 3.0-liter inline-six makes 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That's a considerable bump over the 295 pound-feet of the previous M3 and it comes on 2,050 RPM sooner. This makes the new M3 much more of a weapon than the E92, which needed to be revved to eternity to really get going. And this shows, as the F80 gets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds where as the old E92 took 4.1.

Chris Harris seems to think, despite what all of the haters say, that this new M3 is best of the breed. And he should know, being that he used to own an E92 M3 and currently owns an original E30 Sports Evolution M3. Harris say the engine, despite drawing such criticism for its blown-nature, is a masterpiece. It doesn't sound all that great but it works wonderfully.

The chassis balance, as always with M3s, is fantastic and the gearbox is epic. One place where the new M3 might still draw criticism though, is the steering. It's electric and many people, including Harris himself, think that it feels a bit artificial, but it's incredibly accurate and is nicely weighted. Chris seems to think that this new M3 moves the game dramatically forward over the previous generation. If a man who drives some of the most hardcore sports cars out there says that, then I'm going to listen.

Chris Harris makes lovely videos because they help people like me, who don't always get to drive some of these awesome sports cars, really get a feel for what they're like. He really beats on the M3 in this video and shows what it can do, drifting through turns on a circuit and bombing a twisty, mountain road. In doing so, we can really get an idea of just how good the new M3 is. It may not be as pure as an E30, but it's damn close, and that's good enough for me.

Video: Chris Harris Reviews the New BMW M3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 26 August 2014 08:00 EST.

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Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA

According to the great Jeremy Clarkson, you can't be a true petrol-head until you've owned an Alfa Romeo. That always posed a problem for many American car enthusiasts. See, Alfa Romeo hasn't really sold any cars here since the 90's and even then they were very few and far between. Sure, we got the beautiful 8C Competizione, but that was only for a handful of lucky millionaires. The 4C has already come to the U.S. but even that is too expensive and exclusive for the average buyer. Fortunately, though, for us average 'Mericans, Alfa hasn't forgotten us. The Giulia is coming in 2015 and it's a rear-wheel drive sedan, most likely powered by one of Fiat's turbo four cylinder engines, and a GTA version will follow it across the pond.

The Giulia is going to be the car that Alfa Romeo uses to reintroduce the brand to the US. It should be sized and priced to compete with the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. The big news however is the announcement of a "hot" version, called the Giulia GTA. The GTA's main focus will be to take on the M3 and upcoming C63 AMG.

*Image shown here is of the standard version of the upcoming Giulia

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA.

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 16 August 2014 23:00 EST.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost Special Edition

Rolls-Royce has made a habit of releasing numerous special-edition models of its luxurious vehicles. Often unique, these luxo-barges are delivered in Middle East and China, the world's most important luxury markets. Phantoms, Ghosts, Wraiths, you name it. Rolls-Royce will customize its interior, add a bespoke paint job, ask a hefty premium in exchange and call it a day. After launching the stunning Pinnacle Travel Phantom at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, the Brits are introducing a bespoke Ghost limousine during the Chengdu Motor Show, scheduled between August 29th and September 7th, 2014.

Details are slim as of 08/15/2014, but the preliminary photos released by Rolls-Royce reveal a rather intriguing Ghost model, especially when it comes to its interior theme.

Stay tuned to TopSpeed for a detailed update on this exquisite Rolls-Royce Ghost. We'll be right back as soon as the luxury company unwraps the limousine at the Chengdu Motor Show.

Click past the jump to read about the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Rolls-Royce Ghost Special Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 17 August 2014 23:00 EST.

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Audi A6 TDI - Driven

When it comes to press cars and review cars, there are few machines I know more intimately than the 2014 Audi A6 TDI. Last year I joined a collection of fellow lunatics and set out on a 48-hour cannonball run from LA to New York City to test out Audi's new 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, and really test its real-world fuel economy. After 46 hours and nearly 3,000 miles, I had spent several hours in every seat, tried to eat, sleep, and work inside of its wood-filled interior, and used almost every gadget it contained to keep myself entertained.

I have made lots of big road trips in lots of cars including the Nissan GT-R and Porsche Cayman S, but this was a whole new experience.

After such an experience, I have lots of things to say about Audi's full-size luxury sedan. From equipment and pricing to performance and fuel economy, the Audi made major impressions. But where all those impressions good, would I do the trip again, and do I think it's a car worth spending money on?

All your answers await after the break.

Audi A6 TDI - Driven originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 June 2014 17:00 EST.

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Citroen C-Elysee WTCC

Posted on 07.27.2013 06:00 by Simona

Citroen revealed today the first details on the C-Elysee WTCC that will race in the World Touring Car Championship starting in the 2014 racing season. The model has now begun an intensive testing regimen and will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. During the WTCC series the model will be driven by S bastien Loeb.

The model is based on the 2013 C-Elysee and has been is the first vehicle designed in accordance with new FIA regulations. The model is powered by the same 1.6-liter direct-injected, turbocharged engine found in the the DS3 WRC. It delivers a total of approximately 380 horsepower and will send its power to the front wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox.

When compared to the standard version, the WTCC model is distinguished by a more aggressive aerodynamic kit that includes a new splitter, a redesigned front bumper with a prominent double chevron, new front and rear wings, and a set of 18-inch wheels.

Read more about the C-Elysee WTCC after the jump.

Citroen C-Elysee WTCC originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 27 July 2013 06:00 EST.

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Lexus IS 350 F Sport & a NASCAR Roadtrip

There are few things in this country more American than a NASCAR race. Sure, apple pie and baseball might outrank it, but neither of those can compete with stock cars thundering around a track at 200 mph while continually riding on the brink of catastrophe as they race just inches away from a concrete wall and other drivers gunning to win. So when the opportunity arose to become deeply immersed in the culture during the recent All-Star race, I jumped at the chance.

It all started a few months ago with an email invite from Toyota. It read something along the lines of, "how about joining us at the NASCAR All-Star race and tours of the Joe Gibbs Racing Center and NASCAR Hall of Fame?" My reply went something like, "Heck yeah, I'll be there!"

I decided to skip the crowded airports for a 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport and a seven-hour drive through the heart of the eastern seaboard. I viewed this almost like a pilgrimage; setting out on a roadtrip for a destination of racing importance located in the rolling hills of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Once on the road, my choice of chariot was immediately affirmed. Unlike my last Lexus experience, the front seat was perfectly molded, padded, and bolstered. The more I drove, the more the car seemed to shrink around me, making tight maneuvering a thing of ease. The stout 3.5-liter V-6 offered plenty of grunt while the tight steering and sport-tuned suspension made each corner a memorable event.

Click past the jump for the full review of the 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport and about my time spent at Joe Gibbs Racing Center

Lexus IS 350 F Sport & a NASCAR Roadtrip originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 20 May 2014 17:00 EST.

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Video: History Of Lexus

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The Lexus brand has an interesting history that begins a rather short time ago in the mid 1980s. Built to take on the American luxury market, Toyota chose to construct a car that competed head to head with the Germans and blow the then-current slew of American luxury cars out of the water. Seen in the XCAR video above, the young brand has certainly achieved an unmatched level of success in a very short amount of time.

Launched at the 1989 LA Auto Show, the new brand and its LS400 sedan set out to conquer the States in a sort of David and Goliath story.

Toyota's new division had a few hurdles to jump before creating a car for the U.S. market. The car had to weight less than 4,145 pounds to avoid the U.S. luxury car tax and achieve at least 25 mpg to avoid the gas guzzler tax. The company was able to achieve this with a sedan the size of a Mercedes S-Class, while being powered by a 4.0-liter V-8. No doubt impressive.

A short 11 years later in 1999, Lexus had risen ranks to become the best selling luxury brand in the U.S. The company also jumped into motorsports and launched the IS family of sedans. The brand continued to improve as sales grew even further. In 2006, Lexus received Toyota's hybrid drive system, helping boost mpg numbers throughout the Lexus lineup.

Then in 2010, the LFA supercar changed the game again. It challenged longtime rivals BMW and Mercedes - along with new foes Ferrari and Lamborghini. It was totally new ground for Toyota's luxury division.

Today as the LFA has faded into the history books, the brand still carries the presence of luxurious and sporty speed in nearly ever model it makes. It's been a long time coming for Lexus, though in reality, it's all happened in the blink of an eye.

Video: History Of Lexus originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 2 May 2014 17:00 EST.

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Saleen Tesla Model S

Although Saleen became famous for its aftermarket take on the Ford Mustang, the California-based specialist is more than just a muscle car tuner. Although its current lineup offers beefed up Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers, Saleen is also known for the S7 supercar.

It's been nearly 10 years since the S7 was axed, but the manufacturer has already announced plans to return on the supercar battleground with a brand-new creation. Intriguingly enough, Saleen is also going electric and is currently busy making the Tesla Model S even more powerful than it already is. If you remember, we actually broke the story of Saleen going electric when our own Justin Cupler interviewed Steve Saleen.

It's hard to look at Saleen, who has always been about V-8s and gasoline power, as an electric car tuning firm, but times, they are changing, and Steve Saleen wants to roll out the company's first ever EV later this year. Basically only a few months away from coming to fruition, the Saleen Tesla Model S is still under covers, with only a few renderings available for us to ogle at.

Powetrain updates? We wish we knew more, but something tells us Saleen's sedan will outgun the range-topping Model S fitted with the P85 performance package. Specifically, expect the Saleen-badged EV to deliver nearly 500 horsepower and quicker 0-to-60 sprints and sport some interesting aerodynamic updates.

We'll find out more in Summer 2014 when Saleen officially reveals the project.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Tesla Model S by Saleen.

Saleen Tesla Model S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 April 2014 14:00 EST.

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Kia Cadenza

Posted on 07.18.2013 15:00 by Simona

Kia unveiled the all-new Cadenza sedan - the model that marks Kia's entering into the premium-sedan segment - at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. The new Cadenza will join Kia's current lineup of sedan models that includes: Forte, Optima and Rio, and will go on sale in the second quarter of this year.

The model is offered only in one equipment trim level and will feature a design language inspired by Kia's European models. As a result, the new Cadenza will be distinguished by a "Tiger Nose" front fascia, quad headlamps and taillights with LED technology and a new exhaust system with twin oval tail pipes. Interior features will include equipment like leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 12-speaker Infinity audio system. For those customers wishing to further customize the look of their car, Kia is also offering two optional packages: Premium package and Technology package.

The 2014 Cadenza will be equipped with only one engine: 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

UPDATED 7/18/2013: Kia has released the pricing details on the 2014 Cadenza luxury sedan. See more after the jump.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Kia Cadenza.

Kia Cadenza originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 18 July 2013 15:00 EST.

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Straight-Six Engines May Return on Next-Gen Mercedes E-Class

Posted on 11.11.2013 14:00 by Tushar

In-line sixes have been a forte of BMW for some time now, but a look back in history reveals an unbroken relationship between Mercedes-Benz and straight-six engines. This engine configuration has its advantages over the rest and that's why car makers prefer in-line sixes over others, even today. Mercedes-Benz dropped it from their lineup two decades ago but they'll soon return.

We've learned through Autocar that the next-generation E-Class is destined to get an in-line six-cylinder engine under its hood. The 21st century automotive engineering is all about reducing costs without compromising performance, and that's where modular architecture comes in to the picture.

The new generation of Mercedes engines will be a part of a modular design, allowing them to spawn three-, four- and six-cylinder engines. The new engines will debut on the 2016 W213 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Plans are already on track for the mid-life update for the new C-Class that is yet to be revealed. The new C-Class should get the new family engines by 2017 - a three-cylinder engine is touted to be a part of the C Class line-up then.

On the technology front, Mercedes-Benz will also debut what's called an "Autobahn Pilot" on the 2016 E-Class and 2017 C-Class; today we know this as the autonomous diving assistant, which still in testing phase at the moment.

Click past the jump to read more about the new C Class AMG

gallery: 2014 Mercedes E-Class

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Straight-Six Engines May Return on Next-Gen Mercedes E-Class originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 11 November 2013 14:00 EST.

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Ford Taurus

Posted on 09.18.2013 14:00 by Simona

Ford unveiled the Taurus nomenclature for the first time in 1985 and kept the model into production for almost two decades, making the sedan the second oldest nameplate it offered on the North American market. Because of dwindling sales, Ford pulled the Taurus from its retail showrooms in the 2007 model year, leaving it just as a fleet vehicle. In the 2008 model year, the Taurus returned as the re-badged and restyled Ford Five Hundred.

However, Ford understood that bringing back the name won't help much if its neglected the model as much as it did just before its initial demise. Having learned from its mistakes, Ford unveiled the sixth-generation Taurus with an all-new look that was revolutionary for the era.

This new generation brought a completely new look, completely transforming the face of the Taurus and, of course, customers' opinions about it. In 2013 Taurus received a facelift that made it even more attractive and kept it looking relatively fresh.

For the 2014 model year, Taurus is offered in three trim levels - SE, SEL and Limited - with prices starting from $27,495.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ford Taurus.

Ford Taurus originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 18 September 2013 14:00 EST.

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BMW 5-Series

Posted on 10.30.2012 10:00 by Simona

Just a few days ago, the first spy shots of a facelift version for the BMW 5-Series Touring were revealed and now the 5-Series Sedan is taking its turn testing its capabilities.

The sedan version of the 5-Series is camouflaged in the same areas that the Touring model was, confirming that these are the exact locations of the biggest changes. It looks like the front bumper will get most of the updates, with new air-intakes, a new design for the headlights, and a the grille that will sit slightly more upright. It is also believed that the headlamps will feature a new arrangement, just like in the 3-Series, and will go all the way to the grille. The rear lights will also get new graphics and the exterior mirrors will be a bit sportier.

As for the engine updates, the only thing we know is that the 535i version will drop the current N55 engine in favor of a new inline turbo six-cylinder.

Expect to see the facelift BMW 5-Series launched sometime soon, so stay tuned!

BMW 5-Series originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 30 October 2012 10:00 EST.

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Fisker's Lawsuit Against XL Insurance Settled; May be a Sign of Pending Deal

Posted on 02.22.2013 19:00 by Justin Cupler

Following the damaged caused to a slew of Fisker Karmas by Hurricane Sandy, Fisker's insurer denied the claim and the EV builder almost immediately filed a $33 million lawsuit against the insurer. According to a report, the two companies have settled the lawsuit and all legal action was dropped.

There is no mention of who started the settlement process, but this does seem like strange timing. See, only weeks ago Fisker hired a consultant to help the struggling manufacturer save a little money and to search for a potential partner or buyer. It's common knowledge that a pending legal battle makes it much harder to talk a potential partner into joining forces and even tougher to find a buyer.

This leads us to believe that Fisker may have a partner or buyer that is interested, but wanted the legal battle settled before moving forward. This is all multiplied by the recent report from Reuters that Geeley, the Chinese automaker and owner of Volvo, was more than just a little interested in purchasing majority stake in Fisker.

All of this is coming together all too well for us to ignore the possibility of Fisker selling sooner rather than later.

We'll keep an eye on this situation and update you.

Fisker's Lawsuit Against XL Insurance Settled; May be a Sign of Pending Deal originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 22 February 2013 19:00 EST.

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Video: Bentley Flying Spur Reveals its Eyes

Posted on 02.15.2013 12:00 by Simona

Bentley is continuing to tease its upcoming Continental Flying Spur luxury sedan with a new teaser video called "Quietly Powerful." Even if very short, the new teaser video unveils a little bit more of the luxury sedan and, for the first time, you can get a good look at the headlamps. You just need to pay extra attention around the 20-second mark.

The new Continental Flying Spur will receive a more aggressive front fascia, a vented hood, and - as revealed - new headlights. For the rear, Bentley will add a new trunk-mounted spoiler, slimmer taillights, and a revised exhaust system. The interior will also be upgraded with higher-quality materials and improved technologies. No changes will be made under the hood though, where Bentley will keep the usual 6-liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine rated at 575 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Full details on the new Continental Flying Spur will be unveiled on February 20, 2013.

Video: Bentley Flying Spur Reveals its Eyes originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 February 2013 12:00 EST.

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Future of V-12 Powered BMW 7-Series Still Uncertain

Posted on 12.4.2012 13:00 by Aravind Filed under: BMW | sedan | rumors | BMW 7-Series | luxury cars | limousine | Cars | Car News

Thanks to the downsizing trend that many top brands have been following lately, we might have to say goodbye to the top-of-the-line V-12 engine in BMW's lineup. As of yet, BMW hasn't given the green light to its inclusion in the next-generation 7-Series.

The V-12 engine has always been the pi ce de r sistance for the flagship BMW. Other than the plethora of creature comforts and gadgets that would make your kids happy, the V-12 engine gave the 7-Series immense power — 544 horses of it — that would make your gearhead friends happy as well. M-Series cars aside, this engine made the BMW 760Li the most powerful and costliest Bimmer ever made. It was more like buying the cheaper, German cousin of the Rolls Royce Ghost.

If it is axed, BMW may replace the hole left by the V-12 with a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine from the M5. BMW claims the difference between the two is size of the hole burnt in your pocket when it comes to gas consumption.

For people who are planning to buy the flagship limo just for the V-12 engine - likely only a handful of people - don't lose hope yet, as the consideration of this engine is still under review. However, with the downsizing trend picking up pace and popularity, this move seems inevitable.