Mercedes-Benz to Add 4Matic Option to C- and E-class Coupes Next Year

Mercedes-Benz will begin offering its C- and E-class coupes with all-wheel drive next year, we’ve learned. The E-class coupe has been available only with rear-wheel drive since it launched in 2010. The newly introduced C-class coupe has been rear-drive only, as well. When equipped with 4Matic, both cars will be offered with a single engine [...]

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May the Downforce Be With You: Ferrari Debuts Evolved Version of 599XX Track Special

Ferrari is using this year?s Bologna auto show to unveil an evolved version of its track-only 599XX gentleman?s racer, a car we thought had little room for improvement when we drove it last year. So what?s new for the star of Ferrari?s client-driven (i.e. customer-sponsored) research-and-development program? For starters, the car is fitted with an [...]

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What I?d Do Differently: Grave Digger?s Dennis Anderson Interviewed

Renowned owner and driver of the Grave Digger monster truck, Anderson, 51, now pilots a blimp, a canoe, a fighter jet, and an ostrich for a new History Channel series.  How’d that happen? C/D: You?re now appearing in a TV series called Around the World in 80 Ways, paired with Survivor winner ?Boston Rob? Mariano? [...]

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Official: Confederate Motorcycles unveils X132 Hellcat

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Confederate X132 Hellcat

Confederate Motorcycles has ripped the sheets off of its latest creation, and it's a stunner. The X132 Hellcat is the latest in what the company calls its line of "heirloom" creations, and the bike boasts a billet aluminum engine case machined from two hunks of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum. Whereas past Confederate products have had to rely on outsourced engine cases, the company says that the X132 Hellcat is a purebred. The V-twin gurus at S&S likely had a hand in the lump's development, however. Like every other bike to roll out of the manufacturer's Alabama facility, the X132 Hellcat makes use of a raft of high-end components right down to its stainless steel nuts and bolts.

Of course, that level of attention to detail comes with a price tag to match. If you like what you see, you'll have to hand over $49,500. That's a far cry cheaper than the company's previous efforts, and you still get to chew on 145 pound-feet of torque from a 2,200 cc V-twin engine. Did we mention the bike weighs in at a scant 475 pounds? Sounds like a dirty night on the town to us. Then again, you can buy three BMW S 1000 RR hellions for the price of the X135 Hellcat and still have cash left over to put in the tank. What you won't have is exclusivity, however.

Confederate plans to produce just two X132 Hellcat models per week starting in January. Head over to the manufacture's website for more information and be sure to check out the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Confederate Motorcycles unveils X132 Hellcat

Confederate Motorcycles unveils X132 Hellcat originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes

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Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris

This is going to be painful, so we'll break it down quickly. Trust us, it will be like pulling off a Band-Aid.

[translated from Japanese]

"So, want to caravan to the car show? I'm excited to drive my Ferrari F355 there."
"Sure. I will be driving my Lamborghini. Let me call my six other friends who also own Ferraris."
"If other marques are welcome, I will invite my two friends who drive Mercedes-Benzes."

Crash!

[sounds of crying]

In all seriousness, we were glad to learn that nobody was seriously injured in the wreck. According to the Associated Press, a group of car enthusiasts were on their way to a driver's gathering in Hiroshima when one Ferrari swerved into the median barrier, likely pinballing into the other cars. Police said a total of 14 cars were caught in the wreck, including eight Ferraris, two Lambos, and a trio of Mercs. The AP report says total damage is likely over $1 million.

Click past the jump to watch both AP and Japanese news reports, including footage of the aftermath.

Continue reading Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes

Japanese pileup claims eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini and three Benzes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault not ruling out Kubica yet

Renault still wants to hold talks with Robert Kubica to see if there is a possibility for him at the team next year, despite signing up Kimi Raikkonen for 2012. With Kubica having been unable to guarantee the outfit he will be ready for the start of winter testing, Renault moved quickly to secure the F1 return of Raikkonen with a two-year deal. And although Renault has a contract in place with Vitaly Petrov for next season, team principal Eric Boullier admitted on Tuesday that the outfit was still open-minded about its plans for the second seat - and could not rule out Kubica taking that slot later in the campaign if he is fit

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2013 Lexus GS350 / GS350 F Sport / GS450h First Drive: Only Boring to Boring Drivers

Another boring Lexus? Only to boring drivers. Lexus wants us to believe that the 2013 GS is a different car from its predecessor?an evolved car, a bona fide sports sedan. As we poked, prodded, and drove the new GS350 and the GS350 F Sport, we felt a bit like a parole officer trying to discern [...]

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Acura?s Next SH-AWD System Will Power the Rear Wheels with Electric Motors

Prior to the Tokyo auto show, Honda showed us a number of its upcoming technologies (including its new direct-injection engines), and one of the most promising is Electric SH-AWD. To review, SH-AWD stands for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and, on current Acura products that bear the label, it signifies a four-wheel-drive powertrain that can route [...]

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