New Kia K9 Flagship Makes Another Appearance for the Camera

Most of you should know what the new Kia K9 looks by now (at least on the outside) after the release of the official shots earlier this week, but we've discovered two new videos of the Korean firm's promising new flagship sedan filmed on the road. There's nothing new we can add to our previous post as Kia continues to have a tight hold on most information regarding the K9, including when and in which other markets outside its home country it plans to offer its first ever rear-wheel drive sedan.
Nevertheless, our guess is that if anything else, it will eventually sell its most expensive model in the world's largest market for these types of cars, which is none other than the U.S.
In the meantime, head past the jump to take gander at the two videos.

VIDEO

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TSKKG3aiP0&feature=player_embedded 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHrxloSeCts&feature=player_embedded 

Lexus Confirms 2013 RX 450h Facelift for Geneva Motor Show

The refreshed 2013 model year Lexus RX made an unexpected appearance last month via a leaked JDM brochure, but the official presentation of the series will take place at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The Japanese automaker said it would debut the facelifted RX 450h alongside the first F Sport interpretation of the full hybrid luxury SUV.
Lexus wouldn't divulge any more details but we know from the brochure shots that aside from the new spindle grille shown in the teaser picture, the updated RX also gets redesigned headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a new front bumper, revised taillights and different alloy wheel designs.
As for the interior, we noticed that there's a new steering wheel design and updated trim while in Japan at least, the RX will be offered with a new rear-seat entertainment system.
In Europe, the revised RX will go on sale in the summer.
Joining the RX at Lexus' Geneva Motor Show stand will be the LF-LC hybrid sports coupe concept and the new GS 450h and GS 450h F Sport.

LEAKED BROCHURE SHOTS

2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty Teased Prior to Next Friday's Debut

There's a new F-Series Super Duper Duty coming out next Friday, March 9, and to get us into the mood, Ford issued this teaser image of its pickup truck covered in a black sheet.
But that's about all Ford is willing to share with us so we don't know if there are actually of lot changes hiding behind the sheet or if the Blue Oval has simply touched up the truck here and there to keep it competitive.
A larger version of the opening picture can be found right after the break.

Citroën DS5 Testers Meet the Original DS

Citroën may have re-energized its DS moniker through a brand-new lineup of cars, but few will disagree with us when we say that its fresh batch of DS products need a long way to go before they achieve the status and the respect that the original "Déesse" (goddess) commands today. But marketing is marketing and Citroën hopes that by showing off the original DS alongside its newer creations like DS5 can have a positive effect on buyers.
In a recent competition named the Citroën DS5 Star Experience, the French firm gave five lucky winners from the UK the opportunity to drive the DS5 ahead of its market launch in the South of France.
During the weekend-long test drive, the participants also had the chance to meet up with five perfectly restored examples of the DS. You can watch the video from the gathering right after the jump.

VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqIilsIckDs&feature=player_embedded


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tjKizW0Kp-g

Official Photos of 2013 Lexus RX in RX 350, RX 450h and RX 450h F Sport Trims Hit the Web

Only moments after Lexus confirmed the presence of its updated 2013 RX range at the Geneva Motor Show next week by teasing us with a cropped image of the crossover's new spindle grille (despite the leaked JDM brochure), three dozen photos of the facelifted model hit the interwebs. The pictures include the refreshed gasoline-only RX 350, the hybrid-powered RX 450h and the new addition to the range, the RX 450h F-Sport.
The latter adds a raft of unique styling cues to the RX including a different front fascia with a honeycomb-style insert, an aero package, tinted lights and larger alloy wheels, plus sports steering wheel, seats and alloy pedals.
We still don't know if and what kind of upgrades the F Sport model brings to the crossover's suspension, steering and braking systems.
Story References: Autofans via Autoblog.nl

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-Benz Celebrates S-Class Coupe's 60th Birthday with New CL Grand Edition

There may have been several name changes over the years but the fact remains that today's Mercedes-Benz CL is a direct descendant of the 1952 300 S. If you do the math, you'll discover that it's been 60 years since the introduction of the 300 S and to mark the anniversary, the German brand has launched a new version of the CL named "Grand Edition".
The Grand Edition models make use of a selection of options available in Mercedes' 'designo' range including a choice of three bespoke paint finishes called platinum black metallic, mocha black metallic and magno cashmere matte white, which is featured on the model seen in these pictures.
To further differentiate the Grand Edition from the regular CL models, Mercedes has also added the AMG Sports package, with front and rear aprons, side sill panels and 20-inch alloy wheels in a choice of five-spoke or filigree 10-spoke designs. A "Grand Edition" badge completes the exterior revisions.
Inside, customers can choose from three different 'designo' leather upholsteries including aniline leather armagnac, aniline leather deep black and the lighter aniline leather porcelain, as well as a variety of special trim finishes
The "Grand Edition" will be offered as an option package priced at €4,850 (approx. US$6,500) not including VAT in Germany, on the 420hp CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and its 4MATIC all-wheel drive derivative as well as the 510hp CL 600.

PHOTO GALLERY

'Q by Aston Martin' Offers New Personalization Options to Customers, Debuts in Geneva

After lending its name to several fictional characters including the scientific and engineering genius in the James Bond films as well the omnipotent god-like being in the Star Trek television series, the letter Q has now found a place in Aston Martin's range. "Q by Aston Martin" is the British firm's new service that is said to bring the automaker's designers together with its engineers and craftspeople allowing customers to personalize their vehicles.
While the sample pictures of the customized Vantage Roadster and Cygnet hatchback released by Aston Martin suggest that this is the stuff we'd make fun of in our Offbeat section, it also shows the amount of personalization they offer.
The service is for both the exterior and interior styling.
"This could extend to colour matching a Brompton bicycle to their Aston Martin, supporting the customer’s architect to design their house, or creating colour themes and materials for the interior specification of a yacht," the company said in a statement.
Aston Martin will display the customized Vantage Roadster and Cygnet at next week's Geneva Motorshow.
The Virage is finished in a bespoke Mariana Blue satin paint with an interior that includes blue carbon fibre trim, saddle leather mats, and yellow detailing, together with several special components such as a header mounted track-day HD video camera, and what looks like a band-aid at first but is in fact a luggage rack on the boot, plus new diamond turned wheels.
The Cygnet hatchback features a non-edible Cherry Tree raspberry paint with a kestrel tan interior incorporating specially developed photographic leather headlining, a tailor made three piece luggage set and a color-matched Brompton bicycle.

PHOTO GALLERY