Limited Run Audi R8 GT Spyder Priced at $210,000*, Only 50 Coming to the States

The most exclusive and powerful version of the Audi R8 Spyder has arrived in the States. All in all, the Ingolstadt-based automaker will hand-build 333 examples of the R8 GT Spyder, 50 of which are destined for the U.S., each carrying an MSRP of $210,000 (€163,300), not including a $1,200 destination and delivery fee or local taxes. What you get for the price of a family house in some states such as Ohio, is a lighter and more powerful version of the R8 V10 Spyder.
In the GT, the 5.2-liter V10 engine with direct injection and has been boosted to an output of 560 horsepower and 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) of torque, while Audi's engineers trimmed the weight of the open-top model by 187.39 lbs (85kg).
All these measures help the R8 GT Spyder accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) in 3.8 seconds and reach an impressive top speed of 197 mph (317km/h).
Other highlights include a 10mm lower suspension with a stiffer calibration, an aero package, 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, and brakes with ventilated and cross-drilled rotors.
First deliveries of the R8 GT Spyder will commence this month.

R8 GT Spyder Standard Features | Highlights:
− 5.2L 10-cylinder, gasoline engine, aluminum block
− quattro all-wheel-drive
− Exterior mirrors: power adjustable, heated Front Airbags: Driver and passenger full-size dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags
− Side airbags: Driver and passenger seat mounted head and thorax airbags
− Front disc brakes: 8-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
− Rear disc brakes: 4-Piston calipers, perforated, internally vented
− LED headlights and daytime running lights
− Sport seats, heated, 10-way power with 4-way power lumbar
− Audi navigation system plus, 6-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite Radio, Aux-in jack with 7 speakers and 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 Watts
− Preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) with seatbelt microphone
R8 GT Specific Standard Features | Highlights:
− 19" R8 GT wheels with summer performance tires
− R tronic, 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode
− R8 GT specific sport suspension system
− R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte exterior mirrors
− R8 GT specific LED tail lights
− R8 GT specific aluminum door sill inserts
− R8 GT specific steering wheel
− R8 GT specific sport seats in Alcantara and leather
− R8 GT specific carbon fiber matte interior inlays (monoposto and interior door handles)
− R8 GT specific numbered aluminum gear knob
− Windshield frame in Alcantara
Optional Equipment | Highlights:− Audi navigation system plus with Audi music interface w/ iPod® cable (replaces 6-disc CD changer)
− Audi Carbon Ceramic Brakes
− Bang & Olufsen Sound System (12 speakers 495 watt)
− Titanium Finish 19" 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires
− Forged Aluminum 19" 5-twin-spoke-Y-design in matte silver look with summer performance tires
− Carbon fiber matte door and center console panels
− Windscreen Frame in Fine Nappa Leather (interior)

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Official: Fiat Unveils Larger and More Versatile 500L Ahead of its Geneva Debut

Fiat couldn't wait until the Geneva Motor Show to reveal its all-new 500L so it is giving us an early preview of its all-new sub-compact model. As you may have already guessed, the "L" in the name stands for "Large", with the 500L being the latest addition to the 500 range after the three-door hatch, the Cabrio and the Abarth models. While the name and the styling (to some extent) refer to the 500 mini, the five-door 500L is based on the platform of the B-segment Punto measuring 4,140mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,660mm tall. It is 594mm longer, 153mm wider and 175mm taller than the three-door 500.
The Italian company says the 500L offers "MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car" and that it's an alternative to the traditional B and C segments.
The 500L is a five-seater model, though sources state that Fiat will present a longer version with seating for seven later this year. However, only the 5-seat model will be offered in the U.S.A.
The small MPV will launch in Europe in the last quarter of 2012 with an engine range that will initially comprise two petrol engines, the two-cylinder TwinAir anda 1.4-liter inline-four, plus a 1.3-liter turbodiesel. U.S. sales of the 500L are expected to start in 2013.
It will be produced at Fiat's factory in Kragujevac, Serbia.

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New Range-Topping Nissan Juke Shiro Arrives in the UK

Following an earlier announcement in January, Nissan has released UK pricing of a new top-of-the-range version of the Juke named Shiro, which is Japanese for white. The Shiro replaces the limited edition Kuro, which was named after the Japanese word for black, as the flagship model of the series. However, don't go looking for any white shades on the outside as the Juke's Shiro name refers to the interior trim bits and more specifically, the center console, door panels and window switch surrounds.
In addition, the leather wrapped steering wheel, gear gaiter and the edges of the leather seats all feature white stitching.
Other standard features include the illuminated chrome-plated sill protectors for the front doors and the Juke-branded velour floor mats.
On the outside, the Shiro is identified by the dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels, the satin silver finish to the door handles and mirror caps plus a gloss black finish to the B-pillars.
UK customers can choose from any of the colours offered on the regular Juke models plus a bespoke deep aubergine finish, which is exclusive to this edition.
The Shiro is available all with three engine choices including a 110PS 1.5-litre dCi diesel, a 117PS normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol, and a turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS.
On the road prices start from £17,695 with first deliveries to commence on March 1.

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Nissan to Unveil "Revised" 2013MY 370Z at the Chicago Auto Show

We received word today than Nissan will debut a "revised" version of its 370Z sports car series at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show via an invitation to a press event that will take place next Thursday. Unfortunately, the invite does not detail the changes on the 2013 model year 370Z so we don't know if it's a full facelift or a minor nip and tuck with very subtle updates here and there.
We'll remind you that the 370Z, which is marketed as the Fairlady in Japan, was introduced at the LA Auto Show in 2008 succeeding the 350Z.
Along with the 370Z, Nissan will also show the pre-production 2013 Pathfinder, the 2013 GT-R and a specially modified version of the Nissan NV van.

Please join Nissan for an up-close look at some of our newest and innovative products including:

• The next-gen SUV from Nissan, the all-new 2013 Pathfinder Concept with 3-row seating for seven passengers, intuitive 4-wheel-drive system and dual-panel moonroof;
• "Godzilla", the 2013 Nissan GT-R with 545 hp and 463 lb-ft torque;
• Revised 2013 legendary Nissan 370Z; and
• Nissan NV Food Truck featuring one of Windy City’s favorite mobile restaurants, The Southern Mac & Cheese.

2012 NISSAN 370Z COUPE & ROADSTER

SsangYong Launches New Limited Edition Korando for the UK

South Korean carmaker SsangYong is welcoming the new year with a limited edition version of its Italdesign-penned Korando crossover for the British market. On the outside, the new Korando LE is distinguished by its bespoke 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass, while interior goods include some additional standard amenities such as heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, plus cruise control and rear parking sensors.
The limited edition model is available in the Grand White finish as standard, with metallic Vitamin Red and Space Black being optional. Power comes exclusively from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel producing 173bhp and 360Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of peak torque.
On the road prices start from £17,995, with SsangYong offering 5 years free servicing on models purchased with finance during February and March.

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