Audi Sends Off U.S. Market 2012 R8 Coupe with New Exclusive Selection Special Editions

Customers in the States who can’t or don't want to wait for the cosmetically refreshed and mechanically updated 2013 Audi R8 to arrive early next year, now have the option of two new limited production versions based on the current 2012MY R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes named Exclusive Selection Editions.

Audi says only twenty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 vehicles and thirty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 vehicles will be produced solely for the U.S. market.

A 4.2-liter unit rated at 430hp and 316 lb-ft of torque powers the V8 model of the Exclusive Selection Edition series. It debuts a Daytona Gray matte exterior finish complete with carbon fiber exterior splitter and diffuser, 19-inch titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, black grille surround, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, and red brake calipers.

The German supercar's interior sports a special leather package with Crimson Red elements and contrast stitching, carbon fiber trim décor, leather Navigation surround, and a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel along with a standard Bang & Olufsen Sound System and Navigation with the Audi Music Interface.

The 525hp 5.2-liter V10 model is featured in an Ibis white exterior with a contrasting Brilliant Black finish for the sideblades, exterior mirrors, and rear license plate surround as well as R8 GT tail lamps and 19-inch bi-color e-tron wheels.

The cockpit is dressed in black leather with Ibis finishes and Alabaster White contrast stitching, with carbon fiber trim bits making their appearance throughout the interior. Additional features include exclusive leather Navigation surround and contoured steering wheel.

Both the V8 and V10 coupes can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic 6-speed R tronic transmission, which will be replaced by a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission in the 2013 model.

Detailed pricing for the new special edition R8s follows right below.

MSRP Pricing:
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 manual transmission - $137,700
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 R tronic transmission - $146,800
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 manual transmission - $161,500
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 R tronic transmission - $170,600

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Toyota Adds New Edition and Trend Versions to UK Yaris Range

Toyota is expanding its Yaris hatchback range in Britain with the presentation of two new models named 'Edition' and 'Trend'.

A common theme between the Yaris Edition and Trend models are the blacked-out C-pillars and smoked rear windows that contrast with the available Tyrol Silver or Cirrus White paintwork to create what the company describes as "a floating roof effect".

From there on, the Yaris Edition is based on the entry-level T2 grade adding series of sporty features such as the 15-inch Podium anthracite machined alloy wheels, front fog lamps, extra chrome exterior trim at the rear end of the car, a tachometer and a leather-trimmed gear knob.

Moving on to the other new model, the Edition is powered by Toyota's 1.0-liter petrol engine linked to a five-speed manual and is available in both three- and five-door body styles with prices starting at £11,695.

The Yaris Trend is built on the sportier SR trim level with additional features including 16-inch Podium alloys and chrome tailpipe trim. Power comes from a 1.33-liter petrol unit offered with a choice of six-speed manual or, in the five-door version, Toyota’s Multidrive S CVT automatic. On-the-road prices for the Trend start at £13,795.

Both models are available for order now.

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Edmunds gets Chauffeured in the New Aston Martin Vanquish

After giving EVO magazine a ride in the new Vanquish in the frozen north of Sweden, Aston Martin engineers invited Edmunds Insideline to take a seat on the passenger side of a pre-production model at Spain's Sierra Nevada, which is Europe's version of the Death Valley in California.

The short video shows Aston Martin engineering manager Paul Thomas flog the new V12 powered Vanquish around a few corners on the picturesque mountainside.

The 2013 Vanquish replaces the DBS in the British brand's line up and for the time being at least, it is only available in coupe guise.

It is based on an update of the DBS's bonded-aluminum underpinnings with power coming from a Cosworth-designed 5.9-litre V12 engine tweaked to deliver 565hp (573PS) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque.

Aston Martin claims a 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 295km/h (183mph).

The video of the Vanquish ride follows right below the jump.

VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xtOAEP2dnzo

Spy Shots: Think You Can Help us Identify this Mystery Sedan Model?

One of our associates stumbled upon a group of identical looking prototype sedans at the German Port of Hamburg on the river Elbe, and was able to snap several pictures of the parked cars.

The problem is that neither our spy photographer nor we were able to pinpoint with certainty the brand, let alone, the model of the car seen here.

Maybe it was because we ended up concentrating our thoughts on Chinese nameplates from BAIC to SAIC and everything in between, and missed out on a detail that could lead to an answer.

All test cars were dressed in a chequered-theme wrap with no evident logos and featured unfinished headlamps and fake taillights. We'd say that said model is a probably a C-segment saloon - think Skoda Octavia or Chevrolet Cruze, though we could be wrong.

If you hop over the break, you will find a full gallery of pictures of the mystery sedan. Once you check them out, head to the comments section to tell us what you think it is.

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