Saturday

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures

The Trans-Am series of the late 1960s and early 1970s could be considered the golden era of American motorsports. Not only did it showcase the most desirable American cars of the time, but it featured some of the world's greatest racing drivers engaging in this country's own brand of fender-banging racing.

It's why 2012 Ford Mustang Ford is so proud of the Boss 302, winner of the 1970 Trans-Am season with legendary driver Parnelli Jones behind the wheel, and why the street car has become a legend. But ask Jim Farley, Ford's head honcho of marketing, about the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, and he'll tell you that it's not just about building a remake of the original. "This is not a nostalgia project," he told us. "This is not in any way trying to bring back the Boss. This project is so much more than that. If we wanted to do that we could take a 5.0-liter, put some stripes and spoilers and other upgrades on it and that would be it. It was not a means to an end. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was originally a means to an end. It was a production car to go racing. This is a completely different project. We were not going to do this project unless we could beat an M3 at this track." This track being the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Pictures

Friday

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers

For my Lexus GS 350 review roundup, I have to start with Inside Line, who went the extra mile and collected actual data while the rest of us were just hooning it up on the autocross course at the El Toro Airport — I’d love to quote the entire review, but here’s just a few choice quotes: A few runs later and the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport had done nothing less than tie the smaller and more singularly focused 2011 Lexus IS F with a speed of 69.7 mph through the slalom. That’s 4.5-mph quicker than the last 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport we tested in 2008. The new car also generated 0.88g on the skid pad.

Not surprisingly, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport puts up similar acceleration numbers to the 2008 GS 350 we last tested. Zero to 60 comes in 5.8 seconds (5.6 seconds with a 1-foot rollout as on a drag strip) and it does the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 99.9 mph. That keeps it on par with the 2011 BMW 535i (zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds) but a good bit slower than the supercharged 2012 Audi A6 Quattro at 5.2 seconds. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport in particular, is an impressive redesign. It’s a Lexus that driving enthusiasts can get excited about. More than just promises, it’s actually fun to drive. And unlike the IS F, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport's adjustable suspension won’t punish you for the performance it brings. It can do smooth and quiet, or serious and sporty: your choice.

It’s a little early to say for sure, but this may end up being the best review of the GS — Inside Line always puts that extra effort into their reviews, and this is definitely one worth reading in full.

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers
2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers
2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers
2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Wallpapers

2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures

BMW's 3-Series has become a legend in its own time because of its sporting dynamics, trim proportions and reasonably affordable price. BMW has modestly upgraded its E90 3-Series -- which is BMW-speak for the fifth generation of a lineup that dates back to the late-1970s -- now with a new engine option, revisions to the exterior and an upgraded iDrive system.

You'll have to look closely to spot the exterior changes over earlier versions, as they're limited to a new kidney grille, front bumper and headlamps, as well as L-shaped tail lamps with a larger trunk lid out back. Inside, only a revised iDrive and a new starter button mark the facelift from its predecessor, which debuted in 2006.

Three inline six-cylinder, 3.0-liter engine options are available for the U.S. market, starting at the bottom end with the 328i's 230-horsepower motor before climbing to the turbocharged 300-horsepower unit in the 335i and ending, at the top of the lineup, with the 335d's 265-horsepower turbodiesel. Despite their on-paper similarities, each engine is vastly different.

The base 328i's engine puts out 200 lb-ft. of torque from 2,750 rpm and it mates to a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Available with rear- or BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive, the 328i sedan is also offered in coupe, wagon and convertible (RWD-only) variants.

First introduced in 2007, the 335i's turbo-six produces an impressive 300 lb-ft. of torque from just 1,400 rpm. It is also offered with either an automatic or manual transmissions and all-wheel-drive, but unlike the 328i, the turbocharged model isn't offered in wagon form in the U.S.

328i xDrive and 335i xDrive features a rear-wheel-bias designed to preserve the unique feel of a rear-wheel-drive car, but allowing for extra traction in slippery conditions.

The new 3-Series diesel-powered model is known as the 335d Sedan, and is the first diesel engine offered in a BMW sedan in the U.S. since the ill-fated 524td of the mid-1980s. With a mountain of torque -- 425 lb-ft. on tap from just 1,750 rpm -- BMW didn't have a standard manual transmission that would hold up, so the German automaker offers only a six-speed automatic. The 335d also features 265 horsepower, and accelerates from zero-to-60 in just six seconds.

BMW's controversial iDrive system makes its appearance in the 3-Series, though only with the optional navigation system. Thoroughly revised from earlier systems, it takes advantage of a faster processor and higher-resolution screen, as well as a simplified menu system.

The 335i and 335d add to the 328i fully-power front seats with memory, an upgraded audio system and Xenon headlamps.

Major options on all models include the Premium Package, which adds leather upholstery, Bluetooth and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service, among other items and the Sport Package, which features adjustable sports seats, a revised steering wheel and, on non-xDrive models only, a lowered and stiffened sport suspension.

Other available options include paddle shifters with the automatic transmission, adaptive cruise control, HD radio and Active Steering, which adjusts to road speeds for lighter effort at urban speeds.

2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures

2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line
2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures Pictures

2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures
2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures

2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures
2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line Pictures Pictures

Thursday

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures

The latest and all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG appears to largely copy the looks of its lesser 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG counterpart, but does get a few unique styling cues of its own. The CL65's lone grille bar is wider than that of the CL63, and the lower front splitter gets a metallic treatment.

Out back is essentially the same story, with the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG gaining a chrome accent below its bumper and oval rather than rectangular exhaust outlets, hinting at the CL65’s extra power.

The biggest news under the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG's long hood is a modest bump in power – from 604 to 621 horsepower. New exhaust gas turbochargers are largely responsible for the increase in power, although the German automaker also chalks up the changes to an increased inlet diameter on the compressor housing and revised engine management electronics. Torque remains 738 lb-ft. from 2,300 to 4,300, but Mercedes-Benz says that the big V12 is capable of an astonishing 885 lb-ft.

Mercedes-Benz ultimately was forced to de-tune the engine to "just" 738 lb-ft of torque in order to keep from grenading its most robust transmission, a five-speed automatic.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down 3.5 percent compared to the outgoing model despite the power gain thanks to a handful of small changes.

Aside from the minor differences in styling and the major difference in power, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG otherwise shares its feature list with the lesser CL63 - which isn't a bad thing given the impressive list for the "entry-level" CL AMG model.

The standard features list includes the COMAND system with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an 11-speaker Harmon-Kardon LOGIC7 5.1-channel surround-sound system, power sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, electronic closing trunk and a slew of AMG-specific interior upgrades like premium leather, performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, new instrument cluster and 14-way power heated seats.

In terms of safety and security features, the CL65 AMG comes with roadside assistance, adaptive dual stage front airbags, driver knee airbag, side and full-length curtain airbags and active head restraints. Electronic safety comes in the form of the AMG 2-stage electronic stability program, a predictive occupant protection system, a roll-over sensor, anti-theft alarm with engine shut-down and night security illumination.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Pictures

2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers

2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI comes with more 350 pounds lighter, more spacious, more luxurious from its 2011 model year. This car has a starting MSRP of just $42,975 features the world’s first supercharged gasoline hybrid.Under its hood, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI equipped with a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a V6 – and, at speeds up to 30 mph, the zero emissions of an electric car and averaging 28 mpg on the highway and covering over 700 miles on each tank of ultra-low-sulfur diesel. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI now available with a new Touareg Sport with Navigation model. Features RNS 850 navigation system with an eight-inch color touchscreen, 60GB hard drive, a touchscreen radio with in-dash six-CD changer and Park Distance Control.More lower and more wider, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI exterior design is adding an extra 1.6 inches, and features an extended wheelbase – by 1.5 inches. The key design elements including twin chrome-faced strips that connect seamlessly to new trapezoidal headlight housings, a narrower 2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI V6 TDI grille, a dramatic U-shaped ring of bright-white LED daytime running lights along with Bi-Xenon high intensity gas-discharged headlamps, new hood features a bold raised section that runs from the grille back to the windscreen A-pillars and also body-colored front bumper with its large, U-shaped, chrome-ringed air intake and large side intakes for 2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers

2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers
2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers

2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers
2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers

2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers
2012 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Wallpapers