2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Photos and Info

In a logical extension of its portfolio, BMW has launched the M6 Gran Coupe. Identified by the automaker as "perhaps the perfect combination" of the M5 and the M6, it is a stretched M6 that sits on the exact wheelbase of the M5. Created essentially from the parts bin, the M6 Gran Coupe's hardware was pre-determined from the start. And that’s a good thing.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe front three quarters

Under the hood of this rear-driver sits the 560-hp, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8; BMW's imprecise TwinPower moniker actually refers to a twin-turbo here. Maximum torque is 500 lb-ft, available at 1500 rpm, and all 560 horses are served when the tach spins to at 5750 before arriving at a 7200-rpm redline. BMW claims that the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 4.1 seconds. That's as quick as the M6 coupe and a somewhat-inexplicable 0.3 second quicker than BMW says the lighter M5 requires. Top speed is a governed 155 mph, which is reached "in only a few seconds more," as the press release optimistically states. Top speed can be raised to 190 mph with the addition of the M Driver’s package. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. There’s no word yet on the availability of a six-speed manual for the M6 Gran Coupe—nor the coupe or convertible, for that matter—which would not only provide a genuine shifting experience but also shave 33 pounds from the four-door’s weight, as it does when fitted in the M5.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe front end

The M6 Gran Coupe is equipped with an extremely capable chassis, which includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and a rear subframe bolted to the body. This car still uses hydraulic power steering, electronically adjustable and rather superior to the electromechanical power steering found in lesser versions of the 5- and 6-series. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, and they will lower weight by a remarkable 43 pounds. The 20-inch aluminum wheels displayed on this car are specific to the M6 Gran Coupe.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe rear three quarters

The M6 Gran Coupe is a long sedan from the outside, but from the inside, the coupe moniker comes alive. The seating position in the front is low and snug, just like in the standard M6 coupe, and the rear seats do not offer the room you might expect from a four-door of its size. There actually is room for five, but the fifth person won't be happy—regardless of how petit he or she happens to be. BMW is well aware of the rear-passenger seating arrangement, referring to it as “four-plus-one.”

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Interior

But practicality is not what the M6 Gran Coupe is about. Instead, it is one of the most beautiful four-door sedans on the market, an automotive dream of luxury, performance, and indulgence. And it’s a good thing this four-door coupe is directed toward all those desirable characteristics and not practicality, because when it hits showroom floors in the summer of 2013, expect to see a sticker price approaching $110,000. At that price, it will cost nearly $20,000 more than a base M5. But that’ll be worth it, purely for the sake of owning the prettiest M5 on the planet.

2014 Audi A8

Throughout the Los Angeles Vehicle Say last November, Audi informed us that it would be bringing four new diesel-powered designs to the United States this year. The very first to arrive is the 2014 A8L TDI you see here, and we have actually now discovered that the large oil-sipper will certainly be valued from $82,500,

2014 Audi A8 TDI Front Three Quarter

The entire brand-new selection of diesel designs will be powered by Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, helpful for 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in this application. Naturally, Quattro all-wheel drive is basic, and also in the huge A8, the diesel grunt will certainly be enough to thrust the long-wheelbase flagship to 60 miles every hr in 6.4 secs (nearly a full second slower compared to the A8 3.0 T we evaluated last fall). That said, the A8 TDI must still be a rather engaging guide, and thinking about the truth that this point will reportedly return gas economic climate figures of up to 36 miles each gallon on the motorway (24 in the city), a slightly slower launch time is well worth it. (The A8 3.0 T peaks at 28 mpg road.).

2014 Audi A8 TDI rear right side view

2014 Audi A8 TDI front view

Elsewhere in the section, Mercedes-Benz provides a diesel version of its S-Class flagship, selling for $93,000 and great for gas economy numbers of 21/31 mpg city/highway. By contrast, the A8 TDI appears like a take, and we'll be interested to see where the forthcoming BMW 7 Series diesel falls under the class of significant oil-burning barges.

2014 Audi A8 TdI quattro Interior photos

The 2014 Audi A8L TDI will certainly strike showrooms in the US this springtime. For the full specifics, scroll to read through the car manufacturer's short press bash.

Toyota Corolla 2014 Previewed with Furia Concept

The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla is still several months away, but the Japanese carmaker is keen to show off the future styling direction for their bread-and-butter compact sedan, with the unveiling of the Furia concept at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

2014 Toyota Corolla to be Unveiled Before the LA Auto Show

It’s a great-looking concept, but it’s too obvious that most of the styling ideas won’t show up in the conservative Corolla, such as those 19-inch alloys and the LED tail lamps. It is slightly longer and lower than the current model, with a longer wheelbase for more interior space. No specs have been released.

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Toyota Furia Concept 2014 Toyota Corolla Sedan

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Expect the actual 2014 Toyota Corolla to debut by the winter of 2013, with a gradual release in UAE, Saudi and other GCC markets by early next year.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley establishes a new luxury performance sedan benchmark with the launch of the new Flying Spur. With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Bentley Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley's most powerful four-door model ever makes its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Bentley's styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur Release Photos

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur side in motion

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, comments: "Bentley's new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel."

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Burying the late, great DBS and resuscitating the Vanquish name is no small task for Aston Martin. Armed with a nearly $300,000 asking price, the new 2014 Vanquish demands equal doses of sexy-yet-discreet styling and forward thinking hardware to uphold its desirability in the current exotic car landscape.

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Does the new flagship succeed in stoking the embers of desire? A recent drive on rambling English roads offered some insight into the Vanquish's ability to stoke our champagne-fueled dreams.

Inspired by Seventy-Seven Bespoke Hypercars, Inside and Out

Trickle down styling usually works in the realm of four-wheeled exotica, and Aston Martin's new Vanquish exhibits some of the tight radius curves and hunkered down poise inherited from its ultra-rare predecessor, the One-77. But the new $279,995 flagship also gains a thorough mechanical reworking that helps answer to detractors who claim the British brand is all show and no go: while an extruded aluminum tub remains at its core, the Vanquish adds carbon weave structures to the nose and tail for further weight savings and 25 percent more torsional rigidity, as well as carbon fiber skin all around. Official avoirdupois has yet to be announced, but the Vanquish's curb weight is estimated in the region of 3,750 lbs, nearly 100 lbs less than its DBS predecessor.

2014 aston martin vanquish Sx-Z

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish FD Opt

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

The new 5.9 liter V-12 sits lower and lighter, churning more power (565 hp, 457 lb-ft compared to the old mill's 510 hp) while claiming greater fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the incorporation of variable valve timing. Connecting the powerplant to the 6-speed automated manual rear transaxle is a carbon fiber prop shaft surrounded by an alloy torque tube. Aston claims that 60 mph arrives in 4.1 seconds, and that the Vanquish tops out at 183 mph.

Inside the cabin, a new interior treatment reveals One-77-inspired stitch patterns and details like a haptic touch surface on the center stack. The cockpit has been expanded for less of a cocooning effect, while the "boot" offers 60 percent more space.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

We called the redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu "a consistent disappointment" during 2013 Car of the Year testing. Jonny Lieberman went so far as to call the midsize sedan "not so much a car as it is a collection of things I hate about rentals." We've heard GM was fast-tracking a refresh to address the sub-par 2013 Malibu, and now we have the first official details on the restyled and more efficient 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

One aspect of the 2013 Malibu we didn't mind was its exterior styling, but it's hard to argue with Chevrolet's decision to make the 2014 Malibu appear like a smaller Impala. While no one will confuse the 2014 Malibu's interior with that of the 2014 Impala, the midsizer now has 1.25 inches more rear-seat knee room thanks to reshaped front seatbacks, and Chevrolet claims the rear seat -- one we called "rock hard" on the 2013 Malibu at COTY testing -- is more comfortable. The rear seat cushion is about half an inch slimmer to let passengers sit deeper in the seats. The 2014 Malibu's center console is now longer, and we hope the Malibu's neat hidden storage compartment behind the dash's touch screen has been retained.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine stop-start technology is now included on every 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, which should give dealers (and advertisers) something to brag about. Of course, electric accessories including the climate control, power windows, and sound system are powered by an auxiliary battery when the engine has stopped. Fuel economy on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu with a 2.5-liter I-4 has improved to an estimated 23/35 mpg city/highway, up from the 2013 model's 22/34 mpg. For comparison, the 2013 Toyota Camry is rated 25/35 mpg, while the 2013 Ford Fusion with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 and a six-speed automatic is good for 23/36 mpg, or 24/37 mpg with engine stop-start technology. The automatic-transmission 2014 Fusion will make use of a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, meaning its fuel economy numbers might improve. The class leaders are still higher, with the 2013 Nissan Altima at 27/38 mpg and the automatic-transmission 2014 Mazda6 at 26/38 mpg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the announcement of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S.

The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet offered.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Providing the most visceral yet engaging sports car experience in the British luxury car maker's current range, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S delivers exceptional sporting agility underpinned by admirable long distance refinement.

Equipped with the new 573 PS Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, too. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm - up from 570 Nm previously - the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low rev torque - measured at just 1,000 rpm - leaps from 440 Nm to 510 Nm. This serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly improving driveability.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language. Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I'm proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year."

Race car technology runs right through the DNA of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Another clear example is the new car's new gearbox. The Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift™ III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox - saving 25 kg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

This race-derived and motorsport proven technology - used routinely in Aston Martin Racing's race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars - provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™ III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport- and track-focused developments that ensure the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated AM28 engine.

The debut of three-stage adaptive damping - another 'first' for the Vantage family - allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car's dynamic character. 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver's requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended adaptive damping system is a 'Sport' mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver's requirements.

A whole new exhaust system - derived from that of the One-77 hypercar, no less - is lighter, smaller and, crucially, even more sonorous than that of the outgoing car.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering is new, too. With a quicker 15:1 ratio, it is linked to the adaptive damping button and offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the 'Sport' or 'Normal' settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

2014 HSV Gen-F GTS

Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) revealed the lineup of its Gen. F vehicles today, and they do not disappoint in the least. Rocking an amazing 430kW (576 hp) of power and 740Nm (545 lb.-ft.) of torque, the menacing machines are not only as fast as they look, but they are the fastest vehicles to ever be made in Australia.

2014 HSV Gen-F GTS

2014 HSV Gen-F GTS

The Gen F HSV family will come in multiple flavors: the Clubsport sedan and Clubsport Tourer wagon; the Maloo and Maloo R8 ute; the luxurious Senator; and the bonkers-looking GTS sedan.

2014 HSV Club Sport R8 sv Gen-F

2014 HSV GTS Gen-F

Major technology highlights include HSV’s Enhanced Driver Interface which streams real-time vehicle dynamics and performance data to the touch screen display. There’s also the Driver Preference Dial, which allows the driver to manipulate the vehicle’s various electronic performance systems according to a range of distinct pre-set modes. And of course, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). Topping things off are a color Heads Up Display, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Park Assist (where the car can park itself), and Hill Start Assist/Hill Hold Control for models equipped with manual transmissions.

2014 HSV Club Sport Gen-F

Suddenly, the Chevrolet SS appears drab and wretched by comparison (albeit significantly less expensive). Here’s to hoping the same treatment is in the cards for the sport sedan in America.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

Global bestseller, winner of a string of comparison tests and "Germany's favourite car" - the BMW 5-Series represents a quite unique success story. Its sales figures, the verdicts of experts and the response of the public make a compelling narrative. And now the BMW 5-Series Sedan, BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo are preparing to build on their standout presence in the world's car markets with the help of cutting-edge technological innovations and sensitively modified design features. The introduction of the new BMW 5-Series provides the latest highlight in the development of the company's longest-serving model family; the BMW 5-Series has been a fixture in the BMW portfolio since 1972 - longer than any other current model. It didn't take the 5-Series long to establish itself as a paragon of driving pleasure and aesthetic appeal in its segment. And today it can add efficiency and innovation to the list of disciplines in which it leads the way in the executive car market.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

The BMW 5-Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. Entering the fray in 1991 and now in its fourth generation, the BMW 5-Series Touring blends hallmark BMW dynamics and all-embracing comfort with a variable-usage cargo area designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of activities. And the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

To date, over 6.6 million BMW 5-Series cars have left the factory. And the current BMW 5-Series is in excellent shape to surpass the record set by the highly successful last two generations, each of which sold in excess of 1.4 million units. A total of more than one million units of the current BMW 5-Series Sedan have been delivered to customers since the sales launch of the 5-Series in March 2010. No other generation has bettered these sales figures over such a short period of time.

The BMW 5-Series defended its leading position as the best-selling car in its class in supreme style once again last year, further extending its upward curve of constantly rising sales figures since its market launch.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

Like the manual gearbox fitted in the BMW 5-Series, the eight-speed automatic option also stands out with its remarkable efficiency. Indeed, the majority of 5-Series models burn even less fuel with the eight-speed automatic specified than when the same engine teams up with the manual gearbox. All the models in the BMW 5-Series line-up come as standard with features including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, active air vents, Electric Power Steering and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. Elsewhere, modifications to the wheel arches and underbody panelling and a redesigned front apron contribute to further optimisation of the cars' aerodynamic properties. The result, among other things, is a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd value) of the new BMW 520d to 0.25.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

The standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch can be used to activate ECO PRO mode, which tweaks the engine management, accelerator responses and shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox to help the driver keep revs low and burn as little fuel as possible. Plus, efficient power usage for electrically operated functions such as the climate control system and the seat and exterior mirror heating ensures efficient energy management. A coasting mode is now also available for the first time in conjunction with the optional automatic gearbox. In ECO PRO mode this function disengages the powertrain as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (31 and 99 mph). This allows the car to glide along with no engine braking effect and burning only minimal amounts of fuel.

The optional Navigation system Professional also does its bit to assist efficient driving, presenting drivers with not only the quickest or shortest route to their destination, but also the ECO PRO Route - mapped out to keep fuel consumption particularly low. Another innovation making its debut in the new BMW 5-Series range is the Proactive Driving Assistant. With the navigation system's route guidance activated, this function advises the driver on the ideal moment to take his foot off the accelerator when approaching corners and speed-restricted areas in order to reduce fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with specially adapted versions of the coasting mode and Proactive Driving Assistant, helping customers to make maximum use of the car's pure electric driving potential.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo will arrive with impressive technology and its price tag reflects that. Porsche has released the 2014 911 Turbo’s specifications and pricing, which starts at $149,250, including the $950 destination fee. Those stepping up to the 911 Turbo S will have to fork over $182,050.

The new 2014 911 Turbo’s MSRP represents a $10,800 price jump over the outgoing 997-series 911 Turbo, though that difference shrinks to $6250 when the outgoing 911 Turbo is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The new 911 Turbo is highlighted by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter boxer six that produces 520 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four-wheels via a new all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; the six-speed manual is no longer offered. Other standard items include an active rear axle steering system, full-LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, and active aerodynamics.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Turbo S model is $20,400 more expensive than the outgoing 997-series and gets a power bump to 560 hp and 516 lb-ft. Additionally, the S gets a standard carbon ceramic brakes, Sport Chrono Package Plus, 18-way adjustable sport seats, and an active anti-roll system dubbed Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC); these items are available as options on the base Turbo.

Porsche says the 0-60 mph sprints will take just 3.2 seconds for the Turbo (equipped with Sport Chrono) and 2.9 seconds for the Turbo S. We’re guessing those times are conservative, meaning one or both 2014 911 Turbo models could beat the 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition’s Motor-Trend-tested 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds. Top speed for both models is just shy of 200 mph. Both models are slated to arrive in showrooms by the end of this year.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo

With the entire Nissan 370Z lineup having just received some slight tweaks for the 2013 model year, the sportier Nismo model is getting a few more upgrades for its 2014 model year to give it an even more unique appearance. These changes include new gray accents and red striping on the outside, and inside, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new red Nismo tachometer front and center for the driver to easily see.

The 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo is debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show, and it will go on sale this summer offered in just four exterior colors: Pearl White, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and Solid Red. As for the coupe's performance, it still retains the higher 350-horsepower rating from the 3.7-liter V6, which is paired solely to the six-speed manual transmission. Other performance add-ons include a more aerodynamic front fascia and rear spoiler, 19-inch wheels with a sport suspension and a strut tower brace for better rigidity.