Volkswagen Intros New R-Line Sport Package for Touareg SUV

Volkswagen Touareg shoppers now have one more box to tick on the options list as the German automaker has released the third and final R-Line package for the luxury SUV model, aptly called 'Exterior'. As its name suggests, the new package gives the Touareg a more aggressive appearance on the outside. It includes a bodykit with a front apron, chunky side skirts, a bespoke roof spoiler and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser in a matte black finish with openings for the chrome tail pipes.

The exterior styling kit can be combined with the two other available packages, and in particular the standard R-Line, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports suspension, stainless steel door sill plates, a sports steering wheel with decorative inserts in piano black, stainless steel pedals and aluminum trim on the dashboard, and the R-Line Plus that adds sports seats in a two-tone leather finish.

The R-Line Exterior package is available on all models except the Hybrid, and in true VW-fashion, pricing depends on the engine option with the kit costing (in Germany) �1,840 when ordered on the V8 TDI and �2,200 on the V6 petrol model.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Launched In Australia

Chrysler Australia has launched its all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee into the Australian market, following an international launch late last year.

The new Grand Cherokee represents the first new model launch under new CEO, Sergio Marchionne, and the first of a number of new Chrysler Group models destined for Australia in the next two years.

Here, the new Grand Cherokee will kick off with the entry-level V6-powered Laredo, priced from $45,000, followed by V6 and V8 versions of the Limited and the range-topping $69,500 V8-powered Overland.

 

Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition: The Real Photos

This here is the actual, factual Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf Limited Edition special in the flesh, photographed at the Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because yesterday, we reported on the limited run special and Fiat's photoshoped picture that made the internet rounds. While our friends from Auto55 and Autofans verified the story with the official press release, we were left wondering what the Italian mini with the classic racing-livery would look like in real life.

Today, our pondering came to an end as the Marketing and Communications director of Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first real life shots of the car in our mailbox. We believe Fiat should have released these photos instead of the 'chop from the beginning, but we'll give them props for keeping a close eye on the web-o-sphere and swiftly reacting to our post.

EPA Rates the 2012 Fiat 500 at 38MPG on the Highway

 The U.S.-spec 2012 Fiat 500 equipped with the 5-speed manual gearbox has received EPA ratings of 38 mpg on the highway, 30 mpg in the city and a combined figure of 33 mpg. American buyers can also opt for a 6-speed automatic, which is rated at 34 mpg highway, 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg combined.

The 500 is produced at the Fiat Group�s Toluca plant in Mexico and it will start arriving in larger volumes this spring. The automaker plans to open a total of 130 dealerships, of which 40-50 will be in business by the end of March, while the rest should be open by the end of the year, according to Fiat North America.

At the start of sales three models will be available. The entry-level Pop costs $15,995, while the Sport and Lounge are priced at $17,995 and $19,995 respectively, with all prices including destination charge. The Sport model is expected to become the biggest seller of the lineup.

All models come equipped with power locks and windows, air conditioning, 50/50 split fold-down rear seat, speed control, heated mirrors, 7 airbags, 15-inch steel wheels and 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

Compared to its European counterpart, the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 was modified in order to be more appealing to American customers. The automatic transmission is one of the major additions, but the North American car is also quieter and has a more comfortable ride, while the 101HP 1.4-liter FIRE engine received the MultiAir intake system as well. Fiat claims that MultiAir improves fuel efficiency and power output by 10% over the Euro-spec engine.

Binz Xtend E-Class Estate Asks The Question: A Hearse for a Daily Driver

in 1961 the checker motors corporation makers of the ubiquitous checker cab, decided for whatever reason to offer a civilian version to private buyers. called the superba, you won't be surprised to learn it was a complete financial flop.
checker went back to making taxi cab no doubt thankful they didn't try to market a civilian hearse instead.

Flash forward to 2011 at the essen motor show in december of last year european specialist coachbuilder binz announced the Xtend E-class estat and now the car has entered production. by slotting in an extra 861 mm between the rear doors and rear axle, binz have extended the estat's cargo volume to a whopping 2620 litres. that's better than some vans.

Weight is up to a heavy two tonnes while everything else including the tires and choice of engines, remains standard e-class fare oh and the hearse-like styling should come as no surprise. apart forom the 6-door e-class limousine, binz is also a builder of several Mercedes-Benz derived hearses including one based on the swoopy CLS.

imagine the sort of nighmares you'll give your dachshund when it realizes it's riding in the back of a hearse or the looks on your kid's faces when you drop them off at school in something even herman munster would be embarrassed to be seen in. in my opinion, binz shoul stick to building limousines. let us know what you think in the comments section below