The Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid powerplant marries an Audi-built, supercharged 3-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic with a disc-shaped electric motor mounted internally. Electric energy is stored in 155 pounds worth of nickel metal hydride battery pack stored under the rear cargo floor.

The 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid is a full hybrid, capable of traveling up to one mile—and at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—in all-electric drive mode. Total output will be a 380 horsepower and a maximum 428 pound-feet of torque. The Touareg’s Hybrid setup also features a coasting capability that disengages the engine from the transmission when the driver releases the gas pedal when traveling at high speeds.

Klaus Bischoff’s VW design team has tweaked and toned the original 2003 Touareg. They’ve extended the wheelbase, won a bit of legroom in the back, and have honed the lines and bodywork with a sleek, athletic look. The only bits of bling are the ridiculous LED daytime running lights, but fortunately you can’t see those when you’re driving.

The console also holds a dial with on- and off-road settings. The Touareg Hybrid comes standard with four-wheel drive, a completely automatic system that defaults to a 40 percent front-60 percent rear torque split. But switching it to off-road mode merely adjusts the traction control and drivetrain programs; the Touareg Hybrid's conventional suspension sits at a fixed height.

Going over rough country roads, the car felt very capable, absorbing big bumps easily without too much cabin rocking. Volkswagen says the Touareg Hybrid has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and can ford water to a depth of 19.7 inches. Driving through some sections of flooded roads created by recent California storms, the Touareg Hybrid plowed through, sending water spraying off to the sides.

READ MORE - Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Feature

The new Ferrrari FF Review happens to be in your future acquisitions list, then you should try the configurator Ferrari has just placed online for it. However, we should warn you, no matter what color you choose, the car won’t look any better.

The FF has an odd hatchback-shape, designed by Pininfarina.Ferrari’s patented four-wheel-drive weighs 50% less than a conventional four-wheel-drive system, maintaining a rear-biased 47:53 weight distribution. Inside, the rear seats fold down to make more luggage room. It can accommodate four people.

The FF's calling card is a new 6,262-cc, 65-degree V12, with direct gasoline injection, fully variable valve timing, graphite-coated pistons and 12.3:1 compression. The engine generates a peak of 651 hp on 93 octane, precisely at its 8,000-rpm redline, with 504 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. That's about 103 hp for each of the six-plus normally aspirated liters of displacement. Yet Ferrari claims that, thanks to direct injection, friction reduction and low-drag accessories, its new V12 reduces specific fuel consumption nearly 25 percent compared with the old one. These are good times.

The transmission is an update of Ferrari's F1DCT dual-clutch automanual with seven speeds. The FF will be offered in North America with an economizing HELE option, which adds low-e, brushless fan motors, an economy-oriented transmission-control mode, a more efficient air-conditioning compressor and a start-stop feature. Ferrari says it can improve fuel mileage by 2 percent to 3 percent.

Ferrari has always been popular in the GCC, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Expect to see the 2012 Ferrari FF on the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or more likely doing rounds in Jumeirah, although it likely won’t sell as much as Ferrari thinks it will sell.

READ MORE - The new Ferrrari FF Review

2011 chevrolet volt Price comes in a single form, a five-door hatchback, similar in size to the Toyota Prius. More precisely, the Volt measure 177 inches long, making it a little shorter than the current Cobalt.

The electric drive unit (utilizing a 220-cell, 16 kWh lithium ion battery) will put out 150 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque and will top out at 100 miles per hour. This powertrain allows the vehicle to travel 40 miles on electric power only, while for longer trips, the Volt's generator will kick in to provide for additional range.

Seating is perfectly comfortable, though it only seats four, not five, because of the massive battery hump running down the middle. The rear hatch offers plenty of room for various cargo. I loaded up stuff from the hardware store easily and carried passengers both front and back without complaints. In fact, everybody liked it.

The first thing I’d change on this car is that inane sound it makes when you get in and push the button--it’s a sort of Spaceman Spiff whooshing noise that is supposed to be all futuristic and high-tech, which annoyed the hell out of me immediately. After more than a week with it, I’d be baseball-batting that plasti-dash to make it stop. I might even go so far as to read the owner’s manual to see how to deprogram it, but that was more effort than I wanted to make for my three-day loan. The electronic gauges are all over the place. There is so much data available with this car. But the “Range” gauge is pretty obvious, and that was the one I was eyeing during my loan.

The Volt has an MSRP of $41,000, but the federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit that helps make the net cost to consumers $33,500. Chevrolet is also offering leases on the Volt for $350 per month for 36 months with $2,500 due at signing.

Engine & Performance
• Cylinders:
• Base engine type: hybrid
DriveTrain
• Drive type: front wheel drive
• Transmission: 1-speed direct drive
Suspension
• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Torsion beam rear suspension
• Front independent suspension
Fuel
• Fuel type: hybrid
• Fuel type: electric fuel
• Fuel tank capacity: 9.3 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 883.5/837.0 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 95/90 mpg

READ MORE - 2011 chevrolet volt Price

Feature 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe was looking to expand its market to include the younger population and they decided that the best way to do that was to offer a C-Class Coupe alternative. That project led to the birth of the CLC whose success in the market was more lackluster than bedazzled. Now, Mercedes C63 AMG is at it again with a much more simple approach to meeting the needs of the younger generation. This simple - in the best sense of the word - vehicle is the C-Class Coupe, and Mercedes is even taking a stab at an AMG version.

The new C63 AMG Coupe will join the current AMG Coupe and will be put on sale this July in Europe, while on the US market sales will begin in September 2011. The first units will be sold as the "Edition 1" and will be offered with exclusive equipments.

But the biggest mystery Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series Coupe raises among fans is related to what will it host under the hood. Some information leak revealed that the C63 AMG Coupe will share the same V8 engine with his Sedan brother, which lead us to think about of a tuned-up version of it to equip the future Black Series car. In the SL65 AMG Black Series for example, the maximum power was increased from 525 HP to 650 HP, thing that makes us hope to an increase from 450 to 575HP.

To look like their four-door brethren, coupes feature their own bodykit with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in staggered high performance tires. At the rear, the automaker’s signature, bellicose AMG performance exhaust system takes center stage.
Inside, a special AMG steering wheel, high-performance seats with larger bolsters and special gauges mark the new model. Leather seating surfaces are optional, while a high-grip composite upholstery called Dinamica will be standard. Designed to be extremely breathable and “pleasing to the touch,” the material is also notable for its low-emissions production process. Mercedes-Benz says it is aimed at track-oriented users who don’t want the slippery feel of leather.

READ MORE - Feature 2013 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe

Mercedes C63 AMG Black will be fitting the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe with a variant of the premium automaker's 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8, according to a report by Inside Line.

The Black Series models are all about being more aggressive and more powerful than the standard C63 AMG version. Expect to see a new rear diffuser, quad AMG-style pipes, and also a sportier interior with lots of carbon fiber and aluminum insertions.

The 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8, as seen in the S63 AMG with the AMG Performance Package, is tuned to produce 571 PS (420 kW / 563 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. But in the next C63 AMG Black Series Coupe total output may even sprint past the 600 PS mark, although Mercedes-Benz has said in the past that its AMG models will be given more towards weight-saving and efficiency-tuning than to engaging in horsepower wars.

In the CLS63 AMG, this V8 delivers a complete of 518 HP, but is to C66 AMG you do not design to obtain more than 420 HP. Top speed will be paltry to 155 mph, but increase the elective AMG Performance Package and you could simply obtain to at least 180 mph.The C55 AMG has been specifically combined to give the BMW M3 Coupe a run for its money.

The M3 is powered by a V8 engine with 420 HP and has a 0-60 mph scurry time of 4.5 seconds. We envision that if BMW doesn’t take a few sort of action soon, it might start losing lots of customers to the future C55 AMG.

READ MORE - Mercedes C63 AMG Black Review

2011 Artega SE German automaker, Artega, unveiled their latest work, the Artega SE, at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, showing the promise of what a German electric sports car could look like, as well as giving the US-based Tesla and their pride and joy, the Roadster 2.5, something to think about.

At this past week’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Artega has unveiled a new, greener version of the GT dubbed the Sports Electric, or SE for short. Instead of featuring a mid-engine layout, the new Artega SE ditches the gasoline V-6 in favor of two zero-emission electric motors mounted on the rear axle. They provide a combined output of 380 horsepower and can operate independently for better traction.

Two electric motors on the rear axle with a total output of 280kW (380 horsepower) give the car its powerful thrust. These two operate independently, with each driving one of the rear wheels. The Artega SE accelerates from zero to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds (4.8 seconds with a combustion engine). Unlike the combustion engine, the electric engines transmit their power linearly and immediately, with no delay. The maximum velocity is well over 250km/h.

Electricity comes from a 37 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack with a nominal voltage of 350 V. Range of the Artega SE is 300 km (186 miles) on the European test cycle (NEDC - New European Driving Cycle) but the automaker says a more "comfortable" driving style (read: realistic) achieves a range of 200 km (124 miles). A full charge of the batteries can be had in 90 minutes at a high-powered charging station.

The Artega SE weighs in at 1400 kg (3086 lbs), about 100 kg (220 lbs) less than the GT model but sports an identical weight distribution of 57:43 biased toward the rear axle.

READ MORE - 2011 Artega SE image

The Lamborghini Aventador just made its debut a couple of days ago and already artists are at work rendering a different version of the sports coupe. What we’re looking at is an Aventador roadster version, and we like what we see. Don’t get too excited though; an actual production roadster version isn’t expected until 2014.

Lamborghini had three Aventadors on display, ranging from the bright orange example we first saw in the studio photos to a more subtle grey and a stunning matte white. The white, in particular, shows off the various styling elements of the exterior, especially the muscular creases on the front and sides. Despite having more complex lines, the Aventador still manages to have a cleaner look than some of the later generation Murcielagos. We snagged a few minutes inside, and the quality of materials is proof that Lamborghini is continuing to benefit the Volkswagen Group's influence.

The Aventador sports an all-new 6.5-litre V12 engine weighing in at just 235kg which produces 700bhp, 509lb ft and the ability to transport the carbon-fibre bodied, scissor-doored supercar from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 217mph. Since you're asking, the whole thing weighs 1,575kg - lean, for a two-door instrument of shouty oversteer.

The Aventador gets Lambo's new ISR transmission, claimed to be faster and ‘more emotional' than a dual-clutch system. We hope ‘emotional' doesn't refer to randomly breaking out into Opera or weeping hysterically at traffic lights. Those 700 horses trumpet through the box to all four wheels with an electronically controlled Haldex coupling distributing forces front and rear.

READ MORE - Lamborghini Aventador Review

Review Porsche RUF RT12 R

RUF Porsche Roadster is a result of a modification carried out by Alois Ruf and his team which is inspired by a 1967 Porsche Targa.

So when RUF introduced their latest tuning work on the Porsche 911 Turbo at the Geneva Motor Show, a lot of people caught notice. And once again, the German automaker delivered the goods. Lots of it.

Significant features include a higher front fender for both aerodynamics and aesthetics. Like the RT12 S the R has a wide rear with additional air inlets. The ceramic brake discs measure a diameter of 380mm front and 350mm rear. The forged aluminium wheels have central locking and size 9J x 19 front and 12J x 19 rear. The rims are outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres, 245/35 ZR 19 front and 325/30 ZR 19 rear.

The interior of the 911 GT2 RS also exudes sporting performance in virtually every detail. Lightweight two-piece bucket seats made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic are standard, as are lightweight door panels with fabric straps instead of traditional door handles. The basic interior color is black, which contrasts with red elements, such as the seat center sections, the roof lining and segments of the steering wheel rim. The gearshift and handbrake lever are also finished in red alcantara.

READ MORE - Review Porsche RUF RT12 R

Volkswagen's Bulli history includes two legendary vehicles, the Beetle and the Type 2, or Microbus. As it revived the Beetle some years ago, the company takes a look back at the Type 2 in a new concept called Bulli. That name comes from the common German term for the Type 2.

The Bulli hearkens back to the Type 2 in its general shape, color scheme, and large VW emblem mounted on the front. But Volkswagen aficionados will immediately notice the lack of a split front windshield.

VW has been here before. In 2001 it showed another Microbus concept. But that never made production. Why come sniffing around the idea a decade later? Well the 2001 car was too big for Europe, so would have sold in the US only and they couldn't make a sound business out of it. This one is smaller so would fit the roads over here too.

It's about the same length as a Polo but wider than a Golf, with the wheels pushed right to the ends to give loads of space. And these same proportions wouldn't have to be diluted for production because it uses VW's new modular platform which can be made in all sorts of dimensions.

The outer and middle seat positions of the front bench seat can be folded down (2/3 split); the rear beach seat, meanwhile, can be completely stowed. When the rear bench seat is stowed, cargo capacity increases to 1,600 liters. In addition – and here the new Bulli is reminiscent of its legendary ancestor – the seat system can be transformed into a large reclining surface with just a few manual movements. This turns the compact MPV into a compact camper – the ultimate companion for a weekend trip.

At least as important for many users, however, is that the seating system should not only be versatile but also offer maximum comfort. The seat position is comfortably high and is equally relaxing. As an added benefit, it offers an optimized view forward as well. And that is how it was in the T1 too. Contributing to peace of mind aboard today’s vehicle is the fact that the new era Bulli is equipped with all conceivable safety features. And that is the crucial difference: the car has essentially been reinvented since the days of the first T1 aka the Bulli aka the Microbus.

READ MORE - Review Volkswagen Bulli launched From Beetle