Action Cars: January 2011

PREVIEW: A look inside the future B-Klasse

After we initially came across a photo showcasing the dashboard of the future A-Klasse, Autoreview has recently published a set of clear design sketches revealing the interior of the upcoming B-Klasse. The dashboard emphasizes a smooth, fresh and youthful design. The huge, round aircon vents (which are very similar to those on the SLS or the new SLK) as well as the ingeniously-mounted display for the COMAND infotainment system and the big slab for fitting the aluminium/wood trim will obviously cause a great visual impact when someone enters the car for the first time. As far as we are concerned, these drawing are very encouraging and we can't wait to see the final result. Till then, hit the jump button and see more pics!

Aston Martin One-77 already being delivered to customers?

After years of hype, it appears the first customer has taken delivery of their new Aston Martin One-77.

While it seems unusual for the company not to promote such an event (they sent out a press release for the first delivery of the Rapide), a black One-77 was spotted in front of the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo wearing non-manufacture plates. This seems to imply the car is a retail model, but we cannot confirm it.

Regardless, the supercar features a 7.3-liter V12 engine with 750 hp (559 kW / 760 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. Official performance specifications haven't been announced, but the One-77 is expected to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 220 mph (355 km/h).

Aston Martin One-77 spy photo on Nurburgring for first time 01.07.2010

Aston Martin One-77 at Nurburgring store

Sponsored By : CHAUDHRI ELECTRODE ENGINEERING. AL-MUQIT STEELS. Q.A.M INTERNATIONAL. Manufacturing : welding electrodes, steel wirerope, wirerope, pvc cables, all sort of metal and hard ware tools.
Also trading in generators. load banks and all sort of metal.
Dealing in Real Estate (Turkey.Pakistan.Malaysia.Dubai)
For Contact: mustakeem@gmail.com Cell # +9(0531)9204077
Location :Istanbul /Lahore

www.action-cars.blogspot.com

More from episode 2: live recording pics

Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

An epic episode, you will agree. First, we lightly thrashed the Aussies in our Motoring Ashes, Jezza got to grips with the fastest Ferrari ever built on a wet track and an affable German named Boris came down and set a scintillating time in the wet. Turns out he enjoys driving...
We sense your desire for �more', and so to honour that desire, here are some behind-the-scenes pics of show 2's live recording.
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

"My eyes are up here, James, honestly"
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

�Yeah, Best Factual Programme. Go figure'
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

Stripy Jumper Man took a much-needed �evacuation' as Jeremy finished off his Jacko routine
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

After failed fist-bump, Jeremy goes for the big squeeze
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

Do not disturb when Stig is in �ON' position
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

Boris learns from the mute in the white suit
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

Boris backs away after wrongly deciding to correct Stig's duck knowledge
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

�No Boris, you're supposed to cross the finish line'
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

�Somebody say tea?'
Series 16, episode 2: pictures from live filming

How To Gesture In Italian classes paid off

www.action-cars.blogspot.com

Porsche Cajun rendered

Porsche has set the goal of 200,000 vehicles by 2018 and the Cajun is expected to be the anchor in doing so.

With the official green-light given to the the entry-level crossover in November, the Cajun is designed to attract new and younger customers. The Cajun will be an "efficient and sporty model" with "typical Porsche features such as light weight, ease of handling and agility." Furthermore, the crossover will be based on the Audi Q5 and feature styling influenced by VW design boss Walter de' Silva.

The Cajun is expected to be launched in 2014 and will compete with the Mercedes GLK, BMW X3, and Land Rover Evoque.

Porsche Cajun artist rendering, 1024, 31.01.2011

www.action-cars.blogspot.com

Mercedes confirms B-Class coupe & crossover - interior designs teased

In a recent interview with Automotive News Europe, Joachim Schmidt - the Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz - confirmed the company is developing a coupe and crossover based on the MFA platform that underpins the next-generation A- and B-Class.

While this isn't unexpected, as the crossover was already announced, this is the first official confirmation that a coupe is in the cards. Of course, coupe is a relative term as the model is expected to be a "four-door coupe" in the same vein as the CLS. Regardless, the car is scheduled to be launched in 2013 and will likely resemble the F800 Style concept which debuted at last year's Geneva Motor Show.

On the other hand, the BLK / GLC will be launched in 2014 to battle the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. Additional information is scarce, but engine options are rumored to include a 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp) 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol and a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel with 170 PS (125 kW / 168 hp).

Besides the coupe and crossover, a third variant - possibly a convertible or shooting brake - will be offered in Europe but a decision on U.S. availability is still pending. Furthermore, if you're not a fan of the tri-pointed star, Infiniti is also interested in using the MFA platform but nothing has been finalized as of yet.

Meanwhile, AutoReview.it caught some interior design renderings that were displayed at the Mercedes Design Center in Stuttgart during the 125th anniversary celebrations. In addition to potential A-Class and B-Class interiors being shown, three separate designs were also shown each representing the three variants mentioned above

Mercedes-Benz 125 Anniversary celebrations, Mercedes Design Center Stuttgart press conference, interior design sketches, 600, 31.01.2011

Mercedes B-Class interior design sketch, 600, 31.01.2011

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept first photos - 1600 - 20.02.2010

Mercedes F800 Style concept live in Geneva 03.03.2010

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept first photos - 1600 - 22.02.2010

www.action-cars.blogspot.com

1955 Ford 'Beatnik' Bubbletop Custom goes on the block

1955 ford beatnik bubbletop custom concept

Bubbletops are unquestionably an enthralling part of the custom car world, and the one we are talking about here is one good, gorgeous baby to look at. Built by Gary �Chopit� Fioto, the 1955 Ford �Beatnik� Bubbletop Custom is expected to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000 at RM Auction�s Amelia Island event on March 12, 2011. Inspired by futuristic design studies from the �50s, the Beatnik is a lavender 1955 Ford-based custom, rides on a modified �88 Lincoln Town Car chassis and gets its power from a Chevrolet 350-cubic inch small-block V8 engine. For the Beatnik, Fioto used a mix of Cadillac, Chrysler and Lincoln components, including the canted quad headlights. The front and rear fenders, the door skins and the rear section of the car are hand-formed.

In 2006, the custom Bubbletop won the coveted $20,000 Grand Prize at Darryl Starbird�s National Rod and Custom Car Show. The Beatnik has received a number of awards, including the �Blackie� Gejeian�s 2005 Fresno Autorama Sweepstakes Award, �Outstanding Custom� at the 2006 Grand National Roadster Show and the George Barris Kustom d�Elegance Award.

1955 ford beatnik bubbletop custom concept 3

1955 ford beatnik bubbletop custom concept 2

1955 ford beatnik bubbletop custom concept 1

www.action-cars.blogspot.com

Iconic Italian mini cars and scooters to go under the hammer

At the upcoming Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic auction on March 7, 2011, a range of iconic mini cars and scooters will go under the hammer with no reserve prices. For those who admire the Fiat 500, the auction will offer two nicely restored examples � a rare black with red trim and collectible 1960 �suicide door� 500D Nuova and an equally stunning red with black trim 1969 500F model. Both these cars get their power from Fiat�s legendary 500cc two cylinder engine and feature four-speed manual gearboxes. While the former is being expected to fetch between $9,000 and $12,000, the latter is expected to go for between $8,000 and $10,000. A pair of 1950s Vespa 150cc scooters will be up for grabs, with both featuring the much desirable 10-inch wheels.

If you are on the hunt for something unique and different, there is the rare, restored 1958 Vespa Ape three-wheeler that�s expected to bring in between $6,000 and $10,000. A replica vintage pedal car, with no reserve price, is expected to sell for between $2,000 and $2,500.

www.action-cars.blogspot.com

PHOTO GALLERY: The F-CELL World Drive - From Stuttgart to Reims

The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive trip commenced on the 30th January 2011. The team from the three B-Klasse F-CELL models that are taking part in this venturesome journey have penetrated France, going from Stuttgart to the town of Reims located in the northern part of the country. Check out the first pictures after the you hit the jump button!