When the latest generation of BMW's big 7 Series went on sale in the U.S. early this year, buyers had a choice of either the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 or the supremely impressive twin-turbo, 535-hp V12. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn't committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6.

The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7's 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new 5 Series.



[Source: BMW]

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We first informed you yesterday about an interesting looking Dodge Journey SRT R/T prototype that AB reader Nick Leonard stumbled upon in Saginaw, MI. With its manufacturer lincense plates, unique wheels, quad exhaust tips, road-hugging stance and a well-integrated new front fascia, we figured might be some kind of HiPo Mopar project that the company has kept close to its vest. We didn't know anything else about it other than the fact that we wanted to know more.

Well, today we have word of a secondhand account of the beast that would add fuel to the fire. Apparently, if a new LS1Tech thread is to be believed, this Journey is pretty darned quick. Forum member Outlaw55 tells the story:

Just got smoked by a white Dodge SUV thing! I was just out cruising back to work after grabbing a bite to eat and I got pumbled by some newer 4-door Dodge wagon/SUV looking thing. My 02 SS has been 12.90's with Drag Radials and now it has Blizzacs on the back but everything else was the same.

It was behind me and then beside at a stop light. I did not intend to race the guy but my lane ended about 10 yards ahead so I punched it when the light went green, his fender was at my door m so I banged second and went WOT and he friggin passed me. I merged in behind him and then my turn came up and I got off that road.

WTF. It wasn't a Cherokee SRT8 and it certainly wasn't V8 because it didn't sound like it. It had 5 star rims and quad exhausts..thing was white ?

Granted, this was on Michigan's cold winter streets and the Chevrolet Camaro in question was wearing Blizzaks, but either way, it would appear that this all-wheel drive Journey is packing some serious heat. Outlaw says he didn't think it was a V8, and it would be hard to believe a Hemi could be crammed into the Journey's engine bay, so if we had to guess, it might have a breathed-on SRT-4 powerplant in there. With the Caliber SRT-4 turbo mill underhood, it could be producing as much as 285 horsepower in stock configuration, possibly enough to humble the Camaro under very poor traction conditions. But who knows, perhaps it was secreting some extra boost? Thanks for the tip, Tracy!



[Source: LS1Tech]

Among the myriad of technological features coming to the 2011 Audi A8, its revised Multi Media Interface system, complete with the new "MMI touch" feature, will also include the first application of Google Earth in a production car.

In addition to the traditional hard-disk navigation system, an optional GPRS/EDGE modem is integrated into the MMI nav-plus system allowing a constant stream of information to be downloaded and accessed from Google. Along with GPS-based searches for local services, users can plan out their trips on Google Maps, Google Earth or through Audi's online portal, and navigation data is analyzed and relayed to all the A8's systems, including the automatic cruise control with "Start & Go" functionality, the adaptive lights and the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With a SIM card inserted into the A8's MMI setup (or data-enabled phone paired via Bluetooth) Google Earth can provide drivers with a three-dimensional view of their surroundings displayed on the A8's eight-inch LCD display, showing satellite imagery and terrain modeling, along with all the traditional navigation system's functionality both online and off. The integration of Google Earth is set to go live on the A8 sometime in the middle of 2010, soon after Audi's new flagship goes on sale in the spring. Check out all the details in the press release after the jump.

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The next generation models of Ford of Europe's popular Galaxy and S-Max people movers are about to make their introductions at the Brussels Motor Show. Both have been given modest exterior revamps, new technologies like Ford's Blind Spot Information System and so on. Most importantly, though, these are the first Fords to receive EcoBoost four-cylinder engines.

The S-Max wears a redesigned hood and front fascia with LED running lights, while its rear end gets a new tailgate and LED taillights. The Galaxy is likewise fitted with the new family look, with a bolder lower, new fog lights, and LEDs in the rear.

Both cars have updated interiors and new materials. Under their hoods, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost SCTi tops out at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque (the latter of which is available from just 1,750 rpm). For all the info on two more of Ford's Please-Come-to-America-Offerings, have a look at the press release after the jump and check out the high-res galleries below.




[Source: Ford]

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It took just one minute and 13 seconds into this video for us to scream "Epic!" In fact, we're not sure there's enough epic epicness in that single word to properly describe the epic proportions contained therein.

This 1970's JDM homage has got it all: A yellow Pontiac Trans-Am of the Screaming Chicken era, a race-prepped red Nissan GT-R police car, a yellow Datsun Fairlady 280ZX and lots of meddling trucks. As if that weren't enough, there are little green army men and a special effects regime that could have been overseen by Michael Bay. And it has a really odd name. Luxe37, we have no idea who you are, but we salute you. Follow the jump to watch the stop-motion mayhem.

[Source: YouTube]

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When Lexus introduced the IS F, enthusiasts were suitably skeptical about the automaker's attempt to go head-to-head with the Germans. After all, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have specialized in creating autobahn-burning, Nordschleife-honed handlers for decades.

And then we drove it.

To everyone's surprise, Lexus pulled it off, but we figured it might be a one-time deal. We assumed the IS F was an outlier – just a distraction from the brand's cadre of well-built, less-than-sporty luxo-barges. We were wrong.

In the footsteps of the IS F was the introduction of the F-Sport accessories line, followed by rumors of a GS F and finally the LFA supercar. Lexus was becoming increasingly serious about making a mark in the luxury performance space, but on its own terms and at its own calculated pace.

Flash forward to October when a press release arrived touting a new Sport Package for the upcoming 2010 LS460. To be honest, our first thought was Lexus was overreaching. The LS is a fine sedan, with plenty of power and a reasonably good balance of ride and handling. But a sports sedan it's not. No matter. If Lexus was threatening to "F" up its LS with a "Sport" package, we needed to put it to the test. And we did just that.



Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright ©2009 Weblogs, Inc.

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There have been rallies and skateboards and drag races and tattoos, among other things. Now, the tenth and final film of the 2010 pony car festival that is Mustang Unleashed has gone out in smoky style, with a big Las Vegas number filmed on the strip. This time Vaughn Gittin, Jr. plays a support role to Hard Rock's illusionist Steve Wyrick, who pulls off a little sleight-of-car-and-body that channels Houdini and almost any Nicholas Cage stunt scene that has a car in it.

Like the best tricks, it isn't long but will have you wondering how it was done. If you get any ideas, the video warns you not to try this at home – not even driving – without the use of magic. Follow the jump to see it for yourself.

[Source: Mustang Unleashed]

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When we get to Geneva next March, eccentric Swiss design house Rinspeed will be showing off a design for a new electric commuter vehicle called the "UC?" The design of the car itself doesn't appear to be particularly novel with styling that looks like a cross between the Smart ForTwo and Fiat 500 (not to mention the Aston Martin Cygnet from earlier today).

However, Rinspeed is proposing an interesting approach to extending the range of the EV. Because the UC? is only 2.5 meters long, it could theoretically take advantage of the same kind of perpendicular parking that many Smart drivers use. With that in mind, Rinspeed is proposing that railroads build special train cars that would allow the UC? to be driven straight on and off for travel between cities where the 75 mile nominal plug range would make travel impractical. Since most European trains are electric, it's even conceivable that drivers could plug in their UC? models during the train trip. Rinspeed hopes to offer up the UC? to outside manufacturers who may want to build it.



[Source: Rinspeed]

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There's something magical about 200 mph. The double century has become a benchmark for modern supercars, although it takes just as much courage as pavement to do the deed. As we found out at World Class Driving earlier this year, sometimes that isn't even enough. Techart, the well-known German Porsche tuner, recently headed to the Nardo test track in Italy to see if they could break the 200 mph mark in one of its more unlikely speed demons: a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Obviously, an SUV isn't exactly the ideal vehicle to reach terminal velocity, but it seems to be a popular trend lately. Just last week we told you about the Brabus GLK V12 that reached 200.3 mph at Nardo thanks to its 750 horsepower twin-turbo V12. The Techart Cayenne Turbo with just 680 horsepower wasn't quite as fast -- 321.2 km/h or 199.5 mph, but seriously impressive nonetheless. Techart is still declaring a world record, though, claiming the title of the planet's fastest "full size" SUV. Trivial? Yes. Pointless? Undoubtedly. But wealthy soccer moms that rejoicing during their daily commute on the autobahn. Learn more about the Techart Cayenne Turbo and its record-breaking top speed run after the jump.




[Source: Techart]

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