Automotive Revision

Under the hood of the GLA45 AMG is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder pumping out 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.  That power paired with AMG's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive will get this AMG to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

Shifting is done through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with Manual, Sport and Comfort modes and an integrated "power take-off unit" that sends twist through a two-piece propeller shaft to a clutch built into the rear differential. Nominally front-wheel drive, when situations require it the drivetrain can send 50 percent of the power to the rear axle. There's also a Race Start function, because it's an AMG.

Should you decide to drive some twisty roads don't worry the AMG sports suspension with specially tuned spring/damper units and bigger anti-roll bars ensures high lateral acceleration and reduced body roll when driving fast on winding roads. An AMG performance suspension with firmer spring and damper tuning is available as an optional extra.  If you get going too fast on those roads don't worry as there is the AMG high-performance braking system with vented, perforated brake discs all-round and gray-painted brake calipers that deliver spontaneous and reliable deceleration. Red brake calipers are also available as an optional extra.

On the exterior the GLA gets the typical AMG treatment with new bumpers all the way around and either 19-inch twin-five spoke rimes or a choice of two 20-inch ten spoke wheels.

Those who don't mind ponying up a bit more cash can sign up early for the Edition 1, which will automatically include the Aero package, red racing stripes, wheel hub covers the mimic a central lock, and the Night package.

  Look for more coverage on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG next week at the Detroit Auto Show.

Chevy made a website for the new Z06 Corvette and when you make a webpage you have to include a meta description, which is a couple lines of text that show up underneath a search.  When you searched for "2015 Corvette Z06 supercar reveal" it turned up Chevy's Corvette Z06 website and right in the meta description it gave out the power figures for the new Vette.  

If these figures are to be believed that is a big increase over the C6 Z06 in both the horsepower and torque.  Horsepower would be increased by about 115 hp and Torque is up by 180 lb-ft.  This power is expected to come from a supercharged LT4 V8.

The German auction site SEMCO Gmbh has listed a LaFerrari with just 124 miles clock with a price of 2.38 million euros, that about $3.25 million dollars in the U.S. 

So if you have been just dying to get your hands on a LaFerrari now is your chance.  As for me I will keep looking at pictures and drooling.

With the Detroit Auto Show just a week away Kia did not release much information but they did say it will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder making 315 horsepower, and the best part is that power is going to the rear wheels. Based on previous reports we know it will be a 2+2 hatchback sitting on 20-inch wheels. 

Look for more information soon when we head to the Detroit Auto Show and see it in person.

Nissan is not saying much right now but this concept most likely hints at what the next Nissan Maxima will look like.  Here is what they had to say:

The Sport Sedan Concept previews a new energetic design direction that amplifies Nissan's legendary approach of applying sports car principles to a sedan. The IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO's innovative, eye-catching designs offer two different approaches to a next-generation compact vehicle – one expressing a casual, lifestyle-focused vision and the other an ultra-sporty design that looks as if it came directly from a driving video game.

Look for more information in a couple weeks as we will certainly check it out at the Detroit Auto Show.

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door.

MSRP: $55,100.

Engine: 3.0-liter supercharged V6. 310 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door.

MSRP: $22,095.

Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder. 160 horsepower, 170 lb-ft of torque. 

Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway.

Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door.

MSRP: $25,255.

Engine: 2.0-liter boxer 4 cylinder. 200 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: 6 speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.

Lexus IS350 RWD F Sport

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door.

MSRP: $43,435.

Engine: 3.5-liter V6.  306 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.

Porsche Cayman S

Vehicle Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door.

MSRP: $63,800.

Engine: 3.4-liter flat 6 cylinder. 325 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway.

Ford Focus ST

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door.

MSRP: $23,625

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder. 252 horsepower 270 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: 6 speed manual. 

Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway.

BMW 335i M Sport

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door.

MSRP: $43,400.

Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 cylinder. 300 horsepower, 300 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.

Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door.

MSRP: $29,900.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder. 208 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door.

MSRP: $25,095.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder. 208 horsepower, 207 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: six-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway.

BMW 135is

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive,5-passenger, 2-door.

MSRP: $43,550.

Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 cylinder.  320 horsepower, 317 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: six-speed manual transmission.

Thanks to a website that is inviting people to the Detroit Auto Show to see the new Lexus be unveiled we know the model is the RC F.  Also, along with the website it seems they are sending out letter invites that gives a bit more details about the car.  The letter states that under the hood of the RC F is a 460 horsepower V8.  The letter as says the 2015 RC 350 coupe will be at the show as well.

This new Lamborghini clearly takes design inspiration from its big brother the Aventador.  Most notable the headlights and the new more traditional wedge like shape. 

Powering the new Huracan is a reworked 5.2 liter V10 from the Gallardo now making 610 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque being sent to all 4 wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.  In case you didn't notice the designation LP610-4 comes a combination of the horsepower and 4 wheel drive. 

With the new found power and gear box the Huracan will reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds, 124 mph in just 9.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 201 mph.  With the CAFE standards getting tighter and tighter every year Lamborghini has equipped the Huracan with stop-start technology which will help achieve 18.5 miles per gallon.

Lamborghini also notes the new hybrid chassis comprised of carbon fiber and aluminum for stiffness while being lightweight, this helps achieve a curb weight of 3,134 lbs.  There are also 3 driving modes: STRADA, SPORT and CORSA for optimum performance on the road and on the track.  

Inside you will notice a new 12.3 inch full-color TFT instrument panel that delivers all vehicle information to the driver from the rev counter to navigation maps and infotainment functions, and can be configured by the driver with different setups.  You will also find Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout the cabin. 

Just like the Aventador the Huracan is also named after a famous bull and here is what Lamborghini had to say: "he fighting bull Huracán of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed was known for his outstanding courage and strong sense of attack. He fought in Alicante in August 1879, showing his unrelenting character and remaining defiant and invincible, thus entering into the legend of fighting bulls' history."

Delivery of the Huracan to the first customers is expected in spring 2014, but look for the first public reveal to be at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014.

With no turbocharged cars in Ferrari's lineup most of you are wondering where they will get a turbo power plant.  Well a inside source for Motor Trend said that it will be related to Maserati's new twin-turbo V8 found in the Quattroporte, but with all Ferrari components.  The twin-turbo V8 in the Quattroporte is a 3.8-liter that is good for 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, quite a bit more than the naturally aspirated V8 found in the current California that makes 483 hp and 372 lb-ft of torque.  

While the next California will get new body panels and an upgraded interior it will still be a hardtop convertible.  One of the biggest improvements will be a new infotainment system that replaced the clunky re-skinned Chrysler system.

Look for this new turbo Ferrari to debut this spring, most likely at the Geneva Motor Show.

Here in the U.S. the new C-Class will launch with two models: C300 4MATIC that is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected in-line four cylinder that makes 235 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and a C400 4MATIC with a 3.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected V6 making 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.  Both are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The suspension on the new C-Class is totally new and offers the first air suspension in its class.  The AIRMATIC suspension offers 4 selectable modes: "Comfort", "ECO", "Sport", and "Sport+."  The AIRMATIC also features all-round self-leveling for optimum ride comfort even when the vehicle is loaded.

Mercedes has also made the C-Class larger to account for people's increasing average height.  The wheelbase has increased by 3 inches (112) over the outgoing model, the vehicle is also 3.7 inches longer (184 inches) and 1.6 inches wider (71 inches).  Mercedes says this additional space will benefit first and foremost the rear passengers.  Those of you who like to be behind the wheel don't worry, even though the C-Class has gotten bigger it is actually 220 pounds lighter than the previous model.  The trunk capacity has also increased to 17 cubic feet.

Heading inside the cabin you will notice a new center console that features flowing lines that spans from the center air vents to the armrest.  At the center of the new flowing center console you will find a 7 inch display or the optional 8.4 inch display if the Multimedia Package is selected.  

Mercedes also said the new C-Class is not just more luxurious and more elegant that the outgoing model, it also has the latest safety systems also found on the S-Class and E-Class.  Some of those systems are Adaptive Brake Assist, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Brake Assist System Plus and Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist, as well as Active Park Assist, a 360-degree camera and Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong-Way Alert.  Keeping with the safety theme there are numerous airbags to protect the vehicle's occupants and those include: Pelvis bags for driver and front passenger, a new window bag, side bags for the outer rear seats, and a knee bag for the driver.

As for pricing we should expect that closer to launch, while Mercedes has not said when that will be we are guessing we will find out at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

So what do you think about the new C-Class?  Personally I'm liking the styling and the cabin is looking very nice. 

Lets get right into it.  Power is up by 55 horsepower to an imense 600 hp, and torque is up at least 35 foot-pounds to at least 480 lb-ft.  The power increase is thanks to high flow, larger diameter turbos which are used on the GT3 racecar.  

The chassis has also received upgrades starting with an improved suspension based on the setup used by Nissan in the 2012 Nurburgring 24-hour race entry.  The Nismo GT-R is also equipped with a 17.3 millimeter hollow rear sway bar that increases stiffness while reducing weight.   The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels.

On the exterior the new aero package will jump out at you starting with the large trunk mounted spoiler and a carbon front bumper with undercover.  Don't think these are just for looks, together these improvements generate an additional 200 pounds of downforce at 186 mph over the standard GT-R.  The Nismo GT-R's black 6 spoke wheels are inspired by the legendary GT500 race car.

Heading inside are ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats, an Alcantara steering wheel and discrete red stitching adorns the cabin.  

All these updates have resulted in a Nurburgring lap time of 7:08.675.  I think that qualifies to called "the ultimate iteration of the GT-R."

The Nissan Nismo GT-R will be available in Japan, Europe, and the United States in 2014.  No word on pricing yet but we will let you know when Nissan passes the information on.

Powering the Volvo V60 Polestar is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 cylinder that makes 350 horsepower 369 pound-feet of torque, this found in the S60 Polestar.  Getting to 60 miles per hours is done in just 4.9 seconds, on its way to a 155 mph top speed, thanks to the six speed automatic transmission and the Haldex all-wheel drive system. 

That extra power comes from a new twin-scroll turbocharger, new intercooler, and 2.5 inch exhaust. Other changes include new Ohlins shock absorbers, 20-inch wheels, and 371 millimeter ventilated disk brakes with six-piston Brembo calipers.  On the exterior you can see a new front splitter along with rear spoiler and diffuser, all which help increase downforce.

The interior has also been upgraded with new details, materials and Polestar colors, such as the steering wheel, seats and more.  All of which Volvo says will increase driver control and support.

I am happy to say that unlike more awesome wagons I get to tell you that the V60 along with the S60 are headed to the U.S.

The LF-NX showed up at Frankfurt but nobody really knew what was under the hood, but now Lexus is saying the LF-NX will debut at the Tokyo Auto Show with a new 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder under the hood.

  Now this might not seem like a big deal but this new 2.0-liter turbo four might just make its way into the IS 250 as the 2.5-liter V6 is getting a bit tired compared to rivals that are now using turbocharged four cylinders to get better fuel economy.

Who knows how far from production a car based on the LF-NX is but this new engine could be good news for the IS platform.  More information will be available at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The last time Lexus made a coupe, that us mortals could afford, it was the Lexus SC and that was way back in 2000.  Sure Lexus has had some hardtop convertibles along the way, but no true coupe.  Now that will change with the Lexus RC making its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

Lexus plans to display two models at the Tokyo Motor Show, the RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and the RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter engine.  Just to get a comparison of size, the Lexus RC 350's 184.8 inches make it just 2 inches longer than the new BMW 4 Series.

More information will be available later this month when the Lexus RC debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show.

As the Porsche faithful might have guessed the Turbo S gains more power over the Turbo.  Porsche was able to do this by upgrading the turbochargers to get a total output of 570 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque from the 4.8-liter twin turbo V8, that is 50 hp more than the Panamera Turbo.  The new Turbo S also has an overboost function that momentarily increases torque to 590 pound-feet.  Porsche is saying the Panamera Turbo S will hit sixty miles per hour in 3.2 seconds and will top out at 192 mph.  

Some other new features of the Panamera Turbo S are carbon-ceramic brakes that sit behind the wheels from the 911 Turbo.  Also, the Turbo S comes in an exclusive color called Palladium.

The Panamera Turbo S also comes in a long-wheelbase Executive trim but it comes with a price, that price being $200,500, with the standard length Turbo S starting at $180,300.