The recent snowfalls that hit Rome in recent days are a quite rare event, and seeing the Italian Capital in white makes it even more unique and evocative. The good people at Mercedes-Benz thought it would have been a great idea to seize the moment and shoot a nice promo video featuring one of its hottest models, and here it is. The star of the clip is the beautiful Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, which can be seen strolling and playing around the suggestive monuments of Rome in all of its glory.

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BMW introduces the latest, ‘M’-branded additions to its 6-series range: meet the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible, based on M5’s platform but boasting a decidedly more fascinating design. The model uses the same frame and engine of the M5 F10, but features some unusual solution as well that confirms the new direction adopted by BMW’s Motorsport division. The Coupe comes with a CFRP roof (which allows for a lower center of mass) while the Convertible has a soft-top roof operated by a remote control button on the car key, that requires 19 seconds to open and 24 seconds to close. In the comparison with the outgoing generation, the new M6s are a good 10% more powerful and have an extra 30% of torque, whereas average fuel consumption went down by an impressive 30%.

Under the bonnet rages the well-known 4.4-litre V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which provides for two twin scroll turbochargers, direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control system. This striking unit is credited with an output of 560 hp between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm and a massive 680 Nm (500 ft-lb) of peak torque from 1,500 up to 5,750 rpm, redlining at 7,200 rpm. The transmission is a 7-speed ‘dual clutch’ with Drivelogic, Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance systems as well as a model-specific ‘M’ gear selector that ensures the quickest gear shift possible and also paddle-shifters at the wheel to control it when in manual mode. The new M6 comes with a rear axle’s multi-plate limited-slip differential as a standard feature, while the ABS system retains its full functionality in all situations.

Performance figures are as explosive as you might expect: the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark is reached from standstill in just 4.2 seconds by the M6 Coupe and 4.3 seconds by the M6 Cabrio, while the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark gets hit in an even more impressive 12.6 (Coupe) and 13.1 seconds (Cabrio). Both variants have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), but this figure can go up to 305 km/h (190 mph) with the ‘M’ Driver’s Package. With a power-to-weight ratio of 3,3 kg/hp (7.3 lb/hp) for the Coupe and 3,5 kg/hp (7.7 lb/hp) for the Convertible, both models represent a substantial step forward from their predecessors. Average fuel consumption is rated at 9,9 litres/100 km for the M6 Coupe and 10,3 litres /100 km for the M6 Convertible. The model is obviously equipped with Start-Stop system, Efficient Dynamics technology to keep CO2 emissions down and a slew of other highly advanced features: if you want to delve more into the new BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible, the extensive Press release released by the German carmaker is right after the jump.

View the full BMW M6 Coupè and M6 Cabrio photo gallery

Continue reading: BMW M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible launched

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South Korean manufacturer Kia releases new official images of the Track’ster concept, a prototype styled at its own Design Studio in California and described as a one-of-a-kind sporty crossover delivering unbelievably high performance. This intriguing model is being introduced to the public right now at the ongoing 2012 Chicago Auto Show, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after models of the event. This concept is supposed to be an anticipation of a future production model that combines sporty aesthetics with some quite original and peculiar technical feature, but for some reason we doubt it will be as cool as this concept.

To start with, its 2-tone Whiteout and Inferno Orange color scheme seems to be absolutely spot-on. The front end has a massive air intake placed right in the middle of the front bumper, full LED fog-lights as well as modern looking head lamps, while its exclusive 19″ alloys are fitted with Michelin performance tyres and Brembo brakes. The grille is quite reminiscent of Kia’s most recent production and the shape of the sides provides the vehicle with a quite athletic feeling. Under the bonnet we have a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox that produces 250 hp, which is a staggering 66% more than the most powerful engine currently available in the production Kia Soul’s line-up.

At the back we have the tail lights that are integrated in the rear window and a grille that retrieves the shape of the one at the front with a pair of mufflers at its sides. The sharp air-outlets on the sides of the car complete the wicked look of this concept. Inside Kia Track’ster Concept there are only two seats, with spare wheel, fire extinguisher and storage bays in place of the rear bench, just like in a rally car. However, the red/white/gray theme continues in the cabin too, and from what we can see the overall look of dashboard, wheel panels and all is just as harmonious and well-thought as the exterior. To find out more about Kia Track’ster Concept, see the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Kia Track’ster Concept photo gallery

Continue reading: Kia Track'ster Concept unveiled: official info and photo gallery

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One of the cars of the hour is definitely the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato, a new coupe from the British carmaker that will surely make heads turn when it will finally enter the market, and here are another four official images picturing it in all of its splendor. The car will be officially introduced to the world at the imminent Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance (February 15-18) and is expected to enter the market by the end of the current year, although only 150 units will be produced.

“We are excited to show the new V12 Zagato for the first time in production form at the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance - said Aston Martin’s CEO, Mr. Ulrich Bez - Over 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the original focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity.”

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The model you see in these pictures is the last special edition based on the Smart ForTwo, called ‘Sharpred’. The main distinctive feature of this model is its unusual back & red color scheme, that includes glossy black 15″ rims and grille, and will be available in both hard-top and convertible configurations. Under the bonnet will pulse the well-known 1.0-litre 3-cylider petrol engine, which is available for this model in power steps of 70 and 83 hp.

The black/red theme continues in the cabin, where we find black leather seats with contrasting red stitching and unique floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred comes with all the features of the Passion trim and will be produced in 1,800 units, all of which will come with standard panoramic roof, heated seats, sat-nav, audio system and air conditioner. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is already available for order, with the first deliveries scheduled for May.

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All good things must come to an end, and so does this excellent Lamborghini documentary with its seventh episode dedicated to the Sesto Elemento, the high-performance concept car designed by Lamborghini for the 2010 Paris Motor Show. For the ones who don’t know, the sixth element in the periodic table is carbon, which explains the name’s choice: this vehicle’s chassis, body, driveshaft and suspension are in fact made of carbon fiber, which has reduced Lamborghini Sesto Elemento’s overall weight to an astonishing 999 kilograms (2,200 lb).

And its lightness, combined with the power of its V10 motor, has enabled this concept car to reach outstanding standards in terms of performance: 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

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Mercedes celebrates the 60th birthday of its iconic SL roadster with the release of a short clip that chronicles the whole evolution of the model, from 1952’s 300SL all the way up to the recently unveiled R231 version, with its new aluminum bodyshell (a first in Mercedes-Benz’s history).

Just as a quick reminder, the new Mercedes SL comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of peak torque (for the SL350 version) and a 4.7-litre V8 unit producing 435 hp and 700 Nm (for the SL500). Both engines use a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

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Tesla just introduced its new Model X Concept at its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, in front of over 1000 attendants. The car is an all-electric crossover that will join the Roadster and the Model S as the third model in Tesla’s range, and has been described by its maker as ‘more responsive’ than a Porsche 911 and ‘roomier’ than an Audi Q7.

The Model X is powered by the same electric powertrain of the Model S and it can be coupled to a battery packages of 40, 60 or 85 kWh, that would provide the model with a range between 145 and 270 miles (233 and 435 km), thereby a good 10% less than the Model S. The Model X is also the first model to adopt Tesla’s Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive system, which provides for two extra electric motors giving the car a proper 4-wheel drive traction.

Design-wise, the car sports a quite captivating curvy dome and an interesting an innovative “Falcon Wing” rear doors opening system, a new take on the classic gullwing-doors concept. According to Tesla, this configuration will allow for an easier access to the rear seats. The cabin in fact can host up to seven people over three rows, and offers the same sort of electronic trickery that can be found on the Model S as well, but with better finishing. At the moment the Tesla Model S is still a prototype, but the definitive version of the car is already scheduled to enter the market in early 2013.

View the full Tesla Model X Concept photo gallery

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Citroën has released more pictures and info of the new C4 Aircross, which will be unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show. In Europe the new crossover from the French carmaker will come with an engine line-up composed by two diesel and one petrol units: a 1.6-litre HDi engine delivering 115 hp and 270 Nm of peak torque, a 1.8-litre HDi delivering 150 hp and 300 Nm and a 1.6 petrol producing 115 hp and 152 Nm. Outside Europe, a 150 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine will also join the fold. The gasoline powertrains will make use of a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas the diesel ones will come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

An all-wheel drive option with three transmission modes will be made available for diesel models only: there is the 2WD mode for optimal fuel consumption, the 4WD mode which automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, and the ‘lock mode’, which increases the torque transmitted to the rear wheels for more grip under severe conditions.

The Citroën C4 Aircross uses 18″ rims and a number of safety and aid systems such as hands-free access and starter, to the GPS navigation system with its touch-sensitive screen, rearview camera, transmission mode selector, USB port and Bluetooth connection for portable audio players, just to name a few. The model is expected to hit the market in the first half of the current year, but Citroen is yet to reveal its price.

View the full Citroën C4 Aircross photo gallery

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The new Audi TT RS Plus has finally arrived. the German carmaker has just released the first official info and a massive photo gallery of the new model, that will be made available in both coupe and roadster configurations. The car is powered by the well-known 2.5-litre 5-cylider TSFI engine with direct injection equipping the ‘regular’ TT RS, but its delivery has been boosted to 360 hp and 465 Nm of peak torque, marking a +20 hp and a +15 Nm over the output of its ‘plus-less” counterpart. This unit, in combination with its S-Tronic ‘dual clutch’ transmission, allows the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in just 4.1 seconds (4.2 seconds for the roadster), with a limited top speed of 280 km/h (173 mph). A 6-speed manual transmission option is also available, but with this gearbox the TT RS Plus loses a little in terms of performance as the 100 km/h mark is reached in 4.3 seconds by the coupe and 4.4 seconds by the roadster.

The model obviously uses an all wheel drive powertrain and boasts an average fuel consumption of 8.5 l/100 km for its coupe variant and 8.6 for the convertible. Thanks to its light bodyshell, 2/3 of which is made of aluminum, the Coupe version with manual gearbox weighs only 1,450 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 4.0 kg/hp (4.2 for the Roadster). The Audi TT RS Plus rolls on exclusive 19″ burnished alloys with contrasting red outline, fitted with 255/35 tyres and coupled to 4-piston calipers on the front axle. “Magnetic Ride” suspension are also available as an optional extra.

Aesthetically, the Audi TT RS Plus distinguishes itself from the “regular” TT RS by its glossy single-frame grill, the wing mirror shells made of CFRP, the matt aluminum outline of its diffuser, the front lip spoiler and its burnished oval-shaped mufflers. By the way, the ’sound’ of the car can be adjusted by acting on the flaps integrated in the exhaust system. To find out more about the model, please check the official Press Release right after the jump.

View the full Audi TT RS Plus photo gallery

Continue reading: Audi TT RS Plus: official pictures and info released

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