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

KIA DREAMS BIG WITH TRACK’STER CONCEPT CAR UNVEIL AT 2012 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

Performance Concept Kick Starts Driving Enthusiasts’ Hearts

• World debut of high-performance Soul-based concept

• Aggressive design, all-wheel drive and 250 horsepower make for a driver’s dream

CHICAGO, February 8, 2012 – What happens when a dream becomes reality? In the case of the Kia Track’ster concept unveiled at today’s Chicago Auto Show, car enthusiasts begin to salivate. Amid the driving rhythm of heavy-metal music, smoke and blinding lights, Kia Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off a performance-oriented three-door Soul coupe concept that hints at what could possibly be the future of Kia’s wildly successful Soul.

“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer for KMA. “But the car had to be approachable as well. We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude. It had to be a bold interpretation that would change people’s conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be.”

Mission accomplished.

The bold attitude Kearns refers to starts with the eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Orange paint scheme. While the white portrays complex layers and shades that contribute to dramatic depth, the orange is perfectly suited for racing. Kia’s signature grille features an air intake slit and is trimmed in lightweight carbon fiber. Smoothly integrated head lights sweep back suggestively over the sculpted front-wheel arches. The deeply recessed lenses echo the trapezoid themes found throughout the Track’ster and are accented with compelling LEDs.

Most striking up front is the Track’ster’s lower intake grille. Flanked by immense LED driving lights with billet aluminum surrounds, the Track’ster is capable of swallowing prodigious amounts of air to keep the engine running cool even under the most grueling conditions. The lower valance, trimmed in carbon fiber and accented with Inferno Orange, rides just inches off the ground and lends to the car’s menacing stance.

The Track’ster is not just another pretty face; it has a body to match. Sculpted surfaces seem to flow into each other naturally. The flanks are smooth but accented with well-defined wheel enclosures. Tucked beneath the Track’ster’s hips are custom HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels that were a joint effort of Kia’s California design team and HRE. The wheels are wrapped in 245/40-19-inch front and massive 285/35-19-inch rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tires. The wheelbase on the concept is stretched to 101.2 inches, almost an inch longer than the production Soul. As expected on a car with the Track’ster’s performance intentions, large 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled disc brakes are embraced by six-piston calipers in front and 13.6-inch discs are paired with four-piston calipers at the rear.

Soul fans will instantly recognize the Track’ster’s angled roof, accented with Inferno Orange. Closer inspection reveals this concept, while Soul inspired, is missing the production car’s rear doors. The front doors have been lengthened and adorned with smooth billet push-style handles which echo the racing-inspired billet fuel filler door. Carbon fiber lower side valances also are accented in Inferno Orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts. The back hatch incorporates a horizontal Inferno Orange “backpack” panel that accentuates the Track’ster’s 75.5-inch width, which is more than five inches wider than a production Soul.

With performance as the top priority, the Track’ster rolls into Chicago with a concept drivetrain sure to kick start any driving enthusiast’s heart. KMA’s design team dreamed big, but also kept their vision firmly rooted in reality. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumps 250 horsepower to the pavement, a 66 percent increase over that of the production Soul. Power is routed to all four wheels via an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. The short-throw six-speed manual transmission is capped with a stubby spherical shift lever. The Track’ster rides on a lowered sport suspension tuned for track performance.

Opening the driver’s door reveals a light and airy interior highlighted with deeply bolstered Inferno Orange suede-covered racing seats. Granite Gray leather envelopes the interior landscape and imparts a feeling of strength and stability. Granite Gray suede wraps the sport steering wheel and door panels. Located deep within red-glowing nacelles, the primary instruments are large and easily readable. Auxiliary vehicle information such as oil temperature and battery voltage is found atop the dash panel while navigation, entertainment and HVAC controls are accessed through a large touch-screen panel located just above the engine Start/Stop push-button.

Behind the front seats is where Track’ster takes a significant step away from its Soul stable mate. The rear seats have been removed and replaced with a fully integrated equipment tray and spare-tire well. “We saw the Track’ster as a performance-inspired concept that could spend time on the road and racetrack,” said Kearns. “The idea was to make the tools and equipment necessary to keep the car performing in top condition easily accessible.” Large paneled bins stow racing gear such as helmets, suits, gloves and tools while emergency supplies are housed within a separate and highly visible Inferno Orange container. A custom rear strut brace incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes.

While there are no current plans to produce the Track’ster, Kia’s California design center team enthusiastically took on the project. “Concept cars are icing on the cake,” said Kearns. “They allow KMA’s design team to dream about what could be. Whether that dream becomes a reality or not is a separate question.”

Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking. Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan. Kia’s value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

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).

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

A few days ago, at the Dubai International Marine Club, Nissan arranged a quite interesting little challenge featuring its much-hyped Juke-R (the model that hosts a GT-R engine in a Juke’s body) and three well-established supercars: the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Mercedes SLS AMG. This curious race - which took place on a short and narrow course laid out in the streets of Dubai - ended with a quite surprising result, although it must be considered that the particular features of the improvised circuit did not help some of the cars to fully express their mind-blowing potential.

The Juke-R is the outcome of the collaboration between Nissan and specialist Ray Mallock Ltd. and - thanks to the 485 hp of its impressive 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 - is capable of reaching 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill in just 3.7 seconds, hitting a maximum speed of 257 km/h (160 mph). The model is not meant for production and is used as a show car at the various Nissan’s events around the globe.

Audi has released a new official video starring their new Q3 Vail Concept, which was premiered at the last North American International Auto Show of Detroit. This particular version of Audi Q3 anticipates shape and contents of the RS variant - which is expected to surface pretty soon - and has been developed on the same platform used for the A3 hatchback. The model is equipped with a 2.5-litre TFSI engine producing 314 hp and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of peak torque and, according to the carmaker, it can push the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.5 seconds, with 262 km/h (163 mph) of top speed.

The Audi Q3 Vail Concept has been named after the famous Colorado ski resort - underlining the fact that Audi designed it for winter sports fans - and comes with an exclusive Energy Red paintjob and matt gray add-on body parts. The black-gray-red theme continues in the cabin, where innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery.

Lexus has just released a new video starring the LF-LC Concept, its new 2+2 sportscar that was one of the undisputed stars at the recent North American International Auto Show of Detroit. The footage shows us a little bit more of the new model, which was developed at Lexus’ Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California, and uses Lexus’s own Hybrid Drive technology.

The video features contributions from some of the designers who worked on the project, and is quite revealing as for how certain elements of both the exterior and the interior design of the car came about. Apparently, the response to the LF-LC Concept has been so positive that Lexus is seriously considering putting it into production. Rumor has it that, in that case, the car will probably end up being priced at around 100.000 €.

View the full Lexus LF-LC Concept official photo gallery
View Lexus LF-LC Concept at the 2012 NAIAS images

Italian design firm UP Design has introduced today at the Qatar Motor Show its latest creation: the Vittoria. The model is the first prototype entirely made by the company and follows two other cars that were instead developed by UP Design in cooperation with Turin-based company I.DE.A.: the Era in 2009 and the Sofia in 2010.

The mastermind behind UP Design is young Italian designer Umberto Palermo (UP are his initials), who also created this sporty and intriguing concept car. The Vittoria measures 4.75 meters in length, 1.96 meters in width and 1.25 meters in height, is proportioned like a GT car and adopts a pretty innovative and original design language, which is said to be production-ready.

The Vittoria has been developed on a parallel hybrid platform comprising a V8 engine and an electric motor, both of which will deliver the power to the wheels through an highly advanced drive line. This device will handle speed of the car and torque of the two engines in order to maximize the energy recovery when braking. As we speak though, there is no word on the actual power and torque figures of the model. The Vittoria also uses the art of renowned painter Taraski to make its styling even more unique. “All of our partners will follow up on their commitments for the future development of the vehicle - stated Mr.Palermo - and the fact it is now on display at the Qatar Motor Show is only the starting point.” For the record, UP Design is not into cars only, they work in many other different sectors (i.e. electric appliances, furnishing and construction, just to name a few): check out their official website to find out more.

View the full UP Design Vittoria photo gallery

Audi releases a one-minute-and-a-half long video dedicated to the A2 Concept, which was premiered at the latest Frankfurt Motor Show. This futuristic footage shows us a 3D reconstruction of the design of the car, also emphasizing some of its most distinctive features such as its all-electric powertrain. The actual prototype of this model measures 3.80 meters in length, 1.69 meters in width and 1.49 meters in height, and is also an anticipation of the next generation of the A2, the little compact hatchback that the house of the four rings produced between 1999 and 2005.

The A2 Concept boasts such features as a photochromic roof with a command on the inside of the car, LED technology for the head lamps, an adaptable light control and an innovative lighting system for the interior, which the above video explains quite well. Besides, the lights running along the length of the car detect the owner’s approach and can open the doors with a “gesture control”.

The whole videoclip is made in CGI, but if you want to see the A2 Concept ‘in-the-metal’, check out the official photo gallery of the prototype showcased in Frankfurt by clicking on one of the thumbnails below.

Hungarian designer Peter Vardai from Vardai Design presents this video animation starring his own Mercedes History Concept, a very interesting exercise in style meant to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the three-pointed star house. As the editing of the video smartly emphasizes, the bold design of this concept captures the lines and feeling of several historic Mercedes models of the past, creating an improbable body shape that is both futuristic and harmonious. Besides, you will just need to see it from all angles to spot some surprising reference to certain Mercedes trademark elements, something that just cannot be spotted at a first glance.

As Mr.Vardai himself puts it: “I aimed to design something which would be a tribute before the Mercedes brand, strengthen the feelings toward Mercedes and also worthy of the traditions. My main goal was to express the speed and motion. I tried to show these with the dynamic and streamlined features of an aircraft through Mercedes’ well-known features.” The designer also specifies that: “The initial design was the Mercedes logo. The sporty design refers to the competitive success of the brand. The statue is an extract of the Mercedes’ sport models.” We definitely like it.

via | Vardai Design

Audi has revealed the interior of the next Audi A3 at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), currently ongoing in Las Vegas, where the German carmaker also brought some already known model of its range as well as the Urban concept car. Frankly, the dashboard of the new A3 looks elegant but pretty minimal. Among its most distinctive there is the electrically deploying dash-mounted 7″ LCD screen - which allows for 3D graphics - and the original “Phone Box”: it is an area located in the center console that works as a signal amplification chamber, passing the signal of the mobile phone to an antenna mounted on the outside of the car. This device allows for better reception, less dropped calls and faster data speeds. The electronics of the car are based on a MMX board (Multi-Media eXtension), a plug-in module whose highlight is a powerful 1.2 GHz Tegra 2 processor, courtesy of Nvidia. The new 2013 Audi A3 will be officially unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March.

The other highlight at the Audi’s stall in Vegas is the Urban Concept, a futuristic compact two seater powered by a 20 hp electric engine. This model can go from 0 to 60 km/h (37.2 mph) in about 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), with 50 km (31 miles) of range and charging time between 20 minutes and 2 hrs, depending on the voltage. Rumor has it that Audi Urban could actually become available to the general public in 2013 in the form of a 999 units limited edition series, but there is no official confirmation on the matter.

Here is an exclusive photo gallery of the Audi stand at the 2012 CES (courtesy of our buddies at Autoblog.it) as well as an official photo gallery released by Audi with the new interior of the next A3.

View the full Audi at the 2012 CES photo gallery
View the full 2013 Audi A3 interior photo gallery

In the wake of its recent unveiling at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi releases an official photo gallery starring the Q3 Vail concept, the model that somewhat anticipates the future ‘RS’ version of the popular compact SUV from the four rings house. This all-wheel drive concept car shares its platform with the A3 hatchback and is powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 314 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of peak torque that - in combination with a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission - provides the model with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 262 km/h (163 mph).

The Audi Q3 Vail concept has been named after the famous Colorado ski resort, hinting at the fact that Audi designed the model targeting a young custom base made of winter sports fans who love skiing and snowboarding. The model uses an exclusive Energy Red paintjob with matt gray add-on body parts are in its lower body. However, the most striking elements are the flared fenders and running boards, which Audi will soon add to the already wide range of Q3 accessories. Another interesting feature is the front roof-rail support with integrated LED lights that can illuminate the area around the vehicle.

As for the interior, the Audi Q3 Vail Concept comes with a combination of color matching black, gray, and red elements. The headlining is made from titanium gray Alcantara and large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black and edged with red velvet-finish leather. To find out more about the Audi Q3 Vail Concept, see the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Audi Q3 Vail Concept photo gallery

Winter sports and functionality – the Audi Q3 Vail

- Compact SUV as a themed vehicle at the auto show in Detroit
- New, practical solutions and many individual design highlights
- 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft)

Audi is unveiling a themed vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – the Audi Q3 Vail with an output of 231 kW (314 hp). The compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched in 2011.

The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

The themed vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect.

The struts exhibit the bicolor theme that the Audi designers developed for the Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which generate the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminum panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminum.

Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon fiber.

The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.

The Audi Q3 Vail is fitted with five-arm wheels in 8.5 J x 20 format. Mirroring the single-frame grille, their visible edges have a high-gloss finish, while the inside areas feature the same matt quartz-based paint. The off-road tires are size 255/45. Track width has increased 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) at the front and rear compared to series-built models, and the body is 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) higher. The themed vehicle also features unique solutions at the back – the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are integrated in the diffuser and underbody guard area.

In the interior of the Audi Q3 Vail, three colors offer an ambience of sophistication and sporty elegance – black, gray and red. The headlining is made from titanium gray Alcantara; large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black. The black, ribbed floor mats are edged with narrow strips of red velvet-finish leather.

An innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery – thin strips of leather just a few tenths of a millimeter wide, are interwoven with yarn. The upholstery features piping with double seams; like the contrasting stitching, the piping is red. Small sections of the upholstery are made from red velvet-finish leather – a hardwearing material that looks similar to nubuck leather at first glance, but in fact has a finer structure. The segments integrated in the door trims are also in red velvet-finish leather, trimmed in steel gray Fine Nappa leather.

The entire instrument panel in the themed vehicle is trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Contrasting stitching in titanium gray is an elegant highlight. The leather across the hood of the instrument cluster is steel gray with red contrasting stitching. This color scheme is replicated on the door armrests at the front and rear. The front section of the center tunnel also has a leather trim.

The inlays around the S tronic selector level, at the front of the cockpit and in the doors comprise a three-dimensional stainless steel mesh that requires a complex manufacturing process. The selector lever features a high-gloss black ring and an aluminum badge with a milled “Q3 Vail” signature. The lever gaiter is enhanced by red stitching.

Aluminum takes center stage in the instrument cluster. The most striking elements are the metal dials around the speedometer and rev counter. They were made using a rotary-grinding process. Metal is also used on their rings and around the edges of the control lights. Horizontal bars and small fins give the dials and needle centers a sporty, three-dimensional look. The leather steering wheel features red contrasting stitching and an aluminum trim. Behind it are two large shift paddles for manually controlling the seven-speed S tronic. The footrest and the pedals have thin pads made from rubber. Slits offer a glimpse of the stainless steel beneath the pads.

In some parts of the interior the trims are in high-gloss black – the display and control elements on top of them appear to float. This applies to the area surrounding the driver information system, the zone around the air vents, the periphery of the MMI terminal and the row of switches on the center console. Aluminum inserts give the black switches an air of sophistication. Chrome trims adorn the controls of the air conditioning system; the air vents have black ribs and chrome-trimmed rotary knobs.

The soft keys for the MMI navigation plus system are made from aluminum, while the control terminal benefits visually from narrow strips of the same material. The monitor, which can be folded out manually, has a trim that matches the surface of the instrument panel. The system includes an animation showing the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the Audi Q3 Vail. In regions that are not included in the map data, the MMI navigation plus system logs the GPS coordinates of the route – for assistance during the return journey.

The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail includes two practical devices for winter sports fans. The side wall of the trunk houses a charging station. It can be used for storing flashlights and charging them inductively at the same time. The same technology is used for the Thermos bottle. It is located in the cup holder between the front seats and is able to chill or warm drinks. Both devices have LEDs that show the current charge level. One attractive extra is that, in addition to LED lighting, the flashlights incorporate an infra-red heating element that can be used for warming your hands or a pair of ski boots.

Another intelligent solution in the themed vehicle is the trunk mat, which has integrated heated seat cushions. The mat can be folded out and laid over the loading lip. This protects the trunk edge while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and also provides a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off your ski boots. Small LED spotlights on the inside of the tailgate provide light.

The Audi Q3 Vail features a 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that generates an output of 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2,480 cc.

The engine’s five cylinders are consecutively numbered; red wrinkled-finish paint has been applied to the cylinder head cover. A panel made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) partially covers the engine, and the air filter is also protected against dirt. There is a decorative trim made from plastic around the engine compartment. The acoustic mat on the inside of the engine hood has a “Q3 Vail” logo embroidered in dark gray.

The power of the turbocharged five-cylinder unit is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The Audi Q3 Vail accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and continues to a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph).

Mercedes-Benz is at the 2012 International CES in Vegas with its newly unveiled SL roadster (just introduced to the world at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit) as well as the by now well-known C-Class coupe and the F125! Concept. Here is a bunch of pictures taken live at the event in Vegas by the colleagues from our parent-site Autoblog.it.

The much hyped new SL boasts a new aluminum body-frame that makes it 140 kg than the previous version, and will come in two variants: the SL350, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 producing 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque, and the SL500, powered by a 4.7-litre twin turbo V8 unit delivering 435 hp and no less than 700 Nm of peak torque. More powertrain options and an AMG version will soon expand SL’s engine range.

The F125! Concept has been created to celebrate 125 years of automotive history, which also means 125 years of history for the three-pointed star house. The model is a hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric car that boasts a range of no less than 1,000 km (about 620 miles) and, accordingly to its maker, anticipates the future of the automobile. This concept made its first appearance at the last Frankfurt Motor Show and has its fuel tank integrated in the body of the car, allowing for more room for passengers and luggage alike. The F125! is an all-wheel drive vehicle that adopts the e4matic technology, which implies that each one of the four wheels has its own dedicated motor. The car uses 23″ rims and develops 313 hp. The F125! goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 220km/h (137 mph).

View the full Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 CES photo gallery