Video: Aston Martin Virage versus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Aston Martin, the heart of many is on the road competing with the powerful Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It is the Aston Martin Virage, the latest addition of the British brand that dares to challenge AMG.

The Virage was the replacement of Aston Martin for the very old V8 models and was introduced earlier at the Birmingham Motor Show in the year 1988. Few modifications entered in to highlight the car’s glory and eventually, at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show its new generation Virage was introduced to fit in the current lineup of the Aston Martin. The car is slotted between the DB9 and DBS and aims to offer high performance with refined GT.

The car has received 4-cylinder advantage as compared to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Its engine features 6.0 liter V12, whereas, the Merc boasts a 6.2 liter V8 engine. However, Virage failed to produce more than what the AMG supercar produces. The AMG produces straight 73 bhp more than the Virage.

Though the results are clear in who wins the cup and becomes heart of all, but at least people will be more specific about their favorite car among both of them. Check out this video and see who wins the at last. Though the results are not surprising, but you will definitely going to enjoy, especially if you are the AMG enthusiasts.-inautonews.com

Subaru XV Concept headed for 2011 Australian International Motor Show

Subaru will exhibit the all-new Subaru XV Concept at next month’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne. It will be just the second time the world gets a chance to see the high-riding Impreza-style hatchback.

The Subaru XV Concept was first unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2011 event earlier this year, but the Melbourne event will be the first time Australians get a glimpse of the concept up close.

Adopting the same personality as the Subaru Outback and Subaru Forester, the XV Concept design offers a fun and youthful character yet a beefy exterior stance with energetic and eager off-road underpinnings. The standout of its design however is the all-glass roof, offering a futuristic and open environment to passengers.

No official details or specifications of the car have been released yet other than that it uses Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. There’s also been no word if the car will make it to production. Nick Senior, managing director of Subaru Australia, has mentioned such possibilities though. He said,

“We’re delighted to showcase this newest Subaru concept and will be seeking feedback on our stand at the show to gauge the level of possible customer interest in such a car.
“It promises to be a totally new offering. The XV Concept was warmly received in Shanghai and based on the long-term success of Forester and Outback, we can see this type of vehicle could have huge potential in pursuing a new niche in Australia.”

The Australian International Motor Show will run from July 1 to July 10 in Melbourne. We look forward to bringing you plenty of live coverage.-caradvice.com.au

Leaked: 2012 BMW 1 Series Photos Surface

If the sheetmetal for the current BMW 1 Series isn’t polarizing enough for you, then check out the photos of the 2012 BMW 1 Series just leaked on the Internet today.

Earlier this year, our spy photographers caught a 1 Series tester playing in the snow. The camouflage left a lot to the imagination, though it’s doubtful any BMW fan with Photoshop skills would’ve rendered what we see here. Depending on the angle, it appears to be part X1, part 5-Series GT and—for better or for worse—the summation of BMW’s current design direction (miss Chris Bangle yet?).

The photos are of the five-door hatchback version sold only in Europe so we will have to wait and see how the coupe turns out. And like the current 1-Series, expect a variety of gas engines as well as diesel options. Beyond that, details are slim for now, but more info should start trickling in closer to its official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.-wot.motortrend.com

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: In the Wild

Last week, the Cars.com editorial staff traveled to Elkhart Lake, Wis., to drive dozens of the newest car models on and off the track at Road America.

One little bonus was seeing the upcoming 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 again. It debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April; at Road America, we were able to see it in daylight as well as hear its engine, but just a little.

We begged to drive it ourselves, but were only offered a photo session. More photos are below. Click on any image for a larger version.-blogs.cars.com

Ford to Build Its Smallest Engine Ever

Ford has announced plans to build the smallest production car engine in the company's history, a turbocharged 3-cylinder that promises to increase fuel economy while delivering the same or more power than larger four-cylinder engines it will replace.

The 1-liter motor was first unveiled in concept form in the Ford Start show car at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. Part of the automaker's EcoBoost line of powerplants, it combines a suite of high-tech features that includes turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to increase efficiency and power. Ford currently employs the same technology in a 3.5-liter V6 that is available in a number of its vehicles, including the Lincoln MKT and F-150 pickup truck, where it is positioned as fuel efficient alternative to 8-cylinder engines.

According to Ford's Vice President of Global Powertrain Engineering, the three-cylinder is "one of the most technologically advanced and efficient engines" the company has ever designed.

Further details will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but the engine is widely expected to be in production by 2013 and will likely find its way under the hood of the Ford Fiesta, which currently uses a 120 hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 40 mpg highway.-foxnews.com