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These shots give the best view yet of both the coupe and roadster version of the next-generation Audi TT, showing how the company has grown and adapted its design to stay at the top of the styling charts.  The models revealed here will be joined by a three-door hatch variant, but it’s the classic two­-door bodystyle that will make up most of the sales. Although the hatchback Shooting Brake concept – unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in October – was first to showcase the TT’s new look, these pictures uncover the pro­duction version for the very first time. It has been caught while undergoing testing by our spies and, as you can see, the current model’s instantly recognisable lines have been moulded into some­thing much more modern and even more appealing.

Ready to go on sale next autumn year, the TT Coupe will have a new rival in the shape of BMW’s Z4 coupe, but the next Audi will boast a more spacious cabin. And while the outgoing model’s back seats are uncomfortable for adults, rear passen­gers in the newcomer will benefit from extra space, and there will be more luggage room in the trunk. 

The extra inches have given the company’s designers greater flexibility to pen a more attractive hood for the Roadster, which will join the line-up in 2007.

Benefiting from Audi’s latest engine technology, the new TT will be offered with the 2.0-liter powerplant from parent company Volkswagen’s Golf in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. A 250bhp 3.2-liter six-cylinder unit will head up the range at launch, and all motors will benefit from VW’s latest Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) tech­nology to boost efficiency.

Audi’s latest turbocharged and supercharged engines will be available too, while plans to develop a diesel TT are thought to be underway. And all but the entry-level variants will come with quattro all-wheel drive, but buyers can expect a more involving driving experi­ence across the range.

Enthusiasts also have the prospect of a genuine supercar-baiting TT flag­ship to look forward to. Likely to be badged the RS, this range-topper will be powered by a 2.0-liter bi-turbo unit, and will take on BMW’s hot Z4 M. Expect to see the new coupe in the metal for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in September, with the first lucky buyers taking deliv­ery before the end of 2006.

Torrance, CA – Lexus will stage the world premiere of its all-new 2007 ES luxury sedan at a press conference during the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 8, 2006.

Arriving late this spring, the fifth-generation Lexus ES will set impressive new standards in design, styling, engineering, safety and performance.

The Lexus press conference is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. at the Lexus display area in McCormick Place convention center.

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Detroit- Cadillac announced today that pricing for the all-new 2007 Escalade, scheduled to hit dealerships in February, will start at $57,280 manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) including destination charges for the all-wheel drive variant available at launch. This price for the 2007 Escalade represents a carry-over entry price relative to the outgoing 2006 Escalade while the vehicle is all-new inside and out. The 2007 Escalade provides several new features as standard equipment including; a power liftgate, remote starting, side-curtain airbags, Bose 5.1 Surround audio system and others adding thousands of dollars to the content value of the all-new Escalade. Continue reading Cadillac Announces Pricing For The All-New 2007 Escalade

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Opel today announced the return of the legendary Opel GT Sports Coupe at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and issued this teaser photo. The new two-seater will carry the name of the original Opel GT which was first shown at the Frankfurt IAA in 1965, and will be powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. More details and photos are sure to surface in the coming days.

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Stuttgart, Jan 18, 2006
Four years on from its launch, the successful Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has undergone a number of enhancements, the most significant being in the areas of technology, design and interior appointments. The engines, powertrain and chassis have been optimised to deliver a sportier response so that the unique Roadster now offers an even more enjoyable dynamic driving experience while perpetuating the “SL legend” which has existed for over 50 years. New V6 and V8 engines, as well as an uprated V12 powerplant, deliver assured driving pleasure. Second-generation Active Body Control and the more direct steering make for noticeably sportier handling without compromising the high level of comfort which is one of the hallmarks of the SL. The redesigned front section, new rear light units and new light-alloy wheels reflect the more dynamic character of the revised SL even when it is stationary. New interior appointments as well as painstaking attention to the details of the new materials and colour schemes give the interior an even more luxurious look and feel. Shift paddles on the steering wheel – which form part of the optional 7G-TRONIC Sport package – underline the dynamic character of the enhanced SL-Class. Continue reading Next Generation of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 2006 Geneva Show

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01/17/2006 Torrance, CA

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.,Inc. will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2007 Tundra full-size pickup truck atthe 2006 Chicago Auto Show.

The Toyota Tundra was first introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model. Since then, it has won numerous awards and has been recognized for its value, quality and reliability. The completely redesigned 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful and will offer new body and engine configurations. This all-new Tundra will be built in America at both Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana and the new San Antonio,Texas plants.

The press conference will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 9:00 AM in the Grand Ballroom in McCormick Place and simulcast live to the Toyota display area at the show. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.

Bee All It Can Be

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The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the “Charger on steroids” from Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT). It features “Detonator Yellow” exterior color with black hood and deck-lid face, Super Bee logos on front and rear fenders, and contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Continue reading Dodge Announces Charger SRT8 “Super Bee”

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This story happened to be lost in the Dubspeed Driven story vault for a while, but dug it up over the weekend. This is another fun read by the great storyteller, Donald Bond, who shares his first ever SEMA experience with us. – Zerin

Story by Donald W. Bond
Photos by Donald W. Bond & Mike Staley

When I was originally asked to be a part of the Dubspeed Media Team, I had no idea where it might one day take me. A short time later, I found myself in the middle of Las Vegas, attending the largest automotive extravaganza on the planet – SEMA . I’d always read about the SEMA Show in popular rags like Truckin’ or Hot Rod, but reading about it and experiencing it in all of its glory is another thing entirely. Continue reading From the Dubspeed Driven Archives: SEMA 2005: More Than Just Cars

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Text by Dubspeed Media Staff, Zerin Dube
Photos by Matt Chow and Zerin Dube

In 1989, Mazda took America by storm with the introduction of the brand-new 1990 MX-5 Miata. The Miata filled a void in America’s car market for a simple, classic, 2-seat roadster that had been empty since the 1980 demise of MGB. Mazda’s formula for the Miata was as simple as the car itself – that less was more. Give the public a true sports car in classic roadster format, and make it affordable. With a 1990 base price of $13,800, the MX-5 Miata became an instant success.

Continue reading Dubspeed Driven Road Test – The 2006 Mazda MX-5

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INTRODUCTION
The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a 4-door, high performance coupe of remarkable grace and poise. Based on Aston Martin’s unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company’s commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality. It stands for stylistic excellence, market innovation and flexible manufacturing. The Rapide is the epitome of Aston Martin’s low-volume, high-technology approach, the synergy of modern methods and materials with traditional skills to create a new form of craftsmanship for the 21st century. Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide concept for Detroit 2006