Mini Roadster

2012 MINI Roadster.

Caught again wearing very little camouflage, the prototype is only covering up that rear trunk area where the roof is stored. Aside form the soft top itself, these covered parts are the only panels distinguishing it from the standard MINI as well as the Roadster's Coupe sibling.

Yes, this Roadster model will be paired with a new Coupe variant too and both models are expected to make their debut in production form at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Hyundai Genesis Sedan

The Hyundai Genesis Sedan will continue to give engineers and product planners at Mercedes-Benz and Lexus fits, thanks to the sedan's upgraded V-6 engine, revised suspension tuning, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission -- not to mention the 429-horsepower R-Spec model.

Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan is prepared to battle competitors from above, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and, more directly, the Chrysler 300C. Whether you choose the V-6 or one of the two V-8 models, the Genesis uses a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the transmission, direct-injection technology increases the power and efficiency of the 3.8-liter V-6 Genesis. Power is now 333 horsepower (43 more ponies than before), and torque has risen from 264 pound-feet to 291 pound-feet. Hyundai Genesis Sedan expects highway fuel efficiency to increase to 29 mpg, though city fuel economy probably won't stray far from the 2011 model's 18 mpg. With power on the 4.6-liter V-8 remaining at 385 horsepower, this makes the V-6 model more of a value than before. Don't be surprised if the 2012 Genesis 3.8 accelerates as fast as a 2011 Genesis V-8.

Hyundai Equus Review and Prices

Equus being one the chief models categorized as a luxury sedan invented by the Korea based Hyundai automakers is soon coming up with its remake version to be termed as 2012 Hyundai Equus. The all new 2012 Hyundai Equus is expected to be seen in the US and European markets in near future, probably around the beginning of 2012. Hyundai is expected to move further by overcoming the demands of a luxury sedan to compete with its established rivals like Lexus, Audi, Mercedes Benz etc.

2012 Hyundai Equus will soon arrive with a stylish executive looks and improved performance. The luxury sedan will certainly come equipped with leather upholstery. The comfortable 4 passenger vehicle will have heated seats or cool seats as per the desire so that complete luxury can be experienced while driving. Additionally, the rear seats will be equipped with a massage system. The rear seats come with the luxury of a small entertainment monitor and a small chiller. Isn’t that amazing? The driver will surely enjoy the added luxuries like computer controlled guidance for parking with touch screen technology.

2011 Hyundai Equus

When the Equus goes on sale this fall, about the time turkey carving becomes a national pastime, it will be available as the base "Signature," starting at around $55,000, and the more exclusive "Ultimate," adding about $5000 to the sticker thanks to such extras as a power trunk lid, forward-view and backup cameras, and rear seats that pamper with a refrigerator and entertainment system. That second row, by the way, offers heated/cooled buckets that recline and massage. Back-row prisoners? More like front-row celebs. And before we ignore the Signature as if it weren't worthy, let's just say that its sub-$60,000 sticker includes 385 horsepower, adjustable air suspension, 19-inch wheels, adaptive HID headlamps, leather/Alcantara/wood-trimmed interior, lane-departure warning, nine airbags, 608-watt Lexicon audio, and navigation.

Pontiac Trans Am at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

Pontiac Trans Am at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas – Click above for high-res image gallery

One thing you'll find plenty of at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction is Pontiac Firebird Trans Ams from the late '70s. The same black-and-gold, "Smoky and the Bandit," screamin' eagle Trans Ams that beguiled so many adolescent gearheads in their day.

These flamboyant muscle cars have enjoyed a resurgence of late, moving away from disco-era kitsch and into the realm of bona fide collector cars. Not too many cars of that stylistic- and performance-challenged time have made the leap.

"The styling has endured for a long, long time," said admitted Pontiac addict Tom Knight of Albuquerque, N.M, as he eyed a 1976 Trans Am 50th Anniversary coupe. "I think there's been a resurrection now that Pontiac's dead."

CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke

CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke
Part Number: C2CIWCB94415S
Manufacturer Number: IWCB944/15S
CCI Wheel Cover CCI Wheel Cover
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CCI AFTERMARKET WHEEL COVERS, SILVER, SET OF 4 -- 15 in. diameter; Does not include OE-style center cap; 7-spoke design; Made of ABS plastic; This set of aftermarket wheel covers inexpensively enhances the look of your wheels; Features wire ring with factory type retention for easy and reliable installation.

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Bloomberg, which is citing two unnamed sources who are supposedly "familiar with the plan," Ford is planning to close the doors on its Mercury division after 70 years of existence. If true, Mercury will join recently departed brands ranging from Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer.

We can't say that this news comes as a shocker, as analysts far and wide have been predicting such an event for the last few years, but Ford has repeatedly denied any plans to cancel its interplanetary division when questioned.

For what it's worth, the Mercury brand has seen its sales fall by nearly three-quarters since the year 2000, now representing less than two percent of Ford's annual sales. What's more, Mercury is scheduled to lose two of its four models next year. At this point, the only thing we'll miss if Mercury leaves us is spokesmodel Jill Wagner.