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Targeting the Toyota Rav4 and the Honda CR-V, the BMW X1 will be a compact SUV offering RWD and xDrive AWD configurations. The X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesels in both RWD and AWD configurations. The most efficient of the range, the RWD sDrive18d, achieves a fuel economy of up to 45.2mpg (5.2L/100km) while still being able to hit a top speed of 124mph. The BMW X1 will go on sale in the U.S. in 2011, with (what most speculate) 2 new engine variants.

Engine specs:

xDrive28i 3.0L petrol engine (standard)

• 258 hp (190kW) and 228lb-ft (310Nm) of torque
• 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds
• Top speed of 127mph
• Fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4L/100km)

The 2010 Audi R8 V10 is now shipping with an MSRP of $146,000 for the manual-equipped version, while the dual-clutch R tronic transmission bumps the price to $155,100. The standard R8 model with the 4.2L V8 engine will start at $114,200 this year, with the R tronic raising the price to $123,300.

Race Specs for the Audi R8 5.2L V10

• 525hp (386kW)
• 391lb-ft (530Nm) of torque
• 0-62mph (100km/h) time of just 3.9 seconds
• Top speed of 196mph (316km/h)

With the addition of the V10 engine, Audi moves the R8's performance into the supercar category, with 0-60mph ticking past in 3.7 seconds, which is just slightly faster than the 638hp Corvette ZR1.

Expect to see the R-Design XC60 on sale after it debuts this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The XC60 will receive a specially tuned lowered sports chassis, a unique bodykit and custom 18- or 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels. The specially tuned chassis is stiffer and it has stronger damping.

The interior has been overhauled as well. The steering wheel, door moldings and pedals will all stand out, as they have been brushed with aluminum. Also, the seats have been covered with a new dual-tone leather design.

Currently, Volvo has not announced the price or availability of the R-Design XC60. However, there should be a lot more information available after its debut in September.

German tuner, Cargraphic, has announced a new performance and visual package for the new Porsche Cayenne Diesel. For just $1,650, you will get a new ECU upgrade to boost power output from the SUV's Audi-sourced 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine.

With the performance upgrade, your standard 240hp (179kW) and 405lb-ft (550Nm) will be boosted to 290hp (216kW) and 465lb-ft (630Nm) of torque; not bad. You can also get a new suspension upgrade for the Cayenne's air-suspension system that can adjust the vehicle's ride height for roughly $1,987.

Body modifications include a new front bumper with integrated fog lights for $2,984, a rear diffuser for $656, new fenders for $1,721, sporty side skirts for $1,405, and optional alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 22-inches for varied prices.

Not a bad setup; however, it would be nice if an all-inclusive package were offered at a discounted price.

Pontiac is dead, but not all of its cars. According to Bob Lutz of GM, the Pontiac G8 will be making its way to showrooms under the Chevrolet Caprice name. GM CEO, Frit Henderson, has stated that the GXP edition of the G8 would not live on. The standard RWD G8 has sold surprisingly well since it is competitively priced with its competition. Thus, the standard G8 will live on.

Lutz has also stated the Pontiac G8 is sold in other markets, such as South Africa and the Middle East, wearing Chevrolet badges, already.

Now if only the GTO would come back. I loved that car. 400hp for around $30,000! Why did it have to go, again?

This special-edition Gallardo finally puts the driver back into a more natural race experience. Forget bland self-shifting transmissions and boring all-wheel-drive systems. The Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni (named after Lamborghini's legendary test driver) is a true sports car.

The LP550-2 is a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10. With a RWD system, the Gallardo's dynamics had to be completely reworked. This includes springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires.

Included is a gated manful transmission, re-worked stability control system, a 45% limited-slip rear differential, special edition interior and exterior mods and 8 different color options.Read more

The hand-made Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster will have a production run of five (yes, 5) units. The roadster's carbon-titanium chassis weighs in a just 1,210kg. This €1.3 million ($1.8 million) masterpiece features five different drive modes, so you can take a relaxed drive in Tuscany or set a new lap record at Nurburgring.

The Cinque Roadster also features a newly developed sequential robotized gearbox and a fully adjustable suspension setup. The 7.3L V12 engine will produce around 678hp (505kW) and 575lb-ft (780Nm) of torque, run from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of over 200mph.Read more

Honda just announced that starting in February 2010, they will begin selling the CR-Z and Fit hybrids. Both cars will be equipped with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that is also found in the Insight and Civic hybrids. The Insight's IMA incorporates a 13hp (10kW) electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) – recapturing and storing kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and supplying additional power for acceleration when needed.

I am very excited, because the CR-Z will look very similar to the concept we saw back on 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show. It is rumored to feature a 140hp (105kW) peak power rating from its hybrid drivetrain. As far as the Fit hybrid goes, it is rumored to launch at a price of ¥1.5 million (approximately $15,800).

The 2010 Audi A5 (pictured) updates include a new engine option (2.0T TFSI four-cylinder instead of the standard 3.2L 6-cylinder), tiptronic transmission option, new third-gen MMI system, new LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models, a new wheel design for the entry-level Premium trim, and a new set of optional wheels for the S5 model. Prices start at $36,000 for the 2.0L model and $40,700 for the 3.2L model. The tiptronic upgrade will cost an extra $1,200.

The 2010 Audi Q5 base Premium model will cost $37,350, while the Premium Plus and Prestige models will run between $41,400 and $48,850, respectively. The Q5 updates include a new Fine Grain Ash and Natural Brown interior inlay option, 20-inch five-spoke S-line wheels, standard side assist on Prestige models, a new luxury package, Bang & Olufsen sound system as a standalone option, and a variety of minor interior and exterior appearance tweaks.Read more

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed headline performance figures for Ghost, their new model which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. It will be out fitted with a 6.6L turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. Also, the engine will be paired with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Race Specs:

• Engine power output of 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
• 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds / 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds
• Top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
• Maximum torque 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm

Customer deliveries of Ghost in the UK and Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 (US $271,160) excluding taxes and delivery charges. Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.Read more