Škoda has unveiled a fully refreshed Rapid to take over from the existing one which is sold in the European and Indian markets. This and its sister car, the new Seat Toledo, are the lower-budget versions of the Volkswagen Jetta.
Keeping up with the auto industry’s latest trend of high performance pea-sized cars, Peugeot is almost ready to launch the production-spec 208 GTi. This particular “concept” came hot on the heels of the new Peugeot 208 hatchback, and debuted at the recent 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
French carmaker Peugeot has sprung out of the quiet with their new offering in the compact saloon segment, the Peugeot 301, not to be mistaken with the vintage model the manufacturer used to roll out for our grandpas. As the new car is set to debut at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, Peugeot intends to give the competitors in the hotly contested budget compact car segment, a run for their money.
Jaguar has officially unveiled the special-edition XJ Ultimate at the ongoing Beijing Auto Show in China. This is just another indication that China is one of the most sought-after markets for luxury carmakers.
The Australian-based Bufori Motor Car Company has re-launched the Malaysian-built Bufori Geneva, showcasing it at the recent 2012 Beijing International Motor Show.
The Dubai Autodrome racetrack played host on the 27th April to the first editon of the Dubai Chase, also being dubbed as a “street-racing festival” of sorts. All sorts of tuner cars from various clubs were displayed at the paddock area, with some driving activities taking place as well. There was drag racing on the main straight, autocross in the paddock area and apparently drifting somewhere else on the track. There was also an R/C drifting competition and a gathering of cars with big sound systems. Photos by Salma Sultana.
Lamborghini has finally decided to build an SUV, having recently dabbled in building a sedan previously that never went beyond the concept stage. The funny-sounding Lamborghini Urus is only a 4×4 concept for now, but is largely expected to make it into production.
Mercedes-Benz has revealed further details about their updated G-Wagen. Joining the mildly-updated 388 hp G 500 is the all-new 544 hp G63 AMG replacing the G55 AMG, as well as a limited-production 612 hp G65 AMG. The debut is set for the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, a sign that China is the hottest car market in the world right now.
Acura, Honda’s luxury brand that is offered only in North America, unveiled the concept version for the 2013 RLX at the recent 2012 New York Auto Show, in an effort to revive its existence in the upper-midsize luxury segment.
Porsche is all set to introduce the second generation of their Porsche Cayenne GTS model, based on the latest Cayenne, at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show which is due to begin this month.