Powered by the same 1.4 liter super- and turbo-charged four-cylinger TSI as the Ibiza Cupra and developing nothing less than 178 hp, it should top at 225kmh and reach 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with red brake calipers, dual exhaust, and signal mirrors, the new Polo GTI is expected to do 40mpg (7 l/100km), and emits 150 grams of CO2/km. Not that bad if you care about the environment.

Prices should be close to £15,500 ($22,500) and we think that if it looks like this, it’s going to be a top seller. At least in Europe. - WCF via autoexpress

The Germans are going to introduce the exquisite Panamera in China at the Auto Shangai 2009 (this April) and plans on releasing it to the streets by the end of summer. They managed to build a car t doesn’t sacrifice space in order to keep the solid performances. Powered by V6 and V8 engines (direct fuel injection) that range from 300 to 500 hp, using six speed manual transmissions or a seven-speed double-clutch (optional), Porsche Panamera will also feature a Sports Chrono Package that will make it much more aggressive.

We’d definitely want to take it for a spin …

The title IS right. Based on the drag-race 911, that’s the 1300 hp DraXster that those wicked tuners from 9FF managed to turn into a monster. Lightened to 1168kg and powered by a 4.0 twin-turbo engine, it’s supposed to reach 161mph (260km/h) in just 9.5 seconds, which makes it faster than the Bugatti Veyron. There aren’t many design changes, but simply looking at how mean that white thing is, I’m sure the price is out of our range even for the wealthiest of us. Would you love to spin it at least once on the track? [via MotorAuthority]

Back in February we told you for the first time about CheapAutosInsurance.com. However, this time things are a bit weird - at least for me. Never in my whole life an insurer came by to explain how I should drive greener. No, I’m not talking about a painted vehicle, but the fact that there are ways for you to increase your mileage with hypermiling techniques or be more eco-friendly during your vacations.

Call it a trend or not, CheapAutosInsurance.com not only offers friendly auto car insurance rates, but they really to do care about the environment and they came out with a few tips that may help you do the same. Apparently your normal vacation can stay on the green side. Have you ever considered camping instead of lodging? It saves money and also saves electricity. You can also stay away from plastics that are being served at fast food restaurants, reuse towels instead of changing daily and so on.

On the other hand, there’s your car’s gas mileage. Even if you own a gas-guzzler you can take actions and reduce the amount of fuel you use daily. Not I’m not talking about using a bicycle, but actually changing driving habits that will effect fuel economy. The biggest rule is that less you need to apply the brakes, the less fuel you waste. That means that you can anticipate red lights, leave a larger distance between you and the car in front, avoid speeding, and you should maintain constant speeds while driving on the high way.

I do agree that usually we show you super cars that would never be able to save on gas because they’re built to RUN like hell, but do consider the fact the environment needs protection, too.

Reiter Engineering has created an absolutely scorching masterpiece with the new street-legal version of the Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT Racecar and the entire package already looks too good to take a pass on. The firm was responsible for the original racing version of the car and their new one-off street-legal car on display at Essen might soon see a few more following their way to production. The street version of the car comes with carbon-fiber spoiler up front and a new diffuser and spoiler at the rear, as well as a distinctive high-mounted dual exhaust outlet that’s in line with the taillights. The car will be powered most likely by the roaring Murcielago V12 engine and two-wheel drive and for now Reiter is only promising a few add-ons. Now if only Santa dropped in with this down the garage pipes… - via

Designed with the framework of the Mercedes SL in mind, this concept creation by Italian design firm Studio Torino’s bring to reality the whole ‘when Mercedes met Ferrari’ hallucination. The problem though is that the original SL looks way better than the new Italianized version of the German masterpiece. Dubbed Coupetorino by the makers, it surely puts the Ferrari color, backlight and design aspects on the SL and that results in a ‘decent- but not great’ car. But considering that Mercedes themselves are dishing out cars like BlueZero Concept, this is not all that bad either.

There is absolutely no reason why eco-cars have to be ugly, but the design of the all new BlueZero and its premature unveiling much before the Detroit Show point towards something seriously wrong with the company. The joint effort of Mercedes and Li-Ion battery experts Evonik Industries, the BlueZero is set to be introduced in three categories. The BlueZero E-cell has range of 124 miles with an all-electric drive, the F-cell with fuel cell has a range of 249 miles and the E-Cell Plus tops of at a range of 311 miles with its combination of electric drive and gasoline engine. But it is the front end design with what looks like an ‘ugly nose’, which needs urgent attending to. Decent performance but horrible design- what were you thinking Mercedes?

One quick initial look at the Volvo S60 and you have to be impressed with the ultra-modern design, cool futuristic look and flowing contours that are borrowed from the company’s racing experience. The company has given the car a Scandinavian look with LED lights that inside the headlamps designed to reflect the image of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side. The entire car has a wonderful sporty look that suits perfectly well for the modern road, while the unique new pedestrian safety system allows the car to apply automatic brakes when someone jumps in front of the car. Safety with sizzling curves… S60 delivers big time.

The Subaru Legacy Concept is all set to mark the company’s 20th anniversary with its release at the North American International Auto Show in January. The Legacy Concept will indicate the direction Subaru has in mind for the future Legacy and the first little teaser is out for all of us to start speculating. The teaser in the dark does not reveal much beyond the flashy LED driving lights and the slotted front spoiler beneath the bumper. But the 3.6-liter, 258 hp Legacy seems to have been shaped with a futuristic look in mind. Wonder how that would pan out for Subaru …

If these indeed are the first spy shots of the BMW CS Concept, which the company said was not up for production then many might be left more disappointed than elated. The ‘CS Concept’, which was showcased at the 2008 Shanghai Auto Show, is a four door luxury sedan with plenty of space in the inside, aggressive front end styling, a sloping rear and a powerful BMW engine to drive it on. It still looks highly unlikely that the CS, which is more of a precursor to the future production model of BMW, will actually ever hit production. Any guesses on what the pics are guys? - via