Lexus Updates IS Sedan, Convertible and IS-F for 2012 Model Year

Following on from the recent announcement on the 2012 IS-F in Europe, Lexus has released details on the mildly updated IS series for the North American market.
The three iterations of the IS series, which include the sedan, convertible and the high-performance IS-F, remain virtually unchanged for the new model year as the upgrades are limited to color and equipment features.
More specifically, the IS sedan models receive a brushed up color palette as Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica and Fire Agate Pearl replaces Glacier Frost Mica, while on the IS Convertible, Nebula Gray Pearl exterior replaces Smoky Granite Mica.
Both the sedan and hardtop convertible are offered with a 2.5-liter V6 producing 204 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm, and a 3.5-liter V6 delivering a more potent 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Finally, after gaining an updated suspension last year, the 2012 IS F receives a new and wider 19-inch forged wheel design, plus an all-new Red leather-trim that replaces the Orange/Black combination seating and interior theme.
The IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine offering 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm, hooked up to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission.
* Lexus has not released any photos of the 2012 IS range.

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New Lotus Evora GTE Concept and Exige Matte Black Final Edition to Debut at Pebble Beach

Lotus will hold the world premiere of the Evora GTE Road Car Concept at the McCall’s Motorworks Revival event tomorrow, August 17, at Pebble Beach.
The road-going concept is inspired by the Evora GTE racecar, which has been developed to participate in endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in the newly formed GTE category.
The study is powered by the same 420HP V6 engine linked to a sequential AMT gearbox found in the Evora GTE racing model. While Lotus remains coy about a possible production version, we wouldn’t be surprised if the concept spawned a road going model in the very near future.
The Evora GTE study won’t be the only Lotus making its premiere at Pebble Beach. The Exige Matte Black Final Edition, which was created exclusively for the North American market to mark the end of the car’s availability in the States, will also go on display.
The name gives away its color, so no points for guessing. But you ‘ll be interested to know that this “farewell” edition has an uprated engine which produces 257HP, black alcantara sports seats and lots of standard equipment. Plus it will be manufactured in only 25 units, each with its own numbered plate.

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BMW Spices up 2012MY X5 and X6 Crossovers with New Special Editions, Colors and Options

This autumn will see BMW launching the 2012 model year versions of its popular X5 and X6 crossovers.
Highlights include the introduction of new special edition models, additional equipment options, new exterior colors and an expanded choice of light alloy wheels. Furthermore, the 2012MY X5 xDrive30d will be available with BMW’s BluePerformance technology helping it fully meet the requirements of Europe’s even stricter EU6 exhaust emissions standards.
Beginning with the new additions to the range, the X5 and X6 will be available for the first time as Exclusive Edition models. On the outside, the X5 Exclusive is finished in a Platinum Bronze Metallic paint, while the X6 gets a Mineral Silver Metallic finish. The package also includes 20-inch light alloy wheels with Y spoke styling.
Both models feature front door sill finishers with the BMW Edition designation, while the X5′s rear sills bear the BMW lettering.
The Bavarian firm’s designers enhanced the ambience of the Exclusive Editions’ interior with the BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, dark Bamboo wood trim, plus black floor mats with oyster-coloured edging. Rounding off the upgrades are the sport seats feature heating and electric seat adjustment, which are dressed in Nevada leather Oyster with black contrasting seams.
Across the range, BMW has added Citrine Black Metallic to the choice of exclusive BMW Individual exterior colours plus new trim sets, while the X5 Sport Package will now include the new M leather steering wheel with integrated gearshift paddles.
Finally, the diesel-powered 2012MY X5 xDrive30d will be available with the BMW BluePerformance technology that further reduces the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) though the use of the standard diesel particulate filter in conjunction with the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and an NOx absorber.
BMW said the emissions technology does not impact the performance of the X5 xDrive30d, with its average fuel consumption rated at 7.5lt/100km (31.4mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 198 g/km.

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