 Unless Ford is preparing an even bigger surprise for us, the company's recent announcement on the unveiling of the "next performance Focus" at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show strongly suggests that we will see the final production version of the Focus ST in Germany.
But until then, Ford has unleashed yet another media campaign on the internet that marks the final (or at least we hope it’s the final…) countdown for the release of the new Focus ST, which we saw in showcar form in Paris last year.
The campaign, which will also run on social media sites like facebook, will see Ford sharing both exclusive video and photography guiding us through the development of the model.
"This is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST’s technical specifications,” said Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport
The front-wheel drive-only 2012 Focus ST is equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine churning out approximately 250-horsepower.
“We are determined that the new Focus ST will meet the very high expectations of our fans around the world,” said Capito. “Focus ST will deliver on the promise of great technology, exciting driving dynamics and high levels of refinement – making it as enjoyable to use for everyday driving as it will be on exciting and challenging roads we performance enthusiasts deliberately seek out," he added.
VIDEO
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 For more than four decades now, German tuning house Alpina has been modifying BMWs cars. The Bavarian luxury carmaker has a tight relationship with the tuner going as far distributing the high-performance models through its official network.
Alpina's newest creation is the B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio based on the latest 6-Series Convertible, which will make its world premiere at the rapidly approaching Frankfurt auto show on September 13.
At the heart of the Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio is specially modified 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of delivering 507-horsepower and a monstrous 700Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of peak torque delivered between 3,000 and 4,750 rpm.
Power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic Switch Tronic transmission, with Alpina claiming 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 311km/h (193mph) with a combined fuel consumption of 10.9lt/100km (21.6mpg US) for the Convertible model.
In comparison, the factory 650i Convertible features a 4.4-liter turbo V8 producing 407HP and 600Nm / 443 lb-ft. It completes the standard sprint in 5.0 seconds while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), and returning an average fuel consumption of 10.7lt/100km.
Along with the powertrain modifications, the Alpina flavored 6-Series Convertible gains the tuner's trademark multispoke alloy wheels plus carbon fibre trim bits, front apron and rear spoiler as well as bespoke interior parts.
The B6 Bi-Turbo Cabrio model will soon be followed up by the coupe derivative.
PHOTO GALLERY
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The most evolved sports car in history, the Porsche 911 series, has welcomed a new member in the family codenamed 991. The new model's world premiere is scheduled to take place at next week's Frankfurt auto show, but the Germans are already building up anticipation with the constant flow of fresh information and media material.
Following the release of the official photos, details and TV spots, Porsche has now dropped three new videos that highlight some of the new 911's technological advancements. These include the world's first-ever 7-speed manual gearbox (the last gear is over-drive) in a production car, a start and stop system that is available on both the manual and PDK double clutch automatic transmissions, and a new fuel-saving "coasting" function offered on model's equipped with the PDK. You can watch the clips for yourself right after the break.
VIDEOS
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In early August, a reader of Dutch car magazine Autoweek snagged some revealing photos of the facelifted 2012 Avensis sedan and its estate sibling parked at an undisclosed location with no camouflage whatsoever.
Now, only a week before the grand opening ofthe 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota has released the first official picture of its updated mid-size model.
The scoop pictures reveals that both body styles of the Avensis gain a new frontal treatment with a different grille and reshaped headlamps and bumper that collectively follow Toyota’s new design language, along with newly styled tail lamps and rear bumper.
Toyota says that aside from the refreshed exterior design, the 2012 Avensis also benefits from improved quality and feel of the interior, and "strategic changes" to the powertrains and driving dynamics of the mid-size model.
According to the company's own words, "together, these changes represent the largest mid-life investment Toyota has made for any model".
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Unless Ford is preparing an even bigger surprise for us, the company's recent announcement on the unveiling of the "next performance Focus" at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show strongly suggests that we will see the final production version of the Focus ST in Germany.
For more than four decades now, German tuning house Alpina has been modifying BMWs cars. The Bavarian luxury carmaker has a tight relationship with the tuner going as far distributing the high-performance models through its official network.
