2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor by Geiger

Ford’s mighty F-150 SVT Raptor recently got a host of changes to make it more driver-friendly and off-road capable, but the lack of engine modifications seem to have inspired Geiger Cars to make a few changes of their own. Their package basically pays homage to Hennessey’s VelociRaptor 600 - even though probably not on purpose - with similar improvements done at an expert level.

But let’s get back to the F-150. In its standard form, the Ford truck’s 6.2-liter V8 delivers a total of 411 HP, but after the German tuner’s handywork, it now delivers an impressive 600 HP. This was done with a built-in compressor that also amounts to a fuel savings at a constant speed of 100 mph.

The package includes a few other additional features, including a six-speed automatic transmission, differential lock, 17-inch alloy wheels with massive 35-inch off-road tires BRGoodrich, a Sony sound system, dual-zone air conditioning, and numerous leather items. These changes can be applied for both the Super Cab and Super Crew Cab versions.

The problem with all of these updates is that they come with an astronomical price of € 74,900, or about $90,500 at the current exchange rates.

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Next Mercedes S-Class will include seven body variations

First, there will be a standard wheelbase sedan codenamed W222 (this version will measure 200.79 inches). Then, for markets like China where extra large models are a hit, Mercedes will offer a long-wheelbase sedan codenamed V222 which will get another 7.08-inches in its length and an extra-long-wheelbase sedan codenamed X222 that will be 13.78-inches longer than that. The model replacing the old Maybach limousine is a six-door Pullman that stretches an impressive 25.59-inches in total length.

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2012 Audi AS7 Sportback by ABT Sportsline

The German tuner has just released a new performance program for the luxury Audi sedan, an upgrade that will give it enough added power to give Mercedes’ CLS AMG line a serious run for its money. The upgrade, which has been christened the "AS7" takes the S7 Sportsback’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged TFSI V8 engine and increases its output from the standard 420 horsepower and 406 lb/ft of torque figures all the way up to 520 horsepower and 442 lb/ft of torque. This allows it a new top speed of 183 mph, up from the standard 155 mph top speed of the stock model. Do the math and that equates to a 100-horsepower and 36 lb/ft of torque increase from the standard S7 Sportback and an improvement of 28 mph.

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Lotus Scraps Almost All of Bahar’s New Model Plans

As we always say, sports car lovers are a fickle bunch. They know what they like and do not deal well with changes. Ferrari and Lamborghini lovers want fat sports cars with even fatter engines, whereas Lotus lovers want svelte and nimble machines that they can toss around at will. The models that Lotus has axed were very fat, by Lotus standard, and were not warmly received by enthusiasts.

Also scrapped in the process was the crazy notion that Lotus would produce its own engines for these new models. If the consistent lapping of Lotus-powered vehicles in INDYCAR isn’t enough of a deterrent for Lotus building their own engines, the sheer cost of the project is.

This is all clearly a cost-controlling measure by DRB-Hicom and Lotus to try and save the failing company, but it does have a bit of the undercoating of a jab to Bahar’s ribs. Regardless of the possible shot at Bahar’s ego, this is just one of the many necessary evils that Lotus has to go through to get back to being a profitable business.

Another necessary evil is the fact that Lotus will have to lay off 50 contractors hired to work on these new projects, which were part of Bahar’s “Five-Year Plan.”

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2013 Audi R8 V10 Spyder

For this particular space, the onus is on the R8 V10 Spyder, considered the sexiest of them all thanks to its rich looks, throaty power, and yes, that fold-able top. Unlike the coupe versions of the R8, the R8 Spyder can dress up in more ways than one.

And trust us, that’s a very good thing.

In any case, the new R8 family does have plenty of surprises, including new aesthetic features, a plushier interior, and engine upgrades that will literally give you that proverbial "I-want-me-some-of-that" itch.

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Rumors: Bentley’s Crewe, England Plant Shutdown Could Mean EXP 9F Pre-Production Preparation

Automotive plant shutdowns are no huge ordeal, as they have become pretty much commonplace in the modern automotive world. These shutdowns are designed to help reduce costs during low-production times, which are normally toward the end of the summer. The Bentley plant in Crewe, England typically closes its doors in August for two weeks to allow workers to rest and to help keep costs down, but this year that time frame has been extended to three weeks.

That would normally be chalked up as additional cutbacks, but the reasons given for the extra time off included enabling a number of facility changes in preparation for future productivity increases. Well, Bentley is not one to put out a new model each and every year and their productivity level does not change each year, so the only reason productivity would increase would be the addition of a new model. Add in the fact that the only new model that we know of in development is the EXP 9F, and you can see why we think that this extra shutdown is to get ready for the production phase of this love-it-or-hate-it SUV.

As we said earlier, we could be completely incorrect, but that slip of the tongue by Bentley is pretty telling. This is especially telling when dealing with a company that only sells fewer than 10,000 cars per year.

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Ford Paying Dealers $300 Spiff for Escape Recall

We certainly got that, but we never expected it to be to the extent that it has become. Reports have emerged that Ford is actually paying dealerships a $300 spiff to repair each and every recalled Escape, which is about 11,500 vehicles. Even our basic mathematical skills can sort out that we are talking about $3,450,000 worth of spiff payments, which does not include the cost to repair the issue.

We are curious to find out if the dealers are passing this spiff onto the service writers and technicians that are repairing the vehicles or hoarding this payment for themselves. We are willing to bet that it is the latter, as the technicians and service writers make commission off of the recall repairs and dealers rarely share spiffs any more.

In addition to this extra bonus, Ford is also recommending that dealerships wash and vacuum the SUV, and fill the gas tank. Talk about going over the top...

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