Mercedes revises E-Class line-up for 2012

Mercedes has refreshed the E-Class line-up with the addition of two new petrol engines and a revised 7 speed '7G-Tronic Plus auto' automatic transmission. Both are designed for more power, better fuel economy, and lower carbon emissions.

Both the E350 and E500 obtain the marques 'BlueDirect' direct-injection technology, meaning all engines in the E-Class range now feature direct-injection. Specifically, the E350 now features a 3.5 litre 302bhp (306PS/225kW) V6 engine that produces 370Nm (273lb-ft) of torque – up from 13bhp (14PS/10kW) and 5Nm (4lb-ft), meanwhile the E500 receives a turbocharged 402bhp (408PS/300kW) 4.6 litre V8 that pushes out 600Nm (443lb-ft) of torque, up from 20bhp (20PS/15kW) and 70Nm (52lb-ft).

Nissan signs contract with New York mayor (U.S)

Japanese car maker, Nissan has won a contract to supply New York City with the famous yellow taxis. The vehicle in question is the compact NV200 MPV which costs from around $29,000 (£17,600) each and will be in service from 2013 to 2023.

“Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York,” said Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares. “The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”

Video: Two Lamborghini Aventadors playing kiss-chase in Rome

If you can't get enough of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, check out these new high-quality videos that have recently surfaced.

They show two Aventadors – one in white and one in orange – strolling around on bendy roads on the outskirts of Rome, Italy. So what are you waiting for, click after the jump!
 

New Car: 2012 Porsche Panamera Diesel

Porsche has finally launched the long-awaited Panamera diesel, with sales starting in August. Visually, you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference between a diesel variant and a petrol variant, however, discreet diesel badging on the front wing gives the game away.

Power comes from VAG's 3.0 TDI V6 that produces 250bhp (247PS/184kW) and 550Nm (406lb-ft) of torque, that arrives between 1,750rpm – 2,750rpm. This is linked to a 8 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with power being fed to the rear wheels.

Ford F-150 Ecoboost demand outstrips supply (U.S)

Ford has seen an unprecedented demand on the F-150 EcoBoost, outselling the marque's bread and butter V8 engines.

Since its launch in January, Ford expected a few early adopters to order the 3.5 litre V6. However, the brand is now unable to keep up with demand on the twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 petrol. Last month saw the EcoBoost engine nab 36% of total pick-up truck sales. In addition, 40% of F-150s on order are equipped with this engine.

Peugeot EX1 Concept sets new electric vehicle record on Nürburgring

Updated: 04/05/11

The Peugeot EX1 concept has a new electric vehicle record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Driving the three-wheeler was Stéphane Caillet, who took 9 minutes and 1 second to lap around the 12 mile (20.8km) Nordschleife track. The car clocked an average speed of 85.9mph (138km/h).

German fuel station charges €9.99 per litre (DE)

We're all aware of rising fuel prices, but this really pushes the boat of the water! A petrol station in a small town called Filderstadt, on the outskirts of Stuttgart charged its customers €9.99 (£9/$15) per litre of super unleaded on Easter Monday....to stop customer's from purchasing fuel...

According to a local newspaper, the Esso fuel station rose its prices as it had low fuel reserves, in light of possible nationwide shortages. While many warning signs were posted, various customer's were in for a nasty surprise when they went to the till. One BMW owner had a fuel bill of €209.98 (£186/$311) for 21 litres while another driver had a bill of nearly €200 (£177/$296) for 20 litres of fuel.

Cadillac planning compact executive convertible

Like a spider trying to climb up the backrest of a bath tub, Cadillac doesn't seem to give up. Following its several attempts of trying to break into the European market, the American brand is now considering a soft-top convertible to rival the likes of the BMW 3 Series cabriolet, Audi A5 cabriolet, Infiniti G-Series convertible, and Lexus IS coupé-cabriolet.

This follows as the marque previously deleted the XLR back in 2009, where the company faced some woeful times.

Local artist paints Fiat 500, to be auctioned off (MZ)

To celebrate a new dealership opening in Maputo, Mozambique, Fiat has revealed a 500 art car.

The unique car was painted by celebrated artist Malangatana Valente Ngwenya - who suddenly passed away on 5th January 2011 – and is dubbed the Italian Woman. The car will be auctioned off with all the takings benefiting the Malangatana Foundation which helps disadvantaged citizens.

Cadillac working on rear-wheel-drive range-topping sedan

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupé

Ever since Cadillac debuted the suave rear-wheel-drive Sixteen concept way back in 2003, rumours have been flying around suggesting the marque will put it into production. However, those comments were swiftly subdued by GM. Now the rumours are alive again.

Despite gossip regarding the platform will be a long-wheelbase Zeta architecture, reports out of the U.S suggest Cadillac will utilise a special standalone architecture, dubbed “Omega.”