2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

Lambo has chosen an off-site venue for a private reveal of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder – a drop-top version of the only rear-drive car the company makes.

Rather than just cutting free the front two wheels from the rest of the drivetrain, Lambo engineers have completely retuned the car’s suspension – due in part to the lighter overall curb weight. Even the aerodynamics were tweaked to account for the subsequent changes.

With plenty of drift capability in Corsa mode, Lambo insists this Gallardo retains the comfort and high-speed stability of its stablemates.

Powered by the same 5.2-liter V10 engine used in the rest of the Gallardo lineup, power output is rated at 550-hp, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 198-mph.

“With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open- air driving,” says Lambo CEO Stephan Winkelmann “This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive.”

Updated 2013 Lincoln MKT

2013 Lincoln MKT

2013 Lincoln MKT

2013 Lincoln MKT

2013 Lincoln MKT

2013 Lincoln MKT

In its mission to make a full-size crossover ride smoothly and handle well, Lincoln integrated Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) in its new 2013 MKT. CCD is available on MKT models with the optional 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The adjustable suspension enables the MKT to offer a more confident driving experience regardless of road conditions. By utilizing 46 inputs to feed data to a control unit, the CCD module then calculates the optimal damping force every 2 milliseconds – that’s 500 times per second. On average, large damper force adjustments can occur in just 11 milliseconds.

The 2013 MKT also features three distinct driving modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort, are of which are easy selected using MKT’s new Lincoln Drive Control and shift lever.

Two engines will be offered in the 2013 MKT, a 3.7L V6 FWD with 300-hp and 275 lb-ft of torque or a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD with 355-hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The 3.7L V6 reports 17/25-mpg while the EcoBoost is a comparable 16/22-mpg. Both are mated to six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmissions with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, though each motor has different transmissions.

The new styling on the 2013 MKT highlights Lincoln’s progressive design with a new front grille, bumper and wheels. The 2013 Lincoln MKT is expected to arrive dealers this spring.

BMW Announces 2013 328i, 335i Pricing

 2013 328i, 335i BMW

At the LA Auto Show today, BMW announced pricing on their new 2013 3-Series. The 328i will start at $35,775 while the 335i will start at $43,275.

Even though the 2013 BMW 3-Series hasn’t yet hit North American soil – it will do so at the Detroit Auto Show on January 12th – they are more than excited for the new generation of their best seller.

As with any BMW, we would take the MSRP with a grain of salt. A couple of add-ons and luxury necessities and your final sum will be substantially higher.