In October the wicked chaps from Swizz Team will deliver the much anticipated GranTurismo MC GT4 racer to its consumers. But since there’s time to spare, the company has decided to make its own Maserati Quattroporte and race it in a local Italian touring car league called the Superstars Series. With F1 driver Andrea Chiesa to pilot the first car and another likely F1 wheel-wielder to take up the second car, watch out for the Quattroporte to make an impact when it hits the streets. We’re definitely sold on that design.

Mercedes-Benz sure have got us going with the first leaked shots of the 2010 S63 and S65 set to be shown off later this moth at the Shanghai Motor Show. Under the hood of the S63 will be a 6.2-liter V8 giving 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque and if that does not fill your appetite for power then the S65 gets the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine good for 604 hp and a stunning738 pound-feet of torque, probably a lot more than you wished for!

But the real highlights come in the form of distinct LED light strips, a more aggressive front fascia with an enlarged air gulper and bespoke grilles which vary for both cars. While we do not yet know what kind of a whole they would burn through our pockets, expect the prices to be similar close to $131,350 and respectively $198,950.

Subaru managed to surprise the hell out of everyone at the NYIAS this year. Not just rolling out the announced 2010 Legacy, but also bringing out the 2010 Outback. But there’s one question  … “was the surprise really a pleasant one?”

Powered by a 170 horsepower 2.5 liter boxer four-cylinder engine or a 3.6 liter H6 engine with 256 hp, the 2010 Outback comes with a five-speed automatic transmission and a larger 18.5 gallon fuel tank to improve range. On the outside the new wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer, and the body has been widened by 2 inches, height revved up by four inches, burlier fender flares and skid plates up front make up for the changes. As for the interiors, the got a strange touch of orange and improved leg space.

However, as a lot the 2010 Outback looks kind of disappointing despite its SUV-like credentials. So you decide on how much of a pleasant surprise it was for you!

When it comes to design, powertrain and technology, Hyundai has placed all its eggs in one basket. And that very attractive basket goes by the name of Nuvis.

Just unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the uber-cool and futuristic-styled set of wheels from Hyundai stole the show once the curtain came off. Wishing to be the leading brand in the US in terms of fuel economy by 2015, the stunning aerodynamics and reduction in drag seem to be the highlights of Nuvis’ flowing form (as the car’s front end is designed to split air much like a streamlined boat would part water). Powered by Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive system to go with the 2.4-litre Theta II engine, Nuvis will run on a combination of petrol and electric engines.

With a 6-speed automatic transmission, regenerative braking technology, stop/start system to save fuel the car focuses on fuel efficiency and emission reduction. Add to this, cool new interfaces such as the infotainment module that allows outside entities to communicate with the car’s four passengers individually through their seats and we have the car that could be the first running blueprint for future vehicles!

Everyone was caught off guard when Hyundai unveiled the Equus at the New York International Auto Show and made its intentions crystal clear when it comes to being interested in launching the luxury vehicle in US market. The message given out by Hyundai is that the Equus will set its wheels in US showrooms as a competitive package with a very attractive price tag.

While this means great news for customers, This should send a shiver or two down the chassis of the likes of Lexus LS, as Hyundai promises to bring out a Equus for US that is loaded with a 5.0-litre V8 ‘Tau’ engine under the hood, mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission ate a price tag of around $50,000! This is a great deal compared to the current Korean version that sells for $ 79,000 and powered by a 3.8-litre V6 or the 4.6-litre V8. While the actual debut into US market could still be good 3 to 5 years away, the signs are encouraging indeed.

Kia took the cover off of its maiden twin-door coupe passenger car at the New York International Auto Show. Dubbed Forte Koup it’s going to be available in a couple of trim levels, namely the EX and the SX. The EX is the standard version powered by a 2.0-litre 156hp engine that comes with a Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission and 16-inch alloy wheels. The tuned-up SX version comes loaded with a 2.4-litre 173hp engine and offers a mileage of 22mpg in city mode and 32mpg under highway mode.

The exterior of the Kia Forte Koup though, is common with the wrap-around headlights, the aggressive air intakes, dual tailpipes and a rear diffuser making it quite a treat. With integrated safety and stability features and add-on goodies such Bluetooth connectivity, iPod and USB auxiliary inputs, a standard six-speaker audio system and steering-wheel mounted audio controls, the Koup already has attracted plenty of attention.

More than 147 people have died on South Africa’s roads since the start of the Easter weekend, the department of transport said today. Since April 9, 136 crashes have resulted in the deaths of 147 road users. Fatalities included 39 drivers, 60 passengers and 48 pedestrians.

Traffic authorities have intensified law enforcement actions on unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded public passenger transport. Speed timing operations are planned on all major routes. Taxi and bus drivers are reminded that their maximum and legal speed limit is 100km/h. Roadblocks will concentrate on overloading, vehicle roadworthiness, driving licences, vehicle registrations and licences, the department said.

More than 100 motorists were arrested for various offences in Johannesburg over the Easter weekend, Johannesburg metro police said on Monday. Of the 115 people arrested, 41 were caught for drunk driving, 43 for speeding, and 31 for reckless and negligent driving.

In the Free State a fatal accident occurred at a T-junction on the R702 when a 22-seater mini-bus taxi and nine-seater taxi collided at 11pm on Sunday. It is alleged that the nine-seater taxi, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape, did not stop at the crossing.

Only daily effective traffic enforcement will remove the lawlessness on the roads of South Africa! If not – all our travellers will continue to take part in a lottery when they go on the roads!

Visit the Arrive Alive Road Safety website for more road safety advice.

As it officially stepped out for the first time at the New York Auto Show, the 2011 Grand Cherokee from Jeep seems to have garnered a very mixed reaction. While some love it for the innovation, boldness and different look, others just feel that the exterior killed its charm.

Powered by either a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 280 hp or a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 360 hp, the new Grand Cherokee is also available with a diesel option for international users outside the US. The most impressive aspect of the latest from Jeep is the three different four-wheel drive systems, a Land Rover-like Select-Terrain system with five different modes (Sand/Mud, Sport, Auto, Snow, and Rock), and an available Quadra-Lift air suspension system which can either raise the vehicle for maximum ground clearance or lower it for improved aerodynamics. And that definitely keeps it perfectly in-line with the company’s tradition.

But the front-end is the one that is raising eyebrows with small grille, headlights, and fog lights seem tiny compared to the vehicle’s overall size. The rear also looks anything but passable at best making this a bit of a step backwards. While the interiors look pampering with extra leg room found at the back, your liking of the 2011 Grand Cherokee will purely depend on your styling tastes