Due in late 2010, the new Volkswagen Touareg was recently spied while testing in a mountainous area. Despite the vehicle being only a rough example of what the final product is projected to be, rumors have it that it’s a powertrain mule for the new V6 TSI hybrid engine. A hybrid with a high power potential. With an option for a 3.0 liter 4 cylinder bi-turbo and a 333hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, the new Volkswagen Touareg will share the same platform as the next Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, and will surely be fast. Another great candidate to the SUV market that was getting boring lately … [via WCF]

The Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback Touring is a larger sized station wagon type vehicle. But while many station wagons are clunky and ugly, this one defies your typical image impression of how a station wagon should look. Designed to impress even the most avid station wagon haters, with its Ferrari up-front engine and a max speed of 275 km/h, it is extremely hard to consider this a station wagon, but more of a sports car in a clever disguise. The perfect beast for taking your kids to school and then hitting the pedal to the metal for some highway fun, it’s rumored that this custom built  Quattroporte Bellagio is going to cost a whopping $114,750. [via Jalopnik]

For those who own a Maserati GranTurismo S and could use a bit more power (and more aggressive looks), then Novitec Tridente has it for you. Their latest tuning program would turn your GranTurismo S into a super-car unlike any other on the market. The upgrade adds to the ECU and exhaust to bring the total power of the 4.7 liter V8 engine to an immense 600bhp. But what can you expect from the wicked folks at Novitec, who’s been doing Maserati Quattroporte mods for some time now? An undeniably sexy vehicle that is nothing below fantastic, we’d sure love to get behind the wheel of this beast. [via gtspirit.com]

The BMW 5-series GT has been leaked, and is causing a buzz across the internet. Car fans around the world are anxiously anticipating its release, after seeing it’s mock up design earlier this year. The sedan is designed to have much more leg room than the previous model, and sitting space for 4 people. As with previous models in the series, this one is expected to have as much torque power as the past versions, possibly even more. Meaning that we’ll get to see the 306hp 3.0-litre twin turbo petrol or turbo diesel or the 408 hp 4.4-litre twin turbo V8, in action. Expected to be unveiled officially in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, mass production and purchasing will probably begin a few months after. [via WCF]

The thought of death in a burning vehicle is horrific! The recent death of a lady on the N1 motivated us to develop a section of content on the Arrive Alive website “Escape and Safety from Vehicle Fire”.

We would like to quote a small part from the website on how to prevent vehicle fires:

“Vehicle maintenance and inspection is crucial to preventing vehicle fires. The following suggestion might prevent vehicle fires:
• Have your vehicles inspected at least annually by a trained, professional technician.
• Check for any malfunctioning parts and hanging electrical wirings. Do not leave them hanging.
• Include a check of the fuel system in your regular maintenance schedule. Electrical and fuel system or problems are the major causes of car fires.
• Watch for fluid leaks under vehicles, cracked or blistered hoses, or wiring that is loose, has exposed metal or has cracked insulation.
• Have vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible if exhaust or emission control problems are suspected.
• An early indication of a problem is a fuse that blows more than once. The source of the triggered fuse could be either a faulty component or a wiring problem.
• Check for oil leaks and always use a funnel when adding oil. Oil spilled on a hot exhaust manifold can cause a fire.
• If a filling station attendant adds oil, double check that the cap is on securely. This sounds obvious, but better to check than end up with oil all over your engine compartment at best, or an engine fire at worst.
• Clean the vehicle regularly – Do not allow your trash to settle in the vehicle.
• Avoid throwing cigarette butts anywhere
• When driving – Be alert to changes in the way your vehicle sounds when running, or to a visible plume of exhaust coming from the tailpipe. A louder than usual exhaust tone, smoke coming from the tailpipe or a backfiring exhaust could mean problems or damage to the high-temperature exhaust and emission control system on the vehicle.
• Observe your gauge frequently – Check if the temperature is rising. “

We would like to urge all road users to view the section “Escape and Safety from Vehicle Fire”

Isn’t it nice to see that the new model of a car is being sold for less than the current version? I’m talking about the new 2010 E-Class range and the E350 sedan, in particular. Apparently the good folks from the States are going to get their hands on one for $49,475, which is $4,600 lower than the original $54,075. And they have the same offer on the E550, which will cost you $57,175 — which is $2,500 lower on the base price. That sure looks like a great one if you’re a Merc fan and have some cash sitting in the bank for a new one.

G-Power M6 Hurricane CS is not only one of the best looking BMW out there, but also the world fastest BMW Coupe. Based on an M6 and with a little help from German tuners from G-Power, this beautiful blue beast is capable of reaching a top speed of 370 km/h (or at least that’s what the company says). Thanks to a twin-supercharged V10 SK III RS engine that outputs 750 hp and 800 Nm of torque at about 5,000 rpm, it has a new carbon fibre wide-bodykit, a new front apron, vented bonnet, rockers, wheel arches, diffuser, rear apron, and a rear wing for better road grip. And for those wondering how much you it will cost, it’s only €360,000. [via WCF]

Usain Bolt is the Olympic Champion and the fastest man on earth. Not with a car though. World 100m and 200m record holder, Usain was “running” his 309kW (420hp) BMW M3 Coupe (given by his sponsor, Puma) on Wednesday afternoon, and because of a wet road surface, his M3 skidded off the road. He got minor injuries to the ball of his feet from thorns, but he walked on right after. Not the same could be said about the car though, which had the front tyres were punctured, the front left wheel almost torn off, a destroyed windscreen and a dislodged rear window. The 22-year old sprinter said “Me good man. Me all right, a just few cuts man, me all right”. So it’s good that only the car got wrecked in here … [via edmunds.com]