Word is that the Jaguar XKR is the world’s best drifting car. But if you’re Jeremy Clarkson you’ll obviously need to test that yourself, see if it’s true, or not. So he did it by wearing flippers! So here’s how you do it …

Rich people sure know how to spend their money – especially when it comes to cars. In examining the garages of some of the wealthier people around the country, we noticed some really extravagant solutions. In one of the places, we saw a luxurious lounge room with a leather couch and a whole bar, sporting a nice view at the few, but tastefully picked cars parked inside.

One house built overlooking the city was also used as a garage, and we couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like getting in one of those cars while enjoying the view presented to you. We also went through a medieval-styled house and garage, with solid stone lining the walls and light shining all over the place. There were many other breathtaking things as well – an exhibition-like garage, one inside a library, and one in the entry hall of a house – you just have to see it to believe it. [via luxury4play]

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The BMW 5-Series’s complete details are about to be revealed soon, but meanwhile, some pics of the car’s design were leaked – you can see the front end of the car partially exposed. BMW officials claim that this car will be the most visually striking model in the BMW lineup for this generation. However, the leaked photos don’t seem to go along with these claims a lot. The car seems to be based on design elements that have been tried with time and are a natural step forward – they don’t look remarkably extraordinary though. The car will probably be equipped with a new version of one of the current engines, especially tweaked for increased efficiency and fuel use. There are some rumors floating around that it may actually be a four-cylinder petrol turbo engine. [via 5post]

Recently, some shots of the new Audi A7 leaked on the Internet, showing the car in a very advanced development state – it appears to be basically ready for production. There’s no sign of the usual research and development marks, and security seems to be loosened as well. Visually, the car seems to have undergone a change in its front, getting a new set of headlights as well as a new bumper.

Some may notice a similarity to the A5 Sportback, although the B and C pillars are different, and the front doors are frameless, which is standard for sports cars. The car gives off an appearance of being elongated and lowered, and bears some resemblance to the Porsche Panamera in some aspects, such as the spoiler. The car will have a pretty strong engine with a 7-gear transmission.

It’s expected to be released within two months or so. [via WCF]

Here’s what could happen next time you blow your horn on the “zebra” to speed up the pedestrians. Of course we know it’s fake, yet funny as hell. Check it out!

Toyota reportedly has a Prius sports wagon or SUV in works, according to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri . The SUV has been rumored to be on paper ever since the Toyota Hybrid X Concept was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. There’s not much going on for now in terms of official details, but we’ll have to speculate that the new models will incorporate a regenerative braking system or a solar roof option. More to it, a plug-in version is also rumored to be in the works, but given the fact that Toyota has failed to comment on any of these, we can only assume that next years motor shows in Europe and in Detroit, in the US, will shred some light. [via Edmunds]

note: image of a Toyota Hybrid X Concept

The German tuners from MTM have developed a performance package for the new Audi TT RS. Although the stock version doesn’t need much more from the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo that outputs 340hp (250kW) 450Nm of torque, allowing it to go naught to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, the improved engine control unit (ECU) and the new exhaust system with innovative middle and end pipes with throttle valves fixed, have managed to squeeze up to 84 more horsies taking it to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds on its way to a max speed of 297 km/h. Add the new set of MTM sport wheels (19″ and 20″) and it’s not a bad deal, eh?

The new Lexus IS250C is the second coupe-convertible that the brand has added to their stylish range of luxury vehicles. Shares the headlights, bonnet, door handles, and exterior mirrors with its sedan version, the IS250C has the fastest operating three-piece folding hardtop as well as the greatest amount of luggage space offered by any of its competitors in the market.

Crafted on the L-finesse design characteristics of the IS sedan, the new Lexus IS250C gets the eye with the front overhang which has been enlarged by 15mm to perk up the aerodynamic competence when driving with the top down. Speaking of which, the car ships with a lightweight aluminum hard top which utilizes 13 motors and 33 sensors with the roof converting the IS250C from coupe to convertible in a mere 21 seconds.

Specs wise, under the hood there’s the same 2,5-litre V6 and six-speed automatic transmission that outputs 153kW (205 hp) at 6,400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4,800rpm.

The IS250C comes with a four year/100,000km full maintenance plan and should retail at R550,200.