In addition, Euro NCAP has also extended the automaker's Advanced NCAP reward for its CMBS technology to take in the new Civic. Through this reward, the CMBS technology of Honda is recognized as among the best available safety innovations, providing demonstrated benefits. The Euro NCAP Advanced scheme was developed in order to respond to the rapid development of new safety technologies, wherein no independent assessment is available.

The CMBS is a radar-based autonomous emergency braking system that has been developed to help avoid collisions with automobile whether stationary or moving in the same direction. This system will alert the driver to an impending collision both at high speeds (a situation common in motorways and rural regions) and at low speeds (common in urban driving). Basing on the accident statistics in Germany and in the broader European community, the automaker estimates that the annual number of accidents that could have been prevented or reduced (if all vehicles come with CMBS) will range from 200,000 to 250,000. The top safety rating and Advanced NCAP reward of the new Civic mirror the automaker's commitment to general automobile safety. The omni-directional car-to-car crash test facility of Honda at the Tochigi R&D centre studies the impacts between models of various weights and sizes. It also creates solutions to reduce occurrence of injuries for pedestrians and passengers. The facility was opened in 2001. It is the first indoor facility of its type in the world.

Units with this package can accelerate to 200 km/h from a standstill in 12.9 or 12.6 seconds, with a top speed of 300 km/h (electronically limited). Figures for the NEDC combined consumption is at 9.9 liters per 100 kilometer for both power outputs -- a 30% or 4.2 liters lower compared to the outgoing model. Moreover, power transmission is adaptable to specific requirements since there are four modes to select from the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. These modes are the "M" for Manual, "S" for Sport, "S+" for Sport plus and "C" for Controlled Efficiency. In the "C" mode, the ECO start/stop function is active all the time. It switches off the eight-cylinder engine when the automobile is idle. The SL 63 AMG features five-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey color with a high-sheen finish. These wheels come with 285/30 R 19 rear and 255/35 R 19 front tires. Multi-spoke AMG forged wheels with 285/30 R 20 rear and 255/35 R 19 front tires aid in the reduction of the unsprung masses. These wheels come from the AMG Performance Studio. The tires are available in matt black including a rim flange with a high-sheen finish.

The interior of the SL 63 AMG takes inspiration from the SLS AMG. It provides a variety of features that appeal to all senses. Among these are the four air vents which are designed like jet engines, the AMG DRIVE UNIT and the E-SELECT lever, which are all suggestive of the super sports vehicle.

Standard features includes a multi-contour function and seat heating with AMG carbon-fiber trim, ambient lighting, an IWC-design analogue clock and AMG illuminated door sill panels. AMG sports seats in two-tone or single-tone. Nappa leather is also available as standard. They have a unique V8 seat upholstery layout as well as AMG badges in the seat backrests. AMG is also offering the special "Edition 1" variant to celebrate the debut of the new SL 63 AMG. This version features special designo magno crystal silver paintwork. If the designo Exclusive leather in classic red is opted, the model will showcase contrasting red topstitching on the headliner, dashboard and steering wheel. A set of designo velour floor mats accented with edging in designo classic red leather completes the brilliant package of appointments. The new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG will be launched in May 2012. Prices at a glance (incl. 19% VAT): SL 63 AMG: €157,675; SL 63 AMG "Edition 1": €189,269.50 AMG; Performance package: €14,280.

Hyundai also made sure that the insides got modified; adding new surfaces and center stack while fitting electroluminescent gauges in the instrument cluster. Mike O'Brien, Hyundai's vice president of product planning, noted that the Genesis Coupe attracts younger buyers than its sporty-car rivals -- Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang or Nissan 370Z.

O'Brien remarked that the median age of Genesis Coupe buyers is 47, while the 370Z and Camaro is 49 and Mustang is 51. "It's really been a great story in terms of bringing younger people into our brand," O'Brien said. John Krafick, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, asserted that the Genesis coupe easily exceeded its 2011 sales target, noting that they could have sold more if only inventory was available. Krafcik said coupes account for around 40 percent of combined Genesis sales of 32,998 units in 2011. The company will roll out the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to showrooms in March. [source: Autonews]

Customers could opt to upgrade the car’s cruise control system to the adaptive system with braking guard. The upgrade uses radar sensors to control distance from traffic in front of the car between 19mph and 155mph. If the sensors detect an impending collision, the system will initiate partial braking or full deceleration. New changes in the RS5’s interior also include a new flat-bottomed RS three-spoke steering wheel and air conditioning improvement. Interior improvements are noticeable with the car’s Multi Media Interface, mirror adjustment and electric window switchgear as well as the gear lever and the instrument stalks.

The RS5 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 444hp 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine capable of delivering 450PS at 8,250 rpm and peak torque of 430 Nm at between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The V8 allows the RS5 to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, although its top speed remains at electronically-limited 155mph. Audi, however, could increase the top speed to 174 mph through the speed limit de-restriction option at extra cost. Audi has started taking orders for the RS5 and will commence it UK deliveries in April 2012 with an on-the-road price of £58,725.

The concept’s grille surround is finished in gloss black while its texture is finished in Platinum Chrome. Chrysler was successful in adding a sporty look to the Grand Cherokee by adding black headlamp bezels and deep-tint sunscreen glass. Jeep Grand Cherokee production-intent sports concept is not just sporty in looks, but also in power.

The vehicle’s 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine is blessed with the new Multijet II technology, allowing the power source to deliver 241 hp of output and 550 Nm of torque. A buyer may prefer a low-power version which throws in 190 hp in output and 440 Nm of torque. All that specs ride on 20-inch tires surrounding surround one-of-a-kind Black-gloss aluminium wheels. Now, European drivers have something to be excited for next month in Geneva.

The German fine tuner lowered the PCC complex electronic hydraulic suspension system, which controls body roll and the roll-permanently, to 25mm, thus improves improving the car’s handling and steering. Wheelsandmore also took pain in developing the customized forged wheels for the McLaren MP4-12C. Wheelsandmore constructed 9.0x20" and 12.0x21" sizing and weight-optimized the sports car’s 6Sporz ² ultralight-forged wheels to avoid a negative effect of the unsprung masses.

The fine tuner installed Continental Sport Contact 5P tires to ensure that ideal contact to the road, with rotations of size 245/30/20" on the front and of size 325/25/21on the rear axle. Wheelsandmore accented the car’s new specs with new looks – giving it a matched Trim-Line-Design stripe with it logotype. And there’s more! Wheelsandmore is currently testing a more devilish plan – to increase the car’s output to a whooping 800 hp!

The longer terms of ownership coupled with an automobile fleet already at a record-high age offer more business opportunities for automakers and their dealers, according to worldwide aftermarket practice leader Mark Seng at Polk. He explained that most of the older automobile repairs traditionally go to the independent aftermarket, but this is a chance for automakers to "get in on that as well."

Owners of used cars held on to their automobile for 49.9 months in average. This is also a record, and is an increase from the 47.5 months six months ago. The combined ownership length of automobiles in the U.S. is at a record 57 months as of September. This is an increase of 3.1 months since March, according to Polk. The research company utilizes registration data for its study. General automobile ownership terms have leaped 23 percent since the financial crisis in the U.S. started in the third quarter of 2008, Polk revealed. In another study from Polk released in January, it has been found out that the average age of light vehicles in the U.S. had reached a record high of 10.8 years last year.

The Honda Racing team and Matt Neal spent Friday acclimatizing to the vehicle, ensuring that is it safe and set for track testing. Matt Neal commented that this is their first chance to get behind the wheel to truly determine what the vehicle has. He added that the team is "really pleased" with the results from the preliminary test at MIRA. He further stated that it will be "interesting" to see the performance of the vehicle. He is confident that they have a "championship winning car."

Gordon 'Flash' Shedden said that the feedback on the new Civic NGTC vehicle "so far is incredibly promising." He added that he has been "itching to get into the car" since the end of the 2011 season. Team Manager Peter Crolla related that the "team have all been working incredibly hard" since August, when the NGTC program started. He added that it will be interesting from the point of view of the engineers and drivers to watch how the vehicle performs on a track where they were very competitive with the S2000 Civic. This will allow them to "really start to understand and develop the new car."