New Car: 2012 Porsche 911 Black Edition

As the Porsche 997 is entering the autumn of its life cycle—we expect its successor, the 991, to debut this September at the Frankfurt auto show—the marketing team in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen still is coming up with ways to keep the current model attractive.

The last few variations on the 911—including the GTS and Speedster—were positioned at the top of the model range. The 911 Black Edition follows a vastly different approach: Available as a coupe and cabriolet, it comes only with rear-wheel drive and the standard 345-hp engine. At a base price of $82,250, the Black Edition coupe carries a $3500 premium over the barest of all 911s; the cabrio’s sticker of $92,250 represents a $2500 uptick.

Like the GTS, the Black Edition adds more extra equipment than its additional cost would otherwise cover. Normally a $2440 option, 19-inch Turbo II wheels are included in the purchase. Also on the house are the Bose surround sound and a navigation system, plus a few other trinkets. Altogether, the extras in the Black Edition are worth about $10,000.

Appropriately, this 911 is available in any color as long as it’s black: standard black or $710 Basalt Black Metallic, to be precise. Even the brake calipers are black. Black Edition plaques adorn the door sills and glove box, and “aluminum look" (read: plastic) decorative panels are affixed to the dashboard and center console.

If you hear “base engine” and think “bummer,” a turn behind the wheel will change your mind. Coupled with one of the best manual transmissions on the road today, the 345-hp, 3.6-liter flat-six should storm to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds; with the optional PDK dual-clutch transmission, we’ve clocked a rear-drive 911 to the mile-a-minute mark in just 4.1 seconds. On PDK cars, the optional Sport Chrono package will shave some time from acceleration runs thanks to its launch-control function. Top speed is said to be 180 mph with the manual, 178 with PDK.

Porsche will build exactly 1911 Black Editions, of which about 25 percent are headed to the U.S. If you are in the market for a 997 and want a black one, this is one of the smartest choices out there. Theoretically, building cars in limited numbers makes them future collectors’ items, but if Porsche keeps turning out limited editions at this rate, the standard models might be the rarest of all.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Renault Launches Bizu Limited Edition Range

Renault is out to become a value for money champ with its new Bizu range of entry-level models. Available until June, the limited edition versions run across the Twingo, Clio, Mégane and Scénic ranges, with prices up to £3,870 lower than the entry-level versions of the same model.

The Twingo 1.2 75, is available for £6,595, £2,300 lower than the standard Expression model, while the Scénic 1.6 VVT Bizu costs £12,595 - £3,755 less than the regular car.

Every Bizu model comes fitted with ABS, Brake Assist and electric front windows, plus Bluetooth and an aux input for plugging in the latest tunes.

Clio versions get body-coloured rear spoilers and chrome-effect front fog light surrounds. The Mégane and Scénic models also benefit from CSV understeer control, electric heated door mirrors, ESC, air conditioning and keyless go.

On sale now, the Twingo Bizu starts at £6,595, Clio at £8,595, Mégane at £11,595 and Scénic for £12,595. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

The Mercedes G-Class by ART Streetline Sterling Edition

First the mechanical component. Based on the G-Class 400CDI power increases from 215 hp to 292 hp (and 624nm) after reprogramming electronic and installation of an exhaust line to six outputs of stainless steel.

ART Germans then resume the old grind and refine Streetline (sic) visually for this edition Sterling.

The version we are concerned today generally agrees with its predecessor the rich body kit and win LEDs you want here in the presence of the ART logo and also inherits example of a painting two-tone gray and black.

One could also mention some chrome accents galore, 22-inch rims to ten spokes and 315/30 rubbers and a passenger inheriting a DVD player, screens, heated and ventilated seats, etc..

New Car: 2011 Land Rover Freelander Sport Limited Edition

Land Rover has unveiled a special limited edition version of the Freelander. Called the Sport, the newcomer has just gone on display at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy.

Only 500 examples of the Freelander Sport will be sold in the UK, with each featuring a host of tweaks to the styling inside and out.

The exterior gets a bodykit with squared-off bumpers, a rear spoiler and 19-inch alloys, and buyers will get the choice of three special colours, Fuji White, Santorini Black or the Firenze Red pictured here. Parking sensors are fitted as standard too.

On the inside, buyers get the choice of black leather seats with either contrasting stitching or a white stripe running down the middle of each seat. The dash benefits from some piano black trim.

There’s just one choice of engine, the revised 187bhp 2.2-litre diesel, connected to a six-speed auto gearbox. The benchmark 0-60mph sprint takes 8.7 seconds, and top speed is 118mph. Economy is 40.4mpg and emissions are 185g/km.

The Freelander Sport goes on sale early in 2011, with prices starting at £33,945. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

The Mercedes G-Class by ART Streetline Sterling Edition

First the mechanical component. Based on the G-Class 400CDI power increases from 215 hp to 292 hp (and 624nm) after reprogramming electronic and installation of an exhaust line to six outputs of stainless steel.

ART Germans then resume the old grind and refine Streetline (sic) visually for this edition Sterling.

The version we are concerned today generally agrees with its predecessor the rich body kit and win LEDs you want here in the presence of the ART logo and also inherits example of a painting two-tone gray and black.

One could also mention some chrome accents galore, 22-inch rims to ten spokes and 315/30 rubbers and a passenger inheriting a DVD player, screens, heated and ventilated seats, etc..