2012 Concorso d'Eleganza Through the Eyes of the BMW Group

You know the old adage you can never get enough of a good thing, right? Well, in the case of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este 2012, this definitely holds true. After bringing you photos and separate reports on the bespoke design studies that debuted at last weekend's vintage and concept car show in Italy, we now have a few videos to share with you.
Up first is a video tour of the event from the BMW Group, which is the official automotive sponsor of the event, followed by several clips on individual concept cars like the Ford Evos, Rimac Concept One and the BMW i8.
Sit back and enjoy all of them right after the break.

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Mazda MX-5 Yusho Prototype with 237hp at Leipzig Show [39 Photos]

The new MX-5 Senshu Edition wasn't the only Miata to debut at Mazda's stand at the 2012 Auto Mobil International Show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany, on Friday. Mazda surprised show-goers with a far more intriguing proposal in the form of the MX-5 Yusho prototype, named after the Japanese word for "Victory".
The matte white paint together with the 17-inch anthracite gray alloy wheels wrapped around in semi-click Toyo Proxes R888 tires size 215/45 R17, lowered suspension, boot lid spoiler and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser housing the centrally mounted twin tailpipes tell only part of the story.
The real magic occurs under the bonnet with the heavily fettled 2.0-liter MZR four cylinder petrol engine gaining a supercharger system, an intercooler, special Cosworth pistons and connecting rods, a custom exhaust system and reprogrammed software.
Other upgrades include the new fuel injectors and metal sport catalysts along with a beefed up transmission with a sports clutch.
All these modifications bump the four-banger's output from 158hp (160PS) at 6,700rpm to 237hp (241PS) at 6,800 rpm and peak torque from 188Nm (138 lb-ft) at 5,000rpm to 274Nm (202 lb-ft) 5,400rpm.
Mazda did not provide any information on the car's weight or 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration time but did say that the MX-5 Yusho can reach a top speed of 240km/h (149mph).
There are more changes to be found under the body including the uprated suspension with Bilstein absorbers, larger stabilizer bars and lowering springs from Eibach.
Inside, the MX-5 Yusho study is enhanced with a suede-trimmed steering wheel and Recaro sport seats in leather and Alcantara.
No word if the Japanese automaker plans to produce or at least offer these upgrades on the production model, but we wouldn't hold our breath…

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2013 Nissan Altima Sedan With New Photo Gallery

With the start of North American production of the all-new 2013 Altima earlier this week, Nissan released a fresh batch of pictures of its sedan model. The 2013 Altima is critical to Nissan's plan to increase sales in North America with the Japanese automaker targeting to beat the Toyota Camry in the popular mid-size sedan segment.
Last year, the outgoing Altima came in second place with 295,790 sales, some 42,000 units behind Toyota's best-selling model. However, the competition is expected to become stiffer this year due to the arrival of several new models including the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and a redesigned Honda Accord.
The 2013 Altima launces with a choice of two gasoline engines, a 182hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit and a range-topping 270hp 3.5-liter V6, both matched to a reworked Xtronic CVT driving the front wheels.
Prices for the Altima start at $25,360.

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