A few days ago the latest generation X5 was launched, bringing new blood to the battle of the best luxury SUV, traditionally dominated by four German and a British offering. The all new X5 is the latest to the game and has to face, above all, the current generation of the Mercedes-Benz. Launched in June 2011 as a 2012 model, the ML looks less sporty and more utilitarian compared to the X5, but as a typical MB product, is of great quality and one of the best offerings in the segment. The Mercedes-Benz ML is offered with MB’s Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Lane Warning System and AirMatic air suspension, while as part of an optional off road package, the ML can come with a two speed transfer case, with centre differential lock, reduction gearing and a 6 terrain pre-set driving program. The top of the range model carries proudly an AMG badge and hides a twin turbo V8 under the hood. The ML63 AMG has 525 hp, 700Nm and no competition from Munich, yet.

On the other hand, the ML63′s major opponent is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Being the sportiest offering in the segment, the Cayenne shows the world that even an SUV can be sporty. Being offered with a range of diesel engines, it’s also quite fuel efficient. The current Cayenne was launched in 2010 as a 2011 model, but it’s not the oldest. The Audi Q7 was introduced in 2005 and is the oldest SUV in this comparison. Despite its age, it’s still a worthy competitor, coming with permanent Quattro all wheel drive with a central differential lock and adjustable air suspension, it lacks the availability of a low-range transfer case, which is essential for serious off-road activities. Still, it’s available with an extensive range of diesel engines, starting with a 3.0l V6 all the way up to the top-of-the-line 6.0l V12 TDI.

These four German SUV have a tough opponent from Great Britain, the legendary in this segment, Range Rover. In its latest generation it’s simply a beautiful design, something not easily told about an SUV. It comes with the essential off-roading systems, like a low range gearbox and pre-set driving programs, as well as JLR’s quality and reliability reputation, possibly the car’s only drawback. Other offerings in this class, include the Lexus RX, the Acura MDX and the Infinity QX60.

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Posted in: Audi, BMW, Comparisons, Mercedes-Benz, Miscellaneous, Porsche

The obvious answer to this question would be “yes” according to the vast majority of our membership, but the right thing would be to think of this question as thoroughly as possible before answering:

Ten to fifteen years ago, the luxury sedan segment was much more different. The S-Class was present with the W220 version later replaced by the W221. BMW offered the E38 7 series that was replaced by the E65. Audi was also present with the then  D3 A8, later replaced with the D4. This segment was clear, back in the day. Those that actually wanted to drive, as opposed to be driven, with their luxury sedan would opt for the 7er, the better driver’s car of the segment, following the traditional BMW values of direct steering and involving handling. The A8 was the most understated vehicle. Not much different from an A4 as far as the exterior design was concerned, it was an entirely different world, once one opened a door. Simple and elegant design with high-quality materials, the A8 was the choice of those who wanted to drive unnoticed. Then there was the S-Class. The W220 version was heavily criticized for its material and reliability, but it was still the first in sales, as its heritage and cachet was undeniable. It was then replaced by the W221 generation, a vastly better car, packed with technology (including adaptive cruise control, MBC and Pre-Safe).

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Posted in: Miscellaneous

Here we have some new spy photos that could be both the first facelift of the Ford Focus or a mule for the upcoming Focus RS.

With the Ford Fiesta just facelifted there is a big chance that the Focus will get the same treatment in order to give all cars the new family face. As we can see on the photos the grille seems to have a different shape with bigger openings.

That could also be the reason in case there’s a more powerful engine under the hood for the long rumored RS version even if we where expecting bigger brakes in that case. We also noticed the car was fwd so in case it really should be a Focus RS mule, the RS will also be fwd.

Stay tuned as we will update you as soon as we have more news about this.

[Source: CarPix]

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Posted in: Ford, Miscellaneous, Spy Photos

2012 was a great year for all German brands we discuss here at GCF. Audi had a very successful year, selling approximately 1.45 million automobiles, which translates in 48.8€ billion revenue, 5.4€ billion operating profit and an operating return on sales of 11.0 percent, which is above the strategic target corridor of eight to ten percent. In late 2012 the Ducati brand was also added to the brand’s portfolio, as 2012 was a year of many investments. Audi did also great in the US, setting new sales records in each month of 2012, but where Audi really excelled was China. Audi is expecting the growth to continue in 2013 despite the overall harsh economic climate and plans to recruit 1,500 additional employees in Germany alone.

According to BMW’s CEO Dr. Norbert Reithofer, 2012 was the best year in the brand’s corporate history, as the Group revenues rose by 11.7% to €76.8 billion, the EBIT was up 3.5% to €8.3 billion, the Profit before tax was 5.9% higher at €7.8 billion, the Group profit up was 4.4% to €5.1 billion, and there was an EBIT margin of 10.9% for Automotive segment. In total, the sales of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles rose in 2012 by 10.6% to a new high of 1,845,186 units. For 2013, BMW intends to continues the growth, even though the economic conditions are likely to remain challenging in many markets

2012 was a great year for Daimler as well, with an EBIT from ongoing business of €8.1 billion (2011: €9.0 billion). The Net profit was €6.5 billion (2011: €6.0 billion) and the Group revenue of €114.3 billion exceeded that of the prior year (2011: €106.5 billion). Both Mercedes-Benz Cars and Trucks posted an increase in sales and revenue, with the former selling 1,451,600 vehicles and the latter 462,000 vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz Vans sales, on the other hand, decreased to 252,400 vehicles, from 264,200 in 2011. Daimler AG’s analysts expect the demand for automobiles to grow between 2 and 4% in 2013 mainly due to the Chinese market. The European one is expected to be stable, while the demand in Japan is expected to decrease.

Finally, VW’s sales revenue grew by 20.9 percent to €192.7 billion. Most importantly, though, the Porsche brand has been wholly owned by Volkswagen since August 1, 2012 and Ducati has now joined the Group family, while the launch of the MQB platform was a major breakthrough in reducing the Groups R&D costs. Numbers-wise, tonsolidated operating profit rose slightly to a record €11.5 billion, not including the €3.7 billion proportional share of the operating profit recorded by the Chinese joint ventures. The return on investment for the Automotive Division was down slightly on the previous year at 16.6% (17.7% in 2011), primarily as a result of the increase in invested capital, but was still significantly above its minimum required rate of return of 9 percent. Deliveries climbed 12.2 percent to 9.3 million vehicles, with the Group’s global share of the passenger car market rising to 12.8 percent. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 5.7 million vehicles, an increase of 12.7 percent compared with the previous year. VW’s CEO Dr. Winterkorn sees even more growth for 2013, hoping “that VW reaches the top of  the automotive industry by 2018 – profitably, sustainably and permanently.”

You can find all four press releases after the jump.

Source: [Audi], [BMW], [Daimler], and [VolksWagen]

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Posted in: Miscellaneous

For some unknown reasons Citroen decided to only show the new Picasso as a concept in Geneva even if several uncamouflaged prototypes had already been spotted in France and Spain.

Here are some new spy shots of an uncamouflaged prototype spotted by our sources in Sweden. (more…)

Posted in: Citroen, Miscellaneous, Spy Photos

Our spy photographers are showing us the very first photos of what appears to be the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Cruze.

Compared to the current version this one looks much sleeker due to the new and more rounded front end and the slightly longer rear. Even if the green house looks familiar with the current version we notice that the door handles now sit higher up on the door.

Rumor has it that the new Cruze will be the first to ride on the new GM platform internally called D2xx. This new platform is expected to support the next generation Volt and Equinox among others.

For now nothing is known about changes regarding the drivetrains but we expect less fuel consumption and lower CO2 compared to the current version.

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Posted in: Chevrolet, Miscellaneous, Spy Photos