2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

 Mitsubishi Motors North America announced that starting Nov. 1, the 2011 Outlander Sport  can be test-driven online with the use of an interactive remote control. Mitsubishi claims that this is the first online test drive of its kind, boosting its image as a technologically innovative brand. Dubbed the Mitsubishi Live Drive, this program will enable people to test-drive the new 2011 Outlander Sport in a closed course in Southern California. Beginning Nov. 1, US residents aged 18 and older with a valid driver's license can register at microsite www.outlandersport.com to "test drive" the vehicle through Nov. 10. The Live Drive is part of an integrated marketing campaign that includes TV, print, digital and direct mail.

This campaign will be launched on Oct. 15. Live Drive is the product of the collaboration between Mitsubishi’s new creative agency, Omnicom Group's 180, Los Angeles, and production company B-Reel. Robotics expert James Brighton and Web design expert Simon Cave were also part of this team. Mitsubishi's other agencies are WPP's Schematic for digital work and Triaville Communications for public relations.

This campaign is a manifestation of Mitsubishi’s aspiration for its shops to work together, with Mitsubishi's internal marketing operations acting as lead agency. Like other automakers, Mitsubishi has suffered under the economic recession in the last few years. In 2008, Mitsubishi sold 119,000 vehicles in North America, dropping 26% over the previous year. For Mitsubishi, the year 2009 was turbulent, with double-digit sales decreases and increases from month to month.

Audi TT RS DTM Racecar

Originally, Audi didn't plan to send the TT RS over for the U.S.. Thanks to a petition on Facebook, it changed its tune and the car go on sale Stateside sometime in the near future. Once again turning to Facebook, we came across these photos of a TT RS variant we'll never see in our driveway, regardless of how often we click the "Like" button: a DTM-inspired racer that's set to debut in the VLN Endurance series.

Audi has teamed with Raeder Motorsports and will run the car during the last two rounds of the Endurance Championship, held at the Nürburgring. The production version of the Audi TT RS is a blast to drive, so we can only imagine the thrills the competition-spec car provides.

2011 Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero II

Top Gear has let loose another batch of pics showcasing the SSC Ultimate Aero II. In addition to the tantalizing imagery, we get some facts and figures. For starters, this new Ultimate Aero is powered by a 6.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that can scream up to a 9,000 rpm redline. Power? 1,350 horses, every last drop of which will be needed to hit the targeted top speed of 275 mph. Obviously, this rocketship won't be available for short money; it's going to cost $970,000.

SSC aims to recapture the production car speed record it initially took away from Bugatti, which responded this year by building the Veryron Supersport just to get it back. Shelby Supercars believes the Ultimate Aero II will once again allow it to take back the speed crown.

SSC team isn't simply relying on monster power and a slick Jason Castriota-styled exterior. In a nod to Colin Chapman, the new Aero weighs much less than a Veyron thanks to a handful of engineering feats. The wheels are the world's first one-piece carbon-fiber units and tip the scale at just under 13 pounds. In fact, there's carbon-fiber all over the Ultimate Aero II, with the exception of some aluminum bracing for added safety in the event of a crash. Overall, the car weighs about 2,600 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio nearly double that of the Bugatti Veyron. Those specs pretty much say that it isn't so much a question of whether the SSC Ultimate Aero II car will set a record, only when it'll finally happen.

Sushmita Sen launch Fiat Linea Jet Part 02

Sushmita Sen launch Fiat Linea Jet Part 01

New Peugeot 508 - Photos from the Paris Motor Show Floor

Peugeot has decided to take a more elegant approach with the design of its top-of-the-line 508 model, ditching the old and odd Peugeot nose in favor of a more attractive new design language. Competing with Volkswagen's B7 Passat and Kia's Optima, which we showed you earlier, the 508 is the first attractive Peugeot saloon in a while.

For consumers in Europe, the new 508 will be available next spring. Its eight engine choices are decidedly diesel-heavy; there are five diesel units and three gasoline options, while in 2012, Peugeot will launch a diesel-electric hybrid version using the same technology found on the 3008 Hybrid4 crossover. For the powertrain and performance info, check out our previous story here.

As far as body styles go, there will be a sedan and a station wagon. The new 508 has to be one of the nicest-looking cars in the mid-size segment; it's a real shame we don't get something like this in the States.

Kia Goes Green in Paris with Sportage Diesel-Hybrid Concept

At this week's Paris Motor Show, Kia displayed the Sportage Mild Hybrid eco concept. Based on the latest generation of the South Korean firm's compact SUV model, the concept hooks up Kia's 1.7-liter turbo diesel engine, which produces 115-horsepower and 260Nm of peak torque, to a 5 kW electric motor with a double layer capacitor.

Kia also made small changes to the Sportage's body to reduce aerodynamic drag and added low-rolling resistance tires. According to the company, the Sportage Mild Hybrid emits just 117 g/km of CO2. Kia did not release fuel economy estimates.

Ducati 2011 Superbike - Trickle Down Technology

Ducati superbike models for 2011 on the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Fair in Cologne, western Germany. The 2011 Ducati Superbikes comes with excellent feature and built in latest trickle-down technology from Ducati’s World Championship racing team. The models contain the Ducati 1198, 1198 SP and the 848EVO. All three Superbike presents for 2011 are sort innovative or extensively upgraded from their 2010 variants. The 1198 superbike features an inspiring 170hp and 97 lb/ft of torque collective with a flyweight of 370lbs.

Latest, superior 1198 now features the Ducati Data Analyzer, Ducati Traction Control system and the brand new Ducati Quick Shifter. The 2011 Ducati 1198 will comes to the market for sale in December with the price tag of $16,495.The 1198 SP features Ducati Traction Control, a MotoGP derivative digital dash, the new-fangled Ducati Quick Shifter and a Ducati Data Analyzer to appraisal all measures of performance data.The 2011 Ducati 1198 SP superbike holds a price tag of $21,995.

Further features comprise an Ohlins TTx rear shock and Ohlins front forks, Ducati Performance Slipper Clutch, Brembo Monobloc calipers and aluminum fuel tank.

The 2011 848EVO will be available in market with the price tag of $12,995.

848EVO equipped with Brembo Monobloc callipers and navigation damper. Except the Stealth Black and Ducati Red, the 848EVO is also accessible in Arctic White livery with red wheels and a red frame. 

2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 & GSX-R750

You'd be forgiven if you forgot all about the brand spankin' new motorcycles brought into the States by Suzuki last year... because there weren't any. Purse strings were pulled so tightly during the global economic collapse that the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer decided not to bring in any new models for 2010.

However, all of that is set to change for 2011, and the first major announcement from Suzuki are updates to its GSX-R600 and GSX-R750. Interestingly enough, the engines are all new but there isn't actually any more horsepower than before – 123 horses from the 600 and 148 from the 750.

Instead of more peak power, Suzuki focused all of its efforts on reducing weight, lopping off four pounds from the motor, three pounds from the exhaust and another three pounds from the aluminum frame. Add it all up and Suzuki has cut about 20 pounds from each model, with the 600 coming in at 413 pounds wet and the 750 tipping the scales at 416 pounds.

Another notable feature new for 2011 are the brakes: 310mm fully-floating front brake discs and radial-mount, four-piston Brembo monoblock calipers. Styling closely mimics that of the range-topping GSX-R1000, featuring new vertically stacked headlamps; see for yourself in our high-res image gallery below. Pricing comes in at $11,599 for the 600 and $11,999 for the 750, and full details can be found after the break.