Cadillac Escalade Hybrid gets the Platinum Touch

If you are in the market for a larger than life luxury SUV with a hypocritical drop of eco-friendliness, then you may want to take a look at the latest edition of Cadillac's 2009 Escalade Hybrid, called Platinum. It combines the luxury appointments of the Platinum model with the two-mode hybrid powertrain of the Escalade Hybrid that delivers 20mpg in city driving and 21mpg on the highway.

Among the special features included on the Platinum edition are a distinctive front fascia and grille, unique 22-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, LED headlamps and a DVD entertainment system with screens integrated in front-seat headrests.

Furthermore, the Platinum model's interior is upgraded with unique door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders, a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button as well as special Aniline leather trim with contrasting-color stitching.

The 2009 Escalade Platinum Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations with prices starting from $84,935.

Vorsteiner Dresses the BMW M3 Sedan with Dry Carbon Aero Kit

Oddly enough, Vorsteiner has released a new dry carbon aero kit for the 2008 BMW M3 E90 Sedan, a model that was in the market only for a few months as the Bavarian automaker replaced it shortly after its market introduction in early 2008 with the facelifted 2009MY M3 sedan. But anyway, the California-based tuner's proposal include various lightweight dry carbon components such as a trunk lid, a front-lip spoiler and a rear diffuser with integrated fins.

Giant Car Eating Pothole Swallows VW Golf in Ukraine

Talk about massive pot holes... What you see pictured above is most likely the result of a broken water pipe that caused this road which is located somewhere in Ukraine, to collapse and literally 'swallow' a bypassing VW Golf. Luckily, the passengers of the German hatchback managed to escape through the rear window. No word if anyone was injured or not in this bizarre accident.

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Source: drugasmuga , Via: Englishrussia

Hyundai Concept Car with Gullwing Doors Scooped ahead of NY Show

As a rule, scoops come from professionals but once in a while, the goddess of luck smiles to ordinary readers such as Aaron who was fortunate enough to be in the right place, at the right time. The Autoblog reader snapped what is said to be a new Hyundai prototype model, parked on the road. In two of the shots, we get the chance to see the concept study's gullwing doors in action. We don't have any information on the prototype other than it will most likely make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show that runs from April 10 to 19.

Via: Autoblog.com

My Two Dents on BMW's Fuzzy Logic Model Range

BMW's latest releases are a Family Guy episode on four wheels. If anyone has seen the episode of South Park parodying Family Guy's plot developments, you'll know what I mean; it's manatees in a tank fetching random idea balls and throwing them together. The manufacturer of vehicles touted as the "Ultimate Driving Machine" has gone off the deep end. People thought Mercedes was doing the same when they made the CLS for style-conscious consumers; Mercedes had the last laugh, though, walking away having created a totally new market. Will BMW have the same success? Me thinks not.

BMW, in a poor attempt to emulate Mercedes, has strayed from the beaten path in an attempt to capitalize on original ideas. The last few attempts by the Bavarians make me wonder exactly how much money they have in order to waste so much on ugly, redundant products in these trying times.

Take, for example their sport utility (oh, I'm sorry, activity) lineup. God forbid buyers confuse these vehicles with something having utility. Other than the X5, these vehicles are highly questionable. Large and midsize SAVs; ok, I understand these markets exist. "Slightly-smaller-than-midsize" and "coupe"; you lost me.

While the X5 and X3 move up in size, apparently a "slightly smaller than midsize" SAV is needed to fill the gap left by the hardly successful X3. The upcoming X1 (basically a less manly version of the X3, if that's possible) is a "Sport Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment". Jesus, now they're just making things up. Premium Compact Sport Activity Vehicles? Let's just call it what it is: pointless, and fugly to boot.

What about the X6? It's a Sports Activity Coupe. That doesn't even start to make sense, considering the fact that it's a four-door SUV. What do you get for your $55,900 entry price? Room for four, minimal cargo space, and a cramping roofline, not to mention one ugly mother. What's worse, Acura (in yet another attempt to reach top-tier status) has decided to copy it. I'll chalk that one up as a wasted effort, guys.

What is the X6's purpose? Well, no doubt it'll do a great job of rubbing pointless excess in everyone's face, but that's about all. I recall one commenter on the web thanking BMW for creating a new class of douche with the X6. Nail on the head, sir, nail on the head.

And BMW's cars? Well, time was BMW sedans could do no wrong. Alas, ladies and gentlemen, you must not have noticed the latest eyesore brought about by dropping the X6 a few centimeters: the 5-Series GT. The only nifty part about the whole shebang is the rear hatch; that's where it ends. The GT is apparently targeting the three people who want a sedan with just a little bit more space, but who don't want to go all out for the wagon for fear they might appear too practical.

All is not lost, though. At least most of the cars and car concepts in BMW's future look promising. The 7 has gotten some of its elegance back and the new Z4 is a looker. Then we have the latest rumor of the Z2, which makes green look damn sexy. If BMW keeps up with ideas like this, perhaps I can look past the absurdity of their utility-lacking activity vehicles.

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel since he was a wee lad. He currently resides a stone's throw from Japan's international airport in Narita. All of this can be seen on Facebook, so check it out. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded.

Photo Galleria: Alfa Romeo's Turbocharged 159 1750 TBi

At the recent Geneva Salon, Alfa Romeo introduced a new 1.75-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for its 159 sports saloon and Sportwagon models that adopt the same designation as one of the most well known sedans ever made by the Italian firm, the 1750 Berlina that was launched in the late 1960s. With the new engine that develops 200HP, the front-wheel drive 159 1750 TBi accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.7 while its top speed is 235km/h or 146mph. If you follow the jump, you can check out the new, wallpaper-sized gallery of the 159 1750 TBi as well as photos of its equally seductive 1960s predecessor, the 1750 Berlina.