It has been found out that Lexus dealers are the best in customer satisfaction according to a study on the 2009 Customer Service Index Study by J.D. Power and Associates. For the last two years Jaguar topped the list. The study was based on 106,059 respondents, both owners and lessees, of vehicles in the 2004 to 2008 model years. Customer satisfaction has only increased slightly overall, with the most improvement exhibited by premium brands. The study says that high CSI ratings, which are given based on a 1000 point scale, keep higher customer maintenance and repair funds. Lexus got a rating of 835 followed by Jaguar which received a score of 810 this year and was winner in 2007 and 2008. BMW got third place from the previous 6th, while Cadillac went for fourth place against Acura by only one point. Two non-premium brands, Buick and Saturn, came in at number eight and number nine respectively. Number six, seven and ten wend to Hummer, Land Rover and Lincoln correspondingly. Many prestigious brands rated below the industry average of 761, such as Ford with a score of 757, Chrysler with 746, with Dodge gaining only 734 and Jeep with 727 in its divisions, Toyota got only 736 and Volkswagen with 725 points.

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The new AC Schnitzer trimmed BMW 7-Series comes with F01/F02 internal works codes suggesting motorsport characteristics. The latest version is, according to AC Schnitzer Chief Designer Michele Viandante, the most dynamic of all 7-series models ever, reason why changes made to the outline were subtle.

AC Schnitzer accessories package install important highlights and calls attention to the sporting traits of the saloon in specific areas. This is demonstrated by the magnificent front section which was enhanced by a new air spoiler feature. The lip lengthens the look of the car giving it a faster appearance and, like all other accessories created by AC Schnitzer, it is made from durable, well-fitting PU-RIM. Enhancements of the sides are also described as subtle but stunning. The result is a harmonious, seamless combination of elements. Side skirts attachment give emphasis to the wheelbase of the car, visually lengthening it and offering it a more aggressive look. While by the third part at the rear the skirts are broadened to provide the car a more beefy appearance. Photo gallery after the jump!

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The current TECHART program for the 911 Porsche models is characterized by distinctive design from mod. 09, showcased as a world first showing at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week. Derived from the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 2009 version, the design features artistic, athletic and dynamism. The stylish external design included elements which generate a feel of full-bodied sportiness and harmonic aerodynamic driving. The stylish spoiler up front merges seamlessly with the shape of the bumper and generates sportive purity. Sill panels, which aid power optimization, bring attention to the lengthened side lines and add a dash of dynamism to the sides of the car. The sporty appearance is further enhanced through a low sitting rear air diffuser and wing profile of the rear spoiler. Decorative embellishments, headlight and mirror trims, a carbon or PU-RIM roof-mounted spoiler and air vents inbuilt into the front apron rounds off the aggressive look. Leather embellishments in wide varieties, matching color 3-spoke airbag sport wheel, pedals in aluminum and decorative borders are a few of the options offered. As far as TECHART manufacturers are concerned, there is fundamentally no limit to the personalization of the design. The accent in silver appears on the dashboard, décor of the door trims, information-entertainment system panel, central console back covers of the seats and hooks for clothes. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Together with the B6 GT3 race car, the 2009 BMW Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo uber-sedan will also showcase in the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. AutoZeitung has provided a photo and some initial specifications of the car from Alpina. It comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 unit that can produce 507 hp and 516lb-ft of torque. It is claimed by Alpina that the B7 can sprint from standstill to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds and reach a maximum, electronically limited, speed of 173 mph. Although some of the upgrades expected on the car include engine revisions, upgraded brakes, suspension elements and a modified interior tot go with the body kit, more details will surely become available next week at the Geneva event.

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Introduced back in 2006, the second generation Volvo S80 saloon has not experienced lots of major modifications except for the long-wheelbase variant introduced late last year intended for the Chinese market. With the announcement by Volvo for its intentions of a slightly refreshed variant set for sale in the near future, things could significantly change for the S80 saloon.

The car will be updated in time for the 2010 model year and the updates consist of visible modifications to the body, an enhanced interior and a stiffer chassis and updated powerplant lineup. From what can be observed, the new saloon appears to be lower, longer and broader due partly to a new grill and rocker panels. In the interior, the high-end feel of the car has been further enhanced, featuring leather seats and leather trimmed door panels. More details and photos after the jump!

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After the Techart Magnum based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the tuner also released today the first information of the customized Cayenne Diesel! The new vehicle which is going to make its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show comes with a Techart Aerokit I body consisting in a front bumper, new side sills, rear roof spoiler and a new rear bumper with integrated aesthetic air diffuser.

The kit is completed by the new Formula light alloy wheels giving the car a special look. Unfortunately Techart did not released any data regarding the engine performance but stay tuned, this will be revealed next week at the Geneva event! Photo gallery after the jump!

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A fresh body kit for the 2009 Audi A3 facelift has recently been released by Caractere. The kit consists of a front air spoiler (not compatible with the exterior S-Line pack) and a fresh rear spoiler.

There rear spoiler is available in two variants; one with exhaust openings on the right and left (not compatible with the QUATTRO model) and another without these openings. Also included in the Caractere 2009 Audi A3 are a set of side skirts and a roof-mounted spoiler intended for the standard and Sportback variants. The parts for the Caractere 2009 Audi A3 are made from PURim and come with German TUV certification. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Two limited-edition VXR variants of the Corsa and Astra were opened by Vauxhall as a way of celebrating VX Racing’s victory in the 2008 British Touring Car Championship. A combined total of 888 production cars will be done for the VX Racing Editions, an approval of Vauxhall’s race team Triple Eight Engineering and will be offered exclusively in red and black, the official colors of the VX Racing team. Both cars will receive glossy black alloy wheels, a rear air diffuser, tinted rear windows, side strips in black and mirrors also in black finish. Standard leather Recaro seats will be fitted on both the Corsa and Astra VX Racing Editions. The Vauxhall Corsa VX Racing Edition fetches a ￡17,425 tag and for the Astra it is ￡21,445. To bump power by about 19bhp, VXR Remus exhaust is also available as an option at a reduced price. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Techart announced today that the Geneva Motor Show will bring also a new premiere: the new Techart Magnum based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Comparing it with the Techart Magnum Cayenne Turbo, the new vehicle will come with an extra 60 hp, with a total of 680 hp (500 kw) and 900 Nm of torque. Enough, we would say, to push the vehicle to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, to 200 km/h in 14.5 seconds and have a top speed of 308 km/h. The body kit will include a new front apron, new side sills, Magnum fenders and a rear apron with integrated air diffuser and double-flow exhaust pipes. Also, Techart Formula I and Formula II alloy wheel rims in a classic design from 20 to 23 inches are available as well as a new sport air suspension that lowers the vehicle with up to 30 mm.Inside, the interior is made by Sede, a Switzerland-based manufacturer which has been synonymous with elite seating, the finest quality leather and unique design for over 50 years. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Ferrari officially announced today two new premieres for this year’s Geneva Motor Show: the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX. The new 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package will be finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso and the 599XX in a color matching the F2008. These are the only data available from the Italian manufacturer which also announced the vehicle which will join the two new premieres: “the Scuderia Spider 16M in a Grigio Titanio livery, the 430 Scuderia in Rosso Corsa and two Grand Tourer models, the Ferrari California in Nero Metallizzato with a Sabbia interior and the flagship 612 Scaglietti”. The two new arrivals will be revealed to the international media by Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo on the opening day of the Show, March 3rd, at 10 am.

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