Dartz Returns with Bentley Continental GT "SS" Wrapped in Snake Skin Vinyl

Dartz, the Russian tuner of all things obnoxious that recently dropped plans for trimming the interior of its Prombron armored SUV with whale-penis leather after drawing some heavy criticism from just about everyone, has returned with another proposal for the rich and tasteless. This one is based on the Bentley Continental GT coupe and it bears the "SS" logo.

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Fiat's Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari Special Available in the UK, Priced at �29,600

The Fiat 500-based, Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, is possibly the closest we'll ever get to a baby model from the company with the Prancing Horse logo. And now, almost a year after its world premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show in Germany, Fiat has confirmed UK availability.

Only 152 examples of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari will be available in right hand drive form in Britain, each carrying a steep price tag of �29,600, which comes to around �35,500 or US$46,900 at today's exchange rates. That's roughly what you'd pay for a BMW 135i Coupe M Sport (�30,675) in the UK.

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Mitsuoka Announces New Special Edition Version of its Mazda MX-5-based Himiko Roadster

Japan's most notorious replica maker, Mitsuoka, has just released another special edition version of its Mazda MX-5-based Himiko roadster. This time, Mitsuoka has crafted a rag-top variant of the Himico Classic Edition, which was available up until now only with a power-retractable roof.

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BMW 120i Coupe Performance Unlimited: New Special Edition Version for Japan

Continuing its run of JDM specials, BMW has introduced the new 120i Coupe Performance Unlimited, of which only 30 examples will be built. Like the freshly unveiled X6 Performance Unlimited crossover, the special edition 120i Coupe couples the M-Sport package with a variety of accessories for the Bavarian firm's Performance division.

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Ford Focus RS Confirmed for Australia, 315 Units Heading Down Under

We know what you're thinking, but isn't it better late than never? More than a year after its market launch in Europe and as production is nearing to an end, Ford today delivered the blissful news that the Focus RS is on its way to Australia in a strictly limited run.

"Customers, the motoring press, Ford enthusiasts and hot hatch fans have all been constantly asking us about Focus RS and when it might be coming to Australia, so we're very pleased and incredibly excited to be able to confirm for everyone today that it's on its way and will be here soon," Ford Australia President & CEO Marin Burela said.

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China's Geely Completes Takeover of Volvo from Ford

Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. (simply known as Geely) completed the purchase of Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Co. on Monday. According to Ford, Geely paid $1.3 billion in cash today and issued a $200 million note for the acquisition of the Swedish carmaker. The exact amount of the final sale price will be announced later this year when the final adjustments on Volvo's value are made, and could result in additional proceeds to Ford.

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Nissan Europe Refreshes X-Trail SUV, Sales Start in September

We already took our first look at the updated for 2011 X-Trail SUV with the introduction of the Japanese market model in the beginning of July, but now, Nissan has released details on the European market version that will arrive in showrooms in September (October for the UK).

The revised X-Trail benefits from some modest updates to the exterior styling, improved interior quality and functionality, as well as from mechanical and aerodynamic changes.

As you may (or may not...) notice from the pictures, the 2011 X-Trail has undergone very minor cosmetic surgery. Highlight include the redesigned grille, headlights and bumper assembly at the front, along with revised tail lamps that now incorporate LED light technology for the running lights and braking, restyled rear bumper and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefier tires.

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