Video: Jaguar's BMW M5 Rival, the new 2010 XFR V8 with 510HP

The XF we've all been waiting for, the new supercharged XFR, was finally revealed at this week's Detroit Show. Fitted with Jag's new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 and a Roots-type supercharger, the 510-horsepower strong XFR goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, or 0.2 and 0.4 seconds slower than its arch rivals, the BMW M5 and Audi RS6 respectively. If you hit the jump, you can watch the XFR in Jag's new promotional video. Unfortunately, for reasons that we fail to understand, Jaguar did not include any audiobites from the XFR's supercharged V8 engine, which is a pity as other than that, the film is overall entertaining.

2009 Melbourne Show in February to have at least one Global Debut

It may not sound like something to blow your own horn about, but with the current situation of auto salons around the world, Aussies should be happy to know that at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show that opens on 27 February, at least one automaker is planning a mid-show global debut synchronized with the Geneva Auto Salon, which opens a week after Melbourne. Equally important, show organizers have calculated that the local and global brands on show will represent 94.7 per cent of Australia's total car sales.

Among the cars already confirmed for the 75th Melbourne Motor Show are the new Lexus RX350, Lotus Evora, Bentley Speed 8, Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder and the BMW M1 Homage concept car that will take center stage at the Bavarian automaker's two-stand display.

Notably, with its extended two-stand display, BMW will be the biggest exhibitor at this year's Show. Volkswagen and Lexus are also mounting their biggest-ever show stands, while GM's domestic brand Holden, retains its status as the biggest single-stand exhibitor.

BRABUS Widestar Tuning Package for the Mercedes M-Class Facelift

A firm believer of the phrase "better late than never", Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist BRABUS, has introduced a new Widestar package for the facelifted M-Class that was revealed at last year's New York Auto Show. The exterior of the M-Class is enhanced with a wide bodykit that includes new fender flares on front and rear axle that add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the SUV as well as massive 23-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23 front and back.

Inside, BRABUS' appointments for the Mercedes M-Class interior include stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, a sport steering wheel, and leather-covered door elements for upgrading the factory interior. Also available are a fully leather interior made from a combination of Mastik and Alcantara leather and seven-inch LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and integrated DVD player integrated on the rear end of the front hearests.

The M-Class' handling is improved with the BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension that lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). To further optimize active safety the BRABUS WIDESTAR is optionally equipped with a high-performance brake system that consists of 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers grip front discs measuring 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches). The rear axle features six-piston fixed calipers.

For the gasoline-powered models, BRABUS' engine tuning program starts with the B7 power kit which increases power output of the ML 350 to 287 HP while the ML 500 is available with the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine generating 462HP. For the most powerful variant of the M-Class, the M 63 AMG, there's the B63 S kit that boosts output to 550HP. With this kit, the tuned top-of-the-line M-Class model sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and achieves a new top speed of 275 km/h (172 mph).

Those who prefer diesel engines can equip the ML 280 CDI with the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D5 (III) kit that produces an extra 52HP. For the ML 320 CDI BRABUS has designed the D6 (III) power kit which bumps maximum power output to 272HP and produces a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at just 1,600 rpm.

In the top-of-the-line diesel model, ML 420 CDI, the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D8 (III) power kit boosts power from 306HP to 350HP while peak torque grows from 700 Nm to 800 Nm (516 to 590 lb-ft). The tuned ML 420 CDI sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.0 seconds, half a second less than the production car while top speed increases from 235 to 245 km/h (147 to 153 mph).