Word On the Street

Getting Update daily

New Lighter IS-F is in the Works

The IS convertible will feature a folding hardtop like the soon to be dead SC. It will be dubbed the IS250 C and IS350 C. Those of you that were hoping for an "F" version of the new convertible will be disappointed to hear that an IS-F convertible is not in the works since Lexus doesn't feel like it makes much business sense. But IS-F fans can rejoice that Lexus is working on a new lighter version of the IS-F sedan. The new lightweight IS-F is currently undergoing testing. On a sadder note, Lexus is not going to release a GS-F sedan, which would have competed with the M5.

Hurst/HEMI Challenger packed with 500+hp for Vegas trip

Hurst is no stranger to offering up special edition Mopars. The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst packed a 440ci "TNT" V8 with 375 horsepower, as well as a fiberglass hood and trunk, Satin Tan leather interior, and a Spinnaker-White paint scheme with gold trim. Ok, that was nearly 40 years ago, but Hurst is still going strong and planning to renew its Mopar connection with a limited edition Dodge Challenger that will make its debut at SEMA this year. The Hurst Challenger will be available in four trim levels and include features like a supercharger system good for 500 horsepower, 5-spoke Hurst alloy wheels, and a "Pistol-Grip" Hurst shifter. Pricing will start at a $10,000 premium over the stock Challenger and could go as high as $20,000 for the top level model. Follow the jump for the press release from Hurst.

Ford reveals 2010 Mustang badge

The countdown to the 2010 Ford Mustang debut has begun, and it looks like Ford can't wait to show us what the car looks like just as much as we can't wait to see it. Today it released an image of the new 2010 Mustang badge, hinting that its edgier design gives clues as to what the rest of the car will look like. Ford says its designers spent hours researching photographs of horses to give the new Mustang logo a more realistic feel, and we think it paid off. The new pony looks more defined and muscular, and it even got a cool new haircut! We've been anxiously waiting to see what direction Ford will take the retro design of the new Mustang, and if the logo is anything to go by then we shouldn't be worried.

FAST AND FURIOUS trailer 09 click on the Image

The FAST AND FURIOUS trailer was in theaters with DEATH RACE this past weekend but today it's available for all your Vin Dieselyness. The trailer is available in HD at MySpace or you can stream it below. Looks like fun but like THE X-FILES, will anyone still care about the further homoerotic exploits of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker?

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Officially Starts at $26,490

The Lancer Ralliart has a starting price of $26,490. The Ralliart version of the Lancer family features a modified version of the Lancer Evolution's 4B11 turbocharged 2.0L engine. The detuned engine puts out 237 horsepower and is mated solely to Mitsubishi's twin-clutch transmission (TC-SST) and full-time all-wheel-drive. There is an optional RECARO sport package that will add $2,750 to the base price but adds the same RECARO front seats as the Lancer Evolution GSR, HID headlights, and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. A 40 GB navigation system is also available.

Alchemist: the company that turns cars gold

Do you ever wonder what company actually does the 24-carat gold plating jobs on those gilded exotic and luxury cars that surface on the web from time to time? Perhaps you're looking for someone to do the same to your Camry? Alchemist is the appropriately named company behind these works, and its specialty is gold plating just the roof panel, though it will to dip the entire car in gold for the right price. The company is based in London, England and headed by a Frenchman named Jacques Blanc, who will soon be taking a perfectly good Aston Martin DBS and gilding the entire thing with 24-carat gold and platinum-leaf at the upcoming MPH Show in London.

Audi gives sneak peek at S5 Evo

It's not often that an automaker invites the press to drive a developmental test mule, but that's just about what happened recently at the Ricardo test circuit in Valencia, Spain, where Audi brought out four examples of what's being called an S5 Evo for select members of the automotive press to sample. While Audi is expected to unveil the new RS5 in March at the Geneva Motor Show, speculation has been running rampant as to what will be packed underneath the hood, with a turbocharged version and a V10 being touted as strong possibilities. The S5 Evo, however, was being driven by a tuned version of the S5's 4.2-liter V8 with 420 hp – instead of the standard 354 – that drove all fours through Audi's new S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Whether his model will ever see the light of day remains to be seen, but could depend partially on public feedback. So what do you think, does an S5 Evo have a place in the Audi line-up between the existing S5 and the upcoming RS5?

Renault Goes "JDM"

When you think of Renault, the words JDM don't really scream out at you, which gives us more reason to be surprised at this limited edition production model. Red wheels against the contrasting white body, burnt titanium exhaust tips, and a sleek carbon fiber hood that outlines the surface.. If this doesn't scream japanese domestic market we don't know what will. It's a shame that they don't sell these R26.R's here in the States.

Chevy Camaro SS V8

We've had fun looking at the new Camaro in LS and LT trim, and even the RS appearance package livens things up a bit, but if we're to be honest, we really only care about the SS model. Fortunately for us, new photos of the Camaro Super Sport have found their way online thanks to Kevin Kolvenbach who goes by the handle of RagSS on the forums. It's claimed that RagSS took these pics, which we find suspect considering their high quality. Well, maybe he took this one. Regardless, they were taken and we're told show the Camaro SS basking in the sun around Hudson Valley, New York, another claim we doubt considering the type of vegetation and, oh, we don't know, large mountains in the background. Go west, young man. With a 6.2L LS3 V8 producing 422 hp and 408 lb-ft of torque, the SS will be the cream of the Camaro crop for now and probably some time to come, as its power level puts the SS nearly on par with the base Corvette. While the Camaro SS may lack many of the Corvette's other attributes, we're fairly certain Chevy doesn't want to start cannibalizing Vette sales.

2011 Honda Civic Euro-Spec Exposed?

Honda Honda unveiled the refreshed 2009 Honda Civic a few days ago and now AutoExpress claims that they have the first exclusive shots of the all-new 2011 Civic. From these photos it looks like the next Civic (Euro spec at least) is going to draw inspiration from the Honda Open Study Model Concept that was recently unveiled. It also looks like Honda has taken some styling cues from the VW Scirocco. Some current Honda Civic styling elements are also going to carry over as well, such as the trademark single strip light cluster at the rear, but the split rear screen has been dropped to improve visibility. The three-door and five-door models are also going to become more distinct with the five-door being aimed more at small families with its taller roofline and softer suspension. A 150 horsepower 1.5L IMA hybrid system is also going to join the other mainly carryover engines. A new Type-R flagship is also in the works that will be powered by 2.0L i-VTEC engine.

20-mile-long convoy of Subarus to celebrate life of Colin McRae

The picture at right was taken a just a day after the rally legend was killed in a tragic helicopter crash near his home in Lanarkshire. Without prompting, rally fans from across the UK drove to Scotland to hold a memorial in the McRaes' hometown, which quickly filled up with Subarus, most of them WR blue. One year on, they've gotten organized. Next Saturday, August 30, Colin's dad, Jimmy, will drive his son's famous 555 Impreza out of Lanark and head for Prodrive's factory in Banbury, southern England. By the time he reaches Birmingham he will have 700 Subarus in his mirrors forming an all-wheel-drive parade that's expected to stretch over 10 miles. Then, on Sunday the 31st, another 600 scoobies are set to join the tailback as it heads to Prodrive's test track in Warwickshire. Yep, that's 1,300 cars in a 20 -plus-mile snake, powered by 5,200 horizontally opposed cylinders.

Cobb Tuning gives the GT-R a serious bump in power

Cobb Tuning has re-engineered its AccessPort control unit for the new R35 Nissan GT-R. For those of you lucky enough to own a GT-R and not content with its performance out of the box, the $995 AccessPort will reflash the ECU to any one of six different tuning levels. There are three levels each for Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 can get you up to 63 additional ponies and 70 lb.-ft. of additional twist, while Stage 2 can boost the numbers by 70 and 90 respectively. The AccessPort can also save your stock ECU data and reflash it when you decide you're finished with all that extra gumption. According to a GT-R owner who tried it out, you can be blowing past all those regular GT-Rs in less than an hour. And that's not all: you can store multiple engine mapping programs, remove trouble codes, install reduced-power valet and economy modes, and update maps over the Internet. It seems like a ridiculously easy proposition for making your supercar that much more super. So if you got one of those GT-Rs that are a little low on horses, this could be just the ticket.

Employee Pricing means $10,000 off on 2008 Corvette Z06

Wow, there are some great deals to be had at the moment from General Motors. Not the least of which is on the Corvette, specifically the Z06 model, which we've had nothing but good things to say about, even at its $72K asking price. Now that GM is offering all of its models at employee prices, that cost drops by about ten grand! A Z06 for $62,653? Yes please... if only our meager blogging budgets would allow it. Similarly, a Caddy XLR-V can be had for $84,771.80 -- about a $15,000 discount. Need an SUV? May we suggest a Hummer H3 for about $23K? Those in the market for a luxury sedan could certainly do worse than a Cadillac STS-V for $66,640.88 after some $14K in savings. Of course, practical shoppers can take five-grand off their Saturn Aura XR sedan and end up paying just $21,634.28 for the privilege. We're having way too much fun with this and there is plenty of other news we need to cover, so visit this site, find your best deal and leave it in the comments. Update: fixed spelling mistake in the title, thanks guys!

Mitsubishi "Racing Lancer" hits the sandbox

You're looking at the replacement for Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart's venerable rally version of the Pajero sport ute. The Japanese automaker's rally team has just revealed its newest cross-country rally vehicle based on the Lancer, dubbed simply the "Racing Lancer". The Racing Lancer will makes it debut at the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup in Portugal at the end of October. There it will show off its new turbo diesel engine, specifics of which have been withheld though the new mill has logged over 8,000 km during testing and limited competition. Mitsubishi's new motor marks yet another instance of diesel power gaining prominence in motorsport just like Audi did in the American Le Mans Series with its oil-burning R8 and R10. And just like Audi, Mitsubishi's decision to use a turbodiesel in the Racing Lancer is part of a larger plan that has but one objective: win the 2009 Dakar rally.

Hennessey Challenger SRT600 Turbo's punch: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph

Hennessey Performance is apparently excited that the Dodge Challenger is finally here. They now offer a myriad of performance upgrades for the Challenger SRT8 including naturally aspirated versions of Chrysler's 6.1L VEMI V8 that increase power up to 575 horsepower, as well as supercharged and turbo versions producing up to 725 hp. There's clearly a power upgrade for everyone, but the most impressive appears to be the Challenger HPE600 Turbo, also known as the SRT600, which Hennessey reports has ripped off a quarter mile time of 11.9 seconds at 121 mph. The company called the car's launch during the run "conservative", though it was wearing optional Nitto Drag Radial tires at the time. Of course, any big bump in power should be accompanied by equal improvements to the suspension and brakes, and Hennessey will also fit your car with a KW adjustable coil-over suspension, larger anti-roll bars, new bushings and unique StopTech brakes. The cost of a complete Challenger HPE600 Turbo package (including Hennessey embroidered floor mats but not the cost of the donor car, of course) is $74,950, though one can opt for just the engine upgrades and be liberated of only $29,500. In total you could be spending well north of $100,000 on a 725-hp Challenger if you find Hennessey's approach appealing, but look at this way, you'd probably be the only one.

Lies, damn lies and HP ratings: C&D dynos five Nissan GT-Rs

From the beginning, the Nissan GT-R's performance figures seemed too good to be true. Weighing in at over 3,800 pounds and packing a claimed 480 hp, the 3.5-second sprint to 60 and 11.8-second quarter-mile time just didn't add up. And then the tests began...Buff books and online outlets began publishing 0-60 runs between 3.2 and 3.4 seconds, and quarter-mile times began dropping quicker than a co-ed's IQ on a nitrous binge. CARandDRIVER.com discovered a similar discrepancy between five different GT-Rs and finally decided to get some time on the dyno to get some real-world numbers.CARandDRIVER's first tester ran to 60 in 3.3 seconds and past the traps in 11.5 seconds at 124 mph, causing C&D's scribes to suspect that Nissan engineers cranked up the boost on the evaluation vehicle. Shortly thereafter, two more GT-Rs arrived at their offices, both recording significantly slower quarter mile times and confirming their suspicions. Unfortunately, time constraints prevented either vehicle from getting up on the rollers. That would have to wait until Tony Swan returned with his GT-R after campaigning in the One Lap of America.

Surprisingly, Swan's GT-R performed exactly the same in performance tests as the first GT-R C&D tested. When they finally strapped it to MotorCity Speed's Mustang dyno, No. 4 put down 415 horsepower to the wheels, and with an estimated drivetrain loss of 20 percent (an average on most all-wheel-drive cars), that meant output was closer to 519 hp, rather than Nissan's claimed 480 hp.Not content to leave well-enough alone, CARandDRIVER procured a fifth GT-R, which returned almost identical 0-60 and quarter-mile times as the fourth vehicle, along with 420 hp at the wheels on the same dyno. You can read all the details at CARandDRIVER.com, hear Nissan's explanation for the discrepancy and see charts of both the dyno pulls and the boost levels on two of the five vehicles.

Saleen Racecraft Focus RC2 coming in under $20k

Saleen is primarily associated with its Mustang lineup, but the American tuner has been known to dabble in everything from mid-engine exotics to humble hatches. Back in 2004, they launched the N2O Focus, complete with a body kit, suspension upgrades, a sporty interior, and a 75-shot nitrous system (sorta). Saleen ended up selling only a handful of cars, and eventually resulted in a $700,000 fine from the California Air Resources Board for altering emissions control systems in the car. Despite the letdown of the N2O, Saleen is launching another version of the Focus, dubbed the RC2, under the budget-friendly Racecraft brand. Based on the Ford Focus coupe, the RC2 features subtle exterior styling changes including a new front fascia, mesh grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. The suspension is upgraded with stiffer springs, shocks and larger sway bars, and larger brakes are fitted up front. Horsepower is bumped by approximately 15 with a dual-tipped exhaust system and cold air intake. Production will start in the first quarter of 2009 and will be relatively affordable at under $20,000. Will this next generation Saleen Focus have more success than the previous version? We think it's got a pretty good chance. Check out the galleries below to compare the Saleen N2O and RC2.

Spoon to recreate NSX Type-R in LHD trim for U.S.

Honda's decision to only offer one Type-R model in the U.S. – the DC2 Integra – is still considered a crime among Hondaphiles. And of all the models that could have benefited from a serious performance injection later in life, the NSX was a prime candidate. Thankfully, Spoon Sports, a long-time motorsport partner with Honda, will rectify the matter by converting left-hand-drive US-spec NSXs into NSX-Rs. The conversion involves a long list of modifications, including stiffer springs and shocks, larger anti-roll bars, forged 17-inch wheels, a shorter final-drive gear ratio, slotted brake rotors, flat underbody trays and a rear diffuser. Part of the NSX-R's appeal was a product of Honda's desire to keep weight in check, so in order to get as close to the JDM version's 2,800-pound curb weight, Spoon will replace the hood, rear spoiler and seats with carbon fiber pieces, fit a smaller battery, manually-adjustable mirrors, thinner rear window glass, lightweight carpets and will rip out all of the sound deadening material and replace the spare tire with a can of expanding goo. Spoon hasn't released details on how much the conversion will cost or when it will begin taking orders, but if it has Honda's blessing on the project, expect to see the first few models on the road just ahead of the new NSX's launch in 2010.

Transformers 2 Vehicle: Corvette Centennial Design Concept

The blockbuster success of Transformers has everybody wondering what new vehicles will be featured in the sequel, and the answer is the Corvette Centennial Design Concept. This futuristic Corvette looks perfect for the use of transforming it into a war robot, and from the way the rear looks, it seems like it would be a good fit for the Decepticon clan. We're pretty stoked to see another car join the Transformer clan, and if they would also add in the R35 GT-R Transformer that Takara's releasing, we'd be in total robot-nerd heaven.

HP War, Battle of the Tuners: B&B gets 715hp from Audi RS6

A 580hp station wagon (or sedan, for that matter) seems like sheer lunacy in its own right, but it appears that the twin-turbo V10 in the Audi RS6 is capable of a great deal more. Following the release of the 702hp MTM-tuned RS6 M, fellow German tuning house B&B Automobiltechnik has an even more potent tuning package, boosting power up to a whopping 715. So what did the power-hungry gearheads at B&B do to get a 120 horsepower boost out of the Gallardo-derived FSI? They didn't replace the turbos or fit a new supercharger, nor did they bore out the cylinder block for bigger displacement. They simply fitted a new intake, catalyst, exhaust and cooling system, and tinkered with the ECU. B&B are also offering an adjustable suspension and new springs that drop the ride height by 25mm. The result? A claimed 0-60 run in a scant 3.6 seconds. That's well into supercar territory, as many a Porsche and Ferrari driver are bound to discover when baited into an impromptu red-light drag race. Nice work if you can get it.

Saurus R35 GT-R

Garage Saurus recently updated their R35 GT-R, so here it is. We're not big fans of how the central exhaust looks, but if it ups the performance we really can't complain too much. The Advan Model F7 wheels are definitely something to admire, and we're lovin' the way the aero kit flows on the body of this GT-R. Enough of the ranting, pictures no doubt speak louder than words.

Cobb Tuning Joins The GT-RR Line-Up

If none of you have heard of GT-RR yet and own (or about to own) a new R35 GT-R, make sure you go check out their website. Cobb Tuning has recently joined GT-RR.com's performance part supplier lineup, and you can bet that this website is your one-stop shop for all your GT-R needs. The newest Cobb Tuning addition for the GT-R is the sale of their new AccessPORT ECU controller, which is available for $995 USD with free shipping.

Say Goodbye To Your Future Supra Dreams...For Now

We've been waiting about a decade for Toyota to bring back the Supra, and we were getting so close with the FT-HS Concept. Rumors were flying around that Toyota's new concept was shaping up to fill the shoes of the Supra, and we're sad to report that those dreams will have to be placed in the backburner...at least for now. Due to the current economic condition involving oil and gas prices, Toyota's taken a step back from developing less fuel efficient vehicles in the form of sports cars, and will focus more on their Prius-type vehicles until the gas issue blows over. It's a shame - with all of the EVOs, GT-R, STI's, and other sports cars starting to float onto the market, we were hoping to see Toyota's speciail gem come back into play. However, there is still hope in the sky, as Toyota and Subaru's FR Sports car is still on schedule for a release year of 2011 or 2012, so it looks like we'll be banking on that one instead.

Subaru WRX STI getting ECU reflash for combustion issues

Subaru of America announced a service campaign this week focused on the 305-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four powering the 2008 WRX STI. According to the verbiage on a letter sent to an owner, Subaru states that "abnormal combustion" could occur when the engine is repeatedly or continuously operated above redline (6,700 rpm). At these high engine speeds, the Engine Control Module cuts fuel to the powerplant to protect the engine from even higher revolutions (this is common industry-wide, not just with Subaru). Unfortunately, under certain situations the Subaru 4-cylinder Boxer is still under high boost and the fuel cut-off causes the engine to run "over lean" resulting in combustion that breaks piston ring lands... eventually destroying the engine. Subaru's "Service Program Campaign WVE15" reprograms the Engine Control Module software to improve combustion at engine speeds above redline, preventing engine damage. Subaru is quick to point out that the revised programming "will not adversely affect the peak performance" of the vehicle, so owners need not worry about the free campaign messing up their 0-60 sprints. Letters from Subaru will go out to owners in the next week or two. In the meantime, try keeping the white needles out of the red zone!

Skunk2's EP3 Civic RR On Sale (USA)

Many people love to buy Hatchbacks, Sportshtaches and the like from Japanese manufacturers and tune them. There's a huge market for JDM car modifications but...sometimes it's best to let the big guys take care of everything, and that's what Skunk2 did with the "EP3 Civic RR". This little monster can now be yours (at least if you're from the USA I'd say) and it's quite an impressive machine... The Civic RR was HEAVILY modified by Skunk2. You want to look good? It's got a Civic Type R bodykit, Volk CE28 in 18" on Michelins, Brembo brakes, and a new exhaust. You want good sound? It's got modified pistons, rods, crankshaft, ECU, injectors, heads, radiator ... and the list goes on with the interior, suspension, etc, etc, but the best part probably is the sweet price tag of 17.000$. A great car now looking for a new owner, and I bet it won't be long..

2009 Infiniti G37 Covertible Gets Its Official Press Release

Infiniti chose this weekend to reveal an official press release for their 2009 Infiniti G35 Convertible, and although we've already known about the specs for the new Infiniti drop top for some time, an official PR is always nice to see. Just to reiterate, the new G37 convertible will feature a 3 piece folding hard shell top, and will feature the 3.7L V6 that's currently available in the G37 models. We'll get to see the convertible at the LA Auto Show this coming November, and Infiniti is planning to release the vehicle onto Infiniti sales floors early 2009.

SEMA '08 Preview: RONN Scorpion hydrogen-injected supercar to debut in Vegas

We've already alerted you to the existence of Ronn Motor Company's new supercar, the Scorpion. Aside from its exotic looks, the Scorpion makes headlines for its innovative engine: a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5L VTEC V6 from Acura that's augmented by a hydrogen fuel injection fuel system. Ronn developed a system that's somehow able to fracture water molecules from a small onboard water tank and then insert the resulting hydrogen into the air intake manifold where it's blended with the car's gasoline at a ratio of 30-40%. We suspect black magic is involved, but they claim science. Since adding hydrogen means less gas is used, Ronn claims the Scorpion can achieve 40 mpg. Plus, there's no need to fill up at a hydrogen refueling station since the car makes it own on board. These bold claims will see the light of day in early November when the Scorpion makes its first public appearance at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. We'll be on hand to ask questions and hopefully smash some water molecules ourselves.

Ford Ka gets role in new Bond movie

Ford's new Ka mini-car will be making its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October, but it already has a bit part in the next James Bond movie. Since the success of Casino Royale and the walk on part played by the then-new Mondeo, Ford has taken up the automotive product placement mantle in all Bond movies for the foreseeable future. Unlike the Mondeo, which Bond picked up from a Caribbean rental car counter, the Ka, which shares a platform with the Fiat 500, will apparently be tossed around by the super spy's feminine counterpart. Ford hasn't given any indication that it will bring the Ka to the US market, but given recent announcements about globalizing its products, a Stateside Ka certainly can't be counted out. In the meantime, we can see if the Ka can fly like an Aston Martin DBS when Quantum of Solace hits theaters in November.

Ferrari to close, restructure entire European dealer network

Ferrari has announced that it is canceling its contracts with every single one of its European dealers. The move is part of a restructuring plan for the company's European, Middle Eastern and African operations, justified by compliance with new European Union regulations and the streamlining of communication between the Maranello and the dealerships. The cancellation of the contracts will take effect June 30, 2010, by which time many dealers expect to have theirs renewed. However, somewhere between a third and a half of the outlets may be closed for good before then. Sources suggest that once re-launched, the network will have been restructured into A- and B-class dealerships, but what those classifications mean exactly remains to be seen.

Lexus LF-A May Be Delayed

Bad news Lexus fans, the LF-A may be delayed [once again]. The LF-A has been a concept vehicle since 2005, and seeing spy photos of it all around the Nurburgring has had the effect of pants wetting for us - something that hasn't happened for us since childhood. Apparently Lexus engineers are not pleased with the resulting performance of the test vehicle, and are going back to tweaking it some more so that their expectations will be met. Some might moan and groan at this possible delay, but would you really want to pay over $100k for something that could've been even better? Be patient LF-A fanatics, save your money for the impending economic recession that's starting to cast a shadow over our lands for the time being.

Honda discovers 3.5L V6 more powerful than first thought

There is nothing better than finding a few stray horses that were previously unaccounted for. Honda engineers were running tests on the Accord's 3.5L V6 engine when they realized it was spinning the dyno with more horsepower and torque than originally thought. It caught the Honda team off guard, as the powerplant has received no design changes to warrant the extra power. Regardless, the marketing folks have been quick to update the power ratings of the 3.5-liter 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC powerplant. Here are the new numbers for 2009: 271 hp replaces 268 hp on all V6 models, 254 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on automatic transmission models and 251 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on manual transmission models. One would have to assume that the 2008 model made the same power, it just wasn't noticed...

Pricing For Audi's Powerful RS6 Is Announced

Get ready for your ears to bleed. If you thought the award winning R8 was Audi's fastest production vehicle, think again. It might have been for the time, but the real speed king is the RS6, which will be setup with a twin-turbo V10 engine that outputs 580 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Audi refers to the new RS6 as a "high-tech work of art," and we got a taste of it when we got to test out their RS6 station wagon. So on to the actual topic of this blog - the price (drum roll). Based on Audi's announcement, the RS6 will start at a base price of $157,296 when it goes on sale in Germany this October. Ears bleeding yet?

Hyundai Genesis gets introduced to DUB

Who says you need to wait for Hyundai's Genesis Coupe to get your tuning freak on? Not the rims and system folks over at DUB, who took two Genesis (Geneses?) and kitted one out like, well, KITT, and the other kind of like a Stormtrooper from Star Wars. For an interior we can't exactly describe as attractive, the white one's not that bad -- certainly not as bad as it could have been. Still, following Wesley Snipes' advice from Passenger 57, we're going to bet on black. Check out the gallery of hi-res images below. Thanks for the tip, Hyundaifan!

Rhys Millen Slips and Slides His Way To A Formula D Round 5 Victory

Formula D Round 5 was just held at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, and the series had its very first rain soaked battleground. The drivers did great in the rain, but count on none other than Rhys Millen to take Formula D's most challenging, non-planned situation and turn it into a first place victory. Millen faced off against Samuel Hubinette in the final round, and although Millen came out the victor, Hubinette hopped ahead of Tanner Foust to take the top seeded position in the quest for the Castol SYNTEC Power Cup. The next round will continue at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California on September 13.

Brembo brake caliper covers

Poseurs, take note: you can finally corral all that imaginary power your Hyundai Elantra SRT8 isn't making underhood. Eric Hsu at JDM Insider's Beyond the Dyno blog came across what'll doubtless be the latest trend to show up on M-badged Plymouth Breezes everywhere: bogus, glue-on brake caliper covers that give you the high-performance Brembo look while perfectly maintaining your fakemobile's incomprehensible lameness. When it comes to things that suck, innovation knows no bounds.

The Gumball 3000 comes through sunny Southern California

The Gumball 3000 started its 2008 tour this weekend, and we caught up with the rally in Huntington Beach, CA where the drivers stopped for a brunch and fashion show hosted by Lux5 Events at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. The group of 120 cars started out in San Francisco on Saturday and will also makes stops in San Diego and Las Vegas. From there the tour jumps continents and heads to North Korea, eventually ending in Beijing to catch a live view of the Olympic games. Enjoy our gallery of high resolution photos below.

New Honda City To Launch In Thailand Next Month

Most of you here in the States have probably never heard of the Honda City, but it's been quite active in the Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and of course Japan. In just another month, the newly updated City is set to release in Thailand, and the facelifted vehicle is said to come in three models - S, V, and SV. The Thai version of the City will share the same engine and transmission as the Jazz/Fit, which means a 120hp i-VTEC engine and while manual and auto versions are available in 5-speed, the top of the line SV version will have paddle shifters available as well. This is possibly one of the vehicles that may make it over here in the States since Honda has been eyeing our fuel torn country, so we'll cross our fingers and hope for the best.

Infiniti to Launch 2009 G37 Sedan 328 HP & G37 Coupe AWD in September

Apart from announcing details on the all-new G37 Coupe-Cabriolet Infiniti has also revealed that it will launch the 2009 model year G37 Sedan and G37x Coupe in September. The G35 Sedan with the 306 HP 3.5-liter V6 will give its place to the G37 Sedan that receives the Coupe’s 328 HP 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. Other changes for the 2009 G Sedan include new available sport brakes with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, new 18-inch alloys and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish). For 2009, the G37 Coupe’s range is expanded with the addition of a new G37x model with all-wheel drive. Also new for 2009 is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching. Like the G37 Sedan, all 2009 Coupes receive standard Scratch Shield paint.

43.5 MPG BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe Goes on Sale in the UK

Alpina’s diesel-powered D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe has arrived on UK shores. Based on the BMW 3-Series Coupe, the D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe uses a modified version of the 123d’s 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel producing 214 HP. While the coupe is more than capable with a top speed of 152mph (245 km/h) and a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 6.9 secs, yet it manages to return 52.3 MPG UK (5.4lt/100km or 43.5 MPG US) with a manual gearbox and 50.4 MPG UK (5.6lt/100km 42.0 MPG US) with an automatic transmission in the EU combined cycle. This year, around one hundred D3 Bi-Turbo Coupes are destined for the UK market with prices set at £32,950 (manual gearbox) and at £34,540 (automatic transmission).

Honda's New Hybrid Gets up to 60mpg

Honda Honda is going to take the wraps off its first all-new Hybrid only model since the Insight, this October. The New Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle, as its known internally is going to start under $20,000. It was originally rumored that the new vehicle could revive the Insight name, but according to Honda insiders the name will not be used. The new hybrid is powered by a smaller and lighter version of the 1.3L IMA system that is currently used by the Civic hybrid. The system is mated to a continuously variable transmission and helps the vehicle achieve around 60mpg. A nickel chlorid metal hydride battery pack is located under the rear floor. Honda is planning on producing 200,000 units a year, with about half of that coming to North America. Honda's next hybrid will be the a production version of the CR-Z concept (pictured above) that will be released for the 2011 model year. It will feature a more powerful IMA system and start around $25,000.

Next-Gen RX-8 May Come Hydrogen-Powered

We love rotaries. We love how they're designed, how they sound, and how much power you can squeeze out of them. Our main beef with the rotary is how crappy the fuel economy is, and come 2012, we might get an update with the RX-8 that might change everything around. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE has been in testing by Mazda since 2004, and rumor has it that it might be available by 2012. The main downside to having the engine be hyrdogen powered is that there is a 20% loss of power, and we're hoping that Mazda finds a way to get around it come 2012.

Subaru holds the line on WRX pricing

Despite being just one year since it was completely redesigned, the Subaru WRX is getting some big upgrades for 2009 including a more powerful engine with a larger turbo, new exterior enhancements and more go-fast hardware from its big brother, the STI. When we heard this news, we mentioned that buyers of the 2008 model might feel slighted. No might about it anymore, as Inside Line is reporting that the 2009 WRX will be priced almost identical to the 2008 model. The '09 WRX will reportedly start below $25k while the 2008 model starts at $24,995, including a $645 delivery charge. While a delivery charge might push the '09 model over $25k, that's a small price to pay for all the extras you're getting that includes a new 265-horsepower version of Subaru's turbocharged 2.5L boxer-four.

Blitz R35 GTR

The guys over at CBA-R35 recently had a chance to catch a quick shot of Blitz's updated R35 GT-R, and with all of its decal armor on, "awesome" is the only suitable one word to describe the car. Rumors have it that this R35 will be running on a Fairlady drivetrain, converting the GT-R into a RWD vehicle that's actually suitable for its D1 drifting purposes. If they've been successful at accomplishing this, we're definitely interested in seeing how it was done. We'll update you guys once the news rolls around our way.

Ralliart Upgrades Now Available For the Lancer Ralliart

Out of all of the Lancer's of the current generation floating around with four doors, the Lancer Ralliart is our current favorite, and having just been released, Ralliart is immediately offering aftermarket support for new owners. As is traditional with all manufacturer linked tuners, one of the parts released is a carbon fiber Ralliart chin spoiler, which serves to provide some downforce and upgraded looks. Other carbon fiber accents are also available for those looking to spend some extra dough, and some small performance upgrades are also available as well. The upgrades include a Ralliart air filter, grounding kit, and performance exhaust. These are all minor performance upgrades that we're sure you could get better performance results with other aftermarket tuners and save some money while you're at it, but for true Ralliart fanatic, this shouldn't be a concern.

Fast and Furious 4 Subaru Wrx/Sti

Filming on the Fast and Furious 4 film has been wrapped up for a few weeks. Despite that, fans will still have to wait until next summer to get their fill of Dom's return. However, that hasn't stopped the franchise from soaking up attention and generating some initial buzz a year early. The lead 2008 Subaru WRX, driven by one Paul Walker, has been making the rounds at automotive events recently. We first spotted it staked out front of the SpoCom show in Long Beach, CA back in June. Now it has turned up at a Motor Press Guild meeting in Los Angeles, CA. Thanks to reader Chad, we also have photos for proof. Surprising enough, the vehicle is not outrageously modified. It features Enkei NT03 wheels painted to resemble the Volk Time Attack series, Veilside seats, a harness bar, Cobb Tuning ECU flash tune, as well as a Veilside body kit that is subtle in comparison to their usual flair.

The WRX is just a sampling of what the next Fast and Furious film will have to offer, too. The story takes place somewhere between the second and third film of the series. As mentioned, it also features the resurgence of Vin Diesel, so we know some American-made rides will flex their muscle. In fact, the Buick Grand National is one that will get its due on the silver screen in FF4.

Volkswagen considers joining World Rally Championship

Ever since 2006, when Peugeot, Skoda and Mitsubishi pulled their factory works teams out of the World Rally Championship, the WRC has been desperate to attract another major automaker back to reinvigorate the series. Emerging reports suggest that Volkswagen has been inquiring about joining the championship after the company's motorsport chief Kris Nissen visited the Finnish rally to meet with series officials and team leaders.

Despite being one of the largest automakers in the world, the Volkswagen Group's racing division is proportionately very small. Audi's programs in Le Mans-class prototype racing and German touring cars (DTM) stand out as the biggest exceptions, while SEAT campaigns Leons in both the British and World Touring Car Championships and Skoda in the production-car-based Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Nothing in Formula One, NASCAR or the WRC. The Volkswagen division itself only dabbles in racing periodically, with the Touareg in Dakar and the Scirocco at the Nurburgring 24-hour enduro, in addition to its low-level Formula 3 program. However, the top-tier World Rally Championship would give Volkswagen a chance to claim honors against Ford, Subaru, Citroen and newcomers Suzuki, as well as the privateer teams. Fiat and Renault have also been touted as potential additions to the WRC roster. However, only time will tell which automakers will take the big step up.

Lotus Evora has room for supercharger, 400 hp "S" variant coming

After the Evora was officially revealed in London, Lotus CEO Michael Kimberley has made it clear that more variants of the 2+2 were on the way. Six different versions are planned, including a convertible – originally confirmed the day the Evora debuted – that will keep the coupe fresh over its eight-year lifespan. While a drop-top is nice, power is what the people crave. So within two years expect another naturally aspirated variant that boosts the 3.5-liter V6's engine from 280 to 320 hp. After that, it's all about forced induction. The mid-mounted V6 has been positioned in the engine bay to accept a supercharger, which will bring output up and over 400 hp, dropping the 0-60 time to under four seconds and making the Evora "S" a serious contender to the Porsche 911 Turbo

Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe

Nissan has finally confirmed in writing what many of us had known all along... the 2009 model year will bring the new G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible, and the G37x Coupe to Infiniti showrooms. The G35 sedan gets a bump from 3.5-liters (306 hp) to 3.7-liters (328 hp) as it now shares its engine with the coupe. Rebadged the G37, an optional brake package adds 4-piston front/2-piston rear brakes and larger rotors to the sedan. A new 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing) round out the upgrades. The all-new G37 convertible marks Infiniti's first drop-top since the 1992 M30 was discontinued, and the first open-air G. Based on the G37 Coupe, it features a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. Finally, the new G37x is a G37 coupe fitted with Nissan's ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. While the G37 Sedan and G37x will go on sale in September and debut in less than two weeks at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, we'll have to wait until the LA Auto Show in November for the debut of the G37 Convertible. Of course, Autoblog will be at both events to cover it for you.

Alpina reveals new D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe

For ALPINA, simply substituting a larger engine for added performance is considered alien. Instead, the German automaker prefers to "maximize the sporting potential of existing units." With that in mind, ALPINA has tweaked the twin-turbo diesel powerplant from the BMW 123d and dropped it under the hood of the BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe. With a new output of 214 hp, and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, the coupe will hit 62 mph in 6.9 seconds as it accelerates towards its top speed of 152 mph. Best of all, and the modus operandi behind the eco-friendly sports car, the ALPINA D3 squeezes out a combined EU fuel economy rating of 52.3 mpg with a stick shift (50.4 mpg with an automatic). Before you go running down to your neighborhood BMW dealer, we'll remind you that the ALPINA D3 will only be sold overseas with a base price starting at £32,950 (about $64,500)

Wretched excess: Heffner Peformance builds 930-whp twin-turbo Lamborghini Gallardo

Jason Heffner is in the business of building fast cars. We're talking about quadruple digit horsepower, spinning the tires at 100 mph and pulling-away-from-a-Bugatti-Veyron fast cars. You might remember watching a Heffner-powered twin-turbo Ford GT that could hit 222 mph in the standing mile. His latest project is this twin-turbo Lamborghini that's putting down 930 horsepower and 762 lb-ft torque at the wheels. This particular owner also wanted to cut some weight, and added a carbon fiber deck lid and rear diffuser, race seats, and lightweight wheels.

Charge Speed Announces "Bottom-Line" Aero For EVO X

Mitsubishi Evo X owners will be pleased to hear that Charge Speed has announced a collection of new aero parts for their vehicle of choice, and will be under CS' "Bottom-Line" Collection. Owners will have an option of FRP and Carbon Fiber, and everything from bumper sets, trunk lids, spoilers, and fender ducts will be able to pimp out your EVO. For more information on what's available, check out the complete list after the jump.

Nissan GT-R V-Spec delayed, 'Evolution' model due in the interim

The word from Japan's BestCar magazine is that Nissan has delayed the launch of the GT-R V-Spec in Japan from this fall to sometime later this year or early 2009. The reason for the delay hasn't been divulged, but as a stop-gap measure, Nissan will be releasing an Evolution or S-Tune version fitted with several of the parts developed by NISMO and fitted on the race-spec version of the GT-R that campaigned in Tokachi 24-hour enduro.

The launch of the Evolution/S-Tune model will coincide with the release of NISMO's line of performance parts, due out later this month, and will include suspension upgrades, new aero parts, wheels and tires, along with a revised ECU and a new exhaust system. Look for an official announcement from Nissan on August 20th.

Autoexe Mazda6

The Mazda6 has been out some time in Japan now, and we're finally starting to see some action from the aftermarket companies. Our latest find comes in the form of the Autoexe Mazda6 aero and performance kit. As you can see, the aero looks pretty damn appealing, and the performance kit includes a new hi-performance brake kit, street and sport brake pads, Low Down springs, muffler, Member Brace set, Sports Stabilizer, and Air Intake System.

Impul Starts Work On The VQ35HR

The VQ35DE G35 and 350Z engines have been given some pretty fantastic aftermarket support, and unforunately for the new VQ35HR owners, that support hasn't quite caught up yet. Fortunately for them, Impul has been watching closely, and has just released their new equal-length tubular headers for the new VQ35HR Z33s and G35s. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and the quality that your paying for is just a tad over ¥200,000, and that translates to approximately $1,900+. Yikes...

Shaq buys smart fortwo, wears as shoe

Standing seven feet and one inches tall and weighing in at 375 pounds, Shaquille O'Neal is one big dude. Must drive a big 'ol car then, right? Umm, not exactly. The Phoenix Suns star center has recently been spotted in his newest automotive purchase, a smart fortwo. Seriously. And, surprisingly enough, he fits! Don't believe us? See above for photo proof. Well, so he sorta fits. It's a good thing that Shaq opted for the convertible, as his head comes up several inches over the top of the windshield. Oh, and we can find no real proof that the door has ever completely shut with Shaq inside. Just sayin'.

Specter Werkes/Sports unveils Corvette C6 GTR

C6 Corvette owners wanting to seriously upgrade have quite a few choices. Companies like Lingenfelter, Callaway, and Pratt & Miller can turn the C6 into a vehicle capable of taking on the world's best supercars. Not to be left out, Detroit-based Specter Werkes/Sports launched its GTR package for the C6 Corvette last week that features an extensive carbon fiber widebody kit, heat extractor hood, Stoptech brakes, Forgeline or HRE wheels, Corsa exhaust system and more. The customer of the first C6 GTR also opted for Specter's Matrix II engine package that includes a stroker engine increasing displacement from 6.2L to 6.8L and boosting horsepower to 545 bhp and torque to 530 lb-ft. More details on Specter's GTR package and this particular car's features can be found after the jump.

Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald

The extrovert of the entire Lexus lineup, the IS-F isn't light on visual or actual horsepower. Japan's Wald Tuning hasn't let that fact get in their way of releasing the Sports Line Black Bison bodykit. Wald's setup adds some visual aggression through an increase in the number of strakes and vents, as well as a trunklid spoiler. Doubtless, this get-up will add weight, possibly offering contradictory real-world performance from a vehicle that certainly looks like it should be fast. The amped-up visuals also help distract from the controversial fender gills, and the Black Bison package for the IS-F manages tack-on without being overly tacky. Well, maybe just a little tacky.

Nismo R35 GT-R Tuning Packages to Debut August 20th

Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (NISMO) is set to unveil the latest additions to it’s catalog later this month when they announce the availability of the new Nissan R35 GT-R tuning packages. In typical Nismo style, tuning parts will be made available in upgrade packages with features optimised with specific goals in mind. Upgraded street spec tunes to circuit focused packages will be available. The official announcement is expected on the 20th of August.

Many of the upcoming Nismo parts are based off prototypes engineered at Nismo’s headquarters and main workshop, Omori Factory just outside Tokyo. This will not be the first car Nismo have tuned here, it’s following the well worn path left for it by cars such as the Nismo 400R R33 GT-R and the epic R34 GT-R Z-Tune. These parts will have been tested to the limit during the recent 15th annual Tokachi 24hr endurance race in Japan when Nismo entered a production spec car upgraded with Nismo prototypes. We’re expecting wheels, carbon aero parts, exhaust, upgraded cooling, ECU updates and more but expect further details to come to light as we get closer to the date. In the meantime check out the photo galleries from the Tokachi 24hrs to see what the possibilities are.

New fuel efficient model might be out next year

Besides the introduction of the Dodge Challenger, there has been very little good news coming out of Chrysler lately. Sales are down 22% for the year due to a lineup that's still heavy on trucks and SUVs, but there may be some help on the way as soon as 2009. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli has hinted that a fuel efficient new vehicle(s) could debut next year, and platform sharing with other automakers would be behind the quick turn-around. Nardelli says the Auburn Hills-based automaker has re-prioritized its capital in an effort to quickly get to market the fuel-efficient vehicles that the market demands. Debuting even a single vehicle that's more fuel-efficient than anything else in the Chrysler lineup would likely have a big effect in light of the fact that its brands offer some of the least fuel-efficient lineups in the industry.

Nardelli didn't give any details as to which vehicle could arrive ahead of schedule, but speculation is that the Dodge Hornet is on the short list. The handsome Hornet (if it looks like the concept) will be based on the Nissan Versa small car platform, and was originally slated to arrive in Dodge guise in 2010. Chrysler is also rumored to be working on alliances with Tata, Fiat, and Chery, and each automaker has plenty of small, efficient vehicles at its disposal. None of those automakers has a presence in the U.S., though, so a quick turnaround on a platform that hasn't been properly crash tested doesn't seem likely.

Lexus IS 350 to take on SPEED World Challenge GT

There hasn't been any news on a Lexus racecar since we heard rumors that the IS-F racer, unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, was really a reskinned 2004 Opel Vectra DTM. While Lexus might not be supporting a factory-backed motorsports program for the IS, that doesn't mean that privateer teams can't develop a car on their own. DRC Motorsports has done just that and has built two IS 350 racecars that will compete in the GT class of the SPEED World Challenge. Dubbed the IS GTF, it will be sporting a 4.7-liter V8 putting out 510 horsepower and attached to six-speed sequential transmission. The first car will make its debut this weekend at Mid Ohio with Jeff Altenburg, last year's SWC Touring Car champion, behind the wheel, and the second car, driven by Robb Holland, is scheduled to make its maiden run the following race at Road America. Both cars are scheduled to run the remainder of the race season. If you want to watch the new IS GTF in action, SPEED will be airing the race on Thursday, July 24 at 1:00pm (EDT) following the Touring Car race.

Mopar supercharger for Dodge Challenger

Mopar can't let Speedfactory have all the fun supercharging the Dodge Challenger SRT-8, so when the SEMA show rolls around this November, the in-house tuners of all things pentastar will unveil a blown Challenger of their own.

The Mopar-modified SRT-8 will be fitted with all the show-going kit you'd expect at the world's largest aftermarket expo, including a cold-air intake, high-flow cat-back exhaust and a variety of wheel designs and sizes. The details of the blower are still unknown, but with Speedfactory boosting the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 from 425 to 630 hp with its Stage 2 mods, we'd suspect similar figures from the Mopar kit.

Skunk2 Honda CivicRR up for sale

Aftermarket parts manufacturer Skunk2 has been churning out go-fast bits for Hondas since the mid 1990s. Initially named Skunkworks, the company's extensive racing efforts and an R&D facility only found in the dreams of most engineers have rocketed it to the forefront of today's sport compact market. Skunk2 is ready to move into the future and is seeking to offload its project EP3 Honda Civic RR in order to make room for something new. Built to show that the Japanese tuners could be beaten at their own game, and loaded with every possible item in the Skunk2 catalog, the ride carries an asking price of $17,000.

The project exclusively uses U.S. domestic market parts. The motor, built with Wiseco pistons, forged Cunningham rods and various Skunk2 components, churns out 254 hp and 190 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels. For the most part, the mods are limited to the performance and interior upgrades, though a few Civic Type R body trim pieces (technically UKDM) and lightweight Volk wheels (apparently domestic distribution counts as USDM) also find their way onto the car. No gaudy shopping cart rear wings or excessively louvered hoods for this rice burner. Check out the gallery for more EP3 images.

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8s still available

For those of you desperately waiting for the next batch of Dodge Challenger SRT8s to be built after the announcement that the first 6,400 2008 models were already spoken for, fret not, supply is on your side. The Detroit News is reporting that while the majority of limited edition SRT8s were already sold before they were built, about one-quarter of the Challengers were set aside for dealer orders.

Several retailers across the U.S. have between two and twenty Challengers sitting on the lot, with one dealer advertising in Michigan's Macomb Daily that nine Brilliant Black, eight Hemi Orange and two Silver Metallic HEMI-powered coupes are available for the taking. Naturally, supply is dependent on where you live. One dealer in Naples, Florida sold out all eight Challengers in three days, while others have only sold only one out of their allotment. And just because you can find one, doesn't mean it will be selling for sticker. Markups are to be expected, with one dealer charging $45,145 – or about $7,000 – above the SRT8's MSRP.

London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta

Subaru loves London. How else can you explain the simultaneous release of three special edition Imprezas in one venue? In a move that's obviously aimed at competing with the Mitsubishi Evolution X variants available in the UK (FQ 300 and FQ 360), Subaru has unveiled a 252 hp WRX-S, 325 hp WRX STI 330S and a 375 hp WRX STI 380S concept. The Impreza WRX STI 330S gets the same Prodrive Performance package, including a modified ECU and exhaust, plus 90mm stainless steel exhaust tips. Power is up from 298 to 325 hp, and 347 lb.-ft. of torque is available from 3,400 rpm. The package shaves off four-tenths of a second from the 0-60 time, bring the sprint down to 4.4 seconds, and includes five-spoke 18x8.5-inch wheels coated in 245/40 rubber, Recaro front seats, sat nav and push-button start.

Finally, there's the WRX STI 380S concept, which could reach consumers within six months, assuming it's met with a positive response. Subaru isn't releasing any hard details on the concept (nor pictures, yet), but Prodrive has rebuilt the engine, modified the exhaust and tweaked the ECU to the tune of 375 hp, along with upgrading the suspension, massaging the body kit and adding either 18x8.5 gold or silver BBS wheels shod in 245/40 gumballs.

All the juicy details are available in the press release, and look for the tweaked WRX to hit U.S. dealers early next year.

2008 Volkswagen R32

Volkswagen used the Chicago Auto Show to announce the return of the the R32. According to VW the R32 delivers the "ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with dynamic handling and refined road manners". Power for the new car will come from a 3.2L non-turbo V6, with 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs of torque. The car will also come standard with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. With the DSG transmission, VW is predicting 0-60 in about 6.4 seconds.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart priced at $26,490

Mitsubishi has just released pricing on the all-new 2009 Lancer Ralliart and for $26,490, you can get behind the wheel of the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Evo Lite. Equipped with the same 4B11T/C as the Evolution X, the Ralliart is putting out 237 hp through a modified version of the Evo IX's AWD system. That includes an Active Center Differential, along with front and rear mechanical LSDs and settings for Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. Active Stability Control is part of the package, as is Traction Control, but unfortunately, Ralliartists have to make due without the Active Yaw Control equipped on its big brother.

The optional Recaro Sport Package will set you back an additional $2,750, and includes front Recaro buckets, HID headlamps, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio.

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX: 265 hp, retuned suspension, STI tweaks

It's official folks. Those of you that picked up a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX have been had. The road-going rally rocket gets an update for 2009 and with it comes a retuned 2.5-liter boxer four-pot producing 265 hp and 244 lb.-ft. of torque – a 41 hp and 18 lb.-ft. increase over the outgoing model. Power will be sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual – the only transmission available -- with low-profile 225/45R17 summer tires replacing the 205/50R17 rubber of the 2008 model.

The suspension has been revised to include stiffer springs, uprated dampers, upper strut mounts cribbed from the STI and larger anti-roll bars fore and aft. The Aero package is no longer an option – it's standard – and includes an STI-inspired grille on both the sedan and hatch, while the five-door receives the STI's rear spoiler and underbody diffuser.

Impreza obsessives that ran out to buy a 2008 model might be miffed, but Subaru had to make adjustments to keep the WRX competitive, particularly with the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart becoming a serious contender in the turbo'd sedan segment.

Rhys Millen and Hyundai team up on Genesis coupe

Hyundai is planning a big showing at this year's SEMA show, dispatching with orange Elantras and be-winged Accents in favor of highlighting the automaker's first foray into rear-wheel-drive performance. Six concepts are planned – three Genesis sedans and three Genesis coupes – with both vehicles getting the attention of the country's top aftermarket specialists.

Hyundai will be releasing teasers of the three Genesis coupe projects in the coming weeks, but the first is proof that the aftermarket is taking Hyundai's new turbocharged 2.0-liter coupe seriously. Rhys Millen Racing has rendered up its own interpretation of what the Genesis coupe is capable of, with an eye on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Formula D drift series and Redline time attack.

The RMR coupe will benefit from a prototype wide body kit and turbo setup, built in house by Rhys and his team, sending power to the rear wheels through an HKS heavy-duty sequential gearbox. Suspension duties are handled by a set of K&W coilovers, along with Enkei racing wheels and Bridgestone RE-01 tires. Brembo brakes are mounted fore and aft, and inside a Sparco steering wheel and seats join an carbon fiber dash and an eight-point roll cage. According to Hyundai's PR man, Miles Johnson, Millen is making regular calls to Hyundai engineers to extract every last bit of performance from the coupe, and expect more details on final output and the other two coupes throughout the summer.

Porsche 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 getting direct-injection

Porsche's commitment to the KISS philosophy of exterior design won't extend to the engine of the facelifted 911 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 when they're released early next year. All three models will dispatch with the legendary M97 powerplant in favor of the new, direct-injected A91 flat-six that's equipped on the recently updated 911 Carrera.

The two turbocharged 911s will be packing 3.6-liters of displacement, with a 97 mm bore and an 81.5 mm stroke (the outgoing engine was sized 100 mm x 76.4 mm), along with revised turbochargers and intercoolers. Autocar's sources suggest that output on both models will rise by around 20 hp, with the Turbo producing 500 hp and the GT2 pushing out approximately 550 hp. Torque figures should also increase by around four percent. The GT3 will remain naturally aspirated, with a 3.8-liter version of the A91 with a 102 mm bore and a 77.5 mm stroke. The same internal changes from the Carrera S will carry over to the GT3, including lightweight pistons, valves and springs. Output should increase from around 415 to 430 hp. And all of these changes will also increase fuel efficiency and decrease C02 output. 'Cause that's what really matters... right?

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Crossover in the Works for 2010

Mitsubishi's Lancer Sportback is set to debut this fall and reportedly the automaker is working on a crossover version that will debut in early 2010.

This computer generated image of the Lancer Sportback X features a raised suspension, protective body cladding, new alloy wheels and a revised front grille. Powertrains have not been confirmed but it is expected that the crossover version of the Lancer Sportback will get the same turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system as the Lancer Ralliart.

Re-Styled 2009 BMW M3 Exposed with a New Tail

The 2009 BMW BMW 3-Series is getting a facelift and now we have the first photos of the changes to the M3 line.

The 2009 M3 sedan gets the same new taillights as the revised 3-Series, but not the front end changes since the M3 already has a different front fascia. There is also a revised iDrive Multiple-Personality-Cars and a new color, Le Mans Blue.

The new 3-Series will be in showrooms this fall.

Acura/Honda does its thing on the $160k Acura NSX

The new Acura/Honda NSX may still be a couple of years away, but when talking about the sequel to such a dynamically legendary supercar, time won't stop speculation from ramping up and details from leaking. At an estimated 3256 lbs (you know, give or take), the NSX is also expected to come in a good 550 lbs lighter than Nissan's beast.

What lies underneath, however, is tipped to be a 5.5-liter V10 pumping more than 600 hp and 433 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the company's Super Handling AWD system. With an anticipated $160,000 price tag, the new Honda supercar will have some dangerous competition.

Ready To Go GT-R Part Scavenging?

We didn't think it would come this fast, but it looks like another GT-R has hit an early grave. As you can vividly see, the entire front end of this GT-R is completely demolished, and regardless, the owner is still looking for $38k+ for the wreck on Yahoo Auctions Japan. The estimated cost of repair would come out to $20-25k, but it may not worth it if the GT-R will never be the same again. We're guessing the vehicle is going to have a hell of a time selling for this price, but a parting-out sounds much more likely.

Nissan GT-R Spec V specs revealed by R&T

Import2race just spilled the beans on the new Nissan GT-R Spec V, so we can now share their data with all of you. Thanks guys. While the "regular" GT-R is busy bringing down giants and collecting hardware in the process, the new GT-R Spec V promises to improve on the formula, and probably cure cancer or bring about world peace along the way. Here are the numbers: 2 seats only, 520 hp @ 6500 rpm, 440 lb.-ft. of torque all the way from 3200–5200 rpm, 3615 lbs., 'Ring laps quicker than 7:30, $130,000 MSRP, early 2009.

So the car will lose its back seat and enough other stuff to shed 200 pounds, will get an extra 40 advertised horses, cost almost twice as much as the current model and lap the Nordschleife faster than a Porsche 997 GT2. We had that number as low as 7:25 recently, which is just insane. We're guessing there will be enough people that will wait for this model to hit U.S. shores when it debuts in early 2009, but even more who will think they can duplicate the recipe for far fewer dollars and a regular old GT-R.

Subaru UK to Boost Imprezas

It's more British love and "crazyness" towards Japaneses machines and we have to thank them for that! This time, it's Subaru UK and they will unveil three new Imprezas at the upcoming British International Motor Show. Let's start with at beginning and the "low-key" version Impreza WRX-S, the "S" brings an additional 25hp to the engine, going from 230 to 255 and a slight boost in torque, good enough to make the car jump from 0 to 60 in just 5 and a half seconds instead of the "standard" 6.1 seconds.

Next on the list is the Impreza 330S, this one's an STi and offers, as you guessed, 330 horses. With this much power and an AWD system, anyone can rocket start in under 5 seconds, the most agile can even take it down to 4.4 seconds...and still enjoy a satellite navigation, a premium audio system, leather Recaro bucket seats etc etc... That's the cake, the cherry on top is a potential "380S" version (that's not its name, or not officially, but rumors mention 380 horsepower). We really don't know anything about it except the fact that 90% of whatever goes by on the road has no chance against this beast...I reckon the 0-60 must be somewhere in the 3 seconds area...Gotta love the Brits!

Rendered Speculation: Infiniti's four-door GT-R

Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn may have dismissed the notion of an Infiniti sedan based on the GT-R as "online blog speculation", but that won't stop the automotive press from churning out renderings just the same. Following an earlier sketch commissioned by Motor Trend comes the computer rendering you see above, predicting what a GT-R-derived Infiniti sports-sedan could look like. The rendering comes courtesy of Japan's Top Car magazine, and does a good job of translating the GT-R's styling into an even bigger, more commodious package.

If they built it, the four-door GT-R would certainly have the looks to stand its ground against the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and the eventual production version of the BMW Concept CS. And with GT-R underpinnings, it would most definitely have the performance to match.

Lexus Lanes coming to California's Bay Area

Officials are hard at work trying to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion in California. Across the state, drivers sit still in traffic while carpool lanes sit empty, underused by public transit and vehicles carrying multiple passengers. The solution for the Bay Area, as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission sees it, is to allow solo motorists to pay for using the carpool lanes.

The commission is working up a proposal that would start with a pilot project in 2010 or early 2011 on I-680 S over the Sunol Grade and in both directions on I-580 between Livermore and the I-680 interchange. To implement the project over the entire 12-highway system would require the approval of state lawmakers (who are currently considering such a bill for Sacramento), as well as an investment of an estimated $3.7 billion. That would be recuperated and then some in the long run, generating an estimated $6 billion over the course of 25 years, the balance of which would be reinvested into the transportation network. If implemented, drivers running late and motivated to pay the fee would be able to move into the carpool lane at designated spots and pay with in-car transponders. Although the fees have yet to be determined, they are estimated at between 20-60 cents per mile at the outset of the program, eventually ramping up to as much as $1 per mile by 2030. Similar systems in place in southern California got the nickname "Lexus Lanes" because of the perception that the rich would use them all the time, leaving those with less means stranded in traffic. However officials cite studies that indicate that the system would be used by a wide cross-section of the socio-economic populace.

2010 Chevy Camaro Reaches 0-60 MPH in 4.6 Secs and Lapped the Nurburgring in 8:20

GM finally took the wraps off the 2010 Chevy Camaro on Monday and the news is still coming in on the new car.

At the press event, GM failed to release any details about the performance of the new Camaro beyond actual horsepower numbers, but now we have the details. The base 300 horsepower 2010 Chevrolet Camaro reaches 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds while the Camaro SS reaches it in 4.6 seconds. In addition to the 0-60 times. Doug Houlihan, GM’s chief engineer for global rear-wheel-drive vehicles, confirmed that the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS lapped the Nurburgring in 8:20.

Monticello Motor Club: Exclusive track opens near NYC

Science-fiction writers have predicted this time and time again: one day mankind would discover Heaven somewhere in the vastness of Space. Nobody ever figured it would be in upstate New York, though. But so be it: the Monticello Motor Club, a seemingly heavenly combination of country club and racing track that just opened yesterday.

The concept is to provide a challenging circuit with the amenities and exclusivity of a country club. The track runs over four miles long with 22 corners and can be set up in any of 12 different configurations. Members can drive their own cars – at an hour and a half drive (or 25-min helicopter ride) it's the closest track to Manhattan – to the club, have them stored their, or rent from a fleet of sportscars (even a claimed F1 racer) on site. Advanced driving and racing courses will be on offer, as well as logistical planning for members' entry into racing events. And when the moneyed club member gets exhausted from driving all out on the track – or, as the club puts it, for accompanying spouses – the Monticello Motor Club offers a five-star club house, complete with spa and a planned luxury hotel. Membership, which is limited to a maximum of 500, costs $125,000 to join and $7,500 minimum each year, but with facilities like these and charter members including Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Glickenhaus and Jeff Gordon, you can bet New York's car-crazed elite will be lining up to join... and we'll be cozying up for a guest pass.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR details Emerge

More power, even sharper

Mistubishi’s Evolution X, known to us mere mortals as the Evo X or simply goddess, is getting even feistier. The Evo X MR (Mitsubishi Racing) edition is set to hit the streets of Japan later in 2008, but not after going through the normal channels of spec upgrade.

Evo X’s engine has been looked at and found to be underperforming, even at its current highly-strung levels. Therefore engineers have reworked things to their better liking to squeeze off 20 more bhp out of it than what you have in the standard car, adding up to 305 bhp in total. Driven by an uprated version of the brand’s SST double-clutch transmission, the Evo X MR remains less powerful than the FQ-330 and FQ-360 UK spec cars, but is the most powerful SST-driven Evo X in the range.

Already stiff in the buttocks as a performance saloon, engineers have sent the car over to their nearest workout centre for extra hard padding on the rear end, making things even stiffer for sharper handling. Cosmetics have not been left out either, with extra vents and air intakes on the front end to help improve cooling.

Subaru Presents 3 New High-Performance Imprezas

380PS Version Investigated

As is now tradition at Fuji Heavy Industries, the company’s car division will be showcasing even more derivatives of its performance hatches at the British International Motor Show where three new Special Edition Imprezas will take the stand. Subaru, along with its arch-nemesis Mistubishi, have never been ones to hold back on the officially-stamped mod of their performance vehicles, and the new Impreza hatch looks to be no exception to the rule.

The first of the three, a WRX-S uses the same 2.5-litre boxer unit to release 255 PS at 5,400rpm, up from 230 PS, while torque goes from 236 lb.ft to 287.6 lb.ft, a much greater improvement. Its 0 – 60 mph time does the opposite and drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.5, effectively entering STI territory. Thanks Prodrive!

Normal standard features remain, such as the 10-speaker 6-CD changer and xenon headlamps. Where the true enthusiast (with true cash in the bank) will go is the STI 330S, which, from the moniker, takes up a healthy 330 PS from the usual 300 PS, numbers that help it fleet straight into Porsche 911 Carrera S [corrected from an earlier version of the article that said 911 Turbo - ed] land with a 0 – 60 time of only 4.4 seconds. The 330S brings with it special 90mm pipes in order to facilitate the sound so reminiscent of the old manic scoobies of the past. Things like leather-covered Recaro front seats, satellite navigation, Smart-entry and push-button start add to the interior ambiance.

A potential showstopper however, is the 380 PS concept that Subaru says may go into production but only if fans show enough verve to justify it. They’re joking right?

New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con

NBC is unveiling the new Attack Mode for KITT today at the very large Comic Con convention in San Diego. Import2Race.com is covering the reveal of the car live in its forums, but this image has already made its way on the web and confirms that KITT has had his wings sheared. Gone are the various spoilers that cluttered the first version and what remains is a cleaner car with dual side exhausts, a deep chin spoiler that looks pretty heavy duty, an equally strong looking mesh grille, what appears to be rocket launchers where a shaker scoop would go, a still-very-big rear wing, rear air diffuser and new spokeless wheels that were stolen right off of a Bonneville Salt Flats racer. The rear tires are extremely oversized and still manage to poke out from the newly flared fenders. Is it better than the first Attack Mode version of KITT? Yes. That doesn't mean we necessarily like it, though. The Knight Rider fan community seems split as well. Make up your mind in the comments after visiting Import2Race.com for over 20 more additional high-res pics of the new Attack Mode KITT.

Nissan GT-R Sedan Renderings by Car Top Magazine

Japan's Car Top magazine claims they scooped a Nissan super sedan project based on the R35 GT-R scheduled for release in 2011. A rendering on the front cover of the magazine set to hit the shelfs on July 26th shows a silver 4 door Nissan GT-R.

The magazine says that the super sedan will come with most of the performance elements the R35 GT-R coupe has like the Xtronic CVT and AWD. The previous R34 Skylines came in the 4 door sedan trim so would it be natural to think that the R35 sedan would follow too? Import2race is going to keep close tabs on this super sedan from Nissan.

Tuners take a look at Genesis coupe, Hyundai provides details on track version

Even before the Hyundai Genesis coupe made its big reveal in New York, its aftermarket potential was apparent. While the 3.8-liter V6-equipped model will undoubtedly find an audience with the hairdresser set, the 223 hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter model – directly related to the inline four found in the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Evolution X – is where it's at. Hyundai realizes if it's to be taken seriously as a true performance player, the Genesis coupe has to be embraced by the aftermarket. So it invited 20 tuners to its North American headquarters in Fountain Valley, California to take a look under the hood.

Honda and Nissan working to mass-market carbon fiber

Honda and Nissan are looking for ways to make cars lighter, better, and more recyclable, both for their own benefits and their customers. We've heard about the increased use of aluminum to save weight; next on the heavy R&D frontier could be carbon fiber. Both companies have teamed up with Japanese carbon fiber company Toray, and Mitsubishi Rayon -- a Japanese version of DuPont -- to research new, less expensive carbon fiber for cars.

Their efforts will be helped by the government, which is injecting two billion yen into the project over five years. The plan is that by the middle of the next decade, they'll be able to mass produce a cost effective carbon fiber and use it to reduce the weight of cars by 40-percent. And when they're finished with it, they will also be able to recycle it to reduce production costs. The current price of carbon fiber makes its use prohibitive except for ornamentation or for use on the most expensive cars. With the price of steel -- and cars -- expected to keep climbing, the mass produced, recyclable carbon fiber will make financial sense in the not-too-distant future. Add in the fuel savings from lighter vehicles, and fewer emissions, and it looks like everyone wins. Thanks for the tip, David!

Ronn Motors' Scorpion: 450 horses, 40 miles to the gallon

Hydrogen has been touted as a viable fuel source for decades, and seemingly every day, some new or upcoming hydrogen-powered milestone is reached or discussed. However, in nearly every case, hydrogen is being touted as a standalone fuel source. But what about using pure hydrogen mixed with gasoline to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions?

Ronn Motors, of Texas, has built a car it claims will do does just that. Called the Scorpion, the engine is a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder VTEC from Acura, equipped with two turbos and an intercooler to take it from 280 hp to 450 hp. The turbo'd six is connected to an on-demand hydrogen system that breaks down water molecules and holds them in a non-pressurized tank which doesn't necessitate the need for a hydrogen refueling station. The hydrogen is drawn through the intake manifold and between 30 and 40 percent hydrogen is mixed with the gasoline. As less gas is used, Ronn Motors says the Scorpion can do 40 mpg.

DuPont Registry just named the Scorpion a Publisher's Choice as "one of America's first premium eco-exotics." True, the Tesla might be more eco, but to our eyes the Scorpion (rendering) has got the exotic thing properly nailed. But when can you get one? According to Ronn, the car will be out this fall. And when you want to get it off the lot, the 2,100-pound Scorpion will supposedly take you to 60 in no more than 3.5 seconds. Ronn will probably even throw in a full tank of gas... and water. You'll need to provide the take-home money: $150,000. Click the link to get the full story, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Wald C-Class Black Bison Edition scares us... really

We usually try and reserve judgment when it comes to aftermarket styling packages. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and different people prefer different styles. In this case, however, we have to take exception with this body kit from Wald. First the name - Black Bison Edition? We can understand the metaphor of a prancing horse or a raging bull, but this one just doesn't make sense. And the actual body kit? The massive rear wing on a Mercedes-Benz screams boy racer, and the excessive vents don't go very well with subtle German styling. The only redemption are the semi-attractive two-tone wheels. We'll have to pass on this one...

Subaru UK To Deliver 380S WRX

With the British Motor Show already in action, Subaru already has plans to snag in the interest of their potential UK customers, and the possible introduction of the 380S WRX may just do that. As the numbers imply, the 380S translates into 380 horsepower, and this is something that will definitely scare the skirts off of most cars on the street. Subaru's got our interest, but all we really care about is if they're going to introduce a 380S to the States. So Subaru, what's it gonna be?

Wipeout HD Delayed By "Technical Problems"

According to the folks at Wired, it appears that "technical issues" are delaying Wipeout HD. The game completely bailed out of this year's E3 show, and the developers won't share the problem, but will only say that "there is a specific problem with Wipeout that we have to solve," and as stated by Sony Europe's president and CEO David Reeves, "I can't go into details but it is a really, really tricky technical problem that no region has been able to solve at the moment." Rumors are that the problem has to due with the game causing epileptic seizures, and this is definitely not a game we want anywhere near us right now if that rumor is indeed true.

Audi’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to debut in European Q5, S5

Audi’s new and improved seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that will replace the current six-speed DSG unit found in the current A3 and TT is going to be able to take much more torque. Monday’s reports have Audi launching the tranny in the all-new 2009 Audi Q5 SUV later this year, but only in Europe. Around the same time, it should replace the optional six-speed automatic in the 354hp Audi S5.

The new gearbox will be built at VW’s factory in Kassell, Germany, and will also likely eventually make it into VW models as well. The current gearbox’ limit is 258lb-ft, while the new unit will be able to handle as much as 406lb-ft, making it suitable for use in high-performance gasoline cars and torque-rich turbo-diesel SUVs. The added torque capacity is thanks to a better cooling system, with a vacuum booster that about doubles the amount of oil that will lubricate the twin clutches, according to Inside Line reports. A different design that separates the clutches and oil pump makes bolting the new transmission up to longitudinally-mounted engines in Audi’s Quattro-equipped vehicles possible.

The gearbox will also be matched with future S and RS cars, including the S4 and RS4, as well as the RS5, but so far, the plan is only for European models. The Q5 in North America will retain the company’s six-speed auto, as Audi is worried about Americans complaining of the DSG’s harder-edged shift quality.

Forget The GT-R, The NSX Has Bigger Fish To Fry

It seems that Honda's Chief Exec has the sights of his new NSX set at a much higher target. Forget the R35 GT-R and the new Corvette, this new NSX is looking to challenge the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Maserati GranTurismo, and Jaguar XKR. We're talking 600bhp and approximately 600Nm of torque being churned out of Honda's new 5.5L V10, and pieces of Honda's Formula One template will be incorporated into the vehicle's downforce and straight line stability as well. With a price tag of $100K+, Acura is definitely redefining the term "luxury sports car" in their camp this time around.

Honda unveils OSM concept at British show

Honda has officially taken the wraps off a new concept at the London Motor Show. Dubbed the OSM – which stands for Open Study Model – the concept is a light-weight, two seat drop top designed with maximum efficiency in mind.

Although the OSM looks like an S2000 replacement at first glance, Honda officials say that the show car is not the successor to Honda’s popular sports car. Moreover, the OSM is little more than a clay model with no current plans for production. “At present the OSM is just a design study, a clay model,” Honda spokesman Steve Kirk told Automotive News. “It is definitely not confirmed for production at the moment.” Although not directly related to Honda’s CR-Z project, Kirk did say the OSM was designed as a “low-emission, lightweight sports car”, the same concepts that will find their way into the 2009 production version of the CR-Z. However, since the OSM is a clay model, there is no powertrain to speak of. The interior of the OSM follows the two-tier dash design of the current Honda Civic. While the OSM itself is not heading for production, look for some of its design cues to find their way onto future Honda models.

London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora

Project Eagle has finally been unveiled today at the 2008 British Motor Show as the Evora, and Lotus is beaming over its little eaglet. The Evora will be the most grown up and accessible Lotus in the British manufacturer's lineup. To illustrate, the automaker claims it will fit two American males in the front seats (did they just call us fat?). It's a mid-engine, 2+2 coupe (a convertible is planned) with 3.5L V6 sourced from Toyota but elevated by Lotus above its humble origins to produce 276 horsepower. The car weighs just 2,976 lbs., which might be a lot for a Lotus but is well below the average weight of most cars. The interior is unlike any you've seen from this automaker, which is to say that occupying one won't be like staying in a hostel compared to a four-star hotel. You've got leather all around, a nav system, and Lotus promises ingress and egress have been vastly improved over its other models.

The Evora will be built on a new assembly line at the company's assembly plant in Hethel, England at the rate of 2,000 annually, but has been designed to meet safety and emissions requirements around the world. That many cars for so many markets means the Evora will be exclusive, although we don't expect Lotus to leave money on the table if there's big demand for its new, softer, more accessible sports car. Other vehicles will also eventually be built on the Evora's new aluminum chassis, which is called the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) and was first seen on the Lotus APX Concept. It can be stretched, widened and carry a vehicle weighing over 4,000 lbs. One new Lotus is enough for now, though, as we try to wrap our heads around a Hethel-based car with creature comforts.

You've waited long enough, so let's dispense with the pleasantries and get right down to the hard facts.

Three models - LS, LT, SS
LS and LT come with 3.6L direct-inject V6 (300 hp/273 lb-ft)
SS six-speed manual comes with 6.2L LS3 V8 (422 hp/408 lb-ft)
SS six-speed automatic comes with new 6.2L L99 V8 (400 hp/395 ft-lb) and Active Fuel Management
3.6L DI V6 gets 26 mpg highway
6.2L V8 with automatic gets 23 mpg highway
RS appearance package available on LT and SS (includes HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels)
Front and rear independent suspension
FE2 suspension for LS and LT, sportier FE3 for SS
Four-wheel disc ABS standard, SS gets four-piston Brembo calipers
SS model gets adjustable Competitive/Sport mode for stability control and Launch Control on manual models
Available 18-,19- and 20-inch wheels

Top Gear USA casting audience members for pilot

While Top Gear obsessives in the UK have to wait 21 years for a chance to share the hanger with Clarkson, Hammond and May, those of us in the U.S. have an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the imported version of everyone's favorite motoring show. One of the scribes at Autofiends came across the application page for audience members to attend the taping of Top Gear USA's pilot episode, and if you're in the Los Angeles area and free this Saturday, July 26th, you can sign up here.

Adam Carolla is in the host seat, accompanied by rally racer and drifter extraordinaire, Tanner Foust, and -- God help us -- "TV construction guru Eric Stromer." According to the site, "Top Gear will feature irreverent humor and camaraderie, epic races, outrageous stunts and challenges, unique celebrity guest participation and eccentric methods of testing cars." Sounds like the proven formula is on its way.

Folks At BBC Commit A Slight Boo Boo With The R35

What you see above is the unfortunate outcome of what happens when you let the folks at BBC handle the new R35 GT-R. It seems that the guys over at Top Gear had a little too much fun testing out the new GT-R, and this is the end result. Much love to the guys over at BBC, but it hurts us more to see Nissan's newest flagship vehicle in the condition it's in. We hope Nissan is reading this when we say we promise we went balls out on the vehicle for our fans without wrecking the damn thing!

Is it over yet? Oil prices drop like a rock

There's been a lot of head-scratching about the exact cause of the meteoric rise in price for a barrel of oil. Are speculators driving it to turn a quick buck? Is it the weakening value of the U.S. dollar? How about increaded worldwide demand? Chances are, all those forces are playing a part in the rise of fuel prices, and no single solution is likely to fix the problem. Just as it was starting to look like prices would rise on a daily basis for the rest of eternity, the price of a barrel of oil dropped by $16 from Tuesday to Thursday. Economists point to the dismal economic and inflation news as a main factor for the drop. All we know is that ever since gas got more expensive, everything else started to follow suit. That leads us to spend less on things that we don't absolutely need, which probably isn't good for the economy.

With news of the large drop in the price of a barrel of crude, Wall Street got all excited and responded with a couple days of very positive gains in the stock market. Good news, right? Well, oil jumped by over $2 on Friday morning alone, so we'll have to see. Is the $4 per gallon nightmare almost over? Probably not, but we can hope.

Formula D Round 4 Results

Round 4 of Formula Drift just ended in Sin City, and the results are in. This is the first time Formula D has ever set foot at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the new high speed race track proved to be a challenge to the contestants. Speeds were clocked as high as 90 mph, and Formula D rookie Toshiki Toshioka took home the first place trophy with just his second Formula D appearance in his ASpec/Works Bell Toyota Sprinter Trueno. Our very own Dai Yoshihara took in 2nd place with his Bridgestone/RMR Pontiac Solstice GXP, and he is 3rd place in overall points for the breadth of the Formula D competition. Tanner Foust is still the leader on the points board, while Samuel Hubinette is trailing in 2nd.

2009 WRX to get 41 horsepower bump, GT to join the range?

While the source of this information is not rock-solid, the content only makes sense. A member of an enthusiast online community for Subaru Imprezas posted a scan of a supposed corporate note sent to North American Subaru dealers advising them of changes to the 2009 WRX, the most notable of which includes a power bump to an “estimated” 265 horsepower.

The second-most important piece of news in the leak includes the addition of an Impreza GT model, which will basically be the current, 224hp WRX with an automatic transmission only, likely the existing four-speed unit. The WRX will also get an upgraded suspension to go with the power upgrade, though exactly what changes that includes is not disclosed. This model will be exclusively offered with a manual transmission, again likely to be a carried-over five-speed. Other, detail changes to the WRX will include new gray colored wheels, an STI-type front grill and a standard aero package on the outside, while the interior will get red stitching on the steering wheel and seats. The changes are likely for two reasons, one being the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, which will trump the current WRX with its 235hp rating. The other is that the power bump is relatively easy to achieve, as the WRX already shares the same basic 2.5 liter engine with the 305hp STi. The only changes the Japanese automaker would have to make are likely to include ancillaries such as a bigger turbo, revised tuning and fuel system upgrades. The not also mentions the 2009 Impreza range will benefit from the addition of a moonroof in the premium package and unspecified ivory interior changes.

Mitsubishi Lancer Register Sets New World Record

It's official, the folks over in the UK based Mitsubishi Lancer Register just set the world record for the largest Lancer EVO meet, and the event was definitely a sight to see. It took a whole year of planning for the event to come together, and part of the reason it came about was to help with the Richard Burns Foundation. Burns, who was a former World Rally Champion, died at the age of 34 due to a brain tumor, and the foundation was formed shortly thereafter. Existing to help with the sick and misfortunate, the MLR managed to raise £7,459.27 from the event. The turnout can only be described by the pictures you see, and although they don't capture all 273 EVOs, are still definitely intimidating to see.

Eaton tapped to produce superchargers for Audi

Audi is using American supercharging muscle to give its new 3.0 liter TFSI V6 the desired wallop. Eaton Corporation has been enlisted by Ingolstadt to supply positive-displacement, Roots-type blowers that will work with direct injection to deliver 290 horsepower and fat, responsive torque down low on the tach. Roots blowers aren't anything new, but Eaton has refined the design with its latest Twin Vortices Series units. The TVS units add a fourth lobe to the rotors, and crank up the twist to 160 degrees for maximizing the amount of atmosphere the blower can pump out. Jettisonning turbochargers may help packaging when the V6 is crammed into the S4's engine bay, as well as reducing complexity by simplifying intake plumbing. 310 lb/ft of torque at 2,500 rpm will put a grin on anyone's face, and we'd expect to see this engine proliferate into many Audi engine bays. Press Release after the jump.

Production 2010 Chevy Camaro Unveiled

Well its still a few days until the official unveiling of the 2010 Chevy Camaro. The 2010 Camaro will be offered in three trims (LS, LT and SS)...even though the photos seen are of an RS model, so maybe there will be four trims. A 296 hp, 3.6-liter V6 will be standard and a 416 hp 6.2-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation will be available. The new Camaro also has a fully independent suspension and StabiliTrak traction control system.

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 Show Theme and Poster Design Completed

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, announced the show theme and poster design for the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. The show will be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba city for a total of 17 days from Friday, October 23 through Sunday, November 8, 2009 (open to public from Saturday, October 24).

The show theme will be "Fun Driving for Us, Eco Driving for Earth." The theme simply expresses the "Fun & Eco" concept -- the desire to take pleasure in driving automobiles while also caring for the environment, presenting both "Fun" and "Eco" in a positive light. It underscores the idea that both can be achieved and enjoyed. The poster design incorporates the two ideas of "Fun" and "Eco" in the "balloon car" symbol. The balloon cars were formed to evoke passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles, embodying the idea of a "comprehensive show." The cute, round shapes represent fun while their colorful bodies derive from a rainbow, symbolizing harmony with nature. As the poster visualizes these balloon cars flying over the Tokyo sky, it expresses the future cars progressing and evolving with both such “Fun” and “Eco”.

NOPI Motorsports Cancels Summer and Fall events for 2008

It is with great regret that NOPI Motorsports, LLC has suspended operations for the summer and fall 2008. This will include NOPI Drag Racing Series, NOPI Drift Series and the NOPI NATIONALS Motorsports Supershow. The company is undergoing an organizational restructuring in light of severe adverse affects of a disappointing spring season. The economy and unfavorable weather resulted in underperformance of all spring events. Michael Meyers, president of NOPI Motorsports, reports that NOPI Motorsports is working with its clients and sponsors to minimize the uncertainty going forward. This is a reflection of the economic times in which we currently live. The countrywide economic and industry downturn has caused a slowdown and tightening of belts. This affects everyone and companies, at all levels, and NOPI Motorsports is no different. We understand the position this puts everyone in and we hope you can find in your heart to work with us through this terrible time. All of you are our friends and we have felt for many years that we were all a big family.

NOPI