Would you like the 2015 Toyota Supra to look like this?

Toyota has been teasing us with the idea of offering a new Supra sports car for quite some time. First it was rumored that we would all see a new model in 2008, but that didn’t happen. Now, the rumor is back with a debut scheduled for sometime in 2015, after Toyota finally offers up the production version of the FT-86 for our greedy consumption.

Being since this is just a rumor, not much is known about the next Supra. Originally, people thought the Supra would be offered with two engine choices: a 5.0 liter V8 engine producing 450 HP and 383 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 350 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. Now people are claiming that the future model will actually be a hybrid sports car powered by a V6 engine with an electric motor for a total output of 400 HP and a top speed of more than 170 mph.

We’ll know more about the next Toyota Supra in due time, but for now, a fan of the model decided to render it to give people an idea of what it could look like. His concept car combines the essence of the Supra with design elements from the recently launched FT-86 sports car. The result is something we would really like to see put into production.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

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Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Conversion by JMS 2011 ~ Fuel Your Dreams.Find the Exotic Bikes & Cars.

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Conversion by JMS 2011 ~ Fuel Your Dreams.Find the Exotic Bikes & Cars.

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Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Conversion by JMS 2011

Until Lamborghini unveiled the LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Superleggera had been considered the most impressive Gallardo in the line-up. But what happens when you already own a standard Gallardo and you want to get that Superleggera look? Don’t head to the dealership, just call up German tuner, JMS.

JMS has developed a tuning package that can transform any Gallardo into the Superleggera of your dreams. The package starts off with a couple of exterior modifications including new side skirts in two different versions: one in a matte black finish (1899 Euro or about $2,564) and the other in real carbon with clear coat finish (3299 Euro or about $4480 at the current exchange rates). The other exterior mod is the beautiful new set of oz ultralight black ultraleggera racing wheels in 8.5 x19 with 235/35-19 tires and 11x19 with 29530R19 tires (3899,00 Euro or about $5,300). 

The original license plate has also been replaced with a new one and for better driving performance, JMS recommends a KW v3 coil over kit with the ability to lower the Lamborghini up to 35-40mm on both axles (3399 Euro or about $4,615).

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Jenson Button’s Ford GT for sale

For those of you who follow the Formula 1 racing series, the name Jenson Button should absolutely ring a bell. Button is a British Formula One driver currently signed to McLaren and as any other Formula 1 driver, his garage houses some of the most impressive vehicles on the market, including vehicles like the Nissan GT-R, Bugatti Veyron, and a variety of Ferrari models.

Another model he has enjoyed taking out and about is his Ford GT supercar. Until now. Button has just announced that the GT will be available for sale for anyone interested. It only has 3,500 miles on the odometer and is priced at £130,000 or about $203,000 at the current exchange rates.

When talking about his car, Button said: "It’s exciting to have such a rare and great vehicle in stock – this one is certainly in a league of its own. It’s a really good investment with the current value increasing by ten per cent each year, and since it was owned by Jensen Button, it’s perfect!"

We can’t blame him for getting rid of his Ford GT; his new ride will be a new McLaren MP4-12C.

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Porsche 550 2014

Volkswagen’s predicted domination of the automotive world just launched its next attack with three production versions of the Volkswagen Bluesport concept. According to Volkswagen, the BlueSport will see three different levels of performance illustrated in three different badges: Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. It can go without saying that the Porsche model will be the most powerful and, up until now, it was just known as the "baby Boxster." Well, that baby Boxster has finally been named. Say hello to the future Porsche 550.

The "550" name was first used in 1953 when Porsche unveiled a sports car inspired by the legendary 356. At that time, the 550 was not considered a successor for the 356, but Porsche’s future 550 will more than likely carry that title. The new 550 will be the first model to be built on Porsche’s new sports car architecture and will be offered with a mid-mounted, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that will deliver around 200 HP. This engine will be mated to a dual-clutch seven speed transmission.

The future 550 will be launched in 2014 and, on the European market, will be priced about €8,000 ($11,500 at the current exchange rates) less than the current Boxster. That difference accounts for about 20% of the current Boxster’s price tag, which means our fellow Americans will have to pay about $38,000 to purchase it.

 British magazine CAR reports that the upcoming Porsche 550 will feature a new trademark horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine developing a total of 210 HP and 215 lb-ft of torque. If Porsche decides to create a more powerful version for the 550, that would mean it will use a 2.5 liter flat four turbo engine that delivers a total of 360 HP and 350 lb-ft.

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BMW ActiveHybrid 5 2012

The X6 Active Hybrid may be seeing the end of its production day, but BMW is still forging ahead in its environmental pursuit with the new ActiveHybrid5. The new hybrid sedan will go on sale in March 2012.

The BMW ActiveHybrid5 combines a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With a total output of 340 HP, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 has become the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and deliver a fuel economy of 44 – 40 mpg. The 55 HP electric engine offers an all-electric driving range of up to 2.5 miles at an average speed of 22 mph.

The BMW ActiveHybrid5 will feature the same design language as the standard 5-Series, but will be further identified by "ActiveHybrid 5" lettering on the C-pillars, a BMW kidney grille with galvanized slats, and exhaust matte chrome tailpipes.

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Electric RaceAbout sets new EV record at the Nürburgring

When Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences announced the Electric RaceAbout (E-RA) last month, many didn’t pay much attention to it, but those same people are taking notice now. The E-RA has turned out to be a real menace out on the track, setting the new EV record at the Nurburgring.

The E-RA was driven by German race driver, Ralf Kelleners, during the attempt in which he needed to complete a full lap of 20,832 km in a time of only 8 minutes and 42.372 seconds. The world famous curvy and hilly Nurburgring track is also known as "Grüne Hölle" - Green Hell - and widely used to benchmark the automotive top performance. It was put to good use for this attempt.

The average speed for the lap was 88 mph and the top speed was clocked in at 147 mph. What’s more impressive is that, during testing, the car hit a top speed of 151 mph. The E-RA consumed 25.6 kWh during its record lap, measured as energy taken from the grid to recharge the battery. This results in an energy consumption of 1230 Wh/km or 123 kWh/100km for the lap.

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Hyundai Veloster by ARK Performance 2012

With the 2011 SEMA Show slowly creeping up, companies are fast preparing models for their Las Vegas display. Come November 1st, Hyundai will be ready to take center stage with their new Veloster, but ARK Performance may have a sleek and sporty rally car alternative that may steal the spotlight.

"The Hyundai Veloster is an ideal car for enthusiasts with its distinctive design and dynamic architecture," said Ted Lee, owner, ARK Performance Inc. "At SEMA, our ARK Performance Veloster will bridge the realm between an affordable sports car and an extreme motor sports vehicle. From the first Tiburon, to the Genesis Coupe, and now with the Veloster, ARK Performance continues to uphold the torch as the pioneer of aftermarket performance manufacturing for Hyundai."

ARK Performance is offering several modifications for the the exterior and interior of the Veloster, but have also added many engine upgrades that will surely boost performance.

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2011 Range Rover Evoque ’T3’ Dakar Rally Racer

The world famous Dakar Rally poses the kind of challenges that makes it difficult for just about any professional race driver. As if traveling over 9,000 km in a span of two weeks is tough enough, the fact that you’re going to need to do it in some of the world’s toughest conditions makes it as unforgiving as any race there is in the world.

One team that appears to be up to the challenge of the Dakar Rally is the British Excite Rally Raid Team, which will take part in the world’s ultimate endurance race with three customized Range Rover Evoques commissioned by RaBe Race Cars.

On the surface, the vehicle does look like the Evoque, but pretty much everything about the luxury SUV has been stripped down to accommodate for its run in Dakar, including a different kind of engine that was added to make it rally-spec.

Instead of the typical 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine that you can find under the Evoque, these rally-tuned versions carry a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six diesel engine that produces 275 horsepower and 480 lb/ft of torque mated. These engines are mated to a ZF six-speed transmission and equipped with special BF Goodrich desert tires.

The RaBe-commissioned Evoque rally racers will be driven by three British drivers from the British Excite Rally Raid Team, consisting of Martin Rowe, Andrew Coley, and John Hardy.

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Maserati GranTurismo Project Deathbolt by SR Auto Group 2011

Anytime we see a tuning package from SR Auto Group, we know that we are going to be in for quite a treat, but their latest tuning package is a little on the boring side. The American tuner has chosen to perk up the Maserati GranTurismo with a package called Project Deathbolt. The name may have been chosen for its intimidation factor, but this package is anything but.

SR Auto Group developed Project Deathbolt in cooperation with PUR Wheels who have measured out the perfect fitment to create the package’s defining stance. The team picked out a stunning effective split five spoke design set of wheels finished in a gloss black paint to tie in all of the black lower valences. Combined with a pure white exterior paint job, these black wheels are the stars of the show, but that’s an easy task to accomplish when nothing else was added.

Project Deathbolt will still be powered by the Maserati’s standard 4.2 liter V8 engine developing 405 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque which means customers will still get from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 177 mph.

We still think SR Auto Group is a killer tuning firm, but if you need a reminder, just check out their Project Megalith based on the Ferrari 599 GTB.

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Porsche Panamera Turbo Stage 2 by TechArt 2011

After releasing a couple of stunning packages for the Porsche 911/991 and Porsche 911 GT2 RS at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, TechArt is making its way back into the limelight with yet another amazing rendition for a Porsche. Their newest package is the Stage 2 Kit based on the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

The standard Panamera is powered by a 4.8 liter V8 biturbo engine that produces 550 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque. With the help of new turbo chargers as well as a new sport air filter, TechArt was able to increase that output to 630 HP and 649 lb-ft of torque. The new Panamera Turbo will now sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and from 0-124 mph in 12.3 seconds. Top speed has also been increased from 190 mph to 202 mph.

In addition to the added toys under the hood, the Panamera is also rocking a new sport exhaust system and stainless steel sport tailpipes. Not much else was needed, but TechArt’s package for the Panamera carries much more heat than it does style. If potential customers would rather have a certain "look" added to their Panamera, they will have to sacrifice some power and check out the works by Hamann or Anderson Germany.

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Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider 2011

Renault has launched in UK the special edition Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider. It will be limited to only 50 units and deliveries will begin this October.

The new Clio Rider will be painted in an exclusive matte Stealth Grey or Diavolo Red. Both colors will be contrasted by a gloss black finish to the roof, rear spoiler, F1-style front blade, rear diffuser and door mirrors. The car will sit on a new set of 18” Interlagos alloy wheels also painted in gloss black finish. They will be combined with a lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, quicker steering ratio and red finish to the Brembo brake callipers.

For the interior the model adds Recaro seats covered in leather, a zinc grey finish to the centre console and fascia inserts and a white rev counter. The list of standard equipments includes Bluetooth, USB connectivity, automatic climate control and Renaultsport carpet mats

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Production Bugatti Galibier will be "significantly altered"

Bugatti should have known better than to let loose a supercar sedan concept without a concrete plan as to its production. Ever since the Bugatti Galibier Concept was unveiled in 2010, auto journalists the world over have been speculating on the vehicle’s production form and quite possibly rushing the French car manufacturer into releasing details a little ahead than necessary. Then again, who are we kidding? The more publicity, the better, right? So let’s give them some more.

Coming out of a rumor that the Galibier is dealing with a little setback in its release date of Fall 2012 because of the vehicle not being "outrageous enough," Bugatti CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, has now confirmed that the production Galibier is "in its second half of the design phase," but will be significantly altered from the concept car originally displayed.

"I will suggest we continue development, but there will be some remarkable changes from the original concept," said Durheimer. "The design will be different, especially from the B-pillar back, the ingress and regress to the rear seats will be improved, as will the legroom and ergonomics, the car will be a little longer, and the power of the engine will be at least four figures."

The decision to change up the car’s design comes from customer clinic held by the company and approved by Durheimer. “Half of Veyron owners have been in the car already,” he said. “You will still recognize the design from the concept, but now this is a design I can be 100% behind.” The new design will combine elements from the Veyron and the classic Atlantic coupe.

The production Bugatti Galibier - name still not confirmed - will be unveiled by 2013 and will be priced at 1.5 million Euros, or about $2.3 million at the current rates.

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Spy Shots: BMW M3 Flexes Some 4-Door Muscle

The up and coming BMW M3 has been caught yet again, this time in sedan form. Internally called the F80 and previously thought to be nonexistent, the sedan will actually be the first of the M3 versions to appear on the market in Summer 2013.

The prototype caught testing reveals wider fenders and big air intakes in the front bumper, as well as big brakes and quad exhaust pipes in typical M fashion. Rumors suggest that the future M3 will carry either a twin-turbo 3.0 liter straight-six engine with a management system and an induction system or a 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine equipped with three turbos – one powered by electricity. Whichever BMW has decided to use, it will be the first straight-six engine for the M3.

As far as other variants go, the M3 coupe version will arrive a year after the sedan and will most likely be called the M4 since the new 3-series based coupes and convertibles are rumored to get the 4-series name. Nothing will be set in stone until the M3/4 Coupe makes its debut in 2013.

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Rendering: Porsche 911/991 Cabriolet 2013

The Porsche 911/991 was already revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but nothing is more appealing than checking it out in drop top form. The Porsche 911 Cabriolet will be virtually identical to the Coupe model, but will feature either a soft canvas top or a hardtop built using lightweight panels covered in a soft fabric.

Like with the coupe version, the 911/991 Cabriolet will receive an updated exterior featuring an even more muscular stance, a new headlamp design, remodeled exterior mirrors, and new wheels. The interior will be more driver-focused and will offer better technology.

Powering the standard Carrera will be a 3.4 liter direct-injected flat-six engine delivering a total of 350 HP. The Carrera S model will feature a 3.8-liter flat-six with direct injection engine delivering a raised output of 400 HP. Performance times will obviously suffer just a tad with the added weight of the soft top, but shouldn’t be too far off of the 0-62 mph time of 4.6 seconds for the Carrera and 4.3 seconds for the Carrera S.

Stay tuned as the 2013 Porsche 911/991 Cabriolet should debut at a major auto show within the next few months!

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Ferrari 458 Italia Spider 2012

If there’s anything better than a beautiful, red Ferrari 458 Italia, it’s that same beautiful, red Ferrari with its top stripped off. We received confirmation that Ferrari was planning on producing a Spider version of one of their highly successful new models back in 2009 from none other than Luca di Montezemolo, himself and now the covers have finally been pulled off.

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider.

The car is scheduled to make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, but the Prancing Horse wanted to release the first salvo of information, together with official photos, well ahead of that. Thank your lucky stars, people.

And now that the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider has officially arrived, the next question that needs to be answered now is when it’s going on sale. Word has it that Europe will get first crack at the Ferrari supercar around spring of 2012 with the US following suit towards the end of 2012.

Price, Set, Buy! Ferrari has revealed pricing for their luscious 458 Italia Spyder! Sales for the drop top beauty will start in January for the US with prices starting at $257,000. Sales in Europe will begin in October and prices will start at 226,800 euros, or $309,000 at the current exchange rates.

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Dodge Viper ACR Blasts Nurburging Record With 7:12 Lap Time

Put back the champagne in the freezer, Lexus; you’re just-set record lap time of 7:14 around the Nurburgring has been broken. How’s it feel to hold one of the auto world’s most famous titles for less than a month?

You can blame Chrysler’s SRT team for that because the latter went to the ’Ring with only one thing in mind: get under 7:14 in one lap. And just as records are always meant to be broken regardless of how fresh they are, Chrysler’s Dodge Viper ACR blasted around the Nurburgring in a blistering time of 7:12. The exact time has yet to be released - there are tenths of seconds in that equation - but make no mistake, it’s more than a second faster than the 7:14.6 time the Lexus LF-A Nurburgring Package achieved earlier this month.

We are sure there are people over at the Lexus camp that are clearly not happy with this latest development. But like we said, records are meant to be broken. The Dodge Viper ACR has raised the bar and dropped the gauntlet on everybody else. Now its up to one of the rest to answer back.

Chrysler has finally brought out the official confirmation for the Nurburgring record set by the Viper ACR on Sept. 14, 2011. "We’re extremely proud to set the lap record for a second time at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our team returned to Germany knowing we’d left some time on the track when we set our first lap record, so this effort shows the incredible depth and capability the Viper ACR has by running a full 10 seconds faster than we did in 2008."

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Ferrari 599 GTB Project Megalith By SR Auto Group 2011

Canadian tuner, SR Auto Group, is no stranger to redefining sports cars from a number of high end automakers. The difference with their latest project is that the vehicle in question is on its last leg, and oh what a beautiful leg it is. Called Project Megalith, this tuning kit is based on a Ferrari 599 GTB and its transformation is subtle and sweet.

Gone is the original dark shade found on the Italian sports car. In its place is a matte white frosted hue with two contrasting black stripes running cleanly through the center of the hood and upward towards a blacked out roof. The black accent is also present in a set of Novitec NF3 wheels with a matte black face and polished lip.

No engine upgrades were provided for the Ferrari 599 GTB, so the sports car is still thundering out 611 HP at 7600 rpm and 448 lb-ft at 5600 rpm out of its 5,999cc V12 engine. The difference with the Megalith is that SR Auto Group has opted for an RSC exhaust system to hone in on the Ferrari’s menacing roar.

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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models Rev Up Need for Speed: The Run

If you are one of those gamers that have circled November 15, 2011 in red ink on your calendars then this next bit of news may rattle your composure some more. The new version of the famous Need for Speed game has just gotten itself another teaser trailer, but this one is not showcasing hot sports cars. This teaser trailer shows off the assets of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models, Irina Shayk and Chrissy Teigen.

Apparently, these two young ladies were given the SIMS treatment and will be getting behind the wheel and battling it out in the illicit $25 million cross-country race from San Francisco to New York. They aren’t your allies, but some damn good-looking competition. We’re not sure what type of driving skills these girls have, but anyone that has seen the original Cannonball Run can get a pretty good idea as to how they will handle the competition. Have we mentioned their assets?

"There are only a few companies that deliver upon the promise of excitement and innovation with every new product launch and EA stands at the top of that list. This is why it is very exciting that SI Swimsuit will be part of the latest edition of the Need for Speed franchise," said Frank Wall, vice president and publisher of Sports Illustrated. "I’m sure that the millions Swimsuit fans will be excited to see Irina and Chrissy behind the wheel and millions more will be introduced to franchise in a fun and unexpected way."

Sex sells (even in cartoon form) and EA, as well as SI Swimsuit, aren’t shy about pimping out their contacts.

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Nissan GT-R 2013

The Nissan GT-R just gets better and better every year and 2013 will be no exception. The original version launched back in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show delivered a total of 473 HP and the most recent model - Model Year 2012 - went up to an impressive 530 HP, and things aren’t slowing down for the Japanese automaker. Apparently, the next model year (2012 in Japan, 2013 in USA) will deliver an impressive 560 HP.

The biggest news, however, is a Spec R version that will replace the current Spec V. The new Spec R version will lose about 66 to 88 lbs from the overall weight and a gold engine cover will replace the current red cover on the Spec V. This will no doubt be the most powerful GT-R Nissan has ever offered.

The revised GTR should have been out in the public eye already, but its launch was delayed by the natural disasters over in Japan. Now it seems that the car is back on track with the final testings being done on the Nurburgring in either September or October 2011. The Nissan GTR’s official debut will be made shortly thereafter.

Nissan announced new details on the 2013 GT-R sports car during a European press event at the Nürburgring. Apparently, the new model year GT-R will develop a total of 570 HP and will be offered with a tweaked suspension and transmission, and an under body modification to improve aero and cooling. CO2 emissions have also been lowered.

When the new model debuts, Nissan will be offering a Premium Black Edition and Egoist Edition worldwide, plus a "Track Edition" to markets outside of the US. The R35 GT-R will be produced for another two years. 

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Audi R8 Carbon Edition 2011

Audi has unveiled a special edition R8 for the Australian market. Called Carbon Edition, the new R8 will be available in both V8 and V10 versions in both the coupe and roadster body styles. It will be limited to only 10 units with prices starting at $282,400 for the R8 4.2 FSI six-speed manual Coupe Carbon Edition and finding their way up to $407,200 for the R8 Spyder V10 5.2 FSI R tronic Carbon Edition.

As its name suggests, the R8 Carbon Edition will be distinguished by an exclusive carbon fiber styling package. Everything will be dressed up in carbon fiber including the front spoiler, rear diffuser, sideblades, exterior mirror housings, and door sills. The Audi R8 special edition will also receive an illuminated and black exterior package, and will sit on 19-inch wheels in a five-twin spoke design with a titanium finish.

Aside from the carbon fiber goodness, the Audi R8 Carbon Edition will be available in Ibis White, Phantom Black, Suzuka Grey, or Daytona Grey.

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Audi RS5 Coupe Limited Edition 2011

Audi is dishing up a couple of special editions for the Australian market. First it was the Audi R8 Carbon Edition, and now they have released the new RS 5 Limited Edition, based off the RS5 Coupe. The Limited Edition will be built in only 25 units and will be available in Ibis White, Phantom Black, or Suzuka Grey.

The RS 5 Limited Edition will be distinguished by a black exterior styling package, 20" 5-arm Rotor design wheels with a titanium finish, a sports exhaust system to heighten the V8 symphony, and a panoramic glass sunroof, Inside, the RS5 gets a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, a driver’s seat with memory function, folding/auto dimming exterior mirrors, and bucket seats.

The new Audi RS5 Limited Edition will still be powered by the usual 450 HP 4.2 L V8 engine combined with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and 7-speed S tronic transmission. New to the power setup will be Audi’s Sport Suspension Plus and Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) that uses variable shock absorbers to reduce all pitch and yaw movements purely mechanically and without any lag, thus lifting handling dynamics to an even higher level.

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Porsche CEO Says Hybrid 911 Could Happen

With everyone seeing green these days, inquiring on whether or not Porsche’s new 911/991 will see hybrid technology is not completely out of the question. Just a few months ago, Panamera Hybrid Development Chief, Michael Steiner, had to hack away at rumors that the new 911 would receive KERS technology, but left the door open to hybrid power by stating, "...The new 911 will not be offered with hybrid drive for the foreseeable future. If and when it is, then it will most likely happen as a plug-in." Now, during a recent interview with Motor Trend, new Porsche boss Matthias Muller, has revealed that a hybrid version is still under consideration: "If this [technology] will be available at 911 level is under discussion."

With fuel efficiency and emissions being at the top of many automakers’ lists these days, it would be rather surprising if Porsche didn’t take full advantage of their hybrid technology for the new 911. They’ve been ahead of the game in many aspects of the automotive industry - the Cayenne and Panamera, to name just a couple - so it doesn’t seem to be a matter of if hybrid technology will be adopted for the 911, but more so of when it will happen.

The current hybrid system used in the Panamera Hybrid is a 3.0 liter V6 compressor engine combined with an electric motor. The technology is there, all Porsche has to do is modify and transfer it to the 3.4L direct-injected flat-six engine in the 911.

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Chevrolet Corvette 2013

Many of us have been waiting for the arrival of the next-generation Corvette C7 for quite some time. It’s not so much because we are hardcore Corvette lovers or even because the next generation is getting any dramatic changes to pique our interest, but with so many changes in regulations and the growing awareness of the environment - and the effects that has on our wallets - we were just curious to see if Chevrolet would be biting the bullet and straying away from their trademark V8 engine. A few months ago we shared a video of Chevrolet chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, getting very defensive over the company’s beloved Corvette and it became clear that the next generation would still carry the V8 engine that has gotten them this far, but it would be getting some changes to move with the times.

It has been said that the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette - and not 2011 as originally planned - will be utilizing a 5.5L small block V8 engine in its front engine, rear wheel drive platform and will actually get more horsepower than the typical 6.2L and 7.0L engines used in the past. With this engine, the Corvette would end up with 440HP, about 5 HP up from the previous generation, and will also feature better fuel economy to boot. The engine will come with a revised combustion system and an aluminum block and heads.

Some rumors suggest that the new generation Corvette will adopt a European-style, small-block, turbocharged V8 engine. According toTheDetroitBureau.com, the new engine will only be slightly larger than 3 liters in displacement and will be of an overhead-cam, rather than traditional overhead-valve design, using a dry sump oil system that’s particularly well-suited to high-performance road courses rather than straight-line acceleration. This engine would be able to provide only 400 HP, or about 125 HP per liter.

Porsche’s new seven-speed manual transmission has given Chevrolet something to think about in terms of its next-gen Corvette. A source close to the project has told InsideLine that the company is preparing a seven-speed for its Corvette, more than likely to boost fuel efficiency. Of course, a move like this would also be beneficial for all variations in the Corvette lineup.

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BMW X3 M 2013

Now that BMW is offering an M version for both the X5 and X6 SUVs, the same treatment will undoubtedly be applied to the smaller X3. There’s already been a strange looking X3 mule testing, but WildSpeed is clearing things up with their rendition of the future X3M model.

The new X3 M will join the X5 M and the X6 M in terms of boosting power, but it will not be featuring the same twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 found in its bigger brothers. Instead, BMW has opted to use a tweaked version of the new straight six engine used for the standard M3. This engine will get a boost up to as much as 450 HP, from the standard 306 HP. It is very possible that the engine will use three turbochargers - one electric and two petrol - to get that power bump and will be mated to the usual 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission.

Like with all the other BMW M models, the new X3 M will be distinguished by larger wheel arches, a muscular front and rear end, and a more sporty ride. The interior will get sports seats, high-performance leather, and an M steering wheel.

The new BMW X3 M will debut in 2012 and will be sold as a 2013 model.

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The New Porsche 991 Will Be Around For 14 Years

The Porsche 911 has had many illustrious and iconic generations, but the newest 911/991 is about to break the record for the longest 911 generation to date. Most 911 generations were only offered for about three to six years, but the 2012 911/991 will be around for two seven-year lifecycles and kept alive by a number of variations.

The first model to grace us with its presence after the standard 911 Carrera will be the 911 Cabriolet set to be revealed at the beginning of 2012. Following that will be the four-wheel-drive versions, the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, in December 2012. These models will mark the end of the current 3.4-liter direct-injection engine as it will only be available in the first 18 months of production. After that, standard 911 models will get a 3.8-liter engine delivering a total of 400 HP.

After the engine switch, the next model to present itself will be the 911 Turbo which will arrive in 2013. This model will get a 520 HP 3.8-liter flat engine and will be followed by the GT3 set to arrive in the same year. The GT3 variant will be powered by a high-revving normally-aspirated flat six. A Targa and a Speedster version will also be offered, with a Hybrid variant being a strong possibility.

As previously mentioned, the 911 will be offered for 14 years in two lifecycles. It will get a facelift after seven years of production.

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