Steve Saleen’s new company SMS Supercars is just about ready to unleash its version of the 2010 Mustang and has released a complete ordering guide for both versions of the Pony Car, as well as a few images of a near-completion prototype.

The images show a significantly more aggressive design with a new front fascia, side skirts, rear end and decklid spoiler. Other highlights include an SMS grille and fog lamp design, as well as a new Red Butterfly Air Induction Hood and signature 20-inch wheels.

Earlier this year SMS announced that it would create two models, the SMS 460 and 460X. The 460X is the big power option with an SMS 296 Supercharger bolted to a completely reworked 4.6-liter engine that will boast a displacement of 5.0-liters. As well as the displacement increase, the new 5.0-liter motor will also get significantly revised heads. The result of all these modifications will be 655hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque!

A less outrageous option is also offered, the 460, which includes the SMS 296 blower but not the added engine work. Power is rated at a still-impressive 470hp and 427 ft-lbs of torque

Both models are expected to hit 60 mph in the low 4 second range.

Of course, the SMS 460 Mustangs won’t just be straight -line performers and will include a revised suspension setup and  powerful new brakes. Also look for impressive interior work with plenty of leather and Alcantara.

“The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for,” said Steve Saleen. “It reflects my unrivaled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand.”

Pricing has also been released with the base 460 model starting at $64,990 and the ultra high-performance 460X at $85,961. SMS will release convertible versions of both models as well with pricing set at $5,000 more than the coupe models.

Those who can’t wait can already spec out their new SMS Mustang here:

http://www.smssupercars.com/460-mustang-order-guide.html

GALLERY: SMS 460 Mustang

[Source: MotorTrend]

Ford has just confirmed that it will bring an EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine to marker starting next year. The new engine will be a 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder and use a turbocharger to deliver at least 230hp and 240 ft-lbs of torque.

Much in the way that the 365-hp EcoBoost V6 delivers V8 power with V6 duel-economy, the EcoBoost four is designed to deliver V6 power with four-cylinder fuel-economy. Ford says it should deliver a 10 to 20 percent fuel-economy improvement over a similarly powerful V6 engine.

Ford will no doubt begin to use this new EcoBoost four as a replacement for many of its V6 engines in models like the Fusion, Edge and Escape/Mariner. There is the possibility that we could see the turbo-four replace the base V6 powerplants in models like the Mustang and F-150. Some rumors, however, have indicated that the Mustang could use the 3.7-liter V6 from the Lincoln MKS.

As with the current EcoBoost V6, Ford seems dedicated to using the new engines in higher-end trim levels of cars, such as with the SHO or the EcoBoost version of the Flex. That being said, there is potential that this new EcoBoost four could see its way in to a sporty version of the Focus.

Even smaller displacement (1.0- to 1.6-liter) EcoBoost engines are expected to follow for use in the Focus and the upcoming Fiesta, as Ford has its eye on becoming a bigger player in the high-volume sub-compact segment.

By 2010 Ford says it will have improve the fuel-economy of its vehicles by 20 percent as compared to 2005, with a goal of a 35 percent improvement by 2015.

[Source: Car & Driver]

In a bid to get inventory moving out of showrooms in a hurry, Chrysler has decided to offer a new incentive program that would double the value of the government’s cash-for-clunkers program.

Chrysler will offer $4,500 off (or 0 percent financing for 72 months) on most of its 2009 inventory – excluding the Dodge Challenger, Sprinter, Jeep Wrangler and all SRT products. The $4,500 incentive is even available on vehicles that do not meet the requirements for the cash-for-clunkers program, which was recently signed off on by President Obama.

Cash-for-Clunkers, or CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) gives a $4,500 rebate on a new car when it gets 10 mpg or more better fuel mileage than the one traded in. The rebate is $3,500 on vehicles that get 4 to 9 mpg better or trucks that get 2 to 4 mpg better.

Chrysler, now under new leadership from Italian automaker Fiat is hoping the incentive will help sales rebound. Chrysler has been hit particularly hard this year with sales down 45.7 percent for the first six months.

When combined, these two offers mean a $17,090, Dodge Caliber SE could leave showrooms for as little as $8,090.

Chrysler’s “Double Ca$h for Your Old Car,” incentive starts tomorrow and runs through August.

[Source: Automotive News]

Infinti first introduced its current M class of mid-level luxury sedans (pictured above) back in 2005 with the ’06 model and so it’s no surprise that the Japanese luxury brand is now hard at work developing a follow-up. According to a report by Motor Trend, the luxury arm of Nissan is getting ready to show off the new third-generation vehicle at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August… sort of.

Infiniti doesn’t actually have a finished model to show-off, so instead the folks behind the brand have decided to get creative. Using a life-sized foam model in the shape of the next M, Infiniti has partnered with an outside company with expertise in 3-D technology to project a digital image of the car on the foam block. Apparently, the display will even feature moving wheels and a moving background, giving the impression of a three-dimensional car driving around.

Infiniti hasn’t released any details on the next M, but it is expected to be a 2011 (or possibly a 2012) model. A base M37 using the same 330hp 3.7-liter V6 as found in the G37 will form the bulk of sales while (much like with the FX model) the M45 will be replaced by an M50 with a powerful 390hp 5.0-liter V8.

[Source: Motor Trend]

General Motors is planning to bring over its Chinese market Buick Regal to North America as either a 2011 or 2012 model. The car is based on the Opel Insignia and is slated to be a more entry-level Buick, costing several thousand dollars less than the LaCrosse, which is priced at $27,085.

Originally, GM had planned to bring over a vehicle based on the Insignia as a Saturn model, but with the sale of Saturn to the Penske Automotive Group, the platform has now fallen to Buick.

Currently the Regal is on sale in China with a choice of two engines, a 164hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 211hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder.

The Regal is part of a new group of Buicks with edgier styling, much like that found on the 2010 LaCrosse. It is expected to fill a more entry-level position as Buick looks to move the LaCrosse higher up-market to fill the shoes of the Lucerne, which will be eliminated next year.

[Source: Automotive News via LeftLaneNews]

Acura will not introduce a rear-drive, V8-powered luxury sedan as the automaker doesn’t need one. At least that’s what Honda president Takanobu Ito thnks.

Ito told Automotive News that, “I don’t think we need a classic front-engine, rear-drive car.” Instead Ito believes Honda should chart its own course for Acura, which includes more fuel-efficient models, including hybrids. Acura’s use of all-wheel drive, however, seems somewhat contrary to its fuel-economy goals.

Ito did say that Acura has been experimenting with hybrid technology on mid- to large-size vehicles, but did not say when we might see a production model

Traditional German luxury automakers like BMW and Mercedes set the benchmark for luxury sedans with front-engine, rear-drive vehicles like the 7  Series and S-Class and so far the only Japanese luxury automaker to truly establish itself at tier-one has been Lexus, which offers the front-engine, rear-drive LS. That being said, for Acura to establish itself as a top-level contender without such a vehicle seems unlikely.

[Source: Automotive News via LeftlaneNews]

BMW is looking at bringing back for-cylinder engines to the U.S. in order to meet tough new fuel-economy regulations. BMW’s engineering boss, Tom Baloga, told Bloomberg that the smaller and more fuel-efficient engines were likely needed in order to meet the Obama Administration’s 2016 CAFE regulations, which call for a new fleet average of 35.5 mpg – up from 27.3 mpg for 2011.

Last year BMW’s fleet-wide average was 26.5 mpg.

Currently BMW sells the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 with four-cylinder engines overseas, where fuel-efficient diesel options are also popular. In fact, Baloga says that due to the high volume of diesel sales in Europe, the automaker’s current European fleet average would already meet the 2016 CAFE regulations.

BMW currently offers a high-performance 3 Series diesel, the 335d, in the U.S., but Baloga says BMW will not rely on diesels to offset less fuel-efficient models as demand for diesels in the U.S. isn’t high enough to make a difference.

The real issue in bringing over four-cylinder engines, says Baloga, is keeping the focus on performance. That being said, the four-cylinder models are likely to either be turbocharged or used in significantly lighter models.

BMW is also looking at growing its offering of 1 Series models in the U.S., with numerous new models planned. The higher sales volumes of the more efficient engines will also help to increase BMW’s fuel-efficiency fleet average.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Both Ford and Suzuki had high hopes heading into this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but both were disappointed as neither automaker managed to run the 156 turn course in under 10 minutes.

Suzuki pilot Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima still managed to run the fasted time of the day, however, at 10 minutes, 15 seconds in his 885hp Monster Sport SX4 Hillclimb Special. While Tajima didn’t beat his time last year of 10 minutes and 1 second, he is still the Pikes Peak world record holder and reigning King of the Hill.

Ford’s efforts with two 800hp Fiestas, piloted by two of the world’s best rally drivers, came up significantly short of the mark as Marcus Gronholm managed only an 11:29 while Andreas Eriksson crashed his car during practice and again during the timed run.

GALLERY: Pikes Peak Ford Fiesta

GALLERY: Monster Sport SX4 Hillclimb Special

[Source: BSMotoring]

To further enhance the Ferrari ownership experience and to please not only the automaker’s new car customers, but also its connoisseurs, the company behind the prancing horse badge has announced a new roadside assistance program for all out of warranty models dating back to 1947. And the best part? It’s free!

Ferrari’s “With You” program is available 365 days a year for vehicles outside the factory 3 year warranty, as well as those that do not already have an existing extended program from Ferrari (which typically covers the vehicle for its first 10 years). As well as transporting the Ferrari back to an authorized service center, Ferrari will also cover personal travel expenses (either to the service center or home), as well as any related hotel expenses.

Sound too good to be true? Well it is, unless you live in Italy.

The “With You” roadside assistance program is currently only offered in Ferrari’s native country, but the automaker has said it has plans to expand the program throughout Europe in the near future, starting with the U.K.

[Photo Credit: Supercars.dk]

Official release after the jump:

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Rolls-Royce has just released the full list of specs on the upcoming Ghost model and the numbers are impressive. The most regal of automakers has always been known for powerful and luxurious cars but judging from the numbers just released by Rolls, this luxury sedan will scream down the highway like a raving banshee.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine, the Ghost will make 563hp at 5250 rpm and 575 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500 rpm. Despite what will do-doubt be an immense curb weight the “entry-level” Rolls will use an 8-speed automatic transmission to hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Interestingly, Rolls-Royce says it will achieve 4.7 seconds in markets outside North America, but gives no reason why that is. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

“First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery,” said Rolls’ Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl. “This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience.”

Deliveries of the £165,000 ($272,000) Ghost will begin in the U.K. and Europe later this year with deliveries in North America, Asia and the rest of the world in the second quarter of 2010.

Official release after the jump:

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