The 9th generation Honda Civic Si performance model may get a big update, moving from the current torque-less 2.0-liter to the 2.4-liter motor currently offered in the Acura TSX. News of this development comes via a source from the well-informed folks at Temple of Vtec, although even they aren’t confident in its credibility. 

The K24 engine currently makes 201-hp and 172 ft-lbs of torque and in the smaller and lighter Civic (presumably offered with either a six-speed transmission) will make for an exciting package. Tuners already know this, with the K24 already established as the “go to” engine for those performing an engine swap. 

Tuners have also discovered that the K24 has a lot more potential in it, meaning we could see a good bump in power over the current output as well.

[Source: Vtec.net]

MINI appears ready to expand its product lineup some more with the addition of the Beachcomber. First shown at the Detroit Auto Show this year, the Beachcomber Concept rides on the Countryman’s new crossover platform and takes inspiration from the tiny Moke model, which the brand offered from 1964 to 1993.

In an interview with AutoExpress, MINI brand manager Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht hinted at the vehicles production plans stating that, “We will come back to this to see if there is a business basis, as we were overwhelmed by the reaction. MINI will never show a concept that won’t make production.”

Now there isn’t a lot of competition for a vehicle like the Beachcomber, although the Jeep Wrangler could be considered a rival and lower down on the scale there’s the possibility that Kia could finally bring its Soul’Ster to production as well.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Those eagerly anticipating the launch of the FT-86 affordable sports car from Toyota will have to keep waiting. According to a report by Japan’s Best Car magazine, the concept has been delayed from an original production date of 2011 until 2013.

Reasons for the delay include the possibility of a different design direction (why?), as well as rumors that Toyota could be looking at a hybrid option – depending, of course, on the success of the Honda CR-Z. Then there are the reports that the FT-86 is being delayed due to development costs and rumors that an even smaller FT-86 will also arrive to satisfy the original model’s budget-targeted audience.

Regardless, we have to think an extra two years is a very long delay for a vehicle that Toyota supposedly considers to be so important.

The next rendition of the FT-86 Concept is set to be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show in late 2011.

Get more Toyota FT-86 info here: FT86Talk.com

[Source: BestCar via 7Tune]

General Motors will look to expand its luxury crossover offerings by introducing a 7-seater Cadillac crossover based on the company’s Lambda platform. GM already offers this platform in the rest of its brands with the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.

The model was initially planned to arrive quite some time ago but GM’s bankruptcy proceedings put a hold on the project. According to InsideLine, Karl Stracke, GM’s VP of global engineering has confirmed the vehicle is now moving forward again.

The new crossover is expected to share design elements with the upcoming XTS flagship sedan and use a version of GM’s direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 engine. There’s also the possibility that it could get the rumored twin-turbo direct-injection V6.

Does GM really need another Lambda crossover?

[Source: InsideLine]

Scion has just launched a new online “virtual competition” that will see one competitor drive away in a shiny new 2011 tC. Titled “Unlock the tC Road Trip,” players will take road trips and customize their tC online with the top four finalists being flown to Los Angeles to compete in a real world contest. The winner will then be handed the keys to the all-new second-generation tC.

The game starts June 1st and the Unlock the tC Road Trip culminates with the final challenge on August 4th. Scion will also give away daily prizes – 140 in total.

Sign up to compete for the chance to win your own 2011 Scion tC here:

Unlock the tC Road Trip

Official release after the jump:

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Ever heard of DMC? Neither have we, but the tuner of high-priced exotics has just released a styling kit for the ever-popular Lamborghini Murciélago and has named it, Quattro Veloce.

Starting with the aesthetics, the body is refitted with lightweight carbon fiber which includes a carbon fiber spoiler, hood, side vents and rear diffuser. Then it’s almost impossible to miss the white carbon fiber wheels, a world’s first. Given that carbon fiber has just recently shown up on wheels, it’s no surprise that color variants are on the horizon.

On the inside, DMC went the luxurious route of ostrich hide for re-upholstering the headrests, while various areas of the cabin receives ostrich-style cow hide for durability.

The car continues to be powered by the factory 6.5L V12, pumping out 670 adrenaline-inducing horsepower with over 485 ft-lbs of torque. DMC tosses in a custom red carbon fiber cage surrounding the heart of the bull.

So you have to be asking, what’s the price tag on this premium luxury kit? Well for starters, there is going to be a very strict limited edition of 40. And you better believe when DMC says 40, they absolutely mean 40. For close to $75,000 you will have the kit installed by DMC themselves, transporting your car to and from Dusseldorf. If you want the leather overhaul, carbon fiber seats and wheels, be prepared to fork over $124,000 or so. Forgo the installation by DMC themselves and save yourself $25,000.

Lining up yet?

GALLERY: DMC Lamborghini Murcielago Quattro Veloce

[Source: JamesList Blog]

After an action-packed weekend at Eastern Creek International Raceway near Sydney, Australia, Tarzan Yamada and the HRS Garage/Cyber Evo team persevered through an engine failure to claim the title of World Time Attack Challenge champion with their legendary Mitsubishi Evolution 8.

As one of the pre-event favorites, it may come as no surprise that Tarzan and the Cyber Evo took the win, but things were looking very grim for this Japanese-based team the afternoon before the Time Attack finals on May 22nd at Eastern Creek. A blown engine during practice meant they had to scramble to source a replacement  unit locally, working at fever’s pitch to install it and remap the engine control unit overnight on Australian ECU specialist Haltech’s dynamometer.

A testament to hard work and determination, the HRS Garage/Cyber Evo posted a mind-blowing lap time of 1:30.587, breaking the long-standing track record set in 1999 by Mark Skaife in a Australian V8 Supercar. Tarzan celebrated the win in typical flamboyant style, much to the delight of the local crowd and his international fan base.

To see who rounded out the podium (plus some Time Attack video action), check after the jump:

Continue Reading…

The Porsche 918 Spyder is hot. Really hot. With looks that will stop anyone, gearhead or not, dead in their tracks, and huge numbers like 718 horsepower and 90 miles per gallon, what’s not to love? TeamSpeed.com forum member “PorscheCarreraGTMay6″ is 13 years old, and decided that Porsche could use some renderings, some inspiration, for turning the 918 Spyder into a GTI racing car for the LeMans series. After all, it’s one number higher than the world’s most famous racing Porsche, the 917, and Porsche has already confirmed they will be entering a 918 in the 2011 24 Hours of Nurburgring, where their 911 GT3R Hybrid competed successfully this year.

“PorscheCarreraGTMay6″ provides us with a naked look at the 918 RSR in classic Porsche silver, but also provides concepts for several well known Porsche racing liveries. Check them all out at TeamSpeed.com, and remember, this kid is 13.

[Source: TeamSpeed]

A stunt driving demo went all wrong for Audi, as professional drivers ended up rolling one of their new A1 subcompact hatches during a demonstration in Brussels.

Drivers piloted the A1 up and down a specially-constructed half pipe in the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, as a means of promoting the new model. Rather than wowing the crowd with its driving prowess, the Audi rolled onto its roof, in a massive PR embarassment for Audi.

Both driver and passenger walked away unscathed, and the car was eventually push back onto the tires, but Audi PR staff were especially vigilant about no pictures being taken of the incident. If only it were Justin Timberlake in the car.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy photographers have caught the new Honda Civic undergoing testing in Italy. Having already been ordered back to the drawing board by Honda’s CEO, the new Civic is set to arrive in early 2012, at which point the current car will already be long in the tooth.

Unfortunately, the engineering mules didn’t give away much information, as they were draped in the current generation’s body panels. Honda is certainly aware that the competition is fierce, especially from the Korean automakers, and the Civic must be at the top of its class if it wants to regain customers who have gone elsewhere.

[Source: Auto Express]