The Chrysler Sebring convertible is possibly one of the most maligned cars on sale today. Known for its less than stellar driving dynamics, build quality, styling and, well, just about everything else, the Sebring convertible really only has price going for it – and that’s exactly what its place in Chrysler’s lineup is guaranteed for the foreseeable future, at least in fleet sales.

Apparently, rental fleets made up a big portion of Sebring droptop customers (hardly a surprise) and the low transaction price makes them a favorite of rental fleets across the Sun Belt states. Fortunately, the Sebring will see improvements like refreshed styling, chassis tweaks, an all-new V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, though we have to say, the current car has left an indelible impression on us to the point where we’re skeptical of anything called “Sebring”, even the race track.

[Source: Allpar]

Rumors of a Porsche 928 successor based on the Panamera and even a Panamera convertible have been floating around online for months now, but this might be the most credible evidence yet that such a car is in the works. Posted on the home page of Porsche Consulting’s website, the design sketch is no more than what it appears, but that’s enough for us to toss on a Perez Hilton hat for just a few seconds – just long enough to dream up a fictitious realities like the one below:

Many months ago the rather reputable CAR magazine reported that Porsche’s new bosses at VW had voted to eventually eliminate the Panamera and Cayenne, opting instead to focus the Porsche brand on what it does best – sports cars. Not wanting to waste the incredible Panamera platform, it is believed Bentley or Audi could get a new model based on the same underpinnings. It’s possible that in an effort to make the most of the Panamera chassis, Porsche could be preparing a 928 successor, with V8-powered front-engine goodness. It would be true to Porsche’s roots, be an excellent sports car in its own right, and help expand the Porsche brand with an all new model – one that might even rival the Ferrari 599.

Now how’s that for an exciting rumor?

[Source: Porsche Consulting via Autoblog]

By now were sure you’ve heard about MINI‘s challenge to Porsche to come out and race at Road Atlanta. A genius piece of marketing no doubt, but it appears two can play at this game as Hyundai has just turned the tables on MINI in a new YouTube video, offering to step in for the timid German juggernaut.

Commenting that “We’d be happy to show you the line at Road Atlanta, where we laid down our Epic Lap” Super Bowl commercial, Hyundai has thrown down the gauntlet and, quite frankly, after the incessant taunting MINI has given to Porsche, we’re not sure the fun British brand can refuse.

Hyundai does admit that they won’t be able to make the planned June 21st even, stating that their hired-hitman racer Rhys Millen will be out attempting to set a Pikes Peak world record in a a Genesis-powered race car. Instead the Korean underdog has suggested July.

We’re sure MINI didn’t foresee this when they cooked up the MINI vs. Porsche challenge and right about now they’re probably regretting they did.

See the video after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Lotus will launch two special editions models at the end of this year, both to celebrate the dedication of its long-time vehicle engineer Roger Becker, and to mourn the loss of the 1.8-liter engine. That’s right, new Euro 5 emissions regulations are set to mark the end of the 1.8L-powered Lotus Elise and Exige and so the British sports car company will give both the engine and Becker a special send off with the RGB special edition Elise SC and Exige S.

But before we go any further, those not in Europe can breath a sigh of relief, as Lotus will continue to sell the 1.8-liter models elsewhere. In Europe, however, Lotus fans will have to make due with the new 1.6-liter engine Elise. There’s no official word from Lotus on what will power the Exige but we have to think the new 3.5-liter V6 found in the Evora will take the place of the supercharged I4. (An Exige sporting a wider rear and sounding like a V6-powered Evora has been spied several times).

The Lotus Roger Becker (or RGB) special editions models will go on sale in September in Europe, and will be full-loaded models, offering most option packages and items like light-weight forged alloy wheels. Four colors will be offered: Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow and Carbon Grey. All models will also get a numbered plaque and will be signed by Roger Becker.

“I am honored that Lotus has named these two special editions after me, especially as it allows me to offer the customer my favourite specifications,” said Roger Becker, who recently retired from Lotus after over four decades of dedication to the brand. “The past 44 years have been an incredible journey and I’m looking forward to watching Lotus progress in the future.”

See the full list of Elise SC RGB and Exige S RGB specs after the jump:

Continue Reading…

The next-generation Saab 9-3 (rebadged the 93) will arrive in late 2012, marking the return of the 900′s classic hatchback style in a bid to compete with the Audi A3. According to a recent report by AutoCar, Saab is also planning to develop both a sedan and a convertible version of the car, which will ride on the Swedish automaker’s all-new Phoenix Architecture. Those same underpinnings will also form the basis of the next-generation 9-5.

The more traditional sedan will launch first, with the 93 Sport Wagon (hatch) and cabriolet following, the two latter models sharing most of their body panels in a bid to reduce development costs. While larger than the A3, the 93 Sport Wagon will be priced to match and is touted to be the most driver-targeted car in the brand’s lineup, while a version of Saab’s Haldex AWD system available.

As for power, Saab is rumored to be ditching its GM powerplants in favor of a new partnership with BMW. Saab has already been lined to BMW over a proposed 92 model. This new arrangement (which may already have been agreed upon) would see BMW donate engines currently used in the MINI lineup, including a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scroll turbocharger producing roughly 180-hp, as well as a naturally aspirated version of the same block, turning out a more conservative 115-hp. If Saab does decide to stick it out with GM, however, expect to see a version of the new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making roughly 180-hp. This engine will soon launch in North America in Buick’s new entry level model, slated to be named either the Excelle or Verano.

[Source: AutoCar]

Toyota appears set to return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year after an absence from the sport of over a decade. Last week we reported on Toyota’s fact-finding missions at several WRC races, and now the Japanese automaker has been linked to Prodrive – a motorsports company that helped Subaru rise to fame in the sport. Prodrive is also part owner of Aston Martin – which Toyota has a good working relationship with, donating the iQ Chassis for Aston’s Cygnet mini-car.

An unnamed Toyota Motorsport representative was recently quoted as saying that, “We want to be prepared if and when we get a call from Japan to go and compete.”

The news comes as Prodrive boss David Richards announced he would not risk the company’s financial stability on a Formula 1 gamble. Toyota recently pulled from F1, suggesting it may look to other motorsports activities.

Prodrive has also been linked to a MINI entry in WRC, although rumors suggest the holdup on that side is BMW’s unwillingness to fun the entire project.

Either way, a Prodrive spokesman has confirmed that, “we will be back in the championship next year with a manufacturer.”

Toyota has won 43 rallies and 3 world championships in the WRC series, with famous drivers like Carlos Sainz behind the wheel, often using vehicles running the now famous white, red and green Castrol livery.

[Source: AutoCar]

When Lexus first unveiled its LFA supercar, the V10-powered exotic was painted a pristine white – a popular choice for modern high-performance vehicles from the BMW M3 to Porsche GT3. The next time the LFA made an appearance, it was at the SEMA Show. Assuming just one vehicle was in production, we expected to see all 552-hp of Japanese awesomeness in the same white coat, but were excited to behold a ferocious matte-black monster. Since then, both white and black cars have appeared at everything from the LA Auto Show to the Detroit Auto Show.

Recently, however, several shots of a red LFA have surfaced, as well as some video of the car being tested by Japanese journalists.

There’s nothing new to tell, but plenty to look at.

[Source Farm of Minds and YouTube]

See video and more photos of the red LFA after the jump:

Continue Reading…

GWA-Tuning is working on helping give the wagon body style a rebirth, and has released this full body kit for the Mercedes-Benz E63 Wagon. And while we’re huge wagon fans and welcome any aftermarket tuner that focuses on wagons with open arms, we’re a little unsure how this one ranks in our books.

There’s no denying that the new E-Class chassis is picking up a lot of praise so it’s no surprise the aftermarket is all about its variants from the coupe to the sedan to the convertible to the wagon. GWA-Tuning’s body kit reminds us a little bit of the Cadillac CTS-V front end which could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective. The basic kit comes complete for around $18,500 which includes a new front bumper with carbon fiber vents and spoiler, LED running lights, a massively opened grille and new brake cooling vents. New side skirts with cooling ducts round off the side of the wagon while the rear gets a carbon fiber diffuser with an LED fog lamp and roof spoiler.

An option for an additional $9,000 or so, you can also grab yourself a pair of 19×8.5-inch wheels in the front and larger and wider 20×10-inch wheels for the rear. An exhaust equipped with button to open up the valves also comes with the optional upgrade with a lowering module as well. In the interior are GWA-Tuning’s aluminum pedals, foot rest and new illuminated door sills.

Even though the renderings are top-notch, we’re interested to see how this kit will look on an actual vehicle. For now we’ll stay reserved on our opinion and just be thankful that wagon tuning is alive and well.

GALLERY: GWA-Tuning Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

See the official GWA-Tuning release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Where do you advertise when you’re running out of space? Well, California has an idea – why not advertise on license plates?

It seems that California has a bit of a cash flow problem, and in order to build up their bank accounts, the state might be open to letting companies buy space on license plates.  This is no joke – a bill by a Senator Curren Price has introduced Senate Bill 1453 that could have cars carrying electronic license plates that allow for ads. All that’s left is for it to be passed by the Assembly, which would commission a study of electronic license plates as a feasible means for advertising.

“We’re giving the Department of Motor Vehicles the leeway to investigate the technology, conduct some tests, and come back with a recommendation to the legislature,” said Price.

Plates will be located on the back of a car, and advertisements would only be shown if the vehicle hasn’t been moving for a few seconds – so who knows, maybe California drivers will be subjected to more red lights in an attempt for advertisers to get their money’s worth.

No word on how much these companies will have to pony up to advertise on the license plates as of yet. If the bill does pass through its final stage, the California DMV will start to study digital electronic license plate technology.

For all you speeders and red-light runners, you’re not off the hook. The cops will still be able to run your plates. “The license number is always visible in the corner,” said Price.  “Even when it’s advertising about an event coming up, or a non-profit organization, or a public service activity, the numbers are still visible (on the license plate).”

[Source: Jalopnik]

After spotting the Nissan Skyline R34 with an R35 GT-R front end conversion, we scoured the Internet for other vehicles that may have received the R35 front end treatment. This wagon is a bit of an oldie, but it didn’t strike us the first time around since the Stagea isn’t quite the statement car the Skyline R34 is. But nonethless and much to our dismay, here’s another sharp-edged, boxy vehicle sporting the R35 GT-R front end.

But does this strike the same nerve that the R34 does? Sort of. This conversion is pretty much along the same lines as the R34 conversion since the Stagea is commonly known as the Skyline wagon out in Japan. Even though it hardly resembles its sporty, high performance counterpart, Japanese tuners have always looked to turning Stageas more like Skylines. Masa Motorsport had even manufactured an R34 front end conversion for the previous generation Stagea, the WC34.

So we guess it’s not a huge surprise that an R35 front end ended up on the M35 Stagea, but it’s still no reason to make an excuse that it looks good, especially since the Stagea lacks a wider rear. At least this builder took the time to slightly widen the rear quarter panels. Again, we’re not knocking the craftsmanship and effort that’s put into it; we just wish it wasn’t for this sort of project. We’re sure it garners a ton of attention out in Japan though!

GALLERY: Nissan Stagea M35 Wagon with GT-R R35 Front End

[Source: GTR Blog]