New spy photos taken by the folks at 5Post.com reveal for the first time the rumored twin-turbo V8 that will power the next-generation (F10) BMW M5. The photos were taken at the Nürburgring after a testing session.

Believed to be the same twin-scroll twin-turbo 4.4-liter unit found in the X5 M and X6 M, it is expected to make close to 600-hp in the sedan. Combined with light-weight components, an upgraded suspension and 7-speed DCT transmission we expect the M5 to handily top rivals like the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Cadillac CTS-V when it comes to tackling the Nurburgring.

Other highlights include a subtle aero kit, clearly visible, as well as some unique wheels and lots of M-badging and M interior items.

For more spy photos, including some of the best shots yet of the M5 in action, hit the link below.

[Source: 5Post]

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After spending a lot of time focusing on its mainstream models like the Legacy and Forrester, Subaru is ready to put the spotlight back on its high performance models. For 2011, Subaru has released an updated WRX STI model and while it doesn’t look all that new, there are a lot of updates – plus Subaru has brought back the STI sedan.

While there are no changes to the 305-hp engine, other updates include a revised suspension setup with a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe. Subaru says these updates improve camber and toe stiffness. New springs feature higher spring rates with a 15.6 percent increased stiffness in front and 53 percent increase in stiffness in the rear. Thicker sway bars also help improve handling, while new 18-inch wheels weight a total of 17.6 lbs less than the previous model’s wheels. In addition, the 2011 STI models also get exterior updates – although none but a true Suby nut is likely to notice. The changes include a modified bumper with sharper edges, a new lip spoiler, larger front grille as well as larger bumper openings. The sedan model also gets new, flared rear fenders.

The result of all those changes is incredible with a 7:55 lap time around the Nurburgring – a record for 4-door vehicles, besting even the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

To help put the focus on the STI, Subaru has released a series of commercials featuring regular folks getting rides by rally driver Dave Mirra. the ad campaign is titled “Get More Gs.” Watch the videos and we’re sure you’ll see why

See more videos after the jump:

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Several weeks ago Hyundai gave us a look at the all-new 2011 Elantra when it unveiled the new car in South Korea badges as the Avante sedan. But when it debuted at the Busan Motor Show, we only got a look at the car’s exterior. Now, for the first time, we have a single snap-shot of the Avante’s interior - and we don’t expect much to change when it arrives here.

Needless to say, we’re impressed with the design and can’t wait to feel the materials ourselves. Our first chance will likely come at the LA Auto Show later this year.

When it does debut, expect a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection (GDI) 4-cylinder with 138-hp and 123 ft-lbs of torque, that will rival the segment’s fuel economy leaders – if not surpass them.

GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante

[Source: Hyundai-blog]

Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will return to the sport next year as a team owner. Villeneuve announced his plans recently, confirming rumors that funding for the project would come from Italian based Durango – which is owned by the son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Villeneuve’s plans aren’t set in stone, however, with the FIA only recently accepting applications for a 13th team. No announcement of what that team will be has been made.

Villeneuve does seem to represent a solid team, however, with serious backing and reported ties to ousted Renault team captain Flavio Briatore.

Since his departure from F1, Villeneuve has been competing in several different motorsports series and will race at the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25th.

[Source: BBC and Autosport]

Fiat has just announced a new special edition matte-black paint scheme for its popular 500 model in Europe. Proving that high-fashion finishes aren’t just for high-priced luxury cars and exotics, Fiat will offer what it calls the Blackjack edition for most 500 models, including the recently-released TwinAir turbocharged two-cylinder model.

Along with matte-black paint, the Blackjack edition will also get matching wheels with red detailing. Accents on the car, like the door handles, mirrors and door sill plates, will be coated in a gloss black.

Inside the black theme continues with a combination of leather and fabric, although silver is used on the steering wheel and gear shifter. Optional items include red seats!

The Fiat 500 Blackjack edition goes on sale in Europe this September, starting at 13,850 Euros ($17,800). Hopefully Fiat will look to introduce high-fashion special edition models like this in North America once the 500 goes on sale at the end of this year.

Get more Fiat 500 news and info at Fiat500Owners.com

For the 2011 model year Mercedes has announced a short list of updates to its E63 AMG super-sedan, including increases in power and fuel economy. Under the hood, the E63 retains its 6.2-liter V8 engine, with a slight power increase to 525-hp, matching the output of the SL63. The E63 also now features the more advanced SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

Despite the addition of 11-hp, the engine is actually significantly more efficient, with Mercedes claiming a fuel economy improvement of 12 percent compared to the 2010 model year car.

Other updates for 2011 include Artico leather on the dash and door panels and a piano black center console as standard equipment – not optional like on the 2010s.

Mercedes has yet to officially confirm these updates for North America models.

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes E63 AMG

See the complete 2011 model-year details in the official release after the jump:

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When BMW recently released a video of its new 1 Series M Coupe, M Boss Dr. Kay Segler commented that we’d have to wait for it. Now it appears the waiting will end at the Detroit Auto Show in January. News of the official unveiling comes via BMW insider SCOTT26 posting on 1Addicts. Complete details will be given in December of this year prior to the car’s debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), a European premiere in Geneva in March, followed by sales.

As always, the Europeans will get their hands on the 1 Series M Coupe first, with deliveries taking place in the Spring of 2011, while North American deliveries will take place in the summer.

[Source: 1Addicts]

Check out BMW’s teaser video after the jump:

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Ford is looking to add even more grunt to its Taurus SHO model in the future, hinting at plans to up horsepower as high as the 400 mark. At the 19th annual national Taurus SHO convention, held lat week in Dearborn, MI, Ford marketing manager Steve Ling commented that, “365 horsepower is good. 400 is better.” Ling preceded this comment by stating that, “The SHO is at the top [of Ford's performance sedan category] and we’re going to keep it there.”

Ford’s Advanced Engine Design and Development Engineer, Brett Hinds, went so far as to hint that we’re likely to see some of the added potential inside the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine when Ford unwraps the EcoBoost F-150 later this year.

Ford also gave a glimpse at what the future SHO will look like with Taurus Exterior Design Manager Earl Lucas commenting that the big sedan will get lower and wider, although less bulky and use less chrome. With the SHO’s success established, Ford will now look to differentiate the car from its Taurus siblings with unique styling including different front and rear bumpers and exclusive wheels.

The next-generation of Ford’s SHO is set to arrive somewhere around 2013, but big changes could come much sooner in a mid-cycle update.

[Source: Autoblog]

At the very start of Volkswagen‘s self proclaimed journey to become the number one automaker in the world, the head of its incredibly important U.S. division has departed – for Volvo no less.

VW has confirmed to members of the press that Stefan Jacoby is no longer with the German automaker. The word was spread at the launch of the incredibly important new Jetta, a vehicle that was tailor made for the U.S. market after decades where Volkswagen unsuccessfully tried to sell its European models to the North American mass market.

Reports emerged several weeks ago that Jacoby was leaving for Volvo and while there’s no official confirmation that he will start at the now Chinese-owned Swedish automaker, it was obvious from an earlier VW press release that the German’s didn’t want him to leave and that negotiations were ongoing.

The move to Volvo seems a strange one, with the Swedish brand’s future uncertain under the new ownership of Chinese automaker Geely. However, Geely seems to have a big plan for Volvo with serious investments planned. That investment would now seem to include Jacoby, along with his knowledge of the Chinese maketplace (after having worked for VW in China), not to mention what is likely a rather significant salary.

And while Jacoby’s move seems risky, the decision to stay with Volkswagen might have been equally so, with the automaker setting forth seemingly unattainable goals for the U.S. market in the next few years. Or perhaps Jacoby just didn’t like VW’s decision to abandon its European focus in favor of a Toyota strategy to sell economical cars.

[Source: USAToday]

There are a few names in the aftermarket industry known for building impressive show vehicles and one of the best-known is Fox Marketing. With a long-standing partnership with Lexus that has seen Fox Marketing develop two IS models for the SEMA Show over the past two years, we took company founder Brian Fox seriously when he announced plans on Facebook to build a custom CT200h and LS600h.

Fox has been partnering with Lexus since they first decided to showcase their cars at SEMA, helping the brand develop more appeal with a younger demographic. Lexus, in turn, did its part by delivering an F Sport line of performance goodies.

In a followup email with Brian Fox he confirmed that his company will build both models, starting with a twin-turbo LS600h – likely for this year’s SEMA Show. As for the CT200h (which we have to admit we’re more excited for), Fox is planning to roll out a turbocharged and widebody version of the luxury hatchback for next year’s New York Auto Show. Fox says he intends to take his time with the CT, so he can, ” really kill it with this car.”

And if we know anything about Fox Marketing, expect some big wheels, custom interior and a brilliant paint job.

GALLERY: Fox Marketing IS350C