Lamborghini has released yet another teaser of their so-called “technology concept”, with this photo showcasing the carbon fiber technology that’s said to feature prominently in future Lamborghinis.

Previous photos have highlighted things like smaller engines (a relative term, of course, when you go from a V12 to a V10) and discussed the importance of light weight. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the supercar maker from Sant’Agata wants to cut weight as environmental regulations get increasingly tougher. The use of carbon fiber, as seen above, is going to be an integral part of future Lamborghinis, and other supercar makers will almost certainly have to follow suit, or risk a demise at the hands of environmental legislation.

With the Paris Auto Show just days away, we’ll finally get a look at the new Lamborghini, whatever it may be. Stay tuned to our Paris Auto Show page for more coverage.

[Source: Lamborghini]

MINI will officially debut the new Countryman WRC rally car at the Paris Auto Show later this week. A selection of spy photos and videos of the car have already surfaced online, but MINI has been quick to clarify that the car was not wearing its official WRC bodywork.

Joining the WRC car will be a selection of Euro-market MINIs including the world premiere of the Cooper D Convertible and the One D Clubman. The Cooper D Convertible is the first diesel MINI to get the drop-top option, while the entry-level One D Clubman adds a new budget level to the Clubman range with an impressive 60-mpg rating (On the EU test cycle).

These MINI models will be joined on stage by the new MINI Scooter E Concept models.

For complete coverage of the MINI debuts and all the new models, check back for live updates from the Paris Auto Show starting Thursday, September 30th.

Official release after the jump:

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A tractor trailer containing not one, not two, but five Chevy Camaro Convertibles was spied yesterday making its way through Toronto. There’s little doubt that the vehicles originated from the Oshawa assembly plant on the East side of the city (where the Camaro is assembled). As for where they’re headed, the obvious guess is to GM’s proving grounds 300 miles down the road in Detroit.

When Chevy does decide to officially launch the Camaro Convertible, expect both V6 and V8 models. We just wonder if they’ll build a Z28 Convertible…

GALLERY: Chevy Camaro Convertibles

[Source: OntarioCTS via GMI]

After numerous rumors, reports and plenty of speculation, Saab is set to sign a deal with BMW that will see the Swedish automaker get access to BMW technology and parts for future models. It is believed the first such model will include the a Saab small car based on the current MINI Cooper platform.

News of the deal comes via Dutch broadcaster NOS citing sources at both automakers who claims an announcement by both BMW and Saab will come this Wednesday.

Earlier this year Saab was saved from liquidation by little-known Dutch sports car maker Spyker, when it purchased the Swedish brand from General Motors. This deal could see Saab and Spyker head towards profitability in a world where, increasingly, small automakers are being forced to team up with larger players or simply disappear.

[Source: Reuters]

According to a slew of new rumors Honda is considering several options of how to expand its product lineup while focusing on both sports cars and hybrids – or should we say sports cars that are hybrids.

Sources tell the team at Road & Track that one model under consideration is a convertible version of the Honda CR-Z, with a lighter curb weight and more powerful hybrid powertrain. Despite being a front-driver, the crop-top CR-Z would compete against cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. And while that sounds like a long shot, remember, MINI’s upcoming Roadster model is also targeted at the Miata and will be front-wheel drive.

If the project gets the green light, and if it’s a sales success then Honda wants to build a followup model, but with serious power (possibly using a hybrid drivetrain) and a proper rear-drive layout.

But before any of this, one has to think the first step for Honda would be to deliver a more powerful version of the CR-Z.

[Source: Road & Track]

To celebrate the partnership between Lamborghini and fine timepiece maker Blancpain, the Italian automaker has just announced a new limited edition series of Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition cars. With many custom details, the Blancpain Edition takes cues and engineering highlights from the Super Trofeo racing cars as well as the Superleggera model, sporting plenty of carbon fiber and  a dry weight of just 2,954 lbs.

Combined with a 5.2-liter V10 engine that pumps out 562-hp, the Gallardo Blancpain Edition can rocket to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 199-mph.

Highlights on the model include Skorpius wheels with yellow brake calipers, a carbon fiber diffuser and mirror as well as a massive rear wing. The body of the car is then finished off in matte-black paint.

Inside the Gallardo Blancpain Edition gets copious amounts of black Alcantara with yellow accents, as well as plenty of carbon fiber trim items. Blaincpain logos appear prominently on the exterior of the car (including on the hood and rear spoiler) as well as on the seats.

Created to celebrate Blancpain’s sponsorship of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo gentlemen’s racing series, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann presented the first Gallardo Blancpain Edition to Blaincpain CEO Marc A. Hayek at the conclusion of the 2010 Super Trofeo series at the “Piero Taruffi” circuit in Vallelunga.

Official release after the jump:

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Porsche has just announced a Classic Navigation System that blends new-age technology with old world style and is the perfect addition to your retro Porsche. The system is available from any Porsche dealership worldwide or through their online classic parts catalog and takes the place of the classic radio system. It’s straight plug-and-play and looks as if you never altered a part at all.

The unit is a touchscreen navigation system, albeit a little smaller than new age ones. It fits most Porsche models built from 1963-1977 and retails at $776. Not a bad price all things considering and we expect it to be a hit among classic Porsche owners – especially those who always get lost.

If there was ever a situation where we wanted to see a video, this might be it. Jeep has taken their J8 out for a thorough ballistic and blast certification to prove just how tough this Jeep is built. They’ve stated that they have incorporated new manufacturing technology in order to hot-form steel, creating a protective barrier for the vehicle. And it proved its worth getting awarded with a BRV 2009 VR7 ballistic protection certification – whatever the heck that is.

Obviously this J8 isn’t marketed towards the mass public but rather towards military and government use. But hey, if an armored vehicle is really something you need for your daily commute, we guess it’s great that there’s even more options now.

[Source: Jeep's Facebook Page]

GALLERY: Jeep J8 Ballistic Tests

After taking a look at Anderson Germany’s Ferrari California offering, we were excited to find out the tuning firm had just released a package for the Ferrari F430 Scuderia.

Their custom touch starts with mild modifications, including an almost stealthy, blue’ish matte-gray, transforming the car into a menacing machine rather than a prancing exotic.

And a menacing machine it is, with Anderson bumping the standard 508-hp to an impressive 575 figure through the aid of an intake system, lightweight exhaust system and ECU re-tune. It’s worth mentioning that even more performance is realized with the tuning package since the exhaust offers a weight savings of 53 lbs.

On the outside, in addition to the wicked color change, are carbon fiber goodies to contrast the subtle gray. The mirrors and rear diffuser are swapped out for carbon fiber counterparts, while several of the engine covers are also eye candy along with the the power plant. Rounding off the exterior modifications is a set of 20-inch staggered wheels – featuring an awesomely wide 20×12 setup with 325/25/20 rubber.

Of course the interior wasn’t overlooked with more carbon fiber accents and Alcantara pieces. Anderson even opted to upgrade the stereo with aftermarket amplifiers, speakers and a subwoofer.

We’ll take the whole package, minus the audio mods – there’s just no point listening to anything but the Scud’s exhaust note.

GALLERY: Anderson Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Official press release available after the break.

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How glorious the Internet can be. With rumors, come renders and here is one we can dig. Recently we reported on a rumor of a possible GT3 RS Special Edition and the rumors have turned into speculation over a Porsche GT3 Hybrid. So naturally, a talented member of TeamSpeed (the forum where the rumor originated) has taken the liberty to render out what this possibly upcoming, mysterious Porsche GT3 RS may be.

The forum member, who goes by porschecarreragtmay6, based his rendering off speculation that Porsche would incorporate KERS into a GT3 model, possibly labeling it as a hybrid. And in his dream world, the GT3 Hybrid would sport a 4.0L RSR engine that pushes out 500-hp. The exterior would feature a larger rear wing, new splitter, new graphics, flared fenders, intakes on the rear fenders, a carbon fiber hood and more.

Could this be a sign of things to come? We’ll just have to wait and see which route Porsche decides to take.

Oh, and make sure to hit the link below to see the GT3 Hybrid in several other color combos.

[Source: TeamSpeed]