Having just introduced the new RS3 Sportback model, Audi Exclusive is now offering a sporty Black Optics package. The package enhances the aesthetics of the RS3 sportback by offering a new front grille, grille frame, license plate holder and highly polished back exhaust tips.

While those changes are subtle, the set of wheels that comes with the package are pretty bold. Boasting a red and black theme, the thick five-spoke design adds a ton of sportiness to the RS3 Sportback.

And for those wanting a little more, a Matte Aluminum styling package will also be available. The front spoiler, mounts on the front lower air intakes, trim on the door handles, lateral fins, roof spoiler and upper edge of the rear diffuser can all be offered in an aluminum finish.

We’re still a little iffy about the wheels, but this is certainly a nice way to further beef-up the 340-hp luxury hot hatch.

[Source: Topspeed]

Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition will retail for $90,960 when it goes on sale in early 2011. Pricing hasn’t been officially announced, but Harlan Charles, GM’s Corvette product marketing manager let pricing numbers slip during an interview with Corvette Blogger, a leading Vette enthusiast site.

While the Carbon Edition shares the Z06s 7.0L LS7 V8, it gets some exclusive parts, namely carbon fiber body panels, Brembo ceramic brakes and Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Fully optioned, the Z06 Carbon should come it at just under $100,000, making it a nice bridge between a Z06 and a ZR1.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Jaguar is set to recall 6,475 XJ sedans due to a problem with the windshield wipers. The malfunction may occur due to the windshield wipers losing synchronization and possibly hitting each other while activated.

Dealers will begin sending notifications out on December 13th, and owners can contact Jaguar at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.

Luckily, the problem is easily corrected, although it is remincisent of Jaguar’s old days when electrical problems came standard at no additional charge.

[Source: Jaguar]

After teasing us a few days ago, the complete Rhys Millen “Climb Attack” video has now been released. Showcasing Millen’s talents, the 750-hp RMR/Red Bull/ Hyundai Genesis Coupe and some impressively windy mountain roads in Brazil, “Climb Attack” is definitely worth your 4 minutes.

The exact location is a mountain road that runs up the side of Serra Do Rio Do Rastro in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The video was shot and the driving performed as part of the Red Bull Xtreme Drift.

See the video after the jump:

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Porsche purists who derided the brand’s introduction of the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan should be thankful for the existence of the two cars – without them, the brand may not have survived through the past decade.

Instead, the Cayenne led Porsche to an 86.4% increase in sales, with Cayenne sales up 151%. Panamera sales were up 94%, while the 911 was up by 20%.

Porsche was quick to note that last year was a particularly dismal time for the automaker, but the company’s impressive rebound is a positive sign for high-end car makers, proving that the right product can still get people to part with their money, even in times of economic uncertainty.

[Source: Carscoop]

You don’t have to go back in time to pick up a pair of these sci-fi kicks. Just in time to make our Christmas Wish List, the brand-new Nike Dunk 6.0 DeLorean shoes will be on sale starting Friday, November 26.

Worth the long wait in line on Black Friday, the Dunk 6.0 DeLorean shoes are modeled after the iconic DMC-12 featured in the movie, Back to the Future. They feature featuring a matte silver, no-sew constructed upper body – sleek and cool, just like the car. But that’s not all – the shoe’s sole gets its inspiration from the DMC-12′s distinct taillights, and the tongue is adorned with the Belfast stamp (the DeLorean was originally produced in the Irish factory). Last but not least, the shoes are stored in a gullwing-esque box.

About 1,000 pairs will be available worldwide, and the will run you about $90. They will only be available at a few select outlets. Don’t worry, if they do sell out, you can always hop in a DeLorean and go back to a time when you’re the first in line to buy them.

Unveiled last week at the LA Auto Show, the Subaru Impreza Design Concept is set to inspire more than just the one compact car. In fact, according to Subaru’s top designer Osamu Namba, the vehicle foreshadows a design language that will shape all future Subaru models.

The “Confidence in Motion” design language displayed in the concept will more directly flow through to the Impreza, but Namba says to expect many of the cues to be reflected in the future generation of models, with design traits like the front grille and headlights sure to become staples of Subaru’s new vehicles.

In an interview with AutoCar, Namba admitted that in the past there were design “inconsistencies” at Subaru, and the goal is now to bring all models in line, so you’ll know a Subaru when you see one. New Subaru models are also expected to get a lower and wider stance from now on, while taller models like the Tribeca and Outback will be varied somewhat. As for the WRX and STI, they will continue to also differentiate themselves from the rest of the lineup, with aggressive race-inspired features.

GALLERY: Subaru Impreza Design Concept

[Source: AutoCar]

See after the jump for AutoGuide’s video of the Impreza Design Concept from the LA Auto Show:

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Of all the domestic automakers, there’s something about the way General Motors can elicit an emotional reaction. And so on this Thanksgiving Day, the General has decided to run a rather touching commercial sharing its thanks for all that you, the American taxpayer, have done for it, its employees and more recently, its shareholders.

Silent of any voice, the ad shows iconic images of failure, followed by comeback and ends with the words, “We all fall down. Thank you for helping us get back up.”

See the video after the jump:

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Going, going, gone! If you waited to order a Special Edition Fiat 500 in Canada yesterday, you’re out of luck. This model is sold out – after just 12 hours!

Chrysler Canada offered the Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models to the public yesterday (November 23) at one minute after midnight, and were completely sold out in 12 hours. There were only 500 limited edition vehicles for sale, each with a unique numbered badge, and had to be secured with a $500 deposit.

“I don’t think Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Leafs and the Canadians would sell out this fast,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “Frankly, this just underscores the interest Canadians have in a youthful, stylish and highly fuel-efficient car. The 2008 European car of the year, the Fiat 500, is just that.”

Available in three colors: Bianco (White), Rosso (Red) and Grigio (Gray), the  Fiat 500 Prima Edizione is offered with two equipment levels and come equipped with a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and a manual five-speed transmission.

Production of the Fiat 500 starts in December and the lucky 500 who secured one of these models can pick it up at the Canadian Fiat dealerships in early 2011.

Get more Fiat 500 news and info at Fiat500Owners.com

After officially revealing the car earlier this week Audi has now released some B-roll video footage of the RS3 hot hatch. Powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder found in the TT-RS, the RS3 Sportback makes 340-hp and 332 ft-lbs of torque. Mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and using Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system the car can blast to 62-mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Added grip and improved handling come thanks to 19-inch wheels with 235/39/19 front tires and 225/35/19 rear tires (yes, the front tires are wider). That matches up with a front track that is just over an inch wider as well, while the overall ride height has been dropped by one inch. An ultra-precise 16.2:1 steering ratio makes the RS3 really turn when you point it.

Helping to cut weight, the wider front tires are now made of carbon fiber.

Improved braking is also a part of the package thanks to 4-piston front brake calipers with massive 14.57-inch rotors (370mm), while the rear brakes run 12.2-inch rotors.

The exterior of the RS3 isn’t quite as dramatic as past RS models, with the fenders bulging less, still, there’s a massive front grille with more aggressively designed side intakes. Side skirts, matte-aluminum mirror housings, a roof spoiler, black diffuser, two exhaust pipes and several RS3 badges round out the design.

Inside, it’s pure Audi luxury with Nappa leather, silver stitching and piano black or Aluminum Race trim, with a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Audi has made several nods to enthusiasts with this car, including a stability control system that can be turned completely off, while including a lap timer in the driver information screen. Plus, a Sport button activates flaps in the exhaust system to really let the engine howl.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to be a rich enthusiasts to afford the RS3 Sportback, with the price set at 49,900 Euros. That’s $68,000… yikes.

Sadly, that number is mostly irrelevant on this side of the Atlantic as Audi has announced now plans to sell the RS3 in North America.

GALLERY: Audi RS3

Check out the video after the jump:

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