Ford is serious about the performance of the new Mustang Boss 302, and they want the new owners to be able to get the most out of their cars.

So much so that Ford is now offering a full track day experience to those who have bought the track ready Boss 302. Called the ‘Boss Immersion’ track experience, this program has been put together by Team Mustang and Ford Racing. The events will take place at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

While you will need to cover your travel and hotel stay in Utah, Ford will pay for the track time and will even bring their own cars. The day before your track time, an evening reception will be held to get everyone acquainted with each other and learn more about the technical details of this normally-aspirated, 5.0-liter, V8 monster, which produces 440-hp.

Jamie Allison, the director of Ford Racing said, “There’s nothing like the experience of being behind the wheel of a high-performance car on a dedicated track. It’s the environment that breeds incredible machines like Mustang Boss, and for owners who want to experience all these cars are capable of, we can promise an unforgettable event.”

So if you weren’t decided about buying the new Mustang Boss 302, maybe this added track benefit will help make your decision a lot easier.

Giorgetto Giuigiaro and design studio Italdesign have given us a glimpse of two Volkswagen concepts set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Italdesign has collaborated with Volkswagen in the past, with the original Golf and Scirocco widely considered as classics of design. They’ve gone on to pen the Volkswagen W12 concept and various SEAT, Lamborghini and Bugatti models since then. But Volkswagen bought the company outright last May, and these two concept cars are the fruits of that European union.

Not much has been revealed about these two cars since their designs were leaked from the European patent office. But it could very well predict the next Golf and Polo, or the Scirocco and Up! city car, but probably not the Phaeton and Touraeg. They may even be electric-powered, but hey, we’re just as eager to find out as you are when Geneva rolls around in two weeks.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish via Autoblog]

Honda has decided to follow the lead set by Toyota in making drastic cuts to its board in an effort to streamline the decision making process.

In total, the Honda Motor Co. board has been reduced from 20 member to 12 with one important change being the removal of Tetsuo Iwamura.

Set to take effect later this year, Iwamura will retain his position at the top of American Honda, with the changes made also helping to promote a more hand-on approach by execs in different regions of the world.

That being said, the change may sound like just a switch of titles, but it also speaks volumes about Honda’s interest in the U.S. market by cutting its top man from the company board. Aimed at streamlining the decision making process, that process will no longer reflect as much of what American Honda is interested in.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ford has announced it will recall a total of 144,000 F-150 pickup-trucks due to airbags that could deploy by accident. The recall affects just those trucks from the 2005-2006 model years, however, a more widespread recall is pending.

Ford initially refused to recall the trucks at all, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to force the issue. This recall has been issued in response to NHTSA and in the hope it will pacify the government agency, which requested 1.3 million of the trucks be repaired.

NHTSA has been on the war-path as of late, issuing recalls for issues as trivial as rusting hood ornaments on Bentley models. Conversely, Ford has shown a general unwillingness to cooperate with the government agency, initially refusing to issue recalls for its Windstar minivan.

Ford has claimed a low number of incidents and that injuries were minor. NHTSA’s records show 238 complaints of accidental airbag deployment on 2004-06 F-150 models, with 77 reported injuries.

NHTSA is said to be currently studying if Ford’s recall is sufficient.

[Source: Detroit News]

A show renowned for debuts of high-priced exotics, Lexus aims to show the folks from Maranello to Stuttgart just how it’s done over in Japan, debuting the LFA Nurburgring Edition at the Geneva Auto Show. And as luck would have it, Toyota’s luxury arm is previewing the supercar in an extensive new photo gallery – of which you’ll want to click through every pic.

In addition, Lexus has announced complete details on the Nurburgring Edition kit, with a large front splitter, cannards and a massive rear spoiler.

Output from the 4.8-liter V10 engine has been upped just 10-hp to 570-hp total, helping the carbon monocoque machine hit 62-mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 202-mph (slightly lower than the standard model due to the massive downforce generated by the rear spoiler).

Additional upgrades include quicker shift times, a returned suspension, a lowered suspension (10mm) and special wheels and tires.

Available in Matte Black, Black, White or Orange, the interior can be had in Black and Red, Black and Pur­ple or all Black. Plus, all Nurburgring editions get added carbon  fiber interior bits, plus carbon racing seats.

Those lucky enough to afford this most exotic of Japanese cars will get to experience its potential on the Nurburgring with training from the track’s top instructors.

Check out the gallery below and look for more photos from the car’s world premier at the Geneva Auto Show March 1st.

GALLERY: Lexus LFA Nurburgring

Jaguar will debut its most powerful production car yet, the XKR-S, at the Geneva Auto Show next week. The electric blue beast packs a 550-horsepower version of the company’s supercharged V8, delivering 40 more horses than the regular XKR.

The XKR-S name was previously used for the outgoing XK8 model, but that amounted to little more than a suspension upgrade and an engineering prototype Jaguar chickened out on producing. This current XKR-S takes the now-aging XK series out with style, giving it a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds, hitting 100-mph in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 miles per hour.

Jaguar engineers gave it an overhauled suspension supporting lightweight wheels and tires, revising the Adaptive Dynamics electronic systems, and—most notably—gave it a new, comprehensive aero package. It now has more vents and gills, a large wing on the back, and a rear diffuser gracing four exhaust pipes.

Look for plenty more photos of this stylish beast with coverage of the Geneva Auto Show starting March 1st.

GALLERY: Jaguar XKR-S

Just in time for the Spring thaw, Volkswagen has announced the return of the Golf Cabriolet. Extending the Golf range to one more model, the Cabriolet hasn’t been offered since the Mark III generation, over a decade ago.

Powered by a range of engines, including VW’s 200-hp GTI powerpant as well as the torque-filled TDI, the ‘Cab’ gets a soft top roof that can open or close in just 9.5 seconds at speeds of up to 20-mph.

Standard features include LED taillights, an automatically-deploying roll-over bar and stability control. As VW cheekily points out in its press release, however, a sunroof will not be offered.

On sale in Germany starting tomorrow, expect an announcement from VW of America about the Golf Cabriolet’s return to our shores. And be sure to check back March 1st for coverage of the car’s official world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

The global economy must be back on track, because Aston Martin has just released a new model in what seems like an already crowded segment. Likely in response to a growing threat from Bentley, the new Virage slots in Aston’s lineup between the DB9 and the ultra-exotic DBS.

Power comes from (what else?) the very 6.0-liter V12 that is used in much of the rest of the Aston lineup. Laying down 490-hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, power hits the ground through a 6-speed automatic gearbox, helping the Virage hit 60-mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is 186-mph.

The chassis is familiar too, being a version of the very VH architecture that underpins the rest of the Aston lineup, using aluminum and magnesium, with composite body panels to keep weight to a minimum. Also included is Aston’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS), while 20-inch wheels sit at each corner wrapped around carbon ceramic brakes.

Both a Virage Coupe and Convertible (Volante) will be offered, officially debuting at the Geneva Auto Show on March 1st.

Until then, browse through all the car-porn below.

GALLERY: Aston Martin Virage

GALLERY: Aston Martin Virage Volante

When the new MINI Cooper debuted back in 2001, it was impossible not to note how much larger the car was than its classic predecessor. The less-than-mini size of the vehicle is even more obvious in Europe, where the majority of cars on the road share roughly the same dimensions. It comes as little surprise then that the brand famous for thinking small is preparing to unveil a new more-mini MINI at the Geneva Auto Show next week.

Called the Rocketman concept, this isn’t a production car and it’s easy to see why, with a state-of-the-art carbon fiber spaceframe that allows it to be incredibly light – although oddly enough, MINI isn’t listing any figures relating to its weight.

Powered by what is rumored to be a turbocharged diesel 3-cylinder, the Rocketman is capable of 94-mpg. That’s imperial mpg’s however, with a U.S. number closer to the 78-mpg mark.

Size wise, its 11-feet 3-inches long, which just over a foot shorter in length than the current Cooper hardtop. For added perspective, the Smart fortwo is nearly 9-feet in length.

Inside there’s seating for 3+1 (similar to Toyota’s iQ) with three seats for adults and an occasional use seat for a child. Getting into and out of the car is made easy thanks to innovative doors that have double hinges, allowing them to open extra wide when there’s room or to almost slide open when in tighter spots. Improved ease of access is also possible as when the doors open there is no sidesill to step over. Instead the bottom of the car moves with the door, as the carbon frame means rocker panels no longer have to be structural elements.

In terms of styling, it’s always hard to tell how close a MINI concept is to production. Most automakers get pretty wild with their concepts, but MINI’s designers are too concerned with crafting the car to look like a MINI to be overly creative. There are, however, a few unique elements, like the 18-inch carbon fiber wheels designed with aerodynamics in mid. And let’s not forget the glass Union Jack roof.

Inside, it’s typical MINI too, with a large center speedo (oh how we loathe you) that has a 3D display, and a futuristic look at MINI Connected with a joystick on the center console and steering wheel mounted controls to help you stay more connected.

MINI says the Rocketman concept is a look at a possible future model, taking into account the brand’s core values, which include premium trim, a creative use of space and a dynamic driving experience.

Will MINI bring the Rocketman to market? Possibly, however, it’s not likely to make it across the Atlantic. In a recent interview with AutoGuide, MINI U.S.A. boss Jim McDowell said he didn’t foresee any smaller or larger MINIs in North America.

Expect news on the production possibility when the car debuts next week at the Geneva Auto Show. Until then, see all the previewed cars for Geneva here.

GALLERY: MINI Rocketman Concept

Get more on the Rocketman Concept with the official release after the jump:

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After plenty of teaser shots and even some video, it’s not Lamborghini who is unveiling the new Aventador LP700-4 but a leaked image courtesy Evo Magazine Croatia.

Taking design inspiration from the Reventon, powering the successor to the Murcielago is a 6.5-liter V12 rated at roughly 690-hp. It will be 18 percent more powerful than the Murcielago, while also emitting 20 percent fewer emissions. As for the transmission, Lamborghini will make use of its new ISR 7-speed transmission – the first use of a 7-speed with a V12 in the industry. With five gear settings, (auto strada, auto sport, strada, sport and corsa) the innovative transmission will be able to deliver shift times of just 50 ms in Corsa – which is almost as quick as a Formula 1 car.

Weight is kept to a minimum thanks to a carbon fiber chassis and the LP700-4 will get a pushrod suspension setup, similar to those found on race cars.

As for the rest of the car, it will be more ergonomic than even the Gallardo, with space for larger drivers. The dash will feature a new TFT instrument cluster, meaning that it won’t have traditional physical gauges, but that all instrumentation will be displayed on a screen.

The Aventador is set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March. Until then, see AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Geneva Auto Show Preview here.

[Source: WorldCarFans]