Usually when it comes to high-performance vehicles the discussion almost always has to deal with the car’s engine. Not so with the upcoming 2012 BMW M5.

With a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 all but confirmed, the interwebs has been all atwitter about what transmissions will be offered. Assumed to be a dual-clutch unit all along, then came a report that only a old fashioned automatic would be available. Since being (allegedly) debunked, the latest rumor is that a dual-clutch gearbox will be standard throughout the world, but that a six-speed manual will be available, but only in North America.

This seems likely, as BMW learned its no-manuals lesson the last time around with the previous M5. Initially scheduled to only be a paddle-shift SMG gearbox, fans protested and BMW was forced to offer an old-fashioned stick shift.

Look for more details in the months to come, with the car scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall.

[Source: BMWBlog]

Following an increasingly popular trend, Chevy will look to build its next-generation Equinox compact crossover on a global platform. Set to be based on the next-gen Chevy Cruze architecture, the Equinox is slated to be smaller and lighter than the current model.

Along with more efficient engines, automakers are working to reduce weight from vehicles and this new Equinox could drop as many as 300 to 400 lbs over the current model.

The global platform will also help GM save money, with this new vehicle designed to replace the current Equinox in North America, as well as the Chevrolet Captiva overseas.

Don’t expect the vehicle to shrink too much, however, with GM already planning a new lineup of sub-compact crossovers, including the rumored Buick Encore.

[Source: GMI]

If you think gas prices are bad over here; spare a thought for our British cousins across the pond. Currently, fuel at the pumps is approaching almost $10 per imperial gallon (approximately 1.2009 US gals) in England.

As a result motorists in the UK are looking every which way they can to save fuel. The Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM) has come up with some tips that could save drivers up to 10 percent in fuel each month.  Simon Green, the IAM’s Chief Executive, said recently in the organization’s newsletter, that if the “monthly price of filling up is typically £70 ($112) each, an experienced or advanced driver can save up to £14 per month or £168 a year,” simply by changing their driving habits.

Tips offered by the institute include anticipating the flow of traffic around you, reducing the need for hard acceleration or braking; using cruise control where possible to regulate speed; switching off the engine at railroad crossings and long traffic lights; removing excess baggage from the trunk or roof rack; checking your tire pressures regularly (at least once a month) and obeying the posted speed limit signs.

Although some European countries are taking more drastic measures to save fuel consumption, notably Spain, which reduced it’s national speed limit recently; the IAM maintains the best option is to be light with your right foot.

Besides the tips mentioned above the institute is also offering an Eco-Driving designed to help maximize fuel efficiency while driving in a safe and responsible manner.

[Source: Institute for Advanced Motorists]

Baldwin Motion is looking to benefit from the resurgence of Chevy‘s new Chamaro, launching five different models with horsepower figures ranging anywhere from 525-hp to 800-hp, all based on the Camaro SS. Dubbed the “Fantastic Five”, the base model is SS-427, next up is the Phase III 427 then the SS-454, Phase III 454 and last but not least, the Phase III 427-SC.

Following the naming designation, each Camaro SS is powered by either GM’s LS7 427 powerplant or their LSX 454 engine. Hit the source to see specs on each and every model, but it’s worth highlighting the Phase III 427-SC that takes the Camaro SS to an impressive 800-hp. Baldwin Motion supercharges a fully built GM’s LS7 427 engine with a 2.8L twin-screw supercharger.  The heads are also completely redone with a custom Redline R3-SC blower camshaft to up high-end horsepower.

Baldwin Motion doesn’t just focus on the horsepower, installing Brembo six-pistons front brakes and four-pistons rear brakes. On the outside custom Motion painted striping, wheels accompany Phase III-SC’s hood and rear spoiler. The front end has also been swapped out for a much more aggressive piece.

Lastly, the interior also receives front and rear seat accents with embroidered headrests with a carbon fiber finish

GALLERY: Baldwin Motion Chevrolet Camaros

[Source: Baldwin Motion]

Are you a bit of a pool shark who has a thing for classic cars? Then have we got a pool table for you. Shoot some stick on the classic 1965 Shelby GT 350 replica pool table.

Not only will you have the coolest rec room in the neighborhood, this pool table is a true collector’s piece, as each one is a numbered limited edition and comes signed by Carroll Shelby. The 1965 Shelby GT350 pool table sports a Wimbledon white and Guardsman Blue finish and is adorned with cherry finished rails and a solid hardwood body. It looks the like it’s the read deal because it’s been molded from the actual body of a Shelby 1965 GT 350.

They’ve gone all out on this pool table, giving it the luxe treatment with quality auto paint and clear coat, wet sanded, working lights, real chrome bumpers and decals, and alloy rims and tires. There are only 20 made (and five have already been sold), so you can still get one from $11,995 to $29,000.

Watch a video featuring the 1965 Shelby GT 350 replica pool table after the jump.

[Source: Born Rich]

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You need to run errands, or visit a friend, or meet a client, but the thought of find a parking spot gives you a great reason to procrastinate. There’s no need to fear the uncertainty of parking space scarcity anymore, thanks to the Navigon Help2Park app.

The free smartphone application works for iPhone and Android operating systems and helps you find a place to park in most U.S. cities. With the Help2Park app, you can choose from private and public parking areas, as well as the radius size near your destination (depending upon how far you want to walk).

It also comes with a list of options to choose from and displays them on a map. If you’ve already shelled out some cash for Navigon’s MobileNavigator navigation app, Help2Park can work with it to provide turn-by turn directions.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Ferrari‘s F430 and now F458 Italia has become synonymous with the Italian manufacturer’s moniker; while models such as the California go on living their lives less popular in the public light. Sporting a front-engine 4.3L V8 with 454-hp, many critiqued the California as a girl’s Ferrari, rather than a man’s Ferrari. But the folks over at ADV.1 Wheels don’t think the California is a ‘chick’s car’ and set out to prove it.

Teaming up with Wheels Boutique, the Florida-based wheel manufacturer took a classy silver California and outfitted it with some suspension modifications and a set of their brilliant wheels, making the California a manly exotic supercar. Not many words are needed to express just how beautiful this project is, but it’s worth mentioning how simple and subtle modifications can go a long way in completing the look of a car. Even one as exotic as Ferrari’s California.

GALLERY: ADV.1 Wheels Ferrari California

[Source: ADV.1 ]

New details have slipped out about Porsche‘s upcoming limited edition version of the GT3 RS – including the fact that this will be the last 997 model released. That being said, it will be a fitting send-off for an incredible performance machine.

The car will not, as previously reported, get 500-hp, but a slightly less awesome 485-hp (still 35-hp over the GT3 RS). It’s also, reportedly, no longer set to be unveiled on April 7th.

Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the car will get the carbon fiber fenders and hood from the GT2 RS, adding an even more race-inspired look to this track superstar. Other aerodynamic upgrades will be included, as well suspension changes.

A two-tone interior will be optional, as well as numerous carbon fiber parts. Pricing will jump significantly over the GT3 RS, rising from $130,000 to $185,000 although with options it will top $200,000.

[Source: TeamSpeed]

ALG, a company best known for predicting residual values on vehicles in its automotive lease guides, also conducts ‘Perceived Quality’ studies. And the findings of its most recent one (Spring 2011); indicated that of all automakers that sell cars and trucks in the U.S., the most improved in the mainstream category was Kia Motors.

“For Kia, the consumer quality recognition is the payoff for a recent revolution in product quality and design supported by aggressive marketing campaigns,” declared Eric Lyman; ALG’s Director of Residual Value Solutions.

Other brands that reported notable gains in perceived quality included Land Rover; largely fueled by the growing popularity of the Ranger Rover Sport and new Evoque models.

In terms of the top five automakers in the mainstream category, there were few surprises: Honda, Toyota, Ford Trucks, Subaru and Nissan were ranked in that order as delivering the best in perceived vehicle quality. In the luxury category Lexus ranked first, followed by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Acura.

For everyone out there despondent about the news that cassette decks will no longer be available in new cars, you’ve just been granted a reprieve. We are happy to announce that there’s still hope for your extensive collection of tapes from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

It turns out that the Crown Victoria still comes with a cassette player as part of its entertainment package. But, we’ve got some bad news, and some more bad news. The bad news is the Crown Vic will end production later this year, so if you really want the cassette deck in your new car, you need to get one before the year is out. The other bad news is it’s only available as a fleet sale. Now all you have to do is convince your boss to buy it as a company vehicle and you’ll be set.

For the bulk of us, it looks like the end of an era is upon us. What are you going to do with your cassette tapes?