Porsche is considering a plan to develop yet another new model, but this time it’s actually a sports car. While the company know for building such machines has spent a lot of time, effort and R&D developing sedans and SUVs as of late, Porsche chief Mathias Muller has confirmed plans for a car that would sit above the 911 range, but comfortably below the $845,000 918 Spyder.

“We’re looking to extend the range,” said Muller  in a recent interview with AutoCar. “We’ve got an idea to do another mid-engined model. We’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.” Muller admits the car has moved beyond just the conceptual stage and that it is currently being studied to see if its economically feasible. While such a stage would likely kill-off such a car for most automakers, Porsche tends to have the good fortune of a loyal fan base who will snatch up ever version of anything they sell – hence the continuous roll-out of special edition 911 models as of late.

Designed as a mid-engined car, it is likely to make use of carbon fiber for key structural components and cost in the range of the Ferrari 458 at $225,000 and be a direct rival for that car. Previous reports have suggested Porsche is also investigating another model above the 911, likely a coupe based on the Panamera, with a front-engine V8 and a focus more on being a grand touring type of vehicle.

[Source: AutoCar]

From Europe to Japan it seems like everyone gets better versions of cars than we do here in North America. Whether it’s a higher-performance Subaru WRX STI, a V-Spec GT-R or a Mercedes SL65 Black Series that weights 200-lbs less than ours because of carbon-fiber seats that don’t meet our safety regulations.

But now, if you’re the proud owner of an Infiniti G37 6MT, you can either call a random 75-digit European phone number and taunt whoever picks up at the other end, or you can express your sincerest sympathies. Why? Because those usually-lucky Europeans don’t get to enjoy any Infiniti model with a stick shift.

That’s right, in a region of the world where manuals are more common than automatics, the luxury brand has decided not to offer a stick shift, despite it being available in every other market Infiniti sells in.

So if you do own a stick-shift Infiniti, cherish it, because while we might miss out on a lot of cool cars, this one we get to enjoy.

Shoehorning giant engines into small cars is nothing revolutionary. The goal of achieving a ridiculous power-to-weight ratio has always been on the minds of automotive enthusiasts, and this project is a great testament to how far creativity goes. LS1 engine enthusiast, LS1Blazer on ls1tech.com, went and swapped in a 401-hp LS1 motor into a Geo Tracker. Yes, that Geo Tracker.

The swap wasn’t a quick and easy affair either; a new rear-end and transmission had to be swapped in along with new fuel lines throughout the vehicle. It’s definitely a tight fit in an engine bay that originally housed a comparably minuscule 1.6L four-cylinder.

Another plus on the Tracker is the fact that its exterior is subtly modified. A matte black shade along with suspension mods and a set of wheels hardly hints at what’s underneath the hood. If anything, unsuspecting motorists might just stare oddly at this Tracker until they catch wind of the unmistakable rumble of an LS powerplant.

GALLERY: Corvette LS1-Powered Geo Tracker

[Source: Jalopnik]

Saab and German parts manufacturer ZF will establish a new facility in Saab’s hometown of Trolhattan, Sweden, that will build suspension components for their upcoming Phoenix platform cars, one of which will be the next 9-3 sedan.

The plant, which will employ 50 people, will produce front subframes and rear axles for the new cars. The Phoenix platform will likely underpin Saab’s entire new car range, and takes its roots from the competent GM Epsilon platform, which underpins most of their mid-size front-drive vehicles sold today.

[Source: Saab]

Press release below the jump

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If you are the kind of person who is bored with standard production vehicles and wants something very unique, have we got the car for you.

It is a 2008 Maserati Quattroporte, which might be a nice car on its own. But what sets this example apart from the rest is the fact that it is a station wagon. It was customized by coachbuilder Carrozeria Touring Superleggera, a company that has in recent years built quite a name for itself and is also responsible for the new Gumpert Tornante.

This unique Quattroporte, dubbed the Bellagio, was first shown at the 2008 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este  classic car show in Italy, and while it is not known how many Bellagio estates have been produced, one has popped up for sale in the Netherlands.

This example has covered just 961-miles and it looks very regal in its royal-blue paint. It’s not cheap to stand out from the crowd though. While a standard 2008 Quattroporte can be had for about $65,000 the ultra rare Bellagio is going for a heart-stopping $233,000. Exclusivity certainly demands a price.

[Source: Carscoop]

If you want a watch that will stop admirers in the tracks, try the special all-white “Ice” versions of the Bentley GT and Bentley GT Racing chronographs on for size.

A few weeks ago, Bentley and their timepiece partner, Breitling, launched the limited edition “Breitling for Bentley” Supersports Light Body watch in tribute to a new ice speed record (it was set by four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible). These special all-white “Ice” versions are compact, which makes them suitable to wear no matter what size of wrist you have.  Both versions boast an Ice White dial, an exclusive Bentley livery color and a rubber strap. They also come with a self-winding Breitling Calibre 13B chronograph movement and a calendar displaying the day and date through a large twin aperture.

Other embellishments found on these timepieces include rimmed counters that enhance the dials of the watches, and a bezel that features a knurled motif. The Bentley GT Ice chronograph is adorned with a steel case with an all-polished finish, while the Bentley GT Racing Ice version features alternating satin-brushed upper surfaces and polished sides. On the caseback, you’ll find a medallion that’s stamped with the outline of the Bentley Continental GT.

The Bentley GT Ice and Bentley GT Racing Ice watches will set you back $7,165 each. A small price to pay to secure your status has a fashion plate, we think.

[Source: Born Rich]

After Nissan announced last Fall that it had shaved over two seconds a lap off its Nurburgring lap time, video of the run has now found its way onto the net.

The added power (530-hp in total), as well as numerous upgrades for the 2012 model allowed Nissan to shave 2.48 seconds off the previous time for a 7:24.22 lap.

As Nissan continues to upgrade the GT-R, however, rivals have stepped up their game as well, and the GT-R is still two seconds off the Viper ACR, and six seconds off the Porsche GT2 RS.

See the video after the jump:

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Not only do they package up stories in handy digest form, they also do brand research. Reader’s Digest has asked Canadians what automaker they trust the most, and they voted Toyota as one of their 2011 “Most Trusted Brands.”

This is the third consecutive year Toyota has scooped the “Most Trusted Passenger Car Brand,” as part of Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands awards program. Toyota also walked away with the “Most Trusted Hybrid Brand” award this year as well.

“We’re honoured that Canadian readers have once again placed their trust in Toyota and have recognized us with these awards,” said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “We remain committed to providing Canadians with a vehicle that delivers the quality, safety, sustainability and retained value they demand – and we value the endorsement that important awards like this represent.”

If you didn’t take part in the poll, let us know which brand you trust the most when it comes to cars in the comments section below.

[Source: Toyota]

You will never be able to buy one off the showroom floor, but that shouldn’t stop you from drooling over the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, a race version of Mercedes’ most extreme sports car.

At a sticker price of $430,000, the GT3 version is the psychotic sibling of the standard car, and only a shadow of a similarity remains. The necessary add-ons like a rear wing, center-lock wheels, widened carbon fiber bodywork and all the safety equipment needed to go racing are in place, not to mention a new 6-speed sequential gearbox and a cool air-jack system that negates the need for a hand operated unit.

The video doesn’t show too much of the car’s capabilities, but we do get some great audio of the SLS AMG’s NASCAR-like exhaust note. Expect to see this at racetracks far and wide, but never bearing a license plate.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Hit the jump to see the video

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While the Nissan Sunny has already been previewed at AutoGuide, we just got out first look at the hatchback version of Nissan’s subcompact (known as the Tiida) thanks to a Chinese photographer who spied the car out in the open.

The new hatchback looks like a Lexus CT200h mixed with Nissan’s familiar corporate styling cues, not a bad step up from the current Versa’s dowdy looks. The interior also looks like it will get a big bump in quality. We aren’t sure if this is the “locked-in” styling for North America, nor do we know what kind of powertrains will be offered, but the gallery below should give you a good idea of what to expect. Expect a New York Auto Show debut, and AutoGuide will be on hand with live coverage.

GALLERY: 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback

[Source: Autoten.com via The Car Lounge]