KTM has expanded their X-Bow line of models by adding the newly released X-Bow R alongside their current X-Bow Clubsport and X-Bow Street models. KTM describes the X-Bow R as a result of “further development” of their sports car, outfitting it with an Audi-sourced 2.0L TFSI power plant that pushes out 300-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque – a drastic increase from the X-Bow’s 237-hp.

The X-Bow R doesn’t just see improvements in the powertrain department. Further improvements have been made all around to support the new motor and its increased performance. In addition, the Audi 2.0L TFSI receives several enhancements to bring horsepower to 300-hp compared to the 272-hp in standard trim. KTM outfits it with a bigger turbo and upgrades the fuel system and ECU accordingly.

So for those with $83,000 lying around, the X-Bow R will get you a carbon fiber racing monococque, a mechanical limited slip differential, aluminum rear diffuser, adjustable pedals, adjustable and removal steering wheel, sport suspension (with both rebound and compression damping adjustability), keyless go system, painted rims, 4-point harness and paint work unique to the R model.

GALLERY: KTM X-Bow R

Cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Ferrari F430 and Cadillac Escalade tend to be the standard rap video vehicles, but independent R&B artist Frank Ocean, a mega-talented R&B singer with a lot of internet buzz, tends towards the enthusiast end of the spectrum.

The album art for his record Nostalgia, Ultra features an orange BMW M3 from the early 1990s, and his newest video, for the hauntingly beautiful song Acura Integurl features not just one but two modified Acura NSXs carving through canyon roads. Considering Ocean’s love of cars that are oriented towards “Go” rather than “Show” we’re pleasantly surprised at his choice, but support it wholeheartedly. The only thing missing are the actual engine noises, which would nicely compliment his pitch perfect vocals.

Video after the jump

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Mazda and Chinese joint venture partner Chang’an are reportedly developing a new sub-brand for the Chinese market, with their first offering based on the outdated but still excellent 1st generation Mazda3.

Mazda still sells the older Mazda3 in China, while importing the current Mazda3 hatchback. The current car will be joined by a Chinese made version of the contemporary Mazda3 sedan, ostensibly with the new SKYACTIV engine capable of 40 mpg, while the older model will get a re-styling and move to the sub-brand’s lineup sometime this year.

[Source: China Car Times]

Honda has scheduled the June 16 release of its all new Fit Shuttle. The new station-wagon-like variant of the popular Fit subcompact will be offered with both a regular 4-cylinder engine or a hybrid version, the Nikkei business daily reported.

Increased production at the Suzuka factory in Mie Prefecture began in early May and has progressed enough to support the June 16 release date.

Actual deliveries to customers are expected to begin in July, the paper said.

Honda is eager to launch the vehicle, three months after its planned debut on March 18, disrupted by the deadly earthquake.

[Source: Automotive News]

The 400 GT was once described by Lamborghini chief test driver Valentino Balboni as the best sounding car of all time. Perhaps that’s what made it so attractive to music legend Sir Paul McCartney.

Now McCartney’s 1967 400GT can be yours, because it will be hitting the auction stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 1.

Lamborghini only made 247 examples of the 400 GT and this one being a right-hand drive version is rarer still, although that might make the car less appealing to a North American buyer. Projected selling price of this example is in the $162,000 to $194,000 range.

The sale will be handled by Bonham’s Auction House, a company known to attract rich collectors, so it will be interesting to see who buy’s this vehicle and what price it actually fetches!

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Toyota has a announced a bold new initiative, teaming up with Salesforce.com to create its own social network site for Toyota owners. Called ‘Toyota Friend’ the private social network will connect Toyota customers with their cars, their dealership and even the factory.

Powered by Salesforce Chatter (a private social network used by businesses), it will launch next ear on Toyota’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles next year, with plans to expand it overseas.

Toyota Friend will deliver vehicle info, maintenance tips and more to owners, who can even choose to extend their network to family and friends through other social networks, like Facebook and Twitter.

“Social networking services are transforming human interaction and modes of communication,” said TMC President Akio Toyoda in a statement. “The automobile needs to evolve in step with that transformation. I am always calling for Toyota to make ever-better cars. The alliance that we announce today is an important step forward in achieving that goal.”

In addition, Toyota has announced the creation of Toyota Media Services Co., which will spearhead the creation of a next generation telematics service for Toyota. The Japanese automaker is investing 442 million yen in the division, with an additional 223 million yen from Salesforce.com and 335 million yen from Microsoft.

After a trying season, things are finally starting to turn around for Team Cadillac. Competing with a two car effort in the fifth and sixth rounds of the SCCA World Challenge series at Mosport International Raceway, Johnny O’Connell managed two podium finishes in his No. 3 CTS-V Coupe in front of a crowd that included General Motors North America President Mark Reuss.

In race one O’Connell moved from third on the grid to second on the start, then surrendering the position to the Corvette of Patrick Lindsey. O’Connell then took back second place when Lindsay encountered mechanical problems and then held on to second; the team’s best finish of the season.

In race two, O’Connell looked poised for a repeat but managed just a third place finish after a late race caution stopped him from hunting down Patrick Long in the No. 45 Privacy Star Porsche 911 GT3. Both races were won by Mike Skeen in the No. 2 CRP Racing/Cragar Wheels Chevrolet Corvette.

The No. 8 CTS-V of Andy Pilgrim placed fifth in both races of the weekend, helping Cadillac secure second in the manufacturer’s points race behind Porsche.

Rounds seven and eight of the World Challenge series take place August 5-7 at Mid Ohio.

GALLERY: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car

K-Pax Racing debuted its new bodystyle Volvo S60R GT race car at Mosport International Raceway this weekend, but the stunning new sheetmetal wasn’t accompanied by a similar performance.

Competing in the fifth and sixth rounds of the SCCA World Challenge series, the new bodystyle car was piloted by series rookie Alex Figge, who managed a 10th place finish in the GT Class in the first of two races on a doubleheader weekend. The No. 9 K-Pax racing Volvo then retired early from the second race of the weekend due to mechanical issues.

As for the P-Pax Volvo C30 entries in the TC Class, there were some ups and downs for the weekend with Aaron Povoledo taking 3rd in the first race, and landing his second straight podium. Povoledo seemed poised to improve on that finish on Sunday’s race, but was disqualified by race officials for jumping the start.

Rounds seven and eight of the World Challenge series take place August 5-7 at Mid Ohio.

GALLERY: K-Pax Racing Volvo S60R GT

Call it whatever you like, but the upcoming Toyota FT-86/Scion FR-S/Toyotabaru/King Ghidorah sports car has been spotted in public, well ahead of its anticipated production-ready December unveiling.

We know what the Toyota version looks like—time and time and time again. But the camoed-up version seen stuck in traffic on the 405 looks more like Subaru’s version—and given the Subaru distributor plates, this is more likely the case.

While the Toyota/Scion model is expected to be more focused on handling dynamics and light weight, rumors continue to point to the Subaru model as a lower volume, higher output, hard-core version.

[Source: GTRUSABlog via Autoblog]

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It’s been over 100 years, and French watchmaker Saint Honoré has blessed the world with some unforgettable designs. Now, they’ve turned their sights on car racing and created a watch to go along with their new obsession – the Haussman Forty 7-24 watch.

Letting you put the spirit of Le Mans on your wrist, this chronograph boasts impeccable styling. The dashboard of a race car is reflected in the silver-tinted dial, which features round counters, brightly colored hands and a tachymetric scale that goes up to 407 km/h (that’s the fastest speed ever reached in the Le Mans). It also features the number 15 in orange, which pays tribute to the start time for the mythical 24 Hours races, (15 hours: 3 p.m.) and automatic Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement that can been seen through a transparent crystal.

The Haussman Forty 7-24 watch is self-winding and has a 44-hour power reserve. Its 3-counter chronograph system offers the hour, minute and small second functions and it comes with super cool straps in black, honeycomb rubber and special leather with holes and orange overstitching.

Saint Honoré’s two racing driver ambassadors, Stéphane Sarrazin for Peugeot and Christophe Tinseau for Pescarolo, have already been sporting the Haussman Forty 7-24 at the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. We’ll let you know when and where you can pick yours up when the information becomes available.

[Source: Born Rich]