Aping the roof structure of the Porsche Boxster Spyder, Mazda has unveiled its own lighter-weight drop-top at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Using a light-weight tarp-like design, the Spyder’s top is affixed in the front to the top of the windshield, while the rear buckles into mounts located in the truck. Mazda has yet to reveal exactly how much weight this removes from the vehicle, but it’s certain to shed at least a few pounds – and on an already light weight car like the MX-5, even pound counts.

Of note, Mazda goes out of its way to mention that the top was developed in association with parts supplier Magna – perhaps a solid hint that such a roof structure is being planned for the next-generation of the iconic roadster.

In addition to the roof, this SEMA Show concept is kitted out with a long list of performance goodies, from Yokohama Advan wheels, to Brembo brakes, not to mention a Racing Beat header, intake and exhaust.

The doors to the 2011 SEMA Show officially open tomorrow, so look for an update as we hunt down details on how much weight this innovative soft-top sheds.

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 Spyder

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show coverage here

Chevrolet unveiled the first of what will surely be many concept cars based on their new Sonic compact car, with a lifestyle/tuner car designed with input by Motocross legend and NASCAR driver Ricky Carmichael, and a ready-to-go racer intended for SCCA competition.

The Sonic All Activity Vehicle – Ricky Carmichael Concept features a full suite of interior and exterior accessories, including OEM Z-Spec body treatments, an interior made by Fox Motocross from their board short material, and the familiar 1.4L Chevrolet turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to ensure that there’s some go to back up the “show” element.

The Sonic Super 4 Concept, despite the goofy name, is a full-blown race car that is intended to be a turnkey, SCCA-legal car with a proper rollcage, harnesses and a fire suppression system, the Sonic Super 4 is the perfect counterpart to the Ricky Carmichael Concept – it ain’t pretty, but it’s probably very good at its intended mission. The Super 4 uses the same 1.4L turbo 4-banger and 6-speed gearbox as the Ricky Carmichael Concept, but in this application, definitely gets put to much better usage.

Check out the rest of AutoGuide’s SEMA coverage here

Gallery: Chevrolet Sonic Ricky Carmichael Concept and Super 4 Concept

The 2011 SEMA Show isn’t officially open yet but we’ve obtained a few snap shots of one of the two Honda‘s being kept under wraps. Called the 2012 Civic Si HFP this more hard-edged version of the new Si might just be the car enthusiasts were hoping for.

While the list of the modifications includes such trivialities as floor mats and LED lights, there are some important changes that are sure to appeal to the enthusiast crowd. For starters, there’s a more aggressive aero kit – something this car desperately needed. But most importantly there’s a HFP suspension setup (the exact specs of which aren’t yet known), plus the car gets larger 18-inch wheels with some 215/40/18 Yokohama tires. These updates should hopefully address some of the complaints we had about the car’s softly spring suspension.

As for the other car, we don’t have any snap shots, but it’s purpose built race car by Honda-backed racing team Compass 360.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda Civic Si HFP

Discuss this story at 9thGenCivic.com

It might not be the wildest car at Honda‘s 2011 SEMA Show booth, but the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Accord Coupe V6 Concept might be the closes to reality.

In a pristine white, the Accord Coupe gets a custom HFP body kit, a 15mm lower suspension and some big 19-inch wheels. The best part, however, is that it makes 335-hp courtesy a “prototype” supercharger. Torque has also been increased to 285 lb-ft. In total that’s an increase of 64-hp and 34 lb-ft of torque. It might not be the biggest jump, but those modest numbers are a hint at just how close to production this kit could be.

We’ll await confirmation with Honda’s SEMA Show press conference tomorrow.

GALLERY: Honda Accord Coupe V6 Concept by HFP

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show coverage here.

Following on from some images of the upcoming  Scion FR-S (Toyota FT-86 in other markets), detailed specifications have now been leaked from a reported actual Toyota training manual onto the web, via enthusiast site FT86Club.com

If the information that’s surfaced is in fact accurate, then the specs of the rear-drive coupe look something like this: Two trim levels (at least in Japan); including a base and higher performance variant (the latter with a standard limited slip rear differential, leather steering wheel, white faced gauges, six-speaker premium sound system and LED lighting); a choice of manual gearbox or automatic transmission; a standard 197 horsepower 2.0-liter dual overhead cam boxer four cylinder engine that requires premium unleaded fuel; curb weight in the vicinity of 2,700 lbs (fairly light for a modern coupe of this ilk) and a choice of different wheel and tire combinations (16-inch wheels on base cars, 17-inchers on the others).

In addition there’s also reportedly a “Customize Grade” variant with a very basic interior, unpainted bumpers and steel 16-inch wheels, though, as with other Japanese performance cars in the past, this one is likely aimed at JDM racers and hardcore motorsports enthusiasts, which means it probably won’t be showing up in Scion showrooms anytime soon.

Given the drip feed of leaked information we’ve been experiencing with the FR-S/FT-86 in recent weeks, it’ll be interesting to see what else comes to light before the car makes it’s official debut. Stay tuned for any further developments.

[Source:FT86Club.com]

Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com

Amid grand plans to turn the brand into a true Audi/BMW competitor Ford stated, that in addition to Lincoln being given greater autonomy, it had put in place plans to introduce a raft of new models, including a “premium” compact car, the MKC, designed to compete with the likes of the A3 and 1-Series.

Well now it appears those plans have been axed, Lincoln deciding that a better use of resources would be to introduce a compact crossover, since according to inside sources at Dearborn it was believed said small car (shown above in concept C form) could cannibalize sales of Lincoln’s bread and butter sedan, the MKZ, slated for a major redo.

However, it also appears, that the updated 2013 MKZ has now been delayed; with a launch date set for late next year instead of early summer 2012.

Getting back to Lincoln’s new compact crossover, rumored to be called the MkD, it will likely be spun off the new Ford Escape, and possibly feature standard EcoBoost power, in order to make it a worth contender against the likes of Audi’s Q3.

As for Lincoln’s other plans, rumors continue to persist about a rear-wheel drive flagship, though what architecture it will be based on remains to be seen, especially as Ford currently doesn’t have any large rear-drive cars, certainly in North America.

Nevertheless, a high-zoot flagship; using either modified Mustang or Australian Ford Falcon underpinnings could really pave the way for a Lincoln renaissance, reviving the brand as a true alternative to the likes of the popular German marques. And if a bit of that polish rubs off on said flagship’s smaller stablemates, so much the better.

[Source: Ford Inside News]

Unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Show is this very custom Rauh-Welt Porsche 965. The wide fendered, deep dish wheeled, humongously spoilered tuner Porsche is the property of former 0-60 editor Brian Scotto. Recenty Scotto made the switch to work with motorsports personality Ken Block and now runs Block’s “Hoonigan” brand.

What’s Hoonigan? Well, so far it’s just a Facebook page aimed at promoting and enjoying the drive-it-like-you-stole-it lifestyle. But there’s more to it than that, with Hoonigan set to make a big announcement at the SEMA Show.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here, with coverage starting Tuesday, November 1st.

GALLERY: RWB Porsche 965

For more on Brian Scotto’s RWB Porsche, see the here.

Audi, long the automaker of choice for Chinese bureaucrats, has found itself suddenly losing to rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. As the nation creates a new generation of wealthy young buyers, Audi’s market share in China has fallen by 25% in less than two years.

Mercedes market share is now at 22 percent from 16 percent in 2009. BMW’s share grew to 25 percent to 21 percent. Finally, Audi have fallen from their previous 40 percent to a current 30 percent.

According to Shaun Rein, Shanghai-based managing director of China Market Research Group, “Audi is seen as being a bit old-fashioned because of its association as being a government car. Wealthy consumers today want something sexier, more indulgent, which is why BMW and Mercedes have done well… Ten years ago, everyone wanted to be in government as that was seen as the ticket to wealth. Today, the new wealthy consumer doesn’t want to be associated with officialdom.”

Jim Hall, principal of automotive consulting firm 2953 Analytics Inc. explains, “Audi has a slightly schizophrenic image. In China, its sedans are government cars and are considered stodgy. In the U.S. and Europe, Audi is edgy, stylish, and a smarter buy than a Mercedes or a BMW.”

Now, young customers and families will be the main customer focus for Audi. Studies indicate that China possesses the youngest average age of Asia’s wealthy entrepreneurs. The average age of people in China with liquid assets of at least 500,000 yuan ($78,700) is 36. Comparatively, the age is 38 in Indonesia, and 48 in Hong Kong.

Audi’s President of China, Dietmar Voggenreiter, intends to reverse the market share slide by pushing an image of young and trendy models such as the R8 Spyder sports car and the A1 subcompact. The Audi A7 four door coupe will be available in China next month and the Q3 crossover in 2012.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

First unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Land Rover‘s DC100 Concept is heading to the U.S., signifying the luxury SUV maker’s intention to eventually offer a production version in North America. Previewing the next-generation Defender SUV, Land Rover’s global brand direct John Edwards has given strong hints that the new model will go on sale in the U.S., starting with an updated version of the concept that will be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in just two week’s time.

The truck’s new look may be significantly more stylish than its predecessor, but Edwards insists that it will be targeted at the Third World. However, it was also built to appeal to the, “California surfer dude.”

Edwards also says he wants the truck to get back to its routes, despite the concept’s modern design. The truck, “must be capable, usable and abusable,” he says and should be “appropriate for the Third World market.” But, he says, “it would be nice if in doing so, we can also sell it to the Californian surfer dude.”

Look for the trucks’ reveal at the LA Auto Show on November 16th. Until then, see the full AutoGuide’s LA Auto Show preview here.

GALLERY: Land Rover DC100 Concept

[Source: InsideLine]

Mercedes is currently developing a super light version of its popular E-Class reports Auto Bild magazine. Through an extensive use of carbon fiber, Mercedes is hoping to shave off an impressive 770-lbs from the current models, targeting a curb weight of under 2,900 lbs. By using a carbon fiber structure, Mercedes will be able to eliminate the B-pillar, possibly creating more radical designs on the popular E-Class chassis.

Naturally with a lighter body, these superlight E-Classes will sport even better performance with a more favorable power-to-weight ratio. This would also benefit in the mpg department if Mercedes opts to use smaller and more fuel efficient engines in order to power the svelte E-Class. Rumor has it that Mercedes has these E-Classes scheduled to release sometime in 2015 and will hopefully produce around 20,000 annually.