The Audi TT has been among us for a long, long time. While the original model wasn’t great, it sold in huge numbers. The second generation model was much better to drive, but has not sold in the same capacity.

To keep the public interested in the TT, Audi keeps coming up with newer, more powerful versions of this car. There was the TT-S, which was followed by a the oh-so-awesome TT-RS. Now word comes that Audi is working on a even more potent model, which could possibly be called the TT-RS Plus.

According to industry moles, this new model will use an upgraded version of the current, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, turbo-charged motor. Power is expected to rise from 340 hp to 385 hp. That should make it quite fast. It should be lighter also, by as much as 130 lbs, thanks to no back seats, so expect this to be the best TT ever.

Since Audi is looking to replace the current TT in 2013, this new hot version will be the last hurrah for this model. Not much else is known at the moment, but we will keep you posted.

GALLERY: Audi TT-RS

[Source: L'Automobile]

Consumer Reports has released the details of its Annual Auto Survey, with bad news for Ford and good news for Jeep. And, as always, the Japanese remain on top when it comes to reliability.

A survey of reliability during the car’s first year, Ford dropped from 10th last year to 20th overall. The blame lies squarely with the Explorer, Fiesta and Focus, with complains related to the MyFord Touch system as well as Ford’s herky-jerky dual-clutch transmission in the two small cars.

“We have often found that new or revamped models have more problems in their first year than in subsequent model years. Ford’s problems illustrate why we recommend to our subscribers to hold off buying a first-year model,” said David Champion. Sr. Director of Consumer Reports’ Automotive Test Center.

Cross-town rivals Chrysler are seeing an opposite trend, with first year reliability spiking, particularly at Jeep which has moved up seven spots to rank 13th among 28 automakers. This makes Jeep the most reliable domestic brand. Chrysler moved up 12 sports and Dodge has improved by 3 spots.

As for GM, Chevrolet stayed consistent with last year’s ranking, while GMC dropped one spot and both Cadillac and Buick saw decreased reliability.

Japanese automakers continue to dominate the reliability rankings taking up nine of the top 10 spots, with 87 of the 91 models tested this year rating average or better and 24 of those earning the highest possible rating. Leading the pack is Scion, followed by Lexus, then Acura, Mazda, Honda and Toyota. Of note, Mazda has improved 8 spots, while Lexus improved seven spots.

As for Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia, both finished just outside the Top 10, with Hyundai in 11th and Kia in 12th. Hurting both automakers is a similar product, with Hyundai’s V6 Santa Fe the only model to rank below average, while the same can be said of the Kia Sorento.

European automakers saw average reliability slightly below that of domestic automakers with Volvo topping the ranks in 10th place. Both BMW and Mercedes improved, while Porsche (the second best in last year’s ranking) plummeted to the second worst. CR explains that this is due to limited data, having only tested two new models an the all-new Cayenne SUV ranking very poorly. Jaguar was ranked as the least reliable.

The Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey is based on responses from 1.3 million new car buyers or leasers.

As promised Lexus will debut its new F-Sport GS350 model at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Taking the all-new 2013 GS sedan, the F-Sport package adds, um, sport, by bolting a long list of “racing-inspired” components.

Included in the package are 19-inch F-sport wheels measuring 8-inches up front and 9-inches in the rear (AWD models will be 19×8 front and rear). Also added are thicker sway bars, new bushings, and a more aggressively tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension system. Other upgrades include larger brakes with high-friction pads and rear-drive models will get a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system.

Helping convey the car’s added capability is an F-Sport aero kit with new front and rear bumpers as well as a new rear lip spoiler, F-sport badging and an F-Sport grille up front. Available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian, Lexus will also offer the F-Sport model in two exclusive colors, Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum.

Inside the car gets a unique aluminum trim and perforated black leather with aluminum pedals, plus a 16-way power sport driver’s set with improved lateral support and power side bolsters. An optional Cabernet Red leather will also be available.

No changes have been made under the hood, with the 3.5-liter V6 continuing to generate 306-hp for a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds.

“The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here

We’ve been teased with photos of Chevrolet‘s newest and meaning Camaro yet, the ZL1, but the manufacturer has been tight lipped on its complete specs…that is, until now. It seems that dealerships now have the full specs on the ZL1, with a leak getting posted on the Camaro5 forums revealing that it’ll be packing 580-hp and 556 lb-ft of torque in a 4120-lb body. It’s also worth noting that the Camaro ZL1 has already posted an impressive Nurburgring time of 7 minutes and 41 seconds. (See the video here).

Enthusiasts interested in the ZL1 will have a choice of nine colors (Black, Ashen Gray, Inferno Orange Metallic, Rally Yellow, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Victory Red and Crystal Red Tintcoat) to choose from, two wheel options (five-spoke and 10-spoke) in a 20-inch sizing, and the option of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. In addition to the standard four-pack console gauges seen in the existing Camaro SS, the ZL1 will also sport a boost gauge.

GALLERY: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

[Source: Camaro5]

See the complete details after the jump:

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Honda has confirmed two world premieres for the 2011 LA Auto Show, with production versions of both the 2012 CR-V and 2013 Fit EV planned.

Previewed in the concept (above) Honda is promising more dramatic styling with its latest version of the popular CR-V crossover. Also promised are added features and improved fuel economy. Leaked specs have revealed that the standard model will continue to be powered by a 2.4-liter engine with slightly less horsepower at 175-hp, but slightly more torque at 170 lb-ft. A larger 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is also expected to be offered with 201-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.

As for the Fit EV, if Honda stays true to the concept, it will get an electric motor powering the front wheels and a lithium-ion battery pack with a 70 mile range. Power is expected to be similar to that of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-hour recharge.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda CR-V Concept

GALLERY: Honda Fit EV Concept

See AutoGuide’s complete LA Auto Show preview here, with coverage starting November 16th.

Chevrolet will make their small cars the focus of the brand’s presence at the upcoming SEMA Show, bringing a huge collection of customized Sonics and Cruzes to the show floor. The majority of the Sonics and Cruzes coming from Chevrolet will feature products from the Z-Spec lineup, including performance, styling and personalization accessories.

Chevy isn’t revealing the custom Sonics and Cruzes built by some of the country’s top builders yet, but they did release teaser details (and a few pics), commenting that they’ll be bringing their Z-Spec #1, Z-Spec #2, Z-Spec 4D Concept and Dusk for their Sonic line. The pair of Cruzes Chevy will be showing off are the Cruze Z-Spec and Cruze Dusk.

Z-Spec #1 will be a turbocharged Sonic five-door sporting a collection of concept Z-Spec accessories. A ground effects kit, spoiler, unique grille and graphics package are applied to a Torch Red exterior further accented by a set of 18-inch Z-Spec concept wheels. On the inside, perforated black suede seat inserts, a Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel accent the interior. Performance comes from four-piston brake calipers, new suspension and a high-flow exhaust system.

Z-Spec #2 is similar to the Z-Spec #1, but features a more aggressive exterior styling package and will be shown off in a Flat White with Torch Red accents. The 4D Concept will show off the sedan accessories in an Ashen Gray Metallic finish while the Dusk is a subtle Berlin Blue exterior with 18-inch wheels in a dark Galvano Silver finish.

For the Cruzes, the Z-Spec will feature a ground effects package, 18-inch wheels, an accessory spoiler and a high-flow grille. A new stripe package is also added to the exterior while the interior accessories are similar to the Sonic’s offerings. The Cruze Dusk will also be similar to the Sonic Dusk, offering a look at a more subtle package of accessories and upgrades.

GALLERY: Chevrolet SEMA Sonics

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here and look for coverage starting November 1st.

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Chevy Sonic Review Here

ARK Performance has been hard at work on their SEMA 2011 Project Hyundai Veloster, and now finished photos of the vehicle have popped up online at Veloster.org. The theme of the project was to build a rally-inspired Veloster, featuring a custom twin-scroll turbo setup giving it 210-hp while its bright green and flat gray paint scheme gives it the aggressive look it needs.

ARK fabricated the custom turbo kit and intercooler system and also outfitted the Veloster with a six-piston brake kit, eight-point chromoly rally-style roll cage, and DTP track coilover system. Additional suspension modifications include front and rear upper sway bars, camber arms and control arms, ARK’s GRIP dual exhaust, downpipes and test pipes.

For the inside, ARK turned to JPM Coachworks to outfit the Veloster with Alcantara interior upgrades on the seats, shift boot, dashboard, headliner, doors and visors. A custom stereo install featuring Image Dynamics components was also done thanks to Adam Perry.

ARK focused on the aesthetics, transforming the subtle Veloster to one mean looking machine thanks to their CFX Designs line of accessories. ARK outfitted the Veloster with their own front and rear wide fenders, front lip, side skirts, rear bumper and grille. In the rear is an ARK SFX rear wing while OneEighty supplied the project with new headlights, taillights and fog lamps. The wheels are Advan’s RZ in Gunmetal wrapped with Nitto NT05 rubber. The custom paint on the body was done by Beyond Autobody.

GALLERY: Ark Performance Hyundai Veloster

[Source: Veloster.org]

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here and look for live coverage starting November 1st.

During its annual Truck Rodeo in the city of San Antonio, the Texas Auto Writers’ Association, one of the largest such organizations in the country, declared two Chrysler products as winners in the SUV category.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, earned the prestigious title of “SUV of Texas,” while the bigger Dodge Durango garnered the “Full-size SUV of Texas” award.

For the Grand Cherokee, this represents the second year in a row that it has won the SUV of Texas title, the 57 journalists present at the rodeo deciding that among the vehicles tested in the category, the GC was the most worthy.

The award adds to a growing list of accolades, which currently makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee the most awarded SUV in history. Besides winning the SUV category overall, the new Overland  Summit model also won the “Luxury SUV of Texas” accolade.

Mike Herzig, TAWA’s president declared that the “[Jeep Grand Cherokee] has once again demonstrated its superior levels of performance, quality, interior craftsmanship, and reliability that make it an award-winning SUV; Grand Cherokee is a tremendous value for consumers, and is clearly the ‘SUV of Texas.”

His words certainly seem to resonate with residents of the Lone Star State, for the current Grand Cherokee (introduced as a 2011 model), has seen sales increase by some 200 percent through September this year.

Besides the Grand Cherokee, another Jeep vehicle came home with an award, the 3.6-liter engined 2012 Wrangler Unlimited, which garnered “Mid-Size SUV of Texas” honors.

As for the Durango, it apparently made quite a splash at this year’s TAWA two-day evaluation, drawing favorable opinions for its seven-passenger seating, towing capability and more than 550 mile driving range among other things.

The 2012 Dodge Durango made quite an impression at this year’s TAWA Truck Rodeo,” said Mike Herzing, president of TAWA. “With its spacious and refined interior, impressive driving dynamics, and class-leading towing capability, it’s only fitting that the Dodge Durango is named the 2012 Full-Size SUV of Texas.”

Reid Bigland, the CEO of Dodge Brand, on hearing the news, remarked that,  ”it’s always an honor when opinion-leading journalists recognize the tremendous capability, style and value we’re offering with our all-new lineup of Dodge vehicles. The Dodge Durango offers a true no-compromise solution, blending capability and refinement into one stylish SUV.”

Click here to read AutoGuide’s Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Click here to read AutoGuide’s Dodge Durango Review

With a planned debut for the Tokyo Auto Show, Mazda has released a selection of images of its new Takeri concept car, previewing the next-generation Mazda6 family sedan.

Using the brand’s new Kodo design language, the car stays true to the Shinari concept and shares styling similarities with the upcoming CX-5 compact crossover.

Riding on an all-new SkyActiv platform and using one of Mazda’s new Skyactiv-D diesel engines the Takeri concept is also the first Mazda to feature a regenerative braking system, using energy stored under braking to power onboard electrical components and thereby reduce the load on the engine.

Mazda promises significantly improved fuel economy, while staying true to the brand’s mandate to deliver cars that are enjoyable to drive.

Photos of the interior reveal a stunning cabin and a BMW i-Drive-style controller.

Look for complete details when the car debuts at the Tokyo Auto Show on November 30th.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Auto Show preview here and look for coverage starting November 30th.

How do you make the world’s ugliest crossover into the world’s most incredible looking? Apparently you hand it over to the team of championship race car builders at RML.

That’s exactly what Nissan has done with its new Juke sub-compact crossover, finally revealing the wildly styled machine as a surprise guest at the Qashqai press drive in Malaga, Spain.

With a custom widebody, an aggressively lower suspension and some extra aerodynamic tweaks, it doesn’t hurt that it’s also powered by the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 as the Nissan GT-R.

According to Nissan two versions of the car are being built (one left-hand drive and the other right-hand drive) and testing is set to begin in November. Testing for exactly what, Nissan didn’t say, but you can be sure some incredible videos of the first shakedown are on their way.

Read AutoGuide’s Nissan Juke Review here and discuss this story at JukeForums.com