Rather than a version of the Alfa Romeo 4C, Abarth‘s upcoming sports car will be a front-drive machine. Rumors of a stand-alone model for the Fiat performance brand have been circiling for months, with initial speculation that Fiat would share the 4C among brands.

Not so, says the latest report, claiming instead that the Abarth brand’s flagship sports car will put power to the front wheels. How much power? Look for a number in the 200 to 250 hp range, indicating that the car will get an engine larger than the turbocharged 1.4-liter found in the Fiat 500 Abarth model – which debuted at the LA Auto Show last month and which will go on sale in North America soon.

Inspiration for the car is said to come from the 1968 Scorpione, though the car is far from a done-deal. Fiat has yet to officially green light the project and even if it does, the new Abarth sports car isn’t likely to make it to America.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Car&Driver]

Keeping vintage Ford Mustang enthusiasts happy, Ford have added a new full classic Mustang body shell to its Ford Restoration Parts catalog.

Along with the 1969 Mustang Fastback and the 1965 Mustang Convertible, the addition of the 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible body shell should be extremely popular. Featuring pronounced character lines, the 1967 body style is identical to what was used in the era’s Shelby GT350s and GT500s. The 1967 body shell is also wider and offers a larger engine bay than the 1964 1/2 to 1966 model. According to Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager Dennis Mondrach, “These days, the chances are fairly slim of finding a restorable, rust-free ’67 Mustang that has never been wrecked. As the value of classic Mustangs has increased over the years, garages, barns, and scrapyards have been picked clean.”

Moreover, Ford built these classic shells using modern welding techniques and manufacturing practices. The new ’67 body shell will be stronger and will be capable of handling 428 cubic inch big block engines while retaining an identical appearance to the original. The ’67 Mustang Convertible body shell will be on sale for $15,995.

GALLERY: 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible Body Shell

Volkswagen won’t be competing in the 2012 Dakar Rally, but the company will still provide support vehicles to event organizers.

For the third year in a row, the company will provide 40 vehicles including 30 Amarok pickup trucks. Despite not competing, those trucks have to be tough enough to handle anything the course can throw at them— everything from canyon crawling to desert dune running.

Those attending the event can look forward to meeting some notable guests, like F1 legend Jacky Ickx who, won the Dakar in 1983 for Mercedes-Benz, will be giving off-road racing lessons.

The race starts at Mar del Palta, Argentina and runs just short of 5,600 miles through Chile to finish in Lima, Peru.

Photos of the new Lexus concept car have leaked online, revealing a stunning luxury coupe that is certain to put the Japanese luxury brand back in the spotlight. Called the LF-Lc, it can be seen as a successor to the much-maligned SC model.

Styling cues clearly come from both the LFA supercar and the new GS luxury sedan, though there is no word on what the engine will be. Of note, this concept, unlike most past Lexus concepts, does not contain the signature “h” indicating it is a hybrid.

Lexus will reveal full details of the LF-Lc at it’s world premiere in January at the North American International Auto Show.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Lc Concept

See AutoGuide’s complete Detroit Auto Show Preview here

Discuss this story at LF-LCForum.com

Volkswagen AG isn’t afraid of the euro zone debt crisis. They expect Audi, their premium brand, to continue growing in 2012 according to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.

Stadler told WirtschaftsWoche “There’s a good chance for further growth next year… Therefore, we will keep investing and not start saving money.”

He also confirmed Audi’s 1.3 million vehicle sales figure, saying they plan to sell 1.5 million by 2015. Audi surpassed Mercedes-Benz in sales this year for the first time in history to become the number 2 luxury car manufacturer. BMW remained the largest, selling more than 1.5 million by December.

Despite the european debt crisis, German luxury cars in general have seen positive growth, largely thanks to growth in other parts of the wold like Russia and China where demand remains strong.

[Source: Automotive News]

With the 2012 North American International Auto Show shaping up to be a focal point for new vehicle introductions, automakers appear to be jostling with each other in a bid to not be outdone.

As far as BMW goes, the Munich based concern’s big announcement will likely be the M6 cabriolet, powered by a version of the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which made its debut in the F10 chassis M5 back in Frankfurt this past September, though power and torque are reported to be increased.

Other M6 Cabrio features include a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, though rumors are surfacing that a conventional six-speed manual could be offered for US customers.

The M6 ragtop will also sport M Dynamic Control as part of it’s stability control setup, along with an active rear suspension and differential, designed to further enhance handling and traction. There will also be M Servotronic hydraulically assisted steering and two M-Drive functions, essentially allowing the car to change personality depending on the driver’s request.

Other vehicles slated to be on the company stand in Detroit include the new BMW 3-Series, ActiveHybrid 5 (making it’s North American premiere) along with the  F10 M5; plus the i3  EV and i8 plug-in hybrid concepts first seen in Frankfurt.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Audi has dropped a nice surprise, releasing details and photos of a limited edition A1 quattro set to go on sale beginning in the second half of 2012. Only 333 units of the hot hatch will be produced and of course, North America will never even get close to sniffing it.

Essentially an S1 in everything but its model name, the Audi A1 quattro is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged TFSI powerplant with 256-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Even more impressive is that Audi estimates the A1 quattro will get around 27-28 mpg. Mated to the 2.0L is a six-speed transmission and Audi’s famous all-wheel-drive system.

On the outside, unique Glacier White-finished wheels are seen in an 18×8-inch sizing wrapped with 225/35 rubber. And for those wondering, the A1 quattro will only be available with a Glacier White exterior paint shade while the roof is finished in a contrasting high-gloss black. Accents in the headlights and wings are done in red, a clearly race-inspired look.

We’re absolutely in love with the aggressive styling of the A1 quattro in the front and the rear, while the interior is covered in luxurious black Silk Nappa leather. The gauge cluster features white needles, a red tachometer and the quattro logo while the steering wheel is wrapped in leather with contrasting red stitching.

Trust us, we’re as bummed out as you guys are after reading the press release that the A1 quattro won’t be making its way to American soil.

GALLERY: Audi A1 Quattro

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A while back we revealed that Infiniti‘s working on a new entry-level, FWD compact that would be based on Mercedes-Benz‘s A-Class platform. We now have news that Canadian-Austrian auto supplier Magna Steyr will be in charge of developing the entry-level model for Infiniti.

The final contract is expected to be agreed upon soon, allowing Magna to begin production at their factory in Graz, Austria starting in 2012. As we reported earlier, the new compact will be based on Mercedes-Benz’s MFA architecture which is seen in their A- and B-Class vehicles. Daimler will also be supplying preassembled complete parts to Infiniti.

According to sources, Infiniti’s new compact will be powered by Mercedes’s four- and six-cylinder powerplants, with diesel variants for the European market. The plan is to produce around 50,000 to 60,000 units a year in Graz, exporting them globally to compete against BMW‘s 1-Series and Audi‘s popular A3.

As mentioned earlier, Infiniti’s new FWD compact will be based on the Etherea Concept we saw at the Geneva Motor Show.

GALLERY: Infiniti Etherea Concept

[Source: Automotive News]

Renault is looking to take a step back in order to take two steps forward, looking to discontinue at least five models from their UK lineup in February. At the top of the list of vehicles getting killed off are the Laguna hatchback, Sport Tourer and Coupe, along with the Espace and Grand Espace, Modus and Grand Modus, Wind Roadster and Kangoo.

Those models make up almost 10-percent of Renault’s total sales in the United Kingdom. No direct replacements will be coming for the discontinued Modus, Laguna or Espace models, but Renault is working on new crossovers of all sizes to take their place. A supermini-SUV will debut in 2013 to go along with their Clio model, while the larger crossovers will debut in 2014.

Renault is well aware that the cuts will result in a drop in total sales figures for 2012, but looks forward to a subsequent rise in 2013. Renault will also be reducing its dealer network from 190 to 135 by the start of 2013. On the other hand, Renault’s Twingo, Clio and Megane hot hatches – sold as RS and Gordini badged variants – will be saved from the axe. The UK represents the single largest market for those vehicles, and the most exciting Renaults have solidified their place in the lineup if anything.

[Source: AutoExpress]

It might be considered as a Mini Cooper S rival on this side of the pond, but in reality the Fiat is cheaper and was originally conceived for a different kind of clientele in its home market, people more likely to buy cars like the Toyota Aygo, VW Polo and Opel Corsa.

In order to help counter the 500′s success in Europe, French manufacturer PSA is looking to introduce an archrival from it’s Citroën brand, since currently, that automaker doesn’t have one (the bigger DS3, shown above, is the nearest thing it’s got).

As a result, a smaller DS1 model, which will sport a range of three-cylinder engines, is planned as a 500 fighter and could even spawn a performance oriented version with 130 hp or more, especially given the availability of the 500 Abarth.

Slated for an introduction at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March the new DS1  might just give the Fiat a run for its money. And if it does indeed offer a performance oriented version, there’s every indication that car could end up as a somewhat spiritual successor to the  early 1990s Citroën AX GT/GTi; a bantam of a hatchback that even today, is still known for it’s scrappy handling and fun to drive qualities.

[Source: World Car Fans]