Mercedes-Benz‘s all new 2013 SL looks extremely impressive, but up until now we’ve only been treated to a collection of photos and a wall of specifications. Now the German luxury car manufacturer has made our day by releasing a trio of videos showcasing their new SL-Class which is set to have its official unveiling at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show.

Now sitting an impressive 300-lbs lighter than its predecessor, the new SL will sport a 4.6L V8 powerplant with 429-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Each video highlights the newly developed technology in the 2013 SL, ensuring that we’re all well aware that it’s sporty and light while packing an all-new aluminum body.

And besides, the new SL Roadster looks absolutely gorgeous in motion. Go treat yourself to the trio of videos showcasing the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL after the break.

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This isn’t the first time BMW has teased us with the good ‘ol XXX-style blur on their upcoming X6 M Diesel, but like all other teasers, we can’t help but come back for more.

A second video has now been unleashed on the Internet, with the same blurring of the headlights, taillights and rear badging of the upcoming X6 M Diesel. By now no one believes it’s anything else other than that, and now it’s just a matter of time before the clear picture comes into focus and whether or not this X6 M will be breathing through a tri-turbo, six-cylinder diesel powerplant.

Check out the new video after the break teasing the upcoming BMW X6 M Diesel.

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Back when we still called it the FT-86, a leaked brochure claimed to show what TRD had in store for the Toyota sports car. The boxer-powered machine has since been revealed (called the Scion FR-S in North America) and this lone photo of a TRD-equipped model has now emerged.

What is obvious from the photo is a set of upgraded brakes, a lowered suspension, plus some aerodynamic upgrades – including a rear spoiler that the stock car seems to desperately need. According to one report, Toyota is also prepping a TRD supercharger for the 2.0-liter engine.

The TRD-tuned Toyota 86/Toyota GT 86/Scion FR-S is expected to be revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.

GALLERY: Toyota 86 TRD

[Source: 7Tune]

Discuss this story at FR-SForum and read AutoGuide’s Scion FR-S review here

The biggest hit at this weekend’s state championship game in Texas between the Spring Dekaney Wildcats and Cibolo Steele highschool teams wasn’t a sack. No, it came from a golf cart, which mowed down eight individuals on-field at Cowboys Stadium after the game, including Spring Dekany head coach Willie Amendola.

It may be stretching the boundaries of automotive news, but this is one video we couldn’t pass up.

Watch the video below:

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Hyundai‘s supremo across the pond, Allan Rushforth has given confirmation that the idea of a turbocharged i30 hatchback (known as the Elantra Touring stateside, shown above), is under serious consideration.

The car will reportedly boast sportier styling than the existing i30 hatchback and likely be powered by a 1.6-liter blown four-banger, rated at around 200 hp (a similar hot  Euro market Kia C’eed model, to which the i30 is related, is also being planned).

A turbocharged Veloster is also scheduled to make its debut in 2012, powered by a version of the same engine, though, despite that car also being planned as a North American entry next year (debuting at the Detroit Auto Show), it’ll be interesting to see whether a turbocharged Elantra eventually materializes on this side of the Atlantic.

[Source: Autocar]

Dutch car maker Donkervoort has finally revealed its D8 GTO production vehicle, the next generation of open sports car, which was based on the original Lotus Seven. After two and a half years of development and collaboration with Audi Quattro GmbH, the D8 GTO’s production will start in 2012 and expected to be on European roads by 2013.

Powering the D8 GTO will be Audi’s 2.5L TFSI, five-cylinder powerplant with 340-hp with the potential of hitting 400-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with the push of a button. Combine that with a weight just shy of 1,550-lbs and Donkervoort clearly has a fun car on their hands.

The first 25 specially designed GTOs will feature a lighter version of the 2.5L TFSI, about 66-lbs lighter thanks to Donkervoort and Audi redesigning several accessory parts of the motor. Donkervoort and Audi also incorporated a new intake manifold design on the vehicle. As mentioned before, a special race module switch will enable the vehicle’s performance to go from 340-hp to 400-hp. It is not known what powerplant will come on the GTO after the first 25 are gone with Audi’s engine.

Pricing will range from $130,250 to $195,375 excluding taxes.

GALLERY: Donkervoort D8 GTO

Just last week Volvo first confirmed the existence of the V40 (previously believed to be called the V30) and now we have the very first spy photos of the compact Swedish machine.

Set to replace both the S40 and V50 wagon, the V40 is being built as a rival to the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1 Series. While much of the car is covered in camo, when the production model does arrive this March at the Geneva Motor Show, look for design cues taken from the XC60 crossover with a shape similar to that of a shrunken V60. After its debut, Volvo is expected to follow-up with an XC40 crossover version, while an S40 is rumored for the Chinese market.

What isn’t yet clear is if Volvo will continue to produce the C30 hatchback or if the V40 is also designed to replace that car as well.

As for engines, expect a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline version, as well as either a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter diesel 4-cylinder.

GALLERY: 2013 Volvo V40

As rumored, Chevy has unveiled a new Sonic RS model with a long list of extras, improving the cars looks and handling. Plus, the new sport-tuned Sonic RS also comes equipped with the Chevrolet MyLink telematics system with a 7-inch color touchscreen.

Available only in the 5-door hatchback style, the car gets a new aero kit and RS grille, special mirror caps, a “sport exhaust” with a chrome finisher and 17-inch wheels. In addition, the car features a lower and stiffer suspension, increasing the handling potential of the sub-compact. RS models can be had in a choice of four colors: Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic, which is new for 2013.

The interior updates are significant with new front sport seats, a new sport steering wheel (with a “race-inspired flat-bottom design), aluminum pedals, an RS specific trim color, a custom instrument panel and a special shift knob for manual transmission models.

Available only with the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the updates do not include any performance gains, with the car rated at 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The good news is, that’s still the most of any sub-compact and manual transmission models get unique gear ratios while automatic models get a custom final drive ratio to help improve driving feel.

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS will officially be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Sonic RS

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show preview here and read our 2012 Chevy Sonic review here

Saab’s financial rollercoaster seems to have come to what many have speculated would be its inevitable conclusion, with the Swedish automaker today announcing it has filed for bankruptcy with the District Court in Vänersborg, Sweden.

The news comes as Saab was seeking to reorganize, with the struggling car maker desperate to arrange funding. The most likely candidate had been Chinese automaker Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co., which has now announced it can not move forward based on opposition from General Motors. GM opposed the sale to a Chinese automaker as it owns the technology behind two of Saab’s models and even manufactures the 9-4X crossover for Saab.

Representatives at GM have previously said the American auto giant would look to block any sale based on intellectual property issues, with concerns such a sale could harm its business in China.

“After having received the recent position of GM on the contemplated transaction with Saab Automobile, Youngman informed Saab Automobile that the funding to continue and complete the reorganization of Saab Automobile could not be concluded. The Board of Saab Automobile subsequently decided that the company without further funding will be insolvent and that filing bankruptcy is in the best interests of its creditors,” reads a statement on the Saab website. Along with Saab Automobile, this filing includes Saab Automobile Tools AB and Saab Powertrain AB.

Gran Turismo 5 will be getting an update (version 2.02) on December 20th and with it will come the addition of Toyota‘s GT 86 to the game for free. A new downloadable content (DLC) Car Pack 2 will also be available for just $3.99 adding four new cars to your collection.

The second Car Pack DLC will add the 2012 Nissan GT-R Black R35, 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R, 2010 Volkswagen Gold VI R and the 2011 MINI Cooper S to your garage. In addition, those that purchased the first DLC will receive the Gran Turismo Racing Kart 125 SP in the 2.02 patch.

The update will also come with some interface tweaks and will award virtual racers with 10 oil change and car wash coupons.

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2013 Scion FR-S Review