To celebrate its third Formula 1 Constructors’ world title, Renault and Red Bull Racing have teamed up to create the limited edition Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8.

The new flagship Megane Renaultsport is inspired by Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 identity, but in a much more subdued fashion. It’ll be offered in a Twilight Blue exterior finish accented by Platinum Grey details.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine with 265 hp. The car is further made special thanks to Red Bull Racing branding, Recaro seats, R-Link multimedia and TomTom Live navigation system, Bridgestone Potenza RE05A tires and the latest Version 2.0 of the on-board R.S. Monitor.  The only available transmission is a six-speed manual.

Essentially, the limited edition model is a mechanically standard Renaultsport Megane 265 Cup except for the tires.

In total, 30 will be made for the UK market and will be available until September 30, 2013. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch.

GALLERY: Renault Megane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8

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The new Porsche 911 GT3 isn’t just another generation in the German automaker’s GT3 lineup; it’s packed with next-generation technology that makes it a true track monster.

To show off some of the technical highlights on the new GT3, Porsche has released a video of the sports car where it belongs – on the track. For the first time in the automaker’s storied history, Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering to achieve even higher precision and lateral dynamics.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Gets Rear-Wheel Steering, Automatic Only

Depending on the speed of the GT3, the vehicle will steer in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels to help improve stability and agility. Watch the video below to see some of the technical highlights of the new 911 GT3.

The 2014 Porsche GT3 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six with 475 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque mated to a PDK dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 195 mph.

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The joint sports car project between Toyota and BMW is moving right along with a concept model expected to be shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

According to sources close to the project, GT86 (Scion FR-S) chief engineer Tetsuya Tada is also heading up the new jointly developed sports car between the two automakers. Tada has already visited BMW multiple times in the past year and even headed to Munich shortly after the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

SEE ALSO: BMW, Toyota Announce Plans for Co-Developed Sports Car

It appears that BMW will be tasked with modifying the GT86 platform to underpin the new sports car, stretching it so that it can enter the midsize sports car market segment. There is, of course, a small chance that a BMW platform will be used to underpin the project, but given the success of the GT86 and Tada’s involvement, that’s unlikely.

As for engines, all signs point to a BMW-sourced, four-cylinder – especially with the success of their recent turbocharged four cylinders. But it’s not entirely safe to assume that the powerplant will be turbocharged or even supercharged. The sports car could very well be a hybrid, the same way recent supercars such as the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1 has opted to go.

The biggest news however is that this project won’t be going the same route as the GT86, where the FR-S and the BRZ share similar sheetmetal. Both sports cars will look significantly different, making Supra enthusiasts hope for a true successor to Toyota’s sports car.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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Ferrari is expected to unveil a hardcore version of its 458 Italia (above), likely the Scuderia version, at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Four years ago the brand unveiled the 430 Scuderia during the show, and at the time it was a significant improvement over the 430 Italia. The car is 220 lbs lighter and boasts 503 hp along with a number of chassis updates. Now, Car and Driver is reporting that the car will make its debut in a few months time.

The 563-hp 458 Challenge race car is supposed to be a strong indication of what to expect, although the same report suggests this car will go even further. Expect Ferrari to pare its car down to a dry weight below 2,900 lbs, with a lot of work done to both the seven-speed gearbox and 4.5-liter V8 which is said to make roughly 600 hp.

That powerplant will use forged connecting rods to allow a 9,300 rpm redline: up from its current 9,000.

Bodywork will also grow more aggressive to improve downforce with key features to include a rear diffuser that will be able to actively adjust its positon according to speed, throttle position and lateral g forces.

 [Source: Car and Driver]

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Maserati North America is issuing out a recall for 2005-2008 Quattroporte, 2008 Granturismo, and 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C vehicles for a possible rear tie rod failure.

According to the Italian automaker, the affected models were manufactured with rear tie rod assemblies that may not have sufficient anti-corrosion material applied, potentially causing them to weaken and fail over time. Failure of the tie rods can result in loss of control and an increased risk of crashing.

Maserati will begin notifying affected owners so that the automaker can replace the tie rod assemblies. The recall is expected to begin by the end of June 2013.

A total number of 7,438 vehicles are potentially affected.

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A couple of months ago, SRT President and CEO Ralph Gilles promised that the brand would have “an answer to the Z/28″ Camaro, and it looks like that’ll come in the form of an exciting new powerplant for the Challenger SRT8 model.

Rumor has it that Chrysler is working on a 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine with a power output closing in on the Viper’s 640 hp. The engine is internally codenamed “Hellcat” and is expected to debut in the next-generation Challenger which will also benefit from an eight-speed transmission.

SEE ALSO: More Powerful Dodge Challenger SRT8 Planned as Camaro Z/28 Rival

The new supercharged V8 is expected to be an option on at least one variant of the Challenger, most likely the SRT8, which will go into production in mid-2014 as a 2015 model year. It’s clearly the powerplant that SRT and Chrysler need for their heavier Challenger to keep up with the intense competition that both Ford and Chevrolet have brought to the table in recent years.

[Source: Automotive News]

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After a gruelling 24 hours of racing at the Green Hell, the number-9 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 from German team Black Falcon took the overall victory at the Nurburgring endurance classic.

It’s the first time the German automaker has claimed an overall victory at the event and it’s all thanks to drivers Bernd Schneider, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Sean Edwards and Nicki Thiim. Finishing second at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours race was the number-25 BMW Z4 M GT3 while the number-22 Rowe Racing SLS AMG GT3 came in third. Noticeably missing from this year’s overall podium were Audi and Porsche, who have typically fared well at the event.

Seventh overall was the number-18 Porsche GT3 from Manthey Racing, which won the SP7 class. Topping the near-production SP8 class was the number-81 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 which also finished 21st overall.

Poor weather caused the red flag to drop five and a half hours into the race, causing a delay of more than nine hours. The tough weather conditions also caused some teams to rethink their strategies, with some of them content with just finishing the race. Aston Martin was one of those teams, leading early with its number-7 V12 Vantage GT3 but opted to take it safe and took 10th place overall.

The Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA finished 37th overall.

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BMW has revealed its Competition Packages for the 2014 M5 and M6 models designed to enhance handling and improve performance, shaving 0.1 seconds off its 0-62 mph sprint time.

Power output is upped from 560 hp to 575 hp with the Competition Package and is available for the M5, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible, and M6 Gran Coupe models. Vehicles equipped with the Competition Package are lowered about 0.4 inches with more aggressively tuned damping and sway bars. Improved traction comes from a modified control unit for the Active M Differential.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

20-inch M alloy wheels are outfitted onto each corner of the Competition Package-equipped vehicles along with a sport exhaust system featuring M twin tailpipes in black chrome. Those looking for even more performance from their M models can opt for the M carbon ceramic brakes.

No pricing was announced by the German automaker on the Competition Package.

GALLERY: BMW M5 Competition Package

GALLERY: BMW M6 Competition Package

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Each week, we recap the most popular videos from AutoGuide‘s YouTube channel just in case all seven days passed you by and you missed out. This past week, AutoGuide had a little fun putting two hot hatches in a shootout – the Ford Focus ST and the Mazdaspeed3. Which one prevailed?

2013 Ford Focus ST vs 2013 Mazdaspeed3

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SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Focus ST vs 2013 Mazdaspeed3

2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6

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SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

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Make sure to subscribe to AutoGuide‘s YouTube Channel for the latest in car news and reviews.

As expected, BMW has unveiled its 2014 M5 sports sedan, giving it a rather quick update to the new body style that debuted just a year ago.

The changes are rather subtle for the 4.4-liter V8 powered sedan with 560 hp. Mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission, the new M5 can also be had with a Competition Package that cranks power output to 575 hp.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Facelift Leaked

As for changes, the front kidney grilles now feature the double-spoke slat design found on the M6 while there is now an added option for Adaptive LED Headlights. Standard on the 2014 M5 are redesigned taillights with strikingly thin LED strips.

Inside, the M leather steering wheel gets a redesign while storage has grown in volume under the armrest in the center console area. Chrome trim is now seen on the Control Display and for the first time, the German automaker is offering an optional Touch Controller for the infotainment system.

BMW Individual will offer new exterior color shades for the 2014 M5 including Pure Metal Silver, Pyrite Brown metallic, Frozen Blue metallic, and other matte finishes. Exclusive leather shades include Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg.

Pricing for the 2014 BMW M5 was not announced.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW M5

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We are back with this week’s instalment of AutoGuide’s newest, interactive weekly feature ‘Commute, Toy or Destroy’.

Once again, we present to you, our faithful readers, a choice of three vehicles. We are asking you to decide which one you would make your daily driver, which one would become a weekend Autocross machine and which one should be blown up by a 500 shot of nitrous.

Remember, the commuter car you must live with every day. The toy would be only available to you for occasional use on weekends or car meets and the final car would be the one you’d leave the keys in the ignition in a shady neighborhood.

This week we select icons of affordable performance from the late 1980s that represent three different continents. First, from North America is the Ford Mustang 5.0. Yeah, the storied Foxbody ‘Stang. Next, from Asia is an incredibly fun-to-drive light weight hatchback, the Honda CRX. Finally, representing Europe is the highly engaging Volkswagen Corrado. So what are your choices going to be?

1987-1993 Ford Mustang

The ‘foxbody’ Mustang (which refers to its ‘fox’ platform) was in production for a long time. In 1987 it was refreshed and modernized, but that didn’t matter too much. The 5.0 L V8 (4.9 L to be technical) was all the Mustang faithful cared about as it made this budget sports car not only a good performer, but also a great vehicle to modify into an absolute terror.

1988-1991 Honda CR-X

In 1987, the CRX received modern sheet metal, a better suspension and a significant bump in power; especially in Si models. Although power still barely exceeded the 100 hp mark, the fact the CRX weighed in at only 2,000 lbs. meant it was still fairly quick. This light weight also meant the CRX was incredibly nimble in the corners and fuel efficient. Later in life, this car became the darling of the import tuner community.

1988-1995 Volkswagen Corrado

When the Corrado first came out, many claimed it to be one of the best handling front-wheel drive cars ever made. Twenty-five years later and many are still in love with this three-door veedub. If handling prowess wasn’t enough, two letter and number combinations still set Corrado fans hearts a flutter; G60, which refers to the 158 hp 1.8 L supercharged four-cylinder and VR6, which was the name of the 178-192 hp narrow angle V6 engine.

Yesterday, Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder in production form and now we’ve gotten our hands on even more photos of the hybrid supercar.

Powered by a mid-mounted, 4.6-liter V8 mated to a pair of electric motors, the 918 Spyder makes 887 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. To bring it up to supercar status is a monocoque carbon fiber shell helping bring the vehicle to a respectable 3,615 pounds.

SEE GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder Detailed in Production Form

For a true driving experience, the 918 Spyder offers five different drive modes: E-Power, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid, and Hot Lap. As you can tell, the German automaker is not shying away from the fact that its latest supercar is a hybrid.

Best of all, nothing about the 918 Spyder’s styling shows that it’s supposed to be a hybrid. But in reality, the term hybrid isn’t exactly pairing up with being eco-friendly anymore; automakers are turning to the alternative powertrain to enhance performance of their vehicles without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder

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