One special Mitsubishi i-MiEV city electric car gets pumped up with performance enhancers as the Japanese automaker prepares to enter an all-electric race car into the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Details are limited for now, but Mitsubishi says the new i-MiEV hill climb prototype will be based upon many of the same production model components. However, judging from the illustrations, “production based” is loosely interpreted. Designed with a center single-seat driving position, the rendered i-MiEV hill climb prototype is significantly wider and more aerodynamically stylized than the standard road car.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held on July 8th and the specialized i-MiEV will be piloted by Hiroshi Masuoka, a two time Dakar Rally winner in 2002 and 2003 behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Pajero.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Hill Climb Prototype

[Source: Carscoop]

Hyundai has released a lone photo of its new i-Oniq concept car, a vehicle that showcases the next generation of the Korean automaker’s styling and fuel-efficient technology.

With a big commitment to 40 mpg gasoline engines and a modest push with conventional hybrids, the i-Oniq is a range-extended electric car, along the lines of the Chevy Volt. Using a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack, power is rated at a models 109 hp. Hyundai claims a zero-emissions range of 120 km (75 miles) with a total range of 700 km (435 miles) once the gasoline engine kicks in.

Outside it’s a sportbrake-styled coupe roughly the length of a Hyundai Elantra and inside there’s space for four.

“The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand,” says Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe. “It has a bold design, inside and out, that provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilities, and a powertrain that highlights one of the ways in which we could power future products – wrapped in a package that exudes premium qualities.”

Look for more on the i-Oniq concept with its world premiere scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Could the Volkswagen GTI hot hatch also make for a good cabriolet? The German automaker seems to think so as we learned earlier this month of a production GTI cabriolet to bow at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

In production form, we expect the visual elements to be toned down from the Worthersee concept but the general recipe should remain the same. Power will come from the familiar 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo producing 208-hp and will be mated to either a six-speed manual or the DSG transmission. The GTI cabriolet will also receive a GTI-spec suspension and electronic limited slip differential.

But that’s not all. Volkswagen had something else up its sleeve as reports confirm a second vehicle to be unveiled in Geneva. Joining the GTI Cabrio is an all-new Volkswagen Polo GT Blue. The Polo GT Blue will be the first Volkswagen to be fitted with a trick 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine with ACT cylinder deactivation system technology.

This technology recognizes when the engine is operating at lower loads, usually between 1,250 to 4,000 rpm, and will shut off two cylinders accordingly to reduce fuel consumption. In the future, we expect to see this 1.4-liter powerplant make its way across the Volkswagen global line-up.

Details on these two new models are limited for now but stay tuned as we draw closer to the upcoming show at Geneva.

GALLERY: Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet 

[Source: Carscoop]

While automakers around the world are readying for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, McLaren is biding its time for what might be a very special unveiling at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix held in May.

According to GTspirit, McLaren may introduce an all-new successor to Gordon Murray’s legendary McLaren F1 in the coming months. Under the codename McLaren P12, this halo car will utilize a tuned version of the MP4-12C’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing approximately 800-hp as well as an F1 tech derived KERS (kinetic energy recovery system), capable of an additional 120-hp. Engineers will also be working with carbon fiber and light alloys even more extensively to keep the weight of the P12 down to a feather-weight target just over 2500 lbs.

An unconventional venue for a product launch, the tax haven for the world’s wealthiest might just be the perfect place for McLaren. A 15-time winner of the Monaco GP, McLaren hopes to take advantage of the many high profile clients that will attend the race. Production for the P12 isn’t expected to begin before 2014 and is likely to demand a starting price of €750,000.

[Source: GTSpirit]

Official images of the Pininfarina Cambiano concept car have been revealed ahead of the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

According to Pininfarina, the Cambiano concept was approached with, “great attention to the environment, both as to the engine and as to the materials’ choice.” Engine wise, the Cambiano is a range extended electric vehicle with power coming from four 60kw (80-hp) electric motors, each powering one of the four wheels. A diesel turbine engine in the front is an acting generator to recharge the batteries. Pininfarina expects the Cambiano to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph. As for the interior, Pininfarina created a warm and airy cabin through the extensive use of wood across the floor, which then rises behind the rear passenger seat.

Most interesting of all, the Cambiano is two design studies in one. When seen from its right side, the Cambiano is a sedan but from the left, it sports a coupe body-style.

Check out the Pininfarina Cambiano gallery below and expect to see more details as we draw closer to the upcoming show at Geneva.

GALLERY: Pininfarina Cambiano

[Source: Quattroroute]

Nissan has just announced a second major debut for next week’s Geneva Motor Show, releasing a teaser image of what it calls the Hi-Cross concept. The new concept car, or should we say truck, is rumored to provide a glimpse at the next-generation X-Trail.

Dropped from North America back in 2007 in favor of the Rogue, with Nissan now taking more of a crossover approach to the vehicle, it’s possible this new model could be a global model.

In a brief release, Nissan claims it is the “undisputed leader in the crossover segment” and comments that the Hi-Cross concept is an example of how it is, “exploring ideas to expand its award-winning range” at the Geneva Motor Show.

In addition to the Hi-Cross, Nissan will also reveal its impressive looking new Invitation concept, which is rumored as a Versa hatchback replacement.

See a video teaser below:

Continue Reading…

Lotus has announced it will unveil a “special edition of a special edition” Evora at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Auto Show. Specific details haven’t yet been released, but it’s believed the car will be a Team Lotus F1 version of the Evora GTE.

Now photos of what is believed to be that exact car have now hit the net. Taken at a recent Lotus test event at the Jerez circuit in Spain the livery design bears a striking resemblance towards the Lotus Motorsports and Alex Job Racing GTE competing in the American Le Mans Series.

While the Evora S makes 345 hp from a supercharged 3.5-liter V6, the GTE ups the power rating to 444-hp while shedding more than 230 pounds. The quickest street Lotus ever, the Evora GTE looks fast even when standing still with its new Team Lotus F1 livery.

Stay tuned to what Lotus has in store at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Auto Show, as a rumored Evora convertible will also bow at the show.

GALLERY: F1-Inspired Lotus Evora GTE Special Edition

[Source: Caradisiac via Carscoop]

One of the most hotly anticipated debuts of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show has leaked onto the web. Called the Emerg-E, the concept car is a look at a future halo model for the Infiniti brand.

Details about the car are not yet available but Infiniti has previously announced it will be powered by an electric motor, using a gasoline range extender. And as the photos clearly show, it’s a mid-engine layout, designed for maximum performance and ideal weight balance.

Look for full info soon and for AutoGuide’s full Geneva Motor Show preview, click here.

GALLERY: Infiniti Emerg-E

[Source: Carscoop]

Citroën has just released official images of its latest hot-hatch concept model set to premiere at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It’s images like these that convince us the North American market could really use some French metal.

In terms of hardware, the Citroën DS4 Racing concept receives the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine found in many vehicles in the Peugeot-Citroen line-up. Unlike the other models, the engine in the DS4 R has been tuned to produce an incredible 256-hp in DS4 R trim. At an astronomical 160-hp per liter, Citroën claims the ratio is the highest for any mass-production car. New geometry lowers the ride hight by 35mm compared to the standard DS4 and tracks are widened by 55mm in the front and 75mm at the back.

For aesthetics, the DS4 R Concept takes from Citroën’s earlier DS3 R, receiving a similar ground effects kit including sculpted bumpers with wider air intake, a subtle carbon fiber trim around the grille, a rear diffuser , wheel-arch extensions, and side sills.

While details around the new French hot-hatch are limited, it’s power output places the concept squarely against the VW Golf R and Ford Focus ST. More details on the DS4 R Concept will be available as we near the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

GALLERY: Citroën DS4 R Concept

With all of the BMW 1M Coupe models spoken for, perhaps this will suffice? Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few weeks time, the M135i Concept is a look at a possible performance version of the 1 Series hatchback offered in Europe.

Set to make its debut at the very show where BMW will officially announce its M Performance line of models, the M135i is powered by an inline-six featuring “M Performance Twin Power Turbo technology”. Officially BMW will only say it makes more than 300 hp, although if it’s anything like the 1M, expect 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Putting the power to the ground are big 18-inch light weight alloy wheels, while an M sports braking system is used to shed speed. In a release, BMW says, “the surface design in the area of the rear side panels helps above all to emphasise the powerfully flared wheel arches.” It does not, however, appear as though the fenders are flared beyond the factory amount – muck like how they are in the 1M.

Additional styling cues, like a new rear bumper, help make the M135i look even wider from the rear, while an aggressive new front bumper uses large air intakes to help feed air to cool the engine.

Along with the exterior white paint and BMW M coloring, the concept cars also gains Ferric Grey mirror caps and BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line window surrounds.

Official confirmation of the M135i heading to production is likely, with BMW hinting strong in a press release that this concept is a look at first six-cylinder gasoline powered M Performance vehicle. BMW does say that with the three diesel M Performance models already introduced, and boasting “the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine,” that the gas models will “assume a similar unique position.”

GALLERY: BMW M135i Concept

Click here to read AutoGuide’s BMW 1M Coupe Review

A radical Mercedes-Benz SLS patent filing has leaked, illustrating a four-door variant of AMG’s stand-alone halo car.

The standard SLS AMG coupe was followed up with a SLS roadster while an AMG Black Series is expected for 2013. The natural progression for the SLS trim line-up would be a Black Series roadster, but Mercedes-Benz seems to have something else in mind.

According to the illustrations, the supercar will retain its signature gullwing doors but will also offer a stretched wheelbase making room for two additional suicide doors to access rear seating. The doors-open illustration also reveals the absence of a B-pillar as well as an interesting second COMAND multi-function center console splitting the two rear passengers inside.

When Mercedes-Benz officials were asked to comment on the leak, the question was dodged with a, “We won’t take the liberty of sharing comments for any potential future products.” Mercedes-Benz executives neither confirmed nor denied the leaked papers.

With a rear-hinged door layout not seen since the Mazda RX-8, a four-door SLS can really set itself apart from its competitors. As the standard SLS AMG coupe starts at $192,175, expect the four-door SLS to cost upwards of $200,000 if it ever makes it to production.

GALLERY: Four-Door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Patent Filing

Toyota has released a new selection of teaser images and a video, showing off some of the many angles on its upcoming FT-Bh Concept car. The hybrid mini-car is touted to have emissions roughly 50 percent lower than current segment competitors.

What really makes the FT-Bh a big deal, however, is that unlike some recent mini car concepts from the likes of BMW and Audi, the FT-Bh uses low-cost materials (ie. no carbon fiber) and economical production methods, allowing it to be an affordable machine. As a result, Toyota says it weighs less than 1,800 lbs – surprising when you consider the heavy electric components used in the hybrid powertrain.

To reach maximum efficiency Toyota has focused on five factors with this concept: low weight, aerodynamic performance, powertrain efficiency, thermal energy management and electricity saving.

Toyota will officially unveil the FT-Bh Concept at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Until then, see AutoGuide’s complete show preview here.

GALLERY: Toyota FT-bh Concept

Watch the video below:

Continue Reading…

MINI was set to announce later today that their Clubvan concept will debut on March 6 at the Geneva Auto Show, showcasing a marriage between fun and functionality, which is something this car employs at its core. (Photos and info have, however, leaked ahead of a scheduled embargo.)

It does so by axing the interior MINI fans are familiar with in favor of a closed-off rear area designed for cargo. The rear windows are opaque and give the car a van-like look that justifies its namesake.

While it might not be the sort of vehicle you can carry a few friends in, the company’s latest concept promises business-oriented customers a practical solution to small cargo transportation. The concept’s five-door setup is meant to be practical yet stylish with double swinging rear doors, a driver’s side and passenger door and a suicide-style fifth door to allow easy access to all parts of the cargo bed without the need to crawl in.

Inside that cargo cabin, customers can expect hooks at varying levels meant for straps or rope to keep things from clunking around during the drive.

People sitting in one of the car’s two seats get the benefit of a metal mesh divider to keep wayward items from falling in their laps while still being able to see whatever they’re transporting.

Should the concept come to be, customers can also expect a line of pre-made shelves and drawers meant to fit in the cabin for additional storage practicality as well as 12-volt outlets in the cargo section.

We’ll be in Geneva next month bringing you this and the other debuts as they happen.

GALLERY: MINI Clubvan concept

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Geneva Motor Show Preview Here

There’s not a lot of mystery in the auto industry. Automakers release info on cars before they debut, and with leaked info and spy photos, even then, there’s often little that’s unknown about a new model before it arrives.

And then there’s this… a mysterious German electric vehicle spotted testing in Northern Europe. In fact, we wouldn’t even know it was an EV were it not for the stickers declaring so on the side of the car (a safety precaution mandated to make first responders aware in case of an emergency). The fact that the sticker says “electric vehicle” in German seems to indicate the car’s country of origin.

Styling of the car looks like something almost classic, like a Morgan or Weismann, while we’ll admit there’s a bit of French design flare here as well. The most likely option, however, is that it’s a new model by Smart. Of note, the body placed on this vehicle is certainly misleading, as the rear fenders appear to be almost a foot wider than the car, with the wheels recessed significantly.

Out spy photographers have reported that the test was very secretive, with the car taking just one lap of a test track before being hidden away.

Think you know what it is? Leave your comments below.

GALLERY: Mystery German EV

More energized than ever, this morning Lotus PR announced a high-profile event at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Providing little more than an unusual image of a hat tan, bikini top, and a bottle of sunscreen(seen above), Lotus says, “Our philosophy has always been ‘less is more’. Now, with a display of true fighting spirit, we’ll take this one step further in Geneva.”

Providing a riddle, Lotus used ‘who’, ‘where’, and ‘when’ descriptors to identify the time and location of the Lotus press conference at Geneva. As for the ‘what’, it is “something breezy, something loud, something ice-cold, and some other interesting elements.” Finally, Lotus answers to ‘why’ with, “because we’ll blow the top off.”

To complement the exciting Geneva announcement, Lotus CEO Dany Bahar is engaged in a project to completely redefine the legendary British sports car company, though his ambitions have been hindered by more challenges than most.

Last month, Lotus’ Malaysian parent company Proton sold 43 percent of its shares to DRB-Hicom. DRB-Hicom currently continues its process to acquire Proton and Lotus completely. According to Malaysian law, the process for a change-of-ownership requires 60 days, during which time Lotus will not have access to Proton’s funds.

Despite this setback, Bahar told Autocar that Lotus will have complete support from DRB-Hicom, “We have explained our plans to the new owner, and have been told to keep going as we are. The immediate problem is to manage the cash in the business carefully during the 60-day pause, but I am confident that this is a technical issue.”

Of alleged suitors and the state of the Lotus brand aside from their parent company’s sale, Bahar also said to the best of his knowledge, nobody was about to buy the the brand.

“You’d have to consider the market implications before deciding to sell. Right now, we have crazy demand for the latest Exige– 383 orders already. The Evora GTE will be homologated by May, and we have 200 orders for that. Things are looking promising. Our new gearbox is on the dyno and our new V8 supercar engine is running and progressing on schedule. We will have supercar prototypes to test in May. We’ve spent so much money already that it would be silly to write it off.”

As for the murky message, we’re assuming that Lotus will be revealing a convertible. More details will be provided when time gets closer to Geneva.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora GTE

[Source: Autocar]

The Mazda Takeri concept was first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and premiered Mazda’s “KODO-soul of motion” design language.

While the Takeri is only a concept, it sheds light on Mazda’s future lineup and will likely be the next Mazda 6. The Takeri is also the first Mazda to have the new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. In essence the i-ELOOP system works like all other regenerative braking systems, except that it is destined to be outfitted in traditional gasoline cars. The electricity produced by the system will be used to run the cars electrical components, reducing strain on the engine which thus increases fuel efficiency.

Mazda will debut the Takeri concept in Europe at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show and has released new photos of the concept before the debut.

Let us know if you think Mazda’s new styling is a hit or a miss in the comments section below.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri concept

Patent office design illustrations that give away the shape and contours of the Infiniti Emerg-E concept leaked today, showing us more than we expected to get before the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on March 6.

Infiniti dropped a teaser video and photos a little more than a week ago to get us excited for their Emerg-E concept, which will be the brand’s first range-extended car featuring what they refer to as “vivid performance,” and zero emissions capability.

It will feature a 1.2-liter mid-mounted gasoline engine, placed to offer optimal weight distribution. Few further details are available on the car now, but we’ll be in Geneva reporting on the details as they emerge. Head back to our previous post to watch the teaser footage.

GALLERY: Infiniti Emerg-E concept

[Source: AutoMoto]

Later this year, Volkswagen will reveal its all-new Mk7 Golf (Spy photo shown above). A pivotal new car for Volkswagen, the Golf will be improved in almost all aspects, including a swath of more luxurious features.

The staple hatchback will receive a wider range of powertrains including a natural gas variant, an electric variant, and a plug-in hybrid variant that would not only produce 243-hp, but achieve more than 50 mpg.

Mainstream engines for the Golf will include the 1.4 liter turbo engine expected to be good for 138-hp. Larger petrol engines will be available in 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter. Diesel options include a 2.0L diesel producing 181-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a twin-turbo diesel with an output of 220-hp. Finally, the new Golf GTI hot hatch gets hotter. The new GTI is expected to receive a 260-hp 2.0 liter turbo. To handle the newfound power, the GTI also features the new VAQ electrically controlled front differential. VW claims that the “agile steering behavior” offers fantastic feedback and cuts the lap time of a conventional diff Golf around the Nürburgring by 8.0 seconds.

Aiming to set a new benchmark, the new Golf will be the first model in the Volkswagen line-up to receive the new MQB platform, a radical chassis that will eventually serve as the underpinning for everything from the VW Polo supermini to the larger Passat sedan. Volkswagen also developed a tweaked Dynamic Chassis Control active damping system to complement the new architecture.

Promising a lighter weight version of the Mk7 Golf, Volkswagen will also create a platform with aluminum floor pressings, boot floor and windscreen base. The German automaker has yet to announce which models would receive this unique alloy-steel hybrid structure, but analysts suggest the Golf EV and GTI are best positioned to receive it. This structure is designed to be as light as the Mk4 Golf of the late 1990′s while providing much higher standards in safety.

Finally, technology found in the Golf include an 8 inch iPad style infotainment screen that includes adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, 360 parking sensors with semi-autonomous capability, all features previously reserved for more luxury-oriented cars.

Expect to see the new Golf at the September Paris Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2013 VW Golf MK7 Spy Photos

[Source: Autocar]

Toyota is taking big steps towards moving hybrids down-market. At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show the Japanese automaker will unveil the production version of its Yaris Hybrid and that’s just the start. Also set to be revealed is what Toyota is calling the FT-Bh concept.

A size down from even the sub-compact Yaris, look for the FT-Bh to be iQ sized. Toyota says it will be a full-hybrid and be “ultra-lightweight”, and yet don’t expect the use of pricey composite materials like carbon fiber. Instead, Toyota says the car will utilize materials that are currently commonplace in the industry. In a release, the automaker says the city car is designed to, “achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework,” meaning that it is most certainly already cued for production.

Numerous other concept cars will be on display at the Toyota booth, including the NS4 and FCV-R Concepts. The NS4 is a look at an all-new hybrid from Toyota, while the FCV-R uses a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and is targeted for sale by 2015.

Joining those two will be Toyota’s diji concept, looking at the future of car-driver interaction and personalization.

And let’s not forget the European premiere of the Toyota GT 86 sports car.

GALLERY: Toyota Geneva Motor Show Preview

You wouldn’t expect a Kia to be the star of an auto show. Then again, you probably wouldn’t expect a 250 hp, widebody Kia Soul.

Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the wildly modified Track’ster is just a concept… for now. Kia has announced that while it has no plans to bring this specific car to market, company execs are awaiting market reaction to judge if a high-performance crossover is in the cards for Kia.

GALLERY: Kia Track’ster Concept

Find out more about the Track’ster below and let us know if you think Kia should build a high performance crossover:

Continue Reading…

Kia, you’re such a tease. Today at the Chicago Auto Show, the Korean automaker revealed what it’s calling the Trak’ster Concept. But this sport cross came with a disclaimer, “there are no current plans to produce the Track’ster”.

Boo! Hiss.

Of course, that has to be the case, with this wild widebody and 250 hp turbocharged Soul just too extreme for the road.

Expanding on Kia’s Optima Super Bowl ad with the tag line “A Dream Car for Real Life”, the Track’ster was created to show what happens when a dream becomes a reality.

Designed to add some bulldog aggressions says Tom Kearns, chief designer for Kia Motors America, along with some significantly wider fender flares that add 5-inches to the width of the factory car, the Track’ster has a sportier appeal thanks to the removal of two doors. Inside the big fenders are 19-inch HRE wheels with 245 wide front tires and 285 wide rears. Keeping with the track theme, braking potential has also been upgraded with 6-piston front calipers and 14-ich rotors, while out back are four-piston units with 13.6-inch disks.

Power is generated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cyinder making 250 hp – a 66 percent increase over the standard car. That power makes it to the ground through an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system and (of course) a six-speed manual transmission.

The interior of the Tack’ster further conveys its track-ready capabilities with orange suede racing seats up front. The rear seating area has been removed to make room for a spare tire and the tools you’ll need to work on your car at the track.

As though teasing us with such an impressive performance crossover and then denying plans to build it weren’t bad enough, Kearns continues to tease us more, commenting that concept cars like this, “allow KMA’s design team to dream about what could be. Whether that dream becomes a reality or not is a separate question.”

GALLERY: 2013 Kia Track’ster Concept

GALLERY: 2013 Kia Track’ster Reveal

Rumors of a new Mercedes Benz SLC sports car by AMG  to rival the iconic Porsche 911 were sparked last year. Now, new information from Autocar sheds some light.

According to AMG boss Ola Kallenius, the expansion of the AMG line-up is greatly dependent to the sales performance of its specialized vehicles. “AMG is a financial company and runs with targets, just like every other company. These products can’t just be built for fun. We need a reasonable return to new fund projects.”

The past year for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe proved to be a successful one. Not only have the sales provided AMG a return, but the “technologically fascinating” SLS succeeded in establishing the brand among the supercar elite as well. To this, Kallenius said, “Could we grow the family? Probably, yes, but that is not a decision we’ve made at this stage. What is clear is that we have entered a segment with an overwhelming reaction from customers and fans — and many of them are entirely new customers to AMG — so it would certainly be the right strategy to grow the AMG brand.”

We expect an entry level stand-alone AMG sports car to be on sale as soon as late 2013. With a projected price tag of £80,000, the two-seat coupe will likely receive power from an all-new 5.4-liter twin turbo V8 nesting in a front-mid-engine layout. Performance is expected to contest the Porsche 911 Carrera S with a 0-62 mph acceleration of 4.5sec and a top speed of 180mph. Engine variants, coupes and roadsters are expected as well.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, the Kia Soul’ster concept dared to prove basic transportation could also be stylish and interesting.

Three years have come and gone but new information has finally surfaced about the Kia, buried in a press release about the Track’ster concept – set to be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show next week. Despite previous reports that the Soul’ster convertible has been axed, the Kia release says the convertible crossover is “currently under final assessment for production.”

The original Soulster concept looked like a modern Suzuki Sidekick with a chopped windscreen and an innovative two-piece top that allows passengers to open up the front and rear roof independently. The design also features attractive material finishes such as the anodized metal thick roll-bar, fender vents and skid-pad inserts.

If approved, the Soul’ster should be available with a 1.6L 4-cylinder that delivers 138-hp and a more powerful 2.0L that makes 164-hp.

GALLERY: Kia Soul’ster

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2012 Kia Soul Review

Easily the most beautiful piece of sheetmetal unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the Lexus LF-LC Concept stunned crowds with its technology, style and mystery – hinting at a future super coupe that’s still a few years off.

Created by the brand’s Calty design studio in Southern California, one can’t help but wonder how a vehicle like this moves from concept to reality. To answer that question the Toyota luxury division has commissioned short film that entitled “Resonance of Passion” that is, in and of itself, is a work of art.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC Concept

Watch the Lexus LF-LC Concept Inception video below”:

Continue Reading…