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]

Rolls-Royce is planning an update for its flagship Phantom range.

Recent spy photos brought the changes to light on the traditional Phantom sedan, but now we can see the modifications will find their way into the entire lineup, including the Coupe and Drophead Coupe convertible, shortly after.

The photos don’t reveal much, other than the fact that Rolls is hiding a new headlight design. Don’t expect major changes either, with the most prestigious of luxury automakers not wanting to make the current rides of its high-profile clientele look dated. In addition to mild exterior changes, we expect an updated interior with an improved navigation system, as well as a slight bump in power and emissions for the engine.

The updated Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe could make its reveal as early as next-month’s Geneva Motor Show, or we may have to wait until the Paris show in the Fall.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Spy Photos

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”:

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Putting profits ahead of product, General Motors has reportedly decided to shelve production plans for a coupe version of the recently introduced Cadillac ATS.

While not cancelled, the model has been delayed as part of a larger plan by GM to slow spending and increase profits, helping bolster its slumping share price.

The ATS was long rumored to also get convertible and wagon versions, but those models have reportedly been dropped completely. One of the few variations of Cadillac’s 3 Series rival that will head into production is one with a diesel powertrain, although no announcement has been made as to when that version will join the lineup.

[Source: WideOpenThrottle]

See AutoGuide’s First Look Video of the Cadillac ATS below:

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The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB),  a non-profit organization created by the insurance industry to address insurance-related crime, publishes an annual report called Hot Wheels to identify America’s 10 most stolen vehicles. This year, the NICB introduced a special issue called Hot Wheels Classics, which focuses on a specific model with historical significance.

For its first Classics report, NCIB had chosen to go with the iconic Ford Mustang Pony Car. Although Memphis Raines could never steal the “Eleanor” Shelby Mustang GT500 without engaging in a wild car chase, NCIB’s records reported that thieves have successfully stolen a total of 611,093 Mustangs from 1964 to 2011. While data for each year is available, years prior to 1981 may not be accurate as effective vehicle identification numbers (VIN) protocols were not formalized until 1981, according to NCIB.

Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VIN in 1981, the NCIB indicated that a total of 411,155 Mustangs have been reported stolen through 2011. The most thefts occurred in 1981 when 20,708 Mustangs were stolen. In 2011, the number of thefts have fallen to 4,347.

From 2001-2011, the past decade indicated that the model year which suffered the most thefts is the year 2000 Mustang at a total of 7,085, followed by the 1995 model year at 6790 thefts, and then the 1998 Mustang at 5394 thefts. All in all, the top 10 most stolen model years concentrated on Mustangs produced from 1989 to 2004. What’s more, the top 10 most stolen model years alone account for nearly 50 percent of all Mustang thefts that have occurred in the past decade.

To help Mustang owners to protect their prized pony cars, NCIB suggests owners to start with a little common sense by locking the car before leaving it on the street. Theft deterrent technologies such as warning devices and immobilizing devices can further improve upon the vehicle’s security. Finally, if a Mustang manages to get stolen anyway, a tracking device will dramatically increase its chances of recovery.

[Source: NICB]

GALLERY: Ford Mustang GT

Autoguide had an opportunity to test drive the Scion FR-S almost two months ago and was immediately impressed with the new sports car’s handling and performance.

Featuring a direct-injection 2.0L 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 200 hp at 7000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 6600 rpm, possessing a low center of gravity as well as a flawless 53/47 weight distribution, it seemed the only important detail missing is exactly how much the Scion FR-S will cost.

Toyota has finally revealed the pricing of its GT-86 in Japan, providing an indication of what prospective buyers should expect when the FR-S is finally North America bound later this year. Prices for the new GT-86 sports car will start at $25,600 for a bare-bones “Customize Grade” model. Offered with tuner enthusiasts in mind, the basic Customize Grade will forgo creature comforts like air-conditioning and will be sold with unpainted bumpers since it will likely be tossed to make room for after market body kits. However, when fully loaded with all available options, a GT-86 Limited edition will set you back a staggering $38,200. Extra-cost options are a six-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, aluminum pedals and three-spoke sport steering wheel.

Dealers in Japan have already begun accepting orders as the Toyota GT-86 will officially be available in the Japanese domestic market starting March 12. Meanwhile, the Scion FR-S is expected to be released in June for the United States. An official price in North America has yet to be announced but Toyota claims the FR-S will start below $30,000.

GALLERY: Scion FR-S

[Source: Inside Line]

Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com

Having just launched the all-new 2012 3 Series, BMW will soon look to add the coupe and convertible versions to its lineup, with one big change from the past. No we’re not talking about a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but rather the fact that from now on the 3 Series two door models will be referred to as the 4 Series. This is in keeping with a larger BMW plan to have all four-door sedans receive odd number badges, while coupes will get the even number treatment.

As these new spy photos show, don’t expect a dramatic change from the past model, with a similar silhouette. The biggest change will be up front with a more pointed grill reminiscent of the Z4.

As mentioned, a base 428i model will now come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 245 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while a top-level 435i will get BMW’s turbo inline-six for 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Pour over the gallery of spy photos below and if you’re appetite for next-gen BMWs isn’t satisfied, check out our spy photos of the 4 Series Convertible here, and the upcoming M3 Sedan here.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 4 Series Spy Photos

Officially, Toyota will tell you that the future is in hybrid powertrains. But unofficially, well, they’ve built an electric sports car, which was revealed at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.

Based on the chassis of a Toyota Sera (a rare sports car built from 1990-96), the TES-ERA EV shares that car’s gullwing door concept, though the car is altogether more modern looking. While tiny (roughly 10 inches shorter in length than a second generation MR2), it’s certainly not cutesy looking thanks to plenty of angles and a wide stance.

A proper rear-drive machine the TES-ERA EV makes roughly 165 hp and produces 247 lb-ft of torque.  Weighing in at 2,500 lbs it’s not going to be a rocket ship, but should produce some modest smiles.

Built by the Toyota Engineering Society (hence the TES in its name), the car is part of an annual skunkworks project made up of volunteers within the automaker and isn’t even technically an official Toyota concept car.

Created in 1947 to explore organic new ideas and actually move ahead with them, last year’s TES project car was the TES Concept T-Sports, looking at a baby Scion FR-S.

See videos of the TES-ERA EV in action below:

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First unveiled at the LA Auto Show late last year the Subaru BRZ STI Concept is no longer just a hint at things to come. Just a month ago at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese automaker officially drew back the covers on the production BRZ (while Toyota did the same with its GT 86).

An already impressive machine (read our review of its sibling, the Scion FR-S here), the BRZ makes 200-hp, has an amazing weight balance and a low center of gravity. The STI concept takes the car’s performance a step further with custom aerodynamics, larger 18-inch wheels, a light weight carbon fiber hood, custom exhaust and a carbon fiber roof – further lowering the car’s center of gravity.

GALLERY: Subaru BRZ STI Concept

Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com

Aftermarket wheel manufacturer TWS Forged obviously liked what they saw when Toyota unveiled the Nurburgring Edition Lexus LFA. Sporting a more track-oriented aerodynamic kit and a functional rear spoiler, that package (even in its shocking orange paint scheme) now looks tame compared to the modified LFA on display at the TWS booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Along with that huge spoiler out back the LFA gets a custom set of TWS wheels, as well as an ultra-aggressive rear diffuser setup to further improve aerodynamic flow over and around the supercar.

GALLERY: Lexus LFA by TWS Forged

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage here

The GT 86 will spawn a new legion of fanboys for the Toyota brand – a result it was purpose-built to achieve. And if there’s one thing die-hard automotive enthusiasts love more than spouting off engine and chassis codes, it’s factory performance parts. In this case: Toyota Racing Development… or TRD for short.

With Toyota unveiling its new GT 86 sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December, the automaker has now rolled out the TRD version at the Tokyo Auto Salon – Japan’s largest aftermarket event. Available TRD accessories for the GT 86 (sold in North America as the Scion FR-S – read our review here), include a new front lip and rear trunk-lid spoiler.

Also available are larger 18-inch TRD wheels, which can fit wider 225 tires, plus a TRD brake upgrade. Adding a slight dose of extra power is a TRD exhaust system, while a suite of suspension components will also be offered.

Toyota has yet to confirm as much, but it will offer a long list of TRD goodies for the Scion FR-S in North America.

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86 TRD

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage here and discuss this story at FR-SForum.com

Just a few weeks after the debut of the GT 86, Toyota tuners are getting a crack at the new sports car and showing what modified visions they can dream up at Japan’s largest aftermarket expo, the Tokyo Auto Salon.

One of the very first machines is built by Toyota’s in-house Modelista tuning division, focused on adding some flare to the compact sports car. Included in the Modelista kit is a new lip kit, side skits, a rear lip and chrome door moldings. Headlight “eye” lids simplify the car’s front end, while rear light covers help blend the protruding taillights into the rest of the car’s body.

Also included are some upgraded 18-inch wheels and grippier tires – two simple modifications the new car could certainly use.

GALLERY: Modelista Toyota GT 86

See AutoGuide’s complete Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage Here and discuss this story at FR-SForum.com

With the new Veloster Turbo seemingly making the Genesis Coupe 2.0T a bit redundant in Hyundai‘s lineup, the Korean automaker has decided to up the power rating of the car to widen the gap. And with the 2.0T motor now up significantly , the V6 then gets a noticeable improvement too. Unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, watch our first look video below for all the details.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

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Although the concept version of Subaru‘s rear-drive BRZ, displayed at the 2011 LA Auto Show back in November, looked close to production ready, we’ve now seen the real thing, which made it’s North American Debut this week at the Detroit Auto Show.

Powered by new generation FA-Series 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder, generating 200 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, the production BRZ boasts one of the lowest centers of gravity of any car in the world and is also among the lightest two-door coupes on the market, weighing in at a relatively bantam 2,762 lbs. That makes it some 300 lbs less than the Lotus Evora and a whopping 500 lbs less than the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

With a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions (the latter with sport and manual paddle shifts), plus pedals optimized for heel and toe downshifting, along with an optimized front strut suspension and independent rear, the BRZ promises to be one of the most fun to drive cars available in American when it goes on sale as a 2013 model.

We’ve already tested it’s sister car, the Scion FR-S, and you can read that review here.

GALLERY: 2013 Subaru BRZ

Click here for AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Discuss this story at SubaruBRZforum.com

More than four decades ago, the Ford Mustang became America’s first “pony car” and has established itself as the segment leader ever since. However, in the last two years, Mustang’s closest rival, the Chevrolet Camaro, has incontestably dethroned the Mustang as the new sales leader.

When the Chevy Camaro beat the Ford Mustang by 81,299-to-73,716 units in 2010, analysts believed it was down to buyer excitement over a newly-released Camaro. Surprisingly, sales figures of 2011 revealed that not only did the Mustang not regain its spot at the top, but the sales gap actually widened. Last year, Americans bought 88,249 Camaros and only 70,438 Mustangs.

Little explains why the Camaro has pulled ahead in sales while the Mustang lagged behind. Even when comparing performance figures between the two machines, the difference is negligible as the Camaro only has fractionally more horsepower while it carries a couple of more pounds than the Mustang. Price wise, the MSRP of the Mustang V6 and GT are both less expensive than its Camaro counterpart.

Competition between the two rivals promises to intensify for 2012. On the Chevrolet corner, Camaro is preparing a high performance ZL1 producing an outrageous 580-hp, capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 184 mph.On the Ford corner, the new Mustang Shelby GT500 answers the ZL1 with a staggering 650-hp, promising to reach speeds beyond the 200 mph holy grail.

No doubt, the GT500 is a statement car in its purest sense. If Camaro manages a threepeat for 2012, could the Mustang’s failure come down to its long-criticized live rear axle?

GALLERY: 2012 Camaro ZL1

GALLERY: 2013 Ford GT500

Lexus has released new photos of its stunning new concept car, pointing to the future of the brand’s styling as well as a possible new model. The LF-LC hybrid concept adapts the brand’s new grille, as first seen on the 2013 GS, while looking like a luxurious 2+2 version of the LFA supercar.

Lexus has said little about its new super coupe, although badging on the side has revealed that it is a hybrid. In a brief release Lexus says the car, “is envisioned as offering Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive to deliver both driving performance and fuel efficiency.”

Look for full details to come with the car’s official debut planned for the North American International Auto Show next week.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-LC Concept

Click here for AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Discuss this story at LF-LCForum.com

Better late than never, Alfa Romeo announces the scheduled arrival of their 4C sports car to American soil by 2013. First, an Alfa Romeo 4C prototype will make an appearance in the middle of next year before the Italian automaker’s official return to North America.

More than just a pretty face, the Alfa Romeo 4C will feature an aluminum direct-injection 1.8 liter turbo on a tube-mounted aluminum frame. Weighing in at a feathery 1,980 lbs, the 4C will use sheet-molded composite panels to wrap around its aluminum bones. The Alfa Romeo 4C is expected to deliver approximately 230-hp and should be capable of 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Fiat engineering chief Mauro Pierallini says Alfa Romeo will build 18,000 4C’s over the lifetime of the car and that it will be sold in the United States along with the Giulia sedan as well as Alfa Romeo’s first SUV. Executives suggest the Alfa Romeo 4C’s price tag targets $45,000 USD.

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergia Marchionne boldly explained that the 159 that the Giulia will replaced was, “400 kg too heavy and by default uncompetitive. We will never, ever do this again. The next Giulia had better smell, look, and drive like an Alfa or it will not wear the badge. We need to resurrect Alfa in the proper way.”

If Marchionne is so adamant on building proper Alfas, then there is no reason why Alfa Romeo shouldn’t be a hit when it comes stateside.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo 4C

South Korean automakers have been on a roll for the past two years and there are no signs of letting off. A radical departure from Hyundais of the past, the new Hyundai Veloster earned GOOD DESIGN award in the transportation category. Held at the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, GOOD DESIGN awards are handed annually to the most innovative designers in a broad array of industries– not just automotive.

According to Hyundai Motor America director of Product Planning, Scott Margason, “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle. Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

Highlights of the Veloster’s design are its three-door layout. While this design has been adopted by the and Saturn SC-2 3-door coupe in the past, the third door is opened conventionally rather than suicide, retains a B-pillar for structural rigidity, and has its own exterior door handle rather than needing to rely on the front door to open first. What’s more, designers compliment the Hyundai for its bold design statement and its distinctive forms including black A-pillars to give the sports coupe an aggressive motorcycle helmet visor appearance. A distinctive glass hatch in the rear and dual centered chrome exhaust tips carry the edgy design to the rear. Inside, the center console is designed to resemble a sport bike fuel tank while HVAC air vents are heavily influenced by motorcycle tailpipes.

Click here to read Autoguide’s review of the 2012 Veloster.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster

Hours after photos of the upcoming Lexus super coupe concept leaked onto the net, the Toyota luxury brand has released a full photo of the car, confirming it will be called the LF-LC.

“Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.”

As for the design of the car, it was handled at Lexus’ Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., taking obvious style highlights from the new Lexus GS and the LFA supercar.

Of note, this high-resolution photo reveals that the LF-LC is in fact a hybrid.

The LF-LC will be officially unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 9th.

Discuss this story at LF-LCForum.com

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

In the run-up to the Detroit Auto Show this January, Lexus has teased a new concept car twice, first showing an aggressive exterior, and then a futuristic interior. Now comes word that the vehicle in question may wear the “LF-LC” badge when it is fully uncovered.

That code says almost all of what we need to know about the car, starting with the LF, which stands for Lexus Future, signifying it is in fact a concept. Next is the second L, which if you take a look at other L models in the Lexus lineup, is a sign that this is a true luxury machine – take the Lexus LS for example.

Finally there’s the C, which is a strong indication that this concept car is a coupe (or perhaps even a convertible).

That said, the LF-LC is likely a concept car aimed at showing the next generation Lexus SC. Of note, there’s no “h” used in the nomenclature, suggesting this model won’t be a hybrid – an unusual move for the luxury brand.

GALLERY: Lexus NAIAS Concept

[Source: Lexus Netherlands blog via LexusEnthusiast]

Check out AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Preview here

Discuss this story at LF-LCForum.com

Honda has announced it will debut an all-new Accord Coupe concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January and if past concepts (above) are any guess it will bear a close resemblance to the production model. In a press release Honda calls the concept “dynamic and aggressive”.

The concept foreshadows a production version of the 9th generation Accord, which will debut as a 2013 model and will go on sale in the Fall of 2012.

No details of the vehicle have been provided but Honda recently announced details that it would add direct-injection to much of its lineup, including its V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines. Also look for the use of a CVT transmission as opposed to a conventional automatic. Honda has announced a commitment to be a leader in both fuel economy and engine output

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show coverage here.

The new 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe joins the latest luxury four-door coupe niche alongside the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Audi A7, and Porsche Panamera.

At 4.4 inches longer than the 6 series two-door coupe, the first four-door Gran Coupe available in the United States will be in 640i trim, utilizing BMW’s N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six and will produce 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. A 650i Gran Coupe will be available next, providing a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, making 445-hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The 650i Gran Coupe will be available in rear wheel drive and xDrive all wheel drive as well. Both the 640i and 650i will receive an 8-speed automatic transmission.

From the inside, the sporty, luxurious, and tech loaded interior of the 6 series Gran Coupe is certainly on par with its trendy competitors. While the photo gallery clearly displays a rear center console, a common design for four-passenger four-door coupes, the seat-belt placement suggests that the rear seating can provide room for three in a pinch, where the middle passenger must straddle the console.

As BMW will likely organize the debut of its new 3 Series at the upcoming 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the debut of the 2013 6 Series Gran Coupe will likely be slated for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show instead.

GALLERY: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

Lotus will offer the Exige in 2012 as a track-only car in America, despite killing off the street-legal Elise and Exige due to air bag laws and the discontinuation of the car’s 1.8L Toyota 4-cylinder motor.

The 2012 Exige for North America will be based on the Exige S and get a 3.5L supercharged V6 from the Evora making 345 horsepower. 60 mph comes up in 3.8 seconds and the car is good for a V-Max of 170 mph. Standard equipment should include a roll cage, harnesses, bucket seats, an electrical cut-off switch and other features that will make it legal for competition use.

The Exige is expected to carry a base price of around $85,000-$90,000, but we’ll have to wait for an official announcement from Lotus for more info.

[Source: DuPont Registry]