Honest business: 1, international crime syndicate: 0. Eric Blumberg owns Rent-In-Style, an L.A. based high end rental car company, which offers clients an opportunity to take out premium luxury and performance vehicles for a couple hours or even a week.

However, when Blumberg rented out his 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia fleet car, a red flag was raised when instead of cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, Blumberg noticed the Italian sports car had been sitting still for a few days since it was rented.

Equipping his line of prestigious fleet cars with GPS tracking devices, Blumberg contacted California police, leading to the car’s last known location at a warehouse by a Los Angeles port. However, by the time the police finally found the Ferrari, it was already in a Cargo ship, labeled as “used fitness equipment”, and sent on its way to Hong Kong. Fortunately, the cargo ship was turned around.

Blumberg’s ordeal revealed an incident that’s actually much larger in scale – they were dealing with an international crime syndicate. In total, authorities found more than 15 stolen vehicles, worth a total of $1.5 million, that were headed to Asia.

According to investigators, prices for these stolen cars could be sold overseas for up to twice the intrinsic value. Unfortunately, no arrests were made, but at least the accounted vehicles are back with the original owners, and the bad guys had a bad day.

Check out the video clip of the CBS This Morning feature after the below. 

From Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc and Grand Sport Vitesse to everything in between, there is no shortage of special edition Veyrons produced. A natural progression, Bugatti has joined the likes of the Jeep Wrangler Dragon and has unveiled a China-exclusive special edition vehicle for the 2012 Beijing Motor Show – the Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long.

Built to commemorate the Chinese year of the Dragon, Bugatti has tapped porcelain specialists Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur Berlin of L’Or Blanc fame to create an underlying Chinese theme across the special edition exotic, fitting several high-quality porcelain dragon motifs with deep Chinese cultural roots for both the interior and the exterior of the car.

Locations of these ornate pieces of porcelain (also known as china in China) include the center wheel caps, the fuel filler cap, the rear Bugatti badge, the center console, as well as the centerpiece plate between the seats. Complementing the white porcelain is a pearl white paint scheme as well as a contrasting red interior, a popular color in Chinese culture that represents luck and fortune. On the pair of headrests, Bugatti also features  an embroidery of the Chinese character for “dragon”. Finally, the dragon theme extends to hand-crafted pure silk floor mats, also embossed with dragons.

The one-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long costs approximately $2.08 million and is already called for. However, you can still enjoy the Wei Long in the gallery below!

GALLERY: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long

Ever since the FIA motorsport governing body permitted the application of a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) in Formula 1, Ferrari had intended to trickle down its latest racing technology and apply it to its line of sports cars. At the Geneva Auto Show of 2010, Ferrari first introduced its new gas-electric hybrid concept based on the Ferrari 599, dubbed the HY-KERS.

After a duration without much word on HY-KERS development, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa revealed last month of continuing hybrid developments that will allow its V12 engines to become more fuel efficient and meet the demands of future emission regulations as well as the demands from Ferrari’s eco-conscious customers.

Rather than borrowing from team Scuderia Ferrari’s flywheel-based KERS racing technology, the Ferrari patent applications illustrate a more conventional electric motor and battery setup. The patent also states that the battery may be replaced with a supercapacitor as an alternative energy storage device.

In detail, the design features two electric motors, one sending power to the wheels and the other used to generate energy for on-board electronic devices including the air-conditioning and power steering systems. Another patent application features designs where the electric motor is mounted in between the cylinder banks of the V12 engine or mounted directly to the gearbox – the latter similar in setup to the 2010 HY-KERS concept car.

Ferrari’s hybrid patent filings are exclusively designed for front engine vehicles for now, possibly applied for future Ferrari FF and F12 models.

GALLERY: Ferrari HY-KERS

[Source: Car and Driver]

Only a little more than a week ahead of the upcoming Beijing Auto Show, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann disclosed new development details on its upcoming SUV.

Speaking to German newspaper Handelsblatt, Winkelmann revealed Lamborghini’s goal to have an SUV as a new third model to diversify the Lamborghini line-up as soon as 2017. Suffering losses (as most supercar brands do) since 2009, Lamborghini is under pressure from parent company Volkswagen to become a profitable asset.

“We definitely need a third line in the mid- and long-term. An SUV Would be the first Lamborghini for everyday use, not just for the race track or weekends. We would have the opportunity to win new costumers,” Winkelmann explained. “It usually takes 48 months until an all-new vehicle arrives at dealers, so the new Lamborghini would not be available to buy before 2007.”

Identifying China as a key market for high-end luxury SUVs, the future Lamborghini joins VW’s line of luxury SUVs including the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and the in-development Bentley SUV. Other premium automakers are also catching onto the trend in China, as Land Rover intends to move upmarket with more expensive models as well.

Both Bentley and Lamborghini halo brands are expected to use an updated version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Also, to provide the intensity and level of excitement that Lamborghini is known for, the Italian marque will be using its own engines for its new vehicle, most likely a modified version of the Gallardo V10.

GALLERY: Lamborghini SUV Concept

[Source: AutoNews]

The all-new 2013 SRT Viper is without a doubt the star of this year’s New York Auto Show. Boasting big numbers, the Viper’s enormous 8.4-liter V10 engine produces 640-hp. Plus, SRT has announced a factory-backed return of the Viper to the American Le Mans Series and international endurance racing.

But here comes the most important bit of information of all – show your support for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and the very first Viper can be yours. The official charity of the American Le Mans Series, the Austin Hatcher Foundation For Pediatric Cancer’s mission is to aid cancer children and their families during the treatment and to provide continuing support throughout survivorship, all services are at no cost to families, and are funded solely buy donation.

The auction for the first 2013 SRT Viper will hold at Barrett-Jackson of Orange County, from June 22-24. Serial #01 vehicles have displayed a historic trend of reaching massive figures by auction end, so it will be exciting to see how much the new Viper can raise for the Austin Hatcher organization.

Co-founder of Austin Hatcher Foundation Dr. Jim Osborn said, “We are very excited that the first production Viper be auctioned at Barrett- Jackson Orange County to benefit the many families faced with pediatric cancer. We just can’t thank Mr. Gilles and his team enough.”

GALLERY: 2013 SRT Viper

It’s too bad that even though David Beckham could make enough money to purchase a fine collection of luxury and sports cars, he could never find the time to enjoy them.

Feeling a bit disappointed that his collection sits around in the UK collecting dust, Beckham’s loss can be someone’s gain as the 36 year old star soccer player (or is it football?) for the LA Galaxy has decided to sell his two Bentleys, a BMW 645i Convertible, a Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lamborghini Gallardo. Beckham may also sell his three Harley Davidson motorcycles.

“David’s collection is amazing and each of these vehicles is worth a fortune,” says a friend of David Beckham. “They are hardly used and are kept in prize condition — but David sees little point in them just mothballing in the UK and it’s not practical to ship them to America.”

Beckham’s pal adds, “Their value easily exceeds half a million but their real worth will be the association with Becks.”

David Beckham has sold several cars in the past including a BMW M3 that he bought in 1997 for 44,000 pounds. Beckham sold his BMW M3 in 2005 for £90,000.

GALLERY: David Beckham’s Cars

[Source: The Sun]

From standard Phantoms, to Extended Wheelbase models, Coupes, and Drophead Coupes, the wide ranging variety of custom tuned Rolls-Royce cars on display is surely a rare sight to behold. Check out the videos from the event below.

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[Source: Carscoop]

Having flip-flopped the idea for years, Porsche continues to gauge consumer sentiment as it once again places a sub-Boxster, entry-level Porsche sports car back on the table.

According to Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller, the idea remains actively discussed. Dubbed internally as the “550″ project, only last month did Porsche hold a focus group to get a feel for the timing of an A-segment roadster. While Mueller declined to reveal the findings, he did acknowledge that an entry-level Porsche isn’t so much a question of “if”, but “when is the right time? Now? Three years from now? Six or Seven?”

Porsche’s main concern for the entry spyder isn’t a matter of technical ability but a concern over brand image when entering a lower-priced segment. Also, if the “550″ project is given the green light, then it will take another three years to reach production. In any case, Porsche’s sales and marketing member Bernhard Maier explained, “We’re in no hurry. We have the freshest and youngest model line we’ve had in our history.”

In the meantime, Porsche will create more variants for its current model line-up. Regarding the redesigned 2013 Boxster, Porsche made a point that the Boxster hasn’t moved upmarket to make room for an entry sports car. Rather, the new refinements are intended for Boxster’s natural product trajectory. In fact, Porsche plans to provide a turbocharged flat-4 powered Boxster offering in the future.

This looks to be the perfect interim solution as Porsche could test the waters with a new engine without having to risk an all-new model. Bernhard Maier believes that “a lot of opportunities” remain for Boxster variants. However, it is important for Porsche that each “must be profitable, which means a certain amount of sales volume.”

GALLERY: 2013 Porsche Boxster

[Source: Motor Authority]

Earlier this year, Ford announced the official unveiling of its production B-MAX mini-MPV. Today, we learned that the company will release additional new models to join the B-MAX at Geneva — the European 2013 Ford Kuga and Ford Fiesta ST (pictured above). 

The 2013 Ford Kuga is the European version of North America’s 2013 Escape. However, the Kuga will be available with more powertrain choices than its North American counterpart, including fuel saving diesels. Expect the new Kuga and Escape to arrive in showrooms no sooner than late 2012.

Ford’s Fiesta ST concept, which was first unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show last year, will finally bow at Geneva. Fitted with the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost, the ST hot hatch is expected to produce 180-hp.

Finally,  we’re expecting to see Mondeo, or Europoean Fusion, debut as well. The 2013 Ford Fusion was revealed earlier this year at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and very well received.

More details on the new Ford products will be available as we draw closer to the upcoming show in Geneva.

GALLERY: Ford Fiesta ST

[Source: Carscoop]

The acclaimed Hyundai Veloster receives a major upgrade for the 2013 model year. Recognized for its unique three-door configuration, provoking design, build quality, and great value, the Veloster has also been criticized for falling short in the driving department.

For 2013, Hyundai answers with the introduction of the Veloster Turbo, armed with a 1.6 liter turbo inline-four delivering 201-hp and 195 lb.-ft. Torque. While the base Veloster offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or dual clutch transmission, the Veloster Turbo will keep the manual but forgo the dual-clutch for a traditional 6-speed automatic instead.

The new Veloster Turbo hatch will be available for sale by summertime and, according to a Hyundai official that spoke to Inside Line, should receive a starting price at $21,500, or $22,280 when you factor in the $760 destination charge. An affordable price for cars delivering a similar package with similar performance, the more powerful Veloster is actually a $4,000 premium over the 138-hp base model. Of course, the Veloster Turbo will be provided with more standard equipment as well.

Strangely, a turbo variant for the Veloster was reportedly not a part of Hyundai’s initial product strategy in North America. Due to the daily practice of freeway driving by most Americans, we’re glad Hyundai reconsidered.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

[Source: Inside Line]

British performance car maker Morgan will unveil an electric car called the Morgan Plus E at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show next month.

The company is using an electric drivetrain from Zytek, the same group they went to for their previous EV (pictured above). Like the last time, this car will also come with a manual gearbox. It’s an unusual combination considering most electric cars we see today have either a single speed or at most two.

Regardless of convention, using a manual system in an electric performance car can multiply the already instant torque electric motors offer.

“If there is enough public interest, it will go into production,” a Zytek spokesman told Automotive News.

Few further details are available on the Plus E, but Steve Morris, Morgan’s operations director, said it will have near-super car performance. We’ll bring you coverage live from Geneva next month during the press preview.

[Source: Automotive News]

Toyota GT 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada is turning to the virtual world in hopes of making cars fun for the younger generation.

It might come as a surprise to our readers, but there are actually people out there who couldn’t care less about cars or driving them. In fact, the man behind one of the cars we’re most excited about, the Toyota GT 86, or Scion FR-S as it will be called here, has two sons who fit that description.

Tada’s plan is to allow people driving the FR-S to sync up driving data via the controller area network bus in their car with their home gaming console or computer. We’re not exactly sure how it will work yet, but that data will translate into people being able to “drive in the real world against a virtual F1 driver. They can have fun with the data,” he said.

“Manufacturers like to blame young people for having no interest in cars. Maybe we should blame ourselves,” he said. “Manufacturers provided boring cars and focused on older people, because this is where the money is. We have abandoned young people.”

We’re not sure what he’s worried about, considering the FR-S is going to be a budget-conscious rear-wheel drive sports car, but it will be hard to argue with anything that lets us take our rides to task both in and out of the real world.

GALLERY: 2013 Scion FR-S

[Source: The Truth About Cars]