The most highly anticipated reveal of the 2012 NY Auto Show did not disappoint. Sure it’s has a remarkably similar 8.4-liter V10 engine with 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, but that’s hardly something to complain about.

The rest of the all-new Viper is wildly new, however, with some rather Ferrari-inspired styling (the red paint doesn’t hurt), as well as premium interior components. The car also weighs 100 lbs less thanks to carbon fiber hood, roof and trunk, not to mention carbon fiber racing seats.

GALLERY: 2013 SRT Viper

To learn more about the new SRT Viper and to get a closer look watch the video below:

Continue Reading…

To get people excited about the new, topless Roadster, MINI has opened up a live peep show on Hollywood Blvd, just a block away from the Kodak and Chinese Theatres.

A tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign for 25 days, curious passersby will get to feast their eyes on some MINI action after pressing a button on the display, triggering the window blinds to roll back to reveal a roadster showing off on a slowly rotating pedestal, complete with neon lights, a disco ball, smoke effects, and music to set the mood.

Vice President of MINI USA explained, “The new MINI Roadster is a devilishly fast, uncompromising two-seater soft-top with the soul of a sports car and the heart of a MINI. Our Peepshow reveal in this prime Los Angeles location sets the scene perfectly for our latest model which delivers more fun than one person can handle with its exhilarating ride and unlimited headroom.”

GALLERY: Mini Roadster Peep Show

Racing driver Walter Rohrl, Group B monster Audi Sport quattro S1, and the treacherous Pikes Peak Hill Climb are iconic in and of themselves, but when combined, it marks a legendary moment in the history of motorsports.

25 years ago, when the 4,301 meter hill climb was pure gravel, Rohrl threw his Audi around 156 cliff-side corners, four-wheel drifting his way to the summit to set a record breaking time of 10 minutes, 47.85 seconds.

Since then, Rohrl has been dethroned by the likes of Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima and the Unlimited class Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special, climbing the modern Pikes Peak in 9 minutes 51.278 seconds. However, the hill climb course itself is now completely paved with tarmac and while that provides better grip for the cars to climb faster, this dampens the sheer danger and spectacle of its gravel past.

This year, Walter Rohrl and his record-setting Audi Sport quattro S1 will return to Pikes Peak for an exhibition drive. Although Rohrl will not be competing on the main event, race fans will certainly be excited to see their childhood heroes back together again.

Check out footage of Walter Rohrl’s 1987 Climb in his Audi Sport quattro S1 after the jump: Continue Reading…

The i8 plug-in hybrid is the product of BMW‘s best engineering and innovation in an effort to create the most advanced automobile to ever come from the Bavarian automaker.

Motivated by a 170-hp electric motor driving the front wheels and a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 223-hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear, the performance figures don’t sound exactly supercar territory. However, thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, BMW managed to keep its i8 down to a thin 3,197 lbs., good enough to earn respectable performance numbers like a 0-to-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds. A unique all-wheel drive system, which can change into an all-front or all-rear powered car in an instant, should provide the i8 with superior all-condition handling performance as well. What’s more, on a full charge, the BMW i8 can travel 20 miles in full electric mode.

But BMW isn’t going to stop there. In an effort to make the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car even more appealing, a convertible “Spyder” version is also in the works, with a selection of photos having been released ahead of the cars debut at the New York Auto Show next week. Could this be the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric convertible to go into production?

GALLERY: BMW i8 Spyder

To the person (or persons) holding the golden ticket to the $640 million Megamillions Lottery jackpot: here’s a way for you to spend the money.

Last month, a special Ferrari 250 GTO sold for a record $31.8 million US dollars, making it the most valuable Ferrari in the world. Now, imagine a parade full of valuable classic Ferrari GTOs traveling at speed in two lane back roads.

The following video beautifully captures the sights and sounds as a convoy of fire breathing Italian red heads travel along to the annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. What’s more, feast your eyes on other rare metals present at the venue as well.

Enjoy the video below: Continue Reading…

The engineering wizards of Nissan continue to massage more power and performance into their halo GT-R.

As a MY 2013, Nissan has just released its right-hand-drive Nissan GT-R Track Pack for the Japan, UK, Australia and South Africa markets this month. While initial reports suggested that the Track Pack is intended as a right-hand-drive exclusive, Nissan has announced that the hard-core package will be available in left-handed markets as well.

Despite being available in right-hand-drive markets right now, the dates for the other markets are unknown at this point. However, a source suggests left-hand-drive production begins in May. Unfortunately, the Russian, Ukraine and US market are omitted from the initial offerings, but as a hollow triumph, we’re relieved to know it’s not out of the question.

The Track Pack was designed for drivers that want a more authentic experience on a racetrack. Offering a harder edge while remaining road legal, the Track Pack horsepower rating will remain the same as Nissan is not concerned with the GT-R’s power, but more focused on its delivery. the Track Pack sports new cooling vents, front and rear, to increase the airflow over the brakes, dropping the temperature by as much as 100 degrees when driven hard.

Suspension has also been worked on, as different spring rates optimize track stability. Finally, performance Recaro front seats help keep the driver snug while the rear seats are removed for weight. Another weight saving measure, the Nissan GT-R Track Pack gets signature lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels with a black gloss finish as well.

A limited production model, look for the Track Pack emblem on the center console.

GALLERY: Nissan GT-R Track Pack

[Source: CarScoop]

Start-ups are inherently risky and while many bright-eyed visionaries initially display great potential, up to fifty percent of new enterprises run out of money. Unfortunately, Waltham-based A123 Systems Inc. are at risk of becoming a statistic. 

Earlier this month, Consumer Reports reported that a brand-new Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with less than 200 miles on the odometer abruptly shut down. News of the defect spread quickly, causing Fisker engineers scrambling to identify and solve the problem as soon as possible in an attempt to curb any damage to consumer confidence. Investigators determined the cause of the issue as a flaw in the Fisker’s battery module, which is supplied by A123.

Other than the incident at Consumer Reports, A123 CEO David Vieau told reporters that five Fisker customers are potentially affected by the flawed battery packs. As of March 26, A123 has started building replacement modules for Fisker and will begin to ship these battery packs out to customers this week. Despite moving forward, David Vieau admits that the cost of replacing the batteries will “require us to adjust our fundraising strategy.” Vieau did not elaborate.

Caused by faulty calibration in one of four welding machines, a misalignment of the components in some cells could lead to an electrical short, resulting in the permanent failure of the A123 battery or a decrease in performance and battery life. In order to replace all the defective battery packs, expense figure estimates are close to $55 million, which “represents a severe impact” on cash reserves, stated Dan Galves, New York-based Deutsche Bank analyst.

Galves wrote in a report, “We no longer have enough confidence that AONE can raise sufficient capital (without massive equity dilution) and/or continue to augment their book to future business. Recent quality issues may lead to concerns over AONE’s ability to manufacture with quality at high volumes, potentially leading to customer defections or at least difficulty in procuring new contracts.” AONE refers to A123′s stock symbol.

According to financial reports, A123 held $187 million in cash at the end of 2011 but Galves pointed out A123 suffered a cash burn of at least $155 million this year. The company will have to raise at least $50 million of additional short-term capital but, unfortunately, loan requests will be extremely difficult due to a general lack of confidence due to weak first-half results, long-term profitability concerns, pressure on battery pricing, and uncertainty on EV demand.

Dan Galves changed his rating on A123 from “buy” to “hold.” AONE share price have fallen 6 percent to $1.40 yesterday.

[Source: Boston.com]

From the Porsche European Delivery Program to the Master Italian Lifestyle Maserati Driving Experience, European automakers go the extra mile to make customers feel special.

BMW enjoys sharing its enthusiasm for automobiles also but best of all, you don’t even have to own a Bimmer to experience its passion.

Its headquarters feature a unique principal visitors center called “BMW Welt” (German for “world”), a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility that has attracted 2 million visitors annually since opening in 2007. As the term “multi-functional” suggests, BMW Welt is made up of the BMW Museum as well as the BMW Munich Plant, effectively bridging the company, the brand and its products to visitors fans. In fact, the company believes that BMW Welt effectively allows people to experience the company’s past, present and future as a whole.

Inside, BMW Welt is an event center equipped with state-of the-art technology for concerts, conferences, broadcasts, more. BMW’s Junior Campus allows the younger guests to explore the automotive world creatively. It’s also a delivery area where more than 100 customers receive their cars each day.

Located beside the BMW Group Headquarters, the concept behind the museum is arranged in linear fashion as 120 exhibits through 25 exhibition areas snake across the complex, guiding visitors through more than 90 years of brand history. Among those exhibits there are historic cars, motorcycles, racing and aircraft engines and hints at future designs.

The BMW Munich Plant is the original plant of the Bavarian automaker. Building thousands of vehicles a day thanks to a workforce of approximately 9,000 people, the BMW Welt experience provides visitors with insight thanks to a “window into the world of BMW production.” Individual tours are available as well.

Car enthusiasts who are planning on taking a trip to Europe in the near future may visit the BMW Welt website to learn more.

GALLERY: BMW Welt

A pioneer in modern cinema, director Peter Yates received critical acclaim for the camera work and editing done for the car chase in the 1968 movie Bullitt. 

Starring Steve McQueen, the Ford Mustang, the Dodge Charger, as well as the hilly streets of San Francisco as the backdrop for the chase, Columbia University professor Emanuel Levy praised, “Bullitt contains one of the most exciting car chases in film history, a sequence that revolutionized Hollywood’s standards.”

Since then, many filmmakers have used Bullitt as a benchmark, applying its techniques to produce car chase sequences of their own. However, no director has attempted to re-create the complete Bullitt sequence again – until now.

For the season finale of Alcatraz, Detective Madsen stops and requisitions a Deep Impact Blue 2013 Mustang GT coupe and chases down a black Dodge Charger that is driven by her convict grandfather. Symmetry to the original Bullitt play throughout the chase, including scenes of the Mustang’s appearance in the Charger’s rearview mirror, the driver in the black Charger clipping the seatbelt, the iconic reverse burnout, the hill hops, as well as the old Volkswagen Beetle that makes multiple and non-linear appearances.

Check out the entire chase sequence from the season finale of Alcatraz below.  Continue Reading…

Maserati is the latest to offer an exclusive driving experience program, a growing trend among sport luxury automakers.

Brand aficionados have a choice of three distinct driving packages. First on the calendar is the Master GT two-Day Experience, held from April 23 through 24. The package includes a two-day circuit driving experience to teach racing techniques, telemetry and driving exercises on slippery, low-grip surfaces. The Master Maserati Courses are serviced by top class staff members, while professional driving instructors guide the driving portion.

Available circuits include the Autodromo Riccardo Paletti in Varano de’ Melegari,  an ideal track to develop driving skills because of its technical and diverse corners.

The second event is the Master GT 1-day Experience on May 14. Also a day of circuit driving, participants will learn to drift and control oversteer.

The final event is the Master Italian Lifestyle Experience, held from May 29 through 30. This five-star two-day package provides customers with the best that Italy has to offer. The package includes a day on the circuit as well as the Tuscan countryside, combined with a special sightseeing tour of Florence, the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance. The tour will also include special visits to Italian artisans’ boutiques.

According to Maserati, the Master Italian Lifestyle Experience is a one of a kind event, blending together all the most representative elements of Italian art, fashion, luxury, bespoke craftsmanship, and racing pedigree and performance.

As expected, an Italian getaway isn’t cheap. The Master GT 2-day package costs €3,359, or €3,680 including accommodations. A companion may join the driver for an extra €350, or €544 including accommodations. The Master GT 1-day is a more affordable €1,990, or €2,140 including accommodations. Adding a companion is a €250 premium or €400 including accommodations. Finally, the Master Italian Lifestyle Experience is the most expensive package, starting at a €4,890, accommodations included. The companion can come along for an extra €1,250.

While the price of entry is high, the resources and accommodations promise to be top-notch. Those interested in the three driving packages can visit the official website.

GALLERY: Master Maserati Driving Experience

An all-new Mercedes-Benz SL does not come very often. Since 1954, Mercedes-Benz has only introduced five generations of its luxury grand-touring coupe. For the 6th generation 2013 SL that will hit showrooms later this year, Mercedes-Benz spared no expense, packing it full of all the most desirable luxuries available to make it a true successor of its iconic heritage.

Starting at $106,375, the new SL features advanced driving aids including ECO Start/Stop engine technology, Active Body Control, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. What’s more, conveniences such as Keyless-GO, surround sound system with forward bass, sun-reflecting leather, Adaptive Wipers, COMAND online, a fully integrated electric draught stop, and a Panoramic Vario Roof Magic Sky Control are available as well.

In order to deliver performance that matches the SL’s level of technology and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz SL550 boasts a 4.7-liter V8 turbo producing 429-hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, this Mercedes sports car can cover a 0-to-60 mile sprint in just 4.5 seconds, a full second quicker than the outgoing SL. Even though it’s more powerful, the new SL will be efficient as well. Thanks to an all-aluminum frame construction, the new SL is up to 300 pounds lighter than its previous generation equivalent.

In order to highlight all the features the new SL has to offer, Mercedes-Benz has concisely produced a manageable and informative promo trailer that touches upon many of SL’s clever functions. However, the ending proves that nothing is more important in the SL than the powerful V8 delivering rapid acceleration.

Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 promo video below.  Continue Reading…

Considerations for developing a Lexus GS-F have been raised and discussed in multiple occasions in the past but the idea has yet to take hold.

Now, rumors surface one again as Lexus product planning chief Karl Schlicht  says that we could expect to see a high-performance GS-F on the market in the not-too-distant future that would rival the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

The engine will likely be adopted from the high strung 4.8-liter V10 engine found in the Lexus LFA supercar. However, rather than 4.8-liters, the engine in the GS-F will likely be a slightly smaller displacement 4.6-liter producing approximately 450-hp.\

To distinguish itself from the standard GS range, the front fascia of the GS-F would receive sharper, more exaggerated surface treatments dominated by the spindle grille and preview the design of the next generation IS sports sedan range.

Details on a GS-F remain scarce as the project has yet to be official. If given the green light, expect the GS-F to arrive on showroom floors in approximately two years.

[Source: AutoCar]

Despite the demise of the Saab automaker, racing team Tidö and Flash Engineering are hard at work developing and performing shakedown tests on their new Saab 9-3 TTA race car that will compete in the Swedish Racing Elite League.

Recently, the Saab 9-3 TTA was seen conducting first round testing in France with Swiss driver Fabian Thuner lapping around the Alés track. Then, the race car as well as the new information and developments found during testing will be carried over to undergo official tests in Karlskoga and Anderstorp.

Competing against Saab in the Swedish Racing Elite League include automakers Citroën, BMW, and Volvo. Racing head to head against the Volvo S60 TTA, Flash Engineering Managing Director says enthusiastically, “I have longed for 40 years to see the fight between Saab and Volvo on the race tracks. It becomes reality this summer and my biggest dream is to get all Saab fans to the TTA races to cheer us on.”

GALLERY: Saab 9-3 TTA

Check out the test teaser video of the Saab 9-3 TTA taken at the Alés track of France after the jump: Continue Reading…

Regarded as one of the greatest musicians and one of the greatest Ferrari fans of all time, Eric Clapton has owned a number of the iconic Italian supercars including the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, Ferrari Enzo, and the 599 Fiorano.

Looking for his next Ferrari to have all the performance and technical marvel of a new Ferrari combined with a more classic wedge-shaped design of the 1980′s, Eric Clapton ordered from Ferrari a 458 Italia with a striking classic Ferrari 512BB inspired exterior.

Called the Ferrari SP12 EPC (Special Project 12 Eric Patrick Clapton), Eric Clapton initially requested that his bespoke Ferrari to be fitted with a V12 engine from a Ferrari 599. Unfortunately, the task proved to be too much to ask and the car maintained the V8 from the 458 Italia instead.

As with all one-off machines for private collectors, details of this wonderful creation are limited and while Ferrari was more than happy to confirm production of the Ferrari Superamerica 45 and the P540 Superfast Aperta, the company remains particularly tight-lipped and hasn’t even confirmed that Clapton had ever requested the vehicle.

GALLERY: Ferrari SP12 EPC

Check out the video of Eric’s Ferrari after the break: Continue Reading…

Offering the mighty 6.3-liter V8 AMG engine in almost every model in its current line-up, Mercedes-Benz is a master of creating powerful machines cloaked in rather inconspicuous exteriors.

A favorite for driving enthusiasts that enjoy the idea of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Mercedes-Benz created its first sleeper sedan in 1985 when it developed the Mercedes Benz 500 E sports sedan in cooperation with Porsche.

In fact, the ultimate iteration of the mid-size W124 was hand-built to perfection over a span of 18 days each at Porsche’s Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Power comes from a specially tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine taken from the 500 SL roadster, delivering 322 hp and 354 lb-ft. of torque, propelling it from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds all the way to a top speed of 177 mph.

Seriously quick even by modern standards, the 500 E was known by many as the “Hammer” for its brute power and relentless delivery. Brabus decided to take it even further, enlarging the engine to become a 6.5-liter unit delivering 444 hp. Acceleration would take only 5.2 seconds to 60 mph but top speed remained the same.

Now more than 20 years old, a mint example is hard to find. Coincidentally, Brabus just so happens to be selling a virtually brand new “6.5″ right now. With only 157 miles on the odometer, this is likely the best preserved example of  the cult classic in the world. However, few details on the vehicle have been provided and in fact, even the model year and price have been omitted. To learn more about the car for sale, visit the Brabus website and shoot them an email or give them a call.

GALLERY: Brabus 6.5

Mazda announced that it will field its iconic MX-5 roadster for its first year in the British GT Championship.

Last year, the Mazda MX-5 GT first ran a campaign in the Britcar Production GTN Championship as a developmental year. Demonstrating its strength instantly, the MX-5 battled hard during the final race of the season at Brands Hatch. Placing fifth overall, the tiny Mazda traded places with more powerful Porsches, Ferraris, and Lotus through the race.

For 2012, the Mazda MX-5 GT is ready to move up to the British GT Championship GT4 class, fully prepared to race against the likes of Lotus, Aston Martin, Ginetta, and Nissan. In terms of hardware, the Mazda MX-5 GT packs a 2.0-liter engine producing 315 hp, mated to a paddle shift sequential six-speed Hewland gearbox.

A package weighting just over 2,200 lbs, carrying about 330 lbs of ballast, the Mazda MX-5 GT is capable of running from 0-60 mph in three seconds and to achieve a top speed of 160 mph. While it isn’t as powerful as its rivals, the MX-5 is a favorite among drivers thanks to its handling and stability under all loads, its fuel efficiency, and its mercy on tires. This keeps the MX-5 racing through the field rather than spend time in the pits for refuel and tire change.

“We are looking forward to taking on the supercar brands this year and winning,” Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson says. “Last year was a valuable development year when we established the strengths of the car and then developed the power and handling too best exploit those strengths. We are excited and optimistic about our first year in British GT and fully expect the Mazda MX-5 to upset a few established marques.”

The British GT Championship series holds nine rounds over seven weekends. The first race will be held at Oulton Park of Cheshire on Easter weekend, April 7 and 9.

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 GT

Marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary Alpine A110 Berlinette rally racing car, rumors of an all-new Renault Alpine concept for the 2012 Paris Motor Show started circulating.

Details are limited for now but some information is available from Renault marketing director Stephen Norman, who says the new Alpine will follow the path of a lightweight sports car but will not be a stripped down track weapon. He added that the performance sports car would be “made to the highest specification. We can’t come out with something that has wind-up windows and rubber mats,” he said.

The Alpine revival powertrain will seek existing components from the Renault and Nissan parts bin to save cost on an additional parts supplier. While that might not seem exciting at the surface, it also means there’s a chance the Alpine could be based on the Nissan GT-R.

Stay tuned for more details and developments as we draw closer to the Paris Auto Show.

[Source: World Car Fans]

The slow unveiling of the all-new Lexus LS luxury sedan has unofficially commenced when the sharp eyes of Lexus Enthusiast discovered a flash of an image of the concept within a Lexus RX crossover promo video featuring chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda.

When Katsuda started to elaborate on the new and unique “spindle-grill” corporate face of the Lexus line-up, a series of spindle grill profiles were briefly displayed to make a point. More importantly, the images are marketing easter eggs providing hints at Lexus models to come. According to Lexus Enthusiast, the 25-second mark of the video commences a series of images including a GS 450h, the CT 200h F Sport, the next-generation ES, the next-generation LS, and finally the LX luxury SUV.

Having limited information to go by, Lexus Enthusiasts points out the unique full spindle chrome treatment and an elaborate headlight formation.

See for yourself by clicking the gallery and the video after the break.

Continue Reading…

Norwegian WRC racing driver Mads Østberg has enjoyed a bit of success in his World Rally Championship career but as it is with all athletes, practice makes perfect so a little snowy stunt driving is practically training. Record-breaking is just a bonus.

Setting a new bar for himself, and the world, Østberg completed a world record snow jump at the “DC All in Trysil” event, a winter extreme sports festival held last weekend at Trysil, Norway, sponsored by DC Shoes.

Østberg took three attempts, leaping off a snowy ramp in his WRC Ford Fiesta, the first of which saw him barely clear the landing ramp. His second jump was cleaner but not quite record-worthy. Finally on the third try he cleared 50 meters (164 feet). Spectacular as it is to watch, the jump isn’t “official” and won’t be recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records.

Continue Reading…

North American tuner companies were invited to Toyota Headquarters in Torrance, California to measure the new Scion FR-S and take a closer look at the car to begin the process of drafting future tuning parts. Many tuners were present at the event and the response to Scion’s new sports car has been overwhelmingly positive across the board.

Present at the session include the tuning industry’s heavy-hitters AEM, DC Sports, Whiteline, and ACT. Wheel companies Velox and König and audio specialists Scosche were present as well. According to Motor Trend, whom were present at the measuring session, many more companies were still scheduled to take measurements after they departed.

A number of Scion FR-S models were provided by Toyota for the tuner’s disposal. Audio specialists dismantled the interiors to measure clearance for stereo systems. Taking it even farther, performance intake systems tuner Airaid went ahead and digitally mapped the engine bay with a 3D scanner. According to Airaid engineer Clayton Rietz, the intake system in the FR-S is similar to the set-up in the Toyota Tacoma, which Airaid has already made an intake system for. Assuming that an FR-S intake will be a straightforward tweak from the Tacoma, performance parts for the FR-S may make it to the market quickly after the cars official on sale date.

What’s more, a close look during the session revealed just how much of the hardware belongs to Toyota’s project partner, Subaru. Suspension, exhaust and brake components are all stamped with the Subaru emblem. Performance suspension specialists Whiteline noted that many parts appear shared with existing Subaru cars, making an aftermarket suspension system only a test fit away.

In terms of wheel fitment, the Hellaflush community will be delighted to know that the inner lips of the front fenders are already smoothened and fender rolling will not be a necessary task when performing an ultra-flush wheel fitment. Both front and rear brake calipers are very compact, effectively eliminating clearance issues. Several wheel experts also suggested the possibility of fitting 10-inch wide wheels in the rear without the need for modification.

With a car so tuner friendly, the new FR-S is not only well positioned to become an instant hit, but should bring forth a resurgence to aftermarket tuning as well.

Discuss the Scion FR-S at www.fr-sforum.com

GALLERY: Scion FR-S Measuring Session

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mustang enthusiasts will probably appreciate a visit to the Ford website if they haven’t already taken one recently thanks to the new Shelby GT500 configurator going live.

While playing dress-up with the man-beast of a muscle car is a far cry from actually feeling the 650 hp it has on tap, you can get a good idea of what options are available, how they will look and what it will cost. We resisted the temptation to deck our car out in AutoGuide colors, partially because the matte black rims look great matching, but also because the new taillights are gorgeous next to the paint noire.

With a starting price of $54,200, the updated super ‘Stang is $5,390 more expensive than the model it replaces, though that price also brings a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 compared to the outgoing 5.4-liter version. WIth that extra displacement, drivers get an extra 100 hp.

Optioned out, the top-tier price tag comes in at $66,485, which includes a Shelby-branded car cover among other fancy options.

Head on over to the configurator to have a little customizable fun for yourself.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500

More details on the 2014 Audi TT coupe and roadster, which Audi is unobtrusively preparing to launch, emerged today.

The German marque’s little sports car is taking drastic steps away from its cutesy origin to become a more muscular sports car. As we previously reported, the new TT will take advantage of the brand’s MQB platform to be more cost and space efficient by sharing a platform with both the A3 and Volkswagen Golf, which we also expect will shave a little more than 132 lbs off the car’s weight.

The TT-S and TT-RS have both already been confirmed for 2014, where we can expect to see a more powerful set of engines. The information, uncovered by CAR, shows a list of engine options for the European market that runs from a 180-hp 1.8-liter TFSI four cylinder that we don’t expect in the U.S., all the way to a 2.5-liter, 380-hp TFSI that we would expect to see in the TT-RS, which would mean a 20-hp boost over the current TT-RS.

Updated styling information is also available, including a setback main air intake and more complex LED lighting. The car also gets fake lower black vents to improve the newly muscular look. Expect the tail lights to receive similar treatment with more LEDs than previous models.

[Source: CAR]

Perhaps the most important figure regarding the upcoming 2013 Shelby GT500 is its top speed of 200 mph. Best of all the figures on the car however is Ford has announced that this Mustang could be yours for a “mere” $54,995.

A sharp increase of $6,000 over last year’s model, it’s also slightly more than the new Camaro ZL1, which is priced at $54,095.

A larger 5.8-liter V8 engine and a bigger supercharger gives the 2013 GT500 an increase of 100-hp over the out-going 2012 model. Other components joining the powerplant include a new six-speed manual transmission, carbon fiber driveshaft, clutch, and a new final drive real axle with 3.31:1 ratio.

Also available on the GT500 is the new Performance Pack which offers SVT/Bilstein electronically adjustable shocks and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Finally, an optional Track Pack adds an extra engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and a transmission cooler to manage the sustained high temperatures during a track day.

Despite the absence of rear independent suspension, there’s no denying that the 2013 Shelby GT500 is a complete and well thought out package. Start keeping your eyes peeled for 2013 GT500′s at Standing Mile events starting this summer.

In a preview of things to come once the Scion FR-S goes on sale here and the stability control program gets switched off, here’s some video of a Toyota GT 86 crashing into a safety barrier.

The accident occurred at the Mega Web, which is billed as a “Look, Ride and Feel Car Theme Park” in Tokyo where Toyota lets prospective customers get up close and personal with their products.

Thankfully no one appears to have been hurt in the crash. In fact, the air bags didn’t even go off.

Watch the video below:

Continue Reading…