MINI confirmed it will produce the Coupé model unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show alongside the MINI Roadster.

Powered by the same John Cooper Works turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder as the current line of top-level MINIs, the Coupé makes 211hp and 192 ft-lbs of torque, with a bump to 206 ft-lbs possible thanks to an overboost function.

The unique roof, 2.36 inches lower than other MINI models, was designed to increase downforce, while create a functional amount of rear storage space. The new roof is also made of aluminum to help keep weight on the Coupé to a minimum. The windshield also slopes 16 degrees further than on previous MINI models.

As for the dimensions, the coupé measures 146.2-inches (3,714 millimeters) in length, 66.3-inches (1,683 millimeters) in width and 53.4-inches (1,356 millimeters) in height.

Both the MINI Coupé and the MINI Roadster will be built at the company’s Oxford facility.

Gallery: MINI Coupé

As expected, Lotus has announced the release of a cup car version of the new 2010 Exige 260. Powered by the same 257-hp supercharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder as the street car, the race-ready Cup version weighs just 1,958 lbs, making for what will no-doubt be an outrageously good track machine. Lotus says the Exige Cup 260 can hit 60 mph in four seconds flat.

The standard Exige 260 model already weights 84 lbs less than last year’s model, and the Cup car version sheds an additional 26 lbs thanks to the use of plenty of light-weight material. Carbon fiber components include the roof, seats, dash-top, tailgate, center tunnel, front access panels, front splitter, side intake ducts and rear spoiler. Additional light weight components include a lighter motorsports battery, ultra-light wheels, a revised rear engine subframe, alloy u-bend pipes for the supercharger and a lightweight flywheel.

The new Lotus Sport forged wheels are the lightest original equipment wheels in the world, weighing just 5.65 kg (12 lbs) in the front and 7.75 kg (17.1 lbs) in the rear.

Additional improvements over the past cup car include a Ohlins two-way adjustable shocks and a chassis that is now 30 percent stiffer thanks to a new diffuser and structural “shear panel” that links the rear subframe to the main chassis. The rear spoiler also grows for improved downforce, measuring 181mm (7.1-inches) wider, 46mm (1.8-inches) higher and it sits 61mm (2.4-inches) further back.

Roger Becker, Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus said, “The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is the epitome of the Lotus brand philosophy of performance through lightweight. Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, once said “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere” and the Exige Cup 260 totally proves this, being one of the most exhilarating, focused and pure sportscars on the road today.”

So far Lotus has only set European pricing, with the Exige Cup 260 priced at £45,000 in the U.K. We do expect it will make its way to North America, although PR boss Kevin Smith at Lotus Cars USA says there are no official plans yet. Still, we’re certain a few of the competitors in the Lotus Challenge Series would be eager to get their hands on this new model.

GALLERY: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

Official release after the jump:

At long last, it’s here. Rumors of some sort of even-sportier MINI model have been bouncing around for years and finally, with the debut of the MINI Coupé Concept, there’s reason to believe MINI will actually take action and bring a sporty two-seater to market.

The debut comes exactly 50 years after Alec Issigonis showed the original MINI.

Powered by the same John Cooper Works turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder as the current line of top-level MINIs, the Coupe makes 211hp and 192 ft-lbs of torque, with a bump to 206 ft-lbs possible thanks to an overboost function.

The unique roof was designed to increase downforce, while create a functional amount of rear storage space. The new roof is also made of aluminum to help keep weight on the coupe to a minimum. MINI has yet to release all the details but does mention in its press release that “extreme lightweight technology makes this tw0-seater particularly agile and efficient.”

As for the dimensions, the Coupe measures 146.2-inches (3,714 millimeters) in length, 66.3-inches (1,683 millimeters) in width and 53.4-inches (1,356 millimeters) in height.

Inside the MINI Coupé Concept keeps much of the traditional MINI interior style. There are even two clocks inside, one for keeping time and one for keeping lap times!

MINI is expected to bring the Coupé Concept to market but it’s not likely until 2011 at the earliest.

GALLERY: MINI Coupé Concept

Official release after the jump:

Nissan bested its own Nürburgring record today with a 7:27.56 lap in the updated 2010 GT-R. The new time trumps the previous GT-R “personal best” of 7:29. It is, however, still short of the ZR1’s best time of 7:26.4 and the Dodge Viper ACR’s record of 7:22.1.

The new GT-R features 5 more horsepower than the previous model, as well as a revised transmission, new tires and a retuned suspension. Apparently those small modifications made a difference.

Nissan’s top test driver Toshio Suzuki piloted the new GT-R around the Ring and while the company is pleased with the result they aren’t finished yet. Citing less than ideal track conditions (including dust and sand on the track) the Nissan team will attempt a faster time tomorrow and search (somewhat fruitlessly we might add) to set a new overall Nürburgring record.

We’ll be sure to bring you an update tomorrow if there’s a better time.

With a notable absence at many auto shows this year, Porsche did make it to New York and finally got around to giving the reworked GT3 a proper U.S. debut.

The engine’s new output is up 20hp for a total of 435hp, thanks to an increase in displacement from 3.6 to 3.8-liters. The engine also receives Porsche’s VarioCam variable valve technology on both the intake and exhaust side. Porsche hasn’t release torque numbers but it has said that mid-range torque is up.

The result of this power-boost is a 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph!

The design of the new GT3 is also updated with a new aerodynamic kit that increases downforce on both the front and rear of the car to more than double that of the outgoing model. Aesthetic changes include bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights and modified air intakes and outlets.

Porsche has tuned the suspension to be stiffer than the outgoing model with higher spring rates and more rigid anti-rollbars. The car is also more user-friendly as Porsche has decided to offer the GT3 with an optional height-adjustable suspension. A driver would be able to raise the height of his car by as much as 1.2-inches to enter or exit parking garages or when driving on rough roads.

As the GT3 is known for its trackability, Porsche has outfitted this new model that will make it even more appealing. For starters, it will be offered with a new version of PSM (Porsche Stability Management) that will allow a driver to turn of Stability Control and Traction Control in different steps. Other performance improvements include larger and lighter brake disks (and the option of a special PCCB ceramic disk set. For racing applications Porsche will even offer the GT3 with single lug center-locking wheels.

The 2010 GT3 will go on sale in North American this fall and will be priced at $112,000 ($138,000 CDN).

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche GT3

More on the 2010 Porsche GT3 after the jump

General Motors used the New York Auto Show to stage the official first showing of its GT1 line of special edition Corvettes. The car wasn’t competing for the spotlight, however, as GM generally ignored the car and instead decided to focus on its new SUVs – like the GMC Terrain and Yukon Denali Hybrid.

The GT1 edition corvettes are being built to celebrate the tremendous success Corvette has had in racing over the past decade. The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette comes with racing inspired graphics, including driver flags and the series championships. On display in New York was a black version, but the the car is alos available in Velocity Yellow. Unfortunately the car comes with so not-so-race-inspired chrome wheels.

Inside the interior is swathed in ebony leather with yellow stitching and features GT1 embroidery on the seats, instrument panel and center console armrest..

Under the hood, the engine cover has a special carbon look with yellow Corvette lettering.

The GT1 Championship Edition is offered as either a coupe, convertible or Z06 (as shown in New York), with just 100 of each model being made in each color for a total of 600 units.

All models receive a navigation system and both coupe and convertible will include the Z51 Performance Package and performance exhaust with an optional automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Pricing is listed as $65,310 for the coupe, $71,815 for the convertible and $86,385 for the Z06. The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette will go on sale in the Spring.

The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette was create in homage to the successes of the C6.R racing Corvettes which took the ALMS GT1 Manufacturers Championship for 8 years, claimed over 70 victories in the series and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 5 times.

2009 will make the last year for the C6.R in racing.

GALLERY: GT1 Championship Edition Corvette 

More on the GT1 Championship Edition Corvette after the jump:

Ahead of the New York International Auto Show, Nissan dropped the cover (and the top) on the roadster version of its new 370Z. Normally convertible versions of coupes aren’t all the different from their hard-top cousins, and while that is mostly true here we have to hand it to Nissan on the design of the new model – especially after the 350Z Roadster was, from a design point of view, an automotive hack job.

The new 370Z Roadster looks purposefully designed and is as elegant as the Coupe is sporty. To achieve this, Nissan designers used a shorter windshield and a new deck, which, by the way, completely covers the convertible roof when in the down position. This “tonneau” cover also incorporates the two-seater design with sculpting behind each of the seats.

The top itself is a material unit (in keeping with Nissan’s commitment to reduce the weight of the new Z cars), which raises or lowers in roughly 20 seconds. The operation is completely automated and can be done by the flick of a switch on the center console or by a button located on the door.

The soft-top also features a larger rear window (over the 350Z Roadster) for improved visibility.

“As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connetion to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z Coupe’s exceptinal levels of performance,” said Nissan North America general manager Al Castignetti. “But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality – as seen in features such as its one-touch auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior.”

The interior comes standard with cloth seats, as well as the Nissan Intelligent Key with a push button ignition and power windows and locks, with Touring models getting power seats and “net” leather seating, with both heating and cooling functions. Touring models have three color choices for the leather seats: Gray, Black or Wine. Other Touring model features include HomeLink, Bluetooth compatability, an 8-speaker Bose audio system and aluminum pedals. 

The Z Roadster comes with 18-inch factory wheels with an option to upgrade to a Sport Package that includes light weight 19-inch RAYS wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires. This upgrade also includes the NISMO brakes with four-piston front calipers and 14-inch rotors and rear two-piston calipers with 13.8-inch rotors.

All models come with Nissan’s new 3.7-liter V6 engine with 332hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 26hp and 2 ft-lbs over the past Z Roadster. 

“The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z Coupe does,” said Castignetti. “Open air diriving just begs for open riads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion.

The 2010 370Z Roadster will be available late this summer in six colors (Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue), as well as a special Black Cherry.

GALLERY: Nissan 370Z Roadster

GALLERY: 370Z Roadster additional photos

More on the 370Z Roadster after the jump:

Nissan just couldn’t wait for the New York Auto Show doors to open to unveil its high-performance NISMO version of the 370Z, choosing to give select media a sneak peak the night before at a private event in the Big Apple.

Enthusiasts are sure to love the NISMO car as it’s more than just a few bolt-on aesthetic parts (even if it has those too). This NISMO edition takes the Z to an even higher level in every performance category.

For starters, the NISMO edition car comes with 350hp – an increase of 18 ponies over the stock Z. Torque is also up, but just slightly, to 276 ft-lbs – an increase of 6 ft-lbs. Part of the reason for the added power is a new H-pipe exhaust, which, Nissan tells us, also gives the car an excellent sound – but we’ll have to wait to drive it to find out.

Power is also achieved at a higher rpm with the 3.7-liter V6 strung-out to 7400 rpm to acheive maximum horsepower, as opposed to the stock cars, 7000 rpm max power level.

And possibly better than the added power (for those who really appreciate track days) is a standard limited slip differential.

To give the car even better track performance, Nissan stiffened up the chassis with special “body dampers” on the front frame rail and below the rear cargo area. And of course, the car comes with a NISMO springs and a big NISMO strut tower bars front and rear. The front springs are 15 percent stiffer and rear springs are 10 percent stiffer, with the new strut bars incresing stifness by 15 and 50 percent respectively. 

As expected, the stock brakes were tossed in favor of a more serious setup with front 4-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors and rear two-piston calipers and 13.8-inch rotors. Those big brake sit inside a set of amazing looking 19-inch NISMO wheels. Manufactured by RAYS forged, the new wheels measure 19×9.5-inches up front and 19×10.5-inches in the rear witt front 245/40/19 tires and rear 285/35/19 tires. 

As mentioned earlier, the NISMO Z does get some styling additions, although they are more than just aesthetic. The new front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and rear spoiler are all functional, reducing lift on the front axle and increasing downforce in the rear. 

“One look at the dramatic NISMO 370Z body and you know that this isn’t your everyday sports car,” said Nissan boss Al Castignetti. “The styling is highly emotional yet totally functional – expressing dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance.”

Inside, the NISMO branding is obvious with the name stitched onto the special seats made of a grippy fabric. Also inside the cabin can be found plenty of red stitching and some nice NISMO gauges.

“The NISMO name is known throughout the world as the leading supplier of race-bred, factory-tuned, extreme performance Nissan parts, accessories and vehicles,” said Castignetti. “The new, second-generation NISMO Z proudly – and deservedly – wears the NISMO badge, carrying on the tradition of bringing racing-inspired performance and engineering to the street.”

The NISMO 370Z is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission in one of five colors:  Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and Platinum Graphite.

GALLERY: Nissan NISMO 370Z

GALLERY: Nissan NISMO 370Z additional photos

More on the NISMO Z after the jump:

German Audi tuner MTM is once again pumping out massive horsepower numbers from those Audi powerplants. The company’s latest project is a TT-S, modified to 380 horsepower.

The package includes a retuned ECU for more boost from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, as well as the replacement of the factory turbocharger with a larger unit. Also included is a new air intake, exhaust manifold and complete exhaust system.

All 380hp come on strong at 6240 rpm, with torque reaching 364 ft-lbs at 4580 rpm - enough to not only significantly reduce the car’s 0-60 mph time but it also provides a higher top speed of 165 mph.

To produce that much power the boost has too be cranked all the way to 22.5 pounds.

MTM also offers a complete line of performance parts for the TT-S including a set of 20×9-inch “Bimoto” wheels, wrapped in 245/30/20 Michelin tires. And for inside those front wheels, MTM offers a massive Brembo brake upgrade with 15-inch rotors and 8-piston calipers.

Other items include a set of lowering springs as well as that significantly-sized rear spoiler.

For those without the need for quite so much speed MTM also offers a 330hp kit, which is much more affordable and doesn’t include swaping turbos.

GALLERY: MTM Audi TT-S

For more information visit MTM’s website here:

www.mtm-online.de

Those engineers over at Lotus have received a pat on the back by industry experts in the U.K., as the company was recently awarded the Dewar Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club.

The Dewar Trophy is handed out each year for a “outstanding British technical achievement in the automotive field.” Lotus received the award for developing its Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) chassis that underlies the upcoming Evora sportscar (pictured above).

What makes the VVA architecture so special isn’t just that it’s a light weight, but that is was created specifically to be used in different variants to be an equally capable and ideal platform for several different low to medium production number models (like the ones Lotus builds). Traditionally, a niche market vehicle requires an entirely new platform or the adaptation of an existing platform, two solutions that are either expensive or full of compromises. With the VVA chassis, Lotus has found a middle-road solution that will be the basis for the Evora as well as other future platforms.

“I would like to thank the Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee for the award, and all at Lotus are most honored to receive this accolade,” said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc. “It is a fantastic achievement for Lotus to win such a prestigious and recognized award for our Versatile Vehicle Architecture technology which is used in our stunning new Lotus Evora sportscar. This award is for everyone at Lotus; those who created the VVA technology, those who delivered the Evora engineering program and those who are building our car. With incredible hard work and dedication at Lotus, using this technology our excellent staff have delivered the Lotus Evora in 27 months from a clean sheet to the first production car driving off the line, a great achievement.”

“The automotive industry is changing fast, and technology needs to be robust, faster to market and more cost and mass effective than ever before,” continues Kimberly, “and Lotus will be there at the forefront of this exciting period for the future of personal transport.”

Official release after the jump: