At the end of last year, Mazda decided to pull the RX-8 off its North American showroom floors and announced that a limited edition model will be produced for 2012, but just for the local Japanese market.

Initially, Mazda was only going to produce 1000 examples of the RX-8 Spirit R edition, but due to overwhelming demand, Mazda has decided to produce an extra 1000 examples of this model, again just aimed for the Japanese market.

While the Spirit R did not have any extra power, it sported special badging, red brake calipers and sport-tuned suspension. This model is also only offered with the six-speed manual gearbox.

This extended lease on life will see the RX-8 in production until the end of June, and while after its demise there won’t be any rotary powered new cars on the global market, Mazda has kept assuring its fans that the rotary engine is not dead and to expect a new model with an all-new rotary engine in the showrooms within a few years.

Let’s hope we don’t have to wait too long.

While many businesses had been hurt badly by the tough economic times, some of which have never recovered, British luxury and sports car manufacturer Aston Martin is thriving.

The company just released its full year results for the 12-months ending on December 31, 2011 and are happy to report that the numbers are in the black.

Aston Martin’s revenues increased by 7 percent, to $817.3-million, its highest since 2008. Aston’s earnings before interest,taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) works out to be $112.8-million.

Aston Martin managed to make this profit by shifting 4200 vehicles in these 12-months, which also included selling all 77-examples of the One-77 supercar.

“Our 2011 results demonstrate the energy, passion and ongoing resilience of Aston Martin – a truly unique, independent manufacturer. We are on track with our expansion plans around the world, especially in China, and are investing in new models,” said Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez.

The Aston Martin brand is stronger than ever. This is demonstrated by intense interest in the new V12 Zagato, recently shown at the Geneva Motor Show, and our $1.93-million One-77 supercar – all 77 of which are now sold.”

Aston Martin has also accrued $122-million in projected sales since last months Geneva Motor Show, so the future is looking very bright indeed.

While many car enthusiasts have complained in recent years that Aston Martin has not come out with an all-new car in quite some time (apart from the mega-bucks One-77), it seems those who can afford such high-priced items are buying them and the people running the company know what they are doing.

One of the most iconic sports car brands in the world has to be AC cars. After all, it was their Ace model that a young Texan by the name of Carroll Shelby took a liking to back in the early 1960′s, added more power (and bulges) to it, and hence gave birth to the Cobra.

Since then, AC has had its fair share of ups and downs, with the company going into receivership in 1996. Thankfully the new owner of the company decided to not only service existing cars, but also put the Cobra back into production. With the popularity of this iconic sports car only growing with time, the company has been able to sustain itself while many other British cars firms have disappeared.

However, even if the continuation series Cobra MK II and MK IV models are doing well, AC cannot move forward by just making a model from its past. To move forward, they needed a new model, and what they came up with has just been unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

It’s called the AC 378 GT Zagato, and it is the first all-new model the company has presented in over a decade. If the design looks familiar, it’s because this car was first shown back in 2009 as the Perana Z-One concept by Zagato.

While Perana seems to have vanished, Zagato offered the design to AC, who have thankfully taken on the project which has culminated to the car you see here today.

The AC 378 GT Zagato has its own chassis and body (both of which are put together in South Africa, by the same people who build the Noble sports car), but motive power comes from a very American source. Under that long hood is the same 6.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V8, that you would find in the base Chevrolet Corvette C6. According to AC, this engine produces 434-hp and that is good enough to propel this 3223-lbs car from 0-60 mph in under four-seconds and onto a top speed of 185-mph.

So not only is it pretty, it is also quite fast. At this point we are sure you’re tempted to park one on your drive way, but there are a few issues with that. Initially, AC will only offer this model for sale in U.K. and Germany, and currently there are no plans to bring this model for sale in the U.S.A. Even if it was available, you’d have to come up with $141,800 to have one. That makes it three-times more expensive than the car it shares its drive-train with.

After their initial run, AC will be taking the brand to global markets. After all, a car this pretty that comes from a well-established brand has the potential to do well in emerging economies.

Next year, Ferrari will bid farewell to the aging 599 GTB, but not before giving it one last special edition model.

This next one will be called the 599 GTB 60F1 Edition and it is to commemorate 60-years since Ferrari won its first race in Formula 1 back in July of 1951, at the Silverstone circuit.

This new car will not only commemorate Froilan Gonzalez, who drove the 375 F1 back in 1951, but also Fernando Alonso, who secured the teams first win in the 2011 season.

So as a tribute, a plaque featuring the signatures of Gonzalez and Alonso will be affixed to the dashboard.

Technically these special edition models aren’t much different from the regular 599 GTB, so there is no extra power on tap. However, all the 60F1 special editions will come standard with the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE) package.

The 60F1 will also feature three special paint schemes:

The 375 F1 livery pays tribute to Gonzalez’s car and is painted in the darker red of historic Ferrari race cars.

The 150th Italia livery is based on the 2011 racer as driven by Alonso and features white A-pillars and buttresses, and white lower front bumper, with painted mudguards and a discreet white paint on the hood. This one also features the tri-colors of the Italian flag on the rear spoiler.

The 150th Italia Livery 2 is completely red, apart from the white lip on the front bumper.

All special edition models also get the Ferrari fender shields and satin finished 20-inch alloy wheels. You will also get grippier rubber for better handling.

Inside, you will either find a four-point racing harness in blue and red (as per all the F1 cars on the 2011 grid), or a regular three-point belt in red for markets that do not alloy four-point harnesses for road cars.

The Euro-spec models will get seats by Sabelt, while the American version will be fitted with Recaro seats. Both types of seats will feature a material called Superfabric which provides more grip.

So if you want to own a piece of Ferrari history, make your way to your local dealer and place your order. All these models will be delivered in 2012.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTB 60F1

Since the inception of the Subaru WRX and STI models, they have thus far been linked to the ho-hum Impreza compact sedan/hatch. While that saved Subaru a lot of money in developing a new platform in the past, and they have done a phenomenal job transforming a boring family car into a supercar hunting sportscar, for some the Impreza link is this car’s only downfall.

Subaru too wants its WRX and STI models to now be taken more seriously and hence from 2013 are going to unveil new versions which will be based on a unique platform.

We first reported on this news back in July, when this was just in a speculation stage. But now it seems the WRX and STI will form their own models, separating them from the Impreza.

So while there is a brand new Impreza being launched for the 2012 model year, the old (or shall we say current) WRX and STI will soldier on for one more year.

As for the 2013 WRX and STI models, lots is still being speculated about what powertrain this car will have. One rumor circulating the web is that it’ll be powered by a 1.6-liter, boxer four-cylinder motor with a massive turbo-charger, and it will be capable of producing 270-hp. Could the next STi sport around 350-hp? Only time will tell.

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

[Source: Car and Driver]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2011 Subaru WRX STI Review

The Audi TT has been among us for a long, long time. While the original model wasn’t great, it sold in huge numbers. The second generation model was much better to drive, but has not sold in the same capacity.

To keep the public interested in the TT, Audi keeps coming up with newer, more powerful versions of this car. There was the TT-S, which was followed by a the oh-so-awesome TT-RS. Now word comes that Audi is working on a even more potent model, which could possibly be called the TT-RS Plus.

According to industry moles, this new model will use an upgraded version of the current, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, turbo-charged motor. Power is expected to rise from 340 hp to 385 hp. That should make it quite fast. It should be lighter also, by as much as 130 lbs, thanks to no back seats, so expect this to be the best TT ever.

Since Audi is looking to replace the current TT in 2013, this new hot version will be the last hurrah for this model. Not much else is known at the moment, but we will keep you posted.

GALLERY: Audi TT-RS

[Source: L'Automobile]

There once was a time when the British cottage-car industry was flourishing and they made many unique and interesting cars like TVR, Marcos and Healey. However bad business planning, reliability woes and ever toughening safety and emission regulations have killed off many such niche-market car companies.

One of the few survivors is Ginetta. First started in 1958 by the Walklett brothers, the company is now owned by Lawrence Tomlinson, who in the last six years has been working on a full revision for the brand. First came the G40, which uses mechanical components taken from the Mazda MX-5, and now comes what you see here today, the new G60.

Those who follow the British motor industry might recognize this car as the Farbio GTS. Tomlinson bought the rights to produce that car under the Ginetta banner in 2010, and initially called it the F400.

However, the car has changed quite a bit over the last year, so hence it warrants a name change. It has new headlights and tail lights, revised cooling vents, and many new carbon-fiber bits on its body. Inside it sports a new dashboard, a new pedal box, and a new touch screen infotainment system. The biggest change however is found under the hatch. This is where you’ll find its new engine, a 3.7-liter, V6 taken from the Ford Mustang. In this application, this engine produces a respectable 310 hp and 288 lb/ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, via an automatic torque biasing rear differential.

Launch this 1080 kg, mid-engined sports car properly, and you’ll sail past 60-mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds, and onto a top speed of 165 mph.

Impressive performance then, and since it has no power steering, no ABS brakes, and no traction control, it will be a sportscar for purists who prefer doing the work themselves, rather than some computer.

It will also appeal to those who want something rare. Ginetta plans to produce only 50 examples of the G60 for its Global distribution network, so if you have one, chances of you running into another will be rare. At $105,000 it’s not cheap, but then exclusivity always has its price. Unfortunately, since the car is not crash test approved for North America, you won’t be able to buy one here. Such a shame.

The G60 will have its first public unveiling at the Silverstone circuit next week.

[Source: Pistonheads]

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is one of the most highly anticipated models of 2012. This 580-hp, supercharged V8 monster will certainly be one of the fastest sportscars on the market.

Many enthusiasts are waiting to get their hands on this model, but if you want the very first one, get ready today. At the Barrett-Jackson Auction being held today in Las Vegas, a Chevrolet dealer will auction off the first customer ZL1.

While in actuality, this will be the 69th ZL1 built at the Oshawa factory, this carbon-black metallic example is a tribute to the 69 examples of the 1969 Camaro ZL1, but it will be the first one delivered to a customer.

The car is donated by Fairway Chevrolet in Las Vegas, with 100% of the proceeds going to the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

The ZL1 will be delivered to the highest bidder by next spring.

GALLERY: 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1

Another year, another auto show and another special edition exotic sports car is to be unveiled. At the 64th Frankfurt International Auto Show, Aston Martin is to introduce the Vantage 4.7 Special Edition.

This model, which features the firms V8 motor, produces 426-hp (6-hp more than usual). That power is sent to the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual or Sportshift automated manual gearbox.

This model, according to its maker, is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 180-mph.

From the exterior, there is not much difference. Apart from the silver grille surround, it looks just like any other V8 Vantage.

It is the same story inside, with changes limited to a gunmetal alloy instrument binnacle and graphite finish on the center console. However, this special edition model does come with such goodies such as satellite navigation and park distance control as standard.

This special edition is only on sale in Europe and for a very limited time. Orders will be taken from 13th September to 30th September only. The number made will depend on how many orders got taken in these 17-days. These special edition cars will be delivered by the end of this year.

[Source: GT Spirit]

While some may accuse Porsche for having the most lazy designers who rather than invent something completely different, just softly modify their cars year after year, the same cannot be said of its e

Its engineers are constantly trying to improve the cars dynamics, making it faster and handle better. Those in the market for the 911 GT3 R customer race car will see a host of new changes that will make it an even more competitive weekend racer.

First of all, the 2012 version benefits from more power. The 4.0-liter, flat-six will now produce 500-hp, that is 20-hp more than before. Customers now also get the steering-wheel mounted pedal-shifters for faster gear changes. This gearbox also features an automatic throttle blip for those perfect downshifts.

To help keep the car on the racing line, it also has traction control and racing spec ABS brakes. Softer anti-roll bars on the front axle help reduce understeer. This race car might just make you look like a better driver than you really are.

This new and improved race car will go on sale in November, 2011 with prices starting at $434,500. If you still plan on keeping your old 2010 or 2011 model GT3 R, no worries, for $61,500 you can buy an upgrade kit for your existing race car to turn it into the new racer.

Just remember, this latest upgrade is based on the outgoing 997 platform and not the new 991, so expect another new racing car from Porsche in about a years time.

Gallery: Porsche 911 GT3R

The current Lotus Exige is on the way out. Production has stopped for the European spec model since last December, because its current 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine does not meet current emission standards. And here at home, Lotus just announced a Final Edition model to bring the car’s run to a close.

So what is Lotus to do with the Exige now? Simple answer, make a V6 version with the engine out of the Evora. But it is no easy swap. The Toyota-sourced V6 engine is bigger, so Lotus has been running a test mule with a wider track and a longer wheelbase.

Don’t think the next Exige will be some Frankensteinien-like disfigured monster either, cobbled together hastily. The new car will be mostly new and its styling will be quite different. Lotus design boss Donato Coco thinks their current line-up looks “too weak” and wants to inject more style in their future models.

So expect the new Exige to have the new family look as previewed by Lotus at various auto shows over the last year. Their first completely  new model will be the Esprit, which is due in 2013.

For the time-being, an updated Exige along with the current Evora should allow Lotus to bridge the gap between their current and their future cars.

[Source: Autocar]

Some believe that if you are a true petrol-head, you have to have owned an Alfa Romeo at least once in your life. Taking a look at their history, its easy to see why. This Italian brand has produced some of the most gorgeous automotive designs ever, like the Montreal, GTV6 coupe and the 8C Competizione.

Now Alfa fans will soon have another model to lust after, the 4C. Previewed at the Geneva Motor Show in concept form, now it seems that Alfa Romeo will be unveiling a near production model at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

To start us drooling, Alfa Romeo has released a teaser picture of the new 4c. The head-on shot reveals that it’ll look very much like the concept version, which is no bad thing.

Mechanically, it will use a 1.75-liter, turbo-charged, four-cylinder motor that is capable of producing 230-hp. Since the car is expected to weight just over 1,900 lbs., it should be a rapid car.

European sales for the 4C are expected to start next near, although US-sales will like commence in 2013, along with a full range of other Alfa Romeos. We cant wait.

GALLERY: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept