DriveSRT posted a sign on their Facebook fan page last week saying they would release a teaser of the 2013 SRT Viper if the number of “likes” they got exceeded 10,000 before February 1.

Needless to say, it did so without much difficulty. We published an article last Friday talking about the fan page. The Viper’s return is sure to be one of the more exciting things to happen this year. We’re extremely eager to see how the 8.4-liter, 600 hp V-10 we saw in 2010 has evolved. Dodge cars are seeing some serious changes, like the 2013 Dart, under new owner Fiat.

It’s been a good thing: according to the Detroit Free Press, Chrysler is expected to report its first annual net profit since 1997 at $600 million. That said, we’re curious to see how much of the raw America spirit the Viper maintains.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

GALLERY: SRT Viper Teaser

If there’s really such a thing as car porn, then DriveSRT is the fluffer. They’re offering to release a teaser video of the 2013 SRT Viper if their Facebook fan page gets 10,000 hits before February 1.

Enthusiasts are aware, but in case you somehow missed it, Dodge discontinued the Viper in 2010 because of money problems to much hissing by the automotive community.

While any information on the iconic car is a titillating promise, we’re starting to feel a little teased. As of publication, their page had well over 10,000 “Likes” and that number grew larger every time we tapped the refresh button.

The 2013 Viper is one of the more exciting releases slated for this year and we’re feeling as impatient as a high school senior on prom night. The page says they are “racing towards 10,000 fans” and that they will unlock something that will hint at the lines before the official unveiling in April.

We’re not sure if they mean that this “unlocking” will happen on February 1, or if they’re just taking their sweet time on giving up the goods. Your best bet is to check the page frequently, though we’ll be doing the same and letting everyone know as soon as we get a glimpse.

When the McLaren MP4-12C debuted, it was seen as a disappointment by many. Certainly the car’s performance was amazing, but not the Bugatti-beating numbers some had expected. That’s because it was never built as a Veyron rival but rather a Ferrari 458 killer. A proper successor to the McLaren F1 would come, however, and according to a new report by CAR Magazine, it will launch some time this year.

Powering the car, code named the P12, will be an up-rated version of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 used in the MP4-12C, with one important change – KERS. Yes, the newest McLAren machine will utilize a kinetic energy recovery system, generating power under baking and then making that energy available in the form of electric boost on demand.

As for the chassis, it will reportedly be a similar structure to the MP4-12C as well, but with an even higher use of carbon for minimum weight.

Styling for the vehicle is said to be vastly more dramatic than the 12C (we certainly hope so), but with a conventional side-by-side cockpit, rather than a three-seat layout like the F1.

Pricing is said to be around $1.2 million.

[Source: CAR]

If it’s  impossible, implausible or just plain awesome and you can’t have it in real life, there’s always going to be video games to let you live out the fantasy.

Amid the buzz building around the new Acura NSX, we can’t help but think to ourselves that it would be nice to just jump in and drive the thing. No waiting around, just instant gratification like a kid in Toys-R-Us. The good news is, as you get older the toys tend to get way cooler and in this case more accessible.

Polyphony Digital, the creators behind the wildly successful Gran Turismo racing game series, have released a video featuring both the old and new versions of the Acura NSX ripping around a track. In addition to teasing the distinct possibility that Playstation 3 owners may soon get to “drive” the NSX, it features some of the key details released at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, including the fact that the car is a mid-mounted V6 hybrid using three electric motors. Gamers, power up your consoles.

Watch the video on the after the jump.

Continue Reading…

If you thought the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport was the last and most impressive iteration of the world’s fastest car, think again. The exotic automaker is reportedly planning one more final edition model, a convertible.

The newest drop-top Veyron will combine the best of the Grand Sport convertible with the more powerful 1,200 hp Super Sport’s W16 engine – Grand Super Sport anyone? While it’s unlikely the car will be able to achieve the same 268 mph world record top speed of the coupe, it’s almost certain to be the world’s fastest convertible.

According to some reports, Bugatti has already taken orders for the car, which is expected to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

GALLERY: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

[Source: MotorAuthority]

It’s no secret that Audi is looking to launch a second generation Audi R8 supercar in Spring 2014, a car that it will be lighter and more powerful than the current model.

Besides adopting a multi-material inner structure, which includes carbon fiber for parts such as the transmission tunnel, B-pillars and engine firewall, the new R8 will also feature a 450 horsepower 4.2-liter V8, while the optional V10 motor will be hiked in output to around 550 hp.

There’s also a possibility that in effort to better comply with upcoming fuel economy standards, the V10 will be substituted for a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, similar to that which recently made its debut in the Bentley Continental. In addition, Audi also plans to market a limited run electric version, dubbed the RSe, aimed at buyers who want performance while maintaining a relatively health conscience.

Other features slated to be part of the 2014 R8 include a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission rather than the current 6-speed single clutch unit (no manual gearbox will be offered) a simpler MMI driver interface and variable intensity LED lights. Along with the loss of the stick-shift, Audi is also expected to make a major style change, dropping the trademark sideblades.

A Lamborghini Gallardo cousin will reportedly make its debut slightly ahead of the R8, with a roadster version of the latter due around 2015.

[Source: Car Magazine]

Back in the 1950s and ’60s, when you bought or ordered a Ferrari, being able to select individual colors, features or options was virtually par for the course, a big reason why today, survivors from that era tend to fetch huge money when they come up for sale.

Now, Maranello has launched a new bespoke cosmetic program, that aims to build on those age-old traditions of customer excellence and exclusivity. Called “Tailor Made,” it allows Ferrari clients to essentially personalize every last interior and exterior detail of their new car, with assistance from a Personal Designer who works with them through the entire selection and creation process, right up to the point at which the customer takes delivery.

In fact, customers are actively encouraged to visit the Ferrari facilities where they can browse different materials and concepts, as well as preview the final results of their selection. They can even collect their completed car from Maranello personally if they so choose.

The Tailor Made program embodies three distinct elements;

Scuderia, a race inspired category which provides customers with such options as carbon-fibre trim, rubberized leather, Alcantara, chamois and other such finishes such as diamond quilted fabric (inspired by such a pattern found on the 1957 250 Testa Rossa), as well as specific exterior colors and even, racing stripes, such as those found on original North American Racing Team (NART) cars.

Classica, which includes pastel colors inspired from Ferrari exterior hues of the past, along with traditional materials such as rich wools, cashmere, leather, or velvet.

And finally, Inedita, which takes an experimental approach, combining new themes with traditional ones,  such as as offering a novel range of materials, like as denim or suit fabric, for upholstery.

With sales of the MC4-12C now well underway in Europe, McLaren has reportedly begun testing on its new hypercar and successor to the F1.

Targeting the world’s most exotic exotics, the “mega-Mac” is being benchmarked against cars like the Veyron, as well as the upcoming models like the successor to the Enzo and the Porsche 918 Spider.

According to AutoCar, first tests of the car took place in Spain last month.

Rumored to power the supercar is a 5.0-liter V8 engine making just shy of 800-hp – or roughly 160-hp per liter. A 7-speed dual clutch transmission is also expected to be a part of the package. In addition, look for a pushrod suspension setup, five-stage traction control system, a carbon fiber tub and active aerodynamics.

Priced at close to one million dollars, McLaren is expected to build just 500 units over a four year period.

[Source: AutoCar]

Expected to arrive some time next year, the successor to the Ferrari Enzo could make use of hybrid technology admits company CEO Amedeo Felisa.

Speaking at the launch of the new 458 Spider, Felisa admitted as much and even confirmed that Ferrari is currently testing prototype hybrids. While still a stretch at this point, Ferrari has used Enzo and its predecessors like the F50 and F40 to launch new technologies, with the F50 being the first to utilize a carbon fiber chassis.

The ‘F70′ will continue to use a carbon fiber base, confirms Felisa, as well as a mid-engined V12 for motivation.

That V12 could be joined with a Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS), a technology that Ferrari developed for use in its F1 cars. This would also continue Ferrari’s long-standing tradition of using the pinnacle of motorsports to develop technologies for its road cars.

As for the rest of the Ferrari lineup Felisa commented that carbon fiber tubs or monocoques will not be used, maintaining that the cost and risks are simply too big to justify for standard production models.

[Source: InsideLine]

Looking very much like it belongs there, the Shelby Supercars (SSC) Tuatara has been shown for the first time in North America on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

With SSC’s previous model, the Ultimate Aero TT, having been highly criticized for its kit-car looks, the American supercar maker hired the talents of Jason Castriota (formerly of Pininfarina) to design what SSC claims will be the world’s fastest car. Powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the car will reportedly make as much as 1,350-hp. With a curb weight of 2,654 lbs it should hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 275 mph.

SSC’s previous supercar hit a top speed of 257-mph, taking the title of the world’s fastest production car from the Bugatti Veyron. Bugatti has since reclaimed the title, however, with a 267-mph run.

GALLERY: Shelby Supercars SSC Tuatara