Aston Martin One-77 Almost Sold Out

One of the most eagerly anticipated cars for 2011 has to be the limited edition Aston Martin One-77. This $2-million rolling sculpture features a 7.3-liter, V12 that produces 750 hp and 553 ft-lbs of torque. All that power will be transferred to only the rear-wheels via a six-speed paddle shift gearbox, made especially for this car by Graziano.

In testing, this 3,300 lb, all carbon-fiber car has already hit more than 220 mph, and sprints from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The stuff of dreams for any car enthusiast for sure, and since only 77 will ever be made, it will surely be a rare sight.

However, the current state of the world’s economy has not been kind to this project. So far, only 60 have been confirmed sold, so to create more interest in this car, Aston Martin is taking it on an Asian tour, which include stops in cash-rich regions like Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and China.

Hopefully Aston Martin will also one day drop one by the AutoGuide office. We promise to do our best to raise its profile.

Report: Mercedes Considering Expanding AMG Ranks With Baby SLS

New AMG model would act as rival to Porsche 911

There’s no official word yet, but Mercedes’ high-performance AMG division is looking to expand and may do so by adding a baby SLS to the lineup. As the new sports car flagship for the Mercedes brand, the 563-hp SLS has just launched in the U.S. and is the first-ever ground up vehicle to be built by AMG.

A new, smaller version of the SLS would reportedly use the new car’s chassis, but with smaller dimensions, which is certainly possible as the SLS, with its front/mid engine configuration already has plenty of space up front that can be cut. A new V8 engine would be built for the car with a displacement under the current car’s 6.2-liters. It would get direct-injection as well as a new cylinder cut-off technology (using just four-cylinders when all eight aren’t needed), which is currently being developed for the next generation SLS.

This new AMG model would ideally be a shopping alternative for those in the market for a Porsche 911.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Win a Factory Tour and Test Drive the SLS AMG Supercar? Yes, Please!

As part of their series of SLS AMG ‘Rare Experience’ contests, this time Mercedes-Benz is giving you a chance to win an exclusive guided tour of the AMG factory in Affalterbach, Germany along with the opportunity to drive the SLS AMG supercar after watching it come together on the assembly line. And if that’s not sweet enough for you, the boys at AMG are also throwing in a a two-night hotel stay for you and the companion of your choice along with a visit to the famous Mercedes-Benz museum and a complimentary dinner for two.

This rare experience is scheduled to take place on August 3rd to 5th, 2010, with the contest ending on July 19th. To enter, all you need to visit your nearest Mercedes-Benz retailer and take a close look at the SLS AMG ‘Astonishing Power’ poster inside to find the hyperlink required to enter the competition online. Or if the internet has made you as lazy as we are, you can find the poster here as well.

If you turn out to be the lucky winner, don’t forget to pack your driving shoes and send us a post card!

Infiniti IPL Performance Models Could Get AMG Power, Flaunt It

The recent tie-up between Mercedes parent company Daimler and Nissan/Renault has resulted in numerous proposed vehicle partnerships, with the latest being in the high-performance arena.

According to one report, sources inside Nissan have indicated that its Infiniti luxury line could use AMG engines in their special lineup of IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) models. Infiniti first debuted the IPL G Coupe at the Pebble Beach show earlier this year, but the reception was lukewarm with the IPL falling well-short of the BMW M3.

What would help the G37 become a high-performance model would be a rumored turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that Mercedes is working on. This engine could produce as much as 400-hp.

The partnership would also give Infiniti access to AMG’s nearly-retired 6.2-liter V8, as Mercedes switches over to a new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 for its performance models. There’s even the possibility that these AMG-powered Infinitis could run the iconic three-letter badge.

Like with all past reports, there’s an underlying indication from the folks inside Infiniti that they’re open to all possibilities regarding the IPL line, which has so far failed to meet expectations.

[Source: AutoCar]

Saab, BMW to Announce Partnership on Wednesday

After numerous rumors, reports and plenty of speculation, Saab is set to sign a deal with BMW that will see the Swedish automaker get access to BMW technology and parts for future models. It is believed the first such model will include the a Saab small car based on the current MINI Cooper platform.

News of the deal comes via Dutch broadcaster NOS citing sources at both automakers who claims an announcement by both BMW and Saab will come this Wednesday.

Earlier this year Saab was saved from liquidation by little-known Dutch sports car maker Spyker, when it purchased the Swedish brand from General Motors. This deal could see Saab and Spyker head towards profitability in a world where, increasingly, small automakers are being forced to team up with larger players or simply disappear.

[Source: Reuters]

GM to Expand Volt Range to Three Models by 2015

General Motors will look to expand its lineup of extended range electric cars to three models by the time the current Chevrolet Volt’s production cycle has run its course. At least that is GM’s plan for the European market under the Opel/Vauxhall brands where GM has just launched the sister car to the Volt, the Opel Ampera.

According to a report by AutoCar, the new models will arrive in 2015, with the most important being a successor to the original Volt, which will grow in size.

According to GM Europe president Nick Reilly, the ‘Ampera’ family of cars will also include a Astra-sized hatchback, as well as a five-seater crossover – likely based on the Volt MPV5 concept (above), which debuted earlier this year at the Beijing Motor Ahow.

The cost for producing vehicles like the Volt is predicted to decline significantly says Reilly, commenting that GM believes the electrical components required to build the Volt’s powertrain will drop in price by 50 percent over the next five years. Those cost savings, combined with increased popularity of EVs and continued government incentives will drive of demand of such vehicles in the future, allowing GM to expand its lineup to meet the market.

[Source: AutoCar]

GM to Expand Volt Range to Three Models by 2015

General Motors will look to expand its lineup of extended range electric cars to three models by the time the current Chevrolet Volt’s production cycle has run its course. At least that is GM’s plan for the European market under the Opel/Vauxhall brands where GM has just launched the sister car to the Volt, the Opel Ampera.

According to a report by AutoCar, the new models will arrive in 2015, with the most important being a successor to the original Volt, which will grow in size.

According to GM Europe president Nick Reilly, the ‘Ampera’ family of cars will also include a Astra-sized hatchback, as well as a five-seater crossover – likely based on the Volt MPV5 concept (above), which debuted earlier this year at the Beijing Motor Ahow.

The cost for producing vehicles like the Volt is predicted to decline significantly says Reilly, commenting that GM believes the electrical components required to build the Volt’s powertrain will drop in price by 50 percent over the next five years. Those cost savings, combined with increased popularity of EVs and continued government incentives will drive of demand of such vehicles in the future, allowing GM to expand its lineup to meet the market.

[Source: AutoCar]

Honda Fit, Mazda 2 Headline New B-Spec Road Racing Series

The Honda Fit and Mazda 2 will headline a new racing class, known as B-Spec, that’s been designed as a new showroom stock racing series. The rule set is expected to be finalized within the next 60 days, and both the SCCA and NASA sanctioning bodies have expressed interested in adopting the class.

Using OEM specified wheel, tire and suspension components, the cars will have stock chassis and engines, but will be able to use weight reduction and ballasting to gain performance advantages. The Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris are also eligible for competition.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Hummer Planning H4 to Rival Jeep Wrangler

H4 and H5 models part of five-year plan to change public perception of brand

Under new ownership by Chinese heavy machinery maker Sichuan Tengzhong, Hummer will move forward with plans to introduce a smaller and more efficient H4 model. Previewed in concept form as the HX (above), the H4 would be lighter and more fuel-conscious, but wouldn’t give up on the brand’s hard-core attitude. It would be designed as a rival to the Jeep Wrangler in rugged off-road performance.

According to brand CEO Jim Taylor, the H4 would come to market in about three years, followed a year or two later by an even smaller and even more fuel-efficient H5 model.

The sale of Hummer to China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. Ltd. is expected to be finalized by December 1st, although judging by the fact that GM still hasn’t managed to sell Saab or Saturn, that date might be pushed back – or the sale might not happen at all.

[Source: Autmotive News via LeftLaneNews]

2011 Aston Martin Rapide Luxe Debuts

Aston Martin‘s Rapide sedan is already one of the most striking luxury four-doors on the market, with a bent more towards the sporty side of the equation. But Aston’s newest Luxe packing will swing the pendulum the in the opposite direction, emphasising comfort and coddling over outright speed.

The Luxe package will give buyers a choice of exclusive paint hues (including Concours Blue or the James Bond-esque Quantum Silver), a rear seat DVD system, custom luggage outfitted to match your Rapide’s interior, and switchgear made of glass. Sounds delicate.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Canadians Prefer the Ford Mustang Over the Chevy Camaro

If you’ve been paying attention to the muscle cars wars between Ford and Chevy, likely you already know that the Camaro is poised to out-sell the Mustang for the first time since pretty much anyone can remember. The opposite is true in Canada, where our neighbors to the North have a noted preference to the Mustang, despite the fact that that the Camaro is built at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario plant.

So far in 2010, Chevy has moved a total of 75,685 Camaros in the United States, compared to Ford having sold 68,264 Mustangs. Ask any Chevy representative and they’ll be quick to point out that the Camaro is on top despite the fact that it’s only offered as a coupe, while with the Mustang consumers can also get a convertible, or a high-performance Shelby GT500.

The numbers are very much the reverse in Canada and with a population roughly one-tenth the size of the U.S., Ford Canada moved 4,935 Detroit-made Mustangs, compared to GM Canada selling 3,974 Canadian Camaros.

Chevy intends to flip those statistics around, however, with the launch of the Camaro Convertible in 2011. Chevy spokesman David Caldwell explains that despite Canada’s colder climate, convertible models make up roughly half of the sales in a segment like this, whereas in the U.S. convertible sales make up just 15 to 20 percent. Canadians, apparently, view any high-performance rear-drive vehicle as summer-only car, opting to park sports cars in the winter instead of driving them. Their purchasing decision is reflected by that, opting for convertible models that allow them to fully experience the summer months.

[Source: NYT]

Smithsonian Wants You to Decide What Cars It Will Put on Display

It’s the most prestigious (and largest) institution dedicated to preserving America’s past. But when it comes to cars, the Smithsonian Institution has many of its 73 vehicles locked away in storage.

However, it will shortly be putting two of them on display as part of  the National Museum of American History Collection from January 22 to February 21, 2011. The only problem is, deciding which ones should qualify.

To that end, the Smithsonian is asking the public for help in selecting the candidates – the first time ever it’s offered such a proposal.  The candidates are listed below.

1880 Long steam tricycle, an early precursor  to what we know as the automobile.

1894 Balzer quadricycle, recognized as the first American-made car to be driven around New York City.

1903 Oldsmobile curved-dash runabout (credited as the first high volume production car)

1929 front-drive Miller Race Car, (front drive was fairly novel in the late 1920s, especially on racers)

1948 Tucker Torpedo (the most technologically advanced ‘production’ car of the 1940s)

1953 Glasspar sports car, a roadster built by a California boat builder out of fiberglass.

1987 GM Sunraycer, a solar powered machine that dominated an 1,864-mile race across Australia.

1998 GM EV1 electric car (shown)

We might be going out on a limb by saying this, but given current fad surrounding electric cars, we’ll bet that the EV1 will be one of the two vehicles ultimately selected for display. The winners will be announced on  January 12th.

[Source: Left Lane News]

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Announced in Japan

While we’re thrilled to have the new 2011 WRX STI on sale here, as usual, Subaru Japan has one-upped the U.S. offering with the new 2011 WRX STI Spec C. The Spec C packs 304-hp and 317 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0L powerplant thanks to a revamped ECU and ball-bearing twin-scroll turbocharger.

In addition to the revised turbocharger and ECU, Subaru equips the Spec C with a mechanical rear limited-slip differential and the front chassis has been reinforced with a new cross member. To lighten up the load on the WRX, the hood has been swapped out for an aluminum version, there is a smaller battery and lightweight 18-inch wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires. Optional equipment includes the ever-popular Recaro seats.

Audi RS4 Axed, RS6 to Get Twin-Turbo V8

Arguably one of our favorite cars over the past decade has been the Audi RS4. With 414-hp from a high-revving 4.2-liter V8, the RS4 packed plenty of fun thanks also to its quattro all-wheel drive system and the fact that it was available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.

An aggressive stance, flared fenders an a simply stunning interior make the RS4 a car that you couldn’t help but lust after.

With limited production between 2006 and 2008, the car’s rarity makes it even that much more desirable.

Sadly, we won’t be looking forward to driving the next RS4, as there won’t be one. According to a report by Car & Driver, Audi has no plans to give the RS4 a successor. This isn’t all that surprising as the RS4 has, historically, skipped generations.

An RS6 is, however, planned, using a twin-turbo V8 engine – which is also rumored to power an upcoming RS7 model and make as much as 600-hp.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Ford Reduces Stake in Mazda; No Longer Largest Stakeholder

We’ve been hearing rumors for a while, but now it’s official. Ford will be cutting it’s stake in Japanese automaker Mazda, from 33 percent to just 11 percent.

The deal which is expected to be completed on Friday, will result in Ford becoming the fourth largest stakeholder in the company instead of the biggest, a title it has held since 1979. Back then; Mazda was struggling financially and Ford was willing to invest in the company, initially by taking a 25 percent stake, which was later raised to 33.4 percent; resulting in the American company taking controlling interest.

Now with Ford offloading 7.5 percent  of that interest (the shares will be transferred to Mazda’s business partners in off-auction trading through the Nikkei stock exchange); Chase Manhattan Bank is set to become the largest individual shareholder in the company. Nevertheless, both Ford and Mazda are adamant that the relationship they’ve forged over the last three decades will continue.

In a recent statement; Mazda’s CEO Takashi Yamanounchi declared; “Mazda and Ford will continue to collaborate on areas of mutual benefit such as key joint ventures, joint projects and exchange of technology information.”

[Source: Automotive News]

BMW Efficient Dynamics Concept Will Cost $200,000

Proving once again that only the rich can afford to save the environment, BMW‘s Vision EfficientDynamics eco-friendly supercar concept is expected to retail about about $200,000 when it arrives in time for the year 2013.

Speaking to journalists at the BMW 1-Series M Coupe launch BMW’s sales and marketing director, Ian Robinson, announced the figure, and said that the car will undercut the Mercedes-Benz SLS E-Cell. While the E-Cell is slated to be fully electric, the EfficientDynamics uses a more conventional hybrid powerplant that will enable costs to be kept down relative to the Mercedes.

[Source: InsideLine]

James Bond’s Famous Aston DB5 to be Joined by ‘Die Another Day’ Jaguar XKR and More

It’s arguably the most famous car in the world, but the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in the film Goldfinger, is to be joined at RM’s Automobiles of London auction on October 27th by other Bond artifacts – namely a Hiller UH-12 Helicopter piloted by Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman), in the same film, plus a more recent Bond vehicle, a 1998 Jaguar XKR used in the Iceland chase sequence in 2002′s Die Another Day.

This was one of three such cars prepared for filming that featured all-wheel drive and an onboard weapons system and until recently was the property of the Jaguar Heritage Trust.

On a final note, although not directly Bond related, a 1969 Lamborghini Islero, driven by Sir Roger Moore in the film The Man who Haunted Himself, will also be up for auction at RM’s Automobiles of London. For more information on this prestigious event, click on the link below.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Ferrari 612 Successor Going All-Wheel Drive

The replacement for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti may come with a newly-developed all-wheel drive system from the Italian automaker. The source for the story is the well connected admin (DJ) on TeamSpeed, who claims his source inside Maranello has confirmed the AWD setup. This same individual also just brought us the very first photos of the 458 Challenge race car.

Reports of a Ferrari AWD setup have been around for years, with the system touted to use an electric motor to power the front wheels for added grip and under certain conditions, while the car will remain primarily a rear-wheel drive model. To a certain extent, this will make the next 612 a type of hybrid.

In addition, the next 612 (which is certain to be called something else) will be more of a true GT car, with added space, including in the trunk.

According to Fiat’s 5-year-plan, Ferrari will unveil the 612-successor next year.

[Source: TeamSpeed]

Ferrari to Unveil ‘Very Different’ New Car at Geneva Auto Show Says di Montezemolo

In a recent interview Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo let slip that the exotic Italian automaker’s Geneva Auto Show debut will be, “a very different new Ferrari.” He then went on to comment that the vehicle will showcase Ferrari’s ability to adapt with the world – suggesting that it will in fact be some sort of ‘green’ model.

While best known for building ultra-high performance V8 and V12 engines, more recently Ferrari has showcased several greener technologies. At this year’s Paris Auto Show we got our first glimpse at the California HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) model, which uses a start-stop system, new gearing shift points, a more efficient fuel pump, engine fan and a variable electronic air conditioning compressor that can cut the amount of power used by the system by 35 percent. In total, the California HELE is 23 percent more efficient than the standard model.

Nearly a year ago at the Geneva Auto Show, Ferrari unveiled its 599 HY-KERS prototype, using an F1-style brake regeneration system to deliver added power when required, but also help reduce emissions under normal driving.

No details of the Geneva Auto Show vehicle have been confirmed, but there’s a strong possibility it will be a concept version of the successor to the 612 Scaglietti, using a KERS-style hybrid setup.

[Source: Autosblog.fr]

Report: All Future Jaguar Land Rover Models to Get Aluminum Bodies

Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) new Indian owner Tata Motors continues to invest in and makes plans for its newly acquired luxury division despite what has so far been a very poor return on investment.

JLR posted a $1.11 billion loss last year but that won’t stop Tata from making big changes, the first of which is an initiative to reduce the weight of all new vehicles.

“JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight and reduction in CO2 emissions,” said CEO Ratan Tata in his company’s annual report. Weight is certainly something Land Rovers could lose, as some models are currently approaching the 6,000 lb mark.

Jaguar’s new 2010 XJ (pictured above) not only makes use of aluminum body panels but an all aluminum frame and is the first of a new line of Jaguars to be launched by Tata. The lighter package requires a less powerful (and more fuel-efficient) engine, as well as smaller and less expensive brakes to stop.

Considering the massive weight of Ranger Rovers and the significant surface area that their sheet metal has to cover, an aluminum body would make a noticeable difference.

[Source: Motoemag]

Toyota FT-86/FR-S Platform to Underpin Next Lexus IS

Toyota’s FT-86/FR-S sports car is set to arrive in 2012, with a sedan version to follow. While past rumors have suggested the FR-S (as it’s believed to be called in production form) will spawn a compact sports sedan, R0ad & Track reports that this four-door FR-S will in fact be the next Lexus IS. The underpinnings will be stretched to better accommodate the IS, but it’s unlikely the IS could grow too much using the FR-S architecture.

Rather than use a version of Subaru’s boxer 4-cylinder engine, the Lexus models will continue to get both a 2.5-liter and a 3.6-liter V6. (Although we have to think Toyota will come up with some turbocharged excitement for the next-gen IS).

Lexus is expected to debut its next-generation IS in later 2012 or 2013.

[Source: R0ad & Track]

MINI Paceman Concept Revealed Ahead of Detroit Auto Show Debut

Arguably the best looking MINI yet, the new Paceman (not Pacman) concept is what the fun British brand refers to as a Sports Activity Coupe. Along the lines of the BMW X6, the Paceman takes MINI’s new Countryman crossover and lops-off two of the doors.

Normally we might criticize a vehicle like this for not being overly functional, but MINIs are really just made for fun. Heck, even the Cooper found a may to make the hatchback a cramped vehicle with little to no passenger or cargo room.

The concept car appears to be somewhat lower than the Countryman, but as is obvious from the flared rear fenders, it does feature all-wheel drive. As for what’s under the hood, well, this is a concept and so it’s MINI’s best offering: the 211-hp John Cooper Works turbocharged 4-cylinder.

Based on the reception the 3-door Range Rover Evoque has had, we’d be shocked if MINI didn’t roll out a production model of the Paceman soon.

We’ll await official word, which could come when MINI unwraps the soft-roader at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10th.

Mercedes Could Team Up With Aston Martin Admits CEO

Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz could very likely team up on a future project admits the German luxury automaker’s CEO. In a recent interview with AutoCar, Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche commented that, “Smaller brands need help with new technology and it’s possible we could do things in the future.”

Mercedes already has an agreement with Nissan/Renault that will see the two automakers share technology, platforms and engines. Likewise, Aston Martin has partnered with Toyota in order to build the Cygnet off the Japanese’ automakers iQ platform. Other automakers have also signed similar agreements in the post recession auto industry, including a collaboration between BWM and Saab.

Recently Aston Martin and Mercedes did work together on the failed Lagonda concept, which used the Mercedes GL platform. Aston has since admitted to scrapping the project, but it will push ahead with plans to bring back the Lagonda brand – possibly using a stretched version of the Rapide platform. If Aston Martin looks to expand the Lagonda range further, it could rely on Mercedes for anything from engines to platforms.

[Source: AutoCar]

Lexus Planning More Expressive Styling, Sport Packages for Future Models

Originally intended primarily for the U.S. market, when it was launched for the 1990 model year, Lexus has since grown to become a world wide brand, but it’s the global aspect that’s causing headaches for parent company Toyota.

According to Karl Schlicht, general manager of Global Lexus marketing and product planning, “it’s very simple when you’ve got one market,” but “you have multiple regions now – like Europe wanting one direction, Japan another and China coming on, that gets complicated.”

Schlicht’s solution to this problem is what he sees as a type of progressive luxury, where social responsibility counts just as much as power and exclusivity, factors that can likely help the brand connect with a greater number of buyers in different parts of the world. To that end, future Lexus models will adopt more expressive styling, greater use of hybrid driveline technologies and onboard telematics.

In addition, Lexus will broaden the range of sport packages, offering them on the RX and new entry-level CT models as well as the IS sedan. These sport packages will incorporate different suspension and chassis tuning and where applicable, more performance oriented driveline features.

Also in the works is a new coupe, to replace the previous SC, along with some new SUVs, but while those are some of the things we can expect down the road, in the meantime and particularly here in the U.S., Lexus has it’s eye on  the number 1 luxury sales spot again for 2011, though Schlicht says that moving forward, they’ll be less of an emphasis on the heavy incentives to move metal off the lots, though so far, it’s been these very incentives that have enabled the brand to hold onto that coveted market position, ahead of BMW.

[Source: Automotive News]

Aston Martin Rumored to Build Future Maybach Models for Mercedes

It’s no secret that the revival of the Maybach brand by Mercedes parent company Daimler has been a flop. Perhaps it’s because of how much the cars shared with their S-Class counterparts, but apart from the odd Russian oligarch, the world’s wealthiest folks have decided to stick with faithful British brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce when it comes to their ultra-luxury needs.
The ability of British brands to built true luxury cars has apparently not gone unnoticed by Daimler and according to a report by the Financial Times, Daimler may source Aston Martin to build the next generation of Maybach models.
In exchange, Aston Martin would reportedly get access to engine technology from Mercedes-Benz, something AM desperately needs as its 6.0-liter V12 engine (used in almost every vehicle it sells) is quickly becoming outdated.

A Daimler spokesman has denied the report, but did comment that the lines of communication between the two automakers is open. This comes as no surprise as Aston Martin’s Lagonda concept (which debuted at the Geneva Auto Show two years ago) was based on the Mercedes GL platform.

While still mostly a rumor, the story doesn’t have any obvious holes in it with Daimler eager to partner with other automakers (including recent agreements with Renault/Nissan/Infiniti), while Aston Martin is no doubt eager to find a large partner to offset costs, especially with rivals like Ferrari being owned by Fiat and Lamborghini by Volkswagen.

[Source: Reuters]

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Rendering: Who’s the Ugly One Now EVO?

There are a lot of rumors surrounding the next Subaru Impreza WRX STI, with some reports suggesting it will go diesel, while others point to a hybrid version. And while we don’t yet know what the decided powerplant will be, we can guarantee it will include AWD, go like stink and look awesome!

OK, so we don’t know that last one either, but thanks to the creative genius of artist Jon Sibal we can share a creative peak at what the next STI might look like.

Based on the Impreza Design Concept unveiled at the LA Auto Show, the STI model gets the requisite fender flares, top-mount intercooler and, of course, a massive wing on the back. The concept car has actually received a significant level of criticism from the Subaru faithful, although it’s easy to see how the handsome compact car shape works perfectly in a more aggressive form.

While Subarus have never been the most attractive cars on the road and the STI has always paled in comparison to its Mitsubishi rival, if Subie’s designers follow this path it might be the first time the EVO comes up short on the looks department.

Ford Falcon Won’t See U.S. Shores, But its Supercharged 5.0L V8 Might

Contrary to a rather exciting recent report that’s been circulating, Ford won’t be bringing the Falcon to U.S. shores, meaning we won’t get to appreciate some Ford of Australia engineered RWD V8 sedan goodness unless we book a day long flight to down under. Original plans to bring the Falcon to the U.S. (requiring Ford of Australia to engineer a new left-hand drive version of the car) were reportedly canned in 2008 and have not been revived.

It’s not all bad news, however, with Ford still likely to bring the Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) Falcon GT’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine to America. Execs at the Blue Oval’s Aussie division have confirmed their desire to export this new engine, which in the top-level Falcon makes 449-hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque.

As for what it would be used for, both the Mustang and Ford Raptor are obvious choices.

[Source: Car & Driver]

2012 Hyundai Accent Previewed With Verna Hatchback at China’s Guangzhou Auto Show

Several spy photos have already given us a good idea of what the next-generation Hyundai Accent will look like, but we now have the first look at the hatchback model. Unveiled at the Guangzhou auto show in China, the Accent will be sold as the Verna overseas.

In China two engines will be offered including a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder with 105-hp and 100 ft-lbs of torque, as well as a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 121-hp and 114 ft-lbs of torque. The latter engine is expected to be offered in the North American Accent and achieve over 40-mpg highway.

The official reveal for the next Accent is pegged to take place at the New York Auto Show in April.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

Hyundai debuts five-door Verna at Guangzhou Show in China

Following the unveiling of the Verna four-door sedan at the Beijing Automotive Exhibition in April, Hyundai Motor Company has introduced an all-new Verna five-door hatch at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition.

The all-new Verna will be built by Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, a 50-50 joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company. The new Verna will go on sale in China as early as January 2011.

The new Verna will be offered with a choice of two state-of-the-art Gamma petrol engines. The 1.4-litre model will deliver a peak power output of 78.7kW and a maximum torque of 135.4Nm, while the 1.6-litre model will produce 90.4kW of peak power and maximum torque of 155Nm.

In the Chinese market, the 1.4-litre entry level model Verna will achieve a consumption figure of 6.5L/100 km, and when fitted with the fuel-economy package the result is 6.2L/100 km, achieving a best-in-class performance.

In addition to the new Verna five-door hatch, Beijing Hyundai Motor Company will also build the i45 mid-sized sedan, to be known as Sonata in China and this will be introduced into the market as early as January 2011.

The theme of the Guangzhou Motor Show was “Tech & Future.” Hyundai displayed a total of 19 models, including the i45 Hybrid and BlueOn full-speed electric vehicle, demonstrating its cutting-edge eco-friendly technology.