Sports Cars

CARandDRIVER reports that Ferrari is on schedule to unveil their latest model, the successor to the F430 Scuderia, which was a much more track-focused version of the standard F430. The new model will of course be based off of the new 458, making it 458 Scuderia. The last Scuderia model based on the F430 came out about four years ago and has been awaiting a successor ever since the 458 Italia was introduced. However, the new 458 Scuderia is reportedly a year late due to the tumultuous global economic crisis and that Ferrari is making sure the new 458 Scuderia can fill the F430 Scuderia’s big shoes. The Ferrari F430 Scuderia was and is still regarded as one of the most captivating Ferrari’s in existence with a fairly substantial cult following. That said, Ferrari has been working overtime to make sure that not only does the new model meet everyone expectations, but also is potent enough to beat the latest and greatest from McLaren and Lamborghini. And it’s hard to doubt that they will since the 458 Italia—the Scuderia’s new starting point—is arguably the best car that they’ve ever made. That said, word is that the current Ferrari 458 Challenge—which is an entirely stripped down version of the 458—provides a solid glimpse as to what we can expect for the new 458 Scuderia. Though improvements are currently being made to the Getrag-sourced seven-speed dual-clutch cog swapper, the 458’s 4.5L flat-plane crank V8, and on the car’s aerodynamic. Weight is said to dip below 2,900lbs. The new V8 will reportedly putout around 600hp, which is well above the standard 458 Italia’s 562hp. This comes thanks to updated forged connecting rods that have also allowed engineers to bump the engine’s redline from 9000 rpm to 9300. A new ECU and freer flowing intake and exhaust equipment are also said to be apart of the new the 458 Scuderia’s updated engine. Ferrari even described the new exhaust note as “arrabbiato,” which is Italian for angry. The new Ferrari 458 Scuderia is expected to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show later this summer. - By: Chris Chin Source: CARandDRIVER

AutoExpressUK recently received the scoop on the next generation BMW M3 sedan after speaking with company “insiders,” who told the outlet that BMW’s M Division “will take the brand’s most popular and famous performance model to new heights with the latest body and engine technologies.” Besides the usual expectation of M-tuned suspension, steering, brakes along with the usual mixture of more aggressive and aerodynamic body parts, the new BMW M3 (also to be called M4 for the coupe version) is still set to utilize a new twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, marking the BMW M3’s first ever use of a forced-induced engine. However, if you Roundel fans feared that BMW was just taking a commonplace engine from the brand’s parts bin and making it into an “M-version,” (thus sacrificing some beloved uniqueness with the M-cars), word is that the new inline-six motor will be bespoke to M-cars and will not be found on any lesser BMWs. Power figures are expected to hover around the 450hp mark, which is well above the current M3’s 4.0L naturally aspirated V8’s 414hp. And despite there being two less cylinders, torque is said to be greater than the outgoing motor, thanks to the forced induction. Speculative figures have it hovering around 406 lb-ft of torque for a 0-62 time of just 4.3 seconds. But considering BMW’s tendency to underrate their automobiles, we can probably expect it to be even quicker, which was bolstered by the insider’s claim who said the same thing. Additionally, word is that the BMW M3 will also weight about 100kg less than the outgoing model. And this is reportedly due to the fact that the new M3 sedan will get a carbon fiber roof, much like the current M3 coupe has. Both the hood and the trunk door are also said to utilize the lightweight material. To ensure that the new M3 also dials in the same amount of driver engagement as previous models, details such as the use of hydraulic steering over electrically-assisted, normal performance tires versus run-flats, and BMW M’s latest limited- manual transmission will be offered, slip differential all in the name to improve the performance and feel of the next-gen car. A manual transmission will also still be offered. The next generation BMW M3 sedan and coupe (M4) are expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this November. Prices are expected to hover around £55,000 for the UK market. - By: Chris Chin Source: AutoExpressUK

Posted on 05.23.2013 17:00 by Tom Burkart Filed under: Honda | compact cars | sedan | Honda Civic | economy cars | Cars | Car Reviews | Honda The revised 2013 Honda Civic sedan lives up to the “Better” advertising hype. Then again, “Better” is not exactly a lofty goal or a proud boast from the top compact car in U.S. sales. Is chrome on the grille and trunk lid enough to banish the memories of last year’s poverty-spec Civic sedan?Despite being a total snooze to sports car enthusiasts, the Civic sedan packs the most diverse powerplant options of any passenger vehicle ever sold commercially, including: gasoline, hybrid and CNGThis little econobox is singlehandedly preparing for the diverse energy mix we all have in our futures. The Civic’s hybrid system finally matches Toyota’s third-gen Prius for sophistication and economy, while the CNG option is looking more enticing than ever thanks to America’s natural gas revolution pushing prices to record lows.Additionally, Honda has taken a number of complaints about the 2012 Civic to heart, such as the unacceptable road noise and harshness, negative amounts of road style, and an interior full of unusual shapes jammed together like a losing Tetris game. Can the 2013 Honda Civic sedan pivot from mediocrity with blankets of NVH material, some LEDs and infotainment tech from the new Accord?Click past the jump for the full review of the Honda Civic Sedan. Honda Civic Sedan originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 17:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 16:00 by Simona Filed under: BMW | Japan | sedan | BMW 7-Series | luxury cars | special editions | Cars | Car Reviews | BMW The Japanese market received yet another special edition from BMW: a 7 Series V12 Bi-Turbo. The model will be limited to only 52 units and can be ordered starting today (May 23rd) through the end of August. Customers will start receiving their cars in October 2013. Pricing for the special 7 Series V12 Bi-Turbo starts at ¥22,600,000 (about $223,000).The model is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine equipped with VANOS technology and features twin turbochargers, high-precision direct injection, and intake and exhaust variable valve timing. This engine delivers a total of 544 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.For the exterior, customer can choose between Silverstone II and Singapore Gray paints combined with dark chrome on the kidney grille and the exhaust pipes. The model is also equipped with an M aerodynamic package and will be offered with standard 21-inch alloy wheels in a V-spoke design.On the inside, the only addition is a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that delivers 1,200 watts.Click past the jump to read more about the BMW 7 Series. BMW 7-Series V12 Bi-Turbo Special Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 16:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 15:00 by Simona Filed under: BMW | compact cars | Spy Shots and Rendering | hatchback | BMW 1-Series | Cars | Car News Earlier this week, we brought you the first spy shots of a seven-seat version of the upcoming BMW 1 Series GT and today, the car was caught again, but this time it’s on public roads.In the last images, we only caught profile shots of the seven-seat 1 Series GT, but this time our spy photographers managed to catch it from multiple angles. From these new angles, we can see - as far as the camouflage allows - that the seven-seat version will look nearly identical to the standard 1 Series GT version, except the longer rear doors, the overhang and upright rear.The two versions will share the same BMW UKL1 platform and both will be offered with a front-wheel-drive setup. The engine lineup will include a new three-cylinder engine, a hybrid three-cylinder drivetrain and four-cylinder engine.We expect the seven-seat 1 Series GT to arrive about a half-year after the standard version hits the market.Click past the jump to read more about the BMW 1 Series GT with seating for seven. Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series GT Seven-Seater Caught Again originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 15:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 13:00 by Simona Filed under: Mclaren | coupe | Supercars / Exotic cars | McLaren P1 | Cars | Car News The current lap record for a road-legal car around the famous Nürburgring track is held by the Radical SR8 LM with a time of 6:48. The record was established on August 19, 2009 with Michael Vergers behind the wheel. However, it looks like things might be changing.When McLaren designed the new P1 supercar the company announced it focused on making the car racetrack fast and not a top-speed monster.Well, an image that just surfaced on the internet (above) makes it look like McLaren has accomplished this goal, and then some. This image alludes to the fact that the P1 circled the ’Ring in just 6:33, which would make it the fastest street-legal car to perform said task. In fact, this result would make it even faster than the non-street-legal Zonda R, which lapped the same track in 6:47.Until McLaren officially confirms this result, we’ll just have to hope it’s for real! We do have serious doubts on its legitimacy, however…Click past the jump to read more about the McLaren P1 and learn which are the fastest cars around Nürburgring. McLaren P1 Laps Nurburgring in 6:33; Real or Photoshop? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 13:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 12:00 by Simona Filed under: Jaguar | video | sports cars | Cars | Car News This year’s Mille Miglia tour brought together more than 400 classic race and road cars of unique heritage, like a bunch of unique Mercedes classic cars. Alongside the Benz’s, were plenty of Jaguars, including: three C-Type models, three XK120s and five new F-Type sports roadsters. This video gives you the opportunity to watch all of them in action at the race.The Jaguar XK120s were driven by three teams, which were made up of: Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Wallace; Daniel Day Lewis and Jim Gianopulos; and David Gandy and Yasmin Le Bon. Behind the wheel of the three C-Type models were: Jaguar Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt and actress Hannah Herzsprung; Alex Buncombe with Chris Harris; and Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. alongside Michael Quinn – the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons.Mille Miglia was also another opportunity to show off the new F-Type sports roadster and it looks like the Italian countryside was the perfect location to do so.Click past the jump for the press release. Video: Jaguar at Mille Miglia 2013 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 12:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 11:00 by Simona Filed under: SRT | Europe | coupe | sports cars | SRT Viper | Cars | Car News Back in January, Chrysler announced that the new-generation SRT Viper would not be offered in Europe. However, this doesn’t mean the European customers won’t be able to drive one! The problem is that they will need to opt for an unofficially imported Viper.U.S. car specialist, GeigerCars, announced recently it will import the new Viper and will put it on sale at a price of €139,900 (around $180,500).Yes, you read it right: that’s almost double an American customer has to pay for a standard Viper, which is priced at $97,395. We are not sure how many units GeigerCars will import, but there will certainly be plenty of Viper-hungry Europeans standing in line to pick one up.After all, who would turn down the opportunity to be one of the few people in your region to own one of the best sports cars launched in the past year?Click past the jump to read more about the SRT Viper. SRT Viper arrives in Europe via GeigerCars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 11:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 10:00 by Justin Cupler Filed under: Fisker | USA | sedan | government | luxury cars | China | Fisker Karma | Cars | Car News Stick a fork in `em, because Fisker’s about as cooked as it can get. As much as it saddens us, we have to admit that the once promising brand is set to be sold or head into bankruptcy. So far, Fisker has two interested parties, per a report from Reuters, that are looking to buy it out.The most aggressive team is headed up by Bob Lutz’s VL Automotive and China’s Wanxiang Group, as they reportedly put in a bid of $20 million for the spiraling company. $20 million may sound like a big number for a nearly bankrupt company, but it is a far cry from the $2.2 billion valuation given to Fisker in the spring of 2012.Of course, no one involved in the process is confirming the report of this super-low bid, but folks close to the situation are claiming that it is true and that Fisker is considering the offer.There is one other team that is interested in purchasing the company outright, but there aren’t any reports of them bidding. However, there are reports that a third investment group is interested in buying out DOE’s $171 million interest in the company, which came as a result of the loan Fisker received in its infancy that was later frozen.This is all we have for now, but we’ll keep an eye out for more reports as time goes on.Click past the jump to read more VL Automotive’s interest in Fisker VL Automotive and Wanxiang put in a Low Bid for Fisker originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 10:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.23.2013 08:00 by Kirby Garlitos Filed under: Cadillac | sedan | luxury cars | Cadillac CTS | auctions | Cars | Car News The 2014 CTS Sedan has definitely grown on a lot of people. Actually, it’s become quite popular in the years that it’s been around, so much so that Cadillac has decided to send the first performance version of the new CTS, dubbed the CTS VSport, to the auction block.The car will be donated by General Motors to the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) Foundation where it will then be auctioned off at a Barrett-Jackson auction later this year.The proceeds of the auction, which we expect to be quite significant for a CTS VSport, will then head to the foundation’s outreach programs.GM and Cadillac decided to donate the car after its own senior VP for product development, Mary Barra, was bestowed with the prestigious Industry Leadership Award, becoming the first woman in the SAE’s history to be given such an honor.Click past the jump to read about the Cadillac CTS VSport Cadillac to Auction First CTS VSport originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 23 May 2013 08:00 EST. read more