Audi R8 with 530HP Supercharged V8 Tuned by Wheelsandmore

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Can't wait for the 525HP Audi R8 5.2FSI V10? Then you might be interested in Wheelsandmore's new performance package for the R8 4.2-liter V8. The German tuner offers an ECU kit for €1,700 that gives the V8 an extra 30HP for a total output of 450HP. If you're willing to depart with €32,500 -or roughly the equivalent of a new TT Coupe in Germany- Wheelsandmore will add a kompressor boosting output to 530HP. Since we don't have an issue with cash, €13,998 will get you a set of 8-piston front and 6-piston rear brakes with high-performance pads.
Still have more money available? No problemo, €4,800 will give your R8 a handmade rear silencer with a valve system (optionally remote controlled add €900), €900 will buy you new springs, €3,999 an aluminum full race suspension and €8,949 a hydraulic lift full-race suspension that allows the lifting of the front and rear axle by 30mm.
Another €5,500 will get you a carbon-fiber front lip spoiler and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser while Wheelsandmore also offers two different sets of 20-inch alloys wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx rubber for €9,250 and €9,800. For the record, all prices include 19% German tax and installation.
And since we're pretty sure that you like doing your math, the base price of an R8 V8 FSI in Germany is €109,100 while its V10 FSI counterpart costs €142,400...

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - WRC Rally Version

WRC (World Rally Championship) and Evo buffs will have the chance to get a preview of next year’s Lancer Evolution X Group N rally car at the Rally Japan that kicks off on Friday 26th October 2007 as Mitsubishi announced that their 2008 Evo X (click here) is to be used as the course car for the 14th round of the WRC. The Course cars, often referred to as the “Double Zero” and “Zero” cars, travel through the course before the competing vehicles, 30-minutes for the Double Zero car and 15-minutes for the Zero car, to check track conditions making sure that everything is ready.
The 2008 Lancer Evo X will run on Rally Japan in Group N specification meaning that it is equipped with all the usual “rally-goodies” like the integrated of the roll cage into the body of the car, sump-guard, floor guard with fuel tank protection and mud flaps. In the cockpit additional safety features have been added including five-point safety harnesses for the crew with bucket seats and a competition steering wheel. -Continued after the jump
According to Mitsubishi, purpose-built components have been used for the running gear and brakes with drive-train components specially developed by Ralliart featuring a constant-mesh close-ratio gearbox. Since the Lancer Evolution Xs are the official Course cars on Rally Japan, they will also have revolving roof lights as well as a siren and loudspeaker to warn spectators on the stages that the competitors will be arriving shortly.
As for the actual Lancer Evolution X WRC model, the Group N homologation from the Federation International de L'Automobile (FIA) is epxteced to be obtained next summer with the new rally challenger taking part in international rallies during the second half of 2008 or 2009.

2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Front Three Quarter View

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At first glance, a second-generation New Beetle doesn't make a lot of sense. After all, Volkswagen's German masters never wanted to build the current one. (The original air-cooled Bug isn't remembered as fondly over there as it is here.) The animosity was such that VW's U.S. designers worked on it in secret, and it was only after their Concept 1 was slipped quietly onto the Detroit auto show floor in 1994 and met with an explosive public response that management agreed to build the car. Even so, Germans look down on it as a girl's car, a Golf with inferior packaging. So why do a follow-up? Because the New Beetle finds about 50,000 North American buyers per year, and VW isn't prepared to walk away from those sales. The Ragster concept from the 2005 Detroit show provides a window into the thinking for the convertible version. Both the coupe and the convertible again will be based on the front-engine/front-wheel-drive chassis of the Golf (Rabbit).

Not only is Volkswagen readying a replacement for the New Beetle (left), the company is also developing a second Beetle model (above) that will hew even more closely to the iconic original. It is part of the proposed rear-engine small-car family previewed by last fall's Up! show cars. The baby Beetle will be between the two-door and four-door Up! in size, and it likely will use a 750-cc two-cylinder gasoline engine and a 1.0-liter three-cylinder in both gasoline and diesel form, the top performer being a 125-hp unit mated to a dual-clutch transmission. The chassis will feature inexpensive independent suspension systems front and rear. Disc brakes will be offered only in select markets, and power steering will be an option at best. Sounds like a real Beetle, all right.

TAKE A REAR-ENGINE SONG AND MAKE IT BETTER: Today's New Beetle seems like an idea whose time has passed, but the minimalist, rear-engine baby Beetle strikes us not only as an intriguing take on the tiny-car phenomenon, but also as an indication that someone at Volkswagen has a handle on what the brand should mean

2009 BMW 3-Series

The 2008 Paris motor show is still three months away, but we've already got the skinny on the 2009 BMW 3-series, slated to debut en France.
Like the 2009 7-series, which also premieres at the Paris show, styling changes to the new 3-er are evolutionary, not revolutionary. While the car's overall profile differs little from the previous model, the '09 model is, perhaps, slightly more expressive.
The leading hood gently flows into the grille section, while the bumper's perimeter cascades into the center of the car. While nowhere as dramatic as the flame-surfacing found on the Z4, BMW designers emphasized the character lines on the sides of the car, particularly right along the 3-series' beltline. The 2009 3-series also sports new lamps in front and rear; the bi-xenon headlamps also feature LED turn signals, while the rear LED lamps cast light in a three-dimensional pattern.
Interior changes are just as subtle. Although designers made slight ergonomic improvements (e.g. placing window switches on the driver's door), the largest change lies with the use of the second-generation iDrive controller. With a set of control buttons placed around the knob itself, the new system looks remarkably like Audi's Multimedia Interface (MMI) system, and may prove more intuitive than prior iterations.
From a powertrain perspective, the big news for the U.S market is the advent of the 335d diesel and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the 330i and 335d are relegated to six-speed manuals and automatics, 335i cars can be equipped with the dual-clutch 'box, which is similar to that found in the M3.
Although we'll bring you live shots and more details live from the Paris show in October, expect to see the new 3 arrive in North American showrooms this winter or in early 2009.

Mississippi Plant to Build Toyota Prius Hybrids

Strong sales of the Prius have forced Toyota to consider building the hybrid within the United States, but now it's official: the car will be built in Mississippi for U.S. consumption.

The car will be built in a new Toyota plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi, which is currently under construction. Toyota expects the factory to be up and running in 2009, with full-scale production of the Prius in the U.S. by 2010. When that happens, the Prius will become the second Toyota hybrid model to be built in the United States (the Kentucky-built Camry Hybrid being the first).

Shifting production displaces production of the mid-size Highlander SUV, originally slated to be built at the facility. Instead, the Highlander, which is currently built only in Kyushu, Japan, shifts to Toyota's Princeton, Indiana facility in late 2009.

The Princeton plant, currently home to the Sienna minivan and the full-size Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup, will lose the Tundra model in order to handle Highlander production. Toyota plans to consolidate production of the Tundra at its San Antonio, Texas plant following a two-month shutdown, allowing it to match production to dwindling sales figures.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

the Mercedes-Benz SL is the latest car to get the bad-to-the-bone Black Series treatment. The company has now revealed the first pictures of the new uber-SL, which is so hard-core it makes the pavement-warping SL65 AMG look like a boulevardier for Beverly Hills matrons.

The Black Series uses a more powerful version of the SL65 AMG car's 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-12 (good for 670 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque), with the added output coming via redesigned turbochargers, a reconfigured air intake, and less restrictive exhaust. The more potent V-12 powers a car that is a whopping 570 lbs lighter. The result is a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph [Mercedes-Benz figures].

The dramatic weight loss is due to several factors. First, the Black Series has a fixed hardtop (with an integral roll bar). Second is the extensive use of carbon-fiber components, including the roof, trunk lid, hood, front fenders, and bumpers. Third, a switch from Mercedes Active Body Control suspension to adjustable steel springs saved a few more pounds.

The brakes are the same as in the SL65 AMG, as is the five-speed automatic transmission, although here it adds a second, quicker, manual-shift mode. The front and rear track is wider, and the steering has been redesigned for a more direct feel.

The Black Series' unique bodywork leaves little doubt as to its intentions. The swollen fenders accommodate ultra-wide tires (265/35ZR19s at the front, 325/30ZR20s in the rear). The openings in the hood and the fenders aid cooling, and the rear spoiler automatically extends at 75 mph. Even the roofline, more rakish here and extending further into the deck lid, is unique compared to other SLs.

This the third Mercedes-Benz model to get the race-car-for-the-street Black Series treatment. The first was the SLK, in June 2006, but that car was not sold in the United States. Next came the CLK Black Series, in April 2007, and Americans snapped up roughly 350 of the 700 cars built. The SL Black Series also will come to America, although its volumes will be even more limited, with a total of only 350 cars available worldwide. It's expected to arrive here in November, priced at around $250,000.

2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package

Yearning to relive the muscle era is passé. We're ready to relive the days of high-horsepower super-stock specials being built at the factory. Forty years after Chrysler built its original drag-track specials, the 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package allows us to do just that.

While vehicle technology has changed tremendously over the past forty years, the premise behind the Drag Race Package cars hasn't: pack plenty of power into a car while stripping out the portly non-essentials. Given the 4140-lb curb weight of the 2008 Challenger SRT8, there was plenty of material for engineers to strip.

Starting with a stock Challenger body-in-white, Mopar's engineers ripped out nearly 1000 lbs of equipment deemed unnecessary for the track. Although the Drag Pack cars will roll down the same Brampton, Ontario, assembly line as the street cars, these models are spared the addition of body sealer, sound deadening, a ventilation system, airbags, and rear seats. If that wasn't enough, Mopar removed the windshield wiper assembly, side- and rear-impact beams - and subsequently, any chance the car can be DOT-certified for the street. As a result, the Drag Race Package car weighs in at approximately 1000 lbs lighter than an SRT8.

While those extra parts remain in Chrysler's parts bins, the Challenger Drag Race Package does gain some new equipment. Included with each package car is a new composite lift-off hood (yes; the scoop is functional), polycarbonate windows, manual rack-and-pinion steering, a lightweight brake system and a good old-fashioned cable throttle linkage. Mopar also modified the Challenger's wheelbase, shortening it a half inch to 116 inches, and pushed the engine mounts rearward for better weight distribution.

Those solid mounts will hold one of three available engines: a 5.7-liter or 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, or a 360 cubic-inch 'Magnum Wedge' V-8, coupled to either an automatic or manual transmission. Although performance numbers haven't yet been released, a typical 360 crate motor produces anywhere between 325 and 395 hp; we'd imagine the 5.7- and 6.1-liter motors will crank out even more power than their street versions, which are rated at 375 hp and 425 hp, respectively.

In order to qualify the Challenger Drag Race Package car to run in NHRA's Comp, Super Stock and Stock classes, Dodge plans to build at least 100 examples for customers and racers alike. Expect pricing to run in the low- to mid-$30,000s - approximately the same as a stock Challenger SRT8

2009 Aston Martin One 77 Side View

Fear not; that nomenclature is merely a working title, helping to express just how limited this car's production will be. At the very most, only 77 examples will be lovingly crafted by Aston's workers.

We're told the One-77, which uses a carbon-fiber chassis, will utilize an all-aluminum body that's completely hand crafted. From the shadowy figure released by Aston's PR office, the car looks somewhat similar to current Astons, albeit with a more muscular stature.

Like the rendering, much of the car's details also lurk in the shadows. Aston Martin says the One-77 will use a 7.0-liter V-12, which we hear may produce close to 600 hp. Rumor has it the car will achieve a 0-62 mph time in four seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph - placing the One-77 squarely in super car territory.

Of course, the power and prestige comes at an expense - a price tag rumored to be over 1 million, which converts to somewhere around $1.9 million. There's no word on if the car will come stateside, but if you're seriously hoping it does, you may want to hit the car's website at www.one-of-77.com and start contacting Aston's salespeople.

1981 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston Front Three Quarter View

Designed to resemble the 1981 2CV6 Charleston (shown here), the C3 Pluriel Charleston adds a red-on-black two-tone paint scheme, patterned after cars from the 1930s. While the 2CV6 Charleston made do with quilted velour seating, the C3 Pluriel reincarnation adds leather-trimmed seating, along with black trim and chrome accents.

The special-edition car/convertible/pickup will fittingly be unveiled at the 2008 Paris motor show, and will reach dealers across Europe in early 2009.

2009 Hyundai I20 Front Three Quarter View

While its sister division will be busy launching the 2010 Kia Soul, Hyundai will focus its presence at the 2008 Paris motor show on this: the all-new 2009 Hyundai i20.

The subcompact five-door, which rides on an all-new platform, serves as a replacement for the aging Getz hatchback. Hyundai claims the car was designed for European tastes, which helps explain some cues shared with the larger i30 (aka Elantra Touring).

Although the car's specifications are still under wraps, we'd bet there's a diesel engine in the i20's future - especially since a diesel-powered i20 "i-blue" concept will also be displayed in Paris. The oil-burning show car uses an all-new 1.4-liter turbodiesel I-4 coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The i20 i-blue also uses shorter springs, underbody panels, front fascia tweaks, and low rolling resistance tires to help squeeze out fuel economy.

As Hyundai says, the i20 was designed with Europe in mind - not the U.S. Still, between this new hatch and the lower-end i10, we'd think the larger, more sophisticated i20 could do well as a Fit-fighter here in the States.

2009 Nissan 370Z Rear Three Quarter View

Seven years after the debut of the 350Z, the Z-car is thoroughly re-worked both inside and out for 2009. We're perhaps excited most by the mechanical change implicated by its nomenclature - lurking underhood is the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V-6 that also powers the not released specs on what the motor produces in Z-tune, but it manages to pump out 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque in the G37 - 24 ponies more than the 350Z's 3.5-liter V-6.
For those who don't climb underhood or stomp on the throttle, the most visible change will likely be the Z's new curves. Sure, it still carries the 350Z's general shape, but the car's form is considerably different. From what we can tell, the 370Z's proportions and taut body lines make the car look lighter and more akin to the original 240Z.
We hope, however, the 370Z's interior isn't a step back in time, but a step forward inline with the new 3.7-liter engine. We can't judge material feel and quality until we actually lay our hands on the car, but the interior rendering certainly looks attractive, what with leather-clad sport seats and matching suede door inserts. Though there's quite a few parts copped from the Nissan corporate parts bin, we're glad to see the nav system interface from the G37 (and hopefully its intuitive iPod interface) take its place in the Z.
We'll know more about the car's specifications, looks, and feel once Nissan officially unveils it at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show in November - but if you'd like to take a crack at "driving" the car, pick up a copy of "Need For Speed: Undercover."
Stay tuned to Automobile Magazine for all the latest news surrounding the 370Z and the 2009 Los Angeles auto show.

2009 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Rear Three Quarter View

The wraps officially came off the 2009 Vauxhall Insignia four- and five-door models at last month's British Motor Show in London, but GM's saved this - the 2009 Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - for October's Paris motor show.
These first official shots show the smooth, dynamic forms of the original Insignia, itself inspired from the muscular GTC concept of 2005, carry over into the wagon form quite nicely. We do, however, see a touch of Q7 in the tailgate form, and we can't quite put our collective finger on where we've seen those tail lamps before - from a Renault Laguna, perhaps?
GM claims two new engines - one gas-powered, the other a diesel - will debut along with the Sports Tourer. Exact details are still unknown, but we're told engines offered in the four- and five-door versions (including the 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4 and the 2.8-liter V-6) will carry over, as will the choice of front- or all-wheel-drive.
Like all of today's Vauxhall range, the Sports Tourer will also be sold throughout Europe wearing an Opel badge. We won't, however, hold out hopes that the Sports Tourer will arrive stateside: although the Insignia is being tweaked to become the , America's disposition towards wagons may not warrant the Sports Tourer's importation.