Retro styles never seem to go out of fashion, and San Diego-based HRE Performance Wheels hopes the same is true of supercar wheels. The company has launched three new wheel designs, called the Vintage Series, that mimic rims seen on supercars of the past.

All three of the wheel designs are brand-new, three-piece forged units, and have been specifically engineered to fit on modern supercars. They are offered in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch diameters, in widths range from seven to 14 inches. “These designs take us all back to the 1970’s and 1980’s when we were kids falling in love with exotics for the first time,” HRE president Alan Peltier said in a statement.

The first model is the 454, which HRE calls an “Italian style five-window” wheel. It features five thick spokes, each with a round circular open in them — recalling the wheels that came fitted to the old Lamborghini Diablo. HRE showed the 454s fitted to a new Lamborghini Aventador, cleverly mixing old and new Italian supercar elements.

The Vintage Series also includes the 505, which has five thick spokes to create a chunky star-shaped pattern. Italian car aficionados will recognize that these closely mimic the five-spoke rims of the Ferrari F40 supercar. Fittingly, HRE applied the 505 design to a new Ferrari 458 Spider, again bringing a retro touch to one of the world’s newest exotic machines.

Finally, the 501 style wheel has a tight mesh of interlocking spokes, meant to bring back memories of racing Porsche models from decades past. The wheel was fitted to a new, 991-generation of the Porsche 911, cleverly emphasizing the iconic sports car’s racing heritage.

HRE also says that the Vintage wheels could be fitted to other luxury machines, ranging from the Porsche 911 and BMW M3, to the Audi A7 and Jaguar XJ.

Source: HRE Performance Wheels

When Jaguar launches the futuristic C-X75 supercar, at least a handful of models will employ range-extending jet-turbine engines, as was promised when the car debuted as a concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Jaguar Land Rover parent company Tata Motors recently formalized an agreement to have U.K.-based Bladon Jets build jet turbines for the Jaguar C-X75.

The new engineering center in Coventry, U.K., employs 15 people and was formally opened last week by Tata chairman Ratan Tata. Bladon Jets is developing a range of miniature turbine engines, the fan blades of which can be built with a tolerance of less than one-twentieth the width of a human hair. Among the company’s projects are jet turbine engines for Jaguar.

The Jaguar C-X75 is essentially a plug-in hybrid that uses four electric motors for propulsion, one at each wheel. The car’s battery pack is can be recharged by plugging in to a wall outlet, or by a pair of microturbine engines that act as range extenders. According to Auto Express, each engine weighs about 77 pounds and produces 95 hp. Jaguar says the C-X75 will be able to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds, and drive for up to 31 miles on electric power alone.

Jaguar announced in May 2011 that it would build 250 examples of the C-X75, each costing the equivalent of $1.1 million or more. The cars will be built in the U.K. on a carbon-fiber chassis in partnership with the Williams Formula 1 team.

Despite Tata’s investment in Bladon Jets, Auto Express says only a few copies of the Jaguar supercar will use jet turbine engines. The remainder will reportedly use turbocharged four-cylinder engines designed by Williams F1. Expect the C-X75 to make its road-going debut by 2015.

Sources: Auto Express, Bladon Jets

Funny thing about timing: although the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser was announced in early January, it somehow didn’t appear on Toyota’s stand at the Detroit auto show. Instead, its official public auto show debut occurred this morning at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show – albeit without much fuss or fanfare.

The “All-New” claim, applied in large block-letter decals to the windshield of this display model, may be a bit of a stretch. Externally, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser receives a mild face lift, which primarily involves tweaking the headlamps and taillamp assemblies, adding LED running lights, reshaping the rear-view mirrors, and adding a new side sill molding with a bold chrome accent.

We’d love to tell you how the refreshed interior feels firsthand, but as the big block letters on the windows say, this 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser — apparently a prototype — was locked and off-limits. Pity, since 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser models receive quite a few enhancements within. Toyota added chromed vent bezels, a heated steering wheel, a multi-terrain monitor, adaptive cruise control, and a few extra power outlets for rear passengers. Additionally, the Upgrade Package — which used to run an extra $6000 — is now standard, meaning features like navigation, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a JBL audio system, and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system are all now part of the vehicle purchase.

Predictably, adding that optional content – along with a couple other upgrades tied to off-road drivability – brings about additional cost. MSRP for the new 2013 Land Cruiser starts at $78,765, including destination. The example you see here came in at just over $79,000, thanks to the addition of a $225 set of floor and cargo mats, and the $220 Blizzard Pearl paint color.

For more information on the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

We’ve been looking at the new 2013 Acura RDX since January, when a so-called prototype debuted at the Detroit show, but Acura used the 2012 Chicago Auto Show to officially debut the finalized production model.

The new 2013 Acura RDX isn’t much larger than the outgoing model, but officials say interior space has been increased. That’s hard to verify without a tape measure in hand, but certainly the cabin is far more upscale than ever before. Acura isn’t kidding when it talks about prolific use of soft-touch materials or using leather as a trim element: both are used extensively on the instrument panel and door panels. Unlike Acura’s previous attempts at the latter (the Acura MDX and ZDX interiors come to mind), the leather door accents in the 2013 RDX have a refreshingly plush feel.

Beneath the skin, Acura swapped out the turbocharged I-4 in favor of a 273-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. Despite having two cylinders and 33 horsepower on the turbo-four, Acura says the 2013 RDX will be considerably more fuel-efficient than before. How can that be? A six-speed automatic transmission (in lieu of the previous five-speed unit) doesn’t hurt, nor does the fact the V-6 boasts cylinder deactivation, allowing it to run on three cylinders under light throttle. Additionally, the 2013 RDX’s available all wheel drive system, borrowed from the Honda CR-V, is lighter than the previous SH-AWD driveline, and sends all power to the front wheels under normal conditions.

The finished product is surprisingly impressive in person, but how will it stack up against the likes of the Lexus RX, Cadillac SRX, Audi Q5, or BMW X3? We’ll hopefully be able to tell you that after we drive the 2013 Acura RDX next month. Stay tuned.

For more on the new 2013 Acura RDX, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

Toyota’s small new hybrid car will be both affordable and extremely fuel-efficient. The 2012 Toyota Prius C is rated as high as 53 mpg in EPA testing, and starts at just $19,710 (after a $760 destination charge.)

When it arrives at showrooms next month, the Prius C will be offered in four trim levels, all of which receive the same 53/46/50 mpg (city/highway/combined) fuel economy ratings. Those beat the ratings of the larger Prius, which comes in at 51/48 mpg.

The Prius C employs a new version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain with a 73-hp 1.5-liter inline-four engine, a 60-hp AC synchronous motor, and a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Toyota says total system output is 99 horsepower, falling slightly behind the Prius and Prius V, which have peak power of 134 hp from a 1.8-liter inline-four engine and an 80-hp electric motor.

Standard features regardless of trim level include Bluetooth, a color display, iPod connectivity, nine airbags, and Toyota’s Star Safety System (VSC, Traction Control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Smart Stop Tech). The Prius C One, which starts at $19,710, also features automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch color information display, and keyless entry. The next step up the equipment ladder is the $20,660 Prius C Two, which adds a six-speaker audio system, a 60/40 split rear seat, cruise control, variable windshield wipers, a center console storage cubby and armrest, a cargo cover, and an anti-theft immobilizer.

Next up is the Prius C Three, starting from $22,395, which features more luxurious gadgets like a 6.1-inch navigation system with Toyota’s Entune connectivity software, satellite and HD radio, voice recognition, push-button start, a USB audio port, and painted door handles. The trim level can be upgraded to 15-inch alloy wheels for $390, and a power moonroof can be added for $850.

Finally, the top-spec $23,990 Prius C Four adds on eight-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated mirrors, and fog lights. Options include 16-inch wheels for $300, a power moonroof for $850, or a combo package that nets the 16-inch wheels and the moonroof for $1150. Color choices for any Toyota Prius C variant comprise Habanero, Blue Streak Metallic, Summer Rain Metallic, Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Moonglow, and Super White.

Source: Toyota

The current-generation C6 Chevrolet Corvette will be heading to the big parking lot in the sky after next year, but the Bow Tie won’t be sending it away quietly. As a celebration of the end of the C6′s run and the Corvette nameplate’s 60-year run, Chevy has taken the wraps off of the Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition.

The special-edition Corvette made its official debut last month at the Barrett Jackson in Arizona, but the Chicago auto show is the first place the general public will be getting a look at the car. The 427 is based around the 7.0-liter V-8 from the Corvette Z06, which pumps out a healthy 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The engine is hand-assembled and buyers who are so inclined can play a part in building their car’s V-8 through the Corvette Build Experience program.

Differentiating the celebratory Corvette convertible are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, carbon-fiber raised hood, carbon fiber fenders a la the Z06, and carbon fiber floor panels. The 427 also comes dressed in the 60th Anniversary Package, donning Arctic White paint, a blue softtop, and a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents.

For more on the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

Volkswagen made a new, though predictable, addition to tits Beetle lineup today at the Chicago Auto Show — the diesel-powered 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI.

This is the first oil-burning Bug since 2006, though the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI eschews the old 1.9-liter four for a 140-hp, 236-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s the same mill that’s found under the hoods of the Passat, Jetta, and Golf TDI models. However, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI takes a hit on fuel economy when compared to its ultra-frugal Jetta and Golf platform mates: VW estimates the Beetle TDI to clock in at 29/39 mpg city/highway, down from the 30/42 of the Jetta and Golf. Also familiar to Volkswagen fans will be the six-speed manual and dual-clutch transmissions offered here.

Besides the new engine underhood, tweaks to the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI are minor — some chrome trim around the top of the windows; unique 17-inch alloy wheels; a boost, oil temperature, and stopwatch gauge trio on the top of the center stack; and a TDI badge on the trunklid.

With the base Beetle 2.5 starting at $20,565 (with destination), expect the Beetle TDI to retail starting in the mid-$20,000 range and go up from there. There are three trim levels: TDI base; TDI with sunroof; and TDI with sunroof, sound, and navigation. Full pricing and specifications will be released closer to the car’s on-sale date this summer.

For more on the2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a well-loved little roadster, and it’s no surprise that Mazda has sold 900,000 of them worldwide. To celebrate this milestone, U.S. customers are getting a treat — the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition.

Although only a cosmetic kit, the Special Edition trim will be the only U.S.-spec Miata to receive a contrast-painted power-retractable hard top, in this case black. Two color options are available: Velocity Red and Crystal White Pearl and the interior gains piano black trim along with grey-stitched, heated, black leather seats. If the color-contrasting top wasn’t enough to tell the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition apart from other Miatas, make sure to look for the 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black mirror covers, and black grille and foglight surrounds.

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition is based on the top-spec Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring with Power Retractable Hard Top, kitted out with the Premium and Suspension packages. Goodies include keyless entry, satellite radio, xenon headlights, Bilstein shocks, and a limited-slip differential, among others. Power from the 2.0-liter I-4 remains the same as in other Miatas — 167 hp for cars with the six-speed manual transmission and 158 hp with the six-speed automatic.

Just 450 of these special Miatas will be built, retailing for $32,020 for manual-equipped cars and $32,470 with an automatic, with destination included. Orders begin at the end of February, so hot-foot it over to a Mazda dealer if you want to snap one up.

For more on the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

It’s no surprise that Ford is offering a 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible, and we’re grateful for the ability to better hear the 650-hp 5.8-liter V-8.

In true muscle-car form, the Blue Oval applied the same upgrades to the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible that it did for the GT500 coupe (which is pictured below): the V-8 grows from 5.4- to 5.8-liters for 2013 and power swells to 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, with all that American fury being routed through a six-speed manual and carbon fiber driveshaft to the rear wheels. Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers, and a Torsen limited-slip differential help to keep all that ferocity in line.

Sadly, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible won’t be able to hit the same 200 mph top speed that Ford claims for the coupe; instead, it’s electronically limited to 155 mph. No matter what, the automaker says that the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible is about four seconds quicker around Sebring International Raceway than the outgoing GT500.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible will hit dealerships this summer; pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

For more on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

We’re only a few hours into the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, but it’s safe to say the Kia Track’ster concept may be one of the stars — if not the star — of the show.

Kia’s previously toyed with the idea of a Soul spin-off through several different concept cars, but none of the previous efforts looked as wild — or as unique — as the Track’ster. Consider the Track’ster the Jeckyl to the Kia Soul’s Hyde: the two look similar, yet worlds apart. Not only does the concept lose a pair of doors, but its low roofline, mile-wide track, and blistered fenders lend it an intimidating presence, much like an old Group B rally car.

Conceptually, what lies beneath the Trackster’s skin is equally exciting as its exterior. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, which allegedly cranks out 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission sends that power to the ground by way of an electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive system. The Track’ster appears equally adept at stopping: massive cross-drilled Brembo brake rotors, along with six-piston calipers, are plainly visible through the spokes of the custom-designed forged HRE wheels.

Would we like a miniature rally weapon in our garage? You bet. Will Kia provide us with one? That seems unlikely. Company officials freely admit there’s no plan to put something like the Track’ster in production, but did note they’re interested in gauging reaction to a sporty, three-door take on the Soul. Based on the public’s reaction to the Hyundai Veloster, we say there’s room for yet another funky three-door hatch in this world — especially if it’s as exciting as the Track’ster.

For more on the Kia Track’ster concept, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

The 2013 Hyundais Elantra is already the brand’s golden child, with demand for the compact car currently greater than supply and the 2012 North American Car of the Year award under its belt. Now Hyundai is looking to capitalize on the Elantra’s success with two new variants: the Coupe and GT.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is all-new and the compact’s fluidic sculpture design language transfers well to the two-door; in fact, we think the Elantra Coupe looks more handsome than the sedan. The sharp character line running from behind the front wheel up to the taillights is more dynamic in the Elantra Coupe thanks to a faster descending angle. Inside, the same premium interior we love from the Elantra sedan carries over.

Also carrying over are the sedan’s 1.8-liter I-4 — which pumps out 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque — and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The Elantra Coupe will also score and estimated 40 mpg on the highway like the sedan, though only when equipped with the manual transmission; automatic-equipped cars are expected to make one mpg less.

Replacing the Elantra Touring in Hyundai’s U.S. lineup is the all-new 2013 Elantra GT. Despite the different name, Hyundai has once again brought over the European-market i30 hatchback for our consumption under the Elantra badge. The same engine and transmission options that are available in the Elantra Coupe and sedan are seen here; however, the GT gets a more aggressive look. The hexagonal grille receives more swooping detailing, and the five-door shape gives the Elantra GT a sportier, more wedge-shaped look than its three-box brethren. Despite the more athletic exterior, the GT receives a more upright and tradition interior, rather than the swooping center stack of other Elantras.

Hyundai expects the GT to score 28/39 mpg city/highway in EPA testing with either the automatic or manual, tying the Mazda 3 5-Door for second place in the compact hatch class after the 29/42 mpg Volkswagen Golf TDI. Perhaps Hyundai will need to add an asterisk to the Elantra’s advertised fuel economy since the Elantra GT won’t hit the magic mark of 40 mpg on the highway.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but the 2013 Elantra Coupe will go on sale this spring, followed by the Elantra GT this summer.

For more on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe and Elantra GT, check out our First Look on the Elantra Coupe here and on the Elantra GT here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

As the adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And since sales of the GMC Acadia climbed to a new high in 2011, it’s not surprising the revised 2013 GMC Acadia — which debuted this morning at the Chicago Auto Show — doesn’t attempt to reinvent what seems to be a successful formula.

GMC did, however, treat the Acadia to a fairly significant facelift. The front clip is all-new, and borrows more than its fair share of cues from the funky little Granite concept of 2010. Trapezoidal projector headlamps — which also boast LED running lamps — point towards a prominent grille opening, which boasts a three-bar insert first launched with the small Terrain crossover. A new rear diffuser and tail lamp lenses dress up the rear end, as do D-pillars that are flush with the quarter and rear window glass.

The overall shape and design of the 2013 GMC Acadia’s interior isn’t far removed from its predecessor, but it does boast far more soft-touch materials than ever before. A touchscreen-based audio system is standard equipment, and integrates Bluetooth phone connectivity, along with access to Web-based audio services like Pandora and Stitcher.

Seeing as the upmarket Acadia Denali accounted for 30 percent of all GMC Acadia sales last year, it’s not surprising to see the model return for the 2013 model year. 2013 Acadia Denali models differ from their lesser siblings by way of a unique polished grille insert, bespoke front and rear bumper fascias (the latter sporting integrated dual exhausts), body-color cladding and fender flares, and 20-inch wheels.  Acadia Denali models also receive perforated leather seating (and a unique cocoa dune color), navigation, panoramic sunroof, blind-spot detection, and all-wheel-drive as standard equipment. Exterior badges also distinguish the Acadia Denali from lesser models.

Don’t look for much change underhood. Power still comes from GM’s direct-injection, 3.6-liter V-6, which is rated at 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 6T75 six-speed automatic remains the only transmission choice, but GM claims it’s tweaked both calibration and hardware to improve shift quality. Contrary to popular rumors — or competitors like Ford’s EcoBoosted Explorer — a smaller, thriftier engine option doesn’t appear to be under consideration at this stage. Officials are fairly happy with the 3.6-liter V-6′s fuel economy: 2013 GMC Acadia figures are unavailable, but they should remain close to the 17/24 mpg (city/highway) and 16/23 mpg EPA figures assigned to 2012  GMC Acadia front- and all-wheel-drive 16/23 awd models, respectively.

Pricing is unavailable at this point, but expect finalized figures to emerge this fall, as 2013 Acadias are slated to roll into GMC showrooms across the nation in the fourth quarter of 2012.

For more on the 2013 GMC Acadia, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

Volkswagen is on an upward march in the sales game, and it’s riding predominantly on the back of the new Passat and Jetta sedans. The good news for the Passat: Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant has built its 50,000^th unit.

VW announced late Tuesday that it built the 50,000^th 2012 Passat, an optioned-out SE model with the 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower inline-five engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It took VW just over eight months to reach that number: the plant officially opened on May 24, 2011, and the 50,000^th car rolled off the Tennessee production line this week.

We should note that this doesn’t mean that VW has sold 50,000 2012 Passats yet: the figure includes various cars that haven’t yet been sold, including training cars and testers, dealer courtesy cars, and cars that were exported to other markets. At last count, Volkswagen had sold 29,097 of the new-for-2012 Passat sedans in the United States and 1961 in Canada, which means roughly 19,000 cars were either sold outside of the U.S. and Canada, or are on dealer lots/in special fleets. VW’s estimated inventory stands at about a 70-day supply.

It’s certainly a good sign for the Passat, who has already eclipsed two of its competitors in the mid-size sales war. It’s averaging between 6000 and 7000 units per month over the past three months, enough to beat competition from Mazda and Dodge.

In hopes of continuing the upward movement, VW has already announced expansions of the Chattanooga, Tennessee plant that builds the car: the automaker said it would add 200 jobs to the plant, which currently employs 2500 people.

Source: VW

If you watched Kia’s Super Bowl ad spot and managed to ignore Motley Crue and the flag-waving supermodel, there’s a chance you managed to pick up on the fact the automaker is adding a new model to the Optima portfolio. That model is the 2012 Optima Limited, and it makes its official debut this week at the 2012 Chicago auto show.

According to Kia, the Limited treatment takes the already-well-equipped Optima SX model and dresses it up a little bit. Externally, the Optima gains mesh upper and lower grille inserts, thin LED driving lights inserted above the fog lamps, and chromed accents on door sill moldings and the rear spoiler. Chrome is also applied liberally to new five-spoke 18-inch wheels, which also frame red-painted brake front brake calipers.

Inside, the Optima Limited receives wood accents for the steering wheel, door trim, and shift knob. Nappa leather — your choice of white or black — is used for seating, but also lines the door panels, instrument panel, and center console lid. Black tricot fabric is used for both the headliner and pillar trim.

As it’s based off the SX, the Optima Limited also lumps in niceties including HID headlamps, metal door panels, panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, and an Infiniti audio system. Optima SX models also use the turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, produces 274 hp, along with a stiffer suspension setup than other Optima trims.

For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

Audi is already hard at work on the next generation of its R8 supercar, which will bow as a coupe in 2014 before the roadster appears in 2015. Among the changes for the new Audi R8 will be an increase in horsepower, a reduction in weight, and a slate of fuel-saving technologies.

The 2014 Audi R8 will be based on the same platform as the next Lamborghini Gallardo, which should debut in 2013. Before that, however, Autocar reports that Audi will unveil a refreshed for the R8 this year — probably at the Moscow auto show in August. Changes for the 2012 update include a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a revised infotainment interface.

Autocar reports that the engine lineup for the next-gen R8 will stay the same, with a 4.2-liter V-8 in the base car and a 5.2-liter V-10 for the range topper. Each mill will receive more power, bringing totals to about 450 hp for the eight-cylinder and 550 hp for the V-10. At the same time, the Audi will become more fuel-efficient thanks to the adoption of engine stop-start, higher-pressure direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and a “sailing” function that allows the engine to idle when the car is decelerating. With all these in place, the new Audi R8 will reportedly be able to meet even-stricter Euro 6 emissions requirements.

Also helping economy is the fact that the new R8 will be significantly lighter than the current model. Both it and the next Gallardo employ a greater mix of carbon fiber in the aluminum bodyshell, much of which will be shared between the cars; the Audi reportedly uses 62 pounds of lightweight carbon, dropping overall curb weight at least 132 pounds compared to today’s R8. Its Lamborghini platform-mate, the 2013 Gallardo, will be lighter still, as its wheelbase and length will be shorter than that of the Audi R8.

Audi also will reportedly continue to offer its high-performance R8 GT model (pictured) with the new generation. The car again will use a 5.2-liter V-10, but power will climb from 560 hp to at least 580 hp. Along with an even-lighter body, the next R8 GT will be positioned to fight the likes of the Ferrari 458 Scuderia and Porsche 911 GT3. It won’t arrive until 2016 or later.

Finally, Autocar explains that Audi will not move to downsized and turbocharged engines, like many of the R8′s competitors. The company apparently believes that having a supercar with instant throttle response and a high-revving nature sets the R8 apart from many of its forced-induction rivals.

Source: Autocar

It takes guts to take on Germany’s famed race track, the so-called Green Hell. Requiring even more guts is lapping the Nürburgring when it’s covered in snow. And ice. In a Formula racecar. Nürburgring Driving Academy chief instructor Andy Gulden recently did just that, turning laps on the Nordschleife and Grand Prix course in a single-seat racecar.

Gulden’s lap of the Nürburgring’s White Hell takes place on a snow-covered Nordschleife and Grand Prix courses. Gulden proves that armed with no more than snow tires, and a basic understanding of physics, anyone can drive a rear-wheel drive car, no matter how powerful, in the snow.

While Gulden’s lap looked incredibly fun, it’s pretty clear he’s just hooning about. We’re hoping for a full hot lap of a snow-covered Nurburgring, hopefully sparking a new trend of manufacturers trying to one-up each other on both the dry and snow-covered track. Maybe that’ll give Cadillac a follow-up to this year’s Super Bowl commercial — perhaps with the new tagline, “tell them to go to White Hell.”

You can check out Gulden’s run of the snow-covered Nürburgring in the video below.

Source: YouTube

The economic recession may have reduced the number of buyers who could afford a luxury vehicle, but it certainly didn’t cut the number of buyers who aspired to own one. First-time luxury shoppers still want amenities, but only if they’re bundled with an attractive price tag — and Honda thinks the 2013 Acura ILX may be just the solution.

This isn’t our first time laying eyes on the 2013 Acura ILX (a “concept” was shown last month in Detroit), but it was the first time we had a chance to check out the production-ready Acura ILX sedan, along with its cabin. Company officials  are quick to throw out the “millennial” word when describing the ILX’s target audience at the 2012 Chicago auto show, but unlike other cars and concepts designed expressly for that coveted demographic, the Acura ILX feels surprisingly mature, especially within. Plastics used to trim upper door panels and the top of the dashboard are are quite soft, and very nicely grained. Leather used on both the door panel insert and armrests boasts contrasting accent stitching. We’re also happy to see the slew of inscrutable buttons on the center stack — a trait that long plagued Acura’s interior designs — is no more; controls even on models equipped with navigation are legible and cleanly arranged.

Although there are few external cues to suggest as much, the 2013 Acura ILX will be offered with three different powertrain combinations. Base models pair a 150-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 with a five-speed automatic. We’re most interested in driving the “enthusiast-tuned” model, which bolts a 201-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 — the same engine used in the TSX and the 2012 Honda Civic Si — to a six-speed manual. Buyers seeking a stingier option can always spring for the 2013  Acura ILX Hybrid, which uses the Honda Civic Hybrid’s 1.5-liter I-4 and Integrated Motor Assist driveline.

Despite its shared architecture with the Honda Civic, Acura says unique suspension and dampener tuning lends the car it’s own personality. We’ll find out for sure in April, when we finally have our first opportunity to slide behind the wheel.

For more on the 2013 Acura ILX, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Chicago Show homepage.

Double vision isn’t necessarily a good thing, but in this case, it is. Two professional Japanese drivers decided to double the fun in a drifting demonstration with twin Toyota GT 86s.

Below is a video of a white and red GT-86 getting into double trouble as they play tag on the road course, with the red GT-86 mirroring everything its white twin is doing. The red Toyota, however, seems to be leaving a thicker trail of white smoke behind it as it trails behind its double. Continue to watch the two as they swing their rear ends from corner to corner and play ring around the rosie. In between all that tire-screeching, be sure and listen closely for the FT 86s’ distinctive boxer engine exhaust notes.

Check out the video below, which makes us even more anxious to get more seat time with the 2013 Scion FR-S and 2013 Subaru BRZ when they go on sale later this year.

Source: YouTube

Following the announcement that classic car insurer Hagerty placed the 2012 Buick Regal GS  on its “2012 Hot List,” General Motors decided to see how the Regal GS would stack up against other past collectibles from the Buick bloodline if it were to become a collector’s car.

GM further worked in collaboration with Hagerty to compile a list of nine proven Buick collectibles, which helps paint a picture of what the future classic Regal could look like among other timeless Buicks  if it does in fact reach proven collectible status. Unlike Hagerty’s Hot List qualifications that vehicles had an MSRP under $100,000, this list includes collectible Buicks that are well worth over that amount.

Here are Buick’s ten (including the Regal GS) most collectible cars  in no specific order:

2012 Regal GS
1932 Model 90 Sport Phaeton
1937 66C Century convertible coupe
1940 Super Model 59 Woody Estate Wagon
1947 Roadmaster Woody Wagon
1949 Roadmaster Convertible
1953 Skylark
1963 Riviera
1970 GSX Stage 1 Hardtop Coupe
1987 GNX

When putting together its Hot List, Hagerty lauded the 270-hp turbocharged Regal GS  for its three-pedal option (now supplemented with an optional automatic), since many other so-called “performance” models are abandoning manuals.

“The Regal GS is a unique and thrilling vehicle for the Buick brand,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss in a release. “As someone who drove a classic Skylark to prom and owned other incredible Buicks like an ’87 GNX, I can say it deserves to be viewed among the best Buick has built.”

What do you think? What other tri-shield classics should be on the list that aren’t? Have your say in the comments below.

Source: GM

Honda is recalling certain Accords and Crosstours for an issue with the airbags, while the Ridgeline is being recalled for the spare tire. Airbags are also a problem in certain Toyota RAV4s, while some Maserati GrandTurismos have taillights that may not work properly.

2012 Honda Accord and Crosstour

The Problem: Due to an inflator that may not have been manufactured correctly, side curtain airbags in certain Honda Accords and Crosstours may not deploy after a crash.

The Fix: Honda will notify owners of the problem beginning around February 10, and will replace the driver’s side or passenger’s side curtain airbag free of charge. Owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 347 Accords and Crosstours

2011-2012 Honda Ridgeline

The Problem: The tire information placard in certain Ridgeline trucks may not show the correct information for the equipped spare tire, and incorrect information could lead to improper inflation and tire failure.

The Fix: Honda will inspect the spare tire on potentially affected trucks and replace it, if needed. The tire information placard will also be replaced to show the correct specifications.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 206 Honda Ridgelines manufactured from August 25, 2011 through November 29, 2011.

2011 Toyota RAV4

The Problem: The curtain shield airbags in certain RAV may not deploy after a crash because an inflator may have been manufactured incorrectly.

The Fix: Toyota will replace the side curtain assemblies at no cost to the owner, and will start notifying them in early March. Toyota can also be reached at 1-800-331-4331 for more information.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 427 RAV4s manufactured from November 24, 2011 through December 19, 2011.

2008-2010 Maserati GrandTurismo

The Problem: Taillights in certain GrandTurimso Coupe and GrandTurismo convertibles may not work due to improper assembly, increasing the chance of an accident from behind.

The Fix: Affected taillights will be replaced free of charge, and Maserati will start notifying owners this month.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 1768 GranTurismos manufactured from June 2008 to March 2010.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Cadillac may have just scored the best play of the Super Bowl: the automaker says its commercial for the 2013 ATS sport sedan was the most-viewed ad spot in U.S. TV history.

Yes, you read that correctly. The 2013 Cadillac ATS ad, called “Green Hell”, received an audience rating of 43.46, higher than any other Super Bowl ad, according to a study by Kantar Media. And given that last weekend’s game reached an estimated 111.3 million viewers, Cadillac claims its ATS ad had the highest audience ever for a single commercial. The next-highest rating from an automaker in the study was 42.25, for the 60-second ad for the Kia Optima Limited earlier in the big game.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS spot appeared during the game’s two-minute warning timeout. While the Cadillac ATS is certainly one of the most hotly anticipated cars arriving this year, we’re not so sure most viewed is as important as best retained or most well-liked. As of writing, Cadillac’s ATS ad currently has more than 457,000 views on YouTube. In contrast, Chevrolet’s ads for the Silverado and Camaro each have more than 2.1 million views.

With 30-second Super Bowl ads now costing over $3 million, getting the most from the investment is more important than ever before. So what do you think: did Cadillac take the best approach in its 2013 ATS ad? Watch it again below.

Source: Cadillac

If there’s one big takeaway from the National Automobile Dealers Association convention going on in Las Vegas right now, it’s that the car market is in flux. NADA, however, has gone so far to say that changes in government policy and the used car market could lead to some bigger stickers on dealer lots.

NADA’s crystal-ball predictions were two-fold this week: on one hand, used cars will become more expensive as demand outpaces supply; on the other, new cars also stand to become more expensive as carmakers work to comply with tougher Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards.

Used car prices jumped three percent last year and stand to go up an additional 1.8 this year, according to NADA’s analysts. While upward used car sales will be thanks to the usual suspects–the small and mid-size segments–NADA also says that large SUV prices will go up as the supply wanes.

As for the supply of new cars, NADA has other ideas: it warns that the 54.5-mpg standard mandated by the federal government for the year 2025 could adversely affect sales of new models and keep potential buyers out of dealerships.

NADA chairman Bill Underinner said that while his organization is a hard proponent of increased fuel economy and efficiency, the CAFÉ standards go a bit too far. Underinner predicts, thanks to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, that CAFE standards could account for a $3000, across-the-board price increase for new cars. In doing so, NADA predicts that as many as 7.5 million people will be priced out of new cars.

In a worst-case scenario, NADA’s two predictions could spiral around each other: new car prices drive buyers into used, and increasing demand for used cars drives those prices higher.

Is this doomsday scenario likely? Probably not, if you’re to believe the score of automakers who have already surpassed CAFE regulations without any noticeable uptick in pricing. Automakers like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia are already at the halfway point–reaching an adjusted 35 miles to the gallon on average by 2016–and have seemed to support the proposals so far.

Sources: NADA, Automotive News (Sub. required)

Toyota revealed to dealers that the company will roll out a total of 19 new models in 2012, according to the Detroit Free Press. Toyota’s general manager Bob Carter said that Toyota’s 19 new models would include an all-new, more fuel-efficient Avalon full-size sedan.

The Free Press reports that Carter told dealers attending the National Automobile Dealers Association convention of Toyota’s plans for 19 new models in 2012. That number seems a bit high to us, so we’re inclined to believe that Toyota will either have 19 new models, including Lexus and Scion, or have 19 new trim levels for 2012, though as of this writing, Toyota has yet to respond to our request for a clarification.

If we include new models from Lexus and Scion, Toyota has 9 new models so far this year – the 2013 Toyota Avalon, and 2012 Camry, Prius V, Tacoma and Yaris, the 2013 Lexus GS and 2012 LFA, and the 2013 Scion FR-S and 2012 iQ.

In the works for later this year is a new Avalon, and rumor has it, an all-electric RAV4. Carter let a few details on the all-new Avalon slip during his meeting with the NADA. The new Avalon will follow the same formula as the current one — that is a large, front-wheel-drive, entry-luxury sedan — but with much better fuel economy. The Free Press reports that Toyota execs expect the new Avalon (likely in hybrid form) to meet or beat the fuel economy ratings of the Fiat 500, which is rated at 30/38 mpg (city/highway), or 33 mpg combined. The 2012 Toyota Avalon (pictured) currently returns 19/28 mpg with its 3.5-liter V-6 engine.

The Free Press also reports that Carter told dealers that he expects 40 percent of Toyota’s volume this year to come from new products, up from 7 percent last year. Carter also thinks that initial estimates of 2012 U.S. auto sales of 13.6 million are on the conservative side, and expects industry-wide sales to easily reach 13.8 million new vehicles sold.

The new Avalon, which Toyota claims has more interior volume than a BMW X5, and is faster than a Volkswagen Passat TDI, is set to debut in New York in April, most likely as a 2013 model.

UPDATE: According to Toyota, they will be getting 19 new or updated models in 2012, including models from Lexus and Scion. Those models include the Prius c, the Prius Plug-in, a facelift on the Land Cruiser, the Scion FR S, and the Lexus GS, as well as a few vehicles Toyota is still keeping under wraps.

Source: The Detroit Free Press

General Motors recently added a new crash avoidance safety feature to the GMC Terrain, and according to Automotive News, the top-of-the-line Denali trim level may also be added to GMC’s best-selling crossover.

The Terrain would be the latest GMC vehicle to be dressed in Denali duds after the Yukon SUV, Acadia crossover, and Sierra pickup. GMC Terrain sales accounted for a 37 percent increase in 2011 with 83,179 units sold, and adding  Denali badge may help keep the momentum going for the brand’s entry-level crossover. Offering a glitzier version of the GMC Terrain (launched in late 2010) could help continue to attract more buyers, with Denali-badged vehicles up 79 percent last year being a good indication of that. Adding the Denali trim to the Terrain would also set it apart from its platform sibling, the Chevrolet Equinox.

Denali’s importance to the GMC brand was made apparent at last month’s Detroit auto show, when GM global marketing chief Joel Ewanick said, “We see GMC as a real conquest brand for us, and Denali plays a big role in that.”

Wearing the Denali badge usually means the vehicle gets cosmetic upgrades, including a honeycomb grille, large chrome wheels, and perforated leather seats, but GMC Yukon and Sierra versions also get a mechanical upgrade with a  6.2-liter V-8 in place of the standard 5.3-liter V-8 in other models. We expect the Terrain will receive similar cosmetic upgrades to the other GMC Denali models.

Source: Automotive News (subscription required)

Nissan will launch the all-new 2013 Altima later this year, and associate web editor Donny Nordlicht managed to snap these photos of an early prototype testing on a Michigan highway.

The midsize sedan clearly resembles the current-generation Altima, although it appears to have adopted a new front grille design also seen on the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan. Out back, the taillights swoop onto the car’s rear fenders, and have a combination of red and clear tinting that recalls the lights on the 2013 Pathfinder concept.

The 2013 Altima looks noticeably larger than the current sedan, especially in the rear — which would presumably improve trunk space and rear legroom. We also spot triangle-shaped rear quarter windows that lend the car’s C-pillar a kinked, concave appearance.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has said he believes the 2013 Altima will be a “very strong contender” in its segment, meaning the company probably wants to oust the Toyota Camry as America’s top-selling midsize sedan. The Altima will almost certainly offer a new hybrid drivetrain, but it remains unknown what other engines might be available. Some reports suggest the car will continue to offer a choice between a small four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6. Given Nissan’s expertise and affinity with continuously variable transmissions, expect them to be standard.

The 2013 Altima won’t debut until late this year, and we’re unlikely to hear anything official from Nissan until closer to the on-sale date.

New York City environmentalists aren’t too happy with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. CNN reports that they want him to turn up the pressure on the NYPD to further enforce the city’s anti-idling law that went into effect way back in 2009.

The 2009 amendment changed New York City’s original anti-idling law of no-more than 3 minutes of idling anywhere, to 1 minute of idling in a school zone, and 3 minutes everywhere else. The New York law was changed because environmental studies were showing an increased rate of asthma in the City’s school children, due to buses and cars sitting idle while waiting for their children to get out of school.

The problem environmentalists are having with the law that they fought so hard for is the lack of enforcement. According to CNN, New York issues about 10 million tickets per year, and only 2,989 were issued for idling.

“The [NYPD's Traffic Enforcement Agents] have had authority to give idling tickets since September 2009, and yet they have only given, on average, one ticket per agent per year,” said Environmental Defense Fund lawyer Isabelle Silverman to CNN, “Consistent and rigorous idling enforcement is the only way to let drivers know that illegal idling is no longer tolerated for health reasons in NYC.”

It isn’t that easy though. “We’d like to enforce it more,” said Bloomberg at a December press conference, “Keep in mind, enforcement costs money; the people that enforce have plenty of other things to do.”

Another issue is that the anti-idling law faces is that idling may just be a habit for some New Yorkers, and as the NYPD realized in the late-90s under the Giuliani Administration when it was told to crackdown on jaywalking, sometimes giving ‘bogus’ tickets just aren’t worth the hassle.

Even so, New York’s anti-idling legislation isn’t exactly unique. Both Philadelphia, Pa. and Salt Lake City, Utah allow up to 2 minutes of idling anywhere, while the state of Hawaii forbids idling outright with few exceptions.

New York’s anti-idling laws also don’t differ much from international standards. Hong Kong passed legislation last year giving drivers a 3 minute window to shut their engines down. The United Kingdom has similar legislation, and in our brief search, the strictest anti-idling law we found was Toronto, Ontario’s 1 minute limit in place throughout the city.

Anti-idling enforcement isn’t likely to change much. Even with a few new PSA fliers on Subways and buses, old habits die hard. And besides, as Bloomberg said himself, “The police department’s first job is going to be worrying about more serious things.”

Source: CNN

The Ford Escape has long had an option to send power through all four wheels, but the automaker promises that the new model will offer a more adept drive system when the 2013 Escape goes on sale later this year.

The old model had what Ford refers to as electronically controlled four-wheel drive, while the new system is referred to as intelligent all-wheel drive. What’s the main difference? More software, naturally.

As with other all-wheel drive systems, the car can send up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear wheels through a center differential, and as with many other electronically controlled systems, the power is apportioned according to which set of wheels has more traction.

All of this is fairly standard stuff, and will certainly come in handy if you’re, say, climbing a hill in the snow, but Ford claims the major improvements come from the all-wheel drive system’s integration with its other systems.

If the Escape begins to understeer in a corner, the system can move the torque to the rear wheels to pull the car back into line, but the car also features two brake-based systems, Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control, to prevent that situation from happening. Curve Control monitors an army of sensors including steering position and wheel speed sensors to determine if the driver is approaching or taking a turn too quickly and trail-brake the car to prevent over/understeer or a rollover. Torque Vectoring Control works in somewhat the same way, braking the inside wheel in a turn to keep the car in line.

Watch the video below showing the 2013 Ford Escape’s all-wheel drive system undergoing testing.

Source: Ford

Remember the GTI Cabriolet concept that Volkswagen showed at last year’s Wörthersee festival in Austria? According to Auto Express, Volkswagen will introduce the drop-top GTI as a production model at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The go-fast car is based on the Golf Cabriolet, which is not sold in the U.S., but with the 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions from the GTI hatchback. The GTI cabriolet model will reportedly serve as a sort of swan song for the current, sixth-generation Golf, as the hatchback will be replaced in 2013 by the Golf VII.

In addition to the hot powertrain, Auto Express says the production GTI Cabriolet would receive upgrades like 17-inch wheels (as compared to 19-inch ones on the concept), sporty adaptive suspension, a more aggressive body kit, and special LED running lights. All those tweaks were heavily foreshadowed by the concept model that was shown at Wörthersee.

Volkswagen also is said to be considering selling the Golf R Cabrio, which would crib the 256-hp engine and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system from the Golf R. Such a model was also previewed as a concept at the Wörthersee festival last June.

Introducing either car would mark a big revival for Volkswagen — the company hasn’t offered a GTI convertible from the factory since the first-generation Golf/GTI was sold in the 1980s.

Source: Auto Express

We’ve known about the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake for quite a while now, but the vehicle seems to shaping into one of the most unique wagons to wear the three-pointed star and laurel.

The folks at Motor Trend have the latest spy shots of the CLS Shooting Brake, which  caught testing out in the snow. Does that mean a 4Matic variant will be available? The answer is most likely yes, since we expect the Shooting Brake to be mechanically identical to its four-door coupe sibling. That means we should expect a CLS550 variant, powered by a 4.6-liter, twin-turbo, V-8-engine rated at 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. For the speed junkies, a CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake should follow soon after, and use a 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8 rated at 525 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque (550 hp and 590 lb-ft with the AMG sport package). For the European market, at least one or more diesels are likely.

Judging by how little camouflage this Shooting Brake is wearing, we’d say the production version is about ready to pop out of the oven. Again, we’re still not sure if this will make it to our shores, but wouldn’t it look nice sitting next to a Mercedes-Benz E wagon on the showroom floor?

Check out more photos over at Motor Trend.

Source: Motor Trend

Buick today announced a minor reshuffling of powertrain options for the Regal sedan. For the 2013 model year, the company will make a mild-hybrid system standard on all base Regal models, and will add an automatic transmission to the high-performance Regal GS.

The 2013 Regal will be equipped as standard with General Motors’ new eAssist powertrain, replacing a 2.4-liter inline-four as the car’s base engine. The eAssist system combines a 182-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine with a 15-kW electric motor, yielding EPA fuel economy figures of 25/36 mpg (city/highway) for the Regal sedan. The eAssist setup also can be found in Buick’s LaCrosse sedan, as well as the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Pricing and an on-sale date for the 2013 Regal will be announced later.

“By making the advanced eAssist powertrain standard on a second [Buick] vehicle, we are putting the spotlight on smart technology,” Buick marketing vice president Tony DiSalle said in a statement.

Buick also announced that the 2012 Regal GS will offer an optional, no-cost automatic transmission. When the performance sedan was launched, it was only available with a six-speed manual. The new six-speed automatic, which offers manual shifting, is designed to broaden the appeal of the Regal GS. The most powerful version of the sedan, the Regal GS employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Buick says the automatic-equipped Regal GS can run the 0-to-60-mph sprint in a claimed 6.7 seconds, and will return fuel economy of 19/27 mpg — identical to the manual-transmission car. The company hopes offering the automatic transmission as a no-cost option, “simply makes the performance of the GS even more accessible.”

Source: Buick