There may be no way for Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) to make its 1200-hp, twin-turbo V-8–powered HPE Venom GT supercar any crazier, but it can make it windier. And so the Sealy, Texas–based company has introduced a new, targa-roofed version of the mid-engine monster called the Venom GT Spyder. This should hardly come as a shock, since the closed-roof GT utilizes the passenger cell and several key components of the Lotus Exige, which is itself based on the open-top Lotus Elise. But , you’re thinking, the little Lotuses have been discontinued ! Well, considering the extremely limited production run, scrounging up a few new-old-stock Lotuses shouldn’t be much of a problem. (Only five 2013 Venom GTs will be built in either regular or Spyder configuration; HPE says two are currently spoken for.) As for cost, Hennessey plans to collect $1.1 million for each Spyder—a $150K premium over the fixed-roof GT. As exciting as the topless car is likely to be, that’s a hefty hike for wind-tickled follicles. Deliveries are promised to commence next summer. Read more: Hennessey Introduces 1200-HP, Topless 2013 Venom GT Spyder Here is the original: Hennessey Introduces 1200-HP, Topless 2013 Venom GT Spyder

Following in the footsteps of BMW, which distributed its own “spy shots” of a partially obscured prototype, Jaguar has released photos of a camo-covered XF wagon mule. Images and cryptic bits of information are being disseminated through the XF Sportbrake’s very own Twitter account, @Sportbrake . After a hiatus resulting from the X-type wagon’s demise, Jaguar will re-enter the luxo-wagon war being waged across the pond among the Audi A6 Avant, the BMW 5-series Touring, and the Mercedes-Benz E-class Estate. From the B-pillar forward, the Sportbrake is identical to the XF sedan, which received a sharp new visage for 2012 . Squiggly decals cover everything aft, though it is easy to make out the Sportbrake’s smooth roofline—it terminates in a spoiler cantilevered over a 45-degree rear window and lends a decidedly sporty profile to this most domesticated of Jaguars. The taillamps are completely masked, but plan on them closely mimicking the C-shaped LED units on the XF sedan. (Our previous  XF wagon renderings should give a better idea of the final product, although they don’t include the latest face lift.) While the prospect of the XF Sportbrake coming here lands somewhere between zero and zilch— Jag sold only 1602 X-type wagons here over the car’s four-year life span—we predict it will do well on European soil based on styling alone. And if Jaguar continues the performance-variant proliferation it has practiced of late, an XFR Sportbrake might not be too far behind. Sport brake indeed. Read the rest here: Jaguar Supplies “Spy” Photos of Upcoming XF Sportbrake View original post here: Jaguar Supplies “Spy” Photos of Upcoming XF Sportbrake

Ferrari is using this year’s Bologna auto show to unveil an evolved version of its track-only 599XX gentleman’s racer, a car we thought had little room for improvement when we drove it last year . So what’s new for the star of Ferrari’s client-driven (i.e. customer-sponsored) research-and-development program? For starters, the car is fitted with an active aero package that includes a dual-level rear wing that works in concert with the vehicle’s stability systems, measuring steering-wheel angle, vehicle speed, and lateral and forward acceleration forces. It uses the data to automatically rotate the wing blades to the optimal position for what Ferrari says is improved downforce in corners. We’ll believe them. (For more on the 599XX’s aerodynamics, check out our rundown here .) Meanwhile, the installation of a side-exit exhaust system frees up another 20 ponies from the 599XX’s 6.0-liter V-12, giving it a total of 740 hp. Torque also rises by 10 lb-ft to 516. A slightly shorter final-drive ratio helps optimize performance on medium- to high-speed tracks, according to Ferrari. New Pirelli tires also come along for every exciting ride, and the car’s mass has been reduced from previous 599XXs by a not-insignificant 77 pounds. Originally, only 20 to 30 examples of the 599XX were scheduled to be built; there’s no word if the updated cars are included in that sum or if they’ll add to it. Regardless, there are two givens: None will be cheap—the original 599XXs cost around $1.4 million—and unless you already have a few Ferraris in your stable—participation in the XX program is by invitation only—you’ll probably never have one of these. Read more from the original source: May the Downforce Be With You: Ferrari Debuts Evolved Version of 599XX Track Special Read the rest here: May the Downforce Be With You: Ferrari Debuts Evolved Version of 599XX Track Special

This is the second of four behind-the-scenes looks at our 2012 10Best Cars competition; you can read the rest of the posts here . Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday, December 6, to see the full list of this year’s winners. The coffee is early today, even though some of us aren’t. No one, however, wastes any time getting behind a steering wheel upon their arrival. The first day was an orientation, to get a feel for what’s here and to hatch a personal plan for working through the fleet. There’s no prescribed procedure. Some of us drive each car within a given class, others choose their next car according to make, and some simply proceed at random. By today, each of us has settled into a routine. With the new Toyota Camry in the mix, we wonder about the possibility of Honda’s Accord being edged out of its perennial spot on the 10Best list. Despite selling in staggering numbers, we’ve found the past few Camry generations dynamically disappointing and uninspired; the model has been too much of an appliance, sort of a flat-screen TV on wheels, to merit serious consideration. By comparison, the Honda Accord—particularly the four-cylinder version—has been more focused, more cohesive, and more enjoyable to drive. This year, Toyota provided three versions of the Camry—a four-cylinder, a V-6, and a hybrid. Nearly all editors are in agreement that the trio represents a substantial improvement. The redesign addressed some of our largest complaints, interior and ride quality in particular. The 2012 Camry seems to better stoke the enthusiast fire, and the cabins have improved materials, a previously abandoned attention to detail, and upscale ambiance. But is that enough to get the car on the list? The Honda Accord once again acquits itself well, with fine steering, a balanced chassis (as mentioned, particularly with the four-banger), and the availability of a manual transmission. It will be tough to beat, and there are other new entries—notably the comparo-winning Volkswagen Passat —that might not only be better than the Camry, but the Honda as well. Later in the day, talk turns to the traditional Big Three. GM’s entries this year demonstrate that it spent much of its money wisely before, during, and after bankruptcy. Witness the impressive Chevrolet...

Hot on the heels of the Nuda 900 R that goes on sale worldwide this November, Husqvarna Motorcycles is proud to present already its next motorcycle – the Concept Strada – which will be unveiled at the Salon de la Moto show in Paris on 29 November 2012. Just like the Nuda, the Concept Strada (Italian for ‘street’) will be targeted at youthful on-road motorcyclists who will appreciate its sharp styling, fun handling and great road manners. With a low weight, a punchy 650cc single-cylinder engine and quality components throughout, the Concept Strada is designed to provide a thrilling ride – whatever the distance. The starting point for the Concept Strada is the ultra-reliable 650cc engine originally developed by BMW for its ubiquitous F-Series range and in its latest incarnation now used to power the new G 650 GS . This engine has been ‘breathed on’ by specialist Husqvarna engineers and the subsequent power upgrade has resulted in an extremely lively machine that (at less than 170 kg dry) will put a smile back on the face of even the weariest commuter. This passionate mix of Husqvarna style and BMW engineering expertise is already in an advanced stage of planning and production is imminent. The Strada will be introduced into the market in 2012. Like the Nuda before it, and the Concept Moab that was unveiled in Husqvarna Motorcycles’ home territory at the recent EICMA show in Milan, the Concept Strada is further evidence of the company’s commitment to expanding its model portfolio and providing fans of the legendary Italian brand with a new series of road motorcycles. BMW-powered, but Husqvarna-driven, the Concept Strada will be the perfect machine for taking on the urban jungle. Its combination of easy handling, punchy engine and user-friendly ergonomics will make it appeal to both young and ‘young at heart’ male and female riders looking for an extra special motorcycle for everyday use. A wide range of accessories to cater for a variety of requirements will also be available when the Concept Strada goes on sale in 2012. [Source: BMW] Read the original: Husqvarna presents the Concept Strada at 2012 Paris Moto Show

This concept seems like sci-fi, but some of it is closer to reality than you might think. The Tokyo Motor Show is always good for a few (dozen) far-out concept cars, and the Honda AC-X is one of them. The theme of the car is “Dual Solid Motion”; to further quote the press materials, “The upper portion of the body has a look of boundless energy and the lower portion has a look of dependable stability.” The two sections intersect along the character line that runs down the side of the car. Keep Reading: Honda AC-X concept – Auto Shows Go here to read the rest: Honda AC-X Concept: Is This the Future of Acura Design? Read more here: Honda AC-X Concept: Is This the Future of Acura Design?

Dear Japan, Thank you for making the Tokyo Motor Show happen. This biennial event is truly a grand showcase of some of the best design and engineering your country has to offer. Which makes us wonder why you continue to show silly personal-mobility vehicles like the Honda Micro Commuter concept that we know will never become a reality. It’s not that we don’t appreciate the creativity. We do. No other car show in the world has as much in the way of pure futuristic intellectual fancy. “Twin Pivot Steering,” where the driver tilts left and right joysticks forward and back instead of turning a steering wheel, is pretty cool. As is the center driving position, and the panoramic windshield on which the instrument cluster is projected. But really, Japan, who wants to sit in the back seat of that car? Or even the front seat when faced with a traffic battle? Dimensions of 98.4 inches long, 49.2 wide, and 56.3 tall do not inspire confidence of crashworthiness. And who wants to be limited to a range of 37 miles and a top speed near 40 mph? Okay, actually that makes sense given the small dimensions and your notorious traffic snarls, but you still get our point. There are real people out in the world, Japan, and they need more out of their cars than something that “navigates toward new discoveries and adventures with a light and smooth acceleration feel.” It’s true, we love the idea of running all the accessories and the air conditioner on a separate battery that can also be removed and plugged into that Motor Compo EV mini-scooter . And we’re definitely impressed with the way you made the Motor Compo fit in the cabin right next to the driver. It’s not like we don’t care about you, Japan. We say all of this because we care about you. Think of all the things you could be doing with this amazing talent besides building glorified Amigo scooters with customizable body-panel patterns. This is a car, not a giant rolling mobile phone. Yes, it would be totally great if all the world’s citizens would just realize that they don’t need huge cars and we could all live as some connected village in harmony with both our environment and our smartphones. But reality is harsh, and maybe it’s time that you stopped dreaming and made us a few more lightweight sports...

A limited edition with motor sport genes based on the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo Coupé ALPINA’s recent return to international motor sport peaked this year, with the drivers Alexandros Margaritis and Dino Lunardi winning the German GT Series, the 2011 ADAC GT Masters Championship, in the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3. With this achievement ALPINA purposefully demonstrates that despite a long absence from motor sports, cutting edge automotive know-how and technical expertise continues to be the foundation for the development of exclusive BMW ALPINA automobiles. Ideal circumstances to re-kindle the long-standing ALPINA tradition of creating ultra small series limited editions. The BMW ALPINA B3 GT3 combines exceptional characteristics and technical features of the ALPINA B6 GT3 race car with classic design elements of iconic ALPINA automobiles of the past – to the delight of ALPINA customers and enthusiasts worldwide. Strictly limited to 99 cars, the BMW ALPINA B3 GT3 will be available from spring 2012. POWERTRAIN The exceptionally smooth twin turbocharged 3.0liter in line six-cylinder engine from the BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo – with its massive torque and effortless performance – is also employed in the B3 GT3. By amending the exhaust system and replacing the rear silencer the back pressure has been further reduced, increasing output in the B3 GT3 by 8hp. The direct petrol injected engine now delivers a total power output of 408hp at 6000rpm and 540Nm of torque at 4500rpm. High performance fixed calliper brake system Besides exceptional acceleration, in 4.6s from 0-100km/h, and a fulminant power delivery, negative acceleration also plays a pivotal role in satisfying the demands of enthusiast drivers. The B3 GT3 features a high performance motor sport brake set-up with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 4-piston fixed calliper at the rear, with discs measuring 380 x 35 mm at the front and 355 x 32 mm at the rear. The brake callipers are painted in blue with discrete ALPINA writing in silver. Overall, the brakes are designed for high stress and load under forced conditions and are characterised by excellent fading resistance, good modulation (control) and response – without sacrificing comfort and practicality. Titanium rear silencer and tailpipes,...

A futuristic take on the old Honda Beat microcar. Please forgive Honda for the silly EV-STER moniker; we like everything else about this concept that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show . Yoshinori Asahi, Honda’s Creative Director for the Styling Design Development Division (yes, that’s his full title), told us that all the designers at Honda want to sketch a lightweight small sports car. One of them did exactly that, and it became reality in the form of this concept. We think it looks like a futuristic interpretation of the Beat, Honda’s mid-engine convertible microcar from the early 1990s. Keep Reading:  Honda EV-STER Small Sports Car Concept – Auto Shows Go here to see the original: Honda EV-STER Small Sports Car Concept: A Futuristic Take on the Old Beat Microcar Here is the original post: Honda EV-STER Small Sports Car Concept: A Futuristic Take on the Old Beat Microcar

Honda, as you may know, makes more than just cars and SUVs. For one, it’s the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. The Big H also dabbles in solar cells, airplanes, personal watercraft, and humanoid robots. So it’s no surprise that the company’s Tokyo auto-show stand featured more than just cars this year. Honda’s latest foray into the Kei-car segment (a special category of Japanese microcars) is an all-new platform that uses the company’s latest inline-three engine mated to a new CVT. Available in naturally aspirated and turbo models, the N Box recalls (in name, at least) Honda’s original N360 minicar. The N also stands for New Next Nippon Norimono—that last word meaning “vehicle.” The N Box goes on sale in Japan in mid-December and will be followed by two more N models in spring and fall of 2012, the latter of which closely resembles the EV-N concept from the 2009 Tokyo show. With styling and a moniker that borrow from 1960s racing motorcycles—Honda’s RC series of bikes dates back to the beginning of its factory racing program—the fully electric RC-E is a retro look at the future of motorcycles. The bike is sized like a 250-cc-class entry and carries batteries where the fuel tank would go as well as down in the belly pan. Unfortunately, the future projected here won’t include the ear-splitting engine noise of other Honda motorcycles showcased at the show, but we still like it. Paired with the Micro Commuter concept and powered by Honda’s conceptual Loop battery power source, the Motor Compo is exactly the sort of strangeness we expect from the Tokyo show. Who wouldn’t want to run around town on a tiny electric scooter? Don’t answer that. When not powering the Motor Compo, the Loop battery can be used as a portable power source or provide accessory power for the Micro Commuter. Honda says this three-wheeled scooter is ready for personal use in the city, as well as delivery work and other business applications. We say it’s the most stylish way an octogenarian could ever dream of rolling up to a Palm Springs bingo hall. The rear box is optional, and the clear canopy is supposed to protect the rider without impairing visibility. Contemplate the central irony in a device called the Townwalker that actually assists you in not...

The Prius has swag. Complain, complain, complain, but do nothing You wanna know something funny? I don’t really like lots of hybrid and plug-in buyers, fans and advocates. Too many are elitist, judgmental and even arrogant, including myself many times over the years. And, when it comes to energy politics, they’re simply full of it. Still, when it comes to vehicle purchasing — one of the most important purchases a person ever makes — hybrid and plug-in buyers swag up. Sure, there is an argument to be made that most buying hybrids and plug-ins can buy whatever vehicle they want, so big deal, but not all. At almost 3 percent market penetration, at least 2 percent of hybrid and plug-in buyers have to be in the 99 percent. That’s regular folk, with some serious foreign-oil fighting swag. And what are the rest of the 99 percent doing? According to survey after survey, poll after poll, year after year, a significant percent of Americans continue to be ready to buy a hybrid or plug-in vehicle because of issues like energy security, pollution, global warming, and innovation. Awesome, right!? Yet, when it actually comes to putting their actions where their mouths are, most Americans wack out. Sure, some skip a car altogether, instead preferring to bike, walk or take public transport — even better than buying a hybrid or plug-in. Others buy a clean diesel or a small, fuel efficient vehicle that is much cheaper. Most, however, just sell out the future for a cheaper upfront price tag, at least relatively. But hybrids and EVs aren’t really cost-effective, the wack crowd cries, it takes 5, 7 or even 10 years before I get my money back. Yeah, and how long will it take the US to recover its investments in Libya and Iraq? How much does it cost every year to maintain the security of oil shipped out of the Persian Gulf? If the price of gasoline reflected its true costs, gasoline prices would be significantly higher, and hybrids like the Toyota Prius would be extremely cost-effective. Of course, that doesn’t mean that foreign lithium and rare earths offer that much more energy security compared to foreign oil. Hybrids and plug-ins are not a perfect solution. The US should, for instance, do more to embrace next gen biofuels, clean diesel...

BMW has packed more technology into the new 2012 3 series than any 3er before it. The new F30 3 series is a revolutionary car that departs from its predecessor more than looks might suggest. Here is a look under the skin to show you what’s new on BMW’s most important sedan. Let’s start at the heart of the matter. The 3 series provided for testing today features BMW’s new single turbo (twin scroll) four cylinder unit. Packed within this compact engine you will find an updated version of Valvetronic controlling valve lift and timing on both the intake and exhaust side, BMW’s direct injection, and enough balancing tech to fool you into believing there are a few more pistons throwing punches than there actually are. The engine has an internal design code of “N20″ and undoubtably, this hip-to-enthusiasts code will become a favorite for generations. Why? Simply put: because BMW’s new 2.0 Liter four cylinder manages the output of a six cylinder with the economy of a four – all while lightening the front end and moving the weight further aft. Anyone who frequents the racetrack will appreciate these details more than the stigma a four cylinder engine may have in the North American market. Power output is a healthy 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque – all while obtaining significantly better fuel milage. In fact, the new F10 5 series is managing better fuel milage than the smaller E90 3 series when equipped with the now retired naturally aspirated 6 cylinder that the new 4 cylinder replaces. New design features which help boost milage are found in the discreet use of ancillaries, for example the 3er now features a variable output oil pump and coolant pump, on-demand electronic assist steering and on on-demand alternator. All of these features incrementally combine to make a large contribution to efficiency. A new ZF sourced 8-speed automatic is both fast-shifting and efficient as it translates the power to the rear wheels (and eventually all four wheels in a later xDrive model). When partnered with BMW’s “Eco Pro” technology, the transmission works to boost milage by altering shift points, and helping you better modulate your enthusiastic right foot. Not to worry, this setting can be switched all...

Japan is not exactly a big market for Alpina. In the past 32 years, the BMW tuning house has sold just over 3300 cars there. On the other hand, Alpina is on track to sell just 1200 or so cars worldwide in 2011, so it doesn’t really have any big markets. And it wouldn’t be reasonable to expect Alpina to debut the two cars it unveiled in Tokyo in the U.S., since, well, neither one will be sold here. (No Alpina except for the B7 is.) Still, cars that produce 532 hp deserve your attention, as do cars that are lime green. The former is why we’re telling you about the B6 Biturbo, the latter covers the B3 GT3. Fans of matte paint (so, everybody except people who own matte cars and know how hard it is to maintain a satisfactory finish) also will be pleased to note that the B6 coupe at the show is painted in Alpina’s signature blue, except without any shine. [Pause for high-fives.] Blue Six Like the exceptional B7, the B6 is powered by a tweaked version of BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, which crams the turbos into the V rather than hanging them outside the heads like normal kids do. In this application, though, Alpina’s engine makes 532 hp, 32 more than in the B7. Torque doesn’t change, although, at 516 lb-ft, most would probably call it sufficient. This extra-beef burrito is backed up by an eight-speed automatic, chalking up another win over the B7, which only gets six ratios. Given the 4.3 seconds a B7 needed to hit 60 mph in our testing, the company’s claim of 4.4 for the B6 to get to 62 is almost certainly a few tenths conservative. Its top speed of 199 mph is just a heavy right foot away. Alpina also futzes with the suspension, re-skins the interior, and fits its gorgeous 20-spoke wheels. At current exchange rates, the base price of about ¥20 million translates to around $255,000. The B6 will be sold as both a coupe and a convertible. Little Green Man The B3 GT3 is a celebration of Alpina’s overall victory in the German ADAC GT championship, where it competes against the likes of the Audi R8, the Mercedes-Benz SLS, and the Ferrari 458. The company campaigns a garish green B6 in the series, but that car is based on the last-gen 6-series. So its paint job was applied to a B3, which looks like a regular 3-series coupe but packs a twin-turbo 3.0-liter...

The Basics: While more enthusiastic sportscar fans might opt for the roofed Infiniti G37 Coupe, droptop fans have another way to go in the luxury brand’s lineup, with the 2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible. Based on the G37 Coupe, the major difference with the Convertible amounts to a folding top mechanism that powers itself up or down in about 20… Original post:  2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible

The Basics: Stylish and quick on its feet, the Infiniti G37 Coupe returns for another model year essentially unchanged, with all its poise and balance intact. The G37 Coupe–even more so than its hardtop convertible companion–is one of the few two-doors that can rival the likes of the BMW 3-Series, maybe with a dash less of mid-life crisis. It… Original post:  2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe