Autoesque

The Mazda MX-5 Super25, which the firm has unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, is supposed to resemble a mini endurance racer. And indeed it more or less looks the part, thanks to a tri-colour livery, 17” Volk Racing wheels and a front-mounted light pod. However, it’s inside the stripped-out cabin where the effect is greatest. As well as zero trim, there’s just a single Sparco racing seat with a six-point harness, a suede-covered steering wheel and a full roll cage. Completing the package is an AiM data logger, which replaces the audio system in the centre console. With no word on the drivetrain or chassis, the chances are that they have been left standard. Not that that particularly matters on a one-off show car, though. Related posts: Mazda MX-5 Kuro edition Mazda MX-5 GT Concept BBR gives MX-5 235 bhp

Subaru has unveiled its WRX and WRX STI ‘Orange and Black’ Special Editions at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Compared to the regular models, the changes are purely cosmetic and include a Tangerine Orange paintjob with a contrasting black finish for the wheels, door mirrors and bodywork graphics. The colour scheme continues inside, where dark upholstery and a black headliner are relieved by orange stitching. Available only in the United States, production is going to be limited to just 200 WRX and 100 WRX STI versions, all of which will be offered in four-door form only. Sales are due to begin next spring, but prices have yet to be announced. Related posts: Subaru WRX STI 340R Impreza WRX STI S206 Impreza Cosworth

Since its inception back in 1999, the Australia-based V8 Supercars race series has been the preserve of just two manufacturers: Ford and Holden. However, from next year, a factory Nissan Motorsport team joins the fray. It’ll be fielding a quartet of brand new Altima racers, which have just been unveiled in Melbourne. The outfit is co-owned by Todd and Rick Kelly, and the cars are built to the ‘Car of the Future’ regulations which utilise several common components to reduce costs. Obviously, power must come from a V8 engine, and Nissan has chosen the production-based VK56DE unit. It’s certainly a motor with pedigree, as it was used in the Nissan GT-R that enabled Lucas Luhr and Michael Krumm to win the FIA GT1 drivers’ championship in 2011. A somewhat less glamorous association is that it’s also related to the engine found in the latest Patrol SUV. Commenting on the team’s next steps, Racing Director Todd Kelly said: “Once V8 Supercars has homologated the aerodynamic package on...

Chevrolet has teamed up with toy firm Mattel to create the Camaro Hot Wheels Edition. Unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this special version is going to be available as a showroom model in either coupé or convertible guises. Both should be instantly recognisable, thanks to the vivid Kinetic Blue paintwork, black 21” wheels with red outline stripes and a matte-effect graphic that stretches from the bonnet to the rear panel. The specification also includes a front splitter, extended side sills, a front grille borrowed from the Camaro ZL1 and, for coupé versions, a rear spoiler. Numerous Hot Wheels badges complete the effect, with the logo repeated on the door sill plates and in embroidered form on the leather-trimmed front seats. Production of the Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is due to commence sometime during the first quarter of 2013, although for now Chevrolet isn’t saying how many examples it intends to build. Buyers will have a choice of either the 323 bhp (240 kW / 32...

BMW has unveiled yet another M3 Coupé Frozen Limited Edition. Available only in the United States, this latest version is going to be offered in a choice of Frozen Red, Frozen White or Frozen Blue finishes, thereby creating a tenuous link to that country’s upcoming presidential elections. The specification includes a six-speed manual gearbox, a carbon fibre roof panel and black extended leather upholstery with contrast stitching to match the body colour. Also fitted as standard is the Competition Package, which comprises electronic damper control, lowered suspension, matte black 19” wheels and sports settings for the various electronic driver aids. Buyers will also be able to choose from a limited number of cost options. Among these are the M-DCT dual-clutch transmission, heated front seats, satellite radio and a cold weather package. To ensure exclusivity, BMW is restricting production of the 2013 M3 Coupé Frozen Limited Edition to just 150 units. The MSRP has been set a...

With its new fourth-generation Clio just launched, Renault has announced that sales of the previous model are to continue. It’s a tactic employed before by the French brand when replacing the Clio, usually attaching the Campus moniker in the process. However, this time around, the older version is being renamed Clio Collection to distinguish it from the brand new supermini. Buyers will have a choice of three- or five-door body styles, two engines and two trim grades in a limited number of combinations. The entry-level Alizé features electric windows, air conditioning, remote central locking and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist as standard. For those wanting more equipment, the Business version additionally comes with Bluetooth connectivity, Carminat TomTom satellite navigation, cruise control, electrically-adjustable door mirrors and an upgraded audio system. Although the specifications are fairly generous, the Clio Collec...

While some vehicles on display at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas bear only cosmetic tweaks, that’s certainly not the case with the Toyota FJ Cruiser developed by TRD. Inspired by Baja racers, the FJ-S is stiffer than the regular version thanks to a strengthening ‘exoskeleton’ underneath the body. That has allowed upgraded suspension to be fitted, including Bilstein racing dampers front and rear. There’s significantly more power too, as TRD has attached a Twin Vortex System supercharger and a bespoke exhaust to the FJ’s 4.0 litre V6 engine. The result is a substantial increase in power from 260 bhp (193 kW / 263 PS) to 345 bhp (257 kW / 349 PS), while peak torque rises to 460 Nm (340 lb/ft). Completing the package is a set of 17” TRD beadlock-style wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain tyres, rock rails, a front nudge bar and two-tone leather upholstery. Related posts: Chevy Sonic Dusk at SEMA Camry Rowdy Edition 600 bhp Elantra at SEMA SEMA Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet has confirmed that its Sonic Dusk is to become a production model. Due to debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas later this month, the rationale behind the new variant is summed up by Cristi Landy, marketing director of Chevrolet small cars, who commented: “With a year under our belt, we’ve learned our Sonic sedan buyers are looking at exterior styling as a key purchase driver. While the RS hatchback is our sporty interpretation of Sonic, Dusk is a sophisticated, well contented option - both unique to this segment.” On the outside, that content includes a subtle body kit, 18” alloy wheels, a boot lid spoiler and a matte finish for various pieces of bodywork trim. The cabin meanwhile features two-tone leather and suede upholstery, as well as a unique tan finish for the upper dashboard and door panels. Mechanically things are unchanged, so power comes from a regular 1.4 litre Ecotec turbocharged petrol engine that develops 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) and 200 Nm (148 lb/ft...

Back in 1983 BMW Motorrad introduced the K 100, the first in a long line of liquid-cooled, fuel-injected motorcycles that have undoubtedly broadened the brand’s appeal beyond the twin-cylinder boxer models. Now, to celebrate the imminent 30th anniversary of the K Series bikes, BMW is releasing the special edition K 1300 S ‘30 Jahre K-Modelle’. Distinguished by its white, black and red tri-colour paint scheme and tinted windshield, it also features an Akrapovic exhaust silencer plus a shift assistant and footrests from BMW’s HP accessory range. As well as the standard-fit anti-lock brakes, the specification additionally includes ESA II electronic suspension adjustment, Tyre Pressure Control and Automatic Stability Control. Completing the equipment list are heated handlebar grips and an on-board computer. The K 1300 S ‘30 Jahre K-Modelle’ will make its public debut at the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Specific market availability and pricing have yet to be confir...

NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s racing nickname is Rowdy, an epithet that he has lent to his entry for the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge. The one-off Camry Rowdy Edition is based on a 2012 SE model, with suitable additions to give it a circuit-ready look. Developed in conjunction with Detroit Speed and Engineering, it features a hand-made body kit as well as various aerodynamic aids. For the interior, it uses Lexus IS F seats which have been upholstered in red and black leather. Commenting on the conversion, Busch said: “Our approach to the build [was] to make a car with the stance, attitude and handling of a road-race car while retaining the functionality of a production Camry. This looks like something we should run at Daytona and Talladega.” The Camry Rowdy Edition will make its debut at the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, which opens to trade visitors only at the end of this month. Related posts: 600 bhp Elantra at SEMA SEMA Chevrole...

Four months after it was first unveiled, Škoda has confirmed that the Superb Estate Outdoor will be coming to the UK. Identifiable by its protective plastic body cladding, larger air intake, 18” alloy wheels and circular front fog lights, the Outdoor’s specification also includes Bluetooth connectivity, dark-tinted glass behind the B-pillar, tyre pressure monitoring and hill-hold control. Unlike some other European markets, UK buyers are going to be restricted to just three of the more popular engine and transmission combinations. Wisely, Škoda has also decided that the Outdoor will only be offered here with all-wheel drive, a move that should mean the Superb’s rough terrain ability at least has a chance of living up to the ‘go anywhere’ looks. The Superb Estate Outdoor is certainly a compelling package that would make an interesting alternative to an SUV. However, with prices starting at £26,465, it’s worth remembering that the corresponding all-wheel drive SE versions ar...

Just a few days after Canadian Bruno Spengler secured the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) drivers’ championship in his Team Schnitzer BMW M3, the series organisers have announced next year’s schedule. There are still eleven rounds on the calendar, but the big news is that Moscow will be hosting an event for the first time. While such a move should help further expand the appeal of the DTM, it also highlights the growing importance of the Russian market to participants Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The remainder is largely unchanged, although the non-points scoring round at Munich’s Olympic Stadium disappears, as does the Valencia race which currently leaves a gap at the end of September. The good news for DTM fans in the UK is that Brands Hatch keeps its May slot. 2013 DTM - Provisional Calendar Round Date Circuit Country 1 5th May Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg Germany 2 19th May Brands Hatch Great Britain 3 2nd June Red Bull Ring Spielb...

One of the key exhibits on the Renault stand at the São Paulo International Motor Show has been the DCross concept. A reworking of the Dacia Duster budget SUV - which is marketed as a Renault in Brazil - the DCross previews what a more upmarket version could look like. Setting it apart are a two-tone paint finish and a remodelled rear end that features dramatic LED light units. Other modifications include roof bars that incorporate a spare wheel carrier, new headlights, a restyled front grille and bulkier bumpers. Related posts: £5,995 Dacia Sandero Dacia Duster UK prices

Californian tuning firm Bisimoto has thrown everything (including several of the proverbial kitchen sinks) at its latest creation, the Hyundai Elantra GT concept. Developed for Hyundai to exhibit at the upcoming Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, it boasts over 600 bhp (around 450 kW or 610 PS). That’s an incredible amount to extract from the Elantra’s 1.8 litre engine, but it’s also totally bonkers. Quite how the front-wheel drive chassis is expected to cope with such a mammoth output is anyone’s guess, but the torque steer alone must make the Hyundai almost impossible to drive. The extra grunt comes courtesy of an intercooled turbocharger and a water-methanol injection system. Understandably, just about every other engine component has been strengthened or improved, including the pistons, con-rods, camshafts, valve gear, clutch, exhaust and cooling system. Suspension modifications comprise the fitment of coilover units and an upgraded anti-ro...

Nissan is describing its Extrem concept as an ‘urban sports car’ that has been developed specially for the Brazilian market. The 2+2 coupé, which is the highlight of the firm’s display at the São Paulo International Motor Show, is based on the same platform as the Nissan Micra supermini. That means it’s compact, measuring just 3,850 mm (12’ 7”) long, 1,530 mm (5’ 0”) high and 1,765 mm (5’ 9”) wide. Dominating the styling are the large 19” alloy wheels, a dramatically sloping roofline and a high ground clearance. Nissan is saying that the Extrem could be fitted with either front- or all-wheel drive, although the latter would probably be there to improve traction on tarmac, rather than to provide any significant off-road ability. While the Extrem could sit beneath the Juke in the Nissan range as an appealing niche model, there are no plans to put it into production just yet. Related posts: Volkswagen Taigun concept Nissan drops Micra prices Nissan TeRRA SUV concept Juke Min...

MV Agusta is giving its four-cylinder Brutale 1090 range a refresh for 2013. The new model year bikes get a restyled front mudguard, as well as a pair of daytime running lights that sit either side of the instrument cover. Among the other changes are lighter wheels, revised rear-view mirrors and updated exhaust silencers that now feature tapered ends. At the back, there’s a new tail light and a metal number-plate holder. In a move to simplify the line-up, just three versions will be offered, all of which share the same 1,078 cc engine. For the entry-level Brutale 1090 and the Brutale 1090 R, the oil- and water-cooled motor produces 142 bhp (106 kW / 144 PS) with 112 Nm (82 lb/ft) of torque. It comes connected to a six-speed gearbox. The range-topping Brutale 1090 RR sees an increase in power to 155 bhp (116 kW / 158 PS) and its specification additionally includes a slipper clutch, Brembo monobloc front brake calipers and fully adjustable suspension. Although UK prices h...

Volkswagen has unveiled the Taigun concept at the São Paulo International Motor Show. A micro-SUV, it measures just  3,859 mm (12’ 8”) long and 1,728 mm (5’ 8”) wide, dimensions that make the Taigun not much larger than the diminutive Up! city car upon which it’s based.  As with the Up!, power comes from a three-cylinder, 1.0 litre petrol engine. However, for the Taigun the use of a turbocharger and direct fuel injection have raised the power output by almost 50% to an impressive 108 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS). Similarly, peak torque is increased to 175 Nm (129 lb/ft), a figure that should help the small Volkswagen perform off-road. However, don’t expect it to be too capable over rough terrain, because the Taigun is strictly front-wheel drive. A comparatively light weight of 985 kg (2,171 lbs) means that average fuel economy is estimated to be around 62 mpg (4.5 l/100km). What’s more, performance should be more than adequate thanks to the upgraded motor: Volkswagen is...