Subaru's third-gen boxer set to KO the rest

It’s hard, looking back on it, but the second-gen boxer engine from Subaru has been around for 21 years already. Its replacement, the next-gen boxer engine, is out and will be built at a specific factory in a show of support by parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries.

While the bore and stroke have been bumped up, the four cylinder boxer still displaces 2-liters and 2.5-liters. Major changes include redesigned intake ports, lighter pistons and con rods for reduced internal friction and separate cooling circuitry for the block and head. The resultant improvements include lower emissions and a ten per cent increase in fuel efficiency.

As for now, power figures are still unavailable s we’ll have to wait for it to appear in the Forester’s engine bay, the first Subaru model to be fitted with the engine.

Lamborghini confirms production of four-door supercar

According to reports online, Lamborghini has confirmed its intentions to build a four-door supercar, seen here as the Estoque concept that was shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told US reporters that "a third model would fit Lamborghini very well", and "four-door car would be a very feasible approach".

This is not the first time that Lamborghini has spoken about its desire to build the Estoque, but the idea was shelved last year due to the global financial crisis, but now it may be revised to help Lamborghini's falling sales.

First half sales this year were down 18 per cent on 2009. Winkelmann said a third model would need to provide “a real leap” in sales.

General Motors smokes mid-engine Vette’ rumours

Although a mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette has been constantly churned out of the rumourmill, there was a decent amount of credibility added to that recipe recently with news from Saab that their engineers had been tinkering around on a dual-clutch wet gearbox for a mid-engined configuration.

General Motors has been quick to put out that fire before it spread to far and wide, with Karl Stracke, GM’s Vice President of Global Engineering, downright denying that the next-gen Vette’ will have its engine aft of the driver. Now will it be swapping cogs with a wet-dual-clutch tranny.

Although there have been many concepts wearing the Corvette moniker with their engines behind the cockpit, the actual production versions have always had their powerplants at the traditional end.

Furthermore, GM tore up the wet-dual-clutch gearbox story by explaining that most manufacturers were moving towards the dry clutch setup as it was more efficient and cheaper to produce. It’s interesting to note though that Stracke made it very clear that just the wet-clutch setup was out of the question, not a dual-clutch system entirely.

He also confirmed that the next generation Corvette will still have a small-block V8 under its hood, albeit with direct injection for improved emissions. However, a hybrid is very much on the cards as Stracke mentioned that a number of competitors are going the same way, such as the Porsche 918 that was recently cleared for production.

BMW enters the four-door coupe arena with the Gran Coupe

Having made its public debut at the without much fanfare at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, BMW’s Gran Coupe has finally been confirmed for production and is ready to give its premium peers a run for their high dollars.



Slated be launched in 2012, the Gran Coupe will follow a year after the next-gen 6 Series is launched, on which much of its architecture will be based upon. BMW development chief Klaus Draeger, confirmed the Gran Coupe’s production plans while mentioning that it will be “closely aligned” with the new 6 Series.



The biggest guessing game is the nomenclature to be used on the model. The most consistent rumours indicate that a 6 prefix will adorn the badging on the rear but with an additional moniker, much like the 5 Series GT.

As for engine options, expect to see similar line-ups of BMW’s straight six and V8 engines under the hood. A Hybrid version will surely be offered as well, along the lines of offering the 5 and 7 Series with such power plants too.



For the power hungry, an ‘M’ version will surely hit dealers a year or so after the initial launch with the upcoming M5’s twin turbo’ed V8 under the hood and flirting with the 600hp mark.

So as for the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Aston Martin Rapide and the newly launched Audi A7, be afraid… be very afraid.

Cayenne Hybrid gets a power bump but maintains green touch

Hybrid vehicles in general were designed from the offset to conserve more fuel by means of an electric engine or such. Therefore, tuning a hybrid for more power totally contradicts the original purpose. Nonetheless, when the hybrid in question is a Porsche, or a Cayenne Hybrid to be specific, you really can’t be blamed for wanting a little more oomph can you?



With that in mind, SpeedART have bumped up the power from the Cayenne Hybrid but without affecting the hybrid system’s capability to run on zero emission and zero fuel consumption mode.

The first mod done by the German tuning firm was to increase power from the 3.3-liter supercharged V6 engine from 333hp to a more brisk 407hp. By doing so, the combined output from the petrol and electric engine rises to 450hp from 380hp. Even the century sprint is quicker, 6-seconds over 6.5-seconds while top speed goes up to 252km/h.



An exhaust system with a sound switch keeps the soundtrack enjoyable. New 22-inch wheels that the company claims weighs the same as the original 21-inchers fill the four corners. Tyre sizes measure 275/30 ZR22 on the front and a whopping 315/30 ZR22 at the rears.



If you still need to stand out even more, a decal layout in light-blue can be arranged. A lowering kit module for the air-ride system is available with traditional springs for the normal suspension models.

On the inside, it remains very factory except for a new turbo pressure gauge and a grey finish on the meter cluster.

Next-gen Vette’ could get forced induction

The classic American sports car turns 60 in 2013 and the Chevrolet Corvette originally left the assembly floor with a six-banger under its hood.

With its diamond jubilee on the horizon, reports are indicating that the next generation Vette’ could have a throw back to its yesteryears by having a V6 lump under the hood of the C7. However, forced induction will be employed to keep the power hungry happy and the lap figured down.

Of course, these reports have been whispering in the wind for ages now but with the recent revelation that Saab engineers had been working on a twin-clutch transmission for a turbocharged V6 Vette’ there might be more weight to these reports now.

Furthermore, the Bowtie boys are trying to get the C7 out in production by 2013 to kick off the 60th anniversary celebrations in true style.

New details emerge on Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86

Every once in a while we hear news of Toyota's FT-86 and it's yet unnamed Subaru twin. The FT-86 was close to being launched but then Toyota decided to delay it till 2013 to work on the fuel consumption of the engine.

The FT-86 is powered by a retuned version of Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre flat four, using a revised head to produce around 200bhp. And though both the Subaru and Toyota are supposed to be very similar, Subaru seems to have plans of its own.

Reports are suggesting that the Subaru will be more powerful and more aggressive than its Toyota brethren. It will feature a revised version of the Impreza STI's turbocharged powerplant good for about 260hp, 60 up on the Toyota. However both cars will use a variant of Subaru’s six-speed manual gearbox, similar body panels and also share a modified platform from the Subaru Legacy.

Sadly for hardcore Suby fans though, the Subaru version won't feature all-wheel-drive because of the simple reason of the added complexity factor like weight and price.

Testing of the rear-wheel-drive Subaru has already started at the Nurburgring and it is said that Subaru's engineers are also working on the initial stages of the FT-86 because their test drivers are more familiar with it's Subaru underpinnings like the Legacy platform and Impreza rear suspension.

Expect the Subaru to take another two years or so to make it's debut and cost way over a quarter of a million ringgit.

Austrian tuner gets their hands on the GT-R

We can’t be faulted if the only reference ‘Austria’ and ‘motorsports’ brings to mind is the Formula One races held at the now-defunct A1-Ring but a tuner in the birthplace of Adolf Hitler has waved their wands on the Nissan GT-R and conjured up a respectable performance and styling kit.



Königseder has revised the ECU, added a sports air filter and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust for a bark every bit as nasty as its bite. With just these minor tweaks, the GT-R now pushes almost 100hp more, 572hp as compared to the factory 485hp.



There are no sprint figures for the century mark but the double century is dealt with in a mere 9.8-seconds courtesy of the mods.



Königseder has also designed an aero kit for the GT-R that compromises of a ludicrous front splitter that gives the car a double-chin effect and side skirts. The handling department benefits from a KW suspension with 21-inch rollers wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport shoes.

Mean 300km/h Audi RS5 by MTM

German tuner MTM is known for its high powered mean looking Euro machines and has been at it again. This time they got a hold of the new Audi RS5, sprinkled a bit of tuning dust and ended up with this mean red 300km/h machine.

However, instead of taking the entire car apart and reworking it like most tuners do, this MTM Audi RS5 is stock standard. MTM simply upped the speed limiter to allow for a higher top speed, all that for a cheque of US$1,429.

According to MTM, the RS5 powerplant still produces 450hp but that could be turned up a few more figures thanks to the company's new free-breathing exhaust system. To match the go, MTM also offers plenty of show in the form of new wheels, but that's it for now. Currently in the development process, MTM will soon introduce a complete suspension kit as well as very competent brakes for the RS5. For now, MTM fans are going to have to make do with a higher top end and mean rims.

Fully restored to new, 516hp Nissan Skyline R34 Z-tune

A Nissan GTR R34 is still one of the most desirable machines to come out of Japan, high up there with the NSX-R, R35 GTR, and other iconic Japanese machines. Sadly, they are aged and finding a used example in near perfect condition is close to impossible. Well almost impossible.

German tuner JAPO Motorsport is offering a near brand-new R34 GTR NISMO Z-tune for those willing to fork out the cash for it. The Essen-based tuner bought a stock 1999 GT-R and spent a lot of time and money tearing it apart and restoring it as close to the original as possible.

In putting it all back together, the tuner used original Z-tune parts (like the front skirts, mudguards and rear wheel housing) and original sil "KY0" paint which was exclusive to the Z-tune back then (only 20 Z-tune's were made). Also part of the package are NISMO Z-tune five spoke wheels, Toyo semi-slick tires, alcantara leather upholstery, an updated multifunctional display, and a revised speedometer that now tops out at 320km/h.

The exterior is completely stock but the German tuner could not hold back from working on the internals. Power from the 2.5-liter straight six is now up thanks to GT RS turbochargers, a new intercooler, a racing suction/chamber kit, enhanced fuel injectors, and high performance spark plugs.

These mods contribute to the 516hp and 597Nm of torque that the new Z-tune now boasts. Just for the record, a standard R34 Skyline GTR churns out 327hp and 392Nm of torque while the standard Z-tune boasted 493hp and 540Nm of torque.

Other upgrades include a HKS clutch kit, an ARC strut bar, and StopTech brakes. There's no indication of how much the entire restoration process costs but the restored GTR seen in the pictures here is available for sale for a princely sum of US$116,960.

Nissan GT-R35 vs Bugatti Veyron

The Nissan GT-R has always stacked itself up against the best in its class and even stronger opponents, probably that's why comparisons involving it and other, more powerful and able cars will always take place. Here's a drag battle between the R35 GT-R and the fastest car in the world, the Bugatti Veyron on near empty Russian highways. The winner is quite obvious actually but what really caught my eye happens at 2min 47sec, is that a NOS shot GTR? Just judging from the colour of the flames and how rapidly it picked up speed to catch the Veyron, it could just be. Other than that, kudos to dragtimes.info for this amazing showdown.

Porsche to race the 918 Spyder hybrid concept at the 24-hour of Nurburgring next year

It's no secret that Porsche is studying the possibility of putting the 918 Spyder hybrid car to production. The German automaker already has one successful hybrid system in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racer and with its recent successes, the hybrid system has basically proven itself. With that, Porsche has now announced its intention to take the 918 Spyder racing at the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 2011.

Porsche engineers are already working on the car and one of their priorities is to get its top speed up to the 320km/h mark. Porsche claims that the 918 Spyder is able to lap around the Nordschleife track in under 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

The 918 Spyder hybrid concept made its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this past March. It features a V8 engine with 493hp in addition to three electric motors churning out a total of 215hp. That adds up to 708hp and if the 918 Spyder does make it to production, it would be the most powerful road car Porsche has ever produced.

The electric all-wheel drive set-up provides the 1490 kg (3285 lbs) 918 Spyder with torque vectoring to keep it highly nimble. The 918 also features Porsche's PDK dual-clutch gearbox and an electric boost function.

All that power requires a lot of fuel, but this is a Porsche of the future so it boasts a fuel rating of 3-liters/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of only 70g/km. Suddenly the future of the supercar doesn't seem to bleak anymore.

Cosworth tuned Subaru Impreza WRX STI CS400: 400hp limited edition model revealed

We reported about Cosworth working on a special edition of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI some time ago, and now its officially here. Here are the first official photos of the highly anticipated Impreza WRX STI Cosworth edition. Set to go on sale this June in the UK only and in a limited-run of just 75 units, the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 promises supercar-like performance figures in a hot hatch.

Cosworth's engineers started work on the STI's 2.5-liter boxer unit, installing new high-performance pistons, connecting rods, head gaskets and bearings. The mod works also includes a remapped ECU, a modified turbocharger and wastegate as well as a new custom exhaust system.

The result of all that work is an impressive 395hp at 5,750rpm, enough to propel the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 too 100km/h in a mere 3.7-seconds. Just for comparison sake, the standard 296hp Impreza WRX STI completes the 100km/h sprint in 5.2-seconds.


According to reports from Subaru, the CS400 also gets revamped suspension with new coil springs and a 10mm lower ride-height as well as a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front that were co-developed with AP Racing.


In the styling department, the changes are extremely subtle consisting of a redesigned front bumper with an integrated lower spoiler and a mesh grille, Cosworth logos, a different rear spoiler and specific 18-inch alloy wheels.

Finally, the limited edition Impreza STI CS400 gets a pair of Recaro bucket seats, glossy black dashboard trim and of course, Cosworth badges.

Pretty Asia Jaguar Sports Car Model in Short Skirt

Jaguar Cars are British car builders that started way back in 1922. Its founder was William Lyons. Jaguar Cars was renamed to Jaguar in the early part of 1935. Jaguar is mainly recognized for the luxurious sport cars and sedans. They have been one of the recognized forces in the automotive world for a long time. It is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indian company Tata Motors Ltd. since March 2008 and is operated as part of the Jaguar Land Rover business.

E Cup Girl Pics at IT Show 2010 Singapore

IT Show 2010 came to a successful conclusion this evening on its last day. The largest annual IT and technology show in Singapore saw record turnouts and revenue earned by its exhibitors this year, driven by the improving economy and Singaporeans’ insatiable demand for technology and consumer electronic products. An anonymous reader emailed me this set of pictures of a pretty and sexy E cup girl model at the IT Show this year. She is hot!

Many will agree that this is how a hugely successful IT Show should be round every time lol.