Mazda MX-5 Miata and Alfa Romeo Spyder

Mazda and Alfa Romeo are joining forces to build the next-generation MX-5 Miata and Spyder. The 2-passenger roadsters will place a priority on keeping things simple, and small. As we already noted a couple months ago, Mazda’s engineers are working hard to trim weight (reportedly as much as 200 lb.) from the 2014 Miata. This could be aided by the Japanese automaker’s growing lineup of SkyActiv models, which offer improved performance and fuel economy thanks to their significantly lighter chassis and powertrains. That same engineering approach will certainly be applied here.

For the moment, Mazda and Alfa are keeping the specifics of the arrangement under wraps. In a previous statement, the two companies said they would "develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific lightweight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. The Mazda and Alfa Romeo variants will each be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand." Judging from these artist illustrations – not official images, mind you, but a pretty good guess – it appears each car has its own unique shape and personality.

The next Miata should sport much more pronounced fenders and a blunter front and rear end. Horizontal bars and a large Mazda emblem dominate the bigger grille. Those over 6-foot have always struggled to squeeze into the Miata cabin, so expect Mazda to focus some attention on boosting interior room and comfort. Considering the car's ongoing weight loss regime, it’s possible Mazda could eliminate heavy and complex features like the current model’s optional retractable folding hardtop.

In comparison, the Alfa Romeo Spyder has a sleeker and more expensive look to it – no surprise, since the Alfa is likely to cost more. There is definitely a hint of the classic “boat-tail” Spyder that Dustin Hoffman drove in the film “The Graduate.” Unlike the wide-eyed Miata, the Alfa could feature LED-intensive lighting at the front and rear. Ornamentation and superfluous details appear to be kept to an absolute minimum on this Alfa. A character line runs from the front fender to the door handles, and that’s pretty much it.

These are pint-sized roadsters, so the engine lineup is guaranteed to consist of rev-happy 4-cylinders. We’ve speculated that Mazda could opt for a normally aspirated 1.8-liter, or turbocharged 1.3 or 1.5-liter engine. Personally, the latter options sound the most intriguing – come on, Mazda! Alfa can easily dip into the Fiat parts-bin and install the highly entertaining and turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir 4-cylinder into the engine bay for the Spyder. A choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic equipped with paddle-shifters should be available in either vehicle. Expect Mazda to try to peg pricing as close as possible to the current Miata’s base price of approximately $25,000. We’d expect the Alfa price tag to fall closer to $30,000.

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BMW i8 Concept Spyder

The BMW i8 Concept has officially lost its lid, as the Bavarian automaker’s fuel mileage masterpiece is being shown for the first time in convertible format. Intended to display BMW’s prowess when it comes to mpg-related technology, the i8 will be the range-topping model of the upcoming “i” brand. Additional vehicles in the range will include the i3, an electric-powered city car.

We’ve already spotted the i8 Coupe undergoing testing, wearing only minimal camouflage and looking almost identical to the concept version. BMW appears to be serious about expanding the range, even if the i8 will remain a niche product due a starting price that’s expected to be well over $100,000. A convertible version, if one does come to market, is likely to carry an even higher price tag.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder has the same dramatic and flowing lines as the coupe, complete with a rollover bar that extends elegantly backwards to serve as the rear spoiler. As we’ve already noted with the i8 Coupe prototype recently spotted by our spy photographers, the doors swing upwards and forward, ensuring a touch of drama any time you exit or enter the vehicle. It’s a nice touch, and it’s good to see it being used in the drop-top variant.

Inside the Spyder’s 2-passenger cabin is a “layered” design with 3-dimensional displays, along with an exotic-looking mix of carbon fiber, leather and plastic surfaces. One notable piece missing from the design puzzle is the car’s top, or more to the point, whether it’s a removable hardtop or folds backwards somehow. There doesn’t appear to be an excess of stowage space in the i8 Spyder’s lean silhouette, so a folding top seems unlikely at this point.

Beneath the bodywork is the same all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the i8 Coupe. This includes a 131-hp electric motor linked to the front wheels, along with a 223-bhp turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine coupled to the rears. The combined output of 354 hp is enough to motivate the i8 Convertible from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, according to BMW. Top speed is reportedly 155 mph.

The battery pack is located in the central tunnel, to ensure a 50:50 weight balance, and power can be routed to the front, rear, or all four wheels at the same time.

Like the i8 Coupe, when the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged the i8 Spyder has a pure electric driving range of approximately 19 miles. BMW states that the i8 can be recharged in less than two hours using a standard household outlet. A high-voltage alternator coupled to the gasoline engine provides extra power, or additional driving range, when needed.

Look for the BMW i8 Coupe to arrive sometime in 2014, with the Spyder variant to follow shortly thereafter.

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Ford Mustang Sedan 2014

In a move certain to elicit praise from muscle car fans with kids—and perhaps an equally huge outcry from automotive purists with a fondness for coupes—Ford Motor Company has announced plans to introduce a sedan variant of the Ford Mustang. With sales of rivals, especially the Chevrolet Camaro, eating into Ford’s share of the pony car segment, the Dearborn automaker has decided to take a radical new approach by introducing this 4-door offering in 2014.

The horsepower battle that has been raging between Ford and Chevy recently culminated in the 650-bhp Ford Mustang GT500and 550-bhp Camaro ZL1. During the 2012 New York Auto Show, a 1000-bhp Mustang, the Shelby 1000, will be on display. While this kind of firepower is impressive for drag-strip figures, these ultimate speed machines make up only a tiny sliver of sales output.

Ford representatives explained that the addition of two doors makes the Mustang more user-friendly, and its spacious back seat will make the car appeal to an entirely new type of buyer. The benefit, at least from Ford’s point of view, will be a noticeable boost in sales output for the ‘Stang. Even though the Mustang will no longer be such a narrowly focused niche product aimed at enthusiasts, the new Mustang sedan will offer much the same performance as its coupe sibling.

While this prototype has the look of a Boss 302, production models will more closely mimic the look of the standard Mustang. The mechanicals are not confirmed, but we can assume the base engine will be the same 305-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 found in the Mustang coupe and convertible. A 412-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 will be optional, and buyers will have a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission

The ride and handling balance will undoubtedly lean toward comfort, if only because of the added length and expected weight gain. The 2014 Ford Mustang sedan is approximately 11 in. longer than the coupe, though the extra length is balanced by shorter front doors and a significantly reworked C-pillar. While a Boss 302 sedan like the one pictured is not all that likely, Ford reps have confirmed that even more changes could be in store for the Mustang.

A hybrid-powered variant, or possibly even a diesel version, could be introduced to increase the Mustang’s hitherto dismal ratings when it comes to fuel efficiency. The move might sound drastic, but stricter fuel economy regulations could force the muscle car and pony car market into even more unfamiliar territory. And think of all that torque!

Look for the 2014 Ford Mustang sedan to make an appearance later this year, possibly during the Los Angeles Auto Show, or in Detroit in early 2013. Sales begin next year, with pricing to be revealed closer to the on-sale date.

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Bentley Continental GT Speed 2013

With a top speed of 205 mph, the 2013 Bentley Continental Speed GT is officially the British automaker’s fastest production model of all time. Under the hood of this all-wheel-drive grand touring machine is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine that delivers 616 bhp and, wait for it, a mammoth 590 lb.-ft. of torque.Bentley estimates the GT Speed accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.

If anything, that figure sounds a little pessimistic to us. It’s worth noting the Speed GT’s performance bragging rights come at the expense of the range-topping Continental Supersports coupe which, incidentally, has a 5-horsepower advantage. The 621-bhp Supersports currently tops out at 204 mph. The Speed GT also boasts improvements to the steering and suspension systems, has a lower ride height, and rides on 21-in. alloy wheels wrapped in a set of (275/35) Pirelli PZero tires.

Bentley has even improved overall fuel economy, thanks to the fitment of a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers a 12-percent improvement in fuel efficiency. Then again, that gain is tempered by the fact that the current Continental averages only 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway. It’s better, but this Bentley remains many miles away from being labeled frugal.

They also return a 40-percent improvement in mileage and CO2 emissions – a much more notable gain than the one offered by the Speed’s new W-12 engine. While cruising down the highway, or during other light throttle applications, the V-8 cuts power to four cylinders. Sounds great, except the entire reason for buying a Bentley is to punch the gas pedal whenever possible and get slammed backwards into your leather-lined seat.

Pricing for the GT Speed will be announced closer to when deliveries of the car begin in October. Interestingly, the company is already taking orders, despite the car not having an official sticker price. For the more fiscally responsible (yet still filthy rich) amongst us, the V-8 GT coupe and V-8 GTC convertible start at $174,000 and $191,400 when sales begin in the late summer to early fall of this year.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee's 2013

The Jeep Grand Cherokee will have a shortened 2013 model year so that in January the Chrysler Group can introduce a diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission for the 2014 model, internal Chrysler sources say. Dealer orders for 2013 Grand Cherokees began this month. The 2013 model, which will begin production in August, will continue with the five-speed automatic that the Grand Cherokee has had since mid-2010.

In January, the Grand Cherokee will pick up an eight-speed transmission licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen AG and built at Chrysler's transmission plant in Kokomo, Ind. At about the same time, the Grand Cherokee will offer an optional 3.0-liter diesel engine from Fiat-owned VM Motori S.p.A. in the United States, a Chrysler source said. The 3.0-liter diesel is available already on the Grand Cherokees sold overseas. It is rated at 241 hp and 406 pounds-feet of torque. Mated with a five-speed transmission, the diesel delivers 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Chrysler-Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said in January that the automaker would introduce a diesel for the Grand Cherokee in 2013. A Jeep spokesman declined to comment on the powertrain plan. Chrysler previously announced that the Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit where the Grand Cherokee is built will forgo the usual summer shutdown to keep up with demand for the hot-selling SUV. The factory also assembles the Dodge Durango. Chrysler said it will add a third crew of 1,100 workers to Jefferson North to boost production this November rather than after the first of the year, as had been announced earlier.

Sales of the Grand Cherokee have been brisk since it was re-engineered in the summer of 2010. Through May, Grand Cherokee sales are up 38 percent to 62,611 units. Introduction of the eight-speed transmission should greatly improve the Grand Cherokee's current fuel economy of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway. When Chrysler replaced the five-speed automatic in its flagship sedan, the Chrysler 300, for the 2012 model year, its mileage rating improved from 18 mpg to 19 mpg city, and from 27 mpg to 31 mpg highway.

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Ford Focus ST 2013

Ford Focus ST 2013

The 2013 Ford Focus ST picks up where the SVT version left off after the 2004 model year by transforming the pedestrian Focus--a nice but otherwise serviceable car--into a true enthusiast's ride, stuffing a high-output engine underhood, installing a sport suspension underfoot, dressing the interior with some serious seats and equipment and generally giving a performance nod to every aspect of the car.

Where your regular Focus models make do with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-banger turning out 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, the ST model gets the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with all of its accompanying tech features: high-pressure direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing. All of that adds up to 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a trick overboost feature that allows for extending that peak torque for 15 seconds at a time.

Enthusiasts have more reason to rejoice: Every ST also gets the requisite six-speed manual gearbox; there are no automatic or dual-clutch transmission options available. And every ST sold in North America will be the five-door. European markets will get the option of a wagon but nowhere will the Focus ST be built as a sedan.

The suspension sees some serious revisions, too, from its stiffer springs and shocks to a beefed-up antiroll bar. The ride height has been lowered by 0.4 inch. But the bigger news is with the steering system, which gets completely redone for the ST and sports a variable-ratio steering rack. The setup reduces sensitivity when driving in a straight line, but quickens up nicely when cornering.

Standard across the ST lineup are a host of electronic features we particularly appreciated, including a stability control system with three levels of intervention (including completely off!), a torque-vectoring control system that acts like an electronic limited-slip differential and a cornering understeer control system that does exactly what its name implies.

The design really plays up the car's performance credentials, too, with revised front and rear fascias featuring more aggressive details, from the one-piece grille to the single center tailpipe. Below the front bumper the splitter dips lower and sweeps around the corners, with fog lamps inset deep and wide. The ST also gets unique 19-inch alloy wheels and an integrated roof spoiler.

Inside, all STs gets larger, thicker steering wheels, unique shifters and pedals and a dark headliner, as well as a unique gauge cluster for turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature. Up-trim ST2 cars add some nicely bolstered part-leather Recaro sport seats, dual-zone climate controls and an upgraded Sony audio system. ST3 models get full-leather, eight-way power-adjustable and heated Recaros, HID headlamps and a navigation system.

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BMW Zagato Concept Vehicle Caught

BMW Zagato Concept Vehicle Caught

Earlier this year we had the luxury of laying our eyes on the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, an astoundingly rad vehicle that boasts some of the sexiest curves that we’ve seen since the last Victoria’s Secret run way show.  Zagato, an Italian couture car designer has now applied their touch to a BMW Z4 and crafted what we believe to be a coupe like no other.

Unfortunately, not too much is known about the vehicles, but it’s pretty evident where Zagato applied their touch.  Needless to say, the car is very reminiscent, at least in terms of aesthetic layout to that of the Aston Martin version.  It’s said that Zagato managed to crank output up to 400hp from the existing straight 6 3.0 liter engine, which is 60 more than the stock setup.

Nevertheless, hit the video above if you want to see and hear the car in action at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este from last weekend.

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Bentley Continental GT 2013

Bentley is unleashing its fastest production model, the Continental GT Speed, on June 29 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car can be ordered now and is expected to begin arriving in October as a 2013 model.

The flagship model will pump out a whopping 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 powerplant, allowing for a top speed of 205 mph. Bentley claims a 0-to-60-mph sprint is possible in 4.0 seconds. Power is transferred via an eight-speed ZF automatic and permanent all-wheel drive.

The suspension is lowered and stiffened, and it rolls on 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber. The looks are punctuated with a matrix-style grille and different exhaust pipes. The cabin is trimmed in Bentley's Mulliner Specification as standard.

“The new GT Speed, with its harder-edged, sportier character, reaffirms this pinnacle positioning and continues to broaden the worldwide appeal of the Continental coupe,” Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley's chief executive, said in a statement.

The GT Speed is expected to build on Bentley's momentum, as sales have risen 46.6 percent in the first quarter of the year to 1,759 units. That's been helped by a surge in demand from China, where sales shot up nearly 84.9 percent to 578 cars.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT 2013

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT 2013

Mercedes-Benz has killed its SLS AMG and created the SLS AMG GT to take its place. They’ve just released info on its 2012 SLS AMG GT model and how they plan to offer both a coupe and roadster version that will go on sales in mid-November of this year.

The interior has been modified with the introduction of a new Designo style package that’s optional and comes in three different color combos in both single- and two-tone finishes. It also features only the finest leather surfaces with contrast stitching and a diamond quilt pattern on the seats and doors. Other optional additions include: carbon fiber parts for both the interior and exterior, carbon ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and different wheel options.

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New Aston Martin Vanquish

New Aston Martin Vanquish

Feast your eyes on the all new Aston Martin Vanquish.

This naturally aspirated machine boasts a next generation 6.0-litre V12.  Which is to say its power, while an iteration of a preexisting Aston Martin 6.0 liter V12, is anything but understated.  In other words it can rocket the car from 0-60 in just a hair over 4-seconds, or to a top speed of 183mph thanks to the 565 horsepowers under the hood.  Yeah, it’s definitely not a car you want to question, let alone end up in a drag race with on the German Autobahn.

To date, this is Aston’s most powerful production car, with the exception of the £1.2m One-77 supercar, which saw a very limited production and thus not comparative.  However, the new Vanquish does draw some design cues from its rarefied brother.  Each body panel  on the car is constructed from carbon fibre, which offers an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio as well as flexibility.  Aston has also increased torsion rigidity by 25%, in addition to a trunk, or boot depending on you location, that is 60% larger than the DBS.  To complete the all around lux super car like experience, is an all new infotainment system, a spoiler for downward force that they’re calling the Aero Duct, and a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox that should deliver silky smooth gear transitions.

The Aston Martin Vanquish is priced from £189,995 ($300,000 US), with delivery expected to beging in the UK and EU in late 2012.

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Infiniti G25 axed

G25 axed from revised 2013 Infiniti lineup

Infiniti will trim the G sedan model lineup for the 2013 model year while adding some extra power to the EX and FX crossovers in the form of the 3.7-liter V6 found in the G37. Per Infiniti's naming conventions, the EX35 and the FX35 will become the EX37 and FX37 when the 325-hp, 3.7-liter V6 is slotted under the hood. The result is a 28-hp gain over the current 3.5-liter V6. The G25 and its 218-hp, 2.5-liter V6 have been dropped for 2013, along with the Sport Appearance Edition and Limited Edition of the G37 sedan. The base-model G37 coupe will also not be returning for 2013.

This means that the 2013 Infiniti G37 lineup will consist of the G37 Journey, the G37x AWD, and the G37 Sport 6MT. All trims will be available in both coupe and sedan forms. The G37 convertible lineup is unchanged, save for a price bump that will add $550 to base convertible, Journey and x AWD trim coupes. A $700 increase applies to Sport 6MT trims of both the coupe and convertible. All told, once shipping is added in, a 2013 G37 Journey coupe will carry an MSRP of $40,695, and the base convertible will sticker for $48,095.

No word yet from Infiniti on whether the 2013 FX and EX will also see a price increase when they go on sale this July and August, respectively.

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BMW 6-series Gran Coupe

Mercedes-Benz was the first with the CLS. Audi followed with the equally stylish A7. Now it is BMW that, after sitting back and carefully sizing up what has developed into a particularly important market niche for Germany’s luxury-car elite, has delivered a stylish sedan and, at the prompting of its marketing department, proceeded to call it a coupe. Meet the 6-series Gran Coupe, the third and final member of its latest 6-series lineup. First previewed in lightly veiled concept car form at the 2010 Beijing motor show, the new sedan slots into the German carmaker’s lineup between the 5-series and 7-series, aiming to offer the inherent practicality of a traditional four-door together with the style of the existing two-door 6-series coupe and convertible.

Design boss Adrian von Hooydonk’s team has, to these eyes at least, delivered one of BMW’s best-looking models in years. The proportions, for one, are spot-on, giving the 6-series Gran Coupe a truly elegant appearance that is sure to find wide appeal. The long hood and swept-back cabin profile is pure BMW. Based on a uniquely dimensioned rear-wheel-drive platform, the Gran Coupe gets a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase than the 6-series coupe and convertible, freeing up space for two additional doors and a proper rear seat. Like the CLS, it also receives a proper notchback-style trunk for added structural rigidity, eschewing the liftback arrangement of the A7. Dimensionally, the new car is 4.2 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider and 2.9 inches lower than the familiar 5-series sedan.

Inside, there is the sweeping dashboard from the 6-series coupe and cabriolet along with an altered center console. As you’d expect, it’s all high on perceived quality, but the positioning of the gear lever and other switchgear, including the iDrive controller, has been compromised by the inclusion of two large cupholders at the front of the center console. Up front, you sit low--exceptionally so if you so choose--on broad and supportive seats equipped with integral seatbelts. Entry to the rear is impeded by small door openings and the trailing edge of the frameless window, which extends well out from the door itself. With the front seats set to their lowest position there is little foot room, but in other aspects the rear bench is quite roomy. Despite the inclusion of a center rear seatbelt, the extension of the center console all the way back to the rear bench means that the 6-series Gran Coupe can only be considered as an occasional five-seater. Despite offering a generous amount of luggage space, the trunk is also compromised by a small opening and a high loading lip.

We tried the diesel engine first and found it perfectly suited to the new BMW’s sporting brief, endowing it with enormous low-end grunt thanks to its generous reserves of torque--all of which can be tapped at just 1,500 rpm. We know it is not planned to be offered in the United States, but given the performance it serves up it darn well should be. The word “mighty” comes to mind.

Doing justice to the 640d Gran Coupe's superb engine is its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is smooth and quick to react, both in automatic and manual modes. Equipped with automatic stop/start and brake-energy-recuperation functions and extra-long gearing (a 0.67:1 eighth-gear ratio is mated to a 2.81:1 final drive), it is integral in providing the new 3,946-pound sedan with exceptional combined cycle consumption of 42.8 mpg (U.S.) on the European cycle.

But with 0-to-62-mph acceleration of 5.4 seconds and a standing-kilometer (1,094 yards) time of 24.7 seconds, the 640d Gran Coupe doesn’t lack for outright straight-line pace. By comparison, the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel-powered A7 3.0 TDI, with a similar 309 hp and 479 lb-ft, hits 62 mph in 5.3 seconds and returns 36.8 mpg (U.S.).

The gasoline engine destined for North America possesses more immediate throttle response, a smoother nature and more entertaining qualities up high in the rev range but it ultimately lacks the low-end flexibility, muscular nature and relaxed cruising qualities of the diesel. The so-called N55 HP (High Power) unit, already available in the 640i coupe and convertible, is the third variant of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, developing 14 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the N55 engine used in the 535i sedan. It propels the 640i Gran Coupe to 62 mph from standstill in the same 5.4 seconds as the 640d Gran Coupe, while providing an official 30.5 mpg (U.S.).

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Mercedes-Benz GLK 2013

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK is the entry-level luxury SUV for the German carmaker's U.S. lineup. It's meant to appeal to a broad array of customers, blending power, performance and comfort in a fashionable package accented by angles and chrome. Power increases this year to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft from a 3.5-liter V6, up from the 268-hp, 258-lb-ft V6 of the same displacement in the 2012 model. It is a different engine, however, with stop/start, direct injection and the cylinders banked at a new angle. The seven-speed automatic is lightly modified for reduced torque-converter slip and improved efficiency.

The spotlight change under the hood is the addition of the turbocharged, direct-injected 2.1-liter inline four-cylinder diesel rated at 190 hp and an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque. The oil burner, badged GLK250 Bluetec, will arrive in showrooms in early 2013, following this September's debut of the gasoline-powered ute.

It takes a close eye to notice changes in the appearance of the GLK, though Mercedes lightly facelifted the lights, added LED technology, redid trim and added new 19-inch alloy wheels. An AMG appearance pack adds 20-inchers, front and side skirts and an AMG-styled grille.

The GLK seats five. Other new features include an updated instrument cluster and electromechanical steering. All told, Mercedes-Benz claims nearly 1,000 parts are new for the 2013 model. It comes in rear-wheel- and 4Matic all-wheel-drive models.

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Nissan Juke Nismo

Nissan Juke Nismo to debut at Le Mans

It's no Juke-R, but the more reasonable Nissan Juke Nismo will make its world debut at Le Mans this weekend. It seems only fitting, considering Nissan is providing power for a quarter of the field at the famous race. The Juke will get an enhanced version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as well as some body and suspension work.

The Juke Nismo will wear a new aerodynamics kit with lower front and rear bumpers and wider wings and side skirts. Those pieces join a modified grille and tailgate spoiler to improve downforce at speed.

At the corners, the Nismo has unique 18-inch wheels with wider tires for better handling. The suspension will get stiffened springs, and the steering will be modified for more direct handling.

Nissan won't release specs on the car until closer to its in European launch in January, but the current turbo four makes 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. We expect at least a slight bump over that.

Inside the vehicle, Nismo added steering-wheel, pedal, gauge, gearshift and door trims that have been redesigned for a bit more flair. Sport seats with red stitching and suede trim hold drivers during cornering.

The Nismo Juke will be built in Sunderland, United Kingdom, and will be available for purchase in the United States and Japan at a later date, according to Nissan. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the jump from the Nissan 370Z Touring to the 370Z Nismo is only about $1,600.

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Audi SQ5

Audi SQ5 brings diesel power to S-line crossover

Audi chose Le Mans weekend to unveil the newest and sportiest model in the Q5 range. The Audi SQ5 has 20-inch wheels, a lowered sport suspension, an Alcantara-swathed interior and diesel power under the hood.

Enthusiasts need not despair, though. Audi has fitted the SQ5 with a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 diesel that churns out 313 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. This is also the first diesel to grace Audi's S line of performance vehicles.

Audi claims that the SQ5 TDI will run from standstill to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and return up to 32 mpg. We suspect achieving both of those numbers at the same time is highly unlikely.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Inside, the appointments are typical Audi S line, with aluminum accents and a liberal smattering of S badges.

While the SQ5 TDI will be hitting European showrooms at the beginning of 2013, there's no word on whether it will be coming stateside. Those wanting a sporty Audi SUV in the United States will have to “settle” for the S line trim of the Q7 and its 333-hp supercharged gasoline V6.

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