"There is plenty of evidence out there hinting to a future G8 GXP, one with a more powerful V8 and maybe a six-speed manual."

What I would like to see:

*At least LS3 power. That means 430hp or more.
*A available six-speed manual. Please leave out the knife in the peanut butter jar shifter feel.
*Supportive bucket seats with GXP stitched in the head rests.
*No callout badges to the power level, just the engine size.
*Reduce the weight to about 3750lbs, or similar to the V6 model.
*Large brakes. I am a brake nut, so anything with outstanding brakes leaves me gawking.
*Larger wheels, perhaps a 19x9 wheel to leave a larger footprint and house the monstrous rotors.

This time we get the rear view which, JPCN points out, sadly differs from the attractive version of the concept. But this is all in someone's head... we think. Hey buddy, can you spare some speculation? [BestCar via Japanese Performance Car News]

Though this is a rumor, no one should doubt the will of Ratan Tata to do whatever he wants and Tata already has a small stake in Fiat, Ferrari's parent company. [Motor Authority

What was actually said was:

"We're not ready to make the announcement but obviously we sell diesels in Europe. The Mazda2 is extremely successful in Europe and Asia. We're continuing to watch that space in America."

Press Release

25 February 2008 - Sports cars will thrive in the 21st century world of rising fuel prices and environmental responsibility, judging by a concept car unveiled today by Toyota Australia.

The FT-HS - which stands for Future Toyota Hybrid Sports - is a futuristic sports-car concept with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and a potent petrol-electric hybrid engine.

Its front-engine, rear-drive layout provides revolutionary hybrid acceleration and optimal performance with a projected 0-100km/h dash in the four-second range.

It also features the fuel-saving benefits and ultra-low emissions of Toyota's hybrid technology.

Toyota Australia's corporate manager product planning Peter Evans said the FT-HS is exhilarating to drive while having eco-friendly benefits such as impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions.

"To really appreciate FT-HS, think of it as a 'Prius on steroids'.

"Alternatively, it could be a vision for a Toyota Supra of the future," Mr Evans said.

"FT-HS shows what Toyota can achieve by combining its 50 years in motorsport with more than a decade of hybrid experience and development.

"The ability to enjoy the ultimate driving pleasure with a clear conscience makes FT-HS the ideal sports car for the 21st century.

"It will appeal to an emerging group of buyers who are environmentally aware and regard technology as a necessity, not a luxury."

Toyota is the global leader in hybrid technology, having sold more than one million units of the world's first mass-produced hybrid, Prius.

The new concept car mates an electric motor to a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which is similar to that used in several production models.

Its combined power output target is about 300kW - or almost 50 per cent more than the V6 petrol-only engine in the Aurion family car, Kluger mid-size SUV, Tarago people mover and RAV4 compact SUV.

FT-HS was produced by Calty, Toyota's California research and design centre.

The centre set out to develop a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion in a concept that addresses the question: "What is a suitable sports car for the 21st century?"

Australians can view the FT-HS concept on Toyota's stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show (29 February to 10 March).

TOYOTA FT-HS CONCEPT VEHICLE
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Drivetrain

3.5-litre V6 hybrid electric

Target output: around 300kW

Projected 0-100kmh time: mid four-second range

Dimensions

Overall length: 4325mm (170.27 in)

Overall width: 1860mm (73.23 in)

Overall height: 1290mm (50.79 in)

Wheelbase: 2650mm (104.33 in)

Tracks - front: 1600mm (63.0 in); rear: 1555mm (61.2 in)

Wheels: Carbon fibre

Tyres - front: 245/35R21; rear 285/30R21

One will be the generation three Prius, the other a Lexus

"lifestyle wagon-like vehicle based on the Prius platform and drivetrain."

In addition to the hybrid system, this concept version features brake regeneration and roof-mounted solar panels that create energy that can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. Thinking aerodynamically, the 19-inch light alloy wheels are sort of Wal-Mart looking but overall efficient. We're waiting for official confirmation, but in the meantime this does fit with comments made by Prof. Dr. Burkhard Goschel from BMW on the future of BMW engines back in 2004. [CarScoop]

What do you think? Is a GT-R sedan feasible? Will people buy it? [Motor Trend]

The next generation Viper roadster, referred to internally as ZC-D27 — and ZC-D29 in the case of the coupe — are no longer part of Chrysler LLC's future plans. They've been shuttled to the side — we're assuming as part of "Project Genesis," the new game plan "intended to align the needs and wants of the customer with its [Chrysler's] product portfolio and the dealer network." Or perhaps it was part of "Project Alpha" the game plan prior to "Genesis" and before Cerberus really got a good look at the books. All we know is the decision was made during the period Cerberus has been running the show in Auburn Hills.

In other words: Shit.

Originally, the new version of Dodge's halo car was set to start rolling down the assembly line in January of 2009 alongside two Chrysler badged platform mates. These two new Chrysler branded performance vehicles were to be modeled after the Firepower concept car. The first one, a roadster, was given the internal name ZC-C27, and a coupe version was given the internal name ZC-C29. However we know the decision to kill the Chrysler-brand versions was made sometime in the middle of last year.

This certainly would've hurt the business case for the entire "ZC" program. The Viper is hand built at the Connor Avenue Assembly Plant. A plant that, without the Firepower, would do nothing but build Vipers and the big V10 engines that go in them. Its a plant that we're fairly certain Chrysler's new Six Sigma-loving management would probably like to close.

The general unrest and financial struggles of Chrysler played a huge role as well. When this embattled company chooses how to spend their R&D money, they have to choose very carefully. Sadly there are many other vehicles in the Chrysler lineup that need attention before they can start to think about a low volume, hardcore sports car again — halo status be damned.

What now?

Chrysler recently launched the freshened, more powerful, fourth generation Viper for the 2008 model year. Original plans had this car being built for only two model years. It was meant to be a stop-gap model until the next generation "ZC" car could be brought online. Now that an all new Viper won't happen, sources tell us that the fourth generation Viper will instead be built until around the 2011 model year. We'd also venture a guess that so long as the fourth gen is being built, a few of the track prepped ACR models will continue to trickle out of the factory.

What happens after 2011? That's a question we don't yet have an answer for.

It's hard to imagine Chrysler leaving the halo car market for good — but we're thinking the future will call for a more affordable halo. Not just more affordable for the buyer but more affordable for Chrysler build. We know they'll want something that can still put up a fight with the Corvette — at least the base model — but at the same time, be much closer to the Corvette's base MSRP.

In the next one or two years, we can only a hope a concept car pops up on the auto show circuit that can give some hope for an all new, SRT hot rod. For now though, we mourn the loss of a legend.

RIP
Dodge Viper
1992-2011

The speculation points to the next generation Celica being produced by Subaru and coming in two versions: Celica GT and GT-4. Both will get the 2.0-liter boxer out of the WRX, with the GT-4 getting the 300 horsepower version of out of the STI and four-wheel drive (with in-wheel electric motors, if you can believe that). If rumor is to be believed, the new Celica will come in coupe and three-door hatchback form. Where it's sold, what it costs and when it debuts is all a matter of intuition and random guessing at this point. [AutoWeek.nl via World Car Fans]
(Photo of the FT-HS Concept)

Said Phaeton would likely fit somewhere between the Audi A6 and Audi A8, as opposed to a cheaper and cooler alternative to the A8. And a date for said return? Motor Authority says 2010 and we hope they're right. This actually reminds us that, in William Gibson's Spook Country, a lot of people drive the Phaeton because of its stealth luxury:

"The agency has Phaetons," he said. "Good sealth cars. Mistake them for Jettas, at a distance."

The first piece of evidence to support this theory comes from the fact that the show's producers told journalists vying for the job that the show was going to be taking more of a "celebrity direction." Whatever that means. So it's not going to be Angus and probably not going to be someone with journalistic integrity. That's not a shock.

The second piece of evidence is that Jay Leno likes cars, works at NBC and is retiring from The Tonight Show in 2009. Fair enough, he likes cars, but does anyone know if he wants the job? The third piece is the most ridiculous of all. Jerry Seinfeld has a relationship with NBC, likes cars and shilled for his movie on 30 Rock. Hmm... close but no cigar.

We're not saying it isn't going to happen. NBC has disappointed us before and will likely do so again. Using the same logic we're going to claim Fred Thompson as the obvious choice. He's not going to be doing anything in 2009 and he has a long-standing relationship with NBC (and we guess he likes cars). [Edmunds: Inside Line]

Best Car is guessing that the new Spec V could drop as much as 220 pounds. Horsepower is also expected to increase by as much as 40, bringing the total to a whopping 512hp. This is all just guessing at this point, but we wouldn't be surprised. [Best Car via Japanese Performance Car News]

This isn't a new rumor and this is something supported by the picture of the Ford Transit spotted in So-Cal with Michigan manufacturer plates. Not only could this debut in Chicago, it could go on sale as soon as the fall as a 2009 model. [The Car Connection]

Granted, in India the winter break isn't exactly as big of a deal. But the Brits are certainly inclined towards taking a holiday. This whole thing has sort of amused us. India is finally taking its last step towards independence by purchasing Land Rover, which was the company on the frontlines of Britain's empire in its waning days. Oh, and nuclear weapons. That was another way to declare independence. But this is less scary. [Indo-Asian News Service via NDTV]

The XC90 should run its course by 2012 as it gets usurped by the XC60, a possible XC50 and maybe even an XC30. Of course, this all could get switched around if Ford finds an appropriate platform to build a newer XC90 on. [Auto Motor Sport Sweden via World Car Fans]

What's powering this concept is anyone's guess. As is whether or not the vehicle will be made, if it will carry the Mazdaspeed name if it is made and what countries will get the modified version. It's like Ross and Rachel, except we sort of actually care. [AutoBlog]

The gents over at World Car Fans are reporting some very impressive specs including a target of 600 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque (~442 lb.ft.), all wheel drive routed mostly to the rear meats, and a less than five second run to 62. That's Cayenne Turbo and Cherokee SRT territory (only). The word on the tubes is that some kind of concept will be debuting at the 2010 Geneva show. In any case, if it makes it to the street, we look forward to test driving the eventual result, and then lambasting it with witty puns about Honda Civics and bad punk rock.[World Car Fans]

If this ends up being true — Ford's totally gonna be pwning the General in this round of the Muscle Car Wars. In fact, it'd be an assault to all that GM holds true to see a 'stang as the pony car playing Michael's ride. We'll have to wait and see what we're able to come up with — but rest assured we'll leave no stone unturned and no Knight Industries compound unsearched. Hell, we'll even see if we can get Peter Cullen to help us out as KARR if need be.

...yet another SE from Dearborn next year for the '09 model year. Apparently the chatter is we'll potentially be seeing a Diamond-flavored special 'stang — specifically, a Mach 1 Mustang. Even more specific might be a Bond Mustang Mach 1 modeled after the "Diamonds Are Forever" Mustang. Another guess is a Boss 'stang, but the folks at ME seem pretty hard up on the D.A.F. Mach 1. We guess we'll just have to wait and see. [via Mustang Evolution]

• Several pre-production prototypes being built per week
• 
  
• Will have a torque meter showcasing BMW's "Dynamic Performance Control" rear differential. Similar to Acura's SH-AWD and torque meter found on the RDX and MDX. (Germany following Japan?)
• 
  
• The first 1,000 or so "out the door" new models will be stored and sent out for same day delivery to all of BMW dealers coast to coast
• 
  
• M versions of the X5 and X6 on the way

I just wanted to pass along some info I have learned about the X6. I live in the upstate area of South Carolina, home of BMW Manufacturing. My son is classmates with a friend who's dad is a test engineer at BMW. This gentleman told me BMW is currently building 9-13 preproduction prototypes each week. Most are used in testing with the balance being used to get the build quality correct. My contact would not give a specific launch date. The first 1,000 or so "out the door" new models will be stored and sent out for same day delivery to all of BMW's dealers coast to coast. My contact recently completed a 10 day test cycle with 7 preproduction X6's. It involved over the road testing as well as BMW renting both the Talladega and Daytona Superspeedways for multi day testing.The tracks were used for wind noise, tire noise, NVH, and overall high speed handling testing. My contact had the X6 over 150 MPH on several occasions around Talladega. My contact would not bite on what the engine options on the X6 will be. He would not say much about the make up of the interior. He did say the X6 will have a torque meter as part of the instrument cluster. The torque meter will showcase BMW's new "Dynamic Performance Control" rear differential. Similar to Acura's SH-AWD and torque meter found on the RDX and MDX. He also confirmed "M" versions of both the X5 and X6. He also said the South Carolina BMW plant has a good shot at building the new PAS-Progressive Activity Sedan even though that concept is based on the 5 Series platform. BMW is tight on worldwide manufacturing capacity.