Well, despite the name Evolution coming from the interwebosphere, this may be nothing more than an example of the name getting a little bit lost in translation as we're also hearing this mid-range GT-R may go by the more historically appropriate name of "S-Tune."

This middle-of-the-road model may even see an unveil as early as this August 20th to coincide with the launch of the new line of NISMO goodies available as upgrades for standard GT-R owners. Expect new wheels, exhaust system, stiffer suspension, some aero add-ons, and a reprogrammed ECU. Just reading that list probably makes us want to go play Gran Tursimo. Needless to say, this new GT-R S-Tune sounds like a pretty good substitute while we all wait for the full on Mecha-Godzilla GT-R Spec-V. [leblogauto, via TMR]

This is an extreme shift for Ford, an automaker planning on offering only V8 engines for the 2009 Ford F-150. While the 4.6-liter V8 at the bottom of the current truck's range supposedly delivers more horsepower and torque with the same fuel economy numbers as the outgoing 4.2-liter V6, it's still huge. Is it true? We're not sure yet. What we do know is that EcoBoost technology better be damn good to deliver the same HP and torque..

But, the numbers PickupTrucks.com is hearing indicate 250 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque on this new EcoBoost four-banger. Our thought is that'll be plenty of power — as long as it's getting fuel economy somewhere above 20 MPG. We guess time will tell. We hope Toby Keith doesn't mind things getting smaller in the engine compartment. [via PickupTrucks.com]

There will be a two hour satellite broadcast to all domestic Chevy dealers on July 22nd. The sole subject will be Camaro. Complete info is anticipated (inc dates and pricing). It is assumed that real orders for real cars will then be able to be accepted.

"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."