2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

Mitsubishi has been out of the luxury sedan market for what seems like ages, but in reality it’s just about a decade. Thanks to the Japanese automaker’s relationship with Nissan, Mitsu is diving back into the luxury sedan market, as it will use the Infiniti M35hL LWB to make a luxury sedan of its own.

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

According to reports, the exterior of the Mitsubishi variant of the M35hL LWB will remain very similar to the Infiniti model it is based upon. The key differences between the Infiniti model and the Mitsubishi model will be the elimination of the Infiniti waterfall grille, swapping out the front bumper for a slightly revised one and replacing the Infiniti badges for Mitsubishi ones, of course.

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

 Being based on the M35hL LWB, this new Mitsubishi Dignity will boast the same hybrid 3.5-liter V-6 drivetrain that the Infiniti has, which boasts an impressive 359 horsepower, but a slightly disappointing 199 pound-feet of torque. The base price tag of ¥8,400,000 ($105,500) is also quite the deterrent, but 30-plus mpg on the highway is definitely a draw.

2013 Mitsubishi Dignity

In addition, if you are in the U.S. and want to snag up this upcoming model, you can pretty much forget about it. Mitsubishi is only offering this model in Japan. We would suspect that if this model performs well in the Japanese market, Mitsubishi would certainly release it in the U.S.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

The new generation Maserati Quattroporte will take its design inspiration from the brand’s latest models, the GranTurismo coupe and convertible. On the exterior, the Maserati will receive a completely new design, but the current grille treatment will remain the same. The interior will get improved technology and a more luxurious treatment.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

The top version of the Maserati Quattroporte will receive an improved version of the current 4.7-liter V8 engine, which delivers 440 HP. The engine will be mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Entry levels will obviously be on the less powerful side of the spectrum with a V6 engine. All models will be offered with a four-wheel drive system and stop-start technology.

The new generation Maserati Quattroporte will be designed and engineered in order to attack models like the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

The Aston Martin Rapide is powered by a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine that delivers a total of 470 HP and 443 lb-ft of peak torque at 5000 rpm. The engine is mated to a specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds on its way out to a top speed of 188 mph. The Panamera will be offered with V6 and V8 engines. Power will range from 300 to 500 bhp depending on the trim level and will be mated to either a manual six-speed gearbox or seven-speed Double-Clutch Gearbox (PDK).

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

Both of these models feature power outputs that are beyond what the Maserati is capable of, but with the new Quattroporte, Maserati’s focus was on improving fuel consumption so we’ll have to wait for those figures in order to see if the brand was truly successful.

2014 Maserati Quattroporte

2013 Toyota GT 86

2013 Toyota GT 86

It’s been more than a year since Toyota unveiled the concept version of the FT-86 Coupe at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. During that year, we’ve heard so many reports, rumors, and whispers about the car, that we’re beginning to think that this could very well be the second-coming of Toyota’s iconic Celica line.

Now, after months of speculation on our part and hardcore testing on Toyota’s part, the Japanese company has finally unveiled the production FT 86, only it will be called the GT-86 instead. The new name was chosen as a tribute to Toyota’s GT car heritage and the exhilarating drivability of the Corolla Levin AE86. The Toyota GT-86’s official debut will be made at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

2013 Toyota GT 86

The new GT 86 is based on an entirely new platform and features a low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell. It is powered by the same engine as its Subaru sibling - a 2.0 liter, naturally-aspirated petrol engine - but will only deliver 200 HP as opposed to Subaru’s promised 300 HP. That being said, the base BRZ will come with the same 200 HP that the new GT-86 is sporting, bringing these two models closer than originally anticipated. Subaru’s promised 300 HP will be present in the STI version, leading us to believe that a G-Sports variant for the GT-86 will bring forth the same amount of power. This borrowed engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

2013 Toyota GT 86

The Toyota GT-86 is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-four engine, the result of a joint development between Subaru and Toyota, combined with D-4S technology (direct injection combined with port injection). With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high compression ratio of 12.5:1, D-4S increases power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

2013 Toyota GT 86

In the Toyota model, this engine will only deliver 200 HP at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6600 rpm, but Subaru has promised a total of 300 HP for their version. That being said, the base BRZ will come with the same 200 HP that the new GT-86 is sporting, bringing these two models closer than originally anticipated. Subaru’s promised 300 HP will be present in the STI version, leading us to believe that a G-Sports variant for the GT-86 will bring forth the same amount of power.

2013 Toyota GT 86

This engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual will offer quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts. Power will be distributed effectively to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

After many spy shots and a series of teaser images, the new generation Lexus LS finally made its official debut in San Francisco. For the 2013 model year, the LS will be offered in four trim levels: LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL Hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F-Sport.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

As expected, the new generation Lexus LS has received a new exterior design language that has already been featured on the GS sedan. The F-Sport version, however, will get a more aggressive exterior look, combined with improved driving dynamics and a sportier interior. It has received the usual F-Sport elements, including an enhanced three-dimensional mesh grille, larger cooling openings, a black grille surround, 19" forged wheels, sports seats, and different aluminum trims for the interior. Lexus will also be offering an exclusive Ultra White exterior paint for the new LS 460 F-Sport.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

With the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb set to begin next week, we are getting more details on the models that will fight the hill this year. Hyundai’s model for the race will be a Genesis Coupe specially customized for Pikes Peak.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Last year’s RMR PM580 failed to climb the hill, so this year’s model is getting a little help from a new braking sponsor in Pulse to make it worthy of the ascent. As for power, Hyundai hasn’t revealed any details about the Genesis’ powertrain, leaving the standard 350 HP V6 engine as the likely power source.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe Pikes Peak will be driven by Rhys Millen who will be piloting the car in the Time Attack class, racing against 2011 champion Brianne Corn, Toshiki Yoshioka, and Denver teenager Savannah Rickli.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

More details about the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe Pikes Peak will be unveiled next week during the race, so stay tuned!

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2013 Audi R8 V10

2013 Audi R8 V10

Audi has finally let us in on its big secret regarding the upcoming 2013 R8. Audi had to tread very carefully with the redesign of the R8, as to not disturb the water too much and scare away the easily spooked sports car lovers. Many auto manufacturers have made the mistake of fully revamping a lineup, only to have traditionalists hate it (see: Toyota MR2 Spyder, Mazda RX-8, and Ford Mustang II).

2013 Audi R8 V10

Audi’s approach in this changeover seems more like a refresh than a complete redesign, as all of the changes to the R8 V10 coupe are minor nips and tucks here and there. Then again, we all know that a nip here and a tuck there can eventually turn into on gigantic facelift nightmare, so we need to really pull apart this refreshed R8 and see what’s doing and whether it can still hang with the likes of Porsche or if it will go the route of the Ford Mustang Pinto and be forever loathed, except by a few enthusiasts.

2013 Audi R8 V10

2013 Audi R8 V10

2013 Audi R8 V10

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

At first glance, this latest tuning project from Florida-based Precision Sport Industries looks just like the standard BMW 1-Series M Coupe that made its much-awaited debut in 2010, but upon closer inspection, there are tons of new features that will make this bad boy stand apart from the rest.

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

The updates start on the front end where the tuner added a new BMW Performance black kidney grille and a new carbon fiber front splitter. For the rear, PSI added a new BMW Performance carbon fiber trunk spoiler and a Revozport rear 2×2 CF diffuser.

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

But that’s not all. The tuner also added new carbon fiber side mirrors and a new Akrapovic Evolution titanium exhaust system that significantly improves the engine’s sound. Customers will also receive a new set of wheels combined with a new KW Suspensions system.

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

The interior also received some updates, including a new BMW Performance Alcantara M steering wheel and some carbon fiber trim.

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

In an effort to be bigger and badder in the tuning world, some tuners go the way of updating a vehicle that has already been graced with tuning hands once before. Last year, FAB Design unveiled a sleek Terso package based on the McLaren MP4-12C and this year, Japanese tuner, Office-K, has taken a crack at the Terso package to further update its look. Looking at the vehicle before and after Office-K got to work is like checking out the angel before it heads to the dark side. Both cars are exquisite, but the after model has a lot more edge.

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

The obvious starting point for the Office-K package is the black paint finish for the exterior, as well as the addition of a new rear spoiler, a new front spoiler fitted below the front windscreen, and a new exhaust system with three end pipes. The interior has also been updated with black leather and red accents. The tuner then added crocodile leather on the doors, foot-wells, central armrest, seats, and headliners. There is also a new carbon fiber trim that make the sports coupe look even cooler. The final piece is a new set of three-part forged wheels.

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

The McLaren MP4-12C Terso by Fab Design was hooked up with an engine upgrade that netted the V8 680 HP. This boost in power left it with a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3 seconds to go with a top speed of 213 mph. As of right now, we are unaware of any other changes to the McLaren’s engine from Office-K, but the previous engine upgrade is certainly enough for just about any MP4-12C owner.

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has only been in production for a couple of years, and it has already been superseded by what is, in essence, its successor: the SLS AMG GT. The Mercedes SLS AMG GT was officially launched just hours ago, officially killing off the SLS AMG. The brand new SLS AMG GT has replaced all standard SLS models, despite the changes only being minor.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

If we haven’t already made it clear, then here it is again: the SLS AMG is officially dead, and the car now wears a new name plate as the ‘GT,’ rather than the GT being a special variant of the standard car. We’re not sure why Mercedes decided to replace the standard car with the new GT, but it’s clear that the German brand wanted to update the SLS and perhaps decided to slightly modify the name to help differentiate the new car from the old one.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Let’s jump straight into the details, shall we? Well, to begin with the new SLS AMG GT features the same 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine as the former SLS AMG, however, it’s been uprated. With an additional 20 horsepower, this brings the final figure up to 583HP thus giving it more than the Ferrari 458 Italia, one of the car’s biggest competitors.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Despite this small horsepower increase, torque has remained the same at 479 lb-ft, as has the stunning seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. After all, why mess with a good thing, such as the gearbox? Further technical changes have been implemented for the GT, including a reworked suspension which is said to be more aggressive and stiffer than all previous models.

In turn the new car can shoot to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, down from 3.7 in the last 2012 SLS AMG model, although that small drop is so insignificant it’s almost not worth mentioning.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Minor upgrades have also been performed on the interior with the addition of the new Designo styling package being the largest change, while the vast list of optional extras from the SLS AMG can also be optioned on the new GT.

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT may not roll off the tongue as nicely as just SLS AMG, but it’s something we’ll have to get used to.

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept

From a company that at one point produced tractors and military tanks, we guess it isn’t all that crazy to see Porsche expanding their automobile lineup to include SUVs and sports sedan models, but somehow the thought still sends shudders down the spines of select Porsche lovers. Well, get ready for those chills because the German sports car maker is preparing an estate version of their Panamera sedan and, according to Autocar, we’ll be seeing it in concept form at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. If enough people show interest in the concept, Porsche will eventually offer a production version for it as part of their plan to see 200,000 units by the middle of the decade.

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept

The future Panamera Estate will be built in cooperation with Bentley, meaning that we could see a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 petrol engine in the upcoming Porsche model. Since this estate version is planned for 2016, expect it to carry design features from the future Panamera generation, which Porsche aims to be about 330 lbs lighter than the current model.

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept

In addition to the Panamera Estate, Porsche is also planning on adding a coupe and a convertible version to their lineup.

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept

Porsche Panamera Estate Concept