We knew it was only a matter of time. Toyota has just released their GT 86 and Subaru their BRZ, and whispers in the industry are already buzzing about a supercharged version of the GT 86. In fact, Chief Engineer Tetsuo Tada has already confirmed the future model to British magazine, AutoCar, which cements the fact that Toyota is working on a car to match wits with Subaru’s planned STI model.
The new supercharged GT 86 will be developed by Toyota Racing Developments and will add a supercharger kit to the current Subaru 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This new system will add a minimum of 50 HP to the current 200 HP, which will still make it 50 HP shy of Subaru’s promised 300 HP. Nonetheless, expect to see improved performance times from the GT 86’s 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds and top speed of 143 mph.
The supercharged GT 86 will also be equipped with an improved suspension system and better brakes to handle the added power, but expect to also see a few exterior mods to differentiate it from a standard model.
Just a few days ago, we reported that Honda would preview the next NSX supercar with the Super Sports Concept set to be revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and now, British magazine, AutoCar, has come with more details on the future vehicle. Yoshikazu Kigoshi, General Manager for Honda, has described the new NSX as a "halo model that will be a successor to the NSX."
Kigoshi also said that the next NSX will be a hybrid vehicle that will combine a new 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine to drive the front wheels with an electric motor to power the rear wheels. It has also been rumored that the supercar will use a new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox as standard. Its future design language will most likely follow the same one that will be used for the Super Sports Concept.
The new NSX will be sold as an Acura on the North American market and as a Honda on markets where Acura is not being present.
With the rest of the industry already turning their attention towards developing more means of improving fuel efficiency, it appears that German automaker Porsche is ready to join the fold as far as the direction of their next generation engines for the 911 are concerned.
The word comes from Porsche 911 Powertrain Project Manager, Thomas Krickelberg, who laid out the company’s plans to develop a new range of turbocharged engines that could be in the offering for most of the 911 range. According to Krickelberg, Porsche is looking at two options for their engines: one that reduces displacement on turbocharged engines and another that involves improving their naturally aspirated engines through reduced friction and improved combustion.
“We haven’t made a decision yet,” Krickelberg said. “We have to make a decision very soon [by the end of] this year.”
While both options are still on the table, the most likely result from these discussions will be smaller capacity engines, which could even drop all the way to the legendary 2.7-liter capacity that was used in the 911 of the 70’s and 80’s. In the end, the decision on what kind of engines the next generation Porsche will most likely depend on upcoming regulations, both in Europe and in the US.
For his part, Krickelberg would rather see naturally aspirated engines on future Porsches as they are regarded as the best of the lot to drive for purists of the German brand.
Whatever decision Porsche ends up making with regards to its future engines, a lot of considerations still have to be made. And while the company does put tradition in high regard, they have, in past occasions, veered away from it in favor of producing a better product overall.
Whether the company does go down that route again with their new engines still remains to be seen. One thing we do know is that Porsche needs to cover all their bases before making any decisions on the matter.
Joining the 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 as new models in Subaru’s line-up is a new option for the WRX STI A-Line called the Type S.
Though it draws a lot of similarities to its A-Line predecessor - including the use of a 2.5-liter turbo engine with 300 horsepower - the new A-Line Type S will still carry some new trims. Among the new features added to the four-door and five-door versions of the car are a new rear spoiler, a pair of Recaro bucket seats, and a new set of specially designed 18" wheels.
Considering that the WRX STI A-Line Type S is treated as the more conservative model of the whole line, the car will retail for 3.28 million Yen, which is around $42,240 based on current exchange rates.
We all know that Subaru has already made it known that they’re going to separate the WRX and STI lines with the Impreza from here on out. So if you’re one that appreciates posterity, the Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S could very well be one of the last specially packaged models to carry both names on its badge.
After debuting the new generation ML-Class, Mercedes has gone on to offer a series of accessories for those who want more than just the standard SUV. The company has delivered a very long list of accessories starting with different sets of wheels and extending to a powerful Becker MAP PILOT navigation system.
Exterior options give customers the the choice between 12 different light-alloy wheels, snow chain systems, valve caps in sterling silver, bonnet fin attachments, and aluminum-finish running boards. The interior offers customization options not unlike any typical tuning firm, such as new floor mats, a wood/leather steering wheel, illuminated door sill panels, coat hangers, and stainless steel sports pedals. For those who love technology, Mercedes is also offering a rear-seat integration kit for the Apple iPad, a Rear Seat Entertainment System, and an InCar Hotspot system.
The add-ons continue on to include accessories for the average sports nut, including a range of carrier systems, ski and snowboard racks, bicycle racks, and roof boxes.
