This isn’t the first time we hear about a possible Infiniti GT-R model. In fact, this rumor took root as soon as the Nissan GT-R was launched back in 2008, and has resurfaced numerous times since then. Now, it’s making another appearance. According to British magazine CAR, Infiniti may offer a GT-R version after all, hinted by Francois Bancon, Head of Advanced Planning for Infiniti in Tokyo. He stated that the GT-R platform is too good to use for only one model. In fact, he said that the company is taking under consideration ’three or four’ proposals and that an Infiniti GT-R is one of them.
If the decision does lie with the Infiniti GT-R, it would need to counteract the Nissan GT-R’s power with sophistication: "It would have to be softer than the GT-R. And that’s extremely difficult to do. You can’t easily tweak the GT-R to deliver the sophisticated, more refined performance we would need on an Infiniti."
A final decision on the Infiniti GT-R will be made in the next two or three years and, if chosen, a production version should arrive in the next five years.
A few days ago, it was rumored that the Volkswagen Bluesport had been dropped because the company couldn’t find enough sales to justify investing in the model. But, according to British magazine Evo, this simply isn’t true because the Bluesport is still on track.
In a recent interview with EVO, Volkswagen’s engineering boss, Uli Hackenberg, stated that the Bluesport project is still very much alive: "dealers are always looking backwards, not forwards… this is particularly the case when a new model is being considered as they don’t have any reference point to guide them, so they look around at the current market and give an estimate based on that."
Uli elaborated by stating that a production version will arrive in the next three years and will carry a price tag of about £30,000 (about $47k at the current exchange rates). Maybe this means we’ll also see the baby Boxster in the near future?
After teasing us for quite a while now, Ferrari has finally revealed the official details on their new successor for the 612 Scaglietti. Called the FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive), the new model is the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.
The concept car was designed by Pininfarina, and according to Ferrari "the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution." The new model will deliver "unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience."
The new Ferrari FF GT sports car concept made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and a production version will follow by 2012.
UPDATE 03/14/2011: If the new Ferrari FF happens to be in your future acquisitions list, then you should try the configurator Ferrari has just placed online for it. However, we should warn you, no matter what color you choose, the car won’t look any better.
UPDATE 02/02/2012: Ferrari has unveiled a new video presenting the FF in action on the snow. Behind the wheel was World Rally Champion Markku Alen as he performs one of the most amazing drifts.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Ferrari FF.
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Japanese automaker, Mazda, will troop to the Windy City to debut another special edition model of their most popular vehicle, the MX-5 Miata.
Based on the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring model, the car will be limited to only 450 models, distinguishing itself with a number of unique additions that include two new exterior colors, a black-only power retractable hard top, blah exterior accents, a new set of 17" gunmetal wheels, heated black leather seats, and interior finishes dressed in piano black.
Performance specs will remain the same, which means that the car will sport a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that produces 167 horsepower and 158 lb/ft of torque and will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sport automatic transmission.
The MX-5 Miata Special Edition’s participation at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show was done as a tribute to Mazda’s debut on the global stage back in 1989. Since then, the Miata has become one of the most popular roadsters in the world, selling over a million models since it made its debut 23 years ago.
Porsche just unveiled the new generation Boxster which means the next to arrive will be the Cayman. From the looks of these spy shots, the sports car is just about ready, but this prototype has a few secrets to tell before its official debut.
These images of the future Cayman were shot in a city in Germany while the vehicle was testing, and not only reveal some of the exterior, but a first closeup of the interior as well. As expected, the interior will be very similar to that of the recently revealed Boxster, but it was covered up enough to hide the perks that we’re sure are there. Maybe we’ll even see the high-resolution 4.6-inch TFT color screen the Boxster just received to display its on-board computer, communication, audio settings, and navigation system.
As for the exterior changes, they will be minimal and will include an updated front fascia and new headlamps. What Porsche will really be focusing on is what’s found under the hood. The Cayman’s dimensions will grow and it will be offered with the same engine lineup as that of the Boxster: a 265 HP 2.7 liter engine for the base version and a 315 HP 3.4 liter engine for the S version. Both will be offered with either a manual six-speed gearbox as standard or a PDK available as an option.
