Popular Demand May See Lexus Build the LF-LC

The in-demand concept is now being seriously considered as a future production model. 

Upon unveiling the LF-LC Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, it was fairly clear Lexus had absolutely no intention of ever building the car. It was simply a design study that was meant to demonstrate what future Lexus models may look like.However, after receiving hugely positive media feedback as well as the people's choice "best in show" award, discussions of 'how we can do it' in production have been had at management level according to Autocar.

In a sign that good things may come, Lexus product planning chief Karl Schlicht has rated the LF-LC's chances of making production as 50/50."A decision has not been taken," he said. "But we're now up to a 50 per cent chance from a zero per cent one. Every top Toyota Motor Company manager is aware of the great reception it has received and now we're talking about how we can do it and fit it into the product plan."Schlicht said that the Calty Design Center in California had a brief to create a 2+2 coupe concept, without thinking that it may one day hit production."The only parameter was size. We wanted the designers to create excitement," he said. "We'd never get it built from a product planning point of view on paper, but people have seen the concept and fallen in love with it. Dealers have gone crazy for it as well."So Lexus finds itself in the position of building a car without having to first establish demand, and if the LF-LC gets approved for production Lexus will have the challenge of delivering a car that offers 'green-but-entertaining' motoring at a price significantly more accessible than that of the LFA supercar.

Popular Demand May See Lexus Build the LF-LC

Fantastic Ferrari 599 GTO by Romeo Ferraris

Romeo Ferraris has just released a two-step tuning program for the Ferrari 599 GTO. 
Milan tuning house Romeo Ferraris has unveiled their two-step tuning program for the Ferrari 599 GTO. The Ferrari F12berlinetta precursor is powered by one of the Italian automaker's famed V12 powerplants and is a model which, of its own accord, is quite stunning.The Ferrari 599 GTO's V12 produces at stock a solid 670hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The first stage of the Romeo Ferraris aftermarket program consists of the addition of a new sports air filter and exhaust.
These two changes add 15hp and 10 lb-ft of torque. The second stage of the Italian's tuning program focuses on a revamping of the Ferrari's ECU and a high-performance exhaust system. With these changes, the 599 GTO cranks out a serious added 40hp and 35 lb-ft of torque for totals of 710hp and 492 lb-ft of torque.In addition to the added power, Romeo Ferraris has added carbon fiber mirrors, front spoiler and rear diffuser to the Italian supercar.No pricing information or performance specs have been released as of yet for the Romeo Ferraris Ferrari 599 GTO.

Fantastic Ferrari 599 GTO by Romeo Ferraris

[Video] Red Lexus LFA Roars Around South Florida

The limited run Lexus LFA looks great in red and sounds menacing in South Florida. 

The Lexus LFA is one powerful, fast and good-looking supercar. A red-painted LFA was spotted running around South Florida and its 552hp 4.8-liter V10 engine sounded menacing in the cool night air.

The Lexus LFA utilizes the aforementioned V10 engine mated to a six-speed ASG gearbox to sprint from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds and it can hit a top speed of 202mph.The video was shot by Boca Raton-based Nue Vue Photography and the LFA looks and sounds amazing on the road.
[Video] Red Lexus LFA Roars Around South Florida

Vorsteiner Create GTRS3 E93 BMW M3

The tuning package consists of a new carbon-fiber aero kit and state-of-the-art alloys. 

The tuning company's latest project is based on the BMW M3 (E93) and made up of a typically extensive aero package and a new set of alloys.The aero kit consists of a front & rear bumper, front fenders, side skirts, rear fenders, a boot lid and vented hood, all made from carbon-fiber, a material that was also used for the E93 aero boot lid double.Vorsteiner alloys come in the form of 20-inch VS-350 Forged Concave wheels, wrapped in Michelin PS2 tires.

Vorsteiner Create GTRS3 E93 BMW M3

[Video] Nissan GT-R vs Porsche 911 Carerra S Track Battle

Evo employ Fifth Gear host Tiff Needell to further fuel the rivalry between the GT-R and 911.

Evo magazine has recently taken two of the best GT cars on the market and pitted them against each other at the UK's Bedford Autodrome.Both models have been updated recently so it was deemed appropriate to get Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear fame to sort out a track battle.With 542hp, the new 2013 Nissan GT-R can sprint 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and is blisteringly fast around the corners as well as the straight.
The new 991 Porsche 911 Carerra S now has 394hp, and its 0-62mph sprint time is a full two seconds slower than the GT-R. But, at 335kg lighter, it has every chance of getting round the track quicker than Godzilla. Check the video to see how they compare and which Tiff would prefer to have in his garage.

[Video] Nissan GT-R vs Porsche 911 Carerra S Track Battle

[Video] Platinum Motorsport Does the Bugatti Veyron in Matte White

Exterior styling for a Bugatti Veyron? The beached whale never looked so good.

Platinum Motorsports has worked on some seriously fast and expensive supercars in the past, such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The crew from Cali presented their exterior styling for the Bugatti Veyron last year in L.A.

Cars&CoffeeIrvine shot this video at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show (the Bugatti Veyron was shown off at the SEMA Show in Vegas last year as well). They comment that the Matte White Veyron was "owned by one of the owners of luxury4play.com, or one of the premier luxury lifestyle forums out there."Platinum Motorsports is based in Los Angeles, California. In addition to the Matte White exterior paint, the Veyron sports a black grille, rear air vents and surrounds of the headlights. The tinted black windows are a nice touch as well.

[Video] Platinum Motorsport Does the Bugatti Veyron in Matte White

[Video] Red Pagani Huayra is Pure Supercar Seduction

Horatio’s Huayra has been spotted in stunning red.

The Pagani Huayra looks so good in this stunning red finish that you think the video could be a video game and not the real thing. Shot by Marchettino, the latest design from Horatio Pagani is pure sex on wheels.

For those of you who may have forgotten, the Pagani Huayra was named after the Aymaran god of wind who controls the breeze, wind and blizzards of the Andean highlands.In less existential terms, the Huayra packs a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 AMG engine that can bang out 730hp and sprint from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a wind-breaking 230mph top speed.
[Video] Red Pagani Huayra is Pure Supercar Seduction

Beautiful Babes at the Bangkok Motor Show

The cars on show are impressive but the Thai models are stealing the show. 

Not only was the strength and resilience of the world's emerging markets in full view at the opening of the Bangkok International Motor Show this week, but also on display was an impressive collection of female beauty.Despite the Land of Smiles being under water for large parts of 2011, the Thai motor industry is looking buoyant in 2012 and an estimated 1.7m people are expected to attend the show over the next ten days.

Mitsubishi and Suzuki launched their eco-cars, namely the Mirage and Swift, which are set to compete with the Nissan March and Honda Brio.Concepts on display, previously seen in Detroit, Geneva and Tokyo, include the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo's new V60, and Toyota's NS4 hybrid.A relatively unknown brand that is looking to expand globally is Japan's Mitsuoka, which used the Bangkok Motor Show to launch an updated version of the ViewT, which Jaguar-like styling has a cult version back home. A refreshed Orochi supercar was also on display looking the business.
Making its global premiere in the Big Mango was the Chevrolet's Trailblazer PPV, but the draw of the show was undoubtedly the talented promotional models, who really know how to work a camera. Here's a collection of some of the best.The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show will run until the April 8th.

Beautiful Babes at the Bangkok Motor Show

A Closer Look at the Lamborghini Aventador J

This is everything a true supercar should be. Too bad only one has been made.

Lamborghini's latest and most insane one-off model, the Aventador J, had its official debut earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show. While there are no plans to put into mass production, numerous sources have stated that the car has been sold to a private collector.Who that individual is remains unknown and we don't know if we'll ever see the car again once they've taken possession. Before that happens, however, EVO magazine's Features Editor Henry Catchpole had a unique opportunity.
He was given an after-hours look at the V12-powered supercar at the Swiss show. He gives us a good look inside the car as well, right down to its carbon fiber trim pieces. Overall, he sums up that the Aventador J is "the most incredible one-off creation to come out of Sant'Agata." We couldn't agree more.

A Closer Look at the Lamborghini Aventador J

Jeep Reveals Full Details on Easter Safari Concepts

A V8-powered Jeep Wrangler, courtesy of Mopar, may soon arrive. 

Only a few days ago did Jeep reveal a few concept art images of their upcoming concepts built specifically for this year's Easter Jeep Safari. The event will be taking place in Moab, Utah from March 31st till April 8th. Obviously Jeep turned to Mopar for some assistance.The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept basically takes the standard model and adds a set of new 18-inch off-road tires that feature an additional side-wall protection to enhance durability.
Other features include 5-spoke painted Mineral Gray Wheels and modified Mopar rock rails that are engineered to protect the lower body from rocky terrain. However, the Wrangler Apache (painted here in black) is the real treat for enthusiasts. It's powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that produces 470hp and 470lb-ft of torque.Set to arrive this summer, this Mopar Wrangler V8 will initially be offered with the five-speed automatic transmission, but Jeep says a six-speed manual option will arrive later. Other new off-road features are Mopar Pro 60 front and rear axles, a 4.5-inch Stage 3 long arm kit and off-road bead-lock wheels.

Stepping back in time a bit now, Jeep's Mighty FC Concept is a modern recreation of the Jeep Forward Control, which was built from 1956 to 1965. Jeep started with a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon and repositioned the cabin over and ahead of the front axle. They then lightened the wheelbase, and added a custom built drop-side cargo box. The cargo area has a full-width, drop-side tray-style bed that's more than eight feet in length.The Jeep J-12 Concept is essentially an extended version of the already launched JK-8 pickup conversion kit for the Wrangler. However, Mopar has improved it with the addition of a new three-inch suspension lift kit and Teraflex sway bars.
Traction shouldn't be a problem either, as the concept rides on a set of 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel wheels.Lastly, the Wrangler Traildozer Concept was built specifically for Moab's toughest trails. Starting off with a yellow 2012 Wrangler Rubicon, they then added a 470hp 6.4-liter HEMI V8 mated to a Getrag six-speed manual. In order to handle the 37-inch tires mounted on Mopar Classic five-spoke wheels, an AEV Dualsport 3.5-inch suspension lift was installed. For severe off-road body protection, Mopar premium front and rear bumpers and rear corner guards were installed.

Jeep Reveals Full Details on Easter Safari Concepts

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Getting Major Mid-Cycle Refresh

New technologies, an extensive reskin and a new turbocharged V8 are highlights of the mid-cycle facelift. 

While the C-Class sells in big numbers and the S-Class earns the marque big bucks, no other model sits closer to the heart of the brand than the E-Class, appealing to both new and existing customers in equal measure.And for the 2013MY, most of the overly decorative styling cues have been eliminated, with quad headlamps replaced by new single-piece multi-functional headlamp units, while numerous new technologies have also been adopted.

Mercedes-Benz will begin its "Real Design Revolution" in 2014 with the next-gen C-Class and all-new S-Class coupe, while the E-Class sedan is set to go on sale in Europe next spring, the wagon to follow in the summer and the AMG and 4Matic AWD editions to complete the lineup in the fall.A design overhaul includes shedding the rear side panels, quad headlamps and daytime running lights. In comes a brand-new front end, restyled rear side panels and a modified rear view. The only elements carried over are the roof, front doors and windows. The rest will be contemporary and less contrived ensuring the 2014 E-Class regains its elegance.In terms of new technology, the E-Class will have an array of cameras, lenses and sensors to feed the numerous advanced driver assistance systems.These include an improved night vision assistant; a dynamic light assistant, which uses multidirectional LEDs to avoid blinding oncoming traffic; intelligence lane assist; a congestion assistant, which allows drivers to follow the car in front at speeds up to 40mph; a revised magnetic ride control system; an extended head-up display with improved, multicolor graphics; and Car-to-X communication, which warns of hazardous road conditions and approaching emergency vehicles.

As for the powertrains, the only V8 to survive the 2014 facelift is the 537hp 5.5-liter engine for the E63 AMG. The E500 and E550 get a new turbocharged 4.6-liter unit, good for 435hp and 516lb-ft of torque.In order to keep up with the 300hp BMW 535i and 310hp Audi A6 3.0T, Mercedes has boosted the power of the E350's 3.5-liter V6 from 302 to 333hp.For the European market, the E200 gets a Renault-sourced 156hp 1.6-liter engine, which is expected to propagate across Mercedes, Nissan, Renault and Infiniti lineups.On the diesel front, the E300 CDI has been cut, while the E200 CDI, E220 CDI, E250 CDI and E350 CDI (better known stateside as the E350 BlueTec) remain.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Getting Major Mid-Cycle Refresh